Herald Reporter
Panjim, Jan 19
The youngest member of Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) Aaron Pereira today sought the intervention of MP Rahul Gandhi to save Goa from destruction which is going on through reckless mining, land acquisitions with land scarce resources of Goa.
“I have faith in your vision, I beg to abandon Goa to thoughtless policies, surely encouraging discontent and naxalism. The people will be with you if you stop illegal mining and disempowerment government gazetted land grab in the name of public interest” Aaron said in his letter he handed over to Rahul Gandhi during the latter’s interaction with the students in the Goa University campus, Taleigao.
He said as a young Goan he is desperately helpless and frustrated to see the accelerated lawlessness and plunder Goa’s land going through, with rampant mining and mindless land acquisition with little public interest at heart.
“I have seen successive Governments arbitrarily acquiring land and promising employment, with little or no thought behind them, housing projects disguised as SEZs, five star resorts disguised as Food Parks….And what of IT park? How do we trust this when the first heavily advertised building was a super mall in the shape of a ship?” Aaron asked.
Elaborating further, he said that just as our beaches prove to be our lifeline in terms of fishing and tourism, there’s another secret to our well being – the richly forested Western Ghats.
Passing through the spine of Goa, he pointed out that they are part of the top twelve bio-diverse spots in the world, and are responsible for fresh water springs, crucial to the well being of people. New species and medicinal plants are being discovered regularly in these regions. “If Goan people are known for being peaceful, its because they have lived in harmony with everything that nature provides”, the letter says.
However this world hotspot is being destroyed at an alarming rate, with it people and secrets locked in plants that we are yet to find uses for, Aaron said.
Giving an example, he said like Switzerland has kept its beauty, leveraging chocolate, banking and natural beauty as its industry, why can’t Goa make an industry of export of medicinal plants unique to the Ghats, of Feni, of managed forestation in denuded areas that serve the Indian Plywood industry and increase green cover at one stroke.
Why can’t Goa be the jewel in India’s crown, a successful experiment in a small place, brought about by the will of a forward thinking Government? He asked.
If you help swing policy for equitable distribution, making Goa a rich and sustainable state you will be forever etched in our memory as the politician who did the right thing.
Herald, 20 January 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
UTAA to oppose moves to grant mining leases in Quepem
Herald Correspondent
Quepem, Jan 16
The United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) has convened a meeting near Balli panchayat on January 17 4 pm to oppose the proposed mining leases applied for by mining firms in different parts of Quepem constituency.
In a press note, the UTAA has expressed concern that the government has decided to permit around 2,900 hectares of area on lease to mining companies at Balli, Barcem, Khodem, Betul and Fatorpa villages of Quepem constituency.
“The villagers have raised their objection to the proposed leases, however the stand of the government about mining is always suspicious as the government has always acted in favour of mining companies,” the press note stated.
The proposed area is inhabited by tribals and all the areas are covered with thick cashew, coconut platation, paddy fields and other fruit bearing trees. If this area is given for mining leases, the life of the tribals in these areas will be threatened.”
UTAA president Prakash Velip has appealed to villagers of different part of Quepem to attend the meeting in large numbers to show solidarity in opposing the porposed mining leases.
Herald, 17 January 2010, Panaji
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Request to those posting comments
You are invited to post comments on any of the postings on this blog. Special request is to use polite language. Any comments with impolite language containing abuses to anyone will be rejected. Already two comments are rejected for this reason.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Dr. Chachadi's scornful spite at Sirigoan villagers
Dr. A.G. Chachadi, a geologist attached to Department of Earth Sciences at Goa University has dished out scornful spite at Sirigaon villagers. In his "review comments of the technical report on assessment of the depletion of groundwater sources and land degradation in Sirigaon village, Goa and mitigation measures", Dr. Chachadi writes
"It has been found by the investigators (page 18) that the village Sirigaon receives 4 hours per day of PWD piped water supply throughout the year to meet their water demands. The reviewer of this this report having lived in Goa for 21 years in the proximity of the Panjim city has spent 13 years with 30 to 45 minutes of piped water supply with 4 members in the family. These villages are so lucky that they are getting 4 hours of PWD piped water supply. Even Panaji city does not get this luxury. The villagers need to be congratulated."
Sirigao villagers has gone to the High Court with PIL complaining about mining problems affecting their agriculture and water bodies. Goa Bench of Bombay High Court had asked NEERI to conduct study of the village. NEERI finished its study and linked siltation of agriculture and drying up of water sources directly to mining industry. Dr. Chachadi has written a report critiquing the NEERI report and submitted to the Court. Dr. Chachadi's position is hostile to Sirigao villagers and is aimed to benefit further mining activities of Sirigaon village that villagers has complaint as detrimental to them.
Dr. Chachadi had earlier had done very good ground water study of the impact of dewatering activities associated with open-cast mines in April 1997 based on sampling of water levels in several wells in the area. As reported in 'Fish curry and rice' book, the area of study was the catchment area of the Kundne River, a tributory of the Valvon river. Both these rivers eventually join the Mandovi River, south of Sankhelim. The Kudne river in fact forms a sub-catchement of the Mandovi river. Its total catchment area of 4325 ha is the mining belt with main settlements being Harvalem, Onda, Pissurlem, Kudne, Saleli, Bhuipal and Gaothan.
After this study that was tersely critical of mining industry Dr.Chachadi was trapped by various mining companies. Dr.Chachadi carried on various studies for mining companies and accepted monetary remuneration for this purpose. The details of these are available with Goa Foundation who had filed RTI application to further probe in this regard. This collaboration habit with mining industry has certainly led Dr. Chachadi to shower scornful spite on struggling Sirigaon villagers.
It is desirable that Dr. Chachadi discontinues with his loyalty to mining industry and align himself with Sirigoa villagers. He will get abundant blessings from Sirigao villagers.
Sebastian Rodrigues
This posting is based on relevant documents made available by Dr.Claude Alvares.
"It has been found by the investigators (page 18) that the village Sirigaon receives 4 hours per day of PWD piped water supply throughout the year to meet their water demands. The reviewer of this this report having lived in Goa for 21 years in the proximity of the Panjim city has spent 13 years with 30 to 45 minutes of piped water supply with 4 members in the family. These villages are so lucky that they are getting 4 hours of PWD piped water supply. Even Panaji city does not get this luxury. The villagers need to be congratulated."
Sirigao villagers has gone to the High Court with PIL complaining about mining problems affecting their agriculture and water bodies. Goa Bench of Bombay High Court had asked NEERI to conduct study of the village. NEERI finished its study and linked siltation of agriculture and drying up of water sources directly to mining industry. Dr. Chachadi has written a report critiquing the NEERI report and submitted to the Court. Dr. Chachadi's position is hostile to Sirigao villagers and is aimed to benefit further mining activities of Sirigaon village that villagers has complaint as detrimental to them.
Dr. Chachadi had earlier had done very good ground water study of the impact of dewatering activities associated with open-cast mines in April 1997 based on sampling of water levels in several wells in the area. As reported in 'Fish curry and rice' book, the area of study was the catchment area of the Kundne River, a tributory of the Valvon river. Both these rivers eventually join the Mandovi River, south of Sankhelim. The Kudne river in fact forms a sub-catchement of the Mandovi river. Its total catchment area of 4325 ha is the mining belt with main settlements being Harvalem, Onda, Pissurlem, Kudne, Saleli, Bhuipal and Gaothan.
After this study that was tersely critical of mining industry Dr.Chachadi was trapped by various mining companies. Dr.Chachadi carried on various studies for mining companies and accepted monetary remuneration for this purpose. The details of these are available with Goa Foundation who had filed RTI application to further probe in this regard. This collaboration habit with mining industry has certainly led Dr. Chachadi to shower scornful spite on struggling Sirigaon villagers.
It is desirable that Dr. Chachadi discontinues with his loyalty to mining industry and align himself with Sirigoa villagers. He will get abundant blessings from Sirigao villagers.
Sebastian Rodrigues
This posting is based on relevant documents made available by Dr.Claude Alvares.
Goa Sudharop special recognition award to Sebastian Rodrigues
California based organization of NRIs of Goa origin has bestowed the special recognition award to Sebastian Rodrigues. Here is the text of citation:
GOA SUDHAROP ANNUAL AWARDS
Thursday, 14 January 2010, Hotel Mandovi, Panjim, Goa
GOA SUDHAROP
Special Recognition Award to
Mr. Sebastian Rodrigues
for his consistent work in awareness
of the environmental issues through
meticulous blogging and
organising the solidarity of the
mining affected villagers in Goa.
GOA SUDHAROP
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INC., U.S.A.
(A Goan Diaspora Volunteer Organization)
www.goasudharop.org
Citation is accompanied by cheque of Rs.5000/- (Five thousand only)
Sebastian Rodrigues dedicates this award to late Dr.Bikram Dasgupta who served Goa with total commitment and dedication for 20 years without being recognized by society in Goa.
GOA SUDHAROP ANNUAL AWARDS
Thursday, 14 January 2010, Hotel Mandovi, Panjim, Goa
GOA SUDHAROP
Special Recognition Award to
Mr. Sebastian Rodrigues
for his consistent work in awareness
of the environmental issues through
meticulous blogging and
organising the solidarity of the
mining affected villagers in Goa.
GOA SUDHAROP
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INC., U.S.A.
(A Goan Diaspora Volunteer Organization)
www.goasudharop.org
Citation is accompanied by cheque of Rs.5000/- (Five thousand only)
Sebastian Rodrigues dedicates this award to late Dr.Bikram Dasgupta who served Goa with total commitment and dedication for 20 years without being recognized by society in Goa.
Mining ills awareness meeting held in Assolna
Public meeting to conduct awareness about ill effects of open cast iron ore mining industry was held at Lohiya Chowk, Assolna, Salcete Goa on Sunday January 17, 2010. The meeting was organized by Goa Federation of Mine Affected People (GOAMAP).
Meet began with floral tribute to Ram Manohar Lohiya at the Martyr's memorial by the participants of the meeting that came from GOAMAP, Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott (GXE), Gawda Kunbi Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED), Navelim Civic and Consumer Forum and members of the public.
Meeting was coordinated by Anthony D'silva. Number of important ideas came for discussion at the meeting that was conducted with use of mega phone. Motesh Antao, Advocate John Fernandes, Rama Velip, Cruz Rodrigues, Durgadas Gaonkar, Jessica, Sebastian Rodrigues, and Abhijit Prabhudesai addressed the meeting. Sharlet D'silva proposed vote of thanks.
Some of the key ideas that emerged from the meeting includes:
Meet began with floral tribute to Ram Manohar Lohiya at the Martyr's memorial by the participants of the meeting that came from GOAMAP, Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott (GXE), Gawda Kunbi Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED), Navelim Civic and Consumer Forum and members of the public.
Meeting was coordinated by Anthony D'silva. Number of important ideas came for discussion at the meeting that was conducted with use of mega phone. Motesh Antao, Advocate John Fernandes, Rama Velip, Cruz Rodrigues, Durgadas Gaonkar, Jessica, Sebastian Rodrigues, and Abhijit Prabhudesai addressed the meeting. Sharlet D'silva proposed vote of thanks.
Some of the key ideas that emerged from the meeting includes:
- Most of Goa is heading towards severe water shortage and environmental disaster due to prevailing mining companies. State government has full knowledge of this trend and it is not acting to change the tide. This must be either Goa is ruled by bunch of fools or it is ruled by enemies of people of Goa. In both the cases State government needs to be toppled.
- All the State Governments from Dayanand Bandodkar to Digambar Kamat has favored mining industry that is today threatening to gallop the entire state of Goa. There is a need for citizens to rise up to clean sweep State's political scenario currently infested irrational priorities accorded for mining industry in Goa.
- State's environmental and water crisis are only reflection of State's political crisis.
CS to head panel for regulating mining activities in State
Herald Reporter
Panjim, Jan 16
The government has constituted a co-ordination-cum-empowered committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary for the purpose of regulating the mining activities in the State.
The other members of the committee are - Secretary Mines (Convenor), Chief Conservator of Forest; Chief Engineer; Collector, North Goa District, Collector, South Goa; Superintendent of Police, (South Goa); Regional Controller of Mines (Indian Bureau of Mines); Member Secretary (Goa State Pollution Control Board) and Director Mines and Geology (Secretary).
According to a government notification, issued by Rajiv Yadhuvanshi, Secretary (Mines), the Committee will effect co-ordination with Revenue Department for managing the land for purpose of mineral concessions.
It will ensure that the clearances/ NOCs/ Approvals are given by Forest, Environment and other Departments are streamlined way.
The committee is also empowered to monitor process of approval of mineral concessions and compliance with concession conditions.
It will ensure building up of a computerized database, effectively integrated with other State Level databases and issue directions for setting up joint teams for setting up joint teams of officials for conducting inspections in specified areas in which illegal mining is suspected and to ensure effective cessation of illegal mining.
It will also activate State Enforcement Machinery for checking illegal mining in non-grant areas and strengthen the revenue intelligence relating to commercial taxes, transport, mining royalty etc.
The committee will conduct verification of mineral trading and storage plots as well as mining boundaries.
It will develop mechanism for integrated monitoring of information on movement of trucks/vehicles/barges from mining areas/loading points to ports and correlating the same with the same with the production data in order to capture any spurt in mining activity.
The committee will also check compulsory registration of all the end users and issue of directives to the end user to mandatorily check the payment of royalty before purchase/ export of ore with penalties for violations, says notification adding, the committee shall co-opt any other member as deemed fit.
Herald, January 17, 2010, Panaji
Panjim, Jan 16
The government has constituted a co-ordination-cum-empowered committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary for the purpose of regulating the mining activities in the State.
The other members of the committee are - Secretary Mines (Convenor), Chief Conservator of Forest; Chief Engineer; Collector, North Goa District, Collector, South Goa; Superintendent of Police, (South Goa); Regional Controller of Mines (Indian Bureau of Mines); Member Secretary (Goa State Pollution Control Board) and Director Mines and Geology (Secretary).
According to a government notification, issued by Rajiv Yadhuvanshi, Secretary (Mines), the Committee will effect co-ordination with Revenue Department for managing the land for purpose of mineral concessions.
It will ensure that the clearances/ NOCs/ Approvals are given by Forest, Environment and other Departments are streamlined way.
The committee is also empowered to monitor process of approval of mineral concessions and compliance with concession conditions.
It will ensure building up of a computerized database, effectively integrated with other State Level databases and issue directions for setting up joint teams for setting up joint teams of officials for conducting inspections in specified areas in which illegal mining is suspected and to ensure effective cessation of illegal mining.
It will also activate State Enforcement Machinery for checking illegal mining in non-grant areas and strengthen the revenue intelligence relating to commercial taxes, transport, mining royalty etc.
The committee will conduct verification of mineral trading and storage plots as well as mining boundaries.
It will develop mechanism for integrated monitoring of information on movement of trucks/vehicles/barges from mining areas/loading points to ports and correlating the same with the same with the production data in order to capture any spurt in mining activity.
The committee will also check compulsory registration of all the end users and issue of directives to the end user to mandatorily check the payment of royalty before purchase/ export of ore with penalties for violations, says notification adding, the committee shall co-opt any other member as deemed fit.
Herald, January 17, 2010, Panaji
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Condolence meet in memory of Dr. Bikram Dasgupta
Close associates of Dr.Bikram Dasgupta gathered together on January 16, 2010 at his Chorao Island residence in Goa to remember the man that has given selflessly so much to their lives and to society.
Meeting began with Advocate Jatin Naik speaking - as seen in the picture in this posting by Anibel - about Dr. Dasgupta. he said Dr. Dasgupta appreciated Karl Marx. He further divulged that Dr.Dasgupta was just not a marxist thinker but was a communist. Jatin said that Dr.Dasgupta thought him that Marxism was not just about Karl Marx but it was also about Engels. Dr. Dasgupta he said was a greatest emotional person. Dr. Dasgupta remained atheist till the end of his life and that's why he was hated by society. he believed that organised religions is all about exploitation. He was a great admirer of Lenin and Bhagat Singh. He held that Gautam Budha was a greatest communist. Dr.Dasgupta had a very deep understanding of nature and he considered himself as left green. He believed that one who is true left can become good green. Jatin said that it was a irony that Dr.Dasgupta was not honored by Goa University. Dr. Dasgupta's demise according to Jatin is a death of a great polymoth. Dr. Dasgupta greatly admired Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi. Overall Jatin described Dr.Dasgupta as a Revolutionary thinker and led revolutionary life.
Sebastian Rodrigues shared his humane experiences with Dr.Bikram Dasgupta from 2001 when he first met him. He said Dr.Daspupta believed in living a life free from ghettos. It was Dr. Bikram Dasgupta that helped him to realize the importance of knowledge while indulging in any kind of activism. This helped Sebastian to strike a combination between knowledge and Courage. it is from here that Seabstian learned the importance of doing studies.
Prof. Afonso, a retired philosophy teacher teacher from Dempe college said that Dr.Dasgupta appreciated dissenters and not conformists. Dissenters do not belong to majority. Hiroshima Day is what brought Prof.Afonso in contact with Dr.Dasgupta. Prof. Afonso said Dr. Dasgupta lacked personal discipline and there is a need to analyze his shortcomings.
Advocate Vilas Porob was full of emotional pain while speaking. He fondly recollected his memories with Dr.Dasgutpa and all the scolding he received from him. he said at that time he never realized the reason why Dr.Dasgupta was scolding him. And today when realized it is too late as Dr.Dasgupta is no more around.
Dr. Rajendra Gad from Physics department, Goa university read out the condolence message from one of Dr. Dasgupta's direct students from Chemistry Department, Goa University - Sajo Naik - based in USA and working in the field of nano technology. Rajendra said that Dr. Dasgupta had interdisciplinary approach that has a potential to solve many of the pressing problems of the day. In addition he had a knowledge across generations.
Architect Pravin Sabnis said he had connected with Dr. Dasgutpa on the issue of rationalism. Pravin was stuck by Dr. Dasgupta's advice to him to participate in programs with wife and child. He said he was amongst the rare and courageous of human beings whose both sides of brain functioned with equal efficiency.
Advocate Thalman Pereira said that he had met Dr.Dasgupta for just two days during last years NEST pre-conference in Banda, Maharastra wherein there was high intensity discussions. He said that Dr.Dasgupta was a man who could take criticism that is rare quality in people of his stature in the world.
Reggie Gomes disclosed that one the day Dr.Dasgupta was admitted in hospital - January 09, 2010 - was supposed to be the day of launching of NEST study group. He suggested that this study group must take off now.
Advocate Laxmikant Phadte who shared almost a decade in association with Dr.Dasgupta recalled terrific criticism he received for his views. Laxmikant held that Library is not burnt with Dr.Dasgupta's death but several libraries are ignited in our minds.
Durgadas Gaonkar, President of Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) recalled the new direction the Dr.Dasgupta gave to GAKUVED. Dr. Dasgupta was instrumental in triggering a shift from reservation issue to land issue to GAKUVED organization.
Vandana Chopra who had associated with Dr.Dasgupta said that he continously urged her to write but she disappointing him. She said in spite of poor response for programs he organized he continued with perseverance. Vandana quoted her father "Dr.Dasgupta has been killed by Society."
Govind Potekar recounted his relationship with Dr. Dasgupta since 2003. He said Dr.Dasgupta urged him to write on Hiroshima Day. When he did write then he was very happy and excited and told Govind that he was the only person tow about Hiroshima Day in English Press on that day.
Professor Afonso suggested to prepare and publish a volume of essays containing the ideas of Dr.Dasgupta so that these can help other people in the world who rebel and suppressed by Society.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Dr. Bikram Dasgupta Condolence meet
Small meeting of friends and associates of Dr. Bikram Dasgupta will take place today at his Chorao residence in Goa at 3.30 pm today.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Fascism, Terror Attacks: Shrinkers Of Democratic Spaces in South Asia
By Sebastian Rodrigues
It was on December 27, 2008 morning I received a phone call from a friend in Goa’s Southern most Canacona taluka that Indian Army camp is being set up adjacent to the Highway in Bhatpat village. I did not understand any reason for this sudden development. Canacona is a peaceful locality and that the precise reason for my wondering of logic for stationing of Indian Army personnel in tents. But gradually the logic began to appear on the horizon of my understanding after discussing with few people around Goa.
The immediate reason seemed to be terror attacks on Taj Hotel and few other locations in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. The Indian State has pressed panicked buttons after the incident. The extend of panic is visible in my State of Goa as well. Government responded with various measures including declaring Goa as one of the potential target of Terror attacks that are claimed to originate in neighbouring country of Pakistan. So the barricades are increasing across the State of Goa. Our KTC bus stands now has armed security, our beaches now has armed security, our starred hotels now has armed security, Sand bags structure with uniformed armed personnel in uniform is regular phenomena. Our markets too are supped to be eyed by Terrorists from Pakistan and so they too are witnessing intrusion of machine gun wielding armed personnel. Goa’s Police headquarters in Panjim too has army-garrison look at its entrance. In short Mumbai terror attacks are used as pretext by the state agencies to further its security obsession.
Security obsession is a phenomenon all over India especially in the locations that are more famous and well known. I have witnessed this all over India and feel very sad that once available abundant free space is increasingly getting shrinker due to terror threats. Biggest casualty of Terror threats are democratic spaces that common people enjoy in any country. The biggest beneficiary of these terror threats are armament industry that thrives on hatred and nationalism. Whether it is organised army of nation getting into war or non-state actors involved in low intensity warfare activities within borders and outside borders, armament industry is always pleasant beneficiary. Political systems that have succumbed to this logic are in the grip of self destructive spiral cycle. India-Pakistan rivalry is one example to this effect. There is a composite nexus between arms industry and its political system to keep fuelling rivalry between the two countries and Kashmir has become not only casualty but also an opportunity to build political carriers of politicians. The rivalry also serves the purpose of diverting attention from domestic issues of the two countries and pushes on top the agenda of hatred and war on the topmost level of the country backed up by organised media campaigns. Various internal contradictions such as inequality, poverty etc that constitute power relations between various classes and castes are sort to be pushed to the backburner so that internal asymmetry within both countries benefiting economic elites including Multinational Corporations (MNC) remains untouched. Another major beneficiary is mining industry that supplies nuclear and non-nuclear raw materials to the war industry. Uranium, bauxite, iron are common metals used in large quantity in war efforts. The genuine efforts are needed to create atmosphere of Peace and Friendship and to do away continues efforts towards building armaments are sky rocketing defence budgets in all the countries of the world. Middle class indulgence in war jingoism is major culprits that are thwarting genuine efforts at Understanding. Middle class consumerism must be halted quickly and force to focus on issues genuine in the interest of Planet and Humanity.
During the Kargil war in late 1990s this was so clearly visible. Both Indian as well as Pakistani media contributed towards creating jingoist war hysteria. Pakistan bashing in India and India bashing in Pakistan were at its peak. There are signs that these are picking up again in December 2008. Section of media in both the countries is plying into hands of global arms dealers on prowl. In 1999 when the Kargil war was at its peak the following poem flowed out of my heart:
The Slogan
War Jingoism is just too crazy
War maniacs are basking in pseudo glory
Images of enemy pushed in minds, too gory
Intellectuals lost balance to speak frankly
War hysteria they generate very genuinely
Artists rejoice in fanatic nationality
Fascist politicians do rock-n-roll in tune with nation topsy-turvy
Arms dealer is pleasant beneficiary
Forgotten in a stroke who survives barely
Life of a soldier: just a fodder in political harakiri
The forgotten hungry millions is cause for concern and worry
In the jingoist nationalism we shall witness hedonist emergency
Down with arms dealers
Down with Fascist forces
Long live democracy!
Let this be slogan of many and many.
This poem continues to hold its relevance today. Trends have moved away from launching counter terror initiatives to stressing need for declaring full fledged war against Pakistan. Identification of enemy outside the border as well as identification of enemy inside the border. The entire Muslim population of Indian nation is sough to be identified as ‘enemy within’. Identification Cards are becoming a necessary for security purpose. Increasing state surveillance from State agencies is becoming increasingly visible. At cybercafé identification document is becoming almost compulsory.
There is also ongoing visa diplomacy between the two countries. Pakistan government refuses to grant visas to number Indian citizens for traveling into Pakistan, while Indian government refuses to do issue visa clearances to number of Pakistani nationals to travel in India. I was refused visa by Pakistan government in 2006 when I applied to visit for Polycentric World Social Forum in Karachi. Even when the visas are granted by both the countries they are locality specific and that prevents citizens of both the countries to travel various parts of the countries. Besides it is mandatory for Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals to register the arrival at local police stations in India. This is not the practice to anyone from any other country in the world visiting India.
People-to-People contact between India and Pakistan is an absolute necessity for peace and democracy between the two countries. Terror attacks must not be allowed to hinder people-to-people contacts that are so important for two countries and to entire South Asia. This is also the practice that needs to be followed with other neighbours of Indian as well. Interacting with people of South Asian countries has been very interesting experience.
My long discussions with Amiya Bhusan Sarkar of Bangladesh – who studied mathematics at Goa University - has thought me so much not only about glorious traditions of Dhaka University but also trials and turbulences of Bangladeshi Hindus from Muslim Fascists forces. I have come to learn that their tagging and targeting is exactly the same as Muslims in India at the hands of Hindu Fascist forces. Similarly my long exchanges with Pakistan’s Fatima Saeed Khan – who is teaching Economics at Lahore School of economics - has brought about sharp understanding on how India and Pakistan as two States seek to continuously engage in hatred mongering. It is completely different feeling to listen to the official media propaganda and form once opinion on Pakistan than engaging in continues dialogue of discovery for oneself to know Pakistan its multiple realities and compulsions. It was very inspiring to get days to day information on anti-Musharaf protests by lawyers and students.
My short discussion with Mohan Tapang of Bhutan – who is in exile in Nepal - has made me appreciate so much democratic spaces within India. He asked me in July 2008 – a month after I was tagged naxal by Goa’s Opposition leader - “You can still go around the country and organise meetings?” Its first time I was realizing importance of how important it is to burn midnight oil to further expand democratic spaces in India. Then I had discussions with Dr.Tint Swe, Member of Parliament (Burma) in exile in India on military rule in his country of Burma that is India’s neighbour. Its pro-democracy leader Aung San Su Kyi is under house arrest for past couple of decades. Indian government is engaged with doing business with the military government in Burma.
It is Buddhist rule in Sri Lanka. I visited this beautiful county in July 2008. War between Sinhalese and Tamils has provided lethal blow to free spaces. It is military intrusion all over the places – Streets, Railway stations as well as beaches. LTTE has killed and silenced all the moderate voices expressing grievances of Tamils in peaceful manner. I have learned so much about this dynamics from Human rights activist who is a Tamil based in Colombo and often a target of State repression by Sri Lankan government. Checking of the citizens and tourists is rampant with check post at every 100 meters on the streets of Colombo. I was checked nearly dozen times on the day I arrived at Bandaranayke airport and went about sight seeing in Colombo – its streets and beaches. Sri Lanka is indeed very sad and depressing example of militarization and its spelled disaster for the community peace, prosperity and freedom.
I also had an occasion to converse with Mohamad Latheef from Maldives - in exile in Sri Lanka - who is a sharp critic of dictatorship in his Island country in Indian Ocean. This is a country wherein death is practiced as political strategy of rule and domination by the State.
South Asia today is gripped with fascist frenzy that needs to be addressed in vary serious manner. My reflections in this regard are as follows:
• Whenever there is love as a foundation of civilization, harmony and peace prevails.
• War takes the upper hand the moment hatred takes the foundational place in civilization.
• We must firmly ingrain love as a root of civilization.
• We must fanatically hate the hatred for the sake of Love, Peace and Survival.
• Hatred when unchallenged on time grows into a giant called fascism.
• Let’s Love an atmosphere of Love with all our might.
• Lies told thousand times can never change the truth.
• The hallmark of Fascism is telling one lie – a thousand and one times.
• Fascism is like a room with closed doors and windows – full of darkness. You open one window and entire darkness evaporates.
• Fascism survives only through brutal kind of repression.
• Love and Peace in fascist atmosphere only means a fanatic hatred and ruthless war.
• Visibility of fascist hatred only makes us a thousand times stronger in our commitment to Love.
• The important step in a fight against fascism is to open as many windows as possible, and allow free flow of sunlight.
• We must treat every occasion to meet people as an opened window and push in with a powerful and mighty light.
• The essence of life lies in making your struggle – my struggle.
Though Constitution of India upholds various kinds of human and democratic rights, it is important that it is matched with practices of Freedoms by its citizens – at times through assertive actions and genuine transformative reflections. War and Terror along with its support structure are outstanding shrinkers of democratic space in South Asia. They need to be vigorously countered at every level. The question is: Are we ready to burn the mid-night lamp in defence of democracy?
Published in Prajasattak, edited by Dadu Mandrekar, Panaji, January 2009
It was on December 27, 2008 morning I received a phone call from a friend in Goa’s Southern most Canacona taluka that Indian Army camp is being set up adjacent to the Highway in Bhatpat village. I did not understand any reason for this sudden development. Canacona is a peaceful locality and that the precise reason for my wondering of logic for stationing of Indian Army personnel in tents. But gradually the logic began to appear on the horizon of my understanding after discussing with few people around Goa.
The immediate reason seemed to be terror attacks on Taj Hotel and few other locations in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. The Indian State has pressed panicked buttons after the incident. The extend of panic is visible in my State of Goa as well. Government responded with various measures including declaring Goa as one of the potential target of Terror attacks that are claimed to originate in neighbouring country of Pakistan. So the barricades are increasing across the State of Goa. Our KTC bus stands now has armed security, our beaches now has armed security, our starred hotels now has armed security, Sand bags structure with uniformed armed personnel in uniform is regular phenomena. Our markets too are supped to be eyed by Terrorists from Pakistan and so they too are witnessing intrusion of machine gun wielding armed personnel. Goa’s Police headquarters in Panjim too has army-garrison look at its entrance. In short Mumbai terror attacks are used as pretext by the state agencies to further its security obsession.
Security obsession is a phenomenon all over India especially in the locations that are more famous and well known. I have witnessed this all over India and feel very sad that once available abundant free space is increasingly getting shrinker due to terror threats. Biggest casualty of Terror threats are democratic spaces that common people enjoy in any country. The biggest beneficiary of these terror threats are armament industry that thrives on hatred and nationalism. Whether it is organised army of nation getting into war or non-state actors involved in low intensity warfare activities within borders and outside borders, armament industry is always pleasant beneficiary. Political systems that have succumbed to this logic are in the grip of self destructive spiral cycle. India-Pakistan rivalry is one example to this effect. There is a composite nexus between arms industry and its political system to keep fuelling rivalry between the two countries and Kashmir has become not only casualty but also an opportunity to build political carriers of politicians. The rivalry also serves the purpose of diverting attention from domestic issues of the two countries and pushes on top the agenda of hatred and war on the topmost level of the country backed up by organised media campaigns. Various internal contradictions such as inequality, poverty etc that constitute power relations between various classes and castes are sort to be pushed to the backburner so that internal asymmetry within both countries benefiting economic elites including Multinational Corporations (MNC) remains untouched. Another major beneficiary is mining industry that supplies nuclear and non-nuclear raw materials to the war industry. Uranium, bauxite, iron are common metals used in large quantity in war efforts. The genuine efforts are needed to create atmosphere of Peace and Friendship and to do away continues efforts towards building armaments are sky rocketing defence budgets in all the countries of the world. Middle class indulgence in war jingoism is major culprits that are thwarting genuine efforts at Understanding. Middle class consumerism must be halted quickly and force to focus on issues genuine in the interest of Planet and Humanity.
During the Kargil war in late 1990s this was so clearly visible. Both Indian as well as Pakistani media contributed towards creating jingoist war hysteria. Pakistan bashing in India and India bashing in Pakistan were at its peak. There are signs that these are picking up again in December 2008. Section of media in both the countries is plying into hands of global arms dealers on prowl. In 1999 when the Kargil war was at its peak the following poem flowed out of my heart:
The Slogan
War Jingoism is just too crazy
War maniacs are basking in pseudo glory
Images of enemy pushed in minds, too gory
Intellectuals lost balance to speak frankly
War hysteria they generate very genuinely
Artists rejoice in fanatic nationality
Fascist politicians do rock-n-roll in tune with nation topsy-turvy
Arms dealer is pleasant beneficiary
Forgotten in a stroke who survives barely
Life of a soldier: just a fodder in political harakiri
The forgotten hungry millions is cause for concern and worry
In the jingoist nationalism we shall witness hedonist emergency
Down with arms dealers
Down with Fascist forces
Long live democracy!
Let this be slogan of many and many.
This poem continues to hold its relevance today. Trends have moved away from launching counter terror initiatives to stressing need for declaring full fledged war against Pakistan. Identification of enemy outside the border as well as identification of enemy inside the border. The entire Muslim population of Indian nation is sough to be identified as ‘enemy within’. Identification Cards are becoming a necessary for security purpose. Increasing state surveillance from State agencies is becoming increasingly visible. At cybercafé identification document is becoming almost compulsory.
There is also ongoing visa diplomacy between the two countries. Pakistan government refuses to grant visas to number Indian citizens for traveling into Pakistan, while Indian government refuses to do issue visa clearances to number of Pakistani nationals to travel in India. I was refused visa by Pakistan government in 2006 when I applied to visit for Polycentric World Social Forum in Karachi. Even when the visas are granted by both the countries they are locality specific and that prevents citizens of both the countries to travel various parts of the countries. Besides it is mandatory for Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals to register the arrival at local police stations in India. This is not the practice to anyone from any other country in the world visiting India.
People-to-People contact between India and Pakistan is an absolute necessity for peace and democracy between the two countries. Terror attacks must not be allowed to hinder people-to-people contacts that are so important for two countries and to entire South Asia. This is also the practice that needs to be followed with other neighbours of Indian as well. Interacting with people of South Asian countries has been very interesting experience.
My long discussions with Amiya Bhusan Sarkar of Bangladesh – who studied mathematics at Goa University - has thought me so much not only about glorious traditions of Dhaka University but also trials and turbulences of Bangladeshi Hindus from Muslim Fascists forces. I have come to learn that their tagging and targeting is exactly the same as Muslims in India at the hands of Hindu Fascist forces. Similarly my long exchanges with Pakistan’s Fatima Saeed Khan – who is teaching Economics at Lahore School of economics - has brought about sharp understanding on how India and Pakistan as two States seek to continuously engage in hatred mongering. It is completely different feeling to listen to the official media propaganda and form once opinion on Pakistan than engaging in continues dialogue of discovery for oneself to know Pakistan its multiple realities and compulsions. It was very inspiring to get days to day information on anti-Musharaf protests by lawyers and students.
My short discussion with Mohan Tapang of Bhutan – who is in exile in Nepal - has made me appreciate so much democratic spaces within India. He asked me in July 2008 – a month after I was tagged naxal by Goa’s Opposition leader - “You can still go around the country and organise meetings?” Its first time I was realizing importance of how important it is to burn midnight oil to further expand democratic spaces in India. Then I had discussions with Dr.Tint Swe, Member of Parliament (Burma) in exile in India on military rule in his country of Burma that is India’s neighbour. Its pro-democracy leader Aung San Su Kyi is under house arrest for past couple of decades. Indian government is engaged with doing business with the military government in Burma.
It is Buddhist rule in Sri Lanka. I visited this beautiful county in July 2008. War between Sinhalese and Tamils has provided lethal blow to free spaces. It is military intrusion all over the places – Streets, Railway stations as well as beaches. LTTE has killed and silenced all the moderate voices expressing grievances of Tamils in peaceful manner. I have learned so much about this dynamics from Human rights activist who is a Tamil based in Colombo and often a target of State repression by Sri Lankan government. Checking of the citizens and tourists is rampant with check post at every 100 meters on the streets of Colombo. I was checked nearly dozen times on the day I arrived at Bandaranayke airport and went about sight seeing in Colombo – its streets and beaches. Sri Lanka is indeed very sad and depressing example of militarization and its spelled disaster for the community peace, prosperity and freedom.
I also had an occasion to converse with Mohamad Latheef from Maldives - in exile in Sri Lanka - who is a sharp critic of dictatorship in his Island country in Indian Ocean. This is a country wherein death is practiced as political strategy of rule and domination by the State.
South Asia today is gripped with fascist frenzy that needs to be addressed in vary serious manner. My reflections in this regard are as follows:
• Whenever there is love as a foundation of civilization, harmony and peace prevails.
• War takes the upper hand the moment hatred takes the foundational place in civilization.
• We must firmly ingrain love as a root of civilization.
• We must fanatically hate the hatred for the sake of Love, Peace and Survival.
• Hatred when unchallenged on time grows into a giant called fascism.
• Let’s Love an atmosphere of Love with all our might.
• Lies told thousand times can never change the truth.
• The hallmark of Fascism is telling one lie – a thousand and one times.
• Fascism is like a room with closed doors and windows – full of darkness. You open one window and entire darkness evaporates.
• Fascism survives only through brutal kind of repression.
• Love and Peace in fascist atmosphere only means a fanatic hatred and ruthless war.
• Visibility of fascist hatred only makes us a thousand times stronger in our commitment to Love.
• The important step in a fight against fascism is to open as many windows as possible, and allow free flow of sunlight.
• We must treat every occasion to meet people as an opened window and push in with a powerful and mighty light.
• The essence of life lies in making your struggle – my struggle.
Though Constitution of India upholds various kinds of human and democratic rights, it is important that it is matched with practices of Freedoms by its citizens – at times through assertive actions and genuine transformative reflections. War and Terror along with its support structure are outstanding shrinkers of democratic space in South Asia. They need to be vigorously countered at every level. The question is: Are we ready to burn the mid-night lamp in defence of democracy?
Published in Prajasattak, edited by Dadu Mandrekar, Panaji, January 2009
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