The Significant Unit of War

what is in a name

Harkatul mujahideen was headed by asghar, it became jaish mohammed, what next, amnesty international, islamic budhist society, what is in a name.

Pakistan will only provide moral support to kashmir jihadists, what is new.

Indian criminals will be handed over, in case they dont vanish at the pak afgh boreder, like the hijackers.

It is pathetic to see the embeciles on chowk applauding mushis speach

How can MUsharaff just give away support for Kashmir .DO YOU THINK THIS IS BOOLYWOOD LAAGAAN MOVIE ,THAT AAMIR KHAN WILL PLAN A UPSET WIN OF INDIA BY WRITING THE SCRIPT .INDIANS HAVE BEEN WATCHING BOLLYWOOD MAKE BELIEVE ,FEEL GOOD,WISHFULL THING, MOVIES FOR FAR TOO LONG

Sometimes I wonder, taking into account their recent ``We Love India`` pronouncements, lately, if Benazir Bhutto and Pervez Mussharaf are aiming to stand for elections. And making safe seats for themselves.

I mean, all Musharaf and Benazir have not said so far is ``Mandir yaahaan banayenge`` . . .

In India.

But then, will they get the Muslim vote? They may not.

Ergo, the only party they can then fight from would be the BJP?

No elected government in India can do do-do to the madarsas what Musharraf is planning to do in Pakistan!! So, further ergo ergo, the BJP needs Musharaf and Benazir to achieve some of its objectives.

(A safe seat is one where the electorate or electrorate process can be said to be controlled. Also called spin doctoring, maybe?)

Up a creek with out a paddle - both India and Pakistan - but Pakistan has Musharraf Whereas...

``Changing India

Iqbal pervaiz Cheema

The writer works for Islamabad

Policy Research Institute

Has India changed? The answer is in affirmative. In fact change is bound to occur with the passage of time. The next question is in what way India has changed? India has changed in many ways. But in this piece I am only going to discuss three major changes that are so pronounced that nobody can afford to ignore them. These changes include the transformations of a society created on the bases of pacific principles to a most violent society, from secularism to a Hindu India, and from a peaceful non-aligned India that abhorred the acquisition of atom bomb to full-fledged nuclear weapon state.

Throughout the freedom movement not only the Congress leader took pride in their pursuit of peaceful methods to secure independence of India but the international opinion lauded Gandhian principles of pacifisms. In many ways the pacific approach was viewed as an innovative and virtuous method of handling international relations. Gandhi was hailed as an apostle of peace and his principles of pacifism made inroads the charters of some international organizations. It was deem a useful addition to the existing principles of inter-state dealings.

In one of his speeches Pundit Nehru categorically stated that for years the leaders and the people of India had been conditioned by Gandhi`s gospel of peace and their attitudes had been shaped by Mahatma Gandhi`s teachings. Nehru further stated that the attainment of freedom on the basis of Gandhian principles of pacifism confirmed the righteousness of this approach.

Today`s India is totally devoid of almost all the pacific principles that were enunciated by Gandhi and so forcefully claimed by Nehru. Instead one finds preference is being increasingly accorded to violent approaches. As a matter of fact the entire society seem to have been periodically demonstrating preferences for violent approaches. There was a time when one used to hear so much about the ambassadors of peace gurus of peace roaming various parts of the world. Nowadays one never ceases to hear violent uprisings in 16 different parts of India.

Apart from the Kashmiris` freedom struggle, almost all other insurgencies are the product of state policies both at the central and state levels. Whether or not some of these movements are also freedom struggles is not for me to judge but one thing is clear that the Kashmiris` struggle is the product of partition processes. While it seems not too far-fetched to assume that violence was gradually creeping into the Indian society, the emergence of sang parivar seems to have accelerated the process in one form or the other.

The second noticeable change is the area of nuclearisation of India. Confronted with the question of whether or not India would prefer the acquisition of nuclear weapons or opt for spirit of humanity, Pundit Nehru was very forceful in stressing that India would always opt for spirit of humanity.

With the changing world scenarios, this change seems, in many ways, in congruence of the emerging realities of world situation. Indian assertion that why should a few selected countries be allowed to retain the nuclear weapons and other be totally denied along with non-issuance of timetable for what has been often stressed the gradual elimination of nuclear arsenal their have considerable merits.

Apart from the P-5`s efforts to retain the monopoly along with their unwillingness to agree to obviate with such lethal weapons with a clear time-schedule, there are many other factors that have and continue to influence the Indian thinking with regard to nuclear weapons. Not only India has ambitions of its own to be acknowledged as a great power but its quest for a permanent seat on the Security Council is also well-known. It believes that India is destined to play a much larger role than what South Asia can afford.

Belief in its destiny has led India to opt for a course action that was once adopted by the Soviet Union. In consequence India embarked upon a very large programme for nuclear weapons and missile development. In addition it has strengthened and continues to equip its conventional forces with expensive modern weapons. Since the 1962 border clash with China, India has systematically expanded its army, air force and navy. This of course implies increasing allocation of resources to the defence sector. The incumbent BJP seem to have allocated enormous resources to beef up its armed forces.

India has come a long away from its posture on non-alignment that was so vociferously advocated by Nehru. While it went out the way to criticize the countries that had opted for participation in the cold war alliances, it cultivated close defence linkages with the Soviet Union. In addition Nehru promoted the concept of Panchsheel enumerating five principles of mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference, equality and mutual benefits, and peaceful co-existence. None of these principles are any longer adhering to these

days. Perhaps they are no longer regarded as valuable and valid pursuits given the post cold war shifting perceptions.

The third major change that is so visible is the initial gradual shift which was later accelerated by sang parivar from once adopted and repeatedly drummed policy of secularism to Hinduisation of India. Even prior to the assumption of power at the centre, the PJB had been working very hard to throw the concept of secularism to winds and make concerted efforts to Hinduise India. ``What kind of India do you want?`` the former prime minister VP Singh who also portrayed himself as the champion of secularism bravely asked the members of Lok Sabah and urged the members to decide the issue of secularism once for all. He was speaking to an especially convened session of the Indian parliament to ascertain the confidence of the House. He lost the confidence motion by a vote of 142 to 346.

Implicit in Mr Singh`s question were two intriguing interpretations. First, that the issue of secularism

had not been finally decided. All those vociferous claims that India was truly a secular country as opposed to non-secular Pakistan were no more than sugarcoated exaggerations that were carefully produced by India`s sophisticated propaganda machine.

Second, that India was only secular constitutionally but in practice it had not lived up to its theoretical claims. Mr Singh was merely highlighting the gap between India`s declaratory commitments and its operational manifestations. The events during the last decade clearly demonstrated a marked shift away from secularism to a rapid drift towards a Hindu India. The ascendancy of BJP and sang parivar have made no secret of their intentions despite the fact that some high-level leaders even within BJP like to make references to a secular India.

Since it is a BJP led coalition that has been engaged to make India a Hindu India and the other members of the coalition are hardly making any substantial effort to keep India on the path of secularism, it would not be too far fetched to assume that they also support such efforts. May be it is expedient to go along with BJP at the moment.

But their complacency merely confirms their feelings as well. The demolition and burning of non-Hindu places of worship is just one aspect of overall efforts to Hinduise India. One must recognize the rights of the Indian government and people to opt for the kind of society they want to have.

While this piece is merely meant to highlight some of the significant changes that have taken place in India, it is not intended to question the right to change but simply to narrate those which are relatively more catchy than the others. I am sure that there are many other areas that must have also experienced changes. After all changes also reflect reconciliation with the emerging realities.``

RE: 305 Shah

``.... THE TREND WAS TOWARDS DEMOCTATIC RIGHTS WHICH KASHMIRIS HAVE BEEN DENIED FOR 54 yreas!!!!``

Why are you worrying so much about the ``DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS`` of 4 million people when 150 million people of Pakistan have had their ``DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS`` denied for the last 50 years?

I listened to Musharraf`s speech and I must give him kudos. It was an excellent speech that addresses the root cause of problems in Pakistan and the subcontinent. If Pakistanis listen to him, it can revolutionize their country. It can also take Indo-Pak relations to a new level. I am pleasently surprised at the pragmatism and rational thought process of the general. Most dictators are not known for such qualities. He may finally turn out to be Pakistan`s Ataturk. Pakistanis should realize that they are very lucky to have him as their leader.

His position on Kashmir has changed significantly with the focus on a peaceful resolution. That is a huge difference compared to the policy of thousand cuts, jihad, revenge for 1971 etc., which have been espoused by a lot of Pakistanis. I hope India reciprocates adequately to his overtures.

Ref Romair #: 298

[And now with a nuclear deterent, Pakistan is far more secure than it has ever been in fifty years.]

Since the nuclear deterrent was the one that got you into the Kargil adventure, why are all the Pakistanis now AGAINST war with India? Because the US has its forces already inside Pakistan and might de-fang Pakistan by stripping it of its nuclear assets?

[Musharraf has been going religious militant parties way before Sept 11. He challenged the blasphemy law over a year ago.]

And, if you remember, backed down. That is why that poor anatomy lecturer has been sentenced to death for supposedly saying that Prophet Muhammad`s parents were not Muslims and that his tribe did not practice circumcision. Has Musharraf set aside the death sentence yet?

[If anything, the threats from India are going to make it more difficult for Musharraf to take the actions he wants, and not less difficult. Indians need to understand this.]

This is similar to the nuclear blackmail. If Musharraf is saying that there will be worse leader in Pakistan if he loses his job, that is a chance we Indians are willing to take.

[Even after fifty years, Pakistan has not lost an inch of land in West Pakistan. And when the Bengalis populace was united with Pakistan, not an inch in East Pakistan, either. If anything, it has taken land from India in 1947 in Kashmir.]

That is a courageous admission on your part, that Pakistan has taken land away from India in Kashmir in 1947. So, do you recommend that Pakistan should return it?

I loved Musharraf`s speach. It was wonderful. I will break the speech down into two main segments - part related to the INTERNAL working of Pakistan, and the part related to Pakistan`s EXTERNAL, primarily Indian, relations.

As of now, I am delighted on both counts. Internally, he has painted exactly the picture of Pakistan that forms my ideal - strong, tolerant, vibrant, prosperous.

Those sectarian killers, those hateful despicable JaisheMohamad kind, who I hope burn eternally in hell, are a disgrace to any nation, and a drag on Pakistan. These killers, and the mindset that allows such killers to flourish, both do NO good to Pakistan. General, take these animals into your palm, and crush them. Neither you nor Pakistan will ever have a better opportunity. From what I can tell, most Pakistanis are with you.

Externally, the general said many things that give me hope. Of course, he has a right to say that if his country is attacked he will fight back to the last man. That is what we expect from a brave man, and whatever his other faults may be, Parvez Musharraf is not a coward. Of course, he has a right to say that Kashmir runs in his blood. If those are his feelings, we ought to respect them. If Kashmir can run in our blood, why can`t it run in his? His strong feelings for Kashmir need not worry us. May be both of us will, one day, be able to transform these strong passions into constructive feelings of love for Kashmir. He abjured violence, made no mention of the silly, stupid, and extremely poisonous jihad he had allowed himself to get into, and for that we ought to be grateful. Finally, of course, it would be unrealistic to expect him to hand over Pakistani nationals to India, no matter how detestable these specific creatures may be to us. That he has promised to not allow these or any other scum-of-the-earth to use Pakistan as a haven to launch violent attacks on India or Indian Kashmir should give us comfort.

So far so good. May God/Allah/Bhagwan bring you complete success, Parvez Musharraf. I would be lying if I did not express the fear lurking in many Indian hearts that you may be both unable and unwilling to do all that is required to bring your dream to fruition, but I hope you will forgive us this small measure of skepticism - perceptions born of our past relationships take time to die-, and that with your deeds you will show to the people of Pakistan (most importantly), world other than India (second most importantly), and India (least importantly) that this time round you really mean business.

Please get down to your task. There isn`t much time left.

Re: Romair

``...When it came to India, even the corrupt ones had no fear...Pakistani do not fear India...But they do not fear India...Pakistanis do not fear India...``

OK. Point made and understood. I won`t speculate on how you may be really feeling. How about living with mutual-respect instead of `fear`, like civilized neighbors instead of jahils? Good neighbors need not fear each other.

re: romair

so pakistan isn`t really afraid of an indian attack, but is taking all these measures for good health...yesterday the mofos being arrested were freedom fighters, today they deserve to be arrested...despite the fact that pukis claim india hasn`t given any evidence to them...if there`s no evidence, what is mushy acting on?...is he high on pot or something?

{{General Musharraf was said to have written the speech himself and taped it earlier. He appeared on screen wearing a distinctively Pakistani high-collared tunic rather than the military uniform or Western suit he prefers. As is customary for major speeches here, it was preceded by a mullah`s chanted recitation of the Koran, in this case passages extolling Muslim unity. }}

ylh, this one is for you..just admit there is nothing secular or modern or tolerant about pakistani society...a mullah starts what is supposed to be a political speech..wonderful mian

ENGLISH RENDERING OF

PRESIDENT GENERAL PERVEZ MUSHARAF’S

ADDRESS TO THE NATION

( JANUARY 12, 2002 )

I begin in the name of God, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful

Pakistani Brothers and Sisters!

As you would remember, ever since I assumed office, I launched a campaign to rid the society of extremism, violence and terrorism and strived to project Islam in its true perspective. In my first speech on October 17, 1999, I had said and I quote; “Islam teaches tolerance, not hatred; universal brotherhood, not enmity; peace, and not violence. I have a great respect for the Ulema and expect them to come forward and present Islam in its true light. I urge them to curb elements which are exploiting religion for vested interests and bringing a bad name to our faith”. After this, I initiated a number of steps in this regard. First, in the year 2000, I started interacting with the Taliban and counselled them to inculcate tolerance and bring moderation in their ways. I also told them that those terrorists who were involved in terrorist acts in Pakistan and seeking refuge in Afghanistan should be returned to us. Unfortunately, we did not succeed.

In the year 2001, I think it was January, we sealed the Pak-Afghan borders and I gave directions that no students of any Madarissah (religious seminaries) should be allowed to cross into Afghanistan without relevant documents. After this, I despatched a number of delegations to meet Mullah Omar.I continued to advise them tolerance and balance. Later, on February 15, 2001, we promulgated the Anti-Weaponisation Ordinance. Through this law, we launched a de-weaponisation campaign in Pakistan.

On 5th of June, on the occasion of the Seerat Conference, I addressed Ulema belonging to all Schools of thought and spoke firmly to them against religious extremism. On the 14th of August 2001, we finally took a very important decision to ban Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad and placed Sipah-e-Sahaba and TJP (Tehrik-e-Jafria Pakistan) under observation. In addition, on a number of occasions, I called Ulema and Mashaikh and held extensive consultations with them. The objective was to take them on board in our campaign against terrorism and extremism. These measures have been continuing since our government assumed office in 1999. I am explaining all this to you in great detail only because of the fact that the campaign against extremism undertaken by us from the very beginning is in our own national interest. We are not doing this under advice or pressure from anyone. Rather, we are conscious that it is in our national interest. We are conscious that we need to rid society of extremism and this is being done right from the beginning.

This domestic reforms process was underway when a terrorist attack took place against the United States on the 11th of September. This terrorist act led to momentous changes all over the world. We decided to join the international coalition against terrorism and in this regard I have already spoken to you on a number of occasions. We took this decision on principles and in our national interest.

By the grace of God Almighty our decision was absolutely correct. Our intentions were noble and God Almighty helped us. I am happy to say that the vast majority of Pakistanis stood by this decision and supported our decision. I am proud of the realistic decision of our nation. What really pains me is that some religious extremist parties and groups opposed this decision. What hurts more was that their opposition was not based on principles. At a critical juncture in our history, they preferred their personal and party interests over national interests. They tried their utmost to mislead the nation, took out processions and resorted to agitation. But their entire efforts failed. The people of Pakistan frustrated their designs. As I have said, I am proud of the people of Pakistan who support correct decisions and do not pay heed to those who try to mislead them.

I have interacted with the religious scholars on a number of occasions and exchanged views with them. I am happy to say that our discussions have been very fruitful. A majority of them are blessed with wisdom and vision and they do not mix religion with politics. Some extremists, who were engaged in protests, are people who try to monopolise and attempt to propagate their own brand of religion.

They think as if others are not Muslims. These are the people who considered the Taliban to be a symbol of Islam and that the Taliban were bringing Islamic rennaissance or were practising the purest form of Islam..

They behaved as if the Northern Alliance, against whom the Taliban were fighting, were non-Muslims! Whereas, in fact, both were Muslims and believers. These extremists were those people who do not talk of “Haqooqul Ibad” (obligations towards fellow human beings). They do not talk of these obligations because practising them demands self-sacrifice. How will they justify their Pajeros and expensive vehicles? I want to ask these extremists as to who was responsible for misleading thousands of Pakistanis to their massacre in Afghanistan? These misled people were let down by the very people in whose support they had gone. All of us should learn a lesson from this. We must remember that we are Pakistanis. Pakistan is our identity, our motherland. We will be aliens outside Pakistan and be treated as aliens.

Pakistan is our land. It is our soil. If we forsake it, we will face difficulties. This lesson we must learn.

Sectarian terrorism has been going on for years. Everyone of us is fed up of it. It is becoming unbearable. Our peace-loving people are keen to get rid of the Klashinkov and weapon culture. Every one is sick of it. It was because of this that we banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad. Yet little improvement occurred. The day of reckoning has come. Do we want Pakistan to become a theocratic state? Do we believe that religious education alone is enough for governance or do we want Pakistan to emerge as a progressive and dynamic Islamic welfare state? The verdict of the masses is in favour of a progressive Islamic state. This decision, based on the teaching of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and in line with the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal will put Pakistan on the path of progress and prosperity. Let us honestly analyse what the few religious extremists have attempted to do with Pakistan and Islam. First, with regard to Afghanistan, they indulged in agitational activities.

Look at the damage it has caused! Pakistan’s international image was tarnished and we were projected by the international media as ignorant and backward. Our economy suffered. A number of export orders already placed with Pakistani industry were cancelled and no new orders materialised. This led to closure of some factories and unemployment. The poor daily wage earners lost their livelihood. Extremists also formed a Pakistan-Afghanistan Defence Council! Apart from damaging Pakistan, they had negative thinking and had no idea of anything good for Afghanistan. Did they ever think of bringing about peace to Afghanistan through reconciliation among the Taliban and Northern Alliance? Did they counsel tolerance to them? Did they ever think of collecting funds for the welfare, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-ravaged Afghanistan, or to mitigate sufferings of the poor Afghan people? Did they think of a solution to the hunger, poverty and destruction in Afghanistan? To my knowledge, only Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi, God bless him, and some foreign NGOs and the UN organisations were providing the Afghans with food and medicines. These extremists did nothing except contributing to bloodshed in Afghanistan. I ask of them, whether they know any thing other then disruption and sowing seeds of hatred? Does Islam preach this?

Now, let us see their activity outside Afghanistan. They initiated sectarian feuds.

Sects and different schools of thought in Islam have existed since long.

There is nothing wrong with intellectual differences flowing from freedom of thought as long as such differences remain confined to intellectual debates.

Look at what this extremist minority is doing? They are indulging in fratricidal killings. There is no tolerance among them. Quaid-e-Azam declared that Pakistan belonged to followers of all religions; that every one would be treated equally. However, what to speak of other religions, Muslims have started killing each other.

I think, these people have declared more Muslims as Kafirs (infidels) than motivating the non-Muslims to embrace Islam. Look at the damage they have caused? They have murdered a number of our highly qualified doctors, engineers, civil servants and teachers who were pillars of our society. Who has suffered? The families of the dead, no doubt. But a greater loss was inflicted on Pakistan because, as I said, we lost the pillars of our society. These extremists did not stop here. They started killing other innocent people in mosques and places of worship.

Today, people are scared of entering these sacred places of worship. It is a matter of shame that police have to be posted outside for their protection. We claim Islam as Deen or a complete way of life.

Is this the way of life that Islam teaches us? That we fight amongst ourselves and feel scared of fellow Muslims, scared of visiting our places of worship where police have to be deputed outside for protection? Mosques are being misused for propagating and inciting hatred against each other’s sect and beliefs and against the Government, too.

I would like to inform you that a number of terrorist rings have been apprehended. In Karachi, the Inspector General of Police, while briefing me, informed that the leader of one of these groups is the Pesh Imam (Prayer Leader) of a Mosque in Malir. The Imam has confessed to murdering many people himself. This is the state of affairs. To what purpose are we using our mosques for? These people have made a state within a state and have challenged the writ of the government.

Now, I would like to dwell upon the subject of Madaris or Religious Schools in some detail. These schools are excellent welfare set-ups where the poor get free board and lodge. In my opinion, no NGO can match their welfare aspects. Many of the madaris are imparting excellent education. In addition to religious teachings, other subjects such as science education and computer training are also being imparted there.

I am thankful to them for undertaking excellent welfare measures without State funding. I would also like to say that I have projected madaris internationally and with various heads of states time and again. I think no one else in Pakistan has done so much for their cause. However,there are some negative aspects of some madrassahs. These few impart only religious education and such education which produces semi-literate religious scholars. This is a weakness. Very few madaris, I repeat very few of them, are under the influence of politico-religious parties or have been established by them. I know that some of these promote negative thinking and propagate hatred and violence instead of inculcating tolerance, patience and fraternity. We must rememeber that historically, the madarasa was a prestigious seat of learning. They were citadels of knowledge and beacon of light for the world.

When Islam was at its zenith, every discipline of learning e.g.:

mathematics, science, medicine, astronomy and jurisprudence were taught at these institutions. Great muslims luminaries such as Al-Beruni, Ibn-e-Sina (Avesina) and Ibn Khuldoon, were the products of these same madaris. And if we study history, we see that from the 7th to 15th century AD, transfer of technology took place from the Muslims to the rest of the world.

Look at Muslims’ condition today. Islam teaches us to seek knowledge, even if it involved travel to China. I am sure you are aware that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had told prisoners of war in the Battle of Badar that they would be set free if each of them imparted education to ten Muslims.

Quite obviously, this education could not have been religious education as the prisoners were non-Muslims. So the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was actually referring to worldly education. If we do not believe in education, are we following the teachings of Islam or violating them? We must ask what direction are we being led into by these extremists? The writ of the government is being challenged. Pakistan has been made a soft state where the supremacy of law is questioned. This situation can not be tolerated any more. The question is what is the correct path? First of all, we must rid the society of sectarian hatred and terrorism, promote mutual harmony. Remember that mindsets can not be changed through force and coercion. No idea can ever be forcibly thrust upon any one. May be the person changes outwardly but minds and hearts can never be converted by force. Real change can be brought about through personal example, exemplary character and superior intellect. It can be brought about by Haqooq-ul-ibad (Obligation towards fellow beings).

Have we forgotten the example of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) where Islam was spread by virtue of his personal conduct, true leadership and that is how changes in the world took place at that time. We have forgotten the teaching of revered personalities of Islam like Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Fareed Ganj Shakar, Baha-uddin Zakria etc.

Was Islam spread by them through force and coercion? No. They preached Islam by personal example. I give these examples because it hurts me to see where we have relegated ourselves now. We must restore that status of Madaris to what it originally was. We have to change the state of affairs and take them on the path of improvement.

The second thing I want to talk about is the concept of Jehad in its totality. I want to dilate upon it because it is a contentious issue, requiring complete comprehension and understanding. In Islam, Jehad is not confined to armed struggles only. Have we ever thought of waging Jehad against illiteracy, poverty, backwardness and hunger? This is the larger Jehad. Pakistan, in my opinion, needs to wage Jehad against these evils.

After the battle of Khyber, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated that Jehad-e-Asghar (Smaller Jehad) is over but Jehad-e-Akbar (Greater Jehad) has begun. This meant that armed Jehad i.e. the smaller Jehad was now over and the greater Jehad against backwardness and illiteracy had started.

Pakistan needs Jehad-e-Akbar at this juncture.

By the way we must remember that only the government of the day and not every individual can proclaim armed Jehad. The extremist minority must realise that Pakistan is not responsible of waging armed Jehad in the world.

I feel that in addition to Haqooq Allah (Obligations to God), we should also focus on Haqooq-Al-ebad (Obligations towards fellow human beings). At Schools, Colleges and Madaris, Obligations towards fellow beings should be preached. We know that we have totally ignored the importance of correct dealings with fellow humans beings. There is no room for feuds in Islamic teachings. It is imperative that we teach true Islam i.e. tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, justice, fair play, amity and harmony, which is the true spirit of Islam. We must adopt this. We must shun negative thinking.

We have formulated a new strategy for Madaris and there is need to implement it so as to galvanize their good aspects and remove their drawbacks. We have developed a new syllabi for them providing for teaching of Pakistan studies, Mathematics, Science and English along with religious subjects. Even if we want these Madaris to produce religious leaders they should be educated along these lines. Such people will command more respect in the society because they will be better qualified. To me, students of religious schools should be brought in to the mainstream of society. If any one of them opts to join college or university, he would have the option of being equipped with the modern education. If a child studying at a madrasa does not wish to be a prayer leader and he wants to be a bank official or seek employment elsewhere, he should be facilitated.

It would mean that the students of Madaris should be brought to the mainstream through a better system of education. This is the crux of the Madrasa strategy.

This by no means is an attempt to bring religious educational institutions under Govt control nor do we want to spoil the excellent attributes of these institutions. My only aim is to help these institutions in over coming their weaknesses and providing them with better facilities and more avenues to the poor children at these institutions.

We must check abuse of mosques and madaris and they must not be used for spreading political and sectarian prejudices. We want to ensure that mosques enjoy freedom and we are here to maintain it. At the same time we expect a display of responsibility along with freedom. If the Imam of mosques fail to display responsibility, curbs would have to be placed on them. After this analysis, now, I come to some conclusions and decisions: - First, we have to establish the writ of the Government. All organizations in Pakistan will function in a regulated manner. No individual, organization or Party will be allowed to break law of the land. The internal environment has to be improved.

Maturity and equilibrium have to be established in the society. We have to promote an environment of tolerance, maturity, responsibility, patience and understanding. We have to check extremism, militancy, violence and fundamentalism. We will have to forsake the atmosphere of hatred and anger.

We have to stop exploitation of simple poor people of the country and not to incite them to fueds and violence. We must concern ourselves with our own country. Pakistan comes first. We do not need to interfere and concern ourselves with others. There is no need to interfere in other countries.

Now I turn to other important issues. In my view there are three problems causing conflict and agitation in our minds. They include; first the Kashmir Cause, secondly all political disputes at the international level concerning Muslims and thirdly internal sectarian disputes and differences.

These are the three problems which create confusion in our minds. I want to lay down rules of behaviour concerning all the three.

Let us take the Kashmir Cause first. Kashmir runs in our blood. No Pakistani can afford to sever links with Kashmir. The entire Pakistan and the world knows this. We will continue to extend our moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. We will never budge an inch from our principle stand on Kashmir. The Kashmir problem needs to be resolved by dialogue and peaceful means in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the United Nations resolutions. We have to find the solution of this dispute. No organization will be allowed to indulge in terrorism in the name of Kashmir. We condemn the terrorist acts of September 11, October 1 and December 13. Anyone found involved in any terrorist act would be dealt with sternly.

Strict action will be taken against any Pakistani individual, group or organization found involved in terrorism within or outside the country. Our behaviour must always be in accordance with international norms.

On this occasion, as President of Pakistan, I want to convey a message to Prime Minister Vajpaee: If we want to normalize relations between Pakistan and India and bring harmony to the region, the Kashmir dispute will have to be resolved peacefully through a dialogue on the basis of the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Solving the Kashmir Issue is the joint responsibility of our two countries. Let me repeat some of the observations made by you, Mr. Vajpayee, some time back, and I quote: “Mind-sets will have to be altered and historical baggage will have to be jettisoned. I take you on this offer. Let us start talking in this very spirit.

Now as Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, I wish to convey another message. The Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared and deployed to meet any challenge. They will spill the last drop of their blood in the defence of their country. Let there be no attempt of crossing the border in any sector as it will be met with full force. Do not entertain any illusions on this count.

I would also like to address the international community, particularly the United States on this occasion. As I said before on a number of occasions, Pakistan rejects and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation.

Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used for any terrorist activity anywhere in the world. Now you must play an active role in solving the Kashmir dispute for the sake of lasting peace and harmony in the region. We should be under no illusion that the legitimate demand of the people of Kashmir can ever be suppressed without their just resolution. Kashmiris also expect that you ask India to bring an end to state terrorism and human rights violations. Let human rights organizations, Amnesty International, the international media and U.N. peacekeepers be allowed to monitor activities of the Indian occupation forces.

Now we come to the second problem, which causes confusion in our minds and is of our particular concern. It relates to conflicts involving Muslims. Our religious leaders involve themselves in such conflicts without giving serious thought to them. I don’t want to talk at length on this.

It is for the government to take a position on international issues. Individuals, organizations and political parties should restrict their activities to expression of their views. I request them to express their views on international issues in an intellectual spirit and in a civilized manner through force of argument.

Views expressed with maturity and moderation have greater convincing power.

Expressing views in a threatening manner does not create any positive effect and anyone who indulges in hollow threats is taken as an unbalanced person by the world at large.

I would request that we should stop interfering in the affairs of others.

First, we should attain the strength and the importance where our views carry weight when we express them.

Now we come to internal decisions.

The third issue causing conflict in our minds relates to sectarian

differences. As I have already pointed out that writ of the Government will be established. No individual, organization or party will be allowed to break the law of the land. All functioning will be in a regulated manner and within rules.

Now I come to the extremist organizations. Terrorism, and sectarianism must come to an end. I had announced a ban on Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Mohammad on 14 August last year. On that occasion, I had pointed out that Sipah-e-Sahaba and TJP would be kept under observation.

I am sorry to say that there is not much improvement in the situation. Sectarian violence continues unabated. We have busted several gangs involved in sectarian killings. You would be astonished to know that in year 2001 about 400 innocent people fell victim to sectarian and other killings.

Many of the gangs apprehended include people mostly belonging to Sipah-e-Sahaba and some to TJP. This situation cannot be tolerated any more.

I, therefore, announce banning of both Sipah-e-Sahaba and TJP. In addition to these, TNSM (Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Mohammadi) being responsible for misleading thousands of simple poor people into Afghanistan also stands banned.

This organization is responsible for their massacre in Afghanistan.

The Government has also decided to put the Sunni Tehreek under observation. No organization is allowed to form Lashkar, Sipah or Jaish. The Government has banned Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Any organization or individual would face strict punitive measures if found inciting the people to violence in internal or external contexts.

Our mosques are sacred places where we seek the blessings of God Almighty.

Let them remain sacred. We will not allow the misuse of mosques. All mosques will be registered and no new mosques will be built without permission. The use of loudspeakers will be limited only to call for prayers, and Friday Sermon and Vaaz. However, I would like to emphasise that special permission is being given for “Vaaz” (Sermon). If this is misused the permission will be cancelled.

If there is any political activity, inciting of sectarian hatred or propagation of extremism in any mosque, the management would be held responsible and proceeded against according to law.

I appeal to all Pesh Imams to project the qualities of Islam in the mosques and invite the people to piety. Talk of obligations towards fellow beings, exhort them to abstain from negative thoughts and promote positive thinking. I hope that all Nazims, Distt. Police officers and Auqaf Department officials will take quick action against violators of these measures.

On Madaris, a detailed policy will be issued through a new Madressa Ordinance. The Ordinance will be issued in a few days. I feel happy that the Madressa policy has been finalized in consultation with religious scholars and Mashaikh. I have touched on the merits and shortcomings prevailing in the Madaris. Merits have to be reinforced while shortcomings have to be rooted out. Under the Madressa policy, their functioning will be regulated.

These Madaris will be governed by same rules and regulations applicable to other schools, colleges and universities. All Madaris will be registered by 23rd March 2002 and no new Madressa will be opened without permission of the Government.

If any Madressa (religious school) is found indulging in extremism, subversion, militant activity or possessing any types of weapons, it will be closed. All Madaaris will have to adopt the new syllabi by the end of this year. Those Madaris which are already following such syllabi are welcome to continue. The Government has decided to provide financial assistance to such Madaris. The government will also help the Madaris in the training of their teachers. The Ministry of Education has been instructed to review courses of Islamic education in all schools and colleges also with a view to improving them. So far as foreign students attending Madaris are concerned, we have set rules for them. Foreign students who do not have proper documents would be required to comply with the formalities by 23rd March 2002 otherwise they can face deportation.

Any foreigner wanting to attend Madaris in Pakistan will have to obtain required documents from his/her native country and NOC from the government.

Only then, he or she will get admission. The same rules will apply to foreign teachers.

Some Ulema were of the view that some poor people who come to Pakistan for religious education should not be deported to the countries of their origin.

I agree that this is a genuine demand but such people should regularize their stay in Pakistan through their respective embassies. As I have said, all such activity has to be regulated and the writ of the Government must be established.

With a view to ending conflict, I have explained to you at great length the three areas causing confusion in our minds. Making rules, regulations and issuing ordinances is easy but their implementation is difficult. However, I feel all the measures I have announced are of utmost importance. We have to implement them. In this regard, the law enforcement agencies including police must perform their duty.

We are introducing reforms in the police with a view to improving their efficiency. A great responsibility lies on their shoulders.

I have directed the police to ensure implementation of the steps announced by the government and I have no doubt they will be motivated to perform their duty. After reforms we expect they will be better trained and equipped to discharge their duty. Rangers and civil armed forces will be in their support.

We are also taking steps in consultation with the judiciary for speedy trial of cases relating to terrorism and extremism. Anti terrorist courts are being strengthened and necessary orders will be issued in a few days.

Apart from these issues, I would also like to inform you, my brothers and sisters, that we have been sent a list of 20 people by India.

I want to clear our position on this. There is no question of handing over any Pakistani. This will never be done. If we are given evidence against those people, we will take action against them in Pakistan under our own laws. As far as non-Pakistanis are concerned, we have not given asylum to any one. Any one falling under this category will be proceeded against whenever one is found.

My brothers & Sisters,

Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. There are 98 percent Muslims living in this country. We should live like brothers and form an example for rest of the Islamic countries. We should strive to emerge as a responsible and progressive member of the comity of nations.

We have to make Pakistan into a powerful and strong country. We have resources and potential. We are capable of meeting external danger. We have to safeguard ourselves against internal dangers. I have always been saying that internal strife is eating us like termite. Don’t forget that Pakistan is the citadel of Islam and if we want to serve Islam well we will first have to make Pakistan strong and powerful. There is a race for progress among all nations.

We cannot achieve progress through a policy of confrontation and feuds. We can achieve progress through human resource development, mental enlightenment, high moral character and technological development. I appeal to all my countrymen to rise to the occasion. We should get rid of intolerance and hatred and instead promote tolerance and harmony.

May God guide us to act upon the true teachings of Islam. May He help us to follow the Quaid-e-Azam’s motto: “Unity, Faith and Discipline”. This should always be remembered. We will be a non-entity without unity.

And I would again like to recite a couplet from Allama Iqbal:

``Fard Qaim Rabte Millat Say Hai Tanha Kuch Naheen.

Mauj Hai Darya Main Aur Baroon-e-Darya Kuch Naheen.``

English:

AMONGST THE COMMUNITY

DO INDIVIDUALS SURVIVE; NOT ALONE ;

LIKE WAVES THAT EXIST IN RIVERS AND OUT OF WATER ARE NOT KNOWN.

PAKISTAN PAINDABAD.

shankar #288: The more I read the comments of Indians, the more I am begining to realize Indians have almost no understanding of the dynamics of the Pakistani society. Believe me, a BJP equivalent in Pakistan, would never, and has never, won more than 1% of the political seats. This is 180 degrees opposite of the image Indians have of Pakistani society vis-a-vis the Indian society.

I think most Pakistanis automatically assume Indians understand Pakistan as well as Pakistanis understand India. I am now convinced that is definitely not the case. Many, if not most, of the remarks by Indians about the Pakistani society are usually quite a bit off target, and are inline with what they see in their media.

Sun Tzu, the great strategician said long ago, ``“Know thy enemy and know thy self and and in a hundred battles you shall not be imperiled.`` Indians know themselves quite well, but do not know their enemy, Pakistan. Pakistanis, on the other hand know their enemy, but always tended to overestimate themselves. Interestingly, India still does not know Pakistan, but is starting to overestimate itself, now. While Pakistan is now starting to get a more balanced view of itself, and still understands its enemy.

``Even if it is a bluff--India has met certain objectives. I dont think Mushy would have arrested the leaders of the Let & JM if he was not pressured by the US. I also dont believe that the US would have pressured Mushy to do so, if they thought India was only bluffing. If anything, the Indian build up did gets 100s of these guys arrested.``

This is what scares me, about the Indian attitude. Let me tell you a fact. I served as an Operations officer during an excercise to a bunch of Pakistani Generals. There was one thing I noticed common about all of them. When it came to India, even the corrupt ones had no fear, and were willing to sacrifice everything they had to defend Pakistan. Pressure from India has about as much effect on Pakistanis, as pressure from Pakistan has on India. It gets them angry and more stubborn. I am telling you, Indians and Pakistanis, should thank God that Musharraf is handling this so maturely and calmly. Just imagine what would happen if he became Advani. It is not as if Pakistan has been afraid to fight India before. And now with a nuclear deterent, Pakistan is far more secure than it has ever been in fifty years.

Musharraf has been going religious militant parties way before Sept 11. He challenged the blasphemy law over a year ago. He banned two parties before Sep. 11. And after Sept. 11, he openly took on even the non-extremist religious parties (parties which are far less extremist than the BJP). He has now banned the five that were highlighted by the UN (purely due to US and UN and domestic pressure, and not due to Indian pressure). Unlike India, Pakistan does not tell the UN to go to hell, while simulataneously aspiring for a seat on the Security Council. If anything, the threats from India are going to make it more difficult for Musharraf to take the actions he wants, and not less difficult. Indians need to understand this.

``They are not attacking the Pakistan govt.``

These groups attack everyone they don`t agree with, including the govt. of Pakistan. Some of them (most probably) just shot the brother of the Pakistani Interior minister. Sometimes they are on the moral highground and sometimes on low ground. They follow their own laws and ethics. But, they are not the main cause of the uprising in Kashmir. There are many many groups fighting in Kashmir. Primarily the Kashmiris themselves, some of whom maybe living in the US or England, like I am. If it was just a few Pakistanis crossing into Kashmir than over 60,000 people would not have been killed. And India would have opened Kashmir to the rest of the world, to expose these Pakistanis. Indians need to understand this also.

``Why in the world would he do that if it there was no coerction of some sort?!``

The coercion came from Musharraf himself, the UN and the USA. This is exacly what I am trying to explain to Indians. Pakistani do not fear India. Maybe they should, since India is so much bigger, but they don`t. Psychologically, it is difficult to fear a group they feel they ruled for one thousand years.

As for most of your points on the list, they are unfortunately valid, and highlight exactly the reasons that the Kashmiris want freedom. If these were the only variables, then India would not even bring Kashmir up. However, you missed one important point: India has betweeen 500,000 to 700,000 troop deployed in its only Muslim majority state to control the population. They are killing tens of thousands of people. Are you seriously suggesting to me, as an Indian, that the Indian society is so primitive and so brutal, that something like this has absolutely no effect on it? They ``just doesn`t care,`` as you have eloquently and bluntly put it. This would imply that India is willing to keep doing what it has been doing for another fifty years.

You need to keep in mind the only reason the situation reached this stage is because India did not recognize peaceful protests for forty years. All it is agreeing to now are talks, without pointing any concessions it is willing to make from its previous stance. Don`t you think India should make one small statement highlighting a change in stance during talks, i.e. no more atut-ang? If not, then what exactly is it willing to talk about? As an Indian, could you let me know whether you feel the average Indian on the street supports the right of self-determination of Kashmiris? I only get the views of the ruling parties.

I have to say both the Pakistani and Indian societies seem to be going thru a transition. Indians are irrationally following a man who was at the head of one of the most major and fatal acts of religious extremism ever carried out, in the tearing down of a mosque. They are supporting an almost completely Hindu Army`s killing of tens of thousands of Muslims in India`s only Muslim majoirty province. They are regularly voting for a political party which proudly claims to be the most prominent member of the RSS. They are openly discarding the UN, ICJ and AI. They feel they have the right to declare Pakistan responsible for every terrorist act in their country, without providing a shred of proof. More importantly, Indian citizens hate Pakistanis so much they are willing to accept the words of Advani against Pakistan, without any proof (why put up all this, ``Pakistani-Indians are one`` facade). Based on this tremondously ridiculous reason, India is threatening a potential all-out nuclear war against Pakistan.

And you are justifying all this by just saying, ``Indians don`t care.`` When will they start caring? When a nuclear winter descends upon New Delhi, Bombay, Lahore Karachi and Amritsar? Don`t you think that would be a bit too late?

Just imagine for a second, if Musharraf came out and made a similar statement, i.e. ``Pakistanis don`t care.`` What would happen next? It is not as if Pakistan is not used to fighting India. India has been attacking in Siachen for the past 16 years. Even after fifty years, Pakistan has not lost an inch of land in West Pakistan. And when the Bengalis populace was united with Pakistan, not an inch in East Pakistan, either. If anything, it has taken land from India in 1947 in Kashmir.

What would the chest thumping Indians do then? Would they attack Pakistan? Then what. Do you really think Pakistanis, specially the soldiers, are shaking in their pants, right now? I know them, very well. Believe me, they are just waiting to be let loose on an attacking Indian military. Pakistanis fear more than they should the USA, the IMF, the World Bank, the small time domestic militant religious leaders, and the wrath of God.

But they do not fear India. They should to some degree, in my opinion, due to the large size difference. But they don`t. A cricket match against India unites Pakistanis like nothing else can. Just imagine what how much a attacking India will unite Pakistan. At that point, it becomes a do or die situation for Pakistan.

I have been trying to make two points to the Indians, unfortunately quite unsuccessfully:

1) Pakistanis do not fear India. And any furthur rhetoric by India is going to be counter-productive. If India wants war, then it should just go ahead and attack, and save the formalities. India cannot win a war against Pakistan. Both countries will lose. It seems like the Pakistanis have realized this, but the Indians haven`t. I am really afraid of the scenario, where Pakistanis lose their cool also.

2) Luckily for Pakistan, it is taking its society is going in exactly the opposite direction of India, now. The Advanis of Pakistan are ending up in the slammer, not in the Parliament. Indians need to get off their judge, jury and executioner high horse and start doing some introspection of their own, and not blame every domestic Indian problem on Pakistan (or at least provide proof to the international press, before placing the blame). Pakistanis have a hell of a lot of complains against India, also. Please start pointing out some of those, along with Indian complaints against Pakistan. What if tomorrow Pakistan piles up its forces on the border, when a terrorist attack occurs in Karachi (which happens quite frequently).

Potential nuclear wars have been started on some strange issues. But this one of blaming a terrorist attack on another country, with zero proof, must take the cake. Indians are only harming themselves by their, ``don`t care`` attitude. While Pakistanis are greatly helping themselves with the current, ``do care`` attitude.

Pakistanis have now gone half-way, not due to threats from India, but due to Musharrafs` own vision and threats from the USA (probably). I hope after all of this, if and when India gives Pakistan the, ``honor to talk to India`` on Kashmir, India doesn`t keep sticking to its atut-ang stance (the actual cause of all the historical India-Pakistan problems), and is willing to meet Pakistan half-way also. If not, then it will have just helped Pakistan solve some of Pakistan`s domestic problems, while India`s Kashmir problem, and Indo-Pak problems in general, will still remain festering.

President Mr. Musharraf has now made a speech that marks the beginning of a new course for Pakistan. Religious Extremist are marginalized, Masajid and Madaress will be licensed, the content of their circiculum scrutinized, a new orthodoxy will be set - extremist have only their shortsightedness to blame for this intrusion of the government, and few will sympathize with them.

The captive Kashmiri have been reassured that Pakistan will not abandon them - The Indians have been assured that ``terrorism`` will not be the recourse or objective of Pakistani policy and that the ball is now in their court to proceed with negotiations.

The Americans are already praising the speech, as are the EU and the support of the Chinese for this course, is a given. A new round of economic incentives and rewards are being prepared by the Americans for the Pakistanis.

What are the implications for the Indian build up on the border? Should they reject the course offered by Mr. Musharraf, what support can they count on in the international community? If the new economic support and incentives actually clears the congress, what will be the implications for the Indian who in many instances export similar raw and semi-processed and processed goods?

If the Indian should reject Mr. Musharraf`s offer as insufficient, what options are available to them?

If they accept Mr. Musharraf`s offer, what will political fallout of the build up and then the let down, have in India?

Either way, the justification for hostility and/or war seems to have eluded the Indian and whether now or in three months, it will have little choice but to stand down - but of course this build up has been a great service to the people of Pakistan by providing the political space and imperative to Mr. Musharraf justify the kinds of changes he wanted to bring since day one; Indians too will have been served by their build up, as it has served to focus the attention of the world on Kashmir - surely the cause of justice serves the people of India, ven as it serves the interests of Pakistan and the captive Kashmiri - world peace requires nothing less.

SCANDALOUS ROMANCE OF SHYAMSEWAK WITH UMA BHARTI

Fatwa against Govindacharya: double-standards and hierarchy games

in the Sangh

Sangh idealogue and pracharak Govindacharya

has taken on the might of the Vajpayee camp

more than once, both with his attacks on Vajpayee

and his support for the backward castes. His unceremonious expulsion after a confession about his torrid affair with Uma Bharati only reflects RSS` double-standards and puritanism, says Zafar Agha



New Delhi, January 9

Poor Govindacharya. Once the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh`s (RSS) blue-eyed boy, he is now their hate object. The puritan Sangh has decided to strip him of his pracharak (fulltime worker) status. His sin: he was in love with Uma Bharati, an affair he candidly admitted. The RSS is known for its strong commitment to brahmacharya (celibacy). Its pracharaks are supposed to strictly give up all their inclinations to women. If anyone displays any interest in women, he is supposed to violate the Sangh norms. Govind not only loved Uma Bharati, but also publicised his affair with the lady in saffron robes.

Govindacharya virtually dared the RSS in Varanasi recently when he called some mediapeople and confessed that he was in love with Uma. ``Yes, I loved Umaji and even informed Advaniji about it,`` he said. Govind was candid enough and left no room for anyone in the Sangh to have any doubts about the much-talked about Uma-Govind affair that on and off kept the rumour mills going against the Sanghi duo.

But Govind is not the only one in the Sangh Parivar who has defied conventions. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee also has a live-in relationship with Mrs Kaul. She stays with Vajpayee at his official Race Course Residence. Late Sunder Singh Bhandari - the self-confessed bachelor RSS parcharak for long time - had a live-in relationship with a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician from Delhi. Both are relationships that are well-known in political circles. But the RSS never reacted to these relationships ever. Suddenly, the RSS found Govind`s relationship with Uma bit too hot to handle. Why?

Obviously, the RSS mandarins are playing ball with someone up in the hierarchy. This someone up in the hierarchy is none but the Prime Minister himself with whom Govindacharya had a running feud. The entire world knows that Govind in his over-enthusiasm had once called Vajpayee a mukhauta (mask) whose strings were pulled by the RSS. Govind`s daring statement about Vajpayee infuriated the prime minister so much so that he first saw to it that Govind is banished to sanyas (exile) from the BJP.

With Govindacharya`s confession about his torrid affair with Uma, the Vajpayee camp seemed to have forced the Sangh to strike again at Govindacharya.

Now, Govindacharya has no mentors in the Sangh Parivar. The worst for him is that his old mentor L K Advani too has washed his hands off him. It was essentially Advani who had helped Govind rise up the BJP ladder to the level where he made a place for himself as a key member of the party think tank. Govind`s contribution to the BJP was his ``social engineering`` thesis that advocated the Brahmin-Baniya dominated BJP sharing power with the backward castes.

Govind`s thesis in the post-Mandal political scenario helped the BJP win over a substantial chunk of other backward classes (OBC) to its fold. Some of the best known backward faces in BJP like Uma Bharati, Kalyan Singh and Vinay Katiyar et al owe their rise to Givind`s strong advocacy for the backwards. His friends suspect that the social engineering line annoyed the Brahmin-Baniya lobby within the BJP and the Sangh. The strong lobby led by Vajpayee finally saw to it that Govind is punished appropriately so that he becomes an example for any one in the party willing to back the OBCs. Notwithstanding the fact that backwards within the saffron brigade might feel they have no place in the key power structure of the Sangh set up.

But these are elections times in crucial states, like Uttar Pradesh, where the backward castes will not be pleased with the Sangh decision. For this reason alone, the Sangh is now trying to play down its own decision. But the Sangh spokesperson has let the world know that Govindacharya is friendless in the Sangh family. Govindachary, is no doubt, a victim of Sangh double standards.









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sarwari,

I have had a heretical thought for a long time, but had always hoped that a Pakistani would himself/herself articulate it - then the message won`t be dismissed because the ``messanger himself was suspect.``

Ardeshir C. is as Pakistani as any other. He also understands Pakistan and its history more than any other. Most important, he is a true WELL-WISHER of Pakistan.

I hope the real well-wishers of Pakistan, not the chest-thumpers and absolutely stupid cyber-warriors, will try to understand why A.C. said what he said -

``Yeh mulk in sub ko muft ka mila.``

and then begin to listen to the only person who probably genuinely fought for Pakistan - Jinnah.