64 thoughts on “News Channel Blackout in Gujarat”

1. GB

   Re: the Hindu, dont overlook their biased and one-sided coverage of China. Their gal in China, Pallavi Aiyer, has written more than a 100 articles, mostly ultra-positive in every way. Not a single one addresses the extinction of Tibetan culture via ethnic replacement, lack of representational democracy, lack of individual rights for expression and travel, han hegemony and control, massive use of capital punishment. The sad thing is that few people seem to write in to complain about this, while 1000s are happy to demonstrate against the US or silly Danish Cartoons.

2. @Maybe Sujatha

   And many who supported , at a local level , their BJP politicians with money and materials . The one name I can give you is that of Nirav Jain , a Baroda-based politician ( incidentally , the one behind the somewhat recent MSU art college fracas ).

   Looks like we are back to BJP baiting.. Please allow me to expose the “pseudo-secular media” the so called “art loving intellectuals” and the lefties who selectively back them or fly under the radar. There were all the major religions involved in this controversy, FYI.Why is it that no newspapers published the danish cartoon’s and news channels refused to air such even in the West ? [barring: Philadelphia Inquirer and a couple of others]. So is it Okay to offend some religions, or is it that “freedom of art” is being selectively applied by self appointed “Intellectual Guardians”.

   If Congress bans “Da Vinci Code” it is respecting “Minority Sentiments” and upkeeping “Secularism” If MF. Hussain paints exclusively nude paintings of Hindu Godesses it is “ART and Freedom of Expression” If Taslima Nasreen, Salman Rushdie publish books, and were attacks on them with people putting Bounties on their heads.. Its “Blasphemy”

   Vadodara art college student in custody, hearing today By IE Friday May 11, 01:56 AM

   For the second consecutive day, Chandramohan, fine arts student of M S University, continues to be in police custody. Two more charges under Section 295 A and 153 B of IPC were registered against him. Meanwhile, the MSU top brass refused to get bail for Chandramohan. Instead, they have asked Fine Arts Faculty in-charge Shivaji Panikkar to issue a public apology for the student’s work. BJP leader Niraj Jain and some Christian groups had raised objections to Chandramohan’s piece of art which he had displayed as exam work at the university. They had also destroyed them. He was shifted from Sayajigunj police station to Vadodara Central Jail after his bail plea hearing was postponed for tomorrow. Section 295 A of IPC pertains to deliberate and malicious act to outrage religious sentiments by insulting religious beliefs while Section 153 B pertains to acts of prejudice against national integration. Panikkar refused to issue any public apology and following a meeting with faculty teachers and students, issued a statement that the MSU top brass was pressurising them to do so.

   ———- From the MSU faculty and The Organizers of the event ————

   STATEMENT OF FACTS BY SHABNAM HASHMI of the NGO SAHMAT + dateline

   * The MSU Syndicate in its meeting ratified the decision of VC on the suspension issue and has not taken any decision regarding the wide scale criticism over the composition of the Vice Chancellors Inquiry Committee which is presently investigating into the incidents at the Faculty of Fine Arts. Minutes and resolution to this effect issued on 7 June 2007 Professor Romila Thapar, Professor Jayati Ghosh, Professor Shivaji Panikkar and others address Press Conference organized by SAHMAT at Press Club, New Delhi on 29 May # On 9 June, staff members of the Faculty gave the Governor, in his capacity as a Visitor to the University, a Memorandum that apprised him of the situation. The primary demands of the staff members were the following: 1. An FIR be lodged by the University authorities against Niraj Jain and associates for intruding into the University premises without permission. 2. The attached artworks be released forthwith to enable the completion of evaluation and declaration of result 3. The suspension of i/c Dean, Professor Shivaji K Panikkar who was the only University authority who attempted to prevent the disruption of examinations, protect the students and redress their grievances, be revoked unconditionally with immediate effect. 4. That the Governor, as the Visitor to the University, intervene and set up an inspection into all the official actions taken by the university authorities with regard to the Faculty of Fine Arts, as their actions clearly compromise the autonomy of the University and violate the sanctity and integrity of University education. 5. That appropriate action be initiated against the Vice Chancellor for abdication of responsibility towards the University at a critical moment, failure to take action against the intruders and disruption of the examination process. 6. To set up, in his Capacity as the Governor of Gujarat State, a Judicial Level committee to inquire into the entire events starting from the Fine Arts Faculty to the developments thereafter, like the announcement of a reward of Rs. 1 lakh for a nude portrait of Prophet Mohammed by Mr. Deepak Shah, a senate member of the University and the appearance of the nude portrait of Prophet Mohammed in the D.N, Hall in the main University Campus, that led to a riot-like situation in the Old City area of Vadodara.

   ——— More from a Islamic News Site —- Art for Humanity’s Sake

   The depiction of Muslims as terrorists in Kailash Tiwari’s painting exhibition “The Face of Terror” in Bhopal and the blasphemous posters sketching the Holy Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be with him) at the M.S. University campus in Vadodara at the instigation of M.S. University Senate member and former BJP students’ wing activist Deepak Shah followed by Chandramohan’s presentations offending the various religions and faiths, have once again raised the question of art for art’s sake versus art for the sake of morality or for that matter humanity at large. Tiwari’s paintings, which feature Osama bin Laden and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, also depict people in beard and wearing religious cap attacking India and the Parliament. That the practitioner of hate rather than fine arts aimed at targeting a specific community is palpably obvious. But he forgot that Muslims do not endorse terrorism in any form as it stands in sharp contrast with the ideals of Islam. It is a relief to know that the painter has removed 10 paintings from the exhibition, and local authorities have asked him to wind up the exhibition after Muslims raised objections to it notwithstanding radical Hindu organisations coming in support of the painter. But the case in Vadodara is more serious as it amounts to blasphemy. Hate mentality is now so much ingrained in the psyche of a section of society that offers are being made to create hate! Deepak Shah offered a Rs. 1 lakh award daring anybody to “offend Islam the way Fine Arts Faculty student Chandramohan’s works had offended the religious sensibilities of Christians and Hindus If Chandramohan blasphemed against certain faiths, he must be prosecuted for that. And that too he had not acted at the instigation of any follower of Islam. But what Shah did is rabidly provocative and highly deplorable and condemnable. It is in the fitness of things that one Farid Lakhajiwala filed a complaint against those responsible for making and distributing the controversial posters as well as against Shah for his controversial offer. The case was made out under Sections153 (a), 153 (b), 295 (a), and 114 of the Indian Penal Codethe same as those pressed against Chandramohan for his art works. As many as 15 youths were arrested for rioting, and combing operations were on in full swing in walled city areas. But the proactive police did not take any action against Shah for his provocative statements and offer of a reward.

   {Note : How immediately the threat of riots springs, as the “artists” bluff gets called.. }

   If an example Ive given is somewhat specious , I would say it was the reference to Marwaris – I know of just one who got some parts of his commercial building ‘cleant out’ of both Hindu and Muslim shops , apparently so that he could tear the whole thing down and build a large swanky one in its place . I am given to suspect similar profit-seeking motives behind some of the examples of Jain and Hindu involvement . I also met Muslim tenants of Hindu landlords who gave them a lot of material and monetary help to rebuild their shops and businesses and remain in the same commercial complexes .

   Yes indeed your example is specious, one would have given you the benefit of doubt.. but a cursory look at all your posts on this page, seem to indicate you are subtly hinting at the “good muslim community” vs “bad bad everybody”. Marwaris and Jains and Buddhist’s and Tribals , Jews, Parsis are not particularly known for rioting and any one alluding to such is simply not being frank, apart from them trying to protect their businesses[one could only wish that the Indian police were efficient and a little less corrupt] from the underworld and extortion rackets [Muslim Community being well represented]. Apparently even multi-millionaire like Bharat Shah and all the bollywoodies succumb to pressure from the Underworld, and pay up or act as fronts..

   Latest being Attarwala :

   Mumbai Police questions nine film stars in Attarwala case 27 Oct 2007, 0141 hrs IST,PTI

   MUMBAI: Putting all speculations to rest, city police on Friday said nine Bollywood stars, including Hrithik Roshan, Shilpa Shetty and Salman Khan, were questioned in connection with a case involving an aide of gangster Chhota Shakeel. Giving out the names of the stars, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rakesh Maria said the stars were called for questioning to check if they had performed in dance shows in the UAE organised by Iqbal Attarwala, aide of Shakeel “under a proper contract, with love and affection for the producer or under pressure by various elements.” Others questioned by the Mumbai Crime Branch include Arbaaz Khan, his wife Malaika and brother Sohail (who produced some of the shows), Esha Deol, Urmila Matondkar and Priyanka Chopra. Actor Sunil Shetty, who’s Popkorn Entertainment also produced some shows will be called for questioning soon as he was busy, Maria said. “All of them have asked for time from us to submit their MOU’s and contracts. We would also be questioning cricketers who had played in the cricket matches and have sought video tapes of the matches,” he said.

3. @pw

   why do you see hara-kiri as the only possible cause of death apart from being slain by marauding muslim rioters? most of the hindu dead were rioters felled by police bullets. additionally, many would’ve obviously been killed while on the attack. it’s not as if every muslim victim went quietly without any resistance.there were reports of helpless dalit hindus being killed at random by muslims, but i don’t think they would’ve been terribly high in number.i’m not saying that muslims are somehow morally above rioting, but in this case your comments don’t hold much water.

   I was being sarcastic wrt. {Hara-Kiri comment}, and waiting until somebody shows up and blames the Israeli tourists to India [International Zionist Conspiracy, Mossad, Shin Bet et.al ] and the possibly even the Illuminati, surprised it took so long. It’s always the proverbial “everybody is against us” jig.. Followed by a bunch of “I definitely think so.. Bro!.. word on the street” comments..

4. most of the hindu dead were rioters felled by police bullets. additionally, many would’ve obviously been killed while on the attack. it’s not as if every muslim victim went quietly without any resistance. there were reports of helpless dalit hindus being killed at random by muslims, but i don’t think they would’ve been terribly high in number.

   really, you got some kind of excel spreadsheet listing the number of Hindus brought down by police bullets and those by Muslim mobs separately?

5. Wayfarer @ 52

   I’m sorry I didnt read right through your post – it seems way off topic , and triggered just by the name of Nirav Jain ( that I gave skep-on-earth@46 as an example ). I believe there is another thread on SM this could be moved to ?

   To the bit towards the end that did address my post @ 48 :

   The reason I mentioned other communities like the Jains and the Dantewada tribals ( and not Christians , Parsis , Jews ?! and Buddhists ?! ) is to clarify that the riots were not only Hindu vs. Muslim , but also just about anybody with an agenda / matter to settle . Though maybe I should qualify the Dantewada tribal reference by explaining that they were used more as foot-soldiers to carry out the actual killings ( like the Charras in the Tehelka expose ) – but it stands as an example of the involvement ( active or passive )of communities in the riots that one would not expect to have seen ( Hindu involvement is explained as a reaction to the train massacre – at least initially ) .

   I will retract the Marwari reference – as the old saying goes , ‘One Marwari does not a Riot make’ .

6. People may not agree with the rioters but they dare not to confront them.

   Fine, but they have the ballot AFTER THAT.

   Kurma, i would be interested to know if you would apply this exact logic to the entire Muslim community , on account of the Muslims who have known to be involved in many communal riots in India even before Godhra happened. Or the killingas that happened during the Partition ?Or does this logic apply only to the Hindus ?

   Well, what do you think? Of course, it doesn’t apply to only Hindus. What a stupid thing to ask!

   Er Kurma… you dont really seem to understand what a democracy is. When people vote for a particular Government, they do not promise to support EVERY THING that the Govt does in their name. People make a choice that a particular party is more suitable to govern the country but this does not mean that they mortgage their freedom to have opinions to the Govt. It would nt be a democracy then.

   I didn’t say they don’t have the freedom. In fact, I’m saying the opposite. They CAN stop the government (although with varying degrees of difficulty) if enough of them really want it. Therefore, the moves of a government are indicators of the will of the people (or their lack of concern). This “evil government” is often a bogeyman. You only really have your fellow citizens to blame.

   Many people who voted for Bush in 04 are feeling terrible today for the choice they made back then. More than two thirds of the citizens in the US want the troops to be pulled out of Iraq. This is happening after they re-elected Bush ! Go figure !!

   What is there to figure? That two thirds want the troops out NOW doesn’t mean they weren’t for sending the troops in in the first place. They were generally for it. I remember clearly, on 9-12-01, several callers on NPR, in California., asking to bomb them in the Middle East (there were some sane voices too). I can only imagine what it was like on some other radio channels in some other parts of the country. They re-elected Bush even after he did all that crap. Politicians beat the war drums only because they think their electorates want it or because their electorate lets them.

   Anyways, this issue is separate from the Gujarat riots. I only put it there to say that in a democracy, the actions of a government, always reflects the will of the majority of the people (or at least their lack of willingness to put in the effort to stop it).

   By the way does any one know if Christians get a subsidy to go to the Vatican?

   This just shows your ignorance about other segments of Indian society.

   Modi won the elections after wards not because the Hindu majority had suddenly turned into hating the Muslims – it won because people were angry that no body seemed to mention or care for the fact that innocent Hindu’s were killed inside a train but there was outright condemnation of the riots alone.

   Yeah, right! Lack of condemnation was deemed more important than wholesale butchering. Good thing we had Modi to provide the necessary condemnation.

   There’s much in your comment that I haven’t responded to. For most of it, all I have to say that this sense of victimization by the minorities that some Hindus have is simply ridiculous. Enough to drag around Mahmud of Ghazni to explain what’s going on today. Please open your eyes to the realities. Really, don’t you have something else to occupy you?

7. By the way does any one know if Christians get a subsidy to go to the Vatican?

   This just shows your ignorance about other segments of Indian society.

   Why this snarkiness? How is the idea of a vactican subsidy any less absurd than the Haj subsidy that is in place?

   Kurma. this sense of victimization by the minorities that some Hindus have is simply ridiculous.

   If I was being snarky, I could say with ‘this just shows your ignorance of basic Indian Law, Current events, documented political schemes, etc.’ or something like ‘this sense of hatred of that some Hindus have of people who recognize their religion is being systematically weakened is simply ridiculous’

   Over the years some some decisions made on the basis on some bad assumptions and theories that had not been thought out through that have affected hinduism adversely. Since many of these assumptions continue to form the basis of public discourse in India it is difficult to see how hinduism.

   The next chapter of Guha’s book that is up for discussion deals with the consitution of India. Instead of getting into a needless flamewar here on what is already a charged thread, why not have a less personal discussion there?

8. For most of it, all I have to say that this sense of victimization by the minorities that some Hindus have is simply ridiculous. Enough to drag around Mahmud of Ghazni to explain what’s going on today.

   Kurma, have you lived in India? I dont think it just “some” hindus!

9. “Over the years some some decisions made on the basis on some bad assumptions and theories that had not been thought out through that have affected hinduism adversely.”

   Hinduism is being weakened? I don’t think hinduism has ever been so strong over the subcontinent. The hindutvawadis have literally gotten away with murder twice since 1990: the Shiv Sena in the 1993 riots, and the BJP in the Gujarat riots. They prove it again every Valentine’s day by beating up 18 year old kids. Shilpa Shetty still regrets a kiss, and M.F. Hussain dare not return to India. A poor techie recently spent 50 days in jail after being (wrongly) accused of posting obscence photos of Shivaji by them.

   You are being too modest, Dizzydesi. But so charm it is, this mix of gundagardi and victimhood.

10. posting obscence photos of Shivaji

    Ah … the hindu god Chatrapatti Shivaji. Funny, I seem to have forgotten my Chatrapatti Shivaji slokas. Oh, I remember then now .. I think it goes “Om … Thane express platfrom chaar par se nikalne wala hai, Harbour Line ki trains dus minute late hain”

    Shiv Sena and BJP, and almost every party has non-religion related movements. They are not religious orgainizations. BJP started distancing itself from the RSS after getting power in the center and Shiv Sena’s is not focussed on protecting hinduism. It was founded to protect Maharastrian interests. The Shiv Sena have were thugs before after and during 1993. Everyone in bombay knew that in 1992/93. They voted Shiv Sena into power because they felt that they were too weak to protect themselves and that only the Shiv Sena could protect them. Jogeshwari and the general lack of accountability for fundamentalist muslim actions had a big impact.

11. They are not religious orgainizations. BJP started distancing itself from the RSS after getting power in the center and Shiv Sena’s is not focussed on protecting hinduism. It was founded to protect Maharastrian interests.

    Are you seriously telling me that the BJP and the Shiv Sena do not have hindutva as a v significant part of their ideology? By your definition, is there any party for hindus in India?

    They voted Shiv Sena into power because they felt that they were too weak to protect themselves and that only the Shiv Sena could protect them. Jogeshwari and the general lack of accountability for fundamentalist muslim actions had a big impact.

    I understand that. People make such compromises in India: not much choice really. Its okay if someone tells me they felt threatened by muslim goons and took the help of the Shiv Sena/BJP to survive. I’d understand. Similarly muslims might form their own gangs: that’s life in India, kya kijiyega. But to claim victimhood all the the time gets a bit absurd, when things are overall no better for muslims than they are for hindus.

12. Interesting article on the current mood in Gujarat http://www.himalmag.com/2006/october/cover_story.htm. Guess it is from last year, but totally relevant to the events at hand.

13. Kurma, I was waiting to see your response to NS’comments at #41. I couldnt have put it better 😉

14. Really Amazing! It a brilliant news channel i think it has given a great contribution to increase awareness. As we all are aware about the world every day we can find/watch different types of problems by this news channel. It is the largest source of communication between themselves and public. I would say Tremendous Job!

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