CHRONOLOGY

CHRONOLOGY OF THE MONTH

(16 November – 15 December, 1996)

NATIONAL POLITICS

Government & Parliament

· Parliament meets to honour 17 surviving members of the Constituent Assembly (9 Dec).

· First Meeting of National Committee for Celebration of 50th Anniversary of Independence   held with P.M. in Chair (14 Dec).

· While Congress P.P. Leader Narasimha Rao gives clean chit to UF Government (16 Nov).

· JD leader Biju Patnaik foresees Congress-led coalition government (26 Nov).

· Left Parties express unhappiness over performance of UF Government specially on issue relating to financial policy and management (4 Dec).

· Six monthly progress and performance report on UF Govt. generally negative, except in foreign affairs (15 Dec).

Uttar Pradesh Crisis

· Lucknow High Court gives split verdict on imposition of President’s Rule (19 Nov).

· Both Houses of Parliament adjourned due to disturbances caused by BJP’s demand for Governor’s dismissal (20-21 Nov).

· In election to Rajya Sabha, BJP suffers rout, due to inability to muster majority (29 Nov).

· Parliament endorses President’s Rule (5 Dec).

Congress Party

· President Kesri revokes suspension of M.L. Fotedar, K.N. Singh and Shiela Dixit (16 Nov), forces out and replaces Punjab CM Brar (20 Nov).

· Absents himself from CPP meeting (20 Nov).

· Calls for mass enrollment of SC, ST, OBC and Minorities in Congress and supports reservation for them in party structure (21 Nov).

· Axes 3 Rao appointed General Secretaries Maurya, Poojary and Dwivedi (22 Nov).

· Reinducts Jaffar Sharief (1 Dec).

· Expels Sukh Ram (3 Dec).

· Manages defeat of Rao loyalists in CPP Executive election (10 Dec).

· Agrees to integrate Congress(T) of Arjun Singh and N.D. Tewari (12 Dec).

· Visit Akhil Takhat and apologises to Sikhs (12 Dec).

· Sets up Committee to review UF Government performance (15 Dec) and threatens to withdraw support.

BJP

· BJP National Executive identifies UF as last obstacle to power, undertakes campaign against corruption (14 Nov).

· Criticises Pak-ISI activities in India (29 Nov).

· Suffers set back in Maharashtra Municipal elections (13 Dec).

· RSS reviews BJP’s working and asserts right to guide it on strategy (14 Dec).

· Advani foresees general election in 1997 (15 Dec).

Shiv Sena

· Thackeray reiterates Hindu credentials, tries to woo non-Maharashtraans.

Janata Dal & Left Parties

· Move to make Deve Gowda Party President (25 Nov).

· Janata Dal Leaders Camp failing to bring PM and CM together (29 Nov).

· Internal pressure mounts for Laloo Yadav’s resignation (10 Dec).

· CPI (ML) demonstrates in Patna (21 Nov).

· Left Parties hold joint rally in Patna and warn Laloo (4 Dec).

· CBI investigating A.H. Scam moves closer to CM. Laloo plans counter-rally (28 Nov).

Samajwadi Party

· Holds impressive rally in Bombay and challenges BJP (17 Nov).

Other National Issues

· Chandra Shekhar cautions country against ignoring minorities (16 Nov).

· V.P. Singh hopeful of forming secular coalition Government in UP (23 Nov).

· Chief Justice Almond calls for strengthening federalism (25 Nov).

· Ajit Singh proposes division of UP (9 Dec).

· Govt. Bill for Reservation for Women in Legislations deferred (10 Dec).

· Chandra Shekhar considers Presidential form risky (22 Nov).

· Sees erosion of credibility of institution (6 Dec).

· Cautious against judicial activism and against denationalisation of all politicians as corrupt.

Election Commission

· Mr. M.S. Gill takes over as Chief Election Commissioner vice T.N. Seshan who retires (12 Dec).

KASHMIR SITUATION

Political Development

· CM. Farooq Abdullah’s one month ultimatum to militants for surrender expired without any result (17 Nov).

· CM. cautions people against disruptive forces and reiterates JK’s status as integral part of India (25 Nov).

· Calls upon Pakistan to stop intervention (26 Nov).

· Wants Army to play more active role (10 Dec).

· Appoints two serving Generals as Security Advisors (11 Dec).

· CM decides to chair ‘Unified Command of Army, BSP, CRPF and JKP (15 Dec).

· CM sets up Panel on Autonomy with Karan Singh as Chairman (26 Nov).

· Hurriyat ascribes Security Council defeat to stand on Kashmir (25 Nov).

· Investigation against Hurriyat leaders under I.T. and Foreign Contribution Acts initiated (29 Nov).

· Hurriyat leaders hold Dharma and Hunger Strike in Delhi (11-12 Dec).

· Visit Sikh families victims of 1984 Riots (15 Dec).

Insurgency and Anti-Insurgency Operation

· Army smashes Hizbul Mujahideen Camp in Badgam (16 Nov).

· Militants launch grenade attack in Lal Chowk Srinagar (16 Nov).

· JKLF Military Adviser Mushtaq Dar killed (17 Nov).

· Hazrat Bal mediator G.N. Dogga killed (18 Nov).

· Carb bomb explodes near police headquarters in Srinagar, one killed (22 Nov).

· J&K Ministers C.M. Ramzan and JD MLA Dilaram Mir escape attempt on life (23 Nov).

· Two senior commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen killed (26 Nov).

· Police officers abducted in Baramullah (3 Dec).

· CPI(M) MLA Tarigan hurt and 3 killed by militants in Kulgam (4 Dec).

· CM escapes attempt on life in Hazratbal (5 Dec).

· Army major killed (6 Dec).

· Delhi rejects US offer on 4 missing foreign hostages (20 Nov).

· Government offers award for information on hostages (13 Dec).

International Development

Pakistan:

· Rules out Sino-Indian model for peace pact (28 Nov).

· Visiting FM Yakub Khan informs State Department of intention to hold talks with India, presumably after February 4 elections (7 Dec).

US:

· Visiting US Ambassador to Pakistan calls Kashmir disputed territory, considers elections as irrelevant for changing status, wants India to reduce security pressure and fulfill commitment on autonomy (27 Nov).

· India rules out third party role (28 Nov).

· Assist Secretary of State Robin Raphel reiterates US view (11 Dec).

· Advises Hurriyat to play constructive role and urges India to fulfill promise on ‘maximum autonomy’.

· US hints at visit by President Clinton to South Asia (13 Dec).

China: 

Visiting Chinese President calls for temporary shelving and bilateral talks for settlement of Indo-Pakistan disputes (1 Dec).

Karakhashtan 

President Nazarbezz opposes third party intervention and supports bilateral solution (8 Dec).

Afghanistan 

Taliban regime reopens mercenaries training camps (21 Nov).

BABARI MASJID QUESTION 

Special Court commits 3 more accused including Vijaye Raje Scindia to sessions and orders personal presence of all accused.

(40) at next hearing on 6 December (16 Nov). Muslims respond all over country to Babari Masjid Movement (AIMPLB-BMC, BMMCC and AIBMAC)'s joint call for half day Bandh. Massive Public meeting organised in Hyderabad, 20,000 court arrest in Madras (6 Dec). Issue raised in both Houses of Parliament. Joint Memorandum submitted to PM (See Text). Congress leader Jagannath Mishra calls for reconstruction of Babari Masjid on original site (6 Dec). Shankaracharya Adhikshanan recognises Muslims claim on Babari Masjid site and calls demolition a mistake (6 Dec). Shankaracharya Swaroopanand agrees to wait till judicial verdict for construction of Ram Janambhoomi Mandir on Babari Masjid site (12 Dec). RSS considers 6 December as the 'first sign of Hindu awakening' (11 Nov). Shiv Sena observes Vijay Diwas (6 Dec).

OTHER MATTERS OF CONCERN

Urdu: Maulana Azad National Urdu University Bill passed by Rajya Sabha (27 Nov) and by Lok Sabha (11 Dec). S.C. orders maintenance of environment of Ghalib's Mausoleum in Hazrat Nizamuddin and appoints Composite Committee (19 Nov). Delhi H.C. orders ASI and Delhi Government to formulate plan for conservation of Ghalib's House in old Delhi (9 Dec). Alami Urdu Conference inaugurates Firaq Centenary Celebration (15 Dec).

TADA: S.P. leader Mulayam Singh Yadav threatens agitation for release of TADA detenues (17 Nov).

Animal Slaughter: All India Cow Protection Council holds Dhamma in New Delhi to demand Central legislation for total ban (20 Nov). Posters create tension in Delhi. Vaghela Government in Gujarat promises to enforce strictly ban on cow slaughter. Rajasthan decides to rename "Neel Gai" as "Roz" to facilitate its killing in order to protect crops. SC permits Idgah abattoir in Delhi to function upto 30.6.1997 but on reduced scale and for goats and sheep only. Buffalo meat price goes up. Slaughtering goes underground (30 Nov). Muslim organisations and leaders condemn orders (4 Dec).

Reservation: Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Reservation in Legislatures for Women submits positive report with notes of detail by 3 members (9 Dec). Government defers consideration because of increasing pressure for priority to reservation for OBCs, resisting collective insistence by women MPs (12 Dec). P.M. Deve Gowda supports reservation for Dalit Christians and promises to try for national consensus (27 Nov). BJP President Advani reiterates opposition to recognition of Christian Dalits as SC's (13 Dec). UGC advises Universities to introduce reservation for OBC's in recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff (10 Dec). PM Deve Gowda in his address to Dalit Rallies proposes extension of reservation to public sector (21 Nov). Proposal attracts criticism from business circles (22 Nov). Also promises lifting of 50% ceiling (21 Nov). Delhi Muslim B.C. Federation submits memorandum to Welfare Minister for separate quota for Muslim OBC's (30 Nov). PM proposes reservation for Jats and Vokkaligas. Mulayam Singh opposes. Ajit Singh supports.

Muslim Organisations: AIMMM establishes Committees to review Constitution (25 Nov) and to assist the next-of-kin of victims of air accident (12 Nov) with Syed Yusuf as Convener. Tablighi Jamat Ijterna in Jaipur, Orissa, passes off peacefully despite Bajrang Dal's opposition. A.I. Imams Organisation holds Convention in Delhi. Decides to file petition to S.C. for implementation of award (10 Dec). Markazi Jamaat Ahl Hadith holds 3 day Quran Recitation Competition in Delhi (9-11 Dec). A.I. Minorities Front organises Seminar on Educational and Economic Development of Minorities (14 Dec). A.I. Tehrik Himayatul Islam organises Annual Conference in New Delhi (12 Dec). Abul Kalam Azad Islamic Awakening Centre, New Delhi holds 5 day convocation (27 Nov-1 Dec). Al-Ameen Educational Trust establishes Information Centre in Delhi (1 Dec).

Communal Violence: Government of Maharashtra absolved by Supreme Court of ineffective investigation and prosecution of cases relating to Bombay disturbances (27 Nov). Communal clash in Hyderabad after procession taken out to mark anniversary of demolition of Babari Masjid. Police firing kills 1 Muslim youth, injures 6 others (6 Dec). Communal clash in Mulbagal (Kolar Distt., Karnataka). Police firing on Muslim demonstrators against desecration of Masjid; 2 killed, 20 injured (14 Dec). Communal clash in Dhar (MP) due to conflict on Bhojshala Muslim Dargah claimed by Hindus/Muslims; 12 injured. Indefinite curfew imposed (12-14 Dec).

Anti-Islamic Writings: Delegation led by Tausif Raza Khan waits on Home Minister to demand prosecution for Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray for his offensive remarks against Holy Prophet in his paper Saamna (12 Dec).

Azaan Issue: Calcutta High Court's Order banning use of PA System for Azaan criticised widely (21 Nov).

Hindu Chauvinism: IUML MP's and others oppose BJP proposal for renaming of Ahmedabad as Karnavati (4 Dec).

Education: Jamia Millia Islamia accuses local MLA Hashmi of grabbing Jamia land (21 Nov). Mohammad Shoaib elected as President of JMI Students Union (10 Dec). Azam Khan, SP M.P. demands CBI probe in AMU firing (6 Dec). Sits in Dharna in AMU (8 Dec). Counter-dharna organised by local SP and teachers and students (8 Dec).

Human Rights: Former Chief Justice of India M.N. Venkatachaliah takes over as Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (26 Nov). Amnesty International, PUCL and ICWA hold functions to observe Human Rights Day (10 Dec). Chief Justice Ahmadi calls for public awareness of human rights (10 Dec). S.C. directs NHRC to probe alleged mass cremation of suspected militants by Punjab police (12 Dec).

Minorities Commission: Dr. Tahir Mahmood takes over as Chairman. Government of Rajasthan 'de facto' abolishes State Minorities Commission (9 Dec).

Wakf: National Seminar on Wakfs held in Delhi sets up A.I.W.B. Coordination Committee (28-29 Nov).

Haj: All valid applications for Haj accepted by Haj Committee (10 Dec). J&K CM lays foundation stone of Haj House in Jammu (16 Nov).

Pakistan Visa Policy: Criticised by Foreign Minister Gujral as highly restrictive (9 Dec).

Commemoration: Urs of Khwaja Saheb concludes in Ajmer (17 Nov). Delhi Urdu Academy organises commemorative meeting to honour JOSH Malihabadi. Seminar on Syed Sulaiman Nadvi organised by Jamiat Rasheed, Azamgarh (28 Nov-1 Dec). Death anniversary of Shah Nawaz Khan observed in Delhi (9 Dec). Maulana Mohammad Ali Johar's 118th birth anniversary observed in Delhi (12 Dec).

Upon the entire humanity as a single family. The Indian concept of the unity of mankind was not one that was imposed from outside, standardization and unification of externals, but one of inner harmony and essential unity. Within this wide framework of approach to life - what we called unity in diversity - tolerance of every belief and custom was practiced, and every sort of variety was tolerated, even encouraged in Indian society. This is the matrix in which democracy has taken root, grown and flowered in India of today. Though some of the modern parliamentary institutions were introduced during the British period, they were absorbed and developed by the Indians because of our familiarity with democratic institutions at the grass-roots level in our village panchayats and our traditional heritage of tolerance and respect for different beliefs and points of view. That is what has enabled us to grow into one of the most vibrant democracies in the world, and the largest.

Next year India will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence. It will be for us a celebration of our democracy and of our social and economic achievements under a democratic system. And it will be the celebration of the remarkable phenomenon of a vast country of 960 millions belonging to different faiths, different languages and every imaginable variety of social customs and practices, living together in peace and amity, finding opportunities to strive for the fulfillment of their needs and aspirations.

It will also be the celebration of the launching of a new idea in international politics, viz., the non-aligned movement which has played an important role in the lessening of tensions and conflicts during the dangerous years of the Cold War, and which has an equally important or an even more important role to play today when efforts are being made to impose a unipolar order on a world that is pluralistic and crying out for greater democracy and equality in international affairs.

Bilaterally India and Iran are involved in economic cooperation of major significance. There is a complementarity between the rich resources of Iran and Indian energy needs, scientific-technological capabilities, and for our strength in the areas of management and consultancy. It is possible to match these strengths of our two countries in a cooperation process that will be based on mutual benefit and equality.

In the region it is imperative for us to work together for bringing peace in our neighbourhood and for preventing all manner of external interferences to destabilise nations and to establish strategic strongholds for outside powers. Towards this end we will have to strive consciously to put more vitality and strength into the non-aligned movement.

The civilization and culture of India and Iran are akin to each other and they have preserved over the centuries in the twists and turns of history, values which are of eternal validity for mankind and which are suffused with spirituality and humanity. These values are threatened today by enormously excessive, materialistic and consumerist values that modern media and instruments of propaganda are bombarding the world with. We have to resist this cultural bombardment from outside by revitalising and strengthening our own culture and values. At the same time, we cannot, and we should not, turn our back on modern developments. The great Indian poet and sage Rabindranath Tagore visited Iran in 1932. He spent some days in this beautiful city of Shiraz and sitting by the tomb of the immortal poet Hafiz composed a poem in praise of him. Later in a message to Iranian friends he wrote: "If we cannot absorb what is modern we shall have to bear its assault. But that does not mean that we have to lose our inner wealth and accept what is coming from outside". The inner wealth that countries like Iran and India have acquired over the millennia is immense and impregnable. That is our great strength and cultural shield. We must consciously and tenaciously hold on to it, while imbibing the best from the outside world. The great poet Hafiz had sung:

"In this dusty world, to hand cometh not a man,

It is necessary to make another world, and anew - a man".

We may not be able, out of the dusty and troubled world today, to make another world and a new man, but we can, India and Iran, together make our part of the world a little safer and better to live in.

Obituary: Nobel Laureate Physicist Abdus Salam, 70, passes away in Oxford (21 Nov). Mufti Jalil Ahmad, ex MLA (UP), 54, passes away (30 Nov). Eminent Urdu poet and academician Waheed Akhtar, 63, passes away in New Delhi (13 Dec).

Other Religious Minorities: Sikhs observe 321st anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom and recall Aurangzeb's responsibility (15 Dec).

Muslim World - OIC: Mr. Izzeddin Laraki, ex P.M. of Morocco elected as S.G. of OIC vice Mr. Hamid el Ghabid in Jakarta (13 Dec). India supports Rabbani regime (17 Nov). OIC decides to keep Talibaan Government out and keep Afghanistan's seat vacant (12 Dec). Algeria votes for new constitution banning religion-based parties. Shia-Sunni clashes, Ihtisab Commission and electoral campaigns in Pakistan attract attention. Iran's Speaker Ayatullah Noori pays official visit to India (27-29 Nov). Pleads for Shia-Sunni unity. Iran's Majlis approves indexation of 'Mehr'. Turkey's ruling Refat Party supports India's membership of OIC (16 Dec). SAARC Foreign Ministers Council meets in New Delhi (19-20 Dec). India and Bangladesh sign Treaty on sharing Ganga water during P.M. Hasina Wajid's visit (11 Dec).