NATIONAL POLITICS
*Coalition Govt: *George Fernandes replaces Jaswant Singh as Convener of Coordination Committee (10 Oct).
*Trinamul Congress refuses to join Central Government.
*AIADMK seeks alliance with Congress. Sonia Gandhi reciprocates (12 Oct).
*RSS expresses dissatisfaction with performance of Vajpayee Government (1 Oct).
*DMK threatens to defy ban on Ravan Lila.
*AGP leader and Assam CM Mahanta criticises BJP as 'no different from Congress'.
*Akali Dal threatens to withdraw support on Udham Singh Nagar issue; agrees to withhold fire till Fernandes reports (20 Sept).
*In view of State elections, BJP replaces Sahib Singh by Sushma Swaraj as Delhi CM (10 Oct).
*Left Front: *Left-floated Third Front desires issue-based coordination with Congress (21 Sept).
*Left denies commitment to join Congress-led Government (6 Oct). CPM Congress change party line; names BJP as bigger threat, decides to support Congress but without formal electoral alliance (6 Oct), Congress shows indifference
*SP leader Mulayam Singh presses for inclusion of SP- RJD RLM in Third Front.
*Janata Parivar: *TMC leader Moopanar wants secular forces to support Congress.
*Ajit Singh revives Lok Dal (29 Sept).
*DMK denies possibility of tie-up with BJP (10 Oct). Criticises SP's Alliance with IUML (22 Sept).
*SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav addresses IUML rally in Calicut (22 Sept).
*Congress: *Congress strategically defers move to dislodge Central Government beyond State elections in November, 1998
*In view of State elections, both Congress and BJP, major contestants in MP, Rajasthan, and Delhi, seek Muslim support. Muslims inclined towards Congress for lack of alternative but seeks more seats and attention to their problems. Shahabuddin writes to Congress President, without any response.
*Congress attacks Mulayan Singh in UP; rejects overtures by JD, RJD and SP; shows indifferences to Left's call for understanding; wants limited understanding with BSP in MP, generally wants to go it alone.
*National Integration: President Narayanan inaugurates National Conference of Society for Communal Harmony and urges unity and tolerance for national survival (26 Sept).
*National Commission for Minorities: *NCM reports on atrocities against minorities in Gujarat and recommends.
*NCM makes statutory recommendations for action on Srikrishna Report. CPM supports. SC serves notice on Central and State Governments on PIL (8 Oct).
*Social Justice: *Movement for Social Justice holds National Conference. Chandrajit Yadav presides. Sangma, Shahabuddin, Soz, Oscar Fernandes and others speak (8 Oct).
*Electoral Reforms :* Law Commission proposes electoral reforms including 2-children norm for candidates (3 Oct).
*EC withdraws recognition for political party for electoral boycott (20 Sept)
*EC prescribes proforma for candidate's criminal record (13 Oct).
*SC refuses UP BSP MLA's case to Constitution Bench (9 Oct)
*Human Rights: *Maharashtra CM Joshi defends police encounters', despite judicial verdict (29 Sept).
*Delhi H.C. awards 5.5. lakh compensation to widow of victim of custodial killing in 1996 (15 Oct).
*NHRC expresses unhappiness over child labour (8 Oct)
*Separatism: *ULFA vows to struggle for independence of Assam and NE (30 Sept).
*Terrorism: *Tamilnadu prosecutes Al Umma leader and 165 others for Coimbatore blasts (27 Sept).
*PWG kills 16 policemen in MP (8 Oct).
*Congress leader Gadgil links infiltration with Muslim fundamentalism and ISI-sponsored terrorism (5 Oct). Shahabuddin protests to Congress President. Move widely criticised.
*Government speaks scare about ISI activities in India; targets Masjids and Madrasas in border areas and in key cities. Advani promises white paper (15 Oct).
*President's Rule: * Congress demands Presidents' Rule in Assam (25 Sept).
*Government recommends President's Rule in Bihar (22 Sept). President Narayanan rejects (25 Sept). *Chandra Shekhar cirticises President Narayanan for rejecting Government's move on Bihar and also Governor Bhandari for public statements against State Government (4 Oct).
*Small States: Jharkhand agitation intensified (21 Sept).
*Ajit Singh launches move for separate state in West UP ..
*Nuclear Bomb: *Both India and Pakistan indicate readiness to sign CTBT before deadline and to hold bilateral talks (3 Oct). USA, China and UK exert pressure.
KASHMIR QUESTION
*Insurgency: *Insurgency continues in low key in Valley but intensifies in Jammu.
*Insurgents attempt to blow up State Secretariat (8 Oct).
*Reacting to London report about possible infiltration and finds no concrete evidence (6 Oct). Taliban regime denies knowledge (6 Oct). COSA Gen. Malik finds no proof but confirms presence of Afghan militants.
*Harkat-ul-Ansar militants apprehended with RDX.
*Army claims spectacular success in Jammu (4 Oct).
*Political Developments: *PM Vajpayee denies that J&K is a territorial dispute; promises to discuss all aspects at India-Pak talks in November; rejects third party mediation (28 Sept).
*Unable to set deadline for peace in J&K to facilitate resettlement of Pandits (20 Sept), Home Ministry finalises 3-lier security system to check infiltration (27 Sept). Reviews situation (3 Oct).
*CM Farooq Abdullah sees continuance of terrorism till India and Pakistan reach settlement (1 Oct). Accuses Pakistan of trying to spark Hindu-Muslim riots in India.
*Farooq challenges Hurriyat to contest elections at any level (8 Oct).
*Former Governor Shafi Qureshi demands dismissal of Farooq Abdullah government (7 Oct).
*RSS Chief demands destruction of training camps in Pakistan (1 Oct), visits State and urges negotiation with all militant groups.
*Youth Congress leader Tewari urges dialogue with militants.
*Hurriyat: *Hurriyat leaders held for protest rally in Srinagar against firing in Sopore (18 Sept).
*President Geelani arrested for protest against Indo-Pak talks (23 Sept). *Hurriyat leaders in New York discuss situation with Pakistan PM and attend OIC meeting. NC Minister Ansari castigates Centre for permitting Hurriyat leaders to visit UN (27 Sept).
*A.G. Lone first welcomes Taliban's entry into Kashmir; later retracts under pressure.
*Omar Farooq thanks Pakistan for awarding Nishan-e-Imtiaz to his late father Moulvi Farooq.
*European Union diplomats call on Hurriyat leaders.
*Security forces storm JKLF headquarters in Srinagar (9 Oct). *Balkistan and Gilgit organisations seek entry inte Hurriyat (10 Oct).
*Pakistan :* Calls on Security Council to implement plebiscite resolution (29 Sept). Asks OIC to appoint special representative to monitor bilateral talks. Urges USA to help resolve issue (2 Oct). Questions India's stand in UN (10 Oct).
*PM Sharif wants settlement based on UN resolution, relates peace to solution of Kashmir (4 Oct).
*Pakistan claims to negotiate with India 'on behalf of people of Kashmir' (9 Oct). GOI, Hurriyat and other Kashmiri groups abroad reject claim (11 Oct).
*International: *P-5 asks India and Pakistan to address bilateral disputes and implement SC Resolutions on Kashmir (25 Sept).
*US Ambassador Celeste's statement on Kashmir not being internal matter of India and Pakistan but of global concern criticised by Congress and BJP (7 Oct). Embassy clarifies but regards it as consistent with US stand (10 Oct).
*Turkey supports India's plea for peaceful settlement through bilateral negotiations (17 Sept).
*Germany's Chancellor-Chief Schroeder supports bilateral talks.
*Canada's Supreme Court rejects unilateral right of accession by a constitutional state (21 Aug).
BABARI MASJID QUESTION
*PM Vajpayee calls demolition a 'tragic event' in an interview (20 Sept).
*Puri Shankarayacharya alleges misuse of Ram Mandir funds by VHP, which demands apology (22 Sept). Several religious leaders speak against construction without Muslim consent and/or before S.C. order.
*DMK urges Central Government to ensure that Ram Temple is not built on disputed site (18 Sept).
*Sant Sansad, convened by VHP, demands removal of barricades and freedom of access to makeshift temple (8 Oct). Muslims apprehensive of attempt to install stone pillars on concrete platform on 6 December. Shahabuddin visits Ayodhya. Cautions PM (See Letter).
*Ayodhya Municipal Council prohibits burial in Qabristans within municipal limits. Shahabuddin asks CM to instruct Commissioner, Faizabad, not to endorse decision.
*H.M. Advani visit Somnath Mandir to commemorate commencement of Ayodhya Ram Rath Yatra in 1990.
Mathura Shahi Idgah: *Local administration permits 'Ram Lila' in hitherto prohibited area" next to Idgah. Shahabuddin cautions HM Advani against threat to Idgah (13 Oct)
*Gyanvapi Masjid: *Varanasi A.D.J. raises question of religious status of 'disputed site' (23 Sept).
OTHER MATTERS OF CONCERN
*Hindu Chauvinism :* Following rape of nuns in Jhabua, MP (22 Sept), VHP justifies rising crescendo of attacks on Christian missionaries, places of worship and sacred objects by Hindu youth, angry over evangelization; calls them patriotic and nationalist. Catholic Bishops call on HM Advani and submit memorandum to President/PM (29 Sept). National Council of Churches demands prompt action against culprits (29 Sept). Congress, CPM and CPI condemn VHP and RSS. BJP tries to distance itself from VHP
*Further attacks occur on Christians in Baghpat (UP) and elsewhere .* VHP demands ouster of foreign missionaries (30 Sept). Blames Church for insurgency in NE (1 Oct). RLM condemns statement (1 Oct).
RSS: *Former Director CBI Joginder Singh addressed annual function of RSS (1 Oct).
*Muslim Organisations: *A.I. Milli Council holds Annual Conference in Bulandshahar (2-4 Oct). Adopts several resolutions (See Summary).
*Teli Baradari holds National Conference in Delhi (11 Oct).
*Communal Violence: *Thakur-Dalit clash in Ramanathpuram (Tamilnadu) takes communal turn. 8 killed; AIADMK calls for army (4-8 Oct). State Government orders inquiry.
*Communal clash in Biharsharief (Bihar) on Durga Puja; 4 killed (2 Oct). Paswan sees Yadav and RJD hand (8 Oct). Shahabuddin visits Biharsharif (13 Oct). Laloo Yadav visits affected area 12 days after event.
*NCM criticises NHRC Report on Coimbatore Riots, 1997 (8 Oct).
*Wakf: *Shahabuddin asks Wakf Minister Maneka Gandhi not to interfere in management of Punjab and Delhi Wakfs; advises PM Vajpayee to change her portfolio (25 Sept)
*A mosque in Jalandhar restored after 51 years.
*MP H.C. issues notice on implementation of SC judgement on payment of salaries of Imams by Wakf Board (11 Oct).
*Urdu: *Ghalib Institute holds Seminar on Mir Taqi Mir (10 Oct).
*Urdu Action Committee protests against reduction in research grant for Urdu (12 Sept).
*Supreme Court orders ASI to complete construction of Zauq Monument before November (22 Sept).
*Personal Law: *Bombay HC recognises right of second wife to maintenance (8 Oct).
*Muslim divorcee granted maintenance for children (21 Sept).
*AMU: *Press reports linkage between AMU groups and ISI. Denied (8 Oct).
*Education :* A.I. Muslim Educational Society urges respect for minorities rights and action on grievances (23 Sept)
*Evacuee Law: Delhi Administration revives action against Muslims under Evacuee Property Law.
*Reservation: *A.I. Muslim OBC's Organisation demand inclusion only of Muslim BC's and not all Muslims in OBC List.
*Dalit Christians reiterate demand for inclusion under SC (4 Oct)
*Infiltration :* Government holds tripartite meeting with Assam Government, AASU representative to review implementation of Assam accord (24 Sept).
*RSS support summary deportation of alleged Bangladeshis (1 Oct) in interest of national security.
*PUCL Delhi demands transparency and legality in deporting alleged foreigners.
*Communal Writing :* Writer of provocative book against Muslims S.R. Rana arrested in Aurangabad (3 Oct)
*Renaming of Places :* Shahabuddin and Banatwalla object to Advani's proposal to rename Lal Quila.
*Society :* Annual Phool Walon Ki Sair opens in Delhi (28 Sept).
from reward for killing Rushdie (24 Sept). Ayatollah Lankarani reiterates Fatwa (29 Sept). 160 members of Iranian Parliament claim continuing validity of Khomeini Fatwa (4 Oct). JUI Pakistan offers $5 m reward (29 Sept). Rushdie expresses unhappiness with India. India denies ban on visit.
*Muslim World - Pakistan :* Army Chief Gen. Karamat resigns under pressure; Sharif accepts resignation (7 Oct).
*National Assembly passes Shariat Bill by 151 to 16; opposition consider law as dangerous for democracy. Sharif agrees to some changes (23 Sept).
*JIP mobilises support for Islamic State (4 Oct)
*MQM opposes concept of theocratic State (12 Oct).
*Official agency charges Sharif with illegal holdings in foreign banks. Sharif denies (27 Sept).
*Shia-Sunni killings in Lahore and Karachi (21, 27 Sept).
*Bangladesh: *US denies role in Mujib's assassination (1 Oct). Trial opens in Dhaka.
*Arrest warrant against Taslima Nasrin issued; bail refused (25 Sept).
*Afghanistan: *Afghanistan warns Iran of Jihad (25 Sept). Tension mounts on border. Taliban regime orders performance of Namaz and other Shariat norms (29 Sept). *Taliban refuses Saudi Arabia and USA demand to extradite Bin Laden. Saudi Arabia expels Taliban Ambassador (23 Sept).
*Kosovo Situation: *Security Council demands immediate end to hostilities in Kosovo, withdrawal of Serbian forces, placement of European monitors and peaceful return of the displaced. NATO/USA plan intervention; Serbia backs down; Accord reached (14 Oct). UN aid programme launched.
*Muslims leaders in India support UN/NATO action but GOI opposes NATO role in Kosovo (9 Oct). Shahabuddin expresses regret in letter to PM (12 Oct).
*Malaysia :* Arrest of former Dy. PM Anwar Ibrahim on charges of corruption and moral deviation gives rise to public agitation, placed on trial, pleads not guilty (29 Sept)
*Sudan :* Seeks UN probe in US attack in Khartoum (14 Oct).
*Algeria :* India welcomes UN Panel's Report (28 Sept). Panel included former PM Gujral.
*Saudi Arabia: *Crown Prince Abdullah condemns terrorism as un-Islamic.
*Indo-Pak Relations :* India and Pakistan agree to resume well-structured bilateral talks from 15 October (23 Sept).
*Obituary :* Amir-e-Shariat, Bihar, Maulana Abdur Rahman, 95, passes away (30 Sept).
*Muslim Craftsman Shamsul Hasan, passes away in Lucknow (9 Oct)
*Ustad Jafar Husain Khan, Vocalist, 72, passes away.
*Prof. Zahiruddin, Statistics Deptt., AMU, passes away