CHRONOLOGY
Chronology of the Month
(16 December, 1996 - 15 January, 1997)
NATIONAL POLITICS:
Congress: *Following decision by the Working Committee Congress President Sitaram Kesri asks P.V. Narasimha Rao tostep down from the leadership of the Parliamentary Party (CPP)(18 Dec). Kesri unanimously elected CPP Leader. Nominates Sharad Pawar as Leader in Lok Sabha (3 Jan). Arjun Singh andN.D. Tiwari finally readmitted to Congress (9 Jan).Shahabuddin welcomes changes in Cong. (9 Jan). Kesri blamesRao Govt. for delay in Rajiv Gandhi murder probe and proposes 6 months extension to Jain Commission. Congressleader J.N. Mishra continues attacks on Kesri (14 Jan).
United Front: *Congress gives warning signals to UF Government; demands consultations on major issues; sets up Cell in Parliamentary Party under Manmohan Singh to monitor functioning of Government. Kesri clarifies that Congress had noplan for mid-term election or withdrawal of support. PM Deve Gowda calls on Kesri (8 Jan). Congress leader Sharad Pawar asserts readiness for mid-ter polls if UF Government falls but Congress will not tolerate compromise on secularism (11 Jan).Pawar criticises UF for hurting investment climate by indiscriminate raids (12 Jan). HM Indrajit Gupta doubts induction of Congress Government if UF Government collapses; predicts BJP rule. PM Deve Gowda acknowledges efforts to topple government but expresses confidence about its stability. Kesri assures CPI (M) leader Surjeet on continuing support to UF Government (27 Dec). UF Steering Committee sees no threat to Government (15 Jan).
CPI (M): *CPI(M) leader Jyoti Basu describes CPI(M)'s decision not to join UF government 'under his leadership' as a historic political blunder and sparks public debates (31 Dec).Janata Parivar: *JD President Laloo Prasad disclaims rumours of alliance with Kesri to oust Gowda.
JD: *Bandh organised in Bihar by Left parties against Laloo Prasad Government paralyses life (18 Dec). Congress, Left, BJP and Samata leaders threaten state-wide agitation if Laloo Prasad does not resign after service of charge-sheet. Following interrogation of Laloo Prasad by CBI, Bihar JD takes to street violence and disrupts air, rail traffic (9 Jan). Laloo Prasad talks tough and asserts right to continue in office even after being charge-sheeted. *SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav lashes out at Bihar Government (9 Jan). State SP President Pappu Yadav demands dismissal of Laloo Yadav. JD political Affairs Committee ignores developments in Bihar. *Court grants bail to V. Venkatagiri Gowda author of two defamatory books against PM (7 Jan).
Samajwadi Janata Party: *Former PM Chandra Shekhar proposed as consensus choice as Congress Parliamentary Leader by J.N. Mishra. Chandra Shekhar ridicules suggestion and prophesies doom for Congress under Kesri. Criticises condemnation of political leaders like Rao and Laloo for corruption in anticipation of judicial verdict. Opposes statutory status of autonomy for CBI (16 Jan).
BJP/Sangh Parivar: *BJP leaders court arrest in Delhi to protest against rising prices and failures of UF Government (13 Dec). BJP President Advani charges Congress with plot to grab power through back door (31 Dec). BJP leader Vajpayee sees possibility of mid-term election but does not foresee Congress Government (6 Jan). *RSS reportedly unhappy with internal developments in BJP. Organises camp of RSS Pracharaks active in the BJP and decides to train more political activists (17 Dec). BJP National Minority Cell meets in Agra and offers 'equality' to minorities (7 Jan). 30 odd top leaders of BJP and RSS held conclave near Mumbai to redefine ideology, objective and direction of BJP; RSS stresses return to Hindutva and seeksto control BJP (11 Jan). *VHP decides to work actively among SC/ST communities to consolidate Hindu unity. G.S. Singhal criticises recognition of the Jains as religious minority, demands ban on AMU and Tablighi Jamaat and activates its conversion programme, threatens agitation in Mathura and Varanasi (12 Jan).
*Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray describes Gandhiji's celibacy as fraud. Grandson goes on 2 day protest fast (27 Dec). All non-BJP parties strongly condemn Bal Thackeray. Shahabuddin demands prosecution (31 Dec). Thackeray describes Gandhiji as 'Mahamanav' (13 Jan)
Situation in UP: *Supreme Court stays Allahabad High Court order quashing President's Rule and its ratification by Parliament. UP continues under President Rule. Failing to agree on terms for alliance, BSP President Kanshi Ram rules out understanding with BJP and SP turns to Congress for support.
Punjab Assembly Election: *Negotiations for forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab having failed, Congress goes it alone and BSP finds new partner in Akali Dal (Mann), paving way for triangular contest.
Secularism: *President Sharma holds Shabad Kirtan in Rashtrapati Bhawan to mark birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh (15 Jan). Doordarshan announces plan for mega serial Om Namah Shiva' beginning 27.1.97, apart from recast of 'Mahabharat' and 'Krishna' (15 Jan).
Corruption: *Berlin-based Transparency International names India among top 10 corrupt nations. *Government proposal to instruct CBI to seek prior approval before investigating charges against Ministers widely criticised. Congress leader Antony condemns it as move to make CBI hand maiden of establishment. CBI opposes move. Shahabuddin cautions PM against retrograde move and suggests constitutional or at least statutory authority for CBI
Right to Information: *Supreme Court describes phone tapping as violative of Fundamental Right to privacy but permits such tapping with proper authorisation and review.
Terrorism: *Several catches of RDX in various places reported.
Bangladesh Liberation: *Parliament commemorates the 25th anniversary of liberation of Bangladesh (16 Dec).
KASHMIRSITUATION:
Political Development: *APHC leadership decides not to respond to notices from Income-tax authorities. *Azad Inquilabi leader of Mahaz-e-Azadi suggests reform of Army operation followed by debate and discussion to solve Kashmir problem, recognises that both India and Pakistan are averse to sovereign Kashmir *Kashmiri Pandit's Punan Kashmir demands investigation of killings, relief and rehabilitation of migrants by Central Government and creation of homeland in Valley (28 Dec). *State Congress criticises Farooq Abdullah Government for inability to stop infiltration of militants (9 Jan) *Farooq Abdullah vows to continue battle against militancy (13 Dec), defends presence of Army in Valley (18 Dec), reiterates demand for implementation of 1952 Agreement on Autonomy (21 Dec). Vows continuance of anti-militancy operations until restoration of normalcy (24 Dec), predicts failure for militant's effort to separate Kashmir from India (30 Dec). Presides over unified command and declares all out war against militancy (14 Jan), cautions security forces against custodial deaths and excesses. *Home Minister Indrajit Gupta visits State, claims great improvement in security situation. Promises erection of barbed wire fence along 100 km. Indo-Pakistan border in State. *MOS M. Dar rules out autonomy beyond provisions of Constitution, demands replacement of Governor, considers Karan Singh Committee as unrepresentative, rules out separate homeland for Pandits.
Insurgency: *Militants sponsored anti-Vijay Diwas paralyses life in Valley (16 Dec). Spate of violence and killings continue in the Valley. Bomb explodes near J&K Public Service Commission's office (21 Dec). Pre-dawn crackdown by Army in Central Srinagar. 3 persons apprehended (21 Dec). 5 army personnel including a Major killed in Baramulla (25 Dec). J&K Minister A.M. Sagar escapes grenade attack (1 Jan). Explosion close to CM Abdullah's residence. Kills 6 persons and injures 12 (3 Jan). CM condemns blast. 4 officials of Centaur Hotel abducted (6 Jan). Conspiracy to assassinate Farooq Abdullah unearthed (11 Jan). Grenade suspected to be chemical weapon recovered (12 Jan). National Conference MLA Abdul Rashid survives attack on residence (15 Jan).
Human Rights: * Nazir Gilani, General Secretary, J&KCouncil of Human Rights, London, visits Valley fromDecember 28 - Jan 10, discusses situation with Hurriyat leadersas well as with Karan Singh.
Education: * J&K High Court orders closure of all privatecolleges and professional institutions to stop exploitation ofstudents (12 Jan). Education Minister Qayyum plans to close down all schools run by Jamaat-e-Islami J&K (12 Jan).
International Reaction: * USA: *Former US National Security Director Richard Haas as Director US Council of Foreign Relations recommends greater US engagement with South Asia and a new policy towards India and Pakistan in Report of Experts (8 Jan). *Secretary of State designate Albright urges India and Pakistan to avoid mutual hostility, attaches importance to bilateral relations with India and Pakistan and to Indo-Pakistan relations.
UK: Labour Party supports self-determination for Kashmir during 50th year of Independence. GOI strongly criticises Labour stand (29 Dec). *British PM John Major during visit to sub-continent plays down Kashmir issue but describes it as of concern to everyone, maintains equidistance and wants India and Pakistan to settle the matter bilaterally with political will and courage (14 Jan). PM Deve Gowda rules out mediation by UK (15 Jan).
BABARIMASJID QUESTION
Criminal Proceedings: *Addl. Sessions Judge recalls warrants against 20 accused and fixes 8.1.97 for framing charges (16 Dec
Congress 'Apology': *President Kesri describes demolition of Babari Masjid as a blow against composite culture and traditions and expresses regret (28 Dec). Thackeray criticises Kesri for apology to Muslims as 'unnecessary' (29 Dec). *Congress leader Tariq Anwar, MP, wants Babari Masjid demolition cases to be expedited. Criticises track record of United Front on Ayodhya issue. *Singhal denies any compromise on construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya and claims achievement of first objective of demolition in 1992. *Bombay High Court orders Doordarshan telecast documentary film on Babari Masjid "Ram Ke Naam"
OTHER MATTERS OF CONCERN TO MUSLIM COMMUNITY
Government Action: Home Ministry constitutes Special Cell to look into Minorities' grievances concerning law and order and other security related matters (21 Dec). National Commission for Minorities sets up enquiry commission to investigate communal and educational situation in Meerut. Also appoints informal: consultative committees. Proposes recognition of Jains as linguistic minority. Revises list of minority concentration districts. Forms special committee to review the Act.
Urdu: *Parliament approves Bill to establish Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Urdu University at Hyderabad (17 Dec). *Delhi University organises Seminar on Firaq Gorakhpuri (19 Dec). * Supreme Court charges Archaeological Survey of India with construction of Zauq Memorial at burial site (19 Dec). *Education Minister reveals proposal under consideration for making Sanskrit compulsory in schools (26 Dec). * Association of University Teachers of Persian hold 18th International Conference in Rampur (28-30 Dec).
Reservation: *PM promises to include Jats and Muslims in proposed 10% quota for high castes (26 Dec). Left opposes announcement. *In Memorandum to PM, A.I. Backward Muslim Morcha, Patna, demands inclusion of Dalit Muslims as S.C. and a separate quota of 8.44% for Backward Muslims. PM expresses inability to provide Muslim quota immediately. *Shahabuddin cautions PM against trifurcating Muslims and suggests Muslim quota of 9% (30 Dec). *JD State Minorities Convention at Jaipur demands reservation for minorities in proportion to population (6 Jan). I&B Minister CM Ibrahim reiterates PM's offer of 10% reservation for forward communities (8 Jan). Congress President Kesri favours reservation for SC/ST, irrespective of religion (6 Jan) *Despite protest of women members, Women Reservation Bill deferred for consideration in Budget Session (22 Dec). Haj: *Government fixes 1997 Haj quota at 56,000. *Saudi Arabian Haj Minister visits India and agrees to 'increase' Haj quota to 80,000 (26 Dec). Shahabuddin wants Government to abolish Haj quota. *Salamatullah re-elected as Chairman Haj Committee (15 Jan).
Religious Rights: *Supreme Court upholds J&K Vaishno Devi Shrine Act 1986 and finds State competent to regulate places of worship in interest of proper, efficient, effective and responsible administration.
Economic Status: *All India Jamiatul Quresh represents case for substitute slaughter house or modernisation of Idgah slaughter house (3 Jan). Ban on slaughter of buffaloes promotes illegal trade and rise in price (15 Jan), traders demand revision of Supreme Court ban.
Personal Law: *PM Deve Gowda during his visit to Kerala assures Muslims against imposition of Uniform Civil Code and on implementation of final judicial directive on Babari Masjid.
Conversion: *VHP alleges conversion of 5000 families in Bombay slums to Christianity but celebrates conversion of some Mewati Muslims to Hinduism (2 Jan).
Protected Monuments: *Supreme Court orders closure of 292 industrial units in Taj Trapezium by 31.12.1997.
Education: * Enquiry Committee holds hearings in recent police firing in AMU (4 Jan). *Supreme Court 7 Judge Bench formulates 6 issues/questions on which Central Government indicates stand. *Delegation of eminent Muslim personalities sponsored by JD Minorities Committee submits Memorandum to Planning Commission for educational and economic development of Muslims for inclusion in 9th Five Year Plan (9 Jan). *A.I. Muslim Educational Conference and American Federation of Muslims from India hold joint Educational Conference in Patna. PM Deve Gowda, Ministers Paswan and Ibrahim, CM Farooq Abdullah and Laloo Prasad and Shahabuddin address Conference.
TADA: *National Campaign for Justice and Secularism organises Seminar on TADA and Human Rights. Railway Minister Paswan supports release of TADA detainees (17 Dec). Government reports number of detainees as 1986 (18 Dec).
Assam Situation: *Upsurge of insurgency in Bodoland areas. Brahmaputra Mail bombed (30 Dec). 2 bridges blown up (1 Jan). All political parties extend support to Assam Government in containing violence. Bodoland Liberation Tiger Forces owns responsibility.
Communal Violence: *Communal clash in Meerut, 15 injured. *Communal clash in Jawala, Rajasthan, 1 killed (22 Dec). *Muslim side alleges Police inaction and negligence during Mumbai riots before Sri Krishna Commission.
Hindu Chauvinism: *RSS and BJP launch campaign in Aligarh to rename it as Harigarh (25 Dec). Government of Delhi officially celebrates 136th birth anniversary of Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Indo-Israel Relations: *Israeli President Weizman's visit and increasing level of cooperation between India and Israel criticised because of continued occupation of Jerusalem and Arab Territories. Libya criticises visit. Pakistan expresses 'misgivings'.
Muslim Leadership: *CM Ibrahim suffers in prestige due to defeat of sponsored candidates in elections to Anjuman-e-Islam, Hubli., younger brother's arrest on criminal charges and his own ill-advised entry into cockpit while in air. *CBI files criminal charge of disproportionate assets against former Railway Minister Jaffer Sharief (10 Jan). *Delhi High Court declines to drop sedition case pending against Abdullah-Bukhari (14 Jan).
Commemoration: *69th death anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan observed by Memorial Society (26 Dec). *66th death anniversary of Maulana Mohammad Ali observed by Memorial Society (4 Jan). *199th birth anniversary of Ghalib observed by Ghalib Academy (29 Dec). *Education Minister Bommai informs Parliament plans to observe birth centenary of Ghalib (16 Dec).
Obituary: *IUML leader AKM Hasan-uz-Zaman, 08, passes away in Calcutta (17 Dec). *Eminent writer and freedom fighter Shujaat Ali Sandelvi, 72, passes away (22 Dec).
Muslim World: OIC: *Foreign Ministers Meeting in Jakarta adopts resolution on Kashmir and situation of Muslim minority.
Pakistan: *Elections in Pakistan rouse interest. Imran Khan generally considered as pro-West and sponsored by Jewish lobby. *Foreign Minister Gujral reiterates offer of resumption of dialogue at official level. Discusses with visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Yakub Khan various possibilities of improving relations bilaterally and within SAARC framework. India offers sub-regional economic cooperation to Pakistan (20 Dec)
Malaysia: *PM Mahathir Mohammad receives Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for 1994. (20 Dec).
USA: *US President Clinton describes India as a model of pluralism (12 Dec).
