CHRONOLOGY
Chronology of the Month (16 February - 15 March, 1997)
NATIONAL POLITICS
UF Government: *PM inducts N.C. M.P. Saifuddin Soz as Cabinet Minister raising the number of Muslims to 2. * Biju Patnaik calls UF 'a pot of lobsters'. *Left publicly criticises government policies, reiterates support but steps up pressure for fidelity to MCP. *J&K NC joins UF; Gujarat CM Vaghela refuses because of declaration of commitment to RSS.
*Ibrahim invites IUML to join UF.
Crisis in UP: *Constitutional crisis persists in UP as BJP-BSP talks fail on Mayawati's insistence on Chief Ministership. Congress and SP unable to come to terms due to internal pressures. BJP maintains offensive against Governor Bhandari in Parliament demands his recall and introduces 'censure' motion. Home Minister Indrajit Gupta admits rising crime cases and signs of administrative collapse and social anarchy but refuses to concede BJP's demand (24 Feb). PM appeals for unity of secular forces to defeat BJP's motion on situation in UP (12 Mar), admitted by Speaker (13 Mar). *L.S. extends President's Rule (14 Mar). BJP reiterates demand for election but revives talks with BSP (14 Mar).
Congress: *CWC resolves to extend issue-based and not unconditional support to UF Government (16 Feb). CPP endorses CWC's decision but demands consultation before Kesri decides to topple UF Govt. (18 Feb). Deve Gowda tries to mend fenses with Kesri (24 Feb). *Kesri explains support to UF for stability (11 Mar). Rajesh Pilot criticises UF for not doing anything for welfare of Muslims (25 Feb). *Sharad Pawar praises budget (28 Feb). *Former Finance Minister Manmohan Singh criticises budget. Congress plans offensive against budget (6 Mar). *Congress demands President's rule in Bihar (13 Mar).
Janata Parivar: *Despite failure of Yuva Janata Rally in Patna (22 Feb) J.D. President and Bihar CM Laloo Prasad adopts posture ef defiance in Bihar Assembly and outside. Criticises H.C. Judges, CAG, AG Bihar for 'failure to do their duty' (3-4 Mar). *Hegde launches Lok Shakti, a new political party (16 Feb)
Sangh Parivar: *BJP sweep Bombay and Delhi municipal polls. Congress emerges as poor second. BJP-Shiv Sena face rout in Panchayat elections in Maharashtra. *Dissidence in Delhi comes into open with B.L. Sharma, MP's resignation (6 Mar). *BJP rally in Patna demands ouster of Laloo Govt. (27 Feb). *VHP leader Togadia's arrest in Ahmedabad leads to violent protest against Vaghela Govt. (22 Feb) Shiv Sena Chief Thackeray challenges govt. to execute H.C. order sentencing him to imprisonment for contempt (16 Feb). S.C. stays order. * Thackeray released on bail in Bombay riots case but court refuses to withdraw criminal case against it.
BSP: *Negotiation with BJP for formation of Government in UP fail (23 Feb). Vajpayee rules out coalition (25 Feb). Contacts resumed (12 Mar).
National Issues: *Secularism: Kesri calls for unity in Congress to fight communalism. *Seminar held'in New Delhi on Secular Traditions in Indian History. Acting V.C., JMI Hasan and Prof. Habib participate.
Small States: *Ajit Singh's move for division of UP gains momentous (16 Feb).
Election Reforms: *Election Commission proposes All-parties meet to discuss electoral reform including use of voting machines.
Systematic Change: *Vajpayee criticises parliamentary form of government as 'corruption prone'.
PDS: *PM launches Targeted PDS to benefit 32 crore people living below poverty line.
Terrorism: *Terrorista bomb Jalandhar railway station; Bombay police arrests ISI agents suspected of planning bomb attack on Thackeray (13 Mar). *Huge arms haul in Madras.
KASHMIR SITUATION
Insurgency: Insurgency and counter-insurgency operations continue to rage during the month marked by selective attack on government leaders and N.C. Workers and on top militants. J&K Minister Iftikhar Hussain Ansari and family survive an abortive attempt to blow up his house (17 Feb). DIG, ITRP J.C. Rana injured (17 Feb). An army Major killed (23 Feb). Ex-MLA (NC) G.R. Bhat shot dead (3 Mar). Hiz-ul Mujahideen loses its Intelligence Chief (19 Feb) and 3 top leaders (8 Mar). Protest bandh against alleged custodial death and repression, observed in Valley (9 Mar). Alleged assassins of Mir Waiz Farooq and Mirwaiz of South Kashmir Qazi Nisar killed (19 Feb). "JKLF Vice-President Bhat attacked (5 Mar).
*Army sees decline in terrorism despite increase in vengeance killings (12 Mar). Azam Inquilabi, Chief Mahaz-e-Azadi, supports bilateral talks between India and Pakistan. Hurriyat leaders dare Government to prosecute them for violation of FERA and FCRA for receipt of foreign funds through illegal means. *CM Abdullah offers to dissolve Assembly to give Hurriyat Conference another chance to prove public support (19 Feb). *Hurriyat leadership meets US Ambassador Wisner and questions Government claim of improvement in situation (18 Feb). Hurriyat ready to consider alternative to plebiscite acceptable to three parties and bilateral negotiations with Government. Denies having received invitation (24 Feb).
*Hurriyat establishes a unit in Jammu with non-Muslim members (25 Feb). Denies political ambition, and defines objective as right of self-determination (9 Mar).
*Farooq Abdullah reiterates internationalization of Line of Control (24 Feb) proposal meant to legitimise de facto division of State (26 Feb) receives support from Field Marshal Manekshaw and several dignitaries, positive response reported from section of people in Valley (4 Mar). BJP and RSS object (14 Mar). *PM visits Jammu and urges militants to shun violence (15 Mar).
International Reaction: * Iran offers help in resolving Kashmir dispute (7 Mar). UK: 3 Labour MPs table resolution in British Parliament in favour of self-determination (1 Mar). British MOS for Foreign Affairs denies change in policy (14 Mar). US: CM Abdullah questions USA's neutrality on Kashmir (18 Feb). Ambassador Wisner denies pro-Pakistan policy (19 Feb). Retired Asstt. Secretary of State Robin Raphel sees Kashmir as key to stability in South Asia. Senegal averse to inclusion of Kashmir in agenda of OIC Summit in Islamabad (16 Feb). OIC invites Hurriyat leaders to participate in Summit (3 Mar). Permission likely to be refused (12 Mar).
BABARI MASJID QUESTION
*Owaisi demands death sentence for Narasimha Rao in Lok Sabha (27 Feb). *Privilege notice in Rajya Sabha on former Home Minister Chavan's statement on demolition of Babari Masjid in TV interview leads to uproar (28 Feb). *Ayodhya Commission of Inquiry calls interviewer Rajiv Shukla to depose. Shahabuddin calls upon MHA to instruct CBI to interrogate Rao, Chavan and other Ministers and Commission to summon them for deposition. Cong(I) leader Tariq Anwar admits that had UP Govt. been dismissed, Babari Masjid would have been saved but wants Muslim to forgive Congress (20 Feb). *Salman Khurshid suggest referendum to resolve Babari Masjid dispute (3 Mar). *Shahabuddin seeks clarification from H.M. Indrajit Gupta on his statement on Babari Masjid question in interview to India Today (13 Mar)
*Documentary film Ram Ke Naam shown on Door Darshan under orders from Bombay H.C. (2 Mar). BJP protests. Mathura Idgah and Varanasi Masjid: *Shiv Sena and VHP activists arrested for breach of peace on Shivratri near Gyanvapi Masjid (7 Mar). *VHP organises 10-day, Braj Pradarsh Yatra near Mathura to mobilise public support for 'liberation' of Shahi Idgah (3 Mar). Fails to stir mass support and cancels programme. *Home Minister Gupta rejects demand for removal of barricades and security. Yatra called off prematurely due to lack of public support. *VHP launches agitation for closure of Bhojshala Masjid in Dhar, MP and restoration of Saraswati idol now in British Museum.
MATTERS OF CONCERN TO MUSLIM COMMUNITY
Reservation: *Supreme Court rejects reservation for SC/ST in higher education without minimum qualifying marks (21 Feb). *CPM Kerala demands 10% reservation for non-creamy layer sections of communities. Kerala CPI wants creamy layer to be included if OBCs do not generate adequate number of eligible candidates from lower strata (26 Feb). *International Parliamentary Union rejects reservation of women in legislatures. *Despite pressures by women MPs Govt's women reservation bill not taken up. Woman MPs reject Government's counter proposal for lower quota (24 Feb). *Tamil Nadu H.C. stays ruling on eligibility of high caste women for reservation if married to SC (10 Mar)
Education: *A 11-Judges Bench of Supreme Court commences hearing on content and scope of Article 30 relating to minority educational institutions; AMU intervenes to seek judicial protection against implementation of reservation policy in admission and selection of teachers (22 Feb). Search Committee suggests to President panel of three for Vice-Chancellorship of Jamia Millia Islamia but excludes Acting Vice-Chancellor Mushirul Hasan (24 Feb). Teaching and non-teaching staff of JMI protest (28 Feb).
Urdu: *Delhi H.C. orders reconstruction of Ghalib Haveli jointly by Central and State Governments and removal with rehabilitation of present occupants (21 Feb).
Communal Violence: Bombay Disturbances, 92-93: *DGP Tyagi admits lapses by Police during Bombay disturbances in 1992-93 before Sri Krishna Commission (28 Feb). Commission
directs Maharashtra Govt. to produce files relating to withdrawal of prosecution against Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray (10 Mar). Maharashtra Govt. refuses. *RSS Pradhanchalak arrested in connection with Palani Baba's murder.
Change of Religion: *VHP publishes plans to raise Sena of 10,000 volunteers to counter conversion of Hindus to Christianity and Islam (24 Feb). *VHP alleges training of Christian and Muslim agents by ISI as Hindu Sants and Sanyasis. *Maharashtra CM assures Christian leadership about private bill against change of religion (9 Mar).
Wakfs: *Delhi Wakf Board's petition against conversion of Jama Masjid into a private property by Imam and Naib Imam admitted (25 Feb). Show Cause notice issued.
Protected Mosques: Muslims force way into Safdarjung Masjid in New Delhi for Friday prayers against arbitrary closure by ASI allegedly for repair (7 Mar).
Personal Law: *Supreme Court dismisses 3 petitions challenging provisions of Hindu, Muslim and Christian Personal Laws on ground of gender discrimination (1 Mar) and declares change in personal law a matter for legislature. Private Member's Bill, introduced by BJP MP B.S. Rawat, for immediate introduction of Uniform Civil Code moved for discussion in Lok Sabha (6 Mar)
Haj: *Government disclaims information on irregularities in accommodation arrangements for Haj pilgrims in Makkah and Madina (24 Feb). Civil Aviation Minister announces uniform charge for Haj flights from 9 cities. Haj flights commence from Delhi (10 Mar).
Anti-Islamic Publications: Bombay H.C. admits petition against a film song considered offensive by Muslims and issues notice (6 Mar).
TADA: Defence Minister Mulayam Singh regrets continued detention under TADA. Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs asks Government to consider legislation to replace TADA (3 Mar). Home Minister Indrajit Gupta promises to expedite review of TADA cases (10 Mar).
Human Rights: District S.P. of Godhra sentenced to life imprisonment for custodial death (5 Mar). Minorities Commission: Supreme Court upholds in Maharashtra case right of State Government to abolish, or not to constitute, Minorities Commission (18 Feb).
Muslim Organizations: Extremist Milli Parliament holds Session in Hubli, Karnataka (2-3 Mar), adopts Muslim Manifesto, decides to form Muslim political party. *All India Muslim Majlis elects Samiullah, former Deputy Mayor of Allahabad as President (9 Feb)
Rewriting History: Union Government reported to have decided to continue with old names of Bombay and Madras in inter-state and international deals.
Commemoration: *National Seminar organised to mark 134th birthday of Hakim Ajmal Khan in New Delhi (17 Feb). *39th death anniversary of Azad observed officially but Prime Minister cancels participation at last minute (22 Feb) presumably to avoid disturbance by Naib Imam of Jama Masjid. *139th birth anniversary of Swami Sharadhanand observed officially by MCD.
Obituary: *Yusuf Patel one of the founders of Personal Law Board passes away in Bombay. *Eminent poet and painter Ghulam Rasool Santosh, 67, passes away in New Delhi (10 Mar). *Eminent Urdu Writer and Journalist Mahboob Husain Jigar passes away in Hyderabad (11 Mar).
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMNTS
Muslim World: Bangladesh Parliament designates Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as Father of the Nation (19 Feb). Trial of alleged killers begins in Dhaka. Algeria: Provisional Parliament adopts law banning political parties based on religion. Turkey: PM Erbakan approves Army's recommendations for curbing Islamic fundamentalism (6 Mar).
China: Dalai Lama urges Chinese authorities to desist from using military force to crush Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang (9 Mar). Palestine: UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli plan for constructions in East Jerusalem vetoed by USA (9 Mar). PLO leader Yasser Arafat condemns USA. Pakistan: PM Sharif orders repair to Churches damaged in Punjab at state expense (29 Feb). MQM joins Sindh Government (14 Mar).
Iran: Germany rejects Rushdie's criticism of EU's policy towards Iran (15 Feb). USA: Muslim organisations agitate for alteration of frieze representing Holy Prophet at US Supreme Court. US Chief Justice rejects Muslim objection (13 Mar). Srinagar Muslims hold demonstration (12-13 Mar)
India's Relation with Muslim Countries: India, Iran and Turkemanistan sign agreement for rail connection between Central Asia and Persian Gulf. India and Bangladesh sign agreement on transit facilities through Bangladesh. Bangladesh signs agreement with Chakmas for their return to Bangladesh (9 Feb). *India and Pakistan agree to resume talks on bilateral problems at Secretary's level. Senior retired army officers from Pakistan, including Sahibzada Yakub Khan, participate in platinum jubilee of R.I.M.C., Dehradun.
