CHRONOLOGY
Chronology of the Month (16 July-15 August, 1996)
NATIONAL POLITICS
Government: United Front Government faces major crisis due to disagreement between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, both headed by its constituents, on Almatti dam issue. TDP threatens to withdraw support and C.M. Naidu affirms separateness of Federal Front, consisting of TDP, TMC, DMK, AGP and N.F. within the UF (9 Aug), PM endeavors to diffuse crisis. P.M. Deve Gowda fails to make any substantive offer to minorities.
Congress(I): Delhi H.C. rejects former PM Narasimha Rao's petition against personal summon in Lakhbhai Pathak cheating case (30 July). Narasimha Rao appeals to Supreme Court Narasimha Rao resists all pressure from dissidents to step down (31 July). "Jaffer Sharief faces disciplinary action for anti-party utterances and denies hostility towards leadership (29 July).
Janata Dal: Former PM V.P. Singh suggests electoral arrangement with Congress in States where UF has no direct conflict with Congress (19 July). JD President L.P. Yadav absolves Narasimha Rao's responsibility for demolition of Babari Masjid, holds several parleys with him and with Congress (1) leaders Sitaram Kesri and Jagannath Mishra, giving rise to speculations about possible tie up (8 Aug). Mufti Sayeed unhappy with isolation and critical of Janata Dal's overtures towards Farooq Abdullah, criticizes decision to hold Assembly elections in J&K, without negotiations with newly emergent political forces (27 July). Resigns from Janata Dal and Rajya Sabha (29 July). Rejoins Congress (14 Aug). "Muslim leaders in JD form pressure group to promote Muslim interests and ensure due consultation and implementation of assurances on Babari Masjid dispute, reservation in public employment, Kashmir situation, UP elections and representation of Muslims in party and government (21 July).
BJP: BJP leader Vajpayee hints at realignment for forming alternative government, in case UF government falls (19 July), claims increasing proximity with regional parties in South India now in UF (27 July). BJP holds 2-day Conference of its Minority Morcha, calls upon Muslims to seek 'barabari' (equality) and not 'Babari. No Muslim leader of any consequence attends meeting (11 Aug). BJP expels Gujarat dissident leader S.S. Vaghela (9 Aug). Vaghela announces formation of new party and convenes State Conference (19 Aug)
UP Assembly Elections: JD's effort to rope in BSP, which already has electoral alliance with Congress, fails. Kanshi rules out poll pact with JD, if alliance includes Mulayam Singh Yadav (17 July). Efforts for electoral understanding between UF and Congress-BSP alliance also fail, thus preparing ground for triangular contest. BJP likely to benefit. "PM Deve Gowda mobilizes JD workers and Kisans in UP, counts Kisan leader Tikait under pressure from Left, projects Mulayam Singh as future Chief Minister. PM rejects Congress-BSP demand for publication of administrative report on June 95 assault on then CM Mayawati by SP workers and for CBI probe (12 Aug). Mulayam Singh demands publication of reports on Meerut, Hashimpura and Piliphit (5 Aug). Dissident elements from JD, SP and other non-BJP parties form political front called "Lok Panchayat. BJP reaffirms Ayodhya Mandir issue as a major poll plank (22 July). Party overcomes division between high castes and OBCs and declares Kalyan Singh as future Chief Minister.
Election Commission: Reacts to reports on formation of private Senas by BJP, SP and BSP and asks them not to take law in their own hands (4 Aug). Takes up review of status of recognized parties. Asks registered parties to complete internal elections by 1 January 1997 and submit accounts of Parliamentary elections within a month (14 Aug).
Insurgency: Several underground and ethnic organizations. North-East including ULFA boycott Independence Day in celebrations (14 Aug)
Secularism: Delhi Government decides to appeal against acquittal of VHP leader Sadhvi Rithambara's communal speech case of 1990 (12 Aug).
"Panchavati Raj: Patna High Court criticizes Bihar Government for not holding Panchayati elections and finds that Constitutional machinery has completely broken down. BJP and Congress demand dismissal of Bihar Government (9 Aug).
"Parliament extends President's rule for 6 months after July 18, 1996. Home Minister Inderjit Gupta criticises for remarks on BJP securing high votes in two Muslim-dominated Parliamentary constituencies (17 July). Government of outstanding loans up to Rs 50,000 with interest (2 Aug). announces second economic package for J&K including waiver PM assures negotiations with elected State government for Commission announces Assembly elections in 4 phases more autonomy after Assembly polls (5 Aug). "Election between September 7 and 30 (7 Aug). Home Minister Gupta visits Srinagar and expresses confidence, reiterates maximum autonomy after the polls (8 Aug), offers unconditional talks with militants (9 Aug). JD toys with idea of alliance with National Conference, finally decides to go it alone (13 Aug). Conference refuses overtures by counter-insurgents, decides to Congress also decides to go it alone (8 Aug). National participate and on its own (11 Aug) but later woos BSP for adjustment. All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) decides not to take part in elections unless held under UN supervision (18 July). Mahaz Azadi leader Azam Inquilabi demands proclamation of Independence for Kashmir by India and Pakistan (22 July). Hurriyat suspends Shabbir Shah from membership for receiving the US Ambassador. Shabbir Shah ignores expulsion. Minister of State for Home Affairs, M. special task force of Kashmir police of atrocities and Maqbool Dar accuses security forces, counter-insurgents and embarrasses State Government (16 Aug). Hurriyat delegation attends OIC Contact Group meeting in Islamabad, calls on Pakistan President (13 Aug).
Insurgency: "Militants abduct and kill 6 Indian tourists (16 July). Security forces kill insurgent leader Bilal Ahmed Haig Police resort to fire to disperse funeral procession and arrest Hurriyat leaders (17 July). Acting Chief of Jamatul Mujahideen Ghulam Rasool Mir killed. Delhi Police arrests head of Al-Omar Manzoor Ganai (22 July). Insurgents kill 13 non-Muslims in Doda (24 July). "Bomb blasts rocks Anantnag (27 July). Editor, Al Safa, abducted and later released (2 Aug). High alert in Valley on Independence Day (15 Aug). Farooq demands probe in killing of National Conference workers. Harkatul Ansar withdraws ban on Amarnath Yatra due to comments on August 16.
Foreign Reaction:
USA: US Ambassador Frank Wisner pays 2-day visit to Srinagar. Hurriyat leaders refuse to meet him. US Senator Hank Brown on 2-day visit to Kashmir briefed by State Government and received by Foreign Minister Gujral (5 Aug). Wisner and Brown visit criticized as interference by CPI.
OIC: Contact Group meets in Islamabad (13 Aug). PM Bhutto criticizes elections in Kashmir which would vitiate atmosphere for bilateral talks. Turkish PM Erbakan, then on an official visit to Pakistan pleads for settlement through dialogue. Group condemns elections and issues a 12-point Declaration.
BABARI MASJID QUESTION
Special Bench begins to record evidence in Title Suit with examination of first witness Hashim Ansari (24 July). Delhi High Court rejects petition by VHP against notices issued by Liberhan Commission of Enquiry (23 July). PM Deve Gowda clarifies transfer of Babari Masjid cases to Supreme Court only after consultations with both parties and after elections in UP (14 Aug), expresses hope for negotiated settlement. VHP threatens to revive agitation (17 July). Shankaracharya Swaroopanand announces Sant Sammelan in September to consider issue.
Varanasi and Mathura Question: BJP MP Vinay Katiyar announces plan for campaign for withdrawal of 1991 law to maintain status quo of religious shrines, to facilitate liberation of Gyanvapi Masjid and Shahi Edgah (1 Aug). BJP denounces Katiyar's move (2 Aug). VHP-Bajrang Dal Jalabishek plan to assert claim on Oyanvapi Masjid fails (5 Aug). VHP claims partial success (12 Aug). VHP S.G. Ashok Singhal plans to construct model of temple to be built on Gyanvapi Masjid site and seek approval of Sant Sansad (13 Aug).
OTHER MATTERS OF CONCERN
Personal Law: Supreme Court dismisses Shahanaz Sheikh case challenging constitutionality of Muslim Personal Law (26 July) Cricketer Azharuddin's divorce of his wife widely criticized by Muslim community.
Haj: Budget proposes 140% increase in Haj subsidy to take care of additional cost of air charter for 1996 Haj. Government announces plans for improving facilities for Haj in 1997 and fixes quota at 52,000.
Reservation: Addressing Muslim Intellectual Forum PM expresses intention, after consulting UF colleagues, to introduce reservation for Muslims in education and employment and take other welfare measures (16 July), assures enactment of laws for providing reservation to poor among upper castes (28 July), BJP opposes reservation for Muslims (20 July). PM admits Muslim status in some places as lower than that of Dalits, recalls measures by Karnataka Minorities Finance Development Corporation for upgrading skills and employability. Jama Masjid Advisory Council demands greater representation in Government, administration, public employment and welfare schemes (22 July). "Union Minister CM Ibrahim assures Muslims of early decision on reservation after consulting all political parties (2 Aug). Railway Minister Paswan gives direction to Railway Board to ensure due representation of all communities in recruitment and to have at least one Muslim and one OBC member in each recruitment committee. All India Milli Council demands declaration of Muslim community as a community, a Backward Class (21 July). A.1 Muslim Backward Federation demands reservation for Muslim sub-communities in OBC list (31 July). A.I. Momin Conference (Rauf Ansari) delegation demands separate quota of 8.4% for Muslim OBCs (29 July). Various Hindu organizations oppose inclusion of Dalit Christians among S.C's, including BJP, Hindu Mahasabha, VHP and Arya Samaj. National Minorities Forum demands inclusion of Dalit Muslim (21 July). Insaf Morcha President Shahabuddin demands withdrawal of religious test for recognition as S.C.
Infiltration: Home Minister Inderjit Gupta admits continuing infiltration from Bangladesh (23 July).
Wakf: Delhi High Court directs ASI, Wakf Board, DDA, MCD and DUAC to find acceptable solution to Jama Masjid Wuzukhana dispute. ASI opposes proposed construction (16-24 July). "Administrator, West Bengal Wakf Board serves notice on tenants to vacate wakf property on low rent. "Delhi High Court calls upon Government to reconstitute Delhi Wakf Board under the new Act.
Cow Slaughter: VHP plans months long mobilization campaign for total ban on cow slaughter from 25 August, 1996. Education: Government announces decision to make primary education a fundamental right (8 Aug). Supreme Court gives 3 months to concerned authorities to finalize fee structure for private professional colleges (9 Aug). "Chief of the Army Staff Gen. S.R. Choudhary addresses AMU Women's College. Jamia Urdu, Aligarh locked by Registrar on his suspension by new Vice-Chancellor Khaliq Anjum
Communal Violence: Violent clashes between Bodos and Santhals continue in Bodoland, All Bodo Students Union organizes 36 hour bandh (2 Aug). Communal Riots: "National Human Rights Commission asks Maharashtra Government to take action against policemen for use of excessive force in Ayodhya-related riots in Aurangabad and pay compensation of Rs. 1 lakh to next-of-kin of each person killed (21 July).
Family Planning: MOS for Family Planning Saleem Sherwani announces plan for popularizing population control programme among Muslims (24 July). Muslim Leadership: "Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi desires Congress to retrace its path and regain its stature but generally extends support to Mulayam Singh Yadav, Some Muslim intellectuals held dialogue with RSS lenders in Mumbai. Mohajirs in Pakistan: Speaker Sind Assembly asks Mohajirs to give up Pakistan (8 Aug). Mohajirs demand separate State (20 July). MQM highlights persecution of Mohajirs in Minorities Sub-Commission of UN Commission of Human Rights.
Indo-Pakistan Relations: International Conference on Kashmir convened by World Kashmir Freedom Movement, attended by former MOS Subodh Kant hopes for tripartite talks under mediation of UK, USA or UNO. Pakistan Army Chief Jahangir Karamat rules out talks unless Kashmir tops agenda (1 Aug). Pakistan Foreign Minister Asif Ahmed Ali prepared for talks with India on all issues including Kashmir, under mediation or proximity talks but in accordance with the UN Resolutions (4 Aug). Pakistan leader Nawaz Sharif favors "No War Pact" and resumption of bilateral talks to settle all outstanding issues (8 Aug). PM Deve Gowda blames Islamabad for avoiding bilateral talks (8 Aug). PM Bhutto rules out Not War Pact until Kashmir issue resolved (10 Aug). Foreign Minister Gujral expresses disappointment on Pakistan's response to initiatives for improving bilateral relations (11) Aug). Pakistan President and Prime Minister accuse India for recent bomb blasts at Lahore airport and other places. Charge denied by India.
Obituary: Eminent scholar Ziaul Hasan Farooqui passes away in Delhi (31 July). Aziza Imam, former MP, 72, passes away (22 July). Islamic scholar Mohiuddin Alwaye, 71, passes away at Kochi (23 July). Tablighi Jamaat leader Izharul Haq Kandhalvi passes away in New Delhi (13 Aug). Freedom Fighter Aruna Asaf Ali, widow of national leader Asaf Ali, 87, dies in New Delhi (29 July).
