CHRONOLOGY
Chronology of the Month
(16 October 15 November, 1996)
NATIONAL POLITICS
Government Union: P.M. Gowda sworn in as Member Rajya Sabha (26 Sept). Congress(1) G.S. G.N. Azad denies withdrawal of support to Deve Gowda Government (25 Oct) President Kesri demands consultations on major policies (31 Oct). CWC decides against withdrawal of support (4 Nov).
UP: President's Rule immediately reimposed in UP, Congress () objects but indicates support, BJP regards it as conspiracy to keep it out of power. intensive negotiation between Congress and UF for supporting 'secular government headed by BSP leader Mayawati and between BJP and BSP for a coalition fail. UF rejects Congress appeal for support to Mayawati; BJP unable to satisfy Governor on majority support
Gujarat: Vaghela sworn in as CM with Congress support (26 Oct), wins trust vote (29 Oct); denounces RSS for holding BJP to ransom.
Congress(I): Acting President Sitaram Kesri consolidate grip, appoints Ahmed Patel as Treasurer (23 Oct), appoints Tariq Anwar as Political Secretary (25 Oct), appoints Policy Committee with Manmohan Singh as Chairman (29 Oct), meets Sonia Gandhi; Criticizes P.M. Deve Gowda who begins to face heat (31 Oct), adopts strategy of seeking support of minorities, SC, ST, women and OCs (1 Nov), embraces Madhavrao Scindia (5 Nov) vows to fight corruption (14 Nov)
JD: 10 Orissa Janata Dal leaders join BJP (2 Nov). 2 JD MLAs demand resignation (29 Oct). Laloo plans counter moves for regaining hold in Bihar on party (29 Oct).
Samata Party: Youth Rally against Laloo in Patna flops (4 Nov) Left Left parties hold joint rally in Patna and warn Laloo (7 Nov).
BSP President Kanshi Ram assaults journalist (25 Oct). Journalists demand arrest and criminal action. FIR recorded bat Kanshi Ram remains free.
Corruption: Ex-PM Narasimha Rao charge-sheeted in JMM Case. Buta Singh and Satish Sharma also named. Finally appears in court in St. Kitts Case. Bail plea rejected by Magistrate (30 Oct).
Constitutional Reform: BJP leader Vajpayee declares parliamentary system a failure; suggests systemic change: Favours presidential system and proportional representation.
Election Commission: EC announces electoral revision throughout the country till 1.1.1997 as cut-off date.
Muslim World: PM and visiting Russian Defence Minister appeal against fundamentalism and oppose foreign interference in internal affairs of states in the region (22 Oct).
External Affair: India defeated by Japan in election to UN Security Council. Congress blames government (23 Oct). Pakistan announces fencing of Indian border (28 Oct). India rejects Pakistan proposal on regional disarmament (31 Oct). SAARC SG proposes simplification of visa (22 Oct). Bangladesh FM Azad visits India to discuss bilateral problem, suggests task force to expedite border demarcation (11 Nov). Iran Foreign Minister Velayati visits India and holds talks on Afghanistan (17 Oct).
KASHMIR QUESTION
Militancy: Level of militant violence and counter-insurgency operation shows rising trend. 7 family members of NC activist killed in Anantnag (21 Oct). Car bomb explodes near MLA's Hostel, Srinagar, 2 killed (23 Oct). Counter-insurgent Ikhwamul-Muslimeen Camp near Baramulla attached, 4 killed (27 Oct). ASI (Police) killed, grenade hurled at another police officer, Awami League leader Ashraf Hajan 's house attacked (28 Oct. 6 Ikhwam activists killed (28 Oct). DSP and Janata Dal activists killed (29 Oct). Congress activists killed (30 Oct). 2 NC activists and o militants killed (2 Nov). NC leader and 2 others killed (3 Nov). A Lt. Col., a NC activist among 15 killed (4 Nov). SSP Srinagar attached (5 Nov). Police officer killed (7 Nov). Head of pro-India Muslim Mujahideen abducted (8 Nov), released (11 Nov). NC leader and MLA G.A. Shah attacked (12) Nov). Muslim Mujahideen leader N. Azad killed (12 Nov), 4 Congress and NC activists killed, SP attached (14 Nov). Army smashes camp of pro-Pakistan Harkat-ul-Ansar and Lashkar-e- Tolaba. 1 Lt. Col. and 1 Jawan killed (12 Nov).
144 militants surrender to CM (4 Nov).
State Government: J&K Assembly meets, elects Ali Md. Naik as Speaker, Governor Krishna Rao in address to joint Session of Assembly and Council spells out government priorities including return of Pandits to Valley and restoration of State's autonomy (18 Oct). C.M. Farooq Abdullah serve 30-days ultimatum to militants to surrender and announces unified command for pro-India counter-insurgent (19 Oct) wants central pars-military forces to stay (23 Oct). CM announces formation of Committee to negotiate terms of autonomy with Dr. Karan Singh as Chairman on the basis of developments from Delhi Agreement of 1952 to Accord of 1975 (19 Oct). Jammu intellectuals speak against withdrawal of SC, EC and CAG's jurisdiction. CM reiterates demand for autonomy (7 Nov). CM proposes LOC as permanent border (19 Oct). MLAs urge Assembly Resolution on autonomy (23 Oct). CM promises restoration of normalcy, good governance and reconstruction (27 Oct). CM felicitated by National Citizens Committee, warns Pakistan (27 Oct), NC leader Soz publicly blames central government for situation in State (30 Oct). CM gives promises and assurances to Pandits in New Delhi (3 Nov) CM addresses senior Army officers, announces establishment of State Human Rights Commission (7 Nov).
Hurrivat: "Farooq Abdullah aska Hurriyat leaders to quit India JKLF lender Yaseen Malik and other leaders detained and put under house arrest (18 Oct). Shabbir Shah detained (22 Oct). Hurriyat leader Umar Farooq criticised for not asserting option of independence in Declaration adopted by Kashmiri leader in Washington (30 Oct). "Umar Farooq attributes India's defeat in election to UN Security Council to its Kashmir policy (4 Nov).
Foreign Reaction: Vice Chairman of Foreign Policy Committee of Iran Majlis supports India (28 Oct).
Kazakhistan President backs plebiscite (31 Oct). "UK- British Labour leader Robin Cook, on 2 day visit to J&K, meets CM and Hurriyat leaders and discusses post-election scenario (3 Nov), suggests bilateral negotiation (4 Nov). Turkey plans to hold meeting of Kashmiri leaders from both sides, sys Umar Farooq (4 Nov)
India-Pakistan: Indian Foreign Minister Gujral warns Pakistan against subversion. Pakistan separates bilateral economic relations from stand on Kashmir dispute (23 Oct). President Leghari indicates willingness to hold bilateral talks (6 Nov).
MATTERS OF CONCERN
Babari Masild Case: Special CBI Magistrate commits 9 accused (in addition to 4 already committed) to Sessions in Ayodhya Demolition Case (15 Nov). "IUML. demands transfer of title suit to Supreme Court under Article 138(2) (14 Nov).
Mathers Idgah: VIP leaders convene Dharam Sansad and Marg Darshak Mandal to consider agitation for taking over Mathura Idgah and Varanasi Masjid (15 Nov).
Revision of Electoral Roll RC announces revision of:
electoral rolls with 1.1.1997 as the cut-off date (12 Nov).
Afghanistan: Regional Conference on Afghanistan adopts Tehran Declaration for restoration of peace and national unity in Afghanistan and criticizes violation of human rights (by Taliban regime) and asks all countries to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity (30 Oct).
Pakistan: President Leghari dismisses PM Benazir Bhutto, swears in Meraj Khalid as caretaker PM, dissolves National Assembly and announces fresh election on 3 February, 1997; Bhutto accused of corruption, Zardari detained (5 Nov). MQM leader Altaf Quraishi welcomes dismissal.
Muslim Minorities: USA President Clinton promise justice to Muslim Americans (31 Oct).
Other Minorities: President Sharma inaugurates Vishwn Shanti Stupa at Vaishali, seat of Buddhist ruins in Bihar (23 Oct). Buddhists demonstrate in Delhi for possession of Mahabodhi Vihar in Bodh Gaya (1 Nov)
Muslim Organizations: Institute of Objective Studies celebrates 10th anniversary in New Delhi with Agriculture Minister Chahiranan Mishra as Chief Guest organizes exhibition of publications and programme of lectures and announces scholarships for 100 students (9-10 Nov).
AMU: "Dr. Farooq Abdullah seeks cooperation in reconstruction of education in J&K (27 Oct) University reopens in phases (1 Nov). 18 students rusticated and 3 suspended (4 Nov) UGC order for reservation for SC/ST causes unease (9 Nov).
Reservation: RSS criticizes reservation for women. SC orders review by a Commission of Kerala's claim of absence of creamy layer (4 Nov). "Minister of Welfare reiterates Government demand to introduce a bill to remove bar on SC converts to Christianity from enjoying benefits including reservation (9 Nov) "PM Deve Gowda announces appointment of a Commission to consider demands from other castes, Groups for inclusion in List of OBCs (12 Nov) Ajit Singh President BKKP supports proposal and urges inclusion of Jats, (15 Nov).
Muslim Politics: "Abdullah Bukhari, Imam, Jama Masjid accuses BSP Leader Kanshi Ram of political opportunism (16 Oct) Markazi Jamiatul Ulema-e- Hind Working Committee demands proportionate reservation in public employment and legislatures as well as instruction through modium of mother tongue and removal of legal difficulties in protection of wakf properties. AIMMM holds Seminar on Muslim Problems in New Delhi under Presidentship of Syed Shahabuddin. Seminar inaugurated by Kuldip Nayar and addressed by Ameer-e- Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Hasan (24 Oct). *SIO, Students Wing of JMI, organizes Northern Zone Conference at Patna (2 Nov).
Hindu communalism: VHP asks painter MF Hussain to destroy objectionable' paintings before Dussehra. RSS holds National camp of Rashtra Sevika Samiti (27 Oct). VHP Working President Ashok Singhal announces appointment of 10,000 Hindu Missionaries to propagate Hindutva. RSS Chief Rajendera Singh criticises caste politics and reservation (23 Oct). RSS backed Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarti Parishad (ABVP) wins students union election in JNU. *RSS National Executive holds 3-day meeting in Hyderabad to review political situation. RSS backed Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan yojana formed with objective of re-writing Indian History holds 3-day Session in Bhopal (1-3 Nov).
Personal Law: BJP leader Advani attacks UF Government's negative stand on Uniform Civil Code as unconstitutional (29 Oct)
Freedom Movement: Rafiq Zakaria in Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture' blames Patel for accepting partition when faced with civil war (1 Nov).
Communal Violence: Sri Krishna Commission decides to summon CM of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena leader Manchar Joshi (30 Oct). 11 Muslims convicted by TADA Court for death of 6 Hindus in Radhabai Chawl during post-Ayodhya riots.
Animal Slaughter: "Digambar Jain Parishad calls upon Jain community to struggle against establishment of abattoirs and. export of meat (31 Oct). "Hindu Munnanu decides to organise a 3-day rath yatra in Tamil Nadu to ban cow slaughter and export of meat (9 Nov). Supreme Court orders closure of Idgah slaughter house and shift to Loni in Ghaziabad.
Communal Problem: "Muslims protest against sacrilegous writing against the Holy Prophet by Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray in his paper Do pahar ka Samna Raza Academy protests to Home Minister, files writ petition (31 Oct).
Infiltration: Responding to AASU/CNP demand PM. Deve Gowda announces intention to repeal IMDT Act, 1983 (27) Oct). Congress and the Left oppose repeal (8 Nov). NHRC considers IMDT Act irreversible (11 Nov) Home Minister promises discussion in parliament (12 Nov), UMF, Assam opposea repeal (14 Nov). Shahabuddin writes to PM/Home Minister against repeal.
Education: "Founder's Day celebrated in JMI in the absence of Acting VC MHasan who later entered University campus despite protests and threats under security cover (31 Oct). 29) students detained. Students observe indefinite strike on Nev. 6. campus life becomes normal after protesters let off on bail.
Wakfs: Rajya Sabha establishes a 9-Member Committee to review working of Wakf Boards under chairmanship of BJP Leader Sikander Bakht (4 Nov) "AIMM opposes trifurcation of Punjab Wakf Board as against the interests of the community (17 Oct). Shahabuddin writes to Minister of Welfare.
Human Rights: "National Human Rights Commission asks Government of Bihar to expedite investigation of killing of political activists by Police and payment of compensation to next-of-kin. Tamil Nadu Police alleges involvement of unidentified Muslim groups in bomb blasts in Madras (27 Oct).
Mass Media: "Andhra Pradesh High Court decides that song "Mustafa" in Telugu film is not objectionable from religious angle(16 Oct).
Prohibition: Religious leaders led by Swany Agnivesh submit memorandum to Government demanding total prohibition (12 Nov).
Urdu: "Delhi Urdu Academy holds 2-day Seminar on Delhiwale in Delhi (2 Nov). "President honours Arabic, Persian and Urdu scholars recognised by Government of Andhra Pradesh (2 Nov). "Anjuman-e- Taraqqi Urdu and Anjuman Taraqqi Pasand Musannafin honour Raj Bahadur Gour recently appointed as Vice Chairman of National Council for Promotion of Urdu (2 Nov). *Supreme Court declares Ghalib's Mazaar as a protected monument (24 Oct). Supreme Court also orders demolition of public toilets built on Zauq's grave and construction of a suitable monument (6 Nov) Delhi HC takes notice of dilapidated state of Ghalib Haveli (16 Oct) Head of Al Azhar University, Cairo Sheikh A. Tantavi pays official visit to India and holds discussions with Muslim intellectuals, scholars and Ulema endorse Ijtihad and favours family planning (22-24 Oct).
Obituary and Commemoration: 179th Birth Anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan observed at the AMU (17 Oct). 119th Academy and Iqbal Academy in New Delhi (9 Nov). President Birth Anniversary of Poet Iqbal observed jointly by Ghalib distributes prizes of Maulana Azad Essay Competition organized by ICCR (11 Nov). Dr Majid Ali Khan, Professor of Islamic Studies, JMI passes away in Delhi (23 Oct). Ansar Harwani, Freedom Fighter Ex MP passes away in New Delhi (29 Oct). Qazi Jalil Abbasi, Freedom Fighter and Ex-MP pass away in Lucknow (7 Nov).
