ACHA PEACE BULLETIN http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACHAPeaceBulletin
A publication of Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA) www.asiapeace.org
Editor: Pritam K. Rohila, Ph. D.
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ACHA PEACE BULLETIN (Volume IV, No. 11, November 6, 2002 (Next issue, December 4, 2002)
Something To Think About
Peace & Harmony News
Peace & Harmony Organizations
Joint Action Committee For Peace, Karachi, Pakistan
Action Aid India
Mil Ke Chalo
Peoples March, India
All India Secular Forum, Mumbai, India
DC-Collective, Washington, D.C., USA
Nishant Natya Manch, Delhi, India
South Asia Solidarity Group, London, U.K.
Crescent Progressive Association, New Delhi, India
Feature
Kashmir Card- Remembering A War (The 1962 India-China Conflict), Swaran Singh, Oct 28, 02
Letters
Religion Turning Itself As The Worst Arsenal To Divide And Destroy Humanity, H. Habib
News From South Asia
India
Jammu
& Kashmir, India
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Books & Journals
Journal Of
Peacebuilding And Development
The World Report On Violence And Health
Single Identity Work: Approach To Conflict Resolution In Northern Ireland, By C. Church, et al.
Teaching Human Rights And Peace: The Teacher’s
Guide, UNESCO,
The Gambia
Islam In India, By Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer (Ed), Shipra Publications
The Shade Of Swords, Jihad And The Conflict Between Islam And Christianity, By M. J. Akbar
The Rss And The BJP: A Division Of Labor, By A. G. Noorani
Children
Conferences, Courses, Seminars & Workshops
January 5,
2003, Philadelphia, PA, USA: 2003 Social Forum – Nonviolence For Social Change
February 13 - 15, 2003, London, UK: Constructive Conversations On Divisive Issues
February 23 –
27, 2003, Rajsamand, India: 2003 Peace
And Nonviolent Action
February 28 –
March 1, 2003, Philadelphia, PA, USA: Whites Confronting Racism
May 8 – 18,
2003, St. Petersburg, Russia: 11th
Annual Conference On Conflict Resolution
Environment
Events
December 10-12, Pune, India: Youth Festival: In The Spirit Of Social Harmony
Fellowships
Fellowships
In Religion, Conflict, And Peacebuilding
Human Rights & Minorities
Supreme Court (India) Ruling On Temples Has Wide Ramifications,
Minorities In Bangladesh
Technology & Development
Women
(For a copy send a blank email to pritamr@open.org with its subject as the UPPERCASE word in the article title. Please limit your request to 3 articles)
Bangladesh
Al-Qaeda's New Safe HAVEN? Alex Perry, Time, October 15, 2002
Bangladesh-India Relationship
Border Talks: A Forward Movement, but in DENIAL on Terror, W. Hussain, SAIR, Nov 4, 2002
Bhutan
Militant CAMPS: Ending a Foreign Scourge, P. Tshering, SAIR, Sep 23, 2002
Democracy
Institutions and DEMOCRACY, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Daily Times, 29 September, 2000
Education
Controversy about HISTORY, V Gumaste, Sulekha Oct 9-15, 2002
Fundamentalism, Secularism & Minorities
Secularism must REIGN in Gandhi's homeland, Kuldip Nayar, Gulf News – Dubai, 30-09-2002
MURDER and mayhem in Karachi, Gandhi Nagar, M.B. Naqvi, Sep 25, 02
Culture Vulture: FUN and fundamentalism, Shahid Nadeem, Daily Times, Pakistan
India
Why is India INTACT? Farrukh Saleem, The Friday Time
India-States
Arunachal Pradesh: Anti-terror LAW Agitates an Indian Frontier, W. Hussain, SAIR, Oct 7, 2002
ASSAM: Bloodshed in 'Bodoland, B. P. Routray, South Asia Intelligence Review, Oct 28, 2001
GUJARAT: Of Dark Clouds & Silver Linings, Ammu Joseph, October 25, 2002
GUJARAT: New Theatre of Islamist Terror, K.P.S. Gill, SAIR, Sep 30, 2002
MIZORAM:
Negotiating with Terror, Yet Again, W.r
Hussain, SAIR, Oct 28, 02
India-Pakistan Relations
Armies withdraw, but peace is a distant DREAM, A. Sahni, SAIR, October 21, 2002
PARTITION's unresolved business, Harris Khalique, The Hindu, October 6, 2002
Jammu & Kashmir Elections
ROUND One to Democracy, P. Swami, South Asia Intelligence Review, Sep 23, 2002
JAMMU & Kashmir Elections: Macabre Scorecard, P. Swami, SAIR, Sep 30, 02
The Political SPACE Widens Amidst Violence, P. Swami, SAIR, Oct 7, 2002
WINNING the Kashmir election, P. Pal Chaudhuri, Hindustan Times, October 15, 2002
Regional leader MUFTI to head Indian Kashmir government, N. Luthra, Reuters, 26 Oct 2002
Kashmiris Want FOCUS Put on Daily Needs, M. Magnier, LA Times, October 10, 2002
Kashmir
The Past Ten YEARS, Alexander Evans, Asian Affairs (London) February 1999
Kashmir CARD- (The 1962 India-China Conflict), S. Singh, Rediff.com, Oct 28, 02
Forward to the PAST? K.P.S. Gill, South Asia Intelligence Review, October 28, 2001
The Kashmir ISSUE, K. Krishnan, South Asia Intelligence Review, September 23, 2002
BORDER
Tension a Growth Industry for Kashmir, A. Waldman, New York Times, Oct. 18, 2002
You know he has been to DELHI, Shabir Choudhry, October 2002
The Politics of ILLUSION, P. Swami, South Asia Intelligence Review, Nov 4, 2002
Nepal
Democracy in FLIGHT, Yubaraj Ghimire, South Asia Intelligence Review, October 7, 2002
The Maoist MAZE, Sanjay K. Jha, South Asia Intelligence Review, October 21, 2002
Pakistan
Pakistan ZINDABAD? Badruddin R. Gowani, October 26, 2002
Playing with FIRE: Pakistan juggles with US and al-Qaida, Leader, The Guardian, Oct 8, 2002
The GOD of lesser Pakistanis, Editorial, The Daily Times, September 28, 2002
A clean BREAK with the past, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Daily Times, 13
October, 2002
Pakistan,
Kashmir & the US War on Terrorism: The Need to Square the CIRCLE, Peter
& Chris Fair, South Asia Intelligence Review, Oct 7, 2002
Pakistan-Army
ARMY consumed a fourth of public
spending, Khalid
Hasan, October 29, 2002
WHOM do
Pakistani generals represent? K. Ashraf, Pakistan Weekly, October 29, 2002
Pakistan DOING OK, generally speaking, Khalid Hasan, The Daily Times, 3 October, 2002
Pakistan-Elections
MINORITIES and Elections 2002, Aftab Alexander Mughal, Justice and Peace Commission
Here comes the hirsute BRIGADE, Khalid Hasan, The Friday Times, Oct 25 - 31, 2002
Religion
The religious VIRUS, Kuldip Nayar, October 20, 2002
Urgent Need For HINDU Reform, Harsh Verma, Sulekha.com, October 18, 2002
Claiming ENSLAVEMENT as a Right, I.K. Shukla, October 26, 2002
Sri Lanka
Peace TALKS: The Transformation of Terror? R. Gunaratna, SAIR, Sep 23, 02
Sri Lanka A Troubled Peace PROCESS, G H Peiris, South Asia Intelligence Review, Nov 4, 2002
Terrorism
Can we FIGHT terrorism? Asghar Ali Engineer, Secular Perspective, October 1-15, 2002
Why MEN resort to violence and
terrorism, Ishtaiq
Ahmed, Daily Times, 27 October, 2002
Women
WESTERN Feminism Or Rights Of Women In Islam, A. Ali Engineer, Islam and Modern Age, Oct 02
____________________________________________________________________________
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” - Bertrand Russell
PEACE & HARMONY NEWS
(Readers are invited to submit similar news from other areas of South
Asia to help us broaden of our coverage? Please send the news, along with its
date, and source, to pritamr@open.org , a
week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace Bulletin)
Sri Lankan foes agree to power-sharing deal
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand: The Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels on Saturday agreed to discuss a power-sharing arrangement, taking the first direct step in resolving the crux of an 19-year-old ethnic conflict and civil war. The agreement came on the third day of Norwegian-brokered peace talks, which have made progress in other areas, including rehabilitation of war-hit areas in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. Associated Press/Statesman Journal November 3, 2002
A win-win situation?
Zhang Guihong finds more things in common between India and China despite the 'considerable differences' in views. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/31chin.htm
Diwali to be celebrated in British parliament
A record number of British MPs are expected to participate in the celebrations on October 31.
http://www.rediff.com/us/2002/oct/28uk2.htm
Women break boundaries for peace
Meeting at Bhubaneswar (Orissa, India), on the penultimate day (October 19) of the 10th conference of the Indian Association for Women's Studies (IAWS), women from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India spoke out strongly for peace and an end to conflict in the region. The Hindu Sunday, Oct 20, 2002
Indian Govt orders partial pullback of troops from Indo-Pak border
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/16josy3.htm
Pak to 'shortly' withdraw forces
from Indian border http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/17pak1.htm
Pramukh Swami Maharaj appeals for peace following attack on the Gujarati temple
The Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, in a statement, 'The death of the innocent people is painful and heart-rending.' http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/sep/25guj4.htm
Swaminarayan sect appeals for peace
Doctor Swami, one of the senior-most leaders of the sect, told 'rediff.com' during a visit to the temple that the attack on the 'centre of peace and harmony' should not provoke people.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/sep/25guj14.htm
PEACE & HARMONY ORGANIZATIONS
(Readers are invited to submit similar items from other areas of South
Asia to help us broaden of our coverage? Please send the items, along with its
date, and source, to pritamr@open.org , a
week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace Bulletin)
*Joint Action Committee for Peace (JAC), Karachi, Pakistan
In a JAC meeting held on October 16, 2002 at Shirkat Gah it was unanimously
decided that JAC would organize a condolence meeting for the staff members of
Idara-e-Amn-o-Insaf who were killed on September 25.
*Action Aid India www.actionaid.org mishkaz@actionaidindia.org
In the wake of communal violence
earlier this year in Gujarat (India), along with 35 other voluntary
organizations, Action Aid India has initiated Aman Samudaya or Peace Community
program in the state. It aims at ensuring legal rights and compensations
packages to the riot victims; providing counseling and monetary support to the
survivors; ensuring access to Government entitlements to help rebuild homes and
promoting a culture of peace and trust.
*Mil Ke Chalo Peoples March, India
September 27 through October 2, a group of Indian activists, prominent citizens, and leaders from all religions participated in a march, from Ayodhya to Delhi to call for “tolerance in public life,” and upon people “to shun the politics of hatred and division.” (Via Shivani Chaudhry schaudhry@ciel.org)
*All India Secular Forum, Mumbai, India
A two-day All India meeting of All India Secular Forum was held in Asha Kiran
Mumbai, on September 28-29. Over 50 delegates representing different Social
groups, from different parts of the country deliberated during the meeting. The
delegates from Insaniyat, Mumbai, a group formed in the wake of
Godhra-Gujarat narrated their efforts to develop educational mechanisms to
communicate the message of peace and Harmony. Some groups also pointed narrated
their experiences with the workshops to elaborate the theme of communalism
being conducted by CSSS and EKTA. A module has been developed, which addresses
most of the themes related to communal issues-The myths of History, Stereotypes
of Minorities, Partition Tragedy, Kashmir Issue, Rise of Communal politics in
India, Post Independence Communal politics and communal violence and mechanisms
and efforts needed to combat communalism. (Ram Puniyani bmrrpia@cc.iitb.ac.in)
* DC-Collective, Washington, D.C., USA
In front of Mahatma Gandhi statue, on the eve of Mahtma Gandhi's birthday, a
peace rally organized by the DC-Collective
and 12 diverse religious, social, and cultural organizations, was
attended by a large number of people from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The
rally regretted the current wave of religion-based killings in the subcontinent
and appealed for peace and communal harmony. A candlelight vigil was
observed in memory of those who fell victim to communal violence. (Via
Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. raabta1@hotmail.com)
*Nishant Natya Manch, 1,
Staff Qrs, Satyawati College Campus, Ashok Vihar, Delhi-110052, India, Phone-11-7248242. Secretary:
Neelima Sharma nilis@nda.vsnl.net.in
In the aftermath of horrible
bloody attack on Swaminarain Temple in Gandhinagar and all India ‘bandh’ call
of VHP and others, a team of Nishant Natya Manch, a street theatre group,
September 28 through October 4, toured Mumbai, Ahmedabad and its adjoining
areas with songs, street plays, banners-posters and literature against
communalism and repression. Each performance had a backdrop containing Martin
Niemoler’s poem: ‘In Germany the Nazis came first for the Communists/And I did
not speak because I as not a Communist…’
*South Asia Solidarity Group, London, U.K. southasia@hotmail.com
November 1, South Asia Solidarity Group screened Anand Patwardhan acclaimed documentary War & Peace (Jang Aur Aman) at ICA Cinema, The Mall, London, U.K. “Filmed over three years in India, Pakistan, Japan and the USA, War and Peace uses the voices of ordinary people to expose the contradictions inherent in jingoistic nationalism. It reveals the mirror images of manufactured hatred on either side of the India-Pakistan border. It goes on to focus on the way an aggressive United States has become a role model, its doctrine of "Might is Right" only too well-absorbed by aspiring elites of the developing world. As we enter the 21st century, war has become perennial, enemies are re-invented and economies are inextricably tied to the sale and production of weapons. War and Peace draws its power and emotional appeal from the growing movement for peace in both India and Pakistan.”
*Crescent Progressive Association, New Delhi, India cpa1995@rediffmail.com
Crescent Progressive Association (CPA) condemned “in the strongest terms” the attack at Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, which resulted in the deaths of 30 worshippers and several injuries.
FEATURE
*Kashmir CARD- Remembering a War (The 1962 India-China Conflict), Swaran Singh, Rediff.com, October 28, 2002 http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/28chin.htm
The continued violence in the Kashmir valley --- and its final outcome in
Kashmir becoming a nuclear flashpoint --- is perhaps the most decisive legacy
of the 1962 India-China border conflict.
The Kashmir quagmire could never have obtained the eminence that it has today
had there been no India-China war in 1962, or had things not changed the way
they did following the short-lived Sino-Indian bonhomie of the mid-1950s. (For
a copy of the full version of the article send a blank email to pritamr@open.org with CARD as its subject)
*Religion turning itself as the worst arsenal to divide and destroy humanity in South Asian, Haroon Habib, an author and a columnist from Dhaka, Bangladesh
Religion is a very personal
belief that most people inherit from family, no individual choice rather that a
habit. Unfortunately, it is turning itself as the worst arsenal to divide and
destroy humanity in South Asian region! We have seen the tragedy in 1947, worst
human massacre in 1971in the former East Pakistan, and
continuously in Kashmir and very recently in Gujarat, parts of Pakistan and
Afghanistan. The question, therefore, is: how to protect the humanity from
future catastrophes?
I wouldn't believe the recent tragedies in Gujarat of India and some places of
Pakistan are something to do with religion. These are nothing but the barbaric
use of religion as political tool. How you are going to make those religious
traders understand they are criminalizing the societies in the name of
religion? Surely, they will not listen to any appeal, unless they are
adequately forced. To make the common people frenzy to reap political benefit
has already became a culture in our region. It is the easiest way to gain
political strength and to go to power because our people are still fatalistic!
If religion is the belief of heart and speaks about peace than why to use it as
a gun, knife, bomb, 'Trisul' or 'Taloar'? Who can one be a Hindu or Muslim and
a Christian or a Buddhist without being human being
first? A goat, a horse or a sheep is not supposed to be a member of any
religion! But unfortunately, some politicians are trying to make a fool of our
people, and successfully! These politicians are the real murderers. Let's have
a united fight against them, and let us involve the common people in it.
And that is why initiatives - to make the people human being first - must
continue, relentlessly. A normal battle perhaps will not make the devils
surrender. It requires a full-scale war.
NEWS FROM SOUTH ASIA
Gujarat Assembly Election: Full Coverage http://www.rediff.com/election/elecmain.htm
EC disallows 'communal' posters in Gujarat
The commission ordered suitable
action against individuals or organisations responsible for such display.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/01guj1.htm
One personnel for every 329 people during Gujarat polls
Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh has directed the Gujarat election office to increase security during polls in view of the post-Godhra violence. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/29guj.htm
Anti-conversion bill passed
The bill was supported by 140 members and opposed by 73.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/31tn.htm
Election and Results: Full Coverage http://www.rediff.com/election/elecmain.htm
Sayeed sworn in J&K chief minister http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/nov/02jk3.htm
JKLF splits for the second time
Three founder members announced the parting of ways with the Javed Ahmed Mir-led JKLF.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/31jk1.htm
Don't question J&K's accession: Sinha
'Why have a plebiscite only in Jammu and Kashmir? Why not in the whole subcontinent and ask if we want one nation as we were before?" the external affairs minister asked.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/31pak.htm
“Solve the Kashmir issue through a trilateral Dialogue,” Hurriyat Conference
Hurriyat Conference asked the Centre to try to Solve the Kashmir issue through a trilateral Dialogue and said efforts were on to facilitate a meeting between Kashmir Committee and their counterparts in Pakistan. jklfhqs@rediffmail.com October 30
Kashmir panel to hold talks with 'certain elements in Pak’
"We will wait till a person gets sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and then initiate steps to hold formal talks with certain elements there who are willing to join the process for finding a peaceful solution to the militancy problem," said the Kashmir Committee and former Law Minister Ram Jethmalani, after holdingwide-ranging parleys with visiting senior US official Richard Haas and Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Bhat on efforts to find an amicable solution to the decade-old militancy problem in the state. Tribune News Service, New Delhi, October 28, Via KGN News kashmir_news@yahoo.com
We will seek a political package from Centre: Mufti
Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister-designate said he has his coalition partner's support to start an unconditional dialogue with all sections of the people in the state.
http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/28jk4.htm
PM has promised 'full support' to Sayeed
'Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani too has offered full support to Mufti's government in economic and the political field', a senior PDP leader told 'rediff.com'.
http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/28jk1.htm
'The return of Pandits is an essential ingredient of Kashmiriat'
Jammu & Kashmir Congress chief Ghulam Nabi Azad swallows his disappointment at missing the chief minister's chair for now and gets on with the task of consolidating the party and the coalition.
http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/28inter.htm
J&K governor reviews law and order situation
The state was placed under governor's rule after caretaker Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah refused to continue in his post. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/18jk4.htm
My continuation would have encouraged horse-trading: Farooq
A day after he refused to continue as Jammu and Kashmir's caretaker chief minister, Farooq Abdullah said if his decision was unethical, what were the parties who claim to have voters' mandate to govern doing.
http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/18jk1.htm
Omar Abdullah resigns from Union Cabinet
The National Conference president said his presence was needed in J&K.
http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/14jk10.htm
Whose Waterloo is it?
'It is the first time since 1975, when Sheikh Abdullah rejoined the national mainstream, that the state assembly will not have a member of Kashmir's 'first political family' on its benches. Mehbooba has good reason to have that last laugh. But temperamentally she is so different from the Abdullahs,' says Mohammad Sayeed Malik. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/14malik.htm
End of a Dynasty
'For the first time the people of Kashmir are experiencing the thrill of a ruling party -- that too one so deeply entrenched as the National Conference -- falling from popular grace through a democratic process,' says Mohammad Sayeed Malik.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/12malik.htm
Disbanding SOG our first priority: Mehbooba
The PDP vice-president said her party would also seek to disarm surrendered militants, locally known as 'ikhwanis'. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/12jk6.htm
J&K results a vote against militancy: Panun Kashmir
The outfit hoped the new state government will take steps for the rehabilitation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/12jk11.htm
Hurriyat dares Centre to hold plebiscite, calls for dialogue
'If India believes that it was a vote for India, then why do not they organise a plebiscite and keep Kashmir for good,' chairman Abdul Gani Bhat said. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/12jk3.htm
Estimated 52% polling in fourth phase of J&K polls http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/08jk4.htm
840 killed since poll announcement
Among them were 50 political activists, 260 innocent people and 160 officers and jawans, state DGP Ashok Suri said. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/08jk5.htm
We will punish those who participated in polls: Hizb
The terrorist outfit has also
called for a boycott of the final phase of the polls to be held on October 8. http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/oct/05jk3.htm
Urban-rural divide marks poll in central Kashmir
While Srinagar largely boycotted the process, rural Kashmir witnessed brisk polling.
http://www.rediff.com/election/2002/sep/25jk.htm
Maoists leader Prachanda calls for negotiations
A Press Statement issued by Puspa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda, leader of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist), generally referred to as Maoist insurgents, called for a dialogue among the Maoist insurgents, political parties, the King and the intelligentsia of Nepal to prevent what he called the frittering away of the gains of the '1990-pro-democracy movement'. He warned that the insurgents would continue with their campaign of violence if such a dialogue, which he said was the 'appropriate forum to deliberate on a new Constituent Assembly', was not called for. Kathmandu Post, October 26, 2002
PML-Q stakes claim to form government in Pakistan
It has 122 seats in the 342-member national assembly and hopes to get a simple majority with the support of independents and regional parties. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/02pak.htm
Pakistan's suspension from Commonwealth continues http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/01pak.htm
Pakistan releases man behind (Indian) Parliament attack
Maulana Azam Tariq of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan denied that his release was part of a secret deal with the junta. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/31pak2.htm
Commonwealth to review Pakistan polls
It will review whether any principles contained in the Harare Declaration and the Millbrook Action Programme were violated. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/30pak.htm
Pakistan parties fail to reach consensus
But they vowed not to put any
hurdles in the way of transfer of power by the military government to the
elected representatives. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/30pak2.htm
MMA abandons hardline stance
Prime ministerial nominee Maulana Fazlur Rehman said they are willing to accept Pervez Musharraf's presidency and promised to be flexible on the presence of American troops, constitutional changes, and Islamic laws. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/28pak.htm
New National Assembly to be convened in November first week
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs spokesman, on October 25, said that the first session of the newly elected National Assembly (NA) would be convened in the first week of November, 2002. Elections to various federal posts also might be held between November 5 and 7. While the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker would be elected on November 5, election for the post of Prime Minister might be held on November 7. Jang, October 26, 2002
Federal Law Minister outlines process of elections to the post of Speaker, PM
Federal Law Minister Dr Khalid
Ranjha said, on October 25 that a secret ballot within two months of the oath
of the Prime Minister (PM) would be held to decide if the PM has the confidence
of the House. Run-off polls would be held if no one was elected for the post,
he also said. The National Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker would be elected
through secret ballot, prior to the election of the PM. Dawn,
October 26, 2002
ARD demands fresh presidential election in Pakistan
The Alliance for Restoration of
Democracy is against allying with any political party that would accept Pervez
Musharraf as the president of Pakistan. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/19pak.htm
'We would like Musharraf to quit'
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, prime
ministerial candidate of the Mutahidda Majlis-e-Amal, speaks his mind out. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/17inter1.htm
More monitors join EU in denouncing Pak polls
"Some of the practices were serious enough to undermine the fairness of the elections," General Sayud Kerdhpol, head of a 42-member team of Asian Network for Free Elections, said in its report published in daily 'The News'. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/14pak.htm
Fractured verdict in Pakistan, MMA leads tally http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/12pak2.htm
Musharraf rules to be ratified by parliament: Supreme court
A full bench of the court observed that laws promulgated under the provisional constitutional order had no legal status without validation by parliament. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/01pak.htm
Peace talks resume, 200-year prison term for Prabhakaran
The Sri Lankan high court
sentenced the LTTE chief for planning a truck bombing on the Central Bank that
killed 91 people and injured 300. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/01ltte.htm
*Journal of Peacebuilding and
Development
The journal, which endeavors to examine critical peacebuilding and development topics and questions that challenge our era, invites abstracts of original articles for its Volume III by November 15. Send abstracts to Executive Editors, Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, School of International Service, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016-8071; by email to: Erin McCandless: emccand@africaonline.co.zw Mohammed Abu-Nimer: abunim@american.edu and cc: jpd@africaonline.co.zw
*The World Report on Violence and Health, World Health Organization (NMH Communications, WHO, Avenue Appia 20, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland, Phone 41-22-791 3432, Fax 41-22-791 4832 Email: greenh@who.int, Website: www.who.int/mediacentre/releases/pr73/en), US $27
This report, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the first
comprehensive review of the problem of violence at a global level. It
focuses not only on the scale of the problem, but also covers issues related to
the causes of violence and methods for preventing violence and reducing its
adverse health and social consequences. In addition to the issues of collective
violence such as war or conflict, the report examines equally significant yet
frequently overlooked issues such as youth violence, child abuse, elderly
abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and self-inflicted violence
or suicides. Via www.coexistence.net
*Single Identity Work: Approach to Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland, By Cheyanne Church, Anna Visser, and Laurie Johnson, Initiative on Conflict Resolution (Policy and Evaluation Unit, INCORE, Aberfoyle House, Magee Campus, University of Ulster, Northland Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT48 7JA, UK, Phone 44-28-7137 5500, Fax 44-28-7137 5510 Email: incore@incore.ulst.ac.uk, Website: www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/news/updates
Single identity work refers to those projects, programs and activities that
engage members singularly from one sociocultural tradition and, as such, pursue
their objectives from a within-group orientation. Largely derived from a
best practice project conducted at the Initiative on Conflict Resolution, this
paper examines single identity work within the conceptual framework of the
contact hypothesis and highlights the unique characteristics of this type of
reconciliation work. Via www.coexistence.net
*Teaching Human Rights and Peace: The Teacher’s Guide, The African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies and the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Executive Director, ACDHRS, Kairaba Avenue, Kombo St. Mary Division, The Gambia, Phone 220-394 961, Fax 220-394 962, Email: acdhrs@acdhrs.gm)
This teaching guide has been
designed to give teachers the tools for teaching secondary school students
about human rights and peace. It can also be adapted by primary and
secondary school curriculum developers or policy makers who could use the module
as a guide for inputting human rights and peace culture into schools. Via www.coexistence.net
*Islam in India, By Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer (Ed), Shipra Publications (115-A, Vikas Marg, Shakapur,
Delhi-110092, India, Phone 91-11-2458662/2200954 Fax: 91-11-2458662, www.shiprapublications.com
E-mail: siprapub@satyam.com.in), Rs. 295 (US $ 25)
Islam in India has richly contributed to its culture and civilization. There is no area in which Islam's impact has not been felt in India. From architecture to music to painting to historiography Muslims have left their imprint in every field. This book contains erudite essays by noted scholars in Islam from various countries. (Via Kanak Raval)
*The Shade of Swords, Jihad and the Conflict Between Islam and Christianity, By M. J. Akbar, 2002, United Kingdom, ISBN: 0415284708, SB#: 032692, Hardcover, 272 pages, US$ 21.71
The conflict between Islam and Christianity began from the time of the Prophet himself and has acquired myriad shapes over fourteen hundred years: in doctrine, dialectics, literature, culture and of course on the battlefield, from the fall of Jerusalem to the Caliph Omar in 637, to the presence of British and American troops in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2002. The anger that is visible on the streets of the Muslim world today is fueled by a perception of injustice and exploitation by the West. This book traces the origins of jihad in the struggle against oppression that was part of the earliest consciousness of Muslims and explains how jihad thrives on complex and shifting notions of persecution, victory and sacrifice.
*The RSS and the BJP: A
Division of Labor, By A. G. Noorani, Left Word (12 Rajendra Prasad Road,
New Delhi 110001), Paperback, Rs.75. Review “Father, Son and The Unholy
Mission” by Ram Puniyani http://www.indianest.com/writers/rampuniyani/htm
In the aftermath of Babri demolition there was a new realization in the country as a whole that RSS are not so innocuous as it seemed. A. G. Noorani traces the birth of different organizations from the womb of RSS and the assigned role of these for the politics of Hindu Rashtra and their role in intensifying and vitiating the communal scenario. Be it BJP, (political), VHP (quasi religious), bajarang Dal (storm troopers) or the innocuous looking Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, each of them is controlled from the top by RSS volunteers. Though BJP, VHP etc. have hogged the limelight for times, their subservient loyalty and devotion to the agenda of RSS started becoming apparent to all and sundry. It is to unravel this deeper organic connection and the hidden bridge and the concealed link that A. G. Noorani has put forward his case in a manner, which not only is rigorous but also is flawless.
Educating slum children
Beena Sheth Lashkari is designing
continuous, rapid innovations to provide slum children their first exposure to
education and to help them stay in school. From doorstep schools to
schools-on-wheels to evening schools, Beena finds creative ways to make that
first approach successful
http://www.infochangeindia.org/changemakers13.jsp
Tribal children in Melghat, Maharashtra, India
An estimated 5,000 tribal
children died of malnutrition in Melghat, Maharashtra, between 1992-97. Since
1997, a group of volunteers has been working with the Korkus in this remote
forest region, helping educate them about nutrition, sanitation and preventive
health care http://infochangeindia.org/features58.jsp
It is only rarely that a Kanchan dares to dream. And even achieve her aspiration!
At 15 she is one of the most sought after teachers. And her 'school' is an open-air piece of land in a sprawling slum. Yet Kanchan Jha is ensuring that kids get the education they deserve. Little wonder that the U.S. government invited this teenager from a Delhi ghetto to speak on the child's right to education. Last year, with support from CASP, Kanchan, along with three of her friends, formed a Bal Manch, or a children’s parliament in October 2001 in her slum area. " They meet every Sunday to discuss small issues related to themselves and their surroundings. They also try to find solutions to problems in their immediate community. http://www.the-south-asian.com/Aug2002/Kanchan%20Jha.htm
CONFERENCES, COURSES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
(Readers are invited to submit similar items from other areas of South
Asia to help us broaden of our coverage? Please send the items, along with its
date, and source, to pritamr@open.org , a
week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace Bulletin)
*January 5, 2003, Philadelphia, PA, USA: 2003 SOCIAL FORUM – NONVIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE is an open meeting place for reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences, and interlinking for effective action. More info from Training for Change, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA, Phone 1-215-241 7035, Fax 1-215-241 7252, Email peacelearn@igc.org, Website www.trainingforchange.org (Via Coexistence Noticeboard www.coexistence.net )
*February 13 - 15, 2003, London, UK: POWER OF DIALOGUE: CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS
ON DIVISIVE ISSUES. Participants in this training will gain an
understanding of the principles and practices underlying the Project’s approach
to dialogue facilitation. The training will include experiential
exercises, faculty presentations, and the design and facilitation of a complete
dialogue in an extended simulation. More info from Public Conversations
Project, 46 Kondazian Street, Watertown, MA 02472, USA., Phone 1-617-923 1216,
Fax 1-617-923 2757, Email: kverner@publicconversations.org,
Website:www.publicconversations.org/pcp/index.asp?page_id=123&catid=51
(Via www.coexistence.net)
*February 23 - 27, Rajsamand, India: 2003 PEACE AND NONVIOLENT ACTION. The themes of this five-day conference is “Seeking the True Meaning of a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World.” Cost is US$100 (US$125 after December 31). Register before December 31, 2002. More info from Navratan Katariya, ANUVIBHA, PO Box 1003, Gandhinagar Post Office, Jaipur, 302 015, India, Phone 91-141-707 347, Fax 91-141-710 118, Email: navratank@sct.co.in, Website: www.anuvibha.org
*February 28 – March 1, 2003,
Philadelphia, PA, USA: WHITES
CONFRONTING RACISM is a gathering of anti–racist allies who
already do anti–racism work but who want to enhance their skills and deepen
their approach. It is for those who
want a better understanding of how racism operates in society and within
individuals. Participants will build confidence in their ability to address
racism through action and increase their understanding of how racism functions
and what their role in it is. Reading, journal writing, meditation, listening
exercises, and identity wheels will be some of the tools utilized. Cost is
US$125 – 225. More info from Training
for Change, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
Phone 1-215-241 7035, Fax 1-215-241 7252, Email peacelearn@igc.org, Website www.trainingforchange.org
(Via Coexistence Noticeboard www.coexistence.net)
*May 8 – 18, 2003, St.
Petersburg, Russia: 11TH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CONFLICT
RESOLUTION plans to create an open learning community
for sharing highly effective skills in conflict resolution that participants can
walk away with and immediately implement in their personal and/or professional
lives. Participants have come together
in previous conferences from over 55 countries and all continents, providing
excellent opportunities for important networking contacts. Cost including accommodation US$1,490. More info from Common
Bond Institute – ICR, 12170 South Pine Ayr Drive, Climax, MI 49034, USA.,
Phone 1-616-665 9393, Fax 1-616-665 9393, Email: solweean@aol.com, Website: http://ahpweb.org/cbi/home.html
(Via www.coexistence.net)
Mercury emissions in India: A
tragedy in the making?
The caustic-chlorine industry in
India releases a staggering 60-70 tonnes of mercury every year into our
environment. This figure is 75 times the amount of mercury that triggered the
Minamata tragedy
http://infochangeindia.org/features54.jsp
(Readers are invited to submit similar items from other areas of South
Asia to help us broaden of our coverage? Please send the items, along with its
date, and source, to pritamr@open.org , a
week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace Bulletin)
*December 10-12, Pune, India: YOUTH FESTIVAL: IN THE SPIRIT OF SOCIAL HARMONY is being organized by CYDA and other sister organizations to inculcate in the young minds a reverence of plurality, respect for differences and cultural diversity that exist in India. Around 3000 youth (15 to 25 years) form all over India are expected to participate in the festival featuring events such as Debate, Choreography, Street Theatre, Documentary Film, Campus Magazine, Regional Language Songs, Poster Making and Wall paper.
CYDA along with various colleges and youth organizations in Pune creates opportunities for youth from different colleges, institutions, cultures and states to come together to express their ideas, views on topics that are pertinent to young people’s lives. More info from cyda@vsnl.com, www.cydaindia.org, Phone 7033221.
Fellowships in Religion,
Conflict, and Peacebuilding (PRCP)
The PRCP explores the complex role of religion in contemporary conflicts. Research focuses on three dimensions of this process: the relationship between religious ethics, human rights, and attitudes of tolerance and intolerance toward the other; religious roles in conflict resolution, including conflict within and between religious traditions; and the contributions of religious actors to post-conflict reconciliation, justice, and peacebuilding. Fellowships are open to senior and junior scholars in the humanities and social sciences, religious leaders, and peacebuilding practitioners of any nationality. The PRCP seeks to include research by scholars and practitioners with expertise in Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, or Christian traditions and movements. Submit a CV/résumé (including a list of publications), a research proposal, a project description, a description of the research methodology to be employed, and a timetable for completion of the project—and three letters of reference. Apply before November 15, 2002. More info from Hal Culbertson, Associate Director, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, 100 Hesburgh Center for International Studies, PO Box 639, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA, Phone 1-574-631 8832, Fax 1-574-631 6973, Email: culbertson.1@nd.edu, Website: www.nd.edu/~krocinst/visiting_fellows/index.html
(Via Coexistence Noticeboard www.coexistence.net)
*Supreme Court ruling on
TEMPLES has wide ramifications, Times News Network, October 26, 2002
Supreme Court has recently ruled that all Hindus, irrespective of their caste, class or birth, can perform rituals in the sanctum sanctorum of temples provided they are well-versed with the Vedas and shastras. The judgment, delivered by Justices S Rajendra Babu and Doraiswamy Raju, has sought to break the monopoly of Brahmins over performing puja. Even while dismissing the challenge to an amendment in Article 25 which authorised the state to intervene in the management of certain temples, the trend-setting judgment says the apex court had acknowledged the " changes undergone in the social and religious outlook of the Hindu community as well as the fundamental change as a result of the message and the promise made in Article 17” of Indian Constitution, which which abolished "untouchability". http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=24395168
*Minorities in Bangladesh
Recently HRCBM http://www.hrcbm.orghas done investigation on
the murder and gang rape of minority man and women respectively at two
districts of Bangladesh. Read the report at http://hrcbm.org/NEWLOOK/Investigation_rep_feni.pdf More
info from A. Halder info@hrcbm.org
Phone 212-592-3627, Fax 212-202-7683
*Domestic servants in Pakistan are among the most exploited sections of the workforce in the country
Most household servants receive very low wages, have absolutely no job security, and are forced to work long hours. They are often abused, both physically and verbally, and have to put up with such harsh treatment because of shrinking employment opportunities. Women servants are particularly vulnerable. Their wages are generally far lower than that of men, and many have to work long hours for a pittance. Because of unemployment and the high incidence of drug addiction among men, these women are often the sole breadwinners of their families. Their children have to forego schooling to help out their mothers at work, for which they are rarely paid. It is also common for girls and younger women to be sexually exploited by their employers. (Legal Awareness Watch-LAW10.06.02)
*Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh (India) has a population of 1.7 million,
with 54 per cent tribal and 60 per cent, living below poverty line. An intranet
named Gyandoot connects 21 rural cyber cafes called soochanalayas (kiosks) in the districts. The Economic Times,
10 September 2002
http://www.humanscapeindia.net/article/sept02/cybercafe.htm
*Woman power in West Bengal, India
Bands of women in Burdwan, armed with brooms, stickes and slippers now patrol the villages at night to drive some sense in their alcoholic husband, who hooked on cheap moonshine, waste away their health and meager income.
*Effective laws needed to deal with women issues in Pakistan
This was the consensus reached at a workshop organized by the Pakistan Law Commission on the effective enforcement of female's rights of inheritance. (Legal Awareness Watch-LAW10.06.02)