Imran at UNGA should have devoted more time on Plebiscite

By

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October 8, 2019

The Pakistanis are dancing that their Prime Minister Imran Khan has given an excellent speech at ‘United Nations General Assembly’ (UNGA) on September, 27. No doubt the four points Imran dealt are important for Pakistan and UNGA is the right forum for these. But there is always a hierarchy of priorities and Imran should have devoted about half the time to three issues of namely climate protection, money laundering and Islamophobia and thus saved time Imran should have devoted to the issue of Kashmir (especially of Plebiscite).

Before delivering speech at UNGA, Imran should have studied the matter in detail and found out why UNSC Resolution 1948 about Plebiscite was not implemented. Pakistan is blamed for not vacating PoJK (Gilgit Baltistan and AJK, as called in Pakistan) which was the necessary condition for plebiscite. Hence Imran should have told at UNGA that Pakistan is prepared to get entire AJK & Gilgit Baltistan vacated of outsiders to facilitate the plebiscite in United J&K. At the same time Imran should have asked UNGA to similarly ask India to get J&K vacated of outsiders (who are in negligible numbers due to Article 370 and 35-A of Indian Constitution which were on statute till August 5, 2019).

Pakistan and its PM Imran know that Pak objectives will not be realized this way because despite Imran speech at UNGA neither plebiscite will be carried out in United-J&K by India nor lockdown will be lifted so soon in Kashmir by India. However everything is not lost and Pakistan can still achieve its said objectives if it does the following:-

(1)- As far restoring human rights of Kashmiris, now Imran should ask AJK President Masood and PM Haider to immediately lead a non-violent peace-march of about 2 million people to offer arrest to Indian authorities after crossing LoC for getting lockdown lifted in Kashmir as mentioned at: https://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/opinion-details/3432

(2)- There is an element of justice too, in this peace-march. The United-J&K (its Muslim majority) is highly likely to opt during plebiscite for independence which is possible also due to need of Federal Secular Democratic SAARC (FSD-SAARC) in this region (in which united-J&K can become 9^th member of FSD-SAARC). The problems in Kashmir, recurrent voices of dissatisfaction in other regions of Pakistan (except Punjab), Afghanistan and about 40 million Bangladeshi illegal immigrants (both Hindus and Muslims) in India can be effectively solved by FSD-SAARC. At-least Kashmiris of the valley have suffered a lot for decades for separation and are still suffering but the people of AJK & Gilgit Baltistan want independence as a free lunch without suffering for achieving independence. Therefore through this peace-march of about 2 million people from AJK & Gilgit Baltistan for filling the prisons of India for getting human rights of Kashmiris restored, is the need of justice

(3)- For plebiscite Pakistan should not fall in the trap of false-ego rather should mobilize some people in J&K (preferably in Kashmir) to file a writ petition in J&K High Court for plebiscite as mandated by ‘Instrument of Accession’ (IoA) as mentioned in online petition (which does not seem to have been admitted as was not filed in person in J&K High Court) as mentioned at – https://wadikinews.com/public-interest-writ-petition-under-article-226-of-the-constitution-with-respondents-i-the-union-of-india-ii-the-state-of-jk/ .In this writ petition the following should be added and prayed due to developments (after August 5, 2019) after this online petition:

(i)-The separatist activities which are termed as crimes of sedition etc in rest of India is a legitimate political activity for the natives of united J&K in accordance with the exercise of right of ‘will of the people mandated by IoA’. Hence such citizens of united J&K who indulged in legitimate separatist activities can’t be booked under ‘criminal laws of India’ (which are meant to be applied only to the rest of India). Therefore all the political activists of J&K who are detained, arrested and imprisoned before or after August 5, 2019 should be freed and the human rights / fundamental rights (including peaceful political protest) of the people of J&K (especially of Kashmir who are locked down since August 5, 2019) should be restored.

(ii)- The link between India & J&K is not through Article 370, 35-A of the Constitution but through IoA as these Articles came in existence much after IoA. The purpose of Article 370, 35-A are (A)- To ensure outsiders-free J&K to facilitate free & fair plebiscite (which has not taken place so far because of the dereliction of Government of India) and (B)- Pending plebiscite, for the purpose of managing J&K politically, administratively and legally ONLY as per the wishes of the people of J&K as expressed by laws made by legislature of J&K and as per the laws and Constitution of India applicable to J&K to the extend consented by the legislature of J&K. — Therefore repeal of Article 35-A and amendment of 370 of the Constitution and bifurcation of the State of J&K into two Union Territories are unconstitutional and against the spirit & letter of IoA hence ought to be quashed by Hon’ble Court.

(iii)- This writ petition should be filed in J&K High Court [not in Supreme Court of India (SCI) because jurisdiction of High Court under Article 226 is much wider than jurisdiction of SCI under Article 32 of the Constitution and in any case it will go to SCI in appeal by the losing party].

It is hoped PM Imran will achieve the two objectives of Pakistan namely restoration of human / fundamental rights of Kashmiris and plebiscite in United J&K, as mentioned above in legally expected, just and non-violent peaceful manner.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Women woes in India

By

Jayanthy Subramaniam

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October 8, 2019

Women safety Daughters are considered as Lakshmi in our culture. Why can’t we felicitate daughters in our villages and cities by holding public programmes and look at their grievances. There are several women in society who are making a mark by their talent. There are several daughters, daughters-in-law who are doing exceptional work and some of them are teaching poor children, some are spreading awareness about health and sanitation. Many are serving as doctors, engineers and as lawyers they are helping in delivery of justice.

But when you open the pages of newspapers we are shocked to hear the news. One report says ‘Man gets three years in jail for kissing a eleven year old girl and the other one reveals a guard held for sexually assaulting a four year old girl. It raises the question that whether we lack in sex education in India. Foreign tourists coming to India are scared of going to places like Goa and interior UP and Bihar. We should think deep and plan to have better security for women in India.

While travelling by Mumbai roads women feel insecure as in the streets chain snatching, molestation, eve-teasing and even throwing acid on the face, drowsing women in front of lookers, beating the women in public view all happen without much support from the public. In the end women are the losers and they will have to face music all alone. A new study has found that nine in 10 women have suffered some form of sexual discrimination at the workplaces, which is alarming and India is not an exception to this.

The researchers at the Michigan University found that 10% of the women surveyed had experience the most severe form of harassment, in which they were promised promotion or better treatment. The position of women is going from bad to worse in the male-dominated environments. It found that although few were subjected to actual advances, such as being groped, 90% had been subjected to gender harassment. This included offensive remarks about being female, their appearance, body language and the way of dressing etc.

Cruel jokes are passed on to women and the Short Mailing System (SOS) is misused for the specific purpose. India still has a high number of female foeticide, in some places it gets worse—a new born baby girl’s neck is snapped so that the ‘burden’ in the family is destroyed forever. Her ordeal doesn’t end there, often one hears of marriages stalled or turning sour owing to dowry or due to the lack of it. Domestic violence, verbal abuse, cruelty are all sometimes just a part of lives of so many women in our country. Mumbai women need a safer city.

It was indeed a shameful act that a woman is fighting for life after her husband and in-laws set her ablaze because of her ugly looks, which brought them misfortune is yet another story of the sufferings of women in independent India. Even after 72 years of Independence, the atrocities on women continue and we are simply eye-witness for what is happening to women.

The spirit behind working women is rather high. They not only take the lead at home and office and play a crucial role in achieving whatever required in the stipulated time. This they complete despite their busy schedule on and off the field. As a housewife they take up majority of the work at home, perform outside work and do justice to their role as a home maker. It is earnest endeavour to see all womenfolk should be an inspiration to the family. Women needs utmost protection. Women are really successful in life and it is up to the government to provide the best cover in this fast world.

Success is a journey and not a destination. Nothing succeeds like success is really true. Women play the dual role of a house wife and as a working women successfully and now it is time to provide best safety and maximum protection.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 08 October, 2019

By

Web Team

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October 8, 2019

Issue fresh currency notes to smaller post offices

It refers to regretting aspect of Indraprastha Head Post Office (New Delhi) sending non-issuable spoilt and even multi-pieces currency-notes for issue to account-holders at Dariba Post Office in Delhi which presently also houses work-load of since closed Chandni Chowk post-office. It is significant that account-holders have to inform for cash-withdrawal one day in advance at Dariba post-office.

I withdrew cash from my savings-account from Dariba post-office on October 4, 2019 after informing on the prior day. But I was shocked that badly spoilt currency-notes in smaller denomination of rupees 50 and 100 giving very bad smell were given to me out of which certain notes were taped because of being in two pieces. Even counting of such dirty notes was tough because notes were stuck with each other. Handling of such non-issuable currency is very injurious for health-reasons and their counting and handling can be infectious also.

Similar complaint was lodged a few years back also, and thereafter issuable notes were being sent for some weeks. But tendency of sending non-issuable currency at smaller post-office of Dariba (Delhi) again started. Enquiry should be made and strict-most action should be taken against guilty cashier at Indraprastha Head Post Office at New Delhi who sent non-issuable currency at Dariba Post Office in Delhi on October 4, 2019.

For future, it should be ensured that Head Post Offices may send only issuable fresh currency to smaller post-offices in the country preferably in denomination of rupees 500 only for ease of account-holders and staffers at smaller post-offices.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Open-defecation free India is Modi govt’s biggest achievement

Where there is a will there is a way and kudos to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his dream of a ‘Toilet’ facility for every city has come true. Sanitation and cleaner India lessens diseases which indirectly means less expenditure on public health which can then be utilized for nations development and progress. It is now upto the citizens to utilize these facilities properly by keeping them clean.

Success of public welfare programmes also indicates literacy rate of the nation is on the rise. The focus should now be on protecting environment as our stay on earth may be temporary but generations to come will use the facilities on earth for centuries to come. Ban on plastic, cigarettes as well as other harmful commodities will ensure a greener environment and a healthy population!

S.N. Kabra

Tampered auto meters

Despite various measures curbing the autos plying with tampered meters, the cops found more than 100 autos playing with tampered meters in Borivili and Kandivili corridor of the city. The switch to electronic meters in autorickshaw was meant to prevent drivers from overcharging commuters but the purpose is defeated as many drivers are playing their autos with tampered meters to make easy money. This is a very bad precedence and commuters are cheated in the bargain without their knowledge. This is pinching the pocket of people, who are already suffering because of the high inflation level prevailing in the city. Timely measures should be taken to make the city free from tampered meters over a period of time.

Annaporani Shanthi

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Tiny parties felt cheated

By

Suraj Chandran

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October 7, 2019

The BJP and Shiv Sena’s decision to contest 150 and 124 seats has not gone down well with smaller parties like Rashtriya Samaj Paksh and Republican Party of India (A). Rashtriya Samaj Paksh chief Mahadev Jankar expressed his displeasure over the seat sharing issue. According to Jankar both Shiv-Sena and BJP have bagged major chunk of seats and have allotted very few seats to smaller parties. Jankar said, “BJP has deceived me and cheated my party.”

BJP spokesperson Avdhut Wagh told Afternoon Voice, “I am unaware about what Mahadev Jankar said hence I won’t be able to comment on this matter. I have not heard about his clip. The smaller allies had demanded BJP’s symbol for contesting election and we agreed to their demand. We have not forced them to contest on BJP’s symbol.”

Jankar has also threatened to break the alliance. RSP has demanded 10 seats but BJP agreed on only two. BJP was pressuring RSP to field candidates on BJP symbol and were ready to leave 10 seats if agreed. However Jankar refused the offer and compromised with 2 seats Daund and Jintur. Jankar said that injustice has been done to his party. He called a press conference to inform about the irregularities in seat sharing process.

RSP enjoys the support of Dhangars community which is one of the biggest communities. RSP has called a meeting of its state executive on Monday and will take a final call. He added that the decision to contest polls from Jintur and Daund constituency will be taken by party workers.

Jankar said, “The discussion pertaining to seat sharing has been finalised. Discussion was held with Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The BJP and Shiv Sena have cheated us. Injustice has been meted against my party. I will contest the assembly polls on my party’s symbol. Seats were allotted to my party from Delhi but I don’t know what went wrong at the state level. I inquired with the Chief Minister about this but he said that he is unaware about the proceedings.”

The BJP has been trying to persuade its smaller allies like RPI (A), Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Shiv Sangram and Rayat Kranti to contest the polls on lotus symbol. RPI (A), Shiv Sangram and Rayat Kranti candidates will contest on the lotus symbol while Rashtriya Samaj Paksh will contest on its own symbol.

On the other hand, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that his Republican Party RPI (A) was not satisfied with the seat sharing arrangement among NDA constituents in Maharashtra but will support the alliance to keep Ambedkarite community in power.

“RPI is not satisfied with the seat sharing in BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI alliance. But for the Ambedkarite community to keep sharing power, RPI will support the alliance,” Athawale said.

Criminal justice system fails due to overcrowded jails

By

Vaidehi Taman

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October 7, 2019

Indian jails are really matter of concern; each jail has become a population of its own. There are several prisons where the congestion is well beyond 100 per cent and in some cases it exceeds 150 per cent. Fortunately, the Supreme Court has expressed concern about overcrowding in prisons across the country and asked all the High Courts to consider the issue as it involves “violation of human rights”.

The apex court requested the Chief Justices of the High Courts to take up the matter as a suo motu (on its own) writ petition and referred to a note given by an advocate, assisting the court as amicus curiae, in this regard. Supreme Court should review laws that violate the fundamental rights of citizens.149 of the total 1,401 jails in the country had an overcrowding rate of more than 200 per cent as on December 2015 as per the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau. In the Model Prison Manual 2016, the minimum accommodation space per prisoner in Sleeping Barracks suggested is 3.71 sq mt and 8.92 sq mt of ground area in Cells. No Central statistics are available on the actual space available to a prison inmate in different jails. However, a central scheme for modernisation of prisons, with a financial outlay of Rs 1,800 crores, was launched in 2002. Under this scheme, 125 new jails were constructed and 1,579 barracks were added to existing prisons. There after no such concrete infrastructure are made for Indian jails. A study on deaths behind bars reveals that on an average almost 1,000 prisoners die in custody every year, and 90 per cent of them are under-trials. Statistics also revealed that most under trial punishment are converted into death penalty. Also, the death of a prisoner is never considered a custodial death, rather shown as a case of natural death. The prisoners who get life sentence are the permanent members in jail, and they are rising day by day. Biggest reasons for overcrowding in prisons are the overwhelming number of under-trials awaiting a verdict. According to the Prison Statistics India 2015 report published in September, 67 per cent (or 282,076) of the total 419,623 inmates in India’s 1,401 prisons is under-trials. Dadra & Nagar Haveli, with 276 per cent has the most overcrowded prisons, followed by Chhattisgarh (234 per cent) and Delhi (227 per cent).

If trials and convictions took place in a timely manner and the judiciary was working at full force the number of inmates in prisons would have drastically reduced. According to the report, more than 3,500 under-trails have been in jail for more than five years awaiting a trail — in many cases the time these under-trials would have spent in jail if convicted would be shorter. Another reason why there are a high number of under-trails is that many of them do not have adequate access to legal aid. Here we often hear stories of how petty criminals turn hardcore after spending time in jail. Jails often become, and continue to be, places where criminals cool their heels while plotting future plans. Also, modernisation of jails has been a project in the pipeline for far too long and it’s time some visible progress is made on this front.

Jails are meant to be correction facilities, where convicts are expected to realise their mistakes and are guided to become better citizens by the time they finish their sentence. In the process they are also trained in skills to prevent them from going back to their old ways once their sentence is served. The basic purpose of a prison in a modern democracy is that of a correctional facility — but that’s not the case in India. The criminal justice system is not well served if jails continue to be in such a shuffle.

It asked the Chief Justice of each High Court to also take up this issue as a suo motu writ petition. Overcrowding in prisons has a direct, but often underrated, impact on the security of prisons, and health and hygiene of inmates. It, jail authorities agree, also has an adverse effect on the mental health of inmates.

The Centre also apprised the court that steps were being taken to encourage setting up of ‘open prisons’ and a model uniform rules for the administration of open correctional institutions have already been framed. Semi-open prisons or open prisons allow convicts to work outside the jail premises and earn a livelihood and return in the evening. The concept was brought in to assimilate the convicts with the society and reduce their psychological pressure as they faced lack of confidence in leading normal lives outside.

During the hearing, the amicus informed the apex court that there were 63 open prisons across the country but the existing capacity was not being fully utilised.

The state governments and Union Territory administrations should also seriously consider the feasibility of establishing open prisons in as many locations as possible. The court, which is hearing a matter relating to inhuman conditions prevailing in 1,382 prisons across the country, had earlier passed a slide of directions over unnatural deaths in jails and on prison reforms across India.

Suicide rates in Indian prisons were abnormally high. It could be attributed to anywhere between 5-11 per cent of the total number of prison deaths. Police brutality was often a major cause of such suicides. There is an urgent need to undertake steps to create a robust and impactful prison health system in order to tackle a great deal of these health associated problems that persist in Indian prisons.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Kashmiris should protest for restoring their human rights

By

Hem Raj Jain

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October 7, 2019

There are many sacred cows in India but two institutions are most important the Supreme Court of India (SCI) and the President of India who (of late) have been damaging the Republic of India, as if, with vengeance. The glaring following instances are sufficient to support this charge:

(i)- The status-quo-ante of Babri-Masjid is still not restored which is criminal contempt on the part of SCI for lowering the authority of SCI because it was demolished in the presence of SCI Observer in 1992 (whereas before that other Courts and SCI have been illegally moving forward about deciding the title suit and its appeal) and which thus emboldened the communal ‘Hindutva’ forces which resulted in many communal riots (euphemism for massacre of thousands of innocent Muslims including in 2002 in Gujarat) and thus practically made SCI complicit in bringing ‘Hindutva’ communal forces (BJP) in power at Center and in many States.

(ii)- During criminal demonetization of 2016 -17 entire India suffered (many even died) but the SCI did not stop it though technically RBI became bankrupt even under section 26 of RBI Act itself [which authorized Government of India (GoI) to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes] when GoI gave date of third day when demonetized legal tender could be replaced by other denominations of legal tender but these were simply not available with the agents of the RBI namely commercial banks and post offices etc

(iii)- The then President of India was complicit in this criminal demonetization for the simple reason that President did not oppose it under Article 74 (1) of the Constitution though the printing of Rs 2,000 currency notes (which was meant to replace demonetized currency notes) had started months before taking the sanction of the Cabinet, for this momentous demonetization, by the Prime Minister.

(iv)- All the five judges of SCI including then CJI and present CJI were guilty of criminal contempt under section 2 ( C) (i) (ii) of Contempt of Court Act (about scandalizing the Court and for interfering in due course of judicial proceedings of the Court) when 4 Judges of SCI (instead of complaining to President of India) took press conference in January 2018 and no action was initiated against these 5 Judges of SCI (including impeachment) by President of India and the then CJI did not initiate criminal contempt proceedings against these 4 judges of SCI.

But this is much more serious issue where the President of India and SCI are complicit in not only allowing, so long, the GoI in inflicting fraud on Indian Constitution by way of amending Article 370, repealing Article 35-A of the Constitution and bifurcating the State of J&K into two Union Territories (without consulting the representative of the people of J&K while absurdly considering GoI’s own representative the Governor as the representative of the people) but also in condoning the denial of fundamental / human rights in J&K (mainly in Kashmir) and lock-down of Kashmir since August 5, 2019.

This (the said Kashmir issue) has rendered the Indian State dysfunctional where under the influence of communal majoritarianism (buttressed by dereliction of SCI as mentioned above about its failure to restore the Status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid) the Muslims of Kashmir are suffering since August 5, 2019 and entire India and all the organs of Indian State (including the fourth, the media) are either silent or are giving only lip service to these beleaguered & harassed people of J&K (mainly of Kashmir).

Therefore the Kashmiris should stop giving disproportionately & undeservedly high respect to President of India and SCI and should stop treating these two institutions as scared cows rather (may be through Kashmiris living in Delhi or out of Kashmir) should immediately carry-out demonstration against President of India at Jantar-Mantar (designated place for this in India’s capital Delhi) where after this demonstration a memorandum should be given to the President of India mentioning & demanding the following:-

(1)- First and foremost it should be mentioned that the incumbent President Ram Nath Kovind has come to Rashtrapati Bhavan not merely on the basis of his merits (which are impressive) but also because he belongs to weaker section of the society the so-called ‘Dalits’ (oppressed) hence it is believed that this will create confidence among all the weaker sections of the society in India. Hence Kovind should not forget that if he allows Muslims to be persecuted & harassed in India (by destroying the vitals of Indian republic) then other weaker sections of the society in India (including his community the ‘Dalits’) will also face the same persecution & harassment with impunity.

(2)- It should be mentioned that the State of J&K is not like other States of India and is not (automatically) an integral part of India rather its fate as per ‘Instrument of Accession’ (IoA) is legally expected to be decided by plebiscite (the will of the people of United-J&K) and till then Article 370 & 35-A of the Constitution are necessary temporary constitutional provisions (for keeping J&K outsiders-free in the interest of free & fair plebiscite and for running J&K politically, legally and administratively as per the wishes of the people of J&K).

(3)- It should be mentioned that the dereliction of GoI for the last 70 years (by not carrying out plebiscite as per IoA) has not only created chronic & gory Kashmir problem which has caused immense loss of lives, blood, properties and honor in J&K (mainly in Kashmir) and GoI through its security forces has been showing ‘bravery’ (not by retrieving PoJK for carrying out plebiscite) but by training guns at civilians of J&K (mainly of Kashmir) under protection of AFSPA, SPA etc. but now GoI has also lock-down Kashmir, destroyed economy of entire J&K and the fundamental / human rights in Kashmir have been denied in J&K (mainly of Kashmir) since August 5, 2019 (by inflicting said fraud by GoI on Indian Constitution).

(4)- It should be mentioned that the sedition etc for separation is criminal offense applicable only in rest of India hence people of J&K (mainly Kashmiris) are illegally detained, arrested and imprisoned before and after August 5, 2019 simply because they demand separation (though it is the constitutionally guaranteed political fundamental right of the people of J&K as per IoA because during plebiscite, as mandated by IoA, they can opt for India or for Pakistan or for independence).

(5)- It should be mentioned that despite many writ petitions in SCI for stopping & quashing the said fraud which GoI inflicted on Indian Constitution (by way of amending Article 370, repealing Article 35-A of the Constitution and bifurcating the State of J&K into two Union Territories) and for restoring the fundamental / human rights of the people of J&K (mainly of Kashmir) the SCI is simply & conveniently sitting on these writ petitions and not discharging its constitutional obligation to promptly enforce their fundamental rights constitutionally guaranteed under Article 32 of the Constitution.

(6)- Therefore it should be demanded through this memorandum that the President of India should immediately under Article 143 (1) of the Constitution which reads as – “[If at any time it appears to the President that a question of law or fact has arisen, or is likely to arise, which is of such a nature and of such public importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he may refer the question to that Court for consideration and the Court may, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report to the President its opinion thereon]”- should obtain opinion of SCI as to why despite so many said writ petitions in SCI the fundamental human rights of the entire State of J&K are being denied to them and the Kashmir valley is locked down since August 5, 2019.

It is hoped that the Kashmiris living in Delhi and out of Kashmir (who are not locked-down) will come forward to immediately carry-out demonstration at Jantar-Mantar (and then memorandum to the President of India) as mentioned above in order to bring succor to the people of J&K (mainly of Kashmir) who are being harassed and beleaguered (with impunity) in utter violation of rule of law by GoI and which is being condoned by SCI, in a legally & constitutionally objectionable manner.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Pet owners must take responsibility of keeping roads litter-free

By

C K Subramaniam

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October 7, 2019

Pet Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was officially launched on October 2, 2014 at Rajghat, New Delhi, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is India’s largest ever cleanliness drive with 3 million government employees, and especially school and college students from all parts of India, participating in the campaign. Ever since the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan getting much needed importance people are cleaning the surroundings in a very big way and that is shaping up very well as people do not want litter public places and that include roads and the parks in a city. Having realised the importance and enjoying the benefits of having a clean and green city we would like to extend its reach in other aspects of life as well.

Even though we have established roots for such a campaign on cleanliness with effect from April 1, 1999, the government of India restructured the Comprehensive Rural Sanitation Programme and launched the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) which was later (on 1 April 2012) renamed Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA). Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan was restructured by Cabinet approval on September 24, 2014 as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to eradicate open defecation by 2019. It is a national campaign, covering 4,041 statutory cities and towns and it is a constructive approach to avoid health hazards by keeping the city and its environment neat and clean.

It is a common sight to see dog owners taking their dogs out in the early mornings or late evenings or anytime they like to respond to their nature’s call on the roads and making the streets filthy. This regular practice of dogs’ peeing or defecating on the roads as well as inside residential complexes has to stop. It is time now that the owners should know how to handle the poo habits of their pets and at the same time take proper responsibility of their pets. Let it be loudly known that it is just not tolerable to let the pets out to litter on the roads, let alone other nuisances to the neighbourhood and even threat to others’ life emanating from these dogs and their stylish lovers.

This is not the first time that corporations have issued a notice for imposing penalties on pet owners with regard to the filthiness caused by their pets on the roads. Several notices were issued earlier also to deter people from littering the city by spitting, urinating and throwing garbage. But these could not implemented. In most countries, littering on the roads by pets is banned. Pet owners take full responsibility of keeping the roads litter-free by keeping the pets on leash while walking on the roads, carrying a bag with them to take the dog’s shit on the roads back home for disposal.

In India, we fail to understand the crux of the problem and we take everything for our convenience resulting in failure to address the health hazards in a proper way. We lag behind developed countries by 20 years and never care for picking the dog’s shit from the street to provide a better environment and thereby avoiding spreading of diseases. The state government was able to curb spitting to certain extent in public places as we are almost successful in avoiding plastic bags in the city to prevent clogging of drainage system during monsoon season. The drive, ‘Scoop Your Pet’s Poop’ will be launched and it should be given pride of place as in the case Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to make it a successful one in the days to come. We all long for a clean and greener Mumbai and the dog owners should also extend their helping hand and set an example in this exercise.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 07 October, 2019

By

Web Team

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October 7, 2019

Sena should have dialogue with BJP to resolve Aarey issue

Judicial custody for 29 silent protestors at Aarey comes as a shock as youngsters were merely trying to sound sense to save environment and protect trees which act as ‘lungs’ to a polluted city where heart as well as lung ailments are on the rise. Will declare Aarey a forest when Sena comes to power is just a poll promise and Shiv Sena should not wait for election results but talk to its alliance partner or make efforts on its own to save ecology if they truly care about environment and the health of the people.

Metro is absolutely necessary and we all welcome the infrastructure which would be a boon to Mumbai’s traffic woes. Devendra Fadnavis has done excellent job in the city’s development but seems to have been misled by some as far as recklessly axing trees in the green belt of Aarey when an underground carshed in the same locality is possible in today’s world of high-tech engineering. Citizens respect the High Court verdict but hope the decision gets a hearing in the higher courts so that we do not have to repent later if the SC does not agree with the HC verdict. The law should be stringent on those who have siphoned of thousands of crores of rupees in frauds and not on innocent youngsters who are acting as watchdog of environment for no monetary gains!

S.N.Kabra

Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil

Dussehra is a ten days and nine nights long Hindu festival. It marks the victory of goodness over evil power, such as victory of Rama over Ravana and the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. It sends a strong message to people that in a battle of right and wrong, righteousness always triumphs victorious. The festival of Dussehra is mostly celebrated outside the homes, in community places, in the form of fairs ranging from small to large.
The main attraction of the fair is a large effigy of Ravana, which is dramatically burned down to ashes by a member of the public depicting Lord Rama.

Dussehra is also called as Vijayadashami, which is a combination of two words, ‘Vijaya’ meaning ‘victory’ and ‘Dashami’ meaning ‘tenth’. Hence, Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day with great enthusiasm and fervour.

Jubel D’Cruz

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

No more trees to be axed at Aarey Colony: SC

By

Web Team

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October 7, 2019

A special bench of the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Maharashtra government to ensure that no trees are further axed at Mumbai’s Aarey Colony.

A Bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Ashok Bhushan directed the government to maintain the status quo and said it would further hear all the petitions in the matter on October 21.

The court passed the directive after hearing a suo moto PIL based on a letter written by a group of law students to the court against the felling of trees.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that no trees will be further cut in the Aarey Colony. He told the court that the people who were arrested for protesting against Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) action were released. “In case those are still not released shall be released immediately,” Mehta assured the court.

The court also asked Mehta to include the Ministry of Forest and Environment as a party in the matter.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde was representing the group of law students’ who sent a letter to Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, prompting him to set up a special bench to hear the matter.

Environment activists were represented by senior advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan.

During the course of hearing, Justice Arun Mishra asked whether or not the Aarey Colony was the eco-sensitive zone. To which, advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan said, “Wider issues relating to Aarey being a forest or not has been pending before the Supreme Court in a 2018 matter.”

He also apprised the court that a matter is also pending in National Green Tribunal as to whether Aarey is an eco-sensitive zone or not. “As the matter is pending the authorities should have not gone ahead with the felling of trees,” Sankaranarayan submitted.

On Sunday, the court received a letter by the students’ group against the axing of trees in the Aarey forest, decided to pursue it as public interest litigation (PIL) and constituted a “special bench” to hear the matter.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) started axing the trees on Friday night after the Bombay High Court rejected a bunch of petitions filed by NGOs and activists against the tree felling. Resolved to save the trees, many protestors gathered at the site to raise their voice against the felling of trees. Later, more people joined the protestors near the Aarey colony area, where the Mumbai Police imposed Section 144, thereby banning unlawful assembly. The protesters have been demanding the relocation of the bus depot, which is a part of the Metro III project.

The police had held at least 84 protestors for allegedly disturbing public order and obstructing government officials from performing their duties. Twenty-nine out of 84 protestors were sent to five-day judicial custody by a local court on Saturday. The 29 protestors were granted bail on Sunday by Dindoshi court on a cash bond of Rs 7,000 each and asked to appear at the police station for further inquiry.

Leaders from various political parties including Shiv Sena and Congress have condemned the move to fell the trees. On October 5, the Bombay High Court had refused to entertain urgent mentioning by Aarey activists to stay the ongoing tree cutting.

Environment vs Development – Drama begins over Aarey Forest

By

Rajesh Choudhary

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October 6, 2019

Political drama has started over cutting of trees in Aarey Colony of Mumbai for construction of car shed of Mumbai Metro 3. Opposition parties hit back at ruling alliance BJP-Shiv Sena for felling of over 2500 trees while Shiv Sena slammed the state government for this. Shiv Sena is on back foot over the issue of felling trees in Aarey. The party is trying to save its face in this matter. Earlier, Sena had strongly opposed the cutting of trees in the area. Congress accused the Sena of adopting double standards in this case, saying the Shiv Sena ruled BMC has given the permission of axing trees. The party said that it will raise this issue in state assembly elections which is scheduled on October 21. On the other hand, the BJP said that Metro rail project is essential for the development of Mumbai and state. Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar defended the government’s action of axing trees in Aarey Colony.

When our correspondent Nikhil Sagare spoke to Congress leader Bhai Jagtap he said, “Shiv Sena is adopting double standards. Sena had said that they care about the environment but the reality is far different. Congress has worked in favour of environment conservation and environment laws were made stringent during our party’s reign. Why should one choose Aarey colony to construct car shed when many other locations are available in the city?”

Meanwhile, police detained Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar on Sunday when he tried entering Aarey to protest. Later on, he was taken to Powai. Prior to this, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, Shiv Sena leaders Priyanka Chaturvedi and former Mayor Shubha Raul were also detained for protesting against the cutting of trees. As officials started cutting down trees, police imposed Section 144 CrPC in Aarey Colony and cordoned off the entire area. Security forces managed to scatter people who were protesting against the government’s decision. Twenty nine college students were arrested and 38 persons were booked for protesting over felling of trees. Many people did not come forward to protest due to fear of being arrested and police action.

Shiv Sena spokesperson and deputy chairman of the legislative council Neelam Gorhe said, “We have tried to convince government on every issue. We have taken up this matter in the assembly, cabinet. We have given application and had discussion with the government. There can be two opinions pertaining to an issue within the government. Instead of supporting our stand they want to malign our image.”

The cutting of the trees continued despite protests by people and various political parties. The activist filed an appeal in Bombay High Court for stay during the felling of trees. But High court refused to stay. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray tweeted, “The upcoming government will be our government, and once we come to power once again, we will deal with the murderers of Aarey forest in the best possible manner.” Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray criticised Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) for cutting trees. He also condemned arrests of people protesting it.

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar said, “The Bombay High Court has given permission for cutting trees at Aarey Colony. Metro is necessary for Mumbai’s development. This issue will not affect our chances in the upcoming polls.”

It is worth mentioning that there are 4.8 lakh trees in Aarey. On August 29, the BMC tree authority gave green signal to axing over 2600 trees in Aarey Colony. The BMC tree authority ordered to cut 2185 trees and to transplant 461 trees. Environmentalists and activists filed petitions in Bombay High Court against this decision in September. Next day on September 17, the High Court stayed the felling of trees till September 30. On October 4, the High Court dismissed all petitions in this case. Within few hours of High Court’s decision, officials started cutting of trees in the Aarey Colony amid tight security.

People have expressed their anger on social media regarding this action in Aarey Colony. Twitter is abuzz with tweets against felling of trees.

Journalist Nikhil Wagle tweeted over this issue, “Government will go down as the most cowardly and undemocratic government in the history. What was the urgency to cut down #Aarey trees in the night with heavy police protection? It is a direct assault on the right to life of Mumbaikars. SHAME!”

Shreya Nair tweeted, “My sister and best friend were arrested last night during the #Aarey Protests. They were manhandled and have been charged with a non bailable offence. Citizens with a voice being treated like criminals. Videos floating in of random arrests being made to spread fear.”

Progressive Students’ Union tweeted, “This is the situation at #Aarey. People are being detained. Protesters are being lathicharged. Section 144 is imposed. Injustice is at it’s peak. Politicians are busy in election propaganda. Trees are being cut down. MUMBAI IS DYING.”

Actor and Producer Farhan Akhtar tweeted, “Cutting trees at night is a pathetic attempt at trying to get away with something even those doing it know is wrong.”

Congress leader Milind Deora tweeted, “The brutal felling of trees at Aarey is a major setback for Mumbai. It’s like repeatedly stabbing yourself in the lungs! When cities destroy coastlines & green cover, they’re advancing the doomsday clock.”

Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted. “On my way to #aarey and main entry points to the site have been blocked by Mumbai Police!”

Former Congress MP Priya Dutt tweeted, “A sad day today where so called development wins over quality of life and preservation of environment. The trees are already being chopped down in the dark of the night. This is murder of mother nature and we will all have to pay for it. God help Mumbai.”