Chief Justice Bobde appears to be losing patience with the ‘PIL activists’. After telling the petitioners seeking a judicial inquiry into the police action at Jamia Millia Islamia University and Aligarh University that students have no right to take the law into their hands just because they happen to be students, the Chief Justice took aim at the perennially disgruntled Prashant Bhushan when one of his pleas came up for hearing.
The plea in question was related to an earlier petition Prashant Bhushan had filed regarding the appointment of Information Commissioners pertaining to the RTI Act in states. The PIL activist alleged that the functionality of the RTI Act was deliberately being stalled. The CJI responded that are some serious apprehensions about RTI, he asserted that people who have nothing to do with the issue seek information. Appearing annoyed at Bhushan, Justice Bobde said, “Some people call themselves RTI activists. Tell me, is that an occupation?”
CJI- there is some apprehension regarding RTI. Decisions are not being taken.
Anyone who has nothing to do with the issue seek information
Some people call themselves #RTI activists. Tell me, is that an occupation?
The Chief Justice emphasized that he had nothing against the flow of information but he was concerned that those who have nothing to do with an issue want information on the matter. Having another go at Bhushan, Justice Bobde said, “Every day someone seeks information, and you are behind them. There should be some sort of filter.”
CJI to @pbhushan1 PB- everyday someone seeks information, and you are behind them
There should be some sort of filter#RTI
Justice Bobde expressed concern that the information could be used to blackmail people. He also said there should be no abuse of the law. Prashant Bhushan answered that he will ‘apply his mind for a solution’.
On Saturday, Kolkata Mayor from the Trinamool Congress, Firhad Hakim, appealed to the Muslim rioting mobs, who he addressed as friends, to not indulge in rioting in the state and damage public property. He further stated that they were only benefitting the BJP with their violence and rampage.
He also said that Mamata Banerjee has already declared that NRC and CAB will not be implemented in the state, therefore, they need not worry.
Hakim said, “Why should we, as people of Bengal, harm other people of Bengal? Why should we damage the public property of the people of Bengal? Those people will then start supporting Amit Shah and if 70% of them support Amit Shah, then when BJP comes to power here, then you’ll have to keep your heads down like they do in Uttar Pradesh. No one will come on the streets then.”
He continued, “If you want to protest, then join the rally called by Mamata Banerjee. Protest against the CAB and NRC in a democratic, social way. We are not criminals that we will burn buses and spread anarchy. Therefore, I request the brothers who are indulging in these protests to think sensibly. The people of Bengal are being hurt and Delhi’s Amit Shah is laughing at this.
Muslim mobs have been on a rampage in West Bengal and the state government has, thus far, shown no inclination of dealing with them with a strict hand. Buses have been burnt, trains have been set on fire and immense loss to public property has been reported from the state.
CJI S.A. Bobde on Monday agreed to hear the plea for a judicial inquiry into the Police action at Jamia Millia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University. However, he did so on the condition that the violent protests and arson ceases to occur. Advocate Colin Gonsalves, the founder of the Human Rights Law Network that has received funds from George Soros’ Open Society Insititute and the European Union, appeared in the Court seeking a judicial intervention.
The Chief Justice said, “We know how the rioting takes place…we are aware of the rights and we will decide on the rights but not amidst all this rioting…The court cannot be forced to decide anything only because some people decide to throw stones outside…this court cannot be bullied…law cannot be taken into their hands just because they are students…we will hear and see what can be done only when things cool down, with a calm frame of mind…”
Justice Bobde was also of the opinion that there was little the Court could do as it is a law and order situation for the police to handle. He also observed that “both the sides have acted in a certain way”.
Delhi Police entered the Jamia Milia Islamia University last night to flush out the protesting students. In Uttar Pradesh, the Police carried out similar action against ‘protesters’ who had holed themselves up inside the Aligarh Muslim University. The students had pelted stones at the Police which forced the Police to retaliate.
Jamia Millia Islamia University, which had already seen violent protests earlier, found itself in thick of violence once again. At Jamia Nagar in Delhi where the university is located, Jihadist slogans were raised. The so-called ‘protesters’ raised slogans of ‘Hinduon se Azadi’ and ‘Chheen ke lengey Azadi’ and ‘Ladh ke lengey Azadi’. The slogans translate to ‘Freedom from Hindus’, ‘We will fight for freedom’. Given the violence that was witnessed, the ‘fight’ cannot be interpreted as a non-violent ‘fight’ alone.
‘Fact-checking’ website BoomLive wrongly ‘fact-checked’ OpIndia and said that OpIndia had wrongly claimed that the student-protestors at Jamia Nagar near Jamia Millia Islamia were shouting slogans where they were demanding ‘azaadi’ from Hindus. BoomLive was ‘fact-checking’ a sloganeering video from Aligarh Muslim University which was first published on 12th December where a mob was heard saying ‘Hindutva ki kabr khudegi, AMU ki chhati par’ (a grave of Hindutva will be dug on AMU campus).
The above video one can hear the mob chanting they will dig graves of Hindutva, Savarkar, BJP, Brahmanvaad and Jaativaad on the campus of AMU.
While many had misheard ‘Hindutva’ as ‘Hinduon’ and shared as such, BoomLive decided to fact-check the same. BoomLive in its fact-check does not mention that the AMU video is not from yesterday but quite possibly from last week.
Now, the video OpIndia had shared was from the protests that took place in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi on Sunday. OpIndia has specifically mentioned that in the video uploaded on YouTube as well as in the article.
At around 6 seconds into the video which was shot at Jamia Nagar and not AMU (please note, BoomLive), one can hear the bespectacled goon shout how they will take ‘azaadi’ from Modi, Amit Shah and Hindus(emphasis added for benefit of BoomLive).
BoomLive, while targeting OpIndia in its ‘fact-check’ does not even mention that the article we are talking about and the accompanying video is shot at Jamia Nagar and not at AMU as they have constantly maintained in their article.
BoomLive is paid and empowered by Facebook to ‘spot fake news’ and they are busy indulging in propaganda.
Yesterday, unrest and violence in Jamia Nagar had created chaos in the national capital. Late last night, Delhi Police had to enter the Jamia Millia Islamia campus to catch the stone pelters and violent protestors.
Later, it was reported that students of AMU had also clashed with UP Police on the night of 15 December. Explaining the details of the ruckus, OP Singh, the DGP of UP, has stated to the media that, after Jamia incident, rumours had spread to AMU where students were gathered. He added that despite the police interacting with the students to remain calm and not resort to violence, some students started stone-pelting.
OP Singh, Uttar Pradesh DGP: The police also fired tear gas shells, at least 16-17 police officers also received injuries, case has been registered. Situation is under control. 2/2 https://t.co/U9jYtaLs8Ipic.twitter.com/wtaGKp2lgv
OP Singh stated that the police, with the university administration, have decided to evacuate the entire campus to avoid further instances of violence. He added that the university also wants the students to be evacuated from the campus.
Dispelling social media rumours, the UP Police had shared images on Twitter where they said the AMU Proctoral team was trying to block the gates and prevent AMU students from going out. The police team, they said, was at AMU circle at that time.
The police stated that despite the proctoral team’s attempts, many students had scaled the gates, and had come outside to clash with the police at AMU circle. Another video showed the police warning the students not to resort to violence and breach orders of unlawful assembly.
When the rioters continued to pelt stones, the police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports say that UP CM Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the issue.
Ever since the Citizenship Amendment Bill (now Act) was passed into law, protesters (better called rioters) have sought to intimidate the country by burning trains, burning buses, pelting stones and attacking police. The left liberal propaganda machine, both on mainstream and social media has been coordinating to create an image of a nation in flames.
The truth of course, is different. Outside the North East, where there might be long held fears stemming from a complicated history that caused pain on all sides, the violent protests elsewhere have been very localized to one group of people and one group of institutions. As Modiji said in Jharkhand yesterday, you can often identify them by their clothes.
In fact, the situation in Assam has improved very rapidly. On Saturday, curfew was relaxed from a full 9 am to 5 pm. This improved by an extra hour on Sunday, with curfew lifted from 9 am to 6 pm. It’s Monday and curfew today is lifted right from 6 am in the morning all the way to 9 pm. This leaves only the late night under curfew, which could not possibly be a huge inconvenience.
The epicenter of violence has moved to West Bengal, Jamia Millia University in Delhi and Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh. So much anger just because a tiny bit of justice was given to Hindu (and Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, etc) victims of Partition.
These can only be called “protests of entitlement.” These are not when something is taken from you. These are when you get angry that someone you previously considered subhuman is getting the same kind of privileges that you have. It’s a mixture of hatred and bigotry. Like KKK rallies against equal rights for African Americans.
What do these protesters/rioters feel entitled to?
First of all, they feel entitled to destroy public property, burn buses and trains and pelt stones at the police. The entitlement mentality of having “first right to resources” at work. The Govt of India announced this official policy during the dark UPA years. Actually, the media reporting around this 2006 statement missed a crucial point: the remarks were made by Dr. Manmohan Singh speaking in his official capacity of Prime Minister of India at a meeting of the National Development Council. This makes it much more than a mere remark from a politician; it becomes an official policy announcement by the Govt of India. However, I’m sure that well educated AMU and Jamia students would not have missed this serious point.
Second, they feel entitled to overturn a law passed by Parliament by violence on the streets. Thus placing raw street power above the legitimacy of the Indian state, the Indian Constitution and the electoral process. And why not? For long, intellectuals and academics have cultivated the myth of a certain “veto” when it comes to deciding who can rule over India. They felt entitled to that veto and now it is gone.
In fact, at institutions like Jamia and Aligarh Muslim University, it is easy to develop a perception of being above the law of the land. After all, both are fully government funded public universities. Yet both enjoy the status of “minority institution” which makes them almost independent from government control. Most significantly, neither Jamia nor AMU have implemented reservation for SC/ST and OBC students. Those “students” showing off banners of Dr. Ambedkar might want to think about the irony.
Actually, I think they know the irony. They just don’t want to talk about it.
And yes, the Supreme Court has categorically ruled that Aligarh Muslim University cannot be a minority institution. Not today, but in 1967! This was not enforced and a special law was passed in 1981 granting AMU an exemption from the Constitution. Today AMU students are protesting because they think a law that grants special protection to Pakistani Hindus is against Constitution of India? Are we supposed to seriously believe this? Doesn’t it seem more likely that they want to be above the Constitution of India?
Third, do I even need to point out the entitlement behind chants of “Hinduon se Azaadi“?
It is time to say NO! The sense of entitlement stops here. The Constitution begins. You can’t intimidate Parliament by burning buses. And if the police is pelted with stones, they have every right to respond and control the situation. We have heard a lot about communities that are peaceful and believe in equality. This is a good time to prove it.
By not burning buses. By not standing in the way of persecuted, near defenseless and hopelessly outnumbered Pakistani Hindus getting asylum in India.
Over the last 70 years, India must have gathered hundreds of laws on the books giving some or other kind of special privilege to one community. The first time we have a law that gives something to vulnerable Hindus. Equal rights for “non-believers”, for women, for LGBTs, etc are here to stay. Not a step back on this.
There will be measures taken to ensure fairness for marginalized and vulnerable groups, exactly as permitted by the Constitution. Let me describe the Citizenship Amendment Act in a format such that even Dr. Manmohan Singh would like it. Let’s just say that persecuted religious minorities from undivided India shall have the first right to asylum in this country. Get it now?
Last night, a controversial tweet from the official handle of the Press Information Bureau that had called for support for the rioting hooligans of Jamia and condemned the Delhi Police’s retaliatory action had created a buzz on social media.
via Shiv Aroor on Twitter
The official handle of Government of India’s Press Information Bureau, the nodal agency for communicating with media on behalf of the government of India, was seen sharing a tweet in support of the Jamia rioters with hashtags like #SOSJamia, #RejectCAB and #StopViolenceAgainstStudents.
It was shocking for many to see such a tweet from the official PIB handle. Netizens soon figured it out that an identical tweet had been shared from the handle of one Khurshid Zenia, who claimed to be an ex-student of Jamia.
Netizens also reported that the particular person had also tweeted frequently against the government of India. She had even asked from UN help against the government of India’s decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act. In one of the tweets, she was seen asking for sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah.
After the tweets created a buzz on the social media amidst the news of Delhi Police’s crackdown on the Jamia rioters, PIB soon shared a tweet saying that the tweet in support of the Jamia rioters was ‘inadvertently’ done by one of the members of their social media team. They stated that the person had shared ‘her’ personal comments on the Jamia matter and they ‘deeply regret’ the error.
PIB tweet
The person Khurshid Zenia has since deleted her Twitter account after screenshots of her tweets went viral.
A closet jihadi, Khurshid Zenia tweeted calling for violence from @PIB_India Twitter handle shows the level at which traitors have taken over crucial govt depts. For example, such people in police force can be a threat to the lives of VIPs & ordinary Citizens. Time to clean up. pic.twitter.com/H9AZhPX1Xr
The fact that a person who has a clear anti-India agenda and asks for UN action against a democratically elected government is running the official social media handle of the PIB, has created much outrage on the social media. Users are wondering how the PIB had hired people without a basic check of their social media profiles.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said that the Bangladesh government has requested the Indian administration to provide a list of illegal Bangladeshis living in India. Reportedly, if illegal Bangladeshis are found in India, Bangladesh would allow them to return.
As per reports, he further said that the Bangladesh government will send back anyone who enters Bangladesh without following due process. He said that those who are Bangladeshis have the right to go back to the country but any non-Bangladeshi who enters without following due process will be sent back.
Responding to a question on NRC, he said that India-Bangladesh relations are very sweet and the same wont be affected by implementation of the NRC. He also added that that newly passed Citizenship Amendment Act is India’s internal matter and will not affect India-Bangladesh relations.
He was to visit India last week but cancelled because of ‘busy schedule’.
Radio Mirchi RJ Sayema took to Twitter to incite a mob to take to protest outside the Delhi Police headquarters. She incited people on Twitter to gather in large mobs outside the Delhi Police headquarters to ‘protest peacefully’ against ‘violence by Delhi Police’.
Radio Mirchi RJ Sayema’s tweet inciting mob to gather in large number outside Police HQ in Delhi
Delhi Police had to resort to violence after protestors at Jamia Nagar, where Jamia Millia Islamia university is located, set buses on fire and raised communal slogans.
She later clarified that the mob needs to gather outside the old headquarters of Delhi Police at the ITO.
Protests in Jamia Nagar turned violent as buses were torched and vandalized by Muslim mobs in the National Capital. The protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act began from Jamia Millia Islamia University and it is not clear whether students from the University were involved with the protests or not. Now, Delhi Police has entered the campus to flush out the protesting students.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ihnop9CSoY]
In the video accessed by Opindia.com, noise can be heard and the ‘students’ of the University can be seen running helter-skelter. Surprisingly, all the students were inside libraries and reading rooms for a change. They are usually busy protesting against something or the other. One of the ‘students’ can be heard saying that the Delhi Police is firing tear gas shells to flush out the students. It is also reported that the Police dragged students out of a mosque inside the campus. The students again pelted stones at the Police which forced the latter to retaliate.
Criminal actions of #JamiaMillia students caught on LIVE TV CAMERA.
Stone pelting and violence FROM INSIDE campus and mask wearing thugs outside campus attacking Police and Media from BOTH SIDES.
It is reported that hundreds of ‘protesters’ were paraded out of the University with their hands in the air. The Police said that they had nabbed some outsiders who were indulging in violence. Waseem Ahmed Khan, Chief Proctor, said that the Police have entered the Campus without permission. He said, “Our staff and students are being beaten up and forced to leave the campus.”
Waseem Ahmed Khan, Chief Proctor, Jamia Millia Islamia University: Police have entered the campus by force, no permission was given. Our staff and students are being beaten up and forced to leave the campus. pic.twitter.com/VvkFWtia1G
Jamia Millia Islamia University, which had already seen violent protests earlier, found itself in thick of violence once again. At Jamia Nagar in Delhi where the university is located, Jihadist slogans were raised. The so-called ‘protesters’ raised slogans of ‘Hinduon se Azadi’ and ‘Chheen ke lengey Azadi’ and ‘Ladh ke lengey Azadi’. The slogans translate to ‘Freedom from Hindus’, ‘We will fight for freedom’. Given the violence that was witnessed, the ‘fight’ cannot be interpreted as a non-violent ‘fight’ alone.
Meanwhile, Amanatullah Khan, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, was reportedly spotted leading the protests that turned violent. Minutes after it was reported that Khan was present at the protest site which turned violent, AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted an appeal for peace.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also alleged that it was actually Delhi Police which facilitated setting the buses on fire at behest of the BJP.
