RSS Move To Attend Muslim Religious Function

The world's history is proof that in the battle between truth and lies, truth wins always. It is another matter altogether that it takes a little time for the truth to triumph. Justice always takes a lot of patience and truth emerges from its debris. And there is always a reason for the delay in the truth to emerge, which only God knows. God works in mysterious ways. It also happens that the secret forces attack repeatedly so that all truths and hopes are shattered, and the moment when hopes are about to give up, God takes pity on them and truth triumphs. For the past three decades, Muslims in India are passing through such a phase and their enemies seem to be succeeding in their conspiracy. Evil forces seem to be succeeding in the country to make the life of Muslims a living hell in all aspects. Muslims are blamed for any explosion that occurs in the country, and this has become the fashion.

The Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), and other laws, is resulting in thousands of Muslim youth being arrested and confined without the benefit of any redress by a court of law. Any softhearted and justice-loving listening to their stories is bound to feel for them. After two decades of maligning and arrests, Muslims have become demoralized. They are losing patience. But God, by making Swami Aseemanand, the culprit of the Samjhauta Express explosion, confess to his crimes, has put these die-hard anti-Muslims in a state of panic. They could not even imagine that such a situation could arise. They were working to their black deeds according to plan. They were blaming all their activities on Muslims and harming them as much as possible. One harm was in the shape of explosions and the second was the arrest for explosions. They were being successful in their mission for a long time that they forgot that the darkness of the night is followed by the light of the morning. What has begun has to finish and now that the truth has emerged before the world they do not know where to hide. And now they are trying to hide behind Muslims.

Hatred for Muslims
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), whose very existence came into being because of their hatred for Muslims are now announcing their plans to attend a Muslim Milad (a religious ceremony) in praise of the Prophet of Islam. In Lucknow and its adjoining areas, the RSS is now distributing pamphlets, which states, 'The RSS is not the enemy of Muslims.' Rather, the group is an enemy of Jihadi (crusade) groups and that terrorists pose danger to the peace of the country.

The RSS's ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to be one step ahead of the RSS. BJP's spokesman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, has proposed the Congress party president Sonia Gandhi to apologize to Muslims who have been arrested on the charge of causing explosions, because after the confession of Aseemanand all these youth stand vindicated and proved innocent.

Is Mind-Set Changing?
One hoped that Naqvi's statement was not a political stunt and he was genuinely sympathetic to the hapless Muslim youth. But sadly, this does not seem to be the case. During a recent press conference at the BJP office in Hyderabad, he said that Muslim youth arrested in the explosions at the Mecca Masjid and the Gokul Chaat case, should be set free. He advocated this as a heartfelt sympathizer of Muslims, belonging to a party that is pro-Muslim. The love of all these separatist organizations is spreading sweetness all around, instead of poison. To say that their mind-set has changed, that they are genuine sympathizers of Muslims, does seem hard to swallow. Man can change his habits but not his nature.

Sympathy and the announcement to attend a Muslim religious function is a ruse. It smells of conspiracy. Keeping this in view, the administration should keep a watchful eye on the function. If these RSS members are offering genuine friendship then one should welcome them with open arms and pray to God that He gives them the intelligence to understand true Islam.

Prime Minister's Initiate To Reassure Citizens in Crisis

The office of prime minister in a parliamentary democracy is considered to be an office of extraordinary significance and of great prestige, because he heads the government consisting of people's elected representatives. It is under his leadership and guidance that the council of ministers takes the country on the path of progress and prosperity through important policies and welfare schemes. Such measures add to the stature of the country in the comity of nations.

Scams and Irregularities
Because of the 2G Spectrum, the S-band spectrum, the Commonwealth Games, and Adarsh Housing scams, the United Progressive Alliance government was facing serious allegations owing to the misdeeds of some of its ministers and officials, which were being highlighted in media. The opposition had launched a concerted and continuous campaign against the government. So much so that the winter session of Parliament got completely washed out on the insistence of the demand for the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate into these scams.

The opposition consistently demanded that the prime minister and union ministers explain and clarify their stand vis-à-vis these allegations. Under these circumstances, it had become imperative for the prime minister, in his position as the head of the government, personally to interact with the media and clarify his position and that of his government to the public, so that the confidence deficit-anxiety, and frustration that have taken roots among the people because of sky rocketing price-rise, could be allayed.

It was because of it that in reply to a question at the meeting with editors and representatives of TV news channels held at his residence, the prime minister said that he does not claim that he has never committed an error, yet he is not as big a culprit as he is being made out to be. He said it in response to a question whether being the head of the government he feels himself equally responsible for the scam and irregularities. He said that he was fully aware of his personal responsibility but to run a coalition, one had to make some compromises.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: "I want to assure the people that my government is serious to bring to book the guilty in corruption cases, regardless of the position they held." He also urged the media not to focus excessively on the negative aspects, as it affects the self-confidence of the country. He further urged that they should refrain from projecting India as a country of scams only, as it may also have an adverse impact on the domestic and international situation. He added that it is a situation, which is eating into our strength. Therefore, he said, the good works done by the country should also be reported truthfully. He asserted that he was prepared to appear before any committee, including the JPC. The coalition government has its compulsions too. He added that naturally all is not in the shape as I want to see."

Resolving Issues
Replying to another query with regard to bringing an end to discretionary powers of ministers so as to prevent corruption, he informed that a group of ministers, headed by Pranab Mukherjee, h as been constituted which will suggest the way to deal with the issue. The group has been asked to submit its report within 60 days. He emphasized that all countries in the world respect India as a democratic country and, therefore, we all should together inculcate new strength, new sentiment and renewed self-confidence. If we face certain issues, we have the ways to resolve them too, he said and exuded confidence that we will succeed in resolving all these issues.

Criticizing the prime minister after his interaction with the media, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left parties referred to his assertion that in a coalition government some compromises have to be made, and accused the prime minister of defending corruption. These parties also ridiculed his comparison between the 2G Spectrum and the subsidy being given to the poor. BJP President Nitin Gadkari said that coalition politics is related only to the 2G Spectrum, and S-band ISRO case, Commonwealth Games and the Adarsh Housing scams have little link with these. According to Gadkari, "If one sees between the lines, it is nothing but an attempt to sweep corruption under the carpet."

Extending Subsidies
Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechuri expressed almost similar sentiments and added, "On issues like corruption and price-rise, the prime minister says that to deal with these two burning issues, nothing much can be done which implies that the prime minister has thrown up his hands failing to resolve these basic and major issues facing the country". According to Yechuri, "Extending subsidies to the poor is an entirely different issue, while extending subsidies to the wealthy people and maintaining that to do so is necessary is sheer nonsense". Both the BJP and Left have targeted the government for the washout of the winter session of Parliament. Gadkari said: "If you are now prepared to appear before any committee, why didn't you do it earlier, so that such a situation would not have a risen."

Let the opposition and the critics term the interaction of the prime minister with the electronic media as an attempt to suppress corruption, yet it is a hard fact that in view of the debate raging for several months on the scams, the impasse in Parliament and the concern of the people, it can only be termed as a welcome and positive initiative. One can hope that the prime minister may continue to carry what is in his mind to people through media in the future.

Railway Budget 2011-12

The Railway Budget for 2011-12 presented by Railway Minister Mamata Bannerjee for the next year is different in several aspects from the earlier budgets. Mamata, perhaps, set a record for her love for Bengal. Undoubtedly, former railway ministers also had paid greater attention to their respected states and constituencies. Prior to Mamata Bannerjee, Railway Ministers including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan, Nitish Kumar, Madhav Rao Scindia and others, had been gifting new trains to their states and constituencies. In this light, Mamata has done nothing wrong if she follows her predecessors.

Still, Mamata's her love for Bengal appears to have burdened her mind heavily. Perhaps, it is because the state assembly elections are due there shortly. Mamata appears to have prepared herself to uproot the decades old communist government in West Bengal and become the chief minister. The things have come to such a pass that she is being accused of carrying out work relating to her ministry from Kolkata. Under the circumstances, if Mamata has showered her love on railway passengers in West Bengal, it is not a surprise and is on expected lines.

Railways Income
Like all the previous rail budgets of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), there has been no increase in passenger fare this budget, too. While presenting the budget, Mamata claimed that the railways income would surpass all previous ones. As far as her proposals for West Bengal, are concerned, she has proposed to introduce fifty more local trains for Kolkata alone. Going by her proposal, Kolkata would enjoy the pride of having the largest number of local trains. In addition to these fifty local trains, she also proposed to make Kolkata the 17th zone for Metro rail, and expand its sphere of activity.

Mamata has further proposed to set up a coach factory in Kolkata. She has also promised to set up a similar coach factory at Singur. It may be noted that it is the very same Singur where Tata had proposed to set up his Nano small car factory. Mamata had, then turned it as an issue against the Communist government and had forced the Tata group to pack up from there. To make good the loss the people of Singur have suffered, she now announced to set up a coach factory there.

In addition, she also proposed to set up industrial parks at Bongaiguon (in Assam) and Nandigram (in West Bengal), a software center at Darjeeling and a track machine industry at Uluberia (West Bengal). A lion's share of the twenty hundred thousand new jobs, she has announced to create in her budget, would naturally go to West Bengal. Sixteen other trains would also pass through West Bengal. She has also announced to introduce new train service in the name of Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore who happened to be from Bengal. She even included Bangladesh in her love for Bengal, when she announced a train up to Bangladesh. To give a fillip to the development activity in the Naxal (Maoist guerillas) infested areas, she announced to expand the rail network in these areas.

Attention to Vulnerable Sections
Despite her love for Bengal, Mamata has also paid attention to the vulnerable sections of the society in other parts of the country, the weaker sections, women folk, physically handicapped, former servicemen and their families, students and journalists and proposed numerous concessions for them. At the same time, she presented an attractive blue print to carry the railways forward. But, she is also accused of creating history by bringing the railways to the verge of bankruptcy.

Reportedly, the railways suffered a huge loss of Rs 250 billion because of her love of West Bengal. Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sita Ram Yechuri maintained that during the last 81 days, railways released 79 advertisements in West Bengal. These and her other such activities are causing loss to the railways.

In a nutshell, notwithstanding her several announcements for the rest of the country, if these proposals and announcements are compared with those for West Bengal, the balance would, naturally tilt in favor of West Bengal.

Melting Ice Between India and Pakistan

What will be the nature of relationship between India and Pakistan is a mystery. These relations had almost frozen after the Mumbai terror attack. But the ice appears to melt after the foreign ministers and foreign secretaries meetings. However, Pakistan's insistence was to talk on every matter, including Kashmir. But India very rightly demanded to discuss punishment to the Mumbai terror attack perpetrators. The consensus on this was difficult. This time also at the Thimpu conference, the prevailing suspension was anticipated.

An English news channel revealed that the conference proved to be disastrous. This channel termed it a deadly sin, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir's statement that "India cannot control Hindu terrorism." He, however, said that terrorism should not be linked to any religion.

Restraint and Maturity
Now the picture that is emerging shows absolute restraint and maturity on the part of the Indian delegation. In reply to the media persons' query in Thimpu, whether India has agreed to resume talks with Pakistan combined on every issue, Indian Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao, quoting William Shakespeare, said: "What is in a name?" It appears that India has agreed to talk on every matter.

For confidence-building, she also suggests several steps such as interaction between people of both countries, antiterrorism steps, control of narcotics smuggling, trading across the Line of Control, peace, security, etc. She also informed about the resolve to transform these steps into practice. She said that Pakistan had been told that the developments about the Samjhauta Express investigations would be communicated to it and that it should also reciprocate in the same manner.

Mutual Cooperation Required
It is true that mutual cooperation is required for good relationship. When asked that Pakistan has denied permission to the Indian Commission to visit there in respect of the 26/11, she said that the two countries should respect each other's laws. Pakistan has replied the note India sent on 3 February, asking for some clarifications.

Collectively, it is a positive situation, but India has clearly told Pakistan that no third-party interference on Kashmir will be allowed in talks. This indicates that the External Affairs Ministry has agreed to talk on Kashmir. This all is changing for better situation.

Zardari's Japan Visit

The 31-point joint declaration, issued at the conclusion of President Asif Ali Zardari's three-day visit to Japan, states both countries decided to further strengthen mutual relations, encouraging private institutions, to start joint ventures, and enhance cooperation in the fields of finance, banking institutions, agriculture, food, mineral development and energy sector for the sake of enhancing comprehensive partnership.

Peace and Stability
The Pakistani president and the Japanese prime minister reemphasized that peace and stability in South Asia is necessary for peace and prosperity in Asia but throughout the world. Earlier on, during comprehensive dialogue between the two leaders, both countries decided to strengthen mutual relations as well as trade and economic ties by promoting comprehensive partnership.
The president also called on Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara. The president said that Japan was an important friend and trade and development partner of Pakistan. There was a need to further promote the existing cooperation, he said. He emphasized on the need for Japanese cooperation in various fields, including trade, development, security, energy and institutional capacity building. The Japanese foreign minister assured continuing Japanese assistance for revival of the Pakistani economy.

President Zardari's visit to Japan highlights the continuity of stable relations between Pakistan and Japan. There is no doubt about the fact that Japan has played a significant role in providing technical assistance in Pakistan's social, economic, academic, technical life in addition to financial assistance and cooperation for development. In view of the changing regional situation, Japan's support of the Pakistani viewpoint shows the deep relations and mutual trust between people of the two countries. There is no doubt that relations between the two countries will be further strengthened because of the president's recent visit.

Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes
President Zardari exchanged views with the Japanese leadership on an important issue and highlighted Pakistan's concern in that regard. He said that why cannot Japan cooperate with Pakistan in the field of nuclear energy, and provide it nuclear energy for peaceful purposes if it can do the same for India? Pakistan also deserves that and there is no justification of denying Pakistan nuclear technology. The president made it clear that India had forced us to become a nuclear power. Pakistan does not want to join the arms race in the region. There is no truth in the media reports that the number of our nuclear weapons is greater than those of India. The fact is that the United States showed discrimination against Pakistan with regard to civilian nuclear deal, and refused to provide nuclear technology to Pakistan for its economic and social development in spite of its needs and insistence. This was the gist of the president's earlier interview with the Japanese media, in which he was asked if he would raise the issue of nuclear cooperation during his meetings with the Japanese officials. The president said that he did not know what questions will be raised at that point. He said that the objective behind his visit is to apprise the Japanese Government and people of the situation and challenges confronting Pakistan. The president emphasized on the Japanese automakers to install plants in Pakistan.

A delegation of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Japan also called on the president. On the occasion, the president said that PPP activists should make every effort for welfare and development of the Pakistani community in Japan.

This was his second visit to Japan after he took charge of the president's office. Meeting with Japanese Emperor Akihito and formal negotiations with Prime Minister Naoto Kan were part of this visit's schedule. During the meetings, mutual relations, regional situation and important regional and international issues were reviewed.

Zardari also called on members of the Japanese cabinet and MPs, in addition to renowned businessmen. It is good news that Pakistan and Japan, while agreeing to have close cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, defense, education, health, disarmament and nuclear nonproliferation, decided to continue dialogue and political consultation, and to start joint ventures.

Eliminating Terrorism
In his meeting with President Zardari, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, while reiterating his resolve for full cooperation with Pakistan in the war on terror, emphasized on regional peace and stability and showed interest in playing role in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He said that Japan would fully cooperate with Pakistan in water and power resource management and infrastructural development.

Both leaders decided to enhance contacts between MPs, traders, youth, and public in addition to training of defense officials and cooperation between the two countries' military education institutions. The Pakistani Government will work on simplifying the process of issuing visa and granting immunity to Japanese traders and tourists.

Economic Issue
In his meeting with Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Banri Kaieda, the president said that Pakistan considered Japan a large market for its exports and desired joint ventures, consortium and trade contacts with Japan.

Addressing the Japan-Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee, President Zardari declared that strong economy was inevitable for victory against the terrorists and their supporters. He also emphasized on the need to provide employment opportunities to the people. The president recalled to the Japanese leaders that the government took courageous steps for improving the demolished economy, which he had inherited and adopting the way of reconciliation with all political forces instead of repeating the history of political clashes. As a result of this consensus, extraordinary constitutional changes have taken place.

Despite ravages of floods and international economic depression, the Pakistani economy is improving. It is expected that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 2.3 percent this year. Pakistan is a natural course for trade and energy for Central Asia and Western Asia. The Japanese investors can fully utilize Pakistan through joint and individual economic ventures. The investors will be provided full security and all the possible facilities.

Demand of Situation

President Zardari's visit basically springs from the need that Pakistan-Japan relations should move toward mutual social and economic development and technical information, practical sharing and financial assistance from Japan should be utilized in the best possible manner to eradicate the social and economic problems confronting the country.

There is a need to follow the Japanese strategy to end uncertainty. Academic, practical, and technical capacity of every individual should be built so that the country takes rapid strides to development on modern footings. It is regretting to note that a UNDP [United Nations Development Program] report has disclosed that Pakistan lags behind Laos, the smallest country on the world, in terms of human development in the list of 169 countries. Pakistan stands 125th throughout the world. If we closely review president's visit and Pakistan-Japan friendship, they have positive message for us, namely social and economic stability, and coordinated effort in that regard is the demand of the situation.

Revolutionary Typhoon Reaches Libya

After the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and Bahrain, Libya is in the grip of a wave of 'People's Revolution.' After 41 years Colonel Gaddafi's rule, Libyan people are desirous of removing him. But it is a matter of pity that in the antithesis of Egypt, leaders of Bahrain, Yemen, and Libya are clinging on to power and making all efforts to crush the revolution against them, in their greed for power. In this, the most aggressive and harsh attempts are being adopted by Libya's Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, where the army is firing live bullets upon unarmed protesters.

Background
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is no ordinary leader. He is famous for his irrational and erratic behavior. Whenever he goes on a foreign tour, he takes along with him a tent and stays in that only. He says he wants to be close to the roots of his tribe, and this is the reason for his erratic behavior. In 2007, when he was in Paris, a tent was put up for him in the Presidential palace. Next year, he adopted the same practice in Rome. This is the reason that he does not make many foreign tours because problems arise because of his penchant of sleeping in tents. In some countries, there were objections to this behavior. Another problem is that he is constantly surrounded by female bodyguards.

After the defeat of Arabs in the 1976 war at the hands of Israelis, there was wave of military coups in Arab countries. During this period, on 1 September 1969, Gaddafi took over reins of power in Libya. He considered himself to be the true legatee of Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser, and started issuing statements of his intention to destroy Israel and defeating the United States. But with time, his attitude began to change and the reality of the Arab predicament started dawning on him, and he started feeling helpless between Israel and the United States.

Public Determination
The people's protest in Libya has entered its sixth day. Fifty religious leaders have appealed to the army not to kill its own people so mercilessly. Only time will tell how much effect this appeal has had on the army, but the public determination seems to have grown with the army attacks. There is one trait that seems to be common between Colonel Gaddafi and former Egyptian President Honsi Mubarak that both of them have clung on to power for a long time, and both wanted to make their sons their descendents. Hosni Mubarak had a dream of seeing his son Gamal Mubarak succeeding him, and Gaddafi dreamed of handing over power to his son Saif-al Islam (The sword of Islam).

The wave of revolution has spread to Bahrain and Yemen where people want a change in administration. People of these countries are facing army bullets, which has made leaders of all other countries very afraid indeed. But these bullets have not been able to stop the people's march. The casualties in Bahrain have crossed the 100 mark. In Yemen, the agitation against President Ali Abdullah Saleh has gained speed. Like Colonel Gaddafi, Saleh is adamant to cling on to power. He says he will not leave the country, and breathe his last there, but will not surrender power. Keep in mind that the Egyptian president was also adamant not to surrender power, but he finally had to bend his knees in front of 'people's power.'

US Losing Hegemony
The country that is most worried by this wave of revolution sweeping West Asia and Libya is the United States. Although European countries are also worried by this wave, their worry is confined to supply of oil only. The United States is worried about losing its hegemony in West Asian politics.

If all revolutions brewing in this area succeed, then the area's map will change beyond all recognition. That is the reason that the United States will make all efforts to replace one stooge with another so that it can protect its protégé, Israel. The real purpose of this revolution will be achieved only when true democracy is established there, and these US puppets are removed.

Verdict on Godhra Carnage

It is natural that people are raising multiple questions about various aspects of the Godhra incident after nine years. There are mixed feelings of agony and ecstasy both about the verdict. Out of 94 accused persons, 63 have been exculpated, and 31 have been convicted. Those who have been exonerated have suffered the torture of imprisonment for nine years.

The court declared the Godhra incident a conspiracy and not an accident, but which conspiracy worked behind the arrest of these 63 released accused was not pointed out. On 25 February, punishment will be pronounced to the guilty, but will there be an action against those who caused torture to these 63 innocent persons? Will the Narendra Modi government apologize and give compensation?

Nanawati Commission Report
It appears the court has made the Nanawati Commission report as the base of the judgment, in which it is clearly mentioned that first of all the conspiracy was hatched, and then to spread terror this incident took place. On the contrary, the Bannerjee Commission in its report said that coach number 6 of Sabarmati Express was not set afire, and there was no conspiracy either. The Bannerjee Commission called it an accident.

Now, the question arises that enquiry reports on one incident are different, and the court exclusively based its judgment on one report, thereby acquitting 63 accused on the basis of the report. It appears that the Gujarat police were waiting for the incident to occur for rounding up a large number of Muslims, whosoever was found. Not only this, they were persecuted heavily. Maulvi Umar, who was suspected to be the main conspirator, has been exonerated by court. When the main conspirator was found innocent, then where is the angle of conspiracy?
Discrimination and Hatred for Muslims
This way, between the lines, the Bannerjee Commission report gets strength, which has dismissed the angle of conspiracy. The phenomenon of Gujarat police rounding up Muslims indiscriminately and cause mental and physical torture to them proves its discrimination and hatred for Muslims.

The reflection of whatever Modi and the Sangh Parivar (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its allies) had been saying can be seen in the judgment. Now, will the assassins of thousands of Muslims be punished? If yes, when? Rioters of the 1992 riots are roaming freely, whereas the accused of the 1993 blast cases are being punished. There should not be two different scales of justice in a democratic setup.

Congress Silence About Gujarat Issue

We are not at all surprised that despite the investigation report submitted to the Supreme Court holding Chief Minister Narendra Modi accountable in the Gujarat massacre of Muslims in 2002, the Congress has so far made no statement. We were also not surprised when Home Minister P. Chidambaram's use of the term 'Hindu terrorism' was loudly objected by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and he remained silent, whereas some Congress party men objected to linking terrorism with any religion. The entire Congress maintained silence on this objection.

Meanwhile, the media, having affiliation with the BJP and the Sangh Parivar (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and allies) had frequently been using the term 'Islamic terrorism' and 'jihadi terrorism.'

Major Scams and Corruption
We have now stopped thinking about the Congress attitude as in our considered opinion a large part of the Congress feel frightened to face the BJP or their outlook is the same. Imagine had this report indicted a Congress minister what hue and cry the BJP would have made. If you think that the Congress is silent because it is badly entangled and does not want the repeat of disturbance created by the BJP in the budget session, or the Congress is silent because of its involvement in the 2G Spectrum, the Adarsh Society, and other big scams, your assessment is almost true. However, this is not the real cause of its silence. In fact the party fears the BJP. Tell us as to where the Congress faced the BJP and if faced, what is the outcome? It was defeated by the BJP in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh, with exception to Rajasthan.

However, Rajasthan's success is not due to the efforts of the Congress party but due to the internal dispute among members of BJP Chief Minister Vijay Raje Scindia's party. As far as Gujarat is concerned, someone among the lieutenants of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi has advised them to keep silent about Modi. That adviser whosoever he may be has presented the logic that calling Modi the trader of death adversely benefited him, winning the election. Although this logic is bogus, if at all there is such an adviser, he is Modi's agent.

Point Against BJP
The real cause of defeat was the Congress party's allotment of tickets to those people who clandestinely supported the carnage in 2002. You must have noticed that the BJP getting a small point against the Congress makes a molehill out of molecule and the Congress by getting a serious point against the BJP reduces it to the size of atom, which even amazes the BJP. The Adarsh Society is one such example. The local issue of Maharashtra was hyped by the BJP across the country.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Yeddyurappa's matter was bigger than the Adarsh Society, but the Congress party played with it like a rubber toy. Acting upon the counsel of adviser to keep silent on Gujarat may cost the Congress party dearly, and like in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it may never return to power easily.

US Veto on Jewish Settlement Resolution

The United States has vetoed the resolution in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in which the construction of Jewish settlements in occupied areas by Israel were termed unauthorized. It is pertinent to note that Israel continues to build unauthorized Jewish settlements ever since 1967 in occupied areas. It has also been constantly rejecting all appeals and international pressure in this regard.

It is also noteworthy that soon after Barack Obama took over as US President, the United States continued to pretend that it was striving to get the Middle East issue resolved but it turned out to be a mere ploy. It was under this ploy that the peace dialogue between the Palestine Authority and Israel was resumed. The entire world is aware of what progress this dialogue made, of what extent Israel was made to accept the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian state, and what change Israel has made in its stance on the construction of Jewish settlements in occupied areas.

Wrath and Indignation
As far as unauthorized Jewish settlement is concerned, Israel had held up the work for some time just prior to resumption of peace talks. But just before the commencement of talks, it announced that it would go ahead with construction work. At this, the United States has expressed great wrath and indignation. It had given the impression that the construction of these unauthorized colonies may also adversely affect US-Israel relations. During the same time, the US vice president, who was on a visit to the Middle East, adopted a hard attitude against Israel and astonished it. Later, however, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, by way of appeasing Israel as usual, said that relations between the United States and Israel would in no way be affected. Both the United States and Europe chide Israel just for the sake of it.

The United States had also adopted the stance on justification of these colonies that their construction is wrong and also illegal. Yet, one can easily comprehend the duality in the US stand that while the US leadership talks about Palestinians' rights, endorses and supports peace talks, pretends to prevent Israel from construction of illegal colonies, and enacts the drama of exerting pressure in this regard, when the resolution to declare Jewish colonies as illegal was moved in the UNSC, the very same United States vetoed it.

Suspension of Peace Talks
The resolution declares that Jewish settlements constructed after 1967 are illegal. Of the 15 members on the UNSC, 14 voted in its favor and demanded that Israel should forthwith stop construction of these colonies, but vetoing the proposal, the United States came out with a ridiculous argument that it would be adversely affect the peace talks.

The US argument is untenable and has no justification, as it is the issue of these unauthorized colonies that is actually hampering the peace talks the most. The Palestine Authority has suspended peace talks on the plea that Israel continues to construct new colonies in occupied areas. The Palestine Authority is considered to be pro-United States, and both the United States and Israel have intentionally kept the representative organization of Palestine, HAMAS, out of the peace process. Despite it, not only has Palestine suspended the peace talks with Israel, but has also expressed great frustration that the United States has vetoed the resolution in the UNSC. It has categorically asserted that this would damage the cause of peace.

Pro-Israel US Stance
It is clear from the attitude that Palestine has adopted on the argument put up by the United States that the US stand indirectly favors Israel's stand in respect of these colonies, and that it goes to prove the pro-Israel US stance. It is a different issue that to hoodwink the world, the United States even now maintains that it is strongly against construction of Jewish settlements in occupied areas.

Undoubtedly, the fresh US initiative has proved yet again that the United Nations has turned into an institution kept hostage by the United States, and the United Nations has failed to fulfill its responsibilities.

Financial Crisis in Vietnam

As the world community focuses attention on Egypt and on the political crisis in its surrounding countries, the financial crisis in Vietnam is spreading subtly and speedily. If Vietnam's financial crisis cannot be handled by its government properly, Vietnam can become a new financial disaster center in this region.

When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) advocates Asian countries to use their respective currency appreciation to resolve inflation problem; but of late, the devaluation of Vietnam's currency Dong against the US dollar has already reached as high as 9.3 percent. Such a development has caused export pressure to Vietnam's neighboring countries.
In 2003, since Vietnam implemented its Free Trade Area, the speedy economic growth of Vietnam and the economic future and prospect of Vietnam were viewed by all sectors as very good. Vietnam has even been viewed by many as "the next China."

Pursuing Rapid Economic Growth
However, to pursue rapid economic growth, Vietnam has introduced massive foreign investment to its country. Vietnam has absorbed more foreign capital than what its own economy could bear. Within a short period of less than one year, Vietnam has already faced severe inflation and its economic bubble has burst. All of a sudden, Vietnam's economy plunged into the verge of collapse. It was only through the Vietnamese Government's strong intervention that Vietnam was able to barely stabilize the spread its financial crisis.

At present, Vietnam's currency has devalued drastically and its inflation is getting out of country. At this juncture, no one dares to optimistically speculate if the financial crisis in Vietnam has indeed reached the bottom and from now onward, Vietnam's financial outlook should face a brighter future. This is because simultaneously, political and societal crisis have also emerged in Vietnam. If the Vietnamese Government cannot handle these entire crisis properly, the ruling party of Vietnam which is described as an evergreen party that can last a thousand year, may face collapse and disintegration. In short, Vietnam has suddenly turned into a modern apocalypse for other countries to observe of how a developing country can suddenly suffer such a severe setback.

To the outside world the multiple crises in Vietnam have seen to burst out too sudden and too fast. Although on the surface, whether it is in the area of politics or economy, Vietnam has given the outside world an illusion of progress and prosperity. But in actual fact, the problem relating to Vietnam's real structure crisis has long existed. But all along, Vietnam's ruling party refuses to face the fact. This has led to the present deteriorated condition in Vietnam that is difficult to clean up.

Toward Open Reform Process
In 1986, Vietnam has already begun to push forward economic reform. Vietnam has, from the past collective economy gradually transformed and transited into a free market socialist economy. In 2007, Vietnam entered the World Trade Organization as an equal status member. The fact that Vietnam can become a member of this international organization has reflected the reality that Vietnam has already gone through its past suffering and adversity, entered a better road and allowed its politics to move toward an open reform process.

The steady and rapid growth in trade and economy in Vietnam has helped to resolve its foreign debt crisis and the people in Vietnam are full of confidence and hope toward the nation's future. It is because of such development that many Asian countries have used Vietnam as a good development model and vowed to follow the economic growth path of Vietnam. Many other Asian countries hope that like Vietnam, their countries also can also go through economic and economic reform similar to that of Vietnam within short period of time. Many Asian countries also hope that they can promote the development of Free Trade Area and together with Vietnam, also enjoy a new era of political reform and economic prosperity.

Present Danger and Situation

However, at the 2006 Annual General Assembly of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the leadership transition process for both Vietnam's party leadership and its government leadership from one generation to another has set off the nightmare of Vietnam's present danger and crisis. Because of the fact that the Communist Party of Vietnam is the single domination ruling party that controls Vietnam's political, economical, societal and communication media, the Communist Party of Vietnam has become Vietnam's 'thousand-year" evergreen and an unmatched ruling party in the country.

However, when a party such as the Communist Party of Vietnam takes up a single party dominant structure that has also controlled too many vested interests, benefits and resources of the nation, it has the tendency to produce too many self-interest pipelines for their leaders and create issues relating to corruption and abuse of power.

Impact of Asian Financial Crisis
After Vietnam went through the Asian financial crisis, the Communist Party of Vietnam did carry out innovative efforts to encourage local people with good reputation as well as with good international experience to take part in politics to push forward its economic reform.

As such, under Vietnam's favorable condition of having geopolitical competitive advantage, the economy of Vietnam has also begun to rebound from the valley and appeared to attain an affluent and prosper economy on the surface. Because of the fact that the United States has the intention to pull Vietnam closer to its side in order to strengthen the US controlling power and influence in the South China Sea, the United States has given Vietnam many opportunities to participate in international organizations' programs and activities. Overnight, Vietnam has entered an international community that is fully open. However, Vietnam's political structure could not adjust to such changes. As such serious crisis occurred within the nation.

Communist Party of Vietnam's Interest
The conservative fraction of the Communist Party of Vietnam that controls major party affairs felt uneasy and shock when the reformation fraction of the party wanted to expand its full fledged influence and demanded the ruling party and government to carry out comprehensive reform. On the handling of personnel, financial affairs and vested advantage, the reformation fraction wanted these issues to be done in a transparent manner.

However, leaders from the conservative fraction were disturbed and shocked about such reformation measures. This was because all along, they were the ones who have taken up the vast and wide vested interest of the Communist Party of Vietnam. How could they withstand the impact of such party reform? As so, the conservative faction of the party began to make plot and block the reform in Vietnam. At the recent Communist Party of Vietnam reelection, this rule party has appointed Nguyen Phu Trong as its secretary general and it seems that the retaining of its Prime Minister Nyuyen Tan Dung who was earlier rumored to step down was a compromise reached between the conservative and reformation fraction of the party.

Development Trend
In recent years, the developments in many developing countries have also suffered the bottleneck phenomenon. One of the main reasons is due to the fact that the reformation pace of the ruling parties in these countries cannot catch up with the pace of advancement in economics, societal and political progress of their countries.

As of today, some of the ruling parties in the developing countries have not even gotten rid of the Lenin's political decisionmaking model. Under these governments, many decisions relating to personnel, finance, party affairs are manipulated and controlled by the different political factions within the party. Under such development trend, outstanding party talents that process good image and integrity can suffer what is termed as "count-you-out" phenomenon. Good leaders could be phased out in the process. Moreover, when it is general election time, since the talents of the ruling party are limited, the ruling party leaders must depend on money politics and money power to gain the different political camps' support to win the election battle.

However, once the ruling leaders counted on the support of the different camps within the party through money power and money politics to win the election, the ruling party has to pay a high price to reward their supporters for what they have done. Second, those politicians from the different political camps who depended on money power to retain their position and power are usually those without any lofty goals to implement good national policy for the people. These politicians only know how to please the voters blindly. As such, they tend to give out astonishing welfare checks to the people and caused massive deficits in their nation's federal treasury. To many countries, the problem in Vietnam can serve as a good warning and lesson for many countries to learn.

Strain in US-Pakistan Relations Over Diplomat Issue

There has never been such a great strain in US-Pakistan relations as it is now. Though Pakistani people have vent their ire against the United States on several occasions earlier, all governments in that country continued to wag their tail to the United States. That is why the United States never felt the need either to threaten Islamabad, or initiate any diplomatic action against it.

For once, however, because of a US citizen Raymond Davis, the United States appears to be greatly annoyed. This occurred on 27 January when he shot two Pakistanis dead in Lahore. He maintains that the two Pakistanis were following him on a bike, and wanted to waylay him by threatening him with a gun. Therefore, he fired upon them in self-defence. The American was arrested. The car belonging to the US Embassy speeded up and killed another Pakistani in an attempt to save him. This led to a hue and cry in the country, and slogans like "Death to the Killers" began to be raised. The widow of one of the persons killed committed suicide. This incident added fuel to the fire.

Firefighting Operations
The US Embassy commenced firefighting operations. For the first couple of days, it did not divulge the name of its citizen, implying that he is not a regular diplomat and could be a spy. Names of spies are kept secret. Fake names are also given to them. After his arrest, the American was produced before a Lahore court. If he was not a diplomat, his prosecution in the Lahore court was justified fully.

Yet, no sooner than the United States awoke from slumber, it began to raise the bogey that the American was no ordinary employee in the Embassy, but held the status of a diplomat, implying that his arrest was violative of the international convention. True that foreign diplomats enjoy immunity all over the world. All countries are signatories to the Vienna Convention in this regard. Yet, former Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi became adamant. Records in his ministry checked whether the American is a diplomat, and whether he enjoys such immunity. He found that the American was no diplomat and cannot be granted any immunity, and can be proceeded against in a court of law in the country. Because of this, Qureshi had to lose the foreign minister's post.

US Economic Aid
Qureshi used to claim to be very close to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Yet, last week, Hillary did not even exchanged any pleasantly with him at Munich, though she did talk to Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani who was sitting beside Qureshi. Truly, if the master gets annoyed, how can an employee continue to be in employment? In fact, Qureshi was under the misconception that Pakistan is a sovereign country, and he the foreign minister of that country.

The American continue to be in custody, the United States has taken to twisting Pakistan's arm. A delegation of US Congressmen has categorically told President Asif Ali Zardari that if it fails to release the American, Pakistan may have to lose the annual US aid of $1.5 billion. The US Department of State has boycotted the Pakistani Embassy in Washington. As if it was not enough, the tripartite meeting between the United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, scheduled to be held in February, has been postponed. The meeting was to be attended by President Barack Obama, Hamid Karzai and Asif Ali Zardari. The United States has never before adopted such a strong stance against Pakistan. In fact, the US media has highlighted the issue more than it deserved. US citizens are wondering how the very same country that eats out of the crumbs fallen from their table can commit such a blunder.

Anti-US Wave
Meanwhile, the anti-US wave among the masses in Pakistan was already at its peak. All Islamic elements have now begun to talk louder, and are asking why the Zardari government is tolerating the unwarranted US attitude. They wonder if a Pakistani employee had killed two or three Americans in New York, would Americans spare him? Had that person been a Pakistani diplomat, he would not have been spared even then. In 1997, an American girl was crushed under the wheels of the car of Georgia's Deputy Ambassador. The US administration got his diplomatic status withdrawn, and was arrested. The US administration can go to any length to get the American released.

On the US dispute, the Zardari government appears to be on the horns of a dilemma. On one side is its bread earner and on the other are Pakistani voters. The government is caught in a vice grip. The government is passing the buck to Qureshi. It is, however, to difficult to come out of this blind alley. If the court is presented with evidence that the American is a diplomat, it would release him and the Zardari government would be saved.

Withdrawal of US Troops From Afghanistan
Should the issue get prolonged, it would not only escalate tension between the United States and Pakistan, but may also adversely affect India-Pakistan relations, and even the situation in Afghanistan. India-Pakistan dialogue has been resumed under the US pressure. How ridiculous would it be for India to continue to talk to Pakistan, but the United States continues to shun Pakistan? At the same time, all schemes for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan may fall into doldrums.

The sympathies of Pakistani people toward Taliban and Al-Qa'ida would continue to increase, and whatever popularity the Zardari government has may vanish. US policymakers would have to weigh what is more important -- its own interests or the special rights of a mere employee? If the United States so desires, it can use Pakistani courts so cunningly and craftily that the desired target is achieved without causing harm to anyone. US-Pakistan tension is not in favor of any country.

Cooperation Among G4 Nations

With a view on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms at an early date and to create a salubrious atmosphere for the claimants of a permanent seat in the UNSC, the foreign ministers of India, Germany, Brazil, and Japan have decided to extend mutual cooperation. All these four countries are claimants of a permanent seat in the UNSC in the event of its reforms. The problem, however, remains that major powers that have turned this international institution in their handmaiden continue to put off the reform process on one pretext or the other. It is in spite of that none of the major powers, including the United States, have denied the need for reforms in principle. It is, however, a different thing that no timetable has been yet fixed for these reforms.

The truth is that ever since its inception the United Nations has never initiated any measure in this connection nor has it brought about any change commensurate to the need of the hour and the changing international scenario. The world has weathered many a storm and revolution in the wake of the Second World War. Several powerful countries have fallen into the deep and dark schism politically. The place of the two parallel blocks, to the United States and Russia, has been taken over by the unipolar world and several countries have emerged on the horizon.

Economic Progress
The keeper of the world in this unipolar bloc, the United States, has become weak scientifically, technically, and economically. The failure of the US militarily adventurism in Iraq and Afghanistan coupled with its earlier failure in Vietnam and several multinational companies and banks in the United States having become bankrupt, makes it vividly clear that the time to come would not be of the United States and Europe, but of Asian countries -- China, Japan, and India -- and that of Brazil in the African comity of nations. Going by the economic progress made by these countries and their ever-increasing sphere of influence in world affairs, the need is being drastically felt that those nations that are non-permanent members of the Security Council should be taken into the council after effecting large-scale reforms in this international organization.

As for China, the country, that has the highest population in the world and which happen to be a fast emerging economic power, is already a permanent member of the Security Council. After the merger of the East and the West Germany, the claim of Germany for a permanent seat is fully justified. Yet, one wonders when the permanent seat for Germany can be considered while there are already two countries, France and the United Kingdom from Europe on the Security Council, why then the claim of Japan and India cannot be considered though China is the only Asian country on the Security Council as a permanent members. The claim of Japan and India is equally justified for the reasons that the two countries are on the list of major economies and prominent industrialized nations.

UN Reforms
India has the second largest population in the world and, at the same time it continues to fulfill the responsibilities of the regional leadership in one way or the other. Among African nations, Brazil occupies a place of pride. Anyway, the four claimants of the permanent UNSC seat have intensified their efforts to strengthen their claim and getting the long-pending UN reforms finalized as soon as possible. They have, therefore, decided to increase their pressure in the current session of the UN General Assembly so that some concrete outcome may be achieved.

The representatives of the four countries have met on two occasions in the last six months. They have issued a joint statement in which they have called upon the United Nations to increase the number of both permanent and non-permanent members for better transaction of business and improvement in the UN functioning. It is worth the mention that of these four countries, three, including India, are, at present non-permanent UNSC members. Under the circumstances, these countries have a better opportunity to press for their demand and suggest solid proposals for reforms. The decision made by these four nations to increase cooperation among themselves is a part of their efforts

New US Military Strategy

For the first time in seven years, the United States has announced a revised military strategy. In the new strategy, the United States has expressed determination to continue cooperation with Pakistan to eliminate Al-Qai'da and other militant forces. Under the new strategy, the United States has also assured cooperation to solve problems with Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

A statement issued by the Pentagon in this connection states that Al-Qai'da's senior leadership is present in Pakistan and planning to attack the United States and its allies. The statement also says that terrorism has now become an international threat and joint measures will have to be taken to deal with it.

The new strategy has been prepared by Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. It points out steps how US interests can be safeguarded all over the world. It may be added that the United States had earlier released national military strategy in 2004.

Encouraging Policy
The revised strategy is encouraging, as it expresses determination to continue cooperation with several countries, including Pakistan. The global cooperation is the best strategy to overcome the menace of terrorism. It is a fact that terrorism can be eliminated and a peaceful international society established only if concerted efforts are made against the monster. However, the US insistence that senior Al-Qai'da leadership is present in Pakistan is not correct. Pakistan has stated on several times that although terrorists are present in the country in shape of extremists and the Taliban, and Al-Qai'da supporters may also be hiding here; but Al-Qai'da leadership is not present on its soil. But, in spite of this, US insistence in this regard is regrettable.

What else can be a bigger proof of the presence of terrorists in Pakistan that acts of terrorism are frequently taking place in the country causing huge loss of life and property? It was just on 9 February that four bomb explosions took place in Gujranwala (a town in Punjab Province). However, only one person was injured in the explosions. A day later, a suicide attack in Mardan (a town in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province) killed 35 persons and injured several others. Therefore, how it is possible for Pakistan, which itself is a victim of terrorism, to provide shelter to Al-Qai'da on its soil? Hence, the US Administration should know all ground realities before hurling such allegations on Pakistan, so that such statements could not lead to creating differences between the two countries.

Interests of International Community
However, the fresh US strategy rightly states that terrorism has become a global threat now and concerted efforts will have to be made to deal with it. Therefore, the United States should, through its new strategy, mobilize the international community to deal with the menace. For this purpose, it is necessary that those countries, which are playing a role in the war on terror, should be fully supported, so that the financial losses they are suffering in this regard could be made up to some extent.

However, in the new strategy, it cannot be acceptable for the international community that US interests must be safeguarded across the world. This strategy can cause dissent among world nations; therefore, instead of protecting the interests of only the United States, the interests and protection of the entire international community should be ensured as a whole. And being the world superpower, the biggest responsibility in this regard lies on the United States.

Electoral Reforms

Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily has suggested that with a view to preventing black money, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) should get the accounts of all political parties audited. Speaking at a seminar on 'Regional Consultation for Electoral Reforms,' in Chandigarh, he made this proposal, which was supported even by Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Qureshi.

Taking Moily's proposal even further, Qureshi stressed that getting the accounts of all political parties audited by the CAG would reveal the sources from where the money came as also on what it was spent. He further opined that all transactions during the election campaign should be made through checks. He felt that all political parties should reveal their assets to the public. He also stressed the need of prevention of violence at polling booths.

Importance and Significance
It is well nigh impossible to conjecture how far political parties are serious and agreeable to the proposals made by Veerappa Moily and S.Y. Qureshi, and how much support would they extend to bring transparency to the election process and regulations. It is because it would amount to most political parties cutting the same branch of the tree they are sitting on.

All political parties and their candidates contesting election spent huge sums of money in different ways during electioneering. They spent money like throwing it down the drain, and by luring voters with dubious tactics, attempt to mislead them. In such a scenario, it is clearly difficult for any party to agree seriously and with good intention with the proposals put up by Moily and Qureshi. Yet, it no way reduces the importance and the significance of these proposals because, in the list of sections responsible for the increasing corruption, politicians and bureaucrats are on the top.

The causes of corruption among bureaucrats is another matter for debate but as far as corruption indulged in by politicians is concerned, one of the reason is the shortcoming in the electoral system. Among them is the issue of criminalization of politics and that of those who contest an election on the force of the wealth at their command. These politicians use the money earned through underhand means and illegally, without any hitch. Yet only a few politicians fall into the grip of law. It is because the rules and regulations pertaining to election are neither much effective nor strong.

Grip of Law
If any politician does fall into the grip of the law, they get acquitted honorably because of the weak laws and ineffective regulations. Thus, the game plan of using the ill-gotten money in elections continues unabated.

The Election Commission, on its part, has initiated some measures in recent past, but the problem remains that the Election Commission has to function under its own sphere of work and authority. It makes it clear that unless legislatures which comprise politicians who reach the House after winning an election, do not initiate measures to end the shortcomings, one cannot hope for any change.

Impartiality and Transparency
Under such circumstances, it is necessary that all political parties reach some kind of a consensus outside parliament and prepare such a draft for electoral reforms, which would be binding on parties to support inside the legislative body. Legal luminaries may also be got involved while drafting the proposed bill for electoral reforms so that there may not be any lacunae that would be utilized by those contesting election.

The judiciary and the Election Commission should also play a role within their bounds, in this regard. As for the proposal put up by Moily regarding accounts of political parties checked by the CAG, the impartiality and transparency of the CAG would have to be ensured, prior to giving this responsibility.

Omar Abdullah's Concept of Autonomy for Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been repeatedly saying that Kashmir is a political problem, and it could not be solve through economic measures. He says mere economic packages would not help.

Omar Abdullah's tone and tenor shows he is proud of efforts to find a political solution. Omar says he said this openly even before Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh that power supply in Kashmir cannot solve the issue. A political solution has to be found for a political problem.

Need For Political Solution
Some political observers feel Omar Abdullah has not said anything new, whereas others feel that by avoiding calling Kashmir an integral part of India, Omar Abdullah has been creating doubts in the mind of the federal government. Some leaders of Omar Abdullah's party consider his attitude as dangerous. This time, by talking of the need for a political solution recently the chief minister has shown that he did not mind openly expressing his views.

No one protests when Omar Abdullah talks of a political solution. One has to agree with him that power and water supply cannot resolve the Kashmir issue. However, there are doubts that his boldness may cost him dearly. The reason is that there are many people in New Delhi who consider Jammu and Kashmir to be an economic and not a political problem. They feel people have been agitating for basic economic necessities and not for right to self-determination or autonomy. Such elements can be angry with the chief minister.

Demand of Situation
As far as Omar Abdullah is concerned, he finds it in his favor that Home Minister P. Chidambaram has already said that Kashmir is a unique problem, which needs to be solved politically. The differences between the chief minister and separatists are no secret. Their stands are poles apart.

However, they must have been impressed by what Omar Abdullah has said. At the same time, communal leaders in India may dub Omar Abdullah as a separatist.It can well be asked from Omar Abdullah what is his concept of autonomy, on the basis of which he has been demanding a political solution.