Facing The Foregone Conclusion: The second letter to India

I was right after all. IRF and I were set up for a ban. Despite some saying that I played the ‘Muslim card’, it is now proven that the decision to ban IRF was taken months ago and it was a communal decision. Before investigations were done, even before reports submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason does not matter. What now matters is that my work of 25 years – completely lawful work – has been banned. And that is the most unfortunate thing for this country.

This must be the most unique ban to be applied in the history of India, because not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. Not a single chance. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help in investigation but it wasn’t taken. The entire investigation was completed without any agency asking me a single question about my so called ‘wrongdoings’. But then why would they? My participation in the investigation process would have cleared up the air and exonerated me, which wasn’t acceptable to the government.

Now that they’ve banned me without asking me a single question, I have no choice left but to answer them only through the legal system and not personally. Their agenda is open and clear: implicate me by hook or by crook, which I will fight.

From the government’s point of view, the timing itself could not have been better. The decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetization fiasco, as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch. I won’t be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance. Flawless timing really.

The ban notification alleges that I have incited violence through some of my statements. I would at this juncture like to re-emphasize that I have at all points only advocated peace and condemned violence in any form. In fact I am one of the few persons who ever publicly spoke against state sponsored violence and terrorism. These facts have never been given their due after having been explained on several occasions.

All the questions and allegations have been answered and explained a dozen times in the last few years. To people and to the media. Why? Because most have not bothered to look through the entire portion of the Q&A. They’ve watched a smaller, doctored clip and based their opinions on it. Common people aside, I expected professional investigators from government agencies to do a thorough job. Had they done so, this issue would have been a no brainer, a non-issue. But I guess, that was not the plan. The plan was to ban, not investigate.

Which is perhaps why the draconian law of UAPA was exercised on very select organisations such as Islamic Research Foundation. The name of the religion has been made synonymous with violence while condoning the reckless behavior of some majority leaders. The law does not seem to apply to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi who continue to make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred for mere political mileage. Rajeshwar Singh of Dharm Jaagran Manch recently made a televised statement that 31st December 2021 will be the last day for Islam and Christianity in India and that he and his associates have taken an oath to end Islam and Christianity from India before 31st December 2021.

Don’t such statements and many more by fanatics like Sadhvi Prachi and Yogi Adityanath require them to be arrested and tried under UAPA? Leave aside legal action, the government has neither condemned their actions nor reprimanded them. Is this draconian law mainly meant for Muslims? Muslims who’ve been practicing and propagating their religion peacefully and well within the constitutional framework? Does the UAPA now exist mainly to silence minority groups?

I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters in India to rely on Allah alone, unafraid of this vicious campaign against them. Allah says, ‘And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all.’ (Al-Qur’an 3:120)

Like the demonetization fiasco, the Modi government’s IRF ban and its modus operandi has been distraught with senseless decisions and knee jerk actions. After having said that the Islamic International School will not be affected, the government goes ahead and freezes the School’s bank account. How will a school survive without its day-to-day expenses being met? We’re talking about the future of hundreds of school children here.

I know, and more than 100 million of my followers across the world know, that I’ve propagated peace and compassion and justice. I’m very sure I haven’t broken any law, and with this ban, I’m even surer that things have happened with a deeper, sinister agenda. The system and agencies have been used to suit a pre-meditated result set by the government of India, a government that took an oath to uphold the Indian Constitution, the same Constitution that allows me the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate my religion. Let us not be gullible to think this was just an attack on me. It is an attack on whom I represent, the Indian Muslims. It is an attack on peace, democracy and justice.

By the grace of the Almighty, my work is now spread across the world and a ban in India, however agonizing, will not ruin everything. I had mentioned in my first letter that God willing many Muslim countries will roll the red carpet for this humble servant of Allah. I have received from several Muslim countries a response better than what I had expected. I will continue my work and rebuild. But India is my home, my roots, and I will fight this ban come what may. God-willing, I will pursue all legal options to repeal this ban. Because Islam has taught me not to let an injustice go by. I will fight, be sure of that.

To my fellow Indians, I have only one thing to say. The country’s democratic fabric is under attack. People’s lives are being played with. Governments are misusing their authority on people they’re supposed to protect. This needs to change. It needs to change for the future of every one of us. I have faith in the judiciary and I still believe that truth will prevail and the Modi government will fail in its plans. But

whatever the outcome, I strongly believe that the best efforts to quash my work will only help it rise higher and stronger. Even though the Modi government is misusing the law to scare Indian Muslims, these actions, God-willing, will make me strive harder to spread the message of the religion of peace till my last breath. For Allah says, “Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish.” (Al-Qur’an 17:81)

Beshak. Without doubt.

Sincerely yours,

Dr Zakir Naik

Servant of Allah

New Delhi: A united Opposition today sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling them “supporters of blackmoney, as they forced two adjournments of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till afternoon.

Congress, BSP and TMC members rushed into the Well of the House shouting slogans demanding an apology from the Prime Minister for his remarks, while the ruling benches matched them with slogans praising of Modi, creating a pandemonium forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the proceedings till noon. When the House met again, similar scenes continued forcing another adjournment till 1430 hours.

Immediately after the House mourned the death of its former member Dipen Ghosh, Mayawati (BSP) was up on her feet saying the Prime Minister had this morning “wrongly accused opposition of holding blackmoney” and demanded that he should apologise for his remarks.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said when it was made very clear by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others during debate on demonetisation yesterday that the opposition is against blackmoney, how can Modi make such allegations.

“How can Prime Minister level such an allegation… we are against blackmoney. Prime Minister must apologise,” he said as Congress and other opposition members trooped into the Well of House, raising slogans like “Pradhan Mantri maafi mango (Prime Minister apologise).”

Amid the din, Kurien got the listed papers laid.

He said a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on ban on 500 and 1000 rupee notes has been received from Azad. “I am ready to admit that motion provided you are ready for discussion,” he said.

Azad said his notice was conditional upon the Prime Minister coming to the House and listening to the entire debate and replying to it.

He said when Modi had yesterday come to Rajya Sabha, “I had on behalf of the entire opposition welcomed him” and also asked whether he had come to participate in the demonetisation debate or in the Question Hour.

Kurien said it had been clarified yesterday by Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the Prime Minister will come and intervene in the debate.

But Azad disagreed, saying “we were promised that Prime Minister will be in the House till the debate is over” but Modi did not return after lunch hour.

“Prime Minister says opposition is favouring blackmoney. This is an insult of the House and of the Opposition. When we have said we are against blackmoney, when the entire Opposition has said the same, how can he say that. Prime Minister should apologise,” he said.

Mayawati said Modi has stated that if opposition was given 72 hours before demonetising high denomination currency, they should not have opposed him and instead praised him.

Painting the entire Opposition as those blackmoney is a lie, she said, adding that the Prime Minister has to apologise for his remarks.

Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said Modi has levelled a serious allegation and should apologise. Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said there could not be anything more shameful than the Prime Minister alleging that the entire Opposition was a supporter of blackmoney.

Derek O’Brien (TMC) said there was a good debate yesterday where everyone had opposed blackmoney. And the now Prime Minister is saying “he is a saint and we are all devils”, he said, also demanding an apology from Modi.

Kurien tried to reason with members for starting a debate but the Opposition members shouted slogans demanding an apology from Prime Minister. BJP members too countered them by raising slogans supporting Modi.

As the pandemonium continued, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till noon.  When the House reassembled at noon and Chairman Hamid Ansari called the first question of the day, Congress members objected to taking up the Question Hour.

Leader of the Opposition Azad again referred to the remarks of the Prime Minister during the book release function earlier in the day.

“(The Prime Minister) levelled serious allegations on the entire Opposition. Opposition MPs are in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha…(MLAs and MLCs in) state assemblies,” he said, adding that the Opposition cannot remain silent when serious allegations are levelled against them. Azad said the Prime Minister has levelled allegation that opposition favoured blackmoney holders.

“The Prime Minister should apologise,” he said. Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was heard saying that there was no question of apology from the Prime Minister, instead the Opposition should tender an apology.

In the meantime, Congress members trooped into the Well of the House. Some BJP members were standing in the aisle as Congress members shouted “Pradhan Mantri maafi mango”. As the uproar continued, Chair adourned the House till 1430 hours.

(Agencies)

Belagavi: Promising to waive crop loans of farmers within 24 hours if voted to power, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday expressed confidence about winning 2018 Assembly elections by changing BJPs parliamentary election slogan into “Abki bar, Kumaraswamy Sarkar”.

Participating in the debate on drought situation in the state in the Assembly here, he also demanded crop compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to affected farmers.

Reminding that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had mocked at JD(S) claim that it would announce a loan waiver once it comes to power, Kumaraswamy said he was taking it as a challenge.

“Chief Minister has said that without coming to power how can we JD(S) announce loan waiver. Im taking it as a challenge. For one-and-half years, there is no question of sleep, I will go to every village and will request people to give me one opportunity.”

“I promise that I will waive farmers crop loan within 24 hours after coming to power…..This will be our manifesto,” he added.

The former Chief Minister also said he was borrowing BJPs parliamentary election slogan of “Abki bar, Modi Sarkar” and changing it to “Abki bar, Kumaraswamy Sarkar”.

Kumarswamy, who is the son of Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had headed the JDS-BJP coalition government in Karnataka for a little over 20 months till October 2007.

As he criticised the Centre for demonetisation and the way in which it has caused hardships to farmers and common man, Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar said “the Prime Minister’s bold move has send shivers down to black money holders and the corrupt.”

Responding to this, Kumaraswamy said his partys support was there for Prime Ministers fight against black money and corruption.

(Agencies)

New Delhi: Stepping up the opposition tirade against demonetisation, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today castigated the government and the Prime Minister over the move, saying its implementation was a “monumental management failure” and a case of “organised loot and legalised plunder.”

Singh, who spoke in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha, said the decision will result in decline of GDP by 2 per cent, it being an “under-estimate”.

He hoped the Prime Minister will find a practical and pragmatic decision to mitigate the sufferings of the common man and the poor who have been in distress after the decision.

He said agriculture, unorganised sectors and small industry has also been hit hard by it and people were losing faith in the currency and banking system.

“These measures convinced me that the way the scheme has been implemented, it’s a monumental management failure. And in fact, it is a case of organised loot and legalised plunder.

“It is not my intention to pick holes what this side or other side does. But I sincerely hope that the PM even in this late hour will help find us practical and pragmatic ways to provide relief to the suffering of the people of this country,” he said in Rajya Sabha as the debate on the issue resumed after Modi came into the House.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad requested Chairman Hamid Ansari and Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the Question Hour should not be taken up as the Prime Minister was present in the House and the debate be taken up.

Azad’s request was readily accepted by the government with Jaitley saying that the debate should start immediately and Modi will certainly participate in it.

Participating in the resumed debate, Singh said it is important to take note of the grievances of the ordinary people who have suffered as a result of this imposition on the country “overnight” by the Prime Minister.

“My own feeling is that the national income, that is the GDP of the country, can decline by about 2 percentage points as a result of what has been done. This is an under-estimate and not an over-estimate.

“Therefore, I feel the Prime Minister must come with some constructive proposal on how we can implement the scheme and at the same time prevent the distrust that has been caused to the common people,” Singh said.

The former Prime Minister did not agree with the Prime Minister’s plea to wait for 50 days for the results of demonetisation to come about, saying no one knows about the final outcome of the decision.

“Well 50 days is a short period, but for those who are poor and deprived sections of the community even 50 days of torture can bring about disastrous effect. And that’s why about 60 to 65 people have lost their lives. Maybe more.

“What is more is, what has been done can weaken and erode our people’s confidence in the currency system and in the banking system,” he said.

Asking Modi to spell out the names of countries where people have deposited their money in banks but are not allowed to withdraw their money, he said, “this alone I think is enough to condemn what has been done in the name of greater growth.”

He said the scheme of demonetisation, the way it is being implemented, will hurt agricultural growth in our country, small industry and all those people who work in the informal sectors of the economy.

Singh, an eminent economist, criticised the government for issuing fresh instructions and modifying the rules every day on the conditions under which people can withdraw their money.

“That reflects very poorly on the Prime Minister’s Office, the Finance Minister’s office and on the Reserve Bank of India. I am very sorry that the Reserve Bank has been exposed to this kind of criticism which I think is fully justified,” the former Prime Minister said.

He said though he agreed with the objectives of the scheme to demonetise currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 as spelt out by the Prime Minister, he wished to highlight the problems that the common people and poor have been subjected to by the move.

“But I do want to point out at least that in the process of demonetisation monumental mismanagement has been undertaken about which today there is no two opinions in the country as a whole,” he said.

Referring to those saying that the move which was doing harm and creating distrust in the short run was good in the long run, Singh quoted John Maynard Keynes to say that “in the long run, all of us are dead”.

“I urge upon the Prime Minister to find practical, pragmatic ways and measures to relieve the distress of the people, who happen to be a great majority of our people. After all 90 per cent of our people were in the informal sector, 55 per cent of our workers in agriculture are feeling distress,” he said.

He also noted that the cooperative banking system which served large number of people in rural areas was non-functional and has been prevented from handling cash.

The senior Congress leader said though it is not his intention to pick holes in what this side or other side does, but hoped that the Prime Minister “even in this late hour will help find us practical and pragmatic ways to provide relief to the suffering of the people of this country”.

(Agencies)

Mumbai: The rupee today collapsed to a fresh life-time low of 68.86 against the dollar by crashing 30 paise amid sustained foreign capital outflows with investors being inclined towards US dollar hoping protectionist measures by President-elect Donald Trump.

Investors also remained cautious weighing the impact of government’s demonetisation move. Surging US bond yields have also contributed to the rupee’s fall.

Moreover, the US currency was trading at multi-year highs against its major rivals in overseas markets. The rupee had hit its all-time intra-day low of 68.85 and closed at 68.80 on August 28, 2013.

Expectations that Trump will adopt an expansionary fiscal measures — which will drive inflation higher and lead to higher US interest rates — are behind surging US yields that have attracted investors towards the dollar.

Consistent dollar demand from importers mainly kept the rupee under pressure.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened lower at 68.76 a dollar against 68.56 previously and and dropped to an all-time intra-day new low of 68.86 in the afternoon trade.

The Indian currency has shrunk 2.92 per cent since Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential polls earlier this month.

Sentiment was mainly hit by the dollar surging to multi-year highs against a basket of major global currencies on better prospects for hike in US interest rates, banks forex dealers said.

The benchmark BSE Sensex was down by 193.42 points, or 0.74 per cent, at 25,858.39 in afternoon trade.

(Agencies)