By TCN Special Correspondent,
Azamgarh: An all India seminar on “Challenges Before the Country and Our Responsibilities” was organized by Azamgarh Solidarity Forum here at Shibli National College Convocation Hall on 3rd March. The seminar started with recitation of Holy Quran by Mr. Qamar Abbasi.
Dr. Asad Idrees, Imam Eidgah Nathopur, in his inaugural address mentioned that Maoist agitation as well as terrorism is due to wrong policies of the government. Media has wrongly projected a move for protection of natural resources, so necessary for their survival, by poor people living in jungles and in the tribal belt as grave danger to the country. The nexus between communal forces and a corrupt and biased administration was responsible for blaming Muslim organizations and Muslim youths for every terrorist activity. Government officials who took law in their hands and opted for unconstitutional means were rewarded for fake encounters. Demand for impartial probe in such terror related activities was turned down putting forth the excuse of demoralization of Police force. Double standard was applied in case of accused Muslim and Hindus and even a senior politician like Mr. Advani went out of way to intervene for accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh.
Afroz Alam Sahil speaking at An all India seminar on “Challenges Before the Country and Our Responsibilities” in Azamgarh on 3rd March
Afroz Alam Sahil, RTI activist from Delhi, emphasized the unique cordial atmosphere of Azamgarh and gave examples of Hindu-Muslim amity. He lamented that the fact of co-existence of a Mandir, Masjid and Gurudwara at one place in Azamgarh has not only been ignored by mainstream media but even local media has never highlighted this distinction of Azamgarh. He gave a detailed account of RTI applications filed by him in case of fake Batla House encounter and the result of his perseverance in the form of autopsy reports for Atif and Sajid. He exhorted the youths to use RTI, a powerful provision to seek information, as a tool.
Manisha Sethi
Ms Manisha Sethi, Secretary Jamia Teachers’ Solidarity Association, Delhi, appreciated the perseverance of Afroz and raised important points regarding loopholes in Batla House encounter. She questioned the circumstances leading to the death of a slightly injured Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma. She also pointed to serious procedural lapses in NHRC enquiry and emphasized the need to raise the issue.
Manisha chatting with students
SR Darapuri, a 1972 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who retired as IG, U.P. elaborated on corrupt practices and communal bias prevalent in Police force. In this regard he didn’t even spare the judiciary and emphasized upon proportionate representation of Muslims in bureaucracy and Police forces. He praised Mr. S.M. Mushrif for writing the book “Who killed Karkare?” but asked him to write another book “Who killed Inspector Sharma?”
S.R. Darapuri
Mr. S.M. Mushrif, retired IG, Maharashtra, was the Chief Guest of the seminar which was divided in two sessions. First session was chaired by Mirza Mahfoozur Rahman Beg, Manager, Shibli National College and the second by Mr. Kanahiya Lal, retired Principal, Subhash Inter College, Karkhia, Azamgarh.
Mr. Masihuddin Sanjari conducted the proceedings and Mr. Shadab Ahmad @ Mister, father of Batla House accused Mohammad Saif (lodged in Ahmedabad jail) and Dr. Javed Akhtar also spoke on the occasion. Separate arrangement for viewing the proceedings by girl students was made in the hall of Shibli National Inter College Hall.
Audience
Ms Manisha Sethi took time to visit Computer Department of Shibli National College and have an informal chat with students.