Terrorism: Framing Muslim youth in Karnataka

[email protected] (CD Network)
April 7, 2013

muslims2

Bangalore, Apr 7: The three Muslim youth - Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddique, Aejaz Ahmed Mirza and Mohammed Yusuf Nalbandh - who recently walked to their freedom after a six-month ordeal of being branded as terrorists and charged with waging war aginst the country, said that they still carry the stigma of 'terror accused' despite the fact that National Investigation Agency (NIA) itself did not found even a small proof against them.

The trio unleashed their feelings at a programme organized by a coalition of seventeen organizations in Bangalore on Saturday to formally release a fact finding report titled 'Permanent Suspects- Framing Muslim Youth in Karnataka' prepared by People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Karnataka, People's Democratic Forum (PDF) and Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). The report is based on testimonies of Muslim youth in Hubli and Belgaum.

Introducing the report, Professor Sreedhara of Peoples' Democratic Forum, stated that a need was felt for a probe into how people from one community are being targeted, and the report documents the stigma attached to persons even falsely charged in terror cases, and the loss of life, dignity and livelihood.

Mr Siddique who was a staff at the head office of Deccan Herald Bangalore, when he was arrested by cops in August 2012 said that there existed an institutional bias against people belonging to the Muslim community in the state apparatus and the media.

He questioned the hypocrisy of the media in demanding an apology and compensation from the state for his illegal incarceration, when they themselves are not willing to apologise for the malicious manner in which they portrayed him to be a terrorist.

Mr Mirza, a scientist, lamented that he not only lost his job at DRDO, where he was one of the very few Muslims ever to be appointed, but he and his entire family lost their mental peace after his arrest.

Mr Nalbandh, who was Mr Siddique's room-mate, spoke about the trauma caused to his aged mother, who had to face the intense public scrutiny to which she had no answers.

Speaking on the occasion, Manisha Sethi of Jamia Teachers Solidarity Association (JTSA), Delhi, said that shared her experiences in documenting the numerous false terror cases heaped on innocent Muslim youth across Delhi. She also spoke about the Batla House encounter case, and the travails of the innocent Muslim youth who lost substantial periods of their lives behind bars because of the false cases foisted on them by the Delhi Police Special Cell.

Advocate S.A.H. Razvi of Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), detailed the manner in which most terror cases are concocted, and innocent people are framed, which is best illustrated by the arbitrary manner in which investigations are conducted.

The event, titled “Needle of Suspicion- Targeting of Muslims in Terror Cases” was co-organised by People's Union For Civil Liberties- Karnataka (PUCL-K), People's Democratic Forum (PDF) Association For Protection Of Civil Rights(APCR), National Confederation Of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO), Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike (KKSV), Alternative Law Forum(ALF), South India Cell For Human Rights Education And Monitoring (SICHREM), Praja Rajakiya Vedike(PRV), Network Of Women In Media, India (NWMI), Maraa, Pedestrian Pictures, Aneka, Sangama, Vimochana, Concern (IISc), Indian Social Institute And Lesbit.

muslims

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
January 15,2025

The US consulate in Bengaluru will hold its ‘site-dedication ceremony’ on January 17, with officials confirming that the location of the upcoming consulate will be disclosed during the event. Sources indicate that the site could be in either the Central Business District or Whitefield.

While the consulate building is under development, visa services may temporarily begin at the JW Marriott hotel, which currently houses the United States Commercial Service (USCS) office.

Bengaluru has long advocated for the establishment of a US consulate, and with its opening, residents of the city and Karnataka will no longer need to travel to other states for their US visa applications.

It was in January of the previous year that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Bengaluru, expressed his intention to urge the US Ambassador to India to establish a consulate in the city. This move follows the announcement during Prime Minister Modi’s June 2023 visit to the US, where it was revealed that two new US consulates would open in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, and India would set up a mission in Seattle.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: Establishing a Beary Development Corporation is a valid demand, but its implications must be carefully studied, remarked Speaker UT Khader. He proposed forming an expert committee to evaluate the corporation’s potential impact on the Beary community during a district-level conference of the Beary-speaking community, organized by the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall on Wednesday.

Khader expressed concerns over inefficiencies in existing government-established corporations, such as unfilled leadership positions, lack of appointed members, and insufficient funding. “The Beary Development Corporation must avoid similar pitfalls,” he emphasized. He noted that the Minorities Development Corporation already provides various schemes for Beary Muslims, urging a detailed assessment to ensure the new corporation’s funding does not fall short of current provisions, which could disadvantage the community.

Praising the industrious and self-respecting nature of the Beary community, Khader highlighted the respect Beary elders once commanded in villages. He encouraged the youth to uphold this legacy and actively contribute to the community’s progress. Additionally, he commended the Beary youth for their swift and dedicated responses during emergencies, which have garnered widespread recognition.

Khader underscored the importance of unity, cautioning against fostering divisions within the community. He also stressed the critical role of education in development, urging the maintenance of detailed records for SSLC and PUC students to track progress.

The event was presided over by Azeez Baikampadi, president of the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha. Among the dignitaries present were former MLA Mohiudeen Bava and retired police officer GA Bawa. Dr. UT Ifikhar Ali Farid, honorary president of the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha and chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council, was felicitated during the program.

In notable initiatives, Kanachuru Monu, chairman of Kanachuru Medical College, unveiled the Mahasabha’s new website, while Sheikhabba Karnire of Expertise Company, Jubail, launched an IAS-IPS program aimed at empowering the Beary community.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
January 4,2025

shivarajkumar.jpg

Bengaluru, Jan 4: Kannada star Dr Shivarajkumar, son of Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar, has been discharged from the hospital in Miami, US, following complete recovery from cancer, family sources confirmed on Saturday.

Nivedita, Shivarajkumar’s daughter, has shared a picture showing the actor and family in a relaxed mode. Sources further stated that Shivarajkumar will be in the US for follow-ups and resting for one month and he will be back for the shooting by Feb first or the second week.

Shivarajkumar is expected to begin shooting of the Telugu superstar Ramcharan-starrer pan India movie soon. 

Earlier, Shivarajkumar shared a video from the US on the first day of 2025, detailing his journey of overcoming cancer and assuring fans of his return.

In the video, he conveyed his New Year wishes to everyone and said, “I am hesitant to speak as I might get emotional at this moment. Leaving Karnataka was a very emotional experience for me. Under these circumstances, fear is inevitable, but the support of my fans has significantly reduced it.”

He continued, “The way the doctors took care of me, gave me immense courage. While shooting for the movie ‘45’, I underwent chemotherapy and even filmed the climax fight scene. As the date to leave for the US for treatment approached, I became anxious. However, my wife Geetha and daughter Nivedita stood by me throughout.”

“Dr Manohar, who treated me, cared for me like a child. My urinary bladder has been replaced, but there is no need for anyone to panic. I am doing well and will be back with double the energy. I thank all my fans for their unwavering support,” Shivarajkumar assured.

Geetha Shivarajkumar, his wife, who had appeared in the video alongside him, stated that all the medical reports had come back negative, and it was officially declared that Shivarajkumar is cancer-free. “He recovered because of the blessings of his fans, and I will never forget this,” she said.

The actor underwent surgery at a hospital in Miami, US, where his cancerous bladder was removed. According to the surgeon, Dr Murugesh Manoharan, an artificial bladder was created using Shivarajkumar’s intestine.

In November, Shivarajkumar had spoken publicly about his illness, acknowledging that he was human like everyone else. While he didn’t disclose it was cancer at the time, he said, “At the end of the day, I am a human being. I have a health issue and am currently undergoing treatment for it. I have completed a couple of treatment sessions, and a few more are pending. After that, I will undergo surgery, either in India or the US.”

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.