Chidambaram warns against 'saffron terror'

VINAY KUMAR
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article593450.ece
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday cautioned the chiefs of State police forces, security and intelligence officials against continuing attempts to infiltrate militants into India as well as the recently uncovered phenomenon of "saffron terrorism".

"There is no let up in the attempts to radicalise young men and women in India. Besides, there is the recently uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts of the past. My advice to you is that we must remain ever vigilant and continue to build, at the Central and State levels, our capacity in counter-terrorism," he told top police and security officers.

Inaugurating the three-day conference of State police chiefs and Inspector-Generals of Police here, the Home Minister dwelt at length on the prevailing security scenario in the North-East region, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and on Left Wing extremism.

Describing as "unfortunate" the unexpected turn of events since June in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Central Government has offered a dialogue with all sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and all political parties and groups.

"We are concerned that we have not been able to stop the vicious cycle in which that State is caught. However, it is my hope that in the next few days, we would be able to find that elusive 'starting point' from where we could reach out to the protestors, reassure them of their rights and dignity, restore peace and order, redeem the promises made, and re-start the process of dialogue that will lead to a solution," he said, adding that the Central Government has acknowledged that a political solution must be found to the problems of J&K.

Vicious cycle

The Home Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir was caught in a vicious cycle of stone-pelting, lathicharge, teargasing and firing, leading to casualties, and resulting in more stone pelting. "The security forces have been instructed to act with great restraint. The situation has not yet returned to normal. Nevertheless, amidst serious disturbances, 457,324 yatris completed the Amarnath Yatra, exceeding the number of 292,000 yatris last year. So far, 516,970 tourists have visited J&K, and that number also exceeds the 355,960 tourists of last year," he added.

Referring to Left Wing Extremism, Mr. Chidambaram said while the loss of every life was a matter of grief and regret, nothing was more painful than the killing of innocent civilians after naming them as 'police informers'. He said this year alone, 424 civilians have been killed and, of these, 192 were killed after being named 'police informers'. Asserting that the government has called upon the CPI (Maoist) to abjure violence and come for talks, he regretted that there has been no direct and credible response to the offer.

Apart from containing terrorism, he said the best record of achievement has been in the North Eastern States where 2009 was a distinct improvement over 2008 and 2010 has so far seen a dramatic decline in the number of incidents and casualties. He admitted that Manipur and Assam have been affected by long-duration blockades and bandhs and by intermittent violence.

Pointing out that a number of groups in the North East were engaged in talks with the government, the Home Minister expressed the hope that ULFA would also formally come forward to begin talks with the Centre and the Assam government.

Flagging other concerns, the Home Minister said that one of the main area was the maintenance of communal peace and harmony as even most petty disputes and imagined slights trigger conflicts between communities and groups.

Key measures

Touching upon some of the key measures taken by the Central Government over the last one year, the Home Minister informed that allocation for internal security had gone up to Rs. 40,582 crore in 2010-11 as against Rs. 25,923 crore in 2008-09 and the two schemes of modernisation of police forces for the States and for the Central forces has been extended to 2010-11. He said the Government has sanctioned raising of an additional 38 battalions in the CRPF, 29 in Border Security Force, 32 in the Sashastra Seema Bal and 14,259 personnel in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The strength of the IPS has also been increased from 4013 to 4730.

Mr. Chidambaram spoke of the idea of transfer of funds under the modernisation of police force scheme directly to the Director General of Police of the State. He asked the State police chiefs to spell out the steps taken to enact a new Police Act based on the model Bill that was circulated to the States and also wanted to know what steps had been taken by the States to set up the State Police Establishment Board and the Police Complaints Board.

Admitting that security forces too have their shortcomings, he pointed out that "nothing that is said or written can take away a jot from the fact that the security forces are the first line of defence of our democracy and liberty". He also acknowledged the willing cooperation by the State governments in standing up to the challenges posed by forces inimical to India both within and outside the country. Earlier, Mr. Chidambaram gave away police medals for meritorious service to officers of Intelligence Bureau (IB). In his address, Director, IB, Rajiv Mathur warned that "inimical agencies from international bases" were trying to revive Sikh militancy in Punjab by forging an alliance between Sikh militant groups and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

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ORIGINAL FULL TEXT: 3-DAY DGPs/IGPsCONFERENCE BEGINS HOME MINISTER CALLS FOR CONTINUOUS VIGILANCE ON TERRORISM

http://www.scribd.com/doc/36391257/Press-Release
New Delhi: Bhadra 3, 1932 August 25, 2010 The Union Home Minister Sh. P. Chidambaram has said that the Indian State has been able to stand up to the challenges posed by forces inimical to India both within and outside the country.He was inaugurating the 3-day conference on DGPs/IGPs here today.The Home Minister appealed for continuous efforts for capacity building at the central as well as State level to counter terrorism.On Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Chidambaram said that the security forces have been instructed to act with great restraint.The Centre has offered a dialogue with all sections of people and all political parties and groups in the state. Lamenting the killing of innocent civilians by Maoists after naming them as police informers, the Home Minister said that the Government has called upon the CPI(Maoist) to abjureviolence and come forward for talks but there has been no direct and credible response to the offer. Following is the text of the Home Minister’s speech. “My distinguished colleagues in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Mullapally Ramachandran and Shri Ajay Maken, Shri Rajiv Mathur, DIB and Chairman of the Conference, Shri Shivshankar Menon, National Security Adviser, Shri K.M. Chandrasekhar, Cabinet Secretary, Shri G.K. Pillai, Home Secretary, Directors General and Inspectors General of Police of the States and the Union Territories.Chiefs of Central Police Organisations, other delegates, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen.


ever vigilant and continue to build, at the Central and State levels, our capacity in counter-terrorism. Apart from containing terrorism, our best record of achievement has been in the North Eastern States.While the year 2009 was a distinct improvement on the year 2008, it is in 2010 that we have seen a dramatic decline in the number of incidents and in the number of casualties.There have been only 464 incidents until August 15, 2010, as against 1,297 and 1,561 for the whole year in 2009 and 2008 respectively.Only 52 civilians have been killed, as against 264 and 466 respectively, and we have lost only 15 men of the security forces.Nevertheless, I must admit with regret that Manipur and Assam have been affected by long-duration blockades and bandhs and by intermittent violence. It is a matter of great satisfaction that a number of groups are engaged in talks with the Government of India.Among them are NSCN (IM), NDFB (PT), DHD (Nunisa), DHD (J), UPDS, ANVC, KLNLF, KNO and UPF.We have appointed two Interlocutors: Shri R.S. Pandey to talk to the NSCN (IM) and Shri P.C. Haldar to talk to NDFB (PT), DHD (Nunisa), DHD (J), KLNLF, UPDS and ANVC, besides ULFA.It is my hope that ULFA will also formally come forward to begin talks with the Government of India and the Government of Assam.There is no denying that the success achieved in bringing so many groups to the negotiating table has contributed immensely to the decline of violence in the North Eastern States.I would appeal to the groups – or factions of groups – that have stayed away from talks to give up violence, accept the offer of the Governments to hold talks, enter into agreements of ceasefire or suspension of operations, and begin talks with the Governments’ representatives.I am confident that solutions can be found within the Constitution of India to the demands of various groups for recognition of their identity, history, culture and desire for self-government.The best example is the Bodo Territorial Council which has turned out to be a model of self-governance within the State of Assam and within the Constitution of India. I shall now refer to Jammu & Kashmir.As you are aware, beginning 2005, and with the exception of 2008, the law and order situation in J&K has been extremely benign, with few incidents and fewer casualties.Unfortunately, since June this year, there has been an
unexpected turn of events. I am afraid J&K is now caught in a vicious cycle of stone-pelting, lathicharge, teargasing and firing, leading to casualties, and resulting in more stone-pelting.The security forces have been instructed to act with great restraint.The situation has not yet returned to normal. Nevertheless, amidst serious disturbances, 457,324 yatris completed the Amarnath Yatra, exceeding the number of 392,000 yatris last year.So far, 516,970 tourists have visited J&K, and that number also exceeds the 355,960 tourists of last year.The Central Government has acknowledged that a political solution must be found to the problems of J&K.The Central Government has offered a dialogue with all sections of the people of J&K and all political parties and groups. We are concerned that we have not been able to stop the vicious cycle in which that State is caught.However, it is my hope that, in the next few days, we would be able to find that elusive ‘starting point’ from where we could reach out to the protestors, reassure them of their rights and dignity, restore peace and order, redeem the promises made, and re-start the process of dialogue that will lead to a solution. Last year, I dwelt at length on the challenge of Left Wing Extremism.It is often forgotten that it is the State Governments that have been, and continue to be, in the forefront of fighting the menace of Left Wing Extremism.As far as I know, all State Governments are committed to the two-pronged strategy of development and police action.In November 2009, we persuaded the States to adopt a coordinated strategy and we provided more para-military forces to the States.We made it clear that it would take several years before we were able to contain the CPI (Maoist) and roll back their offensive.I think the people of India understand – even if the critics do not – that the conflict will be a long- drawn one, that patience is the key, that mistakes will be made, and that the security forces need material and moral support to carry out their tasks.In the last 10 months, despite setbacks in Gadchiroli, Silda, Tadmetla and Chingavaram, the security forces have been able to re- assert the control of the State in several affected districts.While the loss of every life is a matter of grief and regret, nothing is more painful than the killing of innocent civilians after naming them as ‘police informers’. This year alone, so far, 424 civilians have been killed and, of these, 192 were killed after being named ‘police informers’.Who shares the grief of their families, who speaks up against their killings? We have called upon
the CPI (Maoist) to abjure violence and come for talks.I regret to say that there has been no direct and credible response to our offer of talks. There are other concerns too. One of our principal concerns is the maintenance of communal peace and harmony. I am particularly dismayed by the fact that petty disputes and imagined slights trigger conflicts between communities and groups. The Scheduled Castes are especially vulnerable. While it is a matter of satisfaction that there has been no major outbreak of communal or caste violence in the last 12 months, I would urge you to remain vigilant. At the first sign of communal or caste violence, you should depute senior officers to deal with the situation firmly and without fear or favour. We are always mindful of the fact that ‘police’ and ‘law and order’ are State subjects and the primary responsibility rests with the State Governments.At the same time, we recognise the responsibility of the Central Government to provide resources, intelligence, training facilities and para-military forces to the State Governments.We have found that the Conference of Chief Ministers is a useful mechanism to deliberate and decide upon matters relating to internal security.Since we last met, we have held two meetings, one with all Chief Ministers on February 7, 2010 and the other with Chief Ministers of LWE affected States on July 14, 2010.Many of you were present at those meetings.You will agree with me that the humongous task of building capacity to deal with the challenges to internal security can be described, at best, as ‘work in progress’. Let me share with you what we have done in the Central Government in the last 12 months: •The allocation for internal security in 2008-09 was Rs.25,923 crore.In 2009-10, it rose to Rs. 38,114 crore (RE) and in 2010-11, after the first supplementary, it stands at Rs.40,582 crore. •The two schemes of Modernisation of Police Force for the States and for the CPMFs have been extended to 2010-11

•We have sanctioned the raising of an additional 38 Battalions in the CRPF, 29 Battalions in the BSF, 32 Battalions in the SSB, and 14,259 personnel in the CISF. •We have raised the level of support to the State Governments affected by Left Wing Extremism and, in the meeting on July 14, 2010, we obtained the concurrence of the Chief Ministers concerned to a new plan that includes creation of an Unified Command in 4 States; provision of helicopters for logistics support; establishment or strengthening of 400 police stations; appointment of additional SPOs; and implementation of an Integrated Action Plan with emphasis on road connectivity, primary education, primary health care and drinking water in the affected districts. •The hardware and software to connect the S-MACs in the State capitals to the State Special Branches are in place. The connectivity will be completed by December 31, 2010. •We have augmented the training facilities for security forces.Work has begun on the third and fourth regional institutes of the IB to be located in Jodhpur and Delhi. We have decided to set up one Central Academy for Police Training (CAPT) at Bhopal, two Central Detective Training Schools (CDTS) at Lucknow and Ahmedabad and 20 Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist (CIAT) Schools of which 3 are operational and 12 more are likely to become operational in the current year. •We have drawn up Phase II of the Coastal Security Scheme and intend to implement it with effect from November 1, 2010.
•We have received the final report of the consultants on modernising and upgrading the forensic science system and we have initiated the process of implementing the key recommendations. •The review of State cadres of the IPS has been completed and the sanctioned strength has been increased from 4013 on 1.1.2010 to 4730 at the end of the review. •We have made it mandatory for every IPS officer to undergo a course of training at three levels in his/her career at the SVP National Police Academy. As I said, modernising the police forces and building capacity is ‘work in progress’.Having listed the key measures that we have taken, I think I am entitled to ask you about the steps that you have taken since the last meeting.You will recall that at the last meeting I had raised some questions that were considered, at that time, quite provocative.On reflection, most people agreed that those questions deserved to be raised and deserved to be answered. Therefore, I hope you will tell us whether you have succeeded in ensuring that every police officer, appointed to a post, has a reasonable tenure in that post.I hope you will also tell us whether your Governments have increased, in real terms, the allocation under the head ‘Police’.Moreover, do you think that you have been delegated adequate financial powers to spend the money allocated to your department?Should we try to put in place a system for transfer of funds under the MPF Scheme directly to the DGP of the State?Is your State making the required 25 per cent contribution to the MPF Scheme? At the end of the Conference of Chief Ministers on February 7, 2010, I had suggested that the States set for themselves the target of recruiting another 150,000 police personnel by the end of September, 2010 and I hope you would be able to tell us how close you are to achieving that goal.We also recommended that States adopt the Transparent Recruitment Process (TRP) and I hope you will tell us whether you have done so. CCTNS is an important project that will
enhance the efficiency of policing in your States. I hope you would tell us the progress you have made and the difficulties, if any, you face.And finally I hope you would be able to tell us what steps have been taken in your States to enact a new Police Act based on the model Bill that was circulated to the States and what steps have been taken to set up the State Police Establishment Board and the Police Complaints Board. In conclusion, let me take this opportunity to assure the people of India that the Governments and the police forces of India welcome criticism.At the same time, I want to tell you, on behalf of the people, that when faced with a threat or a crisis or a tragedy,everyone – and I meaneveryone – turns to the police.Imagine a town or a district without a police force; imagine a State ravaged by Left Wing Extremism without special forces venturing into the jungles; or imagine Manipur or Assam without security forces confronting armed militant groups.Whatever the critics may say, there is no substitute for an efficient and effective police force.It is your duty to raise and lead such a force.In fact, each one of you assembled here should consider it an honour to be able to head such a force.The force under you may not yet be the ideal one, but as long as you head that force you should work untiringly to make it a force that is admired and respected by the people of your State. I have great pleasure in inaugurating the Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police Thank you”. Earlier, the Home Minister gave away police medals for meritorious service to officers of Intelligence Bureau.The conference will be addressed by the Prime Minister tomorrow.

Pib.nic.in PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU GOVERNMENT OF INDIA *****

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Saffron terror a new phenomenon: Chidambaram

New Delhi: Addressing a meet of police chiefs on Wednesday, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram spoke about various security issues, focusing on what he called the 'new phenomenon of saffron terrorism.'

"There has been a recent uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts in the past. My advice to you is that we must remain ever vigilant and continue to build, at both Central and state level, our capacities in counter-terrorism," he told the top policemen.

Chidambaram also raised the cross-border infiltration issue. "There has been no let-up in attempts by militants to infiltrate into India," he said.

On the situation in the Kashmir Valley, the minister said "Jammu and Kashmir is caught in vicious circle of stone pelting, teargassing, firing and again stone pelting. Centre is concerned that this vicious circle has not stopped." He hoped that in the next few days, a "starting point" would be found to reach out to the protesters and restart the process of a dialogue.
Chidambaram also expressed concern over the attempts to radicalise the youth of the nation saying, "There is no let-up in the attempts to radicalise young men and women in India."

Referring to the Naxal problem, he said, "We have called upon the CPI (Maoist) to abjure violence and come up for talks. I regret to say that there has been no direct and credible response to our offer of talks."

The Home Minister further said that one of the principal concerns of the government is to maintain communal peace and harmony. He said he was particularly dismayed by the fact that petty disputes and imagined slights trigger conflicts between communities and groups. (With PTI inputs)


Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/saffron-terror-behind-many-blasts-chidambaram-46997?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/saffron-terror-behind-many-blasts-chidambaram-46997?cp

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‘കാവി ഭീകരത‘ തന്റെ സൃഷ്ടിയല്ല: ചിദംബരം

‘കാവി ഭീകരത‘ എന്ന പ്രയോഗം സൃഷ്ടിച്ചത് താനല്ല എന്ന് കേന്ദ്ര ആഭ്യന്തര മന്ത്രി പി ചിദംബരം. യുപി‌എ മന്ത്രിസഭയിലെ മന്ത്രിമാരടക്കം പലരും കാവി ഭീകരത എന്ന പദപ്രയോഗം നടത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട് എന്നും ചിദംബരം പറഞ്ഞു.

കാവി ഭീകരത എന്ന പ്രയോഗം നടത്തിയതില്‍ ഉറച്ചു നിന്നുകൊണ്ടാണ് ചിദംബരം മാധ്യമപ്രവര്‍ത്തകരുടെ ചോദ്യത്തിന് മറുപടി നല്‍കിയത്. പദപ്രയോഗത്തിന്റെ പേറ്റന്റ് തനിക്ക് അവകാശപ്പെടാന്‍ കഴിയില്ല എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ ചിദംബരം താന്‍ പാര്‍ട്ടിയുടെ വീക്ഷണങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ഒരിക്കലും എതിരല്ല എന്നും കൂട്ടിച്ചേര്‍ത്തു.

രാജ്യത്ത് നടന്ന ചില ബോംബ് സ്ഫോടനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് പിന്നില്‍ വലതുപക്ഷ തീവ്രവാദികള്‍ ആണെന്ന് സംശയമുണ്ട് എന്നായിരുന്നു തന്റെ സന്ദേശം. ‘കാവി’ എന്ന പ്രയോഗത്തെ ചൊല്ലിയുള്ള തര്‍ക്കത്തില്‍ സന്ദേശം മുങ്ങിപ്പോകരുത് എന്നും ചിദംബരം പറഞ്ഞു. കോമണ്‍‌വെല്‍ത്ത് ഗെയിംസ് സുരക്ഷാ അവലോകനത്തിനു ശേഷം നടത്തിയ മാധ്യമ സമ്മേളനത്തിലാണ് ചിദംബരം ‘കാവി ഭീകരത’ പ്രശ്നത്തെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള നിലപാട് വ്യക്തമാക്കിയത്.

കോമണ്‍‌വെല്‍ത്ത് ഗെയിംസിന് നാല് തലത്തിലുള്ള സുരക്ഷയാണ് ഒരുക്കിയിരിക്കുന്നത് എന്ന് ചിദംബരം വ്യക്തമാക്കി. കായിക താരങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് സൈന്യത്തിന്റെ സംരക്ഷണവും കമാന്‍ഡോ സുരക്ഷയും നല്‍കുമെന്നും ചിദംബരം വ്യക്തമാക്കി. തയ്യാറുള്ള എല്ലാ വിഭാഗങ്ങളുമായും കശ്മീരില്‍ ചര്‍ച്ച നടത്തുമെന്നും ചിദംബരം പറഞ്ഞു.

ന്യൂഡല്‍ഹിയില്‍ പൊലീസ് മേധാവികളുടെ യോഗത്തില്‍ വച്ചാണ് ചിദംബരം വിവാദ പദപ്രയോഗം നടത്തിയത്. ഇതിനെതിരെ ബിജെപിയും പ്രതിപക്ഷ കക്ഷികളും ശക്തമായി രംഗത്ത് വന്നതുകൂടാതെ, കോണ്‍ഗ്രസിലെ ഒരു വിഭാഗവും ചിദംബരത്തെ വിമര്‍ശിച്ചിരുന്നു.

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കാവി ഭീകരത എന്നൊന്നില്ല: ആര്‍എസ്എസ്

നാഗ്പൂര്‍: കാവിഭീകരത എന്നൊന്ന് ഇല്ലെന്നും, തീവ്രവാദവും, ഹിന്ദുക്കളും തമ്മില്‍ യാതൊരു ബന്ധവും ഇല്ലെന്ന് ആര്‍എസ്എസ് മേധാവി മോഹന്‍ ഭഗവത് പ്രസ്താവിച്ചു.

ഹിന്ദുക്കള്‍ക്ക് ഭീകരതയുമായി ഒന്നിച്ചുപോകാനാവില്ല. ദസറ ആഘോഷത്തോട് അനുബന്ധിച്ച് റെഷിംബാഗില്‍ നടന്ന റാലിയെ അഭിസംബോധന ചെയ്യുകയായിരുന്നു ഭാഗവത്.

രണ്ട് സമാന്തരരേഖകള്‍ പോലെയാണ് തീവ്രവാദവും, ഹിന്ദുക്കളും. അവ ഒരിക്കലും യോജിക്കില്ല. ഹിന്ദു സമൂഹത്തെ ദുര്‍ബലപ്പെടുത്താനും, മുസ്‌ളീങ്ങളെ പ്രീണിപ്പിക്കാനുമുള്ള നീക്കത്തിന്റെ ഭാഗമാണ് കാവി ഭീകരത എന്ന പദം ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നതിലൂടെ ചെയ്യുന്നതെന്നും മോഹന്‍ ഭഗവത് ആരോപിച്ചു. 

അപൂര്‍വം ചില കേസുകളില്‍ ഹിന്ദുക്കള്‍ ഉള്‍പ്പെട്ടിരിക്കാം. എന്നാല്‍ അതിന്റെ പേരില്‍ മുഴുവന്‍ ഹിന്ദുക്കളെയും ഭീകരരെന്ന് മുദ്ര കുത്തുന്നത് അനീതിയാണ്. 

അയോധ്യ രാമന്റെ ജന്മസ്ഥലമാണ് അലഹബാദ് കോടതി വിധി പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞു. മതപരമായ എല്ലാ പ്രശ്‌നങ്ങളും അവസാനിപ്പിക്കാന്‍ കോടതി നല്‍കിയ സുവര്‍ണാവസരമാണ് അയോദ്ധ്യവിധിയെന്നും ആര്‍എസ്എസ് മേധാവി പറഞ്ഞു

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Saffron terror

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Saffron terror^[1] is a controversial phrase used to describe acts of right-wing terror in India,^[2] allegedly inspired by Hindu nationalism. The phrase "saffron terror" is a neologism which entered public debate in India following the 29 September 2008 western India bombings.^[3]

Contents  [hide] 1 Usage 2 Alleged examples of Saffron terror 3 See also 4 References

[edit]Usage

It was in the aftermath of the September 29 bomb blast in the predominantly Muslim town of Malegaon in Maharashtra that these terms came to be used widely.^[4]

Kanchan Gupta and Swapan Dasgupta, both journalists, have accused investigators of leaking statements about saffron terror to the media to promote the agenda of the Indian National Congress,^[5][6] One report, in a local newspaper [Hyderabad Journal, alleges that India's Intelligence Bureau may have been behind the Mecca Masjid bombing.^[7]

The BJP's former president, Rajnath Singh, has denounced claims of Hindu terrorists as "vilification of Hindu saints and army officers in the name of Hindu terrorism".^[8]

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh had been raising the issue of "Hindutva terrorism" at least since October 2008 when he wrote about it to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,^[9] statements that earned criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and a show-cause notice from the Election Commission of India.^[10] P. Chidambaram urged Indians to beware of "Saffron terror" on August 25, 2010. This was the first time the word was "officially" used by the Indian National Congress-led government.^[1] Since making the remark, a Hindu Swami in the Patan district has filed a defamation lawsuit against Chidambaram, on the grounds that the saffron color is a conventional Hindu symbol and worn regularly by Hindu religious clergy, and that Chidambaram has hurt the sentiments of Hindus by linking the symbol to terrorism.^[11]Chidambaram responded by stating "I cannot claim patent on the phrase."^[12] On September 6, 2010 a Gujarat court ordered a probe into the use of the term by Chidambaram.^[13] Chidambaram was also criticized by members of his own party (the Indian National Congress) for the use of the term, with Congress spokesman Janardhan Dwivedi claiming "terrorism does not have any colour other than black".^[14] However, it has more than often been proved that the term "Hindu terror" is used more for the political agenda of some political parties seeking to garner the minority vote share in India. Several people say that just because some of the perpetrators of the crime are Hindu, their acts should not be linked to Hinduism, a view seemingly endorsed by many in India.

In late 2008, Indian police arrested members of a Hindu radical cell allegedly involved in an attack Malegaon which killed 7 Muslims.^[15] For incidents like these, Saffron terror has been used synonymously with "Anti-Muslim terrorism" or "Anti-Muslim reprisals".^[16]

[edit]Alleged examples of Saffron terror

Bomb blasts in India which have allegedly been perpetrated by Hindu extremist organisations include 2006 Malegaon blasts, Mecca Masjid bombing (Hyderabad), and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Blast^{[17][18][19][20][21]}

It was in the aftermath of the September 29 bomb blast in the predominantly Muslim town of Malegaon in Maharashtra that the terms Saffron Terror and Hindutva Terror came to be used widely in various medias.^[22] However, the accused parties confessed to police on narco-analysis that they conspired with Muslim groups for the blasts.^[23] However, Purohit allegedly admitted that a splinter group with tenuous ties to him had executed two blasts in India, which prompted investigators to look into the blasts in Ajmer and Hyderabad.^[24]

Three men accused of the 2006 Malegaon bombings, including Lt Col Shrikant Purohit of the India army and Pragya Singh Thakur, have been described as representing Saffron terror.^[25][26] Purohit was also accused of being involved in the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings until the role of Pakistani terrorist Asif Zamani was unearthed.^[27][28] A United States Department of the Treasury report links these bombings toLashkar-e-Taiba and Al-Qaeda.^[29]

While the United Progressive Alliance-led central government has claimed that Abhinav Bharat was behind the Mecca Masjid bombing,^[30] theSouth Asia Terrorism Portal,^[31] the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses,^[32] the United States,^[33] and the United Nations^[34] have asserted that the Islamic outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami was actually behind the attacks. Noting this, security analyst Bahukutumbi Ramanhas questioned "the two different versions that have emerged from Indian and American investigators."^[29] On September 22, 2010 a report submitted by the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) to the United States Department of Homeland Security, named HuJi responsible for the blasts. The CBI claimed in their response that the NCTC "do not seem to be updated with developments in the case"^[35]

Members of Abhinav Bharat have recently been alleged to have been involved in a plot to kill Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh President Mohan Bhagwat.^[36] allegedly with the help of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.^[37] Headlines Today released a recorded video tested by theCentral Forensic Science Laboratory which indicated the uncovering of an alleged plot to assassinate the Vice President of India Hamid Ansari.^[38]

[edit]See also

• Religious violence in India
• Communalism (South Asia)
• Terrorism in India
• Religious terrorism

[edit]References

1. ^ ^a b "Beware of saffron terror too, warns home minister".economictimes.indiatimes.com. Economic Times. 2010-08-26. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
2. ^ PC defends ‘saffron terror’ remark Deccan Herald - September 1, 2010
3. ^ Zubair Ahmed (21 November 2008). "'Hindu terrorism' debate grips India". BBC News (BBC). Retrieved 24 June 2010.
4. ^ "Malegaon blasts arrests vital in exposing Hindu terrorism". ZeeNews.com. 2008-10-30. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
5. ^ Kanchan Gupta (18 July 2010). "‘Free’ media tars RSS with fiction". The Pioneer. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
6. ^ Swapan Dasgupta (07 Aug 2010). "Battleground heats up as the Hand plucks at the Lotus, one petal at a time". Tehelka. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
7. ^ BG Rajeswar and Syed Omar Farooq (28 June 2010)."Intelligence Bureau masterminded Mecca Blast?". Hyderabad Journal. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
8. ^ Jug Suraiya (18 Nov 2008). "SUBVERSE". Times of India. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
9. ^ The Rise Of Hindutva Terrorism, Eurasia Review – 17 May 2010
10. ^ "Deuce! EC notice to Sonia, Digvijay".economictimes.indiatimes.com. Times of India. 2007-12-10. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
11. ^ Press Trust of India (August 30, 2010). "Defamation suit against P Chidambaram for 'saffron terror' remark". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved Aug 30, 2010.
12. ^ Zeenews Bureau (September 1, 2010). "I’ve no patent on ‘saffron terror’: Chidambaram". Zee News. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
13. ^ "Court orders probe into PC's saffron terror remarks".Hindustan Times. September 6, 2010. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
14. ^ TNN (2010-08-28). "Congress ticks off Chidambaram over 'saffron terror' remark". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
15. ^ India police say they hold 9 from Hindu terrorist cell, New York Times – October 12, 2008
16. ^ "Anti-Muslim reprisal terrorism — An update".srilankaguardian.org. Sri Lanka Guardian. 2010-07-18. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
17. ^ Dip Your Nib In Scepticism OutlookIndia.com, Editorial, 06-21-2010. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
18. ^ RSS members behind Hyderabad, Ajmer blastsIBNLive.in.com, 05-14-2010. Retrieved 16-06-2010.
19. ^ The Rise Of Hindutva Terrorism OutlookIndia.com, 05-11-2010. Retrieved 16-06-2010.
20. ^ Investigators have neglected 'Hindu terror' for a long timeDNAIndia.com, 05-19-2010. Retrieved 16-06-2010.
21. ^ Malegaon, Ajmer, Hyderabad blasts. Joining the dotsIndianExpress.com, 04-10-2010. Retrieved 16-06-2010.
22. ^ "Malegaon probe: Business houses on ATS radar". Rediff.com. 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
23. ^ "Swami Dayanand Pande reveals source of RDX". Mumbai Mirror. 2008-11-22.
24. ^ "Hyderabad, Ajmer blasts: Why probe took wrong turn". indianexpress.com. 2010-07-26. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
25. ^ "Army in crisis over saffron terror stain, IBN – November 7, 2008". Ibnlive.in.com. 2010-02-03. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
26. ^ Battleground heats up as the Hand plucks at the Lotus, one petal at a time Tehelka
27. ^ "Treasury Targets Al Qaida and Lashkar-E Tayyiba Networks in Pakistan". US Treasury. 1 July 2009.
28. ^ TNN (2009-02-14). "US names Pak man for blasts on Samjhauta". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
29. ^ ^a b Bahukutumbi Raman (7 August 2010). "Arrest of Some Hindus as Terrorists- Getting Curiouser & Curiouser". South Asia Analysis Group. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
30. ^ Vishwa Mohan, TNN (2010-08-08). "HuJI ban takes no note of 'Hindu terror' role". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
31. ^ "Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI)". SATP.org. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
32. ^ "HuJI after the Death of its India Chief". IDSA.in. 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
33. ^ ET Bureau (2010-08-08). "US, UN declare HuJI as terrorist organisation". economictimes.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
34. ^ "US, UN declare HuJI a terror group". NDTV.com. 2010-08-07. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
35. ^ Abhishek Sharan (23 September 2010). "Huji, not Hindu group, behind Mecca Masjid blas". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
36. ^ Shibu Thomas, TNN (2010-06-28). "Did Abhinav Bharat plan to kill RSS chief?". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
37. ^ Gangan, Surendra (April 9, 2010). "Abhinav Bharat used derogatory words against RSS chief: RR Patil". Mumbai. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
38. ^ Khetan, Ashsih (July 15, 2010). "Saffron brigade's terror plots exposed: India Today". New Delhi. Retrieved 28 July 2010.

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