South Asia Citizens Web

A public statement denounces religious intolerance, persecution and violence in the name of Islam in Iraq and Syria; this was signed by progressive Muslims — activists, intellectuals, community and religious leaders, scholars and academics – representing very many organizations from across India was released to the media at simultaneous Press Conferences held in Delhi and Mumbai at 3 p.m. on 19 August 2014

Karachi, Aug 18, 2014: We have gathered to share our utter condemnation of the ongoing political drama created in the Capital that has not only stalled the everyday governance of the state, it is directly challenging the political choice and the system of democracy that the people of Pakistan have achieved after so much sacrifice.

Abolishing the Planning Commission turns the clock’s hands back. It distances the Indian state from India’s federal spirit. It makes self-analysis and self-criticism alien to government. It makes bridge-building between the weak and the strong, the centre and the peripheries, seem irrelevant.

Citizens For Democracy deplores the decision of India for cancelling the Foreign Secretaries level talk between India and Pakistan which was scheduled to be held on25th August, 2014 in Islamabad. The reason for cancellation is trivial and a non-issue. This decision is a significant drift in the foreign policy which shows that Modi government has decided to follow a policy of aggressive nationalism