South Asia Citizens Web

A brief report by a two member fact-finding team of Human Rights Forum, Andhra Pradesh looking into the alleged arson, rape and killings in the Dantewada area in the second week of March 2011.

So, what was the Islamists’ take on the World Cup semi-final? Apparently, the radical religious elements either retreated into the shadows or were themselves affected by the frenzy generated by the media. Perhaps, the prospect of defeating India, considered an infidel, momentarily tickled their fancy. Individually, though, we all draw some strength from our faith and our beliefs and pray for an outcome of our choice. It would be the same for people in other societies, irrespective of their religious identity. Still, sports and athletic competitions have to be secular in nature. Playing good cricket has only a peripheral importance in the business of establishing a tolerant, knowledge-based, liberal society that is not held hostage by extremist and obscurantist elements.

On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, we think it is indeed important to consider inclusive citizenship, not only in terms of race, gender, religion and sexuality, but also in recognising foreign nationals who are long-term residents of Bangladesh and have been active participants of the national/political community.

Prominent Delhi musicians performed in solidarity with Dr. Binayak Sen at the ’Justice on Trial’ events held at the Alliance Francaise de Delhi on the 6th April.

India’s Parliament must insist that the government should direct its Department of Atomic Energy to immediately examine and make recommendations to the government on the structure of an independent surveillance and regulatory authority for the defence nuclear facilities, says Dr A Gopalakrishnan