South Asia Citizens Web

Indian Express, February 6, 2009
Yes, snooping’s allowed
Some recent commentary on the amendments to the Information Technology Act has claimed that the amendments are little different from powers already with the state in the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, and thus civil-liberties concerns are mistaken. This is not correct. Section 69 of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008, passed by Parliament on December 23, 2008, is far more intrusive than the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, (…)

Without spending a penny, the government wants to show the Muslims that it is doing something for them — its move to legally recognise madrasa degrees is a regressive and measure that was tried, with disastrous results, in Pakistan by the Zia ul Haq regime

The Moral Courage Conversations premiere with Manji’s guest, Salman Rushdie, on the 20th anniversary of Irans fatwa against him

Editorial, Kashmir Times, 5 February 2009
Menace of moral policing
Fundamentalists of various hues curbing young people’s rights and freedom
Moral policing by right wing organizations, in the name of cultural ethos or religion, has become a problem to reckon with throughout the length and breadth of South Asia. If the various Senas are at work carrying on their hate soaked agenda against Valentines Day, dating and pubs or enforcing dress codes in various parts of India, Jammu and (…)