[Onthebarricades] Pro-democracy, anti-corruption and rights protests, India

[Andy]

ON THE BARRICADES:  Global Resistance Roundup, April-August 2008
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/onthebarricades
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/globalresistance/


*  Orissa:  Arrest of party activist triggers protest
*  New Delhi:  Journalists protest against sedition charges
*  Mumbai:  Black armband protest over attack on newspaper
*  Orissa:  Journalists protest police violence while covering event
*  Andhra Pradesh:  State-wide protests over arrest of journalists for 
burning effigy
*  Bangalore:  Protest against persecution of bars, for extending hours, 
dancing
*  Karnataka:  Farmers protest corruption at government office, demands for 
bribes
*  Congress women demand investigation into death
*  Karnataka:  Congress activists protest MPs' defections
*  Andhra Pradesh:  TDP opposition party stages protest alleging corruption
*  Madhya Pradesh:  Congress activists protest leaders' arrests
*  Madhya Pradesh:  Leader goes on hunger strike over corruption
*  Tamil Nadu:  Human rights protest over malicious police charges
*  Kozhikode:  Congress protests against charges of activists
*  Protests, counter-protests against secularist textbooks; teachers rally 
for freedom
*  Gujarat:  Journalists protest against attacks by Sikh protesters
*  Orissa:  Maoists hold protest week, shutdown over repression
*  Dharwad:  Villagers demand action over police atrocity
*  Bhopal:  Congress plans protest over local corruption
*  Chandigarh:  Protesters get warm welcome from politician
*  Suspicious death in custody leads to protest
*  Amritsar:  Local Congress activists protest at imposition of candidate
*  Gujarat:  Woman protests in nude against cops
*  Andhra Pradesh:  Muslims protest over police shooting, storm office
*  Andhra Pradesh:  Dharna against attack on media office
*  Dharampur:  Protesters block road over police "inaction" in suspicious 
"suicide"
*  Kerala:  Youth group protests at Congress, BJP "violence"
*  Youth dharna over government failings
*  Bangalore; Bellary:  Congress workers protest selection of candidates
*  Bangalore:  Kannada activists protest defections
*  Chennai:  Protest for release of film maker
*  Auto-rickshaw drivers protest mistreatment
*  Raichur:  Protesting Congress workers lock party office
*  Gulbarga:  Protests at exclusion of candidate
*  Manjeri:  Youths protest police mistreatment
*  Kerala:  Protest over police violence at women's protest
*  Erode:  Protest against phone tapping
*  PAKISTAN/INDIA:  Protests in Pakistan over Indian fake visa charges

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/25/stories/2008062559320300.htm

Orissa

Arrest of CPI(M) activist triggers protest
Staff Reporter
CPI(M), CPI and SP to hold demo on June 27

BERHAMPUR: The CPI(M), CPI and the Samajwadi Party cadres would demonstrate 
in front of the Malkangiri Collectorate on June 27 against the arrest of a 
CPI(M) activist after being branded as a naxal activist.
Malkangiri district police had arrested 37-year-old CPI(M) activist 
Raghunath Majhi from the MV 79 village on June 6. The police claimed that he 
had links with naxals and was the mastermind behind the murder of a BJD 
leader and lawyer Prabir Mohanty. As per the police he was active with the 
Maoists' frontal organisations for the past many years.
But according to State secretariat member of the CPI(M), Ali Kishore 
Patnaik, who is in-charge of party affairs in south Orissa, the past 
activities of Raghunath proves that he was active member of the mainstream 
political party with participation in electoral politics. It may be noted 
that naxals and naxal sympathisers are opposed to elections and democracy. 
But Raghunath had contested the last panachayat elections as a candidate for 
the Malkangiri-1 Zilla Parishad zone.
"Police claim he was in their wanted list but we had posted over 3,000 
posters with his photograph during panchayat polls held in February last 
year," said Mr Patnaik.
As per the party, Raghunath was falsely implicated as he was fighting 
against the nexus between traders, touts and officials in remote areas of 
Malkangiri district. A delegation of CPI(M) leaders has already met the 
Chief Minister and the Home Minister demanding unconditional release of 
Majhi.
They have decided to hold demonstration at Malkangiri on June 27 if he is 
not released till then. The Malkangiri units of the CPI and the Samajwadi 
party have also extended their support to the agitation of the CPI(M). It 
will be an eye opener for police in Malkangiri to stop atrocities on 
political activists under false charges of naxal links due to ulterior 
motives, said Mr Patnaik.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Scribes-protest-sedition-charge-against-editor-Loksatta-attack/322379/

Scribes protest sedition charge against editor, Loksatta attack
Posted online: Friday , June 13, 2008 at 02:34:20
Updated: Friday , June 13, 2008 at 02:34:20

New Delhi, June 13: Journalists in the capital on Friday protested against 
the sedition charges slapped against three staffers of the Ahmedabad edition 
of the Times of India for criticising the city police commissioner and the 
attack on the residence of Loksatta editor Kumar Ketkar.
"We express deep anguish over the surprise action of the Gujarat Police in 
foisting a case of sedition against the Times of India, its Ahmedabad 
resident editor and two other staffers and also the attack on the residence 
of editor of 'Loksatta', Kumar Ketkar," Pushpendra Kulshreshta, Secretary 
General, Press Club of India, told reporters in New Delhi.
The journalists, who participated in a peaceful protest march, raised 
slogans like 'Dont Gag the Press' and 'Truth is our Defence', said that 
further attack on the fourth democracy would not be tolerated.
They said that media has to come forward if democracy has to be cherished 
and saved, besides criticising the Gujarat government on the issue.
Later, they also submitted a memorandum to President Pratibha Patil, seeking 
her intervention in the matter.
"The government should enforce the law to safeguard the fundamental freedoms 
of the Press," the memorandum said.
Noting that sedition was a charge slapped on Indian media by erstwhile 
colonial rulers, the memorandum said that abuse of the provision against the 
press negates the freedom granted to citizens by the Constitution.
"Pressing charges of such nature clearly smacks of vindictiveness as the 
newspaper had carried articles criticising the choice of O P Mathur as the 
police Commissioner," Kulshreshta said.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/11/stories/2008061159841100.htm

Protest staged against attack on journalists
Special Correspondent
MUMBAI: Journalists, human rights activists and civil society groups on 
Tuesday wore black bands across their mouths to stage a silent protest at 
the Churchgate station against the recent attack on Loksatta editor Kumar 
Ketkar's residence.
They also demanded that sedition charges against the journalists of The 
Times of India in Ahmedabad be dropped.
Jatin Desai, activist and journalist, said the sedition charges were 
unwarranted and unjustified. The media fraternity has been demanding action 
against all those who attacked Mr. Ketkar's residence in Thane last week 
after his article appeared in Loksatta. The protestors said freedom of 
expression and speech was under threat all over the country. Mr. Ketkar's 
house was attacked by around 70 activists of Shiv Sangram Sanghatana . The 
attackers threw stones, broke windowpanes and smeared black paint on the 
door of his house. The attack was against Mr. Ketkar questioning the 
government's decision to instal a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian 
Sea.
Bharat Desai and Prashant Dayal, resident editor and correspondent of The 
Times of India in Ahmedabad and a photographer of another daily have been 
charged with sedition for questioning the alleged links of Ahmedabad police 
chief O.P. Mathur with a mafia don.
Right to Information activist Shailesh Gandhi and others have demanded 
immediate action against those who attacked Mr. Ketkar's house; the sacking 
of the leaders of this gang, who allegedly belonged to Nationalist Congress 
Party, from the party; and an apology from the Home Minister to Mr. Ketkar 
and his wife.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/25/stories/2008072557570300.htm

Other States - Orissa

Journalists take out protest rally
Staff Reporter
BERHAMPUR: Journalists from the State, Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh held a 
joint protest rally in Malkangiri town on Thursday.
They were protesting against the assault of police constables on some 
journalists on July 17 during the guard of honour ceremony for the SOG 
jawans killed in the landmine blast the previous day. The angry police 
constables who were agonised by the sudden death of 17 of their brethren in 
the naxal landmine blast near MV-126 village had also damaged the vehicles 
and cameras of some journalists from outside the State. Around three 
journalists were injured. Understanding the mental state of the policemen 
the journalists had not filed any complaint against the erring policemen 
immediately. But on Thursday the journalists preferred to make people and 
authorities know about the gravity of the indiscipline behaviour of the 
policemen through the rally. Journalists of Malkangiri led the rally.

http://story.indiagazette.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/701ee96610c884a6/id/375399/cs/1/

Protests continue in Andhra Pradesh over editor's arrest
India Gazette
Thursday 26th June, 2008
(IANS)
The editor and two reporters of a Telugu daily, who were arrested by the 
police for beating an effigy symbolising a Dalit leader, remained in jail 
even as journalists continued their state-wide protest for the second day 
Thursday.

The bail petition of the journalists will come up for hearing later Thursday 
in Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act court, 
Secunderabad.

K. Srinivas, editor of 'Andhra Jyoti' and two reporters, Vamshi Krishna and 
T. Srinivas, were arrested by the police Tuesday night from their office 
under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They have been charged with 
beating an effigy symbolising a Dalit leader with footwear during a rally to 
protest an attack by a Dalit organisation on their office May 24.

A magistrate Tuesday night remanded the editor and the two reporters to 
judicial custody till July 8.

Manda Krishna Madiga, leader of Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MRPS), 
which is fighting for classification of SC reservations, had lodged a 
complaint with the police that his effigy was slapped with footwear by the 
journalists thus insulting a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste and 
attracting provisions of the act.

The MRPS activists had attacked the Telugu daily's office here to protest 
against publication of an article, which described backward classes leaders 
as 'saleable commodities'.

Krishna Madiga, who had also lodged a complaint against the newspaper's 
managing director V. Radhakrishna, has warned that the failure to take 
action against him could create law and order problems.

However, Home Minister K. Jana Reddy Thursday said no action would be taken 
against Radhakrishna as there was no evidence against him. 'Hundreds like 
him give warnings but we will not be cowed down,' he said dismissing the 
Dalit leader's warning.

Facing the ire of opposition parties and journalists' unions, the government 
said it would not oppose the bail petition in the court.

The protest against the arrests continued for the second consecutive day. 
Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) took out a massive rally 
here. The union leaders termed the arrests an attack on freedom of the press 
and demanded the immediate release of the editor and the two reporters.

The opposition parties and journalists alleged that the government was 
trying to stifle the voice of the press. 'Andhra Jyoti' is known for 
carrying reports critical of the Congress government.

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080060932

Bangloreans protest to extend bar timings
Rati
Sunday, August 10, 2008, (Bangalore)
After years of debating the Cinderella deadline on the city's bars, discos 
and restaurants, Bangalore's eminent citizens gathered to protest against 
the lack of cultural expression in the city.

Over 200 people gathered on Sunday afternoon to protest against the 11: 30 
pm deadline in the city.

But they protested in their own unique way, with posters, stickers and a 
live jam session.

Girish Karnad, a filmmaker and theatre personality said, "Lets create a 
society where the working class can relax and unwind but to stop drinking 
and the way the police are going about it is ridiculous."

Presently, no restaurant, bar, disco or place of public entertainment can 
function after 11:30 pm in the city.

Singing and dancing is not allowed at a place that serves alcohol.

Authorities say it's safer for the city to sleep before midnight given the 
escalating crime rate.

But Bangaloreans are not convinced. DJ Ivan said, "We just want the 
authorities to know we are a united lot, we represent cultural strata of 
society. We are educated so talk to us tell us the rules, tell us the logic 
behind it, don't do what you are doing now."

Linda, a Banglorean said, "Its time we came together, we need to express 
ourselves with dance, music and stop pushing us around."

For the first time its not just those people who are directly affected by 
the ban who are protesting but also Bangaloreans who think their city is 
dying culturally making this movement stronger than the earlier ones.

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php?sid=392596

Bangaloreans protest ban on dance, music in pubs

IANS     Sunday 10th August, 2008
Playwright and Jnanpeeth Award winner Girish Karnad Sunday joined a protest 
here against ban on live music and dance in the famed pubs and discos of 
India's IT hub.

A group of about 100 people - regular disco-goers, singers, disc jockeys - 
carried placards saying 'Give us our freedom', 'Bengaluru bleeding' and 
'Don't kill creativity', and protested the ban imposed by the police on Aug 
3.

'It is tyranny of the police. It is against every artiste,' Karnad said at 
the protest.

The police order says live music performances are not allowed in pubs and 
discos. However, recorded music can be played.

The police justify their decision saying they are following rules which 
prohibit live music and dance in any public place serving liquor.

There is also controversy over the closing timings of pubs and restaurants. 
A 1976 order had set the 11.30 p.m. deadline for business establishments but 
this was relaxed in 1987 to allow medical shops, hotels and some other 
establishments to remain open much later than that.

Bangalore civic authorities have been demanding that pubs and restaurants be 
allowed to function till 1.30 a.m. in view of the growing expatriate, 
tourist and floating population in the city. The police are resisting this, 
saying it will push up the crime graph.

A committee of officials has been set up to consider the conflicting views 
of the civic and police authorities and suggest a way out.

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/347688.html

Bangalore protests as fresh curbs derail nightlife
Johnson T A
Posted online: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 0158 hrs Print Email

Bangalore, August 11: Exactly three years ago when the then Dharam Singh-led 
Congress-JDS government did it, it was called the 'Talibanisation of 
Bangalore'. Now with the new BJP Government tightening the screws on 
nightlife in Bangalore, protestors are calling it 'Bangalore bleeding'.
With the Bangalore police deciding to go strictly by the book again all 
restaurants with live bands and dancing have been banned. Over the past two 
Sundays musicians, artistes, disc jockeys and Bangalore's partying public 
have been protesting the reinforced ban at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in 
central Bangalore. Participating in this Sunday's protests, writer and 
theatre personality Girish Karnad said the decision to ban live music lacked 
logic. "It will affect artistes adversely. Instead of going after criminals 
the police are going after musicians," he said.
Despite the protests featuring over 1000 people on Sunday, the Bangalore 
police cracked down on as many as 32 discotheques operating without valid 
licenses in the city. Nightlife in the city is governed by 'The licensing 
and controlling of places of public entertainment (Bangalore City) order, 
2005' and the Karnataka Excise Act of 1965.
The licensing order makes it mandatory for all places offering live 
entertainment to be licensed by the police after meeting strict standards. 
The Act prevents places serving alcohol from staying open beyond 11:30 pm 
and women from dancing in places where alcohol is sold.
Though, the state home department has indicated a move to modify the laws to 
reduce restrictions on nightlife, no legislative action has been taken yet. 
New Bangalore police commissioner Shankar Bidari has stated that he is 
willing to consider relaxation of nightlife rules if he receives sufficient 
representation from the public.
The existing laws has resulted in a tussle between owners of lower end dance 
bars and the upper end lounge bars and discotheques. The introduction of the 
licensing rules for cabarets, dance bars, discotheques and live bands in 
June 2005 had resulted in a clampdown on all forms of dancing at public 
entertainment spots in Bangalore.
However, in December 2005, following appeals by owners of establishments, 
the Supreme Court permitted live bands and dancing in restaurants and hotels 
on the condition that the establishments didn't encourage prostitution or 
indecent shows. While the Bangalore police allowed dancing and live music 
shows at pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and discotheques, they imposed a more 
stringent curb on dance bars on the grounds that they encouraged 
prostitution. This discrimination has been challenged by owners of dance 
bars in the High Court resulting in a complete clampdown on all nightlife.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/25/stories/2008072556300300.htm

Karnataka

Farmers protest corruption in government offices
Staff Correspondent
'Staff demand thousands of rupees to do our work'

DAVANGERE: Farmers of several villages staged a snap protest in front of the 
Deputy Commissioner's office on Thursday against "rampant" corruption in the 
tahsildar's office and survey office.
They alleged that staffs of the offices were demanding thousands of rupees 
as bribe to issue "sketch copy", encumbrance certificate, and caste and 
income certificates, and to change Pahani.
Deputy Commissioner of Davangere district K. Amaranarayana, who heard from 
the farmers the problems they were facing to get their work done in these 
offices, called them for a meeting at his office on Friday.
Officials of the tahsildar's office and the survey office would be summoned 
to the meeting, he said and assured the farmers that he was committed to 
eradicating corruption in government offices.
Mr. Amaranarayana said that he had warned the officials of stringent action 
if they caused inconvenience to the public who visited their office.
Meanwhile, G. Ekanthappa, who was on a fast since a week to protest against 
corruption in the two offices, was admitted to a hospital on Thursday.
Assistant Commissioner of Davangere Janaki told The Hindu that she had 
initiated steps to curb corruption in the two offices.
She asked the people to inform her whenever an official or a clerk demanded 
bribe or failed to attend to their work without delay.
Avaragere Rudrumuni, Guddada Kallappa, M. Nagaraj, Chandrakala and 
Suvarnamma were among the farmers' leaders who participated in the protest.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/24/stories/2008062452390300.htm

Demand
The women's wing of the Congress party, led by its president and the former 
Mayor Chandrika Parameshwar took out a procession in the city demanding a 
CBI probe into Ms. Padmapriya's death. In a memorandum addressed to Governor 
Rameshwar Thakur and submitted to the district authorities, Ms. Parameshwar 
said that the people had lost faith in the State police due to interference 
by the ruling party leaders in an attempt to hush up the case.

http://www.keralanext.com/news/index.asp?id=1274899

Congress to observe protest day today
Thursday, July 17, 2008
T'PURAM, Kerala: The state unit of Congress party will observe protest day 
today against the police excesses on the Youth Congress activists in front 
of the secretariat yesterday.

Protest marches will be staged in all constituencies. The KSU will take out 
a march towards the secretariat, sources said.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/24/stories/2008072452290300.htm

Karnataka

Youth Congress protests against defections
Correspondent
CHIKMAGALUR: Members of the Youth Congress staged a demonstration here on 
Wednesday to protest against the defection of Congress MLAs to the Bharatiya 
Janata Party. They criticised Ministers from Bellary district who are mine 
owners for having "engineered" the defection.
They burned an effigy of the MLAs at Hanumanthappa Circle. Stressing the 
need for nuclear power to meet the future energy needs of the country, they 
wanted action to be taken against those who made allegations against 
Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha during the trust vote.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/20/stories/2008082052450800.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

TDP stages novel protest
Staff Reporter

Dramatic effect: TDP activists carrying suitcases as a form of protest in 
Anantapur on Tuesday.
ANANTAPUR: The youth wing of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Telugu Yuvatha, 
staged a novel protest here on Tuesday criticising the policies of the 
Central and State governments led by Congress. They carried suitcases and a 
'storewell' almirah in rickshaws depicting a top Congress leader and his 
assistant carrying home, suitcases of money earned everyday through illegal 
favours, all for a price.
The activists were led by district president of Telugu Yuvatha M. Srinivas, 
K. Muralimohan, B.V. Ramana, K.M. Zakiullah, G.V. Chowdary, M. Ravindra 
Naidu, B. Rajagopal. The Congress was looting the State and people were 
ready to teach them a fitting lesson, they said.

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php?sid=379129

Madhya Pradesh Congress protests leaders' arrests

IANS     Sunday 6th July, 2008
Protesting arrests of senior Congress leaders who arrived in the 
curfew-bound Indore to meet the riot-affected people, Leader of Opposition 
in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Jamuna Devi staged a sit-in at the chief 
minister's house here Sunday.

The Indore police detained Congress leaders, including former chief minister 
Digvijay Singh, state Congress chief Suresh Pachouri, the party's election 
campaign committee chairman Ajay Singh and others at the city airport on 
their arrival in the morning. Later, the police announced the arrest of the 
leaders after declaring the place where they were held as temporary jail.

However, the Congress leaders insisted that they be provided curfew passes 
and allowed to meet the affected people. The authorities declined to do so.

When the news of the arrest reached Bhopal, Congress leaders, including 
state Congress spokesman Manak Agarwal, J.P. Dhanopia and others led by 
Jamuna Devi staged a dharna (sit-in) outside the chief minister's house at 
3.30 p.m. They demanded the arrested leaders be immediately released and 
allowed to meet the affected people. They also demanded resignation of Chief 
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Six people were killed in communal clashes in Indore following a bandh 
(general shut-down) called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Vishwa 
Hindu Parishad (VHP) to protest the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision 
to withdraw the land allotted to Amarnath shrine board. The violence 
continued unabated for three days in the city despite the imposition of 
curfew.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/02/stories/2008070256620700.htm

Other States - Madhya Pradesh

Uma on fast to protest against corruption
Staff Correspondent
BHOPAL: Bharatiya Janshakti leader Uma Bharti sat on fast at the busy 
Roshanpura Square here on Tuesday to protest against "corruption and 
 anarchy" in Madhya Pradesh.
Ms. Bharti said she was following Mahatma Gandhi's ideals in deciding to sit 
on fast. "Mr. Advani owes an explanation to the people and would have to 
reveal how crores of rupees were raised for the lavish function organised in 
the State capital on Monday for releasing his book," she asked.Ms. Bharti 
levelled charges of corruption against the State Chief Minister, his spouse, 
and members of his Cabinet. She said Mr. Advani's function was a mockery of 
those suffering from poverty and soaring prices.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/13/stories/2008061361160300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Protest against "foisting of cases"
Staff Reporter
MADURAI: Human rights activists staged a demonstration here on Tuesday in 
protest against "foisting of cases" against a Kal Ottar tribesman and others 
at a public hearing held here from May 29 to 31.
C. J. Rajan, of People's Watch, which organised the demonstration, claimed 
that the police arrested a person belonging to the Ottar community, who came 
to the public hearing and deposed in front of the panel, without issuing 
warrant on the night of May 29. The following day there were minor 
skirmishes where some participants were arrested after they detained police 
officers. Cases of abuse were registered against policemen and "false cases" 
against office-bearers of People's Watch.
A. Mahaboob Batcha, managing trustee, Society for Community Organisation 
Trust, and K. John Moses, State general secretary, Janata Dal (Secular), 
participated.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/30/stories/2008063051730300.htm

Congress protests against filing of cases
Staff Reporter
KOZHIKODE: The District Congress Committee (DCC) has registered its protest 
against the charging of cases by the Payyoli police against local-level 
Congress leaders, including a woman grama panchayat member, in connection 
with the violent clashes following the death of a nine-year-old schoolgirl 
at Payyoli last week.
The police have registered cases under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of 
the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Maniyoor grama panchayat member P.C. 
Sheeba and many others, most of them belonging to the Congress.
K.C. Abu, DCC president, said here on Sunday that party activists would take 
out a march to the office of the Superintendent of Police in protest against 
the filing of charges against Congress leaders. The DCC president said the 
police were trying to politicise the incident in which a middle-aged man was 
accused of killing a schoolgirl after sexually exploiting her. Last Monday, 
the police burst teargas shells and resorted to a lathicharge to take the 
accused, V. Mayankutty, into custody.
A mob that had gathered there damaged the car of the Revenue Divisional 
Officer. Mr. Abu accused the Payyoli police of failing to taken appropriate 
action before the situation turned aggressive. Investigators could verify 
the video clipping of the incident to identify any Congressman.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/30/stories/2008063054710300.htm

Textbook row: protest, counter-protest in front of Kollam Bishop's House
Staff Reporter
Church accused of forging 'unholy nexus' with BJP, Congress

CALL FOR UNITY: Kollam Bishop Stanley Roman addressing a KLCA-KCYM meeting 
at the Bishop's House complex on Sunday.
KOLLAM: A demonstration by a group of youngsters in front of the Kollam 
Bishop's House at Tangasseri on Sunday morning in protest against the Church's 
stance on the controversial Class VII textbook led to a protest at the same 
venue in the evening by members of the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) 
and the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA).
The demonstration in the morning was organised by activists of the 
Theeradesa Almaya Yuvajana Vedi, an organisation of Latin Catholic youth. 
The demonstrators alleged that on the pretext of the textbook row, the 
Church was forging an 'unholy nexus' with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 
and the Congress.
Kollam Bishop Stanley Roman is the Education Commission chairman of the 
Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council.
The demonstration resulted in widespread protests from the faithful. Many 
routine Sunday meetings of the church in the diocese adjourned regular 
sessions to condemn the incident. The KLCA and the KCYM soon started 
planning a counter demonstration and a protest meeting in the Bishop's House 
courtyard to express solidarity with the bishop. A number of people took 
part in the protest march and the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Paul Mullassery, vicar general of the Kollam 
Diocese, said the demonstration was an attack on the teachings and the 
principles of the Church. He said the demonstrators also raised slogans 
against the bishop. The demonstration was pre-planned and politically 
motivated, he alleged.
In his address, KLCA leader Baldwin Austin said the Left Democratic Front 
government appeared to be keen on consistently hurting the church. KLCA 
State president Francis Netto; diocese secretary Jose Vimalraj, president 
William Ferns; KCYM leaders; and parish priest of Holy Cross Church Joseph 
Puthenpura spoke.
In his speech, Dr. Stanley Roman said the State was passing through a phase 
where faith was being challenged. The problems in the education sector were 
one among the several thrust upon the Church. The situation warranted unity 
among the faithful, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/20/stories/2008072058130300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

LDF protest leads to violence
Staff Reporter
Kerala Youth Front (M) workers on fast attacked

- Photo: S. Gopakumar

Rage on the streets: City Police Commissioner Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar and 
police personnel trying to stop All India Students' Federation activists who 
attempted to march towards the Secretariat on Saturday.
Thiruvananthapuram: The police baton-charged Left Democratic Front (LDF) 
workers who attacked Opposition activists fasting in a makeshift shed on the 
pavement in front of the Secretariat on Saturday evening.
T. Babu, local committee secretary of the Communist Party of India 
(Marxist), was injured. The LDF activists were protesting over the death of 
James Augustine, headmaster, allegedly at the hands of Muslim Youth League 
protesters at Valillapuzha in Malappuram district. The Youth Congress and 
the Youth League had attempted to disrupt cluster meetings for teachers' 
training at various schools in the State. Opposition activists attempted to 
storm at least 20 schools in the district where such programmes were under 
way. The police arrested more than 30 of them in the morning.
The violence began in front of the Secretariat at 5 p.m. when CPI(M) 
activists attacked the agitation shed of Kerala Youth Front-M (KYF-M) 
activists who were fasting in support for the demand for withdrawal of the 
controversial seventh standard social science textbook.
The CPI(M) workers threw stones at the shed and beat some of those on fast 
who ventured out. The fewer than 20 Youth Front workers used plastic chairs 
to shield themselves against the stones. The police swung batons to disperse 
the CPI(M) workers.
Hundreds of CPI(M) workers, government officials owing allegiance to the 
pro-ruling front Non-Gazetted Officers' Union, Students' Federation of India 
activists, members of pro-Left teachers' organisations and All India Youth 
Federation workers blockaded the road in front of the Secretariat in protest 
against the headmaster's death.
The police had a difficult time controlling them from attacking the KYF(M) 
protesters. They parked two police buses in front of the agitation shed to 
shield them from the wrath of LDF protesters. To prevent further attacks, 
the police arrested the fasting KYM workers and admitted them to hospital at 
night.
The sudden and violent protest threw evening rush-hour traffic out of gear. 
Hundreds of office-goers, including women, were stranded for several hours 
at bus stops along Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Strike
Functioning of State government offices and educational institutions in the 
district are likely to be affected on Monday as various organisations 
affiliated to Left parties have called for a strike.
Students' Federation of India State secretary P. Biju said Left student 
activists would physically confront Opposition activists who attempted to 
undermine educational institutions in the public sector in Kerala.
He said the Opposition was using strong-arm tactics to intimidate and even 
destroy teachers who implemented the government's education policy.
He accused the Opposition of working to the advantage of communal and 
casteist forces which controlled the private education sector in Kerala. He 
urged the government to register a case of murder against Youth League 
workers responsible for the death of the headmaster.
Injured
Five police personnel, including a Circle Inspector of Police, were injured 
in stone-throwing and clashes between activists of the Bharatiya Janata 
Party (BJP) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India at Venjaramood on 
Saturday night. The police said the DYFI activists, who took out a protest 
march over the death of the teacher, destroyed the flags of the BJP and the 
Congress.
The BJP activists took out a protest march against this later. The Circle 
Inspector George Koshy and Prakash, Ajith, Arun and Abdul Wahid were 
injured.

http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20080721/133329.htm

Monday, July 21, 2008
Protest against teacher's death peaceful in Kerala
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>From correspondents in India, 02:30 AM IST
The dawn-to-dusk shutdown called by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) 
in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala Sunday, to protest against 
the death of a teacher during an opposition agitation, passed off 
peacefully.
The shutdown did not affect normal life as traffic was unaffected but 
commercial establishments remained closed in both the districts.
The teacher, James Augustine, 48, died Saturday allegedly after he suffered 
blows from opposition activists who tried to disrupt a teachers' training 
programme at Kizhissery in Malappuram district. The opposition activists 
were agitating against the controversial Class 7 social science textbook, 
which they say propagates atheism and communist ideology.
Police officials in Malappuram investigating the teacher's death said that 
they have taken six Muslim Youth League (MYL) activists into custody for 
interrogation.
The MYL, the youth wing of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and the Youth 
Congress led the agitation Saturday, disrupting teachers training programme 
that was being conducted at various centres across the state.
James Augustine, headmaster of a school, was reportedly pushed and kicked by 
protesters who were preventing teachers from entering the school at 
Kizhissery, about 50 km from district headquarters of Malappuram, where he 
had gone to attend the training.
Following the death of James, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) 
led LDF government and Left organisations have come out strongly against the 
opposition agitation. The Left government has been facing a wave of 
agitation over the textbook.
Left student organisations have called for an education shutdown Monday 
while various government employees' unions said they will strike work to 
protest the death of the teacher.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/journalists-protest-against-media-attack-in-gujarat/69158-3.html?xml

Journalists protest against media attack in Gujarat
CNN-IBN
Published on Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 18:53 in Nation section

RIGHT TO FIGHT: Some of the protestors were briefly detained by the police.
The authorities say that the accused is mentally unstable.
Ahmedabad: Journalists protested against the attack on media by Asaram 
Bapu's followers on Saturday following Friday's violence in Sabarmati.
Protests against spiritual guru, Asaram Bapu, turned violent in Ahmedabad on 
Friday. Blaming the spiritual guru's ashram for the death of two boys whose 
bodies were found almost three-weeks-ago near the spiritual leader's ashram.
People started pelting stones and burning down the vehicles belonging to 
Bapu's followers as they were angry at the slow pace of investigation into 
the deaths of the two boys.
And in retaliation, followers of Asaram Bapu also indulged in violence. 
Journalists were beaten up mercilessly by his followers. A Network 18 
outdoor broadcast van was completely damaged.
Police detained the protesting journalists in Ahmedabad even as Gujarat's 
Home Minister promised to act against supporters of spiritual leader Asaram 
Bapu who attacked the media on Friday.
"Strict actions will be taken against those who attacked the media persons," 
says Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/27/stories/2008062759910300.htm

Orissa

Normal life is hit as Maoists begin protest week
Buses, private vehicles off the road
Shops remain closed in interior areas

BERHAMPUR: Normal life was affected in tribal districts of south Orissa as 
Maoists began a protest week on Thursday. However, no untoward incident was 
reported from any place.
Panic gripped remote areas of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Gajapati 
districts. Naxals also made their presence felt in remote areas of 
Daringbadi block in Kandhamal district by pasting posters since Wednesday. A 
large number of naxal posters were found near Adaba in Gajapati district. On 
Wednesday night a group of armed naxals had entered Gudari town in Rayagada 
district and threatened the local traders to keep their shops closed during 
the protest week.
In many interior areas of these districts both passenger buses and 
commercial vehicles remained off road. The affect of the Naxal fear was more 
evident in Malkangiri district. Roads from district headquarters town to 
Motu, Orkel and Chitrakonda wore deserted look as people and vehicles 
remained away from roads due to fear of landmine blasts. Maoists also 
blocked roads at several locations in interior areas by felling trees during 
night. Shops, business establishments in the district remained closed and 
public transport system was extremely affected. Shops and business 
establishments were also closed in interior areas of Rayagada, Koraput and 
Gajapati districts.
Malkangiri SP Satish Gajbhiye said massive combing operations were on along 
the border of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh to check cross-border 
infiltration of Maoists during the week which would end on July 2. All naxal 
prone areas in the district are under watch. Two Deputy Inspector Generals 
R.P. Koche of southern range and Sanjeev Panda of south western range have 
been monitoring the security measures.
As per the posters and banners of the Maoists their anti-repression week is 
being observed against alleged police action against tribals and innocent 
people, who raise their voice against exploitation. They have also demanded 
release of persons, who have been arrested after being branded as naxals and 
lifting of ban on seven organisations in the state, which were alleged to be 
pro-naxal frontal organisations.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/06/stories/2008070652960300.htm

Kerala

Teachers' protest

Burning Issue: Members of the Kerala State Teachers Association taking out a 
march to the office of the Deputy Director of Education in Kozhikode on 
Saturday in protest against the reported burning of school textbooks by 
Muslim Students Federation activists recently.


http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/08/stories/2008060851590300.htm

In Dharwad, members of Sri Ram Sena staged a demonstration in front of the 
office of the Deputy Commissioner demanding action against what they termed 
as "police atrocity" on the residents of Kurubagatti village near Dharwad.
The protesters alleged that instead of taking action against Rajasab Mulla, 
who allegedly tried to molest a woman, the police were harassing the 
resident of the village who had filed a complaint in this regard.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050958400700.htm

Congress plans nine-day protest
Bhopal: The Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh will launch nine-day 
protests across the State from May 12 to expose "corruption at every level 
in the State Government."
Announcing this in a press conference on Thursday, MPCC president Suresh 
Pachouri accused the ruling BJP government of politicising the state 
machinery for its electoral gains. He said the decision of the Jabalpur 
Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 25, dismissing the mining lease 
allocation proved that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had "misused" 
his position to favour a particular party. "Corruption is at its peak. For 
the first time in the history, an FIR has been filed against the Chief 
Minister on the directions of Lokayukta in dumper case ", he said. PTI

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1167316

Badal rolls out red carpet for protesters
Ajay Bharadwaj
Friday, May 30, 2008  02:34 IST

Keeps special chairs, chefs ready to greet agitating Congress leaders
CHANDIGARH: For weeks, Congress leaders were crying hoarse about the alleged 
high-handedness of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his 
government during the panchayat samiti and block elections. They called it 
"murder of democracy" at the grassroots level and boycotted elections at a 
few places.
But on Thursday, as Congress members led by PCC president Rajinder Kaur 
Bhattal proposed to stage a dharna in front of the chief minister's 
residence, Badal spread out a red carpet for them complete with a banner at 
the entrance that read "opposition leaders are welcome," two special chairs 
for Bhattal and former chief minister Amarinder Singh, besides elaborate 
sitting arrangements for the rest.
Not just that, the chief minister also requisitioned services of special 
cooks to serve tea and sweets to the opposition members. But the Congress 
leaders could savour none of Badal's hospitality, as they were whisked away 
by police before they could march to the CM's residence.
Badal, who waited for more than three hours for his 'guests' to arrive, 
later told media persons he was prepared to listen to their grievances, but 
firmly denied any irregularities had been committed during the elections.
Last week too, the chief minister had made elaborate arrangements for 
Congress leaders demonstrating before his residence. Even though Badal was 
not present, there was a red carpet welcome awaiting the opposition. But the 
agitated Congress leaders instead burnt an effigy of the CM at his gate and 
regretted the manner in which Badal tried to ridicule their protest.
Bhattal later said the Congress would present a memorandum to the governor. 
She said the entire election machinery was doing the bidding of the ruling 
party.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/23/stories/2008052354960400.htm

Accused dies in police station; kin stage protest
Staff Reporter
Ramulu's father alleges that his son was beaten up in the police station

DSP says Ramulu died due to ill-health on hospital premises
Relatives stop police from conducting post-mortem

NALGONDA: An accused in the attack on the Government hospital, Tamanaboni 
Ramulu (31), died allegedly in police custody, triggering protests from his 
family members and relatives at Devarakonda on Thursday.
"Police killed my son after beating him severely. They took a statement from 
me last night under duress to buttress their claim that my son died of 
 fits," Ramulu's father Muthaiah told reporters. The DSP D.Surendrababu, 
however, told The Hindu that Ramulu died due to ill-health on the hospital 
premises.
Accused in attack case
According to the police official, Ramulu was wanted in a case related to an 
attack on the hospital on January 25. "A head constable brought Ramulu, who 
was in a drunken state, to the police station at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. He 
was advised to go to hospital when he was vomiting on the premises of the 
police station," the DSP said.
He further maintained that a STD booth owner had seen Ramulu quivering on 
the premises of the hospital. "The booth owner pressed a bunch of keys into 
Ramulu's hands thinking that he was suffering from fits. At 4 p.m. he was 
found dead," the DSP said.
On coming to know about Ramulu's death, his family members and relatives 
reached the hospital and didn't allow the police to do the post-mortem.
Meanwhile, the ASP (Operations) Liyakhat Ali Khan visited the town to handle 
the situation.
Demand for job
After the intervention of some local leaders, Ramulu's relatives expressed 
their readiness to strike a deal with the police.
They reportedly demanded a job for Ramulu's wife to toe the police line. 
They asked for a written commitment to the effect much to the dismay of 
police officials. Discussions were on at Devarakonda till reports last came 
in.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080428/punjab1.htm

Amritsar (South) Assembly Bypoll
Supporters of ex-MLA for change of candidate
Serve 2-day ultimatum on Cong high command
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, April 27
Supporters of former MLA Harjinder Singh Thekedar, who has the tacit support 
of a ruling party legislator and some former MLAs, today served a two-day 
ultimatum on the Congress high command to change the official nominee 
Navdeep Singh Goldi for the Amritsar (South) Assembly bypoll.
They threatened to take the "extreme step" if the party high command failed 
to accept their demand.
At a meeting which was attended by some councillors and senior leaders of 
the constituency, they criticised Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, president, Punjab 
Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), who was allegedly instrumental in 
changing the nomination of Thekedar.
They alleged that Thekedar was denied ticket for two reasons. First, he 
failed to give Rs 4 crore as demanded by the election committee, and second, 
his being a close confidant of Capt Amarinder Singh.
With this, the wrangling between the groups of Capt Amarinder Singh, a 
former Chief Minister, and Bhattal has again started simmering, which may 
take to the streets in the coming days.
Goldi is the party's councillor from ward No. 29 and is considered a 
greenhorn in politics. Party sources, however, stated that Thekedar was 
denied ticket because he had lost the previous election to SAD candidate by 
a huge margin.
Agitated over denying the party ticket, M.S. Heera, a former chairman of the 
Improvement Trust, has announced that he would write to Sonia Gandhi, 
president, Indian National Congress, about "non-performance" of Bhattal as 
president of the PPCC.
The former chairman said he would also send his detailed report regarding 
the "non-performance" of Capt Amarinder Singh during his five-year stint as 
Chief Minister of Punjab.
He alleged that Amarinder tried to make inroads into Akali votes by raising 
"Panthic and peasantry agenda" by ignoring other issues.
"Being a senior party leader, I deem it my duty to give true feedback about 
the downfall of the Congress party in Punjab in the past about six years," 
he said. He, however, said it was true that Amarinder received massive 
response from Congressmen during his recent two-day tour of the border belt.
The main reason for the huge response was that Bhattal failed to come to the 
rescue of party workers who were facing political vendetta after the 
formation of the SAD-BJP government. "I will continue to send my periodical 
reports to Soniaji till the corrective measures were taken to streamline the 
PPCC," he said.
Meanwhile, the rebel Congress leaders have indicated that they will either 
field their own candidate or might support the Akali candidate, if the 
Congress high command failed to change the candidate.
Among those who were in favour of Harjinder Singh Thekedar included Ashwani 
Kale Shah, a councillor, Sanjay Sharma, Puran Singh Chaudhry, Ajit Singh and 
Balram Kumar, many former municipal councillors and presidents of various 
political and social organisations.
Give ticket to secular candidate: Bolaria
A meeting of some Hindu organisations, presided over by Inderbir Singh 
Bolaria, councillor of Shiromani Akali Dal, here today urged the party high 
command to allocate party ticket for the forthcoming Amritsar (South) 
Assembly constituency to a person with 'secular' credentials.
The supporters of Bolaria said the ticket should be given to him because it 
fell vacant following the death of his father Raminder Singh Bolaria.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/gujarat-woman-protests-in-nude-against-cops/65001-3.html?xml

Gujarat woman protests in nude against cops
CNN-IBN
Published on Sat, May 10, 2008 at 18:13, Updated at Sat, May 10, 2008 in 
Nation section
Tags: Nude Protest, Chotila , New Delhi

STRANGE BUT TRUE: The woman had come to Chotila a week ago after a rift with 
her husband.

New Delhi: A 35-year-old woman staged a nude protest against the local 
police in Chotila village in Gujarat.
She was protesting against the police levying false allegations against her.
The woman, Kailash had come to Chotila a week ago after a rift with her 
husband and was summoned by the local police station for interrogation about 
frequent thefts in the area.
"The police reached the place. Many truckers had stopped there. They sorted 
out the traffic situation. A woman constable was called to dress her up and 
she was taken to a hospital to check her mental state," a police official 
said.
Kailash was arrested and admitted to the government hospital where the 
doctors have given her tranquilizers.

http://www.rxpgnews.com/india/MIM-stages-protest-at-Andhra-police-headquarters_31591.shtml

Last Updated: May 21, 2007 - 4:00:57 AM

MIM stages protest at Andhra police headquarters
May 20, 2007 - 4:57:36 PM

Akbaruddin Owaisi, the parliamentarian's younger brother and MIM's leader in 
the state assembly, and other party leaders also participated in the 
protest.
By IANS, [RxPG] Hyderabad, May 20 - The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen -, a 
party with a large following in the Muslim-majority old city of Hyderabad, 
Sunday staged a protest in front of the Andhra Pradesh police headquarters 
demanding immediate suspension of the police officials responsible for 
firing after Friday's bomb blast at the historic Mecca Masjid.

Led by party leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, MIM activists staged 
a sit-in in front of the office of Director General of Police - in Saifabad, 
throwing traffic out of gear in the heart of the city.

Tension prevailed for some time as the activists, who were carrying black 
flags, tried to barge into the high-security office, abutting the state 
legislative assembly building. They shouted slogans against police and set 
afire an effigy DGP M.A. Basit.

The young parliamentarian demanded that the government immediately order an 
inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation - into the bomb blast and the 
police firing and suspension of officials for opening fire.

The 17th-century Mecca Masjid, near the city's famous landmark of Charminar, 
was targeted with a powerful blast Friday afternoon. Soon after that, police 
had fired on a protesting mob to quell violence.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy said Saturday that 11 people were 
killed in the mosque blast, while five died in police firing.

On Saturday night, the police chief had clarified that nine people died in 
the blast and five in firing.

Owaisi, however, said 10 people died in police firing and seven in the 
blast.

Basit had initially denied police firing and claimed that only rubber 
bullets were fired. During a meeting called by Union Home Minister Shivraj 
Patil here Saturday, the DGP had defended the police action.

'We want an immediate CBI inquiry and immediate suspension of guilty 
officers and if these demands are not met then there is no difference 
between the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat,' said Owaisi, whose 
party is an ally of the ruling Congress.

'The firing was unprovoked. Some policemen deliberately targeted protesters 
and shot them in their chests,' alleged the MP.

Akbaruddin Owaisi, the parliamentarian's younger brother and MIM's leader in 
the state assembly, and other party leaders also participated in the 
protest.

The old city, which is home to half of the city's four million population, 
is a traditional stronghold of MIM. The party won all the five assembly 
seats in the old city and the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat in the 2004 
elections.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/28/stories/2008052851790300.htm

Rallies, dharnas mark journalists' protest
Special Correspondent
Various organisations condemn attack on Andhra Jyothi office in Hyderabad

SRIKAKULAM: Media persons in the district took out a rally and staged a 
dharna here on Tuesday condemning the attack by MRPS activists on the office 
of Andhra Jyothi, a Telugu daily. They demanded immediate arrest of those 
behind the attack.
They took out a rally from the Press Club and went to the office of the SP 
where they submitted a memorandum. An effigy of Manda Krishna Madiga was 
burnt at Dr. Ambedkar statue. Representatives of TDP, CPI(M), CPI and other 
voluntary organisations expressed solidarity with the media persons and 
joined the rally.
At a meeting held at the Press Club earlier speakers described the incident 
as an attack on freedom of press. On Monday evening, presspersons formed a 
human chain at the busy Seven-road junction to register their protest 
against the attack.
Rajahmundry: Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), AP 
Electronic Media Association (APEMA) and Press Photographers' Association on 
Tuesday passed a resolution demanding protection to offices of media 
organisations, journalists and photographers.
At a joint meeting held at the Press Club, print and electronic media 
journalists and photographers strongly condemned the attacks by MRPS 
activists on the offices of Andhra Jyothi and sought measures to prevent 
such incidents.
They also resolved to stop the coverage of the activities of MRPS in protest 
against its attack on the offices of Andhra Jyothi.
VIZIANAGARAM: Journalists under the aegis of Andhra Pradesh Union of Working 
Journalists blocked traffic at Mayuri junction in the town. Later, they 
burnt the effigy of Manda Krishna Madiga, MRPS president.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/28/stories/2008052853670400.htm

Journalists protest; MRPS adamant
Special Correspondent
Three MRPS activists held for attack on 'Andhra Jyothi' office

- PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

Agitated: Journalists staging dharna protesting against attack on 'Andhra 
Jyothi' office in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
HYDERABAD: Even as journalists across the State registered their protest 
over the Monday's attacks on the offices of 'Andhra Jyothi' Telugu daily by 
taking out rallies, members of over two dozen associations representing the 
weaker sections led by the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) 
persisted with their demand of an unconditional apology from the newspaper.
At almost all major towns and cities including Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, 
Guntur, Adilabad, Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram, 
journalists organised processions, staged 'rasta rokos' and petitioned 
District Collectors and Superintendents of Police about the attack on the 
freedom of the press by the MRPS. In almost all the districts, journalists' 
associations adopted resolutions to boycott all MRPS programmes for at least 
a week.
MRPS leader Manda Krishna, however, vehemently defended the vandalism 
indulged in by his activists and said he planned to move the Courts under 
the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the defamation laws against the 
daily and its Managing Director.
CLP condemns
In some places, MRPS cadres and other organisations working for the weaker 
sections took our rallies accusing a section of the press of demoralising 
them.
Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party has advised the newspaper's 
management not to attribute motives to the State Government for the attack. 
Condemning the incident as undemocratic, MLA Vatti Vasant Kumar said it was 
unfortunate that the newspaper management was pointing an accusing finger at 
the Government.
He recalled that soon after the incident, action was initiated and culprits 
nabbed, pointing out that there was no need for Government to shield the 
offenders. He said Government had no intention to provoke anyone to carry 
out the attack which was reprehensible.
Another attack
A day after activists of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) 
attacked the head office of Andhra Jyothi, a Telugu daily, in Jubilee Hills, 
the police on Tuesday took three persons into custody.
"We are questioning them for collecting more information," said DCP (West) 
C. Ravi Verma. He said round-the-clock security was provided to the office 
to prevent any attacks.
Meanwhile, three persons suspected to be MRPS activists attacked zonal 
office of Andhra Jyothi at Dilsukhnagar on Tuesday morning. They came on a 
motorcycle, broke open the office door and damaged glass panes, furniture 
and computer.
Journalists later took out a rally from Dilsukhnagar to L. B. Nagar 
crossroads condemning the attack.
They submitted a memorandum to the Cyberabad DCP M. Kantha Rao seeking stern 
action against attackers.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Protesters-block-KalkaShimla-NH-at-Dharampur-for-3-hours/314358/

Protesters block Kalka-Shimla NH at Dharampur for 3 hours
ARVIND KASHYAP
Posted online: Monday , May 26, 2008 at 10:02:05
Updated: Monday , May 26, 2008 at 10:02:05

Solan, May 25 Angered over alleged police inaction in the case of a local 
youth's suicide, hundreds of people today blocked vehicular traffic for over 
three hours on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway, outside Dharampur police 
station, to register their protest.
Trouble started in the morning when the news of local youth Gaurav Rattan's 
suicide spread in the town. Gaurav (23), relative of a cloth merchant of the 
town, allegedly hanged himself from a ceiling fan last night. In a complaint 
lodged with Dharampur police by Neeru Sharma, the deceased's mother, it was 
alleged that Gaurav had some dispute with one Rishabh Garg last week. 
Rishabh had complained to the police and both were summoned to the police 
station, where the matter was resolved. However, it was alleged that some 
relatives of Rishabh started harassing Gaurav through police officials. The 
matter reached the office of the SSP, who summoned both parties two days 
back. Feeling that the rival party had influenced the police, Gaurav 
committed suicide last night.
However, no suicide note was recovered.
As the news spread, hundreds of people came out on the road and raised 
slogans against police officials at 8.30 am, demanding that erring police 
officials be suspended. The block was lifted at 11.30 am only after ADM, SDM 
and ASP intervened.
Additional Superintendent of Police S.R. Rana, who visited the spot, said 
Assistant Sub-Inspector Desh Raj and Head Constable Krishan Kumar have been 
shifted to Police Lines and a departmental inquiry has been ordered against 
them.
Kasauli constituency MLA Dr Rajeev Sehjal also faced the wrath of the 
protesters, but assured them of an impartial probe.
Later, the police arrested a local trader, Radhe Shayam Garg, on the charge 
of abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/27/stories/2008062760180400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

DYFI plans State-wide protests today
Staff Reporter
Against 'violent stir' by Congress, BJP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) will 
organise State-wide protests on Friday to focus attention on the "violent 
agitations" being organised these days by the Congress and the BJP.
This was stated at a press conference here on Thursday by K.S. Sunilkumar, 
member of the State secretariat of the DYFI.
Referring to the clash between activists of the DYFI and the Bharatiya 
Janata Yuva Mocha in front of the Secretariat here on Thursday evening, Mr. 
Sunilkumar said the "first stone" had come from the Morcha activists. This 
was a pre-meditated attack as was the stoning of the NGO union process in 
front of the secretariat earlier in the day. By unleashing violence on the 
streets, the BJP and its feeder organisations had become the 'B team' of the 
UDF, he said.
When the DYFI protest march reached the Secretariat the activists squatted 
on the road well away from the barricade across the road erected by the 
police. When the Morcha activists started throwing stones, some DYFI 
activists threw them back. The police were caught in the middle and they 
reacted. This could not be interpreted as providing help to the DYFI, he 
argued.
Four DYFI activists who were injured in the incident were hospitalised, Mr. 
Sunilkumar added.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/24/stories/2008052451200300.htm

AIYF protests Centre's 'failures'
Staff Reporter
ANANTAPUR: Activists of the All-India Youth Federation (AIYF) staged a 
dharna in front of the RDO's office here on Friday in protest against the 
alleged failures of the UPA Government at the Centre.
The UPA Government had failed to keep several promises made before the 2004 
elections, though it had completed four-year term, it alleged.
Leading the protest, CPI district secretary D. Jagadish, AIYF leaders K.Y. 
Prasad, N. Sreeramulu and Ramakrishna alleged that the NREGS introduced to 
provide 100 days of work to the unemployed rural youth and farm workers 
during the lean periods had become an easy source of income for elected 
representatives and officials.
The scheme is being misused as there is no financial commitment for the 
State Government and alleged that no proper planning is being made for 
execution of the selected works.
The Centre also is adopting an escapist attitude by blaming the previous NDA 
Government and the international market conditions for the price rise of 
essential commodities, he alleged.
Further, the Centre's failure in respect of law and order, also came in for 
criticism. The intelligence wing is in deep slumber and is unable to foresee 
the terrorist attacks. The unemployed youth are not getting jobs even 
decades after registering their names with employment exchanges as they have 
become mere name enrolment centres, the CPI and AIYF leaders alleged.
They demanded 33 per cent quota for women in law making bodies, a 
comprehensive national youth policy along with budgetary support, a 
comprehensive law for workers of unorganised sector and distribution of 
lands to farm workers and unemployed youth in rural areas.
Later, they submitted a memorandum to RDO Gangadhar Reddy.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/26/stories/2008042652460300.htm

Congress workers protest 'injustice'
Staff Correspondent
BELLARY: Workers of the Congress party staged demonstrations here on Friday 
in protest against what they termed the inappropriate selection of 
candidates for three Assembly constituencies in the district." After the 
resentment of party workers in Kudligi, who opposed the candidature of N.T. 
Bommanna, similar protests were held in Hospet and Sirguppa constituencies.
In Kudligi, party workers, mostly supporters of the former Minister 
Bhagirathi Marulasiddanagouda, were of the firm view that S. Venkatesh was a 
more acceptable candidate and was sure to win. They demanded that he be 
given party ticket and not Mr. Bommanna. They threatened to boycott the 
polls if a decision to that effect was not taken.
Sensing trouble, the party high command has reportedly decided to field Mr. 
Venkatesh. Around 1,000 party workers, including women from Sirguppa 
Assembly constituency, staged a demonstration in front of the District 
Congress Committee office in Bellary city demanding ticket for B.M. Nagaraj 
instead of Ramaiah. They submitted a memorandum addressed to the Karnataka 
Pradesh Congress Committee in this regard.
In Hospet, the supporters of Deepak Singh, a mine owner, staged a 
demonstration on Thursday urging the leaders to field him as party candidate 
from the Vijayanagar Assembly constituency.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/23/stories/2008042353820400.htm

Congress workers' protest blocks road
Special Correspondent
Demand that their leaders be nominated by the party to contest Assembly 
elections

- Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

Backing their leader: Supporters of R.V. Devaraj staging a protest in front 
of the KPCC office in Bangalore on Tuesday demanding that he be nominated to 
contest the Assembly elections from Chickpet constituency.
Bangalore: The police had to be called in to disperse the crowd in front of 
the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office on Queen's Road. Followers 
of R.V. Devaraj, who has been denied a ticket to contest from Chickpet 
constituency, were blocking the road during peak hour on Tuesday morning.
Around the same time, Congress workers from Rajajinagar and Mahalakshmi 
Layout constituencies also arrived, demanding that their leaders, Puttaraju, 
former Deputy Mayor of Bangalore, and Nagaraju be given ticket.
Decision today
The Congress high command has withheld its decision to nominate P.R. Ramesh, 
former Mayor of Bangalore, whose request to contest from Chickpet 
constituency had been approved. He has not been given the B form for filing 
his nomination papers. A final decision on the nominee will be taken on 
Wednesday.
Mr. Devaraj, a close associate of the former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, 
gave up the Chamarajpet seat, which he won in the 1999 elections, to allow 
Mr. Krishna to contest from there in the 2004 elections. Though he was 
accommodated in the Legislative Council, he resigned from the Council to 
contest the byelection following the resignation of Mr. Krishna after he was 
appointed Governor of Maharashtra. But Mr. Devaraj lost to Zamir Ahmed Khan 
of the Janata Dal (Secular).
Now that parts of the old Chamarajpet constituency have been included in 
Chickpet constituency after the delimitation process, Mr. Devaraj has sought 
to be nominated from Chickpet.
Owners of shops and establishments on J.C. Road, where Mr. Devaraj's office 
is situated, and surrounding areas, which form part of Chamarajpet 
constituency, downed shutters in support of his candidature. Sources said 
that the party was in a fix on nominating a candidate for the Jayanagar 
Assembly constituency. It had announced in the first list of candidates that 
Samiullah would be the nominee. But the decision had to be kept in abeyance 
following serious reservations expressed by party workers and members of the 
public, sources said.
A large number of Vokkaligas in the party have reportedly urged the high 
command to field Mr. Krishna. The party, sources said, may ask the veteran 
Congressman to contest from either Maddur or Jayanagar.
The Vokkaligara Vedike of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has 
criticised the high command for not fielding Mr. Krishna.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/21/stories/2008082154140400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Protest against defections
BANGALORE: Activists of Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha staged a "broomstick" 
protest near the office of the Chief Electoral Officer here, condemning the 
defection by MLAs. The former MLA and Vatal Paksha president Vatal Nagaraj 
said that it was a bad trend that elected representatives defected for the 
sake of power by resigning their Assembly membership thereby forcing 
byelection on the people. "The Election Commission should amend the 
Anti-Defection Law so as to bar the defectors from contesting in the 
elections for six years," Mr. Nagaraj said. - Staff Reporter

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/15/stories/2008051560311000.htm

Protest seeks Binayak Sen's release
Staff Reporter
It also demands the release of Ajay TG, a film maker and PUCL member

- Photo: K.V.Srinivasan

FOR A CAUSE: Activists staging a demonstration seeking the release of 
Binayak Sen in Chennai on Wednesday.
CHENNAI: Around 200 doctors, medical postgraduates, law students, human 
rights activists, lawyers and film makers took part in a demonstration on 
Wednesday demanding the immediate release of eminent paediatrician and human 
rights activist Binayak Sen.
The demonstration by activists of Campaign Committee for the Release of 
Dr.Binayak Sen, Tamil Nadu, was held as part of International Day of 
Protest, to mark one year of his detention under the Chhattisgarh Public 
Security Act (CPSA), 2005, by the BJP Government.
The activists also sought the release of Ajay TG, a film maker and a member 
of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, who had been imprisoned under the 
same act a couple of weeks ago. They sought immediate repeal of the CPSA and 
the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 2004.
Blood donation drive
Similar protests were held in six cities including Madurai, Coimbatore, 
Tiruchengode, Bhavani and Sivagangai in the State.
Expressing solidarity with the Campaign Committee for the Release of Dr. 
Binayak Sen, doctors, nurses and other staff at CMC Vellore have initiated a 
year-long blood donation drive.
Dr. Rakhal Gaitonde of the campaign committee said a memorandum carrying the 
signature of people from all over the State was faxed to the Governor and 
the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
Dr. Binayak Sen gave up his private practice and corporate hospital practice 
and chose to work with miners, Adivasis, people who were displaced by dam 
projects and rural communities.
Recently 22 Nobel laureates have expressed concern about his continuing 
detention and have written to the President of India and the Chief Minister 
of Chhattisgarh.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/15/stories/2008051551820300.htm

Autorickshaw drivers stage protest in Vaniyambadi
Staff Reporter
- Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan

A section of auto drivers protesting against police 'ill treatment' at 
Vaniyambadi.
VANIYAMBADI: A section of the autorickshaw drivers at Vaniyambadi in Vellore 
District staged a one-and-a-half day protest beginning Tuesday to condemn 
what they allege the ill treatment meted to them by the Vaniyambadi Sub 
Division Police on the pretext of streamlining the traffic movement in some 
of the congested areas here.
The autorickshaw drivers at the stand in the Vaniyambadi Bus Stand wanted 
the police to soft handle issues pertaining to the autorickshaw drivers. The 
autorickshaw drivers said that a Sub Inspector was always indifferent to the 
problems faced by them. The Sub Inspector ill-treated the drivers whenever 
they went with some petitions. They demanded, among other things, 
identification of additional locations for the autostand. In Vaniyambadi, 
there were more than 750 autorickshaws. Arul Srinivasan, CPI (M) Secretary, 
Vaniyambadi Taluk, said that there was a total of over 1,000 autorickshaw 
drivers in Vaniyambadi.
On May 13, an autorickshaw driver, who was stuck in a traffic snarl on C.L. 
Road, was allegedly kicked by one of the Inspectors of the Vaniyambadi Sub 
Division with his shoes. The Inspector wanted the autorickshaw driver to 
immediately move the vehicle. On knowing about the incident, the other 
drivers decided not to ply their vehicles until the Inspector apologised for 
the ill treatment.
It was under these circumstances Mr. Arul Srinivasan along with the Auto 
Drivers Association District Secretary M.P.Ramachandran and CITU vice 
president S.M.Hanif met the Vaniyambadi Sub Division Deputy Superintendent 
of Police (DSP) M.Suresh Kumar to brief him about the alleged atrocities 
committed by the police department against the drivers. A particular 
reference was made to the incident where the Inspector kicked an auto 
rickshaw driver with his shoe.
However, a compromise was reached as the DSP had assured that he would soon 
organise a joint meeting of auto drivers with the Motor Vehicle Inspector, 
police and trade union leaders to smoothly settle the issue. The DSP also 
said that the demands of the autorickshaw drivers would be discussed at the 
meeting. Based on the assurance, the autorickshaw drivers gave up their 
protest from Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Srinivasan said that the Inspector had 
apologised for his action.
However, Mr. Suresh Kumar said that the Inspector had only streamlined the 
traffic movement on C.L.Road. The Inspector did not manhandle the 
autorickshaw driver. The autorickshaw drivers have been instructed to take 
the help of the police department to identify the locations for the auto 
stand. Only those autorickshaws at the stand in Vaniyambadi Bus Stand were 
off the road.Mr. Srinivasan further said that the auto drivers in 
Vaniyambadi would participate in the all India strike slated on May 15 
condemning the price hike of diesel, petrol and other essential commodities.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/24/stories/2008042452890300.htm

Protesting Congress workers lock party office in Raichur
Staff Correspondent
Demand ticket for Raja Amareshwara Naik from Raichur Rural constituency

Opposition: Congress activists setting tyres on fire in front of the 
district unit office of the party in Raichur on Wednesday.
Raichur: Tension prevailed for a while on the District Congress Committee 
office premises here on Wednesday after a group of party workers staged a 
dharna and locked the office in protest against the denial of the party 
ticket to the former Minister Raja Amareshwara Naik.
Mr. Amareshwara Naik had sought the party ticket from the Raichur Rural 
Assembly constituency (earlier Kalmala segment) from where he had won in the 
1999 elections.
The district committee had included the name of Mr. Amareshwara Naik in list 
sent to the party high command for selecting the candidates.
However, on Tuesday, the party announced Raja Rayappa Naik, Mr. Amareshwara 
Naik's cousin, as its official candidate for the constituency.
This has disappointed the followers of Mr. Amareshwara Naik. About 1,000 
party workers, led by Babu Rao, general secretary of the State unit of the 
farmers' wing of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), staged the 
dharna.
They shouted slogans against Venkatesh Naik, Raichur MP, holding him 
responsible for the denial of ticket to Mr. Amareshwara Naik. They demanded 
that district unit president of the party A. Vasanthkumar should bring 
pressure on the party high command to nominate Mr. Amareshwara Naik as the 
official candidate from Raichur Rural constituency.
When there was no response from the party leaders who were inside the 
office, the protesters burnt tyres in front of the gate and locked the main 
door.
Assurance
Mr. Vasanthkumar appealed to the protesters to withdraw their agitation as 
the decision on Mr. Rayappa Naik's candidature was taken by the party high 
command. The protesters ended the dharna after Mr. Vasanthkumar assured them 
that he would take up the issue with the party high command.
Later, speaking to presspersons, Mr. Rao said that they were surprised at 
the candidature of Mr. Rayappa Naik. Mr. Amareshwara Naik's supporters 
suspected that the Raichur MP was behind this, he said.
He said that the supporters would take out a protest march from Ambedkar 
Circle to the Congress office on Thursday and resort to indefinite fast in 
front of the office until Mr. Amareshwara Naik was nominated from Raichur 
Rural segment.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/25/stories/2008042553210300.htm

Protests continue for the second day
Special Correspondent
Supporters of Ramakrishna, Pawar stage demonstrations

IN PROTEST: Supporters of the former Minister, G. Ramakrishna, taking out a 
procession in Gulbarga on Thursday.
GULBARGA: The protests and the sense of discontent against the denial of 
party ticket to senior leaders in the Gulbarga district Congress continued 
for the second day on Thursday with supporters of the former Minister, G. 
Ramakrishna, taking out a procession and staging a protest in front of the 
District Congress Committee office for denying ticket to their leader from 
the Gulbarga Rural Assembly constituency.
Another group of supporters of another Congress leader from Shahabad Subash 
Pawar also staged an angry demonstration in front of the District Congress 
Committee office voicing its protest against the denial of party ticket to 
the leader from Gulbarga Rural Assembly Constituency.
The scheduled visit of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president M. 
Mallikarjun Kharge to Gulbarga on Friday has generated interest in the party 
circles.
The leaders, who were denied party ticket in Shahapur, Gulbarga Rural, 
Gulbarga South and Sedam Assembly constituencies, are likely to meet Mr. 
Kharge and voice their protests.
Mr. Kharge, who is scheduled to arrive here by helicopter, has no scheduled 
programmes in the city.
Meanwhile, a crucial meeting of the supporters of the former MLA, 
Shivashekarappa Patil Sirwal, at Shahapur in which several senior leaders, 
including the party MLC, Amatappa Kandakur, participated, decided to go by 
the final decision taken by Mr. Sirwal on the future course of action.
The meeting voiced its anguish over the party's denial of ticket to Mr. 
Sirwal and preferring a new comer and the former Minister, Sharanabasappa 
Darshanapur.
Mr. Sirwal told his supporters at the meeting that he had held discussions 
with both Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge and the former Chief Minister, N. Dharam 
Singh, and the two leaders advised him to wait till Friday and not to take 
any hasty decision which would harm his political future.
"I have still confidence in these two leaders that they will do justice to 
me and I will wait till tomorrow before taking any final decision on the 
next course of action," he said.
However, Mr. Sirwal rejected the demand made by a few speakers at the 
meeting that he should contest as an independent in Shahapur this time and 
said that this amounted to rebellion against the party's decision. "I have a 
30-year association with the party and I do not want to jeopardise it by any 
hasty decision," he said. Mr. Sirwal said that there were offers from other 
political parties which had promised him to give party ticket to contest 
from Shahapur. "I have resisted all these tempting offers in the hope that 
the Congress will not deny me the opportunity to fight the elections this 
time [on its ticket]," he said.
However, Mr. Sirwal was not clear whether he would remain in the party or 
join another as a protest now.
There were unconfirmed reports of the Janata Dal (S) offering the party 
ticket to Mr. Sirwal this time against the Congress' Mr. Sharanabasappa 
Darshanapur.
Incidentally, Mr. Darshanapur had contested on the Janata Dal(S) ticket in 
the last Assembly elections against Mr. Sirwal and won the seat for the 
party. The Janata Dal(S) is yet to announce its candidate for the Shahapur 
Assembly constituency.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/25/stories/2008042554690500.htm

AIYF protest

Police station march: A march taken out by the All India Youth Federation 
(AIYF) to the Manjeri police station on Thursday in protest against alleged 
police excesses on its activists during a protest against Spencer's earlier 
this week.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/06/stories/2008050651170300.htm

Mahila Sanghom protest
Thiruvananthapuram: The State unit of the Kerala Mahila Sanghom has 
protested against the use of force on the activists of pro-Left women's 
organisations who were demonstrating in front of Parliament demanding the 
introduction and enactment of the women's reservation Bill during the 
current session. R. Letha Devi, president, and Kamala Sadanandan, secretary 
of the State unit, said in a statement here on Monday that 33 per cent 
reservation for women in Parliament and the Assemblies was a major promise 
of the United Progressive Alliance government. Its failure to implement the 
reservation even during the fag end of its term was ridiculous and a 
challenge to women and democracy. They asked the government to introduce and 
enact the bill in the Rajya Sabha immediately without waiting for a 
consensus.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/29/stories/2008042950430300.htm

AIADMK cadres protest against telephone tapping
Staff Reporter
'CM should own moral responsibility for the incident'

- PHOTO: M. GOVARTHAN.

AIADMK cardres protesting in front of the Erode Corporation against phone 
tapping.
ERODE: Cadres of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Monday 
protested here in front of the Corporation building. Led by the party's Anna 
Thozhir Sanga Peravai's State joint secretary Shankaradoss the party men 
alleged that the State Government indulged in tapping telephones of 
Opposition leaders and others. Mr. Shankaradoss wanted the Chief Minister M. 
Karunanidhi to own moral responsibility for the telephone tapping incident 
involving the Chief Secretary and a senior police officer and resign.
Hundreds of AIADMK cadres participated in the protest.

http://story.indiagazette.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/701ee96610c884a6/id/356126/cs/1/

Protests in Karachi against arrests of Pakistanis on "fake visa" charges in 
India
India Gazette
Tuesday 6th May, 2008
(ANI)
Karachi, May 6 : Hundreds of relatives of those arrested in India on charges 
of fake visas or overstaying their visas, organized a strong protest in 
front of the Karachi Press Club, alleging that Indian authorities had 
arrested more than 200 Pakistani visitors on charges of fake visas, even 
though they were holding valid visas.

The agitated protesters demanded of the Indian and Pakistani governments to 
take immediate notice of the arrests and work towards release of the 
Pakistani prisoners.

The protesters said that Pakistanis attached much significance to visiting 
India, and consider it as a "sacred trip".

"Our parents consider a visit to India a 'sacred trip' because they have 
memories of their childhood associated with it. Is it a crime to meet ones' 
parents?" the Daily Times quoted one Yousuf Raza as saying.

Daud Mandra, one of the protesters, said that Indian authorities had 
arrested some of his family members despite the fact that they were holding 
valid visas for two months. "My younger brother, Sultan, his wife and 
two-year-old daughter decided to take the trip two years ago. The visa 
process did not give them a chance to fulfill my mother's desire. The Indian 
authorities asked them to leave India because their visa was for one month 
only. They left Pakistan on March 22 for the Indian district Kutch-Buj as 
most of their relatives live there. My mother is still in village Waradi, 
but my brother who was coming back along with his wife and daughter was 
arrested at Attari," said Daud.

He added: "It was shocking for me to find out that around six elderly women 
were never contacted by their Pakistani counterparts. How can old women get 
fake visas, and even if they did, why were they allowed to cross the borders 
legally? This is injustice to Pakistanis. Most of the people from Kutch lack 
proper orientation for visiting any country."

According to the paper, most of the victims belong to the Kutchi community, 
mostly settled in Lyari, Machhar Colony, Khokhrapar, Kumbhar Wara and 
Keamari. Mandra, Hingora, Sanghar, Noutiar, Pirzada and Kumbhar. Their next 
of kin participated in the protest demonstration, carrying banners and 
placards, demanding that the Pakistani and Indian authorities should take 
immediate steps to investigate the matter so that the fear can be minimized 
for other visitors too.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=129613

Relatives of detainees hold protest at KPC Tuesday, August 12, 2008
By our correspondent

Karachi

A large number of relatives of Pakistanis detained at Indian jails staged a 
protest demonstration on Monday outside the Karachi Press Club. They urged 
the Pakistani government to ensure their safe release without further delay.

Dawood Mandra, the activist who organised the rally, said that around 200 
people belonging to different areas of Karachi were captured by Indian 
authorities allegedly in the case of visa tampering four months ago while 
they were returning home.

Mandra said he has a list with passports copies of about 38 people, adding 
that he has received the fresh list from Indian family friends, which shows 
that 69 people are in the jails. But later, he said, they have collected 
further information which reveals that the number might be more than 200 
people, including ailing women and men. He said Urooz Bisma, a baby who will 
celebrate her second birthday in Indian jail is also among the detainees.

The protestors, including women and youth carrying placards were shouting 
slogans against the Indian authorities, who they blamed, have manipulated 
the documents of their relatives to justify the arrest of the Pakistani 
citizens. They also demanded the Pakistan government to take initiative and 
use diplomatic sources to get them released. They said relatives living here 
are worried about the people languishing in Indian jails.

Furthermore, they pointed out that the Pakistani government should take 
action against the people who are involved in the game of motivating 
innocent people for getting visa and minting money. They said these agents 
are exploiting innocent people of the city. The protestors said there are 
several organisations who are involved in this crime and because of having 
close links to influential they are still at large.

The detainees travelled to India on different occasions to visit their 
relatives there. They stayed there for two to three months and were 
returning home when they were caught by Indian border security forces 
allegedly over the charges of having tampered visas.