Taslima Nasreen and a deafening silence
Came across a great post by Sandeep on the recent assault on Taslima Nasreen in Hyderabad.
Some things stand out in this remarkable episode:
- The deafening silence of the liberal activists on the incident (from Arundhati Roy onwards) � although there appears to be some condemnation of the incident from Muslims leaders (and others)
- The contrast in the stance of our Government re. granting of citizenship to Taslima (the government is still “looking into it”) -Â and the demand for visa for Dr Haneef (see here and here)
- The avoidance of the “M-word“ by mainstream media
But the most striking part for me was this chilling statement – made on the floor of the assembly by Akbaruddin Owaisi, the floor leader of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) in the Andhra Assembly on Friday: “It is legitimate to kill Taslima Nasreen under Islamic law, but unfortunately we could not do it“*.
Unbelievable!
Image courtesy: TaslimaNasreen.com
Also stumbled on this piece by Atanu Dey: Exporting Islam in which he suggests “a distinction between Islam and Muslims”. Interesting.
See also: On Taslima Nasreen, fatwas and burqas and this post for my views on MF Husain and strong arm tactics.
* Source: Swapan Dasgupta’s article in “The Pioneer” titled “Why MIM will go scot-free” (note link may not work as articles are not archived on The Pioneer)
.
UPDATE: One more link added (at bullet point 1) and Teesta seems to have finally “spoken” by filing a petition seeking disqualification of three MIM legislators.
I wonder whether Teesta’s persistence will trump Swapan’s belief.
UPDATE – II: Firoz Bakhat has a good piece on this subject which I chanced upon this morning: “Attack on Taslima: Where are the Muslim voices of sanity? “
Just imagine the out come if Hindu male with political background would have done this rubbish act on muslim woman.
Where is Shabana Azmi? Testa stelvard? Are they hiding?
I am amused at the idea of Shabana Azmi, and Teesta Setalvad being seen as the moderate face of Islam. In fact they are the hypocritical face of Islam. The face that says that the artistic freedom of M.F. Hussain is infringed upon if someone files a case against him, but remains silent when Salman Rushdie or in this case Taslima Nasreen’s artistic freedom’s are impinged upon.
Michael Savage, a radio talk show host in the U.S., often says that liberalism is a mental illness. And I have to say that in this case, I agree with him. Whether it is our liberal media which cannot understand that a nation is one that accords the same rights to all its people and therefore fringe radical elements in either majority or minority community need to be exposed equally, or our human rights NGO’s which think that discrimation against the minority is a crime, bu discrimination against the majority is acceptable and necessry, or even our leaders who think that the silent majority is a powerless majority and can be imposed on at will, they all seem to exhibit signs of the same mental illness.
@ Indian: Teesta seems to have finally spoken. See UPDATE to the post above.
***
@ Subadra: Thanks for your comment.
I think the problem with our media, political leaders etc is in the inconsistency.
You can either be for “freedom of expression” or against it – not “for” on some occassions and “against” on other.
I read some of the posts above and I think it is disappointing to see the immoral support revolving around criminal nuisances such as Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasrin.
These two particular individuals have one thing in common. They both want to be in the public eye, gain wealth and fame by insulting the faith and beliefs of certain people or communities by using grossly misrepresented ideologies, blatant lies and cunning deception. And, many educated Indians and the media shove these ill traits under the huge carpet called “Freedom of Expression”.
Who is inconsistent, the celebrities who did not support Taslima or the public? If what Taslima did, hurting the sentiments and faith of masses, is freedom of expression then what the MLAs did recently by harrasing Taslima was also “Freedom of Expression”. Now, who is a hypocrite?
The point is – Taslima, Salman, M.F Hussain and the MLAs who attacked Taslima are all wrong. Civilized people do not behave this way. Before we straighten the MIM we need to clean the blotch, Taslima, from the white banner called “Freedom of Expression”. We must stop people from misusing the freedom of expression that the great Indian constituency permits.
Do you know why the Muslims hate Salman Rushdie? Because he insulted the Indians by abusing Sita! He heaped the filthiest of abuses and insults on revered Hindu and Muslim figures under the banner of “freedom of expression”.
Satyameva Jayate – Only truth triumphs that is why what follows Taslima is a DEAFENING SILENCE!
Taslima is a women of courage. And muslims always dislikes those who are courageous and speak against Islam. Islam and Quran is full of hate and crime committed by Mohmmed. Muslim fears truth coming out of Quran, when people like Salman Rushdi, Taslima Nasreen, and Ali Sina shows mirrior to them. Instead of seeing truth in it they will break the mirror. How many mirrors can they Break? World is getting near and near to the truth of Islam and there will be many more people standing up to fight against the evil of Islam.
@ Adnan:
There is nothing “immoral” about the support to Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen. And before you label them as “criminal nuisances”, remember that neither of them have been convicted of any crimes.
I am surprised you equate the response of MLAs to Taslima Nasreen’s “freedom of expression”.
“Freedom of expression” does not mean the freedom to use violence against someone. As you say, “Civilized people do not behave this way.” !
Strong arm tactics are not the way to deal with this issue.
Dear Sir,
It is not at all surprising that the “seculars” like Teestas Javeds and Shabnas have no use for the likes of Taseema. They will not get the “Secular” media limelight as it does not involve the RSS or BJP or Modi.
They will come out in “support” that is all.
They are not worthwhile being discussed ae people of importance.
Regards,
V.C.Krishnan
*** Can someone please help me with a translation here?
Even a loose translation will do. Thanks a lot ***
*** ORIGINAL COMMENT ***
26.06.2007
Prio Nasreen
Amader somoy potrikai prokashito apnar ajker lekhata ami poresi. Nahid sultanar sathe jugajug korar chesta koresi kintu parini. Oboshese fire elam sei etharei jekhane khuje pabar chesta apnake. Jeno sei ganer moto- `Khola chithi dilam tumar name, E chithi pabe kina jani na.’
Apnar lekhata amake khub-e mormahoto korese. Amar e rokom-e dharona silo, Apnar moner obostha e-mon-e hobar kotha. Kintu jokhon apnar sathe mobil-e kotha boli tokhon ar e biswas dhore rakhte pari na. Du bosor dhore oniomito bhabe koekbar (Dheergo biroti die) apnar sathe kotha bolesi. Ami kotha dheergaito korar chesta koreo apnake dhore rakhte parini. Keno jeno mone hoyese je, ami apnar sathe jor kore kotha bolar chesta korsi.
Hote pare dheergo birotir setao ekta karon. Sorboshes jedin apnar sathe kotha hoi sedin apnar e-mail address cheyesilam. Hoito etodine apni bhule gesen(Apni kolkata bairesilen bole janiesilen). Apnar thikana na dileo website-e apnake khuje peyesi. Ami ekjon natun internet babharkari. Hoito sekaronei ami apnar website somporke oggato silam. Kintu jedin apnar website dekhlam sedin-e upulobdi korlam je, Amar moto ekjon anari ebong okkhato loker uchit hoini biswabikkhato bektitto taslima nasreener sathe kotha bole tar mulloban somoy nosto kora. Tarporeo dheergo chithi likhe somoy nosto korsi. Kintu ki korbo apnar lekha pore ebong apnar moner obostha chinta korei likhsi. Ajkeo ekjon loker sathe chalenge koresi je taslima dhese asbe ebong amar prochestatei asbe. kintu ami e-mon-e durbhaga je jar deshe asar bapare challenge korsi tar sathei amar jugajug nei.
Challenge korsi apnar satheo, Apni dese asben, obossoi asben ebong amar prochestatei asben. Tobe seta kobe ebong kibhabe ta ekhono jani na. Ami english-e dhokkho noi, etogulu kotha hoito ami english-e likhte partam na. Tai banglar asroi nilam.
26.06.2007 tarikher amader somoy potrikati pore ei potroti likhesilam. Ebhabe likhe jothi apnake bhujate pari tahole niomito jugajuger onumoti chaisi. eti apnar ochena bondu `Komol’
Apnar uttorer opekkhai roilam.
M.R. Komol
Publisher
Alpona Prokashony
Chiarman
Alpona Jonokallan Foundation
38/3, South Kunipara
Tejgao I/A, Dhaka-1208
Dear Shantanu:
[The issues have got so mixed up. I am not sure where to post my comments. Please move it to the appropriate section – Nandan]
“A day after the Islamic fundamentalist anger erupted on Kolkata streets over Taslima Nasreen’s continued stay in West Bengal, the controversial author ceded to CPM local boss Biman Bose’s diktat and took a flight to Jaipur. She will now be hosted in BJP-ruled Rajasthan.
In a clear attempt at pandering to hardline Muslim opinion, Mr Bose had issued a “Taslima Nasreen should leave West Bengal” statement. He had said that the author should leave the state if it affects the “harmony”, after a group of hardline Islamists vandalised Kolkata.”
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Taslima_leaves_for_Rajasthan/articleshow/2563502.cms
I am stumped. Is she safer in a State ruled by the fundamentalist BJP than she would be in the one ruled by the secular Communists? How about suggesting similar migration to the inhabitants of Nadingram if only to protect their lives from the blood thirsty hooligans of the secular mafia? At least, that will give the saviours of minorities and the messiahs of peace (read Congress) an opportunity to redeem these people from the fundamentalist, minority bashing, oppressive BJP rulers of Rajasthan.
The advantages are manifold. The Communists who are ideologically opposed to Capitalism can gift the land to the proven capitalists. They can even launch an agitation to force the Rajasthan Government to allot land to all the displaced migrants and when the Rajasthan Government refuses to budge, the minority card can be played effectively with the help of a pliant media. The willing sacrifice made by the minorities for the economic development of West Bengal can be highlighted. Everyone stands to gain.
If in the process, the poor man suffers then we can always blame his fate.
Nandan: Thanks. Will share some more thouhts later…but looks like Taslima’s travails are far from over:
Taslima Nasreen moved to Delhi
So looks like the brave lady is fast running out of options…W Bengal – NO, Rajasthan – NO, Andhra Pradesh – NO.
Sad and shameful.
Any voices that will break the deafening silence?
Taslima needs our support, support from Bharat. She is a part of our culture, blood. Its time, all nationalist and patriotic forces must speak-out clearly and boldly. Our nation and civilization must not be allowed to degenerate into a JIhadi culture.
Taslima must be given permanent asylum and residency in Bharat. However, its distant dream under present JIhadi-terror appeasing Congress-UPA-Left govt.
Over 30 million illegal Bangladeshi muslims now living In Bharat carrying ration cards and names in voters list. By crossing the border, overnight they become citizens.
If muslims in Bharat can’t tolerate criticism of their religion, they must get out from the soil of Bharat. In fact, we must kicked them out from our soil. Hindus excessive tolerance is the reason for the rise of Jihadis in Bharat
Commie sencularism and hypocrisy of freedom of expression exposed for another time. Few Jihadis cried out with swords and Commies kicked Taslima out from Bengal. Todays Bengalis are real cowards, they have no guts to stand on their feet. Days of tons of stalwart Bengali freedom fighters are history. Commie virus severely infected Bengalis and they are suffering from more deadly disease than AIDs, that is, disease of self-hate, disease of cowardice, disease of fear, and disease of traitors.
Commies banned the Autobiography of Taslima ‘Dikhandita’ for no reason except to appease and bow before Jihadis. I have gone through the book and found nothing serious which even needs a simple condemnation.
Its time BJP, as a true national party, must speak-out in a clear language to the UPA-Left govt that Taslima will live in Bharat and she must be given permanent residency and necessary security. Those who opposes must be told in clear terms that Bharat is a Hindu Rastra, and a not Islamist JIhaditstan.
Dear Sir,
Let us get it straight, WE SHOULD SUPPORT HER AT ANY COST!
ooh, where is the NHRC and the UNHRC, searching for a cassok to hide their shame or awaiting an expose to state that they will look into it? May be the Teesta’s and the Mahesh Bhatt’s have not read the newspapers for some time. Must be busy filing cases against Shri. Modi.
Some SMS’s can be sent to them C/o our Secular Media! to find out the reason for their silence. They may not be aware that she is Muslim as her face is seen and She is not wearing a Burqa but a Pant.
Regards,
vck
Dear Sir,
Once again I pop up like the bad penny.
I went through the post drawing reference to Ms. Teesta, and here is an extract: “We are not against people protesting what she has written but it should be done in a democratic manner and not by physical abuse or threatening,” Setalvad said.
“It is not that we are supporting Nasreen. There is a case against her in Hyderabad and the law should take its own course in the matter and any form of protest should be carried out in a legal manner,” she said.
We all know wht this means. Idiots file a case in India and screw Taslima. She will be in and out of courts for the next 20 years and she will either dare not to write any more books or will be broke by the time the case finishes and also that she will never have the time to write another book.
Ms. Teesta must be having the last laugh! You know why? the persons who filed the Bhopal case. Oops after nearly 25 years their murderers are willing to come and invest in India once again.
Godhra! Godhra! and Godhra! If the victims family had waited for filing cases!
Regards,
vck
Taslima put in safe house after Cabinet discussion
NEW DELHI: Worried about the security of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, who was “deported” from Kolkata following threats by Islamic fundamentalists, the Centre decided at a high-level Cabinet meeting to keep her location and movements under wraps to protect her. ….
…..
She was whisked to a “safe” location, understood to be either in the Capital or its vicinity. The issue figured in Lok Sabha where the BJP opposed calls for her to leave India. Foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee said, “Keeping her (Taslima) safe is the most important task at hand in this case.”
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Taslima_put_in_safe_house_after_Cabinet_discussion/articleshow/2566210.cms
Should India grant asylum to Taslima Nasreen?
http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2007/11/23/4819150.aspx
Please write your voice over there. We all must put forward our voice. Else Islamist Jihadi appeasing Congress-Commies will throw her out of Bharat to get Jihadi votes.
That sentence of Akbaruddin Owaisi should be recorded. All such utterances by ministers against any innocent person who raised his/her voice against Islam should be immortalized for posterity by engraving them over the doorways of government buildings to remind our great politicians that Muslims need to be appeased at any cost. We should have a short and sweet prayer to Sonia Mata and MMS engraved nearby too. That way all our politicians keep things in perspective and are always reminded to do the right thing: Please the mulla-marxist-missionary..
Where is now that impotent commie lady named Ms Karat or Farat, to speak for another women who was kicked out from home by her commie gangs? Now that impotent lady along with other anti-HIndu Jihadis like Sabana, Teesta, Mahesh Bhat, John Dayal etc hiding under burqhas. That lady had audacity to insult Swamy Ramdev, as Hindu bashing is easier job.
=====
State’s handling of Taslima issue triggers protests
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=177601
Taslima’s eviction exposes CPI(M)’s pseudo-secularism: BJP
http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=521670
Taslima was moved out for Muslim votes: BJP
PTI | Kolkata, Posted online: November 24, 2007
Demanding that Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen be brought back honourably to the State, the BJP on Saturday said she was shunted out of West Bengal by the Left Government for “Muslim votes” and to divert the people’s attention from Nandigram.
“The way Taslima was virtually hounded out by the CPI-M-led Government, is a black spot on the State,” West Bengal BJP general secretary Rahul Sinha told reporters.
“She was shunted out of the State by the ruling party for Muslim votes and to divert people’s attention from the recapture of Nandigram,” he said, adding Taslima be brought back here immediately with honour.
The BJP leader said it was surprising that Opposition parties like Trinamool Congress and Congress which were very vocal about democratic norms, had maintained a studied silence.
“All these parties are also eyeing Muslim votes,” he said
http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=FLASH&file_name=cap4%2Etxt&counter_img=4
For all the noises that BJP is now making, it should not be forgotten that Taslima was moved out of Jaipur when things seemed to be getting too hot for the Rajasthan government to handle.
From The Hindu:
Why is this so surprising???
1. Anyone who has studied the CPM knows that they are just another group of power hungry politicians. They adopted a different route to gain and retain power (more on this later), but they are no more principled than the worst of our politicians. If anything, they are the best at realpolitik. They have just been exposed completely this time around.
2. When has India/Indians (barring a few) ever supported freedom of expression when it has impinged on faith (hindu/muslim/christian)????????
BTW, Shantanu, if want a translation of M R Komal’s letter, can provide a gist.
Patriot: Thanks for your kind offer – yes, a brief summary/gist would be very useful. Thanks.
Now I am really worried about Taslima. There is no telling how far our secularists will go to pamper their jehadist brothers-in-law…
By the way, let us imagine what can happen to her if she falls into hands of the faithful. Now, insulting the Prophet ( ?????-?-????? ) is a serious crime. There are good chances that the poor woman will be raped as well before she is beheaded/shot/stoned to death. I am not joking, it is islamic jurisprudence : a virgin executed will make it paradise ! So they will also make it sure that she’s left no chance of admission into the perfumed garden meant solely for virtuous.
Refer to the Indian Express report: Left washes hands off Taslima issue
It is common knowledge that the Communists did not inherit their ideology from Raja Harischandra. However, if leaders like Mr. Yechury persist in speaking untruth, the time is not far off when the word Communist acquires the pejorative connotations of a liar.
@ Nandan: Shri Yechury may have been, strictly speaking, stating the truth.
While it can be argued that the WB Government did not “force” Taslima to leave, there is no doubt that the mood in party HQ in Kolkata post her departure must have been one of great relief and possibly, secret joy…
I have read reports which suggest that the Rajasthan Sabha (I may have got the name wrong) in Kolkata arranged for Taslima’s departure and the police in Rajasthan were told that she was arriving in Jaipur for a “function”.
I am not sure if this is the full story…Anyone else has any (other) ideas?
Taslima Nasreen was forced out by the Commies from Kolkata, this is the only TRUTH, 100% TRUTH. All other stories are false.
Please note, commies are expert in deceiving and fooling people. They have mastered that art with long years of training. They can plant n-number of stories to confuse the people and in between get away from the real issue. By kicking out Taslima, they trying to get away from Nandigram issue.
BJP didn’t forced out Taslima from Rajasthan. No state govt can send someone to another state without prior information and arrangements. Moreover, when it requires security. Did TamilNadu govt despatched a helicopter to AndraPradesh to bring Sankaracharya back to TN without prior arrangements with AP govt? Absolutely not. Jayalalita made all-out arrangements with Samual Reddy.
Why Taslima was sent to Rajasthan, and not Delhi or Andra Pradesh or Maharastra? Commies knows Congress state govts will not entertain them, and accept Taslima. Do you think AndraPradesh or Maharastra govt would have accepted her? 100% NO. Thats why she was sent to Rajasthan (a BJP govt state). Commies always do things with carefully crafted strategies and in this case too they did.
We must thank the Rajasthan govt for their compassionate handling of the situation. They treated her as a state guest. Why shall Rajasthan govt take the responsibity of a person, just someone sent to them, without arrangements and Union govts instruction? When a person given VISA, its the Union govt’s responsibility for the security and care (they have to inform the respective state govts for security). Without Union govt’s instructions, state govts are not obliged to take care of a specific person and address a case like this.
From “Taslima is a victim of inverted secularism” by Dina Nath Mishra in The Pioneer (11th Apr ’08), some excerpts:
*** COMMENT COMBINED ***
Letter to the Editor,The Times of India,datedMarch8,2005
I would like to draw the attention of all educated,intellectual and right-thinging people,and the women particularly, especially those who champion women’s rights,towards the issue of giving Indian citizenship to Taslima Nasreen. Those who are aware of Taslima’s background, her writtings,stuggle,mission,contribution towards rights, freedom,equality,upliftment and honour for women, and the tortures she suffered at the hands of religious fundamentalists, will surely try to pursue the Indian govt. to get her a citizenship.
– Arup Kumar Biswas,Kolhapur.
***
The above letter was published in the Times of India on 8thMarch,2005 which was the International Women’s Day.supporting her cause.
From a report in The Hindu:
Posting this here for the record: http://m.timesofindia.com/india/Police-force-Madras-University-to-cancel-Islamic-feminists-lecture/articleshow/21473157.cms
Police force Madras University to cancel Islamic feminist’s lecture
Jul 30, 2013, 04.06AM IST TNN[ Arun Janardhanan ]
Amina Wadud is one of the founding members of Sisters in Islam, a women group for gender equality and justice.
CHENNAI: A scheduled lecture by an Islamic scholar from the US was on Monday scuttled by police who cited possible law and order problems in view of opposition by Muslim groups. Amina Wadud, considered an Islamic feminist, was to deliver a lecture on ‘Gender and Reform in Islam’ at the University of Madras.
On Sunday night, while Wadud was waiting to fly from Kozhikode to Chennai, vice chancellor R Thandavan hastened to call off the programme, following a text message from city police officer who said: “Police cannot allow this (the lecture) considering law and order (sic). Please take action to suspend / cancel the programme.”
PK Abdul Rahiman, head of the Centre for Islamic Studies, said it was frustrating to be “dictated” by people from outside the university. “This has set a wrong precedent of police interfering in university programmes. We’ve lost an opportunity to host an internationally renowned scholar,” said Rahiman. Wadud’s books are part of the Islamic Centre’s curriculum.
A senior police officer said the decision to stop the lecture was taken at “a higher level.”
Sixty-year-old Wadud, born to an Afro-American Methodist family in Maryland, embraced Islam at 20. She is one of the founding members of Sisters in Islam, a women group for gender equality and justice. A consultant to MUSAWA, a global women’s movement, she made news in 2005 by leading prayers of a congregation of men and women – something which only male imams are allowed to do – in New York.
Early on Monday, she reacted to the university’s decision by tweeting from Kozhikode: “I have announced my intention to leave India for good as soon as I have completed some commitments in the region already scheduled.”
Those looking forward to listening to Wadud were disappointed at the turn of events. Former judge of the Madras high court K Chandru said the incident was similar to the ban on Taslima Nasrin. “When a battalion of police is camping before the US Consulate in the city for several months, why don’t they give protection to an Indian university,” he asked.
University sources said the police officer who spoke to them said that an earlier speech by Wadud in Karur in Tamil Nadu had created problems. However, according to Wadud, she had never been to Tamil Nadu before. “She considers it as an assault on her dignity,” said a source.
The vice-chancellor was not available for comment. The Madras University Teachers Union (MUTA) and the Professors Forum, too, refused to talk about the incident. A police officer said, “On Sunday night we were told to inform the university. We are also looking at whether her visa conditions permit her to give such lectures.”