Adjournment Motion on Doda Killings

The innocent killing of 35 Hindus in Doda district of J&K and later, of two BJP activists has given lie to the claim of UPA and State government that terrorism is on the wane in the State. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri L. K. Advani, raised this matter through an adjournment motion in the House. Important excepts of speeches of BJP MPs during the discussion are reproduced below. A booklet containing full text of the speeches is being published separdately.

A sinister design in Doda killings : Advaniji

Initiating the discussion on Adjournment motion on Doda Killings, Sh. L.K. Advani said : I would try to emphasise the terrorist incidents that we have been witnessing in the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country over a period of time. But, these two incidents in Udhampur and Doda are of a different category. I would like the Government to acknowledge and accept that the happenings in Doda and Udhampur have a more sinister design. We were not able to prevent what happened in the valley. Basically I wish to say that the problem of terrorism cannot be tackled piecemeal. There has to be an approach, and there has to be evidence to the people concerned that this Government will not compromise. You cannot have Government periodically making announcements that Pakistan is demanding that there should be demilitarization. This sinister design to throw out minorities from Doda and Udhampur has been there for a long time, and it is not a new operation. They have been emboldened to do this because of the Government’s approach and attitude in this regard. This is my allegation.

My feeling is, in this matter, it is not really the Government, but the climate that we have created over a period of time has been such that it makes everyone indifferent to this problem. Even after these 58 years, everyone thinks that unless you talk of minority, you are not doing justice to the community. I would like to plead with the Government. Firstly, it should understand that these two incidents are a very ominous pointer to the designs of the terrorists who have undertaken them. I would plead with the Parliament to stand firm by the Resolution passed by Parliament in which we said that the Jammu and Kashmir State as it was comprised in 1947, is an integral part of India.

Please do not talk about demilitarisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Replying to the discussion Shri L.K. Advani said: We must identify the motive behind the recent incidents of Udhampur and Doda. It would not be true if this Government assumes that we have wiped out the terrorists. I would point out what is all right in Maharashtra, why should it be regarded wrong in Gujarat and the law be held back even though passed by the Assembly? I have with me Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s statement in which he says that we had pulled out 30,000 troops between November 2004 and January 2005. I would not understand from this statement that it is redeployment of troops. This is pulling out troops. I believe that in the present situation, Jammu and Kashmir has not yet arrived at that stage where pulling out troops would be desirable. It only encourages your colleagues in Jammu and Kashmir itself to say that not only POTA should be scrapped but also even the Armed Forces Special Powers Act be repealed. I have seen a statement of the PDP General Council. It says that the Armed Forces Special Power Act should be repealed. Our basic demand is that not only Pakistan’s territory should not be used for cross-border terrorism but also the infrastructure for terrorism set up across the border should be dismantled.

J&K crying for conducive atmosphere : Atalji

In the year 1994 Bharatiya Janta Party passed a resolution regarding Doda. Since then now again due to the current happenings Doda is again in the news. The inhabitants of Doda must be given security to live in peace. Doda is a border area and there are elements along the border out to encroach our land. However, we have taken adequate steps to safeguard our land.

We are committed to peace and we do also want peace to be restored there. This is our ultimate aim but a conducive atmosphere is also needed to achieve this objective. We are trying to find a solution to those problems which are emanating from the given situations. Our neighbour is aware that they cannot take even a piece of land from us forcefully. We are always ready to thwart their ulterior designs. But to achieve this, we have to work in tandem and refrain using such words which creates dissension among ourselves.

In Rajya Sabha

Pakistan trying to throw out Non- Muslims : Dr. Joshi

Initiating the discussion, Dr. Joshi said: It is a question of security, unity and integration of the country. Pakistan is working with a full strategy. Pakistan is trying that all non-Muslims should be compelled to flee from Kashmir Valley. In 1991, terrorism was at its peak. We had said repeatedly that there would be adverse results of pushing out Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. This should be stopped. At that time, no attention was paid to this aspect. Till today, there is no arrangment for rehabilitating that great culture-Kashmiri Pandits. Pakistan grand design is that such conditions should be created in Jammu and Doda area so as to compel all the patriots living there to flee to other places.

There is no Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs in Kashmir Valley. Buddhist population has become a minority in Laddakh and Leh. On 30.4.2006, 22 people were killed in Kulhand in Doda. All these people were Hindus. In Basantgarh, Udhampur, 13 people were abducted and killed. All these people were Hindus. This incident happened in Thava village which is situated in Peerpanjal terai, about 30 K.M. from Doda. In the name of meeting, 14 people were killed. Similarly, 10 people were killed in Pochhda Village. This design shows that it is a well-thought out plot to create such terror in villages where Hindus live, to compel them to flee those villages. 13 persons were abducted from Basantgarh Udhampur and were killed. On 1.5.06, Shri Amichand was killed in Bahda, Doda. On 12-5-2006, two Hindus were killed in Doda.

Then on 13-5-2006, attack was made with grenade on a BJP programme when its two activists Shri Munshi Ram and Suri Bharat Bhushan, were killed and 39 people were wounded . Why the BJP people were attacked ? Because they were staging peaceful dharna. Hon’ble Chief Minister said that why these dharnas were being staged? These will give rise to terrorism. When we asked as to why Village Defence Committees were not formed. Then we were told that if we will give them rifles and if village Defence Committees will be formed, then these things will attract terrorists. Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs will apprise us about the non-forming of these Committees.

It is the motion of this House that we will recover each inch of Kashmir’s land. Whether Government is committed to that motion or has it changed that motion? The borders of the country are not discussed, they are defended. I am surprised to hear that forces would be withdrawn from Siachen. People are worried. Why are we saying such things? Hon’ble Defence Minister says that at present we have no intention to withdraw forces. If a feeling comes in the minds of people living there that Government of India is not able to defend our lives, then you would not be able to stop exodus from there and then Jammu will also follow this trend. In this way, Kashmir will go out of your hands.

I want to know from the Government whether this Government considers Kashmir part of India or not? When we refer to Jammu and Kashmir, then I refer to that Jammu and Kashmir which is today under the unauthorized occupation of Pakistan. What is Government’s policy in respect to that?

We talk much of borders security but what is the policy of the Government, it should be cleared by the Government. Another aspect of this Doda incident is that the demographic transformation of population is taking place not only in Jammu and Kashmir but a similar demographic invasion of population is also being taken place in our northern-eastern regions due to which demographic nature of a number of districts there has been changed and the situation in this region is now alarming. If a message is given that a large number of Hindu population in Jammu and Kashmir has migrated elsewhere from here, I fear that all the Hindus and the nationalists in N-E region would be forced to migrate from there. This is a very important issue concerning with the security of the country and its borders. I appeal to the Hon. Home Minister that recurrence of such incidents should be checked. The Government should chalk out plans to counter this trend and we will stand by with them.

I would submit that the Government should clarify whether it is bound to the resolution of Lok Sabha or not? What is Government’s clear-cut policy on Jammu and Kashmir? What is Government’s policy on withdrawal of Army out of Jammu and Kashmir? What are Government’s views on cultural and ethnic cleansing and genocide going on in Doda and other areas? What are Government’s policies to save the unity and integrity, culture, values and way of life of the country.

Government not serious on terrorism : Malhotra

Shri L.K. Advani has clarified all the points in the Adjournment Motion which he has presented in the House. A terrorist incident took place in Doda in which 32 people were killed. Our several friends have condemned this incident but the Home Minister did not pay a visit. I would like to say that talks are not being held with five lakh Kashmiri Pandits who are facing problems in various parts of the country.

Due to different policies in the seven parts of Jammu and Kashmir migration is taking place in Doda district and Chamba region. This should be stopped. This amounts to ethnic cleansing and genocide the responsibility of which rests with the Government. The Government is not serious in stopping this. Why was security forces not deployed in Doda? Why orders were not issued to the Jammu & Kashmir Government as has been done in the case of Gujarat? I want to know as to why 30,000 army personnel were withdrawn from Kashmir. Kashmir is integral to India. So long as it is driven home clearly to Pakistan that no compromise is possible on this issue, things cannot move ahead.

Why was POTA repealed? : Sumitra Mahajan

In this very august House a resolution was passed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. However, for the first time it has been reported that any Chief Minister has stated that why demonstration was held and this is the reason that why workers have been killed? The people were demonstrating to reiterate that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and should remain so. I submit that is it proper for any Chief Minister to make such a statement? I want to know the reasons for repealing POTA and whether terrorism has been wiped out? On what basis forces in Siachen are being reduced. In fact, the people killed were fighting for the country. Therefore, I submit that they should be called martyrs and the Home Minister should have gone there to pay homage and offer condolences. I demand that the Chief Minister should apologise for the statement.

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Discussion on Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill, 2006.

OoP Legislation a fraud on Constitution : Jaitley

I rise to oppose this Bill. We are not legislating for the benefit of the public but for self-benefit and self-interest of some of our Members. We are legislating against the spirit of the Indian Constitution to permit our Members along with discharging their legislative functions to continue to make profit. I am compelled to say that this is a fraud on the Constitution of India. In fact, the separation of powers is one of the un-amendable concepts enshrined our Constitution. The Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature all enjoy their functions and they must function independently and separately. The Legislature is the conscious keeper of the society.

The Parliament in its wisdom may think that there are a few offices where the experience of somebody in public life is required and, therefore, it can exempt that office. The Bill, which we have drawn out, when passed, shall take adequate care of Members of Parliament but now it acts as a bad Constitutional precedent for every State Legislature.

Independence of Members of the Legislature is compromised through legislations of this kind. The essence of the Indian democracy, separation of powers has been completely obliterated by this Bill. This Bill is a collective exercise by all of us to save some of our Members so that they can continue to be members and also continue to receive profits from the executive. If this is the essence of the Bill, I really appeal to the conscience of all the Members who are supporting this Bill to seriously reconsider whether a Bill of this kind is one where history should then blame us for having been a party to it.

The rationale behind this list is that the present occupant mentioned in this list has a face, he has a name and that name belongs to the party which is supporting the Government. And this is the price of the support which they are trying to extract. If we see the objects of the Bill, it seeks to avoid re elections. Because a fresh election, according to the rationale of this Bill, is destructive of democracy. Therefore, the offices must be saved. If this rationale is carried forward, where will this leave us?

The law is clear now that if you occupy an Office of Profit, you may not actually receive some money, but if you are merely entitled to receive it, that is enough to disqualify you. But the concept of the independence of the Legislative bodies should not be ignored. The Government had really two kinds of courses. The course had to be Constitutionally correct, and more important, morally and ethically correct. Let us not leave behind footprints which are constitutionally unacceptable in any democracy. Forget the past and start following the law in future.

In the alternative course, just have a clarificatory legislation as to what really is an Office of Profit. Bring a legislation for the future that the legislatures can occupy these offices but they will not be entitled to draw a single rupee either as a compensatory allowance or salary or any facilities. Let them get only the remuneration they get as Members of Legislative bodies. This will enhance the dignity and the status of the Members of Parliament. My party oppose this Bill in its present form completely.

A cynical exercise to protect power : Maneka Gandhi

Article 102(1)(A) of the constitution bars an MP or an MLA from holding an office of profit under the Government of India or in any other State other than the office declared by Parliament law a s not disqualifying the holder. We disregard the gravity of this law and sneak in through the loopholes to give 46 Members of Parliament their own little fiefdoms again. The duties of a Parliamentarian are so onerous if taken seriously that is there little time left to do justice to important independent organisations. The voters send each one of us to Parliament to make good laws, monitor their implementation and to represent a section of India and to help them make their lives better. An office of profit is nothing but a second job done at the cost of the first one This Bill is a cynical exercise to protect power and privilege.

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When the The Delhi Laws (Special Provision) Bill 2006 was tabled in Parliament the BJP MPs in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha made a very valid points in the matter

Government does too late and too little for Delhi : Malhotra

The Bill introduced by Shri Jaipal Reddy is too late and too little. On 6th March, 2006 I had urged through a calling attention that if no immediate action is taken Delhi will have to face an alarming situation. I had urged the Government to take immediate action before Hon’ble High Court and the Hon’ble Supreme Court give their direction but they said that I was creating panic among the people. Around 40,000 shops have been sealed, 20,000 houses have been bulldozed and thousands of juggi jhonpries have been removed without rehabilating the people. Therefore I would like to submit that it is a case of criminal negligence on the part of the Government. The Government did not feel the necessity of bringing a Bill in this regard and said that whenever it would be required they would do the needful. That time I had said that by the time the Tejender Khanna Committee would give it’s report, most of Delhi would be ruined. Congress Party is in power in Delhi for the last eight years but have they built even a single new market, a hawking zone and a new house? Have they tried to solve the housing problem by making a new cooperative society? They have not done so and now they have introduced this Bill here. This problem has been there since the formation of the corporation here for the first time. Whatever is being done is being done in haste. I want to ask what measures would be taken to rehabilitate the thousands of hawkers and vendors. Would the Government rebuild the demolished houses of the poor people? It has been stated that they will stop mixed land use. It is advisable to use commercial word instead of mixed land use so that the commercial activities going on upto January, 2006 are allowed to run. My another suggestion is that there should be a negative list also. It would be better if we regularize the existing constructions and stop unauthorised ones in the future. I would like to caution that we should regularize all these construction by bringing amnesty scheme in this very session. However, despite all the shortcomings in this Bill, we want it to be passed and hence we support it.

Seems there is no Government in Delhi : Sushma Swaraj

For the last six month there is trouble in Delhi as houses are being demolished, shops are being sealed and hawkers and vendors are being removed. It seems there is no Government in Delhi. Now the Bill has been passed in Lok Sabha but I am sorry to state that even in these two-three days the work of demolition and sealing have taken place in Patel Nagar. Some Hotels have been demolished, and in Rohini, the shops have been sealed. Even on holidays on Saturday and Sunday the work of sealing have taken place. But what will be the fate of those 40,000 people who have submitted their affidavits, as it has not been clarified.

So, I want it should be clarified here in Rajya Sabha. I would say, better late than never. I support the Bill and thanks.

Illegal construction a Congress creation : Jaitley

It is quite obvious that the Hon’ble Minister has a very serious problem to tackle. The problem, in a nutshell, is that the city has grown in a disproportionate manner. The population of this city, in 1962, was only 50 lakhs. By 2001, it was 1.28 crore. Today, we have a population size which would be nearing almost 1.5 crores. One of the failed aspects of the Delhi’s town planning has been that for a city of almost 15 million, the number of shops, office places and commercial establishments which are required are very few in number. Therefore, the obvious problem is that the people require a shelter to live and a place to work and if those authorized avenues are not made available to them, the unauthorised avenues would come into existence.

It is a problem of your own creation and you are trying to find solutions to that problem. Through this legislation you are now landing yourself, in the next round of your problem. We are supporting this Bill. But, we must be aware of what we are doing, and what its future fall-out is going to be.

Therefore, while supporting the Bill, I would urge the Minister to seriously reconsider the legal course of correcting the problem that he is faced with.

Worst communal riots occurred during Congress regimes: BJP

In the wake of violence that erupted in Vadodara consequent upon removal of a dargah in implementation of the Gujarat High Court order, the so-called self-proclaimed ‘secularists’ have spread the canard as if it is the handiwork of the BJP’s Gujarat Government. Refuting these allegations, BJP MPs Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Vinay Katiyar, Shri Harin Pathak and Smt. Jayaben B Thakkar while participating in the Discussion on “Situation arising out of communal violence in different parts of the country” turned the tables on the critics when they said that six “mazaars” and 42 temples had already been removed in the State implementation of court orders and Hindus had cooperated in the matter. They reminded that worst communal riots in Gujarat had taken place when the so-called ‘secular’ Congress governments were in power. Here is a synopsis of their speeches in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Full text is being published separately in a booklet form.

Don't provoke the people : Harin Pathak

The racial and the communal violence is increasing in the country even 60 years after independence. It is a matter of concern. Gujarat witnessed worst riots in 1969. At that time Congress party was in power there and 120 people were burnt alive in one room. Now, it is alleged that riots were perpetrated in Baroda in view of election which is to be held in 2007. A common man will not get swayed by this view. Year 2005-06 was declared as Urban Development Year in Gujarat. The encroachments were removed from 28 cities including Ahemdabad, Rajkot and Vakaner but riots did not take place in small cities. 3299 encroachments were removed in Vadodara in one year. Six “Mazaars” and 42 small temples were removed. Hindus extended their full cooperation. The allegation has been leveled that communal riots and genocide were perpetrated in 2002 to win the election. I would like to say that riots were perpetrated in 1969, 1971, 1981, 1985 and 1992 but our Government was not in power in Gujarat in those years. The sentiments of people should not be provoked. The Government cannot shirk its responsibility in the name of terrorism. Security should be provided to people and political parties in Doda district and other places in Jammu and Kashimir where Hindus are living. The Government has failed to provide security to Hindus in Jammu-Kashmir and we strongly condemn it.

Demolition not discriminatory : Jayaben Thakkar

We must ponder over the situation prevailing in Baroda and the things required to be done over there. In Baroda, anti-encroachment drive was being conducted by the Gujarat State under Urban Development Area, 2005. Under this, the Government removed encroachments of all types. The Gujarat High Court was monitoring this drive. Out of the structures demolished, 48 structures were related to different religions and were the places of worship of Hindus and Muslims. Out of these 48 structures, 42 structures were of Hindus and 6 were the places of worship of Muslims. I submit that the Dargah in question is also a matter of grave concern for all the people including the State Government and the Central Government has also taking prompt action. When 42 places of worship of Hindus were demolished none resisted. Both the hon. Minister of State for Home as well as the Chief Minister of Guajrat have discharged their responsibilities. Therefore, nobody should try to create confusion in this regard.

Vadodara incident a lesson for all : Jaitley

I don’t think there are any two views about the fact that whether it is the killings in Doda or whether it is a communal disturbance in Gujarat or a social caste disturbance in some other part of the country, the normal approach of the civilized society should be uniform.

The core of this debate was merely because a dargah had to be shifted, it was, probably, easier to come to a solution. But the core issue is on that incident an upheaval is to be created in the city and, then, in the whole country, and, then, polarisations are to be made, the solution becomes all the more difficult. When some of us decide to use an uneven hand in dealing with these situations the problem worsens.

We are dealing with the Vadodara situation, which started as town planning and urban renewal exercise. In a bid to remove encroachments, roads are being widened and whatever comes within the line of the widened road has to be removed.

As a part of removing that we find religious structures on all sides. In Vadodara, 42 temples or religious structures of a majority community have been removed. Six structures of the minority community have been removed. No noise was created when these 42 plus 6 structures are removed. When it came to this structure in the middle of the road, hardliners take over the situation and they say, “no shifting, it will remain.” The first 42+6 structures did not get linked to any vote bank, everybody agreed; it is only this structure.

We also need a debate in this House and in the society, that in these kinds of social tensions, what the role of the media, particularly, electronic media is going to be. Fortunately, in this case, all Governments were quick to act. The incident at Vadodara is a lesson for us.

An incident, not a communal riot : Katiyar

The incident of Vadodara is not a riot. In the country large scale communal riots have been taking place from time to time. Whether any discussion was held on the 1984 riot? Riots also took place in Godhara, Gujarat at the time of Morarji Desai Government. Your Government is protecting the persons who are spreading violence on the Cartoon issue. On the other hand, the people displaying the nude photographs of “Sita Mata” are being honoured. It should not happen that we respect one’s religion and insult other’s religion.

Today reservation is being granted in the name of minority. Due to that communalism is spreading on a large scale and that is the reason behind communal riots. Today various temples in the country are being attacked. I want that all these incidents should be investigated by CBI. I do condemn the attack on Jama Masjid.