"Secular" Riots Of India

“We're in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone is arguing over where they're going to sit”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ― David Suzuki 
                                      Things are getting murkier and scary for a section of society in the states of WB, Assam & Kerala . In this article i m going to elaborate on the explosive prevalent conditions and the deteriorating law and order in some border states of India with sizeable muslim population . Already parallels are being drawn between orchestrated violence in Malda and few other Muslim dominated districts of West Bengal and ethnic cleansing of Hindus from Kashmir during 90's. The deafening silence of media which otherwise becomes hyperactive to question intent of central govt on stray criminal incidents whenever Muslim is a victim is questionable. Any individual or organization raising finger to the ongoing tragedy is promptly labeled as "Communal" or “Islamophobic" without debate. 

                                  The difference between secularism & pseudo secularism in India has long being deliberately forgotten by politicians,left leaning intellectuals and media. It's ironic, a section of society is allowed to perpetrate crimes and secular jamaat condone barbarism in the name of safeguarding "Secularism" or propagating conspiracy theories .  In India, perception speaks louder than reality and silence is sometimes taken as an acceptance of guilt. A section of society is mischievous and yet vote bank politics allows it to play victim while squarely blaming other community for any unrest. Gutter politics and paid media are equally responsible for shielding and abating such ignominious acts of violence by one particular community to the chagrin of rest of society 

                                   India isn't immune to riots but a new worrying trend has emerged lately, in some districts where Hindus & other religious groups becomes minority while Muslims are in majority social and violent riots on trivial issues are frequent. Religious diktats (Fatwas) which doesn't have any legal authority are the order of the day and religious customs are increasingly forcibly enforced mocking and ridiculing civil administration and police authorities. Disrespecting National Flag,National Song or National Anthem isn't taboo anymore in the name of freedom to practice religion in parts of Assam,West Bengal and Kerala .

                                   In recent case of violent riots perpetrated in Kaliachak area of Malda district, a Muslim mob of around 100,000 people went on rampage against the alleged hate speech of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari. In a fit of rage,the agitators torched houses and businesses of Hindus, buses and police vehicles, ransacked government properties and set the Kaliachak police station on fire.  Kaliachak riot is not a riot as some would like you to believe rather its a single sided attack on Hindus, police and public property, a complete mayhem breakdown of administrative machinery . Kaliachak violence is a result of shameless appeasement politics of "Secular" political parties where religious bigots had a field day terrorizing people and civil administration was in shambles.

                                  Hindus and other religious groups of Malda have lost their livelihoods, forced to leave their homes became refugees in there own nation yet State government is tolerant about large scale violence.  Malda riots reminds me of Azad Maidan riots ( pretext there was Rohingya Muslim of Burma) where everyone knew what was happening but politicians and media remained tight lipped while miscreants vandalized public property even modesty of policewomen wasn't spared .Pakistani style protests are now getting frequent as "Secular" politicians and media are complicity supporting thugs to appease and cater to respective vote banks.

                                   During Dadri lynching incident, the same media and politicians went in overdrive to blame and disrepute a whole community but the same torchbearers of pluralism seems dumbstruck on Malda or Purnia violence with no word condemning such radical forces. The word "Intolerance" was coined when Ghulam Ali Concert was canceled in Mumbai yet no one seems to have noticed CM of Bengal was enthralled by him while Bengal was burning. Its also ironic that Ghulam Ali gets CM as audience while Taslima Nasreen found little support for herself from female CM.

                                 Destructive and polluted ideology are root causes of disharmony in society and should be sternly dealt with. Fiddling with appeasement based politics is only going to bolster radical forces inimical to idea of India and its inherent policy of pluralism, tolerance,freedom of expression and speech. 

Pakistan -A Terrorist State

                                      Much has been said and done about the recent terror attack in Pathankot browbeating about Indian superior firepower or political chest thumping by politicians.This article isn't about strategizing or defeating our enemy but being pragmatic about available options to deal with our potent and cruel adversary. No matter what peaceniks make us believe Pakistan is a nuisance to world in general and India & Afghanistan in particular. Pakistan is an increasingly intolerant, radicalized society and even saner counseling by US,China fell on deaf ears and couldn't dissuade Pakistan from supporting terrorism despite being diplomatic and financial savior of Pakistan .

                                     Truth of the matter is there's absolutely no dearth of fresh arrival of maniacs from umpteen madrasas sprung inside Pakistan who under the influence of drugs and mullahs can unleash havoc in India. These hate filled Islamic zoombies find it enticing to blow themselves up and claim a lottery ticket of banging 72 virgins then leading a miserable life in a beggar nation . With monstrous news reports of sodomizing and killing young boys becoming a standard accepted reality in Pakistan one wonders if the clamor to get lottery ticket of sleeping with virgins is only going to get shriller.

                                   Peacenik vocal lobby in India exonerate Pakistan establishment and people of any wrongdoing while blaming imaginary non-state actors of vitiating environment by squarely blaming on such outlaws for terror attacks. The impediment to normal ties and resuming cordial dialogue process is the direct complicity of Pakistani establishment and terror organizations groomed by Pak army. Unfortunate truth is terror attack as orchestrated in Pathankot were committed by well trained maniacs and there are intelligence reports of training conducted at airforce base in Pakistan that cannot be possible without ISI patronage thus defuncting theory propagated by peaceniks some of whom are themselves on ISI payrolls(remember Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai network in USA).

                                   In our country a perception is created by vested interests to continue dialogue with Pakistan in hope of bargaining peace and every government falls in this  entrapment of resuming dialogue with Pakistan.  The harsh reality is that such ghastly attacks have always happened irrespective of any thaw or dialogue between India-Pakistan engagement. History teaches us that Pakistan believes in its cowardly proxy war as a sustainable and cheapest method of bleeding India, as no retaliatory steps overt or otherwise envisaged by Indian government to inflict similar damage of same scale to Pakistan has ever been planned or executed thus increasing the cost of proxy war for Pakistan unbearable.

                                 There's a need to radically alter our strategy vis-a-visPakistan. Older methods of trusting Pakistani governments verbal assurances shouldn't be considered seriously and routine arguments of can't change our neighbors or sharing same cultures or improved economic engagement as deterrent should be consigned to dustbin .We have in past changed our neighbors by carving Bangladesh out of Pakistan and attained peace. Dialogue or breaking up of dialogue process has nothing to do with next terror attack, we should understand its foreign policy is directed to harass and divide India and no amount of dialogue can persuade Pakistan to abandon its policy of bleeding India with thousand cuts.

                                                           Tashfeen Malik and Syed Farook
                                Lessons learnt from last terrorist attacks should be utilized to thwart next attack without relying much on other nations who couldn't pressurize Pakistan to accept negotiations and won't do more then lip service of  condemning terror acts. We need to stop sending dossiers as no diplomatic pressure can wilt Pakistan to shun its terror policy and live like civilized neighbor .We need to beat Pakistan in their own games through all possible means by increasing its cost of war . Improving our intelligence,defensive and offensive capabilities is necessity on urgent basis before Pakistan unleashes its next deadly phase of terror attack. 

Remember being 16? For many of us, it was a blur of exams, friendships, and figuring ourselves out. But what happens when someone that age commits a serious crime? This tough question is exactly what the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill of 2015 set out to address.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015

A New Chapter for Juvenile Justice: When Does a Child Become an Adult in the Eyes of the Law?

When the Rajya Sabha passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015, it signalled a huge shift in India’s approach to crime committed by young offenders.

For the first time, our lawmakers clearly recognised that victims deserve justice just as much as juveniles deserve protection.

This change became essential because:

• 1.2% of India’s most serious crimes are committed by juveniles

• Over 50% of these are sexual offences

Those numbers are enough to make anyone pause—even someone who usually skips statistics like they skip gym on Mondays.              

Why This Amendment Was Needed

Under the amended law, the Juvenile Justice Board now has the discretion to try juveniles aged 16–18 as adults for heinous crimes.

But don’t worry—it’s not automatic.

Before taking such a step, the Board must evaluate:

• the juvenile’s mental maturity

• their physical ability

• whether they understood the consequences

• and the circumstances behind the act

Only if the child is found mature enough to grasp the seriousness of the act will the case shift to adult court.

(Think of it as checking whether someone is truly behaving like a child or only pretending to be one when convenient!)

 

The Heart of the New Bill: The 16-18 Age Group

Previously, the law saw everyone under 18 uniformly as a child. The new bill introduces a crucial distinction. For "heinous offences" (think serious crimes like murder or rape), the Juvenile Justice Board now has the discretion to try a 16-18 year old as an adult.

 

But—and this is a very important ‘but’—this isn’t automatic. The Board must conduct a preliminary assessment. They have to answer questions like:

 

Was the juvenile mentally and physically capable of committing such a crime?

 

Did they understand the consequences of their actions?

 

What were the circumstances of the offence?

 

Only if the Board is convinced, can the trial proceed in a regular court. It’s less about age, and more about capacity and intent.

 

Not All Black and White: The Crucial "Safety Valve"

Now, before you picture every rebellious teenager being sent to adult jail, let’s be clear. The law has a built-in safety valve.

 

The system is designed to act as a deterrent for serious crimes, not to punish petty mischief or youthful folly. For less serious offences or crimes committed by younger children, the focus remains firmly on rehabilitation, not retribution. The idea is to guide, correct, and reform young minds who have gone astray, giving them a real chance to turn their lives around with societal support.

The Real Question: Why Are Juvenile Crimes Increasing?

This is where India needs a serious national conversation.

Juvenile crime is often a reflection of:

• family problems

• lack of moral guidance

• peer pressure

• poverty

• emotional neglect

• social frustrations

We need child psychologists, sociologists, educators, and families to come together and address the root causes, not just the symptoms.

If society is a mirror, the rise in juvenile crime is a crack we must repair before it spreads.

What Should Our Ultimate Goal Be?

A strong nation is built by strong values—and those values start with children.

Our long-term focus must be on:

• Safety

• Protection

• Education

• Emotional support

• Rehabilitation for the misguided

• A caring environment for every child

The aim shouldn’t be just to punish wrongdoing. It should be to prevent it, guide children, and give them hope.

Final Thought: A Bill That Looks at Justice and Humanity Together

The Juvenile Justice Bill, 2015 is not just a legal reform—it’s a reminder that India believes in both justice and second chances.

 

If implemented with sensitivity and responsibility, this law can become a turning point—a moment in history when India decided to protect its children, its victims, and its future with equal commitment.

 

And who knows? Maybe years later, we’ll look back and say,

“This is where a safer, more compassionate India truly began.”

Image Courtesy: Google

Intolerance Reloaded

                         

India’s Intolerance Debate: More Noise Than Reality

Ratan Tata once said that intolerance in India mostly exists in TV studios—and honestly, that might be the most accurate summary ever. The so-called “intolerance debate” appeared loudly during elections and disappeared just as fast after the results. It was as if someone simply switched off the drama lights.

For months, news channels and activists created a dramatic picture of India becoming unsafe. Award ceremonies turned into award-returning ceremonies, and every debate panel looked like a wrestling ring of “experts.” But investigations later showed that many of the highlighted incidents happened in non-BJP states, and some were not connected to communal hate at all. Still, the Modi government took the blame.

A Familiar Pattern During Elections

Whether it was the Delhi or Bihar elections, similar protests popped up with perfect timing. Certain groups projected an image of a fearful, insecure India to influence voters. The goal seemed clear: portray the Modi government as intolerant, create panic among minorities, and shape electoral outcomes.

This strategy wasn’t new, but it became louder thanks to TV debates, social media, and what many call paid media.

Selective Outrage: A National Habit

One of the biggest issues is selective outrage.
Many self-proclaimed secular voices are quick to criticise Hindu groups but fall strangely silent when crimes involve members of other communities.

Examples that didn’t receive much outrage:

• Kashmiri Hindu exodus

• Sikh massacre

• Attack on Lokmat newspaper

• Bounties announced by fundamentalist organisations

But a stray incident often misreported, gets labelled as “growing intolerance.”
This double standard widens divides and strengthens fringe elements.

A Narrative Built Over Decades

For years, left-leaning intellectual groups shaped a narrative where:

• Hindus were often portrayed as aggressors

• Other communities were seen only as victims

• Anything indigenous was mocked

• Yoga was called “communal,”

• Swachh Bharat was “nautanki,”

• And even Selfie with Daughter was criticised

These same voices defended controversial artworks but supported banning books when it suited them. Their intolerance debate was less about society and more about politics and perception.

A Campaign Against the Government

The rise of a strong central leadership, stricter rules for NGOs, and reduced corruption meant the old power circles felt threatened. The intolerance narrative became a convenient tool to regain relevance and attack the Modi government.

India a country with more religions than most continents being called intolerant? That’s almost comedy.

Media, Celebrities and the Perception Battle

Since day one, the Modi government has struggled against negative perception created by certain media houses. Even celebrities got carried away, Aamir Khan’s statements being a classic example adding fuel to an already exaggerated fire.

Ironically, during the same period, the Chennai floods received far less coverage than the “intolerance crisis.”

As someone joked:

Earlier, journalists risked their lives for a story. Now, stories risk their truth for journalists.

A Stronger India Beyond the Noise

India is, and always has been, a diverse and resilient nation. Crimes must be punished, peace must be protected, and every community must feel safe. But turning stray incidents into “proof” of a collapsing nation helps no one.

The Prime Minister said it best:

A land of Gandhi and Buddha has no place for intolerance.

And perhaps the biggest irony is this—those shouting loudest about intolerance often cannot tolerate an opposite opinion.

Image Courtesy: Google

Middle Eastern Quagmire

By watching the news coming out of the Syrian conflict, it seems Russia’s intervention will not only tilt the balance against Assad’s opposition but may also crush the terror groups that proudly claim the land they rule. For the first time in history, a band of extremists has seized territory and now runs it like a country, openly mocking the civilized world by celebrating barbarism. The rise of these terror outfits across Iraq and Syria would have been impossible without some form of Western tolerance—silent or otherwise.

On paper, the West does not seem to have a sensible Middle East policy. Its covert support for extremist groups to overthrow governments around the world, especially in the Middle East, has been dangerous and destructive. The Syrian crisis began with the 2011 Arab Spring that swept through Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, and eventually Syria. Under the banner of “spreading democracy,” the West involved itself everywhere, even using force when needed to install friendly regimes (as seen in Libya and Egypt). Earlier puppet setups in Iraq and Afghanistan only deepened sectarian divides and fueled support for extremist movements.

After dismantling established governments, the West used another tactic - labeling and dividing terrorists according to convenience. Supporting one group in Syria (like Al-Nusra) while fighting its ally in Iraq (Al-Qaeda) shows the double-standard, which Russia has now exposed. The chaos in Syria is largely a Western attempt to remove Assad and replace him with a government loyal to their interests, much like Iraq. Syria now risks becoming a terror haven worse than Afghanistan in the 1990s. In the last three years, the country has collapsed further, with nearly 250,000 dead and more than a million refugees escaping the war.

In this setting, Russia’s entry is fiercely opposed by the West and its allies. For Russia, Assad is a long-standing partner who provides a strategic foothold in the Middle East, including a crucial naval base. But the intervention is also about something bigger—restoring Russian influence at a time when the country was under Western sanctions, economic strain, and diplomatic isolation after the Crimea annexation and involvement in eastern Ukraine.                          

                         

Assad now controls barely a quarter of Syrian territory and is steadily losing ground, making Russian involvement almost unavoidable. The terror groups in Syria include ISIS, the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, and other jihadist factions that the West calls “moderate” and supports under the umbrella of the Free Syrian Army. With Russian airpower, the Syrian army backed by Hezbollah, Iranian fighters, and other Shia militias is now pushing harder on the ground.

On paper, the West claims to be fighting ISIS while supporting “moderate” rebels, which looks absurd. Even NATO members cannot agree among themselves some support the Kurds, others attack them. With such contradictions, it’s no surprise the coalition has performed poorly against ISIS. The terror group’s continued strength and ability to hold territory have badly damaged whatever Western strategy existed. Russia, meanwhile, does not bother separating one extremist group from another and is focused on restoring its power in the region. If the Shia government in Iraq also turns towards Moscow for protection, Russian influence will grow dramatically.

The truth is that given the way Middle Eastern societies are structured, removing a dictator usually leads to chaos, not peace. It marks the beginning of a very difficult and unstable period. With weak institutions, poor governance, and harsh rulers, the only unifying element becomes religion. When religion fails to work with governance, the situation worsens. Extreme religious sermons, which blame outside civilizations for local problems, create a toxic environment. Young people filled with anger and frustration get sucked into violence, hiding behind distorted religious teachings.                           

In reality, the entire Middle East is going through a long and painful transition, and the roots of its struggle lie mostly within the region. Terror groups will eventually lose to superior Russian military power, and the fight to eliminate them has already begun in Syria. But the real victory will come only when their poisonous ideology is defeated. Meanwhile, Western nations must stop interfering in the internal matters of sovereign countries. The West’s hypocrisy in promoting “democracy” becomes clear when we recall how the CIA toppled the democratically elected government of Guatemala in 1954.                       

Image Courtesy: Google