Exploring My Inner World

Terrorist Bitta Karate roams free, as government continues to act blind...

2007-09-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

It is high time that the conscience of mankind awakens to the reality of the situation in Kashmir !!!

The TADA designated judge Mr. N.D. Wani while giving his judgement on releasing Bitta Karate said the following-"The court is aware of the fact that the allegations levelled against the accused are of serious nature and carry a punishment of death sentence or life imprisonment but the fact is that the prosecution has shown total disinterest in arguing the case, which is in complete violation of Article 21 of the Constitution."

For all information regarding BITTA KARATE visit -

http://www.kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com/

Bitta Karate alias Farooq Ahmed Dar

Victims of Pandit community protesting at Jantar Mantar.

Protesters
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For in-depth study on the victims of Bitta Karate and JKLF visit -

Killings of Kashmiri Pandits
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Massacre of Kashmiri Pandits
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This appeal brings out in vivid detail persecution of the minority community followed by threats, abductions, extortions, tortures and killing by brutal means of its members from all walks of life which led to exodus.This appeal invokes the conscience and compassion of the civilized world to grasp the grim tragedy facing the Kashmiri Pandit community and to stand up and speak for it and help it regain its lost status and get rehabilitated once again, with honor and dignity in its own homeland.

We appeal for JUSTICE JUSTICE JUSTICE...

Dreams Shattered : "Fanatics" of Aazadi did it all...

2007-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

My 5 storey home was burned, looted and devastated but terrorists in early hours of July 1996. It had in it years of experience and work of my great grand father Master Samsar Chand Kaul who was the first ornithologist of Asia(His books and ideas on Tourism and science gave a new boom to youth in Kashmir). He was a man of progressive mentality. We lived in Motiyar, Rainawari. The dark and violent night of 19th Jan. 1990 cannot be forgotten...exodus is what happened...of laks of Kashmiri Pandits...thousands of them were killed and raped...children were cut into pieces. ..all their property and temples were destroyed...rest all is know to all...but then why turn a blind eye towards this community...

All this was planned and executed by some "Fanatics" who wanted Azadi from nowhere. In dreams maybe they will get it; but first they will suffer, same as they did to the Kashmiri Pandit Community..

And, so will suffer those sitting here in Delhi and other places supporting these mindless communal people; who don't care a bit about life. Azadi can never be attained by violence. Violence will give you just more violence and bloodshed...Mind it ! We haven't forgotten Kashmir. We still are the orginal inhabitants of this land... and..

...untill one day we will return to our homes. I will see my land and kiss it in Motiyar, Rainawari where I was born and then kicked out. I would play on the land outside Vital Bhairava Mandir in Rainawari where our holy tree has been cut by the Islamic fanatics.

I have never seen the land I belong to; but every night my lord takes me to the heaven where I belong to and I cry siletly till the night ends and so does my journey which I look upto every-night.

I have tears in my eyes right now; don't know why; maybe I do want to be as fortunate as other Indians who have a right to move freely into their mothland.

My parents narrate me stories of our holy land and the joy every Pandit used to have all round the year. Maybe, I long for that. My Lord, My Da'ata, please do grant me this wish to return to my valley with my entire community with joy and smile on our faces and then just happiness and peace till eternity.

I'm too emotional to continue writing...

"Sanjay Kak and his dreams of Aazadi"

2007-08-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

Sanjay Kak's Safar-e-Aazadi and Yasin Malik's Jashan-e-Aazadi. Or, Am I confused? Oh yes its the other way round, but how does it matter to the common Kashmiri's. The only difference is that one is the puppet and the other is the puppet's thread puller.

Sanjay Kak obviously irritated because of the amount of criticism his masala movie is receiving and also lately the Police has also stopped his screenings and confiscated his DVD's in Mumbai. In mere frustration he blasted off writing an article targeting a young group of Kashmiri Pandits and some others for this mess up, not realising what he was bouncing his fingers on.

Obviously, his masters wouldn't be so happy with him because of the negative success he is getting lately because of this youth group called ROOTS IN KASHMIR.

Sanjay Kak's Blog - http://kashmirfilm.wordpress.com/

Mr. Kak writes, "These net-warriors (net-bullies, really) are living out a sort of fantasy life on the web, able to say what they want about the film, abuse, propagate falsehoods, lie, whatever. And all the time imagine that what they are doing is some form of activism."

Kak, I can only laugh at the way you vented out your frustration. Yes we very much are net-warriors in a very positive sense and for good. You surely have experienced that in last 6 months. Yes we maybe in our fantasy worlds but when it comes to real screening of the movie we can get an audience more then double then yours at India Habitat Centre. Won't you agree Kak, as you were also one of the participants of our screening?

I never knew you have done masters in activism, please do guide me as to what real activism is. We individuals of the Roots In Kashmir group have in the past been involved in initiating campaigns like the Justice For Jessica Lal and Priyadarshini Mattoo Campaigns, Anti-Caste Based Reservations Campaign, Justice For Nithari Victims, Right To Information Drive, Human Rights issues of Kashmiri Pandits, Campaign against Blueline's in Delhi and a number of them and only because of this 2006 is often refered to as the year of activism. Please do check your facts and do your home-work properly before blabbering your mouth uncontrollably and throwing your fingers on the keyboard without watching every word.

I can never agree that Yasin Malik just entered your screening in New Delhi as a common person and then was seated in the front row and then was invited to give a speech. I suppose things just happen with you by chance always, never planned as if. Neither have I till date known the source of your fund for the movie, but ... does it really matter?

Another correction Mr. Kak, We never protested before the movie started in New Delhi. It was in the middle of the movie when some mis-information was being shown. And, yes you didn't let us in, just because you were scared of Kashmiri Pandits and their reaction to your bias efforts to please a certain lobby. There were no security issues, we all were students, doctors, teachers and professionals, we had no guns with us - just a placard asking "What about our Human Rights?". There was nearly 50 sears empty inside the auditorium where we were later accomodated after our protest.

At the end Sanjay Kak, I just want to convey that we have nothing against you...You are just an innocent puppet being played by your thread pullers sitting there somewhere where they killed thousands of innocent Pandits and now are roaming free. Who the hell is bothered about you? Who are you that we will oppose or support you? We are against those puppel waalahs. I'm just sad that you got carried away but yes there can be many reasons to it.

Hope you realise the nature of job in which you have been put by your thread puller.

God Bless You. God Bless your Masters !

Rashneek's Response to the Kak's Comments : http://nietzschereborn.blogspot.com/

Also visit,

Soul In Exile : http://soulinexile.blogspot.com/

And The World Remained Silent : http://kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com/

Roots In Kashmir Blog : http://rootsinkashmir.wordpress.com/

Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo turns One

2007-07-23T00:59:00.000-07:00

JUSTICE FOR PRIYADARSHINI

BBC Interviewing Our senior advocate Vivek Tankha

Priyadarshini's father Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo at the press conf.

People from all walks of life at the Protest that shook the country on 23rd July 2006.

Film Actor & Director Anupam Kher at the protest rally.

Youth ina united voice: "Justice For Priyadarshini"

Jessica Lall's sister Sabrina meeting Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo.

Girls lead the Priyadarshini Mattoo rally in the capital.

A lady with a placard in hand demanding JUSTICE.

After the verdict in the Mattoo case, members of Justice For Priyadarshini coming out of the High Court: Vivek Raina and Aditya Raj Kaul.

HAS JUSTICE REALLY BEEN DONE ???

Images captured..., as rains splash Delhi !

2007-07-14T01:38:00.000-07:00

...And The World Remained Silent

2007-06-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

"And the World remained Silent" is a straight in your face kind of a documentary that highlights how Kashmiri Pandits were forced out of the valley which they belonged to and the valley which belonged to them.The documentary maker has put together compelling evidence and footage to show the exodus was planned and forced ,how government was but an accomplice in the crime.Ashoke Pandit a renowned film maker,himself a Kashmiri ,tells us the tale of how the world remained silent while half a million Kashmiri Pandits became refugees in their own nation.As if that wasnt enough,successive state and central governments did everything possible to add injury to insult by showing their best apathetic attitude to these people,conveys Ashoke through his 25 minute spine chilling documentary.
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Come and see....how genocide takes shape to wipe out an entire gene pool .....

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Visit : http://kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com/

Jammu Camps - Life of "Animal existence". Who bothers ?

2007-05-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

Roots In Kashmir (RIK) organised a study and ground analysis tour to Jammu camps in the first week of May. The first hand encounter of the 20 member RIK team with tha camp and its inmates was shocking and an emotional trauma. More than 50,000 people are still languishing in camps at Jammu and neighbouring areas. There is a big question on sanitation, medical care, relief, rehabilitation, employment, nutritious food etc etc. Industrial unites in some camp areas makes life in these areas worse with round the clock pollution. There is a rise in numerous diseases including Asthma, Anemia, Blood-Sugar, Cancer etc.

These are just some of the pictures that describe the pathetic shape in which Kashmiri Pandits are living there.

I personally could feel bruised at this sight. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console these families and help them in every possible manner.

RIK has now pledged to help, support and uplift them in every possible way. Please help our dream be a success...

Pollution Cause of death: Industrial Units just besides camps has caused a loss of health to the camp inmates.

Two quotes by Swami Ram Tirth written on the boards in camp schools.

Camp students eagerly take part in the counselling session organised by Roots In Kashmir.

An eighty year old lady gives an account of her property in Kashmir and now how the family of 6 survives in a single room.

An aged person takes a walk through thr narror lanes of the Mishriwala Camp in 44' C hot temprature.

An elderly KP lady with high depression at the Mishriwala camp on the outskirts of Jammu.

Roots In Kashmir (RIK) will shortly organise an awareness drive to educate people about the problems faced by these camp inmates. A movie screening along with a small exhibition is planned in June in Delhi, Jammu and Srinagaer.

RIK is studying the overall conditions in camps and will soon come out with an action plan to help and rebuild their lives.

We need support of the citizens of this country and overall from people around the globe.

If you feel for the cause of want to help in anyway then leave a comment or contact us on our blog.

ROOTS IN KASHMIR

A Kashmiri Pandit Youth Initiative...

Blog: www.rootsinkashmir.wordpress.com

Website: www.rootsinkashmir.org

E-mail: contact@rootsinkashmir.org

FUTURE OF 30% OF INDIA'S POPULATION-A MUST SEE VIDEO

2007-04-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

Brahmins in India have become a minority

A 7 minutes clip exposes the reality that today's brahmins have become oppressed and marginalized.

Francois Gautier
Editor in Chief La Revue de l'Inde
http://www.lesbelleslettres.com/collections/?collection_id=52
41 Jorbagh, New Delhi 110003
tel (91-11 24649635)/ (91) 9343538419

A Must Read article for all...!

2007-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

"Between Worlds"

- by RADHIKA KAUL

(Radhika is a 15 year old, Kashmiri Hindu refugee living in-exile in Delhi, India.)

"...I live between worlds, yet sometimes, I wish the barriers between these two worlds would thaw. Sometimes the proud Kashmiri Pandit in me wishes to cross the boundaries of the inner world and show its face to the outer world as well. But it's acknowledgement, not pity that a true Kashmiri Pandit wants; its empathy, not sympathy that I want. Each time a person asks me about my origins I don't want to painstakingly recall the wounds inflicted on us just to get an "Oh, really? I'm so sorry" for a reply. I'd rather want you to stand up and put a finger on my lips and say, "I know". That's all I want."

Catch the complete article on: KASHMIR HERALD

The writer can be contacted at sis_gudia@yahoo.co.in

Review : Sanjay Kak's Jashn-e-aazadi - Of graveyards and half-truths

2007-03-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Amit Bhan
The Pioneer: Viva City

We have seen the images before. The normally busy Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar, wearing a deserted look as the national flag is hoisted there by security forces on Independence Day.

And it is with this image that filmmaker Sanjay Kak has opened his feature length documentary Jashn-e-azadi (How we celebrate freedom). The film was screened at the India Habitat Centre recently.

From this "celebration" of Independence, Kak moves across the Valley to find out what azadi means to the common man and how Indian democracy functions. And the viewer is taken through the Martyr's Graveyard, introduced to the families of those killed in the militancy-related incidents, to the OPD ward of the Government Psychiatric Hospital, destroyed houses and the protest rallies.

"The film is a series of images that depict the present situation in Kashmir. I want to make people understand what is happening out there and offer them a way to engage with it, listen to it. I am showing what is happening there for the rest of India," says Kak.

The images reinforce the colossal tragedy suffered by the locals. But the tragedy has a cause and the film attributes it to the Indian presence there, which is reinforced through images of gun-trotting security personnel, movement of convoys of security forces and their search operations and encounters. And such is the juxtaposition of images that one is compelled to draw inference that security forces are the 'occupying forces.' Precisely what the militants have been propagating and what they have been demanding azadi from.

In the film, Kak has also spoken to some separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and even shown a public meet of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik. Says Kak, "Though I am not interested in what their political views are, I was interested in what they say about Kashmiris. Their speeches seemed to me what people in the Valley are articulating."

Though one cannot deny that Kashmiris have suffered due to almost two decades of terrorism, Kak's projection of this has made it look like the tragedy of just one community. Kashmiri Pandits, who formed a significant minority in the Valley and five lakh of whom were forced to flee their homes, get a mention as voice-over and are 'brushed aside as collateral damage.' Their mention is wrapped up in just over a minute in the 138-minute-long film. Though accepting that their loss was huge, Kak justifies their absence in the film. "The Kashmiri Pandits never happened to be in the Valley during that time and they never were a part of this azadi," says he.

The film also tries to put 'occupation of Kashmir' in a historical context. But Kak fails in it miserably. The historical reference lacks in detail so much that the context Kak tried to put the present conflict in, is missing.

The efforts carried out by the security forces to reach out to the distraught populace, the administration's attempts to bring normalcy - for example by reviving tourism - have been depicted in a way that only evoke sarcasm. An attempt that is going to find favour only with separatists.

Kak may claim it is a documentary but by deliberately choosing to present only one side (his side as he says) of the situation, he has let the film go down as mere propaganda tool of the separatists.

And they protested...

The presence of Yasin Malik at the screening evoked a strong protest from activists of Roots in Kashmir, an organisation of Kashmiri Pandit youths.

The activists, who were prevented from entering the auditorium during the first half of the film, demanded that Malik be barred from the venue as he was responsible for killing of Kashmiri Pandits.

The almost negligible mention of the plight of Kashmiri Pandit in the film also drew flak from the activists who directed their ire at the filmmaker after the end of the film.

Roots in Kashmir -

www.rootsinkashmir.org ,www.rootsinkashmir.wordpress.com

Sanjay Kak -

www.kashmirfilm.wordpress.com

Mohammed Yasin Malik, chief of the JKLF, has his face smeared with coloured liquid thrown by unidentified activists at India Gate.

2007-02-22T23:19:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy: Reuters and PTI

Kashmiri Pandit Youth Protest against Yasin Malik’s fake campaign on Human Rights at Jantar Mantar

2007-02-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 22nd Feb. 2007

Photographs By - Aditya Raj Kaul

Freedom...

2007-02-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is from my friend Aaditya Dar's Blog

Is this the right Angle ?

2007-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

ADITYA RAJ KAUL from ADITYA RAJ KAUL

13 shades with darkness...

2007-01-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

Heroic indeed!

Neeraj Seth

Anchal Dhar

Gandhigiri may be the latest rage, but many will tell you that it sure gets the work done. Take the case of a few residents in Gurgaon who tried moving the sluggish authorities through Gandhigiri, and succeeded big time

Aditya Raj Kaul

TIMES OF INDIA

“For about three to five years we were facing quite a disaster as the roads outside our apartments were broken into parts and were uneven. Even after repeated requests to the authorities no action was taken. It looked shabby and was a big problem for the residents and all the commuters,” said Neeraj.

It became quite a conversation piece in all the apartments. During evening friendly talks and walks, people used to discuss this mess on the road. They tried their best to persuade the authorities but it always ended in vain.

Neeraj Seth and others with the Hamilton Court Resident Welfare Association tried to meet HUDA, contractors and all other concerned authorities.

"It was frustrating as the concerned administration was not at all bothered." added Neeraj. The residents had lost their patience now and wanted to raise their fingers at the administration. Finally, one day they collectively decided to do something concrete. This time they had to plan well and think of something creative and innovative.

Neeraj quickly adds with a laugh on his face, "We launched a massive banner campaign. We made big 10 feet by 10 feet banners and wrote innovative slogans. The slogans were satirical and humorous. They were both in English and Hindi and were placed on all the main entrances of the apartments in such a manner that people couldn’t miss it. We started with havan praying for putting a wise sense in authorities."

The slogans ranged from ’Idhar kuan udhar khai - yeh sadak humne garv se banai’ to ’HUDA proudly announces the stoppage of construction on this road.’

And the impact was seen within days. The authorities finally woke up and in about 30 days the construction started. Neeraj proudly says that it has now become a fantastic road but it’s sad that there are many other areas in Gurgaon where roads are still pathetic.

With the same zeal and vigor Anchal Dhar a resident of DLF actively participated in some of the recent national campaigns like the anti-reservation and the Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo.

"It was sometime in March when I came to know about the first anti-reservation rally in Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. I participated and from then onwards there has been no looking back," says Anchal. She joined the United Students’ group and campaigned in the Delhi University and in various colonies of Gurgaon for different issues.

Anchal smiles proudly and says, "The response sometimes was amazing. We organised signature campaigns for anti-reservation in all the malls of Gurgaon and used to get around 500 signatures in an hour. The people were wholeheartedly supporting the cause."

Anchal was also very actively involved with organising the Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo rally on July 23, 2006. She clearly remembers the day and night campaigning for the rally and also the last minute change of plans.

"We had organised the rally at the India Gate, but due to security threat police shifted our rally to Jantar Mantar at the last minute. This did not deter us. It was me and some of my friends who positioned themselves at India Gate and directed everyone to the changed venue. It was very demoralising," she recalls.

Neeraj and Anchal have indeed inspired the residents of Gurgaon.

Justice For Nithari...When ? How ?

2007-01-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

Is the entire system accountable ???

A Mother cries for Justice: Why is the entire system turning a blind eye ?

The gruesome tale of sexual abuse and serial killing of dozens of children has shocked India.

Nithari is a village near Sector - 31, Noida, some 20 km (12 miles) from the capital where this ghastly and heinous crime was committed.

Post-mortems of the 17 skulls and other bones discovered last week showed that 11 of those killed were girls.

The main culprit is a rich businessman from Punjab who preyed on his innocent victims for almost two years.

Police did not rule out the angle of human organ trading too as distraught parents of missing children have been thronging the road in front of a villa in Noida's Sector 31 from where the skulls were found.

The parents, mostly daily wagers, say the police were callous in their attitude to the missing person complaints they had filed, as they were poor.

The local administration needs to be held accountable.

It is time for the people to wake up the system from deep slumber !

Will Civic Activism bring Justice For Nithari ?

Justice For Nithari...

2007-01-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

Can civic activism get justice for Nithari kids?
CNN-IBN

To discuss today’s issue the panel comprised of SSP, Noida, R K S Rathore, Media Coordinator, United Students, Aditya Raj Kaul and Principal, Lotus Valley School, Madhu Chandra. The show was hosted by Sagarika Ghose.

So what role can someone like Aditya Raj Kaul, media coordinator of United Students play in such a case?

“I have with me the press release of the Government of India. It clearly states that a high-level committee has been set up to probe the matter. But what was the state police doing all these months? Also the unprofessional way in which the bodies were dug out, the media should not have been allowed inside at that time. There should have been sealing. It’s shocking that citizens have to wake the system from slumber again and again,” said Aditya Raj Kaul.

But what do citizens want from the case as of now?

“Though I appreciate the work of the SSP, I would demand a white paper on what happened in the killings plus an external agency, be it the CBI or the high-level committee should discuss the issue as well,” said Aditya Raj Kaul.

You can read the complete article and view the video by clicking here : Complete

Courtesy: CNN-IBN

People who started it all...

2006-12-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

2006: The year of youth activism

Source : The Times of India, 30th December 2006

United We Stand: Jiten Jain (IP), Saroj Rath (JNU), Kaushal Kanth Mishra (AIIMS), Dhruv Suri (IP, Law) and Aditya Raj Kaul (DU).

Justice For Jessica Lall
Anti-Reservation Campaign
Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo
UNITED STUDENTS
...they started it all

Celebrating the Victory !

We focus on youth activism, more so in Delhi, which turned SMSs into a means of protest and changed how India thinks.

They dared to rock the boat, shouted out their dissent, and changed our definition of nation and justice in the process.

Delhi Times focusses on a few of those who fought for what they thought was right: Justice for Jessica and Priyadarshini Mattoo, and anti-reservation stirs.

Meet Dhruv Suri, Aditya Raj Kaul, Jiten Jain, Kaushal Kant Mishra and Saroj Rath, students who started a quiet revolution by turning 'watchers' into 'doers'.

In the light of the setting sun at India Gate, the place where it all began, they tell their story of the year that was theirs all the way...

The Real Rang De Basanti !

To read the complete article click here : DELHI TIMES

Indeed, An emotional moment !

2006-12-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

BRAVEHEARTS UNITED

Exclusive Picture: Sabrina Lall (Jessica Lall's sister) and Chaman Lal Mattoo (Priyadarshini Mattoo's father) share a brief moment of joy...

Photograph By : Anasuya Roy - NDTV

The Real Hero - Behind the Scene...

2006-12-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Justice Brigade of NDTV

Aditya Raj Kaul writes about his experiences and encounters with one of the best Crime Correspondents in India.

The Crime Reporter: Anasuya Roy

“ I was just doing my job as a Journalist and an Indian…it was people who made the difference not me. I just reported what people wanted to know,” says Anasuya Roy, senior special correspondent NDTV.

Anasuya at the Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo rally on 23rd July 2006 in Jantar Mantar New Delhi.

It was just like any usual day for me. I remember, it was March 27th 2006; in the afternoon I was checking my inbox and realized there was a mail from correspondent of NDTV. It read “Hi Aditya, I am from NDTV and am trying to do a story on petitions in support of justice for Priyadarshani Mattoo...please contact me asap…-”. NDTV had come to know about my petition in support of Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo. I replied back and within minutes a formally dressed lady was at my doorstep ready with a cameraperson and a NDTV mike in hand. After a quick conversation, she started interviewing me and the camera caught me in different emotions.

This lady was Anasuya Roy.

The story was telecasted the next day. Later next day, NDTV asked me to come for a very special live panel discussion. I was asked for my opinion and what motivated me to start this campaign. I clearly remember the last question by the anchor: “Are you hopeful that justice will be done in the Mattoo Case?” After a brief gap, I replied “No, not at this moment.” This was the first day when Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo campaign was formally launched in media.

Till a few days I couldn’t answer myself as to what motivated me to start this campaign. Honestly speaking, I had started the online petition just as any other ordinary person out of care and anguish within me. But today I want to thank Anasuya Roy, a senior crime correspondent with a difference who in reality has brought Justice to Priyadarshini Mattoo and even Jessica Lall. I may or may not have carried the movement forward but it was she who was my motivation, my strength and the real Brigade of Justice.

With a small story on me to a big movement called Justice For Priyadarshini Mattoo, Anasuya Roy has played an immensely important role in not only this sole movement but she has played a great role in changing the perception of people. I have tried to know more about her though in brief I hope I’ll be able to sum it up well.

Anasuya Roy was born on 30th April 1973 in Calcutta. She has done her schooling from St. Thomas School in New Delhi. Roy has studied history at the prestigious St. Stephens College and done her masters from Jawaharlal Nehru University. As I start asking her about getting into Journalism, blunt comes the reply, “It was accidently that I came into Journalsim, actually, I had planned to give the UPSE...Thank god this accident happened”.

So, What was this accident??? – “Oh nothing just for fun joined News track and remained here for life till it became life itself”

It was in 1995 that Anasuya joined News track and finally landed up at NDTV in 1996. Her first show was the Good Morning India. In 2003, she started working as a crime correspondent with NDTV 24*7. She has been very active and a well-read reporter compared to others. Apart from crime she also started covering the Delhi Govt. since 2005.

NDTV was the first channel to start the Justice For Jessica Lall campaign and collected 2 lakh signatures in its support. In fact, Anasuya was the one to highlight the whole cause through her detailed and crisp stories. Her stories made the common man think of his rights and realize his duties. She pointed out at the flaws in the investigations and faults with the whole process. Her excellent stories caught the attention of the ordinary Indian citizen and off course the verdict by some of the courts were the main reasons for the general public to react in such massive way as never before. Unities in the Indian masses as never before as candlelight marches and solidarity walks were organized all over the country.

When asked about her stories that touched the heart of Indians, she replied, “ I was just doing my job as a Journalist and an India…it was people who made the difference not me. I just reported what people wanted to know.”

“I really feel it, no individual can do such a thing on their own unless others also do the same”, she adds.

She gives credit to the entire media for the victory. “I am sure each journalist put in their best foot forward that is the reason why the entire campaign gathered momentum...”But she has praises for her channel as well. This year she has completed 10 years in NDTV. “NDTV believes in Truth and we try our best to bring it to the people”, she adds quickly as we chat.

Anasuya Roy for me has reported for truth and justice. I salute her for her dedication to her profession. Rarely do we find people of her like, who report and highlight the real and not the reel, and above all bring justice to the families of the victims. Not only a sustained public campaign but also a continuous media activism has as well helped in fastening the whole process of justice.

I have personally known Anasuya for last almost 10 months and I’ve indeed learnt the real art of journalism from her. Her reporting takes you into the depth of the story be it on any issue. I’ve been eagerly following her stories as I’ve a keen interest in investigative journalism. Undoubtedly, at present she is country’s one of the best crime correspondents.

And indeed, this journalist star has an important message for all, “There is no replacing hard work...if u believe in a cause go for it…”

Lastly, as ever she wonderfully sums up the chat, “Actually, I believe in my school song…"Reach for the stars in the sky and when you reach there reach for the next star"

Anasuya has brought a change. A change, which was long needed. I just hope that as Anasuya Roy has proved that Journalism stands for truth, conviction, compassion and courage, this trend continues forever

Jessica Lall Case

2006-12-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

R S Sodhi: A man of justice

Justice R S Sodhi of the Delhi Court has reserved a place for himself in the hearts of people by pronouncing landmark justice in the Jessica Lal murder case. Quashing the lower court order, a Bench comprising Justice Sodhi and Justice PK Bhasin sentenced main accused Manu Sharma to a life-term and gave a jail term of four year each to co-accused Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Singh Gill in face of immense pressure.

Born on 11th November 1945, Justice Sodhi passed out from Bishop Cotton School in Shimla and graduated from Jalandhar in 1969. After doing LLB from Punjab University in 1972, he enrolled as an Advocate with Bar Council of Delhi in the same year.

Justice Sodhi practiced in constitutional, civil, criminal, land revenue and excise matters in the Supreme Court of India for 25 years, and was appointed as a Judge of Delhi High Court on July 7, 1999.

Justice Sodhi came into limelight in 2002 when he acquitted former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao and his Cabinet colleague Buta Singh in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha bribery case. Quashing the order of the trial court that had earlier convicted Narasimha Rao in October 2000, Justice Sodhi said that the testimony of the approver lacked credibility.

In May 2005, in a rather controversial judgment, Justice Sodhi quashed charges against Europe-based three Hinduja brothers, Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand, and Swedish arms manufacturer A B Bofors in the multi-billion dollar Bofors pay-off case.

"No case can be proceeded against the Hindujas or the Bofors Company in the absence of original documents. I quash the framing of charges by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate against the Hinduja brothers and the A B Bofors Company", Justice R S Sodhi said in his order.

Prior to announcing judgment in the Jessica Lal case, Justice Sodhi in October 2005 awarded death sentence to Santosh Singh for the rape and murder of Delhi University law student Priyadarshini Mattoo. Thus, restoring the faith of people in Indian judicial system. With the latest judgment in the Jessica Lal case, he has not only proved that no one is above law but also raised the standard of judiciary.

Bureau Report

Victory at last....

2006-12-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

MANU GETS LIFE TERM FOR JESSICA MURDER

New Delhi: Manu Sharma, who seven years ago murdered model Jessica Lall, was on Wednesday sentenced to life by the Delhi High Court.

He was also sentenced to four years imprisonment for violating the Arms Act. An additional four-year term was slapped for criminal conspiracy.

Manu was also asked to pay a fine of Rs 50,000 to Lall's family.

The focus will now shift to the SIT team and the erring policemen who were in collusion with Manu’s family.

“The judgement is a strong vindication. We feel totally satisfied. The entire judgement is based on the initial investigations. The officers should be given kudos. Unfortunately, there is some wrong information being given,” former Joint Police Commissioner Amod Kant said.

The court had on Monday found Manu, son of a powerful Haryana Congress politician, guilty of shooting Jessica after she refused to serve him liquor at a party in a Delhi restaurant.

The Court also sentenced Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Singh Gill – the co-accused in Jessica Lall murder case – to four years of rigorous imprisonment for aiding and abetment of the crime.

The prosecution had appealed for death sentence, but Sharma's lawyer R K Nasseem appealed before a Bench comprising Justice R S Sodhi and Justice P K Bhasin that the murder was not pre-planned and his client was a first time offender.

A Note By Aditya Raj Kaul

Today the second most historical verdict of 2006 was announced in the Delhi High Court. It is not only the victory of Lall family or the campaigners for Justice in this Case, it is the victory of each and every Indian Citizen. Though it took 8 long years, finally, he ruh prevailed. This has restored our faith is the Indian Judicial System. We really hope that from now onwards the investigative agencies will do their job in a much finer manner and avoid geting into controversies because of some irresponsible police officials.

The sentence in this case is a big blow on the faces of all those people with money and muscle power who consider themselves above law. This verdict will surely act as a strong detterent and a set a presedent for all future cases.

We pray and hope that soon Justice will be done in the Nitish Katara case as well and all thousands of other cases which get unnoticed by the mainstream media will see a positive end.

Th public and the media activism has really helped in geting retrial of both Lall and the Mattoo Case.

Youth have shown their power and proved that they as well care !!!

Voting Time...

2006-12-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

Vote for CNN-IBN Indian of the Year

From politics, business, sports and entertainment to public service, the award will recognise achievers of the past and salute the icons of the future.

The unique aspect of this award is our recognition of public service.

An Indian who made a difference and contributed significantly to the betterment of society, that unsung hero who celebrated the spirit of ‘Whatever It Takes’.

CNN-IBN invites you to select your Indian of the year in the public service category. Just send an e-mail to indian@ibnlive.com

“This public service award will take the concept of interactive television to another level because the decision of who deserves the award will be taken primarily by viewers by voting. This is also an effort to take the initiative of the concept of citizen journalist a step forward,” said Editor-in-Chief of CNN-IBN, Rajdeep Sardesai.

It’s the first of its kind in India and would be the biggest celebration of citizenship in the Indian television history.

The CNN-IBN Indian of the year award will celebrate India's achievements, and her heroes.

Justice Finally...

2006-12-18T03:25:00.000-08:00

Jessica case: Manu Sharma found guilty

Manu Sharma, main accused in the Jessica Lall murder case in April 1999, has been found guilty.

The Delhi High Court has convicted Manu under Section 302, for which the maximum sentence is death and the minimum is a life sentence.

However, the sentencing will be on Wednesday.

Manu Sharma is the son of a powerful Haryana Congress leader and industrialist Venod Sharma.

In addition to Manu Sharma, two of his friends Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Gill have been convicted for destroying evidence.

The two co-accused also face a sentence ranging from three to seven years.

Vikas Yadav, is in fact also the main accused in the murder of Nitish Katara. All the nine accused had been acquitted by the trial court in February this year.

Manu Sharma and the other two co-accused are to be taken into custody immediately.

Missing links

Delivering the judgment, the High Court said socialite Bina Ramani's witness was the basis of the conviction. Calibre of the weapon matched and the onus to produce the missing gun was on Manu Sharma.Also, a bullet of the same calibre that killed Jessica was found in Manu Sharma's vehicle, a Tata Safari. All this went against him because the main accused couldn't explain either the missing gun or his missing vehicle.

Meanwhile, Manu Sharma's lawyers have said they will plead for minimum punishment for him. After massive public outrage the police appealed and the High Court fast tracked the hearing.

Jessica case verdict listed for Monday

2006-12-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Delhi High Court will on Monday pronounce the verdict in the appeal filed by the Delhi police against the acquittal of Manu Sharma and eight other accused in the Jessica Lall murder case by a lower court nine months ago.

The official list of cases coming up in the Delhi High Court released Saturday evening said the bench will pronounce the verdict at 2 pm on Monday.

After hearing the arguments of the prosecution and the defence, a Division Bench comprising of Justice RS Sodhi and Justice PK Bhasin had reserved the case for orders on November 29.

This was the same Bench which on October 31 sentenced to death Santosh Kumar Singh who raped and murdered Priyadarshini Mattoo Seeking the conviction of all accused set free by trial judge SL Bhayana on February 21, 2006, the prosecution during the arguments constructed a chain of events based on strong circumstantial evidence and part testimonies of even hostile witnesses against them.

Roots In Kashmir - A Photographic View of some common Individuals in the rally

2006-12-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

17 years on Exodus...17 years of pain and horror...

Kashmir still burns...No hope of Peace...

Pandits Return impossible...

After 17 years...

Roots In Kashmir : A Kashmiri Pandit Youth Initiative

Kashmiri Pandit Youth Fight Back...

A new Battle Begins...

Out of the 110 photographs of the 10th December rally....Here we sum up the whole anguish and united fight in 7 steps of Roots In Kashmir...A photographic View...

Photographs By - Aditya Raj Kaul

2006-12-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

2006-11-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

TEHELKA SUMMIT OF THE POWERless

Nov. 20th-21st, New Delhi

Exclusive Photofeature: Kashmir Session

"Face it, Yes, Kashmiri Pandits are reffugges in their own country not migrants", says the forcefull Dr. K.L. Chowdhary, Panun Kashmir.

"What autonomy and for whom ?" questions the nationalist Shri Ashoke Pandit, Noted film maker and activsit.

The Panel at the Kashmir Session

In Deep Thought : Kashmir ??? Lets talk future...appeals Mr. Omar Abdullah, President, National Conference.

"I still remember my Pandit friends","Our Govt. has been the best","I invite Pandits to Kashmir" answering on state govt's failure in addressing problems of Kashmiri Pandits - Mehbooba Mufti, Chairman, People's democratic Party.

Photographs by Raghu Rai
Copyright: Tehelka

"ROOTS IN KASHMIR" - A KP Youth Initiative

2006-11-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

"ROOTS IN KASHMIR"
[A KP Youth Initiative]

Appeal to the countrymen to assemble at Jantar Mantar at 3 PM on 10th Dec, 06 on the eve of “The World Human Rights Day” to protest against the human rights violations of Kashmiri Pandits.

"Roots in Kashmir" is an initiative dedicated to bring to fore the pitiful plight of more than four lac Kashmiri Pandits who were hounded by Islamic fundamentalists out of their motherland and had to face equally hostile and unsympathetic governments after their humiliating exodus. Nothing more than lip service has been rendered to this unfortunate community, whose numbers are dwindling. The community has been forsaken by the political parties of this country because the community is no vote bank. They are out of their homes, their places of pilgrimage and shrines of worship have been burnt, desecrated, destroyed and some have been entirely razed to ground. The terrorists who have murdered their kith and kin have been set free by the courts because the law enforcement agencies “did” not gather enough evidence to nail them .

“Roots in Kashmir“, appeals to the collective consciousness of the people of this great nation, to support this endeavor by participating in the protest rally highlighting the gross human rights abuses against the Kashmiri Pandit community. This initiative needs your support and presence. It is a peaceful movement of the people which without the active support of all of you would be incomplete.

Let no more Hindus be killed in Kashmir...
Let no more temples be broken...
Let no more murderers walk free...

E-mail: rootsinkashmir@gmail.com

Blog: www.rootsinkashmir.wordpress.com
www.rootsinkashmir.blogspot.com

2006-11-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

Ram Jethmalani: The other side of Ram?

by Aditya Raj Kaul

Watch Video

Jethmalani opens defence arguments in Jessica Lall Case.
“I’ll defend Manu Sharma till the last breath of my life”, says Ram Jethmalani, senior criminal lawyer.

“On that fateful night about seven years ago, a girl was shot dead in front of 400 people: men and women who are the ones society often hails and fetes. For their intelligence and their achievement. For their sense of fair play and for their ability to distinguish between right and wrong. How horribly wrong we are.”

Senior Criminal Lawyer and former Law minister Ram Jethmalani has told the Delhi High Court that key accused Siddharth Vashishtha alias Manu Sharma was not present in the Tamrind Court Party where model Jessica Lall was shot dead.

Jethmalani began his argument on the appeal with a reference to media reports about the case. He talked in detail about the “media trial” of the case and urged the bench not to take note of it.

“I will prove by intrinsic evidence that two persons had shot her. I remember that for some days after the murder even police had stated this to the press,” Ram Jethmalani told a Division Bench comprising Justice R.S. Sodhi and Justice P.K. Bhasin.

Jethmalini’s decision to take up Manu Sharma’s case has sent shock waves throughout the country. The dissent in the Jethmalani household was strong.

Mahesh, Jethmalani’s son said, “Our entire family is opposed to his defending Manu. We tried to convince him that this was not a case of public importance.”

Rani, Jethmalani’s daughter has also taken a stand against his father. Rani earlier in a discussion program on a TV channel pledged her support to Sabrina Lall, Jessica Lall’s sister.

Taking a cue from ‘Gandhigari’ people are planning to send him flowers and messages to dissuade him.

Kamini Jaiswal, a close friend of Jethmalani, agreed: “In a matter of this nature where public opinion is against Manu, Jethmalani should not have taken up the case. He is looked up to as an idol in the legal fraternity, as someone who would stand up for the underdog. I am highly disappointed.”

“We plan to send roses and messages to him,” she added.

“The country is shocked and ashamed of what Ram Jethmalani has done. This is a result of money and power. We hope that justice is done to Jessica Lall’s family as was done in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case,” a campaigner for “Justice For Jessica Lall” said.

“What about Jethmalani’s conscience? What if he too suffers one day at the hands of insensitive yet powerful louts? ” he questioned.

Jethmalani, however, was unmoved; “Nothing on earth will make me back out of this case. My children think if I take up this case, it will make me unpopular. But I will not refuse a case for such a reason.”

“I’ll defend Manu Sharma till the last breath of my life.” he added.

Ram Jethmalani, clearly this is the other side of Ram. Period

2006-11-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Bharati Yadav: What will her conscience say, Family or Truth?

High Court tells Bharati to follow conscience.

“Do not come under any pressure from your family. Let your conscience guide you.” This is Delhi High Court’s advice to Bharati Yadav, the key witness in the Nitish Katara case.

Bharati who is in UK is the sister of the main accused in the case Vikas Yadav and has promised to come to India and depose on November 25.

Police want her to say in the court that she had seen the two with Nitish at a marriage party in Ghaziabad. He was found dead on February 17, 2002. Vikas and Vishal did not approve of her relationship with Katara. Vikas Yadav is the son of former Rajya Sabha member D.P. Yadav.

The main question that remains unanswered is, “ What will he conscience say? Will she come under family pressure and save her brother or will she speak the truth?”

Neelam Katara, mother of Nitish Katara firmly believes that Bharati will speak truth in the court.

In the recent time, it is being noted that immense pressure has been put on Bharati to turn hostile.

“But, I know. She loved Nitish and I’m sure she will go with her conscience and speak the truth,” said a confident Neelam Katara.

Neelam Katara has been fighting this lone battle for last 4 years.

“It is only hope and courage which has kept me moving. My son will be watching from heaven. I have to fight for him till the end” she says.

The Youth of this country salute her.

2006-11-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Some Points to ponder…Is the entire system guilty?

· The verdict in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case sentencing the main accused Santosh Kumar Singh with death after more than 10 years is a welcome step and brings a new hope.

· The Justice delivery system in India is too slow. Judiciary needs to be overhauled to expeditiously deliver justice. There are thousands of cases in the courts, which have been collecting dust for years.

· The role played by the investigative agencies be it the CBI or the police force comes to question in many cases. The common man has lost faith in them.

· Media has played a very positive role in highlighting the various cases in which high and mighty with money and power go scot-free easily. Public outcry has as well helped in keeping a pressure on the authorities and fastening their pace.

· The so-called word “Media Trial” is a very exaggerated term. Media has a very important role to play in a democratic country. Whenever a branch of the whole system fails it is the duty of the media as well as moral obligation of the people to bring it to the notice of the authorities.

· The police blame the citizen, the judiciary blames the law, and the citizen blames lawlessness – each stakeholder sacrificing his or her responsibility.

2006-11-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

Victory Atlast... Justice For Priyadarshini...

"Justice For Priyadarshini" activists Vivek Raina and Aditya Raj Kaul coming out of the Delhi High Court after the verdict announcing death sentence to Santosh Kumar Singh.

Terming the sentence as "historic", Aditya Raj Kaul, a member of 'Justice for Priyadarshini', said it will set a precedent in such cases and will act as a deterrent in the future.

Asked about the possibility of an appeal by Singh in the case, he said, "It does not matter and the judgment given by the Delhi high court was very strong."

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

2006-11-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

Another case, System at fault....9 years and still waiting for JUSTICE...

On March 31, 1997, a Delhi Police team shot dead two innocent businessmen in Connaught Place and branded them as terrorists.

The cold-blooded murder of Pradeep Goyal and Jagjit Singh was branded as an encounter. Nine years later, the family of Pradeep Goyal watched a TV news report on Monday that gave them hope of justice.

Santosh Kumar Singh was given death sentence for raping and murdering law student Priyadarshini Matoo—a judgment which led the Goyal family to believe that the police officials who killed Pradeep will be punished too.

“I was watching CNN-IBN and I saw the footage of the Mattoo case. I was very happy for her family and also felt that I too can get justice for my husband Pradeep,” says Neema Goyal.

Like in the Mattoo case, the Connaught Place murders created public outcry and media scrutiny of Delhi Police’s investigation.

“First the police said they had killed terrorists, but when it came out that they had killed businessmen and good citizens of the country then they admitted that it was a case of mistaken identity,” says Neema.

Nikhil Kumar, who was Delhi Police Commissioner then, accepted his men’s mistake but also said, “I am apologetic but not sorry.”

The accused police officials, including ACP S S Rathi who led the police team, surrendered and spent the next three years in jail. But then the case became stuck due to tardy prosecution.

"They keep telling me that it would be over soon, but sometime the judge is not there or the defence counsel is absent; sometime the public prosecutor is not there. We just keep getting new court dates"

Rathi and other accused are now out on bail. The Goyal family hopes that the way people's power won the battle for the Mattoos, their struggle too would end on a winning note.

***********************************************************************************

Mrs. Neema Goyal's word to me - " I, Neema Goyal W/O Late Sh. Pradeep Goyal want to tell you that-
On 31st March 1997 my husband Sh. Pradeep Goyal along with his business associate was brutally murdered in C.P by a contingent of crime branch of Delhi police led by ACP S.S. Rathi.The cold blooded murder took place without any provocationfrom the side of innocent victims.
Presently the case is in session court of judge Sh. Vinod Kumar in Patiala House Courts.It has been over nine years since the matter is pending in the courts. The Public prosecuter is Mr S.K Saxena.
I heard that you help victims like me who are unable to get justice. I will be very grateful to you if you could help me get justice for my husband."

Would you like to help her ???

I'm trying my best to help her but if you want to help her out in anyway please mail her at neema_goyal2000@yahoo.com

2006-10-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

People's movement turned the tide here

Source : Hindustan

For those who have been spearheading the 'Justice for Mattoo' campaign, both on the streets and on the Internet, it's a moment of victory.

'Justice for Mattoo' campaign member Aditya Raj Kaul says, “Frankly we weren't expecting a death sentence it's really a moment of elation for us.”

Source: CNN-IBN & Yahoo News

“This is a historical judgement which will set a precedent and also act as a deterrent. The public outcry mattered the most in turning the case around,” said Aditya Raj Kaul, an activist.

Source: The Hindustan Times

The miscarriage of justice in the Jessica Lall case, and the subsequent public outcry that led to a retrial, had encouraged supporters and friends of Mattoo to fast-track CBI's appeal in the high court. The case was buried in the high court files until student activist Aditya Raj Kaul took up the cause. With silent march and protests, together with candlelight vigils, Rajkaul petitioned to the Prime Minister and the President.

The movement got a momentum after Kaul received immense response to his online campaign on "Justice for Priyadarshini". In fact, the campaign gained such popularity that the Delhi High Court observed during a hearing of the case that it would like to take up Mattoo's appeal on priority basis.

But, even before the judges could prioritise it willingly, the CBI filed an application before the high court for an early hearing. And on September 5, 2006 the arguments on the appeal finally began. Seven years after he was acquitted on December 3, 1999, Santosh Singh, a practising lawyer, found himself in the dock. He stood to defend himself in the same division bench of high court where he has on various occassions argued the appeal of several persons against their conviction.

Source: The Times of India

"We have faith in the judiciary. It has increased 100 per cent. We never expected such a great response from the judiciary. We welcome the judgement whole-heartedly," added Aditya Kaul, Campaigner.

Source: NDTV

2006-10-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

Mattoo case: Santosh Kumar Singh gets death penalty

Friend Aditya Raj Kaul, who started a petition on the internet to gather support for the case in March this year, was delighted at the judgement.

"It took ten years to get justice. It is thanks to the media that we were able to gather support and thousands of people wrote back and said that we should join a campaign. That is how the campaign, Justice for Priyadarshani, started on her birthday on June 23. The rest is history - a landmark judgement in 50 days," he said.

October 30, 2006 15:14 IST

Last Updated: October 30, 2006 23:27 IST

Rediff News

The Delhi high court on Monday awarded the death sentence to advocate Santosh Kumar Singh, convicted for commiting the rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo, a Delhi University law student, eleven years ago.

Pronouncing the judgment in a jam-packed court room, Justices R S Sodhi and P K Bhasin ordered that "he (Singh) shall be hanged till death."

The court said he deserved nothing other than capital punishment.

Singh was arrested in 1996 and tried, but the trial court headed by G P Thareja gave him the benefit of doubt and acquitted him of the charges.

"He does not deserve to be pardoned. This is rarest of the rare cases," Justice R S Sodhi and Justice P K Bhasin said in their judgment.

The Delhi police had brought Singh to the court under heavy security and waited outside while the defence counsel and Central Bureau of Investigation advocates argued over the quantum of punishment.

Singh's face fell when he was told that the court had given him the death sentence. He is likely to challenge the judgment in the Supreme court.

Dressed in grey trousers and white shirt, Singh, a practising lawyer who is married and has a child, was crestfallen when the court handed down the verdict.
Singh became emotional when his father came out of the court room and met him.

"There is absolutely no doubt in our mind that what was required of Singh was exemplary behaviour being a son of police officer and a lawyer himself. Yet with a pre-meditated approach, he continued to harass the victim for two years," the Bench said.

"Inspite of repeated warnings by the police and his undertakings to them, he went about commiting the most ghastly act. The act itself sent ripples in society and showed how insecure a citizen can get against this kind of a person," the Bench remarked.

The entire proceedings were witnessed by some friends and family members of both the victim and the convict.

Justice Sodhi's wife and his daughter were also among those witnessing the proceedings.
Singh was acquitted by the Sessions Court in 1999, a judgment that was described as "perverse" by the high court.

The Sessions Judge G P Thareja had held that though he knew that Singh had committed the murder, he was acquitting him because of lack of evidence.

The order by the high court division bench on Monday came after three-hour long arguments by the defence and prosecution over the quantum of sentence.

"We are of the opinion that a case of this kind in which the crime is committed in a pre-meditated way and grotesque manner, the convict deserves nothing other than death penalty," the bench observed.

The Delhi high court had convicted him on October 17.

Singh had been stalking Priyadarshini Mattoo for nearly two years following which she had lodged a complaint at two different police stations.

The Bench, after hearing the arguments by the counsels of both the parties on the quantum of sentence, observed that evaluating the circumstances in favour and against the convict, 'the aggravating circumstances far outweigh the mitigating circumstances'.

Appearing for CBI, Additional Solicitor General Amrendra Sharan pressed for death sentence as the case falls under the category of 'rarest of rare cases' and said Singh raped and murdered a defenceless victim.

He pointed out that Singh had stalked the victim for two years making her and her family life miserable.

Sharan said the abhorrent mannner in which the murder was committed is the aggravating circumstance.

Singh deserved no clemency for he had committed a pre-meditated and cold-blooded murder evident from the fact that on the fateful day he had stalked the girl for the whole day and waited outside her house for the moment when she was alone to commit the offence.

Citing Apex Court Judgment in the Dhananjoy Chatterjee case, he argued the convict committed the diabolique, grotesque and gruesome offence to satisfy his brutal lust and he is a danger to the society.

He ruled out any possibility of his being reformed.
Sharan said the convict was a soldier of justice and greater responsibilty and respect for law of the land was expected of him.

He did not reform himself despite several opportunities and warnings given to him. He had not even kept the assurances given by him to the police that he would not repeat the mischievious acts, said Sharan.

B L Wali, advocate for Chaman Lal Mattoo, Priyadarshini's father, said that his client was more than happy with the death sentence.

"We had to slog hard for the case. When we entered the court room in the morning to argue for quantum of sentence, we were not sure what would impress the court. We are glad that the court gave him a death sentence," he said in a conversation with rediff.com on Monday evening.

Friend Aditya Raj Kaul, who started a petition on the internet to gather support for the case in March this year, was delighted at the judgement.

"It took ten years to get justice. It is thanks to the media that we were able to gather support and thousands of people wrote back and said that we should join a campaign. That is how the campaign, Justice for Priyadarshani, started on her birthday on June 23. The rest is history - a landmark judgement in 50 days," he said.

Chronology of Events:

January 23, 1996: Priyadarshini Mattoo raped and killed allegedly by Santosh Kumar Singh. Delhi police registers FIR.
January 25, 1996: Case handed over to the CBI. Agency registers case.
April 11, 1996: CBI files chargesheet in the case against Singh.
August 29, 1996: Charges framed.
August 11, 1997: Trial starts.
December 3, 1999: ASJ G P Thareja acquits Singh; lashes CBI for shoddy investigations.
February 29, 2000: CBI appeals in Delhi high court.
April 26, 2000: High court admits appeal.
October 17, 2000: High court issues bailable warrant against Singh.
July 22, 2006: CBI files application for early hearing.
August 31, 2006: High court orders daily hearings in the case.
Oct 17, 2006: High court convicts Santosh Singh for raping and killing Mattoo.
Oct 30, 2006: High court gives death sentence to Singh.

With PTI Inputs

2006-10-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

HC to decide on sentence - The Final Judgement Day...

This is to inform all that after the judgement convicting Santosh Kumar Singh of rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo on 17th October, the final arguments and judgement announcing punishment will take place today in the afternoon at the Delhi High Court. Justice Sondhi in his Judgement had said that either Santosh will be given life imprisonment or death sentence.

Lets hope that strongest and the harshest punishment is given to this criminal.

Members of Justice For Priyadarshini, Bollywood personalities and senior journalists and lawyers are expected to attend this historic final judgement.

To know more about Mattoo case, the whole Justice For Priyadarshini campaign and final justice, plz visit the following links:

www.kauladityaraj.blogspot.com

www.adityarajkaul.tk

Regards
Aditya Raj Kaul
Justice For Priyadarshini

Mattoo case: HC to decide on sentence
Bureau Report

New Delhi, Oct 29: Twelve days after convicting Santosh Kumar Singh for raping and murdering Priyadarshini Mattoo on January 23, 1996, the Delhi High Court will tomorrow hear arguments on the quantum of his sentence.

Holding Santosh guilty of the offence on October 17, a division bench of Justices R S Sodhi and P K Bhasin fixed October 30 for hearing arguments from both sides on the quantum of sentence.

Following a submission made by the CBI for stringent punishment for Santosh, the bench hinted that it would award him either capital punishment or life imprisonment for commiting the grisly murder nearly 11 years ago.

Setting aside a lower court's order acquitting santosh, the bench said, "The trial court, however, quite amazingly after holding almost all crucial circumstances in favour of the prosecution, has ordered unmerited acquittal of the respondent (Santosh) by taking a perverse approach in the matter.

"Despite being convinced that there was no doubt in the prosecution case (at least for murder), the trial court has mauled justice, its decision has shocked the judicial conscience of this court," the bench observed.

Rejecting the submission made by Santosh's counsel that the blood sample of the accused, taken for a DNA test, was tampered with by the CBI, the bench said, "We find no evidence to show that there was any tampering with the blood sample sent to the laboratory for the test. There is nothing on record to show that the seals on the sample were ever tampered with." The circumstantial evidence in the case is absolutely inconsistent and incompatible with the innocence of the respondent (Singh)," the bench remarked.

"From an overall analysis of the circumstances that had been discussed, we are of the view that those circumstances form a chain so complete which leads us to the only conclusion that it is Santosh Kumar Singh who had committed the rape of Mattoo and then murdered her," the bench said. (Agencies)

Hope ignites for Kataras

2006-10-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Neelam Katara, mother of Nitish Katara.

The reversal of the acquittal in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case is being seen as a precursor to the other two high-profile cases of miscarriage of justice: Jessica Lall and Nitish Katara.

Amid all the jubilation, the six-year delay in reversing the trial court's decision still rankled. Since the Nitish Katara case has been stalled at the trial stage because of Bharati Yadav's evasive tactics, his mother, Neelam Katara, struck a note of caution. "The end is good, but the wait had been too long. The delay needs to be looked into as it helps the accused and leads to difficulties for the victim's family." She said: "The victim family should be allowed to participate in the trial rather than being silent spectators. They should be allowed to speak up during the hearings if they want to make an important point."

Jessica’s sister witnesses conviction

2006-10-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Sabrina Lall, Jessica Lall's sister

“We are hopeful now” said Sabrina Lall today as she witnessed the verdict being delivered in the Mattoo case. Fighting a similar battle seeking justice for her sister, Jessica Lall, she was experiencing it first hand literally.

When the HC Justices RS Sodhi and PK Bhasin were reading out their judgment today, convicting Santosh Singh of raping and murdering 23-year-old Priyadarshini Mattoo, Lall’s was another family present in the courtroom.

As the same two-member Bench is hearing the appeal in the Jessica Lall murder case, Sabrina and her friends were sitting in the courtroom along with accused in the case, Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and Alok Khanna. They keenly watched the proceedings before the bench took up their matter after the lunch break.

Some of the people who regularly attend the hearings of the Jessica murder case on behalf of some of the accused, were seen following Singh while he was taken into CBI custody

Courtesy: The Hindu & Indian Express

Mattoo case conviction a "victory of judicial system": Friends

2006-10-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

In Picture,Shri Agnishekhar (Chairman, Panun Kashmir ) and Aditya Raj Kaul Initiator, Justice For Priyadarshini.

New Delhi, Oct 17: Ten years after he raped and killed Priyadarshini Mattoo, the conviction of Santosh Kumar Singh, son of a former IPS officer, by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday was hailed as a "victory of the judicial system".

"Today is the victory of Indian judicial system and victory of the entire media, and the entire nation who stood behind us in this fight against injustice," said Aditya Raj Kaul, Initiator, Justice 4 Priyadarshini campaign.

"We have have faith in judiciary and this faith has increased 100 per cent. We never expected such a great response from judiciary as well as from the CBI," he added.

"I am very happy. Santosh is found guilty on both the accounts-- rape and murder. I know the family very well. Priyadarshini belonged to a very respectable family and it has gone through a very bad phase in last ten years by not receiving justice. Finally, they have something to feel good about," said Agnisheker, a family friend and a supporter of the campaign.

Bureau Report

Priyadarshini's Father:'This is justice; my daughter will rest in peace'

2006-10-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Chaman Lal Mattoo, Priyadarshini's Father.

"Finally justice has been delivered," said an exuburent Chaman Lal Mattoo on Tuesday after he heard of the conviction of Santosh Singh for raping and killing his daughter Priyadarshani Mattoo 10 years ago.

"I can't express myself. I have no words to express how I feel," Mattoo, who is in Himachal Pradesh, said on phone.

"Justice has been done. Common people in the country can now breathe with ease. This is a step in the right direction," said Mattoo. He added, "My daughter cannot come back. But at least, her soul will be in peace today."

Mattoo thanked CBI Director Vijay Shanker for taking personal interest in the case.

Facing The Mattoo’s
by Aditya Raj Kaul

The next day i.e. 18th October 2006, early in the morning I decided to gather some strength and call up Mattoo uncle and aunty. It was hard to face them. But I decided to give them a ring. When I called the voice at the other end told me that uncle was downstairs and asked me to call back after 5 minutes. But soon after my mobile rang, it was Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo...

As soon as I heard Mr. Mattoo's voice, my heart started pounding; it felt as if the world had shrunk on me and the time had stopped. Mr. Mattoo was deeply appreciative of the efforts of each and every individual, organization and, in particular, media. It was hard for both of us to weave our emotions into words. Mattoo uncle thanked me and told me to convey the same to our entire team. He said that he was very eager to talk to me after the verdict but failed establishing contact with me.

There was a lady behind who was insisting on speaking with me. Uncle handed over the phone to her, she was Rageshwariji (Priyadarshini’s mother)...Very emotionally she thanked me like anything, more than that she blessed me and the whole group. I’m unable to translate her Kashmiri expressions... I was touched...I could feel it very much that she was no doubt in pain of losing her dear child, but at the same time there was some sort of satisfaction and relief to her.

I could feel a bruised, yet relieved, heart pouring all the love and affection in the world on me. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console her and convey her that it was their strong conviction that helped the case most but I couldn't utter a word....

Brother Speaks up...

2006-10-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Heymant Mattoo,Priyadarshini's brother.

“I have mixed feelings right now because we did not expect that the verdict would have a positive outcome based on the previous judgement that was passed by the trial court. It was 50-50, and we did not know where the dice would land. So we are very happy right now and elated,” said Heymant Mattoo on Tuesday (October 17).

“There was a lot of pressure from the media and a lot of pressure from the people who rallied for “Justice for Priyadarshini”. These are the people who worked very hard, who gave support to my father who was fighting alone for the last 8 to 9 years. So the courts had to put it on a fast track and deliver justice in good time,” said Heymant.

Finally, when asked about the quantum of punishmen that he thought Santosh Singh deserved, Heymant Mattoo said: “Looking at the intensity of the crime, and what he has done to a young and budding girl, I think he should get the maximum sentence that the courts deem fit for this kind of crime.”

Courtesy: Times Now

10 Long Years: Justice finally delivered...

2006-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Lawyer & Friends of Santosh Singh attacking Media outside Court

Convict:
Santosh Kumar Singh

2006-10-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

“Justice For Priyadarshini”… My experiences with the fight against injustice!

"Priyadarshini Mattoo" was the name that used to haunt me every now and then a few years back. I had heard and read a lot about this case, but never did I actually bother to see what had happened in the case and its current position. The picture in my mind was hazy.
It was in February this year that Jessica Lall case was in the headlines, because of the acquittal of all the accused in the case. This verdict gave me a tremendous shock. I could never believe my eyes watching the criminals going scot free just because of the lack in investigation. That was the time when I realized that now is the time for the country’s youth to take charge. I used the best weapon at my end; which was writing. I wrote to editors of various newspapers, followed by discussions on this case in various youth forums and groups. I could not believe that a public outcry in this case immediately helped as the Delhi High Court took a sue motto notice. It had given me a hope, that we are united against injustice.During this time, another case, which I had earlier as well read about, caught my attention. It was the Priyadarshini Mattoo Case. Media was trying its best to highlight it as far as it could, but nothing really was coming out. My 12th board examinations were on but my mind was as well following this case.

Priyadrshini Mattoo Case: A brief History

Priyadarshini was brutally raped and murdered on 23rd January 1996 in broad daylight in a posh South Delhi locality by his senior at the Law Faculty, Delhi University, Santosh Kumar Singh. The accused was son of a senior IPS officer.In the verdict given by Additional Sessions Judge on 3rd December 1999, Justice G.P. Thareja said, “ Though I know he is the man who committed the crime, I acquit him giving him the benefit of doubt.”The judge also went on record saying, “ The CBI in the matter of DNA evidence has not acted fairly. It tampered with the evidence of clothes of the deceased and also the blood sample of the accused. It even fabricated the documentary evidence and also the Malkhana Register of the CBI as is clear from the discrepancies.”The CBI filed its appeal challenging the courts verdict in the Delhi High Court in 2000, since then 7 years have passed without a single hearing of the case. It was a shame for the Indian Judiciary.

Online Campaign Begins

On March 22nd this year when I read an article of Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father, in a national daily, it sent shivers down my spine. My heart cried at the agony of the father, a father who had been fighting; for more than 10 years to get justice. I was determined to do something, which could still give some courage to him to fight this battle. Finally, on that very day I decided to start an online signature campaign, which had a petition addressed to the Honourable President of India and Chief Justice of India asking for retrial and reinvestigation in this case.I had found a new modern way for people to speak against injustice and discrimination. I was thrilled to get an overwhelming response from people across the world; thousands of signatures were collected, my inbox was filled with mails and at every nook and corner people were discussing about this very case. It was towards the end of my board examination in March when NDTV contacted me for a story on my petition. The story was telecasted the next day. Later that day, NDTV asked me to come for a very special live panel discussion. I was asked for my opinion and what motivated me to start this campaign. I clearly remember the last question by the anchor Nidhi Razdan: Are u hopeful that justice will be done in the Mattoo Case? After a brief gap…. I replied “No, not at this moment”
Later, another channel CNN-IBN covered a story on my petition, and I was again invited for the evening live panel discussion with Rajdeep Sardesai on the ‘Face The Nation’. It was a bit similar experience.

Our Team : “Justice For Priyadarshini”

Even though the case was on and off the media's attention, not much was happening on the ground. But I decided to take this forward upon request from all my friends and others. Many youth contacted me from around the world, mostly from India. After brief research of two months in this case me and my friends decided to form a group of volunteers who were determined to work for the cause. This led to the formation of “Justice For Priyadarshini”, which soon became our campaign name.A friend from USA who was actively involved with me in this group introduced me to his sister a journalist working in Delhi with one of the top media houses who was interested to work for this cause. In our first meeting, we decided to meet Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father.It was on May 4th that our small group comprising of me, that journalist friend and another of her friend, took the courage to meet Priyadarshini’s father. On the one hand my heart and mind was involved with the anti-reservation protests, but my soul was stuck with justice for Priyadarshini. This was the day when President of India invited me and my group for talks on reservations.

It was hard for us to face a father who had completely lost the courage to move on. As we entered his room, he greeted us and directed us to make ourselves comfortable. After the introduction, he told me that there is a young boy who has just finished his 12th and had started a campaign for this case. He asked us to contact him. I was surprised as he was referring to me. The journalist friend sitting with me introduced me as that very boy who had started that petition. The moment he heard this he stood up and hugged me, he thanked me for unknowingly helping him. I could see drops of tears coming out his eyes. I could feel my heart crying, I was motion less. I did not know what to say. I replied that it was my duty to raise my voice being an Indian citizen. Though I wanted to say more, I stopped. At the end of the meeting he asked me to continue my efforts, I assured him that day, that I will do whatever I can in my capacity to get justice. The journalist girl with me was equally enthusiastic about this case. She decided to study the case in detail and then work on it technically. She was with me in this campaign at each and every step. I felt Mr. Mattoo was now somewhat hopeful of justice being done as the youth had taken charge.I believe this was the first day of our campaign and gradually more people started to volunteer for the cause. We decided to have a protest march on 23rd of July, which was Priyadarshini’s 34th birth anniversary.We started working hard towards our goal, organising door-to-door campaigns, meeting various groups and individuals for support became a regular affair. In a short span of time, more than 25 Delhi based civil society groups, NGO’s, women’s bodies, students groups etc. pledged their support for this cause. One of the first groups to lend a helping hand was Delhi University based students neutral group United Students, who had started the anti-reservation campaign in the country. They mobilized nearly each and every college in the campus area by distributing pamphlets, sticking posters, organising corner meetings etc. Even the faculty and students of the Law Faculty, Delhi University where Priyadarshini used to study, joined this movement. Many other organizations like Jagori, People’s Action and Human Rights Law Network just to name a few raised their voice for this cause.Just days before the protest Mr. C.L. Mattoo decided to visit Delhi to support the group and raise this issue on a larger scale in front of the media. We organized a joint press conference, which strongly demanded an “immediate reinvestigation and retrial within a stipulated timeframe”. This conference became the headlines next day. In the meantime many electronic, print and radio media organizations extended their support to the cause.

The Protest that shook the Country

Finally, came the day that we were awaiting, it was 23rd July. The entire group was nervous, we had spent the previous night planning strategies, discussing various other things and completing last minute work for the protest. As we moved to the protest site, India Gate, a few hours before the protest, we got a message that our venue was shifted to Jantar Mantar due to some last minute security concerns. It was a very hard decision to change the venue; we hardly had any option, other then to follow the advice of the Police.We immediately decided to plant our volunteers on different corners of India Gate to direct people towards the changed venue. I had never expected this last minute change, this was a shock, but we had to tackle it and make our rally a great success.I checked the time in my wristwatch, it showed 4:30 pm, the scheduled time for our protest to start. I took a round of Jantar Mantar. I tried to figure the exact number of people present. The figure was shocking; there were hardly 25 people with 30 journalists standing and staring at this small crowd. I had anticipated a much larger figure. I was disheartened.After a few minutes, I jumped with excitement when I got a call from a volunteer standing at India Gate, he told me to be prepared, hundreds of people had already landed at India Gate and were now directed towards Jantar Mantar. My elation knew no bounds when I saw countless number of cars and other vehicles coming from the Janpath side road towards Jantar Mantar. I was re-energised.Media swung into action. The electronic media started their OB vans, with live coverage as the protest began. Photographers struggled to get space. Entire Jantar Mantar was full of people. Soon after, many personalities who had pledged their support for the cause landed at the venue, it included actors Anupam Kher, Roshan Seth and M.K. Raina, politician and activist Manika Gandhi and film director Ashok Pandit. Even Neelam Katara, mother of the murdered Nitish Katara, who has been also fighting for justice, joined us in the rally.The air reverberated with slogans like, “We Want Justice” and “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”. The depth in that one united voice from the crowd touched my strings of my heart. It was totally different atmosphere, a new experience for me.

CBI Action

The very next day CBI filed an early hearing petition in the High Court due to immense public and media pressure. The High Court heard the case on August 30th and set it for regular hearing on daily basis.

The case continued for a month, around 14 hearings and finally the judgement came on October 17th 2006.

The Judgement Day: First Hand Experience

The entire country was eagerly awaiting the Judgement which was scheduled to come in the afternoon on 17th of October 2006. I was sitting in the Delhi High Court, praying in my heart. The criminal, Santosh Kumar Singh was sitting in the next row in front. The judges entered the court at about 2:15 pm, Justice Sondhi announced the verdict before the jampacked court in complete silence. The Judge said, “From an overall analysis of circumstances that have been discussed above and held to have been proved beyond any doubt by unimpeachable evidence, we are of the view that those circumstances form a chain so complete which leads us to the only conclusion that it is the respondent, Santosh Kumar Singh, who had committed rape upon the deceased and then murdered her.”

Immediately, after this statement I could see Santosh’s face turning pale and his lawyers as if mourning in grief. The Judge continued, “ The circumstantial evidence in the case is absolutely inconsistent and incompatible with the innocence of the respondent. There is no circumstance brought on record by the respondent suggesting his innocence or the possibility of anyone else having committed the ghastly acts. The trial court, however quite amazingly, after holding almost all the crucial circumstances in favour of the prosecution, has ordered unmerited acquittal of the respondent by taking a perverse approach in the matter. By acquitting the respondent despite being convinced that there was no doubt in the prosecution case (at least for the offence of murder) the trial court has mauled justice, its decision has shocked the conscience of this court.”

I took a deep breath and a sense of relief…finally truth had won and justice had been done. Santosh Kumar Singh, the cruel murderer had been convicted and immediately arrested by the CBI. Media inside the court rushed out of the court, to cover the event live and first. This case is historic in many ways.To capture the historic event; it was history in the making right in front of everyone's eyes.

This case will set a precedent for all similar future cases. But the delay in this verdict is a cause of concern. Judiciary needs to set a stipulated time-frame for all extra special cases of murder, rape and national security etc. The Judicial process in India is very time consuming, and no one is sure of light at the end of the tunnel. Judiciary also needs to be overhauled in order to expeditiously deliver justice.It is unfortunate that the investigating agencies be it the Police or the top most CBI, have been found lacking in discharging their duties. Its high time that they get awakened from their deep slumber to discharge their duties in a systematic manner.

Facing The Mattoo’s

The next day i.e. 18th October 2006, early in the morning I decided to gather some strength and call up Mattoo uncle and aunty. It was hard to face them. But I decided to give them a ring. When I called the voice at the other end told me that uncle was downstairs and asked me to call back after 5 minutes. But soon after my mobile rang, it was Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo...

As soon as I heard Mr. Mattoo's voice, my heart started pounding; it felt as if the world had shrunk on me and the time had stopped. Mr. Mattoo was deeply appreciative of the efforts of each and every individual, organization and, in particular, media. It was hard for both of us to weave our emotions into words. Mattoo uncle thanked me and told me to convey the same to our entire team. He said that he was very eager to talk to me after the verdict but failed establishing contact with me.

There was a lady behind who was insisting on speaking with me. Uncle handed over the phone to her, she was Rageshwariji (Priyadarshini’s mother)...Very emotionally she thanked me like anything, more than that she blessed me and the whole group. I’m unable to translate her Kashmiri expressions... I was touched...I could feel it very much that she was no doubt in pain of losing her dear child, but at the same time there was some sort of satisfaction and relief to her.

I could feel a bruised, yet relieved, heart pouring all the love and affection in the world on me. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console her and convey her that it was their strong conviction that helped the case most but I couldn't utter a word....

Our Verdict

We at “Justice For Priyadarshini” firmly believe that the Priyadarshini Mattoo case fits into the category of “rarest of the rare” and hence the guilty should be awarded the death penalty.

Though there are philosophical reasons for being against death penalty, I think death penalty should be struck upon the culprit so that spoilt brats of power know that they are not above the law. It will set precedence and act as a deterrent.

************************************************************************************

Comments and suggestions to this article are welcome at adityarajkaul@gmail.com

You can also sign the Guestbook @ www.adityarajkaul.tk

Full Coverage on Priyadarshini Mattoo Case on :

NDTV

The Times of India

2006-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

By - GREEN DAY

Summer has come and passed

The innocent can never last

wake me up when september ends

like my fathers come to passs

even years has gone so fast

wake me up when september end

shere comes the rain again

falling from the starsdrenched in my pain again

becoming who we areas my memory rests

but never forgets what I lost

wake me up when september ends

summer has come and passed

the innocent can never last

wake me up when september ends

ring out the bells again

like we did when spring began

wake me up when september ends

here comes the rain again

falling from the stars

drenched in my pain again

becoming who we areas my memory rests

but never forgets what I lost

wake me up when september ends

Summer has come and passed

The innocent can never last

wake me up when september ends

like my father's come to pass

twenty years has gone so fast

wake me up when september ends

wake me up when september ends...

2006-08-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

UNITED STUDENTS - An Initiative by People's Action
Lets together make a difference...

United Students, a Delhi University based neutral group would be working on various issues in the coming months and requires active participation from all of you. If you are ready to go out in the open and make a difference, contact any of our coordinators who will further guide you.

United Students has been already campaigning for issues like Reservations,Jessica Lall and Priyadarshini Mattoo Case,RTI,Campus security etc.

Currently we are campaigning for the registration of Voter ID Cards in DU.

Since the organisation is volunatry, time commitment is flexible.

Regards,

For Further Details Contact :-
Dhruv Suri - dhruvsuri@gmail.com
Aaditya Dar - aadityadar@gmail.com
Nikhita Arora - nikhita_arora@yahoo.co.in
Aditya Raj Kaul - adityarajkaul@gmail.com
Devika Mallik - devika_malik@yahoo.com

United Students -

E-mail - unitedstudents.india@gmail.com

Website - www.unitedstudents.tk

United Students @ ORKUT
http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=13038478

UNITED STUDENTS @ Yahoo Groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/united_students/

Blog - www.unitedstudents.blogspot.com

Please spread this message to all your friends...

2006-08-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

Where The Mind Is Without Fear...
- by RABINDERANATH TAGORE

"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is lead forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action- Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."

I have always loved reading this poem...I believe in it...!

A Song for my Loved one...the only one..."Don't Leave Me Lonely"

2006-08-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

"Don't Leave Me Lonely"
Lyrics By : Bryan Adams

I won't stand bein' broken hearted
I won't be pushed around

The rules were set when we got started
But lately I have found

We've spent too little time and too much heartache
I feel we're losin' ground

And lately I've been hearin'
You won't be needin' me around

Don't leave me lonely
Just wanna be right by your side
Your one and only - tonite

So don't leave me lonely
I need you here all the time
So don't leave me lonely - oh no

You say you need your independence
Well I need mine

Separate lives and separate feelings
I guess that's fine

But that won't last - it's no solution
I know it can't survive

And lately I've been thinkin'
Thinkin' 'bout you all the time

Love is indeed blind...

2006-08-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

"I wake up in the morning To the sound of raindrops, And I wonder where you'd be, And I wonder if it's raining there. Wherever you are, I hope you think of me, when it's raining there..."

"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."

Some of my pictures...Aditya Raj Kaul from different angles...In different phases of Life...

2006-08-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

It generally came to my mind to post some of my pictures that depict me well...So, Here I go...

A Side Pose - This is during my brothers marriage in Feb 2005

Here I Am ! This Is Me ! - I still can't recollect who took this pic and where !

An Emotional Bacha ! - That's at my Brother's place in Delhi !

Glowing ! - With my genius cousin Rahul...

I have been waitin...waitin...n...waitin...Ah ! Atlast...I found her...But...Ah ! It still pains...to keep this thought in my mind...

I want the wind to take my thought and present it to her beautifully...But is she going to come this way...

Ah ! It still pains...I can't take it anymore...This sound of silence kills me every second...Can she save me !

Forever... Aditya Raj Kaul

1st Orkut KP Delhi Meet - It was a gr8 success !

2006-08-11T03:01:00.000-07:00

1st Orkut KP Delhi Meet
Date : 1st July 2006
Venue: Canought Place, New Delhi

Participants were as follows : Rhythma Kaul, Sapna Kaul, Indu Jalali, Vivek Raina, Aditya Razdan, Aditya Tickoo, Parijat Kaul, Karan Ganjoo, Abhay Zutshi, Rohin Kaul, Sanjay Peshin, Prashant Zutshi, Manish Mattoo, Nikhil Kalu and Aditya Raj Kaul.

Special Thanks for organising the meet to Vivek Raina

KP Delhi Link on Orkut : http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=9309075

Photographs By Rohin Kaul ( http://rohin.blogspot.com/ )

Some Pictures that have touched me deep inside...

2006-08-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

A Kangri waiting for its customer at a Gali in Kashmir.

A Religious Script in ruins in Kashmir.

A Girl watches her destroyed Homeland Kashmir in 1990.

Photo Coutesy : Sakhatkar Exhibition, Panun Kashmir Foundation
Speccial Thanks To Mr. Ajay Chrunjoo

Photographed in Exhibition by Aditya Raj Kaul

Euphoria Concert on 7th August against amendments in RTI at Jantar Mantar

2006-08-10T01:55:00.000-07:00

UNITED STUDENTS group participated in the protest and concert against amendments in RTI at Jantar Mantar on 7th August 2006.

Photographs By - Aditya Raj Kaul

Justice For Priyadarshini protest in pictures

2006-08-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

Priyadarshini Mattoo, hope atlast… My experiences with the fight against injustice!

2006-08-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Priyadarshini Mattoo" was the name that used to haunt me every now and then a few years back. I had heard and read a lot about this case, but never did I bother to actually see what had happened in the case and its current position. The picture in my mind was hazy.

It was in February this year that Jessica Lall case was in the headlines, because of the acquittal of all the accused in the case. This verdict gave me a tremendous shock. I could never believe my eyes watching the criminals going Scot free just because of the lack in investigation. That was the time when I realized that now is the time for the country’s youth to take charge. I used the best weapon at my end; which was writing. I wrote to editors of various newspapers, followed by discussions on this case in various youth forums and groups. I could not believe that a public outcry in this case immediately helped as the Delhi High Court took a sue motto notice. It had given me a hope, that we are united against injustice.

During this time, another case, which I had earlier as well read about, caught my attention. It was the Priyadarshini Mattoo Case. Media was trying its best to highlight it as far as it could, but nothing really was coming out. My 12th board examinations were on but my mind was as well following this case.

Priyadarshini was brutally raped and murdered on 23rd January 1996 in broad daylight in a posh South Delhi locality by his senior at the Law Faculty, Delhi University, Santosh Kumar Singh. The accused was son of a senior IPS officer.

In the verdict given by Additional Sessions Judge on 3rd December 1999, Justice G.P. Thareja said, “ Though I know he is the man who committed the crime, I acquit him, giving the benefit of doubt.”

The judge also went on record saying, “ The CBI in the matter of DNA evidence has not acted fairly. It tampered with the evidence of clothes of the deceased and also the blood sample of the accused. It even fabricated the documentary evidence and also the Malkhana Register of the CBI as is clear from the discrepancies.”

The CBI filed its appeal challenging the courts verdict in the Delhi High Court in 2000, since then 6 years have passed without a single hearing of the case. It was a shame for the Indian Judiciary.

On March 22nd this year when I read the article of Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father, in the India Express, it sent shivers across my body. My heart cried at the agony of the father. A father who had been fighting for more than 10 years to get justice. I was determined to do something, which could still give some courage to him to fight this battle. Finally, on that very day I decided to start an online signature campaign, which had a petition addressed to the President of India and Chief Justice of India asking for retrial and reinvestigation in this case.

I had found a new modern way for people to speak against injustice or discrimination. I was thrilled to get an overwhelming response from people across the world; thousands of signatures were collected, my inbox was filled with mails and at every nook and corner people were discussing about this case. It was towards the end of my board examination in March when NDTV contacted me for a story on my petition. The story was telecasted the next day. It was indeed a great response from the people of India. I was invited for their live chat show at night, ‘The X-Factor’. I was sitting with senior editors, social activists and people who matter. I was asked for my opinion and what motivated me to start this campaign. I clearly remember the last question by the anchor Nidhi Razdan: Are u hopeful that justice will be done in the Mattoo Case? After a brief gap…. I replied “No, not at the moment”

Soon after, another channel CNN-IBN covered a story on my petition, and I was again invited for the evening live panel discussion with Rajdeep Sardesai on the ‘Face The Nation’. It was a bit similar experience.

In the meantime, I sensed, again not much progress was there in the case. But I decided to take this forward upon request from all my friends and others. Many youth contacted me from around the world, mostly from India. After our brief research of two months in this case we decided to form a group of volunteers who were willing to work for the cause. This led to the formation of “Justice For Priyadarshini”, which soon became our campaign name.

A friend from USA who was actively involved with me in this group introduced me to his sister a journalist working in Delhi with one of the top media houses who was interested to work for this cause. In our first meeting, we decided to meet Mr. C.L. Mattoo.

It was on May 4th that our small group comprising of me, that journalist friend and another of her friend, took the courage to meet Priyadarshini’s father. It was hard for us to face a father who had completely lost the courage to move on. As we entered his room, he greeted us and directed us to make ourselves comfortable. After the introduction, he told me that there is a young boy who has just finished his 12th and had started a campaign for this case. He asked us to contact him. I was surprised as he was referring to me. The journalist friend sitting with me introduced me as that very boy who had started that petition. The moment he heard this he stood up and hugged me, he thanked me for unknowingly helping him. I could see that small tear coming out his eye. I could feel my heart crying, I was motion less. I did not know what to say. I replied that it was my duty to raise my voice being an Indian citizen. Though I wanted to say more, I stopped. At the end of the meeting he asked me to continue my efforts, I assured him that day, that I will do whatever I can in my capacity to get justice. The journalist girl with me was equally enthusiastic about this case. She decided to study the case in detail and then work on it technically. She was with me in this campaign at each and every step. Infact, she became my motivation to continue this fight. I felt Mr. Mattoo was now somewhat hopeful of justice being done as the youth had taken charge.

I believe this was the first day of our campaign and gradually more people started to volunteer for the cause. We decided to have a protest march on 23rd of July, which was Priyadarshini’s 34th birth anniversary.

We started working hard towards our goal, organising door-to-door campaigns, meeting various groups and individuals for support became a regular affair. In a short span of time, more than 20 Delhi based civil society groups, NGO’s, women’s bodies, students groups etc pledged their support for this cause. One of the first groups to lend a helping hand was Delhi University based students neutral group United Students, who had started the anti-reservation campaign in the country. They mobilized nearly each and every college in the campus area by distributing pamphlets, sticking posters, organising corner meetings etc. Even the faculty and students of the Law Faculty, Delhi University where Priyadarshini used to study, joined this movement. Many other organizations like Jagori, People’s Action and Human Rights Law Network just to name raised their voice for this cause.

Just days before the protest Mr. C.L. Mattoo decided to visit Delhi to support the group and raise this issue on a larger scale in front of the media. We organized a joint press conference, which strongly demanded an “immediate reinvestigation and retrial within a stipulated timeframe”. This conference became the headlines next day. In the meantime many electronic, print and radio media organizations extended their support to the cause.

Finally, came the day that we were awaiting, it was 23rd July. The entire group was nervous, we had spent the previous night planning strategies, discussing various other things and completing last minute work for the protest. As we moved to the protest site, India Gate, a few hours before the protest, we got a message that our protest was shifted to Jantar Mantar due to some last minute security concerns. It was a very hard decision to change the venue; we hardly had any option, other then to follow the advice of the Police.

We immediately decided to plant our volunteers on different corners of India Gate to direct people towards the changed venue. I had never expected this last minute change, this was a shock, but we had to tackle it and make our rally a great success.

I checked the time in my wristwatch, it showed 4:30 pm, the scheduled time for our protest to start. I took a round of Jantar Mantar. I tried to figure the exact number of people present. The figure was shocking; there were hardly 25 people with 30 journalists standing and staring at this small crowd. I had anticipated a much larger figure. I was disheartened.

After a minutes, I jumped with excitement when I got a call from a volunteer standing at India Gate, he told me to be prepared, hundreds of people had already landed at India Gate and were now directed towards Jantar Mantar. My elation knew no bounds when I saw countless number of cars and other vehicles coming from the Janpath side road towards Jantar Mantar. I was re-energised.

Media swung into action. The electronic media started their OB vans, with live coverage as the protest began. Photographers struggled to get space. Entire Jantar Mantar was full of people. Soon after, many personalities who had pledged their support for the cause landed at the venue, it included actors Anupam Kher, Roshan Seth and M.K. Raina, politician and activist Manika Gandhi and film director Ashok Pandit. Even Neelam Katara, mother of the murdered Nitish Katara, who has been also fighting for justice, joined us in the rally.

The air reverberated with slogans like, “We Want Justice” and “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”. The depth in that one united voice from the crowd touched my strings in the heart. It was totally different atmosphere, a new experience for me.

More to follow in this article in the next part...Also my thanking message to each and every volunteer,friend,people of Delhi and above all that journalist friend.....Please do leave your comments...!

You can also mail me at adityarajkaul@gmail.com

An Appeal - Justice 4 Priyadarshini

2006-06-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

AN APPEAL - JUSTICE 4 PRIYADARSHINI

Priyadarshini means lovely. And so she was. A lovely girl with massive zeal for life. Law and Music were among her passions. She was the apple of her parents' eyes, as is any other daughter to her parents. She was brutally raped and murdered by the son of an IGP. This has been the only case in the history of India where the judge himself clearly wrote that he knew the accused was the culprit and CBI had not acted fairly. It was a shame for the country's judicial system. A shame for New Delhi To add salt to the injury, the culprit - Santosh Kumar Singh - is a lawyer in Delhi's Tees Hazari Court.

How many more years are we going to hide our heads in the sand? How many more years are we going to assume that our daughters and sisters are safe?

This in a country where women are traditionally given more respect than anywhere else in the world. How ironical?

Justice J.P. Thareja's words:

''Though I know he is the man who committed the crime, I acquit him, giving him the benefit of the doubt."

"The CBI in the matter of DNA evidence has not acted fairly. It tampered with the evidence of clothes of the deceased and also the blood sample of the accused.It even fabricated the documentary evidence and also the Malkhana Register of the CBI as is clear from the discrepancies."

Priyadarshini's parents' words to us:

"Your email has infused hope and strength in us and we know that after we are gone, people like you will carry this mission forward and you will bring the guilty to book. Our prayers and blessings are with you."

10 years .. Justice denied. She is waiting with her lovely smile as are her parents' wet eyes and a broken heart.

23rd January, 1996 she was murdered.Sunday, 23rd July is her birthday. A war cry for justice in the heart of Delhi, a protest that shakes the pillars of the Govt. and one demand - Let justice be delivered immediately.

Are you ready to give her justice?

Join us:

Venue: INDIA GATE, NEW DELHI
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Date: 23rd July, 2006

Feedback: justice4priyadarshini@gmail.com

Visit our Blog at : www.justice4priyadarshini.blogspot.com

Thousand of people have signed the Petition for retrial in Priyadarshini Mattoo Case, visit the link: www.petitiononline.com/mattoo/petition.html

Organizers: JUSTICE4PRIYADARSHINI & UNITED STUDENTS

2006-05-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

JUSTICE 4 PRIYADARSHINI

Please do see the CNN-IBN video on the Priyadarshini Mattoo Case: (ABOVE)

Priyadarshini means lovely. And so she was. A lovely girl with massive zeal for life. Law and Music were among her passions. She was the apple of her parents' eyes, as is any other daughter to her parents. She was brutally raped and murdered by the son of an IGP. This has been the only case in the history of India where the judge himself clearly wrote that he knew the accused was the culprit and CBI had not acted fairly. It was a shame for the country's judicial system. A shame for New Delhi To add salt to the injury, the culprit - Santosh Kumar Singh - is a lawyer in Delhi's Tees Hazari Court. How many more years are we going to hide our heads in the sand? How many more years are we going to assume that our daughters and sisters are safe?

This in a country where women are traditionally given more respect than anywhere else in the world. How ironical?

Justice J.P. Thareja's words:

''Though I know he is the man who committed the crime, I acquit him, giving him the benefit of the doubt."

"The CBI in the matter of DNA evidence has not acted fairly. It tampered with the evidence of clothes of the deceased and also the blood sample of the accused.It even fabricated the documentary evidence and also the Malkhana Register of the CBI as is clear from the discrepancies."

Priyadarshini's parents' words to us:

"Your email has infused hope and strength in us and we know that after we are gone, people like you will carry this mission forward and you will bring the guilty to book. Our prayers and blessings are with you."

10 years .. Justice denied. She is waiting with her lovely smile as are her parents' wet eyes and a broken heart. 23rd January, 1996 she was murdered.

Sunday, 23rd July is her birthday. A war cry for justice in the heart of Delhi, a protest that shakes the pillars of the Govt. and one demand - Let justice be delivered immediately.

Are you ready to give her justice?

Join us :

Venue: INDIA GATE
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Date: 23rd July, 2006

Feedback: justice4priyadarshini@gmail.com

To Sign the Petition for Retrial in the Priyadarshini Mattoo Case, visit the link:

http://www.petitiononline.com/mattoo/petition.html

To join the Justice 4 Priyadarshini Community on ORKUT , visit the link:

http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=13779556

With still some hope left...

A Concerned Citizen of this Great Country INDIA

Mandal II: Policy of Discrimination Revised - A Students' Perspective

2006-05-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Representatives of the United Students, Gursimran Khamba (left), Dhruv Suri (centre) and Aditya Raj Kaul, address the media after meeting President A.P. J. Abdul Kalam on the issue of reservation in educational institutions in New Delhi on Thursday 4th May 2006.

Here is the solution : (Just click to view)

Multiple Index Related Affirmative Action (MIRAA) – a more effective system for equal opportunity
BY PURUSHOTTAM AGRAWAL

"We are against the divide and rule policy of reservation. We want equality and a secular education system" -STUDENTS

The government has proposed a 27% reservation for OBC's in educational institutions including the IITs and IIMs, which will take the total quotas for backward castes to 49.5%. With this announcement it is to be seen which direction the student reaction will go. Though we don't see a revolt like condition, which took place in 1990, but the students still are talking against reservation on streets.

It was way back in 1990 that the Mandal Commission report was implemented which sparked off tension across the Indian state. Students in one voice came to the streets, resulting in extreme steps taken by some individuals. Who can forget Rajeev Goswami? Many others as well tried self-immolation and other such acts. At that time the Congress and BJP had a totally different stance and had supported the anti-quota protests. The result was that V.P. Singh government became unpopular and eventually led to its fall.

Reservations have been there for the last 58 years, but with no concrete achievement till date. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar the architect of the Indian constitution was of the view that reservations should be implemented for 10 years or at the most 20 years, for the upliftment of certain section of the society and immediately after that period it should be removed. But the reservations have continued for double that time, further dividing the society on the basis of caste.

This issue has now reappeared in the form of Mandal II, with HRD Minister Arjun Singh being its sole architect. He announced this policy at a time when five Indian states were going for elections and examinations were on in all the major Indian universities. It has been a long known fact that these policies have only been used for electoral benefits, keeping the fate of lakhs of students at stake. The OBC have a total population of 52% in India, which certainly means something for the vote bank of political parties. That is why this time around we don't see any political party going against the reservation policy, unlike what happened in 1990.

Arjun Singh would not have imagined that his remarks on increasing the quota to 49.5 % would result in countrywide protests and strikes.

Students this time as well, have responded in a united voice. While medical students took to the streets, students of non-medical background collected over 1.7 lakh signatures and personally submitted them to the Hon'ble President of India. Many non-political students' organizations like the United Students (who initiated this debate from the student community side on 9 th April, 2006), Youth for Equality (comprising of students from 5 premier Medical Colleges), Youth for Justice (Delhi University), Bharatudaya Mission (IIT & JNU), and I.I.T. Alumni etc have clearly come out against the reservation policy. It is shocking to see that some of the politically active students' organizations like the NSUI, ABVP, SFI etc. have still not clearly defined their stand on this burning issue, shocking because they claim to represent the student community at large. This time even large numbers of SC/ST/OBC have criticized this divide and rule policy because they have understood the real motive behind the reservations.

After centers' one step forward towards increasing reservations, state governments quietly are also introducing quotas in their respective states in private professionl institutions. This comes at a time when demonstrations against the proposed reservations have become quite common across the country.

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is all set to introduce quotas for OBCs in all private higher education and professional institutions. He is desperate to be one up over the central government, by going ahead with his plans to introduce quotas in 116 engineering and management institutes, 12 medical colleges and two universities set up in the private sector in Uttar Pradesh.

Leaving aside Uttar Pradesh, government in Maharashtra has quietly approved a draft ordinance that will bring in a staggering 50% reservation in private professional institutions.

"How can a report of recommendations based on a situation analysis of 1978 and thereabout be taken to represent the realities of the India of 2006 and thereafter? Thus, the relevance of the Mandal Commission Report can be clearly seen as severely retarded and should be rejected." this has been one of the strongest arguments of anti-reservation students' lobby.

Even on the basis of logical extrapolation, it can be safely and strongly, argued that the Mandal Report is vastly out of date and at the minimum requires a serious review by a non-partisan committee that explores the real potency of the report in the context of better mechanisms to achieve its avoided objective of social and socio-economic parity.

Students also blame the present state of primary education as the main cause for reservations.
They allege that government has drastically failed in providing basic quality primary education, leave aside equality. It is the right of every citizen to get a free and compulsory education till the age of 14, but this remains only on paper. Similarly, many other educational policies have failed.

The extension of quota bill if passed, also points to another diabolical injustice where while a 50% quota is reserved for persons of certain caste and creed, there is no bar for the same communities to contest the other 50% as well. Also, the issue at hand holds the potential of tearing student communities into polarized halves. The incidents of protests by groups on both sides of the divide, point to similar flashpoints.

The main question that remains unanswered is: "Do we want to eliminate caste as a factor of social relations and political processes or do we want to perpetuate it forever?"

Students are totally against reservations on the basis of caste. They demand a secular education system and equality.

They also argue that the OBC quota is likely to be susceptible to political manipulation to include dubious categories as in the case of Jats in Rajasthan.

Recently, even the Hon'ble President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during his meeting with five-member delegation of UNITED STUDENTS gave an indication that there is a need of an analysis of Mandal Report. He is also in favor of increasing the overall seats in educational institutions. He strongly feels to develop various mechanisms to improve the basic primary level education in the country and make it equal for all.

Even the National Knowledge Commission, which is an advisor to the Prime Minister in matters like these, has out rightly rejected increase in reservation and has favored a status quo.

The student community across the country is against violent means to serve their purpose, but they feel strongly for this boiling issue. They are planning different types of protests and mobilizing techniques to garner support from cross-section of people. Also, they are planning a coordinated nationwide campaign for the cause of students.

Students have already collected nearly 2 lakh signatures against Mandal II. Even modern day techniques like e-mails and sms campaigns have yielded a great response.
Now, only future will tell if this anguish in the students will yield any result or the government will continue to play with the future of students, just for electoral gains.

I pay my tribute to Rajeev Goswami who set himself alight during a demonstration on September 19, 1990, when the then Prime Minister V.P. Singh announced the implementation of the Mandal Report. It is very sad that a student had to take such an extreme step due to obvious reasons. Rajeev Goswami died in oblivion on February 24, 2004.

I hope someday these political leaders will forget their personal benefits and will start really working towards the upliftment of the people of this great nation i.e. INDIA!

Suggestions and criticism to this article are welcome at adityarajkaul@gmail.com

Aditya Raj Kaul has just completed his schooling from Gyan Bharati School, Saket, New Delhi and is a member of the students group UNITED STUDENTS.

The following publications have been consulted before writing this piece:
1. The Times of India
2. The Hindustan Times
3. India Today
4. Tehelka