To Be Going down the Hamas Tunnel Network, Or Not To Be –That is the Question

 

As predicted by pollsters and prophesied by editors of corporate press in the USA and Europe, Joe Biden, Sunak, Macron, Olaf and Netanyahu are joint winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. This brief meeting took place on the side-lines of the Award giving ceremony in a hotel conference room at Oslo, Norway  

Netanyahu: It was easy for IDF to commit genocide of Palestinians. As my allies you all were cheering me up. But would anyone actually join us to go down the Hamas tunnel network said to be about 500 k.m. long and situated at several levels up to 240 feet deep, in fact right-up to the water table.

Joe Biden: You remember what happened to American soldiers in the rat-tunnels of Vietcong. I will not send our soldiers down the tunnel now. My rating is down and elections are eight months away. Sorry, Netanyahu.

Sunak: I am already facing Pro-Palestine protest rallies in which 300,000 people have taken part. I am under stress. Our economy is in shambles.

Olaf Schulz: Remember the Battle of Messines in 1917 where 455 tons of explosives placed in 21 tunnels created a huge explosion that killed an estimated 10,000 Germans. This battle was fought between German and British forces. The mines were detonated under German trenches!

My friend Sunak the Germans can never really trust you or even forgive you. Of-course we are together in this genocide for political purposes. But yes, I won’t send German soldiers in Hamas tunnels. Who knows you may repeat the trick you used on our soldiers in 1917.

Macron: I can never forget the French occupation of Vietnam. And the First Indochina War (1946). Initially confident of victory, we had ignored the real political cause of the war – the desire of people of Vietnam to achieve independence for their country. It is sad but true that we had to pull out of the region in 1954 rather disgracefully. Thanks to the USA which bailed us out.

Joe Biden: I regret that we jumped in the War in Vietnam. Like cowards we had to pull-out of Vietnam in 1973. Thousands of our soldiers died in the Cu Chi tunnels. In the tunnels booby traps with hand grenades, anti-personnel mines, snakes, rats, spiders, scorpions and ants awaited us. Poison gases were used against our soldiers.

Sorry, we can not go down the Hamas tunnels. Let me remind you our B-52 bombers failed to destroy the tunnels which were 240 feet deep in Vietnam. During this 20-year war we lost 58220 US Service Members.

Sunak: Even today we are encountering sites in France where 28 British tunnellers lie entombed after dying during WW1. Imagine getting to see dead bodies of soldiers after 100 years. So, we will not go down the Hamas tunnel network.

(The arguments became heated. At one point Olaf held Sunak by the neck and asked him about the killings of 10,000 Germans during WW1 by the British treachery. At this point Biden blamed Macron for running away from Vietnam and trapping the USA into bailing out France from the Vietnam War.)

Finally, the meeting ended with the following press statement being released:

“We – USA, UK, France, Germany and Israel – will finish Hamas and their under-ground tunnels. But we will choose the time of entering the tunnels at our convenience. All of us have 100 years of experience in dealing with such tunnel warfare.”

[P.S. Sahni is member of PIL Watch Group.]

What Does Death To Israel Mean?

 by

P. S. Sahni

“There have been explicit or implicit expressions, statements and rhetoric made by individuals, political entities, and factions within Arab, Islamic, Palestinian or left-wing discourse advocating for the elimination or annihilation of the State of Israel as a political entity.” (Wikipedia)

 

What exactly does the expression mean or convey? The western media interprets it as elimination of Israel from the map of the world. This is then drummed-up ad-infinitum – as has already been done for decades – to damn the Palestinians struggling for their rightful land; the west effectively ensures that no sympathy for the oppressed Palestinians emerges. But the blatant and public genocidal acts of Israel, USA, UK, France and Germany have generated world-wide support and massive public demonstrations in support of Palestinians. Yet the daily killings continue; I analysed quotes from the net regarding ‘Death to Israel’ over the last two decades to develop an understanding. I referred to:

 

1.          The Atlantic, 15 July 2022 and 2 February 2024

2.          Haaretz.com, 3 November 2011

3.          Fathom Journal, 3 November 2023

4.          Reuters, 11 February 2024

5.          The Times of Israel, 3 September 2022

6.          Quora, 7 July 2015 and 31 October 2023

7.          The Daily Star, 12 February 2024

8.          The Times of Israel, 14 April 2023

9.          Mosaic Magazine, 20 July 2022

10.      The Iran Primer, 19 October 2023

11.      The Australian Jewish News, 1 September 2022

12.      124 News, 4 September 2022

13.      Haaretz, 27 October 2006

14.      Hoover Digest, 22 January 2009

15.      MEMRI TV, 15 November 2019 and 12 June 2021

16.      The Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2019

17.      Jeremy McLellan (twitter)

18.      Everand, 14 February 2014

 

The conclusion is that by and large the media exemplifies what has been termed ‘The Reality Around Us Is Constructed By Liars’ – to wit the journalists; the western media deliberately has been distorting the expression ‘Death To Israel’ to damn the Palestinians!

Indian Electoral Subversion – The Sarkari Way; 2024 General Elections – Neither Fair Nor Free!?

 

by

P.S. Sahni

 

 

After the Election Commission of India announced the date for 2024 Elections, the ruling party is on a systematic campaign to instill fear amongst citizens owing allegiance to opposition political parties. The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi demonstrates this. The Modi Government used the services of the police and para- military; investigative agencies; judiciary – trial court, high court, Supreme Court; corporate media to send a political message to voters who are forced to see 24x7 how their popular leader gets arrested and paraded like a common criminal. This has a chilling effect on voters who may decide not to come out of their houses on the voting day; or may be forced to vote for the BJP. The undecided voter may swing towards BJP out of fear; this constitutes voter suppression and intimidation.

 

With thousands of AAP supporters out on the streets, the high-handedness of law- enforcing agencies is being show-cased with negative connotations for AAP (a constituent of INDIA block), its leaders and its pro-people policies. Disinformation – through spread of trumped-up charges – against an opposition leader constitutes election subversion.

 

‘Freedom Is In Peril, Defend It With All Your Might’

 

by

P.S. Sahni

 

There have been protests against Kejriwal’s arrest all over India:

 

1.    Delhi – NDTV – Delhi Ministers Detained During AAP Protest…

2.    Punjab – The Print- AAP Protests Kejriwal’s arrest in Punjab, Haryana

3.    Haryana – The Print – AAP Protests Kejriwal’s arrest in Punjab and Haryana

4.    Chandigarh – Mirror Now – Chandigarh Police Use Water Canons Against …

5.    Rajasthan – The Week – AAP workers protesting outside Rajasthan BJP HQ caned by Police

6.    Uttar Pradesh – Zee News – Protesting AAP Workers Detained by Police

7.    Bihar – News 9 – Patna students protest JDU and BJP

8.    Madhya Pradesh – Amar Ujjala – AAP protest against Kejriwal’s Arrest; Black Day for democracy

9.    Gujarat – The Week – AAP Congress workers protest across Gujarat

10.  Maharashtra – Free Press Journal – AAP Protests Arrest of Delhi CM…

11.  Goa – Deccan Herald – AAP leaders stage protest in Goa

12.  Kerala – The Hindu – CPI (M) and Congress stage street protests

13.  Tamil Nadu – Maktoob – DMK protest in Chennai

14.  Tripura – Indian Express – CPI(M) and Congress came out in protest

15.  Karnataka – The Hindu – AAP protests … Day-long protest in Bengaluru

16.  Telangana – Siasat.com – AAP workers protest near Hyderabad BJP HQ

17.  Andhra Pradesh – ETV – India block parties protests against ED

18.  West Bengal – The Indian Express – AAP Supporters protest in front of BJP

19.  Orissa – Nandighosha TV – Orissa CPI-ML Condemn Arrest

20.  Assam – The Shillong Times – AAP, Raijor Dal members stage protest across Assam

21.  J & K – PTI – AAP workers detained in Srinagar, Jammu during protests

 

           People are indeed Supreme!

 

Brighten Your Life: A Book Review by P.S. Sahni

 

This small book for young children – through its fables – could garner the political forces to change the present regime in India. Titled ‘Brighten Your Life’ the book has been creatively conceptualized and written by Ms. Ira Khandelwal. It is being distributed free of cost for educational purposes to young school children and is aptly dedicated to all the children in the world. A few hard copies are available presently. Copies of the book were earlier available at the author’s website but that is awaiting re-construction presently.

 

The blurb on the back cover of the book reads:

 

“In this book Ira Khandelwal has combined text and colour in a series that speaks about the self-doubt in all of us that keeps us from being our best selves. Each of the 21 posters brings a unique and positive perspective to the table, encouraging us to look for the best in ourselves and the world at large.”

 

“Ira Khandelwal began taking an active interest in art at a very young age.  She has completed her schooling from Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi and has nurtured her childhood interest over the years to produce this collection of posters that can bring life and love into the reader’s worldview. Ira draws her creativity from the diverse passions she has pursued in her life.”

 The authoress gratefully acknowledges support received from her parents for their financial and moral support; with lots of thanks to her brother Ishaan; and welcome encouragement received from relatives.

The writers of stories/fables/quotes have been duly credited. Some images used are courtesy www.freepik.com, modified as per need.

 

The philosophy of the authoress is captured in the Preface to the book. I will let Ira speak for herself:

 

“Gratitude, Leadership, Goal, Self-love, and Empowering Beliefs are easy to preach, but very difficult to put into practice in one’s own life. I hope the genuine optimism and authenticity that I bring to this work is reflected in this book. Even if one person is able to hear what I am trying to say, I will consider myself successful.

 

As long as we engage with life joyfully and refuse to believe the assumption that only a particular kind of person can live a happy life, we can love ourselves and also put that love out into the world. That is what I want to do through this book and I hope you hear me.”

 

Even sensitive readers – who are otherwise politically conscious or are revolutionary in outlook – are requested to show the patience to read ‘Story of Frog’ (1 minute read):

 

A colony of frogs was travelling across a forest in search of a pond. While hopping around, two frogs fell into a deep pit. The other frogs gathered around the pit and expressed their concern over the situation. As the two frogs tried to jump out of the deep pit, the other frogs discouraged them by saying how impossible it is to jump out.

 

The two frogs chose to ignore the demotivating words of others and decided to jump out of the pit. They tried very hard and put in all their efforts to come out of the pit while the frogs watching from the top told them to give up.

 

Eventually, one among them was influenced by the other frogs and died as he gave up on the struggle to come out of the pit. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.

 

After an immense struggle, he finally came out of the pit alive. Other frogs were surprised and asked how he managed to come up in spite of them telling him to give up. The frog explained that he is deaf and assumed that everyone was cheering for him.

– Anonymous

 

My acquaintance with Ira dates back to two decades when she was about four years of age; as also her courageous and dignified brother, Ishaan; and their strong-willed mother, Seema. I re-read the book originally published in 2019 on 8^th March 2024, the International Women’s Day. There are five simple stories in this book. Rahul Gandhi should read the story on ‘Leadership’ – the capacity to translate vision into reality. The entire opposition political parties should read the story on ‘Empowering Beliefs’. Rahul Gandhi should also read the story ‘Goal’. Like Arjuna shooting the arrow and piercing the bird’s/fish’s eye – Rahul’s leadership should overthrow the present regime in India. Lastly Narendra Modi should read the story ‘The Ungrateful Mouse’ – where a saint turned a tiger into a small and weak mouse all over again i.e. to its original state/status!!!

Droupadi Murmu Should be Prevented from Doing a ‘Fakhruddin-Ali-Ahmed’ on the Indian Republic

 

·      The recent Supreme Court judgement on electoral bonds effectively dents the financial capabilities of the central rulers to win the upcoming 2024 General Elections.

·      The Modi government’s diversionary tactic of notifying rules for CAA implementation appears to have backfired with all India mass protests taking place against this step.

·      Besides the Supreme Court is being persuaded by public spirited citizens to stay this dubious move aimed at consolidating Hindu votes.

·      In fact, even the process of selecting Election Commission Members has been challenged in the Apex court. The stance of the Supreme Court on both these petitions will decide the future of India.

·      Also, the Supreme Court is being petitioned so that the Election Commission puts electoral bonds numbers in the public domain which it has not done so far.

·      All these developments put the BJP government in a tight corner and it may egg on the present President of India to do a ‘Fakhruddin-Ali-Ahmed’ on the Indian Republic. Particularly if the court refuses to oblige the powers that be. Already, moves are afoot; the All India Bar Association Chairman and the Supreme Court Bar Association President has petitioned Droupadi Murmu to go in for a Presidential Reference to the Supreme Court for its electoral bond judgement.

 

Is India headed for Internal Emergency -II

 

The present political developments parallel what happened during 1975 to 77.

·      The Allahabad High Court judgement in a case filed by Raj Narayan had given a jolt to the then Prime Minister of India. The grounds were electoral malpractices resorted to by Indira Gandhi. Her election was set aside.

·      The JP movement was projected as creating anarchy in the country.

·      A pliant judge of the Supreme Court during its summer vacation period heard Mrs. Gandhi’s plea and stayed the Allahabad High Court judgement giving a reprieve to the then PM to stay on as PM.

·      Soon Indira Gandhi declared a state of Internal Emergency!

·      Presently Modi government received a shock by the electoral bond judgement.

·      The ongoing protests against CAA are being suppressed with a heavy hand.

·      The Supreme Court judges may not stay the CAA Rules notified recently; it may not agree to hear and adjudicate before the General Elections the 250 odd petitions filed against the CAA challenging its constitutionality. All these steps will bail out Modi. The opposition political parties and the people of India will have to resist these maneuverings engineered by the political and judicial establishments.

 

[P. S. Sahni is a member of PIL Watch Group.]

 

Indian Home Minister; Trial Court Judges; Two Supreme Court Judges; Sanctioning Authority Stand Convicted in Public’s Eyes! – Professor G. N. Saibaba’s Acquittal

 

by

P.S. Sahni & Shobha Aggarwal

 

Countercurrents.org had published our article – within 9 days of Saibaba’s arrest (euphemism for abduction) on 9 May 2014. The article titled:

“Professor G.N. Saibaba – A Prisoner of Conscience” was published on 18 May 2014. See here.

Ten years of his life – as also of others incarcerated with him – has gone waste. Their careers have been ruined; family members devastated and underwent extreme economic hardships. The acquittal by Bombay High Court now proves beyond doubt that the following were colluding:

Indian Home Minister; trial court judges; two pliant Supreme Court judges who sent the case back to Bombay High Court after his acquittal in 2022 by the same court; the sanctioning authority for prosecuting him and five others under UAPA; the Solicitor General of India for being more loyal than the king; and the then Chief Justice of India who acted at superfast speed on an evening hour to send the case to a pliant SC bench after Saibaba’s acquittal in 2022.

The release of these innocent persons proves how hollow, deceitful and orchestrated was the campaign of calumny let loose by the Prime Minister of India and his clap-trap of horde of ministers about ‘urban naxals; Khan Market gang; tukde-tukde gang.’ The corporate press behaved like criminal gangs disseminating fake views and biased reporting for over a decade. Remember there are tens of thousands of ordinary people incarcerated under draconian laws in India. They should all be released immediately.

If and when the present regime is kicked out of power the aforementioned politicians/professionals should face a judicial commission for their acts of omission and commission in subverting justice and killing dissent.

 On 14 March 2017 and 17 April 2017, CC published our two articles titled:

“In India Any Social Activist Can Be Arrested, Charged And Tried – Sans Evidence – For Terrorism: Kobad Ghandy’s Case.” See here and here.

 The case of Saibaba and five others proves this to be axiomatic.

 (P. S. Sahni & Shobha Aggarwal are members of PIL Watch Group.)