This article turns a deadly vendetta against "rationalists" by misguided extremists into a full-blooded indictment of the BJP, which is India's only nationwide, principled, disciplined political party. That's as ridiculous as blaming Nehru's government for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. These murders are being prosecuted diligently, as noted, but the author's aim is to influence the upcoming elections in India.
4
This article is a fine obituary and memorial for a wonderful woman, who cared deeply about India’s people, and not just this group or that. Romig is a great writer and does credit to the memory of this pioneer. I am deeply ashamed of those who have embraced the path of division, and glad that the police have made arrests and will seek justice for Lankesh.
4
Often, when we get caught in the midst of political confrontations we lose perspective on the larger picture.
If Indians insist on fighting along religious divides, it will only impoverish India, as it is its astounding diversity that makes her unique and a subject of fascination abroad.
As a first-time traveler to this beautiful country, blind to its inner struggles, I perhaps only see the surface of reality, however, isn't that beautiful, vibrant, multi-faceted skin holding the country together worth protecting?
3
Thank you for this fine report that clarifies the current political situation in India and that reminds us of the courage needed to be a good journalist in so many places in the world today. The rest of us are grateful.
9
Democracy dying in India, people did big mistake by elected illiterate person and his team.
18
Ms. Lankesh's killing is certainly wrong and I hope justice is rendered soon.
Your article however does injustice by not highlighting the numerous leaders in other states who routinely arrested journalists for negative remarks (not even rude ones) in the past (like in Tamil Nadu under the previous CM) and the current on in Bengal. The leaders of the left have no interest in the truth either, unless it supports their narrative.
Sadly, there is no room for dissent in thought in left or right in India today.
And as with the rest of the world, finding out the truth in itself is becoming difficult with search engines egging along confirmation bias.
9
Trump admires dictators in Russia, China, and North Korea. He also admires right-wing politicians and doesn't object when they become more dictatorial.
If Maduro were similarly right-wing, and Venezuela were similarly falling apart, I don't think you'd hear a whisper from Trump.
5
As a person of Indian descent with Islamic roots, I am familiar with the accusation that since my father was a Muslim, he was not a "real" Indian. Online trolls have exported their Hindu nationalist vision of India abroad.
17
I am rewriting this comment having known Gauri and her father P Lankesh in Bangalore. None of her comments needed execution. She was voice of many subdued and voiceless minority in a hegemonous upper caste structure based BJP and RSS agenda.
As the author clearly states Modi and the raising communal set of younger leaders have incited or inspired lynching and executions.
People are scared to express ideas or thoughts. Subtle promotion of nationalism by glorifying flag, anthem and armed forces all of a sudden and branding any dissent as anti National is the current paradigm of right wing.
Great piece of writing and hope the Lankesh flame of inspiration lives on.
37
'Muslim - Hindu enmity is the pillar of British rule in India' according to Churchill. The Brits did all they could to push 'religious' conflict, and reinforced and hardened the Varna/Jati caste system as a useful tool of rule. Gandhi demogogicaly introduced the poison of Hindu chauvinist elements into the Congress Party and independence politics, helping to pave the way for Partition and today's nightmare.
The rise of the new rich in India has necessitated a deepening of the divide and rule use of rightist Hindu chauvinism to redirect the growing rage of the poor and oppressed away from the rich culprits, to scapegoats: Muslims, lower-castes, Dalits, Christians, leftists, feminists, Pakistan, etc. It's an old game, the same the world over, just in India with 'Indian characteristics.' Fundamentalist and pro-capitalist Hindu death squads are like ISIS, and are given a wink and a nod by Modi, himself a death squad leader in Gujarat. The police are part of the Hindutva goons. All religions were created to justify and defend the rulers.
India is a country swimming in raw sewage, breathing the most poisonous air and drinking the dirtiest water in the world, with the worst health and social indicators. The wealthy know their best option to avoid the gallows at the hands of a billion poor people is to thump their chest and feign nationalism, while piously cloaking themselves in bloody Hindutva saffron. It is difficult to imagine a more horrifying and explosive situation.
21
@AR
Precise portrayal.
1
@AR
While I agree there are some extreme right wing elements in India who are responsible for targeting minorities and media, I also strongly disagree of your portrayal of India as living-hell by your statement:
"It is difficult to imagine a more horrifying and explosive situation.."
When was the last time you visited India? Have you been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, North Africa recently?
1- Nearly 270 million people came out of poverty last in the last decade itself. Please check UNDP site.
2- People have better access to sanitation in the last 5 years(38 % to 98 % access to sanitation.
But to call our country as "swimming in raw sewage" is outright disgraceful. Because the party in power is right wing , India becomes a hell. And when the left wing parties come to power, will it become heaven suddenly?
9
Yes wonderful India. According to “Oxfam International's 'Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index' ranks India 147th among 157 countries analysed, describing the country's commitment to reducing inequality as a "a very worrying situation" given that it is home to 1.3 billion people, many of whom live in extreme poverty.”
2
Hindu- is not a word found in any scripture, but the right wing ‘brahminic’ and upper caste centric RSS agenda has used this word. This misleading word has been used get support from the lower caste majority. Hindu has substituted ‘Sanathana’ - the way of untouchability practice or right wing ideology. RSS has never documentedly worked for Indian independence.
Modi, Shah, Advani are all non-indicted criminals for letting carnage on streets, encounter deaths and inciting racial violence. The RSS/ BJP ideology is destroying every figment of free speech just like previous emergency.
There are two basic types of intimidation currently for non RSS supporters. Educated well to do online trolls employed by IT Cell of BJP and lynch mobs by their fringe organizations.
It is scary times when the prime minister ‘image’ or ‘crafted message’ is run by a PR firm used by despots around the world. Media, right to information act, statistics of economy or farmer suicides numbers are concocted. BJP of Bangalore operates open bribing to legislators for defection. So BJP is no different from any right wing racist nationalist demon engulfing free speech.
History is being altered by silencing any alternate or sane thoughts.
16
Thank you for this comprehensive piece on an extraordinary woman. The world is far too bloody and full of hatred. We need much better leaders, a greater sense of freedom and liberty, and a great many more Lankeshs.
10
Try saying anything against Islam in India and you'll suffer an even quicker demise. Muslim politicians routinely offer 'Bounties' for the heads of such offenders.
The Hindu right does not have a monopoly on such things.
6
The murders of Kalburgi,Dabholkar and Pendasare have similarities to blasphemers being killed in Pakistan!!The celebration at a Hindutva ministers house accorded to eight individuals who had killed Muslims due to cow killings have an eerie resemblance to rose petals being showered on the killer of Salman Taseer governor of Punjab province in Pakistan who was supporting a blasphemer!!! WE are no different than THEM.
3
@J.RAJ I don't see the point of this "what about" comment. I could condemn Salman Taseer's murder without bringing in Indian assassinations, and most importantly, without making divisive religious us versus them distinctions. Careful. Your hatred is showing.
1
For me, one of India's midnight's children, this India is real but unrecognizable.
5
Well researched column indeed.In fact the 2019 election is going to be a watershed election to stop Modi and likes of his Hindutva killers of gauri Lankesh to rule for another 5 yrs. It is not going to be easy because Modi has virtually tamed all institutions and media too.Let's see.
14
"Since he took office in 2014, Modi has not held a single news conference in India."
Modi makes even Trump look good!
23
For Modi, Putin, MBS, Sisi, Erdogan, Duerte, Orban, Bolsonaro, Netanyahu, Trump, the press is the “enemy of the people” because the press exposes the lies, the fear and hate mongering, the abuse of power, the corruption, the brutality, the cult of personality of these leaders. Because the press is definitely not “the enemy of the people,” but is the eyes, ears, voice of the people. Because the press tells the truth.
Journalists like Gauri Lankesh are real journalists, the real heroes.
30
Not a very balanced article on the eve of a general election in India.Lankesh,however deplorable her cold blooded murder is,is not a typical Indian journalist.And India is hardly a country to suppress freedom of expression .The huge number of media outlets flourishing in the country is a testament to this fact.It is unfair to use the murder of Lankesh to tarnish the entire country of 1200 million people.
8
You are completely correct. One horrible murder of a journalist encouraged by the government is not enough to condemn an entire country. Let's start with the oceans of untreated sewage pouring into the drinking water, because the caste system is cheaper than sewage treatment. Let's talk about the most poisonous air in the world. Let's talk about the greatest numbers of homeless and unemployed in the world. Horrifying conditions in the countryside. Let's talk about the brutal Varna/Jati caste system that imprisons hundreds of millions, and the violent attacks on Dalits and Muslims. That is what the wealthy have imposed on more than a billion poor suffering a living nightmare. The Hindutva goons only exist to reinforce this system of mass oppression. I would never condemn a people but the rulers who are actually responsible for these crimes.
5
I hope the electorate in India will resoundingly VOTE OUT OF OFFICE the BJP next May. Modi tends to encourage or condone violence against anyone he regards as an enemy. He hasn't changed one bit in that regard since Gujarat in 2002.
9
Any of this sound a little prophetic?
1
Why the reticence in naming the BJP minister who honored murderers convicted of lynching a Muslim man? The minister is Jayant Sinha, as much American as he is Indian, given that he spent more than a quarter century of his life in the US. And US business culture is as much to blame for Mr. Sinha's having lost any sense of ethics or morals as is the ideology of the RSS in India. After all, Mr. Sinha is a product of Harvard Business School and McKinsey, where he was a partner for many years.
26
Harvard has the distinction of having trained more dictators, mass murderers, and criminals in the service of imperialism, than any other university except perhaps Oxford. The worst of the worst in Latin America went to Harvard, Yale, or the like.
3
In Modi's India only cows are safe.
9
Not even! “Cow Protection” is a big racket for local gangs to steal the property of helpless farmers and for hateful leaders to stoke violence against Muslims and Dalits. It is a bad faith movement so concern for the animals is not the point. In fact, cows have been neglected, tortured and killed in the gaushalas allegedly made to protect them. Under the BJP rule there is no safety at all, except for the billionaires (mitron) and a few privileged Hindu bhakts.
7
"According to the Karnataka Police, a year can pass in Bangalore without a single instance of a gun used in a crime."
Wow. In a city of more than 12 million people.
5
@Heather unfortunately that's more good writing than truth. While it is very rare, I'm sure proper review of all police cases will show otherwise. Remember also that India has very strict gun control laws.
1
@Heather We love it here. Amazing party scene! Fantastic weather.
The suicide bombing will benefit the BJP. Did elements within the BJP arrange the bombing?
4
That is an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory, however, there is some evidence of the government not responding to security alerts and open threats by the JEM (terror organization) in the days and weeks before the attack. Their lack of preparedness despite the warnings is suspicious and problematic.
3
From the article:
"Advocates of a secular Indian state - which the Indian constitution calls for in its very first sentence - are called 'sickulars'."
We have something similar: Our First Amendment which, not only protects journalists as a profession but also calls for the separation of church and State.
That's why the 'churches' get tax-exemption.... remember?
Instead of that, we get Trumpencians savagely attacking the rights of women in this country.
Ohio.
Utah.
Mississippi, all in the news this week for their latest onslaught against women.
Throw in Trumpence as the mouthpiece of our own 'religiously rabid' when he is attacking our journalists as the "Enemy of the people" - Modi's dear, good friend, bird's of a feather and all that....
Reminds me of India.
"Sickular".
That from the same people who gunned this woman down and held an 8-year old in a temple, raping her repeatedly until these 'religious men' of the temple murdered her.
Now, you tell me who is the 'sickular'.
More dead in the name of religion.
Sick.
10
What an awful outcome of a brave individual intent in conferring some humanity to a big country with a small, petty government, unable to understand the value of each of us in expressing constructive criticism, the best way to enhance our values and trust in a democracy worth it's name. Why so much violence, so little tolerance?
6
Such terrific reporting, in-depth journalism that has often disappeared in main stream Indian newspapers. So glad for bringing the spotlight back to patriarchal hegemony, most toxic to India's progress..women's voices never get the same democratic treatment as men's. Insane!
Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again but expecting different results. Whether female foeticide or infanticide, rape, sexual assault, or killing just because a female has the same potential as a male to develop strong thoughtful voice?
7
Truth-telling is to the free world, as a lie is to world dictatorship. We owe it to ourselves to protect the champions of truth in all possible ways.
3
This is the world that Trump wishes to completely infect the USA. New Zealand, an incredibly functional society has already been touched by the violence enacted by a stranger from Australia. The fight against fascism will never end.
3
India is on a badly downward trajectory. And it is profoundly disturbing how many apologists there are for Modi and the BJP.
9
Interesting how headline mentions "Journalist" Gauri Lankesh, but we are truly talking about "Activist" Gauri Lankesh. Killing is sad, but even more sad is blaming without proof. Like blaming conservatives for the deeds of white nationalists. Fact that Congress Govt was ruling Karnataka and is responsible for catching the culprits and partly to blame if justice is not delivered is conveniently omitted. Wish there was more balanced view.
4
@Maggi if you are blaming the state ruling congress party for her death preventions?!! Then can you clarify who ruled Gujarat when a few thousand minorities were murdered?
2
@Maggi
In times when democratic values are threatened, a journalist reporting the truth takes the role of an activist.
Catching culprits is a law and order issue. Intimidating and murdering journalists (and free speech) is a constitutional crisis.
2
This is a travesty in the world’s supposedly largest democracy. Freedom of the press is an inalienable right, and that’s what determines whether a country is a cilivlized democracy or not. The Indian citizenry has to rise above the petty bigotry promoted by the BJP and the Modi government. As long as there are still democratic elections, citizens have the power to make a difference. They need to use the power of the VOTE, and root out this demagogue.
2
@jen
That India is indeed the world’s largest democracy is not up for debate, it is verifiable by statistics. Like all democracies, the US included, freedom of press is expressed differently given a cultural and sociopolitical context. The article actually highlighted how the number of press outlets demonstrates India’s freedom of press within that context.
I am in ful agreement with you that Modi and his bigotry must go. India just has to find a means to get past the anti Muslim sentiment that has consumed the world which makes leaders like Modi and Trump etc. very popular.
1
Gauri Lankesh's courage and fearlessness and that of other journalists and activists willing to tell truth to power is the life-blood of democracies. Here in America, Trump's unchecked assault on the press--aided and abetted by his unelected cabinet Fox (Un)New, and Twitter (etc.) greed--has done enormous damage to our country and its institutions. Please know that millions here and around the world are in solidarity with Gauri and the principles that inspired her. Truth will not hide nor shut up.
5
I can't say this is a biased article but feel the author has insufficient sources to base his article upon. What happened after the foolish demolition of the disputed religious structure is an unfortunate tragedy. Thousands of Muslims were killed that should not be tolerated on any account. However, what triggered this tragedy seems to be diluted on purpose. Persons, who were supposed to have taken part in the demolition, were returning to Gujarat , their home state, on a train. 'Somebody' stopped the train in a remote place, by pulling the alarm chain. "Some people" set fire to the bogie in particular used by persons returning from the demolition site. Around 60 people ended up as ashes. When news reached Gujarat, the turmoil was so intense that no authority could control. That is not to say,the harm done is justifiable. But, ignoring the cause in toto is unfair. However, the writer's views and news on Gauri Lankesh are acceptable.
2
@kallan krishnara
True. The entire episode was despicable however that part of the article seemed a bit biased. Especially since the judiciary have found the accused guilty.
The truth and reality of India is that is is a nation that is morally damp, dark and destitute. The gloss of Bollywood, the chant of American media championing India falsely as a beacon of hope for democratic rights, and the rise of unvarnished Trump rhetoric via Twitter has emboldened crooks in India. India has always believed it’s own rhetoric, always grounded in emotion and bereft of facts, with Pakistan as the convenient scapegoat for all ills. All political parties have the same playbook. 813 million Indians need assistance from the government’s food program. That’s more than all of N America and S America put together. With 70% of the country focussed on that most basic human need, intellectuals will continue to be eliminated.
4
"The country has no explicit constitutional protection of freedom of the press, and the laws that do exist are easily curtailable in the interest of security, public decency or religious sentiment. Its sluggish judicial system can be exploited to harass journalists, and endemic corruption forever threatens to compromise their work."
"The Congress Party, which has led nearly every Indian government since independence, won only 44."
So, tell me who is responsible for such disgraceful state of affairs in India?
It is not BJP as it captured power only for the past 4 years.
Congress in cahoots with the most corrupt, violent, and feudalistic regional political parties including the Indian Communist Parties has created this. Congress shredded the Constitution, and normalized feudalistic, dictatorial, dynasty ruled governments.
The Congress Party does not subscribe to True Secularism. I
8
Gauri Lankesh was an amazingly passionate, vital force in combating fascism and oppression India. Thanks for this article. May her legacy live on, may Modi’s reign of terror end!
10
It is never simple : Everything that is said about India, the opposite aspect is also true.
Certainly, we must admire this story of a brave woman journalist, in patriarchal Hindu-crazy India, and condemn her heinous murder.
But it is not simply right wing nut cases against non-violent, truth-telling philosophers on the left.
To paraphrase Trump, there is a lack of good faith on both sides.
yes, the BJP's thugs push a fantasy of Hindutva in a nation that has largely been tolerant of other religions. Indeed, the Sai Baba - a spiritual figure revered by many Hindus all over India is openly acknowledged to be born a Muslim and only preached a humanism that accomodated people of all faiths.
and the Congress is hardly innocent. Most tragically, after Indira Gandhi's assasination by her Sikh bodyguards, thousands of random Sikhs were openly murdered in North India. Ironically, Sikhism was the most muscular answer to Islam rise.
But just a Hindu thugs attack anything that is not Hindu, many left wing activists do not address real inequities in India's treatment of its diverse religions. 75 years after Independence, Muslim men are still allowed a separate divorce and civil code - discrimination by religion, and neither Muslim leaders nor these activists have ever effectively tried to change what is obviously an infringement of the rights of Muslim women. The so-called left has merely answered the lies of the right, but trading in lies of its own.
7
@Ramesh G
Agree. Having different laws for different religions is neither secular nor fair. Muslims and Christians in India have always been told that Hindus are out to get them. Some of my friends do not enter temples or have temple prasad whereas I'm expected to visit Churches without making a fuss. If I ever do, I will be branded a communal fanatic Hindu.
Thank you for printing this article and not just because it is well researched and written, but also because it creates the much needed opportunity for US readers to talk about it.
I urge every decent American to bring up the issue of caste discrimination with their friends and colleagues of Indian origin living in the US. Listen carefully and you might surprised to find them to be as racist if not more so than any white supremacist.
5
Ninety years ago the western world was swept by similar nationalistic movements The resulting war killed millions of people and devastated Europe. How many people need to die for humanity to embrace peace?
1
Gauri Lankesh was a fearless heroine for truth tellers throughout the globe. Thank you for writing this incredibly impactful article about her brave fight against Hindu fundamentalism and fanaticism in India. Down with Modi and the BJP.
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.” -- William Faulkner
5
The last line of the article reminds me of e. e. cummings:
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting."
It's a shame; Lankesh's fight ended too soon.
5
What a tragic loss for journalism and liberalism. The rise in fundamentalist conservatism is the same everywhere, and it leads to the same: the murder of outspoken, peaceful, highly principled people guilty only of speaking out, helping out.
1
The scourge that has befallen the world over, right-wing hate cloaked in "nationalism," depends on something very consistently--silencing opposing views. Hopefully soon, people will start waking up to the idea that not agreeing with someone is not treacherous, but rather something quite human.
1
@Sumit De
I, Xi Ping, fully endorse your view that the scourge that has befallen the world over, right-wing hate cloaked in "nationalism," depends on something very consistently--silencing opposing views.
Until India outgrows its heritage of competing superstitions and hereditary class divisions, it will be a third-world country sprinkled with first-world minds. Not unlike medieval Europe until after the Reformation. Religion was the apple in Eden.
2
This woman died speaking truth to power. She is a true hero.
But her bravery, her actions, and the consequences she suffered must not be considered unique to India.
We in the USA have seen the same villification of a critical press at Trump rallies and nightly on Fox news and other right-wing media. The increasingly angry cry of "fake news" is kindling for the same violence.
It can happen here.
4
@cr
It has Martin Luther King and all the black men who were lynched. The last being in Tennessee in 1968
1
This sounds so very familiar. So many restrictive religions are once again seeking to control so many people who don't agree with them.
It's worth mentioning in light of this excellent article that numerous Indian nationals have applied for asylum at our southern border with Mexico in recent months. President Trump asked nothing about these political asylum seekers, but wanted to know only about the handful of Pakistani asylum applicants. No doubt DT is worried about possible Muslim "invaders," certainly not about what motivates such people to seek asylum here.
1
@Stephen Holland
They are economic migrants not asylum seekers. And you know that.
3
@Crosby. No, you are once again misrepresenting the truth. There are plenty of Indians who have fled for their lives, as Muslims, Dalits from Caste violence, couples who marry across caste or religion, who flee from families and the local cops who will kill them. Gays and Lesbians fleeing Hindu and Muslim violence, etc. I could go on and on.
2
The liberal thought of Gandhi and Nehru that permeated through the heartland of India for over half a century is in a sad state of disarray. Tolerance, respect for opposition and celebration of diversity of religions, cultures and languages that were part of this liberal thought are replaced by the sad rhetoric of right wing Hindutva, blatant misinformation, violence and jingoism. The narrative has shifted so far to the right that BJP has begun to rewrite school books to misinterpret history in favor of Hindu leaders and portray Mughal emperors as foreign invaders. To a certain extent emergence of BJP is the result of incompetence of political leadership on the left. What saddens me the most is the silence of Modi, a wily politician, on the issue of political violence and freedom of the press. Gauri Lankesh was an irrepressible journalist. I hope her story will inspire everyone to live a life of fearlessness.
6
You are sadly misinformed about Gandhi. That is common due to all the inaccurate hagiographies on him. Gandhi in fact introduced the poison of Hindutva precursors into the Congress Party both in politics and leadership. Gandhi's professions of alleged concern for Dalits were simply aimed at putting them under the fold of the Brahmanic Congress Party and keeping them in their oppressed place. For that reason most Dalits and their leaders like Ambedkar rejected Gandhi's politics. Muslims also became more disenchanted with Hindu politics of Congress and were lured away by the reactionary Muslim League with the help of the British. While some far right Hindutva forces attacked Gandhi as too conciliatory, he in fact helped their cause. Later Congress Party oversaw plenty of massacres and pogroms of Muslims and Dalits.
1
Thank you for shining a light on what's happening in the world's biggest democracy. The Modi government does what Trump and every other demagogue does: they claim to speak for the people against the elites, they claim to bring prosperity to all, but instead prosper on division, hate and bigotry. Modi promised prosperity, but has done next to nothing for the poor, for education and for healthcare. Protecting cows has become more important than defending the right to free speech - or even life.
4
@S North
There are many policies that Modi has introduced. Not saying that Congress has done nothing in 60 years. But so many years for so little is a very long time. Congress has taken Indians for granted far too long. They have continued to be corrupt and encourage corruption.
I am deeply saddened and troubled by this terrible murder. What the people of India should find compelling is that two great religions are at war with each other and murder is considered as a solution to a religious dispute. Reasonable discussion, and tolerance has gone out the window. So has moral, civil behavior and respect for life.
A society where religious intolerance leads to routine, ritual murder is a society on the brink of civil war and ultimately self-destruction.
3
@Jay
Just like most of the western world, USA, Europe and now NZ included. This us vs them hate monger it has to stop. No more #jesuischarlie please.
2
The probe in this case is still on. I don't believe her killing has anything to do with the politics in the country.
1
@SG really??
1
@SG
Agree. Her association with Naxals is rumoured to be the reason for her untimely death. Leftists in India has only destroyed everything and everyone in its path.
Beautifully written and researched, what one comes to expect from the NYT. The writer lays bare the troubled soul of India. Within its bosom lie perhaps 20 distinct countries each with its own proud language, culture and religion.
Extremism appears to be the new normal throughout much of the world. Clearly, the BJP has a well-deserved reputation for fanning the flames of extremism. Ironically, it is the foreign conquerors: The Moguls, the Portuguese, French and Brits that have left behind a firm and enduring imprint on India while, Hinduism's legacy, to a great extent, has been its great religious philosophy and numerous temples, amazing caves and other monuments. Perhaps it is a case of an inferiority complex that now manifests itself in Hindu extremism.
1
If the BJP can be defeated it would give hope to pluralists all over the world. But what are the odds when they are more or less openly killing their opponents?
2
Thank you for this article. More must be done to protect journalists around the world.
3
The author has cherry-picked the instances of injustices to advance the communist-led agenda. The progressive propaganda seems to triumph over a holistic analysis of a nation riven by poverty and struggle for existence.
You can call the glass half-full or half-empty. Mr. Romig has chosen the latter.
2
@Albela Shaitan Do you have a statistically valid argument to counter the author? Support for fascism makes one a fascist ...
1
Excellent writeup and true depiction of the sick state of India and Indian society where Hindutva is forced down everybody's throat.
6
Nothing to add really - it is what it is.
We should think about why the Hindu Majority feels so threatened - maybe many centuries of subjugation?
Similar to "white so-called nationalists" feeling threatened by "other" i.e people who work harder than them & in many cases are smarter than them, I guess
3
The almost zero gun homicide rate in Bangalore is just amazing!
It would be interesting to find out why? Is it culture and education?
5
India and the world are poorer for this loss. Modi has more blood on his hands. He is taking India in a terrible direction.
Rest in Power.
1
India needs to solve four of its daunting problems: prevalence of caste, unsustainable population, poor quality of primary education and lack of scientific temper. The rest, including issues created by right wingers, will in all likelihood fall into place.
The culture of violence against those one disagrees with represents an 'Islamic fanaticization' of Hinduism. The haters are becoming identical to what they profess to hate.
One thing that the article does fail to mention is that the root of Hindutva politics lies in India's troubled history which does include genocide (in the period 1000 A.D. till 18th century) and mass conversions of Hindus by Muslims. Most Muslim rulers of India demolished temples at sacred sites of Hinduism and built mosques in their place. The 450 year old mosque mentioned in the article was built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Ram. The reaction to these historical events has been 'unmodern' and an irrational hate to muslims by some Hindus (most Hindus and Muslims do live a jointly inherited culture) and a virulent opposition by some Muslims to shared heritage. Some journalists like Gauri Lankesh did ignore every act of bigotry by Muslims (e.g. an Indian Professor's right arm cut off by a Muslim group as he set a question in an exam asking for analysis of Prophet Mohammed as a politician, prompting no reaction from Lankesh and others) while mentioning every violent act of Hindus. Bullets were not an answer. Writing was.
6
BJP is the subsidiary of RSS which is Hindu supremacist party. It has a history Pogrom of minorities (Muslims and Christians). The year 2002 Gujrat massacre of Muslims took place under the watch of BJP’s current Prime Minister of India Mr. Narindar Modi who the Chief Minister of Gujrat then. As the Article rightly brought up Modi is going to get benefited by the killing of 40 soldiers in Indian held Kashmir that took place recently and a few weeks before the elections. Before the incident his rating was plummeting but by blaming and attacking on Pakistan and creating a warlike hysteria Modi has turned that downfall. I agree to one of the statements in the article that if he wins and BJP holds the power foe several more years it will marginalize the minorities to a minuscule. It could also mean the downfall of the Indian Democracy and could result in the breakup of India. A very dangerous slippery slope will be the future of India.
3
Let's just put it this way, this disease is being stoked by the likes of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and others. Sick ....
2
Very sad, seems like the whole world is moving toward right wing fascism.
1
I do not condone violence of any kind & sad she was shot. I am also sad that many killings of RW people are simple brushed under as they do not fit the "Liberal" narrative. I speak the language Gauri wrote and spoke in and I understand what she did. I have seen many SM messages she wrote or supported & her speeches on Whatsapp. She is called "liberal & fearless". Fact is she was very abusive about Hinduism & abused RW folks by insulting their mothers, sisters, fathers. In India, anyone who abuses Islam is vociferously condemned & called Islamophobic while those abusing Hindus automatically become "Liberal" darlings.. When you abuse a religion, you make powerful enemies & plenty of crazies in the world. Last time Charlie Hebdo's journalists draw Mohammed cartoons, 7 of them were shot dead. The same "Liberal" journalists would never dare to abuse Islam or their supporters as they will be called Islamophobic. Do that to Hindus and u become a "liberal", fearless journalist. In reality, you are biased, abuser.. The "Liberals" should try to be sensitive to all religions. If they cannot be, then call them what they are. The current govt is linked to every little incident as some ppl want to create a fear psychosis. Pre-2014 had plenty of violent incidents, targetted killings, riots which were brushed under by a pliant "liberal" press. Over 5000 sikhs were killed in 1984 by the goons of the “Liberal “ Indian National Congress party - which claims a climate of persecution now.
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@Rakesh Absolutely,,
Yours is the only truthful , factual & balanced comment.
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This is what we get when we allow religion to enter into politics (imagine what will happen in our country if Trump is impeached and Pence assumes the presidency, God help us all, I mean, Pence, because after all, he thinks he’s God, and is doing God’s work, right? WRONG!).
And this is also what we get when we dare to oppose those who are in power. Wonder what the first words out of Jamal Khashoggi’s mouth were upon greeting Gauri Lankesh when she passed the Pearly Gates upon her admission to heaven? "Go to God and He will say to you, 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth’!" (Matthew 5:5)
So to those who are righteous and judgmental hypocrites and to those who have used their positions of power to wreak havoc in the lives of those who are beneath them, we say to them, “Enjoy it while it lasts because it will all come to an end when you die and God banishes your soul to the depths of hell where it will burn for eternity. Have a nice day!”
May you rest in peace for eternity, Gauri, and you, too, Jamal, and know that you did not die in vain, for God also said, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3)
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"Religious nuts, and the politicians who use them" is becoming a recurrent theme in major countries around the world. I had expected better in the twenty-first century.
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Critical reporting and analysis of information provided by goverment is lacking in Indian media; which is visibly seen in prime time TV news and debates. For example, questioning the goverment on the truth of recent 'airstrikes' in Balakot by Indian air force is portrayed as anti-national in these same TV channels. I think this is a very bad trend, blindly relying on information provided by government.
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This is what happens when religion and the State merge - Nationalism coupled with any specific religion is a toxic mix. Add into the the ingrained misogyny of Indian society and you have a recipe for intolerance and violence. Unfortunately we also see this mix brewing in other societies, including our own. Blasphemy laws are another component of intolerance and using religion to dominate others. The bravery of those who oppose this trend is amazing - but as the article points out the mob rule and violence with a government tacitly supportive of this kind of behavior will have a chilling effect on free speech and freedom of (and FROM) religion.
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Thank you for this article. Public memory is usually short lived and articles such as these is exactly what we need to remind us of the struggles journalists have to endure every day to showcase the truth. Reliance on independent journalism is particularly important in these troubling times when hatred and fear are being used as weapons for political gains. I commend journalists around the world, especially those who often times risk their lives to just do their jobs. I hope we rise above this hatred and the sacrifices of journalists like Gauri Lankesh, Jamal Khashoggi, etc. do not go to waste.
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We stand silent witnesses to the demise of democratic and secular values in India. Only in autocratic societies is criticism of the governing body equal to sedition. The public servants have become the public masters- and not the good kind.
What boggles the mind is not that the right wing hooliganism is gaining ground (that is the general trend of populism around the world), but that well-educated and otherwise morally upstanding strata of society supports the odious government in power right now. To me, that is the real tragedy and cause for concern, and truly, cause for reflection about why that is so. It is easy to rile up a mob of people who have nothing better to do, and really nothing to lose, but when people with good jobs, doctors, architects, famous and big businessmen support the mob and clap for their atrocities, the problem is much graver, goes deeper and is harder to solve than just a law and order issue.
Something has gone awry with our collective morals as a society. The intelligentsia, people who could have affected change, have been infected with the gangrene.
How do we fix this? How do we get everyone to wake up and see that there is a landslide of a problem in the first place?
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As a former journalist working in Mumbai, I can attest to the dangers journalists have faced all along since the great Lokmanya Tilak started criticizing the British government. In the recent years, it seems, with so much misinformation being fed to the public, coupled with the incessant need for ratings and money, journalists have had a tougher battle than before. They are not only fighting for the truth, but they have to fight for the very people who don't wish it. The freedom of the press only exists in theory. When people like trump keep repeating that press is the enemy of the people, truly, who is going to fight for the truth and hold the powers accountable? We were taught that in a democracy, the press is the fourth estate. Apparently, now it has become a punching bag of everybody, from the masses to the leaders. This story is indeed a sad one, but what terrifies me about this is the fact that it happened in the largest democracy in the world.
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The horrifying and unfortunate fact remains - USA's shaddow over the world is far larger and intense than 90% of Republicans wish to acknowledge; as such, with the election of Trump-Pence, and the USA's withdrawal from leadership in basic civility and respect, at least at the aspirational level, nations that have long quietly embraced overt intolerance are now finding it acceptable to openly practice intolerance and hate.
Those in USA who have never traveled outside of our borders, touring beyond the 'package tour tourist sights' have absolutely no gut understanding of the above. Whatever we Americans might think and say about our nation's problems, prior to Trump-Pence, the rest of the world held a respect for us that we, ourselves, seldom understood.
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And if we are not careful, our country will continue its slide into fractionalization, intolerance and violence. It has already begun increasing. Social media and the immediacy of the news cycle helps fuel it and there is no precedent in the past for solving it soon. If anything might be true, why not believe what your party says is truth? Add religious fervor, caste, class, or race discrimination, unstable economic times and you have a toxic brew that fosters violent suppression of dissenting voices. It is sad that religious belief is being manipulated to political ends all over the world, including in our own beloved America. A very good article.
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As a liberal Indian it has been hard to witness the past few years. Being critical of the government has become anti-national and sympathizing with a Muslim especially Kashmiri will result in you being labeled a Pakistani.
One of the surest signs we were descending into fascism was when the government made it mandatory for every movie theater to play the national anthem at the start of every movie. I find it ridiculous and I do not stand up for which I receive a lot of angry stares(and some threats) as literally every person stands. But I will not be bullied.
As a very liberal atheist I have always been in one of the smaller minorities in very conservative India and being very outspoken I'm used to getting into arguments, before 2014 I did not think my opinions could lead to violence but now is a different story.
I'm hoping enough people see the damage that has been done to our institutions not to mention our economy and vote for change.
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Thanks for this excellent article. Let’s hope her spirit lives on in the results of the upcoming election and the reversal of this wave of bigotry and violence.
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The ground reality that India is 80 % Hindu, after 600 years of Muslim rule and prosperity is proof that historically diversity was an celebrated asset. The Taliban in Afghanistan did not have many converts, but sold themselves as anti drug and anti corruption. RSS took a similar playbook, as being against corruption, while generating nationalist and religious fervor. Reality is also different with all the recent corruption scandals. Most Afghans don’t want to live under the Taliban, and I would guess that ultimately Indians won’t either under Hindu Taliban. However, it will take the help of those few brave journalists to get there. It is about time we celebrated the free press as true defenders of freedom, especially those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. My thanks to the authors of this article,and all those that are continuing the struggle.
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I married an Indian in 1971, moved there and raised a family.
I move in middle class circles and am so sorry to say that I have seen the rise of fascism among some of my own friends and family .This us vs them mentality is destroying civil society .
If only all their energies would be used to end castism and communalism, and environmental degradation what a wonderful place it would be. The path of hate politics will not end well.
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The problem with megalomaniacal leadership is that there is a visible tendency to suppress dissent. I wish the article had mentioned how in late 1970s under the leadership of Ms Indira Gandhi of the Congress Party, Emergency was invoked, and writers, journalists were jailed and movies were not allowed to be released. So, it is not a BJP specific problem. Similarly, across various states in India, where BJP is not the government in power, journalists have been jailed and dissent suppressed. All of which are deplorable. I just wish the article provided a larger context around suppression of freedom of speech in India that goes beyond the current ruling dispensation. The juxtaposition of French Revolution driven ideals (a few hundred years old), with the concept of India as a modern democracy (several decades old), with India as a culture (several millennia old) is bound to create tension.
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India is one of the great tolerant hopes of the world.However this present leadership is taking it into the same supremacist leadership that we suffer from in the USA.It will not end well for them or for us.I have visited India many times and it is becoming wealthier and more intolerant.You wonder how it will hold together if only a few can claim to be the true Indian.Thank you for this excellent reporting on this courageous woman.
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For India with its history of foreign invasions, and a long independent struggle, the basic question is: overall, should an average Indian be satisfied with the Total Quality of Life after seventy one years of self-government?
Has india successfully combined the constructive aspects of ancient Indian heritage with practical, productive ideas of the modern democratic system?
If not, in Nehru's words, "from where shall we begin?"
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Thank you Rollo Romig! In this story of bravery and constancy in the face of oppression India finds herself another hero worthy to stand next to any in her great history. May the memory of Gauri Lankesh inspire young journalists for decades to come - obstacles provide opportunities, and so long as you aren't afraid to look great and important stories are just waiting to be told.
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A very sad story. It is not helpful when the leader of the free world calls the press the enemy of the state - it lends legitimacy to these acts.
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@jeffk Yes, it's ALWAYS Trump's fault. Never the fault of the massacre-inciting Indian Prime Minister and the religious fanatics supporting him and his party for decades.
Get a grip. Your lack of perspective betrays your U.S.-centric narcissism.
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Thanks to the author for writing such a heartfelt and illuminating article.
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@Linda
This is one of the most shallow write ups, and incendiary in nature, far from truth.
Most of the material is a repeat of what one reads & hears on the television in India.
Upon reading it, one gets the feeling of an imminent civil war. Even today, the hindus & muslims & other religious minorities live in harmony in India.
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This is a heart breaking story . Kudos to Rollo for a well researched piece of journalism . Keep more coming . Sad state of affairs in Indian democratic experiment .
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A bit of research would correct the statement above:
"The country has no explicit constitutional protection of freedom of the press, and the laws that do exist are easily curtailable in the interest of security, public decency or religious sentiment"
This is incorrect - see below:
Freedom of speech and expression, on which the State can impose reasonable restrictions in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
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@Nishant
The article mentions freedom of the press not freedom of speech.
Anyway, it would appear that you're not really guaranteed very much freedom of speech either. What is the definition of "decency and morality"?
I dare say my definition would differ from that of the current Indian government and they can use that as an excuse to impose "reasonable restrictions" if I were to criticize them.
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@Nishant
Your quote supports the author's contention. It lists all the different ways freedom of speech and expression can be suppressed by the government. And we have several cases of suppression we can point to.
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@Nishant The author is absolutely right. The constitutional language is vague, and subsequent laws have been equally (and deliberately) vague, such as the infamous IT act based on which even people who "like" facebook posts have been arrested. This is not merely an issue of language though. The vagueness empowers harassment at will by those in power of anyone they want to penalize for an opinion that they don't like. The mere act of being charged for a crime is a severe punishment in India, where cases can drag on for years.
1
As an annual visitor to India for 29 years, staying usually 4-6 months each time, involved in medical volunter work as well as living in an international , multi-cultural community, I have known of a few great Indian leaders for peace and tolerance. I have seen this tragic trajectory of violence against these courageous individuals too often. What phenomenal bravery it takes, to stay true to ones ideals, ethics and belief in what is just, in the face of rampant mob rule, political complicity and much too often a refusal to accept the voice and leadership of a woman.
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@susana lugana.
Gee, the picture painted here seems frighteningly close to the state that another, smaller country is in right now. only thing missing is the actually jailing, yet. First step is to take away the press passes. Any guesses. "Lock her up" Voice of a woman. So scary huh! Just wait to see and hear what he will do to stay in power. With four years under his belt and still being who he is only worse, we can only keep supporting our press. But for them, I don't know where we would be.
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@susana lugana
India is intolerant of free-spirited, independent, outspoken women who are successful. Take note of how Sabitha Rao disparages her - that sounds oh-so familiar!
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