THE public remarks made by some leaders of the armed forces are a departure from the strictly professional and non-political role of the armed forces.  This is happening because the Modi government seems to be consciously encouraging the top echelons of the defence forces to air views in line with its Hindutva nationalist outlook. General Bipin Rawat, days before assuming the post of chief of defence staff, made a provocative statement regarding the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

THE fortnight since the adoption of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill by parliament has been witness to one of the significant moments in recent political history in India.

THE Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (CAB) has been passed by parliament despite strong opposition to it both within and outside parliament.  The CAB is a dangerous legislation which runs contrary to the basic principles of the constitution. The provisions of the bill undermine the secular concept of citizenship enshrined in the constitution.  Article 14 states that the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the law within the territory of India.

THE gang rape and murder of a 27-year old woman, a veterinary doctor, on the outskirts of Hyderabad has once again starkly highlighted the violence women are facing in their everyday lives.  The bestiality and cruelty of the crime has evoked outrage and protests all over the country.That this is not an isolated event becomes clear when we see similar horrific crimes committed in the days preceding and after the Hyderabad incident. In Ranchi, a young college student sitting with a friend was abducted and gang raped; in Tonk, Rajasthan, a six-year old girl returning from school was kidnapped