The Sachar committee’s report revealed that Muslims in Left-ruled Bengal were worse off on every count than their counterparts in most other states. The report, released in December 2006, put Bengal in the “worst-performer category,” despite the communists’ much professed commitment for the welfare of minorities. The state where 25.25 per cent (2.02 crore) of the population is Muslim, their share in government jobs is just 4.2 per cent and...

Away from the gaze of the media and the judiciary, the adivasis of Bastar are paying a heavy price … for just being there.  An operation is underway in Central India, but no one really knows what it is. Variously described as a media myth, a comprehensive hearts and minds strategy, and an all-out offensive by paramilitary forces and the state forces along the borders of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh...

The Church of England has sold its shares in Vedanta Resources, owned by NRI businessman Anil Agarwal, saying it is unhappy with the way the company is pursuing a project in south Orissa against the wishes of a local tribe. The Church sold its £2.5-million stake today after its representatives visited the Niyamgiri hills in poverty-ridden Kalahandi. The area is considered sacred by the Dongria Kondh tribe. Vedanta intends to mine the...

Despite criticism by civil society and the free press, the state is continuing its violent campaigns against Maoists unchecked Alongside the great internet firewall of China, the vicious paranoia of Burma's ruling junta, and the lists of murdered journalists in Sri Lanka, India appears as a beacon of free speech and open-minded self-criticism. And yet, for all the vociferous passion of its journalists and activists in calling the powerful to account,...

Two unique languages disappear with death of last speakers When Boro died on Strait Island last November, Boa lost a friend. The world lost a language. Last week, Boa also died. Another language died with her. The death of these last surviving speakers of two Great Andamanese languages, Khora and Bo, has resulted in the extermination of their unique tribes on the islands. “There are just 50 Great Andamanese left,” says...