[Reader-list] Safety of list-members

[Aditya Raj Kaul]

Thanks Monika for your e-mail. Though I don't understand what was the need
of this second mail; you had made things clear in the previous one. This
particular mail hasn't gone just too well of course. I humbly accept the
'Code of Conduct' and seriously hope others would as well.

But, in regard with the apology, I don't think only Pawan and I should fall
under this category. If you re-think and mention the following: 1) Shuddha
2) Inder Salim 3) Shivam Vij 4) Aarti Sethi 5) Prakash Ray; atleast as well
to apologise, for provoking, instigating and maligning the two of us on
different occasions (just because we are Kashmiri Pandits and speak about
our community and the plight), hence forcing us to react. I'll follow and be
the first to apologise.

1) There has been 'name calling' on us. (Hindu Terrorists, Fundamentalists,
Extremists etc)
2) People wanted to attempt 'sucide' if we openly discussed about this
particular community.
3) We were even asked to 'shut up' more than once.
4) Indirect filthy comments have become quite frequent now against us.
5) 'Brain gone on a holiday' wasn't a descent way to answer.
6) Attacks by a few individuals on our community, religion, Gods etc.

I don't need to substantiate or provide any proof of the same, the list has
a well maintained archive, which can even easily be accessed through Google
Search. One may click and few buttons to understand things better.

There is no 'ego' barrier for me to apologise. But 'what for ?' is my
question. Let the so called 'intellectuals' on this forum clean up their
language first, be a bit more patient, understanding and as well learn the
art of peaceful discussion, and academic argument.

Hope the list admin. take note of this.

Thanks

On 11/16/08, Monica Narula <monica at sarai.net> wrote:
>
> Dear All,
>
> My mail as a list administrator has been understood in various ways.
> The most unfortunate reading has been one of seeing the whole episode
> as one of victimization of Kashmiri pandits in the list.  This is
> ridiculous. I cannot answer each bravado-filled mail...
>
> Lawrence's mail is very clear on one ground - there is a public life
> of the list outside its subscriber base. The safety of list-members
> (in as much as what they say and discuss on the platform but which is
> accessible to the whole world) is under threat because of accusations
> of a grave nature being loosely bandied about. This is all the more
> dangerous as the allegations are never substantiated and they act as
> repressors of speech and exchange. This fearful climate that is being
> generated through the list is something that is deeply disturbing.
>
> Keeping this context, I request Aditya and Pawan to apologize to list
> members against whom they have made numerous and un-substantiated
> accusations of dubious sources of funds. The apology needs to be made
> on the list so that the archive can have this as a record. This is
> serious and i hope all of you understand that in today's climes it is
> critical to maintain a sense of balance, ensure at least minimum
> safety for all list members, and keep alive the creative and
> investigative freedoms associated with this list.
>
>   From on, this list's public statement will have the following:
>
> "Code of Conduct for discussions on the list:
>
> 1) no person, whosoever they may be should make any allegations on
> the personal conduct of another list member or any other third
> person, without offering proof for the same. Should this proof be
> found  wanting, they should apologize.
>
> 2) that people voluntarily agree to refrain from making sexist and
> homophobic remarks or use racist language of any kind.
>
> On 3 infringement of these the person's list subscription will be
> terminated."
>
> I sincerely hope that this is clear and understandable to all.
>
> best
>
> Monica
>
> list admin
>
>
>
> Monica Narula
> Raqs
> Sarai-CSDS
> 29 Rajpur Road
> Delhi 110 054
> www.raqsmediacollective.net
> www.sarai.net
>
>
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-- 
Aditya Raj Kaul

Freelance Correspondent, The Times of India
Cell - +91-9873297834

Campaign Blog: http://kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com/
Personal Blog: http://activistsdiary.blogspot.com/