This was one of the worst years in Indo-Pakistan relations and the two countries went to the brink of war, saved by diplomacy and better sense prevailing upon the respective leaders.
Immigration fraud was among the issues that dominated our columns.
The year began with a war of attrition as saber rattling between India and Pakistan intensified with both countries amassing troops along their border. This followed the December 13, 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament that left 11 people dead.
Our editorial said neither India nor Pakistan could afford another armed conflict, the effects of which will be disastrous to both countries, given the temptation for nuclear option. The world expected the two neighbours to show restraint, abandon bellicose tendencies, and engage in serious talks to resolve the issues.
SAARC failure
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Kathmandu on January 6, ended on a dull note with two of its major members locked in conflict. Despite the highly publicised handshake of India’s Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf, the two leaders returned home empty-handed, failing to set a date for renewal of dialogue, which could reduce the tension across their borders and appease the world at large.
Ashok Kumar one of the foremost thespians of the Hindi cinema, passed away at his Chembur residence at the age of 90.
Muslims victimised
The terrorist attacks on the US and subsequent bombardment of Afghanistan by the allied forces, placed Muslims in a vulnerable position. An Indian Newslink survey established that many Muslims were targets of verbal abuse and physical attacks. Anjum Rahman of Hamilton, who decided to wear the ‘Hijab’ (Head covering) after 9/11, said she was among the victims of verbal abuse.
An editorial cautioned the public against immigration fraudsters.
President Musharraf assured his people that transition to democratic rule would be smooth. The elections were scheduled for October after all checks and balances were put in place.
In another editorial, Indian Newslink echoed the views of French Indologist Christophe Jeffrolet, who claimed that India emerged a clear winner in the diplomatic sphere, following September 11 attacks on the US. Mr Jeffrolet told a Seminar in Bangalore, India that after 15 years, India had become an important player in deciding the future of Afghanistan.
Fiji returned to normal trade and diplomatic relations with New Zealand and the new High Commissioner Bal Ram presented his credentials to the Governor-General on March 9, beginning his tour of duty in New Zealand.
Tribute to Punjabis
Our April issue extensively covered 112 years of Punjabis in New Zealand, highlighting the trials and tribulations of the pioneer generation and success of those who inherited their legacy.
Family violence against Indian women showed dramatic increase. Indian Newslink fielded an average of two calls a week from women claiming to be victims of violence perpetrated by either their spouses or elders. They showed reluctance to report such abuse to the Police in controlling this growing menace.
Indians in election fray
In a rare move, the Labour Party picked three persons of Indian origin, namely Dr Ashraf Chaudhary, Dinesh Taylor and Nathan Saminathan as their candidates for the upcoming General Election. According to surveys, Labour Party had clear lead (53%) National Party was far behind at 28% of rating.
The visit of the Dali Lama on May 27 created euphoria among Tibetans living here.
William Holtz, who was accused of murdering liquor storeowner Shiu Prasad received life sentence with a non-parole period of 10 years.
Indo-Pakistan tension along the Line of Control witnessed massive build up of troops, triggering fear and apprehension among New Zealand residents with families in the warring nations.
In a bizarre case of attempted murder, Amarjeet Kaur Singh, was jailed for five years in Hamilton court on May 30. The victim, who had sustained serious injuries, was reported to have recovered.
The May issue carried a Special Report on the Indo-Fijian community, recounting their struggle and success.
New Zealand’s general elections delivered another hung Parliament necessitating a Coalition Government. For the first time, a person of South East Asian origin (Dr Ashraf Chaudhary) became a lawmaker. Another person of Indian origin, United Future’s Kerry Chal, could not make it, since she was not a New Zealand citizen.
An Indian Newslink investigation revealed an immigration scam involving young women who were brought to New Zealand under false pretences. An enraged Sikh community supported our efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
New Zealand moved up to be in rank to equal Denmark as one of the three least corrupt countries in the world.
A woman’s plight
A sad case of an Indian housewife, Dipali Panchal, who faced deportation, as her husband withdrew her sponsorship, drew public sympathy and ire. Indian Newslink took up her cause and campaigned for her work permit with the Government. She later obtained permanent residence and New Zealand citizenship.
The Indian Government was also due to announce its ‘Overseas Citizenship’ scheme, allowing former Indian passport-holders to gain a better status in their homeland.
