This message was sent to me and I think that it is worth passing on. The VHP
is part of the right-wing coalition of "Hindu Fundamentalist" parties in India
which have been responsible for anti-Muslim violence and a general shift to
the right in Indian politics. AT&T has been kicking them money from
long-distance calls.
Andrew Sessions
University of Wisconsin
PS. I wonder who else AT&T is supporting?
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>AT&T recently announced a scheme whereby customers could contribute 5% of
>their long distance bill to the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) of America
>directly. Given the VHP's blatantly communal message, it's hardline policy
>on the Babri Masjid issue and the fact that the VHP of India was banned by
>the GOI in the wake of the Dec. 6 incidents (a ban which was later upheld by
>the Supreme Court which overturned the GOI bans on the RSS and Bajrang Dal)
>I was very annoyed that AT&T chose to be associated with the VHP in this
>manner. I therefore urge you (as I have already urged on the nets) to call
>AT&T up and make it clear to them that you are unhappy with their scheme.
>If you are already an AT&T customer you may want to point out that you will
>discontinue service with them, if you are not already with AT&T you could
>always tell them you are not going to become an AT&T customer as long as
>they push programs with such unsavoury associations.
>
>You can call the number which appears in the message below. You are most likely
>to reach an Indian operator. I also append another message I received which
>shows your efforts may not be in vain. Incidentally it took me exactly two
>minutes to register my protest and hang up so it shouldn't cut into your time
>in a big way. The protest makes sense because there is a particularly
>intense fight to capture the Indian market by all three major long distance
>companies.
>
>Forwarded message:
> Ravi,
>
> I just called AT&T at 1-800-647-9808 Ext 700 and registered my
> dissatisfaction with this program.
>
> Mention the Association Number : 3RAE1166 and the fact that it is banned
>in
> India.
>
>Second forwarded message:
>
>I thought you might be interested in hearing that the calls appear to
>have had effect. I have called twice so far, both outside office
>hours (since I can't call at any other time), and both times have been
>told I'd have my call returned; it didn't happen either time. (I'm an
>AT&T customer three times over, and plan to let them know that.)
>
>Anyway, I tried them again today, and the man asked what I was calling
>for. I said it was about the VHP; he inquired whether I was calling
>to protest, and when I said that I was, he took down my name and
>number saying that was sufficient. Apparently they've had too many
>calls on this matter to respond individually.
>
>Ravi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit an article to the India Alert India Alert-Madison
Mailing List, address it to: P.O. Box 1, Union South
[EMAIL PROTECTED] Madison, WI 53706
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
