READ THE WALL

READ THE WALL
In North Eastern (NE) region of India; three states that remain in news more for the wrongs than the rights are; Assam, Nagaland & Manipur. Statistics may tell a different story of either rise or fall in the violent incidents vis a vis the corresponding period last year. Lately the apprehension of masses in these states and remarks of the CM of Assam are something to the noted and reckoned. People seem to have lost their fortitude & forbearance of UG activities.
Assam CM, Tarun Gogoi while inviting banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) said, “People don’t want an independent Assam (as demanded by ULFA) and gradually the group is losing its popularity and importance”. APW (Assam People Work an organization of kith and kin of ULFA cadres) had also carried out a similar survey and concluded that people did not want sovereignty. Reacting to this ULFA had carried out a carnage in Tinsukia since violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. It is amazing that PCG (Peace Consultative Group) member, a noted writer, Ms Mamoni Raisom Goswami still advocates sovereignty demand of the outfit. This depicts nothing but disconnect of the personality with realities.
In Nagaland on 11 Apr 08 villagers of Ketsapo under Phek district chased away the cadres of NNC (Naga National Council (accordist) to rescue the Village Council Chairman & secretary of Village Development Board from abduction. Villagers braved only with traditional weapons (daos and spears) against the sophisticated AK rifles of miscreants. Even the firing of rifle shots by the activists did not frighten the chasers. Against the rise of disturbances caused by inter factional clashes, extortions, highway robberies, rape, district administration of Phek, backed by SFs, NGOs and local public have adopted a Zero Tolerance resolution against any faction out to disturb peace in the district. Well done? District administration deserves kudos for a step which is its bounden duty. Reactions of people against the rape of three young women and looting of passengers at Chakabama from a Melluri bound bus is another incident. Residents of Dimapur have given a strong message to militants for increased violence of late.
In Manipur (most disturbed state) cries of people against the killing of two anal women at Herirok (Thoubal), rape and murder of Santibala ( a widow) are not over when there is a revolt against the killing of a 55 year old man of Lalong Chajing Loukon under Police Station Sangjamei. The man was killed (24 Apr 08) in front of his own son despite the pleadings by the young boy. One of the women demonstrators said, “It was an act of very cruel people killing the man in front of his own son. Apart from this he was a man living from hand to mouth “. It is generally seen that the UGs blame on the deceased person to safeguard themselves. Secretary of Joint Action Committee (JAC) L, Meipak said, “We will not agree with any fault assigned to the deceased as it has become a habit in our society” (Imphal Free Press 25 Apr 08).
Similarly, SDSA (Senapati District student Association i.e. Maram student’s union, Mao students union, Poumei student union, Zeliangrong student union and Thangal student union) has called for an appropriate action against thrashing (on 23 Apr 08) of three prominent citizens (who are also members of management committee of Rosary School) by UG activists. They also said “Schools wherever they are located is a place of education and threats of any kind by any organisation especially in the form of financial demands is nothing less than asking the institution to close down (Sangai Express 25 Apr 08). Council members of local bodies have submitted resignation to CM protesting against the demands of UGs (Manipur Mail datelined 29 Apr 08). Abheisham Pishak (41) has been lynched by locals in Imphal for raping an eleven year old girl.
These are some of the incidents fresh in our minds. There had been very many in the past where in UGs had targeted financial institutions like banks, educational institutions and health sector causing uncalled for difficulties to the public.
From the foregoing one can make out that UGs have no concern either for the old or the young, the mothers, sisters or daughters, health and development of the social system but making easy money. Probably the effect of water drying up (public support) in the pond (society) is being felt by the fish (UGs) as well. Recently on its foundation day KYKL Chairman, Taijam Achou reflectively said, “ The attitude of the revolution of the UG groups are also degenerating and today they have taken to money making through government contract work, kidnapping for ransom or else demanding cuts from public and private funds”. He also said, “To make easy money one of the methods is for a few people to get together, buy a few arms and form an underground group and then being an extortion business”. This is true for all outfits. Chairman of NSCN (IM) Isak Swu has also conceded to adoption of Zero Tolerance against rampant indiscipline of the cadres. Noted parliamentarian PA Sangma was not wrong. When he said, “Insurgency has become a cottage industry in North East India”.
Now is the time for every one to read the writing on the wall. Leaders and Bureaucrats have to assume visible accountability for good governance. People have to continue the stand against violence to trade for much eluded peace. Why physically able militants can not learn from socially disabled Pradeep (37) who (detected HIV positive in 2000) became was crowned Mr Manipur in Jan 2008. He said, “I want to show how much an HIV positive person can do? UGs need to listen to the voice of the people and join the main stream for safer, better and progressive life for themselves as well as for the society they claim to represent and fight for. Otherwise the sharp edge enjoyed by them (UGs of wielding sophisticated weapons) over hapless citizens will be blunted by the Active WILL of the PEOPLE.

“Without civic morality communities perish and without personal morality their survival has no value” ‘Bertrand Russel’


Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to writer via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in
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RESPECT THE RESPECTABLE

RESPECT THE RESPECTABLE

These days there is so much heard about Women rights, Women liberation and Women empowerment. In fact women empowerment started with the culture of haute couture in 1920s in Europe. It was restricted only to the elite class. Now the world has realized social benefits of women empowerment and it is like a movement. India has also come a long way from olden times when it believed the maxim spelt out in the scripture; Manusmriti, that said,” A woman must invariably act on the advice of her father, husband and if widowed her son”. After independence Indian society was still infected with various social evils like; child marriage, ban on widow remarriage, purdah system etc. It stood true to the words of Tulsidas that said,” Dhol, Ganwar, Shudra, Pashu and Naari- Ye sab tadan ke adhikari” (when translated it means Drum, Ruffian, Shudra, Animal and Women only deserve beating). Women of North Eastern (NE) India have visible image of being liberal without discrimination, forward looking, no purdah, no ban on widow remarriage etc. But of late this image is being belied by the increase of violence against women in this part of the country.

There is a need to realize that a woman is a versatile person; a mother, a friend and a companion. One can say; she creates, preserves and prolongs human life. Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-78) of India made a specific contribution towards development of women i.e. a shift from only welfare. 73rd constitutional amendment (1993) has provisions for reservation of seats for women so that they are part of decision making from grass root level. National commission of women has made policies that also lays down ways & means for empowerment of women in social, political and economic life. It also says elimination of all discrimination and all forms of violence against women and the girl child. But the reality is a bit different.
Of late the image of women in NE region of our nation has been smeared with blood and obscenity. As per police records; in the entire state of Assam, from 2001 to 2006 a total of 5990 women were kidnapped, 5263 were murdered and 785 were tortured by their husbands. Three young women passengers were raped and Melluri bound bus looted near Chakabama (Nagaland) by armed miscreants on 26 Mar 08. Tribal families (67) of Tripura were inhumanly tortured by insurgents of National Liberation Front of Tripura.
Recent killings (24 Mar 08) of women in Heirok (Chandel district of Manipur) and injuring of a young girl Rebki (17) during Thabal Chongba celebrations) had been very heartbreaking. She, who had been a bright student, has darkness for her life. She says, “Will I be ever able to see again”. Her parents have run out of finances for treatment. During a Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting after these killings general secretary Laishram Mandir said, “Are the revolutionary groups of Manipur for the people or to eliminate innocent civilians”. People have decided to take a tough stand against such activities. During one of the JAC meeting it was decided that Meira Paibis will keep vigil in and around Heirok through out the night and members of the local clubs will extend their cooperation to them.
Another hair raising incident was gang rape and killing of a widow at Tekcham Luishiput in Thoubal district of Manipur. Have the miscreants thought of the young children of the late widow, Laisgram Ongbi Santibala? Committers and perpetrators of such offences should be shameful.
Flip side of the coin is that these are the same women who had been sheltering the UGs due to familial bonding. Recently a woman named Oinam Mainu, a Zila Parishad member of Thoubal (Manipur) has been detained, under NSA, for harbouring killers of migrant workers (on 17/18 Mar 08). She has also been known to siphon percentage of development funds to militant outfits including NSCN (IM) (Imphal Free Press datelined 10 Apr 08).
There is a need to remember the role these women have played in the history of this region. Do not forget the grass root economic role played by these women in the Tea Industry and other businesses. Do not forget the activism of Assamese Pradesh Mahila Samitis during freedom struggle. Recently these women have given the lead and inspiration to standup against impossible demands of ultras in Assam valley. Do not forget the role, Manipuri women played against the Britishers (1904) to safe guard the honour of their men and against dishonest Businessmen (1939) to save the Manipuri Society from hunger. Do not forget the role Meira Paibis have played to safe guard their men from falling prey to liquor and thus giving a new impetus to family life. Do not forget the pragmatic positive role these women play in caring the child from prenatal to postnatal state.
The women seem to have broken the traditional ‘culture of silence’ against violence. It will not be wrong to quote powerful words of RK Dhanbati Devi, President of Lamlong Keithel Fambi Apunba Lup. After the bomb blast in Khurai Lamlang Bazar (Imphal) in Nov 07 she said,” it is true that there was a time when Meira Paibis and militants worked in tandem. But at that time we thought that militant’s demands were justified and we supported them, but now we realize our mistake. These militants have turned their guns towards us. There is no question of supporting or aligning ourselves with them. They (militants) are our enemies and they should be finished”.
Miscreants are not sparing any section of the society. The same is obvious in numerous resentment rallies, against UG activities, by the populace. There is a need to treat women as equal partners and not a weaker sex. There is need to respect the natural biology of the fairer sex. There is need to develop respect for our creator. Now is time to finish the thought of militancy and not the militants who are also the sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. All women need to be supported in every possible way to create a society, where no women is disrespected, no mother loses her son, no sister loses her brother, no wife loses her husband, no parent loses old age support, no child loses the father and society does not lose the constructive strength of the youth due to avoidable violence. Always Remember!

“Woman was taken out of man; not out of his head to top him, not out of his feet to be trampled underfoot, but out of his side to be equal to him, under his arm to be protected, near his heart to be loved.”
Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in Or post views on blog: jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com)

X FACTOR MISSING

‘X’ FACTOR MISSING


It is the multiplication factor that catalyses the effect of the efforts. North East region of our country is more diverse than the rest of nation. It is inhabited by almost 200 tribes out of the total 430 (approx) tribes in India. Each tribe has its own language, culture and identity. Historically speaking each hamlet was a nation by itself. Things are changing from individualization to globalization. But the reality in this region is a little different. This region is resource rich in terms of Oil, Coal, Hydro Power resources and Tourist potential etc. And now this region has been proved to have potential of being the biggest producer of rubber (Liquid Gold) in the world. The productivity of rubber has gone up from 335 kgs to 1879 kgs per acre (largest in the world) in Tripura. This region has the capacity to be feeder to rest of the nation and be exporter to neighboring nations).
Whatever has been said is alright? But what is hindering the dormant potential of this region? The only thing that comes to mind is lack of honesty and integrity towards this region by all alike. Every one (centre, state, people and militant groups) has to share the blame & look inwards rather than outwards and backwards. Author has made an effort to analyze the role of various actors for under development & insurgency in the region.
The centre had lopsided approach towards this region since independence. Initially hazards of India’s partition are understandable (not pardonable) and this region had also played its role in nation’s freedom struggle. But what did go wrong thereafter? And then the three wars (1962, 1965 and 1971) with our neighbors followed. But still, the mainland lacked understanding of this part of country’s geography. Sadly, sincere efforts had never been made barring the latest efforts in the garb of Look East Policy (LeP).
Indians economic policies had not been based on fiscal prudence but politics. Initially it was Garibi Hatao (Congress) followed by Mandalization (Janata Dal) with an intervening period of emergency (1975). All this led to pledging of our country’s gold to save the country out of financial crisis. Then comes the liberalization of policies, the results of which are being felt now. Despite all the problems, India is riding an enviable growth curve. Imagine if the ‘X’ factor was incorporated and benefits disseminated in right proportions; probably this region would have been saved of devouring by the monster of insurgency (now read criminalization). Wish! It was done.
Our leaders (central & regional) are known to divide the society on religion, race, caste etc. No wonder! Cries to earn ST status and lobbying to deny the same status to other tribes are heard in this region also (unheard of earlier). Thanks to our leaders for this. Wish there was honesty of approach to face the voters like Obama in US. During the election campaign his pastor made an incendiary racial remark to his dislike and also the electorate. Obama rightfully checked the wrong doer in time and faced the electorate more endearingly. How many of our leaders are of such uprightness. Here effort is to avoid the issues concerning masses to retain Mr Clean image (but not able to). Thinking power of the masses is under estimated. Recent case of Advani’s denial in Kandhar case and distancing away from long time associate Jaswant Singh.
It is a well known fact that genesis of Assam agitation lies in deportation of illegal migrants. This resulted in Nellie carnage (1983). But state assembly elections were forced through despite protests and advice against the same. Still the illegal migration is going on unchecked due to political and not national interests. Now there is a collusion of militant leaders also for this migration for safe sanctuaries in Bangladesh. Probably they want to make the words of Sheikh Mujubur Rehman come true, who said, “India has to provide space for the growing population of Bangladesh”.
Our leaders (all alike) indulge more in lip service and marketing their reforms that do not match the realities people face. Latest example is huge package of loan waiver for farmers. Probably the same amount spent four years earlier would have saved farmer suicides, added more to India’s GDP and improved the image of ruling party rather than destroy the same. Everyone is aware that for last 18 years (1991 to date) various governments (Congress, NDA & now UPA) have tried to let the reforms campaign reach the voters but failed. They would have succeeded, if reforms were backed by honest action.
The latest budget has a very forward looking aspect of skill development in partnership with industry. The government is adopting the Philippines model, where industry will be paid the expenses for developing training curriculum for the youth. There is another model adopted by Germany, Brazil etc., where most of the youth join the industry for learning skills after high school. If industry is unable; then it pays some levy to the Government. No wonder, Germany is so progressive where corporate has sincerity for the society. Wish there is some planning to inculcate skill of Honesty and Integrity amongst leaders and the led.
Media reports are replete with details of scams by leaders and the led alike. Can the field flourish, when it is devoured by its own fence? CM of Sikkim is blemished in multi crore property scam. A doctor is caught selling free medicines and a BDO accepts swindling of funds (The Sentinel datelined 12 Mar 08) .Recent CAG report has pulled up the Assam government for using 75% of Non Plan Revenue Expenditure on aspects like salaries, pension payments etc. Similarly Manipur Government has been blamed for not been able to monitor works under Non Lapsable Pool of Central Resources and that too education (The Sangai Express datelined 29 Mar 08).
Most needed and delicate aspects of health, education, power and development are targeted. In Manipur teachers have been caught selling books meant for poor students under much needed Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Imagine who has done this; outlaws i.e. KYKL under operation new Kangleipak(ONK). Well done! Wish it was done by the authorities. A multi crore scam (involving every one in the chain) has been unearthed in Power department of Manipur. Militant organizations claiming to fight for deprived society are depriving their own people. The recent (30 Mar08) torching of BRTF trucks by militants in Thoubal district (Manipur) is fresh in the minds. Remember! This is the only organization that is bringing development in remote border areas. Imagine if this also does not happen.
The time has come to introspect at all levels and answer: Does the society want X factor to be added to our values and approach in life? If Yes! Then act. If No! Then don’t cry.

“The Universe is not rich enough to buy the vote of an
Honest man” ‘Gregory’


Geoffery
(readers are reach out to the writer via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in or post views on jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com

TOP DOWN OR BOTTOM UP

TOP DOWN OR BOTTOM UP

Nandigram, Godra and recent Mumbai violence are prominent examples of political violence resulting in loss of valuable lives & properties. If media reports are to be gone by it is also a societal violence of divisive nature. Similarly violence in the North East against Hindi speaking people also reflects the same attitude. Recently vibrant colours of famous Yaoshang (Holi) festival of Manipur were more blood red due to dastardly killings of innocent people on 17 th and 18 th March 08. Sadly the onus of this heinous crime has not been pointed out yet.

Violence leads to trauma & stress beyond proportions affecting larger number than aimed. It leads to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The degree varies depending on the state of mind, proximity to the place of incident, intensity of violence etc. If we equate the violence to a boat and society to water then we can say water is the same on both sides of the boat i.e. it affects all alike in the society.

Violence in North East is one of the strategies adopted by militant to arm twist the elected government and let the fear psychosis stay among the masses. Probably they have learnt the lesson of divisive politics very well. In 2007 there was carnage of non Assamese people in Tinsukhia and Karbi Anglong in Assam. Now, 15 non locals have been mercilessly killed in Manipur in March 08. There are endless such incidents to quote. How it affects the society can be seen from some of the reactions of public and elected leaders.

It is a fact that, in NE region, non locals are dominating the labour work irrespective of the type of work e.g. Dhobi, Mason, Brick klin labour, household help, Barber, Cobbler etc. that are not under taken by sons of the soil. A kind of inseparable functional dependence exists between the locals and non locals. The same can be gauged from what the locals say after such dastardly killings. After Tinsukhia killings Mr Phukan (40) a brick klin owner said, “We are employed youth. We have taken loan to start business and if our factory closes down completely, we will have no way but to commit suicide.” After killings in Manipur, one Sanatomba from Thoubal did not find his regular barber because the shops were shut. He had to go to attend ‘Nuptha’ (ear piercing ceremony) of his friend’s son. Finally after a long wait he had the hair cut and was able to reach the function barely in time.

Besides functional difficulties there is fear in the minds of non locals and locals both. To quote one, Santosh Prasad (of Bhojpur) who stayed at Kakching (Manipur) said after his brother’s death, “I have decided to leave, after my brother is cremated for the safety of our lives.” Rahul(12) who lost his father when his mother is carrying another child (to be delivered soon) in her womb. He says, “I don’t want to stay here anymore. I can not see the killing of any more of my family members’. (Imphal Free Press datelined 20 March 08).

It is not only the non locals but locals are also worried about the cascading effect such acts may have. To quote one of the worried parents,” two of my kids are studying in West Bengal’s Durgapur. I am worried about them and I call them up everyday.” One of the members of Hindu Smaj said, “We would not take the bodies back to our native states for cremation since it might cause communal riots.” Wow! What a responsible thought during the hour of crisis?

Violence has no caste, no creed and no religion. It occurs due to utmost selfish motives of hegemony and making easy money. GOOGLY cartoon in Sangai express datelined 20 March 08 was really apt to the situation. Boss asks,” we are broke, we need bucks! Any Solution.” There comes the answer, “Simple boss! Let’s announce the name of new outfit in the news papers.” These outfits have no affinity to any one but self interests alone. In March 08 apprrox 67 tribal families have been made homeless in Dhalai district of Tripura by National Liberation Front of Tripura. (Eastern Mirror datelined 23 March 08).

Cries of the killings have been heard in Dehli and various MPs have reacted differently without introspection. Gurudas Gupta (CPI) said, “The country would not remain united if killings were allowed to continue in the name of regionalism”. During zero hour of Lok Sabha on 19 Mar 08, Dr Meinya, an MP from inner parliamentary constituency of Manipur urged the union Government to intervene and extend all possible help and support to Manipur. He said, “we have many armed insurgent out fits operating in the North Eastern region. In this region, even the official bungalows of the Ministers & MLAs are being attacked with grenades & bombs. “But the minister did not bring out the bungalows that are attacked are also being used to harbor the militants.

What these honorable MPs have brought out is very right? The act has to be condemned & addressed in the best possible manner. Before that we need to address the seed of regionalism, casteism, religion etc sown by our leaders for vote bank politics. Should this seed be destroyed first to check the trees of violence grow?

Now is the time, for the whole nation to decide. Should our leaders stop making deals for vote bank politics & divide the society? Should our leaders propagate a genuine message of homogenous society and bonhomie? Should the society decide to live cohesively and not fall prey to the vote bank baits of political leaders? Difference in the two is; if it goes top down it is correcting and guiding the system and if it goes bottom up it is revolution. Decide soon before the words prophesied by Gurudas Gupta (CPI MP) come true.


Geoffery
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