Governance (L/D)?

“It is the spirit and not the form of law that
Keeps justice alive”
‘Earl Warren’

Governance is noun of the word ‘Govern’
that means to rule with authority. Any duly elected member of legislature or parliament or a person assuming an office as his profession or job by virtue of some ruling or order can govern. Whether it is good governance or not is left to perception of the governed. Good Governance is the rule where legislative, executive and judicial functions of the authority are discharged in a fair and just manner to meet the progressive needs of the society. Here; everyone has Food, Shelter and Clothing (Roti, Kapda and Makaan), even if one does not have, one hopes to get it positively. Our elected leaders are meant to govern; good or bad is for the people to decide.

We are all aware of the infamous MP, Katara, who was trying to export a Benami family (a lady and a boy) by virtue of his position, assuming that he will get away. Bad Luck, Sir! To our astonishment he was getting a fat commission for such human trafficking. This is one case that has come to light, may be many more are under the lid. Similarly we have Benami traders in Mokokchung which is against the law of land. Here property is in the name of a local Naga, business is owned by non Naga from outside and business permit is in the name of a local conforming to the existing rules. Probably this too has some one’s patronage.

This region of our country is gripped with the problem of checking fake currency pumped by ISI meant to cripple the economy of the region. Chief Minister of Arunanchal Pradesh has openly accepted involvement of certain local leaders in this racket. To quote Mr Dorjee Khandu “we have definite information that some local leaders are also involved and we have identified them. We are looking for some tell tale evidence to catch them red handed”. He further said that ISI is sending the currency through Bangladesh, Meghalaya and Assam.

Mr Neiba Ndang a former congress leader of Nagaland has said that central funds are being converted into political money by the ruling leaders. Mr Prakash Singh who was DGP, Assam and a governor of one of the North Eastern States had confessed in a programme “Big Fight” telecast on Star TV that approx Rs/-100 crores meant for development were siphoned out for vested interests.

Killing of Purnendu Lungthasa, Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar(NC) Hills Autonomous District Council and his colleague by Black Widow group DHD (J) is another revelation. As the talks go it was money that was beginning to shape the talks between congress and DHD (J). The militant group had reportedly demanded Rs/-2.8 crores from the ruling congress after being betrayed in its earlier demand for reservation of three of five newly created constituencies in the NC Hills exclusively for Dimasa tribe.

GoI has launched a subsidy based credit linkage scheme for establishment of Agriclinics and Agribusiness centres. As per scheme a trained graduate can apply for a loan up to Rs/- 50 Lakhs based on the project report. But no bank is giving loan despite having graduates trained by Institute of Cooperation Management Imphal. Therefore Manipur is losing the benefit of agriculture subsidy.

These are some of the recent examples that are fresh in our memories. From the foregoing readers are free to think and decide for themselves; whether we have Leaders or Dealers, the difference being in position of letters L and D; can we hope for governance (not good governance) from the leaders who only make deals? Every one is aware of the deals that are struck before during and after any elections, small or big.
Good Governance calls for Honesty, Virtue & Conscientiousness and in the matters of conscience, majority has no place. It also needs the power of trinity i.e. Mutual trust, Faith and Confidence between the Leader and the Led. Can we have this and no deals please?
Politics isn’t about big money on power games; it’s about improvement of people’s lives “Paul Wall Stone”

Generation Speaks

“Self Development is higher duty than self Sacrifice”
‘Elizabeth Candy Stanton’

Times are changing and with this; the exposure, the thoughts, the initiatives and the acumen of Youth is also undergoing a transformation from localization to globalization. Today, everywhere the youth is much aware, developed and well versed with the happenings around. Still some youths are following the path of progress, while some are being misguided to follow the path not agreeable to society at large.

It was very encouraging to know that five Naga youths and five Manipuri youths are in the final list of 474 candidates for civil services examination after facing a strong competition amongst 15 lakh candidates. At the outset, I extend heartiest felicitations to my friends for such a success. It is very creditable for both the states and also proves the fact that youth of this region is no less than anyone else at other places. It was very heartening to read about Orenthung Kikon, HSLC topper of Nagaland and the good wishes showered on him by all and sundry.

One can imagine the pride and happiness of the parents on such brilliant success of their children. Last year a Kohima boy had topped an engineering degree in Goa and was honored by none other than Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri SC Jamir. These successful youth have become beacon for others to follow the lighted path.

Besides the above young entrepreneurs are also on the rise. Recently a group of Naga traders had been to China to enhance the trade and learn new trade practices. Last year some young entrepreneurs of Nagaland had also participated in international entrepreneur meet in Brazil (a happy sign).

Now the obverse; recently top leadership of NSCN (IM) had accepted the indiscipline prevailing amongst young cadres that needs to be corrected. ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) has changed its strategy of recruitment from Urban to rural because the outfit is finding difficult to manage the urban youth. May be the shift in strategy is to manipulate the poverty and ignorance of rural youth to outfit’s advantage. Fact of the matter is, that awareness is making the youth more developed, aware of better environment and futility of the path they have been misled to. Realization is dawning on the youth, though slow, why should they undergo avoidable physiological, psychological and physical insecurities while the top leadership of the outfits is having better times?

It is for sure that youth of this region does not lack potential but positive guidance. Every parent, every teacher, every elder of society would like the youth to contribute positively to their homes, their village, their city, their state and country as a whole. If that be so, now is the time for parents, teachers and elders to play the important role in inculcating positive social values in the youth lest they are misled to the path of darkness. If not, instead of bringing laurels to the family, society, village, and state they belong to, the youth will meet an ignoble end? Decide!

“Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you”
‘H.J. Brown Jr’

Vibrant Nagaland

Come 31 Jul 07, it will be ten years since ceasefire was signed between GoI & NSCN. This decade has created a history of sort. The state had suffered from longest surviving insurgency for five decades before cease fire agreement was signed in 1997. But the period thereafter has seen better of simple, peace loving and industrious society of Nagaland. One can feel the energy & enthusiasm in the people to grow and develop.

There is rising entrepreneurship. Entrepreneur Association (EA) started by a few youth in 2001 for micro credit financing with a mere sum of Rs/- 7000 has grown up to a few Crores company. It has benefited another approx 400 youth. Entrepreneurs of Nagaland participated in Brazil entrepreneurs meet. Naga Roses have found market in Dubai, the first consignment was sent on 25 Jan 07 and appreciated. Nagaland horticulture department is hoping that produce will go up to 5000 to 10000 flowers per day and therefore the market?

Communications are being improved. Rail links are being extended to the capital of state. Hon’ble Prime Minister has ordered four laning of NH 39, only communication artery of Nagaland. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for primary education has been well received and now is the time to prepare the youth for secondary education.

Hornbill festival started in 2001 to showcase the rich culture of Nagaland. The 2006 festival was different, when it also hosted a Rock festival with huge prize money of Rs. eight lakhs.This was participated by large number of music groups from rest of the country. It is encouraging that Naga Rock groups performed very well. To harness the natural music talent of this society it has been proposed to start Music Academy in the state. Holding of pageants like Naga Idol, Miss Nagaland and a beauty of the state being crowned Miss North East are other indicators of being in line with rest of the country.

Farmers are being trained in new methods of farming, High Yield Variety Seeds etc. One lady Naga farmer has been honored with International recognition by IFPRI Washington for innovative farming. Since the state is prone to natural disasters as well, therefore key state officials have been exposed to training on Rescue & Disaster management operations recently by the Army at Kohima. These are some of many visible signs of vibrant Nagaland that is in line with rest of nation” The Rising India”. Not to forget the psychological well being of the citizens due to prevailing peace, tranquility and good governance during this period.

Amongst others recent Mergers and Acquisitions by some of the business tycoons have done Indians and India proud to portray India’s economical vibrance e.g Tata’s take over of Corus , Lakshmi Mittal take over of Arcelor and liquor baron Vijaya Mallaya take over of Shaw Wallace etc. India is called the other wing of ASEAN Jumbo jet, the other being China. India will be a major player in proposed PAFTA (Pan ASEAN Free Trade Area) having gross income more than NAFTA( North America Free Trade Area) and European Union.

Nagaland must reap the rich dividends of Indian Vibrant economy. For this to overcome self generated contradictions in terms of Inter Factional Clashes for territorial hegemony, intimidation of society, extortion etc. We need to understand that these avoidable contradictions impoverish the society by direct/ collateral physical and psychological damage. We need to take a resolve to reconcile, reconstruct, remove contradictions and enhance the existing energy and enthusiasm in the Naga society for others to emulate. We can do it! We shall do it! Now is the time to decide, what we want to inherit to our children! “Impoverished Society or Vibrant Society”.
“Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be”
‘David Bly’

Who is Who?

It is not the who’s who that children study for competitive exams. It is the who’s who that is creating chaos and confusion in the society. Print media is full of news of factional fights, internecine fights, fake outfits, inter tribal fights (e.g. avoidable Wungram colony inferno at Dimapur) etc. Readers need to decide who is doing what and for whom?

NE region of India abounds in almost 50% of total number of tribes found in whole of India. This region is also characterized by many languages, dialects, sense of insecurity in the tribes etc. It is not uncommon to read a rise in inter factional fights in Nagaland, UG groups trying to be friendly with the local populace by distributing sweets, pencils, note books on its raising day (e.g. KYKL on 13th raising day), some groups establishing civil court to disburse unauthorized justice in terms of punishment, may be physical torture, capital punishment , payment of fines etc. PREPAK’s shooting at leg of 36 year old woman for bootlegging at Kumbi in Thoubal district, NSCN(IM)’s torture of three youths for being inebriated resulting in death of Vilasielie(20) are recent examples and the number of such incidents is endless. Little do these people realize that what they are doing is heinously wrong? There is tirade of charges between two NSCN groups calling each other a traitor, being pro India, pro SF etc. All UG groups in the region claim to work for a revolutionary cause for the society they represent. These groups are also indulging in large scale extortions, kidnappings (famous case of PC Ram, FCI official in Assam and the hefty ransom asked for by ULFA), luring young boys into so called revolutionary battle etc. As per CNN-IBN these children are kept in the front during gun battles. If a child lacks confidence to face the dangers he is drugged for momentary courage. ULFA is using minors to plant bombs by paying as little as one hundred rupees. At the same time there are warnings from the public for these groups to stop violence or stay away from their lives e.g CPO warning to NSCN(IM) after Vilasieilie’s death. Accusing fingers were pointed at NSCN before the main accused (Tovisha Awomi) of serial blasts, of 2006, in Dimapur had been caught recently. In short the name of the game is territorial hegemony and lure for money for ease and material comforts. It will not be wrong to quote a story of famous Hindi movie ‘Amar, Akbar Anthony’. Three brothers separated at childhood, brought up differently, grew up to follow three different religions (i.e. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity). They also became enemies of one another. Their knowledge of common origin brings them together. Probably knowledge of tribal origin, rich tribal ethics and accepting the same may bring solution here as well. Regarding origin of tribes in the region we have to go by the studies of scholars and the legends prevailing.

After knowing the attributes of rich tribal etiquettes one is compelled to think. Are we not going against the basics of our proud tribal culture: where people are simple, truthful and hard working, where society is casteless, classless and equality is the social norm? These norms indicate as to how well civilized our ancestors were, may be more than some of the present modern societies.

In the present time head hunting must not be the means of self recognition as hitherto fore, but development and achievement. Large number of government projects do not see light of the day due to insecure environment; self generated contradictions and uncalled for interference by vested interests at the cost of society.

Everyone (Govt., Administration and People) needs to answer these questions; who is the society’s beneficiary? Who is being benefited? Who is law enforcing agency? Who can ensure social, psychological & physical security? Who is responsible for our children to carry gun, explosive, bomb etc. when they should be carrying books? Should our children be made cannon fodder?

“There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit” ‘Napoleon Bonaparte’

Youth Unemployment in the Naga Context-What is the way out?

Unemployment is a world wide phenomenon. Today’s youth is ailing from ‘Cola and Burger’ culture. The word modernization is misunderstood to wearing modern clothes alone, where as it is the modernization of mind. I agree what H.E. Sri K Sankranarayan, Governor of Nagaland had said “ Naga students are very intelligent and capable of holding positions even in metros”. It has been proved beyond doubt by 5 Naga Youth making to the final list of UPSC for IAS and allied services.

Can every one acquire white collared job which are limited in number? Probably not! Educated youth need to exploit the dignity of labour when the state is abundant with natural and human resources. Unemployment will not stay when the youth takes to entrepreneurship e.g. Atoka Awomi, a graduate, of Planet M at Dimapur took to entrepreneurship (with other two graduates) and has employed another 25 educated unemployed youth. There are many other avenues that our youth can undertake for benefiting themselves as well as other youth (both educated and uneducated). Educated youth can exploit their education for acquiring additional knowledge and get on to Organic farming, horticulture, modern agriculture and interlinked apiculture etc. in a scientific manner for increased productivity and innovative forward and backward linkages. No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem. I wish the youth all the best in what ever venture they undertake.

Boundaries

Issues and their solutions are inseparable part of human race. But, certain issues are complex in nature with ramifications extending beyond state, region and national boundaries. The word boundary is self defining. It lays down the limits both in terms of social and physical terms. Physically every home, every city, every state, every country has a boundary i.e. a symbol of identity. Sovereignty is the word that defines self rule over a well defined geographical area having fixed boundaries. In North East region of our country the efforts of the Governments (Centre and State Level) are not making headway on contentious demand of sovereignty. Keeping in mind the history and envisaging the complexities therein the readers may assess the pragmatism of the same.

ULFA’s main demand of sovereignty is the stumbling block for peace talks between GoI and the outfit. A recent public survey conducted by APW (Assam People’s Work) in nine insurgency affected districts of Assam has disregarded the three decade old demand of sovereignty by ULFA. We all know that the outfit did human carnage in Tinsukia district and the same is continuing in the state. This is a desperate attempt of the outfit to force their will on people. The dastardly “chivalry” of the outfit is shameful.

Do we know what are we asking for? Are we asking for Asom of Suikapha which included the Upper Assam district of undivided Jorhat, undivided Lakhimpur, parts of Nagaon and parts of Naga Hills? Are we asking for Asom of Nara Naryana Chilaria which extended from Sadiya to Ganges and Nepal (Bhutan included) to the Bay of Bengal (Manipur, Tripura and a number of districts of present Bangladesh)? Are we asking for Asom of Lachit Barphukan which extended from Sadiya to Mamah/Gadadhar after the battle of Saraighat? Are we meaning the Asom of British India which included –Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizo Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Barak Valley districts? Which Assam is in question?

One faction of NSCN is asking for Nagalim while other is not. The proposed Nagalim encompasses present Nagaland, certain areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Hill districts of Manipur and portion of Myanmar. Present geographical area of Nagaland is 16,527 Sq Km but proposed land is almost seven and half times more i.e. approx 120,000 Sq Km.
UNLF is asking for sovereignty of Manipur. Which Manipur? Is it historical Manipur or Present Manipur? As per R.B. Pemberton, a historian, the territories of Manipur have fluctuated at various times with the fortune of their princes, frequently extending for three or four days journey East beyond the Ningthee and Khyendwen river and West to the plains of Cacher.” James Johnstone was of the view that “sometimes Manipur extended her political boundaries up to Chindwin River and put a considerable territory under their rule and at other times Kabaw Valley was the only boundary of Manipur”.

Zoro (Zo Reunification Organization), founded in 1980, has been making efforts for reunification of all Zo tribes of the ‘Historical’ ‘Zoram’ which is now divided between India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Literal meaning of the word Mizo is Hillman (Mi-Man, Zo-Hill). Present Mizoram has 10 major tribes, each having many subtribes. Similar tribes/subtribes are also staying in neighbouring states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur (in India) and Bangladesh and Myanmar across. President of Zoro Mr Thangmawia while launching web site for his organization said, “The goal is to bring Zo tribes under one government”.

It is very easy to lay down the demand. There is an urgent need to introspect the pragmatism of this demand? Is not this demand self conflicting? Will these demands meet the aspirations or further aggravate grievances of people? What about the demands of smaller outfits like Bodos, Kukis etc that are demands within demands?

Will these demands find solution to the boundaries or make it more complex? Futuristically speaking; how many intra state, inter state and international conflicts are hidden in these demands? For how long the irretrievable but avoidable losses of lives and property will continue? Can any one answer these questions? Probably None!

Have we been able to find solutions to existing boundary problems that have arisen after the reorganization of erstwhile Greater Assam, out of which new states and union territories were carved out? Recently, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Nagaland, Shri TN Mannen felt that there is no hope of Nagaland and Assam boundary solution through boundary commission. He said “we should sort out the problem mutually instead of pointing fingers at each other”.

Now the perceived solution: political parties should cut across party lines irrespective of their affiliation to caste, creed, tribe, vote bank etc.; feel the natural sensitivities and insecurities of various tribes in present context; arrive at a commonly accepted solution in a focused manner; implement the accepted solution doggedly- hope
Politicians are able to display leadership traits to the people they represent.

From the foregoing and the complexities of the matter with no viable solution in sight the readers may decide themselves either to be pragmatic or continue with the unending problems. It is a fact that the youth of this region is sturdy, stout, hard working, capable and persevering but lacks positive leads. It is the parents, teachers and elders in the society who have to take this responsibility and engage the youth in exploring the unexplored potential within the youth and this region of our country. All the elders have to come out of the narrow confines in their thinking and inherit the same to the youth. Thereafter, sky is the limit for explored potential. This region will become envy of others but people’s pride true to famous ONIDA ad campaign ‘Neighbors Envy Owners Pride.’ “The New is within the Old concealed, The Old is within the New revealed”

Roots of Violence

“The weak can never forgive; forgiveness
is the attribute of the strong.”
“Mahatma Gandhi”

Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi, popularly called ‘Bapu’ by all Indians, was given the name ‘Mahatma’ or great soul by Noble laureate poet Rabindra Nath Tagore (Gurudev). This man is a revered personality across the globe and he has given great lesson of Non Violence to the world. Albert Einstein, a famous scientist, was right in saying about Gandhiji “Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a man as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”. He never advocated violent means for achieving any end. This great man had said about roots of violence “Wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, and politics without principles”.

In the light of this saying, there is need for contemporary introspection in general and as applicable to North East region in particular. Firstly, wealth without work; idle mind is a devils workshop is an old saying and easy money acts as a catalyst. There are large numbers of out fits in this region thriving on easy money by extortion, coercion, threats etc. The leadership of these outfits has fat bank balances in banks outside the country, may be without the knowledge of outfit even. The greed to have a fair share of this money is leading to internecine fights; inter factional fights for territorial control by a particular group. But the losses are borne by civil population e.g. loss of innocent lives, loss of property (both private and public), loss of children education, loss of man days etc.

Secondly, pleasure without conscience; easy gotten money is spent on physical pleasures of few without following the inner voice of right or wrong. Even the lives of common man and cadres are put at stake for this.

Thirdly, knowledge without character; the think tanks of outfits are capable of using the rationale to differentiate between right or wrong, probably the selfish motive does not permit them. History is full of such examples where people have misused their rationale to own advantage. Failing to enter Lok Sabha in 1978, B. Hrangkhawl reestablished contact with MNF and formed a militant outfit Tripura National Volunteers (TNV).

Fourthly , commerce without morality; North East region is close to Golden Triangle (Thailand, Laos , Burma) and is a conduit for drug trafficking Almost all the outfits are making easy money by drug trafficking and gun running. Little do they realize that they are harming the future of their kith and kin by making them drug addicts? Not to forget the AIDS communicated through syringes used for injecting drugs.

Fifthly, science without humanity; science is both a friend and foe of humanity depending on its use. But the unsocial elements are using science as a foe of society. They are using latest weapons and latest explosives to kill innocent public as an arm twisting technique against the elected government or force their will on the people. Atomic power can be used both for productive and destructive purposes.

Sixthly, Worship without sacrifice; it is not the animalistic sacrifice, but sacrifice of certain values inimical to well being of society. The violence is detrimental, both for the doers and those who face it. Statistics of fatalities in terrorist violence with the Institute of Conflict Management, from 2001 to 2006 prove this. The aggregate fatalities during this period of civilians plus SFs are almost equaling those of militants e.g. Assam: Civilians-1005, SF-153 and Militants-1080; Manipur: Civilians-383; SFs- 215and Militants-776 etc.

Seventhly, politics without principles; Infact every one wants his share of the pie. There are splits in political parties and militant outfits because someone does not get his share, therefore he raises another party/ another outfit and carves out an area of influence for himself by all means. At national level miraculous and historic social coalition achieved by BSP (in Uttar Pradesh) is a bench mark beyond expectations and calculations. We do not know how much horse trading has been done beyond what meets the eye. Dera Sacha Sauda( mixing politics with religion) in Punjab and Gurjar violence in Rajasthan are other recent examples in this category. Underground outfits are not far behind; the proscribed People United Liberation Front (PULF) has split into Azad group and Farook group. The later has taken another smaller group Islamic National Front(INF) into its fold and promoted its commander to home secretary of the outfit as appeasement; Commander in Chief of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) has been killed by its own cadres; there is known to be a rift between top leadership of ULFA etc.

Recently, in one of the editorials of ‘The Sentinel’ (02 Jun 07) a noted writer MV Kamath has advocated Gandhigiri, a solution for Iraq and not intervention of US or UK. Gandhiji followed the strategy of Satyagraha which draws strength from within & not from outside. Now is the time to think at all levels (political leadership, civil administration and common man) and do Satyagraha against the wrong values affecting humans, cities, states and nations.

“There is enough in the country for every one’s need but not enough for every one’s greed” “Mahatma Gandhi”

Black Days

“We live for ourselves only when we live for others”.
Tolstoy
On 03 March, Black Day was observed by 8 tribes of 4 districts; Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng and the state capital Kohima. The reason was killing of 2 innocent Konyaks by NSCN (IM). On 04 March people of Medziphema held a peace rally against inter factional fight on 03 Mar 07. The way fratricidal killings are going on, there should be a black day everyday. Can we afford this? Can we define a Black Day? To my mind, it is a peaceful protest, peaceful show of unity, peaceful show of reverence for the dead and peaceful way of causing the life to come to a standstil as a pressure point for administration. It is a complete closure and nothing moves in the society i.e. no transaction, no productivity etc. Bandhs called by the outfits for their vested interest are akin to black days but with a difference of purpose and modality.
We all need to understand effect of these closures and answer: How much loss to our society takes place? How many students miss their studies? How many man days are lost? How many daily wagers miss their meals? How much productivity is affected? Please do not misunderstand the author. I am not advocating against peaceful protests but dastardly acts of mindless fratricides. Effort needs to be made to remove the cause form our society i.e. Vested Interests (those involved in fratricide, and those calling bandhs for meeting their own ends forgetting societal losses). We need to come out of our telescopic view and broaden our horizon where we draw our happiness from happiness of others. If these factions are wishing the wellness of society as they claim, they must stop these killings. But why will they! It gives them edge over the unarmed locals who get intimated, succumb to their demands due to fear, whether it is paying of so called voluntary tax, feeding these miscreants free of cost, doling out money at gun point for easy life these unauthorized gun wielders enjoy. Do these fratriciders realize the kind of darkness they are causing in the lives of parents, brothers and sisters who have lost their kin? I wish they do!

I know my young friends have the Energy, Will & Stamina to achieve whatever they desire, decide & dedicate themselves to. Then why can’t they decide to use their enterprise for better life, better environment and overall the peaceful and progressive society with no closures: peaceful or violent. Nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve our own society. We have examples to emulate; Entrepreneurs Association (EA) in Nagaland started by a few young men, Tsusu Mary who is working for a local NGO against drug abuse at Kiphire. Her dedication and commitment has earned her titles like Angel in the Town, Florence Nightingale etc. There are many other such path breakers. I am sure we have very many young men and women (including misguided youth) who are willing to follow these examples and contribute positively for a lively and better society where love, affection, care, dignity of labor and enterprise is a rule that is in line with our cultural ethics.
“There are no great acts, only small acts done with great love”.
‘Mother Terresa’

Double Standard

In his speech on 28th foundation day of the outfit, RPF (Revolutionary People’s Front) President used words like Oppressors and Oppressed. The other vocabulary, one often comes across is Colonial Rulers & Ruled. Now, we need to understand the meaning of the word Colonial. It is an adjective of the word Colony meaning a country or area under the political control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country. Here, we all are born & brought up in this land and some amongst us have been chosen our political leaders by none else but us.
The dichotomy of the fact, who is oppressor and who is ruler is left to the readers after they finish reading this write-up. In this region, we have so many outfits, each trying to establish its supremacy over the other to retain control over small part of the territory. Before the readers conclude, I would request them to view some of the recent incidents that may be fresh in their minds. Wails of kith & kin of 16 IRB men, killed in an inhumanly attack; have gone unheard by the miscreants. Execution of Ningthounjam Malemkhomba, of Iroisemba by PREPAK on charges of extortion. Not to forget the extortion, the outfit undertakes. Death of Kangujan Maimu Devi, 40 of Uripok as a result of torture by suspected UGs after she had been summoned by them at Thoubal Haokha. UNLF appreciated KCP for accepting the responsibility of shooting General Secretary of All Manipur Working Journalist, Ratan Luwangche, and apologizing thereafter. It was lauded as an act of good discipline. Issue of diktat to the press for suppressing some news pertaining to the outfits. We are
also aware of the involvement of the outfits dictating terms to the candidates and voters in recent Manipur elections.
Recently, about 300 members of Kuki Student Organisation (KSO) staged a rally in Parliament Street, New Delhi, protesting the oppression of Kukis, by UNLF, in Chandel district of South Manipur. They claimed that 30 people have died in land mine explosions planted by UNLF and many more have been maimed. In the words of James Guite, a native of Khenjoi village and a PhD scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, “The villagers are surrounded by land mines. They cannot go to the field or contact any one”. They requested the PM to free them from the clutches of UNLF. Troops of Assam Rifles averted a pre poll tragedy when they apprehended a UNLF cadre, named Okendra, with IED weighing 10 kg. He had been tasked to plant it in a polling booth at Churachandpur to cause large scale casualties. The list of such incidents is endless.
I will quote an example of a child that moved my heart.
Chingkhenganbi Mayengbam( aged 7 yrs) is the youngest poet in Manipur . She writes only sad poems at this tender age of fun and frolic. She says “I have become habituated to sad things happening around me. From the newspapers I come to know that lots of people are killed. Everything is so sad here” It will not be wrong to quote a small poem of hers with an amateur translation. “Laihouba mayam thoklakie, Meeyam pumba wannre. Toklo waraba Manipurda lan, Lan touba toklo. Shanti oina hingminnarasi. Poknapham Ima Manipu ase, Nungaihallasi. Nungaiba punsi ama oihallasi, Hey Manipur, Ima lamdam Manipur”
(Translation: Many revolutionaries have come out, people are suffering. Stop war in wretched Manipur, stop making wars. Let us live together in peace, let us make our motherland Manipur happy. Let us create a happy Manipur, my mother land Manipur)
We are aware that these outfits are trying to suppress their own kith & kin belying the cause they claim to fight for. Effort is to misguide the simple, peace loving and God fearing population of the region for vested interests. Are these outfits not intimidating hapless locals? Are they not extorting themselves? What right they have to execute some one when they cannot bring back the dead? What right they have to torture people to death? With the foregoing, I will leave the readers to have own impressions, who is ruling who and who is oppressing who?
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding” ‘Albert Einstein’

Threshold Vibrance

North East Region of India is strategically located, boxed by Bhutan, China, Myanmar & Bangladesh and connected to rest of the country by 22 mile wide Siliguri corridor famously called ‘Chicken Neck’. This region is also resource rich, underdeveloped and conflict scarred.

Now is the time when the scene is changing for the better i.e. towards threshold of vibrant economy, to take off and no looking back thereafter. I have my reasons to support this view. Two main inputs for development i.e. communications and power are being put into place. Communications: surface,air and water communications are being improved;NH-39 & 53 have been ordered to be four laned; rail links are being improved – New Azra to Byrnihat (to connect Meghalaya to Delhi), Dimapur to Kohima, Jiribam to Imphal, Kumarghat to Agratala etc., besides broad gauging of some meter gauge rail links; more air lines are coming into fray , feasibility of new airports is being worked out; Mizoram will become a trade hub when trade starts through Sittwe port in Myanmar which is being linked through 160 km of water way (through Kaladan River)& 65 km of road link.

Next is power: this region has 50000 MW potential of HeP but only 4029 MW (7%) have been tapped. Efforts are on to tap the unharnessed potential to make this region not only self sufficient but also feed deficiency of rest of the nation. 1800 km long transmission lines are being laid to transfer surplus power to distribution centre at Agra.

Besides the above there other inputs and indicators. Four land custom stations (LCS) i.e. International trade points are being developed; Moreh in Manipur, Dawki in Meghalaya, Sutrakandi in Assam and Agartala in Tripura that will go a long way in changing the trade balance in favor of this region . Indian Institute of Entrepreneurs at Guwhati is training young entrepreneurs. Floriculture is being encouraged (recently first consignment of roses from Nagaland was exported to Dubai). Multi Tourism is being encouraged. ARTFED dealing with handloom has held successful exhibitions in Mauritius and Germany. New international trade agreements are being inked e.g. tripartite MoU among Industries and Trade Fair association of Assam(ITFAA) ,Indo Myanmar Border Trade Chamber of Commerce(UMBTCC) and Union of Myanmar Border Trade Chambers of Cmmerce(UMBTCC) to boost bilateral trade involving more number of traders.

We all know Indian economy is potraying its vibrancy. Testimony is recent mergers & acquisitions e.g. Ratan Tata taking over Corus, Laxmi Mittal acquiring Arcelor etc. India has been adjudged a land of opportunities. Mr Udai Chawla, India based managing partner of the global executive service firm Tran services says “India is proving to be one of the greatest economic stories of the world today, the country has not only emerged as an important destination for doing business for global corporate but expatriate professionals are coming to India due to its increasing credibility and paying capacity”.

The need is not to let go the golden opportunity. When others can use the opportunities of our nation, why not we in this part of the country? Do we lack something that others have? Answer is NO! We have the resources, we have the Will and we have the enterprise that we need to use.

The requirement is to come out of make belief and face the reality. We need to shun the decelerators of growth ie. Parochialism and violence but synergize the efforts at all levels i.e. the Centre, State and local area. One reads in the papers the vehemence against exploring the resources of this region. We need to keep in mind, Explored resource is better than Unexplored since it will be used for the benefit of local populace of parent state , region and nation as a whole. Violence can only stop/slow the progress rather than accelerate e.g. killing of 13 North Eastern Frontier employees by Black Widow group of DHD have benefited whom? Methinks none; rather such acts discourage the investors, entrepreneurs and workers and affect badly needed progress. Need of the hour is; leaders (centre and state) and the citizens have cut across all barriers, seize the opportunity and make this region a Jewel in the Crown of India where people are committed to respective occupations in peaceful way. It may not be wrong to say that region can be the investors envy.

“It is neither wealth nor splendour but tranquility and occupation which gives peace”
‘ Thomas Jefferson’

Without Cease

The North East region of India has been afflicted with insurgency and its related problems for the past six decades. There are a large number of Underground outfits in this region. Some of the outfits have entered into cease fire agreement with GoI, some have entered into suspension of operations accord with security forces. Yet there are some who are on a
path of confrontation. Irrespective of ceasefire/suspension of operations;
fire between the groups and related inconvenience to the public is continuing unceasingly. Let us go through onerous journey via Gateway of North East India i.e. Assam and then proceed eastward to Nagaland and Manipur, the most affected states.

Although, UPDS, DHD & NDFB have entered into ceasefire agreement with GoI but the outfits continue to extort and indulge in violent activities. Efforts for peace talks with the largest outfit in Assam i.e.ULFA have failed. UPDS and KNV along Assam-Meghalaya border are extorting Rs 200/- per year per family, Rs/- 5000/- per vehicle and Rs. 15000/- per power tiller. As per US News Agency STRATFOR, ULFA C-in-C Paresh Barua’s assets in Bangladesh are worth 110 million dollars. This is a case of one top functionary of the outfit, what about others? The outfit is mainly involved in large scale extortions. In 2006 ULFA had served extortion notices on ONGC and RBI for Rs 5 billion and 1.5 million respectively. Recent kidnapping of Dr PC Ram (an FCI official) for a ransom of rupees 21 crores is well known.

NSCN is the oldest outfit in this region. They have a well oiled setup to collect voluntary tax( as they call it)e.g. employment tax (@ 2% of pay p.m.), Transport tax, Business tax, Contractor tax, Shop tax, Vehicle tax, Ration Tax, Immigration Tax etc. Case of NSCN’s death threat to DC Ukhrul district for gaining contract of a community hall and later denying the media reports does not enhance its credibility. The threat to Dr Lotha, Medical Minister of Nagaland for Rs five lakhs is a reminder. There are large numbers of similar threats, in the region, to secure contracts for over ground workers/front faces of UG outfits. Most of these go unreported, probably with the tacit blessings of those who matter.

Similarly Manipur has almost two dozen outfits. Complete state of Manipur is divided as per influence of different outfits. Eight Kuki outfits have entered into an agreement with GoI for cessation of hostilities. Some of the out
fits have entered into agreement of suspension of operations accord with SFs but not otherwise. KYKL served a notice of Rs 10000 per bus to all tourist bus operators plying between Shillong/Gauhati/Dimapur to Imphal and back. Prices of commodities in Manipur have doubled due to such notices and threats. Can a common man with meager resources survive? This is courtesy of those self claimed revolutionaries who claim to be fighting for the cause of society they belong.

Delay in construction of NH-39, a result of continuous attempts at extortion of contractors, is robbing Manipur of the benefits that are reaching other remote parts of India. The dream of linking India with SE Asia through Manipur, a natural process of Globalization and regional cooperation, is suffering due to turf war between various groups for respective share. Who then are the enemy of people? From the foregoing and the following; readers may assess themselves, how should they act?

These activities are affecting the common man. Some of the recent reactions are: Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) Meghalaya expressed concern over UPDS, KNV activities; two cadres of ULFA have been lynched in Sibasagar district Assam during an extortion drive; Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO),Nagaland has warned to standup against uncivil activities of NSCN factions even with unsophisticated weapons, public up rise in Zunheboto and Phek against excesses by factions are well known ; lukewarm or no response by the public to various calls given by these outfits ; even in Manipur people are expressing their anger over the un civil activities of outfits etc.

It is time these illegal activities of miscreants must cease; otherwise this region will lag behind in achieving what it deserves. Do we realize that whatever is paid by any businessman, transporter etc is added to the cost of goods a common man buys? Do we realize that a common man is bearing a threefold burden i.e. paying authorized tax to the legitimate Government, unauthorized tax to the outfits and raised price of goods for daily needs? Imagine if the common man had to pay only legitimate taxes, he would have more money to spend for his family and the goods he has to buy will be much cheaper. How long will a common man bear the unnecessary financial burden at the cost of depriving his family members of nourishing food and better life? In the fast moving and developing world why should the benefits not reach the people of this region? This can be ensured. Think, Decide, Act.

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing” ‘Albert Einstein’