OUTSOUCING/OFFSHORING

OUTSOURCING/OFF SHORING

Outsourcing is the word that entered the business lexicon in 80s. It is also the time when UG outfits started mushrooming in the country and more in NE region. The violence graph of the outfits (either singly or in collaboration) also went up since then. Outsourcing is the transfer of a non core function to an entity that specializes in that operation. Second term is off-shoring i.e. Transfer of organizational function to another nation. In fact the divide between the two is becoming blurred by each passing day. To a business outfit it serves the purpose of cost saving, usage of expertise at its own contractual terms and conditions etc. The outfits seem to have suitably learnt the meaning and usage of this management concept. This helps them in economizing on operational cost/ manpower and also spread terror incognito which can be denied/accepted, by them, at will.

Outsourcing of teenagers in this region to ferry explosives and lob grenades is a known fact. United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is known to use small children to plant bombs for as little as Rupees 100/-. The outfit also uses drug addicts/ liquor addicts for the same. Last year two boys carrying explosives for ULFA were blown up in Tezpur. Other organizations like NSCN, UNLF and PLA openly recruit children. The raw courage of the child soldiers is exploited and they are made to take on gun battles. The children, who fear, are drugged to induce momentary boldness. These child soldiers are cheap, eat less, travel light, are easy to manipulate and have very few demands.

Hand of Bangladesh based militant organization, Hakat ul Jehadi Islami( HUJI), is suspected in recent bomb blasts at Hyderabad (Lumbini Park, Mecca Masjid and Gokul Chaat Bhandar) and Ajmer (sufi shrine of Khwaja Muinudin Chisti) . This is only possible due to man and material support locally. As per Delhi based security analyst, Mr Anil Bhat, ULFA hit man, Pallab Saikia was involved in an attempt to kill former Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina during a rally at Dhaka on 21 Aug 04 in which 22 people were killed and many injured. Paresh Barua briefed the operation followed by briefings of Bangladesh Intelligence Service. Vehicles were also provided by the Intelligence agency (Sentinel date lined 05 May 07).

Alliances of mutual convenience are formed at local, regional and strategic levels. Strong links between various groups (ULFA, KLNLF, AANLA, UPDS (anti talk), HNLC, DHD (black widow), NSCN (IM), Manipur based outfits and outfits across the border) are well known. Services of smaller outfits are generally patronized by bigger ones; for extortion, as conduit for arms carriage, for killings etc. Killing of a ruling congress party leader and two police men in North Cachar by a joint group of DHD (black widow) and a rag tag organization HPC (Both having own proclaimed aims) is a recent example. This coalition increases the area of influence of bigger outfit and shelters the smaller one.

The sanctuaries of various outfits in Bangladesh and Myanmar is an established fact but denied by respective governments in various forums. ULFA is acting behind Indian lines as front face of ISI, Jehadi outfits and DGFI. The outfit is running various businesses in Bangladesh and is known to fund Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the patronage. Travel of the senior leaders of various outfits to China and Pakistan and their role in provision of arms and training is also well documented.

Aspirations of the highly literate population of the region and lack of commensurate development are the main cause of this negative side of the positive concept of management. Americans spread Christianity in the region, generated aspirations but the requisite development was lacking. Lopsided approach towards developmental needs of this region persisted even after independence six decades ago. Now is the time to outsource/offshore peace through development. This will meet aspirations of capable, industrious people and mitigate Unemployment (more than 35% people of this region live below poverty line against the national average of 26% and unemployment rate, as a % of workers , is 12% against national average of less than 8%). This will also cut feeder lines to negative contributors of society. We have to focus on what lies dimly at a distance and do what lies clearly at hand.

Geoffery
( readers can reach out to the writer
via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in
OR jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com)

PLEASE IDENTIFY

PLEASE IDENTIFY


How long will the news item keep appearing in the media that suspect militants/unidentified gun men killed so and so or fired at so and so or hurled a grenade at so and so continue? It is painful and astoundingly shocking to read such news often. Miscreants are only a few and we many. Wish! Some of the eyes could perceive these mysterious actors.

According to reports at least eleven people including a woman were shot dead by suspected militants in the one week, in Manipur, w.e.f. 17 Oct 07. It is over and above two who have been injured. There are many such cases that come to light every day. Approx 300 villagers of Saichang under Lamlai Police station (Manipur) fled after a factional clash between KLA and KNF (P). During the clash one of the house wives Nechin Khongsai has been hit by a stray bullet and has been hospitalized. Can we identify the person whose bullet strayed to injure the innocent woman? These villagers have been internally displaced to a camp at nearby village due to fear. In narrower sense one can say, “They have become refugees in their own land”.

Recent kidnapping of three officials of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Manipur from Pungei area under Lamlai PS, had brought the department to a stand still. Suspected abductors of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) had asked a ransom of Rupees10 million. Very Pam, Additional Chief Engineer PHED said, “I fail to understand from where one gets so much money to meet abductor’s demand. We have to stop work of water supply to the public as our people have been abducted. The kidnappers have demanded a huge amount of money for the release of our colleagues.” Similar incident had happened in February this year when mutually agreed ransom was paid and the abductees released. Do we realize the problem caused to masses due to lack of essential services? Even if the ransom is paid, it will be at the cost of compromise to the detriment of public.

It is a general feeling that two people who can wield a weapon against the hapless people can form a group and also get a patronage. During initial days of ULFA movement; the cadres were amazed, how easily people were ready to dole out their hard earned money after being slightly roughed up or threatened. It started the culture of enticing youth for easy money and easy life. One can understand that violence is a consequence of this for survival.

Traditional fears of insecurities from alien tribes are well understood. What about intra tribe factional clashes e.g. Kuki groups, Meitei groups, Nagas, Dimasas, Boros etc.? These groups are blood thirsty and are out to kill their own natives. Probably these outfits have given away the old tribal custom of social harmony and social uplifting. Have these outfits given up the age old tradition of Chivalry for Cowardice? Chivalry demands bravado, being face to face with the opponent whereas Cowardice is being offensive from behind and not even own up the offense.

There is need to introspect. Are we shying away from our moral duty of owning up as to who is the miscreant? Are we able to visualize harm to ourselves and our generations in coming days? These miscreants are like fish in water that is their life support. This fish is becoming a dangerous with many heads and devouring its life support in terms of killings, ransoms, intimidations etc. Victims are either the members of same tribe or another tribe with whom they have been staying from times immemorial.

We are all aware that the frankenstein monster, created by Pakistan for us, is eating up the creator it self. Here, also we are well aware of the established politico UG nexus. Recently, Dy Speaker of Manipur Assembly, TH Shyam Kumar Singh, has been denied bail by Delhi court. He was arrested at IGI airport Delhi while he was about to fly out to Katmandu with two UNLF leaders. Interestingly he has won elections sitting in Tihar jail. The episode of apprehending 12 UGs from different outfits in Aug this year from VIP quarters at Babupara in Imphal was well publicized. Honourable CM of Manipur got a pat from the PM for his bold action. But the CM pardoned the offenders by mild chiding, “Do not do it again”. The mutual handiness of this nexus is making the fish as monsters of various sizes and strength. Probably the flood of money that gushes into politics today is polluting the democracy.

Now the interesting part is the creators are becoming prey of monsters they have created. From 22 Jul 07 till date there had been at least ten such cases (in Manipur) when these MLAs/Ministers have been targeted either by firing or lobbying a grenade at them. Vehicle of Health minister Nagaland was snatched and a demand of Rupees five lakhs placed on him. Chief executive member of North Cachar Autonomous Hill council and his colleague was killed by DHD (Jewel) group. I can not say whether it should be taken as a warning or planned act for publicity. Any way, as a commoner it is a grave sign of insecurity since those who are to provide security are insecure themselves.

It is a known fact, whenever and wherever the public has whole heartedly decided to counter the activities of miscreants and issued stern warnings the acts of violence declined. There is urgent need to dry up the support of miscreants for calm, thriving and healthier life. When the life support is lacking how will the fish survive? There is need to identify own social responsibility and perform. There is need to identify who is dividing the society: selfishness or vested interests; and make efforts to remove the cause. Populace has to come together, keep together and work together to decide; should the bloodshed and insecure feeling continue and how long will the pious land of ours be soaked with own blood? We have to decide what we want out of life. Act, lest we too are labeled as failed society along with failed governance.

Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer on email:
jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in
OR jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com

SYMBIOTIC RELATION

SYMBIOTIC RELATION


Presently three states (Assam, Nagaland & Manipur) of this beautiful NE region are on the boil. While grading these states (in levels of disturbance); understandable order would be Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. The last one is more due to interfactional fights than the insurgency related incidents. ULFA has been rated by US Stratfor agency as a group to reckon with. Does the outfit merit the accorded status or there is more to it? Manipur has more than two dozen outfits. Most of these out fits are sub groups/splinter groups/ sub splinter groups of the parent out fits. The majority of these belong to Meitei tribe followed by Kuki tribe etc. Now let us introspect. How so many groups, pursuing different aims are surviving despite dismaying public with their recklessness?

Probably the answer lies in mutually dependent and mutually advantageous relationship between leaders and the led/ leaders and the not led (outfits)/ leaders and bureaucracy etc. Readers may decide the symbiosis type after reading this write up. Recent case of release of three PHED, Manipur engineers by KRA at Saikul bazaar and their reception and escorting by PHED minister and Tribal Development minister is one indicator. Other indicators are; recently, Dy Speaker of Manipur Assembly, TH Shyam Kumar Singh, has been denied bail by Delhi court. He was arrested at IGI Airport Delhi while he was about to fly out to Kathmandu with two UNLF leaders. Interestingly he has won elections sitting in Tihar jail. The episode of apprehending 12 UGs from different outfits in Aug this year from VIP quarters at Babupara in Imphal was well publicized. Honorable CM of Manipur got a pat from the PM for his bold action. But the CM seems to have pardoned the offenders by mild chiding, “Do not do it again”. The capture of UGs from VIP quarters is still continuing. Reduction in allotment of central development funds (3100 crores to 500 crores) has been ascribed to unholy practices in the state (the Sentinel datelined 01 Nov 07).

Manipur Government has envisaged passing a ruling to withdraw security cover of VIPs due the visible nexus of decision makers and decision violators. Hope privilege committee permits the same. Ruling to ban bandhs and blockades seem to have little or no effect. UGs have their say in allotment of various contracts in the state. It reliably learnt that UNLF is planning to enter into some construction and production business for building economic strength of the outfit.

Former Governor of Manipur Shri Ved Marvah had said,” there arte hardly any politicians in Manipur of any stature, who do not have links with some insurgent groups”. Former COAS Genera JJ Singh’s statement, in Dec 2005, caused uproar. He had said,” Honorable CM donated money to KYKL and PLA”. But veracity of the statement made by Shri Marwah cannot be questioned. He had also stated in one of the Big Fight programme , “ Rupees one hundred crores of state development funds were siphoned off”. Probably the duos (unholy) are living up to the spirit of the saying by Sir William Arthur, “-------------, Encourage me and I may not forget you”. This happens in matters of mutual interest, trust and lasting relations. May be that is the reason that none of the groups are coming forward for brokering the peace despite calls by the state government.

Masses are confused about the leadership. Rulings and policies of elected leaders are interfered, questioned and stumped by the diktats of UG leaders. Elected leaders end up resorting to face saving mechanisms of enquiries, blaming the policies of central government, inefficient handling of situation by SFs etc. Remember! When a finger is pointed at others, there are three pointing towards the pointer.

Necessity of the hour is; stop appeasement out of fear or to avoid unpleasantness and start appeasing from a position of strength and clear policies. This is the only and sure way to peace. It
will result in butterfly effect, which posits that minute changes in one place can lead to massive impacts elsewhere, as like a fluttering insect triggers atmospheric disturbance that causes a distant tempest.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power; the world will know Peace” ‘Jimi Hendrix’
Geoffery
(Readers can reach out the writer on email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in OR jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com)