NUPILAN IS COMING

NUPILAN IS COMING

It does not seem to be too far when we shall see another Nupilan (Women’s war) in Manipur. 12 Dec was observed as Nupilan Numit (Nupilan Day) to commemorate famous fight, Manipuri women won against unscrupulous Marwari businessmen and British Government in 1939 on this day. This time it will be against militancy, a bane to the development of the state. This is notwithstanding the contributions of polity towards under development. Optimism is well founded and we all shall see the pristine glory of the Jeweled State (Manipur) restored.

Paona Bazar, Imphal bomb blast (17 Nov 07) incident may be called the start point. Hope this will be seen to its culmination. The anger of the women can be seen in the words of Nandini Devi (wife of Hemsing, a blast victim) who says, “Rebels are ruthless people, who do not value human lives. How can they barter people’s lives for money”? Another women Ibetombi Devi says, “These militants are not human beings; I would rather call them as beasts with human bodies”. Last words of a 13 year old Laisham Devika (an IED blast victim at Pukhao, Imphal, on 15 Dec 07) will move even a stone hearted man. She said, ‘Kaka Ima laktribra, amukta koubiyo ei ing-e’. When translated, It means uncle, has my mother not come, please call her, I feel very cold.

Women in Manipuri society always had been and are big contributors in social economy and society building. Ima (mothers) market, at Khwairamband Bazar, in the heart of Imphal is a shining example of the same. It is an all women market where businesswomen of all ages (twenties to late sixties) are seen manning respective businesses. Their enterprise will outshine any self empowerment (of women) study by a management group. Every item required in a house hold (sewing needle upwards) is available there. To make them self dependent, small kitchens are also run to cater for tea, snacks and Tiffin for working Imas as well as visiting customers. Entry in the market and dealing with these business women gives the customer a familial (motherly or sisterly) feeling. Manipuri women are much more forward in their thought, action and deed but still glued to native way of life. Women empowerment commenced with culture of haute couture in 1920s, in Europe, but Manipuri women enjoyed the same much before.

First Nupilan of 1904 against the British order was the beginning of women power display in Manipur. The bungalow of Captain Nuthall (tutor of H.H Raja Churd Chand Singh) and Dunlop, (Assistant political agent) was burnt down twice. Unable to find out miscreants, then superintendent of state Mr Maxweil ordered temporary restoration of Lalup (where men had to work 10 days for state, without compensation, in a working cycle of 40 days) in Imphal town. He also ordered the bungalow to be rebuilt by the
locals, as reprisal, including supply of material required. Aggrieved by the unjustified orders and to safe guard the prestige of their men folk the women raised their voice till revocation of the order.

Second Nupilan, in 1939, was against unscrupulous businessmen who were smuggling rice out of Manipur with the connivance of rulers. These activities reduced the availability of rice for locals and the prices soared up. Again aggrieved by the deprivation, of staple grains, the brave women forced the rulers to stop export of rice. These women did not put down their struggle despite harsh physical measures adopted by the British rulers. The day was 12 Dec 1939 which is being remembered as Nupilan Numit every year, a salute to those brave women who saved the people from dying with hunger.

It can be called a third Women’s War, but against their own men folk to save them from being addicted to liquor and drugs when Government permitted unbridled licensing of liquor shops, in 1975, to boost economy of state. This movement was implemented uniquely. The women used to get together, wait for their men on streets and roads with mashals to dispel darkness of night (that
earned them the name of Torch Bearer or Meira Paibis) and punish the erring men. Liquor shops were forced to be closed down by the women. These actions strained the government to mend its policies and also saved a number of men folk from dangers of being liquor and drug addicts. The struggle is still on. Today Meira Paibis are found all over the state and are a voice to be reckoned.

After the bomb blast in Khurai Lamlong Bazar in Imphal; President of the Lamlong Keithel Fambi Apunba Lup RK Dhanabati Devi said, “It is true that there was a time when Meira Paibis and militants worked in tandem. But at that time we thought that militants’ 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”.

These are powerful words by a lady, who has the power of trinity i.e. a mother, a sister and a companion. These are the women who look after their little ones so well from Prenatal to Postnatal stage that Infant Mortality Rate, in Manipur, is at par with Kerala, 19 per 1000, where women literacy rate is 86% as compared to 48% in Manipur. This is the proof of pragmatic prudence these women possess. It will not be wrong to quote UNICEF report about Manipuri women that says, “Active participation of women in public affairs can and does contribute to better conditions for children and society at large”.

Public scream is clearly evident in various sit in dharnas, protests and bandhs by people of all ages, against the useless acts of militants in Manipur. During 43rd raising day of UNLF, its president had accepted that the outfit has distanced form the masses and it needs to be restored. So let us join hands with our mothers and sisters and lend them support to rescue the misguided youth back to main stream for better, safe and sunny future. Let us save our children from unnatural and untimely deaths either due to harsh conditions in jungles or due to interfactional fights or fights with SF. Let us have a society where gun culture is replaced by progress culture and Draconian AFSPA is repealed for ever from everywhere. LONG LIVE Imas of Manipur!

Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer
Via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in)

OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND....?

OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND………?


India is the largest democracy in the world. Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people. There are three organic ingredients of this definition; Of, By & For. Out of the three, the last one needs to be evaluated by the readers.

Legislators are elected on a popular vote (supposed to be) by the public. What do these legislators do for democratic governance or good governance (G.G.)? Legislative, Executive and Judiciary are three pillars of social system and each has an independent responsibility with close interdependence. First, frames and approves laws. Second, ensures implementation. Third, reviews laws in case public interest is at stake. Some time it may cross over to activism to safe guard public interest against public issues being included in ninth schedule of constitution for vote bank politics. Edmund Burke had proclaimed the press, “The Fourth State”. We may call it fourth inescapable and constructive pillar of governance.

During elections all the populist promises are made, minimum programmes are propagated with time lines. Additionally some of the hither to promised projects are undertaken either for completion or time gain or engaging the public in pro party thinking. Advantages are taken of the ignorance, poverty and short lived memory of the masses. For; element of democracy is generally forgotten for self gains and self interests to be rejuvenated again before the next round of elections or in times of crisis. Various alliances and coalitions are arrived at to attain power by hook or crook. Still, fault lines are noticed in parties that come to power both as single party and as coalition. Here discussion is being limited to democratic governance in the NE region of our country.

Secular Peoples Front (SPF) in Manipur came to power as a majority party, in beginning of 2007, by popular mandate. Thereafter barely six months have elapsed and the Government has run into a crisis of distrust in the leader. Members of the same party have labeled the CM for corruption, disorder in society, amassing wealth etc. Most of detractors are known to have visible linkages with UG outfits that are responsible for the present turmoil in the state. Can we expect G.G. from the leader and indicted party members? Even the present Deputy Speaker of Manipur assembly has been indicted, with proof, for alliance with UGs?

Can we expect miracle to happen in six months, asked for by the CM for putting the things in order that could not be done in six years? Now the effort is to divert the public attention to developmental issues that are much desired and awaited by the people. Although Mr Ibobi Singh was at his witty best during inauguration of Bir Tikendrajit flyover, but the pressure of tackling party crisis might have made him collapse. A sad episode!

In South Assam, Congress party has lost in North Cachar Hill Autonomous Council elections despite Mr Tarun Gogoi dashing to the place and announcing, “It is only his party that can bring development”. Actions need not be bragged about; performance stands out like a ton of diamonds. In Nagaland, too, DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) government ran into crisis in view of forth coming elections with new leanings and affiliations. Can we say’ “there are no permanent loyalties in politics; it is only permanent Self Interests”.

Generally public is upset about poor quality of development works executed. Can we expect the quality, when most part of the allotted fund is siphoned off at various stages of the project? To quote,” Manipur Hills and Plains contractors association alleged that only 45 % of the allotted amount is available for execution of work and balance is shared by various officials and UG outfits”. May be same must be the case in other states of this region. Latest study indicates that there are more millionaires in Kohima than in Delhi. Probably noted parliamentarian, PA Sangma was right in saying, “Insurgency has become a cottage industry in North East India”.

Democracy is dependent on the fact that public is well informed. Literacy rate of this region is approx 4 % more than the national average (63%). It does not mean that literate and illiterate people (BY as well as FOR element) will understand the games legislators (OF element) play. Here comes the activist role of Judiciary (to dislike of politicians) and press who act as gate keepers to public interests. Former prevents issues being dragged to ninth schedule of constitution for politicking. Latter exercises its right of freedom of speech, under article 19 of the constitution, to bridge the gap of understanding between the governors and the governed. Media is the opium of masses. It has undergone transformation in its reach from medieval days with invention of printing technology by Gutenberg. Now there are electronic and print media making instant and wider reach possible. It helps people to know what is in their interest and also what interests them. Former is more important than the later.

On 15 Aug 1947, JL Nehru proclaimed- a tryst with destiny- “a moment which comes but rarely in history, when we pass from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation long suppressed, finds utterance”. Voice of the people in a democracy is the soul of our nation. Media provides voice to the voiceless. Requisite force to the voice is given by the press based on size of ‘credibility fulcrum’ between the two. Large number of examples can be quoted where in justice has been delivered to the aggrieved just by timely leveraging of issue by media. In Manipur even the UG group has been made to apologize after it threatened staff of one of the local dailies.

To ensure FOR element of the democracy reaches the masses at a desired level, the third and fourth pillar have to play a major role. For that there is need to increase the size of credibility fulcrum for vital leverages. Once this is achieved, Beltola clashes (Assam), Paona bazaar blasts (Manipur) and imposition of AFSPA will not happen for everyone to breath fresh
and healthy air.

Geoffery
( Readers can reach out to the
writer via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in)

RACE TO SAVE

RACE TO SAVE


The day is not very far when the denizens of this region will cry out saying, “Save this Power House”. This region of our country is resource rich but less explored. Due to abundant water resources, estimated hydro electric power (HeP) potential of this region is approx 60000 MW. Sadly, only 4029 MW (approx 6%) has been harnessed till date. Plans to make the most of the potential and distribute the same to power deficient areas are in place. Imagine the day, when this handy potential is depleted before it is harnessed.

Tsangpo (meaning purifier) River, originates at Man Sarovor in Himalayas, runs east ward (through Tibet), takes a hair pin bend at Namcha Barwa before it enters India and becomes Brahmaputra. The lower Brahmaputra enters Bangladesh as Jamuna River and empties in Bay of Bengal as part of Meghna River. China is planning to construct a major dam to block the water in the upper reaches of Namcha Barwa; generate 40000 MW of HeP for national and international distribution and also channel water to other regions of that country. This will encroach on HeP potential, irrigation potential and navigation potential of so far reliable Brahmaputra. The work is likely to commence in 2009.

Now! The concern; our plans are in place but execution and completion is always sluggish due to various inexplicable and explicable reasons. On the contrary our neighbor’s approach and
commitment is to be reckoned and emulated. To quote; StilWell Road; a back bone for much talked about Look East Policy, India is yet to complete its portion of 61 kms stretch where as China has already completed its share of 680 Kms on its side. India has already lost offshore gas exploration rights in Myanmar to China. That country is also developing Sittwe - Kunming energy highway for transportation of oil and gas. Sittwe is likely to be its front face in Bay of Bengal for rest of the world to its west. She has taken less than three years to complete 1150 Kms of strategic railway line to Lhasa.

It is high time to wake up to the call of time and make a model shift in community discipline and holistic responsibility for water harvesting and water management lest it is too late. Ancient India was known as hydraulic civilization. Excavations of Indus Valley Civilization in great Rann of Kutch at Dholvira prove this amply. Water harvesting was under taken even in those days (about 3000 BC) and every drop of rain was harvested in an innovative manner. Water Harvesting was encouraged by government as part of fiscal policy and concessions granted to encourage the public discipline.

As per conceptual report of Central Ground Water Board there is scope to harvest 36.4 BCM of surplus monsoon run off in an area of about 4.5 lakh sq km in various parts of the country. Master plan has envisaged construction of 2.25 lakh artificial recharge structures in rural areas at a cost of approx 20000 crores. In hilly areas like J&K, Himachal, NE states emphasis has been given for spring development and 2700 springs have been proposed. There is need to conserve the water usage, avoid water wastage and harvest every possible run off (monsoon, irrigation etc). Cherapunjee, a place of highest rainfall, faces water shortage in post monsoon periods because monsoon run off goes waste. Wish! It did not.

It is a good news that Assam is planning to install Gorlov Helical Turbines for power generation and consultations to acquire the technical know how are in progress. The Turbine is energy efficient (captures 75 % more water energy than conventional turbines), cost effective (400 to 600 US $ per KW), manageable size (36 inch by 40 inch), eco friendly, needs frugal infrastructure and manpower. It rotates only in one direction at twice the speed of water flow irrespective of direction of water flow. This has been successfully installed in Brazil, Korea and Amazon and more experiments across the world are underway. Even a remote village, that can not be covered by power grid, can generate its own electricity at a reasonable cost with negligible maintenance cost.

Efficient technology is one aspect, wherewithal is another. Availability of one meter deep water with minimum current of 2 knots is an important input for making Gorlov technology practical. This is only possible by efficient management and harvesting every possible ounce of water. North East region of our country is an ideal place for the same, where every village can generate power. Dr Tushar Sinha of International Water Management Institute says “India must stop investing huge sums in surface irrigation, instead spend the same money in recharging our ground water resources. In twelve years (from 1992-2004) a sum of approx 1, 00,000 crores had been spent, but not with much out put”. Another 1, 65,000 crores are being demanded in 12th plan for irrigation projects.

Master plans have been made, money has been allocated. Need is to be realistic, pragmatic and action oriented. Performance stands out like ton of diamonds; failures can be explained away. Let us not get busy in explaining our failures when our neighbor completes the
Dam and we buy electricity from her. There is a need to change our mind set from extravagance of water to conservation of water at every level. There is a need to instill water discipline in the society. There is a need to recognize collective responsibility to harvest every Drop lest we regret later. Water has long been called the ultimate renewable resource, but this will prove to be false when ‘Rivers run Dry’. It is needed to make a timely decision like swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim lest we lag behind in the race and peep across the Himalayas.

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