UNITY AND DISUNITY

UNITY AND DISUNITY
Unity leads to oneness and growth, whereas disunity shrinks the already existing size and makes it smaller and smaller to the risk of being devoured by vested interests. Common populace is confused over the stand being taken over various issues affecting them directly. This is obvious as a run up to elections. Nagaland is to go for polls on 05 March 08. The CM Neiphieu Rio had requested (Nov 07) external affairs minister, Pranab Mukherjee to influence Myanmar Government for a ceasefire with Khaplng group of NSCN. He has also vowed to take up the issue with the PM. This created lot of uproar since it amounts to granting national and international legitimacy to the proscribed group. Similarly AICC general secretary Siddharth Patel has promised full implementation of all clauses of controversial 16 point agreement as a poll plank. The BJP has also promised the same issue laden with obstacles that are insurmountable. It is also propagated that ‘Nagaland is for Christ’. HE was an angel of peace and love even to his critics, then why factionalism, in fights and divisive tendencies in the society loved by Christ.
16 point agreement that resulted in birth of Nagaland, in the year 1960, involves the implementation of clauses 2 and 13 that central Government has been unable to do till date. As per Clause 2 Nagaland state should function under External Affairs Ministry as hitherto fore. Clause 13 states about integration of Naga inhabited contiguous areas under one administrative umbrella. Are these political parties meant to give leaders and direction to the society or keep the populace baffled? Are these leaders, to be mandated to power, determined to sow secessionist attitudes and keep these tendencies on the boil or settle controversies? Psychological union of the people with illusory issues and physical disunion with the same has its own drawbacks.
Are these political parties meant to bring a change or live true to the dictum: if voting could change anything, they would abolish it? Or they live up to Winston Churchil’s qualification for a politician which says, “ It is the ability to foretell what will happen tomorrow, next month, next year and to explain afterwards why it did not happen”.
Are people not aware of the sensitivity of neighbouring states whose areas are likely to be carved out for making administrative unit? Are people not aware of the violence that took place in 2001 over extension of Naga ceasefire rules to Manipur? Are people not aware of the chaos that takes place every year (June) over celebration of Integrity Day in Manipur? Are people not aware of the separatist tendencies that are existing in the Naga inhabited contiguous areas and aspirations of the other tribes staying in those areas? Is not the cascading effect visualized after such implementation? Wish they do! If it was possible, there was BJP led Government in the Centre and now UPA led Government, it would have been implemented by now.
Maj ZD Akho ( ex NSCN(IM)) cadre got associated with the proscribed outfit in 1990 but now he has disassociated himself due to malicious functioning of the outfit, disregard to erstwhile human values, disregard to safety & security of younger cadres etc. He says, “I joined the organization out of love for my country, why should I agree to be employed in destroying our own people” (Nagaland Post dated 18 Feb 08). Irrespective of the costs, outfits are more concerned with their personal aims rather than societal aims. News papers are replete with news of politicians being targeted by the outfits (in Manipur), with whom they had been associated, because their interests do not converge now.
Youth is powerful, progressive and always passionate for action and change. Keeping this in mind a large number of young people have filed nominations for forth coming assembly elections in Nagaland. Every one has projected himself as the forerunner and propagator of progressive vision. To quote former Naga Student Federation (NSF) president A. Kikon, “I will make a difference, I have a vision ... Politics is for the future young generation … young people should represent the Naga People. I would like to appeal to people to elect young people…” Not to forget the experience of young ASSU (all Assam student union) leaders who came to power under the leader ship of PK Mohanta as Assam Gana Parishad (AGP). All lofty ideals and preaching were forgotten thereafter. Leaders need to remain associated and focused on to the promises they make.
There is a need for all alike to get united with the facets leading to peace, progress, property, employment generation, respectful and positively built society and move away from the negative factors. This can be done by uniting the youth and not belying the hopes they have.



“The entire law is summed up in a single command love your neighbour as yourself”. Gelatin 5:14

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

THE V FACTOR

THE ‘V’ FACTOR
Advertisement campaign of GMR (a multi business company) has two Jingles in it. First one is, “Getting Ready for India” and second is, ‘Getting India Ready’. Both are applicable at Macro level to present-day India. India has new enviable Image that is changing the world opinion and policies of the other nations towards India. In fact, it is a victory (V) for new and reemerging India. Second one is the negative aspect i.e. violence (another ‘V’) spread across almost 40% of India and is proliferating further. How long can India sustain this positive ‘V’ with negative ‘V’ in attendance?
India is on the enviable growth trajectory with annual growth rate of 9% and it is likely to continue. Indian business tycoons are emerging as global leaders with various mergers & acquisitions e.g. L.N. Mittal acquired Arcelor, Tatas acquired Corus, Vijay Mallaya acquired Shaw Wallace etc. Tatas have created a history by manufacturing the cheapest car conforming to the latest norms. List of billionaires in India is growing. Not only this, it has been estimated that there are more millionaires in Kohima (Nagaland) than heart of India (Delhi).
India’s foreign exchange reserves are increasing manifold after adopting the path of liberalization in early nineties. The reserves have grown from 5.6 billion dollars in 1991 to 118 billion dollars in 2006. French president Sakozy wished, if he could emulate the growth rate of India for France. At recent World Economic Forum, confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched a campaign “India Every Where’”. Foreign polices of the nations are based on economic interest besides other factors. The effect is visible with leanings and support extended to India at various forums by world powers.
Now is the time for getting India ready for sustenance of changed world opinion. Having a look at the Indian milieu today, one sees violence spread across four corners. It has affected 231 districts out of 604 districts in India. In J&K -12 out 14 districts, in naxal affected 14 states-165 districts and in North East (NE) India-54 districts are affected. The texture & nature of this violence is complex and is driven externally & internally both.
In J&K almost 40000 lives have been lost till date since the commencement of violence in 1989. It is caused, abetted by Pak based out fits and sponsored by Pak ISI. The talks between the
two countries are in progress as a composite dialogue and various confidence building measures (CBMs) have been implemented. But it seems to be only tactical and cosmetic and not strategic dialogue in the overall plan of our neighbour. Remnants of militancy and simmering are still noticed in neighbouring Punjab.
Red corridor (maoist violence) is extending from neighbouring Nepal through Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh etc. Recent incidents of Dantewada Jail break (end of 2007), attack on CRPF camp in Rampur (Jan 08) and decamping of weapons from Nayagarh Police station in Orissa (Feb 08) are alarming and display the strength and determinant nature of the violence. Its geographical spread and influence is hair raising. It is shifting its strategy to more complicated form i.e. rural to urban. The important industrial belts identified are, Bhilai-Ranchi-Dhanbad-Calcutta and Mumbai-Pune-Surat-Ahamedabad. It is reliably learnt that naxals are joining hands with rebels in NE India and are likely to increase their area of influence. This is more relevant with recently formed outfit All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) and their moorings in Central India.
NE Indian mosaic is more complicated due to its geographical location and influence of foreign interests i.e. Pak ISI & Bangladesh’s HuJI. This region shares 98% of its borders with other nations and only 2% with India. In fact it is located at periphery of the periphery. The number of outfits operating in this part of India is to be counted to be believed. Every day new outfits are born. Leaders of most of the outfits play in the hands of foreign interests to the detriment of own state and nation belying the cause they advocate to be fighting for. With the influence of red corridor the situation will become more & more complex.
With all the violence spread across length and width, our nation is still able to uphold the enviable growth rate. It portrays the strength of our democratic set up. But there is an urgent need to arrest this menace lest the beautiful canvas of our nation is eaten up by moth inside and devoured by monsters from outside. In democratic set up these outfits cannot be snubbed dictatorially. But at the same the influence of this violence cannot be viewed as geographically localized because it is psychologically explosive. An outsider will only view this country as insecure and unsafe place for any long term interests.
There is a need to ascribe new dimension to our thought from vertical to lateral. Because vertical thought addresses the problem as it is seen and lateral provides insight and creativity to the same but both are complimentary to each other. Leaders need to have nationalistic aims rather than vote oriented political aims. There is a need to improve the policing infrastructure. States with healthy police population are more peaceful e.g. Sikkim and Mizoram has police to population (100000) ratio as 609 and 854 respectively. Indian average is 122 and states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Assam has police population of 57, 85, 103, 90, 98 and 178 respectively per 100000 populations. Utilization of funds has also been poor in these areas e.g. as per reports Jharkhand has been allotted 1, 72000 crores for police upgradation for past six years. Results are there for all of us to see.
Notwithstanding the democratic set up and various individual and collective freedoms enjoyed by the people there should be one law for all the nationals bereft of the divisive factors of casteism, religion etc. There is also a need to implement development plans in centrifugal manner for holistic development, both, centripetally and centrifugally. There is need to see violence as violence alone and not mere statistics. For example there had been an all India decline in violence related fatalities from 3236 in 2005 to 2765 in 2006. Should this figure make us complacent or determined to radically remove the nuisance? There is simultaneity of period in hype of J&K violence, maoist violence and economic liberalization policies of India. All of this happened in nineties. Is it an asymmetric war against India?

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

DEVELOPMENT BLUES

DEVELOPMENT BLUES

Lack of development is leading to militancy is an oft repeated catchphrase in North Eastern (NE) region of India. The reverse is also spoken that militancy is the cause of lack of development. Reality is that both are much inter related and interwoven to be separated. In fact development is much required aspect of NE Indian society. Certain questions intrigue the mind of a rational man i.e. What are the factors that contribute to development, who is responsible for the same and who is responsible to ensure this occur? Obvious answer is; planning, allocation of funds, and the strong-willed execution. State actors of our democracy and the society are responsible to ensure this. There are certain non state actors (NSA) i.e. UG outfits who play their own role (negative) in the social order.
Recently it has been decided to invest Rs 50000/- crores, in twelfth plan, for improving connectivity and infrastructure development in NE. During recently concluded visit (Jan 08) to Arunachal Pradesh, the PM has allocated Rs 8000 crore package to the state. Such allocations have also been made earlier? If so where has the money gone? Probably answer lies in the ghost projects undertaken that are completed in papers (Morung Express date lined 04 Jan 08), money spent and reports forwarded. Similarly a National Highway project in Manipur project was declared to have been completed and reported to the central government representative (Prithvi Raj Chauhan). But physical verification by media proved the opposite. Besides this there are number of made up project reports to get more fund allocations. It will not be wrong to quote late Rajiv Gandhi who said, only 15 paisa reach the common man”. Recently his son Rahul Gandhi said, Only 5 paisa reaches the beneficiary’. No Wonder! India is one of the most nations amongst other two i.e. China and Malyasia.
On 23 April 2006 CM of Manipur said that all development projects have been stalled due to interference by militant groups. He said “Militants are extorting money from each and every one, including barbers, small time traders and low ranking government employees. This has been unbearable for the people”. Similarly CM of Nagaland had said, during the budget speech on the floor of state assembly, on 20 March 06, “It is not possible for any government to prevent extortion”. Such statements by chief executive of a state convey a single message, that misrule is fait accomplice of the masses. Is the existence of these outfits devoid of the patronage of VIPs? In such a situation, can good governance be expected by a citizen? If not, which is a fact, will cry help? A person who is the producer, the director and the actor himself can not blame anyone for bad production, bad direction and bad acting.
A survey on ‘ State of States’ published in India Today date lined 24 Sept 07 has concluded that the states who have paid attention to issues like agriculture, education, health have been able to weather the storm. Out of the small states of NE, Sikkim leads the way followed by Mizoram and Meghalaya is last. These are the few sensitive issues where militant organizations have recently attacked in Manipur. Already deficient educational and health facilities are being paralyzed due to exorbitant monetary demands of the outfits. During protest against these demands by students and teachers alike, one of the teachers said, “How in such conditions can we teach students” (Imphal free Press date lined 16 Jan 08). In such situations can the society expect a healthy and well educated youth to face the competitive world stoically?
It is not only health and education that have been attacked but other sectors having direct and indirect effect like banking, insurance and mobile companies have also been targeted. Closure of United Bank of India branches, Insurance and Airtel mobile offices have affected their delivery of services to the masses. No banks are ready to extend loans to entrepreneurs. Agriculture, education and health are the areas where loans and assistance are required in today’s world of competition. Can society be happy in such exclusive and inward looking approach when rest of the states and world are busy exploring new vistas of progress?
Probably there is a need for a balanced combination of Top down and Bottoms up approach. Best example of this is seen in Sadar Joute village of Senapati district that has become self sufficient in power (The Sangai Express date lined 30 Jan 08). It is a joint venture by village energy committee and Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA). Similar developments can possibly be undertaken in other villages with tenacity. This will help in lifting people’s standard of living as well as meeting their long awaited aspirations.
There is also a need to address the following aspects single-mindedly; one, slash down feudalistic approach that gives un accountability to leaders and bureaucrats. There is need to introduce end to end monitored accountability, with every project sanctioned, to check corrupt practices. The drag of corruption on development has gained universal relevance with the signing of UN convention against corruption in Meridia, Mexico on 09 Dec 03. Two, shun ethnic hatreds for holistic developments. This can only be done with synthesized approach of leaders, elders in society especially mothers who are first teachers of a child. Three, shun the habit of phony socialism and being statistically happy. This makes us over happy with small scale developments their statistics are projected to create image more than it deserves. Bertrand Russel had rightly said,” Without civic morality communities perish and without personal morality their existence has no value”.

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

DRACONIAN ACT

DRACONIAN ACT

Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) was forced in North East (NE) India with the beginning of Naga Insurgency in fifties. It is a matter of dishonor that the utility of this is felt even today in the biggest democracy of world. Recently there had been a demonstration by Manipuri women in Delhi to revoke AFSPA and also in Imphal (Manipur) on 23 Jan 08. The feelings of mothers and sisters towards their kin are genuine. The famous case of Th. Manorama (Jul 04) in Imphal, Manipur and repeal of AFSPA, in Imphal, thereafter is well known. Gandhian fight of Irom Sharmila since 2001 is also well known. Infact the fight of Irom has earned her respected names like Iron lady of East and other national and inter national recognitions. The act was brought in to provide safety to armed forces personnel (Officer, JCO, NCO) against the impunity and freedom enjoyed by insurgents for violence. Under this act armed forces personnel are empowered to arrest a person without warrant on suspicion and open fire incase required for maintaining public order.

These special powers are only vested to armed forces in case the area has been declared disturbed by the state and notification issued by the central government. It is always voiced that armed forces commit excesses but a silver lining is that human rights commissions (HRCs) exercise check on these excesses . There are number of cases that come to light where armed forces personnel have been booked by the court (army/civil) for the excesses committed and victim granted compensation (thanks to HRCs). But in a democracy and free society this kind of restricting laws are unwelcome.

The beautiful canvas of NE region is stained with blots of militancy. So called insurgents have turned to terrorists and criminals. And advantage of the same is also taken by fake outfits and some foreign parties. If we see the kaleidoscope of insurgency in this region, there are approximately 60-80 outfits (approx 20- 25 in Assam, 30- 35 in Manipur and other states similarly) operating. This does not include the new outfits that get born everyday. All these outfits claim to fight for a cause. Whose cause and for who needs to be analyzed. They kill their own tribe’s men, they tax their own tribe’s men, they kill the other tribe’s men with whom they had been staying and sharing for decades if not centuries, they kill the dissenting group mates, and the new splinter and sub splinter groups are born on daily basis. The aim is to carve out a territory where they run their own court order, collect taxes for their survival and easy life, extort money, kidnap and claim ransom, hinder development etc. Max number of kidnappings, extortions etc. are reported from Imphal municipal limits.

There are three feeder national highways (NH) that connect Manipur to rest of the country and Myanmar. These NHs have been divided between various outfits for their revenue collection. NH 39 (Dimapur- Mao –Imphal- Moreh a border and trading town) is most important. Large number of trucks ferry items of daily needs to land locked state of Manipur every day besides passenger buses to Imphal on this NH. It is learnt that vehicles carrying items of daily needs are charged at the rate of approx Rs 3000/- per trip. Besides this the trucks and tourist buses pay an annual permit fee of Rs. 7000/- and 12000/- respectively. On Imphal- Moreh stretch (110 Kms) passenger buses and smaller commercial vehicles pay to the tune of Rs 30000/- and Rs. 20000/- respectively on annual basis. Similarly NH53 i.e. Silchar (Assam) to Imphal (223Kms) and NH150 Imphal- Kohima (Nagaland) - Aizwal (Mizoram) (523 Kms) have been divided as per own area of influence of outfits. Besides this all employees and businessmen also pay. All these taxes get added to the costs which a common man pays. The same amount can be used by the person (who has paid) for betterment of his family. Cyclic effect of all this is widespread corruption. All employees charge money to do the official work for a common man who is further deprived of available funds. No file moves in office without wheels (bribe).

Various types of taxes these organisations collect totals up in crores for each outfit. It is also learnt that they collect and spend money on welfare. Readers need to think about whose welfare it is (own leaders who are staying abroad) pseudo organizations (who only know to put fuel into the fire) or cadres (used as cannon fodders). The status of pseudo organizations is like an unscrupulous monkey who deprived the two cats of bread by his clever moves and ate up the same himself. Hierarchy of the outfits is investing money in real estate. NSCN owns prime properties in Nagaland. ULFA leaders own businesses and properties in Bangladesh. Similarly is the case of Manipur.

Other side of the coin is that there are certain unholy nexus to bring out fake excesses against AFSPA and the booty of compensation is shared by interested parties. There is an unholy nexus between the Legislators and Under Grounds (UGs). Although NHs can not be supervised on every point but presence of SFs restrict the free movement of the UGs. Imagine if they were able to have free hand what would have the status been of a common man – a mere slave probably. Imagine who is oppressing whom? The writer is not canvassing for AFSPA but there is need to introspect and arrive at a point when the state does not feel the necessity to declare the area as disturbed. There is need of whole hearted contribution by law makers, law keepers and society at large.

During recent rally of Manipur Alliance of Child Rights (MACR) on 23 Jan 08 the convener said, “..We firmly believe that the time has come to put a full stop on the atrocities
of AFSPA which is directly and indirectly affecting our children” ( Imphal Free Press date lined 24 Jan 08). Feelings of a mother, sister and a daughter for their men folk are indisputable. Historically role of women in changing the face of Manipur society is laudable and well documented. Whether it was against British administration (1904) or unscrupulous Marwaris (1940) or own men folk to stay away from drugs/ liquor in seventies they were victorious. But their familial feelings have also forced them to shield the erring young men who have taken to gun culture. Similarly now efforts need to be made to bring back the strayed youth. Do we feel the youth is on the right track? If yes then why the outcry against the bomb blasts, kidnappings, extortions, innocent killings happening without exception? If not then we have to Act for creating a situation of repealing the hated act and there should be no need to impose it ever. It is said that child is our future. Let us save our future.

“Every time a ever a child is born, it brings with it the hope, that God is not yet disappointed with man.” ‘Gurudev Rabinra Nath Tagore ‘

Geoffery
( Readers can reach out to the writer via email:
jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in
or Forward views on
Blog; jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com

WHAT AN IDEA SIR Ji

WHAT AN IDEA! SIR JI

The advertisement of Idea SIM card has a powerful message,” An idea can change lives”. That is true, productive ideas implemented with full zest can really make a difference to individual’s life and environment. Sir Ji is a colloquial word used in North India. It is ascribed to a person who is enterprising, resourceful, seminal, approachable, respected and above all a Realist. To know, who a realist is? I shall quote the words of Sydney J Harris,” A Pessimist sees only the tunnel, an Optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel, a Realist sees the tunnel and the light and the tunnel”. So, Sir Ji is a person prepared for all eventualities.

The youth of North East India is hardy, industrious and above suspicion but lacks direction. Youth is the period of early existence, growth and development. It is the time when the young people undergo cognitive, emotional, attitudinal changes and conflict within and also have desire of positive personality development. This is the time they need to be exposed to positive psychology to make them socially acceptable and noteworthy individuals. The same can be done by keeping them physically and mentally devoted to constructive ideas lest they go astray (happening now). There is need for Leaders, Parents and Teachers to make the children appreciate that Modernization is not wearing modern clothes but the modernization of mind. They need to shun the Burger and Mc culture for natural and decent way of life. It is for sure that our leaders, who can convince masses about a non issue, to be mandated to power, can also do the same for leading the youth to positive thinking. This is only possible by selfless leaders who become mass leaders.

One such idea is committing the youth to a job oriented, productive and path breaking activity. Organic co-operative farming which is labour and knowledge intensive but needs less capital is one . It is a holistic farming that excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers and other additives but treat the crops and livestock as organism. This is not a new concept in India and is practiced in some form or the other in rain fed, tribal, mountains and hill areas of our country. It is estimated that North East India has approximately 18 million hectares of arable land that can be utilized for the purpose. Most of the land here has been virgin undisturbed by pesticides that are the cause of plethora of diseases today. This will facilitate engagement and employment of youth with different levels of education. Those highly educated can contribute to knowledge base and research while others along the different chain of activities. There is a need to come out of the mind set of “White collared jobs” and give pride to “Blue collar work”. Once the project is underway then it will have its own complement of White collar and Blue collar workers. Remember! There is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.

There are certain concerns about economics of this type of farming vis a vis conventional farming. These are regarding farm output, health benefits; cost benefits, eco balance etc. In fact in India standards of organic farming had been announced only in 2001 where as internationally it had started in eighties after International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) was formed in 1972.

A 22 year trial study by Cornell University has brought out that this type of farming produces the same corn and soybeans yields as conventional methods over long term averages but consumed less energy and contained no pesticides residue. In India, economics of organic cotton cultivation over a period of six years indicated that there is a reduction in cost of cultivation and increased gross and net returns compared to conventional cotton growing. As per study in US though the sale of organic food in the country is 1% but its increasing popularity is making conventional food industry worried. World market of organic food is approx 35-40 billion dollars today and is increasing annually at the rate of 20-25%. Conventional farming is capital intensive and requires more energy and manufactured inputs as compared to organic that requires less water, few and natural pesticides, prevents soil erosion, leaches(uses) dramatically fewer nitrates. Its products have improved nutrient qualities including double the quantity of flavinoids (an important antioxidant).

In rain fed agriculture and drought time organic farms produce more than the conventional farms. Children consuming organic foods are less prone to neuralgic diseases. Studies have also shown that people who work with pesticides have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It is estimated that approx 25 million agricultural workers in developing countries are suffering from pesticide poisoning.

Agricultural waste can be recycled to wealth. It can be converted to animal fodder in dairying business and animal dung reused for manure etc. It is conservatively estimated that approx 600-700 million tonnes agricultural waste is available in the country, but most of it is not used properly. There is need to convert this waste into wealth by converting this biomass into bio energy, nutrients to starved soil and fuel to farmers. India produces approx 1800 million tones (Mt) of animal dung every year. When converted to manure, this will produce approx 600(Mt) of manure (optimally rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium).

The success story of Anand Milk United Limited (AMUL) is in front of us. As the author thinks organic cooperatives can be created at state level e.g. Nagaland Organic United Limited (NOUL), Manipur Organic United Limited (MOUL), Sikkim Organic United Limited (SOUL) etc. They should all be part of one central body North East Organic United Limited (NEOUL) that can monitor their activities. The central body can facilitate the forward and backward linkages of supplies and sales management. Envisaging the increasing demand of organic food both in developed and developing world this region can become a zealous hub of organic products along with gainful employment opportunities.

Positive ideas need to be handled gently, nurtured carefully, fed energetically and saved from the virus of negativity for a productively engaged society. Let us transform the perceptions of people, outside the region, to the fact that this region is progressive, bountiful and safe to visit and invest. Now a perception of a strayed youth possesses is.

Youth! Geoffery Sir! “Why are you telling us this? It is tedious, time consuming and difficult. We have a simple recipe for progressive (un), closed and safe (un) society. Here, we earn (in crores) with ease without much effort. We have enough funds for lavish life style (of our leaders abroad) and subsistence of our cadres. We travel by air, use latest vehicles and latest communication technology.”

Geoffery to youth, “please tell me the way you do it”.
Youth, “Listen! We tax the people (which they pay voluntarily in a reluctant manner). We send requests (diktats) for deposition of large sums to people of all types. We kidnap people to claim ransom. We presume people are with us (disregard public out cries). We request (threaten) Legislative and Executive machinery of the state for our gains. Why should we follow, what you say?”
Geoffery, “O Jessus! I pray that the eyes of their heart may be enlightened to enable then to listen to the voice of LORD that is powerful and majestic.

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