THE SPIRIT OF SECESSION

THE SPIRIT OF SECESSION
The insurgencies of the North East Region (NeR) have a peculiar aspect of secessionism in it. This is blocking the dawn of speedy peace in the region. NSCN (IM) is demanding sovereignty where as NSCN (K) does not; ULFA and several other outfits are also demanding sovereignty as a core issue. Some of the outfits have already dropped the demand of sovereignty. The society of this region is basically a tribal society that has exclusivity as integral part of its culture. Earlier every hamlet was a nation by itself? There is a need to investigate into history to see the spirit of secessionism in the globalized and inclusive world.
In the evolving world, desire of self determination amongst the under developed societies was a common thing that evoked popular response. But it does not suggest the similar level of sympathy now when societies are fast transforming from exclusiveness to inclusiveness with its nature changing from local to regional, regional to national and national to Global. There are multiple faces of insurgency i.e. secessionism (territorial break away from the existing state and establishment of a new state and separatism (standing not for break away but partial dissonance from state establishment on certain issues). Contemporarily there is also a need to understand the meaning of the words Sovereignty and Colonial; repeatedly used to mislead the commoners. Sovereignty is the word that defines self rule over a well defined geographical area having fixed boundaries. Colonial 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. Both these words are irrelevant today because our own chosen people (in democratic set up) are representing us in the state and centre and ruling the states defined by fixed boundaries.
The author is of the opinion that it was not the basic demand of secession but of separatism due to discord on issues of identity & feeling of insecurity (a natural process for an exclusive society). The memorandum of Naga Club submitted to Simon Commission vouches for the same. It reads:-
“ … Our country with in the administered area consists of more than eight tribes, quite different from one another with quite different languages which cannot be understood by each other and there were tribes which are not known of present. We have no unity among us and it is only the British government that is holding us together now. Our education is at present poor ---. We have not got one yet who is able to represent all our different tribes or master our languages much less to represent us in any council of a population. However our population is very small in comparison with the population of the plains district in the province and in any representation that may be allotted to us in the council will be negligible and will have no weight. Whatsoever ----- our country is poor, it does not pay for its administration. Therefore, we are afraid that new heavy taxes will have to be imposed and in the long run we shall have no claim in the land of our birth and life will not be worth living then---“.
As of now there are 16 tribes and many sub tribes in Nagaland. People of these tribes are representing the society in the state council and also have a representative in the parliament. Literacy and Education level of the people has changed for better. Number of youths is studying in metros and abroad. Numbers of youths are displaying acumen for entrepreneur ship. Naga roses have a good market abroad. National Research Centre for Orhids has identified NE region as potential for floricultural that can be taken up by young entrepreneurs. First Naga has been nominated as standing counsel, for Nagaland, at Supreme Court of India. The region has abundance of natural and mineral resources. The states of the region do not need special status (preferential) but equal status with rest of the states. They prefer compensatory action for under development before the states of the region catch up to become Giver states instead of being Taker states.
Now the populace is thinking inclusive rather than exclusive barring the vested interests. Exclusive feelings are result of bloodshed & Fear Psychosis in the state despite ceasefire agreement. Now the NGOs, church associations, Gaon Buras, Naga Mother’s association and the whole populace have realized the importance of globalization. Every one shuns violence in the name of false path to self determination. Author had an opportunity to talk to some of the intellectuals from this region settled outside their states. It is surprising that most do not want to get back to their state despite having great love for their moorings but avoidable violence (a hindrance to progressive life that every human wants to lead). The fears mentioned in the memorandum are no more relevant today. But the Governments (at state and centre) have to consider the sensitivities of the people, include end to end accountability to ensure development to overcome lag behind feeling.
In Assam the movement against illegal migration was accorded Secessionist status by ULFA for their own reasons in mid eighties. Little was it realized that the boundaries of Assam have been changing from times of great king Sui Kapha (a Tai) to the times when Britishers controlled the province. Now the spirit of the peaceful coexistence, cooperation and collaboration has been accepted by the people. APW (Assam People Works) were the first one to reject the demand of sovereignty by ULFA. Protalk ULFA, NDFB, KLNLF have also dropped the same and they want a peaceful agreement. So does the peace loving society of Assam.
There is a need to understand that the seeds of secessionism and separatism sown by Britishers for their self interests. Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 (BEFR 1873), Scheduled District Act of 1874 and Frontier Tract Regulation of 1880 were the instruments used by them to progress their economic and administrative interests. BEFR was brought in to subdue hill rulers by separating them from plains because all the revenue was received from plains. Imperial policies to suppress local language and set up artificial boundaries were used for cheap and simplified administration, which resulted in ethnicities and conflicts. There is a need of inclusive approach with ethnic exclusiveness. Steps are already underway in form of regional food festivals, regional cultural shows in the heartland of India. Awareness and thinking about this region has taken a more positive turn amongst people outside the region now then hitherto fore.

Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the author via email: jaey_geoffery@rediffmail.co.in OR post views on blog: jaey-geoffery.bolgspot.com)

LEGALISING THE ILLEGAL ( AN EFFORT)

LEGALISING THE ILLEGAL
(AN EFFORT)
No one can play with the spirit of masses. It’s more applicable in a democratic set up like ours. Of late NSCN (IM) had been the cause of needless tension in the region. And this is due to illegal acts that the outfit wants to legalize with the power of gun. Probably the outfit is fed up of staying in jungles and is rushing to populated areas resulting in stress, fear and uncertainty in the minds of the people there.
Efforts of the outfit in Nagaland have failed and people have replied in the language it understands. Despite wielding of sophisticated weapons, the cadres were chased away by the unarmed people (of Phek) with whatever they had i.e. Dah, Sickles, Lathi etc. Peaceful uprising of the people in terms of observing black day, rallies etc against killings of innocents like Konyak Youths , Inato Sumi(4), Hoveto, Hurbert (10) & Martin(12) etc in 2007 has also conveyed a message to the outfit. Tribes like Chakhesang People’s Organisation had sternly warned the cadres against causing disturbance in their lives.
The people seem to have understood that the outfit is acting more colonial against the other Naga tribes for its own gain. There is a need to understand meaning of the word colonial, which 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. The outfit is engaged in number of illegal activities i.e. extortion, kidnapping, procurement of arms, inter factional killing in populated areas, collection of illegal taxes, training other outfits for consideration, illegal occupation of land of other tribes ( Jalukie incident) etc. under the cover of cease fire agreement with the Government of India. All these activities are in violation of ceasefire ground rules (CFGR) as the author knows.
Now the outfit is heading towards Manipur. Least has it realised that spirit of Manipuris against illegal activities is no less. The spirit of June up rise in 2001 against extension of ceasefire (with Nagas) without territorial limits is still alive. 18 Jun is observed as a “Unity Day” in Manipur. On that day 18 Manipuris (aged 15 to 46) lost their precious lives braving the curfew. The sacrifice of the people will not go waste.
Recent effort to establish a camp in Ukhrul district has also not succeeded, which was attempted by the outfit in 2007 also. As far as the author knows the areas of the camp have been well defined and the cadres are not supposed to establish new camps, recruit new cadres, train other outfits etc. But effort is being made for every thing proscribed, hoping that it will be accepted with the passage of time.
The effort of the outfit to establish a camp in Ukhrul has not succeeded due to the joint pressure of people’s WILL and action of security forces. Women folk of Siroy and adjoining villages such as Langdang, Choithar and Lunghar have been sitting on vigil 24 hours a day, interspersed with prayers, to keep a watch in case the clash breaks out between the outfit and SF. Head man of village Sirohi Wungachan Shangh when asked whether he had been given any written document signed between NSCN (IM) and Government of India replied in Negative (The Sangai Express 23 Jan 09).
People of the village had made separate appeals to Prime Minister of India, Local Headquarters of security forces and also the hierarchy of the outfit. Meanwhile civil society organization like Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Youth council and Tangkhul women association took out a rally in Ukhrul calling for means to easing tensions between two sides. One of the society leaders on condition of anonymity said,” the civil societies would not have intervened had the tension been in some isolated places like in jungles, but since the present tension is taking place in a village, we believe that the villagers would be ultimate victims (The Morung Express datelined 23 Jan 09) .
It is a strong message, the people have given to the outfits that they can not mislead them by using words like colonial, imperialist etc and interfere in their peaceful lives. They have also given a message that SFs are official instrument to ensure that CFGR are observed but we are no less in ensuring that the spirit of our peaceful living is not interfered by vested interests. This is a very potent message,” It is no good to cry peace; we must act peace, live peace and live in peace”.

Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the author via email: jaey_geoffery@rediffmail.co.in OR post views on blog: jaey-geoffery.bolgspot.com)

SIROHI LILY BEING MAULED

SIROHI LILY BEING MAULED
Flowers offer a message of growth, regeneration & happiness. So is Sirohi Lily of Ukhrul District in Manipur (insurgency troubled). There is a cry from within when a flower is mangled. Same is the case when the peace of the people is disturbed. Manipur has almost two dozen UG outfits, including NSCN (IM), operating in the state. Each outfit is attempting & contesting to enlarge its area of influence for hegemony over larger territory to enhance the loot of illegal taxes, only can the hierarchy of outfits enjoy life when the cadres live in wretchedness and distress.
NSCN (IM) a scion of NSCN (other being NSCN (K)) is the largest and oldest outfit, a fountainhead of terrorism in North Eastern Region. So is its influence in and around Nagaland with voracity to enhance it further. Recent Sirohi incident is a pointer. Top hierarchy of the outfit being from Tangkhul tribe wants to have a stronghold in Manipur in violation of Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR) of CF agreement, applicable to Nagaland alone. Previous attempt for the same (in 2007) had been aborted by suitable intervention of SFs. The incident started on 19 Jan 09 when the outfit wanted to establish a camp in Sirohi but is not permitted being an illegal act.
Going through the media reports it is ironical to note that so called self proclaimed saviors of the society are actually perpetrators of psychological and physical violence in the society. To quote excerpts from The Sangai Express (dated 20 & 21 Jan 09); “locals requested the cadres and SF to avoid any clash. Women folk (known for their grit) kept a sharp vigil, in the night, on the village in case any confrontation takes place. Farmers were informed to cut short their work hours and return home.” This was all to avoid any collateral societal damage in case of needless clash. In the past number of innocent men, women and children have either lost their lives or were injured to be recovering later or stay maimed for life in such incidents.
These violent acts cause Fear Psychosis that stays 24 x 7 resulting in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to many irrespective of age. The fear factor for survival had been on from time the incident commenced and will continue till it is over. This has resulted in closure of shops and cutting the work hours of those who earn enough, only for the day? The insatiability for more and more can be gauged from the fact that annual budget of the outfit runs in crores and it wants more.
Few days back the outfit had caused a crisis of cooking gas (in Manipur) by demanding Godown Tax of Rs 15 lakhs and deprived people of convenience of cooking. The illegal tax collection of the outfit on major portion of NH-39 (through 26 illegal posts) and discomfort to the people of Manipur is a known fact. People of Nagaland are already fed up with these outfits due to their illegitimate activities. There had been number of up rises, appeals and even lynching of some its cadres by the irate public. Scared; they are trying to find new places of survival. They are no ones saviour but opportunists for filling their coffers.
I am compelled to quote an international example; Hitler, who propagated that he was against Jews but saviour of Germans, was against humanity in real. The same is summed up in the poem of Martin Niem”ler (a German theologian) that he wrote in incarcerated state in the concentration camp. It reads:
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for union leaders and I did not speak out because I was not a union leader.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.
That is the sprit that locals have understood that these outfits mean well for none but self. Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) General Secretary (while taking the responsibility of bomb blast (16 Jan 09) in Ukhrul town said that they understand the value of life. He further said, “Nagas of Manipur have been deceived by NSCN (IM) in the name of Nagalim /Sovereignty. It shall continue fighting against the hypocrisy and imperialistic attitude of NSCN (IM).” It further appealed to the people of Manipur to understand the threats made by NSCN (IM) to each & every good citizen as land lords for their benefits only (Eastern Mirror datelined 22 Jan 09). People need to come together for fighting against all the anti social elements to ensure a fragrant peaceful and progressive society for our generations lest they are mauled to be a non entity.
Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the author via email: jaey_geoffery@rediffmail.co.in OR post views on blog: jaey-geoffery.bolgspot.com)

TROUBLED HIGHWAY

TROUBLED HIGHWAY
First phase of Look East Policy (LeP) was launched in 1995. Now it is in Phase II with expanded definition of east to include from Australia to China and East Asia. India had entered into Mekong Ganga cooperation with five South East Asian nations (Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand) and other pillar of LeP is BIMSTEC (littoral states of Bay of Bengal Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmasr, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand). For LeP to deliver optimal results North East Region (NeR) of our country has a critical role to play. This region is resource (both human and material) rich but less explored and not assessed to the level it deserves. To quote Mani Shankar Aiyar Union Minister for DoneR “NeR is like California of 1848. Just as California’s economy boomed with the start of Gold rush in 1849, a similar economic boom is just going to happen in this region”. Will this prophecy come true? How and when is to seen?
The main input for this to be successful has to come from optimal use and optimal up gradation of existing road and rail links. Plans are in place but execution is a nightmare. In whole array Manipur (Jeweled state) is a spring board that has to make key contribution. The state is principally connected to rest of the country by three National Highways (NHs): NH-39, NH-53 and NH-150 totaling 965 Kms of road through the state. The discussion is restricted to NH-39 that is the life line of Manipur. It starts from Numaligarh ( in Assam) passes through important towns of Nagaland (Dimapur- a commercial hub, Kohima- a power hub) and Manipur (Senapati- a commercial town and Imphal- a commercial and power hub before ending at Moreh). The terminus of the highway is a place where millions of rupee trade (both legal and illegal) is undertaken everyday. It is a battle ground of Indian Insurgent Groups (on either side of the border) for bigger share of the pie. Moreh has also been slated to be upgraded to Land Custom Station along with other three (Dawki in Meghalaya, Sutrakandi in Assam and Agartala in Tripura) in the region.
The life line of jeweled state is constricted with negative influence of various outfits all along. They have carved out their own areas of influence for illegal tax collection from travelers, buses and trucks plying on the road leading to inconveniences of the unfortunate people. From Khatkhati to Mao (a border town of Nagaland) the stretch is controlled by NSCN groups. Even beyond Mao to Imphal (109 Kms in Manipur) the NSCN (IM) controls, due to Naga dominated areas of Senapati district in Manipur. Imphal to Moreh (110 Kms) is divided among two dozen outfits of Manipur. NSCN (IM) being the oldest outfit has a well oiled set up to collect voluntary tax (as they call it) e.g. employment tax (@ 2% of pay p.m.), transport tax, Immigration tax etc. Probably the rates are likely to undergo a change in the new budget proposal the out fit will present very soon. The author happens to talk to one of the traders in Dimapur and enquired about the situation after 1997. The reply that shocked the author was “it was better before the agreement because demand notes were few and for smaller amounts and there was scare of law and order machinery unlike now when it happens unhindered”. It is nothing new when home minister of the state (supposed to provide flawless law and order) calls it ‘normal crimes’.
The major portion of the highway is controlled by NSCN (IM). The chief minister of Manipur was not wrong when he made a statement in Manipur state assembly replying to motion (2007) called by opposition member Oktram Joy of Manipur People’s Party that “illegal imposition of tax by NSCN (IM) on transportation in Manipur is a cause of serious concern.” He should have also highlighted the character of two dozen UG outfits operating in Manipur. The highway is a ramshackle and at number of occasions Senapati District Student Association (SDSA) has called for bandhs for improving status of the highway. Violence along the highway is another cause of concern for the investors, contractors, small time business people and all alike. As per statistics of Institute of conflict management, from 2001 to 2007 there had been 384 and 1539 insurgent related fatalities in Nagaland and Manipur respectively. As per
SATP portal Nagaland witnessed 145 and Manipur witnessed 489 fatalities in 2008. Maximum percentages of these have been in and around Imphal and Dimapur towns. There is an urgent need to fire the ceasefire i.e. state governments need to implement all encompassing effective means to check illegal activities of the outfits that have entered into an agreement of ceasefire or suspension of operations. Otherwise the dream of linking India with SE Asia through Manipur, a natural process of Globalization and regional cooperation may be over delayed or may not come true.


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

HEY! I AM ACCOUNTABLE

HEY! I AM ACCOUNTABLE
Ours is the largest, envied and resilient democracy in the world. After the Britishers left our soil for good, we decided to adopt a difficult system of governance i.e. Parliamentary System. In this system elected representatives are supposed to be totally accountable i.e. both vertically and laterally. Vertically upwards to the nation, party hierarchy and vertically downwards to the electorate they represent. Laterally they are equally accountable to the members of party they represent and other members of parliament. Are they so? This question has been debated upon by the nation many a times. But war on Mumbai has made the debate more vociferous and forceful. The result is the high sounding statements, questioning and rolling of certain heads. High sounding statements by senior leaders had become order of the day. Congress party president Smt Sonia Gandhi said, “------- it is the time to deliver “. Yes! Madam, it is so lest it is too late.
There are other countries (UK, Newzealand, Australia, Canada) with parliamentary system of governance where parliamentarians are as much accountable to their own colleagues in the party as to the electorate and the nation they represent. But in our country the speculation goes on till the last before a new member is inducted into the party unlike the other countries where a deliberate consensus is arrived at before induction of new members. Electorate is never interacted after gaining the power unlike some of the nations where electorate is interacted to synergise the planned development with local needs. There is a large scale money flow during and after elections (a basic democratic process). Former is to buy votes of the poor & needy electorate and later to fill up personal coffers. Election Commissioner N Gopaleswamy has admitted, “In Karnataka assembly election in May 08, hard cash, liquor, and Goodies worth Rs 45.57 Crore were seized”. He further added, “If a candidate is willing to spend 10 times more than the prescribed ceiling, it is not out of philanthropy but in the secure knowledge that he can earn 10 times what he spends when he gets power”.
Officially speaking during assembly elections a candidate can spend Rs 12 lakhs on the campaign. Out of this Rs 4 Lakhs are to be kept aside for national or state level leaders to campaign. Does it happen? Udit Raj who quit as income tax commissioner to contest elections in Delhi said, “Elections have become a total farce. It is money that matters. Ideology alone cannot win you elections how can there be an ideology that is to be adhered after coming to power? There are pre poll and post poll alliances. Former can keep the ally bound to a common strategy but the later is only at convenience of the ally. There are some of the independent candidates who rule the roost just to reach the magic simple majority figure. This is not without a consideration.
Forewarnings of the use of; money in elections had already been forecast but of no avail. C Raja Gopalachari had predicted,” we shall see the power & tyranny of wealth. In 1957 TISCO wanted to change their Memorandum of Association to allow company to make contributions to political parties. Bombay High Court allowed with weighing obiter dictum, “we think it our duty to draw the attention of parliament to the great danger inherent in permitting companies to make contribution to the funds of political parties. It is a danger which; may grow apace and which may overwhelm and even throttle democracy in the country”.
As the law stands at present, a political party; may receive any amount by way of contributions under the Companies Act by way of an independent encouragement of corporate funding. Section 77 of the Representation of Peoples act excludes expenditure incurred by political parties from the computation of Election Commission prescribed ceiling on a candidate’s election expenditure.
Criminal records of most of the elected members (both at the centre and state) are well known. And affiliations of convenience of these members with under ground (UG) or criminal outfits are also an open secret. North East Region (NeR) of our country abounds in number of UG outfits. Every outfit here has an affiliation or tacit understanding with some or the other political party. Our leaders do not seem to be responsible to the electorate and not are they proud of the appointments they hold because none feels accountable for the mishaps that occur in their ministries. Recent examples of Home Minister at the centre and Maharashtra assembly (who were cajoled to accept responsibility) are fresh in our minds. There are umpteen examples of Rail ministry. The situation in NeR is no better where mishaps are an order than an exception. The wastage of assembly time and parliament time in non issues is order of the day, least do they realize each minute of parliament costs Rs. 26000/- to the public. It seems the representatives are partially accountable to the party they represent (power needs) and fully responsible to the money they harvest. Wish insight comes that,”Politics is not about big money or power games; it is about improvement of people,s lives”.


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

CEASEFIRE OF CONVENIENCE

CEASE FIRE OF CONVENIENCE
Naga militancy is the oldest in the North East Region (NeR) of our nation. It can also be called the mother group for all insurgencies in the region. NSCN (IM) was first to sign a cease fire agreement with GoI in 1997 followed by NSCN (K) in 2001. It means that these groups need to adhere to certain ground rules called ceasefire ground rules (CFGR) to ensure peace prosperity & progress in the state. This prohibits the group signing the agreement to train other groups, not to have nexus with other group, not to not go to populated areas with arms, not to extort etc.
Recent news of arrest of ANLA commander John Toppo and his confession to Assam Police betrays the spirit of CFGR. He said that he and 20 more cadres of his outfit were taking shelter in NSCN camp in Dimapur. There may be more such smaller groups who depend on big brother for; training, arms and explosive or act as couriers for NSCN (IM) for a consideration. Nexus of the outfit with smaller groups in NC hills, Karbi Anglong and Manipur to spread its area of influence is well known. Absence of this nexus would have saved innocent lives as well as lives of youth (young cadres) who have died being part of violence. Recent reports of crime graph going up in Dimapur cannot be taken lightly. May be it also has some patronage of the outfit; not for free but for consideration. It is surprising that home minister of the state during pre Christmas speech (23 Dec 08) described rampant extortions and intimidations to business community as ‘normal crimes’. It is the same state where Chief Minister during the budget speech (2006) had said, “It is not possible for any government to prevent extortion completely”. Kidnapping and killing of businessmen for not meeting the extortion demand is frequent news in the local media. Will this be called normal crime?
Holding of LPG trucks for not meeting the demands of paying Godown tax of Rs 15 lakhs is another violation of CFGR. This all started in Dec 08 and ended temporarily in end Dec after assurance by Chief Minister of Manipur that agreement with group has been arrived at. But the Manipur is going without supply of LPG after trucks were forced to return from Maram by armed cadres for not meeting the demand. By what yardstick will this be called a normal crime? Is depriving families and children of normal conveniences of life a part of CFGR? If the group says it is fighting for well being of Nagas? Are the Nagas not staying in Manipur?
In fact the precondition (by honorable Prime Minister) of laying down arms by the Pro Talk ULFA group before talking should have been set for NSCN as well as other groups. The arms held by the groups are used to threaten the helpless locals and also arm twist the govt with a threat that the group would take up arms again if demands are not met. There are number of cases where the cadres have been chased out by the locals for disruption of peace and some of them lynched as well. The outfit also blames the state security forces for violating the CFGR not realizing how much they do.
As per SATP portal Nagaland still stands third in the number of insurgency related fatalities in NeR i.e. 145 out of total 1057 that is behind Assam (372) with Manipur (496) in the lead. It is pertinent to mention that Nagaland witnessed more number of causalities in 2008 compared to 2007 (108) and 2006 (92). The inference is that violence had been on the rise in the state for past three years despite ceasefire in force. This is all due to interfactional clashes where collateral damage in terms of life and property also takes place. There is hoarse public outcry in favour of peace. With this attitude it is evident the outfit is not for Nagas but for its own selfish ends enjoying the cease fire that suits.

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