LOOK EAST POSITIVELY

LOOK EAST POSITIVELY (LEP)

India embarked on the economic liberalization in nineties and today the country, with second highest growth rate, is envy of the world. India has proved that a developing country can be a major player in the regional economy and an equal partner in the globalized world. At the same time India also conceptualized the Look East Policy (LeP) with an aim to strengthen the age old civilisational linkages with our neighbours. These linkages are a strong basis of economic associations which is order of the day. India is a multicultural society with a broader outlook unlike mono cultural societies in the neighborhood. Therefore, Indian citizens irrespective of the religion can be leaders to other societies for a globalized community. But for this there is a need to fashion conditions that India meets the economic interests of the West agreeable to India. Developed countries have already started looking into their foreign policies for better economic ties with India. At the same time India needs a dedicated and committed look towards its strategic North East Region (NeR) for LeP to bring results.
LeP is ASEAN centric and its first Phase 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). Strategically there is a need to diminish the Chinese influence in this region. In fact both India and China are considered two wings of ASEAN Jumbo Jet. Most of the countries are willing to have economic association with China due to its cheaper products that no country can match. India’s trade with China, other Asian countries and European Union has grown many folds. The largeness of this region can be gauzed from the fact that the proposed PAFTA (Pan ASEAN Free Trade Area) has gross income more than NAFTA (North America Free Trade Area) and European Union.
India’s Prowess as a future leader has already been predicted by a British historian EP Thompson who wrote, “India is perhaps the most important country for future of the world”. All the convergent influences of the world run through this society. There is not a single thought that is being thought in the West or East that is not active in some Indian mind”. This prophecy is true for the whole nation including unexplored NeR. This region has very high untapped human resource that is simple and innocently industrious which can be shaped to meet the new needs. There are large numbers of NRIs from this region who have carved a niche for themselves in international arena. With limited facilities some of sports persons of international fame, from this region, cannot be ignored.
Even in physical resources this region is richer and plans have been made to explore these but due to some or the other reason these are not seeing light of the day. Completion of rail link to Agartala after Dharmnagar is a silver lining in the region. There are plans to harness Hydro Electric Power (HeP) potential (50000MW) of this region and transmit this to power deficient regions of the country through power grid lines. Out of this huge potential, only 7% has been exploited till date. Surface, Air and Water communications are being improved. Major highways, NH 39 & NH 53 have been ordered to be four laned. Rail links are being improved- New Azra to Byrnihat (to connect Meghalaya to New Delhi), Dimapur to Kohima, Jiribam to Imphal, Kumarghat to Agartala, Trans Asian Railway to connect 28 nations to include China, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Iran and Turkey is planned. This will enter India at Moreh in Manipur. Air connectivity is planned to be improved in terms of improving existing air fields, creating new air fields, increasing the number of flights and paving way for new airlines to enter the market. The coming year 2009 may see launch of new north east airlines if reports are to gone by.
Mizoram can become a trade hub when trade starts through Sittwe Port in Myanmar which is to be linked through 160 km of Waterway (through Kaladan River) and 65 km of road link. Besides above there are other upbeat indicators. Four land custom Stations i.e. Moreh in Manipur, Dawki in Meghalaya, Sutrakandi in Assam and Agartala in Tripura have been planned. It is also being proposed to convert Nathula into a Land Custom Station. China has already planned to connect Nathula with Lhasa through a rail link in next three years. This will help boost Sino Indian trade.
This region of our country is floating on oil and other sources of energy like natural gas and coal that need to be explored. Meghalaya has huge deposits of Uranium to meet our nuclear energy needs. Not to mention the money spinner tourist attractions of the region. These are only a few of the areas but there are many that can be added either by innovating on existing resources or exploring the new ones.
It is not only the material resource that can be outsourced from our country but spiritual resource as well. One of the topmost historians Arnold Toyabee, remarked, “It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a western beginning will have an Indian ending…. …Here we have the attitude and spirit that can make it possible for the human race to grow together into a single family…”
First step to identify potential of this region was formation of toothless North East Council in 1972. There after silver linings started becoming visible after the formation of DONeR by NDA government and up gradation of the same to a full fledged ministry by UPA government. But the region still lacks what it deserves to make strategic contribution to itself and the nation as a whole. There is a need to make a paradigm shift from intentions of rhetoric to attended actions.
There is a need to fire the ceasefire agreements with various outfits to make them lively and effective. There is a need to inculcate end to end commitment and accountability of resources and efforts towards various projects. There is a need to synergize the local thought towards explorationfor benefit of the people of this region. There is need for unified Gung Ho approach for vital leap of this region. Wish NeR receives the attention it deserves.
Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the author via email:jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in
OR post views on blog: jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com

ARM TO DISARM

ARM TO DISARM


The decision of Manipur Govt acceding to the demand of arming locals of Heirok & Lilong Chaging (District Thoubal) after indiscriminate killings of innocents during Yaoshang ( Holi) festival ( 24 Mar 08) is welcomed by some and opposed by some. Each party has its own justification. The outcome of physical arming of people is yet to be seen. There had been number of security forces with different names & aims but this region (NE India) is still seeing no end to violence. This is where the problem lies. The number & type of security forces may be increased and they may operate for a number of years. But in the end solution lies in the change of mindset of the people and that is the job not for SFs or guns but social activists, media and leaders. Is arming a right step or will this lead to something like Salwa Judum in Chattisgarh?
Logic of the people demanding arms is: one; it will enhance physical courage of unarmed people, two; this may lead to bringing peace in the area, three; although three not three rifles are not as sophisticated as AK rifles of UGs but it will reinforce the WILL of the people to fight against negative forces. People who have lost their kins are ready to fight even with whatever as a vengeful attitude. Additional social benefit is constructive employment of some of the youth (as SPOs) temporarily now but can be made permanent later on if required. Opponents argue: one; arms may be misused, two; it may lead to kind of a civil war, three; more important is resentment by frontal organizations of the outfits against empowering people.
Village Defence Committees (VDCs) have been raised in J&K since 1989. Some of these members have been armed to be part of J & K volunteer force (JKVF) since 2003. Members of JKVF are being paid Rs 2500/- per month and members of VDCs are paid Rs 1500/- per month. Now it is not only the bastion of males but women are also part of the volunteer force. It may be argued that JKVF members are also targeted but overall it is a successful model. It has reversed the trend of migration due to fear of militants. Kudos for this go to commitment of volunteers, their training, monitoring, cohesion of this force with SF and Government WILL of empowering people against injustice. Some of the able bodied and keen young men out of these have been successfully recruited in J & K police force.
Another successful experiment in J&K is raising of Home and Hearth (H&H) battalions through constructive employment of ex UGs. Probably this is the reason that Tarun Gogoi, CM of Assam is mooting the idea of similar force (one thousand strong) out of eight thousand or so surrendered ULFA cadres. But the author is of the view that the recruitment for the said battalion should be a mix of ex UGs and regular youth without discrimination but merit based.

Other model is Salwa Judum in Chhatisgarh that has become controversial for reasons well known to the students of politics. In tribal Gondi dialect it means peace movement that started in June 2005 in district Bastar to tackle naxalism. It has backing of the state government. But, has it resulted in peace or in a fertile ground of deprivations to be exploited for vote banks? Supreme Court of India has expressed disapproval of constitution of this force. The apex court bench headed by Justice RG Balakrishna wondered, “How can the state give arms to some people. The state will be abetting in a crime if these people kill others”.

In one of the camps (Drona) people from 50 neighbouring villages are staying as part of voluntary militia in Chhatisgarh. Sawam Ayitu, 45, an activist says,” though we are free to move around, we still feel like we are in a prison. We can not go back because naxalites will kill us”. Social life has been very badly disrupted. Villagers are fearful of sending their children to school, taking up government jobs etc. People are not sure of when they would get back to their lands from these temporary camps. A seventeen old says,” Jab Tak ye yudh chalega tab tak yahi rehna hoga (we will have to camp here till the war lasts)”. Can a better future be expected of such a movement that has created more fears and insecurities than feeling of freedom?

Out of the two models discussed above J&K model has proved successful. The reasons are not very far to seek. These are; right selection, training for disciplined use of fire arms, monitoring the activities/ progress, guidance, commitment of locals and WILL of the state government for implementation unlike in Chhatisgarh. Manipur is choosing the J&K model that is why a team had been sent to study the model. But the template needs to be realistically tailored to local conditions that may not be truly the same.

There is a need to change the mindset from vertical (straight jacket) thinking to lateral (innovative, creative, generative) thinking with insight of the problem. Napoleon had said, “Mind is to physical as three is to one”. Number and type of forces are immaterial and physical arming is no solution without psychological arming with fortified WILL. The will of the people has been firmly displayed at number of occasions (in Assam and Nagaland) when unarmed public has chased out the armed cadres for the sake of peace in the area. Physical arming is one step short of arming with strong WILL to rout out the militancy. But like water it has to flow from top (leaders) down to the masses (led). Once armed with the ultimate weapon, the doors to explore the hidden potential of progress in this region will open.


“Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.” Sir James Dewey



Geoffery
(Readers are can reach out to the author via email: jaey_geoffery
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INCREDIBLE NORTH EAST INDIA

INCREDIBLE NORTHEAST (NE) INDIA


“If India was the Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire, the remote NE of the Country is Hidden Jewel” said, Tony Howard, a prominent advisor to the British Empire. Anyone who comes to this part of the country will be forced to say that the quote by Tony Howard is perfect to the reality. NE India is the land of Blue Mountains, Green Valleys and Red River. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, this region is abundant in Natural Beauty, Wild life, Flora & Fauna, its simple, loving, straightforward and colorful people. A blend of all this makes it the most beautiful Eco Tourism, Geo Tourism and Adventure Tourism destination in South Asia. The tribal people who still retain their pristine touch offer unmatched hospitality. This is further strengthened by bed & breakfast scheme of the government. After reaching this Forgotten Frontier one is compelled to say “This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty extra generously that needs sincere exploration and adoration”.
Unexplored and untouched, this land promises to be great tourist discovery of 21st century. This region of India comprising of seven sisters constituting 9% land mass but 4% of population of the country. The theme Incredible India and Rural Tourism in NE India are emphasized to market tourism in India. Recently union secretary, Tourism Mr S Benerjee said the basic objective of rural tourism was to showcase the way of life in the villages. He promised that, a pilot project would also be launched to encourage rural tourism in this region. Government is convinced of the value of the tourist potential in NE and during the 10th plan Rs 319 Crores has been allocated for the infrastructure in the tourism sector of this region i.e almost double of that allotted in 2007-08. This region with inherent natural advantages can contribute towards a larger aim and also help the region achieve socio economic objectives. It has been seen that travel & tourism sector creates more jobs per million rupees of investment than any other sector of the economy and is capable of providing employment to a wide spectrum of job seekers from the unskilled to the specialized even in the remote parts of the country. This can largely engage youth in productive employment. It is a growth engine which can chug and cause progress, prosperity and development. But for this engine to chug a tourist needs to be given value for his money and safer destination.
For one foreign tourist, there are approx 100 domestic tourists in India. To encash this potential and ensure value for money of a tourist, inputs are being factored in this region i.e. (rail link up to Kohima, conversion of MG to BG) four lane high ways, cheaper air fare, more airlines in the fray, announcement of LTC facilities to all central government employees for NE region, and tremendous increase in allotment of funds by centre, less restriction on Inner Line permit (ILP) in this part of the country, establishment of three Institutes of Hotel Management in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh and one Food Craft Institute in Assam in 2007. The region has tremendous potential in hospitality industry. Of late there had been an increase in showcasing of festivities of this region in Delhi. Various states have also been organizing ethnic food festivals. Recently concluded plenary session of NEC has decided to launch dedicated airline for this region with 90% expenditure by the centre & 10% by Air Port Authority.
Now other part is the safer destination for a tourist. Everyone knows the negative effect on tourism of 9/11 attack on WTC in 2001. Similarly recent violence and bomb blast, killings of innocent railways laborers in South Assam, Killings of 15 Non locals on 17/18 Mar in Imphal East and Thoubal will have its impact. After some months of calm the ugly head of fratricidal killings have appeared once again in quick succession in Nagaland. In a span of one and half month i.e April till 17 May 08, approx 30 lives have been lost in the state as per government records. This is not just a figment of imagination but a bitter truth. Our streets and highways look like battlefield with Army, Paramilitary Forces, IRB and Police in full combat uniforms and armed to the teeth patrolling round the clock. The various vehicles are being taxed by the outfits at gunpoint and frisked by the security agencies inculcating both a sense of insecurity and loss of privacy. So, do we think a tourist whose mind is preoccupied with the news of bomb blast, fratricidal killing, killings of Hindi speaking people collection of taxes from tourist operators and staccato of rifle shots on highways would like to come and have a safer and relaxed holidays ? Do we think that mere allotment of funds and false assurance by State Govt. will give us the opportunity to reap the rich dividends of this growth oriented (Rural Tourism) sector, how so ever rosy a plan may be. Do we think that vested interests with self claimed aims are likely to head any where ignoring socio economic growth? Answer to this is a “CERTAIN NO”. The trend is visible in declining tourist traffic in this part of the country. Recently in West Bengal, an underground outfit has promised its assurance for safety of tourists visiting Darjeeling. Will the visitor feel more safe in the hands of an outfit or state authorities? We need to live not only for ourselves but leave a developed and progressive social heritage for our future generation too. Therefore, let the growth be in the region for a developed, productive, constructively engaged and peaceful society. Let the feeling of insecurity be removed from the minds of tourists who are willing to visit this forgotten frontier. Let the visitors spread the message of beauty and bonhomie of this region.

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