Will India go the Argentina way toward populist decline?

By Ajay Shah Suppose we go back to 1870 and envision future scenarios for four… more »

By Ajay Shah
Suppose we go back to 1870 and envision future scenarios for four interesting and promising countries.

Britain: The incumbent, the pioneer of the industrial revolution, home of Newton and Darwin, with a head start on building institutions, with sound economic policy and deep integration with a global empire.

Germany: The rising power of Europe, rapidly catching up with the frontier (and ahead of Britain in some fields). More centralisation of power, which perhaps gave an edge in certain things.

The US: A vast country blessed with a great constitution, inhabited by a colourful cast of characters drawn from the mavericks, misfits, nutcases and adventurers of Europe.

Argentina: A vast country with boundless prospects, sound policies after 1852, and tightly integrated into globalisation on both trade and capital.

You’re probably thinking: ‘Argentina?’ But in the middle of the 19th century, there were many people who thought that Argentina had better prospects than the US. From 1850 to 1930, Argentina did astonishingly well. In particular, from 1880 to 1905, GDP growth averaged 8% over 25 years, which was unheard of in those years.

With the benefit of hindsight, we know what happened. Argentina collapsed into illiberal populism (first into socialism/fascism (1930) and then into Peronism (1946)). Germany collapsed into nationalism and militarism. The US and the UK managed to build liberal democracies.

With this framing, let’s ask about how India and China will work out in coming decades.

Will India make it to good institutions, like the UK or the US? Or will India collapse into illiberal populism, much like Argentina did? All too often, the Indian elite tends to take good outcomes in the deep future for granted. I am not so sure and it is worth worrying about the foundations of liberal democracy and a market economy.

Given the weak foundations of liberal ideas in India, political freedom is not something to take for granted. Given the weak foundations of market economics in India, economic freedom is not something to take for granted. Argentina’s binge of welfare programmes and populism is uncomfortably close to the instincts of most Indian politicians.

Will China make it to good institutions, like the UK or the US? Or will China descend into nationalism and militarism, much like Germany did?

The story of Argentina and Germany, from 1870 to 1914, reminds us that what works in a country for a short time is often not enough to carry the country through to a happy ending. Germany did very well from 1870 to 1914 (a full 44 years). Argentina did very well from 1850 to 1930 (a full 80 years) of which 50 years had really high growth.

To many people, the sustained success that we have seen in India has generated complacence. We have started trusting in our governance DNA, thinking that it has delivered results after 1979 and particularly after 1993. This complacence hinders the process of identifying incipient problems, criticising the status quo, and changing course.

The fact that a economic/political recipe worked well for a few decades does not mean that this recipe will continue to deliver. For a country to work out in the long run, it has to constantly nurture the foundations of liberal democracy and the market economy, and repeatedly reinvent itself.

In the late 19th century, growth rates were low in absolute terms, other than outlandish episodes like Argentina (1880-1905). Germany was the star performer of Europe over 1870-1914, with GDP growth of 2.9%. The UK did just 1.9% in this period. At 2.9% growth, GDP doubles each 24 years. In other words, the economy and the political system need to be reinvented in each generation.

At 7% growth, in India, we are getting a doubling of GDP every decade. This requires a reinvention of the economy and the political system every decade. But India presents a stark contrast with what’s required: we have grossly failed on modifying laws, government agencies, policy frameworks and world views at a rapid pace.


Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/will-india-go-the-argentina-way-toward-populist-decline/

What do talks with terrorists mean with violence on and arms still held?

By Anil Bhat Shortly after media reports about China trying to unite North East terrorist… more »

By Anil Bhat
Shortly after media reports about China trying to unite North East terrorist groups and the entry of one in Assam to launch attacks around Independence Day, terrorists struck in Imphal.

On August 01, 2011, five persons including two girl students were killed and many were injured as a powerful bomb exploded at about 1.40 pm in front of a grocery shop and a barber`s shop, opposite Sangakpham Keithel (bazaar).

The two girls studying in Class III together at Chingmeirong Primary School  were returning home when the bomb exploded, flinging their  bodies, one of which was found inside the grocery store and the other’s in the barber shop, where the barber and his son were also killed. Another man’s body was found in front of the shop. The impact of the blast was so powerful that it ripped and charred human flesh, pulverised some vehicles and reduced the place to scattered debris.

While there are reports of this being a failed attempt by National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Nagalim-Issac – Muivah group (NSCN-IM) at targeting members of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) who are housed in a nearby guest house complex, Chief Minister Okram  Ibobi Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram are reported to have endorsed the same.

A press note from the state Home Department said, “Government of Manipur has received concrete and convincing evidence which establishes the direct involvement of NSCN-IM in the series of recent violent incidents which left several innocent civilians dead and many seriously injured in various parts.” According to the Home Department one Anthony, son of Bonkulung of Sadu Koireng killed in this blast was an active NSCN-IM cadre.

Apparently, the explosion occurred moments after some vehicles of ADC members went past the blast site. The government stated that these acts of terror are quite clearly designed to thwart the democratic process taken up be the government of Manipur to introduce democratic decentralization by successfully conducting elections to the six district councils which had remained dormant for over two decades.

It may be recalled that last year the, it was on the this issue that All Manipur Naga Students Union had caused a blockade of National Highway 39, Manipur’s main artery, which had extended to three months by Thuingaleng Muivah timing his visit his home town in Manipur after almost forty years.

Almost all the schools located in the valley districts of Manipur staged protest demonstrations and rallies decrying the Sangakpham bomb attack. On Tidim Road, thousands of school students took out a joint protest rally.

One group which has been most vocal is the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), which, while listing a number of violent incidents allegedly involving the NSCN -IM, including the recent bomb blast, accused both the Central and State Governments of being soft towards this rebel group. Contending that inaction against the NSCN (IM), inspite of its involvement in various incidents of violence clearly suggests indirect support of both the Governments to the NSCN-IM, AMUCO president KT Rahman demanded that effective measures be initiated to curb activities of the outfit in Manipur. Speaking to media he is reported to have stated that as the ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM does not cover Manipur, not only should the illegal activities of the NSCN (IM) need to be dealt with according to law but also all that its camps in the State should be shut-down.

He further  stated that the ongoing peace parleys between the NSCN (IM) and Govt of India have been reduced to a mockery as the NSCN-IM is still involved in acts of terrorism, highway extortion, destruction of public properties and intimidation. Mentioning the Sangakpham blast, killing of a couple in Lungphu village of Phungyar sub-division (Ukhrul) and slaying of security personnel of Phungyar AC MLA’s escort party as recent cases involving the terrorist group, he blamed the Govt of Manipur by recounting a particular incident when weapons seized by State security forces near Pallel were returned to the outfit along with its apprehended cadres.

Rahman, while asserting that terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Manipur should be measured by the same yardstick and  grimly noting failure of the Home Minister to visit Manipur and assess the overall situation following the Sangakpham blast, commented  that that such an attitude demonstrated the Govt of India’s step-motherly treatment to the people of Manipur.

Chronicling a number of attacks by NSCN-IM since at least April this year, the Home Department said that the state government is seriously considering taking up the matter with the Central government to revoke the ceasefire with NSCN-IM due to these continuous and open acts of terrorism being committed by it.

While violence by the number of Meitei terrorist groups in Manipur has been reported much since the arrest of United National Liberation Front’s boss-man, RK Meghen, many of its cadres earlier in Bangladesh and now in Burma/Myanmar are being rallied together by Chinese intelligence, there is no saying how and when they will strike again.

In Assam, as the pro talk faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)’s seven-member team of seasoned hit-men led by its ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa submitted the charter of demands prepared by the Sanmilito Jatiya Abhivartan (SJA) under the leadership of noted intellectual Dr Hiren Gohain, to Ministry of Home Affairs, their anti-talks colleague Paresh Baruah is all set to keep Assam on the boil yet again.

ULFA’s bid to strike came to light when the Assam Rifles apprehended hardcore ULFA leader Rwittick Hazarika in Sonitpur district bordering Arunachal Pradesh recently. He confessed before police that a group of harcore ULFA cadres have come down to Assam to strike at the instance of Paresh Baruah. Hazarika ‘second lieutenant’ in the ULFA’s 27 battalion, was arrest was a day after the Union Home Ministry’s advisory to Assam to step up security in view of the ULFA’s martyrs’ day on July 27.

The seven-member ULFA team met Home Minister P Chidambaram in the presence of Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Home Secretary R K Singh and other senior officials and the as reported in media quoting a source, “The meetings will give fresh impetus to the peace process in Assam as the charter of demands will be the basis of dialogue with the ULFA.”.

Although the contents of the charter have not been disclosed, as earlier reported, the SJA charter demands Constitutional amendments to give Assam, and thereby its people greater control over their own future by strengthening the State`s power to control the revenues generated, the natural resources, and the planning process and ensure a secure demographic situation as well as accelerated and balanced development. Gohain had earlier said, “If the government of India and the ULFA honour the Charter in letter and spirit and do not undersell it, we may look forward to untroubled peace, true development, and vigorous growth of democracy in the region.” SJA noted that the present calm does not at all mean the return of peace.

One aspect of the charter about ensuring a secure demographic situation, ironically stands greatly compromised, thanks to the ULFA, who during the stay of its top honchos in Bangladesh for almost two decades had actually aided and speeded up the illegal migration from Bangladesh, contradicting the very basis of its rise following the bloody Assam agitation of 1983.

This writer’s book Assam Terrorism and the Demographic Challenge (Knowledge World and Centre for Land Warfare Studies) elaborates on how ULFA became an effective tool of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence organisation’s set-up (based in Bangladesh during Kheleda Zia’s tenure), pursuing its aim of inducting and settling illegal Bangladeshi migrants in various parts of Assam; of raising new madrassas and controlling old ones; trying to convert ethnic Assamese Muslims to fundamentalism; creating communal tension; circulating fake Indian currency; trafficking arms and narcotics; sabotaging installations and generally spreading terror.

Talks with terrorists are fine but must meaningfully lead to permanent eradication of violence by the group and must be undertaken after securing all its weapons and ammunition.  In both the cases of NSCN-IM and ULFA that has not been done. Besides, both these groups have factions / leaders / members already guilty of anti-Indian activities and more expected, that too now with China’s support in addition to Pakistan military’s. Both these groups are also involved in supplying arms to Naxal-Maoists. In the case of talks with ULFA, if Anup Chetia is going to be handed over by Bangladesh as part of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government’s goodwill, then the Centre may consider waiting till Paresh Baruah is caught-he must be caught, interrogated and disarmed- and then hold talks purposefully.

Last but certainly not least, what about ULFA leaders/cadres guilty of heinous crimes against innocent people? If merely their ‘apologies’ are to be accepted and they overnight turn in good ‘mainstream’ citizens, then we might as well free all murderers in death-rows.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/what-do-talks-with-terrorists-mean-with-violence-on-and-arms-still-held/

What do talks with terrorists mean with violence on and arms still held?

By Anil Bhat Shortly after media reports about China trying to unite North East terrorist… more »

By Anil Bhat
Shortly after media reports about China trying to unite North East terrorist groups and the entry of one in Assam to launch attacks around Independence Day, terrorists struck in Imphal.

On August 01, 2011, five persons including two girl students were killed and many were injured as a powerful bomb exploded at about 1.40 pm in front of a grocery shop and a barber`s shop, opposite Sangakpham Keithel (bazaar).

The two girls studying in Class III together at Chingmeirong Primary School  were returning home when the bomb exploded, flinging their  bodies, one of which was found inside the grocery store and the other’s in the barber shop, where the barber and his son were also killed. Another man’s body was found in front of the shop. The impact of the blast was so powerful that it ripped and charred human flesh, pulverised some vehicles and reduced the place to scattered debris.

While there are reports of this being a failed attempt by National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Nagalim-Issac – Muivah group (NSCN-IM) at targeting members of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) who are housed in a nearby guest house complex, Chief Minister Okram  Ibobi Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram are reported to have endorsed the same.

A press note from the state Home Department said, “Government of Manipur has received concrete and convincing evidence which establishes the direct involvement of NSCN-IM in the series of recent violent incidents which left several innocent civilians dead and many seriously injured in various parts.” According to the Home Department one Anthony, son of Bonkulung of Sadu Koireng killed in this blast was an active NSCN-IM cadre.

Apparently, the explosion occurred moments after some vehicles of ADC members went past the blast site. The government stated that these acts of terror are quite clearly designed to thwart the democratic process taken up be the government of Manipur to introduce democratic decentralization by successfully conducting elections to the six district councils which had remained dormant for over two decades.

It may be recalled that last year the, it was on the this issue that All Manipur Naga Students Union had caused a blockade of National Highway 39, Manipur’s main artery, which had extended to three months by Thuingaleng Muivah timing his visit his home town in Manipur after almost forty years.

Almost all the schools located in the valley districts of Manipur staged protest demonstrations and rallies decrying the Sangakpham bomb attack. On Tidim Road, thousands of school students took out a joint protest rally.

One group which has been most vocal is the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), which, while listing a number of violent incidents allegedly involving the NSCN -IM, including the recent bomb blast, accused both the Central and State Governments of being soft towards this rebel group. Contending that inaction against the NSCN (IM), inspite of its involvement in various incidents of violence clearly suggests indirect support of both the Governments to the NSCN-IM, AMUCO president KT Rahman demanded that effective measures be initiated to curb activities of the outfit in Manipur. Speaking to media he is reported to have stated that as the ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM does not cover Manipur, not only should the illegal activities of the NSCN (IM) need to be dealt with according to law but also all that its camps in the State should be shut-down.

He further  stated that the ongoing peace parleys between the NSCN (IM) and Govt of India have been reduced to a mockery as the NSCN-IM is still involved in acts of terrorism, highway extortion, destruction of public properties and intimidation. Mentioning the Sangakpham blast, killing of a couple in Lungphu village of Phungyar sub-division (Ukhrul) and slaying of security personnel of Phungyar AC MLA’s escort party as recent cases involving the terrorist group, he blamed the Govt of Manipur by recounting a particular incident when weapons seized by State security forces near Pallel were returned to the outfit along with its apprehended cadres.

Rahman, while asserting that terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Manipur should be measured by the same yardstick and  grimly noting failure of the Home Minister to visit Manipur and assess the overall situation following the Sangakpham blast, commented  that that such an attitude demonstrated the Govt of India’s step-motherly treatment to the people of Manipur.

Chronicling a number of attacks by NSCN-IM since at least April this year, the Home Department said that the state government is seriously considering taking up the matter with the Central government to revoke the ceasefire with NSCN-IM due to these continuous and open acts of terrorism being committed by it.

While violence by the number of Meitei terrorist groups in Manipur has been reported much since the arrest of United National Liberation Front’s boss-man, RK Meghen, many of its cadres earlier in Bangladesh and now in Burma/Myanmar are being rallied together by Chinese intelligence, there is no saying how and when they will strike again.

In Assam, as the pro talk faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)’s seven-member team of seasoned hit-men led by its ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa submitted the charter of demands prepared by the Sanmilito Jatiya Abhivartan (SJA) under the leadership of noted intellectual Dr Hiren Gohain, to Ministry of Home Affairs, their anti-talks colleague Paresh Baruah is all set to keep Assam on the boil yet again.

ULFA’s bid to strike came to light when the Assam Rifles apprehended hardcore ULFA leader Rwittick Hazarika in Sonitpur district bordering Arunachal Pradesh recently. He confessed before police that a group of harcore ULFA cadres have come down to Assam to strike at the instance of Paresh Baruah. Hazarika ‘second lieutenant’ in the ULFA’s 27 battalion, was arrest was a day after the Union Home Ministry’s advisory to Assam to step up security in view of the ULFA’s martyrs’ day on July 27.

The seven-member ULFA team met Home Minister P Chidambaram in the presence of Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Home Secretary R K Singh and other senior officials and the as reported in media quoting a source, “The meetings will give fresh impetus to the peace process in Assam as the charter of demands will be the basis of dialogue with the ULFA.”.

Although the contents of the charter have not been disclosed, as earlier reported, the SJA charter demands Constitutional amendments to give Assam, and thereby its people greater control over their own future by strengthening the State`s power to control the revenues generated, the natural resources, and the planning process and ensure a secure demographic situation as well as accelerated and balanced development. Gohain had earlier said, “If the government of India and the ULFA honour the Charter in letter and spirit and do not undersell it, we may look forward to untroubled peace, true development, and vigorous growth of democracy in the region.” SJA noted that the present calm does not at all mean the return of peace.

One aspect of the charter about ensuring a secure demographic situation, ironically stands greatly compromised, thanks to the ULFA, who during the stay of its top honchos in Bangladesh for almost two decades had actually aided and speeded up the illegal migration from Bangladesh, contradicting the very basis of its rise following the bloody Assam agitation of 1983.

This writer’s book Assam Terrorism and the Demographic Challenge (Knowledge World and Centre for Land Warfare Studies) elaborates on how ULFA became an effective tool of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence organisation’s set-up (based in Bangladesh during Kheleda Zia’s tenure), pursuing its aim of inducting and settling illegal Bangladeshi migrants in various parts of Assam; of raising new madrassas and controlling old ones; trying to convert ethnic Assamese Muslims to fundamentalism; creating communal tension; circulating fake Indian currency; trafficking arms and narcotics; sabotaging installations and generally spreading terror.

Talks with terrorists are fine but must meaningfully lead to permanent eradication of violence by the group and must be undertaken after securing all its weapons and ammunition.  In both the cases of NSCN-IM and ULFA that has not been done. Besides, both these groups have factions / leaders / members already guilty of anti-Indian activities and more expected, that too now with China’s support in addition to Pakistan military’s. Both these groups are also involved in supplying arms to Naxal-Maoists. In the case of talks with ULFA, if Anup Chetia is going to be handed over by Bangladesh as part of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government’s goodwill, then the Centre may consider waiting till Paresh Baruah is caught-he must be caught, interrogated and disarmed- and then hold talks purposefully.

Last but certainly not least, what about ULFA leaders/cadres guilty of heinous crimes against innocent people? If merely their ‘apologies’ are to be accepted and they overnight turn in good ‘mainstream’ citizens, then we might as well free all murderers in death-rows.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/what-do-talks-with-terrorists-mean-with-violence-on-and-arms-still-held/

The marines urination video doesn`t show the real war crime

The urination video does not shock me so much as the public’s tolerance of these… more »

The urination video does not shock me so much as the public’s tolerance of these immoral wars that make criminals of marines
By Ross Caputi (guardian.co.uk)
The video of US marines urinating on Afghan corpses does not shock me. Though their behavior is disgusting and unacceptable, I find the public’s reaction to this video far more troubling. People are not outraged that there are dead Afghans; they are outraged at the manner in which the dead are treated. This is indicative of our culture’s tolerance for war and war crimes – as long as they are done in a gentlemanly fashion.

During the second siege of Fallujah, blatant war crimes were committed, yet the corporate media reported them with indifference. The siege itself was a war crime, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross Summary of International Law, because indiscriminate tactics were used, constant care was not taken to protect the civilian population, proper distinction between civilians and combatants was not made, medical personnel and medical units were not protected, indiscriminate weapons were used, and recent research about the current health crisis in Fallujah suggests that poisonous weapons may have been used as well.

Many of these war crimes were reported by the corporate media, though they were not described as such. For example, the New York Times reported on 8 November 2004 that American forces “seized” the Fallujah general hospital. An incident that I witnessed, as did Paul Wood and Robbie Wright from the BBC, was when my unit fired grenades into a house until it collapsed – with full knowledge that there were two resistance fighters and a young boy (roughly 10 years old) inside. Paul Wood interviewed the lieutenant at the scene, and he acknowledged that they had killed the young boy. In both of these reports, war crimes and Geneva Conventions were never mentioned, and the façade of honorable conduct was preserved.

What did not make it into the news was my behavior in Fallujah and the behavior of others in my unit, which I am certain would have elicited outrage equal to that elicited by this video of the urinating marines. I believe that the second siege of Fallujah can correctly be characterised as an “atrocity-producing situation”. Our false beliefs about who we were fighting, our dehumanisation of Fallujans, our desire to “see combat” (a cute euphemism) and to get a confirmed kill, and our longing for revenge for lost comrades against a faceless enemy all conspired to create a bloodthirsty and lawless atmosphere.

I witnessed marines stealing from the pockets of dead resistance fighters and looting houses. I’ve heard firsthand accounts of marines mutilating dead bodies, of a marine who murdered a civilian, and of a marine who slit a puppy’s throat. As the days of the siege passed, we used increasingly indiscriminate and illegal tactics – like “reconnaissance by fire”, which is when you fire into a house to see if anyone is inside. The violence, the hate and our distorted sense of morality made many of us sick, including myself. I stole a black ski mask out of someone’s home, because I wanted to take it home as a trophy, as evidence that I had fought against the “terrorists”.

My behavior and the behavior of others in my unit was despicable, as was the behavior of these marines urinating on corpses. But we shouldn’t let ourselves be fooled that an immoral mission and immoral war could ever be conducted in an honorable manner. War crimes were implicit in the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and they are abundant in the continued occupation of Afghanistan.

Yet, many of us choose not to see these war crimes, even though they are right in front of our faces. Only when a shocking YouTube video comes along, do we choose to look. And even then, what we see is the urinating, not the dead bodies.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/the-marines-urination-video-doesnt-show-the-real-war-crime/

The marines urination video doesn`t show the real war crime

The urination video does not shock me so much as the public’s tolerance of these… more »

The urination video does not shock me so much as the public’s tolerance of these immoral wars that make criminals of marines
By Ross Caputi (guardian.co.uk)
The video of US marines urinating on Afghan corpses does not shock me. Though their behavior is disgusting and unacceptable, I find the public’s reaction to this video far more troubling. People are not outraged that there are dead Afghans; they are outraged at the manner in which the dead are treated. This is indicative of our culture’s tolerance for war and war crimes – as long as they are done in a gentlemanly fashion.

During the second siege of Fallujah, blatant war crimes were committed, yet the corporate media reported them with indifference. The siege itself was a war crime, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross Summary of International Law, because indiscriminate tactics were used, constant care was not taken to protect the civilian population, proper distinction between civilians and combatants was not made, medical personnel and medical units were not protected, indiscriminate weapons were used, and recent research about the current health crisis in Fallujah suggests that poisonous weapons may have been used as well.

Many of these war crimes were reported by the corporate media, though they were not described as such. For example, the New York Times reported on 8 November 2004 that American forces “seized” the Fallujah general hospital. An incident that I witnessed, as did Paul Wood and Robbie Wright from the BBC, was when my unit fired grenades into a house until it collapsed – with full knowledge that there were two resistance fighters and a young boy (roughly 10 years old) inside. Paul Wood interviewed the lieutenant at the scene, and he acknowledged that they had killed the young boy. In both of these reports, war crimes and Geneva Conventions were never mentioned, and the façade of honorable conduct was preserved.

What did not make it into the news was my behavior in Fallujah and the behavior of others in my unit, which I am certain would have elicited outrage equal to that elicited by this video of the urinating marines. I believe that the second siege of Fallujah can correctly be characterised as an “atrocity-producing situation”. Our false beliefs about who we were fighting, our dehumanisation of Fallujans, our desire to “see combat” (a cute euphemism) and to get a confirmed kill, and our longing for revenge for lost comrades against a faceless enemy all conspired to create a bloodthirsty and lawless atmosphere.

I witnessed marines stealing from the pockets of dead resistance fighters and looting houses. I’ve heard firsthand accounts of marines mutilating dead bodies, of a marine who murdered a civilian, and of a marine who slit a puppy’s throat. As the days of the siege passed, we used increasingly indiscriminate and illegal tactics – like “reconnaissance by fire”, which is when you fire into a house to see if anyone is inside. The violence, the hate and our distorted sense of morality made many of us sick, including myself. I stole a black ski mask out of someone’s home, because I wanted to take it home as a trophy, as evidence that I had fought against the “terrorists”.

My behavior and the behavior of others in my unit was despicable, as was the behavior of these marines urinating on corpses. But we shouldn’t let ourselves be fooled that an immoral mission and immoral war could ever be conducted in an honorable manner. War crimes were implicit in the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and they are abundant in the continued occupation of Afghanistan.

Yet, many of us choose not to see these war crimes, even though they are right in front of our faces. Only when a shocking YouTube video comes along, do we choose to look. And even then, what we see is the urinating, not the dead bodies.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/the-marines-urination-video-doesnt-show-the-real-war-crime/

The election no one watches – Indian Express

Indian ExpressThe election no one watchesIndian ExpressAmidst a range of verdant mountains and swirling whitewashed mist stands the village of Mao in Manipur's northernmost Senapati district. Commonly known as Mao Gate, it's the entry point to …


Indian Express

The election no one watches
Indian Express
Amidst a range of verdant mountains and swirling whitewashed mist stands the village of Mao in Manipur's northernmost Senapati district. Commonly known as Mao Gate, it's the entry point to the higher and colder terrain of Nagaland and a far cry from

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGbFDFhTdG_6Ph2UkvutbPCNBNKBg&url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-election-no-one-watches/899717/

Manipur Polls: Militants Attack Congressmen – Outlook

Manipur Polls: Militants Attack CongressmenOutlookPTI | Imphal | Jan 14, 2012 The attack on Congressmen by militants in poll-bound Manipur continued today with three bombs and grenades were targetted at them in two districts, but none was injured. Unid…

Manipur Polls: Militants Attack Congressmen
Outlook
PTI | Imphal | Jan 14, 2012 The attack on Congressmen by militants in poll-bound Manipur continued today with three bombs and grenades were targetted at them in two districts, but none was injured. Unidentified militants exploded a grenade at the gate
Militants continue attacks on CongmenIBNLive.com

all 3 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEVhE54x9cL8Bn11j6-km1YHjL2cw&url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?747710

My Republic, My View

By Ravi Nitesh MY REPUBLIC , MY VIEW “Where the mind is without fear and… more »

By Ravi Nitesh

MY REPUBLIC , MY VIEW

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high” – Rabindranath Tagore (Noble laurate)

As far as freedom is concerned, it can be defined in many ways and with many views. One may relate it with economical progress and self decision or determination, one may relate it with laws and constitution, one may relate it with right to live with certain rights and enjoying freedom etc etc. However, after so many thoughts, it is all about a safe and standard living, for a common man.

Freedom is like air, you need it and you feel it, but you cannot see it everywhere in physical form. It is more than any of your emotion; it comes from heart and mind. It is not only the relation of a citizen to his/her country instead it is the relation of citizen with his/her government , society and its own conscious; it is the relation of a citizen with another citizen.

Freedom is breathing of any democracy, it requires in all parts of governance at all levels.

At the time, when India is going to celebrate its republic day (on 26th January), programs are being organized everywhere and will be continued for some days. People are decorating dash boards of their cars with Indian flags, sold by street children, who used to sell it on red lights of the road. At the same time, there are the families of farmers  who are mourning over the deaths of their bread earner. At the same time, when multinational companies are trying capturing the land of innocent tribal’s and poor’s of this republic. At the same time, when still people are bound to protest for getting electricity and roads and get killed. At the same time, when states like Manipur of this republic posses security personal to civilian ratio higher than military ruled Myanmar. At the time , when J&K, the state with muslim majority  in this republic is living under fear. At the same time, when more than sixty percent children of this republic are suffering from malnutrition. At the time, when corruption has been spread its roots everywhere and millions of cases are still pending in Indian courts.

The achievements of this republic reflect in reputation, election/selection and the public image of pillars of democracy. Legislative & Executive are already facing protests from the side of public.  At the time of policy execution for public safety the friendly police and security forces have become the prime accused for making the public unsafe.

People see the celebrations from government offices, they become witnessed the speeches of their representatives, and they will again hear all false promises. All will become engaged again in their routine, and will forget the vision of republic of their dream.

All the policies and execution will be there in words and papers, but if the problems will not be resolved, it will remain just as a formal celebration.

Real freedom is still away, away from the heart and mind of people. Inequality is continuously increasing. People are still divided and not enjoying the uniform freedom. There is a struggle between the India, which is enjoying the freedom and the other India, which is still deprived and in search of freedom. If the government will take ground based initiatives with real participation of public, rather than its airy promises, probably the day will come, when the republic will not just be a formal word to celebrate, instead it will become a real public festival, a festival which will be celebrated by everyone and everyday through their heart and mind.

On behalf of my fellow citizens

© The article is copyright to Ravi Nitesh

Support SAVE SHARMILA CAMPAIGN

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/my-republic-my-view/

Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-C) – application deadline: Feb 3, 2012

Scientists Scheme PATENT FACILITATING CENTRE – New Delhi, Delhi TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION, FORECASTING AND ASSESSMENT COUNCIL… more »

Scientists Scheme

PATENT FACILITATING CENTRE – New Delhi, Delhi
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION, FORECASTING AND ASSESSMENT COUNCIL (TIFAC) DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (DST), GOVT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI

Call for Online applications for the 7th Batch of Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-C) for One Year Training on IPR

Selection & Training Procedure: Selection will be through an all India written examination and interview. Training will include one to two months of intensive orientation programme on IPR at New Delhi. The candidates will be placed as interns in and around the Coordination Centres at Delhi, Pune, Chennai, and Kharagpur for hands-on-training.

Stipend: Rs.12,500/-p.m. for MSc/ BTech/ MBBS/ BPharma or equivalent and Rs.17,500/-p.m.for PhD/MTech/MD/ MPharma or equivalent.

Eligibility Criteria: 1) Women with Indian Nationality; 2) Should not be more than 50 years of age as on 01.01.2012; 3) Should be familiar with handling computerized databases, information collection, collation & analysis and report preparation; and 4) Should have atleast Masters of Science/Doctorate in Science or Bachelors/Masters degree in engineering/technology preferably in the following subject areas:

Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Drugs, Food & Pharma: 30

Computers & Information Technology: 25

Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation & Biomedical Engineering: 25

Life Sciences & Biotechnology: 20

Mechanical, Production & Industrial Engineering: 20

How to Apply : i) Applications should be submitted only through online mode by visiting websites www.dst.gov.in/ www.tifac.org.in / www.pfc.org.in; ii) Applications received in any other form will not be eligible for consideration; iii) Please read detailed instructions carefully before applying online.

Note: All candidates who had applied earlier w.r.t Advertisement dated November 20, 2010 w.r.t 7th batch may please note that those applications are not /no more valid. Who wish to consider their applications for 7th batch shall have to apply afresh online only.

Last Date for Online Submissions: February 3, 2012

This announcement was sent to KanglaOnline by Chaoba Phuritsabam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/women-scientists-scheme-wos-c-application-deadline-feb-3-2012/

CorCom releases list of Cong workers, police seize document

IMPHAL, January 14: Coming out strongly against congress workers, the CorCom have listed several names… more »

The Imphal West CDOs conducting search operationS in connection with the forth-coming general election at Thangal Bazar area.

IMPHAL, January 14: Coming out strongly against congress workers, the CorCom have listed several names which encompasses three assembly constituencies of the state,i.e. Thoubal a/c, Sugnu a/c and Heingang a/c.

A press release by CorCom detailing the credentials of the Congress workers of the three constituencies, 192 workers of Thoubal which is the Chief Minister O Ibobi’s constituency,138 of Heingang which is of minister N Biren Singh and 50 persons from Sugnu of works minister K Ranjit Singh was released to the press for publication.

However, policer got the wind of it and a team of policement visited newspaper offices the press to prevent the publication of the list.

The IFP’s copy of the press release was also seized by the policemen.

The said police team also intimated that the list of Congress candidates have been confiscated from other media houses and should not be published as it would amount to a breach of law.

It may be recalled the CorCom swore to dislodge the Congress from state power and has been doing everything to prevent Congress candidates from campaigning.

It had also issued stern warning yesterday that it would even award capital punishment to Congress workers who do not heed the committee’s warning.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/corcom-releases-list-of-cong-workers-police-seize-document/

Manipur Polls: 278 candidates in contention for 60 seats – All India Radio

All India RadioManipur Polls: 278 candidates in contention for 60 seatsAll India RadioIn Manipur, 278 candidates are left in the fray for the 60-member state assembly elections, which have been scheduled on the 28th of this month. Congress has fielded …


All India Radio

Manipur Polls: 278 candidates in contention for 60 seats
All India Radio
In Manipur, 278 candidates are left in the fray for the 60-member state assembly elections, which have been scheduled on the 28th of this month. Congress has fielded its candidates in all the 60 seats, while Trinamool Congress has fielded in 48 seats.
Manipur polls : Women lead charge for ChangeMorungExpress
CorCom blames Cong for Manipur situation, re-iterates warningE-Pao.net
291 candidates in Manipur pollsAssam Tribune
Hindustan Times –Outlook –Times of India
all 39 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEJgfJbBU0iLE6t3lnuxfWg8g4WVg&url=http://www.newsonair.com/news.asp?cat=state&id=ST8466

Five Kuki militants arrested in Manipur – All India Radio

Five Kuki militants arrested in ManipurAll India RadioIn Manipur, Assam Rifles nabbed five cadres of the Kuki militant outfit KRA at Saikul in Churachandpur district on Friday. The militants ventured away from their designated camps violating the Suspe…

Five Kuki militants arrested in Manipur
All India Radio
In Manipur, Assam Rifles nabbed five cadres of the Kuki militant outfit KRA at Saikul in Churachandpur district on Friday. The militants ventured away from their designated camps violating the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFUU6jeBs3MI7_JmnfsAfUtxm0P8Q&url=http://www.newsonair.com/news.asp?cat=state&id=ST8461

Four injured in poll-related clash in Manipur – Zee News

Four injured in poll-related clash in ManipurZee NewsImphal: At least four persons were injured in poll-related clash in interior Thoubal district of Manipur, official reports said on Saturday. Some persons who were campaigning for a particular candida…

Four injured in poll-related clash in Manipur
Zee News
Imphal: At least four persons were injured in poll-related clash in interior Thoubal district of Manipur, official reports said on Saturday. Some persons who were campaigning for a particular candidate for the upcoming January 28 Manipur Assembly polls

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGcCUbZvrXyiI5RU0cTJDeSyWh-Ug&url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/manipur-polls/four-injured-in-poll-related-clash-in-manipur_752577.html

Suspected militant killed in encounter in Manipur – Zee News

Suspected militant killed in encounter in ManipurZee NewsImphal: A suspected militant was killed in an encounter with a combined force of police commandos and 30th Assam Rifles personnel in Imphal West district, police sources said on Saturday. The for…

Suspected militant killed in encounter in Manipur
Zee News
Imphal: A suspected militant was killed in an encounter with a combined force of police commandos and 30th Assam Rifles personnel in Imphal West district, police sources said on Saturday. The forces, after receiving reports that some militants were
Controversy surfaces as SFs kill three in ManipurNagaland Post

all 7 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEU4I3qyCz7djR-clResNCtFq_kKA&url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/north-east/suspected-militant-killed-in-encounter-in-manipur_752570.html

NIA arrests 3 top Manipur UNLF insurgents – Expressindia.com

NIA arrests 3 top Manipur UNLF insurgentsExpressindia.comNew Delhi The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three members of Manipur based insurgent group United National Liberation Front (UNLF) on charges of abetting terrorism and fanning …

NIA arrests 3 top Manipur UNLF insurgents
Expressindia.com
New Delhi The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three members of Manipur based insurgent group United National Liberation Front (UNLF) on charges of abetting terrorism and fanning insurgency with financial help.

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEMWb1vJ49PDvjVpWd48Uai3WsBoQ&url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/NIA-arrests-3-top-Manipur-UNLF-insurgents/899324/

Child Scientist Award for CC student

Th Raghunath, a class XII science student of CC Higher Secondary School, Imphal has been conferred with Child Scientist Award during the National Children Science Congress which was held as a part of 99th Indian Science Congress at Kalinga Institute of…

Th Raghunath, a class XII science student of CC Higher Secondary School, Imphal has been conferred with Child Scientist Award during the National Children Science Congress which was held as a part of 99th Indian Science Congress at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences KISS University, Bhubhaneswar from January 3 to 7 Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=22&src=140112

Prosecution axe hangs over 21 networking sites

Google, Facebook and 19 other social networking sites faced legal action for offences of promoting enmity between classes after the Government granted sanction to prosecute them Source The Sangai Express Press Trust of India

Google, Facebook and 19 other social networking sites faced legal action for offences of promoting enmity between classes after the Government granted sanction to prosecute them Source The Sangai Express Press Trust of India

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=11&src=140112

16 women candidates in fray

As many as 16 women candidates are contesting from 14 A Cs for the Manipur’s 60 member Legislative Assembly elections slated for January 28, the first time in the political history of the State to participate by women in election fray in such a large …

As many as 16 women candidates are contesting from 14 A Cs for the Manipur’s 60 member Legislative Assembly elections slated for January 28, the first time in the political history of the State to participate by women in election fray in such a large number Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=20&src=140112

Mega medical camp

The 27 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector organised a multi speciality medical cum dental camp at Serou in Thoubal district on January 12 wherein various specialists, laboratory facilities for testing blood sugar, haemoglobin, ECG, as well as ELISA test for HIV …

The 27 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector organised a multi speciality medical cum dental camp at Serou in Thoubal district on January 12 wherein various specialists, laboratory facilities for testing blood sugar, haemoglobin, ECG, as well as ELISA test for HIV infection were provided Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=10&src=140112

SSA free school bags selling at market shop in Tamenglong

School bags meant for poorest of the poor students in government run school under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was found selling on the open market shop in Tamenglong Source Hueiyen News Service

School bags meant for poorest of the poor students in government run school under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was found selling on the open market shop in Tamenglong Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=18&src=140112