NorthEast – Manipur News

No exploration of oil & gas in Naga territories, says NSCN (I-M)

“The 600 tonnes of oil and natural gas reserves is a blessed wealth of the Nagas and no authority will be given the liberty to exploit so as long as the government of India continues to handle the Naga political issue with flattering and betraying fashion”, says NSCN (I-M). By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent […]

The post No exploration of oil & gas in Naga territories, says NSCN (I-M) first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent

National Socialist Council of Nagalim or the NSCN (I-M) on Wednesday has said that there should be no exploitation of oil and natural gas in Naga territories till an honourable “political settlement” is arrived at with the government of India (GoI).
MIP, NSCN/GPRN, while concerned about the “exploration” in a press statement said that ever since Nagaland got its statehood in the year 1963, the government of India has been casting “covetous eyes” on Naga wealth as the state is endowed with variety of mineral deposits, particularly petroleum.
However, the the “sticking point” was the unresolved political issue that is still “hanging in fire” in the negotiating table for almost two decades (25 years), said NSCN (I-M).
In this regard, the outfit stated that over two decades back, it had issued a standing order that no mineral wealth in Naga areas would be allowed for exploration and extraction till the political settlement is arrived at.
For this, the NSCN (I-M) said same order is still “valid” and therefore “no amount of justification in the name of mobilizing financial resources for development would stand “ride roughshod” over the “inalienable” Naga People’s right over their land resources.
Ironically, the NSCN (I-M) that the oil issue has come at the time when the government of India was showing its “sincerity and commitment” to respect the historical and political rights of the Naga people as enshrined in the “historic” framework agreement of August 3, 2015, and pulling the ” Indo-Naga” political talks for more than 25 years on “filmsy” ground of negotiating on the “non-negotiable” issue of the Naga National Flag and Constitution.
While affirming that for over 70 years,the Nagas have stood the test of time to defend the God given rights, the NSCN (I-M) also mentioned that “no wonder the huge mineral wealth is a reflection of God’s gift for the Naga nation”, and the 600 tonnes of oil and natural gas reserves is a blessed wealth of the Nagas and no authority will be given the liberty to exploit so as long as the government of India continues to handle the Naga political issue with flattering and betraying fashion.
It also went on to add that as much as the government of India attached huge economic significance to the mineral wealth particularly oil and natural gas of Nagaland, the same degree of political commitment should be demonstrated in a meaningful and credible manner as demanded by the ongoing “Indo-Naga” political talks.
“Nagas would not like to stand out as a laughing stock before the world when the Naga political issue after signing the Framework agreement in 2015 is still made to look like a strange shambling figure” added the NSCN (I-M).
It also further said that what belongs to the Naga people would not be allowed to be subjugated like one finds it during era of colonialism.
Mentioning that “priority” has to be set in correct perspective, the NSCN (I-M) further said that until an honourable political settlement between the Nagas and the government of India is reached, no exploration of oil and natural gas in Naga territories in any form shall be allowed.

The post No exploration of oil & gas in Naga territories, says NSCN (I-M) first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

Ramdev to launch Jeans products,eyes markets in Northeast India

Baba Ramdev is now eyeing Northeast as a potential market for his latest brand as well as Nepal.No Baba Ramdev ,this time around is not launching an ayurvedic product but Jeans and other office wear. Already in the Noodle market after a temporary ban on Maggi Baba Ramdev has made inroads in the Ramen sector […]

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Surrendered militants to receive schemes: Centre

NEW DELHI, May 7: Central Government is implementing a scheme in the northeast for surrender-cum-rehabilitation of militants.
The post Surrendered militants to receive schemes: Centre appeared first on The Sangai Express.

NEW DELHI, May 7: Central Government is implementing a scheme in the northeast for surrender-cum-rehabilitation of militants.

The post Surrendered militants to receive schemes: Centre appeared first on The Sangai Express.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/surrendered-militants-receive-schemes-centre/

Deepening Diversity and Democracy in India

Deepening Diversity and Democracy in India: Working Towards Addressing Racial Discrimination & Call for an Anti-Racial Law Delhi, 23 March 2016 – Control Arms Foundation of India in partnership with Multiple Action Research Group (MARG), Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace and NEIFAR commemorated the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination under

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/03/deepening-diversity-and-democracy-in-india/

North East sings a song and takes Delhi along

New Delhi, 19 October 2015: The capital city of New Delhi came alive with the beautiful colours of the Northeast region of India over the past three days, as the

New Delhi, 19 October 2015: The capital city of New Delhi came alive with the beautiful colours of the Northeast region of India over the past three days, as the North East Festival was held at IGNCA from 16^th to 18^th October, 2015. The 3^rdedition of the festival, which was bigger and better than before with some special additions, saw a footfall of over 3 lakh people, who thronged the festival for a first-hand experience the very best that the North East has to offer.

Apart from showcasing the entire gamut of North East’s culture, cuisines, handicrafts, music et al, promoting and boosting tourism in region was the key focus of this year’s edition of the North East Festival. Special sessions with high level dignitaries were also held to discuss the strategic importance of the North East region and the Look East Policy.

The “North East Festival”, has become a brand which is synonymous with the unification of the various stakeholders of North East under one dynamic platform. North East Festival is organised by the reputed socio-cultural trust, Trend MMS, in association with IGNCA.

Mr Arvind Kerjriwal, CM Of Delhi appreciated the initiative of North East Festival and promised support for the extensive marketing throughout Delhi to promote the concept. He assured the North East community people in Delhi full security and support.

During all the 3 days of the Northeast Festival, cultural events, folk dance forms put on a spectacular show all through the festival. Delectable cuisines from the entire region drew visitors from and outside North East. Music, dance, fashion, food, exhibition of art, photography, cartoon,traditional sports, film, discussions and much more was at display in the three day Festival. With support of Delhi Tourism many foreign tourists came to visit North East Festival and taken part in various activities. Around 50 artisans/weavers/textile entrepreneur of NER showcased their unique designs and participated in Buyers Sellers interaction.

Few serious discussion sessions were organized. One on Potential for Food Processing sector in the NER was organized by FINER with support from MoFPI, Govt of India, One session on Tourism B2B wherein tour operators, hoteliers, top officials of Govt, Ad flim makers from Mumbai etc interacted with North East Stakeholders. One session on design improvement of the textile weavers were organized and a B2B session on textiles were also organized. A seminar on India’s Strategic importance and Act East Policy was attended by Mr. Ram Madhav, Mr. Ravi Capoor, JS, Ministry of Commerce, Mr. AM Singh, JS, DoNER, top intellectuals of the region, North East leaders.

The festival saw an unprecedented line-up of established and upcoming talents music, culture and fashion. Around 40 bands performed, and the top designers and gen-next designers from North East showcased their creations. Painting, Photography, Cartoon Exhibition, Live sketch, handloom-handicrafts of the region proved to be great draw among the audience.

Musicians took centrestage in the evenings with some amazing performances – Zubeen Garg, ?Lou Majaw, Boomarang, Purple Fusion, Abiogenesis, Traffic Jam, SKD, ?Parikrama,The Local Train, Girish & The Chronicles?,?Anaya Brahma, et al enthralled crowds.

Dazzling fashion shows saw models walk the ramp in stunning outfits from the region, around 20 designers participated in the show.

The last day of the evening was dedicated to Majuli and a short audio visual presentation showcased Majuli’s heritage, resources and the growing concerns of erosion. Singer Zubeen Garg while presenting spoke about the need of national media attention to protect Majuli.

North East Festival Football Competition was organized at Jawharlal Nehru Stadium wherein top football team of North East participated with well known colleges of NCR. Venketaswara College became eventual Champion beating Hornbill Club.

Speaking about this year’s edition, Shyamkanu Mahanta, Organiser in Chief, North East Festival informed that this year North East Festival’s focus of handicraft and tourism. Extensive coverage in national media would help in creating positive perception for the region. Substantial Delhi population came and appreciated the various facets of NER and we have made some progress in building bridges.

More Images:

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/north-east-sings-a-song-and-takes-delhi-along/

ON THE QUESTION OF THE ALIENATION OF THE NORTHE EAST AND THE PROBLEMS

Interview by Bhoopesh, Associate Editor, the Tehelka Weekly, New Delhi. Respondent: Dr. Malem Ningthouja, the Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur). 10th June 2015 1 After more than

Interview by Bhoopesh, Associate Editor, the Tehelka Weekly, New Delhi.

Respondent: Dr. Malem Ningthouja, the Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur).

10^th June 2015

1 After more than 60 years, there seems to be a feeling of alienation for the North East? What do you think the reason for this? How the Indian mainland’s attitude has contributed to this?

(a) Experts say that the Indian neo-liberal political economy system functions through perpetuation of caste, tribe, communal and racial differences, consciousness and corresponding sectarian assertions at various levels. In this scenario, certain sections of the ‘mongoloids’ in the Northeast, for various historical reasons, identified themselves with differently imagined ‘nations’. They perceive that their respective ‘nation’ have been racially discriminated, subjugated and oppressed by the Indians whom they depicted as a homogenous entity and identified with a different nation. Many ‘mainland’ Indians too perceive and treated the ‘Northeast’ with racial otherness and doubt the latter’s loyalty to India. But the so called ‘mainland’ is a metaphor; it is not a homogenous ‘nation’ freed from sets of complexities, constraints, rebellions and unrests within itself. Therefore, the alienation of the Northeast vis-à-vis India, if there is, is a reflection of the structural constraints of the Indian political economy.

2 Now different groups have come together under the umbrella of united liberation front of western south East Asia. How far do you think this association be able to represent the different social sections of the society of the North Eastern region? Will this sign a new phase in the insurgency?

(a) Recently, a common platform called the United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) was formed by some rebel parties in the Indo-Myanmar border regions. I don’t know exactly the terms and conditions agreed upon among the member organisations. To me, it seems to be a mere casual defensive tactics vis-à-vis counter-rebellion and for propaganda purpose. On the one hand, I am not sure, if the parties have any common revolutionary perception and strategy. Over the decades we have seen sporadic protracted armed guerrilla assaults in different times in spaces. But I have not seen, other than sectarian and mutually exclusive patriotic campaigns, any effective revolutionary programme across communities. There is comparative absence of consistent and collective mass democratic movement for a revolutionary change. On the other hand, I believe, the societies or communities or nations that these parties claimed to represent, in the ground reality are perplexed with political confusions, mistrust, complexities, and exclusive assertions. When the peoples are not being organised on common revolutionary goal; I am not sure how effective the UNLFW will be in either striking defeats to the Indian army or overthrowing their ‘enemy’ regimes. I am equally uncertain about how long the mechanically anchored tactical collusion will last.

(b) The past substantiates my doubt. What had happened to the tactical alliances that were formed from time to time: (i) the Revolutionary Joint Committee (1990) formed by the Revolutionary People’s Front, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and the Kangleipak Communist Party; (ii) the Indo-Burma Revolutionary Front (1991) formed by the United National Liberation Front, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) and the United Liberation Front of Assam; (iii) the United Liberation Front of Seven Sisters (1993) and the Self-Defence United Front of South-East Himalayan Region (1994) formed under the leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM); the Manipur People’s Liberation Front (1999) formed by the United National Liberation Front, the Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and the Revolutionary People’s Front; (iv) the Joint Coordination Committee (2009) of the United National Liberation Front and the Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup; (v) the Coordination Committee (2011) formed by the Kangleipak Communist Party, the Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive), the Revolutionary People’s Front, the United National Liberation Front, and the United People’s Party of Kangleipak. Why were they formed, what they did and how they ended?

3 The Indian state seems to have viewed problem of North Eastern people as a law and order problem? Do you think the negotiations that the government had with different groups can be started again? And how the laws like AFSPA has contributed to the worsening of the situation?

(a) Various problems exist in the Northeast. Among these, the government views the armed rebellion and democratic assertions against the ongoing neo liberal ‘projects’ by the affected peoples as law and order problems. Arbitrarily superimposed projects are being protected by military and paramilitary forces. Democratic protests are being ruthlessly suppressed by the police. In the past, even the demand for Manipur Statehood within the constitutional framework was viewed as law and order problem. Anything that is deemed obstruction to the immediate interest of the rulers is termed a threat to the nation and law and order problem.

(b) For some years the Government have been successful in entering into peace negotiation with some rebel groups in the Northeast – separate ceasefire agreement, memorandum of understanding and suspension of operation have been signed with different rebel groups. This has reduced armed conflict and casualty amongst them. I want to term it tactical peace. However, I am not sure, if the tactical peace have reduced the structural constraints of the political economy, which is largely responsible for various forms of grievances and unrests. On the contrary the tactical peace have not reduced the onus of subjection and terror on the people. My point is, I am more concern about the peace, security and development of the people. If the tactical peace do not address the legitimate issues of the people, I don’t care at all about either extension or abrogation of the tactical peace.

(c) AFSPA, created State terror and supress many in the name of counter rebellion. The blame of State terror is on the Indian army or any forces for violation of human rights with impunity under the provisions of AFSPA. However, AFSPA is an effective political instrument of killing and torture to supress in order to ensure that there is no resistance against the constraints created by the system. AFSPA is a mere legal surrogate to fulfil the objectives of rule of law, which is founded on the basis of the ideological framework of certain relation of production. The ‘rule of law’ has been comparatively fulfilled by AFSPA, but there continues the constraints of the political economy. AFSPA deals with syndrome and became a syndrome of the system; but it is not an appropriate means to root out the material foundation of unrests and armed rebellions. My understanding is that if the Indian nation exists at all, AFPSA is a threat to the peoples that constitute the ‘nation’. In that sense AFSPA is anti-national. Relatively, those who intentionally hold on AFSPA are anti-nationals. Those who blindly hold on AFSPA are misguided peoples. The fight against AFSPA, therefore, in reality, is a fight against the anti-nationals who use legal camouflages and propaganda tools to cover up the crimes they committed in the name of ‘national security.’

4 What do you think should be the democratic way to solve the problems of the North Eastern people?

(a) The big stakeholders of the neo-liberal regimes have exposed India to the global finance capital. They are reluctant to make India stand by its own economic feet in the global economic order. They discourage ‘national’ industrialisation as this will take time, require lots of efforts and could be at the cost of their quick profit. When India is on sale by a few powerful, leading to the inequality and underdevelopment of the productive forces; the question is – are the rulers really concern about the development, equality and welfare of the peoples ruled by them? Aren’t they using communal and divisive tactics to divert the attention of the people, so that they retain control over the politics and economy? In this scenario, if there is a democratic model that can solve the problems faced by the peasants, workers and minorities in North India; I think, that same model can be effectively applied in the Northeast as well. When the problems of those who are ‘loyal’ to India have not been democratically addressed, how will the problems of the ‘disloyal’ will be democratically addressed? The rulers know the problems and the democratic solutions as well. The problem is: they are in power, they enjoy it and they know how to govern undemocratically in the existing manner. Are they ready for a democratic solution? When democratic voices are ruthlessly suppressed the desperate sections will automatically look for other modes of rebellion. This is what is exactly happening in India. My puzzle is whether there will be a magical divine intervention, to change the mind-set of the rulers, so that they voluntarily uphold a democratic solution or should they be forced upon to do it. History will tell.

No respite from flood situation in Assam as rain continues over the region

Guwahati, 14 June,2015: Moderate rainfall has continued over Assam in the last 24 hours washing away chances of any respite. Brahmaputra River is already flowing above the danger level submerging

Guwahati, 14 June,2015:

Moderate rainfall has continued over Assam in the last 24 hours washing away chances of any respite. Brahmaputra River is already flowing above the danger level submerging various parts in the state.

The worst hit areas include Barpeta, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Sonit. The floods have rendered lakhs of people homeless and destroyed crops as well. No immediate relief is in sight as moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the region throughout Monday.

Moreover, in coming days, widespread moderate rainfall will keep Brahmaputra River flowing above the level of danger. Only when the rain stops can the locals expect some respite. Relief and rescue operations will be hampered by incessant rainfall.

Flood situation in Assam has worsened with over 3 lakh people being affected. After Brahmaputra and several of its tributaries covered fresh areas in Assam, more than 700 villages in 15 districts have been affected.

According to media reports, the most affected areas were Lakhimpur, Barpeta, Sonitpur and Dhemaji districts. More than one lakh people have been affected In Barpeta district alone. The death toll remained at two, one each in Lakhimpur and Bongaigaon districts.

Source: skymet

Eight district of Arunachal cut off due to Assam flood, shortage of foodgrains

Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Guwahati, 12 June, 2015: Rains in the Eastern Himalayas and the Assam valley over the past one week have cut Arunachal Pradesh off the rest of the

Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Guwahati, 12 June, 2015:

Rains in the Eastern Himalayas and the Assam valley over the past one week have cut Arunachal Pradesh off the rest of the country and left the Brahmaputra and its tributaries flowing above the danger mark in several parts of Assam. More rains are forecast over the next few days.

On the way to school in Balimukh village of Morigaon district in Assam on Thursday, rowing across what used to be a paddy field. (Source: Reuters photo)

Road links have been snapped in eight districts of Arunachal, leaving several administrative circles faced with a shortage of essential items including foodgrains.

“Though it is only the beginning of the monsoon, the situation is already very bad. Most of the border townships and circle headquarters in Longding, Tirap, Changlang, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Upper Siang, West Siang and Upper Subansiri districts have been cut off by landslides,” said Bamang Felix, government spokesperson.

Itanagar, the capital, has been almost totally cut off. “The main National Highway connecting Itanagar to Bandardewa (Assam) has been blocked at Karsinga for nearly a week. The alternative road to Gohpur too has been snapped at several points. Itanagar is now connected only through a village road to Assam,” Felix said. At least three persons have been killed by landslides in Itanagar, not far from the chief minister’s home. Rains have led to such landslides in many localities and families have been shifted. “Water supply lines have been snapped and electric poles uprooted in many localities,” Felix said. Schools and colleges in Itanagar and Naharlagun have been shut until Monday.

In Anjaw, one of 10 districts that share a boundary with China, deputy commissioner Nyabin Ete said, “We are in a helpless situation. A bridge has been washed away between Hawai and Wallong, cutting off two vital Army positions at Wallong and Kibithu (near the border).” Ete said he trekked several kilometres on Thursday to return to Hayuliang after he was stuck on the road. In Upper Siang, through which the river Tsangpo enters India to become the Brahmaputra, five of the eight administrative circles are cut off. “Luckily, we had stocked enough foodgrains before the rains began,” DC Remo Kamki said. In Tirap, landslides have cut off Laju, an administrative circle on the Myanmar border, for more than 10 days. “The Border Roads Task Force had only a month ago cleared a major landslide between Khonsa and Laju. Last week, another landslide almost wiped out the road near Puntong village. This has also disrupted movement of troops to the border areas where operations are on against the NSCN-K,” said an official in Tirap. The situation has improved slightly in East Siang during the past two days with road links restored, said DC Nidhi Srivastava, but “electricity to many places remains suspended as landslides have uprooted poles”.

Source: The Indian Express

Manipur Students Association Delhi – Condemn Racism in India & Call for Peace

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Office of the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi New Delhi Ref. No.: 20120822/PR/Peace Date: 22-08-2012 Condemn Racism in India & Call for Peace Press Release 22nd August 2012 MSAD condoles the untimely demise of Dolaipabam Mohammad Sharif Ahamed of Manipur, a student of … Continue reading →

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Manipur Muslim Online Forum (MMOF) appeals to all Northeasterners to maintain peace and Communal harmony.

The post Manipur Muslim Online Forum (MMOF) appeals to all Northeasterners to maintain peace and Communal harmony. appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.Manipur Muslim Online Forum (MMOF) appeals to all Northeasterners, in general, and Manipuris, in par…

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Manipur Muslim Online Forum (MMOF) appeals to all Northeasterners, in general, and Manipuris, in particular, to maintain peace and communal harmony. Some vested interests have been mongering rumour of attacks on migrant workers and students from Northeast in South India, … Continue reading →

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Sacrificial lamb

Is it because he is not really an Indian? Brigadier Laiphrakpam Ibotombi Singh of 13th Battalion Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) is the first army officer among the alumni… Read more »The post Sacrificial lamb appeared first on KanglaOn…

Is it because he is not really an Indian? Brigadier Laiphrakpam Ibotombi Singh of 13th Battalion Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) is the first army officer among the alumni… Read more »

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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/06/sacrificial-lamb-manipuri-news-ifp/

Mysterious Richard: Inculcating Racist Lingo and Protest.

By: Dr. Malem Ningthouja, Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) There is articulation of… more »

Tackle Hate Crime in India – suggestions submitted to Union Home Ministers’ Office by Justice for Richard Loitam

Office Of the Justice for Loitam Richard Memorandum Ref: 20120517 JFLR to MHA To: Union… more »

Office

Of the Justice for Loitam Richard

Memorandum

Ref: 20120517 JFLR to MHA

To: Union Home Minister of India

From: Justice for Loitam Richard

Goal: Pushing hate out of our Indian communities

Date: 17th May 2012

Means to tackle hate crime in INDIA

With due recognition of the multi racial composition and inter-racial issues prevalent in India

The Government of India, as it officially strives to establish peace and order in order to defend a democratic parliamentary system in an atmosphere of the projected unity in diversity, must not fail to recognise multi racial composition of India and the phenomenon of racial discrimination as it exist distinctively amidst the myriads of socio-cultural discriminations prevalent in India.

Certain steps or measures are needed in making India recognize the multi-racial composition and for the protection and promotion of NorthEast (NE) people in the best interest of status quo and collective co-existence:

Identification of the challenges and barriers to the protection and promotion of personal security of students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing/ visiting in other parts of India and address social profiling of racial and ethnic minorities.

Examine the legislative and administrative measures that are in place, and the efficacy in practice and specific inadequacies to address the problems of violence and other forms of abuses faced by students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing/ visiting in other parts of India.

Recommend specific investigative and punitive steps under the existing law by an independent agency for the present and past cases/ incidences of crime including murder, assault, sexual abuse, rape, abuse or discrimination in institutions and workplaces committed against students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing/ visiting in other parts of India.

Recommend concrete steps to be taken by the ruling central and state governments to strengthen security measures to protect and promote the safety and personal security of students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing / visiting in other parts of the country.

Review the existing curricula of schools, colleges, higher institutions and technical institutions, universities including special institutions to train police and armed forces personnel in India with special attention to the inclusion of subjects about the history, culture and present situation of the communities of NorthEast region of India with a view to fill the large lacuna identified and enhance awareness and education about the region and its peoples among the young generations of India.

Monthly induction program on inter-racial and ethnic issues mandatory for all students and employees of the country so that they are educated and sensitised on these important issues. Such induction programs are mandatory in western countries thereby reinforcing that racism won’t be tolerated at all.

To initiate workshops/ symposiums on racial discrimination in India in every state for public to reinforce that racism won’t be tolerated at all.

Make mandatory policies for the media (TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazine, Internet, etc) to circulate advertisements, documentaries and films that reflect the multi-cultural and multi-racial composition of India. They should acknowledge the issues face by people of NorthEast India and implement means to positively change people’s perception towards NorthEast people and thus avoid the stereotyping and prejudice and consequent crime as a result of it.

Make mandatory policies for the theatres/ cinema halls to show short documentary film to reflect the multi-cultural and multi-racial composition of India before they screen the main movie. Contemporary cinema and other media platform should be encouraged to reflect the diverse India and consider emphasising on NorthEast India and as such allow a positive change in people’s perception towards the NorthEast people.

Make mandatory policies for the Outdoor Media (banner, posters, hoardings, etc) to acknowledge and reflect NorthEast India and thereby allow a positive change of people’s perception to treat NorthEast people with respect and dignity.

The political leaders, actors, dignitaries, etc should be part of mandatory multidisciplinary team in the fight against hate crime and must conduct informed campaign to improve the effectiveness of the goal to tackle racism in India.

We have serious concerns of the mechanically superimposed Indian National Anthem which doesn’t reflect anything at all about the vast and vibrant NorthEast. Parliamentary level discussion should be done to discuss this matter.

Law against any racism/ discrimination, against any incitement to discrimination and against all forms of discrimination should be passed in the parliament, and should prove that racism won’t be tolerated at all in India. The stringent law is needed so that any racial stereotyping and prejudice can be held accountable and judicially restraint.

Special Police Cell with (24×7 service with Toll Free number from landline and all mobile operators) both male and female officers from NorthEast should be deployed in all states for the security of the NorthEast population.

Special Legal cell with both male and female officers from NorthEast should be installed in all states for the judicial protection of the NorthEast population.

Exchange programs and social clubs at school, college, university, and other social networking levels.

Adequate number of guest houses at subsidised and affordable rate for the NorthEast population in the prime locations in all the states with comfortable accommodation facilities and security guards, managed and run by the staffs from the NorthEast states.

Many other suggestions need to be sought from the NorthEast.

Long Live Democracy!

*************************************

Union Home Minister Office has asked our suggestions to tackle hate crime in India. After taking the feedback of more than 2 lakhs members, we have submitted our preliminary suggestions to our Honorable Union Home Minister – Justice for Loitam Richard

* The Press release is sent to KanglaOnline by Justice for Loitam Richard , info[at]justice4richard[dot]org

Appeal for restraint by law & order authorities to stop racial profiling of Indian Citizens from North East India (kanglaonline.com)
Study on North East India expose glaring knowledge gap – Northeast India Image Managers (kanglaonline.com)
The Fight is for ‘Justice’ for Richard Loitam – not for ‘Racism’ : Facebookers still argue. (kanglaonline.com)
Dana Silva murder: Students from North East need a law shield: Mukul Sangma (kanglaonline.com)
That chip on the shoulder? (kanglaonline.com)
Richard Loitam, Racism and its Violence (kanglaonline.com)
The Relations: Time to Rethink and Act (kanglaonline.com)
The Richard Loitam murder: Denying our inner bigot (kanglaonline.com)

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The Culture of ‘Bandhs’ and the Absence of Local Governance in the Northeast

Namrata Goswami In common parlance and academic literature, good governance is the prime indicator of… more »

Namrata Goswami

In common parlance and academic literature, good governance is the prime indicator of the success of a state. While many would argue that India’s experience with governance after independence is mostly unique based on a delicate interplay between a modern state and a traditional society, it is also equally true that governance in India depends to a large extent on individual rationality, which is “bounded by the local context and embedded values, based on the perception of sanctions, welfare and identity as well as general trust.” Thereby, the level of governance in a state is conditional on its ability to transform citizens into stakeholders in the process of governance itself. This in turn is co-related to the pay-off structures in which abiding by the rules is viewed by citizens as offering an incentive structure for a better living.

The most important indicators of good governance are institutions based on rules, absence of disorder, riots, murders, unwarranted state closures, and violence of any nature. As far as we can see, the Indian state since independence has been committed to individual rights based on the constitution, and no one group or community has the right to deter the free movement and entrepreneurial aspirations of another.

In stark contrast to this optimal understanding of governance in the Indian context, the culture of ‘bandhs’ (state closure) paramount in the Northeastern states like Assam, Manipur and Nagaland goes against the notion of individual rights, is a stigma on the effectiveness of local governance structures, and is unconstitutional to say the least. For instance, Manipur suffered from ‘bandhs’ almost every day during the two month-siege of the state by Naga groups earlier this year as a protest against Thuingaleng Muivah, leader of the NSCN (IM), being refused entry by Manipur to his native village due to security concerns. When the author was in Manipur in August 2008, there were nearly 19 bandhs in that month alone due to protests related to the doping controversy of Monika Devi, the weight-lifter from Manipur during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This resulted in all roads being closed, prices of basic commodities tripling, and a loss to the local economy in crores. While the ‘bandhs’ were underway, called either by armed groups like the United National Liberation Front of Manipur (UNLF) or the Manipur Civil Society organizations, the state functionaries including the Secretariat merrily closed down as well without any accountability whatsoever. For local government officials, it was just one more holiday added to their list of holidays in the official calendar for which nothing is deducted from their monthly pay. So, state government employees might be absent for nineteen days of the month including Sundays and other holidays and effectively work for less than 10 days a month and yet get their full monthly salaries.

This ‘bandh’ culture, while coming down drastically in states like Mizoram and Tripura with a pro-active public and responsive state governments, is a disease in Assam and Nagaland. The call for ‘bandhs’ in Assam are issued by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the All Assam Students Union (AASU), or any other local group through local newspapers, and is strictly observed by the local people. ‘Bandhs’ in Assam have a rippling effect all over the Northeast as most basic commodities like rice, pulses, medicines, vegetables, poultry, etc., reach the other states via Assam either by road or by rail. In Nagaland, ‘bandhs’ are called by either the NSCN (IM) or the National Socialist Council of Nagaland led by S S Khaplang [NSCN (K)] and is followed by the local people for fear of being killed, despite great hardship caused by multiple ‘bandhs’ in a month.

While the fear of the locals to abide by the diktat of the armed groups is understandable, what is perhaps not acceptable is the adherence to these ‘bandhs’ by the local state authorities. The very fact that state governments cannot negate this ‘bandh’ culture, and are unwilling to ensure that common people are secure during the ‘bandhs’ even if they defy it, smacks of the lack of legitimacy and democratic grounding of these governments. It is also an abysmal state of affairs when armed insurgent groups like the ULFA or the NSCN (IM) with a membership of 1000 to 5000, respectively, can hold the entire population of a state amounting to millions hostage by just issuing the call for a ‘bandh’. This culture of ‘bandhs’ has resulted in crores of rupees in losses for the local economies, especially the private sector. The most affected are of course the daily wage workers, who are dependent on day-to-day earning to feed their families.

Governance in the Indian context is dependent on “the ability of the modern institutions to accommodate embedded values, undertake strategic reform and maintain the difficult balance between force and persuasion in the management of law and order,” as argued by Subrata K. Mitra in his book The Puzzle of India’s Governance (2006). It requires not only effective party systems, but also a federalism that works well for the common man. The ‘bandh’ culture in states like Assam, Manipur and Nagaland are not only a negation of individual rights but goes against the strategic choices of many, thereby throttling citizens’ initiatives. The most adversely affected from the ‘bandhs’ are the common people in these three states, while the local state governments absolve themselves of any responsibility to counter this culture, when they should ideally have been at the forefront punishing those who disturb public order. (It is important to note that ‘law and order’ is a state subject in India and hence states in India are obligated to maintain a secure environment based on the ‘rule of law’ for their citizens).

The time has therefore come for citizens of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland to stand up against the negative culture of ‘bandhs’ issued by armed groups who invariably represent only themselves, and hold their state governments accountable for poor governance, in order to enable their future generations to have a progressive and peaceful life.

** Article was orginally published on November 25, 2010

**Originally published by Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (www.idsa.in) at [http://idsa.in/idsacomments/TheCultureofBandhsandtheAbsenceofLocalGovernanceintheNortheast_ngoswami_251110]

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