07/20/2005: "Nagaland church leaders come out against blockade"

Nagaland church leaders come out against blockade The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, July 19: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council, the central organisation of the Baptist Churches and Associations in Nagaland has come out unequivocally against the economic blockade being imposed by the ANSAM and the NSF, terming it as a shortsighted step. The NBCC at the same time minced no words in criticising the Manipur government’s decision declaring June 18 as state integrity day, stating that it lacks prudence and shows government’s insensitivity and short-sightedness. ‘On the other hand, the tit-for-tat acts of bandhs, blockades that take undue advantage of the present near total Naga control of the two highways destroying public properties and goods-laden vehicles by students bodies are equally short-sighted, and therefore seriously questioned as measures to be adopted in the present crisis’, the NBCC stated in a statement.

Calling for immediate measures to resolve the current impasse, the NBCC stated that the Nagas and Meiteis as well as Manipur and Nagaland have been good neighbours for centuries, ‘and the responsibilities of the present leaders is to perpetuate and nurture the spirit of friendship, goodwill and brotherhood by settling all issues through peaceful mutually acceptable means and not by muscle power that uses reckless tactics that will prove to be too self-defeating for both sides in the long run’.
In another development, the All Tripura Manipuri Students’ Association, ATMSA has strongly condemned the decision of the Naga Students’ Federation, NSF, Nagaland to actively support the indefinite blockade taken up by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, ANSAM. In a statement, the ATMSA president K Dhiren said that the economic blockade has cause immense suffering to the people living in the state. He also urged all concerned not to engage themselves in disintegrating other states and appealed for early withdrawal of the economic blockade.
Clarify stand, Naga students tell Congress Newsfile
Dimapur, July 19, 2005With talks between the Naga insurgent leaders and Union Government coming to a grinding halt, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has asked the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) to clarify whether the party represents the Naga people or those who "who are doing everything to suppress the voices of fellow Nagas living in humiliation outside the present state of Nagaland". A press release issued by NSF general secretary K Elu Ndang has said that while the Nagas were trying to highlight their position that they had been arbitrarily divided, it was unfortunate that the NPCC had just about legitimised the "division of the Naga family".
The NSF appealed to all individuals and groups cutting irrespective of party affiliations to demand an early solution to the protracted Naga problem. The NSF was responding to NPCC president Hokheto Sumi's statement on Sunday that "Nagas of Nagaland should not be dragged into the imbroglio" of the ongoing agitation where an indefinite economic blockade had been imposed by the All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) on the national highways leading to Manipur since June 19 midnight, said a report of the Newmai News Network. ANSAM has been demanding that the Manipur government withdraw its decision declaring June 18 as a state holiday in memory of those who died in 2001 in Imphal while protesting against the extension of NSCN-IM ceasefire to Manipur.
UCM blasts govt inaction The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, July 18: Alleging both the government of India and Manipur government of remaining silent over the 25 day long economic blockade along national highways, the United Committee Manipur has said that lack essential commodities and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities has become an issue of the state. In a statement, the UCM alleged both Manipur government and India government of running away from their responsibilities in providing basic requirements of the 24 lakhs Manipur people. Expressing concern over intervention on the affairs of the state by some Nagaland based civil society organisation, the UCM maintained that no such organisations should be allowed to take part in dialogue to bring current impasse. Asserting that it is the responsibility of the government of India to provide security to people and protection along national highways, the UCM also asked whether India government is forcing people of Manipur to die of starvation.

Expressing strong concern over increasing insecurity to life while travelling along national highway - 39 in the wake of endorsement being given to the ANSAM economic blockade by Nagaland based civil and students bodies, the UCM also appealed to the people to travel along national highway - 53 route for time being. Revoking the order declaring holiday on June 18 will amount to inviting another such tragedy, the UCM maintained. Meanwhile, several civil society organisations have appealed to the ANSAM to end the ongoing economic blockade in view of the immense hardships being faced by the people. Such appeal is coming from All Manipur Mutiya Workers Union, Tarahei Youth Development Organisation and All Meetei Christian Organisation. These organisations also appealed to Manipur government to bring an early solution to the issue before it go out of hand, according to press releases.

AASU joins chorus against blockade The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 18: The All Assam Students Union, AASU, has strongly urged the Naga Students Federation, NSF, to reconsider its active support to the ongoing economic blockade in Manipur taken by the ANSAM. The NSF, it may be mentioned, has imposed its own indefinite blockade on highways linking to Manipur since July 13 in support of the ANSAM’s stir, and the AASU’s statement comes in the wake of efforts by the All Manipur Students Union, AMSU, to bring pressure to bear on the NSF through fellow member organisations of the North East Students Organisation, NESO. The AASU’s president, Sankar Prasad Roy, and general secretary, Tapan Kumar Gogoi, in a joint statement, appealed to the NSF to undertake alternative modes of protest other than economic blockade, so that the age-old good relations between the peoples of Manipur and Nagaland are not hampered.

The AASU statement also appealed to the NSF and the AMSU to sit across the negotiating table, and resolve the issues amicably for the general interests of the peoples of Nagaland and Manipur. The All Assam Manipuri Students Union, AAMSU, has also asked the NSF to withdraw its economic blockade, warning that it would take up counter-measures in association with state level organisations of Assam if the Naga student organisation fails to do so. The AAMSU headquarters at a meeting held yesterday at Silchar, also condemned the stance taken by the ANSAM against the declaration of June 18 as State Integrity Day, taking the view that it was unjustified, according to a statement.

The meeting also felt that the NSF was wrong to have intervened in the matter as it was an issue between the ANSAM and the government of Manipur, the statement added. The Kabui Mothers’ Association, Manipur appeals to government of Manipur and the All Naga Students Association, Manipur to find immediate and amicable solution to end the ongoing economic blockade which has brought a serious perils of life in the state. Acute shortage of essential commodities and life saving medicine is fast leading the state to a doom’s day, it said in a release and appealed to business community in the state not to take undue advantage in the price hike. Appealing to ANSAM to relax the ongoing economic blockade along national highways, the Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress has called for an amicable solution to the issue. It further appealed to the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee to review their agitation of indefinite bandh along national highway-39 and instead look for other means of agitations. Meanwhile, deploring the state of affairs prevailing in Manipur following the economic blockades along national highways, the Zeliangrong United Clubs Association, Manipur Valley (ZUCAM) blamed chief minister O Ibobi Singh for not giving a conducive atmosphere for talk with All Naga Students’ Association Manipur. In a statement, the ZUCAM further alleged SPF government of diverting the route of ending the agitation to New Delhi. The matter is a state subject but the government is running away from responsibility, the ZUCAM said adding that the Centre has nothing to do with the state affairs when there is a popular government. It also called for an amicable solution to the issue before it go out of hand.
ANSAM against provoking Nagas Newmai News Network
Senapati, Jul 19 : ANSAM has accused the security forces of carrying out a “flag march” in Ukhrul few days ago with a banner pasted in front of the military vehicles provoking the Nagas.
ANSAM spokesperson Ngachonmi Chamroy said that the red banner with slogan, “Stop violence—if not the security forces will deal it” had been pasted in the vehicles and went pass-ed in Ukhrul town few days ago. The ANSAM spokesperson stated that such flag march was done only when the Government machinery breaks down. He condemned the reported activities of the se- curity forces and said that such military adventurism and “show off from the part of the security forces cannot defeat the spirit of the Nagas.” The ANSAM spokesperson while recalling the past incidents, has stated that even when the “Manipur Assembly was burnt down and the Indian national flags were torn apart and burnt nothing such activities of the security forces were not displayed and why now.”
The spokesperson further said that various organisations and the Government had called the ongoing economic blockade as undemocratic but when some organisations had burnt down Manipur Assembly Hall and Indian flags no one had said it as undemocratic.
“Even the Government did not said anything when Indian flags and Assembly hall were burnt by the valley organisations and why now only pointing at us,” charged ANSAM spokesperson.
He then lauded the Naga Students Federation (NSF) from conducting the blockade with vigour. “The NSF has successfully imposed the economic blockade and this shows that the Nagas do not recognise the artificial boundaries,” stated the ANSAM spokesperson.
"Rio Government most unfortunate Government for the people of Nagaland": Chuba Chang Oken Jeet Sandham - Asian Tribune
Kohima, 20 July, (NEPS): Former Nagaland Minister and the present Opposition Congress MLA H Chuba Chang has described the present DAN Government headed by Neiphiu Rio as the "most unfortunate Government for the people of Nagaland."
Talking to NEPS here today, the former Minister said nothing significant was there to be mentioned during the last 2 and ½ years of DAN ruling in Nagaland.
"Even Neiphiu Rio's two crores commitment made to the people of Tuensang two years ago while visiting the district is yet to be seen," he regretted. He said Rio was trying to portray himself as if he had concern for the people of these two most backward districts by creating a separate department like "DUDA." "But I tell you this is nothing but to eyewash the whole of the State because DUDA was only replacing earlier Backward Cell of the Congress regime," Chuba Chang pointed out. "This is nothing but old wine in new bottle."
The Congress leader also wondered as to how the present DAN Government failed to take up various developmental works in the State despite getting unprecedented funding including Rs 365 crore one time central grant from the Center over the last 2 and ½ years.
"Where have all these money gone," he asked adding. "That is why we have been demanding the DAN Government to produce White Paper on the utilization of the Rs 365 crore one time central grant."
Instead of producing White Paper, the Chief Minister had simply dropped his Finance Minister, K Therie, the Congress leader pointed out. "We are not demanding to drop anyone but to produce White Paper on the utilization of Rs 365 crore one time central grant."
Chuba Chang also said Rio had created a sort of history since Nagaland got Statehood by making deficit of over Rs 400 crore in one year time whereas the previous regime took 15 years to have accumulated deficit of Rs 365 crore. "That is why this DAN Government is the most unfortunate Government for the people of Nagaland," he reasoned. The Congress leader also expressed his unhappiness on the prevailing law and order situation in the State.
"I had even said on the Floor of the House that the Home Minister was not aware of what was happening in the State," averred Chuba Chang, who was also former State Home Minister. "They are supposed go get all the information from all the district headquarters every morning but this was not done." Asked about his comment on the ongoing fragile peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the Congress leader without elaborating much commented, "We can't see any solution." - Asian Tribune -

AMUCO integrity preservation campaign gathers steam The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jul 19: The AMUCO’s campaign for preservation of territorial integrity, with a parallel demand to the government for ensuring adequate supply of essential commodities to the people entered its third day today, a release said. During the campaign today, members of AMUCO visited Chini Ingkhol Kabui Khun and Ningthoukhong areas to make the people aware on the need for living unitedly and harmoniously. Participants in the campaign contended that the present state of crisis due to the economic blockade is the result of too much dependence on outside products.

The necessity for the people to voice against all forms of blockades and counter blockades which affect the common people was also stressed at the campaign. Further, the participants blamed the state and Central government for the present state of things and urged them to find immediate solution.
In the last two days, the AMUCO volunteers visited Kakching bazar, Mayai Keithel, Chandrakhong, Yaingangpokpi bazar, Nongdam Tangkhul, Tamukhong, Uyumpok and Sambei areas to organise the campaigns, the release added. Meanwhile, expressing concern over the prevailing situation in Manipur, the United Committee Manipur has reiterated its appeal to all sections not to issue any statement or comments which may hamper age-old relationships and emotional bonds of different communities inhabiting the state. Asserting that its efforts to safeguard the territory and integrity of the state bestowed by our forefathers will continue by bringing unity amongst different communities and organisations and hand over the same to future generations, the UCM in a statement said all its units and branches located in remote corners of the state has started relaying message of peace. The UCM further informed people and organisations to remain cautious of provocative propaganda and rumors which may be created by some vested interest groups for personal gains.

Dr Lotha urges churches to wake up and come out openly to “protect the believers from the social menace” North East Press Service

Kohima, July 19 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Excise, Dr TM Lotha said the church leaders could play significant role in preventing the spread of dreaded HIV/AIDS in the State as the State was having 95 to 97% Christian population. Speaking as chief guest at the “State Level Advocacy Workshop on HIV/AIDS” organized by Nagaland Development Outreach (NDO) here at Hotel Japfu today, the Minister said it would not be very difficult for the church leaders in Nagaland to play their part in taking on the dreaded HIV/AIDS diseases as the State was having almost cent percent Christian population. Although God perhaps wanted all of them to live a healthy physical and spiritual life, Dr Lotha however pointed out that over the last many years, they seemed to have focused only on the “spiritual side of life while neglecting the other side of the physical life.”
Urging the church leader to have a serious rethinking on this matter, the Minister disclosed the dreaded HIV/AIDS had “crippled and shattered many individuals and societies” thereby there was big “negative impact on the life of the church and the believers.”
Calling upon the church to wake up and come out openly to “protect the believers from this social menace,” Dr Lotha suggested that such issues could be openly discussed in the church by organizing a “separate timing” for workshops and seminars other than “worshipping hours.”
The Minister also lauded the NDO, which is a branch of NBCC and Catholic Relief Services for joining hands and taking up such noble ventures to prevent and control of HIV/AIDS in the State. Rev Zhabu Terhuja, general secretary, NBCC, also spoke on the occasion. He informed about the NBCC’s participation and concern on the HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nagaland. “Over the last few years, the NBCC has been discussing this issues and also disseminating information about the awareness of such dreaded scourge,” he stated. He explained that such social menace was posing great dangers to not only those affected but also those righteous people. “Whether one has carried HIV positive or not, he or she is the image of God,” he pointed out. “Therefore we have to be loving and caring of those affected,” he stated while drawing attention of all to come forward to jointly fight such global problem. Earlier, Dr Pongsing, Director, NDO, in his welcome address, highlighted various activities that were taken up by the organization (NDO). He said the NDO had conducted awareness-cum capacity building programs in HIV/AIDS related programs in the twenty Baptist Associations. “This is a landmark in the history of the church involvement,” he added. N Moa Imsong, Counseling Educator, Kohima, also presented a paper on the “Healing Ministry of the Church and HIV/AIDS.”

Good number of representatives from various organizations and churches also attended the function.
Meet to finalise new rally date By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 19 : With the ‘solidarity rally’ on naga Integration proposed at Dimapur yesterday failing to take off due to abstention by two major Naga tribes a special meeting is being planned at kohima to finalise a new date to organise a rally. Informing the matter to a media team from imphal who had gone to dimapur to cover the rally, president of Dimapur Naga Students’ Union Obed Quinker stated that a hurriedly convened meeting attended by representatives of Naga NGOs at the commercial town yesterday itself decided to hold another session at Kohima on July 22.
The Kohima meeting expected to be attended by leaders of federal units of Naga Hoho will decide on a new date to stage the solidarity rally, said Obed.
Asking transporters concerned to strict comply with the ongoing economic blockade the DNSU president warned that volunteers of the student organisation would be compelled to extend solidarity and execute decision taken by the NSF to enforce the blockade within Nagaland State.
On the other hand, president of Dimapur based Ao Union T Banger Ao explaining of factors for the Ao tribe to boycott the Dimapur rally said lack of cooperation from some Nagaland tribes to a resolution for concerted effort in tracking down anti-social elements who attempted to gun down a prominent Ao personality had led to dissociation of Ao tribes from the proposed rally.
ANSAM set to shift gear to NH-53 Over 200 empty trucks leave Imphal for Jiribam to lift goods By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 19 : Even as about 230 empty trucks left Imphal on the Imphal-Jiri line on NH-53 to transport goods, under the new mantra of the Government to find a second lifeline for the State, the All Naga Students' Association today said that it is ready to hand out yet another defeat to the Government on NH-53 too. Speaking to The Sangai Express, spokesman of ANSAM, Ngachonmi Chamroy said that it is a moral victory for the student body that the SPF Government has been forced to open NH-53 to neutralise the economic blockade on NH-39. Without mincing words, the spokesman of the student body said, “If Chief Minister O Ibobi is under the impression that he can open NH-53 with the use of force, we will hand him another defeat on the same route.”
Making the stand of the student body clear, Chamroy said, “We are prepared to intensify our movement on NH-53, if the Government uses force to violate the economic blockade.”
The student leader further said that it is a moral victory for the non-cooperation movement laun- ched by ANSAM, that the Govt is today forced to look out for an alternative route.
Reiterating the stand of ANSAM, the spokesman said that the economic blockade is not against any community but against the decision of the State Government to accord official status on June 18 by declaring it a State holiday as well as State Integrity day. ANSAM also strongly condemned the harassment meted out to journalists of Nagaland, including the president of the Nagaland Press Club, H Chisi by Manipur police commandos at Mao Gate yesterday at about 2 pm. The journalists from Nagaland had come to Mao Gate to cover a story on the economic blockade, informed Cham-roy.
Meanwhile in line with the policy adopted by the State Government to open NH-53 and provide a second life line to the people of Manipur, about 230 empty trucks left Imphal for Jiribam today to fetch goods and essential items. The 230 empty trucks were provided security by a combined force of Manipur Rifles, IRB and State police commandos. The empty trucks left Imphal at about 6.10 am today from Kangla where they have been assembled for the last three/four days. The escort commander is the CO of 2nd IRB. According to information received this evening, the trucks crossed Nungba in Tamenglong district at about 1 pm today. The BRTF has been working over time to open the highway to traffic ever since the CM assured that it would be opened by July 15.

Rights body urges ANSAM to ease stand By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 19 : While demanding that ANSAM calls off its indefinite economic blockade along National Highway 39 and 53, Kuki Movement for Human Rights (KUMHUR) has stated that the Central Government should take the ongoing agitation more seriously. ANSAM is calling the economic blockade along the National Highways and not along the State highways and so it should be the duty of the Central Government to clear its two National Highways immediately.
Or else it may be presumed that the Central Government is instigating ANSAM to impose the economic blockade along the two lifelines of the State, the publicity wing of the rights’ body said in a statement. Questioning the rationale behind the agitation of ANSAM, the rights body observed that it is the duty of every citizen and elected members of the Legislative Assembly including the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues to protect the integrity of Manipur. ANSAM has imposed the economic blockade for the integration of Nagas as their rights. But what if the other tribes who are living side by side with the Nagas since time immemorial start claiming the same, KUMHUR questioned. At a time when the talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) is still underway, the agitation of ANSAM has done more harm than good for the cause of integration of Nagas, the KUMHUR statement contended. There are rules to be followed while the talks is going on and moreover, the Government of India has made it clear that integration of Nagas can be done only with the consensus of the people living with the Nagas. However, the ongoing economic blockade called by ANSAM has made the people more openly opposed to the integration of Nagas, KUMHUR elaborated. Expressing serious concern over the policy of ANSAM in drawing the sympathy of certain NGOs based in Nagaland to support the ongoing agitation, the rights body wondered if the ANSAM cuts off the lifelines of Manipur for such a reason, what would they (Nagaland based-NGOs) say when similar organisations do the same to Nagaland or other States for similar reasons.

KIM decries CM’s remark By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 19: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly objected to the remarks passed by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on the Sadar Hills issue. Reacting to the Chief Minister’s statement on the floor of the Assembly recently, general secretary of the apex body of the Kukis, Jangmang Haokip asserted the need for a consensus on the issue among all the ethnic communities is out of the context.
The Chief Minister maintained that there is nothing wrong in the demand for Sadar Hills district and his Government is not against it. However, he stressed on the need to have a consensus on the issue among all the ethnic communities of the State, which is, in fact, not at all the issue of discussion at this juncture, Jangmang said. The people of Sadar Hills, since the very start have made their demand clear to the State Government and not to someone else. But the recent statement of the CM can be interpreted to mean that Sadar Hills issue is beyond the authority of the Govt. If this is the hard reality of the situation, the demand need to be directed to the group which has the authority on the issue by bypassing the weakling State Government, he said. It would have been altogether another matter if the Government is openly opposed to the demand, but the statement of the Chief Minister made it crystal clear that the Government is afraid of ‘someone’ thereby deliberately denying justice to the people of Sadar Hills. This is a clear sign of weakness on the part of the Govt, KIM alleged.
The demand for Sadar Hills district is not connected with any sort of politics and therefore opposition of any form from any quarter is baseless, he said, adding that the demand is for the benefits of all communities of the area and not the Kukis alone.

UNLF claims Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 19 : The underground UNLF has claimed of inflicting two casualties and injury cau-sed to one personnel of the indian army when a ‘fighting patrol’ team of its armed wing - MPA - ambu-shed security force perso-nnel in between Monlum and Zozo villages in Sing-hat sub-division in the wee hours of July 18. Infor-ming that there is no injury among the MPA cadres who took part in the as-sault, senior publicity officer of the outfit Ksh Yoiheiba in a statement called upon the people to foil the sinister design of Indian Government’s agents. Cautioning the people to stay alert from being lured by the security force establishments, UNLF accused the Indian army of pretending to be ‘friends of the hill people’ contrary to their demonic roles after dusk. It also called upon the people to abandon pursuit of homeland and instead struggle to free the land from Indian occupation.

Garam Hawah in Manipur Manipen — (contd from previous edition)
If there is any truth in the allegation, the State should draw up a master plan for quick development of the hill regions. The Central Govt is always keen to provide the fund for the north eastern States. More importantly, the State should take actions to include the hill regions of the State in the sixth schedule and grant the autonomous hill district council This will let the tribals to live under one administrative unit as desired by the Nagas, but in Manipur state. There is already a constitutional provision for this.
In the meantime, the most visible person in the Govt that is the Chief Minister should loosen his tongue-tie and present his proposals to alleviate any grievance of the Manipur Naga. It should be understood that the Centre is playing a crooked game. It appears that it is not worried with possible demands of other organization in other States - the Garos, Gorkhas, Telenganas, Vidherbans are some of the people who are waiting in the wing. It is no use telling old folklores and recalling the common parentage of the Meiteis and TangkhuJ and other tribes. Because that is something which they want to forget. They are ready to have as bedfellows the Aos, Semas and 30 other odd tribes of Nagaland however strange they may be. But the important thing is to convince the Central Govt of the damage to the polity of the state by any act of bisection of the state without doing any good to the common Naga people. It will be a no gain situation for anybody. Silence is not always golden. Right word to the right person at the right time and perhaps at the right place, is what counts in democracy. — Concluded

The real villains commentary Sangai
To say that the people of Manipur are reeling under the impact of the indefinite economic blockade imposed since June 19 midnight would be an understatement. While we do acknowledge the resilience of the people in taking the hardships in their stride and while we also doff our hats to the drivers who brave the uncertainties of the time to ferry goods along the highways, braving all the dangers that lurk around each and every turning on the highways, we do feel that the time has indeed come to pick out the chaff from the grains and mark them out. Adulterated petrol being sold in the black market is not something new to the people of Manipur. The common people, bereft of any sort of quota or stock set aside for them, have to sometimes fall on the fuel being sold in the black market to see them reach their destination. We do understand the need of the people involved in the black market to earn profits, but surely they can do that equally without messing with the product at their hands. A litre of petrol in the black market today costs anywhere between Rs 55 to 70. The price is no doubt extremely steep but what we are concerned about is the manner in which the petrol in the black market is being spiked with other petroleum products such as kerosene so that those in the trade can earn that much more profit. During normal times, that is during times when there is no crippling economic blockade, we may over look their shady dealings but think about it. Doesn't it prick their conscience that they should be bleeding their own fellow beings by not only hiking the price to astronomical level but also by adulterating the fuel they sell ?
To be brutally frank we feel these elements are the real villains in the drama that we see unfolding under the cloud of the economic blockade. At least ANSAM and the other Naga civil societies have openly stated their motive for imposing the economic blockade while on the other hand the people involved in the fuel trade (read black markets), have not done so but are openly exploiting the situation to line their pockets. We will not be exaggerating things if we say that the vehicles that are bought and driven around did not come for free to any of the owners and it was with their hard earned money that they managed to lay their hands on the two wheelers or the four wheelers. The practice adopted by the people involved in the fuel black market defies all logic and humane behaviour. Yes let them sell the petrol at a price they want to fix, but at least give the people quality fuel so that at least their vehicles do not run into trouble, say when they are out shopping with the family or when they have to meet a deadline. Corruption is something which all of us, including those involved in the fuel black market, will raise their voice against, but come to think about, isn't adulterating the fuel meant for our hard earned vehicle a corrupt act ? It is said that the character of a people comes to the fore during times of adversity. Is this the character that we have to show to the outside world when the State is crippled with an economic blockade ? Think it over.

Scam, corruption, extortion, et al: Leaking delivery system By UA Shimray Sangai
‘‘The real challenge for me and for the Government at all levels is the challenge of implementation of our stated policies and programs...We have to make official accountable..Citizens increasingly demand Government that are accountable to them. They have a concern both for probity and efficiency in public affairs. The time has come for us to consensually evolve a code of conduct for all political parties, a code of ethics for all individuals in public life and code of best practices for the Government at all levels ...” Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh
Today, democracy for which India prides itself is no seen as “pride” thing. The famous “We the people, By the people and for the people” institution and its bureaucratic structure are seen as “house of scam and corruption.” Large-scale corruption/fraud prevailing in Manipur state is the manifestation of the failure of politico-bureaucratic system and social institutions. The state often laments that it has been neglected politically socially and economically, getting step motherly treatment. However, New Delhi’s economic packages meant for area development and economic activities are often used for political advantage and corruption. The subject here is how the developmental programmes and schemes meant for the people and area can be effectively delivered and implemented. One year Congress-led UPA Government scoring 6 points out of ten strongly emphasize on effective institutional delivery systems particularly poverty alleviation and rural development. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the UPA mentioned, “Monitoring will be strict.” Also, to ensure all funds given to States be implemented accordingly without being delayed nor diverted.
Our soft spoken Prime Minister Dr. Manmohon Singh further mooted the idea that the trainees under the large centrally-funded schemes particularly the Planning Commission for rural development should be directly provided to the District and Block level. However, the initiation of such direct to the district is extensively debated among the States. And this is strongly opposed by some States and refuses to decentralise real power - fund and function. PM’s suggestion of direct funding to the districts is borne out of frustration with the States’ mismanagement of these funds. In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi stated candidly that only 15 Paise out of every rupee of funds allocated to rural development reached the intended beneficiaries. “House of Scams”: Fake or Real Education
Here, the query is - are allocated developmental funds really hitting the bull’s eye? Or the grants just “disappear” and leak in the process of delivery. I have no regret to say that Manipur endowed with incorrigible reputation of corruption, scam and fraud activities. Go to any institution, money power have the say... and have the ownership rights. The local papers often carries news item regarding the dirty business going on in the institutions but the reaction is indifferent rather takes as another piece of news. In Manipur corruption is no more a shy business out it is openly liberalise. The equation of corruption work as simple as the farmers or shopkeepers who bribe the electric line-man not to connect the main line to the meter box. The contractors or the business persons grease the palm of the politicians and officers to do their work done out of turn. And most “sophisticated” powerful corruption is nasty alliance of high-level politician-bureaucrat-contractor. Also, the pseudo-revolutionary indulgence in developmental works in the form of extortion and taking control of contract and supply agencies. Indeed, extortion is related to underground activity. Today, “percentage cut” in every developmental bill is a fashion in every department. To illustrate, the total sanction amount of Rs.100 of any developmental work is compelled to undergo a series of test getting numerous percentage cuts and reduce only to 30 per cent for the implementation. The so-called percentage cuts come from the underground outfits, officials and agency. The chain of delivery system and implementation is slow process but percentage cutting is fast and efficient. In fact, such leaking delivery system is encourage by the unholy nexus among the big politician-bureaucrat-contractor-undergrounds. If the process continue the state will never prosper but make a big profit for a few bad men. Present Rs. 15 crores scandal that rocks state’s Education Department is hitting only smaller fishes. Right under House Committee Investigation’s nose more than 80 fake appointments are unearth in educational system. What is going on in the Ministry of Education, Vigilance Department and Home’s sleuth ? Or it’s another high-level nasty unholy alliance? Three years of O. Ibobi Singh led SPF done no progress enough and no point to score. Instead, more and more scam is expose in the regime. For instance, Ukhrul scam where more than Rs. 80 lacs is siphoned off in PWD without any work and no action taken. The story is same of other departments. Indeed, three years of SPF Government is not progressing adequately. Instead corruption, partisan favouritism and ethnic sensitivity are more conspicuous. In the recent IRB recruitment indicates that the number of successful tribal candidates is low below the regular State's reservation (policy) percentage of 33 per cent. Even in the MBBS, the pass percentage of tribal is make equal to the Schedule Castes (SC) where, the latter is account only 2 per cent in the state’s total population. Such partisan policy is very unfortunate. On other hand, such attitude invites ethnic animosity in the state rather than development.
No doubt, present scam in Education Department manifests another loophole in the state's machinery also, how power of money can play a safe game in the democracy. It is real mockery for the state and insult to the public in general. Who is going to take the blame for such nasty situation ? Is it the state? Or the public. We are equally responsible, the state/authority, as a rational individual and as a socially responsible organisation. We can't simply rely on the state agency that is already lost its credibility and accountability. Otherwise, only the Angel can save Manipur.

US-India N-agreement inks doubt Wednesday July 20, 2005,
Washington: President George W. Bush, aiming to boost India as a counterbalance against China's rise, has moved closer to accepting the world's largest democracy as a nuclear weapons state and fueled fears he is weakening decades-old prohibitions against atomic arms. Bush accelerated the US embrace of India, after years of estrangement, during his first term. Monday's decision to permit expansive civilian nuclear cooperation is a further dramatic development.
Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns called the agreement "the high-water mark of US-India relations since 1947." The approach was developed by former US ambassador to India Robert Blackwill and a close ally, Ashley Tellis, a South Asia specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. It could, however, provoke a fight with the US Congress, which must amend US laws, and with America's other nuclear partners, who must tailor international policies to accommodate Bush's initiative. But Bush's Republican Party controls Congress and US concerns over China's growing military and economic might could make support for India irresistible.

The agreement goes farther than many expected. It would remove a ban on civilian nuclear technology sales, allowing India to obtain nuclear fuel and advanced reactors from US and other suppliers. In return, New Delhi would allow international inspections and safeguards on its civilian nuclear program and refrain from further weapons testing and transferring arms technology to other countries. Experts agree these are important advances. Still, "selling nuclear materials to India is a dangerous proposition and bad nonproliferation policy," said Democratic Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, an arms control advocate. Some experts said the deal sends the wrong signal to Russia and China, major arms merchants whom Washington has urged not to sell to India, Iran and other countries, and may prompt other states who surrendered their nuclear ambitions under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, or NPT, to reconsider.

NUCLEAR AMBITIONS
It could also complicate efforts to pressure Iran and North Korea into forsaking their nuclear arms ambitions. While improved relations with India are desirable, "it's unfortunate they picked the nuclear area and the missile/space areas in which to do this because it really erodes certain fundamental principles," said Leonard Spector of the Monterey Institute's Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
The belief that the spread of nuclear weapons must be curbed "is being trumped by a view that there are worthy holders of nuclear weapons and unworthy holders and that universal rules are going to be modified in a way that favors those countries considered more worthy," added Spector, a former Clinton administration official.
US officials dismissed comparisons with Iran, saying Tehran had long cheated on its nuclear weapons activities, while India had been open and convinced Washington it wanted to curb proliferation.
George Perkovich, another South Asia expert with Carnegie, said Bush's initiative could be complicated to implement. "India has been a responsible steward of nuclear technology ..." so if key states in the existing nonproliferation system agree to adapt the rules as Bush recommends, "this should be acceptable," he told Reuters.
"The problem is, if the United States ... races ahead without obtaining the consent of other key states, then the risk is that the system of nonproliferation rules can begin to collapse," Perkovich said. Under the 1970 NPT, only the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia may have nuclear weapons. Some 182 other signatories gave them up in return for access to peaceful nuclear energy. India and Pakistan never signed the treaty. While ties with Pakistan have also vastly improved since Sept. 11, 2001, Washington is much more wary of Islambad's nuclear activities especially after a former government official, Abdul Qadeer Khan, was discovered running a nuclear black market that sold to Iran, Libya and North Korea. Tellis said the administration realized that India, a democracy offering America a lucrative market, posed no threat but would never give up nuclear arms if China and Pakistan retained them. (Source : Reuters)

‘US-India pact not against China’ Wednesday, July 20, 2005,
Washington: The United States has said the new partnership with India is a reflection of its "growing role, power and influence" in the world and is not directed at any third country, including China. (Source : Press Trust of India) The agreement with India "stands on its own" and is not intended to be a counterweight to China, under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said adding "this is a significant point of departure for our foreign policy, not just in South Asia but worldwide".

Asked about Pakistan, Burns said Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has telephoned Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to apprise him about the agreements with India. Maintaining that both South Asian countries are important to the US, burns said, "These are issues where US policy intersects, and there are issues where we can have individual relations with both countries".
Acting State Department Spokesman Adam Ereli told reporters that the agreements on a broad range of issues are a recognition of India's important role and growing influence in the world and a further strengthening of a very close and growing strategic importance. Asked whether these agreements are intended as a counterweight to China in the region, he said, "I really think that's missing the major point. The major point here is that you have a country which is the world's largest democracy, which is growing and becoming an increasingly influential player in the world scene in all aspects. And that there are opportunities for engagement and there are opportunities to help marry India's ambitions and India's capabilities with the United States and mutual interests."

"And that is what this agreement does. And it's based on the reality that is India. It's not based on, you know, other countries acting as push factors for something that really, for a dynamic that exists sui generis, independent of these other considerations," Ereli said. He said the agreements have been signed keeping in mind "the growing influence of India, the growing power of India and the opportunity for working closely in developing a strategic partnership in ways that benefit both countries and frankly the international community as a whole."
Pointing out that the Secretary of State is fully on board on these agreements, he said, "This is something that the Secretary has been very, very actively involved in and represents an important step forward not only in our bilateral relationship, but I think in our strategic relationship in the region."

"The announcement yesterday by the President and the Prime Minister of India, I think point to, frankly, a transformed relationship. One that the Secretary in her remarks called a global partner and what we agreed to yesterday, I think, is testimony to that enhanced role that India plays in the region and how the United States sees India as a partner, both economically, politically and strategically," he added. Ereli said though attention has been focused on the nuclear side of the agreements, there are a number of things on which the two countries are cooperating including launching a CEOs forum to enhance private sector energy and deepen the bilateral economic relationship.
"It talks about modernization of India's infrastructure. It talks about a US-India knowledge initiative on agriculture. There's also a democracy development side to the agreement where we had a global democracy initiative. We talk about disaster relief initiatives, an US-India defense relationship. And we also look forward to signing a science and technology framework agreement for joint research in space and civil space cooperation agreement."
As far as the specific issue on nuclear cooperation goes, he said it was a significant achievement in that it addresses India's important energy security needs for the future.

"It also strengthens our mutual nonproliferation efforts. Specifically, the United States agrees to work toward full civil nuclear energy cooperation with India, including cooperation and trade in the whole, throughout the whole aspect of the peaceful nuclear energy sector. But India also agrees reciprocally to take a number of steps that are important to meeting control and nonproliferation concerns. And that obviously are common to all countries that aspire to the same thing that India aspires to.”
"Specifically, these include identifying and separating civilian and military nuclear facilities, filing a declaration regarding its civilian facilities with the IAEA, voluntarily placing its civilian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, signing and adhering to an additional protocol," he said.

Nagalim.NL News

07/20/2005: "Nagaland church leaders come out against blockade"