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03/23/2006: "'Centre, NSCN agree to amend ceasefire ground rules'"

'Centre, NSCN agree to amend ceasefire ground rules' Kuknalim.com
Both the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) have agreed to amend the present ground rules of the ceasefire to make them more effective, Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho informed the state assembly today. During the last round of talks at Bangkok between the Central government and the NSCN (I-M), both sides agreed to the extension of the truce for another six month to carry forward the peace talks and resolved to amend the ceasefire ground rules, the minister said.

He said that although the state government was not a party to the talks, it had been urging the Centre to amend the ground rules in order to make them more meaningful and effective for maintaining peace in Nagaland.

The minister said that due to "certain ambiguities", it was not possible for the police to enforce the ground rules and check fighting among the underground.

But opposition members, including former finance minister K Therie asserted that the ground rules empowered the state government to enforce its authority in maintaining law and order.

As the state government has found certain flaws in the present cease-fire ground rules, it should make its suggestions to the Centre to rectify them, they said.

Intervening in the discussions, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said when the ceasefire was signed between the two sides in 1997, the state government requested the Centre to consult the state while framing the ground rules.

The government earlier admitted in the house that incidents of factional fighting and killings had increased in the last three months.
PM assures status quo on territory By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 22 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured to preserve the status quo of the territory of Manipur while expressing confidence that the problem of militancy may be resolved through political dialogue.
This was disclosed to the representatives of Manipur Platform of Mass Organisations, informed its chairman L Sotinkumar while talking to reporters at the Manipur Press Club today.
Further the Prime Minister showed serious concern over various problems besetting the State including infrastructure development, militancy and territorial integrity during his meeting with the representatives of the organisations at his official residence on March 16.
Manmohan reminded that as the territorial integrity of Manipur has been ensured by the common minimum programme of UPA, people need not be apprehensive.
The six member team who met with the PM urged for a constitutional safeguard against any threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Even as the Prime Minister expressed optimism on resolving the problem of militancy in Manipur through political dialogue, the team stressed on the inevitability to keep off any precondition for such a dialogue.
Observing that he is aware of the State Government's inability to take up development projects in remote places of hill districts, the Prime Minister maintained that the Chief Minister would be given specific instructions in this regard besides giving due consideration to welfare schemes in hill districts.
Remarking that most of the rules laid down by University Grants Commission are followed in Manipur starting from the college level with the exception of retirement age which is 62 years as per the UGC rules, the team urged the PM to enforce the retirement age of UGC in Manipur too.
On their appeal for a special economic package for the State keeping in view of the development disparity as compared to other states of India, Manmohan declined to give a definite assurance but said that he would look into the matter during his forthcoming visit to Manipur.
The team further urged to deploy highway protection force along the two highways and to revoke downsizing policy on Government jobs.
Moreover they called upon the Prime Minister to include the remaining districts of the State in the next phase of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act which ensures 100 days of work for villagers and expressed their gratitude for including Tamenglong district in the first phase. Sotinkumar added that a memorandum detailing all these points was also submitted to the Prime Minister.
Oil’s well if it ends well Lotha Hoho clouds ONGC operations in Lotha areas Dimapur March 22 The Morung Express

With Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently revealing that petroleum development would be taken up again as soon as land problems have been sorted out, the Nagaland Government can rake in heavy returns if mining operations in the oil-rich western belt of the state begins. Speaking to The Morung Express, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr TM Lotha, who is also abreast of the developments, said the issue will be taken up with landowners. Nothing has also been finalized with the companies, he added. This applies to other precious minerals as well. Geological studies suggest that Nagaland is a storehouse of rich minerals such as those belonging to the Platinum Group Elements (metals even more expensive than gold) found in the Ophiolite belt which stretches for a few hundred kilometres. The Nagaland government’s fly in the ointment are landowners, underground organizations and activists who are averse to the idea
The Lotha Hoho through its president Nyanbemo Lotha today said it would not allow the Oil and Natural Gas Company to extract oil from Lotha areas. On the possibility of another agency implementing the works, he said the executive council of the Hoho would be deliberating on the issue to arrive at a decision. “Lothas also want some benefits,” he said. Nyanbemo said he had earlier suggested to the council of ministers headed by Rio that the State government should acquire an equity share with any company involved in oil development. Another demand of the Lotha Hoho is that oil refineries, if established, are to be located at Nagaland. “We will discuss the other modalities with the government,” he said.
Naga Students’ Federation General Secretary said the student body still abides by its earlier statement that the terms offered to the State should be ‘acceptable, honourable and beneficial to the people.’ “The government should be transparent on the issue,” he said.
An NSCN (IM) official said a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of drilling oil should be studied before taking any decision. “All consequences have to be taken into account,” he said.
The area identified as the propeller to economic boom in terms of petroleum availability is divided into six blocks. Three companies- Oil and Natural Gas Company, a Canadian firm named Canoro and Assam Company Ltd- will be extracting the ‘honey’ from these blocks if the DAN regime gives the go ahead. All of these companies have applied for the issue of petroleum mining licence which is yet to be given by the State government. The lion’s share of four blocks will go to ONGC, a scientist and an expert on the topic said on condition of anonymity. Exploration works in the area have already been undertaken.
Under current norms, all parties willing to participate in petroleum mining have to come through an international bidding process organized by the Central government. The Nagaland government realizes its limitation with regard to technology, cost and risk of investment which include marketing factors. It also realizes the need for the participation of the Centre.
The significance of Article 371 (A) in the Constitution comes into play here. The Article clearly states that no Act of Parliament in respect of ownership and transfer of land and its resources is applicable to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides. The Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relations, recognizing the special status of Nagaland in this matter, had earlier recommended a practical approach of dialogue and discussion between the State and Centre. If mining begins, Nagaland will receive an additional royalty of 2% as compared to other states. This royalty is fixed by the Government of India. One million tons of oil was extracted from Changpang in Wokha District during the years 1981-1994 by the ONGC.
In 2003, Chief Minister Rio had said during a seminar: “Another innovative policy of the State Government is to make the State Government a partner in all petroleum development works undertaken within the Nagaland by various agencies.” This will be done by entering into a joint venture or consortium with the concerned agencies. The nodal agency for oil development in Nagaland is the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Nagaland. Geologists say extraction has to be scientifically based. They are also concerned over ecological impacts of such mining. Morung Express News
Adinno declares ‘Naga freedom is unassailable’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 22 (MExN): Extending greetings on the occasion of commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Adinno Phizo, President of the Naga National Council renewed her call to the Nagas to be counted among the best to bring about an end to the long-standing Indian occupation without delay and restore peace and security. In her Presidential address Adinno Phizo said that the Nagas were living in the year 2006 and ‘still defending the only God given place we have.’ Adinno condemned what she termed as the unremitting Indian occupation- militarized tyranny in Nagaland “It is a gross violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter: Article 2(4); where it specifically prohibits the use of force on another country, unless, is either in self-defense or under the mandate of the UN. Clearly, successive Indian leaders feigned amnesia of its membership of the UN and prevaricate on Indian aggression against Nagaland that has famously turned into the longest international conflict in modern time. Despite Delhi’s stubborn denial, the Nagas stand on freedom is unassailable” she stated.
Relating the tumultuous events from fifty years ago and preceding developments leading up to the declaration of Nagaland independence Thursday, 14 August 1947, and subsequently the voluntary national plebiscite held on Wednesday, 16 May 1951, Adinno maintained the NNC was immutably entrusted with the national mandate. Recalling Thursday, 22 March 1956, when the FGN was inaugurated and the ratification of the Draft Naga Constitution Adinno said it was a defining moment for the national representatives in attendance at the momentous event to have witnessed the unfolding of the national Government in their lifetime.
“History consistently record that, the world is not kind to people with no leader. Whereas Naga nation will ever be indebted to A.Z.Phizo, the inimitable Father of Naga nation for his political vision, and the Naga patriots for their immeasurable sacrifice for our freedom. Equally, we remember our brave Naga people but for their selfless, unflinching support for the national stand; the fate of Nagaland would have been consigned to history” the NNC President affirmed.
On the present political state of affairs in Nagaland Adinno stated that India’s attempt to subvert the authority of the FGN, were evident in ‘reliable documented reports clearly identified the outfit responsible for the murder of well over 2000 Naga civilians, and many civilians in neighboring Indian states in collusion with the Indian army.’ “Shockingly some people call themselves Nagas and wantonly kill fellow Nagas simply out of greed for power. One thing is certain, history can be unforgiving. It was widely reported that in 2003 the last Hindu nationalist BJP led Government in India handed over “peace bonus” payment of Rs365 crores to Nagaland for service rendered by certain outfit which reportedly could not be accounted for in mysterious circumstances” she asserted. All right-minded Nagas appreciate the role of the FGN as would be the case with any nation. However, over the years there were muddle-Nagas ensnared into vociferous denial of the NNC and the FGN, with generous cash offer from India. Interestingly, compelling evidence clearly identifies them as typically with no known history of sacrifice for the nation, the NCC president said.
FGN observes 50th Republic Day Correspondent Nagaland Post
CHEDEMA, MARCH 22 (NPN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), NNC celebrated its "50th (Golden Jubilee) Republic Day" with pomp and gaiety, as thousands of people turned up to participate in the celebrations and also to pay homage to the Naga movement here at Chedema village Peace Camp Wednesday.
Amidst threats from the NSCN (IM) to refrain from holding any functions at public grounds, complexes or habituated areas, the FGN's "Republic Day" celebration was went off well with delegates representing all tribes of the state including the south Nagas (Manipur state) attending the celebration.
However, the FGN had to change the venue of celebration from Kohima village ground to Chedema village ground in order to avoid any unpleasant situation arising out of the NCN (IM) threat which opposed their original venue.
Young and old men and women wearing colourful traditional attires, some in full camouflage uniforms, observed the FGN's golden jubilee remembering and honouring its past and present leaders on the occasion.
FGN Kedahge (President) Gen. Retd. Viyalie Metha in his address to the Naga nation on the occasion pointed out that the main purpose of the FGN was to integrate the various regions of Nagas by safeguarding its land, and to preserve and promote its rich cultures and traditions and to live in freedom as a nation. The FGN president also reaffirmed to protect and uphold the goodness and rich heritage of the Nagas.
Metha also pointed out to the youths that their elders and parents have firmly laid the foundation of Nagaland for their sake adding that the youths of today were the owners of that heritage.
The FGN president also urged the youths to consider themselves privileged and make the God-given Nagaland into a beautiful land and reminded them to keep in mind that, "A good nation is possible only through obedience and fear of the Lord and righteous living".
NNC president Adinno Phizo, in her message from London, called upon the people to be counted in the best Naga traditions to bring about an end to the "long-standing Indian unlawful occupation without delay and restore peace and security to the land."
She also stated that the Naga people would not allow anything to spoil its national celebration of March 22 and asserted the people "cannot ignore the unresolved conflict with India."
The Golden Jubilee celebration was also marked with presentation of awards and gifts to the past and present Naga leaders which were handed over to them by the president.
Earlier, in the function chaired by Kilo Kilonser Shevohu Keyho, bible reading was done by Pastor Neivizolie Chielie, vote of thanks proposed by FGN vice president L Kaiso, and benediction pronounced by Rev. Vevozo Khamo. Highlights of the function included folk songs and dances performed by various village groups followed by a jubilee feast.
FGN celebrates Golden Jubilee The Morung Express

Seen here is the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Federal Government of Nagalnd (FGN) at the Peace Camp, Chedema.
Chedema, March 22 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today celebrated its Golden Jubilee at Peace Camp, Chedema. FGN Kegahge, Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha in his message said that the arbitrary division of Naga territory by India and Myanmar and forceful occupation of Nagaland by both the neighbouring countries have caused untold suffering and misery to the Nagas.
“However, patriotic Nagas could defend Nagaland and the right of the Nagas for more than five decades. Their service and sacrifice shall be honoured and treasured. And go down in the annals of the Naga history as long as human existence on this earth, “ said Metha. He also drew the attention of the youth “to the fact that your elders and parents have firmly laid the foundation of Nagaland for your sake. The youth of today are the owners of that heritage. Therefore, consider yourself privileged and make the God given Nagaland into a beautiful land.”
“This responsibility rests with the youth of today. Let us also keep in mind that a good nation is possible only through obedience and fear of the Lord and righteous living,” he said.
He also stated that “those of us who have survived to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Federal Government of Nagaland today are most fortunate.” Many of our leaders, soldiers and the Naga populace have sacrificed for our land, because of their sacrificial lives the Nation is alive. For which we are proud of them. The Nation shall remember their good deeds always and enshrine them in the chronicle of the Naga society.”
“When we look back into the past 50 years of our government, he said, we recollect the many sorrows and destructions the Nagas faced in the hands of the Indian government. Inspite of the hardships, we Nagas stood resolutely against the might of the enemy in war.” “Unable to defeat the Nagas military, India resorted to other methods of war on deception and money power. Unfortunately many innocent and gullible leaders and patriots had fallen victims in this front,” he said.
Stating that it was not his intention to “name names here,” he said “But sufficient to point out that India unable to subdue the Nagas in war is trying to confuse the Nagas and destroy us through other means of warfare. Confusion section of our people to talk of Naga consensus and unity. In these matters, let us remind ourselves of the consensus sealed with 99 per cent in favour of Naga independence in the Plebiscite of 16th May 1951. And the Naga unity is formed under the banner of Naga National Council.”
Stating that it was the will of God that Nagas are made a nation, he said “In order to give proper shape to the Naga Nation, inspired Naga leaders forged the Nagas together under the great leadership of the father of the Nation AZ Phizo. Thus, formed the Federal Government of Nagaland, on 22 March 1956, bringing together all Nagas and their territories.”
“The formation of Nagaland was out of freewill and love of the nation. There was no forced union. And the federation was complete in integrating the Nagas,” he said.
Presentation of awards, cultural dances and songs, blowing of trumpet, unfurling of National flag, jubilee feast also marked the celebration. A souvenir and Naga national workers list were brought out during the occasion. Earlier, the function was led by Shevohu Rhakho, convenor GJOC as leader.
NE-Expo holds great promise to region's agri-business New Kerala
Kohima: An agri-expo in India's northeast, one of the country's most neglected regions, is being viewed by the states as an opportunity to finally catch the bus to prosperity.

The five-day exhibition, the first of its kind in the region that is famous for its tea, bamboo and paddy, was described by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as an "emerging horizon in agri-business." Northeast Agri Expo, from March 27 at Dimapur, would provide a platform to the farmers to showcase their produce to various business houses, government agencies, distributors and traders, he said.

The expo comes nearly 16 months after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh publicly acknowledged that the region, comprising Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, had been neglected.

He recognised that development of the region was key to enhancing trade with ASEAN countries as part of the government's 'Look East Policy.' Several central ministers would attend the event, which would be inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

Over 2,000 farmers with nine thematic stalls that would showcase and discuss all aspects of agricultural crops, horticultural produces, potential of medicinal plant, aromatic plant, bamboo, livestock production, sericulture, fishery, forestry and wood products, land resource develovment and soil and water conservation.
PM assures of visit to Manipur Newmai News Network March 22

Imphal: Manipur Platform for Mass Organisations (MPMO) has claimed that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has assured a delegation of the organization recently that he would visit Manipur in the near future.
L. Sotinkumar, the chairman of the organization told a press conference in Imphal today that the Prime Minister also promised to consider the demand for announcing a special economic pckage for Manipur.
A delegation of the organization called on the Prime Minister at his Delhi office on March 16 and submitted a memorandum listing an 11 point charter of demands. The main demands included in the memorandum are safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur, declaration of unilateral ceasefire to bring militant groups across the negotiating table without any pre-condition, more industries for generation of employment and announcement of a special economic package.
The delegation including CPI secretary D. Raja and Nilot Basu, MP and deputy leader CPM in the Rajya Sabha had a 25 minute long meeting with the Prime Minister and discussed problems being faced by the state. The meeting also discussed some other issues not included in the memorandum like development of Kangla Historic Fort and establishment of State University etc.
In a statement the convener of the organization Kshetrimayum Santa said the response of the Prime Minister was very encouraging and positive. The Prime Minister told the delegation that he would talk to Manipur chief minister O. Ibobi Singh and take up necessary actions on the issues highlighted by the delegation.
During the discussion, Singh expressed his impression that the development activities in Manipur were concentrated in the valley while the hill areas were kept neglected. The delegation impressed upon the Prime Minister that both the hill and valley needed equal attention and more funds for infrastructural development.
Sotinkumar said when the delegation raised the issue of Manipur’s territorial integrity Manmohan Singh reassured the Centre’s commitment in safeguarding territorial integrity of the state’s in the region as mentioned in the common minimum programme of the UPA government at the Centre.
On solutions to Naga political problem Letters to the editor Morung Express
• Sir-To find a solution to our Naga Political problem an illusion and assumption should not confuse us in any way. Nagas have been struggling for half a century and a solution to this problem is imperative now. Pursuing unity and reconciliation among the Naga people is the responsibility of every sensible Nagas. A mechanism of right perspective of understanding the reality and accepting the true situation of our survival need immediate consideration. Different people give different views on unity reconciliation and integration, interpreting it on their own way or interest.
But this two are one side of the same coin and cannot be separated, unity reconciliation should be the backbone of our strength in our political struggle for self determination. However, we must know that it should not condition the solution of the Naga political problem. A reality should be accepted that solution to the protracted Naga political problem is vital for Nagas to decide the future of the young generation. We need to give a serious thought on the best solution that will fit the Nagas for survival and we must forge ahead with a hope for better future with anew initiative. Unity and reconciliation is a process and no one can put a halt to it so also the integration and unification of the Nagas in fact it is our anguish why Nagas were divided arbitrarily.
I find there is nothing wrong to workout a suitable solution that will benefit the Nagas and its future generation. Until and unless negotiated settlements between the Government of India and the Nagas have breakthrough unity reconciliation and integration will remain a problem. Solution is the subject matter of our political problem and we must strive to find a solution that will lead us to building a strong and progressive Nation.
I personally do not see why there cannot be unity and reconciliation if our approach is for a solution to a Naga political problem. I may be forgiven if I am wrong in my view but many writers interprets unity reconciliation and integration to very confusing state. Whoever has concern for unity and reconciliation they must be true to themselves having a clear vision and interprets the subject correctly without prejudices, unity reconciliation is essential and we must commit ourselves to it. However the term should not be misinterpreted wrongly to make silent the issue of Naga solution and aspiration of the people to live as one. Whatever the differences of ideology the present leaders of the Nagas both underground and over ground may have, this cannot be a threat to the unity of the younger generation. Definitely the younger generation of the Nagas will need each other and a separation will give unrelieved pain to their heart.
My appeal to every individual and group that let us be true to ourselves and to the Nagas. Let us not make ourselves jack of everything and master of none.
Kuknalim Keny Tep Rengma Tseminyu Town
Oath administered to new UCM office bearers The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 22: The newly elected central committee members of the United Commitee, Manipur formally took office at a function today with a pledge to safeguard the integrity of Manipur bequested by our forefathers and to work for its development. The oath of office was administered by retired sessions judge C Upendra at the function held at Hotel Excellancy this morning. Konsam Lanngamba is the new president of the UCM, with Y Chitaranjan as vice president, O Hemanta as general secretary, W Second as secretary organisation, and W Homeshwor as secretary, finance.

In his remarks at the gathering, retired judge C Upendra expressed his hope that the UCM members would take their oath seriously. Observing that the issues that were central to the June Uprising of 2001 were still alive today, Upendra said the people of the valley would have to provide the lead in preserving friendly relations among the communities of the state.

While noting that the hills and valley of Manipur were an organic whole, he stressed the need to remove the distrust felt by the hill people toward their valley brethren. This cannot be done merely by holding a function or hosting a feast, he stressed. The newly elected president, K Lanngamba, urged his colleagues not to evade their responsibility to maintain friendly relations among various ethnic groups, and stressed that this required sincerity and a sacrificing spirit. He also appealed to the public to provide guidance to the UCM in the task.

UCM urged to forge unity By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 22: Being one of the influential bodies, United Committee Manipur (UCM) has been urged to take a pro-active role in cementing the bond between the hill and valley people of Manipur.
Speaking as functional president of the oath taking ceremony of the newly appointed office bearers of the Central Committee of UCM for the tenure 2006-08 at Hotel Excellency here today, Retd Judge C Upendra suggested UCM to take the leading role and go to hill areas so as to win the confidence of the people there and dispel any possible misunderstanding.
He said shouting the slogan of unity and brotherhood between the hill and the valley people is not enough, it should be shown through action.
While noting that UCM has shouldered great responsibilities on various important State issues in the past, Upendra observed that all those who have come out to work for the welfare of the society should be selfless and dedicated to the cause.
Special attention being paid by the present Ibobi Ministry to the development of the hill area is a good sign, he said, adding that unity and integrity among the hill and the valley people depend to a large extent on equal distribution of wealth.
Retired Selection Grade lecturer H Kulla and Harishwar Goswami were chief guest and guest of honour respectively of the function.
Out of 20 members elected to various posts of the Central Committee, Konsam Langamba was sworn in as the new president of UCM, Y Chittaranjan as vice president and O Hemanta as secretary general.
The other newly elected Central Committee members who took the oath of the offices during the function today are W Second (secretary organisation), W Homeshwar (finance secretary), Md Majid Yaima (secretary IPR ) P Momon (secretary women affairs), Korungthang Kom ( secretary accounts), L Binakumari ( secretary external affairs), Ch Ibopishak ( secretary resource mobilisation), JK Mangang (secretary HRD), Kh Anandi (secretary human rights and legal affairs), Ayangleima (secretary youth affairs), Jibanmala, L Kujeshwore, L Ngambi and H Jugindro (secretaries district affairs), A Hemchandra (secretary research analysis and development), M Nabachandra (secretary office affairs), A Sarita Begum (secretary community affairs), A Arunkumar (assistant finance), K James Kamei ( assistant secretary external affairs), Ng Deva (assistant secretary IPR), W Jotinkumar ( assistant secretary organisation) and A Podsana (assistant secretary women affairs).

Historic Stillwell Road to be made a national highway Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, March 22 – The historic Stillwell Road to Myanmar through Arunachal Pradesh is presently under reconstruction as a national highway (NH 153), state PWD Minister Nabam Tuki told the Assembly today.

Replying to a question by C T Mein (BJP), the Minister said the road would lead to Pangsau Pass in Changlang district. The vital road, constructed during the World War II, has been lying unused for many years.

To another question, Chief Minister Gegong Apang said a political consensus was needed to remove inner line permits, restricted area permits and protected area permits as these restrictions on the entry of people from outside the state also give protection to the people of the state. – PTI

Reservation policy By Lt. Col H. Bhubon Singh (Retd) Sangai Express
When India became independent in August 1947 and later became a Republic on 26 January 1950, the country decided to have a reservation policy on election system and on Government jobs, baring the Defence Services. The paranoia was upliftment of the downtrodden and contextuality of socialism. This policy is arguably termed ‘positive discrimination’ designed to uplift the underprivileged sections of the society, who had been historically wronged. The policy was to last for ten years only, extendable by the Indian Parliament from time to time, on the basis of ‘perceived’ degree of upliftment. For good reasons or otherwise, this reservation, policy has come to stay almost permanently, till today, because the benchmark of degree of upliftment has not been reached yet.
On the basis of this reserved policy, Manipur has nineteen Scheduled Tribe (ST) seats and one Scheduled Caste (SC) seat in the Manipur Legislative Assembly and one ST seat in the Indian Parliament. On the job front of the Government of Manipur, ST has 31% reservation and SC has 2%. Now, the scope of reservation has extended far wider, as more and more tribes and communities are clamouring to possess the SC or ST tag. In reality, SC/ST tag has become a passport to success. Therefore, in Manipur, the SC peoples of Sekmai, Phayeng, Andro etc., who are the original SC people are on warpath with the people of Kakching, who are new entrants to SC community. This is clearly a struggle for space to acquire and enjoy reserved privilege!
Now a bombshell has been exploded when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Justice Rajinder Sachar to make a headcount of serving Muslim soldiers, sailors and airmen in the Defence Forces. Army Chief, General JJ Singh politely but firmly, declined to comply with the questionnaire of Sachar Committee on the ground that the Indian Army is a secular and apolitical organisation and its recruitment is on merit only and that the Army is not interested in the religion, language, place of birth etc., of its officers and men. The Navy and Air Force Chiefs reacted similarly. Retired Generals, Air Marshals and Admirals and other officers and men held a rally at Amar Jyoti at India Gate, New Delhi and submitted a memorandum to Rashtrapati Abdul Kalam to stop this headcount. The matter rocked the Parliament also and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh though an honest and good person, has to suffer extreme discomfiture of ignominy. GoI made a U-turn and escaped with the plea that the headcount was for statistics only, not designed to make a reservation policy in our Armed Forces. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused GoI of playing minoritysm card at the expense of national, cohesion and national, integration on the basis of ‘equality for all’ and ‘appeasement of none’.
I do not know if there is a reservation policy in the United Kingdom. I do think not so, since I have never heard or read about a reserved constituency for the British Parliament. As a young school and college student, prior to Indian Independence, I had seen how the British rulers worked to uplift our backward tribal peoples. In Johnstone School where I studied, students who were first and second in the class were granted scholarships.
The third student enjoyed free studentship. Then, for tribal students, they compete among themselves. In other words, say, the seventeenth and thirty first tribal students of the class of party, would get tribal student scholarships because they were number one and number two of the class among tribal students. Also, there were no job reservations in Government service.
The policy adapted was the Darwinian concept of survival of the fittest even for tribal. The late Major Bob Khathing, MC, MBE studied at Cotton College, Gauhati (now Guwahati) after passing his matriculation examination in 1931 from Calcutta University. He was awarded a scholarship of Rs.35 per month, which was a princely sum then. Bob was not number one student of matriculation examination of Calcutta University from Manipur, but he was number one among tribal students. He was the first tribal matriculate and graduate too. He was followed by the late Thangkhopao Kipgen, IAS (Retd.) former Chief Secretary of Goa and others. We see that the rate of scholarship for Bob was much higher than that of general Meitei students, who got rupees ten only for college studies outside Manipur.
This huge scholarship was granted perhaps to cater for expenditure on buying text books, stationaries, clothing, hostel food and accommodation etc. Such extra ordinary treatment was the incentive granted by our British rulers then, not reservation. Indeed, Bob had bested many general class Indians. In his Army career, he won the coveted M.C. (Military Cross) for bravery and MBE (Member of the British Empire) for distinguished ability of management too. In his political career, he won his election to. Manipur Legislative Assembly from Sadar Hills, not from his native Ukhrul constituency. In his bureaucratic career, he retired as Chief Secretary to a State Government and crowned his career as an Indian Ambassador proving that incentive and hard work, not reservation was the key to success and upliftment.
Mandalisatian policy of former Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh to divide the Hindu society, had failed to make a niche in the Indian society. The attempt of UPA Government to open the doors of various Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) has been resisted successfully by IIM authorities despite the cajoling and threat by Arjun Singh, Minister of Human Resources Development. The proposal to increase reservation of seats for Muslim students in Aligarh Muslim University had been struck down by law courts on the ground that reservation of seats was not to exceed 50%. Aurobindo Ghosh said ‘The unfit cannot lead the unfit’. By reservation policy, we are seeing that Indian society seems to be gleaning for the chaff, not the grain and allowing the unfit to lead us.
Back home in Manipur, I know the despair of many MCS/promotee/IAS officers, who rue their fate when they had to serve under Principal Secretaries/ Commissioners who were once upon a time, their, classmates with inferior class performance, say in the two D.M. Colleges, Imphal or in Indian School of Economics, New Delhi, just because the latter are direct recruit IAS officers an reserved quota system.
Now, Indian Parliament is attempting to go ahead with Women’s Reservation Bill. The idea was mooted when National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government led by BJP was positioned in Delhi, way back in 1990s. The nuts and baits of mechanism of reservation was hotly debated by the firebrand Mayawati Devi of Bhujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Sadhvi Uma Bharati of BJP. Their objection was that a simple and innocent women’s reservation policy would end up with lipsticking, jean-clad, bob hair-cutted women parliamentarians whereas the neglected, rustic and working class women folks would be left out. True to the saying ‘Oh women frailty is thy virtue’, Mayawati has now babbed her hair, lipsticked her lips and powdered her face. She has now acquired a sophisticated look after her ascendancy to presidency of BSP. On the other hand, Uma Bharati has continued with her Sadhvi look, though in political wilderness now.
This awakens us to investigate whether reservation policy has been able to hit the bull’s eye of uplifting the miserable plight of the really downtrodden. It is doubtful because reservation policy is based on caste or tribes, not on economic, educational and social ranking. For example, on the basis of reservation policy, the late Jagjivan Ram as leader of several scores of SC MPs in the Parliament, had become a high ranking Cabinet Minister during the Nehru era. His sons and daughters who studied in the best of schools and colleges in India and who had been elevated to high social and political ranking, should fend their way in this competitive world. They do not deserve to enjoy the facility of reservation. On the contrary, they are robbing this reservation facility from the really needy ones who are trying to take out a living in the far interior hill areas. They are the Shylocks of their own community.
Now, since I am in complete agreement with the idea of uplifting the downtrodden, we have to find a way out. I think, the golfing field of election or civil service competition ought to be a level one with no handicap for anyone. My suggested solution is to award plenty of liberal scholarship to deserving SC/ST students or IAS aspirants and make them attain IAS/IFS/IPS grade by dint of their performance like what Major Khathing did. This way, SC/ST qualifiers of IAS/IPS will not suffer from the stigma of quota reservation. This is what has been happening and is now happening in the Defence Forces. If Indira Gandhi or Margaret Thatcher or Golda Meir could be successful Prime Minister of India, of the United Kingdom and of Israel respectively without reservation, why is the Indian Parliament going to consider Women’s Reservation Bill?
It is blindingly obvious that reservation policy has failed to uplift the downtrodden. It has only succeeded in creating more divide in the Indian society. It is now time to do away with reservation policy - branch and root - and replace it by incentive system of providing ample of facilities to SC/ST people and make them earn and deserve their successes in life.