[Previous entry: "Additional forces for Assam"] [Next entry: "NSCN-IM on feedback drive --------------------Kuknalim.com"]

03/29/2006: "Dr Lotha lauds Nagaland GBs, urges to inherit past traditions"

Dr Lotha lauds Nagaland GBs, urges to inherit past traditions Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune
Wokha, 29 March, (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Excise Dr TM Lotha lauded the Nagaland GBs for rendering their selfless services to the people of Nagaland and maintaining its age-old customary practices till today.

Addressing 8th General Meeting of the Nagaland GB Federation here at LTC Hall on Tuesday, the Minister recalled the past glory of the GBs in the State and their role towards the village administration under the customary practices.

"Even the appointment of the GBs in the past was made on the basis of their deep-rooted knowledge on the customary practices, besides their age, trustworthy, family background, etc.," Dr Lotha explained, adding, "We should inherit this tradition."

Stating that their customary laws were unwritten and unless one was well versed on the subject, things might go wrong, the Minister said stressing the importance of organizing seminars on the tribal customary practices in order to familiarize each other's practices.

Dr Lotha also highlighted the DAN Government's various developmental activities in the State under the able leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

Asserting that peace was pre-requisite for the development in the State, the Minister informed that the State witnessed unprecedented that attracted various investors in the State today. At the same time, the DAN Government had been facilitating the peace process to bring a permanent settlement to the Naga political problem, he added.

The Minister also donated Rs 40000 toward the welfare fund of the GBs Federation.

Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, T Konyak, who on behalf of Nagaland Commissioner, spoke on the occasion and also donated Rs 20000 to the GB Federation. Chairman Wokha Town Council M Odyeo also spoke on the occasion. - Asian Tribune –
Process for RAP/PAP application needs to be revised David Lock The Morung Express

I am an Englishman who had the good fortune to marry a Naga. We had our first child last year and decided that it was now time for our son to meet his Naga kin. My wife and son travelled to the NE in February and I was to meet up with them in April, when after a short period we would return to the UK together. However, in March my son was taken ill and as a result was admitted to hospital. Therefore I made the decision to travel to the NE so as to assist my wife and bring them both home early. Unfortunately I did not have my Restricted Area Permit (now called a Protected Area Permit apparently, but protected from what?). The application for the RAP that covered my April visit was currently in Delhi awaiting approval.
I arrived in Calcutta and checked into the Nagaland House hotel. I wanted to explain my situation to the Assistant Resident Commisioner who was based there. Unfortunately I was told that in order to get a RAP I would have to apply to Delhi. I tried the British High Commission and was given the same answer. The fact that a RAP application takes at least a month meant that this was not an option. I explained the situation to my wife who was still in the NE and after several options were explored I was advised to fly into Dimapur, where I would be escorted to the Assam border by the police. At the time this seemed like a good idea opposed to flying into Assam and then making my way (on my own) to the state border.
On my arrival in Dimapur I was met by my sister-in-law and taken to the police station by the airport staff (who I assume were immigration representatives of some sort). I was then told I was being officially deported to Assam. I was taken by armed guard (6 in total) to the Deputy Commissioners office for yet more red tape and was eventually taken to the Assam/Nagaland checkpost. I was met by my wife and other family members and taken to a house in Assam where I was given refuge. My wife and son stayed with me for 1 night but as my son was still not 100% I advised my wife to go back to Nagaland and check into a hotel and keep the boy safe. I intended to meet her a week later when they were both well rested and we could start our journey back to the UK. It was not the ideal solution but under the circumstances it seemed the best thing to do.
The following night my wife came for me. She had made a few arrangements and the next thing I knew I was sitting in a hotel in Nagaland with my wife, son and some other family members. For the next 5 days I was literally under a self imposed room arrest. The hotel staff had no idea I was there. When it came time to leave we were driven from the hotel to Jorhat airport in Assam where we flew to Calcutta and after a couple of days we were back in London.
In retrospect I should have never flown into Dimapur. My brother-in-law, who spoke to the police before my arrival was unaware that I would be officially deported. The Superintendent of Police, will no doubt get a pat on the back for his ‘sterling’ work.
So what does the future hold? Will I be allowed to return to India, let alone the NE? How would I attend an emergency if the need arose again? Can I never attend a family funeral? I think the process for the RAP/PAP application needs to be revised. There should be a fast track application for such emergencies, maybe not related to tourists but at the very least people who have relatives in the region. If the existing process is not updated then it will only result in other people ‘bypassing’ the current laws, which in turn will no doubt result in more problems.
Just so you know my son is now 100% fit and looking forward to his 1 year birthday in a couple of weeks time.
Traditional cure for AIDS, cancer Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MARCH 29: As one enters the Horticulture pavilion in the ongoing North-east Agri Expo-2006, the last thing that one expects to find is a drug that claims to cure AIDS completely. But that is exactly what one of the Nagaland stalls is selling. And not only AIDS cure, it has got medicines for cancer too. Traditional doctors from Nagaland Dr Alwang and Dr Haigwambe claim to have totally cured eight people suffering from AIDS with medicines prepared from herbs and plant extracts.

According to the doctors, some sort of juice is extracted from hia and chingbang tree and is injected in the body of the patient to cure him of AIDS. If one does not want to go for injection then the doctor gives medicine and massage.

The doctors say: “We provide treatment to about 150 people daily. Individual prescription and dosage are decided for the people, and no fee is taken till the patient gets totally cured.”

Though the doctors don’t have any registration or authorisation from the Drugs Authority, the medicines are being openly sold at the exhibition and are attracting people in large numbers.

Modern science may take some more time to find an answer to the dreadful disease, but the tribals already seem to have got the answer—whether right or wrong.
Office of profit: Rio told to step down Morung Express News Dimapur | March 28

While the Government of Nagaland was celebrating the launch of the Agri Expo at Dimapur, the Opposition Congress was carefully planning a calculated move. The tentacles of the ‘office of profit’ issue today reached Nagaland with the Congress asking Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to step down. Article 191 of the Constitution says that a person shall be disqualified as a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of the state if he holds any office of profit under the union or state government as specified in the first schedule, other than an office exempted by the Legislature.
Leader of Opposition I Imkong told The Morung Express that since Rio holds the post of Chairman for both the State Sports Council and the Nagaland Bamboo Mission, he is subject to stepping down from Chief Ministership. The Congress stalwart confirmed that their team had met Governor Shyamal Datta and had also faxed a copy of their demand to the Election Commission.
The Nagaland Government now has the option to pass a bill which may be called the Nagaland Legislature (Removal of Disqualification) Bill 2006. Under such a new bill, the posts held by legislators in boards, corporations and other such offices will be not be counted under the category of office of profit. This will prevent the disqualification of any legislator.
The Chief Minister’s other option would be to issue an ordinance as the assembly session has already been adjourned. However an ordinance will be seen as a move to ‘save’ the Chief Minister from being disqualified as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Nagaland People’s Front President Dr Shürhozelie said he was still studying the matter to get an in-depth analysis on the crux of the matter. The NPF is being careful, he said.
Nagaland Janata Dal (United) President Huska Sumi, giving his take on the issue, said that strictly speaking the move of the Congress was justifiable as it follows the provisions of the law. Citing the instance in Jharkhand where a similar issue had erupted, the veteran politician said they would have to wait for the decision of the Governor in announcing an ordinance.
Pawar wants special session of Parliament Morung Express News Dimapur | March 28

Prior to his departure from Dimapur, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar early this morning said he was in favour of holding a special session of Parliament to discuss the headline-making office of profit issue.
Replying to the query put up by a reporter from The Morung Express, he said Parliament was the venue for a consensus to be arrived on the issue. He was speaking during a press conference conducted at the VIP lounge of the Dimapur Airport. There was no need of creating a noise on this issue leading to instability in many states, he said. The Nationalist Congress Party President said he had already discussed the matter with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi. He said a legislation had been passed by the Maharashtra Assembly in 1979 when he was chief minister of the state. “We do not believe in concentration of power, instead favour a distributive power model,” he said.
DAN govt under Congress fire Fund cut irks Congress MLAs Karaiba Chawang Kohima | March 28

The Opposition Congress Party in Nagaland has expressed resentment over the 25% deduction from Congress legislatures by the DPDB, while belittling the DAN government’s tall claims of numerous achievements. NPCC president, Hokheto Sumi while talking to media persons today alleged that the government was deducting 25% of the LADF from the Congress Legislatures on the pretext of giving it to the development of the constituency.
This deduction leaves the Congress Legislatures with Rs 45 lakhs out of Rs 60 lakhs which they usually receive as DPF, it was informed. The amount deducted is meant for the common pool of the District Planning Board, but the Congress said the amount usually goes to meet the discretion of DPDB chairman, who is usually a ruling DAN legislature.
“It is not for helping the constituency, but only for the benefit the DAN legislature”, said Hokheto.
The NPCC President also said that all achievements were initiated during the previous Congress regime and not a single project is new. He said that was not the matter of achievement but “matter of completion”. “See and watch whether DAN would live up to its promise” said Hokheto adding that lot of money has been given to the district but it is a matter of implementation.
Disqualify Rio: Congress Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, March 28 (NPN): The Congress Tuesday demanded disqualification of State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from the Legislative Assembly under Article 191 (1) (a) for holding office of profit. In a petition addressed to the Governor Tuesday the Congress Legislature Party pointed out that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is holding the offices of Chairman, Nagaland Sports Council and Chairman, Nagaland Bamboo Mission, both of which were offices of profit and thereby attracting disqualification under Article 191 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India.
Talking to media persons NPCC president Hokheto Sumi also said several other members of the current (tenth) legislative assembly also held officse of profit and thereby attract similar action. He said after properly ascertaining the charges, the CLP concluded that Rio was indeed holding offices of profit. Asked about the long silence of the Congress on this issue and its decision to target only the chief minister, Hokheto said as Rio is the chief minister, whatever action was taken against him would also affect those holding offices of profit.
He, however, said a final decision on the petition would be taken by the Election Commission. Hokheto said it was not only monetary gains that made any post as an office of profit but other facilities like quarters, vehicles, telephones in defining the term.
Horticulture may bloom into prosperity in NE ATREYEE DEV ROY Posted online: Wednesday, March 29, 2006
DIMAPUR, NAGALAND, MARCH 28: Horticulture has taken the centrestage in the ongoing Agri Expo-2006 with a huge development potential in the North-east that is attracting some key investors. With the present global market of over $60 billion, development of the sector is expected to bring prosperity to the region.
Speaking to FE, Union horticulture commissioner ML Choudhary said, “The horticulture sector which registered 7.2% growth last year is one of the fasted growing sectors in the country. While the national average growth is 7.2%, the North-east has seen a growth between 8-9%.” According to him, the region has much greater growth potential, but due to small land holdings, averaging 0.2 hectare, and huge post-harvest wastages (to the tune of 30-40%) due to unavailability of processing plants, the region is not able to tap its market potential.
“The first step should be to identify production zone clusters, with each cluster producing one specific crop. Each state has its own special crop— Meghalaya can produce strawberry, Manipur passion fruit, Arunachal Pradesh kiwi, Nagaland orange, etc. Once the states identify the clusters, production estimates can be made and investment brought to the region. Horticulture can provide maximum employment in the North-east,” Mr Choudhary said.
Though the exhibition attracted more than 50 potential investors, including ITC, ICCOA, HDFC, Dabur, etc, it could not attract any major investments. Rinchin Norbu from the Arunachal Pradesh horticulture department said because the state did not have any Land Act, the corporates were not able to buy land.
Despite the fact that the state government is ready to lease land, investments are not coming in. An official from the Sikkim horticulture department also complained that though there was a huge demand for their pineapple products, they had no provision to supply it to major markets. Additional secretary (extention) in the ministry of agriculture CT Mishra said, “Companies like ITC, Godrej, Reliance, Mahindra, etc, are running semi-rural programmes in different parts of the country. Once they are aware of the potential of the region investments will come in.”
NSCN-K reacts to media reports Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (NPN): Strongly denying media reports that it was involved with the "newly split FGN group" in an incident where a person was reportedly killed and another seriously injured in Phek, the NSCN (K) said the incident was due to "infighting within the FGN". Talking to Nagaland Post over phone, NSCN (K) spokesman Isaac Sumi, speaking for Naga Army's 2nd Brigade Commander, "Brigadier" Niki Sumi also alleged that in the evening of March 20, the NSCN (I-M) cadres wearing IRB uniforms had gone to Phek village in one Mini Truck and four Gypsy vehicles bearing police number plates.
"On reaching the village, they set ablaze their IRB uniforms and got themselves attired in their own uniforms," Isaac Sumi alleged adding that villagers of Phek village including elders and the Village Council chairperson were witnesses to the act. Reacting strongly to "certain media reports" accusing the NSCN (K) of setting fire to the residence of NSCN (I-M)'s Raja Peyu at Athibung, the NSCN (K) spokesman said: "The NSCN (IM) had made the same allegation, whereas, that was their own creation intended to malign the image of the NSCN (K)." The NSCN (K) spokesman also alleged that the NSCN (IM) kidnapped and detained innocent Naga citizens of Athibung inside their Hebron camp by claiming these were NSCN (K) cadres. He said such activities must be curbed and exposed with the co-operation of all Naga citizens so that innocent people are not victimized. He also termed as "baseless" the NSCN (I-M) claim about the capture of two NSCN (K) cadres. Isaac Sumi said "On the contrary, the NSCN (I-M) wanted to misguide the public about their sinister, anti-people activities."
Exploit NE’s natural resources: Governor Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur March 28 (NPN): State Governor Shyamal Datta today urged the corporate and financial sectors to tap the rich natural resources of the North East region with a view to promote agriculture and agribusiness and at the same time, be sensitive to sentiments of the people and environment of the region.
Addressing the plenary session of the "North-East Energy Horizons in Agri Industries" as the chief guest on the second day of the ongoing NE Agri Expo meet at Dimapur, Datta said also mentioned about the rich natural resources in the region and urged the corporate sector to have a "nose" to discover and exploit the natural resources in the region.
Stating that the slow progress of agriculture in the region arose mainly because capability was not matched by capacity, Datta said "if agribusiness is to be stagnant in the country then it is more stagnant in Northeast with its nature's paradise".
Datta said that the farmers in the region including Nagaland have comparatively good products but lack marketing facilities. "Our farmers are second to none, unfortunately we do not have the calling and market and do not have the way to reach to giant corporate and financial sectors".
Datta further said "this business sector, by design or accident, did not receive the attention it deserves". He urged the corporate and financial sectors to maintain balance by investing in potentially viable projects and not to simply pour in money, otherwise it could have an adverse affect.
Beckoning on the guest industrialists and corporate houses to make the North East farmers accomplished in enhancing agriculture, Datta said he had no doubt that agriculture will prosper in the North East if the minds, resources and intentions together create symphony. "We all have to agree to work together to draw the natural resources", he said.
On the roadmap to agribusiness in the region, Datta mentioned organic farming as an area where the corporate and financial sectors can assist the North East farmers while the government has to pitch in with better roads, environmental peace and other infrastructural facilities wherever needed.
Stating that the farmers in the North East have the potential to prosper and join the mainstream of agribusiness, Datta called upon the various investors to empathize with the farmers of the region and help them in adapting to the technological applications keeping in mind the environmental aspect.
Citing the case of Nagaland whose annual import bill on meat and agriculture produce was colossal, he said the north east state have to first meet this need before thinking of exports.
Chairman of CII NE Region Depankar Chatterji, while delivering the keynote address on "Emerging horizons in agribusiness in NER" remarked that in-spite of green revolution and white revolution, problems in Indian agriculture system still refuses to go away. He said that NE region has to come to the main stream of technology in agriculture and have better linkages for marketing. "The task ahead is to transform subsistent farming to agribusiness" in the region, he said.
Additional Secretary, Extension, Govt. of India, Dr. C. D. Mishra in her address highlighted that potential for development of agriculture, floriculture and horticulture sectors in the NE. She also commented on the profile of the North East women who were doing quite well compared to their other counterparts.
Additional Secretary (DAC), Govt. of India, R. S. Pandey spoke on the vast available fertile land and abundance of rain in the region and called upon the corporate houses and industries to come forward and create a win-win situation by investing in the region.
Joint Secretary (H & AH Dairy and Fishery) Govt. of India, Arvind Kaushal stressed on the importance of live stock farming which generates the highest rate of employment than other sectors in the region. He said that north east as a region and Nagaland in particular, show the highest consumption of meat in the country with 61 percent and called for live stock farming in the region.
Chairman and Managing Director NEDFI Gawahati, K. N. Hazarika said that technological importance of North East was realized in the absence of industry. He said the general nature of NEDFI in agribusiness was financing as well as marketing and transportation facilities, packaging units, agri value addition and equipment. He said the prime focus was also on resource management and employment. He said NEDFI would also facilitate any dialogue between investors and concerned Governments of the region.
Agitating students beaten by police Police brutality questioned; students compromise agitation with arrested comrades release Newmai News Network March 28

Aizawl: Congress legislator from Saitual consituency R Lalzirliana today sought for a ‘special mention’ in the House today to highlight “police brutality” against agitating students this morning, which was granted.
Informing the House that the police had brutally beaten several students who were organizing a road blockade on the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Buangpui road to show their disappointment over delay of the road construction, the MLA said the government’s action was “outrageous”.
“While the police hit Lalnuntluanga with their knuckles, Lalhmachhuana was thrown into the prison van. The police beat even the girls,” Lalzirliana informed the House.
“The students are only bringing out the plight of the people. They are highlighting on behalf of the government the poor performances of the contractors. Why does the government try to oppress its citizens who are helping the government?” Zira asked the Zoramthanga government.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga explained the situation admitting that the road project could not be executed as desired, but that “every effort is being made for expeditious implementation of the World Bank road project.”
On the students’ road blockade, Zoramthanga said: “Demonstrations such as rally or others may be tolerable, but road blockade causes difficulties to all the people. So it is the authorities’ duty to ensure that disruption of normal life does not take place.”
“However,” he added, “such physical assaults are against the wishes of the government.”
Meanwhile, police said all arrested students have been released this afternoon following an agreement between student leaders and the district administration.
“We made preventive arrests of 51 students among whom were four girls. However, no brutality was involved. We have no reports of any student having sustained injuries in the police operation. In fact, a majority of those arrested had courted arrest and had come willingly,” Lalthanmawia, Additional SP, Aizawl district said.
Members of Chhimphei Joint MZP had organized a 12-hour road blockade to show their displeasure over the delay in completing constructing the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Buangpui road which had caused many difficulties for the people living in villages along the proposed road in the last two years.
According to the agreement between the students and the authorities, the students agreed to call off their agitation in return for the unconditional release of their arrested comrades and a meeting within March between the people of Chhimphei, the state government and the contractors in order that the road works are continued within April, 2006.
The authorities have also agreed to find out whether any student had sustained injuries during the police operation of making preventive arrests.
Unemployment – a political disease Editorial The Morung Express
Unemployment worldwide has reached high proportions, which according to the International Labor Organizations (ILO) report was 185.9 million people worldwide, or 6.2 percent of the global labor force in 2003-04. The rate of unemployment has aggressively created acute problems of poverty and economic instability with political implication.
The ILO 2003-04 report estimates 1.39 billion people in the world work but are unable to lift themselves and their families above US$2 (@44 = Rs.88) a day poverty line. Among them, 550 million cannot lift themselves and their families above US$1 (Rs.44) a day poverty threshold. This means that 49.7% of the world’s workers (over 58.7% of the developing world’s workers) are not earning enough to lift themselves and their families above the US$2 (Rs.88) a day poverty line, and that 19.7% of the employed persons in the world (over 23.3% of the developing world’s workers) are currently living on less than US$1 (Rs.44) a day. This figure is projected to decrease worldwide by 2015 to 40.8 percent.
Since there is the ‘working poverty’ and ‘poverty’ there needed to be created 1.39 billion decent jobs for those who work but still live below Rs.88 a day poverty line; and in addition, the 185.9 million people who were unemployed. This does not include people who remain outside the labor force for involuntary reasons. According to the ILO World Employment Report 2004-2005 report, empirical evidence indicates that providing decent employment opportunity is the best way to take people out of poverty. Nonetheless, it is clear that there exist a large perpetual deficiency of decent work in the world, one that poses a grave challenge in the fight against poverty.
Unemployment is not the result of any one cause. A great variety of circumstances, such as personal factors, economic and political conditions, legislative governance and regulatory conditions have contributed to it. Unemployment caused by labor laws and regulations – or the lack of it – impoverishes people. Therefore, how does one ensure to get the right balance between productivity growth and job creation?
In the Naga context, unemployment is chronic and has resulted into a political disease. This disease is compounded due to the notion that government can provide and improve everyone’s income and working condition through legislation. Hans Sennholz says, It is an affliction that stems from misinterpretation and misinformation about work and income and from an undaunted faith in collective force and coercion. Sennholz adds, It clearly reflects the spirit and mentality of our age and unless they give way to the spirit of individual freedom and enterprise, the rate of unemployment is likely to rise. Nagas cannot ignore basic economic principles and address unemployment by force and political patronage, which have detrimental consequences to the questions of poverty and unemployment.
Indigenous population and immigrants: Who is eating up the native soil…! By U A Shimray Editorial Sangai Express
Recently, the valley based organisation United Committee Manipur (UCM) came up with a report “Influx of Migrants into Manipur: A Threat to the Indigenous Ethnic People.” The contents indeed highlight some crucial issues related to population and its implication on socio-economic and political system. Hitherto, there are some uncomfortable terminologies and figures that used in the analysis.
For instance, UCM’s Report continuously deliberated the term “Manipuri National Subgroups” without any substantive argument. This neo-term in fact refers to the various ethnic (indigenous) communities of the state. UCM (2005: 2) writes: “[A]ll the indigenous people of Manipur belong to Mongoloid stock and comprise various Manipuri National Subgroups. Among the Manipuri Sub Groups the Government of India recognised 33 groups, as Schedule Tribes.” And this is view as to clump all the ethnic groups into one “identity.” The Non-Manipuri National Subgroups are refers as “alien” (UCM 2005: 39). These aliens are non-citizen of Manipur.
Dun (1886: 13) in his book, “Gazetteer of Manipur,” writes as: “The name Manipur is only applicable, popularly speaking to the Hindu dweller of the plain areas. The wild tribes are divided generically into the two groups the Nagas and Kukis.”
Such classification and categorisation were recorded in many reliable documents. The following words of Captain MacCulloch - “the Manipurians are, in civilisation only, a slight degree superior to the wild tribes by whom they are surrounded” (Mackenzie 1884: 154). The geographical relationship between the Hills people and the Plains people in Manipur may not be as complex as the curious historical circumstances under which the State of Manipur became a feudal entity (Princely States) under the British colonial rule and the accession of the same to the Union of Independent India. The arbitrary demarcation of Naga hill areas by British rulers into administering unit of Manipur and its dis-association with the erstwhile Naga Hill District was settled in 1873.
Since then the British imposed dual administration in Manipur that is- Hill and Valley. The Hills were under direct administration of British Crown, President Manipur State Darbar (PMSD) taken care by British’s ICS officer and the Manipuri Maharaja control valley areas. The trend continue even in the post-colonialism- the Article 371-C of Indian Constitution dealing Manipur State in section 2 mentioned: “The Governor shall annually, or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Hill Areas in the State of Manipur and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to the State as to the administration of the said areas.”
Manipur Population The hill areas constitute nearly 90 per cent of the almost bottle-shaped Manipur State. In the latest population census, Manipur recorded a total population of 23,88,634 persons adding another 5,51,485 persons more in the decade 1991-2001. The tribal community constitutes 34.4 per cent in 1991 population. In 2001 census, tribal population is 74,11,41 persons (Here, I don’t want to add estimated figure of Mao-Maram, Purul and Paomata Sub-divisions because separate Schedule Tribes’ data is not available. Moreover, these regions accommodate much outsider population). The Schedule Caste population is very minimal in number. Manipur comprises numerous indigenous ethnic groups having distinct social system and cultural practices — To be contd

Democracy, politics and poverty — Lohit Datta-Barua Editorial Assam Tribune
Democracy is in general not very efficient. However, it is better than any other form of governance. For a democracy to function properly though, there are certain basic requirements. Some of these are: educated (in true sense) masses, responsible citizens, minimum standard of quality life, unselfish leaders, passion for common good, etc. Without these, democracy at times does more harm than good resulting in divisiveness and anarchy where some people try to fish in troubled water in the name of democracy. India in general and Assam in particular is a glaring example of a democracy that is more of a functioning anarchy.
India is a political entity. There is no singular cultural identity. There are numerous languages, although many may share a common root like the European languages with Latin origin. As a political entity, India can brag to be the largest democracy. However, it has given rise to a functional anarchy.

In the current political structure, there is no equal representation of the states. Each state is technically a cultural nation. The representatives of both houses are based on population. This gives rise to unequal representation of the states. As a result, smaller states have reduced clout. Therefore, inequity persists in all round development of various regions. States should have equal representation at least in one of the houses. Obviously we cannot be creating states after states just to appease emotional make up or to exploit vote blocks just to remain in power. The vision should be for overall uplift of all groups to create an equal opportunity for all with due recognition of their economic need, beliefs, ethnic pride, and language etc.
In addition, the three branches (namely legislative, executive, and judiciary) are not independent. The majority party elects the executive branch leader. Therefore, when the party loses its majority, the executive branch falls as well. Thereby, execution of projects is hampered and continuity is lost. This also results in more costly elections and unproductive time. The head of the state (Prime Minister and Chief Ministers) should be elected directly by the people. Three branches must be truly independent for proper checks and balances.

If ours is truly a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people”, then we also do not need the un-elected (by the people) positions of the President or State Governors. If one wishes, one can call the PM the President or a Chief Minister the Governor. We do not need to copy the British “King” or “Queen” concept. Why should taxpayers pay for so many governors/president, the palaces, and all that go with it?

Obviously, all these require major constitutional changes. Who is to bell the cat? India must produce true leaders who can rise above petty politics and have the courage to make necessary changes if India truly wants to be an exemplary democracy.
According to Lyngdoh, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, “The present rot in our polity is the result of the electoral politics we are practising in our country. Elections have done great harm to the country. The electoral interests of the politicians are dividing the people more and more. Politicians are specializing in all ethnic and caste problems. They don’t want to solve the problems. This may push one to surmise that perhaps democracy has done more harm than good to the country. … But, for all the ills afflicting the country’s polity today politicians are to be blamed first of all.”

With the recent election fever, it appears that everybody wants a ticket to contest election. If it isn’t for selfish motivation, is this the only way to serve the people or the place? We have politicians, who are criminals. Many are not educated. They prey on people’s emotions through ethnic, religious, linguistic pride and try to divide and conquer. Individual interest has been put ahead of the people. Since Indira Gandhi’s time such “minority vote block” politics is destroying the very fabric of the society, especially in the North East. These politicians are some of the worst enemies of the country. They want to be MLAs, MPs, and ministers. Those who do not receive a party ticket get upset; either form other parties or run as independents. As a matter of fact, we have too many parties and we are giving birth to many more every year. Too many or too few are both equally bad. Too many parties result in a coalition government that is doomed to fail unless appeasement policies are adopted. Too few parties do not give adequate choice to people.

At the same time, why should some party elders from New Delhi dictate who will represent the constituencies in Assam? In a true “Swaraj” (self-government), at every level people should decide whom they want as their leader(s). Let us face the fact. India is a country of countries (more like Europe) because of its history and diversity. The only way, it can function efficiently and as a union, if it recognizes that, allows autonomy to the states and forms a truly United States of India where every state willingly joins the union. In this regard, equal representation of the states is essential. In addition, strong regional parties are essential. The national parties do not understand the psyche, history, or the pride at regional level.
There is a saying that “People get a government it deserves.” Obviously, our value system has degraded over the years. There was a time when corruption was looked down upon and an honest family would not even think about giving their daughter in marriage to a corrupt family. Now a corrupt person can publicly flaunt his/her wealth and power. When a society lives in an environment of corruption, violence, etc. it becomes immune to the surroundings. Corruption, violence, etc. becomes the norm. Out of that obviously we can only expect corrupt leaders, corrupt government. It creates a middle class that wants to have everything that the west has by any means. In this “what’s in it for me” attitude, they could care less for the “have-nots”. Just because we have many states, many assembly houses, many ministers that doesn’t mean that the common Bodos, Nagas, Garos, “Nalbarias”, “Barpetias” are flourishing. The poor village women are probably still drying their paddy on the national highway or perhaps making cow dung patties to burn. Then there are the homeless in the shadow of the semi urban areas. Even if there be 30% middle class today, 70% (i.e. 700 million) do not have much. The self-serving corrupt politicians only want the votes of that 70% promising the world. The bureaucrats (the white elephants like IAS officers that are remnants of the colonial era) are creating a new class of “Brown Sahibs” with all the perquisites and forgetting that they are public servants and not small kings. The underprivileged 70% must not be fooled time after time if they want a better government. They must not be carried away by the emotional games that others play to pit them one against the other.

Now, who are these 70% of people? To excerpt from K. K.Sen’s “Poverty continued to be a burning problem in countries like India. Even after 58 years of Independence the country is still in the grip of poverty and illiteracy. According to Human Development Report 1996 nearly 35 per cent of the total Indian population, which constitute nearly one third of the poor classes of the world, are in the grip of absolute poverty. It has also been assessed that 140 million people of the country are deprived of availing primary health care, 346 million fail to get safe drinking water and 665 millions without basic sanitation facilities, 62 million children at the age of five are malnourished and 291 million adults are still illiterate. It has also been estimated that nearly 40 per cent of the population lying below the poverty level are landless agricultural labourers and slum dwellers and specially the tribal communities of the remote localities.”
Poverty, unemployment, and widening economic gap are causing frustration, desperation, and at times insurgency. Under the prevailing circumstances irresponsible democracy only perpetuates the problem of poverty. One kilo of rice or sugar or a few rupees in the pocket is more valuable than the vote to a hungry man. To a disillusioned poor mother a little milk for her child or medicine for the sick is a priority compared to a piece of ballot paper. Therefore, the corrupt politicians exploit the situation to their advantage and dream of a fat future for themselves once elected. Until and unless the country alleviates the epidemic of poverty, all the tall talk about “biggest democracy” or “India Shining” is meaningless. India is certainly shining for some and everything is catered for their needs. The others are in an endless tunnel of darkness with political vultures continually preying on them.