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03/30/2006: "NSCN-IM on feedback drive --------------------Kuknalim.com"

NSCN-IM on feedback drive Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, March 29: The NSCN (I-M) has begun another round of “consultative” meetings with various organisations to frame a strategy for the next round of talks with Delhi slated for mid-April in either Bangkok or Amsterdam.

The ceasefire agreement between both sides, renewed on January 31 for just six months, will lapse on July 31 unless there is another extension. Last week, a consultative meeting was held under the aegis of the Western Angami Public Organisation at Zubza.

Senior NSCN (I-M) functionary V.S. Atem said a solution to the Naga impasse “will not fall from heaven”, which is why the militant group was consulting various community organisations. He described the series of meetings as attempts to reach out to the Nagas of every tribe and region.

The idea, he explained, was to facilitate better understanding among the Naga tribes and ensure that no wrong message was sent out to the Centre. Kraibo Chawang, the NSCN (I-M)’s deputy kilonser (minister) for information, said the outfit was keyed up for the talks.

Another senior leader said the outfit’s rank and file and the community as a whole were anxious about the lack of response from the Centre on the future course of the talks. “The government of India is not opening its mouth,” he added.

The NSCN (I-M) has proposed a federal structure under which “India and Nagalim” will be separate entities but with a strong bond.

The outfit has also been on the offensive against other outfits, reportedly cornering the Naga National Council (Adinno) in Phek and the Khaplang group in Mon and pockets of Phek and Tuensang districts.
On the other hand, the Nagaland government has been cautious in its remarks on the NSCN (I-M)’s activities and the peace process. Various NGOs have insisted that the Centre spell out what is to be done. The Congress has urged Delhi to come up with a “blueprint” for the peace process. THE TELEGRAPH
Tension runs high in Assam-Nagaland border Kuknalim.com
GUWAHATI, March 30: An attempted fresh incursion and subsequent confrontation between Naga settlers and Assam Police personnel in Karbi Aglong district Wednesday night have plunged both the states into fresh tension as the border clashes have alarmingly increased.According to Karbi Anglong Superintendent of Police Pankaj Sharma, about 1000 Naga encroachers tried to clear forest and settle inside the Doldoli reserve forest at Kashiram basti.A posse of 500 strong security forces could drive them out but the area has remained tensed as the security forces have maintained strict vigil.

The fact that worried the Assam government was that in the last three weeks the problem has once again started with Nagaland allegedly trying to encroach in various points from Sibsagar district to Karbi Anglong.There was fresh tension in the disputed Merapani area on the Nagaland-Assam border in Wokha district after a Naga youth was killed and another injured by the CRPF.Official sources here said the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Wokha along with the IGP (Border) have been stationed since Tuesday at Merapani where a youth was gunned down while another injured by the CRPF personnel manning the inter-state check gate on September 14. UNI
Rio’s call to investors Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur March 29 (NPN): State chief minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the giant investors and farmers to usher in a new era of what he termed "Golden Revolution" to replace the lost opportunities of the "Green Revolution" of the sixties.
Addressing the seminar "Opportunities of Horticulture in the North East Region" as chief guest here today, Rio stressed on evolving suitable technology by taking into account important factors on horticulture cultivation in the region so as to usher in the new era.
He said the greatest strength of the region lay in the potential offered in horticulture which offered f the best prospects for future progress and prosperity.
He said the region possessed a unique combination of living species, habitats and eco-systems thus making its bio-diversity a rich yet untapped natural resource. Rio said the fertility of the region should be able to contribute to at least four percent of the country's total horticultural production.
While the region's farmers were yet to understand the dynamics of economics and modern techniques, Rio said a confidence building was needed to wean them away from ancient methods while introducing modern techniques for improved farming system so as to make horticulture profitable.
Due to seasonal farming he said the machinery of the government has to be geared up for timely delivery of seeds, saplings and other inputs needed by the farmers without which the input of technology will not produce the desired results. As modern technology had not been introduced in the region despite its big advantage in climatic and soil conditions including vast unused lands in the region, Rio felt there could be a quantum leap over other regions within the next ten years if modern technology was introduced.
He however, reminded that prosperity of the farmers or the North East depends upon the sincerity and hard work of the farmers. Quoting the proverb "God helps those who help themselves", he said that the farmers must help themselves to enable others to help them.
Giving the chairman's remark, President, Horticulture Society of India, IARI, New Delhi, Dr. K.L Chadha said that the future of the NE Region lies in Agri and Allied Sectors of natural resources. He also said that the NE Region has already attracted the attention of the investor entrepreneurs and added that being in the right stage, North East should not miss the opportunities coming its way. Earlier, Secretary of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland L.H. Thangi Mannen delivered the welcome address.
Dr M.L. Chaudhary, Horticulture Commissioner, GoI also spoke on "An overview of Horticulture status in NER."
Separation of judiciary opposed Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, March 29 (NPN): Separation of judiciary from executive would amount to denial of justice to the poor villagers of Nagaland, since obtaining adjudication from the court was a costly affair and only the rich could afford it, T.L. Angami, advisor, GBs (Village Chiefs Federation) of Nagaland has said.
In a memorandum to Governor Shyamal Datta, Angami has pointed out that the age-old customary courts of Nagas delivered speedy justice to the villagers free of cost. The village elders of Gaon Burahs meted out justice to the rich and the poor alike and this brought peace, unity reconciliation among warring factions. It was because of the efficacy of the customary court system that the Britishers adopted a policy of non-interference. This uniqueness of the Naga customary laws and customs have been incorporated in the Constitution of India under Article371-A, he has pointed out.
The proponents of separation of judiciary could not claim the mandate of Nagas, since no such mandate had been given to any one by the village authorities in Nagaland. Besides, if a separate judiciary or Central Acts like the Forest Act, Land Act, and taxation were imposed upon the Naga public, it would amount to serious breach of faith between the people and their representatives, he has submitted.
Angami has said pending finalisation of the Naga problem, no attempt should be made to to alter or damage the uniqueness of Nagas and urged the Governor to maintain the unique history of Nagas.
EC asks Assam's neighbouring states to seal borders Zee News
New Delhi, Mar 30: In a bid to ensure a peaceful and violence-free assembly polls in Assam, the Election Commission today asked the neighbouring states to seal their borders with Assam ahead of the first phase of polling on April three. In a communication to chief secretaries of Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, the EC has asked them to step up measures to seal the borders with Assam.

This measure would help in checking cross-border movement of extremists and disruptive elements into Assam which would witness two-phased polls on April three and ten. As many as 65 assembly constituencies would go to polls in the first phase of polling. The full commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon had reviewed the security environment in the state during its visit on March 17 and 18. Bureau Report
Talk breaks down, blockade may intensify By Our Staff Reporter Sanagai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 29 : With the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur and the State Government failing to come to a point of understanding during a two hour meeting today, there is every likelihood of the student body intensifying the economic blockade imposed on the two National Highways since March 25 midnight.
The meeting between representatives of the student body and the Government started from 2.30 pm today at the Chief Minister's Secretariat but no meeting point could be arrived.
ATSUM leaders said that it is not yet clear whether they will hold further talks with the Government or not in the future.
Apart from the Chief Minister, Works Minister Th Debendra, TD Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Power Minister Gaikhangam, Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi, PHED Minister K Govindas, Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh, Principal Secretary (Hills and TD) PC Lawmkunga and Commissioner Education (S) RK Angousana were present at the meeting.
The ATSUM was represented by its president John Pulamte, general secretary Samson Haokip, assistant general secretary Thomas Taishya and five members from the Churachandpur District Students' Union.
During the meeting, the Government presented a proposal as a MoU listing 6 points while ATSUM produced a paper with five points.
The main points contained in the paper presented by the Government included, “The Department of Education (S), shall immediately engage the required number of Maths, Science, Arts graduate and under graduate teachers in the hills on contract basis with special preference to local candidates;” “The Department of Education (S) shall establish two separate Directorates namely Directorate of Education (S) (Valley) and Directorate of Education (S) (Hills);” “The post of Deputy Director (TD) will be redesignated as DO (TD) in the hill districts;” “The Government shall formulate the Reservation Rules within three months;” “A Committee comprising of the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Hills and TD), Principal Secretary (Planning), Commissioner (Finance) and Commissioner (Edn/S) shall be set up to examine the matter of conversion of grant-in-aid schools into Government schools in accordance with Government policy.”
The Government also proposed that ATSUM calls off its economic blockade with immediate effect.
Though both sides agreed to major portions of the proposals furnished by the Government, there were some differences over the creation of the Directorate of Education (Hills).
Speaking to newsmen after coming out from the meeting at the gate of the Chief Minister's bungalow, ATSUM leaders said that it is still not clear whether they would go in for further rounds of talk with the Government or not.
They however made their displeasure over the conduct of the Government very clear.
For today, there is no point in talking over matter the further, they maintained. The student leaders also warned that the economic blockade may be intensified in the days to come.
Meanwhile, reports have come in that 111 vehicles including 96 goods laden trucks, 6 oil tankers, 8 LPG carriers and three bitumen laden trucks are stranded on NH-39 while on NH-53 the number of vehicles stranded is 38 including 14 trucks and 10 LPG carriers.
UKLF spells out agenda By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 29: The proscribed United Kuki Liberation Front stands not only for the reuni-fication of Kukis but also for the develop-ment and progress of Kukis. This was disclosed by Home Secretary of the outfit Solomon Zou while speaking as chief guest at the 6th Raising Day of UKLF at a place in Chandel district. He also conveyed the greetings extended by the Commander-in-Chief of the outfit on the occasion. In his message, the Commander-in-Chief asserted that Kukis are not a tribe but an ethnic group with its nomen-clature. He further disclosed the stand of UKLF to go hand in hand with the people of Kuki community in all endeavours whether developmental or otherwise. As a part of the Raising Day ceremony, blankets were also distributed by the chief guest to the villagers in addition to prizes to the cultural troupes which presented cultural programmes on the occasion. Moreover, a declaration of the ranks for the cadres of the outfit was also made during the function. Today's ceremony was attended by many high ranking cadres and PROs of UKLF apart from representatives of NSCN (IM) Khurmi Region.
Time to usher in horticulture golden era: Rio Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his wife Keisa Rio take a tour of the Agri-Expo after attending the seminar. Guiding them is Agriculture Production Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir. (MExPix) Morung Express Dimapur |
Keeping in mind the potentialities of improving livelihood through popular adoption of horticulture in the North East Region, a seminar on ‘Opportunities of Horticulture in North Eastern Region’ was conducted today as part of the North East Agri-Expo proceedings. The seminar was held with a view to give farmers the opportunity to have better understanding of post-harvest technology and value addition of their produce, so that their produce can compete in the world trade, according to the concept note on the seminar.
Speaking as chief guest, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, “It is now time to look ahead and usher in a golden era through the horticulture department.” While saying that governments should be ready to aid farmers when need arises, he was quick to add that government efforts have to be supplemented by support from the private sector, especially the corporate sector and co-operatives. He also sought the active participation of NGOs. Further, Rio said farmers need to form their own unions to improve their condition as is done in other states of the country. He said that the thrust areas for horticulture development in the region should be to increase the area of cultivation as well as productivity, particularly fruits, spices, vegetables, flowers, mushrooms, cashew, medicinal and aromatic plants.
With prospects of agriculture now opening up, Rio said the region could take advantage of productivity and overtake other regions in this sector.
President of the Horticulture Society of India, KL Chadha said Nagaland should take advantage of the window of opportunity facing it now. He said concentration should be applied to high value crops such as vanilla and litchi which yield more productivity by taking up less land. On the horticulture scene in the region, he said Mizoram ranks first.
Farmer speak
Adani, a manager of a fruit plant located at Senapati district said the Expo had helped him immensely in terms of gathering information and expertise. The most important input is the gaining of knowledge on systematic and improved cultivation which can help increase productivity, he said. He said he had profited by meeting experts engaged in the horticulture sector.
Chumlongse, who owns a registered orange and passion fruit nursery in Kiphire, said the Expo had contributed to his experience as a farmer. He said he would study the contents of the brochures he has collected at the fair and then impart the knowledge to other farmers in his area.
Kiuschuba Yimchunger of Tuensang echoed along the same lines. The orange, banana and ginger cultivator said he had studied in-depth the various methods of crop productivity which would prove fruitful for him.
A visitor to the Expo was of the view that school children from across the district should be taken on an educational trip to the fair as it would be very informative for them.
Arunachal Student body moves Govt over boundary dispute From Tage T Tara Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, March 29 – The All Dollungmukh Area Students’ Union (ADASU) has made a fervent appeal to the Arunachal Pradesh govt to take immediate measure to solve the vexed boundary dispute at Dollungmukh with its neighbour, Assam.

A team of ADASU, which a couple days back alleged illegal encroachment of farmland of people of Rajali under Dollungmukh circle by the people from Assam, Monday made a field visit to the affected area and urged the encroachers to leave the place. But they are not willing to leave, claiming themselves this time to be the members of ‘Sadow Assam Hatiphandi Sammelan Union’. According to the encroachers, says ADASU president Temi Pabo, they got the ‘verdict’ from the Gauhati High Court to live at Rupali Rajgarh under Dhemaji district of Assam, but are illegally encroaching the Dollungmukh area of Arunachal territory.

Meanwhile, All Hill Miri Students’ Union (AHMSU), the central executive members of which accompanied by local youths and panchayat leaders also visited the site of illegal encroachment yesterday, informed the village elders from both sides of the border were of the opinion that the settlement site is the wet-land of people of Dollungmukh since decades back and it will remain so in future.

Expressing surprise over the incident, the elders from nearby villages of Assam also informed the team of their age-old warm and brotherly relationship with the Arunachalee brethren, the Union informed.Besides seeking cooperation from the state’s pressure groups, like AAPSU, ANSU, ALSU etc, the AHMSU has requested the concerned higher authorities to solve the impasse, before it’s too late.
Congress plot rebounds Morung Express News Dimapur | March 30

The ploy of the Opposition Congress in Nagaland to unseat Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from his chair appears to have taken a reverse route. The Nagaland Peoples’ Front today said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had already passed a legislation known as the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964 which says the offices of parliamentary secretaries, chairman of any committee, board or authority appointed by the government or any office under the government, which is not a full time office, and not remunerated by salary or fees, has been exempted from disqualification under Article 191 of the Constitution.
The Congress had earlier sought the resignation of Rio by saying that he was holding the posts of chairman of both the Nagaland Bamboo Mission and the Nagaland Sports Council.
The hunter has apparently become the hunted. “It is now found that the Office of Leader of Opposition, which has been given the salary and other facilities, similar to a Cabinet Minister, is not included in the list of exemptions in the above Act of 1964,” an NPF release signed by its Press Secretary R Paphino said.
It is obvious that Leader of Opposition I Imkong is the prime target for disqualification for holding office of profit, it said. “It will be advisable if the CLP also study the existing provisions of relevant Acts before demanding the resignation of any other Members of the Legislative Assembly, who are, in fact, not liable for disqualification, lest it boomerang on their leader.”
Saying that during the 10 year Congress rule, the then Chief Minister SC Jamir had been holding the post of Chairman of the State Sports Council, the NPF questioned, “If the Congress thought that this was an Office of profit, then why raise the issue only now?”
Further, the demand of the President of the Nagaland Congress for action against the two senior most bureaucrats of the State has been termed as an apparent reflection of “the growing desperation of the Congress party.”
“Many similar official functions had been held in the State Banquet Hall in the past, where the Chief Secretary either chaired the function or gave the welcome address.”
Border solution before hydel project: Apang Nagaland Post
ITANAGAR, MAR 29 (UNI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang has reiterated his government's stand for an amicable solution to the contentious boundary dispute with Asom before giving the go ahead for the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydro-electric projected to be executed by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC).
Apang, while participating in an all-party meeting here yesterday on whether the NHPC be allowed to continue work on the project, disclosed that the state government in principle agreed to keep the project in abeyance till the matter was settled by the Centre, sources said here today. Most of the members opposed the construction on the ground that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was yet to be signed by the NHPC with the state government and the proposed project has been planned at Gogamukh in Kangu circle, a disputed area, though within the territory of Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting various inevitable problems, he said the project would displace around one lakh population and submerge huge cultivation land, including Gensi and Sibirite area under Gensi circle of West Siang district. It might be mentioned here that the Chief Minister had told the recently concluded assembly that PSUs like NHPC would be allowed to expand their activities in the state provided they protect the interest of the state. Meanwhile, over 1,000 illegal migrants belonging to Bangaldeshi Muslim, Chakma and Hajong communities have reportedly migrated to Rajai village in Dollongmukh area located along the disputed Assam-Arunachal boundary evoking strong resentment from villagers of both sides.
Delegations of All Dollongmukh Area Students' Union and All Hill Miri Students' Union along with panchayat leaders visited the area to take stock of the situation. The villagers of Assam side were equally enraged by the development as they were in the dark on the matter. The migrants have encroached upon the wetlands of the area, which have been serving as the rice bowl of the agrarian society of both the states since long.
While Dollongmukh has been hogging the limelight since the National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation Limited started work on the 2000 mw lower Subansiri Hydel Project, the disputed status of the area has been the bone of contention for Arunachal government, which has been demanding an amicable solution to the border row before giving consent for the mega project. But, the encroachment problem has given a new twist to the border row which needs to be resolved in the greater interest of the nation, particularly the north eastern region, a social activist said.
ATSUM walks out of talks with govt on blockade The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 29: Even as an 18 member delegation of the agitating All Tribal Students Union Manipur called on chief minister O Ibobi Singh and hold talks for nearly two hours, no tangible agreement could be arrived to resolve the blocakde issue as the delegation walked out of the talks. Today`s meeting was held at the chief minister`s official bungalow and it begins at 2.30pm and lasted till 4.30pm when the delegation of the apex tribal students body walked out of the venue.

The government side was led by chief minister O Ibobi Singh and he was assisted by works minister Th Debendra Singh, power minister Gaikhangam, TD minister T Phungzathang, arts and culture minister Ph Parijat, apart from chief secretary Jarnail Singh and top officials of the state education department. The ATSUM side had representatives from almost all the federating units, except the TKS and the CNSU. According to a source, the ATSUM delegation walked out of today`s talk prematurely as both sides could not arrive at a definite time frame for implementation of the demands raised by the students body.

In the meantime, an ATSUM leader speaking to mediapersons while emerging out of chief minister`s bungalow said the ongoing economic blockade along the national highways will be intensified from tomorrow. In the meantime, the All Kangleipak Students Union has asked Manipur government to arrive at early solution with the agitating ATSUM so as to end the economic blockade. In a statement, the students body said people of Manipur are yet to recover from effect of 52 day long economic blockade called by the ANSAM and another blockade will give severe impact to the state`s economy.
The significance of Monyu: The festival of Phoms Nagaland Post
Monyu is not only a mer-ry making and meat eat-ing festival. It is a deep rooted traditional celebration with the sole reason to worship the deity for prosperity in life. The Phom(Naga) tribe have four different types of festivals, namely; Monyu, Moha, Bangven and Bangmo. However, Monyu is the most respected an honourable festival which is celebrated from April 1 to 6 every year just after sowing the seeds in the new paddy field. The festival demarcates winter and summer. By distribution of paddy to the poor and the rich and poor become more closely knitted in relation. The collection of betel nuts, betel leaves, and Monyu flower (Menju) is to be done well ahead of Monyu.
Duration Traditionally, Monyu stret-ches for 12 days, but at present it is only for six days. Log drum beating begins two days ahead of the festival. The sound of log drum beating carries festive message to all the neighboring villages announcing that they are going to celebrate Monyu. After beating the drum for five continuous nights, on the evening of the sixth day they make bon fire with fire wood collected by the morung youth and start beating the log drum at about 7 pm which continues till the morning. That very night, all the men folks are to assemble at the morung with their rice beer, meat, chutney, tea, betel leaves and enjoy celebrating throughout the night.
Relation building Monyu is also significant for its relation building. Friends and relatives from different villages are invited. The close relatives also come to pay homage (changhom) to their departed near and dear ones. This acts as a symbol of relationship among the clans.
Role of children, youth and men folk Normally, small children clean drinking well and footpath. They also enjoy Monyu with their traditional dresses. They go to nearby Natural Park with rice beer, meat chutney and sticky rice and play whole day long by swinging on the long jungle rope and play see saw.
All young men and young ladies also wear their traditional dresses and enjoy the day renewing and making strong friendship with their lovers and fellow friends. Fun making, chattering, and enjoying delicious food with one another mark the day.
Women and house wives play an important role in making the day more successful. Housewives should have to prepare and supply rice beer, meat, chutney etc., encouraging and appreciating the Monyu dancers. On the other hand, daughters and daughters-in-law are also invited to dine together. They are given their right share every Monyu. The important performances of menfolk is to repair the khedi footpath and decorate the morung. On the seventh day of the Monyu celebration, all menfolk wear the festive dresses and go to and fro along the village street singing legendary songs and dancing. They praise their forefather; their victory over others , their capability and superiority over the enemies.
The blessings of Monyu celebration is extended to all the relatives hailing in neighboring villages in the form of gifts, such as filtered rice beer, meat, cooked food and flower. Guests who come from different villages are also invited to partake in the traditional rites. All these signify the token of love and relationship shared.
Conclusion Finally, there is a special tradition of hoisting a tall bamboo with top leaves, infront of the respective morung. The hoisting remain so till they go to the new khedi and worship Kahvum (the deity of good harvest), after which they return to the village harmoniously singing the traditional folk songs. The hoisted bamboo is removed on that evening after observing a formal function. The significance of hoisting the bamboo is to remind the people and to keep the memory and spirit of Monyu alive. Present celebration may have shifted from its original traditional norms with the growth of modern towns and cities, modern culture and by and large due to Christianity but with the observation of Monyu festival, the history of our forefathers' glory are retold and remain alive in our heart forever. Monyu greetings to all our Naga brethren. Y. Mangko Phom.
Indigenous population and immigrants: Who is eating up the native soil…! By U A Shimray (Contd from previous issue)
The ethnic groups inhabiting in the state can be categorised into two groups: the hill communities and the valley-based communities. Table 2 indicates the distribution of ethnic groups in eight districts. The Kuki community is found scattering in all hill districts of Manipur and the large proportion is concentrating in Churachandpur, the Kangpokpi Sub-division of Senapati and eastern and southern of Chandel district. Zomi groups in Churachandpur. The district like Senapati, Chandel, Ukhrul and Tamenglong is inhabited by the Nagas. The non-tribal communities like the Meiteis (Manipuri) and Pangan (Muslim) dwelled in the valley areas. The State also have many migrant population from other Indian States like Bihar, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, etc. and immigrants from Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Immigration, emigration and migration…
Imphal is a city replete with enormous myths, folklore, heritage and historical backgrounds. A former Princely state ruled by dynasty later colonised and subsequently but reluctantly, merged into Indian Union establishing Imphal as the administrative capital of Manipur. The controversy surrounding this merger in 1949 still haunts some section of people. Today, the capital Imphal over-crowded with people (growth of population). In 2001, the population density of Imphal West district is recorded 847 persons per square kilometre; this is followed by the Thoubal (713), Imphal East (555) and Bishnupur (415). Among the hill districts, Senapati is 116 persons per square kilometer but the rest is below 50.
Increasing trend of population in the state is attributed by two reasons- (a) high natural growth rate (that is, the different between birth rate and death rate) and (b) factors of immigration, emigration and migration. In the wake of the Bangladesh liberation war, thousands of Bangladeshi took refuge in India, particularly Assam and the periphery states. All of them did not return even after the creation of Bangladesh. Also, there is continuous flow of migration from elsewhere Indian states and illegal immigration particularly Nepali, Myanmarese and Tibetan. The so-called “Leben- sraum theory” is still working and continuously spilling “unwanted num- ber” from Cow-Belt (BIMARU-Bihar, MP, Rajasthan and UP). The colonial policy of non-interference to the native soil is now interestingly translates as what appeared to be the “unstoppable” demographic transformation. Indeed, continuous flow of outsiders (may be infiltration is more appropriate) in the region results bringing tremendously changes in the demographic scenario and socio-economic front. For instance, the most vulnerable state’s capital and elsewhere places like Senapati, Chandel and Churachandpur (along the track of national Highway 39) is one ideal place. Now, in Imphal the migrant population shares considerable proportion. The migrants have virtually controlling major commercial activities and trading establishments. In other words, manipulating the every economic transaction. And the primary motive is profit not for any kind of development. The transact values are dispatch in the form of remittance to the place where they come from.
Infiltration problem is more or less encouraged by the local itself. The local invite them for cheap labour- as domestic helper and employed them in different fields. In this case, both “pull” and “push” factors are at its dispensation. Push is inevitable; infiltrators are more entrepreneur and hard working. Yesterday’s cart-pullers “Gopal or Ramu” now captured the whole market. On the other hand, the Metro-Cities are draining our young good brain or called it “brain-drain.” A large number of educated young men and women are working in multi-complex shopping malls, call-centre, et al (We also felt the touch of “outsourcing”). The sad story is that we are left with this unwanted number making us more sedentary and lazy. We depend them (unwanted number) even to cut our hair or carry cooking gas home. What wrong with our indigenous’ way.
Remarks My politically uncomfortable remarks is that- we understand the size of population has been crucial in determining its political and economic strength of the any political territory. This is especially true if or when one ethnic group(s) dominates specific territory(ies) and centralise and control political power. Under such circumstances, the dominant group(s) exercises control over resources both human and materials. As now, we have seen a contrast social and economic profile between valley and hills in Manipur. Generally, valley is well ahead in all round economic and infra-structural development. For instance, the institutions and important establishments are concentrated in the valley. And also, our ethnically infested mindset could not rationalise the need of de-centralisation of power and equity. This is slowly creating socio-economic inequality and political differences among neighbouring indigenous groups. At the same time, such socio-political “gap” is directly or indirectly encouraging “other” people to take advantages. These advantages would make the Imphal no good place to live in the long run (I am not talking about traffic chaos, corruption, bandh or garbage scattering here and there). My second submission is that present ethnic politics and differences eclip-se the slow growing cancer of infiltration problem. We have analyse and understand the macro level picture of outsider population in the state. But the important here is the detail of the social fabric and it is this that we need to examine. Without hypocrisy, we need human resources as well as economic infrastructure but not unwant-ed number. But if we continue the way it is now… then the word infiltration will persist its role in the valley as well as hills. My final remarks is present ongoing “political animosity” and “bad relationship” among the indigenous groups in the region is a “suicidal package.” One day, these infiltrators will eat every piece of land we have in our homestead, village, area and region. Therefore, remember Native American Proverbs: “The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.” So the indigenous people should take this issue seriously but not in coercion or desperate effort. Here, certain mechanism needs to develop and check the inflow of population. For instance, temporal work permit system to the labourers for a stipulated period and no settlement or voting rights will be permitted even professional either government servants, Ex-servicemen or NGOs. Therefore, certain preventive measures must be taken up. Now, social backlash is felt…and we just watching the woe of demographic resilient and slow growing cancer. — Concluded