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04/01/2006: "The Nagas have to realise that it is not possible for New Delhi to redraw the map of Nagaland -----An impossibility"

The Nagas have to realise that it is not possible for New Delhi to redraw the map of Nagaland An impossibility By Kuldip Nayar Deccan Herald



Our Nagaland is like Pakistan’s Baluchistan, mountainous and rugged. Both are largely inhabited by tribals who have always been fighting for their identity. Both have elected state assemblies within their respective countries. But both defy the writ of the Centre which they believe is trying to encroach upon their “sovereignty.”

Baluchistan is in ferment because Islamabad does not “trust” tribal leaders. The same is the allegation by the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). There is, however, one difference between the two: The Nagas have been observing a ceasefire for the last eight years while Baluchistan is always up in arms.

The lesson India should have learnt from Pakistan seems to have been lost. This is how to reconcile the pulls of autonomy to the compulsions of governance. The Nagas who once harped on sovereignty have conveyed to New Delhi that it is for using the Indian currency and placing communications in all Naga areas in the hands of the central government. However, the primary need, it feels, is to unite all Naga areas and placing them under a single administration.
This does not at all mean, it argues, that the Nagas want to grab the lands of other people, like the Manipuri Meiteis, Kukis, Assamese or anyone else. They just want the unification of only that land that is tilled by them and on which their homes stand. They do not want even an inch of others.
This may well be true. But how do you group all the Naga lands without affecting the borders of other states?
Not long ago, NSCN leader Muivah told me that on the advice of New Delhi they approached Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh but found them hostile to the very idea of grouping the Naga areas together.

The proposal for the integration of all Nagas in greater Nagaland also brings to the fore a larger question of how insecure do ethnic groups feel at places where they are in a minority. India is a multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic society. Still we have seen how the Tamils were attacked in Karnataka over the water dispute. The Kannadigas in Tamil Nadu and the Bengalis in Assam have faced occasional bouts of anger by locals due to parochial feelings. This is despite the fact that the Constitution recognises only common citizenship for all Indians, with equal rights and opportunities wherever they live.

I gave Muivah the example of my own state, Punjab. It was divided and re-divided. Some parts of Punjab constituted Himachal Pradesh and some Haryana. The Punjabis, I argued, could very well say that they

should be grouped together because they feel isolated in Haryana or Himachal Pradesh. Examples of discrimination against ethnic groups are many and they are increasing day by day. I wish there could be some machinery to redress them. At present there are only courts. True, ethnic groups still bear the brunt. But the remedy does not lie in demanding a homeland but in ensuring that the institutions work to protect the rights of minorities wherever they are and in whatever number.

Muivah, however, raised the old point that the Nagas were not Indians and that they had never been part of the British or post-British India. This might be true. But the Hydari agreement (June 27, 1947), which the Nagas accepted, said that they would be free to choose themselves the precise pattern of administration within the Constitution of India. They went back on the undertaking when the Constituent Assembly committee incorporated the conditions of the agreement in the Sixth Schedule for safeguarding the Naga demands. The Nagas may be unhappy. But what should people in India make out from the enthusiastic response by the Nagas to every state and parliament election? The voting percentage is 60. The government at Kohima is in the hands of the Khaplang who are also Nagas. True, the defiance of the underground Nagas is disconcerting. An ambush here and a killing there saddens people. The NSCN says it collects “taxes” from Nagaland government departments, businessmen and individuals, providing proper receipts to all, and emphasises that it does not indulge in extortions, kidnappings and ransom. But New Delhi’s draconian laws and induction of the armed forces in the northeast have not improved the situation. The NSCN should realise that the general impression in the country is that there is a set of Nagas who want to break away from India. The common man does not know the history of the Nagas, nor their contention that they have never been subservient to any outsider. It is true that the Nagas wanted independence and raised the gun. But A Z Phizo, their leader, who died in London in 1990, came to the conclusion that the Nagas must find a solution within India. His comrade Khoday-Yanthan conveyed to me this while I was India’s High Commissioner to the UK in 1990. Muivah did not contradict me when I told him this. In fact, he said that the Nagas would like to accept India’s role in defence and dual citizenship.
These are intricate questions. The Nagas have to realise that it is not possible for New Delhi to redraw the map of Nagaland and give them certain areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. These states are as much integral to the unity of India as Nagaland. The federation that India is cannot differentiate between one unit and the other. In any case, the Nagas cannot win at the negotiating table what they have lost in the battlefield.
Nagaland: DAN seeks disqualification of Congress leader the Hindu
Kohima, April 1 (PTI): The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) on Friday demanded the disqualification of Congress parliamentary leader, I Imkong, charging him with holding office of profit for being the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
In a petition to Governor Shaymal Dutta, DAN MLAs demanded disqualification of Imkong on the ground that he was holding office of profit as the post of leader of the Opposition was not exempted in Nagaland Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964.
The demand came shortly after Congress' assertion that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio either should resign or be disqualified as he was holding the chairman's post in the Nagaland Sport Council and Nagaland Bamboo Mission.
Nine MLAs from Nagaland People's Front (NPF), BJP and JD(U), coalition partners of ruling DAN, told in the petition that the Opposition leader enjoyed the status of a Cabinet Minister, which is an office of profit, so Imkong should be disqualified as a member of the state assembly. They said Imkong, as leader of the Opposition, demanded a hike in pay and perks, therefore sought pecuniary benefit from the office of the Opposition leader. Imkong was appointed leader of the Opposition by the speaker on March 14, 2000.
Later, NPF spokesman R Paphino said the Legislative Act of 1964 exempted from disqualification, parliamentary secretaries, chairman of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government, which are not remunerative. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie called an Assembly session on April 4 to discuss the issue of office of profit.
A polling station where no votes were ever cast: 4/1/2006 IANS The Peninsula
Lukto Manipuri Basti, Assam: For people in this sparsely inhabited village bordering Nagaland elections have no meaning — nobody has exercised their franchise since India’s independence 59 years ago.
But election officials are hoping that this time it will be different. And Lukto Manipuri Basti in Golaghat district, 310km from Assam’s main city of Guwahati, creates history when someone among the 24 voters casts their vote on Monday.
The stage is set for the first phase of assembly elections in Assam on Monday and authorities have deputed the stipulated number of polling officials along with security personnel for polling station number 196 at Lukto Manipuri Basti.
‘Let us hope the village creates poll history this time even if one voter comes to cast his or her ballot,’ a district election official said.
A village inhabited by Manipuri, Nepali and a few other tribal people, Lukto Manipuri Basti is among Assam’s most underdeveloped areas.
‘It is true no voters of Lukto Manipuri Basti have ever participated in the election process,’ the official said. ‘But since there are voters in this village we shall have to make all arrangements and be there for the elections.’
The village located on the edge of Assam’s border with Nagaland is a feared area - the surroundings are infested with Naga separatists and other rebel groups as well.
‘It is the fear of militants coupled with lack of political awareness that prevents the voters from casting their vote,’ the official said.
Locals in the area complain they have never seen any government official or politicians ever visiting their village. ‘Why should we vote in the elections? We do not even know who is contesting the polls,’ said T. Singh, a middle-aged farmer.
Singh’s name does not figure in the voters list although he has been a resident of the village for the past three decades. The electoral rolls have the names of Singh’s two younger brothers.
Nagaland: DAN seeks disqualification of Congress leader The Hindu
Kohima, April 1 (PTI): The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) on Friday demanded the disqualification of Congress parliamentary leader, I Imkong, charging him with holding office of profit for being the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
In a petition to Governor Shaymal Dutta, DAN MLAs demanded disqualification of Imkong on the ground that he was holding office of profit as the post of leader of the Opposition was not exempted in Nagaland Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964.
The demand came shortly after Congress' assertion that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio either should resign or be disqualified as he was holding the chairman's post in the Nagaland Sport Council and Nagaland Bamboo Mission.
Nine MLAs from Nagaland People's Front (NPF), BJP and JD(U), coalition partners of ruling DAN, told in the petition that the Opposition leader enjoyed the status of a Cabinet Minister, which is an office of profit, so Imkong should be disqualified as a member of the state assembly.
They said Imkong, as leader of the Opposition, demanded a hike in pay and perks, therefore sought pecuniary benefit from the office of the Opposition leader. Imkong was appointed leader of the Opposition by the speaker on March 14, 2000.
Later, NPF spokesman R Paphino said the Legislative Act of 1964 exempted from disqualification, parliamentary secretaries, chairman of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government, which are not remunerative. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie called an Assembly session on April 4 to discuss the issue of office of profit.
Naandi foundation embarks on Nagaland women empowerment project New Kerala
Dimapur: Naandi Foundation, a not-for-profit trust founded by the industry including the Mahindra Group, has signed a preliminary agreement with Nagaland for setting up training institutes for empowerment of women in the state.

The foundation will set up institutes to train women in the vocation of nursing, besides IT services as part of its corporate-community partnership initiative. The MoU was signed yesterday by the Executive Director of Naandi Foundation and the state Social Welfare Commissioner and Secretary, in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Anand Mahindra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Mahindra group Of industries, one of the trustees of the foundation. Later, Mahindra told newsmen at North-east Qagri Expo site here that the foundation will initially invest Rs one crore for the proposed training institutes.

However, the details would be worked out between the state government and the foundation very soon. Expressing happiness Mahindra said: "It (MoU) is the first step towards building corporate-community partnership in the region". Mahindra also interacted with the dealers and customers at the the Expo, jointly organised by the Centre, Nagaland government and CII.

Maharashtra behind Nagaland in literacy rate: Pawar Zee news
Pune, Apr 01: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said a comparatively advanced state like Maharashtra was lagging behind tribal-dominated Nagaland in literacy rates.

"I recently had the opportunity to visit tribal-dominated Nagaland and came to know about its achievement in the area of literacy. I had been the Chief Minister here on a number of occasions and therefore it rankles that despite it being one of the most advanced states in the country, its populace was still not 100 per cent literate," Pawar said at a function here. Nagaland has a literacy rate of 98 per cent. The UPA government in the current budget has made massive allocation of funds for the education sector, he said.

About the Goa freedom movement, Pawar said many people played important role in the liberation of the state among those were Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Nana Saheb Gore, Barrister Nath Pai and Prof Madhu Dandavate.
Union Minister of State for Home Manikrao Gavit said that as many as 899 persons who had participated in the Goa freedom movement have been given pension. There are 197 pension claims pending and hopefully they too would be cleared shortly, he added.
Meanwhile, Pawar on the sidelines of a function here yesterday told reporters that the centre planned to give more autonomy to the cooperative sector and hence was contemplating a constitutional amendment. Bureau Report
Confusion reigns over office of profit Congress fires back, cites articles The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 31 (MExN): The political battle on the office of profit issue continues. The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today said it is ‘most surprised and amused’ to see the disqualification petition submitted by 9 MLAs of the DAN against the Leader of Opposition I Imkong, alleging that the Leader of Opposition is an “Office of Profit” attracting disqualification under Article 191 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India.
“The NPCC is further amused to see the Press Statement of R Paphino, Press Secretary, NPF on the position of ‘Office of Profit’ in Nagaland which clearly shows their confused mind and lack of clarity with regard to the position the ‘Office of Profit’.”
A release issued by Vice President of the NPCC Nuzota Swüro said the issue of the Office of Profit is a national phenomenon at the moment and “NPCC as a responsible national party is duty bound to perform its constitutional duties.”
It was cited that the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964 at Rule No. 2 stipulates that “A person shall not be and shall be deemed never to have disqualified for being chosen as or being a Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by reason of the fact that he holds any of the office specified in the schedule appended hereto.”
The Schedule Paragraph 4 states that, “The Office of the Chairman, Vice Chairman or Member of any regional, tribal, area, range or village council constituted in Nagaland under any existing Regulation or Law.” The Nagaland Congress made it a point to state that “it purely deals with our traditional institutions.”
The Schedule Paragraph 8 states as follows: “The Office of Chairman, Vice Chairman or Members of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government of India or the Government of any State specified in the First Schedule of the Constitution of India”.
The NPCC thus said mere perusal of the above mentioned provisions clearly shows that the office of profit presently occupied by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his Council of Ministers and MLAs of the DAN does not come within the exemption as contended by the NPF Party and its DAN allies under the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964.
NPCC hits back at DAN legislators Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, MARch 31 (NPN): Continuing its offensive against the Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government, the NPCC on Friday charged the nine DAN MLAs who sought Opposition leader I. Imkong's disqualification, with showing their "revengeful mentality and lack of knowledge about the existing laws on the "office of profit."
Reacting to the press statement earlier issued by NPF press secretary R. Paphino on the position of "office of profit", NPCC vice-president Nuzota Swuro said the Congress as a responsible national party was duty-bound to perform its constitutional duties.
He said Rule No. 2 of the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964 stipulated that "a person shall not be and shall be deemed never to have disqualified for being chosen as or being a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by reason of the fact that he holds any of the offices specified in the schedule appended hereto."
Referring to the Schedule Paragraph 4, he argued that "the office of the chairman, vice chairman or member of any regional, tribal, area, range or village councils constituted in Nagaland under any existing regulation or law purely dealt with our traditional institutions."
On the other hand, he said the office of profit presently occupied by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and members of his Council of Ministers and MLAs of the DAN did not come within the exemption under the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964" as contended by the NPF Party and its DAN allies.
He said the demand of the DAN legislators was nothing but "a cheap ploy" to divert the minds of the Naga people from "the mistakes and errors committed by Neiphiu Rio and the DAN leadership", he added. He said the Election Commission of India was the supreme authority to define the meaning of the 'office of profit', not the NPF-led DAN Government and the legislators' attempt to remove the Leader of the Opposition was "an attack on parliamentary system of Government and subversion of democracy."
Swuro said the office of the Leader of the Opposition is recognized and exempted as an office of profit under The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959. Swuro said the leader of the Opposition in Nagaland enjoys salary and perks as per the Nagaland Leader of Opposition, Salaries and Allowances Act, 1992 (Act No. 5 of 1992) besides several Acts which he cited. Further, he said "The Leader of the Opposition has every right to demand what is entitled to him in terms of the above legislations. It is totally misleading and baseless to claim that I. Imkong was relentlessly pursuing for substantial hike in the pay and allowances of the Leader of the Opposition".
KNO corrects Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 31: Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has corrected that the reference to Nagas as a whole, in Zale’n-gam: The Kuki Nation published in 1998, in connection with the act of genocide perpetrated against Kuki people by NSCN-IM from 1992 to 1997 was an error. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak and Muivah (NSCN-IM) was the group specially responsible for the Kuki genocide which left a total of over 900 Kukis death, 350 villages destroyed and more than Kukis rendered homeless, a statement signed by Stephen, assistant secretary of information and publicity, KNO, Zale’n-gam, Manmasi said today.
Dating back to the petition submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and through the non-communal leadership of AZ Phizo, the Kuki people have been recognised as indigenous people of the region and an integral part of Nagaland, the statement said.
In the modern ear, the statement added, Kukis and Nagas have enjoyed cor-dial and mutually respect- ful relations. It is regrettable that the communally moti-vated leadership of NSCN- IM’s general secretary Th Muivah, a Tangkhul, cast such an ugly and gloomy shadow over the amicable Kuki-Naga relationship. NSCN-IM’s dastardly act against the Kuki people will remain an indelible blot in Kuki history.
Blockade called, CM cries foul By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 31 : Even as the Zeliangrong Students' Union (Tamei Area) and Kuki Students' Organisation (Sadar Hills) have imposed an indefinite economic blockade from midnight today to protest the failure of the State Govt to fulfil their demands by March 31, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that the stand off is a result of the two student bodies trying to garner the contract works of the said road. Talking to the president of All Zeliangrong Students Union (AMN) Ningthoudai Gonmei and chairman of Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur James Dangmei and other representatives of the two student bodies, the Chief Minister said that the ZSU (TA) and KSO (SH) had decreed that the contract works should be given to only three contractors chosen by them. This is surprising and shocking, said the Chief Minister and appealed to the student leaders to look into the matter. The IT road passes through hilly terrains and it would be impossible for three contractors to complete the work on time, said the CM. To finish the work in good time, at least 10 contractors are needed, he explained and added that the involvement of the two local MLAs in choosing the right contractors is highly needed. The two local contractors are Z Mangaibou and Francis Ngajokpa. The stand of the ZSU (TA) and the KSO (SH) amounts to fighting for the contract works, he added. The student representatives met the Chief Minister over the closure of all Govt offices in Tamenglong by the AZSU and ZSUM to protest the failure of the Govt to implement its earlier assurance to hand over the responsibility of constructing the 39 km stretch between Tamenglong and Khongshang to the BRO.
Let’s eat fruits not seeds, says Rio The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 31 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a fatherly counsel, advised the people to “eat fruits and not seeds.” According to State Bank of India officials, Rio while visiting the SBI stall at the North East Agri-Expo expressed appreciation at the successful first-generation entrepreneurs from Nagaland, courtesy the SBI, as role models to be emulated. “People should eat only fruits and not the seeds to run the business successfully and for earning regular income,” SBI officials quoted Rio as saying.
He told visitors and members of Self-help Groups at the stall that financial assistance for setting up a venture should be treated as seeds and the profit generated out of the financial help as fruits. For the bank, the CM said: “Please continue to serve the poor people; extend loan to the genuine farmers. All the best”. According to the SBI, the stall attracted more than a thousand visitors during the expo. The chief Minister was accompanied by Alemtemshi Jamir, APC, N Putsure, Director Wasteland and other senior state officials. He was received by SD Agnihotri, DGM SBI.
Portrait of the Naga mind M Jimmy Chishi The Morung Express
The beautiful mind
What makes a Mercedes a Mercedes?. A Ferrari a Ferrari?. Or why does a Monet or a Renoir, cost millions!?. Well to this we could attribute the aspects of Mind and matter. Materially speaking they are costly because of the material used in their creation, this includes the cost of labor and process of manufacture. The mind value would include branding and the various market promoting devices. However even these do not fully explain!. There seems to exist an unexplained paradigm as to what makes them so valuable.
Mind over matter
In Hindu mythology there is this great challenge of the heavens. A landmark judgment as to which is greater mind or matter. In this chllenge,ganesh and kartikeye(murugan),Both sons of god Shiva,(one of the trinity),compete in this duel, to circumnavigate the universe. kartikeye does the material note and flashes off on his vahan(aeroplane) to complete the task.and this in the most practical of ways ganesh on the other hnd employs the mind,he circles shiva,and in seconds all the gods of heaven including shiva pronounce him winner.not long after kartik returns only to know of his defeat. Its clear that the gods of heaven have favoured mind over matter. On closer analysis however we find that its not a clash between mind and matter ..kartikeye certainly did employ his mind and like the greek odesseys set on this most interesting adventure but it was his priority of matter over mind that made him loser ganesh understood well the finer lines of this challenge and took the most positive effort to accomplish for indeed shiva was the god of heaven.. Leaving aside gods and myths even in our daily mundane life we are always confronted by this mind-matter isssues Certainly the mind is more important and this only if it beautiful – a beautiful mind ,like those of ganesh.this beautiful mind must be the x-factor, what makes a mercedes a Mercedes
A beautiful mind
What then is this beautiful mind? Is it the all knowing intelligent mind that understands the finer lines of life? Or is it a well organized mind? As far as beautiful form is concerned we have more than seven thousand years of human experience in understanding beauty and though a consensus still is yet to evolve as to what is beautiful!, at least we have some semblance of standards of the beautiful in form.., but what of a beautiful mind!?,..Alas!Still not a single portrait exist. how should we set its standards. The beautiful form can be altered, corrected. Even by plastic surgery but a beautiful mind cant for its cultivated the seed have to be sown. However even though a portrait doesn’t exist at least we can safely say that a mind making the effort to know,with the right intention is a beautiful mind. This beautiful mind has to be constructive besides this mind is far above matter for a beautiful mind can exist on its own but for matter its impossible, beauty is the mind attribution
And this beautiful mind must be creative. It must bring forth, reproduce for otherwise it dies and is no more beautiful. There is nothing like a beautiful matter sans the mind. beauty is the mental attribution to matter. We all humans have this mental attribute a blessing of Christ our lord and therefore it follows that we all can possess a beautiful mind.
Why do need this? The answer is simple. We all need this beautiful mind because our lives can be so meaningful once we possess/transform …the beautiful mind. and we can contribute most to each other.
The Naga mind
No portrait of a beautiful mind exists however it would be possible to conjecture it. The same is true for the naga mind, we could conjecture it on the basis of how our minds are thinking and this on the basis of information, observation. And so how is the naga mind The naga mind is certainly not beautiful and is suffering from many diseases.. Corruption, triblism, favouritism, ruthless materialism and worse of these the non existence of dignity of labor.it seems a hopless situation and at times we feel that progress has been postponed foreever.
It seem like we have taken the kartikeye path towards accomblishing our task of progress,into this great misadventure of outright materialism without a mind value and Even then we surviv and go ahead..? Isn’t it surprising! In this regards we shouldn’t miss out those so many beautiful minds that are helping this land survive the challenges of this age. However honestly speaking these are not enough. Lots need to b done and this because we Nagas have immense potential. After accepting Christ there seems no limit. We therefore also have this duty to show our Hindu and Muslim.. Brothers the difference Christ has made and this by developing the beautiful mind Lets therefore pray that we live up to our duty and expectation and grow this beautiful naga mind so as to harvest the joys of heaven in our own soil.
(The writer has done his MA, Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia
2006 Assam Election and Regional Implications U A Shimray The Morung Express

For the last ten years, Indian democracy experienced coalition governments ruling at the Centre as well as States. The fall of National Front pave way for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s first inning in the Central in the late 1990s. BJP’s entry in power “awkward” the secular forces. However, the voters were not impress with the highhanded slogan “Shining India” in 2004 Lok Sabha election. Whereas, there is no shinning things in many part of the country even the rural Temples are not electrify. A sudden come back of India’s oldest political party, the Congress to the power in the last 14th Lok Sabha election is one surprise package of Indian voters. Not only Congress but also a considerable number of Left Parties make it to the Parliament. Indian voters are ready for surprises. The so-called “Exit Poll” is no longer a reliable technique to predict election results [Different sources of exit poll results underestimate Congress party in the last Lok Sabha election]. The Psyphologists are having tough time to analyse the unpredictable Indian votes.
Indeed, up coming State’s election would be one tough political “test” of all the political parties including both regional and national level. For instance, regional “hegemony” in Tamil Nadu would be hard to crack situation for the national parties. The AIADMK and DMK and its respective allies are in the mood of settling of scores. Assam’s election could be tricky if the ruling Congress is not tactful.
Assam and Regional Impact…
Assam’s CM Tarun Gogoi remarks, “I’ve never seen a more nervous opposition like the AGP in my entire political career.” Congress Government is optimistic of coming back to power. Hitherto, the situation is somehow risky and tricky. At the moment, “all is not well” in Assam Congress. Since the election of PCC President last year there is intense dissident mood going on in the inner ring. A “compromise package” that aims to appease the Congress workers, Chief Minister, PCC President Bhubaneshwar Kalita and Union Minister Shri Mohan Dev issue the name of the candidates.
The result omitted twelve sitting MLAs including one Minister. Several heavy-weight Congress men were denied of election tickets and they went rampant protests. In subsequent, many join AGP, NCP and BJP to fight fellow Congressmen. Such circumstances inevitably divide loyalties of the foot soldiers’ vote. One has to bear in mind is that in the region loyalties changed overnight. Out of 120 members, 42 persons are “new faces” (that is 35%) including those who do not get ticket in the last 2001 election. No doubt, Congress had studied the performance of the sitting MLAs and even the reason of omission was revealed. However, bringing new faces in the electoral politics is sometimes dangerous if not tactful enough.
The divided house of Asom Gana Parishar (AGP) and its allies and the Assam United Democratic Front are working hard to bring back regional “hegemony” in the state. And this regional arrangement is backed by national parties like NCP, CPM, et al so, the present poll alliance is simply not for granted. The strong backing from other parties endorses “good” investment with tactful intervention. In fact, this is a major challenge for the Congress in Assam.
Trouble state like Assam issue is numerous and sensitive. Certain crucial factors will play major role like incumbency/anti-incumbency wave of Tarun’s performance, controversial IMDT issue, Bodo, NC Hill and Karb imbroglio. Insurgency interference in the election process is inevitable. Other important issue is personal profile of the Congress ticket holders (omission and new faces).
Manipur
Earlier, the political situation of the region was more or less depended on the political situation in the Central. However, today, coalition system seems to be more workable moreover, it is strengthened by the enactment of Anti-Defection Law. No doubt, the result of Assam Election would be the “acid test” of the Manmohan Singh’s Government. Also, the outcome of the Assam election would have serious implications in the regional politics. Now, Manipur’s 9th General Election is round the corner (Between November and February 2007). Now, negotiation has started for the regional allies in Manipur. Many smaller local parties are planning to come together to take on the ruling Congress. For instance, like Federal party of Manipur (FPM), Manipur People party (MPP), DRPP, Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP). Like Assam, the national parties like NCP, RJD, JD (U), et al may join regional forces, and their intervention cannot be taken as easy thing.
A short live 7th Manipur Legislative Assembly was dominated by the local parties like MSCP, FPM and BJP. The number elected under the Indian National Congress was only 11 (eleven) including 4 tribal MLAs. The 2001 June incident over the issue of Naga Ceasefire “without territorial limits” and political instability subsequently dissolved the Assembly. The 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly General Election 2002, INC make a surprise return to the power with a total number of 20 out of 60 members. However, a major contribution came from the tribal areas securing 50% of 10 members out 20 Reserved A/C (4 from Churachandpur district, 3 from Senapati district, 2 from Tamenglong district and 1 Ukhrul district). Congress seems to favour in the hills (tribals) in the last election.
O. Ibobi’s SPF Government is incredibly set for a full term and will be facing election soon. However, Assam like scenario in ticket distribution is inevitable. Unlike 2002 elections, this time many would seek for INC’s ticket. Even now rumors are spreading like wild fire who will be the front runner. In the last election, there are 44 “new faces” (including come back members). However, more than 50% new faces in the 2002 election do not imply that news faces are doing well but the impact of 2001 June incident done substantial damage to the politics. Another factor is direct involvement of Naga insurgency in the electoral process.
One inconsistent political situation in Manipur’s Congress party is non-commitment to the principles, over enthusiastic to the partisan manipulation and “keep changing candidate” factor. For the Congress, ticket distribution indeed crucial however; to make success in electoral process candidate’s credential, performance and charismatic profile would be pre-requisite. Today, voters become cleverer. So, the ruling Congress cannot be over-estimated of coming back to power. Moreover, there is anti-incumbency wave is going on. Corruption is mounting, forgery is increasing and law and order is almost at breaking point. The present trend of corruption and anti-incumbency is a gain for regional forces. May be in this coming election, the visible work of SPF government would be one crucial factor. Indeed, a tiny state like Manipur even one number can make big differences in power formation.
PM to hit Asom campaign trail Nagaland Post
Guwahati, March 31 (Agencies): After Congress party president Sonia Gandhi's whirlwind day-long electioneering in Asom Thursday, it is the turn of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to try to boost Congress' fortunes in Assam. This was mentioned by Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati Friday.
Dr Singh, who is an Rajya Sabha member of Parliament from the State, is arriving in Assam Saturday for a two-day election tour. He will cover as many as four election meetings during Saturday and Sunday. On his arrival on Saturday he will campaign for the party in the silktown of Sualkuchi near Guwahati, at Mukalmua in Nalbari district. On Sunday he will address election ralies at Tezpur in northern Assam and at Donkamokam in Karbi Anglong.
The Congress ridiculed the rival Asom Gana Parishad and Bharatiya Janata Party for banking on Bollywood filmstars for electioneering in the state. The AGP has roped in Jaya Prada and filmstar-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan while glamourous Hema Malini and TV star Smriti Irani have hit the campaign trail on behalf of the BJP in the state. "Bringing filmstars for electioneering in Assam is not the political culture of the state. The AGP and BJP are so frustrated and confused about how to stop the Congress from coming to power that they are roping in filmstars from Bollywood to woo voters on their behalf," Gogoi said.
ULFA chief’s call to make talks a poll issue By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 31 – The banned ULFA has called on the people not to vote for any party that has not made any commitment on resolving the “Asom-India political conflict”. ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, in an e-mailed statement said that this political conflict was the main problem for the nation and such a problem cannot be resolved under a “colonial system” that exists in the State. The Congress has said that within five years it would resolve the “Asom-India political conflict”. The same promise was made by the AGP in the run up to the 1996 Assembly elections but soon after it got elected it denied making any such promise. It was followed by both open and secret killings. “Electing such people would usher in another spell of secret killings,” said Rajkhowa. “The people should only vote for politics that would ensure sovereignty for Asom,” he added.

Six-day long blockade suspended after agreement with govt The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Mar 31: The six day long economic blockade of the All Tribal Students` Union, Manipur on the two National Highway-39 and 53 has been suspended immediately from this evening after an agreement was signed between the representatives of the agitating students body with the state government.

With this, all the trucks stranding at Mao since the commencement of the blockade has started moving towards Imphal from around 10 pm tonight with security escort. Altogether 143 goods carrying trucks stranded at Mao gate due to the economic blockade including 13 LPG carriers, 9 oil tankers and 4 bitumen trucks are proceeding towards Imphal, according to reports received from Mao. However, around 47 goods carrying trucks stranded at Jiribam along NH-53 are yet to leave for Imphal. Today`s agreement between the representatives of ATSUM and state government was reached in a joint meeting held at the office chamber of the state chief minister, O Ibobi Singh this evening. In the meeting which commenced from 4.30 pm and ended at late evening around 7 pm, the demands of the ATSUM was thoroughly discussed and dissected one by one, as per an official source.

During the discussion, the state government agreed to declare within April, 2006, the present posts of additional director of education (S)/valley and additional director of education (S)/hills as heads of department with full powers. The commissioner of education (S) will function as ex-officio director of the department as per the agreement.

The required number of mathematics, science, arts graduate and Hindi graduate and under-graduate teachers in the hills will be filled up on contract basis and this temporary arrangement will continue till recruitment of regular teachers through due process is done. Local candidates will be given preference and the government will turn the same into action within April next, as per the terms of the agreement.

The extension of pension benefits to district council employees and filling up of the vacant posts in the council, already approved by the state cabinet will be implemented and completed within one month, the government agreed.

On the demand for intervention of the government for the revival of the office of special cell for SCs and STs in Manipur University, state government informed to the ATSUM that it has already been implemented.

The state government had also agreed to re-designation of deputy director, tribal development as district officer, tribal development when posted in the hills districts within April, 2006.

To formulate the reservation rules under reservation of SC and ST Act 1976 within three month period, filling up four vacant post of fireman reserved for ST in fire service department from the ST candidates as and when government lifts the ban on filling of such vacancies and to complete the exercise for identification of fake teachers within two months and necessary action taken thereafter were among the other points agreed in today`s meeting.

The government will also constitute a committee comprising of state chief secretary, principal secretary, hills and TD, principal secretary, planning, commissioner, finance and commissioner, education (S) by April 5 to examine the matter of conversion of 13 schools located in different hill district of the state. The report of the committee is to be submit within one month.

In the meeting CM, O Ibobi Singh, was assisted by 10 ministers besides state chief secretary and other top officials of concerned departments.

The agreement was signed by president, John Pulamte and general secretary, Samson Remei of ATSUM and on behalf of the government it was signed by PC Lawmkunga, principal secretaryhills and tribal development, RK Angousana Singh, commissioner education and Binod Kispotta, secretary to chief minister.