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03/24/2007: "Ceasefire monitoring group meets after five years Zee News"

Ceasefire monitoring group meets after five years Zee News
Kohima, March 24: After a gap of almost five years, a review meeting of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was held at Dimapur when Home Ministry officials and NSCN (I-M) leaders discussed the existing situation. The meeting was held yesterday in the backdrop of escalation of factional fightings between the two rival groups of NSCN -- NSCN(I-M) and NSCN(K) -- even as ceasefire ground rules stipulated that the cadre of both groups should confine themselves to designated camps and they should not roam around with arms in populated areas.

The meeting discussed how to restore peace and normalcy and effective implementation of the ground rules. However, it did not take up pending issues like amendment of ground rules, Home Ministry Special Secretary M L Kamawat told newsmen after the meeting.

The meeting was attended by CFMG members, Director of Home Ministry (NE) A K Goel, Nagaland DGP J Changkija, Nagaland Commissioner T N Mannen and chaired by CFMG chairman Lt Gen (RTD) R V Kulkarni, while NSCN (I-M) team was led by its truce monitoring cell convenor Phungthing Shimrang. Bureau Report
Opposition grinds DAN on corruption Karaiba Chawang Morung Express News
Kohima Opposition Congress on Thursday accused the ruling DAN coalitions of ‘self-aggrandizement’ and contested that the NPF-led DAN government was boasting on so many achievements on the developmental front, but in reality the real beneficiaries are not the genuine grassroots people, but few who are at the helms of affairs.
Ranging from unabated factional feuds, Naga politics and corruptions in the government set-up, the Opposition members took liberty of the amendments moved on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address to quiz and grind the ruling DAN government.
Opposition Leader, I. Imkong, who initiated the debate, accused the DAN of ‘self-aggrandizement’ and rampant corruptions in the government set up. He also said that the departments are working with their own personal whims and fancy, ‘forgetting’ the rules. “All rules have been flouted and forgotten. And there are rampant corruptions in all departments,” Imkong said. “I feel sometime pity for the Leader of the House, because his Ministers are so corrupted”, Imkong quipped. DAN government has also been trumpeting on the success of horti-agriculture projects, but its fruits did not ‘trickle down to the grassroots level.’ It is the ‘elite class’ who benefited the most out of the schemes and projects, Imkong alleged.
In this regard the Congress list of corruption within the DAN government included non-implementation of Rs 400 Crore four- lane NH PM package, unaccountability of Rs 30 crore sanctioned for Mokokchung Stadium, escalation of Saijang Police HQ cost by 85%, from Rs 40 crore to Rs 77 crore, mis-utilization of Rs 250 crore PM’s youths employment package, Industry Department’s 1000 acres bogus land acquisition deal, non-implementation of 68 CSS Horti development projects and the improper utilization of CSS small and medium town development funds. Besides, the Opposition made a mention of NPSC scandal, gun-license racket, School Education department scam etc., to substantiate their allegations.
The Opposition also charged that this year’s Governor Address was almost a reproduction of the previous Governor Shyamal’s speech, except for the change in paragraph. As many as 6 repetitions have been detected in this year address, pointed out a Congress member.
Rio replies point-by-point to heated Congress charges Morung Express News
Kohima Factional feuds, extortions by various underground groups and the killing of innocent public and policemen dominated the entire two-days debate on motions of thanks to the Governor’s Address.
Several Opposition Congress legislators and disgruntled DAN members like Therie, and Tiameren, charged the ruling DAN of failing to protect innocent lives, to stop unabated factional fights amongst the underground factions and to contain rampant extortions and demands made by the undergrounds from public, employees, contractors, VDBs etc.
Opposition members also stuck to their contention that factional fights are a law and order problem and not political problem anymore. They also slammed the DAN’s equi-closeness policy, alleging that this policy has done more harm than bringing the warring factions closer.
Opposition and dissident DAN members also alleged that the government policy of equi-closeness has lost its relevance and the latter has failed to live up to its commitment of bringing honourable and acceptable to the Naga political struggle as mentioned in its CMP.
However, replying to the Opposition’s charges Rio, said that the DAN government has not hidden any information on the talks’ outcome from people. The Chief Minister also firmly defended DAN’s policy of equi- closeness, stating that their peace building efforts has yielded fruits.
There is active or passive facilitator as alleged by the Opposition, but as a state government they can not directly partake in the talks, however, only act out a role of facilitator.
“We can not control or dictate undergrounds. They are having ceasefire with GOI, but not amongst themselves”, Rio said replying to the Congress charge that the government has failed to contain factional feuds and to protect life of the people.

He also said that the DAN government is serious in bringing peace amongst the underground factions, for which they had held several rounds of CCP meeting and has met underground factions. Unless Nagas unite, we will perish, Rio asserted. However, Rio made it clear to the house that Naga problem can not be solved overnight, and emphasized on the need to evolve collective efforts. We can not behave like an underground, we have to play our part under the constitution of India, Rio told the Opposition Congress.
Rio said that CFMC has ground rules enforcing mechanisms, but doesn’t have the mechanisms to implement it. Moreover, the implementing agency is the government of India and not the state government. As such, many a time state government was made handicapped in effectively protecting the life and properties of the people.
“We are not shifting responsibility to the GOI. We know our duty and we are doing it”, Rio said.
He asked the Opposition members not to take the Naga political problem as a law and order problem, but to make a clear distinction between the two problems.
Rio also reiterated that DAN government will pave way if the underground groups managed to bring honourable and acceptable solutions to the protracted Naga struggle.
The Chief Minister cautioned the opposition members of the sensitivity of the Naga political issue and asked the latter not to politicize the matter. He also said that the house should not differ in their opinion on the Naga political struggle, and asked the Congress to stop accusing the ruling government, but play their part.
Rio also appreciated the churches, NGOs and civil societies for playing important role in peace initiative.
“We should work collectively with GOI and enforce ground rules”, Rio added.
Naga politics overshadowed the burning issues like alarming HIV/AIDS and the environment and ecology problem in the two days consecutive debate on motion of thanks to the Governor address.
Save for Congress MLA, Medokul Sophie, no member of the opposition bench bothered to question the ruling DAN government over the failure to prevent the spread of epidemic, in spite of so much of fund provided by the Centre.
Congress MLA, Apok Jamir, and MC Konyak did raise the issues of the rampant encroachment in Intanki National Park and other reserved Forests of the state. However, this issue failed to gain prominent discussion in the two days debate. Besides, the Governor address did not mention anything about Forest issue.
The Chief Minister’s brief reply was that the state government has asked the Forest department to see and stop all encroachment and other illegal activities in the Intanki National Park.
Interestingly, Congress acted naively today as they asked the ruling DAN government to distance themselves from NGOs, Civil societies and churches, and to write a letter to the Manipur government to reimburse the Rs 71 lakhs spent by Nagaland government on the Naga students, who appeared in the last HSLC exams under NBSE.
However, Chief Minister replied that it is not possible as the money was spent in Nagaland.
After replying point by point to the opposition charges, Rio appealed to the Opposition to withdraw their amendment move. Congress conceded to the Chief Minister appeal, but not before speaking out their minds.
Congress, who came up with 16-amendment move to the motion of thanks on Governor’s address, refused to retreat on two points, that is the Chief Minister allegation that the former had backtracked from the proposed Consultative Committee on Peace, stating that it has not backtracked, but protested because the ruling DAN failed to meet their demand of dissolving DAN sub-committee. The Congress also refused to withdraw their amendment move on Home Minister Delhi trip, stating that they had been waiting for invitation from the leader of house to invite them to have pre-discussion, however, since it was not done and the trip was organized haphazardly they refused to be part of the team, Imkong said. Thereafter, the house adopted the motions of thanks to the Governor’s Address.

No amendment in Ceasefire ground rules Morung Express News
Centre’s Special Secretary for Internal Security ML Ramawat and General (Rtd) K Kulkarni emerge after their meeting with the NSCN (I-M) on the Ceasefire Ground Rules at Dimapur on March 23. (Pix: Pradeep Pareek)
DIMAPUR, MARCH 23 (MExN): No decision on the change of ceasefire ground rules could be reached between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NSCN (I-M) at their meeting today. Ceasefire Monitoring Cell Convenor from the Naga group, Phungthing Shimrang, informed, “We said what we had to say,” and placed the ball in the court of the Home Ministry to come to a decision. Relaying that the Central team had said that they were “serious,” he hoped this would be put into reality.
Home Ministry officials also said there was no amendment to the ground rules and added that implementation of the same has to be put into practice for factional clashes to come to an end in the effort to usher in peace. They also said they would be attending more such meetings. The officials are expected to reach Mon on March 23 to hold discussions with the NSCN (K).
It is learnt that the next round of peace talks between Delhi and the NSCN (I-M) will be held on March 29, where the latter will be represented by their Collective Leadership. On rumours that the next venue of discussions, after Delhi, would be Camp Hebron, top NSCN (I-M) officials said such a decision could be arrived at only after a consensus.
MHA silent over Naga talks Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA, MAR22 [NPN] : Home minister Thenucho Thursday said the state government was still awaiting response from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on requisite information sought by the state with regard to the negotiations between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M).

The Home minister was replying to a supplementary raised by Congress MLA and CLP leader I. Imkong. Again, in a written reply to Congress MLA KV Pusa, Thenucho said the state government was not party to peace negotiations but acting only as a facilitator to the ongoing Naga political dialogue.The state has in this connection set up a Consultative Committee for Peace to have consultations with various sections of the society including political parties and tribal hohos in order to create a conducive atmosphere to facilitate settlement of the Naga issue, he added. On the January 13 killing of two innocent Konyak youths - Ponjai Konyak and Phoba Konyak - in Kohima, Thenucho told the state assembly "no arrest could be made till today." In a written reply to Pusa, the Home minister said a regular case vide Kohima (S) P.S Case No.0065/06 U/SS 302/34 IPC R/W/7/8/NSR 62 was registered and the case was under vigorous investigation. In his supplementary, Pusa wanted to know whether the government had given any compensation to the victims and any provision to provide job to the victim's families as both were sole bread earners in the family. He also blamed the state government for failing to protect the lives of innocent citizens.

Another Congress MLA Chingwang Konyak said the youths were murdered by the NSCN (I-M) and asked whether any action had been taken against the organization.
Replying to the supplementary, the Home minister said the chief minister had given Rs. one lakh each to the deceased family members and disclosed that so far nobody from the victims' family had come forward to seek for job. He also said the matter had been referred to Cease Fire Monitoring Cell (CFMC).

Assam, Nagaland most violence-prone in NE Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, March 23 – Claiming that the overall violence level in the North-east has been contained, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has claimed that civilian casualties has gone down to 21.3 percent, last year. The Home Ministry’s annual report for the year 2006-2007, however, does not take into account the killing of civilians in Assam early this year, when outlawed ULFA killed over 66 civilians in an orgy of violence.
According to MHA report the level of violence in the insurgency-hit Region, last year, was same as in 2005. The number of civilians killed has gone down to 309 from 393, it highlighted.

This is significant because six years back 600 civilians have lost their lives to violence in the North-east, which witnessed 1335 incidents of violence in 2001. The figures furnished by the Home Ministry reflected that the civilians in the Region have paid a heavy price and maximum number of them have fallen victims to violence compared to insurgents and security forces personnel. The phenomenon, however, changed in 2005, when for the first time, the number of extremists killed (405) was more than that of civilian (393).

Significantly, Assam and Nagaland have emerged as the most violence-prone States in the Region, with the two States recording an increase in violence level. In Assam, the number of violent incidents last year increased to 413 from 398 in 215. Similar was the case in Nagaland, where number of violent incidents jumped from 192 to 309, last year.

Interestingly, in Nagaland as in Assam, the Government of India and the State Government have ceasefire pacts with majority of the militant groups. Currently, the Centre has such pacts going with Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), NSCN (I-M), NSCN (Khaplang), Achik National Voluntary Force (ANVC), besides NDFB. Kuki National Army (KNA), Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) Naga National Council (NNC)

In Assam, the Home Ministry reports shows ULFA and NDFB as the two major insurgent groups. Out of the two, it has a ceasefire pact with NDFB. Nagaland should have been peaceful because Government of India has ceasefire pacts with both factions of the NSCN. Manipur now has the maximum number of militant outfits, which have been declared ‘Unlawful Association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. At least seven groups in Manipur including the dreaded PLA, UNLF, PREPAK, KCP among others have been declared unlawful.

Yet, violent incidents in the State decreased albeit marginally from 554 to 498, last year. The civilian casualties have also gone down to 96 from 158 in 2005.

Mizoram has one again taken the trophy for being the most peaceful State in the Region, with a total of five violent incidents last year and no records of any civilian killing. Mizoram was given a Peace Bonus by the previous NDA Regime for continuing with its commendable record.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has clarified that the Government of India was favourably considering the release of five detained ULFA leaders provided it approached the Centre or Government of Assam formally for holding direct talks, nominates the delegation for talks and indicate time-frame and abjure violence in all forms including extortions, the Report said.

Since there was no direct response from ULFA, and reports were received of regrouping, new raisings, violence and extortion by ULFA cadres, counter insurgency operations against ULFA have been resumed, the report said. Assam, meanwhile, would continue to bleed financially because it is the lone State in the Region to pay 10 per cent of the normal charges as deployment charges for Central para-military forces. Six other North Eastern States are exempted from paying any charges because of their poor resources position.

However, Assam continued to corner the largest chunk of the Security Related Expenditure and last year (till December) it received Rs 50.08 crore. So far Assam has been reimbursed Rs 465.03 crore by way of security related expenditure incurred during the last six years. The SRE scheme has been recently revised and now expenditure eligible for reimbursement include these expenses incurred by the States on raising India Reserve Battalion, logistics provided to the para-military forces and the Arm, ex-gratia grants and gratuitous relief to victims of extremists violence. Centre now also reimburses the cost of maintenance of designated camps of the militants besides other expenditure of law and order machineries. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has also increased the cost of raising of each India Reserve Battalion (IRBs) to Rs 25 crore from Rs 13 crore. The North Eastern States have been sanctioned 34 such battalions. Of these, 25 have been raised and the remaining nine are in the process of being raised. Assam has been sanctioned seven IRBs.
Therie flays DAN on CMP Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, MARCH 23 (NPN): The ruling DAN government came under severe attack from within its own members over alleged mistreatment to coalition partner members and failure to fulfill the common minimum programme (CMP), especially the commitment on the Naga political issue.
Former finance minister and suspended NPF MLA K Therie led the attack while participating in the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address on the second day of the assembly today.
Reading out from the CMP, Therie reminded the DAN government had come to power with assurances to fulfill the CMP, but the government had miserably failed to live upto its commitment during the last four years.
He pointed out that the DAN coalition had committed itself to securing a negotiated settlement to the protracted Naga political problem that was acceptable to all sections of society.
"Nowhere we've shown concern on the ongoing political dialogue and negotiations," Therie said and asked DAN partners not to be overshadowed by Article 351 of the Constitution of India.
Therie was also critical of DAN slogan "peace for development and development for peace" and openly challenged as to who was free from extortion, including the members of the house.
"We have concern for development, but we are not concerned about the suffering of the people," he said and blamed the government for shying away from containing law and order problem on the pretext that factional clashes and killings were political in nature.
Therie also criticized the government for inaction and lack of initiative in bringing together different underground factions. He further reiterated his suggestion to fund the ongoing peace process saying ceasefire without food and water was not sustainable. Earlier, BJP MLA Tiameren castigated the government on the Governor's address saying that though the address gave an "impressive" and "totally new picture" of the state, "the ground reality is more important."
It may be mentioned another DAN coalition member and JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi had yesterday also blasted the government for alleged ill-treatment of its own coalition members. Huska also said certain members of the DAN coalition including himself were deprived of facilities and information about developmental activities in their own constituencies.
Tribalism in Kiphire District- Column Nagaland Post
Through this letter I would like to appeal my view to the tribal leaders. As I grow my awareness about the environment and situation prevailing in our district, I have experienced a lot of irreparable and intolerable pain. Moreover, I continually read much advertisement suiting to our drastic ethnic multi-culture. Hence, I wish to urge from socialite sense towards socializing appeasement for free preserving cultural and customary law.
As far as I am concerned, there are few senior-most citizens and septuagenarian and octogenarian who conceive misinterpretation of our heritance to present respectful tribal leaders on account of land domination and linguistic recognition, which only have verbal knowledge inspiring from generation to generation. At this juncture our history becomes rumours and consequently, claiming tribal leaders are leading towards our graveyard. I am much concerned in this matter, but now I don't know my fate and what course of leadership I should follow, the dignity I have is tortured. Kiphire district is dominated by major tribes like Sangtam, Yimchunger, Sumi and many unrecognized ethnic cultural groups subjugated by recognized tribes. Having many ethnic groups, it creates argument on line demarcation. This land dispute becomes fresh terror in areas like Sangtam and Yimchunger at Pungro town. Areas claiming under Yimchunger subjugation face the problem in every nook and corner, especially in Pungro and Shamator area.
In our district, we have many villages and towns living mingled with different ethnic groups by which the bud of tribalism grows since every ethnic claims it as their ancestral land. Therefore, tribal councils are authorized to measure the circle of peace progress instead of measuring the land domain by a particular tribe without any discrimination or irrespective of their cultural interest. We all are concerned for our living but due to overpowered human superiority towards others, it invites bloodshed and civil war. Nevertheless, I urge to all the general public of Kiphire district to observe our moral ability for our better living because having multi-cultural tradition, it is coincided by fallacious recognition and I profoundly request the tribal leaders to deal innocent public by preserving their real identity towards the common culture.
Conflict between Yimchunger and Tikhir which is a prolong struggle has startled the whole general public with the fierce clashes resulting in loss of several lives in Shamator area and burning down of Kiusam town into ash. Of course some clue agreement had made with the negotiator from ENPO and Government administration, but the situation did not avert into dumb and it still trembles toward us. I never respite my tension being myself is under their care. Therefore, I humbly emphasize the tribal councils and concern public to stand up with an aim to bring peaceful harmony in our land, preserving our natural entity without any harassment, discrimination and subjugation to every ethnic group.
In this issue I would like to plea the leaders of various groups to lead us with worthy responsible attitude towards our welfare. Every leader is contributing their tireless effort but if there is no negotiation and resolution to solve the problem through peaceful agreement, there will be less hope for what we are demanding. In continuing allegation in local dailies published by tribal councils, union organizations and individuals had only stated condemnations, rejoinder against one another and demanding state Government's action in every aspect.
Very few write on reconciliation, which further leads to more killing and we might be the next victim if we delay immediate negotiation and stern agreement. In this case the motive of struggle under Yimchunger is too strange and I am disappointed to bear it. The fact it proves from the core of evidence have created three (3) points claiming acceptable rights to be ensured by tribal leaders to ease the root of tribalism, and I recall the followings
1. Lead where we can feel the land we live is our land, solving land demarcation dispute and subjecting only knowing to particular person and not to measuring tribe.
2. Lead where we can recognize the language we speak is our language and emancipate us from disguise.
3. Lead towards our real entity through peaceful negotiation as we have our own culture, customs and traditions without any discrimination and subjugation
I think these words intrude tranquility in our cultural strategic manipulations.
Particularly in Pungro area, public leaders, NGOs and administrators must maintain definite code in dealing their cultural synthesis which consists of Langa, Tikhir, Makory, Chirr and Lungphur. All these have unique culture and no authority can prevent its existence. So the general public must generate moral conduct and proceed towards prosperous achievement. But the way you wiggle will not renown your culture as you want to achieve impossible things without having achieved possible things. Recently 7 persons killed from Zanger village including village headman by their own villagers had created a vacuum for peace progress in the area. And further I request immediate reconciliation to call upon before any untoward happens with this drawback.
Therefore, I request all the various leaders and administrators of Pungro area to ensure appropriate "to and fro" law and order to entire area so as to implement unity in diversity.
T. Kukhi Shonglü,
Student of Kiphire District.
Time to change Morung Express In Focus
• Sir – As Nagas and as a free nation we all yearn for an early solution. The Indo-Naga political issue is old – much older than many of us. Why does it have to take so long? Who is responsible?
It is me, you, and every single Naga who is directly or indirectly responsible for the delay.
Under the banner of Christ we need complete change of heart, change of mind and change of lifestyle.
Any individual, group, organisation or institution who does not wish to change must keep silent. This certainly includes the national workers, Christian leaders and politicians. We have profaned the name of Christ. We have committed abominations in His name. Isn’t this the reason why we are beset with untold hardships? Do we have the power and the wisdom of God? Or are we trying to do it all on our own, fuelled by our selfish ambitions and unrighteous motives?
Those who are leaders, have, without any doubt, the means, the ability, the willingness and commitment to rebuild the nation. Rebuild, yes, but how? Why, they themselves seem unable even to rouse themselves from their state of complacency. And why are some leaders, even after knowing the truth, so timid, fretful and suspicious? They call a fish a ‘snake’ and vice versa. All this is certainly not from the Lord.
Let’s ask God to revive us and renew our minds. Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of the Naga Nation.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”
Prov.3:5,6
Pastor CM Joy New Eden Prayer Centre, Tahamzam
Social groups launch campaign for restarting talks with ULFA By ANI
Guwahati, Mar 23 (ANI): A group of social organisations in Assam met on Friday to help putting on track the failed talks between rebel United Liberation Front of Asom and the Centre. The group, which includes 27 social organisations the banner of People Consultative Group, organised a two-day seminar here to devise means to estart the stalled talks. Talks between Union Home Ministry and ULFA through PCG started in February 2006 but they failed to make headway on most wedging issues, as the group remained adamant not to talk directly with the Centre. Dilip Patgiri, an organiser of the seminar, said its main aim was to garner public opinion in favour of talks. "We are trying to gather people's mandate regarding these talks. People from various parts from the northeast, especially the intelligentsia have participated in this gathering including armed groups who are in cease fire," he said. Dilip Nunisa, founder of Dima Halam Daogah, a rebel outfit currently holding peace talks with Centre said talks between ULFA and the Government should be unconditional. "ULFA and the Government of India should not place any pre-condition. Without any condition both groups should come for the peace process and the Government of India should not point out that we won't accept the proposal of sovereignty... if ULFA proposes so we are not ready to sit in peace talks.his is not acceptable for the people because anything can be settled through negotiations," he said. All hopes of making any headway in the talks were shattered when ULFA resorted to violence and targeted non-Assamese migrant labourers in thetate. At least 72 people were killed by the militant group in these attacks mostly labourers from Bihar, working in brick kilns. (ANI)
Manipur bandh passes off peacefully Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, March 23 – Kuki civil societies’ sponsored 12 hour Statewide bandh hit normal life in Manipur today. Though the bandh was partial in greater Imphal areas, it disturbed normal life in other parts of the State, with district passenger and goods carrier services suspended for the day.

Kuki students bodies based in New Delhi also reportedly organise a rally today showing solidarity to the cause of the tribals in Manipur against the kidnapping and forced deportation of indigenous people from their own land to Myanmar. The bandh over the plight of 400 kidnapped villagers of TS Laijang village and the landmine victims in Khengjoi area in Chandel district, passed off peacefully. The bandh was relaxed for students, personal and official vehicles related with duties in the ongoing annual examination.
DATELINE GUWAHATI/Wasbir Hussain ‘Look East’, ‘summits’ to boost NE a farce? Sentinel
Frankly, I’m sick of hearing about the Centre’s so-called ‘Look East Policy’ and the business of a number of trade and industry bodies to organize so-called ‘summits’ to boost trade and industry in the North-east. Two news items in two different local newspapers struck me on Thursday: one talked about poor investments in the North-east, leaving the region ‘high and dry’, and the other was an announcement about DoNER and a Kolkata-based trade and industry body joining hands to hold the ‘third North-east Business Summit’ in New Delhi on April 10 and 11. I don’t know when the first ‘summit’ was held, but the second was held in New Delhi in January 2004. And how can there be a summit without VVIPs? For the April fanfare, the organizers are trying to rope in both the President and the Prime Minister. After all, the media in Delhi will otherwise hardly bother about a so-called ‘summit’ concerning the North-east. ‘Summits’ on the region, of course, must be held in Delhi! Well, DoNER appears to be convinced that the peaks in the North-east have their summits in distant Delhi. Ha…
Take a look at these figures that have come out of a reply in the Rajya Sabha by the junior minister for industries Ashwani Kumar this week: the North-east Industrial Policy (NEIP) has managed to bring in an investment of only Rs 1067.28 crore during the past 10 years in the entire region. The number of business/industrial units set up in the North-east between 1999 and September 2004 stands at 681, of which as many as 520 of them are located in Asom. And, out of the total investment inflow of Rs 1067.28 crore, as much as Rs 528.19 crore has come in to Asom. Contrast this with the investment of an estimated Rs 18,000 crore during the period in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The faulty NEIP (all the concessions available for investors in the NE were made available to those wanting to open shop in States like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh) is now taking its last breath, until it is revised and revamped by the Government in the next few weeks.
In this backdrop, I’m one with Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who is candid enough to say that he is not really bothered about big investors coming to open shop in the State. “My focus is on boosting small and medium-scale industries and attract investments in these sectors,” the Chief Minister had told me recently. That looks like a sensible approach although I am not aware of concrete steps, if any, being taken in that direction. What amuses me is the decision by DoNER and the rather marginal Kolkata-based industry body to begin the upcoming ‘summit’ (as per the newspaper report) with a presentation on ‘North-east: Opportunities Unlimited’, and having presentations, among others, by Reliance. Well, how long does one have to hear about the region’s ‘unlimited opportunities’? And, yes it is the same Reliance that runs a far from satisfactory mobile service in Asom, and the same Reliance that backed out of the Gas Cracker project in the State, delaying it by a decade despite a subsidy of more than Rs 300 crore offered by the Government at that time. Of course, Oil India Limited, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and other agencies did contribute to the failure of the mega-cracker project to take off. Now, news about Prime Minister Manmohan Singh coming to lay the foundation of the cracker project for a second time (Narasimha Rao had laid the foundation at Tengakhat in 1994!) is a different story.
And, what really is the ‘Look East Policy’? Launched in 1992, this policy had its genesis in the end of the cold war, following the Soviet Union’s collapse. In the aftermath of India’s liberalization, it was not simply a foreign policy alternative because it provided a development initiative as well, in sync with the globalization and the resurgence of Asia as an economic powerhouse. This policy seeks to intensify India’s diplomatic and economic ties with countries of Southeast Asia that is represented by the 10-member ASEAN, a region gaining in importance in the global strategic calculus. Basically, this policy pushes India-ASEAN cooperation in the field of education, medicine, trade and commerce, and a means, as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says, to reach out to ‘civilizational neighbours’ in the region.
All this is fine. But will the North-east gain anything substantial by way of this ‘Look East’ policy? Except that this region has a proximity to the Southeast Asian nations, thereby getting an overdose of the description ‘gateway to Southeast Asia’, it is not ready yet to take the plunge into trade and commerce with its foreign neighbours. It is not enough to talk about the huge potential of handloom and handicraft items that the region can trade it (by way of exports etc). There is hardly any value-addition to these otherwise fine products. And, tourism? Well, for tourists to flow in, the roads connecting these countries to the North-east must first be freed from the grip of dozens of armed insurgent groups. Hotels and other infrastructure or even the climate of tourism and sensitizing people to the business of tourism can come later. So, there is no need for anyone in the region to get excited over the possibility of Guwahati becoming a Shanghai in the days to come. And, the business of ‘summits’? Those will go on until someone pulls the brakes on funders like DoNER.