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03/25/2007: "Nagaland budget envisages inflow of private investments The Hindu"


Nagaland budget envisages inflow of private investments The Hindu
Kohima, March. 25 (PTI): The Nagaland budget for the next fiscal envisages increased inflow of private investments into several areas through a new public-private partnership cell set up in the finance department. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, after presenting a deficit budget of Rs 323 crores in the Assembly yesterday, told reporters that private companies have evinced keen interest in investing in the state's power, mining and hydrocarbon sectors and the government is in the process of signing MoUs with them.
A coal mine in Mon district has been leased to a private firm and eight coal prospecting licenses have been issued to other companies after a new state coal mining policy and the Coal Mining Act were enacted, he said. Noting that the government had granted petroleum prospecting licenses and a petroleum mining lease to oil companies, he said exploration and production could not be started because of hindrances created by land owners in Wokha district.
According to the budget proposal, the public-private partnership (PPP) cell will examine all project proposals to ascertain risk factors and viability and forward them to the Centre's department of economic affairs for clearance. Potential areas for PPP projects are agriculture, industries, urban development, power, tourism, water supply, healthcare and education.
Rio presents ‘pro-poor’ budget Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express
Kohima State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, today presented an Rs 331.84 crore deficit budget for the year 2007-08, although, he called it pro-poor and a budget to boost the rural economy.
The Chief Minister estimated the gross receipt for the year 2007-08 at Rs 3998.56 crore and the gross expenditure at Rs 3983.68 crore. The current year’s transaction is estimated to result in a negative balance of Rs 91.02 crores. However, because of the estimated negative opening balance of Rs 240.82 crore, the year 2007-08 is estimated to close with a negative balance of Rs 331.84 crore, Rio said.
The Annual Plan outlay for 2007-08 has been fixed at Rs 900 crores, which indicates the step up of 18.5% over the previous year’s plan of Rs 760 crores. Rio attributed the liberal assistance of the planning commission to this substantial step up.
The Chief Minister also said that there has been substantial increase in expenditure, which is from Rs 660.49 crores during the Congress regime to Rs 1376.62 crores, which shows huge growth of 108.42 per cent, he said.
Sectoral break up of expenditure revealed that in the last seven years, expenditure in education sector has surged from Rs 60.36 crores to 121.91 crores, 115 percent, social welfare from Rs 32.08 crores to Rs 55.24 crores, 72 per cent, agri and allied from Rs 113.22 crores to 208.88 crores, 84 percent, backward area development from Rs 4.25 crores to Rs 54.13 crores, 1174 percent and transport and Communication from Rs 56.54 crores to 138.27 crores, 145 per cent.
Rio budget speech also placed the internal revenue collection at a target of Rs 225.18 crores, as against the year 2006-07 target of Rs 210.21 crores, representing a growth rate of 7.12 percent.

He also said that the DAN government efforts in revenue generation has yielded in substantial increases in state’s own revenue receipts of Rs 202.31 crores in 2005-06, a huge growth of 90.80 percent from earlier receipt of Rs 106.03 crores in 2002-03.
The planning Commission has opined that tax revenue of Nagaland should be at least 5 per cent of GSDP, and at present it is projected at Rs 7460 crores for the year 2006-07, however, this criterion may not be applicable in Nagaland as there is not income tax in the state, Rio said. For the year 2007-08, an increase of 11 percent over the revised estimates 2006-07 has been targeted in the state’s own tax and non-tax revenue. There is no new tax proposal.
However, Rio said that by the end of 11th Plan period, GSDP is expected to come up to Rs 10622 crores, and tax revenue to Rs 531 crores.
The Chief Minister blamed the prohibition Act, Supreme Court ban on felling of trees etc for the low generation of revenue.
Asserting that the government is constantly exploring ways and means to enhance the revenue mobilization, Rio expressed hope that coal sector and oil royalty will make substantial contributions to the state’s revenue. Other potential areas are under examination, Rio added.
Rio’s budget also made a commitment to follow certain fiscal corrective measures like the generation of sufficient revenue surplus, gradual reduction of fiscal deficit and gradual reduction in debt, GSDP ratio, and systematic reduction of dependence on borrowings for funding government expenditures as laid down in the “Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2005”, amongst other things.
Later, Rio, speaking to media termed the budget as pro-people and pro-poor. He said that the budget is aimed at uplifting the rural economy of the state in general and economic condition of the backward and underdeveloped areas in particular. Besides social and infrastructural development, the budget focus will be on agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, tourism, handloom and handicrafts, youth empowerment and employment generation.
“Fund flows have become double, and you have seen the unprecedented development. We are grateful to the Centre for being generous with us”, Rio said, adding that he is completely satisfied with the achievement of his government in the last four years.
The chief minister also said that the government will be spending money mainly on capacity building and training before doling out the funds to them.
He also said that the government has announced the ‘buy back policy’ the ginger, and the government is providing even transportation cost to the farmers.
Rio also said that the budget will encourage private sector participation and rope in their resources and expertise to provide better and efficient services to the people. For which, referral hospital and Likimro Hydro project has already privatized. The department is also in the process of privatizing Kohima and Mokokchung tourist lodge, for which the tender has been floated. Besides, the government allotted land to two private parties to set up star hotels in Kohima, chief minister also.
Dotting his budget speech with Naga political problem, Rio said that factional feuds amongst the undergrounds groups have adversely affected the developmental process. However, he maintained that DAN will continue to pursue vigorously the cause of peace and harmony till honourable settlement acceptable to Naga people is achieved.
Stereotype, says Opposition

the Opposition Congress has termed Rio budget as ‘stereotype’. Opposition leader, I. Imkong addressing the media said that there is nothing new in the budget presentation. He pointed out that Rio has failed to mention about the Rs 400 crore four lane NH PM package, Rs 250 crore PM youths’ employment package, and for other higher technical institutions.
Imkong also said that number of unemployed youths in the employment exchange has gone up to 48,000, but the government has failed to spell out sustainable employment policy for the youths. He alleged that out of the 25,000 employment promise made by former Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee, the state government could only provide jobs to about 1000 youths.
Imkong also said that the government has not mentioned about the measures taken to prevent encroachment in Intangki national park.
“You see so many developments on paper but not on ground reality” said Imkong. Congress MLA, Taka Masa said that the budget is a ‘dead trap’ as one third of the money will go to debt servicing. “I thought Rs 365 crores will be enough to clean the debt”, Takamasa said.
Limited privatization on cards

KOHIMA, MARCH 24 (DIPR): The Government has constituted a Public Private Partnership Cell in the Finance Department during 2006. This was stated by the State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today in his budget speech.
The Cell will examine all PPP project proposals to ascertain risk factors, viability etc. and forward them to the department of Economic Affairs of Government of India for their clearance. Rio said that potential areas for PPP projects are agriculture, industries, urban development power, tourism, water supply, health and education etc. The basic objective is to bring about private sector participation in these areas by roping in their resources and expertise to provide better and efficient services to the public in a manner that will profit the Government, private partner and the public.
Rio said that the Government would act as a facilitator in providing land, legal and system support. 20% of the project cost would be available as grants from the Government of India to enhance viability of the project. Rio said that by handing over such sectors to the private sector, more Government funds can be made available for spending in core economic and social programmes.

‘NSCN (K) to return to designated camps’ Morung Express News
Dimapur
Terming today’s meeting as the most meaningful discussion, Nagaland’s Commissioner and Secretary T.N Mannen said that the NSCN (K) were more responsive and open in the Ceasefire Monitoring Group Meeting which was held in Mon. He revealed that the NSCN (K) had agreed to go back to their designated camps, away from the civilian areas in adherence to the Ceasefire Ground Rules in their own interest and in the interest of the public. “I hope they honour their word”, he said, adding that the non-compliance of this rule resulted in factional clashes and this was creating psychological fear and hence the factions should respect the safety of the public.
Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, General (Rtd) K Kulkarni said discussions were along the same lines as yesterday’s meeting with the NSCN (IM) where “each of us could express our concerns.” He said the participation of the Home Ministry in today’s discussions was a positive trend. The discussions centered on how to make ceasefire ground rules more effective, he added.
Meanwhile the NSCN (K) said that the Government of India was trying to push their cadres to their designated camps and the monitoring cell had agreed on the condition that the NSCN (IM) to do the same. The NSCN (K) further has asked for six months as they needed to relocate to their designated camp. The Government of India had also questioned the NSCN (K) on the factional killings which had led to loss of several lives to which the representatives of the NSCN (K) blamed their rivals for starting the clashes in open areas as in the case of Athibung and Mokokchung.
A member of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell of the NSCN (K) also divulged that it was planning to shift their main headquarter to Zunheboto in a month or two while the Mon office would continue to function as a substation. Mannen, however, said that the proposal for the new Headquarter should be within certain guidelines away from the public area and National Highway etc and construction could begin only after the proposal was approved by the government.
Spurt in factional violence claims several lives
DIMAPUR, MARCH 24 (MExN): In separate incidents of factional violence, 3 NSCN (IM) cadres were killed and one injured in Kohima and Wokha, according to Police. Reports of firing in Tizit were also received but till the filing of this report, no official and confirmed details have been received.
According to police source, a lady cadre of the NSCN (IM), Private Nchumbeni from Tsungiki village was killed on the spot and an unidentified Poumai cadre was injured in a factional firing near Mt. Tiyi College in Wokha town at around 11 pm last night. Reportedly, the NSCN (K) cadres had gone in search of a senior member of the NSCN (IM) when they saw a white Maruti coming out of the Wokha camp and fired at it. The NSCN (K) however claimed that altogether five of the NSCN (IM) cadres were killed in the clash at Wokha, including one Arunachali who died on the way to the hospital and the other three who died in Wokha hospital. According to NSCN (IM), the cadres had just completed their training this month and were returning to the General Headquarter after dropping off a friend at Thungbo Brigade. The injured cadre who is undergoing treatment in Zion Hospital, Dimapur is in critical condition, a senior NSCN (IM) member said.

In a separate incident in Kohima two senior officers of the NSCN (IM) were shot dead today at around 5 pm from lower Chandmari colony, Kohima. The two have been identified as Athikho Mao, CAO and Daihe Mao, Raju Peyu of Shipoumaram region whose bodies were taken to the South Police Station after their bodies were found below the Directorate of Agriculture Office.
Another firing in Tizit town which continued from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm near the first forest gate was also reported however the casualties could not be confirmed. Local sources informed that one NSCN (IM) cadre is believed to have been killed and several injured but the police and the local authorities who visited the area after the firing were unable to provide any confirmed report of casualties.
Naga human rights on Kuki cause Newmai News Network
Imphal The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Sector (NPMHR-Delhi) extends its solidarity and support to the rally organized by the Kuki Students Organization (KSO) in New Delhi on March 23 “against injustice”.
Delhi sector of the Naga rights body in a statement issued to Newmai News Network by its covenor Ningreichon Tungshang and its co-convenor Neikesanuo Sorhie said that NPMHR-Delhi Sector strongly “condemned the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) for capturing of 400 Kuki villagers from TS Laijang Village in Chandel District and forcibly taking them to Lallim/Namunta Village on March 13, 2007 in collusion with the Burmese Military Junta”.
The statement further said that the NPMHR-Delhi Sector had been “disturbed by the apathy of Manipur government and its people who chose to remain silent when violence is perpetrated to a community and to humanity. We are disgraced by the inability of the Manipur state government that has not done anything for the victims, instead aiding the perpetrators and leaving the people to fend themselves from the atrocities and violence perpetrated by both the state and the non-state armed groups”.
The Delhi based Naga rights body then expressed its unhappiness over the manner the coverage in the newspapers had been done and alleged that “the media besides delaying has been selective and manipulative while reporting, playing down the seriousness of the issue when for long the people in Chandel and Churachandpur have been reeling under hardship, struggling between life and death compounded by the landmines planted in those areas. Let us remind ourselves that landmines know no enemies. It kills anyone. It is of great concern that the villagers have been suffering in the hands of these non state armed groups who call themselves freedom fighters, liberators. Let it be known to them that their action is anti people and that the innocent people have become victims of their selfish designs”.
The NPMHR-Delhi further alleged that the rape of 21 women in Tipaimukh area under Churachandpur district still haunts “our memories”.
The Naga rights body, meanwhile shares the pain and the trauma of those women whose nightmares they will relive many more times. It then expressed that there was nothing it could do to undo what had been done to them but assures that the Naga rights body will be with the victims till justice is delivered. “Let it be known to the perpetrators that ‘you stood up for the cause of the suffering people not to cause suffering to the people so you better be responsible for you are answerable to people and to Justice.’NPMHR reaffirms our stand against injustices.Kuknalim!”, concluded the NPMHR-Delhi Sector by quoting Malcolm X’s famous lines which says, “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole”
NSCN (K) alleges, cautions By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 24: Contending that personnel of 35 Assam Rifles in collusion with activists of NSCN (IM) launched a massive flush out operation against official cadres of the NSCN (K) at Tamenglong district headquarters last evening, the latter group asserted it would retaliate.
Speaking to reporters today, publicity secretary in-charge of the NSCN (K), Zeliangrong Region informed that some of its official cadres went to the district headquarters for conducting field investigation following complaints from the public that night curfew clamped by the IM group some days back had been causing tremendous inconveniences to the district people.
Terming the joint offensive of Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) as act of terrorism, the secretary questioned under what hideous understanding and agenda is the Government of India endorsing the cessation of hostility between the security forces and NSCN (IM).
He also opined that by remaining as silent spectator against disruptive acts of the NSCN (IM) like collection of tax from the public in broad daylight and intimidating visitors from outside the district the Assam Rifles is itself abusing ground rules of the ongoing ceasefire.
Alleging that NGOs particularly the UNC, as well as some MLAs have nexus with the IM group, the secretary announced there is no question of relaxation of ban imposed against these NGOs and individuals by the NSCN (K).
Conveying that under the motto ‘water is water, milk is milk’ the armed organisation would start vigorous campaign including sabotaging any functions organised by the banned NGOs, the NSCN (K) functionary cautioned that in case the UNC do not distance itself from the NSCN (IM) the Naga body’s office bearers would be targeted.
He also appealed to the Naga public against participating in programmes organised by the banned organisations (NGOs) in order to uphold the spirit of peace and unity in the Naga society.
Kuki protestors produced in court Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 24 (MExN): Protesting Kuki youth who were yesterday hospitalized after Police in Delhi resorted to lathi-charge were today taken into custody and produced in court, informed sources said. 17 students were reportedly brutally beaten up by the Delhi police. The detained protestors have been charged under different sections of the law. Monday is likely to produce a result as no definite outcome could be announced today.
A group of students seeking the release of more than hundred protestors, and who brought a lawyer to the Police Station, were also detained, sources said.
Kuki students surge a barricades during their protest march in Delhi on March 23. A number of the protestors were injured during the police lathi charge. A press conference was also called at Delhi today where Outer Manipur MP Mani Charenamai and student representatives briefed the media. Though Mani has sought an appointment with the Union Home Secretary, it has not materialized as yet, it was informed. The presence of Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the capital has also not produced any tangible results, sources added.
As a consequence of the protest which turned violent yesterday when Kuki students took to the streets demanding the release of around 400 villagers purportedly held captive by the UNLF and the Myanmar junta, several individuals and organizations have submitted complaints to the National Human Rights Commission seeking redress against the injustices, sources further said.
“What is very disturbing is that these students were already in the bus when the police drag them down from the bus and beat them up very badly. The police broke all the window glass too,” a source said. People are restricted to enter the premises of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital but some persons posing as family managed to get in after heavy arguments at the entrance.
“The students were in the most unimaginable condition. Blood stains are all over their clothes.” Stitches, bleeding, swelling are the pictures that some ‘visitors’ encountered.
The policemen, according to the sources, were taking the names of the injured every other second. A woman who was grievously injured on the head said the last thing she remembers before she lost her consciousness was somebody taking away her cell phone, reliable sources narrated. ‘The police touched them all over their bodies. Some of the girls ran away with torn blouses. The police tore their blouses.’ Two MPs from Manipur visited the hospital but they have not been able to get the students out from police custody.
NPMHR extends solidarity to KSO .Newmai News Network
Imphal, Mar 24: The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Sector (NPMHR-Delhi) extends its solidarity and support to the rally organized by the Kuki Students Organization (KSO) in New Delhi on March 23 “against injustice”.
Delhi sector of the Naga rights body in a statement issued to Newmai News Network by its covenor Ningreichon Tungshang and its co-convenor Neikesanuo Sorhie said that NPMHR-Delhi Sector strongly “condemned the UNLF for capturing of 400 Kuki villagers from TS Laijang Village in Chandel District and forcibly taking them to Lallim/Namunta village on March 13 in collusion with the Burmese Military Junta”.
The statement further said that the NPMHR-Delhi Sector had been “disturbed by the apathy of Manipur Govt and its people who chose to remain silent when violence is perpetrated to a community and to humanity. We are disgraced by the inability of the State Govt to do anything for the victims”.
The Delhi based Naga rights body then expressed its unhappiness over the manner the coverage in the newspapers had been done and alleged that “the media besides delaying has been selective and manipulative while reporting, playing down the seriousness of the issue when for long the people in Chandel and Churachandpur have been reeling under hardship, struggling between life and death compounded by the landmines planted in those areas. It is of great concern that the villagers have been suffering in the hands of these non state armed groups who call themselves freedom fighters, liberators. Let it be known to them that their action is anti people and that the innocent people have become victims of their selfish designs”.
The NPMHR-Delhi further alleged that the rape of 21 women in Tipaimukh area under Churachandpur district still haunts “our memories”.
The Naga rights body, meanwhile shares the pain and the trauma of those women whose nightmares they will relive many more times.
It then expressed that there was nothing it could do to undo what had been done to them but assures that the Naga rights body will be with the victims till justice is delivered.
NSCN(K) resents interference The Imphal Free Press

imphal, mar 24: The underground nscn(k) has expressed strong resentment over interference in the activities of its cadres who were on `official duty` in Tamenglong town, by personnel of the 35 Assam Rifles allegedly in concert with the nscn(im).Speaking to reporters today, a spokesperson of the NSCN(K) said the NSCN(K) authorities had sent some of its cadres to Tamenglong headquarters yesterday following public complaints to look into the situation and assess the grievances of the public after the imposition of night curfew by the NSCN(IM).

He said the NSCN(K) men, who were peacefully investigating into the public complaints were accused of violation of ceasefire ground rules and given a violent chase by personnel of the 35 AR in connivance with the NSCN(IM) and at the latter`s instigation. He went on to say the NSCN(K) has come to know that the 35 AR and the NSCN(IM) have carried out many acts of terrorism against the people of Tamenglong, and such acts will not be tolerated.

He also warned that if the AR keeps up `joint operations` with the NSCN(IM) against the NSCN(K), the latter would not take it lying down. He maintained there was no question of violation of ceasefire ground rules by the NSCN(K) cadres, as they had not created any disturbances while going about their official duties yesterday. He also charged that the AR posted at Tamenglong headquarters has given a free hand to the NSCN(IM), by allowing them to collect taxes openly and carry out other anti-social acts against locals as well as visitors.He questioned the differential attitude of the AR authorities towards the NSCN(K) and the NSCN(IM) despite common ceasefire ground rules agreed upon with both groups.
He went on to say the NSCN(K) authorities have been taking a serious view of the activities of the NSCN(IM)-sponsored organisations like the UNC, and also their candidates in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. He said the NSCN(K)`s stance of opposing any activities, programmes and agitations of these organisations in Manipur would continue, and urged the Naga public not to be misguided by them.

"Diminishing Democracy” Nagarealm.com
In Nagas society, leisure is entertained in the form of activities like hunting, fishing, Morung and gossip platform. Among these, gossip platform is considered important place where people debate and gossip [Gossip platform is a kind of open platform constructed by wooden logs and planks elevated at certain height with a large log placed for sitting].

In the morning and evening people sit in-group and indulge in all kind of gossip, and also discuss serious matters, sharing news and smoking pipe. In fact, the philosophy behind raising such platform was based on basic human instinct that one should meet others and talk and discuss and even quarrel when one fails to understand the viewpoint of the other. Even serious debates also take place, but informally. There is a saying, “those who do not go to platform are those who do not love wisdom.”

The ethics of gossip platform endorses that Nagas have a tradition of public debate and reasoning. And such system correctly alludes to the ubiquity and intensity of public discussion. Unfortunately, today the quality of our [Nagas] public debate is deteriorating lacking its essence and accountability. This composition attempts to examine briefly about the quality of our contemporary public discourse and the absence of a political and social culture of public reasoning in the premise of democratic domain.

When examine the present Naga public debate, I don’t see a great deal because the basic fundamental nature of healthy discussion, constructive discourse and criticism, opinion sharing and intellectual inputs find no space. Rather it is becoming one-sided view of deliberation and imposition. Such observation is more conspicuous in the current decade. For instance, time to time United Naga Council (UNC) came out certain declarations tagged with “Terms and Conditions.” Here, Manipur elections are favourable citable example. This time, UNC moved away from their traditional activism [“Naga Want Solution, Not Election,” “Expedite Peace Process”…] and involved directly the 9th Manipur General Election under the theme of “Lead Kindly Light.” UNC’s political reasoning is something to do with “National Interest” and to voice “Naga Integration” in Manipur Assembly. However, the query here is there any public debate and reasoning on this drastic political stand and paradigm shift?

Forgetting past policy and activities, now UNC finds so-called “consensus candidates” and formed an alliance, christened as “United Naga Democratic Front” (UNDF). This political front emphasis to work outside the house for “Common Identical Programme” and interest of the people… Is UNDF bears Nagas’ Mandate? Or the apex UNC shedding its grassroot activism and orient towards State politics. Moreover, the reasoning of the phrase “national-interest” fails to present competent explanation of what it translate for. Also, certain forceful apparatus were utilised to capitalise the so-called “national interest.”

Today, the trend of Nagas’ democracy has been overlap with a tactic of “imposition” apparatus [without given justification to the public]. Such tactics grossly violates one’s fundamental principle of respect for others. In recent Manipur election, UNC tactically “request” people to vote for their Independent Candidates [certain miscreant activities also witnessed]. Conscience and reasoning is not comprehensible…Is the political debate and Naga issue just submerge into the mere Indian electoral process? That also, to a mere 11 [Eleven] numbers of Manipur elections…[Do we have to skip the number 60 in Nagaland Assembly!]. But short listing out of 60 contenders [Is Naga women not important in Naga politics!] as “Blessed-One” is not democratic ethics but rather autocratic imposition manifesting civil hegemony. Democracy believes in principle, liberty and freedom not to “terms and conditions.”

The Editorial, The Sangai Express [9 February 2007] wrote: “It remains to be seen how effectively the UNC has been able to ‘influence’ the Naga people in choosing their elected representatives, but the message has already been rung out and that is, everyone should toe the line of what the UNC thinks is right and best for the people.” Now, one can question the “influence” and “accountability” of the civil organisations [suppose to be non-political organisation] in the society. In democracy, people carry the same value. Indeed, the briefest moment of reflection on our political debates will reveal a polarization based on prejudice masquerading as argument.

Remarks Baruah (2005: 19) writes “democratic elections take place and the press in the region is relatively free, many aspects of political life on the ground are rather distant from the substantive values associated with democracy. In terms of respect for basic freedom, the rule of law and principles of accountability and transparency, there is a significantly diminished form of democracy…[Durable Disorder. New Delhi: OUP]

Individual freedom, clan-communitarian participation and socialisation are the inherent principle of Naga socio-political setup. However, when there is “impose-democracy,” one’s freedom become unfreedom and such can breed socio-political unfreedom. The tradition of healthy debate, democratic set up, value system and its spirit is slowly diminishing. There is no wrong to say that Naga society is in the stage of labyrinth crossroad of socio-political dilemma. The dilemma includes how to tackle the political perception in the democratic domain. In other word, the beauty of Naga traditional values is at stake. Naga political attitude of tolerance, accommodation, principle, dignity and accountability is changing in the midst of “mistaken-democracy.” And such mistaken emerge due the influence of money culture, power and greed. Of course, the present money power and gun culture pose major detrimental factor to social and political development.

Indeed, the credibility of civil societies is essentially important in the democratic exercise. At the same time, the organisations should uphold its objectives and principles. Good politics strengthens democratic values and carry social harmony but when such essence is lost in the socio-political discourse would invite blunder. In fact, sense of politics as a collective enterprise, underpinned by the idea of a common good. Quality public debate is based on respect for others and followed from that, respect for their opinions. If respect is not possible or forthcoming, it requires at least tolerance as a minimum condition of the civic relationship. However, when the public discourse is “coup” then it would be difficult to asses the validity of democracy. [U A Shimray, KOL]
Picture of the NE region quite grim: SC Jamir Morung Express
Goa Governor, Dr SC Jamir being welcomed as he arrives to attend the North East Poetry Festival held at Guwahati on March 23.
Guwahati, March 24 (MExN): Goa Governor, Dr SC Jamir, on March 23 said that the present socio-political- economic scenario in the North East region is quite grim and added that it might be because of some mental block or some psychological hurdle, which prevents Indian nationalism or “Indian-ness” from taking roots in the region.
Speaking as the chief guest at the North East region at the Northeast Poetry Festival 2007 organised by the Poetry Society of India at Guwahati on March 23 last, Dr Jamir said that despite more than five decades of Indian independence, the specter of insurgency with its attendant violence, bloodshed and insecurity continues to trouble the North Eastregion, stated a copy of his speech received here from Dr Jamir. He said that in spite of many sincere efforts, there appears to be no lasting solution in sight even today. The release stated put blame on the insurgency and bloodshed in the region as the main reasons for the slow pace of socio-economic development and lack of investments in the North East region. Dr Jamir also reminded that social frustration and discontent are increasing, particularly among the youth.
Dr Jamir pointed out that any kind of solution to the problems in the region has to be political in nature with the active involvement of the concerned state government, the central government and the people of the region. ‘This is a problem which has to be resolved through the collective wisdom of the people of the region’ stated the release.
While putting forth some of the reason for the problem of insurgency in the region, the release stated that isolation from the rest of the country due to geographical location, compounded by the policy of the alien rulers to keep most of the areas of this region as excluded areas, and because of this reasons, a feeling of alienation from the rest of India exists, compounded with a prevalence of ethno-nationalism and sub-nationalism social and economic underdevelopment, unemployment and frustration, mismatch with the rest of the country in terms of infrastructure, industry and job opportunities and little private investment and also involvement of foreign elements in fomenting insurgency and providing access to arms as well as sanctuaries, the release stated.
In the light of this, the Goa Governor said that the Northeast region has to grow along with the rest of the country now or in future. Therefore, all efforts should be made to strengthen the spirit of Indian nationalism in this corner of India.
PCPIA for Centre-ULFA talks By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune

GUWAHATI, March 23 – The concluding day of the national convention organized by the People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) saw the adoption of several resolutions, including one that called for restart of the peace process with the issue of sovereignty being included in the agenda. The convention stated, “the ULFA’s armed struggle for a sovereign Assam was a response to Indian colonial attitude and the whole issue required a political settlement.” Expressing concern over the peace process coming to a halt, the Mahasabha urged the dialogue process to be restarted by the Union Government. Otherwise the resolution called for a plebiscite on the issue of sovereign Assam.

In another resolution the convention called for the release of five ULFA members lodged in prisons so that a conducive climate for direct talks between the ULFA and the Government was created. A call was also made to the ULFA to respond positively to release of prisoners and cessation of army activities by the Government.

The c onvention in a resolution also called for producing the ULFA and NDFB cadres who had gone missing during clashes with the Bhutan Army. It expressed concern that the wives of the missing were compelled to carry out fasts to learn about the whereabouts of their husbands. Interestingly, the convention had to perform a tricky maneuvre vis-à-vis the issue of Nagalim. While it extended support to a political resolution to the issue, at the same it vehemently opposed the idea of a greater Nagalim including parts of Assam. Further the convention resolved to create public opinion on release of ULFA prisoners, need for direct talks between the ULFA and the Government with the issue of sovereign Assam on the agenda. The need for a mass movement in this regard was also favoured.
Referring to the MPs and MLAs of the State, the convention said that they should adopt a resolution demanding restart of the peace process and convey the same to the Union Government.

In view of the “vacillating stance of the Union Government regarding talks with the ULFA,” the convention underlined the need for a group of representatives of different groups and political parties to visit New Delhi to create public opinion. In another resolution the convention urged the State Government to seriously carry out negotiations with various militant groups of the State

Govt committed to welfare of tribes: CM Correspondent Assam Tribune
JORHAT, March 24 – Stating that the State Government was committed towards the all-round development of the resident ethnic tribes and communities, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today reiterated that adequate care had been taken so that the members of no tribe were deprived of the basic amenities like education, healthcare, drinking water and communication. Speaking after inaugurating a tribal rest house in the Gar Ali area here this morning, the Chief Minister, on his second visit to the district in less than a week, stressed that all tribes and communities together comprised the greater Assamese society. The progress of the State is not possible without the welfare of all the tribal communities residing in the State, Gogoi added.

Maintaining that the State Government was considerate of the problems and grievances of the Mising, Deori, Boro, Karbi, Dimasa, Tiwa, Sonowal Kachari, Thengal Kachari and other ethnic tribes, the Chief Minister said that the Government had initiated concrete steps for their redress. Gogoi also claimed that the spirit of camaraderie among all ethnic groups in the State had improved during the tenure of his Government.

State Water Resources Minister Bharat Chandra, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony, echoed the Chief Minister and said that there was no conflict between the Government and the ethnic groups in the State. Narah also harped on the role of the tribal autonomous councils formed with a view to decentralizing power on the one hand and ensuring the resolution of the problems plaguing the tribal communities on the other. Today’s inauguration ceremony was presided over by Jorhat MLA Rana Goswami.

Later, the Chief Minister addressed a meeting of government employees in Mariani. He gave an assurance for the sorting out of all contentious issues through negotiations. Gogoi also inaugurated a building of the Mariani College built at a cost of Rs 10 lakh under the Buniyad Achoni. In a separate function, the Chief Minister dedicated a power sub-station of the Assam State Electricity Board to the people of Nakachari under Mariani Legislative Assembly Constituency.


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