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12/03/2007: "Nagaland bowls Khaplang googly SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA The Telegraph"

Nagaland bowls Khaplang googly SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA The Telegraph

Kohima, Dec. 2: Nagaland has turned conventional counter-insurgency policy on its head by requesting Delhi to prevail upon Myanmar to declare a ceasefire with the Khaplang faction of the NSCN instead of trying to flush out the militant group.
Articulating his government’s stand on the sidelines of the Hornbill Festival in Kohima last evening, chief minister Neiphiu Rio cited “economic” reasons for recommending the opposite of what any state government would be expected to do.
Rio said India must pressure Myanmar to make peace with Naga people living across the border so that they can participate in the economic activities envisaged under Delhi’s Look East policy. “Peace in the Naga areas of Myanmar is essential to develop trade with Myanmar through Nagaland.”
He made the request to external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee and intends to speak to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, too. It is the first time any state government has suggested that a neighbouring country be asked to go easy on a militant outfit that has been operating from there.
The NSCN(K) has a dominating presence in the Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar’s Sagaing division and shares camps with other militant groups, including Ulfa and the United National Liberation Front of Manipur. Assam and Manipur have been asking for a sustained crackdown by Myanmar on these militant bases, just like Bhutan did through Operation All Clear in 2003.
Rio said unlike other northeastern militant groups that were using Myanmarese soil to wage war on India with the junta’s “overt or covert support”, the Khaplang group was engaged in a “political conflict” with that country. “India should take the initiative in making the military junta in Myanmar recognise the Naga issue as a political problem.”
The chief minister offered another explanation why there should be “peace” in the Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar. Unless there is peace and development of the contiguous Naga areas of Myanmar, there will be no peace in Nagaland. Opium and other contraband substances will continue to be smuggled into the state from across the border, he said.
On the recent declaration of militant leaders from the Sumi community about the Khaplang and Isak-Muivah factions uniting, Rio said “sectoral unity” would not help the Naga cause. “I hope it (the unity move) will not be restricted to one community.”
Union minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh, who attended the Hornbill Festival, said Delhi was focusing on making the Northeast more accessible and would do away with the Restricted Area Permit system for foreigners.
“Such a restrictive mindset has not helped in increasing accessibility to the region,” he said of the system.

No differences with Muivah: Swu Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, DEC02 [NPN] : NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu Sunday reiterated that he had no differences whatsoever with General Secretary Th. Muivah.

Reiterating their commitment to the Naga national cause, Swu in a statement said “It has come to my knowledge that hordes of rumours are being spread back home of me and Th. Muivah by some people with selfish motives to sow seed of discord between us”. The NSCN (I-M) Chairman said such acts were a crime and should be stopped forthwith. Swu also declared that both he and Muivah were working hand in hand as according to their culture and commitment.

Out of Isolation: Exploring A Forgotten World - by Frans Welman
Review - on Naga Culture and the Indo-Naga conflict - By a journalist

Naga International Support Center, NISC *
Out of Isolation: Exploring a Forgotten World written by Mr. Frans Welman, who is a Photojournalist, writer and documentary filmmaker based in Amsterdam , The Netherlands. He has written three books in relation with the Nagas and many books on other indigenous groups of people. This is the third book that really needs appreciation for his work and in-depth research he has done for the Nagas.

A sense of Deja vu mingled with a quite rage vied with each soul within me as I remember reading books written by outsiders on Nagas. The astute outsider’s critics on Nagas culture have brewed a bad impression on many people including the Nagas themselves. Mr. Bhattacharya Birendra Kumar, a distinguished Assamese novelist and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for his first novel on Nagas. The famous writer, who claim to know the Nagas from a close range fail to understand and explain the beauty of the Naga culture and the people as a whole. Perhaps the award was given to him for his sheer contribution in distorting the facts of the Naga history and culture.

Yes there are many more books on Nagas written by Indian writer with similar motive and blur vision on the whole perspective of the Nagas. To cite a few of those plebeian write up are like Nagaland(People of India, Vol34) by K.S.Singh, The Beautiful India-Nagaland by Balraj Verma and Syed Amanur Rahman, Conflict to Reconstruction; Some Observation on Nagaland and Manipur by R.Gopalakrishnan and Nagaland:Darling of the North-East by Kiran Shankar Maitra, which puke the technique of distortion and superficial in their work.

Cover pages for "Out of Isolation"

The books like Naga of Burma: Festivals, Customs and Way of Life by JD Saul, The Nagas: Hill Peoples in Northeast India by Julian Jacobs, The Hidden World of the Naga: Living Traditions in Northeast India and Burma by Aglaja Stirin, Peter Van Ham, From Head-Hunters to Church Planters by Paul Hattaway, An American in Nagaland by Tom Farrell are all a bunch of pictures. If you are looking for serious information one should go for gold instead of pewter.

The information that one can gain out of this book is neither nugatory nor exaggerated by the writer. Such eminent epistolarians are hardly second bananas. But especially important is what Frans does with all these research and documentation on current issue: he provides copious amplifications and explanations, cultural aspect and background history. The result is a first-class essay right up there. There is also a lot of juicy gossip with interview, some of it documented, some speculative, such as narrative part and the interview with Tia Longkumer an Ao and Mangkhap a Konyak.

Frans divides his book neatly into twenty eight (28) parts, each subdivided into chapters, most of them with clever titles derived from his previous writings. Especially apt are sections labeled “Intermission,” where special relationships are examined in greater detail, sidestepping the chronology of the rest of the book.

What made the book “Out of Isolation” so special is that — unlike Nagas of Burma, Hidden world of the Nagas and The Naga: hill people of the Northeast India — he is also a human rights activist and a photo journalist, and as he reminds us, a splendid one. This book is worth reading with fewer pictures unlike others which do not resemble the gallery of Louvre. The book cover from cultural background to the present conflict situation and straddling both areas are such notable art that one need to acknowledge.

As you will flip through the pages of Out of Isolation, you will come across that the write up on meaning and important of head hunting and colonialism from prelude. The beauty of Log drum, shaman and hunters are beautifully captured on page 15. The list of the animals and birds that the Nagas are restricted to eat are also mention on page 28 of third para. Page 32 display the hard truth that Hottest chilly in the world belongs to the Nagas despite the fact that many claims were made by the Assamese.

The explanation on the formation of ties leading to Naga unity can be dug out from page 35. If you are looking for names of the activist who have contribute to the Naga society today better flip the page to chapter six. Some of the eminent activist that are mention in his book are Ningalo Krome (present Naga hoho General Secretary), Artex and Vikeho Swu.

Just pick any current issue on Nagas, you will find it in the book. If you want to know about human rights violation or AFSPA (Armed Forces Special power Act) and the related topic, “Out of Isolation” is a mini guide book for you. It’s mention in the book in detail specially the in-famous case of Oinam on Chapter Eighteen (18). Turn to page 215 and you will come face to face with the write up of Kekhrie Yhome “Struggle against Tyranny”, who is one of the best political writer among the Nagas.
Interviews with Leaders you name it and you will not be disappointed to know that you will find it in the book of Mr Welman. On Page 282 an Interview with Adinno Phizo is stamp on the pages after pages. Flipped through the page again and you will notice the interview of Mr.Th.Muivah General Secretary of NSCN. Chapter 25 “The Manipur Snag” exposed the Chauvinistic nature of the Maiteis and nexus in regards to the hidden agenda they indulge in collaboration with the Government of India.

It mentioned the detail chronicle of the Naga history and the present peace talks. Talk of Nagalim economy and you can zoom off to page 326 Chapter 22. The Dutchman cornered up the GOI (Government of India) in dramatic way on page 309, Chapter 21. The vex Meitei-Naga Controversy in written eloquently on page 483, tracing it to the roots and history for the Meiteis as well as Nagas. The book end with a sumptuous heading “Prospects for an Honorable Solution” contributed by Imna and Moala, July 9, 2004 .

In all, Frans has done us a great service by reminding us why Nagas need to up hold their beautiful culture and traditions. This fascinating book presents an interesting explanation of how the Deluge of cultural erosion and conflict might have occurred. Every Naga and people who could become affected by conflict situation and cultural erosion and identity crisis, every spouse, brother, mother, cousin, co-worker or friend, should read this book. Every politician who claims to be on the front of the fight for justice for people, every police officer who IS on the front lines, and every judge hearing cases of possession, distribution, and the manufacture of these substances, absolutely need to read Out of Isolation: Exploring A Forgotten World. One person at a time can again alter the course of history.

Out of Isolation: Exploring A Forgotten World, Frans Welman 508 pages

Published by HPC Publishers and Distributors Pvt. Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Subodh Jain (CEO) Address: P-18, Green Park Extension New Delhi, Delhi - 110016 (INDIA)
‘Nov 21 encounter stage managed by Assam Rifles’ John K. Kaping The Morung Express
UKHRUL | In the backdrop of the encounter between the Assam Rifles and an underground faction on the night of November 21, a fact finding team comprising of ZKL (Eastern Tangkhul Students Union), TKS (Tangkhul Student Union), TSL(Tangkhul Women Union),TMNL(Tangkhul Youth Council) & Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR, South) after visiting Ramphoi (Nambishi) Village November 29 to 30 2007, came out with their finding that the attack was stage managed by the 1st AR just to create an atmosphere of fear psychosis among the innocent villagers and justify their acts of Forced Labour to get the road sides cleared of the bushes for their own security.
Giving details of their finding, Alung Rungsung, Co-Ordinator of the NPMHR (South) in a press communique’ today alleged that the said attack was carried out at around 11.30 pm by the UG at the Ramphoi (Nambisha) 1st AR Post. Even though no casualty on either side was reported, one innocent minor (12 years), Master K. Thotngam s/o Mr.K.Chihanpam was shot at on his knee and is being hospitalized at Regional Institute of medical Science (RIMS), Imphal. Following the attack, at about past mid-night, the AR troops came to the village and started harassing the local people. One ST. Peter was picked up and beaten black and blue before he was taken to the AR post. He is said to have been admitted at RIMS. Some women were manhandled by the AR troops by dragging them out of the safe place they were hiding. One of the AR soldier even kicked the village Headman. However, the Post Commander made him apologise on the spot. The source also asserted.
In the aftermath of the above incidents, the villagers narrated that the Post Commander came to the village and asked the women if they could identify the personnel who had manhandled them if they were paraded in front of them. But when the women folks told him that they could, he refused to parade the troops.
This particular incident of alleged militant attack at 1st AR outpost, Ramphoi (Nambisha), Kamjong Sub-Division of Ukhrul District is supposedly by the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) according to the newspaper reports but so far, no outfits have claimed any responsibility.
This particular incident arouses interest to be further probed into. The Public Relation Officer (PRO) of AR, in their report dated 23rd November 2007 published in the Sangai Express, said that the UG attackers fired at the post from the Pastor’s house.
The UG used Lethode bombs in the attack. But the AR troops came to the village within minutes and unleashed a reign of terror. The question that arises is how did they know or make sure that the attackers had left the village? Did the underground inform them of their departure?
Another interesting point to be noted is that, according to the villagers, they were warned by the AR of militant attack which was to be carried out from the Church premises 3 days ahead of the incident. Hence, they were ordered to evacuate their residents and stay at lower areas for safety. The logical question is how they know of the time and place of the impending attack? Did the UGs inform them exactly when and where would they launch the attack? If they knew of the attack very well why did not the AR take pre-emptive steps? It is also strange that the AR would terrorise the villagers after they themselves informed them of the attack and even instructed them to move to a safer place. The source further added.
These plain truths indicates that this particular incident is stage managed by the 1st AR just to create an atmosphere of fear psychosis among the innocent villagers and which also justify their acts of Forced Labour to get the road sides cleared of the bushes for their own security.
The fact finding team members of the Tangkhul Civil Society organisations of Ukhrul District seriously view this act of the 1st AR on the innocent civilians as abuse of law of the land. Further, such an action is totally uncalled for at a time of ceasefire. And in the meantime the team strongly demanded the following charter of points.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of 1st AR post from Ramphoi (Nambisha) village; payment of wages to the villagers whom the AR has used as forced labours; penalisation of the AR personnel according to the Bonded Labour Act of the Constitution of India; immediate compensation to the victims and setting up of a judicial enquiry commission and dispense justice within 30 days.
Nagaland has great potential to prosper: Jairam (Page News Service)

Dimapur, December 2: Union Minister for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh on Sunday asserted that Nagaland has great much potential to prosper taking into consideration the rich natural resources available as well its thousands of great enterprising people.
However, pointing out that only when there is complete peace and tranquility, the state would be able to prosper, Jairam called upon all Nagas to do away with old mindsets and people who disturb peace.
Addressing the gathering on the 2nd day of the Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Complex, Kisama, the Union Minister expressed happiness to see a number of foreign tourists in the venue and hoped that the tourists would act as ambassadors of peace for Nagaland as well as for India and carry the message of peace and enterprise to their respective countries.
Jairam said the Center is very concerned about the State of Nagaland and its people. He also assured that he is in his own position working for improving the horticulture sector, medicinal plants, infrastructure and trade with the neighbouring countries in order to improve the economic status of Nagaland. He hoped that peace and harmony will come to Nagaland very soon.
On the occasion, the Union Minister also released a book on the 'Medicinal Plants of Nagaland,' written by the Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Dr SC Deorani and former Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, Dr GD Sharma. The Union Minister was accompanied by the State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and his Cabinet colleagues, senior bureaucrats and Government officials.
AR adds attractions to Hornbill festival Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kohima | Assam Rifles has added attractions to the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, which also was the statehood inauguration day, with their scintillating dog shows, pipe band display, spectacular ‘Dare Devils’ Raider and colourful Bhangra dance at the Indira Gandhi Stadium for two days.
Christened the ‘Silent Warrior’, the dog shows was presented by Assam Rifles Dog Breeding and Training centre. The Pipe band is a musical ensemble consisting of pipers and drummers, and was presented by the 11 Pipe Band Platoons of Inspector General Assam Rifles.
The Corps of Signals Motor Cycle Rider Display Team, popularly known as the ‘Dare Devils’ also presented a spectacular bike stunts much to the cheers to of the spectators. Besides, colourful Bhangra dance presented by the 5 Sector was also an added attraction to the shows.
Governor K Sankaranarayanan and his wife and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and a host of high ranking civil and military officials witnessed the show. AR show was conducted under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) from December 1 to 2. This was the maiden occasion where AR in conjunction with the state government organised a mega event with a spirit of Adventure and Fun with the local populace to give them a glimpse of some exclusive feats and performances credited to Security Forces. The team lived up to its reputation of its unmatched courage and precision in motorcycle group formations and rarest of the stunts depicting a unique combination of man and machine. The music lovers of Nagaland was then mesmerized by the ensemble of eleven Pipe Band Platoons of IGAR(N) and the sweet melody of the pipers and drummers echoed the whole stadium with thundering applause greeting them with change of every tune.
A presentation ceremony was organised where HE the Governor gave away prize to all the team for their excellent performance. The entire event was planned by AR in conjunction with the state administration to give a boost to the success and colour of Hornbill which has been declared a national event this year.
More desertions from Ulfa RIPUNJOY DAS The Telegraph
Tinsukia, Dec. 2: Police dealt another blow to Ulfa’s 28 Battalion today, getting six members of its core group to lay down arms in Tinsukia.
The six were among the members handpicked by Jiten Dutta, one of the top leaders of the battalion.
Part of the Alpha and Charlie companies of the 28 Battalion, the rebels surrendered at the Tinsukia police guest house.
Security forces and intelligence agencies say that Ulfa would continue to remain a potent force in Upper Assam till the militants — around 50 to 100 of them — working are under Dutta, remained active.
“Corporal” Diganta Moran alias Sanu Rangpi, “corporal” Dadul Dowerah, alias Dhilon Dowerah, “private” Pranab Rajkhowa, “private” Dalit Moran, “private” Kula Moran and “private” Danny Bora are the rebels who surrendered today.
They deposited an AK-56 rifle with two magazines, a Belgium-made 12 bore pump action gun with seven rounds of ammunition, a .56 pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, a .36 high explosive grenade, 7 kg of TNT and two coils of flexible wire.
“Although, the 28 Battalion had lost much of its strength, it was very important that we get the hardcore ones who are under the command of Jiten Dutta. It took a lot of effort from all our officers and particularly the officers-in-charge of various police stations and outposts to get them to surrender,” Tinsukia superintendent of police, Prasanta Bhuyan, said.
“All the six were closely associated with Jiten Dutta and had undergone special training in handling explosives. Today’s surrender will be a major setback for the outfit,” Bhuyan said.
Pranab Rajkhowa, one of the surrendered rebels, said that the grassroots rebels were concerned over the fact that many of their senior leaders have either been arrested or surrendered or being eliminated by the security forces in the past few months and hence, decided to surrender.
Assam criticises J’khand politicians’ role in Adivasi violence The Morung Express
Guwahati, December 2 (UNI): As Jharkhand simmered over Adivasi violence in Assam, the Assam government today criticised Jharkhand politicians for playing politics at the cost of inciting further communal unrest in the state.
The Opposition here also came under the government’s scathing attack for its 'failure' to respond in a responsible manner to the tension created in the aftermath of November 24 clashes between Adivasi protestors and locals in Guwahati.
Addressing a press conference here, Assam government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said, ''Competitive politics of Jharkhand should not affect law and order in Assam. But leaders of that state are trying to win favour back home by displaying sympathy for the Adivasis in Assam.'' He underlined the fact that the Adivasi community in Assam traced their origins not only to Jharkhand, but also to Chattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
He said, ''The other states are maintaining restrain and Assam appreciates their gesture. But Jharkhand politicians are playing up the events in Assam.'' He also claimed that the situation of the Adivasis was far worse in Jharkhand than those who migrated to Assam more than 150 years ago to work in tea plantations.
Dr Sharma accused some Jharkhand leaders, who had visited Assam after the clashes, of provoking the Adivasis to present a 'coloured picture' of the day’s happenings.
Pointing that the BJP-led NDA government had included 142 new communities in ST list in 2002, he said former Jharkhand chief ministers Arjun Munda and Babulal Marandi(who had visited Assam) did not take up the case of Assam Adivasis during their tenure. Referring to the main opposition party of the state Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Dr Sharma, quoted a then-AGP state government letter to the Centre in 1999 which said the AGP had opposed granting of ST status to the Adivasis.
He said when the AGP had actually opposed such a move during their time, they had no moral right to criticise the present government, which had all along been advocating the cause of the Adivasis. He alleged that the AGP had failed to discharge its duties as a responsible opposition and remarked, ''They should have worked for restraining the situation rather than inciting further trouble.''
Media has to be restrained in certain situations: Gogoi Guwahati, December 2 (Agencies): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi charged the national and local media with attempting to project the state as ‘chauvinistic’ during the coverage of the Adivasi-public clash here last week, while terming the attack on a tribal girl as 'shameful'.
"The media should show responsibility. I don't know what procedures you are asked to follow. If you are not responsible as media then, ofcourse, I have nothing to say," Gogoi said. "The attempt to project Assam as chauvinistic is most condemnable. Though the local and national media attempted to do so, but I am happy they have not been successful," he said.
"The media showed only one side of the November 24 violence with a particular TV channel showing only one side...I will take it up with them. The media has to be restrained in such a situation. They have to verify before giving news," the chief minister said. "The truth is in Assam a large number of people from outside have been living for generations and the local people have accepted them and they are living in harmony," Gogoi pointed out. When the journalists stated that no officials were available for verifying the facts and the exact death toll in the clash, Gogoi said, "Government machinery may try to hide or have no access to information immediately. In such a situation, there should be extreme restraint, otherwise the situation may flare up and create communal violence."
Extremism in NE has lost relevance: Sabhapandit The Morung Express
Panaji, December 2 (PTI): The extremist movement in North East has lost its relevance and has destroyed the social fabric of Assam, feels Assamese director Sanjeeb Sabhapandit. Sabhapandit, whose film `Jaatinga Ityadi' is being screened at IFFI 2007, says the Assamese film is a comment on the current scenario of militancy in the state.
It depicts how militancy has created a psychosis of deep fear among the people there while militants lure innocent young men and women into their fold. "Militancy has now become an easy and profitable business .... The moment money entered the extremist movement through extortions and kidnappings, the ideology began to erode and today the common man no longer sympathises with them," Sabhapandit said from Guwahati.
"This film is an attempt to showcase the real face of militancy which has destroyed the social fabric of Assam. We wanted to show the world the real face of militancy in North East through the film," Sabhapandit said. Speaking about the significance of the film title, Sanjeeb informs that Jatinga is a small place in Assam where birds are said to commit suicide. But this is not the case - birds do not actually commit suicide, they are lured to death. At night, people hold bamboo torches to attract these birds and when they fly close, they are clubbed to death. However, the general folklore says that the birds come here to commit suicide, he said. "In the guise of a revolution the boys are lured into a death trap," Sabhapandit said. Drawing a similarity between the birds and the youth, he chose name for his movie. Sanjib's first film "Juye Poora Hoon" (The Gold That Has been Burnt), based on environmental preservation received the National Award for best film in 2004.
"We are making a very strong statement as it is the youth, who have dreams of leading a good life, that are getting killed. This mindless mayhem has to stop. This is our message," Rajkamal Bhuyan, the film's producer said. "Ultimately in the name of liberalisation, they are killing the same people they claim to be fighting for. We are losing our brothers. Be it a security personnel, civilian or an extremist, ultimately it is our countrymen whose blood is being shed in this violence," he said.
The movie depicts extremisim all over the world, with Assam serving only as a backdrop, Sabhapandit said. "While the world is becoming a global village, the issue of terrorism today affects everyone. In this changed scenario, the ideologies of Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro no longer hold relevance as there is no common enemy state today," he said.
Buyan added that it was difficult to screen the film across theatres in Assam and other northeastern states as most of them were either in poor shape or were not receiving enough viewers due to fear of militant attacks. "Therefore, effort was being made to reach maximum viewers through VCDs/DVDs. A good response has been received from overseas markets, especially Australia and US for the film's VCDs/DVDs," the producer said adding the film was shot in a period of three weeks at a cost of Rs 40 lakh.
Manipur No end to Despair Bibhu Prasad Routray Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management
On November 22, the Manipur Cabinet approved the extension of the ‘disturbed area’ status of the State for another year (from December 1, 2007 to November 30, 2008). The Cabinet meeting accepted that the law and order situation in the state had progressively worsened and asked the security forces to neutralise the gains made by the militant outfits by intensifying counter-insurgency operations.
With 361 deaths (till November 30) in the current year, Manipur remains the second most conflict ridden state in the northeast, behind Assam with 388 fatalities. With another month to go before the end of the year, fatalities in 2007 have already surpassed the 311 militancy-related fatalities that occurred in Manipur in 2006. While fatalities among the militants in 2007 have remained more or less comparable to the previous year, it has certainly worsened among the civilians and the security forces. According to the currently available data, civilian deaths have already increased by over 42 per cent and those of Security Forces (SFs) by 39 percent.
Stir launched against Delimitation By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 2: Even as various political parties have raised strong objections to delimitation of the existing Assembly Constituencies of the State on the basis of the controversial Census report of 2001, agitation has been launched along with formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) against partition of villages in the delimitation process.
To oppose any move against partition of Kairang, Khomidok and Khabeisoi which are under Imphal East District in the delimitation process of the existing Assembly Constituencies, a JAC formed by the people of these three villages today staged a mass protest demonstration from 1 pm to 4 pm at Khomidok Bazar.
In connection with the protest demonstration which would continue for five days, JAC secretary Md Ayub Khan said even as the people have been raising the demand for amalgamation of Kairang which is presently under Heingang Assembly Constituency with Khomidok and Khabeisoi which are presently under Khurai Assembly Constituency, the attempt being made by the Delimitation Commission to bring Khomi- dok under Heingang Assembly Constituency and Khabeisoi under Khundrakpam Constituency is objectionable.
A memorandum would be handed over to the Chief Minister to stop the Commission from partitioning the three villages along with launching various intense agitation until and unless withdrawal of the move, the JAC secretary stated.
It may be noted here that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has convened a meeting of all political parties to discuss the issue of delimitation on December 5. Based on the outcome of the meeting, a delegation of the political parties would go to New Delhi on December 7 to meet the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to exert pressure on them not to effect delimitation in the whole of North East. Delimitation Commission has also convened a meeting of all its associate members on December 10 in this regard.
Tea tribes tag to exploit Asom Adivasis: AASAA By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Dec 2: The community named ‘tea tribes’ is a “unique creation” done to keep Adivasis from getting ST status, and to continue exploiting them by using them as vote banks, the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) said today. This is part of a “shrewd game” being played by successive Asom Governments, particularly the Congress Governments, the Adivasi body further stated.
“If other States in the country, following this example, start naming tribal communities on the basis of the work they do, an endless list — coal tribes, coffee tribes, sugarcane tribes, orange tribes, banana tribes, brick tribes, steel tribes and petroleum tribes — would descent on the scene,” stated AASAA president Jastin Lakra and general secretary Joseph Minj in a joint statement here today.
The two AASAA leaders said, “Consecutive Asom Governments have been opposing the demand made by the Adivasis of the State for ST status”. Quoting reports of the Debhar Commission (1960-1961), Lokur Committee (1965) and the AK Chandra Commission (1966), they said that they were not only stripped of their ST status, which they enjoyed during British Raj, after India gained independence, but no “genuine” recommendations were made to the Centre for granting Adivasis ST status.
The students’ body said although Dispur, under pressure, finally sent a recommendation to the Centre, it did so listing them as “tea tribes” to make the proposal weaker, both politically and constitutionally. Such an attitude on the part of the Government machinery of the State clearly shows the lack of a political will to provide ST status to the Adivasis.
The AASAA also vehemently opposed the statement recently made by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in the Parliament that the Adivasis have lost their tribal character after migrating to Asom from other States. “The Union Home Minister, it seems, is trying to justify and cover up the mistakes made by successive State Governments thereby creating hurdles in the path of the hopes and aspirations of the Adivasis,” Lakra said.
He mentioned that the AK Chandra Committee constituted by the Centre had clearly stated that there has been no change in the social condition of communities which had migrated from one State to another and finally settling in that State. The Adivasis, who had migrated to Asom in large numbers years ago, have not only carried along with them the tribal character, they have also retained the characteristics. Their way of life remains the same, the committee had further stated.
Referring to the Adivasis of West Bengal, the AASAA office-bearers said when Adivasis working in tea estates of West Bengal, who share a similar background with the Adivasis of Asom, can be recognized as STs, why are their counterparts in Asom being deprived of the same status, they further questioned.