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11/14/2008: "Don't expect reconciliation overnight: Dr Wati We're getting to understand each other: Singson (Page News Service)"

Don't expect reconciliation overnight: Dr Wati We're getting to understand each other: Singson (Page News Service)

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 13: After the successful match between United National and the
Civil Societies on Thursday, an upbeat convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Dr Wati Aier, commented that the ball has been set in the right direction with the holding of the last three reconciliation soccer matches, one in Thailand and the last two in Nagaland.
Speaking to a section of the media right after the match here at the DDSC Stadium, Dr Wati Aier also cautioned all not to expect instant results. "Positive results out of the process won't come overnight. It will take time," he said.
He however reiterated the imperative need to discard the false doctrine of "exclucivism" and the need to transcend every tribalistic, ethnocentric and religious overtone.
"The challenge before us is 'good will'. The virtue of truth, mercy, justice and peace must stand tall at the centre of our lives. Only then, will "emerge a child called reconciliation," he said.
Dr Aier informed that going beyond the soccer matches, other cultural activities and interactions have also been initiated.
In a jocular vein, he also remarked about the result of today's match. "The last match in Kohima had ended 3-1 in favour of the Civil Society but in this match the Naga Political Groups came from 3-1 behind to force a 3-3 tie. This clearly shows that they have been lately dissolving their differences for camaraderie and understanding forged by soccer", said the moving force behind the match and the whole process.
On higher outcomes like revoking of some of the bans served by the factions, he said that the initiation of the process has filled everyone with hope and so the bigger results will also come but shall take time.
A top United National functionary, C Singson, who was clearly the player to look out for in the match as he dazzled in flashes with his skills, was also clearly elated in the aftermath of the match given the warmth that it exuded.
"Yes, it is the best way (through developing understanding in the field) that the hatchet can be buried between the groups. The result of the match is also an indicator that we gave our all and is a significant pointer to the understanding that is developing," he said.
Singson pointed out that the combined team got negligible time to practice and work out their game but still the showing was creditworthy.
He also felt that it is high time that all ban and quit orders must go.
Quite emotional after the game, the senior functionary, who also has a very morbid past, talked of his love for the game and the different levels that he pursued the sport of soccer in his younger days.
‘UGs alone cannot liberate the Nagas’ morungexpress
Dimapur, November 14 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon the undergrounds, the public and the civil societies to shun violence and work unitedly for resettlement of the Nagas, with mutual understanding, respecting each other’s sentiments and problems. He was speaking at the inauguration of the newly upgraded SDO Head Quarter of Chen on November 12 and said, “Undergrounds alone cannot liberate the Nagas and the overgrounds alone cannot solved the Naga problems.”
He maintained that Nagas are very small tribe with multi sub-tribes was further weaken and divided by the demarcation of International boundaries between India and Myanmar and the Sixteen Point Agreement which was done without the knowledge and concern of the Nagas. He also expressed to integrate the Nagas politically and religiously under one roof. Expressing serious concern about the Nagas living in Myanmar, he asked the gathering to impart Education and Christianity for upliftment of social economic life of the Nagas in Myanmar.
He said that any political party is for the welfare of the people however, at this time when Nagas are fighting for Self-existence, Nagas should not be rule by any other external force but by the Nagas themselves guided by the true Christian principles and moral values.
Commenting on up gradation without post creation, he said the experts are at work planning to create posts for the newly upgraded headquarters for which he appealed to the people to extend co-operation to the concern MLA, the Officers and the Government to provide peace & tranquility for further development in the state.
MP (Lok Sabha) Wangyuh Konyak Thanked and congratulated the Chief Minister for up gradation and for showing special concerned for the people of Chen by visiting thrice.
Minister for School Education, Nyeiwang Konyak in his address stressed on unity, peace and development and asked the people to extended full co-operation to the Government.
Chairman, MARCOFED & DPDB, Mon C.L.John extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister and his Cabinet Colleagues for up gradation. He also described Rio as ‘Man of words with Action’
Khoiwang, President Konyak Union also appreciated the DAN Government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio for up gradating three EAC post under Mon District to SDO head quarter within a year. The function was chaired by SDO Civil, Mon Hq Orenthung. EAC, Chen Moatemsu Sangtam tendered with vote of thanks. S. Hongpi Konyak, DPRO, Mon in a release said that both male and female groups from Chen and Myanmar and special numbers by Choknyu Students Union marked the daylong celebration with cultural dance.
Celebrating the birth of a new Naga order Eastern Mirror
Reconciliation soccer match ignites hope, brings thousands together in solidarity Kevi Soho | EMN
DIMAPUR, NOV 13: The much anticipated Reconciliation soccer match organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and aimed at building ‘oneness’ in the divided Naga family was witnessed by an over 10,000-strong crowd at DDSC on Thursday.
The United Nationals team, comprising of members from FGN/NNC, NSCN/GPRN of Hebron camp, NSCN/GPRN of Khehoi camp and Peoples Support Group (PSG), took on the civil society team composed of members from the churches, NGOs and student organisations.
The United Nationals took an early lead in the first half; however, the civil societies made a comeback with an equaliser. The match at last whistle was tied 3-3.
The sportive spirit of the leaders from both camps tinged with a touch of humour raised loud cheers from the huge crowd and also saw joyful tears streaming down many faces.
Earlier, in a ceremonial start-off, womenfolk who have lost their husbands in factional violence, presented roses to the United National members while the civil society women leaders gave away flowers to the other team. Children, numbering around 50, who have lost their parents to factional clashes also made a symbolic gesture by releasing balloons of peace amidst a melodious tune.
Greeting the crowd, FNR convener Rev Dr Wati Aier expressed confidence that a new order has taken birth. “We are here to witness the death of old age of the Nagas (which have been smeared with blood) and the emergence of the new,” he declared.
He also termed the presence of the Naga National workers cutting across political groups as a sign that Nagas are committed towards wielding the future of the Nagas together.
Pointing out the harsh reality in a moment of truth, the FNR convener reminded that new developments come with responsibilities which would have to be guarded jealously. “We must jealously halt the trend of self destruction and discard the doctrine of exclusivism to allow new order of togetherness,” he said.
He, moreover, stressed on the need to transcend tribalism, ethnocentrism and religious overtones, and allow virtues of truth, mercy, justice and peace for fruitful reconciliation process to make firm foundation.
While admitting that reconciliation has entered difficult territory wherein roadblocks and hurdles have stood in the way, he, however, lauded the leaders of all parties for committing to the process.
Assuring that the Forum would never betray the common goal of the Nagas, the FNR convener also acknowledged all other organisations that have taken initiative to work for oneness of the Naga family.
Earlier, retired Gen Thinuosielie kicked off the match to the loud cheers from the crowd. The concluding ceremony and prayer was offered by Rev RP Murry.

Tears of joy and sadness
THERE WAS a mixture of both joy and sadness as the third Reconciliation soccer match was played in Dimapur on Thursday.
Cheers and loud applause resounded through the galleries as the huge crowd greeted the participants even as tears ran down the faces of many, particularly the women, who have lost their near and dear ones to the Naga cause.
“I am filled with happiness, but also feel a deep sadness at the same time; to see warring Naga leaders come together under one umbrella for the Naga cause is wonderful, but watching the colleagues of my late husband also brings back sad memories,” a lady seated in the gallery said.
Terming the day as an answer to the prayers of all Nagas irrespective of tribe or border, she also staunchly advocated that peace should reign for the benefit of the Nagas in general.
For the gun-toting cadres, assembling as one under one choir, ‘the United Naga Choir’, was a happy union. “It is a happy occasion and more of this would do much good,” an NSCN/GPRN cadre from Camp Khehoi stated.
“We are scared of each other and to venture out into town is a risk as we do not know what would happen. But if things change positively and permanent peace prevails, we will be happy,” another cadre echoed.
An NSCN/GPRN cadre from camp Hebron said reconciliation must take place to bring killings to an end. “If our superiors come together, cadres will come together,” he maintained and also regretted the fratricidal killings which he said was a sad chapter in Naga cause and should be brought to an end. Besides, the killings have overshadowed our fight for the real cause – Naga sovereignty, he added.
Other cadres were also of the view that all Naga groups should interact at all levels. “It should not end with just a song; we should promote and encourage better understanding,” they impressed, making clear their discontent with the unhealthy situation.
Agreeing that meeting without arms and in neutral zone has sown the seeds of a completely different feeling, the cadres also stated that Nagas should meet more often and have fellowships.
The Unified Naga Choir belted out patriotic originals ‘Healing our Spirit, Newday and Reconciliation’ written and composed by Rev Dr Wati Aier, convener, Forum for Naga Reconciliation. Deputy Kilonser Alezo, talking to this reporter, affirmed that there have been positive outcomes following the soccer matches. Talks involve only few, but such occasions help bring more leaders to the fore, he said.
On the process entering a more difficult phase, he admitted that there are grey areas which need to be discussed. “We are slowly getting there,” he said and expressed confidence that more encouraging results would follow suit in future.

GoI contradicts: NISC
Unfortunate incidents just based on misinformation and misunderstanding, or 'situations' willfully mismanaged?
Government of India contradicts: more than a decade engaged in peace talks with the Naga People but it is undermining the very foundation of these talks? Does the Government of India breeches the ceasefire on which the peace talks are founded:
Point one: The South Asian Terrorism Portal, SATP, declared more than 150 Indian Organizations Terrorist Organizations, among them were the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the National Democratic Front. Yet the Government of India sponsored SATP declined to show evidence to that supposed fact and did not entertain the declaration of the Government of India that the NSCN, with which it is engaged in peace talks for over a decade, is no terrorist organization. The conflict between India and Nagaland cannot be solved militarily and is not just a matter of law and order, but can only be solved politically. It should be obvious then to the SATP also that no Government can be present at the negotiation table when the 'other' party is a terrorist organization.
Point two: The 41 battalion of the Assam Rifles at Wokha town under jurisdiction of the State Government and with a camp adjacent to the public ground where festivities were held created unprecedented havoc among the Lotha Naga People. Was it only because the people rose to the occasion and confronted the soldiers who shot blanks at them that their commonly known misbehavior was broadly reported in the local press?
The inquiry authorities agreed to conduct in the wake of the protest against the Assam Rifles deflects the attention from the root cause of this and other now so well reported incidents.
The peace talks between the Government of India and the Naga People are on yet this rubber stamp approach of the Government of India needs to be criticized. The Naga International Support Center calls on the Government of India to:
1. Instruct the management of South Asian Terrorism Portal to rectify its declaration on the NSCN and NDFB and all other organizations which have wrongly been declared.
2. Direct both the Assam Rifles commanders and the State Government to immediately reform the troops, their commanders and those whom they receive their orders from. That way in the peace talks the creditworthiness of the representatives of the Government of India can be restored and there is no more peace talks on while they are being undermined under the table.
For more information contact us nisc@nagalim.nl or visit our website www.nagalim.nl
United in purpose and action Bonnie Konyak Morung
Dimapur | November 13 : In a remarkable display of camaraderie and team spirit, the United Nationals, comprising of players from the various “national groups” (factions), not only got the full endorsement of the packed crowd at the DDSC stadium but proved that unity in purpose can achieve even the insurmountable. And in today’s football game against the civil society team played at the DDSC stadium, the United Nationals came back strongly from the jaws of certain defeat to level the score at 3-3 at the end of full time.

As the match progressed, it was clear beyond doubt that the Naga public, who had gathered to watch the game, was supporting only one team—the United Nationals comprising of the otherwise known as warring factions. Not even the on-field exploits of Dr Wati Aier, Convener of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, could match the team spirit displayed by the United Nationals. The unrivaled combination of “strikers”, deputy kilonser of NSCN (IM) Sangti Konyak and team captain, kilonser of “GPRN/NSCN” Singson Kuki, wowed the crowd with the first goal within minutes of the match. The players even huddled together when a goal was scored, doing the high fives among themselves and encouraging each other.

As the second reconcilation soccer match to be played in Nagaland, the atmosphere today was remarkably less tense as compared to the first event held in Kohima. In fact, the scene at the Chakhesang Baptist Church before the start of the game was one of hugging and back-patting and handshakes especially amongst the lower-rank cadres of different factions who seemed glad to meet after a long time. Deputy Kilonser of “GPRN/NSCN”, Wangtin Konyak acknowledged the calm friendliness among the cadres of various factions and remarked that such contacts would get easier from now on. Though regretting his inability to play soccer, Wangtin, who came all the way from Mon to witness the match, showed his support for the process of Naga reconciliation.

Earlier before proceeding to the DDSC stadium, Nagaland Baptist Church Council general secretary Rev Zhabu Terhuja encouraged the participants drawing parallels to newly US President elect Barack Obama. “Change, we can, but today we want to send a message to the United States of America that ‘change is possible’ because it is happening today in our land”, Rev Terhuja delivered these strong moving words at a short prayer meeting at the Chakhesang Baptist Church.

Later speaking during a short function before the match kicked-off, convener of Forum for Naga Reconciliation Rev. Dr. Wati Aier termed it is an exciting day filled with hope and as “the moment in our history in which a new order is being born.” In this context, Dr. Wati reminded the people of the responsibilities and challenges of it, the first of which would be “to guard their rights jealously, and that people must stop hoping that by a twist of historical fate that we will be in paradise”. He said if Nagas are going to be saved, it will be the people who will do it and therefore urged all to start believing in the power of the people. He also urged people to discard the false doctrine of “exclusivism”, to transcend every tribalistic, ethnocentric, and religious overtone and together invest in the future of Naga history.

Outlining the history of the formation of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in February 2008, Dr. Wati Aier informed that all “Naga political groups” have agreed to reconciliation” and despite the struggles, the commitment to travel the common journey of reconciliation is a promise and commitment given by all the Naga political groups, he added. Rev. Dr. Wati also assured that the forum would never betray the people from the commitment to Naga reconciliation and also acknowledging the efforts of many other groups and organizations towards this noble cause.

It may be mentioned that the match was officially kicked-off by retired “general” Theinuoselie Keyho. After the match, both the teams, along with the orphans and choir members made a circle around a cross in a mass prayer.
“Reconciliation” Soccer Match a Good Gesture Nungsanglemba Chang Morung
•Sir- It is worth to appreciate to “forum for Naga Reconciliation” under the able leadership of Rev.Dr. Wati Aier for organizing “Reconciliation” soccer match between Naga Civil Societies and Naga National Workers of different warring factions after go through serious of meetings with underground groups at the various levels. It is an outcome of the understandings among the different National Workers to come out publicly acknowledging the appeals of the Naga peoples that Deputy Kilonsers from both the NSCN groups who participated in the “Reconciliation” match on 13th November ’08 at Dimapur Stadium.
Many people’s hearts were burst while widows of the slain soldiers presented flowers to United National players. Innocent publics are very happy now a days because there is no firing between factions and secretly killings also decreasing. We must thank and appreciate all the NGOs like Naga Hoho, ENPO, Tribal Hohos, NBCC, various Women Organizations and Political Affairs Committee of DAN Government for tirelessly working towards Naga Unification of various factions and also Naga Civil Societies.
Both Civil Societies of various tribes and underground groups/organizations should come together to a negotiable table for sorting out Naga political problems before its too late otherwise there is a signs of a thing which lets to break into pieces. Only one group cannot solve the problems of the whole affairs unless there are like-minded people/groups. To me having a multiple tribes, like in Nagaland is an advantage to have a strong nation/state and so on, inspite of talking Nagas are unfortunate because of multiple tribes.
Naga National leaders of various organizations should respond to the calls from the Naga civil societies forgetting their past differences if they love Nagas and at the same time the leaders of the various political parties too should understand the common goal instead of blaming each other for silly matters taking the advantage of different t political parties. There are many Naga intellectual persons now-a-days in Nagaland as every newspaper readers are aware of it through their write-up also should come out together to work for the acceptable solution for the Nagas. No one should conceive that I am bigger than him and he is smaller than me, however, in a society there are readers to let the people towards the well being of the humanity that too should understand by every one.
Nungsanglemba Chang
NCS (Rtd)
Healing of the spirit morungexpress

(Top): Reaching Out: Leaders of the various Naga underground groups – forming team ‘United National’ – seen here receiving white roses from widows, who had lost their men in faction-related conflicts.
(Bottom): Lyrics of Hope: ‘United National Choir’, comprising of Naga underground cadres performing a song at the Reconciliation Soccer match in Dimapur.

Dimapur | November 13: Even as cheering crowds enjoyed the on-field action during the reconciliation soccer match, there were also other emotional scenes witnessed off the field. One such moment was when widows who had lost their husbands in factional violence, presented roses to the players from team United Nationals.

Such a poignant moment helped in giving a human face to the untold tragedy endured by Naga families and homes over years of fighting. Twenty-nine year old Toviholi, widow of “captain” Hekuto who was killed in a factional clash earlier this year along with 13 other cadres of the “GPRN/NSCN”, was unable to control her tears as she performed the gesture of forgiveness and goodwill.

Seeing her husband’s former comrades and officers made her cry, she said. Even if her husband has died, she hoped that Nagas can come together and make things better for the next generation, for the sake of children. And she has been left with five young children. Orphaned children affected by the factional violence also performed a song and released the ‘Balloons of Peace’.

Another significant development in the second reconciliation soccer match was the performance by the ‘United National Choir’. Like the football team, the United National Choir was made up of cadres from various factions. According to the Forum for Naga Reconcilation, this choir is to become officially functional and must present themselves to sing whenever summoned.
Hagrama lashes out at NDFB for blasts Correspondent Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 14 – Hagrama Mohilary has strongly condemned NDFB’s involvement in the recent blasts in the State as suggested by various investigating agencies. He also alleged that the NDFB outfit under ceasefire is not only violating ground rules but in collaboration with external terrorist outfits like HUJI and ISI, carrying out destructive acts like the recent blasts. He claimed that NDFB in no way represents interests of Bodo societies and the outfit is rather a boycotted faction of the Bodo society. He further appealed that the Bodo society must not be blamed from any corner for the misdeed and violent acts of NDFB.

He lamented that all developmental activities in Bodoland area have been badly affected due to the incidents of violence in Udalguri.
Families of blasts accused describe plight at BWJF press conference
By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 13: The family members of the three arrested blasts accused — Mridul Basumatary, Phunkha Brahma and Rajib Soniary, claimed that the trio have been dragged into the case by the police investigating the October 30 serial blasts, even though they are innocent.
Lakheswari Basumatary, wife of Mridul, Lahoti Brahma, mother of Phunkha and Niren Soniari, uncle of Rajib, were present in the press conference called by the Boro Women Justice Forum (BWJF) at the Sahid Nayas here today, to describe their plight.
“I had not seen any car in our Gorchuk house before October 30, as police reportedly claimed,” said Lakheswari Basumatary, a typist in the Kamrup SP Office (Crime Branch) since 2007. Her husband Mridul, a former NDFB cadre, surrendered before the Guwahati police in April, 2003 and maintained a good relation with the police officials, she said.
Mridul even helped the police in their operations many times, she said. On the fateful day of the serial blasts, Mridul dropped her at her office at around 10 am as usual, she revealed. Mridul was picked up by the police from his Gorchuk house at around 11 am on November 6 for interrogation and finally arrested him on November 10. The police had kept him in Panbazar police station for about four days without any interrogation, she added.
Niren Soniari, uncle of Rajib Soniari and former president of the AABSU, revealed that the Borbori police had picked up Rajib at around 3 am on November 6 from their house at Barama, after tracking his mobile number at the call register of Thumri Narzary, one of the prime accused of the case. He said, Thumri was the class mate of Rajiv and both of them passed the HS Examination from the Baksa College. The childhood relation with a childhood friend can not be the reason for his detention, he said. Rajiv is a second year student of the Barama College and preparing for his examination, he added. Lahoti Brahma, mother of the Phunkha Brahma, claimed that his son was at the home on October 30, and did not go outside. She said Phunkha, the president of the South Guwahati unit of the AABSU and the resident of Datalpara in Fatasil area, met Thumri just few days back. The police had interrogated Phunkha several times, before arresting him finally, she revealed.
ULFA denies hand in blasts yet again PTI
Guwahati, November 13 (PTI): The banned ULFA has for the second time denied its involvement in the serial blasts in Assam which killed 85 persons. In an e-mail to media in Guwahati on Thuraday , ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Barua claimed that the outfit was in no way involved in the blasts which claimed innocent lives.

“It has been proved that the ULFA has been never involved in attacks on innocent persons ... This is a conspiracy hatched by the government to malign us,” he said. “Whenever ULFA talked about peace it has been the ploy of the government to disturb the process,” Barua said.

The Centre, he alleged, was ‘indulging in blame game’ only to divert the people’s attention. “The ULFA is also no way connected to any political party whether it is the Congress or the BJP,” he said. The outfit’s chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa had earlier denied its involvement in the blast, while the state government claimed that there was conclusive evidence against ULFA and NDFB involvement in the crime.

Meanwhile as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues with its probe into the deadly serial bomb blasts in Assam on 30th October, the links have been traced far and wide. The arrest yesterday of a Bhutanese national named Tenzing Zangpo has thrown up new leads in the investigation and has turned investigators attention for the first time to Bhutan ever since the probe began.

Blasts probe politically motivated Staff reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 14 – Stating that the investigations started by the State Government into the serial blasts was politically-motivated and had failed to assuage the people, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) today called for an “independent and impartial” probe into the episode. In a joint statement, the two student bodies said that the Government’s investigations were merely reiterating what it had uttered barely 24 hours after the blasts without any probe. “It is apparent that the probe is politically-motivated, and hence failed to assuage public feelings,” it said.

“Whoever may be behind the blasts, have to be identified and meted out exemplary punishment. All the evil forces of terrorism, fundamentalists and jehadis must be uprooted from the soil of the State and safety and security of the common people ensured,” the AASU and ABSU said.

The student bodies said that Assam Police had enough competent officials and they should be allowed to function without being subjected to political interference.

Accusing the State Government of ignoring the fundamentalist and jehadi forces for the sake of its vote bank politics, the AASU and the ABSU said that the State Government chose to remain inactive even after the incidents of hoisting of Pakistani flags during the Udalguri and Darrang group clashes. “Despite the people’s demand for a CBI probe, nothing of the sort was done, emboldening the fundamentalist elements,” they said.

The student bodies said that the State Government was indulging in divisive politics to further its narrow interests. “The Government is creating confusion and division among the people. Even the Centre had spoken about the involvement of fundamentalist forces in the violence but the State Government chose to remain silent,” they said.

No lessons learnt from serial blasts Staff reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 14 – More than two weeks after serial bomb blasts snuffed out around hundred innocent lives, responsive measures to be taken in disaster situations remain elusive in most parts of Assam. Worse still, the authorities concerned are yet to wake up to a reality where simple preparedness could make the crucial difference between life and death.

Parents of school children have been concerned over the fact that hardly any training or information is being provided on how young ones should respond in times of an emergency. At times, when information was provided, there was no practical training…no mock drill to practice, revealed Pranjit Das, a guardian.

Although Assam is situated in a seismic zone, most schools of the State, including those that have expanded vertically have never made serious attempts at safety. Many of the multi-storey schools, do not possess an evacuation plan, and most do not have clearly demarcated emergency exits.

Recognising the risk of fire, some schools have acquired fire-fighting equipment. Unfortunately, according to fire services personnel, many of the equipment are old or poorly managed. And, what could be worse, people have not been adequately trained to use fire equipment, which require some amount of hands on training.

Queries have also revealed that many schools even in Guwahati city have no provision to teach select students and teachers the basics of first aid. Many schools, both government and private funded, do not even possess basic first aid kits.

It is not just that young students lead a vulnerable existence inside the school campus, because in public spaces they remain equally vulnerable due to the lack of information as well as infrastructure. The average schoolchild in any urban area is still unaware how to respond to a crisis situation, including how best to avoid a stampede, because she or he has never been taught, said Manatosh Sarma, a resident of Dispur.

Equally at risk are senior citizens and many others in hospitals and nursing homes, who would find it difficult to surmount a disaster situation. Many offices, hospitals and nursing homes across Assam rely on elevators as the sole mode of entry and exit. In case of fire or earthquake, people in such structures would face grave risk.

The philosophy of safe design and utillisation of spaces have evidently been ignored in many public buildings. As a result the state has numerous buildings where vulnerable people are confined to places with the most difficult access, said writer and critic Moushumi Kandali. Incidentally, some schools have classrooms for the youngest children in the upper stories, a fundamental flaw in preparing for a disaster situation, she added.

A young academic based in Guwahati said that it was high time that the public conveyed a strong message to all those responsible for disaster preparedness. It would be too unfortunate if we could not learn anything from the October 30 blasts, he said.