Re: [Assam] Sentinel letter - a correction
"The powers that be & their ardent supporters are not really concerned with things like rule of law, fairness, and victims' rights only when they are at the receiving end." Should have read "The powers that be & their ardent supporters are really concerned with things like rule of law, fairness, and victims' rights only when they are at the receiving end." Sorry about the 'Not' coming in at the wrong time:-) --Ram On Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 1:14 PM, Ram Sarangapani wrote: > Nice logical, passionate letter in today's Sentinel. The sad part is that > the author of this letter, Mr. Rajkhowa probably doesn't realize that his > appeal will most certainly fall on deaf ears. The powers that be & their > ardent supporters are not really concerned with things like rule of law, > fairness, and victims' rights only when they are at the receiving end. > > > Highlights mine. > > --Ram > > > *No Amnesty Please* > > A few days back, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly PK Mahanta > told the media that the ULFA cadres coming overground should be granted > general amnesty. People have not forgotten the terror created by the > surrendered ULFA (SULFA) after they were granted amnesty by the Hiteswar > Saikia government. They were also allowed to retain their arms, with the > strength of which they opened a syndicate in all the businesses to collect > goonda tax. The law-abiding people have had enough of the taste of general > amnesty. > > The members of the present pro-talk ULFA group were arrested by Bangladesh > security forces and were handed over to their counterparts in India, and > they were till recently in Assam’s jail. All their arsenal and funds > collected by way of extortion, kidnapping and killing have remained with the > self-styled c-in-c of the terrorist outfit, Paresh Baruah. *Now the > pro-talk group has neither shield nor sword with them, and they are under > the strict surveillance of the security forces. Their children are also > growing up. In such a situation they have no other option but to opt for > peace talks. No doubt, this is a good sign, but only time will tell whether > the talks will be infructuous or bear fruit.* > > Like other children, their children also deserve good education and care. > They are innocent and should not suffer for the crimes their parents have > committed. > > *The members of the revolutionary-turned-terrorist outfit were so cruel > that they did not hesitate to brutally kill women and school-going children, > as well as to sever the limbs of people before finally killing them, > suspecting them to be police informers. Simply saying sorry and admitting > their past crimes as mistakes are not enough. * > > Irrespective of the outcome of peace talks, no political party, whoever > comes to power, should ever think, even in their wildest dreams, of granting > general amnesty to the members of the terrorist outfit who have criminal > cases pending against them. People cannot simply ignore the agonies of the > families of the victims — thousands of men, women and children who lost > their lives at the hands of these terrorists. It will also be an insult to > the kith and kin of those thousands of families who were the target of the > outfit’s bullets. > > The government should also seriously fight the cases against the criminals > in the court of law so that the guilty are suitably punished. *The ULFA > leaders should self-introspect and repent for their crimes by languishing in > jail; only then will things come to their logical conclusion.* If Binayak > Sen can be unfairly sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in > Chhattisgarh for sedition and having links to Maoists, then why cannot the > members of a terrorist outfit be punished, especially since they have killed > thousands of innocent people in the name of revolution? > > Deepak K Rajkhowa, Guwahati-1. > > ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
[Assam] Sentinel letter
Nice logical, passionate letter in today's Sentinel. The sad part is that the author of this letter, Mr. Rajkhowa probably doesn't realize that his appeal will most certainly fall on deaf ears. The powers that be & their ardent supporters are not really concerned with things like rule of law, fairness, and victims' rights only when they are at the receiving end. Highlights mine. --Ram *No Amnesty Please* A few days back, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly PK Mahanta told the media that the ULFA cadres coming overground should be granted general amnesty. People have not forgotten the terror created by the surrendered ULFA (SULFA) after they were granted amnesty by the Hiteswar Saikia government. They were also allowed to retain their arms, with the strength of which they opened a syndicate in all the businesses to collect goonda tax. The law-abiding people have had enough of the taste of general amnesty. The members of the present pro-talk ULFA group were arrested by Bangladesh security forces and were handed over to their counterparts in India, and they were till recently in Assam’s jail. All their arsenal and funds collected by way of extortion, kidnapping and killing have remained with the self-styled c-in-c of the terrorist outfit, Paresh Baruah. *Now the pro-talk group has neither shield nor sword with them, and they are under the strict surveillance of the security forces. Their children are also growing up. In such a situation they have no other option but to opt for peace talks. No doubt, this is a good sign, but only time will tell whether the talks will be infructuous or bear fruit.* Like other children, their children also deserve good education and care. They are innocent and should not suffer for the crimes their parents have committed. *The members of the revolutionary-turned-terrorist outfit were so cruel that they did not hesitate to brutally kill women and school-going children, as well as to sever the limbs of people before finally killing them, suspecting them to be police informers. Simply saying sorry and admitting their past crimes as mistakes are not enough. * Irrespective of the outcome of peace talks, no political party, whoever comes to power, should ever think, even in their wildest dreams, of granting general amnesty to the members of the terrorist outfit who have criminal cases pending against them. People cannot simply ignore the agonies of the families of the victims — thousands of men, women and children who lost their lives at the hands of these terrorists. It will also be an insult to the kith and kin of those thousands of families who were the target of the outfit’s bullets. The government should also seriously fight the cases against the criminals in the court of law so that the guilty are suitably punished. *The ULFA leaders should self-introspect and repent for their crimes by languishing in jail; only then will things come to their logical conclusion.* If Binayak Sen can be unfairly sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in Chhattisgarh for sedition and having links to Maoists, then why cannot the members of a terrorist outfit be punished, especially since they have killed thousands of innocent people in the name of revolution? Deepak K Rajkhowa, Guwahati-1. ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] : "Sentinel Letter'.
Dear Baideu, I am out of Guwahati, so I shall not be able to attend the meeting. I have passed the information to few e-mail groups so that people may know. Thanks Buljit Buragohain Reseach Scholar Centre for Energy IIT Guwahati Guwahati 781039. Mobile No. 09435188630 On Sat, 11 Dec 2010 09:33 IST Buljit Buragohain wrote: > > >Forwarded Message >From: buljit_buragoh...@yahoo.co.in >To: buljit_buragoh...@yahoo.co.in >Cc: meena...@googlemail.com >Sent: Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:51 IST >Subject: re. the "Sentinel Letter' - thank you > >Dear Buljit, > > Thank you for responding to our thoughts immediately. We really appreciate >it. Yes, we have been working on an idea which Meenaxi wrote about in the >letter. What we are thinking of is setting up of a ‘Community College’ but >instead of offering the regular courses, we would like to offer courses in >(i) house-keeping and hospitality; (ii) regular household cooking; (iii) >padiatric care; (iv) geriatric care and (v) health and beauty care, >especially through Ayurvedic panchakarma. We have thought of the courses >being six-month certificate courses. The students can do all the courses for >an initial period and then specialize in either (a) padiatric care and >geriatric care, or (b) housekeeping, hospitality and cooking, or (c) health >and beauty care. > >However, there are a few major issues before us at the moment. (i) we need a >group of people based in Guwahati very interested in this issue and are >ready to involve in the project; (ii) how to attract the potential students, >because the girls are expected to mostly be village-based /people who do not >have any other career options/ those who have discontinued studies/ etc; >(iii) space to set up the college, and last but not the least (iv) funds for >initiating the project till can become self-supporting. > >It will be helpful if you could share your ideas with us so that we can take >the idea forward. > >In case you happen to be in Guwahati, please come and attend a meeting we >have planned for the 15th of December, at 2 pm, at Meenaxi’s residence in >PANCHABATI, (opposite Lakhi Service), on the right if you are moving from >Silphukhuri towards Guwahati Club. Also, kindly communicate this information >to any other person you think would be interested to involve in this >project. > >Thanks once again. > >Wishes, > >Upasana (+919436006754) > > > > >-- >Dr. Upasana Bora Sinha >Department of Chemistry >Nagaland University >Lumami Campus, Mokokchung-798601 >Nagaland, India >Phone : 91-369-268215 (O) >Fax : 91-369-268214 (O) > > ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
[Assam] Sentinel Letter
*Distorted Statement* The statement made by the Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC henceforth) in regard to the riot that came to pass in Beltola recently, raises disturbing questions of fairness in making statement by an organization. I chanced upon the entire statement in an on-line forum of the Asomiya community here in the USA (known as Assamonline) which was sent by one Waliullah Ahmed Laskar, the special representative of the BHRPC. A few direct quotes would, perhaps, carry the right flavour: "These speak a volume of the attitude of Assamese people towards the tribals — doctors raped a victim girl who was brought in Guwahati Medical College — more than 20 people were killed, 3 women raped, one girl stripped off, about 300 thousand injured of whom the condition of 10 is critical and 45 persons simply disappeared." I have no issue with accounts of the BHRPC's effort to highlight the human rights abuses by some weirdos — all that is very praiseworthy indeed. What is strange is the attempt to elevate the Adivasi protesters to the status of noble martyrs, slain at the altar of Beltola by the Asomiya 'demons'. To all intents and purposes, the BHRPC is trying to spew bile at the entire Asomiya community by way of reeling out some unsubstantiated statistics and facts. Would it not be obtuse and insensate to bunch the Asomiya people together and portray them as a pack of grossly outrageous criminals for an isolated incident as the one at Beltola? Therefore, this distorted reportage masquerading as 'facts' calculated solely to serve the BHRPC's cause, reeks of intellectual dishonesty. Pending full disclosure of facts, this blatantly skewed account amounts to no more than slanderous gossip against the Asomiya people. It is strange that the news of a man who was hacked to death for defying the bandh call given by the Adivasis did not draw sharp attention of the BHRPC. Without equivocation, the dehumanization of an Adivasi girl is a despicable act, who must have been innocent with no connection to the violence carried out by the Adivasi protesters on the locals of Beltola. But that is the ugly nature of a riot — no sanity but all fury. Whether the impetus is race, religion or poverty, riots essentially stem from extreme frustration. Finally, this would not have happened if someone had stuffed all the wily and self-serving politicians in a giant box and drowned it in the sea! Kamaljit Deka, Sugarland, Texas. ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
Title: Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter Ram: >I kept the best for last. *** That's cool. But what was the best' part ? >What 'agenda' the writer has, we have no idea. *** I am not asking you to read the writer's mind. But I am sure you discerned something from the litany of his complaints, his suspicions, his outrages, and his prescience and his ability to decide what is good for ULFA, which you consider the letter's "essence". You don't agree with what I read it to be. And I am perfectly willing to admit I don't get it. So I asked you tell me and others who might be similarly befuddled about that essence. But you didn't share it. I hope you are not keeping us in a suspense intentionally, are you Ram? Not a nice thing to do for us partisan types you know? Could push us over to the deep end. Well? Will you tell us or not :-)? >If the ULFA were to 'ignore' the release of its leaders, and sit down face to >face with the GOI, wouldn't the process continue? *** Would it? I don't speak for ULFA. I can only tell you what I read--the same stuff you do. And what I read is that for the negotiations to proceed ULFA must have its cadres released. It is a pre-condition, which the process hinges on. Do you know something differently? >Is the release more important for the GOI or for the ULFA? I read somewhere (I >think the Sentinel or AT), that in this day and age, it is very easy for those >incarcerated to still be a part of the process thru teleconferencing or even >have them attend and taken back to prison or release them depending on the >outcome of the negotiations. *** I am glad you learn these high-tech stuff from the Sentinel. You are blessed. But what does that have to do with what ULFA considers to be a pre-requisite for it to participate in negotiations with GoI? Oh, I see now! Since the ULFA are a bunch of ignorant 'terrorists', they are being coached by Talukdar and the Sentinel on how they can have their imprisoned cadres participate thru 21st century desi-technology! Was it that essence Ram? >What are the reasons you see that they ought to be released now. *** For the simple reason that it is MORE IMPORTANT for the people of Assam to have negotiations to proceed to peacefully settle the conflict. GoI's and its apologists' need for incarcerating the ULFA leaders does not do anything for the vast majority of the people of Assam. Would that be too partisan, too unfair an argument? >>As I read the letter and your responses, it appears to me that you all do indeed believe it IS more important >to incarcerate them. Because who knows, they may never return, like Anup Chetia? Just look at the >awesome arguments above! >Actually, you are wrong. No, ofcourse, it is NOT more important than the peace >process. *** I am sure glad to see you agree with me. Then how do you reconcile that with Talukdar's ( and the Sentinel's) view that GoI ought NOT to release the ULFA leaders, that ULFA ought to surrender instead ( I know they don't say so in so many words, just imply it), particularly in view of ULFA's stated position of 'no-release, no negotiations'? Are you trying to have it both ways Ram? I hope not. >But then, I am not the GOI or speak for them. I am just giving you possible >reasons why the Center is hesitant. *** I understand Ram. We call it 'playing apologist' for GoI. Not a very noble pursuit if you asked me. A far more noble position would be to state what YOU believe in. You do not control GoI. But as a well wisher of Assam, you have a right and a responsibility to say what you believe would be the right thing for GoI to do under the circumstances,instead of playing apologist for it on why it may no be able to do the right thing by Assam. Am I making an unreasonable proposition? >Further, true revolutionaries, would bravely ask the Center to do what it needs to under its laws with regard to to the jailed leaders. If the ULFA were to sit across the table, thrash out a negotiation, and if everthing went OK, why would NOT those jailed be realeased. *** Ram. it is not for you or I to lecture ULFA on what 'true' revolutionaries do. My humble guess would be that you or I lack the credentials. Under the circumstances all we can hope for is that GoI, with or without the coaching from its apologists, will do the right thing by Assam, even if it means to have to release the imprisoned ULFA leaders. Because, as you agree, it is more important to have the peace process proceed, than for it to hold on to its prized prisoners. Never mind Talkukdar, never mind the Sentinel. >Will that happen? I doubt it. *** It is one thing to have doubts, another to help torpedo the prospect for the peace process. >Whatever will it do, if there suddenly, was peace? *** Does it therefore m
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
C'da, I kept the best for last. >So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. What 'agenda' the writer has, we have no idea. But assuming, as you say, that he is wanting to disrupt the peace process, where, can you point out exactly has he given himself away? And even if does have one, do we also thrash his points? He did seem to make a ggod case (a) on the release of the leaders and (b) on the ULFA's dependence on the ISI and the B'deshis. Now, before you jump at the 'lungi menace' thing, it is very simple - the Pakis and the B'deshis don't have the best interests for India, and groups like the ULFA have in my mind aligned themselves with the wrong crowd. If the ULFA were to 'ignore' the release of its leaders, and sit down face to face with the GOI, wouldn't the process continue? >IF it is MORE important for GoI, with help from the letter writer and his fellow doubters, including >the Sentinel, to continue to INCARCERATE the ULFA leaders, and thus RISK torpedoing the peace->negotiation prospects? Is the release more important for the GOI or for the ULFA? I read somewhere (I think the Sentinel or AT), that in this day and age, it is very easy for those incarcerated to still be a part of the process thru teleconferencing or even have them attend and taken back to prison or release them depending on the outcome of the negotiations. BTW: The GOI, when it caught these leaders had no inkling of a possible peace process. What are the reasons you see that they ought to be released now. I am sure the GOI must have lost some soldiers when they captured them. In the eyes of the GOI these incarcerated individuals are anti-national elements involved in a variety of crimes. They were not caught just because they were jay walking, but because they were waging a war against the Union. So, in their eyes, they are not only criminals wanted by the state, but once released they may go about their usual business of fighting the union and killing a few more Indian soldiers. Further they also could be a bargaining chip in negotiations, but the Center would really look stupid if they were to flee once again. The Center will definitely try and get the best bargain. Don't you think so - if you were in the Center's shoes? >As I read the letter and your responses, it appears to me that you all do indeed believe it IS more important >to incarcerate them. Because who knows, they may never return, like Anup Chetia? Just look at the >awesome arguments above! Actually, you are wrong. No, ofcourse, it is NOT more important than the peace process. But then, I am not the GOI or speak for them. I am just giving you possible reasons why the Center is hesitant. A possible scenario may be that the Center releases them, they flee, the ULFA breaks negotiations, take a breather, and everything is back to square one - Kay Sara, Sara. Why would the Center set itself up? Further, true revolutionaries, would bravely ask the Center to do what it needs to under its laws with regard to to the jailed leaders. If the ULFA were to sit across the table, thrash out a negotiation, and if everthing went OK, why would NOT those jailed be realeased. Will that happen? I doubt it. This negotiation side show is just that. I seriously doubt, either the ULFA or the Center is gung-ho about 'peace'. With the GOI, its military advisors seem against any peace moves. On the ULFA side, it seems illogical for it to give up something that its been at it for 25 + years? Whatever will it do, if there suddenly, was peace? Peace is only good for the comman man - but then who cares about them? :-) --Ram On 9/4/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Ram: I am sure your being neutral to a fault and being unbiased in these matters have been responsible for being able to read the REAL meaning of the letter in question, namely the writer's purported desire for a negotiated solution for bringing back peace to Assam. But, being as language challenged as I am and being the biased person I am, I failed to read it as such. So let us look at it once more. Perhaps you will be able to help us see the light here and read into the "essence of the letter", so that it could not be diluted by spinning of the partisans here. And to give you a hand, allow me to ask about what stumps me, and you can then 'splain: *** WHAT, did you read as the MAIN POINT/s, the OBJECTIVE of the letter, the ESSENCE that is? >The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. *** Is that the ESSENCE? >So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. *** I know, it is hard to see. I will explain that once again. But after you cleared things up for me. >The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more >important than peace in Assam? *** Forget about me Ram. You know I am biased. But I have to ask y
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter-3
Title: Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter-3 Ram: >But I do remember, (several weeks ago), you were going ga-ga over something >published in the Sentinel and you posted that in the Assamnet. And there have >been other times when (obviously those were times when the Sentinel was a 'good >'ole boy') when you have posted stuff from the Sentinel. *** You may not have noticed, but I do not automatically assume that I have to disagree with EVERYTHING a newspaper publishes, because I may not agree with some of its opinions. Similarly for an individual. But Sentinel publishing ANYTHING that supports ULFA? That would be something to behold :-). c-da At 10:00 AM -0500 9/4/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Good Morning C'da, Just opened up the mails - wow so many salvos. I will get to them one by one. > The Sentinel printing letters/opinions supporting ULFA? That would be a collector's item Ram. Will you >please tell me when. I have got see that. Maybe not from your 'Worldview'. But they do print letters than at least border on it. >And *I* posted them too? Wow! I know my family claims I get absent minded. But this is sleep-walking on >my part or worse ! Hope Alzheimers has not claimed me already :-). Same problem here too:-). But I do remember, (several weeks ago), you were going ga-ga over something published in the Sentinel and you posted that in the Assamnet. And there have been other times when (obviously those were times when the Sentinel was a 'good 'ole boy') when you have posted stuff from the Sentinel. --Ram On 9/4/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat >support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). The Sentinel printing letters/opinions supporting ULFA? That would be a collector's item Ram. Will you please tell me when. I have got see that. And *I* posted them too? Wow! I know my family claims I get absent minded. But this is sleep-walking on my part or worse ! Hope Alzheimers has not claimed me already :-). At 12:31 PM -0500 9/3/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: I don't C'da, I look at the letter from a different point of view. The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. Look at what he writes: What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. Whats that going to do for him. Regarding the release for its leaders, ULFA doesn't seem to have a good track record. The last time Chetia was released, then he took off - so why would the GOI buy into this again? >Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper >publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to >Assam? Would you want the Sentinel only publish letters/editorials that only support the ULFA? Are you advocating some kind of censorship? You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). I think they are balanced in their approach. Your frustration should be with the author of the letter as opposed to the newspaper itself. And the author of the letter is not important, but he does make some good points. Everyone wants peace in Assam. The thing that many doubt is whether the ULFA is serious about it and are willing to get to the negotiating table directly with the GOI. The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more important than peace in Assam? I think once the ULFA and GOI sit face to face, the 5 jailed ULFA will be released. It is ultimately in GOI's interest to solve the Assam insurgency problem, once and for all - it costs men and treasure, and stalls economic development for a state which was in need for one yesterday. --Ram On 9/2/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Ram: Let us examine the 'essence' of this gem of a 'letter' : To that we need to determine what the PURPOSE of the letter is. Without a doubt it is to PREVENT from GoI giving in to ULFA demands for release of their senior cadres. And since ULFA has made it a cornerstone of their conditions for entering negotiations, the motive of the letter could be clearly established as to torpedo any such peace negotiation.
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter-3
Good Morning C'da, Just opened up the mails - wow so many salvos. I will get to them one by one. > The Sentinel printing letters/opinions supporting ULFA? That would be a collector's item Ram. Will you >please tell me when. I have got see that. Maybe not from your 'Worldview'. But they do print letters than at least border on it. >And *I* posted them too? Wow! I know my family claims I get absent minded. But this is sleep-walking on >my part or worse ! Hope Alzheimers has not claimed me already :-). Same problem here too:-). But I do remember, (several weeks ago), you were going ga-ga over something published in the Sentinel and you posted that in the Assamnet. And there have been other times when (obviously those were times when the Sentinel was a 'good 'ole boy') when you have posted stuff from the Sentinel. --Ram On 9/4/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat >support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). The Sentinel printing letters/opinions supporting ULFA? That would be a collector's item Ram. Will you please tell me when. I have got see that. And *I* posted them too? Wow! I know my family claims I get absent minded. But this is sleep-walking on my part or worse ! Hope Alzheimers has not claimed me already :-). At 12:31 PM -0500 9/3/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: I don't C'da, I look at the letter from a different point of view. The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. Look at what he writes: What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. Whats that going to do for him. Regarding the release for its leaders, ULFA doesn't seem to have a good track record. The last time Chetia was released, then he took off - so why would the GOI buy into this again? >Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper >publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to >Assam? Would you want the Sentinel only publish letters/editorials that only support the ULFA? Are you advocating some kind of censorship? You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). I think they are balanced in their approach. Your frustration should be with the author of the letter as opposed to the newspaper itself. And the author of the letter is not important, but he does make some good points. Everyone wants peace in Assam. The thing that many doubt is whether the ULFA is serious about it and are willing to get to the negotiating table directly with the GOI. The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more important than peace in Assam? I think once the ULFA and GOI sit face to face, the 5 jailed ULFA will be released. It is ultimately in GOI's interest to solve the Assam insurgency problem, once and for all - it costs men and treasure, and stalls economic development for a state which was in need for one yesterday. --Ram On 9/2/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Ram: Let us examine the 'essence' of this gem of a 'letter' : To that we need to determine what the PURPOSE of the letter is. Without a doubt it is to PREVENT from GoI giving in to ULFA demands for release of their senior cadres. And since ULFA has made it a cornerstone of their conditions for entering negotiations, the motive of the letter could be clearly established as to torpedo any such peace negotiation. The piece questions the "need" for ULFA's demands for release of their top cadres. And the writer no doubt knows best, what ULFA's needs are. Why should anyone NEED their comrades' release from prison? They can go to 'o peace-talks' anytime they want to? What prevents them from surrendering? Powerful logic no doubt! No wonder it touched a chord :-). The piece is full of taunts. Why does one resort to taunting? Could it be to ENCOURAGE ULFA to come to the negotiating table? Or could be because the writer is frustrated by ULFA, and not having a clue to doing anything about it constructively, resorts to taunting?Is it the sign of a mature, thinking man, looking out for Assam's welfare, or is it the ranting of someone whose real interests is in asserting his own righteousness, his own ability to read the tea-leaves better than all those 'fools' who are attempting to have a negotiated settlement of the
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter-3
Title: Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter-3 > You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat >support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). The Sentinel printing letters/opinions supporting ULFA? That would be a collector's item Ram. Will you please tell me when. I have got see that. And *I* posted them too? Wow! I know my family claims I get absent minded. But this is sleep-walking on my part or worse ! Hope Alzheimers has not claimed me already :-). At 12:31 PM -0500 9/3/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: I don't C'da, I look at the letter from a different point of view. The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. Look at what he writes: What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. Whats that going to do for him. Regarding the release for its leaders, ULFA doesn't seem to have a good track record. The last time Chetia was released, then he took off - so why would the GOI buy into this again? >Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper >publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to >Assam? Would you want the Sentinel only publish letters/editorials that only support the ULFA? Are you advocating some kind of censorship? You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). I think they are balanced in their approach. Your frustration should be with the author of the letter as opposed to the newspaper itself. And the author of the letter is not important, but he does make some good points. Everyone wants peace in Assam. The thing that many doubt is whether the ULFA is serious about it and are willing to get to the negotiating table directly with the GOI. The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more important than peace in Assam? I think once the ULFA and GOI sit face to face, the 5 jailed ULFA will be released. It is ultimately in GOI's interest to solve the Assam insurgency problem, once and for all - it costs men and treasure, and stalls economic development for a state which was in need for one yesterday. --Ram On 9/2/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Ram: Let us examine the 'essence' of this gem of a 'letter' : To that we need to determine what the PURPOSE of the letter is. Without a doubt it is to PREVENT from GoI giving in to ULFA demands for release of their senior cadres. And since ULFA has made it a cornerstone of their conditions for entering negotiations, the motive of the letter could be clearly established as to torpedo any such peace negotiation. The piece questions the "need" for ULFA's demands for release of their top cadres. And the writer no doubt knows best, what ULFA's needs are. Why should anyone NEED their comrades' release from prison? They can go to 'o peace-talks' anytime they want to? What prevents them from surrendering? Powerful logic no doubt! No wonder it touched a chord :-). The piece is full of taunts. Why does one resort to taunting? Could it be to ENCOURAGE ULFA to come to the negotiating table? Or could be because the writer is frustrated by ULFA, and not having a clue to doing anything about it constructively, resorts to taunting?Is it the sign of a mature, thinking man, looking out for Assam's welfare, or is it the ranting of someone whose real interests is in asserting his own righteousness, his own ability to read the tea-leaves better than all those 'fools' who are attempting to have a negotiated settlement of the conflict and a return to peace in Assam? You tell us. Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to Assam? If ULFA/GOI peace negotiations are good for Assam, and if I remember correctly the Sentinel professed that is is indeed good, then should it be participating in promoting the agenda of those, such as this letter writer, who obviously do not want that to happen, for whatever reason he harbors? Or could it be that the newspaper's own journalistic credentials or its maturity are questionable ? You tell us. c-da At 3:14 PM -0500 9/1/06, Ram Sarangapani wr
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter - 2
Title: Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter - 2 Ram: >But newspapers must be bold enough to publish facts,--- *** The operative word here is FACTS Ram. *** But I will go a step further. They can and ought to publish alternative viewpoints with credible arguments to back them up. But not garbage like the Talukdar fellow wrote in his piece. That merely erodes a paper's credibility and castes aspersions on its editorial abilities and discretion. c-da At 3:50 PM -0500 9/3/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, this letter should really make you sing :-) I hope you now agree that the paper not only has the guts but also seems fair. --Ram To The Sentinel The public opinion is that ever since the top floor of your building was demolished by the authorities concerned, you have become shaky to print news items against the government, in particular against Guwahati Development Department Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. If it is really so, the face of your newspaper will be lost, and people will be in dark as to what their representatives are doing in Dispur. If the public opinion is right, you better have the guts and speak openly for the best interest of the people. Do not cover your face in the interest of the offenders in the government. No one wants to write false reports or news. But newspapers must be bold enough to publish facts, regardless of who the person is. This is democracy. Arup Srivastava, ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
Title: Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter Ram: I am sure your being neutral to a fault and being unbiased in these matters have been responsible for being able to read the REAL meaning of the letter in question, namely the writer's purported desire for a negotiated solution for bringing back peace to Assam. But, being as language challenged as I am and being the biased person I am, I failed to read it as such. So let us look at it once more. Perhaps you will be able to help us see the light here and read into the "essence of the letter", so that it could not be diluted by spinning of the partisans here. And to give you a hand, allow me to ask about what stumps me, and you can then 'splain: *** WHAT, did you read as the MAIN POINT/s, the OBJECTIVE of the letter, the ESSENCE that is? >The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. *** Is that the ESSENCE? >So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. *** I know, it is hard to see. I will explain that once again. But after you cleared things up for me. >The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more >important than peace in Assam? *** Forget about me Ram. You know I am biased. But I have to ask you and other unbiased, neutral people yearning for peace, IF it is MORE important for GoI, with help from the letter writer and his fellow doubters, including the Sentinel, to continue to INCARCERATE the ULFA leaders, and thus RISK torpedoing the peace-negotiation prospects? >What answer do the peace committees have to the jailed ULFA leaders jumping out of parole if released? >Are the peace committee members ready to undergo imprisonment and serve the remaining jail term on >behalf of the released leaders? As I read the letter and your responses, it appears to me that you all do indeed believe it IS more important to incarcerate them. Because who knows, they may never return, like Anup Chetia? Just look at the awesome arguments above! I will also have a follow up after I get your explanation here. >The unconditional release of those five jailed terrorists at this time will conclusively prove that either some >top Indian bureaucrats are lured by the ULFA's money power, or that some top Indian politicians >deliberately want to keep the ULFA issue alive for ever. *** Again I read: GoI MUST NOT RELEASE the ULFA leaders! What do you read Ram? And if you read as I do, what does it REALLY mean? You WILL explain, wouldn't you?. c-da :-) PS: BTW, Ram, if you didn't know, spinning out of control has its down-sides. It destroys credibility. At 12:31 PM -0500 9/3/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: I don't C'da, I look at the letter from a different point of view. The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. Look at what he writes: What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. Whats that going to do for him. Regarding the release for its leaders, ULFA doesn't seem to have a good track record. The last time Chetia was released, then he took off - so why would the GOI buy into this again? >Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper >publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to >Assam? Would you want the Sentinel only publish letters/editorials that only support the ULFA? Are you advocating some kind of censorship? You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). I think they are balanced in their approach. Your frustration should be with the author of the letter as opposed to the newspaper itself. And the author of the letter is not important, but he does make some good points. Everyone wants peace in Assam. The thing that many doubt is whether the ULFA is serious about it and are willing to get to the negotiating table directly with the GOI. The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more important than peace in Assam? I think once the ULFA and GOI sit face to face, the 5 jailed ULFA will be released. It is ultimately in GOI's interest to solve the Assam insurgency problem, once and for all - it costs men and treasure, and stalls economic development for a state which was in need for one yesterday. --Ram On 9/2/06, Chan Ma
[Assam] Sentinel Letter - 2
C'da, this letter should really make you sing :-) I hope you now agree that the paper not only has the guts but also seems fair. --Ram To The Sentinel The public opinion is that ever since the top floor of your building was demolished by the authorities concerned, you have become shaky to print news items against the government, in particular against Guwahati Development Department Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. If it is really so, the face of your newspaper will be lost, and people will be in dark as to what their representatives are doing in Dispur. If the public opinion is right, you better have the guts and speak openly for the best interest of the people. Do not cover your face in the interest of the offenders in the government. No one wants to write false reports or news. But newspapers must be bold enough to publish facts, regardless of who the person is. This is democracy. Arup Srivastava, ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
I don't C'da, I look at the letter from a different point of view. The writer obviously has no trust in Ulfa's promises. Look at what he writes: What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. So, how can you categorically say he is NOT for peace but his agenda is to disrupt the process. Whats that going to do for him. Regarding the release for its leaders, ULFA doesn't seem to have a good track record. The last time Chetia was released, then he took off - so why would the GOI buy into this again? >Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper >publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to >Assam? Would you want the Sentinel only publish letters/editorials that only support the ULFA? Are you advocating some kind of censorship? You, yourself have posted several letters/editorial that support views that somewhat support Ulfa's position (from the Sentinel). I think they are balanced in their approach. Your frustration should be with the author of the letter as opposed to the newspaper itself. And the author of the letter is not important, but he does make some good points. Everyone wants peace in Assam. The thing that many doubt is whether the ULFA is serious about it and are willing to get to the negotiating table directly with the GOI. The question you and others should answer is whether the release of some ULFA is more important than peace in Assam? I think once the ULFA and GOI sit face to face, the 5 jailed ULFA will be released. It is ultimately in GOI's interest to solve the Assam insurgency problem, once and for all - it costs men and treasure, and stalls economic development for a state which was in need for one yesterday. --Ram On 9/2/06, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Ram: Let us examine the 'essence' of this gem of a 'letter' : To that we need to determine what the PURPOSE of the letter is. Without a doubt it is to PREVENT from GoI giving in to ULFA demands for release of their senior cadres. And since ULFA has made it a cornerstone of their conditions for entering negotiations, the motive of the letter could be clearly established as to torpedo any such peace negotiation. The piece questions the "need" for ULFA's demands for release of their top cadres. And the writer no doubt knows best, what ULFA's needs are. Why should anyone NEED their comrades' release from prison? They can go to 'o peace-talks' anytime they want to? What prevents them from surrendering? Powerful logic no doubt! No wonder it touched a chord :-). The piece is full of taunts. Why does one resort to taunting? Could it be to ENCOURAGE ULFA to come to the negotiating table? Or could be because the writer is frustrated by ULFA, and not having a clue to doing anything about it constructively, resorts to taunting?Is it the sign of a mature, thinking man, looking out for Assam's welfare, or is it the ranting of someone whose real interests is in asserting his own righteousness, his own ability to read the tea-leaves better than all those 'fools' who are attempting to have a negotiated settlement of the conflict and a return to peace in Assam? You tell us. Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to Assam? If ULFA/GOI peace negotiations are good for Assam, and if I remember correctly the Sentinel professed that is is indeed good, then should it be participating in promoting the agenda of those, such as this letter writer, who obviously do not want that to happen, for whatever reason he harbors? Or could it be that the newspaper's own journalistic credentials or its maturity are questionable ? You tell us. c-da At 3:14 PM -0500 9/1/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Last updated : SATUR DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 Of Five Jailed ULFA LeadersWhy is the ULFA showing such desperation for the release of its five jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have full-house discussion on the peace process? In other words, do they want us to believe that having terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are suddenly in such a tearing hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly developed love for their homeland Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA suddenly become tired of raising millions of rupees by extortions and kidnappings, or has it suddenly realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa become saints overnight, realizing that all their guns and gold will be of
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
*** What exactly is this guy protesting? *** And how is his protest any different from those others who get to write the same kind of stuff be in the desi-media? *** And how come this very same "free" media would NOT publish letters that do not fit their political bent? If you need any proof of that ask Assam Netters :-). At 9:27 PM -0700 9/2/06, Rajib Das wrote: >I don't know "dilute", but change - yes > >If someone has to fear putting in his real locality in >an otherwise anonymous letter to a newspaper, it does >not speak well of the "revolution" at all! > >Imagine what would happen in an independent Assam with >these revolutionistas. I doubt this guy would even >have the opportunity to write the letter of protest. > > > >--- Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> Dear Mukul da, >> >> >-There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-*a >> locality* >> >> Would that in any way dilute the essence of the >> letter? >> --Ram >> >> ** >> >> >> >> On 9/1/06, mc mahant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> > >> > Somebody told me- >> > >> > -There is no *Khaliamari* Road in Dib. >> > >> > -There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-*a >> locality* >> > >> > *-*Such Journalistic* excellence is beyond any* >> Khalihamari denizen's >> > >> > mm >> > >> > ** >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > From: *"Ram Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* >> > To: *AssamNet * >> > Subject: *[Assam] Sentinel Letter* >> > Date: *Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:14:16 -0500* >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >Last updated : >> > SATUR >> > DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 >> > >> > *Of Five Jailed ULFA Leaders* >> > Why is the ULFA showing such desperation for the >> release of its five >> > jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have >> full-house discussion on the >> > peace process? In other words, do they want us to >> believe that having >> > terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are >> suddenly in such a tearing >> > hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly >> developed love for their homeland >> > Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA >> suddenly become tired of >> > raising millions of rupees by extortions and >> kidnappings, or has it suddenly >> > realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah >> and Arabinda Rajkhowa >> > become saints overnight, realizing that all their >> guns and gold will be of >> > no use in their last morbid journey on four >> shoulders and a yard of white >> > cloth? >> > >> > What has happened that the ULFA is desperately >> pressurizing the Centre for >> > the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for >> reasons of peace, because >> > till today extortions in upper Asom are in full >> swing. If the outfit is >> > actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, >> let it sit for the first >> > round of talks without the jailed leaders >> participating in the talks. This >> > will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace >> rather than the release of >> > jailed terrorists. >> > >> > Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh >> Baruah and Arabinda >> > Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their >> jailed comrades through >> > video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is >> not at all necessary to >> > escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a >> chartered flight. >> > >> > Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for >> peace talks and the >> > jailed comrades can be flown there to join their >> leaders. After the talks, >> > the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati. >> > But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above >> modalities. It will >> > insist on the jailed leaders' flight to >> Bangladesh. But why? This is so >> > because their release is more important than peace >> in Asom. To understand >> > this simple logic, one does not have to be a >> security analyst or a >> > counterinsurgency expert. >> > >> > Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without >> any leade
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
I don't know "dilute", but change - yes If someone has to fear putting in his real locality in an otherwise anonymous letter to a newspaper, it does not speak well of the "revolution" at all! Imagine what would happen in an independent Assam with these revolutionistas. I doubt this guy would even have the opportunity to write the letter of protest. --- Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Dear Mukul da, > > >-There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-*a > locality* > > Would that in any way dilute the essence of the > letter? > --Ram > > ** > > > > On 9/1/06, mc mahant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > Somebody told me- > > > > -There is no *Khaliamari* Road in Dib. > > > > -There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-*a > locality* > > > > *-*Such Journalistic* excellence is beyond any* > Khalihamari denizen's > > > > mm > > > > ** > > > > > > > > -- > > From: *"Ram Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* > > To: *AssamNet * > > Subject: *[Assam] Sentinel Letter* > > Date: *Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:14:16 -0500* > > > > > > > > > >Last updated : > > SATUR > > DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 > > > > *Of Five Jailed ULFA Leaders* > > Why is the ULFA showing such desperation for the > release of its five > > jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have > full-house discussion on the > > peace process? In other words, do they want us to > believe that having > > terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are > suddenly in such a tearing > > hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly > developed love for their homeland > > Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA > suddenly become tired of > > raising millions of rupees by extortions and > kidnappings, or has it suddenly > > realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah > and Arabinda Rajkhowa > > become saints overnight, realizing that all their > guns and gold will be of > > no use in their last morbid journey on four > shoulders and a yard of white > > cloth? > > > > What has happened that the ULFA is desperately > pressurizing the Centre for > > the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for > reasons of peace, because > > till today extortions in upper Asom are in full > swing. If the outfit is > > actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, > let it sit for the first > > round of talks without the jailed leaders > participating in the talks. This > > will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace > rather than the release of > > jailed terrorists. > > > > Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh > Baruah and Arabinda > > Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their > jailed comrades through > > video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is > not at all necessary to > > escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a > chartered flight. > > > > Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for > peace talks and the > > jailed comrades can be flown there to join their > leaders. After the talks, > > the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati. > > But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above > modalities. It will > > insist on the jailed leaders' flight to > Bangladesh. But why? This is so > > because their release is more important than peace > in Asom. To understand > > this simple logic, one does not have to be a > security analyst or a > > counterinsurgency expert. > > > > Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without > any leadership. They > > desperately need to have their top leaders back. > Their demoralized cadres > > can achieve nothing except throwing a few grenades > here and there, or > > deliver extortion notes to innocent, unarmed > civilians. Moreover, the > > lower-rung cadres are now much wiser, refusing to > risk their lives for > > nothing except ensuring luxurious lifestyle for > their top leaders. They can > > see through the false revolutionary ideology as > the ULFA's, and the theory > > of ''xonar Asom" holds no attraction or > conviction. > > > > The ULFA desperately needs its top leaders not > only to motivate their > > grassroots-level cadres, but also to check their > fading mutiny the > > lower-rung cadres are impatient and ready to > revolt against their top > > leaders. Naturally then, it is only the release of > those five jailed U
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
Title: Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter Ram: Let us examine the 'essence' of this gem of a 'letter' : To that we need to determine what the PURPOSE of the letter is. Without a doubt it is to PREVENT from GoI giving in to ULFA demands for release of their senior cadres. And since ULFA has made it a cornerstone of their conditions for entering negotiations, the motive of the letter could be clearly established as to torpedo any such peace negotiation. The piece questions the "need" for ULFA's demands for release of their top cadres. And the writer no doubt knows best, what ULFA's needs are. Why should anyone NEED their comrades' release from prison? They can go to 'o peace-talks' anytime they want to? What prevents them from surrendering? Powerful logic no doubt! No wonder it touched a chord :-). The piece is full of taunts. Why does one resort to taunting? Could it be to ENCOURAGE ULFA to come to the negotiating table? Or could be because the writer is frustrated by ULFA, and not having a clue to doing anything about it constructively, resorts to taunting?Is it the sign of a mature, thinking man, looking out for Assam's welfare, or is it the ranting of someone whose real interests is in asserting his own righteousness, his own ability to read the tea-leaves better than all those 'fools' who are attempting to have a negotiated settlement of the conflict and a return to peace in Assam? You tell us. Now why would a mature, responsible, supposedly 'respected' newspaper publish a piece like that? For the public good? For bringing about peace to Assam? If ULFA/GOI peace negotiations are good for Assam, and if I remember correctly the Sentinel professed that is is indeed good, then should it be participating in promoting the agenda of those, such as this letter writer, who obviously do not want that to happen, for whatever reason he harbors? Or could it be that the newspaper's own journalistic credentials or its maturity are questionable ? You tell us. c-da At 3:14 PM -0500 9/1/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Last updated : SATUR DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 Of Five Jailed ULFA Leaders Why is the ULFA showing such desperation for the release of its five jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have full-house discussion on the peace process? In other words, do they want us to believe that having terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are suddenly in such a tearing hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly developed love for their homeland Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA suddenly become tired of raising millions of rupees by extortions and kidnappings, or has it suddenly realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa become saints overnight, realizing that all their guns and gold will be of no use in their last morbid journey on four shoulders and a yard of white cloth? What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their jailed comrades through video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is not at all necessary to escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a chartered flight. Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for peace talks and the jailed comrades can be flown there to join their leaders. After the talks, the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati. But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above modalities. It will insist on the jailed leaders' flight to Bangladesh. But why? This is so because their release is more important than peace in Asom. To understand this simple logic, one does not have to be a security analyst or a counterinsurgency expert. Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without any leadership. They desperately need to have their top leaders back. Their demoralized cadres can achieve nothing except throwing a few grenades here and there, or deliver extortion notes to innocent, unarmed civilians. Moreover, the lower-rung cadres are now much wiser, refusing to risk their lives for nothing except ensuring luxurious lifestyle for their top leaders. They can see through the false revolutionary ideology as the ULFA's, and the theory of ''xonar Asom" holds no attraction or conviction. The ULFA desperately needs its top leaders not only to motivate their grassroots-level cadres, but also to check their fading mutiny - the lower-rung cadres are impatient and ready to revolt against th
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
Fictional name and a fictional city too? hmm! wonder why the journalist avoided putting his/her real identity here. After all, it is all about freedom which everyone is seeking! From: "mc mahant" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]CC: assam@assamnet.orgSubject: Re: [Assam] Sentinel LetterDate: Sat, 02 Sep 2006 07:17:34 +0530 Somebody told me- -There is no Khaliamari Road in Dib. -There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-a locality -Such Journalistic excellence is beyond any Khalihamari denizen's mm From: "Ram Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: AssamNet Subject: [Assam] Sentinel LetterDate: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:14:16 -0500 Last updated : SATUR DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 Of Five Jailed ULFA LeadersWhy is the ULFA showing such desperation for the release of its five jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have full-house discussion on the peace process? In other words, do they want us to believe that having terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are suddenly in such a tearing hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly developed love for their homeland Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA suddenly become tired of raising millions of rupees by extortions and kidnappings, or has it suddenly realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa become saints overnight, realizing that all their guns and gold will be of no use in their last morbid journey on four shoulders and a yard of white cloth? What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their jailed comrades through video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is not at all necessary to escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a chartered flight. Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for peace talks and the jailed comrades can be flown there to join their leaders. After the talks, the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati.But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above modalities. It will insist on the jailed leaders' flight to Bangladesh. But why? This is so because their release is more important than peace in Asom. To understand this simple logic, one does not have to be a security analyst or a counterinsurgency expert. Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without any leadership. They desperately need to have their top leaders back. Their demoralized cadres can achieve nothing except throwing a few grenades here and there, or deliver extortion notes to innocent, unarmed civilians. Moreover, the lower-rung cadres are now much wiser, refusing to risk their lives for nothing except ensuring luxurious lifestyle for their top leaders. They can see through the false revolutionary ideology as the ULFA's, and the theory of ''xonar Asom" holds no attraction or conviction. The ULFA desperately needs its top leaders not only to motivate their grassroots-level cadres, but also to check their fading mutiny the lower-rung cadres are impatient and ready to revolt against their top leaders. Naturally then, it is only the release of those five jailed ULFA leaders that can control the mutiny and revive the sagging morale of the lower-rung cadres. What answer do the peace committees have to the jailed ULFA leaders jumping out of parole if released? Are the peace committee members ready to undergo imprisonment and serve the remaining jail term on behalf of the released leaders? One must never forget that there is also an ISI angle to the whole picture. Both Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa are fully under the grip of ISI bosses in Bangladesh. The entire business empire of luxury hotels owned by them in Bangladesh are under the control of the ISI. Even their families and their children residing in Bangladesh are under constant ISI vigil. Do the ULFA leaders have the permission of the ISI to sit for direct peace talks with India? Or do the peace committees whether the PCPI or the PCG or whatever want us to believe that they have a bigger hold on Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa than the ISI of Pakistan? Will Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa follow the diktats of Rebati Phukan & Co at the risk of losing their own lives, properties and families? The unconditional release of those five jailed terrorists at this time will conclusively prove that either some top Indian bureaucrats are lured by the ULFA's money power, or that some top Indian politicians deliberately want to keep the ULFA issue alive for ever. MP Talukdar,Khaliamari Road,D
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
Dear Mukul da, >-There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-a locality Would that in any way dilute the essence of the letter? --Ram On 9/1/06, mc mahant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Somebody told me- -There is no Khaliamari Road in Dib. -There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-a locality -Such Journalistic excellence is beyond any Khalihamari denizen's mm From: "Ram Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: AssamNet < assam@assamnet.org>Subject: [Assam] Sentinel LetterDate: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:14:16 -0500 Last updated : SATUR DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 Of Five Jailed ULFA LeadersWhy is the ULFA showing such desperation for the release of its five jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have full-house discussion on the peace process? In other words, do they want us to believe that having terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are suddenly in such a tearing hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly developed love for their homeland Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA suddenly become tired of raising millions of rupees by extortions and kidnappings, or has it suddenly realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa become saints overnight, realizing that all their guns and gold will be of no use in their last morbid journey on four shoulders and a yard of white cloth? What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their jailed comrades through video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is not at all necessary to escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a chartered flight. Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for peace talks and the jailed comrades can be flown there to join their leaders. After the talks, the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati.But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above modalities. It will insist on the jailed leaders' flight to Bangladesh. But why? This is so because their release is more important than peace in Asom. To understand this simple logic, one does not have to be a security analyst or a counterinsurgency expert. Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without any leadership. They desperately need to have their top leaders back. Their demoralized cadres can achieve nothing except throwing a few grenades here and there, or deliver extortion notes to innocent, unarmed civilians. Moreover, the lower-rung cadres are now much wiser, refusing to risk their lives for nothing except ensuring luxurious lifestyle for their top leaders. They can see through the false revolutionary ideology as the ULFA's, and the theory of ''xonar Asom" holds no attraction or conviction. The ULFA desperately needs its top leaders not only to motivate their grassroots-level cadres, but also to check their fading mutiny — the lower-rung cadres are impatient and ready to revolt against their top leaders. Naturally then, it is only the release of those five jailed ULFA leaders that can control the mutiny and revive the sagging morale of the lower-rung cadres. What answer do the peace committees have to the jailed ULFA leaders jumping out of parole if released? Are the peace committee members ready to undergo imprisonment and serve the remaining jail term on behalf of the released leaders? One must never forget that there is also an ISI angle to the whole picture. Both Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa are fully under the grip of ISI bosses in Bangladesh. The entire business empire of luxury hotels owned by them in Bangladesh are under the control of the ISI. Even their families and their children residing in Bangladesh are under constant ISI vigil. Do the ULFA leaders have the permission of the ISI to sit for direct peace talks with India? Or do the peace committees — whether the PCPI or the PCG or whatever — want us to believe that they have a bigger hold on Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa than the ISI of Pakistan? Will Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa follow the diktats of Rebati Phukan & Co at the risk of losing their own lives, properties and families? The unconditional release of those five jailed terrorists at this time will conclusively prove that either some top Indian bureaucrats are lured by the ULFA's money power, or that some top Indian politicians deliberately want to keep the ULFA issue alive for ever. MP Talukdar,Khaliamari Road,Dibrugarh. >___>assam mailing list>assam@assamnet.or
Re: [Assam] Sentinel Letter
Somebody told me- -There is no Khaliamari Road in Dib. -There is nobody of this name in Khalihamari-a locality -Such Journalistic excellence is beyond any Khalihamari denizen's mm From: "Ram Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: AssamNet Subject: [Assam] Sentinel LetterDate: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:14:16 -0500 Last updated : SATUR DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 Of Five Jailed ULFA LeadersWhy is the ULFA showing such desperation for the release of its five jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have full-house discussion on the peace process? In other words, do they want us to believe that having terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are suddenly in such a tearing hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly developed love for their homeland Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA suddenly become tired of raising millions of rupees by extortions and kidnappings, or has it suddenly realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa become saints overnight, realizing that all their guns and gold will be of no use in their last morbid journey on four shoulders and a yard of white cloth? What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their jailed comrades through video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is not at all necessary to escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a chartered flight. Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for peace talks and the jailed comrades can be flown there to join their leaders. After the talks, the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati.But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above modalities. It will insist on the jailed leaders' flight to Bangladesh. But why? This is so because their release is more important than peace in Asom. To understand this simple logic, one does not have to be a security analyst or a counterinsurgency expert. Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without any leadership. They desperately need to have their top leaders back. Their demoralized cadres can achieve nothing except throwing a few grenades here and there, or deliver extortion notes to innocent, unarmed civilians. Moreover, the lower-rung cadres are now much wiser, refusing to risk their lives for nothing except ensuring luxurious lifestyle for their top leaders. They can see through the false revolutionary ideology as the ULFA's, and the theory of ''xonar Asom" holds no attraction or conviction. The ULFA desperately needs its top leaders not only to motivate their grassroots-level cadres, but also to check their fading mutiny the lower-rung cadres are impatient and ready to revolt against their top leaders. Naturally then, it is only the release of those five jailed ULFA leaders that can control the mutiny and revive the sagging morale of the lower-rung cadres. What answer do the peace committees have to the jailed ULFA leaders jumping out of parole if released? Are the peace committee members ready to undergo imprisonment and serve the remaining jail term on behalf of the released leaders? One must never forget that there is also an ISI angle to the whole picture. Both Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa are fully under the grip of ISI bosses in Bangladesh. The entire business empire of luxury hotels owned by them in Bangladesh are under the control of the ISI. Even their families and their children residing in Bangladesh are under constant ISI vigil. Do the ULFA leaders have the permission of the ISI to sit for direct peace talks with India? Or do the peace committees whether the PCPI or the PCG or whatever want us to believe that they have a bigger hold on Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa than the ISI of Pakistan? Will Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa follow the diktats of Rebati Phukan & Co at the risk of losing their own lives, properties and families? The unconditional release of those five jailed terrorists at this time will conclusively prove that either some top Indian bureaucrats are lured by the ULFA's money power, or that some top Indian politicians deliberately want to keep the ULFA issue alive for ever. MP Talukdar,Khaliamari Road,Dibrugarh. >___>assam mailing list>assam@assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
[Assam] Sentinel Letter
Last updated : SATUR DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2006 Of Five Jailed ULFA LeadersWhy is the ULFA showing such desperation for the release of its five jailed comrades? Is it to enable it to have full-house discussion on the peace process? In other words, do they want us to believe that having terrorized the masses for 27 long years, they are suddenly in such a tearing hurry to give it up? Or have they suddenly developed love for their homeland Asom and hatred for Bangladesh? Has the ULFA suddenly become tired of raising millions of rupees by extortions and kidnappings, or has it suddenly realized the futility of money? Have Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa become saints overnight, realizing that all their guns and gold will be of no use in their last morbid journey on four shoulders and a yard of white cloth? What has happened that the ULFA is desperately pressurizing the Centre for the release of its five comrades? It cannot be for reasons of peace, because till today extortions in upper Asom are in full swing. If the outfit is actually so keen to set the stage for peace talks, let it sit for the first round of talks without the jailed leaders participating in the talks. This will clearly show that their emphasis is on peace rather than the release of jailed terrorists. Secondly, in this age of hi-tech gadgets, Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa can talk, see and discuss with all their jailed comrades through video-conferencing. For such discussions, it is not at all necessary to escort their friends from jails to Bangladesh in a chartered flight. Thirdly, the ULFA team can land at New Delhi for peace talks and the jailed comrades can be flown there to join their leaders. After the talks, the jailed comrades can be flown back to Guwahati.But the ULFA will never agree to any of the above modalities. It will insist on the jailed leaders' flight to Bangladesh. But why? This is so because their release is more important than peace in Asom. To understand this simple logic, one does not have to be a security analyst or a counterinsurgency expert. Today, the ULFA is a dying organization without any leadership. They desperately need to have their top leaders back. Their demoralized cadres can achieve nothing except throwing a few grenades here and there, or deliver extortion notes to innocent, unarmed civilians. Moreover, the lower-rung cadres are now much wiser, refusing to risk their lives for nothing except ensuring luxurious lifestyle for their top leaders. They can see through the false revolutionary ideology as the ULFA's, and the theory of ''xonar Asom" holds no attraction or conviction. The ULFA desperately needs its top leaders not only to motivate their grassroots-level cadres, but also to check their fading mutiny — the lower-rung cadres are impatient and ready to revolt against their top leaders. Naturally then, it is only the release of those five jailed ULFA leaders that can control the mutiny and revive the sagging morale of the lower-rung cadres. What answer do the peace committees have to the jailed ULFA leaders jumping out of parole if released? Are the peace committee members ready to undergo imprisonment and serve the remaining jail term on behalf of the released leaders? One must never forget that there is also an ISI angle to the whole picture. Both Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa are fully under the grip of ISI bosses in Bangladesh. The entire business empire of luxury hotels owned by them in Bangladesh are under the control of the ISI. Even their families and their children residing in Bangladesh are under constant ISI vigil. Do the ULFA leaders have the permission of the ISI to sit for direct peace talks with India? Or do the peace committees — whether the PCPI or the PCG or whatever — want us to believe that they have a bigger hold on Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa than the ISI of Pakistan? Will Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa follow the diktats of Rebati Phukan & Co at the risk of losing their own lives, properties and families? The unconditional release of those five jailed terrorists at this time will conclusively prove that either some top Indian bureaucrats are lured by the ULFA's money power, or that some top Indian politicians deliberately want to keep the ULFA issue alive for ever. MP Talukdar,Khaliamari Road,Dibrugarh. ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
