[Assam] Word to ULFA into action now, PM. Confer ballot onAssam Sovereignty restoration
If you say people are with you, prove it at the hustings: PM to Naxals http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=76764 HYDERABAD, AUGUST 21: Days after the YSR Reddy government ended a year-long truce with Left wing extremist groups and revived the ban in Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today challenged the Naxalites to test their popularity at the hustings. If their movement, Singh said in Hyderabad today, truly had peoples support, they should try and change the system through democratic means. Every political group that claims to represent the interests of people or of a section must test its popularity at the hustings. Go and ask people to vote for you. Come to legislatures and enact the laws that you wish to see in place. The power of people in a democracy flows through the ballot box and not from the barrel of gun. I have said this to the Hurriyat in Kashmir, ULFA in Assam and Naxalites in Andhra Pradeshthere is no grievance that cannot be redressed through democratic means and sustained dialogue, Singh said at a seminar on Press and the Nation organised by the CPI(M) organ Prajasakti. The Prime Minister made it clear that terror tactics would not be tolerated. Faced with terror tactics, the government will have no other option than to fight such groups and their ideology of hatred. Extremism of any form, based on any divisive ideology, cannot be tolerated in any civilised democratic society, he said. His warning comes on the heels of an upsurge in Naxal violence after a years respite and two rounds of peace talks. Congress MLA C Narsi Reddy and nine others were killed in Narayanpet on Independence Day. Singh pointed out that even Gadar, Naxal emissary and balladeer, had admitted to a TV channel that the killing of innocent people did not help win a cause. This is an important liberal principle. Our democracy allows us freedom to champion our cause and win people over to our point of view, he said Can read http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=87190 also. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] What?? Indian/Muslim Churidar compulsory! Ban on Dokhna ! & others acquiescing!!
Tension prevails over ban on Bodo dress http://www.northeasttribune.com/4736.htm NET News Network Kokrajhar, Aug 21: Tension run high in the Surupeta BHB College in Barpeta district following the college authority banning the entry of Bodo students wearing the traditional Bodo Dokhna dress in the college premises. The Bodo students wearing the permitted colour Dokhna on Saturday were not allowed to enter in the college premises. Tension started when the college authority introduced churidar or salwar kamij as the uniform for the girls students beginning this academic year which the Bodo students refused. The college union bodies started boycotting the classes when the Bodo students refused to obey the dress code and continue attending the class wearing dokhna. The Bodo students alleged that they were warned by the principal of expel from the college and of giving forceful transfer certificate if they do not come wearing churidar. The college authority when contacted refutes the allegation saying the students were just requested to obey the order for peaceful atmosphere. There was no warning as such. It was just a request, the authority said. Different Bodo organization including the influential All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) and All Bodo Women Welfare Federation (ABWWF) has expressed serious concern and anguish over the issue saying its humiliating that the Bodo girls students are not allowed to wear the traditional dress Dokhna even though they put the same colour the college authority has adopted. In a press release the ABSU said in a state like Assam with diverse ethnic group colour should be the basis of uniform but not the dress. The ABSU has nothing to say about the colour uniform but lawfully it would strongly oppose the senseless decision of the college authority for adopting the churidar as the only option for uniform dress, the release stated. Churidar is not the dress of the Bodos and it cannot be the dress of Assamese people either, added ABSU secretary Goutam Mushahary. We have got full right to preserve our own culture, custom, language and tradition as being the indigenous community. If we cannot have the right to protect and preserve our own culture in our own state then where lies the meaning of freedom and respect of indigenous tribal culture, the release stated. The Bodo organizations has appealed the college authority to think consciously, carefully and farsightedly if they are really concern about Assam in particular and tribal culture in general. The organization has also urged the Assamese intellectuals including the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and Assam Sahitya Sabha to come up with helping hands and give a meaningful thought for peaceful solution of the problem and for peaceful future of Assam. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] NDFB's noble gesture @ risking survival of Bodo identity.
NDFB builds sovereignty base - Outfit claims Boroland will be a multi-racial territory http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050820/asp/guwahati/story_5134440.asp Serfanguri (Kokrajhar), Aug. 19: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) today unveiled its roadmap for a multi-racial sovereign Boroland and a 31-page manifesto that purports to correct the wrong policies of the past. Blaming preceding Bodo leaders, organisations and political parties for the continuing unrest, the militant groups leadership said during a public rally here that they were trying to evolve a consensus on the demand for sovereignty before starting negotiations with Delhi. The NDFB said without naming anyone that several Bodo organisations and political parties had kept themselves aloof from the people. Defining its policy as the way that effectively solves a problem, the militant group said: There is nothing in the world that cannot be solved th-rough a policy. Every problem has its solution if it is handled in a realistic way What we have to do now is to rectify the incorrect policy that our preceding leaders had adopted. The NDFB said other Bodo organisations and their leaders promised to save and liberate the Boro people and their ancestral territories, but treacherously betrayed them and left them to be exploited, dominated and assimilated by the aliens. Elaborating on its vision of a sovereign Boroland, the outfit states in its manifesto that people are wrongly assuming this to be a territory exclusively for the Bodo community. There is no country in the modern world that is not a multiracial one and Boroland shall not be an exception to this. The NDFB is not against any caste, creed, community or religion. We have respect for every caste, creed, community and religion. People of any community or religion shall live in sovereign Boroland, but their living there should not be at the cost of our land and identity. In other words, their living within Boroland should not be at the cost of a Boro nation. The NDFB, which signed a tripartite ceasefire agreement with Delhi and Dispur on May 24, has been holding a series of public meetings in the Bodo-inhabited districts. The outfits leaders interacted with representatives of various Bodo organisations at Jaraguri, near Gossaigaon, in Kokrajhar district yesterday and Udalguri, Sonitpur and Baksa before that. The next stop is Chirang, after which the NDFB think-tank will head for Dhubri district. A rally will be held in Kokrajhar town on August 28. Among those who attended todays meeting were NDFB secretary-general Govinda Basumatary, Boroland army chief B. Sushrangra, deputy commander-in-chief B. Olongbar, finance secretary B. Detsung, cultural and natural resource secretary M. Gerema and Sunil Basumatary. Some members of the All Bodo Students Union and the Bodo Sahitya Sabha were also present. The outfit intends to arrange meetings with leaders of the student union, which has considerable influence on the community, and the Bodo Sahitya Sabha. Till now we have not talked to them, but we are trying to do so. We hope it will materialise soon. We want to work together for a fruitful result, the NDFB secretary-general said yesterday Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Advocate, FEROJE's wife & Mujib pact secured Bangla migrants haven in Assam.
Declare Emergency in Assam http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=EDITS&file_name=edit3%2Etxt&counter_img=3 Upamanyu Hazarika The Supreme Court judgment striking down the Illegal Migrants Determination Tribunal Act has put the simmering issue of illegal influx of foreigners into sharp focus. Hitherto, this issue had always been given a political hue of minority (read foreigners) protection but now with an authoritative finding on facts and a severe castigation of the Government effort or rather the lack of it, in removing foreigners, this judgment now requires the Government both at the Centre and those in the Northeastern states to provide answers and to act. There are three significant aspects to this judgment, which will impact on the political process in the Northeast. First, the court has equated the large scale influx of Bangladeshis as akin to a situation of external aggression, leading to internal disturbance under the Emergency provisions of the Constitution. Second, it has severely castigated successive Central and State Governments for providing protection to foreigners, to the peril of the indigenous people. Third, the response this judgment has evoked from political parties. By equating the influx with external aggression, the Supreme Court has found that the impact of such large scale influx is the root cause of insurgency as well as economic deprivation of the Northeast. The court has made a telling observation: "The report of the Governor, the affidavits and other material on record show that millions of Bangladeshi nationals have illegally crossed the international border and have occupied vast tracts of barren or cultivable land, forest area and have taken possession of the same in Assam as well. Their willingness to work at low wages has deprived Indian citizens and specially people in Assam of employment opportunities. This, as stated in the Governor's report, has led to insurgency in Assam. Insurgency is undoubtedly a serious form of internal disturbance which causes grave threat to the life of the people, creates panic and also hampers the growth and economic prosperity of the State - though it possesses vast natural resources. This being the situation, there can be no doubt that Assam is facing "external aggression and internal disturbance" on account of large scale illegal migration of Bangladeshi nationals. It, therefore, becomes the duty of the Government to take all measures for protection of Assam from such external aggression and internal disturbance as enjoined in Article 355 of the Constitution. The court having found that this is the situation requiring the Centre to act under its emergency power, the Government is free to declare Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution to tackle this issue. The court has also rendered a finding that existing statutes like the Foreigners Act and special enactment as early as of 1950 relating to immigrants in Assam, that is, the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, whose provisions provided for summary expulsion of foreigners were not only not followed but in response to the mass movement in Assam in 1979 for their expulsion, the Central Government enacted the IMDT Act in 1983. This Act erected a huge super structure of screening committees by the Government coupled with judicial tribunals and an appellate tribunal making it impossible to either detect or remove any foreigner. The procedure for filing a complaint by a citizen against a foreigner, the process of screening by a Government committee coupled with judicial scrutiny by the tribunal followed by an appellate tribunal made the whole process of removing of a foreigner impossible as opposed to the prevailing Acts which required no judicial scrutiny, easier procedure with summary powers being vested in the Government. The court observed that the procedure under the IMDT Act was so cumbersome that "it is far more easier to secure conviction of a person in a criminal trial where he may be awarded a capital punishment or imprisonment for life than to establish that a person is an illegal migrant on account of extremely difficult, cumbersome and time consuming procedure laid down in the IMDT Act and the Rules made thereunder". Summing up the effect of the Central and State Government on this issue, the court found that the IMDT Act has been "purposely so enacted or made so as to give shelter or protection to illegal migrants who came to Assam from Bangladesh on or after March 25, 1971 rather then to identify and to deport them". Immigrants have always been politically beneficial to successive Congress Governments in Assam, shoring up the electoral rolls with committed voters, in the first few decades after independence and subsequently by virtue of being Muslim have acquired protection under the label of minorities. The immediate response of the Central and the State Gov
[Assam] India un-wrapping her 'disinformation packages' on the ULFA. Why?
Govt willing to have talks with ULFA http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/17ulfa.htmAugust 17, 2005 17:37 IST As many as 115 cases of Border Security Force personnel involved in smuggling on the Indo-Bangla borders have come to the notice of the government and it was taking strict disciplinary actions against those found guilty after enquiry, Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy told Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. He also threw light upon reports of United Liberation Front of Asom owning hotels in Bangladesh. Disclosing this, Reghupathy said in a written reply that several steps including round-the-clock surveillance of the border by patrolling, conduct of special operations, upgradation of intelligence network and erection of border fencing have been undertaken. He said the government has no specific report to suggest existence of hotels and bank accounts of ULFA in Bangladesh. However, reports indicate existence of Indian Insurgent Groups camps in Bangladesh territory. To another question, Reghupathy said government has received appeals for peace talks with ULFA, which indicate the willingness of the organisation to hold talks with the government, but there has been no change in the pre-condition for holding talks, namely, their 'core demand' of sovereignty. In reply to the ULFA appeal, he said it has been reiterated that Government of India is willing to talk to all groups, which were prepared to abjure the path of violence, but without preconditions. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Prove by publishing the PM letter that Sovereignty of Assam restoration included
Arrogant as ever http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=3&theme=&usrsess=1&id=86632 Ulfa seems mentally challenged Ulfas creed of violence acquires even more sinister meaning in the context of the Prime Ministers acceptance of its demand for a discussion on the core issue of sovereignty. It is becoming increasingly clear that no amount of cajoling can placate the outfit and Assamese facilitator Mamoni Goswami may well have burnt her fingers in trying to at least bring the two sides to the negotiating table. If Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa is sincere, he should recall his promise to be ready for talks, and in India, if Delhi agreed to discuss sovereignty. The latest killing of four persons and the damage to oil pipes are mounting evidence of Ulfas insincerity and arrogance. The sticking point now is the demand for the release of some Ulfa leaders. Rajkhowa should have included this demand in his formal letter to the Prime Minister. Piecemeal conditions are a mere dalliance and are suggestive of Ulfa leaders disregard for Assams future prosperity. They have realised soon enough that Delhi will never agree to sovereignty. Ulfa has more or less lost public support and sympathy. Republic Day Ulfa Raising Day in March and Independence Day come in handy for them to announce that they are still a force to reckon with. But if they do repeat the Dhemaji incident where last year on 15 August they killed more than a dozen innocents, including some women and children it could be the beginning of their end. The bomb that exploded at Guwahati on 26 January this year was not intended to kill but to make a mockery of the Assam chief ministers claim of pressing into service more than 70,000 security men. Many will support the observations made by some Union officials that there should be no more peace overtures because Ulfas movement for swadhin Asom will die a natural death. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Loosing Bhutan game India?
China inching closer to India through Bhutan http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1187893.cms NEW DELHI: India is livid with anger over the Sino-Bhutan border talks that took place during the second week of July. It has caused a flutter in South Block. Hackles in the Indian military have been raised. That is why it dispatched its Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Madan Gopal, to Bhutan to meet the King. And the King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, himself will arrive today at New Delhi to explain what transpired between the two countries. He will have to do some hard explaining when he meets the National Security Advisor, M K Narayanan who is also India's special representative in the Sino-Indian boundary talks and other key officials. The latest Sino-Bhutanese talks caught India more by stealth than surprise. Despite the absence of a diplomatic relationship, both Bhutan and China have conducted more than 17 rounds of discussions over the boundary issues that involve the eastern, middle and western sector. Post Wen Jiabo's visit to India early this year, a meeting of this kind is sure to provoke even the doves. "The Chinese want the Bhutanese to compromise on the Chumbi sector so they can move in", says Dr Srikanth Kondapalli, a noted China expert and a Research Fellow at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). He adds, "That the Chinese did not cross the Kinzamane in the eastern sector in 1962 though it lay slightly west off Tawang, and their current claims to Chumbi are reflective of their long-term strategy." The Chinese have been able to gain a strategic wiggle room by reducing the disputed area with Bhutan over the years. What started off with 1000 square kilometres has been reduced to 269 till April 2004 of Sinchu Lumpa, Shakhpoe and the Chumbi valley. The current bargain is for the Chumbi valley which means Indians will have a problem militarily. It appears that the Chinese will occupy large areas in the Chumbi valley", says Dr Kondapalli. He adds, "Since this is very much linked to the border dispute, India should be concerned. The Chinese might have offered Bhutan a lucrative package to claim the Chumbi valley. That means it could thwart India's military posturing in this region. It is not as if Bhutan and China have been discussing in a clandestine manner. In 2004, the Bhutanese National Assembly discussed the issue of sector swapping. What Bhutan forgot was to make India privy to these discussions for all Bhutan's border agreements and issues to India's. It is here, going by what has happened that experts feel that Bhutan might have hoodwinked India. While recent peace initiatives have bolstered the Sino-Indian bilateral relationships on the one side, nibbling activities on the other have questioned the intent of the initiatives though not without a reason. Which has a historical antecedent; tracing from the Chinese occupation of all the five Himalayan kingdoms of Tibet, Ladakh, Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal though Gen Zhao Erfeng couldn't retain them in the face of 1911 revolution till the 1962 war. Immediately after the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, Bhutan sealed all its borders which meant no interaction between China and Bhutan. Strategic as it may seem now, during the 1962 war, China neither sent forces to Bhutan nor occupied them but of late China is being criticized for sending Tibetan herdsmen and constructing sheds in high altitude areas in Bhutan. China in the past has been accused for its nibbling activities which was part of the first talks between China and Bhutan in 1984, three years after the first Sino-Indian talks on border issues. The Chinese embassy in India has been playing a crucial role in the talks that have happened in Thimpu. "Going by what has transpired it looks like Bhutan will give away some land in the Chumbi valley. Because about 500 kms down, you are in what is called the Chicken's Neck or the Siliguri corridor, a narrow stretch of land that connects the northeastern states to the rest of India. Importantly, and looming large over the Chicken's Neck is the Chumbi valley which is shouldered on the one side by the Paunhuri and the other by Chomulhari peaks that converge at the Sinchu La on the junction of China, Bhutan and India. "This is strategic and for the Indian military it will be a cause for concern and if Bhutan concedes, which is likely, this will prove detrimental", says Dr Kondapalli. The Indian military is aware. What the army is not aware is the ground reality, which should come from the Intelligence. 33 Core of the Indian Army is located in Sukhna to take care of West Bengal and Sikkim and its elite 3 and 4 Core in Dimapur and Tezpur respectively which should be able to repulse a pincer attack in the Chumbi valley. More than nibbling, the Chinese are trying to establish communication and transmission links within Bhutan. "There have been reports of increasing construction of transmission lines in Bhutan by Ch
[Assam] Pieces are falling into place, Assam. BE PREPARED!
Quit India" movement in Assam http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7454_1446371,000800050001.htm on Friday declared it would launch a "Quit India" movement in Assam, against Bangladeshis illegally living the state. Speaking at a press conference in Hojai on Friday afternoon, national coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, Prakash Sharma said that the movement would begin from August 14 and continue up to August 30 and that "each and every illegal Bangladeshi migrant will have to leave the state" within the period. He, however, assured that no Hindu would be asked to leave as "India is one country which is accepted as the last safe place by all Hindus". Sharma said that all the people who had come to the state after 1950 were foreigners but also added that "all Muslims are not enemies of our organisation". "It is only those who disturb the unity and integrity of the country whom we consider to be our enemies," he said. (By arrangement with Newsfile) FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Mongoloid fringes etc find their mooring, hapless Koutilya gets stung!
Thimphu-Beijing boundary talks has Delhi worried http://www.siliconindia.com/shownewsdata.asp?newsno=28952 Print this article Email this article Write to editor Friday, July 29, 2005 NEW DELHI: Taken aback by Thimphu's announcement that it had agreed to change the claim line in boundary talks with Beijing, New Delhi is now waiting to hear it from the Bhutan King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who arrives here next Monday.Given that India too is involved in negotiations with China on settling the boundary dispute, it came as a complete surprise when Bhutan's Secretary for International Boundaries Dasho Pema Wangchuk, who sat with his Chinese counterparts on July 13-14, said that both sides had agreed to change the claim line.Dasho Pema Wangchuk will also be part of the Bhutan King's delegation and is expected to arrive here earlier for talks with Indian officials to explain what transpired with China at the last meeting. He may also meet National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, India's special representative in the boundary talks with China.With little input on what had happened and apprehensive that Thimphu was willing to cede some territory, India rushed its Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Madan Gopal to Bhutan last week to explain the strategic importance of the territory north of Bhutan which forms part of the disputed boundary.The military delegation also met the Bhutan King and explained to him the importance of the area bordering the Chumbi valley, which falls in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Of late, the Bhutan King has been concerned about the fallout on his kingdom of the resumption of border trade via Nathu La. In fact, he is said to have been surprised at the pace with which the Chinese had developed infrastructure to support this trade.Besides, he is wary of the Chinese building roads close to the Bhutan claim line that runs from Doklam (close to Sikkim and Nathu La) in the west to Sinchela in the east.In this backdrop, sources said, Thimphu may view an early settlement of its boundary dispute with China as the best way to address these concerns given that New Delhi has agreed on a set of guiding principles to resolve its boundary dispute with Beijing Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Blatant HR violator India invokes HR in swamping Assam with illegal migrants!
Illegal migrants in Assam will not be harassed: Minister http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/16/stories/2005071605771200.htm J. Venkatesan GoM to discuss situation arising from quashing of Act NEW DELHI: Union Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj on Friday said illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Assam "will not be harassed" following the Supreme Court order striking down as unconstitutional the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act, 1983. Addressing a press conference, Mr. Bhardwaj said a Group of Ministers had been formed to deal with the situation after the quashing of the IMDT Act. "I have already spoken to the Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, and will hold talks with MPs, MLAs and all the parties concerned to amicably resolve the issue." The Minister made it clear that the Centre would enforce the Foreigners Act in Assam. But "I assure that there will not be any harassment of any one, including Indian citizens. The Tribunals under the Foreigners Act will go into the issue in accordance with law." No drastic steps could be taken against illegal migrants as human rights was involved. On amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Minister said a delegation of lawyers led by president of the Madras High Court Advocates' Association S. Prabhakaran had given a representation expressing their apprehension over certain provisions. The Amendment Act, which received the President's assent on June 23, would not be notified till the objections from the lawyers were considered by the Government and steps taken to allay their fears. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Come off it man. Forget the puppeteers, work +vely on Assam Sovereignty return.
WHY WE NEED TO WALK THE TALK http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050714/asp/opinion/story_4956956.asp Not engaging with the Ulfa now will only strengthen the hands of those who do not want to risk breaking with the past, argues Sanjib Baruah The author is visiting professor, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi There is a pattern in the evolving debate on whether the government should nego-tiate with the United Libe- ration Front of Asom. The Assamese writer, Indira Goswami, has worked for nearly a year to facilitate negotiations. The chief minister, Tarun Gogoi, favours engagement. Much of the Assamese media and many writers and cultural figures are behind Goswami's initiative and Assamese popular sentiments appear to strongly favour engagement. A prominent opponent of engagement is Assams governor, Ajai Singh the architect of two counter-insurgency operations against it. He believes that he could have finished the Ulfa a long time ago, and is unwilling to countenance talking to a group that is militarily weaker today than it was when he commanded troops against it. Whatever one thinks of his position, it is odd in a parliamentary democracy to have an unelected governor a retired military general locking horns with an elected chief minister on whether negotiations is a better option than force. There is a significant new cleavage in todays Assam: between the security haves and the security have-nots. Those who live in a security bubble surrounded everywhere by jeep-loads of armed men are not exactly in a position to argue against engagement when their less-privileged compatriots want to give engagement a chance. There is widespread expectation in Assam that engagement could end the insecurity of everyday life seen as being the pro-duct both of actions by insurgents and of counter-insurgency operations. While the pro-engagement position is strong in Assam, the anti-engagement position appears to be gaining strength in New Delhi and among its representatives in Assam.! Of course, a good argument can be made against engagement. Why, for instance, give credibility to the Ulfas demand for sovereignty? And isnt there a danger that engagement will give further legitimacy to violence as a political instrument? But in order to bolster its position, the anti-engagement camp has also come up with the choicest of epithets against the Ulfa terrorists, criminals, extortionists, ISI agents and so on. But such tirades, that put the pro-engagement camp on the defensive, are misplaced. The argument for engaging with the Ulfa is one that Jimmy Carter, a former US president, once made in another context. Who would one engage with to stop a conflict or human rights abuse, he asked, if not the people involved in the conflict or perpetrating the human rights violation? It is not the character of the Ulfa or the legitimacy of its demands that is at issue. The question is: what is the best way to end the stalemate between the Ulfa and the government? Is it engagement or non-engagement? If the government does not engage with the Ulfa, will the latter simply wither away? Do those who argue against engagement have up their sleeves another viable strategy to end the stalemate? Those who are against engagement ignore the logic that sustains low-intensity armed conflicts in north-east India and relies on a selective account of conditions on the ground. The civilian population increasingly those in rural rather than in urban areas bears the brunt of the continued stalemate. While Goswami is responding to the attendant human misery she sees, Gogois is a response to the political consequences of that misery. After all, even George W. Bushs men have been forced to secretly talk to Iraqi insurgents after discovering that Americas unparalleled military might is quite useless as a tool to combat insurgency. No one should expect that engaging with the Ulfa would be easy. If the Ulfa is willing to come to the negotiation table, it should not be read as a sign of a sudden conversion to the path of non-violence and of an emerging new consensus that its old ways were wrong. The internal dynamics of armed groups do not generally favour rushing to moderate positions when faced with a choice between sticking to old ways and change. Even if some people in the Ulfa may be convinced that the old strategy is not working or that the costs imposed by counter-insurgency are very high, the organization may not find it easy to switch gears. There are risks involved in moving from the jungle to the negotiating table. Continuing with old positions is a more comfortable position because there is less danger of factional infighting. A swift compromise on foundational issues without trying to get everyone on board can produce rebellions, factionalism and splits. Apart from the cadre, the Ulfa leadership also faces the question of explaining a radical shift to its sympathizers, especially to those who have lost
[Assam] This is called 'Shutting close the stable doors after the horse has bolted'.
Assam illegal alien law scrapped By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4674611.stm India's Supreme Court has scrapped a controversial law in the state of Assam that has been used to identify and deport illegal foreign migrants. The law was introduced in 1983 at the peak of a public campaign against the largely Bengali-speaking migrants. However, Assam's minorities came to embrace the law as it placed the onus of proof on the state rather than the individual migrant. Minorities say their only protection from persecution has now been removed. Processions The court annulled the Illegal Migrants (Determination through Tribunal), or IMDT, Act and disputes over citizenship will now be referred to the Foreigners Act, which is used in the rest of the country. Bona fide Indian nationals in Assam have no cause for fear but illegal migrants from Bangladesh who entered Assam after 1971 will have to go Sammujjal Bhattacharya All Assam Students Union Assamese regional groups had opposed the IMDT, saying the burden of proof on the state had added to illegal migration from Bangladesh. As news of the Supreme Court judgement spread in Assam, supporters of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and other regional groups took out processions welcoming the move. "Bona fide Indian nationals in Assam have no cause for fear but illegal migrants from Bangladesh who entered Assam after 1971 will have to go," AASU's chief adviser, Sammujjal Bhattacharya, said. During the Bangladesh independence war, many Bangladeshis entered Assam and the regional groups say many never went back after the country gained independence in 1971. But the United Minorities Front of Assam said the scrapping of IMDT would jeopardise many people belonging to linguistic and religious minorities. UMF chairman, Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, said Assam's police and bureaucracy often joined regional groups to target minorities and the IMDT was their only constitutional safeguard in the state. "Now, many of our people may be forcibly thrown out of Assam," he said. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] India nurtured LTTE & Nepal Maoist are hosting the ULFA!
India plans to take out Nepal insurgent Maoist suicide bomb camps run by LTTE Tigers of Sri Lanka in Bihar http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3503.asp http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3503.aspBalaji Reddy Jul. 9, 2005 Indian intelligence authorities are closely watching the training camps run by the LTTE Tigers of Sri Lana in Bihar to teach the Nepal Maoists the techniques of suicide bombing. According to sources, the towns of Bikram, Jayanagar, Lakheria Serai, Madhubani, Monghyr (Munger), Motihari, Muzaffarnagar, Pusa, Rajnagar, Riga, Sitamarhi, Narkatiaganj and Ghorasahan are on close watch. The LTTE Tiger operatives are training not only the Maoists but also ULFA the insurgents of Northeast India. The relative remoteness of this area in addition porous nature of India-Nepal borders especially along Bihar makes it the ideal place for terror training. According to sources, the LTTE Tiger operatives are training the Maoists to create a squad of twenty to thirty women and children and make them human suicide bomb delivery squad. They are packed with explosives and carry cyanide in case they are caught. The Maoists have spread their influences from Nepal into Bihar. In Nepal they are recruiting women and children at gun point to become suicide bombers. It was interesting to note the way LTTE has started exporting insurgency in the form of terror. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Assam is no place for Shariawahlas. Remove yourselves elsewhere.
Another Imrana: Father-in-law rapes Assam girl http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=50306 Press Trust of IndiaPosted online: Friday, July 08, 2005 at 1852 hours ISTGuwahati, July 8: After the religious edict in the Imrana rape case, a 19-year old woman in Nagaon district of Assam has been directed by a local jamait to divorce her husband after she complained that she was raped by her father-in-law. The 19-year-old woman now living with her parents, filed an FIR at the Dhing police station yesterday, Nagaon district superintendent of police K K Sarma told PTI today. According to Sarma, the woman alleged that she was raped on May 25 by her 50-year-old father-in-law, Moinuddin when she was alone at her home in South Jeraimai village in Dhing police. The family, who are Bangladeshi immigrants, did not inform the police about the rape, but went to local religious elders who gave the decree that she divorce her husband, he said. . Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Advani aims emasculation of the ULFA. At least he is not mincing words.
ADVANI-ULFA http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=308691 GUWAHATI, JULY 5 (PTI) There should be no talks with ULFA until it abjures violence and gives up its demand that parleys with the Centre focus on the "sovereignty issue", BJP President L K Advani said today. "The ULFA has to give up its armed struggle if it wants to hold talks and also give up its sovereignty demand for Assam," he told reporters here. "People with weapons holding talks is not acceptable," the former Deputy Prime Minister said. "What about the sacrifices of freedom fighters during the Independence movement? Will they be forgotten?" he asked. Meanwhile, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa issued a statement here last night warning Advani "not to indulge in communal politics in Assam where people are against communalism, casteism..." The statement also called Advani a "propogator of communal disharmony". FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Focused ULFA'S restoration of Assam Sovereignty equates peace. India go for it.
Delhi lines up sincerity test for Ulfa http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050705/asp/northeast/story_4949943.asp OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Guwahati, July 4: Unsure about the Ulfas intentions, a circumspect Delhi has quietly conveyed to the banned militant group that it must first prove its commitment to the peace process by calling a halt to violent acts and blackmailing tactics. A senior official in the Union home ministry said Delhi was not at all convinced about the outfits sincerity, especially after the recent burst of violence in Assam. Its views were conveyed to the Ulfa leadership both verbally and through unofficial channels, the official said over phone from the capital. What took Delhi by surprise was the magnitude of the violence that rocked the state last month despite the Ulfas professed willingness to start negotiations. We were expecting some positive signals from the outfit. But by resorting to violent acts and, at the same time, accusing the government of lacking sincerity, the Ulfa only exposed its own double standards, the official said. Field operatives of a central intelligence agency have warned of more violence in Upper Assam and the North Bank districts, including Dhemaji, within the next couple of weeks. The home ministry official said intelligence reports indicated that Ulfa was planning simultaneous attacks on security forces and in civilian zones. Ulfa units have already been instructed to intensify operations. In such a scenario, it is unlikely that the government will take the Ulfa leaderships statements at face value and accept the conditions laid down by them. The official accused Ulfa of resorting to blackmail by attaching too many conditions to the proposed dialogue. The outfit has sought the release of seven of its jailed leaders and three senior activists who went missing during Operation All Clear by the Bhutanese army in 2003. Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia remains in a Bangladesh jail despite completing his sentence recently. The Ulfa claims that the army knows the whereabouts of the three missing members Robin Neog, Bening Rabha and Asanta Baghphukan but Delhi has yet to make a statement on the issue. The Tarun Gogoi government is, however, willing to release those Ulfa leaders jailed in Assam. The list includes Ulfa vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, former publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, former cultural secretary Pranati Deka and veteran Bhimkanta Borgohain. The Ulfa is understood to have mentioned in its formal response to national security adviser M.K. Narayanans letter that there is just one core issue, sovereignty, and it must be on the agenda. Celebrated writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami, who is mediating between Ulfa and Delhi, believes the peace process will be a lengthy one. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Indians bastards, Bitch Indira! Can Assam born in US be proud Indians again?
When US President and his man insulted Indians http://hindustantimes.com/news/181_1414890,00050001.htm?headline=When~US~Prez~and~his~man~insulted~Indians President Richard M Nixon referred privately to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as an "old witch" and national security adviser Henry Kissinger insulted Indians in general, according to transcripts of Oval Office tapes and newly declassified documents. Nixon and Kissinger met in the Oval Office on the morning of November 5, 1971, to discuss Nixon's conversation with Gandhi the day before. "We really slobbered over the old witch," Nixon told Kissinger, according to a transcript of their conversation released on Tuesday as part of a State Department compilation of significant documents involving American foreign policy. Nixon's remark came as the two men speculated about Gandhi's motives during the White House meeting and discussed India's intentions in the looming conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. The United States was allied with Pakistan and saw India as too closely allied with the Soviet Union. "The Indians are bastards anyway," Kissinger told the President. "They are starting a war there." Kissinger also told his boss that he had bested Gandhi in their meeting. "While she was a bitch, we got what we wanted too," Kissinger said. "She will not be able to go home and say that the United States didn't give her a warm reception and therefore in despair she's got to go to war." Other documents chart US contacts with China, as facilitated by Pakistan, and US concern that India was developing nuclear technology. The archive covers US policy in South Asia in 1971 and 1972. The documents, many declassified only earlier this month, generally cover old ground, several Cold War scholars said. Still, the particulars are intriguing, including rosters of who was in various meetings and quotes from conversations among Nixon, his aides and foreign leaders. "They see everything through a Cold War prism," said Bill Burr, a senior analyst at the National Security Archive at George Washington University. "It's a wholly distorted view." Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Foul mouthing in poor English by a Phd holder Indian(IAS) officer in Assam
http://janamat.com/ndnews5.htm This report in Assamese basically is about an Indian Administrative Service office Dr. Balaji, Additional District Commissioner posted to Jorhat, Assam; with his pointer at some people standing by the road side called them names. As per the report he said, You, Assamese peoples are dog. .FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] NASA has failed to send air ticket to Orko of Assam. A slip up?
http://www.pratidinassam.com/jun2505/ap02.html This Assamese news piece is about Orko Dhar of Assam who was the winner of 2004 Space settlement design contest world for the stars completion held by NASA. Orko is the TOP winner of the competition. Hence he has been INVITED by NASA to attend the International summer science programme to be held shortly at the NASAS Jet Propulsion Laboratory managed by the Californian Institute of Technology. The report indicates that Orko almost cancelled his trip as he did not have the money to buy the air ticket. Assam government failing to respond for assistance, Orko now has been helped by the BJP buying his air ticket to go to California. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Without appropriate safeguards, these practitioners may turn ConDocs.
Assam to have 'doctors' sans medical degrees:- Guwahati | June 24, 2005 4:40:34 PM IST http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=91194&cat=India Guwahati, June 24 : From quacks treating patients with cancer to common cold, it will soon be "doctors" without a professional degree donning the white coat and carrying out minor surgeries in Assam's rural areas.In a bid to improve battered healthcare facilities in the rural region, the Assam government Friday decided to offer a three-year medical course on an experimental basis."Some 100 students will be enrolled in the first batch and on completion of the course they will be given a license and certificate to treat patients in rural areas," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told journalists."They, however, cannot prefix the title doctor, but will be entitled to treat common diseases and their status and efficiency will be superior to a paramedic."The course begins in September with the first batch attached to a civil hospital in eastern Assam's Jorhat district for on-the-job training. "The students will be taken to some medical colleges in the state for theoretical lessons and other skilled training," Gogoi said."The trained personnel will be hundred times better than quacks and pharmacists who are now substituting as doctors in many rural areas."The idea for the new medical course was necessitated with graduate doctors refusing to work in rural areas."The government cannot force a graduate doctor to work in rural areas and hence the healthcare system in the interiors is suffering," Gogoi said. "We are also thinking of bringing in legislation for fresh graduate doctors to serve in rural areas." The idea has sparked off bitter reactions from doctors who say the decision could prove counterproductive."The idea is ridiculous to say the least. It is like licensed quackery with the government encouraging unskilled people to play with the lives of people," said B. Das, a private doctor here.The government claims it does not require a nod for the new course from the Medical Council of India, the country's apex body for medical practitioners FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Is the Manorama report not a sanitized one to help Assam Rifles off the hook?
Hand over Manorama report: HC http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=80793 Statesman News ServiceGuwahati, June 23 The Gauhati High Court today directed the Manipur government to hand over the report of Justice (retd) C Upendra Singh Commission on custodial death of Th Manorama Devi to the Union home ministry without delay. Mr Justice D Biswas, of the High Court, also directed the Union home secretary to examine the report and take appropriate action against 17th Assam Rifles personnel, if any of them were indicted in the report, without loss of time.The Union home ministry shall also take an immediate decision about publication of the report in keeping with the citizens right to information. The people of Manipur seek justice and it should be done quickly to restore their confidence in the Constitution and the law, the judge said.Although in its order, the government of Manipur did not mention the Assam Rifles, the central security force personnel were to be interrogated by the inquiry commission since the death in question had occurred in its custody.Col Jagmohan Singh and JCO Digambar Dutta of the 17th Assam Rifles filed two separate petitions in the court questioning the authority of the Manipur government, under the provisions of Commission of Enquiry Act, to institute probe against Central forces operating under the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958.In the verdict today, the High Court stated that the report of the inquiry commission be treated as that of a fact-finding body appointed by the state government of Manipur and termed it a valuable document available for consideration and initiation of appropriate action against those found guilty. Since the state government is not the appropriate authority, the High Court desired that the inquiry commission report by Justice C Upendra Singh be handed over to the Central government which has absolute control over the armed forces deployed in the state. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Muivah+Swu learn & teach lessons: RESIST & WIN. Sovereignty is not negotiable
Talks on verge of collapse: Muivah http://dailypioneer.com/archives2/default12.asp?main_variable=front%5Fpage&file_name=story3%2Etxt&counter_img=3&phy_path_it=F%3A%5Cdailypioneer%5Carchives2%5Cjun2305 Navin Upadhyay/ New Delhi The Naga peace talks are on the verge of collapse after eight years of ceasefire and protracted negotiations. Bitter and disillusioned with the turn of events, the NSCN (IM) is getting ready for another phase of violent insurgency in the hills and jungles of Nagaland. "New Delhi should not make the mistake of taking us for granted. There is no attempt by the Indian Government to resolve the issue. We believe, they are trying to buy time and weaken us. But, they should not forget that our cadres are well-armed and equipped to launch another phase of violent struggle," NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah told The Pioneer in an exclusive interview. By now, Mr Muivah along with NSCN (IM) chairman Issak Chi Swu have spent nearly seven months in India, holding discussions with top political leadership in the UPA government and its official interlocutors. But, the optimism of any breakthrough has been completely belied. On the contrary, there are signs that the gains of the past engagements of the successive governments since 1997 with the NSCN (IM) may have been completely squandered away. In the two-hour interview, Mr Muivah indicated that he had no faith in the present New Delhi dispensation to find a solution to the vexed Naga problem. He said he was suspicious that the government was pursuing a game plan of engaging the NSCN (IM) in the ceasefire and simultaneously undermining its cadres. "They are trying to buy time. They are hoping the situation will improve on the ground so that the Indian Army can crush us. They don't realise it could have disastrous consequences. Are they ready to throw the entire north-east into a vortex of violence? Will Assam and Manipur remain peaceful if the guns boom in Nagaland?" he asked. The angry outbursts of the man, who had been rated as one of finest guerilla fighters during his prime, cannot be taken lightly. It is no secret that the NSCN armed cadres are virtually running the state administration and thousands of committed young men are being trained in jungle warfare in camps located in Myanmar. Mr Muivah was particularly upset with the role of the Indian Army. "The Indian Army has been brutal and inhuman. Hundreds of innocent Nagas have been killed during the period of ceasefire. The Army has sided with our rivals to target our cadres and camps. This is nothing but betrayal," he said. Referring to the attempts of the Indian Government to persuade Myanmar to launch a crackdown against the Indian insurgents, Mr Muivah said it was part of the same game plan to undermine "our cadres". Mr Muivah is livid with New Delhi for its flirtations with the Naga National Council and the Khaplang faction of the NSCN. "RAW is using the Assam Rifles and the Army to target our cadres in collaboration with men of the Khaplang faction and the NNC. It is a dirty thing to do. But these groups don't count in the scheme of things. They have no support base," he said. After a long pause he referred to what former prime minister Narasimha Rao had told them about the Khaplang faction and the NNC leadership. "He had said these groups were in the hands of the government. The issue is not with them, but with you. We are talking to you because we know that Nagas are with you," Mr Muivah claimed. Mr Muivah pointed out that when they had agreed for ceasefire and negotiations, a three-point strategy was formalised between New Delhi and the NSCN (IM). These included starting dialogues without any precondition, at the highest political level, and outside India. "We have shown flexibility. We have come to India to carry forward the talks. We have agreed to talk to junior ministers. But the Indian Government is not willing to concede an inch of our demand. This can't go on. If the situation is allowed to drift like this, violence is inevitable. We will hold the Indian Government responsible for breakdown of talks," he said. Talking about the history of Naga struggle, Mr Muivah began Nehru-bashing. "Nehru had said even if heavens were to fall, he would not concede the demand of Naga sovereignty. He had sent lakhs of troops to crush our agitation. Thousands of our men were killed and women raped. Our villages were burnt down. But they could not conquer our spirit," he said. "Nehru expected us to place our history at his feet. But he did not know that Nagas could die, but not compromise their pride," he said. When Nehru had so strong views about the demand of Naga people, could NSCN (IM) expect the Congress-led UPA government to be flexible with them? "So far they have not been. Let us see what the future has in store for us. But let me tell you: we are
[Assam] Not of excellent Blue Blood, nor the WISE Prince,BUT, Brutus of Sovereign Assam?
A New Road Towards Peace in Assam http://www.tehelka.com/story_main13.asp?filename=op070205A_new_road.asp With Delhi willing to listen, ULFA should make use of the golden opportunity By Sunil Nath Hook, line and sinker are different; but the bait is the same peaceful resolution of conflict through negotiations. The eager mediator, or facilitator, as preferred, is a high profile novelist, retired Delhi University professor, Indira Goswami, popularly known in Assam as Mamoni Roysom Goswami, her nom de plume. The Indian State is playing the role of the benevolent Big Brother, willing to listen to all grievances, even claims to the sovereignty of Assam, if not put bluntly enough to cause constitutional problems for the Centre. The people of Assam are unanimous and unequivocal in their longing for peace and want the rebels to give up violence and the demand for sovereignty, and instead focus on the more mundane problems, which afflicts the state and its people. The rebels till now were adamant in their stand that any talks between them and the Central government will have to centre around their demand for a sovereign Assam. It seemed, however, that the professor has been able to use her charm on the rebels and persuade them to sit and talk with the Centre. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Manipur spirit remains unbroken, despite Indian military brutalities.
Anti-army strike paralyses Manipur http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/004200506231724.htm Imphal, June 23. (UNI): Manipur was paralysed today in a strike called by the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup (WCAL) to protest the alleged 'killing' of a youth by 19 Assam Rifles personnel on Tuesday last. The government issued strict instructions to all the employees to attend offices. However, as no vehicles plied on the road, attendance was minimal. The general strike, which began at midnight, is scheduled to end at 7 p.m. today. So far no untoward incident was reported though large numbers of protestors burnt tyres and blocked roads to stop vehicular movement. All the educational, business and banking institutions remained closed. For the third day today the Imphal-Ukhrul road was also blocked by women protestors. State Arts and Culture minister Ph Parijat, who is related to the deceased Ph Kishorjit reacted sharply against the killing. The Assam Rifles authorities have been asked to institute an inquiry by the state government. Taking prompt action of the demand the Assam Rifles late on Wednesday night announced that a court of inquiry had been ordered. According to villagers, Kishorjit (35) was allegedly picked up from a place near his house at Nongada in Imphal East district on the evening on June 20 by personnel of the 19 Assam Rifles and his body was found next morning nearby Seijang. Keshorjit, who was earlier a member of a militant group, had given up arms and opened a chemist shop. Assam Rifles' spokesmen said the victim was killed during an encounter which was denied by the locals. Security arrangements have been taken up to ensure normalcy everywhere. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] This Haflong trained Bangla MuktiJjodha has the credentials to opine objectively
http://globalpolitician.com/articledes.asp?ID=911&cid=6&sid=20 Exploitation in Northeastern IndiaMohammad Zainal Abedin - 6/22/2005 A section of the Indians have been co ntinuously propagating that Bangladesh is providing shelter to the insurgents of the Northeastern India in general and the ULFA in particular.But Bangladesh repeatedly declared that there is no camp of Northeast insurgents in her soil. But some Indian columnists repeatedly and deliberately beat the same drum to make the people in and outside India that Bangladesh designs to secede its Northeast region though Bangladesh rejected the allegations and even does not hesitate to nab the Northeast dwellers whenever they were found in Bangladesh territory. Bangladesh instantly arrested ULFA Secretary General Anup Chetia when it was learnt that the militant leader was staying in her soil. He was tried and punished according to the law of the land.On different occasion, Bangladesh nabbed several Indian nationals hailing from Northeast whenever they tried to enter Bangladesh territory. On May 27, Bangladeshi law enforcers killed five and arrested three Indians, hailing from Northeast. The authorities considering the weapons and explosives recovered from them became sure that they were either illegal arms smugglers or agents of Indian secret services sent to carryout subversive designs or distribute those arms and explosives to their Bangladeshi agents.On many occasions Bangladesh requested India to come and show physically the whereabouts of those camps or training centres mentioned in a list that India officiallyhanded over to Bangladesh. If there was even a single camp or hideout of ULFA or anyother insurgent outfit that operates in Northeast or any other part of India, she would have accepted the offer gladly. But India did not accept it as she knows that such allegation is false and they are merely tools of anti-Bangladesh campaign. This propaganda has a number of ulterior designs. Its immediate aim is to attain the access of Indian soldiers in Bangladesh under the name of so-called joint operation. Once these soldiers enter the bordering areas Bangladesh, they might create new situation so that they can stay there fo an indefinite time. Gradually they will extend their presence in other parts of Bangladesh saying that extremists and anti-India elements have their hideouts in all the districts of the country.The Indians frequently argue that the Bhutanese government agreed in joint operation to crush the Northeast insurgents from her soil. But the case of Bangladesh is totally different from Bhutan. Bangladesh has a strong border security forces, BDRbesides a far stronger regular Army. The Bangladesh security forces are quite able to wipe out any outsider from her soil without Indian help, which Bhutan cannot. Secondly, the intelligence agencies of Bangladesh are far stronger than Bhutan. So presence of any foreign insurgent or insurgent group is easily detected immediately. Bangladesh could nab all the Bangladeshi terrorists who are and were involved in subversive activities if India wouldn't have given them shelter in her soil. Thirdly due to the differences of Northeast people with the Bangladeshis in respect of body-structure and appearance they could be easily identified. But it is difficult for Bhutan and Myanmar to differentiate their people from their Northeast counterparts, as they all belong to the Mongoloid stock. Bangladesh repeatedly showed her sincerity by arresting, even killing, those Indian arms smugglers who entered Bangladesh. But the sincerity of Bangladesh was not welcomed, rather it was branded as an eyewash to bury the reality. The Indians should have appreciated the success of the Bangladesh law enforcing agencies. But instead of doing that they explained in other way saying that Bangladesh did so to improve its image.In one oh his articles columnist Anand Kumar says, "On the issue of Bangladeshi immigration ULFA says that it is against all foreigners that include Indians who have come from other parts of India. It knows this kind of condition would be difficult for the Indian state to meet." (http://saag.org/papers15/paper1418.html). Anand Kumar should know that some East Bengal -origin Muslims settled in Assam far before the creation of India in 1947 and they were brought there according to the policy of the then British government.Moreover, the Muslims of today's Assam are the decedents of the Ahom Muslims who were converted to Islam before and after the advent of Hazrat Shah Jalal in Sylhet. So the Muslims of Assam could not be ranked with those Indians who to make their fortune came from different states of India and settled in Assam. Common people of Assam also comprehend the difference between the Muslims and the Indian settlers from other Indian states, whom ULFA treats as foreigners. These Indians still send their money earned in the northeast to their respective states. They also make their assets in t
[Assam] Plant fast growing native varieties(a leaf from the Chinese)10:1 felled.
German hope for Assams green cover http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050622/asp/northeast/story_4897775.asp Guwahati, June 21: The fast depleting forest cover in Assam, might get a new lease of life provided representatives of an international funding agency approves aids for a forest department project. A team from the Indo-German Bilateral Development Agency will visit Assam in September for discussions with Dispur on the feasibility of restoring the forest cover through peoples participation before giving a green signal for financial assistance. Assam chief conservator of forests (social forestry) R.P. Agarwalla said the department had recently submitted a Rs 250 crore rejuvenation project to the Centre which, in turn, forwarded it to the Indo-German Bilateral Development Agency for aids from German financial institutions. The forest department had initially asked for Rs 700 crore but pruned it down to Rs 250 crone, on Delhis advice, to increase chances of a positive response from the Germans. Agarwalla added that the German agency has expressed interest in the project. In recent times, a cash-strapped state treasury and limited assistance from the Centre has compelled the state forest department to look for external aids to fund its projects. The department had submitted a project to the World Bank some years back but nothing came of it. At present, the chief conservator said, central assistance through the National Afforestation Programme covered only 25,000 hectares of forest, which was not much considering the extent of forest degradation in Assam: about one million hectares of forest land has been degraded. Agarwalla said the aim of the rejuvenation project was to restore 60,000 hectares of forests in 10 districts, through increased peoples participation. The joint forest management committees, numbering 503 in Assam, will be strengthened and 300 new joint committees created. Forest officials said peoples participation is a must for protecting forests from encroachment. Just evicting settlers does not solve the problem. There has to be constant patrolling, sustained plantation drives in affected areas and proper surveillance to ensure that theevicted stretches remain free. This is vital for rejuvenation programmes to succeed, an official said. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Encounter! What a clinical word for pre-meditated murderous operations!!
http://www.assamtribune.com/Guwahati, Monday, June 20, 2005 Jawan among 5 killed in Nalbari encountersFrom Our Correspondent NALBARI, June 19 Five persons including an Army jawan were killed and two Army jawans were critically injured in two separate incidents of encounter at Nalbari town and Paikarkuchi areas under Nalbari police station during the last 24 hours. The slain Army havildar has been identified as Atul Singh Panwar of Uttaranchal while those others killed have been identified as Jyotish Deka, Ramen Das alias Ranjan Das of Baragra, Rinku Das alias Manglar of Baroma and Nazrul Islam of Tihu, who reportedly belonged to the militant outfit ULFA.Two injured Armymen namely rifleman Bardayal and Dinesh, who are undergoing treatment at Basistha Army Hospital in Guwahati are in a critical condition.Addressing a press conference here, Army Brigadier SG Chatterjee has claimed that two ULFA militants, Jyotish and Nazrul, were killed during joint operation of Army and Police at Nalbari town near the Rajiv Bhavan last night. In this encounter three Army jawans also sustained bullet injuries and one of them, havildar Atul Singh Ponowar died on way to hospital. He further added that two other ULFA militants, Ramen and Rinku, were killed in another encounter that took place at Paikarkuchi with the joint team of Army and police in the wee hours today.The security personnel led by Additional SP Hridayjit Barman signalled the militants to stop for checking but they defied and fired at them. They also retaliated killing both the militants on the spot.Nalbari Superintendent of Police Dr Sarat Kumar Phukan today displayed the huge amount of arms and ammunition recovered from the encounter site before the mediamen. The recovery included one each of AK-47 and AK-56 rifles, one magazine, one M-56 pistol, 30 rounds live ammunition, 7 grenades, 2 electric detonators and one kg explosives.As against the Army and police claims, the local sources said that the security forces killed the four persons in cold blood. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] With a Speakers' Corner, Indian military gun positioned to bullet speakers dead?
Slice of London in Guwahati - Hyde Park model for biggest childrens recreation centre http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050621/asp/northeast/story_4892981.asp Guwahati, June 20: Disneyland is still a distant dream, but Londons Hyde Park is not. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi yesterday unveiled plans to create the states biggest recreation-cum-educational centre for children a project modelled on Hyde Park in the heart of Guwahati. The government intends to spend Rs 25 crore in creating an artificial lake for water sports, a park and a Hall of Fame, all of which will be spread across a 24-bigha plot just opposite the state zoo on R.G. Baruah Road. The office of the soil conservation department stands at the site chosen for the project. Gogoi announced the mega project during a function at the freedom fighters resthouse. He said the proposed hall of fame was a unique concept that would make the project more than a mere recreation centre. Our younger generation has forgotten the heroes of yore. The Hall of Fame is being built to enable children to draw inspiration from these towering personalities. The public works and soil conservation departments have compiled a detailed project report, complete with computer-generated images of how the park will look like once it is completed. The report will be submitted to the chief ministers office next week. The chief minister has instructed us to start work on the project immediately and assured that money will not be a problem, said J. Malakar, divisional officer of the South Bank division of the soil conservation department. Kamrup (metropolitan) deputy commissioner Samir Kumar Sinha said the idea was to create a circuit of tourist attractions that are close to one another. People who come to the state zoo can also visit the proposed recreation centre. The Sankardev Kalakshetra is not far either. Minister of state for planning and development Himanta Biswa Sarma and B.K. Gohain, commissioner and secretary to the chief minister, have already inspected the site. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] BomBhola Bom-Bomb!!! What is the naked truth?
Bomb blast in Assam assembly http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jun202005/update947592005620.asp A bomb, suspected to be planted by United Liberation Front of Assam militants, exploded inside the Assam Legislative Assembly premises in the high security zone of the state secretariat at Dispur early on Monday morning, official sources said. A bomb, suspected to be planted by United Liberation Front of Assam militants, exploded inside the Assam Legislative Assembly premises in the high security zone of the state secretariat at Dispur early on Monday morning, official sources said. The bomb, placed on the ground floor of the building, exploded before dawn damaging windowpanes, files and offices of some ministers. There was no casualty or injuries as there was nobody in the building barring the security personnel. The entire secretariat area was cordoned off and senior police and civil officials have rushed to the area. Meanwhile, police recovered a powerful bomb planted by suspected ULFA militants during routine patrolling from Maligaon Chariali area in Dispur. The Army bomb disposal squad later defused the bomb, the sources added. Five persons, including an army jawan and four ULFA militants, were killed in two separate incidents in Nalbari town and Paikarkuchi areas under Nalbari police station on Sunday . FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] This family is likely to take Assam to an unimaginable height. Brilliant!
For a kid, President Bush is just another man - Assamese wife of US astronaut recalls how son shook hands with worlds most powerful man http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050620/asp/northeast/story_4889187.asp Guwahati, June 19: His father takes pride in introducing himself as Assams son-in-law. Once he grows up enough to understand what is a special occasion, three-year-old Chandra will perhaps take pride in introducing himself as amongst the few Assamese to shake President Bushs hand. Last week, US President George W. Bush hosted Chandra and his 11-month-old sister Tarali, children of astronaut Mike Fincke and his Assamese wife Renita Saikia, along with their parents and the family of Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. The White House reception was to honour Mike and Gennady for their mission to the International Space Station Alpha, where they spent six months last year. The star of the reception, however, turned out to be Chandra. I am proud to say that our son Chandra may be amongst the first Assamese to shake President Bushs hand! Renita, who is a NASA engineer, told The Telegraph over email. The Fincke kids were quite excited on reaching the White House but probably had no idea what an honour it was for the family to be visiting the President of the United States, Renita wrote. Chandra was anxious to get out of his suit jacket and Tarali just wanted to be put down and walk everywhere. But by the time Mike, Renita and Chandra were busy posing for photographs with the worlds most powerful political leader, Tarali was fast asleep in her father's arms. As we walked up to the President, I apologised for Tarali being asleep, and his comment was I guess she must have known I was getting ready to give a speech, Renita said. Bush gave Chandra and Tarali a lapel pin each for their scrapbooks and special coins to the astronauts with the White House emblem on them. Renita said the President spoke at length about his job, himself and the Oval Office. The President said his job was about making decisions. The President was very nice and personable. He spent several minutes telling us some of the history of the Oval Office, like the desk that was used by (former President) John F. Kennedy and the picture of (former President) Abraham Lincoln. Tarali was born when Mike was in the space station. In fact, Mike became the first astronaut to become a father while in space. Tarali means starlight in Assamese, while Chandra means moon. Renita is the daughter of Rupesh and Probha Saikia, who hail from Jorhat in Upper Assam but are now based in Houston, Texas. Mike, 37, met his wife. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Assam in Indian is Nehru's trophy, using Imlistan coiner and his associates.
RSS blames Nehru for border disputes http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=front%5Fpage&file_name=story5%2Etxt&counter_img=5?headline=RSS~blames~Nehru~for~border~disputes Pioneer News Service/ Lucknow RSS chief KS Sudarshan here on Sunday blamed the country's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru for all border disputes, but showered praise on Indira Gandhi, calling her "a lady of firm determination". Addressing RSS workers during the concluding ceremony of Sangh Shiksha Varg, the RSS chief dissected the 45 years of governance by the Congress, but avoided mention of Bharatiya Janata Party rule and its leaders Atal Behari Vajpayee and LK Advani. He talked about two Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, but remained silent on the Kargil intrusion. He skipped Advani's controversial comments on Jinnah, but said he (Jinnah) was the architect of partition. Mr Sudershan said Jawahar lal Nehru, a protégé of the British government, was responsible for the problems the country faces today. "The border problems of Kashmir and North-east are a gift from Nehru," he said. Nehru was an "Englishman" and the British wanted a man to protect their (British) interests and he (Nehru) did the same. He, however, praised Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi and another former prime minister Lal Bahadaur Shastri. "Both these prime ministers initiated steps to resolve the border issue ... at least they showed some inclination," he said. Calling Indira Gandhi "a lady of firm determination", he said, "Indira did what she wanted to do. She imposed emergency, but that is another question." "She wanted to help people and had the determination which the present UPA government lacks, he said. Commenting on present-day politics, the RSS chief lambasted parties that project RSS as "Muslim bashers". This tag is stamped on us by political parties that want to get Muslim votes. Mr Sudershan said the RSS is not anti-Muslim. "Instead, we argue the Muslims should not treat themselves as minority," he said. "Allah ne unko yahan janam diya hai... Unka kartavya hai ki woh sajda karne to Mecca-Madina jayen par jab sar kaatne ki bari aye to Hindustan ke liye kaaten (with Allah's grace, they (Muslims) were born in this country... They should bow their heads at Mecca-Madina, but lay down their lives for India when needed)." Senior BJP leaders, including state party president Keshari Nath Tripathi, Kalraj Mishra, Rajnath Singh and Om Prakash Singh, were present during Mr Sudarshan's over an hour-long speech. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Brahmaputra Civilisation nurtured Taslima must write THE TRUTH more boldly.
Indira Goswami backs Taslima's plea for Indian citizenship http://www.keralanext.com/news/?id=218288 India News, KOLKATA: Noted Indian writer Indira Goswami Wednesday supported exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen's plea for Indian citizenship. "Taslima is a gutsy lady and she is in love with Bengal. She has the right to live in West Bengal as an Indian citizen," Goswami, a Jnanpith award winner, told reporters here. "It will be nice if she is allowed to stay in this country," she said and criticised the ban imposed on Taslima's autobiographical book "Dwikhandita" by the West Bengal government for its alleged provocative contents. "Right to _expression_ is a birth right," said the prominent Assamese intellectual who is in the news for her efforts to broker peace between the Indian government and the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] No Singh Governorship Assam Sovereignty restored; so, KILL THE PROCESS?
Assam Governor?s removal demanded http://www.northeasttribune.com/brknews.htm NET News Network Guwahati, June 19: Peoples committee for peace initiative in Assam, an umbrella organization of eighteen organizations including Manab Adhikar Sangram Samittee, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad, All Dimasa Students Association, Karbi Students Association, Nari Adhikar Surukhya Samittee and Asom Mahila Sachetan Manch today demanded the removal of Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh for his alleged attempt to put hurdles in the present peace initiative between ULFA and Government. The leaders of the organization Dilip Patgiri and Lachit Bordoloi said that the Governor is acting under a conspiracy of army, police and bureaucrats, as they are not keen to solve the 27 years long arms struggle in Assam. The duo said that when the PMO office and ULFA both expressed sincerity to the peace call, Assam Governor?s stand indicates his attitude of an army officer who spearheaded Bajrang and Rhino operations against ULFA in 1991. They demanded the removal of the Governor and will send letters to Prime Minister and President in this regard soon. They also threatened to launch agitation if Centre fail to take any steps. Governor while speaking a news agency recently said any negotiation with ULFA should be held only on the terms set by the Government. ?All negotiations should be held on terms set by the government and not on their terms?. The Assam Governor, who had led ?Operation Bajrang? and ?Operation Rhino? in the early 90s in Assam against ULFA militants, also asked the Centre to make an assessment of the ?genuineness of desire? of the outfit to prevent them from using the opportunity to regroup. The Governor, who had in the early 1990s as GOC of the 4 Corps of the army based in Assam commanded two Indian army operations against ULFA, said there should not be ?any give and take? in the process and it should be applied to all terrorist groups. Meanwhile, the umbrella organization also suggested the release of 10 imprisoned ULFA leaders, so that, they can participate in the central executive meeting of the outfit to herald peace in the region. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Ms. Goswami, where is the RUSTY SWORD? You better have it ready!
Goswami barb at Governor http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=80388 NEW DELHI, June 18.? Terming as ?irresponsible? Assam Governor Mr Ajay Singh?s opposition to the release of Ulfa leaders, noted Assamese litterateur Indira Goswami today said such a stand might derail the entire peace initiative. ?I am extremely unhappy with his comments. We had worked very hard for the last one year to create an environment for talks. The comments made by the Governor may seriously derail the entire peace initiative,? Goswami, who has been mediating between the Centre and the banned outfit, said here. Ulfa militants and police exchanged gunfire tonight in Assam?s Sibsagar district while four powerful IEDs and two bags full of explosives were recovered from the site, the police said. The police said a 15-member Ulfa team were on an extortion drive at Naojan village in Dishangmukh when police spotted them. PTI Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] The Principality of Assam taken by Brits made an Indian province. A Hague case?
Ghisingh to head for The Hague http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050618/asp/siliguri/story_4881921.asp Darjeeling, June 17: Unbelievable, but true. The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) today claimed that the party is doing its groundwork to drag the British government to the International Court of Justice. During a public address here on June 9, Subash Ghisingh had threatened to take the British government to The Hague for having demarcated the hills without a referendum. ?They have played with our destiny by scribbling some lines here and there, while gulping down whisky and brandy,? Ghisingh had said earlier. The GNLF chief had argued that since Darjeeling in the pre-Independence era belonged to erstwhile East Pakistan and later Bihar, it should be allowed either to join Bihar or handed over to Bangladesh as ?India has failed to mete out fair treatment to the hills?. Though the matter was taken lightly by observers, the GNLF disclosure today has generated much enthusiasm. After all, during the 1998 parliamentary elections, the GNLF had used ?The Hague-threat? to boycott the polls. Ghisingh had then alleged that people from Nepal had filed a case at The Hague, claiming parts of India to be theirs. Though the details of the reported case were never known and the issue fizzled out after the elections, the GNLF had used it to its advantage: The party?s boycott in the hills had helped the CPM candidate win the election. The ruling party in the state has been accused of having a tacit understanding with the GNLF. The speculation regarding Ghisingh?s latest gimmick is that the GNLF will use it to defer elections till the end of the year. Observers, however, are not sure of how it may work to the party?s advantage. Deepak Gurung, the president of the GNLF Darjeeling Branch Committee today, said: ?Subash Ghisingh is personally involved in the preparations. I think a lawyer on international affairs is being consulted and some correspondence has already taken place.? Earlier, Ghisingh had said: ?I think we need the permission of Kofi Anan (UN secretary general) to file the case and I am confident he will consider it.? Gurung, however, said the party has found out that ?such permissions were not required?. ?We are being forced to do such things (going to The Hague), as the Centre and state have not yet responded to our demands,? said Gurung. Ghisingh has already put the state government in a spot by rejecting the draft prepared under Article 371(J). The GNLF chief wants the entire Darjeeling district to be give the Sixth Schedule status, something which is almost impossible because of technical difficulties involved, a fact, admitted by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee himself. The GNLF is hoping that the Centre will invite Ghisingh for another round of talks for arriving at a decision on the ?alternative? to the council by the and of June. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Other reports say that the Indian Army got those ULFA commanders, Reporter!
Tactful Ulfa in talks gambit http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050618/asp/northeast/story_4882422.asp Guwahati, June 17: The banned Ulfa today threw a spanner in the peace process by ruling out a political dialogue until the government arranged for the release of three of its leaders from Bhutanese military custody. Jailed Ulfa veteran Bhimkanta Buragohain, who is believed to be in touch with the outfit?s top leadership through those who visit him in prison, said the trio ? Bening Rabha, Ashanta Bagphukan and Robin Neog ? must be present at Ulfa?s central committee conclave for the outfit to take a decision on starting negotiations. Buragohain, who was produced at a designated Tada court, said all three were captured by the Royal Bhutan Army during Operation All Clear in the Himalayan kingdom in December 2003. ?We were together till December 24, 2003. After that there has been no news of them. They have to be produced and released along with seven of us because the Ulfa constitution stipulates that the central committee cannot take any decision without a quorum.? The militant leader claimed the trio was kept in a Royal Bhutan Army camp after their arrest. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said recently that there was little his government could do in regard to ?missing? Ulfa functionaries. The comment was in response to Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Barua?s demand for the release of 10 senior members, including the missing trio. Buragohain, addressed as mama (maternal uncle) by Ulfa activists, said the ball was now in Delhi?s court. Using anonymity to circumvent the ban on officials speaking to the media without authorisation, a state home department functionary said Ulfa had cleverly included Rabha, Bagphukan and Neog in the list. ?The outfit?s leadership knows that the government cannot produce those on whom there has been no news since Operation All Clear.? On whether the government had cleared the hurdles in the way of releasing those jailed in Assam, the official said: ?Even the chief minister has made it clear that there will be no problem in releasing the jailed leaders. But the other three are actually missing and it is almost impossible to produce them.? Buragohain insisted Ulfa was keen to start peace talks and the people were backing the outfit. He dismissed reports of a rift in the Ulfa think tank over the peace process initiated by writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami. ?There is no difference. We have the same soul and that soul is Ulfa,? he said. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] As per reports the Assam Sovereignty issue is included by India, correspondent
Ball in Centre's court: ULFA advisor http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=305056 GUWAHATI, JUNE 17 (PTI) ULFA's jailed seniormost advisor Bhimkanta Buragohain today said the responsibility for bringing the outfit to the negotiating table was with the Centre but indicated that the issue of sovereignty would not be compromised. "The ball is now in the Centre's court (regarding talks) as they are now responsible whether the talks takes place or not", Buragohain, popularly called 'Mama', told reporters at a court premises here. The ULFA leader said he wanted peace but "not at the cost of the history of Assam which stated that it was never a part of India". "This fact (Assam not part of India) can never be altered and the central government is aware of this and is scared of the truth", Buragohain claimed. "The historical aspiration of the people can never be ignored", he said, virtually stating that the ULFA would not compromise on their demand for sovereignty during the proposed talks. The Centre, which has already sent a formal letter for talks, has made it clear that the question of sovereignty will not be in the agenda.Reacting to the demand of ULFA for release of its top central committee leaders before proposed talks, he said that two of them, Robin Neog and Ashanta Bagphukan were taken alongwith him by the security forces from a camp in Bhutan in 2003 during the offensive in a helicopter to army's four corps headquarter at Tezpur. "But after that there is no news about the duo", Buragohain said. He said that ULFA's hardliner and commander in chief Paresh Barua had also evinced desire for talks but all depended on the central government. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] China cradling the Southern Himalayan+ Sub-Himalayan territories for sure now.
China delivers military equipments http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=43187 KOL Report KATHMANDU, June 17 - China Thursday delivered military equipments that include five Armoured Personnel Carriers, the APCs, to the Royal Nepal Army, the Himalayan Times reported Friday. The APCs were delivered at around 8:30 yesterday morning, news reports said quoting a source at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Meanwhile, the officials at the Ministry of Defence, the army spokesperson and director of the RNA?s Directorate of Public Relation have remained tight-lipped on the delivery, the report said. ?At the moment, DPR is not aware of it,? the newspaper quoted Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Deepak Gurung as saying. The APC vehicle that was revealed in 1984 has a two-man crew and can carry 10 infantry soldiers and is amphibious. ?The Chinese APCs are of European standard, and have protection against nuclear, biological and chemical attacks,? the daily reported quoting an unnamed security official. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] This seasoned ULFA stance livens the Assam Sovereignty restoration hopes.
It should not be a repeat of 1991 experience: ULFA http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/17/stories/2005061703791300.htm Special Correspondent `Army reinforcement not conducive to creating a positive environment' "Dialogue must be the medium for resolving the conflict sincerely and magnanimously" GUWAHATI: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has cautioned the Centre that the dialogue process should not be a repetition of 1991when the militants had "a bitter experience of talks." In the latest edition of its mouthpiece Freedom, the ULFA said that in 1991 some of its leaders were killed soon after they were released from prison. It further alleged that the Government of India "took the signatures of ULFA leaders in surrender agreements when they went to Delhi for talks on exchange of prisoners." The ULFA leaders, who agreed to hold talks for a political solution of the conflict if the exchange of the prisoners was accomplished, were bound to withdraw from talks. "But the GOI [Government of India] made false allegations that the vice-chairman and the general secretary had jumped their commitment to surrender," the ULFA mouthpiece said. "Dialogue must be the medium for resolving the conflict sincerely and magnanimously, and should not be used as a trap to demolish the leadership of the struggle," Freedom said. When the process of dialogue between the Centre and the outfit was already set in motion "the reinforcement of the Army in Assam by double the strength" was not conducive to creating a positive environment for talks, the ULFA mouthpiece said. It said the ULFA waived two of the three pre-conditions for dialogue.The only condition it retained was that talks should be on the "core issue of restoration of Assam's sovereignty." ULFA vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, along with several senior leaders, is now lodged in a Guwahati jail, while general secretary Anup Cheta is in a Dhaka jail. The ULFA has demanded the release of its 10 top leaders to discuss the invitation extended by the Prime Minister's Office for peace talks. However, both the Centre and the State Government have made it clear that they will consider the proposal only after getting a formal request from the outfit. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] 'Once bitten twice shy' approach by the ULFA is easily evident.
Dont repeat 1991, ULFA warns government http://www.northeasttribune.com/4255. NET News Network Guwahati, June 15: The proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today warned government not to make the present process to begin a dialogue a repetition of 1991. In 1991 ULFA agreed to sit for talks for which response the GOI also agreed to release some imprisoned members of ULFA. But the Indian Govt. took the opportunity and killed those members of the organisation soon after releasing them, alleged the outfit in its latest edition of mouthpiece Freedom. The mouthpiece carried on to accuse the government of trying to create confusion and suspicion within the outfit by arresting or killing devoted, mature and experienced members like Capt. Hirak Jyoti Mahanta, Anirban Hazarika, Deudhai Phukan, Jishnu Sharma, Shankar Saikia etc during the period. Though government has been blaming ULFA for the derailment of the process since the last 14 years, the outfit vowed, But now we have unearthed the whole truth. This will be made public in due course of time, though we are withholding it in the larger interest of the dialogue process. Recognising the hopes of entire indigenous peoples of Assam to see the Indo-Assam political conflict resolved through dialogue the outfit pointed out, Dialogue must be the medium for resolving the conflict sincerely and magnanimously, and should not be used as a trap to demolish the leadership of the struggle. This is the only road to lasting peace in this part of the world without shedding blood any more. The warning and doubt came on the wake of, Regular and occasional incidents in operations against ULFA members in Assam, Arunachal, Meghalaya and elsewhere of cold-blooded murder of its members and torture of innocent civilians. The full ULFA release is as follows Activities of Indian army indicates reluctance for dialogue A general analysis of the activities of Indian Occupation Forces (IOF) reveals that there is no change in their inherited colonial mindset which is not conducive to resolving the Indo-Assam political conflict through dialogue. Regular and occasional incidents in operations against ULFA members in Assam, Arunachal, Meghalaya and elsewhere of cold-blooded murder of its members and torture of innocent civilians have not diminished. A section of newspapers, a class of political leaders and a brand of intellectuals who shouts their guts out if ULFA explodes a bomb in some area, always remain silent on this matter, the atrocities of the IOF. When the process of beginning a dialogue between ULFA and GOI has already been set in motion, the reinforcement of the IOF in Assam by double the original strength is not conducive to creating a positive environment for dialogue. This only betrays the real intention of the GOI, that is, the military suppression of our legitimate national liberation struggle. On our part, it should be put on record that ULFA waived two of the three pre-conditions for dialogue with the GOI. This was a sincere step towards finding a satisfactory solution to the conflict. The only condition we now retain is that dialogue should be on the core issue of restoration of Assams sovereignty. However, instead of responding with statesmanship, the GOI resorted to disinformation trying to brand ULFA as a terrorist organisation. They have been blaming ULFA for indiscriminate killing in order to mislead the general public that ULFAs response to the offer for dialogue by the GOI is ill-intended diplomacy. Instead of pursuing the objective dialogue earnestly, the GOI plotted to destroy the struggle and the leadership of ULFA, which has been ascertained. Under the circumstances, it must now be revealed that ULFA had a bitter experience of talks with India. In 1991 ULFA agreed to sit for talks for which response the GOI also agreed to release some imprisoned members of ULFA. But the Indian Govt. took the opportunity and killed those members of the organisation soon after releasing them. They either arrested or killed other members and leaders and created confusion and suspicion within ULFA. They killed many devoted, mature and experienced members like Capt. Hirak Jyoti Mahanta, Anirban Hazarika, Deudhai Phukan, Jishnu Sharma, Shankar Saikia etc. and raped many women and looted many assets. With typical craftiness they took the signatures of ULFA leaders in surrender agreements when they went to Delhi for talks on exchange of prisoners. The ULFA leaders who agreed to hold talks for political solution of Indo-Assam political conflict if the exchange of the prisoners was accomplished, were bound to withdraw from talks. But the GOI made false allegations that Vice-Chairman and General Secretary of the organisation had jumped on their commitment to surrender. This is baseless and a sinister motive to cast a slur upon ULFA leaders. ULFA have been carrying many fabricated blame for the last 14 y
[Assam] AT, you best treat the ULFA like the world treats now, the India created LTTE.
ULFA pushing in more cadres into State http://www.assamtribune.com/ 14 June 2005By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, June 13 Even as the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is making a show of coming forward for talks, there are indications that the outfit is strengthening itself taking advantage of the leeway given to it by the powers that be. Security sources claimed here that there are ground reports that the ULFA is making all-out efforts to push in extra cadres from its Bangladesh and Arunachal Pradesh camps to locations in Assam. It is also taking advantage of the breathing space to effect transhipment of large quantities of arms and ammunition to its cadres holed up in small camps in the State, including the sleeper cells in Guwahati.The sources said that situation in the State now is akin to that in Sri Lanka where the rebel LTTE is rearming itself taking advantage of the Norwegian-sponsored truce. The ULFA, while ostensibly making peace overtures, is in fact bracing itself for a major offensive, they said, adding that the outfit is raising new battalions and strengthening its hold on certain pockets of influence from where most of its new cadres are drawn. Though the sources could not say for sure whether the ULFA has been on a recruitment spree, what is confirmed is the setting up of new militant camps in areas like Dhubri, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya.The ULFA is said to have stepped up the flow of arms and ammunition to its Assam-based cadres. The armaments are being routed from Bangladesh through Meghalaya. The sources said that while the recent operation launched by Bangladeshi paramilitary forces against gunrunners had briefly disrupted the ULFAs supply chain, the link has been restored.The sources expressed scepticism in the ULFAs offer of talks, stating that the preconditions that it has put makes it almost impossible for the proposed initiative to move ahead. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Ghosh's subliminal suggestion of Gogoi co-operating with the ULFA & its aims?
Gogoi gameplan may egg Ulfa on, leave egg on face http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=80011 Manash Ghosh in Kolkata June 14. At worst, its a transparent attempt to secure Ulfas support for the Congress in next years Assembly elections in Assam. At best, its an example of over-enthusiasm at the prospect of going down in history as the man who brought peace to the state. But Assam chief minister Mr Tarun Gogoi is going out of his way to appease the insurgent outfit and the cost may well be high, highly-placed official sources in New Delhi and Guwahati have told The Statesman. Last week, Mr Gogoi took to New Delhi the latest Ulfa demand for releasing 10 of its leaders from detention purportedly to facilitate the holding of a meeting to consider the Prime Ministers request for peace talks. Earlier, on a recommendation of the noted Assamese literary figure Ms Indira Raisom alias Mamoni Goswami, who has been acting as an intermediary between senior Ulfa leaders and the National Security Council Adviser, Mr MK Narayanan, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh invited the Ulfa for talks. In fact, at Ulfas insistence, the Centre has even conceded that the talks could be held outside India. It has gone to the extent of letting it be known that the Centre couldnt prevent Ulfa from raising the issue of Assamese sovereignty. This marks a significant departure from the Centres earlier firm and unequivocal stand that Indias sovereignty over Assam is non-negotiable and has raised eyebrows both in Delhi and Guwahati. It has now emerged that Mr Gogoi, in obtaining these concessions for Ulfa, has dealt directly with the Prime Ministers Office bypassing altogether the ministry of home affairs (MHA) which is the nodal Central ministry for all internal security matters. Senior officials of the MHA are piqued that the PMO has knowingly undermined the established institutional arrangements and the authority of a vital unit of the Union government. Mr Gogoi initiated the peace move at a time last year when Ulfa was reeling under reverses it had suffered at the hands of the Royal Bhutanese Army in December 2003. A large number of Ulfa cadres were killed and a huge cache of its sophisticated weaponry was seized. The outfit has yet to bounce back. Public outrage in Assam against Ulfa reached its peak during last years Independence Day celebrations at Dhemaji when it massacred innocent school children and, in October, killed 19 innocent civilians in serial attacks. Ulfas stock hit rock-bottom when, on top of all this, its closest ally, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, signed a cease-fire agreement with the Centre. Its isolation was complete. It is against this backdrop that political observers in Guwahati and Delhi question the rationale and wisdom of the Centres policy of appeasement towards Ulfa which, a top Union government official told The Statesman, is entirely the brainchild of Mr Tarun Gogoi. In 1992, the then Congress chief minister, Hiteswar Saikia, was duped into freeing Anup Chetia, Pradip Gogoi and a host of other top Ulfa leaders from jail for holding peace talks with the Narasimha Rao government but the so-called talks inevitably failed and Ulfa leaders, taking advantage of the safe-passage clause provided in the talks agreement, merrily escaped to safe havens in Bangladesh and resumed the insurgency. Senior officials are worried that history will repeat itself and nothing will come of the present peace initiative as the Dhaka-based Ulfa leadership is completely under the control of Pakistans ISI and Bangladeshs Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). For, restoration of peace to the North-east is not, as may well be imagined, a priority for either of these foreign intelligence agencies. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Suck awaythe many million doses of the poison you planted in Assam now, India!
State of stable anarchy http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=EDITS&file_name=edit3%2Etxt&counter_img=3 The Assam Government is at it again. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is at loggerheads with the Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Ajay Singh, and just stopped short of calling the President's nominee to the State a liar. Gen Singh had written to the President in his report that 6,000 migrants are crossing over into Assam from Bangladesh every day. Not true, says Mr Gogoi, what does the Governor know? The fact, he says, is that the minorities voted against the Congress in the last election Mr Gogoi also questioned a similar statement made by Union Minister of State for Home, Mr Sriprakash Jaiswal. The Prime Minister, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, is maintaining a diplomatic silence and is confining himself sensibly to ensuring more and more schools are opened in Assam so that the children of migrants don't grow up feeling alienated from India Whatever be the Prime Minister's strategy and the Chief Minister's views, what the Governor does know, however, is that Assam faces an Assembly election next year and it is vital for the Congress to win it. So the alteration of the demographic boundaries of constituencies continues unabated, taking advantage of the fact that the opposition is weak in Assam. Today, no one remembers the historic operation that the Bhutanese Royal Army fought against the ULFA to remove camps from Bhutanese territory. Operation All Clear, as it was known, had to be resorted to, because of the cumulative effect of the process we see today: Migrants came to Assam, banded together to demand their political and economic rights and, over a period of time, turned into militant organisations. They had then to be eliminated by the forces of the state. Wouldn't it have been simpler to have not encouraged migration at all? Sometimes, the Indian Army can be excused for wondering why so many State governments are so keen to create problems for themselves. Every Northeastern State has a history of first colluding with the militants and then asking the Army to crush them. In October 2002, Chief Minister of Meghalaya admitted two of his ministers had links with the UG. One of them, whose real name was Adolf Lu Hitler, was arrested Similarly, a minister was arrested in Arunachal Pradesh in May 2003. Things were so bad in 1995, that the Chief of Army Staff, Gen SR Chowdhury, and Eastern Army Commander, Lt Gen RN Batra, had publicly elaborated on the infamous nexus and how it was undermining operations of the security forces. In Manipur, the State Government was even accused of hindering security force operations against UG. In 1997, Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta and Manipur Chief Minister signed an MoU to investigate the nexus but the report remained underground. The joke at the time was that while Manipur Chief Minister Reishang Keishing, a failed politician, was trying to be a good soldier, Gorkhaland's Subash Ghisingh, a failed soldier, was attempting to become a good politician. It is not just in J&K but in the Northeast too, where the security forces have been combating insurgency with one hand tied behind their back, while the State cohabits with non-state actors. In Assam, the problem is an institutional one. It is relatively straightforward. Over successive years, Congress-led governments have encouraged settling migrants illegally along the Assam-Bangladesh border. This was at the core of the growth of the Asam Gana Parishad (AGP) and gave rise to the ULFA when the migrants got together to protect their interest. The Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983, applicable only in the State of Assam for the purpose of detecting foreigners, was created but it was felt that the Act did not really work because the onus of proving an illegal migrant was put on the accuser rather than the accused. Migration is a social, economic and political problem. When claims of ownership of land are questioned, it can lead to an explosive situation. When current Governor of J&K, Gen SK Sinha, was posted in Guwahati, he sent a 42-page report to the President expressing his alarm at the manner in which the demographic structure of Assam was being altered. He pointed out in his report that (a) Fifty-seven of Assam's 126 constituencies have shown more than 20 per cent increase in the number of voters between 1994 and 1997 whereas the all-India average is just 7.4 per cent. (b) Muslim population in Assam has shown a rise of 77.42 per cent over what it was in 1971 (there was no census in Assam in 1981). (c) Four districts in the State (Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta and Hailakandi) are already Muslim-majority whereas three more are fast approaching that stage. At the time of Independence, only Dhubri was a Muslim-majority district. By conservative estimates, at least 1.5 million Bangladeshis are said to be living in the State. He attributed all the above fac
[Assam] Correspondent, why avoid asking , No peace without Sovereignty restored?
Jnanpith brought Paresh closer to MamoniPath is set for the peace process http://www.sentinelassam.com/ 14 June 2005 Jnanpith award winner Dr. Indira Goswami needs no introduction. She has been in the news due to her personal effort to persuade and bring the ULFA to the negotiation table with the Centre. The path is nearly cleared for the peace process to start. Our Correspondent in New Delhi in a tete-a-tete with the renowned writer: The Sentinel (TS) : How did you first come in contact with the ULFA? Indira Goswami (IG) : It was about 12 years ago. I used to visit home during June-July. This is the vacation time here in Delhi University. On that visit, a group of boys came to me to borrow the book Rusted Sword (Mamore Dhora Torowal) which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983. They said that the novel will act as an inspiration to their women cadres. I was taken aback. I wondered what they meant by women cadre. But, then I realized who they were. This book had nothing to do with or about their mission. It is one of a series of three novels in which I dealt with migratory labourers in the private companies in the early seventies. The entire novel revolves around a strike by workers. The failure of the strike could be attributed to the unwillingness of the labourers to compromise. In 1993, I was invited by some students to address a meeting which they had organized in the memory of a great the icon, Bishnu Rabha, in Darrang. I accepted their invitation since I had great regard for Rabha. When I was a student of Cotton College, Rabha used to visit our house often. I had no idea that the meeting was arranged by the ULFA cadres. During the meeting, I could smell that there was something afoot. One of the boys came up to the stage and requested me: "Baideu, would you like to come to our base camp?" I readily agreed as I was curious to know more about them. Thus began one of the most memorable rides of my life. Throughout the road I heard the sounds of army trucks. 1993 was the peak of the army operations against the outfit. The car took a strange, wild path. Its lights were switched off. When I enquired how they would drive without lights, they said that they knew the way even in the dark. The car halted in front of a house. A family came out and took me inside with great respect. They told me that they were doing welfare work providing food to the poor, helping them claim many Government provisions, building roads, libraries, etc. I ate with them and tried to comprehend their mindset. I wanted to see the weapons which they were using. They obliged me. Finally, when they drove me back, it was nine in the night. After a few years, I heard that almost all the boys of that camp had been shot dead. The sole survivor, who is now a top leader of the Surrendered ULFA (SULFA), wrote to me on April 8, 1997: "One of my colleagues was nabbed and he got killed in an encounter with the army on February 2, 1997. They tried to do the same to me, but the people of Darrang pressurized the Chief Minister against it. I am indebted to the people for this. I developed a soul-to-soul relationship with my fellow prisoners. Throughout the State today, there is the fear and the stench of death." When I received the Jnanpith Award, Paresh Baruah, the commander-in-chief of the ULFA, telephoned to congratulate me. More than that, he said that he felt happy that Assamese literature had become well-known outside Assam. He said that the people outside Assam should come to know more about Assamese culture and literature. I am in touch with him since then. TS : What prompted you to act as the mediator in the peace process? IG : The hard core militants of the United Liberation Front of Asom fought for 27 years for the liberation of Assam. It is said that more than 10,000 young boys have been killed and 30,000 of them were wounded. Thousands of civilians have also lost their lives. I have visited more than a hundred families in South Kamrup, Nalbari, Darrang, and Tinsukia and was overwhelmed to see how violence has shattered the life of the people. The Bible speaks of "the cry of the innocent blood"; I could hear the cry, especially in parts of South Kamrup. After the incident in Dhemaji on 15th August, 2004, I decided to appeal to the Honourable Prime Minister of India for restoration of peace in Assam, and to invite the militants for peace talks. I knew that I was appealing as a writer and a common person. I considered it my democratic right to raise the issue publicly. Democracy can have no prejudice; the colour of ones skin, ones special standing or ones material wealth have no meaning in democratic spirit. I believe in peace. TS : Will ULFA accept the Governments initiative for talks? What is your opinion on the outfits demand of releasing 10 top jailed leaders? IG : I definitely think they (ULFA) will come to the negotiation table. Paresh is totally devoted to his mission. He, along with other top leaders, will def
[Assam] Wisened I&M, time to join hands eanestly for a SeptaNation confederacy?
Naga leaders leaving, to hold future talks abroad Published: Monday, 13 June, 2005, 12:42 PM Doha Time DIMAPUR: Leaders of the dominant faction of the separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) are leaving India after deciding to hold future talks with the Indian government abroad. The NSCN-IM led by Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu came to India in December at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for furthering peace talks. The two self-exiled leaders have been operating out of Southeast Asian cities for the past 38 years. The NSCN-IM is seeking an independent homeland for Nagas. Indian officials say the NSCN was ready to sign a peace deal with New Delhi if it was given a Greater Nagaland, comprising Naga-populated areas of the northeast. It has been decided that further talks will be held in a third country. Our leaders are leaving India soon after they finish the ongoing talks with the Indian government, senior NSCN-IM leader R H Raising said here yesterday. Muivah is scheduled to leave for Amsterdam next week. Swu left India in February citing poor health. Another NSCN leader, Anthony Shimray, left for Bangkok on Saturday. If the situation demands, our leaders can come back to India for talks, but we would prefer the negotiations in a neutral venue, Raising said. The NSCN, the oldest and the most powerful of around 30 rebel groups in the northeast, wants a Greater Nagaland by slicing off parts of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that have a sizeable Naga tribal population. The governments of those three states have already rejected the NSCN demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas. Naga leaders leaving, to hold future talks abroad http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=40331&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22 The progress of the talks has been slow, but we have made our point clear to New Delhi that there cannot be any solution without the unification of the Naga inhabited areas, Raising said. The ball is now in the Indian governments court. The progress of the talks has been slow but we are still hopeful of a solution. The NSCN and the Indian government entered into a ceasefire in August 1997. The ceasefire expires on July 31. The ceasefire will be extended to enable the talks to continue. We are committed to peace but it all depends on the attitude of the Indian government, Raising said. Nagaland, where more than 25,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency since Indias independence in 1947, is a Christian-majority state of 2mn. Indo-Asian News Service ?Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Bravo Bezboruah! Even Winston Churchill avoided putting it so candidly.
Democracy a tyranny of majority: Bezboruah http://www.assamtribune.com/ 12 june 05By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, June 11 In Assam, ones religion determines whether one belongs to the minority or majority. One does not even have to be a citizen, said eminent journalist DN Bezboruah while delivering the first LN Phookan memorial lecture at the Lakshiram Baruah Sadan here this morning.Elucidating on the theme Aberrations of Democracy, Bezboruah delved deep into the malpractices and aberrations that have crept into Indian democratic machinery since independence. He categorised the majority rule scenario in democracy under the class of tyranny of majority and wished for equal representation in Parliament from all States, irrespective of the population.If anything, there is a strong motivation in the more populous states of India to go on increasing their population because this gives the states a much better representation in Parliament. And it is this overwhelming majority of heartland states in Parliament that has marginalised the peripheral States like those of the North East, said Bezboruah.Earlier, dwelling on the life and work of late Lakshmi Nath Phookan, the founder editor of The Assam Tribune, Bezboruah saluted this quite unassuming man as a man of great courage and convictions.It may be mentioned here that late LN Phookan, born in Dergaon in 1897, was not only a talented journalist, but also an excellent writer, poet and a true professional. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1970 for his collection of biographies Mahaatmaar poraa Rupkonwaroloi. He served as the editor, The Assam Tribune for 25 years from 1939 to 1964.Among other dignitaries present on the occassion were eminent poet Nilamani Phukan, Tabu Taid, and Prof Dilip Baruah. Dorin Hazarika and Diwas Phukan of Ace Institute, which had instituted the lecture,were also present Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Bravo Fernandes for lifting the. Com on, lay bare the whole truth.
Fernandes should apologise: Assam Govt http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=303643 The Assam government today said NDA convenor George Fernandes should apologise for his statement that Jawaharlal Nehru and Congress were responsible for forcing Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah to play communal politics leading to partition. In a statement here, state government spokesman and senior minister Ripun Bora said "this amounts to betrayal of the nation for which he (Fernandes) should apologise". Fernandes's "irresponsible comments proved that he was ignorant of history and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters", he said. "The people of the nation can never forget the contribution of Nehru and the Congress during the freedom struggle and such comments from a power-hungry politician as Fernandes will never be accepted", Bora said while reacting to a reported statement of the former Defence Minister. During his two-day visit to Assam, Fernandes, citing a book written by Rammonahar Lohia, had claimed that Jinnah who believed in secular politics was drawn towards communal politics by none other than India's first Prime Minister. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Muivah, India is not troubled by a caged lion's roar.You seem trapped now!
NSCN(IM) accuses Centre of violating truce http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200506101812.htm New Delhi, June 10. (PTI): With a little over a month remaining for the truce between Naga insurgent outfit NSCN (IM) and Government to expire, strains surfaced in efforts to push the peace process forward. The outfit accused the Government and Army of killing its innocent cadres in clear violation of the ceasefire. Charging the Centre with pursuing "dual policies" on the ceasefire and the peace process," the outfit said in a statement that "our tolerance and patience should by no means be interpreted any longer as a sign of weakness. "It would otherwise be a disastrous judgement," the outfit warned. In the statement faxed to PTI, NSCN (IM) said "the army and paramilitary forces of the Government with some of the states armed personnel have been deliberately trying their best to undermine the ceasefire agreement. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Better late than never! The road to Mandalay: the DREAM may come true.
Link Dehong-Mandalay Road to Assam: Chinese Dy Governer 6/9/2005 5:57:45 PM IST http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/news.asp?dat=60292 Dehong Prefecture in the Yunnan provinces of Chinahas a flourishing trade with Mandalay-Myanmar, thanks to a good road connectivity between the two. "If this road is connected to Assam in India, it will help to boost our bilateral trade," says Wang Chao, Deputy Governer of the Government of Dehong Prefecture. Wang Chao, who was leading an 11-member high-powered business delegation, was addressing an interactive session organised by Indian Merchants' Chamber on Thursday. Wang Chao said, " Dehong Prefecture in Yunnan province was in South-West China, bordering Myanmar, quite close to India's North-Eastern States. The Commerce Minister of Manymar recently told me that a new road link to Assam in India with Dehong & Mandalay highway would be a boon for all the three countries." Wang Chao also invited Indian Merchants' Chamber members to the Annual China-Myanmar Border Trade Fair scheduled to be held in December 2005. "We would like to expand the scope of China-Myanmar Border Trade Fair to businessmen from India and Bangladesh, and try to make it a global event," he said. Guo Welong, President of Dehong Chamber, appealed to Indian businessmen to explore the prospects of doing business with Dehong Prefecture. "Direct business between us will be greatly enhanced when a road link is constructed between India's North-Eastern states and Yunnan," he said. M.N.Chaini, Director of Reliance Industries said that North-Eastern states being a sensitive region in India construction of a road link would perhaps need high level clearance from Delhi and Beijing. Suresh Sharma of India - China Trade Centre said that both the Chinese and Indian businessmen and their associations should study the competitive advantages of doing business between different Indian States and Chinese Provinces and Prefectures. "For instance, the levels of productivity and cost advantages are not the same in all the 28 states of India as well as in the all the Perfectures in China. Our Chambers' should focus on studying the business prospects at micro level", he said Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] For Christ's sake Fernandes, admit that a Sovereign Assam is THE SOLUTION.
Fernandes welcomes talks with ULFA http://www.deepikaglobal.com/latestnews.asp?ncode=28652Guwahati, June 9 (UNI) JD(U) leader and former Defence Minister George Fernandes today said he was in favour of ending the insurgency problem in Assam through talks.Talking to reporters here, Mr Fernandes welcomed the initiative by the Centre to bring the ULFA to the negotiation table and expected the militant outfit to respond to it.He said guns never solved any problem and the issue should be through dialogue. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Sanskritizng the name does not gain you a territory, India.
Army upset with PLA intrusions in Arunachal http://www.northeasttribune.com/4222.htm NET News Network Guwahati, June 9: The Indian Army has taken serious note of seven perceived violations of the LAC by the Chinese PLA in the last six months in the Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh sector, the last in Arunachal Pradesh in April which China strenuously denied. The government could take up the LAC violations with China shortly, and seek regular sector-level contacts between the two armies, and India will also protest the temporary shelters and marking stones put up by visiting PLA patrols, whose per unit strength has increased from eight to twenty men. With Bhutan, despite having a demarcated border, a Chinese road network is violating fifty kilometres of its territory, and China has recommenced the road-building after temporarily halting it following Bhutanese protests. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Sanskritizng the name does not gain you a territory, India.
Army upset with PLA intrusions in Arunachal http://www.northeasttribune.com/4222.htm NET News Network Guwahati, June 9: The Indian Army has taken serious note of seven perceived violations of the LAC by the Chinese PLA in the last six months in the Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh sector, the last in Arunachal Pradesh in April which China strenuously denied. The government could take up the LAC violations with China shortly, and seek regular sector-level contacts between the two armies, and India will also protest the temporary shelters and marking stones put up by visiting PLA patrols, whose per unit strength has increased from eight to twenty men. With Bhutan, despite having a demarcated border, a Chinese road network is violating fifty kilometres of its territory, and China has recommenced the road-building after temporarily halting it following Bhutanese protests. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Example of 'Killing two birds with one stone' proverb!
Indian Military deployment in Assam & Ahom/Ahomiya http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/view.php?hidDate=2005-06-07&hidType=OPT&hidRecord=047687 Tuesday June 07 2005 17:53:54 PM BDT Dr. M. Hazarika from UK Dear Mr. Abedin, Subject: Indian Military deployment in Assam & Ahom/Ahomiya in :http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/view.php?hidDate=2005-06-07&hidType=HIG&hidRecord=047526 Many thanks for highlighting the military and security efforts by India making it a densest soldiered part in the world which speaks volumes about the ongoing freedom movement in Assam. I would rather make a briefest comment on the main theme in your article of the migration of your countrymen to Assam. As you very rightly pointed out, the then British administration in Assam from the early 1880's brought in many thousands of your countrymen to settle in Assam to enhance the Agri-Revenue. These settlers are distinguishable easily from the ones arrived in Assam later on. We need to remember that Indian administration did set up special Settlement Offices after 1947 to look after the interests of the new arrivals across the border. The illegal economic migrants should receive the same treatment as per international norms. It is amazing that this heavily soldiered region for almost for the last 15 years with 10 million(estimated) of indigenous native original population has found itself to have a population of 25 million at the last census. Is it far fetched looking at these numbers that in the disguise of settling refugees the Indian administration has over the years has furtively reduced the indigenous population into a minority letting the look alike people to come in both legally and illegally with a perverse aim of keeping the integrity of India intact? May I respectfully point out the word Ahomâ in your piece has been misrepresented. The Ahoms are a people, a part of the Assamese nation. I believe, because of phonetical aberrations you have chosen to write it that manner to mean Assamese actually; as you have written Ahomiya to mean the Assamese language. The Assamese language has ONLY one distinctive sound for THE 3 different alphabets. These alphabets are also present in Bangla script [ie. The shaws ]. This distinctive sound still exists amongst your country folks particularly clearly in Sylhet to remind us of the Kumrupi influence to the edge of Korotoya river and that of the Carjageetis( Spiritual songs of Buddhist Philosophy). Carjageetis( Sorzapods in Assaemese). These songs unmistakably are closest to Assamese vocabulary and structure to any neutral observer. I think now it will be easy for you to understand what I am suggesting shortly. Assam is an anglicised word for Awxom/Awhom/Ohom/Asom and the language Assamese is Awxomiya/Ohomiya. If one writes Ahom/Ahomiya it is likely to be understood as an attribution to the Ahoms. Although many explanation has been given for the name Awxom, I believe it is nearer you than anywhere else. Surprised? There is a word in Bangla âOhomâ meaning proud. I have met few of country men of yours in the past who have described the Assamese as a proud race. That perception and describing people of the Kingdom of Assam in a similar fashion likely to have stuck and with sophistication became Awxom/Awhom/Asom. The Assamese people call themselves Awxomiya/Awhomiya/Ohomiya. By the way if the word Ohom is derived form of Sanskrit Ohongkar or essentially an ancient word from the region I do not know. Please note that Awxhom/Awhom/ Ohom & Awxomiya/Awhomiya/ Ohomiya all are closest representation to carry the actual phonetics. I trust you will find this feed back informative. Regards and best wishes. Dr. M. Hazarika United Kingdom Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] BSF IG Srivastava, havent you lost all credibility to stay in your job now?
Indian BSF's Ulfa claim found false No Ulfa hotels, bank accounts exist Tuesday June 07 2005 10:34:45 AM BDT http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/view.php?hidDate=2005-06-07&hidType=TOP&hidRecord=047623 Shariful Islam The seven hotels run by the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa) in three cities of Bangladesh, as claimed by a top official of Indian Border Security Force (BSF), do not exist at all, reveals an investigation carried out by The Daily Star.The BSF official's claim that the Ulfa members are operating accounts in two private banks in Bangladesh also proved false in the investigation. Indian state-run news agency PTI quoted SC Srivastava, BSF Inspector General of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland, as saying that the Ulfa has been running the international standard hotels in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. Srivastava at a news conference in Shillong on Friday named three hotels -- Surma International on Taj Mahal Road, Hotel Mohammadia in Mirpur and Padma International in Banani in Dhaka. According to him, these hotels are managed by Subal Barua alias Ahmed, Satish Sharma alias Kamal and Ashish Deka alias Hossain.The Daily Star correspondent searched the entire Mirpur-Pallabi area but did not find any hotel named Mohammadia. The members' list collected from Hotel Baboshayi Samity, an association of hotel owners, also shows there is no Mohammadia Hotel in this area. During the investigation, The Daily Star correspondent found a small tin-shed restaurant named "Mohammadia Restaurant and Sweetmeat" in Senpara Parbata area under Kafrul Police Station, which is owned by Motiur Rahman."I know Motiur for the last seven to eight years as he is running the wayside restaurant. This is a small restaurant and the customers are common people," said Mohammad Yousuf, a local resident. "No high-profile people visits this restaurant."There are some 13 residential hotels in Mirpur Section-1 and Gabtoli areas, but none of them is named Mohammadia, as claimed by the BSF official.The Daily Star correspondent also searched all six blocks on Tajmahal Road in Mohammadpur, but no hotel named Surma International was found there. "Let alone any international standard hotel, there is not even a low standard hotel in this area," said Faruq Hossain, a wayside shop owner.The search was conducted also on Babar Road, Humayun Road, Shahjahan Road, Noorjahan Road, Iqbal Road, Sher Shah Suri Road and Salimullah Road in Mohammadpur and the result was negative.The Daily Star correspondent visited the entire Banani and Gulshan areas where there is no hotel named Padma International. "I am running a business here for the last 10 years. I have never seen any hotel named Padma International in Banani-Gulshan area," said manager of a rest house in Banani wishing not to be named. However, there is a residential hotel named Padma at Malibagh, which is run by one Fazlul Haq. "I know the owner, who is running the business for the last 20 years. Low income traders use to stay here," said Moshiur Rahman Hiron, a local resident.The BSF official claimed that the rebel outfit has two hotels in Sylhet, namely Keya International at Zinda Bazar managed by Dulal Roy alias Saidul, and Hotel Yamuna on University Road by Anil Dey alias Sohal.He also named two residential hotels in Chittagong -- Hotel Basundhara managed by Subhash Deka alias Humayun at Halishahar and Hotel Raj King run by Kanailal Barman alias Rubel at Pahartali.The Daily Star staff correspondents in Chittagong and Sylhet looked for these hotels in the mentioned areas but did not find any.BANK ACCOUNTSSrivastava claimed that three bank accounts of Ulfa members had been traced in Arab Bangladesh Bank's Farm Gate Branch in Dhaka and Zinda Bazar Branch in Sylhet, and Al-Barakah Bank's Pahartali Branch in Chittagong. The investigation reveals the BSF official's claim is completely wrong. Even these banks do not have any branch in the mentioned areas. Officials of Oriental Bank, formerly Al-Barakah Bank, and Arab Bangladesh Bank told The Daily Star that they have no branch in the locations mentioned by the BSF official and no Ulfa insurgent operates any account in any other branch."We have no branch at Pahartali in Chittagong," said Imamul Haque, deputy managing director of Oriental Bank. A high official of Arab Bangladesh Bank wishing anonymity said they do not have any branch at Farmgate in Dhaka and at Zinda Bazar in Sylhet.Different intelligence agencies also investigated the BSF official's claims but did not find any such hotels and bank accounts, sources in the intelligence agencies said.NFB Posting Image courtesy :http://in.rediff.com/news/dec/26ulfa2.jpg The Daily Star Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pike
[Assam] Analyst,if the ULFA is a spent force, whylet your vitriolicpen vomitindigestion?
Sovereignty, core issues, who is letting Musharraf-speak surface in the ULFA dialogue? http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=71474 Electoral compulsions seem to have encouraged the Centre to hasten its pace in seeking peace with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). Assam goes to the polls next year and the Congress party seems to have arrived at the view that its peace initiative with the ULFA militants is a politically clever intervention. While this may or may not be the case, we need to remind the Congress governments at the Centre and state that what may be in the partys interests does not necessarily serve the countrys interests. It is alarming, to say the least, when expressions like core issue and state sovereignty are suddenly bandied around. The words bring with them a disturbing whiff of Musharraf-speak into the ULFA dialogue. We cannot afford to have Assam turn into another Kashmir. We need to understand exactly what the ULFA is all about. Ever since it was constituted in 1979, it has became synonymous with the insurgency in Assam. Styling itself as the sole protector of the states interests, its activities soon deteriorated into a dirty little war against the Indian state, kept alive by terrorist strikes and gun- and drug-running. The Centre must seriously worry over whether the outfit is agreeing to a peace dialogue only as a diversionary ploy in order to regroup. Such tactics are not unknown when it comes to the ULFA. This is the group that thought nothing of targeting school children during the Independence Day flag-hoisting at Dhemaji last year. It was public revulsion over these incidents that supposedly provoked the Jatiya Mahasabha resolution favouring peace talks with the Centre. However, this attempt at reconciliation did not dissuade the ULFA from planning a series of revenge strikes in mid-December to mark the first anniversary of the attacks on its camps in Bhutan. The Centre appears over-eager to engage at a time when the ULFA is itself not in the greatest of shape. Its commander-in-chief, Paresh Baruah, is reported to be in indifferent health and the outfit no longer commands the popular support it once did in Assam. Meanwhile, there has been a useful ceasefire agreement struck with the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. The gravitational pull of a settled and peaceful existence has already made itself felt. It is the ULFA that stands isolated in this scenario and the UPA government must not make the mistake of nursing it back to health through its misguided and motivated generosity. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Superb! Zainal, start reverse migration of your folks to luxurious Bangla life
Fake stories of illegal intrusion of the Bangladeshis in Assam Monday June 06 2005 13:36:24 PM BDT http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/view.php?hidDate=2005-06-07&hidType=HIG&hidRecord=047526 Zainal Abedin from Bangladesh An article written by Anand Kumar of South Asia Analysis Group under the caption Illegal Bangladeshi Immigration: People take the mantle when thegovernment gives up(South Asia Analysis Group Paper no. 1391, 25 May 2005,***http://saag.org/papers14/paper1391.html) drew my attention. ***Anybody who went threw the article, would comprehend that being an Indian Anand Kumar simply chewed the cud of New Delhi rulers and their notorious intelligence agency RAW. The effort was made to divert the attention of the exploited and deprived people of Assam to such an issue foreigners which is popular to the ethnic Assamese.The most unfortunate aspect of his cock and bull story is that he withoutanalysing and scrutinising the absurdity of Assams Governor Ajai Singhs claim aboutthe alleged intrusion of the Bangladeshis into Assam, Anand Kumar used it to defame Bangladesh. How a state Governor could blame a neghbouring country in such an indecent and irresponsible way which is totally baseless. How the governor could enumerate the number of the Bangladeshis that according to his language enter Assam daily? Why didnt the Indian intelligence and security forces that beset the state could detain even a singleBangladeshi? What a vague information the governor aired! When this huge influx of the Bangladeshis started? His statement indicates that the infiltration of the 6,000Bangladeshis continues and remains unabated. If so 1,80,000 Bangladeshis enter Assam every month and in a year the figure will stand at 12, 96,000. According to the census of 2001, the total population of Assam was 2,66,55,528. Among them, according Indian media, the Muslims constitute 30 per cent of the total population of the state. If so, their number now should be around 79,96,659. If one years intrusion is added ,the present number of the Muslims should reach at 92, 56,659. According to the census of 1991 Muslims were 63, 73,204.Indian government and its media now point their fingers at the Muslims when they refer to the term infiltrators in India, though there prevails strong anti-infiltrator sentiment and campaign in all the states of northeast. Muslims were about 40 per cent when Assam was merged with India in 1947. Their sizeable presence was in existence even before the advent of the British. Muslims were never infiltrators in Assam. The Muslims of today in Assam are not immigrant or outsiders, rather most of them are the sons of the soil. After fall of Gurgobinda in the 14th century, many Ahom people adjoining Sylhet converted to Islam. During the British period, thousand of Bengali speaking Muslims were brought to and settled in Assam to bring arable lands under cultivation. The descendants of these Muslims now form 30 per cent of the total population of Assam. These descendants of those Bengali speaking Muslims forgot their language and culture, but not their religion . This new generation Muslims of Assam feel pride to identify themselves Ahoms, treat Assam as their motherland, use Ahomiya language in their daily life, send their children to schools where Ahomiya is the medium of instruction. Other than their religious activities they are hundred per cent Ahoms. They cannot be branded as foreigners or Bangladeshis. So it is itself illegal and unjustified and mere violation of human rights to brand and harass the Muslims in Assam as illegal , outsiders or infiltrators.Moreover it is impossible fo the Bangladeshis to enter Assam is such a massive way.Entrance of six thousand Bangladeshis daily means Assam border is opened for all. But the reality is just opposite. An Indian columnist Ajay Suri reported: After Kashmir, theNortheast India has the maximum concentration of intelligence personnel. Apart fromMilitary Intelligence, BSFs own G-branch (its intelligence wing) is active in the region. Also, more than 500 Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials are stationed permanently here, and the Research & Analysis wing (RAW) has its men even in Bangladesh( http://www.indianexpress.com/ie20010420/nat23.html).On the other hand, Assam is one of the most densely soldiered regions in the world. It is really difficult to mention the accurate figure of security agencies that are deployed in Assam. India, to avert the hue and cry in home and abroad, intentionally keep this information secret.According to press reports, at least, one lakh soldiers of Indian Army are deployed in Assam. Six battalions of BSF, 10 battalions of CRP, five companies of the Punjab Police Commandos, one battalion of State Rifles have been deployed in the state. The number of other forces cannot be ascertained. One can have an easy idea how much of them are there, if one looks into so many security agencie
[Assam] Why not demand the answer Wasbir?Spectre of dying in a faked encounter stopsyou?
Generally speaking, the BSF need to answer http://www.sentinelassam.com/ June 4, 2005 Who says that His Excellency often wakes up before dawn, drives off in his motorcade to play golf, dragging, in the process, a whole lot of cops from their slumber, and does nothing substantial? Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh, one must know, is engaged in deliberations and writing reports on the most talked about issue in Assam for the past 25 years: the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migration. Aside from varying viewpoints, this issue has been electing and demolishing political parties during the polls in Assam, and rankling everybody who thinks these intruders can, sooner than later, outnumber the indigenous people in their own land. It is this issue that Governor Singh decided to highlight at the Governors conference that President Kalam was to preside over a couple of months ago, but got deferred as the President was indisposed. The media, after the meeting got postponed, published reports quoting Governor Singhs secret note that 6,000 Bangladeshis were entering Assam every day. The Governor was supposed to have quoted border officials, indicating that he had arrived at the figure of 6,000 from these officials. Much later, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi sought to refute the Governors claim saying it was not based on facts. Raj Bhavan in Guwahati had all along maintained a stony silence on the issue. But, after the Chief Minister locked horns with the former general, the Governor decided to clarify matters. In an interview to UNI, Governor Singh said that he was misquoted by the media. He said he had not suggested that 6,000 Bangladeshis were entering Assam each day. The Governor told UNI, according to the report by the news agency, that 6,000 Bangladeshis were entering the country every day, and not just Assam. And this, he said, was based on information of the border officials. To my mind, its immaterial whether that number of Bangladeshis are entering Assam alone or are sneaking in to other parts of the country each day. What is important here is the Governors conclusion, based on information from border officials, that 6,000 Bangladeshis, as he clarified later, are entering India every day. Now, this has been stated by the Governor of a State, not by some unnamed or unidentified intelligence officials. Therefore, it is supposed to carry weight. And, from where has the Governor arrived at this figure of 6,000? As he has said and stated in black and white, from border officials. We shall go by Governor Singhs clarification, not by the initial media reports. Take a look at the UNI report that quoted the Governors note as saying: "India and Bangladesh have a common border of 4,096 kilometres, passing through riverine and low-lying areas in West Bengal, Assam and hilly terrain in Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya. This is literally one of the worlds most fluid borders, crossed daily, border officials say, by some 6,000 Bangladeshis who come in search of work, often staying on to join the estimated 20 million illegal immigrants that are already there in the country..." Now that the border officials have told the Governor that 6,000 Bangladeshis are entering India daily, it is a clear admission of their failure in preventing this influx of aliens. And, since Governor Singh has clarified that he was talking of 6,000 Bangladeshis entering India every day, and not just Assam, it is clear that this is a serious national problem, not just a problem in Assam. And since it is the Border Security Force (BSF) that is responsible for guarding the Indo-Bangladesh border, the force ought to come up with an explanation. And now that the BSF chief, R.S. Mushahary, happens to belong to Assam, an answer must come quickly, along with measures to check the inflow of aliens from across the border. After all, border officials cannot be expected to come up with an estimate of illegal migrants entering the country every day and do nothing about it. (Feedback: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Dhaka denial points towards another 'Srivastav Disinformation' ploy on the ULFA.
Dhaka denies allegation of Ulfa-run hotels http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/view.php?hidDate=2005-06-04&hidType=NAT&hidRecord=047208 Saturday June 04 2005 09:34:50 AM BDT Dhaka yesterday denied a PTI report that the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa) runs seven international-standard hotels and operates three bank accounts in Bangladesh.The Indian news agency yesterday quoted S C Srivastava, inspector general of Indian Border Security Force of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland frontier, as saying at a news conference in Shillong that the ULFA-run hotels are located in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. The report traced the three bank accounts to Arab Bangladesh Bank's Farm Gate Branch in Dhaka and Zinda Bazar Branch in Sylhet, and Al-Barakah Bank's Pahartali Branch in Chittagong. "We don't have any such information," IG Abdul Quayum of Bangladesh Police told The Daily Star last night, noting, "It seems incorrect to me."However, Quayum said they will check out the information, as they customarily do whenever any allegation comes from India.The three Dhaka hotels named by IG Srivastava as controlled by Ulfa insurgents were Surma International on Taj Mahal Road, Hotel Mohammadia in Mirpur and Padma International in Banani. According to the BSF IG, these hotels are managed by Subal Barua alias Ahmed Satish Sharma alias Kamal and Ashish Deka alias Hossain.He said the rebel outfit has two hotels in Sylhet, namely Keya International in Zinda Bazar area managed by Dulal Roy alias Saidul and Yamuna on University Road by Anil Dey alias Sohal.The remaining two hotels Srivastava named were Hotel Basundhara managed by Subhash Deka alias Humayun at Halishahar and Raj King by Kanailal Barman alias Rubel at Pahartali in Chittagong.According to the BSF regional chief, the managers of the hotels are "cadres of the proscribed outfit FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] The Dragon's flame and India. Can you smell the raost?
India, Japan in UNSC dangerous: China http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=47879&headline=India~in~UNSC~dangerous:~ChinaReutersPosted online: Friday, June 03, 2005 at 1003 hours ISTUpdated: Friday, June 03, 2005 at 1005 hours ISTUnited Nations, June 3: China on Thursday called the plan to enlarge the elite UN Security Council favored by Japan, Germany, Brazil and India "a dangerous move" which Beijing would oppose when it came to a vote. "This will split the house. It will destroy the unity, and derail the whole process of discussions on the big UN reform," Ambassador Wang Guangya told reporters, using harsher language than usual. The 15-nation Security Council, which rules on war and peace, sanctions and peacekeeping operations, still reflects the balance of power at the end of World War II. Japan, Germany, Brazil and India intend to put to a vote this month a UN General Assembly resolution that would enlarge the Security Council from 15 to 25 members, including six more permanent seats. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Has the ULFA adopted renown Basque of Europe tactics?
Bomb explodes at microwave tower in Assam http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200506041220.htm Guwahati, June. 4 (PTI): Suspected ULFA extremists exploded a bomb beneath a microwave tower at Gutanagar here today. Police said the explosion occurred inside a drain beneath the BSNL microwave tower around 08:30 a.m, adding there was no report of any loss of life or injury. Police said the explosion resulted in a crater at the site of the blast. The tower was reported to be unaffected and the microwave link between Assam and the rest of the world remained intact. Senior police and BSNL officials have rushed to the blast site, police added. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] The Statesman of India labels Indira R. Goswami as ULFA'S spokesperson!!
SHOR TAKES http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=14&id=78928&usrsess=1 Whats up with Ulfa?The banned United Liberation Front of Asom is interested in negotiating with the Indian Government but needs more time to study the letter from the National Security Adviser, MK Narayanan, inviting its leaders for unconditional talks and seeking to discuss all issues. It wants the release of some of its key central committee members, picked up during the 2003 Bhutan operation. It has problems with the letters language, according to Indira Roisom Goswami, acting as its spokesperson and interlocutor with the government. One must recognise Dr Goswamis steadfastness. But, importantly, Dr Goswami conveyed these views to the NSA, his response naturally was that he would like to have the Ulfa response in writing so that these could be clarified. Sometimes, direct talks are better than intermediary processes. The Centre should not be over-eager but it should not also miss a chance to bring peace back to Assam : Hasten slowly. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Did not this Srivastava owned up to spreading disinformation before?
Wraps off Ulfa hotels in Dhaka http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050604/asp/frontpage/story_4825508.asp Shillong, June 3: India today unveiled a list of hotels and other assets allegedly owned by the United Liberation Front of Asom in Bangladesh in a renewed attempt to pressure the government there to act against the outlawed outfit. The Border Security Forces top official in the Northeast, S.C. Shrivastava, said Ulfa leaders based in Bangladesh were managing as many as seven hotels of international standard and some nursing homes, too. Senior officials in Dhaka were unavailable for comment. A junior home ministry official told The Telegraphs Dhaka correspondent that the BSFs claims appeared to be in line with the usual Bangladesh-bashing some Indian officials like to do. Shrivastava, who is in charge of the Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland frontier, read out from a list that said the militant group owned Surma International, Hotel Mohammadia and Padma International in Dhaka, Keya International and Hotel Yamuna in Sylhet and Hotel Basundhara and Hotel Raj King in Chittagong. He said the managers of these hotels were Ulfa militants who operated under aliases such as Ahmed, Kamal Hossain, Saidul, Shoal, Humayun and Rubel. The hotels and a few nursing homes are under the direct control of Ulfa top guns in Bangladesh or outside. The BSF revealed details of at least three of Ulfas active bank accounts. The accounts were traced to Arab Bangladesh Banks Zinda Bazaar branch in Sylhet (account number 025401/08), the same banks Farm Gate branch in Dhaka (account number 5266709/15) and Al-barakah Banks Pahartali branch in Chittagong (account number 09/229472). Shrivastava did not rule out the possibility of incarcerated Ulfa leader Anup Chetia his sentence was supposed to have ended on February 25 but he remains in jail being a key man in the outfits business ventures. He was arrested on December 21, 1997. India has been seeking, unsuccessfully, for years to have him extradited, as it has been trying again tasting repeated failures to persuade Dhaka to crack down on Northeast militants who have allegedly taken shelter in Bangladesh. Although todays allegations were levelled by a BSF official in the region, intelligence sources in Delhi said it was highly improbable that the government had not been kept informed. The disclosures come about 10 days after Bangladesh Rifles ostensibly began an operation to flush out militants on May 24. We were informed by them about the offensive; it was very nice of them to have done that. But of what use is an offensive like that if a major outfit (Ulfa) is left out? Shrivastava asked. At least five militants of the National Liberation Front of Tripura were reported killed in an encounter with the forces on May 27. Sources said the counter-insurgency offensive ended on May 30. Shrivastava said Ulfas businesses in Bangladesh would have been affected had the outfit been targeted in the operation. If it was a uniform exercise, these Ulfa-managed hotels and nursing homes should have been closed along with their bank accounts. The BSF official said Bangladesh had done nothing to convince India that it was serious about weeding Ulfa out of its territory. Ulfa will never be touched and there are strong reasons for it. He insinuated a clandestine tie-up between the outfit and Bangladesh security forces and other government agencies. Ulfa had a strong presence in Bhutan, too, until the Himalayan kingdom launched a military offensive called Operation All Clear in December 2003. Several veteran functionaries of the militant group were either killed or captured while returning to Assam. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Lani could do with some excellent & appropriate KharKhowa Recipes!
Good news for TV anchor: Indian cooking http://www.thestate.com/mld/miamiherald/living/food/11785429.htm?source=rss&channel=miamiherald_food BY LINDA BLADHOLM[EMAIL PROTECTED] The spiciest news that Tom Haynes, the WSVN 7 newscast co-anchor, can report is what he ate for dinner. His wife, Lani, is East Indian and grew up in the Assam region bordering Bhutan, China and Myanmar (Burma). Family favorites include jalferezi (stir-fried meat curry with potatoes and brown onions), yakhni pulao (rice steamed in meat stock), prawn paturi (shrimp smeared in coconut paste and cooked in banana-leaf packets) and of course lots of rice and dal (stewed lentils). For the past month Lani's mother, Ishrat, has been visiting to help with 4-month old baby Brennan Rana. That means more exotic fare, as his mother-in-law is a skilled and adventurous cook. Tom says ``since she arrived our fridge has never been so full.'' Tom grew up in what is now Pinecrest in an Italian-Irish family that mainly ate home-cooked Italian food. After studying political science at the University of Massachusetts, he got into television, learning hands on. Eight years ago while doing an internship at CNN in Atlanta, he met Lani on a blind date set up by a friend. When they married three years later, Lani took the constant moves in stride. Her father had worked for a big tea company, and the family relocated a lot to various tea and coffee plantations, living a few years in Papua New Guinea. Like many Indians, Lani's family history is complex, with a melting pot of recipes passed down through the generations. Her father was a Rajput Hindu from Nepal and her mother grew up Muslim-Bengali in Bihar, the state bordering Bengal. Lani's maternal grandmother, Sultan Jehan (the name means ``Emperor of the World''), is from an aristocratic Nawab family renowned for their refined cuisine. She married into an Arab-Indian family who operate a silk mill in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and spent time in Myanmar where she learned an incredible noodle dish. The food Lani and her mother cook range from simple Bengali fish curries to richly spiced and perfumed Mughlai dishes. On a recent evening, Tom came home to a feast fit for a Moghul. It started with chicken rezala, a type of Bengali korma (braise), served over basmati rice. To make this, skinless boneless bite size pieces of chicken are marinated in yogurt with the juice of ground and strained onions and ginger (to keep the sauce light). After sizzling whole spices in a little oil, thin slices of onion are added and browned until crisp, and the chicken added, with the marinade and plenty of slit, seeded red chiles. When the chicken is cooked to tender perfection, saffron crushed with rosewater is stirred in for a final fragrant layer, delicious served with sweet Bengali tomato chutney, speckled with fragrant panch phoron (five-spice seed blend). The main dish was khaukswe, Burmese-style noodles smothered in a coconut-milk and chickpea flour-thickened broth with shredded chicken -- according to Tom, ''the best thing I have ever eaten.'' In Asia springy egg noodles are used, but the Haynes family prefers linguine so the sauce clings to the thick strands. The noodles are garnished with chopped hard-cooked egg, cucumbers, scallion greens, cilantro, crisp fried onion shreds, deep-fried garlic, crushed peanut, lemon wedges, and slices of hot green chiles. To dig into this is to taste a fusion of hot, sweet, salty, sour, creamy, crunchy and hot flavors, just as Tom's diverse family is united by a mutual appreciation of food. ! FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Now a wink from China is all that needed in Assam's deliverance!
Northeast India rebels seek US help on Assam conflict http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-06/02/content_3037053.htm NEW DELHI, June 2 (Xinhuanet) -- The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has sought the intervention of the United States to bring about a solution to the 25 years-long conflict in India's northeastern province of Assam, Indo-Asian News Service reported Thursday. The ULFA, in a letter addressed to US President George W. Bush,said that the people of Assam and other northeastern provinces were being subjected to Indian military repression in the name of countering insurgency. "We believe that the United States is the only country that canuse its influence to bring about a satisfactory solution to the Assam-India conflict and therefore appeal for Your Excellency's intervention in the matter of resolving the conflict," ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in the letter. The ULFA recently offered to hold talks with the Indian government which also formally invited the outfit to come for peace talks. The group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979. In April, it was bracketed as a terrorist organization by the United States, said the report. The US State Department in its "2004 Country Reports on Terrorism" added the ULFA to the Other Selected Terrorist Organizations (OSTO) List. Groups on the OSTO List are terrorist organizations that do not target the national security of the United States or its citizens, according to the US State Department. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] ULFA of Assam Nation is not previously alleged anti-American Maoists; PROVEN.
ULFA seek US intervention http://www.northeasttribune.com/4164.htm NET News Network Guwahati, June 1: The proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has asked for United States intervention to dissolve the Assam-India political conflict. This was informed to media through an e-mailed copy of the letter addressed by outfits chairman Aurobindo Rajkhowa to US President George W Bush. The letter dated May 11, 2005 has requested US President to intervene and find a solution to the long-standing freedom struggle by ULFA. Calling counter-insurgency operation in Assam and Northeast India as a camouflage for arms oppression by Indian army, the outfit has termed US as the only country that can apply its influence and bring a solution to the Assam-India conflict. The US has designated the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) as a terrorist organization. The State Department, in its "2004 Country Reports on Terrorism" released on April 27, 2005, added ULFA to the Other Selected Terrorist Organisations (OSTO) List. Groups on the OSTO List are terrorist organisations that do not target the national security of the US or its citizens. Referring to ULFA as the most prominent insurgent group in India's northeast, the report noted its use of extortion to finance military training and weapons purchases and that it reportedly procures and trades in arms with other insurgent groups in the northeast. The report said the outfit might have linkages with other ethnic insurgent groups active in neighbouring states, and receives aid from "unknown external sources". FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] AND knowingly, hoodwinked Assamese continue to vote under Indian constitution!
France's Rejection of E.U. Charter Emboldens Opponents http://www.nytimes.com/auth/login?URI=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/30/international/europe/30cnd-france.html&OQ=hpQ26exQ3D1117512000Q26enQ3D985fdac39b4cf715Q26eiQ3D5094Q26excampQ3DGGGNeuropeanconstitution&OP=32cfe68/mRjSmQ5B_DdK__Uhmh88Gm8GmA8mPcUjKcpUP_cpxmjkK_WjmA8DcQ5B9FKpcDjQ3BoU)x By ELAINE SCIOLINO Published: May 30, 2005 The next step for the E.U. remains uncertain, especially if the Netherlands also rejects the treaty this week. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] A Sovereign Assam has greater potential than India to develop rapidly.
NE needs dev, not sovereignty: Arjun By a Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, May 30: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh is worried over the fact that a section of people of the North-east is demanding sovereignty. He has appealed to the elite section in the region to take the leading role in making the masses know that development of the region is more important than sovereignty. He was delivering the seventh convocation lecture of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) today. Admitting that the region has a lot of challenges before it, he said that the Union Government was fully behind the almost 11-year-old technological institute in its development plans and to harness its full potential. Saying that India will have to compete with the universities of China, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Israel besides those in European and American countries, the HRD Minister laid stress on quality in both education and research. "To maintain our momentum, it is necessary to produce technology indigenously that will provide inputs to industry," he said. He urged the IITG scientists and students to design new models for tea manufacturing factories to tide over the crisis in the sector and to put forward suggestions and solutions to tackle floods in the region. In his address as the guest of honour, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the State Government had taken initiatives for the economic development of Assam. "The Government has taken steps to attract the leading IT and ITES companies of the country to establish development centres in Assam. The Government has the plan to develop downstream industries once the gas cracker project materializes," he said and added that these efforts needed technical inputs and the IITG could play a major role in this regard. Gogoi recalled that the IITG had provided consultancy and technical support to the Assam Government in implementing the projects like e-governance, tax project, treasury project and police computerization, flood control, city drainage, transportation and earthquake engineering. IITG Director Prof Gautam Barua said that the strength of faculty of IITG at the end of March 2005 was 154 and added that the institute must attained the faculty strength of 200 within a year. Expressing his concern over setting up of two coal plants near the IITG campus, he said, "If the plants come up, they will pollute the entire area and spoil the ambience that has been made." He appealed to the Chief Minister to take up the matter. In todays convocation, apart from providing certificates to the students for completion of their B Tech, M Tech , B Des, M. Sc and Ph. D, as many as nine students were given gold and silver medals. President of India Gold Medal went to Shantanu Gupta of Computer Science and Engineering and Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal went to Nadukandi Prashanth of Civil Engineering. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] 1901 figures are inclusive of British settled Bengal Farmers since 1884.
Sinister falsifications - IIWITH EYES WIDE OPEND. N. Bezboruah http://www.sentinelassam.com/ 29 May 2005 Last week I had referred to four recent developments related to the on- going illegal influx from Bangladesh that had queered the pitch for Mr Tarun Gogoi and the Congress party of the State. I had said that the first was the statement of the Assam Governor Lt Gen. (Retd) Ajai Singh about nearly 6,000 Bangladeshis crossing the international border every day and the second was the laudable economic boycott of illegal migrants launched by the Chiring Chapori Yuva Mancha of Dibrugarh. The third is the spine-chilling UN-sponsored survey that reveals the most startling facts about demographic changes in Bangladesh that have very serious implications for Assam and the north-eastern States of India. It is not as though there is anything very new about the findings. I had dwelt on similar demographic changes in my editorials in The Sentinel, and Ashok Swain had done an exhaustive study of this kind of demographic change in his report entitled "The Environmental Trap: The Ganges River Diversion, Bangladeshi Migration and Conflicts in India" published by the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University in 1996. The fourth development was Chief Minister Tarun Gogois desperate bid to make the people of Assam turn their backs on all that they see, hear and read about the illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, to ignore all the evidence that points to the sinister implications of what is actually happening and to believe what just one man Mr Gogoi himself has to say about the influx from Bangladesh (or rather the total lack of it according to him!). After all, he has to win an election next year. We have had many occasions to dwell on the alarming increase of population in Assam over the last few decades. They really need no reiteration, but since Mr Gogoi refuses to see facts that stare him in the face, I must summarize the facts for him once again. The population figures for Assam (in millions) are as follows over the census years from 1901 to 2001. These are census figures, and not anybodys invention. 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 3.29 3.849 4.637 5.561 6.694 8.029 1961 1971 1981* 1991 2001 10.837 14.625 19.896 22.295 26.656 (*Assam did not have a census operation in 1981. The figure for the year is a projection made by the Census of India on the basis of earlier figures.) It will be noticed that Assams population doubled in the 40 years between 1901 and 1941, and more than doubled in the 30 years between 1941 and 1971. And going by the projected population of 1981, it almost doubled in the 20 years between 1961 and 1981. In the 70 years between 1901 and 1971, Assams population increased from 3.29 million to 14.6 million a 343.77 per cent increase over a period when the population of India had gone up by only about 150 per cent. Obviously, this did not happen because the people of Assam had become twice as fertile as their compatriots elsewhere. In fact, the general fertility rate for rural Assam for 1978 was 126.5 (all-India rural rate: 137.3) and the rate for urban Assam was 94.3 as opposed to the national urban figure of 102. This happened largely due to migration from former East Pakistan and present Bangladesh. Increases in Assams population during recent decades are even more interesting in establishing the kind of accelerated growth that has taken place. Between 1951 and 1961, Assams population increased by 34.98 per cent. During the next decade from 1961 to 1971 too Assams population increased by 34.95 per cent. As such the projected population for 1981 19.896 million was fairly accurate, since it translated into a decadal growth of 36.04 per cent. This was very close to the population growth over the two earlier decades of 34.98 and 34.95. However, after the census of 1991, the projected population figure of Assam for 1981 was revised to 18.04 million (down by about 1.85 million). This gave a comfortable decadal increase in population of just 23.35 per cent for Assam against the national decadal growth of 23.5 per cent for the same period. If the population of Assam has risen at a phenomenal rate, so has the number of voters. Just a few figures should suffice. Between 1957 and 1962 (just five years) the number of voters increased from 4,493,359 to 4,942,816 (449,457 voters or ten per cent). In the next four years, the number of voters increased by 13 per cent to 5,585,056, and by 1970, the number of voters increased by 10.42 per cent to stand at 6,296,198. Likewise, in the one year between 1978 and 1979, the number of voters increased by 7.06 per cent! What does the UN survey indicate? It starts off on the premise that according to the Census of Bangladesh, there was an increase of 10.4 crore in the population of Bangladesh during the period 1981-1991. But if the earlier growth of the countrys population is any indication, the increase in population should have be
[Assam] It seems The Chanakya trick lies in the Tikoni(hairlock). Shave it off India!
PMO issues letter to ULFA http://www.northeasttribune.com/index.htm 27/05/05 08:00 PM The possibility of talks between Delhi and the ULFA brightened today with the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) formally issuing reply to the outfits letter, in which it had outlined the conditions for a dialogue. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Assam must totally get rid of the racist RSS infestation.
US think-tank calls RSS terrorist, Sangh fumes http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1123740.cms?headline=US~think-tank~calls~RSS~terrorist,~Sangh~fumes NEW DELHI: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is furious with an American think-tank for declaring it a terrorist organisation and lumping it with a host of jihadi organisations and secessionist outfits. The Sangh leadership has written to the Terrorism Research Centre, protesting against the "terrorist" tag, but is yet to get a response. The think-tank has not bothered to take the RSSwhich calls itself a cultural organisationoff its website, leaving the Sangh bosses seething with anger. Though the East Virginia-based organisation is an obscure outfit, the RSS is not ready to let the "issue" pass. "It has been there on the list for a while now. We had written to them when we got to know of it and asked them to remove us from the list, but they have not," said spokesperson Ram Madhav. The reasons for resentment are not far to seek, for others on the list virtually make up the whos who of the terror club The 38 shortlisted to give the Sangh company include jihadi biggies like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen which have been declared Foreign Terrorist Organisations by the US. The RSSs hardcore ideological foe, the Jamaat-IIslami, too has found a place. So have secessionist orgnaisations like the Ulfa, the NLFT, and ultra-Left groups like the Peoples War. The RSS might find some solace from an interesting inclusionthe Osho cult is also on the list. It is the first time that the Oshoites, known for their controversial views, have been accused of terrorism. Though this should raise strong doubts about the criteria used by the centre to slot organisations, the RSS has reasons to feel surly. For all its o elves as the superpowers partner in the civilisational conflict. .pposition to the "neoimperialist" US, strong sections within it have fancied thems Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Gogoi regurgitates his Delhi MASTERS' opinions like a ventriloquist's dummy,.
Assam chief minister (CM) backtracks on claim of Bangladeshi Immigrants http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/view.php?hidDate=2005-05-27&hidType=TOP&hidRecord=046202 Friday May 27 2005 12:16:51 PM BDT Within weeks of informing the Indian Supreme Court that large-scale illegal immigration from Bangladesh was a problem, the Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi changed his position and said he did not consider the influx threatening, according to Outlook India magazine.( The New Age BD )Infiltration has been going on for years, I am not denying it, but I do not consider it threatening, he said in an interview to BBCs Hardtalk Asia programme.Claiming that infiltration was on the decline over the last three years, Gogoi also said in a television interview that Assam governor Ajay Singh should provide facts to substantiate his report that 6,000 immigrants entered the state everyday.When asked by the interviewer, Karan Thapar about the affidavit filed by the Assam government in the Supreme Court on April 13 that large-scale infiltration from Bangladesh was a problem, Gogoi said, I have changed my position. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Gogoi you must be a moron or a re-incarnation of Badan Borphukon.
Immigration into Assam not threatening: Gogoi http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=300492 NEW DELHI, MAY 26 (PTI) Within weeks of informing the Supreme Court that "large-scale illegal immigration from Bangladesh" was a problem, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi changed his position and said he did not consider the influx "threatening". Claiming that infiltration was on the decline over the last three years, Gogoi also said in a television interview that Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh should provide facts to substantiate his report that 6,000 immigrants enter the state everyday. "Infiltration has been going on for years, I am not denying it (but) I don't consider it threatening," he said in an interview to BBC's 'Hardtalk Asia' programme. Asked by interviewer Karan Thapar about the affidavit filed by the Assam Government in the Supreme Court on April 13 that "large-scale infiltration from Bangladesh" was a problem, Gogoi said "I have changed my position." To a query whether this change of stand had anything to do with frequent allegations that Congress used Muslims as a vote bank, he said "Muslims voted us out of power in 1986 and 1996 and even in 2000, when I came to power, 50 per cent voted for us and 50 per cent for them (BJP-AGP combine)." On talks with militant group ULFA, Gogoi said he had asked the Centre that the same principle that was used in dialogue with NSCN(IM) should apply to them too. When asked if sovereignty issue could be part of the agenda for talks with ULFA, if this was the case "directly or indirectly" with NSCN(IM), he said "Yes, if it is. Disputing the figures on immigrants reportedly given by the Governor in a report to the Centre, Gogoi said "on what basis he could say 6,000 (people enter the country every day)? He should substantiate it. If he furnishes the facts, I can reply also." When reminded that Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal had said in Parliament that there were five million illegal immigrants in Assam, the Chief Minister said "his statement was not based on facts." Gogoi said Jaiswal had subsequently revised his figures after he took up the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Asked whether he would take up the Governor's report with the Centre, he said "I will write to the Prime Minister and complain about it." However, he stopped short of saying whether he would demand the Governor's recall. Gogoi said there was a lot of "propaganda" on illegal immigrants as those who had come to Assam before 1971 were bonafide Indian citizens. He said the list of doubtful voters included more Hindus than Muslims. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Indigenous people POWER RULES. Watch this space!
Shahabuddin fires salvo at governor http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050525/asp/northeast/story_4781242.asp Guwahati, May 24: The growing rift between Raj Bhavan and the ruling Congress once again came to the fore with senior party leader Syed Shahabuddin holding the governor, Lt Gen. (retd) Ajai Singh, responsible for the exodus of minorities from Upper Assam. Describing the governors assessment of the problem of illegal migration from Bangladesh as a stupid one Lt Gen. Singh reportedly mentioned in a report that 6,000 settlers were entering the state everyday Shahabuddin said the document was fodder for the BJP. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, too, recently described the governors report as not worth giving any importance. Shahabuddin, a former parliamentarian and also the president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, visited Upper Assam last week to take stock of the situation in the wake of a campaign against illegal settlers. A Dibrugarh-based organisation that calls itself the Chiring Chapori Juba Mancha had called for a socio-economic boycott of the migrants. The Congress leader said he would submit a report to the state government about his on-the-spot findings. He accused the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh administration of not doing enough to prevent the exodus. In Tinsukia, people went to the police with complaints of harassment but were abused and threatened that they would be shot if they did not leave. On whether he thought illegal migration from Bangladesh was little more than a myth, the minority leader said: This problem is not confined to Assam. It is the same everywhere, even in New Delhi. But it should not be left to the streetboys to decide who is a foreigner. A 10-hour bandh called by the All Assam Minorities Students Union today in protest against the anti-migrant campaign evoked a mixed response. Stray incidents were reported, but the state administration kept the situation under control. Activists damaged an oil tanker and a bus at Jagiroad in Morigaon district. A Maruti van was set ablaze in Udalguri, while three trucks were attacked in Kokrajhar district. In another development, the All Assam Students Union, All Bodo Students Union, All Rabha Students Union and All Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani threatened to launch an agitation if the Congress government did not stop rehabilitating suspected Bangladeshi migrants in Lower Assam. The All Dimasa Students Union even asked all property owners in Karbi Anglong and the North Cachar Hills not to shelter migrants Find just what you're after with the new, more precise MSN Search - try it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] AllegedNepalMaoist visit toULFA in Bhutan pre12/2003 were Indiaengineered then!
Indian spooks host Nepal rebel http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1120698.cms?headline=Indian~spooks~host~Nepal~rebel NEW DELHI: One of Nepal's top Maoist leaders, Baburam Bhattarai, is being quietly chaperoned around here by Indian intelligence agencies, which recently organised a meeting between him and CPM general secretary Prakash Karat. The Maoist leader is learnt to have sought the support of Indian Marxists. The meeting took place in the Capital last week just when King Gyanendra of Nepal was hitting out at India for its continued indulgence of Maoists, who have been declared terrorists. Although the meeting was facilitated by intelligence agencies, Karat and Bhattarai have a common link - they share their alma mater, Jawaharlal Nehru University. When contacted, Karat confirmed the meeting, although he did not share details. However, sources indicated that New Delhi could be keen to use Left's influence over the Maoists to get them to join the seven-party pro-democracy alliance in Nepal. Maoists have so far refused to join the campaign to reinstate Nepal's Parliament. Clandestine official Indian assistance to Bhattarai is sure to enrage Kathmandu, which last Saturday sent an aide memoire to New Delhi asking it not to meddle in the kingdom's internal affairs. The protest came close on the heels of the Nepal army releasing a video showing the purported nexus between Indian government and the Maoists. Official sources indicated that Bhattarai was, indeed, being taken around in the Capital by intelligence officials. In fact, the Maoist leader is understood to have readily agreed to come to a meeting place decided by Karat. When the two met, Karat wanted to know how Maoists see future events unfolding in Nepal, said sources. Bhattarai talked of his belief in the democratic struggle against royalty. In the process, he is learnt to have admitted to the fast widening gulf between him and Prachanda, the supreme leader of the Nepal Maoists and a votary of armed struggle. When asked for an official response to a meeting between CPM's Prakash Karat and Nepal Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai in Delhi, a government spokesman claimed not to be in the loop on this. The meeting is unlikely to be officially acknowledged as it can embarrass New Delhi, which treats Maoists as terrorists. Sources said Bhattarai has stepped up his networking here following his split with Prachanda. Sources said, "While Bhattarai claimed to be in command and said that he along with commander Mahara and Kishan Paykural have been asked to talk to Indian authorities and other Nepali political parties, it is clear that he has lost out in the leadership struggle." Contrary to reports, Bhattarai did not meet CPI general secretary A B Bardhan. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Are you readying yourself to launch a M-16 reply on 'CC Terrorists', Sahabuddin?
Chiring Chapori shadow organization of BJP, AASU: Sahabuddin http://www.northeasttribune.com/4113.htm NET News Network Guwahati, May24: In an interesting development in the exodus episode hardcore Congress leader from Bihar Sahabuddin today demanded that the upper Assam based organization Chiring Chapori Yuba Manch must be declared a terrorist organization and should be banned for its role in the exodus episode. Sahabuddin, after his tour of upper Assam while talking to the reporters here today alleged that the Chiring Chapori Yuba Manch is working as a shadow organization of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bajrang Dal and All Assam Students Union (AASU) to create a communal tension in the name of Bangladeshis. BJP wants to revive itself in Assam after its failure of Ayodha incident and India Shining campaign by igniting a new fire of communal tension, he alleged. Terming the SMS campaign as the mastermind of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, Sahabuddin said, The campaign was a part of BJPs hi-tech pre-poll propaganda in the state. Mahajan who spearheaded the India Shining campaign masterminded the SMS campaign too. Lambasting Assam Governors report, which stated that 6000 illegal Bangladeshis are entering the state daily as stupid, the senior Congress leader said that the Governor is trying to take the responsibility of the state government. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Fleeing from economic blockade ONLY, illegals are identifying themselves.
NORTH by NORTH EAST: SMS on Bangladeshis http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=14&theme=&usrsess=1&id=77736 SANJOY HAZARIKAThe SMS went like this: Save nation, save identity. Lets take an oath no food, no job, no shelter to a Bangladeshi. Start a complete economic blockade to illegal immigrants. This SMS is the hottest message going around Upper Assam where a systematic campaign against alleged Bangladeshis has sent hundreds of people fleeing to other parts of the state. While a large number of Bengali-speaking Muslims dominate those who have left, the exodus has also included Bengali Hindus. A call from an unknown neighbourhood group in Dibrugarh, Assams second largest city after Guwahati, known as the Chiring Sapori Yuva Mancha, seems to have had an escalating effect on what most people in Assam describe as the Bangladeshi problem. Without overt violence but with reports of intimidation busloads of people have left Dibrugarh town and Jorhat district without a clear destination. Those who have forced their departure are sure that they are Bangladeshis but even the proportion of those who are truly illegal is unclear; simply because they have Muslim names and their dress is such that they could be from Lower Assam or across the border. The local media went ballistic: the Assamese language papers with photos and reporters at various vantage points talked about the exodus with little disguised glee. Litterateurs, lawyers and scholars lent their support to the campaign. Reporters and editors in the English language media patted themselves on the back for having flagged the issue and launched a diatribe against what is loosely defined as a demographic invasion of Assam. Every day brought fresh reports of Bangladeshis being discovered, of three lakh being the resident Bangladeshi population of Guwahati and so on. On what basis were these figures assessed? What is the database, what is the research? The campaign has begun with less than a year to go for statewide elections and the Congress, is clearly the biggest loser in the bargain as it cannot be seen to be as both protecting Bangladeshis and also its own minority vote-bank.Most figures for Bangladeshi settlers are largely extrapolations and guesstimates based on census data, the National Registrar of Citizens and wild guesses or material derived from government (Intelligence or security sources who get their material from the media or from their own channels). There are those who insist that they are right. The issue of international migration and specifically that of movement across the India-Bangladesh border is serious, because it involves questions not just of nationality but also of local rights, political, economic and social spaces. It could even qualify as a non-conventional threat to security because though the outflow is largely economic-driven, acquisition and settlement of lands and even forest lands over these past decades has led to growing internal insecurity and conflicts. Then there are militant armed groups from Assam and Meghalaya which continue to be based in Bangladesh. The issue has left much violence, bitterness and restlessness in Assam, a result of the anti-foreigner movement of the 1980s, and remains the unresolved agenda. We must caution against is the growth of hatred towards other ethnic or religious groups which could create an escalation of tension. The campaign has put that champion of the anti-migrant drive, the All Assam Students Union, which has made the issue its principal platform for decades, also on the backfoot.Administration baffledThe district administration and the state government are nonplussed: there has been no violence, so action cannot be taken against the campaign organisers. The objective is also non-objectionable: it involves strengthening citizens rights. What has to be prevented is tampering with the law and the growth of vigilantism. Government should be taking such action, not non-government groups. The government has failed. There are also several unclear areas: many of those who left, apparently, were seasonal brick kiln workers who go when the monsoon approaches and the kilns shut shop. Had they been coming for years and had no one noticed? How did the various groups detect the Bangladeshis: surely, it is not written on anyones face, that they are Indians or Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. We can play some guessing games. But an issue as serious as this cannot be done on guesswork although one is sure that those behind the new campaign have done their homework, especially in terms of the law and the rights issue.Another question arises: If some of these people are residents of other parts of Assam and not foreign nationals, then this has been a travesty of their basic rights as citizens of this country. This is why the campaign must be reviewed and thought through calmly. The Supreme Court has held that all residents of India citizens or not are entit
[Assam] Food for thought from a Bodo revolutionary visionary.
Centre should recognise NEs independenceBy R Dutta Choudhury GUWAHATI, May 22 Militant outfit National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), which has declared a unilateral ceasefire to come for talks with the Government of India, today said that the Government should recognise the independence of not only Boroland but also of the entire region. In an interview with The Assam Tribune, conducted through e- mail, the chairman of the NDFB, Nabla Daimary, also said that the Government should release its arrested cadres before formal talks. The following are the excerpts of the interview:Assam Tribune: What is the status of talks with the Government of India?Nabla: The formal talks are yet to start. Formal talks may start only after the formal declaration of the ceasefire.AT: It is reported that you have nominated three persons to initiate talks. If it is a fact, when we can expect positive results?Nabla: Our nomination is only to formalise the ground rules of the ceasefire and not for talks. If the ground rules are agreed on by both parties, we can expect a formal ceasefire soon.AT: Have you given up the demand for a sovereign Boroland? What will be your main demands during the talks with the Government of India?Nabla: The fight for liberation and independence cannot be given up as long as there is occupation. I think no organisation demands sovereignty. Sovereignty comes only after liberation and independence. Once Boroland is free and independent, it may be called sovereign. But I think that in this modern world, there is no absolute sovereign nation, no absolute sovereign king or ruler. So we like to remind you that NDFB is not demanding a sovereign Boroland but only fighting for liberation and independence.We have been saying that we have nothing to demand from India. So we will talk on the basis of our constitution and manifesto, that is on independence and freedom. After occupying for more than three hundred years, the British ultimately recognised the independence of India and left the country. So India should follow the example of the British and recognise the independence of not only Boroland but also the entire region.AT: Will you demand the release of your arrested cadres and office-bearers before the formal talks with the Government of India?Nabla: I think that it is the duty of the Indian Government to release and give an account of all our missing comrades before the formal talks.AT: Do you have any information on the whereabouts of B Erakdao, the publicity secretary of the NDFB, who is missing since the Government of Bhutan launched the operation in 2003?Nabla: I was informed by Erakdao on December 14, 2003, that he had been called by the Home and Prime Ministers of Bhutan to sign on the agreed text of the Thimphu talks. But they have been betrayed by Bhutan. Now they may be either in Bhutan or India alive, or may be coolly murdered by Bhutan or India. We consider this act as the mother of betrayals by Bhutan in modern history.AT: Any comments on the recent polls to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)?Nabla: The election to the BTC was unfortunate. Once more the Boro people are victims of Indian politics.AT: Will you demand scrapping of the BTC during the talks?Nabla: We have nothing to do with the BTC and we shall not even talk about BTC. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Assams 'War of Independance' gets International coverage.
Blast rocks northeast India, 3 troopers injured http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-05/23/content_2990899.htm NEW DELHI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- At least three Indian paramilitary troopers were critically wounded in a powerful bomb explosion Monday in Guwahati, capital of Assam in northeast India, Indo-Asian News Service reported. A police spokesperson said militants suspected to be from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) triggered a remote-controlled improvised explosive device close to a crude oil refinery in Guwahati. The blast took place around 9.30 a.m. when a paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrol was conducting a foot patrol in the area. "The intensity of the blast was severe and the CRPF soldiers were lucky to have survived the blast," a senior police official said. The injured were shifted to a local hospital. The ULFA, fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, recently threatened to carry out violent strikes against security forces with the province government stepping up its drive against the rebels. On Sunday, police arrested four hardcore ULFA rebels from separate hideouts and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Cat is out of the bag Morshed! Your illegal migrants are only returning home.
Bangla threatens to move UNHCR http://www.assamtribune.com/ 21 May 2005 From Our Staff Correspondent NEW DELHI, May 20 The exodus of suspected illegal Bangladeshis from Assam threatens to develop into an international row, with Bangladesh threatening to seek United Nations Human Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) intervention. Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Morshed Khan has summoned Indian High Commission officials in Dhaka and warned that India stop the exodus of people from Assam to Bangladesh!Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Foreign Minister further told Indian officials that Bangladesh would be under obligation to provide humanitarian assistance to the people but would ask the UNHCR to intervene. He asked India to stop the exodus of people, sources said.The incidents in Assam is sought to be exploited by Bangladesh to neutralise the adverse fallout of the killing of the BSF commandant, Jeevan Kumar in Tripura recently. With India fuming, Bangladesh Home Minister had to call Shivraj Patil to apologise.However, uproar over forcible deportation of illegal Bangladeshi, notwithstanding, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that there was no major exodus out of the State.Reacting to the developments in the State, a top official of the MHA said that there was no cause for alarm as there was no report of massive exodus. The official attributed the hue-and-cry to the SMS campaign. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Aryans for a Nazi solution/Sankaracharya's Buddhist massacre in ancient Kamrup?
Thousands of Bangladeshis flee Assam http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=05206 Reuters Guwahati May 19: Thousands of Bangladeshis have fled Assam following threats by anonymous groups against migrants and a campaign asking locals not to employ foreigners, officials and residents said. The unidentified groups in Dibrugarh district have circulated leaflets and sent text messages on mobile phones in the past week, warning Bangladeshi nationals to leave immediately or face unspecified action. Mobile phones in Assam are being flooded with text messages saying, Save the nation, save identity. Lets take an oath ... no food, no job, no shelter to Bangladeshis while leaflets seeking an economic blockade of the migrants are also being distributed. Many labourers working in brick kilns, rickshaws pullers and construction workers have fled in the past one week due to the threat, said Mr P C Saloi, superintendent of police in Dibrugarh. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of illegal Bangladeshi migrants have swamped the tea-growing and oil-rich state in search for work and food. Over two years ago, the government estimated there could be up to 20 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India, and labeled some of them a security risk. In the early 1980s, the powerful All-Assam Students Union launched a bloody campaign to push Bangladeshis back to their homeland. Thousands of Bangladeshis, including women and children, were massacred across the state by indigenous people who feared they would be reduced to a minority in their own land. The government and the students union signed a pact in 1985, but clauses on the deportation of foreigners have still not been implemented. The campaign against the Bangladeshis has mushroomed into a full-fledged uprising against New Delhis rule and many rebel groups are still battling for independence. India has fenced parts of the 4,000-km border with Bangladesh, but officials say this has done little to deter migrants bent on leaving one of the worlds poorest countries. Assam shares a 272 km porous border with Bangladesh, a vast stretch of which is unfenced. Fencing along the border with Bangladesh in this sector has started to prevent illegal infiltration, said the Union Home Secretary, Mr V K Duggal. Legal and judicial measures have also been adopted to deport illegal Bangladeshi settlers from the country. The lush paddy fields and the sandy, shifting plains of the mighty Brahmaputra river that divides the countries are natural transit routes. Hundreds take rickety boats across the river, which at some places is 15 km wide, into India. The migrants become farmhands or river fishermen in villages. In towns they are often construction workers or rickshaw pullers, and the women work as maids. Since the latest campaign against Bangladeshis began, rickshaw pullers in Assam have gone off the road, maids have stopped coming to work and there is a shortage of eggs and chickens as most vendors were Bangladeshi. Brick kilns have been closed due to shortage of labor. Though there are no officials figures of actual numbers of Bangladeshis in Assam, locals say their population could be six million of the states 26 million people. Every day around 6,000 illegal infiltrators cross the border and enter the state, said an intelligence official in Guwahati. The police said most of the fleeing Bangladeshi have now moved to districts close to the border with Bangladesh. The police have been put on maximum alert and instructions have been given that no genuine citizens are harassed and no communal clashes take place in disturbed areas, said the state Home Minister, Mr Rockybul Hussain. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Could anyone alert the US President about the dying NATION OF ASSAM to help her?
Remarks by President Bush at International Republican Institute Dinner as Prepared for DeliveryWednesday May 18, 6:02 pm ET http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050518/dcw075.html?.v=5 WASHINGTON, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush at International Republican Institute Dinner as prepared for delivery: Thank you all for that warm welcome. And thank you, John, for that introduction. John McCain is a man of honor, integrity, and great personal courage -- and he is an outstanding chairman for the International Republican Institute. I am glad to see John's mother, Roberta, is here. If she's anything like my Mother, she is still telling John what to do ... and John is still listening. I appreciate your president, Lorne Craner. He did a fantastic job in our Administration as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor -- and he continues to do great work for the cause of freedom here at IRI. I thank you for this fine award - and I am humbled to share it with a great champion of human freedom: Pope John Paul II. Everywhere he went, Pope John Paul preached that the call of freedom is for every member of the human family -- because the Author of Life wrote it into our common human nature. And in the end, even the Berlin Wall could not withstand the force of this humble Polish priest, who became the Bishop of Rome -- and a hero for the ages. I appreciate the work IRI is doing to advance the cause of liberty. For more than two decades, IRI has been at the forefront of democratic change in more than 100 countries -- training the next generation of leaders, strengthening political parties, monitoring elections, and building civil societies. You have made an enormous difference in the lives of millions across the world, who now enjoy the freedoms that you helped them claim. The world is safer, freer, and more peaceful because of the International Republican Institute. We are living in historic times; freedom is making unprecedented progress across the globe. In the last 18 months, we have witnessed revolutions of Rose, Orange, Purple, Tulip and Cedar -- and these are only the beginning. Across the Caucasus and Central Asia, hope is stirring at the prospect of change -- and change will come. Across the broader Middle East, we are seeing the rise of a new generation whose hearts burn for freedom -- and they will have it. This is a period of great idealism -- when dreams of liberty are coming true for millions. Yet to achieve idealistic goals, we need realistic policies to help nations secure their freedom -- and practical strategies to help young democracies consolidate their gains. To help young democracies succeed, we need to recognize that freedom movements can create a vacuum. Democratic change and free elections are exhilarating events. Yet we know from experience that they can be followed by moments of uncertainty. When people risk everything to vote, it can raise expectations that their lives will improve immediately -- but history teaches that the path to a free society is long and not always smooth. During my visit to Europe, I stopped in a country that is now in the early stages of this transition from free elections to a free society -- the nation of Georgia. I was proud to stand with the Georgian people in Tbilisi's Freedom Square to celebrate the peaceful revolution that took place 18 months ago. It has taken nearly fifteen years of struggle for the citizens of this young democracy to establish freedom and justice in their country. But I have seen the resolve of Georgia's leaders, and the spirit of the Georgian people. And I can assure you: They have the will to succeed -- and we will help them. Almost every new democracy has gone through a period of challenge and confusion. In Slovakia, the Velvet Revolution was followed by a period of neo-authoritarian rule before freedom firmly took root. In Romania, the communist regime was toppled in 1989 -- and today the post-communist leadership is still dealing with the legacy of corruption they inherited, as they work to build a vibrant democracy. In Ukraine, citizens waited 13 years after independence for the Orange revolution that solidified their democratic gains. All these countries still have much work to do, but their people are courageous... their leaders are determined -- and with our help they will prevail. As we push the freedom agenda, we must remember the history of our own country. The American Revolution was followed by years of chaos. In 1783, Congress was chased from Philadelphia by angry veterans demanding back pay -- and stayed on the run for six months. Our first effort at a governing charter, the Articles of Confederation, failed miserably -- and it took several years before we finally adopted our Constitution and inaugurated our first President. And it took a four-year civil war, and a century of struggle after that, before the promise of our Declaration was extended to all
[Assam] India too can accede to ULFA demands of resolving India-Assam conflict.
Spain to offer talks to Eta http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/003200505161102.htm Madrid, May 16 (Guardian News Service): Spain's Socialist government is poised to make a historic public offer of talks to the armed Basque separatist group Eta in an attempt to end three decades of separatist violence which have claimed 800 lives. Parties holding a majority of votes in the Spanish parliament said they would back a motion to be debated tomorrow which will give the prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the green light to open negotiations. The motion, which specifically names Eta, offers support to ``dialogue between the relevant state authorities and whoever decides to abandon violence''. Opposition leader Mariano Rajoy, of the conservative People's party, angrily accused Mr Zapatero of proposing ``the surrender of parliament''. As four bombs went off at businesses in the northern Basque country yesterday, without causing injuries, it was clear Eta had not yet decided to give up arms. After almost two years without managing to kill anyone, however, Eta is at its lowest point ever. Arnaldo Otegi, spokesman of the banned, pro-Eta separatist party Batasuna, welcomed the government move but urged caution. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] ANDthe Indian Defence Minister uses his right kick in the offensive shamelessly!
Pranab heckled by partymen http://www.sentinelassam.com/ 16 May 2005 KOLKATA, May 15 (PTI): Dissent within the Congress over seat allotment for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation took an ugly turn today when a section of partymen heckled WBPCC chief and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and attacked journalists at the PCC office here. A group of partymen, led by Ward-55 Block Congress Committee president Swapan Das, was holding a demonstration in front of the PCC office Bidhan Bhavan demanding that Sabita Das, wife of local Congress leader Arun Das, be nominated as the candidate for the ward. Mukherjee, who was to announce the list of party nominees for elections to the 141-seat KMC, arrived at the PCC office with vice-president Pradip Bhattacharya and another leader around 12.30 p.m. As soon as he stepped out of his car, the protesters grabbed him by his kurta, shouting slogans in support of their demand and hurling invectives. Securitymen immediately cordoned off Mukherjee and led him into the office. The protesters also asked newsmen to boycott Mukherjees press conference. When they refused, a section of the protesters rained blows on them, seriously injuring the senior journalist of a Bengali daily in the eye. Mukherjees press conference, which was scheduled at 1 p.m., began more than 30 minutes later. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Excrements from W/Cs into open drains can qualify the 'GooCity' name now!
Guwahati to be the greenest city in India by 2010 http://www.northeasttribune.com/4015.htm NET News Network Guwahati May11: There is a fresh beam of hope for the nature lovers. Amidst large scale erosion and water logging together with rising pollution troubling Guwahatians since the last couple of years the forest department is embarking on transforming the city into the greenest city of India by 2010. The Forest department has decided to enhance the ongoing yearly plantation programme under Seuj Prakalpa (green project) by planting another 15 lakhs of saplings by 2005. Since 2003 we are implementing the plantation in the city. This year we have augmented our programme following better outcome during the last two years, said Paresh Das, the Forest Range Officer. He informed that out of targeted plantation of 10 lakhs saplings, 6lakhs and 7 lakhs saplings were distributed during 2003 and 2004 respectively. Informing that large scale of NGOs, government organizations, senior citizens groups, more schools including the corporate groups will be involved to implement the project Das stated of receiving positive response from the people and peer groups. The forest department is undertaking this project independently without government funds , he claimed stating that a peer forest group will provide technical support to those taking up the plantation. Already 43 NGOs have come up for the purpose. A hill city like Guwahati with plenty of forests and hordes of wildlife residing in then has the every potential to surpass Delhi as the Greenest city of India, said Mrigen Baruah, Range officer, Wild Life Range, Guwahati. Guwahati has seven reserve forests inside the city and three in its adjoining areas where rare animals like bison, hullock gibbons including elephants are found. But due to large-scale encroachment and cutting of forests city is experiencing rising pollution and high temperature. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Uncle Sam making it happen?
India to offer talks to ULFA http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=81343&n_date=20050508&cat=World The Indian government will soon make a formal offer of talks to the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) as the group appeared "more serious" now about negotiations, officials said Sunday.The Prime Minister's Office would shortly write to the rebel group in response to ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa's letter to the prime minister expressed a desire to begin talks to end a dragging insurgency in Assam, said officials accompanying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his visit to Russia to attend Victory Day celebrations."We would like to send the letter as we feel that this time the ULFA is more serious than earlier about talks," said an official.The delay in responding to the ULFA's offer for talks, made in December last year, is being attributed to its condition that the negotiations should focus on the "core issue" of sovereignty for Assam. The government is still framing its response to this condition, the officials hinted.The letter to the ULFA is likely to be routed through Jnanpeeth awardee Indira Goswami, who has been mediating on behalf of the rebel group that was last month designated by the US as a foreign terrorist organisation.Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Goswami have hinted at the possibility of the government directly writing to the ULFA leadership.The officials also noted that the Bangladesh government had not cooperated in India's drive against ULFA leaders, as Dhaka had refused to hand over top rebels arrested in that country."We don't think Bangladesh is very friendly with us on these issues," said an official, referring to India's demand that Bangladesh hand over arrested ULFA leader Anup Chetia.Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Indian Tamil groups tread ULFA path says Indian EAM.
Lankan rebel move cause for worry: Natwar http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=35790&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22 : India is concerned about information that a Tamil rebel group in neighbouring Sri Lanka has built an airstrip and acquired aircraft, External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh said in remarks published yesterday. Sri Lankas Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was believed to be getting more aircraft, the minister said in an interview with The Hindu newspaper. We are concerned about the LTTE having built an airstrip and having two aeroplanes and theres news about more coming, Singh said, but did not elaborate. Sri Lanka told neighbouring countries recently it was worried about the guerrillas acquiring flying capability while the two sides observed an Oslo-brokered truce that has been in effect since February 23, 2002. Colombo said it had information that the guerrillas had built an airstrip in LTTE-held Iranamadu in the countrys north and that they had acquired two light aircraft. It said this would violate the ceasefire agreement and pose a threat to national security. Meanwhile, the Indian home ministry said in a report that the Tigers remain one of the deadliest terrorist organisations in the world. The ministrys annual report for 2004-05 said that the LTTEs demand that its naval unit be treated on a par with the Indian and Sri Lankan navies was a threat to Indian security. The LTTE continues to be an extremely potent, most lethal and well organised terrorist force in Sri Lanka and has strong connections in Tamil Nadu and certain pockets of southern India, the report said in a brief but hard-hitting section on the Tamil Tigers. The organisation assiduously cultivates Tamil chauvinist elements who are inspired by the Tamil Eelam concept of a separate Tamil Nadu, ie, secession from India. The LTTE, by carrying out several successful suicide killing missions in Sri Lanka and one in India, has emerged as one of the deadliest terrorist organisations in the world, which has sympthisers, supporters and agents on the Indian soil. The reports reference was to the May 1991 assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi at an election rally at Sriperumbudur near Chennai, the Tamil Nadu capital. The LTTE initially denied any involvement in the grotesque killing but in recent times has hinted that it would like New Delhi to adopt a forget-and-forgive attitude. New Delhi outlawed the LTTE in 1992 and has renewed the ban every two years. The ban was last renewed in August 2004. Indian officials have accused the Tigers of promoting a militant group in Tamil Nadu and forging links with Maoist guerrillas and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The home ministry report also said that influx of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to Tamil Nadu was coming down and that no refugees arrived last year. New Delhi armed, trained and provided safe haven to Sri Lankan Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, but moved to disarm them after a July 1987 bilateral peace pact with Colombo. The LTTE repudiated the peace plan and ended up fighting Indian troops who withdrew after a 32-month acrimonious deployment that saw 1,200 of their men killed in action against the Tigers. Since then, India has concentrated mainly on pushing trade and economic ties with its southern neighbour. Earlier this month, top civil servants of Sri Lanka and India met in Colombo to review bilateral relations and discussed defence matters as well as efforts to boost trade. Sri Lanka proposed a defence co-operation pact with India in October 2003. There has been no final agreement. India and Sri Lanka entered into a free trade agreement in 1998. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Sovereignty! Go for it Kashmiri majority, India/Pakistan can't stop you now.
Only 3% Kashmiris want to be with Pakistan http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1080095.cms Read those figures above? They might suggest that New Delhi's efforts at wooing the Kashmiris to its side aren't paying off, that most Kashmiris still want azadi, but the truth is much more complex. On the eve of Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf's visit to India, The Times of India decided to get a feel of the pulse in Kashmir. Synovate India conducted the poll in Srinagar and Rajouri and the findings give reason for hope rather than despair. Indeed, if there is one thing that comes across clearly from the survey, it is that more than 15 years of violence and bloodshed have been unable to rob Kashmiris of hope and they retain a positive outlook. That in itself is remarkable under the circumstances. This is not to suggest that the responses to the questions asked in the survey are unambiguous. On the contrary, there is a great deal of ambivalence. For instance, though a majority opt for "azadi" over staying as part of India or joining Pakistan (a surprisingly meagre 3.3% want the latter), an equal number also supported the idea of turning the LoC into the international border. The two responses suggest that independence may be a distant aspiration but at a more realistic level, the Kashmiris seem quite comfortable with the idea of freezing the status quo legally if it means an easing of tensions and creation of a soft border. Azadi is not the only issue where this ambivalence is manifested. The response to a question on whether the militants are fighting for issues like better schools, hospitals and jobs for the people was an emphatic 'No'. Barely 13.8% of the respondents felt they were, while 73.7% maintained they weren't. But don't jump to the conclusion that Kashmiris see the militants as troublemakers. Such simplistic assumptions are shot down by the response to another question: Are militants holding up the development of the state? Only 25% said they were, while 65.8% felt militants couldn't be blamed for lack of development. Again, while the Hurriyat is seen as much less representative of Kashmiris (page 1) than the state government, this is not necessarily a vote of confidence in the democratic process. Only 45.4% felt the Hurriyat should fight elections and that the militants too should come overground and contest. Despite the obviously free and fair nature of the last assembly elections and the success of the recent polls to local government bodies, decades of bitter experience have made Kashmiris wary of betting too heavily on the ballot. What do Kashmiris perceive as the real issues? The survey gave them five options - development, education, health, tourism and azadi - and asked them to rank these in order of priority. Interestingly, most respondents insisted that several of these were equally important and hence ranked more than one of them No. 1. There is, therefore, no sharp distinction in the relative rankings given to these issues, with one exception. Only 55.3% ranked azadi at No. 1 (singly or jointly), against 90.1% for education, 82.9% for development, 80.3% for tourism and 73.7% for health. This confirms the earlier indication that gaining independence is not really top-of-the-mind for Kashmiris. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Wicked politicians spinning for the MILITARY wicket!
Manmohan, Musharraf team up to watch cricket http://headlines.sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13719778&headline=PM,~Musharraf~team~up~to~watch~cricket New Delhi: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh teamed up on Sunday to watch the cricket match between India and Pakistan as thousands turned New Delhi into a virtual fortress. Musharraf, who arrived on Saturday, and Singh reached the cordoned-off Ferozeshah Kotla grounds and were introduced to the players after Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat. Thousands of spectators cheered as Musharraf waved at the stands and then accompanied Singh to join Sonia Gandhi in a bullet-proof enclosure to watch part of the final of the six one-day matches between the two rivals. Hundreds of Pakistani fans responded by waving the national flag and banners. Helicopter gun ships clattered overhead while police and paramilitary troops formed a three-tiered security cordon around Ferozeshah Kotla stadium as snipers manned adjacent buildings. Musharraf was to go into talks with Singh after leaving the stadium before meeting other leaders as well as Hurriyat leaders from Kashmir. Musharraf in an overnight statement urged both India and Pakistan to seize the "unique opportunity" afforded by his visit to resolve their decades-old dispute over Kashmir. "We need to seize this unique opportunity to address all our bilateral issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," he said soon after his arrival in New Delhi. Later at a glittering banquet both leaders agreed the mood between the neighbours had vastly improved and they needed to make progress. "The political leadership in both our countries has a solemn obligation to work in concert to realise this noble vision. History beckons us to rise to the challenge and grasp the opportunities to create boundless prosperity in our ancient land," Singh said. India is likely to put a raft of proposals to the Pakistani leader to reunite families separated by the border dividing Kashmir on the back of the historic launch of the Srinagar-Muzafarrabad bus service, which is held in part by each country but claimed in full by both. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Has the maternity bed been laid ready for the birth of Sikkim Liberation Front?
Sikkim happy with new map http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050413/asp/siliguri/story_4607244.asp [The Sikkim government has welcomed Chinas official recognition of the hill state as a part of India, saying that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabaos announcement had removed a minor irritant, once and for all. Though there was no official statement from chief minister Pawan Chamling, his advisor B.B. Gooroong said the state welcomed the Chinese premiers gesture of presenting Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs with a new Chinese map that showed Sikkim as part of India. The Sikkim issue has, in the past, always been a minor irritant and caused discomfort in the Sino-Indian relationship but with the Chinese accepting Sikkim as a state of the Republic of India, these irritants have been done away with once and for all. We welcome Chinas acceptance of us as part of India, Gooroong said. He added that this would also speed up the process of re-opening the Nathu-la trade route, which has been pending for almost a year, and boost tourism to Sikkim in a major way. Senior officials at the chief ministers secretariat said since the issue had been taken up by top leaders of the two great nations, the chief minister would not be able to comment on the matter. The joint statement signed by the two leaders read: Both sides reviewed with satisfaction the implementation of the memorandum on the border trade through the Nathu-la pass between the Tibet Autonomous Region of the Peoples Republic of China and the Sikkim state of the Republic of India. Former Sikkim chief minister and state Congress president Nar Bahadur Bhandari said: Sikkim was always a part of India and China had nothing to do with Sikkim.] FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] This 20m Megaton Illegal Migrant Bomb about to explode to prove its existence?
Assam Governors report on influx of Bangladeshis stirs controversy http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=04144 IANS Guwahati April 13: Assams ruling Congress finds itself in an embarrassing spot after a classified report by the Governor, Mr Ajai Singh on security threats posed by illegal Bangladeshi migrants grabbed headlines in local newspapers. The Governors report, focussing on the contentious issue of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration into Assam and the security and demographic threats it poses to the state, was leaked to the media before it reached New Delhi. This (Indo-Bangladesh) border is literally one of the worlds most fluid borders, crossed daily, border officials say, by some 6,000 Bangladeshis who come in search of work, often staying on to join the estimated 20 million illegal immigrants in the country, said the report attributed to Mr Singh. The demographic changes (due to illegal migration) were eroding the social and religious fabric; bases and sanctuaries mushrooming for trans-border support for secessionist and separatist insurgency movements in our state, the report said. The Governors office has not denied the report published in local newspapers in Assam, giving credence to the fact that Dr Singh had in fact drafted the document that was to be submitted to the central government. A Congress spokesperson said they were yet to officially confirm the Governors report. We have only seen the Governors report in newspapers. We will try to get details from the Raj Bhavan about the authenticity of the document, a senior Congress party leader said. The Assam government has been trying to play down the issue of illegal infiltration saying the state has not witnessed any abnormal population growth. Opposition political parties like the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the influential All Assam Students Union, have for long been accusing the Congress government of encouraging illegal Bangladeshi migrants for political reasons. The Congress government depends on the illegal Bangladeshis for winning elections. For the Congress, the Bangladeshis are a potent vote-bank, an AGP leader, Mr Dilip Saikia told IANS. The Governors report vindicates our stand and fears. The AASU, campaigning for evicting illegal Bangladeshi nationals, said the Governors report should be an eye opener for the government. The Congress government must take the Governors report seriously. It is a shame that the Chief Minister of Assam, Mr Tarun Gogoi, claims there is no influx of foreigners and the head of the state speaks in an entirely different tone, AASU leader, Samujjal Bhattacharyya said. The Governors report and the controversy surrounding the leakage could snowball into a major political weapon for the opposition ahead of assembly elections scheduled for early next year in Assam. However, religious minority groups are up in arms against the Governors report. The report is biased and not based on facts, said Mr Hafeez Rashid Choudhury, leader of the United Minorities Front. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Emotional ties exists OK; but, Assam needs political ties to be an ASEAN
Forget tea and the one-horned rhino for a while, there is a corner of Assam that will forever be Tai land Story and photos by PEERAWAT JARIYASOMBAT http://www.bangkokpost.com/en/070405_Horizons/07Apr2005_hori51.php The vast basin of Brahmaputra River in the northeastern Indian state of Assam invites visitors to come and witness its huge tea plantations, its rare one-horned rhinos and the Ahom or Tai ethnic minority who share the same roots as the people of north Thailand. The plane lurched and I woke up. The seats around me were empty. The aircraft was bound for Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Looking out of the window I could see hundreds of crests of the Patkai Mountain Range that separates India and Burma. The rare one-horned rhino roams freely in Kaziranga National Park. Four-wheel drives are handy for exploring the wilderness of Kaziranga, but the noise they make also drive rhinos away. Workers pick tea leaves in a plantation of Addabarie Tea Estate. Over 800 years ago, these high mountains were roamed by Tai people, who invaded deep into the Brahmaputra valley and subjugated the locals, the Nagas, and established a kingdom. Today, they are known as Ahom and their unique ways and culture are still very much in evidence."Our forebearers had developed a remarkable civilisation there," remarked Dr Prasert Prasartthong-osoth, president of Bangkok Airways who was so impressed after learning of their history and the land they had made their home that he decided to fly his aircraft directly from Bangkok to Guwahati.The aircraft made a turn over the river allowing me to view Assam from the sky. Vast rice paddies blanketed the valley, their golden hue radiating in sunlight. Coconut palms and small single-storey houses dotted the landscape, just like the Thai countryside not too long ago.More familiar than the look of the countryside were the features of Ahom people who looked every bit Thai from the way they carried themselves, notably the generous easy-going smile on their faces.Their trademark friendly smile probably reached Assam long before Thailand when the first Ahom king, Sukaphaa, and his followers settled in the Brahmaputra basin in 1230 and later expanded to other areas.They once played a major role in the region and Assam probably derives its name from them. Their power and glory declined after their kingdom was invaded by the Ava army of Burma. The signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo between the rulers of Ava and the British in 1826, ended their 600-year-rule. It's remarkable how Ahom people have still managed to retain their culture and traditions given Assam's history which saw migrant groups enter the state from China, Burma and Southeast Asia, not to mention Aryan influence flowing in from its west, and leave their marks on its political and cultural landscape. Nikhe Namchum, a Tai Phake girl, performs the traditional bird dance. A colourfully attired shop attendant poses for the camera. A pilgrim at Kamakhya Temple. I came across a group of dancers dressed in skirts and white shawl performing the traditional Tai dance to the accompaniment of drums and gongs. Several Tai words appeared in their song. These performers hailed from Namphake, a village with a population of about 1,000 in Dibrugarh district of the state, and they call themselves Tai Phake.Accompanying us on this trip was Theeraphab Lohitkul, a features writer, who never missed a beat. On this occasion he walked up to a girl with small nose and sweet eyes who was doing the bird dance, which is quite similar to the one you see in north Thailand, and said something to her."Nikhe Namchum," the girl replied. She was telling her name."Ever been to Thailand?," Theeraphab asked again, this time in Thai."No," she said, shaking her head. By her looks and gentle manners, she could have easily passed for a Thai on a Bangkok street.The Tai Phake are one of three three Tai ethnic minorities still surviving in Assam, the other two being Aiton and Khamti. Tai Phake people wear gorgeous multi-coloured costumes and speak their own language.They originally belong to Mogoung in Burma where they lived until 1700 before deciding to flee Burmese rule. They crossed the Patkai mountains into Assam and after a nomadic existence, in 1850 they settled by the banks of the Buridihing River. They are Buddhist and recently built a new temple in their village. They also splash water during Songkran Festival.That they have been able to stick to their old beliefs and customs is a remarkable achievement in itself, given that everything else in Assam is so disorganised and developing the Indian way. Take for example Guwahati, the capital city. Every day, chaos rules the road as every vehicle from tricycles, motorcycles, buses and trucks to horse- and ox-drawn carriages and pedestrians fight for space against the backdrop of ear-splitting noise coming from the blaring of car horns.I detected strong Aryan influence in
[Assam] Morons only be content with Indian Constitution and prepared to obliterate Assam
Sovereignty tag to stay: Arabinda http://www.sentinelassam.com/sentinel_en/story2.htm By a Staff ReporterGUWAHATI, April 7: Talks without the issues of sovereignty and freedom is simply not possible. This was stated by the ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa in his Foundation Day speech which has been e-mailed to the press today. It may be mentioned that April 7 is the Foundation Day of the proscribed organization. The chairman said that ULFA also wants permanent peace in the State but genuine peace is not possible as long as Assam is occupied by Indian colonial force. "We have been trying to bring peace for the last 26 years. Of late, we have given up the first two major preconditions for the talks UN mediation and talks in a third country, keeping only the condition of Assams sovereignty as our priority. We have done this in all earnestness and sincerity to bring about a satisfactory solution of the Indo-Assam conflict. In this regard we had sent a formal letter to the Government of India on February 5, 2005, but we are yet to receive a reply from them. What we can inform you now is that India has not taken the formal step in response to ours. On the contrary, they have adopted a double-faced policy of inviting us for talks on the one hand and at the same time setting afoot plans to crush our freedom struggle." Rededicating themselves to the cause of overthrowing Indian colonial rule Rajkhowa said that in its 26-year long journey the ULFA has faced many setbacks and reverses and its cadres were subjected to inhuman military repression of the Indian Occupation Forces (IOF). However, he appreciated the determination and commitment of the people of Assam towards freedom and independence which has made it possible for the members of the outfit to overcome all these temporary setbacks. Saluting the ULFA martyrs the chairman said that their courage and sacrifice will always remain a source of inspiration to carry on the struggle. "On this day, I would like to express my solidarity with those people who have become crippled as a result of the atrocities and tortures of the IOF." Paying his respect to senior political advisor of ULFA, Bhimkanta Buragohain, who is in enemy prison in India now along with advisor Major Robin Handique, Vice-Chairman Pradip Gogoi, Publicity Secretary Mithinga Doimari and Cultural Secretary Pranati Deka, Rajkhowa said that by their exemplary sense of sacrifice, determination and conviction in the struggle they have proved themselves to be worthy sons and daughters of Assam. Rajkhowa also praised the officers, members and their children who are also in enemy prison. "Our General Secretary and two other comrades are lodged in a Bangladesh jail for seven years now. We are proud of being their co-fighters in the liberation struggle. On this occasion, I, on behalf of our Party, extend my solidarity, respect, love, best wishes and revolutionary greetings to all of them." Recalling names of the captured leaders of the outfit during the Bhutan operation on December 15, 2003, the ULFA chairman said that Major Robin Neog, Major Asanta Baghphukan, Major Bening Rabha, Lt. Abhijit Deka, Lt. Nilu Chakraborty and 2nd Lt. Ajay Narzary have disappeared from the custody in a strange manner. The UN is also aware of this matter, he said and added that both the Indian and Bhutanese governments had flaunted international law by not producing the captives when living witnesses say that they had been captured. "We humbly appeal to the world community, including the UN to exert pressure on the Government of India and Bhutan to disclose the whereabouts of the above-mentioned members of our organisation," Rajkhowa appealed. In an appeal to the cadres of the outfit, the chairman said that the so-called intellectuals, knowingly or unknowingly, are helping in Indias propaganda in an effort to distract the people of Assam from the freedom struggle. "We are passing through a very crucial stage and we should all be aware of such plans," he said and added that they were trying to create a fear psychosis among the innocent people that if someone spoke of freedom he would be arrested and be hanged. "We should stand united to restore our inherent rights," he said and added, "we appeal to every section of our society, every organisation of Assam and the civil society in general to get united and be unanimous on the question of sovereignty and freedom of Assam FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Chinese should add the pre1947 Assam+Manipur+Tripura geography as outside India.
India-China rivalry sharpens http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/geted.pl5?eo20050402bc.htmBy BRAHMA CHELLANEYNEW DELHI -- When Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrives in India next week, the rhetoric of cooperation between the two Asian giants will intensify. But one has only to scratch the surface to know the extent of the embedded mistrust and competition between the two. To be sure, bilateral tensions have ebbed, helping to boost bilateral trade from a mere $262 million in 1991 to nearly $14 billion now. However, if growing trade could connote political progress, Japan and China, with more than 10 times larger bilateral trade, would not be locked today in an emergent cold war. It has become commonplace to compare India's and China's economic march in the belief that the two would spearhead global economic growth and help make the 21st century an Asian century. The comparisons inexorably pit India's services sector-driven growth and institutional stability, founded on pluralism, transparency and rule of the law, against China's resolute leadership, high savings rate, good infrastructure and manufacturing forte. Little noticed, however, is that globalization threatens China's autocracy, not India's democracy. It is also fashionable to hypothesize, especially in leftist intellectual circles, on how an India-China partnership could help correct the unipolar power structure in the world. But can India really work with Beijing to fashion a multipolar world when China strives to be the sole pole in Asia, so that it is free to limit U.S. influence, contain India, bully Taiwan, bring shame on Japan, divide ASEAN and make use of semi-failed states that serve as its clients, such as Pakistan, Myanmar and North Korea? China is now seeking to draft into its orbit another failing state, Nepal, after a palace coup there prompted India, the United States and Britain to join hands and suspend cooperation with the kingdom. In fact, loath to see its Asian peers, India and Japan, as permanent members of the Security Council, China presents itself as a status quo power as far as the U.N. system is concerned. The schism between India and China, however, is not merely because one is a politically open and the other a politically closed society. The two symbolize opposing worldviews and approaches. China's ruthless pragmatism and assertiveness contrast sharply with India's sanctimonious worldview. Prone to seduction by praise, India is a nation that yearns to be loved, and feels best when its policies enjoy external affirmation. China, quite the opposite, wants to be held in respect and awe, and never muffles its view when any interest is at issue. Compare Beijing's early warning against U.S. Patriot antimissile system sale to India, with New Delhi's silence on the move of its strategic partner, the European Union, to upset Asian power equilibrium by lifting its 15-year arms embargo on China. Their approach to bilateral ties is also revealing. India does not believe in strategic balancing and has no intent to employ Tibet or Taiwan for countervailing leverage against China. In fact, India has bended to China on Tibet. When then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Beijing in 2003, he used used the legal term "recognize" -- in a joint document signed with his Chinese counterpart -- to accept what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region as "part of the territory of the People's Republic of China." In contrast to India, Beijing pursues bilateral ties valuing the multiple strategic cards it holds against New Delhi, including a Himalayan line of control it refuses to define despite 24 years of border negotiations, its commitment to maintain Pakistan as a military counterweight to tie down India south of the Himalayas, its new strategic flank via Myanmar, its budding military ties with Bangladesh, and its depiction in official maps of three Indian states as outside India -- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Kashmir. Despite endless speech-making, political cooperation remains intangible and even surreal. Take energy, where India has sought cooperation to prevent competing Indian and Chinese demands from leading to skyrocketing energy prices on world markets. Playing the new "Great Game" on energy, India and China have made state-owned companies buy far-flung oil and gas fields, especially in pariah or problem states. But while China made many such investments in the 1990s when oil was less than one-fifth of the current price level, India began acquiring overvalued assets more recently at the high end of the pricing cycle. Multinational companies hesitate to acquire such risky assets, but the bureaucrats running Indian and Chinese firms readily gamble with taxpayers' money. This could prove a profligate waste of state capital, especially for India, if the concerned nations were to reassert control over their assets. When that happens, China, with its greater power-projection force capability, could recover more
[Assam] Did you not know that Indian democracy is maintained by murders i.e. Faked enco
Is India democratic? http://www.nepalnews.com.np/contents/englishweekly/telegraph/2005/mar/mar30/dateline.php#1 Niraj Aryal Often termed as The Largest Democracy by the West and overwhelmed by its international approval in handling successfully the so-called poorest peoples democracy, India though in the recent times and as well in the past has shown the ugly face of democracy that exists in the country where almost a quarter of 1.2 billion poor of the world make their home. Mrs. Indira Gandhi, on June 26, 1975 imposed an emergency, thus bringing about a total collapse of the so-called largest democratic setup into a classic dictatorship. A slap to the Nehruvian dream of democracy by his own daughter, the illustrious Indu. The reason this time though was different than the traditional Indian line of the "security is in danger" because of foreign aggression but due to internal destabilization. Thanks she was not afraid of Bhutan in the neighborhood, her father's carefully nurtured baby. Indira Ghandi tried to convince the people that the emergency would be a boon for the poor living in India for greater social change and common economic development. But leaders were arrested, press was suppressed, and telephone lines were cut. The minority Muslim community living in majority Hindu, India were specially targeted in the name of population control as they were always first to be sterilized, writes a Muslim writer based in India. Mr. K.Subramaniyam, often called as an Indian security guru who had lead the National Security Council Advisory Board (NSCAB), India to draft the Indian Nuclear doctrine, on March 14, 2005 writes in the Indian Express, a leading newspaper that, Although recent developments in Goa and Jharkhand have caused much outrage and the politics in Bihar and leadership elections in Haryana have reduced the exercise of democracy to a farce, there is no introspection in our media and academia as to why democracy in a country that boasts of being its largest practitioner has been reduced to this sorry state. He writes further, The culture of our major political parties is authoritarian and not democratic. That is demonstrated in the scant availability of inner party democracy in the majority of our political parties and their behaviour in the legislatures. One would believe their democratic credentials only when the leaderships would impose discipline and respect for the rule of law on their legislators within the legislatures and permit the parties at the state level to elect their own leaders and form their own coalitions. If elected legislators are kept in custody pending confidence votes in legislatures, there is no need to be surprised about the kidnappings of children and doctors in Bihar and elsewhere. It is far more important to discipline our political parties to respect the rule of law than to allow them to make opportunistic deals in the name of democracy, which will lead neither to stable democracy nor to good and effective governance. Better India keeps her house in order than interfere in the affairs of her modest neighbors. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Hit-Iswor got his HIT. His wife now fries in the heat!
Wife defends Hiteswar - Livid Hemo Prova mulls legal action against book exposé http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050331/asp/northeast/story_4554176.asp Guwahati, March 30: Hemo Prova Saikia will be very busy over the next few days, but not on an official assignment as minister of state for cultural affairs. She needs to find a particular book, read it and act fast. The ladys anger and urgency is understandable former Intelligence Bureau joint director Maloy Krishna Dhar has claimed in his book, Open Secrets: Indias Intelligence Unveiled, that her late husband and chief minister for two terms Hiteswar Saikia had contributed to the formation of the militant Ulfa. Hemo Prova told The Telegraph today that she was contemplating legal action against Dhar, whose allegation has become a tool for the Opposition to beat the ruling Congress with. I am trying to get hold of a copy of the book that contains the baseless allegation against my late husband. What I have heard and read in newspapers is very serious. I am thinking of legal action against the writer. He has to prove the charges, she said. Coincidentally, both the AGP and the BJP yesterday waved Dhars book as proof of the ruling Congress nexus with militant groups. A livid Hemo Prova said the Oppositions campaign against her husband was in bad taste. They are targeting a man who is not alive to defend himself. The whole world knows the sacrifices Hiteswar Saikia made while fighting secessionist forces. He does not need any certificate from anyone. Hiteswar Saikia, who passed away on April 22, 1996, was chief minister of Assam from February 1983 till December 1985 and again from June 1991 till April 1996. His younger brother Rohiteswar was gunned down by Ulfa militants in Simaluguri in the mid-Eighties. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi declined to comment on the issue until the government examined the book. Dhars allegation against Saikia appears in the books 25th chapter, titled Fleeting return to the Pre-historic State (Prag-Jyotish-Pura). He claims the former chief minister offered him a briefcase filled with currency and a tusser silk saree to my wife. Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger Download today it's FREE! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Nepalese Maoists fighting India's proxy war?
Anti-Nepal plot thickens, could be misinterpreted by China http://www.peoplesreview.com.np/2005/240305/detail/n3.html BY M.R. JOSSE The anti-Nepal squeeze by India, the US and the UK becomes curiouser and curiouser. First of all, such supposedly friendly pressure is targeted against a government that, in keeping with the ardent desire for a stable peace among the overwhelming majority of the populace, is at last beginning to effectively tackle the nine year-plus Maoist insurgency that has left a horrific trail of death, destruction and devastation across the land. WRONG TARGET Till very recently, the Holy Grail of a permanent peace in the Kingdom seemed completely out of grasp as the country was rapidly and visibly going into a tailspin plummeting into an abyss of total destruction. This not least because the armed forces of the state had not only to take on the armed Maoists but to do so with their hands tied behind their backs. One arm was held back by the dissenting and ever-squabbling political parties; the other by would-be champions of human rights aided and abetted a transparently partisan press, attempting to pass off as professional or independent media. The common aim, as apparent from their deeds, was to systematically defame and demoralise those brave sons and daughters of the soil who were even paying the ultimate price to save the integrity of their motherland. In combination, their actions, wittingly or otherwise, transformed them into virtual sleeping partners of the Maoists who of course if they were ever to come to power would make mincemeat of them all! Secondly, and paradoxically, rather than penalise the Maoist guerrillas and their leadership for their crimes against the people, these so-called warriors against international terror have chosen, astoundingly, to punish the victims of terror instead, letting the perpetrators of orchestrated fear, murder and torture completely off the hook. Thirdly, these would-be champions of democracy and human rights apparently see no contradiction in fuelling an insurgency that has openly proclaimed war on the state in order to establish a Pol Pot-like single party totalitarian republic, tearing the hitherto much-applauded democratic 1990 Constitution into shreds. FAIR WEATHER/ALL-WEATHER Fourthly, these fair weather friends have now taken it upon themselves to try to prevent Nepals all weather friends from filling the dangerous vacuum created by their callous, calculated and coordinated decision to punish the very regime that has taken up the onerous challenge to quell the Maoist insurgency, once and for ever, under the courageous leadership of the King who has staked his all in the process. To remind everyone, that, incidentally, was a task that the political forces would not, or could not, accomplish when they were at the helm of public affairs from 1996 onwards, or after the Maoists people-war burst forth into the open helped, as is well documented, by a leadership that for donkeys years operated freely from across the open Nepal-India border (and may very possibly be so doing, even today). The vital question that begs to be answered from the above is this: is Nepal the only or principal target of her fair-weather friends crush? Or, could it be that there is a much larger, more sinister game plan afoot, one that has implications far beyond the borders of Nepal, including Tibet and possibly the entire Chinese landmass? While leaving that for the readers to judge for themselves, allow me to elaborate why I believe that the latter is not as outlandish as some might imagine. Be that as it may, the intimidation game has gone on too far now for anyone to seriously believe that only the restoration of democracy is at stake here. (After all, one has only to remember that, not too long ago, the political parties were being sharply berated for not cooperating with the King in forging a united front against the Maoists!) That apart, there is not a shred of plausibility to such a plea: one has not only to point out the support that ethnical-cleansing Bhutan receives from India, on the one hand, and the support from the West, principally the US, for a plethora of authoritarian regimes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the oil-rich Gulf States to effectively rubbish such a cynical explanation. Let us now take the orchestrated furore that has been set off in the Indian media (which is controlled by the authorities where foreign/security policy is concerned) over the fact that, in response to the Indian/American/British decision to halt/review military hardware supplies, Kathmandu might be forced to consider other options, including Chinese and Pakistani, in pursuance of a sovereign states basic right to survival. Allow me to take one glaring example. The Sunday Express of New Delhi in a recent issue (as quoted by the India-funded/managed Himalayan Times) reports that the United States and India have decided to call King Gyanendras b
[Assam] Wishing for Assamese HAEM to colour your Holi?
Assam Governor calls ULFA for talks http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?slug=Assam+Governor+calls+ULFA+for+talks&id=70487Friday, March 25, 2005 (Guwahati): Assuring the safety of top ULFA leaders if they opted for peace, Assam Governor Ajai Singh today asked the banned United Liberation Front of Asom to come forward for talks.Speaking to reporters at a Holi get together, the governor said he would welcome any ULFA leader who expressed the desire to sit for negotiations. He said the government would ensure the safety of the top ULFA leaders who were interested in talks. 'Sovereignty issue'Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on March 13 had said the state government would extend all help to further negotiations between the Centre and the outfit.Millika Barua, the mother of ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Barua had also favoured negotiations in an interview with Gnanpith awardee Indira Goswami, who is acting as a mediator on the issue. The only hurdle preventing ULFA from coming to the negotiating table, Goswami later told the media, was the "sovereignty issue". (PTI) FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] The £ & $s earned fattening up the BROWN SAHIBS and enriching Delhi only?
Planter's killing triggers panic in Assam gardens http://in.news.yahoo.com/050325/43/2kdq8.html Moran (Assam), March 25 (IANS) Tea planters in Assam are becoming increasingly shaky with garden workers continuing to launch fatal attacks on them for non-payment of wages and other trivial issues. The latest attack took place Thursday when a group of workers clubbed to death Dwijen Bora, owner of the Dhekari Nepali tea garden in eastern Assam's Dibrugarh district, 430 km from the state's main city of Guwahati. "Some workers engaged by the planter did not report for duty and when Bora went to enquire about their absence, the group attacked him with crude implements and killed him," said Dibrugarh district police chief Pradip Chandra Saloi. Soon after the news spread about the planter's death, villagers attacked the workers' colony and torched at least a dozen houses. "The situation is tense but under control. We have placed adequate security personnel in the area and arrested four workers suspected to be involved in the attack," Saloi told IANS. The killing of Bora comes less than a month after another planter in eastern Assam's Golaghat district was attacked by garden workers with spears and machetes. They later threw his body in a blazing fire. At least half a dozen tea planters have been killed by angry workers in Assam during the past three years on charges of non-payment of wages, no rations, and lack of healthcare facilities. Some dozen planters were assaulted by workers for similar reasons. "The industry is facing a crisis and the workers are getting violent. Under such circumstances, it is really difficult to continue working in the gardens," said H.P Sharma, a planter. Community leaders also accuse planters of following the British legacy of subjugating workers with an iron fist, leading to frequent confrontations. "Some planters still try to behave like the British who in the past publicly flogged tea pickers or made workers believe he was the insurmountable monarch of the area," said Rameshwar Teli, a legislator who belongs to the tea community. "You now cannot expect to increase the yield by taking out the whip like the sahibs in the past did." According to tea community leaders, garden workers in Assam are getting restive with the recession-hit industry unable to clear wages and meet basic requirements of the workforce. At least 200 gardens have defaulted in paying up daily wages to its workers - some of them not clearing salaries for months together, leaving hundreds to starve. There are an estimated one million workers spread over Assam's 800-odd gardens. Up to 70 plantations in Assam have closed down in recent years with India's $1.5 billion tea industry facing a crisis with prices dropping in the weekly auctions, besides a slump in export figures. India is the world's largest tea producer with Assam accounting for about 55 percent of the total 825 million kg produced in 2004. Don't just search. Find. MSN Search Check out the new MSN Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Time India digs trenches for her soldiers to RUN and empty their bowels in fear!
Chinese delegation to inspect Kathmandu-Lhasa route www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-19 13:27:24 http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/19/content_2716791.htm KATHMANDU, March 19 (Xinhuanet) -- A ten-member Chinese delegation will visit Nepal next week in a bid to expedite the process of operating direct passenger bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa,a Nepali government official said here Saturday. "The main aim of their visit is to conduct a spot investigation of the driving route, road condition, accommodation facilities, fueling and repair centers along the route," B. Sharad Adhikari, director of Transport Management Department, told reporters. The officials from the two sides will also convene a three-day meeting to forge understanding on various unresolved issues to pave way for early starting of the bus service, Adhikari said. "More discussions will be held in order to settle some minor disputes to expedite the process of operating the bus service, which is expected to begin from May 1," he said. The Nepali government will notify the Chinese delegation about appointment of Tibet Gurkha Trade Company, a private bus service provider which has been conferred the license to operate in the route under the emblem of Sajha Yatayat, Nepal's state-owned transport company, he revealed. Nepal and China signed the agreement on Oct. 29 last year to operate the direct passenger bus service between Nepal's capital and Lhasa city of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Enditem Chinese minister's trip could redefine India-Nepal ties http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=""> [World News]: Kathmandu, March 19 : Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's trip to Nepal this month - the first official visit by a foreign government representative after the royal coup - is likely to redefine India's relations with Nepal, possibly at New Delhi's cost.Though earlier expected in the first week of April, the Chinese minister will arrive in Kathmandu for a whirlwind two-day tour March 31. He will meet King Gyanendra, who sacked the Sher Bahadur Deuba government Feb 1.Li will also meet the two hard-line deputies the monarch appointed as vice-chairmen of the new council of ministers - Tulsi Giri and Kirti Nidhi Bista, former prime ministers both. He will leave for Bangladesh April 1.Diplomatically and socially, the visit is a pat on the back of Nepal that has been in the doghouse of the international community since the royal coup. Both India and Britain have suspended military assistance to Nepal's army.China, on the other hand, calls the political changes in Nepal an internal matter of the kingdom and unlike the others is expected to defend Nepal at the annual session of the UN Human Rights Commission going on in Geneva. In return, Nepal upholds the "One China" policy. In January, it closed down the office of the Dalai Lama's representative in Kathmandu on the ground that Tibet was part of China and not a separate country. This week, it issued a statement supporting a Chinese legislation that authorises the use of force against Taiwan if the island tries to set itself up as an independent country.Now Li's visit could mean Kathmandu turning to Beijing for a fresh supply of arms and equipment with New Delhi refusing to resume military assistance till multiparty democracy is restored.India had been providing the Royal Nepalese Army with its indigenously manufactured INSAS firearms at 70 percent subsidy. However, the INSAS weapons need 5.56mm ammunition, which are not manufactured in Nepal. The army has to buy the bullets from India.On the other hand, Nepal manufactures 7.62mm ammunition at home and Chinese weapons, especially AK-47s, can be fired with these bullets. Nepalese army sources said though there were no immediate plans to start buying firearms from China, "if push comes to shove" and the Indian embargo continues, eventually Nepal might turn to Chinese weapons.Nepal's army also regards the Chinese pistols and self-loading rifles as being lighter, cheaper and of better quality than INSAS products. Three more members in the SAARC grouping - Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - are already using Chinese manufactured arms.Beijing can also provide landmine-protected vehicles like India. When late Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi imposed a blockade on Nepal in the late 1980s, Nepal started procuring the vehicles from China."Economically, it makes better sense to get arms and equipment from China," said a senior Nepalese army official who declined to be named. "But we have been ruled by our hearts since we are closer to India culturally and socially."Nepal's new government has also taken umbrage at Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's decision not to attend the SAARC Summit in Dhaka last month.Giri, the king's deputy, told the media in the regime's first press interaction that the Indian decision was prompted by "revulsion to shake the dirty hands of a dictator", a refe
[Assam] The Himalayan political PEAK shows through the thick fog.
China is worried about anti-govt. rebellion in Nepal: Envoy http://www.nepalnews.com.np/ntimes/issue239/letters.htm#2 Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Sun Heping, has said being a close neighbour China is worried about anti-government rebellion in Nepal. The Chinese authorities dont use the term Maoist insurgency, and refer to the rebels as anti-government forces. In an interview with Himal khabarpatrika (Mar. 13-28), the Chinese envoy said that being a close neighbour, China is worried about the anti-government rebellion in Nepal. We strongly condemn the violent, destructive activities targeted against civilians and development infrastructures, said Sun. The Chinese ambassador said peace and stability in Nepal was not just a matter of concern for Nepal and the Nepali people, it was (equally) important for the peace and stability in the entire region. We hope that the peace process will begin in Nepal at the earliest resulting in the restoration of an everlasting peace here, he added. In response to a question how, China saw post Feb.. 1 developments in Nepal, ambassador Sun reiterated his governments position saying that it was essentially an internal affair of Nepal. As a good neighbour, we hope that Nepal will be successful in achieving social stability, economic development and national consensus in the country.. Along with this, we also respect the right of the Nepali people to choose a social system and development path that best suits their national reality, he added. Describing about the Sino-Nepal relations, the Chinese envoy said China and Nepal are two friendly neighbours from ancient times. Our current bilateral relationship is very good. There is no outstanding problem between the two countries; the friendship is intact. Both the countries should take pride in the fact that they have been able to peacefully and confidently carry forward the bilateral relation based on equity. This year, the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nepal, too, is being observed. Utilizing this very opportunity, we will try to move ahead with the all-round development of our bilateral ties with the help of our Nepali friends, the envoy added. Describing about the on-going Chinese assistance to Nepal, ambassador Sun said currently (China) was helping Nepal to build a Civil Servants Hospital, a Polytechnic College at Banepa and Syaphrubesi-Rasuwa road. During Crown Prince Parass China visit last year, agreements were signed between the two countries for Chinese assistance for building an Outer Ring Road in Kathmandu, installation of fiber-optic cable line between Kathmandu and Khasa and the establishment of an Ayurveda Research and Training Institute. The implementation of these projects will begin this year, the envoy said. When asked how sensitive was Nepal for China geo-politically, the Chinese envoy said, You can change your neighbours but you cannot change your neighbouring countries. The geographic location of Nepal, which shares borders with Tibet autonomous region (of China) is very much crucial for stability and prosperity in Tibet.We value high the ever-friendly policy of His Majesty the King of Nepal and His Majestys Government and their policy to not allow any anti-China activities in Nepal, he added. nepalnews.com by/amt Mar 18 05 Chinese delegation to inspect Kathmandu-Lhasa route www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-19 13:27:24 KATHMANDU, March 19 (Xinhuanet) -- A ten-member Chinese delegation will visit Nepal next week in a bid to expedite the process of operating direct passenger bus service between condition, accommodation facilities, fueling and repair centers along the route," B. Sharad Adhikari, director of Transport Management Department, told reporters. The officials from the two sides will also convene a three-day meeting to forge understanding on various unresolved issues to pave way for early starting of the bus service, Adhikari said. "More discussions will be held in order to settle some minor disputes to expedite the process of operating the bus service, which is expected to begin from May 1," he said. The Nepali government will notify the Chinese delegation about appointment of Tibet Gurkha Trade Company, a private bus service provider which has been conferred the license to operate in the route under the emblem of Sajha Yatayat, Nepal's state-owned transport company, he revealed. Nepal and China signed the agreement on Oct. 29 last year to operate the direct passenger bus service between Nepal's capital and Lhasa city of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Enditem FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
