Re: [Assam] Boga Baduli and BPO Boom--Part 1
Bhuban da, I agree with you that one big impediment is the stark inefficience with which the State Govt. officials act. Personally, But its not just state. govt., similar is the case with bank officers, Regional Passport Officer etc. When you visit any of these offices, the first impression is a lack of total interest of your presence. Above that they are just plain rude.If you are lucky, you may get a ' ki lage upunak?' or a ' aji nohobo dei, in-charge manuh jen nai, kail le ahi bosun'. In any case, small as these things seem to be, they would discourage any small time investor. The other big impediment is the need for an investor know that his/her investment is safe and will yield returns. With problems with the insurgency, big time investors will shy away. Add to these the state holdiday scheme - BANDHS. IMHO, even given these factors, those interested, could still attract some small investors on a short-term basis. There are stillmany businesses who seem to doing great right there in Guwahati. Many of the private businesses have great customer service, a smile on their faces, and want to be successful. --Ram On 8/22/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: -- Forwarded message --From:[EMAIL PROTECTED]To:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Date:Mon, 22 Aug 2005 06:31:02 EDT Subject:Re: [Assam] Boga Baduli and BPO Boom--Part 1 There are many members in this list , settled in the USA, UK etc., who are millionnaires. I wish some of them would get together and make an effort to open one in Guwahati / Assam. The Govt will only be too willing to help them. I don't think there are many millionaires in UK or USA as suggested. I agree they could be small investors. However, people have lost confidence on Assam Government offcials' efficiency in such matters. I expect people to disagree with me on my submission. At least that is my personal experience. Bhuban___Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Word to ULFA into action now, PM. Confer ballot onAssam Sovereignty restoration
C'da, I have said this to the Hurriyat in Kashmir, ULFA in Assam and Naxalites in Andhra Pradesh—there is no grievance that cannot be redressed through democratic means and sustained dialogue,'' What a self contradicting statement! Maybe, I am missing something here. But I don't see any self-contradictory statement here. Whatis wrong with what the PM is saying. I have even removed my tinted glasses, still don't see a darn thing wrong with the statement. :) 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,'' Nor, do I see a problem with the above. --Ram On 8/22/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have said this to the Hurriyat in Kashmir, ULFA in Assam and Naxalites in Andhra Pradesh—there is no grievance that cannot be redressed through democratic means and sustained dialogue,'' What a self contradicting statement! It would have been whole lot more convincing if MMS could have given an example or two of Indian democracy's problem solving approaches ( I won't even ask for complete resolutions) in Kashmir, re: Naxals, re: ULFA, re: Nagas. But I am sure the PM wouldn't have missed an opportunity to cite them, if he had any. At 7:14 AM + 8/22/05, Bartta Bistar wrote: 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 people's 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 Pradesh—there 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 year's 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=1theme=usrsess=1id=87190 also. FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar MSN Toolbar Get it now! ___Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Word to ULFA into action now, PM. Confer ballot onAssam Sovereignty restoration
C'da,Extremism and violence do not fall from the sky on some dark andstormy night, on an 'ounxir endhaar raati'. They brew over decades,slowly building steam. Only after seeing no ability to effect change, get redress for grievances, do people finally, in desperation, take uparms, knowing full well that their likely rewards might just be deathand imprisonment. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary people don't go about courting death like this if there are any redress in sight orseemed achievableNo they don't. I think we all understand these from historicalmissteps/errors whether they were in Delhi or in Assam. The question is, what do we do now? Here is a PM who IS TRYING to setthings aright. But you still want to go back and re-hash history andblame the PM for even trying.If Assam has any chance of peace, this PM (with his connections to Assam) and his administrations is as close as you can get.We can either keep griping and wail moan or think forward andcapitalize on what we have here.'Indian democracy', whether you like it or not is here to stay in its present form and function. We can curse it all we want, we can hateit, but the fact of the matter is Assam and her people, just like therest of India have to make the best of what they have.Yes, we would all like improvements in many areas. But your solutions so far has been a solution of 'throwing the baby with the bath-water' Is that what we want for Assam - a state embroiled in uncertainity,stunted growth, and myraid of other problems? Solutions for an 'independent Assam' given all these conditions aretoo far-fetched. Even taking your position - that the Indian democarcyis wretched, IT is the GOI to which the insurgents will ultimately have to go to for parleys. It is this same 'wretched' GOI that allthis has to come thru. I know, you will come back and ask: Who is the GOI to give anything (all that mai-baap stuff) to Assam. But looking at the situation in a more practical sense (and without emotion), it is the GOI we have to deal with, and I should think with a PM like Singh who is far more decent than some we have had before, there is a pretty good chance at peace. --RamOn 8/22/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe, I am missing something here. That is not a 'maybe', Ram. You are missing what is staring on your face :-). Extremism and violence do not fall from the sky on some dark and stormy night, on an 'ounxir endhaar raati'. They brew over decades, slowly building steam. Only after seeing no ability to effect change, get redress for grievances, do people finally, in desperation, take up arms, knowing full well that their likely rewards might just be death and imprisonment. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary people don't go about courting death like this if there are any redress in sight or seemed achievable thru the process they mistakenly call 'Indian democracy', ALMOST an oxymoron by itself, like 'military intelligence'. Those who cannot fathom that, are the same people who go about making the MMS like pithy pronouncements, after the fact. Was India unaware of what was brewing in Kashmir Ram? Only the profoundly ignorant or deluded will claim that. Was India unaware of Assam's discontent, before LFA happened? You tell me. And what did Indian democracy do to prevent them? To forestall them? Dilute the discontent? Where was the great Indian democratic machine? Why could it not not show that it could be counted on to do what MMS claims it can do now? How is it an iota different from what it was then? You show us Ram. c-da At 8:47 AM -0500 8/22/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, I have said this to the Hurriyat in Kashmir, ULFA in Assam and Naxalites in Andhra Pradesh-there is no grievance that cannot be redressed through democratic means and sustained dialogue,'' What a self contradicting statement! Maybe, I am missing something here. But I don't see any self-contradictory statement here. What is wrong with what the PM is saying. I have even removed my tinted glasses, still don't see a darn thing wrong with the statement. :) 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,'' Nor, do I see a problem with the above. --Ram ___ 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
Re: [Assam] To better serve, assamnet will move to [EMAIL PROTECTED] soon
Hi Jugal, Congratulations to all of you including Saurav, Dipu, Babul and others who have made Assam net a lively place for spirited discussions. We can consider this a milestone, where we have a free and cordial exchange of ideas. Keep up the great work. --Ram da On 8/22/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone,Assamnet will move some time soon to a new home. The new home will be [EMAIL PROTECTED].Assamnet was founded in 1985 at the University of Pennsylvania. It hasbeen hosted at the University of Colorado from 1991. Luitporia-net wasstarted at the University of Missouri in 1990 by Dr. Dipankar Medhi. Assamnet and Luitporianet became one in 1998. Since then it has beenhosted at the University of Colorado. We thank the University ofPennsylvania, the University of Missouri and the University of Coloradofor having given us this opportunity to bring together the Assamese diaspora from around the world.The objective of Assamnet is to bring together people with interest inall aspects of Assam, be it social, cultural, religious, educational,political or anything at all, so that written discussions and debates can take place withoutfear and censorship of any kind. In Assamitself, it is very difficult openly to discuss many issues of vitalconcern to Assam.However, we have had issues in Assamnet in the past. Although this is normal when a few hundred people constantly participate in spiriteddiscussions, we must exercise caution so that discussions and debatescan take place in a manner wherein widest participation is possible.For example, a few years ago several people were removed from the list for using unacceptable sexual language during discussions and debates.In addition, Assamnet will not allow anyone to recruit people forviolent activities of any kind. However, peaceful and respectfuldiscussion of any topic is welcome. We will send out an email when we make this transition to[EMAIL PROTECTED]. We are finishing up the details of the move and itwill take place soon. Once that happens, instead of sending email to assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu, you will send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]. Itwill be a new and befitting place to Assamnet after almost 15 years at the University of Colorado.Thank you!Jugal Kalita (Colorado), Saurav Pathak (Pennsylvania) and Babul Gogoi(Delhi)Assamnet administrators Check Out the new free AIM(R) Mail -- 2 GB of storage andindustry-leading spam and email virus protection.___Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.eduhttp://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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] Test of Democracy - Indian Express
If a movement shies away from testing its own legitimacy, it becomesmerely self-serving. Its own claims to be fighting for justice, or forthe rights of the people, simply become self-confirming assumptions,with no accountability to anyone. IE Really, very little else need to be said about insurgent groups in the country --Ram__ Test of democracy The prime minister has thrown a challenge to Naxalite groups An important question about the legitimacy of the Naxal movement hasbeen raised by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He has punctured thebasic pretension that Naxalites in this country have long held, thattheirs is a popular movement. He has asked them to prove theirpopularity by joining the electoral process and not through violentand intimidating acts. In doing so, the prime minister has also drawnattention to a paradox that lies at the heart of so many violentmovements which claim to represent the people. These movements can doeverything but face the people in an open contest. The political process is often full of shortcomings, and does notunambiguously express the will of the people. But it does not followfrom this fact that any group can claim the mantle of representing thepeople, their needs and aspirations, simply by trumpeting loudly thatthey are fighting for the people. Even if the grievances that theNaxals draw upon truly exist, their means, methods and policies needto be subject to some test to ascertain their legitimacy. For all itsinfirmities, electoral democracy is one of the few means ofadjudicating any claims to represent the people. If a movement shiesaway from testing its own legitimacy, it becomes merely self-serving.Its own claims to be fighting for justice, or for the rights of thepeople, simply become self-confirming assumptions, with noaccountability to anyone. The prime minister is challenging a movement, that claims to befighting for justice, to subject itself to the test of democracy. Indoing so, he is also displaying great confidence in an open politicalprocess, by suggesting that the media should be allowed to interactwith any political group. But no democracy can and ought to tolerateits own subversion. The subversion is all the more insidious when donein the name of the people. Participating in the democratic processcomes with some unavoidable conditions. It requires abjuring violence,it requires respecting the integrity of a political process. The primeminister's call to the Naxals, therefore, is both a warning that theyhave to give up violence, and a challenge to them to prove what theyclaim for themselves — popular support. URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=76768 ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Sentinel News
C'da, While Dr. Goswami probably has the best intentions in her heart, How would we know ? We don't. But since she is so embroiled in this, the 'public' ought question her motives/intentions (at the least). Or, is questioning her intentions off limits? :) How will the GOI be able to release those held in a different country? B'desh in this case. That is a hard one Ram. I can make some suggestions, but on second thought, I better not open my mouth on this. Let us see if YOU can figure this one out on your own. Its not really hard, C'da: Let us see: The GOI couldapply political pressure onB'desh. But how would the GOI explain that away, when one assumes that GOI applied pressure to capture these elements in the first place. Of course B'desh could have quit stalling and expatriate them back to India. India has been wanting that for sometime. I am not prescient enough to foretell that. But even if they join that 'mainstream', would that be a good thing, .. From the GOI's point of view - if THEY were to release someone that they think are anti-social, one of the preconditions would obviously be for those released to join the main stream. The GOI may be inefficient, but they do have enough brains to figure out that they really do not want this charade to be some sort of round-robin ie: release, capture, release, capture... You really put me in a spot here Ram. How do you keep coming up with these check-mates, just when I think I had your arguments on the ropes? Heh! heh! heh! sorry about that. Not my intention. But, you know I was intrigued: All this time we have been hearing on the net about all inefficiencies of the GOI, the injustice etc by many who would like to hold the GOI's feet to the fire (every time they drop the ball). Now, suddenly, these same people would like the GOI to NOT follow the justice system, and free people who have committed murder and high crimes, give them a pass, so to speak. And a pass which really does not gurantee anything for the GOI. Its like saying, release them so that they can be free to rampage again. Question is, why should the GOI throw jurisprudence out of the window (in the name of peace) because it is ULFA, but are supposed to follow rules for others? Why should the GOI bend over backwards in this particular case?Shouldn't murder and mayhem be treated as the crimes they are? Why special privileges for a select few gun totting individuals? B: If setting up a kangaroo-commission is not selling well these days, then how about a tribunal headed by a retd.( no, no--not retarded) (in)justice with a name like Nopota ( or even Pota) Phukan, or Xoitnarayon Xorma? But that is the GOI way, right? Let us ignore them awhile.WHY should people like you and me (who would like everyone to uphold the law) fall into these vile schemes of the GOI. Why don't we demand justice (as we do for everyone else). Why capitulate just for this 'one time' and cheer for alleged murders?Where are our principles? But, what do I know? Just thinking when we demand for equal justice etc, sometimes these things boomarang. :) --Ram ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Bandh culture
C'da, But seriously, the role of the media is NOT to censor news. It is to disseminate it. Which is true. The BIG if is that the media has to 'confirm' sources that it quotes. Normally what we hear is ' a spkesperson called in' about the bandh, and THAT is enough for the media to give wide publicity? In fact, sitting here in the US, you can probably call for an Assam Bandh (because, say St. Louis doesn't have the same weather as the South West). All you have to do is call up our unsuspecting media and tell them that you have declared an Assam Bandh and that you are from the TKHEC (Tita-Kerela Hybrid Experimentation Center) - and you would have a near 100 % success. Why? Because the media will not recheck the facts. This news from St. Louis is as good as any to fill the newsprint. And the good people of Assam will thank you profusely because you gave them another holiday :) --Ram ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Bandh culture
C'da How do you know that? What are the grounds for making that assertiuon or even assumption? Because the newspapers themselves say that 'someone from xyz org. telephoned'. Then one obviously assume that either they don't reallybother confirming such info or just cannot for some reason. Why should the media be held responsible to judge what 'bondho' is legitimate and deserving of publicity, and what is not? Where do they get their authority or wisdom to judge that? I did NOT say the media would have to make that judgement. But at the very least they should verify the info and then decide if the 'bandh notice' is newsworthy? The way the media prints each and every bandh notice, it must mean that the mediaconsiders them all newsworthy and also giving a lot of importance to such calls. opinions--but NOT to be the self appointed or Rajen/Ram appointed censors. Don't they have their own standards to judge if publicity ought to be given to mundane calls for bandhs? Who says anything about censorship? Your recommendations would be useful if the 'bondho' givers made you the arv biter of what deserves to be one Ram :-). As is obvious, no bondho giver is asking my opinion, (and nor should they), but unfortunately, they are not asking the opinion of the intelligensia in Assam or the people either. That is a real good joke Ram :-), that Karnataka does not have 'bandhs', that it is merely a unique Assamese disability. Thanks, I did look up the item. The Judge was right. But reading from the item, it does seem that it was a particular, local case of strikes by film producers. The financial loss of Rs. 20 crores was a huge one, but the WHOLE state wasn't paralyzed in that one instance. Yes, there are bandhs all over the country. Bad as they are, most are like strikes (banks, or mills). Most such strikes in Mumbai, would close down an area or locality not the entire city. But it is extremely rare where the whole of Maharastra or Karnataka is completely shut down today. Unfortunately, closure of the whole state is the norm during bandhs in Assam. In addition to that, banks in Assam will also join All-India calls for bank closures, or some strike by say Indian airlines. When was the last time you or anyone else heard of a total Maharastra bandh or a Karnataka bandh? And when was the last you heard that from Assam? Without going into the legitimacy of bandhs and strikes, you (and others) will find that Assam has captured that market by a long shot. Once we have that nailed down, we could discuss whether or not such calls are justifiable or necessary. --Ram ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Boga Baduli and BPO Boom--Part 1
Hi Swapanali, I think you have done a pretty goood job in writting your thoughts. Language seems to have had its most profound effects in India. While one's mother tongue is always a 'must' for all of us, it need not be at the expense (or instead of)of English or even other languages. In fact, the not knowing English is a huge handicap. I have been lucky in the fact that I have been able to pick up 7 or 8 Indian languages, and pass off a 'local' in in number of them. That advantage really helped me a great deal travelling in India. I wish, I could have picked up languages like German, French, and Spanish too. One thing that strikes me when I listen to a lot of youngsters speaking English in India is that even though they are articulate, there seems to be a sense of trying very hard to emulate (rather badly) spoken English from the West. Slang has replaced good English in many cases. The flow doesn't seem to smooth. BTW: At least when we were there, India was considered the only place on earth where Victorian was still spoken. In fact, it seems, it isn't even spoken in England. Speaking of BPOs, one of the big advantages India has while competing with China for outsourced jobs is the English language. --Ram On 8/21/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Everybody, My association with this group isn't very old. It started 2 and half years back when my previous company sent a group of 30 people to Texas for training. And the plethora of information given by this group helped the entire group tremendously. After that I have been a sporadic visitor of this group. The other day I was reading the Prime Minister's speech in Oxford where he mentioned about the most important British legacy, the English language and about their modern school systems. http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/nic/0046/pmspeech.htm . A Times of India columnist once wrote that it's only for the Tamil crusaders that English stayed in India despite the onslaught of Hindi Imperialism that started right after Independence. Hence all the kudos for the Indian BPO success should go to the Tamilians ! Another article that re-shaped my thinking process was the one I read (rather my mother read it aloud to me and my sister) in Prantik (an Assmese magazine) almost 16/17 years back, where a well settled NRA called the Assamese families who sent their kids to English medium schools as "boga baduli" (white bat) which is a bizarre epiphany. (Though I am not very certain about the writer's name, the "Prantik" edition with that article still could be found in my book shelf back home provided my mother hasn't sold those old copies) This was said having found by the NRA writer that certain English medium educated Guwahati kids spoke worse Assamese than his own USA born and brought up kids. The article highly influenced my mother who is a teacher in a school named after the great martyr of "baxa andulon" Anil Bora. Once mother also told us how the Assamese had to fight to have Assamese as the official language of the state. The memory of that cataclysmic event was still fresh among the elders then. It was our father who put all our three kids in that English medium school in our town which was another legacy left by the colonial Brits and he expected us to imbibe some of their qualities like discipline, time management etc and definitely to learn English better. The following year my mother re-enrolled all her three kids in local vernacular school. While my siblings continued, I was not able to cope up with the difference, not for a single day and went back to my alma mater the very next day. However through out my student life I made sure I am equally proficient in "Oxomiya" like my siblings and many a times outdid them Years later when I was in Delhi pursuing my post- graduation, the BPO boom started first in Delhi. Though I was over qualified for those jobs, I thought of joining the bandwagon rather going back home and being jobless like my batch mates. Another reason for choosing the BPO was to avoid jostling with the rowdy and vulgar north Indian crowd. All BPOs have their private cabs for employees.Last month I completed my 4th year in BPO. This Group would be surprised to know that BPO is the one of the best thing that has happened to India. No Industry can offer anything better to thousands of mediocre like us and I am sure the industry will stay here for ever. And parents who opt for English medium schools are not necessarily "boga baduli". All that matters is the attitude the parents groom in their kids towards one's culture and language Never for a moment can I convince myself that with my family background I could have managed with vernacular education whatever I have achieved so far. My personal experience says the number of English speaking people/youth is quite less in Assam when compared to some other Indian states. A few BPOs in our state would have tackled the abysmal employment problem to certain extent. In other
Re: [Assam] From NYT--Chief was in the Dark/ London Shooting
C'da, But , more than that, our own second lynching of Mr. Menenzesiswhat I like to bring out to Netters' attn. here. If you were to read some of the posts in this regard, most netters did voice strong objections to the British 'shoot at sight' policy and also the fact that Mr, M was was chased gunned down because he looked 'different'. Talk about trigger-happy, nervous bobbies. So, on the whole, Mr. M was NOT lynchedon this net --Ram On 8/21/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tsk, tsk!But , more than that, our own second lynching of Mr. Menenzesiswhat I like to bring out to Netters' attn. here. cmChief Tells of Delay in Learning Facts of London ShootingBy ALAN COWELLPublished: August 22, 2005LONDON, Aug. 21 - Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, said Sunday that he had not known until 24 hoursafter the killing of a Brazilian man by police officers that the manhad been an innocent bystander and not, as first suggested, apotential suicide bomber. The man, Jean Charles de Menezes, was shot in the head byplainclothes officers under a contentious shoot-to-kill policy oneday after bombers tried to attack London's transportation system onJuly 21. On the day Mr. Menezes died, Sir Ian told reporters that the fatalshooting was directly linked to the ongoing and expandingantiterrorist operation. At the time, the police did nothing tocontradict suggestions that the officers had believed Mr. Menezes had been acting suspiciously.Those initial accounts have been directly contradicted by leakeddocuments from an independent inquiry suggesting that Mr. Menezesbehaved casually and was shot to death even after the police had restrained him.At that time - and for the next 24 hours - I and everybody whoadvised me believed the person who was shot was a suicide bomber,Sir Ian said Sunday in an interview with the mass-circulation News of the World.Sir Ian said that one day later: Somebody came in at 10:30 and saidthe equivalent of 'Houston, we have a problem.' He didn't use thosewords, but he said, 'We have some difficulty here; there is a lack of connection.' I thought: 'That's dreadful. What are we going to doabout that?' Sir Ian has said he will not resign, as Mr. Menezes' family hasdemanded, and has denied suggestions of a police cover-up. Two senior government officials, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and HomeSecretary Charles Clarke, said Sunday that they still supported thepolice chief.Sir Ian said Sunday that he wanted to ensure that the public debate did not distract counterterrorism investigators from forestallingfurther attacks. We have to concentrate on how we find the peoplewho are helping or thinking about planning further atrocities, he said.I am not going to be distracted from the main job, which is findingthe terrorists, he said.Separately, Britain was reported to have reduced its threatassessment level to severe general, the third-highest level, from critical, the highest. But the government declined to confirm that.Mr. Prescott, the deputy prime minister, told the BBC that there wasa serious threat all the time.We are in a state of high alert, which we need to be, he said. The British authorities also lowered their threat assessment levelshortly before the July 7 bombings, which killed 56 people, includingfour bombers.___Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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] New book on Assamese cinema -Telegraph
A new book on the growth and development of Assamese cinema is out. The first of its kind venture in English, the book will come out almost after a gap of 75 years of the release of first Assamese film, Joymoti, by the legendary Joytiprasad Agarwalla in 1935. Its hard to believe its been 75 years since Joymoti! --Ram __ Issue Date: Monday, August 22, 2005 A book on cinema, 75 yrs after Joymoti- First chronicle in English STAFF REPORTER Aug. 21: The Gauhati Cine Club has commissioned a book to highlight the history, growth and development of Assamese cinema. The first of its kind venture in English, the book will come out almost after a gap of 75 years of the release of first Assamese film, Joymoti, by the legendary Joytiprasad Agarwalla in 1935. Entirely conceptualised and financed by Gauhati Cine Club, the book titled Assamese Cinema will hit the bookstalls by the year-end. "Apart from documenting each and every detail about the industry, the book will be a reference book for outsiders, curious enough to know about the industry," said club's secretary, Kanak Chandra Kalita. "Since there is a dearth of reference books on Assamese cinema in English, the project once completed will solve the problem." The club has formed an editorial committee comprising film critics Manoj Borpujari and Munin Bayan. Writer Garima Kalita will be the associate editor. The 200 page-book will devote four chapters to the critical analysis of the works and contributions of master craftsmen Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, Padum Barua, Bhabendranath Saikia and Jahnu Barua. A chapter on young filmmakers making their presence felt at national and international arena will be the highlight of the book. Essays by prominent film critics of the state will discuss the problems of the industry and measures to be taken to make it a full-fledged industry. "Good and authentic book on Assamese cinema in English has been long overdue," said Bidyut Chakraborty, national award filmmaker. "The initiate undertaken by Cine Club is laudable and we should all help them." A chapter will also discuss how both healthy and viable commercial films can work as an anchor for the almost dying Assamese industry. "Before starting on the project, we have talked and discussed about the kind of reading materials to be added in the book among the editorial members," said Bayan. "We have also done a survey where public opinion was sought before undertaking the project." "We are planning to construct a permanent complex with an office building, an auditorium, a library and an archive for the benefit of cinema in the region," Kalita said. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Re: ref: my introduction
Barua: The word 'suk' may not be there in Hindi. But the common word 'Chowk' like 'Chandini Chowk' or in Lucknow they have many places ending with 'Chowk'. As far as I know the word 'Chowk' mean a 4-way crossing, where usually a 'hat' or a bozaar sits. So the word Chowk seems to the closest to the one we are looking for Suk. --Ram On 8/19/05, Barua25 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks. I was also looking at my Hindi dictionary where I did not find the word pul. But it is there in Bengali. I did not know that in Hindi they use the wrod though. What about the Assamese word hat (bazar).? It is a very typical word in Assamese. (Jorhat, Borhat, etc). . Do they use it in Hindi. I see it in Bengali dictionary?. Rajen Barua - Original Message - From: muktikam phukan To: Barua25 ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 1:15 AM Subject: Re: [Assam] Re: ref: my introduction Thats really interesting! But one thing confused me. The word pul is not there in Hindi but in Bengali. All my Hindi speaking friends and even people giving road directions when uenquire about locationsin North India call the bridge PUL. So, I've consulted the hindi dictionary. And infact the word PUL for bridge is not there. The correct word is Setu. Maybe they use the arabic (urdu) word pulcolloquially. Interesting. Muktikam Phukan Barua25 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jokai is also called jakoi, is not it? I think it is good Assamese word. I wonder if the word is in other Indian languages. That brings usto the question of the other word; SUK. Jokai-suk, Doha-Bora Suk, Hazarika Suk etc. The word suk, I could not find in Hindi or Bengali but only in Assamese. The Arabic has a similar word suk meaning bazar . I am not sure if the Assamese suk came from the Arabic direct. InJorhat we have a market called Sok Bazar.This Sok I think is same as Arabic Suk meaning Bazar. Although in Assamese the meaning of the word suk written as 'corner', I find it hard to believe that Jokai Suk, Doha Bora Suk really mean 'corner'. At one time these words might have meant 'bazar' or 'hat'. It is possible that the Arabic Suk has connection to the Assamese suk. Another such interesting Assamese word is the word pul (bridge). ( Xi pulot bohi ase). Th! e word pul is not there in Hindi but in Bengali. Also it is in Persian. In Assamese there many such words of Arabic origin which are not found in other Indian languages. Incidently all the following Assamese words are of Arabic origin, These are probably in many other Indian languages: nogod, joma, khoros, khobor, kagoj, kolom, kitab, mosgul, hajir, ohmok, hakim, rokom, dewai, masul, khotom, julum, khali, khalas, malik, sotur, tarikh, son (year), nojor, harami etc Interesting!! Rajen Barua. . - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 11:45 PM Subject: RE: [Assam] Re: ref: my introduction I want to add something in this regard ... 'Jokai' is afamiliar namein Assam.If you go through the assamese newspapers regularly youwill come acrossmany places called 'Jokai' situated indifferent parts of Assam. Ipersonally know a placecalled 'Jokai' ( including a village and a big reserve forest called 'Jokai reserve forest' ), which is around 10Km away from Dibrugarh towards Burhidihing river. Every one must be knowing the company called 'Jokai India Limited'. C.R.Baruah -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Chan MahantaSent: 19 August 2005 08:05To: utpal borpujari; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu; [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: [Assam] Re: ref: my introduction Welcome Utpal. Our paths crossed before. I am sure you remember. Congrats. again on your fine efforts. Thanks for correcting me. I had a vague idea that there indeed is a place called Jokaisuk, but was never clear on where it stood. Turns out it is less than ten miles from my birth-'muluk' :-). But like Ram suggests, it can become a generic but quintessentially kharkhowa, obscure and humble locale, that many of us can claim our roots to. In that it is a band of honor that we proudly wear. Best, c-da At 5:36 PM +0100 8/18/05, utpal borpujari wrote: Hi all. Just a few things: 1. Actually Jokaisuk is a mythical 'muluk', from which both Tilok Daktor and myself, as well as a host of other kharkhowas can and do hail. - Chandan-da, Jokaisuk, as far as I know (correct me if I am wrong) is not a 'mythical muluk'. In fact, quite contrary to the image the name gives, it is located right on the national highway between Amguri and Sivasagar, before one reaches Gaurisagar. 2. I thinik our journaluist new comer friend is 'bhoyote touba touba khaise'.- RAJEN Bhoi khowa nai. I am actually quite excited that what I thought was just a mere introductory mail from me, and thereby obviously my first mail to the
Re: [Assam] ref: my introduction
Hi Arup, How are you? JAKAISUKAR JAGAT MAMAIJATIL ANGKA JANEJUPURI GHARAT JANAM JADIUJAGAT KHANE MANE That is really a good bit of poetry. Yourverse says it all. But you are right. Like C'da and I have been saying, Jokaisuk, whether it exists in reality or not, is still a place in our collective minds as a idyllic place, from where we could all come from. It is somewhat like 'Timbuktu' (which also really exists), but people whom we want to send awaysomewhere, belong there. While in Jokaisuk, is a place where we would all like to belong to. BTW: How are things at Jalukbari. Regards to baideo and bhonti. --Ram da On 8/19/05, Arup Kr Sarma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear allThis is regarding Jakisuk. So far I know this term is used to representan interior place in assamese language. Interior place not necessarily should be a backward place. Please correct me if there is anything wrongin the following lines, I wrote long back..JAKAISUKAR JAGAT MAMAIJATIL ANGKA JANEJUPURI GHARAT JANAM JADIUJAGAT KHANE MANE regardsArupDr. Arup Kumar SarmaAssociate ProfessorCivil Engineering DepartmentIndian Institute of Technology,GuwahatiGuwahati-781039Office Phone: +91 0361 2582409, 9864014104(m) Res. Phone: +91 0361 2584409, 2690953email [EMAIL PROTECTED]/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]On Thu, 18 Aug 2005, utpal borpujari wrote: Hi all. Just a few things: 1. Actually Jokaisuk is a mythical 'muluk', from which both Tilok Daktor and myself, as well as a host of other kharkhowas can and do hail. - Chandan-da, Jokaisuk, as far as I know (correct me if I am wrong) is not a 'mythical muluk'. In fact, quite contrary to the image the name gives, it is located right on the national highway between Amguri and Sivasagar, before one reaches Gaurisagar. 2. I thinik our journaluist new comer friend is 'bhoyote touba touba khaise'. - RAJEN Bhoi khowa nai. I am actually quite excited that what I thought was just a mere introductory mail from me, and thereby obviously my first mail to the group, has led to such an interesting discussion. 3. Manoj-da (of Assam Association, Delhi) and Shantikam Hazarika : Thanks for mentioning about my winning the national Best film critic Swarna Kamal award in 2003 and being a jury member at the national film awards this year. This kind of constant encouragement helps in thinking of doing something better. 4. A request to everyone in the group: unless there is some kind of rule about this, please delete all the previous mails (except may be the mail to which one is replying to) while hitting the reply button. Otherwise, this makes the mailers very voluminous, with the same mails being appended at the bottom of each mail repetatively. - Utpal - Too much spam in your inbox? Yahoo! Mail gives you the best spam protection for FREE! Get Yahoo! Mail ___Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.eduhttp://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] NE TV's Ekap Half Chah programme
C'da, However, I DO have a problem with the nauseating degree of these 'fake' and sometimes completely un-deserved courtesies that our people are either mired in, or are compelled to perpetuate. With this I agree. Last time at Guwahati, I wanted to touch base with an old friend of mine, who has now become a minister. When I called, the PA (probably an IAS) kick up the phone and 'robo dei, SAAR phone ot aise' That 'Saar' kind of intrigued me. But its not just ministers or bureaucrats. But if you look at Indian/Assamese society as a whole all the rickshaw wallahs, thela walla, dohbis call everyone else 'babu' or 'memshhib' - whether they deserve it or not. To that extent, this is a British holdover and the emphasis seems to be on eternal servitude. The English have always use 'Sir' or 'Ma'am' to address others (whether theyare knighted or benighted). In the US too, its pretty common. So, whats the difference between whats done in the West and in India. I think: In the West, they say 'Sir' or 'Ma'am' without meaning in, while in India a sense of servitude is attached to such terms.Just my thoughts. --Ram On 8/19/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have no problem with that Prasenjit. However, I DO have a problem with the nauseating degree of these 'fake' and sometimes completely un-deserved courtesies that our people are either mired in, or are compelled to perpetuate. Just look the overuse and misuse of the 'honorable' or 'hon'ble' appellation, that abounds in the media, requiring the people to call address their servants, MLA's, MPs,Ministers--minor or major, tin-pot dictators of magistrates/hakims ad nauseum. It is yet another of those left-over colonial / imperial traits that help perpetuate that these folks are the ' bosses' of the people, instead of their real role in a democratic society--that of the 'servant of the people'. It is time to change that. If the British prefer to remain a monarchica society replete witheir sirs and lords and ladies, that is their choice. Why should the people of Assam follow those outdated and alien ways? At 8:16 AM +0100 8/19/05, Prasenjit Chetia wrote: Cda;These small formalities make up your bigger identity.Cheers!!prasenjitOn 8/18/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I agree. The emphasis should be on asking pertinent questions and getting forthright answers. I realize, we 'probaxis' have shed a lot of our traditional formalities, which many of our peers back in Assam might find uncouth and impolite. But be that as it may, the focus should be on the substance and not on the appearances and formalities. At 7:52 AM -0700 8/18/05, Dilip/Dil Deka wrote: I really do not see any problem in the use of tumi as long as neither Mr. Bhuyan and Mr. Sarma had any objection. After all there are three accepted forms of you in Assamese - Apuni, Tumi and Toi, and they are used as appropriate between two people. If Bhuyan used Apuni just for the show, it would have been artificial and probably would have put a barrier in the flow of words. Dilip Deka muktikam phukan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everybody I've a small observation to make. Recently I've been to Sivasagar for some official job. It was nice to see the TV channel called NE TV catering to all the major languages of NE including Sikkim. One of the programme I saw was a Talk Show titled Ekap Half Chah. The anchor Sri Atanu Bhuyan was interviewing a young Assam Minister, Sri Himanta Biswa Sarma. But, I was really astonished to hear Sri Bhuyan calling Sri Sarma TUMI all through the programme. Is it not really very unprofessional? Even if Sri Sarma is very junior to Sri Bhuyan or even if they r very good friends, some decorum should have been maintained in such public programmes by calling him APUNI. After all he is a H'ble Minister of the Govt of Assam, duly elected by the people of Jalukbari. These r small things but if taken care of will go a long way in improving the programmes of this budding channel. My observation has nothing personal against anybody and I may kindly be corrected if I m wrong. Muktikam Phukan Check out Yahoo! India Rakhi Special for Rakhi shopping, contests and lots more. http://in.promos.yahoo.com/rakhi/index.html ___ 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 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 mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu
Re: [Assam] Much Ado about What?
willingly participated in the propaganda to begin with, don't you think? c-da :-) At 5:12 PM -0500 8/17/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, For some strange reason however, I doubt there will be profoundanalyses and proclamations about the victory of democracy over the'.thugs', and an impending demise of the insurgencies.? For people to go out and really celebrate two things must happen: (a) No threat whatsoever, perceived or otherwise : ie they should feel safe (b) No CRP or otherswith heavy bondobast- since that gives the impression that it really is NOT safe. Till such a time, Assamese people (who want to celebrate) will have to do it mutely and without drawing much fanfare. And if so, should the people, including us, not raise their voices tobring an end to the insurgencies thru a negotiated political solution And you think the ULFA is least bit interested in 'peace talks'. ?Their actions of bomb blasts and mayhem before the I-Day doesn't seem to tell us that they are making overtures for such a solution. A negotiated settlement or peace talks needs at least 2 parties. It will never be possible, when one of the parties is out playing Rambo. --Ram On 8/17/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was waiting to exhale after holding my breath for so long--aboutthe impending violence and mayhem on Dependence Day--I mean,Independence Day :-) celebrations and also to read about all the throngs that would have defied theinsurgents' call to go listen to the 'netas' on I-Day. But there is acurious silence in the news media. The ONLY reference I found was at http://www.janasadharan.com/.Apparently , except for a few ministers,hardly anyone went tore-plant their faith in 'independence' and desi-demokrasy or sow seeds of discontent on the freshly ploughed grounds of the Judges'Field. Well, what the heck, maybe the grass will grow better nexttime.Question is however, what is the story? I mean is it, like the Dainik J. announced that the presence and alertness of the 'security' forcesprevented the violence ( and also the turnout of the loyal celebrantsdying--not literally now--to take part in the festivities)? Or is it the fear caused by them insurgents' threats? Or was it empathy withthe insurgents' calls? Or was it due to a deep apathy and cynicismtowards these so called independence celebrations?For some strange reason however, I doubt there will be profound analyses and proclamations about the victory of democracy over the'thugs', and animpending demise of the insurgencies.And if so, should the people, including us, not raise their voices tobring an end to the insurgencies thru a negotiated political solution? cm___Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Sentinel News
C'da, While Dr. Goswami probably has the best intentions in her heart, some questions do arise. How will the GOI be able to release those held in a different country? B'desh in this case. What happens to those who are released? Will they go back to their old ways or will they join the mainstream? If those who are in prison for murder or other high crimes are realeased (because it is politically expedient), then what does that say about crime punishment? How will the GOI justify releasing such people?. This is specially important as some netters frequently(and probably justifiably) point to the absence/inaction of justice in India and how wheels of justice are slow and inefficient. These netters obviously would NOT want the GOI to any such thing, would they? Dr Goswami also reminded the PMthat no untoward incident hadhappened in Assam on theIndependence Day, which was a positive signfrom the rebelgroup. What about all those bombs going off pre-IDay? Maybe she meant that Assam was lucky that nothing happened, and NOT because the insurgents didn't try. She has really put a good spin on this. Just thoughts. --Ram On 8/19/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: As a wellwisher of Assam, I support Dr. Goswami in her efforts. Ifanyone from Delhi is listening, I will appreciate if he/she would forward the word of my humble solidarity, for whatever it is worth,to her.Mamoni:Free Anup, 9 other ULFA leaders >From ourCorrespondentNEW DELHI, Aug 19:Noted writer Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami requestedPrime MinisterDr Manmohan Singh to release the top ten ULFA leaderswho arelanguishing in different jails in Assam and Bangladesh. In a letter tothe PM, Dr Goswami said that it would be a goodgesture on thepart of the PM, who is a nominee from Assam, if hereleased the10 top leaders of the banned outfit. It will break the deadlock between the Centre and the ULFA if the PM respondspositively to my prayer. The people of Assam are tired ofbloodshed.They want peace. I personally feel that theGovernment shouldforgive the leaders of the banned outfit who are languishing in different jails in extreme conditions, andrelease them keeping inmind the sentiment of the Assamesepeople, said Dr. Goswami.AssamGovernment said that it was ready to release the six leaders whowere in different jails in the State. Now the Centre has to takea positive step in bringing Anup Chetia, who is languishing in aDhaka Jail. She also said that she had got feedback from thepeopleof Assam favouring her peace bid. Dr Goswami also reminded the PMthat no untoward incident hadhappened in Assam on theIndependence Day, which was a positive signfrom the rebelgroup.___ Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.eduhttp://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Bandh culture
Dipankar, Many netters have written often about this 'bandh culture'. Reading the Assam Tribune and the Sentinel I have read many people voice their opinions against such a culture. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be heard. The organizers of these bands care very little about the economic effects. The public too seems to care less. On the one hand its a holiday, so why worry. The fact that traders and manufacturers will ultimately shift the cost of bandhs to consumers in way of higher prices is not given any thought either. Can anybody suggest a remedy for this sickening culture. The solution obviously lies with the people. They are ones that the organizers seek support from. If people do not give them that support, then calls for bandhs will fail. I think recently a bandh call by some minority student group failed in major cities like Guwahati because people just ignored it. That is the solution. --Ram On Sat, Aug 20 2005 8:22:49 GMT+0530, Dipankar Malla Baruah (Well Logging) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all,Today there is another Assam Bandh in Assam called by small tea garden owner's union. This has been a policy of every organization to call for a bandh to show their existence. The bandh is declared in such a way so that people get continuous holidays like on Saturdays and Mondays or when there is a normal day in between holidays. People also blindly support the bandh and prefer to have a rest day at home without even knowing the cause of the bandh. Can anybody suggest a remedy for this sickening culture. DipankarWith regardsD M BaruahDy Supdng EngineerWell Logging DepttOil India LtdDuliajan - 786 602AssamPhone : 0374 2803017 (R)094350 39820 (M)___ Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.eduhttp://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] ref: my introduction
First, I too would like to welcome each and every new member and joining the net. We would like new members to bring in new ideas thoughts, and I am sure you all will do just that. And thank you Utpal, for joining the net and also for clarifying about Jokaisuk. Both Tilok Daktor and C'da have been making usbelieve (all these years) that it is a 'mythical' place. But C'da is right, anyonecan belong to Jokaisuk. We can all rightly claim to a Jokaisukia.In that way, it makes feel right at home. In that sense, it might be better to think of Jokaisuk as an imaginary place or more like Utopia. 4. A request to everyone in the group: unless there is some kind of rule about this, please delete all the previous mails (except may be the mail to which one is replying to) while hitting the reply button. Otherwise, this makes the mailers very voluminous, with the same mails being appended at the bottom of each mail repetatively You may be right. But (don't know about others), I normally find that helpful because previous mails serve as references when I reply. Just my thoughts. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] News From NE Tribune/ On Desi Civilization
C'da You leave me confused here. If it is 'distorted logic' ( sounds like an oxymoron to me to begin with), and you are agreeing that two wrongs don't make a right, then what are we arguing about :-)? You are not confused. When I said I agree with two wrongs.. don't make a right it was in a general sense. But you tried to spin ULFA's one-sided indignation by USING the above. I contend it doesn't make sense here, and is certainly a distorted logic. As I pointed out, basically ULFA is cherry picking here. When it suits them, then of course 'children' need HR protection etc. But, when it doesn't (like in Dhemaji, when they were the perpetrators, HR and bsic human dignities flew out of the window. I have heard all kinds of spin, but this really is an extreme case, where imprisoning of children of political prisoners could be held as justifiable, because they are children of 'thugs'. It was no spin. Children whether they belong to ULFA or others should always be protected and ought to off limits for ULFA or the GOI or anyone else to take their revenge on. Even children of thugs ought to get special treatment. I have NO problem with the children themselves. It is ULFA's attitude that concerns people: They are Choosey to say the least when it comes to HR. They have basically stated by their bombings in Dhemaji and the attempt last week to kill school children that HR only involves their OWN children, but damn the other children - kill them! If were to read what I wrote.,you would surely know, that the my tirades are not against the children of ULFA (in fact I even said ttheir treatment could be considered as a crime) --Ram On 8/17/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Ram: Two gross wrongs don't make a right, or does it? As Rajib says, this is distorted logic. Two wrongs don't make it right - absolutely. You leave me confused here. If it is 'distorted logic' ( sounds like an oxymoron to me to begin with), and you are agreeing that two wrongs don't make a right, then what are we arguing about :-)? But here you have one case of the Ulfa children being deprived basicdiet for growth and developement. This can be termed as gross negligence/apathy or even a crime. *** I knew I could count on your humanity here, Ram. In fact I will go a step further and ask if it is not a crime against humanity to imprison children of even the most heinous of criminals, let alone POLITICAL prisoners, like the ULFA cadres? What civilized society do we know of, where children of political prisoners are jailed and to add insult to injury, are mistreated? Tell me Ram what you think of this? Should these children NOT be handed over to relatives? What kind of government, what kind of society, would hold them behind bars? What is their crime? On the other hand, what Ulfa did to the Dhemaji children cannot be brushed as a wrong. It was just pure wonton killing of innocent children. I would mince no words and agree with you and anybody else, that it was a criminal act. BTW, 'a wrong' is not a spin word, it is not an attempt to brush it aside, like attempting to justify imprisonment of children of political prisoners, on account of crimes of somebody else belonging to the same political party. Is this the kind of democratic governance thinking people ought to look up to, identify with, pay homage and pledge allegiance to? C'da, whatever their garb, thugs will always remain thugs. Justbecause the 'diet case' involve children belonging to the ULFA, they have suddenly become conscious of human rights. I have heard all kinds of spin, but this really is an extreme case, where imprisoning of children of political prisoners could be held as justifiable, because they are children of 'thugs'. It speaks volumes about the civilization of the good folks. At 11:43 AM -0500 8/16/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, Two gross wrongs don't make a right, or does it? As Rajib says, this is distorted logic. Two wrongs don't make it right - absolutely. But here you have one case of the Ulfa children being deprived basicdiet for growth and developement. This can be termed as gross negligence/apathy or even a crime. On the other hand, what Ulfa did to the Dhemaji children cannot be brushed as a wrong. It was just pure wonton killing of innocent children. Finally the outfit appealed to all the masses of Asom, conscious citizens, Human rights organizations, particularly to international organizations to take firm steps against such crimes against these children. (from their Newsletter)Right!. What a bunch of crock. We didn't hear the ULFA appealing toIntl. Orgs. about the Dhemaji blasts nor did they appeal to theconscious citizens. C'da, whatever their garb, thugs will always remain thugs. Justbecause the 'diet case' involve children belonging to the ULFA, they have suddenly become conscious of human rights. What happened to theHR of so many inncoents killed and the children of Dhemaji
Re: [Assam] Much Ado about What?
C'da, For some strange reason however, I doubt there will be profoundanalyses and proclamations about the victory of democracy over the'.thugs', and an impending demise of the insurgencies.? For people to go out and really celebrate two things must happen: (a) No threat whatsoever, perceived or otherwise : ie they should feel safe (b) No CRP or otherswith heavy bondobast- since that gives the impression that it really is NOT safe. Till such a time, Assamese people (who want to celebrate) will have to do it mutely and without drawing much fanfare. And if so, should the people, including us, not raise their voices tobring an end to the insurgencies thru a negotiated political solution And you think the ULFA is least bit interested in 'peace talks'. ?Their actions of bomb blasts and mayhem before the I-Day doesn't seem to tell us that they are making overtures for such a solution. A negotiated settlement or peace talks needs at least 2 parties. It will never be possible, when one of the parties is out playing Rambo. --Ram On 8/17/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was waiting to exhale after holding my breath for so long--aboutthe impending violence and mayhem on Dependence Day--I mean, Independence Day :-) celebrationsand also to read about all the throngs that would have defied theinsurgents' call to go listen to the 'netas' on I-Day. But there is acurious silence in the news media. The ONLY reference I found was at http://www.janasadharan.com/.Apparently , except for a few ministers,hardly anyone went tore-plant their faith in 'independence' and desi-demokrasy or sowseeds of discontent on the freshly ploughed grounds of the Judges' Field. Well, what the heck, maybe the grass will grow better nexttime.Question is however, what is the story? I mean is it, like the DainikJ. announced that the presence and alertness of the 'security' forces prevented the violence ( and also the turnout of the loyal celebrantsdying--not literally now--to take part in the festivities)? Or is itthe fear caused by them insurgents' threats? Or was it empathy withthe insurgents' calls? Or was it due to a deep apathy and cynicism towards these so called independence celebrations?For some strange reason however, I doubt there will be profoundanalyses and proclamations about the victory of democracy over the'thugs', and animpending demise of the insurgencies. And if so, should the people, including us, not raise their voices tobring an end to the insurgencies thru a negotiated political solution?cm___ Assam mailing listAssam@pikespeak.uccs.eduhttp://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assamMailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.htmlTo unsubscribe or change options:http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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
Re: [Assam] I - Day, AT editorial
C'da, It is totally fine for ULFA or anyone else to have a different view of democracy, independence or whether or not to celebrate I-Day. What is galling is the threat the ULFA imposes on a people, who at least in their minds think they are free and DO want to celebrate I-Day. ULFA may not agree with their views, you or others may not agree with those views, but the fact that ULFA uses bombs and guns to control public opinion is utterly shameless. And the ULFA that supposedly yearns for freedom is the very same one that wants to scuttle it for Assamese people who don't agree with its views. Who are they kidding? --Ram On 8/15/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Good to hear from you after a very long time Namita. But I think you are looking at the issue thru a rather constricted aperture. There is a whole lot more to it. Some of it you can see at: http://www.dainikagradoot.com/mainnews1.htm and also for Democracy perhaps, but freedom waits. at: http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20050822fname=JJohn+Pilgersid=1pn=3 You do not need ULFA to reject the festivities of Independence day. That is the sad reality. Independence? From Whom? From What? c-da At 9:02 PM -0400 8/15/05, Namita Das wrote: Feel terrible how the people of Assam are deprived of celebrating their own I-day by a terrible group. - Original Message - From: Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Assam assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 5:13 PM Subject: [Assam] I - Day, AT editorial Some of the sentiments a number of us have been expressing. __ I -Day violence Calls by the insurgent outfits to boycott the Independence Day and Republic Day has become the order of the day and this year is no exception as four militant outfits of the north eastern region including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have given a call to boycott the Independence Day celebrations. The ULFA, in an apparent move to deter the people of Assam from celebrating the day, even went to the extent of claiming that it would attack the venues of the Independence Day celebrations. But on the positive side, the number of militant outfits giving calls for Independence Day celebrations is coming down with every passing year with more and more militant outfits coming forward for talks with the Government of India for political solution of their problems and the possibility of the ULFA being totally isolated in the days to come cannot be ruled out. Major militant outfits of the North East region including both the factions of the NSCN have been holding talks with the Government of India, while, the ULFA lost another of its partner- National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) as the Bodo outfit has also signed a cease-fire pact with the Government of India, which prevented the outfit from giving any call to boycott the Independence Day celebrations. The threat by the ULFA to attack the venues of the Independence Day celebrations also exposed the fact that the frustration level of the outfit is growing with every passing year. The ULFA can give boycott calls, but the people of Assam have the right to decide whether to attend the celebrations or not and no one has the right to use force to compel anyone from attending any function. The gruesome killing of 13 women and children in Dhemaji during the Independence Day celebrations last year is still fresh in the memory of the people of Assam and the ULFA should remember the State-wide public outcry against such kind of mindless killing before issuing any threat to the people who decide to attend the Independence Day celebrations. The ULFA should also realise the fact that any killing of innocent people will further alienate the outfit from the masses and so they should desist from targeting innocent people to achieve their goals. The outfit should also realise that it would never be able to justify the killing of any innocent person to achieve its goal. The Police and other security agencies have made tight security arrangements to foil any attempt by the militant outfit from causing any disturbance, but no amount of security is adequate as the forces cannot be expected to guard every inch of the land. The militants have let loose a reign of terror in different parts of Assam with a series of bomb explosions during the run up to the Independence Day and instead of engaging the forces in encounters, the militants have started to resort to explosions to make their presence felt. With the availability of highly sophisticated explosive devices including the programmable time devices with the militants, it is impossible to detect bombs planted in vulnerable places with the equipment available with the State Police and efforts should be made to procaure sophisticated equipment to detect bombs planted by the militants under the scheme to modernise
Re: [Assam] News From NE Tribune/ On Desi Civilization
These children who were captured during the Indo-Bhutan joint military operation against ULFA in December 2003 have been deprived of minimum diet required for all around development of a child. Children devour anything when they are hungry. This is indeed sad that children be caught in this strugle. But what about the Children of Demaji? Those that survived and thosethat were lost.The Ulfa children may be deprived of min. diet for all-rounddevelopment. Those children of Dhemaji never even had that chance. Here a item from the Telegraph today. What kind of answer does theUlfa have for the Saikias, who lost 2 of their young daughters thePaduns who lost sons.? Methinks, a lot of this amounts to one-sided indignations on the part of ULFA. *Issue Date: Monday, August 15, 2005Fear looms over freedom celebration- A year after blast killed 13 during parade, doubts remain oversecurity arrangementsRIPUNJOY DAS Dhemaji, Aug. 14: Fear has clouded freedom in Dhemaji. What if..? This is the question on everyone's lips a year after anUlfa-triggered blast during the Independence Day parade in this UpperAssam town left 13, including 10 schoolchildren, dead. Rupinath Narah, a student of Class IX at Arunudoi High School, wantsto attend the Independence Day function at the Court Field tomorrow,but his father is clearly hesitant about allowing his son to do so. At the residence of the Saikias in Ratanpur, 2 km from the town, themere mention of Independence Day revives memories of the tragedy thatbefell the family last year. We lost both our daughters and I do notwant to lose my sons. Who will guarantee that the same thing will nothappen this time? asks Lalita Saikia, who lost her daughters Rupa(14) and Aruna (10) in the blast at the Dhemaji College playground. In a corner of the two-bigha plot where the four surviving members ofthe Saikia family live is a memorial to the two girls. The familymakes sure that earthen lamps and incense sticks are lit there everyevening. Our daughters are still very much with us and will remain soforever, Lalita says, tears streaming down her cheeks. The nightmare continues not only for the Saikias, but every residentof this otherwise peaceful town. The administration is pulling out allstops to ensure that there is no untoward incident this time, but notmany are keen to a participate in the Independence Day function. Students of Arunudoi High School, who lost two schoolmates — JugantaPadun and Dinesh Padun — in the blast last year, look confused onbeing asked whether they want to be part of the celebrations. Moijam, jodi deutai diye (I will go, but only if my father allows me todo so), says Rupinath, a classmate of Juganta. Pronob Kardung is in a dilemma, too. I will if my father permits…, he says. The Kachari Ground, which was the venue for Independence Day andRepublic Day functions until waterlogging prompted the administrationto choose another place, has been relaid for this year's function. We have re-laid the field and we hope that the people will turn up ingood numbers. We are doing everything possible, said D.K. Baruah,deputy commissioner of Dhemaji, while monitoring the finishing touchesgiven to the preparations. Sentry posts have been built and register is maintained of each andevery individual who enters the ground. Even the deputy commissioneris not spared and during the nights the entire ground is lit up withfloodlights all around and backup generator sets. Police, too, had been very much active for the past few weeks. We have been guarding this venue for almost six months now and around20 policemen had been deployed for the purpose. We are very much onthe offensive, said superintendent of police, Mridulananda Sarmah. However, some in the society feel that the police arrangement wouldonly terrorise people more. Although the administration has its own way of working, this kind ofan arrangement will only drive them away. The police should act insuch a way that the common people are not harassed in the name ofsecurity, said Saishav Dutta, a social worker. On 8/16/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jailed children living in most inhospitable condition: ULFA NET News Network Guwahati, Aug 15: The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today alleged that minimum diet required for all around development of a child has not been supplied by the Indian government to the jailed ULFA's children. In the latest edition of its mouthpiece Freedom the outfit informed that During the last 2 years 28 children of ULFA aged between 2- 10 have been kept behind bars in different jails of Asom and have been compelled to cope with the most inhospitable condition within the high walls the jail which is totally unsuitable for all round development of their mental and physical health. These children who were captured during the Indo-Bhutan joint military operation against ULFA in December 2003 have
Re: [Assam] News From NE Tribune/ On Desi Civilization
C'da, Two gross wrongs don't make a right, or does it? As Rajib says, this is distorted logic. Two wrongs don't make it right - absolutely. But here you have one case of the Ulfa children being deprived basicdiet for growth and developement. This can be termed as grossnegligence/apathy or even a crime. On the other hand, what Ulfa did to the Dhemaji children cannot bebrushed as a wrong. It was just pure wonton killing of innocentchildren. Finally the outfit appealed to all the masses of Asom, conscious citizens, Human rights organizations, particularly to international organizations to take firm steps against such crimes against these children. (from their Newsletter) Right!. What a bunch of crock. We didn't hear the ULFA appealing toIntl. Orgs. about the Dhemaji blasts nor did they appeal to theconscious citizens. C'da, whatever their garb, thugs will always remain thugs. Justbecause the 'diet case' involve children belonging to the ULFA, theyhave suddenly become conscious of human rights. What happened to theHR of so many inncoents killed and the children of Dhemaji. Whoappeals for their rights? Its definitely not the ULFA. On 8/16/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But what about the Children of Demaji? Those that survived and those that were lost. The Ulfa children may be deprived of min. diet for all-round development. Those children of Dhemaji never even had that chance. Two gross wrongs don't make a right, or does it? Besides, if the 'peace-loving', 'civilized', 'democratic' and 'intelligent' people and their elected government act like the 'uncivilized', 'brainless'and 'undemocratic' insurgents that blew up the Dhemaji School children, where does it place the former? --- a lot of this amounts to one-sided indignations on the part of ULFA. *** I am sure there are many who think like that and respond accordingly. And in that, the bemoaning or the 'righteous' against the insurgents' strong-arm tactics ring rather hollow. At 10:12 AM -0500 8/16/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote:These children who were captured during th! e Indo-Bhutan joint military operation against ULFA in December 2003 have been deprived of minimum diet required for all around development of a child. Children devour anything when they are hungry. This is indeed sad that children be caught in this strugle. But what about the Children of Demaji? Those that survived and those that were lost. The Ulfa children may be deprived of min. diet for all-round development. Those children of Dhemaji never even had that chance. Here a item from the Telegraph today. What kind of answer does the Ulfa have for the Saikias, who lost 2 of their young daughters the Paduns who lost sons.? Methinks, a lot of this amounts to one-sided indignations on the part of ULFA. * Issue Date: Monday, August 15, 2005 Fear looms over freedom celebration - A year after blast killed 13 during parade, doubts remain over security arrangements RIPUNJOY DAS Dhemaji, Aug. 14: Fear h! as clouded freedom in Dhemaji. What if..? This is the question on everyone's lips a year after an Ulfa-triggered blast during the Independence Day parade in this Upper Assam town left 13, including 10 schoolchildren, dead. Rupinath Narah, a student of Class IX at Arunudoi High School, wants to attend the Independence Day function at the Court Field tomorrow, but his father is clearly hesitant about allowing his son to do so. At the residence of the Saikias in Ratanpur, 2 km from the town, the mere mention of Independence Day revives memories of the tragedy that befell the family last year. We lost both our daughters and I do not want to lose my sons. Who will guarantee that the same thing will not happen this time? asks Lalita Saikia, who lost her daughters Rupa (14) and Aruna (10) in the blast at the Dhemaji College playground. In a corner of the two-bigha plot where the four surviving members of the Saikia family live is a memori! al to the two girls. The family makes sure that earthen lamps and incense sticks are lit there every evening. Our daughters are still very much with us and will remain so forever, Lalita says, tears streaming down her cheeks. The nightmare continues not only for the Saikias, but every resident of this otherwise peaceful town. The administration is pulling out all stops to ensure that there is no untoward incident this time, but not many are keen to a participate in the Independence Day function. Students of Arunudoi High School, who lost two schoolmates - Juganta Padun and Dinesh Padun - in the blast last year, look confused on being asked whether they want to be part of the celebrations. Moi jam, jodi deutai diye (I will go, but only if my father allows me to do so), says Rupinath, a classmate of Juganta. Pronob Kardung is in a dilemma, too. I will if my father permitsŠ, he says. The Kachari Ground, which
[Assam] I - Day, AT editorial
Some of the sentiments a number of us have been expressing. __ I -Day violence Calls by the insurgent outfits to boycott the Independence Day and Republic Day has become the order of the day and this year is no exception as four militant outfits of the north eastern region including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have given a call to boycott the Independence Day celebrations. The ULFA, in an apparent move to deter the people of Assam from celebrating the day, even went to the extent of claiming that it would attack the venues of the Independence Day celebrations. But on the positive side, the number of militant outfits giving calls for Independence Day celebrations is coming down with every passing year with more and more militant outfits coming forward for talks with the Government of India for political solution of their problems and the possibility of the ULFA being totally isolated in the days to come cannot be ruled out. Major militant outfits of the North East region including both the factions of the NSCN have been holding talks with the Government of India, while, the ULFA lost another of its partner- National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) as the Bodo outfit has also signed a cease-fire pact with the Government of India, which prevented the outfit from giving any call to boycott the Independence Day celebrations. The threat by the ULFA to attack the venues of the Independence Day celebrations also exposed the fact that the frustration level of the outfit is growing with every passing year. The ULFA can give boycott calls, but the people of Assam have the right to decide whether to attend the celebrations or not and no one has the right to use force to compel anyone from attending any function. The gruesome killing of 13 women and children in Dhemaji during the Independence Day celebrations last year is still fresh in the memory of the people of Assam and the ULFA should remember the State-wide public outcry against such kind of mindless killing before issuing any threat to the people who decide to attend the Independence Day celebrations. The ULFA should also realise the fact that any killing of innocent people will further alienate the outfit from the masses and so they should desist from targeting innocent people to achieve their goals. The outfit should also realise that it would never be able to justify the killing of any innocent person to achieve its goal. The Police and other security agencies have made tight security arrangements to foil any attempt by the militant outfit from causing any disturbance, but no amount of security is adequate as the forces cannot be expected to guard every inch of the land. The militants have let loose a reign of terror in different parts of Assam with a series of bomb explosions during the run up to the Independence Day and instead of engaging the forces in encounters, the militants have started to resort to explosions to make their presence felt. With the availability of highly sophisticated explosive devices including the programmable time devices with the militants, it is impossible to detect bombs planted in vulnerable places with the equipment available with the State Police and efforts should be made to procaure sophisticated equipment to detect bombs planted by the militants under the scheme to modernise the State police force. At the same time, efforts should be made by the Government of India to bring the militants to the negotiation table for a political solution to the problem of insurgency, which haunted the State for more than two decades and at the time, the militants should also respect the sentiments of the people of Assam and come forward for talks with the Government for an amicable solution of their problems. The people of Assam are now fed up with violence and they want a peaceful solution to the problem and both the Government and the ULFA should come forward for talks without any pre-condition to bring an end to an era of violence and loss of life of innocent people. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Bollywood Tantrums : Kapoor's broken marriage
Umesh, I was wondering why all of a sudden so many NRAs have started feeling offended by my mails It was definitely NOT sudden. Hints were thrown your way a number of times. Many of us were more 'uncomfortable' to say the least reading some of your postings. I realized that perhaps my observations on the behavior of some US based NRI kids has been responsible for this sudden spurt. Wrong again. It was/is your obsession with the 'sex lives' and weird life styles of others. Why do you think your recent article for the was Newsletter was not accepted. I do not see any link to religion here. That was a reference to when you first started posting in these columns - when you were in India. One cannot be blatantly supportive of everything Hindu, specially in the light of Godhra and other Hindu/Muslim conflicts. A true Hindu would condemn the wrongs Hinduism and its practice all the time and without excuses. In essence you have to be fair in your analyses. Those are serious topics, and when we try to be be judgemental in a public forum, it must be dealt with finesse and sensitivity. Unlike other places, Assam has been free of Hindu/Muslim frictions. I guess my mails on some NRI kids lifestyles hurt sensibilities of many on this forum. Why do you assume that. Many NRI kids have excelled in many fields. In many ways, NRI kids do not come with many a hangup that comes with the desi kids. There are the good, the bad and ugly on both sides. So it was unfair of you to single out just the NRI kids. --Ram da On 8/11/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: C-da, I have been late in responding to your mail becos today I was wondering why all of a sudden so many NRAs have started feeling offended by my mails. I realized that perhaps my observations on the behavior of some US based NRI kids has been responsible for this sudden spurt. I must say noone told me about such things possible in USA so I was at a loss - and sought advice from those already based here for long. I do not see any link to religion here. I guess I should limit my discussion to education and economic development in Assam or India as a whole and not express opinions on the hallowed lifestyles of US based NRIs. This reminds me of the furore created by the films Water, Fire etc when focus was on treatment of widows and life of housewives on some Indian homes. It hurt sensibilities of most Indians. I guess my mails on some NRI kids lifestyles hurt sensibilities of many on this forum. I think I will keep quiet about NRI kids behavior - atleast on this forum. But you never commented on my article on IMDT either. Any views?? Umesh Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Umesh: The Assam Netters have been very accommodating to you, considering you are a gate-crasher with an agenda. Remember how I got on your case about your anti-Muslim posts to Assam Net and those who echo your sentiments, although very un-Assamese like, came to your defense, on grounds of free speech? Free speech, incidentally is a privilege, not a right, in a private e-mail list such as Assam Net. It is obvious you don't pick things up too well. Your preoccupation with sexual habits of 'white' Americans or NRI children, Bollywood personalities, wealth and social mores of NRI children and your half-baked assessments and broad-brush judgements of people on skimpy evidence, speaks more of your maturity than subjects of your judgment; Harvard Grad School of Ed not withstanding. I have no problems understanding your affected interests in Assam and the Assamese. But it will do you well to listen and adjust your modus operandi in Assam Net. Your attitudes and mind-set are fairly alien to the Assamese one, if you have not yet noticed. Take care. cm PS: Hi Saswati: Good to hear from you. Hope things are going well for you.. Assam net is a self subscribing/un-subscribing list these days. I hope you won't leave, but participate. Say Hi to Babul. Best.--c'da At 11:49 PM +0100 8/10/05, umesh sharma wrote: Dear Tridip, You have already started the good work!!! -- by contributing to its discussions. It would be interesting to hear from your experience in Lucknow. Umesh tridip [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi saswati, well, guess u got signed in by default ( being a member of ratne..though i am not sure if that happened or if that's possible at all..just a guess )..as for unsubscribing from the group..i think u should give it a second thought...now that u are already a member of the group...i believe u can put that to good effecteveryone can play a role hereone can start some healthy discussion... issues pertaining to assam and see what the assamese diaspora think about it just an opinion though! having said that lemme clarify that i am neither the moderator nor the owner of the group...and to be honest i am not sure whether i actually did signed up for this
[Assam] Yeh Delli hai - Hindu
This is again another shocking gang rape in Delhi. Sometime ago (and even today), we discussed how unsafe Delhi is, specially for women in the NE. The place seems to becoming culturally and morally bankrupt. The Hindu link also provides some stats. This year already, there have been 2706 rapes, in 04, there were 5568, in 03 - 4338 Are these stats in line with other cities? With the stigma attached to rapes, one would think a vast majority goes unreported. ___ http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005081213400100.htmdate=2005/08/12/prd=th; Another night, another nightmare of a gang-rape Devesh K. Pandey NEW DELHI: The Capital was shaken by yet another case of gang-rape in the wee hours of Thursday. The victim was a 16-year-old girl who was criminally assaulted by six men in a stationary bus parked at a depot near Najafgarh in South-West Delhi. The accused have been remanded by a court to two-day police custody for further interrogation as the police suspect involvement of some more people in the ghastly crime. It was around 1-30 a.m. that the Police Control Room received a phone call informing that some people were assaulting a minor girl in a stationary bus of route 578 at the Dichaon Kalan village bus depot in Najafgarh. Two PCR vans on night patrol rushed to the spot and the local police were alerted. As the police reached the spot, they saw the bus stationed there and heard a girl crying out for help. Assistant Sub-Inspector Jagbir Singh entered the bus and saw the accused assaulting the victim. According to the police, one of the accused tried to flee but was overpowered. The other accused were rounded up with the help of the local police and the girl was taken to hospital for medical examination. During interrogation by the police, the accused identified themselves as bus drivers Narender and Rajbir, conductors Vikas and Shekhar, and helper Narender. The sixth accused was identified as Sandeep, a trader described as a friend of the bus employees. Still to recover from the trauma, the girl purportedly told the police that she had run away from her Mahipalpur home in the Capital a few days ago. Around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, she boarded a bus from Shiv Murti and got down at the Dichaon Kalan bus depot where she met the bus helper, Narender, with whom she was acquainted. According to her, they chatted for a while, after which Narender took her to the bus parked nearby. In the bus, she saw some men on board. According to the girl, the occupants of the bus overpowered her and assaulted her by turns. After the medical examination of the girl in hospital later in the morning, the accused were produced by the police in court, where the Judge remanded them to two days in police custody. The victim is still in a state of shock and unable to recall the incident properly. For now, we are providing her psychological counselling, after which she would be in a position to give her statement, said a senior police officer on Thursday evening, adding that an identification parade would soon be held for identification of the accused by the victim. The All India Progressive Women's Association has condemned the crime and demanded resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, holding them responsible for the increasing incidence of crimes against women in the Capital. The Association alleged that criminals were being appointed as drivers and conductors in Blueline buses. It demanded arrangement of special DTC buses for women. To register its protest, the Association will hold a dharna at Delhi Police Headquarters on Friday. (c) Copyright 2000 - 2005 The Hindu ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Bollywood Tantrums : Kapoor's broken marriage
Now, now, Let us not all gang-up on old Umesh. He has his faults, but then he has had his contributions too. If I remember correct, he helped out a great deal in making copies of Assamese manuscripts from Harvard. Over the years he has contributed on several topics of interest. I remember, when he first joined in, we had a similar reaction when he went all agog in Muslim bashing. He has been tenacious, and we ought to give him that. My advice for Umesh would be that he makes some conscious effort to veer away from certain areas that we generally find uncomfortable or even disgusting. Just my thoughts. On 8/11/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wow Rizi, you really dived into Assam net with an astute set of observations :-). Yes indeed, Umesh needs a blog site of his own, and assamnet is definitely not the right place. Netters, allow me to introduce my nephew Hemav. cm At 9:33 AM +0530 8/11/05, Hemav Mahanta wrote: Content-class: urn:content-classes:message Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=_=_NextPart_001_01C59E29.A65FF4E5 Umesh: I feel rather uneasy at the glib manner in which you, especially being within the hallowed portals of the 'erudite', throw views that are hollow, when you should know better, with the greater benefits and resources of a Harvard education at your disposal, that there are not too many human beings on this planet, with the possible exception of a handful of hermits trapped inside a Himalayan cave, who do not have any strongly-held convictions. Everyone has these convictions of varying and variable intensity and strength, to certain basic beliefs, values, or commitments... most human beings are thus 'fundamentalists' in a way. But 'fundamentalism' is not a question of forcing your own views upon people. Indeed, if this were to accepted as a definition of 'fundamentalism', the greatest 'fundamentalists' in history will turn out to be teachers who earn their social status and salaries by telling little impressionable creatures entrusted to their care what the 'right' thing to do is, and punishing them without compunction when they beg to disagree... You also have an obsessive habit of talking about yourself, primarily because, in most cases, you are well-aware of your own conscious assumptions or points of departure, and wish to lay them on the table without keeping them too close to your chest. (That is probably what you are doing in this very post, right?) At times I think probably the reason why you are always filled with questions for us is because you are 'testing' us or 'checking' how much we know. If that is indeed what you believe, you would be rather mistaken, for the reason why you ask questions is because you want to know what we believe, and what we believe is as much an important factor for you as what you yourself believe in developing, forming, or distilling your views on any issue... I suppose you have spent so much time trying to 'get under the skin' of other people trying (and, most probably, failing disastrously) to see the world through their eyes that you have only recently begun to realise that you has no distinctive views to call your own; at the most, what you have is a collage, a patchwork, or a mosaic built from the various fragments left over from the collapse of the monuments of the past. Perhaps that is why your mind is a seething ocean of anarchy : you are never quite satisfied with quoting that 'A is X'; no sooner have you finished mailing that, that you begin to experience a burst of your obsessive compulsive disorder which tells you that you must now run and ferret out another source which will tell everyone that 'B is Y'. I now think that the long-awaited truth is finally out; that, at the end of the day, you are just one more demagogue or sophist, that you are a 'mere' collection of discarded piles of dusty books; that you can differentiate X with respect to Y but cannot integrate your 'life' with respect to your 'opinions'. There would be much truth in this accusation in my opinion and I would readily hold you guilty for it. Having done that, you shall also seek, in your usual opinionated fashion, to respond to it in the following manner. If you are looking for a Yes-Man forum, or for a forum that has a ready-made blueprint for every problem that is going to crop up around the corner, or for a group that shall unearth all the secrets of human existence and lay them bare for you on your dinner table, you would be well-advised to stay at more than an arm's length from this list. But if you believe that in some cases the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and that in others, the shortest distance is actually a curve, but you are not quite sure which case is which, you shall find yourself a person who has been struggling with this very problem almost all your life. A better forum for your
[Assam] Seven deadly sins - From the TOI
We complain about how dirty the neighbourhood is but promptly dump the garbage outside. TOI _ Sunanda Kumar Christianity condemns the 7 deadly sins of Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony and Sloth. But we have our very own desi set of demons to battle with! False formality Why is it that every time someone offers us something to eat/drink our automatic reaction is no, thank you? It's true! Think back to all the times your host offered you snacks, or a second helping of dessert - No, Thank You is the prompt reply even though you might be dying to stuff your face with one more gulab jamun The same goes for when an older relative gives you money on festivals or birthdays - no matter how broke you are and that money could probably bail you out of a life-threatening situation - the answer is still a polite no. The funny thing is that all we need is a little prodding and voila! The dessert plate (or purse) is full again. Fibbing Few have mastered the art of fibbing as well as we Indians have. 'kaam ho jaayega', 'haan haan zaroor aayenge' , 'will be there in five minutes' are just some of the white lies we pepper our conversations with on a day-to-day basis. The fibbing is so intrinsic that when the plumber says he'll be there at 3, you know he won't turn up before 7. Or when the vegetable vendor claims the lauki is fresh, it's probably 3 days old. Why just blame individuals though, the government itself subjects us to the biggest organised tall-tale session of them all - Elections. Bad manners The extent to which we incorporate bad manners in our everyday life is so deep that we don't even consider them to be rude. Cutting in line is one such habit. Try standing in a line (if it exists) at a McDonalds counter. Not only will you have at least 5 people cut before you, they do it so blatantly that you start wondering whether you're the one who's cutting instead of them! Spitting and urinating in public is almost like a birthright for most Indians. Sometimes it happens so unashamedly that you feel more embarrassed than the spitter or urinater themselves! The same goes for scratching private parts openly. Staring and pointing is like second nature to us. Not only do we not discourage our children when they do it, we make sure that anyone who doesn't fit our idea of a 'normal human being' gets the dose. The victims include but are not limited to people who are overweight, disabled, dressed differently, of 'other' sexual orientation. Disregard for time Procrastination, laziness, showing up late, arriving unannounced - it's all a basic disregard for ones own as well as other people's time. A flexible attitude towards deadlines is one of the worst things we're taught from the beginning. I'll speak to your teacher, is a common reassurance mothers offer their indolent children who haven't finished their homework. Even in offices, soft targets like internal presentations are hardly considered sacrosanct as they are in other parts of the world. IST - Indian Standard Time is a well-known phenomenon the world over. You call someone over at 8, they show up at 10. It doesn't matter if the entertainment they hired is paid by the hour or that the appetisers will be obsolete since it'll be dessert time by the time the guests finally arrive. But why just blame guests? We do it ourselves don't we? 'I don't want to be the first one to show up' or 'We told them we had to go to another party before theirs' are common excuses we cook up. Plagiarising You can't dissociate India with Bollywood. And with plagiarism as its foundation (even the name Bollywood is a rip-off of Hollywood!) the entire Hindi film industry is a manifestation of our rip-off tendencies. But it's not just limited to films. Several of our business ides like the ongoing mall mania and imax theatres are direct lift offs of phoren ideas. There is nothing original about them. We also copy their fashion trends (and conveniently ditch our own), slang words and abuses, cuisines, heck we even copy their problems and crises like incessantly worrying about loneliness and depression - hello! We live in a country with a population of over 1 billion! You can't be lonely if you tried! One-upmanship Although 'keeping up with the Jones'' is a concept that exists in the West as well, it was probably invented in India! Competing with neighbours over who has the bigger car, better house, fancier vacation or brighter child has been an age-old fixation in India. The one-upmanship transcends into more obscure territory like taking credit for other people's ideas, being aggressive and unreasonable just to show we are right and even in important issues like the person we marry (my fiancé has a double major!) Double standards Where does one begin! We drop our pants at the first opportunity for sex but expect our wives to be virgins. We complain about how dirty the neighbourhood is but promptly dump the garbage outside. We
Re: [Assam] From Tehelka
C'da, This article and others for the last few days do reflect on theviolence that crop up time to time in India. I am glad that the likes of Jadish Tytler was forced to resign. Itsalso sad that the attrocities on innocent Sikhs took 20 years to evenbe recognized. Its heartening, that the PM at least 'hung his head inshame' and apologized for the attrocities, even though he was farremoved from the scene. At least it gives some closure to people wholost their loved ones. Unscrupulous polititcians are at the core of the violence. Immediatelyafter the Indira Gandhi assination, it were people like Tytler whoinstigated the masses to attack Sikhs. Similarly, is the case whenMuslims are attacked. The article below does seem to lay the blame entirely on the majority (Hindus).Not that one can condone any of the attrocities, is there anyculpability of minority groups in these incidents? Why would Sikh bodyguards assasinate the PM? I am not sure aboutGodhra, but whats bandied about is that muslim groups cast the firststone by killing the 'Hindu' political workers, and things startedspreading to other areas. First hand in the 60s, I have seen Calcutta go up in flames whenHindu/Muslim mobs killed each other. Do we blame the masses or thepolititcians who started these? IMHO, the country is much like a tinder box at times. With hugeuneducated masses are drenched with passions of one kind or another.All it takes is a cruel polititcian to light it up. We have seen these types of incidents in Assam too, during theAssamese/Bengali conflicts or Nelli. I was very young at that time,and know now how and why the conflict started, but do vividly remembera GU Prof (Gupta, a quiet Bengali gentleman) was stabbed just a coupleof homes away from us - we could hear the wife and son crying forhelp, but no one had the courage to go out and help (even the nextdoor neighbor). Were those culprits ever brought to justice? Absolutely not, and giventhe political climate it would have been imprudent for anyone to getarrested - the incident was just brushed under the carpet. I have also heard of similar incidents in Silchar, where Assamese weresingled out to be murdered. So, in the end, whether we like it or not, it seems that crimescommitted during riots are 'not crimes'. A few days ago, I think youasked a question: If India was a violent country? The answer is a resounding yes. The only thing, one can say is thatgiven the diversity of language, religion, caste, creed, states allliving in one place as a country, its a miracle these conflicts arenot as frequent as they used to be. Maybe, people are at last learning to live in harmony and tolerance. --Ram On 8/11/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: CARNAGE 84 We, the bloody people By Sankarshan Thakur IN AN UNREQUITED LAND: A child from one of Trilokpuri's ravaged families Photographed by Gauri Gill We are the apparatchik of serial and periodic political madness, we are the midwives of the abortion of the senses For a talkative society, we tell very little of the essence of ourselves. We babble in the subconscious hope it will drown our truths. We've erected opaque mental monuments to Buddha and Gandhi to blind our eager resort to bloodletting. When the glare catches us red-handed, we wipe our sins on others and melt into our vast convenience of numbers. Narendra Modi. Pravin Togadia. Lal Krishna Advani. Jagdish Tytler. Sajjan Kumar. HKL Bhagat. Bal Thackeray. Hiteswar Saikia. Bhagwat Jha Azad. Remember him? Bhagwat Jha Azad of Bihar? Remember Bhagalpur of 1989? Remember a village called Chanderi and another called Logain? I! t was eventually left to the vultures to rip the cover. The bodies, 116 of them, had lain there decomposing for six weeks. In that period the village had grown wiser to the fineries of tilling - dead men made good compost. A lush winter crop of mustard had sprung on the bed of corpses they had laid. But the village was also to grow wiser to a thing or two about old idioms: Dead men do tell tales, it is seldom they don't. The stench had risen high off the field and the vultures had begun to swoop low. The killing had been consummated weeks ago, an entire settlement of Muslims on the edge of Logain. Their common guilt the villagers had consigned to a common grave. The carnage was an open secret in the village but to the world beyond it was just a secret. Until the vultures arrived, followed by that rare thing called a policeman with a conscience. He had the crop shaved and the field dug up. The skulls flew into the sky as the spades got to workŠ. Som! e among us were there and told the story. Logain became, like many of our stories, the child of memory's whore - an unwanted, forgotten consequence of collective shame. We are a nation eddying with bastard deeds. Nellie. Moradabad. Bhiwandi. Hashimpura. Maliana. Meerut. Kanpur. Bhagalpur. Sopore. Baroda. Aligarh. Mumbai. Chittisingpora. Ahmedabad.
Re: [Assam] From Tehelka
C'da, Nothing could be further from the truth. I agree with Khuswant Singh, that the Nanavati Report is an insult, that I wasn't talking about the report itself, but the fact that the PM even at this late stage could apologize to the nation. That in it self would bring some closure. I am very disappointed here Ram, that even YOU do not differentiate between an individuals' or a group of individuals' crime and the whole group or clan or religion these individuals I tried to drive home that very point. I brought up the Sikh bodyguards, because events perpetuated by ONE group (in this case the Sikhs) had a devastating effect on the whole nation. Mobs, as we have seen time and again DO NOT know how to differentiate between the culprits and the inocent bystander who just 'looks like' the killers. Be it in India or even in organized countries like the US where Indians are looked at in suspicion (after 9/11) even though they had nothing to do with the Saudis. My point is this: The sad ground realities are that Sikhs or other groups planning such crimes ought to be aware that their actions may affect the very communities they are trying to protect. This is specially true when one belongs to a minority community and mob violence is just a match-stick away. We can present all the logic we want about such differentiation, but the stark realities are just the opposite. But, I do concur with you that people should be able to differentiate the perpetuators from the innocent. --Ram On 8/11/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ram: At least it gives some closure to people who lost their loved ones. Nothing could be further from the truth. I agree with Khuswant Singh, that the Nanavati Report is an insult, that it is too little, too late. I will forward his article and others' when I get a chance. Why would Sikh bodyguards assasinate the PM? I am not sure about Godhra, but whats bandied about is that muslim groups cast the first stone by killing the 'Hindu' political workers, and things started spreading to other areas. I am very disappointed here Ram, that even YOU do not differentiate between an individuals' or a group of individuals' crime and the whole group or clan or religion these individuals belong to or identify with, from being held guilty and mob justice meted out on ALL of them. I did not read the author's intent to blame the Hindus. Why should ALL Hindus take responsibility for the abominations inspired by Togadia or Thakre' or Modi or HKL Bhagat or Tytler? Cannot they reason? Of course, when one resigns to the fact that that one's humanity is an unfathomable and alien concept or rule of law is just a convenient flag to wave, and the absence of justice is a fact of life that should not be questioned or challenged, even in this day and age; not much could be expected. It speaks very poorly of a nation and its culture, its civilization or absence of it. c-da At 1:16 PM -0500 8/11/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, This article and others for the last few days do reflect on the violence that crop up time to time in India. I am glad that the likes of Jadish Tytler was forced to resign. Its also sad that the attrocities on innocent Sikhs took 20 years to even be recognized. Its heartening, that the PM at least 'hung his head in shame' and apologized for the attrocities, even though he was far removed from the scene. At least it gives some closure to people who lost their loved ones. Unscrupulous polititcians are at the core of the violence. Immediately after the Indira Gandhi assination, it were people like Tytler who instigated the masses to attack Sikhs. Similarly, is the case when Muslims are attacked. The article below does seem to lay the blame entirely on the majority (Hindus). Not that one can condone any of the attrocities, is there any culpability of minority groups in these incidents? Why would Sikh bodyguards assasinate the PM? I am not sure about Godhra, but whats bandied about is that muslim groups cast the first stone by killing the 'Hindu' political workers, and things started spreading to other areas. First hand in the 60s, I have seen Calcutta go up in flames when Hindu/Muslim mobs killed each other. Do we blame the masses or the polititcians who started these? IMHO, the country is much like a tinder box at times. With huge uneducated masses are drenched with passions of one kind or another. All it takes is a cruel polititcian to light it up. We have seen these types of incidents in Assam too, during the Assamese/Bengali conflicts or Nelli. I was very young at that time, and know now how and why the conflict started, but do vividly remember a GU Prof (Gupta, a quiet Bengali gentleman) was stabbed just a couple of homes away from us - we could hear the wife and son crying for help, but no one had the courage to go out and help (even
Re: [Assam] From Tehelka
*** And this is more of the same. When have American mobs butcher brownskinned people , while being instigated byleaders of its communities and the law lookingthe other way? Is there even a modicum of truth? To continue, c'da, Maybe not brown-skinned, but definitely blacks. Missisippi - It took nearly forty + years to convict one old man, onlythe other day, and that too in a country that boasts itself as thecradle of modern democratic values? How many were prosecuted for the LA riots, where the White trucker was killed? How many were prosecuted for the great NY blackout riots? So, it does happen here too, inspite it being the most organized anddeveloped country, where everything is in place. No, there is no mob going after brown-skinned people in the US, butpeople do get incited into a frenzy and form into mobs that often goviolent, and no one is prosecuted. The riots of LA and NY aretestimonials. --Ram On 8/11/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I tried to drive home that very point. I brought up the Sikh bodyguards, because events perpetuated by ONE group (in this case the Sikhs) had a devastating effect on the whole nation. You are missing the whole point- entirely, Ram. Because two Sikhs killed Indira Gandhi, does it mean ALL Sikhs are guilty of that? Or should ALL Sikhs be held responsible for that? NOT all Sikhs conspired to have IG assassinated, did they? Did even ALL the Khalistani movement partisans conspire to have IG's bodyguards kill her? Your arguments are NO different from the mobs here Ram. Not a a tad bit different. Mobs, as we have seen time and again DO NOT know how to differentiate between the culprits and the inocent bystander who just 'looks like' the killers. Mobs are not made of inanimate objects that behave in accordance with Newton's laws. They are human beings. Or so one would! expect them to be, anyway,and thus slightly different from inanimate objects. Are the Modis, the Togadias, the Bhagats and Tytlers expected to act like inanimate objects? Would you subscribe to that notion Ram?My point is this: The sad ground realities are that Sikhs or other groups planning such crimes ought to be aware that their actions may affect the very communities they are trying to protect. This is a really unbelievable argument here, certainly not one of your better ones Ram. Be it in India or even in organized countries like the US where Indians are looked at in suspicion (after 9/11) even though they had nothing to do with the Saudis. *** And this is more of the same. When have American mobs butcher brown skinned people , while being instigated by leaders of its communities and the law looking the other way? Is there even a modicum of truth? The criminal who shot up the Sikh gas station attendant at Phoenix, got t! he death penalty. How many desis were even prosecuted for the Sikh pogroms and Muslim pogroms in India? How long did it take the Nanavati Commission to prepare a watered down, white-wash job of a 'fact-finding' investigation--not a prosecution ? Twenty one years Ram. Twenty one long years! That in the world's largest democracy, the seat of a five thousand years old 'civilization'(?)!But, I do concur with you that people should be able to differentiate the perpetuators from the innocent. That is fundamental to a civilized society with a rule of law Ram. Where are the MORAL leaders of these people, your people and mine?c-da At 2:39 PM -0500 8/11/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, Nothing could be further from the truth. I agree with Khuswant Singh, that the Nanavati Report is an insult, that I wasn't talking about the report itself, but the fact that the PM even at this late stage co! uld apologize to the nation. That in it self would bring some closure. I am very disappointed here Ram, that even YOU do not differentiate between an individuals' or a group of individuals' crime and the whole group or clan or religion these individuals I tried to drive home that very point. I brought up the Sikh bodyguards, because events perpetuated by ONE group (in this case the Sikhs) had a devastating effect on the whole nation. Mobs, as we have seen time and again DO NOT know how to differentiate between the culprits and the inocent bystander who just 'looks like' the killers. Be it in India or even in organized countries like the US where Indians are looked at in suspicion (after 9/11) even though they had nothing to do with the Saudis. My point is this: The sad ground realities are that Sikhs or other groups planning such crimes ought to be aware that their actions may affect the very communities they are ! trying to protect. This is specially true when one belongs to a minority community and mob violence is just a match-stick away. We can present all the logic we want about such differentiation, but the stark realities are just
[Assam] Trying to celebrate ID in Guwahati - Telegraph
Issue Date: Friday, August 12, 2005 Police rope in seniors to foil rebel call - Plea to celebrate I-Day A STAFF REPORTER Aug. 11: The Kamrup metropolitan administration and senior citizens today joined hands to thwart the boycott called by militant outfits on Independence Day. Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner Samir Kumar Sinha met prominent senior citizens to decide on the steps, which would ensure maximum participation of people during Independence Day celebrations. He said all senior citizens would appeal through television channels and newspapers urging the people to celebrate this red-letter day for the sake of future. They would also inspire people in their respective localities to hoist the national flag. The senior citizens have plans to light 59 earthen lamps at the foot of each and every statue of freedom fighters in the city. Sinha said school authorities have been requested to send the maximum number of students to Judges Field, many of whom would be given a chance to speak about their views on Independence Day. The senior citizens will also participate in the sports activities to be held at Latasil playground after the celebrations for the 59th Independence Day at Judges Field are over. They will play a friendly cricket or football match. Speaking at the meeting, Dhiren Baruah, president of Save Guwahati Build Guwahati, said it was sad that citizens were forced to hold meetings on how to make Independence Day a success. But we have to fight against the call for boycott. It is good that the administration is holding a meeting to do something. Let us make this move successful. Litterateur Arun Sarma and veteran sportsperson Suren Ram Phukan said there has to be a consistent effort to inculcate the values of Independence Day and other red-letter days of the country. We have actually succumbed if not to bullets then to the boycott calls of the Ulfa by not celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day, Phukan said. Sinha said there was no reason why citizens should be afraid to celebrate Independence Day. He said adequate security arrangements have been made at Judges Field and policemen in civvies would be present on the streets to arrest anyone who tried to enforce the boycott. The twin blasts that were triggered by militants on Republic Day have forced the administration and the police to throw a massive security blanket at Judges Field for August 15. The entire field was dug up a few days ago to search for explosives. Floodlights were installed and permanent camps manned by security personnel were set up to thwart any sabotage attempt by militants. Some citizens even suggested that the police should ensure that national flags are hoisted in at least 100 houses in every locality. Sinha rejected the proposal saying it might generate adverse public reaction. The participants, however, agreed to visit every household in each locality even after Independence Day to talk to the people about the need to celebrate the important occasions on the national calendar. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Trying to celebrate ID in Guwahati - Telegraph
C'da That is an astute observation. Don't know how you read that, but what I read was: Things have come to such a pass that Indian Citizens are forced to get protection and attend meetings on how to make ID a success. The past so many years, people were just cowed down into not going out to celebrate , and many children probably have never enjoyed the festivities. The problem with ULFA is they just don't appeal to people boycott, but threaten them with dire consequences either by a bomb blast here or near a school to send the message out. But what does one expect from such a organization? Too bad however, that the doyens - the dinosaurs of society, who were/are instrumental to selling out Assam's interests , still are unable to see the handwriting on the wall. Thats a pretty tall statement. What are Assam's interests in your esteemed opinion? Why do you think these doyens are NOT acting in Assam's interests? --Ram On 8/11/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Speaking at the meeting, Dhiren Baruah, president of Save Guwahati Build Guwahati, said it was sad that citizens were forced to hold meetings on how to make Independence Day a success. That is an astute observation. Too bad however, that the doyens - the dinosaurs of society, who were/are instrumental to selling out Assam's interests , still are unable to see the handwriting on the wall. Perhaps they should make it a punishable offense to abstain from Independence Day ( more like From Phoren Slavery to Desi Slavery Day) festivities. Violators to be held incommunicado or shot in a fake encounter :-(. Only in India. We have actually succumbed if not to bullets then to the boycott calls of the Ulfa by not celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day, Phukan said. Tsk, tsk! The entire field was dug up a few days ago to search for explosives. Heh-heh! Brilliant, ain't it? He said adequate security arrangements have been made at Judges Field and policemen in civvies would be present on the streets to arrest anyone who tried to enforce the boycott. What a riot :-)! Some citizens even suggested that the police should ensure that national flags are hoisted in at least 100 houses in every locality. Sinha rejected the proposal saying it might generate adverse public reaction. Brilliant! Make it another national offense, perpetration of which will invite indefinite prison time if not death in custody. The participants, however, agreed to visit every household in each locality even after Independence Day to talk to the people about the need to celebrate the important occasions on the national calendar. I don't believe this! George Orwell wouldn't ! cm At 5:21 PM -0500 8/11/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Issue Date: Friday, August 12, 2005 Police rope in seniors to foil rebel call - Plea to celebrate I-Day A STAFF REPORTER Aug. 11: The Kamrup metropolitan administration and senior citizens today joined hands to thwart the boycott called by militant outfits on Independence Day. Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner Samir Kumar Sinha met prominent senior citizens to decide on the steps, which would ensure maximum participation of people during Independence Day celebrations. He said all senior citizens would appeal through television channels and newspapers urging the people to celebrate this red-letter day for the sake of future. They would also inspire people in their respective localities to hoist the national flag. The senior citizens have plans to light 59 earthen lamps at the foot of each and every statue of freedom fighters in the city. Sinha said school authorities have been requested to send the maximum number of students to Judges Field, many of whom would be given a chance to speak about their views on Independence Day. The senior citizens will also participate in the sports activities to be held at Latasil playground after the celebrations for the 59th Independence Day at Judges Field are over. They will play a friendly cricket or football match. Speaking at the meeting, Dhiren Baruah, president of Save Guwahati Build Guwahati, said it was sad that citizens were forced to hold meetings on how to make Independence Day a success. But we have to fight against the call for boycott. It is good that the administration is holding a meeting to do something. Let us make this move successful. Litterateur Arun Sarma and veteran sportsperson Suren Ram Phukan said there has to be a consistent effort to inculcate the values of Independence Day and other red-letter days of the country. We have actually succumbed if not to bullets then to the boycott calls of the Ulfa by not celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day, Phukan said. Sinha said there was no reason why citizens should be afraid to celebrate Independence Day. He said adequate security arrangements have
Re: [Assam] Assam red-faced over CAG report - Telegraph
unbeknownst to the population and the world outside? No it is not ME who is jumping to blame anyone unfairly and washing his hands off responsibilities, without assessing blame where it REALLY belongs--where the authority, responsibility and the ability to effect the reforms to put deterrence to corruption in place. It is HE who is doing that to blame the people of Assam, as it is their own damn fault. Now I am sure you would brush my argument aside as that of a desi-basher. But you can find a study on Indian corruption at www.ti-bangladesh.org/ti-india/news/bullJan03.htm. Take a look and see how much of it is caused by the corrupted people of Assam. c-da At 12:23 PM -0500 8/9/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da, BTW, isn't the Assam govt. run by the same folks who hold the reins of the powers at Delhi? Is there a problem with this National Party? I really don't think the 'party' in power makes a difference. The Centeral Govt. set this up during the Vajpayee Admin. (there was probably a different admin in Assam too). Just because there is a change at the helm, it doesn't mean treaties and allocations change overnight. There may be policy changes but things that need to be funded continue.The Central Auditors do hold BOTH the Center and the State responsible for the proper use of allocated funds. That was their report. Now, whether the CM or others or even Central ministers get punished or even caught in this scam is a different matter and the auditors have no say in that. Suppose we assume that the Center slept these past 25 years, what happened to the GOA (all with Assamese interests), what did they do? They took the allocated funds, and spent and misused it - cash strapped or not. All the auditors did was follow the money trail, and unfortunately it led straight to the GOA. This is a normal procedure for all state allocations - the Centeral funds are allocated to the states for various projects, and the states (normally) try and get this done within the framework of solid accounting practices and are accountable for what and where they spend. And the auditors do their job. This type of scenario is often repeated. The voter ID cards - Assam logged in less than 1% completion, while every other state had atleast more than 50%. And who need voter IDs more than any other state? The same happened with the Asian Dev. Bank funds(loans) for the reorg of ASEB. From last reports, that money is nowhere to be found. Why did the Center give the funds to Assam to do the Center's job? Was it not aware of the corruption that goes on ? So, alongwith the Center, why not also blame the ADB for being so foolish to fund money to Assam? Oh!, I am sorry, the ADB probably had no clue about the rampant corruption in the state - its their fault anyway, for not researching well enough. --Ram On 8/9/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The Center ought to send its own border construction team and get the job done. *** I think that would be jumping the gun. After all twenty five years is not that long. I mean for the Center to realize there is a problem, and that it has a duty to protect the borders, and not cry about its funds being 'mis-utilized' by a state that is already broke from having to pay for the Indian military who have found a permanent home in Assam? BTW, isn't the Assam govt. run by the same folks who hold the reins of the powers at Delhi? Is there a problem with this National Party? And if there is how can Assam get rid of its incompetent governance? Are there built-in safeguards in desi-demokrasy, or is it the people of Assam's own damn fault? What happened to the vaunted framework of 'steal', I mean steel--the Civil Services, the Center's CAN-DO cadres, that are supposed to manage the affairs of state with its cutting edge management skills? Or should we hold the people of Assam responsible for dereliction of its duty of not protecting the 'national' borders too? *** I see a propensity to blame Assam instead of holding those whose duty it is to protect the borders. Why did the Center give the funds to Assam to do the Center's job? Was it not aware of the corruption that goes on ? Or was it to help the right parties get the right contracts thru the leaky system in Assam? Not entirely out of the realm of possibilities, is it? At 10:03 AM -0500 8/9/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: The Gogoi admin has been diverting and misusing Central funds meant for border construction, and thus unable to implement the Assam Accord. Comptroller and Auditor General of India revealed that funds to the tune of Rs 7.53 crore provided between 1999 and 2004 for the project by the Centre had been diverted, misutilised and locked up to benefit the state PWD, irrigation, Assam State Electricity Board and bank, which has adversely affected the implementation
Re: [Assam] Assam red-faced over CAG report - Telegraph
C'da, Because Rajib Das did not find any reference to it in the Assam Govt. web-site. Why would Sanjib Barua's stats be the only ones to glean from? And where do you think he would have got them? My guess would be: the Assam Govt. (Statistical Year Book, the published budgets, Home Ministry), and India Govt. (Home Ministry, Year Books, and Budget figures). He may have had some ancilliary resources, but those above would be the main one. And that is the same place where Rajib went to - the Assam Govt. I don't see the difference. Now, maybe, people interpret numbers the way they like it . No he did not. Primarily because he can think a whole lot better than those who would ask such questions. I have all the respect for Sanjib Baruah, and its great he has written a number of books, but some of us, common folks can come up with short spurts of brilliance too :) I think Rajib's question is a very valid one. If SB did not deal with such questions, then off-the-bat it would indicate that his writings are biased - specially when his topics deal with insurgency. Yes, what are the costs of insurgency (in terms of private sector jobs)? - here is one major one (if you or SB missed it): While profits are a big pull, in the end, its all about long-term security, and because of insurgency related matters, no big business (in India or abroad) is breaking down doors to get into Assam to invest. Can you answer this, in the last 20 odd years, how many big industries (private sector) have opened up in Assam? I am more concerned with something like auto/scooter/watch/garment manufacturing business. --Ram On 8/10/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 9:47 AM -0700 8/10/05, Rajib Das wrote: I checked the balance sheet numbers on Assam Government website and did not find any indicators. I think one would accept if you used numbers and sources for those numbers instead of just referring to Sanjib Baruah. Well, then that is the final word! Assam doesn't have to pay for Center's services in hunting down Assam insurgents. India does that as a favor. Because Rajib Das did not find any reference to it in the Assam Govt. web-site. But only the inferentially challenged would buy the argument. What exactly is huge amounts? Without numbers in hand, all this talk is weightless opinion. Once again, since I can't offer any numbers, it must not be a fact. Now that is worth a laugh. Because different states have gone forward with different models - many have kept relatively leaner governments. The center does not exactly hold a gun to the state governments to recruit people into the government. Incidentally, the center is the leanest of the governments. I am relieved to hear that the Center maintains lean and mean govt. And also that some states are leaner than Assam. That must tell us that the Assam folks, being good for nothing and lazy. Of course that has to be based on the assumptions that all the states have the same circumstances. Again only a fool and the profoundly ignorant will believe that. And sure enough, the insurgencies of 25 years adding up to nothing, Isn't that a big surprise? But it would be a surprise only to those whose reasoning abilities are grossly impaired, considering a rag-tag band of insurgents against the world's third largest army not being able to make Assam a prosperous state, as opposed to those cut in the mold of Delhi emulating mis-governance reigning in Assam. Did Sanjib Baruah also mention how much we have lost in terms of jobs in the private sector because of insurgencies? No he did not. Primarily because he can think a whole lot better than those who would ask such questions. Assam has been and continuing to pay huge assessments for deployment of the armed forces, not just the CRPF. I don't have the exact numbers or the percentage of the total costs to the forces, but enough to hold Assam tottering at the edge of bankruptcy for decades. Had it been a What exactly is huge amounts? Without numbers in hand, all this talk is weightless opinion. the poor-house. Combined that with Indian governmental/economic system that requires to maintain huge numbers of people in its payroll, work or no work; that the Assam Govt. faithfully emulates, Now that is worth a laugh. Because different states have gone forward with different models - many have kept relatively leaner governments. The center does not exactly hold a gun to the state governments to recruit people into the government. Incidentally, the center is the leanest of the governments. And sure enough, the insurgencies of 25 years adding up to nothing, has also made sure there is nothing much else in terms of private sector jobs to look forward to. Did Sanjib Baruah also mention how much we have lost in terms of jobs in the private sector
[Assam] The Battle of Saraighat , a homage to unsung heroes - Telegraph
Grand homage to unsung heroes- Villagers organise commemorative event for Battle of Saraighat MAITREYEE BORUAH A plaque bearing an artist's impression of the Battle of Saraighat atSukleswar Ghat in Guwahati. Picture by S.H. PatgiriGuwahati, Aug. 8: On August 14, 1669, over 10,000 Assamese soldierslaid down their lives on a single day during what is known as the mostglorious chapter of the state's history. Three hundred and thirty-sixyears later, over 25,000 people of the city's north bank are poolingall their resources to sing a requiem to the bravehearts. The weeklong memorial starting August 14 will be the firstcommemorative event of the particular day during the Battle ofSaraighat in which legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan led histroops to victory over the mighty Mughals. This stands out as one ofthe most significant military achievements in India till date. The battle was fought both on land and on the Brahmaputra and 10,000soldiers were killed at one of the battlefronts at Allaboi hillside,close to the river. The homage to the unsung heroes is part of a grand project unveiled bythe people of four villages — a museum and a memorial at the Allaboihillside. The Allaboi hillside, 21 km from the city, is made up offour villages — Dadariya, Pacharia, Dolibari and Agayathuri — with atotal population of 25,000. Two swords used by Ahom soldiers in the battle were found in the area recently. Lying neglected for centuries, the Allaboi hillside is a gloriouspage from the history of Assam, said Madhusudan Medhi, a member ofthe organising committee. We will not only pay our homage to themartyrs, but also start a process of turning the area into a touristspot, he added. The committee has already moved the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) forassistance to develop the spot. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, weare sure that we will get a positive reply, he added. Governor Ajai Singh and chief minister Tarun Gogoi will attend thecommemorative programme on one of the days. The first day's programme will begin with a public rally leading tothe war site where 10,000 earthen lamps will be lit as a mark ofrespect to the slain soldiers. A state-level seminar on Historic Allaboi Hillside War and Requiem forthe Valiant Patriots has also been organised. The seminar will beaddressed by renowned historians, who will throw more light on theforgotten chapter of Assam's history. The village people have taken on a noble work to revive the lostglory of Allaboi hillside, said Anandram Kumar Borbora, a retiredteacher of Gauhati University and an expert on the history of Assam. Such an event will not only provide us with a peek into the past, butwill also give us a sense of belonging, he added. Medhi said the museum to be constructed near the war site would houseall war-related objects. The museum will also depict the life andtimes of the people residing in the state at that time. ___ 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 red-faced over CAG report - Telegraph
The Gogoi admin has been diverting and misusing Central funds meant for border construction, and thus unable to implement the Assam Accord. Comptroller and Auditor General of India revealed that funds to the tune of Rs 7.53 crore provided between 1999 and 2004 for the project by the Centre had been diverted, misutilised and locked up to benefit the state PWD, irrigation, Assam State Electricity Board and bank, which has adversely affected the implementation of the project. Huh! And we still have die-hards who would like to put the blame squarely on Delhi as to why the border hasn't been completed. I would fault the Center for entrusting an incompetent State machinery to undertake such a major project. The Center ought to send its own border construction team and get the job done. ___ Issue Date: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 Assam red-faced over CAG report A STAFF REPORTER Guwahati, Aug. 8: The Assam government has diverted central funds meant for the construction of a strategic Indo-Bangladesh border road and fence project, thereby leaving the scheme incomplete and exposing the border to infiltrators. This startling revelation, made in the annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, 2004, tabled on the first day of the monsoon session of the Assembly here today, has come as an embarrassment for the Tarun Gogoi government, which has been claiming its sincerity in implementing the 1985 Assam Accord. The CAG said a review of the 100 per cent centrally-assisted project being executed by the Assam PWD since 1986-87 revealed that funds to the tune of Rs 7.53 crore provided between 1999 and 2004 for the project by the Centre had been diverted, misutilised and locked up to benefit the state PWD, irrigation, Assam State Electricity Board and bank, which has adversely affected the implementation of the project. Moreover, the department incurred unfruitful/infructuous/wasteful/unproductive and unauthorised expenditure to the tune of Rs 9.13 crore. The revelation has come at a time when the infiltration issue has been in the headlines after the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act was struck down by the Supreme Court and the All Assam Students Union renewing its demand to get the 1985 Assam Accord implemented in toto. The 536.3-km-long border project was undertaken under Clauses 9.1 and 9.2 of the said pact to prevent infiltration through physical barr- iers like construction of all-weather roads and providing barbed wire fencing along the entire stretch of the border to facilitate effective patrolling by security personnel on land as well as riverine routes. The CAG report states that the state PWD has failed to plan properly, manage or execute the project smoothly. As a result, not only was the project incomplete, the 41.505 km of completed roads and 6.393 km of the fence could not be handed over either to the central PWD or to the BSF. It also said 107 km of riverine border, constituting as much as 40 per cent of the total project length, remains unsealed. The overall shortfall in the construction of road was four per cent and 49 per cent under phases I and II respectively and that of the fence was four per cent and 85 per cent respectively, the report said. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Assam red-faced over CAG report - Telegraph
I would think that state govts. when they request para-military forces from the Center bear a certain cost. As far as the military operations, I seriously doubt if the state has to bear any. What is galling is the perinial need to make excuses for a state govt. which is not just shrinking from its duties to citizens, but also misusing funds as a way of life. One way out maybe for Assam to have a President's rule for a period. Then finances and expenditures would be under the direct control of the Center. Then if things get missappropriated, we can all in unison blame the center. On 8/9/05, Rajib Das [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does Assam Government pay for the cost of running military operations in Assam? If yes, is it the same model for other states in India where the military has a similar role? --- Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: C'da, BTW, isn't the Assam govt. run by the same folks who hold the reins of the powers at Delhi? Is there a problem with this National Party? I really don't think the 'party' in power makes a difference. The Centeral Govt. set this up during the Vajpayee Admin. (there was probably a different admin in Assam too). Just because there is a change at the helm, it doesn't mean treaties and allocations change overnight. There may be policy changes but things that need to be funded continue.The Central Auditors do hold BOTH the Center and the State responsible for the proper use of allocated funds. That was their report. Now, whether the CM or others or even Central ministers get punished or even caught in this scam is a different matter and the auditors have no say in that. Suppose we assume that the Center slept these past 25 years, what happened to the GOA (all with Assamese interests), what did they do? They took the allocated funds, and spent and misused it - cash strapped or not. All the auditors did was follow the money trail, and unfortunately it led straight to the GOA. This is a normal procedure for all state allocations - the Centeral funds are allocated to the states for various projects, and the states (normally) try and get this done within the framework of solid accounting practices and are accountable for what and where they spend. And the auditors do their job. This type of scenario is often repeated. The voter ID cards - Assam logged in less than 1% completion, while every other state had atleast more than 50%. And who need voter IDs more than any other state? The same happened with the Asian Dev. Bank funds(loans) for the reorg of ASEB. From last reports, that money is nowhere to be found. Why did the Center give the funds to Assam to do the Center's job? Was it not aware of the corruption that goes on ? So, alongwith the Center, why not also blame the ADB for being so foolish to fund money to Assam? Oh!, I am sorry, the ADB probably had no clue about the rampant corruption in the state - its their fault anyway, for not researching well enough. --Ram On 8/9/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The Center ought to send its own border construction team and get the job done. *** I think that would be jumping the gun. After all twenty five years is not that long. I mean for the Center to realize there is a problem, and that it has a duty to protect the borders, and not cry about its funds being 'mis-utilized' by a state that is already broke from having to pay for the Indian military who have found a permanent home in Assam? BTW, isn't the Assam govt. run by the same folks who hold the reins of the powers at Delhi? Is there a problem with this National Party? And if there is how can Assam get rid of its incompetent governance? Are there built-in safeguards in desi-demokrasy, or is it the people of Assam's own damn fault? What happened to the vaunted framework of 'steal', I mean steel--the Civil Services, the Center's CAN-DO cadres, that are supposed to manage the affairs of state with its cutting edge management skills? Or should we hold the people of Assam responsible for dereliction of its duty of not protecting the 'national' borders too? *** I see a propensity to blame Assam instead of holding those whose duty it is to protect the borders. Why did the Center give the funds to Assam to do the Center's job? Was it not aware of the corruption that goes on ? Or was it to help the right parties get the right contracts thru the leaky system in Assam? Not entirely out of the realm of possibilities, is it? At 10:03 AM -0500 8/9/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: The Gogoi admin has been diverting and misusing Central funds meant for border construction, and thus unable to implement the Assam Accord. Comptroller and Auditor
[Assam] Ulfa denies killings - BBC
Assam separatists admit oil raid The top separatist group in India's Assam state says it was behind attacks on pipelines which oil officials say have critically damaged operations. But the United Liberation Front of Assam denied it killed four people in a bombing of a marketplace near state capital Guwahati on Sunday. Police had blamed Ulfa for the bombing at a bus stop in Boko, 40km (25 miles) west of Guwahati. Ulfa has been fighting for a separate Assamese homeland for two decades. Analysts say the group often steps up attacks ahead of India's independence day on 15 August. Talks doubts Assam police intelligence chief Khagen Sarmah told the BBC he was sure the Ulfa was behind all the attacks. There was no reason why we should kill our own people Paresh Barua (right) No other group in Assam has the capacity to set off explosions at such distances within hours of each other in such a synchronised manner, only the Ulfa can do it and they have a reason for doing it now, he said. The military wing chief of Ulfa, Paresh Barua, told the BBC its fighters had carried out the pipeline attacks. He said the fighters would continue to attack Indian economic and military targets but on the Boko bombing said: There was no reason why we should kill our own people. He said: Government agents are throwing grenades and bursting bombs in crowded markets to defame us and confuse our people. An attack on Sunday at Chellakapar, in Assam's northern district of Sibsagar, destroyed part of a pipeline of the state-owned Oil India Limited. About 12 armed rebels overpowered the guards at midnight and set off explosives by remote control. It took several hours to control the fire and it would take a few days to repair the pipeline, said general manager (services) of Oil India, AK Bhandari. The head of Oil India's operations in Assam, GK Talukdar, told Associated Press: Our production is on, but our storage capacity is going down, and our operations are turning critical. Analysts say efforts to open a dialogue between the Indian government and Ulfa have almost fallen through after Delhi refused to release 10 senior rebel leaders. If [Delhi] is sincere about talks, our senior leaders should be released so that we can form a consensus within our organisation about how to go about the talks, Mr Barua said. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] The Irascible Prophet: V. S. Naipaul - NYT
Hi Bhuban da, So far as his views on India and China are concerned, he is not alone in thinking in this vein. You are right, he is not alone. But what I find interesting is VSN's doublespeak, so to say. On the one hand he does not hold his punches, but nevertherless he cannot stop writing (and visiting) about India. I remember after reading his India a wounded Civilization, VSN (who at that time hadn't been to India) was full of expectations of how welcome he would be, when he landed in India, but was in for a rude shock. He soon found out that not only did any one NOT really care about an Indian expat from the West Indies, but he profoundly missed the red carpet. He does talk about the invisible thread that makes West Indians eager to visit India - even though generations before them have not. (a la Dr. Livingstone, or a Wordsworth yearning for Yarrow, and then being dissapointed) Maybe there is a lesson in there for our children/grandchildren who have settled down in the West. Would they also be pulled into such a vortex, full of expectations, but to be deflated upon arrival? I don't know? IHMO, visits to India (for someone who hasn't experienced it firsthand) ought to be withought any preconceived notions. That way they can actually enjoy all the mysticism and charms of an ancient country. But, I do agree with you with I hold the writer in great esteem and don't agree that he's a biased statesman as described at times by certain critics during the last two decades or so. I too find him interesting. --Ram On 8/8/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks, Ram, for making it possible for me to go through the piece on V S Naipaul by Rachel Donadio. It's glib, nonsensical talk from people who don't understand that holy war for Muslims is a religious war, and a religious war is something you never stop fighting. I suppose Nailpaul has just given the meaning of the words 'jihad' and 'dar al harb' (I forgot the exact words), which imply a continuing religious war. Although controversies exist regarding the true meaning of these words, it exists in one way or the other. So far as his views on India and China are concerned, he is not alone in thinking in this vein. Even of late respected American papers are subscribing to these views. As to great thinkers by the criteria of international recognition in given fields, there are few indeed. I've possibly read almost all the works by Naipaul but only vaguely remember the contents of his books; particularly those of the stories and novels. While being captivated by his fictional works, I also read a few of his commissioned works on contemporary histories of Africa, the Middle East and India. I hold the writer in great esteem and don't agree that he's a biased statesman as described at times by certain critics during the last two decades or so. Say, for example, his book describing India as the Dark Continent earned him no laurels in India. He had certainly incurred the displeasure of many people within and outside the Indian subcontinent because of his outspokenness in a number of issues. Come to think of it, even Pearl Buck, another Nobel laureate, once stated that fiction does not serve any useful purpose in society. That was perhaps her humility. I would say that Naipaul helped bring the expatriates of the West Indies together with their lost brothers and sisters of India, at least in thoughts as the physical barriers still operate. bhuban ___ 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] Terror run-Sentinel
The bomb was planted near a drain which ran across the boundary all of the Jorhat Government Girls HS MP School near the busy Barua Chariali traffic point. The classes were on when the bomb was discovered around noon. Sentinel What? Are they now targetting school girls? __ Our Bureau JORHAT/DIBRUGARH/TINSUKIA/ GUWAHATI CHHAYGAON, Aug 8: With barely a week left for the Independence Day, the proscribed ULFA continued its terror run for the third consecutive day today by triggering multiple blasts at many places in the State. A major catastrophe was averted today when security personnel defused an electronic timer device in the heart Jorhat, minutes before it was set to go off. The bomb was planted near a drain which ran across the boundary all of the Jorhat Government Girls HS MP School near the busy Barua Chariali traffic point. The classes were on when the bomb was discovered around noon. The police immediately cordoned off the area and called out the bomb disposal squad which neutralized the timber device at around 2.25 pm just a couple of minutes before it was set to explode. One detonator, four cells and half a kilogram of RDX were recovered along with a timber from the spot. Bomb expert GK Kachari, who defused the timber device, said that the incendiary device was powerful enough to rattle a 100-metre radius. The casualty would have been the maximum had the bomb gone off. Meanwhile, the police said that it was the handiwork of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom. In another major offensive late last night, suspected ULFA militants triggered two IED blasts in the Pulibor area of the State's cultural capital, partially damaging two transformers, one in front of Chirotia Gaon and the other at Deka Gaon. Power supply to about 400-500 consumers has been affected as a result of the blasts last night. 21 people have been picked up for interrogation in this connection. In another incident late last night, suspected ULFA militants blew off a 8 inch gas pipeline of the Assam Gas Company passing through Panitola TE, 22 km from the outfits' 'c-in-c' Paresh Baruah's ancestral home in Tinsukia. Consumer gas supply to Domdooma came to a halt as a result of the blast. AGC workers hope to restore the supply by tomorrow. A couple of blasts also rocked Lankashi and Tejigaon (Kakopathar) in the district. The Tejigaon blast took place around 12.30 pm today. No casualties have been reported from anywhere so far. Meanwhile talking to The Sentinel, DGM, OIL, Gyanendra Kumar Talukdar said that workers are trying their best to restore the gas supply to NEEPCO, Kothalgoorie, which was disrupted after a pipeline was blown off near Duliajan yesterday. Sources said that the whole of upper Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh would plunge into darkness if the restoration work is not completed by tomorrow. In another attack twin blasts rattled the ASEB control room at Narengi in the city today around 7 pm. Details are awaited. Meanwhile, a massive manhunt has been launched by security forces in the Boko region after the powerful blast at Boko Bazar yesterday in which three persons were killed and 14 others injured. State Home Minister Rokibul Hussain visited the blast site and the family members of the victims this afternoon. Local public organized a rally followed by a silent procession today to protest against insurgency. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Assam lags far behind in EPIC scheme - Sentinel
I think only becos of this lagging in issuing voter ID cards that so many illegal immigranst have been able to enter and settle down here. They have got the info that it is very easy here noone checks. Umesh, I am not sure if that is the logic. Or is it because there are so many illegal B'deshis that the Govt. is unable to issue ID cards to the true legal voters? Either was, instituting a valid ID card for legitimate voters (at this juncture) will be a monumental task for the state Govt. As long as the borders are wide open, I really do not see IDs coming to any use. It will be a miracle, if the State Govt. can issue ID cards at a rate faster than the hordes coming in. --Ram da On 8/8/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think only becos of this lagging in issuing voter ID cards that so many illegal immigranst have been able to enter and settle down here. They have got the info that it is very easy here noone checks. Umesh Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Logically, at least 50% of these voter IDs ought to have been finished since the Center has already provided 50% of the cost. But .45% only? The Center, somehow must have been the culprit here. So, lets blame Indraprastha and sit back relax. Assam lags far behind in EPIC scheme NEW DELHI, Aug 5 (PTI): There has been a considerable progress in issuing of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with nearly 69.5 per cent of the electorate being provided the card, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Replying to written questions, Law Minister HR Bhardwaj said while Pondicherry had cent per cent electorate with EPIC, Kerala had almost 99.97 work finshed. Assam was the State where only 0.45 per cent electorate had been provided with the cards. In rest of all the states and Union Territories, the work of issuing of EPIC was complete by more than 50 per cent. The expenditure on preparation of EPIC is share between the Central and the State Government on 50:50 basis and a sun of Rs 542.80 crore had been released to the State Governments. ___ 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 To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. ___ 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 Irascible Prophet: V. S. Naipaul - NYT
After reading this article, I find Naipaul a contradiction in terms, a dichotomy. Here are some of his quotes: On Islam: ''It's glib, nonsensical talk from people who don't understand that holy war for Muslims is a religious war, and a religious war is something you never stop fighting.'' On India: It is, he says, the country where belief and unbelief coexist most peaceably. The economic development of India -- and China -- he said, will ''completely alter the world,'' and ''nothing that's happening in the Arab world has that capacity ''a calamity'' that, even with its billion people, ''there are no thinkers in India'' today... In any case, this is an interesting critique on him. Hope you all enjoy it like I did. --Ram August 7, 2005 The Irascible Prophet: V. S. Naipaul at Home By RACHEL DONADIO Two monuments rise like emblems from the green countryside of Wiltshire, England, not far from the secluded house of V. S. Naipaul: Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral. They are signposts in a landscape Naipaul has been traversing for more than half a century, one in which the impulses of culture, civilization and progress have always existed in close and uneasy proximity to the impulses of paganism, religion and disorder. A prophet of our world-historical moment, in his more than 25 works of fiction and nonfiction, Naipaul has examined the clash between belief and unbelief, the unraveling of the British Empire, the migrations of peoples. They are natural subjects for a writer who, as he has recorded in his many fully, semi- and quasi-autobiographical books, was born in Trinidad, where his grandfather had emigrated from India as an indentured servant. His father, a newspaper reporter and aspiring fiction writer, was the model for what is arguably Naipaul's finest novel, ''A House for Mr. Biswas'' (1961). At 18, Naipaul left Trinidad on a scholarship to University College, Oxford, and has lived in England ever since. Alfred Kazin once described him as ''a colonial brought up in English schools, on English ways and the pretended reasonableness of the English mind.'' Knighted in 1990, Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul is Britain's only living Nobel laureate in literature, having been awarded the prize in October 2001, a season when many were just awakening to realities Naipaul had been writing about for more than 20 years. Also significant is that he had explored Islamic fundamentalism and other issues of global import not through fiction, but through nonfiction reportage. The novel's time was over, he had said. Others had made the claim before, but it resonated more deeply coming from a contemporary giant. What is more, Naipaul said, only nonfiction could capture the complexities of today's world. It was a profound observation. But did it speak to a larger cultural situation, or was it simply the personal judgment of one cantankerous writer, who in fact continued to publish a novel every few years even after declaring the form dead? Naipaul recently offered some thoughts on the matter, in an interview in the cozy sitting room of his cottage in Wiltshire. Photograph portraits were on the mantle. French novels lined one bookshelf. The sounds of the outside world could be heard: a lawnmower, the buzzing of a fighter jet from a nearby airbase. A compact man of 72, Naipaul has been ill in recent months, and said he is not working on a book at the moment. Although it was unseasonably hot on the splendid sunny afternoon of the longest day of the year, he wore a tweed jacket and corduroy pants. Unsmiling, he settled somewhat stiffly onto a straight-backed armchair and began to chart the trajectory of his thinking. ''What I felt was, if you spend your life just writing fiction, you are going to falsify your material,'' he said. ''And the fictional form was going to force you to do things with the material, to dramatize it in a certain way. I thought nonfiction gave one a chance to explore the world, the other world, the world that one didn't know fully.'' Naipaul's voice is rich and deep and mellowed by tobacco, and when he pronounced the word ''world,'' he savored it, drawing it out to almost three syllables. ''I thought if I didn't have this resource of nonfiction I would have dried up perhaps. I'd have come to the end of my material, and would have done what a writer like Graham Greene did. You know, he took the Graham Greene figure to the Congo, took him to Argentina, took him to Haiti, for no rhyme or reason.'' Naipaul has said he wrote the novel ''Half a Life'' (2001) only to fulfill a publisher's contract, and that ''Magic Seeds'' (2004) would be his last novel. (Over the years, he has often hinted at retirement, only to publish another book soon after.) Yet the fact that Naipaul has continued to write novels does not undercut his acute awareness of the form's limitations; indeed, it amplifies it. His is the lament of a writer who, through a life devoted to his craft, has
[Assam] Assam lags far behind in EPIC scheme - Sentinel
Logically, at least 50% of these voter IDs ought to have been finished since the Center has already provided 50% of the cost. But .45% only? The Center, somehow must have been the culprit here. So, lets blame Indraprastha and sit back relax. Assam lags far behind in EPIC scheme NEW DELHI, Aug 5 (PTI): There has been a considerable progress in issuing of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with nearly 69.5 per cent of the electorate being provided the card, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Replying to written questions, Law Minister HR Bhardwaj said while Pondicherry had cent per cent electorate with EPIC, Kerala had almost 99.97 work finshed. Assam was the State where only 0.45 per cent electorate had been provided with the cards. In rest of all the states and Union Territories, the work of issuing of EPIC was complete by more than 50 per cent. The expenditure on preparation of EPIC is share between the Central and the State Government on 50:50 basis and a sun of Rs 542.80 crore had been released to the State Governments. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] NYTimes.com: Cultural Differences Complicate a Georgia Drug Sting Operation
That was a good write-up. I would have never guessed that 'cook' meant something else. BTW: I am hoping you and RB will set the tone right for netters on language skills:). Its become all the more important now that we see that lack of these skills could get us into heaps of trouble.:) On 8/4/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This page was sent to you by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message from sender: What is/are the truth/s? cm NATIONAL | August 4, 2005 Cultural Differences Complicate a Georgia Drug Sting Operation By KATE ZERNIKE Forty-four Indian immigrants who work as convenience store clerks and owners in Georgia were charged with selling materials used to make methamphetamine. 1. Op-Ed Columnist: Calling All Luddites 2. Basics: Just the Right Digital Camera for You 3. You Think You've Got Tomatoes 4. Not Far From Napa, and Closing In 5. David Pogue: 1 Landline + 1 Cellphone = 1 Handset » Go to Complete List Do you love NY? Get the insider's guide to where to stay, what to do and where to eat. Go to www.nytimes.com/travel for your NYC Guide now. Click here. Copyright 2005 The New York Times Company | Privacy Policy ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
to represent the wishes of the people of Assam. Their constituency, their supporters, also believe that Indian political machinations have hurt Assam's interests. You may not accept that. But that is different. Who is the ULFA to tell the Assamese whom they should or shouldn't invite from Delhi? Same explanation here. Why do you assume that just because some minister comes down from Delhi to lecture, it is necessarily bad or polarizing for Assam. Come on Ram, you keep missing the obvious: ULFA does not recognize Indian controls over Assam. That is why they are telling Indians to keep out. It is not about whether it might be good or bad for Assam. But let me ask you this: Is it good for Assam, for its elections to be INFLUENCED by remote interests from elsewhere in India? Assuming ONLY regional parties participate in the elections, how will that benefit ULFA? I cannot speak for ULFA. But I am of the belief that Assam's interests are best served by political parties who are rooted in Assam, and whose elections are not interfered with by outside interests. That is what local self-government is all about. All of this just pure humbug. What the ULFA is probably trying to do is to draw some attention to themselves. They have been left out to dry for a while, so passing a Dikat here and a Dikat there might actually bring the spotlight on them. You may be right, or you may be wrong. Neither has anything to do with the premise of the original argument and conclusions, that started this debate. As for polarization problems, sitting cozily in Bangladesh, passing dikats, and encouraging illegal immigration does more to polarize than anything else. You can spin it anyway you wish. But can you show how ULFA is either encouraging illegal migration, or causing polarizations in Assam? At 11:03 AM -0500 8/3/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da If you were to be an independent observer and well-wisher of Assam, would that seem unreasonable or bad for Assam ? Of course, we are all well-wishers of Assam. But what has that go to do with ULFA's 'interest' in an election conducted by Indian authorities. They are the ones passing out dikats left and right, and basically infringing upon the free will of the Assamese people (not you and I). Who is the ULFA to tell the Assamese whom they should or shouldn't invite from Delhi? Don't the Assamese in Assam know what is or what is not polarizing, instead of having the ULFA intelligensia forcing them to think otherwise and dictating behavior? Why do you assume that just because some minister comes down from Delhi to lecture, it is necessarily bad or polarizing for Assam. When Assam had no regional parties, was Assam more (or less) polarized than it is now? Assuming ONLY regional parties participate in the elections, how will that benefit ULFA? All of this just pure humbug. What the ULFA is probably trying to do is to draw some attention to themselves. They have been left out to dry for a while, so passing a Dikat here and a Dikat there might actually bring the spotlight on them. As for polarization problems, sitting cozily in Bangladesh, passing dikats, and encouraging illegal immigration does more to polarize than anything else. --Ram On 8/3/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Huh! So, it now seems that inspite of ULFA NOT recognizing Indian rule, they are still interested in an election conducted and participated by the Indians. I can't answer that. I was merely examining the logic of the original post, and the conclusions drawn. But one thing can be surmised: That the ULFA is attempting to prevent interference of Indian political parties and injection of regressive Indian attitudes and polarizing influences into Assam society. So, the more important question would be, how does it matter who wins the elections in Assam to ULFA? ULFA could very well be interested in that. Even I could be :-). I certainly would not want to see communal polarizations grow in Assam, fanned on by Indian Hindu supremacist bigots.Would you ? It could also bee to discourage political corruption spurred on by Indian black-money and vote-banking and other nefarious activities. If you were to be an independent observer and well-wisher of Assam, would that seem unreasonable or bad for Assam ? At 9:00 AM -0500 8/3/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Considering that ULFA does not recognize India's rule over Assam, it makes all the sense in the world to them to not allow an occupying power to interfere in the elections of its state. Huh! So, it now seems that inspite of ULFA
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
Catch 22 here, isn't it? It sure is. No wonder then the only alternative is to defy the laws and even resort to violent means. Many countries will allow you to at least challenge the validity of the Constitution in such cases. Even India does. So, violence and breaking laws is not the ONLY way out. But IF they see that IT IS the only way out, then, of course, those who defy such laws oughtn't to cry foul when they are hunted down. They know the rules of the game. The freedom they thus seek, if it does come, comes at a high price, and they should be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. But all this could have bee prevented, or at least diluted, when India saw what was brewing Wonder what the US would do in such a situation? The US for all its might and glory and democratic institution, puts down such insurgent tendencies with swift and summary justice. They have no patience or do not as a policy go soft on such groups. But India is unable and unwilling 25 years ago and is no different today. C'da, its a two-way traffic. IMHO, the ULFA has to put down arms and stop violence before the GOI will give it any serious hearing. The GOI for all its faults can keep this festering for another 50 years without flinching, can the ULFA? In the end the people lose. --Ram On 8/4/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jugal, I really cannot think of one single democratic country that will allow that in their constitution, a sedition clause. Does the US allow that, the UK? Catch 22 here, isn't it? No wonder then the only alternative is to defy the laws and even resort to violent means. But all this could have bee prevented, or at least diluted, when India saw what was brewing . Even at this late date things could be done, reforms undertaken to address the causes of the insurgencies. But India is unable and unwilling 25 years ago and is no different today. That is the difference. At 1:46 PM -0500 8/4/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Hi Jugal, I grant you this - during the British times, yes, because of the strong British ideals for magnanimity and that they were also sure of themselves (they couldn't fathom that anyone would want to actually break away from the Empire), they did allow certain oppossing points of view. But they too did NOT allow those to be expressed in violence. They applied the laws against sedition very severely (Bhagat Singh an example). Subash Bose was always in hiding. Even Gandhi was accused of sedition, even though the British themselves knew he the apostle of peace. You may recall the number of times freedom fighters were imprisoned. So, even in the British times it was not easy for freedom fighters. And Sardar Patel died because of the beatings he sustained from the British. Now, in present day India, I think there is freedom of expression. Just read the newspapers. They are not all singing praises of the establishment. I do not think just talking about seperation or freedom necessarily means that one could be killed or jailed. In the case of South Africa, Mandela paid a huge price. Others like Patrice Lulumba was hunted down and killed. Where do you see any tolerance for seditious behavior (whether freedom was warranted or not). Nations will, usually not tolerate such behavior, specially if they are violent. In this country, you have incidents like Ruby Ridge. I am not sure which democratic country will, in this day and age, tolerate a section of its population going violent because they want freedom? Can you or anyone, name one such country? Britain again, came close to your definition, when they allowed Mullas to preach violence in mosques on English soil. Now, with the bombings, even the British patience has run out. Those Mullas now stand to be deported/jailed immediately (if they preach violence and hatred). It is not possible under current India's constitution to organize a party or movement that seeks independence in a legal manner. Legally, I think, one can sue the Govt. of India (or the Union) for a separation from the Union. It may NOT be in the Constitution, but Indian Courts do allow anyone to challenge the constitution. Whether the Supreme Court will hear such motions is another thing altogether. Jugal, I really cannot think of one single democratic country that will allow that in their constitution, a sedition clause. Does the US allow that, the UK? --Ram da On 8/4/05, J. Kalita [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have taken that into consideration, Ram da. During the British rule, it was possible, within the political system to talk about liberation or freedom. However, it's impossible to do so in a legal manner in current India under its constituion in a peaceful manner. It is not possible under current India's constitution to organize a party or movement that seeks independence in a legal manner. If someone
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
Canada allows that That is interesting. I did not know that Canada has a provisio in its Constitution allowing sedition. --Ram da On 8/4/05, J. Kalita [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Canada allows that! Jugal Jugal, I really cannot think of one single democratic country that will allow that in their constitution, a sedition clause. Does the US allow that, the UK? Catch 22 here, isn't it? No wonder then the only alternative is to defy the laws and even resort to violent means. But all this could have bee prevented, or at least diluted, when India saw what was brewing . Even at this late date things could be done, reforms undertaken to address the causes of the insurgencies. But India is unable and unwilling 25 years ago and is no different today. That is the difference. At 1:46 PM -0500 8/4/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Hi Jugal, I grant you this - during the British times, yes, because of the strong British ideals for magnanimity and that they were also sure of themselves (they couldn't fathom that anyone would want to actually break away from the Empire), they did allow certain oppossing points of view. But they too did NOT allow those to be expressed in violence. They applied the laws against sedition very severely (Bhagat Singh an example). Subash Bose was always in hiding. Even Gandhi was accused of sedition, even though the British themselves knew he the apostle of peace. You may recall the number of times freedom fighters were imprisoned. So, even in the British times it was not easy for freedom fighters. And Sardar Patel died because of the beatings he sustained from the British. Now, in present day India, I think there is freedom of expression. Just read the newspapers. They are not all singing praises of the establishment. I do not think just talking about seperation or freedom necessarily means that one could be killed or jailed. In the case of South Africa, Mandela paid a huge price. Others like Patrice Lulumba was hunted down and killed. Where do you see any tolerance for seditious behavior (whether freedom was warranted or not). Nations will, usually not tolerate such behavior, specially if they are violent. In this country, you have incidents like Ruby Ridge. I am not sure which democratic country will, in this day and age, tolerate a section of its population going violent because they want freedom? Can you or anyone, name one such country? Britain again, came close to your definition, when they allowed Mullas to preach violence in mosques on English soil. Now, with the bombings, even the British patience has run out. Those Mullas now stand to be deported/jailed immediately (if they preach violence and hatred). It is not possible under current India's constitution to organize a party or movement that seeks independence in a legal manner. Legally, I think, one can sue the Govt. of India (or the Union) for a separation from the Union. It may NOT be in the Constitution, but Indian Courts do allow anyone to challenge the constitution. Whether the Supreme Court will hear such motions is another thing altogether. Jugal, I really cannot think of one single democratic country that will allow that in their constitution, a sedition clause. Does the US allow that, the UK? --Ram da On 8/4/05, J. Kalita [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have taken that into consideration, Ram da. During the British rule, it was possible, within the political system to talk about liberation or freedom. However, it's impossible to do so in a legal manner in current India under its constituion in a peaceful manner. It is not possible under current India's constitution to organize a party or movement that seeks independence in a legal manner. If someone tries to do so, they will be banned or even worse killed by the India government that exists today. Jugal Jugal, But you seem to be missing one important ingredient. All the people you listed below had mass followings and more importantly they did not have large sections of the people they wanted to 'liberate' NOT wanting them to do so on their behalf. Does ULFA have those qualities, ie. a large section of the Assamese population following their core ideals? Gandhi, Bose, Mandela were not elected memebrs, but they did command huge followings. Perhaps even Jinnah. And so did Mao and Hitler. Sometimes they were wrong (like Hitler) while at other times it paid off, like Mandela. Another important point is a 'populist leader or group' can get public support in two ways: By making people want such freedoms from their hearts. Or By using guns, threats, kidnappings, and 'or else' methods to 'win' people's hearts. IHMO, the former option is what the world looks up to and would at least give
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
the ULFA? In the end the people lose. *** That is exactly like the advise to rape victims to enjoy the act if it could not be prevented. BTW, ULFA's telling Indian politicians to stay out of exploiting Assam elections is one of those things it can do, feeble as it might be, to keep the predators at bay. Too bad many of its intelligentsia cannot found to stand by it when it is being raped, overtly and insidiously. At 2:39 PM -0500 8/4/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Catch 22 here, isn't it? It sure is. No wonder then the only alternative is to defy the laws and even resort to violent means. Many countries will allow you to at least challenge the validity of the Constitution in such cases. Even India does. So, violence and breaking laws is not the ONLY way out. But IF they see that IT IS the only way out, then, of course, those who defy such laws oughtn't to cry foul when they are hunted down. They know the rules of the game. The freedom they thus seek, if it does come, comes at a high price, and they should be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. But all this could have bee prevented, or at least diluted, when India saw what was brewing Wonder what the US would do in such a situation? The US for all its might and glory and democratic institution, puts down such insurgent tendencies with swift and summary justice. They have no patience or do not as a policy go soft on such groups. But India is unable and unwilling 25 years ago and is no different today. C'da, its a two-way traffic. IMHO, the ULFA has to put down arms and stop violence before the GOI will give it any serious hearing. The GOI for all its faults can keep this festering for another 50 years without flinching, can the ULFA? In the end the people lose. --Ram On 8/4/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jugal, I really cannot think of one single democratic country that will allow that in their constitution, a sedition clause. Does the US allow that, the UK? Catch 22 here, isn't it? No wonder then the only alternative is to defy the laws and even resort to violent means. But all this could have bee prevented, or at least diluted, when India saw what was brewing . Even at this late date things could be done, reforms undertaken to address the causes of the insurgencies. But India is unable and unwilling 25 years ago and is no different today. That is the difference. At 1:46 PM -0500 8/4/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Hi Jugal, I grant you this - during the British times, yes, because of the strong British ideals for magnanimity and that they were also sure of themselves (they couldn't fathom that anyone would want to actually break away from the Empire), they did allow certain oppossing points of view. But they too did NOT allow those to be expressed in violence. They applied the laws against sedition very severely (Bhagat Singh an example). Subash Bose was always in hiding. Even Gandhi was accused of sedition, even though the British themselves knew he the apostle of peace. You may recall the number of times freedom fighters were imprisoned. So, even in the British times it was not easy for freedom fighters. And Sardar Patel died because of the beatings he sustained from the British. Now, in present day India, I think there is freedom of expression. Just read the newspapers. They are not all singing praises of the establishment. I do not think just talking about seperation or freedom necessarily means that one could be killed or jailed. In the case of South Africa, Mandela paid a huge price. Others like Patrice Lulumba was hunted down and killed. Where do you see any tolerance for seditious behavior (whether freedom was warranted or not). Nations will, usually not tolerate such behavior, specially if they are violent. In this country, you have incidents like Ruby Ridge. I am not sure which democratic country will, in this day and age, tolerate a section of its population going violent because they want freedom? Can you or anyone, name one such country? Britain again, came close to your definition, when they allowed Mullas to preach violence in mosques on English soil. Now, with the bombings, even the British patience has run out. Those Mullas now stand to be deported/jailed immediately (if they preach violence and hatred). It is not possible under current India's constitution to organize a party or movement that seeks independence in a legal manner. Legally, I think, one can sue the Govt. of India (or the Union) for a separation from the Union. It may NOT be in the Constitution, but Indian Courts do allow anyone to challenge the constitution. Whether the Supreme Court will hear such motions is another thing
[Assam] Pakistani arrested in Maryland
A Pak. Maryland paramedic on terror count for taking training to fight in Kashmir. http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/04/maryland.arrest/index.html ___ 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 SC and Parliament attack - Indian Express
For those of us who have not faith in the Indian Courts and of justice, here is some news that they may want to think twice. The SC, while affirming the death sentence on one of the Jaish terrorist, sets free another. The GOI lost the case against Prof. Geelani, even though there was some strong evidence that he was involved. So, here is at least one case where everything didn't go the way GOI wanted and more importantly the SC probably went against public sentiment. So, it isn't all doom gloom on the Indian justice system:) ___ URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=75708 Friday, August 05, 2005 Front Page SC OKs death for Dec 13 Parliament attack: Shaukat gets 10 yrs, Geelani free but under cloud ANANTHAKRISHNAN G NEW DELHI, AUGUST 4 The Supreme Court today put its stamp of approval on the death sentence awarded to alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed militant Mohammad Afzal by a designated POTA court for his role in the December 13, 2001 attack on Parliament. The court, however, relieved his co-convict, Shaukat Hussain Guru, of the capital punishment and instead sentenced him to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for not alerting the authorities about the conspiracy behind the attack despite having prior knowledge. The apex court also upheld the Delhi High Court order acquitting University lecturer S A R Geelani and Shaukat's wife, Navjot Sandhu alias Afsan Guru, of all charges in connection with the attack, which had left nine policemen dead and 16 others injured. The sheen over Geelani's acquittal was, however, lost in the court's rather caustic observations on his conduct before and after the incident, which it said gave rise to suspicions about his role in the attack. While the order is a setback to the Delhi Police Special Cell, which had been steadfast on its charges against all the accused, the comments about Geelani puts a question mark over the public perception of his innocence. On Afzal, a surrendered militant who could not resist the call of terror, the bench of Justice P P Naolekar and Justice P V Reddi said though there was no direct evidence of conspiracy, the circumstances cumulatively pointed to his collusion. His actions, said the Court, were definitely not innocuous but consistent with his involvement in the conspiracy. Afzal must have had a nexus with the terrorists, who were killed by the brave policemen during the attack, theCourt said, adding that the attack on the citadel of democracy did not have any parallel in the history of the Indian republic. His actions made him a menace to society and the death sentence was the most appropriate for him. The case against Shaukat, also an alleged JeM militant and Afzal's cousin, however failed to stand the Court's test and it absolved him of all the charges levelled by the Special Cell. Though the HC upheld the death sentence imposed on him by the trial court, the SC found that there were ''several gaps'' in the evidence. One of these, it said, was the lack of evidence to show that he was in touch with the slain terrorists. On his conversation with Afzal, the Court said these could best be termed as some talk between cousins. However, his actions show that he was aware of the conspiracy to attack Parliament. The ''illegal omission'' of not informing the police should fetch him 10 years RI and a fine of Rs 25,000. Most interesting were the observations against Geelani in today's judgment. The soft-spoken lecturer, it said, had not hidden his joy over the attack. The Court doubted Geelani's version about his links with Afzal and Shaukat and said his ''conduct was not above board''. Though all these raised suspicion , suspicion alone was not enough to convict a person unless it was backed by legal evidence, the bench added. When asked about the observations, Geelani chose the easy way out, saying he could comment only after seeing the order. If there was anything like that, Geelani said, he would seek legal remedy. Geelani also used the opportunity to harp on the struggle for ''liberating'' Kashmir, which he said was under ''occupation''. Briefing reporters after the verdict, he said all problems would cease once the Kashmir issue was resolved. However, he would not relate the Parliament attack to this struggle and said the ''politicians of India'' had linked the two. On December 18, 2002, designated POTA Judge S N Dhingra had awarded the death penalty to Shaukat, Afzal and Geelani while sentencing Afsan to five years of imprisonment. On appeal, the High Court had upheld the sentence imposed on Afzal and Shaukat, but acquitted Geelani and Afsaan. URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=75708 ___ 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:
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
Considering that ULFA does not recognize India's rule over Assam, it makes all the sense in the world to them to not allow an occupying power to interfere in the elections of its state. Huh! So, it now seems that inspite of ULFA NOT recognizing Indian rule, they are still interested in an election conducted and participated by the Indians. So, the more important question would be, how does it matter who wins the elections in Assam to ULFA? Is the ULFA fielding some candidates too, and that too an election managed and mandated by the Chief Election Commissioner of India. In the end, the ULFA seems to want to behave like another 'political party' in India (albeit an extreme one). On 8/3/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Considering that ULFA does not recognize India's rule over Assam, it makes all the sense in the world to them to not allow an occupying power to interfere in the elections of its state. Would India allow Pakistanis or BDeshis or Americans to come canvass for elections in it's territory? The question,at best, demonstrates an absence of ordinary inferential skills, no doubt resulting in absurd questions like: Or else, guess what will happen? I wonder what kind of a democracy will be there in independent Assam. --- one having little or no connection with the other. At 10:14 PM -0700 8/1/05, Rajib Das wrote: http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=front%5Fpagefile_name=story3%2Etxtcounter_img=3?headline=ULFA~diktat:~No~entry~for~'outside'~vote-seekers Another tactic this time. Not allowing central leaders of national parties to campaign in Assam. Or else, guess what will happen? I wonder what kind of a democracy will be there in independent Assam. __ Yahoo! Mail for Mobile Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail ___ 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 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 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
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
C'da, But let me ask you this: Is it good for Assam, for its elections to be INFLUENCED by remote interests from elsewhere in India? If it is democracy that we all yearn for, then why should influences from outside the state bother you or anyone. This is of course assuming that ONE believes that Assam is still an integral part of India. Do you think, that if there were only regional parties, that would not employ the same tactics to divide people in some way or the other (just as the national parties do) to win elections? Yes, one would think regional parties would benefit the state, specially when they are in power. Well, the AGP showed us how much the state benefitted when they were in power. I don't think local self-govt by itself solves problems. The make-up of the parties, the people within, will make the difference - whether they are AGP or the Congress. Lets take the national parties. Whether its the Congress or UPA or whatever, are the people up for elections in Assam representing these parties NOT ASSAMESE? Woudln't you think that they would have the best interests of Assam (before party)? This influence stuff that you are dishing out, Cda, boils down to this: If the Assamese people let others influence they will be, if not they won't. And not such outside influences are all bad as you make it out to be. But can you show how ULFA is either encouraging illegal migration, or causing polarizations in Assam? Many press statements from the ULFA tells us that they are soft on illegal immigration. And its not difficult to understand that position. If Bangladesh was my mai-baap, I too would support illegals coming into Assam or elsewhere. I visualize at least two. If one were to assume that ULFA has supporters in Assam, obviously they are poles apart from those Assamese who would wish to remain within India, and consider themselves Indian. ULFA may think that they were chosen by providence to represent all Assamese, but the fact is there are Assamese who think and believe they are Indian, in adition to being Assamese. The other of course, is with illegal immigartion (which ULFA has not vehemently opposed or taken a strong stand), a number of minority groups are also starting to support illegal immigration. This of course is polarizes an already polarized state. --Ram On 8/3/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Of course, we are all well-wishers of Assam. But what has that go to do with ULFA's 'interest' in an election conducted by Indian authorities. *** Unlike me or you, ULFA is made up of people, who, rightly or wrongly, claim to represent the wishes of the people of Assam. Their constituency, their supporters, also believe that Indian political machinations have hurt Assam's interests. You may not accept that. But that is different. Who is the ULFA to tell the Assamese whom they should or shouldn't invite from Delhi? Same explanation here. Why do you assume that just because some minister comes down from Delhi to lecture, it is necessarily bad or polarizing for Assam. Come on Ram, you keep missing the obvious: ULFA does not recognize Indian controls over Assam. That is why they are telling Indians to keep out. It is not about whether it might be good or bad for Assam. But let me ask you this: Is it good for Assam, for its elections to be INFLUENCED by remote interests from elsewhere in India? Assuming ONLY regional parties participate in the elections, how will that benefit ULFA? I cannot speak for ULFA. But I am of the belief that Assam's interests are best served by political parties who are rooted in Assam, and whose elections are not interfered with by outside interests. That is what local self-government is all about. All of this just pure humbug. What the ULFA is probably trying to do is to draw some attention to themselves. They have been left out to dry for a while, so passing a Dikat here and a Dikat there might actually bring the spotlight on them. You may be right, or you may be wrong. Neither has anything to do with the premise of the original argument and conclusions, that started this debate. As for polarization problems, sitting cozily in Bangladesh, passing dikats, and encouraging illegal immigration does more to polarize than anything else. You can spin it anyway you wish. But can you show how ULFA is either encouraging illegal migration, or causing polarizations in Assam? At 11:03 AM -0500 8/3/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da If you were to be an independent observer and well-wisher of Assam, would that seem unreasonable or bad for Assam ? Of course, we are all well-wishers of Assam. But what has that go to do with ULFA's 'interest' in an election conducted by Indian authorities. They are the ones passing out dikats left and right, and basically infringing upon the free will of the Assamese people (not you and I). Who is the ULFA
Re: [Assam] A new diktat from ULFA
Jugal, But you seem to be missing one important ingredient. All the people you listed below had mass followings and more importantly they did not have large sections of the people they wanted to 'liberate' NOT wanting them to do so on their behalf. Does ULFA have those qualities, ie. a large section of the Assamese population following their core ideals? Gandhi, Bose, Mandela were not elected memebrs, but they did command huge followings. Perhaps even Jinnah. And so did Mao and Hitler. Sometimes they were wrong (like Hitler) while at other times it paid off, like Mandela. Another important point is a 'populist leader or group' can get public support in two ways: By making people want such freedoms from their hearts. Or By using guns, threats, kidnappings, and 'or else' methods to 'win' people's hearts. IHMO, the former option is what the world looks up to and would at least give tacit support. What do you think the Assamese people will be more comfortable with? --Ram da On 8/3/05, J. Kalita [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In the same logic, how did Mohandas Gandhi or Subhash Bose or Jinnah in pre-1947 British India represent the people of India? Was Mohandas Gandhi elected to be President/Prime Minister/king/emperor or whatever of pre-1947 India? Was he a demagogue? Did Nelson Mandela represent the people of South Africa when he was languishing in jail? Was he elected to represent the people of South Africa? Was Simon Bolivar elected by the countries of South America before he led the war for independence from Spain? Were the framers of the US constitution in Philadelphia elected by the people of America? Jugal Kalita Of course, we are all well-wishers of Assam. But what has that go to do with ULFA's 'interest' in an election conducted by Indian authorities. *** Unlike me or you, ULFA is made up of people, who, rightly or wrongly, claim to represent the wishes of the people of Assam. Their constituency, their supporters, also believe that Indian political machinations have hurt Assam's interests. You may not accept that. But that is different. Who is the ULFA to tell the Assamese whom they should or shouldn't invite from Delhi? Same explanation here. Why do you assume that just because some minister comes down from Delhi to lecture, it is necessarily bad or polarizing for Assam. Come on Ram, you keep missing the obvious: ULFA does not recognize Indian controls over Assam. That is why they are telling Indians to keep out. It is not about whether it might be good or bad for Assam. But let me ask you this: Is it good for Assam, for its elections to be INFLUENCED by remote interests from elsewhere in India? Assuming ONLY regional parties participate in the elections, how will that benefit ULFA? I cannot speak for ULFA. But I am of the belief that Assam's interests are best served by political parties who are rooted in Assam, and whose elections are not interfered with by outside interests. That is what local self-government is all about. All of this just pure humbug. What the ULFA is probably trying to do is to draw some attention to themselves. They have been left out to dry for a while, so passing a Dikat here and a Dikat there might actually bring the spotlight on them. You may be right, or you may be wrong. Neither has anything to do with the premise of the original argument and conclusions, that started this debate. As for polarization problems, sitting cozily in Bangladesh, passing dikats, and encouraging illegal immigration does more to polarize than anything else. You can spin it anyway you wish. But can you show how ULFA is either encouraging illegal migration, or causing polarizations in Assam? At 11:03 AM -0500 8/3/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: C'da If you were to be an independent observer and well-wisher of Assam, would that seem unreasonable or bad for Assam ? Of course, we are all well-wishers of Assam. But what has that go to do with ULFA's 'interest' in an election conducted by Indian authorities. They are the ones passing out dikats left and right, and basically infringing upon the free will of the Assamese people (not you and I). Who is the ULFA to tell the Assamese whom they should or shouldn't invite from Delhi? Don't the Assamese in Assam know what is or what is not polarizing, instead of having the ULFA intelligensia forcing them to think otherwise and dictating behavior? Why do you assume that just because some minister comes down from Delhi to lecture, it is necessarily bad or polarizing for Assam. When Assam had no regional parties, was Assam more (or less) polarized than it is now? Assuming ONLY regional parties participate in the elections, how will that benefit ULFA? All of this just pure humbug. What the ULFA is probably trying to do is to draw some attention to themselves. They have been left
[Assam] Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai? -TOI
It looks like the Chinese are getting the Bhutanese to give up strategic positions that could weaken India. There is also the fear that China might provide covert support to the insurgents in the northeast. Intelligence agencies and China watchers say that the Chinese still transfer small arms through ISI though there has been no manifest link that has been traced the connections to organizations like ULFA. - TOI One hopes that this isn't a repeat of 1962 when basically Assam/NE was up for grabs by the Chinese. _ China inching closer to India through Bhutan PERCY FERNANDEZ INDIATIMES NEWS NETWORK[ MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2005 06:33:34 PM ] 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 next Monday 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
[Assam] Re: Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
I am sorry if my comments have caused you any offence. That was certainly not my intention Of course, I do understand that you had intention was not to offend. I also understand that being close to 'ground-zero' would change anyone's prespective on such matters. And no offence taken. Some points though: The case of Borpujari,if I remember correct, involved the CRPF (Andhra), and again not the Indian Army. Having been a boarder of 3rd Mess for a number of years, we too would get chills as we passes by 2nd Mess everyday. the S.P. gave an order to shoot That in it self should clue us in that it wasn't the army. The Army and the CRPF are totally different forces. In India, only in dire circumstances is the army deployed. The reason is to keep them at a distance from the public and use them primarily in the country's defence and national security. The same with Khargeswar Talukdar. We were students at that time and if did affect all of us deeply. Again it wasn't the army. Now, have army personnel ever been on the wrong side? Absolutely, and one can cite many examples. But the example I was looking for was if there was a 'standing policy' that the Indian Army had to shoot-to-kill? I seriously doubt that. As for the rapes etc, when individual soldiers go berserk, the Indian Military Courts of Justice, just does not give them a pat on their backs and send them on their way. These MCJ is extremely strict, and punishments are severe, and not publized at all. To sum it up, what I was trying to get to is this: The 3 cops chasing the Brazillian were basically following POLICY when they shot the young man when he was down on the ground, (obviously surrendered), and that too 7 times to the head at point blank range (because the policy states that shooting on the chest may trigger an explosion etc etc). My problem is more to do with a policy terribily gone wrong and not so much with the cops on the beat. There is another thing. If the cops in India had been in a similar situation, I have little doubt that the whole Western Hemisphere would be tellling the Indians how to apprehend and capture terrorists and avoid killing innocent bystanders. Not only that, they would be do so in a holier-than-thou attitude. with warm regards --Ram On 7/30/05, Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am sorry if my comments have caused you any offence. That was certainly not my intention. Perhaps it would have been more accurate if I had stated that the incidents with the Indian army occur with worrying regularity rather than all the time. By my comments, I am not seeking to make a direct comparison between the situation in the UK and India. However I would suggest that a balanced picture needs to be drawn. Whilst I now live in the UK, I am an Indian by birth. I am not, by my comments seeking to criticise my homeland, far from it -- I love the country where I was born and raised. However and perhaps because of this, I simply can not ignore the obvious and worrying situation which I see and hear about each time I return. You have requested examples. I would suggest that you simply consider the numerous incidents that are frequently reported in the local newspaper covering the area. It was the Indian army in Assam (CRPF Jawans) who rapes tribal women in villages while they raid their houses looking for militants every now and again. The killing of Ranjit Borpujari at one of the hostel at Cotton College in that July morning 1960 is still fresh in my memory. I was only a school girl. On that occasion there was a protest demanding Assamese language to be officially recognised. As the procession passed the Second Mess in Panbazar, number of young boys were playing table-tennis at the forecourt of the hostel. As another young boy (still in his pyjamas) coming out of a room, the S.P. gave an order to shoot. Shots were fired at the group and the boy who was coming out of the room was shot in the back of the head and subsequently died. He was Ranjit Borpujari -- an innocent young student. Was there a detailed inquiry or investigation ? was the officer who gave the order prosecuted or arrested or even reprimanded for his actions ? I do not know. All I knew that he was simply transferred out of Assam. This incident remains with me to this day, not least as one of my maternal uncle Amar Hazarika (Manju mama) who is a champion table-tennis player of Assam was also heavily injured along with others -- as a result. During Assam agitation in 1980, young boy Khageshsar Talukdar was killed in Barpeta when again the S.P. gave an order to shoot at a peaceful demonstration. Whilst I appreciate that this incident occurred many years ago, incidents like these sadly continue up to the present day. There are numerous similar reported incidents where innocent young men are killed by the Indian army when they are looking for ULFA or similar. These incidents are simply recorded as
[Assam] Re: Truth?? - a correction
Of course, I do understand that you had intention was not to offend. I What I meant to say is I do understand that you had NO intention... Like Karna, I seem to be losing language skills when required:) --Ram On 7/30/05, Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am sorry if my comments have caused you any offence. That was certainly not my intention Of course, I do understand that you had intention was not to offend. I also understand that being close to 'ground-zero' would change anyone's prespective on such matters. And no offence taken. Some points though: The case of Borpujari,if I remember correct, involved the CRPF (Andhra), and again not the Indian Army. Having been a boarder of 3rd Mess for a number of years, we too would get chills as we passes by 2nd Mess everyday. the S.P. gave an order to shoot That in it self should clue us in that it wasn't the army. The Army and the CRPF are totally different forces. In India, only in dire circumstances is the army deployed. The reason is to keep them at a distance from the public and use them primarily in the country's defence and national security. The same with Khargeswar Talukdar. We were students at that time and if did affect all of us deeply. Again it wasn't the army. Now, have army personnel ever been on the wrong side? Absolutely, and one can cite many examples. But the example I was looking for was if there was a 'standing policy' that the Indian Army had to shoot-to-kill? I seriously doubt that. As for the rapes etc, when individual soldiers go berserk, the Indian Military Courts of Justice, just does not give them a pat on their backs and send them on their way. These MCJ is extremely strict, and punishments are severe, and not publized at all. To sum it up, what I was trying to get to is this: The 3 cops chasing the Brazillian were basically following POLICY when they shot the young man when he was down on the ground, (obviously surrendered), and that too 7 times to the head at point blank range (because the policy states that shooting on the chest may trigger an explosion etc etc). My problem is more to do with a policy terribily gone wrong and not so much with the cops on the beat. There is another thing. If the cops in India had been in a similar situation, I have little doubt that the whole Western Hemisphere would be tellling the Indians how to apprehend and capture terrorists and avoid killing innocent bystanders. Not only that, they would be do so in a holier-than-thou attitude. with warm regards --Ram On 7/30/05, Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am sorry if my comments have caused you any offence. That was certainly not my intention. Perhaps it would have been more accurate if I had stated that the incidents with the Indian army occur with worrying regularity rather than all the time. By my comments, I am not seeking to make a direct comparison between the situation in the UK and India. However I would suggest that a balanced picture needs to be drawn. Whilst I now live in the UK, I am an Indian by birth. I am not, by my comments seeking to criticise my homeland, far from it -- I love the country where I was born and raised. However and perhaps because of this, I simply can not ignore the obvious and worrying situation which I see and hear about each time I return. You have requested examples. I would suggest that you simply consider the numerous incidents that are frequently reported in the local newspaper covering the area. It was the Indian army in Assam (CRPF Jawans) who rapes tribal women in villages while they raid their houses looking for militants every now and again. The killing of Ranjit Borpujari at one of the hostel at Cotton College in that July morning 1960 is still fresh in my memory. I was only a school girl. On that occasion there was a protest demanding Assamese language to be officially recognised. As the procession passed the Second Mess in Panbazar, number of young boys were playing table-tennis at the forecourt of the hostel. As another young boy (still in his pyjamas) coming out of a room, the S.P. gave an order to shoot. Shots were fired at the group and the boy who was coming out of the room was shot in the back of the head and subsequently died. He was Ranjit Borpujari -- an innocent young student. Was there a detailed inquiry or investigation ? was the officer who gave the order prosecuted or arrested or even reprimanded for his actions ? I do not know. All I knew that he was simply transferred out of Assam. This incident remains with me to this day, not least as one of my maternal uncle Amar Hazarika (Manju mama) who is a champion table-tennis player of Assam was also heavily injured along with others -- as a result. During Assam agitation in 1980, young boy Khageshsar Talukdar was killed in Barpeta when again the S.P. gave an order
[Assam] Innocent man spends 14 years in jail ! - AT
Shocking case of justice going from bad to worse. Glad that BiplapSharma rendered the right verdict and his direction to allow cases tobe filed against govt. entities for unlawful imprisonment. Innocent man spends 14 years in jail !From Our Law Reporter GUWAHATI, July 29 – In a sensational case, the Gauhati High Courttoday came to the rescue of a person wrongfully dumped for long 14years in jail and directed to make him a free man and also payment ofcompensation and cost for his illegal detention. This man's family wasnot informed about his arrest nor was he ever taken to any court. Hewas made to represent a man missing from custody. The court of Justice B K Sarma further directed that the officials ofthe Meghalaya Government involved in the case should also be proceededagainst for their causing unlawful detention of Rusith D Sangma in thename of Deep Charan Kaipang. After a detailed investigation, the court came to the conclusion thaton or around July 11, 1994, accused Deep Charan Kaipang along withother under trial prisoners were taken to the Court of CJM, Shillongand Deep Charan Kaipang was never brought back to the jail on July 11,1994 and was instead substituted by Rusith D Sangma. The case taken up at the instance of Advocate S P Mahanta of Shillong.Mahanta pleaded that Rusith Sangma was never officially lodged in theDistrict Jail, Shillong or in Tura Jail after November 22, 1990a andinstead he was lodged in Jail by the name of Deep Charan Kaipang. Hewas identified by a co-prisoner Hevel Avel Koly to be another personand not Deep Charan Kaipang. It was found that due to the negligence and dereliction of duties onthe part of the Shillong District Jail staff, the actual accused DeepCharan Kaipang was not back to the jail after being sent out forproduction in the court. Then Snagma was presented as Deep CharanKaipang to make it a case of re-lodging in the jail. Justice Sarma examined the evidence of various officials of MeghalayaGovernment and found that possibly Kaipang died an unnatural death andto suppress it Sangma was found be the easy scapegoat. And RusithSangma had to spend 14 valuable years of the prime of his life in jailwithout any trial and also in substitution of another accused whomight have died an unnatural death. The High Court found that Rusith Sangma is the victim of capriciousacts perpetrated by officials of the Meghalaya Government. The courtopined that it was fit that the State Government of Meghalaya couldpay an amount of Rs 2 lakh by way of compensation to Sangma. The court permitted Advocate S P Mahanta who has espoused the cause ofSangma, to ensure deposit of the amount of compensation in a bankaccount as may be suitable for Sangma. Justice Sarma further directed that Sangma be provided all medicalfacilities as and when required. He also permitted the MeghalayaGovernment to realise the amount to be paid to Sangma from thesalaries of its erring officials in this case. The court also placed on record the commendable efforts of AdvocateMahanta and Additional District Judge, Shillong as well as the effortsof Tanmoy Behra, DSP, CBI for assisting the court in renderingassistance to Sangma. The High Court further directed imposition of acost of Rs 15,000 on the Meghalaya Government and directed the saidamount to be paid to Advocate Mahanta not only for his sincereservices and also for the expenses incurred by the Advocate. It was also directed by the High Court that the Meghalaya HomeDepartment should ensure that all measures be taken for checkingrecurrence of such incidents in the state in future. ___ 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] Dual Citizenship - TOI
Prof. Jagadish Bhagawati thinks that dula citizenship comes with tax obligations. Wonder how this pans out? ___ 'Dual citizenship? NRIs should pay tax too' PERCY FERNANDEZ NEW DELHI: If India gives us citizenship, it should also give NRIs voting rights. And NRIs should accept the tax obligations too, says noted economist Jagdish Bhagwati. In an exclusive interview to Timesofindia.com , Prof Bhgawati, a member of the Democratic Party and University Professor at Columbia University, says, Citizenship rights come along with tax obligations. Prof Bhagwati is keen to take up his Indian 'nationality'. He says, As soon as the dual citizenship comes up, I will regain my old one which I had to renounce in 1992. I feel loyal to both the countries. One is the country of my origin and the other my destination. That is true of most people today. I think people are quite happy to be hyphenated Americans. Dual citizenship has become the buzzword in this era of globalization and porous borders. Prof. Bhagwati says, If you feel dual loyalty is the in thing now, no body minds it but NRIs will have to accept their citizenship rights with all other obligations. I have been arguing that if dual citizenship rights are granted you should also get voting rights. Also with it accept the tax obligations. NRIs at one level think they are doing wonderful things for you guys here and they should be given all the rights. There has always been a debate about the sense of commitment by the NRIs and Prof Bhagwati seems to have put an end to that debate when he says, You guys have not gone abroad, struggled here tried to build the country from here. It is much more difficult here given the flies, mosquitoes and heat, the dust and the politicians etc. Keeping all that in mind, I admire people who really work here instead of working in Silicon Valley. He adds, Then they want equal rights along with people who have been struggling here and they don't want to accept any tax obligations and so on. NRIs and diaspora are all fine. Citizenship is a matter of right but then along with citizenship rights NRIs will have to accept other obligations as well. I can't go and tell my Finance Minister here, if I am living here, that you did nothing for me, you are simply taking money from me and giving it to people in rural areas. This is part of my societal obligation as a wealthier person. That fact that I am wealthy and sitting in Silicon Valley or New York or London, that doesn't mean I shouldn't have any obligation to my country. I will be happy to pay a tax that goes with my citizenship right. If I don't want to do that I don't have to enjoy the citizenship right either. I can have all the other rights. They want to be citizens, they want to part of communities in the strongly bonded citizenships and through nationalities and yet they don't want to undertake any obligations. So what is the big song and dance all about? Always controversial, unpopular and compelling, Prof Jagdish Bhagwati in fact came up with a socialist suggestion when he said, Once you are a citizen it is your obligation to file your tax return and pay something. The NRIs want all the rights, in fact more right than the natives and want no obligations. I really feel that that the diaspora and the identity will be intensified and cemented when I think it has to be not based just on differential rights for people who happen to be abroad but some sharing of obligations. If you are citizen and belong to the community in the deeply bonded sense, you will have to share some obligations. When (American) people are working abroad they still have to pay the US Income Tax on April 15th or go to jail. They get some exemptions like double taxation and so on. . I think I am more egalitarian. That's what the Americans are also. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] From CNN News: Discovery docks with space station
Utpal, I completely agree with you about the need for space exploration. Umesh's view on the subject seems to be truncated and myopic (no pun intended). Many people do not realize that: Human Beings do not live for the immediate (our life times) only. The urge to explore whether its deep oceans or space is essential for the human spirit. Even yesterday, they were talking about launching an object into one the meteors that will come threateningly close to earth, The object will supposedly disintegrate a threatening object. But beyond that (immediate gratification or warding off evil objects), even Carl Sagan thought it would be very simplistic (and arogant) to assume that life exists only on earth. This is one area, where the US leaves all other countries far behind. The spirit of exploration is very much alive and well in this country and they are willing to spend the big bucks. Unfortunately, I heard that after this Discovery flight, NASA plans to scrap all shuttles for the future. --Ram da On 7/28/05, Malabika Brahma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Now unless we can find some really strong reasons for pursuing space flights - beyond our immediate space - where te satellites get stuck - I don't see the reason foir roamng around the universe. There is lots of mystery even on earth. What do you say? Umesh I disagree. Space Exploration could very well mean the survival of the mankind and the earth as we know now. Imagine you determine that earth is in a direct collision course with an incoming asteroid that could bring result in a total catastrophe for the mankind. In such a scenario only option open to us would be to blast the incoming asteroid when it is sufficiently away from earth and we would not be able to do that unless we have excellent space technology. Giving up space exploration is something similar to what some folks would have said in 14th century Europe - I see no reason to explore the seas beyond Europe. There is enough land and mystery in Europe, Asia and Africa. If you believed that way , you would have never discovered America. You never know what Space Exploration could mean for future generations - say 100, 200 or 300 years from now. Utpal Brahma umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The two trips to Smithsonian Air and Space Museum (mostly NASA stuff) in DC convinced me that the marginal untility of experiments in space aviation seem to be falling. Since man and woman has already been to another heavenly body besides earth (to moon) -- the excitement for going to another one (mars) seems to be very less. All the scientifc use of these journeys seemed to be limited to getting weather reports or spy info. As a by product there were improvement in computing skills , telecommuncation, projectile launching skills and avaiation science. But that is already through. Now unless we can find some really strong reasons for pursuing space flights - beyond our immediate space - where te satellites get stuck - I don't see the reason foir roamng around the universe. There is lots of mystery even on earth. What do you say? Umesh Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Discovery docks with space station Future shuttle flights on hold Thursday, July 28, 2005; Posted: 8:06 a.m. EDT (12:06 GMT) CNN) -- Discovery docked with the International Space Station on Thursday as NASA tried to determine why insulating foam fell off the shuttle's external fuel tank during its launch. The shuttle-station rendezvous at 7:18 a.m. ET was the first since November 2002, NASA said. Discovery flew in an unusual upside-down maneuver while it docked so space station cameras with special lenses could take pictures of it, looking for possible damage. The images will be sent from the station to NASA engineers on Earth, who will scrutinize Discovery's surface tiles and its thermal-protection system, explained Wayne Hale, deputy shuttle program manager. Any damage will not escape our detection, Hale said at a Wednesday news conference. NASA said that during launch, a piece of tile also fell from Discovery's underside near the forward landing gear -- an area that has a redundant thermal barrier. Falling foam from Columbia's external fuel tank during launch in 2003 was blamed for damaging the spacecraft, which led to the deaths of seven crew members when Columbia attempted to return to Earth. Discovery is the first shuttle launch since that tragedy. The piece of foam fell from Discovery's fuel tank during the shuttle's ascent into orbit on Tuesday. But unlike the Columbia incident, it did not strike the orbiter. Several smaller pieces also tore away, a NASA spokesman said. Discovery's crew is in no apparent danger, but NASA said Wednesday it won't launch any more shuttles until engineers solve the problem of foam falling from the fuel tank. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said
[Assam] Re: Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
The difference between the Indian Army and British Bobby is -- the Indian Army do it all the time in a callous, calculative and well planned manner. Whereas the police officer in London had to do it in split seconds. In my last post I mentioned how wrong Umesh (while supporting your case) was in comparing the Manorama situation and the British police action. I mentioned Bobby had to make a slit-second decision, while the Manorama case was one where a few Assam Rifles jawans committed a crime. Now, above here you have with one sweep made the Indian Army look like they are a vicious group of thugs. The Assam Rifles is NOT the Indian Army, and if we have to compare then either compare the British Army to the Indian Army or Bobby to our 'thula' In spite of certain incidents, the Indian Army, one of the largest in the world is a very diciplined, and efficient set. Can you cite some examples, since you say they do it all the time, where you have found the Indian Army to have planned to rape and plunder anyone? The Indian Army, like the British or even the Pakistani Army, is steeped in tradition, extremely diciplined, with a very efficient code of conduct, courts of Military Justice etc. It is NOT some rag-tag bunch of idiots running around the country. --Ram On 7/27/05, Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The difference between the Indian Army and British Bobby is -- the Indian Army do it all the time in a callous, calculative and well planned manner. Whereas the police officer in London had to do it in split seconds. This morning when I walk past the high street I saw few people waving placards reading Racist killers, No shoot to kill. In my mind to say how lucky you guys are ! -- you are not one of those innocents killed in 7 July. But none of these idealistic protesters have put themselves in the shoe of the undoubtedly courageous police officers who are struggling to protect Britain from the ever -- burgeoning threat of terrorism. It was human error and we all do it. But the difference in other professions, can apologise for their mistakes and move on. It is never that simple for a police officer on what is rapidly becoming the war-style front line of crime fighting in Britain. If the Brazilian had been a suicide bomber, shouting to injure would'nt have prevented him from detonating a bomb. If it is my son I'd be shouting and screaming and demanding a full explanation into how this terrible mistake robbed an innocent man of his life. Looking at it objectively, what is the alternative ?. This is a terrible tragic mistake and no one wishes to distract from the grief suffered by Jean Charles de Menzes' family. But if this country and everyday commuter like myself is going to stand a chance of beating terrorism then Sir Ian Blair (Met Commissioner) is right to say the shoot-to-kill policy stays in place. Rini Kakati Winks nudges are here - Download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! ___ 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 drops pre-conditions - Sentinel
If this news item is true, that would be a complete turn-around for ULFA. ULFA for talks sans condition: Centre NEW DELHI, July 26 (PTI): The Centre today announced in Lok Sabha that it had received appeals for peace talks from United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) which indicate willingness of the insurgent outfit to hold a dialogue without pre-conditions. This was announced by Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy in reply to question raised by some MPs, including Vijay Kumar Malhotra of BJP. The Government has received appeals for peace talks from ULFA and these reflect willingness of the outfit to hold talks with the Government without any pre-conditions and also specifically referred to their 'core demand' of sovereignty, Reghupathy said. In the Government's reply, it was emphasised that the Centre had consistently expressed its willingness to talk to all groups who were prepared to abjure the path of violence. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Ulfa drops pre-conditions - Sentinel
I agree, its not crystal clear from the Sentinel report. But the first paragraph quoted from what Reghupathy said seems to be clear enough. It looks like the ULFA has made some overtures to the GOI, and probably has withdrawn pre-conditions, including sovereignty. Now, I guess we will have to wait till what the ULFA has to say about this. Obviously, this is only the GOI statement. --Ram On 7/27/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The Government has received appeals for peace talks from ULFA and these reflect willingness of the outfit to hold talks with the Government without any pre-conditions and also specifically referred to their 'core demand' of sovereignty, Reghupathy said. Huh? What does this mean? In the Government's reply, it was emphasised that the Centre had consistently expressed its willingness to talk to all groups who were prepared to abjure the path of violence. More Huh? At 8:20 AM -0500 7/27/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: If this news item is true, that would be a complete turn-around for ULFA. ULFA for talks sans condition: Centre NEW DELHI, July 26 (PTI): The Centre today announced in Lok Sabha that it had received appeals for peace talks from United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) which indicate willingness of the insurgent outfit to hold a dialogue without pre-conditions. This was announced by Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy in reply to question raised by some MPs, including Vijay Kumar Malhotra of BJP. The Government has received appeals for peace talks from ULFA and these reflect willingness of the outfit to hold talks with the Government without any pre-conditions and also specifically referred to their 'core demand' of sovereignty, Reghupathy said. In the Government's reply, it was emphasised that the Centre had consistently expressed its willingness to talk to all groups who were prepared to abjure the path of violence. ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] Re: Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
I mean about the comparison between the bobby and the thulla? I was only trying to separate the military from the policy. If one has to compare, then they should compare the British constabulary with the Indian police, and the British Military with the Indian Military. Let's not give the bobby too much credit - wasn't his ancestor responsible for Jallian Wala Bagh? That was the British Army, under Gen. Dyer But, I agree with your other points on British policy. On 7/27/05, Rajib Das [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is that all true? I mean about the comparison between the bobby and the thulla? I agree with you on the decision to put those 8 (wasn't 1 enough?) bullets through the head of a guy running away despite police entreaties and that too with a long coat on. But c'mon - the bobby has had only the first case of bombing from the mullahs. The Indian army has had it happening for sometime now. One hit and the Muslim community has threats, graffiti, mosque burning and what not coming in from the general populace. What happens when that happens on a fairly regular basis -let's say once every month or so for the next 10 years? I am sure they will be butchered way before that. Let's not give the bobby too much credit - wasn't his ancestor responsible for Jallian Wala Bagh? Wasn't British policy one of absolute passivity all these years - give all these Jihadists that create trouble all over the world shelter. Till they come home to roost. Finally, when the very same guys (idealogicially speaking) did the Bombay blasts not too long back (and there were 500 killed, not 50) - the British government (or was it the EU) that had the gall to call upon India to solve Kashmir to prevent these killings. We need the bobby to be putting in those bullets. We also need the protestors to be keeping them on the edge. Hopefully therein they would find a balance over the long term term. --- Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - The difference between the Indian Army and British Bobby is -- the Indian Army do it all the time in a callous, calculative and well planned manner. Whereas the police officer in London had to do it in split seconds. This morning when I walk past the high street I saw few people waving placards reading Racist killers, No shoot to kill. In my mind to say how lucky you guys are ! -- you are not one of those innocents killed in 7 July. But none of these idealistic protesters have put themselves in the shoe of the undoubtedly courageous police officers who are struggling to protect Britain from the ever -- burgeoning threat of terrorism. It was human error and we all do it. But the difference in other professions, can apologise for their mistakes and move on. It is never that simple for a police officer on what is rapidly becoming the war-style front line of crime fighting in Britain. If the Brazilian had been a suicide bomber, shouting to injure would'nt have prevented him from detonating a bomb. If it is my son I'd be shouting and screaming and demanding a full explanation into how this terrible mistake robbed an innocent man of his life. Looking at it objectively, what is the alternative ?. This is a terrible tragic mistake and no one wishes to distract from the grief suffered by Jean Charles de Menzes' family. But if this country and everyday commuter like myself is going to stand a chance of beating terrorism then Sir Ian Blair (Met Commissioner) is right to say the shoot-to-kill policy stays in place. Rini Kakati - Winks nudges are here - Download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! ___ 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 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] News From ToI
Heh! heh! heh! Gill Saheb (allegedly) has been groping for a long time. Even Kiran Devi (I think thats her name) former Commissioner Police, Dehi complained against him. While stationed at Guwahati, it was much the same. I think 3 months RI is too short a time for this buffoon. --Ram On 7/27/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Looks like the Director of the Conflict Resolution Instt. of India needed a bit of conflict resolving himself, I mean with a little better outcome that is. Bezor naakot khore khaele' :-)! KPS Gill found guilty PTI[ WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2005 12:13:50 PM ] Surf 'N' Earn -Sign innow NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the conviction of former Punjab Director General of Police and Indian Hockey Federation president KPS Gill on the charges of outraging the modesty of senior woman IAS officer Rupan Deol-Bajaj. A bench comprising Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice BN Srikrishna upheld the 1998 Punjab and Haryana High Court order convicting Gill under Section 354 and Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code and directing him to pay a compensation of Rs two lakh to Bajaj. As Bajaj has refused to take the money and pleaded that the amount be given to a women's organisation, the apex court said the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court will take an appropriate decision in this regard as the money is lying deposited in the High Court registry. The incident relates to a party on July 18, 1988 where Gill had outraged the modesty of Bajaj. The Supreme Court also dismissed Bajaj's petition seeking restoration of the sentence imposed by the trial court on Gill. The trial court had sentenced Gill to three months rigorous imprisonment. ___ 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 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] New Book on Assam Forest History -The Hindu
For those interested, here is a new book titled 'Jungles, Reserves, Wildlife, A History of Forests in Assam' by Prof ArupJyoti Saikia, Cotton College. Follow the link to see some good photos and a write-up by Dr. MS Prabhakara. http://www.flonnet.com/fl2214/stories/20050715000207200.htm Vol:22 Iss:14 URL: http://www.flonnet.com/fl2214/stories/20050715000207200.htm From wood to jungle to forest M.S. PRABHAKARA Jungles, Reserves, Wildlife: A History of Forests in Assam by Arupjyoti Saikia; Wild Areas Development and Welfare Trust, Guwahati, 2005; pages 372, Rs.595. THE story that the author, who teaches history at the Cotton College in Guwahati, tells is not new. It is nevertheless worth telling again. This is because facts well known are not necessarily remembered, and the lessons from such facts are not necessarily learnt. So, while at times the narration might seem over-comprehensive to the point of the wood being lost for the trees, to use a metaphor apposite to the theme of the book, and the minutiae of its details may sometimes seem irrelevant and even incomprehensible insofar as the general reader is concerned, the story does hold one's attention. Put simply, the story is about how the jungle of pre-colonial times got transformed, one would even say transmogrified, via the mediation of colonial intervention, into the forest of modern days, with everything that the two terms imply. There is, undoubtedly, an element of wistful make-believe in this portrayal of the ancient wood, the archetype of all untamed vegetation that existed in harmony with its environment at the very beginning of plant and animal life on the earth, before jungles and forests, into the pristine jungle of romance and myth, raw and pure and possessing an elemental beauty and mystery and magic, all the qualities seen and ascribed by human beings who even in the earliest times were both awed by its mystery and drawn by its productive resources, to the wild jungle of pre-colonial India and in course of time to the more ordered and managed and profitable forest. The other, more solemn-sounding, objectives that the author sets for himself are to tell of the making of the modern forests of Assam and to frame out the problematic environmental history of the region. Fortunately, little is heard of such problematique postmodernist jargon after the opening pages. This innocence, if one may call it so, of the jungle of pre-colonial times is contrasted with the organisation of everything that followed colonial conquest and the incursion of new varieties of control inherent in the civil and military administration that followed that conquest: the surveys, the enactment of laws, regulations and rules; the commercial exploitation of the forest's wealth for the market whose aim was to preserve the forest to the extent of and in order to get the optimum out of the forests, the classic enlightened-self-interest-for-the-common-and-greater-good approach, the adverse impact that these policies had on the original inhabitants of the forests, human and animal, whose exploitation of their environment was for their own sustenance, not for accumulation of surplus for the market and the creation of wealth for personal enrichment. The book deals with all these subjects, and more. Organised under six chapters (not seven, as the author erroneously says on page 11) excluding the Introduction and After Words (sic) the story covers the period between 1874, when the territory of Assam came under direct colonial rule after being placed under a Chief Commissioner, and 1947. Technically, however, the cut-off point of the narration is 1950, the year of the great earthquake that had, in the author's words, a tremendous impact on the forest resources of Assam in maters of loss of forest coverage and depletion of forest landscape. The lack of conceptual precision made worse by prolixity of the passage cited is typical of much of the author's theoretical formulations - which, again fortunately, taper off after a while, though examples of such prolixity and repetition abound. Here is an example from the very opening pages where the author speaks of the ownership of the forest and the exploitation of its resources, especially timber and elephant: RITU RAJ KONWAR Inside the Manas National Park in Assam. Through a process that involved colonial intervention and subsequently administrative action, the ancient wood transformed itself into jungle and then forest, a term that indicates orderly management and profit. Quite often the Ahom kingdom is known to have paid tributes to the Mughal emperor in the form of large number of elephants as war indemnity (page 9). The elephant often turned out to be the saviour of royal prestige as it was often given as a gift in the case of defeat of Ahoms (page 10). THE story begins with an
Re: [Assam] New Book on Assam Forest History -The Hindu
C'da, But Prabhakara's own prolixity of the review is patience-taxing and patronizing. Could be, could be. Dr. MSP used to live across from us during those Jalukbari days. At that time, even as youngsters, I remember him to have been more of a jean-clad cynic than patronizing. The jeans threw us off - since the rest of the faculty were either suited to the hilt or some like some from the Sanskrit or Assamese depts wore the traditional dhuti-panjabi. Most were uppity, but some like Dr. Maheswar Neog for instance, could be seen around campus, with clean, white dhuti-panjabi, and always a nod and a smile for the campus youngsters. Incidently, in the early 70s, Dr. MSP discovered a mid-sized boat and other relics in his front yard, from the Ahom times (I think), perhaps earlier. Archeologists dug up the rest, put a shed over it, and it was promptly forgotten. I am sure nature must have reclaimed the find by now. --Ram On 7/26/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Interesting. But Prabhakara's own prolixity of the review is patience-taxing and patronizing. At 8:19 AM -0500 7/26/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: For those interested, here is a new book titled 'Jungles, Reserves, Wildlife, A History of Forests in Assam' by Prof ArupJyoti Saikia, Cotton College. Follow the link to see some good photos and a write-up by Dr. MS Prabhakara. http://www.flonnet.com/fl2214/stories/20050715000207200.htm Vol:22 Iss:14 URL: http://www.flonnet.com/fl2214/stories/20050715000207200.htm From wood to jungle to forest M.S. PRABHAKARA Jungles, Reserves, Wildlife: A History of Forests in Assam by Arupjyoti Saikia; Wild Areas Development and Welfare Trust, Guwahati, 2005; pages 372, Rs.595. THE story that the author, who teaches history at the Cotton College in Guwahati, tells is not new. It is nevertheless worth telling again. This is because facts well known are not necessarily remembered, and the lessons from such facts are not necessarily learnt. So, while at times the narration might seem over-comprehensive to the point of the wood being lost for the trees, to use a metaphor apposite to the theme of the book, and the minutiae of its details may sometimes seem irrelevant and even incomprehensible insofar as the general reader is concerned, the story does hold one's attention. Put simply, the story is about how the jungle of pre-colonial times got transformed, one would even say transmogrified, via the mediation of colonial intervention, into the forest of modern days, with everything that the two terms imply. There is, undoubtedly, an element of wistful make-believe in this portrayal of the ancient wood, the archetype of all untamed vegetation that existed in harmony with its environment at the very beginning of plant and animal life on the earth, before jungles and forests, into the pristine jungle of romance and myth, raw and pure and possessing an elemental beauty and mystery and magic, all the qualities seen and ascribed by human beings who even in the earliest times were both awed by its mystery and drawn by its productive resources, to the wild jungle of pre-colonial India and in course of time to the more ordered and managed and profitable forest. The other, more solemn-sounding, objectives that the author sets for himself are to tell of the making of the modern forests of Assam and to frame out the problematic environmental history of the region. Fortunately, little is heard of such problematique postmodernist jargon after the opening pages. This innocence, if one may call it so, of the jungle of pre-colonial times is contrasted with the organisation of everything that followed colonial conquest and the incursion of new varieties of control inherent in the civil and military administration that followed that conquest: the surveys, the enactment of laws, regulations and rules; the commercial exploitation of the forest's wealth for the market whose aim was to preserve the forest to the extent of and in order to get the optimum out of the forests, the classic enlightened-self-interest-for-the-common-and-greater-good approach, the adverse impact that these policies had on the original inhabitants of the forests, human and animal, whose exploitation of their environment was for their own sustenance, not for accumulation of surplus for the market and the creation of wealth for personal enrichment. The book deals with all these subjects, and more. Organised under six chapters (not seven, as the author erroneously says on page 11) excluding the Introduction and After Words (sic) the story covers the period between 1874, when the territory of Assam came under direct colonial rule after being placed under a Chief Commissioner, and 1947. Technically, however, the cut-off point
[Assam] Re: Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
Umesh I wonder this support you extend to the army men deployed in North East India and Kashmir also. I realize that you being based at UK do feel strongly in support of British police -- and speak against the Human Rights groups. Do you also support the rape and killing of Manorama Devi of Manipur in July 2004 - allegedly by Indian armymen-- that they too are humans and can make mistakes and that Human Rights groups are stupid? This is not a logical question and totally unfair. Just because someone supports the British cops does not mean they are giving tacit approval to the attackers of Manorama. In the case of the British cops, the decision was to be made in a split second. A error in judgement can be made. I don't think that was the case in the rape of Manorama. It was probably planned, and carried out by jawans who have such proclivities. They are apples oranges. RK and C'da have categorically said that this is a tradegy. London: The errant officers mau pay the price (thrown of the jobs etc), but the real culprit is the British policy of 'shoot-to-kill' and their sluething . Add to that the inexperience of the officers in firearms. The shoot-to-kill policy is defended on the grounds that a sucide bomber would be carrying explosives on his chest/back, so the suspect should be shot in the head. The Brazillian was shot 8 times from reports (7 to his head, and 1 to the shoulder). --An overkill one could aptly say. Assam/Kashmir: Inspite of the horrors of Manorama Devi or other attrocities, the Indian Govt. does not have a policy of 'shoot-to-kill'. Moreover, Britain is supposedly a paragon of standards, efficiencies, Human rights and secularism. How do you compare British inefficiencies with Indian inefficiencies? IMHO, the officers did what was expected of them under the circumstances - to follow guidelines. Just like Abu Graibh. In the end, the culprit is the faulty guideline, and not so much the officers following them. In the Manoram case, did the jawans go scott-free? Was there a policy in the Indian Govt. that jawans are allowed to rape and pillage? --Ram da On 7/26/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rini-ji, I wonder this support you extend to the army men deployed in North East India and Kashmir also. I realize that you being based at UK do feel strongly in support of British police -- and speak against the Human Rights groups. Do you also support the rape and killing of Manorama Devi of Manipur in July 2004 - allegedly by Indian armymen-- that they too are humans and can make mistakes and that Human Rights groups are stupid? Umesh -- Rini-ji wrote: The so called Human rights, countries Legal Aid system -- Liberal lawyers, all must be rubbing their hands in glee as they begin to sharpening their pens ready to dash off the writs. Firearms are tragically, part and parcel of modern criminal society and our policemen must be equipped to deal with them. They are patrolling London's streets today. Knowing they could be called on fire their weapons at any moment, hoping against hope their target is a terrorist and not an electrician. Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There is no doubt that this is an absolute tragedy. Have you made a mistake at work recently. I did. In fact I do it all the time, little judgements calls that go wrong. Spare a thought then for the policemen responsible for the shooting of Brazilian Electrician. But while most of us can walk away from our mistakes relatively unscathed, those involved now can expect to be charged, face loosing their jobs and even going to jail. But to me -- it is exactly this kind of nonsense that cannot be allowed to happen. The so called Human rights, countries Legal Aid system -- Liberal lawyers, all must be rubbing their hands in glee as they begin to sharpening their pens ready to dash off the writs. Firearms are tragically, part and parcel of modern criminal society and our policemen must be equipped to deal with them. They are patrolling London's streets today. Knowing they could be called on fire their weapons at any moment, hoping against hope their target is a terrorist and not an electrician. Of course the security services have to be accountable. But make no mistake, we are at war here. Not since the Second World War has London been under such sustained attack. Those loonies are still on the lose desperate to blow themselves up and take as many Londoners with them as possible. If any one of them come any where near me while I am at the tube or bus, I want to know that an armed policeman will not hesitate to shoot. I don't want images of internal inquires, sackings and courtrooms flashing through his mind. If we are to ask them to be responsible for our security we must be prepared to take the consequences, when things inevitably go wrong. Every politician in
Re: [Assam] Re: police encounter shootings in UK India - fast macho guys
The Brazilian was quite simply in the wrong place, doing totally the wrong thing at the wrong time. Yet why he made a run for it, despite challenges from police to stop, remains to be explained. Every one will understand the awful dilemma faced by the armed officer. To hold fire and risk more bloodshed, or shoot to kill. The International Herald Tribune said that the young man was chased down. he tripped, and then one of the police officers shot him 5 times in point blank range - when the victim was down. There are several things, I think, that come into play here - the fact that the British police have very little experience with firearms. Special squads have been carrying guns only for the past few years. the fact that London police have a 'shoot-to-kill' policy just instituted since 7/7 the fact that the London Police do not seem to have proper procedures whether or not to shoot and kill someone, when that person has virtually given up and is on the floor. It looks like frayed nerves, inexperience, 'a shoot-to-kill' policy, and suspecting anyone who looks foreign got the better of the London police. --Ram On 7/25/05, Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How important these police officers are -- when it comes to the suicide bomber threat we face today, these people are the gatekeepers between us and the people trying to kill us. So it is vital these highly trained professionals have the confidence of their bosses and the ordinary public. If they don't have that, it might lead them to hesitate -- that split second could be the difference between life and death for hundreds of people. The Brazilian was quite simply in the wrong place, doing totally the wrong thing at the wrong time. Yet why he made a run for it, despite challenges from police to stop, remains to be explained. Every one will understand the awful dilemma faced by the armed officer. To hold fire and risk more bloodshed, or shoot to kill. Rini Kakati _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger 7.0 today! http://messenger.msn.co.uk ___ 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 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] Population insured - Sentinel
This looks like a great step by the current CM. The idea is unique (atleast among Indian states) in that it insures 97% of the population. One thing though, the list of diseases covered doesn't seem to cover anumber of diseases like liver disease, AIDS, mental health, or evenepidemics that creep up from time to time. The other concerns are whether the state machinery has been set-up todeal with the bureaucracy that will come along with such a bigundertaking and more importantly whether the 'voter's list' is uptodate and reliable. Nevertheless, the CM needs to be lauded for taking atleast this first step. _By a Staff ReporterGUWAHATI, July 25: In what he terms as a landmark achievement, ChiefMinister Tarun Gogoi today launched the Mukhya Mantrir Jibon JyotiBima Achoni (Chief Minister's Jibon Jyoti Insurance Scheme), aninsurance scheme for the State's populace against health and accidentrisks. It was on January 1 this year that the Chief Minister hadannounced his intention of launching the scheme which he said would bean exclusive as no other State in the country could boast of such aninsurance coverage. The scheme assumes significance as it has been announced at a timewhen the Congress, which is already pushed to the backfoot by thepost-IM(DT) period developments, is burning candles at both ends toretain the Dispur throne. Announcing the scheme at a press meet here, Gogoi handed over a chequeof Rs 25 crore as one-time premium to the technical director of ICICILombard, the company which was recommended for the deal by theGovernment panel that examined and deciphered the ingenuity of thebids. Incidentally, ICICI Lombard had tendered the lowest bid amongthe five companies that offered to take up the scheme. The MoU between the State Government and the company was signed onJuly 21 which has envisaged the commencement of this scheme fromtoday. However, the insurance of healthcare would come into effectfrom August 25, 2005. As per the 'unique' insurance scheme, hammered out by the StatePlanning and Development Department, every citizen of Assam whose namefigures in the voter's list, and their dependants, excluding the Stateand Central Government employees and those residents whose annualfamily income before tax is Rs 2 Lakh or above, will be covered foraccidental death and healthcare. The sum assured for each person is Rs50,000 in case of accidental death and Rs 25,000 for healthcare. Claims arising out of and/due to acts of terrorism and death or injurysustained due to usage of prohibited or unconventional drugs,consumption of alcohol and banned substances are, however, excludedfrom the scheme. The State and Central Government employees are not covered becausethey are already insured. So leaving out these 15 lakh people, wethink 95-97 per cent of the total population of Assam are insured fromtoday, Gogoi said. State Planning and Development Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informedthat there would be no third party administration and that theDistrict Administration, along with the local revenue officials at thePanchayat level, will help the villagers to make claims and do thesettlement within 60 days. The Benefit Table: (i) Death 100%of SI Rs.50,000/-(ii) Permanent Loss of 50% of SI Rs.25,000/- 2 Hands or 2 Feet or 2 eyes(iii) Permanent Loss of 1 Hand and 1 Foot 50% of SI Rs.25,000/-(iv) Permanent Loss of 1 Hand or 1 Foot50% of SI Rs.25,000/-(v) Permanent Loss of 4 Fingers of either 25% of SI Rs.12,500/- 1 hand or 1 foot or of both.(vi) Medical expenses towards major bone 2% of SI Rs. 1,000/- Fracture. The diseases covered under the policy: a) Alzheimer's disease.b) Open heart surgeryc) Cancerd) Heart Attacke) End Stage Renal failuref)Strokeg) Paralysish) Heart Valve replacement surgeryi)Major Burnsj)Coma— caused due to an accidentk) Parkinson's disease.l)Multiple sclerosism) Deafnessn) Loss of Limbso) Major Organ Transplants. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
Did they really observe him? I don't think so. Had they done so -- they would have realized that he is a Brazilian -- so has no connection with bombings. I think you are right. With all their 'watching', it looks like they not doing a great job. If looks more and more as if they were just watching the station and singling out South Asians. --Ram da On 7/25/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am still wondering whether the policemen in plainclothes are really telling the truth. Initially it was mentioned that they had been observing the guy for a few days before they entered his house and he ran. Now they are saying that that he is a Brazilian who had NO connection with the terrorist. -- So why where they observing him? Did they really observe him? I don't think so. Had they done so -- they would have realized that he is a Brazilian -- so has no connection with bombings. I think they never really chased him to the train station They were just watching people inside the metro station - in their plain clothes. Saw this brown skinned guy entering the train in a thick coat. They called out to him - he didn't respond -- so they panicked (and also became angry.) They killed him in cold blood -- thinking him to be a South Asian. Had he really been a muslim or a South Asian -- noone would ever have doubted their story that they had really been observing him iun his house. Why don't they give proof ? Why don't they show the metro station video - in which he is shown running inside the station -- and the police are chasing him? Every metro station has video cameras at their entrance and corridors. They never really chased him insde the station. They had suspicion and just killed him -- or else show proof! Now I understand why British police is accused of racism by all minority residents . Doesn't such a scenario happen in Assam or Manipur? Umesh Rini Kakati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How important these police officers are -- when it comes to the suicide bomber threat we face today, these people are the gatekeepers between us and the people trying to kill us. So it is vital these highly trained professionals have the confidence of their bosses and the ordinary public. If they don't have that, it might lead them to hesitate -- that split second could be the difference between life and death for hundreds of people. The Brazilian was quite simply in the wrong place, doing totally the wrong thing at the wrong time. Yet why he made a run for it, despite challenges from police to stop, remains to be explained. Every one will understand the awful dilemma faced by the armed officer. To hold fire and risk more bloodshed, or shoot to kill. Rini Kakati _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger 7.0 today! http://messenger.msn.co.uk ___ 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 Can't remember an address in your address book? Enter the first few letters and Address AutoComplete will automatically finish it. Get Yahoo! Mail ___ 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 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] Vision 2020 and Assam - AT Editorial
This op-ed by Pranjal Bezborah is trying to bring an important issueto the forefront. This India Vision 2020 proports to transform India into a developedcountry in 2020. I am sure some states will take the cue from Dr.Kalam, and will definitely do everything they can to accomplish theVision. Will Assam be one of those states? Bezborah asks the right questions. Where will Assam stand in 2020vis-a-vis other states? Will the gaps in development compared to someother states, we see now, become more pronounced? If Assam were to also jump into this band-wagon, what are the coreminimum requirements that she must have now to envision such a future. --RamVision 2020 and Assam— Pranjal BezborahThe President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, as Chairman of the TechnologyInformation Forecast-ing and Assessment Council (TIFAC) guided anumber of technology projects and missions to take India into thetwenty first century. The document on Technology Vision 2020 is ablueprint to make India a developed country. Dr Kalam said, For several decades India has been addressed in everyinternational forum as a developing country. It is the dream of everycitizen of this country to see India transform itself into a developednation in about two decades. The time has now come, when our thoughtsand aspirations have to be converted into missions and thereafter intoresult oriented actions. The Vision 2020 has been described in detail in two documents – one byTIFAC and the other by the Department of Defence Research andDevelopment in 18 volumes. These two documents addressed the wealthgeneration and wealth protection aspects in a very comprehensivemanner and identified technology as the linking factor. The fusion ofthese two documents resulted in the India Millennium Missions 2020(IMM 2020), which has an excellent framework and road map for making astrong and developed India by the year 2020. To transform India to a developed country, five areas have beenidentified where the country has core competence for an integratedaction : (1) agriculture and food processing, (2) reliable and qualityelectric power for all parts of the country, (3) education andhealthcare, (4) information technology and (5) strategic sectors likenuclear technology, space technology and defence technology. Thesefive areas according to Dr Kalam, are closely inter-related andculminate in 30 IMM 2020 missions leading to economic securitymissions, involving close, sustained and intense cooperation andcollaboration between various agencies of the Government of India,State government agencies, industry and business and several otherNGOs. Thus, a strong synergetic partnership among research anddevelopment, academia, industry and community as a whole with thegovernment departments will be essential to accomplish the vision. Vision documents suggest that all of us have a role to play inrealising the vision, actions are many, but the goal is one. There isa role for every action aimed at making a developed India. Dr Kalamdescribes the role of various individuals, organisations and agenciesfor the country's transformation as follows : Teacher, banker, doctor, administrator or other professional : Devotea few days in a month to doing something better; something speedier;something of high quality; something which will make you proud;something which will make a poorer or suffering person's life a littlebetter. Government ministries/departments : Take one mission each to realisethe vision of developed India with internal core strength, preferablyin partnership with other departments, agencies, NGOs and privatesectors. Central Public Sector Undertakings : One project each to make adeveloped India. They are to unleash their technological strengths.This should be in addition to the mission their concerned ministriesmay launch and for which they will contribute. State Public Sector Undertakings : Mission document asks them totransform themselves at least one area to serve the people in theirrespective area of operation. If possible they may launch one projectwith partners on similar lines that goes beyond their region. Research and Development laboratories/academic institu-tions : Theyhave the unique opportunities to be the front-runner. Eachlab/institution to launch such a project of their own, in addition tocontributing to missions PSUs projects, etc. Private Sector : Each large private sector industry/organisationshould launch a project similar to what is suggested for PSUs, inaddition to its own corporate plans and other demands placed on it bygovernment sponsored missions and projects. Media : They should spread the message of success, however small thesuccess is. There are many grim events and developments that they haveto cover, but the positive can also be news. They have a role inbuilding up an image of an India with hundreds and thousands of heroesand heroines who are changing the
Re: [Assam] TOI - 'Delete Dalit slur from scriptures' -- a positive move
Bad as it looks, let whats written in the scriptures be there. As DD says, they ought to be a part of the history. Further, even though (beating of Dalits, women dogs) may be written in the scriptures, obviously the majority of the Hindus are NOT following it. Here, personal behavior is what needs to be accountable. Reminds one of the Old Testament. There are many references in the OT, if read today, would be considered racial, against women etc etc. So, they came up with the New Testament, and versions of the Bible (King James etc). Maybe the Hindus too should come up with a newer (more acceptable versions) of scriptures to satisfy the sensibilities of different groups. -- Ram On 7/22/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nowhere in the report does it say that someone is expecting the expunging of 'dalit slur' as a constitutional duty. The reference to the constitution was obviously to underscore the fact that '--Constitution giving equal rights to all, meaning Dalits or women,or illiterates are fit to be 'beaten' -- an enlightened bit of Hindu civilization no doubt-- is not something the Constitution approves of. How therefore can the scriptures of the dominant religion, aspiring to become the state religion at that, could continue to publish such garbage?. The demand to expunge is to the custodians of Hinduism. Apparently one of the Sankaracharyyas is supportive of the idea. Being such a controversial notion the others may or may not go along. After all it is one of Hinduism's proud legacies, fit to be preserved as History even though not preached overtly to be practised. But being a part of the authentic scriptures, the true believers could be free to practise in the privacy of their own homes. That too could be another interpretation, couldn't it? At 6:59 AM -0700 7/22/05, Dilip/Dil Deka wrote: I realize it is a touchy subject - separating scriptures from the constitution in the minds of the average citizen. What do scriptures have to do with the functioning of democracy in India? Indian constitution does not make any reference to the scriptures. Does it? Let the scriptures remain in the history of India. One cannot erase the past. The thrust should be in correcting the past mistakes in real life and that needs to be started in the interior areas of Bihar, UP, Gujarat, Tamilnadu and wherever else it is deeply rooted. Dilip Deka umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 'Delete Dalit slur from scriptures' http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1178311.cms NEW DELHI: Delete objectionable references to Dalits from the scriptures if you want to intensify the fight against untouchability, says National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman Suraj Bhan. Bhan claims he has the blessings of the Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt has for his demand and he will soon meet other Sankaracharyas to garner support for his cause. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Bhan said that references like dhol ganwar shudra pashu nari, sakal tadan ke adhikari (drum, illiterate, Dalit, animal, women, all are fit only to be beaten) in Ramcharitmanas should not be allowed in print in a society with a Constitution giving equal rights to all. He said fresh edited versions of these scriptures should be brought out. Bhan said the Commission will hold conferences in all the states to generate awakening on the subject. In a bid to garner support for his endeavour, Bhan met the religious head of the Sringeri seat earlier last week. He has agreed to support my cause and asked me to speak to other Sankaracharyas on this issue and then a joint appeal can be made, he said. Saying that Dalits were still subject to discrimination, Bhan said atrocities against them were continuing to rise despite government's attempts to control them. He said eight Dalits were killed in police custody last year. The same story exists in all states, he said. Recalling tales of tsunami survivors from upper castes refusing to share relief camps with Dalits, Bhan lamented, Untouchability was in their minds despite having come back from the jaws of death. How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Yahoo! Photos. Get Yahoo! Photos___ 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 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] Assamese Diaspora - Sentinel Letter
The Assamese Diaspora It is a painful experience to watch from a distance that the regional political party (AGP) is split due to the strident groupism and avarice for power by a gaggle of self-serving netas. The lack of unity is our community characteristic, which is confined not only to the State but has also survived in our transatlantic voyage. The Assamese diaspora of the USA is a glistening example. Although Indians, having metastasized to a whooping 1.7 million today, are the single largest community among the movers and shakers here in the US (to a large extent attributed to the Midas touch of the IIT graduates and physicians), the size of the Assamese community is really puny. Yet, this tiny community has garnered the pitiable distinction of having multitude of organizations, at least half a dozen, thanks to the presence of some lethally factious elements within the community. The hallmark of these organizations is their tendency to quibble about trifles. Last year, the two major organizations locked horns over the 'name' of the annual Assamese get-together. While one was bent on naming the event as Assam 2004, the other insisted on styling the same as Assam convention. Since they could not agree, the conundrum of moniker had refused to go away till the last moment. The fallout of this in-fighting was easy to visualize. The expectation of having a joint jamboree fell like a house of cards just over such a petty issue. In my view, from the drawing rooms of the better neighbourhoods of Guwahati and the elite weekend retreats of America, all the way to the roadside stalls in suburban Assam, we have mastered the art of disunity. Kamaljit Deka, (by e-mail) Sugarland, Texas, USA. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] TOI - 'Delete Dalit slur from scriptures' -- a positive move
C'da,
That has nothing to do with the issue at hand Ram
I brought it up, because there too, you have people (practioners) who
are willing to follow what the Founders wrote, to the letter, and then
there are those who would like to change things around to suit needs.
So, whether it is the scriptures or the Const. it all boils down to
who the practioners are.
On 7/22/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Incidently, it the same when adhering to the US Constitution. There
are these 'Originalists' and then there are those
'Constructionalists'. Looks like the Originalists are wining,and can
expect to maintain that lead for the next 40 years or so.
That has nothing to do with the issue at hand Ram
At 10:50 AM -0500 7/22/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
C'da,
But enlightened versions ought to be the handbooks for the
practitioners. Not just to ---satisfy the sensibilities of different
groups, but because anything less ought to be shameful for anyone
who would pay any heed to them.
Whether they are 'enlightened versions' or not, they are always meant
for practioners. And, as I mentioned earlier, not all that is written
is followed. This reference to 'beatings' is obviously NOT followed by
a overwhelming majority of practising Hindus in today's day age.
Practioners pick choose, and interpretations are in the end, left to
the practioners (to suit their own needs).
Incidently, it the same when adhering to the US Constitution. There
are these 'Originalists' and then there are those
'Constructionalists'. Looks like the Originalists are wining,and can
expect to maintain that lead for the next 40 years or so.
--Ram
On 7/22/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
So, they came up with the New Testament, and versions of the Bible
(King James etc). Maybe the Hindus too should come up with a newer
(more acceptable versions) of scriptures to satisfy the sensibilities
of different groups.
For some strange reason I think that is exactly what the demand
means. I couldn't, if I wanted to, see how it could mean suggesting
going burning the books that had this stuff in it already.
But enlightened versions ought to be the handbooks for the
practitioners. Not just to ---satisfy the sensibilities of different
groups, but because anything less ought to be shameful for anyone
who would pay any heed to them.
But perhaps them touchy dalits, women and illiterates would go along
with the option of the custodians of the faith to eat it as 'jiji',
if not 'maas', as a compromise to satisfy the sensibilities of the
touchy ones.
I tell you, this PC thing is nasty isn't it? It is everywhere :-).
At 10:18 AM -0500 7/22/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
Bad as it looks, let whats written in the scriptures be there. As DD
says, they ought to be a part of the history.
Further, even though (beating of Dalits, women dogs) may be written
in the scriptures, obviously the majority of the Hindus are NOT
following it. Here, personal behavior is what needs to be accountable.
Reminds one of the Old Testament. There are many references in the OT,
if read today, would be considered racial, against women etc etc.
So, they came up with the New Testament, and versions of the Bible
(King James etc). Maybe the Hindus too should come up with a newer
(more acceptable versions) of scriptures to satisfy the sensibilities
of different groups.
-- Ram
On 7/22/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Nowhere in the report does it say that someone is expecting
the expunging of
'dalit slur' as a constitutional duty.
The reference to the constitution was obviously to underscore
the fact that
'--Constitution giving equal rights to all, meaning Dalits or
women,or
illiterates are fit to be 'beaten' -- an enlightened bit of Hindu
civilization no doubt-- is not something the Constitution
approves of. How
therefore can the scriptures of the dominant religion,
aspiring to become
the state religion at that, could continue to publish such garbage?.
The demand to expunge is to the custodians of Hinduism.
Apparently one of
the Sankaracharyyas is supportive of the idea. Being such a
controversial
notion the others may or may not go along. After all it is one
of Hinduism's
proud legacies, fit to be preserved as History even though not
preached
overtly to be practised. But being a part of the authentic
scriptures, the
true believers could be free to practise in the privacy of
their own homes.
That too could be another interpretation, couldn't it?
At 6:59 AM -0700 7/22/05, Dilip/Dil Deka wrote:
I realize it is a touchy subject - separating scriptures from the
constitution in the minds
[Assam] Militancy claimed 315 li ves in ’04 - From the AT
The casualty figures for extremists and security personnel were 104and 17 respectively in Assam, which shows that militants succeeded inkilling much more civilians than security men As usual the innocent pay the price. Nearly 200 of them in '04. Militancy claimed 315 lives in '04 By Sivasish Thakur GUWAHATI, July 20 – Militancy-related violence claimed a total of 315lives, including 194 civilians, in Assam last year. The civiliancasualty was also the highest in the State among the north-easternStates. In comparison, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland recorded 62, 67and 42 civil casualties respectively during the same period. The casualty figures for extremists and security personnel were 104and 17 respectively in Assam, which shows that militants succeeded inkilling much more civilians than security men. On the positive side, the total cases of extremist-related violence inthe State showed a marked decline at 267, compared to 358 in 2003. Thenumber of lives lost, too, was much more at 401 in 2003. Last yearalso saw the surrender of 742 militants, while 161 were arrested. Kidnapping also came down drastically in all these States. The figures were revealed in a recent report of the Union Home Ministry. Manipur and Tripura were the other two States that continued to beaffected by militancy, recording 320 and 212 cases of violencerespectively. While the number of people killed in Manipur was 212,Tripura's casualty list stood at 164. The maximum number of extremists killed was in Manipur with a toll of112, while Tripura accounted for the highest security personnelcasualty with a total of 46. Manipur came a close second with 38.Manipur also topped the list of militancy-related violence with 320incidents. Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh recorded 47 and 41 cases of extremistviolence last year, resulting in the loss of 47 and 43 livesrespectively. Mizoram, as usual, remained the most peaceful State. Itrecorded just three incidents of violence, with three militant deathsand an equal number arrested. There was no civilian casualty, whileonly one person was kidnapped. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Militancy claimed 315 li ves in '04 - From the AT
Hi C'da, It might seem like a good reason to try and end the conflict, by GoI holding negotiations with ULFA, wouldn't you think? Most will agree with you here. Ulfa-Center negotiations are important and a peaceful resoultion must come about for whatever progress Assam can salvage from years of conflict. Refering to Baruah's anaylses: He makes several good points. But see below, from Baruah's article. *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 loved ones. How will it explain a complete turn-around of goals *and strategy to them? If this is true, then it is not promising, well either for negotiations with Ulfa or future factional groups that may be dissatisfied with anything the Ulfa leadership can get out of a possible peaceful settlement. And if, what Baruah says is true, it gives one an insight into the makeup of Ulfa's leadership hold on its cadres. How strong are these holds? Will the leaders be able to explain away a less then desired outcome (or sans sovereignty) to their cadres? Will that, in turn create still more disgruntled groups? The usually loud and rancorous net has been awfully quiet. I hope it was not because I was not there to ignite passions :-). That could well be true. I think the net goes thru these phases. But its good to have you back. --Ram On 7/21/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Ram: It might seem like a good reason to try and end the conflict, by GoI holding negotiations with ULFA, wouldn't you think? Apparently not everyone thinks so. I liked the article written by Sanjib Baruah, a sane voice amongst the cacophony of those who would rather not see that happen. I had been horribly busy, that was why the short sabbatical. But looks like you guys dropped the ball too. The usually loud and rancorous net has been awfully quiet. I hope it was not because I was not there to ignite passions :-). c-da At 9:48 AM -0500 7/21/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: The casualty figures for extremists and security personnel were 104and 17 respectively in Assam, which shows that militants succeeded inkilling much more civilians than security men As usual the innocent pay the price. Nearly 200 of them in '04. Militancy claimed 315 lives in '04 By Sivasish Thakur GUWAHATI, July 20 - Militancy-related violence claimed a total of 315lives, including 194 civilians, in Assam last year. The civiliancasualty was also the highest in the State among the north-easternStates. In comparison, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland recorded 62, 67and 42 civil casualties respectively during the same period. The casualty figures for extremists and security personnel were 104and 17 respectively in Assam, which shows that militants succeeded inkilling much more civilians than security men. On the positive side, the total cases of extremist-related violence inthe State showed a marked decline at 267, compared to 358 in 2003. Thenumber of lives lost, too, was much more at 401 in 2003. Last yearalso saw the surrender of 742 militants, while 161 were arrested. Kidnapping also came down drastically in all these States. The figures were revealed in a recent report of the Union Home Ministry. Manipur and Tripura were the other two States that continued to beaffected by militancy, recording 320 and 212 cases of violencerespectively. While the number of people killed in Manipur was 212,Tripura's casualty list stood at 164. The maximum number of extremists killed was in Manipur with a toll of112, while Tripura accounted for the highest security personnelcasualty with a total of 46. Manipur came a close second with 38.Manipur also topped the list of militancy-related violence with 320incidents. Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh recorded 47 and 41 cases of extremistviolence last year, resulting in the loss of 47 and 43 livesrespectively. Mizoram, as usual, remained the most peaceful State. Itrecorded just three incidents of violence, with three militant deathsand an equal number arrested. There was no civilian casualty, whileonly one person was kidnapped. ___ 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 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 treasure trove from Assam -The Hindu
For those of us who enjoy the arts (and history), here are something delightful manuscript paintings. There are more than 3000 of the paintings and A digital catalogue of the documented manuscripts will soon be available for the public at the museum sounds all the more promising. --Ram To see some the paintings follow the link http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2215/stories/20050729000206500.htm _ A treasure trove from Assam SUSHANTA TALUKDAR in Guwahati Photographs: Ritu Raj Konwar A study and documentation of 34 manuscripts containing more than 3,000 paintings brings to light interesting facts about the rich tradition of Assamese manuscript painting. WHEN Alexander invaded Punjab, the Greeks discovered the Indian tradition of using the inner bark of trees and well-beaten cotton cloth as writing materials. It is believed that the Greeks were also aware of Assam's rich tradition of making sanchipat (manuscripts) from the inner bark of the sanchi (aloe) tree. It is believed that the manuscripts were produced in Assam long before the 7th century A.D., through a complex, long and intricate method of preparation. This tradition is not known to have existed in any place apart from Assam. From Bana's Harshacharita, written in the 7th century A.D., it is known that Bhaskarvarma, the king of Kamrupa, or ancient Assam, gifted to Harshavardhana, king of northern India, volumes of fine writing with leaves made from aloe bark and the hue of ripe cucumber. Bana has mentioned that the gifts from Bhaskarvarma also included a pair of wooden panels, to one side of which were attached coloured pots of small gourds and brushes. The aloe tree is still found in plenty in several parts of Assam, and the oil extracted from its wood (agaru in Assamese) is exported to West Asia. But the rich tradition of using the inner bark of this valuable tree as writing material no longer exists. The historian Sir Edward Gait describes the craft of preparing manuscripts in Assam in A History of Assam: A tree is selected of about 15 or 16 years' growth and 30 to 50 inches in girth measured about 4 feet from the ground. From this the bark is removed in strips from 6 to 18 feet long, and from 3 to 27 inches in breadth. The strips are rolled up separately with the inner or white part inside, and are dried in the sun for several days. They are then rubbed by hand on a board, on some other hard substance, so as to facilitate the removal of the outer or scaly portion of the bark. After this, they are exposed to the dew for one night. Next morning the outer layer of the bark (nikari) is carefully removed, and the bark proper is cut into pieces of a convenient size 9 to 27 inches long and 3 to 18 inches broad. These are put into cold water for about an hour and the alkali is extracted, after which the surface is scraped smooth with a knife. They are often dried in the sun for half an hour and when perfectly dry are rubbed with a piece of burnt brick. A paste prepared from matimah (Phaseous raditus) is next rubbed in and the bark is dried yellow by means of yellow arsenic. This is followed again by sun drying, after which the strips are rubbed as smooth as marble. The process is now complete and the strips are ready for use. INTERESTING facts about the tradition have come to light following an in-depth study and documentation of 34 manuscripts containing more than 3,000 paintings, by Samiran Boruah, a painter and the curator of the Assam State Museum in Guwahati. The documentation and the study were facilitated by a grant from the India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore. A digital catalogue of the documented manuscripts will soon be available for the public at the museum. Preparing hengul-haital, the only colour that is traditionally used in the manuscripts. Even though the documented manuscripts were done in the 17th and 18th centuries, they represent an older tradition, which is close to the western Indian tradition. Most scholars thought until recently that the Assamese school was a derivative of the Pala school. The Art historian and scholar Moti Chandra, while commenting upon the paintings of the 10th Book of Bhagavata of Bali Satra (Satras are the Vaishnavaite monasteries of Assam which still preserve a large number of Assamese manuscripts), once opined that they were similar to the 18th century Nepali and Bengali paintings. Samiran Boruah, however, by citing the paintings of the same manuscript, established that the composition of those paintings were structurally closer to those of the 15th century manuscript of Laur Chandra and the 16th century manuscript of Mrigavat in Bharat Kala Bhawan in Varanasi, both of which belong to the western Indian tradition. Boruah also established, by citing some peculiarities of the Assamese school, that it had originated before the Persian influence was in vogue in North India. According to him, pictorial abstraction is one of the significant features of the
Re: [Assam] From the ToI
Finding this historical visit gleaming across the top headlines of all major Indian papers online, I tried to look for similar shades in the US newspapers. Unfortunately, failing to find any headline even vaguely relevant to this event, Totally untrue. Yesterday, the Karl Rove factor took over. It was during the joint press conference (The PM the Bush) that a question about Karl Rove came up Both NYT and Wash. Post had the visit in headlines today. In the Washington Post, this was today's headlines http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/18/AR2005071801646.html Same with the NYT http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/19/politics/19prexy.html?hpex=1121832000en=cbc39e2f9b87cdccei=5094partner=homepage Not that it matters, but the author's gripe seems to have hinged on the preimise that US media totally ignored the visit. On 7/19/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Take a look at the comments to the blog post. cm http://o3.indiatimes.com/singhdekhyaal/archive/2005/07/19/183144.aspx?Pending=true Same event, but two perspectives Just as the same coin looks completely different depending upon the side you look at it from, seems the present visit of Dr Manmohan Singh to the United States. Whereas on one hand, the Indian press is going gaga on how seldom one sees foreign flags fluttering in the stiff Washington breeze and on the US red carpet for Manmohan, as if it were tucked away in the vaults for years only to be rolled out for this once-in-a-millenium state visit (pardon the exaggeration, though which I have only borrowed from the press), people here in the US don't give a penny about what the Indian chief has to say. Finding this historical visit gleaming across the top headlines of all major Indian papers online, I tried to look for similar shades in the US newspapers. Unfortunately, failing to find any headline even vaguely relevant to this event, I had to employ the search feature to excavate two short stories about the meeting today in the New York Times and the Washington Post. Disappointed, I turned to Google, and typed in the keywords I was confident would bring me substantial non-Indian sponsored coverage of Dr. Singh's visit - white house, manmohan, bush, india ... And Lo and Behold! I see the white house website! My falling spirits rejuvinated, I clicked on the link (www.whitehouse.gov), and immediately my pupils dilated - TWO stories covering this visit, and one picture! TWO STORIES - can you beat that! Never mind that the top headline on the site had little to do with this issue (Press Briefing by Scott McClellan). With adrenalin gushing through my vessels like the Amazon in flood, I clicked on the link that said - Play Video. My back riveted to my chair, I devoured each and every word the two heads of states had to say - Bush on how fruitful the discussions were, and Singh rambling on about why India deserves a permanent seat in the UNSC. And right when I had almost convinced myself that I was wrong in believing that this trip meant nothing to the Americans, came the jolt which threw me back towards reality - the Question and Answer round. 4 questions were asked, 2 by American reporters and 2 by the Indian reporters. And whereas the latter, like well behaved professionals, asked two relevant questions to the two leaders respectively, their US counterparts did quite the contrary. Both their questions directed to George Bush were on national issues as closely related to the India-US relations as a football match in the US and the festival of Holi in India (apologies for the absurd analogy, but I was at a loss to find two things quite as unrelated). Imagine Bill Clinton and Vajpayee addressing a conference in Delhi, and a reporter asking the latter about what he feels should be done to improve the Indian cricket team! With 3 questions directed at his counterpart, 2 out of which were about issues he possibly hadn't even heard of, Manmohan Singh would've breathed a sigh of relief when an Indian reporter stood up to give this poor man some respect - Phew! I'm glad I had planted my man amongst these disrespectful Americans! Manmohan who??? ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] From the ToI
C'da Haven't heard from you for a while. But surely also, it was nothing like what the desi-press apparently is making it out to be In India the desi press (and many people) is always agog with news from the West. Its always been 'Go West young man, go West'. Nothing new there. That has always been the case. As for the US press, the lack of coverage (except for papers like NYT), the public is not interested in anything of this nature. What coverage did the Japanese PM or the German Chancellor get during their visits? Karzai of Afganistan actually got more coverage than the Germans or the Japanese. In all probability most of the country doesn't even know they exist (forget about such state visits). The press in Europe may be different, but in the US, cases like Terri Shaivo or Emily the Hurricane are more newsworthy, than mundane affairs of the state. My sense is that the US media devotes very little space to international news, and the public are truly not interested in such things. The author IMHO made the classic error of giving the US media and public more credit than they ought to get for their coverage of international news. Then he compounded that by writing an op-ed based on such faulty assumptions. Bottom line for India is getting into the nuclear club, and the signing of 16 odd pacts with the US, news coverage not withstanding. Thats the big plus as far as India is concerned. --Ram On 7/19/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Totally untrue. *** I saw the NYT coverage, both days. Read it on the web. Surely it was front page coverage. But surely also, it was nothing like what the desi-press apparently is making it out to be. In the fly-over country , here in St. Louis, it was a one column, 6 long story, on page 3. Here Karl Rove of course is much bigger news than the Indian PM's visit. That is the crux of what the ToI blogger was saying. In that he was on the mark. At 9:26 AM -0500 7/19/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Finding this historical visit gleaming across the top headlines of all major Indian papers online, I tried to look for similar shades in the US newspapers. Unfortunately, failing to find any headline even vaguely relevant to this event, Totally untrue. Yesterday, the Karl Rove factor took over. It was during the joint press conference (The PM the Bush) that a question about Karl Rove came up Both NYT and Wash. Post had the visit in headlines today. In the Washington Post, this was today's headlines http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/18/AR2005071801646.html Same with the NYT http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/19/politics/19prexy.html?hpex=1121832000en=cbc39e2f9b87cdccei=5094partner=homepage Not that it matters, but the author's gripe seems to have hinged on the preimise that US media totally ignored the visit. On 7/19/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Take a look at the comments to the blog post. cm http://o3.indiatimes.com/singhdekhyaal/archive/2005/07/19/183144.aspx?Pending=true Same event, but two perspectives Just as the same coin looks completely different depending upon the side you look at it from, seems the present visit of Dr Manmohan Singh to the United States. Whereas on one hand, the Indian press is going gaga on how seldom one sees foreign flags fluttering in the stiff Washington breeze and on the US red carpet for Manmohan, as if it were tucked away in the vaults for years only to be rolled out for this once-in-a-millenium state visit (pardon the exaggeration, though which I have only borrowed from the press), people here in the US don't give a penny about what the Indian chief has to say. Finding this historical visit gleaming across the top headlines of all major Indian papers online, I tried to look for similar shades in the US newspapers. Unfortunately, failing to find any headline even vaguely relevant to this event, I had to employ the search feature to excavate two short stories about the meeting today in the New York Times and the Washington Post. Disappointed, I turned to Google, and typed in the keywords I was confident would bring me substantial non-Indian sponsored coverage of Dr. Singh's visit - white house, manmohan, bush, india ... And Lo and Behold! I see the white house website! My falling spirits rejuvinated, I clicked on the link (www.whitehouse.gov), and immediately my pupils dilated - TWO stories covering this visit, and one picture! TWO STORIES - can you beat that! Never mind that the top headline on the site had little to do with this issue (Press Briefing by Scott McClellan). With adrenalin gushing through my vessels like the Amazon in flood, I clicked on the link that said - Play Video. My back riveted to my chair, I devoured each and every word the two heads of states had to say - Bush on how fruitful
Re: [Assam] AASU on IMDT repeal
I think this is a major step forward in tackling the illegal problem. The crux of the act seems to be that now the onus of proving citizenship lies with the individual and NOT the government. Some of tried to make this out to be like 'guilty until proven innocent', but I look at it in a different way - everyone is required to produce proof of their citizenship when crossing international borders. This is similar, and those that are accused can show proof in various ways. Now if only the polititcians set aside the urge to coddle illegals aliens, at least the 2.5 lakhs now being processed can be deported. On 7/12/05, manoj das [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: SC decision would protect indigenous people: AASU Guwahati, July 12: Hailing the Supreme Court verdict scrapping IMDT Act as an important first step towards clearing Assam of Bangladeshis, the All Assam Students Union today celebrated the ruling by blowing trumpets and bursting crackers. For AASU, which spearheaded a six-year long bloody anti-foreigners agitation in the eighties, the sc decision was a vindication of their stand that IMDT had failed to solve the problem caused by large scale influx of Bangladeshis. This is an important first step towards clearing Assam from the clutches of the Bangladeshis as the procedure under the foreigners act things will be more simple, its advisor Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya told news agencies in an interview here. The decision of the court has again brought to the limelight the issues raised by the student body and will definitely protect the rights of the indegenous people as infiltration had threatened the demographic pattern of the state, he said. Lambasting the ruling Congress as well as opposition AGP and BJP for failure to protect the rights of indigenous people, Bhattacharya who is also the chairman of the North East Students Organisation (NESO) alleged the political parties had never fought for the state's cause as the IMDT was only applicable in Assam. Bureau Report -- ___ Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] Supreme Court strikes down IMDT Act
Let us hope Tarun Gogoi govt will not oppose the SC decision to get votes. I don't think they will. Its politically too risky for the Govt. tooppose it now and become a hinderance. On 7/12/05, Rajen Barua [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The previous AGP government had initiated the process for repeal of the IMDT Act, 1983 but Tarun Gogoi government overturned the policy decision and supported its continuance.I think we should give marks to AGP and the people of Assam should take note of things. Let us hope Tarun Gogoi govt will not oppose the SC decision to get votes. The question remains, who is going to implement the new provision of the law. Rajen Barua - Original Message - From: manoj das To: assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 8:12 AM Subject: [Assam] Supreme Court strikes down IMDT Act SC strikes down Illegal Migrant Act New Delhi, July 12: The Supreme Court today struck down the controversial Illegal Migrants (determination through tribunal) Act operating in Assam to identify Bangladeshi migrants. BJP hails SC's decision IMDT Act—A backgrounder The apex court directed that! all tribunals functioning under the IMDT, which has been declared unconstitutional, would seize functioning with immediate effect. The court, allowing the petition filed by AGP leader Sarbanand Sonawal, said all pending matters before the IMDT tribunal would stand transfer to tribunals under the Foreigners Act. Taking note of the huge influx of Bangladesh migrants into Assam, the court directed the state government to constitute sufficient number of tribunals under the Foreigners Act to deal with the situation effectively. The previous AGP government had initiated the process for repeal of the IMDT Act, 1983 but Tarun Gogoi government overturned the policy decision and supported its continuance. The previous NDA government had also supported repeal of the act. Bureau ReportIMDT Act—A backgrounder The apex court directed that all tribunals functioning under the IMDT, which has been declared unconstitutional, would seize functioning with! immediate effect. The court, allowing the petition filed by AGP leader Sarbanand Sonawal, said all pending matters before the IMDT tribunal would stand transfer to tribunals under the Foreigners Act. Taking note of the huge influx of Bangladesh migrants into Assam, the court directed the state government to constitute sufficient number of tribunals under the Foreigners Act to deal with the situation effectively. The previous AGP government had initiated the process for repeal of the IMDT Act, 1983 but Tarun Gogoi government overturned the policy decision and supported its continuance. The previous NDA government had also supported repeal of the act. Bureau Report The apex court directed that all tribunals functioning under the IMDT, which has been declared unconstitutional, would seize functioning with immediate effect. The court, allowing the petition filed by AGP leader Sarbanand Sonawal, said all pending matters before the IMDT tr! ibunal would stand transfer to tribunals under the Foreigners Act. Taking note of the huge influx of Bangladesh migrants into Assam, the court directed the state government to constitute sufficient number of tribunals under the Foreigners Act to deal with the situation effectively. The previous AGP government had initiated the process for repeal of the IMDT Act, 1983 but Tarun Gogoi government overturned the policy decision and supported its continuance. The previous NDA government had also supported repeal of the act. Bureau Report -- ___ Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ___ 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: ht! tp://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] London torn into pieces: My heart bleeds
Dear Ms. Kakati, Your comparison between the London bombings and that in Dispur did bring out the ground realities. It really does not matter to the general public whether they are (shamelessly and ruthlessly) attacked by insurgents from the Ulfa or Jehadi types. The effects are the same. We are really glad that you and your loved ones are safe and you were not hurt. We are also glad that London showed these terrorists that everyday life cannot be affected by terrorists who try to bring everthing to a halt by killing some innocent victims. With best wishes --Ram On 7/9/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Kakati, We heartily congratulate you on your providential and narrow escape from the London blasts,which took place recently.We are very happy to learn that you were unhurt.Our good wishes are always with you.Terrorists of all shades and grades,when apprehended, should be processed instantly.Those,who chuck bombs with an eye to snuff innocent human beings out of their lives,donot qualify for human rights. KJDeka,Sugarland,USA. On Thursday morning I took the tube from Baker street to Whitechapel station my usual route to work. I was lucky to got off in time 10 minutes away from Liverpool station, when the bomb blast. I was holding onto my Saibaba locket and prayed for saving my life. This is the second time that I have been caught up in a major disaster and to be honest, I am feeling very shaky. Inspite of the massive difference in surroundings there have been uncanny similarities with the bomb explosion at Ganeshguri Market, Dispur few years back where I was shopping on that fatal day. The same bewildered expression of innocent people stunned by sudden horror. The same creeping realisation that people are dead and dying. I can't believe that such barbarism should come the day after the national euphoria at winning the Olympics. It is desperately sad. And especially when G8 Summit of world leaders gathered for its mission to make poverty history. Terrorist on this earth don't care about anyone. Their killing is indiscriminate. Edgeware Road is full of Arabs, Aldgate has many Asians and predominately Muslims. How our earth anybody can really believe that God is pleased with this, that killing innocent people will earn them a place in Heaven. Every act of terrorism in the name of religion is wrong and does damage to those practising it. Walking down Oxford street you feel like you are in Park street, Chowringee, Kolkata. The Salwar Kameeze is as ubiquitous as the cropped top jeans ensemble and you can hear as many snatches of Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Bengali as you do of English. This is an example of that much vaunted British multiculturalism. It is not just holidaying that appeals. When rich non-resident Indians -- whether it's L.N. Mittal or Naresh Goyal -- have to choose a baseout of where to operate it's always London that makes the cut. Partly of course it is that our easy familiarity with English makes it much easier to work and live here. But also the pace of life here is much more civilised when compared to say the frenetic energy of New York. Small wonders then that London has become the spiritual home away from home for most of us. It's the Indian punters who are the high rollers and it's their money that keeps the tills ringing. The British may have colonised us for several centuries. But it's taken us only a few deceased to take over their capital and make it our own. British are the most tolerant nation in the world. And it is the best country to live in. We knew after 9/11 then Madrid and next us but do not know when. For a few blissful hours we were the envy of the world, the place to be. Britain was the double winner that had staged the inmensely successful Live 8 concert and became the winner of hosting the 2012 Olympics. Thursday atrocities in London once more brought out the best of Britain. I salute the heroes of the Ambulance Services, the paramedics, the police, the fire brigade, doctors and nurses who gave of themselves to save life. Rini Kakati Want to get more out of e-mail? Then get Outlook Live! ___ 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 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 mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu
[Assam] Assam Org website
It looks like the Assam Org website is undergoing some changes. It looks cleaner, but... For some of the (important links) like the AssamNet Recent Posts, one has to scroll all the way down to really locate it. Many of us usually just click on that to view mails. Further, there are way too many items on the left - I guess one has to get used to the new setup. Just my thoughts for the moment. I hope the AssamNet Recent Posts can be placed in a more prominent place. Thanks for reading ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Fear-stricken Manipur engineers submit resignation -The Hindu
Is it any different anywhere else in the north east? Isn't Assam the same? I am not fully aware whether in Assam a certain portion of jobs and contracts are reserved for ex-militants? I have heard SULFA guys were given jobs and money. In any case, such policies may only encourage some to take to militancy, knowing that the Govt. in the end will give up the ghost, and in bringing them back to the main stream will throw them the red carpet. One would only have to guess what a future independent Assam controlled by ex-militants look like? Loot the state treasury, while common people cower for fear of being killed? Policies like the what the Israelis have: no negotaitions with terrorists or militants is probably the best way. On 7/7/05, Rajib Das [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is it any different anywhere else in the north east? Isn't Assam the same? --- Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is a sad state of affairs. The Govt. has reserved 15% contracts for surrendered militants, but in reality they corner all contracts and projects. The common people in Manipur seem to be living in fear in this gun and dada-giri culture. __ Iboyaima Laithangbam IMPHAL: Harassed by anti-social elements, 230 engineers of the Manipur Public Works Department have put in their papers en masse. But Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who holds the Personnel portfolio, has refused to accept the resignations. A few hundred engineers of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Public Health Engineering Department are expected to follow suit. Talking to mediapersons, PWD chief engineer N.G. Rashtrapati said the State Government had not taken steps to protect the engineers. On July 1 PWD executive engineer R.K. Mobisana was kneecapped in his house. Following threats to his life, Mr. Mobisana twice requested the State Government to provide security guards twice but to no avail. On the contrary, he was punished for refusing to give in to gunmen's demands, said Mr. Rashtrapati. The incident sparked fear in all engineers.Earlier, chief engineers S. Brajamani and O. Digendra took voluntary retirement, unable to withstand harassment. As part of a rehabilitation policy, 15 per cent of contracts and other projects in all government departments were reserved for surrendered insurgents. This policy is said to be behind the recent problem. Though such reservation was officially closed, reports suggest that gunmen corner almost all contracts. ___ 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 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Uniform Civil Code
Darul Uloom Deoband (an extremely fundamentalist outfit) from issuingan edict of the sort it has and whether it would have preventedImrana and Noor Ilahi from accepting the edict I agree. Fundamentalist outfits will behave as they do, and manyadherents will accept those edicts as commandments from God. But that in itself does not excuse a secular society to have a uniformcode that has the last word. The Imranas of the society should have ajustice of last resort that they can fall back upon if required.Edicts from fundamentalist outfits shouldn't have to be finalarbiters. Immediate societal pressures may have 'forced' Imrana Illahi toaccept such unfair verdicts. I would venture that someone like Imranaprobably thinks it is her 'own fault' and readily accepts thepunishment passed by uneducated and fundamentalist Mullahs. On 7/7/05, Roy, Santanu [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The only question in my mind is whether a uniform civil code - i.e., a uniform set of laws on personal matters applicable to all - would have prevented the Darul Uloom Deoband (an extremely fundamentalist outfit)from issuing an edict of the sort it has and whether it would have prevented Imrana and Noor Ilahi from accepting the edict (even if it has no place in the personal laws of the land). The roots of such obscurantism run much deeper than laws. Santanu. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ram Sarangapani Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 1:13 PM To: Assam Subject: [Assam] Uniform Civil CodeHere is a pretty good piece by Bikash Sarma in the Sentinel. He raisessome salient issues on the need for a uniform civil code in India. Secularism should also mean that sometimes people ought to beprotected from! their own religions. Personal laws (Religious) that areunfair have no place in a secular society. --Ram --Killing a Woman TwiceBikash Sarmah In the wake of the rising Mullah's voice in India and the terror thatsome claustrophobic Hindu bigots want to strike in the name of RamRajya, one would have enough reasons to decry the secular garb thatIndia dons. We will surely talk about Hindu bigotry — as opposed tothe austerity of the Hindu ethos — at some other time ; in fact, wecan take some time for that because we have not only a whole lot ofeducated and progressive Hindus to take care of Hindu bigotry but alsoa whole lot of pseudo-secular gurus in politics who would hardlyhesitate to exaggerate Hindu bigotry so as to raise some sort of aninternational alarm. Therefore, at the moment, we would deliberate onthe Mullah's voice and the increasing legitimacy of Islamicobscurantism in a so-called secular Ind! ia. Let us first assure ourselves that we are not hawks in an Islamiccountry. One must have heard about the Mukhtar Mai episode inPakistan, an Islamic country. Just recall that this 33-year old womanwas gangraped in June 2002 on the orders of an Islamic villagecouncil. Her 'crime' was that her brother had an affair with a girlbelonging to a powerful rival clan. After three excruciating years,Mukhtar is back in the limelight after the Pakistan Supreme Courtordered the re-arrest of all the accused — a total of 13 bestial'human beings'. We do not want to dwell on this episode here. This isjust to kickstart the big debate. One does have the right to invokeMukhtar Mai here, because many sane, secular minds are scared intoday's India, thinking that a Mukhtar Mai-type fatwa could haunt theIndians too! And there is a reason for such a scare. Recently, the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband passed an edict —an extremely obscurantis! t one in a modern nation-state — that Imrana,who was raped by her father-in-law in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh,cannot live with her husband anymore. This is so because, according toBegum Naseem Iqtedar Ali Khan who is a member of the All India MuslimPersonal Law Board (AIMPLB), as per the Quran, Imran's conjugalrelationship with her husband stands dissolved, since she has beenraped by the latter's blood relative. In the Begum's view, had shebeen raped by anyone other than a blood relative, she could havestayed with her husband as in the Bilkis case of Gujarat. So,according to the Islamic law, a sacred relationship has been violated,the consequences of which have to be borne by Imrana and her husbandNoor Ilahi. Nothing could be more absurd and obscurantist than this. Though it isanother matter that Imrana and her husband have agreed to abide by theDeoband's edict, what moves a progressive mind, whether Hindu orMuslim, i! n a secular country is that in the absence of a uniform civilcode — the most important hallmark of secularism — a bunch ofirrational mullahs have begun to step into the domain of law and,hence, into the domain of civilization. Castigating the Deoband'sdecision to deny the rape victim her right
[Assam] Fear-stricken Manipur engineers submit resignation -The Hindu
This is a sad state of affairs. The Govt. has reserved 15% contracts for surrendered militants, but in reality they corner all contracts and projects. The common people in Manipur seem to be living in fear in this gun and dada-giri culture. __ Iboyaima Laithangbam IMPHAL: Harassed by anti-social elements, 230 engineers of the Manipur Public Works Department have put in their papers en masse. But Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who holds the Personnel portfolio, has refused to accept the resignations. A few hundred engineers of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Public Health Engineering Department are expected to follow suit. Talking to mediapersons, PWD chief engineer N.G. Rashtrapati said the State Government had not taken steps to protect the engineers. On July 1 PWD executive engineer R.K. Mobisana was kneecapped in his house. Following threats to his life, Mr. Mobisana twice requested the State Government to provide security guards twice but to no avail. On the contrary, he was punished for refusing to give in to gunmen's demands, said Mr. Rashtrapati. The incident sparked fear in all engineers.Earlier, chief engineers S. Brajamani and O. Digendra took voluntary retirement, unable to withstand harassment. As part of a rehabilitation policy, 15 per cent of contracts and other projects in all government departments were reserved for surrendered insurgents. This policy is said to be behind the recent problem. Though such reservation was officially closed, reports suggest that gunmen corner almost all contracts. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Assamese get-together
Hi Barua I wonder if the audience asked any questions to Dr. Birendra Gohain, Commissioner to the CM of Assam, who was the keynote speaker on Sunday? Actually there were quite a few. The ones I remember (I hope correctly) were on investments in Assam, illegal immigration, results being messed up in public exams. Maybe someone else can pitch in. --Ram ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Assamese get-together
Heh! Heh! Heh!. Thank you Ganesh. Baideo is not willing to give me any credit. She thinks I have two left feet, and what with a bad back, methinks I did a pretty good job. 'Maje Maje Kokal ul bhangisilu'. Even Utpal thought I have improved myself from my last stint. --Ram da On 7/5/05, Ganesh C Bora [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Alpana Baideo, BTW, you forgot about Ram-da in the performing crowd or performers from the crowd!!! Alpana Baideo has nicely narrated the events in ASSAM2005. It was really great to meet so many Assamese for the first time! Besides the official programmes, informal gatherings till late night added more flavor to ASSAM2005. Ganesh - Hi Everybody: We just got home from the great Assamese get-together at Orlando, Florida held at the beautiful and elegant setting at Disney Coronado Springs resort, which we enjoyed thoroughly. Here are some of the highlights of the event (from my point of view as a member of the audience): There was no small-time politics and upstaging one another at all. Thus there was no tension and each and everyone was having plain and simple fun. It was truly a community event where the community was the focus, as opposed to a convention which is consumed by itself. Even though there is only one Assamese family in the Orlando area, there are many out-of-town Assamese Floridians (and also from other states) who organized or helped in this great event for the guests to have some down to earth fun. It made us feel like it was taken care of by 'local people' - we were totally at home. Some from the crowd like, Ganesh Bora, Utpal Brahma, Partha Gogoi, Prakash Deka, Abani Sharma, Jukti Kalita, Priyankoo Sharma, Jugal Kalita, Kamal Sharma etc., made the event much more livelier by their frequent jokes and the use of their sense of humor at the right times. Both professional artists (Elora Bora Singh and Jitul Sonowal) from Assam gave great performances as expected. We had the experience of personally talking and dining with them - never get this opportunity even back home. The guest artists were not just great performers, but were also able to mix and mingle with us freely. Before going to Orlando, we had often heard of many of the names involved and thought they were larger than life, but were pleasantly surprised that none of them had any airs about them. To add to this, we enjoyed and were extremely proud to be able to enjoy the performances of great artists from the US itself. To mention some are: Rabin Arundhotee Goswami, Abani Sarma and his granddaughter little Ranikiran, Priya Saikia, Anjana Bordoloi, Umesh Tahbildar, Biraj Bhuyan, Chumki Gogoi, Ruprekha Bhuyan, Lona Sarma, Leoni Borkakati, Preetha Kamath, Priya Saikia, Bihu - wonderfully danced by little Jahnabi Das, Rick Bhuyan, Nick Bhuyan, Nikumani Bhuyan, Surabhi Kalita, Jukti Kalita, Nilakshi Thakuria, Jayanta Thakuria, Malabika Brahma, Moushumi Chatterjee, Anuradha Deka, Please forgive me if I missed any performer's name. MCs: Rick and Nick Bhuyan, Pari Saikia, Santanu and Moushumi Chatterjee kept the show moving at a good pace. Rabin Goswami's presentation was just mesmerizing. His personality filled with humility and politeness won't give you a clue that he possesses a great voice and the quality of a professional singer, unless and until you hear him singing. The food was just great. The host families went out of the way to provide the whole gathering with sumptuous, nutritious meals of a medley of American, Italian, Indian and Mexican (as opposed to the regular oily Indian restaurant food) dishes. They even paid attention to the details where vegetarians like me had a wide choice - gestures like this reinforces the feeling that each and everyone is welcome. Then there was this unique arrangement where guests were taken by bus (a nice scenic drive) to a local Indian restaurant for a grand dinner. It was like fun mixed with food. Before I forget, we also had the pleasure of viewing a short film by Ms. Sanchayita Sharma, The Passage, about a poor family and their life amidst the crisis of insurgency. The film is bases on the award winning short story by Dr. Indira Goswami. We also got to see Sanjoy Hazarika's A River's Story, the Quest for the Brahmaputra, directed by Jahnu Barua. It depicted the everyday life of all the people of the countries through which the great river flows. The gathering was also able to enjoy some of the outstanding paintings of Mahesh da (Baishya) and Ms. Jupi Tara Das' art (paper cutting) creation. Mahesh da also took the extra time to educate us to the essence of water-color painting. The discourse was not just educational but also enabled many of us to appreciate painting and art in a more knowledgeable way. There was also a beautiful exhibiton of Some of you missed the event because of some reason or
[Assam] Krishnakshi Sharma - Bharatnatyam sensation -Telegraph
Here is a brief note on the latest sensation Krishnakshi Sharma,adancer/actress from Shilpukhuri, Guwahati.Ms.Sharma has won rave reviews and has performed for the first timeat Guwahati. ___http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050704/asp/northeast/story_4945813.asp Return of the native danseuse A STAFF REPORTER Krishnakshi Sharma during one of her performances Guwahati, July 3: She has won rave reviews across the globe, but homeis where her heart lies. And the thrill of performing in front of thehome audience for the first time can only compare to a rebirth forChennai-based Bharatnatyam exponent Krishnakshi Sharma. Practising for three hours non-stop at her ancestral home inSilphukhuri for her Guwahati debut at the Pragjyoti ITA Centre forPerforming Arts at Machkhowa tomorrow, Sharma shows no signs of tiringand is determined to put her best foot forward. She will perform at the closing ceremony of the year-long goldenjubilee celebrations of New Art players (NAP), one of the oldestsocio-cultural organisations in the state. I will always remainindebted to NAP for inviting me to be a part of their golden jubileeand giving me a chance to perform before my home audience for thefirst time, said 25-year-old Sharma. All the fame and adulationearned outside one's hometown becomes meaningless, unless and untilyour own people appreciate your art. In that sense, tomorrow, is goingto be a rebirth of sorts for the dancer in me. Accompanied by three other artistes from Chennai — vocalist Rajesh,mridamgam player Sukhi and dance-conductor Suhasini — Krishnakshi hasbeen practising day and night to make their maiden performance in thecity a memorable one, both for the audience and themselves. The third child of Guwahati-based physician Mrinal Sharma, Krishnakshistarted her dancing career since she was only three-year-old toddler.A visarat in Manipuri dance, she was drawn towards Bhatnatyam while astudent of T.C. School in the city. Under the tutelage of PadmaHaragopal, she became a visarat in Bharatnatyam from BhatkhandeUniversity, Lucknow. To further hone Krishnakshi's tremendous potential, her guru Padmaasked her to shift to Chennai, the cradle of the art of Bharatnatyam,after her matriculation. In Chennai she got admitted to theprestigious Bharat Kalanjali. Till date, she has performed as the lead artiste in several classicaldance ballets and also performed individually in countries like UnitedStates of America, Canada, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bangkok and elsewhere.Her last performance was an innovative celluloid show on noted musicexponent of South India, Kanadasan at Chennai. The young danseuse has also won millions of hearts in her debut Tamilfilm Kadal Manan opposite South Indian superstar Ajith Kumar. Actinghappened by chance, but my calling has always been dancing. To avoidany sort of hiccups during my learning period, I made a consciousdecision to put an end to my acting career, she said. ___ 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
Re: [Assam] Pakistani-- why not Indira Goswami - if she is successful - Nobel Nomination
Umesh, Also 92 Indian women have been nominated for the Nobel by a women's organization. The list includes Malika Sarabhai and Kiran Bedi.(today's Assam Tribune) While nominations are an important first step, nowadays it seems there are far too many of them. In areas like Literature and Peace, the prizes most times a controversial. Mush Bush, I am sure have also been nominated for their contributions to world peace. In essence, I would say, big deal! --Ram da On 6/30/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just checked that a Pakistani female activist has been nominated for Nobel Peace Prize this year Akhtar Riazuddin Akhtar Riazuddin reaches out to thousands of poor urban homes in Pakistan through the NGO she founded for women's development in 1968. Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP) http://www.1000peacewomen.org/eng/html/nominierte/treffer.php Akhtar Riazuddin (born 1928) reaches out to thousands of poor homes in Pakistan through the Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP), an NGO that she founded in 1968 for community development. A woman of many talents, Akhtar brought significant changes in the status of women in Pakistan when she served as a top-ranking bureaucrat in the federal government. She is also a gifted Urdu writer and has extensively researched the crafts of India and Pakistan. This article just published provides some insight on 1000 women nominated for Nobel Pea ce http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/inktomi255758.php Why not Indira Goswami who ( unlike Indira Gandhi) wants peace , and if she is successful - be nominatyed for next year's Nobel Peace Prize? Umesh Yahoo! Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] Sunil Nath in Tehelka
What I find incredible is this body of otherwise highly intelligent and skilled group of people being unable to grasp something as basic,and as simple as that. And if this is how supporters of ULFA feel, even before they have achieved anything, imagine what the attitude of ULFA will be if they become the 'saviors' of Assam? On 6/29/05, Barua25 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What I find incredible is this body of otherwise highly intelligent and skilled group of people being unable to grasp something as basic,and as simple as that. It follows that you are excluding yourself from this dumb group people who fail to grasp something as basic as this. That makes two of you who understand the issue. You are right. I think it is our Barua-Sarangapani-Deka-Baruah-Das-Bora desi genes. Kothate koi bwle morilew logote jai. Rajen - Original Message - From: Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Roy, Santanu [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 9:37 PM Subject: RE: [Assam] Sunil Nath in Tehelka You said it Santanu. What I find incredible is this body of otherwise highly intelligent and skilled group of people being unable to grasp something as basic,and as simple as that. What is the problem? Is it them desi-genes :-)? c-da At 9:04 PM -0500 6/29/05, Roy, Santanu wrote: I think one should not forget the logical contradiction between demanding sovereignty and making public a set of supplementary demands. This holds no matter how unlikely or unrealistic the event that the GOI is going to agree to grant independence. Sovereignty is virtually all encompassing. It would be incredibly stupid if the leaders of the ULFA were to say we want independence for Assam and, by the way, lets also talk about handing over the rights to oil extraction to the state government. Even if the ULFA leadership is not Harvard trained, they have at least shown the intelligence to not say something like that. If forces outside the ULFA want to influence the terms of negotiation and get their ideas about what a secondary set of demands ought to be, they ought to go about forming public opinion on this independently of the ULFA and hope the organization will echo them in their own political interest. But they should not expect that at this stage (and even many stages ahead), the ULFA is going to go around publicly voicing the details of their minimum acceptable point. Santanu. ___ 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 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 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 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] Who is an Assamese - Assam.org
Below is quite a detailed analysis in trying to define who an Assames is. I think the author has gone in-depth into this question and considering numerous factors. Unfortunately, the author is listed as 'anonymous'. --Ram ___ Who is an Assamese? This question has been plaguing different sections of people for quite some time and more so after the central government has put this question to Assam government. Different people are concocting different definitions ignoring the ground realities. Assamese intelligentsias and other leaders would usually try to paint a utopian picture of Assamese as most of us are still suffering from Bor Asom syndrome. Literary organizations have come up with a convenient definition saying that all the people speaking Assamese or one of the native languages of the state are Assamese. Or many of us are content with the simplistic definition that all the people living in Assam are Assamese. Political parties are coming out with definitions based on cut off years. The first point to be noted is whether we are looking for a definition based on ethno-linguistic basis or on geographical basis. All people living in Assam dubbed as Assamese (qualified based on some cut off years) fall under the later category of definition. It can be a definition convenient for the government machinery but the irony is that this definition will be meaningless for multitudes of communities living in Assam. To most of these people, a simple definition based on factual truth is that an Assamese is any person speaking the language. He may be an Ahom, a Bamun, a Koch, Kalita, Kachari, Chutia, Deori, Sarania, Bagania, a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or a Bodo, Rabha, Tiwa, Mishing, Karbi, Tai etc speaking the Assamese language. This definition based on language will immediately raise the question- who then are the Bodos speaking Bodo language or the Karbis of Karbi Anglong or the Dimasas of NC Hills? Are not they Assamese? These are the three big tribal communities demanding separation from Assam. Many of us will still try to tag these communities as Assamese dismissing the fact that they speak a language totally intelligible to Assamese speakers. Present day reality is that a Bodo speaking Bodo language would not identify himself as Assamese in the same way as a Khasi would not consider himself as an Assamese. Here only difference is that the Khasis have a state of their own and the Bodos are settling for an entity slightly short of a full fledged state. Same will be the case with Karbi, Dimasa or for that matter any of the numerous tribes like Zeme, Hmar, Biate, Hrangkhol, Thadou, Chakma, Garo, Naga etc living in Assam away from the mainstream Assamese speaking community. Ask the leaders of these communities whether they consider themselves Assamese without any qualifications. Most will assert their own ethnic identity and would like to be seen as one of the indigenous communities of Assam and not as Assamese. Independence handed over to us a state of Assam which was very heterogenous even after severing of Sylhet. So there was this futile attempt to create a homogeneous Assamese state and Khasis, Nagas, Lushais all were considered part of greater Assamese society. With the formation of new states these communities no longer were cited as part of the greater Assamese community. Now almost similar situation hold good for Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas as they have also got some sort of autonomous politico-administrative unit or aspiration for totally separate states having to do nothing with Assam. If we cling to the old broad definition, the state of Assamese community starts resembling an unhappy marriage with unwilling partners. The process of Assamese nationality building has to some extent come to a halt with the rising ethnic and linguistic aspirations of those very communities who were contributing formation of Assamese community. Karbis and Dimasas are clamouring for separate state to go the Khasi, Naga, Mizo ways. Bodos have attained something short of separate state. Formation of BTAD is also a step in that direction. Bodo language is an 8th schedule language just like the Assamese. So instead of unilaterally trying to define who is an Assamese, time has come to probe who considers oneself as Assamese. And this may shatter many myths we have been holding about our greater Assamese society. It is high time we start appreciating the discomfiture many of the communities have on being dubbed as Assamese. It will also redefine the social boundary of Assamese community. This realistic definition may seem to be parochial to those who dread that such narrow vision of Assamese community which seems to turn Assamese into a minority community. Let us not forget that demographic dynamics and the process of assimilation are always taking place on other fronts also. Today a Bangladeshi Muslem who came to Assam some 30 years ago or a tea community member whose forefather came to Assam some 150 years ago feel
Re: [Assam] Pakistani-- why not Indira Goswami - if she is successful - Nobel Nomination
Umesh If the Nobel is a game of chance (or a numbers game), it worth it then? Ramda On 6/30/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ram-da, I would say that so many nominations are a good thing. If you have more tickets in a lottery - your chances of winning are much higher. I met a guy from Tunisia who came thru a Green Card lottery. He said that then multiple forms were accepted so people put in as many as 400 applications - and got in. More Indian or more third world females - more Nobels! There are hardly any female Nobel winners anyway. Umesh Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Umesh, Also 92 Indian women have been nominated for the Nobel by a women's organization. The list includes Malika Sarabhai and Kiran Bedi.(today's Assam Tribune) While nominations are an important first step, nowadays it seems there are far too many of them. In areas like Literature and Peace, the prizes most times a controversial. Mush Bush, I am sure have also been nominated for their contributions to world peace. In essence, I would say, big deal! --Ram da On 6/30/05, umesh sharma wrote: I just checked that a Pakistani female activist has been nominated for Nobel Peace Prize this year Akhtar Riazuddin Akhtar Riazuddin reaches out to thousands of poor urban homes in Pakistan through the NGO she founded for women! 's development in 1968. Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP) http://www.1000peacewomen.org/eng/html/nominierte/treffer.php Akhtar Riazuddin (born 1928) reaches out to thousands of poor homes in Pakistan through the Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP), an NGO that she founded in 1968 for community development. A woman of many talents, Akhtar brought significant changes in the status of women in Pakistan when she served as a top-ranking bureaucrat in the federal government. She is also a gifted Urdu writer and has extensively researched the crafts of India and Pakistan. This article just published provides some insight on 1000 women nominated for Nobel Pea ce http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/inktomi255758.php Why not Indira Goswami who ( unlike Indira Gandhi) wants peace , and if she is successful - be nominatyed for next yea! r's Nobel Peace Prize? Umesh Yahoo! Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail ___ 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 Does your mail provider give you FREE antivirus protection? Get Yahoo! Mail ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] Pakistani-- why not Indira Goswami - if she is successful - Nobel Nomination
Umesh Prestige brings with it lots of benefits - like focus of the world attention on your work - alongwith other resources. It boosts the morale of the people who work with you or those who aspire to do similar work. I agree, and so its become a numbers game where politics and squeeky wheels get the awards. that is why I often question the awards for Literature Peace. Mother Theresa was one I felt really deserved it. But Sadat or Arafat? What if GW gets it this time (and its possible he might). --Ramda On 6/30/05, umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ram-da, Prestige brings with it lots of benefits - like focus of the world attention on your work - alongwith other resources. It boosts the morale of the people who work with you or those who aspire to do similar work. Umesh Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Umesh If the Nobel is a game of chance (or a numbers game), it worth it then? Ramda On 6/30/05, umesh sharma wrote: Ram-da, I would say that so many nominations are a good thing. If you have more tickets in a lottery - your chances of winning are much higher. I met a guy from Tunisia who came thru a Green Card lottery. He said that then multiple forms were accepted so people put in as many as 400 applications - and got in. More Indian or more third world females - more Nobels! There are hardly any female Nobel winners anyway. Umesh Ram Sarangapani wrote: Umesh, Also 92 Indian women have been nominated for the Nobel by a women's organization. The list includes Malika Sarabhai ! and Kiran Bedi.(today's Assam Tribune) While nominations are an important first step, nowadays it seems there are far too many of them. In areas like Literature and Peace, the prizes most times a controversial. Mush Bush, I am sure have also been nominated for their contributions to world peace. In essence, I would say, big deal! --Ram da On 6/30/05, umesh sharma wrote: I just checked that a Pakistani female activist has been nominated for Nobel Peace Prize this year Akhtar Riazuddin Akhtar Riazuddin reaches out to thousands of poor urban homes in Pakistan through the NGO she founded for women! 's development in 1968. Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP) http://www.1000peacewomen.org/eng/html/nominierte/treffer.php Akhtar Riazuddin (born 1928) reaches out to thousands of poor homes in Pakistan through the Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP), an NGO that she founded in 1968 for community development. A woman of many talents, Akhtar brought significant changes in the status of women in Pakistan when she served as a top-ranking bureaucrat in the federal government. She is also a gifted Urdu writer and has extensively researched the crafts of India and Pakistan. This article just published provides some insight on 1000 women nominated for Nobel Pea ce http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/inktomi255758.php Why not Indira Goswami who ( unlike Indira Gandhi) wants peace , and if she is successful - be nominatyed for n! ext yea! r's Nobel Peace Prize? Umesh Yahoo! Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail ___ 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 Does your mail provider give you FREE antivirus protection? Get Yahoo! Mail ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu ! gt; 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 Yahoo! Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] From ToI -conversions
C'da,
What happened to the laws of the land that ought to prevent such things?
Could not LKA, as the leader of the opposition or the shadow PM, go
to Kohima to prevent it? Was his stature of no consequence? Where did
them Christians get such UN-Indian, un-secular ideas? I am outraged!
This is a typical response from you. You first questioned the fact
that incidents against Hindus in these regions ever took place, and
then when Rajib gave some stark examples, you shifted gears and now
are asking about the 'laws of the land'
First, let us deal with the question, whether there have been cases
have been perptrated on Hindus in these regions.
Once you acknowledge that, then we can start discussing other issues like:
Where these Christians go such ideas and whatever happened to the laws
of the land.
--Ram
On 6/30/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
In Kohima, the sole Hindu temple was brought down with
total connivance of the local government, police and
offcourse the mobs. LK Advani was enraged. I think
this was last year.
What happened to the laws of the land that ought to prevent such things?
Could not LKA, as the leader of the opposition or the shadow PM, go
to Kohima to prevent it? Was his stature of no consequence? Where did
them Christians get such UN-Indian, un-secular ideas? I am outraged!
And there are offcourse systemic injustices
perpetrated against the Riyangs in Mizoram because
they are Hindus.
*** How very un-Hindu, un_Indian acts. There oughtta be a law!
It would be laughable idea if someone says there is no
Christian hegemony in some of the states.
*** Amazing! Imagine religious hegemony and bigotries in India, the
secular democracy the world is attempting to emulate!
I bet the way to fix it will be to impose Hinduism as the State
Religion of India. That ought to teach them n minorities a lesson.
At 9:46 AM -0700 6/30/05, Rajib Das wrote:
Let me specifically answer the question C'da has
raised:
In Kohima, the sole Hindu temple was brought down with
total connivance of the local government, police and
offcourse the mobs. LK Advani was enraged. I think
this was last year.
Pashupatinath Mandir in Senapati district of Manipur
was burnt down in 1995 by the NSCN.
And there are offcourse systemic injustices
perpetrated against the Riyangs in Mizoram because
they are Hindus.
Maybe when I have some more time, I will come out with
a longer list. You could google and find out the
truths about some of these.
It would be laughable idea if someone says there is no
Christian hegemony in some of the states. It would be
even more laughable if some one says the Church does
not bless such atrocities.
--- Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I would suggest that she also make a trip to the
North East -
Meghalaya, Tripura or Mizoram and see how Hindus
are treated there
by the tribal Christians.
How are Hindus treated there? I never heard of
harassment of
Hindus in the NE Christian areas before. Can you
refer us to some
credible source?
At 4:44 PM +0100 6/30/05, umesh sharma wrote:
C-da,
I find it absurd that she was sent a FAX to
threaten her. Perhaps
VHP has gone nuts. The rape threat was made by
Hindus - no doubt -
but by anonymous phone call. Anyone of the Hindus
in Orissa could
have made the call - maybe even the Christian
missionaries or their
evangelist supporters.
That said, I do not approve of threats or acts of
physical violence
. I do belive in countering evangelists' aggresive
christianization
by free competition to win co-religionists. Even
today I was singled
out to be given some pamphalet on Jesus in the bus
- no white person
was offered.
I would suggest that she also make a trip to the
North East -
Meghalaya, Tripura or Mizoram and see how Hindus
are treated there
by the tribal Christians.
Umesh
Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
'Sangh Parivar activists threatened to rape us'
VIJI SUNDARAM
INDIAWEST[ THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005 10:36:22 AM ]
Surf 'N' Earn -Sign innow
San Francisco-based academic Angana Chatterji,
along with other women
members of the Indian People's Tribunal on
Environment and Human
Rights, was allegedly threatened with rape by some
members of the
Sangh Parivar on June 14 while investigating the
spread of
communalism and human rights violations in Orissa.
The women claim they were defamed, insulted and
falsely accused of
bias as they were deposing residents of
Bhubaneswar, some from the
Sangh Parivar itself.
The Hindu nationalist organizations (Bajrang Dal,
Vishwa Hindu
Parishad and Rashtriya Sevika Samiti) have maligned
and targeted the
Tribunal and its members, wrote Chatterji in a
letter to India's
Re: [Assam] Who is an Assamese - Assam.org
Hi there Utpal, That was a pretty good explanation of the sentiments of Bodos or other ethinic groups in the NE for purposes of identity. For the Bodos of today, establishing a Bodo identity more important than anything else. I agree. I only wish that any State, religious, caste, language, or ethinic group in India did not have to resort to identifying ourselves. IMHO While identities have become so important, and in some cases even of the very survival of an ethinic group, ultimately most times, I think, these identities only cause further divisions whether in a state or the country as a whole. --Ram da On 6/30/05, Malabika Brahma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is Utpal Brahma using his wife's id. I am a half Bodo (father Bodo, Mother Assamese) who is married to an Assamese from Nowgong. And I consider myself to be a human first then a Bodo and then an Assamese - in that order. For the Bodos of today, establishing a Bodo identity more important than anything else. Whether Bodos are Assamese, an interesting question. There are Bodos in North Bengal, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tripura and Myanmar. Would you call a Bodo from Nepal an Assamese ? Or for that matter would a Bodo from Nepal call himself an Assamese ? Not in your wildest dreams !! Would a Bodo like to get classified as Assamese Bodo, Bengali Bodo, Nepali Bodo, Myanmarese Bodo ? You bet not . A Bodo is a Bodo regardless where he comes from and thats the way the Bodos of today would like to see. That is why you see a greater effort by the likes of Bodo Sahitya Sabha , Bodo Thunlai Afat to seek more active participation from Bodos living beyond Assam. While the Bodos should live in harmony with all communities in Assam and for that matter in Nepal, North Bengal, Tripura and Myanmar, they should be bonded by a Pan Bodo brotherhood. Establishing a separate identity of Assamese Bodo, Bengali Bodo, Burmese Bodo, Tripuri Bodo would further divide a community which has already seen much division in the form of Sonowal, Dimacha, Sarania etc etc. Not to speak of the political fractions. Ram Sarangapani [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Below is quite a detailed analysis in trying to define who an Assames is. I think the author has gone in-depth into this question and considering numerous factors. Unfortunately, the author is listed as 'anonymous'. --Ram ___ Who is an Assamese? This question has been plaguing different sections of people for quite some time and more so after the central government has put this question to Assam government. Different people are concocting different definitions ignoring the ground realities. Assamese intelligentsias and other leaders would usually try to paint a utopian picture of Assamese as most of us are still suffering from Bor Asom syndrome. Literary organizations have come up with a convenient definition saying that all the people speaking Assamese or one of the native languages of the state are Assamese. Or! many of us are content with the simplistic definition that all the people living in Assam are Assamese. Political parties are coming out with definitions based on cut off years. The first point to be noted is whether we are looking for a definition based on ethno-linguistic basis or on geographical basis. All people living in Assam dubbed as Assamese (qualified based on some cut off years) fall under the later category of definition. It can be a definition convenient for the government machinery but the irony is that this definition will be meaningless for multitudes of communities living in Assam. To most of these people, a simple definition based on factual truth is that an Assamese is any person speaking the language. He may be an Ahom, a Bamun, a Koch, Kalita, Kachari, Chutia, Deori, Sarania, Bagania, a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or a Bodo, Rabha, Tiwa, Mishing, Karbi, Tai etc speaking the Assamese language. This definition based on lan! guage will immediately raise the question- who then are the Bodos speaking Bodo language or the Karbis of Karbi Anglong or the Dimasas of NC Hills? Are not they Assamese? These are the three big tribal communities demanding separation from Assam. Many of us will still try to tag these communities as Assamese dismissing the fact that they speak a language totally intelligible to Assamese speakers. Present day reality is that a Bodo speaking Bodo language would not identify himself as Assamese in the same way as a Khasi would not consider himself as an Assamese. Here only difference is that the Khasis have a state of their own and the Bodos are settling for an entity slightly short of a full fledged state. Same will be the case with Karbi, Dimasa or for that matter any of the numerous tribes like Zeme, Hmar, Biate, Hrangkhol, Thadou, Chakma, Garo, Naga etc living in Assam away from the mainstream Assamese speaking community. Ask the leaders! of these communities whether
Re: [Assam] Assam won this time...read the last sentence...
Eighty per cent of those who had interacted with police had paid bribe and Assam police is the most corrupt police in the country, it said. This must be learnt behavior. The Assam Police must have picked it from the Kerala Police :) On 30 Jun 2005 18:08:33 -, priyankoo sarma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=307746 PTI CORRUPTION Kerala least corrupt state, Bihar the worst NEW DELHI, JUNE 30 (PTI) Kerala has emerged as the country's least corrupt state while the dubious distinction of being the worst in this regard went to Bihar, according to global corruption watchdog Transparency International's first statewise analysis. The India Corruption Study 2005 conducted by Transparency International India (TII) and Centre for Media Studies (CMS) said Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra - in that order - were the least corrupt states. The study had a sample of 14,405 respondents in 151 cities and 306 villages across 20 states and covered 11 services including police, judiciary, schools and public distribution system. While Kerala topped in all the departments, Bihar was the last, it said. The national capital Delhi was ranked 11th in the least corrupt state preceded by Chhattisgarh (6), Punjab (7), West Bengal (8), Orissa (9) and Uttar Pradesh (10). Tamil Nadu was placed 12th followed by Haryana, Jharkhand Assam, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Jammu and Kashmir was placed very low at 19th position only to be followed by Bihar. The analysis said Indians paid a whopping Rs 21,068 crore as bribe last year for getting petty things done. This did not include contractors or their transactions involving procurement or tenders and dealings of corporates. The report said police was the most corrupt department with people having to pay bribes for registering a complaint or getting bail. Eighty per cent of those who had interacted with police had paid bribe and Assam police is the most corrupt police in the country, it said. Dex matho eta dharona, thikonar xex xari... The most important thing in life is never to forget who you are... http://www.plaza.ufl.edu/priyanku ___ 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 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
Re: [Assam] Assam won this time...read the last sentence...
It must be the Kharkhowa genes then ? Don't know much about them genes, but I have been told repeatedly that all behavioral problems in Assam are almost always learnt behavior from some place else. So, I suspect the AP must have got it from the KP. Don't know whom else to blame. :) On 6/30/05, Chan Mahanta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It must be the Kharkhowa genes then ? At 1:13 PM -0500 6/30/05, Ram Sarangapani wrote: Eighty per cent of those who had interacted with police had paid bribe and Assam police is the most corrupt police in the country, it said. This must be learnt behavior. The Assam Police must have picked it from the Kerala Police :) On 30 Jun 2005 18:08:33 -, priyankoo sarma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=307746 PTI CORRUPTION Kerala least corrupt state, Bihar the worst NEW DELHI, JUNE 30 (PTI) Kerala has emerged as the country's least corrupt state while the dubious distinction of being the worst in this regard went to Bihar, according to global corruption watchdog Transparency International's first statewise analysis. The India Corruption Study 2005 conducted by Transparency International India (TII) and Centre for Media Studies (CMS) said Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra - in that order - were the least corrupt states. The study had a sample of 14,405 respondents in 151 cities and 306 villages across 20 states and covered 11 services including police, judiciary, schools and public distribution system. While Kerala topped in all the departments, Bihar was the last, it said. The national capital Delhi was ranked 11th in the least corrupt state preceded by Chhattisgarh (6), Punjab (7), West Bengal (8), Orissa (9) and Uttar Pradesh (10). Tamil Nadu was placed 12th followed by Haryana, Jharkhand Assam, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Jammu and Kashmir was placed very low at 19th position only to be followed by Bihar. The analysis said Indians paid a whopping Rs 21,068 crore as bribe last year for getting petty things done. This did not include contractors or their transactions involving procurement or tenders and dealings of corporates. The report said police was the most corrupt department with people having to pay bribes for registering a complaint or getting bail. Eighty per cent of those who had interacted with police had paid bribe and Assam police is the most corrupt police in the country, it said. Dex matho eta dharona, thikonar xex xari... The most important thing in life is never to forget who you are... http://www.plaza.ufl.edu/priyanku ___ 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 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 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 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] Deuta -Sentinel/Rupanjali Baruah
Just wanted to share this wonderful piece by Ms. Baruah. Those of us who still have our Dueta/Ma with us, should cherish every moment, and those that don't, this piece should bring back fond memories. --Ram Deuta Rupanjali Baruah He lay face up on a bed in one corner of a hospital room. Deuta was then on an endless trial with pricks of needles while the blood cake dried on his scalp and his bones ached to rest in his own room. In fact, he had been preparing to fall asleep for several hours but something did not let him. It was probably the harsh glare of a bulb that tugged at his eyelids. He was already on his way inside a dark aisle that would soon lead him out of the trappings of plaster and pins to an altar where many fruits were piled on top of the other as offerings. He tried to pronounce his name, Nagen, the five simple letters would not come easily to his lips. His lips felt too dry at the edges, he could do with a sip of cold water if someone would get him. It was a wise thought but he did not know how he was to put that into words for others to understand. A red blanket wrapped him, his hands lay on either side solemnly acknowledging the many wounds of needles on him. He was unwilling to raise his fingers to point at something. He sank more and more into solitude where his thoughts were soon to become too intricate to decipher. He did not understand a word of what he was saying, only his lips moved awkwardly to indicate that he was still breathing. The dates are all false to him, Deuta could be at any time at any place now. It did not matter to him. He lost his calm suddenly in the early morning and muttered something about a smell of grease in the air. He had stumbled several steps a day before this had happened to him. Earlier, it would have mattered to him a lot if he did not get a matter straight in good time. Now time came in between to distance him from the rest of us. He wore a solemn look on the face that had once resonated with details of beautiful memories. Now we stood around to gather the last remnants of that past from his feeble ramblings, those memories now have different place names for him. His uncertain days were then struggling with the snares of earth. A few weeks before we could not take him out of the confinements of his bed, he loved to remain there almost the whole of a day, and night had seemed to him the best part because no one would then ask him to stay awake. And he would refuse to get out of his pale pair of pyjamas since they fell softly on his thin frame. He would turn away from the dishes of food; he nibbled reluctantly at the single piece of fried fish or an arrowroot biscuit and would say that he was full already. Small noises annoyed him much, just as the loud bellow of the cows downstairs for their midday meal or the irregular cawing of crows shook him easily out of sleep. He would keep a woolen shawl like a cowl over his head to keep out some thought that perhaps hovered over him. He seemed to be pursued by several ghosts of men, long dead and he would say with a little reproach that some voices bothered him at regular intervals. Sometimes he would let out a cry of alarm and when Ma would rush to his side he would ask with tears in his eyes have you found them, where are they? To us it was a mere thought in passing but it was a different texture of fear that showed as goose bumps on his skin. Someone had told us that these are ominous signals, we should be prepared for something though we would not be flattered by the ingenuity of such a discovery that seemed to stand on the edge of absurdity. We would rather not know it. Some nine nights were then left for our leave taking. Though none of us knew it. Death does not arrive with a siren of warning though some say that a date is assigned for everybody. Some die without being aware of it. Some die waiting too long for it, some with disappointments for leaving behind too many unfinished things. I wonder if any of these happened to Deuta. His memories left him too quickly, we became mere strange faces though he seemed quite familiar when he conversed at length about certain daily happenings. He forgot to raise a whimper of a complaint when his cup of tea was not too hot on his lips. His thoughts had drifted, wandering already beyond our habitation, the ties of affection became unknown things though his eyes would open hesitatingly looking for the familiar feel of our hands on him. The blood looked blue under his skin, I did not wish to think that very soon it would stop flowing. The only thing I had asked God for several years since the day I had seen the father of a friend pass away, that I should predecease my own Deuta to save myself from the agony of living without him and I had believed that God would listen and truly concede. A selfish thought may be, but very natural as I now come to think of it. In spite of my repeated pleas to God, Deuta left as I stood waiting at the gate for him to return; he
