[Assam] assam Digest, Vol 27, Issue 57
mc mahant
mikemahant at hotmail.com
Thu Oct 18 11:10:45 CDT 2007
<Lets stop the idle debate on ULFA which actually has no commitment to the welfare of Assam and its people.>Debate has no Commitment?
Debaters have no commitments
ORULFA does not?
How does this widely honoured lady know?
mm
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:34:29 +0000From: patricia17 at rediffmail.comTo: assam at assamnet.orgSubject: Re: [Assam] assam Digest, Vol 27, Issue 57
Dear Friends,At the outset I wonder if the Assamnet is a forum purely for Oxomiyas. In that case I am intruding into a sactified space. But having been a keen reader of the cross-communication on this space I feel provoked to respond to the new proposition of plebescite. We are well aware that Assam today has many more people from outside the borders with a single point agenda of turning Assam into a proper homeland for a particular creed. Is it not a waste of time to talk of a plebiscite which is destined to result in failure? What is more important is to think of the future of Assam 50 years from now. It is more important to hold the elected reps accountable constituency wise and to demand that thry have a vision for the state of Assam. Lets stop the idle debate on ULFA which actually has no commitment to the welfare of Assam and its people.Patricia Mukhim On Mon, 15 Oct 2007 assam-request at assamnet.org wrote :>Send assam mailing list submissions to> assam at assamnet.org>>To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to> assam-request at assamnet.org>>You can reach the person managing the list at> assam-owner at assamnet.org>>When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific>than "Re: Contents of assam digest...">Today's Topics:>> 1. Re: on plebisite (umesh sharma)> 2. ULFA has only guns no brains ?? (umesh sharma)> 3. Re: on plebisite - ULFA the mass murderers (umesh sharma)> 4. Re: Ques: Who is Ruby Bhuyan ...? Ans: An imposter (umesh sharma)> 5. Old men and the mountain (umesh sharma)> 6. Fish market- Assam's queer trade/ warming - Flood week fest -> Sonam film maker (umesh sharma)> 7. India's Myanmar Policy (Sanjib Baruah)> 8. Re: on plebisite (kamal deka)> 9. Unused MLALAD funds to go to State exchequer(The Sentinel,> 15.10.2007) (Buljit Buragohain)> 10. Re: IAS-ASS Unused MLALAD funds to go to State exchequer(The> Sentinel, 15.10.2007) (umesh sharma)> 11. Re: ULFA has only guns no brains ?? (Chan Mahanta)> 12. Re: on plebisite - ULFA the mass murderers (Chan Mahanta)> 13. Re: Fish market- Assam's queer trade/ warming - Flood week> fest - Sonam film maker (Chan Mahanta)> 14. Re: ULFA reply (uttam borthakur)>Mr Ruby,>>What is your plan for Assam's development - since you say you want Assam's development?>>Umesh>>ulfa_ 1979April7 <ulfa_1979april7 at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:>Hon'able netter,>>We felt it necessary to add our comment to the above discussion thread between Ram Sarangapani and Chandan Mahanta. Yes indeed, the ULFA is still totally committed, as before, to honour the verdict of a plebiscite on the restoration of the Sovereignty of Asom held under the auspices of the United Nations. The ULFA certainly made this declaration before anybody else. Bringing this up in this discussion forum by yourselves is very commendable. But we would like to make it clear here that we do not want any migrant from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar etcetera since 1947 to take part in this> plebiscite in defining the future direction of Asom.>Ram Sarangapani, you are a regular contributor in the AssamNet forum. Your explicit expression of support to stand by Assam (Asom)and her people reflects your wisdom.>There are many who may not support the ULFA, but, the most important thing is for all is to standby> the people of Asom. We would like to ask you not to support the views and actions of the selfish ones who are just taking advantage of the situation. Instead, be with the majority and work for real peace to return to Asom.>>Rubi Bhuyan>>>Central Publicity member, ULFA>>>>> 1. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Chan Mahanta)>> 2. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Ram> Sarangapani)>> On 10/10/07, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:>On 10/11/07, Ram Sarangapani <assamrs at gmail.com > wrote:> >maybe a plebiscite is not a bad idea at all. atleast>> >Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with seeking Assam's interests? :)>>>> **** That is a pathetic spin Ram.>> IF you are for an end to the conflict, and ULFA agrees to abide by the verdict of the people, why do you invent excuses like that to avoid the plebiscite, unless you really do not believe what you profess, that the people don't want sovereignty?>>> At 2:26 PM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:> C'da,>> You know me well enough to know that I don't carry water for anybody - GOI included.> And does it really matter where I stand?>>> Well, if you must, I don't like a plebicite. I seriously think its a red-herring for anyone interested in the well-being of Assam (both the pro/against sovereignty people).>> I think the results of a plebicite will not be helpful to anyone. It will lead to a much bigger, and unmanageable mess from which Assam will never get out of.Each side will bicker and moan about fraud, etc and a toothless UN can't do a lick.>> >Dilli has a billion people behind it. The people of Assam need yOU far more than Dilli does.>> Thanks, C'da. But, you misunderstand, I am on Assam's side as opposed to being on Dilli's side.> Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with seeking Assam's interests? :)> And, C'da, Assam needs you more than they will ever need me.>> --Ram>>> --Ram>> On 10/10/07, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net > wrote:> That should pretty much place those who are for Assam's continued servitude in a huge majority and thus pave the way for a plebiscite to put an end to the speculations, wouldn't it?>>> Why even bother about Assam Public Works' house to house interrogation poll?>>At 11:55 AM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:>>> Jeeez.. only 5% support sovereignty and this movement? Thats bad even from a poll that one doesn't trust.>> It is encouraging to note that that some 43% sent in their votes thru surface mail.>> Any reasons why the PCG did not publish the results? Also, does this result in any way match up with those conducted by the Assam Public Works (or Service) group?>>>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month. _______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month.>It seems ULFA has only guns to kill people but no brains for its future development. It only talks about independence but no plan how it would develop - will it go the Congo way leading to a million deaths?>Any comments?>>Umesh>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month.>Mr ULFA alias Mr Ruby (who surrendered long back as per BBC) alias...>>WHat do you say about the coming anniversary of 67 civilians killed by ULFA in Eastern Assam in Jan 2006? Is that what you call Assam's interests? y becoming Adi Amin or Pol Pot what do you seek for Assam?>>Umesh>>umesh sharma <jaipurschool at yahoo.com> wrote: Mr Ruby,>>What is your plan for Assam's development - since you say you want Assam's development?>>Umesh>>ulfa_ 1979April7 <ulfa_1979april7 at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:>Hon'able netter,>>We felt it necessary to add our comment to the above discussion thread between Ram Sarangapani and Chandan Mahanta. Yes indeed, the ULFA is still totally committed, as before, to honour the verdict of a plebiscite on the restoration of the Sovereignty of Asom held under the auspices of the United Nations. The ULFA certainly> made this declaration before anybody else. Bringing this up in this discussion forum by yourselves is very commendable. But we would like to make it clear here that we do not want any migrant from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar etcetera since 1947 to take part in this> plebiscite in defining the future direction of Asom.>Ram Sarangapani, you are a regular contributor in the AssamNet forum. Your explicit expression of support to stand by Assam (Asom)and her people reflects your wisdom.>There are many who may not support the ULFA, but, the most important thing is for all is to standby> the people of Asom. We would like to ask you not to support the views and actions of the selfish ones who are just taking advantage of the situation. Instead, be with the majority and work for real peace to return to Asom.>>Rubi Bhuyan>>>Central Publicity member, ULFA>>>>> 1. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Chan Mahanta)>> 2. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Ram> Sarangapani)>> On 10/10/07, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:>On 10/11/07, Ram Sarangapani <assamrs at gmail.com > wrote:> >maybe a plebiscite is not a bad idea at all. atleast>> >Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with seeking Assam's interests? :)>>>> **** That is a pathetic spin Ram.>> IF you are for an end to the conflict, and ULFA agrees to abide by the verdict of the people, why do you invent excuses like that to avoid the plebiscite, unless you really do not believe what you profess, that the people don't want sovereignty?>>> At 2:26 PM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:> C'da,>> You know me well enough to know that I don't carry water for anybody - GOI included.> And does it really matter where I stand?>>> Well, if you must, I don't like a plebicite. I seriously think its a red-herring for anyone interested in the well-being of Assam (both the pro/against sovereignty people).>> I think the results of a plebicite will not be helpful to anyone. It will lead to a much bigger, and unmanageable mess from which Assam will never get out of.Each side will bicker and moan about fraud, etc and a toothless UN can't do a lick.>> >Dilli has a billion people behind it. The people of Assam need yOU far more than Dilli does.>> Thanks, C'da. But, you misunderstand, I am on Assam's side as opposed to being on Dilli's side.> Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with seeking Assam's interests? :)> And, C'da, Assam needs you more than they will ever need me.>> --Ram>>> --Ram>> On 10/10/07, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net > wrote:> That should pretty much place those who are for Assam's continued servitude in a huge majority and thus pave the way for a plebiscite to put an end to the speculations, wouldn't it?>>> Why even bother about Assam Public Works' house to house interrogation poll?>>At 11:55 AM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:>>> Jeeez.. only 5% support sovereignty and this movement? Thats bad even from a poll that one doesn't trust.>> It is encouraging to note that that some 43% sent in their votes thru surface mail.>> Any reasons why the PCG did not publish the results? Also, does this result in any way match up with those conducted by the Assam Public Works (or Service) group?>>>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month. _______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month. _______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month.>Ruby the imposter???>>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4306051.stm>>Umesh>>ulfa_ 1979April7 <ulfa_1979april7 at yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Respected assamonliners,>We feel you are not coming forth with questions - maybe fearing Parasar,Biswajeet('Rascul ' famed) and such RAW lackies will round you up and disappear you.>Upto you.>Wish to note a few points:>Shati-Kam wrote you all to the right path and the agony of 'dukhuni' Assam, which I love the most, comes to an end.> which I love the most, Really? even more than we do?That is why we wanted you. Behave like Prince Siddhartha-- come and attain real Nirvana and liberate your beloved land.>> agony of 'dukhuni' Assam, You are the Brightest Management Guru East of Suez as they say. You also claim Govt . of Assam wanted YOU to make real men out of DUKHUNI's children.Now for assamonliners' benefit you need explaining what you have done and plan to do to make the Dukhuni children come out of her agony. Is Ulfa your hindrance-How?What?>> right path This is not modern Management language is it? Talk of Paradigm,Synergy,Win-Win ,Disappearing National Boundaries,Global Citizens, Blah-Blah-->> comes to an end. Will end when our 5 Crore people arrive at a point where they can Plan lives-not disasters.>> Keep those Questions coming. We will learn too.> Yours> Rubi>>>>>Jyotirmoy Sharma <jsharma at iinet.net.au> wrote:> All Assam netters>A search on Google shows that Ruby Bhuyan has surrendered years back>( 2005)>Does he still work for them overground?? We might be talking to an>imposter.>Also you are correct in noting that an author will never mistake in>spelling his own name.>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4306051.stm>JS>>>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month. _______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month.>http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/15/stories/2007101571952200.htm>> Old men and the mountain>---------------------------------> Boom in activities for the elderly>Increasing affluence is another factor>>---------------------------------> TOKYO: Yuichiro Miura has an unusual routine for a man who just turned 75.> At dawn, the veteran adventurer wakes up after a night in a private low-oxygen chamber. He straps weights onto his ankles, hoists a 44-pound backpack onto his shoulders and hikes for hours around Tokyo. Sometimes he adds a stroll on his treadmill.> Ask Mr. Miura why he isn’t on the golf course or puttering around a vegetable garden, and he has a simple answer — Mount Everest.> Mr. Miura is one of Japan’s old men of the mountain, a small cluster of graying Japanese climbers who since 2002 have been passing among themselves an august title: the oldest person to have conquered the world’s tallest peak.> “It’s a tough but wonderful thing to get to the peak when you are past 70,” Mr. Miura said. “I hope to send the message that we have the potential for many things in this aging society.” Mr. Miura is already famous for having skied down Everest in 1970, a feat captured in an Oscar-winning documentary. Now, for seniors like him, climbing the 8,850-meter Himalayan peak is as extreme an elderly activity as they come.> The country has the world’s longest-living population and is going through a boom in activities for the elderly.> Mr. Miura scaled the peak in 2003, at 70, but was eclipsed by fellow Japanese climber Takao Arayama, who scaled the peak in 2006, just three days older than Mr. Miura was when he did it. Now Mr. Miura wants to reach the top again.> “It feels like the goddess of Everest is beckoning me to come back,” said Mr. Miura, who is planning an assault on the mountain next spring, when he’ll be 75 .> Some attribute the prevalence of Japanese adventurers among the ranks of older climbers to the same factors that make them live increasingly longer: a diet heavy in vegetables and fish, excellent health care, and trim physiques.> Another factor in play is increasing affluence. Money brings world-class equipment, expert assistance , and state-of-the-art training.> Mr. Miura says setting a record isn’t all that important, since someone else will surely come along and break it. Instead, he said, “It’s about discovering what I can do.”— AP>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month.>Hi,>>While discussing with Ahsan-da Aziz the maker of the film http://www.sonam.net.tc/>I learnt many things which might surprise some .>>For one despite having ample water Assam imports fish from South India - strange trade. The eggs are hatched in Assam , roe (young little fish) are raised in Assam's fish farm - then they are sent to Andhra Pradesh where they grwo and then brought all the way back to be sold in Guwahati's fish markets ( a regular place where ULFA places the bombs and kills civilians and also at the vegetable market).>>About floods I am told it is a week long activity in Assam - only one week!! or ten days - and that due to global warming the moisture is transported to deserts of Rajasthan which are seeing unheard of floods in areas which never received any rains at all. Cherapoonji - world's wettest place has seen no rains since all that rainwater has shifted onwards to drop on Mumbai causing massive unheard of floods.>>Those with slightest knowledge of monsoon rains in India would know that warm moisture laden winds flow inwards towards Assam and rest of NE India in Spring onwards and when they reach Himalayas they rise higher and cool down to form rain. Now it doesn't cool down enough so no rain for NE India for past 2 years. The winds continue westwards and causing floods in usually desert areas (which have seen ground water disappear over the years due to excessive population and irrigation) thus I am sure thse guys are not complaing about unheard of floods.>>Umesh>>>>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Tryit now.>>>http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071015/asp/opinion/story_8418724.asp>>The Telegraph (Calcutta), Monday October 15, 2007>>Monday, October 15, 2007>>EAST WITH BITS LEFT OUT>--- A more imaginative Myanmar policy would do India good>>SANJIB BARUAH>>Most countries do public diplomacy abroad. In its standard use, the term refers to cultural and educational programmes, radio and television broadcasts, and citizen exchanges to promote foreign policy goals. In recent years, it has come to include soft power the goodwill that a country has because of the influence of popular culture and its positive image among foreigners. The target of public diplomacy is usually foreign audiences.>>India however, chooses to do public diplomacy at home. For the second time in less than four months, the external affairs minister, Pranab Mukherjee, visited the Northeast to explain the Look East policy. Both events were sponsored by the public diplomacy division of the ministry of external affairs. One can only welcome the belated discovery by the South Block of the value of the public discussions of foreign policy. But one wishes that these exercises were more about taking input from the ground, rather than about explaining policy from the top. From the perspective of Indias multiple global audiences, there may be some risks in calling these exercises public diplomacy. Does our external affairs ministry treat the Northeast as Indias near abroad or the far-east within?>>Mukherjee explained the promises that the Look East policy holds for northeastern India and how the priority given to its economic development fits into our foreign policy goals. The Planning Commission deputy chairman, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, was around as well. He said that the Northeast would see a massive upsurge in economic development over the next five years. Audiences in the Northeast, however, have grown a bit tired of the repetitious nature of what they have been hearing about the Look East policy. The reporter for The Telegraph pointed out that Mukherjees speech in Guwahati was almost an exact reproduction of the speech he gave in Shillong four months earlier.>>But the missing 800-pound gorilla from the Guwahati deliberations was the situation in neighbouring Myanmar. What are its implications for the future of the Look East policy? As fear grips Myanmar following the crackdown by the military junta, questions are being asked everywhere about the implications of the recent developments. What, for instance, does the crackdown on the Buddhist monasteries mean with reference to whatever residual legitimacy the military regime still has?>>Since our Burma policy took a U-turn in the early Nineties, India has been betting on the military regimes durability. Thus, even though the decision of the army chief, Deepak Kapoor, to publicly articulate foreign policy goals raised some eyebrows, his statement calling the crackdown in Myanmar an internal matter was not out of line with official policy. Mukherjee has said, It is up to the Burmese people to struggle for democracy, it is their issue. And the most scandalous of all was the presence of the petroleum minister, Murli Deora, in Myanmar to sign a deal for natural gas exploration when the crackdown was in full swing.>>Our foreign policymakers like to describe our Myanmar policy as being premised on realism. The concept is subject to much criticism in the academic literature on international relations. Realism can easily be an excuse for lazy thinking: letting some supposedly objective national interests get the upper hand in shaping foreign policy.>>The sudden end of the Cold War in 1989 spelt the failure of realism to explain some of the new forces that were transforming the world. Among these emerging forms of more globalized political activism are those that have been further energized in recent years by the internet, the mobile phone and the proliferation of 24-hour news channels.>>The impact of some of these forces is apparent in the pressures on Myanmar and on many other governments including India vis--vis their Myanmar policy. In the past few days, India has had to modify its initial stance in response to these pressures. It voted for the European Union-sponsored resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council condemning the Myanmarese government for its violent repression of peaceful demonstrations. The council has also approved a resolution calling for an independent investigation of the human rights situation in Myanmar.>>Myanmar itself has responded to these pressures by clamping down on the internet, the mobile phone network and by taking steps to stop the flow of news and pictures from the country.>>Recently, Chinas sensitivity to world public opinion has been all too apparent. Even on Myanmar, unlike India, China did not take a strict internal matter line, but opted for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. With the>the Beijing Olympics on the horizon, China does not want to be seen as being closely associated with unpopular, repressive regimes.>>After initial resistance, it began putting pressure on Sudan to accept a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur. Activists have warned that Beijing risks hosting the Genocide Olympics. While no one expects Beijing to become an advocate for democracy in Myanmar, there is little doubt that its Myanmar policy reflects sensitivity to global public opinion and the importance of soft power.>>China is not alone in this matter. Unlike the early years of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, when there was a reluctance to intervene in the internal affairs of member states, political liberalization in countries like Indonesia and Philippines, and political activism in Thailand and Malaysia are leading it towards siding with the forces for change in Myanmar. Japans Myanmar policy has also changed significantly. Even Singapore has said that it is deeply troubled by the crisis in Myanmar.>>India may be the laggard in responding to this new era of global activism. Indian foreign policy- makers had discovered realism rather late. It is understandable that countering Chinese influence, and hoping that Myanmar (and Bangladesh) would extend to our security establishment the kind of help that Bhutan provided in 2003 to eliminate Northeastern rebel groups would be major considerations in Indias Myanmar policy. But shouldnt we be worried that Indias national interest defined in that way and often articulated by active or retired military generals requires the presence of non-democratic regimes in the entire neighbourhood?>>Rather than betting on the generals survival for much longer, it is time for India to take a long-term view, draw lessons from its isolation on Myanmar, and rethink its Myanmar policy. It is in a good position to take the leadership in a global initiative to bring about a political transition in Myanmar. That would enable India to side with the forces of Myanmars future. In another era, when Burma was a province of India and the separation of Burma from British colonial India was debated, the Buddhist monks of Burma took a strong pro-India position. Writing from Calcutta in 1931, Ottama Bhikkhu of Burma supported a federal scheme tying India with Burma that had Gandhis blessings. None of Burmas traditions, he said, hark back to China, all hark back to India. He pointed to Burmas historical connection with India by sea and land dating back to the earliest times. Madras and Bengal, he said, supplied dynasties of Burmese kings, priests and peasants. The Buddha gave Burma its religion and Indian architects their style of architecture. Contrasting this with the relative absence of cultural influence from China, he said, even though China is near Burma, its interest in Burma seems to have been limited to these trade-routes, for traces of her influence are hard to find.>>No other country has more of a reservoir of soft power assets in Myanmar than India. Today, the democracy movement there is led by a woman who once lived in India, and is the author of a book called Burma and India: Some Aspects of Intellectual Life under Colonialism.>>We should not squander these soft power resources by letting our obsession with economic growth and energy security and our security establishments inclination to put counter-insurgency ahead of conflict resolution stand in the way of a more imaginative Myanmar policy.>>The author is at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, and Bard College, New York.>>>>Umesh,you have raised the most poignant and relevant question.>>Despite a miserable track records of successive Govt.of Assam in day-to-day>administration or in law-and-order or civic affairs----subjects in which the>Center just can't and does not poke its nose---ULFA is issuing the call for>sovereignty.Sovereignty for what ? For running personal fiefdoms ?>>The call to hold a plebiscite is unwarranted.We have a Government out there>in Assam,elected by the universal adult franchise inspite of the fact that>the ULFA gave a clarion call to boycott the election.>>KJD>>On 10/14/07, umesh sharma <jaipurschool at yahoo.com> wrote:>> > Mr Ruby,> >> > What is your plan for Assam's development - since you say you want Assam's> > development?> >> > Umesh> >> > *ulfa_ 1979April7 <ulfa_1979april7 at yahoo.co.uk >* wrote:> >> > Hon'able netter,> >> > We felt it necessary to add our comment to the above discussion thread between Ram Sarangapani and Chandan Mahanta. Yes indeed, the ULFA is still totally committed, as before, to honour the verdict of a plebiscite on the restoration of the Sovereignty of Asom held under the auspices of the United Nations. The ULFA certainly> > made this declaration before anybody else. Bringing this up in this discussion forum by yourselves is very commendable. But we would like to make it clear here that we do not want any migrant from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar etcetera since 1947 to take part in this> > plebiscite in defining the future direction of Asom.> > Ram Sarangapani, you are a regular contributor in the AssamNet forum. Your explicit expression of support to stand by Assam (Asom)and her people reflects your wisdom.> > There are many who may not support the ULFA, but, the most important thing is for all is to standby> > the people of Asom. We would like to ask you not to support the views and actions of the selfish ones who are just taking advantage of the situation. Instead, be with the majority and work for real peace to return to Asom.> >> >> > Rubi Bhuyan> >> >> > Central Publicity member, ULFA> >> >> > 1. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Chan Mahanta)> >> > 2. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Ram> > Sarangapani)> >> > On 10/10/07,* Chan Mahanta* <cmahanta at charter.net <http://uk.f269.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cmahanta@charter.net>> > > wrote:> > On 10/11/07,* Ram Sarangapani* <assamrs at gmail.com <http://uk.f269.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=assamrs@gmail.com> > wrote:> > >maybe a plebiscite is not a bad idea at all. atleast> >> > >Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with> > seeking Assam's interests? :)> >> >> >> > **** That is a pathetic spin Ram.> >> > IF you are for an end to the conflict, and ULFA agrees to abide by the> > verdict of the people, why do you invent excuses like that to avoid the> > plebiscite, unless you really do not believe what you profess, that the> > people don't want sovereignty?> >> >> > At 2:26 PM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:> > C'da,> >> > You know me well enough to know that I don't carry water for anybody - GOI> > included.> > And does it really matter where I stand?> >> >> > Well, if you must, I don't like a plebicite. I seriously think its a> > red-herring for anyone interested in the well-being of Assam (both the> > pro/against sovereignty people).> >> > I think the results of a plebicite will not be helpful to anyone. It will> > lead to a much bigger, and unmanageable mess from which Assam will never get> > out of.Each side will bicker and moan about fraud, etc and a toothless UN> > can't do a lick.> >> > >Dilli has a billion people behind it. The people of Assam need yOU far> > more than Dilli does.> >> > Thanks, C'da. But, you misunderstand,* I am on **Assam**'s side* as> > opposed to being on Dilli's side.> > Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with> > seeking Assam's interests? :)> > And, C'da, Assam needs you more than they will ever need me.> >> > --Ram> >> >> > --Ram> >> > On 10/10/07,* Chan Mahanta* < cmahanta at charter.net<http://uk.f269.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cmahanta@charter.net>> wrote:> > That should pretty much place those who are for Assam's continued> > servitude in a huge majority and thus pave the way for a plebiscite to put> > an end to the speculations, wouldn't it?> >> >> > Why even bother about Assam Public Works' house to house interrogation> > poll?> >> > At 11:55 AM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:> >> > Jeeez.. only 5% support sovereignty and this movement? Thats bad even> > from a poll that one doesn't trust.> >> > It is encouraging to note that that some 43% sent in their votes thru> > surface mail.> >> > Any reasons why the PCG did not publish the results? Also, does this> > result in any way match up with those conducted by the Assam Public Works> > (or Service) group?> >> > ------------------------------> > For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good<http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html>this month. _______________________________________________> > assam mailing list> > assam at assamnet.org> > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org> >> >> >> >> > Umesh Sharma> >> > Washington D.C.> >> > 1-202-215-4328 [Cell]> >> > Ed.M. - International Education Policy> > Harvard Graduate School of Education,> > Harvard University,> > Class of 2005> >> > http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)> >> > http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)> >> >> >> >> > www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )> >> >> >> >> > http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/> >> > ------------------------------> > For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good<http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html>this month.> >> >> > _______________________________________________> > assam mailing list> > assam at assamnet.org> > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org> >> >>Unused MLALAD funds to go to State exchequer>Not a single paisa of MLALAD funds was used during the fiscal 2006-07 in Dholai, Baitholangshu, Majuli, Dergaon, Jorhat, Bijni, Sidli and Dhemaji LACs>By our Staff Reporter>GUWAHATI, Oct 14: Massive “underutilization” and “unutilization” of cash released by the Planning and Development Department of the Asom Government as MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) funds over the years has prompted the State Government to think to make the non-lapsable MLALAD funds lapsable i.e. introducing the system of the taking the unused money of the MLALAD funds back to the State exchequer. Besides exposing the lack of commitment on the part of the elected representatives of the State towards the development of their respective Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs), “underutilization” and “unutilization” of the released cash failed the very purpose of the MLALAD funds which had been introduced in the State by then Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia in 1994.>According sources, the Additional Chief Secretary in-charge of P & D Department has prepared a note stating that the unused MLALAD funds will go back to the State exchequer. However, the Additional Chief secretary’s note is yet to be approved by the Chief Minister. The system prevalent at present is that the unused MLALAD funds are released for developmental schemes of the constituencies in the following financial year.>According to sources, from fiscal 2002-03 to 2006-07, the State Government released Rs 17,640 lakh as MLALAD funds, but Rs 3343.42 lakh of this amount remained unused. In the fiscal 2006-07 alone, the State Government released Rs 3,780 lakh as MLALAD funds for its 126 Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs), but Rs 1283.42 lakh of the amount remained unused. The worst is that not a single paisa of MLALAD funds was used during the fiscal 2006-07 in Dholai, Baitholangshu, Majuli, Dergaon, Jorhat, Bijni, Sidli and Dhemaji LACs.>Meanwhile, the P & D Department recently informed the district administration that Rs 3,150 lakh was released for the 126 LACs of the State at the rate of Rs 25 lakh per LAC as the first instalment of the MLALAD fund for the fiscal 2007-08. The department, however, made it clear to the deputy commissioners that all pending schemes up to 2006-07 have to be implemented as per the standing guidelines, and the entire amount released by December 31, 2007 has to be used. “If any funds of the previous years remain unused, that may be surrendered and deposited in the State exchequer,” the P & D Department said, and added: “The deputy commissioners should furnish the reports of completion of works along with unutilization certificates in respect of MLALAD funds to it in due course.”>> (The Sentinel,15.10.2007)>>>>>---------------------------------> Download prohibited? No problem. CHAT from any browser, without download.>these new IAS officers are all nerds?? can do no social engg and development work --only good in reading ten hours a day - from notes made by somebody else (Rao Study Circle , Brilliant Tutorials etc) and passing the entrance exam to get the top job ->>- IAS.-- does it mean I AM SILLY?>>Umesh>>Buljit Buragohain <buluassam at yahoo.co.in> wrote: Unused MLALAD funds to go to State exchequer>Not a single paisa of MLALAD funds was used during the fiscal 2006-07 in Dholai, Baitholangshu, Majuli, Dergaon, Jorhat, Bijni, Sidli and Dhemaji LACs>By our Staff Reporter>GUWAHATI, Oct 14: Massive “underutilization” and “unutilization” of cash released by the Planning and Development Department of the Asom Government as MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) funds over the years has prompted the State Government to think to make the non-lapsable MLALAD funds lapsable i.e. introducing the system of the taking the unused money of the MLALAD funds back to the State exchequer. Besides exposing the lack of commitment on the part of the elected representatives of the State towards the development of their respective Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs), “underutilization” and “unutilization” of the released cash failed the very purpose of the MLALAD funds which had been introduced in the State by then Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia in 1994.>According sources, the Additional Chief Secretary in-charge of P & D Department has prepared a note stating that the unused MLALAD funds will go back to the State exchequer. However, the Additional Chief secretary’s note is yet to be approved by the Chief Minister. The system prevalent at present is that the unused MLALAD funds are released for developmental schemes of the constituencies in the following financial year.>According to sources, from fiscal 2002-03 to 2006-07, the State Government released Rs 17,640 lakh as MLALAD funds, but Rs 3343.42 lakh of this amount remained unused. In the fiscal 2006-07 alone, the State Government released Rs 3,780 lakh as MLALAD funds for its 126 Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs), but Rs 1283.42 lakh of the amount remained unused. The worst is that not a single paisa of MLALAD funds was used during the fiscal 2006-07 in Dholai, Baitholangshu, Majuli, Dergaon, Jorhat, Bijni, Sidli and Dhemaji LACs.>Meanwhile, the P & D Department recently informed the district administration that Rs 3,150 lakh was released for the 126 LACs of the State at the rate of Rs 25 lakh per LAC as the first instalment of the MLALAD fund for the fiscal 2007-08. The department, however, made it clear to the deputy commissioners that all pending schemes up to 2006-07 have to be implemented as per the standing guidelines, and the entire amount released by December 31, 2007 has to be used. “If any funds of the previous years remain unused, that may be surrendered and deposited in the State exchequer,” the P & D Department said, and added: “The deputy commissioners should furnish the reports of completion of works along with unutilization certificates in respect of MLALAD funds to it in due course.”>> (The Sentinel,15.10.2007)>>>>>---------------------------------> Download prohibited? No problem. CHAT from any browser, without download._______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>Umesh Sharma>>Washington D.C.>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>Harvard University,>Class of 2005>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>---------------------------------> Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Tryit now.>> >Any comments?>>>>>*** You shouldn''t have asked. I think ULFA has a whole lot more brains that you Umesh.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>At 1:59 PM -0700 10/14/07, umesh sharma wrote:>>It seems ULFA has only guns to kill people but no brains for its future development. It only talks about independence but no plan how it would develop - will it go the Congo way leading to a million deaths?>>Any comments?>>>>Umesh>>>>>>Umesh Sharma>>>>Washington D.C.>>>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>>Harvard University,>>Class of 2005>>>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>>>>>>>For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit <http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html>Yahoo! For Good this month.>>>>_______________________________________________>>assam mailing list>>assam at assamnet.org>>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>I would suggest you ask that question of Narendar Modi and BJP an RSS. about what they did in Gujarat post Godhra Or for that matter the Congresswallas who wiped out thousands of Sikhs after Indira Gandhi's assassination.>>>>>>>>>At 2:04 PM -0700 10/14/07, umesh sharma wrote:>>Mr ULFA alias Mr Ruby (who surrendered long back as per BBC) alias...>>>>WHat do you say about the coming anniversary of 67 civilians killed by ULFA in Eastern Assam in Jan 2006? Is that what you call Assam's interests? y becoming Adi Amin or Pol Pot what do you seek for Assam?>>>>Umesh>>>>umesh sharma <jaipurschool at yahoo.com> wrote:>>>>Mr Ruby,>>>>What is your plan for Assam's development - since you say you want Assam's development?>>>>Umesh>>>>ulfa_ 1979April7 <ulfa_1979april7 at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:>>>>Hon'able netter,>>We felt it necessary to add our comment to the above discussion thread between Ram Sarangapani and Chandan Mahanta. Yes indeed, the ULFA is still totally committed, as before, to honour the verdict of a plebiscite on the restoration of the Sovereignty of Asom held under the auspices of the United Nations. The ULFA certainly>> made this declaration before anybody else. Bringing this up in this discussion forum by yourselves is very commendable. But we would like to make it clear here that we do not want any migrant from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar etcetera since 1947 to take part in this>> plebiscite in defining the future direction of Asom.>>Ram>> Sarangapani, you are a regular contributor in the AssamNet forum. Your explicit expression of support to stand by Assam (Asom)and her people reflects your wisdom.>>There are many who may not support the ULFA, but, the most important thing is for all is to standby>> the people of Asom. We would like to ask you not to support the views and actions of the selfish ones who are just taking advantage of the situation. Instead, be with the majority and work for real peace to return to Asom.>>>>Rubi Bhuyan>>>>>>Central Publicity member, ULFA>>>>>> 1. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Chan Mahanta)>> 2. Re: Please take part in the opinion poll (Ram>> Sarangapani)>>>>On 10/10/07, Chan Mahanta <<http://uk.f269.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cmahanta@charter.net>cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:>>On 10/11/07, Ram Sarangapani <<http://uk.f269.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=assamrs@gmail.com>assamrs at gmail.com > wrote:>> >maybe a plebiscite is not a bad idea at all. atleast>>>> >Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with seeking Assam's interests? :)>>>>>>>>**** That is a pathetic spin Ram.>>>>IF you are for an end to the conflict, and ULFA agrees to abide by the verdict of the people, why do you invent excuses like that to avoid the plebiscite, unless you really do not believe what you profess, that the people don't want sovereignty?>>>>>>At 2:26 PM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:>>C'da,>>>>You know me well enough to know that I don't carry water for anybody - GOI included.>>And does it really matter where I stand?>>>>>>Well, if you must, I don't like a plebicite. I seriously think its a red-herring for anyone interested in the well-being of Assam (both the pro/against sovereignty people).>>>>I think the results of a plebicite will not be helpful to anyone. It will lead to a much bigger, and unmanageable mess from which Assam will never get out of.Each side will bicker and moan about fraud, etc and a toothless UN can't do a lick.>>>> >Dilli has a billion people behind it. The people of Assam need yOU far more than Dilli does.>>>>Thanks, C'da. But, you misunderstand, I am on Assam's side as opposed to being on Dilli's side.>>Now, what I am not sure of is being on ULFa's side is synonymous with seeking Assam's interests? :)>>And, C'da, Assam needs you more than they will ever need me.>>>>--Ram>>>>>>--Ram>>>>On 10/10/07, Chan Mahanta <<http://uk.f269.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cmahanta@charter.net>cmahanta at charter.net > wrote:>>That should pretty much place those who are for Assam's continued servitude in a huge majority and thus pave the way for a plebiscite to put an end to the speculations, wouldn't it?>>>>>>Why even bother about Assam Public Works' house to house interrogation poll?>>>>At 11:55 AM -0600 10/10/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:>>>>Jeeez.. only 5% support sovereignty and this movement? Thats bad even from a poll that one doesn't trust.>>>>It is encouraging to note that that some 43% sent in their votes thru surface mail.>>>>Any reasons why the PCG did not publish the results? Also, does this result in any way match up with those conducted by the Assam Public Works (or Service) group?>>>>>>For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit <http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html>Yahoo! For Good this month. _______________________________________________>>assam mailing list>>assam at assamnet.org>>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>>>>>>>Umesh Sharma>>>>Washington D.C.>>>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>>Harvard University,>>Class of 2005>>>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>>>For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit <http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html>Yahoo! For Good this month. _______________________________________________>>assam mailing list>>assam at assamnet.org>>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>>>>>>>Umesh Sharma>>>>Washington D.C.>>>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>>Harvard University,>>Class of 2005>>>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>>>>>>>For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit <http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html>Yahoo! For Good this month.>>>>_______________________________________________>>assam mailing list>>assam at assamnet.org>>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>Those with slightest knowledge of monsoon rains in India would know that warm moisture laden winds >flow inwards towards Assam and rest of NE India in Spring onwards>>>Does Umesh the renowned, Harvard trained climatologist know what the direction of the monsoon winds that bring rains to Assam and the contiguous region are? Can he explain how it turns towards the west all of a sudden? It would be very interesting to learn.>>But something tells me we will be deprived of that bit of Rajasthani science.>>>>>>>>>At 3:39 PM -0700 10/14/07, umesh sharma wrote:>>Hi,>>>>While discussing with Ahsan-da Aziz the maker of the film http://www.sonam.net.tc/>>I learnt many things which might surprise some .>>>>For one despite having ample water Assam imports fish from South India - strange trade. The eggs are hatched in Assam , roe (young little fish) are raised in Assam's fish farm - then they are sent to Andhra Pradesh where they grwo and then brought all the way back to be sold in Guwahati's fish markets ( a regular place where ULFA places the bombs and kills civilians and also at the vegetable market).>>>>About floods I am told it is a week long activity in Assam - only one week!! or ten days - and that due to global warming the moisture is transported to deserts of Rajasthan which are seeing unheard of floods in areas which never received any rains at all. Cherapoonji - world's wettest place has seen no rains since all that rainwater has shifted onwards to drop on Mumbai causing massive unheard of floods.>>>>Those with slightest knowledge of monsoon rains in India would know that warm moisture laden winds flow inwards towards Assam and rest of NE India in Spring onwards and when they reach Himalayas they rise higher and cool down to form rain. Now it doesn't cool down enough so no rain for NE India for past 2 years. The winds continue westwards and causing floods in usually desert areas (which have seen ground water disappear over the years due to excessive population and irrigation) thus I am sure thse guys are not complaing about unheard of floods.>>>>Umesh>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Umesh Sharma>>>>Washington D.C.>>>>1-202-215-4328 [Cell]>>>>Ed.M. - International Education Policy>>Harvard Graduate School of Education,>>Harvard University,>>Class of 2005>>>>http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)>>>>http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)>>>>>>>>>>www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )>>>>>>>>>>http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/>>>>>>>>Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. <http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTEydmViNG02BF9TAzIxMTQ3MTcxOTAEc2VjA21haWwEc2xrA3RhZ2xpbmU>Try it now.>>>>_______________________________________________>>assam mailing list>>assam at assamnet.org>>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>The 'Above Average' are already in the surreal/illogical/romantic conflict:-). They are very few in numbers and have taken their seats either with those who are in governance or those who want to evict them with 'force'. Irony is, both sides have nothing to show. The common people with average intelligence in Assam understand this reality. Yet, till now the common people with average intelligence have put the 'colonisers' in legit governance through 'vote' and have spurned the 'freedom fighters'. Then why is the need for a plebiscite? Or UN presence will give the 'votes' credibility? Or would you say that all people have not 'voted' in these 'elections' or that they are manipulated/ rigged? Why do you think that all oxomiyas and oxombaxis would go out to vote if held under UN auspices?>>>>Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:> At 3:24 PM +0100 10/14/07, uttam borthakur wrote:> That is what makes it surreal, and not real; beyond cause and effect; beyond rationality. This is bothering common people of average intelligence; they cannot afford romanticism.>>>>>>> **** How about the ABOVE AVERAGE, those who are in charge of their 'legitimate' governance, and those who put them there, by their overt or tacit support? Can they afford it?>>> If they cannot, as I like to think they can't, WHAT HAVE THEY SHOWN for their effort to bring the conflict to an end? I mean other than to wish ULFA away or making perfunctory noises about the Govt. acting undemocratically every now and then?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:> >Has anyone made up his/her mind as to what should be the objective measure about the stage when such a vote becomes mandatory?>>>> **** It is NOT about making some OBJECTIVE , UNIVERSAL law, that will make it BINDING on all those in violent conflicts, for whatever reason, to submit to a plebiscite.>> The plebiscite idea is a RESPONSE to the ULFA/Assam/ GoI conflict, because those who accept and promote Indian supremacy over Assam CLAIM that they are the majority in Assam, thus ULFA ought to disappear, in a desi-demokratic dispensation where the numerical majority is expected to run supreme on all issues.>> No one needs to seek a plebiscite in Nagaland, do they?>> **** On the matter of numbers of lives lost in the conflict, should it make a difference whether it is 1,000 0r 5,000 or 10 if not 15?> And should it make a difference WHO are included in it?>> George Bush and Dick Cheney would love it so to preside over desi-demokrasy, where they wouldn't have to explain to anyone why their armies are permanently placed in the NE or Kashmir , or tell anyone how many of their own people they have killed or put in harms way, or what part of their annual outlay is and have been expended since independence in fighting these wars against their beloved brethren in Nagaland , in Assam, in Mizoram, in Manipur ,in Kashmir and PRODUCING WHAT and at WHOSE expense.> Apparently democracy lovers brought up under the fine traditions of desi-demokrasy missed it altogether.> Wonder WHY?>>>>>>>>>>> At 6:34 AM +0100 10/14/07, uttam borthakur wrote:> As I understand it, according to Sri C. Mahanta, 15000 lives lost ( I do not know how this figure has been arrived at... whether it represents the number of ULFA cadres killed or Oxomiyas killed (including those in unintended cross-fires), .... whether it includes all lives lost including the non-oxomiyas) over 29 years is the objective basis making the plebiscite imperative. So, that is one measure.>> Has anyone made up his/her mind as to what should be the objective measure about the stage when such a vote becomes mandatory?>>kamal deka <kjit.deka at gmail.com> wrote:> The GOI has similarly been willing to hold parleys with ULFA in order to hammer out a solution within the ambit of the Constitution.What is wrong with that ?> KJD>>> On 10/13/07, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:> The big vacuum of reason here I see is this:>>> IF, Assam's OWNERS, I mean other those who sit in Dilli , so wish for an end to hostilities> and can't figure out HOW, and if ULFA, the villains, declare that they will abide by the> verdict of the people for whose sovereignty they gave nearly 15,000 Oxomiya lives over> 29 years, then would it NOT make eminent sense to hold one?>>> What am I missing here? Would it be sincerity of purpose ( of a hope for peace), or is that yet another> display , albeit unintended, attempt to to have it both ways?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> At 3:57 AM +0100 10/14/07, uttam borthakur wrote:> Living in a cave does not exclude the yearning or formation of wisdom as Plato would ask us to believe.>>> The right to self-determination should not be denied to any people. But the question is: how the stage is to be assessed where a plebiscite becomes imperative. Simply because ULFA says that, should it be held? That NSCN or other outfits have claimed parts of the present Assam, should a plebiscite be held for that purpose in the disputed areas? In that case there would be no end to plebiscite and that is a very impractical thing. Then we will have to divide Assam to the size of the city states and have to decide every issue through citizens' vote! Now we have to assess whether the stage has come. I request everyone here or otherwise to find an objective measure of assessment. Moreover, could not the protagonists of secession consider building up of the opinion without training their guns on the people of Assam on the pretext of they being spies of the 'state' etc? The covert organisations always fall prey to the guiles of the 'state' they fight by killing their own due to> suspicion and sometimes intra-organisational feud. Better they do things under the sun taking people as their forte rather than ineffectual guns.>>>> If the majority of the people feel that they should protect themselves with guns, I would not oppose that. But the people do not need a few to 'protect' and/or'kill' some of them on whimsy on the pleas of mistaken identity, cross-fire etc.>>kamal deka <kjit.deka at gmail.com> wrote:> Rubi Bhuyan and the people of his/her ilk must be living in a cave,totally detached from the ground realities of Assam.They are merely prodding at the body of ' sovereignty' without knowing what it is all about---like children at a new toy in the market showroom.Rubi Bhuyan's point of view expressed in the Assam Net is of no consequence as far as I am concerned.>>> I respectfully disagree with Mr.Nayanjyoti Medhi's opinion,voiced in this forum in regard to holding a plebiscite in Assam focusing solely on the sovereignty issue as demanded by the ULFA,who are itching to break-up a 60-year-old kaleidoscopic federation.Why do we have to hold a referendum,buckling under the pressure of an outfit that has been outlawed by the Government ? Is Assam an exclusive preserve of the ULFA ? The right to self-determination,if allowed in Assam,would then be reduced to a series of voting exorcises,conducted every 10 years or so in order to meet the demand of the new generation,at whose whim the border of a country could be defined and redefined.It will not be very difficult to imagine the chaos,it would create in a polyglot,multi-ethnic and multi-religious state as Assam's,if such recipe were to be applied state-wide as a solution.>>> Kamal J Deka> sugarland,Texas.>>> On 10/13/07, Nayanjyoti Medhi <nayanjyoti.medhi at gmail.com> wrote:> Dear Rubi,>>> I thought since you have been following my postings in Assam online and Assamnet, You would be enlightened as to what, I as an Assamese would want for me and my fellowmen. But it saddens me because, maybe the one interacting with me and the one following my posts are probably not the same person. If both were the same person, then you would not have written this to me. Even if you ask Chandan Mahanta, he will tell you that I have been one of the few in Assamnet who has been advocating against the kiling of our own brothers and sisters. Whether it is in Bhutan, Burma, Arunachal or in their own backyards. I have even gone on record saying that there should be a plebiscite. Preferably a independent one where the Government agencies has no part/role to play. I had requested only one condition that there should be a guarantee that the people's wishes should be respected. I am on record that i have been advocating against killing. of innocents and others equally. But then how> would you know. You are not the one following the posts. However I would suggest that you see the postings in Assamnet put there by me few days back. You will find that it is me who wrote that there should be a plebiscite because a very miniscule portion of the masses have access to internet and their views here do not reflect the view of the masses. And that is the very reason why I requested you (ULFA) to go to the masses in the last post as well as in my reply to the letter written by you to Shantikam Hazarika, a copy of which was also sent to me.>>> **** Instead of discussing how such an environment be created, saying that the United Nations won't agree to a plebiscite, is not like plucking a solution from the thin air?> ****You have put emphasis on the changes the administration has brought in.> Pray tell me when and where did I make the statement that United Nations won't agree to a plebiscite. And one thing more. I have never emphasised on the changes the administration has bought in. Again, I ask you, When and where did I say that? Infact I have gone on record saying that I am disgusted with both the Government and you (see my reply to C Da's post) because neither has done anything for peace and progress of Assam (I have not seen any results in 28 years, I have become a man from 4 months old baby).>>>>> Nayan>>> P.S: Please ask Chandan Da not to barge in and write a hilarious reply to what i have written coz i won't reply then.>>>> On 10/13/07, ulfa_ 1979April7 <ulfa_1979april7 at yahoo.co.uk > wrote:>>Dear Nayanjyoti Medhi,>>> We have read your comments in AssamOnline. You wrote," "Times have changed. The boys are disillusioned after living in jungle camps with mosquitoes and malaria, killing, avoiding the bullets of the Indian security forces, and no real destination in sight. To the mainstream Assamese the ULFA is no longer a struggle for national salvation but one that keeps normal life disturbed. Is it not the time to rethink and ask the people what they want? The ULFA should ask the people if the Assamese people see the ULFA movement as a beneficial and healthy activity for the betterment of the Assamese people? Do the Assamese people really feel they are not part of India and are being exploited by New Delhi?>>Now the final question is that whether The ULFA movement is something that is wanted by the people of Assam and supported by them or is it something which is being imposed on them." We find that your statement is a mere repetition of what the unified command structure has been saying for the last twenty eight years. We do not accept such views. The colonial administration has been trying to steer the fate of the liberation struggle of Asom to their liking for the past 28 years. You have put emphasis on the changes the administration has brought in. But, why the struggle by thousands of freedom fighters in a tough situation created by fifth columnists facing uncertain future is still ongoing has not been highlighted by you?> The ULFA has admitted of civilian casuality in unfortunate circumstances(viz suddenly appearing during firing) while conducting operations against the enemy. Anticipating such casualities we have publicly requested people not to be with the occupation forces or in close proximity of the military camps or otherwise.> The murder of engineer Ajay Deka and the old woman Sabitri Rajbangshi has proven again our contention that the unified command structure has been involved in these crimes in a planned manner to malign the ULFA. Some may not believe our position, but, they should not believe the unified command structure's assertions either. You are talking about people supporting the unified structure but there is no mention of the need for independent inquiry into their operations leading to human suffering and deaths. Hence we find your views biased.> We are saying that there are masses who want an independent Asom. We have demanded a plebiscite on the restoration of Asom's sovereignty under the supervision of the United Nations. We have declared long time ago that we shall accept the verdict of the people. Pre-judging of a possible negative outcome of such a plebiscite conducted in a environment fee of fear, surely is not devoid of prejudices? Instead of discussing how such an environment be created, saying that the United Nations won't agree to a plebiscite, is not like plucking a solution from the thin air? Why do you have to be dependent on whether India will agree to it or not? Without gauzing the true depth what the majority of people of Asom wants, based on a opinion poll conducted at the behest of the army and the police and use of the internet voting available only o some town dwellers, you suggest be the decisive verdict on the fate of the land and the people?> Is it not very childish to talk like this?>>> With warm wishes>>> Rubi Bhuyan>>>>>>> "Nayanjyoti Medhi" nayanjyoti.medhi at gmail.com> assamonline at yahoogroups.com> 28 years have gone by since the start of the liberation struggle by the United Liberation Front of Assam. Many boys have died and their bodies rest in unmarked graves in jungles of Bhutan, Arunachal, Myanmar and still many have died in their own backyards. Many are languishing in the different jails all throughout Assam . Many have surrendered and joined the mainstream. Not only the boys, with them many civilians who did not have anything to do with liberation have given their lives in this ongoing struggle between the state and the liberation army.>>United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was formed on April 7, 1979 at the Rang Ghar in Sibsagar to establish a "sovereign socialist Assam" through an armed struggle. Of course, there was an initial euphoria and an unnaturally heightened sense of alienation because of the step motherly attitude of the Indian Government in the initial stages of the movement. The truth has since been gradually realised and that sense of alienation has died.>>Times have changed. The boys are disillusioned after living in jungle camps with mosquitoes and malaria, killing, avoiding the bullets of the Indian security forces, and no real destination in sight. To the mainstream Assamese the ULFA is no longer a struggle for national salvation but one that keeps normal life disturbed. Is it not the time to rethink and ask the people what they want? The ULFA should ask the people if the Assamese people see the ULFA movement as a beneficial and healthy activity for the betterment of the Assamese people? Do the Assamese people really feel they are not part of India and are being exploited by New Delhi?>>Now the final question is that whether The ULFA movement is something that is wanted by the people of Assam and supported by them or is it something which is being imposed on them.>>Nayanjyoti Medhi>Advocate>Gauhati High Court>>Chamber:>Satya Bora Lane, Dighalipukhuri East>Guwahati-781001, Assam>>Phone:>+91 361 2416960>+91 94350 43007>>Email:>nayanjyoti.medhi@ gmail.com> ___________________________________________________________>>---------------------------------> Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Try it now.>>>> -->>Nayanjyoti Medhi>Advocate>Gauhati High Court>>Chamber:>Satya Bora Lane, Dighalipukhuri East>Guwahati-781001, Assam>>>Phone:>+91 361 2416960>+91 94350 43007>>Email:>nayanjyoti.medhi at gmail.com>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>> Uttam Kumar Borthakur>>>>---------------------------------> Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>> Uttam Kumar Borthakur>>>---------------------------------> Forgot the famous last words? Access your message archive online. Click here.>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>> _______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>> Uttam Kumar Borthakur>>---------------------------------> Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org>>>>Uttam Kumar Borthakur>>>---------------------------------> Flying to Bangalore or Bhopal? Search for tickets here.>_______________________________________________>assam mailing list>assam at assamnet.org>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
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