[Assam] from a North Eastern Journalist

[Amarjyoti Borah]

Dear Friends,
there was a time when I used to think that bing born in the North ast is
nothing but a curse for me. Its not due to the region but the AFSPA which is
applicable here. Its has made our life miserable.
Just to give you an example.  I have have frisked and picked up a couple of
times for wearning "Lotto shoes"; the reason was strange, the Unifed command
had come across a few militant wearing Lotto shoes.On another ocassion I was
picked for questioning for wearing a jacket, which they say is ideal for
militants..Imagine life here in the NE.

On many ocassons there has been reports of army jawans conducting raids on
the house of innocent people and picking up inocent people for questioning.
Often these people never returns, and becomes traceless.

I had meet a Lady, named Noni Bala. Her husband, a small svale
businessman was picked for questioning and he has never returned in 10
years. Noni Bala is still looking for her husband despite knowing that he is
DEAD.
 Few days back I saw a piece in the Express, saying some groups in Mumbai
had protested on this in Mumbai. I am really glad to know that people in
places like Mumbai are becoming aware of how we in the NE are having to
live. I am pasting the link below.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mumbai-bats-for-manipur-as-sharmilas-hunger-strike-enters-10th-year/544645/

I will be really happy to hear from you all. If anyone wants more info on
the situation in NE please do email me.

Thanking you,

Amarjyoti Borah,

Journalist,

Assam