[Assam] ULFA : Demand for full autonomy of Assam/3
Chan Mahanta
cmahanta at charter.net
Mon Mar 23 07:09:45 PDT 2009
At 11:14 PM -0500 3/22/09, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
>Of course, there isn't, C'da.
*** I knew you were not an insincere person Ram. Glad you revealed
it for those who may not know :-).
*** But the rest is not nearly as gloomy or as without solution as
you paint them. Even the B'deshi issue can be turned around to be an
asset--of sorts, even though it will take a huge amount of
attitudinal change, thru education. Real education, not the kind that
Indian institutions dispense.
*** I also do NOT agree that ALL are EQUALLY guilty or responsible.
When we attempt to portray them all as equally responsible, it is an
attempt to ABSOLVE the truly responsible parties of their
dereliction.
Those who cite the constitution to demonize the ULFA and
others who took to arms
remain silent on the Center's duties of border protection.
It is dishonest, at the very
least. And it is extremely harmful to the cause of finding
sustainable solutions.
*** Corruption has many generators, not the least of which is what
Santanu describes yesterday , of the Center's economic controls ,
combined with an inability to build institutions of state to exercise
oversight and maintain transparency over the disbursements, leaving
the people WITHOUT any tools for creating dispensing consequences for
bad behavior and thus creating a deterrence.
c-da
>
>Even a Daniel wouldn't be able to get Assam out of this mess created jointly
>by all parties involved - right down from the Center, the GOA, the
>militants, and of course the people - let's not forget them.
>
>But - my take is that even before we attempt to solve or (learn to live with
>the B'deshis), we have to recognize some realities.
>
>IMHO - problems like illegal immigration, corruption, Pro/Anti talk,
>militant issues or whatever in Assam have no solutions (at least foreseeable
>ones) - there are just too many darn vested interests that would want
>nothing but to keep these issues burning and alive.
>
>
>--Ram
>On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 10:19 PM, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:
>
>> Still no answer to the question: What will YOU do?
>>
>> There is an ancient Oxomiya fokora that translated into English goes like
>> : Put up or ---- up :-)!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> At 10:09 PM -0500 3/22/09, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
>>
>>> >It is not a question of right or wrong anymore. It is agreed that they
>>> do
>>> not have the right to encroach.
>>>
>>>> It is about the reality. How does Assam and the Assamese people survive
>>>> in
>>>>
>>> the reality of massive settlement of Bangladeshis?
>>>
>>> That is true. But the first reality is whether (we) recognize that
>>> B'deshis
>>> coming into Assam :
>>> (a) are illegal
>>> (b) Should they be sent back?
>>> (c) Are we comfortable having them around: because they only occupy char
>>> and
>>> useless land (where no Assamese will tread), and only take up jobs that no
>>> Assamese will do?
>>> (d) Should our "human' sensitivities go to the extent of displacing
>>> Assamese
>>> from their chars, to make sure our illegal guests are comfy?
>>>
>>> Are you suggesting that the settlers should be terrorized so that they go
>>>>
>>> back to Bangladesh?
>>>
>>> In fact, if Assamese are not careful, people may be terrorized, but it
>>> will
>>> probably be B'Deshis getting rid of Assamese from Assam.
>>>
>>> --Ram
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 9:52 PM, Dilip and Dil Deka <dilipdeka at yahoo.com
>>> >wrote:
>>>
>>> Let me butt in.
>>>> It is not a question of right or wrong anymore. It is agreed that they
>>>> do
>>>> not have the right to encroach.
>>>> It is about the reality. How does Assam and the Assamese people survive
>>>> in
>>>> the reality of massive settlement of Bangladeshis?
>>>>
>>> > Are you suggesting that the settlers should be terrorized so that they
>>> go
>>> > back to Bangladesh?
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ________________________________
>>>> From: kamal deka <kjit.deka at gmail.com>
> >>> To: A Mailing list for people interested in Assam from around the world
>>>> <assam at assamnet..org>
>>>> Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2009 9:43:33 PM
> >>> Subject: Re: [Assam] ULFA : Demand for full autonomy of Assam/3
>>>>
>>>> So, you are trying to justify that since bangladeshis are landless
>>>> farmers,they have the the inherent right to cross the border and grab
>>>> our
>>>> land.Is there any other explanation? Do tell.
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 9:28 PM, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> > At 9:21 PM -0500 3/22/09, kamal deka wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> >> Here is what you wrote:
>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > *** Really? Omigosh!!!
>>>> >
>>>> > But wait--does that mean I made the argument attributed to me:
>>>> >
>>>> > " the state of Assam is
>>>> >> obligated to allow them to move freely across the border and provide
>>>> them
>>>> >> with the land for cultivation. ?
>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > *** I was explaining WHY B'deshis leave their own homeland to
>>>> unwelcome
>>>> > places, like Assam. It was NOT I who asked the question
>>>> >
>>>> > ",what does Assam have so much in abundance to render her so
>>>> generous?"
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > Does that ring a bell?
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> "" B'deshis are overcrowded. Most of them are agrarian, subsistence
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>> farmers. To survive they need land. But not enough of it is there
>>>> for
>>>>
>>> > >>>> everyone. So they come into Assam and the contiguous regions,
>>> because
>>>
>>>> >>>> there
>>>> >>>> still is public land where they can eke out a living. Often it is
>>>> land
>>>> >>>> others won't settle in, like the 'chars', or other perennial flood
>>>> >>>> plains.
>>>> >>>> OR inaccessible mountains. Whatever."
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >> KJD
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>> *** Where or when did I make that statement is the big question.
>>>> Perhaps
>>>> >>> you will point that out!
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> *** Anyway, we are waiting with bated breath to hear how you
>>>> expect
>>>> the
>>>> >>> problem to be resolved :-).
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> At 7:41 PM -0500 3/22/09, kamal deka wrote:
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> Wunderbar! Congratulation! You have just hammered out a permanent
>>>> >>>> solution
>>>> >>>> to this vexing problem.Full marks for the explanation.Since,most
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>> >> Bangaladeshis are rural-based landless farmers,the state of
>>>> Assam
>>>>
>>> > is
>>>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> obligated to allow them to move freely across the border and
>>>> provide
>>>> >>>> them
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>> >> with the land for cultivation.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> Next step----do away with the Immigration service from the face of
>>>> this
>>>> >>>> earth!!
>>>> >>>> I am certainly left speechless.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 6:36 PM, Chan Mahanta <
>>>> cmahanta at charter.net>
>>>> >>>> wrote:
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> At 4:43 PM -0500 3/22/09, kamal deka wrote:
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> >> T he theory of " privation of Bangadeshis" propounded by you
>>>> really
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>> tops
>>>> >>>> >> my
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> hilarity chart.Or was it an attempt on your part to slip a levity
>>>> into
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>> discussion!
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>> **** Glad I could provide something where you could find humor.
>>>> The
>>>> >>>>> tenor
>>>> >>>>> was getting awfully strident.
>>>> >>>>> But I was entirely serious. People do not stream into unwelcome
>>>> >>>>> environments unless there is an overwhelming need. B'deshis are
>>>> >>>>> overcrowded. Most of them are agrarian, subsistence farmers. To
>>>> >>>>> survive
>>>> >>>>> they
>>>> >>>>> need land. But not enough of it is there for everyone. So they
>>>> come
>>>> >>>>> into
>>>> >>>>> Assam and the contiguous regions, because there still is public
>>>> land
>>>> >>>>> where
>>>> >>>>> they can eke out a living. Often it is land others won't settle
>>>> in,
>>>> >>>>> like
>>>> >>>>> the
>>>> >>>>> 'chars', or other perennial flood plains. OR inaccessible
> >>> mountains.
>>>> >>>>> Whatever.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> B'deshi privation is not a THEORY. It is a fact. And I won't
> >>> make
>>>> fun
>>>> >>>>> of
>>>> >>>>> human beings struggling to survive, even though they may not be
>>>> my
>>>> >>>>> people.
>>>> >>>>> My first and foremost identity is the human one, like it should
>>>> be
>>>> for
>>>> >>>>> all
>>>> >>>>> of us. The world would be a better place when it is so.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> >The old saying ' an enemy within home is more treacherous and
>>>> >>>>> pernicious
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> than the one without" can be applied appropiately to our
>>>> present-day
>>>> >>>>>> politicians.Why then blame others?
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>> **** OK, fair enough. So how are you planning or hoping to get
>>>> rid
>>>> of
>>>> >>>>> the
>>>> >>>>> enemy -within and replace it with whom you can find common cause?
>>>> >>>>> Where
>>>> >>>>> does
>>>> >>>>> the enemy-within gets its power from?
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> **** I looked for the solution, recommendations. But there was
>>>> none.
>>>> >>>>> Is
>>>> >>>>> it
>>>> >>>>> because you cannot imagine it or do you want somebody else to
>>>> find
>>>> it
>>>> >>>>> for
>>>> >>>>> you :-)?
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> Why on earth should anyone expect an Assamese to burn midnight
>>>> oil
>>>> >>>>> thinking
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>> about " privation of Bangadeshis",while he himself deals with
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>> human
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>> >>>> vagaries for years?
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> What can one expect from the state govt.whose very chief minister (
>>>> >>>>>> read
>>>> >>>>>> Tarun Gogoi ) once said that the Congress is opposed to the
>>>> harassing
>>>> >>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>> genuine Indian citizens in the name of scrapping the IMDT Act,
>>>> and
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>> that
>>>
>>>> >>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>> detection of foreigners should not be left to the whims of
>>>> police
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >> officers.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> Quite right,Mr.Chief minister-it should be left to the
>>>> machinations
>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> vote-bank politicians!!! Yet, after a couple of decades,the apex
>>>> >>>>>> court
>>>> >>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>> India had flushed that piece of Black legislation down the
>>>> commode
>>>> >>>>>> because
>>>> >>>>>> it was not Constitutional.
>>>> >>>>>> The old saying ' an enemy within home is more treacherous and
>>>> >>>>>> pernicious
>>>> >>>>>> than the one without" can be applied appropiately to our
>>>> present-day
>>>> >>>>>> politicians.Why then blame others?
>>>> >>>>>> Have the Americans been able to stem the flow illegal
>>>> immigrants?
>>>> >>>>>> No,they
>>>> >>>>>> haven't.But they,unlike us,don't live in a cloud-cuckoo-
>>>> land.The
>>>> >>>>>> Americans
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>> are not sitting idly thinking that the problem will vamoose by
>>>
>>>> itself
>>>> >>>>>> one
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >> fine day.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> WHERE ARE RAJEN KOKAIDEW/SALEH KOKADEW/SARANGAPANI? WHAT'S YOUR
>>>> TAKE
>>>> ON
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> THIS?
>>>> >>>>>> Kamal
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 9:57 AM, Chan Mahanta <
>>>> cmahanta at charter.net>
>>>> >>>>>> wrote:
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> At 9:31 AM -0500 3/22/09, kamal deka wrote:
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> One should stuff that " privation of Bangladeshis" argument
>>>> where
>>>> >>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> sun
>>>> >>>>>>>> does not shine.
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> *** OK , so it be placed! Question then would be if they come
>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>> Assam
>>>> >>>>>>> for its generosity? Is that it?
>>>> >>>>>>> Is it a believable proposition? I do realize however that it
>>>> is
>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>> hyperbole train that has gone a couple of stations too far :-).
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
> >>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> I don't yet comprehend the issue at work here.One,what is the
>>>> >>>>>>>
> >>> >>>>>>> meaning of "illegal"?I had thought that it was something not
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> sanctioned
>>>> >>>>>>>> by
>>>> >>>>>>>> the laws of any sovereign state.Two,are we supposed to sit
>>>> back
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>> twiddle
>>>> >>>>>>>> our thumbs while the illegals outnumber us?
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> *** No that is not the ONLY interpretation of the notion I put
>>>> >>>>>>> forth.
>>>> >>>>>>> But
>>>> >>>>>>> let us tackle the question:
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> "--are we supposed to sit back and twiddle our thumbs while the
>>>> >>>>>>> illegals
>>>> >>>>>>> outnumber us? "
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> Since I don't have a neat little answer like 'round them up and
>>>> >>>>>>> kick-them
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> > out' or anything akin to that, what IS your solution? What do
>>>> you
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> propose
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> or recommend be done? And WHY is it not being done the way you
>>>> see
>>>> as
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>> right way ? Or WHO do you think or expect WILL do it your way?
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> To day,my mother,brother and I
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> occupy a house in a plot of land.Tomorrow,if Martians took over
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> >> remaining part of the land,we will be living in that
>>>> compressed
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> space.Why
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> should anyone allow that to happen?
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> *** Very touching argument no doubt. Even though I would like
>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>> pretend
>>>> >>>>>>> to be left speechless, dare I mention that the law of the land
>>>> ought
>>>> >>>>>>> not
>>>> >>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>> allow such trespass and confiscation of your ancestral
>>>> property?
>>>> Or
>>>> >>>>>>> is
>>>> >>>>>>> that
>>>> >>>>>>> too much to ask from the mighty Indian democracy as practised
>>>> by
>>>> its
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> minions
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> in Assam?
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> Obviously the problem is a tad bit more complicated, isn't it?
>>>> So
>>>> >>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>> question the thinking person must raise is HOW to control the
>>>> >>>>>>> influx,
>>>> >>>>>>> so
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>> that the immigrants cannot take over the land, or become part
>>> of
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>> voting
>>>> >>>>>>> citizenry, while still being able to come and perform seasonal
>>>> or
>>>> >>>>>>> otherwise
>>>> >>>>>>> limited time span services for which there IS a DEMAND? For IF
>>>> there
>>>> >>>>>>> was
>>>> >>>>>>> no
>>>> >>>>>>> such demand, the rate of migration would not be as strong.
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> Indian govt. knows it too, as do its minions in Assam. But WHAT
>>>> have
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> they
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> done about it? Can anyone in his right mind even hold out a
>>>> remote
>>>> >>>>>>> hope
>>>> >>>>>>> they will, if they had not lifted a finger in all these
>>>> decades?
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> That is WHY Assam needs independence--or at least a full
>>>> autonomy,
>>>> >>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>> put
>>>> >>>>>>> in place a SUSTAINABLE system that will stanch the flow, even
>>>> >>>>>>> though
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>> we
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> know it cannot be entirely stopped.
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> Of course, there must be some checks and balances.It is the
>>>> bounden
>>>> >>>>>>> duty
>>>> >>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> the state govt.to ferret out such infiltrators.If ration cards
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> voters
>>>> >>>>>>>> identity cards can be issued to those illegal aliens to enrich
>>>> >>>>>>>> their
>>>> >>>>>>>> vote-bank,why can't they issue multi-purpose identity cards
>>>> >>>>>>>> especially
> >>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>> the border regions?
>>>> >>>>>
> >>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> Assam is already overpopulated,can she afford added burdens ?
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> *** Why don't you tell us ? And see above.
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> By the way,the Americans had the harshest immigration policy
>>>> till
>>>> >>>>>>> 1962.
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> *** And has it stemmed the influx of illegal immigrants?
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> On Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 9:17 PM, Chan Mahanta <
>>>> cmahanta at charter.net
>>>> >>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> wrote:
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> At 8:09 PM -0500 3/21/09, kamal deka wrote:
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> To compare Assam with the USA as far as immigration issue is
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> concerned,will
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> be as good as comparing apples with oysters..
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> *** Not at all!
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> The failure on part of the USA
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> to curb the influx of illegals does not mean that Assam
>>>> should
>>>> >>>>>>>>> allow
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> Bangladeshis to cross the border freely till the indigenous
>>>> people
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> are
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> completely outnumbered.If the vast, resourceful and thinly
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> populated
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> countries like the USA and Australia can have stringent
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> immigration
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> laws,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> *** Of course they can and they do have stringent
>>>> immigration
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> laws.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> But
>>>> >>>>>>>>> then why is there such a huge illegal immigration problem in
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>> USA?
>>>> >>>>>>>>> Australia is different--the oceans surrounding it makes
>>>> illegal
>>>> >>>>>>>>> border
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> > crossing difficult .
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> what does Assam have so much in abundance to render her so
>>>> >>>>>>>>> generous?
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> **** It is not about Assam's abundance but B'Desh's
>>>> privation.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> That
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> simple.
>>>> >>>>>>>>> Assam and the contiguous
>>>> >>>>>>>>> region still has land and that is a huge incentive to migrate
>>>> for
>>>> >>>>>>>>> those
>>>> >>>>>>>>> who
>>>> >>>>>>>>> have none.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>> There must be checks and balances.
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> **** Tell us about it. So how has India performed on
>>>> delivering
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> those
>>>> >>>>>>>>> checks and balances so far?
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 9:56 AM, Dilip and Dil Deka <
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> dilipdeka at yahoo.com
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >wrote:
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> For whatever it is worth, this letter from Chandan Mahanta
>>>> has
>>>> my
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> support..
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I have been trying to convey the same message over the
>>>> years.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> * Holding onto the guns with a sullen face
>>>> and
>>>> >> not talking
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> to
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> anyone
> >>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> including the people in Assam will not result in a
> >>> solution.
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> Persistent
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> discussion and deliberation are the only viable paths.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> * It is impossible to seal a border where natural
>>>> barriers
>>>> >>>>>>>>> do
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> not
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> exist. Assam will have to learn to live with the Bangladeshi
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> problem
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> even if
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>> Assam becomes autonomous or a sovereign country.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ________________________________
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> From: Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> To: A Mailing list for people interested in Assam from
>>>> around
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> world
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> <
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> assam at assamnet.org>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Cc: ulfa.protalk at gmail.com
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 8:34:21 AM
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Assam] ULFA : Demand for full autonomy of
>>>> Assam/3
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Dear Friends:
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> During the past several years, we here in assamnet debated
>>>> over
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> over again, your movement and your struggles for an
>>>> independent
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Assam. Over the years it became abundantly clear to me
>>>> that
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> most
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> our friends here in this forum, in spite of their training,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> education
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and accomplishments, are quite uninformed about the
>>>> reasons
>>>> for
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> your
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> taking to arms in pursuit of independence for Assam.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >We the pro-talk group
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >temporarily suspending the armed struggle & strongly
>>>> advocating
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> demand
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >democratic process to bring a peaceful and political
>>>> solution
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Assam-India's conflict and clashes between the ethnic
>>>> groups
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> build
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> up
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >a peaceful and prosperous Assam along with a united powerful
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> India.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> **** Here it is important for you to explain why and how
>>>> Indian
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> democracy has not performed , how your successive
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 'democratically'
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> elected governments were neither responsive nor able to
>>>> respond
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> your needs that ultimately led you to give up on the
>>>> promise
>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Indian democracy and finally, out of desperation , led to
>>>> your
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> taking
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to arms.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Why it is important to explain is that MOST of our people
>>>> are
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> quite
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ignorant of these issues. The idea is to generate
>>>> awareness
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> among
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> > the population and to mobilize INFORMED public opinion.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I realize it is a lot of work. But there is no short-cut to
>>>> it.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> **** You wrote about "temporarily suspending the armed
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> struggle--".
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Does that mean that you might
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> return to armed struggle? If so, should you not also
>>>> explain
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> under
> >>> >>>>>>>>>>> what circumstances you may consider resorting to armed
>>>> struggle?
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> That should send a signal to GoI and GoA that you are
> >>> serious
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> about
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> your wish to attempt to forge a political solution, but if
>>>> it
>>>> is
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > frustrated or resisted by the governments in power, you
>>>> may
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> have
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> return to the armed struggle, which, by all indications the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> people
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Assam ( the thinking ones anyway) do not want.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Not that I am one who believes in threatening anyone as a
>>>> good
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> way
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> start a negotiation for attaining a political solution to a
>>>> long
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> enduring conflict. But considering the history of your
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> adversaries'
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> sincerity and their ability or willingness to effect
>>>> political
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> administrative reforms that are direly needed in Assam and
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> surrounding region, you have little leverage left
>>>> to
>>>> >> engage them
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> serious dialogue, other than a concern for a resumption of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> violence,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> however feeble now.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> The only hope for something positive and constructive will be
>>>> an
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> outpouring of public opinion. That could be effected if you
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> clearly
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> explain what you see as the problems and how they could be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> resolved
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> by what you propose.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> As you have already noticed right in this forum, there will be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> those
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> who will opposed anything that they perceive as reducing
>>>> Indian
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> controls over Assam's future, including contradicting
>>>> their
>>>> own
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> loudly proclaimed and roundly repeated positions. And they
>>>> are
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> just
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> the tips of the icebergs of the establishment in
>>>> Assam,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> something you
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> must be well aware of.
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> Therefore it is of critical importance for you to :
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> A: Clearly spell out what you see as problems, item by
>>>> item.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> B: Explain how what you propose will help resolve them.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> You must do so in simple language, understandable by ordinary
>>>> people
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> ( avoid the jargon of professionals). And then go
>>>> disseminate
>>>> it
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> among the populace. Ultimately it is a matter of persuasion.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> One thing you must be realistic about is the issue of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Bangladeshis
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Assam: It is not something you, or your ex-comrades-in-arms
>>>> who
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> are
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> still fighting or the government of Assam, never mind who
>>>> is
>>>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> power
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> on a given day; the might of the Indian armed forces or
>>>> even
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> entire population of Assam unified to resist it will be
>>>> able
>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> eradicate. It is much too complex an issue, the like of
>>>> which
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> even
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the most powerful nation on earth, the USA, has not been
> >>> able
>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> resolve. Ultimately we cannot and must not forget that as
>>>> human
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> beings, we cannot just wish those others away who happen to
> >>> be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> different from us but who want to live too, even if by
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> encroaching
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> land whose boundaries we created or imagined.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> If you dwell on this as the primary focus of your aims for
>>>> Assam,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> you
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> are doomed at the outset. I realize it is an easy issue to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> generate
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> public ire with, but it is a recipe for sure failure.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> You must focus on issues that are very important but which
>>>>
>>> > have
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> achievable solutions..
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Feel free to call on me if I can be of any assistance. I am
>>>> no
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> expert, but I have tried to understand what has been going
>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> what led you to take up arms and what can be done now to
>>>> end
>>>> it.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> More later..
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> Chandan Mahanta
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> At 10:59 AM +0530 3/7/09, ULFA Pro-talk wrote:
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Dear Friends,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >In the beginning, we convey our heartiest revolutionary
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> greetings
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >members of Assamnet. We, the members of ULFA ( Pro-talk )
>>>> held
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> meeting
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >15th December'2008 and unanimously agreed to give up the
>>>> demand
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >sovereign state of Assam and demand for full autonomy
>>>> within
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> framework
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >of Indian constitution, through a democratic and
>>>> non-violent
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> process.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> We
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >welcome discussion from all the Assamese people residing
>>>> across
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> globe
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >the demand for Full Autonomy of Assam under the framework
>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Indian
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > >constitution. We are attaching herewith the 'Charter of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Demands'
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> submitted
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >to the Government of Indi. Also, we are attaching our
>>>> Menifesto
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> for
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >information of all members of Assamnet. Please log on to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >www.sandhikhyan.orgfor updates.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Looking forward for constructive discussion and
>>>> petronisation
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> burning
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >issues of Assam from all the members of Assamnet.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Regards,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Jiten Dutta
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Gen. Secy
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >ULFA (Protalk)
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >**
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >**
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*MANIFESTO*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >(ULFA PRO-TALK)
> >>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Historically and socially, Assam have no affinity with
>>>> India
>>>> &
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >administratively and geographically apart, ethnically
> >>> distinct
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >neglect, deprivation and apathy rowards Assam and Assamese
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> people
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> >since 15thAugust 1947 to till to date, supports the
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> justification
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> >independent
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >Assam. We joined the United Liberation Front of Assam to
>>>> >>>>>>>>> liberate
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> Assam
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> from
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >India. After 29 years of our struggle we have painfully
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> observed
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> that
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> top
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >leaders of ULFA instead of fighting for desired goals,
>>>> failed
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> safeguard
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> >the identity and the existence of indigenous people,
>>>> >>>>>> overlooking or
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> ignoring
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> >the presence of large number of illegal immigrants ( who
>>>> will
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> become
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >majority in next 20 years and they will conspire to merge
>>>> with
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Bangladesh
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >through a referendum ) and involved in activities by
>>>> getting
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> distracted
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> from
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> >revolutionaries ideologies. Therefore, we the pro-talk ULFA
>>>> group
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> looking
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >at the (a) global political and economic situation (b)
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> continuous
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> threat
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >from the neighbouring countries surrounding Assam (c)
>>>> possible
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> terrorist
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >attacks in Assam by anti-Indian religious and
>>>> fundamentalist
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> groups
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> (d)
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >age-old religious and cultural ties with India; have
>>>> adopted a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> resolution
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >favour of Full Regional Autonomy instead of independent
>>>> Assam
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> as
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> pragmatic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> >approach.
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >During the process of making the Constitution of India a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> resolution
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> was
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >adopted to make India a federal one by giving regional
>>>> autonomy
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> states
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >but unfortunately in the subsequent period it was made a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> centralized
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> one,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >resulting in the smaller states and the small indigenous
>>>> groups
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> having
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >specific characteristics and living with dignity have
>>>> suffered
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> hands
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >of big ethnic groups and states by way of aggression and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> exploitation.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> The
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >fallout is resentment, hostility and secessionism. We the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> pro-talk
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> group
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >temporarily suspending the armed struggle & strongly
>>>> advocating
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> demand
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >democratic process to bring a peaceful and political
>>>> solution
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
> >>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Assam-India's conflict and clashes between the ethnic
>>>> groups
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> build
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> up
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >a peaceful and prosperous Assam along with a united
> >>> powerful
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> India.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >**
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*Alternate to Independence*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >A full regional autonomy by enjoying all the residual
>>>> powers
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> excepting
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > defense,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >external affaires, communications and print mint ( by
>>>> making
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> vital
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> changes
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >to the existing Constitution of India ) to build up a real
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> federal
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> structure
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> >by making vital changes to the infrastructure and
>>>
>>>> reorganizing
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> states
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >with a provision for equal rights and representation to
>>>> all
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> indigenous
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >ethnic groups. Similarly, in order to safeguard the
>>>> identity
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> existence
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >of indigenous and ethnic groups, the federal
>>>> administrative
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> framework
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> should
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >be used in Assam..
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*Proposed administrative structure of Assam*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >To create an upper house, representing equally by all the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> indigenous
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >ethnic groups. Besides all indigenous people, other people
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> those
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> who
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> have
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >already settled in Assam permanently as for example
>>>> Bengalis,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Biharis,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Marwaris, Punjabis, Nepalis and tea-tribes will be
>>>> considered
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> as
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ethnic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >groups and will enjoy equal representations.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > The upper house will be free to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> discuss,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> determine
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >and taking decisions on the proposed legislations and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> development
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> schemes
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >Assam in the best interest of the people of Assam. The
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> objective
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> principle
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >of the house is to safeguard the interests of indigenous
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ethnic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > people.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 1. The Upper House will be constituted selecting and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> electing
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> number
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > representatives from all ethnic groups. Central and
>>>> State
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> governments
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> will
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > not be having the power and rights to dissolve the
>>>> house.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Only
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > electorates through referendum shall have the right to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> reject
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> or
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> dissolve
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > the house.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 2. Small ethnic groups will be having the rights to
>>>> select
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> > representatives through their socially
>>>> recognized
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> institutions
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> > > organizations and the major ethnic groups will elect
> >>> their
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> representatives
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> > through elections.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 3. All the ethnic groups shall have the right to
> >>> recall
>>>> or
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> replace
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> their
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> > representatives.
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> > 4. The representatives of the house will elect a leader
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> deputy
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > leader. Rotation wise every ethnic group will elect a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> speaker
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> a
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> deputy
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > speaker of the house and their term will be for a
>>>> period
>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 1
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> year.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 5. The responsibilities of the representatives of
>>>> upper
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> house
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> will
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > service- oriented nature. There shall be no provisions
>>>> for
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> salary
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > pensions but expenses relating to maintenance,
>>>> medical,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> traveling
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> > allowances, office and its maintenance and its
>>> security
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> shall
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> borne
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> by
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> > the state government.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> >
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*The Rights and Powers of Upper House *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 1. Right to discuss, analyze and taking decisions on
>>>> all
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> proposed
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> laws
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > and legislations and developmental schemes of Assam by
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ascertaining
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> whether
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > it is in the best interest of Assam or not and will be
>>>>
>>> > free
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> amend
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> or
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > reject such laws, legislations and schemes and such
>>>> actions
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> cannot
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> > disapproved by the concerned governments.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> > 2. The main objective of upper house is to safeguard the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> existence
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > development of all the indigenous and ethnic groups
>>>> and
>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> examine
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > proper implementations of all the laws, legislations
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> developmental
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > schemes.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 3. It will be statutory on the part of the concerned
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> governments
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> send
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > the copies relating to the approval and implementation
>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> all
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> laws,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > legislations and developmental schemes to the upper
>>>> house.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 4. Rights to amend , settle the matters relating to
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> disputes
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > implementation of laws, legislations, developmental
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> schemes,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ethnic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > conflicts, boundary and other disputes with the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> neighbouring
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> north-eastern
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > states on the strength of majority support of the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> representatives.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> It
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> shall
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > be obligatory on the part of the concerned governments
>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> accept
> >>> >>>>>>>>>>> such
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > amendments and advices and to implement the same
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*An administrative system based on Equal Rights, Status,
> >>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Development
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> in
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >their own land for indigenous and ethnic people.*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >In the proposed regional autonomous administration, the
>>>> power
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> will
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >de-centralized by creating district councils and by
>>>> delegating
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> powers
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >grass root levels. There will be zonal and village
>>>> councils
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> under
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> district
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >councils.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > District councils will be under the complete control of
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> major
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >indigenous people or groups and the other small indigenous
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ethnic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> groups
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >will be able to assert their rights and fulfillment of
>>>> their
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> aspirations
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >through the zonal and village councils. While the
>>>> implementing
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> these
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >provisions a situation may warrant to reorganize some
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> districts.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >There will be no hindrances to major indigenous people or
>>>> group
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> form
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >district councils, having a definite area of their own but
>>>> the
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> splintered
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >indigenous and ethnic groups will be able to assert their
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> rights
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> fulfill
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >their aspirations through zonal and village councils.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*Proposed Format of Administrative Structure Of Indigenous
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Ethnic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> >People.*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*STATE GOVERNMENT*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*DISTRICT COUNCIL*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*ZONAL COUNCIL*
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>>
>>> > >>>>>>>>>>> >*VILLAGE COUNCIL*
>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >*Creation of Ethnically based Administrative System and
>>>> its
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Rights
>>>> >>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> > >Powers*
>>>> >>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >* *
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 1. In every 5 years people will form districts, zonal
>>>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> village
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> > councils through elections.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> > 2. Every district council will be reserved for the
>>>> major
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>> indigenous
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> > groups and the zonal and the village councils will be
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> reserved
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> on
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>>>
>>>> >>>>>> basis
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > of the population composition of indigenous and ethnic
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> people
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> from
> >>> >>
>>>> >>> their
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > definite areas.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 3. Government shall implement all the schemes through
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> district
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> councils
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > and similarly district council through zonal councils
> >>> and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> zonal
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > councils
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > through village councils.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> > 4. If a situation warrants, the state governments with
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> approval
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> from
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > upper house will be free to dissolve the district
>>>> council.
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > 5. District councils will collect minimum revenue from
>>>> the
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> land,
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> > establishments and other natural resources, market and
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> finished
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> products
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>>> > through zonal and village councils of their areas..
>>>> >>>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>> >>>>>>>>
>>>>
>>> ...
>>
>> [Message clipped]
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