Does it have to be only Ram or Chitta who are on the same page? How about this
editorial forwarded by Pradip K Dutta.
No future to sovereignty demand
Ranen Kumar Goswami
When guns pass for rationale and a thirst for innocent blood its basis, the
conclusion that comes out is sure to stand on its head. Asom-India conflict is
a poison fruit such a conclusion has borne. Add to it another half-baked wisdom
from the distorted pages of our history, Asom was never a part of India. The
heady cocktail is the theory of a sovereign Asom.
Asom was never a part of India and its forced inclusion in the country has
created the Asom-India conflict. The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)
tries to shove this lesson of history down the throat of Asomiya people. Did
Asom not have any ties with India in the past? Renowned intellectual Dr Shiva
Nath Barman has reminded us of our mythological links. Asom had links with the
mainland India from time immemorial. Kamrup king Bhagadatta fought for the
Kauravas in the battle of Mahabharata and laid down his life. Krishna married
Rukmini and Sankardev has immortalised the tale in his Rukmini Haran Kabya.
Bhim married Hidimba. Arjuna married Chitrangada who was a princess from
Manipur. Madhabdev wrote, Dhanya Dhanya Bharat Borish (Hail! O Bharat).
Sankardev added a chapter to his Bhakti Ratnakar, the title and content of
which was Bharatbarsha Prasansha (In praise of Bharatbarsha). From time
immemorial, Asom has remained culturally and spiritually united with the
mainland
India. The country was never under one administrative umbrella till the
British came. Most of the States were independent, Asom being one of them. The
British brought all these States under one centralised administration. Todays
political unity of Indians is an outcome of the anti-British freedom struggle.
The people of Asom joined this struggle and paid their share of the price for
freedom with their life and blood. The political identity of being Indians that
they carry in their Asomiya souls is the result of their participation in this
struggle. This identity they have earned for themselves, no one has imposed it
on them.
Asom has lost her political independence much before the Treaty of Yandaboo
signed on February 24, 1826. Because, about four years ago, the Burmese army
captured upper Asom and Guwahati. According to Dr Surya Kumar Bhuyan, June 21,
1822, the day the Burmese occupied Asom was the last day of her independence.
In fact, it was the last day of Asoms independent political existence. At the
time of Yandaboo, Asom had only five districts: undivided Kamrup, undivided
Darrang, undivided Nagaon, undivided Sivasagar, undivided Lakhimpur and a part
of Karbi Anglong. But does ULFA want to liberate the pre-Yandaboo Asom? No. It
wants to liberate the present-day Asom; the Asom the British made bigger, the
Asom the people of the State inherited from the British as a result of their
anti-British struggle in which they had taken part shoulder-to-shoulder with
the people of the rest of the country! The State has suffered dismemberment
several times since 1947. Yet it is much bigger than
the pre-Yandaboo Asom ULFA keeps talking about. Its guns can not silence this
truth.
The States surrounding Asom do not want to secede from India though a section
of people from Nagaland do. Even this section now appears to have given up
their demand for sovereignty and settle for more federal powers within India.
This section too is antagonising the people of three neighbouring States with
its claim on their territories and thus is weakening its demand for Nagalim
from within. Does ULFA want Asom to be an isolated island surrounded by States
seeking to stay within India? But that too will not be possible as banners of
revolt are already flying in Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills districts and
Bodoland. Neither do they want to stay in Asom nor do they recognise ULFA as
the sole representative of the State. The DHD, spearheading the movement for a
Dimasa State, says it will remain firm in its demand for a Dimasa State within
the Indian constitution irrespective of the success or failure of the
ULFA-Government talks. Extremist Karbi organisation UPDS has
alleged that ULFA represents the Asomiya people, not Asom; ULFA-nominated
Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) is conducting talks with Delhi for the
Asomiya only, not Asom. Moreover, the organisation has pointed out that there
is no tribal representative in the PCG. Bodo leaderships tendency to leave
Asom is too well-known to need any mention. The Bodo Peace Forum, playing a key
role in bringing the NDFB into the peace process, has said its struggle for a
separate Bodo State will continue at any cost.
The people of the Barak Valley do not want freedom of the ULFA brand and it is
as clear as daylight. Do people of the Brahmaputra Valley want it, or for that
matter, the Asomiya people want it? Not to speak of the all-India political
parties, even the regional political formations like the Asom Gana Parishad
(AGP) or the AGP (P) are against the idea of a sovereign Asom. The AGP
reiterated its stand against secessionism at its general body meeting in
Guwahati on January 20, 2007. The partys well-known stand is that it wants a
federal restructure of the Indian Union with maximum powers to the State. The
All Assam Students Union (AASU), which has a strong command over the Asomiya
opinion, has publicly stated its stance against a sovereign Asom. An angered
ULFA has recently branded the AASU leadership as agents of the Indian State.
AASU, on the other hand, criticises the Bangladesh-sheltered ULFA leadership
for its silence over the influx of Bangla nationals in Asom. Another
influential organisation, the Asam Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP)
also advocates more powers to the State, not sovereignty.
The Asam Sahitya Sabha, which has been playing a pivotal role in shaping
Asomiya national consciousness since its birth in the 19th century, is also
against an Asom outside India. Sabha president Kanaksen Deka asserted at a
Press meet in Guwahati on January 19, 2007 that Asom was, is and will remain an
inseparable part of India. Except for a few die-hard pro-ULFA organisasions, no
other mass organisation, student or youth organisation, trade union, peasant
organisation or any other organisation worth the name has supported the
sovereignty demand. Then who wants a separate sovereign existence outside
India? It is only ULFA who does.
It has every right to nurse a sovereign dream. Maybe, in its view, only a
sovereign existence can ensure happiness and prosperity for the people of Asom.
That is why it has jumped into a struggle for independence. But what is the
nature of this struggle? Has it formed any mass organisation to go to the
people to favourably influence their opinion and win their support? No, it
hasnt. Theres no alternative to mass organisations to win mass support and
persuade the people to join the fight for freedom. It uses bullets and bombs
even to turn mass support in its favour. And this is exactly why it is
terrorist. It uses terrorist methods to impose its will on the people. The call
for boycott of National Games was one such instance. Lesser the public support,
more are its terrorist activities. Some milestones of its freedom struggle are
the mass grave at Lakhipathar, massacre of children at Dhemaji and killings of
Hindi speaking labourers. It feels no qualms before planting
bombs in public places. Then, what has happened to its war of independence?
Mass support is a must for such a war. The State is not scared of guns not
backed by mass support. Even these guns, it uses more often than not, against
the unarmed civilians and not against the armed forces. Needless to say, there
will be no freedom without mass support, no freedom can be achieved by avoiding
war with the Army and killing the unarmed innocents. So, no astrology is
required to safely predict that there is no future at all to ULFAs sovereignty
demand. (Assam Tribune Editorial)
----- Original Message ----
From: Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: chittaranjan pathak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 1:55:36 AM
Subject: Re: [Assam] Answers for Chitta-II
Hello C:
>All I wanted was to know from who else?
*** Before you bank on what you perceive as your check-mate move,
you, or anyone who is halfway sincere or informed , ought to examine
where and how those voices could be aired.
Tell me, C, if you wrote a letter to any newspaper in Assam , making
a set of intellectual arguments (not a call for armed rebellion
now--that would be a different issue) about why independence is
essential for Assam to carve out its place in the community of
nations, WHO would publish it?
Or can you or anybody else, get the air time to express those views
to the general public?
Or for that matter, if you write a book and try to publish it, if anyone will?
And if you had one printed, clandestinely, if anyone will sell it on
the streets or book-stores of Guahati or anywhere else in Assam?
*** I hope you know the answer. And in that context, can you or Ram
or anybody else explain to us, if such refusal would be because none
in Assam would want hear or read of it because of their devotion to
Indian dependence and NOT out of a fear of retribution of the Indian
state?
*** So, the whole assertion that there is NO reasoned voice about an
aspiration for independence is a myth, concocted by those who want NO
change to the status-quo, which has served their lots well. It merely
underscores the point, that a section of the populace has done very
well--thanks to Indian government's policy of looting the people of
the region and then redistributing portions of it to enrich a few.
And why would that segment of the beneficiaries of this reverse
Robinhood-ism of Indian governance, faithfully implemented by its
local stooges, want the golden goose killed?
*** When you or Ram and others declare that they and their kin do not
want independence, what they really mean is that they do not want to
upset the status quo from which they befitted. That they do not want
changes to the system that has kept the people of Assam from seeking
their place in the sun. Oh they go froth in the mouth complaining
about it, and their hearts bleed about how vast segments of the
people are left behind, except that they cannot or would not want any
change to what has brought them where they are.
*** I have heard all the protestations about how they all want change
and reforms. They want corruption ended. They want better management
of the state's resources. They want justice for all. They also have
seen, for decades on end, how the Indian state and its proxies in the
State Houses or the institutions of state are stuck in the
mud,totally unable to demonstrate even a rudimentary amount of
change, of reforms, of progress.
Only problem here is thay are unable to reconcile the dichotomy. They
are clueless.
*** I hope you are not that clueless Chitta. If you or others can
demonstrate that YES , reforms are possible, change is possible, able
management of the state's resources for the benefit of all its people
-- not just its privileged -- is possible, that Assam's ethnic,
cultural, language and historical identity would not be obliterated
under the prevailing Indian rule, you might be able to persuade me,
and others like me, that perhaps Assam could do without independence.
*** Now it is YOUR turn, and Ram's turn to put your money where your
mouths are and show us!
Mind you mere assertions are not good enough. Asking rhetorical
questions about how Gujarat or Karnataka are doing better would be
meaningless. You will have to show where and how change is taking
place that Assam can bank on.
Shall we?
> >1) 95% of people in the recent poll rejected ULFA
>rejected Swadhin Asom concept
*** If this is the kind of thing you believe in, you must also
believe in the tooth fairy. I am sure you present this not as a
serious argument, but running short on facts throwing in whatever is
available. Not b very thoughtful. Does not do anything to your
credibility. Actually it damages it.
> >2) 30,000 people in Guwahati swayed to Bhupen
>Hazarika's "We are not sessionist" or something like
>that song at the National Games opening ceremony
>yesterday.
*** I'll be danged! That does prove it all then Huh?
Sorry C, I tried to control my acerbic side, but this is too much :-).
m-da
At 7:54 PM -0800 2/9/07, chittaranjan pathak wrote:
>Mahanta da
>Thanks-Tangentialy you answered my ACE question. But I
>stand vindicated because you were not able to point me
>towards any place , community, district, region in
>particular from where you hear the muffled cry for
>independence.
>Instead you pointed towards ULFA-is that a revealation
>to us? All I wanted was to know from who else?
>I never for once judged whether this wish, call,
>desire for freedom is just or unjust. All I wanted to
>know from you was whether in 2007 you believe majority
>still wants independence. I know you realise that most
>do not-all have become infidels with their minds
>fogged by pan-Indianess-except ULFA.
>But still there is a wish/dormant belief in you that a
>referendum in Assam will prove all of us wrong.
>By bringing this referendum talk, Mahanta da -here you
>are cornering yourself even more.
>Tell me Mahanta da, whether following are any tell
>tell signs of an Yes to independence in Assam?
>1) 95% of people in the recent poll rejected ULFA
>rejected Swadhin Asom concept
>2) 30,000 people in Guwahati swayed to Bhupen
>Hazarika's "We are not sessionist" or something like
>that song at the National Games opening ceremony
>yesterday.
>Tell me Mahanta da-they are not people of Assam. Even
>if there was a semblance of conviction about our wish
>for independence-10%, 5% or 1% of people could have
>walked out.
>These were the same people who boycotted the 83
>election and turnout was 10% and there was not any gun
>trotting AASU guys on street. But passion was
>there-because the majority felt the cause to be just.
>
>You know Mahanta da-I can really go on-do you want me
>to?
>What do you have to say on this?
>
>*** So let me take a stab at your re-phrased ACE
>question, even though to address it in isolation,
>without attempting to understand what 'independence'
>means is at best a silly endeavor. But I know why it
>bothers you to delve into the issues associated with
>'independence'. It will merely help perpetuate the
>conflict that besets Assam. The choice is yours. You
>can run from the issues all you want, but you cannot
>hide. So I hope you as a well wisher of Assam, who
>has seen better, would want to apply the lessons
>learnt, to contribute towards betterment of Assam's
>lot instead of helping perpetuate what is killing it.
>
>NOT AT ALL Mahanta da-I was trying to know apart from
>ULFA who all were there to throw some light on this
>issue associated with "independence". I will have my
>field day with the questions I have. Wish I could get
>reply from those in ssamnet and beyond. Cause
>otherwise you will have bear the mantle-which I know
>you would.
>Regards
>
>Chitta
>Ram da
>It is not me and Mahanta da. Me and many others like
>would know what this is all about? How come we are so
>ignorant about the ground realities in Assam? And if
>we are convinced that there is some voice/desire for
>freedom from a significant portion of people. What
>plan the believers have with them to go further on.
>Because freedom is not the end, it is the beginning.
>Discussing those would be even more interesting.
>But we will get to the end of it-some day
>Regards
>Chittaranjan
>
>--- Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>> C'da & Chitta,
>>
>> This is getting more interesting by the second. But
>> I will let Chitta fend
>> for himself (and has ably done so this far).
>>
>> Just wanted to touch on a small part, and then I
>> will butt out.
>>
>> >So why don't YOU raise your voice to put an end to
>> that debate, by >calling
>> for a free >and fair referendum after a period of
>> unfettered and >informed
>> public debate and >discussion? With the highly
>> revered >Election Commission
>> with its stellar record at >hand to guarantee the
> > >fairness of an outcome,
>> what seems to be the problem :-)?
>>
>> Calls for a referundum are a common ploy by
> > insurgents and those who think
>> they are fighting for some noble cause. What they
>> really want to do is to
>> put the onus on the country. Its like saying -
>> 'prove that I'am wrong'. Such
>> a ref. would be great for insurgents - it shows that
>> at last someone is
>> paying attention to them, and also if such a thing
>> is ever held, all they
>> have to do is brandish their weapons, kill some who
>> dare to stand up, and
>> the rest of the people will fall in line and vote
>> for the cause (or so they
>> hope). The last thing anyone will see is a 'free &
>> fair' ref.
>>
>> You see it in Kashmir, and you see it in Assam.
>> Now, why should a country try to prove anything to a
>> group of insurgents,
>> who possess only stolen money and guns (but no
>> principles). And further, why
>> should the country want to do that when
>>
>> (a) its against its constitution to give
>> independence to some portion just
>> because a group of wannabes want it
>>
>> ((b) No govt. in the state or Center has the right
>> to give in to such a ref.
>> as Assam is NOT their's to give away to insurgents.
>> All Assamese want is that the Govt. fulfill its
>> obligations to the state
>> (which it hasn't done effectively for the past so
>> many years). And this does
>> not tantamount to seeking independence.
>>
>> (c) And lastly, and more importantly, most people in
>> the state want to
>> remain a part of India.
>>
>> --Ram
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 2/9/07, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Hi C:
>> >
>> >
>> > I changed the subject right back. "The Minority
>> Assamese" smacks of a
>> > persecution complex based on ethnic,linguistic or
>> cultural identity. For
>> > people like you or I, world-citizens, that would
>> be a rather unbecoming
>> > complaint. We ought to pursue more relevant and
>> concrete issues.
>> >
>> >
>> > No I don't think 'Answers for Chitta ' is at all
>> personal. We have had
>> > many such
>> > discourses in assamnet in the past. But if it
>> still bothers you, you are
>> > welcome to change it to something different. But
>> let us not get into such
>> > things as Assamese ethnic persecution complex. We,
>> the caste- Assamese, have
>> > little room to complain about that, if you know
>> what I mean.
>> >
>> >
>> > Allow me to clarify a few of your misconceptions,
>> before we get back to
>> > your questions. And I will continue to resort to
>> cutting and pasting the
>> > questions
>> > to post my response, so that the reader, if there
>> is any, can follow the
>> > context; in spite of your fears about it appearing
>> too argumentative. I have
>> > no problems with that, if YOU don't.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > >Bottom line is Mahanta da just because of I am
>> based
>> >
>> > >in Perth or you know my family or my immediate
>> background ,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > *** I don't know anything about you or yours. I
>> don't need to. And I never
>> > would have asked the question, had you NOT
>> prefaced your questions with:
>> >
>> >
>> > But not all of them-not the ones I know
>> of.* As far as my
>> > relatives,*
>> > * friends, parents,brothers, numerous
>> cousins spread all*
>> > * over Assam are concerned (and if you
>> consider them "my own*
>> > * people"),freedom from India is not much
>> of an issue for them.*
>> >
>> >
>> > I don't take issue with your bringing your kin
>> into the equation. They are
>> > the people we know and understand most. However,
>> when you or I extend the
>> > lessons learnt from that to apply all over Assam,
>> or to the vast majority of
>> > Assam as you do, then we must examine the validity
>> of the premise. Whether
>> > what you and your kin represent is the NORM for
>> the rest of Assam?
>> >
>> >
>> > Do you still see my inquiry therefore an
>> illogical or irrelevant one,
>> > designed to obfuscate as you insinuate?
>> >
>> >
>> > Now, should you not feel trapped by this request,
>> you can do it , without
>> > divulging specific personal details, like:
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Grandparents from Lower Assam, rural,
>> subsistence farmers
> > > with adequate arable land ( or landless
>> sharecroppers, or scions
>> > of Zamindars, or school teacher in British
> > Assam -- so on and so
>> > forth)
>> >
>> >
>> > Father, one of six siblings, local high
>> school topper, MSc GU,
>> > IAS. Mother, daughter of High Ct clerk. Or
>> Father BSc, Xorobhwg
>> > College,
>> > Local High School teacher, mother daughter
>> of local Mahajan.
>> > Grew up in thatched hut, but now have
>> poka-ghor, owns a motor
>> > scooter.
>> > So on and so forth.
>> >
>> >
>> > I worked hard, studies at distant High
>> School with a Christian
>> > Saint's
>> > name, three stars at HS, IIT-Mumbai in
>> Comp. Science, now at
>> > Perth.
>> > Three Siblings--a doctor, a college
>> teacher and a businessman.
>> > Twenty two cousins ( by last count),
>> spanning from aspiring IAS to
>> > AEC Engineer to Wineshop Owner to
>> rice-farmers to a black-sheep in
>> > the
>> > ULFA. So on and so forth.
>> >
>> >
>>
>=== message truncated ===
>
>
>
>
>
>____________________________________________________________________________________
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