As I said I can ask questions and that will simply open a pendora's box with zillions of never ending question. If you remember we tried this couple of years ago and failed. Do you still want to try it. I don't have a problem showing you the failed path again. R
_____ From: Chan Mahanta [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 9:49 AM To: Barua, Rajen; [email protected] Cc: barua25 Subject: RE: [Assam] My Take on Why Independence - V, How to Achieve It R: I think you avoided the question. If YOU have specific questions about WHY what I outlined would not work better than what is operative, then you can ask. If I cannot explain, or what I explain is unpersuasive, that will bring that question to a conclusion. Or if you want to know more about something you have doubts about, you can ask that. It may generate more questions, which then could be addressed and taken to its logical end. Or if you believe it will be no different, that would indicate you understand both: What is operating and what is proposed, and see no difference. Which will be fine. Others may agree with that or take issue with that, which will help others come to some conclusions. You indicated the other day that you are NOT HAPPY with the status quo. I can appreciate that you don't want to see what I outline as a possible solution. But what would YOU prefer to see? That is the essence of a meaningful discourse, something you see clearly missing in Assam and have been, rightly and roundly critical of. That is why it is of great importance that those who know better--like yourself, must help spark the curiosities, the inquisitiveness and get the intelligentsia involved in examining what ails their lot. Why do you think that this same Assam intelligentsia being roused to action about the illogic of their state's name, when you pointed it out, will not be interested in examining the pros and cons of independence and how it might impact their lives? Isn't that contradictory? c At 10:28 AM -0500 2/26/07, Barua, Rajen wrote: Chandan: I think I already answered your question in the following. There is no point discussing if your proposed governmental system (which is not very clear at all) will work better or not, there will be zillions of questions, before people will understand what you are trying to say: The question should be rather how to change it in stead of trying to convince the public why to change it, because, as I said: In such a situation in the field, anyone has simply a great uphill battle to convince anyone that Assam's Independence will solve Assam's problem. All one can do is to simply talk and talk, argue and argue, blame and blame and can create lot of chaos in the already chaotic situation. Yours or nobody's voice will be heard. At most one could do is to jump to point # 5) HOW TO DO IT? If ULFA or anybody would have come up with a plan which they can sell, lot of people would have fill in the blanks for items 1), 2), 3). & 4). But that is also missing now. Do you have a plan how to get to implement your plan for a new governmental policy? If not then there is no point talking. R _____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chan Mahanta Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 7:59 AM To: barua25; [email protected]; Chan Mahanta Subject: Re: [Assam] My Take on Why Independence - V, How to Achieve It Rajen: Thanks for your reply. >1) What is the problem 2) Why is the problem? Who is responsible and why 3) What need to be done 4) Why that will solve the problem >5) How to do it *** Mine was no attempt at a Meinkampf. It was merely an attempt at filling in the huge gap -- the absence of an informed debate/discussion regarding the rationale of an independence movement for Assam. I addresses all of the issues. Not because YOU pushed me--don't feel guilty about that :-). I did so because it was elementary. I am sorry you missed it. But I take responsibility for the fact that it was long, somewhat rambling and thus hard to hold the attention of readers. Unfortunately I had to develop things as I wrote -- and did not have the luxury of revising, re-writing, editing and so forth, to make the material more concise and easier to read and comprehend. I won't go into all you wrote here. But let me ask you a simple question: *** In your estimation, would a governmental system in line of what I proposed, be better or worse than the operative one, or will it be of no difference? You can be as short and succinct or descriptive as you wish with your answer, but please also explain why. Take care. c At 12:41 PM -0600 2/25/07, barua25 wrote: Chandan: Thanks!! and I fully understand your views. I was feeling a bit guilty if I was pushing you too much to an dead end. Couple of comments for mutual understanding. In any Independence movement, in my theoretical opinion, all the following counts if one wants to write a 'mein kampf' like that of Hitler other such manuscript. It should address at least 1) What is the problem 2) Why is the problem? Who is responsible and why 3) What need to be done 4) Why that will solve the problem 5) How to do it etc Without such an manuscript people have to rely on rumors and action of the field to give any credible support to such independence movement. I think in case of ULFA, that is exactly what happened. I have not yet seen any report, analysis even from ULFA, AASU, AGP and others. Without having any such manual, other tool people will have to go for is the general impression of ill treating of Assam by the GOA. But even to take advantage of that general sentiment, none of these parties could even unite the public. In stead all the parties literally split. AGP even failed to unite with other local parties Assamese parties in Assam like Bodos. As seen now, out of all these, only AASU is the only group who is trying to have some sense and has any credidablibility now. Without such an manuscript, general public has a zillion questions unanswered which further diluted the movement to its lowest. ULFA was given enough slack and support, but even with the help of MMRG and others, they could not earn enough credit even in the amongst general public. Beyond that I donot want to say anything. In such a situation in the field, anyone has simply a great uphill battle to convince anyone that Assam's Independence will solve Assam's problem. All one can do is to simply talk and talk, argue and argue, blame and blame and can create lot of chaos in the already chaotic situation. Yours or nobody's voice will be heard. At most if one could do is to jump to point # 5) HOW TO DO IT? If ULFA or anybody would have come up with a plan which they can sell, lot of people would have fill in the blanks for items 1), 2), 3). & 4). But that is also missing now. In case of India, INC was formed in broad daylight as an open forum by the Indians with the purpose of seeking self government for India. India was ruled by a foreign government, and believe it or not most of the public were happy, under the British rule. till the British introduced English language in India. Anyhow it finally succeeded only because of leaders like Gandhi and Nehru, who could unite the whole of India, mainland, South India and Assam under one voice. So far as I see, Assam's Independence movement is dead. One can say somebody put water in the bah khori which has already burnt. You may not agree it but there is nothing I can see which can rekindle the minds and imagination of the people of Assam for independence eventhough people can see lot of political. cultural and economic corruption by the GOI. Please also note. A new element has come into the picture. GOI has now lot of monwy which are being channelled through GOA to spend lavishly in the name of community develeopment. Against that during the last 50 years, Assam could not produce a single credible regional party with good leadership which can even make any voice. AGP today is a pathetic example. The question all Friends of Assam, what we need to do at this time and situation? I think new questions need to be asked under new perspective to create new public opinion starting from zero. That is my comment. Thanks for your input. Rajen ----- Original Message ----- From: Chan <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Mahanta To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:22 AM Subject: [Assam] My Take on Why Independence - V, How to Achieve It I had no intention of getting into this originally, since my experience with the matter is on the light side :-). Not only because I had not served in any such movement, but also because I am not much of a history-of-conflicts buff. Rajen's question , a lawyer like Nayanjyoti would surely know, is called a 'leading question' in 'legalese'. They are usually not allowed in enlightened legal procedures, because they are designed to coach and elicit a particular answer, obviously to serve the interest of the questioner. But since it is not a court of justice, and since I do that all the time myself, the least I could do is to address it as best as I can.Furthermore, since I see occasional recommendations , usually to ULFA, here in Assam Net and in the Assam newspapers,from people who no doubt mean well, I thought it may not be a bad idea to examine the options and go where they may lead. *** >From the little I know of independence movements from the last two or three centuries, it is obvious that it always required violent confrontations, spilling of much blood, usually of the independence seekers. *** It is said that India's struggle for independence was a non-violent one. Unless I am terribly mistaken about the meaning of the word non-violent, this statement must be the most daring con-jobs of deceptive marketing at best and the most bald faced of historical lies at worst. I know, I am taking a highly unpopular position here, probably at par with my last such position about Lasit's Whack several years back, if not even more outrage evoking. But like Rajen reminded me, I do have the arguments ready to defend my view, should anyone be interested in pursuing it :-). *** Rajen obviously hoped to lead me to take a stand here against those who took up arms in pursuit of this goal for Assam, citing the example of Mahatma Gandhi's tactics. But regardless of my penchant for violence, or respect for non-violence, I shall not attempt to second-guess those fellow men of mine who had the courage and dedication to take up arms against an overwhelmingly larger and powerful adversary , knowing full well it could mean certain death and have pursued it tenaciously for a quarter century. I shall not be the one to insult these brave men and women's sacrifices and courage, while never lifting a finger or voicing a word in their support or quest. That is not MY style. *** Having said that, I will again acknowledge, like I always have, that without the support of a broad section of society's intelligentsia, and without a well formed political base, no independence movement against as overwhelming an adversary as India is to Assam, is ever likely to succeed. To that end, I agree with Rajen and others who advocate a discourse in Assam society. It was expected from ULFA, since they are the ones who held up the torch and led the struggle. ULFA has its reasons not to speak out publicly over the matter, and I understand them. But I submit, WE, Assam's well wishers and an elite segment of Assam's intelligentsia, has as much a responsibility to take it up,if not even more. With that I conclude my say. I would like to sit back now and take the brick-bats, or the kind of highly unexpected accolades that came from Nayan. I hope I did not use the rope my friends here offered me to hang myself and appreciate their patience in letting me say my piece without interruptions and pot-shots. But regardless, I hope my time and effort here would serve as a spring-board to discuss and debate the subject, examine it for its worthiness for Assam's future. And to all those who challenged me to embark on it, my only request: Please make your statements FOR or AGAINST independence, give your reasons, and take a stand. What will be most disappointing will be a disappearing act or a long bout of laryngitis. I believe it was H.L. Mencken, the acerbic journalist and commentator who once said something to the effect that " I don't know of anyone going broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people". I hope no one will be tempted to echo Mencken with something like " I don't know of anyone going broke underestimating the courage or activism of the Assamnetters." :-). Best regards. cm _____ _______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Its contents (including any attachments) may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not an intended recipient you must not use, disclose, disseminate, copy or print its contents. If you receive this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete and destroy the message.
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