Rajdeep Sardesai: Irom's Cause Riskier Than Anna's

By Rajdeep Sardesai

"Why don't you cover Irom Sharmila's decade-old fast with the same intensity as you did Anna Hazare's 13-day fast?" asked Binalakshmi Nepram, the founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network with characteristic passion. On stage in a live programme, there was no escape. "Perhaps, it's because the Ramlila Maidan is closer to television studios than Imphal," was my feeble response.

The 'tyranny of distance' can only be a part-explanation for why a 39-year-old Manipuri woman's fast, that began in November 2000 for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA), has not resonated across television channels and the nation in the manner that Anna Hazare's did. Yes, it did take a nude street protest by Manipuri women for the national media to wake up momentarily to an unfolding tragedy. But to see this only from the prism of the traditional 'neglect' of the north-east would be to ignore the contemporary reality of what constitutes 'democratic' protest in the eyes of the media and enlightened citizenry.

Forget Irom's brave struggle for a moment. Look at Medha Patkar instead. In May this year, Patkar went on a nine-day fast in protest against slum demolitions in Mumbai. While the fast attracted some attention in the local newspapers, no large crowds or TV cameras could be spotted. Slum demolitions are an issue that discomfit the urban middle classes, for whom Patkar is seen as a quintessential trouble-maker, be it when seeking rehabilitation for those affected by the Narmada dam or in driving out the Tata Nano plant from Singur. And yet, the moment, the same Medha Patkar waves the Tricolour and shares a platform with Team Anna on the Jan Lokpal Bill, she becomes an embodiment of courage and idealism.

Or take the case of Prashant Bhushan, a 'core' member of Team Anna. Only a few months ago, when the lawyer-activist was fighting cases for alleged Maoists or defending author Arundhati Roy's right to free speech on Kashmir, he was dubbed 'anti-national' in a section of the media. Today, the same individual is embraced by the very same media as an anti-corruption crusader. When Bhushan and Patkar challenged the status quo they were targeted, even reviled. The moment they chose to swim with the tide, they were transformed into heroes by the identical groups.

The fact is "anti-corruption" is an easy-to-market brand which consumes everyone who vouches for it. The success of Anna's movement has been in its simple, inclusive character. It's a movement that could co-opt a Medha Patkar, a Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and an Om Puri on the same platform along with millions of anonymous Indians. Why, even a Baba Ramdev would have been a star performer of the Anna brigade till such time as he made the cardinal mistake of allowing Sadhvi Ritambhara to share a platform with him. Suddenly, the divisiveness of Hindutva politics was seen to undermine the universality of the core anti-corruption message.

Therein also lies the fundamental difference between Anna's fast on the Jan Lokpal Bill and Irom Sharmila's battle for revoking AFSPA: one is seen to unite, the other is seen to divide. In the end, Anna's fast wasn't even really about the details of the Jan Lokpal Bill but more about being a potent symbol of popular anger against corruption. Many of those who gathered at the Ramlila Maidan and elsewhere couldn't really care whether the anti-corruption wing of the CBI is brought under a Lokpal; what they really wanted was some outlet to express their outrage against corruption. Anna, aided by a willing media, happily provided it. For the middle class in particular, Anna's asceticism was in sharp contrast to their own lifestyle of conspicuous consumption: wearing an Anna cap could redress the balance, if only for a while. It also enabled the economically privileged to suddenly feel politically empowered.

By contrast, Irom Sharmila presents a more complex choice before the average citizen. For Manipuris, she is a homegrown heroine who symbolises the fight against human rights violations by the Army. But for those outside Manipur, she is just as likely to be seen as someone who is questioning the majesty of the Indian state. Manipuris and many right-thinking Indians may see AFSPA as a violation of fundamental freedoms, but there are enough number of others who will see it as a necessity in a militancy-prone region. To that extent, Irom Sharmila's fast will be viewed by hyper-nationalists as a challenge to the Indian state much in the manner that any popular movement in Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a threat to national sovereignty.

The irony is that at their very heart, both Anna and Irom Sharmila should have more in common than one might imagine. For, both of them while using the fast as a peaceful protest weapon are essentially questioning the abuse of state power. And at the very root of this misuse of power is bad governance. Corruption flourishes where governance fails. The imposition of a draconian law like AFSPA, be it in Manipur or Jammu and Kashmir, reveals a crisis of governance. Indeed, both Manipur and Kashmir have suffered because of corrupt politics as much as they have from violence.

Which is why anyone who calls for a strong Lokpal Bill as an antidote to corruption should also support the repeal of AFSPA as a necessary condition for a more humane and honest state. Which is also why Anna Hazare should seriously consider Irom Sharmila's request to visit Manipur and express solidarity with her struggle. It may be a purely symbolic visit, but it will ensure that the television cameras are forced to turn their lens to Manipur's trauma, if only for a day.

Truckers Cry For Security on Choked Manipur Highways

Imphal, Sep 9 : Hundreds of truck drivers, who are facing their toughest time to carry essential commodities to Manipur in the face of the intensified economic blockade on national highways by two civil groups, have urged the state government to deploy maximum forces along the route.

Leaders of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union even claimed involvement of unidentified armed persons in torching loaded trucks on NH-53 connecting Imphal and Silchar .

The truckers even threatened to tie up with the Transporters and Drivers' Council to decide on their future course of action if the government fails to provide adequate security along the highway. In pursuit of its long-standing demand to create Sadar Hills district, the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has been imposing economic blockade on NH-39 (Imphal-Dimapur route) and NH053 since August 1.

The United Naga Council (UNC), which is protesting against the state government's alleged attempt to bifurcate Naga-dominated areas to create new districts in Manipur, has also imposed similar blockades alongh the highways and there's no sign of suspension of agitation by both the groups.

Since NH-39, the key supply route of the state, has already been chocked by the agitators, the government has brought commodities along the deplorable NH-53 under heavy security arrangements. Despite the security measures, three loaded trucks were set ablaze on Wednesday night by suspected bandh supporters on the route considered the second life-line of the state. The Centre has asked the state to extend all co-operation towards the Border Roads Task Force in constructing and maintaining NH 53.

At Last, Naga Rebels Talk In One Voice

Underground groups agree to form a single government and work for a common future. But there are hurdles, says Avalok Langer

Common ground Rebel leaders pose with the Naga flag after the peace talks

Seated in a green chair, a young Naga rebel explained his life’s calling in between sips of tea, “My grandfather and father were both Naga national workers. If needed, my son will also join the movement. But I do what I do so that a solution comes in my lifetime and my son will have a better life. The next generation should inherit the Nagaland of our dreams. That is why we fight.” In the uncertainty of conflict, hope is what fuels an army.

However, what was once a people’s movement in the early stages, the Naga political struggle has lost its way. Internal splits have created seven underground governments claiming legitimacy and collecting ‘tax’, internal conflicts have led to bloody fratricidal wars and the talks seemed to be going nowhere. Frustrated Nagas wanted change and now there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

\In what is being seen as a watershed moment, Naga underground groups have agreed to form a single government. Held in the last week of August, the top-level meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation brought together Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu of the NSCN(IM), Gen Khole and Kitovi Zhimomi of the NSCN(KK) and Brig. Singnya and Zhopra Vero of the NNC/FGN.

“The groups have reconciled their differences and agreed to look towards a common future,” explains an observer. “They felt that multiple Naga governments collecting multiple taxes was adversely affecting the Naga people. The need of the hour was political unity, so they agreed to one government, one tax and one army for the Nagas.” For the time being, the collective government will be known as the Naga National Government (NNG).

The decision to form a single government with a single tax has given Nagas new hope, which was reflected in a recent weekly poll conducted by the Morung Express. Eighty-two percent voted in favour of the decision.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Though a high- level commission comprising members from each group will work towards the formation of the NNG, questions about integration and sovereignty remain. While many groups still stand by sovereignty, Muivah’s recent stand has been that “no country is sovereign in the real sense of the word. It is the age of inter-dependence”.

As for the integration of all Naga-dominated areas, the Centre has maintained that “all concerned states will be consulted”. Underground sources suggest that, “We will have to adopt a phase- wise solution and this is Phase 1.”

In a closed-door meeting, all leaders agreed that sovereignty and integration of all Nagas is their ultimate desire. That could be why the statement issue reads that any “interim arrangement will be outside the purview of the Indian Constitution” and not “solution”. Multiple sources suggest that the talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM) are working towards a “Constitution within a Constitution” as a possible solution. While a solution with the Centre is slated to come by 2011-end or early next year, there is a theory that the 2013 Assembly polls will not be held and the collective government, which is to be formed, will come to power.

Meanwhile, Myanmar-based leader SS Khaplang has withdrawn from the reconciliation process and boycotted the NNG. Senior NSCN(K) official Wangdin Naga says that he has told the Centre that, “a solution without Khaplang is only a comma, not a full stop. You need to involve Khaplang for a lasting solution”.

Though the decision to form a single government has revived hope, it remains to be seen if the groups can work out their differences. Nagas can rejoice in the historic step taken by their leaders and continue to hope that one day peace and normalcy will return to the Naga hills.

Avalok Langer is a Correspondent with Tehelka. avalok@tehelka.com

Assam Village Burns The Midnight Oil To Fight Tobacco Addiction

“On March 8, 2011, that is Women’s Day, led by women folks, we took an oath to not take tobacco and make our village tobacco free," said Bhaimon Saikia (58), who has been consuming tobacco since he was studying in Class IV.

Photos: Parikhit Saikia

A sharp turn from the smooth tarmac-laden National Highway 37 followed by a 15km-long bumpy motorbike ride along betel nut plantation in Upper Assam’s Jorhat district takes you to Sahpuriya. And the fact that makes this tinkle village, revelling in ancient Assamese culture, stand out is that all its 360 households have pledged to turn tobacco free and have given up the age old practice of chewing tamul paan with sada pata (tobacco). The initiative, is perhaps, the first of its kind in a nation that fights the menace of the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world.

The anti-tobacco campaign gained momemtum with the participation of school children.

“On March 8, 2011, that is Women’s Day, led by women folks, we took an oath to not take tobacco and make our village tobacco free. Earlier we weren’t aware of the ill effects of tobacco. The village lost a lot of people due to oral cancer. The decision to quit was difficult as chewing tobacco with tamul paan is a way of life for us, but we are on it,” a determined Bhaimon Saikia (58), who has been consuming tobacco since he was studying in Class IV, reveals. Bhaimon has finally been able to do away with an addiction that was not only a habit but is more of a social custom in Assam. Betel nut, commonly known as tamul, is grown and consumed widely across the state.

“Betel nut is taken in all occasions and served to household guests as a ceremonial gesture. We cannot think of a life without tobacco, paan and tamul. It is next to impossible,” Rukmani Borah, a resident of Jorhat, opined. But the inhabitants of Sahpuriya are literally turning this near-impossible task into a reality, thanks to the concerted efforts of around 3000 people who live there.

However, the road to quitting tobacco was not as smooth in the beginning. Five years ago, Ramen Saikia, started the crusade against tamul consumption after he realised that excessive use of tobacco is leading to numerous oral cancer cases and subsequent deaths. “I was eager to start an anti-tobacco campaign in my village but was not aware of ways to go about it. One day I read in the newspaper about the launch of Tobacco Control cell in Jorhat district. The very next day I got in touch with the cell,” informs Ramen.

Eventually, Ramen met another anti-tobacco enthusiast Dr Bhaktimoy Bhattacharyya, the district nodal officer of the Tobacco Control Cell, Jorhat at an awareness camp in Sahpuriya organized by the Jorhat College. Soon, the two teamed up to make Sahpuriya tobacco free. Dr Bhattacharyya started his awareness campaigns with slides and lecture classes to educate the villagers about how tamul consumption leads to oral cancer. Initially, the response was rather disheartening with less than 20 per cent of the villagers responding. Ramen and Bhattacharyya did not lose hope. Bhattacharyya got the district collector of Jorhat R.C. Jain involved. Consequently, the Sahpuriya Tobbacco Control Cell was born and the campaign was redesigned.

“It was a difficult task. We faced resistance that was induced largely because of lack of awareness on the issue. Many thought it is against the Assamese customs, and the youngsters were very upset and tried to stop us,” said Ramen. But children of Sahpuriya infused courage helped the campaign gather momentum. Eight-year-old Nitish Saikia convinced his family elders to give up the habit after watching a slide show on oral cancer. Nitish’s friend – 7-year-old Vishal Saikia also got his father to promise to quit for good. The story of the kids spread across the village like a wild fire. Soon, the women joined the fight against tobacco. “We faced a lot of resistance from the family. I was beaten up by my husband several times because I wanted him to leave tobacco, now he is also a campaigner for anti-tobacco drives,” reveals a lady on condition of anonymity.

Soon Ramen and Bhattacharya trained and mobilised 50 volunteers. Strategy for door-to-door campaigns, counselling sessions, street corner meetings, and outdoor theatre were planned and executed regularly. Before long, more and more people got involves and those against the campaign, changed their stance. “We have been organizing programmes regularly. From seminars to interactive sessions, we have done it all. Now, no shop in this village sell tobacco, there is moral policing as well, and anyone found consuming tobacco is fined,” explains Ramen.

A bit of pressure tactic coupled with inspiration and enthusiasm has led the way so far in Sahpuriya. “I was moved by the anti-tobacco play that was organised in the village. I could not follow the doctors in the initial awareness camp, but understood the ill effects of chewing tamul through the play and have now given it up,” declares a proud Rina Saikia, a tobacco consumer for more than 20 years.

The Global Adult Tobacco India (GATS India) Survey, conducted in 2009-10, reveals that out of the 274.9 million estimated number of tobacco users in India, 163.7 million Indians chew tobacco. According to a health report submitted by the Union ministry of health in consultation with the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare on the ill effects of chewing tobacco, chewing tobacco products have over 3,095 chemical components.

The report reveals that rampant use of tobacco is associated with high rates of oral cancer in India, and almost 90 per cent cases are linked to tobacco. India has the highest prevalence of oral cancer in the world, with 75,000 to 80,000 new cases of oral cancers being reported every year and Northeast India accounts for more than 40 per cent of these cases. In this scenario, Sahpuriya’s crusade leads by example. “It is great to see the zeal of the villagers given the fact that tobacco is a part and parcel of their daily routine. Thus we are trying to inspire them to take it further. If Sahpuriya succeeds in its mission, I am sure the rest of Assam will follow,” said a hopeful R.C. Jain.

With Sahpuriya’s villagers’ resolve getting stronger, it only seems to be a matter of time before we see a tobacco-free Assam.

With inputs from Luit Chaliha in Jorhat.

Ratnadip Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent with Tehelka. ratnadip@tehelka.com

Bangladesh TV Channels May Soon Be Viewed in India

Dhaka, Sep 8 : Bangladeshi satellite TV channels may soon be able to telecast their programs in India, Bangladesh's Information Minister said on Tuesday.

"The chief ministers (of four Indian states) assured me of taking steps so our private television channels can easily be downlinked in India," Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad told newsmen emerging from a meeting along with eight other Bangladesh ministers on the sidelines of the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with his counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

Azad added: "this will create an opportunity for building people-to-people cooperation being wanted by both the neighbours."

Bangladesh TV channels currently require permission from Indian authorities for telecasting their programs.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith moderated the meeting held at Sonargaon Hotel on the sidelines of the official talks between Hasina and Singh.

Chief minister of Mizoram PU Lalthanhawla, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul Sangma and Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi attended the meeting.

After the meeting, State Minister for Forests and Environment Hasan Mahmud told BSS that the finance minister while moderating the discussion observed that Bangladesh would get the benefit of India's economic strength by enhancing regional connectivity.

India, the fourth largest economy in the world, is the second largest business partner of Bangladesh.

Manik Sarkar gave a statistic showing that Bangladesh would be more beneficial than India from transit.

Talking to journalists, State Minister for Home Affairs of Bangladesh Shamsul Haq Tuku said he drew attention of the chief ministers to killing of innocent people in cross-border areas and requested them to take steps to stop such activities.

Jail Inmate On 'Flowery Mission' To Earn A Living

Shillong, Sep 8 : Donbok (name changed) has been taking care of his family and supporting them financially from the Shillong District Jail, where he has been lodged for over two years now.

Working as a horticulture and floriculture wage labourer on the jail premises, he earns money and sends it to his daughter, thanks to the various vocational jobs introduced over the past few years.

"Donbok saves enough money and sends it home to his daughter regularly. This way, father and daughter have been able to maintain their loving relationship," said a jail official.

With over 300 inmates, the Shillong District Jail has a long way to go in making its premises worthy of living for the prisoners. However, keen on providing them with a way of living, the jail authorities introduced horticulture and floriculture.

A horticulture mission under the North Eastern Himalayan Region was sponsored by the Meghalaya Directorate of Horticulture last year to help the under-trial prisoners (UTPs) and convicts earn while in jail.

"An area of 248.40 sq m was earmarked for planting Gerbera flowers, besides other horticulture crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, radish, French beans and mustard plants," said a jail official.

"The state directorate of horticulture has extended its scheme to the Shillong District Jail as a pilot project and we have agreed to support it by arranging labour for implementation," he added.

He also said an agency of the government has been marketing the produce. "Since most of the convicts lack skills, they are engaged as unskilled labourers," he said.

The jail authorities also have plans to introduce poultry and piggery in future.

The jail also has a study centre for enabling inmates to acquire degrees and diplomas while serving their terms.

"Three inmates have been enroled in educational courses offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) this year," said a source.

The jail authorities have set up a water treatment plant, besides putting up water purifiers and proper toilets, for ensuring health and hygiene on the jail premises.

Blast in Delhi 9 killed, At Least 30 injured

Explosion outside Delhi High Court, many injured

New Delhi, Sep 7 : Nine people were killed and at least 30 others injured in a powerful blast outside Delhi high court gate number 5 on Wednesday morning.

Home ministry official UK Bansal told reporters that the explosives appeared to have been kept in a briefcase. The blast took place at around 10.15 am.

The injured have been taken to AIIMS, RML and Safdarjung hospitals.

The Delhi Police have cordoned off the area, not far from Parliament and the Prime Minister's Office. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot.

Top officials of Delhi Police including Special Commissioner (law and order) Dharmendra Kumar and Joint Commissioner of Special Cell RS Krishnaiah have rushed to the spot.

Jt Commissioner (Crime) Sandip Goyal and Special Commissioner PN Aggarwal also joined them.

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm to allow government collect information and make its statement on bomb blast outside Delhi High Court.

The blast was the second explosion at the high court this year. On May 25, a small explosion that appeared to be a failed car bomb hit the court parking lot.

A high alert in the capital has been sounded and security tighten at public places.

More details are awaited.

9 Trucks Burnt Down in Manipur

Imphal, Sep 7 : Nine goods- laden trucks were burnt down at Kangpokpi bridge in Sadar Hills by blockade volunteers this evening.

According to the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee spokesman, over 20 trucks came from Dimapur side along with a convoy of Assam Rifles. The volunteers of SHDDC intercepted the convoy at the bridge at around 6 pm and set the goods trucks on fire. He added that nine of the trucks were burnt down.

Accusing the Assam Rifles, the SHDDC spokesman said the Assam Rifles collected money from certain transporters in exchange for the provision of escort. “These activities of the Assam Rifles have been going on for sometime during the SHDDC agitation,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has announced lifting of the 35 day-old ‘general strike’ in Sadar Hills from midnight tonight. However, the economic blockade will continue.

Announcing its decision today, the SHDDC said considering the immense suffering of the public they have decided to lift the bandh. The decision of the SHDDC followed a day after the United Naga Council (UNC) had lifted its total bandh.

With these developments, there will be free flow of passenger buses, taxis and private vehicles except the goods vehicles.

On August 21, the Nagas under the banner of United Naga Council imposed counter bandh in “Naga areas” against any move to bifurcate “Naga areas” for the creation of new districts.