How Old is India’s Army Chief?

By R Shankar

An upright officer, Gen V K Singh has been caught on the wrong foot by having two dates of birth; a lobby at work?

Very few get to celebrate two birthdays in a year; and all of them who do so are on the wrong side of the law.

India's Army chief General V K Singh has found himself on this dubious list. He was born on May 10, 1950 and 'reborn' a year later, leaving the Defence Ministry stumped and embarrassed.

Gen Singh has two different dates of birth (DoB) in the official records of the Army. So what is the big deal, one may ask. But this has led to a succession war in the Army. According to the May 10, 1950 DoB, Gen Singh has to retire next month; but if the Army goes by the second DoB, he will serve one more year as Chief of Army Staff.

There is a twist to the tale. Why is Gen Singh fighting it out? Sources say that a lobby is at work to discredit him. It was this lobby that was behind some of the land scams that Singh had unearthed. It may be recalled that it was Gen Singh who went behind senior Army officers involved in the Sukna land scam in West Bengal and the Adarsh Society flat scam in which Gen Deepak Kapoor was also allegedly involved. The flats meant for Kargil widows were cornered by senior Army officers and in collusion with bureaucrats in Maharashtra.

The succession war goes this way: If Gen Singh retires in May 2012 (with 1950 being accepted as his year of birth), then Eastern Army commander Lt-Gen Bikram Singh will succeed him. But if it is 1951, Gen Singh will retire only in March 2013 and the Northern Army commander Lt-Gen K T Parnaik would be his likely successor.

This has thrown the world's second largest army into confusion, disarray and dismay. Now the files are on the tables of the defence ministry.

The ministry has now sought clarifications from the Army record-holders. Since it is a sensitive issue that could create an unsavoury precedent, the ministry has asked the Army to explain the full ramifications keeping in context the legal issues, chain of succession and other implications if Gen Singh's DoB is fixed as May 10, 1951.

Gen Singh's birth certificate, rather certificates, cropped up in May 2006 when the Military Secretary's (MS) branch found two dates popping up in its official records. The Army chief has been maintaining that his DoB was May 10, 1951. This is reflected in his confidential reports and service record. But in other documents, the year is shown as 1950.

On May 3, 2006, the then military secretary, Lt Gen Richard Khare, asked Singh "to reflect the correct date of birth, which is May 10, 1950" in his records.

Sources say Singh then gave a written commitment accepting 1950 as the right year. He had made this commitment to the then army chief, Gen Deepak Kapoor, according to documents published by the media.

Singh wrote to his boss: "I have learnt of some misgivings and doubts being raised on my commitment given on my date of birth (May 10, 1950) as per your directions... I once again reiterate that my commitment to you stands."

It was only after this commitment was made that Singh's case was processed for being appointed as army commander.

Singh had also replied to Richard Khare saying: "The date given in the UPSC form was filled as per details given by the school clerk and the same was subsequently maintained till the original certificate was received. In the absence of the original certificate the error made due to what the clerk gave continued."

The case was then shut in 2008. But it was a Right to Information (RTI) query, after he took over as Army Chief, that led to the reopening of the file.

Where Singh would face an embarrassment is with regard an Army rule. The Army rules stipulate that any change in DoB must be made within TWO years of joining service. This was not done.

He had claimed that he tried to get his DoB corrected in 1985 and 2002 as per records maintained by the Adjutant General's branch. But he was told in August 2006 that army rules did not allow any corrections after two years of joining service and his case could not be processed at such a late stage.

In 2007, he brought up the issue again and the Army stuck to the original ruling. The then military secretary Lt Gen PR Gangadharan, stated in a confidential letter dated December 20, 2007, that "as per available records the officer (Singh) had not taken up any case for correction of his DoB prior to intimation by the MS branch in May 2006."

Following the line of argument taken by his predecessor Gen Khare, Gangadharan ruled that Singh's DoB should be considered to be May 10, 1950, for the purpose of promotion and retirement. He argued that any correction would be legally unsustainable and would give rise to similar claims by others.

Again, in 2009, Singh sought clarifications on the DoB issue from the MS branch and he was politely reminded of his commitment, which he promised to honour.

With so much mud-slinging going on, the issue was referred to the Law Ministry for an opinion. The ministry gave a strange opinion that has raised many eyebrows. On February 14 this year, the ministry said that the May 10, 1950 entry appears only in Singh's National Defence Academy (NDA) form. And then came the surprise. Going on to defend Singh, the ministry said the NDA form was probably filled out by "somebody else than the applicant".

This means that Gen Singh did not fill the NDA entry form and someone else did!

But according to documents in the public domain, it is not just the NDA form that reflects 1950 as the DoB. Singh's application form for admission to the NDA, , the Indian Military Academy dossier, the Army List and Recruiting Branch particulars verified by the Intelligence Bureau have the DoB as May 10, 1950.

Source: India Syndicate

Britain's Royal Wedding in Numbers

St Andrews prepares for a street party to celebrate the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton

London, Apr 29 : The marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday is the biggest royal event in Britain for 30 years. Here are a few key numbers for the day:

One gold ring: Only Kate will receive one during the ceremony, William having opted not to wear the traditional marriage band.

Two wedding cakes: The traditional fruit cake and a special chocolate biscuit cake, a childhood favourite of the groom.

Four bridesmaids: They will accompany Kate down the aisle, along with two pageboys and a maid of honour, her sister Pippa.

Six exes: William and Kate have invited some of their old flames.

10 bells at Westminster Abbey: They will rang out for half an hour before the marriage ceremony and for three hours after.

13 wives: Which one will King Mswati II of Swaziland bring with him?

17 degrees Celsius: The maximum temperature expected in London on Friday.

35 sniffer dogs: As part of a major security operation, they will seek out any potential bombs.

39 musicians: The London Chamber Orchestra will play at the service, tucked away in the loft of the abbey.

102 feet (31 metres) high: the vault at Westminster Abbey.

160 horses: The military will put on their best ceremonial uniforms to line the route and escort the royal couple.

775 rooms at Buckingham Palace: including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

1,900 guests: the lucky ones who received invitations.

5,500 street parties: Britain celebrates a public holiday.

11,000 security barriers: to keep the crowds back along the procession route between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

2.5 million cocktail sausages: sold by Marks and Spencers for the celebrations.

3.5 million mugs: William and Kate have spawned a multitude of souvenirs.

Two billion viewers: Ministers expect a massive global television audience.

Dimapur Hosts Theater Festival To Infuse Culture Among Naga Youth

Dimapur, Apr 29 : With northeastern states leaving no stone unturned in their effort to preserve theater in their region, a month-long festival was recently organized here to make youth aware of their ancient traditions and culture.

The nine-day long theater festival was organized by the National School of Drama in collaboration with the Tribal Art and Textile Museum Society.

The artists performed the play 'Nine Supernatural Realm' based on a well-known Sumi Naga folk tale 'Tsuipu'. The story is about the relationship between a human and nine women from the supernatural world.

The protagonist of the play is Tsipu, an elegant hunter and a warrior of the earth who falls in love with Khaulipu, a super natural woman. Tsipu wishes to spend his life with Khaulipu on earth. After a long struggle and many reincarnations his dream comes true, though, for a very short while.

Chief Director Rongsenla Marsosang said that he wants to raise awareness about Naga folk tales among the Naga youth through the theater.

"My main aim is to make youngsters learn know more about our culture and traditions. Every folklore and theater is connected with our culture and tradition," said Marsosang.

The aspiring theater artists are honing their skills here so that they can perform confidently on the stage. While some are trying to become good actors, some are busy learning direction from the master. Each of them has their own area of interest.

"It was a great experience for me. I got to learn traditional song, dances, customs and festivals of Nagaland. I also found many architectural goods during my visit. It was a great opportunity for me," said S Thaninleima, Director, National School Of Drama.

Theater has been pushed to the background in the Naga society due to prolonged militancy, lack of good institutions and infrastructure problems.

But this seems to be changing, as theater groups like Dreamz Unlimited from Nagaland are trying to make their mark in the theater world.

They have the support of societies like Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Sankaradeva Kalakshetra and the National School of Drama.

"This kind of workshop will open a way for the Naga youth in the world of theater. I wish that more youngsters should come forward and more such workshops should be organized in Nagaland," said Rongsenla Marsosang.

"The purpose of hosting this program, workshop cum production is to promote theater work. It will educate people in the field of theater arts since theater is also one of the main mediums of cultural education. I feel that this theater workshop will definitely benefit our people and promote more cultural value," added Associate Director Dr. Chishi.

Mizoram Has 91 Daily Newspapers, Says Report

The Zozam Times, a newspaper from Mizoram

Aizawl, Apr 29 : Mizoram, with a population of 10.91 lakh, has 91 daily newspapers, according, to an annual report from the Mizoram Journalists' Association.

Of these 31 are published from the state capital, and the rest are published from the other seven districts. Besides these, there are 15 cable TVs and 14 periodicals across the state.

Speaking at the 38th general assembly of Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA) here today, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said relative to the state’s population, Mizoram has the largest number of newspapers and accredited journalists in India.

Lal Thanhawla, who was the founder president of MJA, recalled the days he edited Mizo Aw, one of the oldest newspapers in the state.

''In those days, if you had a typewriter and a cyclostyle, you could publish a newspaper. But being a journalist is not just publishing or editing a newspaper. You have to be an above-average person,'' the journalist-turned-politician said, pointing out that the advent of information technology has brought about media revolution in Mizoram during the last ten years.

''Now, almost every piece of news in every part of the world is downloadable from the internet. A true journalist with the code ethics classifies which part of news is publishable and which is not,'' he said.

While the print media is doing fine in maintaining journalistic code of conduct, Lal Thanhawla accused the electronic media (cable TVs) in Mizoram of not following the journalistic ethics.

''Sometimes, it appeared that their (cable TVs) main interest is attacking the government,'' he said.

Emphasizing the importance of credibility for a reporter, the Chief Minister urged the journalists to refrain from yellow journalism and sensationalized news.

''As the media is regarded as the fourth estate of a democracy, journalism with truth and boldness brings about development in a country,'' Lal Thanhawla said, adding that his government was welcoming constructive criticisms in the editor's page.

Zoramthanga Calls For Economic Stability

By Chizokho Vero

Chief Guest Pu Zoramthanga with NSF president at the NSF general conference at Pfutsero on April 28. (Morung Photo)

24th NSF General Conference 2011

Pfutsero (Nagaland), Apr 29 : Former chief minister of Mizoram Pu Zoramthanga today asserted that a time has come to maintain economic stability rather than military and political power in the wake of the change of political scenario in this modern world. Speaking at the 24th general conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) here this morning, he maintained that economic stability is deciding factor for any nation today.

“Now, it is economy world,” he said and termed it as very important aspect. He went on to state that unless there is economic stability in case of Mizoram and Nagaland “we are nowhere” as compared to other mighty economic power. Zoramthanga also declared that his first task would be on economic stability if he returns to power in his state, so that the people would find place to support themselves and stand firm from any adversary.

Admitting the bright prospect of bamboo for boosting economy of the north eastern states, he encouraged the people to focus on lati foras species which would bring handsome income. Spreading his economic gospel for the whole north eastern states, Zoramthanga said the region could become a gold mine if the people make the best use of the abundant bamboo resources available in the region.

He agreed that Nagas are economically stable but comparing with the world it is not stable even in case of Mizoram. He said that Nagaland has potential to make a good headway in economy front taking the advantage of receiving good rainfall, energetic people and land resources unlike Delhi which has more population but lack of rainfall and shortfall of land. Nagas, he said, has more privilege to become economically stable if they can put together all such assets into practice in proper manner. In this, he called for the best utilization of land, which is the greatest asset from God.

He was appreciative of the NSF for choosing “Reaching Out” as its 24th conference theme, which he said was its attempt to reach out to the neighbouring states and abroad as well to make better Naga people.

He opined that in order to make a successful politician or leader in any organization, one should have a sense of “reaching out” and should not be selfish, adding that one has to develop patience. He described the theme “reaching out” as Christian thing and humanitarian approach. He called upon the NSF to continue such approach and stretch their hand to north east as it is good for others too.

Earlier, NSF president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu in his presidential address said founders of NSF have clearly articulated for a Unified Lim and Glory of the Nagas.  While paying highest tributes to the founding fathers and the worthy successors, he said “we thought it best that, we need to reiterate the clarion call given by our predecessors and accordingly the conference theme has been befitting chosen as Reaching Out Within and Outside.”

The artificial and notional boundary created both by India and Myanmar will not come our way in the quest for living together as a nation. Our leaders have unambiguously articulated this stance and so will we continue to strive for this rightful position stated by our leaders. NSF ever since its formation has been steadfast, unwavering towards the peaceful coexistence of our people.

However, it is lamentable today that there are divisions, misunderstanding within us. Intrinsic external forces are always at work to divide us for which I would like to call upon all to be on guards of such divisive plans. Having said that, I would like to state that, within and outside, we have people who are selflessly working for the common good of our people,” Yhobu said.

He reminded that when the present team of NSF assumed office in 2009, ethnic conflict broke out between Dimasas and Zeme Nagas in Haflong district of Assam in June 2009 threatening the coexistence of the two communities. To reduce misunderstanding and hatred between the two communities, it undertook a goodwill mission comprising all the NSF Federating Units to the conflict area for three days.

On reaching the spot and hearings the voices of the people, we saw the need to bring both the conflicting groups to a dialogue. Accordingly, we arranged a meeting with both the key leaders of both the communities and a platform was created for dialogue and shared understanding and communal harmony. Thus, with our intervention, communication between the two communities has been restored and the situation has been normalised. A happy augury of the outcome of this visit has been reduction of misunderstanding and hatred between the two communities and restoration of normalcy in the area.

He said, for long, NSF has been pained with the various anomalies prevalent in the Nagaland Public Service Commission. Understanding and appreciating that if corrective measures are not undertaken to address the anomalies in the highest recruiting board of the state, the future of the younger generation was at stake.

“Thus, NSF carried out demonstration and protest rally to pressurize the Government. The Government of the day has taken cognizance of our grievances and has accordingly taken action on the guilty especially in the tainted swapping of answer scripts. NSF would continue to remain alive to indifferent attitude of institutions that perpetrates injustice to the younger generation,” he said.

Stating that employment in state beyond Government sector is limited in the near absence of Industries and private players, he said “ While looking forward to more private players coming to the state for more investment and generation of gainful employment of our people, we perhaps look at the Government for fair and just distribution of employment to the younger generation. Thus, we urged the Government to rationalize the length of service of Government employees as many employees have manipulated their superannuation age. Accordingly Government has fixed the length of service to that of 35 years and enhancing the superannuation age to that of 60 years.”

Following the implementation of Nagaland Retirement from Public Employment Act 2009, he said, various departments have reported of backdoor employment giving opportunity to people who matter and who have the connection negating fair and equitable distribution of employment.

In this regard, he said the NSF had put up stiff resistance to such malpractices and have held several parleys with the Executives and the Political Leadership and assured that the NSF would continue to resist such practices and would remain vigilant in the days to come.

Recalling “the gory incident of 6th May 2010 at Mao Gate wherein two innocent students Lt. Chakho and Lt. Loshu were killed and as many as 70 people manhandled by the Manipur Commandos”, Yhobu said “. Prior to this incident, the Government of Manipur forcefully imposed the amended Autonomous District Council to the Naga area in Manipur against the wishes and desire of the Nagas. Various Memorandums and representation submitted to the Manipur government to revoke its decision went unheeded and resultantly ANSAM imposed economic Blockade to Manipur. Besides, the Government of Manipur restricted our entry to Oinam Village in Senapati district of Manipur to hold our Federal Assembly.

NSF staged protest rally and asked the Manipur Government to withdraw the Manipur Commandos in all the Naga Inhabited areas which went unheeded. Since resorting to peaceful demonstration have fallen on deaf ears and our entry to Naga Inhabited areas being blocked by the Government of Manipur NSF also organized counter-bandh on vehicles bearing Manipur registration to Naga inhabited areas. On organizing this counter bandh, Manipur Government with its resources, infrastructure and manpower went on a malicious campaign against us and the Nagas.”

Thus to set the record straight, he said, a goodwill team visited all the North Eastern states of India to tell our rightful position. Besides, it became imperative to tell the Indian leadership and also the national print and electronic media with the correct perspective and a team of NSF Delhi.

“The Prime Minister, Home Minister, and others gave audience to us where we were able to narrate our rightful position. On getting the assurance from the Prime Minister, that the Indo Naga problem would be resolved at the earliest and at his behest, we lifted the counter bandh. Further, during our visit, we held interviews with the leading print and electronic media in the National Capital,” he said.

He also stated that in an attempt to forge better understanding and goodwill among the Naga students in all the Naga inhabited areas, NSF participated in the Eastern Naga Students Association Conference held in Myanmar in 2010. In the said Conference, NSF reiterated that Nagas are one in the past and will continue to live as one in the future.

“Artificial boundaries created by nation states will not deter our aspiration to live as a people. The same sentiment has been shared by them and we are grateful to them that they have also come all the way to participate in this conference,” he said.

He also expressed happiness over the successful observance of the 25th Anniversary of the NSF Martyrs Day on March 20 this year, adding that the function was organized with a view to reinforce and inculcate in the younger generation to be alive to the issues of our people.

Stating that rich tributes were paid to the martyrs by all the participants, he said “The sense and purpose of the event was captured by the audience and that it is not ritualistic in nature. Thus, realization dawn on everyone that the young students have laid their lives for the common good of our people.”

Earlier, FNR convener Rev. Dr. Wati Aier and Ganesh Kachari, executive member Bodoland Territorial Council delivered short speech. The inaugural function was chaired by NSF tribunal general Imchatoba Imchen while Achumbemo Kikon delivered welcome address.

The programme was followed by debating hour, federal assembly and classical & quartet ensemble.

Meanwhile, minister for road and bridges G. Kaito Aye will be the chief guest at the cultural regale on April 29 starting from 9:30 AM while Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjee, chairman NESO will be the special guest. Election hour will take place at 2:30 PM while minister for health and family welfare Kuzholuzo Nienu will be the chief guest at the valedictory function at 5:30 PM.

source: The Morung Express

Arrested African Killers Suspended From University

African students Who killed Mizo Student suspended from LPU

Johnny a Mizo student who was brutally beaten to death by Africans brought to the hospital. He was declared dead.


Jalandhar, Apr 29 : Three African students who were arrested for brutally thrashing a fellow student from Mizoram to death at a brawl during a soccer match were Thursday suspended by the Lovely Professional University (LPU), an official said.

An uneasy calm prevailed on the LPU campus near here Thursday, after the university authorities ordered the institution to be closed for three days.

The varsity authorities have also shifted all African students, numbering over 45, from their hostels to an undisclosed location.

A dispute resulting from a goal scored in a friendly football match between students from Africa and Mizoram in the campus turned fatal Tuesday for Johnny F. Lalhmangaih.

Lalhmangaih, 22, was pursuing civil engineering from the LPU. He had scored the goal for his team, following which the African students got into a brawl and started bashing him.

After initially evading arrest, three African students were arrested Wednesday night.

Two students, Ahmed Al-Nagni and Sayed Feisal, are from Tanzania, while the third, Hatin Indriss, hails from Sudan.

According to the post-mortem report, Lalhmangaih died of internal injuries. His relative from Chandigarh had come to take his body. His father works as a sub-divisional officer in the public welfare department in Mizoram.

"In the wake of this incident, we have called off classes till Saturday. The African students are outside the campus," a LPU spokesperson told IANS.

Police inspector Ravinder Singh told IANS that the three African students were presented in court Thursday and have been sent to a day's police custody.

“We have stationed police force on the LPU campus as a precautionary measure,” Singh said.

Following the incident, scores of Indian students went on rampage Wednesday and damaged the hostel furniture and rooms. Heavy police force was called in to control the situation.

"We are taking all precautionary measures. We do not want our students to resort to violence and higher authorities of the university will make sure that strict action will be taken against the culprits," the spokesperson said.

Earlier too, there was a clash between Indian and African students, but the matter was resolved amicably.

Currently, over 250 foreign students from 16 countries are studying at the university. Of them, around 50 are from African countries.

Punjab's first private university, LPU is located on the Phagwara-Jalandhar National Highway, 140 km from Chandigarh, and has over 24,000 students on its rolls.

Climate Conversations - Women Must Get Their Fair Share Of Climate Finance

A farmer carries vegetables for sale in her field in Jammu, Indian-administered Kashmir, Jan. 13, 2011. REUTERS/Mukesh Gupta

By Nina Somera, GenderCC - Women for Climate Justice

At the end of April, a committee of countries chosen to work out the details of a U.N.-backed Green Climate Fund holds its first meeting in Mexico, to discuss how to get the fund up and running.

It faces some important questions: How to ensure the money goes to those more vulnerable to climate change? How to judge which projects are most effective and efficient? Where will the money come from, and who will decide where it’s allocated?

Much has been said on these fundamental issues which pit developing against developed countries. But further questions still need to be asked, particularly regarding women: What are the benefits of the Green Climate Fund to women? How to incorporate a gender perspective in decision making about the fund? How can the most vulnerable women access resources to build the resilience of their communities? How can the fund compensate women who’ve lost their few assets due to climate change?

Around the world, a large proportion of women still lack access to land, even as they contribute at least 50 percent of food production. The U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) estimates they could produce as much as 80 to 90 percent of food in some regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

At the same time, the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) says women and girls are 14 times more likely to be affected by disasters than men and boys. Following the 2004 Asian tsunami, for example, only 189 out of 676 survivors in the Indonesian village of Aceh Besar were women.

And since 2008, the global financial and food crises have pushed more women into informal jobs, including prostitution and sex work, which usually lack any form of state protection even for the most basic rights such as health. Such work is rarely counted in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The impacts of these inequities are likely to worsen with dwindling natural resources and a changing climate. The growing frequency of droughts and floods has left small farmers in deeper debt, forcing them to migrate to cities where the scramble for resources and opportunities is more intense.

Sea-level rise threatens to drive residents of coastal communities in Bangladesh and the Pacific from their homes. And as natural disasters seem to be occurring more frequently, a rising number of affected families are sliding below the poverty line.

GENDER JUSTICE

Given the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, it is critical that a substantial part of the Green Climate Fund be allocated for projects that can help them withstand and cope with the challenges they face.

This is not simply a question of charity for the vulnerable. Many women and their communities had already developed sustainable coping mechanisms - such as organic farming, mangrove conservation and rainwater harvesting - before climate financing came into the picture. These indigenous efforts deserve to be supported, scaled up and replicated where appropriate.

At least 30 percent of the new fund should be allocated for projects that directly benefit women. They could include reducing the walking distance to access water and sanitation; helping women secure land ownership and use it productively; supporting mass public transport to make travel safer and easier for women and girls, particularly in rural areas; promoting reproductive health services especially in the context of urban migration and disasters; funding resettlement sites for women-headed households that lose their homes to encroaching seas; and assisting mangrove conservation by all-women cooperatives.

Beyond this, women’s needs should be taken into account in all projects financed by the fund. Women must also have direct access to the money without having to go through an intermediary bank, in order to avoid fees and conditions. And the procedures for submitting proposals and reports should be simple enough to encourage women's organisations to tap the fund through their national governments.

DAVID AND GOLIATH

Unfortunately the climate talks have come to resemble trade negotiations where some parties demand reparations and plead for help, while others evade responsibility for their historical pollution. They are a battle between David, with the G77 and China group and the Alliance of Small Island States on one side, and Goliath, with developed countries, especially the United States, on the other. To genuinely tackle gender issues, we need to get beyond this dynamic.

Even among the ‘Davids’, there are those who make it difficult for women and girls to exercise their rights and freedoms. At the recent Bangkok climate talks, many developing countries did not cite gender balance in their vision for the fledgling Adaptation Committee. The main concern was to get as many seats as possible. Some also explicitly refused to make gender a criterion in the selection of adaptation projects.

Giving developing countries more leverage in the Adaptation Committee is legitimate. It could also be argued that having more women on the committee does not guarantee gender-sensitive governance.  But having an equal proportion of women on board is a big step in the right direction.

Making stronger statements on gender and climate financing is an imperative that cannot wait for power dynamics to be recalibrated. After all, climate change is already magnifying long-standing issues such as unfair trade, unequal access to land, violations of sexual and reproductive health rights, racial discrimination and gender inequality.

Gender is a fundamental issue that, when overlooked, can disempower communities and derail budding efforts to achieve human rights and equality. As Ana Pinto, a feminist who works with indigenous peoples in India’s Manipur state, once said, “When women are demanding that our voices be heard, we are not doing this for ourselves but for the community we take care of.”

For more information, visit the GenderCC website.

Assam’s Kingmaker Weighs Options Afresh

By Samudra Gupta Kashyap

Guwahati, Apr 29 : Two weeks ahead of counting, Assam’s leading political parties have started lobbying for partnerships that can take them to the magic figure. Going by indications, there is little likelihood of any party getting 63 or more seats in a House of 126.

In the event of a hung house, the key will lie with the Bodo People’s Front (BPF). It bailed out the Congress last time but might not do so this time; its decision could depend on who else the Congress chooses to ally with.

The BJP and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) have started reaching out to the BPF to wean it away from the Congress. BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary has already given some signals, especially about his party’s reluctance to become part of a government alongside Badruddin Ajmal of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).

“I would rather side with the AGP and the BJP (if these two come together) if a situation arises when the Congress has to seek the support of the AIUDF,” Mohilary has already said.

The rider is that the Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF), the other Bodo party, is already in alliance with the AGP. If the BPPF wins a couple of seats, the AGP will not be able to accommodate both Bodo parties.

On record, the Congress continues to claim it will win between 63 and 65 seats and form the government on its own. “The people have largely voted for us because of the work we have done in the past 10 years,” claims Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, adding the Congress will carry on with its alliance with the BPF even if it gets a majority.

The AGP and the BJP dismiss the Congress claim. “We are going to get 53 to 55 seats and the Congress tally will dip further from the 53 it won in 2006,” asserts AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowari.

The AGP has an alliance with three tribal parties — the ASDC and the Gana Shakti besides the BPPF — and together it is hoping to touch the magic figure.

The BJP says Assam will have a non-Congress government. The party’s alliance with the AGP, forged during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, was called off a few months ago. But both parties have given signals of joining hands after the results in order to keep the Congress out.

The AIUDF has run into rough weather over the ongoing speculation over the post-poll scenario. AIUDF president Ajmal has suspended working president Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury for alleged anti-party activities. Choudhury had quit the candidate selection panel last month, accusing Ajmal of changing its final list.

“I have sensed the possibility of the AIUDF extending support to the Congress,” Choudhury said, adding this would be wrong.

In the Congress, those opposed to taking the AIUDF’s support want Gogoi to continue as CM if the party forms the government. Another lobby prefers APCC president Bhubaneswar Kalita.