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Flash Back January 1998

Chief Minister and Chief Secretary under cloud of suspicion

The golden jubilee of India’ independence is just the scenario to take a critical look at the north-eastern border lands which form the bottom-line between the rule of law and disintegration; good governance and a shoddy administration. The mushroom growth of militant outfits among the hill tribes, plains tribals, ethnic groups and the “marginal” tribes (led by the late Rani Gaidiliu) was, and is disturbing since they can be misled and exploited by bigger and relatively less inhibited underground groups which claim to be ideologically motivated and committed to fighting New Delhi’s neo-colonialism and tyranny to the bitter end. The political leaders are no less career-minded than their counterparts in other states; corrupt and opportunistic, they and the community at large were skeptical of Gujral’s competence and mandate and seriously concerned over the lack of understanding or ignorance of a policy line on north eastern affairs.  Ideological motivation, bringing the rebels under the Moist umbrella, was soft pedalled to accomodate Christian sentiment. Whereas the MNF (Mizo National Front) was  lukewarm to feelers from the Shanti Bahini, the armed wing of the Chakmas, to undergo weapon training . . . . ..

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Flash Back December 1997

Chief Minister and Chief Secretary under cloud of suspicion

Independent observers here discern the same motive behind starting of CBI investigation and filling of FIR against Assam Chief Secretary V. S. Jafa, IAS for his alleged involvement in a scam of the TRIFED, an apex level co-operative for tribal welfare, in 1990. At that time Mr. Jafa was the Executive Director of the national level co-operative body. Filing of the FIR against him in the second half of 1997 is intriguing. It also passes one’s comprehension as to why the CBI had not filed any FIR against the senior officer (since retired), who as the Managing Director had passed orders for procurement of product from some tribal areas of Assam involving the alleged irregularities for which Mr. Jafa is now being proceeded against. Add a comment Read more: Flash Back December 1997

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Flash Back November 1997

Inside ULFA’s camp

It was late afternoon when after along the national highway I reached the small roadside market as directed on telephone which hours ago I called from the city centre giving the taxi number I was travelling by. I was to leave the taxi here and the rest would be taken care of, I was assured.

As my taxi pulled up before a small shop as indicated on phone earlier, a youngman emerged and asked “You are .... Add a comment Read more: Flash Back November 1997

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Flash Back October 1997

New Initiative on Bodo Unity

After turbulent years of Bodo fratricidal clashes, new rays of hope shine now following rival groups of the Bodos initiating talks to sink their differences. Whether the talks will be able to settle their long standing rivalry between the Bodo groups or not is the question, the answer of which lies in the womb of future.

Several rounds of informal talks between the Bodo leaders of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) just concluded. Whatever the result of talks, the Bodo leaders at least now have realized the power of unity. Add a comment Read more: Flash Back October 1997