Talks with the ULFA

The youth organisation, Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP), organised a two-day meet (mahasabha) in Guwahati to deliberate on a possible dialogue with the ULFA. The meet concluded with an overwhelming opinion in favour of a process of negotiations between the Union Government and the militant outfit. However, an editorial in The Sentinel (23 September) 'Initiatives for peace' questioned the very idea of negotiating with a terrorist outfit. It said, "Yes, peace is very important for Assam now. Without it we cannot have progress. But the price of that peace cannot be compromises that we shall all go on repenting at leisure for generations to come. Nor can we permit insurgent groups that destroy peace to hold the State and its people to ransom or to blackmail us into permitting peace to return only on their terms."

Voicing similar opinions, an article in The Sentinel (26 September) titled 'Let not the Mahasabha call end in maha fiasco' said: "There is no reason why the Assamese people cannot shirk off all the concerted attempts by forces inimical to them, to foist the ULFA on them as their sole and legitimate leader, replacing all other organizations and democratic institutions. The Assamese people will have to achieve it. Let all this talk of talks with the ULFA be put in the back-burner for the next two years, and let us see the results."

Agitation in Manipur

The agitation against the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) shows little signs of abatement. The Apunba Lup, the umbrella organisation spearheading the movement, has called for an indefinite strike targeting the twin National Highways connecting the State with the rest of the country. The government, too, has done little towards assuaging the concerns of the people. Commenting on the state of affairs The Imphal Free Press (29 September) editorial, 'Whither Manipur', said: "Manipur is on a difficult crossroads at this juncture of its history. Politically, financially, economically, it is really in one of its worst nadirs. The law and order agenda is in practically every hand that has a gun, be it government forces or otherwise. The security forces, in disregard of even the limits of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act continue on their rampaging path. Gunmen continue to intimidate and kidnap for ransom, and summarily execute those who resist. If this is not madness, what is?"

There is a growing feeling in the region that a process of negotiation is the only way out of the current impasse. The Sangai Express (28 September) in its editorial, 'Dialogue Matters', said: "Let the Government take some concrete initiative to start a dialogue. The Apunba Lup too needs to keep an open mind. On the side of the Army authority too, a certain degree of transparency should be maintained while dealing with the case of Th Manorama to earn the trust and confidence of the people." Similarly, The Shillong Times (27 September) editorial, Manipur Impasse', said: "The end of political insecurity in Manipur is a consummation devoutly to be wished for because it is giving a boost to insurgency and damaging the State's economy."

Centre's NE Policy

A pervading feeling among the people is that a policy of neglect by New Delhi is the core of all the problems afflicting the region. Tripura Times (7 September) editorial, 'Travail of the North east', commented; "It is a pity that attempts of the people of the Northeast have been an utter failure to be treated as part and parcel of the united India. New Delhi should have a radical change in its policy on the Northeast." Similarly, an article in The Assam Tribune (27 September) 'Handle Northeast Cautiously' opined, "A well thought-out strategy needs to be adopted to end the geographical isolation of the northeastern States from New Delhi, the country's power base. Union Ministers must make frequent visits to each and every State to ensure implementation of development schemes by on-the-spot verification. More and more conferences organised by the Centre on various subjects should be held in the capitals of these States to promote understanding and strengthen cultural and administrative links."

NSCN's Growing Clout

TThe NSCN-IM's advertisement in a newspaper in Nagaland inviting applications for the post of office bearers, attracted significant media coverage in the region. The Assamese vernacular newspaper, Dainik Agradoot (20 September), in a front-page story 'NSCNr chakariloye asamiya jubakar abedan' reported, "About 100s of youths have applied for various posts advertised by the NSCN-IM. It has come to notice that a number of youths from the areas along the Assam-Nagaland border have applied for appointment in the outfit."

Bangladesh and NE Militancy

Tripura Times (5 September) in its editorial, 'Indian should take firm step', said: "There is no denying that the spate of terrorist violence in India is engineered by Bangladesh. The ISI of Pakistan made its base camp in Bangladesh for years, and extended its activities inside India, specially in the North East." It further said: "The Pakistan inclined section of Bangladesh Army is involved in this conspiracy. The government of Begum Khalida Zia is cooperating with the fundamentalist either willingly or unwillingly. It is time for India to become tough in dealing with Dhaka."