Monday, July 20, 2003
India is a democratic country. Abraham Lincoln defined "democracy" as the "Government of the people, for the people
and by the people". A Government is also an establishment that enjoys the monopoly of lawful violence to protect its
disarmed citizens from unlawful violence. It is based on the rule of law. It upholds the spirit to uplift the downtrodden,
and works for the well-being of its citizens.
One cannot ignore the fact that the Assam government is looked upon as a frontrunner among the North-eastern States in terms
of politics and economics. In spite of that, studying its incoherent and the not very effective approaches to formulate and restore
age-old close and cordial ties between the Hmars and the Dimasas, the Gogoi’s administration apparently lacks the above-mentioned
desirable traits. This, sad to say though, greatly undermines the position of the Assam Government. Nevertheless, it has taken
the much-needed steps for the return of normalcy and for the feeling of trust and brotherhood between the warring tribes of
the Hmars and Dimasas:
1) The setting up of the P.C. Phukan Enquiry Commission to look into the causes of the Ethnic flare – ups between the Hmars
and Dimasas.
2) Facilitating visits by the Union Government emissaries – Union Minister Swamy and the Governor of Assam, to
the trouble-torn areas.
Even so, the Assam Government needs to deploy its resources to stop the provocation from both the armed groups of the communities
in aggravating the tense situation. Deployment of troops for the flushing out of any Hmar militants from the affected areas
is not a very wise option, for it may further escalate the matter to a greater height of complexity. Instead, the Assam Government
should:
1) Keep the D.H.D. in check so that its cadets cannot take advantage of the ceasefire to indulge in its propaganda of
instigating fear and undertake 'ethnic-cleansing' of the Hmars.
2) Give a careful study on the D.H.D. – Central Government ceasefire ground rules, and if loopholes and flaws be found, fill
them up so as to not give the D.H.D. the upper hand in trying to commit further atrocities against the Hmars.
3) Invite the Hmar militant groups to come to the negotiation-table, and recommend the same to the Central Government to
formulate a truce.
Cheers to the Zoramthanga-led Mizoram Government. The Mizoram Government's announcement of Rs. 20 lakhs as relief and
rehabilitation package for the thousands of stranded and displaced Hmar refugees who have taken shelter in Mizoram, following
'the ethnic-cleansing' of the Hmars by the Dimasas in its neighbouring state of Assam, not only is a noble gesture on
humanitarian ground, but by itself sets an example for a Government of its responsibilities to its people. This is all the more
true considering that the displaced people are from 'outside' of its political boundary.
Unresolv ed issues of the Hmars in Mizoram not mentioned, which by themselves are another subject of relevance that need more
scrutiny on the part of the
Mizoram Government for a successful unification of a "Mizo Nation", the Mizoram Government is requested to look into the
political, economic, social and educational aspirations and plights faced by the Hmars in Mizoram. The sooner the dues to the
Hmars are paid, the better for the realisation of the Mizo dreams. The Hmars, who have a sizable population spread
across Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, have a very important role to play in the dreams to build a "Mizo
Nation" – strong in politics, economics, social, education, culture and other spheres which make up a "Nation".
The announced relief package also reflects Mizoram's strong footings on the close-knit bonds between the Mizos kindred
tribes and its readiness to stand by them in their times of difficulties if the need so arises, unhindered by geographical and
political boundaries.
But there is a bigger question popping out from Aizawl's "irresponsible" generous deeds in the granting of aid to the Hmar
refugees – What really necessitate it to come forward to lend a helping hand to the displaced Hmars, who by birth and rights are
also the people of Assam? The answer to it inevitably lies in the bowed-down head of the Assam Government, which is ever
reluctant to help out its deprived Hmar people, but goes all out without any hesitation in supporting the majority Dimasas
'politically and terroristically' in their cause to rooting the Hmars from their rightful lands. Shame on the government which
believes and follows such type of governance!
* The writer is based in Shillong, Meghalaya and can be reached at [email protected]
|