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!