Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

War against state

This refers to the article “‘War’ against Indian state: real victims and outcome” (June 12). The origin of insurgency in Assam can be traced to the divide and rule policy of the British. Post-Independence too, we failed to understand and address the grievances of our people pushing them towards armed rebellion. Most of the indigenous ethnic groups of Assam want a separate autonomous territory, if not a separate state.

The Indian government will have to change its thinking if it wants a permanent solution to the problem in the State. The people must be convinced that the Centre cares for them. ULFA has only cashed in on the people’s discontentment. Assam has come a full circle of underdevelopment leading to insurgency, which in turn leads to more underdevelopment. This vicious cycle has to be broken.

Neha Singh Yadav,

Gurgaon

The aspirations of the people of Assam have changed in the last two decades. They have been driven by two factors: betrayal by leaders of the Assam agitation and the country’s rapid economic growth. The resentment of the people of Assam against the rest of India stems from the fear of being left out of the economic boom. This has led to a battle for regional supremacy. It manifests itself on issues as trivial as a reality show. The social problems of the northeast are different from the rest of India. Our policymakers must think laterally and devise economic policies giving local governments greater autonomy and control over their natural resources.

Sutirtha Sahariah,

Guwahati

Even after six decades of Independence, the people of the northeast remain a neglected lot. One wonders how many of us know the exact geographical location of Nagaland. Further, the step-brotherly treatment by the Central government, and the unwillingness of the Indian state to negotiate the basic issues have compelled the people to fight for their independence. Unemployment, poverty and all-round backwardness of the region add fuel to the fire.

Thangkhochon Haokip,

New Delhi

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Bankrupt Iran policy
Getting real
Debating Delhi’s rapid transit system
Guantanamo future in doubt
Corrections and clarifications
Electoral system
War against state
Soul of Islam
Media role
‘NSG outcome cannot be prejudged’

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu