Growth of Assam Muslims

Some link, here

Decision on withdrawal of AFSPA soon

...............says Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee

A decision to repeal the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) currently being applied across insurgent-hit North East India will be announced soon, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today.

"The recommendations of the high powered Review Committee have been discussed with the Home Minister and a decision would be taken by the Government soon," Mukherjee said on the sidelines of a Coast Guard investiture ceremony in the Capital.

The Review Committee had submitted its report to the Government six months ago. It was set up in wake of a widespread agitation in Manipur following the alleged rape and murder of a woman by Assam Army personnel in July 2004. [More]

We can only hope the decision is favorable. Much have been written about it, and what I add would only be repetition, but if indeed the centre wants to integrate the whole country, we better do away with such things as will only alienate us.

Shall we miss the gravy train???

Over the next five years, there would be 5 per cent reduction in tariff
rates. India like other countries would have a negative list for 950 tariff lines, Menon commented. Menon said the Nathula route would open by March 2006 while another 12 borders in the north-east were being developed for trade with Bangladesh and Myanmar respectively. The system would become more effective once Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) came into force. Indian exports to south east Asia grew from $1.4 billion in 1991 to over $8 billion in 2004-05. Menon said trade could rise to $15 billion by 2005 and to $30 billion by 2007. [more]

I Just hope there are more enterprising young people in the North east to ride this boom. We all knew that Burmese traders trade their Moreh goods for even bicycle parts from Manipur. So the options are endless and opportunities galore. And we can't cry for for what we don't have before we grab what we have. We must also realise that all the developed countries have developed through private enterprises and not by the government, and we keep crying that we are neglected. Visit Bihar or the interiors of Mainland India to see what negligence is all about. And for PSUs, it will be a very long post if I were to start on that lines. Even the best roads and infrastructures have been built by private enterprises. Lets stop the blame game and take it up in our hands. Only prosperity will bring back peace and the ecosystem that comes with peace and prosperity. We must make our region conducive for businesses and enterprises which at present is not. And those who are the cause for it could be same cause to make our business environment conducive. We must open doors, wherever we can. Imagine if powerful groups were to provide protection to Businesses from corruption, red tapes, pilferages and everthing that makes up an unfavorable business environment. Just wishful thinking though.....

I write regularly here.

First Time visitors, please visit
1. My Home, Manipur
2. People of Manipur
3. Women of Manipur
4. Ceremonies of Manipur