Editor,
The negative criticism of the International Terra Madre 2015 which was held in Mawphlang is totally uncalled for since the organisers have put in a massive effort to make sure that the event is a resounding success.Most of the people who came were left disappointed since they were expecting a mouthful from a large number of foreign cuisines but all they could get their hands on are food being prepared out of cuisines indigenous to the region.Most of them are ignorant of the fact that the spotlight of the event is on indigenous people and their cuisines rather than on the fast food culture that is so popular nowadays.The event should have been an eye opener to the youths of the region of the rich cultural heritage and cuisines of their people and their land. Our fascination with anything western, (I’ll leave music out since music is something which is universal) makes us put our own culture on the back burner which in turn makes us the laughing stock of the rest of the country and the whole world.It’s high time that youths of the region learn to embrace their own culture and language since it is these two things that defines us as Indians.
Yours etc.,
Gary Marbaniang,
Via email
Accidental guerrillas to AFSPA
Editor,
During the 49th annual conference of all state police chiefs and DGs of Central police forces, the former Director of the Intelligence Bureau Syed Asif Ibrahim said, “Insurgency situation in Northeast has remained fragile, while Maoists’ activities and strengths are on the wane. The situation is critical in Garo Hills and the State DGP seems to realise that his men are not working harder in stabilising the region. Why? The police force seems to have forgotten the centre of gravity ‘PEOPLE’. What propelled the Meghalaya High Court to open the AFSPA option? “Accidental Guerrilla” is a term coined by Australian counterinsurgency expert David Kilcullen to describe the villagers. People are the decisive terrain, communicating and informing the people is now a common task that should be executed and an essential element of battle command. The people have no transnational agenda but they are defending their local ways and customs from encroachment from outside. The paramount in leadership skills is to learn how to listen and thereby protect the people. The goals of counter insurgency cannot be achieved with firepower alone. The region is deficient in political stability, infrastructure, education and basic services which are required to be looked upon without which the population remains at risk of falling in the hands of insurgents. It can only be won through alliances, building trust and reading intentions which requires exceptional ability to understand people, their culture and their motivation. Least to say for outside forces that jump into an unfamiliar turf can easily turn them into foes. The political leadership seems to misunderstand the concept of insurgency and is therefore pushing more forces into the area. Counterinsurgency approach should stress the need to make local populations feel secure by living among the population and using less force. Small is always beautiful and the police force should imbibe this concept. The knowledge of the enemy’s motivation, intent, will and cultural environment will prove to be more important than drones and smart munitions. On the other side the draconian law AFPSA (1958) which would be a sting of a scorpion for the region, is sought to be imposed, but what is the success rate of such a law? The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was enacted in 1958 to bring under control what the Government of India considered ‘disturbed’ areas. From targeted killings to night raids it gives immunity to the army which is why the Act has drawn flak from various quarters of society. The present crisis in Garo Hills requires a multi pronged approach and to stabilize the situation through changes in strategy and leadership. Two main principles within the COIN spectrum; counterinsurgent forces must be able to learn and adapt, to protect the population and the side that learns quickly and conforms more rapidly would win. Finally, if we do not proceed with caution we would create more enemies than friends.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh
Shillong-14.