THE SHILLONG TIMES, SHILLONG, TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 (SIX) THE SHILLONG TIMES, SHILLONG, TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 (SEVEN)

‘‘ Abortion and racism are both symp- toms of a fundamental human error. The Securing our seed Racism in error is thinking that when someone stands in the way of our wants, we can football! It’s a justify getting that person out of our lives. sovereignty Abortion and racism stem from the same problem here too poisonous root, selfishness. ’’ By Gratia E. Dkhar, Naphishisha Nongsiej and Bhogtoram Mawroh

--- Alveda King In an interview with the such farmer. The NESFAS Almost half of the total the basis of food and agri- By Benjamin Lyngdoh Hindu (April 6, 2012), Dr. team came across this produce was given as rent culture production Edson Arantes do Debal Deb, a rice conser- story during the Rice Fes- to the landlady (Bah throughout the world". But Raheem Sterling (Manches- The Shillong Times Nascimento (commonly vationist, revealed that In- tival organised by NESFAS Kolishon had leased the it is only the physical con- ter City and England), known as 'Pele') famously Vol No: LXI No.257 SHILLONG, TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 dia had more than 100,000 on the 13th March 2019 in paddy field from her) hail- tribution to food produc- Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli varieties of Rice until as re- Liarsluid where Bah ing from Mawlang, East tion and agricultural which epitomized football as 'the and Senegal), Mesut Ozil Poll violence escalates in Bengal cently as 1970. However, as Kolishon was one of the Jaintia Hills. The land needs to be recognized. beautiful game'. Indeed, foot- (Arsenal and Germany), green revolution became main speakers. owner was delighted with The values that underlie ball is a very popular sport Adebowale Ogungbure ON Monday as Bengal went into its fourth round of an entrenched part of the Bah Kolishon Barim is a the taste, texture and indigenous farming sys- globally (both in terms of (Vissai Ninh Binh and Ni- agriculture policy of the 57 year old farmer from participation and geria), Moise Kean polling violence rocked the state yet again. Union aroma of this rice and re- tems and the goals that it State, this diversity came Liarsluid, a village associ- quested him to continue aspire to need to be pro- viewership). This popularity (Juventus and Italy), Kevin- Minister, of the BJP alleged that those under tremendous attack ated with much local cultivating this variety. He moted as well. gives rise to a fan/support Prince Boateng (Barcelona due to emphasis on folklores. This particular saved four cans for himself The values system fol- base which is the 'heart and and Ghana), Mohamed who were unlikely to vote the Trinamool Congress monoculture and hybrid village is under the and gave some to his lowed by indigenous farm- soul' of football. As such, in Salah (Liverpool and Egypt), crops. At present only 6000 Bhoirymbong CD Block of brother-in-law, residing in ers is in complete opposi- most circles the fans/sup- Patrice Evra (West Ham (TMC) were not allowed inside the polling booths. varieties survive. This is Ri Bhoi but within the tra- the neighbouring village tion to those of modern in- porters are considered as the United and France) and so In the absence of central forces most people who very distressing especially ditional Khasi-Jaintia pol- of Thadnongiaw (located dustrial farming which is most important stakeholders forth. These players have considering that rice had ity, it falls under the Raid within a travel distance of based on debt creation in 'the beautiful game'. They been subjected to 'monkey feared violence were unwilling to even come out and its origins in 14,000 Iapngar Khyrim Syiemship. 20 minutes), for propagat- through its emphasis on are responsible for creating chants' to 'monkey gesticu- years ago. Initially, it was Raid is a traditional politi- ing the variety. In 2012, external inputs (seeds, soil an electrifying atmosphere in lation' to 'banners displaying vote. At Asansol were Supriyo is contesting against only a single variety with cal unit consisting of a col- out of the 30 sacks, more improvement and plant the stadia and performing as a banana(s)' and many more. Moon Moon of the TMC his vehicle which was farmers experimenting and lection of villages which than half was distributed protection technologies) the 12th man. At times it Importantly, the point to be gradually expanding the together with other Raids to the other farmers from and rent extraction (em- seems as though national/ noted here is that racism is parked outside the polling station in Barabani was genetic diversity of the constitute a Hima (tribal Liarsluid, Khweng, phasis on intellectual international 'relationships' more extreme in the case of crops over time. There is a principality) under a Syiem Pynthor and distant re- property rights). The result and/or 'rivalries' are defined those players representing vandalised when a fight erupted between workers of fear that if the assault con- (a Khasi King). Within the gions like Nongstoin and of such tendencies is in- in terms of football. Amidst countries where the popula- the BJP and the TMC even as the tinues this diversity which Raid, Bah Kolishon is rec- Marmain. In 2013, Bah creasing marginalisation of this heated/animated realm tion is predominantly white has taken more than 10,000 ognised as the farmer who Kolishon named the vari- farmers and decimation of there are cases of overflow- (like in the case of Balotelli, TMC chief fights to retain Bengal and also to assert years to come into being discovered the rice variety ety as "Kba Jwain" on ac- the agrobiodiversity de- ing emotions percolating Rudiger and Sterling). could disappear entirely. called "Khaw Jwain". count of its unique appear- veloped by countless farm- into irresponsible expres- Thirdly, over the years we her leadership on the national stage. But if the kind Dr Deb is trying to pre- In 2008 while gathering ance. ers over long periods of sions of supremacy. Contem- see racism here in Shillong of violence that overshadows Bengal today on ac- vent that by creating a the harvest that Bah Through experience human history. In contrast porarily in football, this is as well; particularly in the seed bank for more than Kolishon noticed two pani- Bah Kolishon learnt that to all this, indigenous farm- mostly expressed in terms of context of the I-League and count of the elections, and which seem to have the 700 local rice varieties. cles of paddy with traits dif- the variety should be ers like Bah Kolishon use 'my race against your race'. the Shillong Premiere Conserving these varieties ferent from the rice variety, sowed in the second week not only the methods of Hence, the problem of rac- League. In general, football stamp of the ruling government are any indicator then is not only just a naive sen- Kba Lakang that was culti- of May and transplanted experience and learning to ism in football! At the mo- has grown extensively in In- vated. This new variety the country does not seem to be in safe hands. Poli- timental value, but many of in June with harvesting add to the existing knowl- ment, this problem hangs like dia. This is good for the these have high stress re- had longer stalks, broader beginning in November. edge but also follow the a 'Damocles Sword' thereby sport. We have seen a re- tics in Bengal has always been marked by violence silience in terms of pests leaves with shiny husk and The variety has the ability indigenous values of shar- threatening to permanently vival of football clubs; most and climate change. Dur- bigger sized grains. In- to withstand strong winds, ing and concern for the tarnish and destroy what we of which are driven through right from the time when the Left Front ruled Bengal. ing the recent Biodiversity trigued by this discovery, is resilient to blight and common good to stave off all enjoy so wholeheartedly. an investment of foreign he showed his wife Kong Mamata Banerjee the present CM was herself a vic- Festival organised by can grow in fields with exploitation of those who Moreover, if we think that players and foreign manage- North East Network in Houstina Jalong, and de- poor irrigation. Unlike the are vulnerable. The goal this is a western problem, ment. In this tryst with pro- tim of CPM violence. She survived the attacks but Chizami, 7th-8th March cided to collect the seeds 3-4 year period of rotation that indigenous farmers then we are in for a rude fessionalism, the football 2019, Dr Deb shared that and keep them safely on for other varieties Kba like Bah Kolishon aspire shock. This is because it is a clubs have been buying has only imbibed the same kind of violence which the nutritional content of the rynsan by the fireplace. Jwain does not need rota- for, not just for their com- problem here in Shillong too. players of varied nationali- In the following planting her cadres are unleashing on TMC rivals particularly many of these local varie- tion for seven years. This munity but the world at Accordingly, I place the fol- ties from across the globe to ties are incomparably season, he sowed the new practise of rotation is ex- large, is not just food se- lowing pointers - represent them on the field the BJP. The 'do or die' kind of politics being played higher than that of the hy- variety in a small plot of plained as "u kba u thait curity but food sover- Firstly, let us lay down of play. In our local context, brid varieties which are land. From the two panicles ban shong ha juh ka jaka. eignty. An important step what is racism and what are the football clubs based in out in Bengal today between the TMC and the BJP touted to have been devel- of paddy that he had Da ngi pynpher ka in achieving this is achiev- its specificities? The 'United Shillong have indeed led the oped for the same purpose. saved, he harvested a can has normalised violence. Attempts by the Election jakathung jong ka u kyndit ing seed sovereignty i.e., Nations International Con- way in this aspect. Well, one At the same time, the full of grains which is noh" (the yield of a rice the farmer's rights to breed vention on the Elimination of might think that all these equivalent to a kilogram. process of developing variety gets diminished and exchange diverse All Forms of Racial Discrimi- developments would also Commission to transfer senior police officials before Having noticed its im- newer varieties is ongoing when planted in the same seeds which can be saved nation' defines 'racial dis- result in the change of out- mense potential, he de- polling resulted in their complaining against the Com- with many new varieties plot. For it to be rejuve- and which are not pat- crimination' (thereby implic- look of the fans/supporters cided to propagate it fur- being added to the list. nated it has to be rotated ented, genetically modi- itly implying 'racism') as 'any and that they might be more mission. But what we are witnessing in Bengal today ther. These are seeds devel- with other varieties). The fied, owned or controlled distinction, exclusion, re- open and progressive in The next year, i.e., 2010, is complete lawlessness and it is no secret that the oped by agribusinesses by entire process does not by emerging seed corpora- striction or preference based their mindset. However, spending enormous sum of Bah Kolishon was able to use any external input and tions and giants, some- on race, colour, descent or harvest one and half sacks what is habitual nature is state police are completely compromised. Elections money. The monopoly is completely organic. In- thing indigenous farmers national or ethnic origin embedded in us all and in- power of these enterprises (around 80 kilograms) of in the state have had to be scheduled for seven terestingly, ten years after like Bah Kolishon have which has the purpose or deed it never dies. Our incli- has reduced regional seed paddy. He saved four cans he discovered the Jwain been doing for generations. effect of nullifying or impair- of paddy for sowing in the nations of looking into diversities. Their profit is variety, Bah Kolishon has "Seed Sovereignty re- ing the recognition, enjoy- phases, to enable the movement of central security next season while the rest things from the context of maximised as the costs is noticed yet another pani- claims seeds and ment or exercise on an equal was cooked and served 'race' and 'racism' are a fore- forces so people could come out and vote without recuperated (and much cle different from the Kba Biodiversity as commons footing of human rights and with meat and other dishes gone conclusion. more) by ensuring that the Lakang, possibly another and public good" (Lexicon fundamental freedoms in the What is even more dis- being intimidated. farmers continually return at "bam ja thymmai" (an new variety. He has cur- of Food). political, economic, social, turbing is the grotesque to them for fresh supplies. annual feast of the first har- rently saved it for propa- About the authors: cultural or any other field of show of such feeling of su- Visuals of Babul Supriyo sitting in a car with the A consequence of all this vest). Many who attended gation in the next growing Gratia E. Dkhar is work- public life'. The definition is premacy while watching the rear windows smashed have gone viral even as the is engendering of depend- the feast which included season. ing as an Associate in the church and village exhaustive and it outrightly game from the stands. As in ency and heightened vul- Article 9 titled in the North East Slow and clubs together 'race' and 'eth- rival candidate Moon Moon Sen feigns ignorance of nerability of the farmers. elders complimented on the the case of the I-League Farmers' Rights in the In- Agrobiodiversity Society nicity'. As a result this also matches, when the local foot- However, there is another taste and aroma of this va- ternational Treaty on Plant and can be reached at the incident stating that she was busy visiting her con- riety. Apart from being con- impinges upon traits of her- ball clubs play against other story which needs to be Genetic Resources for [email protected] itage, culture and tribalism told: the effort of indig- sumed as a staple food, lo- teams at Jawaharlal Nehru stituency to ensure smooth polling. Meanwhile Babul Food and Agriculture men- Naphishisha Nongsiej with one scoop (as these are Stadium, Polo (and these enous farmers in not just cal snacks can also be tions that there should be is working as a Field Coor- Supriyo was on the road to visit every polling station made from this variety. closely associated with eth- other teams have in their conserving traditional recognition of "the enor- dinator in North East Slow nicity). Amidst all these an- seeds but developing and Word of this new rice roster players from Africa [or mous contribution that the and Agrobiodiversity So- thropological specifics, at to ensure that there are no disruptions by TMC sup- propagating newer ones. variety spread across the African origin]); at times you local and indigenous com- ciety and can be reached the head of the pecking or- These indigenous farmers, Raid, and it was nicknamed will be able to hear chants of porters. There are eight constituencies voting in Bengal munities and farmers of all atder in terms of global dis- with no connection to the "Kba u kpa u heh" (Heh' 'Negro', 'Iong' (black), 'Shrieh' regions of the world, par- [email protected] crimination and antagonism on Monday and they happen to be the most vio- corporations or harbouring being the nickname of (monkey), 'Tngaw' (baboon) ticularly those in the cen- Bhogtoram Mawroh is is the phenomenon called the ulterior motive of prof- Kolishon's eldest son). and so forth. In fact, some- tres of origin and crop di- working as a Senior Asso- 'racism'. To a lay person this lence-prone belt of the state. The fact that voting for iting from their discovery, People started visiting his versity, have made and will times even the African ori- ciate in North East Slow is the only term that matters. gin players of our very own Asansol constituency is scheduled for all seven phases are developing still newer home asking for the seeds. continue to make for the and Agrobiodiversity So- varieties and sharing them In 2011, he harvested 50 All other terms and distinc- local teams are not spared. conservation and devel- ciety and can be reached tions are purely academic. of the national election tells us how violent elections with the community. Bah sacks of rice, a yield above opment of plant genetic re- This is a downright depic- atRacism is about appearance tion of racism on our part. It Kolishon Barim from the average of 42 sacks ob- sources which constitute [email protected] in Bengal are. Liarsluid village is one tained from other varieties. and physical features. It is is disturbing and highly con- defined by the shape of the demnable and must be dealt TO THE EDITOR face. It is looked at in terms with appropriately. Lest we of the colour of the skin. forget that we as a race are Racism is simply and literally also looked on as being in- ghastly massacres take other forms of violence are cism, radicalism and vio- in the 2019 World Press least six Indian journalists Is Shillong lence should know that Freedom Index. India has 'black or white', 'dark or fair'. ferior by others! place regularly. Therefore all crimes against human- were killed in connection In general, the 'white and fair' they are the disciples and continuously been sliding Fourthly, what to do vulnerable to it is imperative on all of us ity. No religion teaches all with their work in 2018." have the notion of unrivalled soldiers of Lucifer. I ap- down from 133rd position about it? Is there a solution? to be extra vigilant and these. No religion The report found an superiority thereby depict- peal to one and all to pray in 2016 to 136th in 2017 To start with, the I-League terror attacks? alert wherever we are and preaches and promotes the alarming rate of "coordi- ing their supremacy across (down 3 ranks) to 138th in is run by the All India Foot- to report to the police cult of violence and if for and shun these ideolo- nated hate campaigns 'all forms of public life'. It is 2018 (down 2) to 140th in ball Federation (AIFF) and Editor, whenever we find suspi- there is any religion that gies and the people who waged on social networks this cognition that breeds propagate them. 2019 (down 2) on the the Shillong Premier League Having seen terror at- cious objects or see sus- succumbs to such indoc- against journalists who problems and instigates ret- by Shillong Sports Associa- Yours etc., World Press Freedom tacks in other parts of the picious movements and trination and propagates dare to speak or write ribution. It defines behav- tion. It is high time that these Philip Marwein, Ranking Index of the inter- world and even in India our activities of people, espe- crime and violence, then it about subjects that annoy iour and perception towards bodies take measures to deal Via-Email national free speech advo- fear is that Shillong may one cially those who are indoc- is no religion at all but it is Hindutva." everything. with racism in football. These cate Reporters Without day face the same fate. We trinated and radicalised. the act of the devil or a Indeed, alarm bells are Secondly, racism in foot- measures must be strict and Borders. This means that do not know who will com- Over the years we have satanic cult. True religion Press freedom ringing for our democracy. ball is not new. Now it has penalizing. It must be noted mit the act and when but the seen heavy influx into teaches, preaches and India has slid down 7 Dissent, debate and dia- reached levels of criticality that the number of people possibility is there. This Shillong and in other ar- propagates love and diminishing in ranks in press freedom in logue are central to de- across many nations. Play- involved in racism at the possibility can be seen from eas particularly from a peace; love for oneself the last 3 years. mocracy. On the other ers and sometimes even stands are just a handful; but the fact that all sorts of peo- particular community. We and love for neighbours India The Human Develop- hand, democracy is the match officials are abused they bring shame to 'the ple come here from all parts do not brand that all of and peace to oneself and ment Index topper Norway lifeblood of our Constitu- based on the color of their beautiful game'. We need of India and the world over them are terrorists or to all men. Editor, has again got the first po- tion and nation. We need skin. Apart from racist mechanisms to identify and and there is no mechanism radicalised and indoctri- It is a great threat to The fourth estate must sition in press freedom for to remember that democ- chants; there are even cases catch hold of these people whatsoever to monitor and nated and that they can be world peace that there are play the role of the third three years on the trot. On racy cannot survive with- of racist banners being dis- red-handed. Accordingly, keep a check on the move- potential terrorists and religions today which suc- umpire to help the um- the other hand, the Hap- out free press. played in the stadia. No they may be penalized and/ ments and activities of the suicide bombers but the cumb to the cult of violent pires (voters) on the field piness Index topper Fin- Yours etc., doubt, this has led to FIFA or they may be barred from people coming here. We possibilities are there be- groups and religious big- in a political IPL match be- land gets the second rank Sujit De, and UEFA to call for drastic football stadia for life alto- only rely on the police and cause it is difficult to know ots or extremist religious tween the ruling and the in the freedom of press. On steps to check on racism; gether. Yes, the problem of their intelligence gathering. who among them is indoc- ideologues. It seems as if opposition parties in a India, the report says, however, over the years this racism here in Shillong is not But police, being people as trinated and radicalised the kingdom of God has democratic country. It will "Violence against journal- has proven to be woefully as much as in the European they are, cannot keep track and we do not know when fallen into the hands of Sa- be highly unfortunate if ists - including police vio- short of any degree of effec- football leagues. Nonethe- Letters to the Editor must of the movements and ac- and where they will strike. tan. It is indeed deadly and the media takes on the lence, attacks by Maoists tiveness. As a case in point, less, the problem is to be Indeed radicalism and fa- dangerous. Those reli- role of the cheerleaders of fighters and reprisals by have the full name, ad- in recent years high profile nipped in the bud. To this tivities of every person. dress and contact number naticism perpetrated in the gious teachers and their the batting side. Freedom criminal groups or corrupt incidents involving racism end, the football clubs can Even in advanced countries of the writer, even if they like the USA, UK and oth- name of religion which agents who teach, preach of the Press is now in politicians - is one of the include the racist abuse of do their own part through leads to terrorism, decapi- and propagate hatred, most striking characteris- are sent by email. Only Mario Balotelli (Marseille the public address system at ers, intelligence agencies great danger. Our position letters with the requisite tation, bloodshed, rape, hate crimes, religious dog- tics of the current state of and Italy), Antonio Rudiger the stadia. (The Author have failed and frequent ter- has gone further down to details will be published. ror bombings and other bomb blasts, murder, and matism, religious fanati- 140 among 180 countries press freedom in India. At (Chelsea and Germany), teaches at NEHU)