ST Demand Issue: Positive discrimination, affirmative action and the cracks within

India’s reservation policy has spawned forms of conflicting categories of the ‘exploiter’ and the ‘exploited’, the ‘dominant’ and the ‘subservient’ as if these binaries exist in a permanent cycle sans the dynamics of wresting political power at play. By Dhiren A. Sadokpam In recent times, the political elites of three primary ethnic groups in Manipur […]

The post ST Demand Issue: Positive discrimination, affirmative action and the cracks within first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

India’s reservation policy has spawned forms of conflicting categories of the ‘exploiter’ and the ‘exploited’, the ‘dominant’ and the ‘subservient’ as if these binaries exist in a permanent cycle sans the dynamics of wresting political power at play.

By Dhiren A. Sadokpam

In recent times, the political elites of three primary ethnic groups in Manipur are caught in a whirlpool of anxiety propelled by palpable dissonance in political objectives. This anxiety is not necessarily triggered by the differences in speculative autonomy-demands or even demands based on administrative separatism.

The main anxiety has been caused by the way how the communities have effectively understood the political ideas behind positive discrimination, affirmative action or what in the Indian subcontinent is being referred to as the reservation policy of communities that have apparently lagged behind in holistic development. The most recent play-out that has triggered the spells of anxiety and tension has been the demand of a community considered advanced in comparison to its neighbours, to be included in the Scheduled List of Tribes in India.

While the proponents of the demand and those opposing the same have resorted to socio-political and historical reasoning, both the parties seem to have skipped re-looking at either redefining or refining the concepts they would love to toy with. One is not sure if both the conflicting parties have understood that India’s reservation policy presupposes a social fact – centuries of oppression of one group by another. This presupposition assumes a determinate but constant ‘unchanging oppressor and oppressed’ and ‘advanced’ and ‘backward’ communities. The ‘constant’ is supposedly created by a social order that determined identities of each castes, communities and tribes. This has spawned forms of conflicting categories of the ‘exploiter’ and the ‘exploited’, the ‘dominant’ and the ‘subservient’ as if these binaries exist in a permanent cycle in all societies sans the dynamics of wresting political power at play.

For the mainland India, these terms are defined in relation to the hereditary caste order whereas for Northeast India, the same has been defined by amorphous understandings of communities guided by colonial agenda of the British whose administrators first chose to categorize people from the mixed-prism of the caste order or an anthropological understanding of a system which they considered was durable.

It is against this backdrop that United Naga Council, Manipur (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) have raised objections to the Manipur High Court’s directive to the Government of Manipur to send its recommendation for the inclusion of Meetei Community in the list of Scheduled list of Tribes to the Government of India. The directive of the high court was passed on March 27.

Strident Voices and Social Tension

The UNC stated that “the Meitei/Meetei community of Manipur is an advanced community of India” with their language, Manipuri (Meiteilon) listed in the Eight Schedule to the constitution of India.

“They are already protected under Constitution of India and categorized as (i) General (ii) Other Backward Classes (OBC) and (iii) Schedule Caste (SC),” said the UNC.

UNC termed it irrational that the High Court of Manipur directed the Government of Manipur to recommend for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list of India, “negating the sole objective of scheduling group of people for protective discrimination as ST in the Constitution of India”. The Naga body has strongly condemned and called the high court order “inane” for making “such imbecilic recommendation despite strong opposition from Scheduled tribes of the state”.

The common refrain and rationale behind the objections raised by both UNC and KIM has been rubbished by the proponents of those demanding a Scheduled Tribe status for the Meetei community. One strident voice has been that of the Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL). KKL has critiqued the objections in their own characteristic way stating that the demand for the inclusion of Meetei in the Scheduled list of Tribes in the Constitution of India is not aimed at grabbing “jobs” either from the Naga or Kuki communities of Manipur. It has asserted that the demand is based on safeguarding their “little bit of land” now confined to less than 2000 square kilometers out of the 20,000 square kilometers of the entire state of Manipur.

The KKL has made it clear that the Naga and the Kuki communities need not fear about grabbing “their job reservation quotas currently enforced in Manipur which will remain status quo”. The organization also unequivocally asserted that the UNC and KIM have “no birth right” to deny any other scheduled tribes of India that job opportunity.

The KKL had a message for the UNC too. It reiterated that the Manipuri Language being classified as scheduled languages of India under the Eight Schedule has nothing to do with the classification of the Meetei as a scheduled tribe of India. “Anyway Manipuri language is not confined to the Meeteis only but serves as a Lingua Franca amongst all the tribal communities of Manipur be it between the Nagas and the Kukis but amongst their various sub-tribes also”, it pointed out.

Moreover, the UNC has also been reminded that it was Th Muivah, the top National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) leader who had stated that “only the Nagas and the Meeteis are the indigenous peoples” of Manipur. KKL asked, “So what is the idea of joining hands with the Kukis to block the way for the survival of the Meeteis under the Indian Constitution”. To the question of Meeteis being more advanced than the other tribes of Manipur, KKL asserted that it has nothing to do with genealogy but “mode of production” experienced by the communities.

The Meetei community began to practice settled agriculture and had more time to concentrate on arts, culture and literature while the hill tribes hitherto used to follow a different form of agriculture “before switching to poppy plantation” in recent times that had made them “all become rich”, said KKL.

The organization winded up their statement on a harsher note stating that it would be wrong on the part of both the Naga and the Kuki communities to consider the Meetei community as their “common enemy or else will be constrained to  oppose every move or demand made by any tribal group either Naga or Kuki”.

The exchange of statements may not lead towards a reconciliation on the sensitive topic. As the articulation of the issue by those supporting the demand for inclusion of Meetei in Scheduled Tribe list up the ante on their movement, the objections by Naga and Kuki tribal bodies may get shriller by the day.

Empowerment and Social Justice

In all these voices, what has been missed is a dispassionate inter-community/ethnic group deliberation on what would be the best option for all communities to progress and under what protective or empowering mechanism. While the fact of discrimination cannot be denied in one’s everyday experience, ethnicization or communalization of the issue would only create unbridgeable distance between communities. Under such circumstances, one will not be able to project the fact that there are no permanent oppressor and permanent oppressed or instil the fact that the idea of permanent and constant binaries will lead to over-generalization of a theoretical framework to achieve quick practical results.

What is of utmost importance now is truly and honestly grasping the fact that emancipating the socially underprivileged and the marginalized irrespective of community or tribal affiliation or within the same community is a move towards social justice. While doing so, one should not forget that the idea of empowerment of the individual has a far greater value and virtue than a protective mechanism that tends to perpetuate redundant binaries or historical contradictions.

Here, it should also be noted that India’s reservation policy emerged out of a deep flaw in understanding the complex relationship between the conceptions of the ‘cultural/social’ and the ‘economic’. Having said this, elsewhere, this writer had also argued that the stereotyping of the Meetei as a Hindu society both within Manipur and outside, in the image of mainland Hindu ethos and practices has manufactured the idea of the ‘constant exploiter’ and the ‘constant exploited’ in Manipur.

While Hinduised Meeteis have been identified with the former, all other non-Hindu communities are shown as ‘exploited’. Such is the handiwork of those who harp on the ‘politics of divide’ and benefit from it; and endorsed by the ‘ignorant other’ who is happy to own up anything that comes closer to the intolerant and imagined pan-Indian vision.

(Dhiren A. Sadokpam is Editor-in-Chief, The Frontier Manipur. This article was first published by EastMojo under the title ‘ST demand for Meetei: First, acknowledge the cracks within’)

 

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Read more / Original news source: https://thefrontiermanipur.com/st-demand-issue-positive-discrimination-affirmative-action-and-the-cracks-within/

Nagaland civic polls: Naga tribes to boycott elections to protest 33% reservation for women

A woman shields herself from the sun with an umbrella as she and others queue to cast their vote at a polling station at Byrnihat, in the Ri-Bhoi district in the eastern Indian state of Meghalaya February 23, 2013. The states of Meghalaya and Nagaland went to the polls to elect members to the state […]

A woman shields herself from the sun with an umbrella as she and others queue to cast their vote at a polling station at Byrnihat, in the Ri-Bhoi district in the eastern Indian state of Meghalaya February 23, 2013. The states of Meghalaya and Nagaland went to the polls to elect members to the state […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2017/01/nagaland-civic-polls-naga-tribes-to-boycott-elections-to-protest-33-reservation-for-women/

Opposed to 33% reservation for women, Naga bodies call for boycott of civic polls

The Naga Hoho has also warned the state government that it should not be later held responsible for any “adverse effect” in the future. Election to the urban local bodies in Nagaland, including the Kohima Municipal Council, slated for February 1 is heading towards uncertainty with tribal bodies in the state including the Naga Hoho […]

The Naga Hoho has also warned the state government that it should not be later held responsible for any “adverse effect” in the future. Election to the urban local bodies in Nagaland, including the Kohima Municipal Council, slated for February 1 is heading towards uncertainty with tribal bodies in the state including the Naga Hoho […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2017/01/opposed-to-33-reservation-for-women-naga-bodies-call-for-boycott-of-civic-polls/

MU adopts amended central admission reservation norms

The Manipur University will now adopt the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Act 2006, as amended in 2012, with immediate effect, implementing 31 per cent for ST, 2 per cent for SC and 17 per cent for OBC. The vice-chancellor of the university Adya Prasad Pandey and Registrar Th. Shymkesho today signed a Memorandum […]

The Manipur University will now adopt the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Act 2006, as amended in 2012, with immediate effect, implementing 31 per cent for ST, 2 per cent for SC and 17 per cent for OBC. The vice-chancellor of the university Adya Prasad Pandey and Registrar Th. Shymkesho today signed a Memorandum […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/11/mu-adopts-amended-central-admission-reservation-norms/

Women’s reservation

If the BJP’s Central Government can announce that 33 per cent seats would be reserved for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, Congress party would extend full support to any such move, stated MP Dr Th Meinya.

The post Women’s reservation appeared first on The Sangai Express.

If the BJP’s Central Government can announce that 33 per cent seats would be reserved for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, Congress party would extend full support to any such move, stated MP Dr Th Meinya.

The post Women’s reservation appeared first on The Sangai Express.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/womens-reservation/

Vehicles vandalised during ATSUM’s blockade

IMPHAL, Oct 30: A number of vehicles were vandalised today at Keithelmanbi along Imphal-Dimapur highway by supporters of the economic blockade being imposed by ATSUM in protest against the Manipur University’s decision regarding reservation in admission. The economic blockade came into effect since last midnight. Loaded trucks stranded at Mao Gate on account of the […]

IMPHAL, Oct 30: A number of vehicles were vandalised today at Keithelmanbi along Imphal-Dimapur highway by supporters of the economic blockade being imposed by ATSUM in protest against the Manipur University’s decision regarding reservation in admission. The economic blockade came into effect since last midnight. Loaded trucks stranded at Mao Gate on account of the […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/vehicles-vandalised-during-atsums-blockade/

Tribal students threaten bandh over MU reservation decision

Leading tribal student bodies have jointly termed yesterday’s decision of the Manipur University’s cadeemic council to implement UGC guidelines in post graduate admission as an act of ‘arrogance’ and ‘taking law into their own hands’. A release said the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur, ATSUM, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur,  ANSAM, Kuku Students’ Organisation, KSO, […]

Leading tribal student bodies have jointly termed yesterday’s decision of the Manipur University’s cadeemic council to implement UGC guidelines in post graduate admission as an act of ‘arrogance’ and ‘taking law into their own hands’. A release said the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur, ATSUM, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur,  ANSAM, Kuku Students’ Organisation, KSO, […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/tribal-students-threaten-bandh-over-mu-reservation-decision/

MUTSU insists on 31 percent reservation

The Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union staged a sit in protest in the evening denouncing the university authorities’ failure to implement the Central Educational Institutions Reservation in Admission Amendment Act, 2012. The sit in protest was staged in front of the university main gate. Earlier in the morning, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad had staged […]

The Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union staged a sit in protest in the evening denouncing the university authorities’ failure to implement the Central Educational Institutions Reservation in Admission Amendment Act, 2012. The sit in protest was staged in front of the university main gate. Earlier in the morning, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad had staged […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/mutsu-insists-on-31-percent-reservation/

MU adopts reservation norms of 2006

MU adopts reservation norms of 2006 By Our Staff Reporter IMPHAL, Oct 8: A meeting of the Manipur University Academic Council was held today on the imbroglio over reservation in admission and the meeting decided to adopt the Central Educational Institutions Reservation in Admission Act 2006 for the current academic session. The Academic Council meeting […]


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The post MU adopts reservation norms of 2006 appeared first on The Sangai Express.

MU adopts reservation norms of 2006 By Our Staff Reporter IMPHAL, Oct 8: A meeting of the Manipur University Academic Council was held today on the imbroglio over reservation in admission and the meeting decided to adopt the Central Educational Institutions Reservation in Admission Act 2006 for the current academic session. The Academic Council meeting […]


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The post MU adopts reservation norms of 2006 appeared first on The Sangai Express.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/mu-adopts-reservation-norms-2006/

VC in-charge resigns, new in-charge steps in

Manipur University vice-chancellor in-charge M. Dhaneshwar resigned today in the wake of the raging controversy over reservation of seats in the admission to post graduate courses, that triggered arson on the campus late last night. Th Jekendra of physics department took over as the vice-chanceloor in-charge after Dhaneshwar put in his resignation. The university is […]

Manipur University vice-chancellor in-charge M. Dhaneshwar resigned today in the wake of the raging controversy over reservation of seats in the admission to post graduate courses, that triggered arson on the campus late last night. Th Jekendra of physics department took over as the vice-chanceloor in-charge after Dhaneshwar put in his resignation. The university is […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/vc-in-charge-resigns-new-in-charge-steps-in/

Eastern Nagaland Student bodies demand 15% reservation for Backward Tribes

Six apex tribal student bodies’ forum of the Eastern Nagaland has strongly supported the Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU)’s demand for 15% reservation for backward tribes (BTs) in the NSSE II exam and appealed to the state cabinet to consider the plea of the ENCSU “so as to safeguard the interest of the poor […]

The post Eastern Nagaland Student bodies demand 15% reservation for Backward Tribes appeared first on KanglaOnline.

Six apex tribal student bodies’ forum of the Eastern Nagaland has strongly supported the Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU)’s demand for 15% reservation for backward tribes (BTs) in the NSSE II exam and appealed to the state cabinet to consider the plea of the ENCSU “so as to safeguard the interest of the poor […]

The post Eastern Nagaland Student bodies demand 15% reservation for Backward Tribes appeared first on KanglaOnline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/09/eastern-nagaland-student-bodies-demand-15-reservation-backward-tribes/

Ao Senden opposes govt’s decision on women quota

Source: Nagaland Post After, Naga Hoho expressed its displeasure over cabinet’s decision to go ahead with women reservation, “without consulting civil societies as one of the major stakeholders”, Ao Senden, apex body of the Ao community, on Wednesday came out openly against the state cabinet’s decision to implement 33% reservation for women in Urban Local […]

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Source: Nagaland Post After, Naga Hoho expressed its displeasure over cabinet’s decision to go ahead with women reservation, “without consulting civil societies as one of the major stakeholders”, Ao Senden, apex body of the Ao community, on Wednesday came out openly against the state cabinet’s decision to implement 33% reservation for women in Urban Local […]

The post Ao Senden opposes govt’s decision on women quota appeared first on KanglaOnline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/08/ao-senden-opposes-govts-decision-women-quota/

Nagaland to implement 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies Polls

Source: Nagaland Post In a major relief to the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), who had been pressing hard for the state government to implement 33% women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) polls, Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang on Thursday announced the decision of the Cabinet to go ahead with the elections to the […]

The post Nagaland to implement 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies Polls appeared first on KanglaOnline.

Source: Nagaland Post In a major relief to the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), who had been pressing hard for the state government to implement 33% women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) polls, Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang on Thursday announced the decision of the Cabinet to go ahead with the elections to the […]

The post Nagaland to implement 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies Polls appeared first on KanglaOnline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/08/nagaland-implement-33-reservation-women-urban-local-bodies-polls/

ATSUM Agitation – TKS & Tombing to stay away, Embroi Serto faction to go ahead with Blockade

TKS to stay away from ATSUM’s blockade UKHRUL, August 22: Even as the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) is all set to enforce its proposed indefinite economic blockade in

TKS to stay away from ATSUM’s blockade

UKHRUL, August 22: Even as the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) is all set to enforce its proposed indefinite economic blockade in all hill districts of the State beginning from mid-night tonight, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has decided to refrain from supporting the blockade citing the prevailing situation in the Ukhrul district headquarters.

Declaring TKS’s position vis-à-vis the ensuing the agitation in an interaction with this IFP correspondent this evening, president Joel Angkang said that a highly volatile situation is prevailing in the district and after carefully weighing up the pros and cons, we have, for once, come to the decision to stay away from participation.

“Our stand should not be misunderstood as going against the move of ATSUM in any way for we fully endorse the cause which is for the welfare of tribal student community,” Angkang reasoned adding that we have been constrained by the prevailing situation here this time.

At the same time, stopping short of expressing a chagrined sentiment, he also lamented that TKS has so far not received any official communication from the apex tribal students’ body in connection with the ongoing agitation to pressurise the State government and the Manipur University authorities to implement the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 with effect from the current academic session.

“Apart from the current situation in the township, we cannot blindly participate in the agitation as we have not received any official intimation as regards the organisation of bandh or blockade from the apex body which is spearheading the move,” Angkang further rued.

Mention may be made here that TKS had earlier abstained from organising the twin bandh called by the two ATSUM factions since midnight of August 20 last on account of the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, reports have said that passenger bus service along the Imphal-Ukhrul route was disrupted on Friday due to the bandh enforced by the apex tribal students’ body while some Winger taxis along the route continued their service.

However, the bandh has had little impact on the day to day life of the public in Ukhrul town as all government offices and business establishments remained open while traffic movement remained normal.

 

ATSUM Muan Tombing faction calls of agitation

Imphal, August 22: The indefinite agitation which was called from August 23 mid-night by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur, ATSUM has been called-off after Manipur University authorities assured to implement the Central Educational Institutional (Reservation in Admission) Amendment 2012 within 15 days.

Speaking to media this evening, president Maun Tombing said that Manipur University and the State government tabled a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office Chamber from 4 pm till 6:30 pm.

In the meeting both sides discussed on the reservation amendment to implement, following which the MU authority has assured for implementing the central reservation norms in MU from this session within 15 days. And the admission in the central MU will also resume after the reservation is implemented in the MU, he said.

Accordingly, ATSUM has decided to called off the indefinite agitation which was fixed to launch from August 23 mid-night including ban on national projects and economic blockade etc.

Tombing said that in the meeting Chief Minister, his group of ministers and Hills area committee chairman from the government side and MU authority were present, but ATSUM was not present.

The government gave intimation of positive outcome of the meeting to ATSUM.

Tombing continued, apart from admission reservation for the student, ATSUM has put forwarded two additional points which included that the ACT should be applicable to all Central Education Institutes in the State, and also to cover recruitments of teaching and non-teaching staff.

And within the stipulated time if the Govt. fails to implement the above mentioned points then ATSUM will take up any form of agitation, added the ATSUM president.

Embroi Serto group to go ahead with blockade

KANGPOKPI, Aug.22: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur has resolved to go on with its proposed indefinite economic blockade from August 22 midnight.

General secretary Marahang Ngiimai said after the executive meeting said the student body has at this moment no other choice than to continue with the blockade of all highways passing through the State with effect from today’s midnight.

He continued that the Manipur University authorities who few years back are hell bent on implementing the Central Education Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2005 and trying to delay the implementation of the amended version of the said Act even though the University Grant Commission had given a clear instruction to abide by it way back in September 28, 2012.

In fact, the same could have been enforced since 2013-14 academic sessions onwards. We are here demanding nothing from the share of other communities but demanding what is due to us asserted Marahang Ngiimai before cautioning that ATSUM will accept no further excuse or delaying tactics from any authority concern.

The agitation is to press the state Government and the concerned authority to implement the Central Education Institute (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 immediately from this current academic session.

Having the opportunity to remind the state government of various unfinished agenda of ATSUM, Marahang Ngiimai asserted that the student body demands settlement of RULES of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for SC/ST) Act, 1976 once and for all while we understand that Department of Personnel has initiated some steps to resolve the issue.

Secondly, ATSUM reserved no words in objecting the recent recruitment of Teachers for government schools located in Jiribam Sub-Division whereby it accepts application only for residents of the Sub-Division the general secretary said while adding that though ATSUM has been suggesting for recruitment of teachers on District Cadre Basis, we object the practice of the same in only one particular sub-division and the government must be prepared to enforce the same practice in all other areas especially the hill districts of Manipur.

Thirdly, while demanding the state Government to implemented and follow the Tribal Sub-Plan in letter and spirit in the State, ATSUM general secretary lamented that the government of India during the Fifth Year Plan comes up with concept of this plan to bridge the gap between the tribal and others in developmental works but regardless of various reminders and follow-up action initiated by the Planning Commission, the government of Manipur is obstinating in implementing the said program and put the same in cold storage, Marahang added.

Fourthly, while warning the state Government not to introduce any schemes or policy that concern the tribals, Marahang Ngiimai asserted that when the very long standing demands of the tribals of the state that includes – autonomy and full functioning of the Hill Areas Committee, the state Government must not implement the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/atsum-agitation-tks-tombing-to-stay-away-embroi-serto-faction-to-go-ahead-with-blockade/

MUTSU supports new reservation norm

IMPHAL, August 3: The Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union has expressed full support for the report sent by Manipur University to the secretary of Government of Manipur regarding the approval

IMPHAL, August 3: The Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union has expressed full support for the report sent by Manipur University to the secretary of Government of Manipur regarding the approval and recommendation of implementation of the Central educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2013 with special reference to clause (ia) in section 2.

According to a release of the union, it strongly urged the University authorities to implement the recommendation of the Central Educational Institutions Amendment Act, 2013 at the earliest as already approved and to conduct the admission entrance test as per scheduled, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/mutsu-supports-new-reservation-norm/