[Previous entry: "“Be prepared for any eventuality”: Muivah"] [Next entry: "Announcing the publication of The Forbidden Land, The Quest for Nagalim"]

05/12/2005: "Referendum if political impasse with Delhi continues: Muivah"

12 may 2005 thursday
Referendum if political impasse with Delhi continues: Muivah Oken Jeet Sandham

Camp Hebron (Nagaland), May 11 (NEPS): The General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), Thuingaleng Muivah has today categorically said they could not accept the Indian term of "consensus" with the neighboring people of "Nagalim" on the solution of the Indo-Naga political problem. Talking to reporters here at NSCN (IM) HQs in Camp Hebron today, the principal negotiator of the ongoing political parleys with the Government of India said, "We can fight for another 50 years of our right."
The NSCN (IM) leader, however, replied that they could not expect "100% fulfillment" from the Indian side as "they (India) may have their own difficulties."
Stating that the NSCN (IM) had already explained its position clear to New Delhi, Muivah asserted the ball was now in the court of them (New Delhi.) Asked if all political issues had been amicably agreed upon except geographical one, the Prime Minister of the outfit stated the political problem was still there due to New Delhi's refusal to understand many issues they had placed before them.
The NSCN (IM) leader also pointed out that the outfit would propose to conduct referendum to decide the geo political fate of the Naga people if the "political impasse with the New Delhi continues."

With 4-point resolution adopted during the 4th Consultation Meet held on January 20 and 21, 2005 here at Camp Heron, the NSCN (IM) collective leadership left for Delhi and had discussions with a team of Indian Ministers headed by Oscar Hernandez. Although the NSCN (IM) leader has not clearly disclosed about the current position of negotiation, it appears that political process has already reached to a very crucial stage.
This time, Muivah came with a very cautious message: "Be prepared for the worst and don't be so presumptuous." This clearly shows that everything is not well in the talks. The NSCN (IM) leader will be here for a week.
OPEN FORUM: Uniquely federal
The following are excerpts from an interview that Th. Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) gave to Karan Thapar in “Hard Talk India” on the BBC. On changes in the Centre’s position on negotiations. In the past, the Indian leadership never cared to understand the Nagas. Fighting started because they sent troops and occupied Nagaland. But now they say that ‘No, it’s not a military solution that would be possible but through political talks.’ If it is so, why not?
On Atal Behari Vajpayee’s remarks about the uniqueness of the Nagas, which strengthened the negotiating process..
It has created a good wave of understanding and it serves a lot of purpose in Nagaland because this is the first time in history that Government of India leaders have recognised the uniqueness of Naga history. Now the uniqueness of Naga history is clear. The situation is clear. So it is a good chance for us to work out a solution.
On better understanding with India...
We have started taking steps, initiatives to come closer because the Government of India has recognised the unique history of the Nagas. So that should be the point, you see, to come closer.
On sovereignty...
Sovereignty of the Naga people belongs to the Naga people alone. That cannot be otherwise. So, Nagas have the right to decide their future and determine their fate. So long as that is there, adjustments can be made.
On a “ special federal relationship” with India...
The problem is, so long as the Naga identity is recognised and honoured, that’s possible.… When we say a special federal relationship, it has to be on the terms of the agreement that can be arrived at … within the Indian Constitution, that is not possible … when we talk about defence, we have to say that Nagaland must be defended jointly. In the event of external attack that is possible because you know if Nagaland is in danger, India’s security would also be threatened and we appreciate that.... We can come as close as possible but it is not possible for the Nagas to come within the Indian Union or within the framework of the Indian Constitution, why because it amounts to dismissing the history of the Nagas and the Nagas cannot do that. When we talk and when we say that within the framework of the Indian Constitution, it is always dangerous because any provision in the Constitution can easily be amended whenever expediency arises. This is the danger. So we cannot.
A question of history ...
As far as Nagaland is concerned, the history is clear. Nagaland was never a part of India either by conquest or by consent of the Nagas. This is its unique history. So according to the uniqueness, a solution will have to be worked out.
Relationships, agreements...
The relationship has to be worked out within terms of an agreement. The agreement which is going to be arrived at should be incorporated in the Indian Constitution, equally it should also be incorporated in the Naga constitution.
On territory and the Nagalim issue...
You know we don’t claim any land belonging to others but the land Nagas have been living in from time immemorial, of course they must have that. Why, because those parts of the land were divided by the British and then by the government.
About possible violence and bloodshed that could follow such a step...
Well, that would be by the Meiteis (the dominant plain dwellers of Manipur with a history and culture going back nearly 2,000 years: Ed) and backed by the Indian government. We are not responsible for that. The Nagas, naturally, will have to claim the land belonging to us. You go and see whether we are claiming lands belonging to others. If we are deprived of Naga areas in Manipur, there can be no solution.
On unification...
If this question is asked to the Naga people, whether they are in Arunachal Pradesh, in Assam or in Manipur, Nagas will naturally say yes. But the problem is that the Government of India wants to please the Meiteis, the Assamese and the Arunachalese. This is the problem.
On a Boundary Commission...
If all the Naga areas are included, of course, we will (accept it). But it has to be a political solution.
On the current pace of talks with the Group of Ministers, headed by Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Implementation If progress cannot be made, naturally it will be a waste of time. (Progress is moving) slowly but not on big issues .... If we cannot foresee any progress, or positive steps from the Indian side, then there is no point being confident.
On giving New Delhi more time...
Yes, but we should not be too presumptuous …. Things can go wrong any time … if the solution is to be sought on the basis of reason, naturally one has to be hopeful. The Statesman
Nagas ready to fight another fifty years: Muivah The Imphal Free Press

Hebron (Dimapur), May 11: A day after he had asked the Nagas to be prepared to face the worst and not to be too presumptuous, NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th. Muivah, today said if the Government of India did not try to understand the Nagas now as it did in the past, the Nagas would fight another fifty years for their cause. Briefing local media persons at their central headquarters, Hebron, off Dimapur, this morning, Muivah said the Nagas made their case “sufficiently” clear to the Indian leadership.
“Now the ball is in their (New Delhi) court. If the Government of India has a political will they can solve the problem, if not, then we (Nagas) are sorry”, he said adding Nagas would not accept occupation of “Nagalim” by any force.
“Nagas will accept only negotiated settlement; this is our philosophy, this is our democracy”, he said.

The NSCN (IM) General Secretary said this was the sole reason as to how the Nagas despite being handful were able to fight the “mighty Indians” in the last fifty years. It was learnt from Muivah that the NSCN (IM) had taken “serious steps” to come closer to the possible point of negotiation. According to him, this was the finest opportunity to come closer to solve the decades old Naga political problem. Muivah said he had made it amply clear to the Indian leadership that without unification of the contiguous Naga inhabited areas, there could never be a negotiated settlement.

“Nagas will never accept division of “Nagalim”. We do not have bigger or smaller Nagaland; we just have the land with us”, he said. In this regard, Muivah said politics, people and land could not be separated as they had to go side by side. “Our homeland must be respected”, he said. On reaching a consensus with neighbours on the issue of unification of Naga inhabited areas, Muivah made it clear that Nagas would never approach their neighbours as desired by the Indian leaders.
“This will be an insult on the Nagas”, he said adding the Government of India was asking Nagas to approach their neighbours as it (govt. of India) did not have the guts to go to the Meiteis, Assamese and Arunachalees.
To a query, he said the NSCN (IM) was not averse to a time-frame and a referendum provided the Government of India was sincere enough to solve the problem and do justice to the Nagas. To another query, he said he had made it very clear to the Indian leadership that Nagas would neither accept the Indian Constitution nor would they be a part of the Indian Union.
“This is a fact and not a claim”, he said adding Nagas would never accept distortion of their history.
Asked if the NSCN (IM) was siding away from the issue of sovereignty, Muivah said sovereignty lied with the people. “Sovereignty of Naga people and Nagaland is more important”, he said.

A Neutral Observer :TH.Muivah becomes crazy:So called nagas are totally misguided by GOI in order to divert the anti-merger movement of the people of manipur.Yes Manipuri Meeteis are leading in every movement or issue in Manipur.GOI is using nagas to convert North East States into killing field.My dear beloved naga brothers please think thrice as there is a saying "Think before you leap".

The peace talk between the GOI & NSCN(IM) will bring nothing as we see its results so far.GOI india wants us to kill each other instead of pointing our guns to their hired armies. Example when the last time gun-fight between NSCN(IM) & NSCN(K) GOI was as a deaf spectator.The world knows when and how Nagaland was created from ASSAM in 1960s.The story of Manipur is too different.Th.Muivah was a tiger but now he conditionally becomes a smallest mouse.History never sleeps in both positive and negative sides.Yes we should morally support the freedom struggle of the people of Present Nagaland but dream of Nagas under one administrative unit is the problem not only to Manipur but also to other N.E.States. All the nagas living outside Nagaland can be accomodated to many vacant places in present Nagaland if they like to have one political-administrational-system , that will be more possible and peaceful brothers , otherwise it will be hardly possible and big problem to the whole N.E.States.Know present political scenario of the whole N.E.States as a whole.Free from the trap of GOI.Th.Muivah's standpoint is also not so stable changing day by day as cloud and his belief is also in the constitution of India which is being a big contradiction to other armed revolutionary organizations operating in the N.E.states.In fact the political step and ideaology of Th,Muivah's leadership has been gone astray. The future of the whole North Eastern states should be made by its people. Therefore the future of N.E.States are moving forward to its goal.In such a crucial time NSCN(IM) is now an apple of discord in the whole N.E states.Caution to GOI-- when the GOI tries to implement such ethnic-based communal policy then the union of India will be no more.Southern India will be uniting as one ethnic based region , northern as one region conditionally India will have to be splitted into ethnic based regional pieces.We can remember the opinion poll taken by a Chennai based organization called orgmarg published in India Today in 1996.
Manipuri Meeteis living in Assam , Tripura ,Bangladesh and Myanmar ( Burma )will be demanding a very strong Greater Manipur in South East Asia.The plan of GOI is in vain now . The outside world knows such hidden agendum and the people of the N.E states know this policy very clearly .NSCN(IM) and GOI are in difficult political dilemma. You Th.Muivah is now a great betrayer to common naga people in Nagaland.You will receive its reaction very soon.And his followers and supporters are also like the Satans which they hated as taught by their religion Christianity. Lastly do not be the target of united armed organizations in the whole North East states.
thisethics :We shall decide our own future. That is our right and our responsibility. However, thank you for the suggestions though we are not in a position to accept them.
Meetei_No1 :So Mr. Muivah is all set and ready to kill more innocent Nagas for another 50years. Wise up nagas brethens, save your children(some of them still unborn) from this agent of hell.
Ramesh :Mr. Muivah, don't fight for another 50 years. AND THROW THE NAGAS TO HELL. Instead search for peace. and fight for DEVELOPMENT for the next 50 years and see the change.
N-E women in Delhi a doubly cursed lot OINAM SUNIL TIMES NEWS NETWORK
GUWAHATI: It is no secret that Delhi is perhaps the most unsafe city for women in India. What many don't realise, however, is that some women are more vulnerable than others by virtue of their alien physical features, language and culture. Women from the North-East, clubbed together by most as "chinkys", have it tougher than many of their peers in schools, colleges and workplaces in the Capital.
"I am here for a short break, and now that the issue has been raised, let me put what I feel about Delhi like this: that place violates me in numerous ways," says Susan Kharpran, a 22-year-old working at a call centre. "People just think we are available."
Girls from N-E, who have either studied in Delhi or worked there, have awful memories about the city. Another girl, a master's degree holder from JNU, says it was "absolutely nightmarish" travelling by bus from her campus to certain libraries in CP. "Even the conductors try to act funny with us. And the worst thing is that there seems to be no protection for those who are already hindered by their inability to speak in Hindi, or for that matter, by their faces."
In Kohima, Naga girl Kevingunuo, 24, said: "It was sometime in 2001 that I was nearly molested by two guys at Janpath. Fortunately, an excursion team comprising both boys and girls from Nagaland came to my rescue."
Now working for a private firm in Bangalore, Kevinguno says: "The South is far better. Of course, we can't remain in the N-E and have to come to Delhi for work and studies, but none of us feels safe here. We are doubly cursed. First, we are women, and then we are N-E women."
The story is the same for Mizo girl Zenifer Lallianpuii (The N-E, by the way, has 8 states, including Sikkim, and "chinkys" from each state are as different from each other as Gujaratis from Tamilians). A student at Lady Sriram College, Zenifer said in Aizawl, "We feel insecure going out alone for shopping or hang-outs. Even in crowded markets there are these guys who will try to molest us. Something like this will never happen anywhere in the N-E. We are so proud of that."
Romi Kakaty (name changed), an Assamese working with an international NGO in the Capital, thinks "Delhi as a whole is not at all safe for women. But speaking of people from the North-East, I would say that the region as a whole is seen differently by Delhiites. They still think we are outsiders, that they can do anything with us and get away with it. The police, too, are unfriendly. It is useless going to them for help. We are at a disadvantage from all sides."

Paradise regained GUSTASP & JEROO IRANI TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2005

As the crow flies, Khonama was probably less than half a kilometre from where we stood. To reach the little settlement that studded the crest of a protruding ridge across the valley, however, we would have to drive another 10 km across a twisting mountain road. But that did not matter; in fact we welcomed it, for now that we had left the haphazard town of Kohima behind us we got a chance to touch the pulse of Nagaland, raw, innocent and sometimes savage, that the capital city seemed to have lost in its rush to modernize. Our first close encounter of the friendly kind was when we had stopped at one of the villages to admire the carved stone that marked its entrance and ask an elderly resident for directions. Before pointing to the right fork in the road, however, he invited us to share a meal with his family. Politely we turned down his offer: we needed to move on, we said.

What we did not voice was the reservations we had about Naga cuisine. The people in these parts eat almost anything and we got to see the raw ingredients when we dropped in at the local market in Kohima earlier that day: monkeys, dogs, frogs, snails, grubs, silkworm lava... Looking at the exotic spread we remembered being cautioned by a well wisher before we set out on our journey: ”If you are invited to eat at a Naga home, play safe and say that you are vegetarian.”
The tribal carved stone that marks the entrance to a Naga settlement had been replaced by an imposing modern church at Khonama. It proclaimed the fact that 99% of the state's population is Christian. Further up, at the junction of the two-street town, stood a martyr's memorial to residents of Khonama who had lost their lives in the Second World War, fighting the Japanese and eventually stopping their relentless march at India’s eastern border.There is a more elaborate War Memorial in Kohima that pays tribute to the British officers that were felled in battle. Almost every adult, barring the very young and very old, enlisted in the army and were either killed or wounded, our escort informed us. Though Khonamais are a gentle people, they make fierce soldiers; they would rather die than retreat, he added. Today the fact that Khonama has regenerated itself was evident in the shy ruddy-cheeked children who smiled coyly at us as we trudged up a stone stairway that ran up the face of the ridge upon which the town is built. At the summit we came upon another memorial; this one of British officers killed during a local tribal uprising against the colonial rulers at the turn of the 20th century.

The crest of the ridge offered us a panoramic view of the landscape; the thick forests that covered the higher reaches of the surrounding mountains and terraced farmlands climbing up the lower slopes of the valley below. Back in the centre of the town we decided to check out a four-room guest house run by a young Naga lad and his sister. The ears of dried corn, tied in little stacks that hung from the wooden beams of the roof were in sharp contrast to the stuffed toys lovingly placed on the side tables inside the guest rooms. According to our host, tourists come to Khonama to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kohima. They often use the town as a base to visit the neighbouring Dzakou valley (an 8-hour trek) which is carpeted with wild flowers during the monsoon months of July and August. Here they can take shelter at night under overhanging ledges and caves before returning to Khonama.
As we gazed out at the landscape framed outside the window of one of the guest rooms, our host asked us a question that had apparently been bothering him for some time: 'Why do people from big cities, where there is so much happening and so much to do, come here to Khonama where nothing seems to happen and it is so quiet and peaceful?' Little did he realize that the question was the answer and that we were seeking the tranquillity that he took for granted.

Govt-Mayek activists talks end on positive note The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 10: A significant understanding has been reached between the hard-liner Meitei Mayek activists and the state government today raising hopes of ending the standoff on Mayek issue which has resulted in the colossal destruction of public properties. Presidents of MEELAL and DESAM Ch Akaba and L Romesh were the key figures who participated in the nearly 4 hours talk held today starting at 4.45 pm at the chief minister’s bungalow this evening.
Appreciating the outcomes of the talks, SPF spokesperson and information minister Gaikhangam stated that a policy on Meitei Mayek acceptable to both the hills and plains of the state will be adopted by the state and a Cabinet decision in this regard will be taken within a week’s time.

The Mayek activists who participated in the talks included 16 members of MEELAL and four members of DESAM led by their presidents while the state team was led by chief minister O Ibobi and included Cabinet ministers, ruling MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, SCERT and education department officials, he said. Hill representatives of MEELAL from Sadar Hills, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Chandel also took part in the talks. Meanwhile, the MEELAL president interacting with the media after the talks before being whisked away to Sajiwa jail stated that the outcome was positive and the Mayek activists will accept the gradual change over from Bengali scripts to Meitei Mayek.

He also said that the agitations which has been put off to bring a conducive atmosphere for today’s talks will remains withdrawn for another week till the Cabinet decision on the issue is made. The agitation will be taken up with a renewed spirit if the decision is against the agreed terms today, Akaba said. Highlighting the proceedings of the talks, Gaikhangam stated that there were proposals for inclusion of Meitei Mayek as a subject in classes I to V from next year.

Government representatives while citing reasons for being unable to take up complete implementation or replacement of the Bengali script textbooks tabled the documented activities taken up on the matter. The talks however agreed to make Meitei Mayek examinations compulsory in class I and II from the current year and to replace all Bengali script textbooks of the two classes from next year apart from making efforts for complete replacement of Bengali script within the coming years. It was also agreed that the government should amend the Manipur Official Language Act 1979. Meanwhile, DESAM general secretary PC Nutan in a press conference held this evening at Hotel Excellency after the talks said that they have decided to suspend all forms of agitation until the Cabinet decision.

The student’s alliance also stated that the government is likely to establish a language implementation committee headed by the education minister. A task force working under the committee should make efforts to popularise Meitei Mayek script, it said adding that a basic foundation course will be incorporated in university level studies.
The Mayek activists who participated in today’s talks were MEELAL’s Ch Akaba, president, Ngasekpam Yumjao, vice-president, Sadokpam Tomba Mangnag, vice-president, Babulachand, vice-president, Kh Basantakumar, secretary general, M Sibadutta Luwang, secretary finance, S Jugeshwar, secretary publicity, Md Wangmayum Manaar Ali, president Minority MEELAL, M Naokhomba, secretary administration, Paolenmang Kipgen, president Sadar Hills branch, Sakulung Pamei, president Tamenglong branch, Angam Panmei, Tamenglong organiser, AS Peace Tangkhul, advisor, Ukhrul branch, Hb Thumthung Anal, president Chandel branch, Mangal Kom, organiser Chandel district, Thanglun Haokip and chief organiser Chassad, Ukhrul, DESAM: L Romesh, president, PC Newton, general secretary, L Santosh, assistant general secretary and T Parijat, advisor.

UNLF rebuttal The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 11: Ridiculing the statement made by Kuki Student’s Organisation, Khongsai Block, the United National Liberation Front has said that the outfit has nothing to do with the killing of one Ngamjathang Haokip, whose bullet riddled body was found on April 29 near Joupi village in Chandel district. Making clarification to the alleged killing, the UNLF, in a statement said that Joupi area has been under the control of the IOF and troops of Indian Army has been frequenting the area where Ngamjathang’s dead body was recovered.

The MPA/UNLF thinks for the welfare of people irrespective of caste, creed or religion as much as KSO did for the Kuki community and that is why the outfit has been waging war against colonial India, the statement said and asked KSO not to be overwhelmed by IOF’s cheap propaganda. ecalling some recent incidents where IOF troops senselessly and mercilessly killed innocent civilian like the Saitu killing incident, the UNLF further charged that IOF are not treating people of Manipur as human beings but as animals.

Tribal voters in dilemma over Bodo candidates From Our Correspondent
GORESWAR, May 11– With the BTC polls knocking at four districts, Kokrajhar, Chiring, Baksa and Udalguri, falling under BTC area Gobinda Boro, a BPPF-supported candidate is contesting from No 30 Goreswar (ST) constituency in Baksa district. His election campaign committee activists are intensifying the campaign in the constituency holding street corner meetings and opening poll campaign offices at different interior villages with a view to woo the voters. On the other hand, a young aspirant independent candidate Mwkthang Basumatary is gearing up his election campaign through his party workers in No 30 Goreswar (ST) constituency equally paralled to his opponent Gobinda Boro and wooing voters of the entire No 30 Goreswar constituency area. But the tribal voters of this constituency, mainly the Bodo voters, face a dilemma as to whether they should support Gobinda Boro or Mwkthang Basumatary.

Basumatary is a general secretary of the BPPF in Baksa district. The BPPF has however, given ticket to Boro to contest as BPPF’s candidate in No 30 Goreswar constituency. Basumatary has to put up a spiritual challenge against his opponent. Boro due to pressure exerted on him by some sections of the ABSU and the BLT leaders resulting in both facing criticism from Bodo as well as non-Bodo voters. The BPPF has undergone a split in itself and that has resulted is a division among voters in general. Tarun Ram Boro, a veteran social worker and teacher of LP School alleged. Independent (backed by Cong-1), BJP, AGP and CPI (M)– candidates such as Gauri Sankar Deka, Gobinda Deka, Satya Nath Deka, Biren Deka, Bhaben Saikia Maheswar Basumatary, Joy Ram Boro Manoswar Deka Manik Swargiary are the contestants in the BTC polls scheduled on May 13. obinda Deka, BJP candidate from this constituency also reposed his faith in the voters due to his party workers publicity on behalf of Deka.
From insurgency to resurgence NET News Network
Dimapur, May 10: Nagaland is gearing up to curve a niche in the industrial map of India. The government is pushing hard for the industrialisation of the state. The new spirit is kindled by the ongoing peace initiatives and Nagaland government has prepared a road map for the industrialisation of Nagaland. Nagaland Minister for industries and commerce, Khekiho Zhimomi said that the government has initiated reforms in several fields including law and order, fiscal management, personal polices and institutional structure. It has also initiated steps to right size bureaucracy, widening of tax base and rationalising of the tax structure. Zhimomi further said that with the parleys between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN) (IM) and centre government moving in desired direction the focus of the state government is in trade promotion.
" The mindset that Nagaland is unsafe destination for trade and business is slowly giving away," he said. He said that horticulture is considered to be most suitable farming enterprise in the state." The total area available under horticulture crops is 6299 hectares. Despite having high consumption of meat in the state, the state imports meat from other states. The state government is making efforts setting up of diary and allied products and for processing of hides and skins for leather industry. " Nagaland has a huge reserves of more than 1000 million tonnes of high chemical grade limestone in eastern Nagaland. The Oil and Natural Gas corporation (ONGC) has also forecasted 600 million tonnes of hydrocarbon in the state.
Hmar students condemn CCpur killing IMPHAL
Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), Imphal Joint Headquarters has strongly condemned ‘senseless and merciless killing’ of two innocent students by unidentified armed persons on the night of May 7 at Churachandpur town. In a statement, Association general secretary Samuel L Hmar the victims identified as Lalhlungsang Khawbung s/o Lalrang-bawl of Hmar Veng and Solomon Zothangsiem s/o Thangleinsel, also of Hmar Veng were accosted by the unidentified killers while they were coming back after attending an audio cassette releasing function on that fateful day. The killing took place within the jurisdiction of the posts of IRB and CRPF which are just 200 metres apart. This only shows that there is some loopholes in the security arrangement in the area, Samuel alleged, while lamenting that common people have no protec- tion from the armed gangs in Churachandpur.
Taking note of the fact that no one has come forward to claim the responsibility for the killing, Samuel said that the perpetrators of the crime should come out openly informing the people why the two innocent students were thus killed.The Hmar students’ body also demanded the State Government to pay an exgratia amount of Rs 5 lakh each to the bereaved families. To mourn the death of the two innocent students, the students body said that it would fly its flag half-past and pray for peaceful repose of the departed souls in their heavenly abode Congress decries: The Sadar Hills District Congress Committee has denounced the statement made by All Manipur Kuki Chiefs’ Federation opposing election of Gaikhangam as MPCC president. The statement issued by the so-called Federation is the handy work of some vested-interest persons to create division within the Congress party on communal line, Committee president Thangkam Lupheng said in a statement made available to the press today.
Lupheng asserted that the election of PCC president is strictly done on the basis of the candidate’s merit, seniority, integrity, etc. Taking all these factors into consideration, Gaikhangam has been proposed by some Congress legislators, even though a final decision on the matter is yet to be taken, the statement said. The Congress party would decide its own affairs because there is no room for communalism and parochialism in Congress party, he said, while warning against issuing such provocative statement in future in the interest of communal harmony in the State.
Bhutan assures Indians of security By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, May 11: Close on the heels of the cancellation of the proposed Bhutan visit of Assam Tourism Minister Misbahul Islam Laskar at the last minute by the Ministry of Home Affairs due to security reasons, an official delegation of Royal Bhutan Government assured full security to the visiting Indians in the Himalayan kingdom. Since the Operation All Clear on Bhutan soil against the ULFA, the NDFB and the KLO, the governments of both the countries have been fearing a backlash from the militants. However, a government source here said that the proposed visit of the Tourism Minister was cancelled due to his delayed approach to the Union Government for the necessary approval. Laskar was scheduled to attend an exhibition-cum-seminar on tourism currently in progress at Thimpu for ‘boosting the tourism industries in Assam,’ the source said.
According to official sources, the recent visit of the Bhutanese delegation, which comprises a high-level team of police officials of the country, was part of the joint efforts between the two sides to combat terrorism. The visiting delegation met Indian officials here last night and expressed their satisfaction over the security provided to the Bhutanese community here, the sources said. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs was also present in the meeting, added the sources.
Nine killed in Itanagar landslides
ITANAGAR, May 11 (PTI): Nine persons, including six women, were killed in landslides caused by rain at R W D Colony in the Arunachal capital late last night, police sources said today. Police and fire brigade personnel dug out eight bodies from under the debris during rescue operations which continued till this morning, the sources said. One person, rescued alive, however succumbed to injuries later, the sources said.