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06/15/2005: "Ceasefire meaningless without breakthrough in talks: NSCN (I-M)"

Ceasefire meaningless without breakthrough in talks: NSCN (I-M):- New Delhi | June 14, 2005 8:31:04 PM IST Webindia

National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN I-M) General Secretary Isaac Muivah has warned New Delhi against a sham ceasefire saying there could be fresh violence in the region, as it did not trust the UPA Government which lacked political will to solve the issue. "If things, the situation go at this rate what is the use of extending the ceasefire again. It is a waste of time, it will create more confusion and more fighting instead of solving it. The Government of India will have to think about this seriously. Problem is not with us, we can extend but will they honour that, so the problem is with them. If they say that they will honour, OK, we are ready but I don't think they will honour it in action, this is the problem," NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said in an exclusive interview with ANI in New Delhi.Muivah said it was up to the UPA Government to make amends as it was flouting the only condition kept for their talks-that of having no conditions.
"The UPA government's CMP declared in it that the northeast state boundaries would be preserved that means they are imposing conditions on us, knowingly, deliberately they are imposing conditions on us and we cannot accept that. The agreement, the terms of the agreement is clear enough...the talks will have to be without be any conditions," he said. The main sticking point in talks has been New Delhi's refusal to accept the NSCN's (I-M) demand to merge Naga-dominated areas, including districts from neighbouring northeastern states, into a "Greater Nagaland". The government has repeatedly stressed that the NSCN (I-M)'s frustration with the latest talks in New Delhi, which have dragged on for more than four months, would achieve little and have urged them to agree for a middle path.
"Every country has a Constitution, whether we or any country for that matter even when the undergrounds speak they speak of their framework, of their charter, their Constitution so there must be somewhere a meeting point so that the point on which we always discuss. The question is that we are very earnest in our efforts and we also know that they are very keen that the talks should be fruitful and I am sure we will arrive at something," senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes said. (ANI)
AR instructed to close down IM camps: CM Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 14: In the face of the growing accusations that the State and Central Govts have been turning a blind eye the presence of designated camps of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur, CM O Ibobi today informed the media that strict instructions have been given to the AR authority to close down any such designated camps. Speaking to the media, the CM said that the cease fire between the NSCN (IM) and the Govt of India is restricted to only within the boundary of Nagaland and setting up designated camps in Manipur is against the cease fire ground rule.

Even in Nagaland there are certain restrictions such as not allowing the IM men to carry weapons openly. Responding to queries raised in connection with the incident at Marao where the villagers fled their homesteads following the instructions given by the Assam Rifles to the NSCN (IM) to close down their camp and the shoot out between the IM men and AR at Kachai, the CM said that no designated camps of the NSCN (IM) will be allowed to be set up in Manipur.
Breaking Manipur on GoI agenda : UCM Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 13: Accusing the Government of India of working hands in gloves with the NSCN (IM) in trying to break the territorial integrity of Manipur, the United Committee Manipur today said that if the Indian Government does not abandon its sinister designs, the people will rise as one against them.
In a statement, UCM said that the people, irrespective of their communities have clearly demonstrated that they are against any designs to compromise with the territory of Manipur. However despite this, the Centre has been turning a blind eye to the agenda pursued by the IM group to break up Manipur.

Elaborating, UCM said that the Indian armed forces instead of reining in the activities of the NSCN (IM) in coercing the people of the hill areas to fall in line with their agenda are turning the other way round. Manipur does not come under the ambit of the cease fire between the IM group and the Government of India, but that has not stopped them from opening designated camps here, said UCM.

Allowing the NSCN (IM) cadres to openly campaign for the formation of a Greater Nagaland in Manipur testifies that the Government of India has been openly and explicitly encouraging them to carry on with their agenda, charged the statement.

If the Governments of India and Manipur are really sincere in not giving a free hand to the NSCN (IM), then they should immediately close down all their designated camps in Manipur and stop their open campaign to disintegrate Manipur, added the statement. Turning a blind eye to the opening of designated camps of the IM group in Manipur and on the other hand parroting that the territory of Manipur would be protected is nothing but double standard on the part of the Govt of India, maintained UCM. Such double standard is nothing but the propagation of the divide and rule policy adopted by the the British colonial power, said UCM and added this will be met by the people of NE.
Naga ceasefire to be extended: Oscar Fernandes New Delhi | June 14, 2005 5: Webindia

The ceasefire between the Centre and the Isaac-Muviah group of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) is likely to be extended before it expires on July 31. Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, who is leading the group of ministers holding talks with the Naga leaders, today said in an exclusive interview to ANI that the Government of India was in favour of extending the ceasefire.
"Government is for extension of the ceasefire and I am also sure that the Underground would also like the ceasefire to continue. This is my impression," said Oscar Fernandes. Earlier, NSCN (I-M) General Secretary, Thuningaleng Muivah had put a question mark over the extension saying that he was uncertain about the renewal of the ceasefire. He had said that India lacked "political will," "seriousness" and imagination to solve the issue and believes 'evading' core issues would solve the problem. When asked about the statements made by Muivah about Centre's unwillingness to solve the issue, Fernandes said, "Very serious efforts are on. We are very honest in our efforts and we also know that they are very keen that the talks should be fruitful. I am sure we will arrive at something," said Oscar Fernandes.
"Everybody has a framework for talks. When Underground organisations speak, they speak of their framework, their charter, their constitution. We keep that in mind and have been discussing with them their agenda as well. When we are discussing with them their agenda, our entire effort is to see that maximum accomodation is possible," said Fernandes while reacting to Muivah's comments that they didn't want the Indian Constitution and it meant surrender if they accepted it. Reacting to Muviah's demands of Naga's right over external affairs and internal security, Fernandes said," There are issues. I would not like to go into each and every issue. For us it's a total basket and we can't take out one issue and deal with it. They have given a memorandum of about 30 issues. They are all inter-connected. I won't single out one issue."
The last round of talks between the Centre and the Naga group was held on May 9, 2005. Muivah and Isaac had earlier met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and held discussions on various issues. The two, who have been operating out of Southeast Asia and Europe for 37 years, had arrived in India to celebrate Christmas with their relatives in Nagaland. The NSCN-IM leaders have expressed their hope that the talks would bring fruitful results. It was in January last year that the two NSCN leaders visited New Delhi for the first time after 37 years in self-exile and met then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The NSCN, the most powerful of separatist groups in the northeast, entered a truce with the Indian government in 1997 and the two sides have held several rounds of peace talks in Switzerland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Thailand, Japan and Malaysia. (ANI)
Dimasa pill for progress of peace talk- DHD for proper diagnosis OUR ORRESPONDENT the Telegraph
New Delhi, June 13: Dimasa militants have sought a “proper and efficient diagnosis” for a long-term solution for the ills afflicting their region. The reminder comes in the wake of the third round of talks that were held today with the government. Briefing the media, Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) commander-in-chief Pranab Dimasa said it was well within the capacity of the government to fulfil their demands.
“But it (the government) must understand our problem in the right perspective without which a solution may not be possible. The situation is tricky but there was progress in today’s talks,” he said, but refused to disclose the details about the meeting held in North Block. The Dimasas’ concern stems from the “slow progress” of the peace process with the government that was initiated three years ago. Their main demand is the creation of “Dimaraji” or a homeland for the tribe that would include parts of Assam and Nagaland in an area spanning more than 10,000 square km. The DHD delegates pointed out that in the past year, they were able to interact with the Centre’s representatives only for about three hours. This, they felt, could only fuel a “communication gap” between the two sides that does not augur well for a permanent settlement. Explaining the rationale behind their demand of “Dimaraji”, the outfit’s commander-in-chief said the existing administrative and political structures have failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
“So, to address the grievances, something new must be adopted. Since 1947, many new states have been created and there is no reason why our demand cannot be fulfilled.”
Along with the DHD, other groups such as the UPDS, ANVC and the NSCN (I-M), too, have demanded the creation of a homeland for their respective tribes. In fact, NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah’s decision to leave the country without any substantial progress in the ongoing talks is an indication that the government may not have chalked out a roadmap to tackle these demands.The complexity of the demands can also be gauged from the fact that while the NSCN (I-M)’s demand for Greater Nagalim encompasses parts of North Cachar Hills, that of Dimaraji will include Dimapur in Nagaland. While the DHD was represented by an eight-member delegation that included chairman Dilip Dimasa and organising secretary Jansgandao Dimasa, the home ministry delegation was led by special secretary Anil Choudhury and other officials. The DHD entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2002 and talks on their demands were initiated last year after the UPA government was sworn in. It is one of the four militant organisations in Assam currently engaged in a ceasefire..
Government Bans SDF (Self Defence Force) Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, June 15: The Nagaland cabinet has banned the Self Defence Force (SDF) with immediate effect. The SDF was responsible for abduction of nine persons near Tobu under Mon district on June seven and subsequent killing of four people. The state cabinet, which met here yesterday, also directed the law-enforcing agencies to arrest those responsible for the abduction and killing.
In an official communique here today, Nagaland chief secretary P Talitemjen Ao said the cabinet was deeply aggrieved by the loss of four innocent lives and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The cabinet expressed appreciation for the public leaders of Tuensang and Mon, who had secured the safe release of five persons.

The cabinet has also ordered a probe into alleged dereliction of duty by the company commander and platoon commander of special Nagaland armed police posted at Tobu at the time of incident. The probe team has been given a month to submit the report. The government said it would take firm action after receiving the report of the probe team. The meeting also constituted an official level committee to probe the incident.

NSCN(K) bans UNC’s June 16 rally calling it divisive The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 14: Throwing a dampener on the plans of the United Naga Council, Manipur, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), has imposed a ban on the proposed ‘Naga Unification rallies planned by the UNC in the hill districts on June 16. A spokesperson of the group, addressing mediapersons somewhere in Senapati district, described the proposed rallies planned by the UNC as a blunder, and charged that there was an ulterior motive to play divide and rule among the communities inhabiting the state. Reiterating that the rallies were not in the interest of the general public, the spokesperson questioned the rationale of holding them in four hill districts alone. If they are being organised genuinely in favour of the Naga peace process, the UNC could hold such rallies in the valley districts, which are inhabited by many Nagas as well as other communities, he stated.

The UNC could also hold open discussions on the issue in all districts of the state, he added.

Considering the possibility of creating bitterness among people of different communities, the NSCN(K) has imposed a ban on the holding of rallies or public meetings as planned by the UNC in four hill districts on June 16, the spokesperson said. He also further appealed to all Nagas and the general public of the four districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong not to participate in any such rally. He further maintained that the proposed June 16 rallies were not being organised by the UNC in reality, but by the NSCN(IM). The spokesperson said the NSCN(K) has been struggling for sovereignty for the last 50 years, but the NSCN(IM), in the interest of only a few sections, is now going after ‘Naga integration’, fooling the Naga public in the process.

Stressing that the Naga people must realise whether the eight-year long talks between the NSCN(IM) and the government of India has achieved any of their goals, the spokesperson accused Th Muivah of pulling the wool over the eyes of the Naga people. In New Delhi Muivah has been enjoying a luxurious life in the name of the peace talks, while at Hebron he has been fooling the Naga leaders by making unrealistic promises, he charged. He said the general Naga public must realise truth of Muivah’s divide and rule politics before a communal outburst takes place, and maintained that the NSCN(K) has a firm resolve to preserve amity and brotherhood amongst communities.

AMUCO observes Protest Day The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 14: The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, AMUCO while strongly disapproving the July 14, 2001 Bangkok Declaration jointly made by the NSCN (IM) and the government of India, observed the 4th anniversary of the declaration today as Protest Day at MDU Hall. Giving the key note address, publicity secretary, Tompok Likmabam of AMUCO stated that colonialism which spread like wildfire in Europe in 19th century reached Manipur. And ever since 1891 when Manipur was annexed by the Queen of England, the Manipuri nation was not allowed to flourish.

Anti-imperialists movement of the people were also rendered unsuccessful after colonial forces sowed seeds of hatred amongst the different communities and implementing the divide and rule policy. He also appealed to the people to unitedly confront imperialist forces that are working in the state. Prof. N Sanajaoba, dean of law, Guwahati University addressing the observation as chief guest stated that the public need to thoroughly understand the Bangkok Declaration and its likely consequences.

The professor also questioned if the declaration is implemented in the state. The observation held under the theme Imperialist, Globalisation and Crisis of Nationalism was also attended by Prof. W Nabakumar as resource person, Prof. Joykumar, Prof. Y Muhindro, Y Leirikleima, president Kanglamei, AK Janaki, president, Mamnu Erikkhambi, Memchoubi, president, Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur Lup, and Th Iboyaima, advisor AMUCO. Speaking at the occasion, the eminent persons highlighted on the unity and integrity of Manipur and maintained that attempts at the undoing of the integrity will be unacceptable to the Manipuri people.

United Naga Council calls bandh on June 21 From Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, June 14 – Condemning the action of State Government by declaring June 18 as a state holiday, the United Naga Council (UNC), an apex body of the Naga community residing in Manipur is calling a 24-hour bandh on June 21. Remembering the public agitation against the extension of Naga ceasefire to parts of Manipur, every year since 2002, June 18 has been observed as ‘Great June Uprising’ by United Committee Manipur, an apex body of various organisations in Manipur for which the State Government announced it a state holiday as it was observed as state integrity day. NSCN-IM-Centre ceasefire was started from August 1997.

Apart from UCM, All Manipur United Club’s Organisation has also observed June 18 as Unity Day in Manipur. According to sources, available the bandh was called as a symbol of expressing its resentment against the decision of the State Government. The bandh will effect from the midnight of June 20 and will end at midnight of June 21. Paramilitary forces, medical services, journalists and other essential services will be exempted from the purview of the UNC sponsored bandh. At the same time, in support of the ongoing peace process between the NSCN-IM and UNC is oganising public rallies on June 16 in the hill districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati. The UNC leaders and its executive members in a six-hour long meeting held at Senapati district headquarter on Sunday took the decision to go ahead with the rallies.
It also said that UNC-sponsored rallies will be held simultaneously in these four hill districts on that day with the respective Naga tribe Hohos taking the charge in their respective place of jurisdiction.

The June 16 rallies will be carried out under the theme, “Solidarity Rallies – Towards Naga Unification.” The UNC president Puni Modoli in a statement said that at the end of the rallies on June 16, a memorandum each from the four hill districts would be submitted to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh through the respective Deputy Commissioners of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati districts. The UNC had earlier expressed that it had no objection declaring the day as a restricted holiday.President Puni further said that the apex Naga body had no objection to people observing June 18 adding that the UNC does not stand against any organisation or community in this regard. “The Naga apex body in Manipur condemns the action of the Government of Manipur for ignoring the Naga dreams and aspirations by declaring June 18 as a State holiday”.
These rallies were generally peaceful, however for the Senapati district being situated along the National Highway 39, the rallies usually disrupt the smooth passage of inter-State tourist buses and goods trucks on the rally day. However, vehicles can pass through Senapati town when the rally is over,sources added.

ANSAM against June 18 observation by govt The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 14: The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur has strongly opposed the decision of the state government to declare June 18 as ‘Manipur Integrity Day’ terming the observation is at the expense of Naga interest. Stating that ANSAM respect the sentiments of any individual or organisations in observing the day under any nomenclature, it however maintained that ANSAM in particular and all Naga people in general will not be party to it. As a government, the principle function of a state is to maintain peace and order to safeguard the interest of all communities but it acted against the Naga people by observing the day as Manipur Integrity Day, a release of the assocation said.
Further, ANSAM pledged support to the public rally called by the United Naga Council on June 16.

VHP asks Advani to quit politics
HARIDWAR, June 14 – Accusing him of having “betrayed” the Hindu cause, VHP today asked BJP president LK Advani to quit politics, and urged the party to replace him with a pro-Hindu leadership, asserting that it should not be turned into “Bhartiya Jinnah Party”, reports PTI. In a stinging attack on Advani in the wake of his remarks on Babri Masjid demolition and Mohammed Ali Jinnah, VHP’s ‘Margdarshak Mandal’ – its policy making body – adopted two resolutions: one on Advani and the other on BJP after attempts were believed to have been made to establish contact with Advani to persuade him to withdraw his remarks in Pakistan.

The resolution on Advani, moved by the genereal secretary of the Sant Samiti, Sant Hans Das, described him as a “betrayer” of the Hindu cause, and asked him to quit as BJP president, Leader of Opposition, Member of Parliament and politics. Demanding that Advani apologise to the Hindu society for his attempts to appease Muslims, the resolution said the BJP-led coalition at the Centre had failed to fulfil any of the agreed 40-point Hindu Agenda. Acharya Dharmendra, a senior VHP leader, read out the details of the resolution at a press conference in the presence of its International president Praveen Togadia. Dharmendra said that those who came to power riding on the Hindu vote and promising a common civil code, abolition of Article 370 and constructing of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, forgot their pledges making the Hindu society more insecure.
He said the task of Hinduisation of politics and militarisation of Hindus was incomplete and any party committed to the Hindu cause should adopt a saffron flag as its symbol as only this colour truly signifies true identity and values of the religion.
Opening of Stilwell Road: Boon or bane? From our Staff Reporter
DIBRUGARH, June 14: The Government of India’s ‘Look East’ policy has once again propped up the proposition of reopening the Stilwell Road. For the last few years, slew of discussions have been held in the academic and trade circles as regards the Stilwell Road, the communication lifeline between the North-east India and Myanmar as well as China. China’s stock as ‘The Economic Power’ is rapidly on the rise and foreign investors are making a beeline for India. Against such a backdrop, the reopening of the Stilwell Road could boost trade ties with India, especially the North-east, as well as throw up a geyser of opportunities. Overland routes between the North-east, Myanmar and China exist since the days of yore. Men moved from one region to the other despite the communication bottlenecks. During the British raj, though steps were initiated to open up overland trade routes with China, yet much thrust was not given on it. But the Chinese-Japanese occupation of Burma in 1942 and the closure of the 700-mile Burma road necessitated that a road be built with China through Myanmar so that supplies could reach Chinese National Forces (under Chiang-Kai-Shek. Hence, the decision to build Stilwell Road linking Ledo in upper Assam with Kumming in China. During the Sino-Indian Conflict of 1962, when Chinese troops advanced to as far as Bomdila, the north-eastern region was virtually sealed of from its eastern neighbours for around three decades. It was only during 1990s, when India opened its trade gates to the world a licence raj was done away with that New Delhi started ‘noticing’ its eastern neighbours vis-a-vis trade links. Prime on India’s list was China and Myanmr. With the Centre’s ‘Look East’ policy gaining momentum, the Stilwell Road (connecting Ledo (India) to Kumming (in China) has become the most vital link in terms of relations with China and Myanmar.
The Stilwell Road is the shortest land route as far as connecting India with Myanmar and China goes as well as with other neighbouring countries like Thailand. Chances are bright for the creation of a successful free trade zone. Moreover, the culture, dress and language of the north-eastern States are almost akin with the those of South East Asia.
Once the Stilwell Road is declared open it would go a long way in benefiting the region which boasts of rich natural resources. Although, there is stray public opinion in trade circles for the opening up of the Stilwell Road, yet certain quarters have reservations about it. These reservations spring from the apprehension that the opening up of the road without developing a matching infrastructure in the north-eastern would encourage the swamping of the region by cheap Chinese goods. It would also help in the trafficking in illegal arms and drugs. The reopening of the road might in turn will open up the magic box of multifarious problems and security risks. This might happen because of the changing geo-political pattern. As the road passes through the sovereign countries, the respective governments should come together in one podium to analyse the various aspects and formulate policies to make the passage safe, secured and economically viable.
The Stilwell Road passes through an unexplored area with flora and breathtaking natural beauty as well as valuable resources which can be developed as a base of multidimensional tourism prospect. Whatever the pros and cons, the fact remains that the road connects North-east India with neighbouring countries, especially an upcoming economic power like China, free movement of goods and people between the region should always be a welcome proposition. The present Stilwell Road corosses the Indo-Burma border at the Pangsau Pass of the Patkai Hills. Out of 820 km length of the road, only about 65 km lies within India, 750 km runs through Burma from the Pangsau Pass to Mure near the China border. Then on the Burma side except a small portion near the Indian border, the road is in use. Under the circumstances, the need of the hour is a change in the mindset of New Delhi policy makers who sit and formulate rules for the region. Opening of the Stilwell Road could also help mitigate the ‘aloofness’ which the people of the region suffer from. Undoubtedly, if the road is declared open, it will entail its set of attendant problems. Question of the reopening of the Stilwell Road needs a thorough socio-political analysis with detailed economic planning and formulation. But, one should remember that the possibilities outweigh the problem.