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06/18/2005: "NSCN (I-M) sticks to Nagalim demand"

NEW DELHI, June 17 – Six months after they came to India for talks, Naga leaders feel the UPA government is avoiding a resolution of the core issue of integration of Naga-inhabited areas, without which they say there could be “no solution at all” to the Naga problem, reports PTI. Right now with the peace talks making no apparent progress, NSCN(I-M) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and his colleagues are planning to pack their bags for Amsterdam next week. Muivah parried questions whether they were thinking of quitting the talks process. Suggesting a federal relationship between the Naga state and India, he told PTI in an interview that the government “seems to be willing to avoid it... if this issue is not resolved, there can be no solution at all”.
The top NSCN(I-M) leader, however, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson were “sincere” and “some” among the Group of Ministers negotiating with them were “serious and sensible. We have respect for them. But how far they can get their way through is yet to be seen”.

Asked whether they would quit the peace talks in case of a failure to arrive at a solution on the issue, Muivah said “we have not received any positive response from the government. But from our side, we have made our position very clear on all issues. No issue has been left unclear. So, it is for the government to give us a response”.
Observing that Centre wanted a consensus among the people of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to resolve the integration issue, he said this “amounts to having the fate of Naga people being decided by them. It is an insult to the Nagas and we will never accept this”. Muivah, however, said the NSCN(I-M) was “willing” to talk to the people’s representatives from these three states to explore an understanding on the integration issue.
“But so long as the government is backing them, they will not say yes” to the talks and the government would use it “as a pretext not to resolve the issue”, he said.
“We are not demanding any piece of land that belongs to the people of these three states. The areas we seek are those where the Nagas have settled historically”, he said.

The NSCN(I-M) said the “uniqueness” of Naga history had to be understood by all those conducting the negotiations.
“The Nagas were neither conquered by the British, nor by Indians. Even Mahatma Gandhi had said the Nagas are free to decide their own fate whether to join India or not. But the then government warned to crush our movement within a few days. But look we have fought for five decades now”, he said.

Resolve core issue of integration, IM tells GoI Source: Amitabha Roychowdhury PTI
New Delhi, Jun 17: Six months after they came to India for talks, Naga leaders feel the UPA Government is avoiding a resolution of the core issue of integration of Naga-inhabited areas, without which they say there could be "no solution at all" to the Naga problem. Right now with the peace talks making no apparent progress, NSCN(I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and his colleagues are planning to pack their bags for Amsterdam next week. Muivah parried questions whether they were thinking of quitting the talks process. Suggesting a federal relationship between the Naga state and India, he told PTI in an interview that the Government "seems to be willing to avoid it...
If this issue is not resolved, there can be no solution at all".

The top NSCN(I-M) leader, however, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson were "sincere" and "some" among the Group of Ministers negotiating with them were "serious and sensible. We have respect for them. But how far they can get their way through is yet to be seen". Asked whether they would quit the peace talks in case of a failure to arrive at a solution on the issue, Muivah said "we have not received any positive response from the Government.
But from our side, we have made our position very clear on all issues.
No issue has been left unclear.
So, it is for the Government to give us a response". Observing that Centre wanted a consensus among the people of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to resolve the integration issue, he said this "amounts to having the fate of Naga people being decided by them. It is an insult to the Nagas and we will never accept this".
Muivah, however, said the NSCN(I-M) was "willing" to talk to the people’s representatives from these three States to explore an understanding on the integration issue.
"But so long as the Government is backing them, they will not say yes" to the talks and the Government would use it "as a pretext not to resolve the issue", he said.
"We are not demanding any piece of land that belongs to the people of these three States. The areas we seek are those where the Nagas have settled historically", he said.
The NSCN(I-M) said the "uniqueness" of Naga history had to be understood by all those conducting the negotiations.
"The Nagas were neither conquered by the British, nor by Indians. Even Mahatma Gandhi had said the Nagas are free to decide their own fate whether to join India or not. But the then Government wanted to crush our movement within a few days.
But look we have fought for five decades now", he said. Referring to the insurgent outfit’s suggestions about creating a "federal" set up, he said his organisation had "gone to the extent of saying that Nagas will be citizens of Nagalim (Naga state) and at the same time, we will also be citizens of India.
We have taken this decision.
It is a positive step which should be appreciated by the Government".
The Nagalim and India could have federal relations in accordance with the terms of agreement which would be arrived at after the ongoing negotiations, he said. "This agreement must be incorporated in the Indian Constitution as well as the Naga Constitution and should not be allowed to be amended unilaterally. Such a step will bind Nagalim and India firmly together".
Elaborating on the proposed "federal" set-up, Muivah said the question of defence and security of "both India and Nagalim" could be attended to by both the Indian and the Naga armed forces.
Observing that Nagas "should not be left discontented, otherwise problems will remain", the insurgent leader said it would be a tricky situation for India if they joined "external" forces. In this context, he referred to the Chinese incursions in 1962 and said the Indian armed forces and the Nagas could jointly tackle such incursions, if any, though Indo-China relations have progressed very well in the recent past. While foreign affairs could be attended to by the Government, the Nagas would accept Indian currency and other matters of finance and commerce. However, on the external affairs front, if any issue affecting the Nagas came up, then they should also be made a party in the process, he said.

On the issue of ceasefire between NSCN(I-M) and security forces which expires on July 31, Muivah quoted a series of examples of "violations" from the Indian side and said the ceasefire is meaningless if its letter and spirit is not followed and it is confined only to Nagaland. We had decided in Bangkok in 2001 that there will be no territorial limit to its area coverage".
Stressing the need for an early political solution to the vexed Naga issue, the NSCN(I-M) leader said "even the Indian armed forces have realised the futility of the military might and suggested that a political solution must be found". The Naga leader also blamed the security forces for violating the ceasefire and aiding the Khaplang faction with arms and funds to launch attacks against their activists.
Rival NSCN-K could take centrestage if Muivah exits (NEWS ANALYSIS):- Kohima | June 18, 2005 12:43:40 PM IST webindia

Kohima, June 18 : Naga guerrilla leader Thuingaleng Muivah may be fuming over the failed peace talks and preparing to leave India, but his exit could catapult a rival separatist group to the centrestage. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland led by Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu ((NSCN-IM) had held more than two-dozen rounds of talks with Indian peace negotiators in New Delhi since December. The negotiations, however, deadlocked in recent weeks with the Indian government virtually turning down the rebel group's demand for redrawing the map of the northeast. Muivah and his colleagues were demanding the unification of all Naga tribal inhabited areas in the northeast to carve out what they call a "Greater Nagaland".
With New Delhi not keen to appease the NSCN-IM at the cost of a possible rebellion in other northeastern states, Muivah is threatening to leave India disappointed over the progress of the talks. The peace process may have received a jolt, but the biggest loser will be the NSCN-IM with people back home in Nagaland clamouring for an end to violence. Although Muivah is trying to put pressure on New Delhi by threatening to leave the country, the guerrilla leader knows it well that he and his colleagues will be answerable to the people of Nagaland if the talks fail. And adding to the woes of Muivah, the rival NSCN faction led by S.S. Khaplang (NSCN-K) has offered to hold conditional talks with New Delhi.
"Let New Delhi first admit the talks with the IM group have failed and then invite us for talks. We are ready to sit across the table," senior NSCN-K leader Kuhgalo Mulatonu told IANS by telephone from somewhere in Nagaland.
A ceasefire has been on between the NSCN-K and New Delhi since 2001 although peace talks are yet to begin. The NSCN-IM leaders are worried that New Delhi might try to isolate it by giving the nod for talks with the rival group - a situation the NSCN-K has long been waiting for.
"If the NSCN-K is invited for talks, leaders like Muivah and Swu will be marginalised for ever," an analyst said. The threat by the NSCN-IM to go back to the jungles does not seem a likely possibility with locals largely opposed to the idea.
"We want peace and an end to bloodshed. It is for the leaders to work out a solution," said T. Ao, a local Naga youth. The road to peace may be murky, but the Indian government is definitely on a stronger wicket by being able to build up a massive public opinion in Nagaland for peace and an end to all forms of violence.
"Who is going to support the NSCN-IM if they go underground once again?" asks another analyst. For the moment, New Delhi is buying time and trying to tire out the Naga rebel leaders with the hope they agree to something like political and financial autonomy, and even a whopping economic package. (IANS)

Resolve core integration issue: Nagas A. Roychowdhury New Delhi Rediff.com
Six months after they came to India for talks, Naga leaders feel the United Progressive Alliance government is avoiding a resolution of the core issue of integration of Naga-inhabited areas, without which they say there could be "no solution at all" to the Naga problem. Right now, with the peace talks making no apparent progress, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and his colleagues are planning to pack their bags for Amsterdam next week. Muivah parried questions whether they were thinking of quitting the talks.
Suggesting a federal relationship between the Naga state and India, he told PTI in an interview that the government "seems to be willing to avoid it... if this issue is not resolved, there can be no solution at all". The top NSCN (I-M) leader, however, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson were "sincere" and "some" of the ministers negotiating with them were "serious and sensible". "We have respect for them. But how far they can get their way through is yet to be seen," he said. Asked whether they would quit the peace talks in case they failed, Muivah said, "We have not received any positive response from the government. But from our side, we have made our position very clear on all issues. No issue has been left unclear. So, it is for the government to give us a response." Observing that the Centre wanted a consensus among the people of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to resolve the integration issue, he said, "This amounts to having the fate of Naga people being decided by them. It is an insult to the Nagas and we will never accept this."
Nagas hold peace rally in Delhi:- New Delhi | June 17, 2005 10:44:25 PM Webindia

New Delhi, June 17 : Thousands of Nagas joined a peace rally here Friday to voice their concern to the Indian government over the ongoing peace talks with Nagaland's main rebel group.
"The Nagas in Delhi want to make it clear to the central government that integration of Naga areas is most important for a peaceful solution to the Naga problem," said Sebastian Kamei, president of Naga Students' Union of Delhi.
"The Nagas have to decide and determine their fate themselves. It is our national right and no one has the moral authority to deny us this," he said. MPs from Nagaland and Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, who also attended the rally that made its way from Mandi House to Parliament Street, expressed their solidarity with the movement demanding the integration of Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast. The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has been spearheading the movement for unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast, including parts of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Participants in Friday's rally later submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him not to delay the Naga peace process.
"The voice of the Nagas who want to grow up in a peaceful environment should be listened to so that they get justice which has been denied for nearly six decades," the memorandum said. (IANS)

IM rubbishes AR version on Ukl shoot-out
IMPHAL, Jun 17:Rubbishing the statement issued by PIB Defence Wing clarifying the action of the 13 Assam Rifles in connection with the shoot-out at Ukhrul on June 11, the underground Government of NSCN (I-M), GPRN has said that it was just an eye wash to cover up the overt and covert activities of security personnel posted at Talui village.
In a statement made avai-lable to the press today, southern in-charge, Crime Suppression Department (CSD), Kilo Affairs, GPRN Angam Kazingmei charged the personnel of 13 AR posted at Talui village with keeping secret alliance with Ganja smugglers and giving them safe passage.
Presenting the ‘accou-nts of the facts datewise’, the statement maintained that on April 15, 2005, personnel of the 13 AR shot and wounded a CDS/GPRN man on duty at Tora village. After inflicting the CSD, 16 jeeps laden with Ganja were given safe passage by the AR personnel.
On the June 8 incident to which the PIB Defence Wing had issued a clarification on June 11, the state- ment said that at around noon, an AR officer identified as Major D De who was clad in civilian dress came to Lamyim Phungdhar village in a public carrier (Shakti-man) and fired on another CSD man on duty. The CSD man was alone and had his service weapon. When he tried to escape, the Major himself rushed and engag-ed in a physical scuffle with the wounded man, who somehow managed to flee leaving behind his weapon. It was afterward that the AR personnel ran berserk ransacking the nearby house where the CSD man took shelter. In the process, the AR team took away one AK 47 Rifles, one ordinary camera, Rs 25,000 in cash and a bag with uniform and non-uniform garments, the statement informed, adding that except for the AK Rifle, the AR team did not deposited any of the seized articles. On that day too, the statement further charged, more than 10 jeeps laden with contraband Ganja were given safe passage along the route and the villagers witnessed the to and fro movement of the smugglers. The incident has yet again confirm the secreta alliance of 13 Ar Major D De and the Ganja smugglers, the statement said, while asserted that it was a slur on the 13 AR to go patrolling with arms in civil dresses, which is a crime under International Army Convention to which India is a signatory. According to the statement, the AR personnel also forcibly broke open the Village Authority office and tore out three leaves of the letter heads of the Village authority on which the village Pastor Rev NG Raikhan, Village authority member S Khalengshai and one Ms L Pemmichon were made to put their signature on the black letterheads.
The un-armylike activities of the 13 AR should be taken note of by the people, the statement added.
Untying Naga bind won’t be easy DATELINE Guwahati/Wasbir Hussain Sentinel
In recent decades, New Delhi’s biggest breakthrough in tackling homeland-seeking insurgencies has been to get the NSCN(IM) agree to enter into peace talks with the Government of India. That the Naga rebel bosses Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah had agreed to come over to New Delhi to continue with the negotiations has, of course, been a bonus, a big one at that.
Today, after more than seven years of peace parleys, and a continuous dialogue between the two sides in New Delhi over the past six months, it is the NSCN(IM), rather than the other party, that seems to have been cornered. The Naga insurgent group has only been pushing for an integration of the Naga inhabited areas in the region with Nagaland, and has not really talked about an independent Naga homeland outside of India. By now, leaders like Muivah and Swu know very well that seeking sovereignty won’t take the peace process anywhere.
If New Delhi has shown that it was in no hurry to re-draw the map of the North-east, as demanded by the NSCN(IM), it is because of the realization that it was pointless to appease one community at the cost of a rebellion by many others. Insurgency watchers in the region will agree that rebel groups in the North-east may have strategic alliances between them in so far as fighting the Indian State or the symbols of governmental authority, but when it comes to territorial issues, groups like the ULFA or the numerous Meitei militant outfits would be ready to train their guns on anyone laying a claim to the territories of their respective states. The Centre knows this only too well, and so does the NSCN(IM). But, the Naga insurgent group, at this stage, is in no position to withdraw its demand for Naga areas’ integration and revert back to the old slogan of a sovereign Naga homeland. The NSCN(IM) really has not much of an elbow room and that’s the biggest problem for Muivah & Co. Besides, with ordinary Nagas getting restive in their quest for peace, the NSCN(IM) could actually be under tremendous pressure to deliver and show some results.
The recent threats issued through the media by some NSCN(I(M) leaders that its cadres could once again be forced to resume its armed campaign have not come as a surprise. After all, such a tough message must have been issued by Muivah himself to the central leaders engaged in the negotiations. That explains the jumping into the Naga peace arena of National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan. Narayanan is said to have held a late night meeting with Muivah in New Delhi last fortnight just to ‘save’ the NSCN(IM) truce and the peace talks. Muivah & Co could well leave India in the next few days just to mount renewed pressure on New Delhi and regain the bargaining power by insisting on continuing the talks outside the country. But, so far, having been able to save the truce is yet another of New Delhi’s achievements. And this way, the Government can go on buying time and possibly hope to make the NSCN(IM) leadership tired. But, can the NSCN(IM) really call of the truce, order its cadres to once again go underground and resume its homeland battle against the Government of India? Considering the changed situation on the ground, with the Nagas in general clamouring for peace, the NSCN(IM) will try to avoid snapping the ceasefire as far as possible. Another factor that the NSCN(IM) will certainly be worried about is the possibility of the rival faction headed by S.S. Khaplang (NSCN-K) filling the void that will be created if it were to call off the truce and resume its battle. After all, New Delhi in such a scenario will certainly prop up the NSCN(K). As things stands now, untying the Naga bind won’t be easy. (feedback: Wasbir@yahoo.com)
Rio stresses on development of export NET News Network
Dimapur, June 17: The inaugural programme of the seminar on promotion of export from Nagaland organised by Chemical & Allied Products Export Promotion Council India (CAPEXIL), North East Chapter Shillong, along with Dept, of Industries & Commerce Nagaland and sponsored by North Easter Council (NEC) Shillong was held today at Hotel Japfu, with State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Guest. Rio in his speech said that Nagaland has so far been mostly a consuming State with hardly any export worth the name to balance our imports. He said that it is high time to start promoting exports, with the objective of ultimately converting the State from a net importing State to a net Exporting State. Stating that our vision should aim at developing our exports, not only to ASEAN countries, but also to mainland India and other parts of the globe Rio said India must take the initiative to create conducive political and social climate in its relation with Myanmar. The first requirement is an appropriate foreign policy with Myanmar, which should be designed to include and induce freer, people to people contact and movement among the people living on either side of the border, he added.
Rio also spoke on the need for improvement on infrastructure sector such as roads, air services, telecommunication, power, railway, airways industrial and export infrastructure, and accommodation to facilitated businessmen. He also stressed on the need for identification of our comparative strengths, where we should focus on areas where we have comparative advantages. The changing scenario has increased the significance of Export promotion by the Govt. and other trade promotional organizations so as to bring a smooth transformation from in-ward oriented economy to outward oriented economy and take advantage of emerging market opportunities, he said further stating that the export promotion measures require strategic response to make our goods competitive in order to meet the challenges of the opening the new markets.

Security beefed up ahead of June 18 observation The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 16: Detailed security measures were taken up in and around Imphal today to oversee successful observation of ‘the great June 18 people’s mass uprising’ and ‘Unity Day’ staged by the United Committee Manipur, UCM and All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, AMUCO and at the same time to prevent public meeting and rallies for the observation. Apart from the state security forces, Central forces will also be deployed in different areas in preparation of any eventuality. Sources said, a high level security meeting presided by DGP AK Parashar was held this morning. The meeting was also attended by ADGP in-charge and in-charge of DIG (L/O) Baral, DIG (range 1) and the four SPs of the valley districts. During the meeting, it was decided to strictly maintain the rule of law and implement the government’s decision to restrict holding of rallies and public meetings for the June 18 observation. Earlier, the government had imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC besides putting a ban on public rallies, meeting, public mobilisation, use of PA systems and requisitioning of vehicles for transporting people on June 18. Sources also said that security forces will be detailed in eight major areas of greater Imphal along with one duty magistrate each. Five companies of CRPF will be deployed in and around Kekrupat along with the state security forces.

Two helpline booths with medical teams will be set up near Minuthong MMTA complex and at North AOC. The state PHE department has also been directed to make necessary arrangements for providing safe drinking water near Kekrupat. In the meantime, to take stock of the situation, a team of police officials led by IG L/O Baral visited Kekrupat and other areas of greater Imphal where security personnel will be deployed. Further, the state security forces will take up preventive measures in Thoubal and Bishenpur districts where the respective district police and other available forces have been instructed to remain alert to prevent any form of rally and public function in connection with June 18 observation. Instructions were also given to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi police stations to stay alert in view of the proposed observation of Unity Day by AMUCO at Motbung and Churachandpur apart from the main function at GM Hall in Imphal and other places at Bishenpur, Thoubal and Mayang Imphal.

Coomentary Zomiland :The Meiteis are welcome to observe the integrity day of their 800 square miles Meiteiland, but they should not come to Zomiland or Nagalim.

Renew pledge for territorial integrity: AMUCO The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 16: Appealing the public to participate at the observation of June 18 as Unity Day, the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, AMUCO stated that the incident of June 18, 2001 in which 18 people sacrificed their lives for the integrity of the state has strengthened the call for integrity. In a statement, AMUCO said that the people living inside a territorial boundary share a deep emotional bond with the boundary within which they are existing. It also stated that the boundary of Manipur was neither carved by the British government nor by the Indian government and hence Manipuris living inside the territory have the sole collective right for the boundary.

However, there were many challenges to the territorial integrity of the state, and the people should remain united and work prudently for the future of Manipur, the statement said. While stating that a communal act or word is never a solution to a communal problem, the AMUCO also appealed to the public never to respond with another communal deed for the challenges posed to the integrity of the state on communal lines. Instead, all communities living together in the state should find ways to enhance their relationships, it said.People of the state should also be prepared for any eventuality as Manipuris were never given the right status appropriate for its living and comfort since the day Manipur was forcibly annexed, the statement said. Expressing thei mistrust that politicians in the state are capable of safeguarding the integrity of the state, AMUCO added that thsi responsibility must lie only in the hands of the public and hence every individual should act his part sincerely.

Commenary: kanglei :This is a response to the handiwork of UNC (United Naga Criminals) that is puppet of NSCN (Naga Suckers Criminals Network), the land crazy peoples in the northeast.
Ibotombi Singh Meiteiland :AMUCO (All Meitei Unwanted Criminals Organization) is doing the right thing in protecting the territorial integrity of our 800 square miles Meiteiland which the Muslims and Indians are trying to take away by force. We Meiteis of Meiteiland must work very hard. Our laziness and love for easy life has ruined our Meitei society and we have become too greedy.We Meiteis should learn to respect the rights of our Zomi and Naga neighbors who have suffered greatly because of our selfishness and atrocities.

Myanmar rebels support YMA Assam Tribune
AIZAWL, June 17 – A report has stated that the Chin National Confederation, a group from Myanmar fighting for their independence, announced its support to the Central YMA’s campaign against drugs and said the organisation would take initiatives to control Myanmar nationals. Vice-president of the CNC Fungkung as saying that the CNC would extend all possible help to the Supply Reduction Service (SRS) of the CYMA in controlling the drug menace. Apaprt from this, Fungkung was reported as saying that that any Myanmar national who has come to Mizoram would come under the organisation’s scanner and any anti-social elements found among them would be punished severely, even to the extent of meting out death sentences.The CNC, however, was careful to underscore that the organisation has absolutely no intention at all to create problems for the people of the state. The CNC was established only very recently, in 1999, and has around 200 members. It is one of the two Chin rebels in Myanmar fighting for the independence of the Chin state there. Recently, the founder-president of this organisation, Tialkhala, was dethroned by his followers for breaking numerous privisions in the CNC’s constitution. Presently led by Fungkunga, the CNC would be holding an election for the top post soon, the report said. The Chin National Front is the other organisation fighting for an independent Chin state in Myanmar. Chins are close brothers of the Mizos and they still share many common traits, among them traditional customs and the language.

AMUCO lays blame at Government's door By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 17: Holding the successive State Governments squarely responsible for the uncertainty prevailing over the integrity of Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) has alerted the people against the false promises given by the elected representatives who are out to gain political mileage by setting one group of people against another. In a statement issued on the eve of its Unity Day observance, assistant secretary of AMUCO, NC Modhuchandra said successive Governments in power have been trying to drive a wedge among the different groups of people and community living in peaceful co-existence since time immemorial. From the moment Manipur was forcibly merged with India in 1949, the political leaders have been taking the people for a ride with false promises and creating emotional barriers among the people, Modhuchandra said, while cautioning the people against the sugar coated words of the political leaders. Besides, disruptive forces from outside are at play among the people leading to creation of a great chasm and social segregation which have become more pronounced of late, he noted, while observing that the people should come out of their narrow parochial outlook and protect the integrity and unity of Manipur. With the arrival of June 18 the supreme sacrifices made by the 18 martyrs should be remembered by all, said AMUCO and added that it is the moment of reckoning for all to re-affirm their pledge to protect the territory of Manipur. The 18 martyrs showed the path of unity and it was in to honour their sacrifices that AMUCO has been observing June 18 as Unity Day, Modhuchandra said, and appealed to all to join the observance.

US pipeline politics
Notwithstanding the strange opposition of the US, India on June 13 finalised in Tehran a $20 billion deal to import five million liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum from Iran beginning second half of 2009-10. This is, of course, only the first part of the two sets of bilateral agreements needed to make the pact critical. Now, it would be Tehran’s responsibility to court Pakistan for laying of the 760-km (of the total 2,600-km-long) pipeline and safe delivery of gas to the Indian border. The construction to start in two years’ time has 30 months deadline. The Indian destination depots are to be at Dahej in Gujarat and Kochi in Kerala. Above all, Indian companies will also have a right to take stake in the Iranian plant liquefying the natural gas from Phase-12 of South Pars. And as an insurance against disruption in supply of natural gas, New Delhi is transforming depleted gas fields or salt carvens in Rajasthan or Gujarat as strategic storage depot with at least 15-days supply. Iran has been pursuing the pipeline proposal – that will save India millions of dollars in energy cost — with New Delhi and Islamabad since 1993, but tensions in the subcontinent blocked progress. Finally, the process got the kickstart in October last year after New Delhi signed the 30-year deal with Tehran.
A gray area, though, is the stout opposition of the US who deems Iran as a ‘Rouge State’ sponsoring terrorism and the pact as violating US laws. It has even threatened to not only deprive the violator of American economic assistance but also impose sanctions. Pakistan has been asked to look for other options like a pipeline from Qatar or Turkmenistan. But Pakistan has strong economic and political reasons to opt for the project. While it could earn $600 million yearly from the pipeline, it could also thus strengthen its ties with neighbouring Iran. Besides, Qatar gas would double the cost, Turkmenistan gas reserves are still unproven and Afghanistan is still politically unstable. Moreover, Pakistan will not be violating any American laws as it is not investing in Iran’s oil infrastructure. Pakistan’s investment will start only after the pipeline reaches its territory. Mentionably, Islamabad has been receiving approximately $1 billion aid annually since 2002 whereas India’s share has been a mere $25 million. The light at the end of the tunnel is that Washington will probably not dare to antagonise its long-term strategic ally – Pakistan – even if Islamabad agrees to get going.
American double standards are exposed in its total commitment to the success of the maiden $ 4 billion oil pipeline from Baku in Azerbaijan to western markets, launched in May 25. While breaking Russia’s long-time grip on Caspian energy from Central Asia to Turkey, this Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) East-West energy corridor beyond 2010 also plays an important security role in the region. It further buttresses the view that economic growth and stability cannot be possible without the export of oil. Hence, the White House cannot be allowed to meddle in purely economic and development activities across the globe simply because its interests are not catered to. After the US takeover of Iraqi oil fields, obviously its eyes are now set on the rich Iranian gas fields. And, Washington is finding it hard to digest that three developing nations are out to prudently explore the resource. The Bush administration is also worried that the scheme could influence the global oil price benchmark as well. But that can’t be helped in this over-the-board deal. The pipeline having a major political impact on South Asia will add a huge economic incentive to the ongoing Indo-Pak peace process. At least for once, these three countries must dare to stand unitedly and put their individual and common interests at the top of their agenda and stick by their principled stand.
AARC blames it on State Govt Shrinking Assam territory By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 17: The territorial integrity of Assam, which is entangled in a number of boundary disputes with its neighbours like Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, is at stake, and for this none other than the successive governments in the State should be blamed for their utter negligence towards the uplift of border areas. According to the findings of the Assam Administrative Reforms Commission (AARC) headed by Jatin Hazarika as the Chairman, the prime reason behind the large-scale encroachment of Assam land in the border areas by antisocial elements is meagre amount of funds being allocated for the uplift of the over 2,276-km border which the State shares with its neighbours, including West Bengal. According to the Commission, the minimal allocation of funds for border areas leads to undervelopment, which, in turn, leads to sparse human population thereby making the areas vulnerable for encroachment by people from other sides of the border which have well developed civic and other infrastructure. In its interim recommendation to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the Commission has made it a point that since the border areas of Assam lag far behind the adjacent areas in the neighbouring States, the people are reluctant to reside there. The funds being allocated for the uplift of border areas are so meagre that roads, bridges, health, education, sanitation etc., are totally neglected, and this leads to sparse population in the fringe areas. Taking the advantage of the thin human population, people residing in other sides of the border, which are well developed in all spheres, take the advantage of encroaching Assam land. To put an end to this chronic negligence towards fringe areas by the Assam Government, the Commission has recommended, among other things, the upgrading of the Directorate of Border Areas to a Commissionerate with a Commissioner of Border Areas whose main functions would be to prepare schemes for border area development, liaise with their counterparts in the neighbouring States in the events of border disputes, to maintain all historical records of border so that in case of any legal disputes these can be made available at no time, etc.
Detection and deportation of B’deshis
Declare a time-bound mechanism: AJYCP to Govt By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, June 17: The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has demanded of the State Government for formulation of a time-bound mechanism to detect and deport the illegal immigrants coming from Bangladesh. The front-ranking organizations of the State has also announced that it would observe a sit-in demonstration on June 23 at the Judges’ Field here to pressurize the Government to solve its various long-pending demands. Talking to newsmen here yesterday, AJYCP president Putul Dutta reiterated its demand, which the organizations made way back in 1980, that the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC), 1951 be updated to March 25, 1971 to detect and deport the illegal Bangladeshis. Severely criticizing the State Government for abnormal delay in formulation of a time-bound policy to deport the Bangladeshi nationals, the AJYCP leader said, "The people of Assam do not want any more delay or uncertainty over the deportation of the Bangladeshis." Saying that there are several international laws and bilateral treaties between India and Bangladesh, Dutta further demanded both the Centre and the State Government to publish a white paper elaborating their plan to deport the immigrant Bangladeshi nationals. However, the AJYCP has urged the authorities concerned not to detect the foreigners on the basis of religion.