06/19/2005: "Resolve core issue of integration, IM tells GoI"

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.(PTI)

Territorial concessions only on basis of plebescite: Sanajaoba Kangla The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 18: The 4th observation of Unity Day was held at GM Hall, Imphal organised by the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, AMUCO. The observation began with paying floral tributes to the 18 martyrs who laid down their lives during June and July 2001 while fighting for the territorial integrity of Manipur. Today’s observation was presided by R Yangsosong, Koireng, president AMUCO. Present on the dais were Prof N Sanajaoba, dean faculty of law, Guwahati University; Soujo Paomei, president Hou Khunnai Inat Thousil Lup; Lanbon Kabui, general secretary All Zeliangrong Arts and Culture Organisation; Riyaz Ud-Din Choudhury, senior citizen and educationist; H Thankhanlian Paite, president Paite Tribe Council Imphal Block; Sehkam Kipgen, president Khunnmee United Organisation; Priyobarta Ningombam, secretary general HERICOUN; Joseph Hmar, president Hmar Students’ Organisation; Y Tomal Chothe, assistant chief Lamlang Huppi Village Authority; Siekshon Tumtin, president Koireng Youth Organisation; Anex Waiphei, president AMESCO; and Ima Memchoubi, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup Manipur.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Sanajaoba observed that the only way to peacefully solve the burning issue of whether the more than 2000 years old Manipur’s territorial boundary should be compromised to appease the interest of our neighbouring state should be settled for once and all by holding a referendum in the three states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur under the initiative of government of India. He further stated that if in the referendum the four crores citizens of the three states generously agree to part portions of their land for Nagaland, our small neighbouring state, then he will agree to it. He said that “If the result of the referendum is in our favour, we would appreciate it; if it is against us, we will stand by it.” He stated that standing against the aspiration of the four crores people is an insult to them. Prof Sanajaoba further said that without the approval of the 24 lakh population of Manipur, jubilation at 30 thousand people going for rallies in 4 districts cannot dismantle the territorial integrity of Manipur. He appealed to all states of north east to abstain from being MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction). He asked those responsible for the present situation why Manipur should be burnt to bring peace in Nagaland.

Giving his views on the issue of giving 100% sovereignty to Nagaland, he said that sovereignty would be much easier than breaking and dismantling Manipur. Reminding the Nagas about their original demand for an independent Nagaland, he asked them why they are forgetting the countless numbers of Nagas who sacrificed for this cause and jumped hurriedly on the recently formed bandwagon of Nagalim. Raising a very relevant question, he asked, “Why not talk peace for Nagaland without disintegrating the more than 2000 years old Manipur?” Maintaining that we never interfered in anybody’s peace process, he said that everybody should understand that Manipuri can protect themselves. He observed that the government of India has no right to disturb even an inch of Manipur’s territorial boundary because Manipur existed before the present Union of India was formed. Commenting on the legal course taken by Assam, he said that if authentic map is available, submit it to the Supreme Court and let the court decide. However “if ‘you’ want to adopt unlawful approaches, I have no opinion about it”, Prof Sanajaoba added. He said that since the Indian government is not able to bring an amicable solution and if it go ahead with its foolish effort to Balkanize Manipur, the Manipuri community has no other option than appealing to the UN, European Union and other international bodies. In international law, it is clearly given that the territorial boundaries left by the colonial rulers cannot be changed, he said. Prof Sanajaoba requested the valley people of Manipur to genuinely improve their relation with the hill people.
The president of the function, R Yangsosong said that no power in the world can breach the territorial integrity of Manipur if the people living in the state live in harmony. Stating that good relation between the hill and valley people will bring peace and prosperity in the state, he accused the SPF government for its complete oblivion of the consequences of its decisions like allowing Roman script in the hills and Meitei Mayek in the plains. Referring to the rally in the 4 districts on June 16 and the decision to call for bandh on the national highways, he said that both incidents are very unfortunate. He also called the government’s act of declaring June 18 a holiday as an immature decision and said that the consequences of this should be squarely on the SPF government.

He said that there is no reason why AMUCO should not agree to observe June 18 at Kekrupat if the observation and organisation is done by an independent body. He maintained that if there is an overall agreement to form a united organisation by integrating a hill organisation and valley organisation, there is no need for AMUCO to exist. Soujo Paomei, speaking at the function, stated that people can change but the territory of a state cannot be changed. He said that in the books, songs and lore of the region there is no question of Manipur taking over the territories of Nagaland. Riyaz Ud-Din Choudhury said that unity should not be just physical unity. It should be unity of mind and body. He observed that without emotional integrity, unity is meaningless. He requested the people to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Joseph Hmar said that Nagaland might get a solution but what is more important is will that bring peace in the state. He said that government of India wants the north east regions to fight we are not able to see through their plan due to the lack of efficient leadership.

MC Khuman, secretary general AMUCO, giving the welcome and keynote address, said that this observation is to discuss the events and aftermath of June 18, 2001. Khuman stated that being a fertile land for disputes the announcement of June 18 as state integration day open the floodgate for another dispute. He snubbed the government’s recent declaration of June 18 as a holiday, and added that the motive behind the declaration is the upcoming election. Ravi Khan, general secretary Minorities Youth Development Organisation, said that there is no need to give two connotations to this observation. He said that there is only one message to be given to the future generation that in times to come all communities will safeguard the unity and integrity of our motherland.

Meanwhile, ministers, MLAs, relatives and well wishers of the 18 martyrs came to pay floral tributes at GM Hall. AMUCO had organised the observation in 8 districts of Manipur to enable maximum number of people to pay their respects to the 18 martyrs. Also present among the invitees was Sorokhaibam Sobita, who was physically handicapped in the June 18 incident. An observation at Churachandpur was organised at Tuibong Community Hall and it was attended by Mani, advisor AMUCO, Kaiphou, vice-president Kuki Inpi Manipur and Phulindro Konsam of COHR as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively. Various student leaders and village chiefs also participated in the observation. In Bishenpur, the observation was held at Ningthoukhong High School, and was attended by L Priyokumar, United Club Organisation, Bishenpur while in Thoubal, the observation was held at Wangjing Primary High School and JS Cinema hall, Mayang Imphal.

Commentary kanglei :Intergration of Naga areas can and is an administrative matter which is very much possible under the Constitution of India. nagas have not sacrificed their lives and their evrything for something which is possible under the Constituion of India. If that were the case, nagas would have been satisfied with Statehood, and would have ended in 1961 when nagaland became the 16th State of the Indian Union. The nagas was, and is for soverignty and nothing short of it would satsify the naga people.Where is the legality of Muivah talking on behalf of the nagas when he joined the Naga movement in 1964 after the first ceasefire was signed. Where was he when Nagas underwent tremednous suffering and hardship at hands of the India Army.
Sanjao :Who is this Sanajaoba? Why is he there everytime something happens in Manipur? Is he the leader of the bloody undergrounds or advisor? It would be better if he concentrate on his teaching profession, it will bring misfortune if he keep exploring new ventures. It will we wrong in his part to think that he is the only learned or expert available to the manipuri community. If he is more interested in serving the people then he can try contesting the election before asking for plebiscite from the Indian government. In fact "Plebiscite" was a word ignorant to Manipur before it was introduced by the the UNLF upon his advice. Now he is singing the same tune of the UNLF but sorry, the GOI does not give ears to such timid peoples.Zeliangrong Region Nagalim :It is funny to see Meitei imposters wearing Naga costumes while putting flowers on the graveyards of Meitei thugs. Meiteis are shameless. Hell.Great Nagalim Heroes :Sanajaoba is stupid. Those Meiteis of 800 square miles Meiteiland who think like him are mad too. The following things will never be compromised:
1. Nagas do not want an inch of land that belongs to the Meiteis.
2. Nagas will not give an inch of Nagalim to 800 square miles Meiteiland (which the Meiteis very stupidly call Manipur).
3. Ultimately the Nagas and Meiteis will come to recognize the territorial integrity each other's homeland and real peace and justice will reign.
Long live Nagalim! Long live Meiteiland! Long live the territorial sacredness of 120,000 square miles Nagalim and 800 square miles Meiteiland!

AMUCO reaches out to all with unity message Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 18: Without mincing words and putting the ball in the court of New Delhi, Prof N Sanajaoba, Dean of the Law Faculty of Gauhati University today challenged the Government of India to hold a referendum in the three States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur to decide on the contentious issue of creating a Greater Nagaland within June 30 this year. The voters' strength of the three States is about 4 crores. Speaking at the Unity Day function organised by AMUCO at GM Hall today, Prof Sanajaoba said that the NSCN (IM) has shifted its stand from a sovereign Nagaland to a Greater Nagaland and the only way to work out a solution to this would be to seek the mandate of the people whose territories stand to be affected. Manipur has a population of about 24 lakhs and her territory should not be compromised just because some people took out a rally for the formation of Greater Nagaland, said Sanajaoba and added that India should realise that Manipur was there much before India or for that matter Nagaland came into being.

If the referendum says yes to the formation of Greater Nagaland then the people have no choice but to say yes but if the answer is no then the people have every right to say no, added the Professor. No one is against the peace process between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India but the territories of the neighbouring States should not be compromised for the sake of a community, without consulting the others, said Sanajaoba and added that India ought to resolve the matter by holding a referendum in the three States. A large number of Naga soldiers have laid down their lives for the sovereignty of the Naga people, but the number of Naga workers laying down their lives for Naga integration will be minuscule, added Sanajaoba. President of AMUCO, R Yangsosong Koireng said that Manipur is one of the oldest kingdoms in South East Asia with a 2000 year recorded history.

The territory of Manipur cannot be challenged by anyone as long as the different communities continue to live in peaceful coexistence, he added. Sango Poumai, president of the Hou Khunnai Innat Thousil Lup said that the hill and plain people of Manipur are one and the same and added that the term Naga was coined by the British. He added that people may change but the land cannot be changed. Hence the territory of Manipur should not be compromised at any cost, he added. Joseph Hmar, president of Hmar Students Association told the gathering to learn from the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of Manipur and accused the Government of India of sowing the seeds of mutual distrust. Earlier in the day floral tributes were paid to the pictures of the 23 persons who laid down their lives in the endeavour to protect the territory of Manipur.

Present among those who turned up to pay their respect were Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, Works Minister Th Debendro, Power Minister Gaikhangam. IFC Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Industries Minister N Mangi, PHED Minister K Govindas, MLAs N Biren, Radhakishore, K Ranjit and former Rajya Sabha MP W Angou. AMUCO also observed the day at different parts of the State. At the Tuibong community hall in CCpur district, the All Kanglei Social worker Organisation observed the day. Representatives of different communities took part in the function, which was observed under the theme “Unity Day”. A similar function was also organised at the Wangjing Primary School by the All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation and Unity Day Observation Committee.

United Clubs Organisation, Bishnupur district and Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Bishnupur also observed the day at Ningthoukhong High School ground. At Mayang Imphal the day was observed under the aegis of All Mayang Imphal Clubs' Organisation. A similar function was also observed at Wangjing High School Ground organised by All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation and Unity Day Observation Committee.
Rich tributes paid to Manipur martyrs:- webindia Imphal | June 18, 2005
Imphal, June 18 (ANI) : Rich tributes were paid today to 18 martyrs who had given up their life for the territorial integrity of Manipur at Kekrupat in Imphal. Thousands of people visited Kekrupat, Imphal where the 18 martyrs were cremated in 2001 and paid floral tributes. The 18 people, including a woman had died in CRPF and police firing in 2001 June uprising after the Government of India had announced that the cease fire with the NSCN(IM) will be extended beyond Nagaland. Manipuris then protested against the cease-fire extension and demanded a rolling back of the decision. The then Vajpayee government refused to roll back its decision. The people of Manipur came out in the streets and a few lakhs of people converged at Imphal and burnt down the Manipur Assembly Complex, residences of the MLAs and, Chief Minister's official residence, offices of the political parties. In the crack down of the movement police and CRPF personnel killed 18 persons who took part in the movement. Inspite of the heavy crackdown demands not to extend the truce with the NSCN(IM) started coming from all over Manipur and neighbouring states.
The NSCN(IM) is demanding portions of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, neighbouring Myanmar to form a Greater Nagaland. Finally the decision to extend the ceasefire was withdrawn. Every year, June 18 is observed as Integrity Day, Great June Uprising, Unity Day etc. The United Committee of Manipur (UCM) formed in 2001 during the peak of the movement organised massive rallies every year, however this year the government has banned carrying of rallies. Saturday's function started with prayer at 3 a.m. An all religion prayer meet was also organised. People from all communities, Meitei, Kuki, Naga came in their traditional attires and paid floral tributes at the memorial at Kekrupat. The All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) also observed the day at Gandhi Memorial Hall where people from all ethnic groups settled in Manipur, Meitei, Muslim, Kuki , Naga vowed to protect Manipur's territory. (ANI)
Thousands pay floral tributes in Manipur Chennai on line
Imphal, June 18: Thousands of people in Manipur today paid floral tributes to 18 persons who were killed in June 2001 in firing by security forces during a month-long protest against the Centre's extension of the ceasefire with the NSCN(IM) outside the borders of Nagaland. It was then apprehended in Manipur that this was an attempt to divide the territorial integrity of the state. Manipur was then under Presidents Rule. On this day in 2001, thousands of protestors headed for Raj Bhavan to ascertain from the then Governor Ved Marwah about the Centre's 'intention'.
Since the protestors did not heed the prohibitory orders the security forces opened fire killing eleven. This led to a spurt in public protests and seven others were subsequently killed. In remembrance of those who were killed, an apex body of social organisations, United Committee of Manipur today observed the day as the 'Great June 18 people's mass uprising'. People marched to Kekrupat on the bank of Imphal river where those killed had been cremated to place wreaths.
Those who placed wreaths were ministers, public leaders, leaders of various communities and representatives from social organisations. Official sources said prohibitory orders under section 144 CR P C had been imposed in Imphal East and Imphal West districts to prevent rallies and processions being taken out. Though prohibitory orders had been promulgated, no arrest was made for its violation. (Agencies)
Nagas take to streets in New Delhi:- New Delhi | June 17, 2005 webindia
Hundreds of people from Nagaland took to the streets here appealing for peace as the dialogue between the Centre and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN I-M) gets stuck midway. The rally comes amidst fears of fresh violence in the northeast region after NSCN (I-M) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah warned New Delhi against a sham ceasefire saying he did not trust the UPA Government. The statements, made in an interview earlier this week, comes barely a month after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that finding a solution to the revolt by the Naga people would take more time.
Lengthy peace talks between the two sides have failed to resolve the decades-old conflict and deliberations are on to extend an eight-year ceasefire due to end in July 31. The NSCN (I-M), which has held talks in India and abroad to seek a solution to their demand for an independent homeland, signalled its patience was wearing thin. "We want a solution, the Nagas want a solution and I think it is high time that the government of India also thinks seriously and they as negotiating party with the NSCN, they should not play, the Government of India should not play the delaying tactics and also they should not apply the ad hoc measures as they have done in the past," Y. Ngalung, a peace activist, said. The latest series of talks between the NSCN (I-M) and Indian officials held last month had failed to make a breakthrough. 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". Indian officials fear giving in to the demand would set the stage for an independent Naga homeland, or that a "Greater Nagaland" would lead to bloodshed as other ethnic and tribal groups in the troubled region would violently oppose the move. (ANI)
No more NSCN (IM) camps in Manipur Inphal, June 18 (ANI) :
The NSCN (IM) has finally agreed to vacate all camps from Manipur. The Manipur government and the army and Assam Rifles are trying to convince the NSCN(IM) that the cease fire with the government is limited in Nagaland , hence they cannot open any camp at Manipur. Tension at Marao, Ukhrul district led to vacation of the village by the villagers. Now the NSCN(IM) has vacated Marao (Maphitel) camp that it had attempted to establish. This can be attributed to the ceaseless efforts put in by all the social organisations, NGOs and religious authorities under the leadership of Ramthing the TNL President and the common people of Marao and around who effected influence to get them out of the camp according to Assam Rifles personnel.
This was the fourth attempt by NSCN(IM) to establish a camp after its three earlier unsuccessful attempts at T M Kasom, Hungdung and Langdang Khunou. The camp at Marao was occupied by NSCN(IM) in May this year, and most of the camps were found vacant a few days ago. The main concern to Assam Rifles was the welfare of Marao villagers who had moved out apprehending violence. They were assured of their security and brought back to their hearths and enabled to till their land. The situation at Marao has returned to normal with the villagers having returned to their homes.
Naga admin to set up NAP camp From our Correspondent
MERAPANI, June 18: The Nagaland administration is reportedly going to set up a camp of the Naga Armed Police (NAP) near the foothills of the Assam-Nagaland border and has reportedly completed all kinds of preparations in this regard. According to sources, the Nagaland administration has already stored the requisite materials at the spot and is planning to start the construction work. The SDO(Civil) of Bhandari subdivision has reportedly taken special initiatives in this regard. Sources also said that the headman of the foothill village has tried to employ Assamese people living in the area in the construction work. On the other hand, the Nagaland administration is also trying to resume the construction work of the Naga Village Council office near the 61 CRPF camp which was stopped by the Assam administration a few months ago. It is to be mentioned here that the Nagaland administration set up a camp of NAP near Bareghoria on February 7, 2004.
Nagaland students return textbooks to protest part distribution Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, June 18 – Student organisations in border districts of Nagaland have returned the school textbooks to the district administrations protesting against what they alleged, partial availability of free textbooks in schools in those areas. The apex tribal student body of Mon and Tuensang districts, bordering Myanmar, Tuensang-Mon Students Federation (TMSF) returned all the textbooks given free of cost by the state education department, stating that only hundred per cent distribution would be accepted by it. Although the government assured of hundred per cent distribution of textbooks upto Class-VII in the border districts, the student body alleged that only 25 per cent students were covered under the scheme. As per reports received here, TMSF had asked its units to return all the books at their respective administrative headquarters. Accordingly, Konyak Students Union (KSU) returned the textbooks to Deputy Commissioner, Mon and United Sangtam Students Conference and Confederation of Chang Students Union returned the same to Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang.

Both the Deputy Commissioners informed the Commissioner T N Mannen about the development, official sources here said. Model concept: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced that the Participatory 3 Dimensional Model (p3-dm) in agriculture and allied sectors would soon cover all villages in the state to acquaint people with the new concept to mangae their own affairs for better productivity. Speaking at a valedictory function of training of trainers of p3-dm at a village near here on Friday, the Chief Minister said he had already discussed with Central ministries and the latter had promised to support the state in organising such training programmes in all villages. The training of trainers was held for a week and experts from, Lead India, a noted ngo, conducted the training at Tseesema village, about 20 km from Kohima. The Chief Minister said the introduction of p3-dm would go a long way in bringing transparency and accountability in planning, monitoring and implementation of various activities. The week-long training programme was held for officials in agriculture and allied departments.
MSAD observes June 18 anniversary at New Delhi The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 18: The Manipuri Students’ Association, Delhi, MSAD observed the anniversary of the June 18, 2001 incident as ‘18 June Observation Day’ at Tagore Hall, University of Delhi. Floral tributes were paid to the 18 martyrs and a two minute silence was observed in their honour. Many MSAD volunteers also undertook a fast as part of the observation, a release said. Observing that there is a need to understand the position taken by various communities in Manipur for a new Manipur where peace and integrity shall remain intact, MSAD stated that it considers the ‘18 June’ as a positive historical march to transform the inter-community relations in Manipur.
Among the participants in the observation are Thongmang Haokip, general secretary of Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi, N Biren, MLA, M Hemanta. Ex-minister and MLA N Bihari sent a solidarity statement to the organisers of the function. As part of the observation, an open session was held where many participants put forth their views. Varying ranges of opinion centred around a ‘unified Manipur’. Tribal leaders who were present also spoke on the occasion.
At the end of the session four resolutions were taken. The resolutions are, there cannot be any altercation in the territorial integrity of Manipur, divisive politics of the government of India will be opposed, promotion of hill-valley cultural exchange and opposed the dissections in the inter-community and intra-community relations in Manipur breeding social outcasts, the release added.

Commentary: Zeliangrong Region Nagalim :It is funny to see Meitei imposters wearing Naga costumes while putting flowers on the graveyards of Meitei thugs. Meiteis are shameless. Hell.Surmongol :The citizens of Nagalim have no any right or justification to claim even an inch of Meiteis' 800 square miles Meiteiland (a.k.a Manipur).

City police bust ULFA network By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, June 18 — The city police has managed to neutralise the network of ‘sleepers’ used by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to launch an extortion drive in the city and nearly 50 persons have been apprehended within the last couple of months on charges of working for the militant outfit. Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that the ULFA started using the “sleepers” for various purposes like delivering extortion notes, provide shelter to the militants, transporting goods including arms and explosives, etc. The militants picked up people from different walks of life as “sleepers”, some of whom are students and some are sympathisers of the outfit and there have been instances where the “sleepers” also made money by working for the ULFA. Recent arrests and surrender of militants in the city led to the busting of the network and though according to information available with the police, more than a hundred persons were working as “sleepers” in the city, the police has so far managed to pick up about 50 of them. Even last night, four persons were picked up from Rangiya and seven from different parts of the city on charges of working for the ULFA.

Sources said that the police was aware of the extortion drive launched by the ULFA for some time, but initially people were reluctant to come forward to seek the help of the police. According to information available, the militants mostly targeted the businessmen. But gradually the situation is changing and people are coming forward to report extortion bids to the police. “Of course, not many written complaints are filed, but we are also not insisting on that as verbal complaints are good enough for us. Interestingly, some people also received extortion notices by post,” sources added.

Sources further said that with the busting of the extortion racket of the ULFA, some other unscrupulous elements might take the opportunity to make some extra money and called upon the people of the city to remain vigilant against such efforts. Sources further pointed out that attempts by the militants to extort money to boost their coffers come in cycles, sometimes the attempts are on higher side and after sustained operations, the attempts come down. Meanwhile, commenting on the allegations of harassment of innocents by police during the ongoing drive, Senior Superintendent of Police, Guwahati city, VK Ramisetty, said that all the information received by the police are verified and cross verified before picking up any person and there should not be any apprehension of harassment of innocent people.
Much ado about looking East WITH EYES WIDE OPEN D. N. Bezboruah
Of late there has been an obsessive urge in Assam to look east to ensure speedy development of Assam and the Northeast. It is as though there is nothing more that the people of the Northeast have to do beyond looking to the Far East for progress at a magical pace. Even New Delhi, the provider of grants, seems to like this idea of people in this part of the country looking east rather than always looking west towards the national capital. We had the car rally from Assam to several ASEAN countries to start with, and now there are plans to revive the Stillwell Road, and to open up more surface communication and international borders. One part of this recommendation is to make India’s porous border with Bangladesh even more open. This is a policy that is diametrically opposed to the policy of having a very well guarded international border with Pakistan with shoot-at-sight orders to deal with any kind of infiltration. We thus have two border policies for the same country (like two immigration laws) based on the presumption that the neighbour in the east is friendly merely because it keeps making all the right noises about friendship treaties and so on. There is no denying that tight international borders and a lack of good surface communication to neighbouring countries are inconsistent with the general spirit of a free market economy. However, in our case, it is not so much a question of how lax the borders are going to be as it is a question of how lax the enforcement of the immigration laws are going to be. I have had several personal experiences of surface travel across international borders that appeared to be open but where the immigration laws were enforced very strictly though very courteously. In Assam, we have a poor tradition of being able to enforce anything strictly and unsparingly, though we seem very adept at breaking rules for the lawmakers’ kin. The other question is: what do we really mean by ‘trade’? It is imperative that in the interests of national security and in the context of an orchestrated move to ‘liberate’ the Northeast from India, we look at the compulsions of this Look East policy a little more carefully. We seem to have a situation where our obsessions with new ideas have threatened to blind us to the more abiding interests and security concerns of a fast developing country like India that does not have too many real friends among the developed countries. These obsessions are akin to the obsessions many people in the corridors of power have with untrammelled globalization - mainly at the prompting of the West and the multinationals. They have not stopped to think of the great harm that irresponsible globalization can do to a country like India. But about this on a later date.
The first question, of course, relates to the real beneficiaries of such an open Look East policy with open international borders. The question hinges again on what trade is really supposed to mean. Do we call unidirectional marketing operations ‘trade’ or look for more precise words to describe such opening up of large consumer markets to nations already at an advantage? What constitutes sound business policy: letting actual demands influence investment or making huge infrastructure investments on trade that may never materialize? In India, we have endless examples of such injudicious anticipatory investments that turn sour. The staff quarters built ahead of the production facilities of many of our public sector undertakings is a typical example. No wonder the Guwahati-Bangkok Air India flight inaugurated on April 4, 2002 with great fanfare had to be wound up very soon because there were so few passengers on this route. This is a typical example of putting the cart before the horse and of not doing enough research before embarking on expensive commercial ventures. This is also a typical example of taking political decisions where economic decisions are called for. Let us look at what kind of ‘trade’ we have in mind when we advocate a Look East policy with open international borders. As we said earlier, ‘trade’ is not just a means of providing some nations a one-way road to a huge consumer market. In all fairness, it ought to be a two-way traffic. So, the very first question that arises is: what is it that the northeastern States of India can export that South East Asian countries are dying to buy? We are thinking of petroleum products, medicinal plants, tea, silk, medicines and so on that South East Asia is dying to buy from India. What makes us think that South East Asia has no options but to buy from the northeastern States of India and at our kind of prices and packaging? These States have not yet acquired the commercial culture of international trade. They have few products that anyone really wants to buy. They are not in a position to sell any product in the world market that many other countries in the world cannot produce better and sell more competitively. And what is the culture of trade that we have in a State like Assam? Much of what the government departments have to buy is sold through the Assam Small Industries Development Corporation (ASIDC) that thrives on protectionism and loot of the State exchequer. We have a situation where a plastic mug is sold for Rs 400 and a blackboard for over Rs 2,400. So what kind of trade are we talking about? Where is the culture of competition in trade? So what can happen at best is that the Look East policy can provide countries of South East Asia a sizeable market in the northeastern States of India. In the name of ‘trade’ the northeastern States of India are going to open up a large consumer market of 39 million souls to these countries. And the Northeast has conspicuous and choosy consumers most of whom have a passion for living up with the Joneses.
However, the Look East policy is bound to prevail because it is in consonance with the philosophy of the kind of market economy that we have today. Therefore, the sensible thing to do now is to prepare the Northeast in as many ways as possible for the challenges of such a Look East policy instead of just spending time on seminars that tell us ad nauseam how many experts have endorsed the Look East policy and how many international conferences have been held on theme. Naturally our neighbouring countries are overjoyed at the prospects of such a policy because they envision the reality better than we do: that a huge export market is beginning to open up for them. If we wish to make the northeastern States of India the real beneficiaries of the Look East Policy, votaries of the policy, the governments of the north-eastern States and organizers of seminars on the subject must henceforth direct their attention to positive and specific aspects of making the Look East policy a great success for India and the Northeast. These steps are:
l Inculcating a culture within the government of tightening up immigration checks along the international borders so that open borders do not become perpetually violable borders. The inability of our security forces to enforce immigration laws and rules will come as a greater threat to our security if the borders are to be made more porous than they are now. A new culture of enforcing laws without fear or favour should be evolved so that even the kin of the lawmaker is not exempt from the law. l We need a brand new culture of being able to manufacture/produce something that will sell well in foreign markets because it is well made, competitively priced and well packaged. For obvious reasons it will simply not do for us to bank entirely on our natural and mineral resource exports to keep up a pretence of trade. We must also be able to sell what we manufacture. If the Government of Assam is sincere about it, it should set up a gas cracker plant without any more delay. With a gas cracker plant we shall be in a position to sell quite a few things in the Far East. Mere dependence on our natural and mineral resources for exports will drastically reduce the lifespan of any real trade activity. However, all plans of being able to manufacture anything worth selling abroad will fall flat without abundant electricity. l We must make sure that smuggling activities across the international borders cease for reasons of national security as well as our economy. Everyone is aware that Thailand is now a major source of supply of clandestine weapons for insurgent and terrorist outfits of the Northeast. We certainly do not want the kind of trade activity that is limited to the import of just clandestine weapons and AIDS.
l We must spend the next ten years in inculcating a culture of proper trade practices among the youths that breaks away from making money by duping someone or looting the State exchequer, and moves towards making honest money by satisfying our customers completely. To that end we must promote skills that we do not have at present. We must start using tools that we have not learnt to use so far. We must also inculcate a culture of honest, excellent and efficient service to our customers, whether they are trading partners, tourists who visit the Northeast or professionals visiting the region to promote trade and exchange of professional/technical know-how. I can think of many Indian exporters who tried to cheat in order to make a quick buck. They all burnt their fingers very badly. Only the honest ones have survived. The present culture of making money at the cost of someone has no place in the Look East policy that we have in mind.
Thousands gather at rally on NDFB truce; ABSU, BSS absent From our Correspondent
TANGLA/MANGALDAI, June 18: Addressing a welcoming ceremony organized by the All Bodo Peace Forum at Udalguri Stadium, near Mangaldai, to welcome the recent ceasefire agreement between the NDFB and the Centre, the chairman of the Naga Hoho, an umbrella organization of all Naga tribes, Harangse Sangtam, said that he was very happy that the NDFB has entered a ceasefire agreement with the Government. Stressing the need for a permanent solution to the militancy problem in the region, the Naga Hoho also urged the people to raise their voice against militancy. More than 30,000 people from Assam and outside took part in the meeting that was held under the presidentship of Maniram Mushahary, president, All Bodo Peace Forum. Surprisingly, none of the NDFB leaders were present during the meeting. Significantly, representatives of the ABSU, the ABWWF, the BLT, the BPPF, the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) and the ABSU-supported MLAs and MPs were absent in the meeting.
Welcoming the truce with the NDFB, senior journalist and the president of the Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX) Kanaksen Deka urged every Assamese to protect their culture from being maligned by Western culture. President of the All Bodo Peace Forum (ABPF) Muniram Mushahary, chairman of North East Students’ Union (NESO) Samujjal Bhattacharyya, senior Congress leader Jaman Singh Brahma, AGP vice-president Durga Das Boro, former MLAs namely Dr Debakanta Ramchiary, Kumud Das and Andrius Hazowary also took part in the meeting.
In his address, general secretary of the ABPF Bhramah Baglary urged both the NDFB and the Centre to come forward with a positive outlook for talks to settle the issue across the table for a prosperous Bodoland. The ABPF promised all necessary support from its end to make the peace process fruitful. Samujjal Bhattacharya urged the Centre and the NDFB to begin the talks as soon as possible and also to properly work out the modalities for talks.
Earlier, the ABPF organized a peace procession before the rally which travelled through the Udalguri town before converging at the venue at the stadium for the rally. It may be mentioned here that the Centre, the Assam Government and the NDFB had entered a ceasefire with effect from June 1 for the next one year to pave the way for talks to bring peace in Bodoland.

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06/19/2005: "Resolve core issue of integration, IM tells GoI"