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06/21/2005: "NSCN-IM claims talks with Delhi successful kuknalim.com"

NSCN-IM claims talks with Delhi successful kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, June 20: Denying reports that its talks with New Delhi had failed, the NSCN-IM has said the Centre recognising the ''uniqueness'' of Naga history signified a breakthrough in the peace process.
Reacting to allegations that the council's dialogue with the Centre had come to nought, NSCN-IM 'deputy kilonser of the Ministry of Information and Publicity' Kraibo Chawang said, ''The Centre has recognized the uniqueness of Naga history and that by itself signals a progress made in the talks.'' Mr Chawang also issued a statement announcing that NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah would leave India tentatively on June 24 along with the secretariat staff of the collective leadership.(UNI)

UNC calls for total bandh; ANSAM affects Economic Blockade kuknalim.com
IMPHAL, June 20: Protesting against the declaration of a holiday on June 18 as ‘State Integrity Day’ and the failure of the Manipur government to revoke the order, All Naga Students Association Manipur has launched an indefinite economic blockade along national highways from June 19 midnight. The ANSAM economic blockade will overlap with the one day total bandh called by the United Naga Council on June 21 in the four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. Following the imposition of the indefinite economic blockade, trucks loaded with goods bound for the state have begun gathering at Mao Gate along National Highway-39.
By 3 pm today, at least 125 loaded trucks were reported to have lined up at Mao Gate and the state government is reported to have initiated steps to deploy additional troops of MR and IRB to bring in the stranded vehicles. Another report said that at least 52 loaded trucks including two oil tankers and five LPG carriers stranded at Mao Gate since yesterday have already safely been escorted back to the state capital by MR personnels today.
Meanwhile, the ANSAM has also resolved to launch a noncooperation movement against the state government for failing to protect and safeguard the interest of the Nagas in particular and the tribal communities in general, according to a statement issued by Robert T Maram, president ANSAM. It went on to say that the agitation shall be intensified until good sense prevailed in the government.
In the meantime, the United Naga Council, UNC is reported to have completed its mobilization to launch a 24-hour bandh in four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul against the failure of Manipur government in revoking declaration of holiday on June 18 as state integrity day. The UNC volunteers in all the four hill districts have been intimated to observe the bandh peacefully and successfully, according to source. Meanwhile, the UNC has expressed gratitude to the Naga people for making the June 16 ‘Solidarity Rally - Towards Naga Unification’, a grand success The United Naga Council has also that it will go ahead with Total Bandh in the four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Senapati on June 21. In a statement, the UNC claimed that turn out in the rally was nearly two lakhs at four district headquarters and also at Tousem, None and Tamei subdivisions in Tamenglong district. The UNC also express gratitude to Naga Hoho and the NSF for taking active part in the Rally. The UNC also fully endorsed the decision taken by the ANSAM to call indefinite economic blockade along National highways, the statement added. (The Imphal Free Press)

Panel to monitor Nagaland’s use of grants OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, June 20: The Nagaland government has constituted an 18-member committee headed by chief secretary Talitemjen Ao to monitor utilisation of Finance Commission grants. While this is in pursuance of the recommendations of the Twelfth Finance Commission, the move comes close on the heels of an offensive by the Opposition Congress against the ruling coalition. The Congress has accused the DAN government of not being transparent on utilisation of Rs 365 crore received as peace bonus from the A.B. Vajpayee government last year. Following the uproar, finance minister K. Therie was dropped, though on charges of party indiscipline. Therie had been questioned by the Congress for not presenting a White Paper in the Assembly. The 18-member committee will approve Finance Commission-assisted projects to be undertaken in each sector, quantify the targets and lay down the timeframe for achieving specific work. It shall also ensure adherence to certain conditions in respect of each grant, wherever applicable. The committee will meet at least once every four months to review the utilisation of the grants and to issue directions for mid-course correction, if considered necessary, an official source said. Besides the chief secretary, the committee also comprises home commissioner, finance commissioner and directors and secretaries of other relevant departments.
Agitation The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union has unanimously decided to launch a three-day peaceful agitation from Thursday in front of the Arunachal Pradesh secretariat gate to press for minimum wage for labourers, PTI reports from Itanagar. The decision was taken at a meeting here yesterday, a release said.
NH blockade since yesterday, UNC bandh today The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 20: Protesting against the declaration of a holiday on June 18 as ‘State Integrity Day’ and the failure of the Manipur government to revoke the order, All Naga Students Association Manipur has launched an indefinite economic blockade along national highways from June 19 midnight. The ANSAM economic blockade will overlap with the one day total bandh called by the United Naga Council on June 21 in the four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. Following the imposition of the indefinite economic blockade, trucks loaded with goods bound for the state have begun gathering at Mao Gate along National Highway-39.
By 3 pm today, at least 125 loaded trucks were reported to have lined up at Mao Gate and the state government is reported to have initiated steps to deploy additional troops of MR and IRB to bring in the stranded vehicles. Another report said that at least 52 loaded trucks including two oil tankers and five LPG carriers stranded at Mao Gate since yesterday have already safely been escorted back to the state capital by MR personnels today.
Meanwhile, the ANSAM has also resolved to launch a noncooperation movement against the state government for failing to protect and safeguard the interest of the Nagas in particular and the tribal communities in general, according to a statement issued by Robert T Maram, president ANSAM. It went on to say that the agitation shall be intensified until good sense prevailed in the government.

In the meantime, the United Naga Council, UNC is reported to have completed its mobilization to launch a 24-hour bandh in four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul against the failure of Manipur government in revoking declaration of holiday on June 18 as state integrity day. The UNC volunteers in all the four hill districts have been intimated to observe the bandh peacefully and successfully, according to source. Meanwhile, the UNC has expressed gratitude to the Naga people for making the June 16 ‘Solidarity Rally - Towards Naga Unification’, a grand success The United Naga Council has also that it will go ahead with Total Bandh in the four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Senapati on June 21. In a statement, the UNC claimed that turn out in the rally was nearly two lakhs at four district headquarters and also at Tousem, None and Tamei subdivisions in Tamenglong district. The UNC also express gratitude to Naga Hoho and the NSF for taking active part in the Rally. The UNC also fully endorsed the decision taken by the ANSAM to call indefinite economic blockade along National highways, the statement added.

DPA set to rock House with Lim memo Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 18: The Opposition DPA is set to quiz the ruling Front to come out with the names of the Ministers and the MLAs who reportedly appended their signatures to the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister endorsing the formation of Greater Nagaland. Speaking to newsmen, a prominent member of the Opposition DPA said that the ruling Front will be quizzed on the identities of the Ministers and the MLAs when the House meets for the upcoming Monsoon session. A meeting of the DPA is scheduled to be held tomorrow to arrange floor co-ordinations as well as to bring up a number of important issues pertaining to the State including the territorial integrity of Manipur, said the DPA member. The meeting will also discuss the points to be raised to amend the Governor's address to the House earlier as well as to discuss the present law and order situation.

The Assembly has already included the time to discuss the Governor's address in the provisional calendar of the session on the opening day on June 23 as well as on June 24. The Opposition is also set to grill the SPF Government over its failure to stop the UNC sponsored rally in the four hill districts on June 16, though the Chief Minister himself had earlier announced a ban on the rally, said the Opposition MLA. Since the Government failed to implement its decision to ban the UNC sponsored rally and since the district administrations appeared to have totally collapsed on June 16, the SPF Government should resign on moral ground, demanded the DPA MLA. Other issues on which the DPA will discuss in detail during tomorrow's meeting include the fake appointment cases in the Education Department, the fraudulent withdrawal of money as pension for retired Head Pandits, failure to implement Centrally sponsored schemes etc.
ANSAM stir begins, security beefed up By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jun 20 : Security arrangement along national Highways 39 and 53 have been intensified in view of the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur to protest the State Government declaration of June 18 at ‘State Integrity Day’.
The student body which had earlier demanded the State Government to revoke the official recognition granted to the June 18, 2001 agitation and declaration of the same as a State holiday went ahead with the indefinite blockade from last midnight. In a statement, ANSAM said that the failure of the Government to heed the demand to revoke its decision to declare June 18 as a State holiday has forced it to launch the agitation. Our Chandel correspondent reports that ANSAM has also decided to launch a non-coperation movement to decry the failure of the State Govt to protect the interest of the Naga people in particular and the tribals in general. When contacted Sena-pati district SP Kh Chandra- mani Singh said that police stations along NH-39 being have been put on hjigh alert to thwart any untoward incident and distur- bances to smooth traffic flow. informing that mobile patrolling by para-military force personnel have been intensified along the said route, the SP detailed that 53 goods laden trucks being escorted by State security force from Mao till Imphal today. mention may be made that besides the indefinite economic blockade the ANSAM had warned of launching non-cooperation movement to protest the State Government’s failure to ‘protect and safeguard interest of the Naga people and the tribal community in particular. A similar agitation will come into force from today mid-night under the sponsorship of United Naga Council for the same cause.
UNC's total bandh on By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 20: United Naga Council (UNC) has decided to go ahead with the total bandh in the four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul from tomorrow on the ground that the State Government has failed meet its demand of declaring June 18 as a restricted holiday instead as a State holiday in view of the multi-ethnic composition of Manipur. UNC has noted with deep concern the failure of the Government of Manipur to accede to the request of declaring June 18 only as a restricted holiday in due consideration of the multi-ethnic composition of the Manipur.
There fore, UNC, would go ahead with the total bandh in the four districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul on June 21, UNC president stated firmly in a statement today.
The UNC also fully endorsed the decision of the ANSAM to impose an indefinite economic bloc- kade on National Highways 53 and 39, the statement added. The UNC further expressed its gratitude to all the Naga people in the four hill districts of Manipur for making the Solidarity Rally-Towards Naga Unification a grand success. The UNC is overwhelmed by the turn out of nearly 2 lakhs rallyists at the four district headquarters and also at Tousem, None and Tamei, the statement said today, adding that the success is even more spectacular considering the fact that the decision to hold the rally was taken on June 12 only.
DPA to quiz SPF Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, June 20: Taking serious note of the report that a number of MLAs and two Cabinet Ministers had appended their signatures on the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister endorsing the creation of Greater Nagaland, the Opposition DPA is set to quiz the ruling front on the identities of the Ministers and the MLAs during the Monsoon session of the Assembly which is scheduled to start from June 23. A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting pf the DPA held yesterday at the quarters of MLA L Tomba. The Opposition will also urge the ruling Front to send all the relevant records taken to safeguard the territory of Manipur to the Union Ministries concerned.

The meeting also discussed at depth the deteriorating law and order situation as well as to amend the Governor's address to the House earlier. The eviction drive launched by the Govt in Imphal was also discussed at the meeting. A special meeting of the Opposition will also be held on June 22 to discuss the line of action to be taken up by the Opposition bench during the Monsoon session. The fake appointment scam as well as the fraudulent withdrawal of money in the Edn Dept was also discussed by the Opposition.
Nagaland abides by 12th Finance Commission's recommendations
PTI [ SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2005 10:57:33 AM]

KOHIMA: In pursuance of the 12th Finance Commission recommendations, Nagaland government has constituted a high-level 18-member monitoring committee to look after utilisation of funds released by the Centre under finance panel awards. According to an official release, the committee will be headed by chief secretary Talitemjen Ao Finance Commissioner Khulu is the member secretary of the panel, which will approve projects assisted by the Finance Commission.

The committee will identify projects in each sector, quantify the targets, both in physical and financial terms and lay down the time frame for achieving specific milestones. The release said the panel would also ensure adherence to the specific conditionality in respect of each grant and would meet at least once in every quarter to review the utilization of grants and to issue directives for mid-term corrections, if considered necessary.

AMUCO lays blame at Government's door Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 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.
Assam Co files bids under NELP-V Business Standard
It has formed a consortium with Gammon India for oil blocks in Rajasthan and Gujarat Udit Prasanna Mukherji & Ishita Ayan Dutt / Kolkata June 21, 2005 Kolkata's Assam Company Ltd, the oldest tea company in the country, has formed a consortium with Gammon India for oil blocks in Rajasthan and Gujarat under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP)-V. Abhay Chaudhuri, vice-president (finance) of Assam Company, confirmed that the company had bid for two oil blocks. The Union petroleum ministry would take a final call on NELP-V blocks on July 31. According to a company official, the consortium of Gammon India and Assam Company had been shortlisted by the petroleum ministry for Rajasthan basin and Cambay basin in Gujarat
"The Rajasthan basin is one of the largest oil blocks with 13,915 square KM area. The Cambay basin is around 448 sq KM. If we get this then this will be a big boost to our oil business. There are both onshore and offshore assignments under NELP-V," he said. The company already has an existing relationship with Canoro Resources of Canada for Assam and Nagaland blocks (Assam-Arakan) basin. Sources said, Assam Company, which was increasing its exposure in the oil and gas business, was looking for overseas joint venture partners for participation in the domestic and overseas operations. When asked whether the company was planning a strategic partnership with Canoro Resources, Chaudhuri said, it was far-fetched. Sources said that both Assam Company and Canoro had invested large amount in last couple of months for oil exploration in these area. Besides, it has got a 52 sq KM block from ONGC near Amaguri in Assam. According to Assam Company and Canoro, the Amaguri field has an estimated reserve of 58 million barrel. Assam Company stocks touched 52 weeks high at Rs 171.35 at bourses on Monday following the notice of the board meeting on demerger. The total length of oil block in Assam was 1108 sq KM and 824 sq KM in Nagaland. Canoro Resources has 65 per cent stake in these oil blocks and the rest is with Assam Company.
“Assam Company is bringing both foreign technology and funds for oil exploration in the North-East," said the official.
Sources added that India was emerging as a very attractive market for oil and gas pipelines and Assam Company was looking at opportunities for participating in the emerging pipelines business. In line with the ambitious plans lined up for the oil and gas sector, Assam Company was planning to demerge the tea and oil and natural gas divisions into separate entities. Sources claimed that Assam Company was the only private sector company which was engaged in oil exploration and operation in Assam apart from ONGC, OIL India and consortium lead by IOC.
"Assam Company got the blocks in Assam and Nagaland in pre-NELP bids. Now we are starting exploration activities in these blocks," they added. Assam Company was at present operating in three oil fields in Laxmijan, Bihubar and Barsilla field in Assam which it got from ONGC.
Extortion threats haunt Assam tea gardens again By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, June 21 (IANS) Panic has gripped Assam's tea industry where tribal separatists have launched a massive extortion drive, forcing plantation owners to close down gardens. A tea industry official said gardens located in southern Assam's Cachar district have become the latest target for militants with extortion notices served on managements. While many try to buy peace by paying extortion money, a local planter in the area decided to close down his plantations fearing reprisal from the militants.
"We have no other option left other than closing down operations with panic setting in after militants served us with extortion notices," said Subrata Chatterji, owner of the Jatinga Tea Limited. The group owns three gardens in the district. Chatterji had received extortion demands to the tune of Rs.1.7 million from two separatist groups - the outlawed Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) and the Hmar People's Conference (HPC), both influential rebel groups that operate in southern Assam. "The garden management informed police about the extortion notices but then there was no reaction from the administration to provide security," a tea industry official said. With the owner refusing to meet the extortion demands, the manager of the garden has since refused to operate out of his bungalow while many workers have fled the area fearing attacks by the rebels. In 2003, an assistant manager of the same garden was kidnapped by militants and released after the management paid an undisclosed ransom amount. At least a dozen garden executives have been killed by militants in Assam and more than 20 abducted for ransom during the past one decade.
"There was some respite for a few years with extortion demands decreasing, but then the problem has once again been haunting the tea industry," another official said. Most rebel groups in Assam depend of extortion money from tea gardens and other business houses to purchase weapons to run their military campaign against security forces. Tea industry sources unofficially admit to having coughed up an estimated Rs.200 million as ransom to secure the release of abducted executives since insurgency took root in Assam in the early 1980s. India is the world's largest tea producer with Assam accounting for about 55 percent of the total 825 million kg produced in 2004. India's $1.5 billion tea industry is already facing a crisis with prices dropping in the weekly auctions, besides a slump in export figures.
Governor reiterates stand on ULFA By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 20 – The Assam Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh, has reiterated his stand on the issue of talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and said that the reported demand of the outfit for the release of its arrested leaders could be considered only if the sincerity of the outfit for talks is determined and the ULFA gives an assurance to abjure the path of violence. A Raj Bhawan release said here this evening that at the recent Governors’ conference, Lt Gen Singh had welcomed the initiatives taken by the Central and State governments for reciprocating positively to the willingness expressed by the ULFA to come for talks. He reiterated that whatever may be the conditions laid down by the ULFA, peace in Assam is not negotiable and the Government is committed to ensure all possible measures in this regard. “We must wait for the formal communication from the ULFA before giving any commitment,” he added.
The Governor also reminded that the lessons from the past should not be forgotten while dealing with the issue. He pointed out that top leaders of the ULFA were released on parole earlier as a goodwill gesture, but the militants belied the trust of the Government and absconded. The same leaders subsequently masterminded numerous terrorist attacks leading to loss of life and property of many innocent Assamese. “ Now if history repeats itself, it would be a big blow for the State as well as for the security forces, who have made tremendous sacrifices to maintain peace in Assam. Therefore we must tread a very careful line before we come to a final decision. However, my Government is committed to bring normalcy and the usual pace of development back to the State at all cost,” he said.
The Raj Bhawan release also gave details of the other points mentioned by the Governor in his speech in the conference including the issues of talks and development.

Assam, Meghalaya govts to protect Khasis, Karbis By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 20 – The Governments of Assam and Meghalaya today agreed to ensure security to life and property of all Khasis and Pnars living in Assam and Karbis living in Meghalaya including the students. This decision came at a high level meeting between the Governments of Assam and Meghalaya held here this evening. An official release said that the meeting resolved that the encroachers evicted from the Umjakini reserve forest area on June 6 would be allowed to harvest the standing crops. But they would not be allowed to re-encroach or harvest in the area in future. The meeting resolved that allotment of land to the displaced families would be considered if they approach the competent authority, which is the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. The Meghalaya Government, on the other hand, assured to provide relief and compensation for the damages and losses suffered by the Karbi community in the State.
The meeting further resolved to establish peace committees at the level of district councils with representatives from all communities, district councils and district administration.The Assam delegation was led in the meeting by the Minister of State for Home, Rockybul Hussain, while, the Meghalaya delegation was headed by the Deputy Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma.

India, China emerging as Big Brothers By Ajit Patowary Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 20 – India, together with China, is emerging as a Big Brother for the people of its South Asian neighbours so far as share of water and management of water resources are concerned. The deliberations of the recently concluded South Asian conclave on river and wetlands at Nirjuli in Arunachal Pradesh have such an indication. The attitude of the neighbouring countries’ common people towards India and China was reflected also in the resolutions of the meeting. But significantly, the point, which was much emphasised by the delegates of the neighbouring countries, was that there should be people- to- people contact to resolve the disputed issues. The development paradigm that commodifies the rivers and water bodies treating them only as resources to be conquered and consumed ignoring the economic, social, human and environmental costs, also came under attack from the participants of the forum. The Chinese Government has been planning diversion of many of the Himalayan rivers, which are in fact transboundary, that is-international— in nature. China wants to make its non-arable land arable and supply more power to its industries and territory.

Indian Government, on the other hand, is luring or forcing the neighbouring countries to build large dams on their rivers or to concede to the plans for Indian exploitation of more water from the transboundary rivers. This is apart from its endeavours to build dams on such rivers or diverting their courses within its own territory. The Indian motive behind these acts is quite similar with that of the Chinese. Both China and India are engaged in an apparent competition to lord over the region’s economy in near future, observed the delegates of the forum, particularly those representing Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. But in doing so, these two countries are not at all bothered to honour the conventions on river water sharing. India is yet to accede to the guidelines of the World Commission on Dams. It has also the bad name for misinterpreting the covenants to its advantage, the delegates observed. India is alluring the Governments of Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar to build dams for tapping the hydel potentials of the rivers originating from their countries. The power generated from these hydel projects are supplied or are being supplied to the Indian territory. In planning diversion of the rivers, which are transboundary in nature, the Indian authorities are quite unmindful of the rights of the lower riparian countries over the water of these rivers. The Indian Government has denied even the rights of the upper riparian countries like Nepal in the cases of Kosi, Gandak and Mahakali rivers. Apart from the share of water, the Indian acts of damming or constricting rivers in the lower reaches had also come under sharp criticism from the delegates of Nepal. Such acts have been inundating many areas in their countries, they alleged.
The barrage at Farakka has dried up the Padma, alleged the delegates from Bangladesh. The Myanmarese delegates alleged that the Indian National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) had been trying to lure their Government into building large hydel power projects to cater to the power needs of India. The roles of the international funding agencies like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and other financial agencies of national character like the LICI and the HUDCO of India, also came under attack from the delegates in this connection.

Indo-Naga talks: The story so far By Thangkhanlal Ngaihte Comentary Sangai Express
After eight years of relative peace in Nagaland and eight rounds of protracted negotiations in the past six months in India, the Indo-Naga talks have hit an impasse. And given the complexities and sensitive nature of the issues involved, nothing short of a miracle, it seems, will do to break the deadlock.
Ever since a cease fire was declared between the Indian Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM in 1997 and talks initiated, what we know about them was that they were talking and there were some progresses made, here and there. The Indian Government’s negotiating policy vis-à-vis the NSCN seems to be to just get as much concession as possible and drag it as far as possible. It apparently hopes to tire the other side out. In the process, it hopes to soften the top leadership of the Naga outfit by offering them various incentives and inducements at its disposal. In short, the Indian Government is devoid of any defined strategy or sound arguments with which to counter the NSCN’s aggressive posture.
In sharp contrast, the NSCN leadership is very clear about what it want from these talks and do not lack in commitment either. It lays all its cards on the table from the very beginning and pushes its agenda relentlessly. It is to the credit of the NSCN leadership that it always managed to be in the driving seat all along and put the Indian Government on the defensive all the way.
While what transpired at the negotiation table generally remained a matter of conjecture for most of us, NSCN general secretary Th Muivah decided to break the pattern by giving an interview to Karan Thapar’s Face to Face programme on the BBC on 29 April in which he reiterates all their core demands. While Muivah sound somewhat vague on the nature of sovereignty or autonomy that he envisaged for Nagalim, he is categorical and uncompromising on the most contentious of them all. “Unless the Naga aspiration for unification of all Naga-inhabited areas is fully realized, no negotiated settlement with the Government of India is possible,” he stated.
In his analysis of the talks in The Hindu (Naga Talks: Territory First, Sovereignty Later) on May 10, 2005, MS Prabhakara argued that integration of Naga-inhabited areas is at least in theory less problematic than concessions on the issue of sovereignty. After all, he said, the Indian constitution does provide for redrawing of the boundaries of constituent States. While he didn’t hazard a guess on the likely outcome of the talks, he however, said that the Muivah interview does “provide some glimpse of how at least a beginning could be made, if not in resolving at least in reconciling the contradictions in respect of sovereignty and territoriality.”
A little earlier, noted commentator Kuldip Nayar had said in an article in the Indian Express that the rigid posture taken by the Naga rebels on the core issues - sovereignty and integration - are responsible for the stalemate. This is the refrain of most commentators who risked to comment on the negotiations.
As the war of nerves continue, The Asian Age, in a front paged report on May 26, quoted ‘highly placed security sources’ as saying that the central Government is agreeable to the demand for ‘greater autonomy’ in areas except currency, external affairs, communications and defence, and for a state with separate identity and constitution. Consequent to a 31-point charter submitted by the NSCN, the Centre has also reportedly have no problem with an ethnic name for the Nagaland assembly - Tatar and governance according to ethnic customs and traditions.
As the latest round of talks wound up, the Hindustan Times reported on June 4 that the Home Ministry has decided to refer the demands made by the IM during the talks to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). While the Group of Ministers(GOM) which represented the Indian Government under the UPA dispensation remained ‘non-committal’ on the two vexed issues, it conveyed to the outfit that it is willing to discuss key demands like Nagas to be identified as separate citizens, an exclusive Planning Commission, separate flag and separate state Human Rights Commission, it stated.
A report on the issue on the same day in The Pioneer emphasized on the impossibility of altering states boundaries without consensus and the UPA’s Common Minimum Programme which promises not to tinker with the existing state boundaries. The same report also made a passing reference to an interview reportedly given by the National Security Advisor, MK Narayanan earlier in which he stated that ‘integration and sovereignty’ are not possible. The Centre is thinking of ways to involve other State Governments in the talk process, the report added.
Th. Muivah gives yet another interview to the Economic Times and The Indian Express on June 13 in which he gives vent to his frustration. “India lacks political will, seriousness and imagination to solve the issue and believes evading the core issues would solve the problem”, he alleged. He ‘flares up’ at the very mention of greater Nagaland and took pains to explain that ‘they are only asking for integration of Naga areas as Nagaland’ and to right the historical wrongs perpetrated on them by the Britishers. He also said that the ongoing ceasefire agreement which expires on July 31 can be renewed only if the Government takes positive steps to show that it is serious. He said “Do you think we fought for 50 years to surrender….And if you don’t appreciate this, we better go away…”
Now the top leadership is set to move to Amsterdam, reportedly in frustrations and disappointment at the Government’s dilatory tactics. (Asian Age, June 17, p1) It may be mentioned that during their stay in India, they are housed in a Type-V minister-level government bungalow at Delhi’s Lodhi Estates). On the ground, there are strong undercurrents flowing thick and fast. Mass rallies were taken out in the four hill districts of Manipur on June 16 in support of the Naga-integration, despite a ban by the State Government. Similar agitations and mass movements are being lined up for the future. In the Manipur valley, cries of integrity (of a different kind) rents the air on June 18 which the State Government had declared as Integrity Day. One can actually feel the tension rising in the air.
Reports said that the Central Government is now toying with a proposal to set up a Boundary Commission for the northeast States. What that will mean is anybody’s guess. Whether the NSCN will admit or not, the demand for Naga integration is, for the Manipuris, like the demand for dismemberment of the Manipur state as it exists. That is the problem with trying to undo the perceived wrongs of history. And whether the Manipuris will admit or not, it is not just the NSCN, but almost the entire population in four districts of Manipur that are itching to secede from the parent state and merge with their brother state. As of now, I am not as naïve to suggest the likely outcome of this process, but looking from a distance, the sky over Purvanchal indeed looked dark and ominous.

Overenthusiastic BSF revelation, Dhaka’s denial and the Northeastern media By Nava Thakuria
Neps

Guwahati: Every body (in Assam) is aware of that the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) runs training camp, office and hotels in Bangladesh, but nobody knows the whereabouts of them. So when a senior Border Security Force (of India) officer disclosed a detailed list of hotel and bank accounts run by ULFA leaders in Bangladesh, the Indian media in general grabbed the issue. The dailies from Northeast as well as mainland India used his version as news headlines. But when his statement was strongly challenged from Dhaka, it turned into a skeptical issue for the local media, whether to continue reporting on it or not. The controversy related to seven hotels and three bank accounts, allegedly run by the ULFA leaders in Bangladesh started with a press meet of a Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General. The IG (for Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland frontier) S C Srivastava claimed on June 3 in shillong that the banned armed outfit was running the hotels with bank accounts in the neighbouring country. "ULFA is running seven hotels of international standards in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylet of Bangladesh and also operating three bank accounts in that country,” quoting Mr Srivastava, the Press Trust of India reported.

Mr Srivastava went on explaining the details of the hotels adding, “Three of the hotels Surma International were located in Dhaka - Taj Mahal road, Hotel Mohammadia in Mirpur and Padma International in Banani.” Revealing the details of the bank accounts of ULFA, Mr Srivastava was mentioned as saying that the accounts “were traced to Arab Bangladesh Bank's Farm Gate branch in Dhaka, Arab Bangladesh Bank's Zinda Bazaar branch in Sylhet and Al-Barakah Bank's Pahartali branch in Chittagong.”
The Bangladesh police as well as the foreign ministry spokesman were prompt enough to deny all the allegations as baseless. The Bangladesh Inspector General of Police Abdul Qayum, while responding to the Dhaka based scribes immediately, denied having such information. "We don't have any such information ... It seems incorrect to me," he said. The IG was also quoted as saying that they “would check out the information as they customarily do whenever any allegation comes from India.”
The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the allegation outright. Quoting the spokesman of the Ministry, the media on June 6 reported about Dhaka’s stand regarding the allegation of the BSF IG (that ULFA runs hotels and bank accounts in Bangladesh). Terming the allegation as ‘unfounded and baseless’, the spokesman reiterated in categorical terms that “Bangladesh does not allow its territory to be used by any insurgents or extremist groups against neighboring countries, or any other country for that matter”.
Later the additional Inspector General of Police Anwarul Iqbal also refuted the claims of BSF IG. "We thoroughly investigated into the allegations of BSF official S C Srivastava and found those are totally baseless. There is no hotel or bank accounts (run by ULFA) as informed by the BSF IG,” Anwarul Iqbal asserted in a press conference in Dhaka on June 12, saying it was “a propaganda against Bangladesh". The additional IGP also demanded that “BSF should submit evidence in support of its claim directly or through the Interpol.”
The version of the Bangladesh police was echoed in an investigative report by an acclaimed English daily of the country. In an exclusive reporting on June 7, “The Daily Star” flashed on the findings of its investigation regarding the ULFA’s hotels and bank accounts. The report with the headline "BSF's ULFA claim found false" claimed that the so-called hotels run by the militants of Assam was non-existent. The claim that the ULFA members are operating accounts in two private banks in Bangladesh was also proved false in the investigation, said in the report.

The reporter, as narrated in the news item searched the entire Mirpur-Pallabi area (of Dhaka) in vein to find any hotel named Mohammadia. Similarly, the reporter examined all six blocks on Tajmahal Road in Mohammadpur, but found no hotel named Surma International there. The search was conducted on Babar Road, Humayun Road, Shahjahan Road, Noorjahan Road, Iqbal Road, Sher Shah Suri Road and Salimullah Road in Mohammadpur and the result was found negative. After roaming in the entire Banani and Gulshan areas, the reporters affirmed that there was no hotel named Padma International. “The Daily Star” news correspondents based in Chittagong and Sylhet also looked for the other ULFA hotels in the prescribed areas but did not find anyone. Quoting the officials of Oriental Bank (formerly Al-Barakah Bank) and Arab Bangladesh Bank, the reporter asserted that the investigation exposed the incorrectness of the BSF official's claim on ULFA’s bank accounts. They have no branch in the locations mentioned by the BSF IG and no ULFA insurgent operates any account in any other branch, extracting the version of the officials the report claimed. "We have no branch at Pahartali in Chittagong," said Imamul Haque, deputy managing director of Oriental Bank. Similarly the Arab Bangladesh Bank disclosed that they do not have any branch at Farm Gate in Dhaka and at Zinda Bazar in Sylhet.

Next day, “The Daily Star" published an editorial on the findings of the investigation into BSF’s claim that turned out to be without ‘an iota of truth.’ The editorial (on June 8) went on narrating, "It is hard to accept that the BSF believed in such unsubstantiated report and even more, attempted to make all others believe in it.” It defies our comprehension that a government functionary was even allowed to go public on a matter that has the potential of unnecessarily souring good neighbourly relations between the two countries. One would have expected the BSF to doubly verify its claim of ULFA running commercial ventures in Dhaka topped off with maintenance of bank accounts, before making such claims ad nauseum in public, said in the editorial. Also argued, "It would have been much better had proper channels been used to address the 'concerns' rather than going public with claims that can only detract from good bilateral relations which top Indian leaders have been stressing the need for from time to time. Good neighbourly relations must be rooted in the understanding and appreciation of genuine concerns of neighbours and be based in a climate of mutual trust and confidence.”

Following the heat of counter allegation from Dhaka, the BSF officials however remained silent. In a lukewarm response to the PTI correspondent in shillong on June 13, the BSF IG Mr Srivastava vows not to share additional information to Dhaka regarding the business enterprises and bank accounts run by ULFA in Bangladesh. The Indian government officials are habituate with the tendency to neglect the views from Bangladesh if the issue is related to insurgents’ activities there. So whenever a Bangladesh police (army) official or even a ministry spokesman denies an allegation made by an Indian agency, it is widely believed that the Bangladeshi agency was covering up the truth. But this time, a prominent English daily has rejected the allegation of a BSF IG through their investigative reporting. And It is hard to believe that a prominent newspaper like “The Daily Star" would present a fabricated news item and even editorial to cover up any truth. Now the question arises, why a senior BSF officer had gone to the press with unsubstantiated information; and when his statement is challenged as baseless, whether the BSG IG should not be made accountable ? Or is it a conspiracy from his part to derail the expected peace talks between the government and ULFA, which is getting momentum at this moment ?

Army offensive to clear interior areas of Churachandpur intensified; Troops kill eight UGs near Henglep The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jun 20: At least eight underground insurgents believed to belong to the PREPAK and the UNLF were killed in an encounter with Army troops this afternoon near Henglep in continued offensive operations to clear the interior areas of UG presence, defence sources said. According to a statement issued by the PIB(DW), the encounter took place at Phoipi, located some 10 km east of Henglep subdivisional headquarters, at around 2 pm today. The statement said based on specific intelligence, three columns of Army troops of the Red Shield Division were launched in pursuit of fleeing insurgents, and in the encounter that ensued, at least eight militants were killed and another three seriously injured. Six AK-47 rifles, one M-16 rifle, a G-3 rifle, a RPG launcher with four rockets, and a lethode launcher were recovered by the Army troops, apart from ammunition and other warlike stores, including three radio sets and a video phone. The bodies of the slain militants have been recovered. Two Army jawans suffered gunshot wounds in the legs and have been evacuated to military hospital where their condition is stable, the release said.

According to the release, the operation was a follow-up to two previous encounters on June 14 and 15, in which four militants had been eliminated earlier. The search of the area is still underway, the statement said, adding that the Henglep area has largely been cleared. An earlier release said that as part of the Army offensives in the interior areas, troops of the Red Shield Division reached Henglep and cleared it and its surrounding areas of militant presence on June 18. The mission was accomplished without any casualties on the Army’s part, while troops killed at least two insurgents and destroyed a number of hideouts and IEDs in Henglep and its surrounding areas, according to the release. The GOC, Red Shield division Mj. Gen. GC Dwivedi, and Churachandpur Army Brigade commander Brig RK Sharma visited Henglep on June 18, and interacted with the civil populace and assured them full cooperation in joining hands to work for peace and development of the region.

In the meantime, the two men killed in the Army operations whose bodies were handed over to the Loktak police station on June 18 have been identified as Sapam Netaji, 18, of Khongjom Sapam Leikai and Oinam Punash, 19, of Thanga Chingkha Leihouthabam Leikai, both belonging to the PREPAK. Their bodies were claimed by their respective families after being brought to the RIMS morgue. ‘Human shields used’: Meanwhile, a spokesman of the PREPAK speaking to media offices over the telephone late tonight, claimed that Army troops attacked PREPAK cadres in the incident today using human shields, which forced the cadres to restrain their fire. The PREPAK spokesman said two of its cadres, identified as Paona and Sanatomba, the latter from Moreh, were killed, and further claimed that at least four Indian Army personnel were killed and six to seven others injured.
Two other PREPAK cadres, identified as Mikhail and Thangarakpa were also injured in the incident, the spokesman admitted. He added that the party offered its revolutionary salute to its slain cadres, and shared the sorrow of the bereaved families.

ULFA bombs State seat of power ULFA, KLO on sabotage mission Our Bureau Sentinel
GUWAHATI/KOKRAJHAR, June 20: In less than 24 hours after the fierce encounters between security personnel and ULFA militants in Nalbari district, in which four cadres of the outfit and a jawan were killed, the rebel outfit retaliated by triggering a powerful blast at the Dispur capital complex concomitant to the Dispur Police Station at about 2.40 a.m. today. Although no casualties have been reported in the blast, three rooms of the annexure building of the Secretariat, beside which the blast took place, were badly damaged. Sources said that the high voltage transformer near the blast site was the target while the police is yet to confirm whether the bomb was "lobbed" or "planted".
A series of explosions that had rocked the city during the past couple of months had already put the city’s administration under scanner, and now a blast at the State’s seat of power has raised many an eyebrow regarding the efficacy of the security machinery of the State. Meanwhile, the administration, which has been in a tizzy by the blast, has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. AGP general secretary Dilip Kumar Saikia, while expressing serious concern over the security of the MLA Hostel and other places inside the capital complex in the wake of the blast, has demanded the dismissal of the State Government. "How can you expect adequate security of the common people from a Government which has failed to safeguard the State’s capital complex?" he said. State BJP spokesman Ashok Singhal has said that the Government should own the moral responsibility of the blast. Senior officials of the Army, CRPF and Assam Police reviewed the situation at an emergent meeting held later in the day along with officials of the State Government.
Meanwhile, sources in Kokrajhar said the ULFA and the KLO were planning to carry out subversive activities in the State, especially in lower Assam, to make their presence felt. Intelligence sources said that both the rebel groups had a joint discussion somewhere in Bangladesh recently where they resolved to undertake sabotage attempts on soft targets in the State. Sources further revealed that the ULFA has already deputed Sanu Bihari alias Lal Deka alias Laleshwar Rabha as the ‘commander’ of the 109 bn of the outfit while Aditya Naidu has taken charge of the 27 bn to lead the attacks. Hardcore KLO activists have already entered Kokrajhar district in groups, the sources added.