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06/26/2005: "Govt wants Naga areas integrated- Nagaland urges Centre to be ‘sincere’"

Govt wants Naga areas integrated- Nagaland urges Centre to be ‘sincere’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, June 25: The Neiphiu Rio government has taken a firm stance on integration of Naga areas, asking the Centre to “respect the democratic aspirations of Nagas” and maintain “absolute transparency and sincerity” in the peace process. A two-and-a-half-hour meeting of the re-constituted consultative committee for peace of the Nagaland government here today discussed the ongoing talks between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and Delhi. The meeting also appreciated the support of a section of Manipur MPs to the integration demand. The meeting comes close on the heels of the peace process getting a fresh lease of life after NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah’s talks with Oscar Fernandez. Rio has urged the Centre to “show absolute transparency and sincerity in the ongoing peace talks, and to bring about an early solution in a manner acceptable to the Naga people”.
Member of the consultative committee and Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) leader C.M. Chang said transparency was the most important aspect of the peace process right now. “The Centre has to show that it is sincere,” he said. In a conclusion that apparently goes well with Rio’s concept of the government being a “facilitator”, the meeting appealed to the Centre to “respect the feelings and democratic aspiration of the Nagas for integration of the Naga homeland”. Rio has reiterated his government’s stand of “equi-closeness” to rebel groups and playing the role of “facilitator”. The committee also took ahead the government’s encouragement of pan-nationalism of Nagas, urging rebel groups to come together and “work for the common goal of all patriotic Nagas, which is peace and honour”.
Echoing the NSCN (I-M)’s demand, the consultative committee reiterated the government’s “stand on the need for integration of all contiguous Naga homeland as the first step towards a solution to the Naga political problem”.
Rio has congratulated Naga members of Parliament from Manipur for their support to the integration demand in their memorandum submitted on May 27 to the Prime Minister. He also appreciated the United Naga Council of Manipur for the same. The Nagaland Assembly has, over the years, passed four resolutions supporting integration of Naga areas in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh under a single administrative unit. The 29-member committee has urged the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) to extend the ceasefire beyond July 31. It also appealed to rebel groups to stop fratricidal killings and condemned the recent bomb blasts in Kohima and use of landmines in Tobu area of Mon district. The two members of Parliament from Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang and Wangyuh Konyak and NPF leader Chubala Ao could not attend the meeting.
Nagaland CCP for extension of NSCN(IM) ceasefire The Imphal Free Press

Kohima, Jun 25: The Consultative Meeting for Peace (CCP) today resolved to press both the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) to extend the ongoing ceasefire which expires on July 31 so as to give more chance for the ongoing peace dialogue to succeed. The CCP, in its meeting held at the Nagaland chief minister’s residential office today, also urged the Indian Government to show absolute transparency and sincerity with regard to the ongoing peace talks and to bring an early solution to the five-decades-old Naga political problem in a manner acceptable to the Naga people.

It also reiterated its stand on the need for integration of all contiguous Naga areas as the first step towards solution of the Naga political problem. Towards this, it appreciated the Naga MPs and MLAs of Manipur state for their unequivocal support to the integration of the Naga homeland in their memorandum dated May 27, 2005, which was submitted to the Prime Minister and the United Naga Council of Manipur State, and congratulated them on their bold stand and efforts towards the cause of the integration of the Naga homeland. It further appreciated the contributions of the tribal Hohos, churches, civil societies, the various political parties and NGOs towards the peace process and appealed to them to work together unitedly for strengthening the peace process and for the greater interest of the Nagas. It also appealed to the Government of India to respect the feelings and democratic aspirations of the Nagas for integration of the Naga homeland.
Also, reiterating its stand to maintain equi-closeness with all underground groups and to play the role of facilitator to the peace process by creating a conducive atmosphere for an early solution to the Naga issue, the CCP appealed to all underground Naga groups to abide by the ceasefire ground rules, to end fratricidal killings and to come together and work for the common goal, “that is peace with honour”.
Meanwhile, the CCP has strongly condemned the recent bomb blasts and use of landmines and said such acts have no place in civilized society.

Jendai says he signed on own volition, others unavailable The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 25: Out of the 13 state MLAs and MPs who reportedly signed a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister endorsing the idea of Greater Nagaland, former tribal development minister Samuel Jendai today became the first to publicly acknowledge doing so, informing the Imphal Free Press that he had signed the memorandum with a clear conscience. The Federal Party of Manipur MLA, in an exclusive conversation with the IFP, said he had signed the memorandum as a Naga, and as a representative of the Naga people. Jendai said that the idea of integration of Naga-inhabited areas was the desire of the Naga people, and maintained he had acted in their interests. ‘After all, I am their elected representative and it is my duty to act according to their desires’, he told IFP.

The FPM MLA made it clear that he had not signed the memorandum under any kind of pressure. Ridiculing the notion that he had been made to sign under gunpoint, he said he had done it with a clear conscience, and in accordance with the desires of the people of his constituency. On the issue of the preservation of Manipur’s territorial integrity, Jendai said that rather than its being up to him, it was the people of the state as a whole, who must protect Manipur’s integrity. Jendai took the stand that Manipur’s integrity can be protected only when the state’s people as a whole were united and of a single mind on the issue. Referring to the resolution adopted by the state Assembly on the first day of the monsoon session reiterating its commitment to protect Manipur’s boundaries, he said the press should have reported the debate in full details so that the general public can understand the reality.

Unlike Jendai, most of his fellow signatories were not ready to talk of the episode. Former chief minister Rishang Keishing, whom reports said was the first to sign the ‘Nagalim’ memorandum, fobbed off several attempts to talk to him on the issue. When this reporter went to Rishang Keishing’s home, he was first told that he was ill, then later, that he was about to go out and had no time to give an interview. An attempt to speak to him over the telephone was met with the excuse that he was too ill to come to the telephone. MLAs A Aza, DK Korungthang, Wungnaoshang Keishing, RK Theko, Danny Shaiza, BD Behring, and Henry Paotei were also unavailable for comment. Of the seven, the Ruling party MLAs, along with ministers Gaikhangam and Francis Ngajokpa were reportedly closeted with chief minister O Ibobi Singh, who is due to leave for New Delhi tomorrow to attend the Inter-State Council meeting scheduled to be held on June 28.

Commentary: athouba :Its very lucky for us all ...the disclosure of the Mr Jendai that he signed on his own volition.WE shouldn't take their decision to support for the unification of the Naga people we support it.But, the question how dare they claim the territory or the area they are residing should go to merge with the nagaland. If they thought the area they are inhabitting is of their own andhow about the other tribes inhabitating to the ukhrul,chandel,senapati and etc.And the leader of the so called majority community in the manipur should think of the consequences ...and should act immediatley.How far the majority people should watch this so called naga politics..What those self posed Naga leaders ever think that the majority community will watch forever.
Lamkang Community Nagalim :Meiteis are hyenas. They are greedy and number one shameless liars. Even a fool knows that Nagas will never decide to live from other Nagas.
Meiteis of 800 square miles Meiteiland are welcome to defend their mosquito-filled homeland, but they will not get an inch of Naga territory.
Brave Nagas have never run away from death. Thousands upon thousands of Nagas had sacrificed their lives for Nagalim. Meiteis will die.
Meetei_No1 :Mr. Jendai may still say this out of his own fear. Even if he is telling this for the people, the people themselves have been at the gunpoint of Muivah. So directly or indirectly, he is not saying the truth. Its a smart ploy of the NSCM, in trying to make it look like people's aspiration, opinioned democratically. But the administration and the people cannot be fooled that easily. Its just a film with sound and image on a flat screen. There is no truth behind it.
Meetei_Lion :Stupid Vivid and the Nagas, Don't take our patience and tranquility as Weakness. If the meeteis are angry, you'll never wish that you were never born. By just torturing some innocent Bus drivers on the Highways, Dont limit your understanding of our strength and knowledge. Dont take the meeteis lions cool as a sign of weakness, or you'll face the feirce side inhumanly. Dont repeat the mistake again and again. We are warning you.
Akhui Zeliangrong Nagalim :Bravo Naga MPs and MLAs! You did the right thing. Meiteis of 800 square miles Meiteiland have no right to disturb the oneness of Nagalim citizens.

Panel for extension of ceasefire with NSCN (I-M)
Sunday, June 26, 2005 (Kohima):NDTV
An advisory body set up by the Nagaland government has favoured extension of ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN (I-M), which expires on July 31. For the success of the ongoing peace talks in order to find an honourable settlement of the vexed Naga issue, the Consultative Committee for Peace (CCP) on Saturday resolved to impress upon the Centre to extend the truce beyond July 31 and make a similar appeal to the NSCN (I-M), official sources said today. The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government has constituted the CCP to facilitate the peace process.

The body was reconstituted last week with inclusion of more members and its first meeting was held yesterday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. CCP member secretary and Home Commissioner E T Sunup said in a release that the meeting, after reviewing the political situation in the state, reiterated its stand of maintaining 'equi-closeness' with all underground groups and continue to play its role as a facilitator to the on-going peace process by creating a conducive atmosphere for early settlement of the Naga political conflict. The peace panel also urged the Centre to "show absolute transparency and sincerity" in the peace talks and to bring about an early solution to the vexed issue in a manner acceptable to the Nagas. (PTI)

We want an honourable solution: Muivah By: M K Tayal June 26, 2005 Midday website
The Nagaland government is seeking greater autonomy from the Indian government.
Fighting security forces since Nagaland became a part of the union, the insurgents are finally willing to sit across the table and discuss issues, with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN -IM) spearheading the struggle. NSCN-IM seeks a separate Nagaland, but still wants to be part of the union.
National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN -IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah told Sunday Mid Day that he is waiting to reach an amicable solution with the Indian government. Here are excerpts from an interview with Muivah as he awaits a call from the PMO in a heavily guarded bungalow in central Delhi.
How are the talks with the Government of India progressing?
We have been talking with the Government of India for a long time. Our positions are now clear. Although there isn’t any confusion, there are issues.
What are the difficulties?
They (Indian government) have the difficulties. Thankfully they are more serious now.
You have been in the capital in talks with the K Padmanabhaiah. How long are you ready to wait?
It is difficult to say. The BJP-led government understood the uniqueness of the Naga history and the situation.
What do you think is unique about Nagaland?
Naga people have never been a part of India. During Independence, Mahatama Gandhi said that the Naga people have a right to be independent. He knew the history.

We declared our independence a day before India did. But Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru did not understand the issue. He said he would position one soldier with each tree in Nagaland.
Who is to blame?
The British had a policy of divide and rule. But when Naga leaders met Nehru he lashed out at them. He had no patience. He aggressively said that even if the heavens were to fall, he would not allow Nagas to be independent.
The delegation was taken aback. Nehru was arrogant. The attitude was an insult to the Naga people.
Is the Manmohan Singh government more understanding of the situation?
Although Manmohan Singh seems to have a better understanding, we can’t say anything right now.
What are your demands?
No demands from India! The Indian army has killed thousands of Naga people.
Do you want Independence?
We want an honourable solution.
Will India do that? What are the realities?
We don’t want to surrender our right, but at the same time we are looking for an honorable solution for both sides. We don’t want India and Nagaland to become hostile to each other. In 1994 the generals had declared that a military solution was not possible in the area.
Is greater autonomy, so to speak, a demand?
The most difficult issue for India is security. We are willing to build a joint defence with India.

The people of Nagaland fight the best. India can have responsibility when it comes to external affairs, but when the rights of the Nagas are involved we should be allowed to have representation. Even the currency can continue to be Indian. Basically, the terms of agreements should be binding on both sides.
What about other issues?
The Naga people can also have Indian citizenship. But the government of Nagaland should handle taxation and other such issues.
So can we call it a demand for a Greater Nagaland?
Nagaland was not what it is at present. It has been divided and currently parts of it are in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Does the UPA government have the political will to accede to these demands?
I am apprehensive, but I know progress can be made. We do have a chance.

Bomb recovered in Kohima Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, June 25: With no breakthrough in the twin bomb blasts in the heart of the capital town yet, police last night recovered one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from the blast site of A G Colony.
Official sources said the IED was hidden inside a shock absorber of a vehicle with gelatin sticks. A partially burnt fuse of the explosive was recovered and a kg of nails of one inch each was also placed with the bomb as splinter. Kohima was rocked by twin blasts on Thursday last. While one bomb exploded at the residence of one K I Ao, retired Chief Conservator of Forest, located at the lower A G Colony, the other blasted in an underconstruction building of Dr Jacob Shaiza in the Upper Agri Colony. Fortunately, there was no casualty in the twin blasts.
Nagaland Director General of Police J Changkija has already ordered for a high alert following the series of blasts in the state for last few days. On June 21 last, one Indian Reserved Police (IRB) havildar Tongpangkoba was killed in the Tobu village when he stepped unknowingly on a landmine planted by some miscreants.
Police personnel throughout the state are keeping a strict vigil at all vulnerable places to thwart any untoward incident and state Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) has been engaged in Tobu area of Mon district and Kohima town to detect any bomb or landmine planted by the miscreants at any point.

CCP lauds Naga MLAs, MPs Newmai News Network
Kohima, Jun 25 : The Consultative Commitee for Peace (CCP) today resolved to press both the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) to extend the ongoing ceasefire which expires on July 31 so as to give more chance for the ongoing peace dialogue to succeed.
The CCP, in its meeting held at the Nagaland Chief Minister’s residential office today, also urged the Indian Government to show absolute transparency and sincerity with regard to the ongoing peace talks and to bring an early solution to the five-decades-old Naga political problem in a manner acceptable to the Naga people. It also reiterated its stand on the need for integration of all contiguous Naga areas as the first step towards solution of the Naga political problem.
Towards this, it appreciated the Naga MPs and MLAs of Manipur State for their unequi-vocal support to the integration of the Naga homeland in their memorandum dated May 27, 2005, which was submitted to the PM and the United Naga Council of Manipur State, and congratulated them on their bold stand and efforts towards the cause of the integration of the Naga homeland. It further appreciated the contributions of the tribal Hohos, churches, civil societies, the various political parties and NGOs towards the peace process and appealed to them to work together unitedly for strengthen- ing the peace process and for the greater interest of the Nagas. It also appealed to the Govt of India to respect the feelings and democratic aspirations of the Nagas for integration of the Naga homeland. Also, reiterating its stand to maintain equi-closeness with all underground groups and to play the role of facilitator to the peace process by creating a conducive atmosphere for an early solution to the Naga issue, the CCP appealed to all underground Naga groups to abide by the ceasefire ground rules, to end fratricidal killings and to come together and work for the common goal, “that is peace with honour”.
Meanwhile, the CCP has strongly condemned the recent bomb blasts and use of landmines and said such acts have no place in civilized society.

Nagaland Public Service Commission - Most corrupted From Atong Yanlem, Mon Town

Of late the NPSC has become the most corrupted institution in the state. Many loyal and honest officials become unclean /unfair once they enter the commission. They are being encouraged through bribery. Officers like Achila and others, who held the entire monopoly for many years have placed their children and relatives as DSP, EAC etc irrespective of their calibre. Even a theologian as member of the commission is pulled in the process. What he preached in the pulpit and his action in the NPSC was quite contradictory. His credibility is questionably because of the fact that one clean person has no voice in the midst of unclean majority. Secondly, officials in the commission are corruptive in one way or the other. Those candidates whose performance have been known during the college and university days, as class mates, hostel mates, room-mates etc, passed without much efforts. They either pass miraculously or are hand-in-glove with the commission.

Hence, whatsoever X and Y member or officials of the commission talked about renewed NPSC on meritorious basement, yet it is obvious that unfair means shall continue until and unless such officials who mend the commission for pretty long years, are removed or terminated. Over the years such practices were going on unnoticed by the state government or the apex student body like the NSF, EUUN etc. They make heavens at the cost of many financially sound candidates, who pays huge sum of money to get the job done. On the other hand, many brilliant competitors who are unable to make the deal, lands up overage. However many determined candidates whose bitter experiences in the NPSC exams have succeeded in the UPSC and other allied services.
Many promising youths who are unable to channelise and fulfill the so called ‘criteria’ in terms of cash amounting atleast 6 lacs and above are doomed forever. Therefore taking into account the phrase ‘BETTER LATE THAT NEVER’, organizations like NSF should act with audacity against those corrupt officials and members in order to save many aspirant educated youths from the clutches of the mal-practices of the commission.
12 hurt in Assam blast By Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, June 26 (IANS) At least 12 people, including six paramiltary troopers, were seriously injured in a bomb explosion here Sunday. A police spokesman said the blast took place outside the headquarters of the Central Reserve Police Force here around 7.30 p.m. "A person came with a bag and asked a roadside vendor to keep it for a while. The moment this person left, there was a big explosion, injuring six civilians and as many off-duty CRPF personnel waiting near the gate," he said.
At least half a dozen motorbikes were damaged in the blast. The injured have been shifted to hospital with four of them in a critical condition. Police suspect the blast to be the handiwork of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
Modification of ultras rehab policy mooted Sankar P Ghosh Sangai Express
Shillong, Jun 25 : Modification to existing surrender and rehabilitation policy of the militants who laid down their arms in the North East, is under active consideration of the Government, the Union Home Ministry said in a report. Government formulated a 100 per cent Centrally funded surrender and rehabilitation scheme effective from April 1, 1998 to wean away misguided youths who strayed into militancy. It also sought to ensure that surrendered ultras did not find it attractive to join militancy again, the Ministry’s annual report for 2004-05 said. Under the scheme, applicable to the militants who laid down their weapons, the surrenderees were to be initially (for one year) lodged in a rehabilitation camp, run preferably by non-governmental organisations with support from security forces, where they would be trained in a trade/vocation of their liking and in keeping with their aptitude. The militants were paid a monthly stipend of Rs 2000 and all attempts were made to settle the surrenderees during this period, the report said. Minor crime cases against successfully rehabilitated surrenderees were withdrawn and monetary incentives given.
Inadequate economic development and limited employment opportunities in the region contributed to induction of ‘neo literate’ youths into militancy, the report said. Referring to the strategy adopted by the Government to improve the situation in the region, the Home Ministry said it include building friendly relations with neighbouring countries, willingness to meet and discuss legitimate grievances of the people as also a resolve not to tolerate violence. Apart from initiating peace dialogues with six outfits in the region, deployment of Central police forces formed part of the strategy.
Altogether, 13 major insurgent outfits — two each from Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya and seven from Manipur — were declared as ‘unlawful associations’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Declaration of certain areas in the North East as ‘disturbed area’ under the Armed Forces Special Act 1958 and modernisation of State police forces besides accelerated infrastructure development, stress on employment, good governance and decentralisation also figured in the strategy used to curb militancy in the region. PTI
ULFA continues strike on security forces, 12 including 6 CRPF personnel injured NET News Network
Guwahati, June 26: Barely 12 hours after twin attacks in upper Assam which left one police officer dead and another six injured, the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) once again launched attacks on security forces injuring 12 persons including 6 CRPF personnel in two separate incidents. At around 6:45 PM this evening suspected ULFA militants exploded a time device in front of the CRPF camp near Gate No.1 at 9 Mile area under Jorabat police outpost injuring 12 including 6 CRPF personnel. Three of the injured are stated to be in critical condition and have been shifted to GMCH.
“ The bomb hidden in a shopping bag was kept at a vegetable vendor’s shop. The accident occurred inspite of our warning to the shopkeepers in the area not to keep any suspicious objects,” rued DG, CRPF S.C.Sarma. He, however, warned that one of the injured vegetable vendors reportedly remembers the assailant face and expressed hope that he will be on net once the vendor comes into senses. Meanwhile top police official from Meghalaya have rushed to the spot as the area, falls under Meghalaya Govt.
It may be mentioned that two years back, the same camp came under attack from militant group. In another incident, officer-in-charge of Nitai Pukhuri police outpost in Sibsagar district had a miraculous escape on Saturday night when a group of ULFA militants led by Sergeant Major Ankur Shyam launched attack on the station from the nearby paddy field. “One of the bullets pierced through the officer’s chair missing him by inches,” informed a police source. The attack came at 11:30 pm exactly three and half hour after militants lobbed grenade in the Sadar Police Station of the district injuring five persons. Pic: Arun Kumar 25 years old who had lost both legs in the bomb blast near the CRPF Group Headquarters about 15 kms. from Guwahati on the GS Road.
ULFA penetrates city security net yet againSix CRPF men among 12 hurt in IED blast By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 26: Setting at naught the much-vaunted ‘high security net’ of the capital city, the outlawed ULFA struck by triggering a powerful IED-plus blast in Nine Mile area at around 6.40 p.m. today injuring 12 persons, including six CRPF personnel. The blast occurred in a vegetable shop just in front of the Gate No. 1 of the CRPF Group Centre. The device, kept in a polythene bag, went off just a few seconds after an unidentified youth left it there, eye witnesses said. Three shops and three two-wheelers parked nearby were damaged completely.
The injured jawans — Md Rashid Ali, Pranab Kumar Das, Kulen Das, Dwipendra Konwar, GM Ali and Dhirendra Prasad — were rushed to the Base Hospital. Others who sustained serious injuries were the owner of the vegetable shop, Dharam Kumar (18), Sanjoy Basfore (14), a resident of Fatasil Ambari, Arun Kumar, brother of a CRPF personnel from UP, Dharmendra Yadav, Niranjan Chamua and I Ghose. They are undergoing treatment in the Gauhati Medical College Hospital here. Local residents told The Sentinel that today being a Sunday there was no patrolling around the Group Centre. Soon after the blast all the shops in the market in front of the CRPF complex were forcibly closed by the CRPF. There is no fencing on the two sides of the CRPF Group Centre complex which certainly poses a security threat.
Maximum alert sounded in State By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 26: Security forces in Assam have been placed in a state of maximum alert following intelligence reports that the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will step up its violent activities in recent month. Terming the recent attacks carried out by the banned ULFA as ‘nothing surprising,’ highly placed State police sources told The Sentinel here today that the security agencies had pieced together enough intelligence reports to suggest that the outfit would step up its activities in recent month even as efforts were on to put the peace process on the rails. "More such attacks by the ULFA cannot be ruled out in the coming days," the sources said.
Referring to recent intelligence reports pieced together by security agencies in the State, the sources said that the ULFA leadership had reportedly instructed its grass-root level cadres to step up its violent activities in various Assam districts. "The possibility of series of more violent attacks including triggering bomb explosions at public places by the banned outfit in July cannot be ruled out," the sources indicated. According to the sources, as per information received so far at least 17 such explosions are likely to be triggered in Guwahati and other parts of the State. It may be mentioned here that despite the much-trumpetted security alert State-wide, the ULFA continues to carry out its attacks at the time and place of its choice. While five persons were injured in a grenade blast in Sivasagar on Saturday, in another incident an Assam Police ASI, Puna Gogoi, was shot dead by the ULFA at Talap Bazar in Tinsukia district the same day Gogoi was reportedly involved in the recent encounter in Dibrugarh district in which three ULFA cadres, including a woman, were killed. Inspector General of Police (Special Branch) Khagen Sharma, when contacted by The Sentinel, termed the recent attacks carried by the ULFA as ‘a stop gap policy’. He pointed out that the series of attacks carried out by the outfit since April last in the wake of its 26th ‘raising day,’ the outfit has further stepped up its activities again after a brief lull. Meanwhile sources here indicated that the ULFA may hand over a formal letter seeking the release of some of its leaders presently in various jails to the Centre this week.
ASU, ABSU, ABMSU vow to fight it out From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, June 26: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and the All Bodoland Muslim Students’ Union (ABMSU) have taken a joint decision to foil the State Government’s move to settle the 700 suspected Bangladeshi nationals at Ranighuli by all means and resolved to organize a public meeting at Ranighuli and its adjoining areas to make the public aware of the situation. The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the three students’ bodies at the office of the South Kokrajhar Anchalik unit of the ABSU at Narabari on July 3. The meeting, which was presided over by AASU’s Kokrajhar district unit president Debojit Roy, severely criticized the State Government for, what it termed, "its apathetic attitude" towards rehabilitation of the people who have been living in various relief camps for almost a decade.
Addressing the meeting, secretary of the Kokrajhar district unit of the ABSU Lawrence Islary said: "We cannot remain silent regarding the issue of settlement of suspected foreign nationals in our own land." Expressing serious concern over the Gogoi Government’s move, Islary said that such a move of the State Government would go against the interest of the people of the State. The ABMSU also demanded of the Government rescind its decision to settle the alleged foreigners. "The Government should instead take all necessary steps to rehabilitate the riot-affected people who have been living in various relief camps for years now," the organisation representing students from the minority community said. The three students organisations further alleged that with Assembly elections round the corner, the Congress-led State Government was now busy keeping its vote bank intact by settling suspected Bangladeshi nationals at the expense of attending to more pressing issues at hand.
Japanese team to Kohima proposes park at site from where war began Kuknalim.com
Chedema (Kohima), June 23: Her hands clasped and eyes shut, 69-year-old Kimeo Kamiya sat on a wheelchair under a makeshift tent in this sleepy village yesterday, praying for those who died fighting in World War II. A group of fellow Japanese chanted Buddhist hymns along with the elderly woman. One could have easily mistaken the group for relatives of soldiers killed in the war but for a quick clarification from the team leader. It transpired that neither Kimeo nor any other member of the group is related in any way to the soldiers who perished in the war. All are activists of Inner Trip Reiyukai International, a 20 million-strong organisation of Buddhists that sends teams to “disturbed areas” to pray for peace. When the group sang a Japanese song, Sakura…sakura, a few elderly Nagas joined in. Khetso Pienyu from Chedema, from where the Japanese had launched an assault on Kohima, reminisced about the time he spent with Japanese soldiers during the war.
“We thought at least a few of those who survived might come back. Anyway, it is nice to meet some Japanese again,” he said. Kimeo had first visited Kohima 40 years ago and still remembers the wonderful time she had on that trip. Accompanied by her singer daughter Masako this time, she said Nagaland was as enchanting as it was during her maiden visit. “This is wonderful and I am sure we will come here again and again,” her daughter said, pointing to the misty hills. The Japanese team suggested a “peace park” at the very site from where the Japanese launched the battle for Kohima on April 5, 1944. According to one estimate, 3,333 people — including nearly 1,000 Japanese soldiers — died during the 64-day battle. Many of them were buried at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Kohima, which bears the poignant inscription: “When you go home, tell them that for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
Lalit Kumar Bakshi, a Japan-based restaurateur, and Delhi-based Virender Singh arranged the trip by Kimeo and her colleagues in the Inner Trip Reiyukai International. “We received 10,000 applications for this trip and we chose 30-odd members,” Bakshi said.
Rajya Sabha member Kedi Haralu personally took care of the Japanese team in Kohima. “We will be happy to have more foreign guests in Nagaland,” he said.
Last month, tourists from some Latin American countries visited the state. A group from Africa had enjoyed Naga hospitality a few weeks earlier. [NISHIT DHOLABHAI, telegraphindia]