07/23/2005: "Press Release Office of the N a g a H o h o"

Office of the N a g a H o h o
Red Cross Building, Officer’s Hill
Kohima- 797001, Nagaland
Phone: 0370-2245729 Fax: 0370-2245670 Email: nagaho2@yahoo.co.in

Press Release

The first federal Assembly of the Naga Hoho for the term 2005-08 was held at the Kohima Zonal Council Hall on 22nd July ’05 and discussed various issues confronting the society in general and also reviewed some of the back-logs and resolved to make changes and amendments to tune up with new challenges. And following unanimous support and endorsements from the constituent tribal organizations to the Executive Council to also urgently address the present situation prevailing in the Naga areas of Manipur, an emergency side-event co-ordination meeting was held upon adjournment of the Federal Assembly, with leaders of the Naga Students’ federation, United Naga Council and the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur.
The meeting once again re-affirm Naga Hoho’s endorsement to the Naga Students’ Federation to spearhead the agitation in Nagaland as a counter measure to the arrogant attitude of the Government of Manipur, who have resorted to forcible violation of the peaceful economic blockade, by lifting goods to Imphal Valley with Security Forces who even resorted to “firing at will”, injuring innocent citizens and volunteers. As a result, the provocation to the peaceful agitation necessitated intensifying of protest and non-co-operation movement, which have further led to loss of lives, homes and properties. The co-ordination meeting therefore urges all concerned Nagas and well-wishers to extend all support and co-operation to the NSF who have taken the task of safeguarding the interest of all Nagas.
At the same time, the Naga Hoho is deeply annoyed and offended with the insensitive statement of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, who have stated that; “Nagas of Nagaland should not be dragged into the imbroglio”. When Nagas have fought all our lives with the determination and desire to live together as one family, and when other people are subjecting fellow Nagas to all kinds of humiliation right under our very nose, should the Nagas of Nagaland, who have enjoyed every benefit of the political struggle, continue to remain mute spectators? Without elaborating further, the Naga Hoho would ask all fellow Nagas, to stop insulting our own human intelligence and refrain from alienating oneself from the common aspiration of the Nagas.
The Naga Hoho also would like to express its concern to the difficulties and inconveniences that the people living in Imphal Valley have had to undergo, because of the on-going economic blockade and non-co-operation movement launched by the Nagas. But it must be understood, that the repressive methods used by the Government agencies have not helped in any way, but have only strangulated the process of arriving at a mutual settlement of the impasse, if any. And should the situation continue to aggravate and even go out of control, the Government of Manipur will be entirely responsible for any consequences.
Sd/- Neingulo Krome General Secretary, Naga Hoho.
(Dated Kohima, the 23rd July 2005)

'Greater Nagaland' could jeopardise peace By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Kohima, July 23 (IANS) Tribal separatist leaders Saturday warned that the peace process in Nagaland could be hit if the Indian government failed to concede their demand to merge Naga inhabited areas in the northeast. The statement by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) comes ahead of a fresh round of talks between the rebel leadership and government negotiators to discuss the extension of a ceasefire that expires July 31. The meeting is likely to be held outside India although the date and the venue have been kept a secret.
"The meeting is crucial although we cannot predict now if the ceasefire will be extended or not. It depends entirely on the Indian government's attitude," NSCN leader R.H. Raising said. "If New Delhi takes correct steps, then we do not see why the truce cannot be extended by another year. But if a negative approach is taken, the peace process will be jeopardised," Raising told IANS.
The NSCN-IM led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah is engaged in peace talks with the Indian government. It signed a ceasefire with New Delhi in August 1997. The NSCN is the main rebel group in Nagaland.
There have been at least 40 rounds of negotiations since the ceasefire began although the talks have been deadlocked, with the Indian government virtually turning down the group's demand for redrawing the map of the northeast.
The NSCN, the oldest and most powerful of around 30 rebel groups in India's northeast, wants a "Greater Nagaland" by slicing off parts of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that have sizeable Naga tribal populations. The governments of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN demand. But the rebel leader said: "Unification or merger is not a demand but the historical right of the Nagas and we expect the Indian government to abide by the commitment and assurance given to us.
"There is no meaning in simply extending the ceasefire if there is no commitment from the government to have a negotiated settlement to the problem. "We have committed to transform from guerrilla warfare to political warfare and now believe in hammering out a negotiated political settlement," Raising said. "Unless compelled, we are ready to abide by our commitment for peace through negotiations. Or else we have to take our own steps."
Nagaland, where more than 25,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency since India's independence from Britain in 1947, is a Christian majority state of two million people. --Indo-Asian News Service
ANSAM shows willingness to negotiate after CM’s “regret” statement in House The Imphal Free Press

Kohima, Jul 22: In an indication that it may be moving towards a negotiated settlement to the ongoing economic blockade, the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, ANSAM, has said that chief minister O.Ibobi Singh's expression of "regret" in declaring June 18 as a state holiday was a positive step towards resolving the ongoing impasse. ANSAM spokesman Ngachonmi Chamroy informed Newmai News Network tonight that the state chief minister's statement of expressing regret for having had declared June-18 was a right move for bringing solution to the prevailing situation in the state."
However,the chief minister falls short of doing the necessary," added the ANSAM spokesman.
Meanwhile, a marathon meeting of the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur was going on in an undisclosed place. Disclosing to NNN, highly placed sources said that a series of meetings had been held today and they were far from complete. The sources said that the marathon meetings on the ongoing Naga students agitation were going on but till the filing of this story no resolution had been reached. Sources said that the meeting may continue till late tonight and "there is every chance that it may continue till the next day morning. When asked about the possibility of arriving a resolution which may subsequently lead to talks with the state government, the sources said that at this stage of the meeting it would be premature to spell out anything.
Meanwhile, ANSAM activists from Tamenglong informed this news network that they were responsible for the destruction of Irang bailey bridge along the NH-53 two days ago.

The ANSAM activists said over the phone today that they had done so as part of the ongoing ANSAM agitation against the state government. In the meantime, the Naga Students Union, Shillong (NSU-S) today demanded the immediate revocation of the declaration of June 18 as the "State Integrity Day" (as state holiday) by the Ibobi Singh government in Manipur and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India in this regard, channelled through the Meghalaya Governor. In a sit-in demonstration in Shillong today at the Nagaland House in which the Nagas from Shillong participated, president of the NSU-S Wungpam Shatsang expressed solidarity with the All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) who have launched an economic blockade of NH 39 & 53 in protest against the Ibobi government’s declaration of State Integrity Day (as state holiday). Meanhile, the NSF-S general secretary, Kahoto J. Yepthomi said, "we will take extreme democratic steps if New Delhi remains passive on the issue... all Naga domainated terrirories should be integrated".

NSF conveys: The Naga Students’ Federation has conveyed its heartfelt condolence to late Namthiurei Abonmei of Lamba village, Tamenglong who was killed on July 19 while taking part in destruction of Irang bridge along National Highway - 53. Saluting the selfless sacrifice made by Abonmei, the NSF in a statement said he was killed while volunteering his service for the cause of the Nagas. It also said that one volunteer who took part in the operation to destroy Irang bridge is still missing and other three were also got serious injuries. The exemplary sacrifice made by Abonmei and his fellows must be appreciated by one and all, the NSF asserted, calling upon Nagas to ceaselessly fight against all forces trying to divide the Naga family.
sanaton :Why this willingness only after opening of NH53. CM’s ‘regret’ was expressed long ago, but why the ‘regret’ is acknowledged only now. The real thing is that the opening of NH 53 has lost the bargaining power of ANSAM, the blowing up of Irang Bridge by NSCN(IM) is a desperate attempt. The round one goes to the Manipuris which shows extreme maturity , even under extreme provocation by the NSCN(IM) to start a communal clash.
Zomiland :The citizens of Zomiland are fully behind the people of Nagalim in their uncompromising stance for Naga integration. The greedy people of 800 square miles Kangleipak/Meiteiland/Manipur cannot go on cheating and dominating their neighbors. Long live Zomiland! Long live Nagalim! Long live the true leadership being shown by the Naga Students Federation and the ANSAM!
Kangla :Peaceful agitation by using BOMBS! Naga Student Unions? Why do they have to form another union when they are part of Manipur Student Union itself. Why can't ANSAM work through AMSU. They are the visible NSCN.
Meetei_Lion :I suggest ANSAM to continue its blockade. It fact it is helping Manipur, by stoping to give extrotion ransom on the highway. ANSAM's strategy to negotiate on the single word 'regret' is just to save their face of defeat, as they are incuring heavy deficiets worth crores which the truckers use to give them ruotinely. ANSAM is actually the overground facet of NSCN(IM) like UCM and AMUCO for meetei outfits. The government should not bent to such anti social organisation and arrest them under NSA.
State told to use all means to curb attempts to impede flow of essentials The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 22: In view of the acute shortage of essential commodities being faced in the state owing to the ongoing economic blockade, the Central government has directed the state to take all measures necessary to ensure adequate availability of essential items, a reliable source said. The Centre has reportedly asked the state government to apply the law of the land, including the NSA and the Highway Protection Act, to counter any violent activity that may cause disturbance to the free transportation of essential commodities. Sources also said the Nagaland government has also been directed to take up measures to ensure the security of movement of goods-laden vehicles within Nagaland as the matter is a question of the right of way for the people of Manipur.

The Centre has also expressed concern over the reports of possible NSCN(IM) backing for the ANSAM’s economic blockade. Sources in the meantime said a high level security meeting was held today in view of the Centre’s instructions, attended by representatives of the law department, to work out strategies to counter any violent activity by the blockade supporters. In the meantime, altogether 45 empty trucks have left Imphal along NH-39 this afternoon under escort, and had crossed Senapati late tonight. The vehicles are expected to reach Mao Gate sometime past midnight, where they are to be escorted to Dimapur by the Nagaland police.
A report from Assam Gate, bordering Dimapur, said nearly a hundred goods-laden trucks are scattered at various places beyond the Assam gate, including many which had reached there from the Jiribam side following the destruction of the Irang bridge on NH-53. On the other hand, a report from Jiribam said around 40 trucks, including four carrying LPG cylinders, and 14 oil tankers are currently parked at Jiribam waiting for the resumption of traffic on NH-53.

Meanwhile, the commander, 25th BRTF, Imphal, MA Raza, confirmed that re-construction of the Irang bridge destroyed by ANSAM strike supporters in the early hours of July 20, would be completed in the next two days. Speaking to IFP over the telephone, Raza said there are no problems as far as availability of construction material is concerned. Eight truckloads of material left Imphal today for the spot, while 11 truckloads have been dispatched from Jiribam, he said.

The task of reconstruction of the bridge is being handled by the 36th BRTF and 25th BRTF, he further informed. Naga Hoho meet: Representatives of Naga tribal apex organisations met today under the aegis of the Naga Hoho at Kohima to discuss, among other things, the postponed ‘Naga solidarity rally’ planned to be held at Dimapur on July 18. The meeting reportedly decided to hold the postponed rally at the earliest, with the participation of Naga representatives from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The Hoho meeting also decided not to interfere in the economic blockade currently being taken up by the ANSAM and the NSF.
Manipur blockade: supply of life-saving drugs hit Iboyaima Laithangbam The Hindu Stock will last two days; only emergency operations being performed
• Trucks carrying medical supplies not let through
• Drinking water supply stopped
• School buses get 10 litres of petrol each
• ANSAM plans to meet Governor
IMPHAL: Life-saving drugs and other medicines are scarce in the State due to the protracted economic blockade. The stock will not last longer than two days, N. Irabanta, general secretary of the Medical and Sales Representatives' Association, Manipur, said in a press release on Friday. The Indian Medical Association, the Red Cross Society and the Medical Representatives' Association had appealed to the All-Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) to allow the movement of trucks carrying life-saving drugs. ANSAM had said trucks carrying drugs and press material would not be obstructed. However, sources said this assurance had not been kept.
Last week, Health Minister Laishram Nandakumar assured the Assembly that there was no shortage of life-saving drugs. However, Mr. Irabanta said there was not enough stock of such drugs. Hospitals have been paralysed since there is no fuel. Only emergency operations are being performed due to the lack of oxygen and life-saving drugs. The supplying of drinking water in and around Imphal stopped this morning. An official report said some anti-social elements had breached the water pipes.
More Central forces sought The Government has sought more Central forces to patrol the NH-53, projected as the alternative lifeline. Three days back, anti-social elements blew up a Bailey bridge along the highway. Nagaland Chief Minister Nipheiu Rio is reported to have asked his Manipur counterpart, Okram Ibobi Singh, not to send any more vehicles along the NH-39 that passes through Nagaland until the blockade was lifted. Mr. Rio told reporters that it was not possible for the Nagaland police to provide security to all trucks and vehicles from Manipur. At least two trucks had been torched and the windscreens of scores smashed in Nagaland.Mr. Rio said the announcement of a State holiday on June 18 had triggered the agitation. The Government and people of Nagaland had nothing to do with it. The Manipur Government has started giving 10 litres of petrol to each school vehicle following complaints from parents. Schools had been closed due to shortage of fuel and suspension of bus services.
Governor's report Official reports said the ANSAM and the two tribal MPs, Rishang Keishing and Mani Charanamei, are planning to meet Governor S.S. Sidhu to defuse the crisis. The ANSAM has flatly refused to meet do anything with Mr. Ibobi Singh since he has refused to roll back the holiday notice.He also did not go to Senapati district to hold talks with the ANSAM leaders. In his report to the Centre, the Governor had pointed out that the trouble could have been avoided as the declaration of the holiday was unnecessary.
Army act stays in Nagaland - Delhi ignores Rio government’s plea OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, July 22: Delhi has extended the term of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Nagaland by another year, much to the dismay of the Neiphiu Rio government and organisations seeking its removal on the ground that it is “antithetical” to the ongoing peace process. The Union home ministry is understood to have cited frequent clashes between the Naga militant factions as the primary reason for extending the term of the contentious legislation, which many view as a draconian law that encourages excesses by security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations. The renewal of the act took effect yesterday.
“The NSCN factions are still at loggerheads with each other, leading to shootouts at regular intervals. Evidence of outfits from other states operating in the border districts of the state have also been found and the Centre would not like to annul a provision that helps security forces to appropriately deal with such situations,” an official source said. Members of various Northeast militant groups are known to still use Mon district of Nagaland and Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh as corridors to their camps in Myanmar. Delhi has ceasefire agreements with both the Isak-Muivah and Khaplang factions of the NSCN, but is holding a dialogue with only the former. NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah recently returned to his base abroad after prolonged, albeit fruitless, negotiations with the group of ministers constituted by the government to continue the dialogue. The Manmohan Singh government believes that the situation in Nagaland is not yet conducive to revocation of the armed forces act, though both the Rio government and the influential Naga Hoho — the apex organisation of the Naga tribes — have been arguing otherwise. Manipur, one of the other states of the Northeast where the legislation is in force, witnessed a violent agitation last year in the wake of the death of a woman, Thangjam Manorama, in Assam Rifles’ custody. The outpouring of anger forced Delhi to constitute a committee headed by retired judge B.P. Jeevan Reddy to examine the armed forces act and suggest amendments. The panel toured the states of the Northeast to gather opinions on the legislation and submitted its report to the government last month. Sources said Delhi was studying the report. The army act can be imposed both by the Centre and a state government. Apart from Nagaland and Manipur, it is in force in Assam, Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh and areas under the jurisdiction of 26 police stations of Tripura.
BJP-KOHLI NEW DELHI, JULY 23 (PTI) Outlook
Avinash Kohli was today appointed BJP's General Secretary (Organisation) for the states of Nagaland and Manipur. This was decided at a meeting of the party's office bearers and Parliamentary party leaders presided over by party President L K Advani here, BJP sources said.
The first meeting of the senior party leaders, after the recent controversy surrounding RSS demand that Advani step down, also passed resolutions on internal security and economic situation in the country. However, the meeting did not take up a scheduled resolution on the UPA government's vote bank politics.
The resolution was earlier proposed to be passed at the party's National Executive meeting in Chennai, which was deferred to September. The meeting was attended among others by senior party leaders Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj and M Venkaiah Naidu.
Kohli made BJP Gen. Secy. for Manipur & Nagaland The Hindu
New Delhi, July. 23 (PTI): Avinash Kohli was today appointed BJP's General Secretary (Organisation) for the Nagaland and Manipur. This was decided at a meeting of the party's office bearers and Parliamentary party leaders presided over by party President L K Advani here, BJP sources said. The first meeting of the senior party leaders, after the recent controversy surrounding RSS demand that Advani step down, also passed resolutions on internal security and economic situation in the country. However, the meeting did not take up a scheduled resolution on the UPA Government's vote bank politics. The resolution was earlier proposed to be passed at the party's National Executive meeting in Chennai, which was deferred to September. The meeting was attended among others by senior party leaders Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj and M Venkaiah Naidu.
Stalemate OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph Kohima, July 22: The situation in Imphal Valley is likely to worsen following Wednesday’s meeting between the Naga Students’ Federation, the All Manipur Students’ Union and the Apunba Lup, which ended in a stalemate. The NSF condoled the death of Namthiurei Abonmei while he was destroying the bridge on National Highway 53 on Wednesday. It was ready to call off the agitation if Manipur revoked its order declaring June 18 as “state integrity day,” NSF president Phushika Awomi said. Student activists and Apunba Lup representatives met in the presence of the North East Students Organisation and the All Assam Students Union. AASU president Samujjal Bhattacharyya was present at the meeting along with former Amsu president Jotin Salam and Apunba Lup leader Y. Devdutta. A tripartite meeting called by Neso on July 28 has been cancelled.
“The Amsu and Apunba Lup have been camping in Guwahati to protest against the Naga integration issue. But this blockade has nothing to do with that issue, we are against the Manipur government’s wrong move,” said Awomi. But the demand for integration of Naga areas appears to be the pivot of all activity. Awomi claimed that the Manipuri organisations said revocation of the order was against the wishes of the “Meitei people”. Moreover, Manipur students said they did not want anyone’s support, he claimed. “In that way, they are provoking us,” he claimed. Reacting to allegations that the agitation had been taken over by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), Awomi said the NSF did not believe that “national workers” were involved. The leader said the students did not want the outfit to get involved. “Members of the public are volunteering,” he argued, blaming the media for accusing the NSCN (I-M) of involvement.
On Friday morning, Rev. Kari Longchar of the Nagaland Baptist Churches’ Council prayed at the NSF office here. While praying for the success of the students’ agitation, Longchar did add in the prayer that “they may not resort to violence”. The Naga Hoho also held its federal assembly today, where it is hoping to decide on holding the “solidarity rally” on the issue.
Students join hands on migrants OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, July 22: Students from Assam and Nagaland have called for the detection and deportation of illegal migrants, residing along the Assam-Nagaland border, within a stipulated time-frame. The demand was raised at a joint meeting of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday. At the meeting in Guwahati, AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi and NSF president Phushika Awomi signed a nine-point resolution, including the demand for ouster of illegal migrants. The joint statement comes days after Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio declared that his government was considering bringing Dimapur under the purview of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulation.
According to the regulation, outsiders visiting Nagaland must possess an ILP. At present Dimapur is out- side the purview of this provision. The two organisations also proposed a joint movement by students of Assam and Nagaland to resolve the inter-state boundary dispute amicably. Students from both organisations will visit the disputed area belt along the Assam-Nagaland boundary to “ascertain ground realities”. The students also urged the state governments to start a dialogue on the contentious issue at the earliest. The NSF pledged support to the AASU’s campaign for immediate fencing of the Indo-Bangla border and scrapping of the provisions of the citizenship act giving citizenship rights to foreigners who entered Assam before 2004. The Nagaland administration is gearing up to face the effects of the Supreme Court’s striking down the IM(DT) Act. A meeting of district administration officials, scheduled for early next week, will discuss the Foreigners’ Act and its implementation in the state.
Naga choir out to win UK hearts
Kohima, July 22: Nagaland is taking the healing power of faith to terror-stricken Britain. Beginning Tuesday, the famous Naga Choir will be performing at the Baptist World Centenary Congress in Birmingham for five consecutive days, conveying through music the message of divinity.
“Despite the two terrorist strikes, we are firm in our resolve to go. At a time when the English people are undergoing so much trauma, a little bit of prayer will help,” Rev. Zhabu Terhuja, general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Churches’ Council (NBCC), said. The 33-member choir will be part of a delegation of 73 Baptist Christians from Nagaland to the centenary congress. Led by Patkai College lecturer Kuhaho Chishi, the choir comprises 25 singers.
The five women in the group are all eager to visit the United Kingdom and perform there despite the blasts in London. “It is a privilege to perform at such a big function and I am determined to go,” Durga Maya, one of the five women, said. Her son Narain Sagar, however, admitted to being concerned. “We will leave everything to God,” he said.
The NBCC, which is the apex organisation of Baptist churches in Nagaland and has a membership of over 4 lakh, has asked the organisers to arrange for the team’s stay in a church hall. Terhuja said the proposed day’s trip to London after the congress would depend on the situation. In any case, putting up a good show is the team’s top priority.
”The Naga Choir had performed admirably at the Baptist congress in South Korea as far back as in 1990,” Terhuja recalled. He said the choir had “evolved” over the last 15 years, wowing audiences from New Delhi to Europe and elsewhere. Members of the Oriental Christian Seminary, Dimapur, will also perform at the Birmingham congress.
The Baptist Christian denomination came into being in 1611 and spread to Nagaland through American missionaries in the 19th century. The Northeast now has a sizeable population of Baptists, which is reflected in the composition of the delegation to Britain. Apart from the 73 people from Nagaland, the team includes over 35 members from Mizoram and 20 from Meghalaya. The rest of the delegation comprises Baptist Christians from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal and Orissa.
“The congress will be a forum to renew our commitment to the faith,” Terhuja said.

PCN protests humiliation of Naga scribes in Manipur
KOHIMA, July 22: The Prews Corps of Nagaland (PCN), the apex media platform of the state has taken exception to the humiliation of some scribes by Manipur Rifles personnel at Mao Gate on Sunday last. In a release here today, PCN President Geoffery Yaden and General Secretary H Chishi said the general body meeting of PCN held at Dimapur on Wednesday last resolved to submit a letter of protest to the Manipur Governor, with copies to the Chief Minister and Manipur media, demanding immediate action against the erring policemen.

The release stated that the mediapersons from Nagaland were humiliated while they were proceeding with some escorted goods laden trucks to oversee the security measures provided by the Manipur government and Nagaland police. In another resolution the PCN viewed the attack on the press in general. The resolution said if such harassment or threats were further issued against any newspaper or member of the media, they would take their own course of action. UNI

‘Manipuri citizen, Naga by blood, Indian by nationality’ The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 22: The agitating All Naga Students Association, Manipur, ANSAM, may be willing to hold talks with the Governor of Manipur, Dr. SS Sidhu, to bring an end to the blockade impasse that has lasted over a month, according to the Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing. The former chief minister, briefing mediapersons today at his home at Mantripukhri, said he had also met the Governor today to broach the issue, and the latter is also amenable to the idea. Rishang said that in an effort to mediate in the impasse, he had spoken to ANSAM representatives two or three times over the telephone. While the ANSAM is not willing to meet with the chief minister at the moment, the student body was agreeable to a suggestion that they should meet with the Governor, he said.

The matter is being discussed by the student body, and a decision in this regard would be conveyed later, he said. The ANSAM apparently hopes that the Centre’s influence would be brought to bear on the issue if talks are held with the Governor, Rishang said, adding that he had also repeatedly urged them to talk to the state chief minister as well. Stressing the need for a prompt resolution to the blockade, Rishang said it was wrong to cause so much hardship to the people. Rishang also took a firm stance against violence, asserting that the situation would deteriorate if events like the destruction of the Irang bridge continued to occur. He said he had cautioned the ANSAM said if its activities took a criminal turn, it could lead to the intervention of the Central government, which would be counter-productive for its movement. On the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister by Naga legislators and MPs from Manipur Rishang maintained that no harm would be caused to any community by what he had signed.

Clarifying that he had been the last to sign the memorandum, he said he had made sure that everything that could cause problems was removed before he appended his signature. Rishang reiterated that he was a Manipuri citizen, and a Naga by blood, while he was Indian by nationality. Nagas and Meiteis have lived together for ages before Independence, and there is no reason why they cannot live together in the future, he said. He expressed confidence that a solution will eventually emerge whereby every community of Manipur will be able to continue to live together in the same state. Rishang however made it clear that he objected tooth and nail to any move for secession from India.
Meetei_Lion :Very right athestic, like Nagas aer not human as humans are not Nagas.
athisethics :No, manipuris are not nagas just as nagas are not manipuris. We can surely live as good neighbors only by fully recognizing each others' distinctive identity based on history and culture. What Rishang speaks does not hold much water, he is but a master manipulator, a power monger. This is unfortunate but the fact.

Dr. Meinya seeks PM’s intervention The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 22: The Lok Sabha MP of Manipur Dr Thokchom Meinya Singh has drawn the attention of the Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh to the ongoing economic blockade of the national highways and the need to bring about a final settlement of the issue. In a recent meeting with the PM, Dr Meinya discussed about the present situation of Manipur, including the ongoing blockade imposed by a Naga student body, according to an official statement. He also discussed the need to develop the highways of the state, the need for the immediate completion of the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway project and to start the construction of the Trans Asia Highway from Singapore to Istanbul which will also pass through Manipur. He also laid stress on the implementation of the ‘Look east’ policy which is meant to build a bridge between the markets of South Asia with that of South-East Asia. He also strongly urged the Prime Minister to pass the Manipur University bill immediately and stressed upon the need to start a meaningful dialogue with the militants operating in Manipur. Dr. Meinya further urged the PM not to alter the existing boundaries of the states of the north-east and to safeguard their territorial integrity.

The PM gave his assurance to rectify all the problems faced on NH-39 and NH-53 and said the development of NH-150 will be taken up with the related ministry soon. The PM also assured that the government will try to pass the bill to convert Manipur University into a Central University in the monsoon session of Parliament. He reportedly said that all the issues brought up by Dr. Meina are justified and relevant to the present scenario of Manipur and all the issues will be discussed with the related ministries for solution. The roots of the problems face by the northeast states including Manipur, the outlook of the people of the region, the inability to cope with the changing global scenario, the backwardness of the region in context with the 21st century and other related topics were also discussed in detail at the meeting.

Kuki body for Centre’s intervention From Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, July 22 – Kuki Movement for Human Rights (KUMHUR) urged the Union Government to take the ongoing All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) agitation ‘seriously’. The student body is calling the economic blockade along the National Highways and not along the state highways and so it should be the duty of the Central Government to clear its two National Highways immediately. ANSAM has imposed the economic blockade for the integration of Nagas as their rights. But what if the other tribes who are living side by side with the Nagas since time immemorial start claiming the same, it questioned.

When the talks between the GoI and the NSCN-IM is still underway, the agitation of ANSAM has done more harm than good for the cause of integration of Nagas, it contended. There are rules to be followed while the talks is going on and moreover, the Government of India has made it clear that integration of Nagas can be done only with the consensus of the people living with the Nagas. However, the ongoing economic blockade called by ANSAM has made the people more openly opposed to the integration of Nagas, KUMHUR elaborated. Expressing serious concern over the policy of ANSAM in drawing the sympathy of certain NGOs based in Nagaland to support the ongoing agitation, the rights body wondered if the ANSAM cuts off the lifelines of Manipur for such a reason, what would they (Nagaland based-NGOs) say when similar organisations do the same to Nagaland or other States for similar reasons. In another development, volunteers of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (Amuco) have been consulting village leaders and elders in various interior locations of the State since July 17 as part on its ongoing campaign to preserve communal amity. Village leaders reposing faith upon the general public in preserving peaceful co-existence between the hill and valley people, over dependence on food supply from other States resulting in shortage of essential commodities whenever highways are blocked and fervent appeals to all concerned to desist from counter-agitation movement were the other important highlight of the consultative meeting.

Regarding the 230 empty trucks which left Imphal on the Imphal-Jiri line on NH-53 to transport goods on Tuesday, the ANSAM said that it was ready to hand out yet another defeat to the Government on NH-53 too. Without mincing words, the spokesman of the student body said, “If Chief Minister O Ibobi is under the impression that he can open NH-53 with the use of force, we will hand him another defeat on the same route.”

Drugs, arms market flourishing on Assam-Nagaland border From Our Correspondent
GOLAGHAT, July 22 — International organisations having links with militant outfits like NSCN and Karbi National Volunteers (KNV), have set up a market on the Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat district to sell arms, drugs and other illegal matters to the local ultras. Local people have alleged that extremists outfit, aided by international groups, have set up bases in the border area from where they are running the illegal trade. Such anti-social activities have made life miserable for the people living in the border town. They even alleged that militant outfits, especially the NSCN and KNV have intensified their activities like extortion, kidnappings and killings under the very nose of the concerned government agencies. There have been regular demands of money from the tea gardens and the local businessmen and have created havoc among the common people.

The drug market is allegedly used by the local banned outfits to extend their illegal trade from the region especially from Manipur bordering Myanmar and is used as the transit point for drugs trafficking and other banned contraband items. The local people, have urged the Assam government to initiate steps to prevent the situation from going out of control. Seized: The Golaghat police seized ten trucks loaded with coals from Margherita to Bokajan for not having proper documents on July 14 last. The police authority has taken up the matter with the district transport officer to examine the documents of the drivers of the trucks. The owner of coal trucks have negotiated with DTO and police department for the release of the truck. Shortage of officers: Dhansiri subdivision office, a sensitive subdivision of Golaghat district in the Assam-Nagaland border, which was created in 1987, is running without officers in different offices. The welfare officer post in the welfare department have been lying vacant for last two years after the officer was transferred and since then no officer had been appointed. Even the post of four EAC in Dhansiri is lying vacant. The revenue office is running without revenue circle officer while in civil food and supplies department three posts of inspectors are lying vacant and have not been filled up. In the office of the ICDP, two junior engineers in the irrigation department have still not been appointed. In the other departments like Labour and subdivisional civil court more than 12 posts are lying vacant, and no effort has been made by the government to fill the post. Most of the offices of Dhansiri subdivision are running in rented house since 1987 following which the public of the subdivision are facing troubles, alleged the people of Dhansiri.

Indo-US ties
The revitalised relationship between the two largest democracies of the world is especially significant at this present juncture when terrorism is holding the world to ransom. The ties encompassing not just economic and commerce but also military and nuclear mark a new interest of Washington in South Asia — a strategy initiated by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and necessitated by the changing political activism globally as well as regionally, i.e., in South Asia. Obviously Uncle Sam has in action a two-pronged action-plan., viz., to neutralise Beijing by leveraging New Delhi. Since long, the White House has been viewing, rather uneasily, the rise of the Communist nuclear giant — militarily as well as economically. While a senior Chinese General has already warned of using the nuke option against the Americans if the latter interferes in Taiwan, the Chinese have simultaneously launched a silent mercantile and economic warfare against the world’s richest nation. Its cheaper but quality textile products have not only flooded the American shores but also pushed the local merchandise out of demand. The American mandarins perforce are now issuing directives to ban the Chinese products. Besides, America was taken unawares by the bid of Chinese state-owned CNOOC Ltd — a unit of China National Offshore Oil Corp – to take over Unocal Corp – America’s ninth-largest oil and gas firm — by offering to pay $18.5 billion.

Thus it cannot be denied that the US move at befriending India is primarily aimed at checking the rising red dragon. Besides, the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of India, China and Russia has also been viewed with concern by Washington. There is another cue to the sudden shift from Islamabad to New Delhi. The recent trends of terrorism show for sure that the US-Pak strategy has not delivered the goods, much to the chagrin of the White House. Nevertheless, it is a good augury that Washington is now realising the folly of not taking New Delhi into confidence. And, in the process, it is advantage India on several counts. The most significant gain is on diplomatic lines insofar as India’s ambition to gain entry into the UNSC. Everything depends on how Manmohan Singh and Cabinet play the cards now. However, North Bloc must ensure that by coming too close to USA – which is presently not in the best diplomatic state what with the general Americans’ and the world’s growing opposition to its Iraq strategy – it does not antagonise its traditionally ally – Russia or its next-door super power and latest friend — China.

A sure winner is India’s nuke programme. Dismantling of the restrictive regimes to which India was subjected since the 1974 Pokhran nuclear test and the decision of US President George Bush to supply fuel for Tarapur is a major breakthrough. This being a recognition of India coming of age, would henceforth enable New Delhi to shop for fuel not only for Tarapur but for other civilian reactors too. Another key advantage for India are the space programmes which now include joint activities in space cooperation involving in-space navigation and cooperation in the commercial space arena through the US-India Working Group on Civil Space Cooperation. The immediate benefits would be the launching of two US instruments on India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission to the moon, the mission to include an Indian in the US astronaut training programme, and expanding cooperation on the Global Positioning System (GPS). Hence, the June 18 talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush in Washington established a global leadership. Entitled ‘The United States and India, Strong Global Partners’, this factsheet issued by the White House after the parleys said that building on common values and a mutual vision, the two leaders laid out eight major initiatives, including completion of the ‘Next Steps In Strategic Partnership’ (NSSP), an economic dialogue covering trade, finance, environment besides commerce and above all a dialogue on energy security. The revatilised economic dialogue will include a new CEO Forum — an advisory group comprising top US and Indian CEOs — to harness private sector energy and to provide guidance on deepening bilateral economic relationship. This bridge was wanting in the bilateral relationship since the Richard Nixon era in 1969-70s.

US lawmaker hails India as loyal friend Friday July 22, 2005,Washington: Terming the Indo-US relations as historic, an American lawmaker said they had benefited from their close and mutual friendship with India through trade and technological (Source : Hindustan Times advancements and cooperation in security matters. "India is the most populous democratic country in the world and historically a steadfast ally and a loyal friend of the US," Congressman Rahm Damnuel, a Democrat, said on Thursday introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives.

"We have benefited from our close and mutual friendship with India through trade and technological advancements and cooperation in security. I am pleased to recognise the growing friendship between the two nations," he said. The Democrat from Illinois said "this historic ties are exemplified by the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the United States."

"This important resolution recognises the benefits of our two nations working together towards our common goals of promoting peace, prosperity and freedom among all nations of the world," he said. "Indian-Americans have proved that America has been made stronger by their contributions to our cultural richness and diversity," the lawmaker said. As Finance Minister Singh had helped shape India's economic policies to permit the growth of free market leading to economic prosperity for many and creation of a large middle class.
"With this resolution, we recognise that we will be more successful with India as a partner in achieving our objectives to promote democracy, combat terror, pursue nuclear non-proliferation and strengthen the global economy."

Nagalim.NL News

07/23/2005: "Press Release Office of the N a g a H o h o"