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07/27/2005: "Delhi plans to discuss truce with Naga rebels"


Delhi plans to discuss truce with Naga rebels Dawn Internet
GUWAHATI, July 26: Indian negotiators and leaders of a powerful separatist group in remote northeast Nagaland are expected to hold fresh talks this week on extending a ceasefire aimed at ending nearly six decades of violence, according to a rebel leader.
“Talks are likely to take place on Friday in a (foreign) country whose name we cannot disclose at this moment,” Kraibo Chawang, a leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), told AFP.

“The two sides will discuss the issue of an extension of the ceasefire and nothing else at this moment,” Mr Chawang said by telephone from Dimapur in Nagaland. NSCN exiled leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah are expected to take part in the meeting with New Delhi’s chief peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah. The NSCN, one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India’s northeast, wants to create a Greater Nagaland out of Nagaland state by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal populations. More than 25,000 people have lost lives to insurgency in Nagaland since India’s independence in 1947.

NBCC appeals for extension of truce Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, July 26: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today appealed to the Centre and the NSCN (IM) to extend the ceasefire scheduled to expire on July 31. In a release, here NBCC peace affairs director Rev Kari Longchars said the NBCC supports settlement of the Indo-Naga political crisis through peaceful means since armed confrontation would only exacerbate the problem.
It urged all 'national groups' (underground outfits) to be reconciled and considerate to one another.
It said the churches in Nagaland have been praying and working for restoration of permanent peace.
The church body, however, pointed out that without achieving the right political solution, extension of ceasefire alone was a futile exercise. UNI

Naga peace talks in Amsterdam from July 29 NEW DELHI, JUL 27 (PTI) Outlook
A two-member official team will hold peace talks with major Naga outfit NSCN (I-M) on July 29 and July 30 in Amsterdam, the first since five months of protracted negotiations earlier this year failed to yield results. The team comprising Centre's interlocutor for Naga talks K Padmanabhaiah and Intelligence Bureau chief E S L Narasimhan would leave here tomorrow to carry out parleys with NSCN (I-M) president Isak Swu and General Secretary T Muivah along with Indian embassy officials in Amsterdam, informed sources said today. Muivah was here in India for five months since January this year for the first ever political level talks with a group of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes.
The NSCN (I-M) general secretary left for Amsterdam earlier this month as stalemate continued on the outfit's demand for reunification of Naga dominated areas beyond Nagaland border, an issue strongly opposed by Manipur and other North Eastern states.
"This was the first time since 1997 that the Naga leaders held talks at the political level to find a political solution," the sources said. Meanwhile, the Centre has also extended by one year from July the ceasefire between the security forces and NSCN (I-M). The ceasefire came into force in 1997. The five months of discussion here at the political level led to better understanding. It is not an easy problem and needs protracted negotiations. Even though the stalemate has continued, there have been better understanding between two sides, which can be described as a forward movement," the sources added.
Nagas' sensitiveness should be within the "limits of rationality": NPCC Chief
Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune
Kohima, 27 July, (NEPS): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has reiterated that the ongoing economic blockades on Manipur by the All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) as an "internal matter of Manipur" because it (blockades) happened as a result of that Government (Manipur)'s declaration of June 18 as State Holiday. In a statement issued here, NPCC President Hokheto Sumi said the Nagas of Nagaland joining the ongoing economic blockades by ANSAM would surely "create a bad impression on the minds of the other communities which, in the long the long run, will result in our making more enemies than friends."
"It is not that if the blockade continues our demand for integration would be met," Sumi said cautioning instead of creating "goodwill with other communities, we could very well find ourselves creating ill will amongst the different communities by our actions."
The NPCC President further pointed out they had no comment on the decision of the Manipur Government declaring June 18 as State Holiday as it was purely an "internal affair of the Government of Manipur." And therefore when the economic blockades were in Manipur, what was the logic about the destruction spree in Nagaland, he asked.
,br> He said, "If Nagas of Nagaland were to show their solidarity with their fellow Naga brethren of Manipur, it would be more than symbolic if volunteers could go to Manipur and join the Naga protestors there."
,br> Asking those Naga NGOs which represented several tribes of Nagaland not to have "double standards," Sumi asserted on the one hand, "they (Naga NGOs of Nagaland) say they are concerned about the difficulties and inconveniences that the people living in Imphal valley have to undergo because of the economic blockade, but on the other, they support the agitation here in Nagaland which is accentuating the plight of the people in Manipur." The people could see "through this crocodile-tears attitude and may not hold much regard for such organizations in future," the NPCC Chief explained. Describing unfortunate the more divisions cropped up on tribal lines as a fallout of the ongoing agitation as was evident from the non-participation of two major tribes of Nagaland in the proposed "Solidarity Rally" in Dimapur last week, the NPCC Chief said, "If we do not let political wisdom and foresight guide our actions or plans, it would appear that instead of integrating the Nagas, Nagas are on the verge of being disintegrated."
Pointing out that Nagas should not be swayed away by "emotions since emotions tend to blind," Sumi averred their sensitiveness should be within the "limits of rationality."
"We should never be insensitive nor should we be over sensitive to political or administrative issues," the Nagaland Congress Chief said. "A common aspiration of the Naga people is to live in peace---with themselves and (also) with all neighboring communities--- and no individuals or organizations should deviate from this aspirations or try to insult anybody's intellect."
Stating that the NPCC was a political organization of the State of Nagaland, hence it would speak for the people of Nagaland only and could not speak on behalf of any other people, Sumi stressed that the welfare of the people of Nagaland was the "prior most concern of the NPCC and as a mature political party, it considers the repercussion, ramifications and implications of its words and actions.

Commentary reations: Marksman :Who started all this? When did the Meeteis disregard the sentiments of the Nagas? You aholes started it all with your smelly aes. Stinks big time...
Spiderman :HI........My dear friends, The Origin of the Present situation in Manipur is derived from the cease-fire area extension to Manipur beyond Nagaland, agreement between the Nscn Muivah group and India govt. If the cease fire area extension is not there, then the June 18, uprising in Manipur might have not happened. And, todays nagaland naga’s demand to Manipur people will not have also occurred that is, revocation of state holiday”, integrity day, black days etc. So, we, the people of Manipur, particularly, ANSAM need to understand & analysis the origin of the present situation very minutely for solving Manipur’s problem very easiest way.
We are the people of Manipur, we want to live peacefully in Manipur or anywhere in the world. Manipur is being a place of facing many problem, when anybody from nagaland would like to demand anything from their nagaland govt or Indian government. They do economic blockade or any kind of terror forces on the National Highway of Manipur disturbing Manipuris people’s daily life by taking advantage of National Highways route, and using the word “democratic form of agitation”. They do not count “disturbance on the National HighWays”, “damage of many vehicles which loaded & brought many things (goods) for Manipuri people lives, “burning of many Govt. Office building, departments etc”. Actually they are the social criminal who is damaging, disturbing to people lives. So, I suggest to Manipur Armed forces, “plz kill them quickly on the National Highways in a fake encounter, because they are social virus”. Brainless people do many things without second thought with creating many problems in his/her social daily life. So, if we can kill Nscn leader Muivah then, we can take 75% our problem is solved. Now we have clearly seen that nscn-im is standing behind the scenery of the Manipur situation by destroying Irang bridge. So, at present NSCN IM is nothing to Naga History but a Social destroyer of Naga History. Here, I suggested the Manipur Government – Don’t Revoke your final decision “State holiday on the day of State Integrity Day”. Hello, Mr, Ibobi “You are not yesterday of Child”, So, you need not to go out from Manipur for ending the Naga Economic Blockade that supported, insisted by Nagaland Govt and Nagaland NGOs that run under NSCN-IM openly. Mr. Ibobi, You have been seen many kinds of strong protest in Manipur in the past 2 decades by Manipuri people that calm down automatically day by day as there is no food while participating it. Don’t change your mind to cancellation the State holiday.
Vivid :We want to live in harmony with everyone, but we will defend ourselves when our rights are trempled by any community or individuals. Our grieveance in this particular case is a blatend disregard of Naga community by the Chief Minister of Manipur and his cabinet. Mr. Sumi should not put his political aspiration ahead of Naga interest in speaking out as an opposition member of Nagaland assembly. We take care of ourselves and our brethrens before we can care for the other comminities. Self defense has never been a crime. When Meiteis attacked our identities and our interest, we must and will respond. Mr. Sumi, if your tribe has a grievance against NSCN-IM, as indicated by the reason your people cited for not going along with Naga solidarity rally and blocades, you should settle your issues with them, just don't sabotage Naga interest to draw attention to yourself. Mr. Sumi, you may resign from your position now.
Just a common man :In what the President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress said is just a reiteration of the Jamir's legacy. There was never a time was he committted to the cause of the Nagas. And in what Mr. Sumi said has come as nothing surprising to the general public who are committed to the Naga cause. Who brought divisions in the Naga ancestorial homeland-it was the Congress party led by its charismatic leader Jawaharlal Nehru. People like Sumi, Jamir and more spinned out multi million dollars out of the divided house, and they would like the Naga house remain divided. Mr. Sumi should understand that the Nagas in general are not ill informed as he would want them to be. They know exactly that the June 18 declaration as a state holiday by the Ibobi led government is a direct attack on the Naga identity and their history. Never forget that eight years ago when cease fire was declared between India and Nagas, it was without territorial limit but was revoked by the Indian government when the meeteis felt threatened. However, Mr. Sumi is right, he is not and he cannot speak for the Nagas in general. No, he doesn't have the moral right to be doing that when he is but the reason for the division itself, and yes, living in palaces by looting Nagas. Mr. Sumi should stop pretending to be a moralist, we know exactly what your kinds are. Remember, there will come a day when you will have to face justice. KUKNALIM

NSCN(IM), GOI to hold talks in Amsterdam The Imphal Free Press

Dimapur, Jul 26: A two-day meeting between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) will be held at Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on July 29 and 30. The meeting is expected to deliberate on extension of the ongoing ceasefire between the two parties, which will expire on July 31. NSCN (IM) home kilonser (minister), RH Raising, said the NSCN (IM) would be led by its chairman Isak Chishi Swu, general secretary Th. Muivah and other senior leaders of the group. It was learnt from RH.Raising that Union minister Oscar Fernandes would lead the Indian delegation for the meeting.

“The meeting is expected to discuss the ceasefire issue,” the NSCN (IM) kilonser said. This will be first meeting between the two sides after Muivah’s departure from India in June. Muivah had come to India in December 2004 and during his six-month stay in the country he held a string of talks with Indian representatives. Meanwhile, an executive meeting of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today decided to come out with a booklet on the activities, especially the failure of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government. Disclosing this, NPCC president, Hokheto Sumi, indicated that the booklet would be released before the forthcoming Assembly session scheduled for August 18.
“The booklet is aimed at exposing the failures of the present government on various issues,” he said but stopped short of divulging details. Hokheto, however, hinted that the booklet would figure issues such as the Rs.365 crore one-time grants to the state, bogus appointments and short supply of textbooks to students, scam in the Nagaland Public Service Commission, anomalies in the Nagaland University and fake NBSE certificate racket case etc.
India to begin peace talks with Naga rebels this week Guwahati, July 26, IRNA India-Naga-Peace
Indian negotiators and tribal separatist leaders are expected to hold fresh talks abroad this week to discuss extension of a ceasefire aimed at ending nearly six decades of violence, a rebel leader said on Tuesday.
"Talks are likely to take place Friday in a third country although we cannot disclose the name of the country or the city at this moment," Kraibo Chawang, Leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), told IRNA. "The talks will cover the issue of extension of the ceasefire," Chawang said over telephone from Dimapur. NSCN leaders, Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, are expected to take part in the meeting with New Delhi's chief peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah. The meeting assumes significance with the peace talks running into rough weather over the rebel group's demand for redrawing the map of the Northeast and the term of the ongoing ceasefire expiring July 31.
The NSCN is engaged in peace talks after entering into a ceasefire with New Delhi in August 1997. There have been at least 40 rounds of negotiations since the ceasefire began. The talks were deadlocked with the Indian government virtually turning down the rebel group's demand for redrawing the map of the northeast. The NSCN, the oldest and the most powerful of around 30 rebel armies in India's northeast, wants the creation of a "Greater Nagaland" by slicing off parts of neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh that has sizeable Naga tribal populations. The three regional governments of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN demand for unification of Naga dominated areas.
"We cannot predict whether or not the ceasefire will be extended. It all depends on the attitude of the Indian government," Chawang said. "There is simply no point in extending the truce if the government is not sincere on its commitment and assurances to solve the problem permanently."
Both Swu and Muivah live in self-imposed exile and have been operating out of some South Asian cities for the past 38-years. They shuttle between cities like Bangkok, Amsterdam, and Manila. Nagaland, where more than 25,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency since India's independence from Britain in 1947, is a majority Christian state of two million people.
Rishang a political chameleon: Nipamacha The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 26: Making clear its opposition to any move to revoke the declaration of June 18 as a state holiday, the state unit of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, RJD, has demanded that chief minister Ibobi Singh should resign his seat if he compromises on this issue. Addressing a press conference at their Babupara office, RJD state president W Nipamacha supported the declaration of June 18 as State Integrity Day, and said revoking the declaration now would be a shameless and cowardly step. If chief minister Ibobi does so, he would have no option but to resign not only from chief ministership, but also from his Assembly seat, Nipamacha said. Taking the stance that the ANSAM’s blockade was illegal, Nipamacha said the state government should take the help of the Central government and the Army to keep the highways safe. Speculating that the lack of action on the side of the Central government in the matter was due to the fact that law and order was a state subject, Nipamacha contended that the state government has not pressed the Centre hard enough on the matter.

Calling for a long-term plan for the proper development of the NH-53, Nipamacha said steps should be taken to introduce regular bus services on the Imphal-Silchar-Agartala-Dhaka route. On the destruction of the Irang bridge, Nipamacha maintained that it was due to the negligence of the O Ibobi ministry. The former chief minister also came down hard on Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing, accusing him of being an opportunistic politician. While in Delhi, he sings of ‘Hamara Bharat’, in Imphal, he speaks of communal harmony and in the hill districts, he calls for Naga integration, Nipamacha said of his predecessor. The party’s lone MLA S Natum said it was the responsibility of the SPF government to assuage the suffering of the 24 or 25 lakh people of Manipur owing to the economic blockade, and called for bringing a prompt solution to the current imbroglio.

Criticising MPs Rishang Keishing and Mani Charenamei on their stance on Naga integration, Natum reminded that Rishang was elected the Rajya Sabha with the support of all the SPF legislators, not just those belonging to the Naga community. Mani Charenamei too represents not just the Naga community alone, but also other communities forming part of the Outer Manipur constituency, he pointed out, and further reminded that the MPs had sworn oaths to look after the welfare of all communities. Party vice-president Chengsei Haokip, also criticising the two MPs, said if they wanted to go their own way without regard to the wishes of other communities, they should leave Manipur.

Dr Meinya raises blockade issue in Lok Sabha The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 26: The Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Th. Meinya, raised the ongoing economic blockade imposed in the state by the All Naga Students Association, Manipur, ANSAM in Parliament today, urging the central governemnt to extend all possible assistance to the state government in its efforts to resolve the blockade. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha today, Dr Meinya pointed out that the economic blockade imposed on the two lifelines of the state had seriously affected Manipur’s economy, according to official sources. Dr. Meinya observed that a month-long blockade had been imposed in the state since June 21, and told the House that during this period, the suffering of the people of the state has known no bounds, and it is worse for the people living in the hill districts.

Essential commodities are not available, and even if they are, their prices have rocketed sky-high, Dr. Meinya said, citing that rice is sold at above Rs. 60 a kilogram, a litre of petrol at Rs. 100 while a gas cylinder costs more than Rs. 700. He also informed the House of the destruction of the Irang bridge on NH-53 by blockade supporters. Asserting that enough is enough, the Manipur MP said the blockade still continues as the government’s offer of dialogue was rejected. The situation cannot be allowed to continue further, and the people of Manipur should not be subjected to this kind of treatment, Dr. Meinya maintained. Taking into account the present situation and the problems being faced by the state, Dr. Meinya urged upon the Union government to step in and intervene immediately to help the state government resolve the statemate by providing full protection to the two national highways which are even otherwise required to be protected under any circumstances.
Intervention by Centre sought to end Manipur blockade Assam Tribune From Our Staff Correspondent
NEW DELHI, July 26 – MPs belonging to the north-eastern region today called for Central intervention in Manipur to break the economic blockade. Moving a Zero Hour notice, MPs belonging to the Congress party and BJP drew the attention of the Central Government to the plight of the people in Manipur, which is reeling under spiralling rise in prices of essential commodities. Dr T Meinya of Manipur said that the economic blockade has made the people of the state desperate. Cost of 1 kg of rice has gone up to Rs 60 and that of an LPG cylinder up to Rs 700. Tapir Gaon of Arunachal Pradesh said the Centre should identify the root cause of the problem and try to end the blockade of the two national highways.
UCM holds out stir threat if June 18 holiday is revoked The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jul 26: The United Committee Manipur has once again reaffirmed that it will not allow the revocation of June 18 as a state holiday on any condition. A meeting in this regard was held today with leaders of various social organisations of the state which has unanimously agreed to go ahead with a forceful agitation if it is revoked. In a press conference this evening, UCM spokesperson Yumnamcha Dilipkumar stated that the mass uprising of June 18 was a movement of the people of the state cutting across various community lines to defend the territorial integrity of the state. He further reiterated that the people would launch a movement for the secession of Manipur from India if any attempt to disintegrate the state is made. He maintained the political motive behind the present economic blockade is just another sinister design propagated by the NSCN(IM) since its talks with India were not making progress. He charged that through its frontal organisations, be it ANSAM, UNC or Naga Hoho, the NSCN(IM) is bent of creating an ethnic demarcation, and to bring about communal riots to achieve its goals. Coming down heavily on the sabotaging of the Irang bridge on NH-53, he said the act itself is an act of terrorism, and not an act of a student body or any responsible organisation.

All those responsible for such an act of terrorism must be booked, he maintained, while deploring the state government’s failure to react over the matter. The UCM further lambasted MPs Mani Charenamei and Rishang Keishing as ‘double-standard’ leaders, charging that the elected MPs are trying to divide the people on communal lines by portraying themselves as leaders of Naga people alone, forgetting the other communities.Charenamei’s dubbing of June 18 as Black Day was also roundly condemned. While expressing its expectation that an amicable solution would be effected, the UCM at the same time warned of an untoward outcome if the June 18 holiday is revoked, for which the state and Central governments would be held responsible. Revocation would amount to disintegration of the state, he said. The spokesman alsos tated that the Central government must take immediate steps to develop the NH-53 for safe passage of vehicles, while the Imphal-Moreh route should be provided with adequate security for import of essential commodities. On the other hand, the state government must take it up with the directorate general of foreign trade to open more trading facilities so as to facilitate procurement of essential commodities from Myanmar. The spokesman went on to say that to safeguard the identity and territorial integrity of the state, awareness meetings will be carried out at different places by the UCM. A meeting would also be held on July 28 at the MDU hall in this regard, he informed.

Fresh Naga talks from Friday Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA/NEW DELHI, July 26: In a move that could exacerbate the crisis in Manipur, the NSCN (I-M) decided to lay more stress on a people’s movement to achieve its goal even as it prepared for talks on July 29 and 30 with the Centre on the extension of the ceasefire that expires on July 31. NSCN (I-M) kilo kilonser (home minister) R. Raising said the outfit is “committed” to a negotiated settlement and would encourage a peaceful movement for the fulfilment of its demand. He was ostensibly referring to the economic blockade of Manipur, enforced by the All Naga Students Association of Manipur and the Naga Students Federation.

“Even the Naga Hoho has joined in their demand and it is the people’s voice,” he said. The outfit will now mobilise people’s support in Naga areas to press for its demand of “unification”. The economic blockade, which initially started to protest the Manipur government’s order declaring June 18 as the “state integrity day”, has now snowballed into a fight for integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. Raising, however, appeared confident about the outfit’s talks with the Centre. The eight-year-old ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) will “positively” be extended on July 30, Raising said. Isak Chishi Swu, the outfit’s chairman who is in the Philippines, will join its general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah in Amsterdam. The Centre will continue to be represented by interlocutor and former home secretary K. Padmanabhaiah and other home ministry officials. The top brass of the NSCN (I-M) is expected to be present in the Dutch capital for the parleys, which will be the first after general secretary of the outfit, Thuingaleng Muivah, left New Delhi on July 4.

Sources also did not rule out the possibility of Union minister of statistics and programme implementation Oscar Fernendez joining the discussions. In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, minister of state for home S. Reghupathy said the parleys held between February and May with the Naga leaders were “inconclusive” and that “it will not be in public interest to disclose outcome of dialogue at this stage.”
Lotha students warns government Kuknalim.com
WOKHA, July 26: In pursuance of its demand and subsequent memorandum to the state government on June 14 last wherein the Lotha Students’ Union has urged for initiation to construct Wokha-Merapani road and also supply of power to Wokha district from DHEP, the union once again in letter to the state government cautioned that it would not remain a mute spectator to the ‘anti-welfare machinations of the government”.
In a letter to the Chief Minister the Lotha students said NEC Wokha-Merapani NEC is the only economic lifeline of the Lothas, which has connected the ADC office and 7, NAP HQ at Bhandari town and above all Doyang Hydel Project is located in that road. However said due to the negligence by the government the people have been facing untold suffering because of pathetic road condition. And thereforethe LSU has urged the government to immediately accord inter-state national highway status to Wokha-Merepani-Furkating road under Bharat Nirman Scheme and immediate commencement of the road construction and that endorsed the demand of LMRSU for providing power supply to Wokha district from DHEP at subsidized rate besides restoration of the collapsed towers, Doyang-Wokha transmission. The union while urging the state government to fulfill their demands at the earliest set a 30 days dateline from the issue of the letter and failure by the government would invite immediate repercussion and for which state would be responsible.
Hepatitis-C new threat to Nagaland The Telegraph OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, July 26: AIDS is not the only threat for intravenous drug users in Nagaland. A survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research in the state capital revealed that Hepatitis-C might soon take over as the bigger killer. Eleven cases of Hepatitis-C have been reported by the council following the survey. Of the 28 blood samples collected by the medical council, 11 tested Hepatitis-C positive while only one had the HIV virus. All the respondents of the survey had contracted the disease through infected needles. The highly-contagious disease can be transmitted to a baby from an infected mother, through contaminated food and water and even by sharing daily articles like razors or toothbrushes of an infected patient. Vaccine for Hepatitis-C is still beyond the reach of the common man. Even the pathological tests required for detecting the disease are expensive. “It is alarming,” said Kumuni Kathipri, project director of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society. The threat has spilled over into Manipur and Mizoram, forcing the National AIDS Control Organisation to take notice.
Govt step for Tobu solution demanded Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, July 26 – Former Nagaland Minister and Opposition Congress MLA H Chuba Chang asserted that the present Konyak-Chang imbroglio in Tobu would only be resolved if the State Government’s notification, 1986 was implemented in letter and spirit. Talking to NEPS here, the former minister said as per the State Government notification in 1986, the Tobu subdivision along with 13 villages from Tuensang district had to be transferred to Mon district. But this was never implemented by the Government and this was the main reason why so many unfortunate incidents took place from time to time, said the former minister. The villages from Tuensang to be transferred along with Tobu subdivision to Mon district as per the State Government notification, 1986 were Shamnyu, Tamkong, Ukha, Yakshu, Yonghong, Kenchangshu, Chungnyu, Yei, Manyakshu, Changlangshu, Pessao, Yangkhao and Shingnyu. The notification, however, stated that the “present subdivision hqs at Tobu shall continue to be the temporary hqs until a suitable site for Tobu subdivision hqs is selected in Mon district.”
The Congress MLA however disclosed that the Government had assured the Tuensang people when its official team had last visited in the wake of the recent unfortunate Tobu incident that they would implement the Government notification of 1986. And the Chang Tribal Council had organized a meeting in Tuensang village on July 8 last following the assurance given by the State Government officials during its visit in Tobu. Asked about the Self Defence Force of the Change people which was responsible for the recent grisly incident in Tobu, Chuba Chang said the group came into existence when Tawang Konyak was Tuensang DC who is now Wokha DC. “I had even cautioned to various leaders of DAN Ministers including Noke that some people might float armed group to create problem in Tobu and even I would not be surprised if the then Tuensang DC (Tawang Konyak) was aware of it,” the Congress leader from Tuensang district pointed out.
ULFA talks offer received: Centre Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, July 26 – The Centre today announced in Lok Sabha that it had received appeals for peace talks from United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) which indicate willingness of the insurgent outfit to hold a dialogue without pre-conditions, reports PTI. This was announced by Minister of State for Home S Reghupathy in reply to a question raised by some MPs including Vijay Kumar Malhotra of BJP. The Government has received appeals for peace talks from ULFA and these reflect willingness of the ULFA to hold talks with the Government without any pre-conditions and also specifically referred to their ‘core demand’ of sovereignty, Reghupathy said.

Bridge opened, 90 trucks cross over Sangai express By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 26 : Capping off a stupendous effort by the 25 BRTF ably assisted by the State PWD with security cover provided round the clock, the dismantled Irang bridge was finally opened to traffic today morning and as late 7.30 pm today, over 90 goods laden trucks have crossed the bridge.
The 25 BRTF was entrusted with the mission of restoring the damaged bridge during a meeting convened by the Chief Minister on July 21, said PIB Defence Wing in a statement today.
Direction was also issued to PWD and Security Force authorities to assist 25 BRTF in the restoration work. The 25 BRTF then started mobilisation of resources in terms of bailey bridge equipment parts and man power for construction of bridge. The parts for the bailey bridge were loaded on eight trucks at Imphal to be transported to the site of the bridge, said the statement. At the Jiribam side the parts were loaded on 13 trucks and sent for the restoration work. Unloading the spare parts was finalised only on July 23, added the statement. On the problems faced during the restoration work, PIB, quoting BRTF said that the main hurdle was to shift the store and manpower from the Imphal side to Barak side for which 53 Engineering Regiment mobilized their manpower and machinery (Captive ferry boat) and stores were accordingly shifted. Giving the day to the day account, BRTF said that on 23 Jul, MA Raza, Commander 25 BRTF alongwith Col (Wks) (P) Sewak personally rushed to the Bridge site for monitoring the works of restoration of the bridge. On 24 Jul Brig S Narasimhan, Chief Enginer (P) Sewak himself arrived at the bridge site to supervise the work personally.
The 140 feet triple single bridge on River Irang was finally constructed and launched today at 10 am and traffic started plying at 10.50 am. Security escorts also crossed the bridge to transport the goods laden trucks upto Imphal said the statement. Irang bridge was dismantled by supporters of ANSAM in the wee hours of June 20, one day after 230 empty trucks crossed the ferry goods from Jribam.

Nipamacha eyes CM's integrity Sangai express

IMPHAL, Jul 26 : Character and integrity of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh will be known on the basis of his decision following the pressure exerted by ANSAM to revoke the June 18 declaration, said president of State unit’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) W Nipamacha Singh. Interacting with media-persons at the Babupara office premise of RJD today, the former Chief Minister asserted that O Ibobi should take moral responsibility for putting the people under duress adding that in case the CM retracts from his earlier decision, he shouild resign. Also expressing strong objection to ANSAM dictating terms of talks venue and asking to CM to negotiate with ANSAM only at the State capital, nipamacha demanded that every effort should be made to ensure adequate availability of food-stock.
Recalling documented history of Manipur’s existence and undisputable boundary demarcation since merger with India in 1949 Nipamacha asserted that for the sake of Naga integration Manipur’s territorial should not be compromised. It would be more appropriate if person/s advocating naga Integration cause settle in Nagaland like patriotic zeal exhibited by Indian-born Pakistani President pervez Musharraf for the people of pakistan and LK Advani committed to India’s cause despite being born in Pakistan soil, explained Nipamacha. coming down heavily on Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing the former CM said political experiences gained by Rishang Keishing are being fully utilised today by humming “Hamara Bharat” at Delhi, playing ‘hill-valley brotherhood’ tune at imphal and relying on ‘Naga Integration’ chorus in the hill districts. reacting to MP Mani Charenamei’s conduct W Nipamacha reminded the Naga leader that substantial kuki and voters of valley areas had contributed in showing the parliament door to the MP. RJD MLA S Natum, vice president Chungsei haokip and general secretary Ngursanglur, who also shared their views during the press briefing strongly advocated upholding unity of manipur at any cost and called upon politicians to divert their energy in developmental matter.

Thoubal body resolves to file PIL against ANSAM Sangai express By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 26 : Amid several bodies making fervent appeal to ANSAM to lift the ongoing economic blockade United Development Assn, Khangabok (Thoubal) district stated that it will file a public interest litigation (PIL) against the student body. Contending that the ANSAM agitation is violation of Right to Life and un- dermining the Supreme court verdict to honour the constitutional right, the Khangabok body informing of necessary process to file the PIL in Imphal branch of the Gauhati High Court also questioned rationale of dictating terms to Govt of Manipur on talks venue.
Kuki Students’ Organisation highlighting impact of the current blockade up-on the common people ass- erted that it has been ‘compelled’ to appeal to AN- SAM to withdraw the agitation on humanitarian grou- nd. A KSO statement observed that declaration of June 18 as State Holiday had been hurriedly done by the Govt thereby causing alienation and mistrust amongst communities settled in multi-ethnic Manipur. Contending that no particular community could claim as protector of Mani-pur’s integrity the student organisation desired that contribution of all the communities inhabiting in the State should have been reflected in the declaration.
It also reminded that after annexation of Manipur by the british the Kukis waged war for three year (1917-19) to retain control of hill areas of manipur with heavy casualties on either side. Highlighting such conditions in social structure of the State the KSO reiterated its compulsion in appealing to ANSAM to lift the blockade in the interest of all th communities living in manipur.
On the other hand, sharing its views on the prevailing situation arising out of the current ANSAM agitation, Meetei national Front pointed out that mere appeal to the Naga student body without understanding the core issue would be akin to ignoring sentiment of the Naga community.
Besides interpreting ANSAM’s demand as reflection of naga people’s concept of prolonged suppression MNF suggested that rather than attempt to subdue aspiration of the Nagas time has come for the majority Meeteis to exhibit maturity and sacrificial spirit. Calling upon all concerned to exercise maximum restrain and refrain from emotional outburst which could complicate the situation, MNF expressed that display of unity among the Meetei organisations is more crucial to win confidence of the hill people. Mere lip service and patriotic zeal conveyed through the media would lead to nowhere as ground reality prevalent in the Manipuri society today epitomises yawning differences in action and agenda, MNF lamented. Appreciating positive response from ANSAM to hold talks, the body desired that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh consult organisations concerned to arrive at a definite conclusion on final decision of the majority community so that negotiations end on positive note. equal responsibility should be shouldered by elders/leaders of valley and hill areas so that the present impasse do not become fodder for divisive forces to strain age-old relationships among the people, MNF added. Other bodies joining the lift-blockade chorus highlighting inconveniences faced by the general public and at the same time cautioning the Government against revoking the june 18 declaration are All Manipur Farmers’ Development Association (Sanjenthong), All Manipur Unemployed Organisation (Babupara), Nongpok Ningthou-Panthoibi Development Committee (Keirao Bitra), Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Hojai, Assam), Apunba Meira Paibee Lup (Nagaon district) and Tentha Youth Development Organisation. All manipur Tammi- Chingmi Apunba nupi lup referring to incidents of violent agitations during the ANSAM agitation questioned alleged leniency and failure by the Govt to arrest even a single agitator till date unlike previous occasions where security personnel use brute force in launching crackdown upon agitation sponsors.

Captive Manipur By Lt. Col. H. Bhuban Singh (Retd) Sangai Express
Manipur has been held captive like a caged bird for the last more than thirty days by economic blockade. This kind of thing has never happened in the worst of situation like last year’s mud slide at Tadubi. The present situation is man-made and therefore could have been handled and can still be handled. The genesis of the problem is not declaration of 18 June as holiday, as is made to appear. The real problem is dismemberment of Manipur, with NSCN (IM) as the fountainhead of this cult. NSCN(IM)’s grandiose plan is the creation of a Great Nagalim, perhaps in the footsteps of Great Britain. For some obvious reasons, NSCN (IM) could not touch Assam, where they got a bloody nose, when they tried to expand their influence and also Arunachal Pradesh. But in Manipur, their noise level is higher because of some domestic sympathisers, due to Muivah having been originated from Manipur.
NSCN(IM) and their sympathisers say that no one can stop the building-up of a Naga nation. This itself implies that NSCN (IM) is hying to manufacture a Naga nation. We are not aware of any fact of history where a nation can be manufacture from a conglomerate of different and diverse peoples, unless they are bound by a unifying force. From example, the young American nation, just a little more than two hundred years now, was built up on the edifice of English speaking peoples of Britain. The absorption of German speaking but wealthy people near lake Chicago, or the absorption of Spanish speaking poorer people in the south in the Mexican border, or the absorption of scattered Jewish migrant people are all based on the mother nation of English speaking people.
NSCN(lM) was a proscribed insurgent outfit, now elevated to a status of equality by Government of India (GOI). The logo of GPRN (Government of People’s Republic of Nagaland) carries words like 'Nagaland for Christ' which is unacceptable to a secular India. Protracted talks of nearly eight years now have exhausted them. They want to force a decision on GOI. That is why they had extracted signatures for merger of some districts of Manipur into Nagaland from tribal MPs and MLAs of Manipur. They want a slightly bigger Nagalim now, on the one-in hand is better than two-in the bush outlook. This way, they have demonstrated the power of calling the shots. They arc likely to continue with the process of insurgency again, after some years of peace long after Muivah died just as they are continuing with rebellion after Phizo.
The moot question now is who is going to save Manipur? Can the venerable and loving Meira Paibis save Manipur? Definitely, not. Can our social organisation like Senior Citizens Association or AMUCO etc. save us? Likely not, as they are pressure groups only. What about the different home made insurgent groups? Well, they are busy in their own affairs, while the kind of Manipur they want to liberate is on the brink of disappearing from the map. What about our Chief Minister? Yes, he can do it by pressing the right button in the corridors of power in Delhi. But Chief Minister lbobi Singh is only a good and harmless fellow and nothing more. So when both the clay and the potter are not good, you cannot produce anything good. So Manipur has to drift. The only person or persons who can save Manipur from the designs of NSCN(IM) are the Prime Minister, or to a lesser extent, the Home Minister. But they are needed to be convinced and provided with inputs. Any wrong move by them will prove fatal to Manipur like the extension of ceasefire without territorial limits. The most tangible inputs for Prime Minister Office (PMO) are provided by his man-Friday in Imphal, who is none other than the Governor of Manipur. We all know that the Governor sends his reports regularly. But our Chief Minister has to tell the specifics on one-to-one networking with his counterparts. As far as economic blockaders are concerned, the Chief Minister can deal with them with the laws of the land available to him. At the moment, Public Relations (PR) activity of NSCN(IM) seems to exceed far more than the activities of Government of Manipur. The Chief Minister must lead a team and meet all political beings who matter in the capital, and step up his PR activity, to counter NSCN (IM) propaganda and make our national leaders know the real intent of NSCN(IM).

NH-53 test Sangai Express article
The need for a second lifeline has been felt for long for the simple fact that a land locked State like Manipur cannot afford to have only one lifeline connecting it to the rest of the country and by extension the world. The decision of the SPF Government to open NH-53 is just the starting point and the real test will now begin. The Government has already experienced the first test by fire when the Irang bridge was dismantled by blockade supporters one day after over 200 empty trucks left Imphal for Jiribam to transport goods and the lesson from this incident should not be lost on the State Government. For one it shows that the Government still has a long way to go to plug the loopholes and try to ensure at least a modicum of security along this route. We agree that fool proof security will not be possible but the manner in which the Irang bridge was dismantled so easily should be an eye opener to the Government. Our humble suggestion is deploy the three IRB battalions along this route to provide the needed security. The services of the CRPF may be used to cover vital installations along this route while the IRB Bns may be deployed at different points along the highway, especially at the vulnerable points. The services of the Assam Rifles may be roped in according to the need of the time, but it would be better off to place the responsibility of providing security cover along this route to the IRB than on the Assam Rifles personnel. It is best to leave the latter to counter insurgency operations and not tie them down with routine work such as providing security cover along the highway. The political leaders of the State too must look elsewhere for their security escorts and not keep the IRB men shackled to be part of their convoy whenever they want to tour some places or go to some far off places to lay a foundation stone or two.
Other than providing the State with a second lifeline, opening NH-53 will mean ushering in development and earning avenues to a number of local people along this route, especially to the people of Tamenglong district. As we understand it, one of the keys to usher in development in Tamenglong is to develop NH-53. Communication is the pass word for development and once this highway becomes active with vehicular movements, it will give a boost to trade and commerce other than providing self employment opportunities to a number of people along this highway. Hotels will come up to feed the hungry passengers and drivers and people can set up shops along this route. The door will also be opened to the people of Tamenglong to allow their products reach a bigger market once vehicles start to ply this route in a big way. In other words Tamenglong will get the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the State and shake off its dubious distinction of being the least developed district in the State. At this point of time, what is really needed is firm political will and not merely tough talks. We would even go to the extent of suggesting that Chief Minister O Ibobi ought to go and camp at Tamenglong and Jiribam to personally see the repair work of the highway at least once in a fortnight rather merely mouth the inputs he receive from the officials on the ground.
Manipur hit by acute shortage of life saving drugs NET News Network
Guwahati, July 26: There seems to be no end to the woes of Manipur since the beginning of ANSAM sponsored economic blockade in NH 39 on June 22 last. The latest addition is acute shortage of life saving drugs in the state. Several pharmaceutical companies had to rollback their medicine consignments from the transit after the vehicles loaded with medicines were stranded following the economic blockade. The pharmaceutical companies are yet to decide on the supply of the medicines through airways, as the cargo charges of medicine in airways is quite high in comparison to the fright charges of roadways. The Associated Manipur Chamber of Commerce (AMCC) has appealed to the authorities of Jet Airways and Indian Airlines at Kolkata to airlift the medicines. It has also expressed grave concern at the shortage of life saving drugs in Manipur. General secretary of AMCC, Vijay Patni lamented that though many medicine consignments were booked at Kolkata and Guwahati for Manipur through air cargo, they were not lifted due to want of space.
President of Assam Chamber of Interstate carrier, R.S.Tiwari told that transport operation in Manipur has come to standstill," We will not resume the services unless the roads are cleared as we cannot jeopardise the safety of the vehicle and the drivers". The month long economic blockade of National highway (NH)- 39, which connects Manipur with rest of the country has resulted in the loss of nearly Rs 10 Crore for the pharmaceutical companies and the transport sector. While the pharmaceutical companies had to suffer a loss of Rs 6 Crore, the transport sector incurred the loss of Rs 4 Crore in the month of June alone.
India to counter Burmese rebels in NE NET News Network
Guwahati, July 26: The Indian Army will launch operations against Myanmarese rebels operating in the states of Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. The outfits which are mainly active are the Karen National Army, Chin State Army, Chin National Union, Karen Democratic Freedom Fighters, and some rebels of the Arakan Liberation Movement. The Indian government has decided to act against the rebels in a gesture of goodwill towards the Burmese military junta, which has moved against North East insurgents in its territory, destroying twelve camps and killing eighty-two of them in the last two months. Myanmar general Maung Aye spoke to defence minister Pranab Mukherjee and external affairs minister Natwar Singh about curbing Burmese rebel activities emanating from the Indian side.
The Indian Army has estimated that the total rebels crossing over could be between 150 to 200, but more than 2,000 rebels are operating from Myanmar’s Chin state bordering India. The army says that Burmese rebels cross over to India when chased by the Myanmar army, and since they move with civilians within Myanmar territory, it is difficult to fire on them, but their entry into the Indian side could be checked. But the army says it has information that fifty-sixty Burmese cross over as part of their smuggling activity, and they would be restricted. The Indian army will also cooperate with any special anti-insurgent action of the Myanmar army against Burmese rebels.
Bush looks forward to visiting India in 2006 Wednesday July 27, 2005,Washington: US President George W Bush is looking forward to his proposed visit to India in 2006, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan has said. "I know the President looks forward to visiting India next year," he said in Washington on Tuesday.

"The President meets with world leaders on a frequent basis and has opportunities to visit individually with world leaders at various summits or forums that are going on. So he looks forward to being there next year, as well," McClellan said.
Referring to recent visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington, McClellan said "certainly he had a very good visit with Prime Minister Singh." (Source : Press Trust of India
India and Burma have a centuries-old historical connection. The two nations have enjoyed mutual contacts and ties in the realm of religion, culture, trade, commerce, law, political philosophy and togetherness in their struggle for Independence from colonial rule. Indian influence has been felt in Burma since ancient times. Hinduism and Buddhism came to Burma from India by the seventh century. Burma received the foundation of its legal system from India. Both countries came under British colonial rule and Burmese leaders were associated with Indian leaders during the struggle for national independence.

Strengthening Peoples to Peoples Relationship: Burma and India Mizima press
Burma's first generation growing up under colonial rule received its higher education at Calcutta University. Pandit Nehru and Burma's independence hero Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi, were "brothers-in-arms" in their fight against colonialism. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose based his Azad Hind Fauj in Burma during World War II. On his way to London to conclude the Aung San-Attlee Agreement for Burma's independence from the British, Aung San stopped over in Delhi to confer with Nehru who gave a coat to Aung San so that he could shield himself from Europe's harsh winter. Wearing that coat, Aung San became Burma's national symbol. On the eve of the independence of India and Burma, the two countries grew closer. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of the Constitutional Assembly of India, declared at a meeting of Rangoon citizens on 5th January 1948, "Free Burma could always count on India's assistance and services whenever she needed them".

Independent India lent its constitutional expert Sir BN Rau to Burma when Burma's post-independent future was being drawn up. India offered asylum to U Nu, the first and last democratically elected Prime Minister of independent Burma after he was overthrown by a military coup, led by General Ne Win, in 1962. When a nationwide pro-democracy uprising broke out in 1988, India under Rajiv Gandhi supported the Burmese democracy movement. The two countries have not once reached a point of diplomatic stand off or conflict since independence. However, the friendship and good relationship between state to state and the government to government do not mean to benefit the common people of both countries. In many cases, amidst the growing state to state relationship between the countries, the aspirations of the peoples for freedom, democracy, human rights and right to self-determination happens to be neglected. The present stage of India-Burma relations is a case to point out. India was the first nation to extend active support to the pro-democracy movement in Burma. India internationally also condemned the authoritarian military regime when it refused to hand over power to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party National League for Democracy in the 1990 general elections. In 1993, the Indian government honoured Suu Kyi with a high civilian award, the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding. However, since the late 1990s, Indian government has avoided any critical and controversial remark on happenings in Burma. India has maintained a steadfast silence on the pro-democracy movement of Burma although individual Parliamentarians and of political parties continue to vouch their commitment and support to the pro-democracy movement of Burma. India has perhaps adopted a realistic approach in pursuit of its strategic interests. Since 1998, India has extended more than $100 million in credit to the Burmese regime, including for upgrading the Yangon Mandalay railway. In addition, India has contributed $27 million to the building of the 160-km Tamu-Kalewa highway. India has become Burma's second largest export market after Thailand, absorbing 25% of Burma's total exports. India also hopes to double bilateral trade with Burma to $1 billion in the next three years. It is planning to buy gas from Burma, benefiting the military regime to the tune of millions of dollars.

Engagement with the military junta stems from a multiplicity of factors. Modern-day Burma poses a strategic challenge on India's eastern flank and at its maritime frontiers. The increasing Chinese influence in Burma and in the Indo-Burmese region has worried India. Chinese support to various insurgency groups in the north-east and the fact that Burma has served as a base for many of these insurgents has led the Indian government to engage with Burma's military government. Burma's inclusion in ASEAN in 1997 has encouraged India to include Burma in its official "Look East Policy". Burma was seen as the launching pad to enter South East Asia, get access to the markets and gain a foothold there. Moreover, Burma also being an integral part of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a vital partner for regional projects where India is involved. There is also a strong perception that interfacing with Burma can hasten economic development in India's north eastern states that share common boundaries with Burma.

The North East India has been a bridge between India and Burma and then towards South East Asia for centuries. Similarity in ethnicity, customs, tradition, and way of life between the peoples from Burma and North East India has been a meeting point for closer ties and friendship. Even after the demarcation of boundaries between present day Burma and India after the British left, the peoples across the border are freely moving around the border. The four North Eastern of India namely Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share more than 600 kilometers border with Burma. Manipur shares the longest stretch of border extending for more than 300 kilometers, Mizoram State shares over 200 kilometers with Burma. Ensuring the regular supply of India goods and products in Burma would facilitate the development of the economically underdeveloped border states of India. Burma's economic potential has been a major inducement for India to adhere to a policy of "constructive engagement" with Burma. India, perhaps, hopes to avoid or limit a Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. It is also likely that India hopes it could prevent Burma from becoming a Chinese pawn moving against India's economic and security interests. Moreover, Burma is seen as India's gateway to Asia, in particular to South-east Asia. At the end of 2003, Indian vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat visited Burma. Indian government rolled out a red-carpet welcome to Burmese military leader Senior General Than Shwe when he visited India in October 2004.

It is debatable, however, whether India's so-called "strategic interests" have been served by its past decade of friendship with Burma's dictatorial regime. I am not arguing that India should reverse its current policy on Burma. However, India has scope for positive action. Rangoon's generals should not be left in any doubt that India stands firmly by the democratic aspirations of the Burmese people. I do not say that the current India's policy on Burma does not benefit the peoples of two countries. It has provided and continues to provide some space for the peoples across the border particularly the window of opportunity for establishing people to people relationship. While Burmese are able to visit Buddhist pilgrimage places in India such as Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, the Indians and particularly the peoples in North Eastern states are able to trade with their Burmese counter parts across the border.
However, the tourism, trade and business have been much limited to some sections of people in Burma. Because those who can come to India to see the Buddhist pilgrimage places are a few people who are rich or associated with the present ruling military establishment. On the other hand, what the Burmese military regime mainly interested is to play a diplomacy card between China and India, between the Western nations and Burma's neighbors to gain the acceptance of its illegal, brutal and repressive rule in Burma from the international community. On one hand, the military junta uses its relationship with India and China to tell the Western nations which are critical of its rule that it has the support of world's two largest populous countries. On other hand, it plays the diplomacy card between India and China to gain support for its rule. It is important for the Burmese generals in power to have a good relationship with India as it enhances its own political image both inside and outside the country. Moreover, it is important for trade purposes of the military regime and gives away some degree of dependence on China. As a major part of restoring normal relationship between the two countries, India and Burma signed a Border Trade Agreement in 1994 to formally carry out the border trade between the two countries. The North East India, particularly Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are the area where the border trade pass through. Moreh, Manipur's border town with Burma is a major trade route while new trade points in Mizoram and Nagaland are coming up in recent years. However, though it has been a decade now that the trade agreement is signed between the two countries, the border trade has been unable to reach to the stage where it supposed to be. Due to insurgency problem, infrastructure problem, and banking problem, border trade has been in fact facing serious challenges in recent years. Though over the years, India has emerged as the largest export market for Burma (accounting for one-fourth of Burma's total exports), the trading itself and particularly India's export to Burma has been very minimal. The balance of trade between the two countries is hugely in Burma's favour. The border trade between India and Burma is largely dominated by the "illegal smuggling" of goods and others including drugs and arms. The bordering areas surrounding North East India and Burma are plagued with political instability, drugs trafficking, AIDS, arms smuggling and insurgency.

The North East India has been facing serious problems for several decades due to the unabated flow of heroin and other illicit drugs in the region. Being next to Burma which is world's one of the largest opium producers is a major factor. The porous border and prevailing insurgency problems provide favorable conditions for drug racketeering. Although the Indian government has been pursuing the matter with the Burmese authorities, they have not been successful in eliminating the problem. According to the Manipur Government statistics, there are an estimated 35,000 regular drug users in the state. The actual number could be higher than this figure. Approximately 70 percent of HIV infection rates are found among injecting drug users in the state. Mizoram health officials said that the drugs which mostly come across border from Burma have already claimed more than 700 youths during the last 10 years. The heroin and amphetamine-type stimulants being used by youth in Manipur and Mizoram come from Burma. It has been there for several years and we are till now unable to stop this drug flow across the border. The 2003 International Narcotics Control Board has stated that though opium cultivation in Burma has declined by almost two thirds since 1996, the illicit manufacture of, trafficking in and abuse of amphetamine-type stimulants in Burma has increased and trafficking routes have developed considerably. Recent frequent seizures of heroin in Assam and the bordering areas of Nagaland have raised questions concerning the Indian enforcement agencies' claim that drug trafficking along the India-Burma border has been slowing down.

It is a well know open secret that some of the North Eastern rebels are having their bases and training camps inside Burma. I am not sure whether this shelter is being provided by the knowledge of top military leaders in Rangoon or not. But, there are strong indications that the local Burmese military commanders and military intelligence officers are hand in glove with the Indian insurgents in Burma. The presence of Indian insurgents in Burma has been a good issue for Burmese generals to bargain with India both for better relationship and for the crack down of Burmese pro-democracy and ethnic forces residing in India, whom the regime regarded as "outlaws" or "insurgents". Recently, the Government of India decided to crack down against the Chin National Front (CNF) which is a part of Burma's movement for democracy, human rights and self-determination. Many of these problems are directly or indirectly linked with the nature of governance in Burma where the military currently rules the country with its iron-gripped dictatorial politics without letting allow any space for dialogue, freedom of expression and freedom to political or social organization in the country.Moreover, the constant movement and flow of refugees from Burma into the North Eastern states of India has been a growing concern for the peoples in the region. Fear of torture, rape, summary execution, imprisonment, forced labor, forced relocation by the army in Burma have been responsible for a large number of Burmese peoples fleeing into India over the years. The Burmese refugee population in India is comprised of mostly the ethnic minority nationalities in Burma. These refugees are concentrated in the four Northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. It is estimated that there are more than 1 lakh Chin refugees from Burma are in Mizoram. 2000 Chin refugees in Manipur, 6000 Naga refugees in both Manipur and Nagaland, 100 Kachin refugees in Arunachal Pradesh. At present, around 1,500 Burmese refugees and asylum-seekers live in New Delhi. About half of them are recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as refugees. But the rehabilitation of Burmese refugees in India has been a major UNHCR failure. The majority of Burmese in India face tremendous hardship. UNHCR is actively implementing a phase-out programme, which cuts the meagre subsistence allowance to refugees on the assumption that refugees should earn their livelihood in India. However, the majority of Burmese in New Delhi have no access to remunerated work. Here, the case of 36 Burmese prisoners in the Andaman Islands also deserves attention. On 12 February, 1998, the Indian army arrested 36 Burmese nationals - 25 Arakans and 11 Karens - in a military operation called "Operation Leech" in the Andamans Sea. They were charged in 1999 under the "Arms and Explosive Substance Act" and under section 3(1) (b) of the "National Security Act" of 1980. The Indian military failed to produce the evidence to prove these allegations. For now seven years, these Burmese have been held without trial.

At present, Burma's pro-democracy leader and Nobel Laureate is under strict house arrest by the regime. Estimated 1,000 political prisoners including elected Members of Parliament in 1990 are in different jails in Burma. The country is one of the Least Developed Countries of the world. For the long term, India's national as well as security consideration demand Burma to be a democratic, an economically strong, developed and modernized nation. Only a democratic and federal political set-up in Burma can guarantee for the long term political stability in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi has said that she expected India to help the movement for democracy in Burma because India is a democracy. India-Burma relations must be based on the common aspirations of the two peoples. It has to benefit the peoples of both countries. It has to strengthen the peoples to peoples relationship between the two countries. It should not only benefit a few military generals and their associates in Burma. India, being the world largest democracy and a neighbour, should also extend active support for the Burmese peoples' struggle for democracy, human rights and self-determination. The least India can do for Burmese democracy is to help expose the authoritarian rule in Burma. [Mizzima News Group, www.mizzima.com]


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