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08/01/2005: "Rio, Imkong welcome ceasefire extension"

Rio, Imkong welcome ceasefire extension Morung Express News July 31
DIMAPUR: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and leader of the Opposition I. Imkong have both welcomed the decision to extend the ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN (IM), which was arrived at yesterday following two days of talks in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Welcoming the extension of the ceasefire Rio said that the decision was in line with the wishes of all sections people and Naga civil society. The State Cabinet had earlier recommended for extension of the current ceasefire which was to expire today. Rio also urged both parties to pursue the peace process with more sense of urgency and greater sincerity. He affirmed that the DAN Government was committed to continue playing the role of facilitator to the peace process.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, I Imkong talking to The Morung Express said that he was happy with the decision that both sides had reached upon. “I hope something concrete will be arrived at. The peace talks should be expedited”, Imkong said. The senior Congress leader however expressed disappointment over the ceasefire being extended for only six months and not a year. NSF President V. Pushika Awomi giving his reaction said that the students’ body would stick to its earlier resolutions it had taken with regard to the current peace talks and asked the Government of India to be sincere in its efforts. The NSF reiterated on its demand for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. Former General Secretary of the Naga Hoho Dr John Lotha while welcoming the latest ceasefire extension however viewed that ceasefire extensions was questionable if New Delhi was not sincere in its endeavor of finding a mutually agreeable solution.
Expressing his views on the extension of the ceasefire, a senior Defense personnel speaking on condition of anonymity said that negotiations under a peaceful environment remained to be the only workable solution. “Both parties should strive and make this six months of ceasefire creative and seek some permanent solution to the age old problem”, he said. The army man further remarked that the extended period of six months would allow security forces to consolidate their civic programs. As reported earlier, the Joint Statement issued after yesterday’s talks reaffirmed the need to extend the ceasefire ‘to intensify the peace process in order to arrive at mutually acceptable solution as early as possible’. The full text joint statement further stated that ‘as the NSCN intends to hold extensive consultations with the people, the ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months where after it will be extended further’. The NSCN delegation comprised of its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, a top leader Angelus Shimrah and Ninghor Raikham, secretary, NSCN-IM.
Political parties welcome ceasefire
DIMAPUR, July 31: Several political parties in Nagaland including the Congress, BJP and major DAN constituent – Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) – have welcomed the extension of ceasefire
between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).Welcoming the truce extension, Congress leader, I Imkong, however, said he expected the ceasefire would be extended by at least one year. Imkong, who is also the leader of Opposition in Nagaland Assembly, appreciated the maturity and wisdom of both the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) and said by extending the truce the two sides have fulfilled the desire of the Naga people.He said the Nagas had always wanted that ceasefire should continue so that a solution could be hammered out through negotiations.
Appreciating the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the BJP said the Nagas need peace, without which all-round development could not be achieved.Party’s state unit president MC Konyak said "Nagas are on the path of progress in all fields and hence they longed for peace and tranquilly which could come only through ceasefire."
The NPF said it was glad to know that the truce had been extended by six months.A release issued by NPF press secretary R. Papinho said the party strongly felt that a conducive and congenial atmosphere was required for both the parties for a solution to the decades’ old political problem, adding "creating ceasefire is the positive step towards that objective." The party hoped the agreed decision would serve its meaningful purposes. (NNN)

India's Naga tribals intensify stir despite truce Source: Reuters
GUWAHATI, India, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Tribesmen campaigning for a separate homeland in India's restive northeast blocked vital roads and stopped hundreds of supply-laden trucks on Monday, saying a new truce with New Delhi was not helping them. On Saturday, Naga rebel leaders and Indian officials extended their seven-year-long ceasefire by another six months to push for a peaceful solution to a decades-old revolt in the mainly Christian Nagaland state. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM), which is fighting for the freedom of three million Naga tribesmen, said it had extended the truce with Delhi to "give peace a chance".
But a powerful Naga students group said it would continue blocking roads into the neighbouring state of Manipur until its demand that all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast be united into a "Greater Nagaland" is accepted.
"We will continue with our agitation. We are not concerned with the extension of the ceasefire as it isn't helping us," said Ngachonmi Chamroy, spokesman of the All Naga Students Association Manipur. Talks between Delhi and the NSCN-IM have been deadlocked over the question of "Greater Nagaland", as India fears a repeat of bloody protests in 2001 over the issue from other ethnic and tribal groups . A third of the three million-strong Naga tribe live in neighbouring Manipur and two other northeastern states. Naga groups living in Manipur began blocking roads with logs and boulders and threatening truck drivers in June, as they intensified their agitation for "Greater Nagaland". The blockade has led to shortage of food and fuel in Manipur's capital Imphal.
"We are perhaps facing the worst phase in our lives. There is shortage of food, cooking fuel and children can't go to school," said Bimala Devi, a housewife there. Last month, angry Nagas set ablaze more than a dozen government buildings in Manipur. The Nagas have been fighting for their own homeland since 1947, when India got independence from Britain. More than 20,000 people have died in nearly 60 years of Naga insurgency before the ceasefire came into effect in 1997. Naga rebels agree to extend ceasefire
Naga rebels agree to extend ceasefire Daily times
GUWAHATI: Indian negotiators and leaders of a powerful separatist group in the northeastern state of Nagaland have agreed to extend for six months a ceasefire aimed at ending nearly six decades of violence, a rebel leader said Sunday.
The extension of the deadline, due to expire Sunday midnight, was agreed by the two sides during talks in Amsterdam, the senior leader of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) told AFP. It was announced in a joint statement late Saturday after the two-day Amsterdam meeting between NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah and India’s chief peace interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah. The statement said both sides “reaffirmed the need to extend the ceasefire and to intensify the peace process.”
“As the NSCN-IM intends to hold extensive consultations with the people, the ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months, whereafter it will be extended further,” it said. afp
Naga factions challenge Muivah's authority Ajai Shukla
Sunday, July 31, 2005 (Khonoma):Reuters
The NSCN-IM, the most powerful Naga underground faction led by Thuingaleng Muivah, has extended its ceasefire with New Delhi for the eighth straight year - an extraordinary achievement of military tenacity and diplomacy. But beneath the surface of the scenic capital Kohima, the bloodletting continues as other Naga factions like the Khaplang NSCN or NSCN (K) and the relatively smaller Naga National Council (NNC) challenge Muivah's claim that he speaks for all Nagas.
Shillong Accord
In the Khonoma village, Muivah's tough talk makes little impression. Few places symbolise the history of the Naga independence struggle like the Khonoma village.
Starting from the 1850s - when Khonoma warriors fought back and halted the entry of the British into the Naga hills - to more than a century later when a Khonoma villager, AZ Phizo, launched an armed uprising against India, the Angamis of Khonoma have played a leadership role amongst the Nagas.
It was from Khonoma that Angami Zapu Phizo's NNC gave the call to arms in 1955.
They also paid a heavy price in lives, but by 1975 with Phizo exiled in London, NNC leaders here signed the Shillong Accord, making peace with Delhi. But Muivah and Isak Swu, backed by China, branded them traitors and rejected the accord. Their fighters who went on to form the NSCN hunted down scores of NNC fighters, men like Ulhalu Vupru, now the Gaon Burha or headman of Khonoma.
Face off
Soon, the NSCN itself split with a faction led by Khaplang suspecting Muivah of dealings with Delhi.
Today, this face off has a tribal dimension with Khaplang's Konyak tribe facing off against the NSCN's Tangkhuls, Muivah's tribesmen from Manipur. For the K-Group, the ceasefire is with Delhi. Here in Nagaland, it exchanges bullets daily with the NSCN-IM.
Blood and tribal feuds are never forgotten in Nagaland and Ulhalu has a question for Muivah. After labelling as traitors the architects of the Shillong Accord, why is he talking peace with Delhi without bringing the other factions on board? "I believe only in the NNC, the Naga National Council. Some factions claim that they are bigger and stronger, but I believe only in the NNC," said Ulhalu.

Internal reconciliation
Naga society, led by the Baptist Church, and the Naga Hoho, that rules on Naga matters, say that without an internal reconciliation between different tribes and factions, a peace settlement with Delhi will unleash vicious bloodshed like after the Shillong Accord.
"We are saying that the different factions must come together - whether they agree or disagree. But they need to listen to one another and try and understand one another. That is the most important level of reconciliation," said Reverend Zhabu Terhuja, Naga Baptist Church Council. While New Delhi watches from afar, an internal time bomb ticks within the Nagas. For old warriors like Ulhalu and other factions with guns, the old wounds are still festering and the old disputes still alive.
NCP cautions against provocative rumours The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jul 31: In view of the highly sensitive situation prevailing in the state due to the indefinite economic blockade, Nationalist Congress Party, Manipur Pradesh, urges the people to be careful and thoughtful in their expression since “all it takes is a single spark for a complete blow up”.
Referring to some pamphlets with harsh words that were distributed in the neighbouring Nagaland, NCP spokesperson N Radhakanta appealed that such acts should not be done either in the state or in the neighbouring state. He cautioned the people to abstain from instigating communal tension in the hills as well as valley. Stressing the danger of rumours, he highlighted that the state government should open a special cell to control rumours with communal undertones.
In a get together of the NCP and media persons, N Radhakanta expressed that dragging the names of chief minister and specially the chief secretary by the BJP Parliamentary team regarding the involvement of NSCN-IM in the present economic blockade was very unfortunate. Terming the quoting of the chief secretary by the BJP team as unfortunate, he said that at this critical juncture effort to politicalise the issue should not be made. He further said that the visit of the MPs was a welcome one but some of their statements clearly show their escapist tendency. Expressing serious concern over the month old economic blockade, NCP spokesperson said that the party can only make appeals to the government, both at the centre and state, to find a solution and end the blockade at the earliest. He added that NCP is keeping all party programmes on hold since the main priority is the blockade.
Opining that the national highways are not for an individual or a state, Radhakanta said that the central government should provide special protection for the national highways. He maintained that the state government should take initiative to pressurize the Centre to come up with a policy to ban any kinds of blockade on the national highways in the country. He added that NCP would contribute all possible help in this effort. Regarding the 2 MPs and 11 MLAs who submitted the memorandum to the PM, the spokesperson said that undertaking such actions in their personal interest is ethically wrong as it goes against the interest of the people and if they signed under duress, it is equally wrong since they represent the people and succumbing to pressure show lack of integrity. The spokesperson expressed that the present crisis in the state is solely due to the vested interest of some political leaders for vote.
The get together was held at the residence of Nationalist Mahila Congress Manipur Pradesh president L Ranita’s residence and was attended by party members including general secretary RK Chandrabir, vice president Fajur Rahim, senior party leader A Tondon and secretary U Ruhinikumar.

Meet denounces blockade of any form as illegal Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, July 31: A public meeting held at the ground of New Age Club, Singjamei Thongam Leikai today to discuss present situation arising out the ANSAM-sponsored indefinite economic blockade along the National Highways demanding revocation June 18 declaration, has denounced the imposition of blockade of any form along the lifelines of the people as inhumane. After a serious deliberation of the present deadlock, the meeting arrived at four different resolutions unanimously.
The first resolution strongly condemned the action of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in targeting the vehicles passing through Nagaland for transporting essential commodities.

The second resolution categorically stated that the agitators should pay the compensation for the damages caused in consonance with the ruling of the Gauhati High Court that the ANSAM-sponsored indefinite economic blockade is illegal. The third resolution demanded that the Government of India should provide adequate security arrangement along the National Highways passing through Manipur just like the security coverage given to the Amarnath Jatris in Jammu and Kashmir under the National Highway Act, 1956. The fourth and last resolution of the meeting urged the Government of India for developing the three National Highways, namely 39, 53 and 150 at par for better connectivity with rest of the world. The meeting which was held along with a sit-in-protest demonstration was organised under the aegis of New Age Club. Speaking at the occasion social worker Laitonjam Ranbir said that the ruling of the Gauhati High Court that imposition of indefinite economic blockade along the National Highways is illegal is not enough to dissuade the agitators to call off their stir.

Instead the people should join hands together for filing a suit for a similar ruling like the one passed by the Mumbai High Court for imposing fine on the bandh callers/ agitators. He also expressing the desire on the part of the Government for announcing a special package for the drivers/transporters who are carrying on with the service of transporting essential goods along the National Highways against all odds. Taking part in the discussion, AMUCO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram observed that the movement for Naga integration has come about because of the instigation made by ‘Father of the Nation’ MK Gandhi to Naga leader Phizo back way in 1897.
It is really unfortunate that the Naga brethren have failed to see the sinister designs of the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) for inciting communal clashes among the people of the North Eastern States. Meanwhile, Wakat Meephams continued to be held at different parts of the State giving a clarion call to all the public leaders for joining hands together in resolving the issues besetting the State. At Khurai Lamlong Bazar, Lamlong Keithel Nupi Lup and Union of Social Welfare Upliftment, Khurai organised a Wakat Meepham while at Keishamthong Bazar it was held under the aegis of Nambul Mapal Meira Paibi Lup today.

Employees urged to donate for NH-53 Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, July 31: Amid appeals for alternative means to ensure adequate stock of food-grains Youth Front, Khekman (Thoubal district) has called for the constitution of a committee to look after development of national Highway 53. The Thoubal district body appealing to Government employees to donate a day’s wage towards development and improvement of the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of the highway desired that Manipur Government monitor related activities through formation of the committee and opening a bank account where the public can also make financial contributions.

Detailing on necessity to maintain NH-53 in a proper manner for loaded vehicles to ply without any technical interruption the Youth Front contended that vehicles passing through Nagaland State face great risks on life and property taking into account violent methods applied to enforce the economic blockade. On the other hand, Development Joint Committee, Kwakta describing ANSAM’s agitation as challenge to humanity observed that defiant posture maintained by the student body would not lead to any positive development but plunge the people irrespective or community or religious affiliation into deeper morass. Expressing strong resentment at inability of both the Central or State Governments to break the deadlock the Committee demanded cargo flight service to procure consumer items.
Contending that the current situation ha already reached the crisis point, the body wondered what compulsion is restricting the Government from utilising chopper/flight services to replenish the food stocks. If choppers could be promptly pressed into service to suppress insurgency there is no reason why similar measures are not adopted in ensuring availability of essential commodity to ameliorate hardships faced by the common people, questioned the body.

ANSAM dampener to talks hopes, says CM must come to Spt The Imphal Free Press
Senapati, Jul 31: Contrary to the reports that the agitating All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, ANSAM would hold talks with the Manipur government at Senapati on August 1, the Naga student body today stated that there is no question of holding talks with the Manipur government if the chief minister and the chief secretary of the state are not going to participate. The ANSAM held its executive meeting today in an undisclosed location and resolved that it would not hold talk with the Manipur government since the chief minister and the chief secretary are not in the said delegation.

In its message sent in reply to the Manipur government's letter No.1/25/2005-CM dated 29 July, 2005, addressed to Binod Kispotta, secretary to the chief minister of Manipur, the ANSAM today stated "while appreciating your willingness to resolve the issue pertaining to the non-cooperation movement launched by ANSAM, the proposed meeting of the government delegates and ANSAM without the chief minister is not favourable to us." The ANSAM reply to the Manipur government, of which a copy was made available to Newmai News Network this evening, signed by the student body’s general secretary Robert T. Maram, further stated," we once again reiterate our stand that the talks be held with the chief minister of Manipur and the chief secretary of Manipur in order to arrive at an amicable understanding at the earliest possible time." Meanwhile, ANSAM spokesman Ngachonmi Chamroy reacting angrily to some media reports, said that "there is no question of preliminary talks---if there is going to be a talk that should be a serious and main one."
Chamroy said that the government should not try to impose its own terms and conditions on ANSAM if it really wanted to resolve the imbroglio. "Reports which said that a ministerial delegation to hold meeting with us without the chief minister is a unilateral decision of the government and we cannot accept such unilateral decision of the government, which should not try to impose such decision on us," declared the ANSAM spokesman.
ANSAM turns down Govt proposal to talk with representatives Talk only with CM : ANSAM Newmai News Network
Senapati,Jul 31: Contrary to reports that the agitating All Naga Students’ Association, Mani- pur ( ANSAM ) would hold talks with representatives of the Manipur Government at Senapati on August 1, the Naga student body today stated that there is no question of holding talks with the Government if the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary of the State are not going to participate in the talk.
The decision not to hold the talk with the Government representatives was taken during an executive meeting today at an undisclosed location. ANSAM has resolved that it would not hold talk with the Manipur Government since the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary are not in the said delegation.
In its reply to the State Government’s letter No.1/25/2005—CM dated 29 July, 2005 and addressed to Binod Kispotta, secretary to the Chief Minister of Manipur, ANSAM today stated “while appreciating your willingness to resolve the issue pertaining to the non-cooperation movement launched by ANSAM, the proposed meeting of the Government delegates and ANSAM without the Chief Minister is not favourable to us.” Today’s ANSAM reply to the Manipur Government, of which a copy was made available to Newmai News Network this evening and signed by the student body general secretary Robert T Maram, further stated, “we once again reiterate our stand that the talks be held with the Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Secretary of Manipur in order to arrive at an amicable understanding at the earliest possible time.” In addition to this, ANSAM spokesman Ngachonmi Chamroy in a furious tone while reacting to some reports, said that “there is no question of preliminary talks—if there is going to be a talk that talk should be a serious and the main one.”
Chamroy then said that the Government should not try to impose its terms and conditions on ANSAM if it (Government) really wanted to resolve the imbroglio. “Reports which said that a Ministerial delegation will meet us without the Chief Minister is a unilateral decision of the Government and we cannot accept such unilateral decision of the Government and the Government should not try to impose such decision on us,” added the ANSAM spokeman. Our Staff Reporter adds : The Government had earlier decided to send a three member team to negotiate with the student body.
A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that the three member team which was to be deputed for the talk are PHED Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi and Hill Areas Committee Chairman Songchin- khup. Speaking to The Sangai Express ANSAM general secretary Robert T Maram said that an emergency executive body meeting was convened today afternoon to discuss the latest Government proposal wherein it was resolved to hold talks only with the Chief Minister. Members present at the said meeting were unanimous in declining the session with Government representatives as nothing conclusive can be reached in the absence of the Chief Minister, Robert said. Moreover any talk with Govt representatives will confuse the Naga people, reasoned Maram and added that the decision of the executive body will be faxed to the CM.
UCM meets Governor, CM to discuss situation By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 31 : Representatives of the UCM held extensive discussion with the Governor and Chief Minister on the prevailing situation arising out of the ongoing economic blockade yesterday.
According to a UCM statement, a five member delegation accepted an invitation from the Governor for a meeting and briefed Dr SS sidhu on the difficulties faced by the general public due to the ANSAM sponsored agitation. The Governor was also urged to intimate the Centre on the ground reality as negligence at the current juncture might lead to the situation going out of hand, said the statement. While the UCM delegates highlighted to the Governor of NSCN (IM) instigating and actively enforcing the ANSAM blockade Dr sidhu conveyed of detailed report of the Manipur situation being sent to the Central leaders. Dr Sidhu, said UCM was also urged to take strong initiative in developing and improving NH-53 as well as NH-150 as NSCN (IM) frequently creating nuisance and harassing transport operators on the State’s lifelines necessitates preparedness to prevent people of Manipur to live at the mercy of the underground organisation. During the meeting with the CM the UCM team is informed to have insisted on O Ibobi Singh to take all possible measures for expeditious end to the current impasse as well as to dispense his duties in the true spirit and ethics of holding the office. Reiterating involvement of NSCN (IM) in the ongoing blockade the UCM referring to GoI-NSCN (IM) ceasefire extension also asked the CM to be wary of ‘double standard’ policy of the Central Government. While pledging to the CM of UCM’s commitment and determination to preserve the age-old brotherly ties amongst different section of the society the body also asked the CM against revoking declaration of June 18 at State Integrity Day/Holiday, added the statement.
AMUCO rationalises concept of integrity By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 31 : Delving forth on the essence of integrity, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation today said that the integrity of Manipur means territory, people and the ties that bind the people together living within the territory.
In a leaflet issued to the press ahead of Integrity Day on August 4, AMUCO said that the concept of Manipur integrity will be lost without territory and likewise, integrity will lose its meaning if the ties that bind the people are snapped. Only territory will not guarantee integrity, it observed.
AMUCO asserted that it is not the Government of Manipur which can protect the integrity of Manipur and added that the territory of Manipur can be altered by an Act passed in Parliament. The State Assembly does not have the authority to oppose the Act passed by Parliament, it said and added that this is ample proof that the Government of Manipur cannot protect the integrity of Manipur.
The integrity of Manipur has been protected by the ties that bind the people together for ages. However after Manipur merged with the Indian Union in 1949, the danger of breaking up Manipur has come to haunt the people and this has given rise to distrust amongst the different communities living in Manipur, added AMUCO. The seeds of distrust were sown by the politics of divide and rule and in their bid to capture power and enjoy its perks, the people were divided along communal lines and ethnicity by the politicians to win the election, said the leaflet. On top of this, successive Governments since 1949 has made the State economically dependent on India which has a direct connection with the division amongst the people, it observed. As it became apparent that the Manipur Government cannot protect the integrity of Manipur, the people, cutting across community staged a huge rally on August 4, 1997. Since then August 4 has been observed as Integrity day, said AMUCO.
The June 14, 2001 Bangkok Declaration was another proof that the Government of Manipur cannot protect the integrity of Manipur, added AMUCO and recalled the 66 hours general strike called by AMUCO from June 15 that culminated in the mass protest on June 18, that led to the loss of 14 lives.
Unfortunately some organisations which sprang up in the name of the people were instrumental in getting the Govt involved in observing June 18 from 2002, charged AMUCO.
Since the Govt has been using June 18 as a weapon to befool the public and today the sacred June 18 has become something of a tool for the State Govt and the Centre to sow the seeds of distrust and animosity amongst the people of Manipur, charged the statement. A number organisations, ostensibly working for the welfare of the people have also been wittingly and unwittingly helping the Govt to pursue its agenda. On the other hand some group of people who do not want to respect the age old ties that bind the people together have also jumped in and are helping the Government of India in keeping the people divided, added AMUCO. The agenda of dividing the people and sowing the seeds of animosity among-st the people of North East was hatched by the Government of India a long time back. It is with this intention that the Indian Govt has been talking about remap-ping the entire North East States by chopping and adding the land. The statement further said that though protecting and developing the National Highways is in the Union list, the Indian Govt has always been a silent spectator whenever any group of people imposed a blockade on the highways down the years. This is because the Indian Govt is intent on dividing the people along every conceivable lines. To defeat the agenda of the Indian Govt, the people of the North East need to work towards formulating a policy of voluntary unity. It is under this voluntary unity, that the integrity of Manipur will be ensured, it added. The rally on August 4, 1997 and the June 18, 2001 incident more than show that the people of Manipur are committed to protecting the integrity of Manipur. The time now is to study which direction to take to ensure the integrity of Manipur, said AMUCO and added that the best path to take is the way shown by the late Hijam Irabot. A system of governance where the people are treated equally, where there is no exploitation of any sort, a self reliant entity, are the recipes for the integrity of Manipur, said the statement. All the people of Manipur must be treated on an equal footing and there should no division of any sort, it mooted. AMUCO also urged all to participate in the Integrity Day function to be held on August 4 at MDU Hall from 10 am.
Call off Manipur blockade: NESO ‘We won’t allow IM(DT) avatar’ By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, July 31: To end the economic blockade to Manipur by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur branch and backed by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) has demanded of the Manipur Government to take initiatives to find an amicable and all acceptable solution to the problem. The Naga students in Manipur have been agitating against the Manipur Government’s declaration of June 18 as a State holiday vis-a-vis Manipur State Integrity Day, which, the NSF thinks, will disturb the cohesiveness of the people of Manipur. The NESO has also urged the NSF to suspend its economic blockade taking the plight of the people into consideration. The NESO also urged the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) to put pressure on the Manipur Government to solve the imbroglio in the best interest of the people of the region. Meanwhile, Manipur Government, according to sources, has taken a decision today to invite the agitating students for talks so as to put an end to the blockade.
To put an end to the burning problem, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) yesterday hoisted an executive meeting of the NESO, the constituents of which are the AASU, Khasi Students’ Union, Garo Students’ Union, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, Naga Students’ Federation, All Manipur Students’ Union, Mizo Zirlai Pawl and the Twipra Students’ Federation. All the students’ organizations decided to launch an ‘aggressive non-violent democratic movement’ under the banner of the NESO if the Central leaders fail to address its long-standing demands.
Reiterating its demands in a press conference here today, NESO chairman Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya said that the draconian law like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act must be scrapped from the region. He said that the region needed policies for its sustainable economic development. He demanded a white paper from the Centre on the ‘Look-East Policy’. "The people of the region have the right to know what steps the Centre has taken under the Look-East Policy for the benefit of the indigenous people in the North-east," he said. The NESO urged the Meghalaya Government not to issue no objection certificate (NOC) to the UCIL for uranium mining in the Khasi Hills so as to save the people of the region from health hazards. It also demanded for 100 per cent job reservation in Group C and D categories and first preference in the Group A and B for local candidates in all Central Government offices, including the private sectors, located in the region.
The umbrella student body of the region decided to send a representation with its demands and grievances to the CGM, BSNL (NE-I & II). It said that it would start an agitation if the BSNL authorities did not fulfil the demands within a stipulated time-frame. While welcoming the scrapping of the IM(DT) Act by the Supreme Court, the student organization decided to foil any move by the Government to bring the IM(DT) Act in a new avatar. It demanded immediate start of the process of detection, deletion and deportation of illegal migrants, and also scrapping of the provisions 3 (1) (A) of the Citizenship Act. NESO general secretary NSN Lotha said that the general conference of the organization would be held in the first week of November at Tura. It will be hosted by the Garo Students’ Union. A delegation of the NESO would leave for New Delhi after August 15 to meet all the MPs from the region on NESO demands.
Centre-NSCN ceasefire extension hailed
KOHIMA, July 31 – Naga people today welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) for another six months and hoped the decision would expedite talks for an early and honourable settlement to the decades-old conflict.
After two days of parleys at Amsterdam between the Centre’s representatives and NSCN (I-M) leaders, both sides agreed to extend the truce for another six months, which expired today.
According to a joint statement released after the parleys, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to furthering the peace process in order to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution as early as possible.
The statement said, “the ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months whereafter it will be extended futher”.
Nagaland government, various Naga NGOs and churches had earlier urged both the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) leadership to extend the ceasefire beyond July 31 and expedite the negotiation process for an early settlement. Welcoming yesterday’s decision, ruling Nagaland People’s Front hoped the move would further boost the dialogue process to find a settlement to the protracted conflict. The apex tribal council stressed expedition of talks for an honourable settlement to fulfil the Nagas’ aspirations. A delegation of Naga Hoho yesterday met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi and expect to meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil and other Central leaders in the next few days, Hoho said. Nagaland Pradesh Congress said the signatories should strictly adhere to the agreed ground rules of the ceasefire, and maintain transparency in the talks. – PTI
ULFA bans Delhi politicians in Assam poll By Indo-Asian News Service Guwahati, Aug 1 (IANS) An influential separatist group in Assam has demanded that politicians from New Delhi keep away from campaigning in the assembly elections early next year. The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, warned of dire consequences if politicians from outside the region don't stay away from campaigning in the run up to the polls. "The practice of inviting leaders of national parties to the state, as if they were leaders from Assam, and listening to their speeches must be stopped immediately," ULFA chairperson Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement. Almost all national political parties contesting elections in the state try to rope in leaders from outside the region to campaign. The ULFA in 2001 boycotted the state polls and killed two candidates, including one belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ULFA warning has put political parties in a tizzy as most of them depend on leaders from outside who are known to attract supporters in election rallies.
"We need to review the ULFA threat before commenting on the matter. It will be a setback no doubt if the ULFA decides to execute the ban in letter and spirit," a senior state BJP leader said requesting anonymity. The ruling Congress party, however, seems unfazed by the ULFA threat. "We do not depend on leaders from outside anyway. It will be parties like the BJP that will suffer as they do not have a single local leader worth the name who has some charisma to woo supporters during campaigning," said a Congress leader and a minister in Assam. The ULFA threat, however, will not affect the regional Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Except once, when the party roped in former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah during the 1996 polls, there have been no other instances of politicians from outside campaigning for the AGP. In another development, two frontline minority groups, representing Muslims and Bengali-speaking people in Assam, have decided to block the entry of politicians belonging to the AGP and the BJP into areas dominated by religious and linguistic minorities. The All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) and the All Assam Minority Yuva Parishad have taken the decision to protest the role played by the AGP and the BJP in getting the Supreme Court to strike down the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act on identifying illegal Bangladeshis. "The two parties were actively involved in getting the IMDT Act repealed and we cannot forgive them. Now genuine Indians will be harassed in the name of detection and deportation of illegal foreigners," AAMSU leader Sabibur Rahman said. The two groups command a lot of clout in pockets dominated by Muslims and Bengali-speaking settlers. Muslims and Bengali-speaking voters in Assam hold the key to winning elections in at least 40 of the 126 assembly constituencies. Muslims account for about 30 percent of Assam's 26 million people.