08/10/2005: "Manipur blockade suspended"

Manipur blockade suspended NET News Network

Kohima, Aug 10: The All Naga Student Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Student Federation (NSF) in a joint statement informed that the 50 day old economic blockade on NH 39 and 53 have been temporarily suspended from 12 noon of August 11.The joint statement signed by the president of ANSAM, Paul Langhu and President of NSF, Phushika Aomi cited the sufferings and hardships of Manipur people as the main reason for the crucial decision. The statement added that the decision for the temporary suspension has been taken after proper consultation with Naga Hoho and other civil societies. The statement, however warned that in the event of state government’s failure to resolve the issue, the Naga people would be compelled to take serious actions for which Manipur government will be responsible for any unwarranted consequences.
The student organizations apart from humanitarian reason also cited Prime Minister and Home Minister’s requests to Naga civil society delegation comprising of Naga Hoho, United Naga Council and outer Manipur MP’s to suspend the blockade as one of the reasons for the decision. The other reasons cited by the statement include Manipur Chief Minister’s invitation for holding talks on the issue as early as possible to create conducive atmosphere by both the parties. It may be recalled that a delegation of Manipur government met ANSAM leaders in Senapati to resolve the impasse. The meeting decided to carry on the process of discussion in future also to find an amicable solution to the problem. Both the student organizations also appreciated the role played by North East Student Organization (NESO), All Assam Students Union (AASU) and MZP in finding a solution to the impasse. It may be mentioned that ANSAM imposed economic blockade on NH 39 and 53 in protest against Manipur government decision to declare June 18 as Integrity Day. In the meantime, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has reacted positively to the temporary lifting of the economic blockades terming it as a positive step. The UCM president in-charge Konsam Langamba while talking to media this evening however expressed doubt about the understanding behind the decision. He added that the nagging issue of territorial integrity would be solved once and for all if the matter is struck off completely from the agenda of the talk between GoI and NSCN (IM).
ANSAM lifts 49th day old economic blockades from tomorrow noon Oken Jeet Sandham

Kohima, Aug 10 (NEPS): The 49th day old economic blockades which had been imposed on two national highways of Manipur---39 and 53---by All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against the Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi’s declaration of June 18 as “State Holiday” will be lifted from 12 noon tomorrow. Disclosing this to a press conference held here at the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)’s office today, NSF President Pushika Awomi and ANSAM President Paul Langhu said they took the decision of lifting the 49th day old economic blockades imposed on Manipur’s two national highways after consultations with the Naga Hoho, and other Naga Civil organizations keeping in view the immense hardships faced by the people of Manipur.

It also stated various central leaders including Prime Minister and Home Minister had already requested the delegation of the Naga Hoho to lift the economic blockades when the latter visited the former. The student leaders however pointed out that the Manipur Government should try to resolve the controversial June 18 Holiday Declaration and further cautioned the blockade might be resumed if the Government did not attempt to find solution to the problem. It may be mentioned that the ANSAM launched the economic blockades on the two national highways of Manipur---39 and 53---connecting the State since June 22 in protest against Chief Minister O Ibobi’s declaration of June 18 as “State Holiday.” The student organization took the matter as an insult to the aspiration of the Naga people who are fighting to live under single administrative unit. The student body had however did not object the offer of talks by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi to end the blockade impasse but venue of the talks became the main hurdle throughout. The student body said any talks should be held in four hill districts of the State where Nagas were majority whereas Ibobi Government explained such talks could only be held in Imphal, the State capital. Both sides remained non-committal to their demands thereby the blockades continues for 49 days till date.

The Manipur has been undergoing unprecedented hardships during this one of the longest economic blockades on their lifelines and the Chief Minister for the first time was forced to utilize the abandoned national highway 53---Imphal-Silcher road---to bring in essential commodities. For the record, the Union Home Ministry had used the services of the cargo planes of the Indian Air Force (IOAF) for airlifting essential items including life saving drugs from Guwahati. During the 49th day economic blockade, the ANSAM activists also launched non-cooperation movement with the Manipur Government in the hill districts---Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong---following some of their volunteers were fired upon by Manipur IRB personnel. They had also destroyed over 20 Government offices in the four hill districts during this period. Meanwhile talking to NEPS over phone from Imphal, Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi expressed his happiness on the student body’s decision to lift the blockade and further hoped this would fast return normalcy in the state and restore confidence the love and affection amongst the all sections of Manipur. 00
Nagas to temporarily lift northeast India blockade 10 Aug 2005 12:05:06 GMT Reuters
Source: Reuters DIMAPUR, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Naga tribesmen campaigning for a separate homeland in India's troubled northeast said on Wednesday they would temporarily lift a road blockade that choked supplies to Manipur state for nearly two months. The blockade would be lifted on Thursday afternoon but the move should not be seen as a sign of weakness, said Paul Langhu, a Naga student leader.
"We have temporarily withdrawn the blockade due to the hardships faced by the common people in the area," Langhu told Reuters by phone. He did not say for how long the blockade would be lifted but urged the Manipur government to address the problem at the earliest.
"The Naga people will (otherwise) resort to a more intensified agitation for which the government will be responsible," Langhu said. Naga tribesmen living in Manipur began the blockade on June 19, leading to a severe shortage of food and fuel in the state's capital Imphal.
The Nagas are demanding that all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast be united in a "Greater Nagaland". A third of the three million-strong tribe live in Manipur and two other northeastern states, and the rest in neighbouring Nagaland. Manipuris strongly oppose the division of their state. The blockade had forced New Delhi to airlift tonnes of food and medicines after the state sought federal help. The Nagas have been fighting for freedom since 1947, when India got independence from Britain. More than 20,000 people have died in nearly 60 years of Naga insurgency before a ceasefire with the main Naga rebel group came into effect in 1997.

Economic blockade in Manipur to be lifted NDTV Correspondent
Wednesday, August 10, 2005 (Imphal): There are reports that the over one and a half month long economic blockade on the two main highways leading to Manipur may be lifted tomorrow.
This is being done apparently on the assurances given by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM).

The ANSAM launched the economic blockade on June 22 in protest against the Ibobi Singh government declaring June 18 as a holiday to observe 'Integrity Day'. The government has been declaring a holiday on June 18 every year since 2002 in commemoration of 18 persons killed during the agitation against extension of the Centre-NSCN (IM) ceasefire beyond Nagaland in June 2001.

Delhi Nagas cry for justice
GUWAHATI, Aug 9: The Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) and the Nagas living in Delhi have unequivocally condemned the assaults on a Naga Woman by the Meitei youths and reiterates its stand once again in support of the civil non-co-operation movement launched for Integration of all Naga areas in the Naga areas by the Naga Hoho, NSF, ANSAM, Naga Mother Association and NPMHR.
In a press communiqué released by NSUD, the student organization has condemned the assault on a 40 year old woman Teshang Phun belonging to Maring Naga community by Meitei youths on August 6 last while she was shopping at a vegetable market in Langathel, a Meitei dominated sub-division under Thoubal District, Heirok Constituency in Manipur State accusing her of supporting the Economic Blockade called by the All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM).

The statement while holding Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh’s “ Dictatorial and unilateral declaration of June 18 as “Manipur Integrity Day” responsible for the present crisis added that “ Nagas had launched the civil non-co-operation movement with dual objectives i.e., to impress upon the Government of India for expediting the 2nd Indo-Naga Peace Process and to express the Nagas’ disagreement against Ibobi’s communal declaration because it is directly going against the interest and spirit of the Nagas’ aspiration to live under one political administrative system or Integration of the Naga areas”. The student organization also questioned the commitment of Union Government to the ongoing peace process for not directing the Manipur government to revoke the declaration of Integrity Day. “ The Manipur and the Union Governments’ inaction and indifferent attitudes towards the situation even after 50 days of blockade had taken an ugly turn considering the highly charged up and tense environment prevailing in the State,” NSUD pointed out. Finally the statement fervently call upon the democratic people in South Asia and the World to look into the problem in earnestness so as to save the Naga people and the tribals from the attack of the majority in the Northeast. NNN

Foolproof security for NH-53 mooted Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, August 08: While not ruling out the possibility of intervening in the Manipur crises, the Centre today reviewed the law and order situation and maintenance of essential supplies to the State following the blockade of National Highway 39 by Naga students. “I am going myself either this week or early next week to ascertain the situation in Manipur. I will personally monitor what is the situation of essential supplies,” Home Secretary Vinod Kumar Duggal told reporters after chairing a high-level meeting in which Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam participated. Asked whether he would intervene in the talks process between the All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) and the Manipur State, Duggal said “If I am required, I will”.

He said the essential supplies were being maintained in the State though the stocking of petroleum products and LPG was bare minimum. Referring to the opening up of alternate National Highway 53 for continuous supply of commodities to Manipur, he said Army and other para-military officials had been asked to provide adequate security to Border Roads Organisation people for repairing the bridges on this highway. NH-53 is dominated by insurgent outfits including NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K) and UNLF.

“The Highway is being opened after nearly seven to eight years and there will be some problems. But all the problems will be overcome,” Duggal said. Senior Army officials and personnel of BRO were also present at the meeting. PTI
Our Staff Reporter adds from Imphal: Carrying forward the agenda of the State Government, the meeting convened by Union Home Secretary VK Duggal at New Delhi today stressed on the need to provide foolproof security on NH-53 and make it fit for traffic. Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and DGP AK Parashar took part in the deliberations held today. The Chief Secretaries and DGPs of Assam and Nagaland, top officials of the CRPF, Assam Rifles, BSF and BRTF were present at the meeting.

Officials of the Indian Oil Corporation and Food Corporation of India were also present. When The Sangai Express contacted DGP AK Parashar at New Delhi today, the senior police officer said that the meeting took note of the situation prevailing in the State and stressed on the need to speedily develop NH-53 as well as provide foolproof security. Officials of State police, CRPF, Assam Rifles and BSF mooted the proposal of closer co-ordinations between the security agencies on the highways as well as to increase the frequency of ROP, said Parashar. The officials of Indian Oil Corporation and Food Corporation of India were also instructed by the Home Ministry to make sure that fuel and food items are available to the people of Manipur. The Centre also assured the State delegates that air lifting of food will be done as and when the State Government asks for such help. The meeting also mooted the proposal to provide adequate security cover to the BRTF which has been entrusted with the task of developing NH-53. All maintenance work and developmental works along this route have been stopped for the last 7/8 years due to the uncertain law and order situation on NH-53.

The BRTF had demanded adequate security. At the moment, hectic developmental work is being taken up on NH-53 to make the bridges along this route strong enough to bear the weight of the loaded trucks. Even as the meeting at Delhi mooted the idea of developing NH-53 and provide foolproof security to make it fit for vehicular movement, Governor SS Sidhu today left Imphal to oversee the works being taken up along this route. The Governor will stay the night at Jiribam and come back to Imphal tomorrow by air. A team of Ministers and MLAs led by Power Minister Gaikhangam also left Imphal to get a first hand account of the work progress along this highway today. Only yesterday, the Imphal East DC had issued an order spelling out certain norms for traffic along this route in the light of the heavy rainfall during the last few days.
NSCN condemns killing of cadres Morung Express News August 9
Dimapur: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has out rightly condemned the killing of two of its cadres in ‘cold-blood’ by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force and the Assam Police. It has also termed as ‘callous and indifferent’ the subsequent delay on the part of the police authorities in handing over the dead bodies to the organization. The two cadres were reportedly killed on August 6 at Lumding, Assam. However, their bodies were recovered from the Assam Police only today. Sources have also indicated that the Police had refused to hand over the dead bodies earlier. The slain bodies of the two cadres, now in the custody of the outfit, are reportedly beyond recognition. "Maggots have already enveloped the corpses," an NSCN source said.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Brigadier Phungthing Shimrang, Convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell said that the cadres were most probably killed in a pre-meditated ambush. He termed as unfortunate the action taken by the police at a time when the ceasefire between the Government and the NSCN was being observed. Shimrang further termed the incident as a direct violation of the ceasefire. While labeling the incident as ‘total disregard to the ceasefire,’ the NSCN leader said that it was time for the Government of India to ‘think’ carefully over the issue. He added that the incident would be taken up with the GoI.
ANSAM's bandh leaves many stranded Source: The Sangai Express
Dimapur/Imphal, August 08 (NNN): Imphal bound passenger buses coming from Guwahati and other parts of the region plying along NH-39 were left stranded at various parts of Nagaland and a large number of buses were seen at Dimapur main bus parking today following the lightning 12-hour bandh called by All Naga Stusents’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM).The bandh was called to protest the assault of a Maring woman by some youths in Thoubal district on Saturday.
Though the tourist buses did not exactly cancel today’s routine the scheduled timing of departure were delayed for several hours. Not knowing about today’s sudden bandh, Imphal bound buses coming from Guwahati and Shillong which normally arrive in Dimapur in the wee hours got stranded in the Nagaland commercial hub an began to proceed in the late afternoon to match the bandh-end timing which has been fixed at 6 pm. Reports from the four Naga dominated districts of Manipur said that the bandh was strong but there have been no reports of any untoward incident.
Mention may be made that a woman identified as Teshangphun Maring, (41) wife of Madaphun Maring of Langathel Lamlong Khullen was assaulted by some youths on Saturday in Thoubal district.
Offices, educational institutions and business establishments in the four hill districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati came to a grinding halt during the 12-hours bandh.
Inter-district passenger buses also did not ply today.
NNC ridicules IM's integration mantra Kuknalim.com
IMPHAL, Aug 09: Describing the cry of Isak-Muivah group and its supporters for integration of Nagas under the Indian Union as ‘nonsense’ Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) stated that integration of Nagas under the India Union can never be a solution but a capitulation of the aspiration of the Naga people. In a joint statement, NNC member Shepoumaramth Region RS Samuel Poumai and general secretary, Wing (Tangkhul) region, FGN AS Mashangthei said that the present cry of the Isak-Muivah group and its supporters for integration of Nagas under the India Union is nonsense for the Nagas and an act of anti-Naga nation. Thus the recent slogan of ‘No integration, no solution’ by the Naga Hoho following the cry of Th Muivah is a shame for the Nagas.

Indeed for the Nagas, the integration of Nagas under the India Union can never be a solution but a capitulation of the cause of Naga people, the joint statement said, adding that withdrawal of all foreign occupational forces from Nagaland and recognition of Nagaland’s sovereignty by the United Nations will be a solution to the Indo-Naga conflict. The joint statement said that Nagas are inherently sovereign, independent and a free nation since time immemorial.

‘We have been living in our own land and its sovereignty is always protected by God our Lord.
Therefore, our nation had never fallen into any nation by conquest or consent except intrusion or aggression which our forefathers relentlessly fought against to defend the sovereignty of the land’, the joint statement. However, the joint statement went on to say, it was unfortunate that the British had arbitrarily drawn the imaginary boundaries between the Naga families during 19th and 20th centuries without the knowledge of the Naga people. Again when the Burmese and Indian invaded Nagaland in 1950s, they accepted these artificial boundaries and placed Nagas in different places without their consent. But the Nagas did not accept and recognised these boundaries made by foreigners for the simple reason that the foreigners have no right to draw a boundaries or boundaries within the heart of the Naga nation, the joint statement added. The land occupied by the Nagas came to be known as Nagaland since the formation of NNC and FGN and Nagaland is a sovereign nation, the joint statement asserted, adding that when the sovereignty of Nagaland is recognised by the world, the artificial boundaries drawn the foreigners would disappeared automatically. TSE

NSCN-K not to hold talks with Centre Assam Tribune From Our Correspondent
DIMAPUR, August 9 – The NSCN-K has declared that it will not hold any talks with New Delhi as long as the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio led government in Nagaland is in power and also till the Government of India does not reveal the outcome of its ongoing talks with the NSCN-IM. While registering astonishment over the further extension of the ongoing ceasefire in between GoI and NSCN-IM for another six month, the outfit’s Kilonser (minister) Kughalu Mulatonu has asked Th. Muivah, the NSCN-IM general secretary to clarify before the Nagas why his outfit agreed to extend ceasefire once again, when he himself during his stay at New Delhi declared not to extend the ceasefire if the demand for integration is not met.
"He (Muivah) should tell Naga people why the ceasefire with New Delhi has been extended despite the Government of India's denial of integration of Naga areas,” Mulatonu insisted. Accusing Government of India of planning more terrorist activities in Nagaland in connivance with the NSCN-IM in the days to come, he maintained, “This is ridiculous because on the one hand the Government of India is unleashing terror in Nagaland and on the other hand, it is trying its best to get a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council”.
Substantiating its stand to not to have any link with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio-led ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government in the state, the Kilonser making a scathing remark said, “They wanted to meet us many a times but we refused because they are sponsoring the NSCN-IM with crores of rupees”.
How can we meet a government when its chief minister himself is funding terrorism in the state,” the NSCN-K Kilonser questioned. Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM has said that the reduction of the period of ceasefire from the usual one year to six months was done to pressurize Government of India.
NSCN-IM Deputy Kilonser (MIP) Kraibo Chawang disclosed that it was necessitated as since the beginning Government of India has kept on promising many things, but failed to implement its assurances. “We want to see GoI in action, not only make assurances,” Chawang said. – PTI

On indefinite economic blockade By Prof. N. Mohendro
No body in Manipur wants disarray, disintegration and depression. But development brings with itself the seeds of various forms of instability. The most difficult question is “How to manage the contents of change” and maintain the solid foundation of integration. This definitely calls for a long- term-strategic-thinking; unlike thika-supply-politics. Road is important; but more important is the standard of people who are using the road. There must be some areas of activities which need undisturbed and sustained priority - the areas identified to grow with distinctive core¬competence as a mark of socio-econo-mic advancement through which the community enjoys self respect and a pla-ce in arena of diversities. This is “core area”. Has Manipur identified this?
Secondly, every policy announcement should have its “announcement effects” - social effect, economic effect, political effect, short-term effect and long-term effect. The policy announcement is normally guided by the “vision” - a clear-cut blue-print of possible changes, effects and reactions so that the Govt should make sufficient preparation for built-in pro-active plans to address the fallouts and emerging concerns. Time-factor is very important in any policy¬initiative. Otherwise, the structural irritants would land us into a new trap of uncontrollable chain of frustration, more so in a state like Manipur where geo-politics has made its calculated appearance. Any civilised society is governed by civilised rules and regulations and happily abide by a sense of tolerance, discipline and integrity. The old world of traditional thinking and conservative approach is no longer valid. We have to think globally and act locally. The long queue of vehicles (1/2 km.) under the scorching heat for just 5 litres of petrol speaks volumes of high tolerance inspite of soaked and socked sentiments. But there is a limit. Every body has right to love his birth place. My birth place is my motherland and other country is my fatherland. Both mother and father must live together in harmony and mutual respect as partner of development. Please don’t except mother only. Well, let us look at the economic blockade (June 19, 2005 till date) on National Highways - 39 (Imphal - Dimapur) from three perspectives:
— Economic aspect — Social aspect — Political aspect
Economic aspect:
The present economic blockade on NH-39 is bad for the region and worse for the smaller States. In terms of anything and by any standard, because of this blockade, we are putting blockade on development process, while the region requires a new model of growth triangle - involving all neighbouring States in one way or other. Better transport and communication confers three inter-related benefits: (a) higher production, (b) innovativeness and (c) larger market linkages. We remain deprived of these distinct benefits for more than 40 days. The pheripheral markets look dull and deserted. Secondly high price means dis-saving and welfare loss. Thirdly the culture of hoarding, black-marketing and rent-seeking is greatly stimulated. Fourthly inequality and disparity is increased. Fifthly, the feeling of economic insecurity is deepened.
Social aspect:
The welfare loss and the economic insecurity will become a new foundation of social alienation from the mainstream and also from the apparatus of administration. “Credibility-gap” is a great social loss. Mutual destruct is a deadly poison. Very unfortunately a new social re¬grouping is taking shape.
Political aspect: There is nothing wrong when Manipur takes new strategy to be politically strengthened, emotionally consolidated and economically competitive. But any move from any segment to stimulate counter productive forces and seeds of misunderstanding, open defiance and unnecessary hostility needs to be guarded against. The prolonged economic blockade (50 days) is “disturbing and unsettling too much” and looks prompted by a hidden agenda of grand design. Why a small-fight for a big political cause? It appears that the baby is killed in the womb of the mother.
Thirdly, the prolonged economic blockade is bound to add a new dimension to the political immorality of undue harassment and silent torture based on geo-politics. Fourthly, the economic blockade may be ‘misleading light’ in the process of social re-grouping and social equations.
Approach: The approach should be governed by :
a) Flexibility with realism.
b) Kindness with firmness
c) Multiple options.
Solution :
Negotiation is the only means for solution. Even the two World Wars concluded with negotiation. Negotiation requires physical meeting and mutual sacrifice on either side.
The strategy for solution may consist of :
a) Long-term-strategic policy
b) Short-term-measures.
It may be noted that policies and measures are two different things. Of course, they are interdependent and complimentary. They meet at a point. Measures without strategic policy support may not deliver goods. Strategic policy failure is very dangerous. This is, perhaps, what we experience to-day in Manipur. Short-term measures:
The short term measures may consist of :
a) Removal of all bottlenecks in the supply line by any means.
b) Goodwill visits
c) Re-enforcement of security arrangement.
d) Contact, dialogue and consultations with stake-holders including church leaders.
e) Delivery of peace peck
Long term strategic policy may consist of :
1. Announcement of Hill Vision, 2012 (a Vision Document of Development)
2. Acceleration of physical connectivity with top priority on improving National Highway 39- Imphal to Moreh to the standard of 4 lane with street lights and wayside amenities and National Highway 53 also.
3. Strengthening of reporting mechanism.
4. Creation of a Centre for Policy Research, Manipur with Chief Minister as chairman of the governing council.
Reserved provision for 6 months:
5. The Govt of Manipur must maintain reserved stock of essential and str-ategic items for 6 months as in the case of U.S.A.
(This reserved stock is to be used only during emergency-situation).
Politics of venue :
I think venue for talk is not necessarily important as nowadays one can talk through various channels and media. Even mobile phone will do. In a way talk has begun. Message is being sent, communication has been made. Views have been studied. The real and ultimate venue is mind.
What is the use of so-called formal talk in a majestic room with closed mind, cynical outlook and mixed feelings. Our immediate objective is to remove the grievances of innocent people who have not committed any crime. How long the lives of poor people should be allowed to be thoroughly exhausted by “miscalculation’? The earlier the better. It is fine that the ball has started rolling with the visit of a strong team of Ministers. Let us see the game of wit and wisdom. I feel the area of mutual understanding should certainly be based on “strategic consideration” and a “new vision”.
ANSAM lifts 49th day old economic blockades from tomorrow noon Oken Jeet Sandham
Kohima, Aug 10 (NEPS): The 49th day old economic blockades which had been imposed on two national highways of Manipur---39 and 53---by All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against the Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi’s declaration of June 18 as “State Holiday” will be lifted from 12 noon tomorrow. Disclosing this to a press conference held here at the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)’s office today, NSF President Pushika Awomi and ANSAM President Paul Langhu said they took the decision of lifting the 49th day old economic blockades imposed on Manipur’s two national highways after consultations with the Naga Hoho, and other Naga Civil organizations keeping in view the immense hardships faced by the people of Manipur. It also stated various central leaders including Prime Minister and Home Minister had already requested the delegation of the Naga Hoho to lift the economic blockades when the latter visited the former.
The student leaders however pointed out that the Manipur Government should try to resolve the controversial June 18 Holiday Declaration and further cautioned the blockade might be resumed if the Government did not attempt to find solution to the problem. It may be mentioned that the ANSAM launched the economic blockades on the two national highways of Manipur---39 and 53---connecting the State since June 22 in protest against Chief Minister O Ibobi’s declaration of June 18 as “State Holiday.” The student organization took the matter as an insult to the aspiration of the Naga people who are fighting to live under single administrative unit. The student body had however did not object the offer of talks by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi to end the blockade impasse but venue of the talks became the main hurdle throughout. The student body said any talks should be held in four hill districts of the State where Nagas were majority whereas Ibobi Government explained such talks could only be held in Imphal, the State capital. Both sides remained non-committal to their demands thereby the blockades continues for 49 days till date.
The Manipur has been undergoing unprecedented hardships during this one of the longest economic blockades on their lifelines and the Chief Minister for the first time was forced to utilize the abandoned national highway 53---Imphal-Silcher road---to bring in essential commodities. For the record, the Union Home Ministry had used the services of the cargo planes of the Indian Air Force (IOAF) for airlifting essential items including life saving drugs from Guwahati. During the 49th day economic blockade, the ANSAM activists also launched non-cooperation movement with the Manipur Government in the hill districts---Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong---following some of their volunteers were fired upon by Manipur IRB personnel. They had also destroyed over 20 Government offices in the four hill districts during this period. Meanwhile talking to NEPS over phone from Imphal, Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi expressed his happiness on the student body’s decision to lift the blockade and further hoped this would fast return normalcy in the state and restore confidence the love and affection amongst the all sections of Manipur.
Rebels attack rail tracks, northeast cut off (LEADS By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, Aug 10 (IANS) Separatist rebels Wednesday blew up two railway tracks in restive Assam, cutting rail links between the northeastern region and the rest of India, police said. Police and railway officials said militants damaged two 'vital sections of railway tracks' in separate incidents early Wednesday. One of the explosions took place on the rail track near Bonda on the outskirts of Assam's main city of Guwahati and another near Tihu, 70 km west of here. This disrupted train services between the rest of India and the northeast, a railway spokesman said. 'Repairs have begun but the complete restoration of the tracks is expected to take at least 24 hours,' he said.
'Several long distance trains have either been rescheduled or postponed. Efforts are on to divert train services using an alternative route.' Rebels also blew up a gas pipeline and attacked three power facilities overnight, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.
Police have blamed all the explosions and attacks on the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979.
The ULFA had claimed responsibility for blowing up gas and oil pipelines and other installations but denied its role in a market blast Sunday that killed four people and injured nine more.
The militants routinely step up attacks before India's Independence Day, Aug 15. This year there had been about two dozen attacks since the weekend. Four rebel groups in the northeast have also called for a 17-hour general strike to boycott Independence Day. These include the ULFA, the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation, the Tripura People's Democratic Front and the Manipur People's Liberation Front. On Tuesday two policemen were seriously injured when suspected militants attacked a road patrol outside the Nalbari police station in the west of the state. Militants also blew up a state-owned Oil India Limited gas pipeline in eastern Tinsukia district and damaged three power transformers in separate attacks, police said. 'There was a massive fire soon after the blast and since it was located in a remote area it took some time for fire fighters to reach the spot,' said an official from the police control in Tinsukia who wished not to be identified. The blaze was brought under control after about two hours.'There have been about two-dozen explosions targeting innocent civilians, vital installations, and security forces since Saturday,' Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
'The militants want to create panic but people are coming forward in our fight against militancy.'

Nagalim.NL News

08/10/2005: "Manipur blockade suspended"