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08/13/2005: "Don’t sleep over demands: ANSAM to Manipur govt The Imphal Free Press"

Don’t sleep over demands: ANSAM to Manipur govt The Imphal Free Press

Senapati, Aug 12: The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur ANSAM has reminded the Manipur government today not to sleep over the June 18 declaration issue although there is no pressure on the latter at the moment.
ANSAM spokesman Ngachonmi Chamroy told Newmai News Network today that "now there has been respite in Manipur" following the lifting of the economic blockade on the two national highways leading to Manipur but the government should not take advantage of the situation.
The Naga students' leader declared, " now the ball is in the court of Manipur with regard to the issue."
He also said that the Manipur government should have a political will to resolve the June 18 declaration as soon as possible.
ANSAM had lifted its indefinite economic blockade on August 11 which had been imposed since June 19 midnight in protest against the Manipur government decision to declare June 18 as "Manipur Integrity Day" which was a state holiday saying that the declaration was against the interest of the tribal communities living in Manipur particularly the Nagas.
Greater Nagaland issue receives boost NET News Network Guwahati, Aug 12: The people of Sadar Hills of Nagaland are contemplating to back the Naga’s common vision of Greater Nagaland with utmost zeal if no positive and concrete steps are taken before the ensuing independence day regarding the creation of the Sadar Hills as a full fledged revenue district.
A press release issued this evening stated that the genuine aspirations of the inhabitants has ignored whenever the issue was brought to the notice various successive Government which forced the Kuki people to take such a step and the people will never compromise for the blood shed of the martyrs for the cause of the community. Dwelling on the tribe relationship, the release informed that the Kukis are more close to the Nagas then the Meetei and there is no point living with people who are not like-minded and the decision are always suppressed. “We share common tribal traditional ways of life-styles and in religious aspect we both belong to Christianity”, added the release.
Ansam's wake up call to Govt Sangai Express
Senapati, Aug 12 : The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur has reminded the Manipur Govt not to sleep over the June-18 declaration issue although there is no pressure on the latter at the moment, reports NNN. ANSAM spokesman Ngachonmi Chamroy informed Newmai News Network today that “now there is a reprieve in Manipur following the suspension of the economic blockade on the two national highways leading to Manipur but the government should not take advantage of the situation.” Chamroy then declared “now the ball is in the court of Manipur Govt with regard to the issue.”
He also said the Manipur government should have a political will to solve the June-18 declaration impasse as soon as possible. ANSAM had suspended the econo-mic blockade on August-11 since the agitation came into force on June 19 midnight to protest Manipur government's decision to declare June 18 as “State Integrity Day” and holiday. The blockade is in pursuit of demand for revocation of the declaration on ground that the declaration affronts the interest of the tribal people in general and particularly the Nagas.
Rio for more Naga youths in Army New Kelara
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to the Centre to increase Nagaland's percentage in recruitment to the Army and other forces from the present 40 per cent. Speaking at the inaugural function of Sainik Bhawan at Dimapur yesterday, Mr Rio asserted that many Nagas had fought and died while defending the country.
''Nagas are known for their bravery and discipline and are keen to join the security forces. But lack of basic training to get through the different recruitment tests is restricting them from achieving their aspiration,'' he said. Mr Rio also appealed to the Assam Rifles to conduct more pre-recruitment training in the interior areas of the state, so that more youths could benefit. The Chief Minister, himself the son of an ex-servicemen, said that his government would continue to extend help through various welfare schemes to 3804 ex-servicemen to enable them to be self-employed.
''During 2004-2005, Rs 45.58 lakh was alloted to the Rajya Sainik board and in the current year Rs 30.35 lakh had been alloted for the welfare of former servicemen,'' he said. The state could re-employ some ex-servicemen in the Nagaland Armed Police, Mr Rio said. ''But cases of re-employment are still under study,'' he added.
Security beefed up for I-Day
KOHIMA, Aug 12: Security has been beefed up in many parts of the region, especially in sensitive areas, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations across the country on August 15 amidst boycott calls by several underground groups in North East.

In Kohima, albeit there is so far no security threat to the celebrations of Independence Day in Nagaland, the State Government has geared up the security measures throughout the State fearing sneaking of ultras from the neighbouring states due to pressure from the security forces.Official sources said the State police, Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) and the Assam Rifles have intensified the patrollings in all vulnarable points of the State. In Manipur, suspected militants have launched a series of attacks on security personnel even as the State Government were making elaborate preparations for celebrating Independence Day.A CRPF jawan was killed and 11 were injured in a blast late on Thursday night at Lamphel in Imphal West district.
Calm despite the storm By Pradip Phanjoubam The Statesman
The indefinite economic blockade of Manipur by the All Naga Students Association Manipur, ANSAM, supported by other Naga organisations such as the Naga Students Federation, NSF and the Naga Hoho, has been relaxed. But let nobody be fooled, even if the immediate flare-up over the mistimed holiday declared by the chief minister, Okram Ibobi, is resolved, the core conflict of the ideas of Naga integration and Manipur’s integrity remains. Hence, the current problem would only be going into an incubation to resurface again another time in another form, perhaps the next time the NSCN(I-M) peace talks run into another roadblock. It is unfortunate, too, that as far as it is foreseeable there are only roadblocks ahead, the biggest ones being the concept of Greater Nagaland (Nagalim) and Naga sovereignty.
Naga unification, as the NSCN(IM) has made it clear is only the first major step to a sovereign Nagalim. A few other things are also clear. Economic blockades cannot make Manipur submit. This is on several considerations. First, the valley is a rice bowl and because of it, the state can hold out the worst sieges. Second, the airways cannot be blockaded. Third, the commitment of some of the state’s basic services, such as its truck drivers, will always make sure that no blockade is complete. If there ever was a time Manipur could thank itself for not having been blessed with any industries, it had to be during the blockade. The 54-day siege would have caused havoc, incurring heavy losses, setting off panic in the market, but the state was spared this trauma at least because it does not have any industry worth the name to be destroyed.
It also proves that life in Manipur is not sophisticated and its luxuries only superficial. Hence, even in the most adverse circumstances, there is never too much that its people have to give up.
People were worried about inconveniences during the blockade but did not panic as it was not life-threatening. Visitors to the state were disarmed by the composure with which the people were coping with the scarcities. They were also impressed by the public discipline of a people known for its passionate intensity.
The chaos also brought out some of Manipur’s strengths. Predictions that the state would be plunged into a communal strife because of the blockade were proven woefully alarmist. The society proved its enormous capacity to absorb shocks and provocations, much like during the June 2001 upheaval. On that occasion, too, despite fears of an imminent communal mayhem, despite 18 people losing their lives protesting against a Government of India decision, and despite the inferno that important institutions and symbols of the establishment, including the Assembly building and national flags, were thrown into, not a single individual became an intended victim of communalism. It is true that a number of Naga residents of the Imphal valley fled to safer distances, quite understandably fearing violence in the midst of the explosive situation. But the fact is, none of the dark scenario painted ever became a reality. In the current imbroglio, too, all with intent to provoke a communal backlash would have ended up frustrated. Life went on. People did have to queue up overnight outside petrol pumps but they took the bad times in its strides and did queue up outside petrol pumps overnight as if this was only a bad patch in their life. The abnormal times also threw up common man heroes. The commitment of the truck drivers was phenomenal. Repeated damage to vehicles, repeated personal injuries, repeated exposure to threats and dangers, repeatedly being stranded on highways for weeks, all failed to deter them from doing what they were supposed to do.
Just as America honoured its firefighters after 9/11, we for one would be happy if “Drivers Day”, as a symbol of all the state’s basic services, were to be celebrated as Integrity Day, instead of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi’s choice. There are other reasons for the calm that has surprised outsiders. All these years the state has been so used to extended blackouts, water shortages, bad roads, frequent but less severe bandhs and blockades, that its people have become somewhat immunised to effects of even extended blockades.
A serious question posed by the state of affairs in Manipur is, can democracy be translated literally as “rule by the people”? People often forget freedom and democracy mean very different things when they are not bound by limits that discipline them. This being so, there are in Manipur today “democratic” blockades, human rights have also become sectarian. Very soon it may be “democratic” lynching and “democratic” ethnic cleansing. The Manipur question has revived a disturbing question: what if the people begin wanting these things? Would democracy still be comfortably defined as rule by the people? How else can an indefinite economic blockade be “democratic?” Many eminent democracy scholars, including the well known scientist-turned-philosopher, Karl Popper, came to the conclusion that the spirit of democracy, if it is not routed through the formal system of representative government can only amount to anarchy, or in modern journalese, “mobocracy”. Manipur is proving his theory. It may be recalled, ANSAM had called the blockade to protest against a holiday declared on 18 June, the day in 2001 when a revolt against the non-territorial extension of the NSCN(I-M)-Government of India ceasefire, peaked in Imphal, leaving 18 dead. (The author is Editor, The Imphal Free Press.)
Communal tension highlighted to Centre By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Aug 12 : Highlighting the communal tension generated by the peace talk between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) amongst the people of North East, representatives of the North East Peoples' Organisation met Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and urged him to take up appropriate steps to counter the tension.
Oscar Fernandes is heading the Group of Ministers constituted to hold parleys with the NSCN (IM).
During the meeting with Fernandes yesterday at about 10.30 pm at Sadar Patel Bhawan at New Delhi, the NEPO team made it clear that they are not against the peace process but are opposed to any design to whip up communal tension in the region due to the demand of the IM group to bring all Naga inhabited areas under one adminis- trative unit. Three States of the North East have made a clear stand against such a demand, informed the NEPO team to Fernandes. Even though the NSCN (IM) is engaged in a cease fire pact with the Centre, that has not stopped it from extorting lakhs of rupees from the vehicles plying on NH-39 at Dimapur informed the NEPO representatives and urged Fernandes to stop such activities. The NEPO team also urged the Union Minister to shift all the godowns located at Dimapur to Jiribam and also to provide adequate security along NH-39, NH-53 and NH-150. During the meeting Fernandes assured the team that efforts have been taken up on a war footing to develop NH-53 and suggested that a viable alternative route be charted out with an eye on the future. Earlier the team also met Union Minister of Heavy Industries Santosh Mohan Dev to develop NH-53.
The 58th Anniversary of Naga Independence Declaration - Naga National Council
LONDON, Aug 12: As we celebrate the 58th Anniversary (1947 - 2005) of the declaration of Naga Independence on 14 August, let everyone pause deeply for a moment to reflect on how our nation survived the unremitting evil designs of the enemy and thank our Heavenly Father for His unfailing love in time of trials and tribulations. ..
We pray for His blessings upon our nation in the days ahead and ask Him to lead our people always.
International perception on conflict has shifted inexorably against aggression and terrorism in recent years. At the same time, the arrival of the internet now instantly connect Nagaland with the rest of the world. Under the current political climate, Nagaland stand on the right to exist as an independent nation become much more compelling than ever before.

How the Naga People became a Nation: After the Second World War, the Naga Elders, representing their Communities, and led by A.Z.Phizo, declared to the world on 14 August 1947 that the Nagas will stay independent, a day ahead of the independence of India granted by Great Britain. It was followed with the historic voluntary national plebiscite held on 16 May 1951 that indelibly affirm Naga national identity and Naga nation by a resounding 99.00 per cent return. Thereafter, NNC was immutably entrusted with Naga mandate on upholding independence. Furthermore, NNC President reached out our people in the East, the then "unadministered areas", to persuade them to join with the then "Naga Hills district", on a Constitutional framework. Thereupon the Two Part hoisted the national flag and inaugurated the Federal Republic of Nagaland on 22 March 1956. The Nagas will never yield to India's evil designs to annex Nagaland.
'Political Foundation of Nagaland' - A.Z.Phizo: "The political foundation of Nagaland is firm and strong as it is based on the consent of the people as a whole, and it has proved from hundreds of years experience that we have perfected what we needed and that we need nothing better or higher a system than Pure Democracy.
Since Nagaland is ruled by the people's authority, land belongs to the people as private and personal property which inspires man to have greater confidence in themselves for self-reliance and it gives one a sense of joy and happiness that you are your own master.

We are thankful to God for all what we have because we are free and equal in every respect and that from time immemorial.
And, we are thankful to our Forefathers who had laid the foundation for us to stand upon with dignity and without fear and we look forward to the future without worry and anxiety. We know that we have reached our goal for our nation to continue to live in real Human freedom without giving offence to any one in the country and this freedom nobody can take away from us."

The conundrum of Naga politics? As a nation Nagaland has a Constitutional authority, namely, the Federal Government of Nagaland. How then could we explain that at times a section of muddle Nagas can be seen either blissfully ignorant or politically naive as to behave in a manner totally oblivious of their responsibility and limitation. Remarkably, in time of active war, our nation had unity of purpose and our people fully stood behind NNC and the Federal Government in upholding Nagaland independence. In contrast, following the suspended state of war since 1975, we have witnessed proliferation of self-proclaimed "leaders" meddling in politics motivated wholly by selfishness and greed. The false national image it projects to the world in collusion with India clearly has been a significant factor in choking the progress of Naga stand on freedom. All right-minded Nagas know that any attempt to steal Naga history and hijack national mandate entrusted with NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland is in grave breach of the pledge given by the Nagas on 16 May 1951.

The conflict with India in perspective: There is a point of reference on every subject that provide information on fact and fiction. Naga sovereignty is not a dream since the Naga people did not share a common history with India at any time. Moreover, our ancestors were never subjugated by foreigners. Whereas, in the current protracted conflict with India, the core issue always has been Indian flagrant aggression against Nagaland in 1954 and the subsequent unremitting occupation of Nagaland. In self-defence, NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland led our people in resisting the Indian aggressors. The Naga people will always be immensely grateful to the many thousands Naga patriots who gave their lives for our freedom and passed unto us a legacy of an unbroken history of independence. It takes two to make peace but hitherto the same India that sell itself to the world as champion of peace has hypocritically shun the non-violence policy of NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland. Nevertheless India cannot stop political dynamics that increasingly detest bully and state sponsored terrorism.
The Present and Future Outlook: The resilient Nagas have earned the respect of the world for their unflinching resolve not to yield to Indian bully. Unfortunately, a few self-serving Nagas appears unable to resist the lure of spoiling our nation's tremendous achievements in thwarting the enemy's evil designs. Those elements who drag the good Naga name backward for sheer lust of power or collude with the enemy to undermine our national stand and bring discord among our people should first ask themselves who is their enemy and how they would like to be remembered by the future generation.

The Nagaland we love has been denied peace by India for over fifty years without any justification. We adamantly oppose the unremitting Indian occupation army militarised tyranny and state sponsored terrorism in Nagaland. To fulfil our mission to be a nation among nations, it is imperative that we remain true to Naga traditional values, particularly, in honouring our national pledge. Every Naga has a duty in upholding our nation.
Nagaland will not condone Nagas as individuals or as NGOs to interfere in the internal affairs of neighbouring Indian states. As much as Nagaland is against India meddling in our internal affairs, it is wrong and irresponsible for any Naga to indulge similarly. Whether Nagas or others, should resolve problems as politically mature societies through mutual respects and understanding without resorting to violence.
We have come a long way and we hope sometime soon India will fall in line with recent international perception strongly against bully. Meanwhile, the world has radically changed and no nation is safe from international scrutiny. Image conscious India know its reputation of waging the longest international war in modern time against Nagaland will not go away and untenable. Only the leaders of India can answer whether they have gumption to take the bold step of complying with international norm to open dialogue with the Naga establishment NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland for a final solution based on mutual trust.

May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie
Adinno PhizoPresident
THE NAGA NATIONAL COUNCIL Urra, Nagaland

Legal highways Road blockades are not merely a political issue Financial Express
The Supreme Court notice to the Union home, defence and road transport ministries on politically-inspired road blockades is the latest indication that our policymakers and political parties need to discuss the issue. We had the two-month-long blockade of both national highways into Manipur by a Naga students union, with the Centre and both state governments sitting on their hands, even as Manipuris starved. And now comes the SC notice. This one is on a public interest suit, seeking an end to the increasing bandhs called by political parties in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, blocking National Highway 31A, the main road link to Sikkim. The two state governments have also been asked to state their position. This will not be easy, given how complex the situation is. What are the respective responsibilities of Union and state governments on such stretches? Police and law and order are a state subject. And what about the constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully?
There are grey areas here, which many a prudent administration may legitimately not wish to rush to resolve. Are protests on national highways a central responsibility? How is that to be enforced? Manipur and Nagaland are teeming with troops: it wasn’t considered wise to use them. Remember, there is no concept of a federal police in India: the CRPF is strictly for law and order support, when requested by a state. And using the military for policing civilians imperils democracy. Nor is it necessary to step on or even be close to a national highway to stop traffic from coming on to it. More broadly, do workers in or on the road or rail sector have less of a constitutional right to strike than, say, workers in a factory?
These are issues on which we need debate. The Inter-State Council (ISC), for instance, should be seriously used to discuss options: in fact, this is one of the questions put to the Union in the SC notice. The ISC is a wasted constitutional forum: its meetings are very occasional and there is almost no action on even the points where it has reached a broad consensus. These are issues where a discussion is very necessary, especially given our federal structure. The SC notice is the first call to parties and policymakers to start thinking more seriously on the issue.

NH-39 truckers now told to cough up a lakh each as “evaded tax” The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 12: There is apprehension that the relief from various disturbances to the movement of truckers along the NH-39 with the temporary relaxation of the economic blockade may be shortlived as one particular underground outfit is said to be preparing to collect huge amounts of money fraom the Manipuri truckers on the charge that they were travelling along with security escorts during the economic blockade and had escaped from paying their taxes to the group. Even as state based students organisation ANSAM and Nagaland based NSF have lifted their economic blockade imposed on the national highways on temporary basis, the truckers who usually ply on the Dimapur route are yet to start moving freely on NH-39. More than 80 trucks carrying goods coming from Guwahati side are stranded at Khatkati once again. A highly reliable source said that the truckers were stranded there as they were unable to pass through Dimapur after the particular outfit had imposed a heavy tax upon them. The source also said that the outfit had demanded an amount of Rs. one lakh from each truck transporting goods into Manipur. The authorities of the outfit have hardened their stand that unless their demand is met the trucks now stranded at Khatkhati and its adjoining areas will not be allowed to proceed further for Imphal.

The outfit’s leaders also further threatened that if any of the truckers failed to heed the warning they would themselves be responsible for any dire consequences. The receipt acknowledgement, issued by the outfit to the truckers regularly for goods transportation on the NH-39 and loading from Dimapur, which has been an open secret for a long time has not been issued for the outfit’s current demand. The truckers knowing the consequences to be faced on the way anywhere from Mao to Senapati if they are asked to produce the receipt acknowledgement are now stranded. In the meantime, reliable information said that at least five Imphal bound goods laden trucks coming on the NH-39 had reportedly disappeared near the Patkai bridge, some 30 kms from Dimapur towards Kohima this morning. There was suspicion that the said trucks were hijacked by some unknown persons on the demand of Rs. one lakh each from them and non-payment of goods taxes due from them during the economic blockade and defying their prior warning not go with the escorts. However there was no official confirmation of the report on the hijacking of the trucks. Meanwhile, truckers at Imphal talking to IFP lamented that during the blockade they were protected with the security escorts but now they had to bear the burden of providing huge amount from their pockets. Although there is nothing new in this the only difference this time is that the heavy monetary demand will be hard to negotiate.
NSF suspends stir against NPSC New Kelara
Kohima: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has suspended its agitation against the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) till the main examination, which is scheduled for August 20 next. In a release issued here today, the NSF said it decided to suspend the first phase of agitation following the appeal of the state government and the decision of the NPSC to set afresh question papers for the main examination. Reiterating its demand for a CBI probe in the NPSC scandal, the students' body, nonetheless, said it will not obstruct the vigilance team currently investigating the scandal, but keep a close watch on the investigation and any undue interference from any quarter.

Welcoming the government decision to strengthen the vigilance commission by creating two new posts of senior Superintendent of Police and one post of Additional Superintendent of Police and four posts of Constables, the NSF, however, said it was skeptical of the officials executing duties in an impartial manner due to limited judicial powers and urged the government to give full autonomy to the commission to wind up the inquiry within the shortest possible time. Seeking cooperation of the public to unearth corrupt practices, the NSF also assured that the identity of anyone passing information would be kept a secret.
Ukl bodies target I-Day Sangai By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 12 : Tang-khul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long have jointly appealed to the people of Ukhrul district not to participate in the forthcoming Independence Day celebration as an expression of anger and displeasure against the alleged step-motherly treatment meted out by the Chief Minister and the unruly behaviour of Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul. In a joint statement, the Tangkhul bodies decried the indifferent attitude of the Chief Minister to the demand to transfer the Deputy Commissioner despite serving numerous memoranda and ultimatums highlighting the misdeeds of the head of the district administration. The joint statement alleged that during his posting at Ukhrul, several crores of rupees of Centrally sponsored schemes have been intentionally allowed to lapse. The opening of a new branch of State Bank of India (SBI) and setting of FM Station of All India Radio (AIR) at Ukhrul have been delayed willfully by him despite repeated efforts by the Bank and the AIR authorities for early opening and setting up, the joint statement further alleged. He also made several physical challenge to social leaders and often use abusive language against the three MLAs from Ukhrul district, the Tangkhul bodies charged, adding that his irregular office attendance and running administration from his residence ever since his posting has infuriated the people besides causing serious problems to the public.
The Rani Of The Nagas Described thus by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1937; given a tamrapatra as a freedom fighter in 1972; awarded a Padma Bhushan in 1981; honoured with a stamp in her memory in 1994. Who's she? PRITAM SENGUPTA on Rani Gaidinliu Special Issue: Independence Day Special Outlook
Described by Jawaharlal Nehru as the ‘Rani of the Nagas,’ in 1937; given a tamrapatra as a freedom fighter in 1972; awarded a Padma Bhushan in 1981; honoured with a stamp in her memory in 1994. Who’s she?
Chances are 99 out of 100 people across India will not be able to name her. Rani Gaidinliu’s fame after all dates back to 1932 when--as a 16 year old--she evaded the British forces for a year before being captured and sentenced to life imprisonment. She was freed only after India became independent. Today, her name is a faint memory even in the Northeast, thanks mainly to the Hindutva brigade which claims her as their own since she opposed the ‘Christian’ Naga separatists in the early 1960s. It will however be an insult to confine Gaidinliu to any particular camp or ideology. She was first and foremost a champion of her own people, the Zeliangrong tribe comprising Rongmei (Kabuis), Liangmei and Zemei (Kacha Nagas) groups, inhabiting the Tamenlong district of western Manipur.
Third daughter among eight children, Gaidinliu was born on January 26, 1915 in Nungkao village in Tamenlong district. Lack of schools in the backward area meant that Gaidinliu never had a chance to get formally educated. But she was a born leader. Even before she entered her teens she came under the influence of her cousin Haripau Jadonang, who had started a socio-political movement to drive out the British.
Jadonang, who was barely 10 years older than Gaidinliu, had conceived a new religion that was described as a ‘blend of Christianity and Hinduism grafted on to a Naga animist stock’. His objective, Gaidinliu, has been quoted as saying, "was reformation of old religious practices in order to strengthen the political movement aimed at ousting the British". Such was Jadonang’s popularity that within six years of launching the movement, the British perceived him as a threat to their supremacy in certain parts of Northeast. He was arrested and after a mock trial, hanged on August 29, 1931 at Imphal.
The mantle of leadership then fell on Gaidinliu. She was barely 16. Calling all Zeliangrong people not to pay taxes to British, Gaidinliu reaffirmed the call for freedom given by originally by Jadonang. The people rose as one and refused to assist the British in any way. Repressive measures were adopted by the police and the Assam Rifles; collective fines imposed on villages. But Gaidinliu and her band of dedicated followers continued to evade arrest, moving from village to village across the present day Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.
Alarmed by her growing defiance, the British authorities decided to send a special Assam Rifles contingent under one Captain MacDonald to try and capture Gaidinliu. Acting on an intelligence report that Gaidinliu and her followers were based in a village called Pulomi, Captain MacDonald, sent a large force in the opposite direction to hoodwink the rebels. Lulled into a false sense of security, Gaidinliu and her followers were caught completely by surprise when Capt. MacDonald raided the village on October 17, 1932. Gaidinliu was captured without any resistance. Handcuffed and humiliated, she was taken to Kohima on foot and later to Imphal for a trial. Most of her close associates were either executed or jailed.
Gaidinliu’s trial went on for over 10 months. Sentenced to life imprisonment, she was still in jail when Jawaharlal Nehru was on a tour of Manipur in 1937. Later he wrote: "…and now she lies in some prison in Assam, wasting her bright young womanhood in dark cells and solitude. Six years she has been there. What suppression of spirit they have brought to her who in pride of her youth dared to challenge the Empire…And India does not even know of this brave child of her hills.But her own people remember her their ‘Rani Guidallo…and a day will come when India will also remember her…" Nehru spelt her name wrong but was correct in calling her the ‘Rani of Nagas.’
Gaidinliu indeed was a legend in her own lifetime. After her release from jail, she continued to work for the uplift of her backward people. The brave warrior once again went underground in 1966 organising a resistance movement against the Naga National Council (NNC)-led insurgents. Today none of the Naga underground groups is willing to even acknowledge her since she was considered close to the Government of India. Although she was hnonoured as a freedom fighter and also awarded a Padma Bhushan, Rani Gaidinliu died disillusioned and bitter in 1993 since the Government did not keep any of its promises made to her. Not many remember her anymore anyway.

India takes up issue of ultra camps with Bangla Our Staff Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 12 – Conceding that number of violent incidents has gone up in the North-East though the number of killings have declined by 28 percent, Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil today said that India has taken up with Bangladesh the issue of existence of militant camps in the country. Replying to a Calling Attention Motion regarding terrorism in the country including attack on Ram Janam Bhoomi Complex at Ayodhya raised by Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra in Lok Sabha, Patil said that though External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh had gone to the neighbouring country on a bilateral visit, he raised the issue of illegal immigration and presence of militant camps.

Patil said that there were complaints of illegal migration of people from the country. The issue has also been raised at the official-level and also at higher level. The Home Minister was responding to questions whether the Government of India has asked Bangladesh to launch joint combing operation to flush out militants from the country. However, Patil side stepped the issue and merely said that the issues were discussed with Bangladesh. However, he added that the fencing in the Eastern border which has been half completed is targeted to be completed by 2006. Earlier, Patil said that though the number of violent incidents in the North-East last month increased by 0.7 percent there was no rise in the number of killing. The situation in Assam, Tripura and Nagaland is under control though the situation in Manipur was disturbing.
Is NH-53 the answer to Economic blockade? Sangai Editorial By Dr KN Singh
Manipur is linked with the rest of the country through National Highway No-39 which runs through Nagaland. National Highway No 53 which links the State of Assam with Im-phal runs through Jiribam and the hilly Tamenglong district. This highway is in a dilapidated condition with many bridges not in pliable condition. Successive Governments have neglected the importance of the National Highway No. 53 which directly links Manipur with Assam. The economic blockade imposed by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) supported by Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Nagaland for more than one and half month starting from 19th July 2005 has put the entire population of Manipur at ransom. The scarcity of essential commodities and life saving drugs had caused untold sufferings to the general public and the poorer section of the society in particular. Only now, the State Government feels the urgency of developing NH-53 as an alternative to NH-39, and has to exert pressure to the Centre for developing it on war footing. Now, the pertinent question is - “Is the development of NH-53 the solution to the economic blockade along NH-39?”
Right, when the buses, trucks ply over NH-39 from and to Manipur through Nagaland taxes are levied by the NSCN to the tune of crores of rupees per annum. This is with full knowledge of the Indian Army, State security forces. These taxes become the perennial source of income for NSCN. In the name of peace talk, they are free to collect taxes fixed by them from buses and trucks of Manipur. Further more, the passengers are often looted and drivers harassed for no fault of theirs by the anti-social elements along NH-39. Had ULFA collected taxes from each and every bus or truck of Nagaland passing through Assam, how the Naga people will react. This introspective question is put to NSCN and NSF also. They stand for the Naga civil society, for their autonomy, for their liberation from the yoke of Indian rule and for unification of all Nagas in the neighbouring States. When the same treatment is meted out to the drivers of trucks and buses of Nagaland and the passengers travelling therein, how will the Government and people react?
Within the territory of Manipur, in the hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong, NSCN is operating without any hindrance, collecting taxes from contractors, buses, trucks etc. State forces which caught NSCN cadres, captured arms and ammunition were forced to return the same by the Centre. It is anybody’s guess what the State security personnel will feel when one is insulted for discharging his duties courageously instead of bravery award. Such treatment has only emboldened the NSCN cadres to carry out their agenda/programme within the State of Manipur. Since ceasefire is confined wi-thin the territory of Naga-land, and is not extended to Manipur, it is quite natural that the State security personnel take the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the State. The Centre and the State Governments should take a clear stand about NSCN cadres with or without fire arms within the State of Manipur. If the arms and ammunition captured from underground elements are to be returned as was done earlier in Manipur, will the Central Government apply the same yard stick to other underground organisations in Manipur and elsewhere in the country?
Antisocial elements in Senapati district and Chandel district loot the passengers in broad day light as if there is no security measures to save them from these barbaric acts. Trucks have to pay heavy taxes per month to the underground elements as if it is a legalized one. If this goes on unhindered and if this is a regular feature, as it is now, what guarantees the people when they travel by NH-53 through Tamenglong which is also infested with Naga underground and antisocial elements. The need of the hour is to tighten the grip of law and order in the hill districts of Manipur with the full support of the Central Government. Any highway, No. 39, 53 or 150 will not be safe until and unless the underground organizations of the hills and the valley are made to feel that the disruption of highways will cost them dearly. One wonders how the Central Government was in deep slumber when the entire population of Manipur cries for want of essential commodities following the indefinite economic blockade by ANSAM and NSF for one and half month. It is a pity to see thousands of people queuing up from 2 am to 5 pm for 2 litres, 3 litres or 5 litres of petrol at the oil pumps which start issuing petrol from 6.30 or 7.00 a.m. Only when BJP pulled up Congress led State and Central Governments for failing to discharge its Constitutional obligation, in the backdrop of the indefinite economic blockade by ANSAM & NSF for the last 45 days, Home Minister took the measure to air-lift the following day 40 tonnes of life saving drugs and some other essential commodities which is far below the one-day requirement of the State. We do appreciate the initiative taken by Home Minister, even if it is too late.
However, as a matter of policy, one cannot but question the wisdom of Home Minister. Will the Central Government be able to provide by airlifting the essential commodities for 25 lakh people of Manipur daily? It is absurd. Further if a student organization in UP or Bihar imposes similar economic blockade on all the National Highways passing through their State for one or two months to press their demand, shall the Centre adopt air dropping measure for the people of the State and the States beyond. A definite absurdity. It is nothing but an exposure of the weaknesses on the part of Central and State Governments. I am of the opinion that such attitude of the Government will surely have a negative effect on the internal security of the country.
In the State of Manipur, one witnesses the failure of the Govt on so many fronts, particularly on the law and order front. Not a single day passes without bandhs/blockades/general strikes, killing or shooting of somebody by somebody. Some organisations take the decisions themselves and give punishment which they think fit. Many persons are killed or rendered unfit for life as if the value of human life in Manipur is cheaper than a chicken. Nobody is punished for such heinous crime by the Govt. The State Govt seems to be a helpless spectator of these killings of somebody by somebody else almost daily. On the other hand free medical camps at remote villages in Manipur are arranged at the instance of student and social organizations but not by the Government. This exposes the impotency of the State Government.
The security of the individuals is at stake. Underground organizations of around 20 numbers operating in the state are busy in collecting funds, demanding huge sum of money from businessmen, contractors, officers, teachers, doctors, public establishments, private establishments etc. Apart from this, contract works or Government supplies in almost all the departments are executed by individuals or groups sponsored by the underground elements. Sometimes, the same work programme is being pursued by two or three underground organizations and the authorities often become helpless in deciding to whom the work order is to be issued. The recent publications by college student unions of Manipur in the local dailies expressing displeasure for taxing on the teachers by underground elements and for stalling the construction works of the college because of struggle for execution of the same work by two group is enough proof of rejection by the student bodies.
The Government is blind to all sorts of malpractices in the Education Department since the last two decades or so. A good number of fake appointments, illegal withdrawal of pay and pension, misappropriation of fund etc are brought to light by social organisations. Govt fails to take up appropriate actions unless an accusing finger is raised. Every now and then, the attendance of the teachers specially in the rural and hill areas are checked by the student organizations. This is because of two main reasons - (i) lack of responsibility on the part of the teachers (ii) Absence of mechanism in the Government set-up to check, monitor and rectify the lapses. The student bodies regularly carry out inspection of schools, find faults of teachers and other employees and publicize it. The moral of the teachers is given a death blow. The existence of a representative Government becomes quite irrelevant as it fails to discharge the Constitutional obligations. It is likened to a situation of giving orders to his parents by his son but not by the elders of the parents. This happens when guardians are worthless, irresponsible and when there is no order in the house. This pitiable picture is what we see in Manipur. In the name of some organization, the workers/cadres use filthy languages towards the elders for failing to meet their demands which is very difficult to swallow by the ageing people who spent the best part of their life in a very disciplined and orderly way.
The voluntary retirement of many reputed senior doctors, engineers, tea-chers, officers etc. under the Govt. of Manipur is a testimony of the hostile environment in the State. We must not forget 'Discipline is the backbone of any civilized society'. Punishment is given for lapses or irregularities on the part of the Govt employees by the underground organizations but not by the employer i.e State Govt. Shooting at the leg if not killed by the underground elements for alleged negligence of duty, offences/ malpractices by the teachers, doctors, officers etc has become the order of the day. The abduction and subsequent shooting at the legs of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of Manipur University is still fresh in the minds of the people. In a nutshell the security of the people is not at all guaranteed nor there is proper mechanism to check the irregularities in the Govt set-up.
When the ‘people of Manipur are reeling under the impact of indefinite economic blockade, some underground organizations of the valley are busy in collecting money from the people as if they have nothing to do for the welfare of the people at the time of distress. Any movement without the ta-cit support of the mass base will not last long. When people have to pay heavy taxes towards the underground elements for fear of security of life over and above the legalised taxes paid to the Govt, nobody is willing to earn money through hard work by pious means. Nobody is willing to discharge his/her duty faithfully, be it in the teaching profession or in medical profession, when a good amount of his/her hard earned money is confiscated. The ultimate result will be a very slow pace of development in all fields. I sincerely appeal to all the brothers and sisters of social organizations that any action taken up by them should not be anti people, for, in the ultimate analysis, they stand for the good cause of the people within and without the State. Manipur has multi-ethnic society from time immemorial and as such we have to think and act for the welfare of the state as a whole leaving aside the sectarian egos and ethos.
We need a strong, effective and efficient Government which rules, a Government which protects the life and security of the people. We want to see a bright and prosperous Manipur free from bandhs, blockades and strikes. If law and order is not properly maintained in the State, this will not become a reality. Solving the insurgency problem in the North-eastern States including Manipur will be a key to the progress of these States.
The main land India should also understand that the neglect of these north eastern States by the Centre for the last five decades has created the present state of anarchy in this region. Political solution is the best option as we have seen in the case of Mizoram, although problems do differ from State to State. Even though initiative for political solution of Naga problem has already been taken up for Nagaland, and of late for Assam, unfortunately no serious effort has been made in this direction for Manipur by the State and the Central Governments. A concerted effort will be in the best interest of the people of the State.