Nagalim.NL News

Home » Archives » August 2005 » Restless Nagas renew call for freedom from India

[Previous entry: "Don’t sleep over demands: ANSAM to Manipur govt The Imphal Free Press"] [Next entry: "Tangkhul meet envisages political solution"]

08/14/2005: "Restless Nagas renew call for freedom from India"


Restless Nagas renew call for freedom from India 14 Aug 2005 Source: Reuters By Simon Denyer
CAMP HEBRON, Nagaland, India, Aug 14 (Reuters) - A folk singer in army fatigues sang of God and the Naga nation, with a trace of Neil Young in his voice. Soldiers marched past stiff-legged, splashing in the slush of the grassy parade ground, marking "independence day" on Sunday for the Naga hill tribes of northeastern India. Fifty-eight years ago, just hours before India won independence from Britain, Christian Naga separatists from these lush hills declared they did not want to be part of the new Hindu-dominated nation. Every year they renew that call. In Camp Hebron, headquarters of the main rebel faction, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, traditional dancers in shawls, beads and extravagant head-dresses chanted and jumped close to a bamboo and thatch Baptist church. Two young Naga women in green fatigues and blue berets stood to attention, rifles and bayonets pointing up at the sky and the sky-blue Naga flag fluttering above them, emblazoned with a rainbow and a star.
"How can Hindus control us?" asked 22-year Sergeant Woreishang Shinglai, the cross and olive branches on the lapels on his uniform a reminder of his faith.
"We have the right to be a separate nation, and I am prepared to fight to my last drop of blood."
For five decades Naga tribesmen fought the Indian army in these thickly forested mountains, before agreeing to a ceasefire in 1997. By then, India's oldest insurgency, in its remote northeastern arm, had cost more than 20,000 lives. Eight years on, the Naga rebels are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in peace talks with New Delhi, which they suspect of playing for time. In July, rebels extended the ceasefire for just six months, instead of a year. It was a clear signal.
FIERCE FIGHTERS
The government of India would not be allowed "to slumber for six or seven months and only wake up when the ceasefire was about to expire," said Lieutenant-General V.S. Atem, the most senior rebel living in India. "A ceasefire cannot just go on permanently, it is meant for finding a solution to the problem," he warned. The Nagas are ready to return to the battlefield if they have to. In Camp Hebron, rebels mill around with smart new uniforms, carrying automatic rifles and sub-machine guns. But there are also signs of wealth, cars and comfort which make some ordinary Nagas wonder if the cadres are going soft.
"We are ready for any hardship," counters Sergeant-Major Aphung Khamrang, her pink nail varnish and warm smile in contrast to her words.
"When I was a child I saw my father beaten by the Indian army for giving shelter to the undergrounds. Our parents suffered a lot and we are prepared to sacrifice also."
It is not an idle threat. The Nagas have a fierce reputation as fighters, and were headhunters before the British arrived in the 19th century with American baptist missionaries in their wake.
The British, Nagas say, divided their lands unfairly. A third of the three million Nagas now live outside the Indian state of Nagaland, in neighbouring states and in Myanmar. Today, the rebels are demanding the reunification of all Naga-dominated territory into a single "Nagalim" or Nagaland.
Eight years of peace have allowed the NSCN to extend its control over Naga society, but in a sense the long ceasefire may have also backed it into a corner. With little to show from the negotiations, the movement may be losing focus. Many, many Nagas still support the dream of independence, but not necessarily the fighters who claim to represent them but only show up to demand "taxes".
More importantly, perhaps, the rebels are divided into three factions, and their popularity has plummeted as a result. Some see a return to war as the only way out.
"Most of my friends don't want the ceasefire," said Sergeant-Major Sangchiu Shiu. "They have just joined to use arms, and they want to go and face the Indians. "But we cannot build our nation from the extremist point of view. I believe political dialogue can liberate us."

UCM cautions Naga NGOs The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 13: Asserting that problems confronting Manipur is entirely an internal affair, the United Committee Manipur has cautioned Nagaland based NGOs participating in any talks to bring solution to the ANSAM’s demand. In a statement, the UCM also maintained that Manipur’s problems should be resolved by the Manipuris alone and there is no need for outside interference.

“The ANSAM was forced to suspend their 52 day long economic blockade following losses being incurred by the NSCN (IM) while collecting taxes from truckers originating from Manipur,” the UCM charged and asked all concerned not to interfere in democratic decision of the drivers who have decided to ply along NH-53 as they could no longer afford to travel along NH-39 due to innumerable taxes and harassments.
Taxing times for Manipur truckers Yumnam Rupachandra in Imphal
Aug. 13. — The nearly two-month-long economic blockade imposed by Naga student organisations, the Ansam and NSF on two National Highways 39 and 53 has been briefly relaxed but the truckers are unlikely to ply on NH-39, the major lifeline, following huge demands made on them by NSCN(IM). According to reports reaching here suspected NSCN(IM) cadres have demanded Rs one lakh each per truck as payment for “evaded tax” that is tax not paid while traveling with escorts during the blockade period.
At least 5 Imphal bound trucks have also been hijacked by an unidentified armed group between Dimapur and Kohima. According to Naharolgi Thoudang a local daily, the trucks are said to have paid Rs 4000 each before the further demand for Rs. 1 lakh were made. Earlier before the blockade each truck had to pay anything between Rs 2500 to Rs 15000 as goods tax. A receipt under the banner GPRN- political wing of NSCN(IM) used to be issued to trucks for passage through Nagaland and Senapati district in Manipur. However post-blockade the amount has been abruptly increased and no receipts issued, said drivers.
According to drivers they were told that NSCN(IM) has the license numbers of the trucks which plied during the blockade from the Nagaland police which makes entries in their log books. The drivers had smeared their number plates with grease to escape being marked while plying during the blockade period. Following the report no trucks were willing to go through NH 39 today. In another report Assam Rifle troops manning the Kotlen post on NH 53 has turned back several Jiribam bound trucks saying NH 53 was closed and the trucks should go through NH 39 and blockade has been lifted. Some trucks were however allowed to ply on that route later in the evening.
BJP organisation secretary, North East-in-Charge Mr V Satish has in the meantime demanded probe into allegations of Assam Rifles aiding the blockade supporters.
Is Sadar Hills reserved for Nagas, asks SHDDC Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13: Demanding to know the reason why the State Government is unwilling to concede to the demand to upgrade Sadar Hills to a full fledged revenue district, Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has wondered whether it has been kept reserved by the Government for the Nagas. Addressing mediapersons at Keithelmanbi today, SHDDC president Haokholen Guite said Sadar Hills has adequate infrastructures required for upgradation to a full-fledged revenue district.
A Mini-Secretariat has also been constructed and the only thing that is missing now is the appointment of a DC and an SP. In the light of these facts, the State Govt should make its position clear on whether it would declare Sadar Hills as a full-fledged revenue district or not, so that the people of the area can start looking for other possible ways, Guite said. Maintaining that the demand for creation of Sadar hills district is purely for administrative convenience and has been pursued by the people since 1972.
Guite reacted strongly to the remarks of the Chief Minister who had said that there is lack of consensus on the issue. If at all the Govt of Manipur has kept aside the Sadar Hills reserved for the Nagas, then we would go and request the Nagas for handing over the same to the people of Sadar Hills, he said with bitterness. On the total bandh being called by SHDDC for five days in Sadar Hills area with effect from midnight of August 16, he said all the Government offices, educational institutions and private institutions would remain closed during the bandh. No vehicular movement would be allowed along the roads and those who defy the bandh should face any eventuality that might happen to them, he warned. However, he added, the services related to Medical, media, Fire Brigade, Water Supply and Electricity would be exempted from the purview of the bandh, and appealed to the transporters' organisations and the general public to extend their support to the bandh.

Guite made it clear the people of Sadar Hills would relentlessly pursue their demand and continue to launch various forms of intense agitations until it is met. Even after the 5-day total, bandh, if the Govt did not give any positive response, a total bandh would be launched in all the hill districts, he said.
While pointing out that Sadar Hills comprised of three Assembly Constituencies of Saikul, Saitu-Gamphajol and Kangpokpi, Guite recalled that the State Cabinet in its January 10, 2000 sitting had approved the boundaries of the three said Assembly Constituencies as the boundaries of the proposed Sadar Hills district. If Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati which comprised of three Assembly Constituencies each and Chandel which is made of only two Assembly Constituencies have been declared as districts, why should not Sadar Hills which is comprised of three Assembly Constituencies be upgraded as a full fledged revenue district, Guite reasoned.
ISadar Hills bandh from Aug 16 midnight From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
KANGPOKPI, (Manipur) Aug 13 – After getting a break from the indefinite economic blockade on the two National Highways, another round of bandh for five days in the Sadar Hills area wherein the two highways are passing is on the cards. The bandh will be effected in the Sadar Hills area under the Senapati district from the August 16 midnight till August 21 midnight. This was conveyed to this correspondent by the information and finance secretary of Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) Lunthang Haokip today. The SHDC has been demanding the upgradation of the Sadar Hills area into a full fledged revenue district since the early part of seventies.
The demand was also discussed in the recently concluded Manipur Legislative Assembly session. Like the previous governments, the ruling Ibobi-led Secular Progressive Front Government also gave the assurance to fulfil the demand of the district demand committee. Representatives of the committee had also called on the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on Friday last, and discussed the declaration of Sadar Hills as full fledged revenue district. However the meeting ended with no agreement between the two sides, he informed, adding that Chief Minister could not even fix a time frame for the declaration during the meeting. In view of the development, the demand committee decided to resume their earlier suspended agitations in the Sadar Hills area.
“Our Chief Minister sticks to the issue of delimitation process-but the declaration of upgrading the area into a revenue district would not clash with the said process” he observed. Supporting the statement, president of the Kuki Mothers Association Rose Mangshi said that creation of the Sadar Hills into a full fledged revenue district is for the integrity of Manipur. The Kuki and Thadou tribes-dominated Sadar Hills area consists of three blocks – Kangpokpi, Saikul and Saitu – Gamphazol which are presently under Senapati district. The United Naga Council, an apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur had been opposing the creation of the Sadar Hills into a full-fledged revenue district, by slicing the three blocks mentioned above. Reacting to the stand of the Ibobi Government over the report of taking ‘consensus’ among the different communities, the Kuki leader said, “The proposed district is not a district for a particular community,” adding, the demand is for the convenience of the district administration. If there is any obstruction from any community over the creation of the district, let the inhabitants of Sadar Hills have talks with the communities concerned, the leader added.

M leaders interact with Ukhrul people Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13: The 2-day Consultative meeting of the Tangkhuls attended by 12 representatives of the NSCN (IM) concluded today at Ukhrul Union Baptist Church.
Besides. participants from nearly 300 village authorities, public leaders, NGO representatives and Church leaders, 12 representatives of the NSCN (IM) led by its Home Minister Rh Raising, deputy kilonser V Horam, C-in-C of Naga army Hanshi, brigadier of Naga army Living Stone attended the consultative meeting. On the first day of the consultative meeting held under the theme, "Uniqueness of Naga histoiy," Dr YL Mingthing Director of TAA moderated. Addressing the gathering Rh Raising emphasised that there are 42 recognised Naga tribes and 25 regions.
He added that Nagas are a community oriented people and the concept of socialism the Nagas believe in is not something borrowed from Karl Marx. Raising further said that the NSCN is a people's based Government and hence any matter or issue is always introduced in the Morung or the Tatar Hoho (Assembly) for a collective decision to be taken. It is on this basis that the political dialogue with the GoI is being taken up, he added. The Home Minister added that peace for the Nagas will come only when there is mutual recognition of Nagas' identities and its political roots are honoured.
Former Minister in the State Government, Dr M Horam presented a paper on the topic, "The Nagas future and the role of the Tangkhuls". Since the Convenor of the Steering Committee VS Atem was indisposed, his paper was read out by Brig Living Stone. C-in-C of Naga army Hanshi regaled the gathering with his stories and how he set out for China by foot onFeb 13, 1974.
All Nagaland night trains cancelled
Dimapur, August 13, 2005 hindustan times Hundreds of passengers were stranded at the Dimapur Railway Station on Friday night after the Chief passenger transport manager from the NF Railway headquarters in Maligaon in Guwahati relayed a lightning message to the station master of Dimapur to cancel all night passenger trains till August 15. The cancellation of night trains to stations in Assam comes in the wake of rampant violence by various northeastern militant groups that have called for a boycott of the Independence Day celebration in the region. According to railway officials at Dimapur, the information about the cancellation of the passenger trains was first received around 4 pm, followed by a second message at 7.50 pm. All night trains have since then been rescheduled for day operations. However Goods-trains have been permitted to run even during the night. Meanwhile, security personnel from the General Railway Police, Indian Reserve Battalion, Railway Protection Force, and Assam Rifles, along with officials from the special branch have been deployed at the Dimapur railway station to prevent any outward incidents. (By arrangement with Newsfile)
Mokokchung District JD (U) joins BJP en bloc North East Press Service
Mokokchung, Aug 13 (NEPS): The JD (U) in Nagaland suffered a major setback following its Mokokchung Unit resigning en bloc from it and joining the BJP at a grand function held here at Town Hall on Friday. In a grand “Facilitation program” held here at new Town Hall on Friday, over 300 JD (U) members led Mokokchung District JD (U) President Moameren and State JD (U) Vice President Aosanen after resigning from the party (JD-U) had formally joined the BJP in presence of BJP Ministers Dr TM Lotha and Imtilemba Sangtam. Welcoming the office bearers and members of Mokokchung district JD (U) to the party (BJP) fold, Dr TM Lotha, who is also deputy leader of the Nagaland BJP Legislature Party, said BJP was a big political party in the country and therefore “your joining the party is joining the largest family.”
Describing the development as “a moment of pride,” the Minister stated the BJP was a political party where likeminded people came together and worked for the interest of the people. As such the Naga people had accepted the party (BJP) as a responsible political party today, he pointed out. Hoping the Naga people would continue to repose their faith to the party in the next election too, Dr Lotha informed that the Prime Minister’s economic package given in Atal Behari Vajpayee’s time was now being implemented. “Unfortunately, the present UPA Government at the Center has not given any package till date,” he rued. He also mentioned the present DAN Government in Nagaland was doing a lot of developmental works and further added people were there to witness all these. Minister Imtilemba, Mokokchung BJP District President Watimeren were among other who also spoke on the occasion. Welcoming the leaders and members of the Mokokchung JD (U) for coming to the BJP mainstream, State BJP President MC Konyak, who failed to attend the “Facilitation program” on health ground, assured that there would be no discrimination on the new comers. “Once you join the party (BJP), you are all same like us in all respects,” the Nagaland BJP Chief affirmed. Challenging the BJP workers in the State to “work hard and make the party viable for the next Government formation,” Konyak lauded those Mokokchung District BJP leaders and workers and also BJP Ministers Dr TM Lotha and Imtilemba Sangtam and other party colleagues for successfully organizing the “Facilitation program.”
Nagaland approves new logo of mithun new karala com Kohima: The Govenement of Nagaland has finally approved the new official state logo bearing a picture of the majestic mithun and the word 'Unity'. An official notification by the state chief secretary P.Talitemjen Ao said the Nagaland Cabinet had approved the adoption of the state logo, which depicts a standing mithun on the hills in a circular frame, with 'Unity' and 'Government of Nagaland' written above and below it respectively. The notification said the logo would come into effect from August 15 and would be used within the rules relating to the state logo of Nagaland. Earlier, initiatives of the state government to introduce a new state logo had run into controversy after the Opposition Congress criticised the design. The mithun was the subject in the earlier design as well. Official sources said the new logo has been approved after prominent artists submitted a number of designs to the government for final selection and screening. The government discussed with memebrs of the Opposition before the final approval. The people of the state will get to get a closer view of the logo on Independence Day as the speeches of the dignitaries on Agusut 15 would carry the logo in colour, the sources added.
Tangkhul meet envisages political solution The Imphal Free Press

Ukhrul, Aug 13: A two-day 12th consultation meeting of the Tangkhuls with 12 top level representatives of NSCN(IM) from Dimapur including kilo kilonser (home minister) Rh Raising, deputy kilonser V Horam, C-in-C Naga army Hanshi, Brigadier Naga Army Living Stone and several other ranks on August 12 and 13 concluded today in a jam-packed hall at Ukhrul Union Baptist Church. The participants were from over 300 village authorities, government officers, public leaders and church leaders. On the first day of the consultation meeting under the theme, “Ngakheikhang kahai (uniqueness of Naga History” the moderator was Dr. YL Mingthing, Director TTA( Doctorate confirmation from Germany). Rh Raising in his speech emphasized that there are 42 Naga recognized tribes and 25 regions so far. He further added that Nagas were a community oriented people much before the birth of Karl Marx and the theme of socialism is not borrowed from Karl Marx.
During the public interaction he said that NSCN is solely a cultural and collective political decision making organisation and recalled what was once said by the GOI, “since the Naga issue is political, solution will be political”. He also stressed that “peace for the Nagas will come only when there is a mutual recognition of Naga identity and its political roots is honored”
Dr. M.Horam also presented a paper on the “uniqueness of Naga History” under the sub-title, “The Nagas future and the role of the Tangkhuls”.
Retired C-in-C, convenor steering committee VS. Atem’s paper was read out by Brig. Living Stone due to the ill health of the convenor.
The present C-in-C Naga Army Hanshi gave a brief history of Nagas’ struggle quoting his life experience, the hardships and pain, the fire, the deadly fighting, the toil and the sinister design of the GOI. Narrating his personal life story, he said that while in school he used to bunk the classes always and never tried to learn anything. but fortunately with the grace of God he has been serving almost 32 years with the political inspiration initiated by Th Muivah, now the prime minister of NSCN(IM).

BJP takes pot shots at SPF Govt Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has charged the ruling Congress led coalition SPF Government with doing nothing to ameliorate the problems of the people despite lifting of the economic blockade and playing politics in Public Distribution System (PDS) thus denying the basic essential commodities to the people. In view of this, a high level delegation of BJP Manipur Pradesh would be going to Delhi sometime in the third week of this month to submit a memorandum to the President of India besides organising dharna along with other Central BJP leaders at the National capital. Talking to mediapersons at the party office here this morning, National BJP organisation secretary in-charge of North Eastern States V Satish said that the attitude of the SPF Government towards the problems being faced by the people while the ANSAM-sponsored economic blockade was in force as well as after it has been lifted is condemnable.

Despite the lifting of the economic blockade, the people and especially the truck drivers who are ferrying essential commodities for the people are still encountering numerous hardships, he maintained. If the 52-day old economic blockade was lifted after the agitators met the Prime Minister, then the deadlock could have been resolved much earlier without subjecting the people to such hardships for a long time, he pointed out. Alleging that the State Government has not taken up any steps for re-construction of the Railway Ticket Booking Counter at; Imphal which was burnt down some months back, Satish said BJP will bring up the matter to the notice of Parliament.

Satish informed that he would be personally going to Kohima on August 16 to ensure that the ruling DAN Government of Nagaland extend its co-operation and provide adequate security to the Imphal-bound goods laden trucks while passing through Nagaland along National Highway 39. State BJP unit president Th Chaoba who was also present at the occasion disclosed that investigation has been started on how Rs 2.25 crores sanctioned by the North East Council (NEC) and Youth Affairs and Sports for setting up over 200 playgrounds in the State had been misused. If the Government failed to take up action against any of the persons who are found to be involved in the case, then BJP Manipur Pradesh would be go to the extend of filing a PEL in the law Court, he warned. BJP MLA M Bhorot said that his party would also start exerting pressures on the Government to bring out a white paper on the alleged misused of a large amount of money meant for development of the hill people without having executed any development works.

CM hums unity tune on Patriots' Day Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13: Stressing on the importance of unity amongst the people, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that the territory of Manipur and the freedom of the people can be safe guarded only when the people learn to live in unity. Speaking at the Patriots' Day function at BT Park today, the Chief Minister said that disunity amongst the people will only add to the advantage of external and unfriendly forces. Recalling the political situation and the Palace intrigues in 1891, which paved the way for the British to invade Manipur, the Chief Minister said that the lack of unity amongst the people and those in positions of power gifted away the independence of Manipur to the British. It is therefore important for all to ensure that such a condition is not recreated again, observed the Chief Minister. The people should come forward to pay respect to the brave sons of the soil who died fighting the British force, said the Chief Minister and added that people of different communities should learn a lesson from the incident and come together to ensure that divisive tendencies are not given any room to bloom.

Unity is the only answer to protect the territory of Manipur, said the Chief Minister and urged all the different organisations to shed divisive tendencies and work for the betterment of all. Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat who attended the function as president said that though Manipur is a small place, it is like India, which is home to a number of different communities. The real challenge before the people are the instigations from outside forces to disintegrate Manipur, said the Minister and added that if the agenda of the outside forces are allowed to materialise, the only losers will be the people. The bitter fruits of disunity during the period of 1891 continue to haunt the psyche of the people, said Parijat and urged the people not to forget the lesson. The function of the day started from the morning with the paying of floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat and at the memorial site of Thangal General at Palace Gate. Before the main function at BT Park was held, floral tributes were paid at Kangla. The Patriots' Day was also observed in other parts of the State paying homage to those martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Independence war of 1891 against the British.

At Senapati district, the Patriots' Day function was held at Thangal General Ecological Park, Mayangkhang with Deputy Commissioner of the district Dr Prem Singh and president of Thangal Naga Union Khangba Anth as chief guest and president respectively. Offering of floral tributes, gun salute and rendering of devotional songs of various communities are the main highlights of the function. In his address, Dr Prem said noted that besides paying homage to the patriots, we should also emulate the ideals and follow their footsteps. At the Patriots' Day observance function held at Chandel district, SDO G Budhachandra Sharma led the people as chief guest in paying floral tributes to the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of the motherland. A contingent of the 8 Manipur Rifles stationed at Leikhun offered gun salute and observed two minute silence as mark of respect to the martyrs at the occasion. Top civil and police officials and village chiefs were also among those who were present at the occasion. At Thoubal district, the main observance function was held in the office complex of DC Thoubal with DC P Vaiphei as chief guest and SP Thoubal NK Ujjwal as president.

Besides offering floral tributes to the martyrs devotional songs of various communities were also sung at the occasion. At Bishnupur, the district administration organised the Patriots' Day observance function at the ground of DCs Secretariat. DC Bishnupur Norbert Disinang led the people in offering floral tributes to the martyrs.

SP Bishnupur, Army officials, employees of Parishad, Municipality, and many public leaders attended the function. At Moreh, Meitei Council Moreh, Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup, Moreh and AMSU, Chandel district Committee jointly observed the Patriots' Day at Kondong Lairembi Haraobung, Moreh wherein nearly 500 people attended the programme. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Imphal Union organised the 'Patriots' Day' observance function with Lecturer, Imphal College, Ng Gopaldutta Singh as president, Chief Librarian, RIMS DrNGiridhan as chief guest and Branch Manager Co-operative Bank Ch Birchandra Singh and Senior worker ABVP Y Tomba Singh as guests of honour. Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, observed the Patriots' Day and paid homage to the martyrs during a function at its auditorium.

Youth Welfare Organisation Sinyjamei Thokchom, Leikai, Imphal also celebrated the Patriots' day at the premises of the club today. Janata Dal United, Manipur State Unit, Khuyathong Bazar also observed Patriots’ Day today at its office in which State Returning Officer Bhuban Singh presided the function. Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh, Federal Party of Manipur, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Congress Bhawan, Imphal, Arapti Young Learners' Club, Lilong and Kairembikhok Youth Sporting Union, Kairembikhok Thoubal also organised the Patriots' Day function at the respective office premises and pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of the mother land.
State pays rich tributes to its heroes The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Aug 13: Heroic forefathers of Manipur, Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Niranjan Subedar and Charai Thangal, who made the supreme and selfless sacrifice on the gallows for the cause of freedom of their motherland were remembered today on the occasion of the 114th Patriots’ Day, which was widely observed throughout the state today. Apart from the state capital, Imphal, the observation was also held at various places throughout the state and at all the district headquarters where people from all walks of life paid floral tributes to portraits of the state’s great heroes.
Observation of Patriot’s Day began early in the morning with chanting of Yakairol in several places.

The main and official observation was held in Imphal in which chief minister O Ibobi Singh lead the people in paying floral tributes to the heroes at their memorial sites. The chief minister lead his council of ministers and people in laying wreaths at Hicham Yaichampat, Kangla, Thangal General temple at Palace Compound and Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal. Speaking at Bir Tikendrajit Park where a public function was held to mark the occasion, Ibobi said he is very much pleased to pay respect to the state’s heroes who fought for safeguarding the freedom of our motherland. There may be difference amongst ourselves in past, which could be due to misunderstanding or accidentally, but such differences should be buried in good faith, Ibobi said appealing to the people remain united so that no enemy can take chances on us. Calling upon underground organisations to shun their secessionist movements, Ibobi also urged to them to unite and work together for the betterment of the people and for the state. The chief minister later conferred the distinguished police medal to Subedar Mangkhojang Kipgen of Manipur Police Training School, Pangei in recognition for his devotion to duty. The function was among others attended by state arts and culture minister Ph Parijat, IPR minister Gaikhangam, works minister Th Debendra, FCS minister Ngamthan Haokip, MOBC minister Abdul Salam, other ministers and MLAs of the SPF government along with top ranking civil and police officers. In his presidential address, arts and culture minister Ph Parijat said Manipur’s integrity has been challenged repeatedly since the British period but was unsuccessful.
Asserting that some forces have been making every possible means to disintegrate Manipur, Parijat also expressed fear that there is danger of a communal clash in this part of the country with instigation from some quarters. Asking people to remain vigilant from the sinister designs of evil forces trying to separate the state, Parijat also called upon people make every effort to avoid such a communal clash.
Asem Lalit from Moreh adds In a historic manner, the 114th Patriot Day observation was organized today at Moreh town jointly organized by the Meitei Council Moreh (MCM), AMSU Chandel District committee and Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup at Kondong Lairembi Haraobung. The observation marked a unique unity in diversity with the participation of the various communities inhabiting the border town. The function had ADC Moreh Th Chothe as chief guest and was presided by L. Imobi Singh of Meetei Council Moreh as president. Around 300 people of various communities of Moreh town attended the function and paid floral tributes to great heroes of the state. Speaking on the occasion, Th Chothe stressed the need for common understanding and dedication by every individual to bring a unique and remarkable integration which could not be broken by any force.

L Imobi in his presidential speech stressed the need for mutual understandings between communities in every aspect of development. Several renown social activists including Mutua Bahadur, director, Mutua Museum, N Indramani of Manipur State Archives, Kamini Kumar, president, Cultural Research Academy Moreh, O Jugeshore, SDO, Telecom Kangpokpi, Sanjoy Meetei Secretary MAFYF and other resource persons from the Imphal attended the function.

ULFA infighting led to Jyotish’s killing By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 13 – Justice (retd) JN Sarma One-Man Commission on Secret Killings has found prima facie that Jyotish Sarma, brother-in-law of ULFA leader Subhash Sarma, was a victim of ULFA infighting. The Commission also found involvement of two surrendered ULFA (SULFA) men Bibek Nath and Krishna Hazarika in the missing case of two Tezpur youths Rajesh Mishra and Rajiv Koch.
However, in the case of murder of Dr Dharanidhar Das of Barama (elder brother of the ULFA publicity secretary Mithinga Daimari) and his family members, the Commission was not able to draw any conclusion. All the 17 witnesses deposing before it in this connection did not provide anything substantive enabling the Commission to arrive at a conclusion. The Commission submitted its first report to the State Government yesterday. According to Justice (Retd) Sarma, there was no lapse on the part of the police or administration in connection with the cases his Commission was probing. The Commission is also inquiring into three other cases – murder of Dipak Chowdhury (the brother of ULFA foreign secretary Sasa Choudhury) of Belsor Police Station in Nalbari district, Dwijen Haloi and Phulen Haloi of Nalbari Police Station and Dimba Rajkonwar (brother of ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa) of Dibrugarh Police Station. Some progress in these cases has already been made, said Justice Sarma. Justice Sarma was appointed in November 2002 and he started functioning since June 2003. Earlier, the Commission was headed by Justice (retd) Mira Sarma. The Commission examined altogether 35 witnesses at various places of the State to dispose three cases.

Talking to The Assam Tribune here today, Justice Sarma said that according to the materials available before the Commission, it was found that Jyoitsh Sarma’s killing was a revenge killing resulting from the infighting between two groups of ULFA. While one group was led by Subhash Sarma and Raju Barua, the other group was led by Ramani Kalita. During the last part of 1999, about seven boys from Bhutan came down to Bongaigaon. They were directed to proceed to Nalbari for organisational works of the outfit by Subhash and Raju. Reaching Nalbari, these ULFA boys decided to surrender before the authorities and when this came to the knowledge of Subhash and Raju they threatened these boys with dire consequences. Subhash even threatened to kill the boys along with their family members. The seven boys also issued a counter threat of similar nature and warned that they would hit first. When these boys did not find Subhash at his native village, they searched for him at his brother-in-law’s residence in the city. It needs mention that Subhas used to come and stay with his brother-in-law now and then. And on one such occasion, in 1994, there was an encounter in the city house of Jyotish Sarma. In the encounter the son of Jyotish Sarma received two bullet injuries but the ULFA cadres fled away. Ramani Kalita and his group came to Jyotish Sarma’s house and when Subhash was not found there, Jyotish Sarma was picked up and killed at Ganesh Mandir near Nalbari. It came to light during police enquiry when the then Additional SP of Guwahati PK Dutta arrested an ULFA cadre Pratap Deka at Fatasil Ambari.
Pratap told all these to police and led the police to the pistol used in the incident. The pistol was found at Rangiya. The Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the assertion made by Pratap Deka by testing the pistol and the empty cartridges recovered from the body of Jyotish Sarma, Justice Sarma said. Another ULFA cadre Krishna Nath of Sarbhog who was arrested at Barpeta also made similar statements before the police on Jyotish Sarma’s murder, Justice Sarma said, adding all these led the Commission to conclude that it was an ULFA infighting that led to the killing of Jyotish Sarma. In connection with the Tezpur incident of missing of Rajesh Mishra and Rajiv Koch, the Commission found that following a land dispute SULFA men Bibek Nath and Krishna Hazarika abducted Rajesh and Rajiv when they went to Madhav Dham on a scooter to hire an ambulance for carrying Rajiv’s sister-in-law to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital. They were waylaid by two Maruti Gypsies and were picked up by the occupants of the Gypsies. They were traceless since then.
There was a serious public uproar following this incident at Tezpur and the people ransacked the house in which the SULFA men along with some other SULFA men were staying near the Ananta Talkies. Some of the items belonging to the SULFA men were burnt down and some others were handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Sonitpur. A magisterial enquiry into the incident of abduction of the two youths indicted Bibek and Krishna. Krishna later re-joined the ULFA and was killed in an encounter with the police near Jorabat, while Bibek was arrested and kept in custody, Justice Sarma observed. Meanwhile, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Asam Unnati Sabha and Asam Sena have described the report of Justice Sarma Commission as a product of the leniency of the Tarun Gogoi Government towards the secret killers. They warned against any attempt at providing protection to those involved in the cases of secret killings, which shook the social life of the State during the reign of the Prafulla Mahanta Government. In a joint statement, these organisations said that the assertion made by the Commission that no political leader or bureaucrat was involved in such incidents of secret killing was not acceptable. For, they said, without involvement of the political leaders and the bureaucrats it was impossible for the secret killers to kill hundreds of innocent people. The murder of the family members of Uma Gogoi in Sivasagar district and the miraculous escape of Ananta Kalita from the clutches of the secret killers are only two tips of the iceberg. Prafulla Mahanta knew who were involved in such incidents and hence the AASU is alleging with firm conviction that he was the kingpin of secret killings, said the organisations in their statement.
They also alleged that the Tarun Gogoi Government had not made any arrangement to provide security to the witnesses. Nor there was any intensive publicity to motivate the people to come out in large number to depose before the Commission. The failure of the State Government to extend all sorts of support to the Commission in carrying forward its activities has denied the people justice in this connection. The Government should extend all sorts of support to the Commission to go into all the cases of secret killings, they said. The Asam Sena warned of dire consequences if the secret killers were not awarded stringent punishment.
Security alert in northeast ahead of I-Day By Indo Asian News Service Guwahati, Aug 14 (IANS) At least 100,000 security personnel were deployed in India's northeast ahead of Monday's Independence Day celebrations with separatists stepping up attacks and calling for a boycott of the event. 'Our soldiers are on maximum alert in the region to foil attempts by rebels to sabotage the celebrations,' said an army commander. At least four separatist groups in Assam, Manipur and Tripura have called for a 17-hour general strike beginning Sunday midnight to boycott the Independence Day festivities. Of the other northeastern states, Mizoram does not have any rebel group, while two militant outfits in Nagaland and Meghalaya are operating a ceasefire with New Delhi. A ragtag rebel group in Arunachal Pradesh has not given a boycott call this year.
In the run up to Aug 15, militants in Assam triggered a series of explosions killing at least five people and blowing up oil and gas pipelines, rail tracks and power facilities.
'There were about 28 explosions and two attacks on security forces during the past week,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said. As precautionary measures, authorities have suspended running of all trains at night until Monday. Intelligence reports indicate that militants might target passenger trains.
In Manipur, four civilians were killed in an ambush by militants this week, while rebels triggered at least four explosions in separate incidents. Militants in the northeast have for years been boycotting India's Independence Day and Republic Day (Jan 26) celebrations.
The run up to the events has always been violent, with rebels striking vital installations besides targeting security personnel. 'We are carrying out aerial surveillance over government installations,' the army commander said. At least 30 rebel outfits operate in the northeastern states, their demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination.
I-Day terrorists
The pattern is sickeningly familiar. As Independence Day draws closer, the cadres of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) reach for their guns and grenades in order, presumably, to over-awe the Indian state and strike a blow for Assam’s liberation. Last year the outfit’s list of activities included targeting schoolchildren gathered at a Dhemaji school for the Independence Day ceremony. On that occasion, six children and several adults paid the price for the ULFA’s egregious pathology.
That attack provoked even those who normally sympathise with the outfit to come out in condemnation. Yet the wave of revulsion that greeted the Dhemaji massacre, and indeed the talk of engaging with the Government of India, does not seem to have forced a change of strategy for these criminals masquerading as liberators. Last year, they had declared a general strike in the state and then went on to target cinema houses, gas pipelines and railway lines. This year, they have called for a general strike on August 15 and have already caused a great deal of damage and fear. A tea garden manager has been gunned down, pipelines have been destroyed, the railways have been targeted.
The onus is now on the Tarun Gogoi government to ensure that Independence Day passes by without event in the state. It must ensure that Assam is not held hostage to a bunch of lumpens on this important national occasion. The state government and chief minister needs a reality check. The time for adopting resolutions in the assembly “appealing to the ULFA to shun violence” is over; and the time to urge the “Centre to expedite negotiations with the banned outfit for lasting peace” has not come. These are desperate men who have well demonstrated their levels of barbarism. There can be no negotiating with them.
‘We Serve the Prince of Peace’ Former US President Carter tells Hazel Southam about his faith and work for peace When former President Jimmy Carter stands up and begins a Bible study class, there is likely to be a queue round the block to hear him. In 1977, James Earl Carter Jr blew into Washington DC ‘like a Southern breeze’, and the 39th President of the United States symbolised a bright new future. He had emerged from the obscurity of a peanut farm in his native Georgia, as a man of honesty. He served just one difficult four-year term. Since then, President Carter’s slogan of ‘Trust me’ has rung ever more true. He has become a trusted elder statesman around the world, working tirelessly as a peace negotiator, election overseer and mediator in’ world crises. And he has held a weekly Bible study class at the Baptist church in Atlanta that he attends. He did so throughout his presidency and does so today, nearly 30 years later.
‘I have a deep commitment to my faith,’ he says. ‘I happen to be a Baptist and the BWA represents a global effort for different Baptist groups to co-operate with each other to serve our Saviour: ‘I have been very disturbed by recent decisions in the Southern Baptist Convention to withdraw from the BWA. I think the Alliance acted properly in their decision to include the Conservative Baptist Fellowship in its membership and I wanted to do what I can do to minimise any permanent damage to the BWA.’ Mr Carter’s studies reflect the realities of today’s world, its problems, with biblical texts. And anyone attending his class should expect the same. ‘I hope that I will be able to deal succinctly and clearly with the teachings of the Christian faith with the current considerations of the general populus in the secular world,’ he says. ‘Whether we are talking about Old Testament or New Testament texts, I always relate them to the lives of the people who are listening, to modern day life and events. ‘I will certainly be talking about the rich/poor divide. We worship the Prince of Peace, not war.There is no doubt that Jesus Christ reached out to those around him who were in most need, not just to the wealthy or the afiluent. It has been his ‘vocation’, says Mr Carter, to work for peace, both during and after his presidency. His explanation. is simple. ‘Each person has to set priorities in their life. Each nation sets priorities. ‘I realised that I worship the Prince of Peace and I believe that there are times when war might be justified, but it must be a just war, unavoidable, as a last resort. It must minimise the suffering of innocent people. ‘I have tried all my life to avoid conflict. I want to promote peace for others. It has been my vocation. Human rights, that people I should live in peace, to be free, avoiding unnecessary suffering, living in an environment where you can feed your family and take care of their needs - that is peace, freedom. The former President says that prayer is a very important part in his peace negotiations both the ones he’s involved in today, and those he conducted in the past. ‘I pray every day and in moments of crisis I find an opportunity to assure myself that my motivations are proper, that my ego is controlled, that I have a benevolent understanding towards others and that we can find some common ground.’


News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter