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08/15/2005: "Tangkhul meet envisages political solution"

Tangkhul meet envisages political solution
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 leadersOn 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). [Imphal Free Press]

Amnesty appeals for mass participation in anti-AFSPA rally The Imphal Free Press
A mass anti AFSPA rally and concert is being organised by the Amnesty International India on August 20. The rally will be flagged off from THAU ground and will proceed through Khoyathong, Minuthong and Checkon and conclude at BOAT. A meeting will be held where eminent leaders of civil society organisations and human rights activists will address the gathering. The programme will end with a concert by popular band Tapta and lighting candle and praying for peace and justice. This was conveyed in a press conference called at the office of Human Rights Alert by Amnesty International India (AII).

Giving details of the upcoming mass rally, Ksh Onil, campaign assistant, AII, told media persons that more than 180 names of victims and perpetrators will be displayed. He appealed for public support for the cause which has affected almost all the people, one way or the other. He further stated that AII members from other parts of India are expected, including the national director K T Suraj. Expressing fear that the 5-day Sadar Hills bandh might create problems for the participants coming from far away places, Munindro Waikhom, member AII, appealed to the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee to allow free movement of those who have Amnesty papers with them on August 20. Furthermore it was conveyed that no charges will be taken for the concert though donations are welcomed. In this connection, Babloo Loitongbam, member Human Rights Alert, requested all the believers of the anti-AFSPA cause not to call bandh or general strike from August 18-20 since there will be people coming from different parts of India. He also requested the civil society organisations to lend support to the rally. Asserting that the upcoming mass rally will be a significant step in reviving the AII, the organizers appealed to the people to come out voluntarily for an issue which is close to everyone’s heart. Onil explained that 5 countries – Denmark, France, New Zealand, UK and US – have already expressed solidarity to the demand for repealing AFSPA and anti-AFSPA campaigns are underway in these countries.
Naga groups observe I-Day Morung Express News August 14
Kohima/Dimapur: The Federal Government of Nagaland, observed Naga Independence Day at Kohima Village. Kedaghe (President) of the FGN, General (retd.) V. Metha unfurled the Naga National flag and took the presidential salute. The President acknowledged all former national workers of both civil and army components for their supreme sacrifices, indomitable spirits and endurance in defence of the Naga nation. Metha, in his speech, asserted that the FGN would not yield to any ill design of India in compromising the independence of Nagaland neither now nor in the future. "India must realize the fact that its invasion and occupation of major portions of Nagaland has not yielded any better result than 50 years ago when it started," he added. The FGN leader further remarked that the solution to the Indo-Naga conflict did not lie in the integration of Naga territories under the Indian Union. "Let us learn to put our energies and resources together so as to drive away the invasion forces from our land," he advised. The message of the Naga National Council’s President Adinno Phizo was also read out during the occasion.
"We are now entering nine years since the talks started. Our people are growing impatient on seeing the Indians’ inability to take up bold steps for finding an honorable solution to the long drawn out Indo-Naga political issue." This statement was made by the Yaruiwo (President) of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Isak Chishi Swu in his Presidential address on the eve of the 58th anniversary of Nagalim’s Independence Day. The President’s message was relayed by the Education Kilonser (Minister) of the outfit Tongmeth Wongnao at the Independence Day programme held at Hebron, the Council Headquarters of the NSCN which is a good 46 kilometers from Dimapur. Tongmeth was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Swu accused Indian colonial agents of working ‘covertly or overtly’ in every nook and cranny of Nagalim to win over ‘those spineless people with money or status.’
Swu likened the issue of integration of all Naga inhabited contiguous areas with that of Vietnam’s. The leader informed that the Vietnamese people had to undergo a revolution in order to unify the North and South of the country. He cautioned the Government of India by saying, "Indians should realize that prolonged forced disintegration of Nagalim is dangerous for them." Swu further invited suggestions, ideas and formulae from individuals or organizations in matters pertaining to infrastructure building of social, political, military and economic systems related to Nagalim. Swu further added, "The Naga people have reaffirmed the leadership of the NSCN and mandated it in the fourth consultative meeting to continue the negotiation with the Government of India for bringing lasting solution. On our part we shall never betray the trust reposed in us, nor the cause we are wedded to." A cultural presentation was presented by a Chakesang troupe in the course of the celebrations. Songs were also performed. The Zeliangrong region also observed Naga Independence Day at Nganting Headquarters, Guiling, Tamenglong district. The Chief Guest for the function was by G. Akhuan, Deputy kilonser, GPRN. Aking Daimei, the Secretary of Zeliangrong region attended the programme as chief guest.
NSF observes Naga I-Day Morung Express
Kohima, AUG 14 (MExn): The Naga Students Federation observed Naga Independence Day at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima today. Speaking on the occasion, NSF President V. Pushika Awomi said that the occasion invoked and reminded fellow Nagas of their status as a free people and that the Nagas were still struggling for their birthright. Members of various other NGOs such as General Secretary of the Naga Hoho Neingulo Krome, Naga Mother’s Association President Khesheli and representatives of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and the All College Students Union, besides Dr. John Murry delivered short speeches. NSF General Secretary K Elu Ndang chaired over the function while Finance Secretary Kapani Krichna tendered the Vote of Thanks
Nagas renew call for freedom from India Source ::: Reuters the peninsuala
CAMP HEBRON, Nagaland: 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” yesterday 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. 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.
Naga apex body welcomes extension of ceasefire
By Neeraj Kumar, Kohima: The apex body of the Naga society, Naga Ho Ho has welcomed the extension of the cease-fire between the central security forces and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland or the NSCN (IM). The representatives of the Naga civil society have stressed the need for peace in Nagaland at a press conference in New Delhi. The Naga Hoho leaders wrapped up their recent weeklong visit to New Delhi by holding a press conference to inform the media about their interaction with the Central Government. The group was in Delhi to brief the central leadership about the situation in Manipur. They also discussed the Naga peace talks and how to take it forward despite hitting a rough patch over some sensitive issues. However they reiterated their desire for peace in Nagaland.
“The ceasefire is very important. For all our life we have been in conflict, and violence is the only thing we experienced. So peace is very important to us than others who have been living in normal situations. For us who have been living in abnormal situation peace is very important. We want peace based on justice,” said Neingulo Krome, the General Secretary of the Naga Hoho, Apex Body of Nagas. It is with this expectation of peace that the people of Nagaland welcomed the NSCN (IM) leaders, Isac Chisu Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah when they visited Nagaland few months ago. Five decades of separatist violence has deprived the Naga people of a normal life. The new generation wants to live in an atmosphere where they have freedom to live a life free from violence.

“It is for the first time we are seeing the opportunity. Naga people have not had normal life for the past fifty years. Three generations have seen conflict. They were not able to think creatively. With peace we hope that our generation can lead a normal life. The children can grow up like normal children in other places, who watch cartoon movies or spend normal life. That is why we have so much faith in the peace process, though there have been some setbacks,” said Gam, a Naga. But despite the slight setback in the peace process the Centre is focused on resolving the five-decade-old problem. This can be gauged from the fact that the Home Minister is taking personal interest in the peace process. Even the Naga people and their representatives are looking forward to a permanent peace and they have reaffirmed their commitment for political solution to this vexed issue.
“When you talk about the peace, it cannot be possible without political solution. Actually when there is political solution, we can expect peace with justice,” said Yaromsho Ngaling, a Research Scholar from the Jawaharlal University, New Delhi. So far twelve rounds of talks have been held between the Central Government and the NSCN (IM). The main contentious issue to be resolved is the issue of Greater Nagaland.
People defy I-Day boycott call by rebels in northeast Indo-Asian News Service Guwahati, Aug 15 (IANS) A 17-hour strike called by separatist guerrillas to boycott India's independence day Monday in three northeastern states failed to evoke much response with hundreds joining the national celebrations.
Four separatist groups called the strike from Sunday midnight in Assam, Tripura, and Manipur.
Police and witnesses said people made their way to the main parade grounds in the three states, defying the rebel boycott. However, school and college students were conspicuous by their absence in Assam, where a blast at an independence day parade last year had killed 20 people, including several students. A high security alert has been sounded across the northeast with an estimated 100,000 troops deployed to thwart possible attempts by militants to sabotage the celebrations.
In the states of Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, where militancy is virtually absent, people in thousands made their way to the parade grounds to take part in the festivities.
Fear still grips Manipur truckers, villagers relieved:- --Indo-Asian News Service National Highway 53, Manipur | August 15, 2005 6:23:47 PM IST
Truckers in northeastern Manipur, where tribesmen were fighting for a separate homeland till last week lifted a two-month blocked on roads and supplies, say they still fear for their lives and many have refused to the take supplies to the far-flung regions. The truckers, carrying essential commodities say they prefer travelling on National Highway 53, which has been cleared by the security forces. NH 53 connects Manipur with the rest of the country via Assam's barrack valley and Meghalaya. Last week, rebels ambushed a convoy, a group of army and civilian vehicles enroute to state capital Imphal, killing four people and wounding six others on the National Highway 39, which passes through Nagaland. "We have been facing so many problems on NH39. We want to ply and operate on NH 53 only, as it is a part of our state. On the way there are lot of disturbances on NH39 -- several incidents of looting, extortion, paying of illegal taxes and even killings by the so-called different groups of militant outfits take place. Frequent shutdowns and blockades also affect us a lot. So, we have determined to quit NH 39," said Itocha, a truck driver. Fearing violence, the soldiers are on guard of the civilians and are accompanying them and the critical supplies. Villagers said they were relieved after the blockade was lifted.
"We are so happy that the economic blockade has been lifted. The resumption of transport on this highway is also very relieving. We will guard here and are ready to protect the transporters from any eventualities, which may arise due to any kind of disturbances by militant outfits. The starting of transport operations is a welcome move. Due to blockade many poor villagers had suffered a lot. Now we are relieved," said Angousana, a villager. While Nagas are demanding that all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast be united in a "Greater Nagaland", some Manipuri groups are fighting for an independent homeland for them. Manipuris strongly oppose the division of their state. The blockade led to severe shortage of food and fuel in the state's capital Imphal forcing New Delhi to airlift tonnes of eatables and medicines.
The Nagas have been fighting for freedom since 1947, when India got independence from Britain. More than 20,000 people have died in nearly 60 years of Naga insurgency before a ceasefire with the main Naga rebel group came into effect in 1997. (ANI)
NE CM urge ultras to join mainstream NET News Network
Guwahati, Aug 15: The 59th Independence Day passed off peacefully amidst boycott call by different militant groups in Northeast India today.
Most of the Chief Ministers in the region on their I-Day speech gave clarion calls to militants to come forward for talks and join mainstream. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced a 3 crore package for widows and children of insurgency effected families under Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Trust. Gogoi also urged ULFA and other militant groups of the region to shed path of violence and join the mainstream. He also urged the Central government to expedite the peace process with ULFA. Chief Minister in another significant declaration said that territorial integrity of different NE states would be maintained according to constitution. However, the official I-Day celebration in Judges Field witnessed very thin attendance with mainly men in uniform and politicians gracing the occasion.
In Meghalaya, Chief Minister D D Lapang urged the HNLC to follow the path of ANVC and come to negotiation table. Speaking on the burning issue of MBOSE, Lapang said a committee has been formed to look into the matter. Meanwhile, thousands of men, women and children today poured into the streets of Shillong to participate in the public rally at Malki Ground organized by Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) on MBOSE issue. Manipur which recently got respite from a 50 day economic blockade by ANSAM celebrated Independence Day peacefully in spite of boycott call by ultras. Chief Minister O Ibobi appealed to various underground outfits to come forward for dialogue. He opined that talks can sort out prevailing differences. Ibobi also held insurgency mainly responsible for the economic underdevelopment of the state. The Chief Minister also expressed his commitment to solve the ANSAM issue as per schedule. He further informed that developmental work in NH 53 and 150 is progressing full swing and work for double lanning of NH 53 will begin soon.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today appealed to the Naga underground groups to maintain peace amongst themselves, to forget their differences and past bitterness. “This situation requires them to show enough courage and wisdom to come together and work unitedly for the common Naga political cause and bring about a permanent settlement” he urged whiled addressing the 58th Independence Day function here. In his address, which lasted about 40 minute, Rio also said that the situation remained by and large peaceful, except stray incidents of factional clashes. Rio said that the government would spare no efforts to translate the collective dreams into reality and make Nagaland progressive state. On the employment front, the minister said to promote employment and capacity building the state government created “Youth Corpus Fund” and stated that the government earmarked Rs. seven crore during the year as against Rs 5 crore in 2004-05.
He also said that the Nagaland State Transport (NST) was able to ad 30 news buses to its fleet and introduced 12 new rounds during 2004-05, adding more service will be added this year. The minister also informed that mobile tracking devices on long distance night service buses and breath analyzers in all major stations are being installed for better. On the Tobu issue, the minister appealed to the Chang and Konyak brothers to maintained peace and also sought cooperation’s and assistance of the church and civil societies in finding amicable solution to this vexed problem. Tripura government has launched a new self-employment scheme Swavalamban for the educated unemployed youths and announced creation of two new sub-division in South and West Tripura district.
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar in his ceremonial speech after unfurling the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day said the new scheme Swavalamban would enable self employment of the educated unemployed youths with bank lone and government help. He urged the youths to take advantage of the scheme as scope for job is becoming difficult. Announcing creation of two new sub-divisions at Teliamura in West Tripura district and Santir Bazar in South Tripura district Chief Minister said these are part of the government’s continuous afford to decentralize the administration. He hoped that creation of two new sub-divisions would help the administration to reach to the common people of these areas. The Independence Day was passed off peacefully in Tripura as no untoward incident reported so far despite boycott call by two insurgent outfits the ATTF and NLFT. However, there are repots of hoisting of black flag in some interior areas by these outfits but police removed these immediately.
People defy I-Day boycott call by rebels Monday August 15 2005 10:07 IST IANS
GUWAHATI: A 17-hour strike called by separatist guerrillas to boycott India's Independence Day on Monday in three north-eastern states failed to evoke much response with hundreds joining the national celebrations. Four separatist groups called the strike from Sunday midnight in Assam, Tripura, and Manipur. Police and witnesses said people made their way to the main parade grounds in the three states, defying the rebel boycott. However, school and college students were conspicuous by their absence in Assam, where a blast at an Independence Day parade last year had killed 20 people, including several students. A high security alert has been sounded across the northeast with an estimated 100,000 troops deployed to thwart possible attempts by militants to sabotage the celebrations. In the states of Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, where militancy is virtually absent, people in thousands made their way to the parade grounds to take part in the festivities.
People defy rebels; governments offer peace talks (LEAD Indo-Asian News Service Guwahati, Aug 15 (IANS) Hundreds of people defied a rebel boycott call and joined India's independence day celebrations Monday in the northeast as state governments offered peace talks with militants to end decades of insurgency. Four influential separatist groups called a 17-hour strike from Sunday midnight in Assam, Tripura and Manipur and asked people to boycott the national celebrations. But police and witnesses said people in large numbers participated in festivities despite the boycott call in the three states. Police official D. Das in Assam said: "The response of people was very encouraging although the number of children and students was not very high in most public celebrations."
In Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, where no major militant group is active, people in thousands took part in the celebrations. There were no reports of any violence Monday from across the region, police said. Meanwhile, chief ministers of the northeastern states offered peace talks with rebel groups.
"Violence and killings cannot solve the problems. It is through talks and negotiations that grievances can be settled," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said in his speech in the state's main city Guwahati. Chief ministers of other states echoed his views.
"Our doors are open for talks with any militant groups that shun the path of violence," Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said in Imphal. An estimated 100,000 troops were deployed across the northeast after militants stepped up their offensive in the run up to the celebrations. There were at least 30 explosions and attacks in Assam that killed five people and damaged oil and gas pipelines, rail tracks, bridges and power facilities. In Manipur, militants killed four civilians in an ambush last week, while rebels triggered at least four explosions, police said. Militants in the insurgency-hit northeast have for years boycotted the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations to protest New Delhi's rule over the vast region rich in oil, tea and timber. At least 30 rebel groups operate in the northeastern states, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination. --Indo-Asian News Service
High alert in State for I-Day today By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 14 – The State is preparing itself to celebrate the 59th Independence Day tomorrow amidst tight security because of the boycott call given by four militant outfits of the region including the proscribed ULFA. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will hoist the national flag at the Judges’ field here on the occasion at 9 am tomorrow, while other Ministers have left for different district headquarters of the State for hoisting the national flag. Following the tragedy last year at Dhemaji, in which an ULFA blast killed 13 persons including 10 schoolchildren during the Independence Day celebration, the district administrations have been taking all the possible measures to prevent such tragedies. In the city, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration has ploughed the entire Judges field to negate the possibility of the militants planting any PTD- like devices in the field. A PTD device had led to the Dhemaji tragedy, while two such devices created panic at the Judges’ field here during the Republic Day celebrations this year. Police checking at vulnerable points and also the vehicles has been geared up as a pre-emptive measure to check infiltration of the militants into the city following all such developments in the past and also the recent warning of the ULFA to target the venues of the Independence Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, several journalists, including veterans like Dhirendranath Chakaravorty, Editor of the Dainik Asom and Dhirendranath Bezboruah, the former Editor of The Sentinel, today made an appeal to the people of the State to celebrate the Independence Day tomorrow in a befitting manner defying the boycott call of the terrorist outfits. They have also announced a function to hoist the national tri-colour and to commemorate the contributions of the martyrs of the freedom struggle at the Guwahati Press Club here at 11 am tomorrow. It is the responsibility of those who love their motherland to remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs and other freedom fighters for freeing the country from the colonial rule. The State also has a number of such martyrs like Kanaklata, Mukunda Kakati, Bhogeswari Phukanani and Kushal Konwar, who sacrificed their lives for making the country free from colonial rule. The signatories of the appeal reminded and condemned the terrorist organisations for their call to boycott the Independence Day functions.
Govt examining AFSPA Committee report: PM NET News Network
Guwahati, Aug 15: The Centre is examining the report of the Committee which had been set up to review the provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers' Act (AFSPA), 1967, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today. Addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort on the 59th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said the government would take all necessary steps to ensure that there were no violations of the Act.
''The report of this Committee is being examined in detail and we will take all necessary steps so that there are no violations of human rights under this Act,'' the Prime Minister said. Admitting that complete peace and tranquility did not exist in the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, he said many regions were victims of violence and terrorism. Wherever conditions deteriorated, assistance was taken from the Armed Forces and whenever their assistance was taken, they had shown patience and perseverance.
City hub of al-Qaeda in NE ‘City agents had role in IA plane hijack to Kandahar; plan afoot to blow up IAF radars at Shillong, Tezpur; hand in many blasts in Assam, M’laya’ THE SENTINEL Exclusive By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Aug 14: Has the al-Qaeda managed to spread its tentacles in Assam and other States in the North-east? The answer will be an emphatic ‘yes’ if the disclosures made by a man who claims to have had a short stint with an ‘al-Qaeda network’, albeit unknowingly, are to be believed. The source has further claimed that the al-Qaeda network, which is active in Assam, had a direct role in the Indian Airlines plane (IC-814) hijack from Kathmandu to Kandahar. What is more serious now, according to the source, is that the network is planning to blow up the radars at Shillong and Tezpur Air Force bases, and install al-Qaeda’s missiles in Meghalaya.
According to the allegations, one Khan, staying at Ulubari in the city and engaged in cash capital investments, is the kingpin of the al-Qaeda network in the North-east. Khan, who has allegedly been working for the NSCN-IM, HNLC and other militant groups of the region also, had gone to Kathmandu along with his son Islam a few days before the hijack of the Indian Airlines plane. The two returned to Guwahati a few days after the plane hijack, and soon after their arrival in the city, Islam left for Afghanistan, the source claimed, adding that Khan had also been involved in August 13 blast on a BSF vehicle at Machkhowa in the city last year. Among the allegations levelled by the source against Khan, one which seems to hold water is that the scooter that was blown off in a blast in Hatigaon police station in the city last year was that of Khan, who, along with one Mukhtar, had gone to the Hatigaon area riding on the scooter on that very day. The source has also indicated the involvement of Khan and his network in the recent blast at Gate No. 2 in Ninth Mile area in the city. According to him, an autorickshaw of one Ayesha Khatun, driven by her husband Karim, took Khan and Mukhtar to trigger off the blast.
Among the latest subsersive activities, the source has linked Khan and Mukhtar with the recent Boko blast in which as many as four persons were killed. According to the source, on that day, Khan and Muktar left the city for Boko at 4 p.m. and came back to the city at 7 p.m. while the blast occurred at 6. 55 p.m. It may be mentioned here that among the recent series of blasts in the State, the ULFA denied its hand in the Boko blast. The most sensational allegation against Khan and his network is that a survey of the Air Force radar at Shillong has already been conducted and a team has already left for Tezpur to conduct a similar survey of Tezpur IAF radar while another team is supposed to leave for Tezpur on Tuesday or Wednesday. One Choudhury, a broker of DTO office, hailing from Sonapur, had handed over the map and other documents of Tezpur IAF radar to Khan, the source alleged, adding that the al Qaeda network was behind the Rilbong police station blast in Meghalaya last year. It may be mentioned here that one Rabia Begum (sister of Ayesha Khatun) and one Mr Mazumdar have been investing the cash of Khan. Another member of the network, Manju Begum was currently conducting the survey of a hydraulic plant of the IOC at Digboi, the source added.
"The network is also involved in the smuggling of uranium from Meghalaya. Recently, a consignment of two kg of uranium was sent out via Assam from Meghalaya, and the consignment was carried by one of Khan’s nephews," the source said, and added that Khan had good relations with a number of coal mafia of the city. Of late, Khan’s another son, Nizam has come to the city, and it is suspected that Khan may leave for Afghanistan soon. When contacted, top officials of the Assam Police have confirmed that search operations have been conducted to nab ‘one Khan’ for his alleged links with a number of blasts in the State but he could not be traced.
Twenty-five houses torched in Karbi hill From our Correspondent
DIPHU, Aug 14: Thousands of Hindi-speaking people went berserk and torched as many as 25 houses of Adivasis in Sampathar area of Bakulia under Howraghat police station in Karbi Anglong district late last night. The Adivasis too, in a feeble counter attack, torched about four houses before the police could bring the situation under its control and arrest a number of people from either of the two communities. It may be recalled here that on July 18 last six Hindi-speaking people, including women, had been killed besides the burning down of a large number of houses in an attack by the Adivasis in the area, and the attack by the Hindi-speaking people last night is a retaliation.
According to reports, at around 11.30 p.m. last night, the Hindi-speaking people came out in thousands and gheraoed an Adivasi village in the area and started to torch houses for about two hours. In their retaliatory attack the Adivasis too torched four houses before the security forces reached the area and brought the situation under their control. There was no casualty till the filing of this report. More forces have been deployed in the area and the affected Adivasi village cordoned off so as to prevent it from further attack by the Hindi-speaking people.
Cong has ULFA link: Mahajan BJP-AGP tie-up ruled out From our Correspondent
NALBARI, Aug 14: Senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan alleged that Congress leaders in the State have links with ULFA activists and huge amount of money has been ‘paid’ regularly to the outlawed organization to avoid extortion notices. Addressing a meeting held at Sankardev Sishu Niketan, Nalbari recently, he said that he would definitely raise the issue of illegal way of giving money to ULFA cadres in the next Lok Sabha session. "The BJP MPs will also draw the attention of the Lok Sabha to the link of a few ministers of Assam with the ULFA", Mahajan said.
Expressing serious resentment over the "misuse of government money in the name of minimizing extremist problem" Mahajan lamented over that fact that no positive impact of the "peace schemes" has been noticed as yet "rather many innocent people have been killed" during the tenure of the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the State. Comparing the insurgency problem of Assam with some other States — Kashmir, Punjab, Nagaland and Manipur — Mahajan said, "Killing of innocent people will not solve the insurgency problem".
"Ballot not bullet will bring peace back to the State", Mahajan hoped. Replying to a question of mediapersons, he said that there was no possibility of his party having any tie up with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in the next Assembly election in the State. On the Bangladeshi influx problem of the State and the recent repeal of the Illegal Migrants Determination by Tribunal (IMDT) Act, he said that the BJP was the only national party which raised its voice against the "draconian" Act in the Lok Sabha. Earlier, a meeting of BJP workers was held on Nalbari Law College premises which was presided over by Narendra Chakrabarty, president of Nalbari District BJP Committee.
Addressing the meeting, Mahajan urged the party workers to work hard for strengthening the organization at the grass-root level. Sailen Bhagabati explained the objective of the meeting while Narayan Barkatoki also spoke a few words to the party workers.
People defy rebels; governments offer peace talks By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Aug 15 (IANS) Hundreds of people defied a rebel boycott call and joined India's independence day celebrations Monday in the northeast as state governments offered peace talks with militants to end decades of insurgency. Four influential separatist groups called a 17-hour strike from Sunday midnight in Assam, Tripura and Manipur and asked people to boycott the national celebrations. But police and witnesses said people in large numbers participated in festivities despite the boycott call in the three states. Police official D. Das in Assam said: 'The response of people was very encouraging although the number of children and students was not very high in most public celebrations.'
In Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, where no major militant group is active, people in thousands took part in the celebrations. There were no reports of any violence Monday from across the region, police said. Meanwhile, chief ministers of the northeastern states offered peace talks with rebel groups. 'Violence and killings cannot solve the problems. It is through talks and negotiations that grievances can be settled,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said in his speech in the state's main city Guwahati. Chief ministers of other states echoed his views. 'Our doors are open for talks with any militant groups that shun the path of violence,' Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said in Imphal. An estimated 100,000 troops were deployed across the northeast after militants stepped up their offensive in the run up to the celebrations.
There were at least 30 explosions and attacks in Assam that killed five people and damaged oil and gas pipelines, rail tracks, bridges and power facilities. In Manipur, militants killed four civilians in an ambush last week, while rebels triggered at least four explosions, police said. Militants in the insurgency-hit northeast have for years boycotted the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations to protest New Delhi's rule over the vast region rich in oil, tea and timber. At least 30 rebel groups operate in the northeastern states, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination.