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08/20/2005: "Office of the N a g a H o h o Press Release"


Office of the N a g a H o h o

Press Release

A Co-ordination meeting of the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights & Council of Naga Baptist Churches was held at Kohima Japfü Hotel on the 19th of August 2005, to discuss the prevailing state of affairs in the Naga society, and also to take stock of the Peace Process that have surpassed 8 years of hopes but coupled with resoluteness to find a political settlement to the Indo-Naga political conflict.
The meeting noted with deep concern, the underlying currents that continue to disturb the minds of the general public with various interpretations on the shape of things to come for finding a political solution. It also acknowledged the existing high degree of fear and suspicions amongst the various Naga political groups and the subversive activities that continue in one form or the other, to discredit and even derail the peace process, for many obvious reasons.
However, barring all internal differences, the co-ordination meeting willfully expressed its commitments that whatever may be the nature and terms of negotiation, “the unification of all Naga areas must be the foundation of any negotiated settlement”.
Therefore, to re-affirm and demonstrate to the Government of India and the world at large, that Nagas will under any circumstances fight for our birthright to live together as One People, the meeting resolved to organize a “Naga Integration Rally” on the 31st of August 2005 at Kohima.
Neingulo Krome General Secretary Naga Hoho.
Dated Kohima the 20th August 20, 2005

Government denies stalemate in Centre-NSCN (IM) talks Kuknalim.com
Posted on Saturday, August 20 KOHIMA, Aug 19: The Nagaland Government on Friday denied any stalemate in the ongoing talks between the Centre and the NSCN (IM).Replying to a starred question from NPF legislator, K Therie, Home Minister Thenucho said, "there is no stalemate at all in the talks".

The Minister made the assertion following Therie’s observation that there had hardly been any breakthrough in the political issue after the slew of talks held between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM). Replying to another starred question from Therie on implementation of DAN’s policy of equi-closeness, Thenucho claimed the government was maintaining its policy of equi-closeness in letter and spirit adding that "we are continuing to maintain equi-closeness."

NSCN(IM) wants referendum TIMES NEWS NETWORK [

GUWAHATI: The NSCN (IM) has demanded a referendum on the Greater Nagalim issue in Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast if the ongoing talks with the Government of India failed to break the deadlock. The talks between the Centre and the outfit had not inched forward as both sides were unable to resolve the contentious issue. While the NSCN (IM) insisted on its demand for integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the region, New Delhi rejected the demand.

The NSCN (IM) has now alternatively called for a referendum in Naga-inhabited areas to find out whether Nagas living in other states wanted to live under a single administrative roof, or in plain words merge with the present Nagaland. Though the peace talks are in progress, "if something goes wrong and the situation demands, we will go back to the people and seek a referendum on the issue,"said NSCN (IM) information kilonser (minister) Karaibo Chawang.

The Greater Nagalim demand has created bad blood between the NSCN (IM) leaders and the central team, which is negotiating with the outfit. Besides neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh opposing the demand, the UPA's common minimum programme at the Centre gave its commitment to preserving the existing territorial boundaries of northeast states.
In the recent talks at Amsterdam, NSCN (IM) had even threatened to pull out of the ceasefire over the issue, but was convinced by the central team to maintain a congenial atmosphere for the peace talks to progress. However, the outfit only agreed to extend the ceasefire by six months, unlike previous years where the ceasefire was extended for one year. Earlier this month, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also favoured a referendum in Naga-inhabited areas on the issue of Greater Nagalim.

Rio promises CBI probe 'if necessary' Kohima, August 19, 2005 hIndustan Times
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has assured the state assembly that if his government was not satisfied with the findings of the Vigilance Commission in the ongoing probe into Nagaland Public Service scam, it would not hesitate to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Rio has also informed the Opposition that the Vigilance Commission has already charged-sheeted eight persons, including six government employees, for corrupt practice in the NPSC case. Deputy Secretary (NPSC) Takachila is among those charge-sheeted, he said. Defending his government, Rio has reminded the Opposition that the administration had constituted a one-man inquiry headed by Benjamin Newmai to probe various allegations of corruption in the NPSC. The chief minister however regretted that there were hardly any witnesses in the case. Rio also denied having received any complaint stating specific allegations of corruption in the NPSC. He, however, agreed that the investigation had been delayed due to lack of cooperation by officials of the NPSC. Lauding the Vigilance Commission for its work so far, leader of the Opposition I Imkong said the NPSC should be the collective responsibility of the state. He said that efforts should be made by political parties to cleanse the NPSC of all corruption.
Therie doubts Rio’s sincerity OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Aug.19: What the Opposition Congress did not do, former finance minister K. Therie has accomplished through his outburst against the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government. Speaking from the Treasury benches, Therie voiced doubts about the government’s sincerity on its “equi-closeness policy”. Rio had declared that he believed in maintaining equal closeness with all the Naga rebel groups as opposed to ex-chief minister S.C. Jamir’s “equi-distance”.
Therie asked how the government planned to carry on its policy of equi-closeness when factional clashes continued in the state. “We have to talk to all groups of Naga national workers,” he told the Assembly. The former finance minister was divested of his portfolio two months ago allegedly due to pressure from the NSCN (I-M). The Isak-Muivah faction had perceived Therie as leaning towards the Naga National Council (Adinno) which does not consider integration of the Naga areas as a major demand. Today’s Assembly session saw a new low in the relationship between former friends Rio and Therie. The arguments began after Therie asked a starred question on the progress of the peace talks between the Centre and the two NSCN factions. Home minister Thenucho’s reply that it was unwise to reveal details did not satisfy him. Pouring cold water on Rio’s earlier statements that the peace talks had progressed, Therie said, “We are no closer to a settlement than we were in 1997.” He continued to badger the government, stunning his party colleagues into silence. He claimed the peace talks had ended in a stalemate. The legislator pointed out that the government’s consultative sub-committee for peace submitted its report last November. But contrary to the suggestions made in the report, the government did not call a consultative meeting of all legislators and the two Nagaland MPs. “We need to have a broad consensus (on the Naga political problem). If the government is sincere, then the approach discussed in the CCP should be followed,” said Therie.
WRITE WING The muffled sound and fury of corruption R. T. Chang Morung express
In the uncoded social norms of our State, corruption and scams has become the rule of the day and is becoming the fertile ground for political corruption. In the past decades there were many scams and scandals that have come and gone and none seems to get even a scratch on its skin. Loud talks and vociferous agitations have been heard all around but everything comes back to square one. It has become inevitable part to our democratic polity that lawbreakers have become law makers and the ‘bad coin’ is driving the good coin out of circulation. Recently, two news that made the headlines were the NPSC Bribery scam and NPCC booklet on DAN’s reign and failures, which has given opportunities to every citizens to talk and debate about the issues in every walk of life. No wonder the seeds of corruption and scams have already been sown in our State. It has become a difficult task for every Naga citizen to judge who is right and who is wrong and who is to blame for playing an active role behind this scene.
The administration, high ranking officials, ruling party and opposition were all sailing on the same boat and all were weighed in equal balance and their every answers and each others feed back published seems to be right. For instance, few months back Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had sacked his finance minister K.Therie for not producing the white paper for misutilisation of Rs.365 Crore. It is difficult assignment for the mere public to calculate and analyse the big amount where it has been ingested and digested. If that huge amount be utilized as a productive means, at least some of the district would have been shinning and the Government would be busy in developmental progress. It has also been known that the Director of Horticulture was suspended due to misutilisation of more than Rs 1 crore. If atleast a few lakh were utilized in a transparent and accountable manner, it would have been a great help to the Naga farmers and could have created employment opportunities to the local unemployed youths and could have also improved the socio-economic conditions of the State in general.
Our state is facing a great problem in lack of jobs and employment opportunities, where thousand of educated youths are unemployed whereas some of our political leaders and high ranking officers were busy in making their own nest by selling jobs to non-nagas. Thus, it creates social problems that frustrate the minds of the educated youths exposing them to a danger of being attracted to unwanted and anti-National elements. In our state, the trends thus far have been that the small fish has been caught in the net while the big ones have slipped away and out. That is why, the general perceptions have gained ground that all this ending of corruption and scam is just a tall talk and it is ‘sound and fury’ signifying nothing. If these things continue, then the moral fiber of the state would turn into tatters and there will be no hope left for the Nagas.
Blockade lull gets first joltANSAM warns Manipur Government over CM’s remarks Morung Express News August 19 Morung
DIMAPUR: The All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) has condemned the remarks of the Manipur Chief Minister ridiculing the Non-Cooperative movement of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) and the ANSAM as undemocratic and calling it as an intention to harass the common people of the State. In a joint press statement issued by the President of ANSAM Paul Langhu and Daniel Tep, Assistant General Secretary, the organization said the remarks instead of creating conducive atmosphere, would only compound the already volatile situation of the State. While lambasting the remark made by Okram Ibobi Singh as irresponsible unbecoming of a head of a state, the ANSAM cautioned the Manipur State Government not to go against its impartial constitutional obligation to direct the Chief Minister to find an acceptable solution.
Referring to the Chief Minister’s desire to hold talks to find a solution to the issues raised by the organization, the ANSAM said that it had considered the "hardship and suffering of the common public of Manipur, heeding the appeals of various organizations and valuing the request of the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India", the economic blockade was relaxed to create a conducive for a constructive resolution on the prevailing issue. However, the manner in which the Manipur Government was handling the tense situation explicitly indicated the government’s "insincerity and unworthy motives" it said. Stating that "The response of the state government to send a Ministerial delegation including the Additional Chief Secretary is an insult to the Nagas and a betrayal to their assurance made to the Nagas on the 3rd August", the ANSAM warned that both the organization and the NSF would not tolerate such insincere attitude of the Manipur Government.
Alternative route Source: The Sangai Express Kolkata, August 19: The Centre is planning an alternative route to Imphal because of frequent disruptions on the National Highway which passes through Nagaland and Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today.

"We are working on an alternative route to Manipur, though many political questions are involved," Mukherjee told reporters here. For this a number of fragile river bridges would have to be strengthened, he said. The Centre's decision is in. view of the recent prolonged blockade of NH 39 by All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against Manipur Government's decision to declare June 18 as Integrity Day. Manipur witnessed a serious shortage of essential commodities including petrol and cooking gas following the blockade which had begun on June 20.PTI

Cong should thank us for wiping their ‘sins’: Rio The Imphal Free Press

Kohima, Aug 18: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday attempted to put at rest Congress accusations that the DAN government misused Rs.365 crore received as peace bonus in 2003 from the then Vajpayee led NDA government. To this effect, Rio tabled a White Paper on utilization of the amount saying that the government was doing so in deference to the wishes of Congress leaders. He was giving a written statement on the floor of the House on the first day of the three-day Assembly session. The amount was received by the state only to wipe off the accumulated deficit of the same amount, the chief minister said.

However, Rio opposed the Congress allegations that the DAN had not explained the expenditure as untrue. He said that the opposition should not have raked up the issue after unanimous resolution appreciating the receipt of Rs.365 crore from the Centre. The chief minister said that while getting money from New Delhi for specific projects entailed submitting of utilization certificates, in this case even the Centre did not ask for an explanatory note. “Let me make it very clear that the whole of Rs.365 crore grant received by the state government on 31st March, 2003 was automatically adjusted in the state's RBI account, to offset the deficit or overdraft of the state government at that time, this was precisely the purpose for which the grant was sought by us, and given by the Government of India. So, there is no question of misuse of the grant by the DAN government,” Rio argued. Countering the Opposition, the chief minister said that in fact, the accumulated deficit of more than Rs.365 crore was created during the ten years of Congress rule.

“Therefore, I am of the opinion that the Congress party now sitting in opposition should be very grateful to the DAN government for wiping out the hang-over of their past mismanagement, sins, instead of asking us questions on how the grant has been utilized. I am also surprised that the Congress MLAs had jointly submitted a memorandum dated April 9, 2005 to the Prime Minister of India on this very issue, asking that the Government of India should not make further releases to the state without first investigating into this matter. I expect and request the Congress party to play the role of constructive opposition and not otherwise,” the chief minister added.

Naga Battalion takes on Naxalites Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Aug 19: The Union government's decision to send in the elite 9 IR Battalion of Nagaland to battle Naxalites in Chattisgarh seems to have paid off, with the forces meeting with significant success in its first encounter. In its first encounter with the Naxalites at Vijaypur on Saturday, the IR Battalion neutralized two Naxalites, while injuring a third and arresting 11 others, sources confirmed.
According to officials of the 9 IR Battalion in Nagaland, the operation lasted for two days. The officials said that the 9 IR Battalion launched the attack after the Naxalites attacked them. There were no casualties on the side of 9 IR Battalion, the sources said. The battalion was recently shifted to Chattisgarh to contain the growing Naxalite problem in the state.

SSI PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN NORTH-EASTERN REGION
Rajya SabhaThe Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) under the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries has undertaken various promotional activities in the North-Eastern Region. Under the Integrated Infrastructural Development Scheme (IIDS), two proposals, one each from the States of Assam and Tripura, were received in 2004-05. Both the proposals have been approved and are under implementation. Another proposal from Nagaland has been received in July 2005 which is under examination.
This information was given by the Minister of Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries , Shri Mahabir Prasad in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. [PIB]

Plan to develop alternative route to Manipur Assam Tribune
KOLKATA, Aug 19 – The Centre is planning an alternative route to Imphal because of frequent disruptions on national highway which passed through Nagaland and Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today, reports PTI.
“We are working on an alternative route to Manipur, though many political questions are involved,” Mukherjee told reporters here.
For this a number of fragile river bridges would have to be strengthened, he said.
The Centre’s decision is in view of the recent prolonged blockade of NH 39 by All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against Manipur government’s decision to declare June 18 as Integrity Day. Manipur witnessed a serious shortage of essential commodities including petrol and cooking gas following the blockade which had begun on June 22.

The blockade and after Assam Tribune
The Centre’s assurance to enhance food and fuel storage capacity in trouble-hit Manipur and strengthen the security cover along the highways should allay the fears of people who are apprehensive of recurrence of economic blockade-like situations in the State. The possibility of such prolonged agitations in future indeed looms large because the decision of the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Students’ Federation to suspend the blockade has come with a terrifying rider. The students’ bodies have made it clear that they would be forced to resume their agitation if the government failed to resolve the issue. In this backdrop, the Union Home Secretary VK Duggal’s announcements during his recent visit to Manipur were pretty comforting for the people. Duggal earlier this week announced that Central officials had already taken up the matter with the Indian Oil Corporation for initiating a larger facility for storing fuel in Manipur in case of any such eventuality in future. He also spoke of deployment of more security forces to foil any attempt to disrupt normal flow of traffic along the lifelines of Manipur. Duggal’s announcements are suggestive of the Centre’s uncompromising posture as regards agitational extremes of the kind that held the people of Manipur to ransom for nearly two months since June 22 last.
With the decision to lift the blockade, good sense seemed to have finally dawned on the agitating Naga organisations in Manipur, although it took them 51 days to realise that their inexplicably prolonged agitation brought untold miseries to the people. While announcing their decision to suspend the agitation, the Naga student unions said that the decision had been taken “in view of the sufferings of the people”. Nothing can perhaps ring as hollow as this, for these organisations had all along remained absolutely indifferent to the people’s miseries caused by the acute food and fuel shortage and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. They had also failed to take into account that the people whom they wanted to use as pawns included infants and the diseased. Above all, the very fact that they were unhappy over the Manipur government’s decision to include June 18 in the State holiday list does not call for stretching the agitation beyond tolerable limits. On the other hand, Naga organisations of both Manipur and Nagaland throwing their weight behind ANSAM had only complicated matters. Theirs was an unnecessary meddling in the affairs of a neighbouring State, which was certainly avoidable as they are expected to concentrate more on fostering unity among the Naga people in Nagaland and offer unstinted support to the Naga peace process. It looked like a deliberate attempt to use the agitation to further emphasise the aspiration of the Naga people to live under a common administrative umbrella, which is in accordance with the NSCN(I-M)’s blueprint for ‘Nagalim’. All in all, the blockade was reflective of a self-absorbed attitude that remains immune to other people’s woes.
It is in this backdrop that Duggal’s assurances assume significance. The people of an entire State should never be allowed to become victims of such prolonged agitational extremes. All possibilities should be explored in order to prevent recurrence of such crises. The security forces should be strengthened immediately along the Imphal-Silchar NH-53 because danger looms even though the blockade has been lifted. As ferrying goods along National Highway 39 is also fraught with danger as it passes through Nagaland making vehicles vulnerable to militant ambush and extortion, the proposal for facilitating an alternative route should be taken up immediately. Hopefully, the meeting between the Centre and Chief Minister Ibobi Singh in New Delhi would be able to hammer out an amicable settlement to the impasse to let peace and harmony prevail among all communities living in Manipur.
Move to uplift under developed areas by DAN Govt. NET News Network
Shamator (Tuensang), Aug19: To uplift the women and the backward region, the DAN Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has created the Department of Development of Under Developed Areas and Women Development, informed MLA, T.Torechu. Mr. Torechu said that DDUDA is implementing various special programmes for the backward areas such as Development of Backward Areas Programmes (DBAP), Border Areas Development Programme (BADP), Under Developed Areas Programme (UDAP) and Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY). The Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana, with an outlay of Rs. 45.00 Crores was launched in Mon district on March 1last.
He also said that the State Government has decided to declare 2006 as the ‘Year of the Farmer’ and disclosed that the first ever North East ‘Agri-show’ in Nagaland sometime in February 2006. On self-employment to the youths sector, Mr. Torechu said that the State Government have declared both 2004 and 2005 as the years of Youth Empowerment and informed that rupees 7 Crores was earmarked under the CM corpus fund during 2005-06. On the health front, he added that under the revised National TB Control Programme, testing facilities for TB have been extended in some districts and positive registered cases are being provided with medicines free of cost. While in the education front, Torechu said “The Communitization of Elementary Education and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan are the major programmes and opening up of 1,715 primary and elementary schools in the State have been covered under communitization through 1,278 villages/ward Education Committee under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, 989 villages and 35 towns have been covered benefiting 19,428 children.
Rio presents white paper NET News Network
Kohima, Aug 19: State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, today at the eight session of the tenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly session laid on the table a white paper on utilisation of one-time grant of Rs. 365 crore received from the Central Government on March 31, 2003.
Rio said that since 1989-90, when the Government of India had discontinued the earlier system of fully covering Nagaland's Non-Plan Resource gap by additional Central assistance, the state had been passing through a perpetual resource crunch and each subsequent year closed with large deficits. He said that the unfavourable award of the Eleventh Finance Commission which was not of any help in improving the State's financial position. The budget estimate of 2002-03 projected an estimated closing deficit of Rs. 188.62 crore. He said that many other factors came into play during the course of the year, which effectively increased the closing deficit to Rs. 366 crore, details of which are indicated as follows: Details of revised estimate of Budget Deficit of Rs. 365 crore for the year 2002-03
Sl. Item Amount (crore)
1. Projected budget deficit of 2002-03 as per R.E. 188.62
2. Shortfall in the receipt of State Share in Central Taxes 38.87
3. Shortfall in State's own Revenue receipts 3.74
4. Money kept in Civil Deposit during previous years 36.98
(up to 2001-02) to be released)
5. Backlog of CSS/NEC, State Plan/NLCPR etc., pertaining 41.65
to previous years (up to 2001-02) to be released
6. Additional cash outgo on account of debit raised by RBI 15.00
Against unadjusted Non-Banking Sub-Treasury transactions
of past years
7. Shortfall in provision for Work-charged salary under 15.00
State Plan
8. Additional inevitable expenditure on maintenance of law 8.68
And order (Civil Police and Police Project)
9. Shortfall in GPF surplus 16.46
Total: 365.00
Govt committed to Naga peace process: Rio Therie suggests meeting of all NLA member Chizokho Vero August 19 Morung
KOHIMA (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the DAN Government was sincere and committed to the Naga peace process. Informing this in the State Assembly on the second day of the monsoon session, Rio said his Government was very serious on the issue and no member should question the sincerity of the DAN government on this front. “Members from DAN have met different factions and we are doing our best to bring all the faction together”, Rio said. He also reminded the Assembly session that the DAN government had carried a vision statement under the Common Minimum Program to secure a negotiated settlement of Indo-Naga political problem acceptable to the people. In a conciliatory gesture, the Chief Minister also accepted members’ suggestion that the Speaker should call a meeting of all MLAs and Naga MPs to discuss all issues pertaining to the Naga peace process and then take up with the Government of India to help find a lasting solution to the vexed Naga political problem.
Earlier, former Finance Minister Kewekhape Therie suggested that the government should hold a meeting of all members of the assembly and Naga MPs with the Speaker’s initiative to discuss important issues like ceasefire implementation, reconciliation among groups and the role of neighboring States in the Naga peace process. He pointed out that although the Consultative Committee for Peace (CCP) had entrusted this task to the apex tribal council Naga Hoho, it failed to do so, but the elected members could initiate such a move to make the peace process more meaningful. Replying to a query by Therie, Home Minister Thenucho said that there was no stalemate in the ongoing talk. Thenucho said the DAN government declared a policy of equi-closeness and it was the duty bound to talk with the different groups to stop fighting among each other. The Home Minister also informed that a group of ministers had 12 rounds of discussions with NSCN (IM) leaders during February to May 2005. The talks he said were inconclusive and it was not in public interest to disclose the outcome of discussions at this stage.
Therie wanted that the policy of equi-closeness be implemented in letter and spirit and at the same time more sincere efforts was called for in order to promote better understanding and trust among all the underground groups. He also suggested that a scheme be developed which was acceptable to the people and possible to present to the Centre. Opposition leader I. Imkong also questioned the achievement of the DAN government on the Naga peace process.
Mamoni: Free Anup, 9 other ULFA leaders our Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Aug 19: Noted writer Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami requested Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to release the top ten ULFA leaders who are languishing in different jails in Assam and Bangladesh. In a letter to the PM, Dr Goswami said that it would be a good gesture on the part of the PM, who is a nominee from Assam, if he released the 10 top leaders of the banned outfit. "It will break the deadlock between the Centre and the ULFA if the PM responds positively to my prayer. The people of Assam are tired of bloodshed. They want peace. I personally feel that the Government should forgive the leaders of the banned outfit who are languishing in different jails in extreme conditions, and release them keeping in mind the sentiment of the Assamese people," said Dr. Goswami. Assam Government said that it was ready to release the six leaders who were in different jails in the State. Now the Centre has to take a positive step in bringing Anup Chetia, who is languishing in a Dhaka Jail. She also said that she had got feedback from the people of Assam favouring her peace bid. Dr Goswami also reminded the PM that no untoward incident had happened in Assam on the Independence Day, which was a positive sign from the rebel group.
NDFB changing mode of ‘struggle’ ‘Ceasefire not an end of our movement’ ‘We are firm to regain rights of Boros from Indian colonial exploitation’ From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Aug 19: The self-styled "secretary general" of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), Gobinda Basumatary alias B Swmkhwr, has said that the outfit stands firm on its stand to regain the rights of the Boros from the clutches of the ‘dominant Indian colonial exploitation’. Reiterating that the outfit has been struggling since last 19 years for the cause of the society with a view to liberating ‘Boroland’ from ‘Indian colonialism’ and to establish a democratic socialist society to promote liberty, equality and fraternity and to uphold the integrity and sovereignty of ‘Boroland’. Basumatary was addressing a meeting at Jargajuri under Gossaigaon subdivision here recently, where he claimed that the entire Brahmputra valley initially was under the direct control of the Bodo kings. "Gradually, the Boros lost its glory and it was all over in the northern part of Brahmputra during British rule," he claimed.
The secretary general further said that freedom of the Boro people has been taken away by the "Indian colonial rulers" for which the NDFB has been fighting for almost two decades. It may be mentioned here that the banned NDFB is in truce with the government. " The struggle of the NDFB has not come to an end after the ceasefire with the government. We are simply changing the mode of our struggle to achieve our much awaited goal," Basumatary said, adding that intellectual underpinning was an important factor in achieving success. Referring to the fratricidal killings among the Bodos, Gobinda Basumatary said, "These killings were the result of the communication gap between the BLT and the NDFB leaders."
The senior NDFB leader further said that the NDFB alone can not achieve its goal without co-operation from the ABSU and all other organizations. He also appealed to the masses, the intellectuals, the members of various democratic organizations to extend support to the peace process initiated by the NDFB with the government to achieve the desired goal.
Secret killings ‘Gogoi Govt protecting secret killers’ Staff Correspondent Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, Aug 19: ‘‘An impartial inquiry should be made into the secret killings that took place in the State 1990’s,’’ said Ponakon Barua of Asom Gana Parishad, Dibrugarh unit. In a statement, Barua alleged that the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government has hatched a deep-rooted conspiracy to protect the secret killers. Referring to the victims of secret killings, including Dinesh Barua, brother of ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Barua, noted journalist Parag Das, Prof Bimal Bhuyan, Dimbo Rajkonwar, brother of ULFA ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa and the family members of ULFA ‘publicity secretary’ Mithinga Daimari, Ponakon Barua urged the Government to identify all the killers and bring them to book as early as possible. Criticizing Sharma’s inquiry report on secret killings, Barua laid stress on the need to institute a fresh inquiry and publish all those who were involved in secret killings.




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