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08/29/2005: "'No compromise on Nagalim'"


'No compromise on Nagalim': Naga Hoho Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 28: In a paradigm shift from the practice of "guarded words and actions", the apex tribal body of Nagaland, the Naga Hoho, on Saturday declared that they would never compromise on a greater Nagaland or Nagalim, and would if necessary come out and fight on the streets for their rights.
"In politics nothing can be achieved through emotions. One has to be decisive and if necessary use force," said Naga Hoho vice president, Keviletuo Angami while addressing a mammoth gathering at a "Martyrs' Day" function held at Mao Gate on the Nagaland-Manipur border on Saturday. The day commemorates the 58 anniversary of the "No Tax Campaign" of 1948 against the king of Manipur.
Keviletuo also hinted that the Hoho could anytime now launch the second phase of agitation on Naga integration. He urged the Nagas to "be ready to come out to the streets to defend their birthright".

Lauding Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh for demanding Nagalim, he lambasted their counterparts in Manipur for their lack of courage to project the Naga issue in political forums. Recalling the recent joint memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by Naga MLAs and MPs from Manipur, who later denied having done so later, the Naga Hoho leader said, "I don't understand why we keep this kind of leaders". In reference to sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur, Rishang Keishing, Keviletuo said even during the sixties Keishing had signed documents in favour of the Naga issue but later denied having done so, and even went on to sign other "anti-Naga" documents. "His excuse is that he is a Naga by birth but a Manipuri citizen. Nagas cannot accommodate such traitors anymore," the Naga Hoho vice president said.
Peace process in Nagaland spurs development: New Kerala By Neeraj Kumar, Kohima: The value of peaceful atmosphere that has returned to Nagaland, which can only be realised by people who have lived and worked in the State both during peace time as well as insurgency. The peace has replaced fear and insecurity with hope and vibrancy. Families are now getting reunited and people are returning to their normal occupations. Students, human rights and gender activists, tribal elders and political workers, are participating in the reconstruction process. Peace is also helping revival of local handicraft industry.
“Earlier, we used to face lots of problems in working. Now there is peace. We support the peace process. This has benefited us,” P S Puroh, Handicraftsman says.
Exhibitions and trade fairs are organised in the State periodically so that the handicraft and handloom products can be exposed to the external markets. The fact that the industry is flourishing is evident from its 30 to 40 per cent contribution to the State economy. More than a thousand registered small-scale companies are active Even multinational company representatives are coming to the State. Recently, a multinational company had announced its decision to buy Pineapples from Nagaland.
Traders and agriculturist in Nagaland are also determined to ensure that they reap the dividends.

“Lot of progress is there. Lot of infrastructure is being developed, which has developed in the last four to five years and ready to be started. Industrial Growth centre and export promotion Industrial park, that are almost ready. Then urban hut is coming up. Definitely growth is there with the peace process,” says Longkumenu, General Manager, Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation. “When there was no peace process, people were scared to go out and buy something or take venture for their unit. Now people feel free and those interested in going out in their own venture, they have started investment. Therefore there is no fear, people feel free to establish their own unit,” says S Nihoui Chisi, General Manager, District Industry Centre, Dimapur.
Many units are now coming up in the towns as well as cities. Recently, a bottling plant was set up in Dimapur with assistance from an American firm It markets the local agricultural products. Bottled juice, jam and pickles are made here and then sold both in the domestic as well as international markets. Today, Nagaland promotes not only the industries but also the information technology (IT) sector. Recently the State formulated an It policy. As part of this policy, the States first IT institute was set up. Nagaland is gradually regaining its old status as the hub of the North-East . The pace of development that was stopped because of insurgency has picked up. The State is also getting a wonderful opportunity to capitalise on the emerging economic realities due to India’s proximity with ASEAN nations.
Naga rally in Kohima on Aug 31 Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Aug 29 : Leading Naga social organisations have resolved to hold a "Naga Integration Rally" in Kohima on August 31. The Naga Hoho, the Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights have resolved that the Naga Integration Rally be held saying that the unification of all Naga areas must be the foundation of any negotiated settlement. Meanwhile, the Karbi Anglong (Assam) based United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) has urged individuals to verify the authenticity of any land/patta/permit before purchasing or striking any deal of land at Lengri Tea Estate along Assam-Nagaland border in order to avoid complications in future.
The UPDS made this appeal through a press release issued by its joint secretary (home), L. Ranghang, following reports that many individuals were purchasing land along Assam-Nagaland border areas, especially at Lengri Tea Estate, without verifying the authenticity of land/patta/permit. The Karbi Anglong based outfit took strong exception to reports that some settlers and officials of the Lengri Tea Estate were negotiating for transfer of land to individuals and directed them to immediately stop such activities failing which, it warned, 'stern penalty' would be imposed on them. Blast condemned: In a separate press release, the UPDS (Ceasefire) expressed strong condemnation over the August 17 bomb blast in Diphu, Karbi Anglong, in which seventeen persons were seriously injured.
'This kind of barbaric act is an act of terrorism which the present world is fighting against. This is an act against humanity', the release said adding any problem or differences could be settled only through negotiations. The UPDS said it would leave no stone unturned in tracing those who were behind the blast and give them punishment. [Imphal Free Press]

Hills development committee constituted The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Aug 28: Keeping in view the need for strengthening the infrastructure development programme in the hill districts of the state, the state government has constituted a work advisory committee for chalking out the work programme for the same, an official source said today. The 12 member committeee chaired by the chief minster O Ibobi Singh has eleven members with Dr. Chaltonlien Amo as deputy chairman (SPB). The other members of the committee are MLA RK Theko, Wungnaoshang Keishing, Thangso Baite, Z Mangaibou, Danny Shaiza and DK korungthang, State chief secretary, Jarnail Singh, principal secretary hills, commissioner, finance are also members of the committee with the commissioner planning as the convenor. In this regard, the state government has issued an order constituting the committee on August 26.
Recalling that during this current financial year, 2005-06, the fund allocation in the hill districts is Rs. 1200 lakhs, the source stated that it was reflected under demand no. 30, MH 3451, sub head 19. Further it also stated that out of this total fund allocation of Rs. 12 crores Rs. 330 lakhs had been allocated for Senapati district. Likewise Rs. 165 lakhs for the Tamenglong district, Rs. 450 lakhs for Churachandpur, Rs. 90 lakhs for Chandel and Rs. 165 lakhs for Ukhrul district have been allocated.
In the meantime, the state planning department has demanded furnishing of status of the progress of implementation of schemes and works taken up from all the head of the departments of the state government latest by August 30. The schemes and works it may be noted were taken up under the one time ACA/ Reconstruction plan of Rs. 200 crore and special plan assistance of Rs. 40 crore during the annual plan 2004-05 in the state, mostly in the hill areas.

The intimation in this regard was sent to the pricipal secretary works, commissioners of higher education, school education, power, MAHUD and social welfare in particular and all the head of the concerned departments, the source said. The source also stated that the planning departement in one of its letters on June 10 this year had informed all the concerned to furnish the report on financial and physical progress of implementation of the same. But the departments have failed to furnish them till date. The latest letter of the secretariat, planning department which was despatched on August 23 last also reiterated that since progress of implementation of works/schemes is to be submitted to the Planning Commission of India, the concerned head of departments should furnish the up-to-date and latest information concerning their respective sector or department positively. It may be noted that the reconstruction plan of the state government was approved by the planning commission of India after a proposal was put up to the prime minster during his visit of the state last year. The reconstruction plan approved by the planning commission includes infrastructural development in power, road communication, rural development with priority to the hill areas, education, social welfare activities etc.

'NH-39 should not be used till harassment ends' The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Aug 28: The member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, RK Rajendra has said that people of Manipur should never use national highway 39 as long as harassment being meted out to commuters and truckers and illegal taxes being levied by underground groups are ceased or people living along the highway make an appeal for using the highway. The MHRC member was speaking at the seventh anniversary celebration of the United Peoples Front, UFP, which was held today at MDU Hall, Imphal. Expressing regret that unity amongst Meitei organisations is lacking owing to egoism and self image, Rajendra called for bringing unity amongst civil society organisations and work together for betterment of the state and for the multi-ethnic Manipuri society. He further stated that the government of Manipur should think twice before declaring Sadar Hills a full fledged district as its consequences could lead the state into jeopardy. Stressing the need for reforming the existing land reform act of the state, MLR Act, which prohibits valley inhabitants to buy land in the hills, Rajendra opined that steps must be taken up to allow valley people to settle in the hills. Stressing the need for reorganization of the existing boundary of nine districts of the state, Rajendra also maintained that safeguarding the identity of Manipur will prove meaningless without involving the land.

In his speech, Professor Dr W Nabakumar, dean of students welfare, Manipur University, said problems confronting Manipur have historical background and this should be clearly understood and action taken accordingly. Regarding the terms Naga and Kuki, Nabakumar maintained that these two words were coined by the British for their administrative convinience. However, the two terms have posed a challenge to the territorial integrity of Manipur. He also stressed the need for bringing unity amongst smaller ethnic groups inhabiting the state. Alleging government of India of indifference to problems confronting the peripheral states of the country like Manipur, Nabakumar said that it is the people who are taking up the various issues rather than by the government as it remains only in name.
K Sethajit, selection grade lecturer, Imphal college, who was guest of honour at the celebration stressed the need for constituting a state integrity council in view of serious threat being posed to the Manipur boundary as is being observed by the activities of NSCN(IM) and its frontal organisations.
The celebration was also attended by Y Devadutta, advocate, RK Ranendrajit, editor, Freedom, David Kamei, social worker, Th Ramani, general secretary, All Manipur Women Social Reformation and Development Samaj apart from representatives of other civil society organisations and invitees coming from Jiribam.
Op Flush Out : Five ULFA cadres held From our Reporter
TINSUKIA, Aug 28: Five ULFA militants —four of which have been identified as Babu Bora, Pituleshwar Bora, Nabin and Subhas Mili —were apprehended from Paglam Ghat in Arunachal’s Dibang Valley after a heavy exchange of fire between the Army and militants in which a jawan was injured yesterday. In another encounter, Rajiv Moran (20), a suspected ULFA militant was arrested while Arunachal Police constable Randeep Mishra was injured yesterday.
The joint operation launched by the Army, paramilitary forces and Arunachal police against insurgent outfits on the bordering districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the South bank of the Brahmaputra has been intensified, official sources said. Code named as operation flush out, the operation is being carried out in the dense forest areas of Dibang Valley, Lohit, Changlang and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Tinsukia district of Assam.
Kuki outfit cautions GoI Newmai News Network August 28 morung express
Imphal: The Kuki National Front (KNF) has cautioned the Government of India saying that not even an inch of Kuki territories will be given away to non-owner of the land without the consent and mandate of the Kukis. The KNF in a release said that the outfit has been keenly watching the GOI in dealing with NSCN(IM) political talk at any cost adding "the Kukis as far as the history goes were the only people who had fought with the British empire in the so called the North Eastern region in the longest period in history". It then stated "in that circumstances, it will led to civil war if an inch of Kuki territories which our fore fathers had shed blood for the generation be given away by GoI to non owner of the land in the North Eastern Region of India."
ULFA facing reverses in army operations in Arunachal Morung Express Guwahati, 28 Aug (IANS): Separatists in Arunachal Pradesh suffered heavy reverses as the army continued its offensive for the third day Sunday to evict rebels holed up in their bases, officials said. At least 6 militants belonging to the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have been killed in the offensive so far, with many of them fleeing their camps as troops zeroed in on their bases in four districts of the state. "A final assessment of the damage and reverses faced by the rebels could be ascertained only after the operations conclude," an army commander said. Three soldiers and two policemen were also injured in the offensive. Soldiers of the Madras Regiment are conducting the operations with support from the state police in the districts of East Siang, Changlang, Dibang Valley and Lower Subansiri. "The entire objective of this military operation is to break the sanctuaries of rebels and eject them out of our state. The rebels are under pressure and the operations shall continue until we are satisfied," Arunchal Pradesh police Chief Amod Kant told IANS on the telephone. "We are trying to break the sanctuaries and also those who were harbouring these militants in remote areas," Kant said. The ULFA is one of the frontline rebel groups in the northeast fighting for an independent Assamese homeland in the state of Assam since 1979. The ULFA rebels had shifted their bases to the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh from Bhutan after a crackdown on their shelters by Bhutanese troops in December 2003. According to intelligence reports, ULFA rebels carried out several hit-and-run guerrilla strikes in Assam from their bases in Arunachal Pradesh. There are an estimated 100 rebels, including women, in those bases.
Kuki outfit warns of civil war NET News Network
Guwahati, Aug 28: The Kuki National Front (KNF) today warned of civil war if an inch of Kuki territories is given to non owner of the land without the consent and mandate of the Kukis. “It will lead to civil war if an inch of Kuki territories which our fore fathers had shed blood for the generation be given away by Govt of India to non owner of the land in the North Eastern Region of India,” stated a press communiqué released by the outfit’s publicity secretary Th.Shaddai Lhungdim. The release also made obvious reference about the political talk going on between Central government and NSCN (IM),“ The Front also is keenly watching the GOI in dealing with NSCN (IM) political talk at any cost”. . “The Kukis as far as the history goes were the only people who had fought with the imperialist British empire in the so called the North Eastern region in the longest period in history,” stated the release.
Which will rule — dokhna or churidar Bodo students serve ultimatum against churidar as uniform From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Aug 28: Reacting to the recent directive to the girl students of BHB College of Sarupeta in Barpeta district to wear churidars, some Bodo students’ unions here have seriously threatened to make dokhna a compulsory dress for the students of all communities the colleges falling within BTC areas. In separate releases, the Gossaigaon College Students’ Union and Kokrajhar College Students’ Union have asked the BHB College authorities to review its order within seven days. Taking strong exception to the directive on the students of BHB College, a major percentage of which are Bodos, the student bodies have threatened to start a mass movement from September 1 to impose dokhna for students of all communities in the colleges of BTC areas. "The BHB College authorities will be held responsible for any untoward incident if they fail to review the decision to introduce churidar as uniform in the college," general secretary of Gossaigaon College Students’ Union Ansuma Islary said in the press release. General secretary of Kokrajhar College Students’ Union Prahlad Narzary said that the BHB College’s step will threaten the cultural identity of the Bodos. "Churidar is neither an Assamese nor a Bodo dress. Hence there is no question of forceful imposition of churidar on the girl students," he said.
It may be mentioned here that the many colleges of the State, including the colleges of the capital city Guwahati, have already introduced uniforms with churidars for the girls. Narzary said that imposition of churidar on Bodo girls outside BTC may slowly lead to extinction of Bodo culture and tradition outside BTC. Stepping into the issue, the Kokrajhar unit of the ABSU also threatened to launch a movement against the decision of BHB College. The secretary of BTC Degree College Forum Prof RN Sinha, who is also the principal of Kokrajahr Science College, in a press release, condemned the move by the BHB College authorities and said there was no such instruction by the UGC to adopt a particular dress as college uniform. Meanwhile, the issue of imposition of churidar on the Bodo girl students of BHB College and the consequent threatening by the Bodo student groups to impose dokhna in the colleges under the BTC region have created sensation among all communities here.


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