[Previous entry: "NSCN(IM) leaders to meet Naga NGOs in Bangkok"] [Next entry: "Fifth Naga meet at Bangkok begins on positive note"]

09/07/2005: "Naga bridge on Bangkok base - NSCN lines up integration conclave"

Naga bridge on Bangkok base - NSCN lines up integration conclave
NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
Kohima, Sept. 5: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has decided to hold a consultative meeting with different NGOs in Bangkok this week. NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah will meet leaders of Naga Hoho, Naga Council, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and other NGOs on Thursday and Friday, sources said. The move has come a few days after a Naga integration rally was organised in Kohima by several organisations, which was termed as an “epoch-making event” by the Hoho.
“Whenever there is some issue, we have to have consultation with our people. This is one of those meetings where we will discuss the future because when we say solution, it should not be detrimental to the interests of either India or the Nagas,” NSCN (I-M) kilo kilonser (home minister) R. Raising told The Telegraph. Several Naga leaders have left for Bangkok from Nagaland and more will leave tomorrow.
However, among the prominent absentees will be representatives of the Tuensang Mon Public Organisation. The organisation did not attend the integration rally and is opposed to Hoho president Horangse Sangtam. That, however, has not stopped others from proceeding to the Thai capital. Before leaving for Bangkok, Naga Hoho general secretary Neingulo Krome said Hoho leaders would let the NSCN (I-M) leaders know about the “success of the integration rally”.
The Hoho leader said the rally highlighted the aspirations of the Naga people to stay under one administrative unit. He said this should be communicated by the NSCN (I-M) to the Centre. Krome was critical of a recent statement attributed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the Centre will maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur. He said this amounted to playing hide-and-seek with the Nagas as the Centre has maintained that it is serious about resolving the Naga problem. Sources said the NSCN (I-M) was strengthening its units in Bangkok and Amsterdam in order to give a thrust to the Naga issue. As a result, some of its leaders may be “transferred” to these locations. “We have foreign relations and this is known by the government of India and whatever is happening, we are communicating it (to the Centre),” said Raising. Asked if the flurry of activities meant that there was some solution on the anvil, the NSCN (I-M) leader said there was bound to be a solution sooner or later. Both the Centre and the outfit are looking for a solution based on objective reality, he said. “We don’t want violence”. Raising termed the United Committee, Manipur (UCM) a “liar”, making a reference to the UCM’s criticism of the Naga MPs and MLAs from Manipur for attending the integration rally. He said the UCM was not understanding the Naga problem and integration did not mean that the Nagas would attack the Meiteis in Imphal Valley. The Naga Hoho also flayed the UCM’s statement.
Consultations underway in Bangkok Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 6 (MExN): General Secretary, NSCN Th.Muivah gave a thorough update on the Peace process with New Delhi during the 5th Naga Peoples consultation which commenced today at the Royal Rose Bangkhapi, Bangkok-Thailand. More than 70 members participating from the various Naga civil society organisations such as from the Naga Hoho, students, women, tribe representatives, professionals, Human Rights representative, Church leaders, Dimapur Naga Council, Senior citizen Forum including officials from the GPRN and Naga army were present. This was informed through a press report issued by A. Akaho Assumi, Deputy Secretary MIP GPRN on behalf of the Naga Peoples Consultation Bangkok. "Nagalim does not belong to anyone but to the Naga people alone", Th. Muivah exhorted the delegation. Th. Muivah also praised the visionary leadership given by the late NNC President, AZ Phizo whose clarion assertion ‘Ura-Uvie’ (Our land is ours) laid the foundation and today Nagas ‘owe our existence to their right decision’. Responding to the issue of Naga integration, NSCN General Secretary commented that Nagas position had to be clearly stated and that the people will not accept any solution under the Constitution or within the Union of India but can come as close as possible to a sort of Federation of India and Nagalim, wherein the Naga people will have their Supreme right to decide over their future. The Ato Kilonser vividly stressed on the fundamental interconnectedness of the ‘land, people and politic’ of the Naga struggle.
A letter from the Chairman of the NSCN, Isak Chishi Swu was read out to the Naga delegation wherein he expressed his appreciating ‘the concept of consultation among our people, which is a contributing factor for the healthy growth of our community and nation.’ Swu could not participate in the consultation due to some unavoidable circumstances. The introductory session was moderated by Keviletuo Kiewhuo, vice-president, Naga Hoho while the following session was moderated by Neingulo Krome, General Secretary Naga Hoho and Paul Leo, Convenor, NPMHR. Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Convenor Steering Committee NSCN gave the welcome address to the congregation by appreciating the role play by the Nagas during the recent non-violent civil non-cooperation in the Naga areas currently administered under Manipur state and the successful holding of the mammoth Naga integration rally at Kohima on 31st August. Response speeches were delivered from the representatives of Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, United Naga Council, Naga Women Union Manipur, All Naga Students Association Manipur, Dimapur Naga Council, prominent individuals and church leaders.
FGN commemorates 42nd Indo-Naga Cease fire MOrung Express
KOHIMA SEPT 6: The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today commemorated the 42nd Indo-Naga cease-fire day at the Chedema Peace Camp organized by the Chitchat Committee, FGN.
L. Kaiso, Kedallo, FGN, delivered a short speech on ‘significance of the day’ in which he stated that the day has been observed as thanks giving day to God since 1964 as the dawn of peace in Nagaland brought through the guidance of God under the NBCC. He stated that the indo-Naga cease-Fire is historically very significant and is now into the 42nd year of its life following ten years of war between India and Nagaland with the mediation by Nagaland Peace Mission that was set up through a resolution passed in the 3rd convention of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council at Wokha in February 1964. He also said that this was the first of international Cease-Fire agreements signed by the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Government of India on 24th May 1964.He also mentioned that more than one thousand precious lives were lost in Naga resistance against Indian aggression.
He furhter stated that the proposal "A solution within the Indian Union, outside the Indian Constitution" so placed on the table of the Federal Tatar Hoho (FTH) was deliberated and debated at length and that the FTH in session had faithfully turned down the proposal on the ground that Nagas belong to a sovereign independent nation and were not demanding or fighting for any political status with the Indian union. Gradually, talks were elevated to Prime Ministerial levels of the two Governments. He said that there were six rounds of Peace talks at New Delhi which was remarkably one step forward for peace in the conflict but yet India has been denying genuine peace in Nagaland for more than six decades and that India has no right to occupy Nagaland. He noted positively that India being a large democratic and civilized country there is no way that they could still ignore the national rights of the Nagas as Nagas have a right to be a nation and a people. A short speech on the history of this day was also delivered by Vilhouthie Rhiepfu, President, Angami Region Council.A special number was presented by the Chedema peace Campers and scripture reading and prayer by Maj. Duopulie, Razou Peyu, AR, FGN. Rev Kari Longchari made offered a prayer for ‘Peace in Nagaland’. Today’s programme concluded with a mass prayer for the Naga people.
NPC reaffirms cause for peace in Nagaland Chizokho Vero Moring Express
Kohima (MExN): Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) today reaffirmed its commitment to strive for the cause of peace in Nagaland as it gave a clarion call to the people to inculcate a sense of unity. Observing a Thanksgiving Service in commemoration of September 6, 1964 Peace Day at the Peace Centre Central office at D. Block, NPC chairman N. Theyo said "On this occasion, let us all reaffirm and commit ourselves to strive untiringly for the cause of peace in Nagaland." He appealed to the Nagas to retrospect on the situation that prevailed in Nagaland prior to 6th September 1964. "We recall how we were subjugated and oppressed by the military operations of the Indian Army.
There was bloodshed and people suffered untold hardship and misery. The need of the hour was peace, and Nagas cried out for the restoration of peace. A great hope emerged as God in his own wisdom and mercy made the Indian leaders come up with a political engagement through a peace talks," Theyo said adding such grounds have resulted in the signing of the cease-fire on September 6, 1964 between the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Government of India. "The much desired dream of the Nagas was realized and Nagas were delivered to this precious gift of peace and also the restoration of their physical, mental and emotional health" the leader said as he prayed that "God will continue to guide us to the right path to the peace" reminding that people were still waiting for the final solution. He also expressed hope that God would forgive the people and give them opportunity and blessing again. Rev. Chen Rengma one of the speakers at the occasion in his speech also said that there were people all over the state expressing their desire to live in peace for the cause of which some even laid down their lives.
"In everyday area of our life there is the search for peace and its pursuits. It is a requirement which is the most demanding task of the people like you and me who have committed for the pursuits of peace to be prevailed among the community" he said while affirming that Nagaland is a Christian majority state in India but has witnessed relentless violence, bloodshed, corruption, mistrust, injustice and factionalism. "Is there no answer to our situation? Is peace and reconciliation possible in the midst of such conflicting situation?" he questioned echoing the sentiments of the people ‘who keep asking why such a situation was taking place recklessly in a Christian state like Nagaland’.
Recalling the cease-fire agreement between the Government of India and the Naga national movement which was considered to be a period where there would be no more war he said, contrary to people’s expectation, there were several cases of killing, torturing and extortion which is not a genuine experience of peace for those who have lost their love ones and suffered. "This is why it is said,’one person’s peace is another’s violence; justice for one person may entail violence against another," Rev. Rengma added. He also called upon the people to carry the flag of peace and seek a purposeful life together in Christ. NPC member H. Hesso also spoke on the occasion. The NPC members also observed a 2 minute silence for all who died in the Indo-Naga conflict. Responsive readings were made led by Lhusi Haralu, Executive Director, Nagaland Peace Centre. Earlier, Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh had said the invocation. Rev. Dr. Neiliezhu Usou said the benediction.
Pramod Mahajan to visit Nagaland :- webindia
Dimapur, 2005 3:24:56 PM IST Senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan is to visit Nagaland soon. Mahajan will participate in the party's silver jubilee celebration due to be held at Dimapur from September 9. Nagaland BJP general secretary Ato Yepthomi informed that during Mahajan's visit to Nagaland, he would call on the chief minister Neiphiu Rio, meet NGO leaders as well as party leaders and workers.
Several other prominent BJP leaders from across the country are due to attend the celebration. (ANI)

FPM makes position clear on show cause Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 05: Setting the record straight, president of the Federal Party of Manipur today said that the show cause notices served on its two MLAs for attending the Naga integrity rally is not because they are Naga MLAs but for violating the Constitution of the party. On the other hand Samuel Jendai, one of the two MLAs, said that till 4 pm of today he had not officially received the show cause notice from the party president, raising doubts over whether the show cause notices have actually been issued or not.
Speaking to The Sangai Express Dr L Chandramani said that the show cause notice signed by him were sent to the two MLAs, Samuel Jendai and Henry Paotei through the office peon of the party, late this evening. He however added that he does not know whether the show cause notice have been received or not as he has not yet seen the record book of the messenger. The show cause asked the two MLAs to reply why they should not be suspended or expelled from the party for anti-party activities by attending the Kohima rally where Samuel Jendai is believed to have also addressed the gathering.
Ten days time have been given to the two MLAs to file their replies.
Making the position of the FPM clear, Dr Chandramani said that the show cause notice was issued not because the two MLAs are Nagas but because they had violated Article 2 (4) of the party's constitution.
This Article clearly lays down that FPM will protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and this issue was also included in the election manifesto of the party in the 2002 general election. The two MLAs were elected on the manifesto and constitution of the party and their participation in the Naga integrity rally at Kohima as well as the signing of the memorandum endorsing the formation of a Greater Nagalim is anti-party, explained the president.

The FPM will stand by its constitution and the territorial integrity of Manipur, asserted Dr Chandramani.

The course of action will be discussed and recommended by the party's disciplinary committee and the final decision will be taken by the central committee of the FPM, he said. BJP meeting: The State unit BJP has convened a meeting on Sep 10 to discuss the participation of its MLA Danny Shaiza at the Naga integration rally as well as for appending his signature on the Lim memorandum.
NNC keeps white flag aloft NISHIT DHOLABHAI the telegraph
Chedema, Sept. 6: Having rejected the gun culture decades ago, the Naga National Council refuses to bring down the white flag that flutters atop the peace camp for the past 41 years. The party, founded by the legendary A.Z. Phizo, strongly believes that the Nagas attained nationhood long ago. The leaders of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), the militant wing of the Adino Phizo-led NNC, observed the 42nd ceasefire day or “peace day” today. The party commemorated the 1964 ceasefire agreement with the Centre and pledged its commitment to the 1975 Shillong Accord signed with New Delhi. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) is the most vocal opponent of the Accord which, it claims, compromised the interests of the Nagas.
The NNC maintains that the Accord saved the Nagas from suffering at the hands of the army. Criticising the NSCN (I-M) without naming it, the NNC’s Angami regional council president, Vilhouthie Rhiepfu, said it was fruitless for Nagas to reject the Accord. Speaking in local Angami, Rhiepfu criticised the factional fighting and extortion drives. The FGN leaders stood by both peace pacts that took 11 years to materialise. Over a hundred senior people gathered at the hall for a solemn function. Fresh paint shone on some old battle helmets hanging in a hall as septuagenarian leaders recounted tales of the Nagas’ persistent efforts. Kedallo (vice-president) of the FGN, L. Kaiso, said the 1964 ceasefire was “international” and signed by “two nations”.
He claimed the battle was won when the Centre backed off from calling them “Naga rebels” and instead, included the words, “Federal Government of Nagaland” in the ceasefire agreement. While children sang songs praising the elders’ sacrifice, rich tributes were paid to the Nagaland Peace Mission which had mediated between the NNC and the Centre. A veteran NNC woman leader suggested displaying photographs of NPM members — Rev. Michael Scott and Jaiprakash Narain — in the hall where the deliberations took place. “We are grateful to those people, and especially to church leaders for bringing peace to Nagaland,” she said. The church leaders had negotiated with the army to stop atrocities on villagers, she added
Nagaland celebrates 1964 ceasefire Chedema (Kohima), September 6, 2005 Hindustan Times
A "Peace Day" was observed on Tuesday to commemorate 40 anniversary of the ceasefire between the "Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN/NNC)" and the Government of India as part of the 41st Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day celebration at Chedema Peace Camp. Vice President of the FGN (Kedallo), L Kaisa speaking on the occasion said September 6, 1964 was a Thanksgiving Day "for it is on this day that peace dawned in Nagaland under the banner of the Nagaland Baptist Council of Churches (NBCC), after 10 years of war between India and Nagaland". "However, India continues to deny genuine peace to Nagaland after five decades," he said. Saying Nagas have their right to be a nation and a people, he placed faith in the use of peaceful means to solve problems, however complicated it may be. He stressed that India being a democratic country should no further ignore the national rights of the Nagas. The President of Angami Regional Council, Vilhouthie Rhiepfu said that though today there were "many educated Nagas" who could have helped in furthering the Naga cause, they were instead opposed to it. "The Shillong Accord should not be an excuse for the Nagas to blame and oppose the Naga nation initiative, but if India does find an excuse in the Accord, then it should be the one to be vocal about it". Lhouvitsü of the FGN chaired the meeting.
Dying for a place to live Telegraph
As if the destruction caused by floods every year was not enough, hordes of illegal migrants are settling in the hilly areas of Guwahati after being assured by politicians of land, electricity, water supply, proper road and transport facilities. The promise of an address to these homeless, however enticing, comes at a huge price. Living in the hills of a city that witnesses floods every year is a certain invitation to death. Several of these people die miserable deaths, trapped in massive landslides, losing the homes for which they had taken the risk in the first place. All the district administration does during floods is to clear debris after the landslides have already occurred or remove the silt that runs down from the hills and clogs the drains. It is high time the Assam government set up an inquiry commission to look into the problem and invited foreign experts to suggest solutions. J.N. Bhattacharya, Guwahati
Haj blues The Assam State Haj Committee was re-christened the Joint State Haj Committee — covering Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram— through a government notification. Apart from the minister in charge of Haj affairs of Assam, who is the chairman of the committee, it has 17 members, including the executive officer, who acts as the secretary. While Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya have one member each, Assam is represented by two ministers, one MP, one member each from the districts of Goalpara, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh, three from Guwahati and five, including the chairman, from Nagaon.
The Haj Committee Act 2002 stipulates that the state committee should have 16 members — three Muslim members from the state legislature or Parliament, three from local bodies, three experts in Muslim theology and law, five representing Muslim voluntary organisations in the field of public administration, finance, education, culture and social work, the chairman of the State Wakf Board and the executive officer of the state committee.The rule book also stipulates that after publication of the names of the members of the state committee under section 19, the state government should convene within 45 days the first meeting of the committee to elect the chairperson from among the members. In the event of its failure to elect a chairperson, the government can nominate one member from the committee to hold the post of chairman. I doubt if this norm was followed in forming the present committee. Besides, there was no reason to include members from Nagaland and Mizoram as only one pilgrim went for Haj last year from Nagaland and none from Mizoram. While the chairman’s district has four other members on the committee, districts such as Cachar, Karimganj, Darrang and Jorhat, among others, have been totally ignored. More importantly, the executive officer should be from the civil service and not a police officer, as is the case at present.
The most regrettable fact is that though the state committee received sizeable funds a couple of years ago for the construction of a Haj House in Guwahati, the state government has failed to allocate a plot of land till date. But the government was quick to allot lands to a so-called “strong” minority organisation in and around Guwahati. This is nothing but votebank politics of the Tarun Gogoi government. When the minister in charge of Haj affairs-cum-chairman of the Joint Haj Committee, known to be a favourite of the chief minister, failed to locate a piece of land, the people had no other option but to believe that all the assurances politicians mouth at the camps for Haj pilgrims are mere lies. If he cannot keep his word, the chairman should at least stop making a mockery of the pilgrims, and Muslims in general, by turning the “farewell” meetings into political shows.
Tabiul Hussain, Guwahati Terror build-up The political scenario in Arunachal Pradesh has once again turned volatile with chief minister Gegong Apang facing allegations about links with Naga militant groups. No concrete proof is there regarding the ruling party’s alleged nexus with militants, but one thing is for sure — the scourge of terrorism has already afflicted the hitherto peaceful land of Arunachal Pradesh. Militants from almost all the neighbouring states are taking shelter in the deep jungles of the state. But some indigenous militant outfits, born and bred in the state itself, have also started spreading terror. Though the government has full knowledge of the activities of these groups, it has yet to take any action against them. The state government should immediately take strong action against the outfits spreading terror in the state. If that is not done, this beautiful land will turn into a killing field.
Pinky Tage, Itanagar River sutra The Wah Umkhrah (Umkhrah river) of Meghalaya used to be clear, clean and vast not long ago. Residents of the areas in the vicinity of the river would fetch water from it and wash their clothes there. It also used to be a popular fishing spot. The river is now a veritable drain. Residents of Jaiaw, Mawlai, Raitsamthiah, Wahingdoh and Polo Ground dump their garbage into the river. All drainage and sanitary disposal systems are being emptied into the river, erasing every trace of aquatic life. Worse still, parasites, insects and worms are spreading water-borne diseases. To keep our houses neat and clean, we dump all the rubbish in the river or on the roadside without a second thought, perhaps not realising that we are polluting our environment and exposing ourselves to health hazards. To prevent this menace, people staying near the river should take the responsibility of not allowing anyone to throw garbage into the river and pollute it. Rivers are the prime source of water and we should make a collective effort to prevent their pollution. Deiti Haimdor Jana, Shillong
A brief story of the first Naga Baptist Senkatoshi Morung Express The people were barbaric; there were no good means of communication; and the place too was far away, but they carried on their ‘mission’ regardless. They were the American Baptist Missionaries who entered into the raw Naga areas for the dissemination of ‘gospels’; they succeeded it through thick and thin. It was Rev. S.W. Whiting who did the first uphill task. On this day i.e., September 7, 1851, a man from Merangkong Village (Mokokchung district) named Longjanglepzük was Baptised in Sibsagar by Rev. S.W Whiting. He met Longjanglepzük while wondering at a place called Nariza in Assam who was later impressed and converted to Christianity. The American Baptist Missionaries regarded it as an opportune time to spread the truth of ‘gospel message’ across. They kept their faith on Longjanglepzük, and with much enthusiasm the missionaries gave a new name called "Langsang Francis Wayland". But worse to come for the American Missionaries when Longjanglepzük was killed in a hostile attack by a combined force of nine neighbouring villages; it has to be noted that there was a raging practice of ‘head hunting’ during that time. Unfortunately the ugly incident occurred while he was on a visit to his native village.
As told by an elderly person sometime in the past, Longjanglepzük used to live in Assam since his childhood and that he did not know neither of the blood-feud nor the head hunting practices. When his native village came under attack he came out of his home to witness the event which he had never seen before. As a result he became vulnerable and fell prey to the foes. Since then, for about 15 years till Dr. Clark came into contact with the Ao Naga tribe, the missionaries could not find any outlet to carry the ‘message’ through. Though the first ever Missionary’s plan ended in its embryo, undoubtedly it laid the foundation of the missionary’s activities in Naga Hills. I was told by a friend of mine that in memory of Late Longjanglepzük, every year on 7th September, special programmes like singing competition, poem recitation, dramas etc., are being held at his native village. I have had a chance to read a poem in which a local poet offers eulogy to Late Longjanglepzük in these words :
1851 was a golden year, Longjanglepzük stood first in this ‘dark world’ Selected the shinning one among the spectra. Owing to his premature death in 1853, Longjanglepzük could not contribute much to the progress of gospels, but he was perhaps the first Naga man who committed to serve His yoke.
Paan is very good for your health if you don’t take it. Why do we take Paan? Here’s why people chew this little bundle of oral cancer. In the first place, people chew Paan because treatment for oral cancer is cheaper than that of HIV/AIDS. Also it’s safer than downing a mug of Zutho. Zutho can be extremely dangerous because it induces a person to believe he is Superman, capable of taking on the entire universe. Of course in the end, after the hangover’s ebbed, he wakes up to realize some people have presented him with a pair of naturally black Ray Bans along with a dental set full of permanent gaps. Secondly, people chew the quid to mask bad breath acquired from brushing the teeth according to how many times the solar eclipse takes place in 3 years. Dentists call this phenomenon ‘Brushoclipso’. It means a person, after ignoring Golgate toothpastes for long (at least 1 year on average) suddenly discover there’s a thing called ‘toothbrush’ to attack eeeky oral bacteria. Not because the germs are bad but that there won’t be much space left in the mouth to chew Paan if the bacteria increases. So they brush!
Thirdly, instead of torturing the entire body working out in Gyms, one conveniently can have a portable Gym consisting only of the mouth, to exercise and save time and energy. The perks? One gets to enjoy TV or books while at the same time lose teeth…er... lose Weight. Moreover there’s no need for expensive equipments. Just 15 rupees worth of 350 bundles will do. In the fourth instance, chewing paan is a kind of missionary work. Meaning, if people stop stuffing paan, there won’t be people left with oral cancer for our Naga dentists to treat. Our Dentists won’t prosper in their profession and won’t be able to pay their children’s school fees if we don’t help them by chewing paan. So we chew! Finally, Paan force our parents to exercise their vocal chords by way of reprimanding us for chewing it. Because spitting all over the place comes naturally that often times, Mom’s beautiful German lilies are reduced to deep red. Furthermore, walls and carpets get extra spots of designs which unfailingly have good old daddy turning purple red. And perhaps give him a massive heart attack?
The writer is in the Deptt. Of Mass Com. & Journalism, Nagaland University Al Ngullie
Black Sep to remember slain Kukis By A Staff Reporter Kangla on Line
Imphal, Sept 6 : As in previous years since 1993, the Kuki Inpi Manipur is to observe September 13 as Black September in commemoration of the 104 Kuki villagers killed by the NSCN(IM) in 1993 at Tamei during the height of Naga-Kuki ethnic clashes. Recalling the incident that occured on this day, the KIM in a statement said NSCN(IM) served quit notices to Kuki villages of Tamei subdivision under Tamenglong district asking them to vacate their villages by September, 1993. to escape the imminent danger, two Kuki villages, Joupi and Jalengphai, immediately left their homes well in advance but were waylaid near Tamei and 87 men were instantly killed.

On the same day, the NSCN(IM) militants numbering around 500 equiped with sophistiated weapons attacked Gelnai Kuki village about 6 kilometres from Tamei along the IT road. A fierce encounter took place with the villagers defending themselves for about four hours. During the pitched battle 90 percent of 190 houses were burnt down, leaving only 20 houses standing after the devastating fire.
During the two separate incidents, altogether 104 Kukis lost their lives, which was the highest number of persons killed on a single day during the period of NSCN(IM) ethnic cleansing war against the Kukis, the statement said asserting that altogether 889 Kukis were killed, 350 villages burnt down and uprooted besides leaving 50,000 homeless during the NSCN(IM)`s ethnic cleansing. The KIM also appealed to all people concerned to observe September 13 this year also as Black September Day at all levels throughout the state. Commemorative services will be observed at alsl cost at every level and Lhang Inpi (areas) of KIM, it added. It also asked Chin-Kuki people, in particular, to observe this day by hoisting black flags on their house-tops, fasting, holding prayer meetings and offering gifts for the memorial fund.

India, China to sign MoU on intelligence sharing Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 6 – India and China will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in intelligence sharing and exchange of security-related information during a five-day visit of Home Minister Shivraj Patil to that country beginning tomorrow, reports PTI. An approval in this regard was given by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here today. The MoU is to combat crimes like terrorism. Patil's five-day visit is a bilateral tour at the invitation of Chinese Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang. On his first official visit to China, he will hold talks with Zhou and is likely to meet Premier Wen Jiabao there.

Patil will also visit Beijing Police Training Academy and meet Shanghai Mayor. The issues to figure in the talks are cooperation in fight against terrorism, disaster management and public security. “The visit of the Home Minister is part of the process of continuing high-level bilateral exchanges and will contribute to the further development and diversification of bilateral relations in accordance with the Declaration of June 2003 and the Joint Statement of April 2005,” the Indian Embassy has said in a press statement in Beijing.
NE trade exchange with Singapore takes off NET News Network
Guwahati, Sep 6: Singapore, one of the participants in the ongoing Enterprise North East 2005 at Guwahati today expressed interest in promoting joint ventures with Northeast based companies. Buoyed by the response Northeast showcased academic institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to Singapore. The IIT, Guwahati has already signed an MOU with the National University of Singapore (NUS) for research collaborations and also made provision for the admission of the students from ASEAN countries into its various implemented programmes. Exchange of IIT faculties with other universities of Singapore have also been finalized. Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore, Lee Lorling informed that Singapore expertise in preparing the master plan for the basic infrastructures like industrial park, airports and township planning and were also responsible for the planning of the IT parks in Hyderabad and Bangalore. She further said," Hospitals in Northeast can also be as good as any other Indian cities following the tie up with Singapore”. Lorling however pointed out that for joint ventures and trade relations connectivity between the two countries has to improve explaining that on an average in a week more than 200 flights fly between Singapore and China while between India and Singapore only 100 flights fly. IIT professor, Dr Subhash C.Mishra opined that students from Singapore and other ASEAN countries could pursue their studies in IIT Guwahati, which is acclaimed centre of excellence in the world. " Northeast has several academic institutions which offers wide range of courses and is a forum for state of art computational and experimental teaching and research facilities," he explained.
Tourism Malaysia keen to boost NE tourism By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 6: The Tourism Malaysia is very keen to promote tourism potential of the North-east India. This was stated by Dipankar Chatterjee, chairman of the north-eastern committee of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), while talking to The Sentinel today. "The government should grab the offer made by the Malaysians for the benefit of both the countries," he said. Chatterjee said this in the sidelines of the conference on ‘India-ASEAN: Building Bridge to the Future,’ at the Assam Administrative Staff College here today. The conference, marked by the participation of the ASEAN countries, is part of the CII-sponsored Enterprise North East 2005, currently undergoing at the Assam Engineering Institute ground here. "The rich natural resources, including oil, of the North-east, which is geographically and culturally very close to other ASEAN countries, are enough for border trade," he said. The 6-day trade extravaganza is aimed at forging tie-ups between the local entrepreneurs and those of ASEAN countries in various sectors. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, while addressing the conference, welcomed the investors from ASEAN countries into the State.
The conference is being attended, among others, by Lee Lorling, Deputy High Commissioner of Singapore, To Ngoc Thach, Councillor of Vietnam embassy, Bhupesh Kumar, marketing manager of Tourism Malaysia and Neeraj Verma, managing director of the Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Jayanta Madhab, economic advisor to the Chief Minister. Professor SC Misra of IIT, Guwahati said that IIT Guwahati had signed an MoU with the National Institute of Singapore as part of its faculty exchange programme, which was to be followed by such collaborations with several other institutes of the ASEAN countries. He stressed the need for more collaborations in IT sector and a biotechnology network among the ASEAN countries.Later, Mr Gopal Singh, Deputy General Manager of the CII based at Delhi, talking to The Sentinel, said that the development of local entrepreneurship needed support from the Central Government for qualitative improvement of products and making the them cost effective. The CII is going to move the Centre very soon in this regard, he said.
Bodo organizations’ unification move bites dust Hagrama Mulling New Mantra? From our Correspondent sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Sept 6: The re-unification move of some of the front-ranking Bodo organizations and individuals received severe blow following the move of Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the BTC Hagrama Mohilary to form the new Kokrajhar district committee of the BPPF parallel to the committee headed by Rabiram Narzary. The president and secretary of Kokrajhar district unit of the BPPF Kishore Basumatary and Rabiram Uzir respectively in a press release issued here alleged that a secret meeting of Hagrama-led BPPF faction was held at Amola Bhavan, Kokrajhar recently at the initiative of Sobaram Basumatary, Executive Member, BTC. The release also alleged that Hagrama-led Kokrajhar district unit of the BPPF was formed keeping the existing committee of the district unit of the party in dark. Terming the development as unfortunate, the release also criticized the role of Mohilary in this regard. "At a time when the Bodos are trying their best to bring unity amongst the Bodo leaders, Mohilary move has created confusion among the masses," the release alleged, adding that the action of Mohilary is totally undemocratic. "Such step would only create bitter relationship among the Bodos," the release regretted. It may be recalled here that various front-ranking organizations of the Bodos, including the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) have been trying to bring together different factions of Bodo leaders fighting with each other right from the last BTC polls. Following the request of Hagrama Mohilary, the ABSU leadership had even expressed their willingness to mediate between Hagrama and Rabiram. Meanwhile, Kokrajhar district unit of the BPPF has appealed to all sections of the Bodos to come out openly and raise their voice for unity among the Bodos.