10/25/2005: "NSCN-IM denies hand in Karbi clashes"

NSCN-IM denies hand in Karbi clashes October 24
Detention of DHD top brass in Hebron camp alleged The Morung Express News
DIMAPUR: The NSCN (IM), while deploring the recent flare-up of ethnic violence between the Dimasas and the Karbis, has denied its having a hand in the clashes. However, according to an Assam based news portal, Chairman of Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) Dilip Dimasa is said to have revealed that its Home Secretary Kantho Langthasa was kept in custody of the NSCN (IM) from October 7 to 20. The incident seen as the root cause of subsequent ethnic frenzy in the district was designed by NSCN (IM) to fuel DHD-UPDS clash, added the report.
The report substantiating the finding added that the NSCN (IM), after the Misibailang episode where an Assam government magistrate died over the Assam-Nagaland border dispute, desperately wanted the Dhansiri camp of DHD to be dislodged. While accepting that the Home Secretary of the DHD had visited Camp Hebron, an NSCN official denied the detention of Langthasa as reported. "His visit has nothing to do with the clash," the official said. He further said that since they were adhering strictly to the ground rules of the ceasefire, the allegation was unfounded and added that the Misibailang incident had no connection whatsoever with the present turmoil in Karbi Anglong.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by Johnny Dilbung, MIP Kilonser of the outfit said, "There are certain elements with ulterior motives that are trying to incite hatred upon the Nagas and create enmity within, taking the on¬going clashes as an instrument to launch their evil designs, by dragging the NSCN’s name in the clashes, which is absolutely absurd and inconsistently bereft of any logical reasons." He further stressed on the need for both the warring Karbi and Dimasa communities to "peacefully resolve the issues of conflict rather than accumulating further aggravated losses."
With regard to the allegation that the NSCN was pursuing forced conversion, Dilbung said, "As Christian Nagas, we do not believe in forced conversions or champion violence which is completely against our religion and a grave sin in its act. This fact is clearly understood and recognized by our neighbors who bear the witness to our ways of worship and in the ethics and principles of Christianity we abide by and upkeep, and cannot be wrongly interpreted, swayed or misled according to the convenience of adverse manipulators."
Union Minister’s Nagaland visit questioned Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Oct 24 – Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Excise, Dr TM Lotha has questioned the manner in which the Union Minister Oscar Fernandez paid a two-day visit to Nagaland.

Talking to NEPS here on , Dr Lotha, who is also a senior BJP leader in the State, said that the Naga people had high expectations to hear something from the visiting Union Minister with regard to the ongoing political dialogue, because he was coming directly from Bangkok after political talks with the NSCN-IM leadership.

However, the Naga people were taken aback by not only his failure to meet them during his two-day stay in the State but also not mentioning even a single word about the political talks he had with the NSCN-IM leadership in Bangkok.

“This indicates that he was not serious enough to the task assigned to him,” the Nagaland Health Minister pointed out.

“Therefore the Naga people have become apprehensive about the fate of the future of the talks which is vital to the long drawn out Naga political issue.”

“He (Oscar Fernandez) may be a Congress man but he is a Union Minister holding important portfolio like Programme Implementation,” Dr Lotha stated.

“Therefore, we expect that he would meet the State Council of Ministers but he did not bother even to make a courtesy call on the State Governor.”

However, the NPCC had yesterday, clarified that the Union Minister’s two-day State visit was purely to address its members and nothing to do with the ongoing peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM. “It appeared from the NPCC’s clarification that the visiting Union Minister was misled by them (NPCC leaders) for their narrow political mileage,” Dr Lotha averred.

“Otherwise, how can a Union Minister regardless of political party he belongs to ignore making a courtesy call on State Governor while visiting a State where a popular Government is at the helm of affairs,” Dr Lotha questioned.
Nagaland Churches asked to reach out to Karbi Anglong victims The Morung Express News October 24
DIMAPUR: Advocating the need for churches in Nagaland to reach out to those affected as a result of the violence in Karbi Anglong, Dr Wati Aier, Principal of the Oriental Theological Society and a vice president of the Asian Baptist Federation said, "We had taken the gospel to them. Now it is our turn to reach out to them to show that we are in solidarity with them."
He also called for a holistic approach towards the crisis. "As Christians, we must take the risk, let us not be afraid," he said.
When asked to comment on the issue of conversion brought to surface recently, Wati had to say: "Those looking at the Church with a critical eye have to distinguish between conversion and humanitarian work."
Constructive intervention by the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) into the present conflict in Karbi Anglong through the Asian Baptist Federation could be a possible option.
Informing of this development, Wati said the BWA had already been informed of the prevailing situation. The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 211 Christian Baptist unions and conventions comprising a membership of more than 32 million.
Meanwhile, Inavi Jimo, the President of the Baptist Youth Federation (BYFD), Dimapur has called for a meeting of all youth directors, presidents and representatives of Baptist churches under BYFD.
The meeting is to be conducted at the Lotha Baptist Church at 3 pm in the evening on October 25.
NSC to take a call on Naga integration
The National Security Council (NSC) headed by PM Manmohan Singh will be briefed on the Naga peace process tomorrow after which it will take a view on whether to approach the civil and political leadership of Assam and Manipur on the integration of Naga-inhabited areas.
The Centre and the NSCN(I-M) are likely to hold the next round of talks in Bangkok in late November. The NSCN(I-M), which refused to extend the truce beyond six months, had in decided to adopt a ‘‘step by step’’ approach to issues like ‘‘integration of Naga-inhabited areas’’ and ‘‘special federal relationship with India’’.

The Central team led by Minister of State for Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes wants to approach leadership of other Northeastern states on the integration issue to prevent talks from breaking down.

RSS draws flak from Church, NSCN OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph - Naga organisations accuse Sangh of playing divisive politics Kohima, Oct. 24: The Nagaland Baptist Churches’ Council and the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) today blamed the Rashtriya Swayasevak Sangh of trying to stoke religious hatred in the region. The accusation came in reaction to an RSS statement, reported in the local media, accusing the Nagas of proselytising people in Karbi Anglong and provoking the Karbis and Dimasas.
The RSS has reportedly accused the Church and the NSCN (I-M) of converting Karbi Anglong residents with an aim of incorporating the Assam district into Greater Nagaland or Nagalim, one of the main demands of the NSCN (I-M). In a sharp reaction to the RSS charge, general secretary of the churches’ council Rev. Zhabu Terhuja said the Church in Nagaland had always created an environment where people of all religions live in harmony.
“But if this be the RSS’s attitude, then we cannot be sure of the results,” said Terhuja. But when asked if he meant if there would be a backlash, the clergymen refused to be drawn into any controversy.
Local dailies in Nagaland today prominently carried statements by RSS leader Ram Madhav in Chitrakoot, accusing the Church of provoking violence and proselytising the Hindus in Karbi Anglong. The Sangh has also claimed that the rebel outfits were helping in mass conversions inTirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
The NSCN (I-M), in its turn, accused the RSS of trying to divide the people of the region on religious lines to further its own interests.
Phunthing Shimrang, convenor of the NSCN’s ceasefire monitoring cell, said the RSS was “ignorant” about the history of the Northeast and its ethnic diversity and added that “their outburst is sowing seeds of division”.
“If the RSS can bring such unfounded allegations against us, then we, too, could question the Ramakrishna Mission’s activities in Tirap,” the rebel said. Asked about the RSS’s insinuation on the Nagalim issue, Shimrang said it was the people’s views and aspirations that counted and not those of the NSCN or the Church. Shimrang added that while the RSS was concerned about the Hindus of Manipur, parts of which the NSCN wants included in Nagalim, its statement made no mention of the non-Hindus and the tribals, including Nagas.
In its criticism of the Sangh Parivar, the militant outfit did not spare the Assam unit of the BJP also. Shimrang accused the party of politicising the Karbi-Dimasa dispute for its own advantage.
He warned that given this kind of “divisive” attitude, “the (Naga) problem can never be resolved”. The BJP’s Northeast unit has been opposed to the integration of Naga inhabited areas.
The outfit also urged the various groups in Karbi Anglong to refrain from violence. “In advocacy of harmonious co-existence and neighbourly brotherhood, the NSCN sincerely appeals to the Karbi and Dimasa people to sagaciously abstain and refrain from violent means and initiate ways to resolve the dispute in an amicable and peceful approach, so that no further bloodshed and suffering may be endured in the process of reaching settlement to the issue of conflict,” an NSCN statement added.
IM denies hand in clash Urges Karbis and Dimasas to stop violence
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 24: While stating that it has no hand in the ethnic clash between the Dimasas and Karbis in Assam, NSCN/GPRN has deplored the recent flare up of ethnic violence in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam that has resulted in huge loss of innocent human lives and displaced thousands of people belonging to both the communities.
In a statement, kilonser of information and publicity of the underground government of the Naga outfit Maj (retired) Johny Dilbung said that certain elements with ulterior motives are trying to incite hated upon the Nagas and create enmity within by dragging the names of the outfit in the clashes.
This is absolutely absurd and inconsistently bereft of any logical reasons, he asserted.
He clarified that the Nagas do not have any form of enmity with or dislike of either the Karbis and the Dimasas, but have been co-existing amicably with with them.
As for the accusation of forced conversions, the statement said, it does not bear an iota of truth ‘as Christian Nagas, we do not believe in forced conversions are champion violence which is completely against our religion and a grave sin in its act.’
Stating that the outfit is pained to observe the on-going clashes, the state- ment said that it is unfortunate that such a deve- lopment is taking place between the two neighbours that had been co- existing amicably before.
There may have been differences and misunder- standings between the two communities which could have been resolved harmoniously through conscien- tious diplomatic approaches instead of violent means, the statement observed.
However, taking advantage of the situation, the outfit alleged, adverse elements added fuel to the conflict resulting in bloody vengeance and vendetta, leading to unprecedented scales of sufferings and irreparable losses to both the communities.
Though the past cannot be altered or changed, nevertheless, it is never too late to end the violence and explore means to peacefully resolve the issues of conflict rather than accumu- lating aggravated losses, the statement said.
It is the ardent desire of the NSCN that peace prevails over bloody annihilations and defeats all diabolic schemes to sow divisions and hatred on religious as well as communal lines in the region, the statement said, while appealing to both the Karbi and the Dimasa people to abstain from violence and initiate ways to resolve the dispute in an amicable manner so as to avoid further bloodshed and sufferings.
Ransom demand for release of Manipur drivers New Kerala
Imphal: Suspected Naga militants have demanded Rs. 10 lakh for release of two drivers of Manipur who have been in captive at Kohima.

The drivers, from the Golden travels of Manipur, had been kidnapped at different areas by the suspected Naga guerilla, official sources said. The militant group kidnapped the two after the company failed to cough up some money, sources added.

The agency has not yet paid the amount demanded and people were agitated with the repeated harassment of passengers and drivers of Manipur on National Highway No 39 in Nagaland.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government and the Border Roads Task Force (BTRF) have decided to expedite work on the other National Highway No 53 which passes through Silchar. The road was in the worst condition and the Centre has assured to take up the works so that people will have another alternative route beside NH 39.
Another Kind of Justice Nahvind Times
HOW do nations and communities rebuild deeply fractured relationships, institutions and societies once the guns are silent? How do peace-builders develop approaches for justice and reconciliation in situations marked by large-scale violence? How do individuals and communities — in Gujarat and Kashmir, for example — address the trauma and burden of a painful history? In recent years, these questions have assumed growing significance, with efforts for peace gaining momentum in Kashmir, Nagaland and Sri Lanka, and between India and Pakistan. What has also become evident is that a sense of justice among victims and communities must be the foundation of any peace process.
Conventionally, the question of justice has been discussed in legal terminology in terms of “retributive justice”. In recent years, however, the challenges presented by situations of mass violence in countries such as South Africa, Guatemala and Rwanda have led conflict resolution practitioners and justice advocates to consider the concept of “restorative justice” to more effectively meet the need for “justice to be done”.
Attempting to evolve a culturally-sensitive vocabulary of reconciliation for the multicultural societies of South Asia, WISCOMP (Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace), in collaboration with the Sweden-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) organised a symposium on “Reconciliation in South Asia: Exploring the Terrain” in New Delhi recently.
The retributive, legal justice system and a restorative, community-centered approach to justice have the same goal: both argue that the harm caused to the victim must be restored and the perpetrator must take responsibility for his/her actions. However, the two approaches differ in terms of methodology.
Retributive justice requires the state to impose punishment on perpetrators in order to reduce direct violence, whereas restorative justice focuses on repairing harm, reducing direct violence and transforming relationships.
The case for restorative justice becomes even more compelling in a context where the legal system is simply unable to meet the need for justice. (WFS)
The untiring Heroes in Karbi Anglong The Morung Express News October 24
DIMAPUR: The government took four days to dispense relief material towards those affected as an outcome of the prevailing violence in Karbi Anglong. Prior to that, NGOs comprising of churches, humanitarian associations and volunteers had to take upon the onerous task of tending to the basic needs of displaced villagers who were pouring in by the hundreds. A relief worker who has been caring for the sick said, "I have been involved since day one. At the beginning, the scene was so chaotic we did not even have space to breathe. With a limited number of only 16 vehicles, we found it extremely difficult to carry out our activities." Bulu, who works in the Jirsong Asong training centre run by the Catholic diocese, has been actively involved in the relief work. While organizing and taking around the OTS/ABF team from Dimapur to various relief camps in Diphu for the purpose of distributing relief material, he advocated on the urgency to bring in more volunteers. Every time he visits a camp, the concern and apprehension for those affected is etched across his face. "With winter making its presence felt, the villagers now need warm clothing and proper accommodation," he said pensively.
Another volunteer named John donned the responsibility of managing the distribution of clothes in an organized manner. He placed upon himself the demanding duty of lining up the campers so as to prevent confusion in the process of distribution. "We have to be very careful while interacting with them as they are undergoing emotional problems," he said. Joseph, a comrade of John, comprehends the causes for the massacres. "The innocents should not be dragged into controversies unnecessarily," he lamented.
Demand for separate districts in Karbi areas Newmai News Network October 24
GUWAHATI: The all-party team comprising members of the BJP, Congress, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and some other parties that visited the riot affected areas of the Karbi Anglong district of the state has suggested that the district’s administration be "reorganised".
The team also said that the militant United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the Dima Halim Daogah (DHD, were responsible for the killings.
"The militants however did not use guns and instead used machetes in the violence to give an impression of an ethnic clash," said Prithi Majhi, speaker of the assembly who led the team.
"The district, especially with its hilly terrain is difficult to run with one deputy commissioner and one superintendent of police," Majhi said. "We therefore suggest that the district be reorganised."
State minister for parliamentary and tribal affairs Bharat Narah said that Diphu, Hamren and Bokajan, all of which were now a part of Karbi Anglong should be made into separate districts.
ULFA representatives going to Delhi for talks (IANS)
Guwahati, Oct 24: A group of Assamese civil society leaders designated by the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) are leaving for talks with the central government aimed at ending nearly three decades of insurgency.
The proposed talks between the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and the Indian government peace negotiators, led by the National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, are to be held Wednesday.
The 11-member PCG is a team of representatives drawn from Assamese civil society and chosen by the ULFA to begin preliminary discussions to work out the peace process leading to a formal declaration of ceasefire between the rebels and the central government. They were heading for New Delhi Monday.
"We are going for the talks with a positive frame of mind to facilitate and prepare the ground so that a ceasefire could be worked out and then direct talks between the ULFA leadership and New Delhi could begin," Haider Hussain, a civil society leader and editor of the leading Assamese daily newspaper Asomiya Pratidin, told IANS.
The PCG, headed by noted Assamese writer Indira Goswami, includes prominent journalists, a footballer of yesteryear, human rights activists, an engineer, a lawyer, and a doctor.
The central government last week formally invited the PCG for talks following a letter from the ULFA expressing its desire to begin formal negotiations to facilitate a bilateral ceasefire.
"I look forward to a fruitful and positive discussion with the group in a constructive spirit," Narayanan said in the formal letter inviting the ULFA representatives for talks.
The road to peace may not be an easy one, but analysts here are hopeful that the talks could help bring an end to the dragging insurgency in Assam in the near future.
"This is a step forward in the right direction and if the two sides are sincere in their approach and show a certain amount of flexibility, it could pave the way for direct face-to-face negotiations between the ULFA leaders and the government negotiators at a later stage," an analyst said.
There is a general sense of optimism across Assam with people wishing both the government and the civil society leaders luck in the talks.
Gogoi slow in tackling ethnic clashes: Assam governor Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, Oct 25 (IANS) Assam Governor Ajai Singh has once again locked horns with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi by accusing the state government of not taking adequate steps to tackle the violent ethnic clashes that claimed about 90 lives.
In an eight-page report to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the governor said the state government lacked administrative will and was slow in controlling the violence involving the Karbi and the Dimasa tribes in eastern Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
The report said the Assam government called in the army 'late' when too many lives were already lost. It also blamed the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) for launching the attacks on rival tribal communities. The UPDS is a ragtag rebel group fighting for an independent homeland for the Karbi tribe and the DHD is an outlawed militant outfit waging a bush war for carving out a separate Dimasa land. The two groups are operating ceasefires with New Delhi - the UPDS has been in a truce since 2002 and the DHD entered into a ceasefire a year later in 2003. Both the rebel groups are allowed to retain their weapons under the ceasefire agreements although their cadres are supposed to remain confined in designated camps allotted to them by the government.
The governor said the two militant groups 'had a free run' with the government failing to restrain them despite both of them observing ceasefires. 'The militants should be disarmed,' the report said.
The chief minister is yet to react to the report although he maintained it was some 'third force' that was behind the recent ethnic clashes that displaced about 30,000 people in a month long orgy of violence.
Gogoi last week blamed former defence minister George Fernandes and local Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist leader Jayanta Rongpi for instigating the violence - a charge denied by the two leaders. This is not the first time that the governor has gone against the Congress-ruled government in the state. Earlier this year, Ajai Singh raised a storm with a report to the president saying some 6,000 Bangladeshis illegally enter Assam daily through the unfenced border.The report that was leaked to the media evoked sharp reaction from Gogoi, who rubbished the claims and asked Ajai Singh not to create unnecessary controversy. There are differences in opinion between the governor and the chief minister on holding peace talks with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
Reports indicate the governor was in favour of the ULFA first declaring a ceasefire and then holding talks saying military operations against the rebels could not be stopped without a truce.
The chief minister on the other hand was trying to work out a congenial atmosphere to facilitate the talks and even advocates temporary cessation of military operations to bring the rebels to the negotiating table.

AGP hails Centre’s talks offer to PCG By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 24 – The regional Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has welcomed the Central Government’s invitation to the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) to initiate the process of dialogue with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The regional party has assured all sorts of cooperation to the PCG in carrying forward the process of negotiation for the greater interest of the people of the State.

In a press release here today, the AGP has welcomed the step of the Central Government in this regard. But it has condemned the statement of the Chief of the Army Staff J J Singh on the ongoing anti-ULFA operation as unfortunate. It has demanded a statement from the Central Government clarifying its stand on the issue.

The regional party has also described the yesterday comment of State Government spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sarma on the demand of the opposition parties to dismiss the present Government in the State in the wake of its failure to maintain law and order in Karbi Anglong district as unfortunate.

Countering the yesterday statement of the State Government spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sarma the regional party claimed that it was not in any way politicising the incidents of Karbi Anglong and it would never be indulging in such a game. But, it said, the acts of the ruling party to allege involvement of newer forces every passing day to cover up its helplessness and pitiable condition concerning the Karbi Anglong developments deserved condemnation. It also reiterated its allegation that the politics of Congress was behind fanning of trouble in the district.
Date with Delhi By Nava Thakuria NEPS

Guwahati, Oct 24 (NEPS) :A ray of hope after several setbacks in the peace talks between the Government of India and the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is seen finally. A consultative group, designated by the armed outfit of Northeast has now a date with the government in New Delhi next week. The People’s Consultative Group (PCG), members of which are selected by ULFA itself is going to meet the Government peace negotiators, hopefully with the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh too on October 25 and 26.
The eleven member consultative group, declared by the ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa on September 8 has already made brisk preparation for the historic peace meeting in the capital. “We have received overwhelming response from the people of Assam with wishes for success of the talks. It proves that Assam deserves peace and its habitants are now in an optimistic mood,” said Ajit Bhuyan, a senior Assamese journalist and a member of PCG. The peace initiative group is led by Dr Indira Goswami (more popularly known as Mamoni Raisom Goswami), an eminent Assamese author with Jnanpith award on her credit, who had shaped the hope for the much waiting talks. Dr Goswami, who had met the Prime Minister on November 16 last year at South Block and started her single handed effort to bring ULFA to negotiate table.
The Delhi University professor, once colleague to Dr. Singh in the premier institution in the capital, Dr Goswami disclosed that the Prime Minister had acknowledged the legitimacy of the prolonged problems faced by Assam. She also claimed that Dr.Singh, who represents Assam in Rajya Sabha was interested to solve the problem and restore peace during his term as the prime minister of the country. Dr. Goswami, who is understood to be in touch with the hardcore ULFA leader Paresh Barua too through telephone calls from him also submitted a draft note to the National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan regarding the outfit’s justification to discuss about ‘sovereignty’ of Assam during the peace talks. The initiative by Dr. Goswami had already received the positive note from the ULFA leadership, who are fighting New Delhi for a separate homeland since 1979. The armed outfit earlier put three conditions for negotiation with the governments demanding talks to be held in third country under supervision of United Nations representative and prime issue to be discussed sovereignty. But more recently the banned underground group has left the first two conditions, but stick to the issue of sovereignty for discussion. Even after Dr.Goswami met Dr. Singh in Prime Minister Office on Tuesday, ULFA leader Mr Barua made it clear that the talks with the Union Government must maintain ‘sovereignty’ as the core issue. Speaking to the Guwahati scribes from an undisclosed location, Mr. Barua, who is believed to be hardliner insisted that Government of India must furnish its commitment in ‘Black and White’ that sovereignty would be discussed on the negotiation table. The formation of the PCG was welcome as a positive step of ULFA by the common people of Assam. The group invited public opinion regarding the modalities to tackle the task ahead of them. Fortunately thousands of e-mails and SMS were poured to the group from the concerned people living in Assam even from abroad. Lately the ULFA leaders also welcome the government’s gesture to talk to the peace negotiators. "We gratefully mention that the Government of India took up the process sincerely and the freedom craving masses of Asom (Assam) presume a peaceful and dignified solution of the conflict on the negotiating table ignoring all adversaries," the outfit said in its monthly newsletter ‘Freedom’ adding that the people of Assam are ‘desperately looking for a real political momentum of the process’.
Reflections on the peace processNorth-East Perspective Udayon Misra Sentinel The stage has been finally set for the first round of dialogue between the People’s Consultative Group and the Central Government. But uncertainties still prevail regarding the content of these talks and whether the issue of sovereignty would figure in the discussions. While it is true that the PCG has the goodwill of the people of Assam for an amicable and peaceful settlement of the insurgent problem, yet it would be rather simplistic on the part of the PCG to go to Delhi with the belief that it can speak on behalf of the people of Assam. Those who have been selected by the ULFA to break the ice with the Centre are not necessarily the chosen representatives of the people. They reflect one particular shade of opinion regarding Assam’s status vis-à-vis the Union of India. Therefore, it is obvious that the role of the PCG will be limited primarily towards clearing the decks for direct negotiations between the insurgent outfit and New Delhi. When the actual talks begin, then other segments of opinion will also have to be accommodated . And, it is here that the opinion of the civil society groups of Assam must be taken into consideration. As it is, several civil society groups have already expressed their differing views regarding the issue of sovereignty. For instance, a recent meeting of senior citizens expressed the view that complete sovereignty being out of question, efforts should be made to secure a Kashmir-like status for Assam. Organizations like the AASU and the Axom Xahitya Xabha have also time and again expressed their grave reservations on the sovereignty issue. These are only some of the views that have been expressed. Other views are sure to surface. Therefore, in such a fluid situation, it would be unwise to expect a lot from the PCG’s dialogue with the Centre.
Thinking of peace talks one is naturally tempted to draw some comparisons with the peace process in Nagaland. There the first major initiative for peace was taken by the conference of Baptist Churches of Nagaland which resulted in the setting up of the Peace Mission headed by people like Jayprakash Narayan and Bimalaprasad Chaliha. It needs to be remembered that the Peace mission was a non-partisan civil society initiative and it succeeded in winning the trust of large sections of the Naga people. Unlike the PCG, it was not nominated by the Naga underground. It was this Peace Mission which brought about the first ceasefire between the ‘Naga Federal Government’ and New Delhi in September 1964. Although peace eluded Nagaland for several decades after the Peace Mission submitted its proposals and the course of the Naga struggle took new twists and turns, yet a beginning had been made. The Peace Mission, by acknowledging for the first time the ‘national’ content of the Naga struggle, set a new dimension to the Indian State’s understanding of the struggle of the different ethnic nationalities for greater political space. Today, Naga civil society, by carving for itself an independent space, has acquired a decisive voice in the peace process.
By contrast, civil society space in Assam has been progressively denuded by years of populist agitations as well as by armed insurgency. Twenty-seven years of armed conflict led by the ULFA has severely marginalized the role of civil society. It has been traumatized by violence that has been perpetrated by both the State and the militants. The process of marginalization of civil society actually started during the Assam Movement, when certain organizations said to be representing Assamese civil society displayed an unheard of intolerance towards all forms of dissent. And, it was out of such a tradition of intolerance and authoritarianism that armed militancy was born in the state. Whatever little democratic space there was within the ULFA during its initial years soon died out as the structure of the organization became more and more militaristic. It became marked by a general incapacity to respond to dissenting voices, even from those sections which had a general sympathy for the ULFA cause. Today, the organization seems to allow space only for sympathizers and fellow travellers. Hence, it was not at all surprising that in forming the PCG the ULFA has named only those about whose sympathies it was certain. This is not to suggest in the least that those who have now taken upon themselves the responsibility of manning the peace process are not adequate to the onerous task. All the credentials of the members of the PCG notwithstanding, one cannot overlook the fact that it does not draw its strength from the representative civil society of Assam and is certainly seen by many as a partisan group. Being fully aware of this, the PCG is approaching the people of the state for their views on the ULFA-Centre dialogue. But, would it be prepared to take such views seriously as may be critical of the ULFA? Or would it be taking into consideration only those views which it finds acceptable? Pushing forward the peace process is a highly intricate matter and would involve a lot of transparency if the confidence of civil society is to be gained. And, no peace process can really succeed if representative civil society bodies are not taken into confidence. Thus, even while wishing the PCG success in its venture, one only hopes that the entire move does not turn out to be a non-starter. The PCG has given the impression that it would raise the question of sovereignty as a central issue of the talks. But, wouldn’t this be infructuous? Significantly, in its 27-year-old existence, the ULFA has never attempted to develop any mechanism aimed at ascertaining the wishes of the people of Assam on the question of sovereignty. Parallels are often drawn between the Naga position on self-determination and an independent Nagalim and the ULFA’s demand of a sovereign Asom. But such parallels could be highly misleading. Naga public opinion on the highly debatable issue of sovereignty has been crystallized over some sixty years of struggle against the Indian State and, by and large, Naga civil society, cutting across tribe and ideological lines, would not like the peace talks to be bogged down on this issue alone. There is no denying the fact that there has been a lot of rethinking on the question of an independent Nagalim and today there is talk of greater autonomy within a restructured Indian federation rather than full sovereignty for the Naga people. It needs to be remembered that it has taken a long, protracted way for the Naga peace talks to reach the present stage. In Assam, we are just about to begin the process. If this beginning leads to a cessation of hostilities between the Centre and the ULFA, then one might say that the first major hurdle has been overcome. Discussion regarding ULFA’s position on sovereignty and other related issues could follow in the subsequent rounds of talks which would necessarily have to be more representative of the cross sections of the people. Surely, no solution can be imposed on the people of Assam without ascertaining their views on the issue of sovereignty. Needless to say, the first stage of the talks would have to concentrate primarily on building some degree of trust between the two sides. One of the major hurdles in the way of a negotiated settlement would be the issue of surrender of arms. The Army Chief has already made it clear that surrender of arms would have to be a prerequisite for the talks with ULFA. Given one’s experience of peace talks, especially when the tricky question of greater autonomy/sovereignty is involved, the entire process may take years.
If today civil society in Assam is once again mustering courage to speak up against human rights violations and for peace, then nothing could be more positive for the region. It is significant that for the first time in the history of counter-insurgency the State, an army operation had to be halted because of pressure from civil society. Hopefully, this marks a new stage in civil society’s involvement in restoring peace to this strife-torn region. But it would be wrong to conclude that these demonstrations against alleged violations of human rights by the army were actually an outpouring of support for the ULFA cause. In fact, several of the organizations that actively participated in the mass protests have been ideologically opposed to what the ULFA stands for. Therefore, it would be wrong to conclude that the halt in army operations has actually been a victory of sorts for the People’s Consultative Group and an expression of support for the ULFA. The ground reality is very different. Civil society in Assam is united on the question of working out a peaceful settlement to the problem of insurgency. But it is deeply divided on the question of a sovereign Asom. Hence, it would be simplistic for the ULFA leadership and the PCG to take the people’s support for granted. They must remember that a peace process needs the involvement of cross sections of society and that, for a viable and durable peace, the opinions of those who oppose are as important as those who are with them.
AJYCP: Govt responsible for Karbi hills trouble Sentinel JORHAT Bureau, Oct 24: The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad has held the State Government’s ‘lax’ attitude responsible for the fratricidal clashes between the Karbis and the Dimasas living in harmony for ages. "Due to the carelessness on the part of the Tarun Gogoi-led Government, Karbi-Anglong has turned into a killing field," alleged Numal Dutta, president and Upen Kalita, acting general secretary, AJYCP, Jorhat. "Such inhuman and barbaric killings could have been prevented if the Government machinery had swung into action at the slightest hint of trouble," they said. Meanwhile, the AJYCP, Jorhat district committee, demanded adequate compensation to the victims of the ethnic violence in Karbi Anglong. A silent procession was also taken out in the town today demanding adequate compensation to the victims. A memo was also submitted to the Chief Minister in this regard.
Meanwhile, Putul Dutta, central committee president, AJYCP said that the Congress Government had lost the moral right to stay in power after the random massacres in Karbi Anglong which had been committed under the nose of the administration. The AJYCP leader alleged that during the tenure of the present Government, there had been several incidents of ethnic violence in the two hill districts of the State. "The State Government has failed to provide security to the lives and property of the common people though it came to power by promising to do so," Dutta said.
‘Karbi-Dimasa clash part of Nagalim plan’ Sentinel
Chitrakoot, Oct 24 (UNI): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday accused the Church leaders for "instigating" the recent Karbi-Dimasa clashes in Karbi Anglong district of Assam in order to create "Greater Nagaland" by "dividing" three north-eastern States. The three-day national executive of the RSS here adopted a resolution to this effect, spokesman Ram Madhav told newspersons here. The resolution called upon the civil society to "thwart the separatist designs of the Church who are propagating two-nation theory". "It is the constitutional and democratic duty of the administration and the political leadership to initiate moves to defeat the communal forces," the RSS said. "The demand to include some districts of Manipur in the proposed "Greater Nagaland" will put the very existence of the small State in jeopardy and therefore the resistance of people is natural and justified."
Flaying the Manipur administration for its indifferent attitude towards the 52-day economic blockade in the hills of Manipur in July-August, the RSS said the blockade was "totally deplorable". "The proposed "Greater Nagaland" would also include parts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts where Hindus are present in large numbers. The separatist forces are trying to create divide between the Karbis and Dimasas who were so far cohabiting peacefully to achieve their plan. Many were killed as a result and thousands rendered homeless," the RSS said. The resolution also flayed the move of the churches to convert people in Tirap and Changlang districts with a view to including them in "Greater Nagaland" and called for checking the drive.
Tough task for the Assamese to make ULFA talk peace Sentinel New Delhi, Oct 24 (PTI): As the Peoples’ Consultative Group converges in the capital to address the three decades-old insurgency problem with the Centre, its main endeavour would be how to bring the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to the negotiating table. "We are not ULFA but members of the civil society. Our main endeavour is to bring the outfit to the negotiating table for the sake of bringing peace to Assam," Peoples’ Consultative Group member and editor of leading Assamese daily Asomiya Pratidin Haidor Hussain told the PTI over phone from Guwahati on the eve of their scheduled meeting with National Security Advisor MK Narayanan on Wednesday. "We will try to remove everything that comes as a hurdle to direct talks between the Government and the ULFA," he said. Another member of PCG and advocate of Gauhati High Court Arup Borbora said that the 11-member group would sit for talks with the National Security Advisor without any "preconceived notion". "We will hold talks without any preconceived notion. Let’s see what comes on to the table," Borbora, son of former Assam Chief Minister Golap Borbora, said.
Hussain said the PCG wants the talks with the Government to be held in a harmonious atmosphere so that both sides could express their views freely and exchange their ideas. He, however, made it clear that till then the PCG had not got any guideline or directive from ULFA leadership. When asked whether the PCG would like the Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to take part in the proposed talks, Hussain said that they would not mind if he (Gogoi) took part in the initial discussions. "We would always appreciate the State Government’s cooperation and support to our endeavour," he said. Borbora said it was upto Gogoi whether he wanted to take part in the meeting. MK Narayanan on October 21 had sent an invitation to the group for discussion on October 26 at the Prime Minister’s Office. "I look forward to a fruitful and positive discussion with the group in a constructive spirit," he said in the letter. Meanwhile, the PCG has expressed its "anguish" over the reported statement of Army Chief General JJ Singh that ULFA leadership should approach the Centre for negotiation after surrendering their arms, if they are genuine about their offer for talks. "We express our anguish. Such statement would not help in bringing a solution to the problem," Hussain said.

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10/25/2005: "NSCN-IM denies hand in Karbi clashes"