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10/30/2005: "Nagas to have own flag, constitution and joint-defense"


Nagas to have own flag, constitution and joint-defense Chizokho Vero The Morung Express
KOHIMA (MExN): The NSCN-IM leaders today said that it has made certain proposals to the Government of India for a solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue. Addressing the Northern Angami meeting convened by the Angami Region (GPRN) to discuss the ongoing peace process at Kohima Village, NSCN-IM Deputy Kilo Kilonser, V Horam said that the current Indo-Naga political talks have reached the point where substantive issues were been discussed.
According to the proposal, Nagas will continue to use Indian currency. Clarifying what compelled them to accept the use of Indian currency, Horam said the Indian currency is stable and have high value as they have sufficient gold deposits in the World Bank, while separate currency would have slight disadvantages for Nagas as the value will be unstable. On defense issues, the proposal is to have a "joint defense of Nagalim." This means that Nagas will have its own internal defense, while India will aid the Nagas whenever there is an external aggression, Horam said.
India is sensitive of its security, so Nagas must also be sensitive to India’s security. Government of India wants to defend Nagalim. Further, the proposed relationship between the two entities is the Federation of India and Nagalim said Horam. Nagas will also continue to use Indian passport, however there will be "nationality clauses." Other key issues, where Nagaas could have absolute authority are the National Flag, Constitution, natural resources, taxes, tourism and others.
Horam also said that time for a decision has reached for the Nagas, maintaining that almost everything had now been worked out. Deputy Kilonser, Chaplee Affairs Alezo also spoke at the meeting. The solution is for all the Nagas, he said, adding that joint effort is required and should not be misread as a wrong propaganda. Earlier Central Administrative Officer (CAO) KK Angami delivered the welcome address. Village Council Chairman’s, Goan Boras, Village elders and women organizations attended the meeting.
Naga Peoples Convention at Senapati The Morung Express
DIMAPUR OCT 29 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has decided to call for a Naga People Convention (NPC) on November 4 at 11:30 am at Taphou Naga village community Hall, Senapati. The meeting has been called to seek the opinion of the Naga people on the future course of action to be taken up by the Naga people in Manipur, according to a notification issued by the President of UNC. All past and present Naga MPs, MLAs, chiefs or chairman of every Naga village, social workers, intellectuals, professionals, all civil society and tribal Hohos, Church organizations, women organizations, employee federations, NGOs and senior citizens and public have been asked to attend the convention without fail.
Delegates and participants have been asked to make their own arrangements for their respective journeys, however lunch would be provided to all on November 4. It also stated that no audio or visual recordings of the meeting would be permitted except those authorized by the UNC, warning that any unauthorized use of gadgets would be confiscated. The release expressed regret that the media would not be permitted to cover the proceedings but assured that a press conference would be held at the end of the NPC meeting.
Dual-benefit model mooted for Nagaland OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Oct. 28: Several villages in Nagaland have proposed the formulation of a policy that integrates conservation and livelihood and is specific to the state. The recommendations were made at a three-day workshop on community and biodiversity in Nagaland organised jointly by the state forest department and the Nagaland Empowerment of People Through Economic Development (Neped), an NGO working in this field.
The participants recommended that the state should adopt a policy appropriate to its unique features such as its biological and cultural diversity, traditional knowledge and strong institutions at the village and tribe levels, besides its unique constitutional status. Speakers at the workshop included environmentalists from the Pune-based NGO, Kalpavriksh. They met chief minister Neiphiu Rio in the evening.
On the inaugural day of the workshop, environmentalist Ashish Kothari said Nagaland needs a unique and independent approach for conservation of its natural heritage. Prominent among the recommendations that were made during the workshop was one on modifying the community reserves provision of the Wildlife Act so that the village council and village members have full authority regarding use of land. It was proposed that guidelines should be developed in consultation with communities for declaring community reserves. In Nagland, 89 per cent of the forests are in the hands of the communities while the government manages 11 per cent.
Of late, several villages have taken up conservation, declared the forests as sanctuaries and banned hunting for most part of the year. The speakers stressed that the ban by the communities on consumption of wild animal meat should be implemented more effectively. The participants also agreed that the communities should be encouraged to ensure conservation of biodiversity, involving more people at the grassroots level.
Experts participating in the workshop expressed serious concern over bio-piracy and the fact that the publication of a report on this problem by the Botanical Survey of India is pending for the past 15 years. Representatives of various tribes participated in the workshop. Though they unanimously agreed upon the need to formulate a policy on conservation, there were differences over the approach. While, some sought the involvement of the Centre, others spoke for grassroots participation under the state government.
“We should start at the local level under the state government rather than call people from the national level,” an official from the forest department said. He said the government should take the initiative to form a bio-diversity cell in the departments and entrust the task to its best officers so that a databank can be created.
Neped official Vengota Nakro said: “We hope to open up new vistas with this initiative and sustain the tempo.” The NGO has been disseminating sustainable development strategies at the village level and creating micro- finance facility for the villagers.
GPRN clarifies Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 29: The office of the president of government o the people’s republic of Nagaland has clarified that dissolution and imposition of presidential rule to the Shepoumaramth region on October 4 by kilonser trade and commerce Maj S Hriipunii Pao was done without the knowledge and consultation of the president.

In a statement, president SS Khaplang said the imposition, hence, is invalid and unpractical to the functional exercise of the government. The president also directed the kilonser not to interfere in any of the regional activities. The regional authorities approved by the president are empowered to exercise their duties as per the rule of GPRN’s Ahza for the smooth function of their respective regions, the statement added.

17 detainees escape from cell Kohima | October 30, 2005 1:37:38 PM IST Webindia
In one of the major jail breaks in Nagaland, seventeen detainess of the detention cell, Nagarjan, Dimapur escaped by breaking the lock of the main door yesterday.
Official sources today said the detainees were mostly suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators and had been detained for non-possession of inner line permit to visit Nagaland.
The in-charge of the detention cell and two constables, who were on duty in the night, said after visiting the cell last night they had locked the door and went off to sleep. The detainees broke open the lock and escaped through the main gate. Meanwhile, Dimapur superintendent of police Bidu Shekhar has ordered a one man enquiry to probe the escape of 17 detainees. UNI AS KK SS1220
'Northeast to bridge India with fast growing S.E Asia': PM Kuknalim.com
PALATANA (South Tripura), Oct. 28: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that the North East needed new investment, infrastructure and employment opportunities to usher in all round development in the region states.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone of Rs. 4,000 crore mega gas-based power project at Palatana in South Tripura district by the ONGC-Tripura Power Company Pvt Ltd, Dr. Singh said that the region stood at the threshold of a historic opportunity and a new era of possibilities.

Singh said as trade with neighbouring countries was expanding, India was expected to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN soon and the northeastern region of the country could “act as a bridge to the dynamic and fast growing south east Asia. He added a similar agreement would also take place with SAARC nations in the form of SAFTA.“The NE states especially Tripura should develop close linkages with the vibrant economies of South East Asia. It is necessary for us to see that appropriate infrastructure facilities are developed in the state so that proper linkages with neghbouring countries can be established,” Prime Minister said, adding the central government has initiated dialogue with Myanmar to improve our connectivity with South East Asia.

Highlighting the Congress-led UPA government4s attitude towards Northeastern states, the Prime Minister said the central government has paid a special attention to the region. “The focus has been both on economic development, human development and improvement of social and political empowerment of the region4s people”, he said. Prime Minister also said I am aware that Tripura has been the menace of extremism with some misguided youths taking to the path of violence at the behest of some vested interest elements and getting shelter in neighbouring foreign land.

“Some agencies, associated with foreign governments and other elements inmical to us, have also been assisting such insurgent groups in their anti-national activities,” he said without naming any country. However, he expressed hope that the problem has been reduced to a great extent and the Centre would provide all support in the state’s effort to bring back the misguided youth to the mainstream. Moreover, he felt that the ongoing fencing work along the Indo-Bangladesh border which shall be completed by the year 2007 should further bring down insurgent activities.

“The overall law and order situation in Tripura has improved and for that state government deserves appreciation”, he said. Prime Minister hoped that the new power project will bring new ear in the process of socio economic development of the entire region as it shall ensure uninterrupted power in the region, a basic prerequisite for industries to set up which again will open new avenue of jobs.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mani Shankar Aiyar who was present at the foundation stone-laying ceremony also assured that Congress led UPA government is committed to uplift the socio-economic development of the region. (UNI)

NE needs fresh investments: PM From Prabir Shil Assam Tribune
AGARTALA, October 29 – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the North Eastern region needs new investment, infrastructure and employment opportunities to usher in all-round development. “I have often wondered over the fact that despite an abundance of natural and human resources, why have we failed to truly unlock the potential of this State and the NE region. We have not been able to fully take advantage of many economic opportunities”, the Prime Minister said after laying the foundation stone of 750-MW gas-based power project at Palatana in South Tripura district on Saturday.
The region stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity and a new era of possibilities is very much around the corner, Mr Singh said adding there is also a possibility of signing free trade agreement with the ASEAN region.

“The NE States, especially Tripura, should develop close linkages with the vibrant economies of South East Asia. It is necessary for us to see that appropriate infrastructure facilities are developed in the state so that proper linkages with neghbouring countries can be established,” the Prime Minister said adding the Central government has initiated dialogue with Myanmar to improve our connectivity with South East Asia.

Highlighting the Congress led UPA government’s attitude towards Northeastern states, Prime Minister said the Central government has paid a special attention to the region. “The focus has been both on economic development, human development and improvement of social and political empowerment of the region’s people”, he said. Prime Minister said the region may be far from Delhi but as all of you know, it is close to my heart.
“I am an adopted son of the region as I have been representing Assam in Parliament and have always promoted the interests of all NE States”, he pointed out. Prime Minister also said he was aware that Tripura has seen the menace of extremism with some misguided youths taking to the path of violence at the behest of some vested interest elements.
“The overall law and order situation in Tripura has improved and for that State government deserves appreciation”, he said. Prime Minister hoped that the new power project will bring new era in the process of socio economic development of the entire region as Assam, Meghlaya have showed interest to buy power.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mani Sankar Aiyer who was present in the foundation stone laying function also assured that Congress led UPA government is committed to uplift the socio-economic development of the region. PTI adds: On his first visit to Tripura, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today accused some agencies of foreign governments and other "inimical elements" of helping insugent groups in anti-national activities and giving refuge to such groups.

"Some agencies, associated with foreign governments and other elements inmical to us, have also been assisting such insurgent groups in their anti-national activities," he said without naming any country. Laying the foundation stone of a Rs 4,000 crore gas-based power plant to be set up by the ONGC-Tripura Power Company Pvt Ltd, Singh said there were instances of extremist groups taking shelter in the territories of neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister's comments came in the wake of an offer by Bangladesh during Indo-Bangla talks in New Delhi yesterday that Indian officials could visit the neighbouring country and see for themselves if there were any militant camps. Singh said "the fencing work along the Indo-Bangladesh border is progressing well. This should further bring down insurgent activities in Tripura".

"I am aware that Tripura has been facing the problem of extremism with some misguided youth taking to the path of violence," he said.

PM commits to make NE gateway NET News Network
Agartala, Oct 30: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday reiterated his commitment to make northeast the gateway for South-East Asia and said he is going to Dhaka next month to attend the SAARC summit which he hope would give a new fillip to economic and cultural integration of the region. He claimed that the Look East policy initiated by the Congress Government in early 1990’s has brought us closer to our eastern neighbours and specially mentioned about our improved relation with Myanmar and Thailand.
He was depressed over the fact that some neighbouring countries are still providing shelter to Indian insurgents and said this won’t help any of us and urged to refrain from such activities.
He was addressing two public meetings after laying the foundation stone of two major projects, a 750 MW thermal power project and the new building complex of the Tripura Government Medical College. He made certain announcement for the northeast in general and Tripura in particular. He said the national highway no 44 considered to be the lifeline between Assam, Tripura and Mizoram as a national project.
Lamenting for lack of investment in the region for human resource development he said time has come to make serious efforts to improve the investment and quality of education particularly in the sciences and professional courses. He announced that the ministry of northeast development would hence fourth bear the 15 per cent expenditure for Sarva Shiksha Abhijan of the northeastern states.

ONGC planning big in NE NET News Network
Agartala, Oct 30: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is planning to come in a big way in northeast as it is seeing the proposed mega power project at Palatana in South Tripura district as the beginning. Subir Raha, chairman of the oil major in the country expects that once the power generation begins by the middle of 2008 many other industries would come here where also the ONGC is expecting to participate actively.
He was addressing a press conference on the eve of laying foundation stone of the 750 MW Gas based thermal power project in Palatana by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday. He said that the 4000 crore project is going to be the single largest investment in any of the state in northeast after the 1800 crore Numaligar oil refinery.
Though initially the project was suppose to be a joint venture of the ONGC, The State Government and the IL&FS, the oil major is now considering taking over the new company the ONGC Tripura Power Corporation (OTPC) fully. While asked Mr Raha admitted that it is under their consideration and a final decision is likely to be taken in its board meeting to be held in December.
He is optimist about the prospect of Tripura where they have already discovered a 4.7 MMSCMD deposit of gas and currently producing only 1.4 MMSCMD. He said the ONGC was incurring a loss of Rs 120 crore annually as the gas was remained unutilized. He is hopeful that the loss would come down considerably once the Palatana project starts generating power.
He said the 4000 crore to be invested in Palatana includes 1600 crore for setting up of a 680 KM transmission line up to Bongaigaon in Assam from where it would be connected with the National Grid line for transmission of power in different parts f the country. He said Tripura has placed a demand of 100 MW power from Palatana while five other states Assam, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi has placed a requirement of 200 MW each. The ONGC has already approached the central government to relax the criteria to declare Palatana a mega project which will enable it to get the benefit of duty exemption.
UNLF claims SF casualties Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 29 : The underground UNLF has claim- ed of inflicting heavy casualties to indian security force personnel stationed at Laltingkhal area of Jiri-bam sub-division when MPA cadres launched an attack on October 22.
A statement issued by the outfit’s senior publicity officer claimed that 10 Indian army personnel were killed and over five sustained injuries of varying degrees when a fighting group of the MPA’s 241 Bn fired numerious rocket shells at the army’s Lal-tingkhal camp.
In the aftermath of the attack and casualties suffer- ed by the security force, three column of Indian army encircled base camp of MPA’s 241 Bn at Barak area from three directions of Imphal-Jiribam road, bhu-bon hill range of Assam and from Mizoram side, it informed.
from october 25 morning till October 27 the MPA cadres engaged security force personnel in the jungles of Vangai, Bekra and Laltingkhal, the statement statement while contending that there is no report of casualty among the MPA cadres.
Iterating that MPA with the cooperation of the people had been relentlessly fighting the Indian force, the UG outfit reminding the general public of 55 years of suppression called upon every section of the society to leave no stone unturned in ensuring Plebiscite which had become inevitable in redeeming Manipur’s glorious past.
ONGC: It’s biggest NE investment From our Correspondent Sentinel
PALATANA (Tripura), Oct 29: Tripura Power Company Pvt Ltd (OTPC), a joint venture of ONGC and Tripura Government, is expected to start generation of power from its 750-MW power plant here by 2008, said ONGC Chairman Subir Raha.
Raha was talking to mediapersons after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the project at Palatana, 64 km from Agartala.
It would be the biggest capital investment in a single project in the North-east. The project cost, according Raha, is estimated at Rs 4,000 crore with an equity share between the ONGC and Tripura Government at 26:24 while IL&FS will invest the remaining 50 per cent.
The ONGC will spend Rs 1,650 crore for power transmission and the 680-km erection line between Palatana and Bongaigoan in Assam to establish power supply link between the National Power Grid and the consumer States. Present natural gas consumption in the State is about 1.5 million standard cubic metres a day (MMSCMD) and the production potential stands at 4.5 MMSCMD.
OTPC has identified nine North Indian States as major consumers of power while Assam, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan have already placed their demand for 200 MW each. Tripura will purchase 100 MW initially. He, however, pointed out that amid repeated persuasions, Bangladesh is yet to agree to piped transit of natural gas. ONGC is pushing for a 345-km pipeline to West Bengal via Bangladesh to release surplus gas from Tripura.
Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has sought intervention of Prime Minister to grant Palatana installation a mega project status to facilitate development of the land-locked State and encourage investors to set up industries in the region.
OTPC has received clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest for setting up a power plant at Palatana at a cost of Rs 10 crore as forest compensation.
Crackdown on timber ‘traders’From our Reporter Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, Oct 29: In a sudden swoop, officials of Dibrugarh Forest Range here at Khalihamari seized two rafts of valuable wood from the Chandmari Ghat here yesterday. This is the second largest haul by the range office. Prior to this, the same office, under the stewardship of Range Officer Kushal Konwar Deka, had seized wooden planks of hollock timber worth Rs 2 lakh.
Forest sources said that the seized rafts comprise superior quality timber like hollock, bula, lali etc. Deka, when contacted, told this correspondent that the seized rafts were from Arunachal Pradesh and were being ferried for the bench sawmills flourishing in and around Dibrugarh town and Rohmoria. Narrating the entire operation, Deka disclosed that earlier the Forest officials had arrested two persons at the Telpani Reserve Forest on charges of illegal felling of trees and bought them to the Range Office. Both the persons, Deka said, were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court here today.
On the basis of information provided by the arrested duo, Deka said that he (Deka) and his assistant S Sultan carried out an operation at the Chandmari Ghat where they saw two rafts on the other side of the bank. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Power and Forest Pradyut Bordoloi, in a telephonic conversation, told this correspondent that as per the Supreme Court order, the seized wood should be auctioned and the proceeds would go towards the ‘revolving fund’ of the Forest Department, which would later be utilized for plantation and other works. Expressing satisfaction, the minister said that the drive against illegal felling of trees would continue.
Poverty forces family to disown slain ULFA From our Correspondent Sentinel
MANGALDAI, Oct 29: In a heart-rending scene, the family of a slain ULFA cadre refused to identify him and take possession of the body owing to sheer poverty. One of the two ULFA militants killed in an encounter with police in broad day light on October 25 at Mowamari No. 2 near here was identified as Krishna Kanta Khataniar alias Chand Barman alias Ritesh Saud of village Sarudol under Patacharkuchi police station in Baska district. On receipt of information, his brother Jatin Khataniar came to Mangaldai the next day, but denied that the body was of his brother.
However, he came to Mangaldai again and identified the body to be of his brother who had joined the outfit way back in 1993. He confessed that he had denied the body to be that of his brother on the first day because of sheer poverty. He did not have enough money to take the body to his village.However, the Darrang police yesterday made all arrangement for him to take back the body home. The Darrang administration also sanctioned an amount of Rs 1000 for the purpose.
It is worth mentioning here that the slain militant, Chand Barman, was known among the security personnel of Patacharkuchi area as Jubin Garg. He was also a most wanted militant and last year the army here had published posters containing his photograph.



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