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11/06/2005: "NNC charges Muivah with ‘compromising’ on Naga issue"

NNC charges Muivah with ‘compromising’ on Naga issue Source: The Sangai Express
Dimapur, November 05 (NNN): The Naga National Council (NNC) has condemned a recent statement of NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah in which he had allegedly “compromised” on the issue of Naga sovereignty.

A press statement issued by NNC general secretary Vizosielhou Nagi said the NSCN (IM)’s comprising on the issue of sovereignty had come out clearly and publicly from “Th Muivah's mouth” in the interview with BBC News that NSCN (IM) has come down quite a bit from their demand for absolute sovereignty compromising foreign affairs, defence and currency.

“NSCN (IM) federal relationship with India has come out clearly this time of their absolute compromised stand of the Naga sovereignty allowing Indian Army to stay in Nagaland is a total capitulation. It is volte-face and complete fall from the sublime to the ridiculous, from the Kuknalim to the Jai Hind!,” the statement said.

However, the NNC welcomed NSCN (IM)’s stand to break down the talks and ceasefire with India and return to the jungles after January 31 next in the event of Government of India’s failure to concede to the demands.

Reacting to a media report, the NNC made it clear to all concerned that it had never signed the “treacherous Shillong Accord of 1975”. According to NNC, the late Zashei Huire and his ministry signed the Shillong Accord in complete violation of the constitution.

“In reality, all the signatories were FGN officials,” it said. Further, the statement said, NNC, the Naga political institution established in 1946 and FGN, a government formed in the year 1956, were separate political entities and bodies.

“The FGN under the presidentship of the late Zashei Huire had signed the treacherous accord of 1975 but disowned it in the year of 1996,” the NNC said and asked all concerned not to be confused on this matter.

The NNC reiterated its stand for Naga sovereignty covering all Naga inhabited areas including eastern Nagaland and vowed to continue the fight towards this perspective.
‘From Kuknalim to Jai Hind’: NNC The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 5 (MExN): The NNC General Secretary Vizosielhou Nagi strongly condemned NSCN -IM General Secretary Th. Muivah and his organsition for what it termed as ‘compromising on Naga Sovereignty’. "This has come out clearly and publicly from Muivah’s mouth in the interview and the NSCN-IM has come down quite a bit from their demand for absolute sovereignty compromising on foreign affairs, defence and currency", Nagi stated in a press communiqué.
"It is a total capitulation. It is a volte-face; it is a complete fall from the sublime to the ridiculous, from the kuknalim to the Jai Hind", Nagi stated referring to the NSCN-IM federal plan with India. The NNC however welcomed the stand taken by the NSCN-IM to end talks and discontinue its ceasefire with India and ‘return to the jungles after 31st January 2006’.
The NNC in response to misleading reports in a section of the local daily has also made it clear that the NNC had never joined the Union of India and pointed to the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947 and also the 1951 plebiscite as proof of it. Nagi pointed out that the issue was of India’s ‘invasion and occupation of Nagaland in complete violation of international law.
"Today, once again the NNC will make it very, very clear to all concerned that the NNC had never signed the treacherous Shillong Accord of 1975", Nagi stated while pointing out instead that late Zashei Huire and his ministry in complete violation of the constitution signed the Shillong Accord of 1975. Nagi defended the NNC by stating that all the signatories were FGN officials. "Not a single NNC official had signed the Shillong Accord of 1975", he stated and clarified that the NNC was a political institution established in 1946 and that the FGN was a government formed in the year 1956 as a separate political entity and body.
"Therefore, no one should be confused about this serious political matter anymore and should not blame the NNC in the matter anymore in the future. The NNC will not tolerate the wrongful blame made against the political institution of the Nagas by anybody in the future", Nagi cautioned. Nagi went on to reiterate the stand of the NNC for Naga Sovereignty covering all the Naga inhabited areas including ‘free eastern Nagaland’ while also stating that it would stand to continually fight for the international recognition of the Naga cause.
FGN on expulsion of Tatars The Morung Express
KOHIMA, NOV 5 (MExN): In reference to certain publications in the local media regarding the four Tatars of the Federal Government of Nagaland, namely Eno Er VK Mere Angami, Eno Zaleo Chakhesang, Eno P Puthai Khiamniungan and Eno K Pushuo Khianniungan, who were reportedly served with expulsion, the Secretary of Keya (Defense) FGN has clarified on certain matters regarding the same.
P Puthai Khiamniungan, the Secretary stated that it is understood that the FGN is the government of the people and that Tatars were the elected members different from an appointed authority. He, quoting the Article 71 of the Yehzabo which states that the Tatar Hoho shall have the power to expel any member(s) in the house if found guilty of commission of any offence against the house of the nation, stated out that it was necessary to point out the offence so committed by the said four Tatars which resulted in their expulsion.
He quoted article 24 that the Kedahge shall, after expiry of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office and that article 27 stated "any person acting as Kedahge or discharging the functions of the Kedahge shall, before entering upon his office make and subscribe the following oath in the presence of the Nsa Midan (Chief Justice) of the Mayam Riyam (Supreme Court) or any person appointed in that behalf". In this context, the secretary asked that it be known when the so called new Kedahge General (Retd.) V Metha took charge of the office by taking oath in accordance with the provision of the national charter.
"The supposed to be 54 Tatar Hoho of the Naga Nation was held without the participation of all the Nagas but was a merely stage-managed show wherein General (Retd.) Metha was declared to be elected the New Kedahge of FGN. This was only a manipulation of the inmates of the Transit peace Camp at Kohima" the Defense secretary stated while terming the expulsion of four Tatars released in the name of one Alan, assistant secretary of Rali Wali as "funny". Puthai Khiamniungan questioned who this man was and which Region he belong to while stating that this was only an exponent of how the Transit peace campers functioned by claiming national responsibility and ‘cheating’ the Nagas. The Secretary further stated that solution to the Indo-Naga problem did not lie in claiming a name or clinging to an office of National authority so formed by "hand picking pedestrians in Kohima Town to represent their regions in any national meeting.
"Are the representatives of the said 13 regions who participated in the supposed to be 55 Tatar Hoho of FGN of his kind or are they true representatives of their people. Can their identities be made known?" he asked. He also added that the Kedahge of the FGN Brigadier (Retd.) Singnya had proclaimed National emergency for six months with effect from July 18, 2005 with a view to remove the prevailing inadequacies and install a responsible and legal national government to fulfill the aspirations of the people to defend their sovereignty. "On completion of the national emergency period, a National assembly shall be held accordingly, so let each and every Region be prepared to attend and participate in it," the Secretary of Defense stated.
Naga body to launch stir in Manipur Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Nov 5 – A local Naga organisation would launch a “non-cooperation movement” against Manipur Government to press for its demand of bringing the community-settled areas under one administrative unit.
The United Naga Council decided to launch the movement during a meeting at Taphou village in Senapati district yesterday, sources in the organisation said today.

They said non-payment of house tax to state government, changing of names of villages and hills to local Naga names, separation of Nagas from any organisation in which Meiteis were also involved, etc. would be part of the movement. The meeting also decided not to allow implementation of developmental schemes in the Naga-settled areas by the state government from next year. – PTI

NE, J&K VCs meet at Kohima Kohima | November 06, 2005 Webindia

Goa Governor S C Jamir would inaugurate the second meeting of the vice chancellors of the Universities of the North East and Jammu and Kashmir to be held here from December eight. According to official sources here today the meeting would be hosted by Nagaland university (NU) and matters related to specific problems of higher education in these region would be discussed. The theme of the meeting would be "Vision and Action Plan for Higher Education in North East and Jammu and Kashmir".
Sources said Prof.Atul Sarma of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. S.S. Baghel of Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat, Prof. S.C. Saha of Assam University, Silchar, Prof.P.C. Deka of Tezpur University, Tezpur, Dr. Gautam Barua, Director, National Institute of Technology, Silchar, Dr. Kulendu Pathak of Dibrugarh University, Dr.G.N. Talukdar of Guwahati University, Prof. G.D. Sarma of Nagaland University, Dr. Arvind K Sharma of Mizoram University, Prof. Mrinal Miri of North Eastern Hill University, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo of University of Jammu, Dr. A. Wahid of University of Kashmir, Prof., Anwar Alam of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Jammu, Prof. N K Bansal of Shri Mata Vishno Devi University, Jammu, Prof. A.K. Mukhopadhyay of Tripura university and Mr.L.C. Amarnathan of Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Science, Gangtok would attend the two-day meeting. UNI AS TJP AKP1139
Sam Manekshaw serious, being flown to Army Hospital in Delhi LD MANEKSHAWNEW DELHI, NOV 6 (PTI)
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who has been suffering from acute pneumonia, is being shifted to the Army Hospital here from Wellington in Tamil Nadu. The 91-year-old Manekshaw had been undergoing treatment at the Military Hospital in Wellington and was being brought to the Army Research and Referral Hospital, Army sources said here. Born in Amritsar on April 3, 1914, Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw served as the 8th Chief of the Army Staff between June 1969 and January 1973, capping nearly four decades of military service.
An astute war planner, Manekshaw led India to victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan, which ended with the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani armed personnel. He was among the first batch of cadets to pass out of the Indian Military Academy in October 1934 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army.
Decorated with the Military Cross for valour in Burma during World War II, Manekshaw was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1968) for handling the insurgency in Nagaland as the Group Officer Commanding in Chief of the Eastern Command. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972 after the 1971 war against Pakistan which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Manekshaw was conferred with the honorary rank of Field Marshal on January 1, 1973. He retired from the Army a fortnight later.
Former Arunachal Minister’s arrest demanded From Tage T Tara
ITANAGAR, NOV 5 (NEPS): A petty land dispute has snowballed into a major political crisis in this border state with the demand of arrest of former minister and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Working President, Takam Sanjoy for his alleged role in assaulting Hollongi GB, Nabam Taring on Oct 24 last.
A team led by Arunachal Pradesh Papum Pare District Gaon Burah Welfare Association (APPDGWA) president, Nabam Apo here yesterday submitted a four-point memorandum to the State Governor, S K Singh urging him for immediate arrest of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Working President, Takam Sanjoy for his alleged role in assaulting Hollongi GB, Nabam Taring on Oct 24 last in a land dispute.
Apo, while talking to reporters here last evening, demanded the immediate suspension of Balijan Sub Inspector, R K Singh and Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC). Beside they should bear expenditure for Taring’s treatment. They also threatened to resign enmasse and hand over all the red coats back to the government if no prompt action was taken in a week’s time. Denying his involvement in the assault case, Sanjoy claimed that the land belonged to him as he had purchased from the owner. “It is a conspiracy hatched against me by my political adversary using the GB institution as the best option to malign his image”, Sanjoy said adding that he had filed a late FIR with the police against Taring, whose supporters had dismantled a newly constructed house on his plot of land on Oct 20. Police arrested Taring, he added.
Radio poll indicates fear of corruption rather than AIDS
Imphal | November 06, 2005 10:37:47 AM IST Webindia

Corruption and not HIV/AIDS causes more concern among Manipuris. This fact emerged following a radio poll conducted by the Regional News Unit(RNU) of the All India Radio(AIR), Imphal. Mr B B Sharma, in charge RNU, has said that the AIR conducted an opinion poll on HIV/AIDS and corruption in Manipur, to ascertain which of the two is the bigger issue among the listeners. The poll was launched on October 2 and gave 18 days to the respondents. Altogether 750 opinions were received through post, e-mail and hand post.
A representative cross section of the polls was received ranging from top bureaucrats, doctors, teachers to social workers, students, former MPs, Gram Panchayat members and editors. The opinion poll covered all the nine districts of Manipur. Response was also received from Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam as well.
The opinion poll showed that all the respondents were fully aware of the impact of both HIV/AIDS and corruption. It also indicated that awareness of the dreaded disease was quite high in Manipur, including preventive measures thereof. However, corruption loomed larger in the minds of listeners than HIV/AIDS. Of every six opinions received as many as five felt that corruption was more serious a problem for Manipur. Interestingly, out of every six doctors, one voted for HIV/AIDS while the remaining five, including a retired Additional Director, State Health Department, went in favour of corruption. Area wise, the poll represented the entire state of Manipur, Mr Sharma said. But the number of respondents of 750 represented a microscopic minority of the state having 24 lakh population. But the nature of the opinion, reasons and status of the respondents were such that they could be considered as opinion makers of various sections of the society.
The reasons given by the respondents were thought provoking. However, it could not be construed as a final verdict on the issues but it was certainly a trend which could not be ignored by planners, policy makers and stakeholders of the political leadership in the state. UNI NS PL AKP0959
Winning hearts essential to maintain peace and harmony From Our Correspondent Neps ITANAGAR, NOV 04 (NEPS): - Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh with its scenic beauty can hold the key to success for development of the state. Winning over hearts and minds of people is the most essential element to maintain peace and harmony in Tirap and that will boost the tourism industry in the state.
Assam Rifles has undertaken extensive psychological operations in the district to win over the hearts and minds of people living this border district. The series of psychological operations carried out by the Assam Rifles has been able to motivate two young insurgents of NSCN (IM) to surrender with their weapons. The surrender ceremony was organized at Khonsa under the 25 Sector Assam Rifles.
Sam Manekshaw hospitalised NDTV Correspondent Sunday, November 6, 2005 (Cunoor):
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the hero of the 1971 war and the Indian Army's first Field Marshal, is reported to be seriously unwell with a bout of pneumonia. He has been admitted to a hospital in Cunoor, and will now be flown into Delhi either today or on Monday, or as soon as his condition stabilises. Manekshaw, now more than 91 years, fought on the Burma front during the Second World War and was Army Chief during 1971 when the Indian Army liberated Bangladesh in what is described as its finest hour. He assumed charge of the Indian Army, as the 8th Chief of Army Staff, on 7 June 1969. Born in Amritsar, Punjab on 03 April 1914, he completed his schooling in Amritsar and Sherwood College, Nainital. He then joined the first batch of 40 cadets at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehra Dun on 1 October 1932. He passed out of the IMA in December 1934 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army. He held several regimental assignments and was first attached to the Royal Scouts and later to the 12 Frontier Force Rifles.

Bravery on battle front: During World War II, he saw action in the Burma campaign on Sittang river and has the rare distinction of being honoured for his bravery on the battle front itself.

During World War II, he was leading a counter-offensive against the invading Japanese Army in Burma. As he charged forward with his men, a Japanese soldier suddenly emerged from the bushes and fired at him, wounding him seriously in the stomach. Fortunately, Major General DT Cowan spotted Manekshaw holding on to life and was aware of his valour in face of stiff resistance from the Japanese. Fearing the worst, Major General Cowan quickly pinned his own Military Cross ribbon on to Manekshaw saying, "A dead person cannot be awarded a Military Cross."

Having recovered from those near-fatal wounds in Burma, Manekshaw went for a course at Staff College, Quetta and later also served there as an instructor before being sent to join 12 Frontier Force Rifles in Burma under General (later Field Marshal) Slim's 14th Army. He was once again involved in a fierce battle with the Japanese, and was wounded for a second time. Towards the close of World War II, Manekshaw was sent as Staff Officer to General Daisy in Indo-China where, after the Japanese surrender, he helped rehabilitate over 10,000 POWs.

He, then, went on a six-month lecture tour to Australia in 1946, and after his return served as a First Grade Staff Officer in the Military Operations Directorate.Manekshaw showed acumen for planning and administration while handling the issues related to partition in 1947, and later put to use his battle skills during the 1947-48 Jammu & Kashmir Operations.

Tackling insurgency:

After command of an Infantry Brigade he was posted as the Commandant of the Infantry School and also became the Colonel of 8 Gorkha Rifles (his regimental home) and 61 Cavalry. He commanded a Division in Jammu & Kashmir and a Corps in the North East, with a tenure as Commandant of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in between. As GOC-in-C Eastern Command, he handled the tricky problem of insurgency in Nagaland and the grateful nation honoured him with a Padma Bhushan in 1968. Manekshaw succeeded General Kumaramangalam as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on 07 June 1969.

His years of military experience were soon put to the test as thousands of refugees from the erstwhile East Pakistan started crossing over to India as a result of oppression unleashed from West Pakistan.
The volatile situation got worse, and soon erupted into a full-scale war in December 1971. During the military campaign, Manekshaw showed uncommon ability to motivate the forces, coupling it with a mature war strategy. The war ended with Pakistan's unconditional surrender, and the formation of Bangladesh. For his selfless service to the nation, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972 and was conferred with the honorary rank of Field Marshal on 01 January 1973. He retired a fortnight later, on 15 January 1973, after completing nearly four decades of military service.

Some of his achievements as COAS are:
• Prepared the Army for a well-planned and a well executed operation against Pakistan in 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
• As Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, he welded the Army, Navy and Air Force into a well-knit team.
• Taking of over 90,000 Pakistan POWs, thereby paving the way for favourable negotiations.
‘Nagas should worship Durga or Kali than Christ’ Dr. K. Hoshi The Morung Express
Durga Puja or Diwali are, as we all know, the two important festivals of India. They are celebrated everywhere on the country including Nagaland, the constitutional state.
There is nothing strange if these two festivals were celebrated in the state. What was so strange was that, this year, more Nagas than Indians, specially in Dimapur and Kohima celebrated the occasions. The celebration of Durga was marked by gambling where one could see Naga mahajans in every gambling table. While the Indians quietly celebrated Diwali, the festivals of light, by lighting candles, the Nagas celebrated the same by bursting the powerful fire crackers sounding boom and bang everywhere. As usual for Nagas drunkenness added to the flavour of the celebrations.
What a way to celebrate alien festivals when we are fighting for independence! In the fitness of the occasions, there is no doubt whatsoever that Nagas have become truly Indian, culturally. Another feather added on our so called enemy’s head for their successful psychological operation. Where has our national principle for freedom struggle gone?
To a good Christian, partaking in such celebrations amount nothing less to pagan worship, abominable before our God, Jehovah. While our Christian missionaries suffer torture in the hands of the Hindu fundamentalists elsewhere in the country, here we are, totally absorbed in their culture, alien to us. Little deed we realized that in the name of cultural fusion our religion has been slowly but steadily invaded.
For our God sake let us not say that as part and parcel of the country and its society there is nothing wrong for the Nagas to celebrate such occasions. If we have accepted paganism in the Christian context as cultural celebrations, the Nagas should rather worship Durga or Kali than Christ as their gods. It looks like the dooms day for the Nagas isn’t very far. The good Lord blesses our Church.
Hold talks with centre: Rishang to UGs
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 5: "I respect the belief held by the different revolutionary groups ? be it Naga or Meitei ? that Manipur can exist as an independent nation, separate from India. However it is an impossible dream. I urge these people to hold talks with the government of India and demand what is possible within the bounds of the Constitution."

This was stated by the Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing who was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the 3 days sensitisation programme on HIV/AIDS, organised by Universal Caring Mission (UNICAM). The MP further observed that the people should speak out the truth boldly for a peaceful and developed future.

N Bijoy Singh, vice chancellor MU; Dr Paochungbou, president NGO Forum; L Romesh, president DESAM and S Nando, president UNICAM were the president and guests of honour respectively of the inaugural function held at the conference hall of UNICAM at Khurai Lamlong Bazar.

Rishang highlighted that among the different issues plaguing Manipur the three most prominent ones are HIV/AIDS, corruption and insurgency. The MP said that the three are closely linked with corruption being the breeding factor for the other two.

He said that HIV/AIDS should be faced head on and the most important weapons are preventive measures and research work to find a permanent cure. He expressed concern that the Ukhrul-Myanmar border might be infested with HIV positive people. He said that instruction have been given to the sate governments to institute a forum in the state assemblies with the MLAs as members to address different issues including HIV/AIDS. If such a forum is instituted, "each MLA can contribute their lot by working for HIV/AIDS in their respective constituencies", the MP added.

The MP also made it known that under the initiative of Rotary Club, northeast, and the MPs, heart patients between 3-30 years will be given free of cost treatment.

In the presidential speech, the VC said that though drug policy exists in Manipur a more specific policy which addresses the unique problems of Manipur is needed. He advocated a `quarantine policy` to curb the drug problem in Manipur.

In the keynote address, LC Somorendro, UNICAM`s secretary, said that the main objective of UNCAM is to help the widows living with HIV/AIDS find a way to become economically independent. He also highlighted that 2 years back the Shri Rishang Keishing HIV/AIDS Research Centre was instituted to carry out path-breaking research works in the field of HIV/AIDS. As part of the inaugural function, 42 challenging women were presented with simple gifts by UNICAM.
Assam to honour Scottish pioneers of tea By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Jorhat (Assam), Nov 6 (IANS) Assam has begun a hunt to trace descendants of two Scottish brothers to commemorate their contributions in discovering wild tea bushes in the country some 170 years ago.
The government is planning to honour family members of Robert C. Bruce and his brother Charles at a three-day 'Tea Tourism Festival' beginning Dec 4. The Bruce brothers are believed to have first discovered tea bushes in Assam with the help of some local tribal chieftains in 1823.
'We are in touch with our external affairs ministry to help us locate family members of Robert and Charles Bruce so that we can invite them for the festival,' said S.C. Panda, Assam's tourism commissioner.
'We want to felicitate family members of the Bruce brothers who were pioneers of tea in Assam,' Panda told IANS. The tea carnival to be held in this tea-growing town of Jorhat, 310 km east of Assam's main city Guwahati, is also expected to be attended by a host of foreign tourists.
'Apart from Assam's exotic wildlife, we see enough potential in attracting tourists to visit tea plantations,' Panda said. Long before commercial production of tea started in India in the late 1830s, tea plants were growing wild in the jungles of Assam with local Singpho tribal people eating the leaves as a vegetable with garlic, besides drinking the brew dipped in boiled water.
According to various historical records and documents, it was in 1823 that Robert Bruce, a British trader, first discovered tea plants near here with the help of a local Singpho tribal chieftain.
Robert died soon after and his plan to establish a nursery was followed up his brother Charles who was then an employee of the East India Company. It was sometime in the early part of 1830 that Charles set up the first tea plantation in eastern Assam's Sadiya town with the first 12 chests of manufactured tea from indigenous Assam leaf were shipped to London in 1838. Today Assam accounts for about 55 percent of India's total annual tea production of about 820 million kg. India is the world's largest tea producer.
'Tea tourism is still a virgin field and yet unexplored. It would be an exciting experience for foreigners to have fun amid tea plantations,' Dhiraj Kakoty, secretary of the Assam chapter of the Indian Tea Association, said.

PCG-Centre talks in November-end By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 5 – The peace process to bring the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to the negotiation table will continue again later this month as the Union Home Minister and the officials of the Ministry are scheduled to have detailed talks with the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), formed by the militant outfit, in the last week of this month. The process formally got under way with a meeting between Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and members of the PCG in New Delhi on October 26, where both sides accepted the fact that political negotiation is the only way out to solve the issues raised by the ULFA. The Prime Minister also assured the PCG that the Government of India was prepared to discuss all issues concerning Assam, but at the same time, he made it clear that he was a “servant of the Constitution of India.”

One of the members of the PCG told this correspondent that the main aim of the proposed meeting between the Home Minister and the PCG would be to discuss in detail the steps needed to be taken to create a conducive atmosphere for talks between the Government of India and the ULFA. He said that the ULFA has not indulged in any kind of major act of violence since August 15 and the Government must reciprocate for creating a conducive atmosphere for talks. As this issue can be dealt with by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the next round of talks will involve the Union Home Minister.

The issue of release of the jailed leaders of the ULFA will also figure in the next round of talks. The ULFA desired that the central committee members of the outfit, who are in jails, should be released to make it easy for the outfit to take decisions regarding talks with the Government and this issue was raised by the PCG members during the talks with the Prime Minister and the issue would be discussed in detail in the next round of meeting. Several senior leaders of the ULFA including the vice chairman Pradip Gogoi, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, adviser Bhimkanta Boragohain and others are lodged in different jails of the State.

Moreover, several key members of the outfit are missing since the operations by the Royal Bhutan Army to evict the camps of the ULFA and NDFB from the territory of the Himalayan Kingdom in December, 2003 and the whereabouts of those persons are still not known. The PCG is likely to raise the issue in the next meeting so that the Government of India can take up the issue with the Government of Bhutan.

Art forms of NE hill areas vanishing: Giri Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, Nov 5 – Different art forms of the north-eastern hill areas were gradually vanishing or dying, according to Helen Giri, member of Sangeet Natak Academy.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the students of Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC), Pune here, Giri said every hill area of the North-east has its own expression of art in the form of traditional dance, song or textile. But all these are vanishing or dying gradually.

Taking exception to the use of ‘tribal’ word before any art form, Giri, who heads the Centre for Cultural and Creative Studies at the North Eastern Hill University, said: “Why can we not use the word hill music or rural music?”

Stressing the need for having professionals to introduce music in visual media, Giri said originality was a must for working before the camera. If any visual was bereft of creativity, the viewer would not see it for the second time.

The day-long seminar ‘Footprints 2005’ titled ‘Telly wonder: news, music, career 24x7’ was to focus on emerging trends and career opportunities in news and music industry on television.

Inaugurating the event, eminent social worker Maya Ingty asked the budding scribes to be fair, judicious and follow the right path. – PTI

Garo ultra leaders shot dead From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
TURA, Nov 5 – The East Garo Hills police and the Army achieved a major success in its fight against militancy in the three districts of Garo Hills and adjoining border areas of Assam when it shot dead two hardcore ANVC deserters who had formed a new outfit recently.

They also succeeded in arresting two other militants from the same group at Bangsi- Minol village, under Mendipather police station early Friday morning.

This is a successful breakthrough because nine ANVC militants had fled from their designated camps at Samanda in East Garo Hills and Chokpot in South Garo Hills recently to form a new organisation. Six of the ANVC militants deserted their Chokpot camp on the October 1 last and prior to that, three other militants had also fled from their Samanda camp. These militants escaped with AK-47 rifles and SLRs and took away a considerable number of grenades and live ammo with them. The three militants who escaped from Samanda were led by one Nobin Sangma after expressing disillusion with the functioning of their former outfit. The splinter group from Chokpot was led by Rabi R Marak.

These members succeeded in coming together and recently formed the A’Chik National Liberation Front which had been instrumental in a series of extortion cases throughout the three districts of Garo Hills. They had abducted a businessman who was operating the weigh bridge at Depa Sarangma a few days ago and was demanding a ransom of over Rs 50 lakh for his release.

Following a tip-off, a combined team of the Army and the Meghalaya Police launched an operation at Bangsi-Minol during the wee hours of Friday morning that led to an encounter between the militants and the paramilitary forces.

In the ensuing encounter, the security forces shot dead two militants, identified as Rarik Sangma and Rabi Marak, both ANVC deserters, and arrested Kalthong Momin and Sengrak Momin. Police also recovered an AK-56 weapon with 20 rounds of ammo, three hand-grenades and an SLR with 17 rounds of live ammo.

It may be recalled that the six ANVC militants led by Rabi Sangma and Rarik Sangma of Bajengdoba had abandoned their camp at Chokpot on October 1 along with Onkang K Marak of Mendipathar, Santal Marak of Damra, Rakkam R Marak alias Rahul of Depa Sarangma and Silkang Marak.

Criminal case against 51 armymen for violating ESMA Arrest warrants issued Sentinel IMPHAL, Nov 5 (UNI): The Duty Magistrate has issued non bailable arrest warrants against an Army Captain and 50 other Army personnel for allegedly barging into the Yurembam power station and forcing the staff to cut off power supply to most parts of the State, specially in the Imphal areas on November 2. The arrest warrants were issued following a case filed by Chief Secretary, Manipur, Jarnail Singh against the Army personnel. The Manipur Government has taken up a criminal case for violating the Essential Services Maintenance Act.
Official sources said that the civil and police officials of the State convened a meeting to discuss the situation and most officials were peeved with the ‘high-handedness’ of the Army personnel posted in Manipur and described the act of Army as ‘uncivilised’. It was alleged that even the State Chief Secretary was badly treated by Army Captain Pillai of the Military Engineering Services of 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong. The SP of Imphal West has been instructed to arrest all the Army personnel. On November 2, Cap Pillai along with 50 Army personnel went to the Yurembam power station. They barged into the control room overpowering the Indian Reserve Battalion guards and forced the staff to cut off power supply to the Imphal city and other areas. The Yurembam power station supplies power to the entire city area, including the residences of the Governor, Chief Minister and other high ranking officials. All hospitals also depend on the power station.
The power station had failed to provide power to the Army headquarters at Leimakhong due to breakdown of a feeder which was later restored. The Army action was due to the failure of the station to supply power. Chief Secretary, Jarnail Singh rushed to the power station when he heard the news and a confrontation ensued with the Army personnel. He and his Manipur police escorts were thoroughly checked by the Army personnel. Even when Mr Singh informed that operation works in hospitals would be affected due to the cut-off of power, the Army Captain refused to provide power and power supply was restored only after the Army team went away. Meanwhile, President of the All Manipur Bar Association Khaidem Mani has announced that legal steps would be taken up against the Army for cutting off power supply and displacing huge numbers of people by organising massive Operations.
Act of Goondaism Sangai Express
The manner in which some Army personnel led by a Captain showed off their muscle prowess at Yurembam power sub-station and forcefully shut down power for about 90 minutes on November 2 was nothing less than a naked show of brute force. What is more, the young Captain did not hesitate to engage the Chief Secretary of the State, who had rushed there to take stock of the situation, to a verbal duel. As reported in all the daily newspapers of Imphal on November 3, the Army personnel from the Military Engineering Service, led by a Captain stormed the Yurembam power station on November 2 morning and forcefully shut down the power supply to all the region of Imphal covered by the power sub-station. The reason for the naked show of force was the snapping of power supply to Leimakhong for about 15 hours. We agree that the power shut down for such a long time may have been due to negligence of the employees of the Electricity Department, but the manner in which the Army personnel stormed the power sub-station and shut down the power supply is something which cannot be accepted under any circumstances, whether there is the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or not. What was more galling was the fact that the Captain, a young and raw officer, had the temerity to get into a verbal duel with the Chief Secretary. In many ways, the Yurembam incident was a reflection of the manner in which security force conduct themselves. As we understand it, the Yurembam sub-station is a restricted area and the question therefore arises whether the men in uniform are above the law to enter such a site without getting the prior approval of the authority concerned. What is more, the snapping off of the power supply forcefully violates the right of the people to get power supply.
Understandably the Chief Secretary is believed to have taken a serious view of the incident and has already instructed the State Government to take up necessary steps to initiate a criminal case against the personnel. The PRO of the PIB (Defence Wing) too has assured that the Army authority has taken a serious view of the incident and assured that fitting action will be taken up against the guilty personnel. These are fine and in consonance with the rule of law, but the larger implications of the incident should not be lost on us. It is all about respecting the law of the land and if the men who are here to ensure that the law of the land prevails are going to violate it so non-chalantly then the top brass of the security force need some serious self studies. Discipline is the by word of the military. However what the Captain and his men did at Yurembam on November 2 defies all that discipline stands for. The question the Army authority should ask themselves now is, what were the factors that emboldened the Captain to act in such a high handed manner. Did his superiors give him any instructions to shut down the power supply as a retribution for the 15 hour black out at Leimakhong ? We certainly expect Army officers to act more responsibly. What happened at Yurembam was nothing but goondaism at its worst level.
USE of IEDs, MINES a CRIME against GOD By Comdt. (Retd) RS Jassal General. Neps
Right from the early civilisational records available, human beings in communes, villages, states evolutionised to nations, have been involved in securing its boundaries/borders by innovating various methods ranging from human calls, drum calls by log beats to manning EW (early warning) posts and associated other alarm systems by nature & compulsion depending on the nature of requirement, terrain & devices available. With advancement in war technology, the mines came into existence. Mines provided security to the troops at IB and acted as early warning to the troops in combat and forward posts. Mines are also used for channelising enemy troops to the selected killing zones by troops in defensive posts. Mine fields so created also slow down advance of raiding troops thus provide morale boosting doses to the defenders with sufficient warning to deal with attacking troops. In addition to mines, a new system of causing harassment, distraction, killing and devastating confusion to draw support system by militants in their resting points and hideouts against raids by SFs, called as IED, (Improvised
explosive device). It varies in components and scales of cordites, dynamites, gelignite, gun powder, TNT & so on. Depending on components, it causes corresponding damages. It can be ignited by manual control or used as
land mines through remote control or buried under ground, they can go off automatically by entanglement of human beings or animals and explodes with direct impact of weight by stepping over.

Explosives seized in Dimapur-Nagaland September 05
IED Specific: Till a few years back land mines of various shapes & marks were the only destructive devices known and used on live international borders. There laying and rolling up methods are handled by trained persons in the Armed Forces known as pioneers or by the Engineers Corps known as Sappers where intensity of operation so demands due high technological requirement say in tank war in covert war-fare, or in LIC by mercenaries; Sri-Lanka, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Iraq experience has brought out the wreckage impact what land mines and IEDs can create. In low intensity conflict zones (LIC) by insurgents of the origin of the same country like Maoists in Bihar, Andhra, ULFA/BODOS Assam, a host of militant organizations Kashmir and UNLF (with PLA &KNF) in Manipur, ATTF, BLTF Tripura & other parts of our country IEDs are used as integrated weaponry primarily against the state ¢ral Govt. armed forces but has left its indelible mark on the invariability of damage to civil population though pronouncedly not used against them. It is a new threat to human right & right to life.

What is IED? It is a short term given to IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. Its contents can vary from tins, pipes, glass plastics boxes containers filled with explosives initiating mechanism, & dynamites with embedded nails etc. It can also be improvised from agri fertilizers like ammonium nitrate & so on. Explosives in short are highly dangerous, highly charged sensitive & volatile. Once set ignition is carried out by weight press, timer or remote, their results are unimaginable.

Types of IEDs Improvised Explosive Devices now popularly and commonly known as IED, in Manipur, Assam & Tripura are known to civil society pretty well who suffer from its menace though not at all party to the conflicts of State and none state actors. It has become almost every day feature in media news in the NE and Manipur in particular and causalities are on the increase day by day. So far known types of ignition used for exploding IED are: Water sensor, pressure switch pendulum switch, and touch sensor, pull switch, timer switch, and light operated sensor, release switch, ignition switch, without light sensor, relay switch and electronic timer. In fact it is difficult to bind them in definite terms as these can be used as flying saucers also in crowded places.
Types of injuries they inflict
* Blast mines: Usually hand-laid on or under the ground or scattered from the air. The explosive force of the mines cause foot, leg, and groin injuries and secondary infections usually result in amputation

* Fragmentation mines: Usually laid on or under the ground and often activated by tripwire or other means. When detonated the explosion project hundreds of fragments at ballistic speed of up to 50 meters resulting in
fragmentation wounds. Some fragmentation mines contain a primary charge to lift the mine above the ground (about 1 to 1.5 meters) before detonating which can injure an adult's abdomen, genitals and take off a victims head too.

Do landmines and IEDs obey the laws of war? No they cannot
The laws of war dictate that soldiers and their weapon discriminate between soldiers and civilians. Additionally, there is to be a balance between military need and consequences to the civilian's population. These two principles of the law of war discrimination and proportionality apply to the use of mines & IEDs in war or LIC situation
It is a fact that land mines and charged explosive (IEDs) do not discriminate the military and society as a whole. If it demoralizes the enemy psychologically and affects physically, it also damages terrorizes civilians in greater terms. The fear psychosis affecting military personnel ends with end of war or day to day ambush but impact on civilians goes much beyond till the mine IED is unarmed, destroyed or removed. Civilians those who survive with serious, minor or disability affect are made to spend balance of life in mute memories. The uses of IED in various forms and in the NE by militants of all hues are horrendous and terrifying menace to the civilians &SFs and even militants all. How many of them suffer while carrying, laying & even storing is known to militant leaders. SFs suffer losses while conducting mining &de-mining exercise or in combating insurgency in LIC (Low Intensity conflict) though SFs never lay it for civilians in LIC zone(s). Mines are boldly marked and fenced at IB by the BOPs.

A Child lost both legs
But underground terrorists do not do so while fighting with SF within our own terrority and with own SF's. No doubt, Mines play a great role in accomplishment of military tasks at IBs but it causes untold damage to own
people (civilians) when IED planted by militants is faced by them in jungle, fields in & around village. And if it is in populated areas, bazaar or main roads it invites back fire from SFs in ruthless manners as happened in the
past in Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland & Manipur.

Disturbing trends in Manipur:
During my Aug trip to Jiribam (NH 53) I was told by local leaders, CO 26 Assam Riffles that one Munniruddin Borbaniya of Ahmedabad village (please do not mix up with Ahmedabed of Gujarat, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh) near Bekra lost his left leg by amputation in Silchar Medical college. He had got caught in activation of an IED while returning home after fire wood collection which might have been laid by the militants for action against the SF's quite unmindful of its consequence on local people. It happened in early part of June 2005.GOC 57 Mtn Division and 26 Assam Rifles under his command provided all medical aid and Silchar Medical college provided him with a wheel chair. This is only one of the many cases of IED victims. Similarly there are many cases of summary killings of civil population by the terrorists in areas of Bekra - Vangai range and CC Pur interior left unaided and uncared for by the state and the UGs. Some data collected from HQ 57 Mountain division reveals that in CC pur village of Zangvakot (Khuttu), Diyalkhai, Mongon and Abitang adjacent to Thanlon, four villagers have died because of release of IED due human contact and four have been injured including two from Bukpi. In Chandel Dist Latkhuiier Kuki (28) of Sehhao Kuki village has been paralysed, five persons from Khullen have died and three have suffered multiple injuries. One each from Molcham village and
New Samtal have died and Nengriching 24 from Tuyon village injured. In Jiribam Sub Division four have been injured including Munniruddin who lost his leg as amputated they belong to Chhota Bekra Ahmadabad and Zangnom. This data pertains to period 25 Nov 04 to 12 June 05. The data collected from HQ IG AR (S) reveals there were total 16 blasts from 1 Jan 05 to 25 Oct. It details civilians died four injured one SFs died two and injured six. Most of the blasts against SFs could not cause any harm. A considerable number of IEDs were detected and neutralized. Recently three blasts have occurred in Moreh & Khudengthabi.

Civil psyche devastator:
IEDs if planted by militants on NHs or main /auxiliary roads for causing casualties to men and vehicle of SFs they do harm to vehicles and men as is experienced in the past by IRB personal Army/BSF/CRPF/AR but all the
incidents drew uncontrolled fire to same point or in the vicinity reinforced by punitive action by the provogated SFs in the brawl, hence have caused more casualties to civilians not involved in insurgency conflict at all. Breast fed children, convalescing persons unable to move away from the scene of incidence, school going children, persons wishing to attend social functions, ladies waiting deliveries have been seen suffered from after blast wrath of legally armed persons resulting in HR violations. As well at far flung places where no law exists & UGs writ rules. In the last two decades many have gone crippled, paralysed and suffered amputations and some
lost voice too due to traumatic shocks of seeing their near and dear one losing their lives from close by. No NGO or HR body is maintaining any record of such casualties other than holding workshop/seminars I am pained to say they do pretty little for such victims for whom they are meant to function. Of late, with proliferation of UG setups and to preempt each other or one another's attempt of attack or for early warning system against SFs on approach routes UGs are planting IEDs in the periphery of villages while resting which have caused casualties as brought out in previous paragraph too. SFs personnel have well co-ordinated system for evacuation, treatment and compensation where as civil casualties suffer in all bareness in all respects and thus leave many questions answered.

Suggestions
* Complete ban is the only answer other than by Army at IBs where absolute necessary in actual war notwithstanding what UN says.
* In context of Manipur, IB with Myanmar is a sleepy border. Due to frequent move of UGs to Bangladesh and Myanmar (ISI) camps, SF posts are established and removed as per requirement all over the state. In that case if mines and IEDs are used and left un removed by intent or other wise, damages to civilians including animals cannot be safe vouched hence it is offence against humanity for both SF and the insurgents.
* Consider complete ban on use of mines including IEDs in Manipur & other NE states. Manipur is having strong Meira Paibis (torch bearers against social evils) club systems, their potentials must be exploited to optimum to educate our society on devastating and in- human affect of abhorrent landmines and IEDs on human beings and animals including ecology since mostly activities are in jungle. We must change mindsets of non-state actors for humanitarian reasons. Why should they do that as it will erode their public base which is equally and more importantly needed by them?
* There is no denying the fact that whether UGs cause destruction or SF losses both side are our own kith and kin since there are personae from Manipur and NE very much on the active roll of the SFs too and civil society
base is common for both .
* Manipur Human Right Commission be activated to influence non state actors and civil society on the issue instead of politicizing their appointments.
* Purview of the subject apart, it is strongly felt youth who are the future care takers of our social concerns be educated with a suitable system & subject head on "Love, compassion, respect & care for humanity above self" introduced in educational curriculum to obtain equilibrium of mind and soul for the sake of the humanity beyond village, regional, national to state & international borders. It is the urgent need for nailing our ills.

Conclusion.
The impact of twin blasts in Dimapur in Oct last year needs studying. Who is gaining out of present conflict neither North Easterners nor the SFs; definitely a third party? It is not difficult to judge who this third party is. Interference of ISI operatives in the NE is now quite in the open. UNLF can gather more credence & support if its supremo considers to issue a complete ban on use of IEDs any where in the hill and valley. KNF/KNA also must consider this point seriously. Losses in Molcham, Moreh, and Khudengthabi are increasing day by day. If it is against SFs or opposing UG teams in hills, villages may be still acceptable, but there is no guarantee. And if it is around suburbs village in valley in a populated area or highway where SF's around it provides unlicensed lever to SFs to open fire at random. The brunt is borne by the civil societies. SFs state or center still have recourse to immediate evacuation medical treatment and compensation whereas a civilian does not have set procedure or compulsion for same as is demonstrated by Muniruddin case above. NSCN (IM) has already signed against
used of mines/IEDs in 2002. Other groups need its urgent consideration.