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11/12/2005: "Pastor intelligence agent: NSCN (IM) Immediate release of abducted persons demanded"

Pastor intelligence agent: NSCN (IM) Immediate release of abducted persons demanded The Morung Express News November 11
DIMAPUR: The NSCN (IM) today said that the pastor of the Chakhesang Mission Centre Church Nuvosaye Vese had been abducted because of the role he had played as an Indian intelligence agent. An MIP source of the NSCN said a cabinet decision of the GPRN had decided to issue a warrant against Vese. The pastor is said to have informed the Indian Army of the whereabouts of NSCN cadres. The other six abductees including the Chairman of the Pfutsero Town Council Dingulo Khutso have been detained so as to ‘correct them’, according to the outfit. The official added that none of them would be harmed. “If the church is prepared to defend the pastor for his anti-national activities then we will take our own course of action,” the NSCN official said.
The CBCC, coming in full defence of Vese, refuted the NSCN’s claim and termed it as a cover-up to “justify” themselves. Secretary of the CBCC Mission K Mero told The Morung Express that the pastor was a respected man and that it was highly improbable that Vese would work for the Indian Army. “We have known him for a long time and have found him to be a good man,” the secretary said.
The Church Board of the Chakhesang Mission Centre Church while strongly expressing its resentment and condemnation over the arrest of its Pastor has appealed for the release of Vese without any conditions.
Meanwhile, both the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and the Nagaland People’s front have demanded the immediate release of those detained. The CPO and the NPF have put forward the logic that any misunderstanding or communication gap that may arise between sections of people can be resolved amicably.
“The CPO resent the action of arresting the public leaders on the pretext of calling them for mutual discussion, and that exist between the public and the factions,” a release issued by the CPO and made available to the Governor, Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, Nagaland says.
Similarly, the Pfutsero Town Mother’s Association (PTMA) and Chakhesang Mothers’ Association after a prayer meeting today, conducted an emergency meeting where they demanded the immediate release of the Pastor and the six others without any pre-conditions.
The two women group demanded the protection of human rights and democratic rights of speech describing it as the fundamental rights of every citizen. It was also informed that the two women group would organize a protest rally.
Kidnap slur on NSCN-IM OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Nov. 11: Close on the heels of the NSCN (Khaplang) being held responsible for the murder of former Nagaland director-general of police Hesso Mao, the rival Isak-Muivah group has been accused of kidnapping seven persons in Phek district. Pfutsero Town Council chairman Dingulo Khutso, Chakhesang pastor Nuvosaye Vese and village elder Puneru Chakhesang were among the seven kidnapped yesterday in retaliation to their “active participation” in a rally against the NSCN (I-M) last month.
The rally in Pfutsero town had followed a series of factional clashes between the NSCN (I-M) and the Naga National Council. A source said the kidnappers took the hostages to Camp Hebron, the NSCN (I-M)’s general headquarters near Dimapur, after a stopover at Zhamai village. A functionary of the Chakhesang Mission Church Centre confirmed that the kidnapped pastor was at Camp Hebron. “They are all in the NSCN (I-M)’s custody and are being questioned about their role in the protest rally,” he said.
NSCN (I-M) leader Phunthing Shimrang admitted that his outfit had called the pastor and the rest for “discussions”, but denied they were kidnapped. Another rally is being planned in Pfutsero against the kidnappings. Pfutsero has been the flashpoint of the battle of attrition between the NSCN (I-M) and the Naga National Council. In Kohima, the police described Mao’s murder on November 8 as a vendetta killing.
The investigation has thrown up leads indicating that some NSCN (K) activists had a grudge against the former police officer. The police said Mao had commandeered an operation against some NSCN (K) activists in May 2000 after they allegedly robbed money meant for payment of salaries to personnel of the 4th Nagaland Armed Police battalion stationed at Thizama, near Kohima. One person was killed in that operation.
“Mao’s killing was a revenge strike. Even if only a few of its (the NSCN-K) members were involved in the murder, the outfit should own up to it,” a senior police officer said. On the night of May 3, 2000, the police were taking Rs 2 lakh in a vehicle to Tseminyu when the suspected NSCN (K) militants waylaid the vehicle near the junction of Meriema village and took away the money. One of the alleged robbers, Michael, was killed in the combing operation the following day. The police suspect Mao’s role in the operation — he was then the additional director-general of police — peeved the outfit.
Seminar on conflict resolution held at MU The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Nov 10: A one-day seminar on "social and political conflicts in Manipur and its resolutions" was organised by the Social Science Research Association Manipur (SSRAM) at the lecture hall of political science department, Manipur University.

Prof N Bijoy, MU`s vice-chancellor; Prof N Joykumar, dean of social sciences; and Prof Ratna Tikoo, political science department were the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

Inaugurating the seminar, the chief guest said that a Conflict Studies and Human Monitoring Cell was discussed and approved in the last academic session and will soon be opened at the university. Stating that this would benefit the study on conflict management in the region, the VC said that Prof Patrick, a member of the UN, will be visiting the university during December 4 to 7 to hold discussions on peace and conflict resolution in India.

The northeastern states have been at the receiving end of both social and political conflicts at one point of time or other and Prof Bijoy attributed this to the peculiar form of socio-economic factors prevailing in the region. He observed that the assertion of strong identity movements in Northeast is an ongoing trend with the Karbi Anglong incident being the latest. He said that the deep crisis in the social ecology of Northeast should not be seen just within the political framework. The VC said that with the world entering the 21st century, "all groups must come out of their ethnic exclusiveness and discuss their problems in the open". The guest of honour, Prof N Joykumar in his speech, stated that social conflicts always go with the question of identity. Referring to the oft used phrase `Manipur-India conflict`, he said, "for this we have to go back to the history of 1949".

Giving examples of the different separatist movements in India, Prof Joykumar said that the only political solution for a plural society like India is federalism and "if we develop a culture of social federalism we can solve the social conflicts in Manipur to some extent".

In the keynote address, Prof Ksh Bimola Devi, president SSRAM, said that Manipur is a land of conflicts ? social, economic, cultural and political. She observed that the most viable solution should be one where the parties involved are neither losers nor gainers.

Papers presented at the seminar were Babloo Loitongbam`s role of civil society in transforming the Manipur `Nagalim` conflict; Dr MC Arun`s systematic conflict resolution or systematic conflict production; Lamabam Seityabati`s AMSU in conflict situation of Manipur; Dr L Kunjrani`s Muslim women and the social conflicts in Manipur; Khelena Gurumayum`s role of voluntary organisations during the June Uprising 2001; Natasha Elengbam`s the role of media in resolving social and political conflicts in Manipur; Dr T Thoiba Singh`s women in conflict situation; Dr Urmila Ksh Manipuri women and social conflicts in Manipur; Dr Dhanabir Laishram`s armed conflict in Manipur; Dr Oinam Kulabidhu`s emerging trends of NGO: a case study of Manipur; and Chinglen Maisnam and Ksh Narayan`s globalization and ethnic nationalism: Manipur experience.

Nagaland vigilance commission soughts inquiry on eight officials Deepika
Kohima, Nov 11 (UNI) Nagaland Vigilance Commision has recommended a departmental inquiry against eight top officials of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (npsc) for their alleged involvement in various irregularities.

According to official sources here today the eight officials were allegedly involved in various irregularities including bribery cases.

Regarding the demands of the Naga Students Federation (nsf) for making the Vigilance Commission report public, Additional Chief Secretary Mr Lalthara reuled out such publication.

In a letter to the NSF president Mr Lalthara said the report of the cirminal investigation could not be released for public information as it may prejudice the matter which was sub-judice in a court of law.

" It may amount to defaming the accused persons before they are found guilty by a court of law'', he said. Mr Lalthara said that the trials of the case would be conducted in an "open court".

Mysterious explosion in Dimapur
Kohima, November 12 : Panic gripped citizens of Dimapur following a loud explosion yesterday. The blast was followed by a tremor whose impact was felt on buildings far away. The sound was heard in several parts of the town, including the army cantonment at Rangapahar, but police or security official were not able to detect the source of the noise.

Police maintained that the explosion was massive since its impact was felt far away.

Some residents of Rangapahar areas said there were at least three blasts in different parts of Dimapur. Incidentally there is a CRPF camp in Khatkhagti and some suspect that the blast might have occurred during the training of the jawans.[UNI ]

RBI governor to visit Nagaland tomorrowKohima | November 12, 2005 Webindia

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr Y V Reddy will arrive here tomorrow on a two-day visit to Nagaland. According to official sources Dr Reddy, who is currently visiting the north eastern states, during his visit to the state will hold meetings with banks, regional rural banks, Nabard, state cooperative banks and state government officials at the Zonal council hall on November 14.
Sources said the state will be represented by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Development Commissioner, Agricultural Production Commissioner, Principal Secretary (Home), Principal Secretary (R and D), Finance Commissioner, Secretary (veterinary and animal husbandry) and secretary (cooperation). Dr Reddy will also meet Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and will visit the famous Kohima war cemetery.
The Governor will be accompanied by the RBI Regional Director, Deputy General Manager, Assistant General Manager of RBI northeastern region and executive officee RBIO, Mumbai. UNI AS KK SS1134
Nagaland Govt revamps security measures Kohima | November 12, 2005 IST Webindia

In view of continued violence in the state, Deputy Commissioners DCs and the Superintendents of Police SPs of all the eleven districts of Nagaland have decided to gear up the security measures throughout the state to maintain the law and order. The DCs and SPs of the state, which met here in the two-day quarterly review meeting, which concluded here yesterday, were directed to coordinate and take necessary measures to provide adequate security to the general public during the coming festival season in the state. The measures, included providing necessary security for the travelling passengers and patrolling in the market areas in view of pre-festival market rush, according to official sources here today. The Christian dominated Nagaland is preparing itself for the Christmas next month. The state government is also preparing for the week-long Hornbill festival in Dimapur, one of the biggest tourism festival of the region, from December 1.
Sources said the meeting also reviewed the overall law and order situation in the state and deliberated on the various measures required, Thursday's assassination of former Director General of Police (DGP) Hesso Mao by assailants, and inter-factional clashes. The meeting also viewed that by and large the law and order secenario of the state was satisfactory though there were areas such as Athibung (Peren), Tizit(Mon), Pfutsero (Phek) and Noklak (Tusensag) that continued to be flashpoints of inter factional clashes and other activities. UNI AS BA DH RK1347
Army Eastern Command wants AFSPA reimposition in Greater Imphal Imphal | November 12, 2005 2:41:07 PM IST Webindia

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma has said Armed Forces Special Powers Act should be reimposed in Greater Imphal area to contain rising militancy. Talking to newspersons at the HQ(IGAR) South at Mantripukhri here last night, he rued that the hands of the army were tied with withdrawal of AFSPA,1958, from the Greater Imphal areas last year after the Manorama incident.
General Sharma, who is in Manipur to review the law and order situation, met Governor Dr S S Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh last night. He said the seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal, where the disturbed area act was withdrawn, were witnessing increase in militant activities.
The people of Manipur had been demanding repeal of AFSPA as it enables the army to kill anybody on mere suspicion and the victim's party has no right to move the court. Meanwhile, the General said at the moment there was no proposal to conduct joint operations with the Myanmar army to flush out insurgents from Manipur and other states. Reacting to the threat of NSCN(IM) to withdraw from talks, he said the army has already given its recommendation on the issue to the government. He further said the army has no power to burn contraband items seized from the public but informed that army can keep the weapons seized during operations. Territorial army for Manipur and Nagaland will be established soon. He said the primary aim of the armed forces in a counter insurgency environment is to reduce insurgency to manageable levels, so that the civil administration can function and carry out effective governance. The General will leave Imphal today. UNI NS KK SS1403
Human Rights group demand ‘Operation Tornado’ reports Newmai News Network November 11
Imphal: The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has today asked the Director General of Police, Manipur the detailed reports with regard to the “Operation Tornado” which was carried out by the security forces in the Barak Valley of Jiribam sub division under Imphal East district from midnight October 25.
The state human rights commission has taken up the case after two human rights bodies of the state, Human Rights Alert and Threatened Indigenous People Society had filed a case.
The petitioners of the case said that during the ‘Operation Tornado’ the security forces had violated gross human rights of the villagers in the Barak Valley.
Immediately the second day after the petitioners filed the petition on October-29, the two members of the MHRC, Retd Colonel R.K. Rajendra and Ng. Nongyai visited the spots.
In today’s proceeding, the commission has asked the two members to submit their reports of the spot- visit by November 21.
Meanwhile, the double bench of the Guwahati High Court of Imphal bench has rejected the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for the reactivation of the die and harness scheme of Manipur state.
The bench comprises of Justice SN. Sharma and Justice Pal had rejected the PIL filed by an advocate on Tuesday.
Assam village to mark 'bird suicide' event By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Jatinga (Assam), Nov 12 (IANS) A bizarre phenomenon of flocks of birds plunging to their deaths from the skies in a village in Assam remains a mystery, ever since the 'mass suicide' began a century ago.
Jatinga, a village on a ridge in the North Cachar Hills district, 330 km south of Assam's main city Guwahati in northeastern India, turns into a graveyard for many species of birds for about four months beginning August, puzzling ornithologists.
The birds come crashing to the ground like ghosts from nowhere during the nights, which are usually moonless and foggy, accompanied by wind and drizzle, in the village inhabited by some 2,500 Jaintia tribal people.
'This century-old phenomenon of birds plummeting to the ground during this time of the year still remains a mystery,' said Bikash Brahma, chief wildlife warden of the North Cachar Hills district.
Till recently, large groups of tribal villagers would wait outside their homes during dark nights armed with long bamboo poles, lanterns, or flaming torches in their hands.
'There were occasions when we saw 300 to 400 birds come dashing to the light sources to be hunted down by the waiting villagers,' said Jacob Suchiang, general secretary of the Jatinga Youth Organisation, a wildlife conservation group.
Curiously, most of the birds do not attempt to fly away from the lights. They look dazed, almost traumatised. The villagers lose no time to capture or kill the disoriented birds.
Today, the annual event of hunting the 'dying birds' has decreased with wildlife officials and conservation groups creating awareness among the locals.
'The practice is still on although the number of people involved in killing the birds has come down to almost 40 percent compared to maybe five years ago,' said Aibok Suchiang, a community elder.
In December the Jaintia tribal people, most of them farmers, are holding a two-day centenary celebration to mark the weird event that brought this village to international limelight.
'The celebrations are aimed at creating awareness so that people do not add further woes to the birds, which for some reason go berserk and come crashing down,' Bikash Brahma told IANS.
Legend has it that the Zemi Naga tribal villagers at Jatinga were the first to witness the phenomenon in the late 19th century when disoriented birds in their thousands flocked to a bonfire lit by locals in a field to scare away wild pigs.
The experience frightened the villagers, as they believed the birds were evil spirits swooping down from the sky. Eventually the Zemi Naga tribe deserted Jatinga.
The Jaintias, who moved to Jatinga in 1905, stumbled on the phenomenon while going to the hills at night with flaming torches to round up cattle.
The bamboo torches attracted showers of birds, which the Jaintias regarded as a 'god-sent gift'.
Experts say that up to 50 species of birds get killed, including the Tiger Bittern, Black Bittern, Little Egret, Pond Heron, Indian Pitta and Kingfishers.
'The birds get caught in the fog and get disoriented at their roost by the very high velocity of wind. It is highly probable that the birds come towards the light sources set up by the villagers for refuge and in the process get killed or captured,' said Anwaruddin Choudhury, author of 'The Birds of Assam'.

KYKL claims responsibility Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Nov 11 – Banned Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast on Tuesday at Manipur capital market complex in which two persons were killed and 19 others injured.

In a statement here yesterday, KYKL asked for forgiveness, saying the bomb targeted a particular shop which had refused to pay money to the outfit.

It said the outfit would extend help to those injured and families of those killed in the blast. – PTI

The Naga imbroglio Assam Tribune editorial
T Muivah, Secretary General of the NSCN(IM) has threatened that the cease-fire agreement between the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India effective from August 1, 1997 and extended from time to time till January 31, 2006, may not be extended further unless the Government spells out its decision regarding NSCN(IM)’s demand for creation of Greater Nagaland or Nagalim by integrating the adjoining Naga inhabited areas located in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal under one administrative unit with Nagaland so that Nagas could live as one people under one political roof. The peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) was initiated in 1997 by the then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao and continued by his successors during the last eight years, mostly in foreign capitals and finally converging in Delhi in January 2003, when the Centre lifted the ban imposed on NSCN(IM). The NSCN(IM) leaders– Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and Secretary General Thuingaleng Muivah also visited their homeland recently to a rousing reception accorded to their heroes by the people of Nagaland. Initially the NSCN(IM) leaders were firm in their demand for a sovereign Nagalim, but after protracted negotiations, the NSCN(IM) softened their stand on this issue but remained inflexible on their demand for a Greater Nagalim which became the core issue at the negotiating table. L K Advani, the then Deputy Prime Minister announced in January 2003 that the Government had evolved a formula to solve the Naga issue. However, the details of the formula or the stand of the Government on this core issue have not been disclosed so far. In any case, credit must be given to the Government emissany K Padmanabhaiah, former Union Home Secretary for his tact, skill and perseverance in preventing the peace-talks from derailment during the last eight years.

The origin of Nagalim can be traced back to innumerable tribes scattered over Nagaland and the adjoining areas. Out of 32 tribes forming the Nagas only 16 are in Nagaland, 7 tribes are in Manipur, 3 tribes are in Arunachal Pradesh, two tribes namely Kukis and Dimasas in Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts of Assam and five tribes in the adjoining areas of Myanmar. The Greater Nagalim area as envisaged by the NSCN(IM) would comprise Nagaland, four districts – Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati, Tamenlong of Manipur, Tirap and Changelong districts of Arunachal Pradesh, some areas of Karbi Anglong, NC Hills, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Golaghat districts of Assam. The proposal evoked strong resentment in the concerned States. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi publicly declared that there could not be any compromise on the territorial integrity of Assam. Arunachal Pradesh also voiced its protest. Manipur turned violent. In view of the hostile reaction from the concerned States it would be difficult for the Centre to concede the demand for Nagalim unilaterally. An acceptable and honourable formula to solve the Naga issue remains elusive.

The peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) have encouraged the other insurgent groups such as the Bodo Liberation Front (BLT), the National Democratic Front Bodoland (NDFB) to come to the negotiating table. The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has also made the first move by allowing its representative the People Consultative Group to hold discussion with the Centre in New Delhi last month. The outcome of the peace-talks between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) would have repercussion on the on-going peace talks with different insurgent groups of the North East. To continue the peace-dialogue, environment of peace is essential. The people of North East want peace and end to seneseless violence. Neglect of the NE region by the Centre is the common refrain of the insurgent groups. The Centre has now shown its willingness to come forward and develop the region. In this context, the vision statement of S C Jamir, ex-Chief Minister of Nagaland and presently Governor of Goa, elaborated recently at the silver jubilee celebration of Ao Tribal Council at Mokokchung is significant. He rightly emphasised that the vision before the Naga people should be to achieve economic development by capitalising on its main strength. He urged the Nagas to avail the benefits from the Centre’s Look East policy for over-all socio-economic prosperity of the region. Jamir’s sensible and pragmatic views should be given scrious thought not only by the Nagas but by all the insurgent groups of the North East.
GOC-in-C sings pro-AFSPA tunesBy Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 11 : Singing a tune in favour of the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the State, GOC-in-C of Eastern Command Lt General Arvind Sharma who visited the Manipur today, said that the lifting of the Act from the Municipal areas of Imphal has literally kept the hands of the security personnel tied and added that this has encouraged militants to intensify their acti- vities.
Speaking to reporters today evening at the IG AR South Hqs at Mantripukhri, the Army officer said that ever since AFSPA was lifted from the Municipal areas of Imphal, the militants have intensified their activities in the capital city.
One reason why violence has increased in the 7 Assembly segments of Imphal could be because of the suspension of operation in these areas by the Army and Assam Rifles following the revocation of AFSPA, he reasoned.
Touching on the achievements of the security personnel in curbing the activities of militant groups, the Lt General said that operations were launched in Chandel district in April last year to enable the district administration to conduct polls for the Lok Sabha election. The election was held after the success of the operation, he added.
Churachandpur which was under the control of different militant groups was sanitised after an operation was launched in September last year, said the GOC-in-C and added that by July this year the militants were pushed back and for the first time in many years, the tri-colour was hoisted at Henglep and Singhat on August 15 this year.
The Army and the Assam Rifles also assisted the State Government in opening the highways during the economic blockade launched by ANSAM, recalled the Army officer and added that an operation was launched at Bekra (South of Jiribam), to establish civil control and pro- vide security along NH-53.
Despite the success story detailed, Arvind Sharma admitted that militants have been evading the security force moving from one place to the other. Since AFSPA has been lifted, Imphal area has become a safe haven for the militants.
Answering queries from the media persons, the Lt General said that at the moment there is a cease fire pact between the security force and 7 Kuki armed groups and two Zomi militant groups.
The Indian Government is keeping the doors wide open for any meaningful dialogue with other militant groups, he asserted.
Though there might be some communication gap between the Centre and the State Government, the Army always consults the State before any major policy is adopted, he explained.
Giving his men a clean chit, the Lt General said that there was no question of any human rights violation during the operation at Jiribam recently.
The charges of human rights violations are wrong, he asserted and added that if report of any such violation is received the matter is always referred to the Commander of 3 Corps to probe the allegations.
To another question, the GOC-in-C said that there is no plan as such to launch a joint CI Ops with the Myanmarese Army. However a system of information sharing has been put in place, he added.
On the allegations that the NSCN (IM) has been flouting the ceasefire ground rules and extorting money, the GOC-in-C said that extortion is illegal whether is violates the ceasefire norms or not.
A departmental inquiry has been initiated against the Captain who was accused of forcefully shut- ting down power supply at Yurembam recently, said the Army officer further.
Dignified existence Sangai Express editorial
It has become increasingly clear that in Manipur today, the cheapest commodity is human lives. It is not only a question of the number of unexplained deaths and the grave law and order situation but about people's attitude towards humanity or towards human lives. There is something ethereal when we talk about the human soul and this is precisely because of the deep value we attach to human lives. It does not matter whether one believes in the concept of the soul or the maker or the Almighty, but there is no denying the fact that there is something profound about human lives and it precisely for this very reason why humanity has a whole has been raising its voice against all sort of violence and mayhem. The two World Wars have already taught mankind about the futility of wars and armed conflicts, but yet we still have not learnt any tangible lessons from the catastrophe of such wars. That no man is mortal is the universal truth and maybe it is because death is such a great leveller of mankind that so much importance is attached to the life of a human being. At the other end of the spectrum, we see that despite the fact that no man is mortal, we continue to wage a vain fight against death or when death comes knocking at our doors. Intrinsic in this is the importance of human live. And we talk about the essence and importance of human lives, we cannot view it in separation from the dignity of human lives as understood and known universally. It is this human trait that made someone like Mother Teresa to pick the sick and dying from the streets of Kolkata and care for them not to save them from death, but to let them pass away with the dignity that all humans deserve.
Today we talk about the essence and importance attached to the life of a human being and the dignity attached to a human live because increasingly the people of Manipur seem to have become immune to the need to pay respect to human lives. Like we have said before, it is not only about the statistics of deaths and unknown killings and violence. It is about that unsaid but yet visible aspect that epitomises humanity and what epitomises humanity more than human live itself ? Civilisation is not only about looking back to our glorious past and talking about our rich cultural heritage. It is also not only about well planned roads and buildings and literature or even the method of administration. It runs much deeper than this, for if we are to talk about the structure without the soul, then we may as well say that the ant has been able to establish a much better organised network and division of labour amongst itself than the human. In other words to truly call ourselves living entities fit to be called human beings, we need to do better and demonstrate to the world that we the people of Manipur as a whole respect human lives and believe in the principle of a dignified existence. However this will come to nought if we do not realise that the present climate of instilling fear and not allowing free thoughts to run its course run counter to respecting human lives.
NDFB not going political for 2006 polls NDFB bridges difference with ABSU From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 11: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), for the first time in its 19-year-long struggle to liberate Boroland, sat together for a joint discussion with the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and other frontal Bodo organizations yesterday at Amala Bhavan, Kokrajhar for reviving peace, unity and understanding among the Bodos.
In an interaction with the mediapersons, Gobinda Basumatary alias B Swmkhwr, secretary general of the NDFB, said that the outfit had respect for the ABSU and its ideology. He said the NDFB would support the ABSU in its ideology and principle as the student organization was working for the development of the society.
When asked if the outfit would get involved in the BTC by-polls at Dotma and Banargaon, Basumatary said, "BTC by-polls was not our concern and we will maintain neutral stand on the polls."
Regarding the allegations that the name of NDFB was used in the poll by both factions of the BPPF, Basumatary said that they had not received any such complaint.
Replying to a question, the secretary general said that the outfit had not thought of forming a new political party for the forthcoming State Assembly election. Basumatary also said that supporting the principle and ideology of the ABSU did not mean that the NDFB was supporting Rabiram Narzary and Shankarlal Brahma in the BTC polls, but it wanted removal of misunderstanding from among the Bodo leaders. He did not comment on the function of the BTC administration.
Basumatary further said the NDFB was now preparing data regarding the history, culture and other aspects of the Bodos to place in the talks with the Centre.
President of the ABSU Rwngwra Narzary said the joint discussion of the NDFB, the ABSU, the All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF), ABEF, DUBHA and DBAA was a significant event in the history of the Bodo people. He said that the ABSU would like to bring in cohesion amongst the Bodo people for holding peaceful dialogue with the Government of India for a long term solution of all issues. The ABSU wanted peaceful solution of the NDFB issue within the parameter of the Indian Constitution.
He also said that the ABSU was playing an impartial role in the BTC by-polls and was supporting the official candidates of the BPPF in these polls.
NDFB speaker Sunil Basumatary, Boroland army chief major B Susrangra, finance secretary M Gerema represented the outfit in the meeting, while vice president and general secretary of the ABSU Promod Boro and Gautam Mashahary took part on behalf of the student organization. Besides, president and secretary of the ABWWF Kanan Basumatary, Mithinga Basumatary and presidents of the ABEF, DUBHA and DBAA Dukeswar Brahma, Rajani Swargiary and Rabilachan were also present in the joint meeting.
Imphal, November 12 : General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma has said Armed Forces Special Powers Act should be reimposed in Greater Imphal area to contain rising militancy.
Talking to newspersons at the HQ(IGAR) South at Mantripukhri here last night, he rued that the hands of the army were tied with withdrawal of AFSPA,1958, from the Greater Imphal areas last year after the Manorama incident.

General Sharma, who is in Manipur to review the law and order situation, met Governor Dr S S Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh last night. He said the seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal, where the disturbed area act was withdrawn, were witnessing increase in militant activities.

The people of Manipur had been demanding repeal of AFSPA as it enables the army to kill anybody on mere suspicion and the victim's party has no right to move the court.

Meanwhile, the General said at the moment there was no proposal to conduct joint operations with the Myanmar army to flush out insurgents from Manipur and other states.

Reacting to the threat of NSCN(IM) to withdraw from talks, he said the army has already given its recommendation on the issue to the government. He further said the army has no power to burn contraband items seized from the public but informed that army can keep the weapons seized during operations.

Territorial army for Manipur and Nagaland will be established soon. He said the primary aim of the armed forces in a counter insurgency environment is to reduce insurgency to manageable levels, so that the civil administration can function and carry out effective governance.

The General will leave Imphal today.[UNI]