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11/15/2005: "Naga Hoho appeals to NSCNs"

Naga Hoho appeals to NSCNs The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 14 (MExN): The Naga Hoho has strongly appealed to the NSCN (IM) to immediately release all the seven public leaders of Pfutsero, if they are still in their custody. Concurrently, it has also asked the NSCN (K) to withdraw the summoning letter which was served to Rev L. Shouhie Mhasi and which appeared in a section of the press today.
An appeal signed by Naga Hoho President Horangse Sangtam and General Secretary Neingulo Krome said, “Whatever might have been the reasons and circumstances under which the NSCN (IM) were compelled to take action on some of the community leaders of Pfutsero town, the act of having to “Abduct” our own people were definitely not fair, and any misunderstanding or differences should have been thrashed out without having to resort to such means which cannot in any way help in building bridges.”
The Naga Hoho said that while various “Naga national Organizations” are working under “extreme difficult situation,” it is pained over the insensitive action which was perpetrated on fellow Naga citizens and leaders “which must be corrected in keeping with the larger interest and future of the Naga family.”
NSCN (IM) assures of release Dimapur, Nov 14 (MExN): The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland sub committee on peace today thanked the Convenor of the Cease Fire Monitoring Cell for his assuring to release those who were abducted by the NSCN (IM) at Pfutsero.
The committee also expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for calling a meeting of all 60 elected legislators to deliberate on the present status of the Naga peace process. Further, it urged upon all participants to make sincere efforts towards preparing a common ground for the peace process.
Rio to meet PM, Patil next week New Kerala
Kohima: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, admitting that the law and order was deteriorating in Nagaland, has said he plans to meet the prime minister and the union home minister in Delhi next week to apprise them of the situation.
In an informal chat with mediapersons here yesterday, Mr Rio said he was likely to hold discussion on the ongoing naga peace process and appealed to naga underground groups to strictly adhere to the cease-fire ground rules. The chief minister also expressed concern over the recent violent incidents in the state and said he might take up for discussion the recent statement of NSCN-IM general secretary Th. Muivah to the media threatening New Delhi that it would go back to the jungle if the Centre did not meet their demand.

He, however, said that New Delhi was taking its time to resolve the impasse. At the same time he urged various groups engaged in peace talks to show seriousness for an early solution to the vexed problem. Regretting the claim of NSCN(K) in the killing of former Nagaland DGP Hesso Mao, Mr Rio said the killing was violation of the cease-fire ground rules. He also informed that the state government will meet with the chairman of the cease-fire monitoring group and cease-fire supervisory board, Lt Gen. (Retd) R V Kulkarni towards improving the law and order situation in the state.
Nagas seem not valuing human lives: Imchen- Asian Tribune -
Oken Jeet Sandham - Asian Tribune Kohima, 15 November, (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for School Education Imkong L Imchen expressed serious concern on the recent spurt of violence in the State. Talking to ‘Asian Tribune’ at his office chamber here yesterday, the Minister lamented on the recent killing of former Nagaland Police Chief Hesso Mao and also abduction of the prominent public leaders including a Pastor from the Pfutsero town. He said taking a person’s life was known as the last punishment in the society but regretted that people were harassed or killed on the basis of the their past activities without giving any justification.
Stating that the Nagas appeared to be not valuing human lives, Imchen said so many innocent people lost their lives over the years. “In the process, so many good persons were reluctant to open up their minds for the goodness of their society,” he explained. “And ultimately, the Naga society is the main loser and our dynamism is torn irreparably.”

Calling upon the various Naga underground groups to stop the gun culture, Imchen also appealed to any group not to resort to any kind of unwanted means to settle differences among themselves or with anybody. The Minister also questioned the credibility of the State Intelligence Network, maintaining that in many cases, they fumbled and always remained clueless. He said the Police should be able to differentiate the “political killing and the criminal killing.” “Every killing or crime cannot be taken in the name of political ones,” he declared. Stating that there should be a proper training for those in the Intelligence Network, Imchen observed that they should work out for a long term policy and organize the sharing of confidence for effective functioning of their system. - Asian Tribune –
NSCN (K) for ‘complete freedom’ Morung Express News November 14
DIMAPUR: The NSCN (K) has firmly stated that any solution to the Indo-Naga political issue would remain incomplete without “complete freedom” and made it clear that it would “go to any extend” to achieve this. “Any solution below sovereignty is cheating on the Nagas who have been heartedly supporting the national movement for the last 58 years”, stated Y. Wangtin Konyak Central Council member NSCN (K). It may be mentioned that Wangtin had resigned as Konyak Union General Secretary only recently and had joined the NSCN (K).
Pointing out that the NSCN (K) would never forsake the August 14, 1947 declaration of Naga Independence and the subsequent National Plebiscite held on May 16 1951, Wangtin expressed surprise over what he termed as the Naga peoples blind support for the NSCN (IM) and its ‘hidden agenda’ without properly assessing what the ‘secret draft proposal contains’.
Stating that the Naga people had a bitter experience with piecemeal agreements, the NSCN (K) cautioned against committing another political blunder. The NSCN (K) warned that the Naga issue could not be solved just by integration alone while pointing out that ‘the disease in Naga politics’ could be treated only through sovereignty. “Today Nagas have every right to ask the NSCN (IM) as to why it gave up the sovereignty issue for which it massacred thousands of Nagas including the NNC and its supporters accusing them of being the Shillong Accordists”, Wangtin stated.
The NSCN (K) also questioned the role of the ‘Naga NGOs’ and sought their opinion on the political issue while advising them to avoid ‘the character of yes sir man’. “Your blunder as a leader today may cause not only your personal life but will affect even Naga politics”, it cautioned.
The NSCN (K) in particular came down heavily on what it termed as the rigid stand of those leaders who stood in the way for unity and reconciliation while regretting that though many churches, organization and individuals had worked hard for unification of all Naga national factions, these efforts had gone in vain.
“Even the international peace effort organized by the North American Baptist Fellowship in 1997 at Atlanta (USA) could not heal the wound of Naga political faction due to refusal on the part of Isaac and Th. Muivah to attend the meeting”, the NSCN (K) Central Council member stated.
Wangtin further stated that that the peace and reconciliation meeting of all Naga factions organized by the Naga Hoho and NBCC in August 2003, could not bring any peace due to the killing of the Angami Region Chairman of the NSCN (K), Lt Lawrence by the NSCN (IM) in the midst of the programme. Wangtin also mentioned the rejection by the NSCN (IM) to the NSCN (K) unilateral ceasefire offer made during March 2004.“All such attitude of the NSCN (IM) led by certain self-centred has shown to the Nagas that no peace is possible in our beautiful state which is regrettable”.
While pointing out that ‘enmity between the leaders’ was the factor for ‘all bloodshed’, Wangtin also appealed that killing among the Nagas must be stopped. “Many gifted Naga youths laid down their lives for nothing in the vengeance game of our leaders”. Naga villagers killing migratory bird
NSCN (K) cautions rival faction The Morung Express News Rio, Horangse alleged of tying up with NSCN (IM) Morung Express News November 14
Dimapur: The NSCN (K) today slammed its rival faction accusing the latter of inciting unrest and distrust among the people of ‘free’ Nagaland.
According to a release issued by Ngapan Konyak and Yimto Yim Changer, respective Kilonser and Deputy Kilonser of the outfit, Horangse Sangtam, the Naga Hoho President and Trinimong had instigated the NSCN (IM) to disturb the meeting of the USLB.
“Mr Horangse who is no more the active member of USLB became (the) President of the Naga Hoho which is nothing but a game plan to create confusion among the TMPO.
“But TMPO have displayed solidarity by expulsion of Mr Horangse and Mr Trinimong from the active membership of the USLB for the next five years,” the release said. It further stated that the ‘two frustrated leaders’ had hired TT Among, Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN (IM) to threaten USLB leaders.
The NSCN (K) leaders from the Tuensang-Mon region have also condemned what the Chief Minister reportedly said in a speech at Noklak after assuming power. Rio is said to have threatened the TMPO to join the Naga Hoho.
“Mr Rio also hatched a conspiracy against TMPO and used NSCN (IM) as a tool to destroy the relationship among the people of free Nagaland.”
They also made a plan to destroy the relationship between the Changs and the Konyaks but failed miserably, according to the release.
“The killing of Late Throngse, executive member of the TMPO by NSCN (IM) a few years back is an unforgettable incident and Tuensang Mon National Workers will leave no stone unturned to avenge it no matter how long,” the release said.
Imchen lauds Lions' selfless services Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Nov 14: Nagaland Minister for School Education Imkong L Imchen lauded the selfless service rendered to the needy and marginalized people of the State by the Lion Club, Kohima.
Inaugurating the "Lions Service Center" here today, the Minister said those who were in the Lions Club were the real lovers of the society because they were not for getting but giving theirs for the needy and destitute people. Saluting to those who are in the philanthropic organization, Imchen said, "Your services to the people living in far flung and inaccessible areas of the State will no go unrewarded".

Earlier, the Minister unveiled the "Plaque" of the Lions Service Center and also donated Rs 20,000 to the Lions Club, Kohima.Lion Achumi also gave brief details of the Lions Club, Kohima and their services provided to the people living in various interior places of the State over the years.

A memento was also presented to the Chief Guest by Lion AB Menon. The Lions Members and all invitees also observed one minute silence each for World Peace and late Lion Vispy Minoo, International Secretary India and South East Asia. MLA Takamasa, prominent Lion members from Kohima Lions Club and Dimapur Lions Club were among others who attended the function. (NEPS)
New Naga Govt office on Assam land Naga aggression on, role of Rockybul flayed From our Correspondent Sentinel
MERAPANI, Nov 14: Continuing its aggressive policy the Nagaland government has set up a border development office in Naga Basti village in sector B (Dhanshree subdivision) along the Assam-Nagaland border.
The office was inaugurated by the Nagaland State Industry Minister on August 13. Although the SDO of Dhanshree subdivision has informed higher authorities of the matter, no step in this respect has been taken yet. It is to be mentioned here that there is no border magistrate of Assam in sector B. Meanwhile, the people living along the Assam- Nagaland border have rubbished the assurance of the Minister of State for Home, Rockybul Hussain, to post full fledged border magistrates in all the sectors of the border.
Mariani denizens at receiving end of political feud
Northeast entrepreneurs eye bigger audience at trade fair Indo-Asian News Service New Delhi, November 15, 2005 New Hindustan Times
Kumud Kalita is an expert in cane and bamboo work and his products are a craze in his hometown Barpeta in Assam. Now, he hopes to attract buyers from across India by displaying his wares at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi. Artisans and entrepreneurs from the eight northeastern states are showcasing unique products ranging from bamboo beer mugs to dry flowers at a special display organised at the fair by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi). Kalita also participated in IITF 2004, when he conducted handsome business. "Last year, I had profits of nearly Rs 40,000. So I have brought goods worth more than Rs 75,000 for the fair this year," Kalita said.
Diversified products made from cane and bamboo, bell metal and wood, as well as artefacts, handlooms, cookies, pickles and rice products are on display at the 35 stalls put up by entrepreneurs from the northeast - 19 from Assam, four from Nagaland and two each from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. The NEDFi display was inaugurated Monday by Gauri Chatterjee, secretary of the ministry for development of the northeastern region. NEDFi, established in 1985 as a funding agency for promoting industries and infrastructure, has now diversified its activities to rural development and helps entrepreneurs in showcasing their products at national and international trade fairs. The display at the trade fair was designed by upcoming architect Chinglemba Chingtham from Manipur, who featured a bamboo installation at its entrance.
"The idea of using a bamboo installation at the entry point was to catch the attention of the people," said Chingtham. "The set-up is in such a way that people who come inside have to go through all the stalls before they exit. It is exactly like a crowded Sunday roadside market," Chingtham said. He was in the core team that designed the Indian pavilion at the World Expo in Japan during March-September.
"We are providing daily and travelling allowances, as well as carrying and forwarding charges to the participants," said Gautam Chintui, NEDFi's assistant general manager. A woman entrepreneur from Guwahati in Assam, Mousami Bora-Takoe has put up a stall where various food items are kept, including rice products, pickles, cookies and garden-fresh tea. "My items were a big hit last year for the sizeable Assamese population here as well as from other communities," Takoe said. Samdup Bhutia from Sikkim, whose stall has wooden crafts, said that it was the first time he has participated in the IITF.
"The people have showed interest in the traditional lucky sign items that are on display," Bhutia said. "The total budget for the whole set-up is Rs 3 million, of which nearly Rs.2 million has been spent for booking the bare space," said Manoj Kumar Das, a NEDFi official based in New Delhi.
Kuki blockade called off The Morung Express
Imphal, nov 14 (NNN): The Kuki Students Organization (KSO) proposed 5-day long agitation including economic blockade in all the National Highways leading to Manipur has been called off following the agreement arrived during the meeting between the KSO and the government representatives.
According to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties, the Cabinet Sub-Committee would submit its reports within November 30 and also that the government would place the report of the Cabinet Sub-Committee before the Cabinet for final decision on or before December 16. The KSO was angry over the Upendra Committee Reports constituted to enquire into the earlier killing of three Kuki students in KR Lane in Manipur. The KSO had yesterday called a 5- day long agitation beginning from November 15.
Today’s meeting between the Kuki student leaders and the government representatives began at 5 pm and continued till late evening. Chief minister O. Ibobi Singh, Senior cabinet ministers Th Debendra,Phungzathang Tonsing and Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh represented the government.
NE girls rescued from Mumbai brothels Newmai News Network
Guwahati, Nov 14 : Mumbai police have rescued three girls, hailing from Assam, from two separate brothels in Mumbai and they would be brought back to Guwahati.
Chairman of the Impulse NGO Network Hasina Kharbiah told Newmai News Network that the three girls would arrive in Assam next week. “The process of documentation was on in Mumbai,” she said.
“The Impulse received an e-mail on November 8 last from the Mumbai based NGO Prerana, who had reinstated the three girls in the Navajivan Mahila Vastigruha-a Government protective home in Mumbai a few days after their rescue,” she said and added that the Impulse is carrying out a survey on the family of the three girls.
“The Prerana, an ATSEC (Action Against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children) partner of the Impulse NGO network in Mumbai is on the verge of finalizing the documentation process to hand the girls over to their family in Assam,” Hasina said.
“While one of the girls is from Hailakandi district, the two others were from city itself,” she said and added that they would first brought back to Impulse office in Shillong, from where they would be handed over to their family members.
Meanwhile, Hasina said that Assam had become the highest supplier of girls to the flesh trade market in Mumbai and Delhi and other States in the country and added that Meghalaya stands second in the row in this connection.
The Impulse NGO network had rescued more than 65 northeastern girls from different parts of the country the past two and half years, she said and added that most of these girls were either from Assam or Meghalaya.
On contacted Priety Patkar of the Mumbai based Prerana said that the process of documentation was on to send the girls back to their state and added that they had been coordinating with Impulse in this regard.
KSO calls off agitation after agreement with govt The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 14: The proposed five days agitation by the Kuki Students` Organisation scheduled to commence from tomorrow was called off after an agreement was reached between the representatives the students organisation and the state government this evening. Mention may be made that the Kuki Students` Organization had announced commencement of various forms of agitation under the banner `KSO for justice` with effect from tomorrow. The students group is demanding justice in the issue of killing of three Kuki youths by a team of Imphal east police on October 10 last year at KR Lane, Imphal.

The state government constituted Upendra commission of enquiry was entrusted to find out the facts and circumstances leading to the death of the three Kuki youths. The commission has already submitted its report to the state government. The report was tabled in the last meeting held on November 11, 2005 in which it was decided that the issue be put before a cabinet sub committee to re-look into the matter.

The KSO was planning to launch an economic blockade along the three national highways, nH-39, NH-53 and NH-150, carry out rallies in all district headquarters as well as in Kangpokpi and Moreh, call a statewide bandh, close all government offices of the state government and impose restrictions on the movement of all government vehicles in all parts of Manipur including at the state capital. After the announcement of the five days continous agitation, a meeting was held at the state chief minister`s bungalow this evening starting from 4.30 pm and an understanding reached between the state government and representatives of the KSO after discussing issues relating to the Upendra Commission report constituted to enquire into the killing of the three Kuki students.

After a thorough discussion an agreement was arrived at to submit the reports of the cabinet sub-committee re-looking into the Upendra commission report by November 30. The state government will place the report of the cabinet sub-committee before the cabinet for final decision on or before December 16 this year. Cosequently the KSO agreed to withdraw its proposed agitation which was scheduled to commence from tomorrow. Today`s meeting was attended from the state government side by chief minister O Ibobi Singh, minister for works Th Debendra Singh, minister for IFCD and Hills Phungjathang Tonsing and chief secretary Jarnail Singh. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Binod Kispotta, secretary to chief minister from the state government`s side and from the KSO side by K Khongsai, Richard M Haokip and Nungthang Haokip.
Fresh economic blockade in Manipur from today From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Nov 14 – Land-locked Manipur will be facing five days economic blockade along all the routes that connects the state with the rest of the country beginning from Tuesday. The blockade will continue till November 19.

The blockade will be imposed by the Kuki students in protest against the Manipur Government’s failure to f ulfil their demands. The move of the Kuki Students Organization (KSO) came following government’s indifferent attitude and inaction over the C Upendra Commission report on killing of three Kuki students by police commandoes.
According to a statement of the student body the agitation would be in the form of rally in all district headquarters including the Kangpokpi subdivisional headquarters and Moreh, the border town of the state. Besides, it will also imposed bandh on all government offices and vehicles.
It further warned of more intense form of agitation if justice is not given by November 19.
Interesting co-incidence Sangai Express Editorial
It may have been a co-incidence but the timing of the two developments, one pertaining to the ultimatum laid down by NSCN (IM) strongman Th Muivah and the other pertaining to the Senapati declaration by the UNC, was just too perfect to be dismissed that easily. As reported some days back, Th Muivah went on record and stated during an interview on BBC that if a solution is not found to the Naga political problem within the cease fire period, then there is no point in extending the truce pact. In other words, what Muivah meant was that a solution should be worked out within January 31, 2006 or else the NSCN (IM) cadres will go back to the jungles and resume the bush war against the Indian Government. The other, and this we think has more significance to the people of Manipur, was the Senapati declaration, wherein a decision was taken that no house tax would be paid to the Government of Manipur but to either Delhi or at Kohima. The declaration went further and resolved that henceforth, the Nagas will not share any common platform with the Meiteis. We cannot help but view the Senapati declaration with a deep sense of concern. In one stroke, the demand to integrate all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit has taken on a communal hue. The demand to integrate all Naga inhabited areas is a demand that should be put forward to New Delhi. Likewise the opposition to bring all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit should be addressed to New Delhi and not to the Naga people. As far as we know, this is what the people of Manipur, or rather the Meiteis have been doing ever since the concept of Nagalim began to take shape. Let UNC work towards fulfilling a demand raised by the NSCN (IM) but care should be taken to see that it is not aimed against any other community, especially the Meiteis.
Mr Thuingaleng Muivah is a seasoned man. It was not for nothing that he took up the gun to challenge the Indian Government and it was not for nothing that he spent the prime of his years in the jungles, braving the elements. It must also be credited to him that he has been able to build a strong Naga movement against New Delhi. However the biggest tragedy today is, the battle is no longer against New Delhi but against the people of Manipur or the Meitei community. This is what we find extremely disturbing. The General Secretary of the NSCN (IM) has already laid down the ultimatum to the Indian Government to work out a solution and it will be interesting to see how the cards unfold in the coming days. It is also extremely significant that a number of Naga civil societies, while throwing their weight behind Mr Muivah, have cautioned against any hasty decision. The Naga Mothers' Association has already made it clear that if the cease fire is to be called off by the IM group then it should be endorsed by the Naga people for the simple reason that the cease fire was called for the Nagas and not for the NSCN (IM). We find the observation of the Naga Mothers' Association extremely mature and level headed and we hope this is not lost on the people who matter. Peace always come with a price. The question is whether the Naga people and the NSCN (IM) will be willing to pay the price for permanent peace.
Democracy, corruption and human rights — Navanita Medhi Assam Tribune editorial
“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.” Today, when we talk of democracy, it generally refers to indirect or representative democracy which is more practicable and popular than direct democracy. In indirect democracy, the electorate elects a definite number of people to the legislature and these elected people are obliged to work on behalf of the people, People repose faith on them that they will work for the welfare of the society. It is the honest expectation of the people that their representatives will form a strong and stable government and will provide them an efficient and responsive administration. It is the responsibility of a democratic government to attend to the grievances of the people and take adequate measures for their redressal. As a popular government, it should not ignore the demands of the people. Rather it should try to satisfy them.

Under the Constitution of India democracy has been established in the country and its citizens have every right to enjoy liberty, equality and justice under a democratic government. Rule of law is a cardinal principle of democracy and according to this principle, law is held supreme and the government is bound by the laws of the country. That means under a legitimate and limited government people enjoy their rights and freedoms on equal ground and that will form the basis of a just society.

But the trust in a democratic government gets shattered when one experiences an irresponsible, irresponsive and corrupt government and its officials deviate from their duties. The salaried political as well as permanent executives indulge in corrupt practices. In our country perhaps, there is no government department or agency which is free from corruption. Corruption is a state of demralisation in public service. It means lack of integrity, slipping away from duty and going to get benefit for personal interests. When it becomes systematic and is associated with the exercise of political power, it pervades public institutions and establishes the kind of relationship between the citizens and the State in which the betterment of an individual or group, the illegal appropriation of State fund, the unpunished abuse of authority and collusion in the administration of justice delegitimise the very foundation of rule of law.

The State funds earmarked for various welfare schemes have been misused and as a consequence common people are deprived of the benefits supposed to be achieved from them. A batter qualified candidate is superseded by a less qualified candidate in the recruitment for a job because the latter paid handsomely to the persons in power. One does not get promotion despite merit and senoirity only because he has not paid bribe or failed to maintain a close relation with the political or departmental head. One has to pay speed money to move a file in the office after retirement who has already served the department sincerely for a fixed period. Even to get a small deed done in an office one has to pay money and this has became a normal practice in our offices. Red-tapism, nepotism, bribery, etc are so deeply rooted in our system of administration that it seems impossible to get rid of them. Everyone is affected by this evil practice of corruption by one way or the other.

Being steeped in corruption, the government of the people has no intention to work for the people. Those who hold governmental positions are interested more in their individual benefits than the benefits of the society as a whole. Once they capture power, they of themselves alienated from the people who are actually responsible for their present position, power and prestige. They do not accord any respect for the laws of the country and easily violate them and it will be foolish to expect an accountable and transparent administration under such a government. The evil practice of corruption has an adverse affect upon the enjoyment of the rights of the people. We are living under a democratic government and therefore, are entitled to enjoy certain rights. It is our right that our basic needs are fulfilled. We should have pratection against illegal proctices and exploitation. There should not be discrimination between people on some artificial grounds. Legal protection should be ensured to every citizen. It is our right to get proper service from the government servants and that is also in time. One should definitely get what one deserves legitimately.

But in our country, just the opposite has been taking place. From the top to the bottom, inattentive and irresponsible attitudes on the part of the public servants is very much prevalent. People have not been able to get the basic minimum amenities such as, safe drinking water, power supply, road and communication, housing, food security, etc. Poverty and unemployment have been increasing day by day. Female foeticide, exploitation of women are still going on. Children are languishing under economic exploitation and malnutrition and a large section of them have not been able to reach school. There are many programmes and policies for poverty alleviation, employment generation, child labour eradication, child education, etc in the country. Still, these programmes and policies mostly failed in achieving their objectives because they are not sincerely implemented and money sanctioned for them are misappropriated. Cases are even found when relief funds for distressed people affected by natural calamities are pocketed by the government servants and political leaders.

At the time of elections, political parties make a lot of preomises to the people. Their election manifestoes are full of commitments and assurances. They promise people better condition of life, economic and social security educational opportunities, fair administration, corruption free governance and many others. But in all these years we have seen that the political parties are never committed to keep their promises. They hardly show any concern for keeping their promises to the people after the election is over. They show no obligation for upholding the principles of democracy. Sometimes a question arises whether we are heading for erosion of democratic principles and institutions? Corruption has become a way of life and because of it we cannot expect a good and clean government devoted to the task of public service. Whichever political party comes to power gets itself involved in corruption rather than abolishing it. And this has become an impediment in realising the rights of the people. But a democracy which has not been able to protect the rights, liberty and equality of the people, is just a misnomer. Justice must be available to all under a democratic rule. The electorate has a significant role to play in establishing true democracy. Being the king maker or the ultimate source of power, they should always remain alert and active. They should find out the loopholes and take initiatives for removing them.

Ethnic sensitiveness & aggravated tribal economy of Manipur
By R Yangsorang Koireng Sangai Express
The ethnic insurgencies in the Manipur Hills are now taking a very different turn, and the smaller tribes find it so difficult to cope with the unbearable situations in the hotting up hills. Through selective attrocities, the weaker tribes are cowed into submission. Constant harassment of the smaller tribes by the contrast continues in the selected hill villages. The helpless and defenceless are struggling for survival in the midst of terrors. This is due to the chronic inability of the State Government of Manipur to keep the situation under control.
Kohima is regarded as the Bible Hills, so also Aizawl, almost all hill villages of Manipur are thoroughly evangelized though some hillmen are still animists. The tribal people like the Tangkhuls, the Paites, the Rongmeis, the Thadous, etc. are undeniably highly advanced in certain areas when the ethnic tribal minorities are shivering with fear from tribalism and barbarism. One wonders as to whether the old tribal animism begins seeping back again. To quote one Bertil Lintner, a Swedish writer in his book called Land of Jade, it reads thus: “Although Christian in name and form, the essence of the entire meeting was one of rank superstition and primitivism”. In fact, some tribal Christians still recall old oracles.
Nothing can be called a civilization as long as the minorities are tortured and oppressed all the time without reason. One of the two versions may be chosen: the community that is small but hardworking and sympathetic, and the other community that is bigger in population having civil, millitary and ministerial might but oppressive and too demanding. Who is more civilized? The smaller tribes are the worst hit in the ethnic campaign. The Koirengs, the Kharams and the Mentes (now extinct) were always the victims of the Moirang Kings as retold by O. Bogeshwar in his book of Moirang Nin-gthourol Lambuba-Pt.II.
These brave people wit-hstood all the onslaughts with their triumph and defeats destined only to occupy a unique place in the annals of Manipur. Unfortunately, no civil society worth the name has ever excerted pressure on the millitants and the State Govt to end this hooliganism. It may be observed that some tribal people are now advanced, and they are in the administration of the state. Sons and daughters of tribal richmen, high-paid officers and Ministers are driving motor cars of the latest brand and a good number of them own fine houses in and around Imphal city. On the other hand, tens of thousands of tribal people are living in deplorable conditions with their economy in aggravation which can be ascertained from the tribal villages located at the foot-hills.
As in the past, the hill people are completely tied down to agricultural work when no sufficient arable land is available for cultivation except at some places. Jhoom cultivation has not been carried on in large scale for quite a long time as it is not the answer for sustenance. The educated tribal youth have said good bye to agriculture, seemingly never to revert to fields. It is understood that jhooming has been described as dangerous for the hill soil. It is also realized that frequent cutting of trees and bushes leaves the soil with little fertility. Surely, these are the ills of jhoom cultivation.
Following experiences, the agricultural scientists or experts have known that the nature of the soil is such that a piece of hilly land has to be left out for a number of years to recuperate after harvesting. The cycle of recuperation varies from 5 to 6 years. For this reason, the hill cultivators are always in search of suitable land for cultivation. It is a pity that the State Govt has not been able to assure the hill people of an alternative method of cultivation.
Right now, there is neither enough food for the belly nor enough rice to sell. It is a tough life for the hill people of Manipur in comparison with that of the plain people. This situation leads one to a demoralizing attitude towards life. One may take pride in the fact that most of them are now educated, and some are even highly educated. — To be contd
CPI (ML) for permanent solution to ethnic problem Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 14: The Communist Party of India(Marxist-Leninist) has said that the couple of days of calm in the Karbi Anglong district, though welcome in itself, should not lull anyone into a false sense of complacency on the score that peace has returned in the district.
In a memorandum to the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the party said that after enormous human sufferings and violence inflicted on the Karbi Anglong district of Assam by armed outfits leading to the murder of more than ninety five persons, the absence of any major incident during last couple of days in Karbi Anglong and NC Hills is a positive sign. But one must not undermine the growing tension simmering below the surface that might burst at any moment at the slightest provocation. Apart from symbolic visits by many dignitaries, the government has done precious little to offer assistance and relief to the more than 50,000 displaced persons who are mostly poor peasants. The party decried the delay in the ex-gratia financial assistance, declared by Chief Minister, to the families of those who lost their lives in the carnage. It said that had it not been the effort of opposition parties, including CPI(ML) and various civil liberty and voluntary organizations, the plight of the inmates of relief camps would have been pitiable.
Moreover, government is yet to take any effective steps to address the basic issues which were responsible for the conflict between UPDS and DHD — the two militant outfits with whom government has signed ceasefire agreement —, it said.
The memorandum rued the fact that Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills district had the misfortune of bearing the brunt of three major mass massacres of civil population during last three years due to clashes between these militant outfits. "History reminds us of the situation becoming uncontrolled within a couple of months after every such clash as the concerned authorities never tried to resolve the basic issues behind such clashes", the memorandum signed by former MP Jayanta Rongpi, who is also a member of the CPI (M-L). Going by the history of the three incidents of massacres of civilian population in the twin districts, the party said that generally the situation comes under control after a couple of months without resolution of the main causes of conflict. It keeps alive the possibility of next round of clashes, the party said.
The party said that the two hill districts of Assam have gone through this ‘now familiar’ cycle of conflict between two militant organizations, resulting in mindless killings of innocent civilians, burning of villages people fleeing to the relief camps, formation of so-called peace committees, inefficient and insufficient relief distributions followed by a relative calm, only to be disturbed again by the next round of violence leaving behind trails of immense human sufferings. The CPI (ML) termed the incident as insanity and asked the Centre to act to bring an end to it.
The release also raised several demands to bring peace in the trouble-torn district. The demands are: Disarm the militants who have signed ceasefire agreement and were engaged in dialogue with the government. Government should provide security to the disarmed militants till such time as many require.
The ground rules of ceasefire agreements with militant organizations must be reviewed and amended in the light of repeated breakdown and collapse of such rule during last three years. Only one designated camp should be allowed for one militant organization and on this basis the camp of DHD established at Dhansiri in Karbi Anglong should be abolished. Government must stop the delaying tactics in the name of negotiation and a time-bound political settlement of issues raised by UPDS and DHD should be seriously pursued.
Government should take pro-active steps to bring other militant outfits like KLNLF who are still outside the arena of peace dialogue to the negotiating table. A comprehensive economic package of Rs 500 crore must be sanctioned for complete rehabilitation of all affected people. And to smoothly conduct the immediate relief operations, following policy must be implemented.
lRupees five lakh for the families of those who are killed lRupees one lakh as one time assistance to those whose houses were burnt. Costs of treatment of injured persons must be born totally by the Government.
KAWF memo calls for peace talks From our Correspondent Sentinel
DIPHU, Nov 14: The newly-floated Karbi Anglong Women Forum (KAWF) recently submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Assam through the Deputy Commissioner, Karbi Anglong as a part of its mass demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Diphu. The memo included demands like shifting of the DHD camp from Dhansiri, removal of Assam Minister for Hills Area Development GC Langthasa from cabinet ministership as well as his arrest for his alleged involvement in the Karbi-Dimasa clash.
The memo also demanded holding of peace talks between the Government and the militant organizations like the DHD and the UPDS, institution of a high-level enquiry committee to be chaired by a sitting Judge of the Supreme Court and review of the ceasefire ground rules and their amendments due to repeated violation of the same by the militant organizations under ceasefire agreement with the Government. The KAWF, in its memo, also demanded of the Governor that innocent persons and students arrested by the police in connection with the recent violence be released and that police atrocities be stopped.
The woman organization also demanded of the Government that it provide Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia to those killed, Rs 1 lakh to the injured and provide adequate security and all necessary items for those who have returned to their respective places. The organization also demanded that Sanjay Das be awarded capital punishment for rapping a minor girl, Sabita Kropi, on October 29 at Rongkut. The KAWF demanded early realization of these demands for restoring peace in the trouble-torn district.