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12/26/2005: "Dutch negotiator for talks with Naga rebels"

Dutch negotiator for talks with Naga rebels

Michael C van Walt van Praag, a rights campaigner, was earlier general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation IANS
Dimapur (Nagaland): The government has appointed a Dutch negotiator to help save a fragile eight-year-old ceasefire with a powerful tribal separatist group in Nagaland from breaking down, a rebel leader said on Saturday.

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (Independent Charge) Oscar Fernandes and leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) formally nominated Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator' in Bangkok.

"The talks in Bangkok were almost on the verge of collapse with the government failing to respond positively to our demands," senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang said.

"Praag's intervention helped in saving the peace process from breaking down," Chawang said.

The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 with the ongoing truce expiring on January 31 next year.

The last round of two-day peace talks ended in the Thai capital Bangkok December 17. The Dutch rights campaigner attended a lunch hosted by Fernandes in Bangkok on the last day of the talks where senior NSCN-IM leaders were also present.

"Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in fresh talks next month," Chawang said.

"The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the Indian government, but his impartial role, we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi."

Praag is currently the executive president of a Hague-based non-governmental organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states.

"Praag has been unofficially assisting the two sides (NSCN-IM and New Delhi) in the talks since 2001 and only now his role as a negotiator has been formalised," the rebel leader said. "He had visited Nagaland twice before and he is a friend of both the Naga people and the government."

An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation. The UNPO claims the support of over 100 million people in 52 countries and works for protecting the rights of minorities not represented in global forums.
Now, Centre for mid-January Naga talks BHAVNA VIJ-AURORA NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 22: Keeping the government on tenterhooks, the NSCN(I-M) has refused to extend the six-month ceasefire, whuic will expire on January 31 2006. Even the government’s offer of granting them an autonomous status has failed to break the ice.
The government has convinced NSCN(I-M) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for another round of talks in mid-January to discuss extension of ceasefire. Centre’s emissaries, minister for planning and programme implementation Oscar Fernandes and K Padmanabhiah, had gone to Bangkok for talks last week only to return without assurance of ceasefire extension.
The talks with NSCN(I-M) were stuck over Greater Nagaland or Nagalim and granting of limited sovereignty. The emissaries tried to convince them that neither the Prime Minister nor the Centre could accept their present demand. Things must be within Constitutional framework, said a senior official.
Subsequently, they were asked to consider the autonomous status under Article 244A. The rebel leaders, however, did not relent and were insistent on their demand for the unification of all Naga inhabited areas, many of which were in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
‘‘Even the suggestion of unifying the areas is enough to create unrest in the neighbouring states. The Centre cannot take any chances and is therefore, treading cautiously,’’ the official added.
Moreover, there can also be no give on NSCN(I-M)’s demand for limited sovereignty, whereby they are insisting on a special federal arrangement in which the Nagas will have to be recognized as an independent entity.
‘‘This is not acceptable, specially since NSCN is not even willing to consider an autonomous system under which defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications will be New Delhi’s responsibility, while other subjects will be under the state’s jurisdiction. The Centre’s emissaries would be flying out again on January 13 for another round of talks in a bid to convince them.
‘‘Even they are under pressure to create unrest and force a migration of the local population,’’ sources in the government added.

Governor urges for peace in Nagaland
Kohima | December 25, 2005 3:38:55 PM IST Webindia

Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today said here today Christmas celebration will bring peace, fellowship and understanding among the Naga people.
Speaking at the Christmas celebration of Kohima this morning, Mr Datta said, celebration reminds us of our individual and collective responsibilities.
The function was led by Vevo Phesao. Nagaland Agriculture Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu, Deputy Chairman of the state planning board Deo Nukhu, former Nagaland Speaker Z Lohe and Inspector General of Assam Rifles Major General S S Kumar were present at the ocassion.
Rio urges reconciliation for settlement of Naga issue
Kohima | December 25, 2005 3:38:53 PM IST Webindia

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that for peaceful settlement of the Naga political problem forgiveness, reconciliation and unity amongst the Nagas is essential.
In an All India Radio broadcast on Christmas eve yesterday evening, Rio expressed hope that this Christmas will bring out the best in all and bind the citizens closer together.
"Let us try to make this Christmas season a time of loving and giving," he said.
He wished all a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Datta, Jamir greets people on Christmas
Kohima | December 24, 2005 11:38:58 AM IST Webindia

Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Christmas.
In his message, Mr Datta called upon the people to understand and appreciate the essence of the celebration better.
He expressed hope that the celebration would give people the courage to stand up against all that undermines human dignity.
''May the Lord guide us to greater wisdom and make our lives one of peace and goodness'', he said, and also wished all the people of Nagaland a happy New Year.
Former Chief Minister S C Jamir, in his message called upon all to let Christmas-2005 be a time for reconciliation between broken families, warring factions and groups, conflicting nations and the people.
Dutch negotiator for talks with Naga rebels Web posted at: 12/25/2005 0:46:29Source ::: IANS
Dimapur: The Indian government has appointed a Dutch negotiator to help save a fragile eight-year-old ceasefire with a powerful tribal separatist group in Nagaland from breaking down, a rebel leader said yesterday.
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes and leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) formally nominated Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator' in Bangkok last week.
"The talks in Bangkok were almost on the verge of collapse with the Indian government failing to respond positively to our demands," senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang said.
"Praag's intervention helped in saving the peace process from breaking down," Chawang said.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 with the ongoing truce expiring on January 31 next year.
The Dutch rights campaigner attended a lunch hosted by Fernandes in Bangkok on the last day of the talks where senior NSCN-IM leaders were also present.
Nagas consolidate demand for a unified Naga political set up
KOHIMA, DEC 23 (PTI) Outlook India
The demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities in appointmetts in public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.
The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN(I-M) leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
The NSCN (I-M) leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.
Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ang opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.
At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN(I-M) threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.
Reports of intermittent armed clashes among rival underground groups, killing, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year vitiating the comparative peace for which the naga people have been yearning for years.
The year also witnessed a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang arising out of prolonged land ownership disputes. The rivalry reared its ugly heads in April after rival underground groups were involved in the dispute. But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.
The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K Therie for his alleged anti-party activity. On the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs 365 crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.
After pressure mounted by students bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which unearthed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department. Many senior government officials were arrested in this connection.

'More time should be given to peace talks': Naga Hoho Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Dec 24: The Naga Hoho, the apex Naga organisation, on Friday observed that more time should be given to the ongoing Naga peace process...

The Hoho statement comes at a time when tension is brewing as a result of apprehensions of a breakdown of the ongoing ceasefire and the ongoing peace process.

Naga Hoho vice president, Keviletuo Kiewhuo maintained that the present ceasefire itself is a part of ongoing talks and insisted that as long as dialogue is on, ceasefire should continue."Whether we like it or not, ceasefire has to continue, without which the resumption of talks is not possible. If conflict continues it will not serve the interest of Naga and India. Ceasefire must continue," Keviletuo asserted.The Hoho leader also opined, "with new things coming up at every round of talks we should watch and see".

Echoing similar views, NBCC's Peace Affairs Director, Rev. Kari Lonchar also insisted that the present ceasefire should continue till a honourable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict is brought about.Stating that the Church is for peace, Rev. Longchar construed that if ceasefire is abrogated and the negotiation stops a dark phase will return again like the old days, which would be quite unfortunate for both the Nagas and Indians.Longchar also asserted that military action can never solve the problem. "Instead, the government of India should involve their best politicians and leaders in the talks so as to bring permanent solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga conflict."What they are doing is right, but we have taken so much time without bringing any solution", Kari lamented.

Asserting that reconciliation is a continuing process, the Church leader stated, "Everyday is a reconciliation".

"The Church is praying for all the freedom fighters to desist from continuous factional feuds", he said, adding while the Church stands for reconciliation, nothing could be done so far as some people are still not willing to accept the reconciliation process. However, the church may plan something new in the coming years to make the reconciliation work, he added. (NNN)

Clarion call for unity, peace on Christmas eve Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23: Wishing the people in general and the Nagas in particular to enjoy Christmas with peace of mind and a better New Year with full of joy, Naga National Party (NNP) has called upon all the Naga factions and people reconcile and stand unitedly for a peaceful settlement of the vexed Naga issue.

In a statement, party president Ng Hungyo said Nagas as one people have fought for the same cause unitedly under one banner.

That was the time of unity.

But these days, different factions, such as NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and NNC/FGN are trying to prove their existence and dominate over one another, he said, adding that to the Naga people, all these groups are precious assets in their own levels.

But it has been too long fighting among our own assets and now is high time for all to forgive and forget the past and reconcile as members of one family, Hungyo said, adding that Naga people want peaceful settlement of the Nagas's struggle once and for all.

Taking advantage of Christmas and New Year season, NPP further appealed to all concerned to open their hearts and let the Prince of Peace Come in and rule their hearts and stop blaming each other and intimating the people.

ZU greets: Zelaingrong Union (ZU), Assam, Manipur and Nagaland extended its greetings to the people for Christmas and New Year.

Christmas has come heralding the joys and blessing on the birthday of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace and saviour of mankind, ZU general secretary P Hemthui said in a statement while hoping that the celebration would bring peace on earth and reconciliation among all the people irrespective of their caste, creed and colour.

With the coming of a New Year, ZU further appealed to the people to march forward and make the State a peaceful zone by keeping aside all personal grudges and ill will.

ANTA appeals: Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA) while wishing the people a merry Christmas and a happy new year has appealed to the Electricity Department for ensuring regular power supply during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
NNP appeals to 'forgive and forget'
Kohima | December 24, 2005 1:41:31 PM IST Webindia

Naga National Party (NNP) today made a fervent appeal to all Naga factions and people to ''forgive and forget the past mistakes and reconcile as members of one family for a peaceful settlement of the Naga political problem''.
In a release here, NNP president NG Hungyo and vice-president Th Rapei said the Nagas had stood as one for all causes under one banner in the past.
But, at present, different factions, such as NSCN-IM, NSCN(K), Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), were trying to prove their existence and dominance over one another, which was not in the best interests of the Nagas, the release added.
The NNP called upon all Nagas to be united ''spiritually and struggle unitedly for unification of all Nagas and their land''.
It also greeted the people on the occasion of Christmas and wished all a happy New Year.
Naga issue, scams dominate 2005 Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Dec 23: The demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining momentum amidst hopes of an early settlement of the vexed Naga conflict and unearthing of major irregularities...

in appointments in public service commission and school education department were major high points in Nagaland during the year gone by.

The year 2005 began on an optimistic note when the Naga peace process got a major boost with the arrival of top NSCN (I-M) leaders in Delhi and holding of discussions with Indian leaders to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.

The NSCN (I-M) leaders were also engaged in consultative meetings with representatives of various Naga groups during their stay in Nagaland and declared no solution could be found without integrating Naga-inhabited areas of the region in a single administrative unit.

Following the declaration, various Naga NGOs and churches spearheaded the campaign for Naga integration and rallies were organized in Naga-inhabited areas across Nagaland and Manipur. Both ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and opposition Congress expressed solidarity with the Naga integration rally organized by apex tribal council Naga Hoho at Kohima.

At the end of the year, the peace process appeared little uncertain when NSCN (I-M) threatened to back out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire which expires in January. But representatives of Government of India and the underground outfit held negotiations in Bangkok and decided to hold another round of talks next month.

Reports of intermittent armed clashes among rival underground groups, killing, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year vitiating the comparative peace for which the Naga people have been yearning for years.

The year also witnessed a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang arising out of prolonged land ownership disputes. The rivalry reared its ugly heads in April after rival underground groups were involved in the dispute.

But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.

The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K Therie for his alleged anti-party activity. On the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs 365 crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.

After pressure mounted by students bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which unearthed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department. Many senior government officials were arrested in this connection. (PTI)

Dutch negotiator asked to retrieve Centre-NSCN cease-fire deal Ani Yahoo
Guwahati, Dec 24: A Dutch negotiator has reportedly been asked to use his expertise to save an eight-year-old ceasefire between the Indian Government and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), a rebel leader said on Saturday. Union Cabinet Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Oscar Fernandes and a leader of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) formally nominated Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands to mediate between the two sides last week in Bangkok.
"The talks in Bangkok were almost on the verge of collapse with the government failing to respond positively to our demands," said senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang.
"Praag's intervention helped in saving the peace process from breaking down," Chawang said informed by telephone from Nagaland's commercial hub of Dimapur. Praag is the head of a Hague-based organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997, but the truce expires on January 31. The last round of two-day peace talks ended in Bangkok on December 17.
"Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in fresh talks next month," Chawang said.
"The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the government, but his impartial role we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi. Michael has been unofficially assisting the two sides in the talks since 2001 and only now his role as a negotiator has been formalised," the rebel leader said. An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier the general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation. (ANI)
NSCN (K) ridicules Muivah’s proposal to involve third party North East Press Service
Kohima, Dec 18: The NSCN (K) has today ridiculed the NSCN (IM)’s proposal to involve third party mediation to their ongoing fragile political negotiation with the Government of India.
Talking to NEPS over phone from somewhere Mon district this evening, NSCN (K) Finance Kilonser (Minister) Kughalu Mulatonu said NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah’s proposal to involve a third party to mediate their moribund talks with the Government would not fructify. “No country will be interested to involve in the process that is associated with the NSCN (IM) because of latter’s terrorist background,” the NSCN (K) leader alleged, cautioning, “Any extension of New Delhi’s truce with the NSCN (IM) will also send wrong signal to the United Nations.”
Sources disclosed that a Dutch NGO involved in conflict resolution in east Timor and Tibet is likely to make specific but informal proposals on how to move the peace process forward. Mulatonu also questioned the United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur for its camping in New Delhi and speaking for the Naga cause. “This NGO (UNC) has problems with their Government in Manipur and has nothing to do with New Delhi as far as Naga political issue is concerned,” he further pointed out.
X-mas fever grips Nagaland Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Dec 24 – In true Naga spirit and style, a festive mood and merry making encompassing hills and valleys once again gripped Nagaland during the past couple of days ahead of Christmas, the biggest festival in this Christian-dominated state.

An aura of festivity prevailed everywhere with illuminations on private residences, public buildings, business establishments and churches and merry makings and evening musical concerts.

The official holidays began from today facilitating the people to celebrate joyous Christmas and new year with student and relatives arriving here from other parts of the country.

Every morning buses and taxis at this capital town thronged with passenmers leaving for respective villages while the citizens here were seen busy for Christmas shopping.

Residences of ministers and senior government officials literally turned into places of merry making every evening for the past few days as every one wanted to throw a perfect pre-Christmas party among friends, relatives and well wishers.

Addressing the government officials at a pre-Christmas celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat last week, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urged the employees to rejuvenate themselves during the holidays to work for welfare of the people in the new year. Meanwhile singing of choirs at different residential colonies and rehersals of carols at churches rent the air here. – PTI

Bodo Front calls for Assam shutdown on Monday Ani Yahoo
Guwahati, Dec 24 (ANI): The Bodo Peoples' Progessive Front (BPPF) has called for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown across Assam on December 26 (Monday), in protest against the killing of three student activists by the Haryana Police on Friday.
Tension prevails in the state's Kokrajhar district after three tribal Bodo youths were killed by the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) of Haryana Police (HP) at Salakati railway station.
The incident took place after the personnel travelling in the Brahmaputra Mail reportedly misbehaved with some girls inside a reserved compartment at the Kokrajhar station, and later a mob gathered to stop the train at Salakh in protest against the incident.
A Haryana policeman was also killed in the mob violence thereafter. Condemning the incident, different political organizations have demanded immediate action against the culprits.
Sporadic incidents of demonstrations and violence effected normal life in the district today and railway police and other forces have been deployed.
Police resorted to spreading tear gas shells and firing blank shots in the air last evening to disperse a violent mob at Kokrajhar town even as protesters continued shouting slogans against the authorities in different places.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has deputed Health Minister Bhumidhar Barman to the affected area to take stock of the situation.
Dr Barman is likely to submit a detailed report on the incident. The magisterial enquiry has been ordered in to the incident. (ANI)
AR rule on plebiscite By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 24 : The Assam Rifles has notified that future sessions on any programmes related to plebis- cite floated by the banned UNLF should be organised after due consent and permission from the Assam Rifles authorities.
The matter came to light when one such session was underway at Kumbi Talkies located in Kumbi Bazar today wherein a team of the Assam Rifles arrived and insisted that such programmes be conducted with prior approval of AR authorities.
Despite the AR men demanding details on why the session is being organised the same was allowed to proceed after the organisers informed the uniformed personnel that authority concerned had given permission. The programme was jointly organised by Kumbi Kendra Women Welfare Association, Kumbi Apunba Nupi Lup, SAYA, Ithai-Khunou Development Organi-sation, Nongmakhong Development Committee and United Club Assn cum Library (Saiton). National Teacher Awardee Moirangthem Mangi, principal of Sanatombi Oriental English High School Nongmaithem Mani and Principal (retired) of Kumbi College W Raghumani graced the session as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively while journalist Y Rupachandra, advocate Y Ratan and UPF advisor Th Mangi addressed the gathering as resource persons. presenting their own version on the session subject, the resource persons were however unanimous on need to find an amicable end to the Manipur-Govt of India impasse; time is ripe enough to hold plebiscite; and that peace could be restored thro-ugh plebiscite. The session also resolved on necessity to hold the plebiscite under the supervision of United Nations as such a measure would ensure that the people of Manipur could exercise their will without fear or intimidation. Slogans were raised demanding UN supervision on the plebiscite issue and on true interpretation and practice of democratic principle in Manipur among others connected to the programme theme.
Politicians and corruption Esitorial Sangai Express
The recommendations given by the Bansal Committee that the ten MPs who were caught accepting money to ask certain questions in Parliament be expelled is a clear indication of the immediate need to check corruption at the highest level. The BJP, especially Mr VK Malhotra may raise a voice of dissent against the recommendations of the Bansal Committee, but the underlining message behind the stand of the Committee is not lost on us. Corruption is something which has become synonymous with Indian politics and perhaps nothing illustrates this better than the representatives of the people accepting money to ask certain questions on the floor of Parliament. The acts of the MPs amount to taking the country for a ride and perhaps it is time that the Centre thought along the line of working out certain legislations to check corruption by Parliamentarians and MLAs. If political leaders who are elected by the people to represent them in the August House do not think twice about misusing their position to earn extra money, then we call well imagine the situation in the overall Governmental establishment. The perfect recipe for a disaster is for the elected representatives of the people to lead the way in corruption which can then be followed by the Babudom and this seems to have been the accepted practice in India since 1947. This time ten MPs were caught on camera accepting money, but we wonder how many other MPs or for that matter MLAs must be there who have been guilty of similar charges. Think it over. If some MLAs in all the States of the Indian Union were to follow the examples of the ten MPs caught on camera, then what would be the fate of the Nation as a whole and the respective States ?
The task at hand is mammoth and what is needed is not only a Herculean effort to cleanse the rot, but also a sincere look at the system that passes off in India as administration or governance. Today it is MPs caught accepting money to raise questions in Parliament, tomorrow it may be anything. The urgency of the matter should not be lost on the people who matter and the time is not to argue about what should happen to the ten MPs but how to cleanse the system. Perhaps a stringent law ought to be passed against accepting or demanding bribes. If a suspect can be killed in places where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force, then surely some tough Acts may be legislated to keep the political leaders under check and to punish them if they are found guilty of accepting or demanding bribes. For too long, the Nehru topi clad political class of the country have been taking the people for a ride that the time has come for tough laws to be enacted to rein them in. Corruption is infectious and it can spread as can be seen in the Indian context. Right from the policy framers of the country down to the lowest ranked Government employees, the Government machinery has become synonymous with corruption and it is a pity that the Centre has not thought of anything concrete to check corruption in high office. The land which gave the Mahatma to the world certainly deserve to conduct itself better in the eyes of the international community.

Arrested ULFA cadre spills beans Our Correspondent Sentinel
JORHAT: Vital information has been obtained by the Jorhat police about the latest activities of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom in Jorhat and its adjoining districts in the wake of the arrest of hardcore militant Dilen Gogoi alias Durlav Bora from Kamarmati village in the Neamati area on Thursday night. Gogoi, a resident of Dhemaji district, is a member of the dreaded ‘28 battalion’ of the ULFA and had been to Myanmar in 2002 for training, police sources said. He returned to the State last year and had been involved in a number of subversive activities, the sources added.
Gogoi, who is being interrogated by the Special Branch, is reported to have revealed the existence of an ULFA training camp in Charaideo subdivision in Sivasagar district and provided details about the number of ultras undergoing training there. The most sensational disclosure made by the ULFA cadre in custody had been about his involvement in the broad day light murder of Congressman and president of North-west Jorhat Anchalik Panchayat Amrit Dutta in his Dhekorgorah office on May 26 last, the police sources said. The police is also believed to have extracted information about the other militants involved in the gruesome murder. Meanwhile, one Lengera Kalita who has been accused of giving shelter to Gogoi and the three others who were picked up yesterday following the recovery of two timer devices and other explosives in Gharphalia village under Puliber police station are also being interrogated by the police here. Cheniram Kalita, from whose courtyard about 105 kg of TNT and three wire, coils were recovered during the search yesterday, is absconding.
Gogoi to move PM now Demand for CBI probe into KA violence By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Dec 24: Assam Cabinet has taken a slew of decisions ranging from demand for CBI probe into Karbi Anglong violence to VAT and sales tax concession to industries in the State.
Talking to newsmen today, Assam Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi would move Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh soon and demand CBI probe into the Karbi Anglong violence. It may be mentioned here that Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had recently turned down the demand for CBI probe into Karbi Anglong violence. Patil said that the inquiry into Karbi Anglong violence conducted by the State Government was enough to unearth the truth.
On payment of ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for those killed in the hill district in the recent blood bath, Sarma said that the Cabinet decided to simplify the procedures for release of funds. "As usual, such funds are released after the receipt of post-mortem and police verification reports ," Sarma said, and added: "In case of Karbi Anglong riot victims, only DC’s reports will be treated as the document for the payment of ex gratia." As per Government records, 95 civilians were killed in the hill district in the recent violence.
He further said that the Assam Right to Information Act was being changed in accordance with the Central RI Act. "The Information Commission will be constituted by January and a Chief Information Commissioner and two commissioners will appointed to man it," he added.
The Cabinet has also decided to adopt a cultural policy in the State so as to protect and preserve the Xatra and indigenous culture of Assam.
On Government jobs, the Cabinet decided to relax the upper age limit up to 37 years from 36 years, he said, and added that the Cabinet also decided to ask the private companies and the Government departments to submit employment reports to the Government on March 31 every year so that the employment registers could be updated.
On the gas cracker project, the he said that the State Government would have 10 per cent equity which would be adjusted with the cost of the land provided by it and the royalty it would get.
On the three medical colleges at Barpeta, Jorhat and Tezpur, he said that a decision was taken to hand over all the assets of the three civil hospitals at Barpeta, Jorhat and Tezpur to the respective medical college societies each of which would get Rs 5 crore for upgrading the hospitals into colleges.
In yet another decision, the Government allowed its officials to hire private lawyers for contempt of court cases, and fixed the highest amount which would be paid to any private lawyer as fees at Rs 10,000. For industrial development in the State, the Cabinet decided to continue VAT and sales tax concessions for industries to be set up in the State till 2007.