[Previous entry: "NSCN (IM) denies setting up Lineof Actual Control inside Assam"] [Next entry: "Naga people ask India to quit without delay’"]

01/01/2006: "Phizo targets NSCN truce"

Phizo targets NSCN truce NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
Kohima, Dec. 31: With just days to go before the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and the Centre sit down to finalise the extension of their ceasefire, the Naga National Council (NNC) has said the ceasefire has no political relevance for Nagaland’s conflict.
NNC president Adinno Phizo, in a New Year’s message from her base in London, wrote that the current “so-called administrative ceasefire between the Indian army and the Indian financed ‘NSCN-IM’, mostly drawn from outside Nagaland, has no political relevance to the conflict in Nagaland”.
Phizo said in 1964, the Centre and “the Federal Government of Nagaland” had reached an “international ceasefire agreement binding on both nations”.
In contrast, the NNC president claimed, the current ceasefire holds no water.
She added that until the “façade” of the peace process between the “Indian financed outfit” and the Centre is removed, the real dialogue “between the two bonafide nations in conflict cannot begin”.
The rebel leader is the daughter of the legendary A.Z. Phizo.
She has not visited Nagaland in decades. NNC leaders say the time is not ripe for her to return home.
In another development, the NSCN (I-M) has declared January 8 the first “national prayer day” of 2006. In a communiqué from the Council of Nagalim Churches, the NSCN (I-M) asked all units of the outfit to pray and, if possible, fast on the day.
All NSCN (I-M) members have been asked to be at its headquarters at Hebron along with their wives and children to attend the prayer service that day.

Integration, Scams dominated Nagaland in 2005
Kohima | December 31, 2005 Webindia

Demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining impetus, steps towards early settlement of the Naga conflict and the appointments scam in the Nagaland Public Service Commission and School Education Department made news in Nagaland during the year 2005.
The powerful National Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM) leaders, Im Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah, celebrated the New Year Day of 2005 at camp Hebron, in Mangalmukh, Dimapur district, after embarking on a rare visit to the state on December 14 last year. The two had spent a hectic fortnight holding consultations with a cross-section of Naga society on the possible Naga political set-up.
The duo left for New Delhi for further talks on January 29.
Integration of all Naga inhabited areas of the region was another core issue, with various organisations launching bandhs, rallies and other agitational programmes to press for it. The All Naga Students' Association of Manipur (ANSAM) imposed an Economic Blockade on NH-39 to pressurise Manipur government over the issue while rallies were held in Kohima and Dimapur as well.
Media, in a nascent stage in the insurgency-hit state, gained strength during the year by coming out with its first major expose -- the irregularities in the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), compelling the state government to order probe by the Vigilance Commission. The state government however, turned down the NSF demand for a CBI inquiry. A reporter of ''Nagaland Post'' was awarded for investigative reporting for the first time in the state.
The expose resulted in cancellation of appointments of at least 266 teachers for being bogus or influenced by nepotism.
Bomb blast condemned
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 30: Terming it as an irresponsible act, the Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) has strongly condemned the bomb blast of December 29 at Ngariyan.

A statement issued by the Union demanded clarification from those responsible for the tragic incident.

In connection with the blast, a memorandum has been submitted to the Chief Minister during a meeting with the delegates of ZU, ZYF, AZSU, ZSUM and Rongmei Women Organisation and Kabui Mothers Association for immediate inquiry and payment of ex-gratia to the families of the victims, the statement added.

In a similar vein, the Zeliangrong Women's Society, Manipur Valley while urging the State Govt to extend all possible help to the families of the victims, condemned the tragic incident in a statement.

It further appealed to all concerned including underground outfits and security forces not to plant explosives in public places.

A joint meeting of youth club, women society, village authorities, Khunbu and Khullakpas has strongly condemned the yesterday morning’s bomb blast near Ngarian community hall which left three children wounded, one of whom identified as Khamlungpou succumbed to the injuries at RIMS hospital today.

A joint meeting was held today and strongly condemned and denounced the act of planting the bomb near the community hall of the village as a challenge and an attempt to kill the villagers, informed general secretary of Raengzaeng (Ngarian) Youth Club L Lungthuingam and Khun-bu of Ngarian Village Administration (Thoupei) L Longachung in a joint statement.

Demanding to know the reason behind the attack and the grievances being harbored against the villagers by the unidentified persons who have planted the bomb, the meeting also strongly refuted that the news reports that the bomb exploded when the children played with it, the statement said.

The bomb was already fitted and happened to touch by the children while going out to play, the statement added.

The joint statement further appealed to all concerned to ensure such violent incident do not take place in and around the village in future.
GOC Eastern Command visits Nagaland New Kerala
Kohima: Lt. Gen. Arvind Sharma, GOC-in-C, Eastern command has paid a two-day visit to Nagaland.

Defence sources said here today Lt.Gen. Sharma, who arrived at Dimapur on last Tuesday, came here by helicopter.

He was received by Maj. Gen.S.S.Kumar, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) at the helipad, who briefed Gen. Sharma on the prevailing situation of the state.

Gen.Sharma also called on Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta on Tuesday and visited Tuensang districts, where he was briefed by the commandants of the Assam Rifles posted in the districts.

He left for Kolkata yesterday, sources said.
Plan to make HIV tests mandatory for soldiers serving in N-East
(IANS) 1 January 2006
NEW DELHI — Indian’s armed forces plan to make HIV tests mandatory for all personnel serving in the northeast as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in the three services, particularly the army.
A proposal to test all soldiers going to the insurgency-affected northeast as well as those returning from the region is awaiting clearance from the government, said Vice Admiral V.K. Singh, director general of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
The AFMS is also awaiting approval for a proposal to create a DNA database of all armed forces personnel and to introduce mandatory HIV tests for all new recruits to the army, navy and air force.
Singh told a news conference here yesterday that all ‘full blown cases of Aids’ in the armed forces would be removed from service even though they would continue to get medical treatment and pension benefits. According to a reliable estimate, some 100 soldiers have been ‘boarded out’ or removed from service after developing ‘full blown Aids’ in the past two years. Currently, all personnel sent to join UN peacekeeping missions are tested for HIV. India is one of the largest contributors of military troops and policemen for UN peacekeeping missions.
Manipur and Nagaland, two states in the northeast that are home to large Indian Army contingents, have been hit hard by the HIV virus. There are reports of soldiers serving in these states being affected by the virus. The proposal to test all soldiers being sent to the northeast, as well as those returning from the region, has already been cleared by the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Referring to the proposal to introduce mandatory HIV tests for all new recruits, Singh said: “This is awaiting government clearance.”
Singh said the proposal to create DNA profiles of armed forces personnel, once cleared by the government, would be implemented by three special centres set up across the country.
Other officials indicated that this database would facilitate the identification of soldiers killed in bomb attacks in insurgency-affected areas like the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir. According to official figures, 0.028 per cent of personnel of the three services have been infected by HIV. The strength of the army alone is 1.2 million.
Singh also said a final decision on the controversial issue of whether army nurses would be stripped of their uniforms would be taken by a committee set up by the army chief. “The committee will make a decision in keeping with the Supreme Court order in this matter,” he said. “Its decision will be final and no retaliation will be tolerated.” The army nurses have been up in arms over reports about a move to strip them of their uniforms and military ranks.
NSCN (K) - Ao Senden impasse a ‘national’ issue Ao Senden to take decision soon The Morung Express News December 30
DIMAPUR: Taking the August 2003 Mokokchung incident to a more pronounced level the NSCN (K) has termed the impasse with the Ao Senden as a national issue and not a tribal issue and reiterated its stand on a peaceful settlement of the issue.
Kughalo Mulatonu, Finance Kilonser, NSCN (K) as well as member of the instituted Peace Committee for the Mokokchung issue, while reiterating it’s stance for peaceful resolution termed the impasse as a National issue and cautioned that “one-sided peace” would not be feasible implying that the Ao Senden should reciprocate in the same manner.
“One-sided peace is incomplete. It is not a tribal issue but a national issue” he said and reminded that the response of the organization would depend on the outcome of the Senden’s ‘chosen’ stand. “It’s their choice. The NSCN-K will react according to their perception and demand” Mulatonu said.
The faction’s Education Kilonser B Ngampan Konyak also cautioned that whatever consequences there might arise would all depend on the decision of the Ao Senden. “They (the Ao Senden) are playing games with other conspirators but we will react accordingly and they would be responsible for any eventual consequences” the Kilonser said over telephone today.
Meanwhile the Ao Senden will be responding to the NSCN (K) as well as decide whether it would withdraw the August 29, 2003 Resolutions adopted against the faction which was in response to the situation arising out of the August 2003 Mokokchung incident.
However, the decision will be taken only after convening an executive sitting with all the major units encompassing the Ao community. A final decision was slated to be taken during its General Conference but could not be reached due to the absence of many of the units’ representatives, it was informed.
Caretaker Ao Senden President Bendang Jamir informed that a decision to resolve the issue at the conference could not be made as earlier envisaged due to inadequate quorum of its august sitting.
“We have decided to take decision only in the next meeting whether to withdraw the Senden resolution against the NSCN (K) since all the members were not present” Jamir said while refusing to comment any further on the issue.
He also informed that a new team of Ao Senden office bearers have been nominated. The new Ao Senden President, Temjen, Principal of Mokokchung law College was not available for comment.
Nagas Just stand on freedom is unstoppable: Adinno The Morung Express News December 30 “Naga people ask India to quit Nagaland without delay”
– Adinno Phizo
DIMAPUR: Pointing out that the Nagas just stand on freedom was unstoppable, NNC President Adinno Phizo has reminded that no one should forget the many thousands Naga patriots who laid down their lives resisting Indian aggression.
“However long it takes, nothing can make the Nagas despair because we love our country and the Nagas Just stand on freedom is unstoppable”, Adinno stated in her New Year message.
Seriously questioning the legitimacy of the NSCN (IM), Adinno pointed out that whereas in 1964 the Government of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland reached an international Cease-fire Agreement binding on both nations, the current administrative so-called cease-fire between the Indian army and the Indian financed “NSCN-IM” mostly drawn from outside Nagaland has no political relevance to the conflict in Nagaland.
Stating that the resilient Nagas would refuse to be intimidated by the belligerence of India, Adinno pointed out that there was no justification for India to prolong the unlawful occupation of Nagaland. “Let us remind Delhi, the Nagas in common with the rest of the world want peace. In the name of peace, the Naga people ask India to quit Nagaland without delay”.
She also pointed out that Nagaland has since complied with every international criterion to be a nation state. “We have our national flag, Constitution, judiciary and national government, namely, the Federal Government of Nagaland to serve Naga interest”.
Adinno alleged that there had been two separate abortive coup d’etat in ten years by some Naga opportunists in national service. “The plotters were ensnared by the Indian Intelligence with vast sums of money in return for subverting the authority of the Federal Government of Nagaland”.
Further terming it as an despicable bloody abortive coup d’etat in 1979, the NNC President alleged that under the pretext of saving Naga sovereignty, the plotters and its followers mostly from outside Nagaland still carried on dreaming that it could usurp power by malicious lies and terrorism.
Adinno also alleged that some educated “Naga apologists for the dissidents have in recent years gained an unenviable reputation” of what she termed as blindly following anti-national causes and without having any idea of its consequences.
“There is no excuse for any Naga to feign ignorance of Naga history that has been largely responsible for the misunderstanding of our national stand”, she stated.
Underlining that the Naga National Council (NNC) charted a tolerant Naga society by persuading a diverse Naga communities of their common interest, the NNC leader remarked that the NNC reached out to all “our people and in our best democratic tradition trusted the people to decide Naga political future”. Moreover, she stated that the historic voluntary national plebiscite held on 16 May 1951 dispelled the Indian malicious propaganda that only a “few educated Nagas” insisted on independence.
“The outstanding 99.00 per cent return in favour of Naga independence unequivocally disproved once and for all any doubt on Naga resolve. Thenceforward, the baton of national mandate was immutably entrusted with the Naga National Council”.
NPMHR condemns landmine blast and boy’s death The Moring Express
Dimapur Dec 30 (MExN): The Naga People Movement for Human Rights Delhi Unit (NPMHR) has strongly condemned the recent landmine attack at Tamenglong in which a 12 years old Naga boy was killed and many others injured.
Stating that on December 29 a landmine was planted in the Lengjen Ngarichan Committee hall in Tamenglong District which is a Naga habited area in Manipur state. The landmine exploded when the children of the village went and played inside the hall. One of the boys, who was 12 years old died in the hospital, while another boy’s limb were ripped off and several others seriously injured, according to a condemnation issued by RS Mayori, Convener NPMHR Delhi Unit
The NPMHR demanded that an impartial enquiry into the incident to ascertain which organization was responsible for what the rights body termed as an inhuman act and also demanded that the Manipur Government immediately pay full compensation to the family of the deceased as well as provide full relief and rehabilitation packages to the survivors. “NPMHR Delhi notes with concern that the Zomi Human rights foundation at Delhi has been demanding the sanitization in the landmine affected areas of Churanchandpur. Neither the Manipur Government nor the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have provided protection to the affected civilians” the statement maintained while condemning India “which claims that it is not a mine afflicted country and has so far refused to signed the Mine ban treaty”. The NPMHR stated that India continues to produce and stockpile landmine in defiance of International humanitarian laws. “According to the international campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) India maintains a stockpile of four to five million anti-personnel mines, the fifth largest in the world” it alleged.
The Delhi Unit also expressed appreciation to NSCN-IM for being a signatory to the mine ban treaty while extending deep sympathy also expressed solidarity with the family of the Landmine victims.
IG Intelligence T Thangthuam, escort commander killed in UG ambush at Oinam
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 31: The state Inspector General of Intelligence, T Thangthuam Paite, 57, IPS, and his escort commander were killed and four other escort personnel sustained injuries when they were ambushed by some unknown underground activists belonging to the proscribed PLA this morning at 9:20 am near Oinam Bazar along Tiddim road under Nambol police station.

A spokesperson of the department of communication and publicity of the Revolutionary People`s Front, RPF later rang up media offices to claim the ambush on behalf of the PLA. He stated that all the PLA cadres who took part in the ambush have reported back to their camp without any casualty.

Reports said that the ambush was laid by the underground elements who were waiting at the spot in a tata truck bearing registration no. MNP-2585 when the IG in an ambassador car escorted by two escort vehicles was coming towards Imphal from his home at New Lamka. The IG had gone to Churchandpur earlier this morning.

According to reports, when the IG along with his escort party reached the ambush spot, the miscreants suddenly opened fire indiscriminately at the IG and his escort party. The MR personnel escorting the IG retaliated the fire and the exchange of fire lasted for about five minutes. The miscreants made good their escape thereafter in the truck.

The IG, who was hit by several bullets including one at his forehead which passed out through the back of his head and the escort commander, havildar S Khamzan Paite, 40, son of late Mualchinthang Paite of Mualnom village, Singhat sub-division, who was also hit by the hail of bullets succumbed to their injuries at the spot.

The driver of the car in which the IG was riding said that the assailants attacked from the left side of the road and the IG was sitting on the left side of the back seat. The escort commander was sitting on the left side at the front of the vehicle.

In the follow up action a combined force of Imphal east, Imphal west, Bishenpur, IRB, MR assisted by central security forces including the CRPF, Assam Rifles and the army recovered the tata truck from Tingkai Khunou village near the pony farm some 8 km south west from Nambol police station this afternoon. The truck belongs to one S Bhorot of Kongba.

The police and security forces conducted search operations for the assailants in Irengbam, Tingkai Khunou, Laimaram, Ichumkhom and Kabaw Wakching areas. However, there were no reports of any rounding of suspected persons or any underground activists involved in the ambush.

Reports also said that the police and security forces while investigating the recovery of the truck, found out from the villagers that the vehicle was seen parked at the village with well equipped suspected underground activists numbering around 20 since yesterday. The villagers also reportedly disclosed that the vehicle had left the village early this morning and returned to the same village with 7 to 8 persons. Afterwards the truck was abandoned there and the miscreants hurriedly left the area going uphill and disappeared.

During the search operation the police and security forces lined up all the people enjoying picnic at Laimaram water fall and conducted verification. They also started their hunt for the miscreants in the deep forest at the Tingkai hills of Thangjing range.

Later, DPG, AK Parashar while talking to mediapersons, termed the incident as unfortunate and stated that all efforts were on to hunt the culprits. Search operation in the area and its surrounding were in progress and would continue, he disclosed adding that the underground group behind the attack had been identified. However, he did not give the name of the organisation stating that it was not the right time as further investigation and search operation were in progress to nab the culprits.

Recounting the incident, David Paite, who was driving the Ambassador car told mediapersons at the RIMS hospital morgue that Thangthuam had gone to New Lamka early this morning to bring his son, who was not keeping well, and daughter-in-law for New Year celebrations.

The driver further said that there were two escort Gypsys and the Ambassador was in the middle. When the team neared Oinam Bazar, a truck which was parked on the western side of the road came towards them and around four to five people fired upon them with sophisticated weapons like AK rifles.

He said that he got out from the car and fired back. The firing continued for around five minutes before the truck escaped towards Kabo Wakching.

Reports also said that there was continuous firing from sophisticated weapons and a lethode bomb was exploded at the spot by the assailants. Since the attack was very sudden, Thangthuam`s escort team could not make retaliate fully.

Four escorts in the pilot vehicle were hurt in the firing. Kaimang, 40, son of Ginkham of Churachandpur sustained a bullet injury on his right ankle and Avadh Bihari, 42, son of Bindhacha hailing from UP received bullets at the left knee and right hand. The two seriously injured personnel were admitted at RIMS hospital. The other two who sustained minor injuries, L Shyam and Rajdeep from UP, were rushed to the 1st MR hospital. The condition of all the injured personnel were stated to be out of danger.

many ministers and high officials were seen at the RIMS hospital when the dead bodies were brought there for post mortem. Chief minister O Ibobi Singh, who was also present at the hospital broke down while offering his condolence and shared the grief of the family. MP Rishang Keising, who was also present there, said that attacks on top officials were not new and the concerned authorities should take appropriate urgent action to prevent such unfortunate incidents in future.

Power and information minister Gaikhangam, PD minister Phunzathang Tonsing, MLAs S Ranjit, N Biren, Henry Paotei, Thangsu Baite, A Aza, Manga Vaiphei, BD Behring and various bureaucrats and high level police officials including CRPF officials also visited the hospital.

After the post mortem the lifeless body of the IG and his escort were taken to 1st MR parade for offering last tributes to the departed souls.

The chief minister lead the crowd present there for offering of floral tributes followed by the ministers and MLAs and high ranking officials of the state home department including the state DGP. A gun salute was also given along with two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls.

After the offering of floral tributes, the coffins were taken in a mass procession through the main streets of Imphal city with placards condemning the conduct of the unknown miscreants.

In the meantime, a joint condolence meeting of CID crime branch and CID special branch was held this evening at CID headquarters, Imphal to express deep shock and anguish at the untimely death of the IGP, intelligence and his escort commander. The meeting condemned the brutal killing and recalled the priceless contribution made by the departed officer to the Manipur police department and remembered him for the deep love and care with which he treated all who worked under him.

In a condolence note, the meeting staff expressed its grief and agony to the bereaved family and observed two minutes silence in memory of the departed souls. The meeting also decided to convey its condolence to the bereaved family.
Assam offers safe passage to ULFA cadres By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Jan 1 (IANS) The Assam government Sunday offered free movement to cadres of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) separatist group for two weeks as part of a New Year gift.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said militants belonging to the ULFA could come and visit their families between Jan 7 and 20.
'The offer for a safe passage is being offered to any ULFA leader or cadre willing to visit their families without any fear of being captured or encounters with the security forces,' Gogoi told reporters here.
'This offer is being given on this New Year day and also keeping in mind that Assam is celebrating Magh Bihu (the harvest festival) during the period. The ULFA boys and girls can peacefully join their families at home in the festivities.'
The ULFA is a frontline rebel group in the region fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979.
'The ULFA cadres willing to accept this offer must inform the nearest police station about their visit and should not carry any weapons along with them. At the end of the safe passage offer period they may return back (to their hideouts) if they so desire,' Gogoi said.
'This is a goodwill gesture from our part and we hope they too reciprocate our feelings by soon coming forward for direct peace talks with the Indian government.'
The safe passage offer comes after a statement from the ULFA Sunday ruled out direct peace talks with New Delhi unless the government released some of their senior jailed leaders.
At least six top ULFA leaders, including vice president Pradip Gogoi, are lodged in different jails in Assam.
The chief minister, however, did not comment on the release of the ULFA leaders. 'We are hopeful of achieving a breakthrough with the ULFA soon and bring in a permanent solution to the insurgency problem in the state,' Gogoi said.
More than 15,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam since the ULFA's inception in 1979.

Emotive issues dominated Manipur in ’05 From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Dec 31 – Manipur witnessed months of agitation by different groups over a number emotive issues reeling in the region in the year 2005. The year begins with the seizing of around 70 sophisticated weapons from a hideout of an insurgent outfit by the Indian army. Two major incidents-MEELAL, a pro-indigenous script or the Meitei Mayek body agitation and prolonged Naga students sponsored economic blockade on the National Highways 39 and 53 that connects Manipur with the rest of the country made most of the news during the year. In the course of MEELAL agitation, the office buildings of State Central Library and Railway Reservation Counter reduced to ashes while many government and private trucks were damaged in the month of April.

Atlast, not only the government, but the newspapers offices in Imphal also agreed to the proposals of the agitating groups and started to publish news items in Meitei Mayek. Manipur Government on the other hand announced to replace Bengali script with Meitei Mayek in the school curriculum from the next academic session. A few weeks later, protesting the announcement of holiday on June 18, All Naga Students Association Manipur imposed economic blockade on the two National Highways which no doubt put tremendous strain on the people of the State. The normal life and business activity was affected for almost two months-July and August.

The three days Sadar Hills bandh by the district demand committee also creates more problems to the poorer sections. Tension erupted in Churachandpur district headquarter on August 19 following the arrest of some Zomi volunteers who launched agitation against government. In Melee, four government vehicles were burnt down. The tension was re-erupted again in December 14 night, killing three persons in police firing in the same district over the construction of Khuga multi-purpose dam. In between the breaks in February, different opinions surfaced among the Khoibu and Maring tribes in Tengnoupal sub-division under Chandel district while Vaiphei and Kom tribes dialects become official. Besides the Manipur based outfit United National Liberation Front’s chairman announced for plebiscite through United Nations.

Kidnapping of a Doctor of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences by Manipur Human Rights Guild ,an unlawful armed group and punishment of a number of corrupted officials of the state Education department for their involvement in the ‘fake appointment scam’ by the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup marked the year too.

Ten army men were killed in a KYKL attack near Bishnupur in August. The month of September witnessed frequent looting along the Imphal-Moreh route while the last part of December saw a dramatic fight between Engineers and a ruling MLA over the allocation of contract works.

Six year old Manipur Human Rights Commission was renewed with the induction of three new faces as its members.

In Sports, State honored M C Mary Kom and Sarita for their boxing titles in the international arena while Sahara Pariwar donated Rs 10 lakh for the initiation of establishing a Polo research center. State footballers retained its winning title in the 13th Senior Womens’ National Football Championship in Imphal in the early part of the year while a massive protest marked the year end following the ousting of Manipur team from the Santosh Trophy at Kochi after a controversial match with Goa on November 17.

A series of traditional and tourism festival like Manipur Winter Festival however marked the year end particularly in Churachandpur and Tamenglong district.

Advani steps down as BJP president Assam Tribune
MUMBAI, Dec 31 – Bowing down as BJP president marking the culmination of a public spat with RSS over his Jinnah remarks, L K Advani today rejected suggestions that he was resigning under Sangh Fountainhead's pressure and said it was up to the party to project him as its face in the next Lok Sabha elections, reports PTI. Advani, who announced today that Rajnath Singh would be the next party president to whom he would hand over the baton formally in Delhi on Monday, stuck to his remarks on Jinnah made during his visit to Pakistan in summer.

Addressing a press conference at the end of the party’s silver jubilee national convention, he said that he would continue to be the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and hailed Rajnath Singh for his services to the party and hoped that under his stewardship “we are heading for a very good patch in 2006.”

The remarks were a reminder to the ‘bad patch’ the party experienced in the last 25 weeks, following a series of scams and the spat with the RSS.

Flanked by senior party leaders including Rajnath Singh, Advani sought to make light of the remark by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee projecting Advani as ‘Ram’ and Pramod Mahajan ‘Laxman’ of the party, which has created a row in the second line of leadership due to sudden elevation of Mahajan.

“Vajpayee termed us Ram and Laxman because we (Advani and Pramod) were sitting by his sides at the public meeting at Shivaji Park. Nothing more should be read into it,” he said, adding that if he would have been a journalist, he would also have interpreted it for ‘a copy’.

He said what the former Prime Minister had done was retirement from active politics as he was keeping indifferent health. On the Jinnah controversy, Advani said that he was a bit disappointed that he could not properly communicate the context of his statement to party workers and others.

“I quoted Jinnah exactly what he said in the constituent assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, and that created ‘all this’ on both sides. In Pakistan to call Jinnah a secular person was a slur, while here it was a distortion of history," Advani said.

He denied that he had ever asked for a debate about relations between BJP and RSS, saying what he had said at the Chennai executive meeting three months back was that the impression that the party cannot take any decision without endorsement of the RSS needed to be removed. Rajnath Singh said that Vajpayee and Advani would continue to be the party's inspiration and "motivation force" and other leaders and colleagues the "driving force."

Advani denied suggestions that he had made any mistake in withdrawing the resignation he gave after the Jinnah controversy broke out. "I took the resignation back on persuasion of party workers and I have not committed a mistake," he said.

The National Convention which was held in the backdrop of the 'cash on camera' and other scams, saw Advani emphasizing the need for a good "moral quotient" and "spiritual quotient" among party workers and leaders.

The Leader of the Opposition was scathing in his criticism of the Congress-led coalition at the Centre especially in the matter of security and wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to explain what efforts his government had taken for the extradition of Dawood Ibrahim, who was declared an international terrorist by the US due to the efforts of the NDA government. Advani parried a direct question whether Congress could be part of any anti-Left front to oust the Marxists from power in West Bengal.

He said that he had not spoke about any front, but felt that more and more people who stood for democracy should come forward to help to defeat the Marxists who have "subverted the democratic structure of the state" and continues to be a danger to democracy. The senior BJP leader brushed aside a question that a conspiracy within the party led to the resignation of Sanjay Joshi.

Integrity, what for? By K Leuho Sangai Express (Contd from previous issue)
If the Meetei way of thinking that, “to cheat someone of his wealth is wise”, is not rectified, then the woes besetting the State can never end. More and more innocent tribals may be cheated but that will worsen the social entropy of the people of Manipur. Naga integration or no integration, social unsatisfaction with the Meeteis is one important factor for the tribals to do away with the Meeteis and the State of Manipur if and when possible. Like it or not, that’s the truth.
If we take a deep introspection on Manipur, Imphal is the only place liveable. The rest is horrible. All modern amenities are found only at Imphal. Imphal, being the capital, should be developed but that is not an alibi for neglecting the rest. Sports developments and facilities, stadiums, TV, Radio, postal services, drinking water, Telegram, phones, hospitals, electricity, internet etc should also be a part of the life of the tribals. These things, I guess we are not asking for the moon.
Actions needed:
If we are truly a man of will and action, nothing is impossible or impossible is nothing, both are true. Men have climbed the highest mountain; men have gone down to the abyss of the seas. We have conquered the moon, we have conquered the atoms. We have calculated the universe to seconds just after the big bang. In certain field much progress is made but in certain fields, all is still in the dark. It is not that they cannot be learnt, but it is that we are not trying enough. If we invest our efforts a little more, then things here in our part of the world can also improve. Things are bound to change. No force can stop changes but if we are wise we can direct the changes to something positive. The wind of change can be destructive but can also be constructive by tapping the energy for something good for one and all. For all the evils of our State, I am 100% sure that corruption is the root cause. Much has been written about the corruption practices in Manipur but things are not improving. To strike where it is most effective, can be one practical way to reduce and ultimately control corruption. The first and foremost step is to abolish contract system of work in state departments. The departments where contract works are given to contractors have become the haven for all the infamous politicians and workers to cash upon for their next election. Insurgency is a, blessing in disguise to the politicians, workers, contractors etc. Insurgent groups may be easily blamed for all the failures & missing account in the State records. Nobody is losing; everybody is in a win-win situation. Only the poor, unconne-cted, hard working, sincere people are left helpless. Democracy in Manipur is a license for the contractors, politicians & their workers to loot the public and the State’s coffer.
In the meantime, we, the public should also realise that unfair means during elections are breeding mo-re corruption in the higher ups. We should start clea-ning our rot by tracing wh-ere the entire politician’s money has come from. Once contract system of work is abolished, the political allure would fade among the younger generations. Thus the energy of the youths can be diverted to other useful productive works. If political allure loses its lustre, youths will be automatically inclined to work and produce. Dignity of labour will find a new meaning otherwise dignity of labour is nonsense with respect to the present chaos.
Bureaucrats in the State is painted with political colours. This is most unfortunate. If State machi-neries are apolitical, then one can expect something fair, but if they are used in such a way as one political party sees it fit, things are bound to go from bad to worst.
— to be contd

Manipur IGP (Int), his escort commander killed in underground ambush
North East Press Service
Imphal, Dec 31 (NEPS): The Manipur IGP (Int) and his escort commander were killed while another three seriously injured in an ambush by the underground RPF in Oinam Bazaar this morning at about 9.20 a.m.
Thangthuam Paite, IPS, was returning from Churachandpur along with his wife and daughter-in-law while the cadres of the RPF armed with sophisticated weapons ambushed his convoy in Oinam Bazaar area, killing him and his escort commander on the spot while critically injuring another three of his escort jawans.
According to sources, the IGP left Imphal early this morning for Churachandpur to pick up his wife and daughter-in-law and while retuning, he was ambushed by the cadres of the outfit already hiding in a truck parked at the roadside of the Oinam bazaar, some 20 kms away from here. Surprisingly, his wife and the daughter-in-law sitting with him in the same car escaped unharmed.
The police sources said the cadres, after the daring act, had escaped with the truck but abandoned somewhere. The truck has already been recovered and the identity of the owner established, the police further disclosed.
Meanwhile, the State Cabinet had stocked of the situation and the security had been beefed up throughout the State. Several organizations have already condemned the incidents.