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01/08/2006: "Restive Nagaland enjoys peace dividends"

Restive Nagaland enjoys peace dividends Webindia
Dimapur The end of year 2005 for Nagaland had been a festival season. First the Hornbill festival was celebrated, then Christmas and recently, the State celebrated "Ahom Naga" festival. These festivals and the presence of the people in large numbers prove that the State is enjoying the peace dividend.
The play Ahom Naga, after which the festival Ahom Naga is named, comes at an appropriate time and aptly reflects the traditional bonds between different regions of the North East. The play deals with the love between an Ahom king and a Naga woman belonging to the Ao community. The very fact that such a play is staged in Nagaland, is a sign of people's desire to live in harmony with their neighbours.
"Being neighboured by states like Assam, Manipur, I feel very proud. Having such a story, a by-culture story also makes me feel proud. To have their common culture in this very show. Thing that impressed me was the love saga between the two cultures and their ancient relationship... the Ahom king has declared to the Nagas. That has really impressed me to preserve the history," Y Ikato Sema, Director of the play "Ahom Naga".
The staging of such an emotional play indicates the cultural bonding between the different states, particularly Assam and Nagaland. At one level it reflects people's belief in co-existence. Through such plays the director is trying to revive old traditions of theatre in the State. And the audience appreciate this.
"Present days mindset of any society is focused in other direction. But this is one point and one play, which can attract people in other directions to this directions that we are one people. We have been neighbours, we have been helping each other and our talked relationships and understandings will go a long way and I am sure that the two people will understand each other more by showing this type of drama," says Tiameren, the playwright.
The very fact that theatre, music and the film industry are coming up in a big way in Nagaland, indicates the entrenchment of peace in the State. It also shows people's changing mindset and an overwhelming desire to lead a normal life.
Nagaland government is promoting music in a big way. Recently, several stage shows were organized in Delhi and other places, where Naga youths displayed their talents. (ANI)
NSCN faces heat from rivals Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Jan 07: As a crucial round of peace talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) nears, the outfit is facing stiff opposition from rival factions...

Clashes between the factions in the hills are intermittent, but the real war is taking place on the pages of the mushrooming local dailies now. Rivals NSCN (Khaplang) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), the militant arm of the Naga National Council (NNC), have accused the NSCN (I-M) of making secret proposals to Delhi and compromising on sovereignty.

The criticism revolves around a controversial booklet, Naga-inhabited Area, circulated in Nagaland, which, the NSCN (I-M) says, is a propaganda by intelligence agencies. The booklet, which first surfaced during the “Naga integration rally� on August 31 last year, claims formation of a people’s council and two autonomous councils of Zeliangrong and Konyak tribal regions.

Its distribution was quickly stopped by the organisers, but the controversy refuses to die down. Strangely, the book had a preface by “senior citizens� of Nagaland also claiming that the contents of the book were being distributed as propaganda by Indian intelligence agencies.

While security forces have not reacted to the allegations, the Khaplang faction of the NSCN has alleged that the NSCN (I-M) has made “secret proposals� to New Delhi.

The Khaplang faction’s leader, B. Ngampan Konyak, alleged that the “secret proposals� were submitted in the form of a memorandum to the Centre in February 2005. Konyak alleged that the proposals asked for an administrative system for “Naga-inhabited areas� of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland without physically merging the Naga areas with two tiers of legislatures.

The NSCN (I-M) has been demanding integration of Naga areas in these four states while the NSCN (K) is against it. The Khaplang group leader also described various deadlines mentioned in the booklet, the final one being March 2007 to make a “Naga-inhabited area� operational.

Qhevihe Chishi Swu, convenor of the NSCN (I-M)’s steering committee, condemned the booklet and alleged that it was aimed at discrediting the peace process.

The NSCN (I-M)’s six-month ceasefire agreement expires on January 31. Before that, a crucial round of talks will be held in Bangkok on January 15. (Telegraph)
Centre approves Rs 485 cr for Nagaland University The Morung Express News Dimapur | January 7
THE HUMAN Resource Development (HRD) Ministry, Government of India has approved Nagaland University’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 485 crores to facilitate setting up infrastructure for an Engineering Institution as well as for the establishment of a Management and Managerial Study Centre under Nagaland University (NU). The approval was granted after the relevant DPR details were assessed by HRD officials present at the Finance Committee meeting held on January 6 at the Lumami Campus, Nagaland University.
Apart from securing necessary financial measures for the establishment of the two aforementioned studies, the DPR for 48 more projects were also approved by the HRD. The 48 projects encompass general infrastructural expansion and improvement of NU as well as facilitating new research pursuits and other relevant studies.
The Vice-Chancellor of NU, Professor GD Sharma expressed satisfaction following the meeting and also the assurance given by the visiting HRD officials with regard to the project. “The visiting HRD representatives present have approved the DPR for setting up of a Management and Engineering institute at Nagaland University.
48 other projects have also been approved”, Professor GD Sharma informed The Morung Express while expressing happiness that the overall infrastructural position of NU was appreciated by the central officials. He assured that the institute for engineering and management study would start at the earliest now that the DPR has been approved.
The agenda for the Finance Committee meeting included appraisal and estimation of NU’s annual budget for the year 2006-2007, submission of application for more developmental funds and appraisal of NU’s financial status, according to an NU official. It was informed that the initial estimated budget for the year 2006-07 has been approved by the HRD at the meeting although further details pertaining to the estimated amount were not made available by the concerned University officials.
Further, financial estimation under the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) for the development of the Medziphema Campus was also suggested, a university administrator said adding that the Ministry officials also recommended faculty positions and assessed the overall educational position of NU even as satisfaction was expressed by them.
Officials said that it was the first time a Finance Committee meeting was held at Lumami Campus and that the Ministry representatives also visited the Medziphema Campus and Kohima Campus apart from Lumami.
The HRD Secretary and the Director Finance were the two officials from Delhi who attended the finance meeting. Apart from the concerned NU officials including VC Professor GD Sharma, SASARD officials from Medziphema and Secretary Finance, Government of Nagaland, attended the meeting.
It may be mentioned that Nagaland University is among the 18 Central Universities under the purview of the HRD Ministry. NU has campuses in Kohima, Lumami and Medziphema (School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development- SASRD).
Naga filmmaker turns folklore into celluloid Morung Express
GUWAHATI, JAN 7 (AGENCIES): Once upon a time there was a woman called Sopfunuo in a village called Rusoma near Nagaland’s capital, Kohima. Both Sopfunuo and her daughter, the legend goes, were turned into stone while fleeing her husband’s home after a tumultuous marriage.
The courage, grit and strength associated with Naga women and typified through Sopfunuo has been made into a film by a young filmmaker as a first attempt to turn folklore into cinema.
Conceived and directed by Metevinuo Ate Sakhrie, the 112-minute docu-drama is titled Were I the Moon — The Legend of Sopfunuo. The moon serves as a metaphorical inspiration and guide through various stages of Sopfunuo’s life told through dramatisation, images, original songs and interviews.
“The art of storytelling is still the most favourite pastime among Nagas in the interiors of the state,” said Sakhrie, an alumnus of Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi.
“My film attempts to capture and document the rich and diverse Naga oral tradition of storytelling through this particular popular Tenyimia Naga folktale.”
Shot in the beautiful rural settings of Rusoma and Viswema villages in Nagaland, the film also explores the rich cultural heritage of the Angami community of Nagaland.
Finished recently, the director has started screening the film in the villages of Nagaland to what she described as “wondrous applause”.
“The film premiered simultaneously at Rusoma and Viswema villages last week. I have decided to screen my film in villages, as folklore and folktales are still considered the lifeline of villagers,” said the 34-year-old filmmaker.
The film has also succeeded in garnering appreciation from several quarters.
Alhile Mero, native of Viswema and an accomplished vocalist, told The Telegraph over phone, “I enjoyed the film greatly. It’s been amazing to see the popular folktale transformed into a movie. The director has done a brilliant job.”
An accomplished documentary director, Sakhrie’s film Binding Threads has been selected for screening at Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), 2006 slated to be held in February. Sakhrie has directed six documentary films till date and most of them have been shown at national film festivals.
IM-K attrition wrath falls on Zeliangrong bodies Newmai News Network
Imphal, Jan 7 : The war of words between the two NSCN factions is heating up with one of the faction coming down heavily on Zeliangrong social and student organisations.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has accused the Zeliangrong Union (ZU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and other Ze-liangrong student organi- sations for being partial saying that even though the NSCN-IM has been committing serious violence in the Zeliangrong re- gion, not a word of concern has come-forth from Zelian-grong organisations.
“The Zeliangrong Union had declared Zeliangrong region a peace zone but when the NSCN-IM has been committing violence not a single condemnation was made from the side of the ZU,” charged the K group of the Zeliangrong Region.
The group alleged that NSCN-IM cadres had been attacking the K camps. On the Makhom village clashes, the NSCN-K claimed that three rifles of the IM had been recovered along with 22 live rounds.
However, the NSCN-IM has said that the December-13 GPRN/Cabinet decision held at Dimapur declared Tamenglong district as 'disturbed area' in which the outfit has been following the instruction based on that declaration. Operation Command of the NSCN-IM Major Luikham informed NNN that his cadres had captured the NSCN-K camp based at Makhom/Maringjang area of Tamenglong district after the January 6 clashes between the two rival factions.
Major Luikham further stated that the gun-battle which lasted for about four hours from 11 am, had resulted in driving out the NSCN-K cadres present in Makhom village area.
The Major appealed to all the villagers in the Makhom area who had fled from their homesteads to return to their respective homes assuring that there will be no more problem.
He accused the NSCN-K of planting landmines at random in the Tamenglong district in collaboration with MPA cadres and also meting out harassments to the general public as a consequences of which “disturbed area” tag had been declared in the district by the GPRN/NSCN-IM.
On the other hand, NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region spokesman Felix informed NNN that his outfit had cautioned the Zeliangrong social organisations to introspect their conduct in future.
"They (Zeliangrong NGOs) should not contemplate to hold any protest rally against any bloodshed/violence in the region." He said that these Zeliangrong social organisations always carry out protest rallies only when the NSCN-K cadres attack the NSCN-IM and not vice-versa.
“The ZU, ZYF, AZSU, ZSUM and Zeliangrong women organisations are totally biased,” lambasted the NSCN-K leader, adding with reiteration, “when the Zeliangrong Union had declared Zeliangrong Region as a peace zone, why did this union (ZU) remain a silent spectator when the NSCN-IM cadres were repeatedly attacking our camps”.
Felix disclosed that the NSCN-K cadres alongwith the MPA cadres were operating in Tousem areas some months back but due to appeals from Zeliangrong NGOs and the general public they had withdrawn from the area. “at present the NSCN-IM is extending training to other underground groups at Mandiu, Magulong and Folklong under Tousem sub-division in Tamenglong district but no Zeliangrong NGOs or general public have raised any voice of concern,” he noted.
"Will not the general public be in trouble when Indian security forces carry out operation in those area," questioned Felix.
Further coming down heavily on the rival faction, he stated that today the general public are confused whether the NSCN-IM is demanding pigs or sovereignty.
Detailing his point, Felix said that the NSCN-IM has been asking from every Naga village numerous pigs to be offered. “It is not one village one pig basis but if a village comprises of two/three localities, each locality are asked to offer one pig each to the NSCN-IM cadres”, he alleged.
Blaming a particular Naga community based in Manipur for propagating disruptive culture among the rest of the Naga communities, Felix stated that not a single land dispute exists in Ukhrul district but the community confined to that district switched on to other peoples’ region and create troubles.
Felix said that the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region would no longer tolerate the tactics of that particular community and pledged that his cadres would bring their available weapons in order to prevent it. “Any Zeliangrong social organisation particularly the ZU, ZYF and the Zeliangrong student bodies who oppose such an innitiative would be dealt with an iron hand,” warned the NSCN-K leader.
Security guards’ arms licences under scanner DNA Mumbai

MUMBAI: Those who used to scan people are now being scanned. Two cases in the past week of private security guards being found with forged arms licences have put security agencies under the scanner.

The Santa Cruz police on Wednesday arrested Joginder Mishra, a guard manning the Kotak Mahindra Bank outlet in Santa Cruz (West). “He took out a fake arms licence which was supposedly issued in Nagaland. We recovered a 0.12 bore rifle and three rounds of live ammunition from him,” the Santa Cruz police said. Mishra worked for Industrial Security Associates, a Goregaon-based security agency.

In another case, the police are on the lookout for Mohammed Fayyaz Hafiz Khan, a guard at Syndicate Bank in Santa Cruz (West). Khan, who absconded after being questioned by the police, had a fake license that didn’t even have a his photograph on it.

Kishore Patil, senior police inspector of Santa Cruz police station, said, “It is the responsibility of the security agency to check if the licence is genuine and valid.”

Security agencies claim that they do carry out the necessary checks. “An armed guard costs Rs 7,500, whereas an unarmed one costs Rs 5,500. (So) we provide the arms and get his credentials verified by the commissioner’s office,” said Philip George, an official from Boparai Marshall Suraksha, a security agency located in Bhandup (West).

An official from Industrial Security agency, on condition of anonymity, added, “We check their credentials, and such incidents have just come to light. We have been informed that licences from Nagaland should be checked and we are sending licences of our guards for verification. We have already informed the local police station about this.”

A police inspector expressed surprise that some of the agencies in question were managed by ex-defence and police personnel. “They surely know the rules, but do not bother checking the credentials,” he said.

Is the Govt moving to restore AFSPA in Imphal area? The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jan 7: The lifting of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the Imphal Municipal area by removing the Disturbed Area Act from this area since August, 8, 2004 has now become a major concern in the state`s law and order situation specially in the light of increasing activities of the insurgency in the greater Imphal area.

Escalating incidents of insurgency related crimes in the municipality area and non-stop pressure from the security forces with their claimed of being handicapped in dealing with insurgency due to the lifting of the act, the state government is likely to take a decision to review its own decision of lifting the act from Imphal municipality area.

In this regard, a series of high level meetings have been held since yesterday. A meeting between state government representatives and central security forces was held at Leimakhong army head quarter at 1 pm and discussed over the law and order situation of the state.

A reliable source said that the meeting was held mainly to discuss on the need for reviewing AFSP Act based on various reports on insurgency related crimes compiled by state police as well as security forces.

In the aftermath of the meeting at Leimakhong, another high level meeting between the state chief minister and concerned officials of the state home department which was held at 4 pm also discussed on the same matter. The meeting was participated by state DGP, additional chief secretary who is now in-charge of chief secretary.

Today also a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee looking into the act was held at the sub committee room. The meeting was participated by works minister, Th Debendra, law minister, additional chief secretary, principal secretary home and law secretary.
Centre satisfied with law and order in North-East Guwahati, Jan.08 (ANI):
Home Minister Shivraj Patil has expressed satisfaction over the law and order situation in the northeast states during his recent visit to the region earlier this week.
During his three-day visit to the northeast, the Home Minister visited the areas bordering Bangladesh to oversee the fencing work going on at the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Addressing the security forces and the army personnel, along with the Border Security Force Chief R Mooshahary, Patil stressed the need to maintain vigilance on the long porous border.
"It was decided that we should come to the border areas and see how the fencing is erected on the borders. We also wanted to meet the officers and the policemen who are working in these difficult areas," said Patil.
Before visiting the border area, Patil was in Guwahati to preside over the tripartite meeting between the All Assam Students Union, Central and the Assam government over the implementation of the 1985 Assam Accord.
It is the result of this historic accord that the State is largely peaceful. The Home Minister expressed satisfaction with the law and order situation in the region.
Since 1985 Accord the State has moved ahead on the industrial front. Several new industries, like IT, have come up in the State. The State has an IIT and boasts of two central universities. Assam gradually is retaining its premier position with peace prevailing in the State.
The UPA government at the Centre is giving special attention to the northeast, which is also being looked as India's gateway to the South East Asian countries.
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km (2,544-mile) frontier, regarded as one of the world's most fluid borders. It is guarded by about 45,000 troops of the paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF), the main security agency protecting India's borders.
New Delhi estimates there are up to 20 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India, mostly poor people who come in search of jobs. Every year, Indian officials also seize millions of rupees worth of salt, sugar, rice and medicines being smuggled across the Bangladesh border.
Around 8,000 more troops are joining the existing force after New Delhi decided to relieve the BSF from internal security duties in the insurgency-hit states of Kashmir and Manipur.
New Delhi is also building a barbed wire fence to prevent unauthorised movement across the border.
Dhaka does not oppose the fencing, but objects when it is built too close to the zero line on the land and riverine border.
The normally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh have sometimes been marred by border skirmishes. Sixteen Indian and three Bangladeshi soldiers were killed in 2001 in one of the bloodiest border clashes between the two sides. (ANI)
Reopening of World War II road to China urged By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Lekhapani (Assam), Jan 8 (IANS) Leaders in India's northeast have urged New Delhi to reopen the historic Stilwell Road, built during World War II, linking the region with China via Myanmar to boost border trade with Southeast Asia.
'There is no second opinion among the governments and the people in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to allow this legendary road to reopen,' Assam Forest and Wildlife Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said here.
'We hope the central government takes steps to make this dream a reality to boost trade and commerce,' Bordoloi told IANS.
The 1,726-km Stilwell Road was a vital lifeline for the Allied Forces during World War II to free China from Japanese occupation.
The road starts at Assam, in the heart of India's northeast, and cuts through the Pangsau pass in Myanmar to reach Kunming in south China.
The road was built by Chinese labourers, Indian soldiers and American engineers and named after American General Joseph Stilwell who led the task and completed it in 1945 after three years of hard work.
The Stilwell Road on the Indian side is about 60 km. The major stretch of 1,033 km lies within Myanmar, while the road in China is 632 km long. Hundreds of soldiers died while building the road - many of whom are buried along Lekhapani, about 600 km east of Assam's main city Guwahati.
On Saturday, a group of 34 American and African descendants of the World War II veterans who died constructing the road gathered at Lekhapani to take part in a three-day cultural festival organised by the Assam government.
'The sacrifices made while constructing the Stilwell Road would be recognised if this historic road is again reopened to forge better links between the people in South Asia,' said Ron Bleeker, son of an American army captain Albert Bleeker who died while laying the road.
Thai and Myanmarese business and cultural delegates here to attend the festival also advocated reopening the Stilwell Road.
'Free trade with South Asian countries and India's northeast would be possible only with its reopening,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
'Our region would then have the potential to become the hub of business activities.'
Legislators from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh echoed the view.
'Once border trade gets going, there will be lots of avenues for youth. Then, frustrated young people will opt for businesses instead of taking up arms due to lack of employment,' said a legislator from Arunachal Pradesh.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said his government was keen on furthering the country's 'Look East Policy' aimed at allowing border trade with neighbouring nations.
Indian automobile components, fruits, grains, vegetables, textiles and cotton yarn find a strong demand in almost all the neighbouring countries.
Indian traders are interested in importing electronic gadgets, synthetic blankets, teak, gold and semi-precious stones.
Yangon, Bangkok and some Chinese cities are much closer to most northeast states than New Delhi or Mumbai.
Kunming in China is 1,726 km from Ledo in Assam where the Stilwell Road begins.

New high for Bodos Assam Tribune commentary
It is an inspiring achievement for the State and Bodo community . Two illustrious sons of the ethnic group have hogged the limelight on being selected for prestigious Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. Untiring efforts to Mangal Singh Hajowary and Khirod Khaklari to take Bodo literature and folk music to a new high in the world of literature; art and culture have been recognized by Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi respectively. Mangal Singh Hajowary happens to the first Bodo litterateur to be selected for coveted Sahitya Akademi Award since Bodo language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. The 54 -year -old Bodo writer has been a leading light not only in Bodo literature but also in the social life of the community and have contributed immensely towards establishing the Bodos as a distinct social group in the region. He has been deeply involved in every crucial phase that has been encountered by Bodos as a community in their quest for fulfilling their aspirations in the spheres of culture and politics. He was a teen-aged activist in Udayachal movement spearheaded by the PTCA in late 1960s, deeply involved in Roman Script movement of early 1970s. Inspired by his deep-in-heart desire to see the Bodos earn their place in the sun, Hajowary took the plunge in the sea of literature very early in life. He has authored more than twenty books in Bodo language since he took up the pen as a seventh standard student. His literary works are nothing less than a treasure trove for Bodo literature that has miles to go.

For 79-year-old Bodo folk musician and an accomplished flute player Khirod Khaklari, the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi award has come as a very pleasant surprise and albeit as a major boost to Bodo folk culture and music. By his own admission, the Siphung, the Bodo flute, has been his heartbeat that used to provide him with the much sought after break from the hard life He has shown the way how to take the rough with smooth in one’s life and displayed tremendous grit and perseverance to achieve what he has today as an accomplished musician. Poverty forced Khaklari to give up his school education midway and leave his birthplace in lower Assam’s Goalpara district to accompany his father to the hills of Karbi Anglong district in search of a livelihood. Penury, however, failed to deter his love and passion for music .He formed a Bodo drama group in Karbi Anglong, which became very popular and the corner stone of his success in his pursuit for taking Bodo folk culture and music to a new high.

In a State like ours which is inhabited by a large number of small and big ethnic groups, it is an essential prerequisite that music and culture of every tribal society flourishes to facilitate the art and culture of the State as a whole to make long strides in the national and international arenas. .Artistes can really make this world a beautiful place to live in if they come together to serve humanity. Bodos have shown the way for other ethnic groups. After passing through a tumultuous phase of violence and bloodbath for more than a decade, fortune, it seems, has started smiling on the Bodos, one of the major tribal groups in the state. Bodos are thriving because of the strong undercurrent of nationalism that binds the community as a cohesive group in the colourful tribal mosaic of Northeast. The community has shown its determination to leave behind the heady days of the recent past and is now aspiring to establish itself politically, economically and culturally to carve a niche for itself in the history of mankind. Leading lights like Mangal Singh Hajowary and Khirod Khaklari show the way to surmount hurdles on way to success.
General strike cripples normal life By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jan 7 : Normal activities in most part of the State were severely affected owing to the 24 hour general strike called by six tribal organisations and supported by many to protest the December 31, 2005 attack on IGP (Intelligence) T Thangthuam's convoy.
The officer and his escort commander Havildar S Kham-khanjam - both Chu-rachandpur natives - were killed in the attack while five Manipur Rifles personnel sustained injuries.
While commercial establishments, including at the capital districts, downed shutters for the day people of Churachandpur town observed 'Day of Mourning' today in connection with the attack as well as in remembrance of those civilian killed in landmine blasts and cross firings in the recent past.
After the mourning observation held at the dis- trict's Public ground ended in the morning hours people remained indoors.
A meeting held at the same ground, also resolved to urge the Union Government for establishment of a separate administrative machinery for hill districts, clearing land-mines, ex-gratia amount of Rs 3 lakhs to family of every land mine victims, Rs 2 lakhs to persons maimed permanently due to blasts and Rs one lakh to each of the injured.
Further, the meeting resolved to demand CBI inquiry into the killing of the IGP and his escort commander and payment of ex gratia to the family of Khamkhanjang.
It is reported that flags made of traditional clothes were hoisted in every house hold of Chura-chandpur district and in the evening lights were put. The general strike that came into force yesterday mid-night was jointly called by student bodies of Kuki, Zomi, Hmar and Paite communities. While the strike totally paralysed daily chores in Senapati, Chandel and Ta-menglong districts due to absence public carriers and closure of shops, business activities in Paona, Thangal and Khwairamband bazars also reeled under its impact with only a few kiosks, mostly women vendors, and medical stores remaining open.
Traffic was also reduced to a substantial degree even as some two-wheelers and four-wheelers on emergency duty could be seen plying through the streets of Imphal and Greater Imphal areas.
Movement of vehicles on both the National Highway 39 and 53 were neg- ligible as inter-state and inter-district transport opera- tors suspended their services and goods carriers stayed off the road.
The strike was supported by All Tribal Students' Union - Manipur, All Naga Students' Association Manipur and All Zeliangrong Students' Union. Among others the UNC and Paite Students' Association had vociferously condemned the killing of the IGP and his escort commander.
Press source informed of an ASI ranked police officer in civies attacked by suspected general strike supporters at Churachandpur. Police sources however refuted the report insisting that the police officer in an inebriated condition sustained the injuries after stumbling.
There is also report of sporadic violence including stoning houses in specific locations after dusk. Some blank fires could also be heard in the town, said the source. Deployment of security force personnel in the district town has been strengthened. Mention may be made that the proscribed PLA had claimed responsibility for the attack that spark violence repercussion in pockets of Churachandpur district.
The strike ended mid-night today.
Manipur : Who rules ! By UA Shimray Sangai Express comm
Undoubtedly, North Eastern region is the theatre of the longest insurgency activities and socio-political turmoil vis-a-vis ethnic conflicts. There are more 70 insurgent groups. And such political problem occupies a singular position in Indian politics. The insurgency are asserting either for self-determination or separate Statehood on the basis of socio-cultural identities and political rights. Also, in the region, number of NGOs, student bodies, human rights groups, social forum, associations, religious organisations and insurgency groups (tag with so many abbreviations) are limitless. Though, a large number of civil society organisations and insurgency reflects the nature of multi-ethnicity in the region. Every ethnic group has several kinds of organisations viz., students’ organisation, social forum and political party.
Inquiry for democratic-minded people of a conflict-ridden situation has always been; how are we to connect the issue and address in democratic principle and sustain peace. While what is important is to link the issues in right perspective. The region has witnessed many strong civil society movement particularly women’s movement. Here, let me cite the social movement in Nagaland and Manipur State. In these two States, there are strong women’s organisations that are active in social and political affairs. To mentioned few, Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), Meira Paibies (Manipuri women organisation also known as “torch bearers”) and Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM). The other social organisations include “Naga Hoho” (an apex social body of the Naga community), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR). These Naga social organisations are not restricted by the State political boundaries. The organisations like All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), and United Committee of Manipur (UCM) represents Meitei community. The Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) is for Thadou speaking group. Also, the Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO) for Zomi group.
Unfortunately, these ethnic based social organisations could not connect themselves and transcend to discourse the prevailing ethnic divides and political differences. In this critical juncture of ethnic animosity and inter-insurgent conflict, cordial relationship among the various civil society organisations is indispensable. But the impression here is that the ethnic based social movement is so much replicates of their own political advantage and convenience. The attitude of rational accommodation and respect of sentiment is more or less non-existence among the responsible civil society organisations.
Culture of Donation, “Unholy Nexus” and “Percentage Cut”
Recently, Delhi based the weekly news magazine Outlook (12th December 2005) expose of Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi allegedly donating Rs. 1.5 crore to insurgency outfits - the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and the Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL). The Central Opposition demands for O. Ibobi resignation. Hue and cry is also heard among the Opposition in Manipur and asked for a high-level inquiry to be instituted to probe’s Ibobi’s largesse to the two groups.
Allegation of nexus between politicians and insurgency is not a new story in the region. However, the nexus is not limited to those politicians alone. There is an allegation of high-level bureaucrats, big business persons and social organisations having close affair with the undergrounds (UG). This “unholy nexus” has become a tradition and is now difficult to point one person only.
Z. Mangaibou, MLA representing Tamei A/C, Tamenglong was charged of misusing his licensed revolver and threatened one Superintendent Engineer (SE) of the PWD in the presence of Work Minister Th. Debendra. The Sangai Express editorial (27 December 2005) writes, “No one is above the law and this includes legislators and representatives of the people. Today the Engineers are on agitation and the political class do not mend their way then it could be the people as a whole who might come out on the street. Remember June 18, 2001, when the angst and ire of the people were directed towards the political class?” No doubt, such threat is against the principle of humanity.
MLA denying the allegation of trying to “shoot” Kh Irabot, SE (PWD) and clarified that he had only shown his licensed gun to make the point he too possesses weapon if the Engineers continue to allot contract works to suspect element citing pressure from a outfits. The incident was immediately responded by the Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union (ZSU). ZYF demanded SE Irabot to book him under the NSA charging that the engineer was hobnobbing with the UG by granting them contract works in the Tamenglong District. ZSU appealed to the concerned authority to form a fact-finding committee for making spot inquiry in order to find the reality whether the ACA work programmes are adequately taken up in Tamenglong.
What is actually going on in PWD office? The public is just watching the drama. As said, this unholy nexus is open secret in Manipur. The nexus includes politicians and UG, Engineers/Bureaucrats and UG Business persons/Contractors and UG and Social Organisations and UG... so on. Who rule Manipur? Undergrounds’ “diktat” (also read in different terms like extortion, levy tax, percentage-cut and donation) to Government servants, contractors, business persons and politicians is no a new kind of business (unkind) in the State. Even the media are not spare in this dikta business.
Recently, the Paona International Market was closed down due to monetary demand made by one students’ organisation. It is State that the student organisation had put a proposal asking for contribution of Rs 350 per year per shop. Now, let us honestly (without hypocrisy) question the credibility and accountability of the civil organisation(s). Today, the biggest “sin” is money. Many social organisations are running in peoples’ charity. This kind of organisations run here and there like beggars begging money in the form of “Donation. “ In this business, politicians, bureaucrats and business persons are not spare.
Remarks
Observing the present scenario, “Diktat” tradition becomes too unbearable like undergrounds’ “duress,” social organisations’ “ultimatum” and tactical political pressure to State machinery. Indeed, there is serious allegation of high-level politicians and bureaucrats having “link” with the underground outfits. At the moment, Chief Minister O. Ibobi is at the top chart. Interestingly, it seems that the people of Manipur and responsible social organisations do not matter (not even pursue) when the head of the state has allegedly donated public money worth Rs 1.50 crore to the valley UGs. This shows we all are living under the UG’s “terms and conditions”. And we make hue and cry over the MLA’s licensed gun. Moreover, our esteem paper The Sangai Express editorial (27 December 2005) highlighted the episode of the 18 and draw “comparison” with Z. Mangaibou’s incident. In fact, such attention is not a correct perspective. In fact, media should concentrate and expose such unkind “nexus” and UG’s involvement in contract works.
In every Department/employees donate yearly “percentage” to the UG (irrespective of Valley or Hills and every contract works are scan and undergone UG’s percentage cut. When say, there is “parallel authority” no one can say NO. So the losers are the poor common people.
The long silence of the social organisations, NGOs over the issue of allegation, nexus, duress, percentage cut... implies that something fishy is there. So the “question and answer” lies between the licensed gun and un-licensed AK 47. Long live Manipur!

The ghost of AFSPA Sangai Express comm..
The summer of 2004 will remain etched in the history of Manipur. After the bullet riddled body of a woman, Th Manorama, was found, Manipur erupted on a scale that was unbelievable. What followed was history. Women disrobing themselves in front of Kangla, where the 9 Sector Assam Rifles and 17 Assam Rifles were housed and a student activist setting himself on fire on Independence Day demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, are stuff that revolutions are made of. The days of street protest, the curfews, the night torch rallies by women folk defying curfew came to be associated with the summer of 2004 and it was only after the Prime Minister personally came to Manipur and assured the people that a panel would be formed to look into the provisions of AFSPA, did temper cool down to a certain extent. From May 11, 2004 till the PM's assurance in November, Manipur, particularly the valley area was in flame. Not a single day passed by without some incidents doing this period and the world came to know about an Act called AFSPA which gives sweeping powers to the security personnel to kill or detain anyone, despite the dos and don'ts issued by the Supreme Court. Now it is clear that the despite the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Reddy panel to abolish the Act, New Delhi has caved in to the pressure mounted by the Army not to scrap the Act and is instead toying with the idea of watering down some of the provisions of the Act. We really do not know how the Apunba Lup or for that matter the people in general will take to the new development, but if we judge by some of the initial reactions from the people, then we can expect troubled days ahead.
Much as the Army and the other Central security forces may like to believe that they need some sort of a legal immunity to go about with the duty of countering militancy in the North East, the truth stands that AFSPA has been used to allow the security personnel to do as they please and walk away scot free in the name of counter-insurgency operations. Manorama was arrested from her house and the next morning her bullet riddled body was found. Till today no one seems to know what has exactly happened to the soldiers who picked her up, though the Army authority did issue a statement admitting that there were some aberrations in the conduct of their men. The question of whether the woman was raped before being shot to death or not is yet to be answered, and therein hangs a tale. Manorama was not the first victim to fall prey to the excesses of the security personnel and she was not the last either. The Government needs to seriously study whether AFSPA has been able to contain militancy in the State and the North East region or not. A cursory look at the past history of the region will testify that far from dealing a death blow to the armed movement, AFSPA has only managed to alienate the people, physically, mentally and psychologically from all that India stands for. What Delhi should study is whether it needs an Act that only alienates the people and does not help improve the law and order situation. Tackling militancy should not be only about hunting down and eliminating underground cadres but should also entail winning over the general population. If this is achieved then half the battle against militancy would have been won. And it goes without saying that AFSPA is the anti-thesis to winning over the trust and confidence of the people.

AUNG SAN SUU KYI AND THE U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL By Nehginpao Kipgen Neps
Opinions and comments have lingered in the minds of many political analysts and observers whether Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma is the next viable UN Secretary General (UNSG). With the office tenure of the incumbent UNSG expires in December 2006, there have been diplomatic campaigns launched by several contending candidates for the top post of the world highest body. One among them is Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, a Harvard-trained lawyer. According to the UN Charter, the Secretary General is to be appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the 15 Security Council members. However, practically speaking, the P5 (Britain, China, France, Russia and United States) ultimately remains the deciding factor.

Traditionally, the UN top post is given to relatively lesser power country which has less rivals – specifically with the five permanent members. If this has to be taken into account, the next UN chief will hail either from Asia or Africa. As appeared on the 26th November 2005 issue of the Washington Post newspaper, "Asians contend that the next secretary general should come from their region because an Asian has not held the job since 1971, when U Thant of Burma completed a 10-year term. Russia and China agree, but the Bush administration opposes the concept of regional rotation and has urged aspirants from around the world to compete."

Therefore, it is unambiguous to tone the likelihood of the next UN chief will be from Asia. Moreover, it is also important to note that a candidate in one way or another has to have the endorsement of his or her country. Indeed, the post has become one of the world's most prestigious titles especially after the cold war era. Theoretically, UN Secretary General is the head of one hundred and ninety one (191) UN member countries. Comparatively speaking, the UN has proven itself to be much more realistic and responsible than ever before.

In one of my International Relations class during my Master's Program in the U.S., my professor was very critical about the role of the United Nations permanent powers. He contended that the former "League of Nations" was much more democratic than the "United Nations." He cited how the world body, at times, has been hijacked by the five permanent members. At the League of Nations, it used to be done with consensus. There is no doubt about the controversial nature of it. Proponents say that the P5 are the police officers policing the flow of the UN, while critics argue that there should be a body to control the abuse of power by the P5.

Basing our analysis on the above given circumstances, it is unlikely that Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, recipient of the 1991 Nobel Peace prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights, will be given the top UN post. At first, even if supported by the United States, Great Britian and France, the endorsement of other Security Council members is doubtful. Moreover, the SPDC (the Burmese military regime) is unlikely to project her to represent Burma at the world body. Even if the SPDC thinks this could be a chance to get rid her from the country, the consent of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is held incommunicado, remains unanswered. A simple fact may be noted that the ruling military generals will be delighted to see her leaving the country (instance of her husband's death can be cited here). Additionally, there are other qualified contenders queuing.
For comments, the writer can be reached at nehginpao@yahoo.com.