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01/15/2006: "NSCN threatens to pull out of ceasefire"

NSCN threatens to pull out of ceasefire [ Sunday, January 15, 2006 11:01:21 am IANS ] Times of India
DIMAPUR: The most influential tribal separatist in India's northeast on Sunday threatened to pull out of a nine-year-old ceasefire if New Delhi fails to meet its demands.

"The objective of having the ceasefire is to find a permanent solution. There is no meaning in simply extending the truce," said RH Raising, a senior leader of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).

"People are getting impatient and anything may happen if the ceasefire breaks down at this stage," Raising said.

The NSCN, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, had entered into a ceasefire with New Delhi in August 1997. It is to expire on Jan 31.

Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes had said in New Delhi that he would hold talks with the NSCN-IM leadership in Bangkok after Jan 26 in an attempt to extend the ceasefire.
Dates for the talks are yet to be finalised but it is expected to take place between Jan 27 and 31.

"If the Indian government has some definite plans to solve the problem and we find their attitude positive, the ceasefire could be extended," the rebel leader said. "We need to wait and see how the Indian government responds."
The two sides have held at least 50 rounds of peace talks to end the insurgency that has claimed an estimated 25,000 lives since 1947.

The NSCN, the most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in the northeast, wants to create a 'Greater Nagaland' out of Nagaland by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal population.
The governments of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas.

"Simply prolonging the talks and extending the ceasefire would create doubts in the minds of the Naga people," Raising said. "We trust the leadership of India but we need to see if they are really sincere in fulfilling the commitments and assurances given to us."
Muivah must reach out The Statesman
The 31-January deadline set for the end of the ceasefire between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim and New Delhi is ticking away; the deadline set by the NSCN when it agreed to a six-month extension last month. A round of talks at Bangkok last month did not help the situation. Another bout of discussions is at hand, although little may be expected but a face-saving formula that will enable both sides to continue the peace process and this may be with a little enablement from the Dutch interlocutor who has been associated with the discussions virtually from the very start and is close to the NSCN.
Whatever the situation, it appears that time and again both sides lock themselves into near impossible situations but then manage to squeeze out of them each time. It is important to banish rhetorical flourishes from negotiations. These only end up by making conditions and dialogue more difficult than they already are.
But whatever the outcome of these stop-start negotiations, it is now time for Th Muivah, the undisputed leader of the Naga movement, to go over the heads of the negotiators, directly to the people of the states affected by Naga demands for larger territory – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. While obviously it may be difficult for Mr Muivah to talk directly to residents of Imphal Valley, where he is regarded with more than a little suspicion by the majority Meitei group, he could meet Meitei leaders in Bangkok or even in India should he wish to do so.
This is time to move the peace process beyond the four walls of a closed chamber where neither the public nor much of the government or even the organisations concerned are aware of the details that are being tackled and addressed. He can meet with leaders from Assam and Arunachal in those states or abroad.
These should not be confined to discussion rooms but should be shared with the public.
Such political initiatives could inject fresh air into the situation, opening up opportunities for people- to-people contact, especially among civil society groups, reducing mutual suspicions (which rose to a major high last year after the blockade of Manipur by the All Naga Students Association of Manipur) and building that most difficult basis of sustainable relationships: trust.
It would also bring a new element to bear both on the Government of India and the Nagas. It is not political pressure; that already exists. It goes beyond pressure: it is the quality of openness, transparency and responsiveness to public anxieties. For there is concern in Nagaland and its neighbourhood about the future of the peace process as the deadline nears. I hope to be there in a few days and will report directly back on these concerns.
21 killed in Myanmar rebel clashes Sunday, January 15, 2006 Daily times Pakistan
GUWAHATI: At least 15 Myanmar soldiers and six Indian insurgents died and dozens were seriously wounded in heavy fighting to evict the rebels, a separatist leader said on Saturday.

“So far we have killed 15 Myanmar soldiers and lost six of our cadres,” rebel leader Kughalo Mulatonu said by telephone from a location near the India-Myanmar border where the offensive took place this week.

“It is no longer mere fighting but a full-scale battle with the junta using mortars and heavy weapons on us,” said Mulatonu, who heads the main faction of the separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).

The group is fighting for an independent tribal homeland in India’s northeastern state of Nagaland. It claims to have some 50 camps and 7,000 rebels in Myanmar’s northern Sagaing Division, which borders Nagaland.

There was no independent confirmation of the clashes from the Myanmar or Indian authorities.

Last month, Myanmar, also known as Burma, launched a major crackdown backed by some 3,500 government soldiers to evict the rebels. The group claimed they lost three rebels and two camps in the swoop.

In the latest fighting, which began last Saturday, the group said Myanmar soldiers had destroyed 50 temporary shelters housing around 500 rebels.

Mulatonu said he feared Myanmar was planning a massive strafing operation with helicopter gunships on their camps but added that his men were ready with heavy machineguns.

Besides the Nagaland rebel faction, at least four other guerrilla groups from India’s northeast - where numerous ethnic groups have taken up arms to demand greater autonomy or independence - have training camps in northern Myanmar’s jungles.

Myanmar has repeatedly assured New Delhi that the junta would not let Indian rebels operate from its soil.

Myanmar, which shares a 1,640 kilometre unfenced border with India, said in January 2005 that its troops had killed at least 20 rebels, most of them from the Nagaland faction in the same area.

The Nagaland rebel faction has observed a ceasefire with New Delhi since 2001, although peace talks are yet to begin.

More than 50,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in the northeast since India’s independence in 1947. afp

Minister to hold talks with Naga rebels Web posted at: 1/14/2006 3:31:34 Source ::: IANS
New Delhi: With a ceasefire between Naga rebels and Indian forces expiring this month, central minister Oscar Fernandes is travelling to Thailand to hold talks with the insurgents in the hope of extending the fragile, eight-year truce.
"The ceasefire ends on January 31. So my talks have to be before that. I will be going to Bangkok after January 26 for the talks," Fernandes, who heads a three-member team of Indian ministers to negotiate with the Naga rebels, said here yesterday.
"Nobody wants violence. There must be progress in negotiations. But peace also cannot be achieved overnight and the day you call off the ceasefire, there will be no holds barred and that won't be good," said Fernandes, who is minister of state for overseas Indian affairs.
"We sincerely hope the ceasefire is extended," he said, referring to the peace process with the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).
Though the NSCN-IM has traditionally extended its truce with the government for a period of 12 months at a time, it agreed to an extension of only six months last year as a tactic to pressure New Delhi to accept its demands.
Fernandes indicated that the next round of talks would revolve around the rebels' demand for unification of all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast, a proposal that has been strongly opposed by the governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
NSCN(K)–Junta battle intensifies; over 20 killed
AT LEAST six NSCN (K) cadres and another 15 Myanmarese soldiers were killed in fierce fighting in the thickly forested Myanmar’s northern Sagaing Division. “So far we have killed 15 Myanmarese soldiers and lost six of our cadres. It is no longer mere fighting, but a full scale battle, with the junta using mortars and heavy weapons on us,” senior NSCN-K leader Kughalo Mulatonu told IANS on telephone from somewhere close to the India-Myanmar border.
Reports obtained from Reuters New Agency have however put the toll of those killed on the NSCN (K) side as eight and two dozen cadres are believed to be wounded. “We have lost a big camp in Myanmar,” Mulatonu told Reuters. He said the camp was “completely taken over and 40 houses burnt down” by Myanmar troops. There were 200 rebels in the camp and the majority had fled. A senior Indian commander confirmed the offensive, saying troops have been reinforced along the border to stop fleeing guerrillas entering the country from Myanmar.
There is no independent confirmation of the clashes from the Myanmarese authorities. The NSCN (K) it may be mentioned is engaged in heavy fighting since January 7 with soldiers of the junta in the thickly forested Myanmar’s northern Sagaing Division.
The NSCN has at least 50 camps with some 7,000 rebels entrenched in fortified bunkers in Myanmar.
“We are getting reports that the junta is planning a massive strafing operation with helicopter gunship on our camps. We have in place several heavy machineguns to challenge low flying helicopters.”
Myanmar in December launched a massive military offensive to evict anti-India separatists based in the northern Sagaing Division.
NSCN (IM) warns offenders The Morung Express
Kohima, Jan 14 (MExN): The Kohima Town Command of the NSCN (IM) has stated it has learnt that some individuals and groups are carrying out anti-social activities such as extortion at gunpoint, demanding donations from individuals, establishments and government offices in the name of the nation apart from drug peddling and selling of liquor.
“This office has also taken serious note of some vehicles plying without number/registration plates,” a release said
The command has notified that such activities will not be tolerated and that stern and befitting action shall be taken against those found indulging in such activities.
Complaints/reports of any such activity taking place anywhere within Kohima jurisdiction may be reported to the office through phone number 9856123568 for prompt action.
Press Statement:
The Naga People Movement for Human Rights Delhi (NPMHR) and Naga Student Union Delhi(NSUD) strongly condemn the recent act of Kuki Revolutionary Army(KRA) where five elders of the Nagas from Zeliangrong Community are beaten up badly.
On 11th of January 2006 Zeliangrong Elders Union were travelling along Imphal Tamei road and they were stopped and the KRA took them to an isolated area and beat them up black and blue. It is learned that this is not the first instance where Nagas were harassed in this Imphal to Tamei Road.
NPMHR Delhi demands that the harassing innocent people should be stopped for the peaceful co-existence of the two communities. NPMHR Delhi also condemns the Government of Manipur for failing to give attention to such kind of problem. NPMHR Delhi is also concern that Nagas are frequently harassed in this particular highway. Manipur Government should ensure the safety of the Naga people in that area and pay medical compensation to the five elders who have suffered at the earliest.
NPMHR Delhi sends it solidarity to those people who are victimised. NPMHR Delhi will not rest till Justice will be given to the Naga People.
R S Mayori Sebastian Kamei
Convenor President
NPMHR Delhi Unit. Naga Student Union Delhi
Eight Naga rebels killed in India-Myanmar offensive GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - At least eight rebels were killed and two dozen wounded when troops from India and Myanmar attacked camps along their border, a rebel leader said on Saturday.
"We have lost a big camp in Myanmar," K. Mulatonu, leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K), a rebel group fighting for independence for Naga tribals, told Reuters.
He said the camp was "completely taken over and 40 houses burnt down" by Myanmar troops. There were 200 rebels in the camp and the majority had fled.
A senior Indian commander confirmed the offensive, saying troops have been reinforced along the border to stop fleeing guerrillas entering the country from Myanmar.

Myanmar launches fresh offensive against NSCN (K)
From Our Staff Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Jan 13 – After a brief lull, the Myanmar Army has begun fresh onslaught against the NSCN (Khaplang) faction in coordination with Indian Army. Helicopter gunships have been used in operations that have led to serious casualty among the militants, highly placed sources said. The Myanmar Army’s operation came after a gap of less then four months, when it had targeted camps in areas adjoining Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Myanmar Army had begun its sweep from areas across Manipur in close coordination with the Army.

Sources in the Ministry of Defence confirming reports, said that operation began about a week back and the armies of the two countries were working in close coordination. The Myanmar Army has targeted the camps and training bases mainly belonging to the Khaplang faction on the basis of the inputs provided by the Indian intelligence agencies, sources disclosed.

After the successful operation by Assam Rifles against the Chin National Front (CNF) in Mizoram last year, the onus was on the Myanmar Army to act against the Indian Insurgent Groups, sources said.

According to reports, Myanmar Army has pressed into service helicopter gun-ships to attack the camps located in dense jungles. Sources said that according to last reports, at least 40-50 rebels have been killed in the operations.

Significantly, the camps targeted by the Myanmar Army also housed ULFA cadres, who had shifted base to that country after the Bhutan operation. The NSCN (K) had allowed ULFA to use some of its camps in the areas that is strategically located. The dreaded 28th Battalion of ULFA faced the brunt of the attacks last year, forcing most of its leaders to flee across the border to India. One such group was tracked down to Dibru-Saikhowa Reserve Forest where the Army laid seize.

Last October, Union Home Secretary, V.K.Duggal had visited Yangon to take part in the 11 National Level meeting between the two countries. Both the sides had then agreed to hold joint interrogation of persons arrested for drugs and arms smuggling and for insurgency related activities. Myanmar Government had reiterated that it would not allow negative elements to use its territory for carrying out hostile activities against India. It also agreed to intensify action against arms smugglers. The operations against the insurgents had begun soon after the visit.

Khaplang faction’s top leader K.Mulatonu has also confirmed reports of fresh onslaught by the Myanmar Army. The rebel leader has informed this newspaper that the Myanmar Army has attacked their camps. Simultaneously, the Indian Army has begun operations in Tirap and Changlang district, he alleged.

Mulatonu, further alleged that major fighting has broken out between NSCN (I-M) and Khaplang factions in Nagaland since 1800 hours on Wednesday. The fighting has allegedly taken place at Athibung near a designated camp belonging to Khaplang faction.

The Secretary alleged that fighting had also broken out in Tamenglong. Other militants have backed the NSCN (I-M), the rival faction alleged.

Mulatonu has regretted that the attacks have taken place against the outfit despite it declaring the year as ‘War Against Terror’.

Interestingly, the Khaplang faction has signed a ceasefire pact with Government of India and has ever since been pushing for a political dialogue. But wary of offending the rival I-M faction, the Centre has so far not made any move to initiate political talks. The ceasefire with the Khaplang faction was extended for a year on April 28 last.

Comment/ opinion on the political stalemate between the Indian State and the Nagas
By- Yaronsho Ngalung

“We cannot force anything on the states”
“The issue is about territorial and not development”

The above two statements were made by Mr. Oscar Fernandes, the Union Minister of State for Overseas Affairs and heads of the Group of Ministers (GoMs) in the Indo-Naga political talks. The Minister was right when he says that the Indo-Naga issue is of territorial and not of development. However, his statement that “We cannot force on the States” is hardly constitutional and plausible in terms of the Article 3 of the India Constitution. Article 3 never talks about forcing on or getting consensus from the states .Rather Article 3 only gives an opportunity to the concerned states for expressing their views on the Bill as the Parliament is the sole authority to implement on the said Article. It is a matter of great concern that the Indian State has not made their position clear on the issue of the integration of all Naga areas after Eight and a half years of intensive political discussions. The Minister knew to himself very well that the issue is of territorial integration of all Naga areas in the North eastern region. However, he is making a lot of excuses by saying peace cannot be brought overnight. But one must not be carried away by this sweet rhetoric of overnight. Everyone is well aware that the talks about the necessity of the integration of all Naga areas have been going on for more than Eight years. Moreover, integration of the Naga areas is not a new issue. We are reminded of the agreement signed between AICC and the Naga Territorial Integration Council on 4th August 1972 which states that “Integration movement of the Nagas is not anti-India”. So, it is not about bringing peace overnight. Rather, it’s about the insincerity and non-committal attitude of the India State towards the issue. The Nagas in their 4th Naga People’s Consultation held on 20-21 January 2005 in its second point of the 4 points declarations unambiguously stated that, “Integration of all Naga areas is legitimate and therefore non-negotiable”. Therefore, we are made to understand that the Indian State is only playing a dangerous delaying tactics of suppressing the Naga national movement.

In 2003, A.B. Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India told the media that we need political consensus on the integration of all Naga areas. This only shows their disrespect towards the aspiration of not only the Nagas to live as one people but also to show their systematically trying to avoid the possibility of integrating the Naga areas by the Indian State through Article 3 of the India Constitution. The Indian State’ strategy to delay the peace process was also clearly seen in the last talks held on 16-17 December 2005 at Bangkok. At this crucial juncture, the Indian State opened up the closed chapter by proposing Article 244A/Sixth Schedule without territorial integration of the Naga areas to which the Nagas out rightly rejected there and then. The Indian representatives during the last talks seemed to have forgotten that the Sixth Schedule has been already rejected by the Nagas in 1950. The Indian State’s talks of their sincerity and seriousness are doubtful and hardly plausible if they are still proposing such autonomy provision. It is very clear that the talks are all about establishing a relationship between two nations and there is no question of the Nagas accepting autonomy at this point of time. We can analyse from the past eight years experience that the Indian State is far from coming to the their rhetoric of saying seriousness to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue. This clearly shows the double talks of the Indian State.

And, now, the Indian State is pressurising the Nagas for extension of the ceasefire agreement. Whether or not the ceasefire agreement is going to be extended will be decided in the last week of this month before the ceasefire agreement expires on 31st January 2006. Whether or not extension of the ceasefire agreement is not the real question here. The real question here is on what basis the ceasefire agreement should be extended beyond 31st January. There is no doubt that all of us want peace as it was also stated by the Minister. But the question is not of peace alone. The question is what kind of peace it would be. Peace without justice and truth is too heavy and dangerous a price to be paid. And the Nagas are not going to accept any imposed peace by the negotiating party. People want the ceasefire agreement to be extended in the sense that early political solution aspect by integrating the Naga areas as a first step is not neglected by the two parties. Without policy decision on the Indian side on the integration of all Naga areas would be a farce move for continuation of the ceasefire. As a matter of fact, simply keeping alive the ceasefire does not hold much water. What is needed at this hour is the continuation of the ceasefire agreement on a well-grounded basis or principle of political realism and action on the part of the negotiating parties. This well-grounded basis or principle demands the Indian State of making its policy statement sufficiently clear to the peoples on the issue of integration of all Naga areas. It would be fruitless efforts on both the parties without such basis or principle founded on realistic political decision. Should it be fair all the time on the part of the Indian State to remain silent and non-committal on the political issue such as mentioned above? We have observed in the past years that the Indian State had not come out with any concrete political step for resolution of the political issue. It is the call of the hour that the Indian State takes a clear political stand and position on the issue without further delay to save the hard-earned ceasefire agreement. The non-committal attitude for so long had led us into believing of a dirty political game played out by the State. This is nothing less or more than just a mere counter-insurgency strategy of the State which was one of the State’s strategies in the past 50 years. However, politically speaking, it is to be understood by one and all that the Nagas as a people would be the last to succumb to such strategy.

In concluding my comment/opinion it is imperative to state that the onus of saving the peace process lies on the Indian State. For it had not shown any political maturity in the past eight years. If the same political attitude is going to be the sole approach of the Indian State, then, there is a need to rethink on the extension of the ceasefire agreement. Should we hope of a policy statement from the Indian side in the coming talks? The political scenario, if any indication, could well think of such a bold political step being taken by the Indian side if at all the peace process has to be saved. But it is a matter for the Indian State to decide. However, if such a concrete step is not coming forth, then, the continuing the ceasefire agreement would be far from seeking the peace with justice and truth. In such case calling off the truce is one of the best political steps on the part of the Nagas. Because ending the ceasefire agreement does not mean ending the Naga national movement. Nevertheless, if the Indian side is coming forth with policy statement on the integration of all Naga areas as a first step towards resolving the Indo-Naga political question, then, the ceasefire should be extended for a time-bound period within which implementation could be done. That would lead the negotiating parties towards saving the peace talks. That would surely open up a way for democratisation of the peace process through wide consultation across state governments, political parties, civil societies and citizens in the sub-continent. On the part of the Nagas there had been Five times consultations held in Bangkok and India which have made the political peace process percolated down to the lowest level of the Naga society. If the same process is being reciprocated by the GoI too, then, we can be optimistic of resolving one of the world’s oldest conflicts. The question still remains to be answered. Is the GoI ready for an early political solution? For an analyst there are only two options that is, either peace with justice and truth or war by militarization of the Naga areas. Undeniably, whether we like it or not this is the only road ahead of us
Expanding identity strategies By Rajesh Dev Statesman
It is almost a cliché that ethno-national claims in some of the states in the eastern portion of the country are the paradigmatic source of political violence that is not only forcing a re-conceptualisation of our conventional notions of rights and representations but is also continuously reconfiguring the contours of group identities and collective claims. We are aware that the dense ethnic formations in the region are in a state of flux and reconfiguring of the margins of a group’s identity are an essential ingredient to the political strategies of ethno-national groups claiming “ethnic homelands”.
This reconfiguration is reflected in the shifts in the “presentation of historical blueprints” for self-definition and self-determination by groups which once were proud to claim themselves members of larger collectivities.
Many of us in our analyses of the churnings in the politics of the region have attributed the political violence and assertive claims to the scheming of “political entrepreneurs” or to the “alienated selves” of the collectivities.
This has resulted in the area sharing a collective hesitant affiliation with the rest of India as well as generating internal hierarchies of inter-ethnic “distancing” within itself. Certainly, this strategic nurturing of distance by collective groups in the region from the rest of India has historical references both in the past and the present.
But the increased proclivity among ethnic groups in the region to adopt “distancing” schemes among themselves often contradicts the “strategic” collective hesitancy that they exhibit against the Indian state.
What is significant is that this collective hesitancy against the Indian state or among one another is deployed strategically, depending on the political matrix of claims and counter-claims.
This play of identity construction and reconstruction in the region may be attributed to competing “strategies for hegemony” by groups in the entire region between themselves and collectively between them and the Indian State. The intra-regional consequence of such relationships is that groups perceiving each other as the “dominating other” are engaged in drawing and re-drawing the margins of a community/ethnic group in a manner that serves dual purposes. It reinforces the bonds of in-group cohesion but also helps strategise ethno-political goals in a manner that attempts to counteract any apparent perceived loss by the group concerned.
This reconfiguring of a group-identity often involves the identification of an “other or enemy” which could be identified as the cause of the problems but also serve as a rationale to redevelop group identity to suit immediate strategic interests.
This theoretical formulation converges with practice. The United Council of Manipur (UCM) recently released a study titled “Influx of Migrants into Manipur: A threat to the Indigenous Ethnic People” which identifies the root of the current dilemma of the region as an unmitigated influx of migrants from other parts of India.
What is unstated but intended is that the North-east should be collectively concerned with setting aside intra-ethnic differences and opening a common front against such influx.
Or take the case of the recently held “tribal conclave” in Manipur where diverse tribal groups attempted to overcome their internal differences and open a common front for “dialogue” between tribal congeries and Meiteis.
Both the events are politically nuanced to forge and assert an inclusive identity by widening respective group margins but also countering ethno-political claims of groups they oppose.
For Meiteis (read the UCM) the strategy of identifying “migrants/outsiders” as the real “enemy/other” who are projected as a more malevolent threat to a collective notion of the North-east, of which the Nagas are part of, is a subtle attempt to counterbalance the claims by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) for the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. The effort is to review the presence of migrants as a more vital threat and at the same time attempt to reclaim the fractured Manipuri identity.
For tribal congeries, forming a broader conclave, is a strategy to strengthen their collective bargaining efforts with regard to the Meiteis. Both events are attempts to erase internal heterogeneity through perceived threat projections for the larger collective identity. Yet it is most importantly an attempt at strategising claims by all the actors engaged in competitive bids to counterbalance each others’ claims and ensure their territorial hegemony.
The North-east is so ensnared in a mindset of migrant threat that more vital issues become marginal concerns. Migrant issues are vital not only for the region but also for states like New Delhi, which is home to many from other parts of the country, including the North-east. Strategies or political claims need not necessarily be fixated on migrants.
The difference probably lies in our convergence of ethnic-homeland claims with concepts of territoriality, be it for Nagas, Meiteis, Karbis, Kukis or Dimasas.

(The author teaches Political Science at Women’s College, Shillong.)
Suspected UNLF cadres inflict misery Newmai News NetworkJanuary 14
Imphal: The Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) has alleged that suspected proscribed UNLF cadres have been torturing the Hmar villagers of Parbung sub-divisional headquarters in Churachandpur district. The HSA in a statement further alleged that on January-6 three innocent villagers were killed due to the “absurd show of gun power” of the suspected UNLF cadres.
It then said that one Hrieta (50) s/o Rothil and his three children, Lallienkim (18),Songlorkim and Lalremruot suffered serious bullet and bomb blast injuries while the deceased had not been identified.
The Hmar students further alleged that the entire villagers of Parbung had been beaten up and tortured by the suspected UNLF cadres. Parbung chairman Suokham, its secretary Ebenezer and members of the village authority Tuothang and Lalhing were among the victims of the UG cadres tortures, stated the HSA.
The HSA then stated that “all indigenous communities of Manipur including tribal and non-tribal have our own traditional lands and areas which have been occupied since ages” and asserted that it would be in the interest of all communities if the “ownership and possession is respected at the maximum”.
HSA cautioned that use of force and gun power in order to get shelter and the subsequent dominance by the ‘non-owners’ would definitely have negative implication in the long run and would certainly create enmity and hostility among different communities of Manipur.
Pay Rs 500 cr, Ulfa tells ONGC - By Manoj Anand Asian Age
Guwahati, Jan. 15: The banned United Liberation Front of Asom has sent an extortion notice worth Rs 500 crores to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited in Assam. This was revealed when ONGC director A.K. Hazarika and security adviser T.N. Mishra lodged formal complaints with the Assam government recently. The banned outfit, which has threatened to take stern action in case the ONGC failed to pay the amount, had handed the demand note, written in Assamese, to an ONGC area manager at Nazaira in Upper Assam’s Sibsagar district. The self-styled commander of Ulfa’s 28th battalion Mrinal Hazarika had signed the demand note, highly-placed security sources said. Assam chief secretary was informed about the extortion note at a high-level meeting that was also attended by additional chief secretaries M.K. Das and P.C. Sarma, who oversee the home and industry departments of the state.
The two senior ONGC officers, who came from New Delhi to lodge the complaint, sought adequate security arrangements for employees, particularly those operating in Upper Assam. Security sources also indicated that this development has forced the corporation to slow down work on the gas pipeline in some militant-infested areas. However, there was no official confirmation of the report as senior ONGC officials could not be contacted for reaction.
According to the sources, the Ulfa demand note led to panic among senior ONGC officers who are now taking extra precautions in their routine movements in Upper Assam.
Before this, a Naga insurgent group had demanded money from the ONGC, forcing it to shut down its operations in Nagaland. If insiders are to be believed, the Gogoi government was trying to cover up this development as senior ONGC officials were not satisfied with the response of the Assam government.
Confirming the report, a senior ONGC official told this newspaper on the condition of anonymity: "It has been more than a week since we informed the state government, but neither have security arrangements been intensified nor have senior police officials visited the ONGC to take stock of the situation."

NH-53 bandh threat Newmai News Network
Imphal, Jan 14: Threatening to impose indefinite bandh along the National Highway-53 from the midnight of January-20 if the Manipur government fails to fulfill the demands made in the January 7 joint memorandum, the All Zeliangrong Students Union of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur (AZSU-AMN) in a statement urged the government to treat the memorandum seriously.

The AZSU-AMN in a statement issued by its president G.Ningthoudai said that the nine organisations` memorandum with regard to the cash withdrawal issue without implementing the work of the Tamenglong mini secretariat and the repairing of SDC/SDO quarters at Tamei should not be taken lightly by the government or else there would be serious consequences.

The Zeliangrong students` statement said that state government should start implementing the work by January 19 otherwise indefinite NH-53 bandh would be called from the midnight of January-20.

Meanwhile, the All Tribal Students Union,Manipur (ATSUM) has agreed to constitute the union`s election commission to conduct fresh election of the ATSUM executive members by February.

Haopu Khongsai of the KSO has been appointed as the election commission`s convenor while Paul Langhu of the ANSAM and H.Mangchinkhup of the ZSF have been appointed as its members.

Only peace can guarantee egalitarian society: Nara The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jan 14: Only when people work in a peaceful environment with ample opportunity for growth in their chosen trade, a peaceful, developed and equal society will be possible.

This was observed by Dr M Nara, MLA, observing that the drivers in Manipur work in a violent and turmoil time and the drivers alone cannot face the problems lying in front of them. He said that the drivers` community needs the solidarity and united support from society.

Dr Nara was addressing the 17th Drivers` Day Celebration organised by the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers` and Motor Workers` Union (AMRTD & MWU) as the chief guest at Khuman Lampak Central Bus Parking. S Manglem Singh, vice president AMRTD & MWU; Ph Parijat, art and culture minister; A Rajen Sharma, social worker; and G Tombi Sharma, deputy labour commissioner were the president and guests of honour respectively.

Pointing out the importance of transportation for development, Dr Nara said that drivers are an important unit of transportation and drivers in Manipur are particularly imperiled by the rampant violence. Stating that it is the duty of all the citizens to lend support to the drivers` causes, he said that he will take up the issues of the drivers at the 2-days working committee meet of AITUC at Goa.

Dr Nara also stressed on the need for making the drivers` day observation a state-wide function with all the people taking part in it. Stating that the drivers` issues and concerns are not yet addressed completely, he hinted that efforts will be made to have a consolidated observation in the coming years.

Art and culture minister Parijat suggested that since the drivers work in a hazardous environment the labour department should take initiative to enable the government to pay the compensation to drivers on time.

Referring to the tendency of the private sectors to exploit the workers, G Tombi Sharma said that the compulsory closing of the shops and establishments on Sunday is a must so that those working there can get some rest. He also said there is a need to make those working in private sector more aware about provident fund.

As part of the observation, the union presented gifts to family members of 153 deceased drivers and 20 drivers were also honoured for their courage and dedication by giving certificates. The Drivers` Day is being observed since 1990.

The All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union separately observed Drivers Day today at Sangakpham. The Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly was the chief guest at the gathering, presided over by Y Bhupendchandra Ghosh, president, AMPTDU.

At the function, floral tributes were paid to the portraits of 29 deceased drivers, and their families and 16 retired drivers were honoured with gifts.

In his address, Dr Maniruddin laid stress on the unique and crucial nature of the drivers` profession, observing that they were responsible for keeping the citizens of the state supplied with indispensable commodities. The driver`s profession should be paid more respect, Dr. Maniruddin maintained.

AMPTDU president Y Bhupendchandra Ghosh, drew attention to the harassment and torture frequently suffered by drivers and motor workers at the hands of underground groups and anti-social elements along the national highways, pointing out that many drivers have become physically handicapped as a result.

He also stressed the need on the part of the Manipur government for setting up a drivers` training school.

The function was also attended by Dr. Y Mohendro, former director, College Development Council, MU, and MLA N Biren.
Bhutan troops on alert after ULFA kills army guide Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, Jan 15 (IANS) Bhutan Sunday put its troops on alert after Indian separatist rebels killed a Bhutanese army guide, fuelling fears that guerrillas from Assam had again set up bases in the Himalayan kingdom, officials said.
An official of Bhutan's foreign ministry said militants - suspected to be from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) - Thursday attacked a Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) patrol near Gerwa village in the southern district of Samdrup Jongkhar, which borders Assam.
'The RBA was on a routine patrol in the area when they were fired at with automatic weapons by suspected ULFA militants. The firing resulted in the death of one guide accompanying the security team,' the official, who did not want to be named, told IANS on telephone from Bhutan's capital Thimphu.
'This is the first time in two years when we are again getting reports of movement of militants in our area,' the official said.
'The killing of the RBA guide is a bad signal and we fear the ULFA is trying to set up bases once again inside our territory. We have put our troops on alert to ensure that no militants are able to use our land for any unlawful activities.'
Bhutan's national newspaper Kuensel also reported the incident on its website. 'A day before the encounter, a villager had reported seeing three armed men in the forest below the village,' the Kuensel said.
An unnamed army spokesman quoted by Kuensel said ULFA militants were suspected to be behind the attack.
The ULFA is a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979. It operated out of well-entrenched bases inside Bhutan to carry out hit-and-run strikes in Assam before the Bhutanese military launched a drive against ULFA in December 2003.
Bhutan's troops smashed up to 30 rebel camps and claimed to have ousted the militants from the kingdom.
The ULFA apart, two other outlawed rebel armies from India had maintained bases in Bhutan - the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).
Following the campaign by Bhutan's troops, ULFA rebels shifted base to Myanmar and other states in northeastern Indian.
DATELINE Guwahati/Wasbir Hussain NE: The strategy of postponing peace Sentinel
Postponing peace as a strategy by different players in a conflict appears to have become a norm. This, perhaps, is because by keeping on postponing the advent of peace-players engaged in a particular conflict, be it the concerned non-state actor or the Government — seeks to gain time and utilise it to analyse the intent of the other side or simply adopt a wait-and-watch approach in the absence of any clue on how to move forward.
Take the case of the North-east: There are many instances of insurgent groups and the Government engaged in peace talks of stretching the dialogue to an indefinite period of time, often meeting to discuss one single issue again and again and not making any progress whatsoever. The point to take careful note of is that these players could actually be keen on delaying the progress in the peace process because of an unsure end result.
Peace talks with the NSCN(IM) began in 1997 after a ceasefire agreement was clinched between the rebel group and the Government of India. The teething trouble was over the interlocutor from New Delhi’s side. Finally, that was settled as former Union Home Secretary K Padmanabhiah came to be acceptable, and has more or less succeeded in striking a rapport with the NSCN(IM) leaders. Today, after 40 rounds of talks, the two sides are still talking about the ceasefire extension issue and worried over whether the truce would be extended any further or not. Obviously, without a truce in place, the talks cannot proceed.
Then, without any clarification from either side as to whether the NSCN(IM) has given up its demand for an independent Naga homeland, the two sides, or at least the NSCN(IM), have given more than clear indications that the rebels were bargaining for an integration of the Naga inhabited areas in the North-east into the State of Nagaland in lieu of an independent homeland.
Yes, the advent of peace must be postponed, the players seem to conclude! The rival NSCN(K) is already accusing the NSCN(IM) of compromising on the Nagas’ dream of having an independent homeland. Concerned players must, therefore, wait-and-watch!
So, we see the introduction of a new player by New Delhi in the form of Union Minister Oscar Fernandez, who is meant to be the ‘political face’ in the peace process. He regaled the Naga rebel leaders in Bangkok last month by playing the mouth organ. But, that had not helped to generate an assurance from the NSCN(IM) leadership that the truce would be automatically extended after it expires (yet again) on January 31.
Therefore, Fernandez is going to Bangkok again within the next few days to talk just that: extension of the truce. Other things can follow only after that!
Postponing peace as a possible strategy is seen to be mostly used by the Government in dealing with separatist rebel outfits rather than with groups seeking a solution within the ambit of the Constitution. Separatist groups too doesn’t seem to dislike this strategy. That perhaps explains as to why both New Delhi and the Assam Government could clinch a deal with the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) relatively quickly because the Bodo rebel group was clear right from its inception that it was seeking a solution within the Indian Constitutional framework.
That brings the focus on the current status of the peace process between the outlawed ULFA and New Delhi.
It was in November 2004 that writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami assumed the role of a peace ‘facilitator’, a move endorsed by the ULFA. That itself was a breakthrough of sorts because she became the first person to have been accepted by the ULFA in a peace facilitator’s role. It took a year for this to translate into something more concrete, like the formation of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) by the ULFA. Goswami, during the year until the PCG came into being, was engaged in exchanging letters with the Prime Minister’s Office. The content of the PMO’s letters took months to be politically correct from the ULFA’s point of view.
Now, more than two and a half months after the first round of talks between the PCG and the PMO, there is no news as to the exact dates for the next round of talks. The process has to be delayed, that seems to be the strategy! One doesn’t know how long the PGC-Delhi talks go on before direct talks are held, if at all, between the Government and the ULFA. Already, the ULFA has demanded that unless New Delhi releases its detained leaders (many of whom central committee members of the outfit), they group cannot decide on holding direct talks with the Government.
Chances are bright that the advent of possible peace on the ULFA front too is going to be postponed for any number of reasons. But, going by precedence, postponing peace deliberately is not really a good strategy, both for the Government as well as for groups engaged in any armed or unarmed movement. That, after all, takes the steam out of any movement besides making the authorities strike a deal that do not really solve a problem. Often, such problems re-emerges in a new avatar. (feedback: wasbir@yahoo.com)