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01/29/2006: "NSCN (I-M) firm on Nagalim demand"

NSCN (I-M) firm on Nagalim demand Assam Tribune
BANGKOK, Jan 28 – Crucial talks between the Indian Government and major Naga insurgent group NSCN(I-M) for extension of the current ceasefire began here today with the extremist group insisting on government’s commitment on integration of Naga-inhabitated areas outside Nagaland, reports PTI. “We have just started deliberating on various issues. As of now nothing has come out of the meeting. We hope that something concrete will come out by Monday when the talks may end,” informed sources told PTI. The current spell of the ceasefire between the Naga group and the government will expire on January 31.

“The talks are important and the two sides are discussing the issue of ceasefire and events related to it,” a member of the NSCN(IM) said. Another round of talks are likely to be held late tonight, they said.
The Indian delegation is represented by Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes and interlocutor for Naga talks K Padmanabhaiah while NSCN(IM) was led by its Chairman Isak Chisi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.
In an interview recently, Muivah had said the Government would have to take a decision on unification of Naga inhabitated areas in this round of talks.

“Now, government has to make a decision. Either it accepts a settlement on our proposals, or it should be prepared to take the blame for the breakdown of the talks,” he had said.
Last fortnight, Fernandes had said in New Delhi that “the bone of contention is the demand for a Nagalim (Greater Nagaland)”, referring to the insurgents’ demand to unify the all Naga-dominated areas in the Northeast.
Fernandes, however, had said he believed the insurgent groups too did not want violence.
“It’s the Naga people who will be affected by violence, which no one wants,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, expressing satisfaction over the continuation of ceasefire in Nagaland for the last eight years, four former Prime Ministers today said the process will continue and a settlement on Naga insurgency problem be arrived at through negotiations, a report from New Delhi adds.

“We are firmly of the opinion that the ceasefire must continue and that both sides must work hard to arrive at a just and honourable settlement through negotiations,” former Prime Ministers VP Singh, IK Gujral, Chandra Shekhar and HD Devegowda said in a statement here.

“However, the last extension of the ceasefire was for a period of only six months. This gives us a cause for some anxiety,” they said adding “we, therefore, appeal to both parties to extend the ceasefire and continue the negotiations in good faith”.
Day 1 of peace talks deadlocked Indo-Asian News Service Bangkok | January 28
PEACE TALKS between the Indian government and Nagaland’s dominant separatist outfit were deadlocked Saturday, with the rebels questioning the need to extend further the nine-year-old ceasefire that ends Tuesday.
The NSCN-IM told Indian government negotiators that they did not see the necessity to prolong the truce that was last extended in July for six months. Indian peace negotiators are, however, hopeful of convincing the rebel leadership to extend the ceasefire in further talks Sunday.
“There is no point in simply extending the ceasefire unless our demands are met by the Indian government,” a senior NSCN-IM leader said after the talks.
“The Indian government will have to convince us that there is a need to extend the truce and that progress has been made with respect to our demands.”
The two-and-a-hour talks were held at Hotel Plaza Ethini between a three-member NSCN-IM delegation led by the outfit’s general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and Indian negotiators.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi’s chief peace negotiator K. Padmanabhaiah led the government. “The talks will continue tomorrow (Sunday). We are hopeful of some solution,” Fernandes told journalists.
He admitted: “Not much progress could be made in the last six months but peace and tranquility was there. This is the requirement”.
“The ceasefire is for creating conducive atmosphere and it has to serve the purpose. For that the government of India has to show control on the situation on the ground (and take) political steps,” Muivah said. The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah, entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 1997.
Crucial talks with NSCN(I-M) get under way in Bangkok Northeast, especially Manipur, keenly awaits outcome The Hindu

• Truce accord expires on Tuesday
• Rebels threaten to return to jungles if there is no commitment on integration
• Oscar Fernandes leads government team
• Security stepped up

Bangkok: The Indian Government and the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) began talks here on Saturday on extending a ceasefire as they continue to seek a solution to the Nagas' demand for an autonomous homeland.
The truce accord, reached six months ago, expires on Tuesday.
Minister for Overseas Affairs Oscar Fernandes is heading the government delegation at the talks in a hotel, said an Indian official in New Delhi who asked not to be named.
The Naga rebels want a special status for Nagaland, which borders Myanmar and where most of the two million Nagas live. Most Nagas are Christians.
Until the insurgent group began negotiating with the Government in 1997, it had demanded an independent homeland. For the past several years, however, it has been pressing for merger of Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast with Nagaland. — AP Iboyaima Laithangbam
reports from Imphal: The entire northeast, Manipur in particular, is keenly awaiting the outcome of the crucial talks. The peace talks have been dragging on for the past eight years. Apart from the growing resentment among the Nagas in the region, the NSCN(I-M) leaders have threatened to return to the jungles if the Government fails to give a firm commitment on integration of the Naga-inhabited areas. The group says there cannot be any solution to the "Naga political problem" unless the Naga areas are integrated.
However Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have been opposing to the demand. The protests have been pronounced and vociferous in Manipur, where the people say the State is not under Nagaland and as such the ceasefire should not be extended here. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said there is no question of vivisection of Manipur to appease one faction of the insurgents. Those who want to join hands with Nagaland could go there bag and baggage but they should not speak of carving out "Naga-inhabited areas". His statement has angered many Nagas in Manipur.
The All-Manipur Students' Union has pointed out that there is no Naga- inhabited area in the State. The word `Naga' figured in the electoral rolls in only in 1971.However all elected Naga representatives of Manipur have signed a memorandum to demand the integration of the Naga-inhabited areas.
The Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Governments have been instructed to beef up security measures to meet any eventuality after the Bangkok talks.
Four former PMs, UNPO appeal for continuation of Naga peace process
NEW DELHI, JAN 28 (AGENCIES): Expressing satisfaction over the continuation of ceasefire in Nagaland for the last eight years, four former Prime Ministers today said the process will continue and a settlement on Naga insurgency problem be arrived at through negotiations.
“We are firmly of the opinion that the ceasefire must continue and that both sides must work hard to arrive at a just and honourable settlement through negotiations,” former Prime Ministers V P Singh, I K Gujral, Chandra Shekhar and H D Devegowda said in a statement here.
“However, the last extension of the ceasefire was for a period of only six months. This gives us a cause for some anxiety,” they said adding “we, therefore, appeal to both parties to extend the ceasefire and continue the negotiations in good faith”.
Crucial talks between the Indian Government and major Naga insurgent group NSCN (I-M) for extension of the current ceasefire began in Bangkok today with the latter insisting on Government’s commitment on integration of Naga-inhabitated areas outside Nagaland.
The current spell of ceasefire between the Naga group and the government will expire on January 31.
Pulling its weight behind for furthering the peace process, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) called upon all parties to the conflict to endorse measures to progress the peace process, including serious consideration of the proposal for a federal process, unilaterally put forward by Thuingaleng Muivah. “UNPO is positive that the scheduled talks will advance the process and expects to see both parties take further substantiate steps to end the Indo-Naga conflict,” General Secretary Marino Busdachin stated.
“Whereas an end to the ceasefire would give rise to resumed confrontation and signify a serious setback, UNPO is confident that the parties will continue to build on progress previously made, entailing an extension of the ceasefire,” Marino Busdachin maintained.
The UNPO also urged the UN to consider the question of Nagaland based on the right to self-determination and further encouraged a consistent and accountable policy by the Indian Government to find a viable solution to the question of Nagaland.
India, rebels aim to save ceasefire in key talks afp
GUWAHATI: India and rebel separatists from the northeastern state of Nagaland will discuss ways to save a nine-year-old ceasefire from collapse during weekend talks, an official said Saturday.

The two-day talks were slated to get under way later on Saturday in the Thai capital Bangkok.

The federal minister in charge of Overseas Indians, Oscar Fernandes, and New Delhi’s chief peace negotiator K Padmanabhaiah would hold the talks with a five-member team of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), an Indian home ministry official said. The rebels have been battling since India’s independence in 1947 for independence for the Naga who number around 1.2 million people.

The Naga rebels have threatened to go back to war if the two-day dialogue fails to make headway. “This would be a very crucial round of talks and could determine which way the peace process moves from here on,” senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang told AFP.

The home ministry official, requesting anonymity, told AFP the talks were “very delicately poised as the term of the present ceasefire between the government and the NSCN-IM expires on Tuesday.”

“The focus of the talks is now is to ensure that NSCN-IM first agree to extend the ceasefire,” he said. The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah who have lived in self-imposed exile mainly in Asia, agreed to a ceasefire with the Indian government in 1997.

Centre, NSCN indicate willingness to continue talking Daily Times Pakistan
Bangkok, Jan 28 (UNI) The first day of talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah) ended here today with both sides indicating their willingness to continue discussions.

The talks between the chief government negotiator, Minister for Overseas Affairs Oscar Fernandes and NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah are centred on the main Naga demand as well as the extension of the eight and a half year-old ceasefire between the two sides which runs out on January 31.

''Frankly speaking not much of a progress could be made in the last six months, but we hope that in the coming period we'll be able to break some new ground,'' Mr Fernandes said after the three-hour discussions in a city hotel.

''But one thing is clear that there has been peace and tranquillity, which is the basic requirement for any negotiated settlement. Barring a few instances it (the ceasefire) has been more or less (peaceful),'' he added.

Mr Muivah said while the NSCN was ''not happy'' with the ceasefire implementation, which has been marked by ''some untoward happenings'', the Centre was taking this concern seriously.

''There are some conditions which must be fulfilled from both sides. The ceasefire is for creating a conducive atmosphere (for the talks). Because if it has to serve the purpose, we have to take it seriously,'' he said.

Dr Lotha expounds for permanent peace North East Press Service
Peren, January 27: Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha reiterated that no piecemeal solution would bring any durable and permanent peace to the Naga people.

Inaugurating newly constructed District Sub-Jail here on Thursday, the Minister, who accompanied his Lady wife, recalled as to how Naga people had suffered and undergone various forms of hardships in the past. Yet solution to over the half-a-century old Naga political problem remained elusive mostly because of the piecemeal solution, he pointed out.

"The Naga people have suffered enough and given their enough shares," the Minister said adding, "It is time now to take initiatives to bring durable and permanent peace in their land." Dr Lotha also said the DAN Government since its coming to power had been facilitating to the peace process.
"Whichever group that is working for peace, we (DAN Government) are here to facilitate," he asserted.

He further cautioned that nobody would tolerate further if any group or individual tries to disturb the peace and tranquility in the State.

"And whoever tries to disturb, they will be squarely blamed by the Naga people, who now really want for peace," he stated and further called upon the Naga people to extend their fullest support to the Government in its effort to bring permanent peace in their land.

Expressing his happiness on the completion of the District Sub-Jail here, Dr Lotha hoped it would help smooth in the functioning of the district administration. He told the people of Peren that the State Government was ready to provide various infrastructures required for the newly upgraded district, but expressed his regrets on the un-decision of the people in the district for the proper location of the District Headquarters. Dr Lotha said the people of the district should take a far-sighted decision for their future generation and told them that "it all depends on their decision and the Government is ready to provide all the necessary infrastructures for the overall development of the new district." DG Prisons NN Walling also spoke on the occasion.

Expressing his happiness on the completion of the Sub-jail though it took longer period, he requested the citizens of the Peren Town to extend their co-operations in the smooth functioning of the Sub-Jail.
He highlighted about the various facilities including cells for solitary confinements of the new Sub-jail.

He also appealed to the citizens of the Peren Town not to indulge into any "land encroachment" in the areas.

Deputy Commissioner, Peren, Mikha Lomi while thanking the department for completing the long-waited District Sub-Jail narrated as how the District Administration and its Police machineries struggled while taking those criminals to Dimapur jail and bring back to Court here.

"Now with the completion of the Sub-Jail, we will be able to expedite many cases and reduce various problems we had faced in the past," he stated. K Theunuo, Executive Engineer, CAWD, gave a brief technical report on the construction of the Sub-Jail that started in 1986 and completed only in last year at the cost of Rs 298.07 lakh.

Nagaland AIG of Prison, R Haralu chaired the program while C Lwngyei Konyak, research Officer Prison gave vote of thanks. High-ranking State Police Officials, Police and Civil Officials of the District, public leaders of the district and large number of publics from the district attended the function.
NPMHR objects to UCM memo to PM Morung express
DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has taken strong exception to the statement released by the so called ‘United Committee of Manipur’ a conglomerate of dominant Meitei local clubs exclusively confine to the Imphal valley, terming that “the Nagas were not living in exclusive ethnic space of their own” addressing to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which appeared in the local media on 28th January 2006.
“NPMHR considers this statement as a desperate attempt by forces inimical to the Naga peace process and considers it a continuing feudal mindset not being able to transcend some truncated realities. It is unfortunate that the UCM choose to expose their design at this very crucial point of the political process, which is a direct and calculated intention of making efforts to sabotage ‘a hard earned process’ for the Naga people”, a press communiqué issued by Dr. Lanusashi Longkumer Convenor, NPMHR and Nepuni Piku Secretary General, NPMHR Secretariat stated here.
NPMHR in no uncertain terms pointed out that ‘it is the people’ and not an ‘imposed territorial entity’ which will determine the future of a people. “NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination”, the communiqué stated.
NPMHR also cautioned “any vested interest trying to spread the inferno of confusion in the attempt to mislead the general public nationally and internationally besides implanting the feeling of hatred and mistrust amongst the common masses”.
The statement pointed out that the “obdurate position propagated by groups like UCM unfortunately does not promote prospect for improving understanding and strengthening neighbourly co-existence between the Nagas and Meities” adding that the Naga Hills currently administered under Manipur state for administrative conveniences sake are resolutely clear on their future.
“It is futile to continue harping on baseless theory of organic evolution of the so called ‘Manipur state’. Despite artificially divided by colonial and neo colonial policies Nagas inhabit side by side contiguously on our own land”, NPMHR underlined.
Stating that the NPMHR was for any constructive process leading to a permanent settlement of the protracted Indo-Naga conflict and restoring Justpeace with dignity, however it pointed out that it would not remain quiet to forces that seek to destroy the peaceful coexistence and people’s aspirations for lasting peace.

DoNER team to visit NagalandKohima | January 29, 2006 6:41:48 PM IST Webindia

A three-member team of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will arrive in Nagaland on a four-day visit to review the implementation of various projects funded by it.
According to official sources here today, the DoNER team would review the implementation of various projects, funded by it in the including the referral hospital at Dimapur, thermal power project, Niuland Road, Ganesh Nagar Road, inter-state bus terminus, railway overbridge at Dimapur and various other projects.
The state government, in collaboration with the DoNER Ministry, would organise a two-day seminar here from Monday to chalk out a strategy and action plan for generation of 25,000 employment opportunities in Nagaland, announced by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit in 2003.
Apart from various state government departments, representatives of several Union ministries, financial institutions and other organisations dealing with manpower development would take part in the seminar, the sources added. UNI AS SG MSJ RN1158
DoNER to chalk out strategy for generation of 25,000 jobs Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Jan 28: A three-member team of the Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER) ministry will arrive in Nagaland on a four-day visit...

According to official sources here today, the DoNER team would review the implementation of various projects funded by it in the state, including the referral hospital at Dimapur, thermal power project, Niuland Road, Ganesh Nagar Road, inter-state bus terminus, railway overbridge at Dimapur and various other projects.

The state government, in collaboration with the DoNER Ministry, would organise a two-day seminar here from Monday to chalk out a strategy and action plan for generation of 25,000 employment opportunities in Nagaland, announced by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit in 2003.

Apart from various state government departments, representatives of several Union ministries, financial institutions and other organisations dealing with manpower development would take part in the seminar, the sources added. (UNI)

Central fund for Central Institute of horticulture in Nagaland Kohima | January 29, 2006 5:46:52 PM IST Webindia

The Union government has sanctioned Rs.20 crore for setting up of a Central Institute of Horticulture at Medziphema, the first of its kind in the Northeast.
This was disclosed by Nagaland governor Shyamal Datta in his Republic Day speech here ysterday.
The cultivation of cash crops like banana, citrus, pineapple, ginger, cardamom and medicinal and aromatic plants has been taken up on commercial scale to ensure the development of horticulture in a sustinable and economically viable manner. UNI AS PC RN 1525
Peren people should take “sagacious” decision: Dr Lotha North East Press Service

Peren, Jan 28 (NEPS): The indecision among the Zeliangrong people to select exact site for the District Headquarters of the newly upgraded Peren district is gradually taking its toll as various developmental programs are being held up. The Government is left completely speechless because the site of such district headquarters purely lies to the decision of the people in the district, said Dr TM Lotha, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, while interacting with Peren Town Councilors, leaders of Zeliangrong Baudi, and other publics leaders here.

The Minister conveyed the DAN Government’s keen interest for the uplift of the backward areas in the State. And that was the reason why the DAN Government had upgraded three new districts including Peren, so as to catch up with other districts and make the people there at par with the rest of the people in the State, he pointed out.
Accordingly, developmental activities have been going on in full swing in all these areas and various State proposals as well as Central ones are also in the pipeline. Unfortunately the Government’s hand is tied for Peren district due to the indecision of the Peren people to select the site for the district headquarters, the Minister rued.

“The whole world is changing and people of Nagaland are also in that line and we cannot remain static in this present day world,” the Minister said. Therefore, the people of the Peren district should take a very “wise and sagacious decision” to come up with a “Master Plan” for the District Capital Complex for larger interest of not only the people in the district but the State as well, he added.
“Peren District could become one of the best districts in Nagaland if proper infrastructure is given,” Dr Lotha said. “But if you delay taking decision, then you are not only simply making the situation worse but also making more complex for the Government to discharge their rightful duties resulting to holding up of various proposals for the infrastructure developments in the new district.”

Tenning NPF MLA Tare also expressed regrets on the infighting among the Zeliangrong people in the district. He told that they should foresee for the future generation and selecting a site for the district headquarters should be something that should benefit the future generations.
He also explained that the new site at New Peren, some 20 kms from Peren Town would be suitable for the new District Headquarters and that the majority people also supported the site. He said choosing a site and coming developments thereafter are not for BJP, NPF or Congress. “It is for all,” he emphatically asserted.

He also called upon the people not to object the majority decision as the HQs is not going out of Peren. It will be in Peren areas and only 20 kms away from there, beside the present Peren Town has less scope for any Master Plan for such a scale of development. The MLA also urged the people to come to decision before the coming Budget Session, so that various proposals could be included.
The present new district was upgraded in 2004 along with two others—Longlen and Kiphire.

Dzuko fire may cause landslides during coming rainy season Jinendra Maibam

DZUKO VALLEY, Jan 25: The wildfire that raged through the picturesque Dzuko valley area on the Manipur-Nagaland border earlier this month fortunately spared the Dzuko valley proper, but it was found to have destroyed huge tracts in the surrounding hills, and the ridges of the catchment area on the Manipur-Nagaland border, posing serious danger of landslides come the rainy season, with dire consequences for the traffic flow along NH-39.
The Rescue Dzuko Valley 2006 expedition, mounted by the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association, found huge stands of dwarf bamboo reduced to ashes, charred trees in profusion, and soil burnt to the depth of six to seven inches. The worst affected areas were the ridges on the catchment area of the river marking the Manipur-Nagaland boundary, the hills surrounding the valley, particularly on the eastern side, and some portions of the northern and southern faces of Mount Iso.
The expedition which lasted from January 20 to 25 consisted of a team of 44 members including hydrogeologist Chanam Bidan of Manipur Wetland Society, media persons and MMTA officials & members.
Dzuko Valley is located between 94003’43”E - 94004’28”E longitude and 25032’03”N - 25033’47”N latitude. The valley is flanked by Mount Iso 2994 metres above sea level (masl) of Manipur in the south-eastern side and Mount Japfu 3015 masl of Nagaland in the eastern side. Nestling at an average altitude of 2500 masl the valley covers an area of 3.1 sq.km, approximately. Three streams originating from Mount Iso range towards the south, traverse through valley and joins towards the north western part of the valley and fall into Barak River.
The expedition team, led by Dr L Surjit left Imphal for Dzuko valley on January 20 at 8.30 am, flagged off at the MMTA office by Ngamthang Haokip, minister for forest and environment. The team reported to headquarters 22 Assam Rifle at Maram at 12.10 afternoon and arrived at Mao Potato farm at 1990 masl, where the 22 Assam Rifle A Coy provided lunch and dinner.
On the second day, the team started off at 6.05 am and arrived base camp at an altitude of 2340 metres. Thereafter the team started strip climbing three rock-faces using mountaineering equipment and halted the night at the Manipur and Nagaland water point, around 500 metre down from the Mount Iso east ridge.
From the East ridge of Mount Iso, the team noted that the part of Mount Iso peak’s southern side was burnt by the fire. That evening, from the water point the team saw the wildfire still continuing on the Nagaland side.
Next day a 14 members team climbed Mount Iso and trekked down in the northwestern ridge toward Dzuko Valley. Another 30 member-team studied the major affected area of the ridges on the Manipur and Nagaland boundary. In the evening the both study teams reached Dzuko Valley.
On the fourth day the team studied the areas surrounding Dzuko Valley. The wildfire had not affected Dzuko Valley itself, but the surrounding small hills were found burnt. On the fifth day the team finished study and returned back to Jakhama.
Primarily, the wildfire was found to have seriously burnt the catchment area of the stream running along the Manipur & Nagaland boundary. On the two mountain ridges on either side of the river, apart from destroying dwarf bamboo (tenwa) stands, Bojpata trees and other big trees, the soil itself was burnt to a depth of around six to seven inches.
Experts in the team said it would prove highly dangerous when the heavy rainfall comes in two three months, with high possibilites of landslides, that would particularly affect the around 10 kms of national highway 39 from Khuzama to Jakhama .
Soil erosion on the catchment area is also expected to result in dumping of massive amounts of soil in Manipur and Nagaland boundary river, which could result in its deviation on another side, with attendant effects in the Dzuko Valley.
With the burnt soil crumbling underfoot and existing tracks falling apart, the team found the going tough in the wildfire-affected areas. Stumbles and falls were a regular occurrence, and the team took 5 hours to cross the several ridges though it normally takes 2/3 hours from the water point to valley.
Interestingly, the two rest houses on the Nagaland side, were found untouched though the surrounding area had been burnt, with the wild fire sweeping by at a distance of just 10/15 feet.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is suspected that it might have originated from the spot located just east of the valley where stone caves exist, which is a popular halting point for tourists. The wind flows from valley West to East in this river gully and continue toward the water point and Mount Iso east ridge.
Another possible cause of fire is the practice of the hill people in setting forest fires (lammeithaba) for collecting charcoal.
The MMTA will be submiting a report on its expedition to the government soon.
The team members were Subhas Nongmaithem, Kongkham Sanjeev, L Surchandra, Aribam Rahul Sharma, Irom Sandhyarani, G Iraijao Kabui, Nongthombam Surchandra, Chanam Boy Khanganba, Keisham Chandra, Laishram Neelakanta, Sanasam Devajit, Leimapokpam Romeo, Khumanthem Joyshankar, Irungbam Roshni, RK Purnima, Thokchom Romencha, Rk Mangi, Ningthoujam Rojit, Irungbam Thougamba, Phoutakpam Manao, AK Miteshwor, Thokchom Naoba, Elangbam John Chongtham Laingam, Leitanthem Gandhi and K Pritam. Officials included Puyamcha Mohon, L Gyaneshwor, Ng Pobitro, L Keinatombi and Olen Amakcham. Jinendra Maibam Imphal Free Press and Ph Harnet of Ireibak, Gagan Sharma of ISTV and NEBA Track’s Amujao & Kalamu represented the media. Chanam Bidan, hydro-geologist, Helper Amom Puspakanta, Irengbam Bimoti and Bidyapati Ningthoujam were the other team members. Dr L Surjit was the team leader, with N Ibungochoubi president MMTA accompanying it as observer.

Zomis urge state govt to initiate tripartite talks with UGs
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jan 28: The state government`s total indifference to the willingness of the tribal armed groups for dialogue has led to the lifting of the suspension of operation, SOO, by the Indian Army which had agreed on a ceasefire with most of the tribal armed groups during the last six months and some other pacts are due to expire on January 31, 2006.

Stating this the Zomi Council, headquarter, Lamka, Churchandpur on behalf of the non-Naga tribals of Manipur have submitted a representation to the chief minister, O Ibobi Singh demanding for an immediate formal tri-partite agreement between the central government, government of Manipur and willing armed tribal armed groups.

The representation reiterated that Manipur being the worst insurgency affected state in India, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohon Singh during his last visit to the state, the Governor of Manipur and the chief minister himself on a number of recent occasions had invited the armed groups operating in the state of Manipur to come out for talks with the government. The tribal armed youths of the state who agreed on an SOO with the Indian army had expressed their willingness for talk in response to the call, the representation stated.

The said agreement of `Suspension of Operation` which is self-explanatory, according to Zomi Council representation seems to be a loose local understanding, devoid of any scope for political dialogue and could also be misused to create disturbance to public peace and tranquility. As such it is totally inadequate to pave the way for substantive talks, the council lamented.

It is therefore, the representation observed, imperative to conclude a formal tripartite ceasefire agreement involving the central government, the state government and each of the willing tribal armed groups, if the offer for talk given by the Prime Minister or the chief minister were genuinely made.

The Zomi Council stated that such formal tripartite ceasefire agreements have proved to be a positive step towards the redressal of grievances and restoration of constitutional rights to the tribal and minorities as has been seen in the case of Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Those agreements and subsequent accords were possible only after the concerned parties put aside all prejudices without any reservation, at considerable cost and risks, in pursuit of peaceful settlement.

The apparent lack of interest and commitment displayed till date by the state government regarding the suspension of operation between some armed tribal youths and army left the tribals of Manipur dismayed and astonished, the representation lamented.

A number of valley based civil societies and armed groups were allowed to propagate solution like plebiscite in the valley areas and the same valley armed groups were continuously killing, eliminating and maiming tribal people in the hill areas and elsewhere, the representation observed and stated while the state government refused to accord even a token recognition of the agreement for suspension of operations signed by some tribal armed groups with the Army, it charged that such a situation helped the proscribed Meitei armed outfits rampaging in the hill areas.

Lastly, the representation of Zomi Council reiterating its demand for the state government`s consent to a formal tripartite ceasefire agreement urged it to pave the way for substantive talks in pursuit of peaceful and honourable solution.
ULFA talks on Feb 7, Gov says violence no solution
In contrast to the blasts that had cast a shadow on the state in the run-up to the Republic Day, no violence was reported in the state today. As if to cap the peaceful R-Day celebrations, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh, while unfurling the tricolour here today, said violence was not a solution to any problem.
‘‘The mandate (in Assam) is very clear; violence in any form cannot lead to any solution,’’ the Governor said at the venue of the main function, the Judges’ Field. Reiterating that all insurgent outfits ought to give up violence, he appealed to them to join the mainstream to work for peace and prosperity of the state.
‘‘It is high time the insurgent groups paid heed to the people’s mandate, abjured violence and came to the negotiating table,’’ Singh said, pointing out that the Centre as well as the state governments had already welcomed the ULFA’s willingness to find a solution through negotiations.
Suspected ULFA militants had, in the past week, triggered a series of explosions targeting security personnel as well as power stations and gas pipelines across the state, prompting the state government to deploy Army personnel. At least five persons were killed and dozens injured in the week-long violence that slowed down with the Centre announcing the next date for talks between the ULFA-sponsored People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and the government. New Delhi has fixed February 7 as the next date for talks. The Governor also described the first round of talks between the Centre and the PCG as ‘‘the beginning of a new era of peace’’ and expressed hope that a solution would be found sooner or later.
The Governor also recalled ‘‘Operation All Clear’’ of the Royal Bhutan Army against ULFA and NDFB in the Himalayan kingdom in December 2003 and said that it had led to major losses for the two outfits.

The Manipur hangover and search for a solution
By Kapil Arambam Sangai Express

Ladies and gentleman, welcome to Manipur - The Land of Jewel, The Switzerland of India, the exotic land where you could find the Loktak Lake, the Siroy Lily, the Sangai and so on. But please hold your breath, the next few moments would not be quite amiable. It is implorable as the people are miserable here and you will feel pity. However, go to the street and talk to anyone you would never find such hospitable people on the earth. As you begin chatting, the mysteries of this place will mortgaged your mind, there are lot's of confusion and chaos but hopefully the people are so carefree.
Although our society do not have any expression of a cultured modern life or whatsoever, we don't seem to mind either. Experts view that we are in a web of conflicts, poor governance, ethnic confrontations, multiple tragedies and a complex social fabric. It could be ascertained to the fact that it is the backwardness of the region hampering all the comforts of a modern life. Here it is worth mentioning that we are not yearning for fast cars, jet planes, big trucks and other trendy gigmos, rather we could be well-contented in simple life but we don't want violence, corruption and living in inferno.
In the quest, it is quite apparent that our society is in a critical juncture of civilization. The other day, a senior journalist opined that insurgency arise due to underdevelopment in the region and the controversial Merger Agreement. The reason may vary from one person to another but the fact is that, whatever the condition may be, we have to move ahead along with the modern time. Unfortunately it is the inability to change the mindsets of our people that impedes growth and development.
People are apical about our future. When you are locked inside a compartment, obviously you will see nothing and you have to crawl and scratch. Our bleakly maintained society is always on the verge of negative outbursts every now and then. Dear compatriots, we are not beasts and want to live our life with dignity. Whenever we demand our rights, the Govt lays their authority as if we are begging for charity. The malady of maladministration is so profound that we need a radical and progressive movement. It is said that a State is an individual writ large. As such the development of a society depends upon its constituents i.e the people.
The miserable fact of identity crisis, lack of political consciousness and fear and frustration out of subjugation have made our environment so deplorable. What is the significance of law in our State? Could anybody justify the existence of Govt?
The Govt has been declaring that the door is op-en to all the underground outfits for peaceful dialogues. Any steps or mea-sures intended to resist the decadence of our society is appreciable, the only doubt is the sincerity of the authority existing legally or otherwise. Incidently the proscribed UNLF responded that a direct popular consultation should be held in the form of plebiscite under the supervision of the UNO to end the imbroglio and whi-ch the Centre has outrig-htly rejected the proposal. Still, in a democracy the people have the supreme power to form or deform the Govt. In the meantime this type of Govt could be criticised here likes Socrates and his students would have failed to. The Govt should be coerced to give us an opportunity to express the consensus without any prejudices and preconceptions.
Besides the army and paramilitary forces must do away with their dominant approach. It may not be entirely their fault but violation of human rights and maltreatment have created a fear psychosis in the minds of the people who have been already re-ndered ignorant by the prevailing geo-economical and socio-political scenarios. Peace and development lies in the conscience of the people. Since the origin of State, man has been professing for an ideal condition, though in vain. But as mentioned above democracy is a well-known concept and denotes a form of Govt in which the people have a share in the exercise of the sovereign powers of the state. Moreover change is the only permanent object in our universe. To be precise, the revolutionary movement needs popular consent, however there are bottlenecks in their activities for the simple reason that there are two many groups and also, the Indianisation of culture and tradition has worked in the Manipuri psyche that there are people who incriminate insurgency.
At the end of the day nothing seems worth consideration except to tolerate the existing scenario. Basically there is not solution to answer these social riddles. Again it should be noted that the development of a region depend upon the mindset of the people. To be or not to be, that is not the question but the apparent solution is the embodiment of justice, equality and fraternity which are nondescript in our society. Lastly freedom is not the absence of bondage but the feeling of being unbound even in bondage.

The issues ahead Sangai Express
We are now practically one month into the new year and 2006 certainly started off on an ominous note. The disturbing point is there just does not seem to any light at the end of the tunnel and there is nothing to expect the current year will be better off than the year that has just passed us by. Doom sayers, we may be called, but there is nothing to even remotely suggest that there are happy tidings that we can expect in the coming months. Already tension is beginning to grip the people as January 31 approaches and as long as the Greater Lim demand is not resolved, tension and anxiety will continue to grip the minds of the people. The demand to totally repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act still stands and everything depends on how the Government responds to the recommendations given by the Justice Reddy panel, which is believed to have suggested that the archaic law be scrapped. The crippling economic blockade which was imposed by the All Naga Students' Association against the decision of the State Government to declare June 18 as State Unity day and a general holiday, continues to haunt the people, for the blockade has only been suspended and not called off. This in effect means that the blockade may be re-imposed any time and we can be sure that the student body will use this tool to bargain with the Government in its efforts to champion the cause of a Greater Lim. On the other hand the opponents to the demand of a Greater Lim may also tighten their stand and if the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister by the United Committee Manipur is any indication, any attempt to give in to the demand of the NSCN (IM) will be opposed tooth and nail.
These are some of the issues which we can expect in the coming months and to be sure all these issues, with the exception of the demand to repeal the AFSPA, will once again test the resilience and patience of the people of Manipur, not to talk about the maturity of the general population. Sharp divisions along ethnic lines can also be expected what with finger pointing accusations doing the round, especially from the interior parts of Churachandpur district. The uproar raised against the assassination of IGP T Thangthuam, was a clear indication of the deep rooted and misplaced sense of injustice being meted out to the minority communities by the majority community. We can leave the task of governance to the Government and politicking to the political leaders of the State, but as civilians we can and should do something to rectify the misplaced sense of injustice and discrimination being felt by some of the minority communities in the State. For starters we need to encourage more people to people contact and this where economic activities should be given due importance. The global scenario today is such that economics has taken precedence over political necessities and a thrust on the economic contact between the different communities will surely go a long way in improving the social relations between the different sets of peoples in the State. Let this be our mantra then for the coming months.