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02/02/2006: "Nagas united in relief over truce"


Nagas united in relief over truce OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Kohima/Imphal, Feb. 1: Kept on tenterhooks for months, Nagaland heaved a sigh of relief as Delhi and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) extended the ceasefire between them for another six months in Bangkok yesterday.
“It is a welcome development, particularly at this critical juncture when non-extension of the ceasefire could have led to serious consequences both socially and politically,” chief minister Neiphiu Rio said in a statement late last evening.
The eight-and-a-half year-old truce was in jeopardy when the Naga militant group insisted on a three-month extension only. The two sides, however, signed an agreement extending the ceasefire for another six months hours before the previous one expired.
Rio congratulated the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) for displaying “sagacity and maturity” in dealing with the sensitive issue.
The chief minister reiterated his government’s policy of “equi-closeness” to the warring Naga militant factions and said he would surely step down from power, as promised earlier, to pave the way for an “alternative arrangement” in the event of a settlement between the NSCN (I-M) and Delhi. Hailing the agreement, M. Vero, president of Naga Hoho — the apex organisation of the Naga tribes — said a six-month extension was better than nothing.
The Naga leader said the pressure to keep the talks on track was greater on the Centre. “The pressure from the people here seems clearly on the Centre. The government of India is the larger party so they should take the risk. They cannot expect the minor party to take risks.”
The former parliamentarian, who was awarded the Padmashree this year, said if the two negotiating parties kept looking for mistakes in each other, not much could be achieved.
Naga student organisations also welcomed the extension of truce.
In Manipur, the United Naga Council said the onus was now on both Delhi and the NSCN (I-M) to quickly take the dialogue forward. “Eight years (of ceasefire and talks) is too long a period. We have already made it very clear to the Centre that a solution must not be delayed further,” its president, Puni Modoli, said.
The United Committee of Manipur (UCM), which is spearheading the movement against the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, also welcomed the truce extension but said it should be kept confined to Nagaland.
On the joint statement by Delhi and the NSCN (I-M) that “it was agreed to reactivate and make effective mechanisms to address all ceasefire issues”, UCM leader DhirenYengkokpam said.
Ceasefire extension brings back confidence to market
THE MARKET in the commercial hub of Nagaland started the day on a positive note with ceasefire extended for another six months starting from today. Along with the rest of the State, the business groups have welcomed the extension of ceasefire between the Indian Government and the NSCN (IM). Shortly after the announcement, top executives from leading business establishments expressed a huge sigh of relief. “We are indeed relieved” commented the owner of the leading business stores, Orchids here in Dimapur.
Business groups had expressed fears that any breakdown in the ceasefire would have snuffed out the incipient market in Nagaland.
However, the news of the 6- month ceasefire extension had an immediate psychological effect with money interaction and investment plans picking up after a weeklong period of lull following uncertainty with news report that the Bangkok talks remained deadlocked.
Signs of tension prevailed among the businesswallas during the truce talks recently, said another leading businessman in Dimapur. “We established our business since 30 yrs ago and faced a lot of ‘events’; we were ready for any eventualities”, said another leading business dealer who refused to be named. “A breakdown in ceasefire would have affected the entire market system and especially supply goods. Suppliers from Calcutta, Delhi and other commercial metros hesitate to deliver goods here if any such eventuality takes place”, Sleep- well brand dealer told The Morung Express.
According to information received, many potential investors had parked their money in the safe deposit of banks as a result of low confidence in the market. Sources from several City Banks disclosed that Wednesday’s business hours saw several people withdrawing their deposited amounts. Financial analysts pointed out that this was a sign of people regaining confidence to go ahead with their investment plans.
NBCC appeals to ‘various governments’ The Morung Express
Kohima, Feb 1 (MExN): While welcoming the ceasefire extension between the GoI and NSCN (IM), the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed unhappiness over the outcome of the peace talks during the entire nine-year period of ceasefire. “We are disappointed that the doctrine of bloodshed has overshadowed the people’s high expectations from the ceasefire”, stated Rev. L. Kari Longchar in a press release. He further rued that ceasefire period should be a ‘means to the end, not an end in itself’. Cautioning that misuse and wastage of ceasefire would bring regret to both India and Nagas, the NBCC has appealed to the GoI to be serious and not to take the present opportunity for granted. It also appealed to the NSCN (IM) to be broadminded and realistic and not to overestimate its advantages. The Church Council further questioned the NSCN (K), NNC and FGN to propose to any decision, if they have something better, for an honorable settlement at this crucial stage. It further directed the three groups to approach beyond criticism in upholding their legitimate positions which the public understand. NBCC asked the Nagas to questioned ourselves on meeting the required support to our leaders as they search for a settlement that will be right for us.
Peace prelude to development: Kheto The Morung Express
Zunheboto, Feb 1 (DIPR): Minister for IPR & Forest, Kheto visited VK Town on the second day of his tour on 31st January. Addressing the public at the Town Hall, the Minister said that responsibilities have been conferred upon him by the people and he will do his best to do justice. Referring to a parable from the Bible, the Minister said that he is also like St. Thomas who never believes in anything without actually seeing it himself.
The Minister said that a conducive and peaceful atmosphere is a prelude to development ‘Everyday is not the same, so live your best’, he added. He also said that his visit is meant to reach out the interior, the needy and to acquaint himself with what is actually required at the moment.
The Minister later inspected spots for taking up various schemes and projects in and around the V K town and also interacted with the public.
During a public reception at Aziqami village, the villagers presented a war dance where the Minister said that such cultural items are wealth of the Nagas, particularly the Sumis. Stating that westernization has invaded Naga culture the Minister said that the tenets of its meaning is slowly going down and maintained that originality of culture should be preserved. The villagers also submitted a memorandum for redressal.
Addressing a meeting at Sasutami Village, the minister dwelled on the importance of farming as a means to attain self sufficiency. He said that oranges found in these parts of the country are natural and organic and has worldwide demand and appreciated the Horticulture Department for taking up 18 hectares under the Scheme. He said that when natural blessing are not utilized it is a loss not only for the villagers as a source of income but also to the people as a whole. ‘Instead of sharing your problems and putting up demands, it will be better to develop some natural way to generate your income source, he added. The Minister later donated Rs.50,000/- towards construction of Village Rest House.
At Izheto village, the Minister said that with better transportation the village can opt for horticulture. ‘Self reliance is unanimous with development’, he stated and donated Rs. 1 lakhs for construction of church building.
NNP welcomes ceasefire extension The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 1 (MExN): The Naga National Party has joined in welcoming the extension of Indo-Naga Cease-Fire at this hour of great anxiety. The NNP has expressed its appreciation to both the GOI and the NSCN (IM) leaders for understanding the feelings and interest of the Naga people in particular and all other people in general. ‘It is heartening to know that the leaders have taken the decision according to the wish of the common people’ stated the NNP in a release issued by Ng. Hungyo, President NNP and added that all the people should welcome this gesture and cooperate with positive approach.
With the extention of the Indo-Naga Cease-Fire for another six months, the NNP feels that both GOI and the Naga leaders should move forward expeditiously with more seriousness and deal the substantive issues with political wisdom to find an honourable political solution, acceptable to both parties at the earliest. On the other hand, ‘We do not expect the leaders to look for more extension of the Cease-Fire on mere grounds’ stated the NNP. During the extended period of the Cease-Fire extension, the NNP stated that the people, Nagas in particular, should change their approaches to find a better way in supporting the Peace Process, to create more conducive situations that will enable the leaders of both the parties to find a solution without any hindrance from any quarter.
The NNP while appreciating the wisdom, farsighted vision and maturity of the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) and the GOI on taking the decision to extend the cease fire wished the negotiation to proceed smoothly.
Parliamentary Standing Committee to visit Nagaland on February 3 New Kerala
New Delhi: A Parliamentary Standing Committee team of the Home Ministry will visit Nagaland on Feburary 3 to discuss major issues, including progress of the Naga peace process and infrastructure development in the state.

The State MLA's and officials will also hold discussions on the Center's relief measures to the state during the natural calamities (landslides in Mokokchung, floods in Tuli and the recent fire at the Dzukou valley), sources said.

The Centre and the rebel Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) on January 31 had extended the cease-fire in insurgency-hit Nagaland by another six months.

According to the former Home Secretary K. Padmanabhaiah, who led the Central team at the talks with NSCN (I-M) chief negotiator Thuilang Muivah, both sides have agreed to carry the political negotiations forward in an expeditious manner.

Both sides have also agreed to re-activate and make effective mechanisms to address all cease-fire issues, including modification of Ground Rules.

The talk this time was concerned significant as the NSCN (I-M) was mounting pressure on the Government to decide on their demand for the integration of Naga-dominated areas or face breakdown of the almost seven-year ceasefire.

NSCN (IM) leaders have been insisting on a “Greater Nagalim” which apart from present Nagaland, also includes parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The outfit s leaders had even threatened to end the cease-fire agreement if the Centre did not take a decision on their central demand soon.

In 2004, talks between Padmanabhaiah and NSCN-IM leadership held at Amsterdam had focussed on the Naga integration issue.

At that time no decision was however, taken on the extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, although it pointed out that because of the overall security situation in the Northeast it was highly unlikely for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to be lifted off.

The NSCN-IM and New Delhi had formalised the ceasefire in August 1997. Earlier the ceasefire used to be extended by one year, but in July last year, it was extended for only six months.
Kidima peace model inspires Rio ‘Customary law is best for dispute settlement’
A VISIBLY inspired Chief Minister today took the proud name of Kidima as a sounding board in sending a clarion call for nurturing peace and unity among the Nagas. Mention may be made that the two-decade old confrontation over differences arising out of the usage of— Kedima and Kidima— by the villagers was resolved on September 6, 2005 with the villagers unanimously deciding to use their village name as Kidima for all purposes.
The village had earlier been approaching various authorities such as Japfuphikhi Angami Public Organization (JAPO), Deputy Commissioner’s Court, Kohima, Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench and Angami Public Organization (APO) to resolve the issue.
Moreover, with division arising out of the contentious issue, the village was unable to form any Village Council or Village Developmental Board (VDB) and was unable to avail any governmental assistance for the development of the village.
Finally, the matter was handed over to the Tenyimi Central Union (TCU) in February 2005 and as a result TCU managed to sort the differences after seven months of deliberation with the village elders.
Enthused by the story of Kidima Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio kept his promise to visit the village and share the State government’s appreciation on the peaceful resolution over the nomenclature of Kidima, which had lingered without a solution for the last 21 years.
Speaking as the Chief Guest in celebrating the formal declaration and acceptance of the name ‘Kidima’, Rio said that unity and peace showed by the Kidima people should be an example for the entire Nagas to work towards this end.
Taking a leaf out of the successful Kidima experience, the Chief Minister held the ground that Naga customary law was the best law for any dispute settlement and expressed concern over the judiciary court system known for its delayed procedures which amounts to wastage of time and expensive litigation. Citing the example of the Tuophema and Rengma conflict which was settled by Late Guolhoulie Rio, father of Chief Minister himself, Rio said that the conflict was settled by the Chairman of the village council through customary law and prayer groups.
The Chief Minister donated Rs 50 Lakhs for village road construction under CM Corpus Fund, Rs 10 Lakh for Village Panchayat Construction. A water project from Khuzama to Kidima was also announced. Rio also gave assurance for constructing a village playground and an Agri-Link Road. He also donated Rs 1 Lakh towards the ‘KENEI HE’ celebration.
Today’s programme was held under the theme ‘TIEMA-KHE’ (In Unison we Shalt). Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kiyanilie Peseyie also spoke on the occasion. Director for Land Resources, N Putsure spoke on behalf of the Angami Gazetted Officers Association and wished the village people to have honour and glory through the unity of the village.
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President, Tenyimia Central Union, Z M Sekhose in his speech said that tolerance and forgiveness is the best medicine. Sekhose asked the people to forget the past and take the present and work for the future. Former TCU President and present member of the jury board, W Krome and several other public leaders also exhorted the villagers.
Parliamentary Secretaries, MLA Jongshilemba and MLA R Khing, MLA Medokul, Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, former Minister G Kenye, R Paphino, Additional Chief Engineer, Road and Bridges, Hito and Secretary to Chief Minister Viketol Sakhrie also attended the programme. A large number of well wishers from neighbouring villages also joined in the celebration.
Chairman, Chesezumi Village Council presented a shawl as a token of blood relation to the Kidima Village. The grandmother of Kidima is reportedly from Chesezumi village. Well wishers from various villages and individuals donated cash amounts to the village as goodwill offerings. Former Nagaland Wrestling Association President, Satuo Kuotsu also donated Rs 5,000/- for the wrestling exhibition participants.
Welcome folk song, Tati speech was presented by Ngonosa and party and Village Council Chairman, Vimetsu. The Chief Minister and the Speaker, NLA with the youth society joined in threshing rice for making rice beer. Unveiling of the memorial stone, special folk song by pagans and Naga Style wrestling exhibition were the other highlights of the programme. Earlier, invocation prayer was pronounced by Pastors Keholeshü and Mase while vote of thanks was delivered by Visütha.
WLL service in Nagaland villages by end of year New Kerala
Kohima: The BSNL has assured that the Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) service will be made functional in all villages of Nagaland on the condition that the villagers sign a mandate for payment of bills.

This was stated by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) authorities in a meeting with the North East Students' Organisation (NESO) and the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) at Dimapur yesterday, NESO Chairman Samujjal Bhattacharjya and General Secretary N S N Lotha said in a release today.

The authorities also consented to stop the regularisation process for the controversial appointments in 150 posts under group C and D posts till completion of scrutinisation of the employees' state of domicile.

Four more BTS would be put to service for the improvement of cellular service and to reduce network congestion in Kohima and Dimapur by the end of February, the release added.

The NESO expressed gratitude to the BSNL authorities for their cooperation in meeting its demands, the release said.
NBCC, NPC welcomes cease fire extension New Kerala
Kohima: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today welcomed the extension of cease fire between the Centre and the NSCN(IM), but rued the fact that no solution has been arrived at even after nine years of negotiations.

In a statement issued here, the NBCC Peace Affairs Director said, ''We are disappointed that the doctrine of bloodshed has overshadowed the people's high expectations from the cease fire.

''The cease fire period should be a means to the end, not an end in itself,'' he added.

The church body called upon the Centre to deal with the peace talks with greater concern and also exhorted the insurgent outfit to be ''realistic'' and not ''overestimate its erstwhile advantages''.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) also today welcomed the extension of the cease fire and hoped that it would ensure a higher standard of understanding and cooperation between the two sides.

In a release, NPC Chairman N Theyo and Executive Director Lhusi Iralu urged the Centre and the Nagas to work in a way that would strengthen the peace process.

The NPC also appreciated the successive governments at the Centre for carrying forward the Naga peace talks.
Clear Peace Call Today's Editorial Feb 2 The Morung Express
The news of the ceasefire extension for six months comes as no surprise given the mood of the general public most of whom had expressed the desire that the truce with New Delhi be extended in order to allow both parties to bring to a logical conclusion the peace process which has been dragging quite endlessly for the last eight and a half years or so. But it has to be recognized that there was also an emerging opinion that the ceasefire should not be allowed to continue in a vacuum. To put it bluntly, such extensions are turning out to be of mere academic interest with nothing home to write about. This has been largely because of the non-transformative nature of the talks itself which refuses to transcend beyond the rhetoric of high sounding cliché. Much of the blame on the tardy progress of the talks would have to be put on New Delhi. As the status-quo power it would have to give a clear enough direction or even possibly a laid out road-map to end the very process itself by honestly negotiating with the Nagas to pave the way for a win-win outcome for both sides.
There is a basic lesson to be learned for negotiators of both the NSCN (IM) and Government of India from the 4 days of talk experience in Bangkok. The message is that the Indo-Naga peace process should not be reduced to a zero sum game formula. If both the parties had taken such an approach (which thankfully they did not) then the outcome would have been a costly one. Considering the fact that the NSCN (IM) wanted only a 3-month extension while New Delhi pushed for one year, much credit goes to the negotiators for walking halfway to arrive at the time frame of six months which proves that given the compulsions it is a win-win situation with neither side being made to win or lose. Any future negotiations would have to follow this rationale if at all a ‘negotiated’ bi-lateral settlement has to be arrived at.
Much debate will now center on the period (of six months time) of the ceasefire extension. There are obvious pros and cons in keeping the period short or for that matter giving it a longer lease of life. However, under the present circumstance the NSCN (IM) has done the right thing by keeping the pressure on the Indian side because the peace process has itself reached that stage requiring urgent political attention. By giving it a longer lease of life, there is every possibility that the urgency of the matter may be lost on New Delhi. While a 3-month extension would have been the best time-frame to keep Oscar Fernandes and his team on a wake-up a call, the mutually agreed six month extension should nevertheless keep New Delhi on its toes.
More than anything else the latest ceasefire extension would serve as a reminder to the Government of India that having traveled the peace road thus far, it is now high time that a political momentum is given to the process. Further, one of the basic premise, talks at the highest level requires the personal involvement of the Prime Minister who should appreciate the urgency for a peaceful negotiated settlement. It is time for the government to set the alarm bells ringing as the clock starts ticking to July 31.
Rio visits Kidema on Historic occasion Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 1: Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio was the Chief Guest in the celebration of the formal declaration and acceptance of the name ‘Kidima’ after more than 20 years on 1st February, 2006. The programme was held under the theme ‘TIEMA-KHE’ (In Unison we Shalt).

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that unity and peace showed by the Kidima people should be an example for the whole Nagas which is also desired by the DAN Government. Rio lamented that there is no ceasefire among the Nagas, rather there is ceasefire between NSCN (IM) and Government of India only. Customary law is the best law for any dispute settlement, he said and cautioned the judiciary court system delayed procedures which accounts for wastage of time and can prove expensive. Citing the example of the Tuophema and Rengma conflict which was settled by Late Guolhoulie Rio, father of Chief Minister himself, Rio said that the conflict was settled by the chairman of the village council through customary law and prayer groups. Rio also recalled that the British regime respected the customary practices of the Nagas and incorporated it into the Indian Constitution in Article 371 (A). Rio further challenged the people to make great plans and compete with others through honesty and hard work.
Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kiyanilie Peseyie also spoke on the occasion. Director for Land Resources, N Putsure spoke on behalf of the Angami Gazetted Officers Association and wished the village people to have honour and glory through the unity of the village. President, Tenyimia Central Union, Z M Sekhose in his speech said that tolerance and forgiveness is the best medicine. Sekhose asked the people to forget the past and take the present and work for the future. Former TCU President and present member of the jury board, W Krome and several other public leaders also exhorted the function.
The Chief Minister donated Rs 50 Lakhs for village road construction under CM Corpus Fund, Rs 10 Lakh for Village Panchayat Construction, Water project from Khuzama for Kidima and Khuzama, gave assurance for village playground construction and Agri-Link Road and also donated Rs 1 Lakh towards the ‘KENEI HE’ celebration.

Parliamentary Secretaries, MLA Jongshilemba and MLA R Khing, MLA Medokul, Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, former Minister G Kenye, R Paphino, Additional Chief Engineer, Road and Bridges, Hito and Secretary to Chief Minister Viketol Sakhrie also attended the programme. A large number of well wishers from neighbouring villages also joined in the celebration.

Chairman, Chesezumi Village Council presented a shawl as a token of blood relation to the Kidima Village as the grandmother of Kidima is supposed to be from Chesezumi village. Well wishers from various villages and individuals donated cash amounts to the village as goodwill offerings. Former Nagaland Wrestling Association President, Satuo Kuotsu also donated Rs 5,000/- for the wrestling exhibition participants.
Welcome folk song, Tati speech was presented by Ngonosa and party and Village Council Chairman, Vimetsu. The Chief Minister and the Speaker, NLA with the youth society joined in threshing rice for making rice beer. Unveiling of the memorial stone, special folk song by pagans and Naga Style wrestling exhibition were the other highlights of the programme. Earlier, invocation prayer was pronounced by Pastors Keholeshü and Mase while vote of thanks was delivered by Visütha.
(P Tepekrovi Kiso, DIPR)

AR fires inside its Ukhrul camp, no one hurt John K Kaping Kangla on line

UKHRUL, Feb 1: The 13th Assam Rifles posted at Ukhrul town opened fire randomly inside its camp in the wee hours today. There were no reports of any casualty in the indiscriminate firing.
The firing of many rounds from light machine guns and AK 47 rifles was heard at about 2:30 am today. Many bullet marks were left on the CGI sheet roof of the structures located inside the AR post. Many steel plates and glasses at a kitchen belonging to an ex-serviceman of the 1st Assam Regiment identified as Samson TK near the post were also damaged by the firing. The wall of a house owned by VS. Thotngam located just below the AR sentry post was also hit by bullets, sources said.
It is also reported that the Ukhrul police has so far got no detail information about the reason behind the firing though officer in-charge, Ukhrul police station officially dispatched a written letter asking for a detail report of the firing that inside the AR post.
The post commander, 13th Assam Riffles also declined to comment when the mediamen contacted him. He only stated that the firing took place but there were no casualties and he could not give his comments without prior permission from the higher authorities.
New Delhi hatching 'conspiracy' ahead of talks, says ULFA By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Feb 2 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Thursday accused New Delhi of hatching a 'conspiracy' by inviting a select group of people's representatives for the Feb 7 peace talks.
'This is a big conspiracy by the Indian government to have secretly invited only a select group of the People's Consultative Group (PCG) for the talks. There is nothing to be secretive as this is a formal meeting that needs to be transparent,' the ULFA said in its mouthpiece Swadhinata (Freedom).
The second round of peace talks between the ULFA-designated PCG, an 11-member team of civil society leaders, and government peace negotiators led by India's National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan is to be held in New Delhi next week Tuesday.
The ULFA wants the entire 11 member PCG team to be invited for the negotiations next week. There is no independent confirmation from the government as to how many PCG members were invited for the talks.
The ULFA chosen PCG is working towards preparing the ground for a bilateral ceasefire and direct talks between the rebel leadership and the government at a later stage.
The first round of talks with the PCG and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was held in New Delhi Oct 26. Singh later said he was ready to discuss 'all issues relating to the ULFA'.
'We are ready for direct talks with the Indian government in the presence of international community members and UN representatives,' the rebel statement said.
'Our guns would fall silent automatically if there is a political solution to our problem. Just having a ceasefire would not help things.'
The ULFA is a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979.
ULFA accuse ONGC officials, ministers of siphoning money NET News Network
Guwahati, Jan 01:The proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has accused senior ONGC officials, top Army officials and Central ministers of siphoning hefty amounts of 1.50 crores and 50 lakhs in the name of the outfit. In the latest version of its mouthpiece ‘Freedom’, the outfit raised eyebrows on the report of its receiving 1.5 crore and 50 lakhs from ONGC and pointed out that it has never demanded or received any such amount from the organization. Clarifying its stand on the 500 crore demand from ONGC, the outfit justified that the demand is nominal compared to the exploitation the organization has carried out on the State. The mouthpiece further took potshots at the government for giving undue importance to the issue over political solution that the State is seeking to the ULFA-Centre conflict. The outfit rued that the PCG initiated peace talks is lying unattended since the last three months.
Army explains truce stand to Govt By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 1 : Even as the six months cease fire agreed between the Army authority and six Kuki militant groups and two others expired yesterday, the Army authority has written to the State Government explaining its stand for going ahead with the truce agreement. There is however no change in the stand of the SPF Government.
Speaking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that the Army authority has intimated to the State Government that the cease fire agreement was entered into to pave the way for a dialogue between the armed groups and the Government. Significantly, the State Government was kept in the dark when the cease fire came into force.
The cease fire came into force during the latter part of May last year and the Army authority has explained to the State Government that the truce was agreed upon to create a conducive atmosphere so that a dialogue may be started. The eight militant groups which entered into a cease fire with the Army are, KNO, KNA, KNF (Z), KNF (MC), KLO, KLA, ZRA and ZRO. However despite the explanation furnished by the Army authority, the State Government has not changed its earlier stand, disclosed the source.
When The Sangai Express contacted the PRO of PIB, Lt Col SD Goswami, the officer said that the Army authority is seriously considering extending the cease fire.
On being queried further, the PRO said that the Army is likely to suspend operation and hostilities against the said militant groups for the time being. In another development, additional security force is likely to be pressed into service at Thanlon and Parbung to intensify the counter-insurgency operations and to secure area domination. This has been conveyed to the State Government.
Following the intimation from the Army authority, the State Government is likely to approach the Centre to deploy more forces in Manipur, said the source and added that as of now no additional force has been sent to the said areas. Earlier the GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Maj Gen GG Dwivedi had claimed that the Army had driven out the militants holed up at Parbung area.
Ethnic homeland Editorial Sangai express
The peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India has been extended by another six months and it has increasingly become clear that the main stumbling block to a solution is the demand raised by the outfit to integrate all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit and not sovereignty or the type to relationship that the two entities should share once a model is worked out. For any dialogue to fructify, it is necessary to differentiate between what is possible and what is not and this should not be lost on the leadership of the NSCN (IM). The question of forming a State or an administrative unit purely on the basis of ethnicity in a place like the North East is a little too far fetched. This region is home to numerous ethnic groups and the most interesting point is the emergence and re-mergence, re-alignment and assertion of ethnic identities by different groups of people. Not surprisingly, it is this constant shift and change in asserting the ethnicity of one group of people, that is the main reason for the numerous ethnic clashes that we have witnessed in the region. The Naga tribe is made up of numerous sub-tribes spread across three/four States of the North East region and it would not be wrong to say that the nomenclature Naga is inclusive and not exclusive. Numerous smaller tribes which were hitherto identified by their own names have today emerged as sub-tribes of the Nagas and this is precisely the reason why we say that the Naga nomenclature is inclusive. Given such a situation, it will not be surprising if we find more smaller tribes in the years to come to assert themselves as one of the sub-tribes of the Nagas.
The question of ethnicity is a sensitive issue in the North East region and it would be out of place to demand a homeland for a specific ethnic group of people. This is a point that should not be lost on anyone, particularly the leadership of the NSCN (IM), who have rubbed shoulders with people who matter in the country. On the other hand it will not be wrong to assert that the relationships and ties that the Nagas of Manipur share with the other communities of Manipur, particularly the Meitei community, is much more deeper than the relationships they share with the Nagas of Nagaland, which, if we may add, is a recent phenomena. The answer to the deprivations of the tribal people in Manipur, will not be addressed by opting out of the State and merging with another State, but by sincerely working together to see where the rot lies. Th Muivah is a seasoned man and however much the people of Manipur may oppose his grand dream of bringing all the Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit, it must be said that he is a leader who has been fighting for a cause he believes in. After spending so much years in the jungles and lobbying with the international community to highlight the cause of the Naga people, Muivah should look to step out of the narrow ethnic line he has drawn himself and instead try to become a leader of the North East region. The tragedy is, Mr Muivah too seems to have been caught by the trap of ethnicity, which has lost its relevance in the globalised world today. Even Europe has come under the European Union under certain guidelines. There is a lesson to be learnt from this.

Move on ULFA front welcome dev: Governor By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Feb 1: Claiming that there has been much improvement in the law-and-order situation in the State, Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh today told members of the State Assembly that the formation of the 11-member People’s Consultative Group (PCG) by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in September 2005 to pave the way for direct talks between the rebel group and the Centre, and the first round of talks which had already been held between the PCG and the Centre, were welcome developments in the interest of the people of Assam and the nation. The State Government, he said, had appealed to the ULFA to come forward for direct talks so as to expedite the peace process.
The text of the 40-page speech, which Lt Gen (retd) Singh could not read out in toto because of strong protests from the Opposition parties, reads that a number of important initiatives have been taken by his government in the education sector. Some of the initiatives, according to him, are —steps taken to secure deemed university status for Cotton College at the earliest, move to make Kokrajhar College a government college, the State Government’s request to the Centre for providing a special financial assistance of Rs 250 crore for implementation of 14-point action plan for college and university education in the State etc.
On the welfare of tea tribes, the Governor said that his Government had made the Assam Gratuity Fund Scheme effective from October 2005 for improving the social security of plantation labour. This apart, he said, a proposal for amendment to the Plantation Labour Act, 1951 had been submitted to the Union Ministry of Labour. He added that in the health sector in tea garden areas, the age-old drug list being maintained by tea estate hospitals had already been revised in consultation with the Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh.
In labour and employment sector, he said that, among other things, his Government had drafted the Assam Unorganized Workers Welfare Bill, 2005 for social security of unorganized workers. The Bill, according to him, is under the consideration of the Legislative Department.
In the power sector, he said that his Government was working towards creating a strong thermal power base in the State so as to end the high dependence on hydel power.
On industry and commerce, he said that a Rs 19.25 crore permanent exhibition ground was under construction at Guwahati and the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering Technology at Changsari had been completed at a cost of Rs 10.35 crore. This apart, a food processing industrial park is being set up at Chhaygaon at a cost of Rs 5.46 crore, and 50 per cent of the construction work has been completed.
On the water resources front in the State, he said that the Government had initiated the ADB-sponsored ‘Assam Integrated Flood Control and Erosion Mitigation Project’ at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore, and the feasibility report would be submitted to the ADB shortly. He claimed that his Government had persuaded the Centre for installation of two sophisticated Droppler Weather Raders in the State to facilitate flood forecasts on a realistic way to get rid of the flash floods havoc.
On the health sector, he said that his Government had taken steps for the creation of additional 154 posts so as to conform to the MCI norms, and the demanded for upgrading the Guwahati Medical College to the level of the AIIMS and a project proposal of Rs 120 crore had been submitted to the Centre in this regard. He informed the House that efforts were under way for making the Ayurvedic College at Jalukbari in the city a model ayurvedic institution with assistance from the Centre.
On Assam Accord implementation, he said that the Government had initiated the update of the NRC, set up the NRC Directorate, approved the creation of as many as 21 additional foreigners’ tribunals etc. To stop infiltration from Bangladesh, the Government will raise two IR battalions as the second line of defence besides constructing roads and fences along the Indo-Bangla border.

IN A SHADOW commentary nagarealm
Peace negotiations are ultimately an act of faith. The ceasefire in Nagaland is based on the faith that it will lead to a peaceful end to the decades-old Naga rebellion. A shadow seems to have been cast on this faith during the latest round of peace talks between New Delhi and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, led by Mr Isak Chishi Swu and Mr Thuingaleng Muivah.
It is not difficult to see why the Naga leaders are questioning the purpose of the peace process. Even after eight years of the ceasefire, the political issues that sparked the rebellion remain unresolved. Both sides have always agreed that the ceasefire is a means to an end. Finding a mutually agreeable solution to the political issues remains the larger goal of the peace initiative. That the NSCN has agreed to extend the truce, by six months instead of by a year, should be a signal to New Delhi to look at the peace process more closely. The extension of the truce is a sign of hope for peace in Nagaland. But the agreement comes also with a warning that New Delhi cannot afford to ignore. Mr Muivah deserves to be complimented for not letting his misgivings destroy the hope.

However, the Naga leaders cannot be unaware of the complicated angles to the Naga issues. The most intractable of them has been the territorial question. The NSCN leaders want all Naga-inhabited areas in the North-east to be integrated into a single territorial unit. That will involve slicing away areas from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The people in these states react suspiciously — and sometimes violently — to any such idea. New Delhi has to be extremely cautious in dealing with the Nagas’ territorial demand. No government can afford to ignore the sentiments of the people in these states. Even the NSCN’s demand for “sovereignty” is a difficult proposition. How the government deals with it may be crucial to future peace talks with other rebel groups in the region. The complexity of the issues cannot be wished away by either New Delhi or the Naga leaders. But the ceasefire is supposed to create the climate for discussing these issues. Obviously, hard bargains will mark these negotiations. The agreement in Bangkok could be seen as a fresh beginning for such talks. But unless the political issues are addressed more seriously, the truce itself will be in danger. Both sides need to do more in order to make it a truce with a purpose.




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