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02/08/2006: "Malayali jawan killed in Nagaland"

Malayali jawan killed in Nagaland
Wednesday February 8 2006 13:52 IST Newind Press
ALAPPUZHA: A soldier of the Assam Rifles, Anilkumar alias Unni, 41, hailing from Karuvatta in the district, was killed in an encounter with Naga militants in Nagaland on Saturday. An intimation in this regard was received by District Collector K R Muralidharan here on Monday night.
Anilkumar’s body would be brought to Nedumbassery Airport at Kochi on Wednesday. It would be cremated at his residence with full state honours on the same day, the Collector’s office said.
Son of Kalathil Veettil Janardhanan Nair and Vijayamma, Anilkumar originally belonged to Thakazhi Chirayakom.
He is survived by wife Usha Kumari and children Ananthakrishnan, 7 and Unnikrishnan, 4.
Anilkumar had been with the Assam Rifles for the last 18 years.
Naga jawans' bodies to be flown to Dimapur today New Kerala
Kohima: The bodies of the nine Naga jawans of the Indian Reserve Battalion, killed in Baster district of Chattishgarh on Sunday, will be flown to Dimapur today.
According to official sources here, the bodies would be brought to Dimapur by a special BSF plane.

From the airport, the bodies would be taken to the Nagaland Armed Police Training College, Chumukedfima, where a condolence service would be held, before handing over the bodies to the respective families. Sources said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Home minister Thenucho, other Cabinet ministers, MLAs, senior police and civil officials were likely to take part in the funeral service.

Meanwhile, Chattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 15 lakh to the families of the jawans killed, Rs 50,000 to each jawan injured seriously and Rs 25,000 to those sustaining minor injuries.

Sources said, in a message faxed to his Nagaland counterpart, Dr Raman Singh assured that he would personally monitor the situation and that his government would do everything possible to help the bereaved families. Dr Singh had deputed an officer to ensure that the injured admitted in Vishakhapatnam received proper medical care.

Naga Hoho chief passes away New Kerala
Kohima: President of Naga Hoho Horangse Sangtam died at a hospital in Bangkok after renal failure last night.

He was 61 and is survived by his wife, three sons and four daughters.

Horangse had left Dimapur on January 28 for Bangkok prior to signing of the cease-fire extension agreement between the Centre and the NSCN-IM on January 31 as a part of the Naga Hoho delegation to witness the agreement on extension of truce where he fell sick.

He had joined politics in 1974 and contested unsuccessfully on Naga National Organisation (NNO) ticket from Longkhim Chare assembly constituency under Tuensang.

He was elected from the same constituency in 1982 and appointed as the Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly. In 1987, he contested again but lost.Since then he was involved in social work.

He took over the charge of president of Naga Council in 2000 and continued till 2004. He was elected as the president of the Naga Hoho in May 2005 and continued in the post till his death.

An official Naga Hoho release said his mortal remains would be flown to Dimapur tomorrow. Nagaland Transport Minister Imtilemba Sangtam, Naga Hoho Vice-President Keviletuo Kieuwhou and Paul Leo would also be present there.

The funeral service would be held on February 10 at Dimapur Districts Sports Council Stadium and he would be laid to rest at the old Naga cemetery in Dimapur on Friday.
Datta, Jamir, Imkong condole The Morung Express
KOHIMA, FEB 7 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta has expressed shock at the demise of Naga Hoho President Horangse Sangtam. In a condolence message, Datta said the suddenness of the tragic news made the shock more severe. “Horangse Sangtam made a significant contribution in politics and social service.
In his passing away in harness, the State has lost a prominent political and social worker. The vacuum left by him will be difficult to fill,” Datta stated. The Governor has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and has prayed to the Almighty to give enough grace and fortitude to bear the tragic loss.
Goa Governor SC Jamir stated that he was grieved to hear of the demise of Horangse Sangtam at Bangkok. “I am given to understand that he went to Bangkok in connection with the Naga peace process. His demise is very unfortunate especially since the Naga peace process is at a critical juncture where all Naga leaders have to pool in their best to ensure that the protracted Naga political problem is brought to an honourable conclusion for good.”
Saying that he has known Horangse Sangtam ever since he joined active politics in the 1970s, Jamir along with his wife extended heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. “We pray that the Lord Almighty grant them solace at this hour of grief. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.”
In his condolence message to the wife and family members of Horangse Sangtam, leader of opposition I. Imkong stated that the news of the Naga Hoho President’s demise came to him as a great shock. “A few days earlier, we were informed that he was seriously ill, but we were hoping that he will recover. His passing away at this time is a great loss to the people.”
“We had worked together on many occasions,” Imkong said. Imkong on behalf of the Congress Legislature Party asked the Almighty to provide solace and strength to the bereaved family.
Condolences for Horangse Sangtam NPF
The Nagaland People’s Front has expressed grief over the demise of Horangse Sangtam, President, Naga Hoho in Bangkok, Thailand. “While conveying our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, we pray that the almighty God will abide by them, console them at this moment of grief and sadness. May his soul rest in peace.”
Angami Students’ Union
The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has registered grief over the untimely demise of Horangse Sangtam, President Naga Hoho. His death is a great loss to the people of Nagaland, particularly at the juncture, where the fate of the Nagas remains indecisive; and knowledge and intellectual people of his stature, pertaining to the history and legitimate rights of the Nagas are slowly fading out, according to ASU in a condolence message made available. His absence will conspicuously be felt in the realm of dedicated, experienced and committed social leadership of the Naga society. The ASU conveyed its deepest condolence to the bereaved family and prays for vision and hope in their time of readjustment that lies ahead. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the Union prays for eternal peace and rest for the departed soul.
Imtilemba mourn Horangse’s demise
Minister for transport and communication Imtilemba Sangtam today mourned the death of Naga Hoho president Horangse Sangtam on February 6 in Bangkok. The minister termed Late Horangse as a brainchild of Naga integration and contributor of Naga unity. He is a dedicated person to choose to serve the Naga people. He is a pioneer and educated politician among the Nagas. Imtilemba also stated that Late Horangse was a chosen leader and God has given special wisdom to guide and lead the Nagas. He is considered to be the peace mission for integration of Naga. He is a man of principle, the minister said. The minister also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
K. V Pusa
MLA and Senior Congress Leader K.V. Pusa expressed deep shock and sorrow that Mr. Horangse Sangtam, President of Naga Hoho has breathed his last after struggling for his life in Bangkok Hospital. At the time when Nagas are passing through extremely crucial stage, where many are struggling for peace and unity amongst various sections of our society. The passing away of Lt.Sangtam is a great loss to the people of Nagaland. Describing Late. Horangse as an upright, honest and a dedicated Naga leader who always worked for peace and unity amongst the Nagas, despite various circumstances. His death is great loss to the Naga people. In this hour of grief I on behalf and my family convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.
NPC condoles
The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) has expressed its deepest sorrow and anguish about the tragedy that killed 9 (nine) Naga jawans and injuring equal number of jawans belonging to the elite Naga Battalion – 9th IRB, in a powerful land mine blast in the Naxal- infested state of Chhattisgarh.
The NPC has also conveyed heartfelt condolences to those bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured personnel. A press release issued by N. Theyo, Chairman, NPC, Kohima, stated.
NNP condoles
The Naga National Party (NNP) has expressed deep sorrow and anguish of the sudden and unexpected death of Late. Horangse Sangtam, President, Naga Hoho. In a press release issued by the President NNP, Ng. Hungyo, while expressing his disbelief and sorrow, described Lt. Horangse as a man who had contributed immensely for and to the Nagas by playing a great role in bringing all Nagas under one administrative unit and also in the on going Indo – Naga peace talk. “He was a symbol of brotherhood that, in his stint as a great public figure and leader, relentlessly spent his precious time and life for the just peace, truth, unity and reconciliation among the Nagas.” “In his death an immeasurable vacuum has been created in the Naga society,” Hungyo added. Furthermore, Hungyo averred that in this time of extreme sorrow and grief, I on behalf of the Naga National Party (NNP) and on my own behalf and my family, share our deepest sympathy with the bereaved family.” May the good Lord, the ‘great comforter’ grant you peace of mind and courage to face the world in the days to come in the absence of a husband and father, the release added.
First Naga Delhi Police officer no more Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07: The first Naga to join the Delhi Police, RN Tamchon, passed away in the early hours of February 6 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

He was serving as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Delhi at the time of his demise.

He is survived by his wife and two children, a son aged 7 and a daughter aged 5.

He belonged to the Tangkhul community.

His mortal remains will be brought home tomorrow.

RN Tamchon son of R N Yangshi of Phadang village of Ukhrul District passed his matriculation from Sacred Heart School, Ukhrul, and pre University from St Joseph's College, Bangalore.

He finished his BA as and his MA from St Stephens College, Delhi University.

Tamchon cleared the UPSC exam in 1994, joining the Delhi Andaman Nicobar Police Service.

Rendering his service timelessly, he was a pillar of great strength to the student community particularly students from Manipur and Nagaland.

No event went by without a hand from him directly or indirectly.

Condolence Service will held both at Imphal and Ukhrul, said a statement issued by the family members of the late police officer.

At Imphal the condolence service will be held at the residence of M Tuizar at 3 pm at Deulalane, while another condolence service will be held at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground at 6.30 pm.
Operations launched in Chhattisgarh to nab Bheji Naxal attackers Raipur | 6:07:37 PM IST Webindia

The Chhattisgarh Government has launched extensive search operations to nab Naxalites involved in the killing of nine Nagaland Armed Police personnel at Bheji last Monday.
The nine bodies were taken to Dimapur, Nagaland yesterday in a Border Security Force aircraft and they were accompanied by the Director General Police of Nagaland. Earlier, full State honours were accorded to the departed souls at Raipur.
The Chhattisgarh Government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs.5 lakh to each of the deceased. Rs.10 lakh will be given to each of the deceased under the special insurance scheme for the personnel, engaged in anti-naxal operations.
An amount of Rs.50,000 has been given to each of the nine injured Nagaland Armed Police personnel. The Government of India will reimburse ex-gratia payment to the Chhattisgarh Government under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme.
Last Monday, Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh had killed thirteen policemen, including 10 from Nagaland Armed Police (NAP), in two separate attacks.
The personnel of the NAP, which has been at the front of the campaign against the Maoists, were killed in a landmine blast in a forest area in Dantewada district, 480 km south of Raipur.
Earlier, the guerrillas shot dead three policemen and injured five in an attack on a police station in Jashpur district.
Both attacks were blamed on the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist. An NAP battalion comprising 850 policemen was deployed in the Bastar region, a stronghold of the Maoists, in June 2005. Maoist rebels, who have a strong presence in eight of the 16 districts in Chhattisgarh. (ANI)

Biodiversity under threat in Nagaland Chizokho VeroThe Morung Express February 7
Minister for Forest and IPR, Kheto releasing the ‘State Level Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Nagaland’ at Kohima on February 7. Seen alongside is Commissioner & Secretary, Forest, B.R. Thong, IAS. (Photo: DIPR)
KOHIMA: Since the advent of agriculture to the initiation of resource-intensive industrial processes, human actions have been affecting the environment and its biodiversity, according to the book “State Level Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Nagaland that was released by the forest minister Kheto this morning at Hotel Japfu.
Lack of awareness and an indifferent attitude towards the environment emerge as the important factors affecting the biodiversity.
The whole state of Nagaland is rich in biodiversity. A few areas of the state are still pristine and harbour a wide variety of endemic species of plants animals and microorganisms and are experiencing anthropogenic threats of various kinds, the book says.
Nagaland boasts of the tallest rhododendron and the tallest rice plant in the Guinness book of world records, Naga King chilly is a contender for being the hottest chilly in the world. There are numerous rare and endangered species of plants; Blythe’s Tragopan, the state bird and the Mithun, the state mascot are themselves rare species in the world.
“The state is endowed with rich biological diversity yet this resource has been under threat due to increasing human interventions in the recent years, and unless a holistic perspective on management practice is adopted, the scenario is likely to become alarming,” said Kheto.
The minister stressed the need to have a scientific action plan based on conservation initiatives undertaken by the local communities so that indigenous knowledge and practices are gainfully tapped and at the same time ensuring long term livelihood security.
The book penned various factors affecting biodiversity in the state. Nagaland is one of the least industrialized states of the country. However, the adverse impacts of industrialization can already be seen in Tuli and Dimapur. A large number of saw mills and other wood based industries are locally affecting the biodiversity of the state, the book said.
Deforestation on a hilly state like Nagaland often irreparably damages the local ecosystem leading to the loss of native flora and fauna.
Although hunting has been officially banned, a large number of wild animals are still being killed for meat in Nagaland. This is a serious threat, but some public awareness is developing and the people are stating to realize the importance of wildlife and biodiversity.
In Nagaland, shifting cultivation is one of the leading causes of wild fires. In some parts of the state where traditional burning of forest is practiced, large chunks of natural flora and fauna are destroyed.
It also penned that a large proportion of the population of Nagaland depends on traditional medicines derived from plants and animals. Often, extraction of these herbs is not done in a sustainable manner thus affecting the biodiversity.
Nagaland has recorded the fastest population growth during recent decades. This may, the book said, lead to increased pressure on natural resources, loss of forest cover due to spread of agriculture on forest lands thus affecting destruction of natural ecosystems, soil erosion, population fragmentation and increased pressure on biological and other natural resources. Large scale plantations of teak and monoculture of other commercial tree is also changing the vegetation structure in several parts of Nagaland.
“”Creation of jobs for the unemployed will help conserve biodiversity as it will reduce the pressure on forests and other natural ecosystem, “the book says.
The Doyang and Likhimro Hydel projects are bound to cause adverse impacts on the biodiversity of Nagaland, the book continued.
Stating that the state has been blessed with richness of biodiversity and bio resource, eminent writer Chalse Chasie said “our effort need to become firmer bolder and purposeful,” in conservation of biodiversity.
The time has come for us to think big and to think in term of putting Nagaland in the biodiversity map of the world, Chasie added.
B.R. Thong, IAS, commissioner and secretary forest said the forefathers are the best conservator of biodiversity, adding that they maintain harmonious relationship with nature.
A. Rongsenwati Ao, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests said that Nagaland Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is an initiative of the department of forests, ecology, environment and wildlife supported by Ministry of Forests and Environment, which envisages preparing detailed BSAP of all the states in consonance with the National Strategy and Action Plan.
ULFA talks a boon for Congress during Assam elections By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, Feb 8 (IANS) The Indian government's decision to consider releasing some of the jailed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leaders is seen as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Assam.
Government negotiators Tuesday agreed to one of the major demands of the ULFA to release some of their senior jailed leaders to facilitate the rebel group to begin direct peace talks with New Delhi.
The decision was taken in New Delhi in talks between government emissaries, led by India's national security adviser M.K. Narayanan and representatives of the outlawed ULFA.
'The decision to consider releasing jailed rebel leaders would put the ULFA on the defensive,' an analyst said.
'This is a well-planned strategy by the government ahead of state elections and could help the ruling party in a big way.'
Elections to the 126-member Assam legislature are expected in April.
The political gains apart, the government, by doing so, has indicated that it was ready to walk the extra mile to bring about an end to the nearly three decades of insurgency in the region.
The ULFA, a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland since 1979, nominated an 11-member People's Consultative Group (PCG), a team of prominent civil society members, in October last year.
The first round of talks with the PCG and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was held in New Delhi Oct 26. Tuesday's talks were significant as the government hinted about a possible cessation of military operations, besides virtually conceding the ULFA's main demand that the issue of 'sovereignty' or independence could be discussed in the talks.
A joint statement signed by Home Secretary V.K. Duggal and ULFA representative Arup Borbora said there was a need to 'create a conducive environment' and 'listen to all their (ULFA's) concerns' when the rebel leadership begins direct talks.
There is virtually nothing left for the ULFA to backtrack on holding direct talks with the government now that New Delhi had agreed to meet their preconditions.
It is very likely that the central government would now speed up the peace process and try to sign a ceasefire agreement with the ULFA soon so that this becomes a major issue for the ruling Congress to harp on during electioneering.
For once, insurgency in Assam is on a different track - a peace deal was struck recently with the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), a powerful tribal rebel group. The BLT now no longer poses a security risk as they did in previous elections.
So is another influential militant group, the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). The NDFB is currently operating a ceasefire with New Delhi.
'We had signed an accord with the BLT and a ceasefire with the NDFB is on. Even the ULFA is now talking peace and talks are on the right track,' Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
Now the big question is what the ULFA's stand would be on the elections, although the outfit does not subscribe to any Indian elections.
The game plan of the Congress is to clinch a ceasefire pact with the ULFA just ahead of the polls - it would serve a double purpose - make the ULFA peace talks a major poll issue and try to, if covertly, get the rebel group's support in the elections.

Breakthrough in Govt-ULFA talks From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 7 – In a significant breakthrough the Government of India and the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) today agreed on a series of confidence building measures (CBMs) which brightened the prospects of release of several ULFA leaders currently under detention in the State. The Government of India represented by National Security Adviser (NSA) MK Narayanan and Union Home Secretary VK Duggal today held discussions with the 11-member PCG in the South Block which lasted for almost two hours this evening.

At the end of the discussion, a joint statement was read wherein it was stated that the Government of India agreed to examine and initiate a series of confidence building measures with regard to human rights violations and to examine the release of detained ULFA leaders in consultation with the State Government.

Terming the talks as ‘frank, constructive and positive’, the statement said that both sides agreed to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the State to create a conducive environment for dialogue and agreed to work towards creating such an environment.

It was agreed to have another round of talks as early as possible before commencement of direct talks with the ULFA and to listen to all their concerns.

PCG member Arup Borbora who read out the statement said, “We discussed with the government representatives all the issues in a positive atmosphere. We want to pave the way to bring both sides to the negotiating table.”

Meanwhile, the PCG at a late night meeting yesterday decided to reiterate the demands submitted last October, the prominent of which is release of all the detained ULFA leaders languishing in different jails besides suspension of Army operations against ULFA for creation of a congenial atmosphere.

The meeting attended by 11 members of the PGC and joined by Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami, deliberated on the issues to be raised at the meeting.

Dr Goswami told this newspaper that the plight of the children and women of ULFA men caught in the aftermath of the operations in Bhutan was on top of their agenda. Dr Goswami said over 25 children of ULFA cadres were languishing in prison. “Their release along with a few of their senior leaders is a matter of priority.

The PCG members meanwhile have been accommodated in a different hotels this time and close to the South Block. The members were not quite happy with the arrangements made last time.

Meanwhile debate over the size of the PCG continued to rage. A section within the group including the two editors confided that they preferred that a small group from among them to carry on further negotiations. It is much easier for a small team to maintain secrecy and take prompt decisions without fear of leak outs, said a member.

However, officials in the Home Ministry have clarified that they have not made any suggestions to Dr Goswami to reduce the size of the team. “How can we ask a team to reduce its size appointed by some organisation,” asked an official.