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02/09/2006: "Slain Jawans accorded full state honour"

Slain Jawans accorded full state honour New Kerala
Kohima: Nagaland Government today paid full state honour to the nine Indian Reserve Battalion(IRB) jawans killed in a landmine blast at Bheji in Chattisgarh on Monday.

The mortal remains of the slain jawans were brought to Dimapur yesterday by a special BSF plane from Raipur, accompanied by Chattisgarh DIG T John Longkumer.

The bodies were taken to the Nagaland Armed Police Training Centre (NAPTC) for the state funeral service with a convoy of vehicles.

Paying tributes to the jawans, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the "unprincipled and dastardly" attack on the Naga jawans at Kottachour.

The battalion was sent to Chattisgarh in consonance with the terms and conditions as requisitioned by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, he said.

Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho also condemned the killing and said the deeds of the jawans should never be forgetten.

The funeral service ended in chaos as the relatives of the deceased gheraoed the coffins and demanded immediate withdrawal of the 9th IRB battalion from Chattisgarh.
21-gun salute for Heroes of Daring Nine‘Beyond the sunset mountain, no clouds will gather’
(Left) Bereaved family members mourn the death of their loved ones at Police Training Centre, Dimapur, February 8. (Right) Personnel of the Nagaland Armed Police raise their rifles to perform the 21-gun salute. (Photo: Pradeep Pareek)
THE NINE Indian Reserve Battalion cadres who were killed in a landmine blast triggered by Naxalites at Chhattisgarh were today read their last rites at Police Training Centre, Dimapur. A humongous crowd gathered to pay their last respects to the slain cadres. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while offering his condolences said this of the ‘Daring Nine’ from the 9 IRB: “We are proud of them for their bravery, for their sense of duty, and for the way they have taken up their difficult assignment in a distant land with courage and dedication.”
Communicating the Nagaland government’s helplessness in stopping IR battalions from venturing outside the state, Rio said, “When we agreed to raise the NAP (IR) Battalions with Central assistance, we were aware of the terms and conditions for raising of the IR Battalions, that is, the Central Government would have the right to call for their services outside Nagaland State, as and when the need arises.” As such, when the moment of truth arrived, the Nagaland government had to say ‘yes.’ The chief minister hailed the deceased as heroes worthy of admiration and remembrances for years to come.
Besides the ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh each to the families of the deceased by the State Government, Rio also announced that a government job would be provided to a family member next to the kin of the deceased. Two seriously injured soldiers would be paid Rs 50,000 each while the others injured are to be paid Rs 25,000 each. “We know that money cannot compensate for the lives lost, or bring them back. Nevertheless, it will soften the blow on the economic condition of the bereaved families,” Rio said. A 21-gun salute was sounded in honour of the nine who fell prey to the landmine blast.
Three NAP (IR) battalions have already been raised. The fourth one is already sanctioned and is in the process of being raised.
Other dignitaries who attended the funeral service included Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Wangyuh Konyak, Home Minister Thenucho, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr T M Lotha, Chief Secretary Talitemjen Ao and a host of Police officers from different ranks. All those who spoke termed the killings as a dastardly and unfair act.
‘We don’t want your money, withdraw 9 IRB’

A mother’s love: Overcome by emotion and sadness, a woman weeps over the tragic loss of lives. (Photo: Pradeep Pareek)
When the Minister came forward to pronounce the funeral rites for the nine IRB personnel who were killed in Chhattisgarh by Naxalites, family members of the deceased, especially women, who were earlier seated in a reserved section rushed forward to the coffins where their loved ones lay motionless. And when the funeral dirge, ‘Beyond the sunset mountain’ was sung, tears formed in many an eye.
Overcome by emotion, the women very vocally expressed their grief and sorrow. And anger. Some shouted at the top of their voices, “We don’t need money, we want them alive.” Joining the chorus were the words, “Withdraw 9 IRB (from Chhattisgarh).”
While the funeral parade was on, some said this: “We will not allow you to take away the dead bodies.” The chief minister and other luminaries present were subject to listen to some of these voices before their departure. Earlier, on behalf of the bereaved families, a representative requested the government to look into their welfare and to expedite official proceedings related to payments.
Speaking to media persons prior to his departure from the Police Training Centre, T John Longkumer, Deputy Inspector General (Range), Chhattisgarh Police said villagers in the Bastar region always demand for the ‘Naga force’ as they are more effective in tackling Naxalites. The Naga jawans are lodged in good living accommodations, according to him.
Kohima Civil societies mourn Horangse’s demise
KOHIMA: The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) ahs mourned the sudden demise of Late Horangse Sangtam, President Naga Hoho at Bangkok where had had gone for Naga peace talks.
He was a stern supporter of Naga peace process working hard and doing everything humanly possible to bring reconciliation and unity among all sections of Nagas, said NPC chairman N. Theyo in a condolence message.
He was a prominent politician and social worker and the vacuum created at his death will be difficult to fill. In his premature death, one significant aspect of his leadership is lost as he was the symbol of Naga unity.
“Personally, I know him when he was the aspiring for 1974 election for the first time where, as minister in charge, I was assigned by the NNO party to go to his constituency Longkhim-Chare to access his position as our party candidate. I met many important and prominent leaders of his constituency and he was found to be most suitable candidate. Subsequently, he served as a member in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for two consecutive terms and held the post of Deputy Speaker of the Assembly at one time,” Theyo said.
“He died a famous death because he was with a mission for peace talks. Though we miss him, we do not forget him but we remember him,” Theyo added.
Theyo also conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
Expressing shock over the demise of Late Horangse Sangtam, the Kohima Lotha Students Union said that in the latter demise, the people of Nagaland have lost a prominent politician and social worker, who had dedicated his life for the cause of peace and unity.
The Union president Yiben and finance secretary Zujanbemo Kithan conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty to grant them solace and comfort.
“We have lost a great and outstanding leaders who had selflessly strive and work for the welfare and well being of the Naga people by contributing his services in various activities and capacities,” the Chang Union Kohima said in a release.
His passing away is not only a great loss to the Sangtam community and Tuensang people but also to the people of Nagaland, the Union president Yanchu Chang said in a release.
The release also added that the departed soul is a shining example of just and dedicated social and political leaders who role can never be substituted.
The Union conveyed heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty to grant strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Prayers for the ‘Daring 9’ IRB jawans Y. Hewoto Awomi
I extend my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved families of the nine courage’s IRB Jawans who were killed in a land mine attack in Chattisgarh.
The daring ninth has lived up to its gallant name by going to unfamiliar territory to face hostile elements. Today, nine of our brave sons have fallen in battle, they have laid down their lives for a noble cause, a supreme sacrifice which can never be forgotten and their tales of heroism, gallantry and selflessness shall be passed on from generation and shall always be remembered.
We are proud of our brave sons who have shown the world what courage and bravery is. We are proud of their families for producing such gallant and courageous warriors.
Though it grieves us to known that they shall be with us no more, I am convinced that they are resting on Heaven’s highest hill as they have laid down their lives for the nation.
Our brave sons, our courageous warriors, our fearless IRB boys, the Naga people are extremely proud of you and the sacrifice you have made. We salute you. There is no greater honor than to lay down your life foe the nation.
May God bless your souls with eternal peace and fill the emptiness that has been created. Once again, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the bereaved families and I wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. May God comfort us in this hour of sorrow.

Dimapur Naga Women Hoho
The Dimapur Naga Women Hoho (DNWH) has strongly condemned the use of landmines in this civilized era particularly when the world is looking towards a peaceful future.
It is with great sorrow that we condole the demise of nine valiant IRB jawans who were killed in a landmine attack in Chattisgarh by naxalite elements. President DNWH. We, the mothers of Dimapur feel the pain of the bereaved families and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to each and every one of them. It is unfortunate that we have lost brave youths who did not fear to lay down their life for the nation.
Their act of bravery and courage shall be an exemplary example for the future generations to come. They left their homes, went to an alien place, carried out their duties and did the supreme sacrifice. They shall never be forgotten, they are real heroes and though our hearts are broken, we are proud of our sons.
We salute you, may God bless your souls with eternal peace. We pray that God would grant his mercy and strength to the bereaved family members.
Karbi Anglong land owners told to verify documents
Longki Rongpi, UPDS Commanding Officer of Karbianglong area at a location in Hayongpur. (MExPix)
DIMAPUR: The UPDS Commanding Officer of Karbianglong area, Longki Rongpi has issued a statement to all the concerned landowners who have acquired land in the Karbi – Anglong areas. It has come to the notice of the organization that land is being bought without proper verification of the required documents such as land patta, etc.
In a meeting with the press at Hayongpur, 8kms. from the Nagaland border, he said that the authenticity of 95% of the documents held by the landowners have been found to be fake. The buyers may have bought lands through unscrupulous middle – men (dalals) who have swindled them. He said that approximately Rs 25 crores has been invested within the last 10 years in the buying and development of lands by the buyers from Nagaland, who consist of mainly Nagas, Nepalis and Bangladeshi immigrants. He reiterated that the UPDS does not oppose any prospective buyers. At the same time, all the landowners are informed to go to Diphu, Assam and get their land documents verified by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council and the Land Revenue Office.
The UPDS is also willing to consider and help those owners settle any land issues if the need arises. He said that an evacuation drive against illegal landowners will be started by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council soon. Since the information has already been given now, he said that the organization or the Karbi public will not be held responsible for any problems that may arise later.
Further,he said that any middle-men or dalals who are involved in unscrupulous land dealings within its jurisdiction will be awarded the death penalty. He also informed that since 2003 the house and ration tax has been lifted by the UPDS due to economic considerations. Therefore, no organization is allowed to impose any tax in the Karbi Anglong areas without consulting the UPDS first. The UPDS which was formed in 1994 is currently
Losing Peripheral Vision

Bharat Bhushan
The current dispensation in New Delhi does not seem serious about settling the periphery of India — whether it be Kashmir or Nagaland. As long as Metropolitan India is safe, it feels secure. The bushfires in the periphery can continue for all it cares.
When it is the question of allowing foreign direct investment in retail trade or airport privatization, the government acts firmly and with determination. But when it comes to dealing with India’s periphery, it feigns weakness. Therefore, it is not surprising that since Manmohan Singh assumed power, not a single political initiative has been taken to address the festering Naga problem — except, of course, the appointment of a group of ministers to talk to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isac-Muivah). However, the ministers have nothing to show for themselves.
Eight-and-a-half years of ceasefire has made New Delhi forget the advantages of solving the Naga problem. Its entire focus is to somehow keep extending the ceasefire, forgetting the primary purpose of the cessation of hostilities. This is what was witnessed in Bangkok at the end of January. A prolonged ceasefire has meant that the government does not even remember the seriousness of the Naga problem. How can it then even begin to see the benefits of solving it?
Nearly 25,000 lives have been lost due to the Naga insurgency. The Naga rebellion has also been the source of all insurgencies in India’s North-east — they have trained most of the militant groups in that region. If the Naga issue is settled, the entire North-east can hope for peace. If the North-east is peaceful, then it is less likely to be a fertile ground for anti-India operations by either Pakistan’s
Inter-Services Intelligence, Islamic fundamentalists and other countries aiming to bog down India in its internal security problems. New Delhi then has more time to address other issues such as Kashmir or the growing Naxalite problem. Since the Naga issue is next only to Kashmir in terms of the international attention it draws, there are other benefits to be had by solving it.
The prime minister does not tire of repeating the mantra that the Naga movement is “the mother of all insurgencies” in the North-east. But the fact remains that since the Mizoram Accord of 1986, not a single insurgency has been solved.
New Delhi’s lack of political will has been compounded by a misreading of the NSCN (I-M). It believes that eight-and-a-half-years of ceasefire have put its ageing leadership at a disadvantage. Its chairman, Isak Chishi Swu, and its general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, are no spring chickens and its cadre have got used to an easy semi-urban life compared to the hardships of the jungle. Wear them out some more and they will settle on terms acceptable to New Delhi.
If they continue to be intransigent, then a militarily weakened NSCN (I-M) can be marginalized and other groups — NSCN (Khaplang), the Naga National Council or S.C. Jamir, the Congress party’s “Gandhi of the North-east”, can be used as negotiating partners instead. The rest of India will think that Naga peace talks are continuing.This assessment is flawed. Muivah can still paralyze two states fully and two partially in the North-east. If negotiating with the NNC or the NSCN (K) could solve the Naga issue, then that is what the government ought to have done. Why bother with “unreasonable” elements in the NSCN (I-M)?
Those who signed the Shillong Accord also thought that the Naga issue had been settled with reasonable people. It resulted in a generation walking off to the jungle in protest and taking up arms. Through its unthinking acts, New Delhi can send one more generation of Nagas underground. There is no guarantee that this time the war will be fought in the jungle. Terrorism today is effective not in deserts, mountains and jungles but in the metropolises — in New York, London and New Delhi.
The government does not appreciate that the Nagas are talking about issues internal to India. All indications are that they want to be a part of India. They only want their relationship to be based on the terms of the peace agreement signed with them. So why insult the Nagas by constantly raising the red herring of “sovereignty”? It is reasonable, however, for New Delhi to expect that any solution to the Naga issue ultimately should be within the Constitution of India and that it must preserve the integrity of the Union. But the Constitution can either be a point of departure to resolve the conflict or it can be a point of arrival — the solution can be accommodated within the Constitution after due amendments.
Those in the government who want everything to be discussed “within the four-corners of the Constitution” do not recognize that it is the people who require a Constitution, not the government. Governments can also run on martial law, on monarchical tradition and even on a criminal or penal code ). A Constitution, therefore, is a document of the people. The people have to have the ownership of the Constitution and hence, it needed a constituent assembly, and today a two-thirds majority of parliament, for amending it. However, we should recognize that the Nagas were not represented in the Constituent Assembly. This can be changed so that they too, like the rest of India, can own it. They will have that ownership when they feel that their rights are recognized in the Constitution.
The Constitution does not recognize the unity and unique ethnic identity of the Nagas. If the Constitution unites the Nagas, they will welcome it. This will be a solution both within the Constitution of India as well as the Union of India.Why raise the issue of “sovereignty” when the Nagas themselves say that the notion of sovereignty has changed the world over. They still talk of sovereignty ambiguously but this should not be taken seriously. Farooq Abdullah and Parkash Singh Badal also talked ambiguously about the Constitution. Badal, in fact, burnt a copy of it in New Delhi but later went on to become the chief minister of Punjab.
The Naga underground will eventually go the way the Naga people want it to go — this connection with civil society is the singular achievement of the eight years of the cease-fire. The Nagas today see their future with India. They need to be hand-held in this process, with the government showing sensitivity to their aspirations and agreeing to devolution of powers. This cannot be done by sweet-talking them into extending the ceasefire indefinitely. New Delhi needs to come up with viable proposals. The patience of the Nagas is wearing thin. If the process breaks down, Manmohan Singh and his government will have to take the blame squarely.
The writer is the Editor, The Telegraph.
41 militants killed in Army operations Sentinel
Thanlon (Manipur), Feb 7 (PTI): Altogether 14 insurgents were killed during Army operations for the past several months to sanitise a 262 km stretch of the national highway 150 in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.
Briefing the media here yesterday, Lt Gen ZU Shah, Three Corps Commander said that the area, now sanitised, had been the stronghold of the militant United National Liberation Front (UNLF) which had severely harassed villagers.
He said that underground outfits had laid improvised explosive devices extensively in the area which had resulted in the death of 13 persons and loss of limbs of another 20.
A total of 80 persons had lost their lives from IEDs in the last two years, he said.
He said that 66 improvised explosive devices had been either seized or neutralised during the operation.
The GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen GG Duivedi said during the operation 14 insurgents were killed.
The Army seized eight weapons, assorted ammunition and over 70 kg of explosives.
Duivede said after hearing the news of successful army operations, more than 200 of 800 villagers who were forced to flee to the neighbouring state of Mizoram because of excesses by the UNLF had returned home.

Government should tackle Maoist violence says Lawmakers Nagarealm
New Delhi, FEB09 : The Government should tackle rising Maoist violence through reducing poverty in affected areas and better police coordination, lawmakers said on Wednesday

Lawmakers from the Upper House of Parliament, who had attended a meeting convened by the Home (Interior) Minister Shivraj Patil had said rebel violence was a fallout of social inequalities.

“We have explained basically two aspects. One is it starts with a social problem, then takes an economic shape and then becomes a law and order (problem). So, we have told the Government that it is not a law and order (problem) alone. Law and order should be third aspect. Basically, socio-economic and then security, we have to look at in this way,” a lawmaker from Andhra Pradesh, J D Seelam said.

The federal government had promised to help states affected by Maoist violence set up joint task forces to coordinate anti-guerrilla operations across state boundaries.

Lawmakers said the state police forces should be strengthened.

“We have told him that our intelligence does not work effectively. The incident takes and then the police reach or the administration gets information. Then we have asked for modernisation in the police force, also stressed more on developmental work and ways of creating employment opportunities, especially in the rural sector. The Minister listened to our suggestions and said that the Central government has initiated steps in that direction,” said Motiur Rehman, a lawmaker from Bihar state. The meeting has been convened after Maoist rebels killed 13 policemen, including 10 from Nagaland Armed Police (NAP), in two separate attacks in Chattisgarh on Monday.

In another incident, Maoists raided a police station in Jashpur district, about 450 km north of Raipur, and shot dead three policemen and wounded five. Both attacks were blamed on the outlawed Maoists. An NAP battalion comprising 850 policemen was deployed in the Bastar region, a stronghold of the Maoists, in June 2005.
Police say the Maoists, who have a strong presence in many of the State's 16 districts, have stepped up violent attacks in the past several days. Last week, they killed eight civilians in an attack on a government relief camp for tribal people. Three Maoists were also killed when police returned fire.

Last year, the Government drew up a policy focusing on poverty reduction and increased policing following a spurt in guerrilla attacks. Maoist insurgents, who number around 9,300, say they are fighting for the rights of the rural poor and against feudal land owners and corrupt local officials who siphon off development aid. The rebels operate in some of the most impoverished districts across nine states, including three bordering Nepal. The Maoists, who hold sway over vast rural areas of country, claim they are fighting for the rights of landless labourers and poor peasants, many of them tribesmen. Their main targets are police and paramilitary forces.

Maoist groups have also said they would link up with their counterparts in troubled Nepal—where rebels are trying to overthrow the monarchy. Thousands of people have died in nearly four decades of Maoist violence including hundreds of policemen. [ANI]