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02/12/2006: "Datta opens door to new look Bhavan Rio dedicates Raj Bhavan new building"

Datta opens door to new look Bhavan Rio dedicates Raj Bhavan new building Morung Express News
(Left) Nagaland Governor Shaymal Datta, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Minister Tokheho pose with senior state government officials on the inaugural stone of the new Raj Bhavan, Kohima. The new building was dedicated by the Chief Minister. (Right) A side view of the new look Raj Bhavan building. (MExPix)
The physical transformation of the face of Raj Bhavan Kohima in the recent years is significant. The original Raj Bhavan, which bore unmistakable traces of a British Raj-bungalow style, is now being replaced by a completely new building, bearing the distinct imprints of Naga style, and blending tradition with modernity. This was the observation made by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as he dedicated a new Raj Bhavan building. Rio also stated that the present incumbent Shyamal Datta has contributed the most in the two way transformation of Kohima Raj Bhavan. “It is he, who has made the Raj Bhavan accessible by throwing open its hallowed portals to the activities, which I feel, is welcome by all citizens of Nagaland”, Rio said.
Rio continued that due to the ‘open door approach’ of Governor, a number of students, sportspersons, musicians and artisans etc. have come to this hallowed compound, not only to see its grandeur and beauty, but to have the rare honour of interacting with the Governor and benefiting from his intellectual and inspiring discourses. Adding another feather of glory to the people of Nagaland, the landmark new structure was constructed at the cost of Rs. 5.02 crore.
Governor Shyamal Datta exuded high hope that this new building will provide peace of mind and facilitate ‘peaceful stay’ as wished by one and all. Datta offered a big round of applauses to all the persons involved in the completion of the building.
“The Kohima Raj Bhavan has undergone significant transformations, both in terms of its physical appearance and grandeur, as well as in its ethos”, Rio said while speaking on the occasion of the dedication program here this afternoon. The Raj Bhavan today stands de-mystified, partly due to the changed political, law and order climate in the state, and partly due to the open door approach of the successive Governors in recent years, Rio said.
The Chief Minister wished that the Kohima Raj Bhavan will continue its cordial relation with the citizens and civil societies of Nagaland and continue to be a centre of learning and interactive social activities, while at the same time, maintaining its dignity and sanctity. The entrance of the new building is clad with stones brought from the famous Khonoma village. Use of polycarbonate material for the raised part of the roof, painted acrylic panels above the lobby on the first floor and glass reinforced concrete for the external and internal designs, gives the building a modern look. The building has centralized music system, besides fire protection equipments. The spacious drawing room can take in forty visitors while the dinning hall can seat 24 guests. There are three suites and two guest rooms. Outside the building, there are lawns with fountain. Earlier, chief secretary P. Talitemjem delivered welcome address. The function was attended by several cabinet ministers, speaker NLA, parliamentary secretaries, NGOs, top government officials and several high ranking army officials. Morung Express News
Sonia warns people of ‘communal forces’ Assured a new tribunal which will provide same protection as IMDT Morung Express News
TEZPUR, FEB 11 (PTI): Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi today kicked off her party’s assembly election campaign in the state urging the people to remain vigilant against the “communal and evil forces” at large during the hustings.
“Assam in particular and the North East region in general is an example of secularism. But now the people will have to be aware that the communal and evil forces will be at large, particularly as election is around,” warned Gandhi at a public rally here.
“But I know the people will realise the real character of the evil forces and defeat their nefarious designs,” she said. Gandhi also claimed, “Since the Congress government came to power in Assam five years ago, the law and order situation had totally changed for the better.” Attacking the previous Asom Gana Parishad government, she said, “During the AGP government the people were afraid to come out of their houses after dark. Now is not the case”.
On the ailing tea industry in the state, she said, “I am aware that the tea industry here is facing a problem. However, the UPA government has taken up the responsibility and the commerce ministry is soon going to announce a package to ease the situation.”
Meanwhile, Gandhi today assured the minority community that a new tribunal under the Foreigner’s Act would provide them the same protection they got under the repealed IMDT.
The Centre had decided set up a tribunal under the Foreigners Act to give an opportunity for hearing a person before declaring him or her a foreigner, she told a public rally in the minority dominated Barpeta district adding that no genuine Indian citizen would be allowed to be harassed by any force as suspected foreigners.
Assuring the minority community that there was no need for them to panic with the repeal of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, she said, under the new tribunal they would receive the same protection as under the IMDT.
Referring to the insurgency problem in the state, the UPA chairperson said, “Terrorism cannot solve any problem. Those involved in militancy have realised it cannot solve any problem and have begun to return to the mainstream.
“The UPA government has taken steps to solve the militancy problem in the state,” she said. She said the 100 man days programme for uplift of the downtrodden had been implemented to reach the remotest areas.
Gandhi later stepped out of the security cordon and walked down from the dais to mingle with the people.
Before the public rally, Sonia laid the foundation stone of the Fakuruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College at Barpeta town. Assam Chief minister Tarun Gogoi welcomes Congress party President Sonia Gandhi, right, with a traditional Assamese hat, or Japi, before she addressed a public rally in Tezpur, about 180 kilometers (112.5 miles) east of Guwahati, Saturday, February 11. (AP Photo)
BJP demands all party meet on boundary issue Kuknalim.com
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The BJP in Arunachal has demanded the state government to convene a all party meeting for amicable settlement of the inter-state boundary dispute...

with Assam through constructive interactions and positive suggestions for the greater interest of the state.
The party in a communiqué here today stated that the boundary disputes between Arunachal and Assam and with Nagaland were a long pending problems.

It further alleged that the state government's commitment for protecting its territory was questionable after recurring occurences of murder, land snatching, torture and harassment to the people living in the border areas besides the strong move for integration of Naga inhabited areas by the NSCN (IM). Referring to the Supreme Court ruling of February 10 last, which had given three weeks' time to the Centre for looking into the setting up of a boundary commission to resolve the border disputes between Assam, Arunachal and Nagaland, the party urged the state government not to take the issue lightly but initiate steps before some decision was taken by the Centre, that may be detrimental to the greater interest of the state. The BJP also urged the government to work out appropriate action plan and mechanism to deal with illegal Bangladeshi migrants pouring into the state before it was too late, the communiqué added. UNI
'Switzerland of the East' awaits tourist arrivals Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 12: Seeking to come out of the fear psychosis caused by decades-long insurgency, Nagaland is itching to make up for lost time in attracting tourists to live up to its nomenclature as the 'Switzerland of the East'. ''Had the right exposure given in time, it could have been a gold mine for the country. The British did not want it opened up and then came prolonged insurgency to keep it isolated,'' Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta told visiting newspersons from Kerala.

The tiny hill state has everything from high literacy to rich cultural base, soothing climate and picture-perfect locales for holidaymakers. It now needs an active role by tour operators, better air and rail connectivity and above all an assurance by the Centre and state authorities on developmental activities. Mr Datta said the land was considerably peaceful now and things have started changing for the better.
With the insurgency under control, the visitors have started trickling in especially for the famous Hornbill festival held in the first week of December in the recent years, according to the Tourism officials. However, It was too early to take in the number of visitors. Another factor keeping away visitors is that some categories of tourists need special permits for entry, they admit. Blessed with cool climate and picturesque landscapes, the state can easily emerge as a top hill station on par with Nilgiris or Nainital, given the right impetus now, observed Suresh Kumar from Tamil Nadu, a regular visitor to the region for years on official assignments.
UNI

Many condemn attack on scribe The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 9: The attempt by unidentified persons upon the life of a senior journalist of the state, Ratan Luwangcha, chief of news bureau of the Poknapham daily newspaper, has evoked widespread condemnation from all quarters. Organisations such as the Threatened Indigenous Peoples` Society, United People`s Front, Ethno Heritage Council, Democratic Students` Alliance of Manipur and others reacted with shock to the incident.

The management and staff of the Poknapham, in a press statement, vehemently condemned the attack upon its bureau chief, and demanded that the assailants identify themselves and clarify the reasons for the life attempt on Ratan Luwang. The Threatened Indigenous Peoples` Society, TIPS, strongly condemning the shooting, said it was an attack upon the journalist community as a whole, and amounted to an attempt to gag the mouthpieces of the people.

While demanding a clarification from those responsible, the organisation pledged full support for the agitation being taken up by the media community in this connection. The United People`s Front, UPF, and HERICOUN, in a joint statement condemning the incident, called upon the state authorities to take steps to bring the culprits responsible to book at the earliest.

The two organisations also appealed to all sections to prevent a recurrence of the incident, and urged the state government, civil society organisations and the public at large to extend full cooperation to the media community and ensure freedom of the press. Strongly condemning the incident, the DESAM in a separate statement said it took the attack upon the journalist very seriously, and asked those responsible to clarify the reasons behind the attack.

The Barak Valley Meitei Convention and the Assam Meitei Apunba Lup, in other statements condemned the attack as a cowardly one, and lamented that the media community in the state continues to be targeted by armed groups.
The NIPCO has also strongly condemned the attack on the journalist.

North-East Joint Action Committee, Delhi Press Communiqué
Date: 12.02.2006
The North-East Joint Action Committee would like to express our profound grief and sympathy at the sudden demise of our beloved fellow Naga Mr. RN Tamchon, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Delhi, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), at 6am on the 6th February, 2006, due to ill health. We are shocked and could not come to terms with his sudden demise. He had always been a great source of inspiration to the Nagas here in Delhi and particularly to North-East Action Committee. He has been a voice for the voiceless. He had been a father figure for many of us in here in Delhi in different aspects of our life. He was constant in his support for us to be studious and good individuals. He was friendly, intelligent, down to earth, and helpful to the poor and the weak. He was one of the most sought after officers in Delhi. His demise is not only a great loss for the family, villagers but for the nation as a whole.

Late.R.N.Tamchon, was born in 1964, the eldest son of mr.Yangshi Raingam and Mikshala Raingam from Phadang Village in Ukhrul District, Manipur. He has 3 brothers and 4 sisters. After his Matriculation in 1981 from Sacred Heart High School, Hundung Village, he did his Pre-university from Bangalore. He finished Graduation and Post-Graduation (1985-1990) from St.Stephen College, University, Delhi. After he joined Delhi, Andaman and Nicopar Police Services (DANPS) in 1995, he married ms.Valley Green, daughter of M.Tuizar (retd. IAS) in 1997.His first posting as ACP (Adjudent) was in the 4th Battalion Delhi Armed Police (DAP) Training, followed by various posting as ACP in Training. Last posting as ACP was in the area of District Investigation Unit, New Delhi. He has been survived by his beloved wife and two lovely children, son, Chishin Raingam (6 years) and daughter, Inri Raingam.

The North-East Action Committee, Delhi, pray that his departed beloved wife and his lovely son and daughter, family and relatives be comforted by our living God in these hours of grieves. May the Lord grant them strength and peace in their journey towards the coming days and lives. Brother Tamchon, even though you are not physically with us today, we are sure that we will one day meet in the heaven. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. Mughato Lucky Convenor North-East Action Committee Delhi.
Congress faces public ire in Assam over police firing By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, Feb 12 (IANS) The killing of nine people in police firing in a clash in Assam over the death of a rebel suspect allegedly in army custody could prove to be the nemesis for the ruling Congress in the upcoming assembly elections.
The divided opposition in Assam did not have an issue to really pin down the government until the unfortunate police-firing incident in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district.
'The government must step down as it has allowed the army to kill even an innocent civilian in the name of countering insurgency,' Dilip Saikia, senior Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader, told IANS.
The clash in which police opened fire on thousands of protesters erupted after a local villager picked up by the army on suspicion of having militant links allegedly died in their custody. Two paramilitary troopers were lynched by the angry mob when police fired at the crowd. Shoot-at-sight orders and a curfew were imposed after the clash in Tinsukia district.
The Bharatiya Janata Party and other opposition political parties in the state have lashed out at the Congress government for the chain of events following the alleged custodial death. Joining the protest bandwagon are the powerful All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), besides several other influential tribal groups and tea community associations.
The ULFA and the AASU had given separate calls for general strikes on Monday and Tuesday across Assam to protest the killings.
'There were virtually no issues for the opposition to target the Congress, but now police firing could be a major issue that has the potential to topple the ruling party in the elections,' an analyst said.
The mounting protests are centred in eastern Assam, a known Congress bastion. But today people in the area, a majority of them tea plantation workers, are taking to the streets angry over the military operations and the subsequent police firing.
'The Congress government is allowing the army to commit atrocities on innocent people like us,' thundered Robin Munda, a tea community leader.
This reflects the mood of the common people against the Congress for the prevailing situation. The political equations apart, the controversial police firing resulting from the alleged custodial death has once again brought the locals closer to the ULFA.
During the weeklong street protests and demonstrations there were slogans and placards saying 'ULFA zindabad (long live ULFA)' and 'Go back Tarun Gogoi (Assam chief minister)'.
During the last couple of years, public sympathy for the ULFA was dwindling mainly after the Independence Day bombing in eastern Assam's Dhemaji district last year where 21 schoolchildren were killed. But this issue has definitely helped the rebels to win back the support of the locals across Assam with people condemning the custodial death and the police firing.
The incident took place at a time when ULFA representatives and Indian government peace negotiators were holding peace talks - the last round took place in New Delhi Tuesday.
The two sides agreed in writing that 'confidence building measures' needed to be strengthened. 'The government seems to have no control of the army and so even after an assurance from New Delhi about confidence building measures, the soldiers were at ease targeting innocent civilians in the name of insurgency,' Dilip Patgiri, one of the members of the ULFA chosen People's Consultative Group, said.
Unless the Congress government takes some drastic damage control exercise and restrains the army from committing excesses, the poll prospects of the party looks bleak.
And this was sensed by Congress party president Sonia Gandhi, who was in Assam Saturday on a daylong visit. 'Any soldier found guilty in the Tinsukia incident would be punished strictly and we are in touch with Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee,' Gandhi told a rally.
Sonia promise action against security forces; AASU, ULFA slams bandh NET News Network
Guwahati, Feb11: With the trouble in the Upper Assam pocket of Kakopathar engulfing the other areas of the Upper Assam, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi while regretting the custodial killing, promises the people of the state of strict action against para-military personnel involved in the incident and adequate compensation for the family members. The custodial death of Ajit Mahanta, a local youth has sparked vehement protests in the area. People of the area have taken to streets after the incident. This has sparked protests in other areas of the state. On Sunday an army vehicle was attacked by angry mob in the Chabua area of Dibrugarh district.
Mrs Gandhi addressing a public rally in the Tezpur, which is nearly 300 Km away from the incident site said that she regretted that such a incident has taken place where an innocent person is being killed. I have spoken to Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, he has assured me that proper action will be taken against the army personnel involved in the incident. Mr Mukherjee has also assured me that compensation will given to the family members of the deceased and a government job would be provided to one of the family members of the deceased, she said.
She also underlined the need of lasting peace for economic development of Assam. The creation of Bodo territorial council by the government shows that congress is committed towards peaceful solution of the problems. She also asked the people to remain vigilant against the anti-secular forces which is trying to incite trouble in the state prior to the elections, she said. Gandhi on Saturday also inaugurated the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium at Amingaon, a few kms off the city amidst a huge gathering.
Inaugurating the sports complex, Gandhi remembered the day (May 7, 1995) when she laid the foundation stone of the proposed complex about ten years back accompanied by the then Assam Chief Minister Late Hiteswar Saikia. Talking to media after the inauguration, she said that it was a dream of Late Rajiv Gandhi to facilitate the budding sportspersons of the state and in the entire northeast.
"The complex should have completed long time back but the delay was due to the change of government," she said and added that the actual work was started in November 2004 and it is completed within a record period of 15 months only. "The complex built at a cost of Rs 31.7 crore has a sitting capacity of about 2500 people. However, during stage events the complex could house about 5000 people. "It is good that the complex is completed ahead of the 33rd edition pof the National Games scheduled to be held in the state," she said and added that the complex would help the sporting talents of the region to hone their skils for better perfoirmance at national and international events.
She also inaugurated the fourth phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Computer Literacy Programme, a unique computer education programme started by the Assam Government. All the schools children of each government schools in Assam would be given free world class computer knowledge through the programme and the fourth phase would cover about 300 government schools in Assam.
Assam government has ordered an inquiry by Additional Chief secretary into the Friday firing incident, which has left nearly eight people death including one paramilitary personnel. A team of senior congress leaders will soon visit the area. Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi added that defence minister has informed him that court-martial proceedings will be initiated against the army personnel responsible for custodial death.
Assam minister for Panchayat, Ripun Bora said that the trouble in the area is fomented by outside force, who wants to vitiate the peace of the state before the assembly polls. On Saturday Army has flagged marched twice in the area. Curfew has been clamped in the area. While All Assam Student Union has called 12 hour Assam bandh on February 14 in protest against the incident, the ULFA nominated Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) has threatened to pull out of the peace parleys if army does not stop operations.
Scuffle between the police and locals have left more than 19 people injured, seven of them belong to state police and para-military forces. Tinsukia Deputy commissioner, G. Ganguly told northeasttribune.com that the situation is under control. Army is patrolling the area, he said. On Friday one police vehicle was set ablaze and windshield of two other vehicles is smashed. Similar troubles are reported from Makum. Curfew has been clamped in Makum after thousands of local took to streets to protest the killing of an ULFA militant by para-military force.
Meanwhile, the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) termed Friday’s incident as a glaring example of Centre’s insincerity towards finding a “political solution to Assam-India conflict”.
In a press statement issued to the media this evening, the outfit while condemning the incident slammed 12 hour Assam Bandh on February 13 in protest against the “barbaric killing of 13 innocent people”. The statement further termed the Friday’s incident as more tragic than Jalianwala Bagh massacre carried out by British army. The outfit's C-in-C Paresh Baruah called up local media houses and threatened to formally call off the peace process if Centre and Assam government continues with its activities against the interest of the people of the state and the peace process initiated
Manipur scribes’ stir on From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 11 – For the second consecutive day, the journalists community in Manipur continued their agitation to protest the shooting of their colleague by unidentified gunmen on last Thursday morning.
Manipur-based newspapers will not hit the stand on Sunday morning too as the journalists continued to take part in the agitation. Sit-in protests continued in Imphal on Saturday as part of their ongoing agitationwith effect from February 11.

On Thursday morning, general secretary of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) Ratan Luwangcha was shot at by some armed persons at his Uripok Bachaspati Leikai residence. Thounaojam Ratan Luwang, 40, Bureau Chief of Pokna-pham, a local vernacular paper was shot at from close range by three unidentified gunmen who came on a two-wheeler at his Uripok Bachaspati Leikai in Imphal on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, Manipur-based outfits namely United National Liberation Front, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, People’s United Liberation Front (PULF) reportedly clarified that they’re are involved in the incident.Two other outfits Revolutionary People’s Front and National Socialist Council of Nagaland(Khaplang group) also reportedly denied their involvement ,sources informed. However, another late report added that the ongoing sit in protest was concluded temporarily on Saturday afternoon. A meeting is also on at the Manipur Press Club till the filing of this report.
ULFA flays killings, calls bandh on Feb 13 By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 11 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has given a call for a 12-hour Assam bandh from 6 am of February 13 in protest against the killing of protesting civilians in Kakopathar and Makum in Tinsukia district. In a statement e- mailed to the media this evening, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa called upon all sections of people of Assam, irrespective of their political affiliations, to build up a united movement against the human rights violations in Assam.

The ULFA chairman compared the incidents in Kakopathar and Makum with the Jalianawallabagh massacre by the British rulers and said that peaceful protestors, who were seeking justice for the killing of Ajit Mahanta were attacked with bullets, tear gas etc, killing 13 persons. He said that the Indian Army kept all the people of the area as hostages with its flag march and even the persons injured with bullets were not allowed to go out for treatment.

He said that instead of giving due respect to the democratic movements, the Government of India was trying to thwart such movements with force. He said that the incidents at Kakopathar and Makum were not only attacks on the people of that area but also attacks on the democratic and human rights of the people of both the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys of Assam. Rajkhowa further said, “the incident also proved that the India Government did not want a political solution to the India-Assam conflict and there is no alternative but to build up a strong movement against such blatant human rights violations.”

Journalists in northeast walk a thin line Nagarealm.com
Imphal, February 10 : Journalists working in India's restive northeast are caught in a Catch 22 situation, often becoming the targets of both state and non-state actors, leading to a muzzling of press freedom. The latest in a series of attacks on journalists is the incident of unidentified gunmen critically wounding a senior scribe of a local daily in Manipur capital Imphal Thursday.

Witnesses said three gunmen riding a scooter attacked Ratan Luwangcha, bureau chief of Poknapham, a mass circulation daily published from Imphal. The gunmen pumped three bullets in his stomach rupturing his intestines - Lwangcha is now critical.

Journalists in Manipur and other northeastern states have condemned the incident and said it was a "barbaric act" and an attempt to muzzle the freedom of the press. The attack on the journalist in Imphal followed the mysterious death of a young reporter of a newspaper in Assam last month. Prahlad Goala, 32, a reporter of Asomiya Khabar, a local language daily published from Assam's main city of Guwahati, met with an unnatural death. "Goala was brutally killed for writing a series of stories in our paper exposing corruption and a nexus between a forest warden and timber smugglers," Atanu Bhuyan, editor of the Asomiya Khabar, said. Police arrested the forest warden K.Z. Zaman Jinnah on suspicion of murdering Goala.

The two incidents in the last one month are examples of the increasing attack on journalists in the northeast from both separatists and local governments. In the past three years, at least three editors of local newspapers and a TV journalist have been killed by unidentified gunmen suspected to be separatist rebels in Manipur.
In October last year, newspapers in Manipur failed to hit the stands for a couple of days with journalists and editors protesting the growing interference by militants on media houses.

Editors and the managements of daily newspapers published from Manipur took the extreme step of ceasing work to protest direct pressure being put by an outlawed militant group, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), led by guerrilla leader City Metei, on media houses.
"Journalists working in Manipur get hit from either side. If you do not toe the militant line you face the wrath and ire of the rebels and if a newspaper accepts the rebel diktats you are bound to be harassed by security forces or the establishment," said Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press, leading English daily from Imphal. Newspaper editors were also arrested by police for publishing "seditious" and "anti-national" reports pertaining to some separatist groups.

"We have to think twice before anything is published. It is unfortunate that we have to face the wrath of both underground groups and the government," said another journalist who did not wished to be named. Journalists in Assam and Nagaland too face pressure from the state and rebel groups, both sides trying to coerce counter the media into toeing their line.
In Assam, more than extremist groups, it is the government that has on several occasions tried to muzzle the freedom of the press. More than 30 journalists were arrested during the past decade on charges of aiding and abetting insurgency. [IANS]