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03/06/2006: "Ibobi eye on Naga dialogue ---Manipur Assembly discuss UG issues, NSCN-IM peace talks"


Ibobi eye on Naga dialogue The Morung Express
Imphal, March 5: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that the Centre had assured him of taking the state’s view into consideration before deciding on the issue of Naga unification. Announcing this in the Assembly, Ibobi Singh said his government was monitoring the progress of peace talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre. “Union ministers Oscar Fernandez and Prithviraj Chauhan, who are part of the negotiating team, repeatedly assured me that the views of the Manipur government and the people of the state would be taken into consideration before the Centre settled the Naga unification demand,” Ibobi Singh said. Ibobi was responding to the Opposition’s demand that a resolution be passed to include a representative of the state government in the ongoing talks. (The Telegraph)
Peace sells; investment galore for Nagaland Morung Express Dimapur March 5

IT is a cliché but one of the unquestionably successful cliché if observed: peace is a pre-requisite for progress and development. The ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and respective two factions of the NSCN has undoubtedly created whatever little space that is required for governmental entities to initiate progressive enterprises for the people of Nagaland. Relatively, while frequent factional clashes have projected an uncomfortable image of Nagaland, economic growth seems to be the present mantra nonetheless. Apart from agriculture and allied sectors, public health engineering, community-based programmes, entrepreneurial incentives, sports, and other infrastructural schemes, business sector in particular in Nagaland is witnessing an upward trend.
One of the most conspicuous instances of (a greater potential) business growth in peacetime Nagaland is the now-increasing interest of investors from various corporate entities both from the Northeast as well as mainland states. As reported in The Morung Express Multi-National business giants like Dabur, ITC and corporate entities like the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) are showing keen interest to do business in the state. A palpable indication of trade potential that peacetime can extract is the Investors Meet to be held as part of the Northeast Agri-Expo 2006 scheduled March 27 to the 31st at Dimapur. This meet is expected to explore groundbreaking prospects for investors to make substantial investments in Nagaland’s Agriculture sector, thereby launching local economy onto the national business level.
According to Nagaland Industries & Commerce Minister Khekiho Zhimomi more than 30 corporations/investors both from across the country have conveyed to the government their interest to invest substantially in Nagaland albeit ‘after thorough explorations’. He said that the investors were currently exploring the feasibility of investing in the State and hopefully, this would take the state’s industrial standing to a higher level. He attributed the interest to the environment of peace that the ceasefire had impacted and improvement in law and order. “Unless there is peace, confidence, hope and potential in the state, no company will show interest in exploring. The Government has created a congenial atmosphere as well as improved the law and order situation and (for this reason) investors are taking interest in the state” Zhimomi says while hoping that “if things go alright, investors would invest” and create chance for further expansion and improvement in the local economy.
Recalling multi-national fruit-processing giant, Dabur Limited’s interest in pineapple processing in Nagaland, he said that the government was acting as able facilitator to achieve maximum business returns in an environment of peace.
Meanwhile, about Rs 4 crore has been garnered from the Central Government for use towards the upcoming Agri-expo. A separate Rs 2 crores was received from the Union Agriculture Ministry while Rs 50 Lakhs were granted by the Nagaland Government. In a related matter the Planning Commission, Government of India approving Rs 600 crore for reviving of the long-defunct Tuli Paper Mill as reported in this paper recently, can also be considered as a testimony to the fact that peace brings along with it its own share of dividends. Peace definitely sells but for how long?
Manipur Assembly discuss UG issues, NSCN-IM peace talks The Morung Express IMPHAL, MARCH 5 (AGENCIES): In a significant development the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh asserted that a group of prominent citizens have been formed in an effort to establish contact with leaders of non-Naga underground organizations operating in hill areas of the State and to prepare ground rules for a negotiated settlement to the insurgency problem.
The chief Minister made the announcement in the assembly yesterday and also shared with the House members his firm belief that the Central Government would invite comment and entertain viewpoints of State Government and its citizens in connection with the ongoing talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM) leaderships.
The CM’s assertion came in response to the BJP and MPP legislators’ insistence that Central authorities be prevailed on including State representatives in the ongoing political dialogue towards solving the decades old Naga insurgency issue.
The two citing reports of the GoI-NSCN (IM) talks nearing a solution highlighted to the State Government on the need to include a State representative in the ongoing peace process so as to ensure that solution to the Naga problem do not materialize at the expense of Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Despite favouring a peaceful end to the Naga problem, the two legislators nevertheless termed as serious matter NSCN (IM)’s pursuit for amalgamation of Naga inhabited areas under a single administrative unit and mooted not only Manipur’s participation in the peace parleys but also desired inclusion of representatives of other North Eastern States whose boundaries would be affected in case Centre endorses IM’s demand.
They also commented that IM’s pursuit for Greater Nagaland should neither lead to anti-Naga feeling nor should the Naga public harbour any ill-will against other communities.
For lasting peace in the hill areas of Manipur it is equally important that open dialogue be held with other insurgent groups operating the State, said the Opposition leaders and expressed that the Central Government should ensure a conducive atmosphere for peaceful negotiation. On UNLF’s insistence for plebiscite RK Dorendra and Dr Nimaichand Luwang opined that the Centre needs to consider the proposal with all seriousness.
Replying to the duo’s comments, Ibobi said no stone would be left unturned to convince non-Naga UG groups operating in the hill areas of the State to come to the negotiating table for which a group has been formed to prepare the ground rules for dialogue. Reacting to reports of Army authorities and some Kuki underground outfits having arrived at a consensus to cease hostilities, O Ibobi revealed that he has no qualms against the truce but lamented the way the agreement was signed without taking the State Government into confidence.
welcoming the ongoing Centre-IM peace parleys and highlighting UPA Government’s common minimum programme to preserve status quo of North Eastern states’ boundaries, he nevertheless affirmed that there is no room for laxity as IM’s demands might contain other agenda that might be detrimental to the overall interest of Manipur. Conveying to the House of Centre’s emissary in the ongoing peace talks Oscar Fernandes assuring that State Government and people of Manipur would be taken into confidence before a final settlement, he expressed confidence of the Centre inviting State representatives if and when necessary.
The Chief Minister also made a fervent appeal to all the NGOs and social organisations for concerted effort and cooperation to the Government in bringing those UG groups with strong holds in the valley areas to leave the path of violence and find a peaceful solution to the insurgency problem.
Move out of Transit Camp: Chakhesang body The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, (MExN): Maintaining that the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) stands for abrogation of the Shillong Accord signed by the Federal Government of Nagaland, the public body today said, “It has been the demand of general public that the Transit Campers vacate the present transit camp and go to alternative peace camp.”
In a general session earlier held at Phek Town, members resolved to disallow National workers from disintegrating the ‘original’ NNC/FGN besides barring any new factions from cropping up. The CPO bans the establishment of camp of any faction within the periphery of Chakhesang public habitation and disallows the movement of cadres of any group in public inhabited locations in combat uniform with arms, a release said. It has also vetoed the collection of taxes by cadres of any faction dressed in battle gear and with arms.
Reaffirming the ban on burning of jungles, the CPO said “action will be taken by respective Village Councils and all other conditions will remain the same.” Hunting has also been banned in all Chakhesang areas from February 1 to the month of May every year. The CPO will also continue to prohibit import of cattle and pigs for slaughter from outside Phek District.
DAN commemorates 3 years in office today The Morung Express Chizokho Vero Kohima | March 5

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government will reach another milestone on March 6, 2006 when it organizes a function to commemorate three years completion in office at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima from 11:00 AM onwards.
DAN, a conglomeration of different political parties assumed the office on March 6, 2003 under the Chief Ministership of Neiphiu Rio.
Talking to The Morung Express, Kevechutso Douloh claimed that developmental activities were moving at the high speed, adding that not a single village has left uncovered by the government in the last three years.
Douloh, who is the working president of the NPF Youth Wing, Nagaland went on to say that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was doing his best for the progress and welfare of the people, adding that Rio maintains “friendliness with the people” and he was accessible by any civic bodies and individuals at any time.
Theja Meru said that the DAN government has done a lot of new and innovative things in the last three years. “He is doing really well. He has done a lot,” Meru replied on his personal view on Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Significant development has been witnessed in the urban areas, maintained a layman. While saying that it is being pragmatic in its policies, he however said that DAN has to curtail the official expenses. Another person Yamhose said that a lot of developmental activities have been witnessed in the last three years, adding that almost all the villages started to taste the fruits of development. Comparing to the Congress ministry in the past, DAN government has done a lot, he added.
41 year old Supong was of the view that the DAN government needs to focus more on the problem of water scarcity in Kohima. “There has been a high increase in the growth rate of population but proper distribution of water to the denizens is yet to be made,” he argued.
200 people forced into road construction daily Zoland News Network March 5

Leisen (BURMA): Promising to provide a high school and radio telegraphy (RT) Leisin village, Matupi Township, Chin state, Burma, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has been exploiting around 200 people in the construction of a motorable road since the third week of February. With the high school and the RT as bait the SPDC has been forcing people from 18 villages to construct the road. The villagers are being forced to construct the four-mile long motor road in rotation. A villager on the Indo-Burma border told Khonumthung, “Each village has to construct 3,000 feet of the road. The villagers have to carry their own food and tools.”
The order to construct the road came from the Tactical II Commander, Colonel San Aung and is being executed by the Leisin army camp, under the command of Sergeant Aung Myo Thun.
The width of the road being constructed with forced labour is six feet, which a bulldozer will later widen, sources said. Luivang, Pa Mai, Daihnan, Boi Ring, Khua Hung, An Thaw, Thang Ping, Lei Ring, Tin Lawng, Kho Bal villages are currently engaged in the construction.
“Able men and women work on the construction fearing dire consequences from the military if we disobey. There are between 20 and 30 women working in the construction at present, the villager added.”
Leisin village, 22 miles from Matupi town has a government middle school. The high school students in the area study in Matupi town therefore the villages have welcomed the high school project in Leisin village. Meanwhile, the government has set up radio telegraphy in the village but the time frame for setting up the high school has not been made official.
Commenting on the RT, a villager told Zoland News Network that although the villagers are supposed to enjoy the RT facilities it has been denied till date. His surmise is that the villagers will not be given the opportunity to benefit from the RT.
The road connecting Matupi and Valangte was constructed in 2005, with forced labour and the extension of this road from Valangte to Leisin has begun. The route is commonly used to access Paletwa Township, Chin state and the government has marked it as a special zone.
Indefinite blockade in few days time, several organizations support Newmai News Network March 5

Imphal: Owing to the failure of the State Government to implement the agreement reached in letter and spirit with regard to the meeting between IT Road Development Committee, Kuki Students Organisation of Sardar Hills and Zeliangrong Students Union of Tamei on one side and the government team led by Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh on the other with regard to the IT Road repairing work, the tribal students’ organisations have decided to impose indefinite economic blockade along the National Highay-39 and NH-53 within a few days time.
Kuki Students Organisation of Sardar Hills, Zeliangrong Students Union of Tamei Area and the members of IT Road Development Committee held a meeting today to discuss the non-implementation of the agreement reached in a meeting at the Chief Minister’s office last month. The tribal students’ bodies have decided in today’s meeting that they would go ahead with the indefinite economic blockade within a few days time.
The State Government led by the Chief Minister in a meeting last month had assured the agitating tribal social organisations that repairing works along the IT Road which include the black topping should be started immediately but till date nothing has been initiated. The tribal students’ organisations said today that politicians should not put their hands in the contract works as per agreement done with the State Government. Even in the involvment of MLAs/ministers in putting up their respective contractors there would be a series of strong agitations for that too even if the work is implemented.
The tribal students bodies further stated that they would publish the names of politicians in newspapers to let the world know about their dirty deeds if they interfere in the contract works with regard to the hard earned government attention along the IT Road.
More and more tribal social organisations have expressed solidarity to the student bodies initiating the repairing of IT Road.
The All Tribal Students Union,Manipur (ATSUM) has expressed its support to the agitating bodies. The ATSUM urged the Manipur government to take up the repairing works along the IT Road immediately and to stick to the agreement reached between the tribal bodies and the State Government in letter and spirit.
The tribal students’ apex body said that no politician should interfere in the matter and that ATSUM would support whatever course of action taken up by the agitating bodies
The reality of India-US nuclear deal Binu Mathew The Morung Express Commentary
As protesters raged and chanted “global terrorist” go back across the country American president George Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh clinched a deal in nuclear cooperation.
The nuclear pact which will allow India to buy atomic technology and fuel - provided the US Congress gives its approval. It is expected to allow trade between India and other nuclear powers if the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an informal group of 40 nations that controls global nuclear transactions, also lifts sanctions. Yesterday’s deal in effect accepts India as a nuclear power.
India has 15 nuclear power plants in operation, with a generating capacity of 3,310 megawatts (MW). Seven more plants with a capacity of 3,420MW are scheduled for completion by 2009. Though the country has uranium deposits, they have not been mined in great quantities, leading to a shortage.
Timing of the Deal
The deal has come through at a time of soaring petroleum prices and also when the threat of peak oil has come to be accepted as a reality by trade pundits. The last decade saw the growing economies of India and China putting pressure on the global supply of fossil fuels consuming ever larger quantities. As the threat of peak oil lurk in the not so distant future it was imperative for the world’s lone super power to shut the rivals out of the competition. It has been the corner stone of American foreign policy of the recent past, invading Iraq and Afghanistan, pampering the house of Saud’s , threatening Iran and Venezuela, playing murky games in Darfur.
The nuclear deal with India is not a benevolent gift from the emperor to a client state. It was a clever move to put India out of the competition for fossil fuels which is getting ever scarcer. Bush spelt it out very cleverly in New Delhi - “It’s in our economic interests that India have a civilian nuclear power industry to help take the pressure off the global demand for energy.To the extent that we can reduce demand for fossil fuels, it will help the American consumer.”
Some History
In the Cabinet reshuffle of last month , Mani Shankar Aiyar was stripped of the Petroleum, Oil and Natural Gas portfolio at a critical juncture in the trajectory of India’s energy economy. The charge was transferred to Murli Deora, one of India’s most right-wing, pro-U.S., and pro-big business politicians.
Mani Shankar Aiyar had been named by several of India’s leading newspapers as the most able member of the UPA cabinet. He was a vocal proponent of the scheme to build a pipeline to deliver Iranian gas to Pakistan and India. The Bush administration has repeatedly made clear that it is adamantly opposed to the building of such a pipeline.
Aiyar also championed the development of an “Asian energy grid” to lessen Asian dependence on western-based oil companies, and promoted cooperation between India and China in overseas energy exploration and production.
The US government formally protested against a deal Aiyar helped put together that saw the two largest sate-owned oil companies in India and China jointly purchase a stake in oil and gas properties in Syria.
Murali Deora on the other hand is so closely identified with the U.S. that he is seen as a contact or liaison man by many. He himself makes no bones about his proximity to the U.S. or his intimacy with business houses, some with a major stake in petroleum.
You Go Nuke, We Keep What We Get
The deal also seems to be guided by the concerns of global warming and climate change, with the lopsided assumption that nuclear energy is clean, that too by two of the biggest polluters of the world who both refuse to sign the Kyoto protocol.
The nuclear energy is promoted both as a clean energy low on emission and the energy of the future that will combat “Peak Oil”. Both assumptions are misguided. Not a single repository exists for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste, which is produced at an annual rate of about 10,000 tonnes in nuclear power reactors worldwide. As the US takes the war on terror (read war on resources) to newer and newer grounds, India is asked to keep within its own borders and nuke its own people.
DAN’s Reign March 6 Today's Editorial
The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio came to power in March 6, 2003 with a plethora of promises as enunciated under the Common Minimum Program (CMP). With the completion of three years in office today, the government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio needs to be congratulated for taking up development initiatives on a high priority basis. However how far such development remains lopsided will have to be addressed as there have been complaints from people in outlying regions about promises not becoming a reality. The Chief Minister should personally intervene for reviewing and monitoring the works of all the departments undertaking programme implementation of the most remote and backward areas of the State. To ignore this would be have serious repercussion for the future electoral prospects of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the DAN government he heads.
Having said that whatever development that is being witnessed today, that much credit belongs to the CEO of Nagaland Inc (Neiphiu Rio) for his managerial skills and business acumen. While frequent factional clashes have projected an uncomfortable image of Nagaland, economic growth seems to be the present mantra nonetheless. Apart from agriculture and allied sectors, public health engineering, community-based programmes, entrepreneurial incentives, sports, and other infrastructural schemes, business sector in particular in Nagaland is witnessing an upward trend. This is largely due to the policy initiative taken by Rio’s government. The news regarding the approval given by the Planning Commission for revival of the Tuli Paper Mill could not have been better timed coming as it does in the backdrop of today’s celebration and more so as it fulfills one of the points in the CMP.
Despite the nervous start and the numerous challenges it has had to confront with, the DAN government has now settled itself and looks set to complete the remaining two years in office, unless of course, Rio decides to seek a fresh mandate and call for early election. While this appears to be less likely now, the plunge would have to be taken at some ‘point of time’.
As such, the time is running out for the DAN government in fulfilling the political side of its Common Minimum Program: that of bringing a solution to the Naga problem. On this score, the DAN government has failed miserably to bring about unity among the “underground factions” of the NSCN. For obvious reasons, the government’s approach to use the civil society and NGOs like Naga Hoho, churches, students’ organisations and human rights bodies to carry forward the message to the underground factions and strive to bring unity among them so that they speak with one voice has remained a complete non-starter. A mid-course correction is therefore absolutely vital at this juncture. Further, the DAN government would do well to reserve one of the two remaining years of its term to be declared as “Year of Peace and Reconciliation” to go with the high priority it had given on this issue when it first took the oath of office.
Nagaland tea eyes foreign market Nagaland Post
Kohima March 5 (UNI): Rich in natural aroma, free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the Nagaland tea has already registered its good name in the national tea market and gradually stepping for market in the western countries. Nagaland Tea Planters' Association (NTPA) president Sungkum Jamir, who is also the proprietor of the NI Jamir Tea Estate, the lone tea garden of Nagaland, told UNI that except Dimapur district, the farmers of all the eleven districts of Nagaland has taken up tea cultivation as people started realizing that tea is another crop besides paddy to improve their economic conditions. Tea is being cultivated in Mokokchung, Mon, Wokha, Tuensang, Kiphire and tea plantation have started in Kohima Longleng, Preren, with Zunheboto district having hundred tea growers and Phek district having about 30 small tea gardens. He also informed that the NTPA has already registered over 500 members throughout the state, which is gradually increasing. He admitted the failure of the Association to visit Mon district, where over 50 small tea growers are yet to register NTPA. With the growing interest of tea growers, the State Bank of India (SBI) is playing vital role by facilitating easy loans to the tea growers. Mr. Jamir expressed his gratitude to the then Deputy General Manager of SBI, S. N. Phukan, who was in Dimapur and had taken very keen interest to improve the tea growing in Nagalnd and he was the man who first suggested Mr. Jamir to provide loans to tea growers and accordingly a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the SBI and Mr. Jamir last year to provide loans to the tea growers.
After the MOU was signed, the first Loan Mela of SBI was arranged at Mokokchung last year. The loan Mela at Mokokchung was held on February 21 this year where altogether 206 tea planters were provided loan to establish tea gardens. The SBI now is contemplating to provide more financial assistance to expand the existing tea plantation. Moreover, along with the loans, the SBI is also providing Life Insurance Policy to the tea growers and recently one tea grower from Longsha Village of Mokokchung district, who died last year, was given Rs one lakh to next to his kin as insurance money by the SBI. Mr. Jamir said that the Chari branch of SBI in Tuensang district is the highest provider of loans to the tea growers in the state. The Manager of Chari branch of SBI Mr. B.K. Das told NI Over phone that the tea growers were providing loans upto Rs. fifty thousand and the recovery is very satisfactory.
Mr. Jamri lamented that the response from the state government was not upto the expectation to the tea planters to encourage them. However, he is keeping contact with the Nagaland Agriculture Production Commissioner to establish some tea nurseries to produce tea saplings to provide the tea farmers in much cheaper rate than the imported saplings from Assam.
Nuke plan a surrender to US: BJP Nagaland Post
NEW DELHI, March 5 (PTI): The BJP on Sunday accused the UPA government of 'surrendering' to the US on the nuclear separation plan and said it would result in a gap in fissile material for weapons purposes. Jaswant Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, told a news conference here that "it is our view that the government has surrendered on two important counts.
"The separation plan, reportedly drawn up by the government, will result in two-thirds of the nuclear power plants being placed under IAEA safeguards. Clearly, this will result in a gap on the fissile material available for weapons purposes," he said. But the former External Affairs Minister said questions needed to be answered whether India risked losing its nuclear autonomy by agreeing to place 'two-thirds' of its nuclear power plants under international safeguards. The BJP leader alleged the government also 'surrendered' to the US by agreeing for 'perpetual safeguards' on civil nuclear reactors, a condition he claimed did not apply to nuclear-weapons states. He said the government must confirm that "safeguards in perpetuity" would be locked in with fuel supply for the same length of time.
Singh demanded the government explain whether India now stood bound under the agreement to put all new imported reactors and fuel under IAEA safeguards. He said BJP welcomed the advance in India's strategic ties with the US and said it was the NDA government that had initiated the process of a strategic cooperation with the world's only superpower. The BJP leader, however, cautioned the government against allowing India's strategic partnership with the US to degenerate into dependency on the world power.
"We urge the government to always bear in mind that strategic partnership with the US must never be permitted to become either 'strategic dependency' or to convert itself into a 'strategic lock-in' with US national and strategic interests, whether in this region or globally," Singh said. He also accused the government of keeping the Opposition in the dark about the contents of the nuclear agreement with the United States. "US negotiators have stated that they consistently worked with the US Congress, Senators and others. How many consultations has the government of India has had with the Opposition?" Singh said. The BJP leader, who also accused the Congress-led government of "over-briefing" on the deal, said the ruling UPA was instead required to answer whether the agreement would in any way impact the country's indigenous nuclear capabilities. "Has the country diminished, diluted, modified our established commitment to indigenous development of technology, directly or indirectly, thus affecting the strategic autonomy of the country?" he asked. Singh, however, admitted that India would benefit from its strong economic ties with the US. The BJP leader disapproved of anti-Bush protests that marked the US President's visit to India, saying he did not believe such demonstrations could benefit the Muslim community. "It (the visit) was not a social conflict. Those who have fuelled the protests have not done any good to Muslims," he said.
Shishak shares thoughts on rights, AFSPA By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express

Justice Shishak
IMPHAL, Mar 5 : Acknowledging the hard work and creativity that went behind the making of the international awards winning documentary film, AFSPA 1958, Chairman of Manipur Human Rights Commission touched the right note and questioned why films and documentaries on the excesses and conducts of the State security forces should not be made.
AFSPA, 1958, directed by Pawankumar and produced by Bm Sanzu Sharma won two international awards at the recent Mumbai International Film Festival.
Speaking as the chief guest at the felicitation programme of the crew members of AFSPA 1958, by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union at Manipur Jawaharlal Dance Academy today, Shishak said, “I really do not know much about the craft of film making, but it is noteworthy that a film made by youngsters has been able to win two international awards,” and added, “It would be in the fitness of things if the accolades won by the documentary, AFSPA 1958, is capped off by scrapping the dreaded Act.”
Taking note of the suffering faced by the people due to the draconian Act, Justice Shishak said that though the Review Committee has submitted its report, it remains to be seen how the Centre will react to the report. The future is still uncertain, he added.
It is an irony that while the public have been able to come out on the open to say no to AFSPA, the Government and the political leaders have not been able to say no to this Act, he observed.
“People have come out in the street to say goodbye (to the Act). But our MLAs and Ministers and bureaucrats have no courage to say no (to the Act),” said Shishak.
The political leaders should have the moral courage to say what is bad, but unfortunately they do not have the conviction and the moral courage to say that AFSPA is bad, observed Justice Shishak. Quoting a written statement by retired Army General Malik, Shishak said, “A political leader once said that if his Government comes back to power then AFSPA will be revoked. But when his Government did come back to power, the same political leader expressed apprehension over their safety if the Act is revoked.” Referring to this statement made by the political leader and quoted by the retired Army General, Shishak said AFSPA is not for the common man but to protect the leaders and their cronies. Expressing deep concern over the election of political leaders who have no thoughts about the welfare of the common people, Shishak said that it is unfortunate that the electorates have been electing such elements to the Assembly during elections. There is no cure for such self serving political leaders, he added. On the present turmoil besieging the State, Shishak said, “I really do not want to say much, but it is a fact that the conduct of the State forces is worse than the conduct of the forces brought in from outside the State.”
Referring to the turmoil that M Naobi Chanu had to undergo at the hands of police commandos, Shishak said, “Can we really commit such atrocities on our own sisters and children ?” and questioned, “Why not a film on our State forces?” The film on AFSPA has won two worthy awards, but the poison of the Act is still very much among our midst and it remains to be seen how the Centre will react to the demand for its revocation as the Army is still very much in favour for its continuance, observed Shishak and reminded the gathering that the Indian Army is an influential institute. As such it is important for the people to be on their guard, added Shishak. Padmashree awardee Aribam Syam Sharma who graced the function as the guest of honour said that recording an event is easy, but making it into a film is what is tough. It requires creativity and hard work, said the veteran film maker and added that being awarded the Jury award at an international film festival is by itself a big achievement. The veteran film maker also praised the efforts of the producer and the director as well as all the crew members of AFSPA, 1958. Noted theatre personality, Lokendra Arambam who graced the function as guest of honour heaped praises on the young team behind the award winning film and added that all the crew members have a bright future ahead. AMWJU presented gifts to the crew members of the film as well as the journalists who contributed still photographs to the makers of the film. After the function, the film was screened.

KYKL spells out reasons for assaulting AMTA officials By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 5 : Owning responsibility for the assault of officials of the All Manipur Taekwando Association, the KYKL today spelt out a series of reasons for its action and justified it. In a statement, the outfit said that it was constrained to look into the affairs of sports associations following complaints and inputs from many citizens about the corruption and groupisms prevalent in the different sports bodies. The outfit made it clear that the assault of officials of AMTA on February 26 was not the first time that cadres of KYKL had met with the officials of AMTA. KYKL has been watching the conduct and internal affairs of AMTA since 2004 said the statement and added that the resignation of Indubushon from AMTA was a big loss for the sports as a whole as he is one of the only two referees recognised by the International Taekwondo Federation in India. The KYKL was approached by players and elders to see how it can help promote the sports.
Thereafter the matter was referred to the Special Task Force of ONK and then the members of the ONK met Indubushon. According to Indubushon, he resigned from AMTA as he did not want to be associated with the internal politickings of the sports body, said KYKL and added that later members of the ONK met Khemchand and other officials of AMTA.
Khemchand and the other officials said that Indubushon resigned on his own as it was clear that he was involved in issuing black belt certificates without conducting any examination, said KYKL. On further inquiry matter came to light that Indubushon was not involved in the issuance of black belt certificates without conducting the examination, said the outfit and added that man behind the scam was one O Nabakishore.
KYKL then assumed that the issue was not a major one and had something to do with the internal differences of the members, said the statement and added that accordingly the commander of ONK, Lt Thoiba was asked to make sure that Indubushon was reinstated.
Towards this end Lt Thoiba summoned Indu-bushon and Khemchand to Senapati on January 2, 2005 to patch up things. One very encouraging sign was to see the members in a jovial mood with no indications that there were any serious differences amongst them.
As per the report submitted by Lt Thoiba, Indubushon explained about the issu-ance of black certificates to the others and also explain-ed that he resigned because of the back stabbing by the others. Khemchand and the others agreed that Indubu- shon was not in the wrong but since there was some-thing called official proce- dure, Indubushon was asked to tender an apology. Indubushon refused to tender his resignation maintaining that was innocent, said the statement. Even Lt Thoiba pleaded with Indubushon to do as wanted by the others so that the matter may be settled amicably. Indubushon did not reply to the suggestions of Lt Thoiba and it was taken that he had agreed. On the press conference called by AMTA on March 1, the statement said that Indubushon was charged with misappropriating Rs 1,10000. However the charge levelled by AMTA and the report submitted by Lt Thoiba are very different, said KYKL and added that instead of misappropriating the fund, Indubushon had asked for a refund of some amount as he had personally spent quite a lot of money from his own pocket while he was the secretary of AMTA. The press conference on March 1 indicated that the KYKL had demanded that Indubushon be made a referee. The truth is this dates back to 2004 and the condition was to make reinstate Indubushon as a member of AMTA. The truth of the matter is AMTA cannot make anyone a referee for that is the responsibility of the International Taekwon-do Federation. The AMTA during its conference on March 1 had also cast aspersions on the KYKL as an outfit which demanded that corrupt man be made its member, said the statement. The aim of KYKL was to settle the matter amicably for the benefits of everyone. Despite the understanding reached on January 2, 2005, AMTA did nothing to resolve the matter, said KYKL and added that in the meeting on January 2, there was no demand that Indubushon be made the secretary of AMTA. Why was Khemchand so adamant and stubborn and refused to abide by the understanding reached earlier, asked KYKL. On January 2, 2005 it was agreed that Indubushon had done no wrong then why all the charges are levelled against him now, countered the outfit. Maintaining that KYKL will not budge an inch, the statement said that if the understanding reached on January 2, 2005 is not implemented then AMTA will be banned. A Central Committee team of KYKL will investigate whether the reports submitted by Lt Thoiba on the matter is true or not. Investigations will also be conducted to see who are responsible for the present condition of AMTA. All those who attended the January 2, 2005 meeting should be ready to answer certain questions, said KYKL. There is no question of KYKL being hired by Indubushon to do his bidding, said the outfit and added that such insinuations are akin to inviting the police to take action against Indubushon. KYKL will not budge from its stand until Khemchand resigns as the president of AMTA, asserted the outfit and added that henceforth the outfit will also start investigating the functioning of other sports bodies as part of its ONK. It is not KYKL which is obstructing the sports movement in the State but corruption, added the statement.

Indo-Myanmar border to be fenced From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, March 5 – Efforts are on to stop smuggling of illegal drugs and arms along the Indo-Myanmar border. As a step to extend a helping hand to the Government’s ongoing effort, fencing of the volatile border areas of the region has been taken up.

A three-member Indian delegation have flown in from New Delhi to oversee the proposed border fencing. The delegaion headed by Border Cell director M C Tiwari and deputy secretary Balwant Singh of Ministry of Home Affairs have reached the border town Moreh on Thursday,official sources here said.For the first phase, border fencing will be taken up in and around Moreh town area along the porous Indo-Myanmar border. India shares over 350 km stretch of international border with Myanmar at its Manipur sector alone.The proposed fencing at Moreh sector will have a total length of around 14 kms, the sources added.
“Despite having dispute over the replacement of border pillars, the two countries have agreed to fence border area at Moreh for the first phase”, an official informed. After this,other parts of the international border would also be fenced, he added.The survey and demarcation works for the fencing would be undertaken by Survey of India in association with Myanmarese officials, they further informed.
A consultative meeting on border fencing was held in Imphal last week in presence of Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh.The meeting was attended by the additional chief secretary (Border Management) of the Union Home Ministry R R Shirohi, director of Home Affairs B K Pathak and representatives of Assam Rifles posted along the border and Border Road Organisation (BRO


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