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03/07/2006: "Rio sticks to pet policy on militants- DAN completes 3rd year"

Rio sticks to pet policy on militants- DAN completes 3rd year
OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, March 6: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio defended his pet policy of “equicloseness” on the third anniversary of his government today.
He said “Rio came to power riding on the campaign to find a final solution to the Naga problem”. He claimed that though a final solution to the Naga political issue still eluded the people, law and order situation had improved considerably in the past three years.
“Our open door and brotherly approach to all underground groups, together with our policy of equi-closeness, have been one of the main factors for this relatively peaceful condition,” he told a packed audience of legislators, representatives of NGO and bureaucrats at his residential banquet hall this morning.
The chief minister was careful in emphasising on “relatively” as he claimed that the relatively peaceful atmosphere had enabled people to gradually turn away from gun culture to work culture and to concentrate on economic development.
He said looking at these developments, the Nagaland People’s Front-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland coalition had done “reasonably well” in pursuit of its main agenda of securing an honourable and negotiated settlement of the Naga issue and in implementing the policy of peace and development.
He appealed to the people to work towards reconciliation and cultivate a spirit of accommodating one another. “I strongly urge and appeal to all our underground brothers as well as the citizens of Nagaland to eschew all forms of violence and learn to live together in unity.”
Earlier, taking a dig at the Congress, the chief minister said he had heard that some people had wagered on whether his government will last even a year. “I don’t blame those who would have lost their bet, nor do I bear any ill-will towards them,” he said. Rio said his government deliberately does not react to news items critical of the government. He claimed the government did not issue rejoinders “to those kinds of cheap reports in the press”, not because they were true but because the government considered engaging in mudslinging in the press below its dignity. Rio released a booklet, Three years of peace, progress and development of DAN government, on the occasion. The opening chapter of the booklet announces sanctioning of the Prime Minister’s package of Rs 1,053 crore. He thanked former Prime Minister and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his visit to Kohima in October 2003.
Rio ‘pats’ DAN for achievements Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, March 6 (NPN): The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) comprising of the major partner NPF and with BJP, JD(U) and Independents which formed the government after the February 2003 assembly elections celebrated its three years in office at an official function held in the chief minister's conference hall here today.
Releasing a book titled "3 years of Peace, Progress and Development of DAN Government," chief minister Neiphiu Rio in his speech presented a brief account of the activities of the DAN government in the last three years. He also lauded state Governor Shyamal Datta for his deep concern for the welfare of the people and for his constant guidance to the government and DAN chairman Dr. Hokishe Sema for his mature and wise leadership and stewardship. Rio's speech dwelt primarily on DAN's achievement in the political arena where the coalition's policy and strategy through its "equi-closeness policy" with all underground factions "has been one of the main factors for the prevailing peaceful atmosphere. This has also led people to concentrate on economic development" he said.
Rio said the policy of open-door with all underground factions pursued by the DAN for a peaceful solution to the Naga political issue was to achieve "peace and development" in Nagaland. "We have to fully realize that peace and development are inseparable, especially in the context of Nagaland. They are the two sides of the same coin. Therefore, we have adopted a slogan peace for development and development for peace," the chief minister said. He said the relatively peaceful atmosphere had enabled the people to turn away from gun culture to work culture.
Rio said although the final solution to the Naga political remained elusive , there was no denying the fact that law and order situation had witnessed considerable improvement during the last three years. He called upon all underground factions to eschew violence and for people to learn to live together unitedly for restoration of peace in the State. He said "we must continue to adopt the path of forgive and forget and follow the healthy spirit of accommodating one another which is the only way for the Nagas to have a brighter future and survive together as a people". Failing to do so would spell doom and for which history and posterity would not fogive, he said. Also speaking on the occasion, Planning and Urban Development Minister, Dr. Shürhozelie claimed that Nagaland witnessed record achievements in the last three years. Further, he claimed that financial condition of the State had also improved.
BJP Nagaland unit president and Parliamentary Secretary M. C. Konyak in his speech said that DAN coalition government's completing three years in office itself was a big achievement. Appreciating Rio's, Konyak described the chief minister as a "man of vision and proactive initiation".
He also expressed gratitude to Rio for setting up the Department of DUDA and creating three new districts terming it as landmark to road to upliftment of the neglected people. JD (U) leader and Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Deo Nukhu said the DAN government was "intact and stable enough to complete full term".
Another JD (U) legislator Huska Sumi in his speech urged the DAN legislators to review their performance and assess the coalition's position before going to the electorates during the next general election. Further, he called for freedom of expression in order to highlight the omissions and commissions and ratify the shortcomings for marching forward with renewed energy and vigour. Also speaking, NPF secretary general Chubatemjen strongly urged Rio to declare year 2007-08 as the year of DAN political party workers. Naga Hoho IPR secretary Chuba Ozukum also spoke on the occasion. Chief Secretary Lalhuma earlier welcomed the guests. The function was chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Lalthara.
NSCN-IM card diktat to non-Nagas Rio claims ignorance Nagarealm.com

Kohima, March 7: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) today made it mandatory for non-Nagas living “all over Nagalim” to make identity cards for themselves and their families. In Kohima, students have already issued identity cards, allegedly with permission from the district administration. Going by government rules, non-Nagas entering Nagaland have to be issued an inner-line permit for a fixed duration of stay.

Around December last year, the outfit had begun to pick up non-Nagas in Kohima. By January, this turned into a campaign, which has now reached its peak, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur. “It is an entry pass in order to control illegal immigrants all over Nagalim,” said Kraibo Chawang, the outfit’s deputy kilonser (minister) for information and publicity.

The “entry pass” costs Rs 120 to Rs 150 per head. In Dimapur, portable counters set up by the outfit issued laminated photo identity cards, bearing the names, addresses and identification marks of the card holders. Sources said Dimapur police received several complaints that as much as Rs 250 was being charged per card in some areas.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, however, said he was not aware of such cards being issued. “I will take up the matter,” he told The Telegraph. Newly appointed Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Angami said the development was “unhealthy”. He, however, said the Hoho was yet to receive all the details of the NSCN (I-M) move.

A senior police official said the move had apparently been given the go-ahead by the state and the Centre. “The NSCN is not a banned organisation and it is recognised that it runs a government, too. So why sho-uld people mind?” he asked. Dismissing allegations that the NSCN (I-M) had launched the drive to counter a shortfall in its coffers, Chawang said these were rumours spread by detractors. In Kohima district and town, the Angami Students Union (ASU) has been issuing identity cards to non-locals in a bid to get a headcount of non-Nagas in the Angami tribe-dominated area. ASU sources said they found several cases where a single person possessed more than three inner-line permits issued by the government.
After 3 years, DAN renews CMP mantra Chizokho Vero Kohima The Morung Express

COMPLETING THREE years in office today, the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland promised to renew its energy and rededicate itself for the task ahead to fulfill the guarantee it has made to the people of Nagaland in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP).
“While congratulating ourselves for what has been achieved, let us not rest on our laurels, but let us renew our energies, and rededicate ourselves for the task ahead to fulfill the promises we have made to our people in our CMP not forgetting the long cherished goal of integration,” Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio told a function hosted at the State Banquet Hall.
We have a vision for our people, to motivate them, and help them to become productive, prosperous and responsible citizens and to survive as a vibrant society and a strong people, Rio said after releasing a book titled Three Years of Peace, Progress and Development of DAN Government.
In order to make the vision into reality, Rio sought cooperation from each and every individual to collectively strive for a better tomorrow, “constantly asking ourselves what we can do for our people.”
Referring to the many skeptics and wagging tongues about the durability of the coalition government, Rio said, “I do not think there is any serious debate now on whether the DAN government would complete its remaining terms in office. I think we are firmly and safely on course for a second term in office two years hence.”
Stating that the most important agenda of DAN, as reflected in CMP, was to secure an honourable settlement to the Naga political issue in a manner acceptable to the people, Rio said that as soon as it took over the reigns of the government, “we lost no time in constituting the Consultative Committee for Peace to chalk out the government’s policy and strategy for facilitating a peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.”
The government had also constituted DAN Sub Committee for Peace. Rio also gave due credit to I. Imkong, Leader of Opposition and the Congress legislators for their readiness to work hand in hand with the government in the search to find peace with honour for the Nagas.
“Another significant development on this front is the formation of cabinet sub committee by the UPA government at the centre to upgrade the Naga peace talk to the political level, and take it forward, Rio said.
In spite of several hiccups and divergence of views at times, the ceasefire has been not only on place, but further extended, bringing much relieve to the people, he said.
Rio said, the ongoing turf war amongst the UG groups had often resulted in unfortunate incidents of factional clashes and bloodshed, the law and order situation in the state has remained peaceful by and large.
The Chief Minister also strongly appealed to all underground brothers as well as over ground citizens of Nagaland to eschew all forms of violence and learn to live together unitedly.
“We must continue to adopt the part of forgive and forget and reconciliation and follow the healthy spirit of accommodating one another which is the only way for the Nagas to have a brighter future and to survive together as a people,” Rio said.
If we are not prepared for this, our future will be doomed and prosperity and history will never forgive us, Rio added.
Although, the final solution to the Naga political issue still eludes us, there is no denying the fact that the law and order situation in the state has witnessed considerable improvements during the last three years.
Rio said it had open door and brotherly approach to all underground groups, together with its policy of equi-closeness, has been one of the main factors for this relatively peaceful condition.
“Side by side, developments are taking place on all sectors at a pace never seen before. The relatively peaceful atmosphere has enabled the people to gradually run away from gun culture to work culture, and to concentrate on economic development,” Rio said.
We can now see a flurry of activities in various fronts- in economic, social-cultural, sports and entertainments etc, he said adding the people are now more forward looking and eager to venture out of their self-imposed cocoons of the past. Morung Express News
M, KCP cadres lay down arms By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 6 : Two cadres each of the NSCN (IM) and KCP surrendered before Chief Minister O Ibobi today along with arms and ammunition.
The two NSCN (IM) cadres, both of the rank of sergeant, are identified as Ningtam Keishing (21) of Kuirei village, Ukhrul district and Ringphami Luikham (21) of Chatrik.
Both of them were posted in the escort of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah at the NSCN Hqs at Dimapur.
Ningtam joined the outfit in 1997 and was promoted to sergeant in 2006. He surrendered along with one Sniper rifle (B/Regd number 2679), three magazines and 80 live rounds.
Ringphami joined the outfit in December 1997 and surrendered along with one sub-machine gun (B/Regd number 07467), three magazines, 70 live rounds and one Chinese made hand grenade.
The two KCP cadres, are identified as Ningombam Naobi Singh (22) of Bashikhong bazar and Okram Premkumar Singh alias Sathi of Singjamei Chinga Makha.
Naobi surrendered along with one AK-56 rifle, three magazines, one Chinese made hand grenade and 117 ammunition. He joined KCP in the last week of May last year and underwent military training at Leirang jungle, UNLF training centre at Myanmar.
Premkumar joined KCP on July 18 last year and underwent military training at Nungkam jungle, Chandel district. He surrendered along with one AK-56 rifle, three magazines, one WT set (Kenwood) and 110 numbers of ammunition.
Speaking at the surrender ceremony, Chief Minis- ter O Ibobi said that the four cadres surrendered as they realised that violence will not yield any positive results and expressed hope that the colleagues of the four cadres will follow suit.
The surrendered cadres will be entitled to the benefits enumerated under the surrender under the surrender policy, said the Chief Minister and assured that security will be provided to them so that they may lead normal lives. Some of the cadres who had surrendered earlier have been suitable employment, said the CM and added that the case of the rest will be looked into soon. The two NSCN (IM) cadres surrendered through the SP of Bishnupur S Ibocha while the two KCP cadres surrendered through Imphal West Sp Clay Khongsai. Information received said that Ringphami Luikham was a noted trainer of the NSCN (IM) and till date had imparted training to about 4000 NSCN (IM) cadres. According to him the pre-sent strength of the NSCN (IM) is about 30,000 cadres.
Militants hideout busted in B’desh Security intensified along India-Myanmar border ZOLAND NEWS NETWORK MARCH 6

CHITTAGONG: Troops busted a jungle hideout in South-East Bangladesh and seized weapons believed to have been stored by rebels from the neighboring Myanmar for the fight for Sharia Law in Bangladesh by Islamist militants.
“Two anti-tank missiles, a heavy machine gun, three sub-machine guns, five AK-47 rifles and 7,000 (rounds of) ammunition along with battle accessories were seized on Saturday,” a senior security official said on Sunday. Officials said that the militants who were at the hideout fled before the troops could take it in control.
Troops seized huge caches of weapons and explosives several times over the past year from the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, believed to be imported from across the Myanmar frontier, but gave no official statement on which they were meant for.
Myanmar rebels crosses into Bangladesh territory when being pursued by Yangon troops, and are often arrested by Bangladesh police sources said.
“We have intensified watch on the borders with Myanmar and India to try to keep Bangla Bhai and other militants within our territory and catch them as soon as possible,” said an officer with the Bangladesh Rifles border guards.
Bangladesh has intensified a countrywide hunt for Islamic militants since Thursday after the country’s top Islamist radical, Shayek Abdur Rahman who was captured in the northeastern town of Sylhet and later brought to Dhaka for interrogation. Shayek led Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, which along with another militant group Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, banned in early 2005 for criminal activities.
The chief of the second group, Siddikul Islam Bangla Bhai, is still at large and may take over the operations leadership of the militants in Shayek’s absence, intelligence officials said. These two groups were blamed for a countrywide wave of bomb attacks, including suicide bombings, which killed at least 30 people and wounded 150 since August 17, 2005.
Different groups of Myanmar rebels are fighting against the authorities of Yangon in west Myanmar’s Arakan region, bordering Bangladesh, while two outlawed Islamist groups are seeking to turn Bangladesh, a mainly Muslim democracy, into an Islamic state.
Bush in India: The media response Indian media hails “historic”
nuke accord, mixed media response in US Perspective The Morung Express
Indian and American newspapers went to town on Friday over the announcement of a “historic” civilian nuclear deal by both President George W Bush and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Headlines and content in various Indian newspapers categorically hailed and projected the view that both India and the United States have decided to take their existing strategic partnership to a higher level of cooperation, while at the same time sending out strong signals, that in these changing times, the deal is a necessity. While The Hindu went with the headline of “India, U.S. clinch deal on nuclear separation”, the Indian Express went with the more dramatic headline of “We have made history today”.
The positive and buoyant mood was most aptly reflected in the The Pioneer, which simply said “India Smiling”, an apparent offtake of the meesage “Buddha Is Smiling”, which was conveyed to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by India’s nuclear scientists when India carried out a second round of successful nuclear tests in the Rajasthan desert in May 1998. Pink papers like the Financial Express went with the headline “India Goes Critical”. The front pages of most of the papers showed pictures of both George Bush and Dr. Singh smiling, waving at the media that attended their joint press conference or engaging in casual banter, all of which reflected the positive mood on either side.
The Asian Age went with the headline: “ Bush Singhs (pun intended) India Tune”.
In terms of content, Indian papers have gone to great lengths to explain the nitty-gritty of the deal, and the behind-the scene efforts that it went into making it a reality. Box items in the Times of India, the Hindustan Times and the Financial Times placed emphasis on key quotes made by both Bush and Dr. Singh, besides detailing the understanding reached between New Delhi and Washington.
For those wanting to know, India and the United States have agreed that 14 out of India’s 22 reactors will come under international safeguards, military and fast breeder reactors will not come under international scrutiny, India will retain the sole perogative of deciding which of its reactors will be included in the civilian or the military list and Bush has assured India that he will get Congressional approval for the deal. It has also been decided that the separation plan will come into effect in phased manner and be completed by 2014. It also exempts India from non-proliferation accords governing nuclear technology.
India has not been designated or given the status of a nuclear weapons state, a demand that was very much on the cards of the Indian establishment from July last year. American papers such as the Washington Post highlighted the increasingly close relationship between the world’s two largest democracies.
The paper said that in Washington, where the pact is subject to approval by Congress, some lawmakers said the goal of improved bilateral relations must be balanced against the need to curb nuclear proliferation.
The paper further went on to say that the Bush Administration originally sought a plan that would have allowed India to continue producing material for six to 10 weapons each year, but under the new plan agreed to on Thursday, Washington would allow India enough fissile material for as many as 50 weapons a year. Experts, according to the paper, said this would far exceed what is believed to be its current capacity.
“The nuclear options that India insisted on protecting in this deal cast serious doubt on its declared policy of seeking only a credible minimum deterrent,” the paper quoted Robert J. Einhorn, a former assistant secretary of state for non-proliferation, now attached with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Ed Royce, the Republican from California, who chairs the International Relations subcommittee on international terrorism and nonproliferation, said he welcomed better ties with India, but not at any cost.
In a statement that signalled possible obstacles to Bush as far as getting approval for deal is concerned, Royce said the agreement had “implications beyond U.S.-India relations” and that the “goal of curbing nuclear proliferation should be paramount.”
He warned that the U.S.Congress would not be rushed into backing the deal. The Washington Times chose to play up the terror strike in Karachi in which a U.S. diplomat was killed and then went on the specifics of the nuclear deal in a matter of fact manner.
National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley’s quotes on security drills got priority over the nitty-gritty of the deal.
The Los Angeles Times continues to paint a grim picture on the eventual outcome of the deal. It did not hesitate to say that Bush will have to pay a heavy price in his quest for having closer ties with India.
“The deal he struck last summer for nuclear cooperation with New Delhi would undermine the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It would reward India, which never signed the treaty, cheated on an earlier technology deal with the United States, then went on to test a nuclear bomb,” the paper says in its editorial.
It further goes on tosay that the nuclear agreement would require a change in U.S. law because India has not signed the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, but adds that Bush has conceded that convincing some members of Congress would be difficult. It quotes some in Congress as saying that the agreement would inflame a nuclear arms race in South Asia and send a bad signal to other nations that have not signed the non-proliferation treaty.
“The message to Iran, North Korea and other nuclear wannabes couldn’t be clearer or more destructive. These regimes and others will rightly conclude that the United States is interested in stopping the spread of nuclear know-how and technology only to regimes it dislikes. This perceived double standard only confirms the view that the Bush administration doesn’t really believe in non-proliferation or any other treaty-based form of arms control or security. It just believes in changing hostile regimes whose aspirations threaten ours. This undermines U.S. moral leadership on the single most dangerous threat to humankind: the spread of nuclear weapons,” the paper said.
In an article written for the New York Times, Steven R Weisman says that by concluding its nuclear deal with India, the Bush Administration faces significant opposition in Congress and tough questions from its allies on whether the arrangement could set a precedent encouraging the spread of nuclear weapons to Iran and other potential foes of the United States.
Weisman further goes on to quote diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as saying that Britain, France, Germany and probably Russia would eventually line up to support the agreement because it would clear the way for them to sell nuclear fuel, reactors and equipment to India.
He says that critics of the deal in Congress and abroad are certain to focus on what they maintain is a double standard embraced by the Bush administration: in effect, allowing India to have nuclear weapons and still get international assistance but insisting that Iran, North Korea and other “rogue states” be given no such waiver. But administration officials insisted there was no double standard.
He quotes Senator Richard G. Lugar, the Indiana Republican who leads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as saying that there are over 80 questions about the deal that he says need to be answered before it can be approved.
“People are worried about the precedent of establishing a full-fledged cooperation with India while we’re wagging our finger at North Korea and Iran,” said a Republican aide on Capitol Hill, who requested anonymity because he was describing matters still being weighed in private discussions.
“But it’s also true that India is facing an energy crisis, and we can’t ignore that problem either,” he added.
(Agencies)
Poverty Demoralizes Editorial The Morung Express
While social and economic poverty has caused a serious threat to the survival of humankind, poverty of the mind has a demoralizing effect that questions the very existence of human life. Hence a question to ponder upon is; what is the good life? While some find an answer in achieving affluence, for others, it could mean liberty and dignity, while for some others it could involve the purchase of happiness. However, does money actually buy happiness? Or to be more precise, would a little more money add greater happiness?
It is indeed a wonder why an assumption often connects between monetary well-being and feeling fine. Consequently the cycle of working more to buy more raises the question of delusion. Eventually, it is only fair to ask whether the rising materialism is contributing to the impoverishment of the human mind; and hence the demoralization of the human spirit.
Inevitably the impoverishments of human mind and reason, which may be caused by internal or external factors, prevent the process to develop a meaningful philosophy of life. Thus the stagnation of a society! It results into an inward looking persona which demoralizes any attempt to consciously step outwardly towards vitality essential for the healthy growth of a nation. This impact naturally changes a nation’s ethos and priorities and gives little or no room to pause a moment to think and reflect. Hence past mistakes become the present and the cycle is repeated with devastating effect till a society rediscovers consciousness to correct itself through self-criticism.
Nagas today are challenged with the realities of impoverishment – the impoverishment of social and economic well being; and the impoverishment of the mind and reason. Logically both are laced with far reaching generational consequences and are undoubtedly interrelated with each other. Nonetheless, with time, the more detrimental of the two would be the poverty of reason because it seeks to destroy any seed of hope with the intent of demoralizing the will to live a good life.
Perhaps what is needed at the moment is courage, not just courage, but political courage that deliberately strives to engage the human mind in creatively propelling the imagination needed to nurture hope and possibilities. Some people of great faith have indicated that courage is not bravado but in essence the willingness to speak the truth in spite of fear of reprisals. Objectivity antagonizes stakeholders but empowers the people and therefore political courage implies standing on issues without allowing partisan politics to interfere and divert its natural discourse.
Undoubtedly, it is time for ordinary Nagas to participate and take ownership on issues that affect their lives and that of the future. The stench of indifference and complacency is eroding the moral imagination impoverishing the Naga mind to a state of hopelessness and indignity. Eventually a new generation maturing with increasing concern for the dignified existence of the Nagas is essential with a discerning far-sightedness that focuses on the integrity of nature and a new meaning of positive life.
In the end, political courage is the living power of human perception that nurtures and expands a vision for the future by transcending the existing realities which is limited by present conditions of an impoverished mind.
Naobi's issue rocks State AssemblyWhat would happen if the same thing had happened to the child of the CM : Nimaichand By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 6 : Categorically stating that placing five police commandos under suspension and ordering a Magisterial Inquiry to probe the allegations raised by M Naobi Chanu is akin to hoodwinking the public, MPP Legislature leader Dr Nimaichand Luwang today said if the commandos are found guilty then suspension will not do and demanded more stringent punishment.
Participating in a Short Duration Discussion on the floor of the Assembly today, Dr Luwang said that in Manipur no inquiry has come to its logical conclusion and as such the public have lost faith in such inquiry.
In an emotional tone, the MLA questioned how they would feel if what happened to Naobi at the hands of police commandos were to happen to the daughter of the Chief Minister or any of the MLAs' children.
The excesses of the police commandos and the manner in which the feminine modesty of Naobi was violated in custody is revolting said the MLA and added that a few of the police commandos have tarnished the image of the State force.
Stripping the girl naked, making her kneel down and lie down on the road and ordering her around is something which is condemnable in the strongest word, said Dr Luwang and added “I do not have the words strong enough in my dictionary to condemn the incident.”
The people of Manipur are yet to overcome the trauma of Th Manorama and a similar act being perpetrated by the State force is something which is hard to digest, he observed.
The incident has also adversely affected a large number of people, said the MLA and recalled the torching of some Government offices and the inability of some candidates to sit for the HSLC and HSSLC examination due to the sudden imposition of the general strike.
The situation has become all that more complex now with the Apunba Lup joining the agitation, said Dr Nimaichand Luwang. On the other hand the aunty of Naobi, Apabi has threatened to commit suicide if the guilty police commandos are not produced before the people, added the MLA.
Taking pot shots at the SPF Government, the MLA said that past experiences have taught that the Government has never reacted on time whenever a crisis comes knocking. The Government only wakes up when the situation has taken a turn for the worst, he added and asked the Government to do all it can to ensure that the case of Naobi does not burn Manipur. If needed the Opposition can also help in tackling the crisis, offered the MLA.
Echoing the sentiments of the people, the MLA said that the public will not be calmed by placing some police commandos under suspension. At the moment the demand of the people is the dismissal of the guilty commandos and the resignation of the Chief Minister. Later this demand can snow ball into a demand for the mass resignation of all the MLAs, he observed.
Taking the situation into consideration, Dr Luwang suggested that all the MLAs resign forthwith and seek a fresh mandate from the people. The report of the medical test conducted on Naobi should also be placed before the Assembly, demanded the MLA.
The Short Duration Discussion on Naobi was suggested by Speaker Dr Maniruddin Sheikh as MLA O Joy moved an adjournment motion on the issue while simultaneously, FPM MLAs, S Ibohal and L Ibomcha moved a call attention motion on the same subject. Earlier O Joy pointed out that Naobi was picked up by the commandos by flouting all laws. This was human rights violation, he added.
The conduct of the police commandos suggested that Manipur is being governed by the police and the Army, said the MPP MLA and added that since there is a popular Government in place, no efforts should be spared to check the conduct of the security personnel.
Questioning why Naobi was picked without any women police, Joy said that the conduct of the police commandos showed that they are under the impression that they can pick up any woman they want. The 10 police custody of Naobi was also unprecedented, added O Joy. MLA Ibomcha urged the Government to place the order issued for the Magisterial Inquiry in the Assembly and added that the inquiry ordered by the Government cannot hold good in the eyes of the law. To really get to the bottom of the matter, what is needed is the registration of an FIR and a Judicial Inquiry, said Ibomcha. Or the case may also be handed over to the CBI, he added.
MLA S Ibohal urged the Government to take up fitting action so that such an ugly incident does not recur.
MLAs M Nilachandra and M Bhorot also took part in the discussion.
All not well in South Manipur Sangai Express
Even as the people are yet to come to terms with the sense of outrage over the torture and sexual molestation of M Naobi Chanu by police commandos, another equally shocking news is doing the round. First it was the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur which raised the voice of protest against what it dubbed the rape of over 10 girls by cadres of a non-tribal underground outfit at Tipaimukh and Thanlon sub-divisions in Churachandpur district. The Kuki Students' Organisation, Headquarters, followed suit and a number of women organisations including the Zomi Mothers' Association, Hmar Women Association, Kuki Women's Union and Mizo People's Convention, Women's Wing have decided to take out a protest rally against the rape of the girls at Churachandpur on March 8. The allegation raised by the different social organisations is serious, very serious, for it is about the accusation of a mass rape and this has come at a time when the people, especially in the valley areas of Manipur, have risen as one against the sexual assault of M Naobi Chanu by police commandos. The media, or the Imphal based newspapers, as ATSUM dubbed it, has also been accused of not doing justice to the story of rape in the interior parts of Churachandpur. We do admit that the media in Imphal has not given the same news space to the story of the mass rape in the interior parts of Churachandpur as to the story of M Naobi Chanu. However it should also be kept in mind that the story of Naobi started hitting the headlines only after she came out in the open and recounted her tale in full view of the media. So far the reports that we have received from Churachandpur are inputs from third parties such as the ATSUM, KSO etc.
Another reason for the failure of the State media to fully cover the mass rape story is the lack of resources at the disposal of the newspaper establishments. Some of the newspapers in Imphal, including The Sangai Express have their correspondents at Churachandpur but the irony of the situation is that the news report about the alleged mass rape has not come from any of the correspondents from Churachandpur. Why this is so is a point that may be raised at an appropriate platform. The latest information that we have now is from the four women organisations which have planned to take out a protest rally on March 8 at Churachandpur. According to the information from these four bodies, the story of the mass rape can be traced during the period, November 2005 and February 2006 when Tipaimukh sub-division came to be occupied by a militant organisation. The situation is anything but comfortable. It is also significant that the militant group has been identified as a non-tribal militant organisation and this says something about the delicate nature of the issue at hand. Whatever the case, it would be in the fitness of things to see whether the rape story can be substantiated and everyone, including the outfit towards which the finger of accusation has been pointed should investigate the veracity of the charges. The State Government too should step in and study the situation in the interiors of Churachandpur.