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03/19/2006: "Media irked by Rio’s attitude"

Media irked by Rio’s attitude Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 18 (NPN): The local press fraternity at a meeting convened by the Kohima Press Club (KPC) Saturday expressed displeasure over "the consistent array of disparaging remarks against the fourth estate" by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made on several occasions and in particular, his statements made on the floor the House during the ongoing Budget session. Twenty one members of the press through a release issued by KPC general secretary Daiho said Rio had the penchant to dismiss media reports when issues were raised on the floor of the house. It said Rio dismissed the points raised by asking the House not to believe in media reports.
It also said the chief minister on occasions went to the extent of asking reporters to desist from publishing reports against the government besides even advising them how to perform their duties. Stating that the media viewed such acts as attempts to muzzle the freedom of the press, the fraternity described such remarks as indicative of a "dictatorial attitude" adding it sent a wrong message to the people. The fraternity asked Rio to further desist from attacking the media for any alleged factual mistakes but to have such addressed in a proper manner. The fraternity further cautioned that the media would be compelled to resort to its own course of action if the need arose if Rio continued with his "anti-media remarks"
NSCN-IM appeals Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MARCH 18 (NPN): The NSCN (IM) said it would undertake a "Herculean task" to uproot social menaces including smuggling, adulteration of oil and use of drugs and alcohol, particularly in Dimapur. Calling upon all tribal leaders, church leaders, Naga Council, Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and DNSU, to pledge unconditional support in the fight against anti-social activities, the NSCN (IM) said that from "any nationalistic point of view a reformation is a must" as such activities have degraded Naga society.
CAO, UT-1 (GPRN), P. Kihoto Yepthomi in a press release also expressed reservation over responses from certain quarters who justify drinking alcohol claiming it as "personal liberty". Stating that practices of social vices only lead to turmoil and unrest, the release added "Personal liberty should be enjoyed without polluting the society".
Kihoto also reasoned "if this generation justifies drinking, smuggling, abusing of drugs, adulteration of oil, doping etc., then it may become a tradition in the coming years". The release further stated that though different philosophies of the world may prompt anyone to take a relaxed consideration about anything, "a reformation aimed at progress and social betterment is a worthier attitude".
NSCN-K flays IRB, Assam Rifles Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 18 (NPN): The NSCN (K) on Saturday accused the Assam Rifles and IRB of providing security to rival NSCN (IM) cadres for holding a "secret meeting" at Athibung. NSCN (K)'s Ceasefire Supervisory Board Chairman Kughalu Mulatonu alleged that security personnel belonging to Assam Rifles and IRB provided security to a group of NSCN (IM) cadres for holding a meeting at Athibung on Saturday. The meeting was reportedly attended by a large number of villagers. "It was a secret meeting between NSCN (IM), IRB and Assam Rifles," the NSCN (K) leader alleged. According to Mulatonu, the meeting was held at a place close to NSCN (K)'s designated camp. However, Mulatonu could neither specify the agenda of the meeting nor its outcome. The NSCN (K) leader said he had contacted the Chairman of Ceasefire Supervisory Board and Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, Lt. Gen. (retd) R.V. Kulkarni over the matter and the latter expressed his ignorance over the meeting. "Kulkarni said he had not authorized anyone to provide protection to the NSCN (IM)," Mulatonu said. Similarly, officials of the Union Home Ministry and Additional Chief Secretary of Nagaland TN Mannen reportedly told Mulatonu that they were not aware that Police, Assam Rifles and IRB provided security to the NSCN (IM).
However, Mulatanu said IGAR (North), Maj. Gen. SS Kumar, was the only official who had admitted that security was provided to the NSCN (IM) cadres. "The IGAR admitted that a Colonel from Peren district had attended the meeting," the NSCN (K) leader claimed. The NSCN (K) said it would take up the matter with the Union Home Ministry.
Rio defends equi-closeness Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express

Kohima | March 18 State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that his approach towards the factional feud is for unity and reconciliation with the spirit of forgive-and-forget. Rio regretted that even over-grounds leaders never sat down together for talks. “Even over-ground leaders don’t talk, we don’t speak to each other on the issue”, Rio said, adding that how they can expect underground groups to come together for talks. “Central leaderships are serious. If we come together, the GOI of India will listen to us” Rio told the opposition.
The Chief Minister, while replying to the opposition on the Governor’s address defended DAN’s equi- closeness policy by stating that they are maintaining equi-closeness with all the groups including over-grounds and undergrounds. “Nagas never shed blood for statehood, but for the sovereignty”, Rio said adding that no doubt the statehood had brought some relief to the Nagas, but it also had complicated the Naga political issue.
Rio also clarified that though the policy was not written down in ‘black and white’, the Cabinet had earlier approved of it during its sitting which was also attended by JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi and DAN Chairman Hokhishe Sema. Rio also said that though there are factional feuds in various parts of the state on daily basis the NGOs and civil societies have become fed up, and as such has chosen to keep quiet.
Reconsider facilitator role: Therie
Former Finance Minister in the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government K. Therie has said that the State government should play a crucial role in the reconciliation efforts by officially meeting all factions of the Naga undergrounds.
Participating in the debate at the tenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Therie said as representatives, the legislators should officially meet those warring groups on behalf of the people of Nagaland and bring them back to one platform.
Therie also said that it was high time the government reconsider its role of a mere facilitator and supporter, and re-establish the confidence of the people and different undergrounds factions.
“It is our responsibility to secure political settlement”, Therie said. Referring to the factional clashes, Therie castigated the state government for its silence on factional clashes, while adding that the state government represents even the Naga undergrounds and the latter too is a state subject and as such, the government must have a say on it. Therie also emphasized on the need to meet and hold dialogue with the neighbouring states for political settlement. “We cannot find solution by confronting with our neighbour”, Therie added.
DAN Chairman admits to mediation failure

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Chairman Dr Hokishe Sema today said that failure to play a successful mediation role had compelled the NSCN-IM to look for the international third party in the ongoing dialogue with the government of India. The DAN chairman also pointed out that involvement of such international third party mediator will only prolong the talks.
Dr Hokishe, asserting that the utmost priority of he DAN government is to bring about political solution, as assured by them earlier also expressed appreciation to the Indian leaders for gradually understanding the intricacy of the Naga political problem.
While appreciating the government of India for taking the talks to the highest political level, he however said that negotiations with different factions simultaneously had created confusion and conflict between the two groups, which in turn had brought about law and order problems.
“We should appeal to the GOI to be more sincere, so that practicable and honourable solution is brought about”, said Dr. Hokishe. In spite of so many rounds of talks between the GOI and NSCN-IM, still there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding between them, which he said is threatening the continuation of the peace process. “Therefore we have to correct the GOI and the negotiating party and bring them back to the right path”, said Dr Hokishe. The DAN chairman also urged upon the government of India to work in the interest of the Nagas.
Decision on power unit irks Nagaland MLAs Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, March 18 – Congress MLAs have taken exception to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s announcement in the Assembly on Saturday that the 24 MW Likimro hydro electric power project will be handed over to a Delhi-based private company.

Rio said the government had decided to hand over the power project to the private company NEC Energy Pvt Ltd for operation and maintenance and the power department would buy electricity at Rs 1.17 per unit. Congress members, during Question Hour, sought clarification from the government why it had decided to hand over the project on lease to NEC Energy when other companies had quoted lower prices.

The lease was given to the Delhi-based company when the tender floated by the power department had mentioned handing over the project to private companies only for ‘maintenance and operation’, Congress members I Imkong, Takamasa, K V Pusa and others said. Joining them, former finance minister K Terie described the decision as a total sellout to a private company saying that the state had spent Rs 265 crore on the project and the government was now going to buy power. Explaining the circumtances leading to privatisation of the power plant, the Chief Minister told the Assembly that the decision was taken only after engineers expressed their inability to run the project in a sustained way even after the government invested an additional Rs 6 crore to revive it.
The 8x3 MW power project in Tuensang district was commissioned in 2002 and synchronised with the grid. But it stopped generating within a month. It was revived recently after investment of an additional Rs 6 crore. – PTI
Facilitate to ‘stop fighting’: Imkong Morung Express News
Kohima | March 18 Opposition Congress today reiterated that it will support any solution above statehood, but rubbished the DAN equi-closeness policy stating that it has created a schism even amongst the NGOS and the civil societies. I Imkong, Leader of Opposition participating in the motion on amendment of Governor’s address also dwelt on the need to reconsider its facilitator’s role of the state government, and stated that as a facilitator, the government must be able say “stop fighting”. He said the Congress is willing to support the government on any issue but not at the cost of their political stand.
Imkong further came down heavily on DAN’s equi-closeness policy, belittling that the much-hyped policy is a complete failure. As such, it has to be re-examined, he maintained.
Leader of the opposition also said that if the state government is a genuine felicitator they must be able to acquire information from the GOI and the NSCNs on the latest outcome of the talks and must be able to tell the people what is going on in the talks. Imkong fervently stated that at no point of time he had supported the equi-closeness policy of the DAN government. He instead cautioned that this policy will destroy the very fabric of the Naga society.
Judicial Inquiry Commission constituted to probe Manipur rape case Regional The MorungExpress Newmai News Network March 18

Imphal: Manipur government has yesterday appointed a retired judge of the West Bengal High Court Justice S.P. Rajkhowa as the chairman of two judicial inquiry commissions constituted to inquire into allegations of mass rape by militants in Churachandpur district and molestation of an arrested woman by police in Thoubal district.
The state Home Department yesterday issued separate orders in this regards. The same retired judge would hold inquiries in both the cases simultaneously and would submit the reports within two weeks from yesterday.
The terms of reference of the Churachandpur case are to determine the facts of the allegations of causing serious injury to many villagers and molestation and rape of young girls belonging to Lunthulein village and surrounding areas under Parbung police station on January 16 by cadres of the United National Liberation Front and kangleipak Communist Party.
The order said Chairman In-charge of Lunthulian village of Parbung sub-division lodged nine complaints with the OC Parbung police station mentioning names of nine girls of Lunthulian village allegedly raped by the militants.
In the complaint the chairman alleged that in the night of January 16 at about 8.45 pm, about 20 UNLF/KCP cadres entered Lunthulian village by exploding bombs and firing several rounds followed by rounding up of the villagers and beating them with firewood resulting in serious injury to many villagers. Thereafter the cadres selected some young girls and started manhandling/molesting them, he said. Several women organizations of Churachandpur district alleged that altogether 21 girls were raped by the cadres at three villages.
The other commission will find out circumstances leading to the detention of Kumari Naobi Chanu (26) by Thoubal police and determine the facts in regard to the allegations of humiliation, torture and acts outraging modesty of the woman while in the custody of Thoubal police.
While announcing constitution of the Commissions’ Chief Minister Ibobi Singh yesterday told the State Assembly that anyone found guilty in the cases would not be spared. He said if the police personnel were found guilty the government will not protect them. The chairman of the commissions is expected to arrive in Imphal and start the inquiries in the next few days.
1 dies, 5 hurt in Assam blast Nagaland Post
Guwahati, March 18 (IANS): One person was killed and five others were critically wounded Saturday in a grenade explosion in Assam, officials said. Police said the grenade was lobbed on a group of people in the heart of Assam's main city of Guwahati around 7.40 pm in which one civilian was killed on the spot. Five people received multiple injuries and were shifted to a hospital. "We are not sure who carried out the explosion. This is election time in Assam and hence an alert has been sounded soon after the blast," a senior police official said. Assam goes to the polls to elect a 126-member legislature April 3 and April 10. This is the first violent incident in the run-up to the polls although the attack was not aimed at any politician or party supporters. Police and intelligence officials say they do not expect rebels to strike during the upcoming elections like they used to do in previous polls. "All the major militant groups are in peace mode this time and so we hope the elections would pass off rather peacefully," the official said. The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had said it would not interfere in the elections.
EC asks police to use force when necessary By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 18 – The Election Commission has directed the police not to hesitate to use force when necessary to safeguard the polling staff and materials and to avoid cowardice while dealing with attacks on police stations. The Commission has issued a series of do’s and don’ts for the police personnel during the polls and directed the police to remain watchful to detect corrupt practices and proven electoral offences. The Commission directed the police to watch if any canvassing, intimidation etc are done within 100 yards of the polling stations, to remain cooperative and courteous to the polling staff, voters and polling agents, to keep a sharp look out for miscreants at or near the poling stations and deal with any attack on the polling station firmly, uphold the authority of the presiding officers and obey their orders etc.

The Commission directives said that the police personnel must not use any words of threat or abuse or show of force and they should not leave the polling station. The Commission has directed the police not to accept tea, smoke etc from any outsider and not to smoke in the polling stations. “Do not show partiality to any candidate of party and do not justify inaction under the pretext of absence of order from the presiding officer. Inaction would not be tolerated in any circumstance,” the directives said. The Commission warned the police personnel that their attention might be diverted to a minor incident outside the polling station and if they go to deal with that, serious harm might be caused to the polling stations. The Commission said that the policemen should not treat any incident as unimportant and ignoring the same as a minor incident may develop into major one if not handled properly at appropriate time. The Commission directive further said, “Do not open your mouth expect to give orders or to report something to the presiding or supervising officer.”

Ensuing polls and the regional parties Dwaipayan Assam Tribune editorial
In Assam, the political ambience is slowly but steadily reaching a feverish pitish with the approach of the state Assembly elections. Unlike in the recent past, it will be held on two different dates, on April 3 and 10. It is heartening that the Election Commission (EC) has set the poll-schedule for the state well ahead of the stormy days that as usual set in from mid-April and their intensity begins to reduce only when monsoon begins in May. This well reflects the EC’s concern to skirt the foul days that ensue since the Rongali Bihu festival and pick out the relatively suitable polling days to ensure an impressive turn-out of the electors throughout the state in the course of polling, as it has done this time.

Interestingly, the pre-poll scenario in the state which seemed mixed up until very recently with the extensive talks over a possible pre-poll tie-up among the leaders of different political parties over the past few weeks failing to reach a logical conclusion, has now become fairly clear. For, the negotiations that were carried out among them are over, the parties willing have already arrived at pre-poll seat-sharing arrangement with one another.

Think of the AGP. This time it has succeeded in entering into an electoral understanding with more political groups including the CPI, CPI(M), ASDC, Trinamool Gana Parishad, than in 1996 when the regional party had fought the election in alliance with only four parties, the ASDC, CPI, CPI(M) and the now defunct UPPA of Muhib Majumder.

In its efforts to form an alliance, the AGP(P) has also for the past couple of days carried out negotiations with a few of them including the AGP, but it has not yielded result. Its parent organisation has of late made it clear that it cannot join hands with “Mahanta who was expelled from the party”. However, the AGP(P) has formed a coalition representing the AUDF and the NCP and the JD(U). Of course, in this respect the BJP may turn out to be a non-starter as till the end it has so far not yet been able to rope in any like-minded parties, not even the AGP. Interestingly, both of them fought the 2001 Assembly election in tandem; though the result was far from encouraging.

If viewed from that angle, the ruling Congress this time seems relatively lucky. If the news reports are to be believed, it has found in the Bodo heartland, the BPPF(H) party an electoral ally that has promised the ruling party around 12 seats. Now it remains to be seen if the BPPF(H) leadership recently keep up their pledge in the event of the ruling party’s need, if there is any. In the pre-election scenario, however, a controversy has arisen between the two schools of thought as to which of the two factions of the AGP, one led by Brindaban Goswami and the other AGP(P) by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta will fare better? One school of thought is convinced that the Goswami faction this time does stand a fair chance of performing relatively better than the other in the coming elections even if it is unable, for one reason or another, to garner a razor-thin majority to stage its comeback. It tries to justify its view-point by citing some important issues that it believes have great appeal for the electorate and, will inevitably enable the AGP to not just have much of the electoral edge over the AGP(P) but the ruling Congress as well, provided they are exploited assiduously during its on-going campaigning.

One such crucial issue is the controversial IM(DT) Act. There is no doubt that if any political party today has regained much of its lost ground in the greater Assamese society for getting this piece of legislation quashed recently by the Supreme Court, it is the AGP. It is true that the Apex Court’s verdict in this regard has not come a day too soon. In fact, the party leaders, especially its MP Sarbananda Sonowal, had to fight years of legal battle in the Court after years in waiting for the Vajpayee-led NDA government for its scrapping, which it could not do so due to lack of its majority in the Upper House in Parliament.

Given the backdrop some-thing far from inspiring in which Sonowal along with his other party colleagues successfully fought an unrelenting, prolonged battle, it is no mean achievement for them. After all they have accomplished something far more complicated than can be imagined. Therefore, when it comes to the coming elections, this development can be expected to help the AGP measurably, if not considerably, to wean away the supporters of the AGP(P), and the BJP in particular. Of course, how many of them will switch loyalties to the AGP during the election largely depends upon how far the scrapped Act is exploited during the ongoing campaigning.

The same school of thought is of the view that the alleged failure of the state government in handling the emerging situations in Kakopathar, and the Karbi Anglong hill district where the recent protracted ethnic strife between Dimasas and Karbis resulted in the death of scores of innocent people and rendered hundreds of them homeless, has diluted considerably the image of the ruling party which inturn, will help the AGP to increase the share of the vote percentage in these pockets. Of course, it may not increase considerably because of the recent reported split in the AUDF.

It also believes that the emergence of the UDF, a new political outfit floated with Badaruddin Ajmol, the president of the state unit of the Jamiat-e-Ulema as its president may lead to the division of the minority votes of the ruling party, a major vote-bank, in some pockets. If it comes about, the AGP can be expected to gain much electorally from this development.

True, the developments in both Kakopathar and the Karbi Anglong districts have dealt a severe blow to the ruling party. But blaming the Congress for its delay in handling the emerging situations in these areas instead of cooperating with or recommending appropriate measures to remedy them has hardly helped them either. Of course, there may be splitting of the votes of the ruling party in some minority pockets; and, if it happens, in that case the AGP may find itself at an advantageous position electorally.
Another school of thought, however, has an altogether different story to tell. It says that the electoral fortune of the AGP(P) without the AGP is seldom any better than that of the Congress. Indeed, the AGP(P)’s prospects, as they believe, have brightened after the AUDF, NCP joined hands with it, or else, it will be hardly any surprise if it repeats the performance of the NAGP in the 1991 Assembly polls when it somehow managed five seats out of a total of 85 it had contested.
Although both the school of thought have put forward their arguments regarding whether the AGP or the AGP(P) will perform better, it seems it is early to forecast the electoral prospects of any mainstream political party in the state because the election campaign is yet to reach an extreme point. However, by all accounts, there seems the need for both factions of the regional party to form a common coalition of their like-minded parties. With time fast running out, and their political prospects as regional parties, it will certainly be a well-considered move for the two groups to come into a common platform at this critical juncture. If the leaders did so forgetting their past ideological clashes, the task of forming a strong coalition with all the secular-democratic and like-minded parties including the CPI, the CPI(M), the NCP, would have been easier. Easier would then be to garner a respectable total, if not a required number of 64 in a House of 126 of Assam Assembly, necessary to form a government with an image of cohesiveness.