03/24/2006: "Nagaland mulls suit"

Nagaland mulls suit Kohima, March 20: In a move that could unlock a veritable Pandora’s box, the Nagaland government is contemplating filing a suit against the Union of India for not fulfilling its political promises made in the Akbar Hydari Agreement of 1947 and the 16-point agreement of 1960.
The government’s plans sprouted from the Supreme Court directive to constitute a local commission to resolve the Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute.
Nagaland has proposed a boundary commission or an out-of-court settlement to solve the dispute. Border affairs minister H. Khekhiho Zhimomi disclosed this in the Assembly today, while replying to a supplementary question by Congress MLA Takamasa Ao.
Ao demanded that Nagala-nd should oppose a local commission, because in case a jud-gment is pronounced, it will be legally binding. He said a cou-rt ruling after the constitution of a local commission could also have an impact on the Na-gas’ demand for integration.
In reply, Zhimomi said the advocate-general and senior government officials were considering the judiciousness of filing a case against the Centre. “Opinion is being formed on whether it is in the best interests of the Nagas to file a case against the Centre for not fulfilling political promises and dragging us to court,” he told the House.
Hydari’s nine-point agreement signed with the Naga National Council in June 1947 fell flat, as its last article was contentious. It mentioned that “the governor of Assam, as an agent of government of the Indian Union, would have a special responsibility for a period of 10 years to ensure the due observance of this agreement.” After that, the Naga National Council would be asked if they wished to extend the agreement.
The government is now focusing on the articles of the Hydari agreement and clauses of the 16-point agreement, which allegedly say that the Nagas would be given their land according to their traditional boundaries.
“The Naga traditional bou-ndary extends a long way and North Cachar Hills are ours. In earlier days the capital was Oslo near Haflong,” Zhimomi later told
Rio inspects Agri Expo décor Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur March 24 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today inspected the stage décor of the first-ever North East Agri Expo 2006 to be held at Sugarcane Nursery Farm, 4th Mile, Dimapur from March 27 to 31. Rio expressed his satisfaction with the preparations under way at the venue of the Expo.
"During my earlier visit, everything was in a haphazard condition, but now the stage is almost set for the mega event," Rio told Nagaland Post. To a query, he said the Agri Expo coinciding with the state's celebration of 2006 as the Year of the Farmers, would immensely benefit the farmers in the State.
"Many industries and business establishments from various parts of the country will participate in the Agri Expo to exhibit the latest technologies of farming," he added.
"The site with all the furnishings will remain even after the Expo", an organising committee official said while responding to the Chief Minister's question as to whether it could be kept permanently.
With barely two days left for the Agri Expo, various State departments have already completed their works while some departments were still working overtime.
A major participant of the Expo, the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry had already completed their preparations a few days back, said Imkonglemba.
Many food courts, both within and outside the vicinity of the Expo, are already doing brisk business with workers and visitors as their customers.
Participants from different districts of the State and from other states of the Northeast were seen reaching and occupying their allotted places at the Expo venue.
With the State hosting the four-day mega event on the theme "Emerging Horizons in Agribusiness" that is estimated to cost the state exchequer more than Rs 5.5 crore, it remains to be seen how far the majority of genuine farmers in the remote places of the State will really benefit from this mega Expo event.
Talks with any NE rebel outfits: Patil Nagaland Post
SHILLONG, MARch 24 (UNI): The Centre is ready to talk to any militant outfit of the Northeast that is willing to eschew violence, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said here today. He also stressed on maintaining peace for all-round development in the region. Mr Patil, who was the chief guest at the function to mark the 171st Raising Anniversary of Assam Rifles here today, was interacting with journalists.
Earlier, he addressed a Special Sainik Sammelan at the Assam Rifles headquarters at Happy Valley on the occasion. Praising the bravery and dedication of the Force, one of the oldest in the country, he said it had performed outstanding service to the nation, especially in the NE region, by combating insurgency in the most difficult of terrains.
The Force had received due recognition and was honoured with numerous gallantry and distinguished awards for these services, he said. The Minister also said the government had brought a bill in Parliament to make the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary outfit, into an armed force. The bill is likely to be passed soon, he said, adding that the government was also taking several welfare measures for the benefit of the AR jawans.
On the occasion, the Home Minister laid a wreath at the AR War Memorial, awarded medals to jawans for displaying bravery in their duties and also addressed a meeting of AR Commanders. The function was attended by the force's DG Lt. Gen Bhopinder Singh, besides a number of Director-Generals of Central Para Military Forces and a host of other dignitaries.
Gaps in Nagaland accounts Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, March 23: The Nagaland government has received a poor report for an apparently fudged balance sheet last year...

The Comptroller and Auditor General report for the year ending 31 March 2005 states that the revenue receipts of the state for 2004-2005 were less than the previous fiscal by a whopping Rs 520.27 crore.

This huge gap can be partly explained by the fact that the state had received Rs 365 crore from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre in 2003-2004 as a one-time “peace grant” to clear the deficit of previous years.

But the grant was mentioned next year under the head of revenue receipts instead of capital receipts during the presentation of the budget. Experts concede that it should be under the capital head as it is not a recurring income.

“This (the listing of Rs 365 crore under revenue receipt) is not mentioned clearly in the report, but the figure of Rs 520.27 crore is indicative,” auditor general R.M. Johri told newspersons today. This sharp decline has resulted in a fiscal deficit of Rs 218.39 crore. Officials at the CAG office pointed out that with a one-time error in account, the effects are felt over the next few years. Some of the major areas of concern pointed out in the CAG report include irregularities in the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, public health engineering department, working of Nagaland state transport and food and civil supplies.

According to the report, Nagaland will not be able to abide by the deadline of 2007 for rural road connectivity under the the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Till this year, the state has been able to complete only 56 per cent of the job with irregularities galore.

The report explains that district roads were upgraded while areas unconnected were not touched. It also says that inadequate planning, extension of undue benefit to contractors, poor contract management and inadequate quality control measures led to non-achievement of the programme objectives.In the PHE department, the chief engineer diverted Rs 2.05 crore meant for improvement of water supply projects in Kohima town for purchase of vehicles — Boleros and Scorpios — the report said.At another press meet today, chief minister Neiphiu Rio was quizzed over the scarcity and rising “prices” of water here.

In the food sector, the government distributed 6,278.37 metric tonnes of foodgrains worth Rs 3.95 crore to families living below the poverty line. “That these foodgrains were sold in the open market cannot be ruled out,” remarked Johri.
THE TELEGRAPH
Manipur team unhappy over recent move on Nagalim Kuknalim.com
IMPHAL, March 22: Manipur delegation who apprised Prime Minister about the state’s situation expressed “anguish at the recent expression of the vested Naga leadership, particularly the Nagaland Chief Minister” over the Naga unification...

Manipur Platform of Mass Organisations in an 11 point Memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said,”we express our deep concern and anguish at the recent ex-pression of the vested Naga leadership, particularly of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland that the Naga problems can be solved only when the Naga inhabited areas are united in a single administrative unit”. The delegation highlighting some of the important issues of the state urged the Prime Minister to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur with an Act of Parliament and declare unilateral ceasefire and bring the insurgents to the negotiating table without any precondition.

Briefing the newpersons here on Wednesday afternoon after their arrival from New Delhi, Chairman of the Organisation said, the question of recent territorial integrity has caused deep anguish and serious concern in the mind of every Manipuri that has led to the loss of many lives. The dialogues between the Government of India and NSCN(IM) and the latter’s demand for a Greater Nagaland has led to a situation of unrest in this state, he adds.

“The response of the Prime Minister was very encouraging and positive, he told us that he would talk to the Chief Minister and take up necessary actions on those issues discussed in the meeting” he said. He also informed that Prime Minister will be visiting Manipur soon and announce a necessary economic package for the development and upliftment of the state. The team also demanded adequate fund for the infrastructure development of both hills and plain of Manipur apart from lifting the policy of downsizing the government posts and create more jobs. Urging the PM to establish more hydro-electric power projects to produce enough power, the delegation prayed for completion of the construction of the trans-asian highway project via Imphal and materialization of Delhi-Hanoi railway line through Imphal.

The Manipur delegation who met many other national leaders during their stay in the national capital was accompanied by Secretary of Communist Party of India D Raja and Deputy Leader CPI(M) Rajya Sabha Nilotpal Basu. (Sobhapati Samom)
ATSUM's indefinite economic blockade from today's midnight Newmai News Network
Imphal, Mar 24 : The All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) is all set to impose an indefinite economic blockade along National Highway 39 and NH-53 from midnight of tomorrow in protest against the State Govt’s failure to respond to its demand to implement certain things with regard to the grievances of the people of the hill districts.
Informing this to Newmai News Network over phone from Tadubi in Senapati district, ATSUM leaders stated that the mobilisation and preparation for the indefinite economic blockade along the two national highways is finalised and now the stage is set for the show down. ATSUM leaders appealed to all the goods transporters to extend their cooperation in the agitation which begins from the midnight of March 25. Mention may be made that ATSUM had put its ultimatum to the Government with the warning that it would impose an indefinite economic blockade along the national highways if their demands are not honoured.
ATSUM leaders stated that though they were reluctant to impose the economic blockade they had been compelled to go ahead with their earlier decision as they had waited for one month with no response coming forth from the Government hence, the agitation.
The tribal student leaders further noted that they understand the hardship to be faced by the general public but without stern agitation the Government refuses to listen so ATSUM has decided to resort to using the economic blockade as its means of expressing resentment.
The Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) has expressed its solidarity with ATSUM and added that it fully supports any action taken up by ATSUM.
ZSUM information and publicity secretary said that his organisation would follow whatever course of action is taken by ATSUM.
The demands of the ATSUM are related to the basic issues of education in the hill districts.
Some of the points are-to make the Additional Director (Hills) office functional, fill up vacant posts and to provide adequate infrastructure in all hills schools including Mathematic and Science teachers, recruitment on intitutional basis giving preferences to the local candidates.
The mode of recruitment is to thus take place under ZEOs as the Chairman of recruitment Board or Director as Chairman and ZEOs as member secretary.
ATSUM demanded the grant-in-aid for schools in the hill areas be converted into full fledged Government schools and at the same time releasing ‘white paper’ on verification of teachers in the hills. On higher education the student body pointed out the need to make the special cell for SC/ST students in Manipur University fully functional and to take initiative for the establishment of a Hill University. The appointment system of adhoc/casual/muster roll/work charge/part time etc should be stopped unless it complies with reservation norms. To do away with the inclusion of Income Certificate when applying for a Scheduled Tribe Scholarship is another demand of the ATSUM and to upgrade the Deputy Director office to Additional Director level empowering it to identify and select projects/schemes applicable to the hill districts and its people alongwith its beneficiaries, are the other demands said ATSUM.
Thou Shall Talk To Thy Neighbors And Protect Thyself
By: The Critiquer Kangla on line
With the Government of India-NSCN (IM) peace talks forever embroiled in uncertainty as to its outcome, there comes some words of wisdom from former Nagaland Finance Minister K Therie. The former minister evinced the necessity to establish a new approach towards the Naga Peace process and stressed the immediate necessity to hold talks with the neighboring states which are crucial in finding a durable and permanent solution to the decades old Naga political problem.

The whole idea and approach of the NSCN (IM) in pursuing the peace dialogue, if seen, from the perspective of the neighboring states seems to bother on "we don't care about our neighbors" attitude. That is understandable because the talks are purportedly held on the Prime Ministerial level and evidently it is based on the premise that the solution to the Naga problem can be brought about by New Delhi and New Delhi alone and this unconcerned mindset and predilection towards what these neighboring states can bring to the peace process, which is overlooked, can only prolong finding a resolution. The talks are held between the Indian Nation and the Naga Nation anyways and neighboring states can hold off as these peace talks are for the big boys. Interesting indeed!

However, ground realities says things otherwise, because the main hurdle apparently is the NSCN(IM) demand for integration of all Naga inhabited areas and that is where the neighboring states come into the picture. It is the territories in neighboring states like Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh that the NSCN (IM) is demanding to create Greater Nagaland or Nagalim and the stand and disposition of the NSCN (IM) in not engaging the sentiments and political reality of the neighboring states will not only make finding a solution hard enough but might totally lead to a collapse of the ceasefire and this scenario is only a losing option for the Naga peace effort as much as for the entire region.

And the reasons the scenario is a losing strategy for the NSCN (IM) and for the region is based on two simple facts. The NSCN (IM) leadership should be shrewd and ingenious enough to realize that India is content at keeping the entire region as a "low intensity conflict zone" which does not really hinder its military capabilities. And secondly, the losers are going to be the entire North-Eastern region as continued insurgency and political uncertainty will not in anyway contribute to economic advancement or lead to any steps taken to improve the economic lot. Once again taking a cue from Bill Clinton- "It's the economy, Stupid!" Our world is obsessed with the economy. Almost everything we do is measured and considered in economic terms.

For each of the states of the North-East to have some semblance of political stability and economic viability, it is necessary for the entire region to approach the many issues facing the region in a fashion that is a beneficial for all the peoples residing in the region. And it is not just talks with the New Delhi, but understanding one's neighbors because as the Naga MLA rightly concluded, the Government of India cannot bring any solution to either the Naga political problems or the problems of the other states without sensible steps initiated from our side as well. If Nagaland expects to be an "oasis of peace" in a region ridden with problems, that assumption and expectation would be far-fetched

Coming back to the situation at home in Manipur, the uproar over the alleged rape of Hmar women in the interiors of Manipur's Churachandpur district by valley-based insurgent outfits have resulted in protests by civil society groups in Churachandpur, the second largest town in Manipur and headquarter of Churachandpur district. The valley-based underground outfits, namely the UNLF and the KCP alleged to have been involved in the mass rapes, have under their own investigation have given themselves a clean chit and of course there will be no buyers for that. On the other hand, civil society groups and NGOs belong to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo ethnic have stood by their allegations against the underground outfits. The state government is taking up the investigation with the appointment of retired Justice SP Rajkhowa, a former judge of West Bengal High Court, to head the twin inquiry commissions instituted to probe into the alleged mass rape of Hmar women at Lungthulian village and the torture and molestation of Maibam Naobi by Thoubal Police Commandos in their custody. The underground outfits have agreed to cooperate for an independent investigation to the accusation of mass rape.

The important point to underscore in a scenario such as this is the frustration faced by the public of Manipur whether they are Meiteis, Nagas or people belonging to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo ethnic group. If we are to look back, we see all sorts of atrocities committed by men in arms. The Manorama case had gotten the attention of the world with even a documentary film based on the Manorama issue getting an international award. Victims continue to belong to the fairer sex and it is high time that men in arms realize the futility of their very existence and understand that a good relationship with the people is of utmost important if either of two entities- the security forces or the underground groups- hopes to achieve anything significant.

Finally, the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) has released Dr. T Lunkim after holding him in captivity for 61 days charging him with taking Rs.9 lakhs from army authorities to affect the ceasefire with the Kuki Liberation Army and others. We will have to wait for elder church leader to tell his side of the story. This is in the light of non-Naga hill-based underground outfits mostly belong to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo ethnic group entering into a ceasefire agreement with the Indian Army. We must recall that the Manipur Government did not appreciate such a move of the army authorities which it (the government) says should stick with its task of helping the civilians and not initiate any moves that are deemed political. The ceasefire supposedly agreed on does not include state security forces.

Looking at Manipur from above, one can detect a reign of almost total chaos. The government as has been the case at all times haven't been effective at all in every aspect of governance. Underground outfits have practically infiltrated almost all government departments and all developmental works have been contracted to underground outfits which siphon off money from the funds earmarked for various developmental projects. The moral high ground adopted by the underground outfits is in their shunning of contract works such as the latest case with PREPAK which has announced that it would not indulge in contract works anymore. The bigger underground outfits probably have reached the financial threshold so as to not need contract works, but what about the other fledgling outfits trying to raise their heads up and dream of being recognized as a 'major' underground or revolutionary outfit.

Let it be known that there are a lot of clueless individuals masquerading as revolutionaries that is definitely dragging this state into a point of no return. They are rightly referred to as extortionists and the fine line should be drawn between revolutionaries and extortionists. Extortion gangs for all practical purposes need to be eliminated and this task should be undertaken by the more powerful underground outfits. But then again even the powerful UNLF is coming under fire for alleged mass rape of Hmar women. Perhaps Manipur requires a radical solution. Families should be allowed to bear arms to protect themselves since it is families that are victims who are always at the receiving end. It would be provocative to suggest that the Right to Keep and Bear Arms as allowed by the Second Amendment in the US Constitution should also be incorporated in the constitution of the state of Manipur. That would at least allow the victimized families in Manipur to protect themselves and create a level playing field in the increasing deteriorating law and order situation.
NSUD congratulate Sh. Vezoto Tinyi

Naga Students’ Union Delhi heartily congratulates and salutes Sh.Vezoto Tinyi for being the first Naga to be awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’ award by the President of India. The Naga students residing in Delhi feel proud to follow the footprint of Sh.Vezoto Tinyi hailing from Chakasang tribe. Asstt. Commandant of Central Reserve Police Force Vezoto Tinyi marches to receive the Shaurya Chakra during the defense investiture ceremony at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on Thursday, March 23. He was accompanied by his brother Sh.Venusa Tinyi who is a lecturer in Patkai Christian College, while receiving the award amidst the crowd and the thundering applaud from the nation.

It was on 5th July 2005, that the CRPF personnel under the command of Sh.Vezoto Tinyi, Asstt Commandant successfully thwarted the Fidayeen attack at the Babri Masjid- Ramjanam Bhoomi site in Ayodhya. All the five Fidayeens who attacked the holy site were killed for which the nation acknowledges their daring action. The Shaurya Chakra was awarded to Sh. Vezoto Tinyi, Asstt Commandant and Sh. Dharambir Singh, Sub- inspector, CRPF.

Chitho Nyusou Khyothungo Jami
President Gen. Secy
NSUD NSUD

Desperately seeking the truth Sangai Express
It is strange but true nonetheless that the allegations of mass rape of Hmar women by cadres of the UNLF and the KCP has now become something of a debate over the question of sending a fact finding team to verify the veracity of the allegations. While the UNLF has welcomed the initiative taken up by TIPS and other social organisations to mobilise a fact finding team and venture to the interior parts of Churachandpur district to get to the bottom of the matter, a number of tribal organisations, notably, ATSUM, Naga Women's Union, Manipur, Kuki Students' Organisation, Churachandpur, Hmar Students' Association etc have voiced their opposition to the fact finding team. The reasons furnished for opposing the fact finding team seem simple enough. According to them, the women have already been traumatised and the truth of the matter has been published in the media, notably in the North East Sun. Subjecting the supposedly rape victims would expose them to further trauma is a point raised by the bodies opposed to the fact finding team. Moreover the very fact that the rape victims have come out in the open to state their case is enough proof is the line of argument furnished for opposing the fact finding team. Lest anyone forgets, the charges levelled against the underground cadres are very serious. It was not only a question of some lumpen members of the armed groups raping a woman but about the question of mass rape, which is somewhat akin to ethnocide. Since the charges are serious, very serious, we feel a more substantive investigation into the case will help a lot in clarifying many unanswered questions. The mass rape was supposed to have been committed on January 16 this year, but it is significant to note that news of the incident hit the State media after a long lapse time that too from a student body.
It will also help if everyone realises the gravity of the situation, for the cadres of the two named organisations are predominantly Meiteis and there are enough room for vested interest elements to give it a communal hue. For rape charges to stick, an impartial probe is the need of the hour. The State Government has already instituted a Judical Inquiry to probe the allegations of the mass rape and apart from this, so far there has not been any independent investigation into the case at hand. At best what has happened is a trial by the media with either side having had their say through the media. This certainly is not a healthy trend. We are not in any way casting aspersions on anyone and we are not questioning whether the rape story is true or cooked up, but we do feel that a probe by an independent body is necessary. The suggestion from the Hmar Students' Association and the Kuki Students' Organisation that bodies like the National Women Commission and the National Human Rights Commission be involved in probing the case is welcome and this is a step that may be also studied. Remember what is at stake is truth and it is best that the truth comes out unalloyed and untampered. Justice is necessary and equally important too is the point that justice should also appear to have been delivered. And justice can only be achieved when the two sides, those pointing their fingers at the armed cadres and the leaders of the armed groups co-operate with each other to find out the truth.

Clarify stand on burning issues, AASU to parties By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 23 – The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today called upon the political parties to clarify their stand on the burning issues facing the State and requested the people of the State to raise the issues when the candidates go for election campaign. Addressing a Press conference here today, AASU president Sankar Prasad Roy and general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi said that the parties are silent on the burning issues confronting the state and its people, while, none of the parties could give a firm commitment on the solution of the problems facing the students.

Some of the issues on which the AASU sought clarification from the parties is implementation of the Assam Accord, amendment of the Citizenship Act, amendment of the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, updating of the National Register of Citizens, providing photo identity cards to all Indian citizens, sealing of Indo-Bangla border, establishing of Upper House, constitutional protection to the indigenous people of Asom, rehabilitation of the families of the martyrs of Assam agitation, etc.

AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya said that though the Government of India tried to bring the IMDT Act through the backdoor by amending the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, the political parties of the State failed to take a bold stand on the issue. He alleged that though the AGP was formed to implement the Assam Accord, during its two tenures on office the party failed to do anything in this regard.
BJP leaders wooing Assam electorate By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Mar 23: A galaxy of BJP leaders are heading for Asom to campaign for the party throughout the State, as the party has been giving special importance to the Asom Assembly election, party sources said yesterday. The list of the leaders includes: party’s national president Rajnath Singh, leader of the Opposition LK Advani, as many three chief ministers along with celluloid star Hema Malini and small screen sensation Smriti Irani.
According to the sources, the BJP president is scheduled to arrive in the State for a four-day visit on March 24, who will address election rallies at various places including Lumding, Tinsukia, Katigora, Karimganj, Lakhipur, Silchar, Hojai, Morigaon, Jorhat, Doomdooma, Dhakuakhana and Kamalpur. Advani, who was in the city for a brief visit day before yesterday, will further lead the party campaign in two phases. His next three-day visit will start from March 26 which will be followed by a two-day tour programme starting from April 1.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in the State in his two-day visit on March 26 and addressed election rallies at Rangia, Jagiroad, Morigaon, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh are scheduled to arrive in Asom on a three-day visit on March 30 and April 3 respectively.
BJP’s firebrand leader Sushma Swaraj will carry on her campaign in two phases. In the first phase she would come with a three-day tour programme on March 24 and in the second, Swaraj will be camping in the State from March 29 to April 1. Hema Malini’s proposed four-day visit is scheduled to start from March 25, the party sources said. On the other hand, Smriti Irani would arrive in the State with a three-day tour programme on March 28, added the sources.
Apart from that, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, Yuba Morcha president Dharmendra Pradhan and Minority Morcha national president Hyder Osmani are also scheduled to come in election tour. Former party president M Venkaiah Naidu and MP Juwel Oram are currently visiting the State. Besides, former Union Minister Yaswant Sinha is scheduled to arrive in Silchar today and are camping in the Barak valley till the completion of the poll, said the sources.

Nagalim.NL News

03/24/2006: "Nagaland mulls suit"