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04/08/2006: "PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s April fools Statement in Guwahati Contradicts the Indo-Naga “Joint Statement"



PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s April fools Statement in Guwahati Contradicts the Indo-Naga “Joint Statement” of 31st Jan. 2006 in Bangkok: Negative Implications on the Human Rights of the Naga People -Yaronsho Ngalung, JNU, New Delhi

One of the latest narrow and aged-old political moves of vote-bank politics has been amply demonstrated by none other than the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh when he addressed a press conference during his two-day election campaign for his party, INC, in Guwahati on April fools day. It has surprised many sensible and rational people in the Indian sub-continent in the context of the ongoing almost nine years Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement which has reached a crucial stage. Dr. Singh’s statement read as follows: “the territorial integrity of any State in the northeast would not be disturbed without its consent.” “The territorial integrity of the northeastern States will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus among them. We are committed to protecting the territorial integrity of all States.” This statement was told to the Media when asked about the persistent and genuine demand for integration of all Naga areas made by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), which represent the Nagas, in the ongoing political negotiations with the Government of India (GoI).

Dr. Singh’s statement is contradictory and problematic in so far as the 31st January 2006 Indo-Naga “Joint Statement” in Bangkok for extension of the Ceasefire for six months is concerned. The statement is directly contradictory to the 31st Jan. “Joint Statement” which has categorically stated that, “as both the Parties recognize that there has been insufficient progress in the talks it was decided to carry the political negotiations expeditiously forward taking ‘new initiatives’. Dr. Singh’s statement has totally gone against the letter and spirit of the “Joint Statement” talks of taking ‘new initiatives’. His statement “we are committed to protecting the territorial integrity of all States” has created a fixed type of political situation which means the Indian Government is not all committed to upholding its assurance given to the Nagas of taking ‘new initiatives’. This is simply a demonstration of its insincerity and dishonesty towards resolving the 59 years of Indo-Naga politico-military conflict. The statement is problematic to a great extend in the sense that Dr. Singh’s assertion of ‘consent’ or ‘consensus’ has even out stepped the Indian constitutional framework for the Indian Constitution under Article 3 never enshrined any such thing as ‘consent’ or ‘consensus’ in regard to increasing or decreasing the areas of State or altering or changing the names or boundaries of any State. What is required by this Article is only to afford an opportunity to express views of the concerned States whereas the Parliament is the sole authority to decide by a simple majority for such changes to be made of the States. His statement is problematic in so far as the history of drawing boundaries is concerned. When the contiguous Naga areas were divided by India and Burma, they have not asked for any consent or consensus from the Nagas. The Nagas were divided by the British, India and Burma solely in their own desires and interests. And now Dr. Singh is trying his best to reverse the history to the advantage of the neighbouring States and to the disadvantage of the Nagas. This is uncalled for especially when the Indo-Naga political negotiations have reached a crucial stage. PM should be reminded of the fact that because of the forcible occupation of the Naga people and their land without consent or agreement that there is still conflict between the GoI and the Nagas.

Moreover, Dr. Singh’s statement is unhealthy and unconstructive because he has made this statement for a short-term gain i.e., for getting more votes from the people of Assam in the State Assembly election in April. It is regrettable that the Congress to which Dr. Singh belonged has once again indulged in its favourite game of appeasement policy in Assam by making such statement against the interest of the Nagas. Such statement came out from him only to please the innocent voters. He has tried his best to play with the emotions and sentiments of the people. However, his individual opinion will have no consequent on the historical rights of the Nagas over their land. The Nagas are the owner of their land and such short-term gain utterance does not have any meaning for Dr. Singh himself does not belong to the Naga areas. The Nagas will always be the owner of this Nagalim. By making such a statement, he himself has exposed his weakness in front of the whole world. We come to know of his talks of seriousness and sincerity regarding the political negotiations as nothing but to buy more time to suppress the rights of the Nagas. Different Indian Prime Ministers have been uttering of their seriousness to resolve the conflict through dialogues. But the recent statement has let us into believing that they want to only pay lips service to the given issue. We have failed to observe any positive inclination from different Indian leadership to resolve the political issue. It is unfortunate that we are living in a time when there are no able Indian leadership having statesmanship and charismatic. The present Indian leadership is too much worried about winning election and coming to power without taking any remarkable step to resolve important problem and issue faced by the people. The Indian politics is ridden with caste-based politics, money and muscle powers, criminalization of politics, bureaucratic-politician nexus etc. and so on and so forth.

The Indian State’s priority in the Indian sub-continent is its so called Indian national security which allows the policy makers to make the N.E States a strategic location. While the Indian State in its efforts to shield off the whole northeast States from the influence of the neighbouring countries like China, Burma, Bangladesh and Pakistan, it has committed a lot of human rights violations against the northeastern people especially against the Nagas. Until yesterday more than 250,000 Nagas have been killed by the Indian and Burmese States so as to crush the Naga National Movement. The Naga areas have become a training ground of killing for the Indian Army in the so called counter-insurgency operation. It is sad to recount the history that so many Naga women have been raped, unaccountable men folk have been tortured to death, several villages have been razed, so many granaries have been destroyed, religious institution like the Churches have been used for molesting our women, electricity has been used for electric shock during interrogations etc. All these atrocities, rapes, electric shocking etc. have been committed to the Nagas for establishing Indian national security. From the humanitarian perspective, these are so inhuman and beyond human forbearance for no fault of the Naga people. The Nagas genuinely aspire to live honourable and respectable lives in their own land. Why can’t the Nagas live together under one political system by integrating all the Naga areas? Shall we restrict ourselves to talking only the Indian national security? Shall we totally keep under the carpet the Naga people’s security in their own land? And in the name of counter-insurgency, let the reign of terror of Indian and Burmese continue to be let loose among the innocent Naga civilians? Where is the Commitment of protecting the human rights of the people? Where have the rights of the people gone? Don’t the Nagas have the legitimate and inherent rights to live as a people in their own land?

Where is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10th December 1948 of which India is a signatory? The universal belief of the human rights clearly stated that, “violation of human rights in any part of the world is a threat to the human race as a whole and protection and promotion of human rights anywhere is a concern for all.” It is pertinent to point out here the grave human rights violation of the Naga people by artificial boundaries across the Naga areas. History of drawing boundaries between India and Burma was done arbitrarily by the British Company Government since the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. The British separated out Burma in 1937 from the Indian sub-continent under the Government of India Act, 1935 after which India and Burma decaled their independence in 1947 and 1948 respectively. However, there has been no clear-cut boundary between them and the separation of Burma from the Indian sub-continent gives rise to serious problem in the frontier areas especially that of the division of Naga Hills along with it. In order to find a permanent settlement for this problem of this common ill-defined border where these Nagas and other nationalities are to have a more rational frontier, a boundary agreement was signed on 10th March 1967 by India and Burma. By this agreement the Nagas were divided to live in two countries. In Longwa village, in Mon district, the so called International Boundary between India and Burma actually split the Angh’ (village’s Chief) house into two with kitchen in India and bedroom in Burma. This arbitrary boundary has been drawn by India and Burma without the consent of the Naga people. Separation of the Naga people by this artificial borders have not only caused disunity and discomfort but also have gravely violated the human rights of the Naga people to live together as one people in one administrative system.

The matter of human rights violation does not end there. Worsen human rights violations have been committed against the Naga people by creating more artificial borders across Naga areas between the two countries. In Burma, Naga were made to scatter to live in different townships in Sagaing division and Kachin State. In India, Nagas are divided arbitrarily by borders of different Indian States. These artificial States’ boundaries have made the Nagas to live in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Before the Bigge-Brown boundary between Naga Hills and Manipur in 1842, the British has sold the Kabo Valley of 700 Sq. miles to Burma on 8th January 1834 on agreement that the British would make the Meitei/ Manipuri King an annual payment of Rs. 500 only as compensation for its lost. To appease the Manipur, the Company Government incorporated Senapati or now Tahanjam, Ukhrul or now Hunphun, Tamenglong or now Lenglong and Chandel or now Chamdil into Manipur in 1842. However, after the merger of Manipur into Union of India on 15th October 1949, the British and the Indian Government stopped paying the compensation. Again different British administrative Orders, Notifications and Acts since 1826 in the North East has transferred the Naga areas of North-Cachar Hills, Karbi-Anglong, and parts of Golaghat, Sibsagar, Nagaon, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia to Assam. Nagaland State was created on 1st December 1963 after the Naga Hills and Tuensang-Mon areas under NEFA were brought together. However, Tirap, Changlang, Lohit and Dibang Valley which are Naga areas were left out from integrating during the creation of Nagaland State by the Indian Government.

All the aforementioned tactics of division of the contiguous Naga ancestral territory have been done to suit the administrative convenience of the British and to crush the Naga National Movement by the Indian and the Burmese States since their independence. All these have been done without the consent and agreement of the Nagas whatsoever. The divisions of Naga ancestral territory were done forcibly for which the Nagas have been demanding for reunification of the same into one which would be known as Nagalim. History is the witness to this division of a people by artificial boundaries. Honourable and peaceful lives are seldom possible under such political governance where the same people are forcibly made to continue to live in different political systems without their desire and consent. Whatever argument people may advance against the integration of all Naga areas, there will be no such thing as political solution to any conflict devoid of integration of all Naga areas.

It is in this brief historical context that the article has been penned to reflect how human rights violations is discernable by artificial boundaries across the Naga areas in general and Dr. Singh’s statement had aggravated and compounded the human rights violations against the Naga people for his individual statement amount to justifying the existing artificial boundaries across Nagalim in particular. It is not out of place to mention here that Nagalim was not given by any big or small country of this earth. Nagalim was and is with the Naga people since 1 AD when the Naga people come to settle there. The Naga people were the first people to have come to settle on their own. As the Nagas are the first people to live in Nagalim, the Nagas are indigenous to this land. The land belonged to the Nagas so do the Nagas to their land. Nagalim is 120,000 Sq. km in size. The size of Naga areas in the States of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the Indian side is 63,493 Sq. km whereas the size of Naga areas in Sagaing division and Kachin State is 56,507 Sq. km. It has been already pointed out that due to ‘Divide and Rule’ policy of the British, India and Burma that the Nagas are in two countries without their consent and agreement. There is no other bitter thing to experience for the Nagas than to experience the division of their land by others.

History has taught the Nagas of their rights to resist such subjugation and domination for which the Nagas have taken up their cause on their shoulders till today without ceasing. The colonial British and the neo-colonial States have tried their best to suppress the rights of the indigenous Naga people from the outside world. However, as the proverbial saying goes, ‘the fire could not be covered by clothes’. As such the story of the Nagas’ struggle for right to self-determination has been carried far and wide by some politically conscious Naga patriots and the sympathizers of the Nagas. Through them the Naga story is no longer in the darkness. Rather it has come out in the light. It is a matter of fact that the Nagas are not going to surrender their rights as a people whatever the circumstances they may face. The Indo+Burma-Naga conflict is a political one for which we need political solution. In order to resolve the conflict the Indian Government and the NSCN entered into a Ceasefire Agreement in 1997.However, after eight and half years of political negotiations, the Indian Government has failed to come out with a concrete formula for resolution. On the other hand, the Nagas have put forwarded their proposal for establishing a “Special Federal Relationship” between India and Nagalim in 2005. Such a “Special federal Relationship” is possible outside the Indian Constitution or it means out of the box solution to the conflict. And this to be the best possible model as far political situation is concerned. However, the Indian Government has failed to depart from the past strategy of a possible solution or full autonomy within the Indian Constitution.

It is in line with this thought of a full autonomy within the Indian Constitution that Dr. Singh’s made such a statement on the April fools day. He talked of consensus among northeastern states in regard to the integration of all Naga areas simply because he knew to himself very well that Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur States will never agree for a consensus. It is assumable that the Indian Government will use this non-consensus among the three States on the integration of all Naga areas as a weapon against the Nagas when future talks are held. And it is implicitly clear that in the failure of the talks, the Indian Government will simply make an excuse that the GoI cannot disturbed the territorial integrity of any northeastern State without its consent. It is understandable from his language that Dr. Singh has started finding for an easy escape road in order not to take any responsibility in the failure of the GoI to respect the aspiration of the Nagas for integration of all Naga areas. It is a matter of great concern to one and all that even after more than eight years of talks, the GoI is still indulging in such escapist and appeasement political game. However, it can be said in concluding this page that, an attempt, however hard, on the part of the GoI to suppress the rights of the Nagas through such tactics will not be successful any longer in this part of the world. For the Nagas know the best how they should still struggle for their rights. The vision is clear and the target has been already set for the destiny. The Naga sovereignty is on its way towards the final realization. The first step i.e., integration of all Naga areas towards the Naga sovereignty cannot be denied to the Naga people any longer. For its denial would meant denial of human rights of the Naga people. Let the scourge of war vanish from Nagalim. Let there be peace with justice and truth in Nagalim. This is a call for human rights. Human rights are for all. Who do not want to respect the human rights of a people?
Rio joins in Konyak solidarity; calls for Naga unity

Konyak warriors perform a folk dance during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Konyak Union at Mon on April 7. (MExPix)
Shakhai Konyak The Morung Express Mon | April 7
The two day conclave of the Konyak Union Silver Jubilee celebration came to a close here today with Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, gracing the occasion as chief guest. A host of high profile dignitaries, Ministers, MLA, leaders of NGOs, Tribal and Hoho leaders from different tribal councils of Nagaland attended the programme as well. Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that the celebration of twenty five years is a major event that showcases the maturity of its status, the society and the union and a moment to retrospect the past achievements and evolve futuristic initiative for uplifting the society in the days to come.
He conveyed that he was delighted to see every Konyak from across the boundary coming together from different areas displaying solidarity and unity and stated that Konyak people are not backward but the geographical and historical areas in which they inhabit are backward.
He also mentioned that Konyaks are the most astute and intelligent among all the Nagas tribe which was also recognized by the then British empire for their Kingship (Anghship), administrative control and is held in high esteem and position till today in the present Naga society. But he also lamented that the Naga forefathers, due to their own aggressive attitude, had delayed development and civilization to arrive. He also stated that Nagas were kept disoriented and disunited without the will and knowledge of the people and therefore the Nagas have been striving for integration and unity of all Nagas till today. Rio said a solution has been delayed because the Nagas are not united. He called for unity and appealed to steadfastly adopt the forgive and forget policy among every tribal and underground group.
Further, he said that if the Nagas unitedly seek for integration, then there will be a tangible solution and continued that the problem is not with the Centre but with the Nagas. Therefore, he said, it is a highly possible and opportune time that Nagas rationalize and rethink for the cause of unity. As Christian Nagas should follow the Christian ways and therefore the jubilee should signify the change in attitude with a positive approach, Rio said, and appealed that the Naga ways and nature of revenge and aggressiveness be put aside to go forward. He expressed the hope that Nagas will have a bright future.
He also appealed to every tribal group, Hohos, etc to cooperate with the government in achieving peace and development for the areas. He expressed his satisfaction with the performance and display of effective control of law and order situation in the state. He also highlighted about the Year of Farmers initiative and called upon every farmer to make the best use of its policy for self sufficiency and economic growth of the area.
He was confident, and of the view, that within five to ten years, the backward area should come up at par with other tribes of the state and exhorted that he is with the people of Konyak in retrieving the past fame and reputation. Talking about development, Rio declared that his govt has provided a lot for Mon but it is the priory of the NGOs headed by KU to make sure that these funds are used more effectively and speedily for the benefit of the people. He was concerned that Mon Town is suffering due to the incompletion of road construction on time.
He further stressed that proper education and awareness should be given to the public about governmental funds, grant-in-aids, loans, subsidies, etc so that they may utilize them correctly for their economic growth. Rio donated Rs 3,00,000 to the KU and an ambulance each to Civil Hospital, Mon and Aboi Hospital. He also distributed fibreless commercial ginger to farmers under APMC Mon.
Assam Rifles Jawans destroy NSCN-IM hideouts The Morung Express
Itanagar, April 7 (UNI): Two hideouts of NSCN (IM) established deep inside a forest area located near Dadam village in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh were destroyed by Assam Rifles (AR) troops recently, sources today said.
Troops of the 23rd AR had conducted an extensive search and destroyed the hideout based on specific intelligence.
According to official sources, the troops learnt that IM cadres had infiltrated into Tirap district from eastern Nagaland and were forcibly collecting taxes from the locals.
On reaching the area, the troops were informed by the villagers that the activities of NSCN cadre had increased in the last two months and the extremists had forced them to construct thatched huts in the nearby jungle from where they could operate in the nearby villages.
Acting on the information, the AR troops acted promptly and destroyed the two camps. Sentry posts, rifle racks and certain items of daily use found in the camp were also destroyed.
The destruction of these camps has delivered a severe blow to the activities of NSCN (IM) in Tirap district, since the ultras have been primarily indulging in forcible tax collections and extortion in the area, the sources added.
Rio tells youth to aim high Nagaland Post
MON, APRIL 17 (NPN): Calling them as the pillars of tomorrow, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday asked the youth to aim high and strive to bring glory to the people of Nagaland. He reiterated that his government would extend all possible help for development of the backward tribes of the State.
Addressing the silver jubilee function of the Konyak Union (KU) at local football ground here, Rio said, "Jubilee means a time of forgiveness and the people should forget their past drawbacks, forgive one another and set higher goals to bring glory to the tribe."
He thanked the Konyak Union for inviting him to the programme, saying "I am the happiest person to see the Konyak people coming today."
The Chief Minister contributed an ambulance to Civil Hospital, Mon, and another to Aboi Health Centre. He also gave special ginger seedlings to farmers of Mon district. MP Wangyuh Konyak, who also attended the programme, urged upon the people to avoid "all evil customs and preserve those cultures that will benefit the people." All MLAs, parliamentary secretaries from Mon district and officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner Mon, NEZCC director Angau, DUDA joint director Ninakero and other tribal delegates and public of Mon district were present at the function which was chaired by ex-president of the KSU Manlep Konyak.
‘Changes in customary laws may help cause of women’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, APRIL 7 (NPN): Noted human rights activist Indira Jaisingh on Friday said changes could be introduced in customary laws to effectively combat violence against women even as she felt the demand for such changes should come from the community itself without any interference from the government. The Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert stressed on the need to have a compliance committee to address cases of sexual harassment against women. Mrs. Indira Jaisingh was speaking at the day-long lecture and discussion on "Women's rights, customary laws and violence against women" organized by the Nagaland University Teachers' Association, Kohima (NUTAK), in collaboration with the Indigenous Women Resource Centre (IWRC), at NU conference hall here on Friday. Answering to a query during the discussion hour, the Supreme Court lawyer, who is well known for her crusade for human rights, rights of women and the working class, said, "The demand for changes, if necessary, in customary laws has to come from the community. The government does not have to interfere in such issue."
She said the Supreme Court had already passed the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act but it was not yet brought to the focus. NUTA president Rosemary Dzuvichii pointed out that certain rights of women like inheritance of property, crime against women, etc. were governed by the customary laws. Even in Naga society, cases of discrimination against women are dealt with through customary laws, she said. She also lamented the fact that women in Naga society were not given their due share of representation in village judiciary and decision-making bodies such as village councils, VDBs, etc. Rosemary also said many divisions were still prevalent between men and women and called upon the society to do away with such "gender issue."
Participating in the discussion, senior lecturer, NU and executive member of NUTA Dr. L. Venuh called for a change of attitude among the people to bridge the divide between men and women in the interest of a better society. Prominent Naga lady lawyer Ayo Aier told the gathering that on many occasions it was found that women did not have proper or direct platform even to raise their grievances. Apart from representatives of the Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), various NGO leaders, students and lecturers took part in interaction and discussion hour covering issues relating to discrimination against women, women's fundamental rights, right to work, approach to information, etc.
Factional clashes kill 3 in Nagaland
Phek tense, 1 cadre each of NSCN (K), NSCN (IM), FGN killed Sangai Express
Kohima, Apr 7: Factional fight among Naga underground groups has claimed three lives in Nagaland's Phek district, which has become the happy hunting ground for three major outfits of the State out to establish their supremacy.
Official reports received here from the district said the three
died yesterday in gunbattles, which sparked off tension in the areas as underground actvists hunted down each other.
The reports said two cadres - one of NSCN(I-M) and another of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) were killed in an exchange of fire at Porba village under Chizami rural development block of the district.
In another incident, one NSCN(K) cadre was killed at Wazeho in a clash with rival NSCN(I-M).
The outfits appear to have turned a deaf ear to repeated appeals by tribal NGOs, political parties and Churches to exercise restraint and adhere to ceasefire ground rules.
Meanwhile, FGN in a statement has accused NSCN(I-M) of launching an attack on its member at Porba village and said killings among the Nagas would not bring any good.
FGN assistant secretary Thinu Khamp held NSCN(I-M) general secretary Th Muivah responsible for the on-going fratricidal killings on Naga soil for the past two decades.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Phek district, ruling Nagaland People's Front (NPF) legislator, K Therie blamed the State Government for breach of peace as the administration failed to enforce cease-fire ground rules in the district.
Therie, who hails from the district and is a former Minister, asserted that it was the duty of the Government to enforce rule of law and tackle all underground factions diplomatically to defuse tension in the district due to presence of activists of all underground groups.
NSCN(I-M) have meanwhile held a series of 'consultative meetings' of its senior functionaries in various parts of the state to explain to the people the on-going peace talks with the Centre and to elicit their views and opinions on the Naga political issue.
Accompanied by senior leaders, NSCN(I-M) emissary to collective leadership, V S Atem yesterday held a meeting at Mokokchung which was attended by representatives of tribal councils, village chiefs, students organisations, reports said.
Similar meetings were held last week at Tuensang and Zudza near Kohima and were participated by a large number of villagers. PTI
Bodo outfit stays off Assam elections “We believe in cease-fire, we do not believe in these elections” NDFB The Morung Express
Sapkati, April 7 (UNI): The deceptive looks of the sentries of the camp do not leave an impression that they hold the key to peace during Assam’s election. Welcome to the designated camp of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, one of the most powerful militant groups of the North-Easts, now staying away from the election process.
The first phase of Assam poll was flawless prompting the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi to give credit to the NDFB for their ‘hands off’ approach.
In this sprawling campus, there are activities relating to agriculture, even as tough Bodo youths zoom past on motorcycles. Each of them is a militant, now inside this designated camp, channelising their energy from ambush and bomb making to agrarian activities and waiting for the start of the actual peace process with the Centre.
“We are expecting peace talks to begin as our cease-fire agreement of one year ends on July 1. Till then we are strictly following the ground rules and one of them is not interfering with the election process,” said the NDFB secretary-general, Govinda Basumatary.
The NDFB controls vast areas and if they wish to interfere, electioneering is near impossible in at least 25 constituencies along the Indo-Bhutan border. “But we will not. We believe in cease-fire. We do not believe in these elections. We have asked our cadres not to support any party and even Independent candidates should not be supported,” he said.
Basumatary’s words carry significance as the other ultra group, Bodo Liberation Tigers, disbanded itself after achieving limited autonomy for Bodos. It is now running the autonomous council of the Bodos by turning itself into a political party. It is renowned that BLT does not go along with the NDFB and hence the latter was forced to staying away from the election, avoiding any conflicts that may mar the peace process.
There are three designated camps in Bodoland, each of them housing about 60 cadres. They are in Serphagnguri in Kokrajhar district, Borbori in Baska district and here in Udalgiri district near the Indo-Bhutan boundary. “The first and second battalions have already come over-ground. The third battalion is coordinating with Gothal Rabha as the commandant has been keeping a vigil from behind along with Ranjan Daimary, Chairman and Supremo of NDFB towards the peace process,” said Basumatary. The NDFB has about 1000 highly trained cadres. Of them six are women and their list has been handed over to the union government as part of the peace process. The NDFB has been demanding a sovereign Bodoland but indications are there that they may scale down their demand to a separate state or Union territory. The Bodos have already got the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District and through a proper election it has been running smoothly, bringing much needed peace to the volatile area. But the NDFB wants more than an autonomous council.
They have, however, kept the cadres under their control. “We are now engaging them more into agrarian activities. We are not taking any government money, nor are we interested in it. The designated camps are being run by public donations. We strongly refuse the allegation that we are into extortion,” he said.
NE region development through eco-tourism Newmai News Network
Shillong: The North Eastern Council, in its endeavor to accelerate development in the north eastern region has chalked out plans to lay emphasis on promotion of eco-tourism in the region. As part of the policy, various projects such as community-based eco-tourism for forest conservation, commercialization of medicinal and aromatic plants are being undertaken to boost eco-tourism. Guidelines and Action Plan for implementation of a National Eco-Tourism Policy have also been circulated to all the States in the country. The National Eco-Tourism Policy was formulated by the centre in 2002. The centre has further set up a National Committee on Eco-Tourism and Mountains to work out details for managing the fragile eco-system of the country. It considers developing such fragile eco-system through various policies being formulated. Assistance for such projects is available under the scheme of Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits and Product Infrastructure and Destination Development.
WW II veterans remember colleagues By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 7 : Emotions ran high as a 32 member royal British Legion including eight world War II veterans accompanied by friends and family members paid homage to their colleagues at the Imphal War Cemetery today. Conducted under the aegis of Hqs IGAR (South) the war veterans laid floral wreaths at the war memorial site of the battle of Imphal. 9 Sector Assam Rifles Commander brig PK Kayastha also joined the obituary ceremony. Besides presentation of guard of honour and rendition of the last post by troopers of 22 Maratha Light Infantry a memorial service was also conducted by local Church leaders. the ceremony was preceded with brief a history on the Battle of Imphal, establishment of the British War Cemetery and origin of Maratha Light Infantry presented by a young officer of the MLI. personal accounts of the fierce battle during World War II were also highlighted by war veterans Jack Hill (85) and Stanley Chamberlain (86) who were part of the 1st Bn Queens Regiment. According to the British duo the Regiment force reached Imphal after the bloody face-off with Japanese troops at Kohima. “We continued our battle at Imphal and proceeded towards Ukhrul where the erstwhile 7th Indian Army joined us in sustaining the offensive against japanese troops,” remembered Stanley. Another war veteran Daniel Milligan (85) of the then 78th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment said the British forces experienced the fiercest battle at Bishnupur area when the japanese planes rained bombs at their camps. “Amid logistic air cover by the Japanese flyers we managed to shoot down three planes. That was terrific,” he said and remembered one of his colleagues, Gunner Burns making the supreme sacrifice to uphold the Queen’s honour. After World War II broke out in 1939, the Japanese on March 6, 1944 attacked Imphal with a force of almost 1,20,000 men, said PIB Defence Wing in a statement. British and Indian troops fought the most intense battle in the Imphal valley which is comparable to the battle of Stalingrad.
So near, yet never closer
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 7: British WWII veterans and family members paid homage to the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Imphal in the early part of 1944 at a sombre service of remembrance today at the Imphal War Cemetery, North AOC.

The 32-member delegation of the Royal British Legion, whcih included eight World War II veterans, and their friends and families, laid floral wreaths at the war memorial, and joined a memorial service.

Brig PK Kayastha, commander, 9 sector, Assam Rifles joined in paying floral tributes to the fallen, and troops of the 22 Maratha Light Infantry presented a guard of honour and sounded the Last Post.

The delegation leader, William Clerk, said the delegation had arrived yesterday from Kohima, and would be returning there after today`s ceremony.

The Imphal War Cemetery contains the graves of 1603 Allied troops who fell in the Battle of Imphal and other battles in the adjoining areas, the majority - 1296 - of them British. 222 Indian troops are also buried in the cemetery, along with 42 East African, 10 West African, 11 Canadian, five Australian, 10 Burmese, three Chinese, two New Zealander, one South African and one South Rhodesian soldiers and airmen.

The calamitious defeat of the Japanese in the Battles of Imphal and Kohima is regarded as the turning point in the South East Asian theatre of the Second World War, with Allied troops driving back the Japanese relentlessly from this point on, and paving the way for the final defeat of the Japanese.
Polls fail to enthuse voters in Karbi Anglong By Ron Duarah Assam Tribune
DIPHU, April 7 – With the ASDC – Autonomous State Demand Committee – vertically split into two after the last Assembly polls of 2001, and the Congress not too serious about full autonomy to Karbi Anglong, the general voting public here are showing no particular enthusiasm for the April 10 elections here. The fact is also that in Karbi Anglong, people are more involved in the autonomous council elections, where much more is at stake.

The district has four Assembly segments: Bokajan, Diphu, Baithalangshu, and Howraghat. The keenest political contest is usually noticed in Diphu, and all the three major players, ASDC (P), ASDC (U) and the Congress have their candidates here too, as in the three other constituencies. Adding colour to the election scenario here are the independents, who have come into the fray after being denied party tickets.

Rattled by a series of ethnic strife, the people here are more interested in peace rather than anything else, says Jagat Ingti, a citizen here. “In the last four years, we have seen ceasefire agreements by militant groups like the DHD and UPDS. Unfortunately we have also seen

Karbi – Kuki, Hmar – Dimasa, Dimasa – Naga and Karbi – Dimasa riots, which is pulling at our very seams of the traditional cordial bonds between communities,” he says. The communal riots have tarnished the image of tribals as a peace loving people, and an effort is on to mend this.

As the reader knows, the UPDS is seeking a fully Karbi dominion while the DHD is leading a struggle for Dimaraji – an abode for the Dimasa community. Both the groups claim to be carrying out the struggle well within the ambit of the Constitution of India, and hence the ceasefire agreements. However, another militant group, the KNLF, is in no hurry to go for a ceasefire.

The Karbi autonomy movement, which started off in 1986 under the banner of the Autonomous State Demand Committee has in the past five years lost its sheen, as the organisation became fractured, and New Delhi and Dispur taking full advantage of this fragmentation. The ASDC’s once formidable leader, Jayanta Rongpi has been decimated, as his alignment with the CPI(ML) failed to appeal to the Karbis. Notable Karbi leaders like Dharam Singh Teron, Elvin Teron, Jotson Bey all say that the theory of an egalitarian society, which is the basis of the CPI-ML is irrelevant in the tribal society of Karbi Anglong. Says Dharam Singh Teron: “Our demand for full autonomy has been diluted. Our tribal society is not class based, but egalitarian in character.” He was a former MLA from Howraghat, and denied the ASDC(P) ticket this time, is now contesting as an independent from Diphu. Of course, the ASDC (P) leaders accuse Dharam of hobnobbing with the rebel UPDS group. Party ticket denials have also resulted in former Karbi autonomous council chief Jotson Bey contest as an independent from Baithalangshu.

An UPDS commander, Vojaru Mukrong is of the opinion that the Karbi autonomous council chief, Chobang Kro and the UPDS (U) have both lost the confidence of the people. This is an allegation Kro does not agree to, his loyals said. Kro is contesting as the ASDC (U) candidate from Howraghat.

The Congress party is accused of playing a divide and rule game in the district, and militant groups dislike this. Leaders of both factions of the ASDC are quite forthcoming with their allegations of the Congress injecting a divisive character into the tribals with a sight on electoral gains. But such allegations can seldom be proved, even as these fly thick in Diphu. On May 11, the four elected representatives from the district will have much to do to restore the image of Karbi Anglong as a cosmopolitan district where various tribal groups live and work in harmony. The fragmentation of the tribal society is not doing the district any good, unless the political class want to thrive in chaos.



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