[Previous entry: "Plea to amend truce rules"] [Next entry: "NSCN(IM) brings to table J-K model for autonomy"]

06/19/2006: "Gun battle between NSCNs marks the breaking of dawn in Tamenglong"

Gun battle between NSCNs marks the breaking of dawn in Tamenglong Newmai News Network June 18
Imphal: There was a fierce gun battle today between the NSCN-K cadres and that of NSCN-IM in Tamenglong district. Reports received from both the NSCN factions said that the clashes occurred early this morning but there was no confirmation whether there were any casualties.
NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region Publicity Wing Secretary Felix said that the gun battle lasted for about three hours starting early in the morning but admitted that he was not sure whether there was any injury on the NSCN-IM side while NSCN-IM’s Deputy Kilonser for Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) Kraibo Chawang informed Newmai News Network that about two/three cadres from his outfit got minor injuries from the morning’s clashes. The gun battle took place in the Zeilad lake area of Tamenglong district.
Kraibo Chawang stated that cadres from his outfit came to attack the place where the NSCN-K cadres were staying and that was how the clashes occurred. The NSCN-IM Deputy Kilonser said that re-enforcement of forces had been done and that within two to three days either the NSCN-K cadres would capture the place or drive the rival cadres away from the area.
On the other hand, NSCN-K’s Felix stated that about 30 cadres of the NSCN-IM came and attacked their place this morning but the attempt of the rival group was not successful. Felix stated that one AK-47 magazine, one SLR magazine with 76 bullets, four caps and two spare uniforms from the NSCN-IM were recovered by his outfit consequent to this morning’s clashes.
Meanwhile, NSCN-K’s Felix accused the NSCN-IM of meting out atrocities to the parents of those cadres of the NSCN-IM. Felix also stated that the NSCN-IM earlier accused the NSCN-K that the latter was collaborating with the KNF and the UNLF but today the NSCN-IM is “accusing us saying that we are collaborating with the Assam Rifles.” Felix said that the NSCN-IM should not keep on creating problems with other outfits or any other organizations. Felix also said that since his outfit is maintaining ceasefire with the Indian security forces it has no bad blood with the latter but “we do not collaborate with the India security forces.”
NSCN-IM MIP Deputy Kilonser, Kraibo Chawang reiterated that more forces from his side had been sent in the Zeilad lake area where the NSCN-K cadres are camping at present and assured that it’s the matter of time that no rival faction would be in the area.
Manipuris observe `Great June Uprising'


UNITY DAY: Manipuris paying tribute to those killed in the June 2001 firing, at Kekrupat on Sunday. — Photo: PTI Thousands pay tribute to those who died fighting for protection of Manipur territory
IMPHAL : On Sunday all roads led to Kekrupat, where 18 persons were cremated in June 2001. Thousands of people, wearing traditional dresses, paid floral tributes to those who died fighting for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur. The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has been observing the day as the "Great June Uprising."
In the aftermath of extension of ceasefire "beyond territorial limits" between the Centre and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) in June 2001, Manipur people strongly opposed the move and in the protests, people burnt the offices of all political parties and residences of the Chief Minister and MLAs.
The Manipur Assembly had resolved several times to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and the Central Government had time and again announced that it would not extend the ceasefire beyond Nagaland. The All-Manipur United Clubs Organisation observed the day as the 5th Unity Day at the Gandhi Memorial Hall here.
Family members of the 18, including a woman, who died in CRPF firing, were also honoured. Leaders of various communities and social organisations attended both the functions and most speakers were unanimous in their demand that the Government should not to yield to the annexationist policy of the NSCN (I-M). The speakers said people were living happily for a long time and the NSCN (I-M) demand of seeking huge portions of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Myanmar had caused tension among different communities of the region. The speakers demanded an amendment to the Constitution so as to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur. — UNI
Manipur Kukis against peace talks Nagaland Post
Imphal, June 18 (UNI): The Kuki tribes of Manipur have strongly opposed the ongoing talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. The NSCN (IM) has been demanding that four districts of Manipur be integrated with Nagaland to form a ''Greater Nagaland''. Meitei, Kuki, Nepali, Muslims and other tribes are settled in the areas demanded exclusively for them by the Nagas.
A high-powered convention of all principal Kuki chiefs, social and political leaders held in Imphal resolved that the government and NSCN (I-M) political talks, termed positive in certain media, had been nothing but grabbing land at the expense of other communities for settlement.
The move will be rejected and was non-compromisable under any circumstances, the resolution said.
Militants nabbed
Assam Rifles troops and Manipur police have arrested six hardcore militants during the past 24 hours in separate incidents in the state.Assam Rifles authorities said the personnel held one militant from Imphal on information received from another detained People's Liberated Army (PLA) cadre. In yet another operation, troops of 22 Maratha Light Infantry with team of Nambol PS nabbed a member of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).
SP, Imphal West, said following search operation at Canchipur and Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Imphal, 17 youths were detained for verification.
Two of them were later identified as cadres of KYKL and one each of PLA and PREPAK (Peoples' Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak). In another incident, troops of 34 AR today detected and defused an IED on the NH 39.
People have spoken Nagaland Post Editorial
When public of Zunheboto and the NGOs came together under the aegis of the Peace Monitoring Cell in the wake of resurgence of factional violence and killings in the district, they were clear about one issue -urging that the cease fire ground rules be enforced by the authorities and adhered to by the armed factions. It may be recalled that the public of Phek district too had earlier vehemently protested against the activities of the armed factions living within civilian populated areas. The Chakhesangs were in one accord in urging the factions to leave civilian populated areas and also to stop blood letting so as to create a conducive climate for peaceful negotiations to the Naga political issue .While state Government was trying to grapple with the chorus of demands on tackling the resurgence of factional violence, its appeals for halting bloodshed were ignored. The incidents were not lost on the Central Government which reportedly took notice and asking the state Government to ensure that the lives and properties of civilians were not at risk. As a consequence of the Central Government's initiative, the SPs of various districts were directed to issue notices through media to all underground factions to withdraw their armed cadres stationed in civilian populated areas within ten days failing which the police and law enforcement agencies would arrest any found after the expiry of the deadline. The notices were not received well by certain faction took umbrage to the directive that asked all armed cadres to move away from civilian populated areas. The notice, it may be pointed out, seeks to impress upon the cadres not to move with arms or reside in civilian populated areas. Seen in this light, the notice is a reaffirmation of the cease fire ground rules that prohibit movement of cadres with arms and in uniform beyond the designated camps. What the notice did was to remind the armed cadres of all factions to adhere to the cease fire ground rules and in response to the appeals of people of various districts. The Naga public have been numbed by the free movement of armed cadres in civilian populated areas where factional clashes have taken. It may be also pointed out that several civilians were either killed or injured by cross fire during factional clashes in several parts of the state. The strong appeals made by the public of Zunheboto and Phek districts against factional violence and killings are pointers to the ground reality of the non adherence to the cease fire ground rules. Unless the killings stop, real peace will be very difficult to come by and worse, it would only reopen old wounds.
Outlawing a law Nagaland Post Editorial
The committee set up by the Government of India to look into the provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 (AFSPA) and make known its recommendations has urged the replacement with a similar Act but without the draconian clauses. The AFSPA is one of the more draconian legislations that the Indian Parliament has passed in its 45 years of Parliamentary history. Under this Act, all security forces are given unrestricted and unaccounted power to carry out their operations, once an area is declared disturbed. Any a non-commissioned officer except a jawan, is granted the right to shoot to kill based on mere suspicion that it is necessary to do so in order to "maintain the public order". This Act has been invoked in the north east states through the declaration of the Disturbed Areas Act. Once an area is brought under the provisions of being the Disturbed Area Act, the army can be pressed into service through the AFSPA. Without the AFSPA the army cannot legally operate within the areas that come under the constitutional control of the state government. The debate over the repeal of the AFSPA has continued for sometime and in the light of the Manorama Devi case in Manipur, the AFSPA came into sharp focus which resulted in the constitution of a Committee to look into whether the Act should be repealed or major changes made to do away with some draconian measures. The north east region is still considered a disturbed area due to the continuance of militancy. However the application of the AFSPA depends largely on the wisdom in applying it. In Assam though violence continues , the army has been quite restrained in its actions. This does not seem to be the case in the other north eastern states like Manipur or even Nagaland. However, the uniformed personnel have over the past few years been sensitized to the need of treating the civilians with due regard and not override their constitutional rights which the AFSPA practically does. The debate is whether the army has to be deployed to tackle the problems in the north east, since a similar situation exists even in the southern and few states where Naxalite violence has caused serious problems for the afflicted states. If the north east can be declared disturbed due to militant violence then surely states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,Tamil Nadu etc that are plagued with Naxalite violence should also be declared disturbed areas and the AFSPA be invoked.Of course, the problem is that the AFSPA has come to mean internal security of the north east against the conspiracy of Pakistani trained subversives. However, for the civilians, the AFSPA is a draconian law that strips them of all constitutional rights and privileges. The underlying fact is that the civilians are also faced with similar problems created by militants who do not share the same concept of the universal freedom. It is ironic that a draconian law has to "protect" civil law and that the debate over it only hides the real problems faced by the people.
NSCN's factional fight continues By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 18: Heavy gun fight is reported between NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) at Makoi village under Tousem sub-division today morning.
The gun fight which broke out at around 4 am continued till 7 am.
Reporting the incident to media persons, Information and Publicity secretary of GPRN/NSCN (Zeliangrong Region) Felix said that about 30 cadres of NSCN (IM) came to Makoi village in the wee hours of today and started beating up the villagers for allegedly providing food and shelter to NSCN (K) cadres.
Concerned with the torture of innocent civilians, a group of NSCN (K) cadres told the IM group through wireless set not to harass the villagers to which the IM cadres challenged them to a gun fight if they dared to do so, Felix claimed.
Responding to the challenge, a group of NSCN (K) cadres numbering about 50 mounted a fierce assault on the IM cadres for three hours, he said.
Following the assault, the IM cadres fled from the village behind a large number of weapons. So far a magazine of AK rifles, 75 live rounds of AK rifles, one magazine of SLR and two camouflage suits have been recovered, said the publicity secretary.
Felix further asserted that there were reports of harassment of villagers by NSCN (IM) cadres 2/3 days back at some places of Loktak Project.
Categorically warning the rival faction that NSCN (K) would not spare them if the IM cadres continue to harass villagers, it cautioned all the sympathisers and supporters of IM group in Zeliangrong region.
Mention may be made here that the spokesman of the NSCN (K)/Zeliangrong region had warned of strong pre-emptive actions in case the NP battalion of NSCN (IM) continues their operation in Tamenglong district beyond this month.
Reacting to the earlier allegations of IM's Information and Publicity deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang that NSCN (K) cadres made good their escape by taking advantage of the shield provided by Assam Rifles during an encounter AR during an encounter with NSCN (IM) at Naga Ching of Tamenglong dist-rict, Felix clarified before the reporters that NSCN (K) never took aid from AR nor collaborate with any secu-rity force establishment.
On the contrary, he alleged that it is the IM group that collaborates with Assam Rifles. Felix also sub- stantiated his point citing the dead of one Lt Col of AR, Mahavir during a sho-ot out between NSCN (K) and the combined force of NSCN (IM) and AR at Aben village under Tousem sub-divi-sion in 2004.
Following the wrong information provided to 38 Assam Rifles by NSCN (IM) that NSCN (K) cadres were staying together with UNLF cadres, a major battle was fought between NSCN (K) and Assam Rifles at Noney last year during which a subedar of AR was killed, he mentioned.
Taking strong exception to such false propaganda being undertaken by the deputy kilonser himself, Felix maintained that NSCN (IM) should not wage war just for a single community while adding that such a war should be in the larger interest of the ‘nation’ as a whole. NNN reports that NSCN-IM MIP deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang reiterated that more forces from his side had been sent in the Zeilad lake area where the NSCN-K cadres are camping at present and assured that its the matter of time that no rival faction would be in the area.
Manipur Kukis against peace talks Nagarealm
Imphal, June18 [UNI] : The Kuki tribes of Manipur have strongly opposed the ongoing talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. The NSCN (IM) has been demanding that four districts of Manipur be integrated with Nagaland to form a ''Greater Nagaland''. Meitei, Kuki, Nepali, Muslims and other tribes are settled in the areas demanded exclusively for them by the Nagas.
A high-powered convention of all principal Kuki chiefs, social and political leaders held in Imphal resolved that the government and NSCN (I-M) political talks, termed positive in certain media, had been nothing but grabbing land at the expense of other communities for settlement. The move will be rejected and was non-compromisable under any circumstances, the resolution said.
Militants nabbed
Assam Rifles troops and Manipur police have arrested six hardcore militants during the past 24 hours in separate incidents in the state.

Assam Rifles authorities said the personnel held one militant from Imphal on information received from another detained People's Liberated Army (PLA) cadre. In yet another operation, troops of 22 Maratha Light Infantry with team of Nambol PS nabbed a member of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). SP, Imphal West, said following search operation at Canchipur and Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Imphal, 17 youths were detained for verification. Two of them were later identified as cadres of KYKL and one each of PLA and PREPAK (Peoples' Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak). In another incident, troops of 34 AR today detected and defused an IED on the NH 39
Centre releases over Rs 2,000 cr to NE Rs 276.95 crores for 18 projects in Nagaland The Morung express
New Delhi, June 18 (AGENCIES): With an aim to boost the development process in the North East, the Centre has sanctioned 224 schemes worth over Rs 2,000 crore for the region during the last four years.
Nagaland received Rs 276.95 crore for 18 projects which included vitalization of referral hospital in Dimapur (Rs 35.62 crore) and improvement of roads in Mon district (Rs 23.74 crore).
The highest amount Rs 736.02 crore has been given to Assam for projects like the construction of a 100-bed hospital in Kokrajhar, development of Assam Medical College hospital in Dibrugarh, construction of a number of RCC bridges and rural roads during 2002-06, official sources said.
Rs 69 crore was the single highest amount that a project in Assam got from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region for construction of the multi-storey secreteriat complex in Dispur. For renovation of the famous Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, the state got Rs 4.89 crore, they said.
In Arunachal Pradesh, which got Rs 175.61 crore during the period, the most significant project was the installation of a 132 KV transmission line from Along to Pasighat at a cost of Rs 29.02 crore.
Anti-erosion works on Kley river in Lower Subansiri district (Rs 7.31) and the Naharlagun (Itanagar) water supply scheme (Rs 11.73 crore) were two other major projects in the state which got the Centre`s assistance.
The Ministry sanctioned Rs 197.26 crore to Manipur for 35 different schemes during 2002-06, the sources said. Waithou Pat water supply scheme (Rs 59.71 crore), installation of sub-station at Thanlon (Rs 5.44 crore) and construction of the government college of technology (Rs 10 crore) were the key projects sanctioned in the state by the Centre.
Meghalaya got Rs 105.16 crore for schemes like the Jowai water supply scheme (Rs 15.41 crore), Tura phase-III water supply scheme (21.58 crore) and the master plan for distribution of power in the entire state, they said.
The Centre has sanctioned Rs 118.44 crore for Mizoram for projects like construction of an OPD block in Aizawl Civil Hospital (Rs 3.71 crore), infrastructure development of Mizoram University (Rs 23.26 crore) and the state capital project (Rs 5.18 crore).
The Ministry sanctioned Rs 172.70 crore for Sikkim that included Rs 22.44 crore for remodelling of transmission and distribution in Gangtok town, Central Load Dispatch Centre (Rs 8.49 crore) and diversion of Ranipool Pakyong road (Rs 2.37 crore), the sources said. Tripura received sanction for 11 projects worth Rs 240.61 crore that included the state level para-medical institute at Agartala (Rs 14.07 crore) and 21 MW gas thermal project at Rokhia (Rs 80.94 crore).
Ceasefire uprising: Thousands pay homage The Morung express
People including Manipur Maharaja Leisemba Sanajaoba and ministers paying floral tribute at Kekrupat in Imphal today where the 18 people who were killed by security forces firing on June 18, 2001 where cremated. (Photo: Newmai News Network) Newmai News Network
Imphal | June 18
Call for unity and safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur marked the Great June Uprising Day and Unity Day observed by United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) separately in Imphal today.
The two organizations have been observing the day every year in memory of the 2001 June 18 uprising against the extension of the NSCN (IM) cease-fire boundary to Manipur. In the uprising 18 people were killed in firing by government forces to quell the rampaging mob, who burnt government buildings including assembly secretariat and chief minister’s office building.
The programmes were held amid tight security at Kekrupat and GM hall respectively in Imphal. A large number of people turned up at Kekrupat, where the bodies of the 18 people were cremated and their memorial constructed. A public meeting was also held at Kekrupat.
Those who turned up for paying floral tributes included food and civil supplies minister, Th. Devendra Singh, works minister, Govoindas Konthoujam, agriculture minister, Ph. Parijat Singh, Speaker Manirudin Shaikh and Lok Sabha MP Th. Meinya Singh. However, chief minister O. Ibobi Singh did not turn up.
Leaders of different communities attended the programme at both the places. Those addressed the Kekrupat function organized by UCM included P. Gangte, president of Kuki Inpi Manipur, Rose Mangsi president Kuki Mothers Association and L. Lambon Kabui, general secretary All Zeliangrong Arts and Culture Organisation.
Accusing the NSCN (IM) of killing innocent Kukis in the nineties conflict the Kuki Impi president said there is no Naga inhabited area in Manipur or for that matter no Kuki inhabited area. He said that Nagas, Kukis and brothers are children of same parents and therefore should live together peacefully. UCM president Konsam Langamba declared that the issue of Manipur’s territorial integrity would never be compromised. UCM leaders who spoke on the occasion cautioned the government of India against any design to break up Manipur.
Similar voices were heard at the AMUCO programme held at GM hall. The strong warning came for Prof N. Sanajaoba Singh, Dean of law of Guwahati University. He warned that the centre should never try to burn Manipur by changing the state’s boundary. The UCM honoured the relatives and victims of the June 18 uprising by presenting gifts.
NSCN rivals clash again in Tamenglong district The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jun 18: A fierce gunbattle took place between cadres of the NSCN(K) and NSCN(IM) early this morning near Makhoi village, in Tousem subdivision of Tamenglong district.

Reports received from both the NSCN factions said that the clashes occurred early this morning but there was no confirmation whether there was any casualities.

NSCN(K) Zeliangrong Region publicity wing secretary Felix said the armed clash lasted for about three hours starting from 4 am this morning, but admitted that he was not sure whether there were any injuries on the side of their rival group.
Briefing mediapersons in Imphal, he said the clash occurred after some 30 cadres of the NSCN(IM) harassed the villagers of Makhoi for giving shelter to the NSCN(K). A team of the NSCN(K) was sent to the village in response, resulting in a shootout among the rival cadres.

Felix stated that one AK-47 magazine, one SLR magazine with 76 bullets, four caps and two spare uniforms from the NSCN-IM had been recovered by his outfit consequent to this morning`s clashes. In the meantime, the NSCN-IM`s deputy kilonser for Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) Kraibo Chawang informed the Newmai News Network that about two/three cadres from his outfit got minor injuries from the morning`s clashes.

Kraibo Chawang stated that cadres from his outfit came to attack the place where the NSCN-K cadres were staying and that was how the clashes occurred. The NSCN-IM deputy kilonser said that re-enforcement of forces had been done and that within two to three days either the cadres would capture the place or drive the rival cadres away from the area.
Meanwhile, NSCN(K)`s Felix has accused the NSCN(IM) of meting out atrocities to the parents of some cadres in some villages falling within the Loktak project area. Felix also ridiculed the NSCN(IM)`s accusation that the NSCN(K) is collaborating with the Assam Rifles, pointing out that the NSCN-IM had earlier accused the NSCN-K of collaborating with the KNF and the UNLF

He added that since his outfit is maintaining ceasefire with the Indian security forces it has no bad blood with the latter but "we do not collaborate with the India security forces."

NSCN-IM MIP deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang reiterated that more forces from his side had been sent in the Zeilad lake area where the NSCN-K cadres are camping at present and assured that its only a matter of time before the rival faction is driven out from the area.
(With input from the Newmai News Network)
Jamir denies NSCN (K) charge on funding rival The Morung express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 18 (MExN): Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and incumbent Governor of Goa has clarified to the allegation made by Kughalu Mulatonu of the NSCN (K) who claimed that SC Jamir, while he was the Chief Minister of Nagaland, had given Rs 12 crore to the NSCN (IM).
“This ridiculous allegation had been made earlier too, and His Excellency had made it categorically clear that no such transaction had taken place between himself and Mr VS Atem who was supposed to have taken the money on the eve of the 1998 General Assembly elections”, stated a press communiqué issued by Sebastian Zumvu, Officer on Special Duty to the Governor of Goa.
“To keep the records straight”, the statement pointed out, Jamir had on a number of occasions, gone to the extent of saying that Mr Atem is innocent and completely above board as far as this allegation is concerned.
“It is pertinent to mention here that when His Excellency was the Chief Minister of Nagaland in the period 1998 – 2003, the NDA was in power at the Centre and was not too friendly with the Congress Government in Nagaland. Records available with the Government of Nagaland will show that the then NDA Government kept the Government of Nagaland on a hand to mouth subsistence. There were even instances of the NDA Government rejecting Nagaland Government’s application for loans amounting to not more than Rs 5 crore! Now then, where is the question of the then Chief Minister or Government for that matter, paying any individual or organization Rs 12 crore? And that too, illegally?”, it stated.
Jamir stated that Mulatonu, being a senior functionary and leader of an organization professed to be struggling for the cause of the Naga people should be more cautious and responsible while making statements, it stated.
“He should desist from making ridiculous allegations against any political leader or personality just for the sake of grabbing headlines in the news which would only be the proverbial flash in the pan. Making such allegation devoid of any truth or substance is unbecoming of any leader and demeans the organization he or she belongs to”, it added.
Talks can solve State problems: ULFA By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, June 18 – Even as it made a massive effort to absolve itself of the blame for the recent series of blasts in the State, the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has reiterated its stand that the solution to the problems in the State is still possible through dialogue. In the editorial of its fortnightly newsletter Freedom, the ULFA pointed out that the peace process has been “talks-oriented” rather than “result-oriented”. It said the Centre wants the outfit to abandon the issue of “freedom.” “The ULFA cannot sit idle looking at the atrocities carried on by Indians against the innocent masses,” it insisted.

The outfit termed the linking of its name to the series of blasts to a conspiracy to foil the peace dialogue. It claimed that it had already forewarned the people that certain forces were trying to thwart the process of a political settlement of the ‘Indo-Asom political conflict.’

The ULFA, meanwhile, has termed the government’s decision to take the refined oil produced in the Numaligarh Refinery here to the newly constructed oil terminal at Siliguri through a 660-km pipeline as “part of the ongoing plundering process of the Indian colonial rulers.” This is a sinister design to make the people of Asom “dependent on India”, the outfit claimed.

“The colonial rulers are not only expropriating our people by looting wealth establishing principal offices of tea, oil, railway services, etc., outside Asom, but also depriving our unemployed educated people from getting employment,” it said. It also accused the government of being indifferent to the flood situation in the State.

Sino-Indian talks on Nathula begin Assam tribune
BEIJING, June 18 – India and China today kicked off negotiations in Tibetan capital Lhasa on the modalities for reopening the strategic Nathula border trade point which has remained closed for over 44 years. A seven-member delegation from India is in Lhasa for talks on the issue.

The meeting between the Indian and Chinese trade officials is expected to last two to three days, sources told PTI here.

The Nathula border trade point is expected to be reopened on June 30. The Pass was once part of the thriving Silk Route, connecting ancient China with India, the West Asia and Europe. Border trade through the Himalayan pass in East Sikkim was closed following the 1962 armed conflict.

About 28 items, including agricultural implements, blankets, food grains, agro-chemical products, dry fruits, beverages and canned food have reportedly been approved by the Indian government for trade between the two countries.

The Indian delegation yesterday called on the chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region Qiangba Puncog who expressed China’s keen interest in reopening the mountainous border trade point.

Qiangba said China and India’s friendship has a long history and the economic and trade cooperation between the two nations have been close in recent years.

He said the Chinese government attaches great importance to bilateral economic and trade cooperation and is preparing for reopening the border market at Nathula Pass.

Christy Fernandez, head of the delegation, who is also the Secretary of Department of Commerce of Government of India, said India is expecting more open bilateral trade with China, Xinhua news agency reported from Lhasa. – PTI

No decision on ULFA demand: CM From Our Staff Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, June 18 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that ULFA’s demand for release of five of their leaders has not been rejected but neither has the Centre taken a final decision. Talking to newsmen today, Gogoi said that the Asom Government has supported the release of the detained leaders in the larger interest of the peace process. However, he added that the Centre’s permission was needed since the peace talks were on between the Centre and PCG.

“The government of Asom has no objection, but it is upto the Centre to take the final decision,” he said. He further said police vigilance has been intensified in the wake of the recent violence in the State. “No one supports violence and it is only the innocent people who suffer because of such acts,” Gogoi said.

Thousands pay homage to June ’01 martyrs Assam Rribune
IMPHAL, June 18 – Thousands assembled here today to pay tributes to 18 people killed on the same day five years ago during protests against extension of ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN(IM) to Manipur, reports PTI.

People from all parts of the state assembled on the bank of river Imphal at Kekrupat to place floral tributes at monuments erected in memory of the deceased. Police and central paramilitary forces were deployed at various strategic points in Imphal town to prevent any untoward incident during the function, official sources said. A spokesman of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), an apex body of several social organisations which organised the function, said people from border areas had started arriving since yesterday.
A public meeting was held in which the speakers pledged “to protect the territorial integrity of the state” and termed those killed in the firing by the paramilitary forces as “martyrs”.

People from different communities including Kukis, Nagas and other smaller tribes attended the meeting. The ceasefire had been extended to Manipur in June 2001 resulting in a largescale agitation by people who viewed the extension as an initial step to “disintegrate” the State, the UCM spokesman said. The Centre later withdrew it from the state.

`GoI must freeze state boundaries` The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 18: There is every possibility that the boundary issue of Manipur could come up as an international issue if government of India maintained its lackadaisical attitude on the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur.

The boundary of the state of Manipur can be safeguarded once and for all by the government of India if the country amend its own Constitution and include provisions to disallow expansion of boundaries of all the existing state in the country. However, the government of India is unlikely to do a favour which the people of Manipur have been wanting as the country itself is in the process of bringing disunity amongst different communities inhabiting the north east region.

This was stated by Professor N Sanajaoba of the Gauhati University, in his address at the Unity Day which was observed today by the All Manipur United Clubs Organsation (AMUCO) at the GM Hall, Imphal.

Asserting that the seed of unity built up by several communities inhabiting in the state could not be broken, Sanajaoba also observed that the government of India should not play divisive policy nor make any attempt to distort unity of the people of Manipur. It will be a waste to time and unfruitful for the government of India if they dare to break Manipur`s unity, Sanajaoba said.

While observing that people of Manipur should never indulge in chauvinistic designs or make any attempt to distort the state`s integrity, Prof Sanajaoba stressed that government of Manipur should give special attention towards bringing development in the remote areas of the state. Giving his own observation on how the incident of June 18, 2001 occurred, Sanajaoba said each and every section of the Manipur society must unify as one and challenge the wrong and fallacious policies of the government of India.

The incident was also a result of series of agitations by the people against government of India`s wrong policy on Manipur`s territorial issue. Several organisations have been observing functions separately, however all of them have the same goal, he added.

In his address, AMUCO president Yangsorang Koireng said government of Manipur should find out way towards bringing close relation between the people of the hills and the valley, both of whom are victimized politically and economically. The main aim behind observation of the Unity Day is bringing unity amongst all the 33 tribes inhabiting in the state and safeguarding its integrity, the AMUCO president said and maintained that there have been various occasions in which people living in remote corners of the state dare to be citizen of neighboring country owing to lack of attention by Manipur government.

Since early this morning people in large numbers line up at GM Hall and paid rich floral tributes to images of all the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the causes of the state during June 18, 2001 and its aftermath incidents. Apart from Sanajaoba and Yangsorang Koireng, the Unity Day function had leader of several civil society organisations irrespective of caste, creed or religion on the dais.

Amongst them were R Chandra Paomei, chairmen Zeliangrong Student`s Union, R Reisongir, ex-member, Kharam Naga Tribe, Seichan Kipgen, president United Mongoloid Organisation, Khulup Koireng, chief Koireng village, Jaritam Nesta of All Manipur Muslim Women`s Development Organisation, Sanjo Phaomei, president Hao Khunai Inat Thousil Lup, TS Chothe, chairmen Chothe Village Development Union, RT Akhol Aimol, president Taikhong Aimol Youth Club, Y Budhichandra, social worker and Kailkam, ex-general secretary, Komrem Union.

Representatives of the All Jiribam United Clubs Association also took part in the Unity Day observation.