06/21/2006: "Nagas' rally on the eve of next round of talks"

Nagas' rally on the eve of next round of talks By Sanjay Kumar
New Delhi, Jun 20 (ANI): The Naga Students' Union today organized a "Rally for Peace and Justice" here. More than thousand students attended the three kilometres long rally from Mandi House to Parliament Street. The main aim of the march was to urge the Centre to expedite its peace process with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN (IM) and concede the demand for Greater Nagaland or the Nagalim.
The rally comes just days before the next round of talks starting in Amsterdam from June 22-24.Addressing the rally, Naga Student Union of Delhi President, Chitho Nyusou said: "The Government of India needs to expedite the peace process by respecting the genuine aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single unit. The government should take new initiatives by integrating the Naga areas without which it would be a futile exercise for both negotiating parties to keep on extending the ceasefire".
"The Government of India has a moral and political responsibility to demonstrate its commitment and maturity to the substantive points put forward by the Naga people for bringing lasting and honourable political solution, " Nyusou added.
The rally was attended by all the students union of the North East besides the Naga Students' Federation, United Naga Council,All Naga Students' Association, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights and the Naga Women's Union.
In 1997 the Centre and the NSCN (IM) signed a ceasefire agreement and since then both sides have been engaged in talks to find a political solution to six decades old Naga problem. (ANI)

Expedite peace process: students Respect our aspirations to live as a single political unit: Naga students Staff Reporter
• Centre must integrate Naga areas or ceasefire talks will be futile
• Onus on India to provide a lasting political solution to Naga insurgency

Photo: S. Subramanium

STUDENTS' VOICE: Members of the Naga Students' Union stage a rally for peace and justice in New Delhi on Tuesday. Peace talks are to be held between the Centre and NSCN-IM in Amsterdam on June 22.
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the crucial talks between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) due to begin in Amsterdam on Thursday, scores of Naga students, dressed in their traditional costumes, took out a march here on Tuesday, demanding that the Union Government expedite the ongoing Naga peace process for a durable and lasting political solution.
The `Rally for Peace and Justice' was organised by the Naga Students Union, Delhi (NSUD) to exhort the public at large and the Centre in particular to honour their aspiration for a lasting political solution in the State.
The rally from the Mandi House to Parliament Street saw the participation of representatives of several students' unions and associations from Nagaland and the north-east.
NSUD president Chitho Nyuso said the Centre should respect the aspirations of the Nagas to live as a "single political unit." He urged the Central Government to integrate Naga areas, without which the ceasefire talks would be rendered futile .
"The Indian Government has the moral and political responsibility to show its commitment to the substantive points put forward by the Naga people for a lasting political solution," Mr. Nyuso said.
The students staged a play on the Naga resistance movement against "occupational forces in Nagalim."
The rally organisers said while they appreciated the Government's official recognition of the "unique history and situation of the Nagas," they failed to understand why it had not taken any concrete step to resolve the six-decade-long insurgency problem in the country.
NSCN (K) serves ‘ultimatum’ to Ibobi: Nagaland paper The North East Herald

Kohima : The NSCN (K) has warned to react with dire consequences if the Ibobi Singh government of Manipur does not, within the coming seven days, repay Rs. 100 million, which it claimed Ibobi borrowed in 2000 for his election expenses.

NSCN (K) revenue kilonser, Kughalu Mulatonu today warned that, "If Rs. 100 million fails to reach the NSCN's treasurer, leaving aside two gypsies, reaction will be expensive." Mulatonu, early this month, had disclosed about the amount borrowed by Ibobi Singh through his emissary Bijoy Koijam in 2000 at Kohima.

However, regretting that thus far neither Ibobi nor Bijoy has contacted the NSCN (K), he said any problem after the expiry of seven days would be self-invited by Ibobi.

He also declared that if the money can not be refunded to the NSCN (K), Ibobi must make his stand very clear to the Nagas concerning Chandel, Tamenlong and Senapati while also adding that "Ibobi must also declare to the Meiteis (Manipuris) that NSCN has already paid for the three Naga inhabited districts under Manipur.

The NSCN's reaction on the issue would begin from June 26, he warned, adding that Ibobi could contact the Supervisor, Cease-fire Supervisory Board, NSCN (GPRN) through mobile no. 9436423173 if at all he wants to change his stand.

This report appeared in today’s edition of the Dimapur-based North East Herald. We are reproducing it as it is certain to be a matter of interest to our readers.
(Courtesy: The North East Herald)

NSCN(IM) brings to table J-K model for autonomy
The Imphal Free Press

NEW DELHI, Jun 20 : Examining the feasibility of a Jammu and Kashmir type of autonomy for Nagaland will be the focus of talks between the government and NSCN(I-M) to be held at The Hague in Netherlands between June 22 and 24.

The NSCN(I-M)`s call for greater autonomy is included in the charter of demands, also called ``substantive`` issues, that has been placed before the government. This encompasses a wide range of issues ranging from greater rights over natural resources to having a separate constitution for the state.

Nagaland already enjoys a special status in the Constitution under Art 371 A like some other states of the North-east but the NSCN(IM) is the of the view that the autonomy enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir is greater in scope since the state has its own constitution and flag.

Sources said the issue came up for discussion during the previous round held last month in Amsterdam. ``They (Nagas) are expected to submit their opinion on the kind of autonomy they want which would then be evaluated by the government since it might entail a change in the nature of relations between the Union and the state,`` sources said.

The NSCN(IM) has made a case for a federal relationship with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of the relationship should be incorporated in both Constitutions (including in Nagaland`s if it is granted) since only then would there be a long-lasting settlement.

The NSCN(I-M) has enlisted the services of renowned constitutional expert Yash Ghai as an adviser. Ghai currently holds the Sir YK Pao chair in public law at the University of Hong Kong. He is believed to have discussed the issue of autonomy during the last round of talks with Oscar Fernandes.

The government delegation will be led by Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation GK Vasan and include interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and Home Ministry officials.

The NSCN(I-M) will be represented by general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and senior functionaries from Nagaland.
Expedite peace process, students tell GoI The Morung Express

Activists from various Naga students and human rights organizations participate in a peace rally in New Delhi, Tuesday, June 20. The rally, organized on the eve of the Indo-Naga political talks to be held in Amsterdam from June 22 to 24, was held to demand the integration of Naga areas in the four Indian states of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. (AP Photo)
DIMAPUR, JUNE 20 (MExN): The ‘Rally for Peace and Justice’, organized by the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi today on the eve of the crucial Indo-Naga political talks to be held in Amsterdam from June 22 to the 24th sent a strong message asking the Government of India to expedite the peace process by respecting the genuine aspiration of the Nagas to live under a single political unit. “We strongly urge the GoI to start taking new initiatives by integrating the Naga areas without which it would be a futile exercise for both the negotiating parties to keep on extending the ceasefire”, NSUD President, Chitho Nyusou said in his speech during the rally in Delhi today.
While appreciating the GoI’s official recognition of the “Unique History and Situation of the Nagas” the NSUD failed to understand as to why the GoI has not taken any concrete step on the substantive points and issues even after over 50 rounds of talks. This rally, which has been described as one of the biggest to be organised by the Naga students in Delhi in the current ceasefire period, demanded of the GoI to come out with clear and concrete proposals within the shortest possible time.
“The Naga students are of the firm opinion that both the GoI and the Nagas should not miss this golden chance, where highest positive thinking is possible for political solution”, stated a press communiqué issued by NSUD President Chitho Nyusou and General Secretary Khyothungo Jami.
The NSUD also stated that they were confident and hopeful that the negotiating parties shall begin taking serious initiatives in the upcoming talks in Amsterdam. “We would like to reaffirm and reiterate our genuine stand that political solution is the best option as against resumption of bloody war where civilians are victims of grave human rights violations by the Indian security forces”, the students stated.
“The GoI has moral and political responsibility to demonstrate its commitment and maturity to the substantive points forwarded by the Naga people for bringing lasting and honourable political solution.”
Apart from the several people who spoke, the public spirit for the Nagas’ enduring struggle for their rights were enlivened by a theatrical play presented by the students depicting the Naga resistance movement against the “occupational forces in Nagalim”. “The rally was more meaningful in the sense that students dressed up in their respective cultural attires marched in front to show the world that the Nagas are determined to make Nagalim a reality”,
Delegations from the Naga Students’ Federation, United Naga Council, All Naga Students’ Association, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and Naga Women’s Union exhorted the public at Parliament Street and strongly urged the Indian Government to honour the aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single political unit, which will pave the way for a final and lasting political solution, it was informed.
Apart from the Nagas, many other peace-loving sections in India, including North East Students’ Organisation and many other student unions and associations participated in the rally in large numbers to extend their support to the peace process showing their solidarity with the Naga people’s movement for their right to self-determination, it was stated.
NSCN-IM to focus on autonomy Nagaland Post
New Delhi, June 20 (Agencies): With the government reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM's key demand for unifying all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast, the rebel group is expected to focus on "greater autonomy" for Nagaland during crucial talks with the Centre's negotiators at the Hague on June 22-24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point "charter of demands" submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilisation of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said.
In the talks, the Naga side is likely to put pressure to get "some kind of concession" from New Delhi on its charter of demands to "please the domestic constituencies" that have become desperate due to the "delay" in the peace process, the sources said. The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is also likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said.
The Naga outfit has made a case for a "federal relationship" with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country's Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland, if it is granted, since this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation's oldest insurgency problem, the sources said. The emissary for the collective leadership of the NSCN (I-M) V.S. Atem, Kilo Kilonser Rev. Puni Mao, Education Kilonser Tongmeth Wangnao, Angelous Shimrah, Khayo Huray, Zarsie, Q. Tuccu and another leader of the faction Imcha have already left Dimapur for Amsterdam to take part in the talks.
Amsterdam peace talks to focus on ‘federal relationship’ The Morung Express
New Delhi, June 20 (Agencies): With the government reluctant to concede the NSCN-IM’s key demand for unifying all Naga- inhabited areas in the north east, the rebel group is expected to focus on “greater autonomy” for Nagaland during crucial talks with the Centre’s negotiators at the Hague on June 22-24, sources said.
Autonomy is part of the 30-point “charter of demands” submitted by the NSCN-IM, and this includes a greater say in the utilization of natural resources, a separate constitution, a separate flag and control in areas like finance, defence and policing, they said.
In the talks, the Naga side is likely to put pressure to get “some kind of concession” from New Delhi on its charter of demands to “please the domestic constituencies” that have become desperate due to the “delay” in the peace process, the sources said.
The NSCN-IM, which began talks with the government in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, is also likely to submit a fresh proposal on the kind of autonomy it wants for evaluation by the Centre, they said.
The Naga outfit has made a case for a “federal relationship” with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of this relationship should be incorporated in the country’s Constitution as well as the separate one for Nagaland, if it is granted, since this alone can ensure a lasting settlement to the nation’s oldest insurgency problem, the sources said. Meanwhile, according to other reports the issue of autonomy came up for discussion during the previous round held last month in Amsterdam. ‘‘They (Nagas) are expected to submit their opinion on the kind of autonomy they want which would then be evaluated by the government since it might entail a change in the nature of relations between the Union and the state,’’ sources said.
The NSCN (I-M) has made a case for a federal relationship with the Indian Union. It has argued that the nature of the relationship should be incorporated in both Constitutions (including in Nagaland’s if it is granted) since only then would there be a long-lasting settlement.
The NSCN (I-M) has enlisted the services of renowned constitutional expert Yash Ghai as an adviser. Ghai currently holds the Sir YK Pao chair in public law at the University of Hong Kong. He is believed to have discussed the issue of autonomy during the last round of talks with Oscar Fernandes. The government delegation will be led by Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation GK Vasan and includes interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and Home Ministry officials.
Naga students rally for peace in Delhi Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JUNE 20 (NPN): On the eve of the scheduled peace talks in Amsterdam (June 22-24), the Naga Students' Union Delhi (NSUD) Tuesday organized a 'Rally for peace and justice' demanding the Centre to come out with clear and concrete proposal within the shortest possible time.
NSUD in a press release said delegations including NSF, UNC, All Naga Students' Association, NPMHR and Naga Women's Union, exhorted the public at Parliament Street and urged the Centre to honour the aspiration of the Nagas to live in a single political unit. Apart from the Nagas, peace-loving sections in India and other student unions participated in the rally to extend support to the peace process and express solidarity with the Naga people's movement for their right to self-determination, NSUD said. In traditional Naga attire, the participants of the march also shouted slogans like "expedite peace process", "no integration (of Naga areas), no solution", "no more extension without concrete solution".
Speaking on the occasion, former NSF president and general secretary of NESO, N S N Lotha said the Centre should "respect and honour" the historical and political rights of the Nagas. NSUD president Chitho Nyusou urged the Government of India to start taking new initiatives by integrating the Naga areas, without which it would be a futile exercise for both the negotiating parties to keep on extending the ceasefire.President of NESO Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya said that people of the North East must get social justice and economic development.
Meanwhile, NSUD has reiterated integration of Naga contiguous areas is the foundation for any political solution and that solution cannot be found through fragmentation formulae.
The union in separate memorandums submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi said nothing could be more unfortunate than the collapse of the current political talks because of the GoI's indecisiveness and short-sightedness on the substantive issues put forwarded by the Nagas. The memorandums also stated that that peace without justice to the people contradicts the very essence of the political talks.
NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION,DELHI
Date: 20/06/06
To, Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Honourable Prime Minister of India
7, Race Course Road
New Delhi- 110 001. MEMORANDUM

Respected Sir,

On the eve of the crucial Indo-Naga political talks to be held from 22-24 June in Amsterdam, we would like to draw your kind attention to certain important issues relating to snail pace progress in the negotiations since August 1, 1997, on behalf of the Naga students and the Nagas living in and around Delhi. The NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION, DELHI, with the support and solidarity from various Naga civil societies, organises a RALLY FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE today, the 20th of June, 2006 from Mandi House to Parliament Street, with a view to express our genuine support of expediting the political talks,

We are deeply discouraged and anguished by the Government of India’s indecisive position and stand on the substantive issues and points put forwarded by the Nagas in the earlier political engagements. We earnestly feel that Government of India’s lackadaisical approach to these substantive proposals do not only have high potential of jeopardising the peace process but has made the people restive and impatient. We would like you to note that the Nagas especially the youth are beginning to get apprehensive with the dilly-dallying policy, which if it continues may bring about a situation where restraint upon them could well-nigh be impossible.

We are of the opinion that there is no time to hide the reality when many of the Indian constitutional authorities, including the present incumbent has admitted that the Indo-Naga conflict is a political issue and it has to be resolved politically. It would be rudely unjust and ungraceful to leave the issues unsolved when the negotiating parties are fully aware of the need to find a mutually agreeable solution. This defining moment of the history should turn to an epoch-making. The coming generations will not easily forget to those who ignore this ideal moment for reaching a durable solution. We call upon the wisdom and understanding of the honourable Prime Minister, Government of India, to take stock of the situation for early and lasting solution.

We want to reiterate the non-negotiable fact that the integration of Naga contiguous areas is the foundation for any political solution. Solution cannot be found through non-territorial and fragmentation formulae. We honestly feel that the Indian Government needs to initiate concrete steps at the earliest for the removal of the imposed boundaries across the Naga territory. Nothing could be more unfortunate than the collapse of the current political talks because of the GoI’s indecisiveness and short-sightedness on the substantive issues put forwarded by the Nagas. These issues are genuine aspiration and desire, the dishonouring of which, could gravely tantamount to dismissing their whole history and national identity. However, to make this a trend setting the GoI should come above political compulsion and internal dynamism through demonstration of political maturity and sincere commitment to solve the Indo-Naga political issue. The Nagas have, time and again, made their position clear that there is no political solution and peace devoid of justice to the genuine aspiration of the Naga people to uphold and nurture dignified lives in their own homeland.
Sir, we would like you to seriously consider the following points which are as under:

1. That, it is hopeful and expected that the peace process need to be expedited both in spirit and in letter;
2. That, there can be no solution through non-territorial and fragmentation formulae. Integration of all Naga areas is inevitable for peaceful political solution in South East Asia;
3. That, the Government of India should, as a responsible entity, honour the 31st January 2006 “Joint Statement” in Bangkok of ‘taking new initiatives’ to fructify the political negotiations;
4. That, peace without justice to the people contradicts the very essence of the political talks; and,
5. That, violence cannot not be the basis of the future relation between the Government of India and the Nagas.

The Naga Students’ Union, Delhi is confident and hopeful that you will definitely consider the aforementioned facts and points as early as possible to uphold the values of democracy and freedom.

Thanking you in anticipation.
(CHITHO NYUSOU) (KHYOTHUNGO JAMI)
President General Secretary

NSUD NSUD Naga issue has to be resolved as a package: Centre Zeenews Bureau Report
New Delhi, Days before talks with the NSCN (IM), the Centre today said the Naga issue has to be resolved as a "package" and it would respond point by point to the outfit's charter of demands which seeks among other things "unification of Naga-inhabited areas" of North East.

In the charter, the NSCN (IM) has sought unification of Naga-inhabited areas, greater rights over natural resources, symbols of sovereignty, separate representation at the UN, joint defence of the State comprising Indian and Naga Army besides others.

"Talks are a continuous process. These have to be held in many stages before things can evolve in concrete shape," Centre's pointsman for the Naga talks and Union Minister Oscar Fernandes told mediapersons here.
Fernandes, who will be holding the second round of parleys with the Naga group in Amsterdam on May 19-20, said the talks were proceeding in the right direction.
On the charter of demands put forward by the NSCN (IM), he said the government would respond point by point to it.

"We are not ruling out anything, unless something concrete emerges," he said, adding a solution had to be found as a "package" and it would not be possible in one go. Asked about the NSCN (IM)'s threat not to extend the ongoing ceasefire beyond July 31 if assurance was not given on the unification issue, Fernandes said the government will have to talk to the concerned states - Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam - before taking a final decision on it.

"We have not talked to them (the states) officially. Unless we talk to them and take their opinion it is difficult for me to make any comment on the subject," Fernandes said.

The issue of unification of Naga-inhabited areas under a single political umbrella or "Greater Nagalim" has been a very sensitive issue in the North East, particularly in Manipur, which saw violence in the past. Besides, it has greater political ramifications for the Congress party since it is the ruling party in all the three affected states. When asked whether there was any timeframe for the ongoing peace talks, the Union Minister said discussions are a continuous process and there cannot be a particular timeframe.
At the two-days parleys, the Centre would be represented by Fernandes and interlocutor for Naga talks K Padmanabhaiah while the NSCN (IM) team would be led by chairman Isaac Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah. NSCN (I-M) and the security forces in Nagaland have been holding fire since 1997 when the ceasefire accord was reached. The accord has been extended every year since then except last year when it was renewed for just six months on the insistence of the Naga outfit and further extended by another six months in February this year.
NSCN-IM unhappy with Imphal based newspapers Newmai News Network
Dimapur: Expressing unhappiness over some Imphal based newspapers on certain reports; NSCN-IM’s MIP Deputy Kilonser Kraibo Chawang said that media should know the ground reality first before they publish news items.
He said that media organizations should not be communal and biased in their reports but do the fact stories. Kraibo Chawang stated that some Imphal based newspapers are quite unethical with regard to journalism and that anything which serves against the interest of the Nagas has been prominently and distinctly published in their newspapers. Kraibo Chawang while issuing statement today said that false reporting and promoting fake agents is crime.
On the NSCN-K matter, the Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN-IM said that there are no such occasions where his outfit had harassed the general public. He said that the NSCN-K has no issues to work but merely a happy gang on the extorting spree. “How can they (NSCN-K) claim that they are working for the Nagas or for that matter, for the nation,” questioned Kraibo Chawang. However, Kraibo Chawang said that the NSCN-IM will continue to take up security measures wherever necessary.
Stating that the NSCN-K will lead itself to nowhere, Kraibo stated that the NSCN-K since has no agenda, no foreign policies, they do not talk with the government and no issues to deal with the outfit will be doomed as the general public are fed up with the activities of outfit.
On the Tamenglong factional clashes Kraibo Chawang said that the NSCN-K was not welcomed by the local people there but they (NSCN-K cadres) forcibly entered in the church of Makoi village near Zeilad Lake in Tamenglong district and stayed. And that was how the NSCN-IM cadres came to attack the rival faction, stated the NSCN-IM leader.
AR Act will add teeth to SF: DGAR Nagaland Post
Agartala, June 20 (Agencies): The proposed Assam Rifles Act, awaiting approval from the parliament, will give more teeth to the force to perform duties and specially fight against the insurgents in the northeast.
Lt Gen Bhupinder Singh, the outgoing Director General of Assam Rifles, said if the bill is passed it would enable them to launch search operations independently like other para-military forces such as BSF and CRPF. In addition to that, it would protect the personnel from being tried under Cc.PC in case of any allegation as the Act has a provision for setting up of their own court. The bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha and now awaiting nod from the Rajya Sabha.
Singh, who is retiring from service on June 30 next, claimed that making way for passing the bill is the biggest achievement of his two year tenure in the force. During his farewell visit here Singh also met the Governor D.N. Sahaya and discussed the law and order of the region in general and insurgency situation in particular. Assam Rifles is thickly involved in anti-insurgency operation in the region and often being accused of violating human rights. The force was persuading for a new act to protect them from civilian laws considering the vulnerability of their job.
Talking to reporters, Singh claimed that the insurgency problem has subsided considerably in the region in last two years and said if the new act is passed it would make Assam Rifles more affective in performing their duties.
Talks with ULFA, NSCN-IM raises hope India E News Wednesday, June 21st, 2006
Guwahati - The Indian government will hold separate peace talks with representatives of two powerful northeastern rebel groups Thursday aimed at ending decades of bloodshed in the region.
A union home ministry official said government negotiators will holds talks with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) separately.
‘Talks with the NSCN-IM leadership will take place in Amsterdam while ULFA representatives will meet emissaries led by Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi,’ the official told IANS over telephone.
He said central minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi’s chief peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah will lead the government team in talks with the NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, in Amsterdam.
‘Muivah and seven to eight senior functionaries will attend the talks,’ NSCN-IM leader Karibo Chawang told IANS from Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur. The NSCN-IM has been struggling for nearly six decades to integrate Naga-inhabited areas by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to add to the mountainous Nagaland state. The demand for merger that would unite 1.2 million Nagas has been strongly opposed by the surrounding states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. ‘There has been some forward movement in the talks but we want the Indian government to speed up and solve our problems at the earliest,’ Chawang said.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997. This has been renewed regularly. The latest truce expires July 31. The rebels and the government have held at least 50 rounds of peace talks in the past nine years to end one of South Asia’s longest running insurgencies. The third round of talks with the ULFA representatives assumes significance as the rebel group was blamed by police in Assam state for triggering a string of explosions that killed eight people and wounded close to 100 earlier June.
The ULFA, a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, in October nominated an 11-member People’s Consultative Group (PCG), a team of prominent civil society members. Two rounds of talks were held between the ULFA-chosen PCG and the government.
‘We would be raising several important issues like releasing some ULFA leaders from jail so that it could pave the way for direct negotiations between the ULFA leadership and the government and a possible bilateral ceasefire,’ said Assamese writer Indira Goswami, a PCG member.
The rebels are demanding the release of at least five senior jailed ULFA leaders before beginning direct talks with New Delhi. ‘We have no problems in releasing some of the jailed ULFA leaders if that helps in bringing peace,’ Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
Now, India Inc targets North-East to fuel hiring boom Kuknalim.com - The Financial Express
MUMBAI/GUWAHATI, June 20: As Corporate India continues its frenetic search for people to fuel a booming economy, North East India is no longer isolated from the mainland, at least in terms of employment generation. Companies in services sectors like telecom, insurance, FMCG, hospitality, retail and banking are hiring extensively in the region. According to industry body CII, the region has witnessed a major boom in corporate hiring in finance and telecom sectors over the past few years.

Says CII Assam Head Nandinee Kalita: ‘‘Recruitment across sectors has gone up. This trend would continue over the next few years as North East has proved to be a very lucrative and emerging market. All established organisations are opening shop here. Manufacturing sector is also growing and trends indicate that with favorable government policies, more investments would follow creating more jobs.’’

Take one instance: Bharti Enterprises employs 12,000-odd people, both directly and indirectly, in its North East operations, barring Arunachal Pradesh. Set up its base in April 2005, the telecom major has been constantly hiring people, says the company spokesperson.

Sops extended by Central and state governments are luring corporates to flock to the North East and, in turn, generate jobs. The entry of mega projects like Assam Gas Cracker Project and Reliance Energy’s power projects in Arunachal Pradesh are other examples of opportunities in organisations, as well as in ancillary and downstream industries.

‘‘Companies are setting up units in North East for tax benefits which require lot of manpower. As companies are growing fast throughout the country, numbers are also picking up in sales and marketing,’’ says Pankaj Bhargava, HR head, Marico Industries. Some like Mafoi’s MD K Pandyarajan give the credit to easing of political volatility and the growth in economy. ‘‘For long periods, North East suffered from limited local job options and outsiders were wary to come in due to volatile political condition. We see this scenario changing with more local jobs getting created and the volatility reducing which will give impetus to the economy,’’ he said.

As an indication of the maturity of the market, the poaching phenomenon has not left the region untouched. ‘‘Sales skills in FMCG and consumer durables are ideal fitment to other industries, resulting in the traditional employers losing talent. Hence they are also hiring, though for a different reason, which is attrition,’’ says a leading HR consultant based in Guwahati.

‘‘There is a brain drain happening here. Most of the competent people look for options in either Kolkata or Delhi, or even in other parts of North India, which creates shortage of manpower here,’’ he adds.

Interestingly, online recruitment is also on full swing. HR experts say it’s not only plain-vanilla jobs, but recruitment is taking place for specialised hands. ‘‘Firstly, people are targetted from areas like Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal to work in places like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad. And most importantly, there are hundreds of refinery-based jobs like geophysicists, geologists, petrophysicists and engineers coming up,’’ says Monster India vice-president Dhruv Shenoy.

Of course, compared to the South and West, the job market here is small. But the market increasingly sees it as a qualitative one, which can only grow.

Nagalim.NL News

06/21/2006: "Nagas' rally on the eve of next round of talks"