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06/27/2006: "GOI ‘positive response’ on Federal-arrangement"


GOI ‘positive response’ on Federal-arrangement The Morung Express

Dimapur June 26 (MExN): The matter of a Federal arrangement, one of NSCN-IM’s 30-point Charter of demand to the Government of India, has elicited a “positive response” from the latter, according to Kraiba Chawang, Deputy Kilonser, MIP of the organization.
“Mutual understanding and confidence between the two contenting parties are growing at large. The Government of India gave positive response about the federal arrangement” Kraiba Chawang asserted but hastened to add that “lots of works are to be worked out.” He said that the GOI is working and exploring other methods as well and “so we can take that as positive” the Kilonser opined. Chawang also said that there is a possibility that talks would be held every one in a month. However the “GOI is attempting to find a way” that as well.
FGN appreciates stand of Sumis The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, JUNE 26 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has appealed for maintaining peace in the Sumi region and appreciated the stand of the Sumi people towards keeping it so in the region. “We cannot allow any further killing of Sumi by Sumi or a Naga by Nagas in our region”, stated V. Phutoi Zhimomi, Midan Peyu, Sumi region, FGN.
“Therefore I would like to encourage Sumi public leaders such as Sumi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho and Sumi Kiphimi Kukhakulu leaders to stand united and firmly for peace as they have decided on June 14, 206, which is indeed the duty and responsibility of NGO leaders”, the FGN communiqué stated. Pointing out that hundreds of Sumis have been killed by their own brothers and that such “madness” should be completely stopped through a mass movement. “I pray that may God our Lord use Sumi leaders to bring peace not only in Sumi region but also in the whole Nagaland”, the FGN stated.

NISC accuses India of abetting factional clash Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jun 26: The Naga International Support Center (NISC) calls on the Indian Govt once and for all to show its sincerity, to stop supporting fig hting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it's policy is for Nagaland, its accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required, said the NISC in a statement today.

The Europe based organisation in a statement made available to this Network last night said that while the talks are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honourable peace accord are time and again confirmed and reinforced, India props up adversary elements to undermine its Naga partner at the talks for peace.

"The question now is: Is India sincere in its endeavor to end this war once and for all? The Congress Govt in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis," said the NISC statement adding, "at the same time, through the years and now quite openly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Govt of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks".

It further said that time and again the Indian Govt negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop.

"However, it looks like the negotiators are alienated from the ground realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics", said the statement adding,'' they in turn call it factional fighting, which is then misleading both the Nagas and the outside world." This public statement made by the NSCN-K reveals all "The Indians are not our enemies.

It is the NSCN-IM," it asserted, adding the recent confrontations between NSCN-K and NSCNIM are no factional clashes but Govt of India's induced confrontations.

The NSCNK, in line with the Govt of India's desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement.
NISC accuses India of abetting factional clash Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jun 26: The Naga International Support Center (NISC) calls on the Indian Govt once and for all to show its sincerity, to stop supporting fig hting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it’s policy is for Nagaland, its accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required, said the NISC in a statement today.
The Europe based organisation in a statement made available to this Network last night said that while the talks are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honourable peace accord are time and again confirm-ed and reinforced, India pr- ops up adversary elements to undermine its Naga par-tner at the talks for peace.
“The question now is: Is India sincere in its endea-vor to end this war once and for all? The Congress Govt in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis,” said the NISC statement adding, “at the same time, through the years and now quite open-ly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Govt of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks”.
It further said that time and again the Indian Govt negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop. “However, it looks like the negotiators are alienated from the gro-und realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics”, said the statement adding,‘‘ they in turn call it factional fighting, which is then mislead- ing both the Nagas and the outside world.”
This public statement made by the NSC-K reveals all - “The Indians are not our enemies. It is the NSCN-IM,” it asserted, adding the recent confrontations between NSCN-K and NSCN- IM are no factional clashes but Govt of India’s induced confrontations. The NSCN -K, in line with the Govt of India’s desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement.
Khaplang group forced our team to sign ceasefire: Isak-Muivah faction Such farcical imposition will not be binding on us, says letter Special Correspondent The Hindu
• Our group "unarmed," rival team in "full combat gear"
• "Treacherous action, insult to Nagar civil society"
• Centre accused of causing factional clashes
GUWAHATI: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has accused the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-Khaplang), a rival underground outfit, of a "breach of trust" and intimidating its leaders into signing a ceasefire agreement recently.
In a statement, NSCN (I-M) chariman Isak Chisi Swu said he had deputed a team of officials of the `Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim' (GPRN) led by Deputy Kilonser (Minister) Shikato Chisi Swu to meet leaders of the Khaplang camp in the spirit of "reconciliation and unity among the Nagas."
Mr. Swu alleged that though the GPRN team went to the Khaplang camp "unarmed," the rival team led by Nikhuyi "came in full combat gear and after creating commotion by random firing, intimidated our officials into signing the ceasefire agreement, clearly conveying the idea they would all be eliminated should they refuse to sign.
"Apparently Mr. Nikhuyi also ordered his men to attack our cadres stationed at Khukiye Lukhai village and ambushes were laid at Chisholimi, Mudutsugho and surrounding villages targeting the returning GPRN officials," said the NSCN(I-M) chairman in his statement, released by the Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Centre.
"Such brazen attitude and treacherous action are not only an insult to the Sumi [Naga tribe] civil societies through whose positive efforts these initiatives were made but are more of self-forfeiture of our trust and therefore we hold ourselves not bound by any such farcical imposition. We believe neither in such forced union nor in the marriage that can be sustained through deception. We no longer trust such people."
Mr. Swu said the NSCN(I-M)'s commitment to peace process was total. and it was exploring every possible avenue of finding an honourable political solution acceptable to both parties. "For the achievement of this objective, faith in the power of collective wisdom and mass participation becomes essential. The NSCN therefore advocates a policy of reconciliation and unity among the Nagas." The Naga insurgent group, engaged in peace negotiations with the Centre, has been accusing the security forces of using the Khaplang faction to "counterbalance the NSCN(I-M) to create a situation of "factional clashes" and "to vitiate the otherwise conducive atmosphere."
Factional clashes in Nagaland are a law and order problem, says Prime Minister: satp
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a seven member Congress party team from Nagaland that called on him in New Delhi last week that the conflict between the Naga militant factions is a law and order problem which the State Home Department has to solve on its own instead of blaming Delhi for it. The Telegraph, June 20, 2006.
Nagaland: The ‘Public Mockery’ of Peace M. Amarjeet Singh
Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
Another round to talks between the Union Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) concluded at The Hague on June 25, 2006. The usual statements regarding the talks being “quite good and very fruitful”, were made by Union Minister, Oscar Fernandes, after three days of talks with the insurgent leaders, along with Union Minister of State for Home, S. Reghupathy, and Minister of State at the Prime Minister’s Office, Prithviraj Chouhan. Fernandes, Reghupathy and Chouhan are members of the Group of Ministers constituted by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to look into the long drawn Naga peace process. The interlocutor for the Naga talks, K. Padmanabhiah, was also present at the meeting. Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah represented the NSCN-IM. The Union Government began talks with the NSCN-IM in 1997 after the two sides agreed to a cease-fire.
However, the ground situation continues to cause serious concern, raising the crucial question: is Nagaland heading back to the days of continuous fratricidal wars between the ‘national workers’ out to restore all that was wonderful in the State before ‘India’ decided to ‘plunder and subjugate’? The question hangs heavy in the wake of the recent escalation in violent clashes between two rival National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions. The clashes appear to indicate that the cease-fire agreements signed between the Union Government and separately with the NSCN-Isak-Muivah (IM) faction in 1997, and the Khaplang faction in 2001, are being violated at will. Worse, efforts to end the abiding and violent confrontation have had no visible impact on the warring factions.
The May 19, 2006, killing of the NSCN-K ‘Education Kilonser’ (minister), Ngampan Konyak, by the rival NSCN-IM at Mon provoked the NSCN-K to launch a campaign codenamed, "Operation Blueland", under which it has stepped up attacks against the IM group. On the other side, the IM faction also alerted its armed cadres to reinforce their dominance in different parts of the State. As rebel factions, both claiming to represent the wishes and aspirations of the Nagas, build up their manpower and resources for future mutual carnage, the common people in remote and interior locales, are increasingly worried.
Although the ceasefires with the Union Government still hold formally, escalating violence, large-scale extortion and intimidation put a question mark on the very arrangement that supposedly prohibits the movement of armed cadres, armed violence, intimidation and disturbance to peace that are, in fact, endemic. According to the ceasefire agreements, the cadres of each faction are to remain confined to their respective designated camps, but the rule if flouted more often than it is kept. Indeed, the ceasefire has been exploited by militant groups to consolidate and expand. Since the NSCN-IM entered into its formal ceasefire in 1997, it has reportedly raised its cadre strength from 3,000 to 5,000 and nearly doubled its weapon holdings.
Factional violence continues at regular intervals as both groups vie to augment their territorial supremacy. In a statement made available to the local media on May 31, 2006, senior NSCN-K leader A.Z. Jami threatened to take control of Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, known to be a stronghold of the rival NSCN-IM. Jami declared: "We will certainly take over Dimapur. Our cadres are all over the town, waiting for the opportunity to strike." Alarmed, the NSCN-IM responded that it would never compromise with such a threat “by anti-nationalist like A.Z. Jami." A release issued by NSCN-IM’s ‘Secretary, Union Territory - I’, Romeo Sankhil, asserted that his outfit was "well prepared to meet any eventuality at any cost to protect the Naga peoples in general and Dimapurian (sic) in particular and also the ongoing peace process." The release further added that the NSCN-IM had already intensified its vigil and deployed its men across Dimapur to meet any eventuality. The desperation of both the factions is perfectly understandable. Dimapur is a flourishing commercial town – the largest and the only one in Nagaland – promising enormous profits to whoever controls it.
It is significant that, between 2002 and 2005 – a period during which both factions of the NSCN were party to a ceasefire - 171 persons have been killed in militancy related violence in the State, of which 113 (66.08 per cent) were militants, 52 (30.40 per cent) were civilians and the rest 6 (3.50 per cent) were security force SF personnel. With rare exception, most militant deaths have been the result of factional clashes. 2004 saw at least 17 factional clashes, while 2005 witnessed another 14. 2006 has already seen 27 such incidents, (till June 25) in which at least 28 militants have been killed (14 of the NSCN-IM, 10 of the NSCN-K and two of the Naga National Council (NNC), and two unidentified). There is no available record of the numbers of injured.
Some of the significant incidents in just the last month and a half include:
• June 18: NSCN-K ‘awarded’ capital punishment to one, Wanpa, at Nangtan under Tizit Assembly Constituency for his alleged role in the assassination of its ‘Education Minister’, Ngampan Konyak, in the Mon district on May 18.
• June 14: Clashes broke out between cadres of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K at Khukiye and Chisholi in Nagaland.

Unidentified gunmen shot dead one NSCN-IM cadre, Yangthsase Sangtam at Longkhim in the Tuensang District.
• June 8: A factional clash occurred between cadres of the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K at Naga Ching in the Tamenglong district.
• June 7: Two civilians were wounded when firing broke out between cadres of the NSCN-IM and the Federal Government of Nagaland of the Naga National Council (NNC) at Chosaba village in the Phek District.
• June 2: NSCN-K killed one NSCN-IM cadre, James Tangkhul, during a factional clash near Zunheboto town.
• May 31: Factional violence was reported from Sheyipu village in the Zunheboto District, Chingphoi village in the Mon District, Athibung area in the Peren District and Old Phek area in the Phek District. Several militants and one civilian were reportedly wounded.
• May 30: Two NSCN-IM cadres were seriously wounded in a clash with rival NSCN-K at Lochomi village in the Zunheboto District.
• May 27: NSCN-K claimed to have killed two rival NSCN-IM cadres and injured two others in an encounter at a place near Longleng in the Tuensang District.
• May 24: NSCN-K killed two NSCN-IM cadres while three others were abducted in different raids against rival camps in the Zunheboto district. They were said to have been released subsequently on May 30.
• May 19: NSCN-IM killed the ‘education kilonser’ (minister) of the NSCN-K, Nampang Konyak at his home at Mon in Nagaland.
• May 16: Two NSCN-IM cadres were killed while unspecified number of NSCN-K cadres were wounded in a factional clash between cadres of the rival groups at Athibung in the Peren district.
• May 6: In a factional clash, two NSCN-K militants were killed while three others sustained injuries in a pre-dawn attack by NSCN-IM cadres at Old Phek village in the Phek district.
Naga factional violence has not remained confined to the State itself, and has spilled over to neighbouring Manipur. On May 5, 2006, a clash occurred at Tinkhai Khulen in Manipur’s Senapati district bordering Nagaland. Earlier on May 2, another clash took place at Aling Saan village in the Tamenglong District. The NSCN-K, on May 5, claimed to have ‘neutralized’ a rival hideout at Alingson village under Nungba Police Station limits in the Tamenglong District on May 2. On April 12, 2006, the NSCN-K shot dead two rival cadres and injured another at Keimai in the Tamenglong District.
The impact of this unending friction on the lives of the common people is enormous. The Chakhesang Public Organisation, an apex body of the Chakhesang tribe, on March 7, 2006, made a declaration prohibiting extortion, movement of cadres in combatant uniform and the establishment of militants camps within the periphery of the tribe’s habitation. Again, on April 17, 2006, several Phek-based organizations under the banner of Phek Area Public Organisation (PAPO) urged the State government to take up the issue of factional clashes with the rival outfits and the Union Government, and to ensure that cadres belonging to the two rival factions move out of the Phek and the Chakhesang areas. A Press Release issued by PAPO stated: Ninety per cent of our people are agriculturists, who depend on agriculture for their survival. Although March and April is a time for sowing seeds, yet the villagers are afraid of going to the fields for fear of being mingled in cross fire." The gathering also condemned the unabated illegal ‘tax collection’ imposed by the militant groups.
The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) at a meeting held at Pfutsero in the Phek District on May 11 and 12, 2006, said that, in Phek district, innocent citizens had suffered because of threats, intimidation, extortion, and forced taxation imposed by the various militant groups. The church body alleged that the armed factions had forcibly occupied a number of private houses and educational institutions in the District. The meeting described the existing ceasefire with the Union Government as a "public mockery".
The State Government, often described as soft on the militants – especially the NSCN-IM – tends to surrender to their caprice. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while presenting the State Budget in the Legislative Assembly in capital Kohima on March 20, 2006, stated: "It is not possible for any Government to prevent this (extortion) completely." The hapless Chief Minister termed the factional killings "mindless and senseless”, but has displayed little intent or capacity to do anything about them, and all past attempts to contain the factional feud have remained subservient to short-term political calculations. In March 2003, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition Government formed a ‘Consultative Committee for Peace’ comprising various political parties and major non-governmental organisations. However, the opposition Congress party, known to be sympathetic to the NSCN-K, was not included in the committee. As a result, the committee remained a partisan and useless jamboree.
Since the 1990s, the church and the Naga Hoho (the apex tribal council of Nagaland) have been attempting to bring all warring underground factions together through a ‘reconciliation process’, but their efforts have proven futile. The NSCN-K has accused the Naga Hoho, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the Nagaland People’s Movement for Human Right (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and even the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government of a pro-NSCN-IM stance. On May 29, 2006, the NSCN-K on accused Chief Minister Rio of providing security to NSCN-IM cadres at Dimapur and Zunheboto. The Chairman of the NSCN-K Ceasefire Supervisory Board, Kughalu Mulatonu, had alleged that the Chief Minister dispatched security personnel belonging to the Indian Reserve Battalion to protect the NSCN-IM cadres.
There appear to be no principled and non-discriminatory efforts to contain the factional violence in Nagaland, and the militant groups remain a law unto themselves, immune to any suggestions or corrective measures. Under the circumstances, and in view of the enormous suffering continuously being inflicted on innocent civilians, it is time the Centre reviewed its ‘hands off’ policy and made a proper assessment of the anarchy on the ground that its deals with the insurgent outfits have yielded. The conditions of the Government’s ceasefire with the NSCN factions have been clearly defined, and they cannot be allowed to be habitually violated with impunity.
Comprehensive strategy needed to deal with drugs-HIV: Governor The Hindu Kohima, June 26. (PTI): Cautioning people about the tremendous cost imposed on the society due to the spread of HV/AIDS in the northeast, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today called for adopting a comprehensive strategy to deal with this challenge. Calling on NGOs and Government agencies working to rehabilitate drug addicts and HIV-infected people to share their experience, Dutta said the current National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) strategy followed by northeastern states was not sufficient considering the ground situation.
A more comprehensive plan of action was needed as there was a direct co-relation between drug abuse and HIV prevalence in the region, he said.
Speaking at a function to observe the "International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking" here, Dutta said the drug menace was no more a health-related or enforcement issue in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It had become a social issue and "Everyone of us should understand and forsee the economic cost of it in the days to come when we have limited resources for development activities", he said. Sharing their experiences on recovering drug addicts and counselling in de-addiction centres, NGO workers asked law enforcing agencies to be more stringent as narcotics are easily available in Nagaland. They said unless the supply of drugs is curbed, no amount of effort for demand reduction will yield positive results.
Datta for NE plan to combat drug trafficking Morung Express News/PTI Kohima | June 26
Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta proposed a North East Regional plan to combat the menace of drug abuse and trafficking apart from the National level initiative. Otherwise, the region may not be able deal with its impact, said Datta, while speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking today at the State Academy Hall as chief guest.
Datta said that setting up NE regional plan would facilitate greater collaboration and coordination amongst the states of the region. Cautioning people about the tremendous cost imposed on the society due to the spread of HV/AIDS in the northeast, Datta called for adopting a more comprehensive strategy to deal with this challenge.
Calling on NGOs and Government agencies working to rehabilitate drug addicts and HIV-infected people to share their experience, Datta said the current National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) strategy followed by northeastern states was not sufficient considering the ground situation. A more comprehensive plan of action was needed as there was a direct co-relation between drug abuse and HIV prevalence in the region, he said.
Datta said the drug menace was no more a health-related or enforcement issue in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It had become a social issue and “Everyone of us should understand and foresee the economic cost of it in the days to come when we have limited resources for development activities”, he said.
Sharing their experiences on recovering drug addicts and counseling in de-addiction centres, NGO workers asked law enforcing agencies to be more stringent as narcotics are easily available in Nagaland. They said unless the supply of drugs is curbed, no amount of effort for demand reduction will yield positive results. Others who spoke on the occasion included Temjen Toy, former Health Secretary, Abou Mere, Khishili Chishi, President, NMA. Kriebou Nakhro said the welcome address while David Khing of Kuknalim Foundation gave the vote of thanks. Earlier Khyochamo Ezung, Sesino Yhoshu, and Pastor Shimray shared their life experiences.
Where the Sun Rises, When Shadows Fall: The North-East By Geeti Sen

For most people living in India, little is known about the North-east, its myriad cultures and value system. This book paints a broad canvas by introducing readers to the rich cultural heritage and history of the states..

the outstanding modern poetry from this region, acknowledged to be among the best from India; and the dual or plural identities which have led to the immense crisis of political development. Over thirty leading personalities, most of them from the Northeast, have contributed to this volume essays, oral narratives, poems, interviews, and around 40 photographs.

Oral narratives from eight states including Sikkim, evoke a world in harmony with nature. this idyllic image is juxtaposed with impassioned, pungent, and sardonic poetry, which expresses the pain and brutality of political oppression. The cultures of these different states are also shown experiencing transformations in social values, beliefs, and lifestyles, as they adapt to radical changes. Three cogent essays deal with political turmoil-partly engendered by a ‘mindset’ leading to a conflict of loyalties between the state and the country.

The Brahmaputra becomes a metaphor for destruction and survival. The book is enriched by two interviews held with luminaries: Indira Goswami speaking with candour about negotiating on behalf of the ULFA; and Ratan Thiyam speaking on bringing the aesthetics of his repertory theatre group based in Manipur to performances worldwide, investing the local Manipur language and culture with universal significance. This poignant and gripping account of the North-east and its cultures, will deepen readers’ understanding of this little-known part of India, especially scholars of anthropology, cultural studies, and literary culture, as well as general audiences.

PCG urges ULFA, govt to maintain restraint By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 26 – The People’s Consultative Group (PCG) today appealed to the Government and the ULFA to maintain restraint in the interest of creating a congenial atmosphere for political talks. In a statement here today, the PCG appealed to all sections of people of the State and the media to play a positive role in carrying forward the peace process. The PCG said that it would keep a close watch on the implementation of the assurances given by the Government of India including release of the central committee leaders of the ULFA.

The talks between the Government and the PCG on June 22, both sides stressed the need for direct talks between the Government and the ULFA for a political solution to the issue. The PCG made it clear before the Government that any delay in carrying forward the peace process due to lack of seriousness on the part of the Government might jeopardize the process.

Sino-Indian ties in good shape: Wen Assam Tribune
BEIJING, June 26 – As India and China held fresh round of talks on the vexed boundary issue today, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said bilateral ties were in ‘good shape’ since the enunciation of ‘Guiding Principles’ for the settlement of the problem, reports PTI. “Our bilateral ties are in good shape since last year when I visited India and we established the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the settlement of the India-China boundary question,” Wen told India's Special Representative for border talks and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan when the latter made a courtesy call on him. “You are not only the Special Representative (for the India-China border talks) but also a friendship envoy,” Wen, who returned yesterday after a seven-nation official tour of Africa, told Narayanan.

The Chinese Premier said India and China have formed a strategic partnership last year during his visit to New Delhi and since then, frequent high-level exchanges have taken place which has boosted bilateral ties. Earlier, Narayanan and his Chinese counterpart, Dai Bingguo held two rounds of talks here following their informal parleys in the northwestern city of Xian. The eighth round of border talks will last till tomorrow. Narayanan is also scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. The new round of negotiations is taking place after the recent successful visit to China by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee as well as last week's historic agreement between India and China to reopen the Nathu La border trade point.

No violation of ceasefire, say defence authorities The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 25: Reacting to the statement issued by the Zomi Revolutionary Army, ZRA over the shootout at Churachandpur on the intervening night of June 22 and 23, in which a ZRA cadre was killed, the PRO, defence, has clarified that there was no violation of the cessation of operations agreement signed between the ZRO and Indian security forces. The PRO, defence, stated that the AR troops involved were responding to a call for help over a reported threat to the life of Hangkhapao, vice chairman of the Zomi Council, and had opened fire in retaliating to the firing that ensued from the house. The PRO said "AR troops rushed to the spot after receiving phone call from one LB Soina of Zomi Council informing that there is a threat to the life of Hangkhapao president United Zomi Organisation and vice-chairman of the Zomi Council.

When the troops arrived there, the miscreants started firing towards the troops, the PRO said stating there is no question of violation of suspension of operation signed between ZRO and Indian security forces. It may be mentioned that the shootout resulted in the death of a ZRA cadre, and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle by the AR troops.

Itham public up in arms over AR`s frame-ups The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jun 24: The residents of Itham Moirangpural and surrounding villages in Imphal East have strongly alleged that the 19 Assam Rifles having its battalion headquarters at Yaingangpokpi are indulging in the evil design of torturing civilians after picking them up and subsequently handing over to police with fake charge that the arrested person are militants.

To substantiate their claims, the AR even produced live bullets and other items at the time of handing over the persons to police, though no such seizure was made earlier, the resident alleged.
The residents Itham also claim that at least two such incidents have occurred in the village recently in which the AR troopers picked up innocent civilians and branded them as militants after being tortured severely. Latest such case is that of Konthoujam Joysingh, who was picked by personnels of the 19 AR from his residence on the night of June 23 and later handed over to Lamlai police station with fake charges that four live bullets were recovered from his possession. The AR also claimed that Joysingh is member of an underground organisation though the person had any connection whatsoever with any underground group, Joysingh`s parent disclosed in a public meeting held today.

Another such case had also occurred on June 7 in which one Konsam Lokhon was picked up from his residence, tortured and later handed over to police after charging that he was member of an underground organisation. Protesting against the alleged action of the 19 Assam Rifles, residents of Itham and surrounding villages gathered today at local Lai Lampak and convened a meeting to chalk out a course of action to secure release of the arrested civilian who is still in police custody and to launch agitation against the excesses of the security forces.

Apart from local clubs and Meira Paibi organisations, the meeting was also attended by leaders of several prominent civil society bodies, Meira Paibis and human rights groups like AMUCO, COHR, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur. While condemning strongly to the alleged action of the 19 Assam Rifles, the meeting later resolved to submit a memorandum to the chief minister regarding ceasing of special powers given to security forces under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The meeting also resolved to launch agitation in coordination with state level civil society bodies if government fails to fulfill the demand of the people for removal for draconian laws which gives sweeping powers to security forces.

Finally, the meeting also agreed to stage one day agitation by the residents of Itham, Moirangpural and Tumukhong to protest action of the 19 Assam Rifles.

It’s Cong-BPPF(H) United Front Govt
June 30 Govt-BTC meet to discuss Bodo Accord By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 26: It just took the Congress and the BPPF(H) a mere 20-minute meeting to decide on a name for the coalition government in the State, and they kept it simple: the Congress-BPPF(H) United Front Government.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BPPF(H) president Hagrama Mohilary, Transport, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Chandan Brahma and BTC deputy chief Kampha Borgoiyari were present at the meeting which was held at the Chief Minister’s official residence in the city this morning.
With 12 seats to its name, the BPPF(H), which is the only and vital partner of the Congress in the government, had underscored the need to christen the coalition government at a party legislators’ meeting on Sunday. A decision to form a coordination committee of the coalition was also taken at the meeting. With Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as its chairman, Hagrama Mohilary as convenor and BPPF(H)’s Chandan Brahma and Kampha Borgoiyari as members, the seven-member committee will consist of three more members from the Congress, whose names are yet to be finalized. The coordination committee, as the name suggests, would work towards a synergy between both the coalition partners, especially during policy making, thereby streamlining the government machinery. Meanwhile, a meeting between the Asom Government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) slated for June 30 would take up the matter of implementation of the Bodo Accord. Besides the issue of granting ST (Hills) status to the Bodos of Karbi Anglong, the Bodo leaders are likely to put thrust on the withdrawal of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) pending against some of the erstwhile BLT cadres.
Hundreds of cadres of the erstwhile BLT were issued NBWs in connection with over 2,000 cases of arson during the Bodo agitation. While 40 per cent of the NBWs have been withdrawn so far, the remaining cases, related mostly to district-level cadres, are still to be revoked.
After emerging as the kingmaker in the recently-concluded Assembly elections, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary had sought withdrawal of all NBWs pending against erstwhile BLT cadres in lieu of any ministry in the government. Meanwhile, a 53-member delegation of the BPPF(H) led by its president Hagrama Mohilary today left for New Delhi to work out the proceedings so as to get the party recognized by the Election Commission.



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