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07/18/2006: "Naga Hoho to pursue integration of areas issue Kuknalim.com"

Naga Hoho to pursue integration of areas issue Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, July 18:: Naga Hoho, the apex body of all the Naga tribes, has resolved to pursue the integration of Naga areas and said the issue is not negotiable whatever may be the nature and terms of negotiation in the on-going Indo-Naga peace talks.
Naga Hoho General Secretary Neingulo Krome told newsmen that this was resolved in their "Federal Assembly" meeting last Friday. He further said the house recommended extension of the period of cease-fire to facilitate the peace negotiations. He also reiterated the commitment to stop fratricides amongst the 'Naga national workers' (undergrounds).
The Assembly urged the state government to expedite the affiliation process of all the private schools in Naga hill districts in Manipur to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).

The apex body further urged to implement the pre-1972 Status, guaranteed to all Naga citizens residing in the state.
Expressing concern upon the alleged attrocities of the army and other militant groups on innocent civilians in the Naga areas at Halflong and adjoining vicinities of the North Cachar Hills under Asom, the house demanded adequate security to the Naga population. (UNI)
"Nationalist" Rio not afraid of truth Nagarealm.com [NISHIT DHOLABHAI, telegraphindia]
Kohima, July17: Making no bones about being a Naga “nationalist”, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio today said his vision of the Naga people is quite clear.
Integration, he reiterated, is the Nagas’ birthright and a road to finding a lasting solution. Often criticised for his straightforward statements on integration and accused of extending tacit support to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), Rio told The Telegraph in an interview today that he is not afraid to speak “the truth”.

“To be nationalist or patriotic is not wrong. So why should I shy away from the truth? My political vision about the Nagas is clear and I know my responsibility towards India also,” the chief minister said. He said to find a solution, the Nagas had three alternatives. The first is to drive out the security forces, the second to have third-party mediation and the third is negotiation. The first two, he admitted, have fallen through.
“Negotiation will work. There will be a solution, I know,” he said, adding that Nagas should stop fighting among themselves at once.
The next round of talks between Delhi and the NSCN (I-M) is slated for July 28.

The chief minister denied that the demand for integration had toned down in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. “The recent protests by students to get their schools affiliated to the Nagaland Board of School Education and the people’s refusal to pay house tax to the Manipur government are indicators that the demand is as strong as ever. It will always be alive.”

His government, Rio said, has no objection to affiliating schools in Manipur’s hill districts to the Nagaland board. The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) had come to power riding on the poll card that a lasting solution to the Naga problem had to be found. Sources said the Rio government’s aim is to get people to understand that they should accept whatever the NSCN (I-M) obtains by bargaining with the Centre and not insist too much on sovereignty in its conventional political sense.

Contrary to the NSCN (Khaplang) and the NNC (Adinno), which insist on sovereignty, NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said in a December 2004 speech in Nagaland that if the people feel that they belong to a sovereign nation, then Nagaland is sovereign.

The “truth” for the Rio government is that the final solution will mean granting of more autonomy and identity to the Nagas than what is enlisted in Article 371-A of the Constitution. Rio blamed the Centre for not doing enough to find a solution. In the 2003 Assembly elections, Rio’s party, the Nagaland People’s Front, rode to power on the campaign that the 16-point agreement was not the final solution.
“The agreement was signed only with those who were overground and not with those underground. So, the solution will be found by them (the rebels),” the former Congressman said, implying why his government claims to be a facilitator in the peace talks.

Rio alleged that the agreement, which led to the formation of the state of Nagaland in 1963, was drafted in two years between 1957 and 1959 without taking the militants — members of the Naga National Council then — into confidence. [NISHIT DHOLABHAI, telegraphindia]
Oscar to visit state on July 20 Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, July 17:: Union Minister of State for Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes would visit Nagaland for three days from July 20 according to Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) sources. The visit of the Union Minister is very crucial as he is leading the team of the Centre in the ongoing talks between the Centre and the NSCN-IM.

The extension of the ongoing ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN-IM would be reviewed in the next round of talks between the parties.
During his visit to Nagaland, the Union Minister is likely to meet senior bureaucrats of the Nagaland government and interact with the political parties, church leaders and NGOs to discuss the ongoing situation, peace process and the issues pertaining to the peace process. The present term of extension of cease-fire between the Centre and the NSCN-IM would expire on July 31.

NPCC sources said the Union Minister would meet party leaders at the Congress Bhavan on July 20 and he would also call on the Chief Minister next day. (UNI)
Naga Hoho recommends ceasefire extension Resolution demands immediate cessation of all hostilities Morung Express News Dimapur | July 17
The Naga Hoho while extending its fullest support to the peace process has further recommended the extension of the Ceasefire for further period to facilitate continuation of a congenial atmosphere towards holding of peace negotiations.
The decision to recommended the extension of the ceasefire was resolved during the July 14 Emergency Federal Assembly of the Naga Hoho held at Kohima Tourist Lodge with its federating tribal organizations bringing in their various understanding and suggestions to the deliberation on the specified agenda and co-related issues.
Naga Hoho General Secretary Neingulo Krome in a press communiqué further informed that a resolution was adopted to pursue more vigorously the integration of all Naga areas and that this issue is not negotiable under any circumstances, whatever may be the nature and terms of negotiation in the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks towards finding a negotiated settlement.
The Naga Hoho re-iterated its commitment to stop all kind of fratricides amongst the Naga national workers in particular and therefore appealed in the strongest term, for immediate cessation of all kinds of hostilities.
It also urged the Government of Nagaland to expedite the process of affiliating all the Private Schools of the Naga Hills district under the present state of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). It further resolved to enable the payment of all Hill House Tax 2006, to the state of Nagaland vis-à-vis the Government of India in further consultation with the United Naga Council of Manipur.
Besides, it urged the Government of Nagaland, to implement the Pre-1972 Status, guaranteed to all Naga citizens residing in the present state of Nagaland.
The Naga Hoho also expressed its deepest concern at the army and other militant groups’ atrocities that are committed on innocent Naga civilians in the Naga areas at Haflong and adjoining vicinities of the North Cachar Hills under Assam, and demanded adequate security be provided to the Naga population.
Naga Peace talks: 'Little hopes' By UA Shimray Sangai Express
In the post-colonialism, India has followed two pronged policy for territorial integration, that is, use of armed might (coercion) and negotiation. For instance, Kashmir issue was discussed under the shadow of gun whereas Naga political issue intermittent with “Point Agreements,” “Accord” and “Ceasefire and Talks.” First round of Naga peace talks was initiated in 1960s under the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and also Mrs. Indira Gandhi period. However, the outcome was a major failure. In fact, the failure of 1975’s “Shillong Accord” politically divides the Naga society.
Discontentment to the Accord spread the germ of sectional rivalry and political split, leading to the formation of underground movement called National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). Further, the NSCN experienced a major setback in 1980s with the split of two faction viz., Isak-Muivah (IM) group and Kaplang (K) group. In spite of all political divides and personal differences, Naga political movement sustains because of historical truth.
The present Naga ceasefire and peace talks between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (lim) (IM) is conditioned by the following terms: “unconditional talk,” “highest political level” and venue outside India. The 31st July mark significant day for both the Indian Government and NSCN (IM). This is an official date of the Naga ceasefire vis-à-vis extension of ceasefire. Nine years of peace process registered the third innings of political change in New Delhi from National Front Government to NDA and now Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government. During BJP-led NDA regime, Naga peace process was virtually taken controlled by the bureaucrats and giving “important role” to the Indian Government’s emissary.
No doubt, Nagas are having peace dialogue with the Government of India. But the question is who run the Government. It is the political party. Yesterday, it was NDA, now UPA. The change of guard in New Delhi may alter the track of peace process. Historically, Naga issue is close to the Congress party starting right from Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Rajesh Pilot et al. However, Congress party did not do much in resolving the much-protracted Naga problem. Many Congress leaders are out of touch with the Nagas vis-à-vis Naga leaders also distanced the Congress Party in the last seven years. With installation of UPA in New Delhi made a little “adjustment” in the Naga peace process by inserting Minister of State Oscar Fernandes. Under the leadership of Oscar, the two groups have met several times. Although, detail of the discussions have been kept well-guarded secret. Yet, it is obvious that the crucial agenda Naga integration (all Naga areas) must have raised.
The contesting speculation is how the present Congress-led coalition Government would perceive on Naga problem. Today’s coalition form of Government is virtually based on the “political compromise” and programmes. Hence, in such situation the Naga issue needs a “political consensus” in order to arrive certain understanding. And political consensus is no easy task to achieve.
Talks and hopes
The introduction of electoral process based on ballot box in the Naga Hills created two “power centre”- the traditional institution and the peoples’ representative. In spite of several elections and elected Government, yet there is no any substantial political intervention on Naga issue. Unfortunately, the electoral process and “money power” steadily eroded the traditional institution and social structure.
As an alternative, Naga civil society initiated social consolidation process and has created significant platform to redress the peace process. Several rallies, workshop and seminars were organised to strengthen the movement. Such project aims to generate greater opinion and discourse. Present demand of integration “Naga Homeland” under the aegis of Naga Hoho (Naga apex organisation) is overwhelmly acknowledge in Naga society. In this process, Naga civil society organisations draws the strength from the people and traditional institution and seem to have achieved something that state has failed to in all these years.
The political struggle should not be one-sided track but adopt multiple approaches appropriating present Naga social system, economic parameters and political paradigm. The “Collective Leadership” of the NSCN (IM) should acknowledge the perception of Naga civil societies vis-à-vis capitalise the intervention of church organisations, politicians, intellectuals and bureaucrats. Undermining certain section of society and forum could create unpreceden-ted misunderstanding.
Recently, Naga public openly evaluates the basic responsibility of NSCN (IM) and its cadres’ activities. There is an instance, where they directly involves and interferes on local issues. And also taking control of developmental activities, supplies and contract works (which later translate it as extortion). Worst to come is active “partisan participation” in General Election of Manipur and Nagaland. Sometimes, such interference diverts the core issue and capitalises the non-issue becoming main agenda of discourse. In other words, the core issue is subdue and justified by the “periphery activities” indulged by the underground. The Naga political struggle is not a commodity meant for business but legitimate political issue that every Naga citizen has the right of ownership.
Today, Naga peace process becomes sensitive because of the “reactive attitude” of the neighbouring communities. There is strong reaction particularly vocal by Meitei community in regard to the demand of Naga integration. The so-called 18th June “uprising” in the Imphal valley left bad scar in ethnic co-existence in Manipur state. The Meitei community is strongly asserting on upholding the political territory of Manipur.
In the region, ethnic relationship is uneasy at the moment. Therefore to minimise the ethno-political tension, political negotiation is necessary among the various ethnic groups. Recent NSCN’s statement of desires to consult other communities is very important political stand.
One can remember that the Naga ceasefire “without territorial limits” opened the Pandora’s box in the region. Hitherto, “territorial politics” is recent intervention but now this has play significant role in the Naga peace process. Indeed, the old map which the British had introduced for the first time has become a major bone of contention between the different ethnic groups. Therefore, it is imperative that the talks continue and the rational role of the civil society organisations both within and outside the Naga society is crucial.

Piecemeal integration an act of treason: FGN Source: The Sangai Express
Impal, Jul 14: Maintaining piecemeal integration is an act of treason, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has stated that it is unfortunate for all Nagas that some Nagas who have been misled by the Naga rebel group led by Th Muivah and Isak are carrying out rally and political agitation in support of the piecemeal integration or affiliation with Nagaland.

In a statement, deputy raliwali kilonser of FGN Gaibon Panmei said Nagas are a nation and the question of integration or affiliation within a sovereign Nagaland does not arise.
Since the very beginning, the Nagas are united under the banner of Naga National Council (NNC) and fought against India jointly as our national objective is to be a member in the United Nations as a nation in the world, the statement, said adding that integration or affiliation from an Indian State to another puppet State is not the solution to the Indo-Naga conflict.

Unfortunately, Th Muivah, who has his own interest and sectarian agenda defected from NNC on his own accord and also deviated from the original stand of Nagaland and is now demanding piecemeal integration from New Delhi.
This is nothing but an act of treason to all the Nagas, Panmei asserted.

He further said although it is an undeniable fact that artificial boundaries have been made by foreigners in the heart of Nagaland without the knowledge of the Nagas, but Nagas at no point of time have ever recognised such boundaries.
When the sovereignty of Nagaland is recognised by the world, the artificial boundaries would be disappeared at once and for all, he added. Launching a scathing attack against Th Muivah, Panmei said Naga people in southern part of Nagaland suffered a lot due to wrong policy of Th Muivah as he led the Kukis and the Nagas to fight against each other.
No affiliation, says Nagaland Board Nagaland Board books should not be taught in Manipur : Indian Council Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 14: Despite the move launched by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur with the blessings of the Naga Students' Federation, to affiliate all the private schools set up in the four Naga dominated hill districts of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of Secondary School Education, the NBSSE Chairperson has made it clear that no affiliation will be granted to schools located in Manipur. Over and above this, the Council of Boards of School Education in India, North East Zone, during its fourth meeting held at Guwahati yesterday has also decreed that no books prescribed by the NBSSE should be taught in schools affiliated to the Board of Secondary School Education, Manipur.
Speaking to The Sangai Express the Secretary of BSEM, Ph Nandakumar said that the meeting was unanimous that no text books prescribed by the Nagaland Board should be taught in Manipur.
The meeting also decided that each Board should not cross its area of jurisdiction.

The meeting was held with the Secretary General of the Council of Boards of School Education in India, North East Zone, DB Sharma in the chair and was hosted by the Assam Board of Education and Assam Higher Education Council.
Apart from deciding that no text books prescribed by the Nagaland Board should be taught in the schools of Manipur, the meeting also decided to bring the matter to the National level and to submit a representation to the Human Resources Development Department not to entertain any representation to affiliate schools from Manipur to the Nagaland Board, added Nandakumar.

Making the stand of NBSSE clear, its Chairperson Nimi Merce said that the Nagaland Board has no intention to cross into the jurisdiction of BSEM.
Nandakumar further said that Nimi Merce made it clear that NBSSE will not grant affiliation to any schools from Manipur and urged the meeting not to take the matter as an issue worth discussing. The meeting also decided that the school curriculum will be worked out by the respective Boards and this responsibility will not be given to the SCERT.
The meeting is still underway and representative from Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram are taking part in the meeting. Apart from Ph Nandakumar, the Deputy Secretary of the Council of Higher Education, Manipur Babudhon Sapamcha is also attending the meeting.
Naga organizations justify NBSE affiliation movement The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): Frontal Naga organizations the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, United Naga Council, Naga Women Union Manipur and the All Naga Students Association Manipur, justified what was termed as the ‘resolute’ stand of the Nagas for affiliation to the NBSE. It also warned Manipur media for not maintaining “balance” as well as reasserted demand for affilation to the NBSE.
It out-rightly rejected the allegations that the demand for introducing NBSE syllabus in the 4 Naga Hill districts was planned by the NSCN (IM). “It is a blatant lie. The Naga people hereby clarify that the private schools are affiliating to NBSE of their own free will and not under the barrel of a gun. Mr. O Ibobi’s allegation that schools are being forced to affiliate to NBSE through the barrel of a gun is a shameless lie” it stated.
“The recent burning of Manipuri/BSEM text books in the Naga Districts was inevitable. The Naga students are doing what they ought to do. The private schools in the 4 (four) Naga districts have introduced the NBSE syllabus and the Naga people are determined. Is there any loss for the BSEM/Meiteis?” questioned a statement signed by KS Paul Leo, UNC President, Grace Shatsang, NWUM President, Phamhring Sengul, NPMHR Convener (South) and Paulhring Langhu, ANSAM President.
The organizations also gave the reasons why syllabus replacement is being demanded. According to the statement the reasons are: ‘that the BSEM curriculum through their prescribed text books imposes the dominant (Meitei) culture and traditions upon the minorities (Naga & other hill people); that the Educational curriculum of the BSEM even contains chapters which attempts to distort Naga History; that State Legislative Ordinance of 2005 deliberately ignores the rights of the minorities by imposing the Meitei Mayek (Meitei language) upon Nagas and other minorities; that the Bengali script is imposed in the schools from Class I to VIII through coercion and persuasion; that the order by the Governor of Manipur dated January 7, 2004 which bar private schools in the state from seeking affiliation to CBSE or ICSE is an imposition of the Meiteis’ will upon Naga students in particular and the hill students in general depriving the minorities of their rights to free and fair education’. It added that the peoples’ movement for identity, dignity, justice, freedom and peace can never be smothered by any force.
Further asserting that while Nagas respect the views of any section of the society, they will never tolerate “the bias and chauvinism of the dominant Meiteis” the organization warned The Sangai Express, a Manipur daily, of biasness.
“The Sangai editorial dated 4th July, 2006 sudden outburst of concern for the students in the 4 Naga districts is nothing but shedding crocodile tears, whereas its stand against the Naga Integration is clear. The Sangai Express editorial is advised to maintain a balanced reporting otherwise this can have serious implication” warned the statement.
It questioned why the Sangai editorial, AISF, United Committee Manipur (UCM) and others and the State Government of Manipur “is panicked when the Private Schools of the 4 Naga districts opted for prescribed text books of NBSE.” “What makes them think that the students might loss their academic career by seeking affiliation to NBSE? Do they mean to say that only BSEM is capable of imparting good education? Do they also think that getting affiliated to NBSE means playing with the future of the Naga students? Why are the dominant Meiteis and Mr. Nandakumar Sarma, Secretary BSEM reacting so much when the Nagas are pursuing to evolve a common education pattern?” it questioned adding that the Nagas opposed the “imposed education system especially the BSEM because the Naga people desire to have a common future with a common educational administration.”
Naga bodies train guns on TSE editorial Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, Jul 17: Numerous Naga frontal social organisations have strongly reacted to the editorial of The Sangai Express in its July 4 edition as well as against the comments of by some organisations based in Imphal over the text book issue.
The United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) have said that they were constrained to issue a press clarification and set the record straight to justify the resolute stand of the Naga people for common administration.

In a statement issued to Newmai News Network this afternoon, the Naga social organisations said that the Naga people have a high respect for the views of an individual(s) or group(s), but Nagas will not tolerate the biases and chauvinism of the dominant valley community of Manipur.

There can be a cordial atmosphere in the neighborhood only when we respect each others' 'will' and 'aspirations', the statement said adding that the Naga people do not demand the support of valley community.
"We just want them to understand the historical and political rights of the Naga people. The sudden outburst of concern for the students in the 4 Naga districts in the July 4 editorial of The Sangai Express is nothing but shedding crocodile tears, whereas its stand against the Naga Integration is clear. The Sangai Express is advised to maintain a balanced reporting otherwise this can have serious implications, said the statement signed by UNC president KS Paul Leo, NWUM president Grace Shatsang, NPMHR convenor (South Sector) Phamhring Sengul and ANSAM president Paulring Langhu.
It said that the Naga people also wish to question, why the editorial of The Sangai Express, AISF, United Committee Manipur (UCM) and others and the State Government of Manipur panicked when the private schools of the four hill districts of Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Ukhrul opted for the prescribed text books of NBSE.

"What makes them think that the students might lose their academic career by seeking affiliation to NBSE ? Do they mean to say that only BSEM is capable of imparting good education? Do they also think that getting affiliated to NBSE means playing with the future of the Naga students? Why are the dominant valley community and Mr Nandakumar Sharma, Secretary BSEM reacting so much when the Nagas are pursuing to evolve a common education pattern?", asked the social organisations of the Naga frontal organisations. It further stated that the Naga people opposed the "imposed education system especially the BSEM" because the Naga people desire to have a common future with a common educational administration.

Giving some points and reasons, the statement said that the Naga people are compelled to undertake this syllabus replacement arguing that the BSEMthrough their prescribed text books imposes the dominant valley community culture and traditions upon the minorities (Naga & other hill people),the Educational curriculum of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, even contains chapters which attempt to distort Naga history;the State Legislative Ordinance of 2005 deliberately ignores the rights of the minorities by imposing the Meitei Mayek (Meitei Language) upon them (Naga & other hill people). Moreover, the Bengali script is imposed in the schools from Class 1 – VIII and thus through coercion and persuasion the dominant valley community is processing to assimilate the minorities.
It also reasoned that the order by the Governor of Manipur dated January 7, 2004 which bar the private schools in the State from seeking affiliation to CBSE or ICSE is an imposition of the valley community's will upon the Naga students in particular and the hill students in general thus depriving the minorities (Naga & other hill people) of their rights to free and fair education.

The people's movement for identity, dignity, justice, freedom and peace can never be smothered by any force. The joint statement then pointed out that the Naga people also outrightly reject the "malicious allegations" that the demand for introducing of NBSE syllabus in the four hill districts was planned by the NSCN (IM).
"It is a blatant lie.
The Naga people hereby clarify that the private schools are affiliating to NBSE of their own free will and not under the barrel of a gun. Mr.O Ibobi's allegation that schools are being forced to affiliate to NBSE through the barrel of the gun is a shameless lie", said the statement of the Naga bodies. The statement then explained that the Manipur Chief Minister must also understand that nobody understands one better than oneself and stated that for the Chief Minister to say that most Nagas do not want to be affiliated to NBSE is just the same as saying that most Meiteis do not want to follow the BSEM syllabus.
"Can you believe it?", asked the statement. The recent burning of Manipuri/BSEM text books in the four hill districts was inevitable,said the joint statement of UNC,NWUM,NPMHR and ANSAM reasoning that the Naga students are doing what they ought to do.

"The private schools in the 4 (four) Naga districts have introduced the NBSE syllabus and the Naga people are determined and asked whether there would be any loss for the BSEM and the valley community," added the statement. The Naga frontal organizations appeal to all the tribe Hohos, student organizations, women organizations, religious bodies and the general public not to subscribe to the media reporting against the ongoing non co-operation movement of the Naga people.
"It is time the Nagas collectively pursued their cherished goal," concluded the statement.
NORTH by NORTH EAST: Declare a cease-fire to further peace prospects SANJOY HAZARIKA The Statesman
The stuttering peace process in Assam received a setback last week in the death of six members of the United Liberation Front of Asom at the hands of Indian Army units. There were two separate incidents in which the cadres were killed, one in Assam and the other in Meghalaya. The one which deeply angered the Ulfa leadership was the one in Meghalaya provoking it to declare that the Indian government could not be trusted.
The bandh in Assam to protest the killings evoked substantial response in the main towns, although one newspaper disparaged it as hypocritical since the pro-Ulfa organisations which had called the bandh were silent at the time of the Guwahati bomb blasts which took innocent lives a few weeks back. Indeed, the Assam police says that Rubul Ali, who was among those killed in Meghalaya’s East Garo district, was among those behind the Guwahati attacks. Ulfa’s anger is understandable since it believes it has been involved in a peace process, through the Peoples Consultative Group of sympathisers which it set up last year to conduct the groundwork for direct dialogue. The latest statement by Ulfa “chairman” Arabindo Rajkhowa indicates the banned group’s hold over the PCG. The PCG, the statement said, had not yet been disbanded ~ although the Centre made clear at the last round of talks last month that these would be the final bout of consultations before direct talks. Yet, in remarks which also revealed its troubled condition and indicated its continued willingness for talks, Ulfa asserted that it would not name its delegation for talks with New Delhi without the release of five leaders from custody, a precondition that it has been insisting upon for some time. There is concern about possible retaliation for the deaths but Ulfa says that it is still prepared for talks. It would be a mistake if Ulfa and its support groups took the bandh response as supportive of its overall goals. There is no overall backing in Assam for Ulfa’s core demand of sovereignty as demonstrated by the survey conducted by its own PCG. It cannot but remain calm and hold its anger and desire for revenge in check. A counter attack would provoke a stronger reaction from the Indian State and compound the misery of ordinary people who want peace and a normal way of life, away from conflict and bandhs.
For a start, Ulfa and New Delhi must first declare a cease-fire, an ending of armed hostilities so that a genuine dialogue can take place and where such events as last week’s cannot be justified. Without that basic step, suspicion, bitterness and violent confrontations will continue, whatever the nature of the State. Experience across the world shows that a cease-fire has been the minimum condition, a starting point, for genuine dialogue and trust-building between States and non-State players. The deaths last week were a grim reminder of that pre-condition.
Dibru-Saikhowa’s Benu
Last week, I had talked about the pathetic condition of guards and facilities at the National Park at Dibru Saikhowa but also of the beauty of the area. Dibru Saikhowa’s neglect is a direct outcome of the generosity and interest lavished by the Indian and Assam governments as well as national and international environmental and tour organisations on the far better known Kaziranga National Park which is a World Heritage Site. Dibru has no fabled one-horned rhino, no tourist facilities, no travel writers who flock there, no annual festivals, no elephant rides early in the mornings, no cruises on the Brahmaputra which take international visitors at fancy prices to see the place.
But it has courageous, if under equipped, forest guards, extensive wildlife including the big cats and elephants, and forests; it is home to the pack ponies of the Second World War which have become wild over the years and it and its environs have, as I remarked last week, the beautiful and endangered river dolphins. It also has, as one of its strongest advocates, the remarkable Benu, as Joynal Abedin, is called. Benu is a swarthy man, a former shikari or poacher, who has shot a wide range of wildlife in his hunting days. But his detention by the forest department more than 10 years ago after a hunting incident saw his conversion, through the patient counselling of a deeply committed forester and conservationist, to the other side. These days, he runs an eco-camp on the river bank which is the base for bird watchers from different parts of the world and a handful from the North-east. It is also a resource base for researchers and scientists as well as tour operators. His place has very basic accommodation: three straw huts on stilts with pallets and an attached bathroom. There is a bamboo and straw room which doubles as a dining and meeting room. Everything about the place is ecologically friendly: the basic structure is of local stout bamboo and cane and the camp even shuts down during the flood season. And like other parts of the valley, it is renewed and rebuilt after the flood.
Benu is an institution at Guijan ghat. He and his work as well as Dibru-Saikhowa need to be better known in the worlds of environment and tourism. It is people like him that Ambika Soni, the minister for culture and tourism, should have met, consulted and invited to Guwahati for the North East Tourism Meet. They are far more effective and provide the kind of facilities on the ground than a whole bunch of quick-talking, fast-moving operators and officials.
Planning Commission gets an earful
The Planning Commission, led by Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, came to Shillong last weekend for a two-day meeting with political leaders, officials and non-government groups as well as other civil society representatives such as academics. While the members had to endure hours of lectures by chief ministers and others on the first day and hear demands for what each of their states wanted for the 11th Five Year Plan: the meeting was an interactive exercise to discuss the Approach Paper for the plan and get inputs from the states on their special concerns and needs.
What was different was the consultation with non-government groups where each of nearly 45 individuals and organisations from almost all states made presentations and remarks on their perceptions on what needed to be done. This was the first such consultation in the region by the Commission and followed a two-day meeting on gender concerns last month between Sayeeda Hameed, a member, and various northeastern groups.
What emerged from both meetings was the clear ~ an unequivocal demand for a frontal attack on corruption, sharp monitoring, better review of projects and involvement of communities and representative non-government organisations in the planning process as well as project implementation: a transparent public-private partnership.
This is the message that the Planning Commission is going back with. To the discomfiture of some officials, Dr Abhijit Sen, one of the members remarked on the energy of the consultations, the new issues which had come up such as planning for youth, health and education as well as land concerns. He said that an eye opener had been the criticism of the North Eastern Council and its functioning, on which the Commission relied. It is now up to the Planning Commission, headed by one of the most powerful figures in India, Dr Ahluwalia, to ensure that these concerns are met through a participatory planning process that will include a strong review and monitoring mechanism in the states as well as the NEC, which will ensure transparency and through that, hopefully, better governance.
UNLF takes a dig at AR Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 17: Coming down heavily on the Assam Rifles for running amok and beating up innocent civilians near Gate number 2 at Moreh yesterday, the proscribed UNLF today said that since the AR men could not do anything when its post Commander was gunned down, they have targeted the innocent public.
In a statement, the outfit said that the AR has opened its post near the crowded Gate number 2 so as to take refuge amongst the public and to ward off attacks from the militants.
The ransacking of goods, the beating up of civilians and the forcible closure of shops at Moreh are all part of the agenda of the Assam Rifles, said the outfit and asserted that the five men picked up in the follow up action are not in any way connected with the outfit.

The Defence PRO may say anything, but people know the truth, said UNLF.
On the killing of Jilla and Upendro by 4 Assam Rifles, the outfit said that Jilla was at one time its sympathiser and for this he was arrested. After his arrest there was no connection between him and the outfit, it said and added that UNLF had nothing to do with Upendro.

Investigations have revealed that after his release, Jilla kept in touch with a hill based outfit and the arms recovered from him and Upendro were the arms given by the said outfit.
Since the hill based armed groups are on cease fire with the security force, the two were killed and later dubbed as cadres of the UNLF to earn some brownie points, asserted the statement.
Peace process was pre-poll propaganda: ULFA The Morung Express
Guwahati, July 17 (Agencies): The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) while condemning the recent killings of its cadres by the Army, today flayed the Centre saying that government’s move for talks was nothing but a pre-poll propaganda.
“Initiation of peace talks was a pre poll election maneuver and not resolution-oriented and now that elections are over, government is formed, issues like release of those arrested and missing remain unsolved”, stated the monthly edition of ULFA’s mouthpiece freedom. “The outfit further alleged that the government is now delaying the peace talks process on the pretext of reported toll collection by ULFA”, stated the statement.
“With the Army operations against ULFA on, it is completely immature and ridiculous to raise the issue of ceasefire”, added the statement. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Arvind Sharma, the chief of the Army’s Eastern Command, today said that that a ceasefire with the ULFA is possible only if the banned militant group agrees to hold direct talks with the government.
“We are not ruling out a ceasefire but the condition is that the ULFA has to have direct talks with the government,” Sharma told reporters on the sidelines of a forestry programme at Fort William in Kolkata. Stating that the Army would not suspend its operations till the ULFA agreed to direct talks, he said that there should not be any mediatory talks after discussions were held with the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) nominated by the rebels.
Fighting insurgency by wiping tears, sensitising society By IANS
Guwahati, July 18 (IANS) How does one fight insurgency without bullets? Police in India's embattled northeastern state of Assam show how through a unique programme they provide solace and strength to victims of violence while sensitising society about the pointlessness of bloodshed. The project that has been running for the last five years is rather aptly named Aashwas, or assurance, and is aimed at ensuring a quality of life for the victims, especially children and women. It simultaneously works towards a violence-free society through various programmes like financial assistance.
Said Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, deputy inspector general (DIG) of police and nodal officer of the project: 'The language of violence is shameful. We are trying to uproot this evil for ever.'
Perhaps the most tragic embodiment of that 'evil' is Jinmai Deka from Nagaon, a mother of two sons - one a policeman and the other a member of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
'In a shootout, her sons killed each other,' Mahanta told IANS, adding simply, 'Deka is a glaring example of how violence can shatter lives.' 'Sensitisation is imperative as no one should go through that kind of suffering.'
Giving details about the project that aims at ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated, Mahanta said it focuses on rehabilitating woman and child victims of violence, raising human rights concerns in policing and conducting orientation programmes for police officials. Children, being the most vulnerable, are given top priority and get the maximum benefit from Aashwas, launched on the Children's Day (Nov 14) in 2001.
Describing the nature of help, Mahanta said: 'With the help of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, financial assistance is given to those children who have lost one of their earning parents or those who have become permanently incapacitated due to communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence.'
The assistance is mainly for academic restitution. The local police station under whose jurisdiction the child's family lives plays an important role in the rehabilitation process.
Right now, 549 children are being supported under the project. 'These children are given Rs.600 per month till they attain the age of 18. The aid is given through the office of the deputy commissioner concerned. The amount is deposited in the family's bank account.' Regular interactive sessions between students and police personnel are organised under the aegis of Aashwas. Other factors also come into play. In Majuli, the world's largest river island, for instance, copies of the book 'Arakshi Khurar Mainamel' (police uncle's session with kids) were distributed among children to help them build character and educate them about the police organisation and issues facing the area. The special drive at Majuli - an area under danger from rapid erosion and massive flooding and with limited opportunities - saw a very effective police-student interaction. Over 2,000 schoolchildren participated in these 'mutually beneficial' sessions organised at 42 different locations in the island, Mahanta said.
Similar programmes were held in other parts of the state like Kekerikuchi, Singia Putoni, Sarfanguri and Rupshi. Hardboiled policemen admit that the experience had helped them develop a new perspective based on compassion, hope and respecting people's rights. 'Aashwas also aims at creating a violence-free society through sensitisation of people at the grassroots level,' the DIG said. And if it ensures that there are no more women like Jinmai Deka caught in the fruitless cycle of violence, it would be successful.