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07/22/2006: "Naga rebels threaten to end ceasefire"
Naga rebels threaten to end ceasefire Syed Zarir Hussain (IANS) Hindustan Times
Kohima, July 22, 2006A dominant tribal Naga separatist group in Nagaland on Saturday threatened not to extend a nine-year-old ceasefire accord beyond this month-end if New Delhi fails to modify truce ground rules, a rebel leader said.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, and government peace negotiators are due to meet for peace talks in Bangkok on July 28. The latest ceasefire expires July 31.
"There are lots of ceasefire ground rule violations by the Indian Army, besides serious charges of security forces either smuggling weapons seized from our cadres or providing such seized arms to one of our rival factions," NSCN-IM spokesperson Kraibo Chawang said.
"The very question of extending the ceasefire beyond July 31 is now at stake if the government does not clarify the issue of scores of missing weapons seized from us and also modifying certain ambiguous clauses of the ceasefire ground rules as sought by us."
The NSCN-IM has been struggling for nearly six decades to create a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to add to the mountainous Nagaland state. The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire agreement in August 1997 that has been renewed regularly. Central Minister Oscar Fernandes will be leading the talks with the NSCN-IM in Bangkok.
"We hope to know if there is a solution or something definite in another two to three rounds of talks," Fernandes, who is now in Nagaland's capital Kohima, told journalists. The rebels and the government have held at least 50 rounds of peace talks in the past nine years to end one of the longest running insurgencies that has claimed around 25,000 lives since 1947.
"The ceasefire is definitely not going well at this moment with the Indian government found to be a little insincere in its approach," Chawang said. The demand for a 'Greater Nagaland' that would unite 1.2 million Nagas has been strongly opposed by the surrounding states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Oscar tightlipped but positive on Naga settlement Integration and Sovereignty are NSCN (IM) core demands for final settlement: Oscar Karaibo Chawang
Union Minister of state for Programme Implementation and Statistics, and the leader of the Ministerial team on Indo-Naga peace talks, Oscar Fernandes, chose to remain hush-hush from disclosing the nitty-gritty of the talk outcomes with the NSCN-IM, stating that it would not do so unless a final deal is struck. In separate press conferences in Dimapur and Kohima, the Union Minister said the results of the talks could not be disclosed because of the ‘gravity of the situation’. He said the result of the talks would be announced only when a ‘100% concrete solution’ would be arrived at.
Oscar, who addressed the media this evening at Raj Bhavan at Kohima after his close interaction with the Council of Ministers, key Naga NGOs and the Congress party workers on the ongoing peace process, said that he could not disclose the details of the talks outcome unless the whole thing is agreed upon and signed by both the parties.
He, however, admitted that all the 30 points charter of demands submitted by the NSCN-IM have been discussed point by point and is under serious consideration as to how to go about it. The demands of the NSCN (IM), he said, could be bifurcated into the integration issue and the ‘relationship’ between both parties- namely the sovereignty issue, he said at Dimapur. “We have gone into it several times”, Oscar said, but refused to comment further. Oscar said that NSCN-IM has two demands- the integration of the Naga areas and sovereignty for final settlement, but, for India it is ‘relationship’, and alluded the query as what actually he mean by ‘relationship’, stating that different groups have its own translation. He said talks were being held under a congenial atmosphere.
Oscar however warned that a rosy picture should not be painted at the moment because the talks are progressing, though at a slow pace. He was quick to add that progress is being made anyway. Echoing the mood of the people as relayed to him, he said the people’s voice of an early settlement rather than simply extending the ceasefire was also concern for Delhi.
Welcoming the decision of civil organizations for an early agreement, Oscar said he welcomes the decision of the people and that Delhi was also looking forward to an honourable and lasting solution as propagated by the NPCC. On the integration issue, he said a commission to absorb the interests of all parties concerned was the answer.
However, the Minister denied mentioning anything about a package deal or of trying striking a settlement on ‘special package’ with the NSCN-IM during the last rounds of talks.
Oscar met state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Council of Ministers, and key Naga NGOs - the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association, NSF and congress party workers today.
All the NGOs were reported to have told the visiting minister that time has come for both the Government of India and NSCN-IM to arrive at a final settlement that would put an end to half a century year old conflict.
This visit of the Union Minister, who is heading the ministerial team on Indo-Naga peace talks, to the state assumes significance as he was here to garner the opinion and views of the Naga public and the state government on the current peace process.
Oscar was also reported to have appraised the NGOs of the progress made in the last round of talks. “I have told them that we have made a major progress in the talks, and it is in right direction”, Oscar said during a press briefing at Raj Bhavan.
He will take the opinion and views of the Naga public here, to the next round of talks slated to be held in Bangkok on July 28-29, and this is likely to form the basis of discussion.
The Minister said that meeting had been held in New Delhi recently, although inconclusive, to strengthen ceasefire monitoring mechanisms so as to find out the possibility of discouraging factional feud amongst the Naga National workers.
However, Oscar indirectly hinted that factional clash is a state subject, on contrary to the contention put forth by the state government that it is a political problem. “The role of government of India is not there. It is your position, your own interpretation”, Oscar said, further adding that the center would act only when requested by the state government.
But the minister agreed that factional clashes have an adverse impact on the peace process. He said “I agree on that. That is why we went to Bangkok for talks, and we are working on it. Early meeting will be convened again to strengthen the monitoring mechanism”. Oscar leaves by train on the Rajdhani Express from Dimapur tonight.
Muivah was grilled because of communication gap: Oscar
Meanwhile, Oscar Fernandes admitted that the NSCN-IM General Secretary TH. Muivah was grilled by Thai authority yesterday, however, fervently denied any Indian hand in it.
But said that it was already sorted out and Muivah was released. He said that the incident occured because of communication gap. “We don’t have anything do to with it, or act that way”, Oscar told the media. He further said that before Muivah left Amsterdam for Bangkok, yesterday, he himself spoke to the embassy there.
“When even our ministers are also going to Bangkok for talks why should we act that way”, Oscar added. Morung Express News
Early solution to Naga problem hopeful but no time frame: Fernandez North East Press Service
Kohima, Jul 21 (NEPS): Union Minister for Statistics and Program Implementation Oscar Fernandez said the Center-NSCN (IM) talks were moving in the right direction and further hoped that their upcoming talks to be held in Thai capital later this month would be more productive.
Addressing the press conference here at the Raj Bhavan on Friday after winding up his two-day visit to Nagaland, the Minister, who is the head of the Indian Ministerial Team for the political negotiations with the NSCN (IM), however refused to give any time frame for the solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
Fernandez said it was not the intention of the Government of India to prolong the issue but the point was the talks itself were going in the right direction. “That is a progress.” he pointed out.
Taking note of the concerns expressed by the civil societies to find solution at the earliest, Fernandez informed that he would be carrying their feedbacks this time to their upcoming talks with the leaderships of the NSCN (IM) to be held on July 28 and 29 later this month in Bangkok
to find “solution.” “I don’t mean to say that in one or two sittings, we will be able to find solution,” he stated. “But the point is we have to achieve the goal.”
Asked if they discussed anything to grant autonomy or federal structure to Nagaland within the Union of India in their last talks in The Hague, the Union Minister disclosed that they discussed various issues including the 30-Point Charter of Demands put forward by the NSCN (IM). “But
we will not be able to give any point on whatever discussions we had until the finality,” he stated. “Our main objective is to reach the goal.”
Asked as to how he believed after having had a few rounds of talks with the leaderships of the outfit that the Naga political issue could be resolved with them when there were other groups too, the Union Minister while agreeing that there were other groups explained that they had to
initiate with them because it (NSCN-IM) was the major group.
“By keeping away the major group, it is not possible to make any progress,” he added. With this in mind, former Prime Minister late PV Narasimha Rao initiated to find solution through political means with the group, he pointed out.
He, however, mentioned that he was particularly assigned for political negotiations with the NSCN (IM), while the Home Ministry was keeping in touch with other groups.
Asked whether the Government of India was preparing to talk to neighboring States in view of the Naga integration demand which was one of the agendas in their talks, Fernandez said such stage did not reach but asserted that when the final stage was arrived at, they would “definitely”
not do without discussing with them (neighboring States). The Union Minister also said the Government of India was working out to strengthen ceasefire monitoring mechanism and give more power to the chairman of the ceasefire monitoring group to control the frequent factional clashes in the State.
Peace-talk points to remain secretive Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, Jul 21: Dealing a blow to the demand for publication of ongoing Indo-Naga talks' outcome, Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation and also the head of the Indian Govt's ministerial team in the Indo-Naga peace talks, Oscar Fernandes today disclosed that both the sides have agreed not to make public the points that the two sides have agreed upon out of the NSCN (IM)'s 30-point charter of demands. These will be made known to the public only after a final settlement is arrived at and a deal is signed, he said while addressing newspersons at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima this evening. Noting that the Govt of India has no desire to further prolong it, he claimed that major progress has been made while reasoning that more rounds of dialogue would be needed before final settlement is arrived at.
"We have discussed every point in the NSCN (IM)'s charter of demands and we have agreed on some points but we need to discuss more on some points", he said. On the law and order problem in Nagaland as a result of continued factional clashes in various parts of the state, the Union Minister mooted strengthening of the monitoring mechanism with more powers and facilities.
NSF lobbies Delhi for affiliation of schools to NBSE Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jul 21: A team of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) today called on the Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh at his office in New Delhi and apprised him of the affiliation issue of private schools of Manipur's four hill districts Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul to Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
A statement handed to Newmai News Network by NSF gen secy K Elu Ndang disclosed that the Union Minister assured the Naga students' delegation that he would immediately look into the matter, as the educational career of many children are at stake. The delegation also apprised Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on gravity of the problem that can get out of control if the matter is not addressed exigently, conveyed the NSF communique. The Home Minister is informed to have assured all possible means to settle the matter at the earliest.
It further stated that the student delegation also met Minister of State, PMO Prithiviraj Chavan at his official residence on July 20."The Minister expressed his serious concern and that he will personally discuss the matter with the Prime Minister.
He further stated that this matter requires 'an immediate amicable solution and the academic career students should not be affected at any cost'. The delegation also called on George Fernandes, Convenor of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) who assured to raise the matter with the Minister of HRD," stated the NSF statement. The delegation then met Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities and Joint Secretaries of University & Higher Education, Department of Secondary and Higher Education. Earlier, the NSF submitted a memorandum to Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.
The memorandum stated that "the four Naga Hill districts"Tahamzam (Senapati), Chamdil (chandel), Hunphun (Ukhrul) and Inriangluang (Tamenglong) of the present state of Manipur are part of the contiguous Naga ancestral homeland. The Nagas occupy about 70 percent of the geographical area of Manipur but they are a minority community.
In complete disregard to the sentiments and rights of the minorities, the Govt. of Manipur has been propagating discriminatory policies against the minorities, especially the Nagas.
Interalia, one of such cases is the imposition of Meitei Mayek (Meitei script) through the Ordinance of State Legislation in 2005 by the Govt of Manipur upon the minorities of the state.
In the light of such discrimination and discontentment, the Naga people resolved on August 9, 2001 and November 4, 2005 to launch a non-cooperation movement and dissociate from the state of Manipur, said the memorandum. It mentioned that the student community too resolved to severe affiliations with the State's educational system and has denounced the imposed syllabus prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur. Subsequently, 163 private schools of the "four Naga hill districts on the March 25, 2006" have introduced the syllabus prescribed by NBSE and the process of affiliation has been initiated as well, claimed the NSF memorandum.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the State Cabinet of Nagaland on June 12, 2006 has seriously deliberated on this matter and has referred the matter to the Ministry HRD for urgent intervention.
Border land dispute surfaces again The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, July 21: Another twist has come to the fore in the controversy over a piece of land in the Manipur border with Nagaland, with the Khezhakeno Village Council (KVC) under Phek district, asserting in an appeal that the land which the villagers of Tongjoi of Manipur have been claiming as theirs, does not belong to them in truth.
Mention may be made that the construction of a dam in a controversial area by the villagers of Khehakeno, a village of Nagaland bordering Manipur, has been strongly opposed by the villagers of Tongjoi who are claiming the area belongs to them as it lies within Manipur territory.
Fresh tension erupted in the last week of June this year to the decades long controversy over the ownership of the land as the Khezhakeno villagers entered the area and started construction work of a dam there. The Tongjoi villagers informed the local MLA, RK Theko of Mao to intervene in the matter and stop the construction works of the dam. Amidst the prevailing high tension, the Khezhakeno Village Council (KVC) appealed to the authorities, leaders and people of Manipur in general and Tongjoi in particular through the media based in Nagaland, to respect and honour the demarcated state-village boundary so that peace and tranquility may prevail.
The appeal was made reacting to the statements made in "Border Tension Flares Up" and "Set Dzuku Record Straight" published in the Manipuri local dailies recently by Thekho. The appeal reportedly claimed that the people of Khezhakeno have been living in the present territory, which is the traditional village boundary with all its natural resources since time immemorial.
They maintained that it is a well-known fact that the state-district boundary has a link with the traditional village boundary of Khezhakeno. This fact can be ascertained from the survey and demarcation of boundary carried out during the British-India administration in 1872 by Captain Butler and Dr. Gordon, they stated. "It is unfortunate that a person of such stature who holds high responsibility as a leader should ignore the historical facts, orders and agreements and further said such comments only creates confusion and enmity amongst the villagers and the states of Nagaland and Manipur," the local media report quoting the statement of the council mentioned.
The council also reportedly claimed to have various substantial documents supporting this territorial right, some of which are the orders of Political Case No.41 of 1933 under J. H. Hutton and G. P. Steward, the then Deputy Commissioner, Naga Hi1ls and the President of Manipur State Darbar respectively, and the Political Case No. 6 of 1950 through the Office of Deputy Commissioners of Naga Hills and Manipur State and also the inter-village boundary agreement signed between the chief secretaries of Manipur and Nagaland on May 29,1982. Putting this in their reaction note they stated "All these learned decisions and judgments bear testimony to the rightful ownership of the people of Khezhakeno who have every right to carry out developmental activities inside its own traditional jurisdiction." Stating this, the council reportedly warned that any outside threat or encroachment would be viewed seriously and would not be tolerated by the Khezhakeno people.
Nagas’ online news website serving great purpose Asian Tribune
Wow! Today we can learn all the news happening in Nagalim (Nagaland) at the push of a button - whether we are in Nagalim, India or abroad. Once due to lack of information technology development in the region - all the important and urgent news or happening in Nagalim could not be publicized to the world. For instance, the 21 Assam Rifles camp attacked by the NSCN at Oinam village in 1987 and the aftermath of harassment, rape, torture, delivering the women in open ground etc were not reported widely to the world due to lack of internet facility available during that time. But today, some of the Nagas' Daily news websites post all the current news happening in Nagalim, which give a great influence to the world leaders.
Some of the important Nagas' Daily News websites are: www.nagalandpost.com, www.morungexpress.com, www.nagasonline.com, www.nagarealm.com, www.nscnonline.org, www.kuknalim.com, www.akasworld.com etc. Nagaland post is the oldest printed daily newspaper in Nagaland State; it also posts daily news in their website. Morung Express is the latest printed newspaper in Nagaland State, which also post the daily news in their website. Nagaland Post and Morung Express are the only printed newspapers in Nagalim, having their websites posting the daily news about Nagalim, National and International news. The other daily news website do not print but post the daily news in their websites.
One of the important aspects of nagasonline.com, nagarealm.com, nscnonline.org, kuknalim.com and akasworld.com is that there is forum and chat room where Nagas and non-Nagas meet, deliberate and share their perspective on different issues on Nagas and other issues.
Due to technical reasons or space problem - it is difficult to share or write our own views in other newspaper. However, the above sites have forums where we can share our opinions or raise any issues - may be important or insignificant. Many educated young Nagas studying and working in other towns and cities - who are the future leader of our Nagas access the website - read the news, comment and share their opinions. It is observed that more than 80% of the net surfers are from outside Nagalim, which means the Nagas' Daily websites are serving a great purpose for the people living outside Nagalim. The state/local newspapers hardly circulate to other cities in India or abroad. Therefore, the above sites are the only websites where the Naga news is circulated outside Nagaland and abroad.
The most important parts of these sites are; posting regularly the daily news and other Nagas issues. Before these sites were hosted, the people inhabiting outside Nagalim, India and abroad found very difficult to update on local news or were impossible to know what is happening in Nagalim. However, today all kinds of important issues on Nagas or any human rights violations in Nagalim can be raised and publicized to the world. For all the Nagas and non-Nagas who are living outside Nagalim and want to know what is happening in Nagaland, should not miss to read the daily news from the above given sites. In conclusion, today the whole world is observing daily and gets to know what is happening in Nagalim - it is only because of the above sites. As the world come to know more about the Nagas and popularize the unique Nagas' history, culture and customs - all the kudos will goes to the above sites. I really appreciate the above sites and I extend my heartiest congratulation to all the site administrators. R.B. Thohe Pou
GPRN asks Sumi Hoho to reassess its ‘mediator’ role The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has asked the Sumi Hoho to reassess its role as a moderator before mediating between any conflicting parties asserting that when the components are lacking and mediators ‘dishonorably desist from justifying their role, all implied resolve becomes imposed or dictated.’
According to a MIP, GPRN statement “The Sumi Hoho’s initiative to peace is appreciative and good but the approach on how it is being carried out should also be taken into account.” “Before mediating in between any conflicting parties, the cause of the difference should be analyzed, the role of the mediator should be assessed, the terms of the peace initiative should be underlined and structured and the proposal for the meeting organized in a respectable and dignified manner upholding the integrity of the Sumi Hoho” it stated.
The GPRN urged that the apex body of the Sumis should stick in line with the people’s desired goal and that the people’s collective principle “is the national principle and so should Sumi Hoho function in the line with the national principle.” It asked the Sumi Hoho to clearly identify those who are working for the nation and who are anti-nationals “according to their deeds, traits, professions and achievements, and be able to classify and ascertain each one separately.” Further, the GPRN asserted that all matters relating to the Naga political issue should be based on Naga national principles and not guided by emotions or confined on inclined focus. “For every political issue, undertakings abide by certain procedures commanding respect, trust and goodwill for anchoring on firm grounds of peace. It is when the components are lacking and mediators dishonorably desist from justifying their role, all implied resolve becomes imposed or dictated” the GPRN stated.
The GPRN also asked the Sumi Hoho President and his team to assess themselves in where, according to the statement, they have lacked behind and in what they have failed.
“Has the powers and functions of the Sumi Hoho been executed in tandem with the Naga people’s national principles? Has the powers and functions of the Sumi Hoho been executed in upholding its integrity and honor?” the GPRN queried adding that It is time for the Nagas to examine themselves and identify their roles in the national struggle. “If we do not know our position and status, we will become tools of our enemy. Mr. Rotokha and his team should keep in mind that today there is neither space for mistakes nor can the Sumi people or the Naga people be given to ransom. The nation is above all other issues and hence the national principles of the Nagas cannot be compromised with” it asserted.
Solution may not come so soon: Oscar Nagaland Post NP Bureau
KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, JULY 21 (NPN): Union minister and negotiator in Naga peace talks Oscar Fernandes, while reiterating that the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talk was progressing, albeit slowly, in the right direction, hinted final solution may not come so soon as expected by the Naga general public. "We'll move ahead in finding a solution, but it does not mean in the next one or two rounds of talks" Fernandes said adding "We'll not be able to take up the whole thing at one go, it has to be step by step".
He also said the peace talks would be taken up in the next parliament session on Monday. Fernandes who arrived here on a three-day visit was addressing a press conference at the Raj Bhavan before his departure for Dimapur after series of meetings with the state government and civil societies today afternoon. He revealed that the ongoing talks were revolving on the two main demands of the NSCN-IM - "Integration" and "Sovereignty", which terminology remains a problem for the Government of India. "For us it is the type of relations we are negotiating and that is where some progress has been made", he said. Refusing to divulge further on the claim of making progress in the ongoing talks, Fernandes clarified that many points had been discussed so far, but that he cannot reveal the whole thing because whatever points that were agreed upon cannot be conclusive unless the final solution is worked out.
On the contentious issue of the ongoing factional killings and clashes, he agreed on the need for strengthening the ceasefire monitoring mechanism by giving more power and facilities. He however made it clear that law and order is a state subject, but in any specific situation if the state government asks the Centre for help, the latter wouldn't reject, he added. He said the GoI would very soon convene another ceasefire mechanism meeting for effective ceasefire mechanism.
Denying any proposal of package system to solve the Indo-Naga problem, Fernandes said if solution can be brought through package system, GoI is ready to extend economic package if there is any specific demand. When asked whether any blue print or roadmap had been prepared for a final solution to the Indo-Naga, Fernandes simply said "we're not roaming in the dark".
To another query, he said the ongoing talks was to find a solution acceptable to all the sections of the society and groups, and added that he and his team were given only the charge with the NSCN-IM while the Union Home Ministry is dealing with the other Naga underground factions.
On the other hand, Fernandes denied any hand in Thursday's incident where NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah was detained and harassed by Thai airport officials while he was on his way to Bangkok for the next round of talks scheduled for July 28 and 29 next. As soon as the Government of India came to know about the incident, it had intervened and the problem was solved, he said. He however blamed the incident to communication gap between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India and Thailand. Commenting on his findings from the series of meetings with the different section of the Naga society, the union minister said the consensus among the Nagas is a settlement as soon as possible and also a feeling that the ongoing peace talks had been prolonged. He also revealed that during his meeting with chief minister Neiphiu Rio, the issue of the air connectivity problem faced by the state was discussed and that he had assured to talk to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to convene a meeting and solve the problem.
Earlier, Fernandes who arrived here yesterday had an interaction with the chief minister at Dimapur followed by interaction with the Naga Hoho. Fernandes also met the Council of Ministers, Kohima Municipal Council, political parties, CFMG and civil societies including delegations of ENPO, NSF, NMA, NPMHR and ASU.
Time to ponder, time to act- Nagaland Post
At this crucial time, the Indo-Naga issue has reached a point either to come to an honorable settlement within a true democratic framework or go back to the blood bath once again. Regretfully at this difficult time, our Naga national workers choose to fight among themselves. It would be grave mistake to let these fratricidal killings happen among our own people, which is nothing but continuous defeat at the hands of our adversaries and self-destruction. Therefore, this senseless fight and killings among the Nagas must stop and come to a common understanding for our dream is one and our struggle is one. One has to be cautious that this hard earned cease-fire and peace process be used judiciously towards attainment of a meaningful outcome. Ceasefire, peace and settlement is not wanted by only a section of the Nagas. Hence, any efforts toward this should be for all the Nagas, everywhere, until Nagas come to a final settlement with India.
Often, bearing narrow understanding and may lead to unforeseen danger as experienced during the 1964 Indo-Naga ceasefire time, where the government of India was able to segment the Nagas, when some national workers were busy negotiating with government of India, and a section fell under the trap designed by India, ultimately leading to the formation of the revolutionary government of Nagaland that had abated the Naga struggle for a long time. Efforts towards realization of our goal is the need of the hour, where each and every sensible Naga must come forward with clear conscience. It is also time for the Nagas to differentiate between a real sheep and the wolf in a sheep skin. It is time to define each and every citizens’ role. A facilitator cannot be a negotiator nor an anti-Naga be a Naga patriot. It is time to wake up, time to stand for the truth come what may. Tsupong Longchar, Convenor, Moa C. Longkumer, Co-convenor, Concerned Citizen’s Forum, Mokokchung.
AR goes berserk in search for UG leader By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 21: Going berserk, a team of 4 Assam Rifles which came in search of an octogenarian for allegedly being a leader of the KYKL severely flogged many innocent civilians at Awang Sekmai Makha Leikai besides picking up two innocent persons even though they were released later after beating them blue and black.
The alleged leader of the KYKL is identified as Khwairakpam Chandra Singh (80) of Awang Sekmai Makha Leikai. The AR team came in search of Chandra Singh at around 10.30 pm of July 7 and picked up his family members Kh Dharma Singh (48) and Dharma's nephew Kh Monojit who were released only on the next day after torturing them throughout the night in their custody.
Speaking to reporters today, Dharmajit who is now bed-ridden after the physical torture by AR, disclosed that the AR team who came in a bullet-proof Gypsy dragged him out from his house up to the Sekmai Keithel where the vehicle was parked.
During the process, not only were his back and buttock severely injured but all clothes were also removed on the way. Inside the vehicle, he was held tight by one AR personnel while another started beating him with an iron rod.
After that he was forced to get down from the vehicle and he was blindfolded and his hands tied. There he was severely thrashed with water being poured over him at regular intervals. He was kicked around all over his body and was given electric shock. It was only on the next day that he learnt that the place was the camp of AR at Loitang Khunou, retold the victim adding that it was really inhuman and unbearable.
One Manipuri speaking personnel asked him whether Chandra Singh, Angom Juge and Kh Ranjan were cadres of KYKL.
However, he was given no response to his repeated questions as to why he was tortured so inhumanly, he conveyed.
At around 3 pm of the next day, he was taken to the 4 AR camp at Mantripukhri where he was photographed before a board on which were written his name, address and KYKL.
After that he was handed over to Sekmai police station, he further disclosed.
According to Kh Monojit, he rushed to his uncle's (Dharma) house along with his father hearing someone shouting "thieves at home" but he was halted at the courtyard by AR personnel at gun point. It was later learnt that the shouting was made by one AR man.
Then he was blindfolded and hauled into their vehicle. There he was also thra-shed blue and black without furnishing any reason. Even if he could sense so-mething like electric shock twice, he could not say for certain, he recounted.
The same question ask-ed to his uncle was also raised to him, Monojit informed. When the Meira Paibis came to his rescue at the AR camp of Loitang Khunou on the next day, he was forced to walk straight who was limping then because of the extreme torture previous night. The AR personnel even threatened not to release him if he limp before the Meira Paibis, he conveyed.
It is reported that a sit-in-protest would be staged at Awang Sekmai on July 23 against the high-handed conduct of AR.
During the proposed sit-in-protest with "Punish accused AR personnel, repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 etc" as its slogans, the Sekmai Keithel would remain closed and there would be subsequent stronger agitation if the authority concerned fails to provide positive response, informed the president of Advance Women's Society, Awang Sekmai, Angom Shanti.
Future Manipur and Moreh mayhem By Donn Morgan Kipgen Sangai Express
In this tumultuous Switzerland of India, there is nothing as safe as the legendary Swiss banks and the loyal Swiss Guards. Like Kashmir, Manipur is enroute to become another Paradise lost. The insurgency movements and the CI OPs have taken a real toll socio-politically. Apart from the direct Japanese assistance, the US Govt has taken keen interest in making the State of Manipur a secure tourist spot and international trade centre at Moreh. Even the US consul-General had personally made a couple of 'State visits' along with other visits by diplomatic-tourists. Due to the internationalised insurgency movements, the Anglo-Americans are understandably 'forced' to leave out the State of Nagaland. The State of Mizoram has already been the world's largest para-commando training centre at Vaireng-te, and duly recognised and patronised by the Americans. However, it should be noted that the American's plan for uplifting was not influenced officially by the State or Central Govt. As a matter of fact, this particular plan are made diplomatically as a result of Govt's negligence and corruption. Another major factor is the direct influence made by tribal-Christians and budding scholars. After all, the first American missionaries and their young WW-II veteran guides were hos-ted and sheltered at Lung-thulien fiefdom by its Chief Ngulkhotinseh Singson in present day CCpur district. Moreover, the princely State of Manipur was the jungle-warfare training centre and temporary base of the legendary (Gen Frank) Merril's Marauders, the elite commando-trained US assault brigade storming through the Japanese divisional Hqs in inner Burma. Manipur is also the most probable resting place of America's Golden daughter, i.e, Ms Amelia Earhart. Unbeknownst to the British for the past 61 years, thanks to the histo-riless State and Central Govts, Manipur is the final resting place of the legendary (Maj) Gen Orde Win-gate - the founding commander of the CHINDITS, the elite British Army's commando brigade which destroyed the Japanese supply lines and rear-guards in Burma. The crashed remains of Gen Wingate's last flight, Dakota DCII, were found in 1987/88 by an AR expedition team. If the State Govt is capable enough to make use of foreign contacts like other States, there would be historical tourist spots and international trade centres without the help of the Central Govt whose financial assistance never reach where they should.
The main backers for socio-economical development of Manipur have been Germany, US, Japan and Great Britain. Like good grandpas, they are prepared to sanction any amount of money and resources as long as there is socio-political stability and corruption free procedu-res. To them any form of terrorism is real terrorism and militancy in any form is a risky business they would not take chances upon. Bribery, racism and favouritism are most undesirable case-scenario in these independent diplomatic third-world modernisation scheme.
Even in job selection and interview the famed medicine Sans Frontiers, MSF in short, (meaning Doctor without Borders) followed the worldwide standard procedure by excluding local medical staff members of Manipur so as to avoid favouritism, doubts and unfair influences. This elite world's largest free medical institution got the best staff members in Manipur on merit basis without reservation system. With free-treatments and sense of equality, the MSF would put to shame our pompous high charging doctors as they enlarge their field of works in both the hill and valley areas of Manipur. Many NGOs run by local workers failed to do justice contrary to the periodical reports sent by them. We had already known and experienced the embarrassing revelation of the shoc-king unequal manipulations of relief funds for victims of the Kuki-Naga ethnic conflict sent from Germany after the kidnapping of Herr Heinrich Wolfgang by the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). The good ol' Herr Heinrich (pr. hainrik) reportedly made correspondences with KLA leaders for 'enlightening' him with factual informations. Had the KLA abducted him solely for ransom, German sponsored NGOs comprising atleast 25% to 30% in Manipur would have restricted or abandoned a large number of their projects. And so would the Anglo-Americans and the Japs. Since we have no self-reliance natural resources and nor strategic importance, the best thing we, the citizens of Manipur, can do is to make sure that the image of our State which have received a real battering over the past two or three years must have to be stopped and redressed since the armed forces are not picnicking in the hill areas.
Most unfortunately, there is neither a hope of peace nor sign of normalcy at present. While the war against westernisation is in full swing, special efforts of modernisation is always on the backfoot. The socio-economical interest had already been compromised. What we have been experiencing over the past five years or so can be best described as 'controlled-anarchy' in democratic form. The State of Manipur had been put into sword by the burning and des-tructions of the State Assembly Hall, the CM's residence, MLA/Minister quarters, Central Library, various books, etc by her very own citizens. Understandably, the perpetrators easily got away with it. Whatsoever the excusable reasons might be, arson and vandalism are serious criminal offences; but most unfortunately the State law and order system inexplicably took it otherwise.
As of this very period, the burning, nay the explosive, issue is the Moreh market murder and bombing incidents. It all started when the UNLF gunned-down a JCO (Subedar/Lt) of the 24 AR's detachment near Moreh Gate no. 4 on 15th July, 2006, while he was out shopping. Understandably, enraged colleagues and ranks went on overdrive and even local media personnel were also not given warm welcome. If even a great footballer like Zinedine Zidane physical-ly reacted to a verbal sledging made by Marco Materazzi in such a shocking brutal reprisal in a World Cup final match, who could stop the aggrieved AR Jawans going rampage. Luckily, there was no massacre by means of indiscriminate firing as was done in the past. This is one plus point aftermath the introduction of the IG AR(s) office in Manipur: responsibility and direct accountability for field officers and ranks. Yes, none might condole the death of the JCO but it was his duty to die while on active service in CI OPs, the most honourable way to die for any armed forces personnel. Just when peace and security were on sight, another unbelievable incident shat-tered the tranquillity on the intervening night of July 18-19, 2006, when high explosive grenades and mortars rained down on two Kuki villages of Chawangphai and Moljol. There could be no excuse for these deadly bombings by suspected UNLF militants since it was not two or three but over a dozen right in the heart of populated villages. One might be mistake, two an error and three would be shots on target. One or two P-203 grenades or mortars falling astray can be termed as range-finding shots on military installation but not dozens. It's a good thing that the AR did not use the rules of military engagements and ho-noured the Do's and Don'ts of CI OPs. In all fairness, the AR has the right to retaliate with mortars, RPGs and machine guns, but refrained. Moreover, the Do's and Don'ts strictly specifies that exchange of heavy firing and mortarings should not be made if civilian population is in the line of fire or nearby which could cause unnecessary collateral damages. So, the Mo-reh incidents are the last thing the State of Manipur needed and the citizens are tired of being victims of circumstances either way. The bloody question is: 'Who is fighting for whom at which price?' It may be a perfect case scenario of the cliche 'between the devil and the Deep Sea'. Whatever the case might be, the uniqueness of insurgency movement in Manipur must have to be protected at all cost.
