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07/29/2006: "Rio puts peace process at risk - Congress The Morung Express"

Rio puts peace process at risk - Congress The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JULY 28 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today stated that the final solution to the Indo-Naga problem should be acceptable by the all sections of the Naga people. At the same time, the Congress expressed concern over the recent plea of Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on the Naga Political issue, wherein he said the parties involved in the peace talks should arrive at an “Interim Agreement”.
“The present issue needs to be viewed seriously by all sections of the Naga people because without spelling out his (Rio) hidden agenda he is talking of Interim Agreement. What does he (Rio) mean by Interim Agreement, the people need to know from him”, NPCC Chief Hokheto Sumi stated in a press communiqué. The statement pointed out that Chief Minister Rio was talking of interim agreement without specifying what type of arrangement was being made under the interim agreement. “The NPCC questions Rio whether he has been authorized by either side of the parties involved in the peace talks or whether both the parties involved in the Peace talks are also working in line with Rio in regards to interim agreement. If not then, Rio is jeopardizing the peace process”, Sumi stated.
Reminding that some of the present DAN Ministers had denounced the 16 Point Agreement during last Parliamentary Election, 2004 but Rio was now referring to the 16 Point Agreement stating that the then political leaders were more akin in enjoying power then achieving the Naga sovereignty. “He has even questioned the credibility of those political leaders for not sorting out the Naga integration while pursuing for 16 Point Agreement”, the NPCC ridiculed. The 16 Point Agreement the NPCC maintained, was made as a stop-gap-arrangement to avoid any further loss of life and properties of the Naga people at that point of time.
Through this agreement the harassment, torture etc. faced by the Naga people was put to a halt and it gave birth to statehood, the NPCC stated.
“During the time of signing 16 Point Agreement by the then Naga leaders, Rio might have just started his student career in school. Instead of acknowledging the contributions of those leaders who paved the way for the future Nagas, he is blaming them despite occupying the chair of Chief Minister which is the fruit of 16 point agreement”, the NPCC stated.
The Congress further pointed out that at the time of signing the 16 point agreement, there was no talk of integration but through the wisdom of those leaders having the vision of the future Nagas, they had added the provision in the agreement and established the rights for integration of Naga inhabited areas. “The Naga political issue has come a long way and present Naga leaders should try to correct rather than criticize the circumstances leading to the signing of accords/agreements. As a Naga we have to acknowledge each other’s contribution in order to maintain unity and peace in our society.
NSCN-IM ridicules NNC statement Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JULY 28 (NPN): Ridiculing the press statement 'The NNC does not belong to Nagalim' by L Palang Khiamniungan of the NNC that appeared in a section of the local media, the NSCN-IM said 'Nagalim' or 'Nagaland' carried the same political significance.
In a rejoinder, K. Tsuzu, steering committee, NSCN-IM, said "when we say Nagalim it means land of the Nagas. It embraces all Naga areas."
Tsuzu also said that when Palang wrote "The NNC does not belong to Nagalim," the latter was right since the NNC had accepted the Constitution of India through the Shillong Accord, adding NNC no longer belonged to Nagalim or Nagaland.
Reiterating his remark that NNC and Shillong Accord are two faces of the same coin, Tsuzu said the present NNC (after Shillong Accord) is a dead organization, which cannot be "re-incarnated" for all times to come.
Advising Palang to stop such kind of "venomous preaching" to the Naga innocent public, the NSCN-IM leader said he was talking about historical facts when he mentioned that hundred of freedom fighters were killed by the Accordists during military coup.
"To cite an example, 72 national workers were killed at Langnuk Village alone. If Mr. Palang were there that time he must be knowing all about the blood massacre," Tsuzu added.
He further said Phizo was made the president of both NNC and FGN by the National Assembly convened under the leadership of Isak and Muivah, but that it was the Accordists who pulled him down. "We can substantiate this with documents," Tsuzu disclosed.
‘FGN free from Shillong Accord’ The Morung Express

KOHIMA, JULY 28 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today said that they have completely freed themselves from the Shillong Accord of 1975 since a decade ago as such there is no reason for targeting their cadres and further fueling the increasing fratricidal killings amongst the Naga national workers.
A FGN release by its Kilo Kilonser, Zaleo Chakhesang claimed that all its cadres had vacated the Transit Peace camp, since the call made by the then President Lt Zashei Huire to disown the accord in 1996, and the subsequent directive issued by its incumbent President Brig. S. Singnya in 2000 asking all the cadres to move out of the said camp.
“People living there now are Shillong Accordists who have accepted the constitution of India in the name of underground organizations”, FGN stated.
Therefore, it said that the Shillong Accord can not be used as a reason to justify the killing of their cadres, and also can not be termed as the obstacle towards Naga unity, which they said some people still choose to do so.
The FGN also cautioned that refusing to accept this reality, and continue self destruction of Naga family by any one will be only facilitating India’s game of attempting to establish its supremacy over Nagaland, which the latter have failed to achieve through military might for over the past five decades. FGN also further said that the ‘infamous’ Shillong Accord of 1975 has become one of the most controversial issue for the Naga national workers to part ways, as some people used this Accord as the ‘foot- stool’ to break away from the NNC to form NSCN, and since then fratricidal killings has been continuing unabated for the last 26 years now.
However, in spite of the continuingly increasing factional feuds, some accordists refuse to disown the accord, instead, still funnily claim to bear the national responsibility, it stated. This, the FGN said is providing fuel to a ‘devastating fire’, which the accordists refuse to admit. And further, added that this refusal of the accordists to disown the Transit Peace Camp is providing an ample ground for the people with motive to continue with the fratricidal killings in the land.
FGN Kilonser also asserted that as its President, Brig. S. Singnya has declared in its Tatar Hoho on April 6 this year, that the NNC/FGN has freed themselves from the Shillong Accord, there is no reason for disunity and fratricide amongst the Nagas, by using the Accord as an excuse.
The ongoing peace talks between the GOI and NSCN-IM tends to confuse some of the people, but there can be no solution short of sovereignty, it stated, adding that true and lasting solution to the protracted Indo-Naga conflict can be achieved only when India comes forward with true and sincere approach to solve it with the mandated NNC and the FGN.
It further said that each and every Naga is a participant in the noble Naga cause, as they are all involved through one way or the other- economically or morally or physically, but said that when this sacrifice of a person are being used against the interest of the nation some one, the donor is also equally responsible.
“Unity of our people and a common approach to the common cause can only bring success and accomplishment of our national goal”, the FGN said. Zaleo also called upon all the Nagas to serve the nation in just and right way.
Naga Peace talks deferred The Morung Express
Guwahati, July 28 (IANS): Peace talks to extend a ceasefire between a frontline separatist group in India’s northeast and New Delhi’s emissaries scheduled for Friday in Bangkok have been deferred by a day, a rebel leader said.
Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM), the main rebel group in Nagaland state, were to meet government peace interlocutors led by central minister Oscar Fernandes for talks on the nine-year ceasefire that expires July 31. The NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire with New Delhi in August 1997.
“The talks begin Saturday in Bangkok and are likely to extend up to Sunday,” R.H. Raising, a senior NSCN-IM leader, told IANS over the phone from Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur.
The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, last week threatened not to extend their ceasefire, accusing the Indian Army of supplying weapons to a rival rebel outfit to provoke a “fratricidal war”.
“I cannot say conclusively if the ceasefire would be extended beyond Monday. It would depend on the outcome of the talks to be held in Bangkok,” Raising said. The rebel leaders are expected to seek a clarification from the government on their charges of arming the rival NSCN faction led by S.S. Khaplang.
“The talks would be crucial as we want to know from the government about the security forces either smuggling weapons seized from our cadres or providing such seized arms to one of our rival factions,” another senior NSCN-IM leader said.
“The question of ceasefire extension now depends on the response to our charges by the government in the Bangkok talks.”India and the NSCN-IM have held at least 50 rounds of peace talks in the past nine years.
Naga talks in Bangkok from today to save ceasefire By IANS Saturday July 29,
Guwahati, July 29 (IANS) Peace negotiators from New Delhi are beginning fresh talks in Bangkok Saturday with a frontline Naga separatist group to save a nine-year-old ceasefire from breaking down, officials said. The talks with top leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), the main rebel group in the northeastern state of Nagaland, were earlier due to begin Friday but were deferred by a day.
Central Minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's main peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah will meet top leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction in Bangkok.
'The two-day talks will primarily focus on the question of extending the ceasefire and also discussing other major demands,' said a home ministry official, requesting anonymity. 'We are confident of the two sides agreeing to extend the ceasefire as the people of Nagaland want peace and a permanent solution to the problem.' The last ceasefire extension expires July 31. The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, last week threatened not to extend their ceasefire accusing the Indian Army of supplying weapons to a rival rebel outfit to provoke a 'fratricidal war'.
'The question of extending the ceasefire depends on the outcome of the talks. Nothing can be said at this moment,' R.H. Raising, senior NSCN-IM leader, told IANS by telephone from Nagaland.
The rebel leadership is expected to seek a clarification from New Delhi on their charges of arming the rival National Socialist Council of Nagaland faction led by S.S. Khaplang. The NSCN-IM had accused security forces of seizing weapons from its cadres and then supplying such arms to the rival group. The army denies the allegations.
'The question of ceasefire extension now depends on the response to our charges by the government in the Bangkok talks. We have also sought several modifications of the ceasefire ground rules,' another NSCN-IM leader said. The rebel leader refused to give details of the changes sought in the truce ground rules. The original Nagaland rebel group split in 1988 into two factions. The NSCN (Khaplang) struck a ceasefire with the government in 2001 although no formal peace talks have yet been held. The two sides regularly clash for territorial supremacy. At least 200 members of both outfits have been killed in turf battles in the past five years. The main group led by Muivah and Swu is seeking a 'Greater Nagaland' that would unite 1.2 million Nagas, a demand strongly opposed by the neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
The other group is seeking an independent tribal homeland. India and the NSCN-IM have held at least 50 rounds of peace talks in the past nine years to end one of the longest-running insurgencies that have claimed around 25,000 lives since the country's independence in 1947.
NSCN (IM)-Centre talks in Bangkok Xee News
New Delhi, July 29: The next round of talks between NSCN(IM) and Centre is scheduled to be held in Bangkok for two days starting later in the day, today. The current phase of six-month long ceasefire with the Naga rebel group is set to expire on 31st July. Union Minister Oscar Fernandez who is leading the team of government negotiators, paid visit to Nagaland last week to feel the pulse before proceeding to Bangkok to hold next round negotiation with the rebel group. Fernandez has met politicians and representatives of various NGOs in Nagaland.

The ceasefire is likely to be extended for another term as both sides are aware that people of the hill state are longing for a peaceful solution to Northeast`s oldest insurgency problem. Nine years have passed since the NSCN(IM) and Government of India entered into truce and started negotiation in 1997 to find a solution to the problem. Both the sides have kept utmost confidentiality about the progress hitherto made in the peace negotiation while it is being construed that a road map for a solution to Indo-Naga conflict is being hammered out.

The apparent major roadblock in the progress of the peace process seems to be the NSCN-IM`s demand for all Naga-inhabited areas of Asom, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. New Delhi`s response to the demand has been that it required consensus among all the concerned states although it is yet to take up the issue with Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

State governments in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have already expressed their opposition to any disturbance to their present geographical boundaries. Not only the governments, different political and social organisations in these states are vociferous against NSCN-IM`s demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas. Bureau Report
Needed, a real Dialogue By Dolly Kikon Tehelka
All existing politico-legal frameworks have proved futile in fulfilling the aspirations of the Naga people. More broadbased engagement with civil society is urgently required
The campaign for unifying different administrative units of the Northeastern states inhabited by Nagas has generated ardent critics and supporters. This issue remains one of the most contentious topics in the negotiations between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) and the Government of India (GOI). In January 2006, Th. Muivah, the general secretary of the NSCN-IM threatened to “go back to arms”. He agreed at the eleventh hour to extend the ceasefire with a condition that the goi should be willing to sit down and talk about more concrete issues. The present ceasefire agreement ends on July 31, 2006. Muivah’s message is clear: the unification of Naga-inhabited areas cannot be compromised, and if the goi fails to engage with this, the talks might as well be called off. Surely, the claim for a single administrative Naga unit is a popular demand, which elicits passionate responses from all parties concerned. Thus, it is important for the Nagas to share their notions of this unified homeland, its historical context and more importantly how they plan to negotiate issues of citizenship, minority rights, indigenous people, resources and rights of women. Aug 05, 2006
Minister Zhimomi calls for strengthening unity among Nagas The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, July 28 (MExN): Minister for Industries & Commerce and Sericulture, Government of Nagaland, Khekiho Zhimomi today called upon the entire Naga tribes to strengthened unity while expressing his view that the present Naga co-existence scenario which according to him the unison present in the society then, is gradually fading away. The minister said that the time to bring Naga indigenous people together has come particular among the citizens dwelling in the commercial hub which encompasses various tribes. He was speaking during the inaugural session of the day-long Seminar on ‘Socio-economic Development’, organized by the Chakhesang Hoho, Dimapur, sponsored by the State Agricultural Department, Government of Nagaland here today at the Agri Expo site.
Minister for Industries & Commerce and Sericulture, Khekiho Zhimomi, addressing the gathering. (Bottom) Participants in traditional attires during the day-long Seminar on ‘Socio-economic Development’ at Agri Expo site, Friday, July 28. (MExPix)
Reflecting on past unpleasant incidents which created much tension among three of the biggest Naga tribes - the Sumis, Chakhesangs and the Angamis, the minister held it responsible to the invasion of destructive elements for political interests. Day by day as the relationship grows stronger, Zhimomi reminded that “You” and “I” should be the keys to strengthen the process of building unity among the Nagas.
While speaking on developmental activities and opportunities that have been so far initiated by the DAN government, the minister advocate to go out and exploit them by one-self and not wait for the government to “spoon feed”. Further he added that while exploring, one’s mindset and attitude should be optimistic and should be sentient in exploring it. The Minister also said that the present mindset of the people about solely depending on the Government for survival, needs to be changed.
In his early acquaintance with various communities, he said, that the one good quality that the Chakhesangs possesses is straightforwardness, which he encouraged the gathering to preserve at any cost. He encouraged to take up various entrepreneurship as the state possesses enough avenues, adding that what most people lack dignity of labor. He said that the present Government is doing its best to encourage the educated youths for sustainable economic growth by opening various platforms. Regarding the objectives of the seminar, he said that the resource persons are the right people for disseminating the right information to the people, which will benefit the community in the days to come.
The Resource persons for the seminar were Nguzonyi Wetsah, DAO, Dimapur, Dr. Kuveduyi Theyo and S.K.Kenye, Addl. Director, Geology & Mining, Nagaland.
NSCN-IM responds to NSCN-K’s reward offer
Dimapur, July 28 (MExN): The NSCN-IM, reacting to what it stated was the NSCN-K offering Rs 1 Lakh “reward” to those giving informing on the killers of Zubenthung Tsopoe on July 13, stated that it is the NSCN-K itself who killed the mentioned cadre. “In this regard I the undersigned would like to clarify our stand to the public that Zubenthung Tsopoe was killed by SS Lt Vitoi, Khaplang group at the residence of Mr Shikato on 13th July, 2006” according to a rejoinder issued by T Keditsu, CAO, Angami region.

“After committing the heinous crime, they are attempting to blame others. What a sense of crime of crimes. Their motive and principle is always to create confusion and bring enmity among the Nagas. The truth will reveal the truth to them one day or the other” it stated.
NSCN (IM) clarifies on shooting incident Newmai News Network

Imphal, Jul 27: National Socialist Council of Nagalim of Isak-Muivah faction (NSCN-IM) today viewed the attack at Leingangching under Chandel district seriously and urged the higher authority of the Assam Rifles to check the code of conduct of the involved Major of 21 Assam Rifles, said the central administrative officer (CAO) D.Joy Rudolph, Khurmi Region.

A press statement issued to Newmai News Network said that in the last almost ten years of ceasefire between the government of India (GOI) and the NSCN(IM) not a single bullet was fired upon the Indian armed forces till date.

"Infact, if the NSCN want to be dishonest with the ceasefire commitment and peace process a tactical war would have been launched against the Indian armed forces anytime, anywhere. However, the NSCN wants to prove to the world that Nagas are peace loving nation thus far," said the Khurmi region, NSCN(IM).

The NSCN(IM), Khurmi region then stated that inspite of the numerous loss of precious lives of Nagas the NSCN(IM) continues to stick to its commitment of co-existing harmoniusly and "we endure to continue the same."

"The incident of Leingangching would have been avoided if the 21 Assam Rifles maintained the discipline expected of the powerful Indian army. However 21 Assam Rifles deliberately failed to maintain their status quo and therefore, unfortunately the gunfire took place," said the statement.

As a matter of fact, as soon as the NSCN(IM) reached the village, one Indian army pensioner indentified as one Thamthung was sent to the nearby ROP of 21 AR and a Major was informed about the NSCN(IM) cadres presence, said the Khurmi region of the NSCN(IM).

"However, after 25 minutes the Major and his personnel came in five vehicles and rushed inside the village and started firing at close range at us. As the firing came from the indisciplined 21 AR we relunctantly blank fired few rounds and the rapid fire from AR invited us to launch a lethod bomb just to stop them from firing at us. The lethod was fired 200 feet away from 21 AR location and the village," disclosed the NSCN-IM.

"Had 21 AR listened to our call for ceasefire, no firing would have taken place.

Earlier we intercepted the information of the 21 AR asking its unit for more ammunition on the eve of the incident but never thought the NSCN will be targeted by them,"added the NSCN(IM).

"Further, according to 21 Assam Rifles` press statement our movement was already known to them. And all this proved that the attack was being pre-planned," alleged the NSCN(IM).

It then said that the injured 21 AR personnel got injured by their (Assam Rifles) own grenade blast.

The NSCN(IM) accused the Assam Rifles of killing SN Premson who was reported to be a college student by the Assam Rifles Major from infra bullet series No. K.F.03.5.56.

"If post mortem of the dead body and the injured jawan is done honestly the bullet inside and pieces of grenade will clearly tell the truth, as the truth never fails to tell the truth," pointed out the NSCN(IM), adding that "it was not of the lethod bomb as alleged and also that the location of the innocent dead body will also justify the truth".

The NSCN(IM), dismissed the reports of seizing of arms and ammunitions from the outfit.

Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples Organization, Chandel and the Naga Students Union Chandel have expressed strong condemnation to what it called merciless killing of an innocent student in the aftermath of yesterday`s fire-fight between troops of the 21 Assam Rifles and NSCN(IM) cadres at Leingangching in Chandel district.

Fearing civilian casualties, NSCN(IM) cadres held back their fire and withdrew from the area even as the troops of the 21 Assam Rifles continued to fire indiscriminately, NPO said in a statement and strongly alleged that the post commander of the AR unit mercilessly shot dead a student soon after the exchange of fire stopped. Appealing to the concerned authorities to take up appropriate action to award befitting punishment for the killing of the student, the NPO also warned of taking up severe action. From Manipur to Beirut: a leader leads

Drop guns, take up work: Rio Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JULY 28 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called for a change in the attitude of the Nagas and move from "gun culture to work culture" to usher in progress in Nagaland.
Prioritizing the need to foster developments in the state, Rio said "Even if there is a political solution, nothing will happen unless the Nagas change their attitude."
Signifying that progress was feasible in peaceful atmosphere, he urged the people to shun "gun culture" and embrace the dignity of work.
Rio, who was the chief guest at the commissioning of Chathe Minor Irrigation project at Chumukedima Friday, also dwelled on the consumerist attitude of the Nagas and said "Nagas have to be a producing society."
In a slight departure from his usual stance on the Indo-Naga political issue, the chief minister said Nagas are always chanting for sovereignty, while maintaining they are literally sustained with funds from Delhi.
Expressing satisfaction with the department concern for the completion of the project, Rio said a number of schemes are in the offing under the Bharat Nirma projects and asked the department to come up with a master plan within a period of ten years.
Informing that the DAN government was aiming for surplus in agricultural production, Rio said the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control is undertaking all possible measures to provide equipment to farmers.
He also acknowledged the increasing production of rice in the foothills and felt this can be a considerable factor in bolstering the state's economy.
Towards this end, Rio informed that the state is mooting to set up agro-chemical industry to enhance agricultural production.
Rio also cited "the land owners' issue" as stumbling block for development in Nagaland. In spite of many proposals, the sate could not initiate big projects due to this issue, he rued.
MC Konyak, Parliamentary Secretary, in-charge of Irrigation and Flood Control, formally handover the "Assured Irrigation Facilities" to the Water Users Association.
In his address at the function, Konyak expressed contentment that the handing over of the project coincided with "Year of the Farmers."
The Chathe Minor Irrigation project was built at the cumulative cost of Rupees 2.99 crore under the scheme sanctioned by Department of Irrigation and Flood Control.
Valley bodies urged not to interfere in affiliation process Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, Jul 26: The United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), the Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and All Naga Student Association Manipur (ANSAM) urged the valley NGOs not to interfere in the Nagaland Board School Education affiliation process.

According to the joint statement issued to Newmai News Network last night signed by UNC president K.S Paul Leo, NWUM president Grace Shatsang, NPMHR (south sector) coconvenor S.Phakhami and ANSAM president Paulring Langhu said that the 163 private schools in the "four Naga Hill districts" of Manipur are in the process of getting affiliated to Nagaland Board School Education.

"Unfortunately, there are some people/organisations that simply cannot accept the reality.

The C.M. of Manipur O.

Ibobi is one such", the statement said. With regard to the statement made by the Manipur C.M. which said that "the education is a state subject and the State Government will never agree to such a proposal" meaning the affiliation of the private schools to NBSE, the Naga NGOs termed it just a political gimmick to save his chair.

"However, at the back of his mind, O. Ibobi knows it fully well that the decision of the Union Govt prevails, on any subject be it on the state or on the concurrent list.

.OIbobi should not attempt to stifle the democratic aspirations of the minorities by stooping to cheap gimmicks unless he is a mere pawn in the hands of some organisations of the valley community with vested interests", said the frontal Naga social organisations, adding, "we respect his democratic right to expression, but he should not expect the public to be so gullible as to easily believe his lies." Further, it said that the Naga people in the four "Naga Hill districts" of Manipur are just expressing their democratic aspirations by deciding to get affiliated to NBSE wherein they find their cultural expression.

The Naga frontal organisations then asserted that they have always respected the aspirations of other communities and expected that others should reciprocate for it.

The Naga NGOs then directed the social organisations of the valley community such as MAFYF, AMSU, NIPCO and Jiribam Development Council to desist from creating irrational violence to interfere in the NBSE affiliation process.

The Naga NGOs termed the attitude of the valley community based social organisations as "dominant and dictatorial" and added that their hue and cry (arson and burning of effigies of Indian leaders) in the Manipur valley will not in anyway halt the affiliation process.
Students in hill districts switch to Govt schools Sentinel
IMPHAL, July 28: With some Naga organisations demanding affiliation of schools to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE), several students in private schools in four hill districts of Manipur have switched over to government schools to continue studying under the Manipur Board of Secondary Education (MBSE).
Official reports said today that said altogether 149 students of private schools in Ukhrul, Chandel and Senapati had recently switched over to government schools after being allowed by the MBSE.
Reports said some Naga organisations, which have been demanding affiliation of schools in Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong to Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE), had earlier burnt the books prescribed by MBSE in some hill areas
Unofficial sources said some persons in the hills were distributing text books prescribed by NBSE to private schools which were being forced to teach NBSE text books.
Fearing that they might lose their academic year, many students have sought admission in government schools, official sources said adding that they would be allowed to take admission although the academic year was half way through.
Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh had earlier said it would not be possible for private schools in Manipur to affiliate to Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) because each board had its own jurisdiction.
He had appealed to those organisations which were seeking affiliation of private schools to NBSE to stop disturbing the students in hill districts as this would lead disruption of academic year of several students in the state. PTI
COHR decries AR's excesses By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 28 : While condemning in the strongest term all the incidents of human rights violations committed by Assam Rifles personnel under the immunity provided by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 such as extreme physical and mental torture, involuntary disappearance of numerous individuals after being picked up by security forces, rape, murder etc, the Committee on Human Rights (COHR) has pledged all support in the subsequent people's movement against security forces and the State Government in the aftermath of the arrest of Samuel Kabui (20) by 38 AR and the murder of SN Premson (25) by 21 AR.
A statement issued by COHR took strong exception to the rough treatment meted out to villagers of Noney by 38 AR when the villagers were staging a protest in a democratic manner demanding the release of innocent Samuel Kabui who was taken into their custody on July 25.
Many persons victimised by the Assam Rifles personnel for protesting the arrest are still undergoing treatment at hospitals, it disclosed.
It further asserted that SN Premson was killed by Assam Rifles personnel who fired indiscriminately while he was coming out from the latrine at his home in Leingangching under Waikhong police station on July 26.
Sharing the grief and loss felt by the families, COHR called for a united struggle, irrespective of ethnicity and community to abolish the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 which is being used to commit atrocities against the people of the North East region and Manipur in particular, conveyed the statement.
R kicks off Media Mgt drive By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 28 : In an endeavour to avoid any possible stand off between security forces and media persons in the future while discharging their respective duties in the State, a discussion programme on media management was held today at HQs 9 Sector Assam Rifles, Keithelmanbi.
The discussion participated by three senior journalists and officers and JCOs of 32 AR, 22 Maratha LI, 21
AR and 4 AR made a study of the obligations of both the security forces and media persons in conflict situations.
Speaking on the occasion, PRO of IG AR (South) Lt Col Mathur acknowledged the constraints endured
by media persons in terms of time factor while collecting news reports to meet the deadline of filing their reports.
He remarked that military-media relationship should not be strained under any circumstances.
Lt Col Mathur also mentioned the certain dos and don'ts for soldiers while dealing with media persons.
Explaining the difficulties and inconveniences faced by reporters while discharging their duties in conflict zones which often saw stand off between security forces and scribes, the senior journalists maintained that it is their duty to cover all events.
They further observed that such misunderstanding between security forces and media persons can be avoided only when security forces abide by the guidelines given to them while dealing with the media at sensitive places.
Students power and Manipur
There is something unique about the student community of Manipur which sets them apart from their peers in other parts of the country or even the world. That student organisations have emerged as one of the most powerful pressure groups is a fact that is accepted across the world and nearer home one just has to recollect the movement launched in Assam in the 80s by the All Assam Students' Union and the birth of the Asom Gana Parishad. In Manipur too, student organisations have been at the forefront of many issues, social and political. The anti-foreigner movement launched by the All Manipur Students' Union and the then AMSCOC remains a landmark in the history of the land. This was followed by the demand to include Manipuri in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Student organisations in the hill districts of Manipur have also been equally effective in highlighting their issues. The 52 days economic blockade imposed by the All Naga Students' Union, Manipur will not be forgotten in a hurry and the recent burning of the text books prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur in the hill districts under the aegis of ANSAM is another telling commentary of the clout and influence of student organisations. The Zomi Students' Federation had recently boycotted all the MLAs and the stand off that was witnessed between the student body and the district administration of Churachandpur some time back was a clear reflection of the power that students wield. In fact situation is such that student organisations have been able to jolt the Government machinery awake on numerous occasions and many a time the Government had to buckle under the demands raised by students across the State. Student power in a democracy is understandable and may even be encouraged, but there comes a time when all the action and course of agitation taken up by students cannot be left unquestioned.
In as much as students should be allowed to voice their protest and at times even take the leading role in rousing the people awake to some sensitive issues, questions may well be asked over the conduct and motive of the students when they take up critical issues. During the last few years, it has become something of an accepted culture for students of any institution to take to the streets to protest the demand of a teacher or two. This situation raises certain pertinent points that should be given due thoughts to by all concerned. Have the students taken to the street to protest the transfer, because the Government had failed to post their replacements ? If this is the case then the Government should be pilloried for refusing to see justice. On the other hand we may also ask whether the students have come out to protest on some whimsical ground, such as the teacher/s being transferred has struck up a good rapport with the students and the transfer will affect their institution ? These are questions worth raising now for increasingly students have started coming out on the street to protest whenever any teacher is being transferred to some other place. Transfers and postings to the hill districts and remote areas come along with the baggage of being a Government employee and this is a fact that should not be lost on anyone. There are times when it would be prudent for the students not to meddle in Government policies, for students should remain students and framing policies and programmes should be left to the Government.