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08/09/2006: "Nagas in Burma still living under Junta terror The Morung Express"

Nagas in Burma still living under Junta terror The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 7 (MExN): “The Nagas in Burma (Myanmar) are living in continuous terror, undergoing untold sufferings and miseries at the hands of the present infamous military junta.”
Sosa (Nuree), President, NNLD (Burma), articulated the plight of poor Naga villagers who, irrespective of age or sex, are forced to toil for the military Junta at gunpoint for months on end. These “forced labourers” are also expected to find their own means of food for sustenance.
“Not only are they forced to work at construction of roads, bridges, buildings and shelters required by the military, fetch water, collect firewood, but they are also forced to provide food grains, vegetables and livestock free of cost to the military. Furthermore, the villagers are forced to cook and cater to the wants of the military. Not satisfied with all that has been done by the villagers, the women and girls are often raped mercilessly” it was informed.
The Nagas in Burma are living through the darkest years of their life under the barbaric rule of the military “in the most inhuman way lesser than the slaves of the ancient world till date.”
The NNLD (Burma) made this earnest and sincere appeal to all, be they NGOs, the state government, groups or factions, intellectuals and individuals, to extend help and to support the Naga National League for Democracy in their fight for restoration of democracy in Burma.
For detailed information well-wishers and concern NGO, groups or individuals may contact the NNLD (based at Naharbari village) at – (03862) 231477, email: nnld_hq@yahoo.co.in
NSCN (K) initiative for consultations welcomed Naga Hoho, NSF, NPMHR calls for rescheduling meeting with NSCN (K) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGust 8 (MExN): In a joint meeting held today at Kohima, Executive Members of the Naga Hoho, the Naga Students Federation and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights deliberated over the news report in the local newspapers inviting them to meet the NSCN (K), at Mon, on or before August 10, 2006. The Joint Naga Civil frontal society organizations appreciated the initiative taken by the NSCN (K) for a consultative meeting as a positive step towards the common political vision and future for the Naga people.
“To struggle and survive as a people, we need to come together in council. Together we can overcome any differences that might have cropped up in course of our movement”, stated a joint press communiqué issued by Naga Hoho President Bendangmangyang Jamir, NSF General Secretary K. Elu Ndang and NPMHR Secretary-General Nepuni Piku. The joint meeting also took note of the manner in which the invitation had been conveyed over local papers only which might have occurred due to paucity of time and lack of further logistical intimation, it stated and decided to call upon the NSCN (K) leadership to reschedule the proposed meeting on the basis of a mutually convenient date and place preferably after a month from now to have a more meaningful interaction.
The joint meeting further urged the NSCN (K) leaders to ensure the presence of its Chairman and General Secretary for the proposed program.
NSCN(K) charges AR of taking share from NSCN(IM) spoils The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 7: The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland has strongly alleged that extortions carried out by cadres of NSCN (IM) along national highway-53 are done with the knowledge and understanding of the 38 Assam Rifles unit at Noney.

Alleging that the Assam Rifles unit at Noney shares amounts extorted from public by the NSCN(IM), a statement issued by the GPRN, NSCN(K) Zeliangrong region said a cadre of the NSCN(IM) was arrested by the AR unit for refusing to share a percentage of the extorted amount.

The matter is known to every commuter along national highway-53, the NSCN(K) statement said.

The outfit further alleged that the NSCN(IM) and the Assam Rifles have been creating terror for innocent civilians in the name of searching for militants. Citing an example, the outfit said combined troops of the Assam Rifles and the NSCN(IM) came to Haochong and Khumdong village in a Shaktiman truck on July 7 and harassed innocent civilians in the name of searching for NSCN(K) cadres.

Taking a serious view of such activities, the NSCN(K) warned both the government of India and Manipur government of serious consequences if the nefarious activities of the AR and the NSCN(IM) are not checked. Regarding the capture of three cadres of the outfit by AR troopers from Keithelmanbi on August 5, the outfit while clarifying that all the NSCN(K) cadres were bedridden due to illness during the time of their capture, alleged that the AR violated norms of the Supreme Court only to highlight their report of achievements to New Delhi. In the meantime, the outfit also clarified that one Kaithulung Kamei, 19, son of Paotilung of Noney, who was picked up by AR was not related to the outfit in any way.
Rio’s Dilemma The Morung Express Editorial
In a now famous quote, President Abraham Lincoln was said to have commented to a visitor to the White House in 1865: “If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem. It is true that you may fool all of the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all of the time; but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Unfortunately, Lincoln’s sage advice is too often ignored in present day politics even here in Nagaland. If it had not been for the Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench intervening or the local media giving platform to the issue, the whims and fancies of politicians and bureaucrats in the now infamous JEE debacle would have gone unnoticed and undefeated. In that case Thomas Jefferson’s prudent proverb about democracy would have continued to remain a myth for the masses.
As in the case of the aggrieved candidate Niuto S Chishi, it also proves that for the successful running of democracy, a well informed and vigilant public, an independent judiciary acting as a check on unlawful executive action and a dispassionate media fulfilling it duty, is of vital importance if justice is to be ensured. Therefore much credit goes to the three watch dog body for demonstrating that true democracy can indeed remain functional even in Nagaland if there is the courage of conviction to pursue truth and justice.
Coming back to the demand of the various students groups calling for the dropping of Imkong Imchen from the Neiphiu Rio Cabinet, now with the apex students body, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) likewise calling for a review of tenure of the Minister on moral grounds and misuse of power and setting an ultimatum of August 25 for the government to respond, Rio now has his hands full. The stoned silence of the government on the nepotism deal and failure to issue any public clarification till date gives the impression that the State Cabinet does not have the moral strength to come clean on the issue. It also raises suspicion about a deeper nexus and therefore, it is highly unlikely that the demand for Imchen’s removal from the Cabinet will be realized. And unless the students union and the government are prepared to have a long drawn battle, it would be advisable for both to seek a realistic solution to end the crisis.
Since the major demand of nullifying the illegal appointment to the two MBBS seat has now been fulfilled, it would be better if the students climb down from its original demand (of seeking Imchen’s ouster). Rather, how to restore public faith in the concerned department—important as it is for future recruitment of students for higher studies and courses—is therefore an immediate task of the government. Therefore the Chief Minister on his part, with whatever little choice he has, should now do the right thing by shifting the Minister from the Information Technology & Technical Education (IT & TE) Department without having to drop him. The Principal Secretary as administrative head of IT & TE should also be reprimanded and transferred out of his current posting. This is the least that the DAN government can now do if it wants to salvage some pride in the eyes of the public.
Marching forward The Morung Express Editorial
August 9 of every year is recognized as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. It was in 1994 that the United Nations General Assembly took the historic decision to observe August 9 as the day for Indigenous peoples and by this declaration it reflects a symbolic political statement recognizing the existence and rights of indigenous people. The date August 9 was chosen because it marks the day of the first meeting in 1982, of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations (UNWGIP) of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
After years of struggle in international forums, the issues of the indigenous people are now being addressed in the Permanent Forum of the United Nations and on June 29, 2006 the newly established Human Rights Council voted to forward the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to the United Nations General Assembly for adoption before the end of 2006. If adopted, the Declaration would be the first step towards addressing the rights and future of over 370 million Indigenous people worldwide.
Indigenous people worldwide continue to suffer from the legacy of colonialism and many of them languish under Countries they have not voluntarily agreed to be a part of. They suffer from historical injustices, as a result of which they have lost ownership over their lands, territories and resources. They are trapped within artificial boundaries created by colonial powers for their own strategic interest, without the knowledge and consent of the people. Indigenous people live in situations of extreme conditions of human rights violations; and the imposition of alien systems have negated and threatened their culture, rights and existence.
For centuries, the world refused to acknowledge the existence of indigenous peoples and their lands under international law were considered as terra nullis, meaning vacant land, which in the name of ‘discovery’ were colonized. It was only through the International Labor Convention 169 that the existence of indigenous peoples was mentioned; and the UNWGIP was formed in 1982. Even then, governments refused to accept indigenous peoples as peoples having equal rights. In fact in Australia, until the mid 1990s, the Aborigines were considered part of its flora and fauna, and not as people.
Till date, the UN has not defined the term peoples, inspite of the fact that all rights entailed by the UN are for peoples and not states. Despite such limitations and vagueness, the UN refuses to acknowledge indigenous peoples as peoples and prefers instead to identify them as ‘population.’ At its core, most governments are threatened by the indigenous peoples’ right of self-determination, which if recognized challenges the very foundation of most existing countries.
Against all forms of hegemonic policies and the arrogance of power, indigenous peoples world wide continue to affirm their right to determine their own political, social and cultural future and to exercise those rights freely without discrimination of any kind. It is the desire of indigenous people to contribute to the diversity and richness of civilization and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humankind. Considering that the idea of modern states has reached a point of uselessness and that consumerism is depleting the world’s resources, it is inevitable that humanity will be compelled to seek and rediscover indigenous values, ethos and patterns of human organizations. The circle of life will have to be complete. And so on this day, it is only natural to pay respect to indigenous peoples worldwide and to affirm the vision of building a world in which all peoples are treated equally with dignified respect.
NGOs’ plea to NSCN-K

Dimapur, Aug 8 (NPN): With barely two days left before the expiry of the summons issued to the Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) by the NSCN (K) for a meeting at Mon on or before August 10 over issues raised recently, a joint meeting of the NGOs held in Kohima on Tuesday called upon the NSCN (K) leadership to reschedule the proposed meeting.
A statement issued jointly by Naga Hoho president Bendangmangyang Jamir, NSF general secretary K. Elu Ndang, and NPMHR secretary-general Nepuni Piku urged the NSCN (K) to reschedule the meeting on the basis of a mutually convenient date and place, preferably after a month from now to have a more meaningful interaction.
The NGOs further urged the NSCN (K) to ensure the presence of its chairman and general secretary at the proposed meeting.
The joint meeting also took note of the manner in which the NSCN (K) conveyed the invitation through local dailies and felt it might have occurred due to paucity of time and lack of further logistical intimation.
The meeting appreciated the initiative taken by the NSCN (K) for a consultative meeting and viewed it as a positive step towards "our common political vision and future".
Iterating on the need for coming together to struggle and survive as a people, the meeting believed that "together we can overcome any differences that might have cropped up in the course of our movement".
NGOs’ plea to NSCN-K Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Aug 8 (NPN): With barely two days left before the expiry of the summons issued to the Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) by the NSCN (K) for a meeting at Mon on or before August 10 over issues raised recently, a joint meeting of the NGOs held in Kohima on Tuesday called upon the NSCN (K) leadership to reschedule the proposed meeting.
A statement issued jointly by Naga Hoho president Bendangmangyang Jamir, NSF general secretary K. Elu Ndang, and NPMHR secretary-general Nepuni Piku urged the NSCN (K) to reschedule the meeting on the basis of a mutually convenient date and place, preferably after a month from now to have a more meaningful interaction.
The NGOs further urged the NSCN (K) to ensure the presence of its chairman and general secretary at the proposed meeting.
The joint meeting also took note of the manner in which the NSCN (K) conveyed the invitation through local dailies and felt it might have occurred due to paucity of time and lack of further logistical intimation.
The meeting appreciated the initiative taken by the NSCN (K) for a consultative meeting and viewed it as a positive step towards "our common political vision and future".
Iterating on the need for coming together to struggle and survive as a people, the meeting believed that "together we can overcome any differences that might have cropped up in the course of our movement".
Naga MLAs back NBSE affiliation Sangai
Dimapur, Aug 7: Five Naga MLAs belonging to the Manipur Legislative Assembly have written to the Prime Minister requesting for early intervention to give effect to the affiliation of all the private schools in the Naga areas in Manipur State to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and approval thereof.
“We the Naga MLAs of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, in upholding the aspiration of our people we represent, decisively and resolutely support the stand of the Naga people”, the five MLAs have stated in the letter written to the Prime Minister.
Reminding of the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) declaration held under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) on November 4, 2005 at Taphou Naga Village and the representation of the ANSAM for affiliation of all the private schools of the Naga areas of Manipur State to the NBSE, the Naga MLAs of Manipur sought the early intervention of the Prime Minister as a special case to effect affiliation.
The MLAs urged the Prime Minister for immediate intervention in order to avert anticipated ‘inconveniences’ which may jeopardize the careers of thousands of Naga students in the four Naga districts of Manipur.
The five Naga MLAs from Manipur who have signed the representation to the Prime Minister include BD Behring of 41 Chandel (ST) A/C, Wungnaoshang Keishing of 43 Phungyar (ST) A/C, D Shaiza of 44 Ukhrul (ST) A/C, Henry Paotei of 47 Karong (ST) A/C and Samuel Jendai of 53 Tamenglong (ST) A/C.
Interestingly, the six other Naga MLAs, all from the Congress party did not append their signature to the representation. They include MLA and MPCC (I) President Gaikhangam, A Aza, RK Thekho, DK Korungthang, Power Minister Francis Ngajokpa, and Z Mangaibou.
(Courtesy : The Morung Express)
Army for bringing peace, harmony and devp, says Army Chief The Imphal Free Press

SINGHAT (Churachandpur), Aug 8: Chief of the army staff, General JJ Singh said that the presence of army and security forces in the remote areas of Singhat sub-division of Manipur has brought about a sense of security, peace and development in the region.

The chief of the army staff who was speaking at the inaugural function of a model village in Singhat went on to say that the army is not only for protection of the civilian populace from anti-social elements but also for bringing peace, harmony and act as a catalyst for development in the area.

"I am sure that this model village will benefit the people here in many ways," JJ Singh said adding that the model village he was inaugurating was the first phase of the three phase project taken up in the sub-division under the military civic action projects. He also assured the villagers gathered there that the remaining portion of the project would be completed within two years.

General JJ Singh on his brief visit to the village apart from inaugurating the model village, also formally opened two separate hostels for boys and girls having a capacity of 80 children, a library-cum-recreation centre and a traditional gate.

Felicitating the visiting chief of army staff, Singhat village chief Haokhlet said that the army had restored peace and tranquility in the area which had been disturbed by the underground elements. He hoped for more development activities in the area through the schemes and projects taken up by the army through their military civic action programme.

Earlier, JJ Singh accompanied by his wife and other top officials of the Indian army was received by school children and villagers on their arrival to the village.

The inaugural function was marked by the cultural dances of Paite, Simte, Zous and Vaiphei tribes performed by the villagers. The villagers also presented indigenous gifts to the visiting chief and other army officials. In return, JJ Singh and his wife also handed over gifts to the villagers.

As a thrust towards Sadbhavana, the model village at Singhat, aims at bringing modern amenities to the people in this remote region. The modern village has been created with full involvement of locals with technical, material and supervisory support provided by the army. The village boasts of solar lighting for roads, 40 bedded hospital, children`s park, water harvesting and sewerage scheme amongst other facilities.

General JJ Singh who is on a two day visit to the north east had arrived at Dimapur yesterday and later proceeded to Imphal. During his visit he carried out a detailed review of the operational situation of the army in the north east.

The COAS also interacted with officers and jawans and lauded their efforts in keeping the insurgency under check and creating a conducive environment for the civil administration to function effectively, the PRO, PIB said. He stressed the importance of people friendly operations and civic action programmes to help the local populace.

Anupama Singh, President AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association) also interacted with the ladies of all ranks at Dimapur and Imphal and discussed AWWA projects and welfare of families of all ranks, a release from PIB (DW) said.

The chief after the inaugural function returned directly to Imphal`s Tulihal airport and left for New Delhi after completing his two-day north east visit.

Singhat village is located at Thingbung ridge approximately 20 km away from the Indo-Myanmar border in Churachandpur district. The village lies at the junction of the historic Tiddim and Guite Road.

Having an adult population of nearly 2500 comprising Paites, Simtes, Zous, Vaiphais with a sprinkling of Mizos and Nepalis, the village is rich in natural resources and has enormous potential for development.

The PIB, defense wing stated that on the request of the local population, the army adopted Singhat village and undertook a number of military civic action projects on a three-year roll-on development plan.

A four-pronged strategy comprising human resource development, educational enhancement, women empowerment and infrastructure development has been planned under the project to convert this sub divisional HQ into a hub of education and development.

Eighty children from far flung areas close to the Indo-Myanmar border will be able to utilize the hostel facilities so as to pursue studies in various schools which otherwise would be an impossible dream for them, PIB (DW) said. A total of 13 projects costing approximately Rs. 2.78 cr have been planned for execution in three phases commencing from 2005-2006.

Eight projects under Phase I which have been completed were handed over by the chief of the army staff, to the villagers, today. The projects include separate hostels for boys and girls (80 children), library-cum-recreation centre, vocational training centre, traditional gate, tree plantation, solar street lights, renovation of existing government school and children`s park.

The projects planned in phase II (FY 2006-2007) are renovation of community hall, water supply and harvesting scheme, additional accommodation in hostel complex and construction of a bus stand. The phase III (FY 2007-08) comprises three projects stadium-cum-sports complex, improvement of internal roads and construction of shopping complex.
Army chief visits state, promises more aid Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Aug 7:: The chief of army staff, Gen. J.J. Singh today assured the people of Nagaland of more contributions towards the development of the state...

Laying the foundation stone for the Army Goodwill Public School at Angami Signal village, near 3 Corps, Dimapur, Gen. Singh said the army would continue with its efforts towards the development of the state. Education should be given top priority and the army would do everything possible to help the state government towards this end, he added.

The school — first of its kind in Nagaland — will be constructed with a financial outlay of Rs 17.82 crore, which will be funded by Operation Sadbhavana in a phased manner.

After laying the foundation stone, he added that said it is the duty of the government to provide quality education to the youth of the state. He also said that the army would ensure that all subsequent phases of expansion of the school are completed. The school will be provided with all modern facilities. The land for the school, measuring 18.23 acres, has been provided by the state government. Later, the army chief was briefed about the law and order situation in the state by the commander of 3 Corps and inspector-general of Assam Rifles and other top army officials. (H. CHISHI)
Army chief reviews NE situation Nagaland Post
KOHIMA (NPN): Army Chief, Gen J.J. Singh on Tuesday reviewed the situation in insurgency-hit Northeast during his visit to Nagaland and Manipur.
Reviewing the security scenario with senior Army officials in Manipur, Singh lauded the efforts being made by officers and soldiers in keeping insurgency under check and for creating a conducive atmosphere for the civil administration to function effectively, a defence communiqué stated. Gen. Singh also stressed on the importance of people-friendly operations and civic action programmes for helping the local populace.
He inaugurated a model village at Singhat in Churachandpur district of Manipur on Tuesday. The project is aimed at bringing modern amenities to the people in the remote area, the statement said.
The model village was built by locals with technical, material and supervisory support from the Army. It has solar lighting for roads, a forty-bed hospital, a children's park, and water harvesting and sewerage schemes.
Earlier on Monday, the Army chief laid the foundation of Army Goodwill Public School, the first of its kind in Nagaland, in Dimapur. Addressing Army officials, Gen. Singh explained that the objective of the school was to provide quality education to the youth of Nagaland.
Lack of financial capital hurdle for Naga entrepreneurs: Rio
Chizokho Vero Kohima | August 8 The Morung Express
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today termed ‘lack of financial capital’ as one of the most difficult constraints that Naga entrepreneurs are facing to set up business ventures in the state.
Hoping to build up the required confidence amongst the financial institutions for better participation in development of Nagaland, Rio urged the banks and financial institutions to become bolder, ‘more forward looking’ and more willing to take risks.
“Let me remind you that no great achievement has ever been made without taking calculated risks. Also remember that you are dealing with the first generation entrepreneurs, who are not yet adept in bank cultures. You have to show more understanding and flexibility while dealing with them,” Rio told the gathering at the one day interface of the First Generation Entrepreneurs with the State government and financial institutions at Zonal Council Hall here under the aegis of Entrepreneurs Associates (EA).
The state government has taken a number of positive measures to ensure better recovery of bank loans, he declared adding that it had already passed Debt Recovery Act and also declared certain areas where mortgaging of land against bank loan can be done. Unlike many other states, Nagaland has very little industries at the moment, he regretted. Rio, however, assured that there is a huge potential left untapped in Nagaland especially in Agri and allied sectors.
Rio also maintained that there has also been considerable improvement in the law and order situation in the state, leading to better investment climate.
Rio stated that there has been a visible change in the way young Nagas have approached and taken up entrepreneurship. As a result, there has been visible improvement in the area of self employment, and also in the number of employment opportunities generated outside the government sector.
“Many young people have started taking up micro enterprises. Let us support them and encourage them so that they become the drivers of economy growth of the state,” the Chief Minister said and wanted the banks and financial institutions to become fully involved in this process of industrialization of the state.
He said that the CD ratio in Nagaland as on 31.3. 05 is 23.29 per cent. It has now increased as on 31.3.06 to 26.39 per cent while the national average is 60 per cent plus.
“This is because that the credit facility is low, recovery rate is bad and banks are not willing to give loans in view of the lack of collateral mortgage”, Rio said adding that CD ratio will only improve when the banking laws, rules and regulations are considerably altered to suit the customary practices of the Nagas.
“We do not have in Nagaland what we want. There is no sound economic matching between demand and supply leading to imbalanced economic development,” he said adding that identification of industries and economic activities “is imperative for purposeful economic development.”
Rio observed that the entrepreneurs should play a vital role in this identification process.
Rio also expressed happiness that RBI has recently passed some directives to banking institutions to involve the cooperatives and NGOs in reaching credit to most of deserving and backwards areas of the country.
“This a welcome move, and we should not waste any more precious time in implementing the directive,” he said, adding that Nagaland has readily available NGOs and community management systems at grassroot levels like VDBs, which the financial institutions can take advantage.
Also expressing happiness to NEDFi for building relationship with the EA, he wished their relationship to grow from strength to strength.
Several persons including chief secretary Lalhuma, CMD NEDFi, Guwahati KN Hazarika, Zonal Head-East, Agribusiness, ICICI Bank Avijit Majumdar, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Nagaland, Deo Nukhu, Principal Secretary Industries Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS, Former chairman SIDICO Sikkim PD Rai spoke on the occasion.
EA’s coordinator Neichute Doulo shared the experience with micro finance while Thepuphi Kapuh chaired the function.
Voices of sanity at text books meet Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 08: A one-day open discussion on 'demand for an informal adoption of Nagaland Board curriculum and syllabus by some schools in Manipur and the future of students involved' held under the joint aegis of All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) at GM Hall here today has adopted various resolutions.

The resolutions include urging the Government of Manipur to settle the matter immediately and to make it public; to conduct a comparative analysis of the curriculum and syllabus of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur and Nagaland Board of Secondary Education before deciding further course of action, to appeal to all sections of the people in Manipur to refrain from linking ethnic politics to education and to organise mass campaign in this connection.

The session further resolved that a Joint Task Force (JTF) of AMSU and DESAM be entrusted with the task of implementing these resolutions.

Earlier taking part in the discussion, noted educationist Dr TH Gangte categorically stated that the efforts being made to adopt the curriculum and syllabus prescribed by Nagaland Board in the private schools located in the hill districts is unreasonable and would never materialise.

It is being done at the the instigation of some vested interest group of people with the main objective of setting one community against another, he said.

The contents of the text books and the syllabus prescribed by the Manipur Board are in no way inferior in comparison to the all India level whereas Nagaland is a State which does not have its own literature and standard language, Dr Gangte added.

Head of Political Science Department, Manipur University Ksh Bimola observed that the campaign being launched by some Naga student bodies to affiliate schools in the hill districts of Manipur to Nagaland Board and prescribe its text books is yet another attempt to give an impact on the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M).

School authorities, students and their parents could have been taken into confidence in this regard, she opined.

If the Government of India concedes to thedemand of the Naga students, then it would have its impact not only in the relationship of the two neighbouring States but also with India, she said, adding that this should be realised by the Naga leaders.

N Gojendra of Economics Department of NG College was also among the resource persons and educationists who attended and shared their opinions on the issue during the open discussion held with Dean of Students' Welfare, MU Prof W Nabakumar, AMSU president Birendra Chingakham and president of DESAM K Chinglenkhomba as presidium members.
State continues campaign at Delhi Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 08: State Education Minister L Nandakumar has called on the Union Minister of Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes in connection with the campaign to adopt Nagaland board prescribed text books in private educational institutes of the State's hill districts.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Nandakumar said the Union Minister has been thoroughly informed of the ongoing campaign by some organisations favouring study of Nagaland board text books and the prevailing situation arising out of the issue, in addition to presenting documents concerning State Government's decision on the matter.

Besides acknowledging the State Government's stance, Oscar Fernandes is claimed to have expressed that opposing the text books prescribed by the Board of one State and preferring the text books prescribed by the Board of another State will lead to overlapping of jurisdiction of the Boards concerned.

Nandakumar also contended that the Union Minister was detailed on Nagaland Board text books propagators resorting to coercive tactics to enforce their diktats.

Chairman of Manipur Board also accompanied the Education Minister.\
Centre upset over ULFA violence Nagaland Post New Delhi, Aug 8 (PTI): Centre today said it was "upset" over the spurt in violence by United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) but did not think there was a deadlock in the peace process with the banned militant outfit.
"We are upset that again there is a spurt in violence," Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters here when asked about the recent violence unleashed by the outlawed outfit in different parts of Assam.
Asked if ULFA had made any offer for direct talks with the Centre, he said "not so far".
On whether there was a deadlock in the peace process, Duggal parried a direct reply saying "no dialogue is absolutely smooth".
He, however, said there was no indication of talks at the moment but hoped they were held "sooner rather than later".
The Home Secretary said the Assam Government has been sensitised ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
ULFA militants get active around I-Day and increase their attacks to ventilate their ire. However, the Government had expected that the outfit would exercise some amount of restraint this time as the Centre had assured it of seriously exaimining the possibility of release of its five key leaders.
While ULFA has communicated to the Union Home Ministry that its precondition for direct talks with the Centre is release of the five leaders, the Government favoured the release only after ULFA gave a written assurance for participating in direct talks. Meanwhile, the ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG) is thinking of pulling out from talks with the Centre.