08/10/2006: "Kukis negate Nagas claim on districts The Morung Express"

Kukis negate Nagas claim on districts The Morung Express Imphal, August 9: Asserting that the movement for affiliation of private schools located in Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel districts to Nagaland Board of Secondary Education being undertaken by ANSAM is conceivably in support of NSCN (IM)’s long standing demand to integrate Naga inhabited areas, the Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Kuki Students’ Organisation have sought a definite clarification from the Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh whether he had assured the Naga students of affiliation to NBSE as reported in the July 23 issue of The Telegraph.
An open letter sent to the Union HRD Minister asserted that NSCN (IM), UNC and ANSAM were behind the slaying of 900 Kukis during the ethnic cleansing campaign of early 90’s.Noting that NSCN (IM) is not the sole representative of the Nagas, the Kuki bodies asked the Union Minister as to why the other ethnic groups settling in close vicinity with the Nagas are not taken into account or allowed to participate while talking with NSCN (IM), UNC or ANSAM. The letter took serious note of the claim by some Nagas that Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel are ‘Naga districts’.
Earlier they said that these four districts were ‘Naga majority districts’ and now they are claiming these districts as ‘Naga inhabited areas’ and finally as Naga districts. Observing that no district in Manipur is exclusively inhabited by a single ethnic group or community, KMHR and KSO rejected the claim of the Nagas saying that Kukis are majority in Churachandpur, Chandel and Sadar Hills while the Nagas are majority only in Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati districts.
Maintaining that districts are created within the States for administrative convenience and as they are very much part and parcel of the State, the open letter noted any matter or issue pertaining to these districts should be a State subject and it must be up to the State whether the matter needs to be forwarded to the Centre or not. It further noted that anything related to hill districts has to be dealt with by the Hill Area Committee of the State which is responsible for all the hill people and the entire hill areas.
Contending that Kukis, not Nagas are majority in the hill districts of Manipur, the open letter stated that if the Nagas want to continue their communal politics, they can, at best speak for Nagas. They don’t have any right to speak for the whole hill districts of Manipur without the consent of the Kukis or to bypass the State Government. Further it disclosed that the Kukis are closely observing every turn of both the State and Union Govts and cautioned the Union Minister against inciting any communal war adding that they want justice.
A. Z Jami’s response to IM write ups- Nagaland Post
This is a short response to IM's fable published in the Nagaland Post on August 9 under the caption 'Introspection of A.Z Jami'. I would like to say, in the first place, that I don't deserve the valid importance and praises they (IM) are showering on me. I don't think myself so capable as the IM are considering me to be and are sore afraid when they come cross my name or anything written by me.
In a way, they (IM) are compelled to praise me, at the same time, jealous of me, because what I have and could do are not my own but gifts of God. I have to appreciate them (IM men) from the bottom of my heart for making me so important and popular before the general public. As they (IM men) considered me to be, I will continue to fight for them (IM men) and for the Nagas, which I have started when I was only 17.
IM men should not be so frightened and frustrated for their Peace Process being nationalists. Don't worry, there is NSCN/GPRN under the leadership of SS. Khaplang and N. Kitovi Zhimomi to salvage the Naga people and Nagaland. Lastly, don't be afraid of me so much, because your writings show to the people like that, rather pray for me so that I could do something for you also. In one way it seems, the IM men know very well, how many times I am having sex with my wife in one night. The dogs bark, but the caravan goes on.
A. Z Jami, Convener Council of Kilonsers, GPRN(K)
NSF Federal Assembly at historic Massacre site The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 9 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) will be holding its 4th Federal Assembly on September 6, 2006 at Matikhru, near Meluri, a historic place in Nagaland where in 1960 the Punjab Regiment massacred villagers of Matikhru. Important issues would be taken up for which all federating units and subordinate bodies have been asked to attend without fail. The Pochury Students Union (PSU) is taking the pleasure to organize the assembly in the best interest of the Pochuris in particular and the Nagas in general, an NSF intimation issued through its Speaker, WH Maring, stated. The assembly has been scheduled coinciding with the observation of ‘Black September’ by the Pochury community. On September 6, 1960 the 16th Punjab Regiment of the Indian Armed Forces under the command of Major Kanger posted at Kanjan village committed inhuman atrocities by massacring villagers of Matikhru, the NSF reminded. “The NSF officials will be moving from its office on the 5th September morning around 7am. All the concern student bodies are hereby requested to reach the NSF office before 7am or move from wherever they are to reach the venue early” the NSF intimated, wishing the PSU a successful hosting of the Federal Assembly.
Kohima police nab extortionists Beizo Angami and Ato Angami in police custody. (MExPix) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUG 9 (MExN): Kohima police led by 2nd OC South PS and I/C DIB took prompt action upon an extortion complaint received and apprehended 2 (two) extortionists from New Reserve area Phesama on August 8 at about 10:10 PM. They were identified as (1) Beizo Angami (30 yrs), S/o-Viketsolie, Phesama village and (2) Ato Angami (25 yrs), S/o-Lt. Kedoho, Zhakhama village. The two arrested extortionist had extorted/ looted cash as well as personal belongings including a wrist watch from one police personnel by threatening with iron rods, dagger, etc. on NH-39 below Police Unit Baptist Church, New Reserve while he was returning back home, informed SP Kohima.
Police recovered the looted cash and the wrist watch from the possession of the accused and handed over to the victim. During preliminary enquiry, the dagger which the extortionists used for extortion was also ascertained to have been stolen from the house of one J.B. Karki. A separate case has been registered against both the offences for thorough investigation.
Appeal made against ethnic politics in education The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 8: An open discussion on `Demand for an informal adoption of Nagaland Board curriculum and syllabus by some schools in Manipur and future of students involved` held today at Imphal organised by AMSU and DESAM resolved to appeal to all sections of the people of Manipur to refrain from entangling in ethnic politics with education so as to prevent future damage to the students community.

After minute discussions and deliberations, the open discussion resolved to urge the government of Manipur to settle the matter immediately and positively with transparency.

It also resolved to organize mass campaigns throughout the state with a view to bring about love, understanding, sympathy, peaceful coexistence and unity among communities through mass media, group discussion, street corner meetings etc. The open discussion also resolved to urge the concerned authority to make a comparative analysis of the curriculum and syllabus including textbooks prescribed by the BSEM and NBSE for taking up further course of action.

Among other resolutions arrived at the open discussion, a joint task force of AMSU and DESAM is to be formed for materialising all the resolutions. Earlier, giving the key note address of the open discussion, LC Santosh of DESAM said the matter of adopting Nagaland Board textbooks in schools in the four hill districts of the state needs to be discussed extensively at the present time to arrive at an amicable solution to avoid any unfortunate incidents in future.

It is highly questionable whether the students in four hill districts really want to affiliate their schools to Nagaland board or whether the students are being instigated by some communal forces, Santosh said maintaining that there is no dearth of forces trying to sow the seeds of communal hatred amongst different communities in the state.

Participating in the open discussion, Professor W Nabakumar, dean of students welfare, Manipur University expressed fear that the demand raised by tribal students for adoption of Nagaland board textbooks could lead to serious consequences if the matter is not resolved in time.

Giving his observation, DESAM president K Chinglenkhomba said the textbook burning issue should be taken seriously and discussed at length as it is linked to unification of Naga inhabited areas of Manipur into Nagaland. Several resource persons and leaders of the two students bodies also took part in the open discussion and expressed their views and suggestions about bringing an amicable solution at the earliest.

Rights of Indigenous People ring through all over By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Aug 9: As observed all over the world today, the International Day of World’s Indigenous People was observed in Manipur along with a seminar under the theme of ‘Rights of Indigenous people’ at State Guest House here.
The event was jointly organised under the aegis of All Manipur Senior Citizens Welfare Association and All Manipur College Teachers’ Association, Human Rights Law Network, Manipur; Manipur Human Rights Organisation and Manipur Human Rights Commission.
In his address as chief guest at the inaugural function, Chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission Justice WA Shishak pointed out that the influx of outsiders in Manipur has given a serious impact on the lifestyle and socio-economic condition of the indigenous people.
He further pointed out that earlier there was a system in Manipur to control influx of outsiders but the Inner Line Permit System which can put a brake on the flow of outsiders in the State has been removed.
It is not the Meira Paibis or the civil organisations which are responsible for the removal of the Inner Line Permit system but successive Governments formed by various political parties over the years, Shishak said.
Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ngangbam Nongyai who presided over the function said with the question of who should be considered as indigenous people in the world, a special session of the UNO held on December 23 announced that August 9 every year would be observed as Indigenous People’s Day with the main objective of protecting the rights of the indigenous people as well as for their promotion.
Defining indigenous people, Nongyai said they are the first settlers who contributed to the shaping of the culture, tradition and socio-economic condition of a State. In the context of Manipur, Nongyai said the indigenous people of Manipur are at a cross road today. Of the total population of Manipur, outsiders constitute one-third of the total. Out of around 23 lakhs population, the number of outsiders has reached nearly 7 lakhs. If this trend continues, the migrants would constitute half of the total population after 10 years from now, he said.
The seminar held under the theme of ‘Rights of indigenous people’ was conducted with retired District and Session Judge Ch Upendra as moderator. Director of Arts and Culture Dr Kh Sorojini Devi read out the first paper of the seminar on the topic ‘Status and position of indigenous people in the State of Manipur and their religion, custom and tradition’. The second paper on the topic ‘Protection of political rights of the indigenous people of North Eastern India: Search for a mechanism’ was presented by Koijam Shethajit, who is a selection grade lecturer of Political Science, Imphal College. Assistant Professor of MU, Department of Economic Chinglen Maisnam, who is also the general secretary of Manipur University’s Teachers’ Association presented paper on the topic of ‘Political economy of globalisation and indigenous people North East experience’. Head of Department of English, Moirang College and vice president of All Manipur College Teachers’ Association N Mohendra Singh read out the fourth and last paper of the seminar on the topic ‘Protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of indigenous people’. The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was also observed with representatives of va-rious communities at MDU Hall today.
The observance function organised by Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) was attended by Ex-MP Holkhomang Hao-kip as chief guest, MAFYF president Sapamcha Kang-leipal as functional president and Professor Ch Priyoranjan and human ri-ghts activist Babloo Loito- ngbam as guests of honour. Speaking at the occasion as one of the resource persons Ch Priyoranjan noted that whether tribal people are getting their due share of the rights in a pluralistic society is a question which is being asked not only in Manipur but also in other parts of the world today. Stating that economic globalisation could be considered as one of the threats posing to the identity of the indigenous people today, Priyoranjan observed that conflict between indigenous people and the outsiders is inevitable if the fruit of the globalisation, either material or non-material is equally distributed between the two. A situation may arise in which the sma-ller group would be comple- ted eliminated by the dominant group, he added.
He further noted that fear of losing the identity is another factor for mushroom- ing up of around 36 armed groups in the North East region alone.
In his observation, Babloo Loitongbam said although UN has been taking up the issue of indigenous people since 1983, UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People could be declared by the UN Human Rights Council on June 29 this year only on account of opposition from western countries. While pointing out that India is also one the countries which opposed to the declaration contending that there are no indigenous people in its land, Babloo said the declaration might be taken up for discussion by the General Assembly within this year. Some of the points include in the declaration no discrimination among the ethnic groups and to ban military activities in the area inhabited by indigenous people, he added.
MP echoes ‘revoke AFSPA call’ in LS Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, Aug 9 : Participating at the discussion and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants (General), 2006-07, Dr T Meinya, Member of Parliament from Manipur in the Lok Sabha yesterday raised the issue of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958.
Dr Meinya said while implementing many of the Centrally sponsored schemes under which the funds were flowing into the North Eastern States, these States had certain problems. He emphasized that there were certain difficulties.
The Parliamentarian pointed out, ‘The first difficulty is regarding law and order situation. Unfortunately, certain laws which are area-specific have been enforced in North Eastern Region and Jammu and Kashmir. Area-specific in the sense, we have Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 being applied there. I fully agree with the fact that the State Governments declare some areas as disturbed areas. Only after that, this Act comes into the picture.
“But even then the Government of India, having seen the difficulties faced by these people in that area, has ordered a Review Committee headed by Justice Reddy.”
He further asserted, “The Reddy Committee Report has already come to the Government. All the people in that part of the country, particularly North Eastern India as well as Jammu and Kashmir are waiting for the repeal of this infamous Act. But so far it has not happened. This will help a lot in improving the psyche of the people there.”
He also stressed the need for bringing certain environment for development in the North East States. He further drew the attention of the House for providing more funds to Manipur.
Manipur has a very good infrastructure for sports which needs proper maintenance. The State requires money for development of its roads. At the Government of India level, the Government moved to look towards the socio- economic development of the Region, he added.
Stating that the region was a very peaceful area, he asked how it had become like this. Everybody knows it. The very important thing is to give a thrust to the socio-economic development in the region, he highlighted.

Media shy Army chief ? Sangai Express
It was a gesture pregnant with meaning. The people of Singhat definitely have something to smile thanks to the model village gifted to them by the Indian Army and the fact that the Chief of Army Staff, General JJ Singh personally came to inaugurate the model village is extremely significant in the backdrop of the Army's claim that they have flushed out militants from the interior parts of Churachandpur after launching Operation All Clear. To the general public, the event on August 8 may be seen as merely another Military Civic Action programme in which the Army chief himself arrived to hand over a model village to the people, but the significance of the event runs much deeper than the gifting of a project to the villagers. It was something about the efforts launched by the security force to earn the trust and good will of the people, which can go a long way in curbing the activities of militants in the area. It was also a symbolic show to ring out the message that Singhat is more or less free of militants and the Army is there to ensure the safety and security of the villagers and the general public. These are some of the unstated but nevertheless underlying messages that may be deciphered behind the process of gifting the model village to the people of Singhat and the point we would like to raise now is why the Army chief is shying off from talking to the press in Manipur. To the hordes of media persons who undertook the arduous road journey to Singhat to cover the event, the day ended on a somewhat disappointing note, as the General refused to take any queries turning the posers down with a gentle, “Sorry.” The Singhat visit was not the first time that Mr Singh came to Manipur and we hope that it will not be the last time either as the Army has much at stake in this State, given the armed movements that are being launched by different underground outfits.
General JJ Singh is the first Sikh to occupy the post of the Chief of Army Staff and ever since he assumed office, the General has enforced some significant instructions. One relates to the instructions given to the security forces to minimise collateral damages during any CI Ops and the other relates to the banning of displaying the bodies of slain militants or terrorists before the media. To the lay man these may seem trivial, but there is something very significant behind these two instructions and that is the effort taken up by the top brass of the military to show case its humane side. The question however remains why General JJ Singh is still reluctant to the speak to the media in Manipur. It would have made a big impact, if the instruction to minimise collateral damages during any CI Ops was announced in Manipur, which has seen many allegations of excesses against the security force. It would have certainly emitted a positive signal if a similar statement is issued directly to the media in Manipur by the Army chief. Past instances have shown that Army or Assam Rifles officers are reluctant to directly address the media in Manipur and one just has to recall the summer of 2004 when the State was crippled by the days of agitation following the custodial death of Th Manorama. If readers will recollect, the then DG of Assam Rifles thought it fit to address the media on the issue at Shillong while no such direct interaction was conducted with the media in Manipur. We hope the Army chief will one day or the other set things right and perhaps speak to the press here on issues directly concerning the State.

Assam Rifles JCO killed in IED blast, UNLF claims attack The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 9: A junior commissioned officer, JCO, of the 34 Assam Rifles posted at Khongjom was killed while a women with her little one escaped unhurt as underground elements carried out an IED attack upon Assam Rifles personnel who were conducting ROP duty at Wangjing. The incident happened this morning around 6.30 am near YK College along the national highway-39 when the troops of the 34 AR were moving towards Wangjing bazar.

The deceased JCO has been identified as Naik Subedar Ajit Sangma, 43, of Tripura Nanda Nagar.

In the meantime, the separatist United National Liberation Front, UNLF, has claimed responsibility for the IED attack. A spokesperson of the outfit claiming responsiblility over phone said that the Manipur People`s Army, the armed wing of the group, carried out the attack. After the attack all the cadres involved in the attack were safely back at their camp, he said.
Sources said the IED was planted in two places - one on the eastern side of the NH-39 and the other left hanging from a tree.

Talking to mediapersons at the spot, post commander of the 34 AR Khongjom revealed that the two IEDs were set off by remote devices and went off when the AR personnel were moving in the area towards Wangjing bazar for ROP. Immediately, a massive cordon and search operation was carried out by Assam Rifles in coordination with Thoubal police commandos and the IRB and six persons were picked up for verification.
The six villagers are Paonam Jugin, 55, son of late Thambaljao and his son Nanao, 22, M Rajen, 43, son of late Laiba, N Noren alias Bali, 44, son of late Kaoba and his two sons namely Herojit, 24, and Boinau, 18. All of them are residents of Wangjing and they were picked up from their respective residences.
An eye witness said a women carrying her infant was seen moving near the spot when the blast took place. In the meantime, womenfolk of Wangjing area have condemned the incident and asked whoever was responsible not to carry out such acts in future. Many villagers could have been harassed by security forces had the villagers not been out at the paddy fields for work.

In the meantime, Wangjing bazar wore a deserted look for the whole day today as all shops and business establishments located in the town remained closed.

Dr.t meinya raises afspa issue in parliament Kangla Express
Manipur Information Centre, New Delhi

NEW DELHI, Aug 9: Participating in the discussion and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants (General), 2006-07, Dr. T. Meinya, Member of Parliament from Manipur yesterday raised the issue of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 in the Lok Sabha.

Dr. Meinya said while implementing many of the centrally sponsored schemes under which the funds were flowing into the north eastern states, these states had certain problems.

The parliamentarian pointed out that the first difficulty was regarding the law and order situation. Unfortunately, certain laws which are area-specific have been enforced in the north eastern region and Jammu and Kashmir, like the Armed forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

He said he fully agreed with the fact that the state government declared some areas as disturbed areas. Only after that, the act came into the picture. But even then the government of India, having seen the difficulties faced by the people in this area, has ordered a review committee headed by Justice Reddy.

He further asserted, "The Reddy Committee Report had already come to the government. All the people in those parts of the country, particularly north eastern India as well as Jammu and Kashmir are waiting for the repeal of this infamous Act. But so far it has not happened. This will help a lot in improving the psyche of the people there."

He also stressed the need for bringing certain environment for development in the north east states. He further drew the attention of the House for providing more funds for Manipur. Manipur has a very good infrastructure for sports which needs proper maintenance. The state requires money for development of its roads also, he said. At the government of India level there is need to look towards the socio-economic development of the region, he added. Stating that the region was a very peaceful area, he asked how it had become like it is today. The important thing was to give a thrust to the socio-economic development in the region, he highlighted.
Army for bringing peace and dev, says Army Chief Sentinel
SINGHAT(Churachandpur), Aug 9 (Agencies): 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 was 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 Northeast had arrived at Dimapur recently 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.

Nagalim.NL News

08/10/2006: "Kukis negate Nagas claim on districts The Morung Express"