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08/13/2006: "ANALYSIS - Govt seen drifting in talks with northeast rebels By Reuters Sunday August 13 By Biswajyoti Das"

ANALYSIS - Govt seen drifting in talks with northeast rebels By Reuters Sunday August 13 By Biswajyoti Das
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - The government has contained violence in its restive northeast by engaging rebel groups in peace talks, but analysts say it lacks a long-term strategy to resolve complex disputes in the remote region.
The largely hilly region, linked to the rest of India by a tiny strip of land just 32 km wide, is home to seven of India's 29 states and is surrounded by China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
It is home to over 200 ethnic and tribal communities and two dozen rebel groups. Nine rebel outfits have entered peace talks with New Delhi and are observing ceasefires.
The last major success story came in 1985 when rebels in the largely Christian state of Mizoram signed a peace deal and joined the government to end a two-decade-old insurgency that claimed thousands of lives.
Since then there has been little to talk about apart from a peace deal with a minor rebel outfit in Assam in 2003.
Analysts say the government in New Delhi has failed to take advantage of a relative lull in violence and the willingness of militant leaders to talk.
"Some of them have voluntarily restrained their guns to find a solution but, with no clear policy about how to go about it, the government seems to be drifting," said Harekrishna Deka, a security analyst in Guwahati, the region's main city.
More than 50,000 people have been killed in nearly 60 years of conflict with militant groups, some of which are fighting for independence from India for their ethnic communities, more local autonomy or tribal rights.
Several lives are still lost each week to militant violence, while extortion and the kidnapping of businessmen have risen in recent months despite the ceasefires.
Officials warn that the interlocking territorial disputes are complex, and that giving in to one group would only fuel the demands from a host of others.
"COMPLICATED" ISSUES
The government has ruled out independence and is trying to avoid opening a Pandora's Box of competing claims by redrawing state boundaries.
"The problem is that their demands are too complicated to agree to," said Khagen Sharma, a senior intelligence officer involved in the peace process with several groups.
Officials cite the example of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM), fighting for six decades for independence for the Nagas, a fierce warrior tribe.
The powerful insurgent group signed a ceasefire nine years ago but still insists on an independent homeland that includes the mainly Christian state of Nagaland as well as parts of the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Opposition to the idea of losing territory to a "Greater Nagaland" provoked riots in Manipur in 2002, while land disputes led to clashes between Nagas and the Kuki tribe in the 1990s.
Any concession to the Nagas would almost certainly push Kuki rebel groups back to war, officials said.
"The only way out to reach some solution is to resolve the non-complicated issues first, keeping the vexed issues aside temporarily for later," Deka, a former top police officer, said.
With many rebel groups complaining that the government is stripping the northeast of natural resources like timber, the government hopes that the carrot of economic development, coupled with compensation for rebel fighters, will be enough.
But groups like the NSCN-IM are refusing to take the bait.
Rebel leaders fear that New Delhi may be banking on their fighters becoming "complacent" after years of life in designated camps as part of ceasefire deals, analysts say.
But commentators warn that if guerrilla leaders do not win concrete concessions, their cadres will accuse them of frittering away the gains of years of struggle in the jungles and hills.
"There is a genuine feeling the government of India is not serious about finding solutions and wants talks to linger on," said Noni Gopal Mahanta, Coordinator of the Peace and Conflict Studies centre in Gauhati University.
Analysts say another factor underming progress is a divide between political leaders who want purposeful talks and security officials who want rebel groups to disarm first or would like to see them crushed militarily.
"Peace initiatives remain stalemated because of the dominating attitude of the military and intelligence officers who always think they can squeeze the militants," Mahanta said.
‘NISC supports rights of all Nagas’
Bury hatchet and come together to become the Nation Nagaland: NISC The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGust 12 (MExN): Confronted by incessant attacks on its credibility the Naga International Support Center (NISC) has questioned the Naga National Council and the NSCN-Khaplang pointing out that both the two groups have used every opportunity coming their way to discredit the Naga International Support Center as merely being an extension of the NSCN (IM). “Once and for all NISC stresses it is a human rights organization. It is not a branch office of, or an extension of any Naga Organization, but supports the fundamental rights of all Nagas, especially the right to self determination”, an NISC press note stated.
Pointing out the two groups were making accusations based on manipulative thinking, not on fact, the NISC wondered as to what the real motivation behind the attacks is and questioned both organizations, as they claim to represent of the Naga Peoples, on the credibility of their own stand on the following significant points.
On the NNC, the NISC stated that the former in their defense had claimed the Shillong Accord was not valid and that it did not need to be denounced or condemned and “you may be very well right in that”. However while reasoning that the Accord was not valid, the NISC wanted to know from the NNC as to why militias were formed with the purpose of disarming the Naga Forces. “Don’t you think disarming the Naga Army is an act of surrender? NISC queried.
“Why did these militia arrest, threaten to kill or even kill those Naga Army soldiers who refused to comply with the implementation of the Accord, which according to you was not valid?
The NISC also wanted to know why the NNC condoned the arrest of its NNC own members who after returning from China after they heard the news of the Shillong Accord when they did not comply with its implementation? “Can the NNC explain the existence of Peace Camps?”
The NISC therefore pointed out that either there was no Accord which stipulated the Nagas would live under the Constitution of India and so there was no peace or, the NNC did comply with the intent of the Accord, disarmed its army and arrested, threatened to kill those who opposed its decisions, even from those who were part of the organization.
“Does the NNC feel it is not accountable for an Accord on paper, which can indeed be refuted, but is accountable for the implementation of it?”
NISC invited NNC to conclusively show what actually happened in the aftermath of the (on paper) not so valid Shillong Accord. “Who are the responsible leaders, who decided to kill opponents who did not want to surrender and deliver the Nagas to India. How does the NNC motivate its sell out to India?”
Raising issues with the NSCN (K), the NISC stated that in 1988 Khaplang and his force reportedly attacked the camp of NSCN leaders who had come for a meeting with him on accountability of funds and other matters. Many people were killed, the NISC stated. Considering the gravity of this and the published reading of what happened then between the Khaplang and the NSCN of which he was vice president, NISC invited the Khaplang group to furnish their side of the story.
Considering too that Khaplang on a regular basis accused NISC of being a mere extension of the NSCN (IM), NISC questioned the K group on their motivation of what it termed as “the bloody departure from the NSCN”. As Far as NISC knows Khaplang has never shown an account as to what happened there then on what motivation it was done, it stated.
The NISC also asked whether it was true of the allegations on being furnished with weapons and funds from the Assam rifles the K-group is confronted with. “Can the K-group conclusively show it is working for the Nagas? Can the K show conclusively also in what way it differs from the NSCN-IM?”
In order for both the Naga Peoples and the international community to understand, the NISC further asked as what is the purpose of the NSCN-K. “Does it have a policy and objective?”
The NISC reiterated that it stood for and supported the Nagas as a people in their quest to be free and to govern themselves as a nation.
“NISC asks both the NNC and the Khaplang group to clearly state what separates them from the NSCN-IM in vision, objective and in clear cut representation that warrants a disruptive to unity stand? NISC pleads for all to bury the hatchet and come together as one so that a united Nagaland will be able to become the Nation Nagaland”.
NSF, SKK question clashes Nagaland Post
MAPUR, AUG 12 (NPN): Condemning the unabated factional killings in the state, various student bodies including the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and All Sumi Students' Union (SKK), have questioned the logic behind such fratricidal killings.
Expressing dismay, NSF president V Phushika Awomi in an appeal, reminded all underground groups to realize that fratricidal killings was one of the agenda of divisive forces who are trying their best to tear Nagas apart and urged all section of people to retrain themselves from further killing among brothers but to fight the enemy jointly.
"Every single Naga life is precious, hunting each other will not yield any result," Phushika said and added that the general Nagas want reconciliation among Nagas while pursuing for the "greater goal."
Appreciating the initiatives of the Sumi Hoho and its frontal organizations to create a congenial atmosphere such as the June 14 ceasefire agreement signed between the two NSCN groups, the federation also said reconciliation cannot be confined to underground factions alone and that every Naga individual has equal share of responsibility in ushering just peace.
The federation further assured the students' community best efforts towards reconciliation among all sections of Naga society for better future.
In a separate release SSK president V Hetoi Chishi said "Nagas are forgetting our political principles, because we are more into exchanging gun fires among ourselves… than to politically fight with India till our goal is achieved."
Questioning the logic behind fratricidal killings, the SKK president said, on the other hand, Nagas go to any limit to maintain peace with Indian Government in whose hands many innocent Nagas have lost their lives.
While stating there would be interest group/underground factions in Naga society even after political settlement, he however said that should not be the factor why Nagas should fight among themselves.
Making known its displeasure with the August 9 factional clash in Sutemi village under Akuluto sub-division, SKK appealed to both the NSCN factions to acknowledge the June 14 resolution, the outcome of the tireless efforts of Sumi NGOs.
NNC press statement- Nagaland Post
The Naga National Council had declared Naga Independence on 14th August 1947 to live as a free and Independent Nation. But because of the total negligence of the British Government towards the Nagas after the declaration of the Naga Hills Excluded Area of 1935 as an Act in their Parliament during there rule in India.
The Govt. of India after becoming a free Nation forcibly occupied the Naga Hills Excluded Area (Nagaland) with her armed forces . This was done in complete violation of International Law and therefore , the War started from 1954 onwards between India and Nagaland. This all happened because of the British Government's biggest political blunder committed against the Naga people.
And it is a shame and lie on the part of British Government to keep silent for the last 59 years to let the Naga people suffer and die even in this 21st century. Therefore , the NNC condemn the British Government in toto for their negligence in this 21st century once again.
The NNC also condemn once again the Government of India for their occupation of Nagaland till date without solving the political problem of occupation after having cease-fires and political talks with the Nagas many times from 20th Century to 21st Century.
It is a sin and shame for the largest Democracy of the World, India, to suppress, oppress and subjugate her neighbour Nagaland.
The Government of India who created and converted East Pakistan into Bangladesh speaks for Palestine, Lebanon and for World peace have always applied "divide & rule" and " divide& destroy" policies in Nagaland to finish the Naga people.
As a Government, India will do these political games but it will affect them immensely. The whole North East is affected and it is going deep inside the mainland of India. And ultimately , India may break into pieces because of her intransigence stand against the Nagas for decades.
For the Nagas, till Nagaland is freed , the Nagas will fight generation after generation to free the Land of our birthright for which thousands and thousands of Nagas have already sacrificed their lives. Therefore ,the NNC call upon all the Naga people to renew our faith in the Naga Freedom for the better future of the Nagas.
Today , therefore, the NNC sincerely appeal one and all to pray and solemnly observe and celebrate the 14th August of the Naga Independence Day through out the Naga area.
KUKNALIM. Vizosielhou Nagi, General Secretary, Naga National Council.

Zunheboto tense Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, AUG11 [NPN] : Following the August 9 factional clash between the rival NSCN factions at Sutemi village in which two NSCN-K cadre were killed, Zunheboto district appears headed for an imminent showdown between the two factions. The sequences of events following the August 9 clash caused alarm among the public which led to the NSCN (I-M) being asked to leave allegedly for having fired the first shot and thereby igniting the cauldron of factional violence. The action of the NSCN (I-M) was also seen as violating the cease fire agreement between the two factions signed under the aegis of the Sumi Hoho and Sumi NGOs on June 24 last.
The retreating NSCN (I-M) cadre members then arrived at VK Town on the midnight of August 9

The NSCN (IM) men were said to have left VK Town the next day after the GBs and public leaders asked them to do so.

However, on Friday at about 11 am while a public meeting was being held, the NSCN (IM) men returned and allegedly disrupted the meeting by firing blank shots in the air, sources added.

According to sources, the NSCN-IM has openly thrown the gauntlet at the NSCN (K) to fight it out on Friday night at VK Town even as women and children were being evacuated to safer areas as precautionary measures.

It was also reported the NSCN (K) men also reached the town at about 4 pm Friday evening and the presence of both the factions has added more to the already heightened tension. The public were apprehensive that the two factions could engage in a major clash.

Even as women and children have been move to safer places, the menfolk including public leaders and GBs were fervently pleading with both the factions not to shed blood.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-K has accused the rival NSCN-IM faction of trying to cover up the recent alleged defection of nine of the latter's cadre into the NSCN-K along with arms and ammunitions, through various concocted write ups and justifications.

To back its claim, the NSCN-K has also furnished the names of the nine defectors along with details or arms and ammunition deposited by them.

Maintaining that the NSCN-K has clear evidence of the "deceit and cunning" employed by the rival faction in the "guise of sovereignty to enhance their terrorist ventures", secretary MIP/GPRN (NSCN-K) in a press release asked what the rival faction meant by "democratic process with participation and representation of all Naga tribes when they (NSCN-IM) are responsible for the chaos and discontentment in the present Naga society?"

The NSCN-IM earlier, reacting to the defection claim, dismissed it as "bogus defection" was another "deception and misinformation" ploy of the NSCN-K intended to incite divisive seeds and confusion.

Referring to the denial of the rival faction, the NSCN-K said their very denial had revealed their true identity.

"These elements are bound to destroy the Naga society, instead of bringing about their honourable solution acceptable to the Nagas," the release stated and added that their repeated refusals to accept the peace overtures initiated by the NSCN-K clearly showed that the rival faction was the real stumbling block to the process of peace, unity and reconciliation among Nagas.

On the recent factional clash in Akuluto area, the NSCN-K said the Sumi public of VK Area were reviewing the situation in the backdrop of the June 24 ceasefire agreement signed between the two NSCN factions, when the NSCN-IM men started assaulting the innocent public.

A 5000 strong public retaliated by chasing off the NSCN-IM men from VK Area, which was also a protest against abrogation of the ceasefire agreement, the NSCN-K alleged.

The surrendered nine also bought along with them a huge cache of arms and ammunition, the NSCN-K said. The release further informed that the defectors said that they have decided to join NSCN-K not for lucrative interest or for ranks but due to their love of Naga nation and in honour of those thousands who have laid down their lives for the sacred cause.

Nine members of NSCN-IM cadre who have joined the NSCN-K (As per NSCN-K statement)

(1) 2nd Lt Khetoyi Sumi (2) Sgt Maj Angukato Sumi (3) Sgt Maj Manwang Konyak (4) Sgt Maj Khosom Konyak (5) Sgt Ayen Konyak (6) Sgt Vishito Sumi (7) Sgt Mughavi Sumi (8) Corpl Khekhato Sumi (9) Corpl Nachan Konyak.
Arms deposited
G-1, SLR (3nos), B-14 (1nos with 4 shells), US carbine (2nos), 303 Rifle (1nos), AK-56 (1nos), LMG (1nos), Sniper Rifle (1nos), Thailand grenade (5nos), RD handset (2nos) and 1000 rounds of ammunitions of various forms.

'NBSE issue part of IM's Lim agenda' Nagarealm.com
Imphal, Aug10 [TSE] : The move by some organisations to affiliate private schools located in Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati districts to Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) and follow text books prescribed by NBSE is a part of the NSCN (IM) agenda for integration of Naga inhabited areas, said Education Minister L Nandakumar. He asserted that these organisations spearheading the affiliation campaign even intimidated parents of the students to follow NBSE text books.

Speaking to reporters at Congress Bhavan today on his arrival from Delhi where he met Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh and Minister of State of Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes, Nandakumar conveyed that he had disclosed to the Union Ministers that the campaign for affiliation to NBSE is in pursuance of NSCN (IM)'s demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas.

During his meeting with the Union Ministers accompanied by MP Dr T Meinya, Works Minister K Govindas and other State officials, the Education Minister apprised the Union Ministers of the State Government's decision to de-recognise any school of Manipur in case it got affiliated to NBSE, he conveyed. He also took strong exception to the ongoing campaign when there are clear cut Acts and jurisdictions of each educational boards.

Maintaining that such a move would only derail the career of the students, the syllabi and curriculum of the State education boards were also shown to the HRD Minister. After a patient hearing of the various points raised by the team led by the Education Minister, the HRD Minister clarified that he never assured anything to the Naga delegation. Arjun Singh said that the matter is a State subject and there is no room for interference by the Union Government, said Nandakumar.

Referring to the report that an MLA of the Congress Party endorsed the move to affiliate schools to NBSE, Nandakumar termed it very unfortunate while clarifying that it was the individual opinion of the MLA and not the view of the Congress.

To a question, he disclosed that the Govt has definite report of intimidation and coercion to adopt NBSE text books. He declared that any school can adopt NBSE text books at their own risks while cautioning that such schools would be de-recognised at once.

Moreover, the State Govt would not extend any benefit to students passed out from NBSE and a Cabinet meeting would be convened soon to adopt a resolution to this effect. He claimed that guardians and parents of students were threatened in the strongest term by some organisations for organising a meeting at Senapati today in connection with the text book issue.

Nandakumar said the State Govt would consider the proposal of the National Students' Union of India to distribute text books free to the students of hill districts and to organise free coaching classes for them. Not only that, Government would consider providing concession on text books for students of hill districts for the next academic session.
Maintaining that the ongoing campaign would ultimately prove futile, the Minister appealed to all the people not to harbour any doubt on the issue. The Union Minister Oscar Fernandes was also informed that the ongoing campaign lacks public support, he added.

They can never mislead the Nagas- Nagaland Post
In 1950s our leaders led by A.Z. Phizo had foreseen the politi-cal situation of Nagaland today and thus adopted a national law (Lakhuti Resolution) on April 27, 1955, through which the next Naga generation will judge on the Naga leaders of today as a patriot or traitor.
Since the Nagas have been fighting against the aggressor India, there was no room to play sectarian politics in the Naga national affairs, but united in one accord under the banner of Naga National Council (NNC) and fought against the enemy.
However, after 1980 through Muivah and Isak the Indian leaders sawed the seeds of sectarianism in order to divide the Naga national workers into sections and groups. Henceforth, some self-centered and selfish Naga leaders are playing sectarian political games for their own benefits. They all used the same political propaganda of Muivah and Isak.
It is known by all Nagas that, in 1980 Tangkhul and Sema leaders started to play sectarian politics against the NNC and FGN, and after the demise of our great leader A.Z. Phizo some of Angami leaders rose up to play sectarian politics in 1990s by attempting to divide the NNC.
They used the leadership of Lotha, Rengma and Ao.
And now after 2005, some of the Chakhesang leaders rose up again to play such sectarian politics attempting to divide the NNC and FGN by using Khiamniungan leadership. They adopted the political propaganda of Muivah-Isak and opposing Kohima Transit Peace Camp saying that Peace Camp is by product of Shillong Accord.
These leaders have well known what is Shillong Accord and Peace Camp, and claimed that the Nagas have won politically over the aggressor India in the Shillong Accord. But knowingly they adopted the policy of Th. Muivah to tell lies in order to deceive the innocent and ignorant Nagas like Khiamniungan people.
The Khiamniungan leaders never accept the mischievous policy of Muivah in those days 1980s, and again rejected some of Angami leaders who tried to mislead them in 1990s. So also, our Khiamniungan public leaders rejected misleading political propaganda of a Chakhesang leader in June 2006, asking him "If you are opposing Kohima Transit Peace Camp as by-product of Shillong Accord, why didn't you follow Muivah and Isak since 1980?"
Now powerful sectarian leaders Muivah and Isak are heading to accept a political status within the Indian Union and talking for economic package. Konyak and Heimi people are now regretting for their misdeeds as they were mislead by Muivah and Isak.
And also Angami sectarian leaders became silent. At such juncture, some of Chakhesang leaders are rising up again to play sectarian political game.
But they can never mislead Chakhesang people in particular and Nagas in general. Because the Nagas have much experienced in the past 25 years and fed-up with the sectarianism.
L.P. Lüshing Khiamniungan, Naga National Worker, NNC.
No one cares Nagaland Post
What is happening around several parts of Nagaland in the light of violent incidents in the recent past, clearly indicate that there appears to be no one to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining peace and enforcement of the rule of law in the larger interests of the masses. Such a situation bodes ill for the people who had much hope on return of normalcy. Official statistics indicate that from 1992 to 2000 a total of 1461 have been killed of which around 599 were civilians and 862 cadre members of the factions. The statistic has certainly gone up during the past years with resurgence of factional killings. This means that killings have not stopped despite signing of cease agreements between the government of India with the NSCN(I-M) faction in 1997 and with the NSCN(K)in 2001.Violations of cease fire agreements had led public outcry that were evidenced in the districts of Mon in 2005 then in Phek during April this year followed by several incidents in Zunheboto during June this year. The public of the districts had rallied together to express their ire against the activities of the factions which have adversely affected normal life. Allegations of political patronisation, serious offences committed by armed cadres, extortion and intimidation etc are issues which do not escape the minds of the public. Political developments during the recent years have resulted in a coherent voice in favor of resolution of the conflict through peaceful negotiations. Possibly, the brief coherence for solution that found its strongest expression during 2003 was like a force that contained inherent contradictions that was bound to manifest at later stages. However, rival groups or coalition of tribal interests appear to portray the perceptions of who is right or wrong and attempting to prove their respective points not by transparent action but coercive means through the practice of 'might is right' ideology. Perhaps it is also time for those holding the reins of authority to look and listen beyond the cacophony of various NGOs that drumbeat right political phraseology in order to know what the silent majority want. While the political talks are given the importance they deserve, perhaps these issues should also be addressed. The people's concern is a crucial factor which cannot be ignored. One unmistakable desire of the people is not only about removing the potential danger of factional violence but to strengthen the rule of justice and law. People have elected their representatives to serve them, which means ensuring that their right to live in peace is not abdicated for politics. While negotiations are on, institutions that are meant to serve the people must be strengthened otherwise this would only create an anarchic situation.
AASU seeks immediate sealing border The Morung Express
New Delhi, August 12 (PTI): The All-Assam Students’ Union today urged the Centre to immediately seal the Indo-Bangladesh border in the wake of alleged incursion of lands in the state by Bangladeshi farmers and firing by border guards of the neighbouring country on Indian villagers.
A delegation of AASU met Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee here and apprised him of the situation in Cachar, Karimganj and Dhubri districts of Assam, where farmers of the neighbouring country have allegedly taken possession of the lands of Indian villagers and Bangladesh Rifles men have fired on them. “We told the Defence Minister that the situation along the border is very tense and serious. There is an urgent need to take action and seal the entire border,” AASU Advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya told PTI here. The delegation also demanded deployment of the army in the eastern border and recapturing of the land allegedly taken possession of by Bangladeshi farmers. “Mukherjee assured us about taking appropriate steps after discussing the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil,” he said.
The AASU members told Mukherjee that due to “lack of serious security measures along the international border in Assam, entry of illegal migrants, firing by Bangladesh Rifles and free movement of fundamental groups have become a regular features”, and demanded immediate measures for the safety and security of villagers living along the border.
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force is maintaining strict vigil in Assam’s Cachar and Karimganj districts bordering Bangladesh following Wednesday’s mortar attack by Bangladesh Rifles that killed two women. No fresh incidents of firing were reported since yesterday and troops were on high alert to prevent any “misadventure” by Bangladesh Rifles, BSF officials said here today.
The BSF claimed it had shot dead five BDR personnel on Thursday. People who had fled border villages were not willing to return to their homes following the mortar attack.
Residents of Harinagar, Kinnarkal and Tukirgram villages in a 32-km stretch along the border are still panicky despite top district officials assuring them of their safety. A total of 460 people from 82 families have taken shelter in two camps at Gumrah, officials said. The district administration has also opened camps at two schools in Katigorah, they said.
Trouble started in the border areas in June over the occupation of 220 acres of Indian land by Bangladeshi cultivators. A flag meeting between BSF and BDR officials was scheduled for August 13.
After security, encroachment worries NFR Newmai News Network
Guwahati: Amid the tight security arrangement everywhere in Guwahati ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, what is now worrying the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) is the fact that once evicted encroachers from along the railway tracks have started erecting their temporary huts at some places. An NFR spokesman said that the authority had evicted all the encroachers during an eviction drive that lasted for more than two months. But the problem is that the evicted encroachers have started setting again.
“It is true that the encroachers have again started erecting their temporary huts along the tracks but we are taking measures to evict them again and all the tracks would be cleared soon,” said the NFR spokesman. The encroachers have mainly chosen the tracks at railway gate no 2 in Bharalumukh area of the city and at some other places. The NFR authority had already started a project to plant trees along the tracks so that the encroachers could not take it again. The Guwahati Railway station’s security had been intensified since last month after intelligence agencies reported that the Guwahati railway station is in the target list of the Pakistan based fundamentalist organization Lashkar-e-Toiba and Bangladesh based jaish-e-Mohammed.
Meanwhile, with the Independence Day nearing in the security had also been intensified at the Guwahati railway station. The station whose security is being looked after by the GRP, RPF, the Army and the CRPF has also engaged spotters to spot militants or their over ground members.
“We have installed metal detectors, deep search metal detectors, sniffer dogs, and other equipments to track explosives,” said GRP sources and added that besides anti-sabotage team is also working in the station.
Needed, a real Dialogue Aug 05 , 2006
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
By Dolly Kikon
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.
No doubt there are uncertainties around the Naga unification issue regarding how one can transcend impediments created by existing legal structures. There are debates among various Naga groups, communities and individuals in search of politically correct terms to further strengthen, network and mobilise Nagas who are territorially divided into separate states. The search for an appropriate language and correct terminology is an interesting phenomenon in itself. Is it Naga “unification” or “integration”? While these terms have been used interchangeably over the last nine years since the 1997 Indo-Naga peace process took off, there are deeper, nuanced arguments against the idea of integrating with the present federal unit of Nagaland, which many Naga activists feel is a legal and ethical trap that would end up replicating the skullduggery of counter-insurgency politics that created the state of Nagaland in the first place.
However, it is not easy to transcend elements of political and legal identities, which are linked to governments and states. Can one argue that the Nagas of Manipur are Manipuris and the Nagas in Assam are Assamese? Many would vehemently oppose such terms and state that the Nagas from Manipur or Assam remain Nagas. However, in reality, legal complexities and territorial frameworks operate in a different manner. Even though the Nagas have a Naga ‘national’ identity, in their daily lives they have to function within the existing politico-legal framework which is imposed by the state and the federal unit within which they live. For instance, a Naga person living in Karbi Anglong district of Assam would have to deal with the local administration on issues pertaining to her/his life in a manner that may not reflect her/his Naga national aspirations. Assam is one of the states where the goi’s 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution has been affected, allowing for a devolution of powers to rural areas by constituting governmental modes of local administration which have no bearings on traditional systems. Thus, a Naga would find herself/himself being answerable to a local panchayat instead of the traditional Naga customary authority. On the other hand, in Manipur, the hills where a majority of the Nagas live, they are administered by special laws that allow them to apply their customary laws — something they might not enjoy much longer — even as the government tries to impose a municipality law in the hills.
The Nagas have realised that it is important for them to transcend these imposed legal identities. A Naga activist says: “I have to transcend the identity of a Naga from Nagaland and to that of a Naga from, if I may say, Nagalim… so that the unification of the Naga areas becomes more of a reality when we also, at our psychological, emotional and day-to-day level, are able to transcend the state identities.” But in reality, the politics of territoriality and identity comes into play. Thus, when a friend from Nagaland got into an elite branch of the civil services in 2005, there were speculations if she was the first Naga woman to join the service. It was later found that there was a Thangkhul Naga woman who had joined before. But some bureaucrat told my friend that she was still the ‘first’ Naga woman since she is from Nagaland. Such absurdities pass off everyday politics of being ‘Nagaland Nagas’ and scoring brownie points in a facile debate on statehood and Naga identity.
It is pertinent to remember that after the formation of the state of Nagaland in 1963, many Nagaland Nagas who comprised the elites and formed the government, suffered from ‘selective’ amnesia on the politics of the formation of the federal unit of Nagaland, until electoral politics became heavily influenced by the Naga unification demands after 1997. Issues of representation have become a central rallying point in the Naga peace process. Even though the state government is involved as a facilitator between the nscn and the goi talks, within the state of Nagaland it represents federal interests of the Indian Union and faith in a constitutional process that is not very famous for fostering dialogue. Thus, it is also prone to playing up to its own particular kind of politics. For instance, the Naga heritage village that was set up near the state capital of Nagaland has many vested interests inscribed in its creation. It is argued that the Naga heritage/model village in Tuophema village, situated in Kohima district, has sent out wrong signals. There are 16 huts symbolically representing each Naga tribe (according to the Nagaland government’s list of Naga tribes). In that process several Naga tribes like the Maos and the Thangkhuls have been conveniently excised from government memory in the village.
It is thus important to go beyond such state politics and engage with a larger civil society in the region. Being stuck in governmental notions of identity and territorial sanctity is counter-productive to say the least. There are multiple claims to homelands by different peoples and nationalities that inhabit the so-called Northeastern region, and it does not follow that they have to be antagonistic to one another. As people who have so many shared memories of human movement, myths and histories, there is every possibility that breaking out of a governmental notion of identity and territory will allow for more dialogue and public debate. It is possible, as relations between Ahom and Naga villagers along the Indo-Assam border in eastern Assam shows. Such relations, which survive despite the onslaught by the media and government on their existence, persist and mould a shared history of occasional conflict, co-existence and resistance. So far the idea of a Greater Nagalim has gained currency as sociological and historical shorthand amongst a section of the media, which in turn has been cynically manipulated by a shortsighted political community in order to push several complex issues of justice under the carpet. It is an urgent task to re-introduce justice and dialogue into the discussion, before the immensely complex issues that form the substance of Naga national identity and historical experience, are allowed to slip away in the everyday morass of a territorial politics that few people in the subcontinent would care to engage with.
The writer is a Naga research scholar based in Guwahati

Wasbir Hussain appointed NSAB member From Our Spl. Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 12 – Prominent journalist, political analyst and associate fellow, Institute for Conflict Management, Wasbir Hussain has been appointed as the member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) that was reconstituted by the Centre today. The NSAB is an important element of National Security Council system. The NSAB is a multi-disciplinary body comprising persons of eminence from outside the Government. The re-constituted Board has two journalists including N Ravi of the The Hindu.

Hussain, who is a journalist of long standing, was selected because of his expertise and in-depth knowledge of the North-east. He has worked for various media organisations both regional and national, as well as for foreign news agencies.

The 19-member body would be headed by former Foreign Secretary, MK Rasgotra IFS, who has been appointed as its Convenor.

Rebel grenade attack in Assam kills two By Reuters Saturday August 12, 10:15 PM

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Police said a separatist rebel grenade attack on a crowd killed two people and wounded four on Saturday in Assam, days before the country celebrates Independence Day.
Two youths from the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) threw a grenade from a motorcycle at a small crowd gathered near a roadside Hindu temple in the Bamunimaidan area of Guwahati, police said. "The ULFA militants are behind this attack as they are trying to sabotage the Independence Day celebrations," said Nitul Gogoi, the city's police chief.
India celebrates the anniversary of independence from British colonial rule on Aug. 15, an occasion marred in the past by attacks by Islamic militants fighting Indian rule in disputed Kashmir as well as the insurgents in Assam.
Two policemen were killed on Friday by suspected ULFA rebels in an ambush in 490 km east of Guwahati. Police said security had been stepped up around the city after the grenade attack, and that they were searching for the culprits. ULFA, formed in 1979, accuses New Delhi of neglecting Assam's economy and taking away its rich natural resources.
Abducted Moreh student leader found shot dead, indefinite bandh called at Moreh The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 11: Sunil Agarwal, president AMSU Chandel district committee, who was abducted by some unidentified persons yesterday morning was found shot dead this morning. Sunil Agarwal`s dead body was found abandoned near the gate of his residence this morning.

Outraged over the kidnapping and subsequent murder of their leader the AMSU Chandel district committee has called an indefinite bandh in the border town with support from several civil society bodies based at the border town. According to police reports, Sunil Agarwal hailing from Moreh Ward no. 1 was kidnapped by two persons coming in an auto-rickshaw from his father`s godown located at Moreh Ward No. 1 yesterday morning around 8.30 am.
Police recovered the student leader`s dead body near the gate of his house this morning and took it into their custody as family members supported by various civil society organisations declined to claim the dead body. Immediately after hearing the news that Sunil had been found shot dead, several civil society organisations held a public meeting this morning and strongly condemned the killing. The meeting later decided to call an indefinite bandh at the border town to pressurize the state government to find out the culprits involved in the killing and punish them according to the law of the land. The meeting also demanded that a judicial inquiry be constituted to probe the murder of Sunil Agarwal with a condition that the inquiry must by completed within a month.

In the meantime, a report from Moreh said Sunil`s dead body was found near a cemetery at Ward No. 1 area with a bullet mark near his right ear which pierced through to the opposite side. A black colored piece of cloth was found tied over his eyes apart from bruise marks all over the body which revealed that Sunil was killed after intense torture. Till late this evening Sunil`s dead body could not be brought to Imphal for post mortem as the public refused to allow carrying away of the dead body.
Immediately after hearing the news that Sunil had been found shot dead, a large number of people gathered at Community Variety Market and formed a JAC against Sunil`s killing with the general secretary of the AMSU Chandel district committee Saikhom Santosh Meitei as convener.

Leaders of several civil society organisations like DESAM, AMKIL, Nupi Samaj who rushed to the border town today have joined the JAC as members and they are likely to chalk out the further course of action tomorrow. Till the time of filing this report no underground group had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and subsequent killing of the AMSU leader.
In the meantime, the general public at the border town have strongly condemned the police for failing to take up appropriate action to search for the student leader, observing that Sunil could have been found alive had the police swung into action immediately after he was kidnapped.
It may be mentioned that the father of the student leader Sanker Lal had filed a complaint with the Moreh police yesterday after his son was kidnapped by unidentified persons.

Problems of NE to be hashed out at New Delhi convention The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 12: The Manipur Platform of Mass Organisations in coordination with the Manipuri Students Federation, Delhi and All Assam Students Association, Delhi are organizing a one-day convention on `Problems of North East region` on August 13 at the ISI Hall, Lodhi road, New Delhi.

Eminent parliamentarians and leaders like Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) leader, D Raja, Pramod Gogoi, Ksh Shanta and several student leaders will address the convention, according to a release.

The main demands of the convention include safeguarding of the territorial integrity of North Eastern states, immediate declaration of unilateral cease-fire of all the insurgent groups operating in the region and bring them to the negotiating table without any preconditions, adequate funds for infrastructure development of both the hills and plains in the region, lifting of the policy of downsizing of government jobs along with creating of more jobs for employment and to establish more hydroelectric power projects to produce enough power to meet the demands for industries and domestic consumption.