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08/17/2006: "Rio & govt playing divide and rule ga me ’Don’t pass the buck to DC, SP: CKS The Morung Express"

Rio & govt playing divide and rule ga me ’Don’t pass the buck to DC, SP: CKS The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 16 (MExN): Squarely placing blame on the DAN government for the series of events that led to non-observance of Independence Day in Tuensang, the Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) has asked the Chief Minister and the government from further playing a ‘policy of divide and rule.’ The CKS in a statement pointed out that on learning that the government of Nagaland was going to inaugurate the Deputy Inspector of Schools (DIS) at Tobu, the CKS had submitted a representation to the government on August 12 not to take such a step so as to avoid unwarranted situation. “Basing on our representation the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization had a meeting with the Chief Minister to keep the matter in abeyance and the decision to shelve the inauguration programme was made”, the CKS claimed in its statement.
It was however alleged that on the eve of August 15, the Chief Minister’s Office in contravention of the decision, arbitrarily gave the green signal to go ahead with the inauguration programme.
The CKS also pointed out that on learning of the sudden development, the submitted an ultimatum through the Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang who “turned a deaf ear and decided to ignore them”.
“The diary of events clearly shows the contempt and insult of the people of the Eastern Nagaland and the mind of the leader bend of dividing the unity of eastern Nagas. When the Tobu issue between the Changs and the Konyaks are on the verge of solution with the intervention of the ENPO, the divide and rule policy enforced upon us is not acceptable to the Eastern Nagas” according to a statement from the CKS through its president N Kaimang Chang and General Secretary S Yemba Ayen Chang. The CKS, apex tribal body of the Chang community, in no uncertain terms held the government responsible for the August 15 incident.
“As such, ultimately, the blame for the whole fiasco lies with the honorable Chief Minister and his government. So if any government officials and public are victimized for the omissions and commissions committed by the government of Nagaland, we will not tolerate it and will take further course of action” the CKS stated adding that the explanation-summon issued to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Tuensang is uncalled for “as the fault lies with the arbitrary decision of the honorable Chief Minister”.
“The Chang Khulei Setshang once again ask the honorable chief Minister and the Government of Nagaland to desist from playing the game of divide and rule but instead dwell on development and progress of the people of Nagaland for which your government is elected” it was stated. According to the CKS, the state government is using the DIS office at Tobu as an instrument for dividing the ENPO. “It can be surmised that the creation of DIS office at Tobu is not a matter of development but a poison to divide the unity of ENPO. Any issues and situation arising out of the bungle would be the creation and invitation of the DAN government” the organization declared. As such no public, government officials and organizations under the fold of ENPO should be held responsible but the responsibility will squarely lie on the chief Minister and his government, it added.
5 killed in Manipur bomb blast in ISKCON temple
Imphal, August 16 (PTI): At least five persons were killed and 28 others, incluing a foreigner, injured when a powerful bomb exploded in the complex of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) here this evening when the shrine was teeming with Janmasthami devotees. The toll might go up because some of those who suffered injuries were in critical condition, sources in the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital said. The identity of the foreigner was not immediately available. The five victims included a 10-year-old boy and a 70-year-old woman, the sources said. Several important persons, including chief priest of the ISKCON’S Damodar Das, were among those who were hit by splinters of the bomb which was reportedly hurled at the Tulihal airport area in Imphal West district of Manipur this by some unidentified persons. Reports said that today being the birthday of Lord Krishna, there was a huge gathering of people at the ISKCON complex, about five KM south of here, and the bomb exploded among the crowd at around seven pm. No individual or organisation has claimed responsibility for the explosions, official sources said.
Naga Hoho appeals to Nagaland government on NBSE affiliation The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 16 (MExN): A meeting of the Naga Hoho Executive Council was held today, the 16th of August at Kohima, to discuss matters needing immediate attention and getting acquainted with the New President, Bendang Jamir and New South Zone Vice President, Somipam Longleng, while reviewing some back-logs and working out strategies for necessary follow-up, informed P Chuba Ozukum, Information & Publicity Secretary, Naga Hoho.
In the meantime, with the approaching Monsoon Session of the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly and the fate of more than 56000 (Fifty Six Thousand) Naga students hanging at stake, the meeting unanimously decided to appeal to the Government of Nagaland irrespective of political parties and all concerned to apply all its wisdom to enable the Nagaland Board of Schoold Education (NBSE), affiliate any Educational Institutions from anywhere outside the present state of Nagaland. The Naga Hoho feels strongly that this is the least Nagas can do to demonstrate our genuine desire to co-exist as a people that God has created for which our people have fought together throughout our history, the Naga Hoho press note stated.
In this regard, the Naga Hoho also appealed to all the Naga leaders of all walks of life to rise up to the call of the moment during this time of trials and help in building a future for the younger generation for posterity to remember with gratitude.
NISC tells NSCN (IM) to be fair The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 16 (MExN): While acknowledging that the NSCN (IM) “represents the Naga society” and it was acting “on behalf of all Nagas” with its main objective “to ensure that Naga interests are served”, the Naga International Support Centre (NISC) has however pointed out that no Naga organization is beyond accountability.
While maintaining that no one is perfect, especially at times of prolonged uncertainty, the NISC has called on the NSCN (IM) to restrain itself from forcibly impressing views on the people which are not peoples’ views like what happened in Hunphun (Ukhrul) when the village council was overruled by leaders of the NSCN (IM). NISC also wanted that the NSCN (IM) to keep its soldiers from taking impromptu action leading to misunderstanding and repression and also to validate policies with the people before implementing them and to diligently review cases brought to their attention before passing judgment.
Further, considering this time of uncertainty and in questioning the internal discipline of the NSCN (IM) across all levels of decision making, the NISC called on the NSCN (IM) to take disciplinary action against those, high or low, who act on own interests. NISC also wanted the NSCN (IM) to be transparent and fair on taxation, trespassing laws, initiating policies, meting out punishment and to be accountable on policies promulgated on behalf of the Naga Society.
“Those who have the means are tempted to exert power, but good leadership requires understanding, consideration and justification of actions”, NISC appealed to the NSCN (IM) particularly while dealing with the civil society.
NSCN (K) issues ‘Quit Notice’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 16 (MExN): In what was termed by the NSCN (K) as “a significant move to push forward for the renewal of unity and restoration of permanent peace among the Nagas of Nagaland”, the Sumi region, Chakhesang region, Konyak region, Angami region, Lotha region, Sangtam region, Ao region and Tisary region covering districts of Zunheboto, Phek, Mon, Kohima, Wokha, Kiphire, Mokokchung have issued “Quit Notice to the Tangkhul tribe of Manipur” from August 17, 2006.
The “Quit Notice” statement was issued by Vihoto Aye, Regional Chairman, Sumi Region; Akhro Chakhesang, CIO, Chakhesang Region; Col (Retd) Angba Konyak, Regional Secretary, Konyak Region; K.K Angami, Regional Chairman, Angami Region; C. Lotha, Caretaker, Lotha Region, Yangsepa Sangtam, A/Regional Chairman, Sangtam Region; I. Wati, Regional Chairman, Ao region and Maj Kurichu, A/Chairman, Tisary Region.
The NSCN (K) alleged that Nagas “have for a long time borne the brunt and cruelty of the Tangkhuls responsible for masterminding terrorisms against the NSCN and innocent Nagas”. “After weighing the pros and cons of the Tangkhul Criminalism, the above mentioned regions of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland have agreed to implement overall strict measures to restrict any Tangkhul (IM or Indian Government employees) existence in Nagaland to ensure pro bono publico”, it was stated.
The NSCN (K) in its quit notice further informed that previously, the Zeliangrong, Konyak and Sangtam Region had also issued “Drive out Notice” against the Tangkhuls. “The entire Naga society is aware of the anti-Naga and anti-nationalistic egos and pride of this tribe and as quid pro quo, the Quit Notice is made effective”, it was stated.
The NSCN (K) pointed out that the Naga army in the above mentioned regions has been urged to enforce all operative codes to root out the “terrorists from the Naga soil in view to provide a committed terrorism-free Nagaland to the future generations”, the quit notice stated.
NSCN-K bans students body, clarifies cadres action Newmai News Network Imphal/August 16
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has banned two student organisations namely; Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, LNKR (Liangmai Students Union) and the Rongmei Students Organisation, Manipur, RSOM with immediate effect and have further been warned with dire consequences if the students’ body carry out their activities in future.
Regional Council Member (RCM) of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region Kamson said that LNKR and RSOM have not been recognised by the Zeliangrong Union, the apex body of the Zeliangrong. Kamson further stated that any organisations of the Zeliangrong community which are not recognised by the Zeliangrong Union would not be allowed to exist in the Zeliangrong Region.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has asked the Rongmei Students Organisation, Manipur (RSOM) and the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) to surrender before the outfit at the earliest time possible. Reasoning its decision, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region leader Kamson said that ZU and RSOM had condemned the August 12 incident without knowing the truth and said that the report of two journalists and a law student who had been reportedly assaulted by the NSCN-K cadres in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district was exaggerated and wrong.
Kamson said that on August 12 at Zeiladjang village cadres of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region stopped and interrogated Nitin Sethy of the Down to Earth journal; Aphian Gonmei of a Tamenglong based newspaper Dih Cham and Namdithu Pamei, a law student. Kamson further stated that these three persons while responding to the interrogation did not co-ordinate to each other in their answers so the NSCN-K cadres gave a small slap to each of them to give a proper answers.
“Just a small slap to a person while interrogating and that also for giving a cooked up answers from three different persons with three different statements who are in the same team, is a negligible and small reaction from a revolutionary group”, explained Kamson.
The NSCN-K leader while reasoning of his cadres’ action of August 12 has said that with the ongoing tussle between the two NSCNs, they are on the alert at every moment. He added that these three persons had entered the village but since the village people failed to identify them, the NSCN cadres had taken up pre-emptive measures by trying to verify their identities and thus, interrogated them.
Kamson said that their cadres did not beat or assault them as condemned by the RSOM and ZU but a small slap to find out the truth. The NSCN-K leader urged ZU and RSOM not to “simply bark” without knowing the truth and asked these organisations and other civil bodies not to condemn in future for such kind of incidents.
Kamson said that keeping in mind with the call of the Zeliangrong Union that Zeliangrong Region be a peace zone, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has been restraining itself from many things. He said that his outfit has exempted various taxes from the region and that every activity of the outfit has been done in the interest of the Zeliangrong community or the Naga interest.
Be fair NSCN- Nagaland Post
In its quest to set the nation free, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN, represents the Naga Society. It acts on behalf of all Nagas and its main objective is to ensure that Naga interests are served. This is the bottom line but no Naga Organization is beyond accountability.
The Ceasefire between the Government of India and the Naga Forces of the Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagaland, GPRN, has led to relative Peace. Acting on behalf of the Naga Peoples this is what the, NSCN, achieved. Relative peace is not war, but is no solution either and with the stalemate going on for almost a decade now, since 1997, the people have become restless. They desire real peace. The Government of India, aside from the strategy to stall for time to weaken the Naga movement for self-determination, implements the divide and rule policy to destabilize the Naga society. As such, the NSCN/GPRN understandably has their hands full with maintaining perspective.
Due to devastating decisions in the past the Khaplang group and the remnants of the NNC, without justifying their actions, oppose the NSCN. As the Government of India deploys both the Khaplang group and the NNC, it indirectly undermines the peace process through them. This destabilization hits all sectors of society. As a result it has become increasingly difficult to trust. In dealing with the civil society and in internal affairs this is true for the NSCN itself as well. Confusion rightly or wrongly, after all, leads to a tightening of control. Those who have the means are tempted to exert power, but good leadership requires understanding, consideration and justification of actions.
Because no one is perfect, especially at times of prolonged uncertainty, the Naga International Support Center calls on the NSCN to:
- restrain itself from forcibly impressing views on the people which are not the peoples views like what happened in Hunphun (Ukhrul) when the village council was overruled by leaders of the NSCN
- keep its soldiers from taking impromptu action leading to misunderstanding and repression
- validate policies with the people before implementing them
- diligently review cases brought to their attention before passing judgment.
Considering this time of uncertainty and in questioning the internal discipline of the NSCN top down and from below to the decision makers, the NISC calls on the NSCN to:
- take disciplinary action against those, high or low, who act on own interests
- be transparent and fair on taxation, trespassing laws, initiating policies, meting out punishment
- be accountable on policies promulgated on behalf of the Naga Society
Naga International Support Center (NISC), Amsterdam
5 dead, 50 hurt in Manipur mandir blast Nagaland Post
Imphal, Aug 16 (PTI): At least five persons were killed and 50 others, including five American and three French nationals, injured when a powerful bomb exploded in the complex of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) here this evening when the shrine was teeming with Janmasthami devotees. The toll might go up because some of those who suffered injuries were in critical condition, sources in the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital said.

A 10-year-old boy and a 70-year-old woman were among the dead, the sources said.
Hospital sources said three French and five American nationals were among those who sustained splinter injuries in the blast which took place at around 7 pm. Earlier reports had spoken about injury to only one foreigner Several important persons, including chief priest of the ISKCON'S Damodar Das, were among those who were hit by splinters of the bomb which was reportedly hurled at the Tulihal airport area in Imphal West district of Manipur this by some unidentified persons. Reports said that today being the birthday of Lord Krishna, there was a huge gathering of people at the ISKCON complex, about five KM south of here. No individual or organisation has claimed responsibility for the explosions, official sources said.
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh visited the hospital and strongly condemned the incident. Official sources said investigation would be ordered to find out how insurgents or militants infiltrated the state capital complex where heavy security deployment was there. The spot where the bomb exploded falls under high security zone in the state capital, sources said adding the area was also under the surveillance of security forces.
The security forces launched a massive manhunt in search of those who were responsible for the blast. Meanwhile, teh All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has strongly condemned the blast.
Manipur temple blast kills 5, foreigners wounded By Reuters Thursday August 17, 10:05 AM


GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - The death toll in a bomb explosion at a Hindu temple in Manipur rose to five, and at least 35 people including foreign devotees were wounded, police said on Thursday.
The explosion occurred near the state capital Imphal during prayers on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of the Hindu god, Krishna.
Two Americans, a French and an Iranian women, who were at the temple run by ISKCON, the international Krishna consciousness movement, were among the injured. A nine-year-old local boy died in the blast.
An intelligence official said some unidentified people had warned ISKCON officials not to hold any functions on Wednesday, when the rest of the country marked one of its biggest festivals.
Nearly a dozen guerrilla groups operate in Manipur, a Hindu-majority state of 2.6 million, some fighting for independence and others for autonomy and greater rights for local tribes.
The intelligence official said the attack may have been carried out by one of the local groups as part of a campaign to revive indigenous Hindu practices and discourage new religious movements like ISKCON.
Manipur is part of the remote and turbulent northeast - seven states which are home to more than two dozen separatist groups and over 200 tribals and ethnic communities.
Terror strikes Imphal ISKCON temple: Four including child killed; over 50 injured; foreign devotees injured, one seriously The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 16: Krishna Janma celebrations at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, ISKCON campus at Sangaiprou, Imphal ended in blood and gore this evening after unidentified persons hurled a hand grenade into a crowded mandap where a ras leela performance was taking place.

The blast killed at least four people, including two children, and injured nearly 50 others. The injured include at least two foreigners, one of whom is stated to be in serious condition.

Altogether six foreigners, including five from the USA and one from France were watching the Ras Leela performance, held as part of day-long celebrations of Krishna Janmastami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.

Doctors at RIMS Hospital, Lamphelpat and the Shija Hospital, Langol were hard-put to cope with the rush of dead and injured in the aftermath of the blast.

Officials reports said there were 27 serious cases among the injured, including a male American, whose identity could not be immediately confirmed.

Eyewitness reports said the grenade was thrown from the south-eastern corner of the mandap, located inside the ISKCON campus, and exploded immediately, killing one person on the spot, and injuring scores of others.

The assailant apparently managed to escape in the ensuing confusion.

The witnesses added that the grenade was hurled just after a firecracker was set off on the other side of the mandap.

H Birkumar, alias Bitendra Das, 73, of Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai was killed at the spot, while two other victims, identified as Dr K Binodkumar, 65, of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, and a nine-year old child, Wahengbam Anil, of W Nabadwip of Sangaiprou died while being evacuated to RIMS hospital.

A fourth victim, Angom Blodin 12, son of A Bobby of Lalambung Makhong Takhellambam Leikai, died at Shija Hospital, Langol.

Apart from those hurt in the blast itself, several others also sustained injuries in the ensuing stampeded.

Immediately after the blast, police and medical teams rushed to the site to render assistance and evacuate the wounded to hospital.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet. However, unconfirmed reports said an unidentified group had delivered a warning to the ISKCON authorities over telephone yesterday not to host Krishna Janma celebrations at the ISKCON campus.

Chief minister O Ibobi Singh visited RIMS hospital this evening soon after the blast, and spoke to the wounded victims as well as the hospital authorities.

Speaking briefly to mediapersons, he strongly condemned today`s incident, calling it a cowardly act. He also said ex-gratia would be given to the next of kin of the deceased, and all assistance given to the wounded.

Answering queries, the chief minister also maintained that there was no question of a security lapse. He also refused to speculate on who was responsible for the attack, contending that it was too premature to do so.

The chief minister was accompanied by MANITRON chairman Bijoy Koijam, and the PDA chairman K Ranjit.

The underground Revolutionary People`s Front, RPF has meanwhile clarified that it had nothing to do with the bomb attack at the ISKCON complex.

A spokesperson of the organisation telephoned media offices this afternoon to say that the the group strongly condemned the bomb attack and made it clear that the group considered such attacks on a place of worship a thoughtless and cowardly act.

The All Manipur Students Union, AMSU, also strongly condemned the bomb attack, terming it as an act of terrorism.

The following is a partial list of the dead and injuried

Deceased
1. H. Birkumar @ Bitendra Das (76) of Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai 2. Dr. K Bimod Kumar (65) of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai
3. Wahengbam Anil Singh (9) (Krishna Shaba) of S/o, W. Nabadip of Sangaiprou
4. Angom Blodin (12) S/o, A Boby of Lalambung Makhong Takhellambam Leikai

Injured
1. Oinam (O) Kunjalata (48) W/o Profullo of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai 2. Khoisnam Rojesh (11) S/o, Indubhushan of Malom Awang Leikai

3. RK. Singhajit (73) of New Delhi 4. Lakshmipriya (50) of USA 5. Brahmacharimayum Gopal Sharma (60) S/o, (L) Thakudhan of Kwakeithel

6. Manik Laishram Devi (22) D/o, ES Laishram 7. Gunija (52)

8. Manihar (65) of Malom 9. Sumitra Devi (50) W/o, (L) Basantakumar Wangkhem of Porompat

10. H Nganbi Devi (35)of Sangaiprou 11. H Sushila Devi (36) of Sangaiprou

12. W Khurai Leima (84) of Mekola 13. Wahengbam Nabachandra (10) of Heirangoithong

14. Murari Das (32) of ISKCON 15. P Rajendrakumar (70) of Kwakeithel

16. Sapam Ibohal Singh (65) S/o, Gouramani of Kwakeithel Tiddim Ground 17. Bhakta Singh (45) of Keishamthong Hodam Leirak

18. Thiyam Gambir Singh (65) of Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai 9. Oinam Ichan (9) D/o, Newton of Kwakeithel

20. Thangjam Ranjita (24) D/o, Rajmani of Langzing Achouba 21. Lukram (o) Malemnganbi (64) W/o, Nimaichand of Naoremthong Khullem Leikai

22. Kangujam Ibemcha Devi 23. Konjengbam Manihar Singh (50) S/o, (L) Paka of Hodam Leirak 24. Irengbam Gouramani (70) of Khagempalli Panthak 25. Thoudam (o) Ibecha (60) W/o, Lokhon of Ghari Awang Leikai

26. Laishram Shanta (26) D/o, L Chaoba of Thanga 27. Maisnam Madhumangol (67) S/o, Ibotombi of Lalambung Makhong

28. Wahengbam Naba (36) S/o, (L) Amutombi of Keishamthong Top Leirak 29. Kabita Kajuriya (36) W/o, Sanju Kajuriya of Maharastra presently Thangal Bazar 30. Sh. Manglembi (60) W/o, Sh Jayanta 31. Moirangthem Ashnikumar (37) S/o, M Chaoba of Changangei

32. Miss L Sarda Devi of Thanga 33. Shiddhish Irom (28) S/o, S Lalit of Keishamthong Hodam Leirak 34. Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami (69) of Toubul

35. Soram Gunija (51) W/o, IS Laishram of Lamphel 36. Manika

37. Sobita of Sangaiprou 38. Mrs. Ibemhal of Lalambung


ULFA silent on Govt gesture By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 16 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today released its mouthpiece Freedom to the media but the outfit did not clarify its stand on the suspension of Army operations with effect from August 13. The Government of India suspended the Army operations from August 13 to create a conducive atmosphere for direct talks with the ULFA but the outfit is yet to respond to the gesture of the Government and its mouthpiece did not mention a single line about the suspension of operations.

The ULFA, in its mouthpiece, said that it was ready for direct talks if the Government of India releases the jailed leaders and provide information about the leaders and cadres missing since the operations in Bhutan. The outfit alleged that the Government killed unarmed cadres of the ULFA and ever since the first meeting with the PCG, 40 ULFA men and more than 70 innocent persons were killed. The ULFA alleged that contrary to decisions taken in the meeting with the PCG, the Government imposed new conditions for the release of the jailed leaders of the outfit. “The prevailing military operation in the State proves the Indian Government’s disregard for peace talks,” the ULFA said.

Indo-Bangla talks on Aug 26 From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
BADARPUR, Aug 16 – A home secretary-level round of talks will be held between India and Bangladesh at Dhaka on August 26 to defuse the tension that cropped up in the Katigorah and Bhanga sectors of the Indo-Bangladesh border following the death of two Indian civilians in BDR firing last week. Union Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Dev, while talking to reporters in Karimganj on Monday, said that among other things the forceful occupation of 220 acres of cultivable land in Katigorah revenue circle belonging to India by Bangladesh, would be discussed at the scheduled meeting.

In reply to another question Dev said incidents of occasional exchange of fire between BSF and BDR were a regular feature. The Katigorah and Bhanga incidents too were only part of such happenings, he added.

Minister Dev informed that after his return to New Delhi he would submit a report to the Centre on the illegal occupation of the 220 acre-plot of land by Bangladesh.

North East celebrates Independence Day From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, Aug 16 – Chief Minister JD Rymbai has reiterated that overall development in Meghalaya could be achieved only when there is peace and stability in the State.

Unfurling the tri-colour on occasion of Independence Day celebration at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports complex, Rymbai appealed to militant outfits to ‘shun violence’ and join the mainstream.

He pointed out that with the Achik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) coming forward for peace talks, developmental activities have gained momentum in Garo Hills.

He also urged the youth to settle social, political and economic problems through discussions and negotiations.

On the economic front, Rymbai advocated for a separate trade policy for the region in general to accelerate trade and investment between various States in the region.

There would be a continued effort to increase the foodgrain production by using high yielding seeds and improved practices, the Chief Minister stated.

He added that the government had ventured into producing new crops like Bell pepper and Cherry tomatoes in addition to the traditionally grown crops.

On the power sector, Rymbai said 67 per cent of the total villages in Meghalaya have been electrified. Steps were being taken to accelerate the pace of rural electrification, Rymbai said adding the government has planned to set up three major hydel-power projects in the State.

Meanwhile, thousands of people came to take part in the celebrations defying the 24-hour bandh called by the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). Independence day celebration passed off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported so far.

Our Agartala Correspondent adds: In Tripura, large number of people participated in the celebrations defying the diktat of the boycott called by outlawed groups.

Our Imphal Correspondent adds: Speaking at the national observation held at the 1st MR parade ground in Imphal, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi appealed to the Manipur ultras to come to the negotiating table for the sake of development and peace in Manipur.

He said 15th August is a day of national rejoicing and rededication to the cause of national solidarity and integrity.