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08/24/2006: "NSCN (K) hardens quit notice stand Source: The Sangai Express"

NSCN (K) hardens quit notice stand Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 23: Asserting that the Tangkhul master minds have already deputed their intelligence agents to every nook and corner of Nagaland in the guise of school teachers, nurses, office workers, businessmen and mission workers, a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Publicity of NSCN/GPRN noted that it has been compelled to weed out such 'criminals' from Nagaland.

Stating that the simple, honest and hospitable Nagas could no longer tolerate bloodshed in any form on Naga soil because of some blood thirsty Tangkhuls leaders, the statement disclosed that the NSCN/GPRN has been constrained to take up this measure (serving quit notice to Tangkhuls) in order to bring peace in the strife-torn Nagaland wreaked by the Tangkhuls.

Concerning the 'IM terrorist orchestrated reactions' to the NSCN's quit notice issued from respective regional authorities to the Tangkhuls, it observed that such reactions are nothing but clear incitements to carry on its campaign more vigorously. Noting that the outfit did not bother whether such reactions were incitements, abetment or appeasements, it declared that it would do whatever is necessary while mentioning that the NSCN/GPRN's Ato Kilonser N Kitovi had assured that the outfit would not target innocent persons.

It appealed to all Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland safe and sound before anything undesirable happened to them and to avert any case of mistaken identities, self invited consequences etc.
Taking strong exception to the alleged unqualified reactions of NBCC and NSF, it recalled of the resolutions adopted by UNC at the behest of IM group in 1992 to serve quit notice to the Kukis.

Following the resolution, IM 'terrorist groups' in the name of Kuki Naga clashes, butchered hundreds of Kukis including women and children besides devastating hundreds of Kuki villages in early 90's.Noting that during the prolonged carnage, not a single voice of concern was raised either by the Churches or the so-called human right groups or the NSF, it ridiculed the voices of concern raised by some social and human rights activists today.

The NSCN/GPRN further questioned the credibility of the so called Naga sympathisers or supporters from across the border specially western people who have been extremely concerned with its quit notice to Tangkhuls when they remained mute spectators all along the past half a century of Indian aggression and oppression.

It also flayed the foreigners for poking their noses into Naga affairs only after the cease-fire pacts were signed without knowing 'who is who and what is what'.

Reacting with contempt to the write-ups of the so called Naga Solidarity Group against its resolution to sever all communications with auxiliary bodies of IM group including the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR and the quit notice served on the Tangkhuls, the GPRN advised all the signatories to re-examine their actions and apologise to the Naga nationalists.

It asserted that the message sent by Naga National Council to the Secretary General of the United Nations Organisation on August 14, 1947 that the Nagas would be independent was acknowledged and put on record by the UNO.

Questioning the authenticity of the Naga International Support Centre and the Naga Solidarity Group to interfere in Naga affairs, it said that any domestic or international right group or civil society supporting the legitimate Naga cause in the entirety without adopting partisan roles would be appreciated and respected, it declared that any partisan role or pre-judicial acts would be rejected by NSCN/GPRN.

The statement further asked all concerned not to sow any more seeds of discord and division among the Nagas by supporting one group while accusing the other.

Asserting that who are nationalists and who are anti-nationalists will be known at the end of the struggle, it reiterated that sovereign independent Nagaland, nothing more, nothing less, is the objective of NSCN/GPRN.
NSCN’s reaction vis-à-vis ‘Quit Notice’- Nagaland Post
The IM group orchestrated reactions to the NSCN's ‘Quit Notice’ issued from respective regional authorities to the Tangkhuls are nothing but clear incitement on us to carry on the campaign more vigorously. As such, we do not bother whether these are incitements, abetments or appeasements. We will do what is necessary. The NSCN/GPRN Hon'ble Ato Kilonser N. Kitovi has made it very clear that NSCN will not target any innocent persons. This is the stand and principle of the NSCN/GPRN. But is should be noted by all concerned that Tangkhuls have already deputed their intelligence agents to every nook and corner of Nagaland in the guise of school teachers, nurses, office workers, businessman and mission workers. And the NSCN/GPRN will, therefore, be compelled to search out such criminals in Nagaland. The simple honest and hospitable Nagas could no longer tolerate bloodshed in any forms in Naga soil at the behest of some blood thirsty Tangkhul leaders and that is why the NSCN/GPRN has been most reluctantly compelled to take up this measure in order to bring peace in the strife torn Nagaland engineered by Tangkhuls.
Therefore, it is the sincere appeal of the NSCN/GPRN to the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland safe and sound before anything bad happens to them, so that there may be no question of mistaken identities, self invited consequences etc, etc in future. Because, the intention of NSCN/GPRN is loud and clear in that there should be no shedding of blood of innocent persons in Naga soil.
However, the NSCN/GPRN sharply reacts to the unqualified reactions of the NBCC and NSF through print media against the ‘Quit Notice’ issued to the Tangkhuls. It is to be noted here that in 1992 UNC meeting under the chairmanship of R.K. Theko, at the behest of IM group adopted a resolution serving quit notice to the Kukis. The resultant effect was that the IM group under the covered name or Kuki Naga clashes, hundreds of Kukis including women, children, and infants were butchered and hundreds of Kuki villagers had been uprooted during the early part of 1990s.
That during that time, there were no voice of the churches, human rights groups and no NSF. Then how come social and human rights activists today? If there are any voice in this regard from across the borders (foreign lands), the NSCN/GPRN is bound to ask where those so called Naga sympathizers or supporters, specially western people, when Nagas were turning in the fiery furnace of Indian aggression and oppression during the past half of a century and how come today during the cease-fire period that any foreigners should poke their noses in the Naga affairs without knowing who is who and what is what.
The NSCN/GPN reacts with contempt the write ups of the so called Naga solidarity group against the severing of communication with auxiliary bodies of IM group, like Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR and the quit notice to the Tangkhuls by it. The GPRN advises the signatories to undergo psychiatric examination and treatment and apologize to the Naga nationalists.
The Naga National Council declared Naga independence on the 14th August 1947 and the declaration was called to United Nations Organization (UNO) secretary general, which runs thus-"Benign Excellency, kindly put on record that the Nagas will be independent". The UNO acknowledged the message and put the on record. But till today no intervention comes from UNO. Again, when late, Merhrepou Kent, the then president of NNC wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of UK for intervention in the Naga affairs, F.L Gristock wrote back on behalf of the British government which runs thus-" the affairs of Nagaland are the domestic concern of the Indian government, and not matters in which it would be proper for us to seek to intervene in anyways". So now, what powers have the so called Naga international support centre (NISC) and Naga solidarity group (NSG) to interfere in Naga affairs? Any domestic or international right group or civil societies supporting the Naga legitimate cause in its entirely without adopting partisan roles will be appreciated, honored and respected. But any partisan role or prejudice acts will be despised and rejected by the NSCN/GPRN.
For God's sake, don't add more seeds of discord and divisions among the Nagas by supporting one group and accusing the other. Enough is enough. Who are nationalists and who are anti-nationalists will be known at the end of the struggle. The sovereign independent Nagaland is the objective of the NSCN/GPRN nothing more nothing less.
Secretary, MIP/GPRN, NSCN (K).
Response to ‘Quit Notice’- Nagaland Poast opinion
In response to the 'Quit notice' given to a particular Naga tribe namely, 'Tangkhul tribe by the NSCN (K), the Kuki Affairs, GPRN/NSCN is shocked and dismayed over the said issue. It is heartening to hear such thing at this crucial stage of Naga political movement in this civilized century whereupon, every nation small or big are busy in the process of amalgamating and merging as strong union and nation.
For a strong and powerful nation, such tribalism and narrow approach is a total anti-thesis. Whereas, instead we need to understand that the smallest and tiniest community is a building block of a great nation. Therefore, instead of utilizing our wisdom in such things and restoring to enemies policies of weakening our nation, let us think again and stand together and fight for our nation as a whole at this high and crucial time.
When we talk about Nation, it does not only mean the people living in it but also includes everything from below the earth to the sky. So let us also work and search for our other brothers who are scattered and lost instead of avoiding them. As such, the Kuki Affirms also strongly express and condemn the said notice given by our brothers, NSCN (K) and cautioned them to take back their said 'quit notice' at the earliest in the interest of the Naga nation.
Haolim Kuki Tatar GPRN/NSCN (IM)
Naga MPs saddened at `quit notice` The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 22: Naga Parliamentarians of both Manipur and Nagaland have expressed anguish over the Quit Notice served by the NSCN(K) to Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland.

In a joint statement, Manipur MPs Rishang Keishing (RS), Mani Charenamei (LS), and Nagaland MPs Wangyuh Konyak (LS) and TR Zeliang (RS) said they were saddened beyond words by the NSCN(K)`s quit notice.

`We consider the notice unfortunate, unwise, and against the interest of the Naga people`, the joint statement said. The MPs appealed to the leaders of the NSCN(K) to reconsider their stance in the interest of Naga unity and integrity. They also urged the Nagaland government and all leading NGOs to take up all precautionary measures so that not a single drop of innocent blood is shed due to the Quit Notice.

Notice not to be withdrawn, says K The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 23: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland, Khalpang group, NSCN(K) has reiterated its determination to enforce its Quit Notice against Tangkhul residents of Nagaland despite the `IM-orchestrated` reactions against the Quit Notice from different sections.

The IM-terrorists orchestrated reactions to the Quit Notice are nothing but clear incitement to carry on the campaign more vigorously, a statement issued by the MIP, GPRN and faxed to media offices said.

The statement maintained that the `terrorists` have deputed their intelligence agents throughout Nagaland in the quise of school teachers, nurses, workers, businessmen and mission workers, and the NSCN(K) will be compelled to search out such criminals.

Hence, it made a `sincere appeal` to the Tangkhuls to leave safe and sound before anything bad happens to them, so that there may be no question of mistaken identity etc.

Reacting sharply to the unqualified reactions of the NBCC and NSF through print media against the Quit Notice, the statement pointed out that in 1992 the UNC at the behest of the IM group adopted a resolution serving quit notice on the Kukis, as a result of which hundreds of Kukis including women, children and infants were butchered and hundreds of Kuki villages were uprooted. But during that time there were no voices of the churches, human rights groups and no NSF, the statement maintained.

The NSCN(K) also questioned the locus standi of organisations such as the Naga International Support Centre and the Naga Solidarity Group, and said any domestic or international rights group or civil societies supporting the Nagas` legitimate struggle will be appreciated and honoured, but any partisan role or prejudicial act will be despised and rejected.

NISC react on ‘Shillong Accord’ issue The Morung Express
Dimapur August 23 (MExN): Responding to the Naga National Council (NNC) on the issue of Shillong Accord, the Naga International Support Center (NISC) stated that the Shillong Accord was responsible for the foundation of the NSCN since the majority of the Nagas had not wanted to follow the NNC and that it had not represented the Naga People as a whole anymore.
It also stated that the former leaders of the NNC were driven into founding an organization which could represent the people of Nagaland.
“Since it is the NNC which accused the NISC to practically be an extension of the NSCN and also calling the leader of the NSCN guilty of terrorist activities, it has become increasingly important to answer the question of justification of disarmament, which set the atmosphere in which division from the mainstream was then set in motion” stated NISC.
The NISC has mentioned that in an interview by their secretary, Dr. FAM Welman in London with Adinno Phizo, the President of NNC had given no conclusive answer and informed that they had recorded the interview and could be produced any time and further informed that based on the entire interview by Secretary of NISC, with President Adinno Phizo will be published soon in a new book with the title ‘Out of Isolation, exploring a forgotten world.’
‘Naga tea one of the best in NE’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 22 (MExN): Nagaland tea was ranked second in tea quality and pricing at the recently held tea auction at Guwahati on August 16-17. It is informed that the grower is Sungkum Jamir, proprietor of Longsa Tea, Mokokchung. Sungkum Jamir, informed to be the first Naga tea grower to “find a foothold at Guwahati tea auction”, is also the president of the Nagaland Tea Planters Association.Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture Nagaland through Dr Supong Keitzer, Director, has extended its congratulations to Jamir for what the department said was his tireless effort to bring into recognition the state’s tea production by the Tea Market Associations, across the country and the Tea board of India.
NSCN-I-M serves extortion demand to IOC in Manipur IANS Nahvind Times
Imphal, Aug 23: Fear has gripped the Indian Oil Corporation officials in Manipur, following a Rs 50-lakh extortion demand from the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah that led to tankers staying away and dipping fuel stocks in the north-eastern state.
A Manipur government official said NSCN-I-M militants served the whopping demand to the Imphal-based Assam Oil Division of the state-owned IOC.
“According to reports, the NSCN-IM had set August 20 as the deadline for payment of the extortion money. The IOC, however, refused to pay,” said the official, who wished not to be identified.
“The extortion demand and the subsequent threats by the NSCN-IM have forced many IOC officials in Imphal to move to safer areas fearing reprisal. Tanker drivers carrying petrol and diesel have also stopped coming to Manipur,” he said. All essentials reach Manipur from Assam and other Indian states via Nagaland.
A senior IOC personnel added: “Tankers carrying oil from Assam have stopped going to Manipur for the past 10 days out of fear. Non-payment of the extortion money has fuelled fears that the NSCN-IM might attack the tankers while it crosses Nagaland on way to Manipur.”
Fuel stocks in Manipur are fast drying up and according to officials it could last for another week. The Manipur government has urged New Delhi to sort out the extortion demand with the NSCN-IM. There was no immediate reaction from the NSCN-IM. The NSCN-IM is currently involved in a cease-fire with federal forces and is engaged in peace talks with New Delhi. Although the NSCN-IM is dominant in adjoining Nagaland, it also exercises influence in the bordering areas of Manipur.
Congress ask Rio to explain ‘interim agreement’ Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kohima, Aug 23: Congress today said that state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s idea of Interim Agreement is ‘fine’, but the latter should bring it ‘point by point’ so that the issue can be discussed by all political parties. “Rio interim agreement idea is fine, but he should bring point by point and we are ready to examine the proposal”, KV Pusa senior Congress MLA said, adding that Rio should let them know what things should be included in the interim agreement.
Alleging that Rio has misled the house on the first day of 12th assembly session, Pusa questioned as to whether the Chief Minister knows how the talks is going on.
“Does he knows how the talks is going?”, asked Pusa.
Asked whether the fall of Congress in the last elections could be attributed to the Bedrock of Naga Society, Pusa said that Bedrock of Naga Society has no adverse impact on the party in the last elections. He said that the booklet issue is a close chapter, but still people are trying to open the issue to get political advantage out of it.
“I don’t think the booklet could be the main downfall of Congress”, Pusa said, but it is the gun-power that brought down the Congress, he said.
Pusa also said the party is not against the affiliation of all private schools from the four Naga districts in Manipur to NBSE if the centre agree to it. Making its stand clear, Pusa said if the issue has to be implemented it has to be based on consensus between the two states, otherwise it would be wise for Nagaland to interfere in the affairs of other state.
Meanwhile, the Indian Youth Congress is gearing up its campaign for the next general elections. Trainings are being conducted for their leaders at the state, district and village level as a part of strengthening its party.
Ashok Tanwar, Indian Youth Congress president, who addressed the media today at Hotel Japfu said the party’s main concern is for the development of the people of the state. He also said that under various schemes Congress youth would be carrying out developmental works throughout the state, especially in the rural areas.
Tanwar also charged the ruling DAN government of corruption, nepotism and favouritism on various fronts. The IYC President also condemned the state government for not been able to celebrate the Indian Independence Day at Tuensang, stating its has projected the face of the Indian Prime Minister in negative way. Congress youth is launching a membership drive next month.
The objective of the training is to judge how far the party has penetrated in the state, get correct information on the grass root level, said Susanta Borgahian, the IYC General Secretary.
Susanta also said the party youth would be concentrating on the three key areas, that is basic education, primary health and rural employment.
Govt. dividing ‘Eastern people’ on tribal lines – CKS The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 23 (MExN): The Chang Khulei Setshang expressed regret for the non-observance of Independence Day at Tuensang but squarely held the state government responsible for the whole issue ‘to divide the people of eastern Nagaland’ on tribal lines because even though "we were indeed in a joyous and celebrating mood to observe the National Day" circumstances beyond control led to the whole matter.
"The Chang Khulei Setshang expresses our regret for the non-observance of Independence Day on 15th August. We were indeed in a joyous and celebrating mood to observe the national day when circumstances beyond our control led to the non-observance of Indian independence 2006; the genesis of the whole incident was the handiwork of the state government to divide the people of the Eastern Nagaland on tribal line and to fragment the Eastern Nagaland People’s organization and organization working for the overall social and economic development of the backward tribes of the state" a CKS release from its Information Secretary, Lakum Soted Chang, stated.
The CKS stated it learnt that the state government was going to inaugurate the DIS at Tobu and towards this the body submitted a representation to the Chief Minister to keep the matter in abeyance "as the high-power special committee of ENPO on Tobu issue is on the verge of (brokering) solution to the prolonged dispute.
Basing on the representation, the ENPO had a meeting with the Chief Minister and State Cabinet on August 12 "and the creation of the DIS office at Tobu was kept in abeyance".
However, in a surprise move, the CKS stated, the Chief Minister on the eve of Independence Day, sent a message "to include it in the Independence Day message". On learning of the sudden development, the CKS submitted an ultimatum which was ignored by the Chief Minister. "The CKS views with dismay the transfer of the DC and SP Tuensang making them sacrificial goats for the follies and errors committed by the Chief Minister and his government" the release stated while reminding that so far the Tobu issue has claimed 45 lives while many have been rendered homeless and landless.
"If the government is really keen on solving the issue it should dwell on creating peaceful atmospheres instead of adding fuel to the fire by adopting divide and rule policy" the CKS stated.
NSCN (K) remains steadfast on quit notice The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 23 (MExN): In a hard hitting response to the opposition from various quarters to the quit notice it had issued to the Tangkhul community, the NSCN (K) warned that such reaction was nothing but a ‘clear incitement’ on them to carry on the campaign more vigorously. "As such, we do not bother whether these are incitements, abetments or appeasements. We will do what is necessary", stated a press communiqué issued by the NSCN (K) MIP.
While affirming what N. Kitovi, NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser had stated, the statement pointed out that the NSCN (K) will not target any innocent persons adding that this was its stand and principle. It however warned that since the NSCN (IM) had already deputed their intelligence agents to every nook and corner of Nagaland "in the guise of school teachers, nurses, office workers, businessmen and mission workers", the NSCN (K) would be compelled to search out "such criminals" in Nagaland while stating that the NSCN (K) had been "most reluctantly compelled to take up this measure in order to bring peace in the strife-torn Nagaland engineered by Tangkhuls".
The NSCN (K) therefore appealed to the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland "safe and sound before anything bad happens to them, so that they may be no question of mistaken identities, self invited consequences etc in the future". "Because the intention of the NSCN/GPRN is loud and clear in that there should be no shedding of blood of innocent persons in Naga soil".
The NSCN (K) has also reacted sharply to the ‘unqualified’ reactions of the NBCC and NSF against the quit notice issued to the Tangkhuls. It reminded that in 1992, a UNC meeting under the Chairmanship of RK Theko, at the behest of the NSCN (IM) adopted a resolution serving quit notice to the Kukis. "The resultant effect was that the I-M terrorists under the covered name of Kuki-Naga clashes, hundred of Kukis including women, children and infants were butchered and hundreds of Kuki villages had been uprooted during the early part of 1990s".
The NSCN (K) pointed out that during that time, there were no voices of the Churches, human rights groups and no NSF while adding that it wanted to know as to where the so called Naga sympathizers or supporters, especially people from the west were when Nagas were "burning in the fiery furnace of Indian aggression and oppression during the past half of a century and how come today during the ceasefire period that any foreigners should poke their noses in the Naga affairs without knowing who is who and what is what."
"The NSCN (K) reacts with contempt the write ups of the so called Naga Solidarity Group", adding that the signatories should undergo psychiatry examination and treatment and apologize to the Naga nationalists.
The NSCN (K) maintained that any domestic or international right group or civil societies supporting the Nagas legitimate cause in its entirety without adopting partisan roles will be appreciated, honoured and respected. "But any partisan role or prejudicial acts will be despised and rejected by the NSCN/GPRN".
"For God’s sake, don’t add more seeds of discord and divisions among the Nagas by supporting one group and accusing the other", the NSCN (K) stated and added that the nationalists and anti-nationalists will be known at the end of the struggle. "The sovereign Independent Nagaland is the objective of the NSCN/GPRN, nothing more nothing less"
Debate on Rio’s proposal Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, AUG 23(NPN): Chief minister Neiphiu Rio's earlier statement proposing an interim agreement between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India is likely to feature in the legislative assembly again tomorrow. Opposition members today revealed that the Speaker had admitted their demand and allotted one hour for a full discussion on Rio's proposed interim agreement tomorrow as an urgent matter of public importance.
Earlier, on the first day of the ongoing summer session, the opposition launched a scathing attack on the chief minister's proposal. The opposition also questioned Rio as to who gave him the mandate to make the proposal and demanded the detail of the proposal. Chief minister Neiphiu Rio made the proposal while talking to media persons during one of his visits to Shillong recently. Rio tried to clarify his stand but the opposition members demanded for a full debate and discussion on the issue under Rule 50 pertaining to matter of urgent public importance.
Meanwhile, there are speculations that with hardly any government business left to be taken up, the ongoing 12th monsoon session of the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly earlier fixed upto August 25, may wind up on the second working day tomorrow.
Empowered committee to protect unique Naga polity The Morung Express
KOHIMA, AUGUST 22 (DIPR): State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said that constitution of a Standing Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly is being proposed to fully give effect to the special provisions contained under Article 371 –A (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution. This was stated by the Chief Minister on the first day of the Twelfth Session of the House today at Kohima.
Moving a resolution for the same, Neiphiu Rio stated that the state government endeavours to uphold the Naga dignity and honour through such an ‘empowered’ committee. The Committee would scrutinize acts of Parliament including amendment of Constitution for application to State of Nagaland under Article 371 – A (1) (a) of the Constitution.
Neiphiu Rio stated that the history of Nagaland is unique, particularly the history of its evolution as a state in the Union of India.
The Chief Minister noted that Article 371 – A, more particularly Clause (1) (a) is a fundamental Constitutional law regulating the special federal relations between the State and the Union. Parliament has since passed several Acts in the past with none of them being scrutinised by the State Government for knowing their impact on Article 371-A (1) (a). He also said that so far the state does not have any mechanism to identify those Acts of Parliament that shall not be applied to the State of Nagaland.
The Standing Committee would be constituted for the whole tenure of each Assembly, through a provision in the Rules and Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative Assembly, for scrutinizing and reporting upon the existing Acts of Parliament that may be made from time to time. It would include Acts of Parliament amending the Constitution of India to see if those Acts of Parliament impinge on any of the subjects listed under Article 371 – A (1) (a).
The Standing Committee may recommend to the State Legislature those Acts of Parliament which may be applicable to the state of Nagaland by following the procedures outlined in the said constitutional provision.
UNC, other organisations urge against NSCN(K)`s quit notice The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Aug 23 : The United Naga Council (UNC) along with the Naga Women`s Union, Manipur (NWUM), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) have termed the quit notice on the Tangkhuls in Nagaland served by the NSCN-K as a move which is detrimental to Naga unity.

In a joint statement, the four organisations also observed, "the recent emergence of threat culture as totally against the process of Naga unity and is antithetical to the spirit of our common struggle towards our united vision".

This joint statement is being issued against the background of `quit notice` served by the NSCN (K) to the Tangkhul community recently through the local media.

In the statement issued to NNN yesterday the Naga social organisations said that the strategy of selective branding and targeting of a community falls within the larger stratagem of the dominant powers `cut and clear` tactic to weaken the Naga struggle for self-determination.

"Its astonishing for any Naga struggle group to allege another as `terrorist` which similarly falls within the same propaganda wave of the subjugating powers, which endangers the collective peoples struggle, leading towards a self-annihilatory process besides projecting the peoples movement negatively to the wider international community," the statement said.

It said that the Naga public should jointly voice out against promotion of such culture of hatred and intolerance and progressively work together with increasing understanding and goodwill for the fulfillment of our aspiration.

UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR and NWUM appealed to all the Naga political groups to maintain restraint, rationality and courageously work with a "united purpose to usher in healing and lasting peace in our homeland".
NSCN-IM backs off from Indian Oil Kuknalim.com
IMPHAL, Aug 23:: Fuel supply from Assam to Manipur could resume tomorrow after a gap of 20 days with Delhi forcing the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) to revoke its demand for Rs 20 lakh from the Imphal office of Indian Oil...

All Indian Oil retail outlets in the state had downed shutters after the Imphal office of the company’s Assam Oil Division received a note from the Naga group, which has been engaged in a dialogue with Delhi for nine years but allegedly continues to fill its coffers through extortion.

The closure of fuel outlets, barring two, led to the price of petrol spiralling to between Rs 70 and Rs 75 per litre in the black market. Manipur formally lodged a complaint with Delhi against the NSCN (I-M) on Saturday. Chief secretary Jarnail Singh telephoned former Union home secretary K. Padmanabhaiah, the government interlocutor in peace talks with the Naga group, and faxed a complaint to the Union home ministry.

An official source said the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee convened a meeting among leaders of the NSCN (I-M) and representatives of the Centre and the Assam Oil Division at its Dimapur office yesterday. Manipur food and civil supplies minister Th. Devendra Singh today confirmed that the crisis had blown over.

“We have been informed that the NSCN (I-M) has revoked its demand and assured Indian Oil that oil tankers entering Manipur will not be targeted. Supply of petrol and diesel will resume tomorrow and retail outlets, too, will open,” he said.

A source in the Assam Oil Division office here said petrol and diesel had already been distributed among security agencies.

However, there is still one more hurdle to cross before the supply chain is restored. The All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters’ Association has said it will not send tankers to Assam to procure oil until the government provides foolproof security.

The association submitted a memorandum to Devendra Singh this afternoon, demanding security all along National Highway 39 (Imphal-Kohima road). It also submitted a memorandum to the deputy general manager of the Assam Oil Division, demanding a hike in transportation charges. Although oil transporters have not been directly threatened by the NSCN (I-M), tanker drivers fear that the Naga group will target them if they bring fuel to the state.

Indian Oil had informed the state government of the NSCN (I-M)’s attempt to extort money almost immediately after receiving a note from the group, but it was not until last weekend that Delhi came to know about it.

Devendra Singh said extortion by the NSCN (I-M) was a clear violation of the ground rules of its ceasefire with Delhi, though the truce is not officially applicable in Manipur.

Of all the militant groups active in Manipur, the Okram Ibobi Singh government regards the NSCN (I-M) as the biggest threat because its campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas of the region conflicts with the state’s interest. (Telegraph)
Army truce with ULFA extended The Morung Express
New Delhi, August 23 (PTI): Giving fresh impetus to the peace process in Assam, the Centre today extended the suspension of army operations against the banned ULFA for another 15 days from tomorrow.
"As of now, we have decided to extend the suspension of the army operations against ULFA for 15 days," Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters after a meeting here with two key mediators - Assamese writer Indira Goswami and Rebati Phukan - negotiating on behalf of the group. The meeting was also attended by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan.
"No incident has taken place in Assam during the last 10 days (since army operations were stopped). But in case any violence takes place, this will be reviewed," Duggal said. Asked about the possibility of releasing five jailed ULFA leaders to facilitate direct talks, as demanded by the group, Goswami said, "The government has raised some points which ULFA has to clarify.
Truce extension in Assam Nagaland Post
New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI): Giving fresh impetus to the peace process in Assam, the Centre today extended the suspension of army operations against the banned ULFA for another 15 days from tomorrow. "As of now, we have decided to extend the suspension of the army operations against ULFA for 15 days," Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters after a meeting here with two key mediators - Assamese writer Indira Goswami and Rebati Phukan - negotiating on behalf of the group. The meeting was also attended by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan. "No incident has taken place in Assam during the last 10 days (since army operations were stopped). But in case any violence takes place, this will be reviewed," Duggal said.
The Centre had first suspended army operations against the ULFA on August 13, and the group responded five days later by announcing a "cessation of hostilities".
Asked about the possibility of releasing five jailed ULFA leaders to facilitate direct talks, as demanded by the group, Goswami said, "The government has raised some points which ULFA has to clarify. Rebati Phukan will convey the message to the ULFA and get the points clarified by them." Phukan said, "There is every possibility that the five detenues will be released by the end of August." Duggal, however, said the Centre has sought a written commitment from ULFA on three points - the group has to come for direct talks, parleys should be held on a particular date and the representatives for this dialogue.
"We have also suggested that the top leadership of ULFA should come for talks to make the dialogue meaningful. We will take a view on the date of the direct talks when the mediators get back with the points (raised today)," Duggal said. Goswami said the government representatives had assured them that if the ULFA comes for direct talks with the Centre, "safe passage" will be provided for its leaders.
Today's meeting between the mediators and the government was the second within a week. On Friday, Goswami and Phukan had met Narayanan and Duggal and reviewed the progress made since the June 22 meeting between the Centre and the ULFA- nominated People's Consultative Group. On Friday, the banned group had announced a "cessation of hostilities" in Assam for the first time in its 27-year armed campaign for a separate homeland. The Centre's decision to suspend operations against the militants was a goodwill gesture aimed at bringing the ULFA to the negotiating table. Goswami said she and Phukan would meet the government representatives again soon to push the peace process.
The developments came in the wake of reports that the ULFA has re-established bases in Bhutan, three years after the group was uprooted from the kingdom after the Royal Bhutan Army launched a military offensive against it. Duggal and Goswami expressed their happiness at the outcome of today's talks and described them as "positive". The meeting was also attended by Intelligence Bureau Director E S L Narasimhan.
Army operations halted for 15 more days From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 23 – First the good news: the suspension of Army operation against ULFA has been extended for another 15 days. The unpleasant news is that the Centre has put three new pre-conditions, including a written commitment from the outfit expressing its intentions to come for direct negotiations. Preliminary deliberations in the ULFA peace process, is likely to be long-drawn, if the ongoing dialogue is any indication. The two sides concluded the deliberations today, on the note that they would meet again within a fortnight, by when ULFA was expected to respond. The discussion was chaired by National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and attended by Union Home Secretary VK Duggal and Director of Intelligence Bureau ESL Narasimhan, while the Peoples Consultative Group (PCG), was represented by Rebati Phukon and Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami. The discussion, held at the South Block Office of the NSA lasted for little over an hour. The points on which, the Government of India sought clarifications were not new and has been dogging the peace process. The Centre wants the ULFA to specify a timeframe within which, it proposed to come for talks, name its negotiating team, which should include top leadership and a written communication that they were coming for direct talks. The release of the five prisoners has been made conditional to ULFA’s response. Phukon sought two weeks time from the Centre to convey the ‘new points’ and get back, with ULFA’s response by August 30.

Emerging from the talks, Dr Goswami and Phukan highlighted the extension of the suspension of operation, explaining that they would convey the decision to ULFA leadership and expected them to reciprocate. The sense of urgency was understandable because suspension of operation ordered in August 13 was due to expire today.

Later Union home secretary said that the suspension of operation was a good thing and by and large there has been no incidents. “But there are reports of extortions. In case there is violence we will have to review,” he said. Duggal said that they were told at the meeting that communication has been sent to ULFA leadership, which is scattered and not in one place. They are in touch with ULFA and response from ULFA was positive. “We have suggested a set of formatting,” he said.

“Our formatting is straight and simple. A communication from ULFA expressing their willingness to come for talks, composition of their representatives, in which top leadership should be present,” he said.

“We have suggested our formatting and when they will come with their formatting, we will sit and discuss. We will take a view on the date of the direct talks when the mediators get back with the points raised today,” Duggal said.

“We will be releasing the five prisoners and take action simultaneously,” Duggal said responding to a question. Earlier, talking to newsmen outside the South Block, Phukon said that during the discussion on the release of the five leaders, two-three points have been raised, which have to be clarified by ULFA. “By the end of this month, we expect a good response from ULFA,” he said, when pressed further. By August-end, all matter would be resolved,” he said.

Phukon and Dr Goswami, however, declined to divulge the details of the discussions and kept on stressing that during the course of discussion, some points have emerged, which would be conveyed to ULFA. On the issue of release of the five central committee members, Phukon said that Government of India was ready to respond positively on the condition that talks are held.

“If they come, Government of India would give clearance,” he said. Dr Goswami said that they were positive and would be conveying what Government of India wants.

"ISKCON terror attack was attack on whole Manipur" The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 23: Venting their shock and anger over the ISKCON bombing last week that left five dead and nearly fifty others injured, people took to the streets in their thousands to participate in a protest rally in Imphal today. The rally, organised by the All Manipur JAC for Prevention of Terrorist Activities in association with a number of civil society organisations was flagged off from the ISKCON campus sometime after 10 am this morning, and after wending their way through the streets of Imphal, gathered for a public meeting at the Thangeiband Athletic Union ground.

Tight security was laid on for the event, with police and paramilitary troops deployed all along the route. Rally participants were made to pass through a metal detector installed at the ISKCON gate, which delayed the start of the rally by over two hours.

Banners proclaiming slogans such as `ISKCON killing is a cruel act of terrorism, punish the culprits`, `we condemn ISKCON killing, stop terrorism, stop state terrorism`,`respect secularism, respect right to life`, `do not misinterpret national liberation movement` etc were carried by the rallyists as they wended their way through the streets. The public meeting at ThAU ground adopted a set of five resolutions which are to be submitted to the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh. The meeting condemned in the strongest terms the bombing at the ISKCON complex on August 16, and as strongly denounced the firing on churchgoers at Vengnuam, New Lamka on the evening of August 20, terming it as an act of state terrorism.

The meeting resolved that the perpetrators of both crimes should be brought to book and called for an end to all acts of violence at places of worship, irrespective of religion or community.

The meeting also took strong exception to the failure of the government to extend financial assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured, as chief minister O Ibobi had promised in the wake of the incident. It also demanded an end to all acts of state terrorism, and all acts that directly or indirectly support state terrorism and called for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Speakers at the gathering maintained that the ISKCON bombing should not be taken as an attack upon the Hindu community alone, but rather as an attack upon the people of Manipur as a whole, and urged the people to take a united stance to wipe out all such terrorist activities.

Several speakers also criticised chief minister O Ibobi`s claim at RIMS hospital on the night of August 16 that there were no security lapses as an irresponsible statement.
If there had been no security lapses, how could the perpetrators have escaped so easily, they asked, and further observed that the security forces took over an hour to react to the incident.

The speakers also ridiculed the tight security measures taken for today`s rally, observing that if similar measures had been taken on the fateful day, the ISKCON outrage would not have occurred On the firing incident at Churachandpur on the night of August 20, many speakers denounced it as another instance of the crimes perpetrated against the innocent people by the Indian security forces since 1948.
They also ridiculed the promise of the government to conduct an inquiry into the incident, pointing out that such probes in the past had never managed to turn up the truth.

Several speakers went to the extent of appealing to the underground organisations to conduct an investigation into the ISKCON incident to find out the truth. Interestingly, most mainstream politicians and MLAs were conspicious by their absence from the rally, resulting in many caustic comments from the rally participants. Only Singjamei MLA I Hemochandra, former MLA H Bhuban Singh and former CM Radhabinod Koijam were spotted taking part in the rally.
Unification of militant groups welcomed Sentinel
IMPHAL, Aug 23 (UNI): The formation of a new revolutionary front called United Peoples’ Front (UPF) by uniting the major revolutionary parties of Kuki-Chin peoples of this region was welcomed by various militant groups of the State.
The People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) welcomed the unification and stated that it will be a big step forward for the revolutionary struggle in the South-East Himalayan Region. It is an undeniable fact that the people of this region have shared common origin, custom, tradition and above all a common historical foundation, the KYKL said in a statement. “In the future, also, we will share a common destiny. With this step, the culture of factionalism, the bloodshed of internecine clash, the struggle for tribalism or clanism will stop,” it said. This will be a great political advantage in the process of building up a new nation of South-East Himalayan Region of Tibeto-Kuki-Chin mongoloid people, it stated. In this process, we must wipe out the orthodox or Utopian dogmatic concept of narrow tribalism or clanism from the revolutionary mindset of this region, it added.