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08/25/2006: "UPDP urges NSCN (K) to reconsider quit notice The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network"

UPDP urges NSCN (K) to reconsider quit notice The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, Aug 24: The United People’s Democratic Party (UPDP) today urged to reconsider the ‘quite notice’ being served on Tangkhuls under humanitarian circumstances saying ‘the need of present situation is the unity of variuos communities of the land’.

The quit notice had been served on the Tangkhuls in Nagaland by the NSCN-K.

Concerned with the civilisation and development of various communities toward peace and harmony, UPDP believes in acquiring both spiritual salvation and nobility as well as adding humanity as the greatest law to achieve liberty there-by leading to self reliance or sovereignty.

“Disuntiy and differences of understanding have been procrastinating the true aspiration of the people”,said the statement.

The All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (AZSU-AMN) appeals the NSCN (K) to halt the quite notice served to a particular Naga community in the interest of Nagas as non-Nagas are also living too in Nagaland. In a statement AZSU said that it was dismayed over the exit notice served to Tangkhul Naga from Nagaland by NSCN (K). Explaining the history, it said that Nagas have been living together as family from time immemorial and undivided adding differences among the brothers are here to stay which can be solve amicably.

“Today, Tangkhul civilians are called to quit, tomorrow other Naga tribes may follow suit where different Naga tribes are living in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.

AZSU-AMN in particular and Zeliangrong people in general will equally voice their opinion for peaceful co-existance among Nagas family”, it mentioned.
AZSU, others call for withdrawal of Quit Notice The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Aug 24 : The All Zeliangrong Students` Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (AZSU-AMN) has appealed the NSCN (K) to halt the quit notice served to a particular Naga community in the interest of Nagas as non-Nagas are also living too in Nagaland. In a statement AZSU said that it was dismayed over the exit notice served to Tangkhul Nagas staying in Nagaland by NSCN (K). Explaining the history, it said that Nagas have been living together as family from time immemorial and undivided adding differences among the brothers are here to stay which can be solved amicably.

"Today,Tangkhul civilians are called to quit, tomorrow other Naga tribes may follow suit where different Naga tribes are living in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam. AZSU-AMN in particular and Zeliangrong people in general will equally voice their opinion for peaceful co-existance among Nagas family", the statement said.

The United People`s Democratic Party (UPDP) also urged to reconsider the `quit notice` served on Tangkhuls under humanitarian grounds saying `the need of present climax is the unity of variuos communities of the land`. The party said in a statement, humanity is the greatest law to achieving liberty thereby leading to self reliance or sovereignty.

"Disunity and differences of understanding have been procrastinating the true aspiration of the people", it also stated. The Kuki Inpi, Manipur, in another statement that obviously refers to the Quit Notice, stated that despite the fact that "this is none of its business," as it had gone through such sufferings resulting from the politics of Quit Notices first hand, `would appeal to our brethren to find out some other alternatives for the affected people though they may not deserve such. After all we all belong to one Lord, one faith and baptism`.
Imkong cautions Rio over booklet Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Aug 24 (NPN): State chief minister Neiphiu Rio faced a strident attack for his contradictions over the NPCC booklet 'Bedrock of Naga Society' when Opposition leader I Imkong warned him (Rio) against raking up the issue on the NPCC booklet 'Bedrock of Naga Society' during the discussion hour on the penultimate day Thursday. Imkong challenged Rio on the statement that he (Rio) had severed links with the Congress over the booklet and warned him not rake up again the issue or it would only create a big stink all around.
During the one hour discussion under urgent matters of public Imkong said Rio was the Number Two in the then Congress government when the booklet was published. He also said Rio, himself had endorsed it on behalf of the DCC Kohima on the day when the booklet was released on June 19, 2000. Dismissing Rio's claim that he (Rio) had severed links with the Congress over the booklet, Imkong pointed out that while the booklet was released in June 2000, Rio did not resign but continued as Home Minister enjoying all privileges even two years after the booklet was released. He said Rio only resigned on September 2002 a few months before the last general elections and flashed a copy of the resignation letter which he said, made no mention of the Bedrock of Naga Society.
Imkong also read out his speech wherein he had stated that the booklet was a closed chapter since the author had himself admitted that it was a closed chapter as its purpose was served. He also warned Rio against trying to make the booklet an issue again. .In his reply, chief minister Neiphiu Rio chose not to counter the opposition leader adding he had already spoken on it. Rio also denied he ever endorsed or spoke in favour of the booklet when it was being released. Rio said he recalled being given a copy of the booklet and asked to speak on it at the last minute only. Rio said he was taken aback after flipping through the pages by the contents and so initially refused to speak. Rio claimed he spoke only after much pressure from party colleagues but not in its favour. "Therie came out openly against the booklet after me," he further claimed.
On his resignation letter that had no mention of the NPCC booklet, Rio justified that he did not find it necessary to mention about it as the booklet was among the reasons for his resignation.
Reacting to the Imkong's warning and statement that the booklet was now a closed chapter, Rio questioned Imkong as to why the Congress party which published the booklet as official publication of the party remained silent and only the author made the declaration. "If so, let the party come out openly and disown the Bed Rock of Naga Society, until then it'll continue to be raked up", he said.
DAN govt attacked on I-Day issue Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Aug 24 (NPN): The opposition Congress renewed its charge that chief minister Neiphiu Rio was a confused man and repeated its demand that he resign for "historical blunder" and "total failure to rule" with regard with the two incidents during the August 15 Independence Day celebration this year.
"He's (Neiphiu Rio) nothing but a confused leader", Opposition Leader I Imkong said while participating in the short discussion on matter of public importance. He said Rios's own confusion sent a confused signal that caused the fiasco of the Independence Day celebration at Tuensang. Imkong said a senior police officer (DIG) was sent to monitor the situation while the district administration was in constant touch for directives from the higher authorities but after the fiasco the DAN government has now shifted the entire blame on just the DC and SP by ordering their transfers. For this alleged failure, Rio should resign, insisted Imkong. Reacting to Imkong's charges, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that he is an elected representative who was elected by the people and again that the elected representatives in turn elected him as their leader. Therefore it was for the legislators who made him leader to decide whether he was confused or not, he said.
On Tuensang incident, Rio said that boycotting and preventing others from participating was a crime and that law has to take its own course. He also denied that the allegation that Tuensang fiasco was DAN's divide and rule policy. Rio said DAN was giving special attention to the backward areas and the downtrodden and therefore, the question of divide and rule did not arise.
On alleged inaction of the administration, Rio pointed out that Nagas are more peaceful and disciplined in comparison to what happened in Manipur when the public there reacted violently against extension of the cease fire. He said the public in Manipur burnt national flag and the constitution of India, but the then Congress government of Manipur did nothing.
Similarly, home Minister Thenucho defended the government on the I-D Day fiasco at Tuensang saying that the decision of the government to avoid confrontation was a wise decision. He said the cabinet approved the upgradation of Tobu IS to DIS purely to provide better education and facilities. He further explained that the cabinet took the decision in April 25 but it was only after four months that the CKS approached the government against it while the Konyak Students' Union pressurized the Government against reviewing the decision. He also said that land disputes should not be mixed with education.
On the controversial skit performed at Dimapur, Thenucho claimed that the investigation had found no derogatory remark made. Instead, the artistes were mostly innocent rural women who tried to depict the generosity of the Prime Minister. On the reported dishonouring of National Flag, he said that it was purely due to the ignorance of the rural women artistes.
Earlier, initiating the discussion, opposition member K.V. Pusa termed the failure to celebrate the I-D day at Tuensang a "historical blunder" committed by the DAN government. He also said it was wrong on the part of the chief minister Rio in blaming the failure of his government on the district administration and NGOs . Demanding that the state government bear responsibility for the fiasco, Pusa dwelt at length the events that led to the boycott of Independence day celebration at Tuensang by the aggrieved Chang Khulie Sethsang (CKS). The State Cabinet took the decision for upgradation of the office of Inspector of School to Deputy Inspector of School on April 25 last and the based on the same, the government agreed to inaugurate the DIS on August 15. On August 12, the Chief Minister received complaint from the CKS and met members of ENPO and instructed that mention upgradation of DIS Tobu be deleted from the Independence Day speech but it was not done due to pressure from the Konyak Union and Konyak Students' Union. The Chief Minister again decided to inaugurate Tobu DIS on august 14 and this enraged the CKS, Pusa said.
He also accused the DAN government of not committing a breach of faith on the people but also the oath of secrecy to protect the constitution by failing to celebrate the Independence Day.
On the controversial skit which allegedly depicted the Prime Minister in a bad taste, Pusa said that the failure of the government and the administration had put to shame the people and the state. He also demanded that DAN government be dismissed and capable government installed in its place. Congress member Taka Masa, on the other hand pointed out the discrepancies in the same Independence speech read out in different places in the state. He pointed out that upgradation of Tobu IS to DIS was deleted in the speech read out at Dimapur and Tuensang while the same was not deleted from the speech read out by Chief Minister at Kohima.
He also questioned whether a rehearsal was held as required for the Independence Day programme and if the administration cross checked the nature and content of the skit before hand. Pusa also hit out at the DAN government for the failure of its Equi-closeness policy and pointed out the quit notice served to the SPs and the declaration of severing ties with NGOs by certain faction. Was it not a failure he asked adding he had no hesitation to say that DAN government had miserably failed.
NSCN (K) warns Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Aug 24: The Shepoumaramth Region of GPRN/NSCN (K) has warned of stern action against department offici-als, staffs, NGOs, social leaders and general public of Senapati district if any person fail to cooperate or follow directive of the out-fit, said a statement. Viola-tors of the directive orders will be treated as anti-party element for which ca- pital punishment will be aw-arded directly, maintained the statement while adding that this order is compelled for issuance after many years of patient observance and leniency.
ASU releases head-count report Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 24:: The Angami Students' Union (ASU) in Nagaland on Thursday brought out a detailed census of the non-local population in Kohima including those serving in the Government.. According to report, a survey of which was carried out between February 16 and May 20 this year, a total of 7340 non-locals reside in Kohima. This include 392 government servants and 6948 others self-employed persons. The Union registered all non-locals within this period and issued registration cards to them, according to ASU.

The survey was carried out in an effort to check the alarming increase in the influx of illegal migrants into Kohima and to enable those rightful migrants to live peacefully. The non-government population includes 3684 Hindus, 2460 Muslims, 461 Nepalis, 130 Tibetans and 213 others. (NNN)
Peace in mind, investors eye Assam Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Aug 24 (IANS): Dozens of prospective foreign investors are keen to set up businesses in India's northeastern state of Assam following peace moves and visible signs of an end to a long running rebellion. "We are getting queries and proposals from various investors, both domestic and foreign firms, ready to do business in power, hydrocarbon and food processing," said Industry, Commerce and Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi. A Canadian and a British oil exploration companies are already working in Assam - both Canoro Resources Ltd and Premier Oil have struck crude oil and natural gas in the state.
"Both the companies have struck extremely high quality oil and gas," Bordoloi told IANS. He said the Assam government would go all out to woo investors willing to do business in the state.
"We are ready to walk the extra mile to facilitate someone willing to set up business here or forging partnerships with the government." The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), one of the most powerful militant groups in the region, is in talks with the Indian government through emissaries. There is a possibility of the group giving up its separatist agenda. As part of the government's business policy, two special economic zones would be set up with a view to promoting exports of items like handicrafts, ethnic garments and textiles, besides horticultural products.
"A few firms from Singapore have shown interest in doing business in the food processing sector especially in items like orange, pineapple and ginger," Bordoloi said. The minister added that several resourceful Indian investors were also making queries about setting up power plants in the state.
"There is tremendous potential in the power sector and talks are on with some firms although it is an infant stage."
He said both foreign and domestic investors were keen to pump money for doing business in Assam after the state witnessed relative calm with prospects of peace dawning in the region.
"The atmosphere of peace and the government's will to solve insurgency is encouraging investors to come to Assam for doing business and this is a healthy sign."
The state is all set for a major leap with a whopping Rs.54 billion integrated petrochemical project expected to change the economic face of the region. The project, popularly referred to as the Assam Gas Cracker, is to be implemented by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) with 70 percent equity participation in five years. The remaining 30 percent equity would be shared equally among Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and the Assam government.
"The Gas Cracker project is expected to help an estimated 100,000 people get employment as a result of investments in downstream plastic processing industries and allied activities," the minister said. According to preliminary estimates, at least 500 plastic processing industries are likely to come up in the region when this project becomes operational.
As part of the Assam government's aggressive policy to give a fillip to industrial activities, it has agreed to grant exemption from entry tax on capital goods for the Gas Cracker project, works contract tax during the construction period, sales tax and VAT on feedstock for 15 years from the date of commencement of production.
Tired of waiting, NDFB erupts P. BRAHMA CHOUDHURY

Kokrajhar, Aug. 20: Over a year into the ceasefire and with no sign of a dialogue with Delhi and Dispur on the horizon, National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) chief Ranjan Daimary has asked “India to leave Borol-and immediately” and blamed Assam police for the derailment of the peace process.
The NDFB’s outburst has come at a time when the Centre is trying to woo Ulfa to the negotiating table.
Reciprocating the army’s temporary suspension of operations, Ulfa on Friday announced its decision to hold fire, raising hopes for “direct” peace talks between both sides.
In an email interview with The Telegraph, Daimary scoffed at the government’s argument that talks had not begun because the NDFB was yet to submit its charter of demands. He said the government was bringing up this issue only to delay the process.
“But it is a futile exercise. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland, the United People’s Democratic Solidarity, the Dima Halam Daogah and the A’chik National Volunteers Council have all submitted their charters of demands. But where is the progress or the solution?” he asked.
“Our charter of demands is short and precise — India must recognise the historical facts and the right to self-determination of the Boro people and leave Boroland immediately,” Daimary asserted.
He said the NDFB had entered into a ceasefire with the Centre to find a peaceful and amicable political solution.
“We know that a political solution will take time. Occasionally, when I go through the newspapers, I find that some Indian officials are asking for a charter of demands. Delhi knows that we have been fighting for the past 20 years on the principles based on our constitution and manifesto. We have been fighting for the past 20 years for the liberation of Boroland and the Boro people. So the talks can start on the basis of that,” he said.
Daimary, alias D.R. Nabla, also sounded a note of warning to the police.
“Some elements of the Indian government are trying to derail the peace process, particularly Assam police. The police are killing our national workers despite a ceasefire being in force. But they should understand that we are also ready to work on both tracks — fighting as well as talking,” he said.
NDFB spokesman S. Sanjarang had earlier accused the security forces of torturing its members for information and had even threatened to pull out of the ceasefire with the Centre.
The NDFB has also sought information on the whereabouts of some of its leaders, including B. Erakdao, B. Habrang, Fwjoukhang, Jwkhrub, Derhasa, Onsula and Udla, and demanded their immediate unconditional release. They cannot be found and some, at least, are alleged to be in the “illegal” custody of either India or Bhutan. They had been missing since the operations of the Royal Bhutan Army in December 2003.
The NDFB, which has been fighting for a sovereign Boroland, entered into a ceasefire agreement with Delhi and Dispur on May 24. The ceasefire came into effect from June 1 last year.
The group has since held meetings with leaders of the Bodo and other communities to convince them to extend support to the peace talks.

Terrorism, says PREPAK Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Aug 24 : Accusing the Indian Army of letting loose a reign of terror, the proscribed PREPAK today urged the people to be wary of their designs. In a statement, the outfit said that India is hell bent on painting Manipur as a land of terrorists to dub the revolutionary outfits as terrorists. Citing some examples, PREPAK said that on June 23, the security force shot dead a civilian at New Lamka, Lailam Veng in Churachandpur. The deceased is named as Aoningtun (22) son of Chamzadam of Molom village. Then again on August 20, the security force opened indiscrimi-nate firing at the Vengnom Evangelical Baptist Church at Churachand-pur, killing one devotee while injuring many others. PREPAK condemns such acts of terrorism commit-ted by the security force, said the statement while adding that the people as whole should condemn such terror attacks.
Quit notices still haunt KIM, wants apology Newmai News Network
Imphal, Aug 24 : Obviously citing the quit notice served on the Tangkhuls in Nagaland by the NSCN-K a few days ago, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) has said that the politics of quit notices brings back memories of the gory past “when the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Lim Guard (NLG), All Naga Security Volunteer Force (ANSVF) and others served quit notices to the Kukis living in Naga majority areas as inspired and instigated by the NSCN (IM)”.
The Kuki Inpi, Manipur in a statement said that in the aftermath of the “ethnic cleansing carnage in a most horrendous fashion in which over 350 Kuki villages have been obliterated, and over 15,000 victims are still languishing in various villages and townships awaiting rehabilitation by the Govt despite sending reminders for these uncared and forgotten people to the authorities concerned”.
KIM suggested that the UNC and the NSCN (IM) owe the Kukis an apology for their (UNC and NSCN-IM) crimes. “Their alleged revenge of the killings by the Kukis during 1917-19 when they were yet non-Christians, is indeed unchristian like as the Nagas are already Christians when they undertook the same”, reasoned KIM.
The statement then said that the Kuki Inpi, Manipur, despite the fact that “this is none of its business to poke into someone else business, as it had gone through such sufferings first hand, would appeal to our brethren to find out some other alternatives for the affected people though they may not deserve such. After all we all belong to one Lord, one faith and baptism”.
KNF appeals Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Aug 24: The Kuki National Front has appea-led to the people of Mot-bung area not to provide financial assistance to any revolutionary organisation except to the higher au-thority of KNF, said the outfit’s Motbung unit com-mander HS Shanty Kuki in a release. The release also inform all concerned to contact the section co-mmander of KNF’s Mot-bung area immediately whenever such monetary demands are made to avoid undesired consequences.
Meiteis and Nagas at cross-road — An answer to ‘What ails Manipur’ by Bhuban Singh — By R Rungsung Sangai Express
As time passes the ailing condition worsens day after day with new issues cropping up that added more weight on the already overloaded burden. Manipur today is over-burdened and yet we cannot escape from the entangled situation by blaming one another and heaving the wrongs upon each other will not bring any tangible solution. Already in the muddy clay we have to wash clean all that have stained.
Change, change, change, continual change. This is the watchword of modern life. Here on earth, new countries have proliferated, changes has become universal, and every corner of the world is in a state of ferment. Let us not view the changes through the eyes of newsman and media propaganda with this month's crisis or even through the eyes of the planners announcing development programmes for years ahead. Let us look at the changes under the aspect of history.
The original history of Meiteis (not all Meiteis) and (for example) Tangkhuls is undeniably and unshakeably one entity wherein lies a very significant living evidence which many people will surely wonder (or may mock) and may not be convincing at all. That very existing (and yet not disclosed but keeping in the cupboard) evidence lies with one of the Meiteis in Imphal who is in possession of a bone ring (male organ ring worn by menfolk in the old times) as a historical proof that pass-ed down from his great grandfathers to him. Mu-singly wonder or dreamy abstraction? Your guess.
Other evidences are the observation of cultural festivals, like - Mera Haochongba, Lai Haraoba, Leilum Phi, Ningol Chakkouba (Tangkhuls observe it at Mangkhap festival just after the paddy plantation is done), and similar words in our languages likes head - Kok, Kui; hari - sam, sam; eye -mit, mik; Uchan - meira, meira, etc. Moreover Naga (Tangkhul, others) maidens in the past had crescent hair cut/style on their forehead indicating their status of girl or unmarried. So the same were the Meiteis maidens. And ethnically speaking Tangkhul is the elder brother of Meitei Maharaja. So was the performance of Paleihanba at Hundung Thawaijao some years ago. No dispute at all. And now, why there exists conflict and ailing each other at heart that naturally distanced ourselves and drifting apart toward different directions? I am convinced that the Meiteis adopted different ways and alien cultures and thus claiming superiority, advanced race etc whereas the original Naga remained in the hill areas gradually became untouchable and outcaste. This is where the Meiteis went wrong. Nagas everywhere they lived were head hunters, also called Naked Nagas. Womenfolk wear the same big, broad and heavy beaded necklace (in Tangkhul Kong-sang) yesterday and today throughout Nagalim. Head gears in different and various designs and forms are part of Naga identity. Also the same house architecture having crossed-board head in front of the building head-ridge. Considering all the aspects, we need not go further disputes about the Meitei-ness and Naganess. It would be far better for all of us to know and understand about co-existence. Valley, people are far developed, well-off and have advanced in many fields that are beyond the grasp and reach of the tribals. One cannot blame or fix all the ills of the tribals on the Meiteis only. Natural creation by God favours valley people in socio-economic-political sphere. It is universal and one cannot go against the nature. So is the USA, Europe, etc. Above all these attributions one example which is quite distinct and inseparateable inherent dyed and involved among the Meiteis is deep rooted and well associated with undue advantages and manipulation over the tribals. This is what Nagas can never stand idle and tolerate it forever making and supporting the undue well-being of others. Old habits die hard.
We can no longer afford poverty in the world-if we ever could. We can no longer afford ignorance or prejudice or neglect. It is not so much that majority is a sign of moral wickedness as that they are a sign of incompetence in design and administration. It is time to apply at least the same standards of competence and satisfaction in running the Nagalim that we apply in running a family or a business. And not at the behest of others.
Any tribe of scattered people now not only deserves to be united but must be united, as surely as a member of a rich family, how he can share in its abundance. Any child in Nagalim now not only deserves to live together, but must live together, like a privileged child, for the full development of his potentialities from the age one year to up. Such is not against the wish of anyone, neighbour or others. The world has now become too dangerous for anything.
Nagas, like the Christians, have no hidden agenda nor any ill-will towards anyone or any neig-hbouring states. Whatever conditions good or bad we Nagas face today are also part of the others who support or against the Nagas issue. The fear psychosis that runs deep in the minds of valley people is nothing but self-fear - fear to stand alone, fear to face the future alone, fear to face the neighbours. As such the values of co-existence and brotherhood is vanished.
I must confess that keeping integrity of Manipur does not mean to enhance the prosperity of the tribals, but this is clearly obvious that the majority refuses to face the necessary eventuality alone in future. A refusal to stand alone but denying and ignoring the rights of others is apolitical and will naturally become a house without roof. I can only conclude that if we live, and if we work to live helping one another, we are even now within sight of co-existence as good neighbour. So long there is the mindset and attitude of superiority and also upper hand policy one will find its own way for good or for bad. Emotions running high and emphatic words without good deeds will not open the door. The time for opening the door is already ripe. Chasing the shadow at New Delhi will do us no good. The ground reality is here at home and does not always rest with far-off Delhi. We have been and are praying for all since last many years and the same today. Had there been no blockade by neighbouring States peace would have ushered earlier in the northeast. Peace be with us all.
Remote Chingai serves as Myanmarese lifeline Sukham Nanda Kangla on line

CHINGAI, Aug 24: For most people of Manipur, Chingai sub-division in Ukhrul district, may as well be in another part of the globe entirely, being located in the remotest corner of the state, but for the people of the inaccessible Somrah tract in neighbouring Myanmar, it is their one and only lifeline. Since remote times, there have been good trade relations between the Burmese settled in the the Somrah region and villagers at Chingai. The Burmese inspite of the difficult hill terrains regularly bring their local resources including medicinal plants, vegetables, fishes, local wines, domestic and wild animals as well as black goods for sale at Chingai and neighbouring villages. In return they purchase rice, salt, roofing sheets, oil and machinery.

The trip from the Somrah track to the Chingai area takes a full 24 hours on foot on the steep mountainous tracks with each man or woman carrying trade goods weighing more than 100 kgs on their head. "We are totally lucky these people are our neighours. They have always been very cooperative and helpful to the Burmese since time immemorial` said 27 years old Burmese Tak-u of Somrah in broken Meiteilon mixed with Tangkhul language who was visiting Chingai subdivision along with his two younger sisters recently to sell their products there.

Narrating hardship facing by the Burmese in their homeland, Tak-u disclosed that, they were jealous over the development that they have seen in the vicinity of Chingai in terms of roads and good markets and relatively better security.

He said, the people back home were still facing hardship in securing adequate food, clothing and security of life as under military rule the people there were often tortured and looted by their Army, besides the people of their village. The local people were also compelled to provide food for the military personnel posted at the Shomrah gate.

He said they have been solely dependant upon Ukhrul district for foods, medicine and other basic requirements as cultivation in is hardly possible in their hill villages and their main occupation had been hunting fishing and rearing domestic animal. On the other hand, while Chingai may well be a dream land for the Burmese of Shomrah, the local residents are annoyed with the prolonged apathy of the state government and failure to create even basic infrastructure in the Chingai subdivisional headquarters even since the Chingai was announced as a full fledged subdivisional head quarter during 1964 by the then chief minister of the state M. Koireng.

The sense of dissatisfaction and alienation among the people has been increasing day by day due to the total negligence shown by the state government in terms of development in various basic sectors like, health care facilities, electricity, transportation and communication and water supply.

At present the Chingai subdivisional head quarter is totally cut from the rest of Ukhrul since beginning of this year`s rainy season as the only life line of people of Chingai people, the 88 Km long Ukhrul to Awang Kasom via Chingai is in bad shape with several stretches having been turned into ponds due to the improper maintenance by the concerned contractor and the lack of supervision by the district authorities. Moreover, the villagers were apprehensive of the prevalence of malaria, Typhoid, and chicken pox which claimed 20 to 30 lives every year, particularly with the local PHC currently in a state of total paralysis.

Beside permanent stationing of a doctor at the PHC, the villagers would like the sub-divisional officers of PWD, PHED, electricity. veterinary and agriculture and most importantly the SDO of the sub-division to attend their offices regularly, rather than turning up once in a blue moon.
Of power and responsibilities Sangai Express editorial
Student power is acknowledged the world over and Manipur is no exception. In fact the last few years have clearly demonstrated that the numerous student organisations which have sprung up all over the State have the capability to bring the State Government to its knees and take to the streets on any issues. One just has to recollect the State wide agitation launched by the All Manipur Students' Union in the nineties to include Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Student organisations have also been at the fore front of many issues besetting the State and today they have become one of the most powerful pressure groups in the State. It is therefore not for nothing that the Government wakes up whenever the student bodies take up any issue. At the moment, the demand to affiliate the private schools in the district of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education is being spearheaded by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, which is one of the most powerful student organisations in the hill districts of Manipur. The crippling 52 days economic blockade was also imposed by ANSAM. We cite these few examples because of the immense clout and power that student bodies enjoy today and it is also important for these bodies to realise that along with the power and influence they wield, they also have a corresponding responsibility to ensure that any agitation or cause they take up does not become destructive or takes on a negative tinge. Today the Manipuri Students' Federation, another powerful student body, is out on the street demanding that the Government ensures regular classes at the Government aided colleges. Demanding regular classes is absolutely justified and no one can question the legitimacy of raising such a demand in the backdrop of the lack of any initiative taken up by the Government to break the deadlock with the aided college teachers.
In pursuit of their demand, the MSF has launched a spree of burning Government files which were previously seized from different departments. This is where we would like to raise our concern and reservations against the method adopted by the MSF. Their demand is justified, no doubt, but a relook at the mode of their protest is desirable. Burning Government files, means burning the valuable records and data which are crucial for running the affairs of the State. Moreover burning such files may mean effectively destroying evidences that may be produced later against any employee. Remember skeletons have been tumbling out of the closet in the Education Department over the large scale fake appointments of employees, the fraudulent withdrawal of funds etc and investigations into these cases are still going on. There is no guarantee that the files which have been consigned to the flames do not contain valuable information for the investigation to proceed to its logical end. The issue taken up by MSF is commendable but a relook at its mode of protest is required. As a student body, MSF should realise that along with the power and influence they wield, they also have responsibilities and burning Government files is not exactly a responsible act.
ULFA rejects Centre’s pre-conditions By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 24 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today virtually rejected the pre-conditions imposed by the Government of India for the release of the five jailed central committee members of the outfit. The ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa today reacted to the decisions taken in the meeting between the Government of India and the coordinators of the PCG through a member of the PCG and said that the outfit had nothing new to say about the fresh conditions imposed by the Government. He reiterated that the ULFA would be able to take future steps on the issue of direct talks with the Government only after the decisions taken in the meeting between the Government and the PCG on June 22 are implemented.

The Government of India yesterday suspended the Army operations for 15 more days and sought a written assurance from the ULFA to come for talks as a condition for the release of the jailed central committee members. The Government also said that the ULFA should announce its team for negotiation and should specify a timeframe within which it would come for direct talks.

It may be mentioned here that in the third round of meeting between the Government of India and the PCG, which was chaired by the Union Home Minister, the Centre assured to consider the demand for the release of the jailed central committee members of the ULFA favourably in consultation with the State Government. The Government also assured to restrain the operations against the ULFA in the interest of creating a congenial atmosphere for direct talks. The Army operations against the ULFA was suspended with effect from August 13 and the ULFA, in response, also directed its cadres to restrain themselves. However, the issue of release of the jailed central committee members of the ULFA is holding up the process.
Thailand keen to invest in North East By Surajit Khaund Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 24 — Bullish on the increasing bilateral trade with India, Thailand is keen to invest in infrastructure development and agriculture sector in the Northeast. To carry forward its move, the Commerce Ministry of Thailand is planning to identify the areas in association with the traders of the region for future investment. Talking to this correspondent here today, Thawatchai Sophastienphong, Inspector General of Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, said that North-east India is a special area for the Thai Government due to close cultural links and therefore, it is trying to enhance the bilateral trade particularly with the region. “I have come here to explore the trade potential by involving the North-east traders,’’ he added.

Sophastienphong along with several Commerce Ministry officials of Thailand had arrived in the city today at the initiative of Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) to initiate discussions with the trade bodies in the region for increasing bilateral trade. Asked about his future plan in the region, the senior Commerce Ministry official observed that North-east India can play a major role in Thai market by way of promoting their famous handicraft items. “To gear up the process, we need to have business exchange programme and that would immensely benefit the traders,’’ he observed. After singing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the bilateral trade between India and Thailand has been increasing gradually. The last year the volume of trade between the countries stood at $ 2.8 billion. Buoyed by the trade, he said that Thai Government is keen to increase trade with India as its market has been expanding over the years.
ULFA rejects preconditions for naming negotiating team By IANS Friday
Guwahati, Aug 25 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has rejected New Delhi's precondition that the outfit name its members for direct peace talks with the government before its five jailed leaders are released. 'There is nothing to say about the fresh conditions imposed by the government,' ULFA chairperson Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement released by a rebel mediator. The People's Consultative Group (PCG), an 11-member team of civil society leaders nominated by the ULFA to begin exploratory talks with the government, is meeting over the weekend to break the impasse and help jumpstart the peace talks.
'The ULFA has rejected the new conditions set by the government and so we are meeting shortly to decide on our future course of action,' Lachit Bordoloi, a rights leader and a PCG member, told IANS. Government peace emissaries during talks Wednesday with two PCG members in New Delhi said the five jailed rebels would be released the moment the authorities received a formal communication from the outfit stating it was ready for direct talks, name the outfit's negotiating team members, and specify a timeframe for the dialogue. The government also announced extension of suspension of military operations against the ULFA by another 15 days to facilitate direct peace talks. The ULFA, however, stuck to decisions taken at a meeting between the PCG and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi June 22. In the June 22 meeting, the two sides called for restraint with the home minister announcing that the government could consider the release of five jailed ULFA leaders to the pave the way for direct talks with the rebel leadership.
'We would be able to take further steps on the issue (holding direct talks) only after the decisions taken at the June 22 meeting was implemented by the government,' Rajkhowa said.
The main issue now blocking the start of formal face-to-face talks between the ULFA and Indian government negotiators is the rebels' demand for release of five of their jailed leaders. The ULFA maintains that the outfit was not in a position to take a decision without their five central committee leaders who are currently in jail and hence insisting on their release. The Indian government on the other hand is apprehensive that the ULFA might depute the five jailed leaders for the direct talks instead of the top rebel leaders like Rajkhowa or Commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah participating in the negotiations. 'Talks would be productive if the ULFA top brass come for talks instead of the second rung leaders (jailed ULFA leaders) and hence we want to know for sure before releasing the jailed leaders the names of those willing to participate in the talks,' a home ministry official said requesting anonymity.
ULFA's response to New Delhi will shape Assam's destiny By IANS
Guwahati, Aug 24 (IANS) The next fortnight is going to be the most crucial phase in efforts at ending Assam's nearly three decades of violent rebellion, with the ball now in the court of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
New Delhi's decision Wednesday to extend suspension of military operations against the ULFA by another 15 days has been hailed by one and all. The central government had on Aug 14 announced a 10-day unilateral suspension of anti-insurgency operations against the ULFA - the rebel outfit reciprocated by announcing it would halt its guerrilla campaign. The demand by the ULFA to release five of their jailed leaders is the main issue now blocking direct peace talks between the elusive rebel leadership and government peace negotiators. Government peace emissaries during talks Wednesday with two ULFA intermediaries in New Delhi said the five jailed rebels would be released the moment the authorities received a formal communication from the outfit clarifying some very tricky issues. New Delhi wants the ULFA to give in writing that it was ready for direct talks, name the outfit's negotiating team members, and specify a timeframe for the dialogue. The Indian government is apprehensive that the ULFA might depute the five jailed leaders for the direct talks. New Delhi wants some top rebel leaders like chairperson Arabinda Rajkhowa or commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to come for the negotiations.
'Talks would be productive if the ULFA top brass come for talks instead of the second rung leaders (jailed ULFA leaders) and hence we want to know for sure before releasing the jailed leaders,' a home ministry official said requesting anonymity. The government has also offered safe passage to the ULFA leaders who are underground to join the peace talks.
Noted Assamese writer and rebel mediator Indira Goswami said the government's message would be communicated to the ULFA leadership and was hoping to get the outfit's response within the next two weeks. It would be interesting to watch ULFA's response with the government tightening its posture by setting some preconditions for the release of the jailed leaders. The exact whereabouts of the top ULFA leaders are not known, but intelligence officials indicate that many of the outfit's key leaders operate out of Bangladesh. Dhaka denies the charges.
The big question now is whether the ULFA agrees to name its negotiating team or takes umbrage at the government's hard stance. The picture about which way the peace process moves from now on would get clear in the next two weeks. Is Assam going to witness a lasting peace? Or would the temporary cessation of hostilities by both sides get rattled by the war of words?
But one thing is for sure, the Assamese people are craving for peace and would like to see peace talks getting on - they want the two sides to be flexible and not adopt a belligerent posture that could jeopardise the fragile peace.
Unrest in Manipur is India`s domestic affair: US consul The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 24: Henry V Jardine, consul general of the United States in Kolkata said today that the United States government strongly condemned the terror attack on the Imphal ISKCON complex that led to the death of five persons, and injured more than fifty, including two US citizens. Jardine, who spoke to mediapersons at Hotel Nirmala this afternoon, at the same time expressed the US government`s appreciation to the people of Manipur and the authorities of the RIMS and Shija hospitals for their hospitality and care extended to the injured US citizens, namely Brian Nash, 52 and Laxmi Priya alias Naomi R Trachtenberg, 51.

Jardine was in Imphal to deliver a lecture at Manipur University on the theme of the Emerging Trends in US-India Relations. The US official said he held detailed discussions regarding the ISKCON incident with the state Governor and the chief minister. The Manipur government has informed that the probe into the incident has made certain progress, Jardine said, but details of its findings were not disclosed as it could disrupt the investigation.

Jardine hoped that the findings of the investigation would be made public soon. Asked for his opinion on the national liberation movement in Manipur, he said it was a domestic issue which could only be solved by the government of India. While asserting that there was no question of the US government interfering, he said the US strongly favoured a peace process through political dialogue. He made it clear that the US government was against any terrorist activity in any part of the world. Jardine admitted that the US government was concerned about human rights violations in India, including Manipur. He however hoped that these issues would be solved by the government of India through mutual dialogue.

The US, as a friendly country, would help in times of need, he said. With regard to the narcotics-related problems and the spread of HIV/AIDS, Jardine noted that the US government was much concerned over these issues and financial assistance to the tune of millions of dollars has been extended to the government of India to tackle these problems. He also stressed the need for the private sector including NGOs and public health professionals to be involved actively in the effort. Earlier, Henry Jardine delivered a lecture on `Emerging Trends in US-India Relations` at the Senate Hall of Manipur University before an audience consisting of university professors and students. In the morning, he met local baseball players and officials at the THAU ground, Imphal.

Dr Meinya raps RAP in Parliament Manipur Information Centre

NEW DELHI, Aug 24: The Lok Sabha MP Dr. T. Meinya yesterday raised in the parliament during the zero hour the need to remove the meaningless and discriminatory Restricted Area Permit system imposed in the North East States immediately. Drawing the attention of the House Dr. Meinya said," Tourism can be developed to its fullest potential in the North- Eastern States of the country. The huge potential of tourism industry in the region need not be emphasized. These States do not have enough resource or revenue collection for their developmental infrastructure. The Union Government should try to explore the type of industries that will be suited in the region and develop them fully. Tourism industry is one such industry through which these States shall be able to earn a good amount of revenue to supplement any deficiency and meet their other demands."

Dr Meinya emphasized," In this era of liberalization and globalization and in this biggest democracy of the world, we still continue with a law in my State of Manipur in the form of Protected Area Permit or Restricted Area Permit which restricts the entry of foreigners in the State." He said that under this law foreigners were not permitted to enter the State without a special permit issued by the Union Home Ministry, that too, for a very short duration. . By stating that such restrictions were not imposed in any part of the country, he said,"Such a law is discriminatory and undemocratic and it amounts to unequal treatment amongst the States of the Union." "Even after 60 years of independence, the North-Eastern States are still treated in a very strange manner. But now it is high time for Union Government to look into such small but sensitive issues." He underlined that such restrictions and unequal treatment not only tended to alienate the people of the North-East but also seriously hindered the development of tourism in since foreign tourists were being discouraged to enter the region by such infamous laws.

Drawing the attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the parliamentarian urged upon the Union Government to remove the meaningless and discriminatory Restricted Area Permit system operating in the region immediately

More plaudits for AFSPA-1958 Manipur Information Centre

NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Haobam Paban Kumar`s 77-minute documentary film AFSPA-1958 bagged the top prize in documentary category of the SIGNS 2006- the Festival of Documentaries and Short Films in Video for the John Abraham National Awards held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from August 10-15 recently under the auspices of the Federation of Film Societies of India, South West Region. The top prize was shared by another documentary- WAITING�..directed by Atul Gupta and Sabnam Ara which portrayed the human stories of despair and agony in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The three-member jury headed by noted film personality Saeed Akhtar Mirza chose AFSPA-1958 as the best documentary of the competition for its strong documentation of the contemporary political situation that exists in the State of Manipur.

The jury report says,`The jury viewed more than 20 hours of film and was struck by the remarkable passion and range of subjects that the films displayed. The liberating quality of video as a means of _expression to document the struggles and lives of ordinary people was amply revealed in this selection of films. Choosing one film above the other for the awards was an almost impossible task. Heart wrenching accounts from Kashmir, struggles of ordinary people against state oppression in Manipur, the struggles of retrenched workers in Tamil Nadu, the pain of tribals who went as indentured labour to Assam, the rural-urban divide, environment disasters created through mismanagement and callousness, personal biographies and accounts of disillusionment were all explored. The task to judge them was not easy. We commend the great spirit of documentary film making today in the country today. These films hardly ever see the light of day but the fact that they get made is of the utmost importance.

The jury also felt that, from the films it viewed, those that came into documentary category were much more adventurous and innovative in their styles of presentation, whereas in the fiction category they were far more conventional.` AFSPA-1958 which candidly captures a series incidents aftermath the killing of Th. Manorama by Assam Rifles bagged two international prizes in the Mumbai International Film Festival of Documentaries, Short and Animation Films this year organized by the Government of India. This documentary film has also been selected in the competition Section for the 10th Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentaries and Short Films in Egypt commencing from September 15.
License to Extortion or a ‘Subsidy’? Sentinel
During the course of ceasefire with the Government of India, the ULFA has to survive. Since the outfit’s main source of income is extortion, how will the government deal with it? Will the government give the ULFA a ‘subsidy’ or a free license to extortion?
I t is not insurgency when an insurgent group pretends seriousness as it starts peace talks with the government and thinks it still has the privilege of extorting huge amounts from corporate houses and the unarmed public. Extortion cannot be justified on the pretext of insurgency — terrorists would do so. For, when you serve five-figure extortion notes on organizations and individuals, your intention is to create terror in their minds before they succumb to your pressure. Having said this, one wonders as to what kind of insurgency the NSCN (I-M) would boast of after having demanded Rs 20 lakh from the Imphal office of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) — an organization owned by the Government of India, the same government with which the outfit is holding talks and with which it has a ceasefire agreement since 1997. Naturally, one would not expect of an ‘insurgent’ group as the NSCN (I-M) to spread its extortion industry to a neighbouring State to loot the wealth of the nation. And this, after the outfit being in ceasefire for the last nine years. Now that we have learnt that New Delhi has forced the NSCN (I-M) to revoke its demand for Rs 20 lakh from the Imphal office of the IOC, three questions naturally arise. Has the Government of India warned the NSCN (I-M) of backing out of the very peace process if the outfit were to continue with its extortion bids and bullying tactics? We have not yet heard of such warning — the impression remains that the policy of appeasement applies well to ‘insurgency’ as well, for it is just a story of extended ceasefires having not to do with an acceptable solution of the problem and durable peace. This brings us to the second question. Since the ULFA too has perfected the art of extortion and made it an industry of sorts, and since it is expected to enter into a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, would the latter tolerate the ULFA’s extortion demands during the course of ceasefire? If the Government of India thinks it would not discriminate against the ULFA and gives the outfit the same privilege (of extortion) as the NSCN (I-M) during the course of ceasefire, it will simply amount to scripting a peace saga by hijacking the cause of the people and letting them suffer the criminality called extortion. And so the third question follows: is it that the ULFA would be ‘subsidized’ by the Government of India during the course of ceasefire, or would it be given a free license to extortion? After all, it is extortion that is the main source of the outfit’s income! Since we speak for the cause of the people, we would like to know whether the Government of India would set this condition before the ULFA: that once direct talks begin and a ceasefire comes into effect, the outfit shall not indulge in extortion, failing which it will be held responsible for derailing the peace process. Is the Government of India in a position to do this favour to the people of Asom?