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08/30/2006: "CORE concerned over quit notice, calls for reconciliation Source: The Sangai Express"


CORE concerned over quit notice, calls for reconciliation Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 29: Expressing deep concern over the quit notice served on the Tangkhuls staying at Nagaland by the NSCN (K), the Centre for Organisation Research and Education today said that it is extremely disconcerting that the quit notice has been served while the indigenous people of the world are trying to unite. In a statement, CORE said that it is their resolve to ensure that every human being leads a life of dignity and no one should be subjected to the insult and offence of being displaced by another group of people.

Manipur and the North East have already witnessed the fall outs of quit notices and the wounds are yet to be healed, said CORE and added that this time it will not keep quiet and remain silent spectators. Stating that Governments of Nagaland, Manipur and India have not shown any concern to fulfil their legal obligations of protecting its citizens, CORE said that it is a shock to see the Govts remaining silent over the threats issued to a people.

Asserting that CORE believes in the dictum that reconciliation is the only path to co-existence and survival, the statement said that said those who claim to represent the interest of their peoples and future should demonstrate their responsibility. This can be achieved by a mature and compassionate vision of the future guided by the principle of forgiving for the wrongs done and an honourable settlement through dialogue.
Unity before solution, says ENPO Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, AUG 29 (NPN): Stressing on unity among all Naga overground and underground organizations as the need of the hour for the future of the Nagas, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) lamented that its initiative of "Unity then solution" has found no takers from both the underground and overground organisations.
ENPO said, considering Nagaland with a small population and area as compared to other states but with many tribes, the wide division in opinions and lack of unity among underground and overground organizations has resulted in more confusion towards the achievement of the Nagas "common goal." President, ENPO, Pohwang Konyak in a press release said presently Nagas are misguided by Nagas only under the policy of divide and rule, which, he said, must be removed and buried once and for all from the mindset of the peace loving Nagas. Maintaining that it was high time the Government of India too come out clearly with real steps taken
so far for honourable solution to the protracted Naga political problem, Pohwang said any ostensible and delaying from the GoI side at this crucial juncture would only be from divide and rule respective. The organization also said it was unfortunate that though ENPO (erstwhile TMPO) had disassociated with the Naga Hoho, its cooperation and support extended in the interest of Naga general public were underestimated and criticized rather than taken in the right perspective, which has "invited more controversies between the ENPO and Naga Hoho."
Asserting that ENPO had always acted on the principle of Naga unity, it added that if Nagas are really serious on their common goal, then unity among Naga organizations should be the primary objective. ENPO urged all Nagas to strive for unity among all overground and underground organisations in true spirit of Nagas as one family.
Fitting tributes paid to Haipou Jadonang Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 29: Fitting tribute was paid to Haipou Jadonang, a freedom fighter and socio-religious reformer who revolted against the oppressive rule of British imperialists, on the occasion of his 75th anniversary of martyrdom which was observed at different parts of the State today. Offering of floral tributes to his photograph, recapitulation of his life and works and the vision of a 'shackle-free' egalitarian society that he had shown to the people were some of the main highlights of the observance.

Tributes paid to the bust of Haipou Jadonang at his birthplace Kambiron (Puiluan) village and Gaikhangam addresses the gathering

Born in 1905 at Kambiron (Puiluan) village in Nungba Sub-Division of Tamenglong district, Jadonang revolted against British hegemony for which he was arrested and executed at Imphal on August 29, 1931.At his birthplace Kambiron (Puiluan) village, the 75th martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang was observed along with the unveiling of a bust of the freedom fighter by MPCC president Gaikhangam. A memorial hall constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakhs was also inaugurated at the occasion.

Organised under the joint aegis of Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland), Haipou Jadonang Custom and Cultural Research Committee and the village authority of Puiluan (Kambiron), the event was attended by many high ranking dignitaries from the Govt, apex organisations of Zeliangrong communities and people from the three States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
In his address as chief guest of the function, Gaikhangam recounted the activities of Jadonang and said he was a freedom fighter who stood up against the autocratic rule of the British imperialist.

'The fruit of the sacrifices made by him is being enjoyed by the people today. Now we are independent', he said, while exhorting the people to safeguard the hard earned freedom and collectively fight against the divisive elements which are out to tear apart Manipuri society and set one community against another.
Commissioner (Health) LP Gonmei, DC Chandel Norbert Disinang and DC Tamenglong Thaithuilung Panmei were guests of honour of the function marked by cultural extravaganza.

At the newly constructed Haipou Jadonang Park located at Keishampat, the very site where the freedom fighter had been executed by the British, the observance function was held under the aegis of Haipou Jadonang Statue and Park Development Committee, Manipur. Education, Revenue and Labour and Employment Minister L Nandakumar, PDA Chairman K Ranjit Singh; Power, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Francis Ngajokpa were chief guest, president and guest of honour of the function attended by leaders of various Zeliangrong villages, members of Women Societies, Local Youth Clubs, Mission workers and other public leaders.

All those who spoke at the occasion hailed Jadonang as not just a freedom fighter, but also a social and religious reformer who inspired his fellowmen to fight for their rights. The relevance of the teaching of this mystic freedom fighter is becoming all the more relevant today and should be imbibed by the present youths, they observed. At GM Hall Imphal here, the observance function was organised under the aegis of Zeliangrong Arts and Culture Organisation (AZACO) during which many resource persons recounted valuable contributions made by the visionary leader in the social and religious reformation of Zeliangrong community and the people of Manipur at large. Senior Lecturer of Imphal College Lanbilung Gonmei described Jadonang as not only a social and political leader but also a religious reformer.

He was not at all anti-Kuki as some people might presume, but an all and all out anti-British, Gonmei said, adding Jadonang organised the Zeliangrong people to stand up against the autocratic rule of the Britishers. Jadonang strongly objected to the collection of taxes unreasonably from every household in Zeliangrong villages and forcing youths as porters for the British officers during tours, he said.

Though born in a remote village, Jadonang is a brave son of Manipur who inspired his fellow men to rise up and challenge the despotic rule of the Britishers, he said, adding that every freedom loving Manipuri should look upon him as a source of inspiration. In his presidential address of the function, AZACO president Poudongai Kamsom said Jadonang as a leader firmly believed on the preserving the indigenous values of the various communities living in Manipur.

Minister of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Co-operation W Leima Devi , who attended the function as guest of honour, observed that we can face out enemies only when there is unity and oneness among the people. It was Jadonang who taught us this lesson, she added.

MLA Vivek Raj Wangkhem was also attended the function as one of the guests of honour. Head of Department of Political Science, Manipur University Prof Ksh Bimola Devi as one of the resource persons at the occasion. The Zeliangrong Rachapriak Phom (Zeliangrong Religious Council), Assam, Manipur and Nagaland also observed the 75th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Kalum Kai, Chingmeirong.
The devotees offer floral tributes and observed one minute silence as respect to the martyr.

Prominent speakers present at the occasion spoke at length on the life, achievements and sacrifice of Haipou Jadonang for the people of Manipur in particular and the North East India in general.
Gateway murder accused dead NDTV Correspondent
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 (Mumbai):
Uzer Patel, the man accused of killing a girl at the Gateway of India in Mumbai in August last year is dead.

Sources say Patel who was undergoing treatment at Mumbai's JJ Hospital died due to HIV related complications.

Patel was arrested after he attacked two women who were out sightseeing at the Gateway of India. Both the girls had recently moved to Mumbai from Nagaland. Uzer slashed the throat of one of the women killing her on the spot. The other was seriously injured in the attack.

Govt to form GoM on Assam Accord By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 29 – The Asom Government will soon form a Group of Ministers (GoM) to study the proposals submitted by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) for constitutional safeguards for the indigenous people of the state under the provisions of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. This was disclosed by the Minister in charge of Assam Accord Implementation, Dr Bhumidhar Barman at a meeting with the AASU today. Dr Barman also said that the GoM would be asked to submit its report with recommendations within three months.

Talking to this correspondent after the meeting, AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya said that at the meeting, the Accord Implementation Minister assured that the National register of Citizens (NRC) of 1951 would be updated within the stipulated time-frame of two years. He revealed that the process of scanning the electoral rolls would be completed by August 31 and the AMTRON would be entrusted with the job of data processing, which would be completed by November this year. He also assured the AASU delegation that the Asom –Bangladesh border would be sealed within this year as promised by the Government of India.

Bhattacharya said that the AASU was not satisfied with the replies of the Accord Implementation Minister in regard to the issues relating to detection and deportation of foreigners from the State and the formation of new tribunals for the detection process. He said that the AASU expressed its displeasure before the Minister.

Bhattacharya said that the satras and historical monuments of the State should be preserved and a special package should be formulated for the solution of the problem of unemployment. The AASU said that the nationalised banks in the State were not too keen on providing loans to the locals and the credit-deposit ratio in the state was lower than other parts of the country. In this regard , the State Government assured to hold a bankers’ meet shortly to discuss the issue.

On the reopening of the Ashok Paper Mill, it was decided that a team of State Government officials and AASU would visit the Mill next month for an on the spot study of the condition of the Mill. The AASU also demanded increase of the States stake in the gas cracker project to 26 per cent and a proper manpower planning so that the local youths can take advantage of the downstream industries. The AASU also demanded that the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Asom Chief Minister should monitor the implementation of the Assam Accord.

North East needs ‘special’ attention from Centre Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 29 – With the North-East beset with ethnic unrest and lack of opportunities due to underdevelopment, experts said that the region needs special attention from the Centre with emphasis on maximum utilisation of its vast natural resources to develop the eight sister states.

Addressing a conference on ‘Development of North Eastern Hill States’ here yesterday, Manipur Governor S S Sidhu said in the region where more than 200 different communities live side by side, the “awakening of ethnic national conciousness and identities” is leading to senseless violence and killings, which makes it untenable for development.

“A purely law and order approach will be unproductive. Political and cultural accomodation are essential” to satisfy every stakeholder so that they can participate willingly in efforts to make the region prosper, he said.

The Governor advocated development of tourism as a means of fast-track development and also the ‘Look East’ policy of opening up trade with neighbouring countries.

Emphasising the need for “massive investment from both public and private sectors,” the Governor said on a lighter vein that “the only flourishing industry in the region is extortion.”

Former Election Commissioner of India G V Krishnamurthy said the region has enormous potential with its natural resources, and also with the 8,000 km border it shares with four countries, trade can bring prosperity to the region. But he contends that “peace is a pre-requisite for progress”.

Former Asom Governor B N Singh said the Centre needs to “know the views of the people instead of dictating them from Delhi.” – PTI

Militancy declines in Tripura From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
AGARTALA, Aug 29 – Barring sporadic militancy related incidents, insurgency has declined significantly in Tripura during the past three years. According to official figures altogether 384 persons were killed and 327 more were injured in extremists related incidents from 2003 to July this year. Militants of different outfits have kidnapped 356 civilians mostly non-tribals during the period while 26 abducted persons are yet to return from militant hideouts.

In reply to a written question by Ratan Lal Nath, Leader of Opposition on Monday, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar informed the Assembly that 305 extremists related incidents were reported in the State during the 2003. Chief Minister said 115 militancy-related incidents have occurred in 2005 and only 56 such incidents were reported this year till July.

He said altogether 39 security personnel were killed by tribal guerrillas in 2003 while 47 soldiers fell prey to the militants’ bullets in 2004. However, security forces have not suffered any major setback this year in terms of human casualty as only eight security personnel were killed in encounters or ambushes. According to Chief Minister security forces have apprehended 396 militants during the last five years while 1449 collaborators were booked during the period.

As on today, 161 companies of Central paramilitary forces were deployed in interior and bordering areas to tackle militancy, providing escort and border vigil. Apart from Central paramilitary forces, 11,406 jawans of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and over 8,000 police personnel were also deployed in law and order duty and providing VIP security.

Chief Minister also informed the House that altogether 810 militants have surrendered to the security forces during the last three and half years. Among the surrendered militants, 39 were women, he said adding that the rehabilitation for the surrendered militants has got underway. The Union Government has sanctioned Rs. 11.46 crore for rehabilitation of surrendered militants during the last financial year 2005-2006 and last year, the allocation was Rs.1.77 crore.

Apart from Central assistance, the State Government has also been spending funds for proper rehabilitation for the surrendered extremists.

Centre-ULFA talks: some vital issues — Harekrishna Deka Assam Tribune editorial
The response of the general people of Asom to the temporary suspension of operations by the security forces and temporary cessation of hostility by the ULFA is one of relief followed by hope. Hope for a solution of the vexed questions raised by the insurgent organisation arises from an overwhelming popular desire for peace in a land disturbed by periodic violence that has not only taken its physical and psychological toll but also has caused fissures in social cohesion. Whatever little of the popular mind has been manifested, it appears that any backward step from this position will be quite unwelcome. Since the Government is constitutionally committed to provide peace, human rights and development to the society under its governance and the insurgents are at the moment under no such obligation, it may seem on surface that any negative step changing the present position adversely would undermine popular faith on the Government’s sincerity but, in effect, the people are so weary of insurgency and counter-insurgency that ULFA may also find popular annoyance, even anger, directed against itself in equal measure as against the Government.

At this moment, what has been presented by local media seems to suggest that certain formalities are yet to be thrashed out before a date for direct talks can be decided. We are not privy to what modality was discussed by the Central Government and the PCG in their third round of talks and also the nature of communication that must have taken place between the two sides after the temporary suspension of hostilities. It has been claimed on behalf of the ULFA that the Government had agreed to consider the release of five jailed leaders of the organisation to facilitate direct talks and therefore the next step, as asked by the ULFA and as indicated by media reports, is for the Central Government to honour the commitment. The Government, on its part, seems to want a written communication from the ULFA to the effect that they will sit for talks once the jailed leaders are released. There is a gulf between the two perceptions that has caused a temporary impediment but there is still scope for bridging the gulf.

We can use an oft-repeated metaphor that the ball is being thrown from one court to the other, but I think that this will not be an apt metaphor to be used in the present situation. This is not a ball game between two contesting sides and the people are not some spectators. It concerns the lives and the future of the people of a region in great socio-political turmoil with discontent forming a deep layer in the unconscious level of social psyche. In this context, both sides should remain conscious of the peoples’ deep concern and should try to listen to their voices articulated in different manner – particularly those voices that are free from speech utterances of the contesting sides.

If both sides have respect for the peoples’ concern for peace, the problem concerning the manner of release of the five jailed ULFA leaders should be overcome through mutual understanding without allowing minor formalities to appear like insurmountable obstacles. The ULFA has its logic in seeking the release of these leaders as they may be required for consultation or to be members of the negotiating team. But at the same time, it need be appreciated that the Government cannot release these leaders off-hand as there are legal formalities that have to be observed to satisfy the requirement of the established law and before that the Government has to feel assured that after their release the talks will take place. Though after the temporary holding back of fire-power by both the sides a thaw is in sight, it cannot be said that they have come to a position where trust is implicit. Perhaps the Central Government is swayed by the thought of a past failed effort, the State Government’s past failure to bring the insurgent outfit to the negotiating table. When late Hiteswar Saikia was the Chief Minister of Asom, some important leaders including Anup Chetia were released from jail for a similar purpose and even some sort of a letter of intent was reportedly signed by some of these leaders to facilitate talks, but it fell through when the bailed leaders failed to show up for the peace move. The present situation is, however, not identical and a civil society group is also in the mediation process. The PCG is in a position to give the Government and assurance that the ULFA this time will honour the commitment. Even for this, some sort of written communication might be necessary. For this purpose a workable modality may be like this – (1) The ULFA sends a communication through the PCG suggesting a date for the first round of direct talks subject to release of the jailed leaders, or alternatively, the ULFA asks for a specific date from the Government simultaneously asking for the release of the leaders. (2) The Government responds positively by accepting/giving a date and releasing the jailed leaders as soon as the PCG conveys the message. If the ULFA after release of their leaders fails to honour their commitment, it will be a wrong move on their part as the people will not be ready to accept such a situation.

Since the issues are thorny, the general people should not expect that the solution will be found quickly. The perceptions of both sides differ considerably for an uncomplicated discourse and rough sailing may be expected in course of the negotiation. It may be necessary to take up discussions issue by issue and an effort will have to be made to sort out simpler problems first, particularly those of economic nature and then proceed to the complicated issues which may involve political adjustments and the one that questions the State structure. Though formal talks will have to be held at a higher institutional level, most issues can hardly be resolved in such formal talks. We think that an informally structured modality has to be worked out for hammering out all issues in advance before each round of formal talks is held. The role of an experienced and impartial interlocutor acceptable to both sides is crucial for this purpose.

Three-day BSF-BDR meet begins at Shillong
Hand over Arabinda, Anup and 111 others: BSF to BDR Our Staff Correspondent Sentinel
SHILLONG, Aug 29: Mounting pressure on Bangladesh to curb the making of terror in its soil, India today asked the neighbouring country to hand over 113 militants, including ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and general secretary Anup Chetia, living in that country, and to dismantle 172 camps run by North-east insurgents in its territory.
The matter was taken up on the first day of the three-day biannual meet between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), two days after the secretary-level talks between both the countries.
Senior BSF officials said top leaders of the outlawed UNLF, PLA, KYKL and NLFT figured in the list of 113 militants “whose deportation had been asked for”.
The list of 172 insurgent camps was handed over to the 10-member BDR delegation headed by Director General of BDR Brigadier SM Golam Rabbani with a request to dismantle them at the earliest.
BDR authorities “did not reject our contention” as they had done in the past, but said “we are trying our best to find out”, the officials said.
On the deportation of Chetia, the BDR said the Bangladesh Government would take a decision on the issue shortly.
Citing intelligence inputs on militant camps and hideouts, the BSF urged the BDR to take action, saying the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) of Bangladesh had recently seized a number of arms from some of them.
The Bangladeshi officials, who voiced serious concern over terrorism and militancy, said they would take suitable action.
The unprovoked firing by BDR in Silchar-Karimganj sector, obstruction in border fencing, illegal migration, smuggling of arms and adverse possession of land also figured in the discussions, the officials said. The BSF, led by the Inspector General of Tripura, Mizoram and Cachar frontier, SK Dutta and the Inspector General of Meghalaya, Asom and Manipur frontier JK Sinha, is understood to have raised concern over the death of two Indian civilians due to unprecedented use of mortar and automatic weapons by BDR recently.
Common concerns of both the forces for effective border management and maintenance of peace took the centrestage at the first day of the Shillong meet.
It is learnt, the BDR contented that India had violated the Indira-Mujib pact not to have any military activities within 150 yards from the zero line, an allegation which India brushed aside as baseless.
While the deliberation is expected to gain momentum in the next two days, a source said, “The BDR feigned ignorance on the presence of Indian insurgents barring Anup Chetia, who was released from jail and still subject to charges under the Bangladesh law”.
The BDR claimed that action had been taken against anti-India terrorist groups operating from the Bangladesh soil, the BSF said while contending that the BDR claims are far from truth.
The outcome of the meeting is expected by August 31.


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