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09/01/2006: "IM man killed Sangai Express"
IM man killed Sangai Express
Kohima, Aug 31 : One NSCN (IM) cadre was killed when FGN cadres ambushed a party of the NSCN (IM) at a jungle between Phek Basa and Old Phek this morning at around 6.40 am, reports NNN. According to Phek Police sources, FGN ca-dres, numbering around 25-30 ambushed the party of NSCN (IM) num-bering around 15-20, killing one of the NSCN (IM) cadres, identified as ‘L/Corp.’ Angam Zeliang, on the spot. Heavy ex-change of fire reportedly took place between the warring factions from 6.40 till after 7 am, the police sources said.
Heading for the mess Okenjeet Sandham
Kohima, Aug 31: Although some underground organizations in Manipur initiated "social reforms" by punishing corrupt officials in many areas of the state, the big question is "Can they check the unfair means practiced by the contesting candidates during the general elections in the state?" They may easily say we don`t interfere in the Indian election but the fact is wrong candidates getting elected with their money and muscle powers have really affected the whole society and the "social reform" carried out by them has little meaning if they don`t check such malpractices.
The underground elements can work out a system where the youths of every locality can form a vigil group with their blessing to check the activities of those contesting candidates using illegal methods to win elections. They should draw various guidelines for the contesting candidates and the political parties, while creating an environment for the candidates to contest without fear or favor. Besides, the publics should be allowed to choose the right candidates. This way the candidates and political parties will have less chance to involve the youths in the electoral malpractices too.
However, the disclosure by former Manipur Chief Minister and present Rajya Sabha Member, Rishang Keishing, that militant organizations in Manipur are planning to put up their own candidates in the ensuing Manipur Assembly elections is every serious and in fact, this writer had on many occasions highlighted about the underground interferences in the past Indian elections and also politicians seeking their support during elections.
Earlier, underground groups used to warn candidates not to contest in Indian elections and even cautioned the publics to keep away from the electioneering process. In the past, many powerful underground organizations in the northeast carried out disruptive tactics on the polling day and even hurled bombs on many polling stations.
Interestingly, many of them started interfering in the Indian elections today, while there is increased sign of seeking their support by politicians to ensure their victories in the elections.
The former Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir, who is now Governor of Goa, blamed his party`s electoral debacle to the NSCN-IM interference in the last general election in the State. Hours before submitting his resignation to Governor Shymall Datta, he told the press in no uncertain terms that the election his party (Congress) fought was classic as they did not fight with any political party. "We have fought with the NSCN-IM and not with any other political parties," Jamir said. "This is a very classic feature and we welcome the NSCN-IM if they are really interested to join Indian elections."
It is generally believed that the powerful NSCN-IM was behind in removing Jamir Ministry. There had also been reports of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) cadres` interference in the electioneering process in the last general election in Nagaland`s Phek district areas, resulting in the defeat of sitting Congress MLAs.
There have been debates on the electoral reforms on how to stop corruption by contesting candidates during elections and the general conclusion was that money and muscle power during elections was the root cause of producing corrupt governments. But they hardly discussed on the underground interference in the Indian elections in the state and never took the matter seriously. This had promoted some militant organizations to put up their own candidates. The militant organizations` plan to put up their own candidates in the ensuing general election in Manipur will have far reaching consequences than the politicians` use of money and muscle power during the elections.
The biggest mistake the politicians made is allowing interference of underground elements in the elections and seeking their support for their narrow political mileage. By now, the underground organizations must have thought that after all what is the difference between supporting candidates of political parties and putting up their own candidates in Indian elections?
If what Keishing said is correct, the general publics have every right to question the particular underground organizations as to what moral authority they have to seek their support in their fight against the Government of India. We cannot allow conflicting ideologies to prevail within the organizations. The people have suffered enough and they should not be misled anymore.
It is generally believed that the powerful NSCN-IM was behind in removing Jamir Ministry. There had also been reports of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) cadres` interference in the electioneering process in the last general election in Nagaland`s Phek district areas, resulting in the defeat of sitting Congress MLAs.
What are obstacles to peace?- By Rev. L. Souhie Mhasi
All of the Nagas want peace. If so, what are the obstacles to peace?
At Bangkok, in reply to questions Th. Muivah said, "We want reconciliation and peace. So we sent our men to Naga reconciliation meeting at Kohima and our representative spoke in the meeting. But you NGOs and Church leaders, you should do your home works. Let NNC/FGN come out from the Transit Peace camp and let NSCN (K) detach them from Assam Rifles camp. If not, our unity will compromise Naga National principle."
A Transit Peace Camp is known to all. Regarding NSCN (K), how far their collision with the Assam Rifles is we do not know except once the wrath of the public was poured on them and they were driven out from Mokokchung when their Oking was there.
In spite of anything, we insist that there should be peace and an end to hostility. What is killing for? It is mainly for domination over and area. Should there be designated camps? All Naga inhabited areas belong to any Nagas irrespective of factions or organizations. Dominance of an Area for free taxation is the main root cause of killing. No Naga should be deprived of his or her birthright of free access anywhere. When peace is declared among the factions, it will pave the way for understanding and unity of all of the Naga as a result a settlement with Government of India will be a peaceful settlement and the move for integration will have the backing of consolidated Nagas.
But however high political goal NSCN (IM) will be soaring, if killing is going on, it will be a great missing of the mark morally and a settlement with the GoI will be viewed as a factional settlement.
There should be a meeting point of understanding. NNC/FGN and NSCN (K) are saying that they are for sovereignty and NSCN (IM) is going to compromise Naga National principle in their talk with the GoI. Had they changed for their positions and NNC/FGN or NSCN (K) taken the place of NSCN (IM) in the talk with the GoI, will they do better?
In the context of the present situation, if any settlement short of sovereignty will not be accepted, it means to defer the issue to figure generation. On the other hand, apart from sovereignty, any settlement without prior declaration of peace among the factions will not be peaceful settlement. Nagas have to come to a point of understanding.
History should not be repeated, on the basis of the 16 points agreement, the statehood started running its administration with Security Forces in aid of Civil Administration. It has to deal with underground, national workers and the policy was so dirty, cruel and horrible.
Curfew was imposed on the villages every now and then, then combing jungle operation was constant, apprehended persons out of suspicion were subjected to inhuman tortures even electric shock and jails were fully packed and prisoners were sent to Assam, Meghalaya and Bengal. The scenario made church leaders concentrated more on peace work than on church normal works. Such diabolical history should not be repeated.
Should we be complacent about the continuity of killing? No, we will never take it for granted. Killing will be taken as an act of anti- cross of Christ and a denial of the way of the cross. We have to deny selves and to take up the cross under any circumstances.
ULFA camp exists in Bhutan: Asom DGP Nagaland Post KOKRAJHAR, AUG 31 (UNI): Director General of Asom Police Deepak Narayan Dutta today said intelligence inputs suggests the presence of some camps of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Bhutan. The Unified Command has been asked to keep a close watch on the movements of ULFA in the state, the DGP said.
''Border Security Forces (BSF) has been kept on high alert in border areas, especially in Cachar sector, after the recent firing incidents there,'' he said.
DGP is here to inaugurate the new office building of the Kokrajhar police station. Expressing concern over incidents of witch hunting in the state, the top police officer said that the government will launch a special project to create awareness among the masses on the ill practice. The DGP also reviewed the law and order situation of the Kokrajhar district with the DIG, Western Range, paramilitary forces and other concerned agencies. There are 7 police stations and 12 outposts in Kokrajhar district.
India asks Bangladesh to destroy NE ultra camps Kuknalim.com
SHILLONG, Aug 31:: India has asked Bangladesh to destroy 172 camps run by North Eastern insurgents in its territory and to apprehend 103 militants including top ULFA leaders based in that country officials said today, reports PTI. The BSF provided the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) with lists of the rebel camps and militants and sought strong action against Indian insurgents operating from Bangladeshi territory during the three-day coordination meeting between border guards of the two countries that ended here today. The list of 103 militants included ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, its general secretary Anup Chetia, and top leaders of insurgent groups like both factions of the NSCN, NDFB, ATTF, NLFT, KYKL, PLA, HNLC and ANVC.
“We asked them to take appropriate action against them,” S K Dutta, BSF's Inspector General for the Tripura, Cachar and Mizoram frontier, told a press conference here after the meeting. In a departure from the trend during similar meetings in the recent past, the BDR did not give any list of anti-social elements and their hideouts in India. “This time the BDR has not given us any list,” said Dutta. At the last meeting, the BDR had given a list of 79 ‘camps’ in Tripura and 10 in West Bengal. Asked how he was viewed this development, Dutta, who led the Indian side during the meeting, said the discussions were ‘fruitful’ and the BDR “appeared to be more receptive and reciprocating” to the BSF's suggestions.
The BDR delegation was told during the meeting in ‘unequivocal terms’ that its troops started the firing in Asom’s Cachar sector early this month by using heavy weapons and mortars, Dutta said.
“Such unprovoked firing with heavy weapons caused misery and civilan casualties. This also led to tension and breach of peace and tranquility on the border,” he said. The BSF stressed that under no circumstances would it allow Bangladeshi civilians to encroach on Indian land.
To this, the BDR claimed Indian land in Harinagar and Kinokhal areas in Cachar sector were ‘adverse possessions’. When asked to produce documentary evidence, the BDR failed to do so while the BSF was in possession of authentic documentary proof. –PTI
Welcome peace By RS Jassal Sangai Express
North East region of India is strategically located, boxed by Bhutan, China, Myanmar & Bangladesh and connected to rest of the country by a thin (20 mile wide) corridor. This region is resource rich, infrastructurally poor & conflict scarred. In the last six decades almost all the States have been conflict ridden except Mizoram which is recovered fully and now a leading peace state and Meghalaya-Aru-nachal afflicted fringley of late. Out of these Naga insurgency is the oldest surviving insurgency. August 1997 was the land mark in the history of Nagaland when peace process commenced between NSCN & GOI. On 31 Jul 2006 ceasefire between the two have been extended by another year dispelling all the speculations of its abrogation.
Probably taking the cue United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), largest UG outfit of Assam, has also announced "it would exercise restraint" in reciprocation of Army's announcement. It is a welcome and encouraging sign after 27 years of outfit's existence and struggle in flux.
On 31 Jul 07, the peace process between the two will complete a decade of its existence. Ten years is a long time to create history. Peace, progress & development in Nagaland is result of this process. Improved law and order, has assisted the divided secluded area bound Naga village autonomous states to modern vibrant strong 60 member Legislative Assembly a state of Indian Union, establishment of University, 25 acre sprawling modern IT hub, medico-connectively, impressive first of its type Police HQ in NE, VDBs with equi sharing of developmental funds, viable Human development Indexing (11th in India), increase in number of tourists (domestic & international), cropping up of music/fashion industry, hike in real estate prices, participation of Naga entrepreneurs in Brazil fair, international recognition of Naga lady farmer by IFPRI Washington for inno- vativeness, youth taking up entrepreneurship up to etc are the visible results of peace process in Nagaland. The same has been welcomed by all & sundry with open arms, especially, the youth since people of Nagaland have suffered from the gun culture for last 60 years. It will not be out of place to quote a few reactions of youth who do not want to lose out on these golden moments.
"Without fuel even a vehicle cannot travel. Peace is very important, without it how can our state progress or develop" Imkong Longkumer a college student opined.
"We should grab this opportunity because we have to develop our state a lot. We still have a long way to go by grabbing this opportunity and utilizing it in a right way for a common welfare and common development" Dr. Longri- a social activist.
"After coming of the ceasefire, there has been a lot of change because before ceasefire we could not run our business freely but after ceasefire we can run our business freely" a young Yimchunger girl running boutique and a fashion designer.
Not only the youth but organisations like United Peoples Democratic Party (UPDP), Naga HoHo (an apex body), NMA, NSF, GB Association, ANSAM etc. have also welcomed the extension of ceasefire. GB Association has gone to the extent of saying if Nagaland is for Christ why not follow HIS teachings of scarifying, forgiving and reconciliation. In the spirit of Christianity it will be apt to quote following psalm & a proverb.
'The voice of Lord is powerful and the voice Lord is majestic' - Psalm 29:4
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding " - Proverb 3:5
Barring inter & intra factional violence one har-dly reads or hears about it in Nagaland. What more there is no bandh, no JAC like Manipur. Otherwise news of innocent killing by miscreants, a grenade blast, calling of bandhs by some outfits (for vested interests) is a common scenario in other North Eastern States; especially, Assam & Manipur. These violent acts are a means of arms twisting for meeting vested interests. If we analyse the complete mosaic of insurgency in North East region we shall see that mother organisations have fragmented into smaller splinter groups. These sub organisations are more interested in territorial control under the garb of ethnic revivalism over some part of state for smaller aims.
As a Manipuri settler I feel the aims of freedom have transformed into extortions for easy money and easy life. Most of the leadership of these outfits small or large are living lavishly outside the country and enjoying on the money extorted/send by the outfit. Now there is a public outcry at large against these violent activities. Condemnations by various forums, issue of warnings by public to various UG groups (to quote Sumi HoHo in Zunheboto) fighting for territorial control. Luke warm response to boycott call by certain UG organisations on Independence Day etc. are certain indications of this outcry. Shunning their reticence All Manipur Nupi Marup has urged the PM for initiating concrete steps towards resolving the problem of insurgency in Manipur and protect the integrity of the state which I also feel is a correct step they feel that they are in actual battle field due to interference of various insurgent groups in normal life. As a part of North East I feel why fight over small territories when the complete territory of the state & nation belongs to us we are free to move as we like. If we want peace, progress, prosperity, development & good governance we need to remember the saying "United we stand Divided we fall". After all each state is interdependent on each other for survival & economic development. We need to have a unity of body & mind in physiological, psychological & spiritual sense to fight all forces negatively impinging on societal harmony.
India asks Bangla to destroy NE ultra camps Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, Aug 31 – India has asked Bangladesh to destroy 172 camps run by North Eastern insurgents in its territory and to apprehend 103 militants including top ULFA leaders based in that country, officials said today, reports PTI. The BSF provided the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) with lists of the rebel camps and militants and sought strong action against Indian insurgents operating from Bangladeshi territory during the three-day coordination meeting between border guards of the two countries that ended here today. The list of 103 militants included ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, its general secretary Anup Chetia, and top leaders of insurgent groups like both factions of the NSCN, NDFB, ATTF, NLFT, KYKL, PLA, HNLC and ANVC.
“We asked them to take appropriate action against them,” S K Dutta, BSF's Inspector General for the Tripura, Cachar and Mizoram frontier, told a press conference here after the meeting.
In a departure from the trend during similar meetings in the recent past, the BDR did not give any list of anti-social elements and their hideouts in India. “This time the BDR has not given us any list,” said Dutta. At the last meeting, the BDR had given a list of 79 ‘camps’ in Tripura and 10 in West Bengal. Asked how he was viewed this development, Dutta, who led the Indian side during the meeting, said the discussions were ‘fruitful’ and the BDR “appeared to be more receptive and reciprocating” to the BSF's suggestions.
The BDR delegation was told during the meeting in ‘unequivocal terms’ that its troops started the firing in Asom’s Cachar sector early this month by using heavy weapons and mortars, Dutta said.
“Such unprovoked firing with heavy weapons caused misery and civilan casualties. This also led to tension and breach of peace and tranquility on the border,” he said. The BSF stressed that under no circumstances would it allow Bangladeshi civilians to encroach on Indian land.
To this, the BDR claimed Indian land in Harinagar and Kinokhal areas in Cachar sector were ‘adverse possessions’. When asked to produce documentary evidence, the BDR failed to do so while the BSF was in possession of authentic documentary proof.
Arunachal to have airport soon Assam Tribune
KOLKATA, Aug 31 – Arunachal Pradesh would soon have its own airport near its capital Itanagar, providing easy access to the state nestled in the eastern Himalayas, and give a fillip to its tourism industry. “Feasibility study for the airport has been completed and work on it will begin soon,” North East Tourism Development Corporation chairman Ajai Singh said here yesterday.
“The airport, likely to be serviced by many airlines, will bring the remote State with virgin beauty nearer to the other parts of the country and increase its tourism potential,” Singh, who is also the Governor of Asom, said at a tourism meet for the East and North East here.
Tezpur in Asom is now the nearest airport to the State capital. Though the North East has the highest density of airports in the country, Arunachal does not have a single one, thus losing out on its tourism potential.
The State, however, has a helicopter service, but that is inadequate, tour operators from the North East said. Arunachal had an airport at Lilabari, but it was closed some years ago. – PTI
20 Manipuris get 10-year jail terms in Myanmar The Imphal Free Press
New Delhi, Aug 31 : A court in western Myanmar has sentenced 20 Indian nationals, arrested in May for timber logging, to over 10 years each in prison. Twenty-one Indians from the northeastern state of Manipur, including a six-year-old boy, were arrested near the India-Myanmar border May 6 along with three trucks near Aisi village in Tonzang area in Chin state.
Apart from charges of poaching and illegal timber logging, the arrested persons were also charged with illegally crossing the international boundary. A Tonzang lawyer told Mizzima News the court released the boy because he was underage but charged 19 others for illegal logging and one for poaching. While the Indian national charged for poaching was sentenced to 15 years in prison, the 19 others were sentenced to 12 years, a legal source said.
The 20 convicted would be shifted to the Inndainggyi prison-cum-labour camp in Sagaing division. According to the source, the legal proceedings at the Tonzang township court were done in a hurry following New Delhi`s intervention. Earlier this month, Mani Charenamei, an MP from Manipur, raised the issue in parliament and also met Myanmarese embassy officials here to discuss the matter.
Manmohan to visit Manipur
‘Enquiry committee won’t be able to deliver justice’ Sentinel
IMPHAL, Aug 31: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has agreed to visit Manipur in September or October and lay the foundations of various projects in the State.
Manipur Information Centre official said the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh called on the Prime Minister at his office in South Block in the capital yesterday and invited him to visit Manipur in the last week of September or October.
Officials said the Prime Minister accepted the invitation and expressed his willingness to visit Manipur. The Chief Minister requested him to lay the foundation stones of the Loktak Downstream Hydro Electric Project, the National Sports Academy at Khuman Lampak and the Manipur Institute of Technology, a constituent institute of Manipur University during his visit. The Loktak downstream electric project was announced when Deve Gowda was the Prime Minister, while the other projects were sanctioned during the tenure of the UPA Government.
The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to upgrade the Manipur Institute of Technology to the level of National Institute of Technology (NIT) or Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) level and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) to the status of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). During the meeting, the Chief Minister reminded him of several development initiatives for Manipur announced by the Prime Minister during his visit in November 2004. The State Government had taken up those initiatives in right earnest and some were in various stages of implementation, he said.
In a letter submitted to the Prime Minister, the Manipur Chief Minister mentioned that the work on the Capital Project had started. A composite complex having Assembly complex, High Court and Secretariat will be taken up at Imphal. In the first phase, the work of the Secretariat had been taken up. The construction of High Court Complex had also started. The Chief Justice of India Sabharwal had laid the foundation stone for the High Court at Imphal recently. Kangla, the seat of power from where Manipur Kings ruled and occupied by Assam Rifles since 1891 was handed over to the State in November 2004 and was managed by the Kangla Development Board and a plan was being prepared to develop it as a historical site as well as tourist destination, the Chief Minister said.
The Special Employment Programme announced by the Prime Minister had received an enthusiastic response from the youth and was under implementation. The survey work on the extension of railway line from Jiribam to Tupul (Imphal) had started and was expected to be completed by December this year. Ministry of Railways was paying special attention to the project. The District and Sub-Divisional headquarters were being developed and road communication systems to these headquarters were being specially improved. (UNI)
Three-day Shillong meet ends BSF asks BDR to destroy ultra camps, arrest rebels Meet snippets
* BSF asked BDR to destroy 172 NE ultra camps in its territory and to apprehend 103 militants, including top ULFA leaders, based in that country
* The BSF provided the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) with lists of the rebel camps and militants and sought strong action against the Indian insurgents
* The list of 103 militants included ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, its general secretary Anup Chetia
* The BDR claimed Indian land in Harinagar and Kinokhal areas in Cachar sector were under “adverse possessions”
From our Staff Correspondent and PTI Sentinel
SHILLONG, Aug 31: Even as the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) continued to feign ignorance about the presence of Indian insurgents in their territory, India today asked the neighbouring country to destroy 172 camps run by northeastern insurgents in its soil and to apprehend 103 militants, including top ULFA leaders, based in that country.
The BSF provided the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) with lists (given below) of the rebel camps and militants and sought strong action against Indian insurgents operating from Bangladeshi territory during the three-day coordination meeting between border sentinels of the two countries that ended here today.
The list of 103 militants included ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, its general secretary Anup Chetia, and top leaders of insurgent groups like both factions of the NSCN, NDFB, ATTF, NLFT, KYKL, PLA, HNLC and ANVC.
“We asked them to take appropriate action against them,” S K Dutta, BSF’s Inspector General for the Tripura, Cachar and Mizoram frontier, told a press conference here after the meeting.
“Both sides agreed in principle to institutionalize a bilateral mechanism to combat terrorism and organized crimes,” he said.
In a departure from the trend during similar meetings in the recent past, the BDR did not give any list of anti-social elements and their hideouts in India. “This time the BDR has not given us any list,” said Dutta.
At the last meeting, the BDR had given a list of 79 “camps” in Tripura and 10 in West Bengal.
Asked how he viewed this development, Dutta, who led the Indian side during the meeting, said the discussions were “fruitful” and the BDR “appeared to be more receptive and reciprocating” to the BSF’s suggestions.
The BDR delegation was told during the meeting in “unequivocal terms” that its troops started the firing in Asom’s Cachar sector early this month by using heavy weapons and mortars, Dutta said.
“Such unprovoked firing with heavy weapons caused misery and civilian casualties. This also led to tension and breach of peace and tranquillity on the border,” he said.
The BSF stressed that under no circumstances would it allow Bangladeshi civilians to encroach on Indian land.
To this, the BDR claimed that Indian land in Harinagar and Kinokhal areas in Cachar sector were in “adverse possession”. When asked to produce documentary evidence, the BDR failed to do so, while the BSF was in possession of authentic documentary proof.
The problem of arms and ammunition being smuggled from Bangladesh to India by a powerful syndicate that enjoyed support of organized smugglers and mafia gangs of the neighbouring country, was also discussed in the meeting, Dutta said.
While the BDR denied this, saying arms were not produced in Bangladesh, the BSF gave proof saying the weapons were coming to India via a particular route in the Chittagong area.
The BDR delegation was, however, concerned about the smuggling of drugs and psychotropic substances. The BSF informed the BDR of a large amount of drugs that was seized at the border while being smuggled to Bangladesh.
The presence of a large number of illegal Bangladeshi nationals and their continued influx to India was also brought to the notice of the BDR. The BDR was asked to take effective measures to check this, Dutta said.
WANTED INDIAN INSURGENTS
LIST CONTINUING DETAILS OF WANTED INDIAN INSURGENTS ABSCONDED
AND RESIDING IN BANGLADESH
