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09/06/2006: "Rio calls for changes in Cease Fire rules Nagaland Post"


Rio calls for changes in Cease Fire rules Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Sept 5 (NPN): In the face of continued factional clashes, State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday urged the central government to introduce necessary changes in the ceasefire ground rules and ensure accountability of the parties for strict adherence to the ground rules.
The chief minister made this appeal while addressing the chief ministers' conference with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Rio said though the general law and order situation in the State remained "largely peaceful", yet the people continued to suffer the consequence of the unsettled Naga political issue owing to the ongoing "turf war" between the rival factions of the undergrounds.
The chief minister said this continued to be the biggest problem, adversely affecting public peace and order in the State.
He added much effort had been made to encourage NGOs, tribal hohos and other civil societies to participate in the peace-building process and that there were some positive developments in the area.
"Today there are voices among the public, who freely give expression to opinions and even openly condemn factional fights," he said.
Rio also drew Dr. Singh's attention to the issue of influx of illegal migrants into Nagaland.
He pointed out that combating the menace would be a difficult proposition for the State unless it received the support and cooperation from the other neighbouring States.
The chief minister warned that with the increased threat from Pakistani intelligence agency ISI in the country and in the absence of a coordinated policy and approach in handling illegal migrants, the Northeast could soon become a hotbed for terrorism.
Further, Rio urged the central government to provide the required logistical support to the Village Guard organization by including it either under police modernization scheme or SRE.
Further, pointing out that maintenance of security in the sensitive Myanmar border is directly related to improvement in basic infrastructures, especially road communication, he urged the Centre to consider raising of fund allocation for the centrally-sponsored Border Area Development Programme.
Reject destructive policy of Muivah: FGN Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Sep 05: Charging NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th Muivah and his socialist Tangkhul leaders with systematically eliminating leaders of other Naga communities, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has called upon the Nagas to reject the destructive policy of Muivah.

In a statement made available to the press, deputy Rali Wali Kilonser of FGN Gaibon Panmei categorically stated these killings and destructive policy of Muivah and his Tangkhul leaders brought hatred against the Tangkhul community by the Nagas at large.

Now the Nagas are not in the dark of NSCN (I-M) activities and even a small boy knows the terrorist activities of IM group. As the Nagas can no longer tolerate the the terrorist activities of socialists Tangkhul leaders, some Naga regions issued 'quit notice' showing the level of intolerance and anger against the socialist Tangkhul leaders, the statement explained.

But the interpretation of quit notice 'to all Tangkhuls', the statement hastened to add, would be totally wrong. No innocent Tangkhul is to be victimised. Rather it should be targeted to reject Muivah and his socialists Tangkhul leaders, the statement said, adding that the Eastern Nagas rejected them and without them they enjoy peace among themselves.

So also the Western Naga people would also feel peace if these Tangkhul socialist leaders are not in their land. Reacting to the 30-point proposal submitted by Muivah to the Government of India to negotiate with the Indian leaders, the statement said that the on-going so called peace process is a surrender and selling process of Nagaland to India.

This is a clear evidence to all the Nagas that NSCN (I-M) group betrayed Naga people and Naga Nation and they are traitors, the statement said. As we all are Christians, we have no reason to support such murderers and perfidious leaders and let them to commit heinous crimes in Nagaland. But to reject them altogether along with their socialism is the right objective to do by all Nagas, the statement said.
Indian PM warns of real terror threat to internal security Peoples Daily
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned the country of serious terror threat to India's internal security at a meeting Tuesday.
"Intelligence agencies warn of a further intensification of violent activities on their part with the possibility of more ' fidayeen' attacks, use of suicide bombers," Singh said when holding a meeting with chief ministers of states about internal security.
India also faces possible attacks on economic and religious targets, vital installations like nuclear establishments and army camps while terrorist modules and "sleeper cells" exist in cities, he said.
Northeast Indian states like Manipur and Nagaland remain vulnerable for militant attacks, he said.
In India-controlled Kashmir the situation has shown signs of improvement in the past two years but the government will have to remain on guard, he said.
Singh also pushed the chief ministers from states to improve intelligence capability including collecting and analyzing tips.
Although stressing anti-terrorism much, the Indian Prime Minister showed worry about the insecurity among minorities, especially Muslims.
"It is unfortunate that terrorism has resulted in certain sections of our population being targeted, with the result that a wrong impression has been created of the radicalization of the entire Muslim community," he said. He said the states need to immediately adopt policies to ensure that a few individual acts do not result in tarnishing the image of a community and remove any feelings of persecution and alienation from the minds of the minorities. Source: Xinhua
PM warns CMs of terror Nagaland Post
New Delhi, Sept 5 (IANS): Exhorting chief ministers to revamp past security practices and brace themselves to prepare for new age terror, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday that intelligence agencies had warned of more terrorist attacks, possibly on economic and religious targets, as well as on nuclear installations.
Singh's grim forewarning comes nearly two months after a series of bombs on commuter trains in Mumbai, India's financial hub, that killed 186 people.
During the address to the conclave, the second in five months, Manmohan Singh also cautioned chief ministers on the threats to internal security from terrorism and Maoism that had engulfed huge swathes of the country and which was spreading to other states.
"Intelligence agencies warn of a further intensification of violent activities with the possibility of more fidayeen attacks, use of suicide bombers, attacks on economic and religious targets, targeting of vital installations, including nuclear establishments and army camps."
"Reports also suggest that terrorist modules and sleeper cells exist in some of our urban areas, all of which highlight the seriousness of the threat."
"Concern about the increasing activities of externally inspired and directed terrorist outfits in the country is justified," Singh told the internal security meeting.
Almost as a reaction to Singh's grim observations, home minister Shivraj Patil immediately announced a sum of Rs 9 billion for shoring up security in all coastal states with Rs 5 million earmarked specially for Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Singh also cautioned the chief ministers against unfairly targeting the Muslim community while the security agencies came down heavily in the fight against terror.
This, he stressed, was imperative to offset a sense of alienation among India's roughly 140 million minority Muslims and ensure that efforts to stamp out Islamist militancy do not victimise the entire community.
"It is unfortunate that terrorism has resulted in certain sections of our population being targeted, with the result that a wrong impression has been created of the radicalisation of the entire Muslim community," the prime minister noted.
"It is, hence, imperative that we embark immediately upon a proactive policy to ensure that a few individual acts do not result in tarnishing the image of an entire community, and remove any feelings of persecution and alienation from the minds of the minorities."
Bemoaning that not enough was done to fill up vacancies in the police forces, Singh said states needed to bring "beat constables" into the fold to help in pre-empting militant attacks.
He also pointed to the need for improving the quality of state Special Branches and toning up the law and order administration.
later Patil announced that police and beat constables would be roped into the intelligence wing as well as improve on the working ratio between the police and public.
Tuesday's conference was primarily aimed to discuss and fine-tune security strategies to tackle terrorism and insurgencies across the country as well as improve coordination between New Delhi and the states.
Dwelling on the Maoist rebellion in the country that he described as the single biggest internal security challenge faced by the country, Manmohan Singh pointed out that the strategy to counter it would have to be based on an effective response and a focus on reducing underdevelopment.
The Andhra Pradesh government came up for praise for deploying the specialist Greyhounds force on anti-Maoist operations and Singh exhorted other affected states to take in hand what deliverables were possible even while preparing to meet the challenge through effective law and order measures.
Besides terrorism, the meeting also discussed the insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir where Singh said the overall security situation had shown signs improvement in the past two years but it was necessary for New Delhi to maintain its guard.
"We should remain on our guard in view of continuing efforts by anti-India and antinational elements to whip up emotions and transform these into a violent movement."
For the last two months, India has been on a heightened security alert, with fears of more attacks across the country, particularly in New Delhi and Mumbai, and at airports after a US embassy warning on Independence Day.
Centre extends ceasefire in Assam Nagaland Post
New Delhi, Sept 5 (PTI): Extending the ceasefire with banned ULFA for the third time till September 15, the Centre tonight said that it was expecting "some communication" within a fortnight on whether the insurgent group would participate in the talks directly.
"We are expecting some communication" from the banned organisation within ten days, Union Home Secretary V K Duggal said after his meeting with the ULFA mediators Indira Goswami and Rebati Phukan, who handed over a letter from PCG for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
He was replying to a question whether the Centre expected some communication from the ULFA over its decision to participate in the talks directly.
In the meantime, the Centre has decided to extend the suspension of army operation till September 15 as requested by Peoples' Consultative Group, mediating on behalf of ULFA, Duggal said.
This is the third time that the Government has extended the suspension of operations against ULFA, which was announced for the first time on August 13 for 10 days and again for 15 days on August 23.
"Chances of talks (direct) are very good. Things are moving in the right direction. There are few rough edges which have to be smoothened," Duggal said after the meeting which was chaired by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and Intelligence Bureau Chief E S L Narisimhan.
But the word of caution was again echoed by Duggal who said the Government may reconsider suspension of operation if the outfit indulges in activities of "violence or extortion or carrying of weapons by ULFA cadres."
Asked about release of top ULFA leaders, Duggal refused a direct reply saying the process should be "simultaneous" from both the sides.
Replying to a question on whether he is hopeful of positive response from the outfit, he said "there is no reason as yet of not being hopeful."
Mediator for peace talks Rebati Phukan, who is a childhood friend of ULFA "Commander in Chief" Paresh Baruah said "there is a good chance of direct talks between the Government and ULFA."
Phukan said Government was very sincere in holding direct talks with ULFA and the peace initiative is moving in the right direction.
"Government is sincere in its effort and we are trying our best to make the peace process successful," Phukan said.
He said there may be some "positive developments" in the next ten days.
Noted Assamese author Indira Goswami appreciated the Government's decision to extend suspension of Army operation in Assam and said both the Centre and ULFA have shown "flexibility" in the peace process.
Angami warning to Khaplang faction Nagarealm.com
Kohima, Sep4 : An influential organisation representing the Angami tribe has cautioned the Khaplang faction of the NSCN against any attempt at “racial cleansing”, be it by asking Tangkhuls to quit Nagaland or by other means.
Mhiesizokho Zinyu, president of the Angami Public Organisation, said his organisation was trying to build “a great Nagaland” where all Nagas, irrespective of their tribe, “walk with their heads held high and with a sense of brotherhood”.

He said the NSCN (K)’s recent “quit notice” to Tang-khuls — NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah is from that community — would have far-reaching consequences.

Zinyu said, “Whatever the issues confronting the Nagas, it is unfair to condemn any tribe en bloc just because some of the tribesmen hold a different stance.”

Zinyu said racial cleansing was against the “policy of Naga brotherhood, unity and reconciliation”. He urged the NSCN (K) to reconsider its stand.

“The Naga public hopes and aspires that unity and brotherhood will reign supreme once the Nagas are consolidated as a free people in a sovereign state that the community dreams of. But the political trend on the home front today is not stable,” Zinyu said. [telegraphindia]

PREPAK, KYKL, UNLF crack anti-alcohol, anti-drug whip By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
AMADA volunteers consigning seized liquor to flames
IMPHAL, Sep 5 : With the stated objective of checking the growing use of drugs, alcohol, Khaini, Talab and Zarda pan amongst the people of Manipur, three underground outfits, PREPAK, KYKL and UNLF have announced a ban on the sale and consumption of the said intoxicants.
A statement jointly signed by the Deputy Secretary, Publicity and Research, Apabi Mangang of the KYKL, R Meitei for the Dept of Publicity and Propaganda for PREPAK and Ksh Yoiheiba, Senior Publicity Officer, Dept of Publicity for UNLF said that the strictures will come into force from September 15.
According to the three outfits anyone found smuggling heroin, kani, SP tablets and other drugs similar to the mentioned ones would be awarded the capital punishment without any trial.
Death penalty will also be awarded to those involved in smuggling in Zarda pan, Talab and Khaini as well as the traders involved in whole sale of the said items.
For those selling Zarda pan, Talab and Khaini in loose at the lanes and by lanes will be forced to shut their shop for one whole month. If the guilty still do not fall in line but continue selling the same then their shops will be permanently closed down, said the statement.
Indian Made Foreign Liquor is not only injurious to health but also drains money from the State, said the three outfits and added that punishment to bootleggers and those involved in smuggling in the liquor will range from bullets on the legs to death penalty.
The three outfits further said that for those involved in brewing and selling country liquor, the punishment will range from impounding their wealth or a bullet on the leg or the two penalties.
As for those who consume the banned substance, the punishment will depend on the gravity of the crime and will even include the capital punishment, added the statement.
The three outfits further said that of now there will be no ban in brewing country liquor strictly for religious and traditional purposes. However if the liquor is brewed for commercial purpose, then stern action will be taken up, they warned.
Acknowledging the drive taken up by different civil society organisations to curb the use of drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants, the statement said that there have been instances when the members of such organisations have been attacked and targeted.
Even misinformation campaigns have been launched to discredit the members of such organisations. If such practices continue then fitting punishment would be awarded to those responsible for turning against the people who are engaged in anti-intoxicants drive.
The three outfits also advised the members of the civil society organisations not to go overboard while punishing the wrong doers and to give all a fair trial. The guilty should not be treated like animals, added the statement.
Outlining the reasons for the stand adopted against drugs, alcohol and the other intoxicants, the statement said that Manipur has been hit hard by alcoholism, drug abuse and addiction to other substances and chemicals.
Not only has the dependence on these substances affected the health of many, but it has also drained a huge amount of money from the State.
A packet of Talab may cost just Rs 4 and a person accustomed to taking this item may spend just Rs 4 each day. However if this is multiplied by three lakhs users then it works out to Rs 12 lakhs per day which in turn works out Rs 3.6 crore per month and Rs 43.2 crore per year. For a poor State like Manipur this is a huge amount, observed the three outfits. The same is the case with Indian Made Foreign Liquor.
The use of heroin amongst the youngsters has led to the fast spread of HIV/AIDS, said the statement and added that the new challenge today is tablets which are increasingly being used by the youngsters. It is very difficult to detect a tablet consumer as it does not smell like alcohol. Moreover tablet users are known to behave properly showing due respect to the elders. Such young people usually keep to themselves and as tablets are cheap, they do not have to demand too much money from their elders. It is only when the situation takes a turn for the worst that the problem is detected, said the three outfits. The outfits also urged the people to extend all their co-operation to the drive to cleanse the society and to check the use of intoxicants so that the people of Manipur do not fall prey to addiction.

One more succumbs to take ISKCON terror toll to six By Our staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 5: With a 70 year old man, hurt in the August 16 blast at ISKCON temple complex, succumbing at a private medical centre today the total death toll in the terror attack has gone up to six.
the elderly blast victim has been identified as Khundongbam Ningthem-jao of Kwakeithel Heinou- khongnembi.
Ningthemjao, who sustained bomb splinter wounds in the throat and abdomen areas, was initially hospitalised at RIMS before being shifted to Catholic Medical Centre, Koirengei where the 70 year old breathed his last at around noon today.
The body has been handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS morgue.
It may be mentioned that one person died on the spot in the bomb attack, two failed to respond to treatment at RIMS, another succumbed at Langol’s Shija Hospital (private) while a girl victim also passed away at Shijao hospitals on August 18.
Body taken amid two rallies : Rallies were staged before and after the body of Longjam Surjit Singh was brought from RIMs morgue today even as the local people of Samurou under the banner of Mayai lambi Meira Paibisingi Lup convened an emergency meeting and flayed the JAC formed in connection with the youth’s death.
The mortal remains of the Samurou Makha Leikai youth had been subsequently cremated accor- ding to religious rite.
Post mortem on Surjit’s corpse was conducted yesterday in compliance with a District Magistrate order to dispose off the body in case family members do not claim it by 1 pm today. A protest rally previously planned for today to denounce the killing of Surjit by personnel of 22 Maratha Light Infantry on August 31 midnight did not assume the expected magnitude, said source and added that two other rallies of minor intensity was organised.
Moreover, a press release of the Samurou Lup inform-ed of two peace rallies preceding a public meeting wherein resolutions adopted, among others, appealed to organisations concerned against extending coopera-tion to any movement of the JAC.The other decisions pertains to continued peaceful mode of agitation until the guilty security personnel involved in slaying the innocent civilian and seeking public cooperation to its future course of movement, added the Lup’s release.

Centre denies move to free detained leaders From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 5 – National Security Adviser, MK Narayanan today denied any move on part of Government of India to unilaterally release five of the detained ULFA central committee members. The NSA's comment that came before his meeting with the two mediators, Rebati Phukon and Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami, is significant, and indicates that the Centre is yet to make up its mind.

Talking to newsmen, Narayanan said that there was no question of releasing the leaders before the outfit comes for talks. "Let them come for talks first," he said.

Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal, who was also present with the NSA chipped in and said that there was no question of releasing the ULFA leaders now. The officials were briefing newsmen after the one-day meeting of the chief ministers on internal security.

The meeting attended by Union Home Minister and Chief Ministers, was also joined by National Security Adviser, MK Narayanan, besides senior officials of the Home Ministry. The meeting held at the Prime Minister's Race Course Road house also saw the Union Home Minister make presentation on the internal security scenario in the country.

Earlier, the Prime Minister asked the Chief Ministers of the North-Eastern States and J and K to recognise a fundamental reality, that in dealing with problems of peripheral States and societies, they needed to be specially sensitive to the nuances of each situation, and the encyclopaedic character of regional and tribal demands which, if not anticipated and dealt with in time, could culminate in a full-fledged militancy.

"States like Manipur and Nagaland in the North-east appeared specially vulnerable today, and demand your personal attention. There is little scope for personal predilections that over-ride national considerations and requirements," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the Union Home Minister had briefed the Union Cabinet last week, on the prevailing situation. A number of proposals to improve matters were also outlined.

The main stress was on capacity building and improving the capability of the States to deal with current and future problems. Capacity building at the State level is most crucial, and, if there were any financial constraints, the Centre would be willing to provide necessary assistance, Dr Singh assured. Pointing out to the assembled Chief Ministers that without effective law and order, economic development was impossible, the Prime Minister chided them for not doing enough. "Our understanding, however, is that the States are not doing enough even regarding the filling up of existing vacancies in the Police and other law and order agencies, or improving the quality of the State Special Branches, or toning up the law and order administration," he said.

"I also recommend to you paying more attention to improving the 'software' needed for the maintenance of peace. I mean by this, improving intelligence generation and collection, as also the overall strengthening of your intelligence mechanism. Analytical capabilities need to be enhanced. Proper benchmarks need to be established against which progress and performance can be measured," he further added. The Prime Minister further suggested the constitution of an 'Empowered Group' of Ministers, with chief minister as members and proposed to be headed by the Home Minister, to closely monitor the spread of the Naxalite movement. The Group could meet at frequent intervals and review special measures that need to be taken, nature of assistance to be provided, exchange of personnel between States.

On the prevailing insecurity among minorities, especially Muslims, the Prime Minister reminded that adverse consequences of this could be extremely deleterious for the polity. It is unfortunate that terrorism has resulted in certain sections of our population being targeted, with the result that a wrong impression has been created of the radicalisation of the entire Muslim community.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, while addressing the meeting on internal security, advocated the need for extension of the suspension of operations against the ULFA. He said that the efforts to bring the ULFA for direct talks should continue and asserted that the law and order situation in the state improved considerably. He admitted the existence of Jehadi groups in Asom and said that the State should remain alert in this regard. The Chief Minister said that economic backwardness and the problem of unemployment are two of the biggest problems facing Asom and called for special packages for the overall development of the State.

NLFT ultras abduct 6 tribal villagers From Our Correspondent Assam tribune
AGARTALA, Sept 5 – Six tribal villagers were kidnapped yesterday by outlawed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-BM) from South Gokulnagar in West Tripura district.

This is a major militancy- related incident after the last month’s militant strike near Amabassa in Dhalai district in which three security personnel were killed in an ambush. The incident has triggered panic among the people.
Police said a group of heavily armed insurgents stormed South Gokulnagar village, about 13 km south east from Teliamura police station on Monday midnight and abducted 16 tribal villagers at gun- point. Later, 10 of them were released while six were held hostage, police said.

The insurgents passed a message with the released persons to the hostages’ family to pay ransom for their safe return. “The NLFT-BM ultras had earlier demanded huge subscriptions from the tribal villagers. As the villagers failed to pay the money, the NLFT ultras attacked them. The six hostages are believed to have been taken to Baramura Hill range”, said Nepal Das, SP (Operation). Police said combined forces launched a massive combing operation to apprehend the fleeing ultras. Additional companies of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) have been rushed to Teliamura to intensify the combing operation. “The combing operations are being conducted cautiously as the militants are fleeing with hostages. Any wrong step can put their life at risk”, he said.

Senior police officials rushed to the spot and were monitoring the combing operation launched by the combined forces. The international border with Bangladesh has been sealed to prevent the ultras from crossing over to Bangladesh, said a BSF official.

ISKCON blast claims yet another victim The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sept 5: The August 16 bomb blast at the ISKCON campus at Imphal has claimed yet another life with one of the more seriously injured victims succumbing today at the Catholic Medical Centre, Koirengei.

This has brought the total death toll in the blast to six.

The 70 years old victim was identified as Kundongbam Ningthemjao, hailing from Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi, Imphal.

Ningthemjao was initially admitted to the RIMS hospital with multiple injuries in the wake of the blast, but he was transferred to the Catholic Medical Centre Koirengei in view of his serious condition.

After struggling for life for nearly three weeks, Ningthemjao passed away at around 11 am this morning, doctors informed.

Ningthemjao`s last rites were performed this evening itself at the ISKCON complex at Sangaiprou.

It is pertinent to mention that the four persons were killed on the spot or in the immediate aftermath in the bomb attack at the ISKCON complex on Krishna Janma day. Around 50 others were wounded, among whom a young girl died two days later.

The Baptist Youth Fellowship, Imphal division, has meanwhile issued a statement strongly condemning the ISKCON bomb attack, as well as the firing incident at the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church, Vengnuam, New Lamka, in which a co-worker, Thawngkhanlian Ngaihte, was killed and several other worshippers injured.

While sharing the grief of the victims and their families, the BYF appealed to all sections to protect the sanctity of religious places and to refrain from such barbarous, inhuman and terrorist acts in future.


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