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09/08/2006: "India to seek Myanmar’s help to check drug trafficking POLITICAL BUREAU"

India to seek Myanmar’s help to check drug trafficking POLITICAL BUREAU Posted online: Friday, September 08, 2006 at 0000 hours IST The Financial Express

NEW DELHI, SEPT 7: Concerned over growing cases of insurgencies and drug trafficking in the North East, India is expected to raise the issue with Myanmar during the 12th home secretary level talks between the two sides which begins here on September 13.
Besides security issues, incidents of drug trafficking and smuggling are likely to figure during the four-day talks, sources in the Union home ministry said. They said some insurgent groups in Manipur and Nagaland were operating from Myanmar soil, citing instance of the killing of some Assam rifles personnel by insurgents a few months back. They said new Delhi will take up the matter seriously with Yangon. The northeastern states have been voicing concern over such incidents pointing out the importance of Myanmar as the gateway to East asian countries and from strategic point of view. Border management and fencing are some other issues expected to be discussed at the talks. The last such meeting was held at Yangon in october last year.
Nagaland Govt introduces communitization program Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: "The Nagaland Government has now introduced the communitization programme, where the consumers are to come to the Government agency for technical support for water supply with a demand driven approach," said Additional Chief Engineer (Administration) PHED, Er. Mhondamo Ovung, speaking at the inaugural programme of the Information, Education and Communication & HRD workshop sponsored by the Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU), PHED, at PHED Section Office, Raj Bhavan Area, Kohima on September 7.
Er. Ovung said that the consumers will acquire the necessary land for both catchments and installations, plan the scheme components as per their own requirements, implement the scheme and on commissioning, take over the scheme for operation and maintenance.
Er. Ovung said that this reforms programme aims to involve the consumers and let them participate in water works for their own benefit. He said that the scheme belongs to the consumers and hence they should also bear their share of the cost, operate the different systems themselves, maintain the different components, conserve and sustain the scheme. He further said that the Department can help to educate the consumers through the existing programmes of the Government such as the IEC and CCDU Cells. Stating that the department is confronted with multiple problems and difficulties such as rugged topography, scarcity of perennial water source, high cost of transportation, law and order, land disputes, pilferage, lack of consumers' sense of ownership, lack of sense of civic etiquette, consumers' non participation in sustaining the installations etc. He called upon the people to abandon their casual attitudes and cultivate optimum habits and urged upon the people to participate in the programme of communitization for the benefit of the society and that of posterity.
An official release stated that Executive Director CCDU (PHED), Er. Kevisekho Kruse brief on the objective of the workshop stressed on the communitization policy of the Government and urged upon the people for their support. He said that funds received from the Twelfth Finance Commission (TFC) Award will be utilized in the scheme. Implementation of works of TFC Award will be carried out through Water Supply and Sanitary System (WATSAN) Committee and the concerned PHED Division under the direct administration of Additional Chief Engineer PHED (Administration). Functioning of WATSAN committee and Capacity building works will be monitored by the CCDU (PHED), he added.The programme was chaired by EE, PHE, Division Kohima, Er. Y. Tep.
Operation Freedom- Opinion Nagaland Post
The on going operation "Freedom" carried out by the combined forces of eastern Command, Southern Command of Naga army, federal government of Nagaland and NSCN (K) has caused much speculation to the general public. To avoid any confusion that might arise due to false propaganda, we are giving out this statement. The virgin forest area of "Thürizutsa" located in between Lozaphuhu village, Phek village and Phek Basa village had been occupied by NSCN (IM) gangsters since March 2006. despite he plea of the public to let them leave the camp, mockingly they continue to encamp there spreading their message of hatred and animosity and desperately trying to enroll anti-social gangsters to enhance and magnify their fold in the eye of the public.
Holding the principle of the NNC and FGN, we ever respect the autonomy of regions as well as individuals which is in contrast with the policy and doctrine of NSCN (IM) which is the sole reason for the present confrontations since 5th September 2006. Now and forever we shall remain Nagas in blood and spirit and ever uphold the age old values of our people which some people aim to destroy in the guise of Naga nationalism.
In the cause of Naga nation all Nagas can be one but in the mission of selfishness and dominance by some particular people or tribe we cannot join hands. The Nagas also ought to understand this reality and shun anti-Naga elements as we are a democratic people and nation. We do not derive pride or satisfaction over loss of precious lives but it is more necessary to protect the mass and our national principle which we expect our people to understand. At anytime we are ready and prepared to safeguard our rights and our ongoing operation shall continue unabated.
Col. Hangchiu Joint Operation Commander Eastern Command Naga Army, FGN
Col. Shishu Joint Operation Commander Southern Command Naga Army, FGN
FGN misleading Naga people: NSCN (IM)- Opinion Nagaland Post
Certain stooges of enemies in capitulation into their (enemy's) policies are trying to mislead the people with false propagandas of the national movement course and misconstrued definitions of the Naga socialism aimed at sabotaging the Naga people's aspirations. The Naga freedom movement that has traversed across various hurdles and obstructions has been repeatedly deliberated through various platforms, which every sensible Naga citizen is well acquainted with today. But the pawns of adversaries are continuing to spin divisive and deceptive yarn to misguide the Naga people. In spite of illogical misleading allegations, the NNC/FGN should first clarify to the Nagas on what grounds they manifest themselves.
Why was the Shillong Accord signed against the will of the Nagas? Why could not they condemn this treacherous accord despite its out-right rejection by the Nagas? Why are the NNC/FGN still in transit camps? Why were all the arms belonging to the Nagas surrendered due to this accord? Why is Rupees 24 (twenty four lakhs) lacs being drawn for the transit campers (Shillong Accordists) every year from the Nagaland state government finance department's exchequer? If NNC/FGN say they are still functional and actively fighting (alive) for the Naga freedom, besides enjoying enemy hospitality, acting as their (enemy) tools to subdue the Naga movement and orchestrating divisive bloody policies in collaboration with them (enemy), what have they been doing hitherto, achieved or initiated towards the Naga cause during all these years after the treacherous surrendered Shillong Accord of 1975?
Why were so many Nagas butchered for rejecting and opposing the Shillong Accord after it was signed in 1975? NNC/FGN should first answer these questions to the Nagas for legitimacy and credibility prior to entering into any discussion.
Coming to the Naga socialism, interpretations of socialism in suiting to ones convenience of objectivity to permeate distrust persists. But contrary to whatever interpretations; the NSCN/GPRN is founded on democratic socialism. Our democratic socialism is different from that of Marxian Socialism or Communism. The Naga Socialism is rooted on the ethics of Christianity, upholding or motto 'Nagalim for Christ'. Equality is the essential feature of our socialism, embracing the equality for all Naga peoples; equal representation, equal opportunity and privileges irrespective of poor or rich, advanced or backward Naga tribe without discrimination. It does not cherish inequality that brings injustice and suffering in a society. Democratic socialism on one-hand embraces the virtues of 'democracy and socialism' while on the other hand the repression of communism and the inequality and inefficiency of capitalism. It puts emphasis on social interests and co-operation instead of individual interest.
Democratic socialism grants individual freedom and upholds different kinds of rights. It does not execise coercion in the cultural and religious fields. The individual is free to lead his own way of life, entertain his own views, practice his own religion and resort to any vocation without any intervention from any sources. Democratic socialism strikes a balance between socialism and individualism so far as the state is concerned. The state intervenes when it must to suppress anti-social activities to give justice to the people. The welfare of the citizens is the goal of the state that moves on the path of democratic socialism.
Unlike Socialism /Communism, Naga Democratic Socialism does not believe in nationalization of all industries. It advocates democratic planning and not totalitarian planning. It believes in planned growth of society. It admits the existence of both public and private sectors. It advocates both these sectors should work in co-operation and not in conflict. Democratic socialism advocates certain common ownership of important means of production for the welfare of the people. Democratic socialism makes as country democratic by broadening the base of democracy. It is aimed at realizing real democratic where the poorest of the poor can participate and contribute his best for the nation. Democratic socialism strengthens the grassroots of democracy vesting powers in the hands of the regional bodies. Any changes to our democratic socialistic principles can be undertaken through a democratic process with the view for the welfare of our people and harmonious living suiting our needs and requirements with the times. In short, it is not rigid. The Naga people's democratic socialism is adopted to safeguard our traditional, cultural, political, customary and social heritage and to protect our unique diverse identities from external and alien invasion. Our democratic socialism is aimed at enabling the Nagas to develop and prosper in our own separate ways without any outside interferences, thus protecting our identity as a people race called the Nagas as bestowed to us by God since our creation.
As for the repeated numerous accusations that the NSCN/GPRN has proposed for the acceptance of the Indian constitution, special packages, for integration only, solution under the Indian union, etc, etc, the Naga people should clearly know that these accusations are only aimed at confusing the Nagas, diverting attention from the real issue, alienating the Naga family, sowing the seeds of distrust, dividing the Nagas, creating apprehensions and to subdue the Nagas ardent aspirations as an integrated nation people. The Nagas should never be swayed by adverse elements' wrong propagandas but clearly understand that, as the Collective Leadership of the NSCN has asserted time and again that they will never let the Naga people down, any solution within Indian union and constitution is simply not possible and not acceptable.
The Nagas will carry on to fight for our inalienable birth right as a people and continue to defend our identity till justice prevails. Issued by: MIP, GPRN (NSCN-IM)
Rio stresses on support of all sections for affiliation Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Sept 7:: State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for support of all sections of the Naga society with regard to the affiliation of Schools of the four Naga inhabited Hill districts of Manipur with the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). The Chief Minister was talking to media persons at his private residence on his return from New Delhi on the 6th of September after attending the Chief Ministers’ meeting with the Prime Minister. He said that he has met the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and apprised him on the urgency of the issue so that there can be an early solution as the future of more than fifty thousand (50,000) Naga schools students lie in jeopardy which needs to be addressed at the earliest. He added that he has submitted to the Prime Minister in written along with relevant documents and papers for which the Prime Minister gave a positive assurance for finding an early solution. However, the Chief Minister mooted of two board of School Education system in Manipur if the move for affiliation of private schools in the four hill districts of Manipur to the NBSE fails to materialize. He further said that it is not right for the MBSE to impose the Meitei language and script on the minority Nagas since the Constitution of India has provisions for protection of the Linguistic Minorities.

Commenting on the State Congress’ move against the DAN Government regarding the affiliation issue, Rio said that it is not the DAN Government who has asked the schools in the four hill districts of Manipur for affiliation to the NBSE but it was the wishes of the people and the students belonging to the said districts. He also said that if the Congress is sincere they should approach the Government of India instead of blaming the DAN Government. He also wanted all the Nagas to stand united on any Naga issue irrespective of one’s political affiliation. (DIPR)

Wind of change: Check bogus NGOs and save money Okenjeet Sandham Kangla
Kohima, Sep 7: The recent arrest of a political leader and staffs of postal department in Nagaland in connection with the missing of several Demand Drafts amounting to crores of rupees that were sent from Delhi is just the tip of the iceberg. Such activities have been pretty continuing for quite sometime. The most shocking is the attempt to fraudulently withdraw over Rs 8 crore meant for the Nagaland State Aids Control Society, NSACS by a political leader, who was founder president of Nagaland Unit of Samata Party. This Demand Draft was sent to NSACS by the National Aids Control Society, NACO. Interestingly, it landed in the hands of Mr Humtsoe who, after over a month of absconding, was arrested on August 28 last from a three start hotel in New Delhi by a special team of Nagaland Police.

There have been many such cases where middle men usually control business transactions between the respective State departments and the related Ministries at the Center. These people, armed with authorization letters from most of the respective State departments, normally approach the related Central Ministries to release the amounts and in return, they demand huge percentage. Not only such middle men culture but several NGOs have also been indulging in many murky deals in many centrally sponsored schemes. The Union Home Ministry, on many occasions, used to expose such activities and even bring out lists of blacklisted Non-Governmental Organizations –NGOs in the north-eastern region for allegedly having nexus with the separatist groups. The Ministry also charged that about 1000 blacklisted NGOs out of the total around 40000 in the region have mostly become conduits for the huge federal developmental funding to the militant groups.

There had been strong protests from many NGOs in the past whenever the Union Home Ministry announced of such blacklisted NGOs in the region, countering it (such announcement) as nothing but an attempt to throttle the region`s educated unemployed youths from moving forward as most of them were generally dependent on various centrally sponsored schemes. They had even accused the Center of trying to make NGOs as scapegoats for their inability to contain the militant organizations in the region.

In spite of all these allegations and counter-allegations, the fact remains is that there are thousands of bogus NGOs in the region siphoning off various federal development funding. Even NGOs in the name of working for HIV/AIDS started mushrooming just to suck funds, while reports of some bogus NGOs duping various national and international donors to pour funds for their orphanages which were actually non-existent coming in.

Many NGOs including Co-operative Societies in Nagaland and Manipur have been getting regular Central and State development funding under various schemes. Interestingly, many of them are manned by those close relatives of VIPs or VIPs` family members themselves. But a close scrutiny would reveal most of these NGOs or Societies are one-man affairs----from Chairman to Secretary to Treasure to Member, etc. Yet the activities go on unchecked.

One wonders whether the State Governments have just failed to check such bogus activities and forward their papers to the Central Ministries for funding or been partners in the deals. The former DONER Minister, CP Thakur, had once blamed the politicians and bureaucrats for helping the NGOs siphon off the Central development funding. The Government of India despite facing stiff opposition from various quarters still feels that the fast mushrooming of NGOs will be one of the major roadblocks towards curbing militant activities in the region. The State Governments should seriously sensitize the whole system and see which are genuine and de-recognize bogus ones to save the Center`s money that can be used for some developmental purposes in the States.
PM may visit state to inaugurate Sainik school Kuknalim.com
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may visit Nagaland in December or January next year to inaugurate the Sainik School at Punglwa in Peren district. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio, after returning from New Delhi, told reporters here yesterday that he has extended an official invitation to the Prime Minister to visit the state either in the latter part of the year or early 2007.

If Singh accepts the invitation, it will be his maiden visit to Nagaland after assuming office in May 2004, Rio said. The Chief Minister said he has also requested the PM to lay the foundation stone of the Kohima campus of the Nagaland University during his proposed visit. (PTI)
Security beefed up at Ukl schools By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 7: Security personnel in adequate strength have been deployed in and around Government educational institutions and offices of Ukhrul district in view of yesterday’s rampage by suspected volunteers of youth organisations of the district.
Agitating against alleged misinformation campaign by the State Government, unidentified youth inflicted substantial damages on the school properties in Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel districts yesterday. The schools were targeted as part of the non-cooperation movement announced by ANSAM against the State Government. The agitation is also in pursuit for expeditious affiliation of private schools in some hill districts to Nagaland Board of Secondary Education. While no major damages were reported in yesterday’s agitation from Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel apart from burning of effigies of the CM and Education Minister, Ukhrul Higher Secondary School bore the brunt of the arsonists’ ire as support posts of eight classrooms, windows and doors of the library block and furniture in the principal’s room were destroyed beyond redemp-tion. during an interaction with some media persons today, Ukhrul's Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pal maintained that after detailed discussion with the Ukhrul SP arrangement for deployment of security personnel in and around Government schools and offices have been activated. Moreover, the SP had been intimated to submit a report in connection with yesterday’s violent incident, said the DC.
According to a staff of the school, over 150 students from the district’s private schools have been newly enrolled in class IX and X of Ukhrul Hr Sec School this session.
The staff also disclosed that volunteers of TKS had raised strong objections for entertaining admission of these students. Speaking on the security aspect, the staff asserted that district authorities were urged to arrange security cover for the school but it went unheeded and lack of man- power was cited owing to the present uncertainty gripping Pettigrew College.
The staff also clarified that structure and building material targeted yesterday was the boys’ hostel block which had been utilised as classrooms as the actual building is under construction and further appealed to the State authorities to ensure speedy replacement/repairing of school materials to enable the students resume their academic pursuit.
On the other hand, despite security in the school premise, students had to return home as conducting classes was out of the question due to scale of the damage caused.
KYKL warns drug peddlers Nagaland Post
Imphal, Sept 7 (IANS): Three separatist groups in restive Manipur have threatened to kill drug traffickersand tobacco dealers and punish liquor vendors with a bullet in the leg, a joint statement said. The statement by the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) said the ban on sale and consumption of heroin, opium, Spasmo Provyvon tablets, chewing tobacco products would come into effect Sep 15. "Drug traffickers would face capital punishment without any trial and anyone found guilty of selling liquor would get a bullet in the leg," the rebel statement warned. The three militant groups are fighting for independent homelands for the majority Hindu Metei community in the state of 2.4 million people.
The separatists, however, exempted brewing of homemade liquor used for religious purposes. "Drug abuse had only compounded the problem of HIV/AIDS but also taken a heavy toll on the mental and physical health of the youths," the statement said.
India's northeast, which borders the heroin producing "golden triangle" of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has a major problem with intravenous drug use that is the most common cause for the spread of AIDS in the region. According to various estimates, there could be up to 100,000 intravenous drug users in Manipur, a majority of them believed to be HIV positive. During the past three years, at least a dozen drug peddlers were killed by militants in Manipur and several of them shot at their legs for failing to reform.
A number of militant groups have, of late, turned crusaders against social evils - an attempt seen by many to secure public support and consolidate their hold in the society. The KYKL two years ago warned of death penalty to local women in Manipur who do not adhere to a traditional dress code. The code prohibits women from wearing trousers or saris in public. Instead they have to don traditional sarongs known as phaneks. The KYKL last year shot at 10 people in the leg for helping students copy in examination halls, besides punishing in public three university teachers for allegedly tampering with some students' marks.
There are at least 19 rebel groups active in Manipur with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in the northeastern state during the past two decades.
India to raise UG issue to Myanmar Sangai Express
New Delhi, Sep 7 : India will raise its concerns over reports of insurgent groups in the northeast operating from Myanmar during the 12th Home Secretary level talks between the two sides beginning here on September 13. Besides security issues, incidents of drug trafficking and smuggling are likely to figure during the four-day talks, sources in the Union Home Ministry said. They said some insurgent groups in Manipur and Nagaland were operating from Myanmar soil and cited the instance of the killing of some Assam Rifles personnel by insurgents a few months back. They said New Delhi will take up the matter seriously with Yangon. The northeastern States have been voicing concern over such incidents pointing out the importance of Myanmar as the gateway to East Asian countries and from strategic point of view. Border management and fencing are some other issues expected to be discussed at the talks.
The last such meeting was held at Yangon in October last year. While the Indian side will be led by Union Home Secretary VK Duggal, Myanmar Deputy Minister Birg Gen Phone Swe will lead the other side. Sources said during the last meeting, issues relating to security, drug trafficking, border trade, border management and proposed infrastructure projects in Myanmar were discussed. Both sides had agreed to further strengthen cooperation in tackling activities of insurgents, arms smugglers, drug peddlers and other hostile elements along the India-Myanmar border. The status of various infrastructure projects in Myanmar, particularly in road and power sectors over which the two coutnries have agreed to cooperate, was also reviewed at the last meeting and a follow was expected this time too. India and Myanmar had signed an agreement for maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas in 1994, under which Home Secretaries of both countries are to meet one a year while Joint Secretaries are to hold sectoral meetings every six month. The last sectoral level meeting was held in Kolkata in July last yar.PTI

Tripura CM to boost Asom CPM From Our Correspondent Assam tribune
AGARTALA, Sept 7 – After consolidating its position in Tripura, the Communist Party of India, Marxists, CPI (M) is now looking for revival of party organization in Asom. The CPI (M) politburo, highest policy-making body of the party has decided to regain past glory in Asom by adopting various steps.
Party sources said here on Monday that politburo member and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has been assigned with the task to look after the revival process in Asom.

In order to start the revival process, a preparatory meeting involving party leaders from both States was held in Dharmanagar on Sunday. A ten-member delegation of Asom headed by State party unit secretary and MLA Uddhab Barman attended the meeting. “Various organizational aspects to rejuvenate party in Asom have been discussed in the meeting. Tripura CPI (M) State unit will extend full support to strengthen the party in Asom”, said Khagen Das, CPI (M) MP from West Tripura constituency shortly after the meeting.

“A number of decisions have been taken to strengthen the party unit in Asom”, he said declining to give details about the outcome of the meeting.

Centre may release 3 of 5 jailed ULFA cadres Staff Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Sept 7: There are indications from the Union Home Ministry that the process of releasing the top five jailed ULFA cadres, a demand which the outfit has been insisting before direct talks could be held, may take off after September 15. The indications come even as the outlawed outfit refused to send any written communique mentioning the time, place and the names of its representatives for the direct talks, as sought by the Centre.
On Tuesday, the Centre had extended its suspension of Army operations against the outfit — for the third consecutive time — till September 15. It also asked the outfit not to indulge in violent activities.
“There is no reason why we should discontinue the peace process,” a highly-placed MHA official told The Sentinel. MHA sources also indicated that in lieu of releasing all the five top jailed cadres, the Centre might come up with a proposal to free three of them.
Earlier, Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi urged the Union Government to continue the peace process in the interest all-round development of the State.
Reciprocating to the Centre’s gesture of suspending Army operations, the ULFA had not indulged in any subversive activities since a fortnight.
PTI adds: The Unified Command today reviewed the overall security scenario in Asom in the backdrop of the peace initiatives started with the ULFA.
In a meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary S Kabilan, the Unified Command, reviewed the situation following the extension of cessation of operations against the ULFA till September 15.
The meeting discussed the recent reported demand of extortion by the ULFA and its fallouts, official sources said.
The meeting, attended by GOC 4 Corps of the Army, besides representatives of the BSF, CRPF and the State Police, also discussed the law-and-order situation in North Cachar hill district and the border areas with other States.