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09/09/2006: "KMHR calls for sanity, urges K to drop quit notice Source: The Sangai Express"

KMHR calls for sanity, urges K to drop quit notice Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08: Expressing concern over the quit notice served on the Tangkhuls in Nagaland by NSCN (K), the Kuki Movement for Human Rights however observed that when the UNC served quit notice on the Kukis at the behest of NSCN (IM) on October 22, 1992 and subsequently murdered 900 innocent Kukis including women and children besides uprooting 300 villages, not a single voice of condemnation or disapproval was raised then.

In an open letter addressed to the president of NSCN (K), KMHR noted that quit notice served to anybody is a direct violation of human rights and it therefore appealed to NSCN (K) to withdraw the notice to avoid any unwanted incident. It also urged the UNC and its supporters including the NSCN (IM) to settle the destruction done to the Kukis following the quit notice served on them by UNC at the earliest. Any settlement for the destruction committed by them must be according to the law of the Kuki Inpi, it asserted.

The Great Kuki Invasion and the Kuki Rebellion etc during the British colonial period are clear testimonies of the Kukis' unyielding fight to defend the so called 'Independent Hill country' comprising of the present day Northeastern India and Northwestern Burma, it said.

Late AZ Phizo was also thought of defending the same country as much as the Kukis did, it said and added that Kukis respected the movement while observing that the movement became a communal one with the birth of NSCN (IM) which was clearly demonstrated by the quit notice served on the Kukis and the subsequent carnage.

The human rights body noted that the demand for greater Nagalim raised by NSCN (IM) within the Indian Union is a clear act of giving away the 'Independent Hill country' to India.

The people of 'Independent Hill country' are not against any Government though strongly oppose to any attempt to uproot them from their ancestral land and their customary administration, KMHR said and maintained that for any meaningful peace in the region, these two indestructible tribal heritage namely their land and customary laws should not be disturbed or threatened.

As such, the fight within and without must be ceased and any possible cause of human rights violation must be negated, said the rights body.
TCU’s appeal to revoke ‘quit notice’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA: The Tenyimi Central Union (TCU) today appealed to the NSCN-K leadership to pay heed to the public sentiment and exercise restraint and urged the NSCN-K to revoke the "Quit Notice" it had served to the Tangkhul community earlier. TCU president Z.M. Sekhose in a press release issued here today said the union was constrained to speak out its opinion that serving quit notices, which is contrary to the Naga culture and tradition, has become a plague.
"There are varied political shades of opinion and the Nagas have been quarrelling among themselves for supremacy so that their political opinion shall prevail. But, we should not lose our vision about the country which we dream of and for which our people have been working with great sacrifices during the last five decades. There may be different political shades of opinion, but we should not lose sight that together we shall build a nation one day," the released stated.
TCU also said Naga public are at present sandwiched between forces which are at "antagonizing positions for which there is every likelihood of displeasing, either side if the public speak out."
"This is the reason that the public are reluctant to speak out the truth that is in their mind today," Sekhose said and warned that if the NGOs did not speak out the truth, the society would become "minus the truth." While stating that the aspiration of the Naga general public was for building a nation free from severe wounds and scar, he added factional enmity was against the wishes of the general public. "Indeed, nothing is more futile than going on quarrelling, killing and assassinating one another among our own people," TCU president said.
Gun battle in Phek, 2 reported killed Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, SEPT 8 (NPN): The combined force of FGN and NSCN(K) cadres that had laid siege to the NSCN(I-M)camp near Phek Basa since Tuesday, resumed the attack and the resultant exchange of fire lasted for about three hours.
According to sources, the firing started at around 8.40 am and continued intermittently till 11.40 am. The combined force of FGN and NSCN(K) claimed that two from the rival NSCN(IM)cadre died in Friday's clash. District police and civil authorities were not in a position to ascertain the casualties as nobody could venture into the vicinity of the clash.
Meanwhile, it was reported that both sides have already rushed reinforcements to the area. On Tuesday,a combined force of NSCN(K) and a faction of FGN numbering about 70 to 80 men attacked the NSCN(I-M) killing three and injuring four others. The NSCN(K) and FGN combine have yet to vacate the area. It was learnt that the camp occupied by the NSCN(I-M) was previously occupied by the FGN that was vacated after an attack by the NSCN(I-M).
NSUP appeals for justice- Nagaland Post Opnion
We the Naga Students' Union Pune, strongly condemned the incident which happened on 19th August '06. On that fateful day, one innocent Naga boy, working in Wipro BPO (Pune) as well as studying BA II year, was allegedly kidnapped by Vivek Mukherjee and his accomplices who are all workers in Wipro BPO (Pune) too. They took him to an unknown location, there this innocent Naga boy was locked in a room and accused of forging Vivek Mukherjee's cheque of Rs. 50, 500 and withdrawing the money from a HDFC bank in Mumbai on the 24th of July 06.
However on that particular day, this Naga boy was in his office as he had a work shift on that day and on top of that he has never been to Mumbai in his life. He was beaten and forced to admit to the crime of which he hadn't done after which he was only released with the demand that he pay the over said amount within 24 hours without which his life as well as his cousin's life would be in danger. Without any proof they target the innocent Nagas, this is a clear sign of racial discrimination. We had remained silent for all these yeas in spite of the many discrimination and injustice done to us. But this time it has crossed the threshold of our tolerance and humanity.
We appeal to all Naga authorities as well as the people of Nagaland to condemn such an act of injustice and demand the stiffest and the sternest action against those responsible at the earliest at this incident had outraged the sentiments and modesty of not only him but all the Nagas. We also reported to the Bund Garden police stations, Pune to see that justice is done to him at the earliest, for the mental and physical torture that he was made to undergo and also to ensure that such incident do not happen in the future.
Chongphe Angh, President NSUP Aomeren Jamir General Secretary, NSUP
NSCN(K) confirms Quit Notice as 'Final' Kuknalim.com (UNI)
KOHIMA, Sept 8:: The NSCN(K) has reiterated that its 'Quit notice' against the Tangkhul community in Nagaland is 'final' and would continue for an indefinite period of time. In a release issued by the Secretary of Ministry of Information and Publicity(MIP) that the Council of Kilonsers(Ministers) has confirmed that the Quit Notice has been served against the Tangkhul community presently in Nagaland.

The NSCN(K) is of the opinion that the Tangkhul community was mainly responsible for "dividing the Nagas". Meanwhile, reports said that several families of Tangkhul tribe are fleeing homes as they did not want to take risk.

Atleast three families under Mond district have already left the state. A few more families out of 13 Tangkhul families have already moved out to their home district Ukhrul in Manipur, while the rest families were provided security by the NSCN-IM. Sources said about twenty to twenty five Tangkhul families have already left the state, specially from Kohima and Dimapur towns. However, the state government has assured that all measures would be taken up measures to ensure that no innocent peopel were targetted.

Quit Notice and the Deeper Issue The sharp polarization that has been happening in our society for quite sometime is an issue of grave concern for all of us. Now, with the “quit notice” issued by NSCN(K) to the Tangkhul community in Nagaland .the polarization seems to be taking a turn for the worse. Instead of coming closer, we seem to be drifting further apart. Why is it that whatever can go wrong in our situation keeps going wrong?

The present issue also, once again, clearly demonstrates that, in the Naga context, we all still continue to see and interpret happenings through the prism of tribes. This could be largely due to the fact that individual Naga identities are inseparably linked to clan, khel, village and tribe identities. And this cultural view continues to dominate our beings despite modern mannerisms, fashions and adopted attitudes. We may take the high moral ground of rationality and philosophical/ideological discourse when it suits us but this is what we all really still are. It is not practiced only by the people in the NSCN (K) but by all Nagas. We are all seen and we all look at other Nagas as part of our respective tribe identities. This trait quickly comes out and most visibly especially when we have our backs against the wall and no alternatives seem available. It enjoins on each of us the obligation to remember that we all carry individual responsibilities as well as collective ones to our communities and the larger society.

But let me first of all make clear my position on the ‘quit notice’ of the NSCN (K). In the early 1990s when the Kukis were told to quit Nagaland and this reached Kohima, I wrote in my newspaper (I was editor then) that this was wrong. For my stand I got into some difficulties but apart from a few friends there was no “squeak” of support from anyone. But I was at peace because I believed it was the right thing to do. I see absolutely no reason today to change my stand. The faults and mistakes of some cannot be visited on an entire community. And there are always good people in every community. At this point, for instance, I think of my senior friend and former colleague, Dr Tuisem Shishak, who launched and kept going, till retirement recently, the Patkai Christian College which we all know about. I do not think I would want him to leave Nagaland even from a purely selfish point of view, leaving aside larger considerations.

What gives me hope in the present case are the reports in the newspapers (having been away, I read about a week’s collection at one go) from NSCN–K’s leadership that innocent Tangkhuls will not be targeted. It shows that some re-thinking is going on. The NSCN (K) must rescind the targeting of the Tangkhuls as a tribe.
Equally, it is important to examine why the NSCN (K) may have been driven to this unreasonable and extreme step. Such examination is required not just for the sake of the NSCN (K) but for the good of the whole Naga society and so that no such mistakes will be repeated in future. Because of our given tribal context what each does or fails to do has consequences for us and for our communities. Likewise, the good that we do will be reflected on our communities too. The mindset extends from the personal to the community and national affairs. It is unrealistic and impractical to expect otherwise.

Let us consider our society. It is made up of a collection of disparate tribes, claiming to be a people and a nation, and have actually fought for so many decades for such aspirations, but now it seems to be tearing apart at the seams even before the contours of such national ambitions could be clearly mapped out. Tragically, instead of delving deeper into the actual malaise and design faults confronting us and dealing with the real mechanics of the Naga Car we want to build, we seem to have stopped at only imagining the shapes and colours of the final product. Unhappily for us, the Naga Car we want will first have to go through the visioning, designing, engineering, and production processes, and correcting any faults, before we can possess and drive it safely. Unless we are prepared to go through the long and difficult, even painful, processes required, the cost will be paid, as it has already been paid, and still being paid, in numerous more lives and may result in the ultimate sacrifice of our people-hood. What we are experiencing now are warning signs.

What has our society become today? We have reached a stage where no one can say anything to anyone anymore. Power and strength, and wealth as a means to achieving these, are the only things we understand, threats and intimidations are the only languages we speak, and deep suspicion has become the hallmark of our inter-personal relationship whether between individuals or between groups or parties. This is not a society, far less a nation, that can move forward and fulfill its God-given destiny. Permanent revolution and chaos are the only words one can think of to describe such a volatile state. A society at war with itself cannot be expected to grow and move forward. Neither can anyone help it.

The Naga national movement which first launched the process of our people-hood today seems to have become the single-most divisive factor in society. The present “quit notice” is also a direct political fall-out of the movement. Suspicion and fear, exclusiveness, assassinations, bitterness etc. have all led to the present state of affairs. The Angami too, the tribe to which I belong, have often been regrettably guilty of failing to be large-hearted enough and inclusive enough. Unless we correct these mistakes and unless we include everyone the Naga river of blood will keep flowing. Ours is a very small people and we need everyone. All of us but especially the leaders must ask themselves the kind of legacy, of peace and future or bitterness and hate, they want to bequeath their children.

We are all agreed that our society has become wounded and hurting badly. Wounds need healing, not further wounding. Clever stratagems and manipulations, however successful in the short-term will only wound further and entrench our already difficult situation, making it impossible. What our situation demands is a humble acknowledgement that things have gone wrong, that we have all played a part in allowing things to go wrong, and to do all we can to put right what we can. Explanations and justifications, and selective indignations, will only make things worse by adding insult to injury. Propaganda is a lot of energy wasted as by now, every Naga has already made up his/her mind about who is right and who is wrong and where his/her position should lie and will not effect too much shift in the minds of our people. What we have to effect is a shift from who is right to what is right for all Nagas. Only then will there be a corresponding shift in our situation from impasse towards solution. As a senior friend keeps saying, life is about challenges and responses and what we are and what our situation becomes depend on the quality of our responses to the challenges confronting us. So long as we keep on reacting instead of responding adequately to the challenges before us, there will be no movement forward.

Let us also appreciate each other. Although we are all capable of the worst, there is also so much good in our people. I recall, for instance, Mr Wangtin Konyak writing a moving letter in the immediate aftermath of the killing of Ngampan Konyak, paying tribute to his leader and stating his feeling of hurt but also expressing forgiveness and declaring his resolve to work for the good of all Nagas. I did not see any response of appreciation in the newspapers. I, for one, regrettably failed to do so publicly although, without knowing him, my respect for him rose in my heart. Quite often, lack of appreciation hardens hearts and instead of lifting the spiral of positive attitudes in society creates situations that could, perhaps, otherwise be avoided.

After all the mistakes we have all committed, and also paid the price for them, we need to begin to sensitively listen to one another to begin again. When we stop listening to one another’s cries and appeals, we usually provoke the worst in each other.

What we desperately need in our situation is a respected neutral body from within Naga society to facilitate and translate our slogan of reconciliation to real healing. Perhaps, the Church is the only body left that can perform this painful but necessary task. But will we allow it? Our society is so riven and our thinking follows the path of anyone not for us being against us that making the worst possible interpretations of what anyone says has become the norm. Killings continue everyday that even condemnation of such acts has become routine and tiresome. We have become so de-sensitized and de-humanized. Without healing, it is doubtful if there will be solution. On the contrary, the chances are greater for further bloodshed and perpetration of more legacies of bitterness to take place.

It is also a fact that solution can only come from within Naga society. Outside help and support, however powerful and important, cannot assist us where we have refused to help ourselves. At most we will reduce their efforts to mere nuisance value, a peddling of our connections vis-à-vis the Government of India and other factions. This is not to underestimate or undermine the help outside friends can give but merely pointing out a fact. It is unfair to them also and I am sure they will be the first to agree. Only we can assist them to assist us. When we do not help ourselves no one can really help us. The bell has been tolling for the Naga people for a long time now. Will we hearken to it late as it is and give a chance to mothers to dry their tears, hardened hearts to soften and become human again and for our children to dream about their future? Only we can provide the answer. [Charles Chasie]

Wangyuh’s SoS on Mon blockade Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Sept 8:: Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak has urged Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to intervene in the blockage imposed on Mon district by the Sonari Truck Owners' Association (STOA) while also apprising the minister of the immense hardship faced by the people of the district.
In a communiqué to the Union Home Minister from Mon, Wangyuh said it was unfortunate that a single local union was holding both the districts of Mon and Sivasagar in Assam to ransom accused the Sivasagar district administration of remaining a mute spectator.

Wangyuh said though the people of Mon had no objection to the diktat of the STOA against sending trucks to Mon yet the association had not right to obstruct other vehicles. He also said that Mon was facing scarcity of essential commodities and other materials that has reached a point of crisis. He also informed Patil that the district administration, police and NGOs of Mon had attended several meetings at Sonari to explain about the action with regard to the complaint of the STOA but these had fallen on deaf ears. The MP urged the Union Home minister to intervene so that the "age-old tradition of good neighbourhood attitude remains undisturbed."
It may be mentioned the economic blockade commenced on September 3. (NPN)

Centre asks state to tackle factional clashes Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Sept 8:: The Centre has reportedly taken serious note of the continued inter-factional clashes among various underground factions and asked the Nagaland government to cautiously tackle the situation. Unabated inter-factional clashes have caused a lot of disturbances in several pockets of the state and people fled from their homes, official sources said.

The NSCN(K) and Federal Government of Nagaland(FGN) continued firing at a NSCN-IM camp near Phek district since Tuesday, killing three NSCN-IM cadres and injuring a few others, sources added. Meanwhile, Lt Gen R V Kulkarni, who is also the chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) of NSCN-IM and the Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) of NSCN(K), said he has submitted a report to the Centre on the inter-factional clashes and appealed all the underground factions to stop factional feuds. The state government had taken the matter seriously and entrusted the state Commissioner to tackle the issue. Commissioner T N Mannen said he had talks with the NSCN-IM leaders to withdraw their forces from the camp.

Tension ran high in the area as reports of heavy gun battle between the outfits occurred. The District Administration had deployed Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Nagaland Armed Police (NAP) in the Phek Basa and nearby villages to restore peace. (UNI)

ANSAM bans Meitei cassettes, films and Mayek Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Sep 8: The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has banned the CDs/video cassettes, audios in Meitei language in the four hill districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel. ANSAM has also banned the use of Meitei Mayek (Meitei Script) in these four districts.
In a statement issued to Newmai News Network today, by ANSAM information and publicity secretary Sounii Khapa, the Naga student body said that the ban on Meitei Mayek in the four hill districts will be enforced immediately while the ban on Meitei language CDs/cassettes of audios and videos will become effective from September 17.
“Manifesting our stiff opposition against imposition of dominant will upon the Nagas by the Government of Manipur, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) in consultation with its constituent units and subordinate bodies has resolutely decided to restrict using of Meitei Mayek in all the Naga Hill Districts of the present State of Manipur with immediate effect,” said the ANSAM statement.
Further it said that, in pursuance of Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) resolution adopted on November 4, 2005 and in concurrence with the directives from the office of the United Naga Council (UNC) of September 6, 2006, the ANSAM informs all the units and sub-ordinate bodies to implement the ban on Meitei language audio/video CDs/cassette in the hill districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati with effect from September 17, 2006.
It warned that dealers/parlours of CDs/cassettes operating in all these four hill districts are asked to take note and comply with this directive. Violators will be strictly penalised, warned the student body. The public are also requested to extend cooperation towards this step, added the ANSAM statement.

Leave the schools alone Sangai Express Editorial
The ransacking of Government schools in some parts of the hill districts has added another chapter to the demand to affiliate the private schools located in these districts to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education. It is hard to understand why students should take recourse to such destructive methods to press home their demands and in a way the destruction caused to the properties of the Government schools was sheer madness. However what is disturbing is there seems to be a pattern behind this madness and this what everyone should be wary of. The demand to affiliate to the NBSE and to follow the text books prescribed by the Board of the neighbouring State has seen different methods being adopted. First it was the act of consigning to flames the text books prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur in Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong districts. Then followed the vitriolics poured out against an official of the BSEM on the ground that he had leaked concocted and cooked up information to the press. Now it is Government schools being targeted and effigies of the Chief Minister and Education Minister being consigned to the flames. The question is what now ? What course of action will be taken up later ? We agree that in a democracy everyone has the right to protest and air his/her grievances against the Government. This is the beauty of democracy and notably student organisations have been the ones to avail the privilege to strike and launch agitation against the Government if their cry for ‘justice’ is not heard. There is nothing wrong in students airing their opinion and demanding their rights from the Government but when students start taking the destructive route then it becomes undesirable. It was precisely because of this we had expressed our strong reservation against the burning of Government files by members of the Manipuri Students' Federation some time back. A school is a sacred institution. To the students it should be their Church, Temple, Mosque, Gurdwara according to their faith. To our understanding a school is not merely a structure of concrete with class rooms, benches, desks, blackboards and the other physical entities that are visible to the naked eyes. Far more than this a school is a living symbol of knowledge. The sanctity of a school should not be anything less than a place of worship, for knowledge itself is something beyond the profane, it is sacred. Student organisations, no matter what cause they are pursuing need to realise that targeting educational institutions do nothing except besmirch their reputation and can raise questions over their credibility. The students of the four hill districts can take up other course of agitation to press home their demand but serious thoughts ought to be given on the mode of protest they plan to launch. Targeting the very school which were once the temple of learning for their elders and themselves too at one point of time or the other will amount to nothing much except cutting off the nose to spite the face. Schools and books are sacred. Let's respect the sanctity of these institutions and ideally students should be the people leading the way in paying their respect to the temple of learning instead of desecrating them. Our stand on the matter is clear. Stop targeting educational institutions and books in any course of agitation.

MSF cites Board rule flaws in text book issue Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 08: Contending that the issue of favouring Nagaland Board prescribed text books in hill district schools of Manipur is part of the hidden agenda of the NSCN (IM), the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) opined that flaws in Board of Secondary Education Manipur Act is indirectly aiding some Naga organisations with vested interest.

reacting to the recent incidents of violence in some hill areas, the student body said some vested groups under the garb of protecting Nagas' unity and history are undermining interest of the student community and compromising their future career.

If one of the basis of preferring Nagaland Board text books is to protect history of the Nagas can the NGOs point out any particular content of Nagas' interest being safeguarded or projected in the Nagaland Board's text books, questioned the MSF.

Moreover, the pursuit of certain Naga NGOs for affiliation of hill district schools to Nagaland Board of Secondary Education and adopting the neighbouring State's text books is part of the NSCN (IM)'s hideous campaign to amend for failure in extracting concrete assurance from the Government of India on creation of Greater Nagalim, maintained the MSF in a release.
Observing that agenda of those NGOs involved in the text book issue are similarly to that pursued by the NSCN (IM), the student body asserted that adopting NBSE text books is akin to laying the foundation for realisation of Greater Nagalim aspiration which, however, is still a distant dream.

Calling upon the parents/guardians of the victimised students to leave no stone unturned to save the future of the children MSF suggested that reliance on BSEM text books is the only guarantee for a brighter future of these student community.

MSF also blamed Naga NGOs fuelling the text book imbroglio of neglecting interest of students of non-Nagas who form substantial percentage of students in the hill districts. Regarding alleged loophole in the BSEM act, MSF cited an Act of Board of Secondary Education, Assam wherein all the schools in assam State are mandatory to teach the assam Board's text books unlike in the BSEM act which limits its legality to those educational institutes recognised by it.

MSF also accused non-Naga MLAs/Ministers of remaining silent to such a sensitive issue rather than chalking and framing out education-related policies/acts that could thwart designs of destructive forces. n the otherhand, the student body also charged the IM group of NSCN of instigating select NGOs to create confusion in the Manipuri society and added that resources for expanding the sinister agenda are being collected from manipur vehicles plying along National Highways 39 and 53.It also described as unfortunate some of these Naga NGOs including certain student bodies of deviating from the principle of a student organisation and having more inclination towards destructive policy whose end result would only be a more chaotic society and cause chasm amongst various communities that had been living together for ages.

With the entire world racing towards advanced knowledge on information technology and students of Manipur steadily progressing ahead to compete with their counter-parts it is indeed very despairing to learn that vested interest groups are creating man-made barriers to choke aspiration of the students, mentioned the student body.
PM may visit Nagaland in Dec-Jan Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Sept 8 – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may visit Nagaland in December or January next 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
Politics and religion don't mix By Kuldip Nayar, Special to Gulf News
Whoever advised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to have a meeting with Muslim religious leaders did not serve him well. The very idea of a secular polity mixing religion with the law and order problem has serious repercussions. The Prime Minister's meeting has established a court of appeal of sorts. Unwittingly, the exercise has put the entire Muslim community in the dock while Mumbai bomb blasts were the handiwork of only a few.
Autonomy If terrorism is the determining factor, the government should have had a meeting with Sikh religious leaders when Punjab was burning. Similarly, the Nagaland is all Christian. No religious leader has been associated with the talks on the quantum of autonomy for the Nagas. In the past, Manmohan Singh resisted a meeting with religious leaders it was to discuss the anti-America feeling among the Muslims following the visit of US President George W. Bush to India. So why did the Prime Minister agree to meet them this time? Was it a move to win over Muslims?
Manmohan Singh was, however, on the right track when he addressed state chief ministers and advised them "to treat the community with sensitivity". This was long over due. The Muslim community is treated indiscriminately and the sins of Pakistan still visit them. True, the nation has been shocked to find terrorists among Indian Muslims because the impression so far has been different: they were praised for not responding to the Taliban's call for jihad in their fight at Afghanistan. To put the blame on the Muslim community or to pick up "Muslim suspects" at random, as it has been done after Mumbai blasts, is not to deal with the problem squarely. This is, in fact, what the Al Qaida wants so that it may recruit from the community the innocent who go through untold indignities at the hands of police almost daily.
The fact is that there are chinks in our pluralistic policy. We must analyse where the nation has gone wrong and why some Muslims have become so desperate that they have opted to become part of the network which they had shunned in the past. We should also find out how the contamination began and when. Some say it was after the demolition of the Babri masjid while some attribute it to the happenings in Gujarat.
Both arguments may well be true. I think they are contributory factors. The real reason is economic. Muslims' share in the cake has been very small. They have been left to fend for themselves. When the affluent from among them left for Pakistan after partition, the artisans, craftsmen and the like stayed behind because they did not want to leave the land of their forefathers. They could not afford education for their children. The government did little.
Education Unfortunately, education was not on the priority list of post-independent government. A special attention to the minorities was not even considered pertinent. I do not know why India's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad could not have his way when he reportedly proposed some "weightage" for Muslims. Besides education, there are many other fields where Muslims have felt discriminated, particularly while finding accommodation. They have to live in certain localities where they are bound to acquire the ghetto mentality.
Even in the redress of grievances they find authorities treating them with disdain. That the community has been used as a vote bank is nothing new.
This has happened election after election. Promises made to them were mere promises. On the other hand, the Muslims who were on the defensive for nearly four decades have begun to speak up. They were held responsible for the partition of the country which the majority community felt had brought it all ills. But their argument now is that two generations had paid the price if that was what was sought to be exacted. In any case, the youth believes that the "sins of their forefathers should not visit them". Why should they be denied their due?
Whenever Hindu-Muslim riots have broken out, the Muslim community finds that the authorities are generally on the side of Hindus and, at some places, the police even help them. Many commissions have pointed this out in their reports but no action has been taken against the erring policemen. The Muslim community has every right to feel bitter. But the betrayal of the country by some of its members is unthinkable. Some Hindus also have done so but seldom in the name of religion. The blasts at Varanasi, Bangalore, Delhi and now in Mumbai have not only tarnished the image of Muslim community but have made the BJP and other Sangh parivar members say: "We told you so". The RSS efforts to convert pluralistic India into a theocratic state get strengthened. The problem with the parivar is that it has not yet appreciated the pluralistic ethos of the country.
The few Muslim terrorists remind me of Sikh terrorists who were able to spoil the peace of Punjab for many years. Bhindranwale was a symptom, not the disease. Still, the entire community suffered terribly. I want to offer the same advice to the Muslim terrorists as I did in the case of Sikh terrorists long ago. During my recent trips to the US and the UK, I repeated it. The few Muslims who have been driven to terrorism because of the "circumstances" should realise that the government and the country are two separate entities. Mistakes of one should not visit the other. Governments can be changed through the ballot box. But the harm rendered to the country is irreparable.
Likewise, the Muslim community should realise that their grievance is against the government which can be changed through the ballot box. Any harm to the country is indefensible. As Jawaharlal Nehru said, who dies if India lives and who lives if India dies? Our forefathers sacrificed all to free the country from bondage. Now it requires peace and unity for economical development. By indulging in killings and destruction, we only stall its progress.
Kuldip Nayar is a former Indian High Commissioner to the UK and a former Rajya Sabha MP.
ANSAM bans Meitei Mayek, movies, songs in 4 districts The Imphal Free Press

Dimapur, Sept 8 : The All Naga Students Association, Manipur ANSAM has banned video and audio CDs/cassettes in Meiteilon language in the four hill districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel. ANSAM also banned the use of Meitei Mayek (Meitei Script) in these four districts. In a statement to Newmai News Network issued by ANSAM information and publicity secretary Sounii Khapa, the Naga students body said that the ban on the Meitei Mayek in the four hill districts will be effected immediately while the Meitei language CDs/cassettes of audios and vedios will become effective from September 17.

"Manifesting our stiff opposition against imposition of dominant will upon the Nagas by the Government of Manipur, the All Naga Students` Association, Manipur (ANSAM) in consultation with its constituent units and subordinate bodies has resolute decided to restrict using of Meitei Mayek in all the Naga Hill Districts of the present state of Manipur with immediate effect," said the ANSAM statement.
Further it said that, in pursuance of Naga Peoples` Convention resolution adopted on November 4, 2005 and in concurrence with the directives from the office of the United Naga Council of September 6, 2006, the ANSAM informs to all the units and sub-ordinate bodies of ANSAM to implement the ban on Meitei language audio/video CDs/cassette in the hill districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati with effect from September 17, 2006.

It said dealers/parlors of CDs/cassettes operating in all these four hill districts are asked to take note and comply with the directive. Violators will be taken stringent disciplinary action, added the ANSAM statement.More govt schools attacked: The Paomai Students Union (PMT) and the Mao Students Union have ransacked government schools under their respective jurisdiction in protest against chief minister O. Ibobi Singh recent remarks on the text books issue and the alleged false propaganda made by Manipur education minister L.Nandakumar. Poumai students president said that of the various schools ransacked in the last two days Paomata High School and Tunjoy High School were the most badly affected under its jurisdiction. While Mao students president said that two government schools under the Mao students Union jurisdiction have been ransacked today.

Manipur outfits warn drug pedlars with death penalty From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Sept 8 – In a move to check the growing use of drugs, alcohol, ‘khaini’ and ‘zarda pan’ among the people, three major Manipur-based underground outfits – People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and United National Liberation Front – will award death penalty to those involved in smuggling heroin number 4 powder, opium, spasmo-proxyvon capsules and other equivalent drugs in the region without any trial.

Death penalty will also be awarded to anyone found smuggling in Zarda pan, Talab and Khaini as well as the traders involved in wholesale of the said items. The stricture will come into force from September 15 next. The statement issued here jointly by KYKL, PREPAK and UNLF.

For those selling Zarda pan, Talab and Khaini in loose 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 sealed, 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 in the legs to death penalty.
The outfits further said that for those involved in brewing and selling country liquor, the punishment will range from impounding their wealth or a bullet in the leg or both.

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 outfits 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, they warned. 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 dependance 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.

Deadlock in talks Assam Tribune Editorial
Extension of the suspension of Army operations against the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) up to September 15 to create a congenial atmosphere for direct talks with the militant outfit is a positive sign as till date, the ULFA also reciprocated positively to the Government’s gesture and refrained from indulging in any kind of violence. The Government of India suspended the operations against the ULFA on August 13 and after years, the Independence Day celebrations this year went off peacefully, raising hopes for a political dialogue between the Government and the militant outfit for a permanent solution to the problem of insurgency, which has been haunting the State for more than 27 years. However, only suspension of operations for a few days will not bring in permanent peace in the insurgency-hit State and for that the Governments at Delhi and Dispur will have to explore all possible avenues to bring the ULFA to the negotiation table. For the first time in its 27 year long history, the ULFA has taken a step forward and showed a positive mindset for talks with the Government for a political solution to the problem and one hopes that the Government will take full advantage of the opportunity to start the process of talks.

However, the process seemed deadlocked with the ULFA insisting on the release of its five jailed central committee members to enable the outfit to hold its central committee meeting to discuss the issue of talks with the Government, while, on the other hand, the Government of India has been insisting on a formal letter from the outfit with the assurance to come for discussion. Of course, it may be difficult for the Government to release the jailed leaders of the ULFA without receiving any formal communication from the outfit as in case the process fails after their release, the Government will have to answer the entire nation. The bad experience of releasing ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia in the early 1990s may have also played in the minds of the Government officials as Chetia managed to escape after he was released from prison to hold talks with other leaders of the outfit on the issue of talks with the Government. The ULFA has shown its willingness to come for talks by forming the people’s consultative group (PCG) to hold initial parleys with the Government and if the outfit is really serious on the issue of talks, it should not take the demand of the Government for a formal letter to pave the way for the release of the five jailed leaders as a prestige issue.

Moreover, both the Government and the ULFA should take care to ensure that the ongoing peace process is not derailed at any cost. A recent statement by the Army where sweeping allegations like the outfit’s involvement in fake currency racket in collusion with the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) were made, should have been avoided at this juncture as such statements may seriously affect the process. One fails to understand what prompted the Army to issue such a statement but it gave lots of ammunition to the PCG to hit out against the Army accusing the entire force of sabotaging the peace process. On its part, the ULFA should also maintain restraint and strictly instruct all its cadres not to indulge in any act that may affect the peace process. No ULFA member should indulge in acts like extortion and none of them should move around with weapons as any such act will force the police to take action against them to maintain law and order in the State and the Government also made it very clear that the suspension of operations would be withdrawn if any militant is found to be indulging in any unlawful activity.