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09/20/2006: "New policy to give tribes more rights to land The Hindu Nagarealm.com"

New policy to give tribes more rights to land The Hindu Nagarealm.com
CHENNAI, SEP19 : The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has formulated a revised draft of the National Tribal Policy to address issues concerning the Scheduled Tribes, Director, National Folklore Support Centre, M.D. Muthukumaraswamy, said here on Sunday

He said the tribes were being denied their right to natural resources and land for long. "Environmental groups and wildlife groups think of tribal people as destroyers of nature. They do not understand that tribal people have been responsible for preserving our natural resources for so long," he said at the showcasing of a project, `Tribes in India', by students of Hari Shree Vidyalayam.

He said as per the 2001 census, the Scheduled Tribe population was 84.3 million, accounting for 8.2 per cent of the nation's population. They occupied 15 per cent of the country's geographical areas, mainly forests, hills and inaccessible terrains, rich in natural resources.

Mr. Muthukumaraswamy said the policy focussed on providing tribal people with greater rights to their land and natural resources.

It also provided for a legislative framework for rehabilitation and resettlement of tribes to minimise displacement, besides empowering these communities to promote self- governance.

The project dealt with the traditions and lives of the Karubas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Kuravars of Tamil Nadu, Nagas of north-eastern and non-western Manipur, Bishnois of Rajasthan, Gaddis of Himachal Pradesh, Bondos of Orissa and the Paniyas of Kerala.

The projects prepared by students of Standard IV-VI involved detailed charts on the tribes and their customs and food habits.

Children dressed in the traditional attire of the respective areas welcomed the guests.

Geetha Muthiah, Director of Hari Shree Vidyalayam, said the project was aimed at giving the children an insight into the lives of tribes and their customs.

The students had done most of the research and designed the props on their own. [Hindu]

30 secret agendas vis-à-vis Naga struggle- Nagaland Post
Since signing of truce agreement between GOI and IM group, host of Naga leaders and Indian delegates are being ferried across Asia and Europe with high glamour and pomposity. Expectations were high and quite synonymous with these participants is the phrase "Talks in right direction". Their enthusiasm however failed to make any lasting impression due to reason that they were merely used as a tool to perpetuate IM's despotic hold over Nagas.
It is doubtless these so called peoples representatives are in fact a dumb spectators who se role are to simply cheer the drama taking place behind the curtain. When IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu himself is under forced isolation (house arrest) and completely ignorant of sell out process being hatched out between GOI and Muivah's inner circle, no wonder that these participants knew nothing of actual conspiracy taking place.
During Muivah's Hebron campaign, when Naga congregation demanded enlightenment on actual proposals of settlement, Muivah declined by conveniently pointing out as such that since talks were at crucial stage, no facts can be made public owing to security and political reason, since then so called peace process has remained a mystery except to a select inner echelon of Muivah and Padmanabhiah. If at all the process has anything to do with Indo-Naga issue, every Naga have every right to know, but since the ongoing parleys focuses only on IM related problems, the entire Nagas are kept in the dark.
To utter disappointment not a single Naga leader participants were ever offered an opportunity to directly involve in the talks with GOI Padmanabhiah while conveying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's response to queries of Sumi delegates in connection to secrecy of the process and isolation of Isak Chishi Swu, it was vividly revealed that Isak Chishi Swu had for the last 16 months been debarred from the talks and advised Sumi delegates therefore to inquire whether Swu is still alive or dead ever since also enlightened the delegates that GOI is ever happy to expend several hundred crores of rupees in order to pacify IM leaders and therefore not a hitch to entertain IM leaders in any part of the globe maintaining that GOI shall never concede to IM demands including integration. Despite these overwhelming facts of conspiracies at work, the Nagas especially leaders are failing to raise protest or to educate masses on underlying dangers of ongoing sell out process.
Their heavy indebtedness and blind willful marriage to IM as urged by materialistic and worldly greed, social, economic, and political patronage of IM has gagged them from speaking the truth rather than protest of any form. In the interest of the entire Nagas in general and Nagas of Nagaland in particular, I dare challenge Naga leaders to explain exact content of infamous 30 points "Charter of Demands" submitted by IM to the GOI are you shying away from harsh reality of your helpless position in order to save your face or truly ignorant of any such diabolic development taking place? Why not repent your treacherous connivance before it buries you? Or least of all wash your hands off before it's too late.
Fake leaders in connivance with IM are desperately trying to magnify IM problem as Naga problems to GOI and international agencies. Most of such so called international agencies are in fact business partners of Tankguls abroad (financed and sponsored by IM with wealth extorted from the Nagas of Nagaland). Billions of dollars every year are raised by these agencies from various international charity organizations and international NGO's on the pretext of aiding Naga struggle; crores of rupees are siphoned off from Nagaland state similarly, where as killings of Naga patriots and blameless Nagas particularly Nagas of Nagaland remain unabated. The process of IM activists rehabilitation has been in earnest implementation since half of a decade back officially with hefty regular salaries being disbursed to all its' ranks and files, expenses being borne by Nagaland state exchequer and separate financial allocation from the central government besides giant central contract works exclusively granted to Tangkhuls in the IM fold.
Still, these puppet leaders daringly proclaim that talks are progressing ahead and in the right direction, even though they are not at all aware of a bit of conspiracy underneath. It is cautioned that no longer would NSCN tolerate such stages in hard with betrayers your silence is understood therefore pave way for genuine leaders to rein over, obstacles and impediments however towering it be, truth shall overcome and new day will dawn where your crimes will persecute you. Be prepared for trial for nothing goes unaccounted.
Brig Niki Sumi, Commander, Operation Blue Land, People's Army of Nagaland, NSCN.
Hypocritical statement will hurt sentiment of Nagas- Nagaland Post Opinion
The sectarian leaders of Th. Muivah group are now vociferously shouting from the top of their voice and denying the killing of thousands innocent Nagas, which is indeed provoking the Nagas upto the zenith. The consequences thereof will be bitter with more hatred upon them by the Nagas as a whole. If they nobly admit their misdeeds, the Nagas who have good reasons and faith in Christ may forgive them. But their hypocrisy and trying to white wash their hands by throwing the blame for killings on the others will have no way to forgive them by the Nagas. Their hypocritical statements will remain till generations to come and it will hurt the sentiments of the next generation too, especially the victim's family members, relatives and Naga communities such as Khiamniungan, Lainong and Kuki, who had most suffered in the hands of Muivah group, will never tolerate.
The socialist Muivah group hypocritically stated that "The NSCN have never ever engaged in killing innocent people, either stranger or compatriot at any point of time. "(Quote; the Morung Express Sept. 18, 2006) If they have been bold enough to deny the killing of innocent people, let them deny the formation of the NSCN too, then only the statement of NNC/FGN will become fallacious and factious story. If they did rest form the so called NSCN, then they east throw the blame for the killing on the others. Truly, the future generations of Naga will never ask the question, why the Accord of 1975 was signed? But they will surely ask, why the NSCN was formed? Why Muivah and his henchmen killed thousands of Nagas and why the killing cannot stop etc.
The History will remain forever as evidence and prove that the Nagas did not sell out the Naga national rights by signing of the Accord. And therefore, the Nagas under the leadership of the NNC/FGN as well as Muivah and Isak group proudly celebrated the Golden jubilee of the Naga national council (NNC) on 14th August, 1997. Again this will remain as evidence that there were no differences among the Nagas on the matter of Accord.
The question is, why then Muivah and his henchmen falsely projected the Accord as the main factor for the division and killing among the Nagas? If it was so, why then Muivah and his men killed the Naga Army officers and Naga leaders who returned from abroad in 1976 and stayed in the Eastern part of Nagaland saying " we will never surrender". If Muivah and his men in true sense condemn the Accord, why did they involve in the Indian election? Why did they submit 30-point proposal to the Government of India? Why are they demanding integration and a special federal relationship with India? Why now Muivah is saying that "We will accept the fundamental principals of the Indian constitution"? (Quote; Telegraph July 31, 2006)
The NNC and FGN did not condemn the Accord but rejected it on December, 1975, and thus the NNC/FGN have never ever engaged or involved in the Indian elections and neither expressed to accept the Indian constitution. If Muivah's group claims that they do not collaborate with the enemy India, how can they build up lofty buildings which are worth crores, and where did they get hundreds of Indian luxurious vehicles? Where did they get Indian passports/identity cards of India for each and everyone of the IM leaders?
The truth, they admitted time and again that they had formed a new organisation of centralized government on the pattern of socialism on August 16, 1976 at Süpao village, Khiaminiungan Region where Muivah and Isak themselves made A.Z.Phizo, incumbent NNC President as the President of the FGN as well. They recently said "Phizo was made the president of the both NNC and FGN by the national assembly convened under the leadership of Isak and Muivah". (Quote) Nagaland Post July 29, 2006). This is their admission that the contention and differences started among the Nagas due to Muivah's new formation of centralized government. In April 1978, at Tsonkhao CHQ Camp, the Naga senior leaders (who were killed by Muivah and Isak late T. Venuh Chakhesang, late Ngathing khui Ahum Tangkhul and late Mayanger Ao (new comer) rejected the new formation of centralized government of Muivah and Isak on the following ground;
a) A new formation of centralized government of 1976 was a gross violation of Nagaland Yehzabo (Constitution),
b) Th. Muivah and Isak have no power to summon the Tatar Hoho (National assembly), because they were NNC General Secretary and Chaplee Kilonser (Finance Minister) of the FGN,
c) Since beginning the NNC and FGN have two entity heads, therefore these two offices cannot be put on a single head.
d) The Office of the President, FGN should not be in the foreign land.
e) We should not adopt socialism, if we adopt it, another division among the Nagas will be taken place and the blood of Nagas will flow like a river. The living way of Nagas is traditional democracy system and also now 95% Nagas are Christians, therefore they will not accept socialism.
But Th. Muivah furiously defended their new formation, and further adopted to overthrow the leadership of A.Z. Phizo on 2nd August, 1978. At first they had sacked out the leadership of Imkongmeren, NNC Vice President on August 16, 1976. And for the second time they had done again to overthrow the leadership of A.Z. Phizo. Therefore, the Naga Army officers could no longer tolerate on the dictatorial rule of Muivah and Isak, and thus declared Martial law on August 30, 1978 and detained the two leaders under house arrest.
But they were released unhurt in May 1979. However, after they were set free, they started to kill their opponents who opposed Muivah's socialist political ideology in the last part of 1979. From then on, they are continuously killing the Nagas, which is now running 26 years. Because the Nagas are opposed to Muivah's socialist and his stand for a solution within the Indian Union (Suisa's proposal), which is the main factor of the division and killing among the Nagas.
Muivah and his men are however still propagating that Naga Army dug the graves of Muivah and Isak three times. In fact the Naga Army never did so, because they have no intention to kill them. Therefore, Muivah and Isak are still alive. This is also evidence that the NNC/FGN did not start blood shedding. But Brig. Ngamlao Konyak, Lt. col. Ymstethong and those who were killed by Muivah and Isak in the last part of 1979 are no more with us. We therefore say the truth that Muivah and Isak started killing the Nagas. Thomas, NNC Member.
I am Just a Simple Unique Naga by L.W. Chuhwanglim Kuknalim.com

I am just a Committed Christian country boy who lives in search of the truth and the love of God. I am just the simply a Human being one among you, the fallen being, yet, I seek the truth in my Naga Home Land. Yes, I am from one among the tribes in Nagaland but I will say “I am Naga” and I am proud to say that name wherever I go...

Our Naga elders, the historians, have written a wonderful historical accord of the origin of the Naga which was not sure of exactly where Naga originated from. But I am so grateful to those elders who have made the historical ammendment of the origin of the Nagas.

I believe all the Nagas know that our Home Land is so unique. The land of the real nature, Nation of God distinctively land, provided by God to the people of the Nagas and the unique history of the Nagas. I am voicing out calmly to my elderly political leaders, my highness church leaders, my dear young people, and friends of generations to come.I know that many of us “you” have a blur and smudge to the unique history of our nation when you are chasing behind the education, political servants, spiritual war fare and the modern technology. Actually what do you reply to others when someone ask about the history of our homeland? I can imagine the answer “yes I am from the North East called Nagaland, we are mongoloids and so on”. No, that does not stop there; tell others the uniqueness of the Nagas. But to tell others about the uniqueness of the Nagas, do you have any ideas? That’s a big question I leave to my people “young people”

Run as fast as you can, to reach the different corners of the world far away from the Naga Homeland, but your identity is always the “Sweet Naga”. Where is our cultures, where is our sweet tradition, where is our uniqueness? We have sold out our culture to other cultures and life style in exchange, which today we have lost our cultures and the traditions. Our freedom fighters originated with a good heart and committed life to fight for the Naga Naiton, but unfortunately somebody has stolen the commitment and the vision on the way travel and lost and which the result is today what we are doing and living. Yet, there is a hope and vision for our Homeland to bring the Glory in God’s own timing, where my nation, my homeland will see the hope of glory one day. To me fighting for the nation is not mean to kill my brother, neither to torture my Onyu (Mom) and Opa (Father) nor to safe do myself from others harm. But it is to sacrifice my life for the Nation in peace and harmony, to forgive to one another though I could not forget.

I cannot make out of any action to others without knowing the history of my action because that is a blured. I believe that all my beloved young brothers and sisters who kill each other know the history behind. Or you are just practicing else training the skills by killing and shooting to one’s own brother before you go to the battle for our Homeland.

Remember, the water that you drink is from the streams where your brothers’ blood flows. The river you took bath is the meeting point of the blood you have shed of your own brother which was wash away by the rain. The food you eat is from the fertile land where your brother’s blood manured and I am alive now because I have killed my brother (he dies for my sake) what do I think of now? It is far better to be a tiny Ant than to be a huge Dog who eat back its own puked.

As Gustavo Gutierrez wrote the book on the title “we drink from our own wells” based on spiritual journey life of the Latin Amerincan who has recognised themselves that they have to have a fruits from their own hardship, not from others. Like the same situation with my Naga Nation, India will never give us the freedom, peace, love and harmony to us for just or in just. What we must do is we have to drink from our own Well. Let us drink from our own Well, voice out to God, say everything to Him, and look unto Him for our sweet Home land. Yes, once again we need to drink from our own Well not the blood but the peace, not killing but sustainance, not the wine but the Holy communion, not the guns but the staff from our God like the same staff He has given to Moses to lead the Isrealite to the promise land. God has a promised to our people and he will surely fulfill. It is better to say that I kill my brother to safe my own life than saying that I killed my enemy for the sake of my nation. Why? Because we are shading our own families blood to safe an individual’s life rather than fighting for our Nation. It is better to say a short and single honest word than to narrate the long wrong story which do not kill/waste your time.

This is what I have come across from somewhere as I was wandering aroung to seek the love of God for my Sweet Naga Homeland.
In 1982 in Jerusalem, God spoke through Sister Gwen Shaw an American that, "What my spirit has done is He visited the people in Nagaland. And they shall not be an idolatrous that shall fall down before idols like the people of India. For I have separated Nagaland unto myself, and I have with my finger drawn a line around Nagaland". "The Nagas are the children of the true and living God. The Nagas are part of spiritual Israel. They partake of the promise which God gave to Abraham, "in you all nations will be blessed. Nagaland is a nation under God. India can never defeat them because their power comes from God the Lord, who is opposed to the Hindu rulers, who derive their power from this patheon are thus in conflict with the supreme Lord by persecuting his children, the Nagas", said the Lord God through Dessan Tagore an Indian in December 1982 at Los Angeles. (Quote, Israel in India P. 3 & 7).
"I have chosen this Naga nation for my own glory and I have anointed this land in 1872. (It meant American Missionary W. Clerk entered into Ao village called Molungkimong in 1872). My own spirit, even declared 'Nagaland for Christ'. The new Nagaland will be like Israel" said the lord God through Rev. Donal Bal Lama an Indian from West Bengal on 1st July, 2003 at Dimapur as he was sent by God to pray for Naga nation. Also the rainbow flag of Nagaland is a great manifestation that God has chosen Nagas by Himself and leading the Naga nation, for which God had given many signs and spoke through his servants that this was from him. For instance, God spoke through an American woman while the people from more than 200 countries gathered in the yearly Tabernacles feast in Jerusalem in 1999 and at a time they were praying for Naga Nation, "I have given rainbow flag to the Nagas. It is not inscribed by the Nagas of their own accord. I have given two flags to mankind; one for Israelites and another one for the Nagas".
What do you think my dear and near one? For me I believe and I trust our Loving God that he will surely bring the Glory in my Naga Homeland in His own timing. Let me follow you so lead me into the right path.
Country Boy, L.W. Chuhwanglim
NGO represents people out side the assembly The Morung Express In Focus WRITE-WING
In a democratic set up, a government is run by the body which has the mandate of the people known as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. On the other hand, people’s mass based organizations known as “Non-Governmental Organization” (NGO) are equally important is very much accountable to the society. It (NGO) is considered as the mouth piece of the people, because it expresses the interest and addresses every problem of the people. Although the NGOs’ election are not conducted by the legal election commission, yet every NGO has its own constitutions and norms under which its executive officials are directly elected, therefore it is recognized by the people as good as popular government. The civil society leaders deserve people’s respect and right to speak on behalf of the people so long as they enjoy the confidence of the people. These NGOs are also entitled to represent the people of their respective communities, because they (NGO) are the ones who fight for the people’s right against any discriminations or injustice done to the innocent.
The NGOs exist all over the world as watch-dogs to see that all the bonafide citizens of the nation enjoy equal rights and opportunities. In the advanced countries, these civil societies are considered to be very, very important and the leaders of these bodies are treated as very important persons or personalities. But regrettably, contrary to the advanced world’s concept about NGOs, our society is still lacking understanding the importance and the role being played by the NGOs. As the wrong notion domain of recent past, a statement purportedly written by one “Wangtin Konyak” says that the Naga NGOs such as Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA & NPWIR do not represent the Naga people. In this, I personally feel to share my view that, if these Organizations which have been instituted by the people can not represent their respective communities, then who the individual(s) can represent the people. To my understanding, such utterance is irrational and unexpected out of a national worker’s stature. It is apparent that all the Naga people’s mass based organizations are supporting the ongoing peace talk between the GoI and the NSCN(IM) and for which NSCN(K)in particular, branded those organizations as one-sided. But if we are to analyze about the Naga independence movement which is a bone of contention for every Nagas, there is nothing wrong of NGOs supporting the ongoing peace talks to bring about expeditious political settlement. It is regretted that there is no unity among the national workers, but because of which, Naga political problem should not be kept unresolved and passed unto the future generations.

The desire of the people are to see that Naga political problem is solved when there is opportunity, therefore the present political dialogue between the GOI and the Nagas should be encouraged rather than discouraged. People also wish to see that all hostility activities among the national workers be stopped but join hands to dialogue with the GoI for a peaceful political settlement. The views of the people are united to see that the settlement of the Naga political problem take place during their life time than to struggle further. It is the people’s expectation from all the national workers that any personal aggrandizement or hatred should not hamper the peace process. It is important for one and all to understand that good for people is “when it sees prosperity as more than being in bliss of materialism” therefore, if any body takes the name of a nation but speaks of his own interest, it is nothing but seeking of self glory and self centredness. It is, therefore, imperative for one and all to be more pragmatic at this juncture than talking about one’s interest or what he thought is everything. Once again, the assertion that “Naga NGOs do not represent the Naga people” is a disturbing sensation to everybody, so I for one affirm that Naga NGOs represent the people out side the assembly, because they fight for the common good of the people and not for their own benefits. I wish one and all to be more positive and support the NGOs in their efforts to do good for the people.

KUKNALIM Tokivi Sumi, A Concern citizen of Dimapur
Indo-Myanmar border fence to check drug trafficking Thingbaijam Dhamen

IMPHAL, Sept 19: The first phase of the proposed Indo-Myanmar border fencing work would be taken up at Moreh town in Manipur, along the porous Indo-Myanmar border. The fencing works along the Indo-Myanmar border is to be taken up as a part of accelerating the efforts to check illegal drug trafficking in the north eastern region of the country bordering Myanmar. This is a part of various other measures taken up by the Union ministry of home affairs.

It is pertinent to mention here that the states of Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram has been identified as a transit point for illegal trafficking by the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and International Narcotic Control Board (INCB). A three-member delegation, headed by Border Cell director M C Tiwari and Ministry of Home Affairs deputy secretary Balwant Singh, had recently visited the border areas to investigate the proposed border fencing in the region. The Survey of India with its Myanmar counterpart would carry out the survey and demarcation works for the fencing. Moreh and other parts of the international border would also be fenced. The centre is also considering construction of a parallel road along the entire length of Indo-Myanmar border as emphasized by the Planning Commission.
If the drug route in the borders is not properly curtailed, north eastern region could become a major illicit drugs transit point, UNDCP and INCB reports had warned. It also stated that true to its prediction on the report published in 2001, the states of NE especially Manipur and Nagaland are fast emerging to be an epicenter engaged in narcotics business. There is a direct correlation between proximity to the border and drug abuse, the UNDCP said. Drug flow through the boundary has fueled the rise of HIV/AIDS epidemic in the NE turning it into high-risk zones.

Myanmar, the country sharing its border with northeastern states of India has always been linked with high instances of drug abuses and its opium and heroin production ranks second in the world. The Northeastern States are located at a very strategic point since it shares 1,463 Kilometers border with Myanmar, which is vulnerable for being the identified routes for easy illicit trafficking. As of present only 52 km out of the 1,643 km stretch of international border with Myanmar is manned by Indian security forces.
The foremost route, which begins in Mandalay, split northwards to the Tamu-Moreh border crossing and the NH-39 acting as a spring board to Imphal (Manipur) then to Nagaland from where in it goes to Assam and is finally shipped to Kolkata and other parts of India.

Another direct route is the bordering area of Noklak and Tobu known as eastern Nagaland, which is unmanned and has been reported to be a silk route for the traffickers. The traffickers involved are found to be mostly either Manipuri or Nagas who seems to have found it a lucrative business despite the risk involved and the districts of Senapati and Ukhrul and the Sardar hills are reportedly into cultivation. Every day around 500 trucks ply through NH 39, the link route used by the traffickers and due to the impracticability to check every truck that passes through, it has become a highly accessible link route for trafficking.
Lack of sufficient manpower, improper co-ordination among agencies and state machineries to meet the challenge and the insensitivity of the people in recognizing the looming threat cropping up within the society make the passage easier for the traffickers.
Army cautions Manipur UG groups The Morung Express
Imphal, Sept 19 (NNN): Maj. Gen. EJ Kochekkan, GOC 57 Mountain Division today said the army would not allow extortion, kidnapping and other anti-social activities by the armed groups that signed a suspension of operation with the army. Talking to reporters including representatives from national media who were brought by the army on a two day tour to Manipur, the GOC said the army signed suspension of operations with 13 militant groups.
The groups are KNA, KNF (MC), ZDV, KNF (Z), United Socialist Revolutionary Army, KRA, UKLF, KNF (S), ZRA, KNF (P), KLA, HPC (D) and PULF. The agreement was signed on different dates, the army said. He said whenever the army received information that cadres of these are moving with arms they were apprehended. He also said that intervention by the army prevented extortion and kidnapping.
The GOC said the army regularly contacted the leaders of these groups to persuade them not to move with arms and carry out illegal activities. Citing a case he said that cadres of a Kuki group freed four truck drivers abducted by them a few days back. Responding to a question the GOC clarified that as of now there is no plan for Bhutan time joint operation of the India and Myanmar. He, however, added that the troops of both sides have been sharing information and having post level meetings regularly to check cross border smuggling of arms and drug.
The GOC said after army was inducted in Manipur in good strength in 2004 militants had been pushed out of so called liberated zones, which were under the control of the militant groups for the past many years. The GOC howver, said that the army has not been able to enter Somtal area along the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel districit because of inaccessibility of the area. Barring the area there are no more organized big militant camps in other parts of Manipur.
The army official expressed concern that militants entered Imphal areas from where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was withdrawn in 2004. He however said that whenever there is specific information of presence of militants the army carried out raids and nabbed them.
The army displayed IEDs neutralized by the army during the past two years. The GOC said so far the army could neutralize 331 IEDs. He said many villagers were killed and many of them were maimed when IEDs planted by militants exploded. The army is helping the victims by procuring artificial limbs for them.
Gen Kochekan rules out Bhutan type operation in Myanmar The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sep 19 : Major general E J Kochekan GOC, 57 Mountain Brigade today said that as of now there is no direction from higher authorities for conducting or planning a Bhutan type counter insurgency operation with Myanmar to curb the insurgency in Manipur.GOC was speaking at a press conference attended by a team of national media in Manipur who are here on a three days visit. He went to say that security forces have nothing to do with the enforcement of Armed Forces Special Power Act, AFSPA. The enforcement or non enforcement of the Act, according to the officer, is a state subject. However, he added army and security forces were used in places which have been declared disturbed by the state authority.

"In Manipur for counter insurgency operation, civil administration, army, paramilitary forces, intelligence networks are utilized."

Many places in the interior areas of Manipur, which was once declared liberated zones by the insurgents were now under the control of army as they were turn out from these areas, he said.

While stating this he cited the example of interior areas of Churchandpur district where hundreds of villagers fled away and took refuge in Mizoram but who have recently come back to their respective villages after the army flushed out the militants operating in the area. He also recalled that the interior areas like Thanlon, Tipaimukh etc. were once totally under the control of insurgents but now the Army has restored civil administration in these places, he claimed.

He also went on to say that army is not only engaged in counter insurgency operation but have also taken up various developmental works in many places as part of army civic action programme. The GOC also observed that the media in Manipur could not work of their own free will., "Their working is always disturbed by the insurgent groups in one way or other."

The GOC of the 57th Mountain division, Maj. Gen. EJ Kochekan has revealed that the army has suspended all operations against the Muslim UG group PULF and some other Kuki militants as per an agreement which could facilate for a dialogue with the government. The army is open to any group willing to enter in such agreement, he added. However, he made it clear that there will be no tolerence from the side of the army if the terms of the agreement are flouted by the UG`s.

Centre should be sincere: ULFA C-in-C By R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Sept 19 – The possibility of direct talks between the Government of India and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will depend on the sincerity of the Government, said the commander-in-chief of the outfit Paresh Baruah. In an interview with The Assam Tribune, conducted through e-mail, the ULFA commander in chief also termed the suspension of operations by the Government as a tactic to divert the attention from the main issue.

The following are the excerpts from the interview:

Assam Tribune: What is your comment on the ongoing peace process and are you hopeful of direct talks between the Government and the ULFA soon?

Paresh Baruah: So far, any “peace process” or “peace talks” with India Government has not resolved any conflict satisfactorily, be it Kashmir or our region. If these are the lessons, we are inclined to observe that India has not understood or is refusing to understand, the core issues of the conflicts in the region. As for direct talks between the ULFA and Indian Government, everything depends on the India Government’s sincere approach to the conflict.

AT: The Government is alleging that the ULFA is not serious on the issue of talks, while, on the other hand, the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) accused the Government for its failure to show sincerity. What are your comments?

PB: The ULFA is fighting for the legitimate national rights of Asom. Therefore, the ULFA is ready to hold direct talks any time if our national rights could be restored through such talks. So there is no question of lack of seriousness on the part of the ULFA. The PCG has rightly stated about India Government’s failure to show sincerity. So long as India Government refuses to respect the history of Asom and accepts the reality of the conflict, the direct talks will be delayed.

AT: What is your opinion on the pre-conditions imposed by the Government for the release of the five jailed central committee members of the ULFA? Is it possible for the ULFA to accept the pre-conditions?

PB: The ULFA did not demand the release of the five jailed central committee members. The Prime Minister of India personally gave an assurance to the PCG about the release of the jailed members. So the question of ULFA fulfilling India Government’s pre-conditions on the issue does not arise.

AT: What are your comments on the suspension of operations? Will it help in creating a congenial atmosphere for direct talks? (The Government of India suspended operations against the ULFA on August 13 and after two extensions, the suspension will come to an end on September 20)

PB: Unilateral suspension of operations by Indian occupation forces is a tactic to divert attention from the main issue.

AT: Would you like to comment on the Armys’ recent statement against the ULFA? (The Army recently issued a press statement accusing the ULFA of indulging in fake currency racket at the behest of the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence)

PB: These are all parts of the enemy propaganda to mislead the freedom loving people of Asom.

A golden chapter of freedom movement — Luna Bora Kalita Assam Tribune Editorial
The 20th of September 1942 is a red-letter day in the history of freedom movement in Asom. Influenced by Gandhiji’s call ‘do or die’ to save India the people of Asom also joined in the Quit India Movement of 1942. ‘Vande Mataram’ was the only slogan among the patriotic Indians irrespective of caste, creed and community. Along with the people of the country the people of Asom also played a heroic part in India’s struggle for freedom. No doubt in the long history of Asom throughout the ages and the role of Mulagabharu, Lachit Barphukan, Bir Chilarai, always inspired the people of Asom to fight and even to sacrifice their valuable lives for the motherland.

On August 9 under the presidentship of Abul Kalam Azad, the Congress Committee decided to hoist the tri-colour. So, the Congress Committee of Asom also made a State wide programme to hoist the tri-colour. The Darrang District Congress Committee (present Sonitpur district) organised a public meeting on September 14, 1942 in Bargaon Namghar near Dhekiajuli under the presidentship of Puspalata Das to discuss the hoisting of tri-colour in Dhekiajuli Thana.

The meeting was organised in the Namghar only to trick the district administration. In that meeting two volunteer groups were formed. One was protection group and the other was ‘Death Squad.’ It was decided to hoist the tri-colour on September 20, 1942 at Dhekiajuli Thana. A youth named Manbar Nath said that he would hoist the tri-colour at Dhekiajuli Thana and lead the people’s march from Thelamara to Dhekiajuli Thana. On the other hand to make the people morally down police arrested the leaders of this programme in the previous night. But the step taken by the administration to make the programme utter failure could not stop the people’s national spirit.

At last the much awaited day of September 20 came. It was a Sunday. Thousands of people gathered at Thelamara, 9 kilometres from Dhekiajuli. There could only be heard the sound of Vande Mataram. People from different communities, men and women and a few children also joined the march with their parents. On the other hand, in the Dhekiajuli Thana, the in-charge Mohidhar Borah plotted a different conspiracy to gag the people’s voice. When the Congress volunteers arrived in front of the Thana, they were stopped there and told to move forward by the Daroga. A heated argument took place between the leader of the march Kamala Das, and Thana I/C Mohidhar Borah. At that moment Manbar Nath entered inside Thana compound and hoisted the tri-colour. Already police used lathis to control the people and finally opened fire. And Manbar Nath took his last breath when a bullet hit him. Then Golok Neog came forward and tried to keep the tri-colour up. But his mother faced the bullet and she died. She was Kumali Devi. There was a small tributary towards the east of the Thana and a small bridge over it. With the help of hired miscreants police blocked the bridge with wire. When police opened fire people ran to and fro to save themselves. The miscreants even assaulted women and snatched their jewelleries. The Protection Group volunteer Ratan Kachari tried his level best till his last breath to save those women. He too embraced death for his country. There is a saying – history repeats itself. On September 20, 1942, the tragedy of Jaliwanwalabagh was repeated in Dhekiajuli. This incident turned this small town of Asom in to a holy place of martyrs. Sahityacharsay Atul Chandra Hazarika in one of his poems called Dhekiajuli a ‘Sahid Tirtha’. Thirteen people died in this incident and they were declared martyrs. But according to Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Commander of the ‘Seva Dal’ on that day, 23 people died at Dhekiajuli due to police firing. That day many people were injured. Some injured people were taken to Tezpur and some of them died later without any treatment. But their kith and kin feared to declare their names for police oppression. The great martyrs of September 20 were Manbar Nath, Kumali Devi, Khohuli Devi, Tileswari Baruah – a teenager, Ratan Kachari, Lerela Kachari, Sarunath Chutia, Mahidhar Koch, Dayaldas Panika, Mangal Kurku, Maniram Kachari, one monk and a beggar. Later Habang Kachari was declared as martyr by the AASU unit of Dhekiajuli. When the situation returned to normal Congress leader Bijoy Chandra Bhagawati collected authentic data about the whole incident. But somehow records disappeared from the Congress office. So, the Dhekiajuli martyrs were not recognised at national level. Now efforts are going on to establish the golden chapter of Dhekiajuli in freedom movement of India at the national level. We have got our Independence for the sacrifice of these people. The sacrifices of those martyrs of September 20, who came from economically backward classes should get proper recognition. On that same day Kanaklata Baruah and Mukunda Kakati lost their lives when they tried to hoist the tri-colour in Gohpur Thana.

KSO draws CM`s atention to the grievances of Kukis The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Sept-19: The Kuki Students Organisation-General Headquarters (KSO-GHq.) today submitted amemorandum to the chief minister of Manipur on insecure lives of the Kukis in Manipur and probing the integrity of the state government overthe Kukis`.

The memorandum signed by KSO-GHq. president Toghen Kipgen mentioned that the injustices have been continued towards the Kukis `challenging the right to live, cultural identity and customs` adding `which are the core of every human being`.

Citing past incidents, theKuki students body rued that several Kuki youths frequently fall prey to the hands of Manipur government machinery/police commandos.

Unlike in the past,there were incidents in which several cases of extra-judicial execution of the innocent lives of the Kukis have happened recently", it said. Further, KSO-GHq. said that even though all past cases of extra-judicial executions of innocent youths were settled under theKukis customary laws adding ` it is important to note that suchnightmares remains as an indelible wound in the minds of the Kukipeople`. KSO-GHq. then asserted that Kuki peoples have every rightto live as human being in this part of the country,and at the same time,wanted to know from the Manipur government the political and human rights status of the Kukis.