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09/23/2006: "Muivah leaves Bangkok Nagaland Post"
Muivah leaves Bangkok Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Sept 22: With the sudden turn of events following the military coup in Thailand led by Gen. Sondhi Boonyartkalin who overthrew the care taker government of Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra on Tuesday, the political talks between the Government of India with the NSCN(I-M) during the second week of October in Bangkok appears to be uncertain.
The reason, according to the Telegraph in its Friday issue was the unlikelihood of NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah getting visa extension to remain in Bangkok. The report by Bharat Bhushan said on earlier occasions, Muivah has been able, with Indian help, to stay on for up to six months in Thailand. In the midst of uncertainty over visa extension, the military coup drowned all hopes.
In an increasingly uncertain environment Muivah was suddenly forced to scramble for a visa to Europe. Muivah told the correspondent that political negotiations with Delhi was likely to be held in Europe. He reportedly refused to blame Delhi for not making it clear to the Thai authorities that his stay in Bangkok was necessary for the peace talks. "I believe that Delhi made things amply clear to Bangkok. But sometimes it is not easy to predict how a situation develops. India also has to go by the developments here."
GPRN Pangmi region condemns ‘Quit Notice’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Sept 22 (MExN): GPRN Pangmi Region has strongly condemned the ‘Quit Notice’ issued by the NSCN-K and termed the action as “mindless”. “The Pangmi Region, GPRN outrightly and strongly condemns such mindless act of serving ultimatum to a particular Naga community (Tangkhul) instead of preaching peace, unity and integrity among our Naga brethren; it is time for us to stand united and rule out our common enemies” stated a MIP/GPRN release issued by Tatar Major Rangba, Tatar Captain David Neng, Deoshe Matchen, CAO Pangmi Region and Lowang, Regional Secretary, Pangmi Region.
The Region stated that Nagas are already being arbitrarily divided by the Indian army and the Myanmar junta and that the people have been struggling tirelessly for unity integrity and oneness in spite of persecution and subjugation. “And we all know that we Nagas have been losing so many lives in the course of our freedom struggle. Why to fight among us and neglect one another. The Nagas will be Nagas regardless of the location we are divided and imposed to live but the blood affinity and identity will always remain the same to be known as ‘Nagas’” stated the Region.
“With reference to the ‘Quit Notice’ extended particularly focusing on the Pangmi region which reveals the political philosophy of Mr Khaplang, Mr P Tekhet and Mr Angkan. Such a timid headless leadership philosophy has no place in today’s fast-advancing society. The people of Pangmi have never vested our mandate upon them (Khaplang and his fellow followers). They have been ignored and are unknown to the people” asserted the release adding that the action is without the support of the people. The Pangmi Region declared that if any “undesirable or anti-Naga condition or situation” prevails and lead to loss of innocent lives within the Pangmi administrative region, “particularly by men of Khaplang – Messrs Tekhet and Angkan will be held solely responsible”.
The NSCN(I-M) condemns & laments- Nagaland Post
In cycle of terror tactics un-leased by Khaplang in Nagalim and especially at Dimapur designed with ulterior motives deserves censure by one and all.
With the overwhelming support from all sections of Nagas across Nagalim to the Indo-Naga political talks led by the NSCN/GPRN and the dialogue process gaining momentum the Naga adversaries have been restive. In their discomfort of possible solution to the vexed Indo-Naga issue, they have been waging disruptive activities to vitiate the conducive atmosphere. The excessive extortion demands upon business communities in the face of dire consequences; bomb threats on failure in fulfillment of the ransom have been the double edged weapon of these anti-social elements.
Either way round, if the demands are met, it is used for further terrorism sponsorships. If the high demands are not met, their weapon of threat continues till the victims are annihilated to cite as a model to the others the consequences of people who do not obey their dictates. Their terror tactics also serve as an instrument to spread fear and insecurity everywhere, thus disrupting all normal life and creating an atmosphere to dislodge the peace efforts.
Today, the Nagas are confronted with a blind and insensible antagonists with no sane reasoning out to create havoc and destruction at random, so that their mission to divide the Nagas, sow the seeds of distrust, hate, promote terrorism and to clog the path to all peaceful solutions reigns. Should we submit till it is eradicated from the face of our society? Let us not cow down to elements of terrorism but confront this scourge of evil with united force before it brings us further irreparable losses. The NSCN/GPRN will continue to defend the rights of its people to live in peace at whatever costs and appeals to the Naga people that we should not give in to the evils of terror and oppose outright against its design.
The GPRN also mourns the death of 5 (five) of its cadres i.e. namely sgt. Atovi sumi, S/o ..... of Sukhavi village, Lance Corpl Ningmachan Tangkhul s/o Wungchithung, Lance Corpl. Merademo Lotha S/o Zangthungo of Yumpang village, Lance corpl. Isaac Yimchunger S/o Joji Jangkuingro of New Showba village and Pte. Yarmishang Tangkhul S/o (L) Ngaitheng of Kochai village who were killed by the collaborators of our adversaries on 20 September 2006 at Old Chalkot. Their extreme Sacrifices in the defense of our national rights during the line of duty is hailed by one and all. The Nagas have been deprived in the loss of 5 (five) brave patriotic sons of our land who had given their all for our future. Their names will go down our history and be remembered through all generations.
The GPRN conveys our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray that the Almighty give solace to them at their hour of grief and rest the departed souls in peace.
Issued by MIP/GPRN, NSCN (IM)
Rival front worries NSF Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Sept 22:: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today said an anti-Nagalim group was planning to float a parallel students’ organisation with the aim of dislodging the Naga struggle...
The last meeting for the formation of the new body, the Nagaland Students Federation, was held at the Doyang hydro project site in Wokha, an NSF official said.
“There are some narrow-minded people in our society who are always trying to disintegrate our fragile society,” he said. The Nagaland Students’ Federation will be a threat to the NSF as well as to Naga society, he added.
The official, however, said no force could undermine the right of the Nagas and the federation would continue its struggle for the cause of the people. (The Telegraph)
Tangkhuls asked to leave Pfütsero Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has asked all "Tangkhuls" to leave Pfütsero Town and go to their respective homes on or before September 27.
Col. Sishu Thepa, commander 5 Bde, S/C, Naga Army, in a release alleged that the Tangkhuls had occupied Pfütsero since 2004 and were "interfering in the local affairs of the inhabitants in the guise of Naga nationalism." "It has to be understood that through terrorism Nagas can never be subjugated," he also added.
While stating that Nagas were a democratic and a Federal people he said "in Naga way of life we respect individual liberty and the autonomy of each other's regions".
Flush out hangs over UG camps Crack down awaits location identification at Myanmar and logistic support Laishram Shamungou Sangai Express
NEW DELHI, Sep 22 : Even as the recent Home Secretary level talk between India and Myanmar explored the possibility of cracking down on the camps of North East militants particularly of underground organisations from Manipur in the neighbouring country, an immediate flush out may be put on hold as such an operation can only be carried out after identifying the specific locations of the camps and the availability of logistics support.
Talking to The Sangai Express today, a Defence source said that though the two countries are keen to crack down on the camps of the militants in Myanmar, any operation will have to depend on intelligence inputs about the specific location of the camps as well as the availability of logistics support.
On the likely nature of the operation to be launched, the source said that a Bhutan like crack down on the ULFA camps will not be possible as Bhutan receives special treatment from India unlike Myanmar. Moreover India has an army training camp at Thimpu, added the source.
However India has been providing arms and extending co-operation to Myanmar on different issues, explained the source.
India shares a long border with Myanmar and at many points the border is porous, making it easy for militants and others to sneak across the border.
A Home Secretary level talk between the two countries was recently held to discuss many issues including the possibility of flushing out the militants holed up in Myanmar. Moreover a meeting at the Army chief level has also been held between India and Myanmar to discuss the presence militants there, added the source.
Other than seeking the co-operation of Myanmar to flush out the militants from its soil, the security forces in the North East will also be armed with the latest sophisticated weapons and will also utilise Unmanned Airborne Vehicle to track down UG camps, informed the source further.
Significantly, the service of the Indian Air Force was utilised in lifting troops during the operation launched at Churachand-pur district to drive out militants in the early part of this year.
On the steps taken up to bring the militant groups to the negotiating table, the source said that a number of Kuki militant groups are on the verge of starting a talk with the Government but added that some major groups of Manipur are yet to respond to the overtures of the Government.
The Centre has sent feelers to three major UG groups, but there has been no response so far, said the source and added that monetary help and ration are provided to militant groups engaged in talks with the Government.
On the other hand, 349 cases of human rights violation in the North East region were registered from 1994 till July 2006, said the source. On investigation it was found that 303 cases were false allegations while 28 cases were found to be genuine. Action has been taken up in another 63 cases, added the source.
NSCN (I-M) tops list of surrendered ultras From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Sept 22 – The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah) has topped the list of surrendered militants in Manipur while the People’s Liberation Army and United National Liberation Front occupied the second and third position respectively.
According to a written reply by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi during question hour in the State Assembly recently, altogether 62 NSCN(IM) activists have laid down their arms and surrendered to Manipur Government since 1990 till date, which was followed by PLA (59) and UNLF (58) cadres. The written reply also mentioned 29 bogus surrendered militants.
Thus, a total of 377 militants belonging to various underground outfits have surrendered to the State Government during the said period, out of which 173 surrendered ultras have been given appointment, 20 have deserted, 13 arrested but 30 have been killed.
Interestingly, 56 ex-militants were self-employed now as per the information provided by the Chief Minister while replying to a question by Patsoi Assembly constituency MLA, M Nabadwip.
Other surrendered militants include 42 of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, 41 of Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, 32 of Kangleipak Communist Party, 27 of People’sUnited Liberation Front, 15 of Islamic National Front, 10 of Kuki Liberation Army, five of North Eastern Minority Front, four each of United Kuki Liberation Front and Kuki National Army, three of Kuki National Front (Military council), two of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), one each of Kuki National Front (Zougam), Hmar People’s Convention (D) and Zomi Revolutionary Army.
It was also mentioned that 24 surrendered militants are still in rehabilitation camps while 14 others are awaiting rehabilitation, although 26 ex-ultras were released after their rehabilitation entitlements.
Mumbai Rape: Police get crucial leads, breakthrough likely by Saturday Kuknalim.com
MUMBAI, Sept 22:: The Malwani police investigating the gangrape of a 24-year-old Naga woman at a local resort have got some crucial leads to the identity of the prime accused. Senior officials said a breakthrough was likely in the case by Saturday...
The victim, an employee of a Juhu hotel, was lured with promises of landing a well-paying airline job. The prime accused, identified only as Raj by the woman, first took her to a Malad bar where he offered her drinks. Later, he led her to the Jurassic Park resort at Malwani, where an associate joined him. The two took turns to repeatedly rape the woman for over five hours.
The police have got Raj's mobile number from the victim. "We are tracking Raj's cellphone records and have talked to people he spoke to on the day of the incident," said a police officer. Using the mobile records, police have zeroed in on Raj's family in the suburbs and have questioned his 80-year-old mother and wife.
"He has been keeping away from home for a few days. We also suspect that he is a drug addict," said an officer. Police believe that Raj's arrest will also lead them to the co-accused.
The police are now planning to take stern action against guesthouses and lodges which have not been maintaining names and addresses of their patrons. Raj had not given his full name when he signed in at the resort.
Following a sensational murder case in a shack on Aksa beach last year, the police had laid out guidelines to be followed by resort and lodge owners. According to these, the patron is required to produce an identity card such as a driver's license or a PAN card to establish his/her identity. The resort owners are also supposed to note down the registration number of the vehicle used by the patron.
"The local police will prepare a report on defaulting lodges and submit it to the headquarters. The lodge owners could then be served a memo," said additional commissioner Tukaram Chavan.
Meanwhile, members of the close-knit Naga community have rallied around the victim.
The Naga Students' Federation in Kohima has asked the Maharashtra government to take appropriate action against the offenders. It demanded adequate security for outsiders living in Mumbai.
Condemning the incident, Rosemary Dzuvichu, an expert member from Nagaland in the National Commission for Women, said she would write to the State Women Commission of Maharastra. A senior Nagaland police officer has also sought details of the incident from Mumbai police.
Last year, the murder of Leishichon, a Naga girl from Manipur, at the Gateway of India had created considerable sensation in Nagaland. (TOI News)
Unity call echoes at Assam Manipuri meet Sangai Expres
IMPHAL, Sep 22: The call for unity echoed at the first anniversary celebration of the Assam Meitei Apunba Lup at its Lanka head office on September 17.
Speaking on the occasion, Yurembam Manihar exuded optimism that the disunity and fragmentation prevalent among Manipuris in Assam would be done away with and come under the Assam Apunba Lup as a unified entity, informed a statement issued by the Lup.
The anniversary function was presided by the president of the Lup Wangkhem Saratchandra while general secretary of Ethno Heritage Council, Imphal Ningombam Priyobarta and president of Kala Kristi Kendra, Lanka Huirem Dhirendra were the guests of honour, it said.
Thaoroijam Memi highlighted the plight of Manipuris in Assam as they did not have a single MLA to represent them in the Assam State assembly.
In his address, Priyobarta conveyed deep concern over the strained relationships and distrust among different indigenous peoples of the North East. He also took strong exception to some groups who have started claiming themselves as a nations since some years back, conveyed the statement.
Acknowledging the presence of large number Manipuris beyond the State boundary, he called upon all the Manipuris to unite together irrespective of where they live.
In his presidential speech, Wangkhem Saratchandra disclosed that there was no definite date regarding the number of Manipuri speaking people in Assam. The number of Manipuri speaking people was also not reflected in the Assam census report. As such, the Assam Meitei Apunba Lup has decided to undertake an economic survey and head count of the Manipuri speaking people in Manipur, he informed.
The survey work has been completed for some villages within and adjoining areas of Lanka municipal area, he mentioned.
While appealing to the people to support in the survey work, Saratchandra also asserted that Manipuris in Assam ought to take advantage of the proposed establishment of second chamber Legislative Council.
The observation further decided to hold the second Assam Meitei Convention in December/January at Sibsagar, upper Assam, informed the statement.
Naga Mysticism nagarealm.com [I. Ponghok Phom, DPRO, Tuensang (A DIPR Feature)]
Naga society being a tribal community, has close affinity to tradition and custom, nature and mysticism. Modern age and scientific ethos has come and are here to stay. Yet, due veneration is also accorded to such mystical symbols which is handed down through the generations. Such materials may be a piece of antique loaded with history or a symbol of blessing or curse. In the heart of Tuensang Town, there is one such phenomenon in the form of a 'Stone' which is believed to have brought immense blessing ever since the 'Stone' was discovered and kept at that home.
The genesis of this story dates back to the year 1995. Moa Meren, son of Jungshi Chang, Retd. SDO (Irri.) had gone for hunting towards Laktah jungle (Tuensang District) with his air gun. He saw a very peculiar "STONE" in the nearby stream. Coming back home, he reported to his father about the strange looking "STONE"
Next day, the father and son duo went to the particular spot to collect the 'Stone'. But to their amazement, disproportionate to its size, the 'Stone' was found to be much heavier for them to carry home. So, they hid the stone in a nearby bush.
The next day, they came back with enough sticky rice and pork to eat and three persons to carry the new discovery. Yet again to their surprise, the distance of just the usual two hours journey took them six long wearisome hours' journey on that day.
The mystery then started to unfold one after another. One prayerful woman dedicated the stone and revealed that the 'Stone' was older than the father of the person who found the 'Stone'. It was also believed that the 'Stone' was the protectorate of the nearby area.
Besides this 'Stone', around the same area, they found another smaller stone which has a strange mixture of normal stone and iron.
There were several occasions when the genuineness of the 'stone' was put to test in their day to day activities and to check whether it has brought good tidings. For eleven years now, this family has a testimony of eighty plus years old parents still going to paddy field, children and host of grandchildren who had experienced no death, no hospitalization but only good harvest and good returns; no domestic animal epidemics affected their household even when their neighbourhood suffered.
This is the story and mystery of the mystical 'Stone'. One good lesson from this Human-Stone honeymoon is that this family has decided to emulate the new blessed entrant into their family fold i.e. 'Stone' Humble and courageous, faithful and unflinching belief.
Centre yet to decide on next step From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 22 – With the ULFA declining to soften its stand, the Centre is taking its time to decide on the next course of action on the peace process. Even 48 hours after the expiry of the deadline for suspension of operation, the Centre today failed to take any decision. Yet, another of meeting was held at the South Block with National Security Adviser, MK Narayan at the chair. Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal, Intelligence Bureau officials besides army top brass took part in the meeting.
Later, an official spokesman of the Home Ministry told newsmen that no decision has been taken so far though discussions were held at the appropriate level. “A decision would be taken shortly,” he added.
The spokesman’s reaction came after a TV news channel reported that Delhi gave up on ULFA. “ New Delhi’s ceasefire with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom expired on Wednesday night with the Centre sticking to its stand to not take that extra step to the next stage of the peace process” it reported.
The peace initiative hit a roadblock after an intransigent ULFA and the inflexible Centre refused to relax their respective stands, it further said. The difficulty supposedly faced by the Central Government was on the account of the stiff opposition from various quarters including some ‘militant outfits of the North-east’ said Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami quoting the NSA.
Narayanan reportedly called her last evening to inform that the Centre was not able to take a decision because of tremendous oppositions. Army has already gone on record to say that it was opposed to the idea of further suspension of operations because of the attempts by ULFA to regroup.
Meanwhile, reacting to reports, sources in the Intelligence Bureau said that they have not opposed the Centre’s peace initiative nor was has it objected to extension of the suspension of operations.
The Centre unilaterally announced the suspension of operation on August 13 for 10 days, after which it was extended twice. The reluctance of the ULFA to produce a written commitment has led to toughening of stand by the Centre.
ULFA letter must for talks: National Security Adviser MK Naryaan informed Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami this evening that the Centre would insist on a letter fromthe ULFA to keep the peace process alive, even while taking into consideration further extension of suspensio nf Army operations in the State.
Arunachal to ensure Asom’s power needs: Apang From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 22 – While sticking with its opposition to the proposed North East Water Resources Authority (NEWRA), Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Gegong Apang today sought to clarify apprehensions by claiming that Asom’s concern would be addressed. The Chief Minister said that the Arunachal Pradesh Water Regulatory Authority set up by the State Government would ensure that neighbouring Asom’s needs ranging from power supply to irrigation would be taken care of. Asom along with other North Eastern States had fully endorsed the proposal to set an autonomous authority, initially proposed by the Prime Minister.
The proposal being pursued by the Union Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) is currently in a limbo after Arunachal Pradesh resisted the idea. The State Assembly later adopted a private member Bill and constituted the Water Regulatory Authority. Apang today hinted that the ambitious NEWRA might have to be shelved for good.
“But all of Asom’s requirement would be met under the new arrangement,” he added in the same breath.
The Chief Minister along with Union Power Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde was addressing a press conference here today, after signing three MoUs with NHPC, NTPC and NEEPCO paving the way for development of hydroelectric projects to the tune of 15,000 MW, at Itanagar yesterday..
Much importance has been attached to the signing of the MoUs because it is the outcome of intense negotiations between the Union Power Ministry and Arunachal Pradesh Government. The two-year stalemate was broken in July after Ministry of Power finally managed to convince the State Government about the advantages of doing business with Central PSUs.
Even as negotiations were going on to break the deadlock, Arunachal Pradesh went ahead and signed MoUs with three private companies for construction of five power projects tying up 4,800 MW. Reports have it that Detailed Project Reports prepared by NHPC were hijacked and used by the private companies.
The Union Power Minister today warned that fully cost incurred by the PSUs for preparation of the DPRs would be extracted from the private companies, if they use the same DPRs. The three private power developers included Jaiprakash Group, D.S.Construction and Reliance Energy.
Apang, however, maintained that the State stood to gain much from the MoU signed with the three private players. The State has been given up to 19 percent of free power, besides share in the equity and royalty, a guarantee to develop the local area and employment opportunity for the locals.
On the other hand, the three Central PSUs have offered 12 percent of free power to the State, one paise per unit for local area development and employment of opportunity for local people. The State’s exchequer would be richer by about Rs 1,254.89 crore from the deal with the three PSUs.
But the State’s ambitious plans hit a road block, when it realised that the infrastructure facilities like transmission lines to wheel out power from Arunachal Pradesh to the regional and national grid was with the Central PSU Power Grid. Apang now plans to make a plea to the Prime Minister and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi to ensure development of the transmission lines to wheel out the surplus power.
Earlier, Shinde said that the State has a huge availability of power estimated at 50,000 MW, while the State Government has so far managed to harness only 416 MW. Another 4500 MW is under construction. Even the agreement to generate 15,000 MW of power, is only half of the full potential.
The Chief Minister has not given up as yet on tying up with private players and replying to a question, he said that he would do what was best for the State.
The three PSUs would develop seven power projects totalling 10230 MW. The State has signed two MoUs for NHPC for Tawang I and II, besides 3000 MW Dibang Valley Multi-purpose project in joint venture with the State Government. NEEPCO is going to develop Kameng-I and Pareh, while NTPC would develop Etalin and Attnli hydroelectric projects.
The Chief Minister further added that the proposal was at its nascent stage and he was going to discuss it with the Chief Minister of Delhi, Prime Minister and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi at the Congress Chief Minister’s meet in Nainital.
Unabated influx– a grave threat to North East — Dr Niva Bhagawati Assam Tribune
The allegation of Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh on July 14, 2006 that the July 11 serial blasts in Mumbai had been the handwork of terrorists who were instigated, inspired and supported by elements across the border has assumed significance. Meanwhile, Pakistan outrightly denied this as ‘unsubstantiated allegation and declared that Mumbai train bombers had not got any support from across the border. Obviously, the solemn promise of Pakistan President Musharaff in the Vajpayee– Musharaff communique in January, 2004 and his assurance on July 31, 2005 not to allow Pakistan’s territory to be used to promote, encourage, aid and abet terrorism is absolutely ridiculous. That the anti-India terror groups exist in Pakistan and they are operating against India is also confirmed by US sources.
Terrorism is the very antithesis of democracy and its eradication need not be halted in the name of respect for human rights of the perpetrators of the crime. It is creditable that our former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, after the victory of Kargil in 1999, firmly resolved not to buckle under US pressure on cease-fire before clearing each and every inch of the country’s soil. His declaration not to compromise with terrorism is followed by present Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh as well through his pronouncement that India would not compromise with these elements that undermine its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Today the entire world is facing the heat of terrorism which emerged as a major challenge to the modern civil society the world over and everybody knows that the greatest threat to world peace emanates from Islamic fundamentalists. The essence of Islamic religion is love, peace and brotherhood. However, in the name of purity of religion, the fundamentalists, with a sinister design have been spreading their tentacles in the form of ‘jehad’.
In fact India is facing the scourge of terrorism for the last two decades which has presently assumed dangerous dimensions. No other country in the world has waged such a long relentless struggle against terrorism as India does where thousands of innocent civilians and security men have fallen victims of terrorism till date.
The July 11 bomb blasts and the responsibility claimed by Lashkar-e-Qahhar, an outfit associated with Al-Qaeda and Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and their threat to carry out more attackes have alarmed the entire country. As per sources these fundamentalist forces have received substantial amount of funds from other countries to strengthen their base against India. The Defence Minister’s announcement in the Loka Sabha on July 30, 2006 that the terrorist activities have been taken seriously by the Government of India is a proper one at this point of time. Howver, on this extremley important issue of natonal security what appropriate measure have been formulated and what urgent and hasty action will be taken by the government are still obscure.
What is more alarming is the situation of India’s North East which is ominously pathetic. For decades, the entire north eastern has been a victim of tension and turmoil, seething with secessionism, militancy,and insurgency, bred by a sense of alienaton, deprivation and neglect. The greatest peril now faced by the region, particularly Asom, is explosion in population and militancy in the wake of influx of unabated immigrants from Bangladesh.
The former Governor of Asom Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha in his invaluable report submitted to the President of India on November 8, 1998 highlighted the dangers arising out of this continuous influx posing a grave danger to the identity of the Asomiya people and security and integrity of the country which had failed to receive the attention it deserves fromthe Union and State Government.
What is most alarming is that the continuous influx has also given rise to a number of fundamentalist forces basically for defending the interest of Bangladeshi migrants. TC Rajeswar Rao, former Governor of West Bengal, reported that organisations like Muslim Liberation Tigers, Muslim Liberation Force etc.have been formed announcing their objective of crating an independent Islamic State in Asom. These organisations have given the ISI of Pakistan and other international fundamentalist forces a solid base to destabilise the country. The ISI has been helping various militant outfits, including the ULFA, by way of training and providing sophisticated arms. At least fourteen fundamentalists outfits are active in Asom and they are involved in anti-national activities. These fundamentalist outfits active in the State are also maintaining close ties with the outfits active in Kashmir and they received substantial amount of fund from other countries to strengthen their bases. Surprisingly the State an the Central Government did not take any concrete step to stop them.
Omkareswar Pandey, in his recently published book Terror in the Valley of Kargil has revealed that after its failure in Kashmir, Pakistan is now attempting to separate the entire North East from the rest of the country by cutting off the “Chicken’s Neck’, the narrow zone between Srirampur (Asom) and New Jalpaiguri (North Bengal), in pursuance of the policy laid down by the deposed Prme Miniser, Nawaz Sharif who is reported to have planned several fronts similar to Kargil. To that end several training camps have been organised under ISI in the North and West Bengal and North-East. Apparently the entire area is threatened by massive Bangladeshi infiltrators, under the patronage of ISI. This had the backing even of pro-India Bangladesh President Mujibur Rahman, who had his eyes on Asom when he said, “Eastern Bengal must have sufficient land for a huge population and Asom will give it a full scope for expansion because Asom has abundant forests, mineral resources, coal, petroleum etc. No wonder therefore, that the present intellectuals of Dacca invoking the theory of labensraum or heaven for the Muslims sought to create an independent “Banglabhumi” comprising Asom, Bengal and Bihar.
To aggravate the situation the attitude of the immigrants under went a radical change with their growing influences as “vote bank”. Apparently the prospect of solution of the problem of illegal migration at present is extremely a bleak perhaps because of Parliamentary arithmetic. It is quite needless to say that if the influx of immigrants remains unabated it would be only a question of time when theindigenous ethnic groups of Asom will be alien in their own land. Time is running out. In view of the unabated influx of illegal migrants and ever increasing activities of the Islamic fundamentalists backed by the ISI of Pakistan, unless urgent action is taken, the very identity of the Asomiya people will be lost to posterity.
Dutch diplomat drops mask, curses Delhi Nilova Roy Chaudhury
New Delhi, The Dutch cannot seem to stay away from the Indian spotlight even if it is for all the wrong reasons. Just weeks after they created turbulence by suspecting some fidgety garment exporters as terrorists, a Dutch diplomat touched the nether regions of diplomacy as he shot his mouth off on New Delhi – "a garbage dump" where "people are a darn nuisance".
Arnold Parzer, the most senior diplomat after the ambassador and his deputy at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi, recently told Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad about the Capital: "Anything that can go wrong, does go wrong; everyone interferes with everyone else; the people are a darn nuisance; the climate is hell; the city a garbage dump." He also said, "New Delhi is the most miserable place I have ever lived in."
Parzer, 63, who has been the counsellor for agriculture for the past three years, is reportedly in the doghouse for his comments. Shashi U Tripathi, secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said the remarks were "in bad taste". Another official said, "You do not trash your host country in the press."
After the interview appeared on September 9, the Indian embassy in The Hague sent its translated copy to the MEA, seeking redress. When the joint secretary (Europe-West) summoned Dutch Ambassador Eric Niehe to the South Block, the latter said he had "taken the officer to task".
Hans Schutte, a spokesman for the Dutch Embassy, told HT on Thursday, "The statements in question do not in any way reflect the opinion of the Netherlands government."
Since Parzer completes his tenure next month, the MEA has decided not to issue a demarche.
