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09/24/2006: "Muivah for joint panel of experts Bharat Bhushan Bangkok"
Muivah for joint panel of experts Bharat Bhushan Bangkok The Morung Express Courtesy: The Telegraph
Even as he looks for a European shelter to carry on his negotiations with the Centre, NSCN (I-M) leader Thuingaleng Muivah does not want the momentum of the peace process to flag.
Having agreed to find a solution consistent with the “fundamental principles and framework of the Indian Constitution”, Muivah has now suggested to the Indian negotiators that they jointly set up a committee of legal experts to take the process forward.
“We have proposed that a committee, with legal and other experts nominated by both sides, should go into the details of analysing the Constitution and the sharing of competencies between the Indian government and the Nagas. It will report to the joint negotiating team, whose decision would be final,” Muivah said, elaborating on his proposal.
However, Delhi might be reluctant to go ahead with such a committee at this stage as it is not sure what Muivah means by accepting the fundamental principles and framework of the Indian Constitution. While not ruling out a separate Naga constitution at this stage, Delhi would perhaps like Muivah to say unequivocally that the acceptance of the Indian Constitution means that its principles and structure can accommodate the rights and aspirations of the Nagas. Muivah, however, has a different interpretation. And therein lies the gap between the two positions.
Muivah’s view is: “While the Nagas would have a separate constitution, it would be consistent with the fundamental principles and framework of the Constitution, wherever possible. What we are willing to accept is that the political and constitutional system of the Nagas would be similar to and consistent with India’s. The two constitutions would also be similar and consistent. This is what I mean by saying that we do not accept the Indian Constitution per se.”
However, Muivah has also agreed that the Naga Constitution would be formulated only after an agreement on the division of competencies — subjects of governance (competencies) with the Nagas, with Delhi, and those to be governed jointly. If the contents of the Naga constitution were yet to be decided, how could anything be said definitively about its shape and contours?
“It is true that at this stage, we cannot say what the shape of the Naga Constitution would be. But it is clear that we want a system that is democratic and broadly consistent with India’s political and constitutional system. We will have a system which accepts political institutions such as Parliament, the Election Commission, the comptroller and auditor-general, the Supreme Court, the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission. But remember, these institutions will be a part of our Constitution, separate from the Indian Constitution,” he added by way of explanation. Instead of generating confidence in Delhi for going ahead with a settlement, such an explanation may, in fact, force a serious rethink. Because Muivah also says: “Do not interpret this to mean that we are becoming a part of the Indian system or the Indian Union — only that we will seek to promote consistencies rather than divergence.”
The Naga apprehension — if that is what it is — perhaps relates to the Indian Constitution’s frequent amendments. Their rights, enshrined in the Constitution, might be eroded over time, as the people of Jammu and Kashmir have claimed in their case. “The Kashmiris have their own history. Our attempt is to reach a settlement which would be permanent — it shouldn’t be a case of here today and gone tomorrow,” the Naga leader said.
Muivah, while reluctant to dilute his position, also indicated a way forward. “If the guarantees of Naga rights and aspirations are embedded both in the Indian Constitution and the Naga Constitution with a federal relationship between the two, the debate about who is accepting which framework becomes irrelevant. We should use the genius of our two people to work out such a new legal and constitutional framework of our relationship,” he added.
We are all equally responsible for Naga mess: Tongmeth The Morung Express
Dimapur, Sept 23 (MExN): Strongly cautioning against ‘burning the whole house down to kill a mouse’ NSCN-IM education Kilonser Tongmeth Wangnao conceded that “we are all equally responsible for what we are today” and that unity is a must. He also urged young and educated Naga “new comers” to “help their leaders in realizing their past limitations”.
Stating to be his second write-up only, in his twenty years of national service, Kilonser Tongmeth was virtually objective in his views on the present Naga political issue.
“I am proud for not making habit of cursing someone for my own failure or our own failure as such I don’t want to blame anyone for today’s mess among ourselves for we are all equally responsible for what we are today” Tongmeth asserted in a statement received here. He shared his observation on “the few events” which, he said, may be attributed for the loss of many precious lives.
“As I wrote first in my first statement I was so optimistic in finding the four Naga great leaders like Chairman Isak, Vice Chairman Khaplang, General Secretary Th. Muivah and C-in-C Kohli making the Naga political movement alive in a very successful manner. But to my dismay I also found some setbacks exists among them, for example greed, jealousy, power monger (sic) and all misunderstanding” he maintained.
Kilonser Tongmeth cited an instance: During 1981-82, there was a “big contention” between Pangmi region and the Konyak region over the issue of Chuyang area. “As honest as they were Chairman Isak and Secretary Muivah said that the area belongs to Konyak. Anyway to make Khaplang comfort the area between Chanlem and Loyi was kept under central control. Since there was no other way out, Khaplang retreated and got sober. But his habit of over ambition continued to dominate his mind and as such he was looking for a chance to avenge in anyway any time” according to Tongmeth.
As for C-in-C Kohli, Tongmeth held this view: “As for C-in-C Kohli he did not plan to overthrow the leadership of Chairman Isak and secretary Muivah. Had he think that way, he could have done it secretly and easily. How can a man who saved their lives dare overthrowing or killing them? His main aim was to show his unhappiness with the then 2nd BN commander Major Haw for his disobedience towards C-in-C. His small mistake was he did not realize the danger of calling back some army officers with arms to him.” Tongmeth further stated that a letter from Khaplang reached Kohli saying “Apna Khong othia tu dhik ase, manu aru pundok julte pothaipi”. “Many co-workers not only Tangkhuls but Pangmis led by Chaplee Kilonser late Hanong and Capt. Longmi, Konyaks led by Dy Kilonser Peyau and Sgt Lanu Phom were killed. Since then the killing is on and on and up till today. Unity which is a must may not come by beating on the bush but by making clear the causes which led to the split on the one hand and by having clear-cut vision on how to go about in solving the long-pending Indo-Naga political problems on the other”.
Tongmeth urged young, educated “new comers” to ‘try’ to help the leaders in realizing their “past mistakes” to built a strong Naga society for the people to live in dignity, adding that “we should not burnt the whole house in order to kill a small mouse.”
NSCN-IM condemn ‘disruptive activities’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Sept 23 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has condemned what it termed “the terror tactics unleashed by Khaplang in Nagalim and especially at Dimapur designed with ulterior motives.”
“In cycle of terror tactics unleashed by Khaplang in Nagalim and especially at Dimapur designed with ulterior motives deserves censure by one and all; with our 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” stated a GPRN/MIP release. The NSCN-IM maintained that in “their discomfort of a possible solution” to the Indo-Naga issue, the rival faction is waging distributive activities to vitiate the “calm atmosphere”.
“The excessive extortion demand upon business communities in the face of ransom has been the double-edged weapon of these anti-social elements. Either way around if the demand are met, it is used for further terrorism sponsorship” stated the NSCN-IM adding that failure to meet the demands result in annihilation of victims to be a “model to others… who do not obey their dictates.” The NSCN-IM stated that these terror-tactics also serve as instruments to spread fear and insecurity everywhere thus disrupting all normal life and creating an atmosphere to dislodge the peace effort.
“Today the Nagas are confronted with a blind and insensible antagonist with no sane reasoning but 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 solution, reigns” stated the release. “Should we submit ourselves to the menace of terror or should we stand unitedly and fight against it till it is eradicated from the face of our society? Let us not cow down to elements of terrorism but unitedly confront this scourge of evil before it brings to us further irreparable losses” stated the release.
Statement- by Mr. Tongmeth Wangnao, Kilonser, Minister of Education, GPRN, NSCN (IM).
This is the second statement I am writing during my twenty years of national service. I am proud for not making habit of cursing some one for my own failure or our own failure. As such I don't want to blame anyone for today’s mess among ourselves for we are all equally responsible for what we are today. However a bit of whatever I have witnessed need to be said so that a clear cut history and bright vision for the new generation is kept unwavered.
Joined in Jan. 1987, I looked back on the preceded years and found some few events which may be attributed for the losses of many precious lives. As I wrote in my first statement, I was so optimistic in finding the four Naga great leaders such as: Chairman Isak, Vice Chairman Khaplang, Gen. Secy. Th Muivah and C-in-C Kohli making the Naga political movement alive in a very successful manner. But to my dismay, I also found some setbacks existing among them, for example, greed, jealousy, power monger and all misundersting.
To cite an example: during 1981 - 82 there was a big contention between Pangmi region and Konyak region over the issue of Chuyang area. As honest as they were, Chairman Isak and secy. Muivah said that the area belongs to Konyak. Anyway to comfort Khaplang the area between Chanlem and Loyi was kept under central control. Since there was no other way out Khaplang retreated and got sober. But his over ambitious habit continued to dominate his mind and as such he was looking for a chance to avenge in anyway at anytime.
As for C-in-C Kohli he did not plan to overthrow the leadership of Chairman Isak and Secy. Muivah. Had he thought that way he could have done it secretly and easily. How can a man who saved their lives dare overthrow or kill them. His sole aim was to show his unhappiness with the then 2nd BN commander Maj. Haw for his disobedience towards C-in-C. His small mistake was, he did not realise the danger of calling back some army officers with arms to him. I kept on requesting Kohli not to take arms against co-workers to which he started studying. The request made by one junior almost went with the wind when a letter came from Khaplang reached kohli saying, "Apuni khong uthia to thik ase, manu aru bandok joldi potha bi". Many co-workers, not only Tangkhuls but Pangmis led by Chaplee kilonser late Hanong and Capt Longmi, Konyaks led by Dy. Kilonser Peyau and Sgt. Lanu Phom were killed. Since then the killing is on and on and on till today.
Unity which is a must, may not come by beating on the bush but by making clear, the causes which led to the split on one hand and by having clear cut vision on how to go about in solving the long pending Indo-Naga political problems on the other. It is my request that we the young, educated new comers should try to help the leaders realize their past limitations and to built a strong Naga society on which we and our sons and daughters can live together with dignity. But taking undue advantages out of their mistake and thereby getting recognition from some wealthy but vested Naga electionists and non Nagas all around may rather make the thing up side down. We should not burnt the whole house in order to kill a small mouse.
Mr. Tongmeth Wangnao, Kilonser, Minister of Education, GPRN, NSCN (IM).
NBCC to launch movement Nagarealm.com
Dimapur [NPN] : In an effort to confront "monsters" such as : corruption, extortion, factional rivalries and killings, the Nagaland Baptist Church (NBCC) through its Peace Affairs will launch the "Healing and Reconciliation Movement" on September 29 at 9 am at Christian Higher Secondary School at Dimapur. According to NBCC Director, Peace Affairs, Rev. L. Kari Longchar, the objective of the movement is to save Naga society from impending doom by changing the situation through a spiritual movement that is contained in "The Nagaland Baptist Church Council's Proposal for Healing and Reconciliation of the Naga People".
Rev.Kair has appealed to all churches, hohos, civil societies and peace-loving citizens to grace the occasion on September 29.
"NBCC's intention and prayer is that an honest conversation may gradually start in our society as a result of our people responding to the points made in the booklet leading to the truth and the facts being established."
The NBCC has called upon all Nagas to show fearless love of truth, maturity and responsibility in their response so that the Naga society could be built on a foundation of healing, reconciliation and real freedom.
NSCN (IM)`s threat over godown tax forces 11 goods trucks back to Guwahati The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Sept 23: NSCN (IM)`s threat to truckers not to proceed to Imphal until their godown taxes are paid has forced at least 11 goods trucks to return to Guhawati with their loads.
The said trucks were among the 52 trucks transporting goods for state PWD, PHED and Manipur Police Housing Cooperation which were stranded on the way from Khakati in Assam to Senapati along the NH-39 after receiving threats from the outfit NSCN (IM). These trucks have remained stranded since the first week of this current month.
The said trucks were transporting construction materials like iron bar, cement etc. from Gauhwati and Burnihat factory, Meghalaya. They have been stranded at various places along the stretch of NH-39 from Khatkati of Assam to Senapati of Manipur.
Reports received here at Imphal said that today 11 trucks turned back to their originating points as they were reportedly threatened of dire consequences if they happen to cross Dimapur gate for their further journey to Imphal. They have been parking at various locations on the Assam side of the state`s border with Nagaland after reaching there with the goods items for Imphal.
However, 41 trucks, which were on the way from Dimapur to Senapati (Nagaland and Manipur section of NH-39), had proceeded to Imphal after getting a green signal from the outfit to proceed to Imphal, according to a report.
But on what ground these trucks were allow to proceed was not clear, however highly reliable source assumed that NSCN (IM) may have received some amount as a part of their godown tax.
Sources said that the prohibition on the further movement of the trucks related to the NCSN (IM)`s demand for payment of Rs. 14 lakhs each by the three departments as godown tax to the outfit. The demand is above the various taxes imposed to the truckers and goods owners annually, as well as per trip by the outfit. Mention may be made that there were also reports of unloading of the goods items from at least four trucks midway by the cadres of the NSCN (IM). One driver of a truck was also beaten up by miscreants suspected to be NSCN (IM) at Dimapur recently.
The injured driver was identified as Padam Prashad, 45, of Karong of Senapati district. He had fracture at his left leg and received injuries at thigh, arms etc. He was the driver of the truck AS 01Z-9491 belonging to a person hailing from Senapati. His vehicle was reportedly forced to halt at Kher mile of Dimapur for around ten days and forcibly unloaded and the goods taken away.
In the meantime, KNA, KNF, ZNRF etc have also started pressurizing the truckers plying along the natioanl highway to pay them godown tax, according to some truckers. They were demanding money ranging from Rs. 3000 to 2000 from the owners of goods which are in the godowns located in Sapermaina and Kangpokpi area.
Militant organization bans crude exploration in Nagaland Telugu Portal
Guwahati, Sep 24 (IANS) The S.S. Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) Sunday banned the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) from carrying out any exploration work in the northeastern state of Nagaland.
"We shall not allow the ONGC to extract oil or carry out other exploratory works in Nagaland with immediate effect," NSCN-K spokesman Kughalo Mulatonu told IANS by telephone from an undisclosed location.
Nagaland is virtually sitting on a multi-million dollar oil reserve with rough estimates indicating that the state has the potential to yield some 600 million tonnes of petroleum.
"The government of India must treat the NSCN faction led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah as terrorist organisation or else the ban on the ONGC would remain," the rebel leader said. The two NSCN factions are engaged in a bitter fratricidal war over territorial supremacy since their split in 1988. The NSCN-K accuses the rival faction of banning ONGC's operation in 1994 and selling all their equipment.
"Let the Indian government file a lawsuit against the NSCN-IM for the loss incurred by the ONGC. We want ONGC to come and work here so that our people get employment. But then we want the government to first book the NSCN-IM and until such time the ban on the ONGC would continue," Mulatonu said. The ban comes after the Nagaland government recently assured the ONGC of all support and security cover to resume operations in the state.
The ONGC, India's leading oil exploration firm, were forced to withdraw from Nagaland in 1994 after threats from the NSCN-IM and other tribal bodies. ONGC had earlier carried out exploratory works in Nagaland's Wokha district and now plans to work in Mon and Dimapur districts. There is no immediate reaction from the ONGC on the NSCN-K ban.
The NSCN-IM too welcomed the Nagaland government's decision to allow the ONGC to resume operations saying the state want to become self-reliant.
A Trip to Phaibung Khullen Village By: Nehemiah Rong Sangai Express
Taking a rickety ride from NH-39 (Tadubi Town) to Phaibung Khullen, one comes across the vast natural vegetation, sees blue hills, the serpentine like streams, and the view of bordering Poumai Naga Villages located in the present Nagaland State. Journeying through the shaky road one sees, ‘the border that divides the brothers’ for instance the Zhaimai(Liyai) in Senapati District Manipur and Zhavamai Village in Phek District Nagaland State. These two villages belong to Poumai Naga Tribe as of now they are living in a divided world in terms of physical boundaries but they by Manipur and Nagland State Boundaries but people are very attached in tradition and cultural heritage have shared sense of common history. Also one gets a body shaky type of experience when the vehicle do a peacock dancing in the rain due to the slippery mud on the road that leads from Tadubi to Phaibung Khullen Village. One comes across the green cabbage farms of Tungjoy and Liyai people. The tall stone monoliths on the roadsides are amusing to watch while one is on the ride.
Zhifiimai (Phaibung Khullen) Village is one of the biggest villages in Poumai Naga tribe. It is surrounded by the Blue Mountains, cool streams with an open view of Mt.Saramati in the clear sky. Standing village stone elevated place, one sees the Naga Tangkhul villages and other Poumai Naga Villages. It falls under Chilivai Poumai Area. It is blessed with rich natural vegetation and the Iril River passing through the valley provides a source of livelihood to cultivate paddy. Like other Naga villages, Zhifiimai is an agrarian type of economy with popular profession of making rain shield (Heih) with Palm Leaves and making of Salt from the brine (popularly known as Pou Taei) during the olden days when the modern rain coats, umbrella were unknown and the common salt was not yet heard of.
Apart from terrace cultivation, the villagers, pursued making rain shield (Heih) weaved out of palm leaves. In their leisure time people would go out and collect the leaves and dried in the sun and would weave them in to rain shield of various shapes and sizes. Telling folk tales, singing folk songs, celebrating customary festivals, observing gennas, performing various feasts etc. traveling for trade and commerce were part of the old Nagas way of life. Heih was used as spreadsheet to let newborn babies lie down in olden days. It was also used as rain and sun shield. Before the modern dresses were introduced, people used heih as clothing to protect themselves from the bites and stings of various insects and flies. Zhifiimai used Heih (Palm leaves) for stone erection during the feast of Merit, without it, the rites and rituals of the feast cannot be completed. In drought period, Heih was mainly used to perform rituals to invoke the spirit to send rain. Heih(Palm leaves) was also used for healing disease more particularly to the disease, which the villagers believed to be caused by the smell of common salt, locally known as salt’s disease. However with the dawn of modernity, the usage of Heih is lessening.
The morung system is being practicing in this village where the senior female group come and sleep in their common dormitory. The folk songs and dances are still alive, both young and old are keen in preserving them. The traditional Naga houses with thatch roofing are still found giving a real taste the past life. If one wants to be home with the past to feel like one, Phaibung Khullen village is the one among others where one can visit. The erected stones in the entrance way welcome the traveler. Phaibung Khullen village is a zero-point-base of the around 90 Kms long Senapati-Phaibung road which is being under construction and the work taken up by the BRTF. The road once constructed, can give a lifeline to many of the remote rural tribal people living in present Senapati District. The rich cultural heritage of Phabung Khullen Village needs to preserve and promote well amidst the threats by the rapid modernization in every front be it in socio-economic and cultural ways. The old trade of making the rain shield (Heih) can be revived not only for the sake of preservation of the old but also to add boon for the family small scale business in modern ways following the modern means by seeking the experts knowledge and ideas. Each place has its own beauty and Phaibung Khullen has it too. Folks if sitting in crowded city/town becomes lifeless why don’t you just take a thrilling ride through the country roads and be there in the country side and enjoy the nature and listening to folks songs and dancing to the tune of the birds chirping in the moonlit night. At the end of the day you will just forget the bones breaking, breath taking rides on the muddy-slippery-shaky country road that takes you home by the warmness, hospitality and generosity the country folks offer to you. Or you will rue over the dilapidated states of country road. I also bet that you will have ‘one wish’ to come back again and visit the place after seeing the humble folks dropping you and waving their hands and wishing you ‘Bond Voyage’ with a request ‘Do Come to our Land again.’
Manipur most disturbed State in NE’ Assam Tribune
NAINITAL, Sept 23 – Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh today said in the Northeastern States while violence levels have fallen as compared to past years, the region “remains trouble-prone”.
He said Manipur “remains currently the most disturbed” with almost 40 per cent of all violent incidents reported from this region emanating from this State.
He attributed one of the reasons for this to the “growing divide” between the Nagas and Kukis in the Hill districts and the Meiteis in the plains. – PTI
Military operations resume against ULFA By IANS Sunday September 24, Guwahati, Sep 24 (IANS) Military operations against the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) resumed Sunday in the northeastern state of Assam after the central government called off a 40-day ceasefire Wednesday, threatening a fragile peace process in the region, officials said.
An Assam government spokesman said soldiers of the Dinjan based 2nd Mountain Division in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district began anti-insurgency operations after the rebels killed a tea planter and a policeman in stepped up attacks and large-scale extortion drive over the weekend.
'The central government has decided to call off the truce and resume military operations against the ULFA in view of the stepped up attacks and extortion drive by the rebels,' Assam Chief Secretary S.K. Kabilan told IANS.
He said the army has resumed operations in some parts of the state. There is no immediate reaction available from the ULFA.
New Delhi on Aug 13 announced suspension of military operations against the ULFA for 10 days to facilitate holding direct peace talks with the rebel leadership. The ceasefire was extended thrice and expired last Wednesday.
The ULFA too reciprocated the government's 'goodwill gesture' by announcing cessation of hostilities for an indefinite period.
Holding of direct peace talks between the ULFA leadership and government peace negotiators were, however, deadlocked with the central government seeking a formal letter from the outfit stating that it was ready for direct talks, name the outfit's negotiating team members and specify timeframe for the dialogue.
The ULFA maintains that the outfit was not in a position to take a decision and write a letter to the government without their five central committee leaders who are currently in jail and hence insisting on their release first.
'This is a real setback for the peace process and the government gave the ULFA enough opportunity to prove their sincerity. But the rebels frustrated the government by negating their gestures,' Arindam Nath, a retired schoolteacher said.
ULFA losing support: PM Nagaland Post
NAINITAL, SEPT 23 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today blamed ULFA leaders based outside the country of prolonging the conflict in Assam.Singh said the outlawed ULFA was losing support at the local level in Assam while sporadic incidents of violence continued in other states of the region.
"The ULFA faces a dilemma of declining support and morale within Assam and hence a desire on the part of local leaders to hold talks with the government -- as against intransigence displayed by their leaders outside, who remain intent on persisting with violent conflict," he said. Violence in the northeastern states on the whole had gone down, when compared to past years, Singh said.
"Manipur remains currently the most disturbed -- during the past year, almost 40 per cent of all violent incidents reported from the region were from Manipur. The growing divide between the Nagas and Kukis in the hill district and the Meiteis in the plains is one reason for this," he said.
Observing that the writ of the state government was limited, he said it has become obvious that in dealing with the problems of peripheral states, "there is need to display much greater sensitivity and adopt a nuanced approach given the unique nature of the peoples that inhabit the region". He also asked the government of Manipur to ensure "equitable" development and care of all regions.
Noting that terrorism, Naxal violence and communal disturbances were three main areas of concern, Singh called for better coordination between the Centre and the states in dealing with internal security issues. Meanwhile, describing as 'worrisome' the activities of externally-sponsored terror groups, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday warned of a spurt in suicide attacks targeting religious, economic and sensitive institutions in the country. He termed as disconcerting reports that suggest the existence of a number of terrorist modules and sleeper cells in some urban areas which provide the backup for foreign terrorist outfits.
"The activities of externally-sponsored terrorist outfits is equally worrisome. Their involvement has grown. "The concern is that there could be a further intensification involving greater use of fidayeen elements and targeting of a wider range of religions, economic and sensitive objects," Singh said addressing the two-day conclave here of Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.
"Intelligence is clearly the key to better performance. Improvements in intelligence are being effected at Central and State levels," he said while asking the Chief Ministers to tone up their intelligence machinery. "This should go down to the local police station levels," he said. Emphasising on the importance of generating intelligence at the police station level, the Prime Minister pointed out that this area had not got the desired attention.
"There is no substitute for adequately trained and equipped police force and intelligence agencies. I am afraid this does not get the desired attention," he said. "You need to look into this," he told the Chief Ministers attending the conclave. Referring to the growing influence of naxalites in several states, Singh said they have thrived in the 'most neglected' areas of the country, particularly the tribal areas. Observing that Andhra Pradesh had been most successful against naxalites, he suggested that officers from other affected states be sent to the Andhra Pradesh to get an insight and training to tackle the menace.
He also warned the unaffected states not to be complacent saying the naxalites worked on a long-term basis and spend lot of time to spread their base at the grassroot level before taking on the might of the State. Singh also suggested that the influence of naxalism among students, agriculture workers, peasantry and industrial workers should be countered politically rather than by police. The Prime Minister pointed out that there was an underlying sense of insecurity prevailing among the minority community. He described as "erroneous" the linkage of religion with terrorism and said this "tarnished the community's image".
He sought appropriate measures to dispel the feeling of mistrust among the community and recommended that education and mass media should be used for this purpose. The Prime Minister decried 'deliberate attempts' to magnify "stray incidents" in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that efforts to bring normalcy in the trouble-torn state should be pursued 'with vigour' by talking to the people of the state and with Pakistani leadership. Noting that the level of violence was coming down since the Congress-led coalition took over at the Centre, he said that there was need to ensure all round development of the sensitive border state.
Merger of Manipur with the dominion of India By Waikhom Damodar Singh
(Contd from previous issue)
Consequently, the Indian troops under Major General JN Choudhury of the cavalry marched into Hyderabad on 13 Sept, 1948 and had very ably and promptly diffused the critical situation that was developing quite alarmingly. The Govt of India declared that it was not an act of 'war' but purely a 'police action', intended to restore peace and order in the State. Kasim Razvi was arrested, the Razakar organisation was dissolved, and the Nizam submitted. Eventually Hyderabad acceded to India in November 1949. As for the two small States, namely Bena-ras and Tripura, they quite tamely came in within the Dominion of India with effect from 15 October, 1949 along with Manipur for which they had already and smoothly signed the merger agreement on 5 and 9 September respectively.
Thus Manipur, though small in her physical territory, was the last native State which remained unsettled, just as she was the last native State conquered by the Mighty British, as she had presented some but quite delicate issue and problems in regard to her smooth and immediate merger to the new-ly established independent Congress led Govt of India under the Premiership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallavbhai Patel as the Union Home Minister. The then King of the State, Maharaja Bodh-chandra Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Sir Churachand Singh, KSCI CBE Knight Commander Star of India Commander British Empire) took over the 'reins' of the independent sovereign power from GP Stewart, the Political Agent who was earlier President Manipur State Darbar (Chief Minister's rank) under the Maharaja and succeeded Cristopher Gimson, ICS of the erstwhile British Govt, signed the withdrawal and handling over document on behalf of the British Crown and handed over to Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh on the 14th of August 1947 at midnight at the official room of the Imphal British Residency, now the Imphal Raj Bhavan.
In this regard, there is an interesting episode ha-ppened, in that when Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh was conveyed of a message from the Political Agent for his (the Maharaja) coming over to the British residency for the little ceremony of the histor-ic event to be performed, Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh, being of quite an adamant and obstinate character of not tolerating such insubordinate attitudes forthcoming from the subordinate types of authorities, at first was quite annoyed with and flatly refused to go to the British residency to keep-up his royal dignity of being the King of the State but later on, has been well convinced by the Political Agent who himself rushed up to the Imphal palace and offered his honest explanation saying that he could not carry out the power handling and taking over ceremony or function at the palace since he had to do it on behalf of the Viceroy and his Majesty, the King of the British Empire, and it was only after that Maharaja Bodhchan-dra Singh, fully convinced of the very delicate situation faced by the Political Agent, went to the British residency and took over the power from the political agent, GP Stewart who, of course, immediately after the short function was ov-er, resumed paying his normal courtesies to the king of Manipur, which be-came again an independent kingdom as before from that very midnight of the 14th of August 1947 for which a very befitting function was organised at Kangla in the next morning of the 15th of August, 1947 with hoisting of Pakhangba embedded Manipur's Royal Flag in place of the British Union Jack Flag which had since been flying high till that time at the Kangla Fort since the year 1891, April 27 when the State was compelled to come under the mighty British power as a result of its defeat suffered at their hands in the main battle taken place at Khongjom and its nearby areas where many of the heroes and great generals of Manipur, Yaiskul Lakpa along with his young son, Sengoi Sana, Paona Braja Bashi, Chongtham Mia, Yengk-hoiba, Wangkhei Meiraba, Chinglen Sana etc most heroically sacrificed their lives for the defence of the integrity of their beloved age-old independent mother-land country.
Thus Manipur being free from the yoke of the British Power and had attained again the status of an Independent Sovereign States began in the right earnest to run her own administration, and in doing so, the first and immediate step that was very thoug-htfully and rightly taken up was that the administration of the State was carri-ed out in a 'democratic line' for which an Act named as the Manipur Constitution Act, 1947 was immediately drafted and got approved and according to which, in April 1948, the Manipur State Election Rules, 1948, was also adopted and accordingly election on the basis of 'universal adult franchise' for 53 Manipur State Assembly seats consisting of 30 for general, 18 for Hills, 3 for Muhama-dans, 1 for Educational interest and 1 for Commercial interest was carried out in which were elected 14 from the Manipur State Congress, 18 independents from the Hills, 12 from the Manipur Praja Santi Sabha, 5 from the Manipur Kris-hak Sabha and 3 from the Socialist Party, and a new Council of Ministers comprised of Maharaj Kumar Priya Brata Singh as the Chief Minister and Home and Revenue portfolios, Arambam Ibotomcha Sin-gh as the Finance Minister, Ayekpam Gourabidhu Sin-gh, as Commerce and Industries Minister, Major R Khating, MBE, MC as Mi-nister, Hill areas, Teba Kil-ong as Forest and Agriculture Minister and Md Ali-muddin of Lilong as Jail and Medical Minister started functioning. — to be contd
Rift among ULFA leaders on talks clear: PM Sentinel
NAINITAL, Sept 23: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said certain elements are making ‘deliberate attempts’ to play up ‘stray incidents’ in Jammu & Kashmir and blamed ULFA leaders based outside the country of prolonging the conflict in Asom. While addressing Congress Chief Ministers here, he said the outlawed ULFA was losing support at the local level in Asom while sporadic incidents of violence continued in other States of the region.
“The ULFA faces a dilemma of declining support and morale within Asom and hence a desire on the part of local leaders to hold talks with the Government — as against intransigence displayed by their leaders outside, who remain intent on persisting with violent conflict,” he said.
Violence in the north-eastern States on the whole had gone down, when compared to past years, Singh said.
“Manipur remains currently the most disturbed — during the past year, almost 40 per cent of all violent incidents reported from the region were from Manipur. The growing divide between the Nagas and Kukis in the hill district and the Meiteis in the plains is one reason for this,” he said.
Observing that the writ of the State Government was limited, he said it has become obvious that in dealing with the problems of peripheral States, “there is need to display much greater sensitivity and adopt a nuanced approach given the unique nature of the peoples that inhabit the region”.
He also asked the Government of Manipur to ensure ‘equitable’ development and care of all regions. Noting that terrorism, Naxal violence and communal disturbances were three main areas of concern, Singh called for better coordination between the Centre and the States in dealing with internal security issues. PTI
WHAT THEY SAY
* PCG: “The letter which the Centre is asking from the ULFA is absolutely unnecessary. When we had already apprised the government of the views of the outfit, there is no rationale behind it insisting for the letter. The present stalemate indicates that the three rounds of talks with us virtually yielded nothing. If the ULFA resorts to violence, the Centre would be to blame.” (The group is slated to meet tonight to review the prevailing situation and draw its strategy)
* Mamoni: “I can’t understand what’s going on. Both (government and the ULFA) should not be so adamant in their stance. Both ought to compromise on certain fronts.”
