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10/06/2006: "NSCN (IM) extends hand of friendship and unity Morung Express News"

NSCN (IM) extends hand of friendship and unity Morung Express News

Dimapur | Despite condemning what it termed as the ‘destruction that Khaplang was planning in Nagalim’, the NSCN (IM) top leadership today took a significant first step by extending its hand of friendship and unity to the other Naga underground groups and in particular to its major rival, the NSCN (K). “Regardless of their action, NSCN has decided to extend its hand of friendship and unity, because it knows that Khaplang is only a tool manipulated by anti-Naga forces who want to destroy the hard earned peace process”, stated a signed press communiqué issued by none other than its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu.
While pointing out that it was a people’s organization, the NSCN (IM) Chairman invited “all Nagas irrespective of their past and standing to contribute and participate in the peace process” and also made it clear that it was committed to Naga sovereignty and would not compromise on issues that are most important to the Nagas. “It will only accept a solution that recognizes and respects the rights of the Nagas. NSCN will stand firm on its principles and will fight to the last”, Swu stated in no uncertain terms.
Addressing the NSCN (K), Swu questioned as to how long it will keep dancing to the music of the Indians against its own people. “It is disgusting and disgraceful to see how Khaplang group has been behaving out of total desperation and frustration”, Swu stated while pointing out that the NSCN (K) propaganda to spread discord and disunity through deceitful lies, hate campaigns and quit notices not only exposed the group but it showed the total ‘disrespect for the Naga public’.
“It also fully exposes their masters—the Indians obsession with the Nagas in general and the Tangkhuls in particular”, the NSCN (IM) Chairman stated while pointing out that they foresee the destruction that ‘Khaplang was planning in Nagalim’ and that this was being done in order to derail the ‘NSCN negotiations with the Government of India’, which was going in the right direction.
The NSCN (IM) Chairman revealed that anti-Nagas in connivance with intelligence agencies etc. of India had in the past, armed militias to fight against national workers and now, “they have poured money and arms to Khaplang to terrorize and stop the Naga public from taking part in the peace process”.
Cautioning the Naga public to remain vigilant and not to become ‘victimized’ by policy of disunity, Swu stated that Naga organizations, societies, communities or individuals should ask the NSCN (K) what it had contributed for the Naga people and their cause. “Let Khaplang group answer to the Naga people, because those who are fighting for the people is responsible to the people alone”.
‘Public no more safe’, NSF issues ‘warning’The Morung Express Dimapur, Oct 5 (MExN): Following the spurt in killing of public members, even young students, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has issued a “warning” that even innocent people are now not safe, since constant appeals to refrain from killings have gone unheeded. The NSF assured that it would continue to fight against killings no matter what the odds.
A strong statement from the NSF, clearly indicating suppressed resentment stated: “Warning: Innocent people are no more safe. Else why (late) Mr Shimmei Shinaisui has to die at that young and tender age of 17 years? Why (late) Mr Hovizol Puyo has to breathe his last in his peak time of 26 years? Many more examples in coffer to cite with on cruelty in its utmost façade of ugliness”.
“The NSF has failed to find the most suitable word/terminology to condemn the brutal killing of innocent citizens (late) Mr Hovizol Puyo and (late) Mr Shimmei Shinaisui. Against all odds, the NSF will continue to fight against inhuman killings” the NSF stated while asking law and order agencies to exert greater effort to safeguard the safety and peace of innocent public. The Federation took strong exception that while the people are calling to stop killings, the appeals have gone unheeded degenerating the atmosphere from bad to worse.
“When constant appeal for restrain from inhuman acts has been going down in drain unheeded, the NSF is in deep consternation if this very press condemnation will serve its purpose. The reality: time is certainly changing from bad to worse. News of good Samaritans and their good works has lately taken back seats whereas killings have taken front” it stated adding that, before, “news on killings used to be mostly on underground activists ambushing Indian military patrols, convoys etc, fratricidal killings due to factional clashes”. Now it is news on public being killed, it added.
NISC draws larger picture from Shimmei killingThe Morung Express DIMAPUR, OCT 5 (MExN): The Netherlands-based Naga International Support Center today called on all authorities and especially the Government of India to denounce the “atrocious act” of the killing of a Tangkhul Naga student in Kohima on October 2 and “to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest.” “This criminal act comes just after the self styled Khaplang group, K-group, a split off of the Naga Army which fights for the freedom of all Nagas, served a quit notice on the Tangkhul Naga tribe. This is the first act of the K-group which led to the murder of an innocent Naga civilian,” the NISC alleged.
The human rights organization “considers this killing an outrageous act and those who ordered this senseless and cowardly killing a blatant criminal act and those who committed the murder should be caught and prosecuted immediately” The murder was “plotted and motivated by those who want to destabilize the Naga society,” a release said.
According to NISC, two major currents or plots have led to the assassination. The first contention made is that after the NSCN (K) split from the ‘Naga Forces’ it has been “known to be financed and armed by both the then Nagaland Government headed by the then Chief Minister S.C. Jamir, now governor of Goa, directly and indirectly by the Assam Rifles with which they shared funds and weapons and the Indian Armed Forces.”

“By remote control and through intermediates the K-group is deployed by the Government of India. Since the Naga National Council has teamed up with the K, also financed by the Government of India regarding its peace camps established in 1975 with the Shillong Accord, both Naga Organizations seek to undermine the peace talks between the active Naga people, their Army and the Government of India.”
NISC claimed that the NSCN (K) and NNC/FGN use Indian made AK 47 “and there is overwhelming eyewitness evidence.” The support centre claimed that since state election is fast approaching Jamir is deploying maximum efforts to destabilize the whole situation including the peace process. “Reliable sources known to us tell that the Government of India through Jamir, when he also received Khaplang’s men, told them to chase all Tangkhuls out of the so-called Nagaland State.”
Secondly, the NISC making reference to an NDTV India article, which said the Indian Government has begun to support Burma/Myanmar, said India this week supplied 98 truckloads of arms and ammunition to Myanmar last month and to confirm the joint operations the Indian Defense secretary visited Yangon last week. “The Myanmar army has started a crackdown on camps run by NSCN (K) and ULFA in the country’s north.”
The Naga International Support Center has observed two currents in Indian politics- ‘Doves and Hawks’- as confrontational.
The Doves of the Indian policymakers want peace and through negotiated settlement which would be honorable and acceptable to both. Now that talks have entered a conclusive stage, the reactions have become very strong as well, NISC said. “The Doves also want to achieve peace by minimizing the discrepancies which are being created by the hard liners using Khaplang and NNC.”
“The Hawks want to eradicate all resistance and follow the Nehru principle of not allowing the Nagas to control an inch of their Homeland, considered to be India. So, the Hawks are plotting and planning and now are dividing the Nagas again by arming and propagating inhuman acts like ordering to quit on an entire tribe and ultimately, so true to their word, to begin killing their self created adversaries, to create the atmosphere for submission to the K group but ultimately to India.”
The NISC has called on the international community to strongly condemn the killing orchestrated by those who have, but to divide and rule, the Nagas as their prime objective “if the Indian Government cannot provide protection and justice to the Naga citizens.”
“The NISC call on the Government of India to show it is sincere in talking peace and so to publicly condemn this murder and to catch and bring those who plotted it and execute it to justice.”
The NISC has also called on the Naga Forces, the Naga People and the Naga civil society organizations to “voice grief over the senseless murder, to demand justice from the authorities and to show restraint in retaliating against this violent act of inhumanity, because to pay back violence for violence will not only bring the slain and innocent young Naga victim back to life, but will only breed more and more violence.”
NSCN-K clarifies on Oct 2 shooting The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 5 (MExN): The NSCN-K while condemning the killing of police constable Hovizol Puyo on October 2 at Kohima placed the blame squarely on its rival, the NSCN-IM.
“Criminals by nature are always quick to point fingers on others so as to divert ire against crime committed by them, thereby alleging NSCN of murder at BOC Kohima on October 3, 2006, where innocent Wireless Constable late Hovizol Puyo was shot dead in cold blood by IK criminals” a release from Isak Sumi, Army Spokesperson of the NSCN-K stated. The NSCN-K expressed surprise that even before the mortal remains of the constable were laid to rest, the “IK MIP” without wasting any time, blamed the NSCN-K in haste “obviously propelled by guild-ridden conscience.”
“It is clarified that Hovizol as a Naga brother was a natural sympathizer of NSCN acquainted to our urban command boys and several occasions provided transport assistance to our boys; IK cadres having learned this followed him from NST and murdered him at BOC an area that falls under our control in order to make belief others and malign image so also to sow seeds of hatred and division between Angami community and NSCN” the Spokesperson stated adding that such terror tactics to take the life of “our sympathizers would however only back fire on perpetrators itself.”
While asserting that the Naga Army will do anything in its capacity to apprehend those responsible for the crime, the NSCN-K also expressed sympathy with the aggrieved family. “Individual identities of murderers as and when established will be made known to the public at large. We therefore seek cooperation from entire public and concerned authorities interested deliver justice at an earliest” it stated.
NSCN-K refutes Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Oct 5 (NPN): The NSCN (K) has dismissed NSCN (I-M) allegation about killing Police Wireless constable Hovizol Puyo and instead implicated the rival faction in the incident. NSCN (K) spokesman Isak Sumi clarified that Hovizol was one of their "natural sympathizers" having offered "transport assistance" to their urban command on several occasions. Having learned this, Isak alleged the rival members followed him from NST and murdered him at BOC, "which falls under our control". Isak also alleged Hovizol was murdered here in order to make others believe about the involvement of NSCN (K) and also to "sow seeds of hatred and division between the Angamis and the NSCN". The NSCN (K) vowed that it would take all measures to apprehend those involved in the killing.

VOICE A QUARTERLY JOURNAL For the Voiceless & Struggling Peoples IN SOUTH & SOUTH EAST ASIA

NEW DELHI-110014 Date: 05/10/06 Press Statement

The incident of gruesome torturing and killing of a 19-year-old innocent Tangkhul boy, Shimmei Shingnaisui, a student of Class XI in Model Higher Secondary School, Lower AG Colony, Lower Chandmari, Kohima, by gunmen suspected to be NSCN-K cadres on Gandhi’s Jayanti Day, has put the whole nation into rude shock. In the most condemnable act these gunmen, failing to find the victim’s father, S. Gobin Shingnaisui, an employee of the Indian Nagaland State Power Department, simply shot the boy to death after they kidnapped him in the presence of his mother who constantly pleaded not to take her son away.

The heinous crime against the boy could be seen as a direct consequence of the ‘quit notice’ served to the Tangkhul Naga Community by the NSCN-K on August 17, 2006 in Nagaland State. We fail to understand why such a student at his tender age be a target of an organization that claims to be fighting for the rights of the Naga people. The brutal torture and killing of the boy is a clear exposure of how insensitive the organization is over the boy’s right to live his full life given by God. Besides his personal liberty, it is also a grave violation of human rights of the child.

It is a dismay to learn that Shimmei becomes the substitute of his father for those senseless gunmen. We would like to tell the responsible organization not to make one’s life a substitute for another’s in its nefarious design of hate campaign against a specific community. The organization should also realize that God has not made an individual to be a substitute for another human life. To be precise, our Christ did not die on the cross to let His people carry out such fascistic and communal pogrom. We would also like those puppeteers’ gunmen to know that Nagas’ “National Socialism” or “Christian Socialism” is in contrast with the Nazi’s National Socialism, which was then based on the racial hatred against the non-Germans.

Of course, it is well aware with the Nagas that the post-colonial Indian and Burmese States have been following the British’s ‘Divide and Rule’ policy against the Naga people since their respective independence. We want to know if the present policies of NSCN-K and the Indian State are of any difference in dividing the Nagas. Reliable sources indicate that the ‘quit notice’ served to the Tangkhul Naga Community was an outcome of the politicians — NSCN-K-external forces nexus. There is also a report that NSCN-K is maneuvered and instigated by the Indian intelligent agencies. The latest incident of killing a schoolboy amply shows the nexus of such nature. The FGN followed stiff the footstep of the NSCN-K in issuance of ‘quit notice’ to the Tangkhul Naga Community in Chakhesang region. It is extremely unfortunate to learn that the NSCN-K has also severed its ties with Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR with the latest move i.e. banning the Tangkhul Naga Long.

The said organization has also threatened the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly Members not to support the ongoing move of the NSF, ANSAM, and UNC etc. for private schools affiliation in the four Naga districts — Tahamzam, Longleng, Chamdil and Hunphun to the NBSE. The threat, ban and severing of ties with Naga civil society organizations create not only a situation of insecurity and confusion among the people but also inflict a lethargic restriction of democratic space for the civil society organizations across Nagalim. Aren’t we making democracy a mockery by restricting, banning, severance of ties, threat perception etc. of our civil society organizations? We are regretful to state that such politics makes hardly any divergence from the policy of the Indian State.

Nagas should join hands, to reason out together what is the real politics they should be playing with in this 21st century. We call upon every Naga not to be a cheap bread and butter seeker in the course of our struggle for the destination yet to reach. Identifying who our real enemies are, we appeal all the Naga organizations not to dance to the tune of the puppeteers. Enough is enough. And it’s time we call a spade a spade. Nagas do not kill civilians, such terms as terrorist, insurgent, separatist, secessionist etc. used upon them are the evil construction of Indian and Burmese States and their medias. We cannot follow them. In fact, the Nagas are indigenous people occupying 120,000 sq km of land in Burma and India. We are struggling for our genuine cause of the right to self-determination. The International community shall have the moral and political responsibility to respect the aspiration and dreams of the Naga people.

At this crucial juncture when the Nagas and the Indian Government are sincerely approaching to resolve the 59 years old political-military conflict, it is but natural that disturbances and troubles would appear. However, the truth shall shine. Peace and justice must be brought to the imbroglio. We would like to urge the Indian Government to respect the aspiration of the Nagas to live as one people in their own homeland.
We strongly condemn the torturing and killing of a boy, Shimmei Shingnaisui. We urge the responsible organization to respect the human rights of their own people by scrapping the policy of killing and hate campaign against a particular community. At the same time, we want the Indian Government not to play a divisive politics in Nagalim. We call upon the Prime Minister of India not to foment politics of pitting one organization at the expense of the other. We appeal the International community to pressurize the Indian Government to get out of killing the Nagas through various means. At the same time we urge the UN to intervene the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue to hammer out an honorable and a mutual settlement.

VOICE
Revenge killings Editorial Nagaland Post
In the light of sporadic incidents of factional violence and killings in Nagaland during the recent weeks, it may not be totally incorrect to assume that these are manifestations of inability on the part of the law enforcement agencies to tighten their grip, or a revelation that the efforts to bring about reconciliation among the factions have not made any dent, or simply put it, a total unwillingness of the factions to stop revenge killings for territorial dominance. The three points may not be totally befitting but nevertheless, it does not hide the fact that these killings might erupt in the coming weeks. Several committees, church and NGOs have been involved with the reconciliation effort in the past as well as the present to halt violence and killings. The church in particular has not stopped trying and it should not. The efforts will have to be redoubled to the point when people rise up in unison against all forms of unlawful acts and factional violence. Factional violence is a total negation of the hopes and desires of the people since these acts only make the progress towards lasting peace very difficult. The elected representatives of the people by virtue of their position, have to speak in one voice and also act in a concerted manner to involve persons from all sections of society who could play an important role to impress upon the functionaries of various factions against killings. Though several committees have been formed, the problem arises when some step out of line and lack of political will to bring accountability makes the efforts redundant. The elected representatives must also ensure that the law of the land prevails under all circumstances. To do this, the role and function of the law enforcement agencies should be complemented and supplemented. Reputed social workers and public leaders of the districts must also involve themselves in spreading awareness in their own areas to discourage the activities of factions who move with weapons within civilian populated areas. The cease fire ground rules do not appear to be enforced and that is another tragedy and for which the law enforcement agencies need to fill the gap and act without fear or favor. Factions will continue to spew venom against each other and would still resort to violence that will continue to make it very difficult to effect a truce among them. Yet all these seemingly insurmountable challenges compel society to search for alternatives and among which is the need to consider fresh options. Whether the government sees itself as a facilitator or catalyst, the point is that it has no option but to enforce the rule of law. Since every Naga disfavors killings and desires peace, the government and the elected representatives need to give more time to work out ways by which no one is allowed to hijack the constitutional authority.
Reaction to ‘Quit Notice’- Nagaland Post Opinion
It is disgusting and disgraceful to see how Khaplang group has been behaving out of total desperation and frustration. It is shocking to know the level to which they have stooped to.
It is but total disrespect for the Naga public. Blinded by greed and their conscience being stunted by parochialism they are ridiculing and desecrating those who have given their best and their all for the Naga nation. Khaplang group's propaganda to spread discord and disunity through deceitful lies, hate campaigns and Quit notices, etc etc. exposes the group from head to toe and from heart to the skin. It also fully exposes their masters- the Indians obsession with the Nagas in general and the Tangkhuls in particular.
NSCN could foresee the destruction that Khaplang was planning in Nagalim. They want to derail the NSCN negotiations with the Government of India, which has been going in the right direction. Regardless of their action, NSCN has decided to extend its hand of friendship and unity, because it knows that Khaplang is only a tool manipulated by anti-Naga forces who want to destroy the hard-earned peace process.
But how long do you expect the Naga people to bear with you at the expense of the nation? How long will you keep on dancing to the music of the Indians against your own people?
The robotic actions of Khaplang will be there in one shape or another as long as there are traitors among the Nagas who are against the people's cry for freedom. These anti-Nagas in connivance with intelligence agencies etc. of India have in the past, armed militias to fight against national workers and now, they have poured money and arms to Khaplang to terrorize and stop the Naga public from taking part in the peace process.
The Naga public must be vigilant not to become victimized by their policy of disunity. Let Naga organizations, societies, communities or individuals ask Khaplang group just one simple question, 'What have you contributed for the Naga people and their cause?' Let Khaplang group answer to the Naga People, because those who are fighting for the people is responsible to the people alone.
NSCN being a people's organization once again invites all Nagas irrespective of their past and standing to contribute and participate in the peace process. NSCN is committed to Naga sovereignty and will not compromise on those issues that are most important to the Nagas. It will only accept a solution that recognizes and respects the rights of the Nagas. NSCN will stand firm on its principles and will fight to the last. Kuknalim!
Isak C. Swu, Chairman, NSCN (IM).
Another Manifestion of IK’s treachery- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Naga people know very well that the Tangkhul controlled and led-IK group have guts to play tricks and magic.The cold blooded murders and their (IK) happy and pleasure.
The recent killing of one Hovizol Puyo, Nagaland Police wireless constable on the 2nd Oct, 2006. At Kohima and quickly blaming the NSCN before any clue of the culprits have been found by investigative agencies is yet another manifestation of IK group 'trick and treachery'.
They (IK) are experts in concoctions conjectures and stage- manage activities. History repeats itself. Earlier in 2004, on the 2nd Oct., on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an apostle of peace and non-violence, the IK group carried out Bomb blasts at the railway station and Hong Kong market in Dimapur where many innocent people were killed the unsuspecting police constable in order to display their powers in terrorism and shifting the blame on others, Nagas have come across many instances of such tricks and treacheries of IK group, but still the stiff necked Nagas fail to understand. What a pity! Some years back Dr. Moangwati Ao was shot at by IK group at Dimapur, but still the real culprits are vehemently denying their involvement in the crime where as their accomplices have already been convicted by the court.
Last year, one news correspondent, Xavier Rutsa was shot at without rhyme and reason at Kohima town, but they tried to deny the crime. Likewise, the killing of the police is being denied by the IK and shifting the blame on NSCN, but they cannot escape the charges even if they move heaven and earth to conceal the crime. Beware, Tangkhuls have been concentrated at Kohima and Dimapur. So this time they killed an Angami, next time they will kill either Sumi or Aos in Dimapur, the majority Communities in their magic to save the Tangkhuls.
Seochem Sangtam, Deputy Kilonser, Ministry of Information publicity, GPRN, NSCN (K).
To sellout Nagaland is not a solution: NNC The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 5 (MExN): The Naga National Council today related the statements of NSCN (I-M) leaders VS Atem and Phungthing Shimrang, which appeared in a CNN-IBN story, to a sellout of Nagaland. Advocating that “the Nagas will defend the sovereignty of Nagaland at all cost,” NNC member Thomas said, “Now, Th Muivah and VS Atem have outspokenly disclosed and admitted that they have submitted 30-point Competencies proposal to sell out Nagaland to India for their own benefits.”
Towards this end, the NSCN (I-M) is “trying to please the Indian leaders” by saying ‘India and Nagaland will be inseparable under a special federal relationship,’ the NNC alleged.
Referring to a news item which quoted Muivah as saying, ‘We have climbed down from our demand of absolute sovereignty and we want a special federal relationship with India but India is neither moving decisive to implement it nor taking a step to unify Naga areas in North East India,’ Thomas termed as “sham and ridiculous’ what the NSCN (I-M) leaders told CNN-IBN.
“They should also remember the word of AZ Phizo, Father of the Naga nation that ‘To give away Nagaland to please India is not a solution’ to the Indo-Naga conflict,” Thomas drew reference to Phizo’s speech delivered on the Naga National Voluntary Plebiscite Day, May 16, 1951.
Stating that no Naga or organization should support the NSCN (I-M), the NNC cautioned that those who do so will be termed as traitors.
Isak Swu flays quit notice Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 5 : Taking strong exception against the quit notice served by the Khaplang faction of the NSCN on the Tangkhuls settled in Nagaland, Chairman of the NSCN (IM), Isak Chisi Swu has accused the rival party of acting out of sheer desperation and frustration.
In a statement, Isak said that the quit notice has exposed the Khaplang group and added that it shows their “Indians obsession with the Nagas in general and the Tangkhuls in particular.” Blinded by greed and parochialism, the Khaplang group is desecrating those who have given their best for the Naga Nation, Isak declared. The statement further said that the NSCN had foreseen the destruction being planned by the Khap-lang group in Nagalim and accused it of trying to derail the peace process. However despite this the NSCN had decided to extend its hand of friendship and unity, claimed the Chairman reasoning that Khaplang is “only a tool mani-pulated by anti-Naga forces who want to destroy the hard earned peace process.”
However the question still remains, “How long do you expect the Naga people to bear with you at the expense of the Nation. How long will you keep on dancing to the music of the Indians against your own people ?” said Swu.
Pointing the fingers of accusation at the Khaplang group and India, the Chairman said that the anti-Nagas in connivance with intelligence agencies of India have in the past armed militias to fight the National workers and now they have poured money and arms to Khaplang to terrorise the Naga people. Let Naga organisations, societies, communities or individuals ask the Khaplang group just one question, “What have you contributed for the Naga people and their cause,” countered Swu. The NSCN is committed to sovereignty and will not compromise on issues that are most important to the Nagas, he declared.
NISC condemns killing of student in Kohima By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 5: While condemning the killing of a Tangkhul Naga student in Kohima town by the K-group, the Naga International Support Centre called on all authorities especially Government of India to denounce such atrocious act and to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest In a statement issued from Amsterdam NISC termed the killing as an outrageous act and those who ordered the senseless and cowardly killing criminals while demanding that those who committed the crime should be caught and prosecuted immediately.
This criminal act shows the utter disrespect for human life and is plotted and motivated by those who want to destabilize the Naga Society, it said.
NISC also deplored all inhumane acts and called for justice. “If the Indian Government cannot provide protection and justice to the Naga citizens then NISC urged the international community to condemn this atrocious killing orchestrated by those ungrained with the onjective of dividing the Nagas.
The statement also called on the Government of India to show it is sincere in talking peace and to publicly condemn this murder and to catch and bring those who plotted it and execute it to justice.
The Naga human rights body also called on the Naga forces, the Naga people and the Naga civil society organizations to voice grief over the senseless murder, to demand justice from the authorities and to show restraint against this violent act of inhumanity, because to pay back with violence will not only be unable to bring back the innocent victim back to life, but will also breed more and more violence.
NISC condemns Kohima killing The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, Oct 5 : The Naga International Support Center, in a press release via e-mail, called on all authorities and especially the Government of India to denounce this atrocious act and to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest

Terming the killing as an act which shows a total disrespect of the pertpetrators for human life and which was carried out to destabilise Naga society, it called on the authorities for immediate action against those responsible. The release asked the government of India to show its sincerity for the peace talks by publicly condemning the murder and bring to justice those who commited the crime.

The NISC further called on the Naga Forces, the Naga People, the Naga People and the Naga civil society organizations to voice grief over the senseless murder, to demand justice from the authorities and to show restraint in retaliating against this violent act of inhumanity, because to pay back violence for violence will not only bring the slain and innocent young Naga victim back to life, but will only breed more and more violence.
UNLF admits asking politicians to pay funds to the outfit Nagaland Post
NEW DELHI, OCT 5 (PTI): The outlawed United National Liberation Front of Manipur has revealed that it asks politicians and bureaucrats of the state to allot funds to the outfit.
The UNLF chief Sanayaima said the outfit asks MLAs, ministers and bureaucrats to do what is "beneficial for the people".
"We ask MLAs, ministers, bureaucrats to do what is beneficial for the people," he told CNN-IBN in an interview. He was replying to a question about politicians and officials being persuaded to provide funds to the UNLF.
The chief of the militant organisation, which has been fighting for an independent Manipur, said his group was involving the people of the state in the "struggle".
It has been alleged that a major share of Central funds for developmental projects reaches the militants in Manipur.
"We want to tell them that they (MLAs, ministers and bureaucrats) have to join the people when the people rise up. Otherwise they don't have any future," Sanayaima was quoted as saying.
India's Hidden War in the NE : An exclusive chat with RK Meghen -I Sangai Express
Sanayaima UNLF Chief, reveals his plans for a Mass Uprising in Manipur to CNN-IBN Special Investigation Editor Vk Sashikr
Somewhere in the deep jungles of SE Manipur, Sanayaima talks to CNN IBN

RK Sanayaima at a base camp while interacting with the media
VK Sashikumar : Why do you claim to have an advantage over the Indian Army deployed in Manipur?
RK Sanayaima : It’s a combination of factors. Terrain is one of them and cause, which you fight for, is a very important factor. We have a cause to fight for. For us, it’s a question of life and death. If we stop fighting, we don’t exist as a Nation – as a people. Another major factor is the support of the local people. We have the support of our own people and they’re in alien country. So a combination of all these factors has made all the difference.
VKSK : Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir also dispute the J&K merger agreement. You dispute the Manipur Merger Agreement. So what are the grounds on which you are demanding secession ?
RKS : Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur gained independence when the British left in 1947. (Between) 47-49 October, we were an independent country. And Kashmir was also somehow annexed. Mani-pur was also an- nexed…extracting under duress the signature of the King (Bodh Chandra Singh) on the so-called merger agreement in Sept 1949. In between 1947 and 1949, Manipur became a constitutionally democratic country. King be- came a head of the State and in 1948 a general election was held under democratic Constitution. An Assembly was elected and a Council of Ministers was formed. So at the time of annexation in 1949, demo- cracy was already func- tioning in Manipur when democracy was yet to be established in India. So in a sense the annexation of 1949 is suppression or murder of democracy in Manipur by the largest democracy in the world. India is supposed to be the largest democracy in the world and when their Constitution was about to be adopted, it annexed Mani-pur, abolished the demo- cratic institutions of Mani-pur. That’s how it all began – the conflict – the genesis of the Manipur-India conflict.
VKSK : But your separatist movement is violent. Do you have links with organizations like the LTTE?
RKS : The difference is there was no Tamil Eelam. They want to create new Eelam. And for us, we already were an independent country. We want to regain our sovereign independence. So this is a question of regaining our sovereign independence, not a question of demanding indepen- dence from India. We’re not demanding anything from India. We just want what ought to be ours…and we’ll fight for that.
VKSK : It’s a hidden war that you’re fighting; it’s not talked about in Delhi or in the media, what’s your view on that ?
RKS : I would say that the Indian media, particularly the mainstream media, seems to be not so much interested in what’s in this part. That’s why there hasn’t been much coverage for the last many decades. That’s the indifference of the mainstream Indian media. Now we see something more – a deliberate policy not to highlight the sufferings of the people, their struggle, their aspirations and the Indian policy in this regard I think now, is the obvious policy adopted by the mainstream media. I think this is part of the Indian policy.
VKSK : So what’s your political vision ?
RKS : We want to move forward along the historical development in the world. But our basic stance is we must have our sovereign independence back. That is one. And second, taking this region as a whole, we take the so-called North-eastern region as a composite core, Manipur being a part of that core. So we believe that all ethnic groups in this region should co-exist together. They should unite together so that we can form some sort of a union of independent States or something like that. We believe in the basic unity of the region, which is more important than the apparent differences in language and social things. Despite all those differences, a basic unity remains – the unity of interdependence. Manipur is a multi-ethnic country… more than 38 small ethnic groups. This is the basis of our political vision. We believe all ethnic groups could co-exist together respecting one another’s distinct identity. Particularly, the majority community should not try to dominate the minority communities. This is the basis of our political outlook. And we believe that there should be autonomy at all levels. Even a small community of 200 people can have autonomy if they so desire. Autonomy at all levels.
At a glance
* United National Liberation Front, Chief, Sanayaima: Manipur People’s Army (MPA) is ready to take on the Indian state in the Imphal Valley.
* UNLF Chief: “We are prepared for urban guerilla warfare.”
* UNLF: MPA has acquired modern weapons and communication equipment including anti-aircraft guns to deter any aerial or heliborne military operations.
* UNLF chief : “We’ll come to see some sort of Intifada… India should not be allowed to simply massacre our people.”
* UNLF plans to take the war into the streets of Manipur by sparking civil unrest
* UNLF Chief: “The movement is gaining momentum. People in different places are holding meetings & discussions for plebiscite.”

Indomitable spirit Sangai Express Editorial
Irom Sharmila Chanu needs no introduction to the people of Manipur, but yet she still remains that mystifying persona to many. Hers has been a lone battle shorn of all the typical characteristics that the people of Manipur have become infamous for. No dharna, no sit-in-protest, no protest rally and certainly no State wide general strike or bandh or economic blockade. On the other hand her nearly six years of struggle has been quiet, dignified and at many point of time it seemed that she was about to disappear from public memory and attention. This however has not dampened the spirit of this young woman for it is not recognition that drove her to launch her fast unto death agitation to demand the complete repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the soil of Manipur. The stand against this controversial Act can broadly be seen through two spectrums. One is the public uproar and the subsequent demand to repeal the Act after the bullet riddled body of Th Manorama was discovered in the Summer of 2004. The street protests that followed the recovery of the body of Manorama and the agitation spearheaded by the Apunba Lup to repeal the Act paralysed the State for days and Manipur was the destination of all the major news establishments located in different parts of the country. Those were heady days and it prompted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to personally visit the State and take stock of the situation. The decision to form a Review Panel under Justice Reddy was taken and the same was repeated during a jam packed press conference held at the Banquet Hall of Raj Bhawan. This was the result of the street protest and the nude protest in front of the Assam Rifles at Kangla.
The Manorama episode happened in 2004, that is nearly four years after Irom Sharmila launched her fast unto death agitation. It is a telling commentary that while the silent, dignified and never say die agitation of Sharmila has been going for nearly six years now, New Delhi has been conveniently looking the other way pretending that everything is fine, while on the other hand the street protests prompted the Prime Minister to fly down to Manipur and try to assuage the sentiments of the people. This is where Delhi needs to seriously ask itself why it has remained immune to the gutsy stand taken up by Sharmila. The comparison between the struggle taken up Sharmila and the days of street protests in 2004 is noto to belittle any one in favour of the other, but to draw the point how Delhi only reacts when there is a certain degree of violence or when the situation threatens to take a violent turn. Today Sharmila has moved out from the dingy room of the security ward at JN Hospital to take her battle to New Delhi and while news agencies and establishments have been prompt in giving her coverage on the first day at the National capital, it remains to be seen how long their interest in the young girl will last. Whatever the development in the days to come, we sincerely feel Sharmila has made her point and that is the human will is indomitable. It is her guts and never say die approach to life and her mission that is inspiring. For the Assam Rifles personnel who opened fire and killed the innocent civilians on November 2, 2000, we would like to inform that their bullets have given birth to a new heroine, Irom Chanu Sharmila.

Centre ready to call off operations From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 5 – Notwithstanding the setback in the ULFA peace process, the Centre is unwilling to write off the peace process and has held out fresh hope by indicating that it was still willing to stop Army operations, if the outfit responded positively. The Centre’ latest gambit came from National Security Adviser, MK Narayanan, who told newsmen here today that he was willing to call off the Army operations, if ULFA comes for talks.

The NSA was responding to news reports, which quoted ULFA’s mouthpiece Freedom as having said that the outfit was still open to finding a ‘political solution’ to the insurgency in Asom.

Replying to a query, he said that he was unaware about ULFA’s statement. “But, if it is true then it is most welcome. I will stop operation if they come,” he added.

The NSA had come to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take a meeting on the internal security.

In the latest issue of its mouthpiece, the ULFA said it was, “still hopeful of a political solution and it would respond to any such efforts initiated by the Centre through the PCG”. The mouthpiece said it was confident that the PCG would work for bringing about a “political solution”.

ULFA’s latest threat to target Congressmen in the State, as well as the sudden end to the peace process has the Centre thinking. The UPA Government at the Centre, which was hoping for a breakthrough, is upset at the breakdown of the peace process. Politically, the UPA may not find much support among its allies, with the CPI-M already stating it wanted the peace process to continue.

The reluctance on part of ULFA to commit in writing, unabated extortions and growing belligerence of the outfit coupled with stern warning from Army and intelligence agencies forced the Centre to call off the suspension of operation on September 24. Subsequently, the PCG also pulled out of the peace process.

The development may be significant, because it comes at a time when the Centre is bracing up to intensify operations against ULFA and by all indications, a coordinated operation with Myanmar Army may be in the offing.

Last evening, as reported today, a high level meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary, BK Chaturvedi and attended by top brass of the three services, intelligence officials, was held at South Block to take stock of the internal security situation including Army operations in Asom.

Government of India has decided to provide all assistance to Myanmar Army, as the neighbouring country was willing to help India. Significantly, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutta had last month paid a quiet visit to Myanmar to discuss the demand for weapons. He briefed the meeting about the outcome of his visit.

Smell of gunpowder at Frankfurt Book Fair By IANS
Guwahati, Oct 6 (IANS) A collection of poems by an outlawed separatist guerrilla leader from Assam that has got rave reviews is one of the highlights of the ongoing Frankfurt Book Fair.
On the opening day Thursday, noted Assamese writer Indira Goswami released 'Melodies and Guns', a collection of poems by Mithinga Daimary, the publicity chief of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). ''Melodies and Guns' bears the smell of gunpowder, although the poems do reflect the poet's love for humanity,' Goswami told IANS from Frankfurt.
Daimary, who has been in jail since 2003 after being captured during the military operations in Bhutan, has written the poems under his pen name Megan Kachari. Although his real name is Dipak Das, he is more popularly known as Mithinga Daimary and to poetry lovers, he is Megan Kachari. Translated into English by well-known critic and writer Pradip Acharya, Daimary's poetry is being received well at Frankfurt. The poetry collection is brought out by UBS Publishers and Distributors Private Ltd,
'People who have read some of his verses have appreciated his writings,' Goswami said. The theme of the fair this year is India, and the entire event is agog with news and sounds from the country. Despite being in the jungles for nearly two decades, Megan Kachari the poet has been able to carve a niche among poetry lovers in Assam. Two collections of his poems have already been published - 'Memsahib Prithivi' and 'Rupor Naakphool Sonar Kharu' (Silver Nose Rings Golden Bangles). Some of his poems get into print in local Assamese newspapers and other literary magazines at regular intervals.
Goswami met Daimary in the Guwahati jail during her efforts to broker peace between the Indian government and the ULFA. 'I was charmed by his beautiful poetry and his powerful feelings and thoughts,' Goswami said. Three of Goswami's own books were also released at the fair. Besides, she released 'Order in Chaos: Essays on Conflict in India's Northeast and the Road to Peace in South Asia', edited by journalist and author Wasbir Hussain from Assam.
Operations can't solve ULFA tangle: Oppn By IE
Opposition parties in Assam today criticised the Congress-led governments at the Centre and in the state and said army operation was not the right solution to the ULFA problem. The Asom Gana Parishad staged sit-in demonstrations across the state demanding resumption of negotiations with the ULFA without further delay, and asked both New Delhi as well as the militant group not to impose any precondition.
"While military operation cannot bring any permanent solution to the problem of militancy, we appeal to the ULFA as well as the government to stop imposing pre-conditions and delaying holding direct talks between the two sides," a memorandum submitted by AGP president Brindaban Goswami today to the Governor said.
The Army has intensified operations against the ULFA since the withdrawal of the informal and unilateral ceasefire by New Delhi on September 23.
Goswami also condemned violence perpetrated by the ULFA as well as government forces, and said while the militants and the security forces engage themselves in violent actions, it was the common man who suffered. "Both sides should keep in mind that it is the common man who suffers. The civilians want a violence-free atmosphere, but the government has failed to ensure that," he said. Veteran CPI(M) leader Hemen Das also echoed Goswami's statement and said engaging the Army was not the right solution to the problem. "The army has been here for more than 15 years. The Bhutan operation too was carried out by the army. But the ULFA continues to thrive," he said.
Report: Rebel group seeking talks to end insurgency in northeastern India By AP

A separatist rebel group says it is open to a fresh peace initiative by the Indian government to end an insurgency in the remote northeastern state of Assam.
The offer from the United Liberation Front of Asom, or ULFA, comes nine days after the federal government resumed military operations against the separatist group, ending a six-week truce.
"The ULFA will accept any future communication from the Indian government provided it is routed through the People's Consultative Group," the group said in its newsletter, "Freedom," published Tuesday.
The government did not immediately comment on the article.
The ULFA, which has been campaigning for an Assam state's independence from India for the past 26 years, set up an 11-member group in September last year to hold talks with the Indian Government to prepare for direct peace negotiations.
The government and the ULFA representatives _ including journalists, writers and other professionals _ have held three rounds of preliminary discussions over the past year.
The consultative group withdrew from the peace process after the truce was snapped by New Delhi last month. But the ULFA stressed that they had "only withdrawn from the process of holding talks with the Indian Government. They are still relevant to the peace process in Assam."
The federal government unilaterally announced the truce in August as a goodwill gesture, but canceled it after ULFA rebels attacked a police patrol and killed a tea planter in late September.
At least 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in Assam since the insurgency began more than two decades ago. The militants say India's central government exploits the northeast's rich natural resources while doing little to improve its poor infrastructure or to alleviate widespread unemployment.

CORRECTED - Fasting Manipuri woman shifts protest to Delhi By Reuters
Corrects age in second paragraph to 34 By Biswajyoti Das
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A woman who has been on hunger strike for six years against human rights abuses in Manipur shifted her fight to the capital New Delhi on Wednesday. Thirty-four-year-old Irom Sharmila Chanu has become an iconic figure for the people of Manipur since launching her hunger strike in late 2000 after soldiers shot 10 young men at a bus stop in a small town in Manipur. She says she will fast until the government repeals the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives soldiers sweeping powers to kill suspected rebels, with virtual immunity from prosecution. Shortly after beginning her fast, Sharmila was arrested and charged with attempted suicide. Since then authorities have been force-feeding her through a nasal tube in the government-run hospital in Manipur's capital Imphal.
The maximum term for her offence is one year and police have been in the habit of releasing her every year, only to rearrest her the following day. This year a small group of supporters and human rights activists took advantage of her day of freedom to smuggle her through Imphal's high security airport and put her on a plane to New Delhi. "We are taking Sharmila to Delhi to continue with her fast there," Babloo Loitongbam, a human rights activist, told Reuters by telephone shortly before setting off.
She had gone into hiding shortly after her release on Tuesday. She landed in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon and will be on a fast in the city. One of the first places she will visit will be Rajghat, the memorial to India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi. Manipur, with a population of little more than two million, lies 2,400 km from New Delhi on India's northeastern border with Myanmar, and the country's economic development over the past six decades has largely passed it by. Most of its people follow the Hindu religion but are thought to be of Tibeto-Burman origin and feel they are looked down upon by their fellow Indians. An armed separatist rebellion took off in the 1960s and has left around 20,000 people dead. A Reuters correspondent visited the frail Sharmila in her dimly lit and damp hospital room in Imphal last week.
"My basic cause of fasting is for human civilisation and humanity," she said, lying among pillows with a green pipe attached to her nose. Guarded round the clock by security women in civilian clothes, she was not allowed to meet her family members, supporters or friends. She was force-fed five times a day through the tube.
"The pipe has become my second nature," Sharmila told Reuters. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act only applies in Kashmir and insurgency-affected northeastern India. Human rights groups say it has given the army licence to kill, torture and rape with impunity.
Nabbed UNLF leaders to be brought to Shillong The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Oct 5: The three senior members of the banned outfit United National Liberation front (UNLF), including two of its Lt Colonels, who were arrested from the Indira Gandhi International Airport will be brought to Shillong, an official report from Shillong said.

"The arrested UNLF militants will be brought to Shillong soon after the completion of interrogation by the Delhi Police," report said quoting Meghalaya DGP, WR Marbaniang statement in Shillong on Wednesday. These UNLF men were wanted by Meghalaya Police after they had escaped from Shillong on September 27 last, the report said.

In the operation, four cadres of the outfit were arrested from the Parking Lot of Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) complex, Khyndai Lad.)

Moirangthem Jayanta Kumar Singh alias Milan, 44, son of M Ananda of Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi, Phanjoubam Ghanshyan Kumar alias RK Romeo Singh, 45, son of Bhorot Singh of Wangkhei Konsam Leikai and Thounoujam Shyam Kumar Singh, 39, son of Th Binoy Singh of Uripok Yambem Leikai were nabbed by Special Cell personnel of the Delhi Police on Monday night after receiving information that the trio were about to leave for Kathmandu by Indian Airlines flight No. IC-813.

A pen drive and compact disc containing minute details about deployment of army and paramilitary forces in the north-eastern states besides information about the outfit`s source of funding and its cadre-strength was seized from their possession, a senior police official said.

Police had also established that Jayant Kumar and Ghanshyan Kumar identified themselves as Lt Colonels of the outfit, Shyam Kumar said he was a facilitator, and they were going to Kathmandu to attend a meeting.


Central Intelligence gives Army ULFA list
Staff Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Oct 5: The Central Intelligence wing has submitted to the Army a list of 25 ULFA cadres, who, the Intelligence wing believes, have taken shelter at various places of upper Asom. Most of the cadres are from the ULFA’s 28th battalion.
The list mentions the names of Jiban Moran, Jiten Dutta, Probal Neog, Bijoy Chinese, Ujjal Gohain, Poresh Majhi, Jun Bhuyan , Rubul Sarma, Pranjal Saikia, Dibakar Moran and Aagan Barua. These cadres are equipped with sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles like AK-56, AK-57, AK-47, highly developed explosives and other communication gadgets.
However, the Army has extended its operations to Asom-Arunachal and Arunachal-Myanmar borders so as to bring the entire area under the security domain. With the apprehension that it may invite the ire of the villagers, the Army has taken all possible precautionary measures while carrying out its operations. It may be mentioned here that the Army carries out its operations only after having analysed the inputs received from its own intelligence units or other sources.
Close observers do not see the Army’s reported movement to Myanmar as anything unusual. It had carried out similar operations on earlier occasions too, in association with the Myanmar Army in order to bust ULFA and NSCN(K) camps.
According to highly-placed sources, the outfits of the area suffered heavy casualties despite their joint efforts.
The Army has sealed all the exit points to Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, and is maintaining a strict vigil on the routes.
Meanwhile, security in and around the oil fields of upper Asom and other Central Government establishments has been tightened following intelligence reports that militants might strike these establishments. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) engaged in OIL security has also intensified its patrolling around the OIL wells and pipelines in remote areas.
CRPF hopeful of ULFA talks By a Staff Reporter Sentinel

GUWAHATI, Oct 5: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one of the constituents of the Unified Command Structure engaged in anti-insurgency operations in Asom, is still hopeful of the ULFA ultimately returning to the negotiating table.
“Nobody wants bloodshed, and peace is the ultimate aspiration of the people in general,” said DNS Bisht, CRPF IGP in charge of North-east sector, while interacting with the media at the CRPF group camp here today.
He thinks that all concerned should be sincere enough in the peace negotiation. While the peace process was in progress, some incidents of senseless violence and extortion derailed the whole effort, he said.
On the activities of the force under his command in the renewed offensive against the ULFA, the CRPF official said: “We are here to assist the State authorities to maintain internal security in close cooperation with the Army, and our men are doing their best.”
He, however, said no additional force has been called so far for offensive against the militant outfit. At present, altogether 20 battalions of CRPF have been deployed in Asom.
Mandate on ‘swaadhin’ Asom from October 7 By a Staff Reporter Sentinel

GUWAHATI, Oct 5: The Assam Public Works (APW), an independent organization comprising ULFA kith and kin, will start collecting public votes on an independent Asom from October 7. It may be mentioned here that in the recent issue of ULFA’s mouthpiece Freedom, the banned outfit sought a public opinion on the issue of swaadhin Asom.
APW director Abhijit Sharma has said that already 1,00,000 ballot papers have been printed. Members of the organization will visit every area of the State and seek public opinion. In a ballot paper, around 10-15 people can caste their votes. There will be two points in the ballot. First, who is responsible for the failure of Centre-ULFA talks — the ULFA or the Government? Secondly, do you support an independent Asom — yes or no? People can caste their votes till November 23.
The foundation day ceremony of the APW will be held on November 24 where the ballot boxes will be opened. A public meeting is also organized on that day when politicians, bureaucrats and intellectuals will take part in the deliberations.
Paresh still sticks to sovereignty By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 5: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is ready for direct talks with the Government of India if the latter sends a formal letter to the outfit.
Talking to a vernacular daily yesterday, ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah said: “We are ready for direct talks with the Government of India if the latter sends a formal letter through the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), indicating clearly that sovereignty will be discussed.”
Baruah has also made it clear that if sovereignty is not included in the main agenda, the ULFA will not sit for talks.
Reacting to Myanmar’s attack on the bases of the rebel group there, Baruah said: “We will adopt the tactics which we took during the Bhutan operation. Myanmar is not our enemy. We will not fight against Myanmar. We will defend ourselves, which is our right.”
ULFA leader, Sentinel columnist’s books released Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Oct 5: Two books, written or edited by writers from Asom, were released today by celebrated Asomiya novelist Indira Goswami at the ongoing Frankfurt Book Fair, publishers from the State attending the Fair said.
Order in Chaos: Essays on Conflict in India’s Northeast and the Road to Peace in South Asia, edited by journalist and author Wasbir Hussain, and Melodies and Guns, a collection of poems by detained ULFA leader Megan Kachari alias Mithinga Daimary, were the two books released by Dr Goswami.
The books were released at a function in the Forum Centre of Hall 1, Frankfurt Book Fair 2006, in presence of noted poet Mr Khare.
Krishan Kumar of Spectrum Publications, Guwahati, which has published Mr Hussain’s edited volume, and office-bearers of the All Assam Publishers and Booksellers’ Association, besides author and documentary film maker Ms Purobi Babbar were present.
This year the theme at the Fair being on India, the Frankfurt Book Fair is agog with news and sounds from India. The country also is the hot topic of discussion. Staff Reporter
Arunachal to impose ban on child labour Sentinel
ITANAGAR, Oct 5: Arunchal Pradesh Government has decided to implement ban on child labour in the state from October 10 next, as notified by the Centre on recommendation of the Tecahnical Advisory Committee (TAC). This was disclosed by State Labour and Employment minister Tatar Kipa during a state level conference on child labour here yesterday. It is pertinent to mention here that around 40,000 children below 14 years of age were engaged as labourers in the State as against 1.26 crore in the country. Stressing on collective effort towards the protection of the vulnerable and powerless children against exploitation and for their suitable rehabilitation, the minister urged upon the deputy commissioners, labour officers to closely monitor and facilitate effective enforcement of the prohibition order and discourage child labour in the State.
The minister also called for a strategy to bring mass awareness against child labour in the State. The conference prepared an action plan for implementation of the order, whose components included formation of state level monitoring committee, district level advisory boards and district task force for conducting raids, and creation of corpus fund for addressing the rehabilitation process of rescued child, besides awareness generation among the people and punitive actions under the Act of 1986. (UNI)