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10/07/2006: "Plea for push to peace process. (The Telegraph) Kuknalim.com"
Plea for push to peace process. (The Telegraph) Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Oct 6:: The Nagaland government has urged New Delhi to push the peace process with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) because of constant clashes between the two factions. The issue is likely to be discussed threadbare when a team of senior officials from the home ministry visit Kohima next week. The team will also visit Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam to assess the situation in these states.
Talks with the NSCN (I-M) are slated to be held in Amsterdam in the third week of this month. Before that, NSCN (I-M) leaders are scheduled to meet home ministry officials here next week to press for review of ceasefire ground rules, sources in the NSCN (IM) said.
Nagaland home minister Thenucho said the outfits that had entered into a ceasefire had got the “licence” to move about freely, but they were flouting the ground rules at will. “The government of India should hold a meaningful dialogue with the NSCN (I-M) as this constant fighting is generating much concern,” Thenucho, who is here on official business, said.
The Centre has also expressed concern over the clashes between the NSCN (I-M) and the combined forces of NSCN (Khaplang) and the Federal Government of Nagaland which owes allegiance to the Naga National Council. (The Telegraph)
Family of Lt. Hovizol responds to NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 6 (MExN): Family of police constable lt. Hovizol Puyo, who was killed on October 3 at BOC, Kohima, has refuted that he was an NSCN-K sympathizer as asserted by the organization.
“With reference to NSCN (K) refutes on October 3, 2006 shooting at BOC Kohima, we the family members of Lt Hovizol Puyo would like to clarify that Lt Hovizol Puyo was a loyal government servant and law-abiding person. He, lt. Hovizol Puyo, was not a taxi driver and also our family would like to state that Lt. Hovizol Puyo was not acquainted with any faction and is not involved in transporting any faction personnel as stated by the NSCN (K).
We the family members of Lt. Hovizol Puyo refute the NSCN (K) statement which claimed that our late brother was acquainted with the NSCN (K) urban command cadres and has provided transport assistance. Therefore, the NSCN (K) statement should be treated as baseless and unfounded” read a statement from the family.
NSCN-IM council meets on current situation The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 6 (MExN): The NSCN-IM held a joint council meeting of its Steering Committee, Council of Kilonsers, Tatars and all heads of departments on October 6 to take stock of the current situation created by what its termed “anti-national elements”. An MIP GPRN release highlighted some resolutions taken at the meeting.
The council seriously viewed and condemned the “Indian sponsored Khaplang act of terrorism” targeting innocent civilians, following the NSCN-K’s quit notice which the NSCN-IM called “an act of ethnic cleansing”. The Council also condemned the recent bombing of business establishments in and around Dimapur, serving of warning to Naga civil societies, ‘defamation’ of Naga support groups and ‘sympathizers of international community’.
“The Khaplang group has crossed all the limit of human tolerance. The NSCN appreciate and acknowledge the untiring service to all the mass-based civil societies, church leaders and other NGOs for their unflinching support to the peace process on Indo-Naga political issue for peaceful settlement” stated the MIP release. It also appealed to the general public to take precautionary measures, check ‘anti-national elements’ and refuse to be taken at ransom or under threat.
Time to be realistic on Naga movement, says seniors The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 6 (MExN): Reaffirming that the Nagas are a one family with the same ancestral homeland irrespective of region and tribes, the Concerned Senior Citizens Forum of Mokokchung reminded Naga underground factions that it would be unjustified to act against one another. As such, it is time to be pragmatic and realistic.
“The Nagas are one family and one nation having same political goal; they are living in their own ancestral homeland irrespective of the regions or tribes. However any given political struggle like that of the Nagas is a continuous process that may develop into different dimensions according to change of situation. Therefore it would be unjustifiable to undermine and to act against each other that may distance the Naga political goal” reminded a statement from the Forum appended by Ex-MLA Bendangangshi, Senior Advocate Temjenkaba, Advocate B Namo, Aoshingang and Advocate Mangko Jamir.
The Forum noted that the present infightings or ‘pointing fingers’ to any particular tribe/faction will simply bring deviation from the Naga political principles unless all the Naga patriots come to sense and act wisely. “After six decades of political struggle, an opportune time has come to our hand during which space the Nagas should consolidate their strategies at large. It is time to be more realistic and pragmatic to ponder wisely towards solving the Indo-Naga political conflict in the light of global political scenario where the Naga people as a nation can march along with other emerging nations of the world” it stated adding that the Nagas, comprising of more than 60 distinct tribes inhabit a single contiguous ancestral homeland bounded by China, Myanmar and India; they are made to live in four Indian states viz., Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur creating state structures, it stated.
The Forum has also reminded the underground organizations that countless Naga patriots irrespective of ‘armed cadres or civil workers’ representing different Naga tribes gave their lives for the cause of the Naga movement. “As a matter of fact, the Naga freedom movement originated under the banner of the Naga National Council to defend its homeland from the aggressors. Whatever the political developments we see today is the continuation of the same goal because the Naga peoples’ movement has only one goal, one object for one nation. Many heroic deeds and selfless sacrifices made by the Naga patriots of ranks and files for the cause of the Naga freedom movement were left unrecorded due to alien interference and their suppressive policy that may be revealed in future” the Forum explained adding that countless Naga patriots representing different Naga tribes sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Naga movement.
Stop killings in the name of national movement: Ao Senden The Morung Express IMAPUR, OCT 6 (MExN): Ao Senden, the apex body of the Ao public, said it is “seriously observing various nefarious activities of heinous crimes being committed by different organisations during peace process in the land.”
“The Senden feels that there is no meaning of having ceasefire with the Government of India and continuing ceaseless firing between the Naga brothers in other hand, characterized by killing of innocent citizens, bomb blasts, factional fight and paper wars between the Naga underground factions for the interest of certain vested interest during ceasefire period,” the Ao Senden through its President Temjenkaba said in a release.
Terming the murder of late Shimmei Shingnaisui, a student of Class XI of Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima on October 2 by unidentified gunmen as an act of cowardice and brutality, the Senden appealed that the culprits should be dealt according to law. “The law enforcing authority should be more vigilant in maintaining law and order situation to avoid such re-occurrence.” Further, the Ao Senden has made an appeal to all factions/groups “to stop chasing and killing of own Naga brothers and sisters in the name of Naga national movement because it will simply bring self-destruction and illusion.”
11 killed in Assam rebel ambush The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, OCT 6 (IANS): Assam Tribal separatists Friday ambushed and killed 11 people, including seven paramilitary troopers, and critically wounded four others, an official said.Somesh Rao, 29, injured in a militant attack is brought to the Railway Hospital in Guwahati, Oct. 6. (AP Photo)
A police spokesman said heavily armed militants belonging to the outlawed black widow faction of the Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) attacked a four-vehicle convoy carrying railway construction workers and security personnel near village Hathikhali in the North Cachar Hills district, 350 km south of the state’s main city of Guwahati. The incident took place at 10.30 a.m.
‘The convoy that was being escorted by Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel came under heavy fire and the last two vehicles bore the brunt of the attack,’ railway spokesman T. Rabha told IANS.
Seven RPSF troopers and four railway workers died on the spot. Four workers were seriously injured. They were shifted to a local hospital.
The group of railway workers was on their way from Lumding to Maibong in the North Cachar Hills district to a broad gauge construction site when they came under attack from the militants hiding on a hilltop.
‘The militants later decamped with the service weapons of the dead soldiers, while two of our vehicles managed to escape the rebel attack,’ Rabha said. Army, police and paramilitary soldiers have begun a massive hunt to nab the rebels. Meanwhile, in another incident, seven people including four paramilitary troopers were injured in a grenade explosion at Doomdooma in eastern Assam late Thursday. police official said militants suspected to be from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) hurled a grenade at the vehicle of the Tinsukia district Additional Police Superintendent B.G. Kuligam. ‘The grenade missed the target and fell just outside the police station wounding four troopers and three bystanders,’ the official said.
Victim’s family refutes NSCN-K Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, OCT 6 (NPN): Family members of Police Wireless constable Late Hovizol Puyo who was shot dead on October 3 in Kohima, have refuted the NSCN-K claim that Late Puyo was one of their "natural sympathizers" and that he had offered "transport assistance" to the NSCN-K urban command on several occasions. Mezavi Puyo, the elder brother of the deceased on behalf of the family in a press release said his brother was a loyal government servant and law abiding person. He also clarified that Late Puyo was not a taxi driver. He further said "the NSCN-K statement should be treated as baseless and unfounded."
Stress factor Nagaland Post Editorial
When a 16-year old boy class ten male student was shot at point blank range by a jawan of the 11 IRB on duty on September 28 night in Kohima, it was providence that saved his life but he is not out of the woods yet as he battles to survive. Public ire against the cold blooded shooting is justified since it is condemnable, unwarranted and avoidable. The condemnations are in line with the brutality of the incident and a rude shock for society as protectors turned perpetrators. The other aspect is that the jawans were perhaps provoked by the response of the youth who were reportedly in an inebriated condition. The jawans may have been angered by the behavior of the youth but that did not amount to threat on their lives. According to the reports, the shooting took place after the victim and two others were rounded up. For whatever reasons, the errant jawan shot at the unarmed boy from close range. The IRB jawans are well trained and motivated and the reputation of the 9 IRB has set the trend for the rest to follow. The fact that the IRB jawans are well trained to perform their duty means they have been conditioned to fight; and simply translated it means either to kill or be killed. The jawans have been conditioned to be offensive in battle and so their minds have been conditioned in this manner. The problem arises when they are pressed into a civilian duty and the conditioned mind has not been reconditioned. Policing in an area that is not a conflict zone but which has the elements that create conflicts , cause certain problems for a mind conditioned to fight.Over and above this problem, the police jawans notably the IRB also face another problem which is a stress factor caused by long duty hours. When the jawans are rushed from one spot to another to and made to perform duties for a long period, there is bound to be some who cannot take the stress. As opposed to the practice among the regular paramilitary or security forces who detail their jawans for duty for a limited period and ensure the men get the necessary rest; the state police jawans on the other hand have no specific duty hours. Often the police jawans are deployed for duties on a continuous stretch due because of lack of adequate manpower as replacement. On this aspect the admission of police chief J.Changkija to this newspaper, that one of the main factors for such incidents was stress is borne by the practical reality. This is not unknown but the fact that it has at last been admitted is significant. This necessitates the need to conduct screening for any psychological problems before the jawans are deployed for active duty. The instructors have to watch out for symptoms of depression and anxiety among the men and this should be seriously considered.
Rio, Jamir deny funding NSCN factions From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, Oct 6 – Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his predecessor SC Jamir have denied allegations leveled against them by factions of NSCN that they had, at one time or other, funded their rival groups with huge amounts of money.
Both Rio and Jamir, the present Governor of Goa, have denied the allegations separately but have used identical language in statements issued by them. The press communiqués stated that, “government records were available for verification” to cross check their claims. The NSCN-K has charged Rio of funding its rival, the IM faction, while the NSCN-IM, in their turn alleged Jamir for his role played in assisting NSCN-K, during his long tenure as Chief Minister.
“At no point of time has the Chief Minister or the State Government extended any type of assistance, monetary or otherwise as alleged to any UG group or organization,” stated the CMO communique. Stating that Rio was dismayed over the ‘wild and baseless allegations’ about payments to and aiding certain underground groups, the communique termed the allegation leveled against him and his government as “completely false and untrue”.
“It goes without saying that every rupee of the government is to be accounted for and recorded. Government records are available for verification. Therefore, the question of paying crores of rupees to any individual or groups just does not arise”, stated the clarification from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat while also reiterating the stand of the State Government of playing the role of facilitator with its declared policy of ‘equi-closeness’.
In a separate statement from Goa, Jamir stated that at no point of time during his tenure as Chief Minister had the Government of Nagaland received any money from the Government of India to “sponsor terrorism on the Nagas” as alleged. “This can be verified from the records available with the Government of Nagaland, and also with the Government of India, if need be. I am amazed at how any body or any organization could make such a preposterous statement. I also fail to understand how the sum of Rs 103 crore came about!” Jamir stated.
Reminding that the year 1995-1996 was declared by his Government as the “Year of Peace Offensive”, Jamir clarified that in no way this Peace Offensive had anything to do with violent offensive against any body or organization as implied by the allegation of the NSCN-IM. “Far from it, my Government worked ceaselessly for reconciliation of every section of the Naga society under the theme of that year”, Jamir pointed out adding that it was through such initiatives taken by the then Congress Government that the ceasefire agreements with the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K could be signed with the Government of India in 1997 and 2001 respectively, Jamir stated
Complicated legacy for Nagas“ Nagarealm
I don’t see how things will be different if Nagaland manages to get sovereignty,” says P. Tulumatsung Longkumer as he busily fills up a form on the Internet at a computer centre in Mokokchung district. A graduate from St Anthony’s College, Shillong, Longkumer is more interested in his next career move.
Confusion reigns among youth on issue of sovereignty
A few yards from the computer centre, at a grocery-cum-telephone booth, Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai look seductively out of two posters. “Kareena is my favourite,” beams the teenaged shopkeeper. Interestingly, there is no sign of posters of any Naga icons.
“We are happy with India but sovereignty is still a must for Nagaland,” says the youth. When asked what he will gain from sovereignty, he only smiles. As the NSCN (I-M) leaders continue to pitch for sovereignty, the ground reality in Nagaland barely reflects the fiery patriotism of a “nation” seeking self-determination. “The tribes of Nagaland are unique and to preserve this uniqueness we need sovereignty,” says Temjemkaba, Ao Senden president, in between sips of beer at the Assam Rifles base in Mokokchung. For the younger generation, however, which has absorbed the concept of global citizenship as much as the inherited demand for “sovereignty”, the question of identity seems overshadowed by the more immediate concerns of livelihood.
Even as they voice their desire to form a separate nation, villagers have to depend on the “Indian” security forces for basic amenities like roads and drinking water. “People are tired of extortion and violence. Though the general atmosphere is congenial towards us because of our military civic projects, they are afraid to say so out of fear for the underground groups,” claimed Maj. Gen. S.S. Kumar, IG, Assam Rifles.
Documents seized by the armed forces during various operations reveal the extent of extortion. An “information” sheet signed by the “deputy general accountant officer” of the Government of the Republic of Nagalim — a parallel government run by the NSCN (I-M) — announces that “employee tax will be 24 per cent of the total emolument of a month’s salary of the employee”.
An equally detailed “tax” form, signed by “Lt Col Meyu, Naga Army” and addressed to village heads, specifies the exact amount each household needs to pay. “Ration tax per household shall be Rs 120, non-negotiable,” says the information sheet. “All mission workers, widows/widowers, handicaps whose financial/economy are stable shall not be exempted,” the document adds.
The common man can only bear this “tax” in silence. Caught in the crossfire between ideology and ground reality, of the army and the NSCN, of peace and uncertainty, “sovereignty” seems too complicated a concept to chew on. [SOMA BANERJEE, telegraphindia]
The Speech of President D.R. Nabla on 21st Foundation Day of National Democratic Front of Boroland October 3rd 2006
My beloved revolutionary friends and citizen. At the very outset, I offer my heartiest love and regards to all of you! Today is the foundation day of National Democratic Front of Boroland. On this day, 20 years ago, i.e., on the 3rd of October 1986, the NDFB was born with an aim to liberate our land and the people from the colonialist oppression. Since its inception, the NDFB has come a long way, despite many hardship and difficulties to set foot on its 21st years. With the sacrifice, aspiration and hardship of every revolutionary and love and support of the citizens, the NDFB has set foot on its 21st years.
If we recall the history, we see that we had kings and kingdom. We were independent.The Boros have a distinct language, culture, tradition and society but due to suppression by others, the Boro people are now being threatened with extinction. The Boros have lost land and freedom. So on this today, 20 years ago, the NDFB was formed with a sole aim to revive our lost glory, honour and retain freedom. Since then the NDFB has been fighting overcoming all odds and difficulties and would continue our struggle till we achieve our goal. On this foundation day I would like to call upon all the citizens and patriotic friends from the bottom of my heart to be ready with all might, heart and soul.
My dear revolutionary friends and citizens! Freedom of Boroland and Boro people is the first and main aim of the NDFB. With this aim we have been fighting since 20 years. With this aim, we have stood firm with all might from the bottom of heart and many have sacrificed their blood and faced lots of hardship. Everybody knows why we have been struggling and fighting for and what our demands are. But when we have come forward for a peaceful solution to put an end to our struggle through negotiations, the Indian govt tried to become unknown and said the talk can start only after submission of the Charter of Demands.
Dear revolutionary friends and citizens! By saying that we don't know the demands o fthe NDFB and for what the NDFB are fighting for, the Indian govt is humiliating the freedom struggle of the NDFB and the Boro people. By telling us to submit charter of demands the Indian govt is insulting the national liberation movement of the NDFB and the Boro people. Charter of demands is nothing but the precondition for the talks. If the Indian govt does not want to solve the Indo-Boro conflict, they should say straight. The NDFB is ready for both the talk and the struggle. As it has been struggling and fighting for 20 years, we are ready to continue the struggle until we win. If the Indian thinks that, they will defeat the mighty Boro with their military, they are wrong.
The India and Bhutan have abducted our leaders like Erakdao, Habrang, fwjoukhang, Derhasa, jwkhrub, Onsula and Udla and hitherto keeping them secret violating all the international laws and covenants and humanitarians standards. They have been denied justice. So today on this day, the 20 th anniversary of the NDFB, I would urge both the India and Bhutan to open mouths on our abducted comrades before the talks.
Dear revolutionary friends and citizens, the NDFB is not alone in the fight and struggle for freedom against India. Naga, Meitei, Khasi, Garo, Asomia, Borok, Kashmiri, Naxilite, Peoples' War Group are fighting against the Indian for freedom.. and revolting against India. Therefore, the NDFB and Boro People should not be afraid. We have seen in the history of the world that even the big and strong nations have fallen and had to recognize the historical rights and concede the independence. Even the super power like USSR(Union of Socialist Soviet Russia) was reduced to smaller nations in the year 1989 right before our eyes. Super power like USA(United States of America) was defeated in the Vietnam War of 1975 and had to flee Vietnam. As of today, even after three years of American invasion in Iraq they could not defeat them. Everyday the American soldiers have to sacrifice their blood and lives. However strong and big nations you are, you can not defeat the war of truth and justice. Likewise the war of independence of the NDFB and the Boro People can not be defeated. We shall gain victory if we fight patiently by dedicating and sacrificing our soul, body and life. Any moment India might disintegrate and recognize our indigenous rights. Therefore, in this auspicious moment of our rising day I would like to call upon all my revolutionary friends and fellow citizens to extend your helping hands to make this struggle of independence even more stronger.
Revolutionary friends and fellow citizens! Our fight is not a show of strength , its not a competition of strength either. Our fight is for our due rights, our historical due rights. Therefore,the colonialist India shall never be able to defeat us. If we fight with all our strength and patience, we shall definitely win. We will achieve our goal. Then only we will be able to survive as independent Boro nation in our own land in this very earth.
Revolutionary friends and fellow citizens! We can not remain silent spectator after getting BTC(Bodoland Territorial Council). We can not remain satisfied with BTC. We have even lost whatever land rights and provisions of safeguard we had in colonial India. Erstwhile, as far Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act, 1886 chapter X, non Boro could not buy lands from Boro people. Non Boro could not register land in his/her name. But today, after formation of BTC one can conveniently do that. After creation of BTC the Boros are more threatened than before. More than 100 crore population of colonialist India got opportunity to gradually swallow up our tiny nation. Now onwards, they got opportunity to exterminate us at any moment. Mere 100 crore Rupees yearly can not and will not be able to safeguard us from extermination. If we want to exist like a distinct race we have no other choice than to separate from India and gain sovereignty.
Finally, I would like to say that the death is not the goal of our birth, but the creation. Now that we are born in this earth, we must strive to create. We will have to create Independent Boroland for tomorrow's Boro generation. Then only we will be safe from the curses of our next generation. Then only the history and future Boro generation will respect us.
In this auspicious rising day of the NDFB, I salute with humble respect to all those revolutionary friends, who have attained martyrdom and sacrificed their blood to keep the struggle alive till date. In this auspicious rising day, I call upon all the freedom lover citizens and dear revolutionary colleagues to swear afresh to love, respect and serve the motherland from the core of your heart. With this note, I would like to conclude my speech. Thank you!
Long Live NDFB
Let the goal of NDFB be fulfilled
Let the struggle for Independence win
D.R. Nabla President, NDFB October 3rd, 2006
Adivasi group’s cadre held with grenades, KRA hideout busted The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 6 (MExN): Acting on reports, Dimapur Police yesterday arrested a member of the All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA), an armed organization active in Assam’s Karbi Anglong and Golaghat, believed to be behind the abduction of a person from Hong Kong Market a fortnight ago. ‘Pvt’ Padmaswal Ghatwal was apprehended from Burma Camp area with two low-intensity Chinese grenades, estimated to cost Rs 7000 each. A round each of SLR and AK-47 ammunition, various demand notes served to tea estates in Assam, receipt booklets and a toy rifle were also recovered from his possession.
The two low-intensity Chinese grenades, a round each of SLR and AK-47 ammunition, various demand notes served to tea estates in Assam, and receipt booklets recovered by Police from an All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) operative at Dimapur. (MExPix) Investigations on whether the arrest and the recovery of grenades are related to the recent bombings in Dimapur are on, Police said. Based on his revelations, Police raided a hideout of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and arrested 4 of its cadres and 2 suspects from a location in Nagarjan early this morning. The KRA is believed to be providing logistic support and military training to the AANLA. The KRA’s ‘Corporal’ Lawrence, ‘Lance Corporal’ Brazil, ‘Pvt’ Shan and ‘Pvt’ David had in their possession incriminating documents, Police said.
The KRA is believed to be operating a training base in Singhasan Pahar at Karbi Anglong where AANLA reportedly pays Rs 5000 per cadre for a month’s training. The arrested Adivasi cadre also confessed to have been part of a murder during interrogations, Police said. The recent busting of hideouts of banned armed organizations reveal that Dimapur provides a safe haven for several such groups, Police say.
PM assures aid for computer edn. in NE Nagaland Post
MUMBAI, OCT 6 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he would take measures to popularise and spread computer education in underdeveloped regions, especially the northeast. "(Union Minister) Murli Deora has drawn my attention for allocating funds for spread of computer education in the northeast," Singh said after dedicating a new centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology here.
"I will discuss this issue with the minister concerned in Delhi to see how we can boost computer education in the northeast," said Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member from Assam. The new computer centre in south Mumbai was set up in memory of Bharat Ratna late C Subramaniam. Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora is associated with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Lauding the work done by the Gandhi Institute to provide free computer education to the unemployed, Singh said he was honoured to be associated with the institute which he inaugurated 10 years ago. Besides Deora, Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna and Chief Minisiter Vilasrao Deshmukh were present on the occasion.
Assam takes sovereignty ‘plebiscite’ Agencies Sangai Express
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Amid the staccato of gunshots and a now-on, now-off peace process, the north-eastern state of Assam is going into a plebiscite on the question of its sovereignty — the central demand of banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
While the plebiscite is being held under the aegis of an NGO as an entirely private initiative, yet the move is likely to put in perspective an issue that has held the state hostage to militancy for close to three decades now. Interestingly, last fortnight the ULFA itself had called for a debate in the public domain on the issue of Assam’s independence and asked the common man’s response on the issue. Now, the NGO — called Assam Public Works (APW) — has taken up the cudgels in an effort to make a meat and bones of the issue. Beginning Friday, the organisation is going to conduct this plebiscite over a period of one-and-a-half month.
“Lot of people claim the Assamese want independence from the Indian state, but there is no verifiable basis for this. We want to check out what do the Assamese people think. That’s the objective behind this initiative,” APW director Abhijit Sharma told ibnlive.com over phone.
The organisation has deployed some 5,000 youths to conduct the plebiscite, Sharma said. During this period, these youths will go door to door collecting public votes on two questions.
Firstly, do they support the case of Assam’s sovereignty? The second question will be on the now-on, now-off peace process that the Centre has begun with ULFA. “We are trying to gauge the public opinion. Who is responsible for the failure of Centre-ULFA talks - the ULFA or the Government? That’s the question we are going to ask,” the APW director states.
APW claims itself to be an NGO with total confidence on the Indian Constitution. However, the organisation is believed to have a number of kith and kin of ULFA militants in its ranks.
“We are targetting to cover the entire voter population, which now stands at 1 crore 70 lakhs,” Sharma says.
On September 26, APW held a similar public voting in Guwahati on the question of who is responsible for the failure of Centre-ULFA talks. Over 7,000 voters participated in the daylong voting.
Over 70 per cent people who took part in the voting said both Centre and the Ulfa lacked sincerity in the peace initiative and that’s what led to the collapse of the talks.
Two days back, ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah had again offered talks with the Centre “if the Government of India sends a formal letter to it through the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), indicating clearly that sovereignty will be discussed.” He said if sovereignty is not included in the main agenda, the ULFA will not sit for talks.
Understanding NE Editorial Sangai Express
Just how serious is New Delhi about the militancy problems besetting the North East ? This question is relevant in the backdrop of the series of stories being telecast by CNN IBN since October 3 and while the stories on the numerous outfits operating in the North East region have evoked wide spread interest in Manipur, it has become more and more clear that the Centre has been putting the issues of the North East on the back burner. In its October 5 story aired at 10 pm, there were two personalities on the panel at New Delhi. One was Oscar Fernandes, the Union Minister heading the Group of Ministers in the peace parley with the NSCN (IM) while the other was an old hand of the North East, Sanjoy Hazarika. To give a more insightful story concerning Manipur, the news channel flew the Editor of Ereibak (a Manipuri language daily) Irengbam Arun to Guwahati to provide his input. Oscar Fernandes did not disappoint and lived up to his billings as a politician as he stepped aside a question put to him by the anchor and instead started talking about the upcoming Assembly election in Manipur. The question had to do with the plebiscite model offered by the proscribed UNLF to end what it terms the Indo-Manipur conflict. Mr Fernandes did not stop at that but went on to say that New Delhi indeed cares for the people of Manipur which was sharply rebuked by Irengbam Arun, who bluntly said that the people of the North East do not need such patronising tone from Delhi. To Sanjoy Hazarika, the plebiscite was not something new as it had been doing the round for quite some time, but he picked up the stand of the UNLF that it would abide by the verdict of the plebiscite as something significant. Another interest point in the discussion was the verdict passed by the viewers wherein over 60 percent said that Delhi has not been sincere in solving the issues confronting the North East.
There was nothing final about the discussion held on CNN IBN but what was starkly evident was the point that for long the North East has been absent from India's scheme of things. The Chicken Neck syndrome has thrived all these years thanks to an insensitive media published in other parts of the country and Governments at New Delhi which have been living under the illusion that the issues of the North East can be settled through military might and by pumping in huge amount of funds without any long term vision not to speak about the continued imposition of such controversial Acts like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. What is the solution and what is the path that can be taken up ? Lest New Delhi fails to see the issue in its entirety, we would like to to take this opportunity of reminding all the concerned that the Mizoram model cannot work for say Nagaland or Manipur. Likewise the NSCN (IM) model too cannot be applied to the rest of the region. However on the other hand, the Centre too should have the political vision to understand that the issue of one State cannot be viewed in total exclusion of the other neighbouring States. These are some of the fundamental points that should not be forgotten and at the same time it would help the mandarins at New Delhi to acknowledge the fact that the plebiscite offer made by the UNLF is at least a beginning though it may be a small beginning.
Commandos air dropped to flush out ULFA rebels By IE
The army on Friday airdropped special commandoes trained in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations inside the 340-sq km Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Upper Assam to flush out ULFA rebels believed to be holed up inside the dense forest, while at least one hardcore militant was killed at Borhat in Sibsagar earlier in the day.
Sources in the army said several choppers were pressed into service to airdrop the special commandoes inside the national park where operations had to be cut short in September last year after the ULFA and some human rights groups raised a massive hue and cry.
They tried to garner international support for inhabitants of forest villages saying they could get caught in the crossfire. "Intelligence inputs about presence of several ULFA militants hiding inside the national park have prompted the army to relaunch operations inside Dibru-Saikhowa. Special forces were flown in from the army's Jorhat base to Dibru-Saikhowa earlier today, while several members of the ULFA were also picked up from different districts of Upper Assam," the army sources said.
Ambush by little known tribal group kills 11 in Assam By IE
Eleven persons including a senior engineer of the Northeast Frontier Railway and seven jawans of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) were killed on the spot as militants belonging to a lesser-known group called Black Widow ambushed a railway convoy in the North Cachar Hill district of Assam today. Sources at the NF Railway HQ here said a team led by two section engineers was proceeding from its divisional headquarters in Lumding, Nagaon district, to a construction site at Maibong when they were ambushed between Mandardisa and Hatikhali stations around 8:30 a.m.
The spot where they were ambushed is about 11 km from Lumding, but is inside the North Cachar Hill district. Lumding itself is about 225 km from Guwahati. The militants fired upon the four vehicles of the NF Railway, but even as the first two vehicles escaped, the other two were badly damaged, with all occupants either killed or getting seriously injured. The militants took away all the arms and ammunition that was with the RPSF jawans. Those killed on the spot included Nitish Kumar, section engineer (works) of the NF railway Construction Organisation, seven RPSF jawans, two drivers and one contractor worker hired for gauge-conversion work. The other section engineer, Subodh Kumar, and two others who were seriously injured, have been brought to Guwahati for treatment.
The others killed in the ambush are: head constables K P Singh and G Shankar; constables Malkit Singh, Mohammad Shahid Ali, Manohar Prasad, B C Sharma and Karan Singh; drivers Hriday Debnath, J J Ghosh; and contract worker Ram Das. Assam IGP (Special Branch) Khagen Sharma said he suspected the ambush was carried out by Black Widow, the anti-talks faction of the Dima Halam Daoga underground group, which wants a separate state for the Dimasa tribals of Assam.
The Black Widow is headed by Jewel Garlosa, who was founder chairman of the DHD, but had walked out after other leaders of the outfit signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2002. The group has been engaged in extortion from railway contractors and employees engaged in gauge-conversion work on the 183 km Lumding-Badarpur hill section.
Hundreds march down the streets of Delhi in solidarity with Sharmila The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Oct, 6 : A Protest Rally by hundreds of Students Volunteers supporting the cause of Irom Sharmila was carried out today at New Delhi from Jantar Mantar road towards Parliament street this evening around 5:30 pm. The protesters shouted slogans like, `Justice is the foundation of peace`, `Restore right to life`, `Remove AFSPA` etc. According to Sonia Nepram, who took part in the rally, the students were blocked at the high security parliament street. Respecting the non-violent nature of Sharmila`s protest, the students decided against confronting the police and instead decided to hold a meeting at the spot where they were stopped and turned back.
However, the students volunteers will be conducting a massive rally tomorrow from 8 am tomorrow, she revealed. Earlier at around 2 pm, a seven member students` representatives along with a Delhi University professor visited Manipur Bhavan to meet the Chief Minister of Manipur who is presently in the capital to submit an application signed by Sharmila.
The contents of the application included the desire of Sharmila to meet the CM, and that the fasting lady will consider medical aid only after meeting the CM. But the CM expressed his inability to meet Sharmila citing prior engagements and other appointments. The students roundly condemned this attitude of the chief minister, O Ibobi He also told the students not to force him to come and meet Sharmila. Such a stance, the students felt, was highly irresponsible and not expected from a state`s leader. Since, Sharmila arrived in New Delhi she has been taking no medical aid, Sonia added. In the meantime, a Doctor of the Ram Monohar Lohia hospital revealed that the Delhi police has arranged for medical aid including nose feeding. However, neither the Delhi police nor any other authorities have interfered with the Dharna of Sharmila. Today she entered her 3rd day of hunger strike at the capital. Irom Sharmila has also declined any medical aid and have refused to take even water since she arrived at Delhi, the Student added.
On the other hand, representatives of various NGO`s and leaders of Kashmir Hurriat conference met Sharmila today and extended their solidarity in her mission. A press conference was also held this afternoon attended by all the leading national media afternoon including. "I`m doing this for the people and I surrender myself to fate. But as long as I live, I`ll carry on the fasting strike for the cause". She quoted as saying. Meanwhile, extending their solidarity to the Sharmila`s stir at Delhi, womenfolk and students in the state staged dharna at their respective locality and school premises. The students also boycotted their classes for the day.
At Imphal east district from where Sharmila hails, effigies of President and Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Manipur were burnt down at around 2 pm in protest against the government remaining mute to Sharmila`s demand for the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act 1958 from the state. A demand which has the support of all sections of the society.
"We cannot tolerate the attitude of the government of India. We will support her till this draconian law is rooted out from Manipur," Ibeni, a woman participated in a sit-in protest today told this correspondent. "By enforcing such a draconian law for a such long time and not hearing the cry of the people to remove the Act, it is very clear that Manipuris have no place in democratic India. The enforcement of the law in the state has shown the real face of India. they look down on the people of Manipur," said Tony a student participating in the dharna at his school premise. Irom Sharmila Chanu, who was released from judicial custody on October 3, left the next day for National capital, New Delhi to continue her stir there.
In the meantime, shopkeepers at Thangal bazaar closed their shops earlier than usual fearing a possible outbreak of violent incidents as rumours of Sharmila`s death started doing the rounds.
According to a shopkeeper in bazaar, this late afternoon three youths went shop to shop asking the shopkeeper to down their shtters saying that Sharmila had died at Delhi and people are going to launched a massive agitation.
Sharmila picked up by Delhi Police The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Oct 6 : A late night report from Delhi stated that Sharmila has been picked up by Delhi police at around 11.45 pm. It could however not be confirmed immediately where exactly the police had taken her. It is believed that she must have been taken for medical care to a city hospital. Earlier, the Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh and state works minister Govindas Konthoujam came to Jantar Mantar to pursuade Sharmila to end her fast. In response, Sharmila told the visiting chief minister that she will continue with her protest until the draconian legislation is repealed and that she has no hesitation in sacrificing her live for the sake of future generation of Manipur. The chief minister expressed his inability to meet her demand as removing AFSPA even partially had earned him the central government`s displeasure. Such a reply of the CM angered the gathered students so much that they started shouting him down. And asked him if he would think of removing the Act after Manipur has collapsed altogether. Members of other civil society organisations also joined in the chorus accusing Ibobi of being anti-Manipuri Hearing all this the CM left the dharna site in a huff, said a joint press release from Delhi issued by the Apunba Lup and MSAD
