10/08/2006: "CNN IBN to telecast news stories on NE The Imphal Free Press"

CNN IBN to telecast news stories on NE The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Oct 2: Starting tomorrow (October, 3, 2006) the CNN IBN will be telecasting an exclusive series of news stories called `India`s Hidden Wars` which will continue till October, 14.

Shot over four weeks in different inaccessible locations in North-East India, the CNN IBN Special Investigation Team (SIT) travelled and trekked to the camps of various insurgent groups for a first-hand account the `Hidden Wars` in India`s North-East.

`Hidden` because the conflict situation in North-East India hardly find news-space in mainstream India. The reportage on ethnic conflicts and insurgency movements in the North-East is minimal. CNN-IBN in an effort to correct this imbalance of marginalization of the problems and issues facing the North-Eastern states mounted a special investigation of the conflict transparently and that is what ` India`s Hidden wars ` will attempt stating tomorrow, the CNN IBN said in a statement issued today.
`India`s Hidden Wars` is a series of exclusive news stories showcasing first time visuals of insurgent camps in the North East and along the India-Myanmar border and exclusive interviews.

The series begin with reportage on the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM). For the first time since NSCN (IM) began negotiating with the Government of India, senior NSCN-IM leadership in Nagaland revealed details about its peace talks with the government. `India`s Hidden Wars` will give out details of NSCN-IM`s peace proposal. The series will also spell out the position of Nagas in case the peace talks fail.

`India`s Hidden Wars` will also telecast later in the week Sanayaima`s dramatic first ever interview to a TV news channel in which he spells out the strategies of the United National Liberation Front in the next five years. Sanayaima, chairman of UNLF, revealed clearly his agenda for an `independent` Manipur by disclosing the military and political plans of the UNLF. These dramatic revelations of Sanayaima to take the war being waged by UNLF`s armed wing, Manipur People`s Army (MPA) "Out of the jungles and to the cities", will be aired as part of `India`s Hidden wars` exclusive series. The series will also feature reportage on MPA camps along the India-Myanmar border and how it functions and operates.

An exclusive story detailing the intricacies of Manipur`s ethnic wars including exclusive reports on the Kuki National Army and its political aspirations, the demand for a Kukiland within the Indian Union, will also be telecast in `India`s Hidden Wars`. The CNN IBN Special Investigation Team also caught up with the Bodos at Udalgiri in Assam to report on their activities and their quest for a Bodoland within the Indian Union. Though the Bodos do not carry arms in their camps, they are constantly updating their training manuals and guerilla warfare tactics. The CNN IBN Special Investigation Team found them restless, edgy and frustrated because of the delay in the commencement of negotiations with the government of India.

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland and the Kuki National Army recently extended the cease-fires and are waiting to the Government of India to begin talks. But CNN IBN Special Investigation Team found that the Kukis continue to remain armed to protect themselves from the NSCN (IM) and UNLF cadres, whereas their rivals claim that this is a ploy by the Indian government to keep the embers of ethnic rivalries simmering. Finally, the series will also have exclusive stories on the United Liberation Front of Assam (UNLF).

Money can't help Manipur, govt can VK ShashikumarCNN-IBN

ON ROAD TO NOWHERE: Caught between the crossfire between UNLF and NSCN (I-M) is the Kuki tribe.
Myanmar Border: Armed ethnic groups have parceled Manipur into tribal fiefdoms, and are now holding the state economy to ransom.
Two groups - the Meitei-dominated United National Liberation Front and a faction of Naga insurgents, the National Socialist Council for Nagalim-Isak Muivah group – are at constant loggerheads, jeopardising the growth potential of the region.
UNLF leader Sanayaima, that represents the dominant Imphal Valley based Meitei tribe, admits to the rivalry and says exercises like extortion are common.
“There are many armed groups in Manipur because arms are easily available. If you have two pistols, you can form a group and start collecting money from the people, from the state government departments,” says Sanayaima. But the rival NSCN (I-M)’s dream - that of having a Greater Nagaland - clashes with Sanayaima's agenda for an independent Manipur.
Caught in the cross fire of hostility is the Kuki tribe, who claim the hill districts for a separate Kuki state. Naga groups claimed several Kuki lives in the ethnic wars that followed. The Kukis, Kuki National Organisation, say since even the Indian army did not help them and hence they have their own armed militia to keep the other two armed ethnic groups at bay.
“They were stationed at all peace stations, we knew that Indian military was there, but they were never to be seen,” says President, Hill Tribal Council, Moreh, TS Haokip.
The Kuki National Organisation is currently under a ceasefire agreement with the Army. But in the jungles of south-east Manipur, the Kuki militia continues to train.
Along with the Nagas, the Kukis are also deeply suspicious of the Meiteis…
“When IM aggressed on us, and from 92-97 slaughtered us, where was UNLF? Did they ever prevent IM from killing Kukis? Were they able to protect them if they did? 900 would not have died, 350 villages were uprooted, more than 50,000 have been displaced,” says Seilen Haokip, of Kuki National Organisation. Ten years ago, Ngamkholien was a victim of the Naga-Kuki conflict. He is now a committed Kuki militant. “I love my land and my nation. And I cannot tolerate it being oppressed and violated at the hands of other people, that's why I have sacrificed my life and taken up arms,” he says.
But Sanayaima says the Army's ceasefire with the KNO's armed wing is an Indian strategy to keep the ethnic cauldron simmering.
“India is very much trying to keep us divided on ethnic lines pitching one ethnic group against another. The same old divide and rule policy. Colonial game still going on,” he says.
A bridge marking the Indo-Myanmar border – painted yellow for Myanmar and white for India – stands witness to this ethnic conflict. The Asian Highway project - the first 100 km of which has been built by the Indian Border Roads – is a testimony of how the Government of India has failed to tap the potential of this region. with inputs from Rajesh Bhardwaj and Rohit Khanna)

ULFA losing base in Assam, claims cadre Kishalay Bhattacharjee Sunday, October 8, 2006 (Upper Assam):NDTV
The security forces in Assam have stepped up operations against the banned militant organisation ULFA in Assam after failed attempts at peace talks.

The government's decision to end the ceasefire, announced earlier on August 13, was taken in view of continued violence and extortion by ULFA.

But today is the organisation losing much of its support and motivation? NDTV spoke to a militant trying to escape the heat.

Jungles of Upper Assam bordering Myanmar, one of the oldest war zones in the country, were among the eastern landmarks of the Second World War.

Since 1988, it has been the battlefield for a protracted war between security forces and the banned ULFA with civilians caught in between.

The Centre's offer of temporary ceasefire came as a reprieve but in that short period the outfit regrouped and raised funds through extortion.

Cadres on run

Over the years, the ULFA has lost much of its base and motivation. Its cadres appear to be on the run. This activist was escaping from ULFA's dreaded 28th Battalion's Bravo Company based in Myanmar when we met him.

"I am from Myanmar. We are 200-250 in the Mynamar camp. I don't know how many are moving in upper Assam. We are 15 in one group. We just move from house to house. I did not gain anything from ULFA. I am not sure what the state of ULFA is. My group leader is Rajib Das. I said I am going home that's how I escaped," said an ULFA member.

"In Myanmar our camps get attacked regularly by Myanamr army then we escape to the jungles and make new camps. We generally go to Myanmar via Jorhat and then Nagaland's Mon district," he added. From Nagaland's Mon district to the Sagiang state of Myanmar controlled by the Naga rebel outfit NSCN (K), the ULFA has a significant presence.

"Operation is on full swing with army para and police we are conduction joint operations. As you know ULFA has base in certain areas especially in borderlands with Arunachal," said Debojit Hazarika, SP, Tinsukia District.

Survived in many parts
Despite its depleting cadres, ULFA has managed to survive in these parts mainly due to villages along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border inhabited by the Moran and Motok communities.

ULFA chief Paresh Barua belongs to the very rebellious Motok tribe.
"They have survived because of certain reasons. I don't want to talk about all. One thing is that they have support base amongst certain people and then they have got sufficient arms power and they are utilising it," said Hazarika.
On the ground for now it looks like a battle that is unlikely to end very soon.
Pursue peace & unity only with forgiveness, says NSCN-IM The Morung Expres
Dimapur, Oct 7 (MExN): Stating that the cries of the Naga people for peace and unity are “not heard from heaven” because they are pursuing peace and unity without love and forgiveness’, the NSCN-IM has called for forgiveness amongst ‘ourselves’. There, peace and unity will follow, it reminded.
“Nagas are talking much about peace and unity without love and forgiveness but till now our cries and prayers are not heard from heaven. The hatred with big mouths has become the topic of daily lives in our society. We are burdened down with sin and trouble in our land” according to Tatar I Wabang Jamir quoting Isaiah 59: 1-3. (This Bible passage says ‘The aim of the Lord is not too short to save nor His ear too dull to hear; but your inequities have separated you from your God; your sin has hidden His face from you so that He will not hear; for your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt, your lips have spoken lies.”)
“Nagas are praying for peace and unity. We go to God and ask for peace and unity but it is not given to us; we seek but do not find; we knock at the door but it is not opened to us. Why it happens? Maybe we are not forgiven of our sins. Now the need of the hour for Nagas is to seek forgiveness to one another so that the Lord will forgive and bless us. When forgiveness is given amongst our self, unity follows amongst our self and the Lord will surely listen to our prayers” the Tatar reminded quoting Mark 11:25.
The Tatar rued that while ‘everybody claims that we are living in a land where 99% of its population are Christians,’ killings have become a daily culture routine which is nothing but a mockery of the Christian faith. “Everybody wants to be a good Christian and a good believer. It is also a human nature that everybody wants to be a good leader or a good citizen. But a man cannot do good things unless his mind and deeds are controlled by the heavenly divine power without which one cannot deliver well to the people and the nation” he reminded.
Stop targeting innocents: UNC Newmai News Network
Taking strong exception to the prevalent spurt of violence, the United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed all factional groups to stop targeting innocent lives. The UNC said that the killing of Shimmei Shingnasui in Kohima few days ago should be condemned by individuals and peoples. Shimmei Shingnasui who was studying in class XI at Kohima’s Model Higher Secondary School was abducted from his house in Kohima on October 2. His lifeless body was found near By-Pass road in Kohima later.
“The merciless killing of Mr. Sh Sinashui, a class XI student of Model Higher Secondary School deserve condemnation from all sections of civil societies,” said the Naga body in a statement. “The United Naga Council appeals all factional groups not to select innocent students and civilians as of target but create a better place free from sanction and insecurity to live”. The UNC statement issued by its Publicity and Information Secretary S Milan also appealed to all to desist from use of force and violence on “our own brethren” to settle scores upon each other for their own differences, but to create a space for dialogue. The UNC has extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty that Shimmei’s soul rest in peace.
Women’s wing calls for prayer for peace Newmai News Network

The National Socialist Women Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON), the NSCN-IM’s women wing, while endeavouring to bring peace in Naga society, has planned a noble programme. NSWON said it is deeply disturbed by the current trend of unabated cycle of violence and bloodshed in the Naga society for which it has set October 14 as a special day for seeking God’s intervention. NSWON Secretary Martha in a statement fervently appealed every Naga women to undertake prayers with fasting on October 14 “for the divine intervention” so that the ongoing spurt of violence and bloodshed is stopped immediately. The NSWON further stated that the said programme can be organised in groups or taken up by individuals as per convenience of the people and added that “we firmly believe that your prayers will make all the difference.”
‘Rio seeks liberal travel policy Needed: access pass for foreigners, exit tickets for Nagas’ The Morung Expres
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said mistrust has to be done away with for progress to take the front seat. He was referring to Delhi’s suspicion which stems because of the Naga political problem. Giving away certificates to Cosyne Career Institute’s first bevy of graduates who were accorded a ceremony at Dimapur, Rio cited an example of growing frustration by relating the case of 10 students selected by the Nagaland Government and sent to Israel to undertake studies on horticulture and agriculture.
The Government of India has yet to provide permission to the students, Rio lamented.
Calling for more flexibility in the guidelines which govern the entry of foreign nationals into Nagaland, Rio said the scrapping of the ‘Restricted Area Permit’ by replacing it with the ‘Protected Area Permit’ has not contributed to easing difficulties for foreigners. Overseas professionals such as doctors and teachers have to be allowed a minimum of 1 year’s stay in Nagaland in order for them to provide much-needed services, he said. “I have written to GoI and am pursuing (the matter),” he said. Rio has even requested Opposition Leader I Imkong to broach the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Yo youngsters! No shortcuts in life, Rio raps The Morung Express

It’s about time the Naga youth brigade realizes the need for a change in mindset and attitude. Rio subscribes to this notion often advocated by elders. “Don’t eat the seed, eat the fruit” is his message to beneficiaries of the CM’s corpus fund who fail to make optimal use of the finances advanced. Unless capital is utilized, dividends will not be realized and the vicious cycle will continue, Rio urges.
His mantra? There are no shortcuts to obtaining money or carving a good living. Take Rio’s career as case study: “I have become CM after struggling in political wilderness for 33 years.”
Rio believes Nagas are incredibly receptive. “But we need good teachers, good lecturers, educationists from outside.” The announcement of two consecutive years of youth empowerment has allowed the government to ‘manage something’ and has also opened windows.
He says his government is prepared to extend further finances to support the youth. “If we don’t give opportunities to the youth, our future is bleak because the future belongs to the youth.”
America to come to Nagaland The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 7 (MExN): The Public Affairs Office of the American Consulate General in Calcutta is to present a display of its resources and services on October 11-12. The display will be presented at the Department of Mass Communication of Nagaland University and Ura Academy in Kohima, informed Acting Public Affairs Officer of the US Consulate General at Calcutta, Bhaskar K Rajah. The program is to include services and resources of the American library, information and exhibits on American life, culture, education and institutions in the US, media resources, and film shows.
Hollywood classics such as “Death Of A Salesman”, “Dr. Zhivago”, “Mobydick” and documentaries such as “Searching For the Roots Of 9/11”, “Unelected: The Media” are to be screened at the show.
The exhibition will be held on October 11 at NU Conference hall, top floor of the NU office, Kohima from 10:30am to 4 pm while the film screenings will be done on October 11 at Congress Bhavan, opposite to University office. Entry is open to all, free of charge.
The second day exhibition and film screenings will be held in the conference hall of Hotel Japfu, Kohima from 11 am to 4 pm.
Similarly, the American Centre has teamed up with The Morung Express and Dimapur Press Club to screen the above documentaries on October 13 at Highway 39 Conference Hall.
Be Peace Makers: Mani Charanamei Senapati Christian conference begins Tahamzam | N. Rong The Morung Express
SENAPATI, OCT 7: Naga Christians living in Manipur converged in Tahamzam (Senapati) for a Christian Conference organized by Naga Christian Forum, Manipur last night under the theme ‘Oneness in Christ’. Delegates from every tribe belonging to various Christian denominations came together in town to participate first of its kind of conference.
Dr.Rev. V.K.Nuh spoke on topic ‘Oneness in Service’ in the morning devotion service. He said Nagas need a leader with one heart, a Godly and with a vision and sacrificial mind to lead the suffering Nagas in this kind of turmoil.
He questioned where can he find such leader? ‘We should not keep quite when there are killings as a Christian’, said V.K.Nuh. There so many church leaders but hardly find anyone the true leaders, who will deliver Nagas with their exemplary life of what they preached, he stated. Nagas were one, are one and will be one. In the noon session, the ‘Sing Song’ session pulled much crowd in the local ground under the scorching heat. Spiritual Songs were presented by various choirs, bands and individual. Amongst the Guest of Honour, PS Henry Paotei, MLA, was the lone Guest of Honour present in the function. Mani Charanamei, Member of Parliament from Outer Manipur Assembly Constituency was the chief guest and a Souvenir was released by him to mark the occasion with remembrance.
Mani Charanamei said Jesus’ Mission was two fold, to give salvation to the people and to transform the world order. He pointed out that Nagas living in present Manipur are 98% Christian and the Christian religion had transformed the people in many ways. ‘People yearn for peace and find the eternal peace when we accept Jesus to be our Lord, but we must be engaged in peace building on earth’, said Mani Charanamei. He urged the people to be the ‘peace makers’.
He questioned the Church leaders whether they have come and reason out together to pronounce against corruption in the society at all level, how to combat AIDS and reduce increasing juvenile delinquency and injustices imposed upon women by culture, and the drain of natural resources of the village by some vested individuals?.
Mani Charanamei, who was a Divisional Forest Officer before he became a politician, stated that forest, water and land are God’s gift to mankind and they need to be guarded well and properly by the people. When come to the injustices that the Naga are going through, Charanamei said that ‘Naga were once confined to village life having its own administrative system, culture, tradition and socio-political system’ but they were willfully divided by the past leaders who never understood the Nagas’ boundaries, traditional laws and culture.’ He also called upon the people for social responsibilities, to fight for injustices and set a record by saying that the challenge is to make a paradigm shift in true Christian spirit to revolutionize the struggling society.
UNC appeals for sanity Sangai Express
Imphal, Oct 7: Taking strong exception to the spurt of violence, the Uni-ted Naga Council (UNC) has appealed to all factional groups to stop targeting innocent people.
The UNC, in a statement issued to Newmai News Network, said killing of Shimmei Shingnasui in Ko-hima recently should be condemned by every individual and people.
“The merciless killing of Sh Sinashui, a class XI student of Model Higher Se- condary School deserve condemnation from all sections of civil societies,” said the Naga body, adding, “the United Naga Council appeals all factional groups not to select innocent students and civilians as of target but create a better place free from sanction and insecurity to live”.
The UNC statement issued by its publicity and information secretary S. Milan also once again appeals all to desist from used of force and violence to “our own brethren” to settle score upon each other for their own differences but create a space for dialogue to resolve it. The UNC extends its heartfelt condolence with the bereaved family members and near and dear ones of the deceased and also, prays the Almighty that his soul may rest in peace.
Leave civilians and students alone : UNC The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Oct 7 : Taking strong exception to the spurt of violence going on these days, the United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed all factional groups to stop targeting the innocent lives. The UNC said that the killing of Shimmei Shingnasui, in Kohima few days ago should be condemned by every individual and people. It is worth noting that Shimmei Shingnasui who was studying in class XI at Kohima`s Model Higher Secondary School, was abducted from his house in Kohima on October 2 and later his lifeless body was found near By-Pass Road in Kohima itsef.

"The merciless killing of Mr. Sh Sinashui, a class XI student of Model Higher Secondary School deserve condemnation from all sections of civil societies," said the Naga body in a statement, adding, "the United Naga Council appeals all factional groups not to select innocent students and civilians as of target but create a better place free from sanction and insecurity to live".

The UNC statement issued by its publicity and information secretary S. Milan also once again appeals all to desist from used of force and violence to "our own brethren" to settle score upon each other for their own differences but create a space for dialogue to resolve it.

The UNC extends its heartfelt condolence with the bereaved family members and near and dear ones of the deceased and also, prays the Almighty that his soul may rest in peace.
Imkong laments Govt. inaction Correspondent Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Oct 7 (NPN): Opposition Congress leader I. Imkong has criticized home minister Thenucho for his visit of Singapore on the ground that the minister made the trip "intentionally to escape from the prevailing law and order problem in Nagaland." Thenucho is presently on an official trip to Singapore to study the Singapore Police Communication System and find out avenues to acquire their communication system for the state police which is going through modernization. Talking to this Correspondent here today, Imkong also wondered if the home minister had sought and obtained the permission of the Centre to undertake the tour.
Imkong said it was strange that Thenucho had gone to Singapore to acquaint himself about counter-insurgency when developed nations like the USA and Israel send military delegations to learn about counter-insurgency in the north east.
The Congress leader said the situation in Nagaland was worsening with killings and factional violence taking place almost everyday including the home constituency of Thenucho in Chozuba in Phek district and the state capital Kohima. He also rapped the ruling DAN government for its "insensitiveness" to the problems alleging that state Government had not addressed the deteriorating law and order situation. In this regard, he pointed to the failure of the DAN government in countering the quit notice served on Tangkhul community by NSCN(K); the shooting of a student by an IRB jawan in Naga Bazaar Kohima; the kidnapping and killing of a student and killing of Police Wireless Constable by miscreants.
He also alleged that the DAN government was scandal- ridden since the day it assumed power. In support of this contention he cited - the Gun License scam, NPSC bribery scam, Excess and unauthorized appointments scam in the State Police Department, bogus and illegal appointment of teachers scam in School Education Department and the excess and unauthorized appointment and regularization of Work Charge Employees in State Mechanical department. Imkong lamented that the DAN government remained mute to these scandals and challenged it to show what action it had taken on the above. He said the DAN government did not care to respond to various charges made by the opposition at various platforms. "It is high time, the DAN governmen
A turf war for regional supremacy?- Opnion Nagaland Post
The ongoing factional clashes among the rival NSCN groups are an indication that perhaps they will not reconcile….at least not for quite some time to come. Their leaders have been saying since several years that are they hell bent on eliminating each other. Could the latter act on their very own without the knowledge of the top brass? Perhaps this writer may be mistaken but the objective of the clashes in Zunheboto, Phek and Peren district since recent weeks till a few days ago have taken a new turn, as it seems very much like a turf war for regional supremacy. And for what purpose?
The clashes are also due to violation of the cease-fire ground rules. Both NSCN groups have signed separate agreements with government of India and thus implementation of the ground rules is the responsibility of the Army, Assam Rifles and state para Military forces. The ground rules include, inter alia, no movement of the factional cadres in civilian populated areas in uniform and with arms and that the factions should stay in their respective designated camps. Non-enforcement of the ground rules is a serious law and order problem. The state government acts only as a "factional" since it has no signed agreements with any of the groups.
The church, NGOs, private citizens and law enforcing agencies have been making sincere appeals to all the factions to at least stop killing each other. Yet somehow, the factions apparently do not honor their own agreements as also the popular appeals of the civil societies. Thus the people are harassed mentally and physically and an acute sense of insecurity prevails.
Commissioner of Nagaland T.N Mannen (IAS) said; "The problem in Nagaland is a complicated and delicate issue and there is no ready made solution unless good sense prevails among the rival factions and they respect the wishes of the civil societies and others. These kind of serious fratricidal killings have become serious concern of the entire population and unless they are contained, the negotiated settlement can also be affected. In which case, attempts for a long term solution can also be adversely affected".
The commissioner also reiterated; "On the part of the law enforcing agencies, in spite of various constraint, all out efforts are being made for pre-empt any such clashes as well as prevention of escalation of clashes which would result in more killings of cadres and civilians". Mannen further noted that "In addition, from recent events it is seen that the federal groups has also become very active as its cadres are armed with the latest sophisticated weapons and with whom no agreement whatsoever has been made. Nor has the group been declared illegal even though it is an armed organization". According to a concerned senior citizen, the ongoing factional clashes resemble two or more members of the same family climbing a mountain. "But instead of pooling their resources and climbing together, they are dong so from different directions and trying to pull down each other and in the end forgetting how to climb the mountain". And the mountain will say that 'it’s' a funny way of climbing my peak". So someone else has the last laugh'.
A senior Indian Army officer who is now posted out of Nagaland used to say. "Let them (rival factions) kill each other off. How do we care? All I am to do now is to concentrate on social services like bull dozing playgrounds in remote rural areas and organizing regular medical camps for the peace loving Naga people and in the process hopefully improve my ACR (Annual Confidential Report)". One would also like to quote a passage from an article by TH. Johnson of Burma Camp, Dimapur. he wrote: "No faction will ever achieve Naga sovereignty as long as they continue fighting among themselves without fighting their enemies. Stop killing your own brothers and sisters in the guise of defeating Naga sovereignty". Such killing not only among the rival cadres but that of innocent civilians by "Unidentified gunmen" as well as grist for the mill of opposition political leaders and since the home ministry is responsible for law and order in the state, the Nagaland Home Minister is called upon to make a public declaration through a press conference that he will ensure security to the lives and properties of the people. This is the least that he can do for the people.
Jack T. Chakhesang
Assam rebels on warpath Nagaland Post
Diphu, Oct 7 (Agencies): Two civilians were killed and three others injured in crossfire during a shootout between security forces and DHD (Black Widow faction) militants while three army jawans were injured and some vehicles including army trucks damaged in an IED blast triggered by ULFA on Saturday.
Acting on a tip-off that a group of militants were holed up in Mujam in west Karbi Anglong, police and CRPF personnel stepped up patrolling in the area. The security forces retaliated when the militants opened fire in a bid to escape, sparking a gun battle that lasted over an hour.
The civilians who died when they were caught in the exchange of fire were identified as 47-year-old Salman Sadap and his daughter Konisu Sadap. The militants escaped into nearby jungles but security forces claimed there was a possibility of some casualties among them. Black Widow militants were suspected to be involved in the killing of 11 railway personnel in North Cachar Hills district on Friday. On the IED blast, an army spokesman said ULFA militants attacked a seven-vehicle army convoy with an improvised explosive device near Mahmara village in Sivasagar district.
"The explosion hit the rear side of the last of the seven vehicles injuring three soldiers," army spokesman Colonel Narender Singh told IANS. He said there would have been heavy casualties had the blast gone off a few seconds earlier. "The convoy was in full speed and the blast took place moments after the last vehicle actually crossed the spot where the explosives were planted," the army official said. The attack was believed to be in retaliation to the killing of a local ULFA rebel two days back in a gun battle with the army.
"The body of the slain ULFA militant was due for cremation Saturday in the area where the blast took place. We believe this is some sort of a retaliatory attack although no damage was done," said a senior police official in Sivasagar. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs three lakh each to the next of kin of the eleven railway personnel killed by suspected DHD (Black Widow) militants in North Cachar Hills district on Friday. Revenue Minister Bhumidhar Barman and Additional Chief Secretary C K Das rushed to Lumding to make an on the spot inquiry into the ambush and review security situation in the area today. Army soldiers under the Unified Command Structure were engaged in a massive anti-insurgency operation in parts of eastern Assam since New Delhi called off a ceasefire with the ULFA last month. At least four ULFA rebels were killed and several more captured in continuing raids by security forces. The ULFA too had stepped up its response with a string of grenade attacks killing at least two and wounding 30 others in separate incidents during the past fortnight.
Rebels ruin Manipur economy Nagaland Post
Myanmar border, Oct 7: Armed ethnic groups have parceled Manipur into tribal fiefdoms, and are now holding the state economy to ransom. According to a report filed by CNN-IBN, two groups - the Meitei-dominated United National Liberation Front and a faction of Naga insurgents, the National Socialist Council for Nagalim-Isak Muivah group - are at constant loggerheads, jeopardising the growth potential of the region.
UNLF leader Sanayaima, that represents the dominant Imphal Valley based Meitei tribe, admits to the rivalry and says exercises like extortion are common. "There are many armed groups in Manipur because arms are easily available. If you have two pistols, you can form a group and start collecting money from the people, from the state government departments," says Sanayaima.
But the rival NSCN (I-M)'s dream - that of having a Greater Nagaland - clashes with Sanayaima's agenda for an independent Manipur. Caught in the cross fire of hostility is the Kuki tribe, who claim the hill districts for a separate Kuki state. Naga groups claimed several Kuki lives in the ethnic wars that followed. The Kukis, Kuki National Organisation, say since even the Indian army did not help them and hence they have their own armed militia to keep the other two armed ethnic groups at bay.
"They were stationed at all peace stations, we knew that Indian military was there, but they were never to be seen," says President, Hill Tribal Council, Moreh, TS Haokip. The Kuki National Organisation is currently under a ceasefire agreement with the Army. But in the jungles of south-east Manipur, the Kuki militia continues to train. Along with the Nagas, the Kukis are also deeply suspicious of the Meitei
"When IM aggressed on us, and from 92-97 slaughtered us, where was UNLF? Did they ever prevent IM from killing Kukis? Were they able to protect them if they did? 900 would not have died, 350 villages were uprooted, more than 50,000 have been displaced," says Seilen Haokip, of Kuki National Organisation. Ten years ago, Ngamkholien was a victim of the Naga-Kuki conflict. He is now a committed Kuki militant. "I love my land and my nation. And I cannot tolerate it being oppressed and violated at the hands of other people, that's why I have sacrificed my life and taken up arms," he says. But Sanayaima says the Army's ceasefire with the KNO's armed wing is an Indian strategy to keep the ethnic cauldron simmering.
"India is very much trying to keep us divided on ethnic lines pitching one ethnic group against another. The same old divide and rule policy. Colonial game still going on," he says.
A bridge marking the Indo-Myanmar border - painted yellow for Myanmar and white for India - stands witness to this ethnic conflict. The Asian Highway project - the first 100 km of which has been built by the Indian Border Roads - is a testimony of how the Government of India has failed to tap the potential of this region.
Northeast: Long Shadows of Subversion Nagarealm.com
The hunt for the terrorists involved in the Mumbai serial blasts of July 11 reverberated across the northeast with the arrest of a number of Islamist militants. While many of these militants are not known to be directly linked to the Mumbai incidents, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that they represent tiny threads of a larger network that aims to destabilise the country
On July 19, a confidential official order directed Police Stations and outposts in seven Districts of Assam: Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Dhubri, Barpeta, Darrang and Sonitpur, to prepare a list of persons suspected to have links with fundamentalist groups, including the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The order specifically asked for information on former SIMI cadres, who had 'quit' the organisation after it was banned on September 27, 2001. Interestingly, police appears to have only anecdotal information on about 5,000 SIMI activists, who have simply disappeared following the organisation's proscription. The chief of SIMI's Guwahati unit, Mohammed Taher, for instance, who used to stay in a rented accommodation in the city's Hedayetpur area and went missing after the Government banned the group, is reportedly hiding in the Barak Valley.

The orders come in the wake of intelligence inputs regarding the threat of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) modules planning to detonate several explosions targeting the rail networks in the State. Specifically, Rangia, Bongaigaon, Tinsukia and Lumding railway stations have been put on a month's alert since July 17. The fact that arrests of Islamist extremists also took place at roughly the same time, adds greater significance to such inputs. On July 16, two SIMI activists, Mohammad Hussain Ali and Mohammad Yasin Nuri, were arrested from Fakiragram in Kokrajhar District, and a revolver and four rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them. A day later, on July 17, the Guwahati city Police arrested Nurul Islam, a leader of the Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA) from Ambari locality. Police sources maintained that the arrested MULTA leader was the camp commander of the outfit's training camp in Bangladesh and he was hiding in the city in the guise of a rickshaw puller for the past three years. MULTA is known to have maintained at least two camps in the Chittagong and Cox's Bazar Districts of Bangladesh for the past several years. On July 18, Imamuddin Ahmed, a 45-year old cleric in a madrassa (seminary) in Chaulkhowa in Dibrugarh District, a practising quack, and also a suspected SIMI cadre, was arrested by Army personnel. 600 grams of 'brown sugar' worth INR 800,000 (about US$ 17,500) and some incriminating documents relating to SIMI activities were found in his possession. Army sources stated, "We have specific inputs that Ahmed was born in Bangladesh and came to Manipur in 1994, where he established and nurtured the SIMI network. After that, he came to Dibrugarh and has since been working as the chief co-ordinator of SIMI for the two states (Assam and Manipur)."

Again, on July 18, five persons, all Muslims, claiming to have hailed from Bihar and Orissa and posing as Army recruitment agents, were picked up from two hotels in Guwahati's Paltan Bazar area. They were found to have checked in to the Hotel under fictitious Hindu identities. During their interrogations it was revealed that they had visited the renowned Kamakhya temple in Guwahati twice in the preceding week. Two electronic toys, with their internal wires removed, were recovered from them, leading the investigators to suspect that the toys were to be used as bombs after being primed with explosives.
Sustained attempts at consolidation by Islamist militant groups in Assam have repeatedly failed over the years. Even though 14 Islamist organisations are said to be operating in the State with active assistance from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Bangladeshi Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the State police has maintained that it is capable of neutralizing their activities. However, past capabilities might prove a handicap in future. Assam, which witnessed the growth of Islamist political parties in the April 2006 Assembly elections, might see a spurt of Islamist extremism. In that eventuality, Muslim majority Districts such as Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Nagaon, Karimganj and Hailakandi, in addition to Districts with substantial Muslim populations, such as Cachar, Marigaon and Darrang, would pose serious problems for the security establishment.

The Mumbai blasts have brought further focus on the hidden processes of Islamist consolidation in other States of the northeast. In the first such case in the State, ten militants of the People's United Liberation Front (PULF) were arrested from the commercial town of Dimapur in Nagaland on July 19. The group operates in neighbouring Manipur. Their arrest from Dimapur, a town which, over the years, has witnessed a massive influx of Bangladeshi Muslim migrants (a 2004 estimate put their figures at 200,000), could be a pointer towards the unmonitored Islamist mobilisation that has escaped the attention of the security establishment. Little is known of the vast and isolated areas the Bangladeshi migrants have now come to occupy in Nagaland, and the linkages they may have developed with local and regional militant groups, or the support structure they provide to activities of covert agencies like the ISI. Some elements among the Bangladeshis in areas like Dimapur and Niuland have, thus far, been seen as mere criminals and trouble makers. Highly publicised, yet miserably unsuccessful, 'oust-Bangladeshis campaigns' have been launched by local organisations after the migrants have been involved in criminal activities such as theft and rape. Intelligence and enforcement agencies are now increasingly concerned about the potential of subversive alliances within such constituencies. Little, however, appears to have been learned from incidents like the October 2, 2004, twin blasts that rocked Dimapur, claiming 27 lives. In Tripura, on July 14, three days after the Mumbai blasts, police arrested 11 Muslim youth from a mosque in the border village of Sonarai in Dhalai District. The youth hailed from Mumbra town in the Thane District of Maharashtra, located a hundred kilometres from Mumbai. Two days later, on July 16, another eight young Gujarati 'preachers' were arrested from a mosque in Udaipur, headquarters of Tripura's South District. All of the arrested persons were later confirmed to be members of the Tablighi Jamaat (TJ, the Arabic name denotes a Group that propagates the Faith), and were released on July 19 after investigations, even though three of the persons detained admitted to a SIMI past.

In spite of the clean chit given to the detainees, it is the case that the TJ, formed in the 1920s by Muhammad Ilyas in the Mewat area of India (now in the State of Haryana), with an explicit agenda of proselytisation, is known to have hobnobbed with the militant groups worldwide. Though the organisation publicly rejects terrorism and seeks to distance itself from various Islamist militant groups, TJ members have often been recruited by terrorist groups in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. Experts believe that the TJ has worked as a catalyst for Islamist extremism, creating the mindsets that lend themselves to subsequent recruitment by more radical groupings. With an extremely successful outreach programme, the TJ has, over the years, managed to secure a significant presence in countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the United States, Chechnya, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Incidentally, the United States had put the TJ under a scanner following the 9/11 attacks with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicating that the al Qaeda had used the TJ in the United States for recruitment of cadres. In Pakistan the TJ is known to maintain links with the LeT and the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). The TJ was also involved in a failed assassination attempt on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and senior army officials in September-October 1995. A large number of Pakistani, Saudi and Jordanian TJ activists were provided arms training in HuM and LeT camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The possibility of the TJ bringing these linkages into Tripura, a State enveloped by Bangladesh from three sides, at some point in the future, cannot be ruled out.

The shadows of subversion appear to be strengthening over other States, such as Meghalaya and Manipur, as well. While Meghalaya, with an extended and porous border with Bangladesh, provides points of ingress and egress, the interior States, such as Manipur, have been gradually turning into areas of Islamist consolidation and potential loci of future flare-ups. The arrested MULTA 'camp commander', Nurul Islam, during his interrogation at Guwahati, disclosed that a group of 15 to 20 MULTA cadres had used Meghalaya's capital Shillong and Lad Rymbai in the Jaintia Hills, as their hideouts during their journeys to and from Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi migration has emerged as a serious issue in Manipur. In late April 2003, Bangladeshi immigrants in the Jiribam Sub-division of Imphal East District teamed up with the Islamist PULF, to avenge the death of an illegal migrant, hounding out 300 Bengali Hindus from their villages. According to sources, of late, subtle ISI activities are being noticed in various places, including capital Imphal and Moreh. Given its geographical location, the hostile terrain, porous and unmanaged borders with Bangladesh, administrative apathy and political myopia that the Northeast is enmeshed in, the forces of destabilisation will always find opportunities to organise themselves, plan and execute attacks. There is substantial cumulative evidence of incessant efforts of subversion in the region, and an urgent need to establish a strategy and mechanism to continuously assess, monitor and neutralise such threats as they emerge.
[BIBHU PRASAD ROUTRAY, The writer is a Research Fellow at Institute for Conflict Management, New Delhi, India]

Publish AFSPA review report, insists MPP By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 7: Observing that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 has failed to serve its purpose, MPP has demanded publication of the AFSPA Review Committee's report. MPP noted that the infamous Act has been ironi- cally contributing to the growth of numerous militant groups rather than con- taining insurgent movement.
During a press meet today at the MPP office, its president Dr L Chandra-mani noted that the 6 year long campaign of 'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila against AFSPA has become a natio-nal issue. He asserted that the draconian Act should be repealed in toto from the State.
Observing that AFSPA imposed in Manipur in 1980 after declaring the whole State as ‘disturbed area’ has been breeding militant groups rather than subdue insurgency, Dr Chandra-mani proposed a more hu- mane Act that AFSPA.
Insisting that report of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Review Committee should be made public, he asked whether the Union Home Minister would table the report in the forthcoming win- ter session of Parliament.
Recalling that merger of the then independent Manipur into the Indian Union was not affected with the consensus of the people, the MPP chief asserted that Government of India ought to change its attitude to the people of Mani- pur.
Observing that the insurgency movement in Manipur is in pursuit of a political goal, Dr Chandramani opined that the Union Government need to frame a clear cut policy to solve this long standing issue.
Contending that the Union Government had done nothing to win the hearts and faith of the people of Manipur, the MPP leader conveyed serious inkling of harbouring imperialist mind set against the Union Government. Acknowledging that the protracted agitation of Sharmila is justified, Dr Chandramani demanded adequate health care facilities from both the Union and State Governments.
Taking part in the press meet, RK Anand construed that the existing UPA Government is a puppet of the Indian army. He observed that the Union Government would no longer enjoy moral authority to rule the country if they fail to recognise the sensitivity of the issue being pursued by Sharmila. Reiterating that army and weapons are not solutions of the problems plaguing the State, Dr Nimaichand Luwang urged to initiate political talks. He also maintained that the State Government ought to frame a definite and consistent policy to address the problem of insurgency in Manipur.
To a question, Dr Chandramani disclosed that MPP would meet the Prime Minister if necessary, but they would first talk with the Governor and the Chief Minister.

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.

Peace talks take backseat By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 7 – With the Army launching a massive operation against the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the militants also retaliating, the issue of talks between the Government and the militant outfit has been relegated to the background. The ULFA today triggered off an IED blast under an Army truck near Mahmora in Sivasagar district, in which three Army personnel were injured and the vehicle was damaged. Police sources said here that the incident took place at around 12.30 pm and it is suspected that the attack came as a retaliation to the killing of a hardcore ULFA militant, Debojit Konwar at Borhat in the same district yesterday.

In another incident in upper Asom, a grenade was hurled in the Tengakhat police station in Dibrugarh district this evening. But no one was injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, according to information received here, the Army has launched a massive operation in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park following reports that a number of ULFA militants might be taking shelter in the park. It may be mentioned here that the Army had earlier launched an operation in the park last year, but that was called off after the formation of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) by the ULFA to hold initial parleys with the Government of India to pave the way for direct talks.

On the other hand, the People’s Committee for Peace initiative in Assam (PCPIA), an umbrella body of 25 different organizations of the state, has decided to launch a movement demanding that immediate steps should be taken by the Government of India to hold direct talks with the ULFA. The members of the constituent organizations of the PCPIA will stage demonstration in all the district headquarters of the state on October 10, followed by a 50-hour hunger strike from 10 am of October 12. On October 16, members of the PCPIA will resort to National Highway blockade and a procession would be taken out on October 19.

The chief coordinator of the PCPIA, Dilip Patgiri said that the demands of the PCPIA include direct talks between the Government and the ULFA, suspension of Army operations to create a congenial atmosphere for talks, release of five jailed central committee members of the ULFA as demanded by the outfit etc.

Talking to this correspondent, Patgiri expressed the view that attacks and counter attacks by the Army and the ULFA would result in further deterioration of the situation and the issue of talks would be relegated to the background. He said that to prevent further deterioration of the situation, both sides must stop violence. He said that to improve the situation, the Government of India must implement all the decisions taken in the meeting between the Government and the PCG on June 22 to pave the way for direct talks. He pointed out that in the last meeting with the Government and the PCG in presence of the Union Home Minister, the Centre assured to consider the demand for the release of the five jailed leaders favourably in consultation with the State Government but instead of implementing the assurance, the Government imposed new conditions, which resulted in the deterioration of the situation.

Army to air drop soldiers to fight ULFA By IANS
Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) The Indian Army Sunday said it was keeping a fleet of helicopters on standby to air drop soldiers to fight separatist guerrillas hiding in inaccessible jungle terrain in Assam.
The army is engaged in a massive anti-insurgency operation in parts of eastern Assam, close to the border with Myanmar, to flush out rebels of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
'We shall air drop soldiers as and when needed based on specific intelligence,' army spokesman Colonel Narender Singh told IANS.
The government called off a six-week ceasefire and resumed military operations against ULFA Sep 24 following stepped up attacks and extortions by the rebels.
At least four ULFA rebels were killed and six captured in the offensive. 'The operations are going on and our target are cadres of ULFA's 28th Battalion who are active in eastern Assam,' the army official said.
The ULFA too stepped up its attacks in the past fortnight killing at least three people and wounding 30, including 10 soldiers. Intelligence officials said a large group of ULFA guerrillas armed with explosives and sophisticated weapons have sneaked into Assam from Myanmar's north Sagaing division in the past two weeks.
'The ULFA cadres have split into small groups. Some are believed to be hiding in some thickly forested areas in eastern Assam,' an intelligence official said.
Peace talks between ULFA representatives and the Indian government formally broke down last week after the People's Consultative Group (PCG), a civil society team appointed by the rebels to mediate, pulled out of the peace process blaming the government for calling off the truce.
The talks were deadlocked with the ULFA demanding the release of five of their jailed leaders as a condition to hold direct talks with the government. Indian negotiators wanted a commitment in writing that the ULFA leadership would come for talks if their jailed men were released. The rebel group refused to give a written commitment.
'We gave ULFA about 40 days to respond to the truce but they simply refused to give a letter of commitment. We cannot allow ULFA to take advantage of the ceasefire and carry out attacks,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told IANS.
The ULFA is fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam in the past two decades.
Official team leaves for Delhi to monitor Sharmila`s condition The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Oct 7: A team of state police led by SP, CID, Dhanakumar and comprising of a doctor, three nurses and two women home guard personnel has left for New Delhi to look into the condition of Sharmila who was evacuated at AIIMS by the Delhi police late Friday for medical treatment from Jantar Mantar. According to an official source, the team had proceeded only to assist authorities in Delhi attending to Sharmila at the hospital.

Delhi police has so far has not registered any case against her, source added.

The doctor and the nurses on the team to Delhi are from JN hospital where Sharmila had been detained and administered nasal feeding for the last six years. They have gone to assist the doctors and nurses at AIIMS. The two home guard personnel were also among those who attended Sharmila at the same hospital, sources said. Medication to Irom Sharmila has started at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where she has been put up after being picked up by Delhi Police last midnight. According to Babloo Loitongbam, director Human Rights Alert, who is in the capital, Sharmila has been put up at Bed No 28 at New Medicine Ward, AIIMS and no visitor is allowed to met her except her elder brother Singhajit.

Babloo also informed IFP that doctors at the AIIMS are finding it difficult to administer medicene to Sharmila as they could not coordinate with doctors at JN Hospital in Imphal.

He also said Delhi Police did not filed any FIR against Sharmila and authorities at the national capital are also declining to give reason for picking up the hunger striker. Human rights activists from Manipur who have rushed to the national capital are not allowed to meet Sharmila or enquire about her health condition.

Three human rights activists based in the national capital went to enquire about Sharmila`s health condition at the AIIMS but they were not allowed to meet her, Babloo informed adding that the hunger striker has been closely guarded by two women constable of Delhi Police.

In the meantime, civil society and human rights organisations which are extending support to Sharmila`s cause have convened a meeting later this evening to chalk out further course of action. Details of the meeting could not be available in Imphal till the time of filing this report.

ANI adds : Delhi Police have forcibly admitted a Manipuri woman into a hospital here after she refused to call off her six-year-long hunger strike. Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on a hunger strike since the year 2000 in protest against what she termed as human rights violations in her native Manipur. Sharmila launched her hunger strike after soldiers shot dead ten young men at a bus stop in a small town in Manipur. Later, she resolved that 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.

"I have been fasting to protest against the injustices the Government of India has committed upon the people of Manipur and its silence on the issue of Armed forces Act," said Sharmila. Sharmila was arrested and charged with attempted suicide soon after she began her fast. Before being brought to the capital, she was being force-fed through a nasal tube at a government-run hospital in Imphal, Manipur`s capital. The maximum term for her offence is one year and police have been releasing her every year, only to re-arrest her next 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 onto a plane to New Delhi. "The demands put forth by Sharmila are quite logical in their own way and whatever she has been demanding for so many years should be considered by the government," said Babloo Loitongbam, former Director, Human Rights Alert, Manipur. Soon after arriving at the capital, the determined activist made her way to Rajghat, the memorial to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. She said the Indian government had betrayed Gandhi`s memory in its reaction to her peaceful protest and its treatment of the people of Manipur.

Manipur, with a population of about two million, lies 2400 km from New Delhi, on India`s border with Myanmar. Most of its people are of Hindu or Tibeto-Burman origin.

An armed separatist rebellion in the 1960s has left around 20,000 people dead. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has assured that his government will take steps to have the oppressive Armed Forces Special Power Act of 1958 rescinded, but steadfastly refuses to give a timeframe for its withdrawal. "I assure that we will definitely look into the matter but can not promise to with draw the act right now foreseeing the present situation in the state. We will talk to the Home Minister about it as soon as possible," said Singh. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act only applies in Kashmir and insurgency-affected northeastern India. Human rights groups say it has given the army license to kill, torture and rape with impunity.
‘Stop fatricides in the name of national movement’ Sentinel
KOHIMA, Oct 7: Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), the apex traditional body Nagaland's Ao tribe, has appealed the underground factions to stop their nefarious activities in the name of national movement. In a release here today Ao Senden president Temjenkaba said cease-fire with the Centre was meaningless if the outfits continued ceaseless firings, killing of innocent citizens, bomb blasts, factional fights and paper wars among themselves for certain vested interests.
Condemning the murder of a minor here on October 2 by unidentified gunmen, the Senden appealed that the culprits should be punished.
The law enforcing authorities should be more vigilant while maintaining law and order situation to avoid such incidents, Temjenkaba said. (UNI)

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10/08/2006: "CNN IBN to telecast news stories on NE The Imphal Free Press"