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10/19/2006: "3-day Naga peace talks to start in Amsterdam today Aloke Tikku Hindustand Times"

3-day Naga peace talks to start in Amsterdam today Aloke Tikku Hindustand Times

New Delhi, October 16, 2006 The government will hold talks with the NSCN (IM) leadership over the next three days to continue the dialogue process that has managed to stave off armed confrontation between the insurgent group and security forces in Nagaland for nearly a decade.
A three-member group of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes will resume negotiations with National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) leaders on Tuesday in Amsterdam.
Government officials said the meeting could focus on how to give a "constitutional shape” to the demands put forward by the NSCN (IM) that is acceptable to the government.
"We hope to be able to start an Article by Article study of the Constitution," said an official. The NSCN (IM) has never formally accepted the Indian Constitution. A detailed examination to identify the constitutional provisions that they do not have a problem accepting would be a step forward.
But this is expected to be a long-drawn process; the Nagas have already brought a constitutional expert on board to help them take a position on the negotiating table.
Don’t shift blame: NPCC reacts to Thenucho the Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has reacted to the State Home Minister, Thenucho’s statement wherein he has compared the deteriorating law and order situation to the ceasefire Agreement of 1964. The NPCC reminding Thenucho that it is his responsibility to see that the present law and order situation cannot be compared to the past Cease Fire Agreement of 1964, where there was only one underground organization and pointed out that the present cease fire agreement has been signed by the two NSCN groups with the Government of India. “Law and order matter comes under the State subject and the Home Minister tends to shift the responsibility to the Central Government on an excuse to review and amend the ceasefire ground rules”, NPCC President Hokheto Sumi stated in a press communiqué.
Pointing that the recent visit of the Home Minister to Singapore has got no relevancy with the type of situation the state police forces are facing in Nagaland, the NPCC alleged that instead the Minister’s visit was to escape facing the anger of the people as an IRB personnel had shot at an innocent student at Kohima town. “If the Minister is having concern for the people, he should have cancelled his official trip”, the NPCC remarked.
Responding to the Home Minister that the state police force lack proper basic training and thus they can be termed as unqualified police force, the NPCC stated that “after so much reported cases of police atrocities on the innocent people, a realization has come from the Home Minister to have a ‘police training academy’ and a ‘plan to introduce community policing to cement the relation between the public and police’. Does he mean to communitize the police force?”
The NPCC further expressed concern over a media coverage wherein the name of the Congress party was dragged into a law and order issue without specifying the reasons and urged upon the media fraternity to refrain from such baseless allegations against a particular political party/politician and rather play a positive role while disseminating correct information to the public.
Don’t just condemn killings, do something, says SKK The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 18 (MExN): Taking strong exception of the recent killings in the state, the apex body of the Sumi students’ community, the All Sumi Students Union (SKK) has invoked all right-thinking citizens to desist from mere condemnation of killings. Instead, no initiative should be spared in seeking out the killers.
“The SKK invoke the sense of all right-thinking citizens that killing of innocent people should not end up with mere condemnation. Killing being most inhuman offence ever known we would spare no loophole to let the killer escape comfortably. The SKK shall not remain a mute spectator nor shall the SKK hush up murder case with mere condemnation” the SKK through its President Hetoi Chishi stated.
The SKK also took strong exception to the killing of Ahoto Assumi of Keltomi village. It stated that on receiving information of the death, the SKK rushed to the North Police station where it was learnt that a funeral service for the deceased was already underway. In the midst of the service the SKK condemned the inhuman act mete out to the victim. The SKK also expressed gratitude to the NSCN-K for providing information.
“It is an undeniable fact that the law enforcing agency of the government should lead in ascertaining the culprits especially in the case of murder most particularly at state capital of Nagaland. NGOs whether it be state-level, tribal or local body, is supposed to back-up individuals, collective or the government in fighting for justice” the SKK reminded while asking the government not to expect voluntary students’ organizations to “occupy front position in the case of detecting the murderers or culprits”.
Adding salt to injury, says NSCN (K) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, Oct 18 (MExN): While refuting a statement issued by the NSCN (IM) appearing in a section of the local news dailies, the NSCN (K) Urban Commander, Kohima expressed pain “to witness certain elements desperately trying to make dividends out of innocent dead men who fell prey to their bloody campaign”.
“In their desperate effort to cover up their crime and divert Naga people’s wrath, NSCN workers are being malignantly dragged into controversy with sole purpose to confuse and misguide the Nagas”, stated a press note issued by Urban Commander Kohima Naga Army, NSCN (K), while clarifying the news report of CAO, Angami region.
“It is for public consumption and aggrieved families for once and for all as to the facts of events surrounding murder of late. Hovizol Puoyo and Ahoto Assumi by IK cadres”, it stated and clarified that there was no worker by name or rank Lt. Bokato Sumi, Hekhuto Sumi within Naga Army fold at Kohima Urban Command. Neither was Lt.Vitoi Sumi nor Corpl. Toshika Sumi at Kohima during the time of murder, the NSCN (K) clarified.
Pointing out that such senseless and wild allegation without an iota of truth only reveals how confused and frustrated these elements are, instead of admitting crime and tendering apology to the victims families “they still want to earn undue advantage going beyond human emotional limitations and without concern for turmoil the affected families are going through at this hour of pain for the loss of dear ones”.
The NSCN (K) alleged that using non-Naga abettors to murder Nagas and relying solely on false information provided by the same non-local to target innocent Nagas is nothing short of anti-Naga activity. “Employing subversive Indian agents to further IK interest and killing Nagas at the behest of such agents should be condemned by every sections of Naga Society”, it stated further adding that in complete contravention to Nagas ideology and principle of liberation from alien rule, the NSCN (IM) had even resorted to employing aliens to fight the NSCN (K).
“Let every Naga be reminded of dangers lurking at your door steps in guise of national workers, be vigilant that innocent looking non-local shopkeepers, petty businessman etc could be IK agents trying to extract information about workers and sympathizers of common Naga cause”, it cautioned.
Stating the NSCN (K) had no animosity in common with non-locals, however any such collaborators trying to create havoc and disturb tranquility in the home country, an exemplary punishment would be meted out in public, the statement warned.
“Should there be doubts of any form in connection to recent murders, we advise that clarity be sought from IK activists Capt. Mohangam Tangkhul, Umesh Bihari and 2nd Lt. Shekho Chakesang who are solely responsible for crimes perpetrated. We also condemn IK’s labeling of late Ahoto as extortionist and collector in order to justify it’s crime, no matter how convincing a case you make, killing of innocent would never be justified”, it stated. “May God Almighty absolve your crimes so that your crime may not invite God’s wrath on the Nagas. May God give you courage to repent your sins and uphold the truth” it stated.
UNC date The Sangai Express
Imphal, Oct 18 : The United Naga Council (UNC) has said that it has deci-ded to change the date of its proposed conclave which is, otherwise, suppo-sed to be held on October 21 at Senapati for those intending Naga candidates of the forthcoming Assem-bly election. However, UNC president KS Paul Leo informed over phone to NNN that the UNC meeting of October 20 will be held as planned at the same venue announced earlier. The UNC leader said that within few days time the meeting of the intending candidates will be held for which a date may be fixed.
Changes in AFSPA likely: Army Chief Nagaland post
New Delhi, Oct 18 (PTI): Government is contemplating bringing in some changes in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to prevent its misuse, Army Chief General J J singh said here today.
He said in the review being carried out by the Centre with advice from Home and Defence Ministries, the clause under which at present a non-commissioned officer of army can order opening of fire in the face of civilian disturbance was being dropped.
"Instead it is proposed that only a junior commissioned officers would be invested with this authority", the Army Chief told newsmen while briefing them about the delibration of the just concluded Army Commanders conference. He said a bill in this regard might be tabled in coming session of the Parliament. Similarly he was hopeful of a bill for the setting up of the first ever armed forces tribunal might also be tabled during the session.
He said the ongoing Naga talks, which resumed in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam today, were moving in a positive direction and denied that his forces were equipping or supporting the rival NSCN (Khaplang) faction. While saying that ULFA militants were now veering around to negotiations, Singh made clear that Indian Army was not proposing or conducting any joint operation with Myanmar army against ulfa and other northeast militant cadres. "It is purely a Myanmar army operation though we may be coordinating", he said.
Assam kids plant bomb for Rs.100 Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Oct 18 (UNI): Falling short of dedicated cadre, proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was now using school going children to carry out blasts in the insurgency-hit state, arrests made in some recent cases suggest. On Monday night police arrested a ten-year-old unidentified boy at Bongaigaon immediately after he had thrown a grenade on the Railway station, while another identified as Gautam Kalita, a class VII student from Rangia, died on the previous day at Kahilipara, when the bomb he was carrying went of. The Bongaigaon police said the boy was paid Rs 100 to carry out the task.
''This is most horrifying,'' said Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi talking to newspersons. ''How can they bring children and students to conflict,'' he said. Asom Governor Lt Gen Ajay Sinha condemned the incidents and asked where were the custodians of human rights who were always ready to point a finger at the government. The All Asom Students Union (AASU) has also expressed concern ''Students are students. The militants cannot exploit them,'' the student outfit said. AASU President Sankar Prasad Ray said, ''We believe in non-violence. It is unfortunate that an armed organisation in Asom has been using students and children in its armed movement, and this new trend will do more damage to the society than ever before. The Government should take steps to solve all outstanding issues with the rebel group through peace talks.'' Tinsukia district Deputy Commissioner Absar Hazarika said students in his district were ''bribed with money, cars, motor-cycles and cell phones to carry out blasts and throw grenades in public places''. Mr Hazarika further revealed that a student of XII standard from Tinsukia was arrested for involvement in a grenade attack in Digboi.
The boy identified as one Jolen Moran was a student of Somar Bidyapith, Tinsukia. ULFA was paying for Moran's education and accommodation. The police was still on the look out for two absconding friends of Jolen, who were ULFA linkmen, Mr Hazarika said.Besides students, unemployed village youth were also easy target for the banned outfit. They were being lured into insurgent activities by doling out easy money and other facilities.
The use of students and children in its armed struggle by the ULFA will remain a ''blot on human civilization'', says the All Asom Tai Ahom Students Union (AATSU).
All Koch-Rajbonshi Students' Union (AKRSU) President Atul Ray said ''armed organisations'' should ''avoid'' killing innocent civilians, and the government should also take sincere steps to solve the issues involved. Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) general secretary Pulok Choudhury also condemned the recent killings by ULFA. He the government should nip the recent trend, adopted by the banned outfit, in its bud.
NSCN factional clashes continue Sentinel
Imphal, Oct 18: The factional clashes between the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K have started climaxing with reports of gun-battles pouring in everyday from both Nagaland and Manipur.
Reports of clashes between the two NSCN factions have been received from Tamenglong district yesterday. Both the factions however denied suffering any casualties or injuries in their own respective group. While the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has claimed to have shot and injured four NSCN-IM cadres, the NSCN-IM has said that if there was any casualty, it should have been in the rival faction but not in their own side.
Earlier reports said that at a village called Aben in Tousem sub-division under Tamenglong district, about three militants had been killed following the clashes between the two NSCN factions last night but attempt to confirm the reports drew a blank. However, the information and publicity incharge of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region issued a press statement saying that there was no casualties on their side but four NSCN-IM cadres had been critically injured. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region further stated that about 40 cadres of the NSCN-IM attacked the NSCN-K ‘camp’ at Aben village but no one was hurt on their side. However, four NSCN-IM cadres got critically injured to which the villagers were the witness of yesterday’s incident, said the NSCN-K statement.
On the other hand, the NSCN-IM does not want to call it as factional clashes with the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region. NSCN(IM) MIP deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang said that it had been the Manipur Peoples Army (MPA) that has been trying to create law and order problem in the Naga areas particularly in Tamenglong district. Kraibo Chawang told that the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region was part and parcel of the MPA.(Agencies)

The Ethnic Culture of the East- Nagaland Post Opnion
From the time immemo-rial the Tikhir tribe havebeen an undominated "Freeland", bordering Myanmar in the east. The four ethnic groups having their own cultures, customs, and traditions are Tikhir, Makory, Chir and Longpfur.
The Tikhir tribe celebrate "TSONGLAKNYI" festival, their rich culture with pomp and glory. While Makory tribe celebrate "TSULAKNYE" festival as their important traditional festival which falls in the month of October every year. The Chirr tribe also observes their festival known as "RHE" or "TSAKRENYE" in contemporary to the Tikhir and Makory.
It is an undeniable fact, as other Nagas who have their own ethnic cultures and customs. But some parasite have been creating prejudices and dominating these four ethnic tribes. Everything can be changed but the history cannot changed, mingled or compromised. When we read the Bible, St. Joseph 1:1. "In the beginning there was only word, and the word was with God, through word everything was created" the term word means language and this language became history. Nagas cannot transform to Americans or Americans to Nagas.In respect of the present ethnic fashion show which is to be organized by the most advanced Naga tribes to beautify the different rich Naga culture and heritage, every Naga tribe has right to participate in any activities whether big or small and some vested interested people are trying to disrupt and defame the image of the Naga society. This kind of anti-elements should not be prevail in order to maintain peace and tranquility as a whole. We are proud of the advanced Naga tribes for their justice and equal respect served to the minority and majority tribes alike.
R. Daniel, Vice president Tikhir Students' Union. T. Asuthong, General Secretary, TSU.
T. Robert Torep, Assistant General Secretary, TSU.
BJP backs repeal AFSPA stand By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 18: Describing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 as ‘poisonous and anti-democratic’, State Unit BJP president H Borobabu has stated that the party is committed to the public demand to repeal the draconian Act from Manipur and would go along with other like-minded political parties on the issue.
Talking to mediaper-sons at the Nityaipat Chu- thek office of the State unit BJP here today, Borobabu, however, refrained from commenting on the stand of the party units in other North Eastern States which have been reeling under the impact of the Act that gives sweeping powers to the SF. Nonetheless, while responding to a query on whether BJP would come out openly in support of the demand for withdrawal of the Act if the matter is put up for discussion during the forthcoming Winter session of the Parliament, Borobabu reiterated that the ultimate goal of the party is to remove the Act from Manipur and added the ‘Parliament matter’ would also come about automatically. Talking about his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalswamy yesterday, Borobabu disclosed that his party raised the issue of implementing a ‘no security, no vote’ policy in Manipur in connection with the forthcoming 9th State Assembly election. The State Unit BJP has also urged the upon the CEC to make photo identity cards essential for all the voters whose name are included in the Electoral Rolls as well as for allowing video recording of the voting process in all the polling stations for ensuring free and fair conduct of the election, he informed, adding that his party and the people do not have faith on the sincerity of a Government backed by underground elements.
Without these measures, election would be reduced to mere selection process, he added.
In the interest of free and fair conduct of the upcoming polls, the State unit BJP leader also proposed deployment of two Central observers in each of the polling stations apart from utilising the Central security forces instead of the State police personnel on duty during the election.
While announcing that the Election Manifestos Committee of the party has been set up, Borobabu further disclosed that 40 to 50 party candidates would be fielded in the election.

Needed recipes for Imphal Sangai Express editorial
Ningol Chakkouba is still a few days away, October 24 to be precise, but already the commercial centres of Imphal have become extremely crowded. While shoppers crowding the market places may be seen as a positive indicator of the economy of the place, on the other hand it will not be entirely wrong to say that what is happening at Imphal is something than can be avoided with a little planning from the side of the Government. Like all other places, the population of Manipur too has mushroomed during the last few years and with modern amenities practically non-existent or in very poor state in the far flung places, more and more people have migrated to the capital during the last few years. The pull factor of Imphal is indeed big and this is one factor for the rise of the population in the capital. The opening up of the Indian economy from the early nineties has also meant the proliferation of motor vehicles of all types, ranging from the sleek two wheelers to the latest model cars. This has also had a direct bearing on the lifestyle of the people, particularly in the capital. However if we strictly go by the number of vehicles in Imphal and the population, then there is no reason for the almost daily traffic chaos and jams that we witness on the streets. This becomes all that more pronounced during times of festival and with three major festivals coming up, Diwali, Ningol Chakkouba and Idul Fitre, the commercial areas and the roads leading to these places are today choking with vehicles. Driving through the roads during this period is pure hell. The presence of some dare devil speedsters, particularly the youngsters on their two wheeler toys has also added to the madness that is witnessed on the streets of Imphal today. Moreover the marriage season has set in and we can expect more traffic jams, more incensed drivers and more accidents. It is our firm belief that the madness that we witness on the streets of Imphal can be avoided to a large extent, if only Mr Ibobi and his men apply their mind to it. The political netas do not have to experience the ordeal of driving through the traffic mess as they come with their sirens screaming and the public are expected to give them the right of way. As this column has repeatedly pointed out earlier, it absolutely makes no sense to locate the bus parking at the busy Keishampat area and in front of the State Library complex. The buses, with their gas horns add to the nuisance value and with many reckless drivers behind the wheels, it is a miracle that we have not seen major accidents during this time of the year. What the Government should do is hire professional town planners, not the Government type whose knowledge have been rusted by years of babudom, but from the private sector. Let a blue print be prepared. Shift the bus parkings from the heart of Imphal. Relocate some of the markets. Make better use of the Super market complex that have been built at Singjamei and Lamphel. Forbid the establishment of new commercial centres at the major commercial centres like Paona bazar, Thangal bazar and BT road. Provide another site for the fish vendors. A fish market may come up at Lamphel, another beyond Lamlong and another beyond Kwakeithel and another near or beyond Canchipur. The bottomline is, the traffic volume and the population has not crossed the tolerable limit. What has become intolerable is the myopic vision of the State Government. Do something now. As starters the fish mela for Ningol Chakkouba may be shifted from Polo Ground to another place, say the old airfield at Koirengei. This will help to reduce the crowd at the already congested Thangal bazar, Paona bazar and BT road area.

100 goods-laden trucks stranded in Manipur From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Oct 18 – Nearly 100 goods-laden trucks bound for Manipur are reportedly stranded along Manipur-Nagaland border due to the resumption of economic blockade on NH 39 and 53 by All Manipur die-in-harness appointment demand committee since yesterday.

Meanwhile, nearly 80 oil tankers were also stranded at Khatkhati (Asom-Nagaland border) as the drivers refused to proceed any further in the absence of security. Informing this, a statement of All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Driver’s Union said Manipur-bound tanker drivers are being threatened following a looting incident which occurred on Sunday at Khatkhati.
The statement said three out of six looters who were trying to extort money from stranded Manipur-bound oil tankers at Khatkhati in Asom were picked up by Khatkhati police on Tuesday.

Rail link for NE capitals by 2011 Nagarealm.com
Agartala, OCT17 [IANS] : Capitals of all the seven Northeastern states will be connected by rail tracks within next five years. "Survey for putting railway tracks to connect all the seven capital cities of the northeastern states has been completed," A.K. Sanwalka, general manager (open line) of the Northeast Frontier railway, said Tuesday. He said Agartala would be the second capital in the northeast after Guwahati of Assam to come on the railway map by December 2007.

"Conversion of the rail track between Lumding (southern Assam) and Dharmanagar (north Tripura) from meter gauge to broad gauge would be completed by 2009," the official said.

The project cost was estimated at Rs.7 billion with Rs.5 billion already spent since 2001. More than 75 percent work of the project, which was earlier declared by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as 'national project', has been completed. The rail track will pass through three major tunnels, one at the Longtharai hills, another at the Atharamura hill range, and the third at the Baramura hill range, besides 170 minor and 15 major bridges. "It has been a long wait for the people of Tripura. It was a distant dream before the project was sanctioned. But the dream has now turned into reality," Tripura Transport Minister Manik Dey said.
ULFA draws flak from political parties All the major political parties in Asom today came down heavily on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for its rampant explosions, other subversive activities and roping in children and students in its armed movement in the State. By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 18: All the major political parties in Asom, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the Purbanchaliya Loka Parishad (PLP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress today came down heavily on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for its rampant explosions, other subversive activities and roping in children and students in its armed movement in the State. This development came close on the heels of a number of apolitical organizations, including the All Assam Tai Ahom Students’ Union (AATASU), the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), the All Koch-Rajbonshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), slamming the rebel group for roping in students and children in its armed struggle that has lost its support base among the masses.
Talking to The Sentinel today, PLP general secretary Rajkumar Baishya said: “Subversive activities have nothing to do with movements. Involving students and children in armed movement is unfair, and by doing so the ULFA has distanced itself from the masses further. A movement will be a futile exercise if it resorts to subversive activities.”
Speaking in the same vein, AGP publicity secretary Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya said: “The AGP does not support killings and other subversive activities. Killings and explosions can never be the language of any movement. Those who resort to killings of innocent people in their course of armed movement should view it from the humanitarian point of view rather than viewing it from angle of armed struggle. The incidents occurring currently in Asom are tragic, and the perpetrators of violence should know that violence can never be stronger than public opinion.”
Asom BJP spokesman Charan Deka said that killings and explosion could never pave the way for solution to any problem.
Asom Congress general secretary Haren Das said that the peace process between the Centre and the ULFA had just been halted, not put to an end, because of some technicalities. “Like everybody in the State, the Congress also wants peace talks with the ULFA to continue, and as such the rebel group should give up its subversive activities,” Das said.
NDFB general secretary Gobinda Basumatary said: “Roping in students and children in armed struggle can never be justified. I think the ULFA has not done it.”
Arabinda hits back at Patil By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 18: Reacting to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Minister of State for Home Prakash Jaishwal’s comment in New Delhi yesterday that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) failed to give a firm assurance on participating in direct parleys with the Centre, thereby jeopardizing the peace process, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa today told a section of the press in Asom (not The Sentinel): “The formation of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and appointment of a mediator by the ULFA have proved beyond doubt that we are eager to solve the India-Asom conflict through political discussion. Non-implementation of the proposals taken during the three rounds of Government of India-PCG talks by the Government, on the other hand, has proved that New Delhi is not interested to solve the problem.”
He said that the Government of India’s demand for a letter from the ULFA through the PCG was not formal, and not in consonance with the procedure.
On Patil’s comment that the ULFA began hostilities immediately after the withdrawal of Centre’s unilateral ceasefire with the outfit, Rajkhowa said: “It’s the age-old false propaganda by the Government of India against the ULFA.” That the ULFA is interested for a political solution to its demands has been reflected in its positive gesture to the Government of India’s unilateral ceasefire, he added.