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10/21/2006: "Amsterdam talks ends in ‘tug-of-war’ NGO’s to find place in Ceasefire Monitoring Group Morung Express News"

Amsterdam talks ends in ‘tug-of-war’ NGO’s to find place in Ceasefire Monitoring Group Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 20 The latest round of peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) ended in what a top official from the latter described as ‘tug-of-war’. Reliable sources disclosed that the Amsterdam talks remained stuck despite three days of intensive talks with both sides ‘defending their respective positions’. The presence of international ‘experts’ during the parleys helped in keeping the peace process afloat, an NSCN (IM) source disclosed. It may be mentioned that three experts namely Michael C van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based non-profit organization called Kreddha, Anthony Regan a constitutional adviser to the Bougainville parties to the Bougainville peace process in Papua New Guinea and Yash Ghai Professor at the University of Hong Kong and known to be a distinguished academic and renowned constitutional lawyer were present during the current round of talks.
Besides the formal points put forward to the Government of India, which were discussed point by point, the NSCN (IM) negotiators reportedly wanted Delhi to ‘translate into reality’ the unique history of the Nagas already accepted by Delhi. However, despite the tug-of-war situation at the talks table, the negotiation process remained ‘positive’, it was informed. And although nothing could be finalized both sides were hopeful that the process would move ahead in the coming round of talks. No dates have been fixed because of the tight schedule of the Group of Ministers headed by Oscar Fernandes.
Meanwhile in a major breakthrough to help strengthen the ceasefire mechanism, the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India recently agreed to broaden the membership of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group by including two persons each from Indian and Naga civil society groups. This was decided by the Ground Rules Committee headed by Emissary to the Collective Leadership VS Atem recently. Sources informed that Delhi had already dispatched its Special Secretary Home to Kohima to work out the modalities in this regard. It was informed that the names of the two Naga representatives to be included in the CFMG will have to be decided by the civil society groups themselves.
It may be mentioned that as per the revised ground rules signed on January 13, 2001 representatives of the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), in New Delhi, it was agreed upon that for implementation of the ground rules modalities the CFMG will also include representatives from the NGOs. However, it was also agreed that any accidental encounter or violation should not be allowed to jeopardise the peace process and the effect of any such incident should be localised through mutual consultations.
Govt-NSCN(IM) talks in Amsterdam Zee News
New Delhi, Oct 17: Amid reports of clashes between rival factions of Naga rebels, the Government will hold talks with top leadership of the NSCN(IM) in Amsterdam for three days beginning on Tuesday where the group may toughen its stand on unification of Naga-inhabited areas. A Group of Ministers, headed by Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, has left for Netherlands to hold parleys with NSCN(IM) representatives led by chairman Isaac Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and is expected to discuss all "substantive" issues for a solution to the country's oldest insurgency problem, sources said today.

The reports of clashes between NSCN(IM) and its rival NSCN(Khaplang) cadres, which have resulted in killings of several people in the recent past may figure in the talks. The NSCN(IM) is likely to demand immediate government action to "control" the cadre of NSCN(K), which also has a ceasefire pact with the Centre, since such incidents may increase further tension in Nagaland, sources said.

The meeting will review the progress made ever since the rebels submitted a 20-point "charter of demands" to the Government. In its "charter of demands", the NSCN-IM has sought unification of all Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast, separate representation at the UN and greater rights over natural resources, finance, defence and policing.
The Naga side is expected to insist on commitment from the Centre to its key demand of unification of Naga-inhabited areas to please its constituencies in Nagaland, sources said.
However, the rebel group's key demand of "greater Nagalim" has been strongly opposed by Nagaland's neighbouring states - Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Bureau Report
Neiphiu Rio stands for Naga women The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 20 (MExN): Education being the cornerstone of women empowerment, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today called upon the women folks to ‘come out of the kitchen and join the mainstream’ to bring about a change in the society. “Education is important for everyone, but it is especially significant for girls and women which is not only an entry point to other opportunities, but also because the educational achievements of women can have ripple effects within the family and across generations” said Rio. He was inaugurating Pranabananda Women’s College Library at the college campus.
Rio also urged the gathering to change ‘the mindset of mediocrity’ into excellence in this competitive and knowledge-revolution world. Lamenting that the habit of reading is decreasing due to advancement in science and technology, the Chief Minister said “earlier people studied to improve themselves but today people study to impress others.” He reminded the students that education is the passport to success and that education comes through books, which is the documentation of the past in which the best minds have put their thoughts. Rio said that empowerment of women is possible by educating them. “Knowledge is power, knowledge is freedom” said Rio adding that if women are educated they will have a future.
Rio also informed that Nagaland Women Commission Bill 2006 which was passed during the twelfth session of the 10th Assembly, Kohima is under process and will be completed very soon. The commission will look into the problems faced by the women and will fight for it. He also appreciated the tremendous contribution of women to the Naga society which, he said was ‘even better than boys.’’ The chief minister also assured the college’s authority that the government will look into all the problems of the college and to help in whatever way possible.
Experts guide parties in talks Morung Express News
Dimapur The Government of India-NSCN (IM) talks at Amsterdam entered its final day today with no major announcement at the time of filing this report. NSCN (IM) officials informed that the parties had two rounds of informal talks deliberating on a range of issues including the current disturbing situation in Nagaland and Manipur. Yesterday’s first round of formal talks remained inconclusive although the nature of negotiations was described as ‘very serious’ and substantive. Sources informed that the outcome of the Amsterdam talks will be known by tomorrow.
Meanwhile reliable sources disclosed that Michael C van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based non-profit organization called Kreddha was present during the discussions between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India.
Sources said that although the government of India denied the involvement of the international mediator because of various ‘internal political reasons’ and preferring to use the term ‘some do-gooders’ it was agreed upon between the two sides that the Dutch-based Praag would put forth his ‘suggestions and proposals if any’.

It was also informed that there were two other experts present. One of them was revealed as Anthony Reagan, an expert on conflict issues. Anthony Regan is reportedly a constitutional adviser to the Bougainville parties to the Bougainville peace process in Papua New Guinea (1997 to present) and a fellow at the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University in Canberra. Anthony also served as a full-time adviser on post-conflict constitutional development to the government of Uganda for over three years in the early 1990s.

The other expert assisting was identified as Yash Ghai Professor of Public Law at the University of Hong Kong and known to be a distinguished academic and renowned constitutional lawyer. Not surprisingly, NSCN (IM) sources informed that one of the substantive issue being addressed was the demand for a separate Naga constitution besides working out a framework to define the “Special Federal Relationship’ between two separate entities.

Imposters confusing the Nagas- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Naga National Council (NNC) is constrained to issue this press statement because some imposter leaders are attempting to confuse the Naga people by releasing their false propaganda through media. The Nagas are sovereign independent nation and they have established their national institution NNC in 1946 and their national Government, known as Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) in 1956. And according to the Nagaland Yehzabo (Constitution) the kedahge (President) of FGN is usually elected when the expiry of one's five year tenure. And the Nagas are very fortunate to have the NNC President Ms. Adinno Phizo who is in abroad, London and has plenipotentiary power to speak for the Naga people and Naga people and Naga nation. The responsible of NNC is to promote peace and good relationship with neighbouring countries and the world. At home, the Nagas have their legal and legitimate Government headed by successive Kedahges since 1956. According to provision of Yehzabo Article 21, the Kedahge and kedallo are elected in the Tatar Hoho by the Tatar Member. Thus Khriesaneisa was followed by scato Swu, G. Mhiesiu, M. Chumbemo Murry, Zashed Huire, Brig. Retd. S.Singnya to the present Kedahge Gen. Retd. Viyalie Metha. And Constitutionally it stands as it is. It is therefore, as of the Federal Government on completion of five year tenure of Brig. Singnya tendered his resignation on 28th January, 2005 and directed the Tatar Hoho Speaker to hold the election in the 54th Tatar Hoho session. Accordingly, the 54th session of the Tatar Hoho duly elected Gen. Retd. Viyalie Metha for a tenure of five years, as the Kedahge of the Federal Government of Nagaland on 10th March.
The Naga National Council is responsible for discussion deliberation and decide on issues related to the National interest/interests and that the Federal Government of Nagaland is responsible to provide good administration and state programmes a approved by the Tatar Hoho and to enforce such programmes as azha in the best interest of the Naga nation. L. Kaiso, Secretary Incharge,
BJP leader charges Congress for insincerity towards Naga solution Nagarealm.com
Kohima, OCT20 : The BJP said the Congress-led UPA Government at the Center had not shown any sincere attempt in finding honorable and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue. Talking to Asian Tribune here at Hotel Japfu today, V Satish, Northeast BJP in-charge, said the progress of the peace process it had when the BJP-led NDA left the Government still remained without any sign of progress. "No substantive progress in the peace process is there ever since the demotion of NDA from the Office," he stated, alleging the Congress-led UPA Government at the Center is not eager to find solution to the Naga political issue.

The BJP leader, who is here to oversee the party activities, further expressed his apprehension that the Congress-led UPA Government might not follow the steps sincerely followed "” to the Naga political issue.

Satish also denied rumors that the BJP activities were declining in Nagaland over the months. He said he had come to Nagaland to oversee the party activities before the forthcoming party election that would be held throughout the country. "We are working hard to restructure the party activities from the primary to national level," he pointed out. At the same time, they would also see how they would fare well in the coming Assembly election due early 2008 in Nagaland, he explained.

The Northeast BJP leader also came down heavily on the O Ibobi Singh Congress Government in Manipur alleging that there were absolutely no law and order and total breakdown of Constitutional machinery. "As such, we have demanded the Center to impose President’s Rule in order to have free and fair election in the State," he added. [Asiantribune, Asian Tribune]
Congress peeved over government ‘ignoring’ Jamir The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has taken strong exception that Goa Governor SC Jamir was reportedly “ignored” by officials during his recent visit to Chozuba, Phek. The Congress termed it ‘disgraceful’ on the part of the state government and is “a breach of constitution”.
“The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) is astonished to learn about the officials ignoring’ His Excellency, the Governor of Goa Shri S C Jamir during his visit to Chozuba last Thursday. The treatment given to Goa Governor without providing any officials to be on his duty under Phek district is highly questionable when it comes to State protocol. The State Government failing to respect the high office of the Constitutional Head of the State is a breach of the Constitution” stated Hokheto Sumi, NPCC President.
He stated that the behavior is disgraceful on the part of the State Government, dishonoring a Governor who also holds the same status and privileges as “our State Governor.” “Such lapses reflect the image of the State Government in extending hospitality to a visiting dignitary as State Guest. However, if the State Government has acted on any personal reasons against the Governor of Goa during his recent visit, we may like to know from the Government the power they enjoy in discharging duties in administering the affairs of the State” the Congress leader added.
Meanwhile, the Congress said BJP NE Zonal In-charge, V Satish “who is fond of giving political statements whenever he visits Nagaland”, is trying to be in the limelight at the regional level having no recognition in his party at the national level. “(He) is highly projecting his concern for the Nagas by criticizing the Congress party. It may not be very proper for V. Satish to talk of Naga political issue because he does not know anything about how the movement started and he is talking of solution” stated the NPCC president.
“BJP party is known in the country as a communal force and the party policy survives on Hindu religion having no mercy for other religions such as Christian community.
Nagaland being a Christian dominated State, V Satish knows the sentiments of party workers in the State and he talks in different tune without spelling out the hidden agenda of the BJP” the Congress stated.
NSCN-K issues ‘directive on settlement of disputes’ The Morung express
Dimapur, Oct 20 (MExN): The NSCN-K stating what it said was the ‘deteriorating justice system and increase in burden of common Nagas,’ any ‘judgments’ passed by the NSCN-IM on judicial matters pertaining to any issues falling within Union Territory-1 shall be treated null and void ‘exceptional of cases sanctioned by traditional and customary Naga courts.’
“Nagas have been endowed with competent institutions for administration of justice like village councils, DB’s courts etc basing on inherent traditional and customary ethos where judgments are administered without biasness. There is no such a procedural complication or monetary and material expenses involved unlike modern courts. Should gravity and severity of cases require intervention of higher justice hierarchies, we are still provided with Lok Adalats, district courts, administrative machineries or for the matter High Courts. Though these institutions are not favorably recommended since it involves Indian Laws” according to a statement issued by Akato Chophi, UTI-1 Supervisor . It stated that due to the “forceful interference of IK even in petty feuds within and between individuals and villages especially in Union Territory-1” a ‘complete breakdown of less expensive and timely traditional justice administration of the Nagas’ has been impacted. This has resulted in many weaker and less affluent sections of the society becoming “victims of arbitrary judgment of IK gang influenced by money and muscle power.”
Such cases of over riding rulings are increasingly reported everyday where victims are not only denied justice but huge financial penalties are exacted besides undue harassments, ceding of properties and assets to IK and connivers etc is gaining unprecedented proportions, it stated. “Any complainant seeking justice from IK gang would be penalized in accordance to law of the land and in consultation to Traditional and Customary authorities. Every villages, towns, colonies or ward authorities are directed to keep vigil on such activities also to take stock of such situations and inform GPRN UT-1 authority at an appropriate time if deemed necessary” the NSCN-K informed.
Public carriers lament indifference Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 20: All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association has strongly deplored lack of initiative from neither the State authorities nor civil society organisations to investigate excessive/illegal taxes levied against the public transporters.
Highlighting that Nagaland Government had constituted a committee to look into cases of Nagaland-based transport operators facing similar inconveniences, the Association president A Budha Luwang told reporters at the North AOC counter of Rajdhani Travels of Manipur transporters having to dole out Rs 5/6000 in reaching respective destinations beyond the State boundary. Compared to such excessive expenditure faced by Manipur transporters, grievances of Nagaland-based transporters that spent around Rs 3000 per trip in paying Govt taxes and entertaining demand of a UG group is being inquired into with the constitution of a probe panel under the aegis of Dimapur's Deputy Commissioner.

He also disclosed of Manipur transport body's representatives recently attending a meeting at the invitation of Nagaland transporters at the office of Dimapur DC to discuss on taxes collected by unauthorised agencies while operating on the Imphal-Dimapur section. while the said meeting was attended by Nagaland-based NGOs, in Manipur neither repeated grievances intimated by the Association to the State Govt had evoked any positive response nor had any State NGOs taken the initiative to address the situation.
Budha also appealed to economic blockade sponsors to relax their agitation in view of forthcoming festivals apart from urging bodies promoting and opposing Meitei Mayek campaigns to resolve their differences in order to facilitate smooth operation of transporters.
BSF steps up vigil on Indo-Bangla border Times of India
[ 21 Oct, 2006 PTI ]

SHILLONG: BSF troops have stepped up vigil on Indo-Bangladesh border to prevent movement of anti-socials in view of coming elections in the neighbouring country.

The vigil will hurt criminal elements in areas of Meghalaya along the international border, BSF's Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland frontier headquarters said in a press release. During the past nearly four months, BSF had seized contraband items of daily use worth over Rs 43.78 lakh in Langrin Hills area of West Khasi Hills district. The smugglers, whose items were seized by the BSF, had got published false and fabricated news items in a section of the press, it said.

The BSF release came in the backdrop of a media report that its personnel were harassing villagers. Garo Students Union had later decried the alleged atrocities of the BSF.

Denying the allegation, the statement said BSF was maintaining a very cordial relationship with border population, evident from the fact that almost all headmen of villages located in Langrin hills area regularly attended monthly joint task force meetings held to share information and help troops in better border management.
Indian politicians are corrupt by nature: Sangma Newmai News Network
Shillong: Tura MP Purno Agitok Sangma today admitted that politicians in India were corrupt by nature; however, the phenomenon was definitely not endemic to northeast, as the Union Minister Jairam Ramesh may have suggested. The Former Speaker was reacting to Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh’s statement yesterday, at a seminar on the Look East Policy: Impact on the North East India at Synod College here that the region’s politician misused central grant, resulting in poor development of the region. The North east receives Rs 15 thousand crore for developmental projects each year, Ramesh said yesterday adding, the funds however do not benefit the people. “Where have the money gone?” Ramesh questioned.
“The people of the region have not benefited but, politicians, their patrons outside northeast, contractors and truck-owners have definitely benefited,” said Ramesh when speaking about the annual central assistance given to the region. “It is a provocative statement. It’s true that the northeast is a contractor-supplier economy. But the same is true for the entire nation. Politicians are corrupt everywhere not just here in the northeast,” Sangma retorted.
Asked if he was corrupt as a politician, Sangma said, even if Rs. 5 Lakh is misappropriated in the northeast it is a big issue. “What about the multi-crore scams being reported periodically from states outside the region,” he asked. He also rubbished Ramesh’s statement that the centre was giving massive funds for the region’s development. “It’s a bogus remark,” he stated.
Sangma however did agree that RTI could help bring down corruption in the country.
“The other aspect is periodic monitoring of schemes, like I do in Garo Hills,” Sangma said.
Maharashtra experience for Naga music and culture Dominic Yazokie

The Naga Music and Cultural Extravaganza team performing at the Nehru Centre auditorium, Mumbai on October 16. The elite audience of Nehru Centre included Supriya Sule, MP Rajya Sabha of Maharashtra, daughter of Union Minister of Agriculture, Sharad Pawar. (DIPR)
The expositional extravaganza of Naga music and cultural to Maharashtra concluded after a series of performances at Mumbai, Pune and Baramati. The first performance was at Mumbai on the 16th October in the Nehru Centre to an elite member’s audience of the Nehru centre with Smti Supriya Sule, MP (R) of Maharashtra as the chief dignitary. The second show was presented at Pune on the 17th October in the City’s Hall on JM Road. The show was witnessed by an enthralled capacity crowd that included renowned personalities of the city of Pune among them were the Mayor the former Mayor, the famous historian of the Maharashtra Shri Babasaheb Purandare and Trustee members of Pune’s Yashwantras Chawan Pratishthan. The third performance was at Baramati the home-city of the Union Minister of Agriculture Shri Sharad Pawar on the 18th October in the auditorium of the Vidya Pratishthan complex, the Vidhya Pratishthan is an institute that has an Engineering College, a Law College, a College of Education, a College each in Arts, Science and Commerce, an Institute of Information Technology, a school of Biotechnology and ten secondary schools. This
Vidya Pratishthan was established and is owned by Sharad Pawar. Its institute is equipped with the highest and latest state-of-the-art technologies. The union minister graced the show and hosted dinner to the Naga troupe at his private farm-house. The last performance was staged at the girls’ exclusive Agriculture school, Baramati on the 19th October.
The Naga music and cultural extravaganza gathered momentum and its appreciation climaxed at Baramati to the extent that people followed it from Pune to witness the show.
The presentations of the Naga troupe included ethnic folk songs and dances by the Tuophema Village, Kohima Arts College students and the Naga students of Pune, the modern western music by the all girls-band of four and soloist by Miss Mary Sema and Gugs Chishi. The Naga design fashion show by Kohima Arts College students from the designs of Gürtel Kohima and Hindi songs by Mr Holto Sema. The explosive applauds after ever presentation and the endless accolade at the end of each show was of gratifying effect. The exposition shows were the result of two visionary leaders of two states Shri Sharad Pawar, the Union Minister of Agriculture from Maharashtra and Shri Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland. They facilitated the entire successful programme of emotional integration of the people of the two states through cultural exposition, as aptly opined by none other than Babsaheb Purandare, the living historian of Maharashtra at Pune. And kudos to the officials of the two national leaders who translated their vision into practicality. The Naga troupe returned to Nagaland a little tired but not a little excited and left the denizens of Maharashtra a little more aware of the Nagas and much more emotionally integrated to the little known eastern corner of our country. (DIPR)
Violence mars Assam bandh Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Oct 20 (Agencies): ULFA insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device and fired on a police patrol while a major train disaster was averted in lower Asom during the 10-hour state-wide bandh called by the People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA) today.
The militants set off the IED at 2.50 pm near Dikhari tea estate in Dibrugarh district in Upper Assam when the patrol, led by Moran police station's Circle Inspector Nityananda Gohain, was returning from an anti-ULFA operation in two vehicles, officials said.
The police returned fire and a gun battle broke out, they said. Earlier, a bomb was found by a CRPF patrol party on a railway track near Kaithakuchi in Nalbari district, North Eastern Frontier (NF) Railway authorities informed. The Manas Rhino passenger train, carrying thousands of commuters from lower Asom, had reached nearby Tihu station at the time.
The train was immediately stopped and all train traffic was diverted through the southern route, the authorities said. A bomb disposal squad, which defused the bomb, informed that it was not of high intensity as was suspected. Trains services through the route had resumed since then.
"The bomb was discovered around 7.45 a.m. and the Manas Rhino train was to cross the area some 15 minutes later. It would have been a major disaster had the CRPF team not spotted the bomb," a police official said. Meanwhile, the bandh affected life in the Brahmaputra valley. However, very little or no impact was seen in the hills districts, Barak valley and Bodo dominated areas. The PCPIA, a frontal organisation of the proscribed ULFA, had called the bandh demanding immediate suspension of operations against the banned outfit and resumption of peace talks between the government and the ULFA.
"We want the government to begin peace talks by immediately stopping the military offensives against the ULFA. New Delhi should release five jailed ULFA leaders as sought by the outfit to facilitate direct talks between the government and the rebel leadership," said Lachit Bordoloi, a PCPI spokesperson. The army is engaged in a military operation against the ULFA after New Delhi last month called off the ceasefire, accusing the outfit of stepping up attacks and extortions.
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 for talks, pulled out of the peace process criticising New Delhi for calling off the truce. There were three rounds of talks between the PCG and the Indian government peace negotiators.
ULFA ambushes police patrol Assam Tribune
DIBRUGARH, Oct 20 — ULFA insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device and fired on a police patrol in Asom’s Dibrugarh district today, sparking a fierce firefight. The militants set off the IED at 2.50 pm near Dikhari tea estate when the patrol, led by Moran police station’s Circle Inspector Nityananda Gohain, was returning from an anti-ULFA operation in two vehicles, officials said. The police returned fire and a gun battle broke out, they said.
Upper Assam’s Deputy Inspector General of Police Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta and Dibrugarh’s Superintendent of Police Vijay Ramisetti rushed to the spot with reinforcements.
One of the police vehicles was damaged in the firing. — PTI

Money for nothing and corruption for free Newmai News Network
Shillong People of the Northeast must use the Right to Information (RTI) Act to bust corrupt practices of the region’s politicians responsible for its underdevelopment, advocated Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh. “Each year the northeast is allotted Rs.1500 crore by the Centre for developmental projects. There is no dearth of fund, but, where has all these money gone?” he inquired during his inaugural address at the National seminar on ‘Look East Policy: Impact on the North East India’ at Synod College in Shillong today. Stating, if ‘Rs.5000’ was distributed to every poor person in the region, earmarked by the centre for developmental projects, the issue of ‘poverty and underdevelopment’ could have been better addressed.

“The people of the region have not benefited but, politicians, their patrons outside northeast, contractors and truck-owners have definitely benefited,” from the largesse of the annual central assistance, said Ramesh.He cited an instance of such fraud in a centrally sponsored road project amounting to Rs.100 crore. New Delhi, he said, had received the Utilization Certificate of the project’s completion. Surprisingly, there was no sign of the road when physically inspected, the minister added.

Ramesh urged the civil society and the people in the region to demand ‘accountability’ by using the ‘powerful’ RTI Act from these ‘gentlemen,’ pointing to visibly embarrassed politicians, which included Meghalaya Chief Minister JD Rymbai, Tura MP Purno A Sangma and others, sitting on the dais. Only then real development of the region could be achieved, he asserted. Putting the blame partly on the centre for the current mess, Ramesh said, New Delhi ‘does not have time’ to get involved into Northeast’s politics. If there is one, New Delhi pumps in ‘more fund’ to tackle the problem.

NAC gets Gogoi pat for peace bid On Friday, NAC resolved to soften its stand if ULFA shuns violence By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 21: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has welcomed the initiative of the National Advisory Council (NAC) to break the current deadlock in the peace process with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
After a meeting yesterday, the NAC issued a statement committing that “the Centre would soften its stand on two of the pre-conditions for the direct talks if the rebel group creates a congenial atmosphere”.
The Centre, earlier, had slapped three pre-conditions for direct talks with ULFA: a written commitment from the outfit, a list of the ULFA leaders who would sit for talks and specific timeframe of the dialogue. The NAC declared that the Centre may reconsider its stand on the last two conditions if the ULFA stays away from violence.
Reassuring that the State Government is always in favour of talks, the Chief Minister said direct talks between the ULFA and the Centre is a must for peace to prevail in the State. He said the State Government is aware of the positive steps taken by the outfit and persistent efforts are being made by the government to establish peace. He also appealed to the rebel group to shun the path of violence, extortion, and come forward for direct talks. Meanwhile, the decision of the NAC assumes significance in view of the rebel group-sponsored violent activities in the State. After the Army resumed its operations in the State, the PCG pulled out from the peace process resulting in collapse of the peace talks. But the NAC’s gesture has again brought a ray of hope.
Sangma: ULFA talks have bearing on other outfits Staff Correspondent Sentinel
SHILLONG, Oct 21: The breakdown of the Centre’s peace process with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will be a ‘deterrent factor’ for other North-east insurgent groups aspiring for peace talks, observed former Lok Sabha Speaker and senior NCP leader PA Sangma today.
Lamenting the current deadlock between the Centre and the ULFA in the peace process between them, Sangma told The Sentinel: “The deadlock in the peace process is not in the interest of Asom and other States of the region”.
The MP, who earlier brokered peace between insurgent groups and the Centre, favours immediate resumption of peace talks between the Centre and the ULFA-constituted People’s Consultative Group (PCG) so as to pave the way for direct Centre-ULFA talks.
The former Lok Sabha Speaker said: “The ULFA should not set any preconditions for talks, and the Centre should never compromise on sovereignty. The condition that the talks should be held within the ambit of the Indian Constitution holds no water since the Constitution can be amended to suit the call of the hour.”
Sangma said ULFA’s willingness for peace talks should not be a ‘camouflaged’ move since this would betray the trust that the Government of India has reposed on it. He added that the ULFA should reciprocate the Centre’s sincerity with the right gesture.