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10/22/2006: "NSCN-IM ups the ante as talks ‘fail’ H.CHISHI Kuknalim.com The Telegraph"

NSCN-IM ups the ante as talks ‘fail’ H.CHISHI Kuknalim.com The Telegraph

KOHIMA, Oct 21:: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has come down heavily on the Centre for the failure of the latest round of talks in Amsterdam earlier this week, even as a UK-based group met the Naga insurgent outfits to salvage peace. In a statement issued here through the “ministry of information and publicity,” the outfit said despite its best efforts, New Delhi never played a proactive role in solving the talks tangle. Reiterating its commitment to defend the Nagas until recognition of their “rights” to self-determination is restored, the statement said, “Such insensitivity by New Delhi will jeopardise future peace initiatives.”

“We question India’s sincerity,” the statement said.

NSCN (I-M) sources, meanwhile, said despite the presence of international mediators, New Delhi’s representatives and the NSCN leadership, talks remained deadlocked due to the inflexibility of both parties. The mediator group comprised Michael C. van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based organisation Kreddha, Anthony Regan, a constitutional adviser to the Bougainville parties to the peace process in Papua New Guinea and Yash Ghai, professor at the University of Hong Kong and a constitutional expert. Praag is the executive president of Kreddha, which is administered by a council of nine eminent conflict resolution experts.

Both sides agreed on third-party mediation during talks in Bangkok. Praag, a former general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples’ Organisation, has been mediating unofficially in the Naga peace process since 2001 and has visited Nagaland in 2002 and 2004.

The talks focused on analysing the Constitution vis-a-vis giving special status or greater autonomy to Nagaland. The central team was represented by Union minister of state Oscar Fernandez, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chauhan, minister of state for home S. Reghupathy and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s special representative K. Padmanabhaiah.
Meanwhile, a UK-based group, Quakers For Peace, has started working out a formula for reconciliation among the Naga groups. The four-member team of Quakers met the leaders of NSCN (K) at Mon on Tuesday. An NSCN (K) spokesman said the closed-door meeting was fruitful but preferred to remain tightlipped about the details. The team will also meet leaders of the Naga National Council (NNC) and NSCN (I-M).

Neingulo Krome, general secretary of the Naga Hoho, said the team is yet to schedule its meeting. He is hopeful of a lasting solution to the Naga problem. Meanwhile, the NSCN (K) has rejected the peace initiatives of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) alleging that the church was pro-NSCN (I-M). (The Telegraph)

New Delhi testing our patience too long: NSCN-IM Telugu Portal
New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) The separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has expressed displeasure over the government's "delaying tactics" in finding a solution to its demands, saying the government was testing the Naga people's patience for too long.

"People in Nagaland are getting impatient and it is definitely not a good sign," said senior NSCN-IM leader R.H. Raising Sunday. He said the latest round of peace parleys with Indian peace negotiators that ended Friday in Amsterdam was not conclusive.

"It was the same old story. We forwarded our points to which the government did not give any concrete answers. Both sides just ended up defending their respective positions," Raising told IANS over phone from Nagaland's commercial hub Dimapur.

"We are firm and committed in our stand and the government knows it quite well. Still there is no sincerity on their part."

He said the presence of international experts - Michael van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based NGO Kreddha; Anthony Regan, a constitutional adviser in Papua New Guinea and Yash Ghai, a renowned constitutional lawyer and professor at the University of Hong Kong - at the parleys helped in keeping the peace process afloat.

The NSCN-IM has been fighting for nearly six decades to create a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The demand is strongly opposed by the states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997, which has been renewed regularly. The present ceasefire expires in June 2007. Central minister Oscar Fernandes headed the government side at Amsterdam, while the NSCN-IM was led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.

Raising said: "Something has to be done very soon so that the peace process does not derail".

--By Zafri Mudasser Nofil
India abets divisive elements: NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 22 (MExN): The Ministry of Information and Publicity, NSCN (IM) today alleged that the Indian government was abetting divisive elements by providing assistance to the NSCN (K) faction.
A press release issued by the MIP, NSCN (IM) alleged that in the recent days, the Khaplang cadres ‘in the guise and uniform of the IRB’ had been frisking the vehicles plying on NH39 near Chumukidema for almost twelve hours, ‘causing threat and harassment upon the travellers to unleash their vile anti Naga intent’. The release alleged that the Khaplang cadres ‘retreated behind the shelter of the Nagaland state police camp at Chumukedima’. The NSCN (IM) questioned the sincerity of the Indian government who are allegedly providing assistance to the Khaplang faction ‘to carry out their atrocious and anti-social activities’ with the aim of dividing the Nagas and vitiating the atmosphere and of trust and hope. The release stated that the peace talks remains questionable as the alleged assistance to rival factions nurtures negative elements which gives rise to fratricidal killings.
The NSCN (IM) stated that such alleged nexus between the Khaplang faction and the GOI compels the NSCN (IM) to doubt the sincerity of the Indian government in finding an honourable settlement to the protracted Indo-Naga problem. It questioned why the government is extending the alleged logistical support to the Khaplang faction and the NNC ‘to kill and divide the Naga people’ at this crucial juncture of the peace talks.
The release also state that India which claims to be the largest democratic in the world and which is known for Mahatma Gandhi and his nonviolence movements and which opposes human rights violation and terrorism, does not show the same noble ideals while dealing with the Naga political problem. The NSCN (IM) also said that it would be a mockery on the part of India as the largest democratic country in the world if it continues to play the same double standard game of speaking for peace on one hand in the international arena and engage in diabolic and bloody divisive policies on the other hand in Nagaland.
The release stated that the NSCN (IM) remains sincere and committed in their efforts to find peaceful settlement to the Indo-Naga problem by reciprocating to all issues with due consideration and respect, whereas India was committed to the peace talks only in letters and not in spirit. They further cautioned the GOI that if such casual attitude continues then the hard earned peace talks would prove futile and would be costly for both the two parties and said that the ball was in the Indian court. The release however, reminded that the NSCN/GPRN would, in case of any eventuality that may dawn, withstand and defend the Nagas until the Nagas aspiration to have the right to determine their future is achieved.
No headway in Amsterdam Naga talks Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR/NEW DELHI, OCT 22 (IANS): Talks held in Amsterdam between Indian peace negotiators and the NSCN (IM) failed with the government rejecting demands for self-governance, an NSCN (IM) leader said Sunday. A group of senior Indian officials led by Minister Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's main peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah, ended three-days of talks Thursday with leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), the main rebel group in Nagaland.
"The government of India has failed to make their point explicitly clear on our demand for a special federal arrangement that allows us self-governance. Such insensitivity by New Delhi will jeopardise future peace initiatives," NSCN (IM) spokesman Kraibo Chawang told IANS.
The NSCN (IM) has a proposed "a special federal arrangement" which enables the Nagas to govern themselves. There has been no official statement made by New Delhi after the Amsterdam talks.
"We want a special federal relationship with India where we have a separate Naga Constitution. It should be a federation of India and Nagalim (Greater Nagaland), although we would allow the international borders to be jointly guarded by Indian security forces and our soldiers so as not to jeopardise the security interests of India," Chawang said.
"Nothing concrete has materialised in the Amsterdam talks and we are disappointed."
Meanwhile, another NSCN (IM) leader has expressed displeasure over the government's "delaying tactics" in finding a solution to its demands, saying the government was testing the Naga people's patience for too long.
"People in Nagaland are getting impatient and it is definitely not a good sign," said senior NSCN (IM) leader R.H. Raising Sunday. He said the latest round of peace parleys with Indian peace negotiators that ended Friday in Amsterdam was not conclusive.
"It was the same old story. We forwarded our points to which the government did not give any concrete answers. Both sides just ended up defending their respective positions," Raising told IANS over phone from Nagaland's commercial hub Dimapur.
"We are firm and committed in our stand and the government knows it quite well. Still there is no sincerity on their part."
He said the presence of international experts - Michael van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based NGO Kreddha; Anthony Regan, a constitutional adviser in Papua New Guinea and Yash Ghai, a renowned constitutional lawyer and professor at the University of Hong Kong - at the parleys helped in keeping the peace process afloat.
The NSCN (IM) has been fighting for nearly six decades to create a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The demand is strongly opposed by the states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The NSCN (IM) and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997, which has been renewed regularly. The present ceasefire expires in June 2007. Central minister Oscar Fernandes headed the government side at Amsterdam, while the NSCN (IM) was led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.Raising said: "Something has to be done very soon so that the peace process does not derail".
NSCN-K ‘acknowledge’ excesses of its cadres The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 22 (MExN): NSCN-K Lotha region held a “retrospective and an introspective” meeting on October 17 to “deeply retrospect the workings of the NSCN/GPRN cadres” in the region and has acknowledged excesses that “might” have been committed by its cadres. For this the region “had prayed to God for His forgiveness”.
“The Lotha leaders and officers acknowledged that there might have been many wrong doings and excesses of NSCN indiscipline cadres in Lotha region in the past. And that for those omissions and commissions, the NSCN/GPRN authorities prayed to God for His forgiveness in many church and fasting services” said a statement issued by the region’s caretaker. The house observed with regret that its cadres had “faced a public mob once at Wokha village in the past due to excesses of some cadres in which one cadre was killed by the public.”
The NSCN-K Lotha Region also mentioned several instances of what it said was NSCN-IM cadres facing the Lotha public “four or five times in the past due to their acts of terrorism in Lotha region”. It stated that about 4 cadres of the NSCN-IM were killed in several instances in separate incidents in Wokha town, Bhandari and Longsa village as well as being “beaten black and blue’ by the Lotha public. The Region observed that more than 40 Lothas have been killed and more than 100 humiliated and assaulted some of whom were “invalidated” by one Yisanbemo Kikon of Tsungiki village “either under his own hand or under his command on the pretext of being NSCN members or NSCN sympathizers of members, relatives or alcoholics or drug users or on I-K’s extortion cases”. The meeting observed that under no circumstances Yisanbemo can be absolved from the charges, “including his parents, brothers and sisters and wife and children” it stated.
After discussions the house decided to leave to the wisdom of the Lotha people whether they would follow the NSCN-IM or the NSCN-K. Resolutions taken at the meeting included submitting a report on “tax evaders among contractors and suppliers and government servants” and respond with a befitting reply; take action against individuals or groups obstructing developmental works in the region. While viewing seriously what it stated is the highhandedness of NSCN-IM cadres, the NSCN-K expressed happiness at the “swelling beyond proportion the number of Lotha cadres and officers in the NSCN/GPRN in the recent past through defections from I-K and newcomers”. The meeting also expressed condolence at the death of one Yibenthung Lotha, a cadre from Shaki village and prayed for the bereaved family.
NSCN-K reacts to statement of killed cadre’s widow The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 22 (MExN): The NSCN-K reacting to the clarification from the widow of Hopeson Tangkhul a cadre of the NSCN-IM who was killed at Chekiye Village, Dimapur recently, has reiterated its earlier stand on the killing of Hopeson. “We wish to make our stand very clear that the shooting of Hopeson occurred just as our earlier statement through media” a rejoinder from Bokashi, Naga Army, stated.
The NSCN-K questioned that if the killing of Hopeson is being made a ‘big issue’ with every one mentioning the demanding of an amount of Rs 10,000 from Hopson at the time of his killing, what of the ‘thousands of innocent Nagas killed and crores of rupees extorted from different sections of Naga people’, raping of Naga women by the NSCN-IM. Moreover, Hopeson was involved in the serial blasts in Dimapur as well as in various cases of extortions, it stated. Terrorist acts have been committed on both Nagas and non-Nagas causing misery and agony “much bitter than Mrs Leishi”.
In spite of the community’s high-handedness upon Naga citizens, no leaders from among the Naga organizations ‘raised a word of contempt against their actions’. “So why should every one make such a big fuss bout the killing of Hopeson when we are in search of his accomplices such….son etc etc?” stated the NSCN-K rejoinder. “Lastly, about the appeal of Mrs Leishi to leave them alone, we the Nagas also wants to live in peace and wish to make Nagaland a terrorist-free land and that is the only reason why the government issued the ‘quit notice’. Therefore if you want to live in peace, comply with our quit notice so that we may also live in peace” stated the NSCN-K.
NSCN-IM takes Jamir, Keishing to task The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 22 (MExN): Lamenting that Nagas have been repeatedly sacrificed for “selfish and individual narcissisms” and “hypnotized by personal economic and political ambitions of a few”, the NSCN-IM is concerned that with the assembly elections approaching, ‘doubt, suspicion, distrust and division’ have been cast.
According to Kilonser Maj. (Retd) Johny Dilbung, heralding Goa Governor SC Jamir’s visit, “the remnants of dissenters are invigorated and revived to sprout activities to vitiate the atmosphere and the preaching of economic philosophies is permeated side by side”. The Kilonser in a statement said that consequences of the past have landed the Nagas where they are today.
Recollecting events in the past, the statement said that in 1963 during P Shilu’s Chief Ministership, initiatives were on to engage a dialogue between the Indian government and the Nagas under the leadership of late leader Z Phizo. During this period SC Jamir who was then an MP, objected to the talks in a written address to the GoI, declaring that if dialogue be initiated with Phizo, there is no point for him (Jamir) to remain as MP. He thus, the Kilonser stated, obstructed the process. Later on December 10, 1963 SC Jamir became a signatory to the 16 Point Agreement which the Nagas rejected.
“In 1999 when the Collective Leadership of the NSCN came home (Nagalim) he protested against their visit and submitted a written statement during the Chief Minister’s conference with the Indian Prime minister wherein he stated that the Naga people have rejected the NSCN and the ceasefire had been entered without his knowledge and so he was against it” the NSCN-IM stated adding that later on Jamir came out with the booklet ‘bedrock of the Naga society’. Although the book consequently led him to getting voted out of power, it “earned him the Governorship of the Indian Goa as his incentive”.
The NSCN-IM also had similar views for veteran Naga leaders like former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing and former Governor/Chief Minister Dr Hokishe Sema. “…Rishang Keishing, the ex-Chief Minister of Indian Manipur state was also voted out of Legislative Assembly elections for his anti-Naga people’s principles. But as he was serving in line with the policies of his Indian paymasters by going against the unification and integration of the Naga people, he was also awarded with the office of a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha of the Indian Parliament”. For Dr Hokishe Sema, the NSCN-IM had this to say: “… (Hokishe Sema) who had previously remained to be serving as Indian Puppet and had exhibited dispositions alike Jamir and Keishing in the past has today repented to the reality of the Naga situation which is a good sign. He had in the recent past declared that ‘no force on earth can stop the Naga people from coming together, Nagas have every right to exist as a nation. When he issued this statement, the high command from India seriously sought an explanation to which he firmly replied that ‘this is the voice and desire of the Nagas and the true fact’”.
“Regardless of the past mistakes, elderly people should realize their faults and come back in line with the Naga people’s aspirations so that they at least revive the aspirations of their people when they retire. Unless the Naga elders open their eyes to the reality and see the sufferings endured by the Nagas for their mistakes and reconcile for the better by not misleading or misguiding the Nagas, there looms a thorny and rugged road ahead of us” the Kilonser forewarned.
Rejoinder by NSCN (K)- Nagaland Post opinion
Reacting to the clarification of Hopeson's wife carried in this local daily on 20th oct 2006 issue, we once again wish to make our stand very clear that the shooting of Hopeson occurs just as our earlier statements through media. Also, if killing of Hopeson is being made a big issue, lately, with everyone mentioning about asking of an amount of Rs.10,000 (ten thousand) from Hopeson at the time of his killing, what about thousands of innocent Nagas killed and crores of rupees thus, extorted from different sections of Naga people by the Tangkhuls? What about the raping of hundreds of Naga women by the Tangkhuls in the recent past? Tangkhuls are a small tribe numbering about 40 thousand and has carried out terrorism upon 3.5 million Nagas consisting of sixty one tribes. Which Tangkhul will compensate the tears of these 3.5 million Nagas? Moreover this Hopeson was involved in this serial blasts in Dimapur and in various cases of extortions. All the effected victims of Tangkhul atrocities and terrorism, both Nagas and non-Nagas, too have relatives, dear and loved ones who has experienced untold miseries and agonies much bitter than Mrs. Leishi. Inspite of their (Tangkhuls) highhandedness upon the Naga citizens, no leaders from among the so called NGOs raised a word of contempt against their action. So why should every one make such a big fuss about the killing of Hopeson when we are in search of these accomplices such as…son. etc, etc?
Lastly, about the appeal of Mrs. Leishi to leave them alone, we the Nagas also want to live in peace and wish to make Nagaland a free land and that is the only reason why the Government issued the "Quit Notice'. Therefore, if you want to live in peace, comply with our 'Quit Notice' so that we may also live in peace. Bokashi, Naga Army, NSCN (K)
UNC meeting Newmai News Network
Imphal, Oct 21: The Uni-ted Naga Council (UNC)’s special session attended by Naga tribes presidents, Naga leaders and leaders of the frontal organisations was held at Taphou Naga village in Senapati on October 20.
Besides Naga tribe presidents, leaders of All Naga Students Association, Ma-nipur, Naga Women Union, Maniur and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights participated in yesterday’s special session, according to a UNC statement.
Exchange of views and suggestions of participants on important issues dominated the session.
expressing gratitude to participants, the UNC in a statement , said the session was succesful as Naga tribe presidents and their colleagues, district apex body leaders, ANSAM, NWUM and NPMHR had responded actively and contributed their meaningful suggestions and deliberations.
The UNC once again expresses gratefulness to Taphou Naga village for their services rendered to the delegates of yesterday’s UNC special session.

Lotha Region, NSCN/GPRN meeting- Nagaland Post Opimion
The Lotha Leaders and Of-ficers in the NSCN/GPRN held a retrospThe Lotha Leaders and Officers in the NSCN/GPRN held a retrospective and an introspective meeting at Lotha Region Camp on the 17th Oct'06, to deeply retrospect the workings of the NSCN/GPRN cadres in Lotha Region in the past and also to minutely introspect the present situations and conditions in the Region, which is currently under the domination of I-K group. The House observed the following points seriously:-
1. The Lotha Leaders and Officers acknowledged that there might have been many wrong doings and excesses of NSCN indiscipline cadres in Lotha Region in the pat. And that for those commissions and omissions, the NSCN/GPRN authorities had prayed to God for his forgiveness in many Church and fasting services.
2. The House observed with regret that the NSCN/GPRN cadres had faced a public mob once at Wokha village in the past due to excesses of some cadres in which one cadre was killed by the public.
3. The House also observed that the I-K (formerly I-M cadres had faced Lotha Public mobs four of five times in the past due to their acts of terrorism in Lotha Region. In the first public mob, two I-K group were killed at Wokha Town. In the second mob outraged, one I-K group was killed by Public at Bhandari Town. In the Third mob, leader Ramkhating Tangkhul was beaten black and blue by Public at Doyang. The fourth, public mob outraged at Commander Yisanbemo Kikon, in which his house and properties were badly damaged by the public. In the fifth Public mob, one from the I-K was killed at Longsa village (near Wokha Town) and so on and so forth.
4. The house lamentably observed that more than forty (40) Lotha people had been killed and more than hundred (100) had been humiliated and beaten black and blue (some invalidated) by Yisanbemo Kikon of Tsungiki Village either under his own hand or under his command on the pretext of being NSCN members or NSCN sympathizers or NSCN members' relatives or alcoholics or drug users or on I-K's extortion cases. The house observed that under no circumstances Yisanbemo can be absolved from the charges. The members worried whether the entire family of Yisanbemo Kikon, including his parents, brothers and sisters and wife and children would escape the vengeance of his multiple crimes.
5. After some discussions, the house decided to leave to the wisdom of Lothas in General whether they (Lotha) would follow the terrorists' leaders Isak and Th. Muivah or Nationalists leader Khaplang and N.Kitovi.
6. The House decided to submit report on the tax evaders among the contractors and supplies and Govt. Servants in the Lotha Region to the higher authorities for giving befitting response to the defaulters.
7. The House also resolved to take necessary action in due course of time against the individuals or groups obstructing development works in Lotha Region for their personal gains.
8. The House seriously viewed the highhandedness and undue interferences in all matters by the Lotha I-K group in Lotha Region and made note of them well.
9. The house noted with happiness the swelling beyond proportion the number of Lotha cadres and Officers in the NSCN/GPRN, during the recent past through defections from I-K and new comers among which some are holding important posts. The House also condole the death of Pt. Yibenthung Lotha, Naga Army of Shaki village. The Government place on record, the sacrifices he made for the cause of the Naga Nation. The members share the pain and sorrow with the bereaved family and also pray for the welfare of his family. Lotha Region, GPRN/NSCN (K)
Rights groups expose atrocities of Naga IRB Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 22 Shocking reports of Naga IRB personnel in Chhattisgarh committing excesses – from burning of villages, random murder of men folk to rape and murder of tribal women have been received even while a shopkeeper was allegedly shot dead by assailants believed to be by a Naga IRB personnel on Tuesday, October 17. These atrocities have also found prominent censure in a report complied by an All-India team of women activists dispatched by the Committee Against Violence on Women (CAVOW), which visited select districts in Chhattisgarh like Dantewada between September 30 and October 2nd October, 2006. The women team was dispatched to investigate the conditions of safety, security, life and livelihood of Adivasi women in the naxal-ravaged state. An inquiry by the Independent Citizens’ Initiative (ICI) has also implicated the “Naga police” on similar grounds.
The latest reported excess, sources informed, is the killing of a shopkeeper, identified as one Shankar Shah, who was shot dead at point-blank range at Dornapal by assailants identified to be from “the Naga battalion”. Sources said a jawan of “the Naga battalion” entered the deceased’s shop to buy an undergarment. When the shopkeeper asked him Rs. 30 for it, the jawan refused, insisting that he would not pay more than Rs. 15. Soon, a quarrel broke out between the two, leading to the jawan taking out his weapon and shooting the shopkeeper. A separate report by a Chhattisgarh daily “Highway Channel” (a Hindi eveninger) said that Shankar Shah was picked up by the Naga armed personnel on October 17 evening and his dead body was found the next morning. The camp market was closed in protest the day after, the local based daily reported.
This is the first specific case of human rights violation, involving directly a member of the armed forces, to have come to light. The shocking aspect is that this killing did not happen in a remote village but in the largest Salwa Judum base-camp, where more than 7000 uprooted tribals are being kept, sources added. It may be noted that the state government is running several camps like Dornapal under “Salwa Judum”, a local police-vigilante force instated to fight naxals.
There are also reports that over a 100 women have been impregnated by Naga IRB personnel even while a substantial case-report of rape and clandestine murder of tribal women has been compiled by various rights groups. A lecturer from Delhi University who is also a member from a rights group in New Delhi and who has visited Chhattisgarh on several occasions said that Naga IRB jawans frequently solicit sex from tribal women in exchange for money. “Everywhere they go people are most scared of the Naga battalion. They are the talk in Chhattisgarh because they have free movement into any areas for operations”, sources said. While there are also other security forces, including the CRPF and the SJ, who commit atrocities, particularly rape, the Naga IRB are the talk, the source said adding that a popular tourist spot in Bastar where there is a waterfall is a favorite haunt of the IRB jawans to solicit sex. Also, a latest report said that around the third week of October some Naga IR jawans misbehaved with local women near Mana airport of Raipur.
Meanwhile, according to the report compiled by the All-India team of women activists several instances of atrocities have been highlighted. Madkam Channi of Etpadu village was shot dead by the Naga battalion on December 16, 2005. Madvi Sarita of Karre Marka village was gang-raped by the police and the “Naga police” on August 15. Tilami Jamli of the same village was also gang-raped by the SJ and “Naga Police” and thrown in the jungle. On May 25 the CRPF, “Naga police” assaulted three women. One woman from Phandiguda, whose sister-in-law had been badly injured by a blast at Darbhaguda engineered by the Maoists, told visiting activists that she had heard that people had been burnt alive in their houses in Arlampalli by the Naga battalion and the Salwa Judum. For the report complied by the CAVOW one can contact: sen_ilina@yahoo.com.

A citizen’ group, Independent Citizens’ Initiative (ICI), comprising of writers, media persons, educationists, senior government officials, historians also submitted a similar report to the Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on July 15 last. The report also implicated the “Naga police.” The report listed out about 16 cases of murder, 91 approximate cases of villages burnt. The report listed name of 25 tribal women who were gang-raped, 6 women who were raped and later murdered. The report also highlighted a considerable number of related cases of rape, torture and random burning of village on the pretext of fighting naxalites. It may be mentioned that the Independent Citizens’ Initiative consists of Ramachandra Guha (Historian and Columnist, Bangalore), Harivansh (Editor, Prabhat Khabar, Ranchi), Farah Naqvi (Writer and Activist, New Delhi), EAS Sarma (former Secretary, Government of India, Visakhapatnam), Nandini Sundar (Professor of Sociology, Delhi University), B. G. Verghese (former Editor, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, New Delhi). For hard copies of the report prepared by the ICI, one can contact independentcitizen@gmail.com. For the web version one can log in to www.cgnet.in.
Naga Vigil condemns 9th Naga IRB The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 22 (MExN): The London based Naga Vigil Human Rights Group (NVHRG) has condemned the killing of an innocent shopkeeper at Chhattisgarh by a serving jawan of the 9th Btn IRB from Nagaland without reservation. A press communiqué issued by David P. Ward, International Co-coordinator demanded that the 9th IRB Commandant Bendang Lemtur make full and frank admission of the incident and bring the culprit to book as well as making adequate reparations to the next of kin of the victim.
“Furthermore it is wholly appropriate for the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh to make official complaint to his Naga counterpart Neiphiu Rio Angami and if necessary, demand the removal of the 9th Btn IRB from their territory. There is a catalogue of abuses in the trail of this particular unit which includes violations against innocent civilians in Nagaland prior to their posting to Chhattisgarh”, Ward stated. Stating that it was “not the solution to post out of district troops against Maoists or People’s War Group activists because it amounts to civil war,” the Naga Vigil pointed out that it was better to enter an unconditional dialogue and find a solution to the complex problems that exist in Chhattisgarh.
Environmentalists call for action plan for NE Nagaland Post
AIZWAL, OCT 22 (UNI): Languid enforcement of regulations are causing serious damage to the environment, life and culture of the Northeast region and an Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP) should be drawn immediately, a senior official said.
Emphasising the strict enforcement of environmental regulations and awareness, motivation and sensitisation of the stakeholders, Dr V Bhanumurthy, of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) told UNI that a charter of recommendations has already been sent to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry for DoNER, Northeastern Council (NEC) besides all eight state governments of the region urging immediate implementation, while referring to an all India seminar on Environmental Management in Developing Countries' held at Agartala last month.
Advocating using remote sensing satellites for environmental monitoring, conservation of environment and disaster management, he said efforts were needed for development of village resource centre through effective management information system (MIS).
''Serious environmental degradation has already taken place due to industrialisation, urbanisation, environmental misuse and corruption and environmental impact assessment of hot-spot areas need to be carried out immediately for drawing up an Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP) for the region,'' Dr Bhanumurthy said. Stressing upon the management of natural resources and ecosystem, he said biodiversity conservation was linked to poverty alleviation and socio-economic growth of the region. He informed that about 20 experts from different fields including North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), North Eastern Space Applications Centre and Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre have strongly recommended diverse plantations, social forestry and greenery development involving all the stakeholders. They also urged the universities and academic institutions of the region to carry out research for generic modification of seeds which sustain higher temperature with less water for better agricultural products following global warming that is affecting the production of crops, causing increased loss of water due to evaporation besides other climatic odds.
They called for wastelands reclamation for cultivation of 'Jatropha' for production of eco-friendly bio-diesel. The experts said that despite rich natural resources and biodiversity, lack of socio-economic development of the majority of the NE states has adversely impacted the environment.
They demanded implementation of the action programmes undertaken for addressing land use and management, restoration of environmental damages, conservation of natural resources and ecology and involvement of the community. Sharing Dr Bhanumurthy's views Dr R P Vajpai, Vice Chancellor of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, also expressed concerned over water scenario of NE region and stated, ''More efforts are to be extended on water-shed management and rain water harvesting in the region, as often people suffer from bacterial as well as chemical contamination of water.
''Majority of urban centres of the country are suffering due to lack of waste water management and therefore, ecologically balanced waste water treatment system could be drawn up for most of the urban centres as it utilises solar energy for treatment and stabilisation of organic pollutants,'' Dr Vajpai opined, adding that rain water harvesting, recharging of acquifiers and top soil conservation may be given priority as a strategy for environmental management in the NE region.
Is Assam heading for turmoil? Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Oct 22 (IANS): It's almost a month since the peace process broke down but there is no initiative yet from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), New Delhi or civil society in Assam to break the deadlock. The ULFA, a separatist group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, says it is ready for negotiations although it continues to adopt a belligerent posture. The central government believes in the might of its military to crush the rebels - a strategy that has failed to eliminate insurgency in the northeast during the past six decades. Civil society in Assam is not cohesive and lacks vision unlike the Naga Hoho in Nagaland or the Apunba Lup in Manipur that has the mandate of the masses when it comes to issues that affects the common people.
"Guns and bullets can never help in bringing back peace. We need serious political negotiations," says Atanu Bhuyan, editor of the mass circulation Dainik Batori, an Assamese daily. The Indian Army is now engaged in a massive operation against the ULFA after New Delhi last month called off the ceasefire, accusing the outfit of stepping up attacks and extortions The peace talks formally broke down earlier this month after the People's Consultative Group (PCG) - the ULFA-chosen civil society team - 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 central government. The talks were deadlocked with the ULFA demanding the release of five of their jailed leaders as a precondition to holding direct talks with the government. The government wanted a commitment in writing from the ULFA leadership, which the rebel group refused to give.
"It is in this kind of a deadlock that civil society should have played a major role to broker peace but it failed to do so," says Arun Nath, a retired police official. Analysts blame New Delhi for the breakdown of dialogue.
"There is no point blaming the ULFA alone as it is still an outlawed group. Hence the government should have shown restraint and not called off the ceasefire," an analyst said. The ULFA too bungled. It carried out extortions and even killed a tea planter for not paying up. That led to the resumption of military operations last month. But the army goofed up by randomly harassing civilians in the name of anti-insurgency operations and the pendulum swung in favour of the ULFA when hundreds took to the streets to protest the high-handedness of security forces.
That the army did actually resort to rights violations was proved when Major Gen N.C. Marwah, general-officer-commanding (GOC) the 2nd Mountain Division, apologised last week when a farmer was picked up by soldiers on charges of being an ULFA suspect and later admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
"I think Saikia (Nipul Saikia, the farmer) was not treated properly and so we have ordered a court of inquiry. I would like to assure you that the guilty would be punished," the GOC says. It is time New Delhi puts on the thinking cap and does some serious planning to get ULFA back to the negotiating table. Or else Assam will continue to be in turmoil.
CM welcomes NSC move By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 21 — Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today welcomed the National Security Council’s (NSC) move to start direct talks between the ULFA and the Union Government. In a statement today, Gogoi reiterated the State Government’s goodwill towards the peace process and said that both the ULFA and the Centre should sit at the negotiating table for ensuring permanent peace in the region. He further said that the State Government was conscious of the efforts initiated by various agencies and his Government was also striving sincerely to resolve the impasse amicably.

The Chief Minister appealed to the leadership of the ULFA to come forward for talks and exhibit its goodwill by putting a stop to all its violent acts.
“The people of the State want a lasting solution to militancy and the ULFA and all other militant outfits should honour the people’s wishes and participate in talks,” the Chief Minister said.

Minus ‘c-in-c’, ULFA ready to shed sovereignty tag? By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 22: That United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah has been fighting a ‘lone battle’ for an ‘independent Asom’, even against the outfit’s top hierarchy, came to the fore when the ‘28th battalion’ of the outfit had announced a ceasefire on its own without even waiting for the formal nod from its high command and the outcome of the Centre-People’s Consultative Group (PCG) talks that had been going on at that time. The latest organizational and policy position of the ULFA is such that majority of its top leaders, including chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, have been ‘foreseeing’ a bleak future of the group’s 27-year-old armed struggle for an ‘independent Asom.’ Realizing well the futility of the armed struggle, this section of ULFA leaders has softened its stand on the very objective of the group’s armed movement. Today, they are even ready to accept a Jammu & Kashmir-type status along with constitutional safeguards to the State, and as such they are ready for peace talks with the Centre without any preconditions. The uphill task before them now is making their ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah realize the futility of their armed struggle for a ‘sovereign Asom,’ a thing which they themselves think an impossible proposition.
All these revelations are from sources who have direct information regarding the day-to-day developments in the ULFA. According to the sources, these ‘liberal’ ULFA leaders cannot air comments openly about their soft stand for peace talks since that will only expose the division among them. They have, however, been putting constant pressure on their ‘c-in-c’ to soften his stand so as to ensure the resumption of the peace process with the Centre and make it a success, the sources said.
According to the sources, involvement of civilian leaders, who have faith in democracy, had much to do in a number of ULFA leaders softening their stand insofar as peace talks with the Centre are concerned. An amazing revelation that the sources have made is that at least two leaders of the PCG and the PCPIA are ‘two-timers’. “They get information of day-to-day developments in the ULFA and pass the information to the Centre, and the recent announcement made by the National Security Council (NSC) that the Centre is ready to soften two of its three conditions for direct peace talks with the ULFA is the outcome of the ULFA’s inside information fed to the Government by the two two-timers in the PCG,” the sources said.
PCG keen for talks with State Government By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 22: In order to bring the ‘derailed’ peace process back on track, the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) has expressed is willingness for talks with the State Government on the Centre-ULFA talks if the latter wants so. The ULFA-constituted group will meet in a day or two to discuss the latest developments on the peace front.
The PCG had withdrawn itself from the peace process with the Centre on September 27 when the Army operations were relaunched in the State. But on Friday, reviving the chances of peace talks between the Centre and the ULFA, the National Security Council (NSC) announced that the Centre might soften its stand on two preconditions if the rebel group was ready to create an atmosphere conducive for peace talks.
Reacting to the NSC’s announcement, PCG member Lachit Bordoloi told The Sentinel: “The ULFA has already expressed its willingness for peace talks and reciprocated the Centre’s peace gesture through the media. But it seems, the Centre itself is not clear about its stand. If the five jailed ULFA leaders are released, the peace talks will start immediately. But, we (the PCG) will meet in a day or two to discuss the latest developments.”
When asked if the PCG and the ULFA will sit for a direct dialogue, Bordoloi said, “We are in touch with the rebel group. The peace process would not have reached where it is today hadn’t the PCG been in touch with the ULFA. Since we have withdrawn from the peace process with the Centre, the question of ULFA-Centre direct talks does not arise. But if the State Government wants, the PCG is ready for a direct dialogue with Dispur.”
“We have already had discussions with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on the peace process. But the Government has time and again changed its decisions on the ULFA front. The National Security Council’s latest announcement is not that significant since the rebel group has already created a peaceful atmosphere in the State. If the Centre really wants to hold direct talks with the ULFA, it should release the five key ULFA leaders currently languishing in jails,” Bordoloi said.
Stating that airing comments will not solve the 27-year-old insurgency problem, Bordoloi, who also holds important portfolios in the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samity (MASS) and the People’s Committee for Peace Initiative (PCPIA), said: “We need action from the Government. A step from the Centre will end the deadlock.”
Delhi testing our patience too long, says NSCN-IM
‘Amsterdam talks was the same old story’ Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Oct 22: The separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has expressed displeasure over the Centre’s ‘delaying tactics’ in finding a solution to its demands, saying that the Government was testing the Naga people’s patience for too long.
“People in Nagaland are getting impatient, and it is definitely not a good sign,” said senior NSCN-IM leader RH Raising on Sunday.
He said the latest round of peace parleys with Indian peace negotiators that ended on Friday in Amsterdam was not conclusive. “It was the same old story. We forwarded our points to which the Government did not give any concrete answers. Both sides just ended up defending their respective positions,” Raising told IANS over phone from Dimapur, commercial hub of Nagaland.
“We are firm and committed in our stand and the Government knows it quite well. Still there is no sincerity on their part.” He said the presence of international experts — Michael van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based NGO Kreddha; Anthony Regan, a constitutional adviser in Papua New Guinea and Yash Ghai, a renowned constitutional lawyer and professor at the University of Hong Kong — at the parleys helped in keeping the peace process afloat.
The NSCN-IM has been fighting for nearly six decades to create a ‘Greater Nagaland’ by slicing off parts of three neighbouring States to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The demand is strongly opposed by the States of Asom, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997, which has been renewed regularly. The present ceasefire expires in June, 2007.
Central Minister Oscar Fernandes headed the Government side at Amsterdam, while the NSCN-IM was led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.
Raising said: “Something has to be done very soon so that the peace process does not get derailed”. IANS
FINER moots single economic zone in NE By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 22: Taking the European Union as the role model, the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) is preparing the groundwork for a single economic zone in the North-east which, it said, is needed to face the new challenges arising out of the fast changing global economy.
A concept paper in this regard is likely to be placed before Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi during the ensuing annual general meeting of the trade body slated for October 31.
The FINER has been emphasizing on amalgamation of the eight states of the region as a single economic entity in view of the proposed opening of border trade with the neighbouring countries following the initiation of the Look East Policy.
To strengthen the economic base and competitiveness of this region it is necessary to remove all barriers within the north-eastern States when trade, taxation and transportation of goods are concerned, FINER sources said. The FINER wants to ensure a healthy understanding among the States of the region.
FINER vice-president RS Joshi, when contacted by The Sentinel, said the states of this region have to concentrate on their specialized areas, and a smooth coordination between them holds the key in this regard.
On the proposed SEE, he said, elaborate discussions are required among the north-eastern States, and Asom has to take the lead role towards the end. The ensuing AGM of the FINER is expected to be the launching pad for the initiative, he added.