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10/25/2006: ""Jamir should have peaceful retired life": Dr Shurhozelie By Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune"

"Jamir should have peaceful retired life": Dr Shurhozelie By Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune
Kohima, 25 October, (Asaintibune.com): Nagaland Minister for Planning and Urban Development and Leader of the major ruling party NPF in the State, Dr Shurhozelie said the Goa Governor SC Jamir should have a "peaceful retired life." He was replying in an interview to Asian Tribune here at his official residence today.
Asked as to why situation in the State got alarmed whenever Jamir visited the State and his recent visit to Chuzuba in connection with a Chakhesang Youth Front event had even given a major jolt to the NPF party as its two Youth leaders resigned from it (party), the veteran regionalist said SC Jamir was Chief Minister of Nagaland for many years and he had also done many things for the Naga people. "If so, we should allow him to have a peaceful retired life," he pointed out, adding, "His rising is over."
Asked whether he meant to say that Jamir should retire from politics, Dr Shurhozelie asserted that "he (Jamir) is now the Governor of Goa as such he should live a peaceful live." He also clarified about the resignations of the two NPF Youth leaders from the party, saying that "If they didn’t do it, we were going to do it." Because they knew they would not be kept in the party and in fact, they took wise decision to resign without facing any embarrassment, he pointed out.
Dr Shurhozelie also blasted Nagaland Congress leaders for their repeated "claims" that the Naga peace process was promoted to that of "Ministerial level" by the present Congress-led UPA Government at the Center. "They (Nagaland Congress leaders) are small fry and do not know anything what is going on at the Centre," he blurted. These Congress leaders in Nagaland should also change their mindset that tried to give everything for whatever things done at the Center to the Congress just because the UPA was led by their party (Congress). They should know there were other major political partners in the Government too, he averred.
Reiterating his earlier statement that the factional clashes and killings should not be described as "law and order issue," the Minister disclosed that it was Congress ploy to create an impression that such factional issues were law and order problems. So that they would try to convince the Center to dismiss the present DAN Government in the State, he stated.
Dr Shurhozelie also said they welcomed the Government of India’s ceasefires with NSCN-IM and also with the NSCN-K because such developments gave "breather" to the Naga people. "Besides this, we have also been pleading, when both factions entered into ceasefires with the Government of India, to have ceasefires amongst them," he stated, adding, "Not only our party, all NGOs pleaded the very points that there should not be any factional killings."
Terming as "most shameful" the factional killings amongst them in the eyes of the world, Dr Shurhozelie expressed that this continued factional fighting made things confused in the minds of the people. "Let them convince the Naga people that by this act of violence amongst them would bring solution," he said. "But they cannot convince the Nagas with their ideology so long they continue fighting amongst them as such acts amongst them will lead nowhere." So if they were really working for the rights of the Naga people, "they must stop these fratricides," he added.
Asked his comments as to why NSCN-K rejected pleas of Naga NGOs, the Minister said, "If any group when sincerely feels that they are fighting for the Nagas, they should listen to the voice of the people." Because they "cannot suppress the Nagas through force," he added.
NSCN-K cadre joins rival The Morung express
Dimapur, Oct 24 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has extended welcome to 2nd Lieutenant Kakiho Murry who defected from the NSCN-K. UTI-1 of the NSCN-IM stated that Murry joined the “national mainstream” along with one launcher, ‘seven cells’ and one sniper rifle with 15 rounds of ammunitions on October 23. “Appreciating the good gesture shown by the dedicated comrades, the GPRN always open door for the genuine patriot who is ready to sacrifice for the sacred cause of the Naga nation” stated a UTI-1 release. It also maintained that Murry had stated “camping in the NAP camp and fighting against our own brothers who are truly fighting for the Naga nation, victimizing and killing of innocent publics could not be achieved any fruit for the nation.”
Un-Ending Talks Editorial Morung Express
The Government of India-NSCN (IM) peace process, which completed another round of ‘inconclusive’ talks at Amsterdam, is heading for nowhere. The talk appears to have reached a deadlock with both sides ‘sticking to their stated positions’. It is obvious that if it had not been for the role of third party mediators, the peace talks would have run out of steam by now. The mediators are keeping the process afloat although New Delhi does not want to officially acknowledge this. But for all practical reasons, the presence of international third party groups and individuals is a reality. However, it has to dawn on both sides that decision at the end would have to be theirs and no amount of expertise can aid the process if the parties refuse to budge or do not demonstrate reciprocity or the political will to resolve the problem.
Both sides having agreed to extend the ceasefire in Nagaland by one more year as was agreed upon in the Bangkok round of talks in July, the promise to move “expeditiously” discussing all “substantive” issues must be honored. Both sides are reported to have agreed on a broad framework to resolve the Naga issue politically. However Delhi is taking too long to take decisions and this is not helping the peace process. It also raises concerns about the Government of India’s sincerity in bringing about an honorable solution based on the unique history and situation of the Nagas. If push comes to shove, the NSCN (IM) should seriously contemplate putting a clear timeframe for Delhi to reach a settlement. Both parties should not look beyond the end of the current ceasefire which expires on August 2007. By explicitly stating this, the NSCN (IM) would get better results out of the process and putting necessary pressure on the Indian side.
The Government of India should be reminded once again that having traveled the peace road thus far, and having drawn in the Naga people as co-owners and partners to this journey, an added responsibility now rests on India’s shoulder to see to it that this cause for peace and friendship does not go in vain. It also goes without saying that the basic premise on which the process itself began—which was to find an honorable-negotiated-peaceful-political -settlement to the over 50 year long problem—be attended to without anymore delay. That the peace process has seen the personal involvement of at least four Indian Prime Ministers should also be taken as a political mandate of the people in India.
Patience is running out for the people who are losing faith in the peace process. It goes without saying that both New Delhi and the NSCN (IM) must manage the remaining period of the ceasefire much more judiciously. The Government of India must also be reminded that the Naga people’s commitment and investment on the nine year long peace process should not be allowed to go in vain. Failure to acknowledge this will bring to naught whatever goodwill has been generated by the peace process.
Naga IRB in C’ttisgarh: India’s best bet for pulling back the peace process The Morung Express In Focus
It’s reprehensible to read the recent news report on the Naga IRB rampant acts on the innocent civilians in Chattisgarh especially the treatment to the local women. Nothing more should be left now to pull back the daring 101 battalion of the IRB (NAP) from the high caste Hindu dominated and suppressed region in India.
The Government of Nagaland publicity under the mask of ‘Naga soldiers for peace’ has now been overturned by the Indian government’s policy to create schism amongst the general Naga populace and the Indian civil society through the ethicizing of the state forces. What is the Indian state’s role in using Naga soldiers in the belly of the subcontinent while Naga Agri students are barred to explore areas for higher learning in Israel? Tell us how the sympathetic Indian civil societies’ concern and attitude to the peace building in the so-called India’s frontier region – Nagaland – will now be. The Naga frontal organisation under NPMHR, NSF, Naga Mothers and other concerned individuals have voiced out against the exportation of Naga soldiers. What a damn situation. Indian state has now been able to curb and restrain the powerful civil society voice through this manipulative indoctrination and vengeful acts.
Who is answerable? All Naga state assembly representatives should be answerable to the people now. Concerned public in Nagaland have to use the RTI Act now to demand what actually has been happening. The continued propaganda of Nagas being wild and intolerant to others are made to be exhibited through this Intelligence Bureau controlled Naga IRB War Game.
Time has now come for the whole Nagas to voice out against such inhumane acts of Naga soldier under falsifying sense on its inevitability for employment generation and promoting further alienation to the right cause of Naga struggle. Nagas’ honour should be weighed against this hired ‘rapist and terrorist’ and used under the sacred banner of the highly acclaimed Indian State security banner. Whatever the justification about acts being perpetrated by the Naga soldiers under INDIAN RESERVE BATTALION, the real pinch will be slowly experienced by the innocent Nagas.
Chain and butcher all the dogs around the newly created Chattisgarh to make it a rabies-free zone. But what will happen to the Naga soldiers who are chained to dog meat and drug by their mentors? Indian state ignorance of what its left and right hand does is apparently observed.
Gandhi must be smiling on what Indian state has done on the innocent Naga soldiers mind. We will have to groom a new X generation ‘adi-Nagas’ through the lust fertilisation. Nagas wake up, take your spears and chew real politix.
Vihriilou Midland, Kohima
Micro credit can lift rural areas: Rio Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Underlying the need to fill the critical gaps in availability of credit in the state, chief minister Neiphiu Rio has said credit facilities in the form of micro credit would be the most viable option to kick-start small scale investments and development process in rural areas of Nagaland.
To this end, Rio said it was imperative that financial institutions offer cheap and reliable credit, which would also save the rural population from the clutches of private money lenders who were charging exorbitant rate of interest.
The state government, on its part, had also passed the Nagaland Money Lenders Act 2005 to regulate money lending activities in the private sector, the chief minister informed.
Rio said out of the 65-odd nationalized bank branches and one private bank (Federal Bank Ltd) operating in the state, more than 41 were located in Kohima and Dimapur alone and the rest spread over nine districts covering a population of about 14,61,694 out of the total state population of 19,88,636.
Hence 75 percent of the banks in the state catered to only 23 percent of the population, he added. Rio who was the chief guest at the launching of the Indian Institute of Job-oriented Training (IIJT), which is franchised to the Hornbill Finance Ltd., a company wholly owned and run by local entrepreneurs, Tuesday here at IMC Complex, noted with satisfaction that the private financial institution was diversifying its activities into the area of manpower development and capacity building. He hoped the local finance company, besides easing the pressure and meeting the credit needs of the rural population, would now play a significant and meaningful role in the socio-economic development of the state.
The new IIJT centre in Dimapur, the second in the Northeast, will be offering a nine-module course called complete business accountant (CBA) providing practical training in the field on computer accounting. CEO, IIJT, Devesh Srivastava who was the guest of honour in today's launching of Dimapur IIJT centre said' "students from any education background can join IIJT's computer accountancy course. They can choose a variety of career options starting from accountancy and audit to banking and finance, from capital market operations to corporate and industrial law." The chief minister was accompanied by his wife Kaisa Rio and minister for school education Imkong Imchen. Other dignitaries who attended the function were agriculture production commissioner Alemtemshi, principal secretary (Home) Z. Banuo Jamir, DC Dimapur KN Ngullie and SP Dimapur Bidhu Shekhar.
NSF for CBI probe into NPSC scam ‘Nagaland Chief Minister should keep promise’ Sentinel
Kohima, Oct 24: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the apex students’ body of all Naga students, has reiterated its demand that the scandal of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In a release here today, NSF president V Phushika Aomi and speaker W H Maring said NPSC was yet to be freed from corruption, nepotism and needs drastic change by taking stringent action against the officials responsible for all the mess created. They said the Chairman of the NPSC should be brought to public trial for all these faults and own moral responsibility for all the mess during his tenure as Chairman. To justify their demands, the NSF stated that this year, the declaration of preliminary examination has been done in record time since the Commission could declare it within seven days after the examination and claimed to have no complaints from any corner. The NSF detected an over aged candidate and learnt that the candidate was allowed by the Controller of Examination and the Chairman. The Federation further expressed doubt on the Examination branch of the NPSC and questioned as to why the already declared result was re-declared on 10th October last. The NSF urged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to keep his promise and hand over the case to the CBI. (UNI)
Controller of Examination, NPSC replies- Nagaland Post Opninion
This has reference to the "Open Letter to Chief Min-ister from NSF" that appeared in the 24th October 2006 issue of Nagaland Post and the Morung by Mr. V. Phushika Aomi, President, and Mr. W. H. Maring, Speaker, NSF. I am almost happy with this letter because it gives me an opportunity to say certain things which I have so far restrained from saying lest it is described as an unnecessary, even frivolous, reaction. However, there comes a point beyond which silence may be misinterpreted as admission of guilt. There are no hidden meanings, except the ones openly revealed. First of all, I am not a paragon of virtue. For from it, I have many weaknesses as a person. However, in so far as my work as Controller of Examinations (COE) is concerned, I can boldly (and humbly) declare without any hesitation that I have performed my duties without fear or favour and in defense of truth and justice and within the powers sanctioned. And so long as I remain as COE, nothing can deter me from this goal. Towards this end, I request, in fact expect, the NSF to fully support the commission instead of attacking it with every conceivable allegation and often blown out of proportion.
My heart still aches at the thought of question papers being burned under intense pressure from NSF although there was no evidence of leakage whatsoever. The NPSC was also forced to undergo the tedious reexamination of answer scripts, again in the absence of any evidence of malpractice. Some of the candidates themselves expressed surprise that the Commission allowed reexamination which they have never heard of in other places. These are some of the sacrifices the Commission has already made for the sake of transparency. If we had anything to hide, we would never have consented to these measures.
I am not suggesting that the Commission is blameless in all things.
Many mistakes, even in recent years, have been committed and for which we have always apologized. The important issue here is that almost all of them have been detected within the Commission itself and corrective measures taken. We have often faced the humiliation of doors forcefully opened, tables almost banged for daring to admit our mistake. The NSF in its letter have charged as to why the Commission "entertain the complaint even after the result is declared thereby humiliated the already declared passed candidates?" How can we not entertain if a complaint is genuine? In such cases, we swallow our pride and beg forgiveness because justice cannot be compromised. I may add here that in every working situation, problems do arise however unintentional and undesirable. The important thing is whether we deal with them with honesty. In the letter of the NSF, several charges have been made. The commission may give a detailed reply to them if considered necessary (some have already been clarified long ago). However, in referring to one or two points, the NSF has stated that the Chairman's "integrity is doubtful" and that he has "unethically defended COE…" These and certain other statements that they will find extremely hard to defend if faced with the need to do so. Should such a situation arise, will they, as gentleman, swallow their pride and apologize as we in the Commission so often does, or will they search for more allegations because they themselves can do no wrong?
The NSF is a powerful body as it should be. My only appeal is that it uses this power and influence to lead the Nagas, particularly the younger generation, to the path of truth and justice. If justice is the goal, then the means (including language) will always be of a certain kind. It may interest the NSF to know that my tenure as COE, NPSC, will be over by June of 2007. I would have left the Commission long ago when the scam broke but I could not because I strongly believe that the way to solve a problem is to face it and not run away. By choosing to stay, I have suffered some inconveniences but I consider them a small price to pay in defense of certain principles one holds dear. Finally, I wish the NSF all the power and wisdom in its fight against all forms of injustice. Kevi Liegise, COE, NPSC.
Assam Rifles peace cradles The Morung Express
Kohima, Oct 24 (MEXN): Assam Rifles ‘The Friends of the Hill People’ have taken a new initiative and commitment for Nagaland under the theme of ‘Peace to the People’. To spread the message of peace, 5 Sector Assam Rifles organized a ‘Peace Concert’ on 10 Sep 2006 at Kohima. According to PIB (Defence Wing) release, the 5 Sector under aegis of IGAR(N) has now evolved a new concept of ‘Peace Cradles’. The Peace Cradles, which are being created in all the posts, will act as mini libraries, information and welfare centres and contact points for the public for interaction and coordinating peace and local beautification, health, care and developmental efforts. Initially three Cradles have been established by 42 Assam Rifles at Kukidolong, Piphema and Zubza under this concept and programme, the release said. 42 Assam Rifles located at Medziphema has demonstrated its solidarity and commitment towards ushering peace in Nagaland by constructing three ‘Peace Cradles’ along side NH-39 at Kukidolong, Piphema and Zubza.
One such Peace Cradle was inaugurated by Colonel Ravi Tuteja, Commandant – 42 Assam Rifles at Piphema village in the presence of village GBs, village council members and other prominent personalities of the area. The aim of these ‘Peace Cradles is to provide a common platform for the local populace to interact with each other and also with Assam Rifles troops stationed there.
“These cradles provide the opportunity to the local people to accrue benefit through an information room having facilities for local Newspapers and a small lending library for school. This is a small beginning towards the efforts of the Assam Rifles to usher permanent peace in Nagaland for an all- round development and progress,” the release added.
Truth and wisdom- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Bibles says, "The truth will set you free". Everything will be withered away, but the truth always remains "the truth". This truth can be hijacked for the time being as anti-element does today. But, the truth will set free revealing the actual facts. The purpose of God given wisdom to man is to know 'what is the truth'. But, the Naga people have ignored this truth. So many anti-elements have cropped up in our society directly challenging the truth' whereby fratricidal bloodshed and unrest have become the unavoidable guests in our kitchen.
Sometimes I regret why our leaders fail to reason themselves why and how unwanted guests occupied our kitchens and rooms. All the wisdom of Naga leaders have been hypnotized by these anti-elements. The wisdoms of all Naga leaders (church leaders, GOI leaders and state politicians) were hijacked and kept at ransom at the hands of our adversaries. Nagas are one, having a single goal, i.e. sovereignty. Then, why there should be IK-GOI talk or NSCN (K) GOI talk? The talk must be rather Naga-India talk. Glorifying the particular faction is our own fault, because no particular faction will solve the Naga problem. Today, the Naga NGOs made the IK-group, the anti-Naga forces which will be vulnerable to the military action of the Naga revolutionary movement, once their package solution is signed. There shall be no Naga political solution under IK-GOI talk, because it is not sovereign oriented or the Naga-GOI talk. The present IK-GOI talk supported by the Naga NGOs and puppet DAN government has created the following:-
1. The longing international support assistance towards the Naga problem was diverted into IK machineries; which indeed widened the gap among the Nagas, thereby the NSCN and NNC rejecting the NISC and NSG
2. The NSF, Naga Hoho and NPMHR became the political wings of the IK-group putting more salt to the wound. Their misrepresentation of the Naga issue to the Grace Collins' ill-willed mission by siding with the IK group thereby, condemning and accusing the NSCN and NNC of accepting India military assistance, proves to be their charge sheets also created extra vacuum never to be refilled. The outright rejection of the NSCN's invitation on 10/08/06, to these mentioned NGOs for clearing out the cloud of misunderstanding severed the ties between them and NSCN
3. The open nexus between DAN government and IK-group forced the NSCN to drink the bitter Hemlock never to be reconciled. The declaration of Rio that, solution within a year, peace process in the right direction and paying crores of rupees to the IK-group is a part of his one-sided (his equicloseness to IK-group) policy badly slapped the check of the NSCN.
4. The rejection of NSCN peace offer, invitation for open discussion and defying several peace meetings including Atlanta peace talk of 1997 to 204 by the IK-group, particularly, the Tangkhul leaders threw out the chance of reconciliation and unification to the river of no return proves the greatest disadvantage upon the Nagas which further resulted into the serving of quit notice to Tangkhul
5. No Naga leaders had fell under the bullet of the NSCN, only because it stood for reconciliation and unification of the Nagas. But, the satanic business of the IK-group has assassinated so many greatest Naga leaders such as Gen. Pervezo, Lt. Gen. Lumchu, Dally Mongro, Ato kilonser, NSCN, Tobu Kevichusa, NNC, Ngampan Konyak, education kilonser, NSCN, Imnung Jamir, education kilonser, etc created the feeling of uncompromisable mindset among the comrades in particular and Nagas as a whole.
Had the NSCN have the intention to assassinate the IK leadership, many of them would have been killed, including Khodao Yanthan, the vice chairman of the IK group. But the intention of the NSCN is to bring unity among the Nagas; therefore, it takes the present misunderstanding as natural phenomenon. It strongly believes on the unification and reconciliation of all Naga factions, but the situation created by the forces of anti-Nagas elements made it to abandon its previous stand, but to fight tooth and nail.
Lastly, since the present days Naga NGOs have fully committed themselves to the IK-group, thereby, committing the greatest political plunder in the history of the Naga national movement by readying themselves to accept any kind of solution, even a sell out solution, they should also be ready to face the wrath of the Nagas in the days to come.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser, Ministry of Kilo Affairs, GPRN, NSCN (K).
GoI insincere: NSCN (IM) Source: The Sangai Express
Guwahati, October 23: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) blamed the Government on Monday for lack of progress in the long-running peace talks, saying New Delhi was not sincere about addressing their key demands. The NSCN-IM, fighting for an independent homeland for the mainly Christian Naga people, held a new round of talks with Government negotiators for three days in Amsterdam last week. But no details were released.

"India is trying to test our patience by prolonging the peace process. Such an attitude of the Indian Government will put at risk all peace initiatives in the region," Rh Raising, a senior NSCN-IM man said. The talks are mainly stuck over rebel demands to integrate all Naga dominated areas in the restive North East region into a single State and their right to self-rule.

There was no comment from New Delhi over the outcome of the latest round of talks and officials said a statement could be expected after the negotiators brief senior Government leaders.

More than 20,000 were killed in the conflict before the rebels and the Government agreed to a truce in 1997.The ceasefire has held but the two sides have failed to find a political settlement to the revolt that began in 1947.If the "casual attitude" of Indian officials continued, peace talks would prove futile and that would be expensive to both sides, Naga leader Raising said.

"We are sincere and committed in our efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Indo-Naga problem, whereas India is committed to peace talks only in letter and not in spirit," Raising said.

Security analysts say peace with the Nagas is crucial to a broader peace in the North East—seven States connected to the rest of India by a thin strip of land and home to dozens of insurgent groups. The peace talk has been dragging on since 1997, when the Naga rebel group agreed to talk across the table.
Gogoi concerned over China plan The Morung Express
Guwahati, Oct 24 (PTI): Expressing concern over China’s reported plan to construct a dam on river Brahmaputra in that country to divert 200 billion cubic metre of water, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the issue with Beijing.
Damming and diversion of such huge quantity of water would hit the state’s economy, he said in a statement adding the government would soon constitute an experts committee to study the matter. The Brahmaputra-Barak-Meghna river system contributes almost one-third of the total surface water resource of the country and any large-scale diversion of this water will have serious repercussions on the interests of the N E region and the country as a whole, he said. He sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to safeguard the interests of the people of the state as well as the entire country. China is reportedly planning to diver the water to feed its Yellow River.
Victim recounts AR tortures By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 23 : Amid the growing public outcry against the prolonged imposition of the contro- versial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, troopers of Assam Rifles allegedly administered third degree torture on an innocent man on October 18 night.
Condemning the excesses of the security personnel, a protest rally was also taken out on the streets of Koutruk in Imphal West District today afternoon.
PRO IGAR (South) Major Devgan, however, refuted the charges of committing excesses as baseless and asserted that the alleged victim had been handed over to the police after conducting medical examination duly.
Recounting his nightmarish experience, the victim identified as Ningthoujam Sajou Singh (45) of Koutruk Mayai Leikai said that on October 18 night, at around 11.30 pm, he was woken up by noise of some Hindi speaking persons and heavy sounds of kicking at his door. Later one of the men asked him to open the door. Sajou, father of five children, recounted ‘when I opened the door, some army personnel (who were later confirmed to be personnel of 4th Assam Rifles posted at Loitang Khunou Spinning Mill) asked my name, and as I was replying they abruptly began bashing me up and tied my hands from behind’.
‘The AR personnel then snatched a Khudei (Loin cloth) and with it I was blind folded’, he said, adding that when his wife Yumshangbi Devi tried to intervene she was pushed back violently by the intruders resulting in causing injuries on her head.
With only his underwear, Sajou informed, he was dragged out from his house and pushed inside the security vehicle waiting nearby.
The AR personnel then drove the vehicle for some minutes towards an open park and dumped him there where he was again subjected to severe thrashing with water being poured on his blind-folded face. The security personnel also persistently threatened him to admit himself as a cadre of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF) despite his pleading that he is not related whatsoever with any underground organisation. After all these torture, Sajou recalled he was lodged inside a room the whole night and on the following day he was handed over to the police with false charge of being a member of UNLF. Subsequently, he was produced before a Magistrate at Imphal and later released on bail, Sajou said.
‘Because of the brutality and torture committed by the AR personnel, I am having acute pain while defacting and urinating. Blodd also comes out when I cough’, Sajou said.
Enraged residents of Koutruk hit the streets today to denounce the action of the AR personnel today afternoon. Earlier during the day, a meeting was also held at the ground of Koutruk Youth Development Club. Apart from a large number of people, many human rights activists and local MLA N Biren were among those who attended and spoke at the meeting.

Musharraf pins India on ‘Assam violence’ Assam Tribune
ISLAMABAD, Oct 24 – In a sharp attack, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today asked India to shed its ‘obsession’ of being a ‘greater nation’ and its attempt to ‘dominate’ Islamabad, reports PTI. “I respect the Indian Prime Minister but it is regrettable that India wants to keep its domination in the region and wants Pakistan to be weaker force. India should come out of its obsession of being a greater nation and should talk to us on an equal level”, Musharraf said.
“We would not allow anyone’s interference in our internal matters and neither would we tolerate such things,” he said in an interview to a private TV channel. Musharraf said both countries should refrain from interfering into each other’s internal affairs. India, he said, should set its own house in order before pointing fingers at Pakistan regarding terrorism on its soil and telling others what to do.
“There are 21 such places in India where violence continues. The situation in Assam is also visible. So, New Delhi should first correct its own matters and then talk to Pakistan,” he said. He described as a “welcome development” the Indo-Pak dialogue process to resolve the Kashmir issue.
“The talks between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issues are under way, which is a welcome development. The two countries exhibited in this regard a positive attitude in the Havana declaration (in September this year). Now the process should move forward,” the Pakistan President said.

Corruption not endemic to NE politicians’ From Raju Das Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, Oct 24 – Tura MP Purno Agitok Sangma has admitted that politicians in India were corrupt by nature; however, the phenomenon was definitely not endemic to the Northeast, as the Union Minister Jairam Ramesh has suggested. The former Speaker was reacting to Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh’s statement at a seminar on ‘Look-East policy: Impact on the Northeast India’ at Synod College here that the region’s politicians misused Central grant, resulting in poor development of the region. The Northeast receives Rs. 15,000 crore for developmental projects each year, Ramesh said 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. “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 rupee scams being reported periodically from States outside the region,” he retorted. 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.

'China's damming of Brahmaputra could trigger catastrophe' By IANS
Guwahati, Oct 25 (IANS) China's plans of building a dam over the Brahmaputra river and diverting water into its arid provinces have been opposed by regional governments in India's northeast. 'Large-scale diversion of water would adversely hit the state's economy and could even lead to environmental problems and affecting the surface water table in the (Indian) northeast,' Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi told IANS.
The warning follows media reports that Beijing was planning constructing a dam and diverting water to its parched northwest and northeast territories, which includes the Gobi desert, from the mighty Brahmaputra river. The 2,906-km long Brahmaputra is one of Asia's largest rivers that traverse its first stretch of 1,625 km in China's Tibet region, the next 918 km in India and the remaining 363 km through neighbouring Bangladesh before converging into the Bay of Bengal. 'Damming the Brahmaputra in China would have a cascading effect in the northeast and could lead to a natural calamity here. We have sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to persuade Beijing not to go ahead with their plans,' said an Arunachal Pradesh government spokesman. The Assam government asking New Delhi for urgent intervention made similar appeals.
'We have decided to form an expert committee to study the impact of such a move by Beijing,' the chief minister said. According to media reports, China was planning to divert 200 billion cubic metres of water to feed the Yellow River in an attempt at easing acute water shortage in Shaanxi, Hebel, Beijing and Tianjin. The Brahmaputra is the lifeline for a vast majority of the people in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh - most of them depend on the river for irrigating their agricultural fields, fishing and transportation of goods.
Agriculture forms the backbone of the economies in both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh with nearly 80 percent of the 27 million people in the two states eking out a living through agriculture.
'We are worried as many areas in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and even Bangladesh would go dry if the Chinese went ahead with their plans. This move would severely affect water flow to the region which in turn would adversely affect agriculture,' said H. Nath, an agriculture scientist.
An Indian external affairs ministry official has been quoted as saying that New Delhi would take up the issue during Chinese President Hu Jintao's proposed visit to Delhi next month. There has been no official reaction from Beijing to India's concern about damming the Brahmaputra River.
Northeast's potential yet to be recognised Nagarealm.com
A region with a potential of generating 65,000 MW of hydroelectricity should be indispensable for a country that strives to be a superpower. But what if it continues to be beset with insurgency, infiltration, ethnic strife, emotional detachment, geographic isolation, and drains more energy than it can empower the superpower with.
The Northeast, comprising eight states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura — accounts for 7.9 per cent of India’s total geographical area and 3.8 per cent of its population. Yet only 10 per cent of the central budget is earmarked for the region. It seems a lot of money. But ask any “indigenous” person, and he or she will say it is less than what New Delhi — if not on the lips, the “us” and “them” syndrome is in the subconscious — gets out of the region in terms of tea, oil, coal, forest, manpower and other mineral resources. Not to speak about “politically-motivated” money that is earmarked for projects that have little or no viability.

New Delhi too preoccupied "Today, New Delhi is too preoccupied with Kashmir to give the Northeast a proper thought; so will a superpower India have time for this region, which is equally troubled?” Artax Shimray, advisor of North East Students Organisation (NESO) asked.

“People here by and large favour negotiated settlement to conflicts, but talks with rebel groups keep lingering due to the government’s inability to take decisions. Having said that, militancy is not as serious a problem as ethnic conflicts that are engineered to facilitate globalization as India tries to become a superpower.”
“The Northeast’s strategic importance made New Delhi draw up the Look East policy to develop infrastructure. But, policies for the region do not involve the people and are not transparent. That is why people here are sceptical of the whatever seemingly benevolent steps New Delhi takes, and this has led to anti-dam, anti-mining, anti-infrastructure and anti-industry protests that India cannot ignore,” Shimray added.

Unresolved conflicts According to All-Assam Students Union advisor Samujjwal Bhattacharyya, unresolved conflicts would decelerate India’s drive towards becoming a superpower. What, however, would hold her back would be the issue of illegal influx. At least 15 million Bangladeshis, most of them across the Northeast, are eating up space and resources a would-be superpower needs, he said. Others feel the region could be key to India’s superpower ambition. Arunachal Pradesh, which has an installed hydroelectric capacity of over 10,000 MW and has potential to generate another 50,000 MW, knows it can empower the superpower. State Power Secretary T. Bagra said Arunachal Pradesh was heading towards becoming a power giant with a slew of MoUs signed for hydro projects that are less of a stress on the ecology. Ecology is the buzzword as the Northeast, despite deforestation, is the greenest part of India and is one of the world's prime biodiversity hotspots.

Need to get over decades of isolation Ex-ADB official and economic advisor to Assam government Jayanta Madhav feels the importance of the Northeast vis-à-vis India's march to be a major global player was highlighted by New Delhi's Look East Policy. "There are lot of things going against the region — its poverty and unemployment rate is higher than the national average while its per capital income is much lower. But it has more educated people with forward-looking attitude, although it is at the bottom of human development index. It needs massive dose of infrastructure, communication network and market linkage to get over decades of isolation. Most importantly, the Northeast is the geographical link to China, the other superpower New Delhi cannot ignore."
A superpower-to-be needs strategic friends to limit the influence of an established superpower neighbour. That perhaps explains the significance of Northeast, vital to the Trans-Asian superhighway and railway project New Delhi is pursuing. [Rahul Karmakar, hindustantimes]

PCPIA pushes ULFA support base to its nadir
After Tai Ahoms, now Deuris threaten to pull out from PCPIA
By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 24: The People’s Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA) has failed utterly in its efforts to reap the benefit of the ‘derailment’ of the peace process between the Centre and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and build public opinion in the State in favour of the rebel group. Rather, the support base of the ULFA has reached its nadir due to, among other things, some PCPIA leaders’ dual policy that has been exposed to the people and the PCPIA leaders themselves. In fact, in its calculated move to mobilize public opinion in favour of the ULFA, the PCPIA has done more damage than good for the rebel group. Nowadays, people of the State no longer hesitate to term the PCPIA leaders as overground ULFA leaders since they (PCPIA leaders) remain choosy when it comes to condemning violence in the State. Whenever the security personnel kill any ULFA cadre, the PCPIA raises a hue and cry and brings the people to the streets with protest processions and rallies, but whenever the ULFA kills innocent people in the State, the PCPIA maintains a mysterious silence. Among other things, this ‘behavioural weakness’ on the part of PCPIA leaders alone is ‘lethal’ enough to destroy whatever the support base that the ULFA has built in its 27-year-old armed struggle for an ‘Independent Asom’.
When its agitational programmes like protest processions, public rallies, bandhs etc, failed to evoke much response from the people of the State, the PCPIA has roped in a number of ethnic groups that have been fighting for their long-standing demands in its fold. But, of late, these ethnic groups too have started to dissociate themselves from the PCPIA because of its ‘lopsided’ policy of peace. After the grenade blast at Narayanpur in Lakhimpur district yesterday, the All Assam Deuri Students’ Union (AADSU), a constituent of the PCPIA, has threatened the ULFA of starting a vigorous agitation against it. “The Deuris will not play the role of mute spectators when there are killings of their fellow beings by the ULFA,” AADSU president Mahesh Deuri told The Sentinel. He threatened the PCPIA, which has not condemned the grenade blast at Narayanpur in Lakhimpur yesterday yet, of pulling itself (AADSU) out from the so-called peace body. The AADSU’s pull-out threat has come close on the heels of the All Assam Tai Ahom Students’ Union (AATASU) pulling out from the PCPIA. Deuri further said PCPIA convenors Lachit Bordoloi and Birinchi Neog have failed to lead the peace body and their soft corner towards the ULFA has been exposed. The recent threat to the Government by the Janagosthiya Aikya Mancha that it will not hesitate to take arms if the Government fails to provide ST status to the six ethnic communities — Koch-Rajbonshis, Morans, Mottocks, Tea Tribes, Chutias and Adivasis — of the State during the ensuing Winter Session of Parliament, according to sources, is because of provocation to the Mancha by the PCPIA. The Army, on the other hand, is equipped with material documents about some PCPIA leaders hobnobbing with the ULFA. Army personnel seized some PCPIA clarifications from three ULFA leaders, who were arrested from Goalpara along the Asom-Meghalaya border recently. It may be mentioned here that after the resumption of Army operations in the State on September 24 last, as many as five ULFA cadres and ten former militants (SULFA and former BLT cadres) have been killed. But now the ULFA has been maintaining that it was not behind the killings. Eyewitness accounts, on the other hand, said that former BLT cadre Goutam Lahkar had been killed by ULFA cadres at Goreswar.