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11/06/2006: "Naga talks in limbo, peace eludes Nagaland India Enews.com"

Naga talks in limbo, peace eludes Nagaland India Enews.com
India's remote northeastern state of Nagaland has been in turmoil for close to six decades now and peace still eludes the mountainous border region.
The Naga peace talks are in its 10th year now, but there is no sign of a breakthrough with neither the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) nor New Delhi appearing to have any concrete agenda to resolve the violent insurgency in the region.
The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 that has been renewed regularly. The present ceasefire expires in June 2007.

The central government and the NSCN-IM have held more than 50 rounds of peace talks to end one of South Asia's longest-running insurgencies that have claimed around 25,000 lives since India's independence in 1947. The latest round of talks ended in Amsterdam last month although the negotiations failed with New Delhi rejecting demands for self-governance.
The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, had proposed 'a special federal arrangement' which enables the Nagas to govern themselves.
There has been no official statement from New Delhi after the Amsterdam talks.
The NSCN-IM wants a special federal relationship with India, with a separate Naga Constitution, and would like the Naga rebel soldiers to jointly guard the international borders alongside Indian security forces.
The NSCN-IM has been struggling for nearly six decades to have a 'Greater Nagaland' by getting parts of three neighbouring states sliced off to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The demand is strongly opposed by the states of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
'The government of India is trying to tire out the Nagas by dragging the peace process. It is more than nine years and the government does not have any clear agenda to solve the problem,' NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang told IANS. 'The Nagas are getting restless by the day.'
While the NSCN-IM has been adopting a belligerent posture on its demands, the government is yet to come up with a concrete strategy to resolve the insurgency. Dragging the talks could turn out to be counter-productive and derail the entire peace process with the NSCN-IM time and again threatening to go back to the jungles.
The road to peace in Nagaland is turning out to be a real bumpy one with the Indian government now faced with even bigger challenges in preparing a definite roadmap to address the rebels' demands. Conceding their demands would be a tough proposition as any move to merge Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast could lead to a rebellion in the neighbouring states. Moreover, the question of allowing the Nagas to have their own constitution will in all probability not be acceptable to New Delhi.
'The government could think of a massive development plan in the form of financial packages and even consider granting greater autonomy,' an analyst said.
The NSCN-IM is also in a sticky wicket - having climbed down from its demand for an independent Naga homeland outside the Indian union, the rebel leadership is now harping on the theme of Greater Nagaland and a special federal relationship. Fresh turmoil in Nagaland seems inevitable unless the rebel leadership shows flexibility and the government negotiators too work overtime with a certain amount of seriousness to find a solution.
UNC urges Nagas to stay away from tourism fest Newmai News Network
Imphal, Nov 5: Strictly imposing the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) resolutions, the United Naga Council (UNC) has once again appealed to all the Nagas not to break the resolutions passed earlier last year.
In 2005, on November 4 at Taphou village of Senapati district, the UNC had passed numerous resolutions. In keeping with the resolutions the UNC has cautioned the Nagas not to participate in the Manipur govt sponsored Manipur Tourism Fest which commences from November 6.
According to the programme laid out for the Manipur Tourism Festival to be held till November 9, Naga tribes included in the programme list of participants are cultural troupes of Tangkhul, Anal, Maring, Kabui, Tarao and Poumai. The UNC has directed all Naga tribe presidents to ensure that their respective tribe do not participate in tomorrow’s Manipur Tourism Festival.
“In pursuit of the last NPC of November 4, 2005 the UNC hereby direct all concerned not to co-operate with the programme sponsored by the government of Manipur. The stand of the UNC is loud and clear and therefore (Naga) tribe presidents are directed to shoulder responsibility that his/her tribe refrain from such programmes,” announced the United Naga Council.
Nagas should not succumb to divisive elements- Nagaland Post Opinion
Recent statements of the Khaplang group bring to light their mischievous fight against the aspiration of the Nagas all for their spiteful glory. Khaplang, a Naga who himself being their leader hailing from across the arbitrarily alien imposed international boundary of Myanmar (Burma) proclaims to be fighting for the liberation of the Naga homeland (Nagalim) and its people. But contrary to their claims of nationalism, their acts and conduct mysteriously contradicts themselves. When he disclaims a blood brother across the (international) imposed boarder within Nagalim further vivisected and under forced occupational convenience of India, does he also then not disclaim his identity as a Naga.
While the NSCN/GPRN, with the hope to end bloodshed and terrorism in our land, is undertaking the initiatives to expedite all possible means to find an amicable and honorable political solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue vis-à-vis Naga Burma, the present propagandas and acts with divisive and disruptive objectives clearly unveils the Khaplang groups agenda; serving as tools of our adversaries to undermine all good-will efforts to our aspirations and to drown the incessant clamoring and desires of the beleaguered Naga people
Some recent instances to cite a few as examples to their (Khaplang) motives are like bombings at commercial centers, killing innocent Naga citizens including school going children, frisking highways in full military combat gear and in IRB uniforms, firing indiscriminately in thickly inhabited areas to spread fear psychosis aimed at vitiating the peaceful atmosphere, issuing threats upon public leaders and NGOs, serving ties with all civil societies and church bodies, trying to alienate international support groups and centres as well as all well-wishers, serving 'quit notice' among ourselves (Nagas) to foment tribalism and to defame and smear the Naga people's image by engaging in all unthinkable cheap and dirty destructive campaigns. Are these acts of terrorism destructively oriented or nationalistically justified?
The very recent disapproval by the Khaplangs against the Naga students hailing from the four hills district of the present Indian Manipur state from being allowed to appear under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) also uncovers their irrationality and anti-nationalism.
These Naga students who are being imposed to study the Meitei scripts, invented in recent times; syllabi of the Meitei history wherein Naga people's history is excluded poses a threat to the Naga identity. This very imposition of their language and history upon the Naga students is aimed to disintegrate Naga family and our distinct identity erased by assimilating and Meiteinizing the present young Naga generations. The Naga students bodies, civil societies and the concerned's initiative to rescue these distressed innocent Naga students, who are caught in the web of the resolved school affiliation imbroglio and their educational careers imperiled, so that they may be able to continue their studies, are to be reflected by all Nagas humanely in the spirit of our brotherhood. Do not our children pursue their education at Shillong, Delhi, Guwahati, etc. Do they deprive the students' community there in their respective institutes of their privileges by studying with them? Or, instances of availing scholarship which are not borne by the state's ex-chequer but according to the deserving students enlisted by the state and sent to the Human Resources Development Department, Delhi for allocation. Seats or other privileges extended by the Indian government to their states will continue to come from them to the deserving people, but it is not us who will be depriving each other of any privileges or facilities.
The incitement of negative perceptions to permeate distrust and division by adverse forces should not sway our rationality and divert our attention from serious political issues at hand. Naga people should not succumb to these divisive and deviational elements aimed at hijacking our aspired national cause, to live as an integrated people securing our unique identity from external invasions. When the Khaplang brothers are talking of sovereignty and complete independence, are their deeds and principles in tandem with their proclamations? When Khaplang disclaims the Naga Tangkhul tribes as a Naga and serves quit-notice to them, does he not profess divisionism and anti-nationalism? If he calls the Nagas under the present imposed boundary of Indian Manipur state as Meitei brothers, does he also call himself a Burmese brother? Let us not demean ourselves by playing and dancing to the tune of our enemies. We should confront the reality and our situation and reconcile for the better; by embracing our brotherhood and national principles. We should reflect on our much sacrificed common struggle against occupational forces and come forward with constructiveness rather than destructive policies as Naga people have suffered much by falling prey to the divisive designs of our enemies. Issued by MIP/GPRN, NSCN (IM)
NPMHR demands independent probe into role of Naga IRB The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 5 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today condemned the allegations of human Rights violation by the Naga IRB personnel in Chattishgarh and demanded a NPMHR demanded the constitution of an Independent Investigating Committee to investigate into the whole incident and unearth the truth behind the serious allegations.
A press release issued by Nepuni Piku, Secretary General and Dr. Lanu Sashi Longkumer, Convenor of the NPMHR Nagaland sector stated that the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) condemns the serious allegations of human rights violation such as killing of innocent civilians, destruction of villages through burning and forceful relocation to camps, violation of womanhood, brutal and arbitrary butchering of domestic animals, etc, in Chattisgarh by the Naga IRB soldiers sponsored by the Union Home Ministry (of India).
The release expressed solidarity with the affected communities in Chattishgarh and supported the Naga Hoho’s unqualified apology to the affected people in Chattishgarh.
Expressing their confidence on the human rights group like the PUDR, PUCL and the APDR, the release stated that the NPMHR had worked closely with those groups in the past and asserted that these groups are impartial and independent bodies with unquestioned credibility. The release also added that the groups which led the All India Team and Independent Citizens Initiatives (ICI) are responsible members with the highest integrity, which have in the past exposed many Human Rights violation cases in the Northeast including Nagaland and regretted that the state machinery is duping the public with concocted statements for their own interests forgetting the masses.

The release alleged that there was a disinformation campaigns by the state forces especially the DGP Chattisgarh, against the allegations by the rights groups.
The release also strongly questioned the IRB personnel’s alliance with the Salwa Judum whom the NPMHR termed as an amorphous and undisciplined group operating under the patronage of the Chattishgarh government, the NPMHR wondered how the state leadership can allow the IRB personnel to work with a band of criminal elements.
Expressing that the allegation will have serious multiple socio, cultural and political implications on the Naga people the NPMHR asked the Nagaland government to spell what kind of peace the Naga IRB are fighting for in Chattishgarh and urged them to avoid further judgmental oratory Naga soldiers are displaying Indian nationalistic fervor through brutalizing the civilians in others homeland. Asserting its clear stand against the deployment of the IRB jawans since from the beginning, the NPMHR again reiterated its demand for pulling out the Nagaland Armed Police personnel. The release alleged that the Naga jawans were recruited and raised under the control of Union Home Ministry (of India) through its superfluous camouflage Indian Reserve Battalions, to avoid international scrutiny and accountability on violation of human rights.
Expressing their doubt at the Indian government’s policy of recruiting the youths in the different armed forces under the pretext of national security the NPMHR seriously questioned whether the North East were fit only for martial duty and as cannon feeder apart from other employment; they alleged that there was an agenda behind Delhi’s policy to further divide the society on economic lines so that they can exploit the region and appealed to the people of the region to people to question the Indian government’s policy of recruiting the youths from the North East under the shadow of national security and creation of more employment.
The NPMHR further asserted that the People should not become willful partners in the suppression of different Nationalities and oppressed peoples struggling in India, understanding the horror and pain our people had to undergo in our resistance against the Indian military occupation of our Homeland.
The NPMHR asked Nagaland government to train the Naga polices forces to respect and uphold their responsibility within the due process of law. A band of free floating and unaccountable Naga Police forces in Chattisgarh can be a greater source of danger to the establishment of a future civilized Naga society.
The NPMHR also strongly supported the Naga Hoho who on 25th October 2006 at Kohima expressed unqualified apologies to the affected people in Chattisgarh and considers the planting of Naga IRB in Chattisgarh at this sensitive phase of the Indo-Naga political process as a strategy to discredit the legitimacy of the ongoing political negotiation in the face of the large majority of the Indian civilian population.
With the many allegations on the Naga IRB Battalion posted in Chattisgarh and listening to the many anomalies involved even with the bringing back of dead Gunny bags of Naga soldiers, NPMHR demand the state Government to own up their responsibility and do justice at the earliest through the constitution of an Independent Investigating Committee which will give succor to the many harassed and effected innocents of Chattisgarh besides leaving a clear conscience of the Naga people who seeks justice and peace.
Mulatonu responds to NSCN (IM) charge The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 5 (MExN): Supervisor of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board, NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu has responded to the recent statement of the NSCN (IM) wherein it was alleged that he (Mulatonu) had met Goa Governor S C Jamir in Goa eading to issuance of quit nlotice to Tangkhuls.
“The story is just a flavour of a bankrupt of terrorists. I do not and will not meet anybody to beg for money or borrow Naga politics for another 100 years just as Isak’s so called emissary, Shri. V S Atem goes to Indian army, Lt. Gen. Nanavatty, N. Rio, K. Therie and K. Padmanabhaiah”, Mulatonu stated.
Pointing out that ‘nationalists and patriots will never buy politics, they create them’, Mulatonu stated that if the NSCN (IM) wanted to know him, “better, why not ask K. Therie, N. Rio and Khekiho and discover me, I am a Naga far better off than any terrorists, and if the terrorists could play ten years in the lap of India, the NSCN will definitely do better”, he stated while also alleging that a senior NSCN (IM) leader’s daughter was doing MBBS at Pune and “was passing the secrets of whereabouts of the Hollywood stars, Brat Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Muslim outfits”.
NSCN (IM) asks rival to introspect The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 5 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today asked its rival NSCN (K) faction to simply retrospect and introspect among themselves before they are bled to death by the plot of their enemies. A press release issued by the SO MIP of GPRN Joseph stated that by propagating false allegations and assertions with the hope of wining the deceptive victory designed by their enemies, the NSCN (K) are instead smearing the image of the Nagas. The release stated that ‘body counts’ among the enemies was considered a victory during ancient times, but in this civilized period victory through diplomacy without warfare was the tool of achieving success.
The release alleged that the Khaplang pawns continue to persistently and vainly make misleading and unfounded claims on the events of confrontation with the NSCN (IM)
Citing the Zunheboto battle as an example where the NSCN (K) had made false allegation about the deaths of its rival faction, the NSCN (IM) press release stated that the people were the witnesses to the whole truth about the incident. The release alleged that the NSCN (K) cadres left their death comrades at their now evicted camps and said that ‘the Naga Army’ cannot perform heroic feats like their rival, who left behind their fallen comrade and four other injured cadres at the site of encounter. The statement further asserted that the NSCN (IM) abides by its code of conduct and performs military honor even for its enemies.
The release stated that patriots and heroes have no categorization in the Naga Army and the martyrs are hailed and condoled and their sacrifices remembered and recorded down in the Naga history. The release alleged that the NSCN (K) always backs up their false claims about the death of their rival by putting the word ‘Alee command of the dead’ in ‘their heroic claims’. However, the release stated that the people were the witnesses about the truth. The release lamented that such false claims about killing the cadres of the rival faction only widens the rift among themselves The release added that the NSCN (IM) keep their national principles and aspirations uncompromised and try to collectively seek beneficial ways instead of capitulating to self inflicting cheap approaches.
10 killed in Assam blasts Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Nov 5 (Agencies): At least ten persons were killed and more than 52 wounded, 20 of them seriously, as suspected insurgent group ULFA struck tonight in a big way after a long lull setting off two blasts, including one in a crowded market, within 15 minutes of each other. Eight people were killed and more than 45 injured in a powerful explosion at Chai Galli of Fancy Bazaar at 6.45 pm, police said.
Five people died on the spot and three succumbed on way to Guwahati Medical College Hospital.The 15 critically injured were shifted to Guwahati Medical College Hospital. The casualty in the Fancy Bazaar blast could go up, police added. Fifteen minutes earlier, two persons were killed and seven others injured in a grenade explosion at Patharquarry area in Noonmati near Guwahati Refinery.
The Fancy Bazaar area wore a devastated and gory look with mangled bodies and limbs, clothes and shoes of the dead strewn around, vehicles and several shops damaged and splattered with blood. Utter chaos and confusion prevails in the hospitals where the injured were admitted.
Assam government did not rule out the involvement of ULFA or Jehadi groups like Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba in the blasts. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told PTI in Delhi that "initial investigation reports suggest that the blast could be the handiwork of ULFA".
Assam Chief Secretary S Kabilan said the blasts could be the handiwork of ULFA or some Jehadi groups. "It could be the act of ULFA. But we do not want to rule out the involvement of Jehadi groups as they have been trying to target Guwahati for quite some time now," Kabilan told PTI over phone from Guwahati. Gogoi announced Rs three lakh as compensation to the next of the kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. The government will also bear the medical expenses for treatment of the injured.
"I have directed security agencies to step up vigil. The situation in the state is fully under control," he said.
Meet convened In Delhi, the Centre has convened a high-level meeting tomorrow to discuss the security situation in Assam in the wake of the Guwahati blasts. The meeting would be attended by Home Ministry officials, Director General of Military Operations, Director General of Military Intelligence and Intelligent Bureau and CRPF officials.
Kabilan also convened a meeting of the Unified Command structure, comprising the army, paramilitary forces and state police, in Guwahati, tomorrow to review the situation arising out of the blasts. Strongly condemning the blasts, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said killing of innocent people was cowardice and violence can never achieve any goal.
Singh has assured adequate relief to the kins of the vicitims of the near-simultaneous blasts in Assam capital, his Media Advisor Sanjaya Baru said.
10 killed in twin blasts in Guwahati The Morung Express
Guwahati, Nov 5 (PTI): Ten people were killed and more than 52 injured, 20 of them critically, in two near-simultaneous bomb blasts triggered by the ULFA in the busy commercial Fancy Bazaar and Noonmati area of the city Sunday evening.
Eight people were killed and more than 45 injured in a powerful explosion at Chai Galli of Fancy Bazaar at 6.45 pm, police said.Five people died on the spot and three others succumbed on way to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.
The 15 critically injured were shifted to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.The casualty in the Fancy Bazaar blast was expected to go up, police added. In a grenade explosion at Patharquarry area in Noonmati near Guwahati Refinery, two persons were killed and seven others injured at 6.30 pm. The Fancy Bazaar area wore a devastated look with mangled bodies strewn around, vehicles and several shops damaged.
Utter chaos and confusion prevails in the hospitals where the injured were admitted.
Centre convenes meeting to discuss Assam situation New Delhi, Nov 5 (PTI) The Centre has convened a high-level meeting tomorrow to discuss the security situation in Assam whose capital was rocked by two simultaneous blasts by suspected Ulfa this evening killing at least ten people.
A meeting of the Unified Command comprising the army, para-military forces and the state police will also be held tomorrow in Guwahati in the wake of the blasts. Home Secretary V K Duggal has spoken to Assam Chief Secretary S Kabilan and took stock of the situation in the aftermath of the blasts.
A meeting of Union Home Ministry officials, Director General of Military Operations, Director General of Military Intelligence and Intelligent Bureau and CRPF officials would be held here tomorrow to discuss the security scenario in the state.
After the meeting in Guwahati, the Assam Chief Secretary will send a report to the Union Home Ministry following which the Centre will review the situation there. Meanwhile, a top Union Home Ministry official told PTI that no group has taken responsibility for the blasts which didnot cause any damage to the infrastructure.
Look East policy should benefit northeast: NESO Newmai News Network Guwahati
The North East Students Organization (NESO) today said that the Look East Policy (LEP) of the Central government should be a policy aimed at betterment of the people of the northeast rather than a foreign policy of India to facilitate free trade with the neighbouring countries.
“We feel that through the LEP the Centre is only planning to use the northeast as only a corridor for facilitating free trade with India’s neighbours,” said NESO adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya while adding that the Centre should always keep in mind the interest of the people of the northeast. Bhattacharyya pointed out that the Centre has asked the World Bank to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on the LEP and added that World Bank must consult with the people of the northeast while going ahead with the LEP. “We do not mind the World Bank preparing the DPR but the centre must make some arrangement so that the people of the region were consulted before using it as the corridor for free trade with the neighbouring countries,” he said. Bhattacharyya and the NESO members were speaking with the media after the 4th annual general conference of the students’ body which was held at Agartala recently.
“We have also deiced to press the centre for granting a special constitutional status to the northeastern states by delegating more federal powers to the states including the rights over land and natural resources,” he said.
“The centre must think of developing the NE states at par with the other states in the country and granting of the special constitutional status to the seven states is a must for this,” he added. NESO secretary general NSN Lotha while speaking on the occasion said that the students’ body would also lobby for institution of a national commission for unemployed youth of the region, besides granting special economic package for the region. Lotha further informed that the NESO conference had also touched upon the issues of infiltration, the cross border terrorism and introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the region immediately and other issues like the repeal of Arms Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), border fencing and others.
North East and Act called AFSP U A Shimray The Morung Express Perspective
The North Eastern region of India comprises several ethnic groups with diverse socio-cultural settings. Since independence of India, the region is perpetually placed under the military rule with the draconian laws called Armed Forces [Special Powers], Act 1958 [as amended in 1972]. The intervention by the Armed Forces is a long standing and the real fact is fairly known. Today, the state is treating region’s political struggle and social movements as- anti-state movement, anti-national, disruptive and terrorism.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers), Act 1958 confers extraordinary power to the Indian Army and other security forces in “disturbed areas” of the region. The Act gives no precise definition of a “disturbed areas”. The declaration of any area as “disturbed” under Section 3 of the Act is the prerogative of the Governor of the state or the Central Government. The State Legislative has absolutely no jurisdiction in the matter [under the Act]. The Act empowers to search, seize, arrest and even kill anyone suspected to be insurgent in order to maintain “law and order.” No inquiry can be held against any action the Army takes unless specifically sanctioned by the Central government. The Act authorises even an ordinary soldier to “shoot to kill,” to enter and search, arrest without warrant any person against mere suspicion. In any “military operational” circumstances, human rights are often violated in their search for an elusive enemy. Civilians been detained illegally and tortured. The nature of human rights violations in the region includes- extra-judicial killings, rape, molestation and sexual harassment of women, torture, force labour and desecration of churches. Many innocent people “just” vanished and suspected persons could be killed under the disguise of “maintaining public order”. For instance, infamous Oinam’s incident [in Senapati district of Manipur in the mid 1980s] where one Assam Rifles outpost was completely razed to the ground by the Naga insurgency. Immediately, Assam Rifles launched a counter-operation popularly known as “Operation Blue bird.”
There are several cases related to army atrocities and human rights abused. Initially, Central used the weapon of AFSP to counter the Naga political movement and armed struggle in the early 1950s. Under this Act, the Naga villagers suffer immense human rights violations like killings, rape, molestation, tortured, village grouping, and concentration camp. One classic expression of excess human rights violations is during the “Operation Blue Bird”. Many Naga girls are rape and sexually molested, men are killed and tortured. Also, there was a large scale looting and burnt the harvest. The Assam Rifles, infamous paramilitary force for its acts of atrocities committed on civilian during counter-insurgency operations came out with a slogan “Friends of the Hill”. Further, added to tag such as “Sathi Laga Force” [the “friendly force” in corrupted Assamese] and “Operation Good Samaritan”. The presentation was to heal the Nagas’ pains. In a few cases, the armed forces have taken action against their security personnel. One young Lieutenant was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of young woman Miss Luingamla in Ngaimu village, Ukhrul district of Manipur in 1986. No long ago Imphal valley experienced protests against the high handedness of Indian armed forces and misused of AFSP. The unprecedented protests broke out with the killing of one Kumari Manorama Devi, a woman in her early thirties by the Assam Rifles who the army claims was a member of the banned insurgency group Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA). The public particularly Meitei community insist Ms. Manorama was innocent and a dozen of women stage a protest in naked near the Kangla Fort [Assam Rifles used the Fort as their base camp before it is historically handed over to the Manipur State under the presence of Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh].
The Assam Rifles’ “Friend of the Hills” as well as custodial guardian of AFSP is uneasy in the North Eastern region. The excessive approach of the armed personnel in counter-insurgency operations has led to a substantial deterioration in the lives of the common people. The public has come out in the street, to the army gate, shouting slogan “Indian Army go back”, “Indian Army rape us”[Take a case of Meitei women protest in naked]. The security brutalized shows little respect for democracy and civilian rule. However, the army official using national sentiment and patriotism protected the culprit-armed personnel and repeatedly denied the reports of violations as “baseless” and “exaggerated”.
In the late 1970s, group of Naga Students from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi formed Naga human rights organisation called Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and condemn the Act. Since then, Nagas continues to fight justice and protect the innocent people. The NPMHR challenge AFSP in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court of India, in the case of NPMHR v/s Union of India upheld the Act [on November 27, 1997]. Very unfortunate, as it expressed satisfaction with the “10 Commandments” issued by the Army Chief for dealing the insurgency. Recently, the GoI set up a “Review Committee” under the leadership of Justice BP Jeevan Reddy, so far there is no any outcome or action taken of the committee’s Report.
Violence and solutions The Morung Express Perspective
North Eastern part of India is peculiar in its Geography, Social order and Strategic location. Geographically and strategically it is surrounded by Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and connected to rest of India by 22-mile wide ‘Siliguri’ corridor called Chicken Neck. Because of its peculiarities, under developed nature, mutual distrust between various ethnic communities and fear of exploitation by others, the denizens of this region have innate insecure feeling. The region has been conflict-scarred for almost six decades. If we look at the complete mosaic of this region there is Peace, Virtual Peace & No Peace prevailing here. Out of the eight states; Arunachal Pradesh is only peaceful, but other states are in a state of either virtual peace or no peace, despite having elected Govts.
Mutual distrust, fears of exploitation & insecurities existing amongst various ethnic tribes have led to mushrooming of various armed outfits (small or large) who claim to defend the rights of their own community or group. Talking about the status in three major states, i.e., Assam, Nagaland and Manipur – Assam has been ruled by martial race of Ahoms for almost 600 yrs. United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is the largest militant organization in the state and is 27 yrs old now. Formation of PCG on 07 Sept. ’05, initiation of peace process between GoI and ULFA, progress towards talks through one year and ULFA’s pronouncement to exercise restraint in reciprocation of Army’s announcement before 59th Independence Day sent waves of optimism. It was warmly welcomed by common men, businessmen, political parties etc and created hope of likely peace in the region. More so, when it was preceded by extension of cease fire between GoI and NSCN(IM).
But this state of optimism lasted for only one month when peace offer had to be abrogated due to non responsiveness of ULFA to the ‘preconditions’ of Centre. But analysis of one year of run up to peace process before abrogation is full of booms & staccato of rifle shots, as per statistics of Assam Police. Between Sept. 8, 2005 and Jun, 2006 ULFA militants have triggered 52 bomb blasts killing at least 41 civilians and injuring another 135. Damage to property and oil pipelines is not talked of here. In 10 Days preceding New Delhi’s truce announcement, ULFA had launched several grenade and bomb blasts killing a dozen people & injuring another 40. Recently Black Widow Group of DHD killed 13 North Eastern Railway staff in a bomb blast in South Assam, besides other damages.
Extension of almost a decade old peace process in Nagaland has been welcomed by all, young and old, men and women, NGOs and student federations alike, except a few with vested interests. This process has led to discernible progress, prosperity and good governance in Nagaland. Although there is peace between SFs and two major groups of NSCN but still, there is no peace. Presumed aim is increased influence/territorial control, which has led to large no. of inter-factional killings besides collateral killings/injuring of innocents, damage/destruction of property and tension. Recent killing (end Oct to beginning of Sept ’06) of a minor Inato Sumi/injuring of his aunt in Zunheboto, killing of Shimmie Shinuisuis (a Tangkhul youth) and a police official Hovizol in Kohima are a few examples. When we say “killed by two unidentified men”, do we really mean it or we do not want to own up our social responsibility due to Sword of Damocles hanging over our head?
The state of Manipur has almost two dozen outfits irrespective of the size. UNLF, PREPAK, KYKL, Kuki outfits are some of the organizations which are generally in the news. All these outfits, irrespective of the size, are involved in intimidating innocents or rival outfits, extortion for wealth gains; inter factional clashes or clashes with the security forces aimed at either retaining control or influence over a small territory. Killing of a minor Suryakanta Singh, Meira Paibi leader T. Menaka Devi, issue of diktat to Naoram Basanta of Kakching by UNLF and extortion note to a cabinet minister by KYKL are some of the recent examples. These whimsical and violent actions cause direct as well as collateral damage. Point to note, that every group claims to fight for its own identity either in the form of demanding sovereignty or statehood.
Violence is wide ranging which includes intimidation, extortion, killing, destruction, and it needs to be understood in its physical and psychological nature. Physical effects of violence are kills/destruction to property & psychological effect is trauma and stress disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some of the physical effects can be restored at a cost, time & effort, but loss of life cannot be. PTSD affects infants, young and old alike with varying degrees. The severity of PTSD depends on severity of the event, proximity of the victim and reaction of kith and kin. Irrespective of the age of a person, some of the common symptoms observed are : lack of sleep, depression, behavioral disorders, personality disorder, adulthood disorders etc.
Resources used to restore the damaged property could have been better used for progress and prosperity. Unpardonable crime of taking away lives of innocents can be avoided when we do not have the power to return back the life.
We need to ponder over certain issues: What cause are we fighting for? Is the cause affecting only a few with vested interests or the society at large? If it is for the society, why subject them to direct or collateral damage? Are we fighting for the present gains alone or futuristic betterment of mankind? Are we only interested in power, wealth and control of small territory we are fighting for? How shall we meet the needs of splinter groups or sub organization? Are we heading for ethnic conflicts which existed few centuries back? Notwithstanding the foregoing there seems to be faint silver streak on the horizon i.e. 809 BRU militants have laid down arms to join the main stream besides Kuki outfits signing Geneva accord not to use IEDs. Hope more follows the suit. We all deserve to LIVE. “It is not how LONG, but how WELL, we live”.
Press Information Bureau (Defence) Govt of India
Arunachal tourism to get a boost Nagaland Post
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Nov 5 (PTI): Tourism is the key to the economic development of Arunachal Pradesh to make it a model state, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said today.
The Central government will take up schemes to promote tourism that will help in creating employment and ensure the overall development of the state, Gandhi said after laying the foundation of the office complex for the 1500-MW hydel project of National Hydel Power Corporation (NHPC) and NHPC College of Science and Technology, Arts and Commerce here.
The Centre will also help in the proper utilisation of the state's hydro power potential, she said. The College, she said, will help spread education among youth in remote and far-flung areas. Earlier, Gandhi inaugurated the three-day Buddha Mahotsav here and said a committee had been formed under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to frame measures to developing important Buddhist cultural sites like Tawang.
Union Power Minister Sushil Shinde said the commissioning of the 2000-MW Subansiri power project and the 1500-MW Tawang hydro electric project of the NHPC would transform Arunachal Pradesh into a hydro power giant. Pointing out that almost 94 per cent of Arunachal Pradesh's hydro power potential is yet to be tapped, he said the 10th and 11th Plans envisaged the generation of one lakh MW of power in the state. Shinde said the state had the potential to produce 50,000 MW of hydro power though only 416 MW had so far been exploited.
India steps up B'desh border patrols after blasts By Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - India tightened security along its long and porous frontier with Bangladesh on Monday after officials said they suspected involvement of foreigners in blasts that killed 12 people in Assam. Officials have blamed the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the two bomb blasts on Sunday in the state's biggest city Guwahati, but said the rebels could have been backed by Islamist militants in neighbouring Bangladesh. The attacks were the biggest since the Indian government ended a truce with rebels of the ULFA in September and called off peace talks, after which there has been an increase in violence in the state.
"We suspect not only ULFA but also think some external forces are trying to indulge in subversive activities in the state," S. Kabilan, Assam's most senior bureaucrat, told Reuters.
"We are looking into the possibility of involvement of some jehadi elements in last night's blasts," he said. One bomb went off in a crowded market in the heart of Guwahati, the main commercial centre in the volatile northeast, while another exploded outside an oil installation. About a dozen people were wounded. New Delhi has for long accused Dhaka of giving refuge to rebels from the northeast and also of allowing them to run camps on Bangladeshi soil.
Bangladesh, which itself faced a wave of bomb attacks blamed on Islamist militant groups last year, denies it has sheltered anti-India guerrillas. Indian officials said an emergency meeting of the Unified Command Council -- a group which includes the army, federal and state police forces -- had been called on Monday to review security and tackle the spike in violence in Assam.
Life in Guwahati, a city of about one million people, appeared normal on Monday despite the blasts. A call by local groups for a general strike in protest against the blasts evoked a poor response as schools and businesses opened and transport services operated as usual.
The ULFA has been fighting for an independent homeland for Assamese people for nearly three decades, accusing the federal government of plundering the region's natural resources.
Talks off, ULFA strikes in heart of Guwahati: blasts kill 10, injure 50 Indian Express

At least 10 people were killed and over 50 injured when two powerful bombs exploded this evening in two busy localities of Guwahati. Police said the banned ULFA was behind the blasts. The blasts come within four days of an annual conference of the DGPs of West Bengal and the north-eastern states, and two days after police gunned down top ULFA leader Charan Majhi. Meanwhile, alarmed by the increasing number of ULFA attacks, the Union Home Ministry has called a review meeting on Monday. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who arrived in New Delhi today, is likely to attend the meeting. "It's an act of cowardice," he told The Indian Express. "Today's incidents were not totally unanticipated." The first blast was around 6.25 pm in the busy Jaynarayan Road or Chai Gali area in the heart of Fancy Bazaar, the commercial hub of the city. The second took place a few minutes later and some 12 km away, in the Pattharquarry area, not far from the Guwahati refinery and the Narangi cantonment. Guwahati SSP Nitul Gogoi said six people died on the spot in the Fancy Bazaar blast, four in the one at Pattharquarry. - (With Rajeev Bhattacharyya)

MDU summit calls for total and uncompromised repeal of AFSPA The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 5: A one day peoples solidarity meet on the occasion of the completion of six years of hunger strike of Irom Sharmila Chanu in her campaign for repeal of the AFSPA, 1958 was organised by the working committee of the Apunba Lup at the MDU hall, Imphal today.

The function was attended by Prof. N Sanajaoba, dean of law, Guwahati university, W Nabakumar, dean of students welfare, MU, advocate Khaidem Mani, president, Manipur bar association and Prof. N Lokendro, senior citizen as the presedium members along with members of various civil organisations, rights activist, intellectuals, women organisations etc.

Speaking at the function N Sanajaoba demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA and touched on the major recommendations in the Jeevan Reddy report of AFSPA and said that the reports is mixed and the recommendations for incorporations of some provisions to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 2002 is unacceptable. He further said that the government of India has itself said that the Act is inhumane but is still sustaining the Act and it is under legal obligation to repeal the act with or without Jeevan Reddy report and with the elections around the bend, it has got a justification for repeal. However, he cautioned that such repressive Acts will remain in one form or the other and pointed out the various recommended incorporations in the ULAPA including the retaining the right to fire upon by officers of certain ranks.

"Repeal of AFSPA will just be a milestone in the long journey of struggle and the problems of the state won`t go with the repeal, there is a need for a break up in the colonial apparatus in the centre for a solution and it will take time." he said. He also said that Sharmila`s extraordinary struggle for right to life is beyond political reasons and she deserves a nobel prize. While Prof. N Nabakumar maintained that AFSPA has no social validity and there is a need to view the Act from the social parameters apart from its constitutional and legal parameters. "The act itself has been agreed by the Govt. of India to be inhumane and why should the act continue in a humane society, the intention of Indian Govt. in imposing the act in Manipur and NE in general is questionable". he added.
He further said, the existential crisis and culture of dependency of the state will continue as long as the core view point of Indian Govt. towards the region does not change. Khaidem Mani while speaking at the function stressed on the recommendations by the Jeevan Reddy`s report and retaining of certain provisions in the recommendation in the ULAPA. He also said that the Indian Govt. treat the people of the region as sub human by imposing such Acts, while cases of capital punishment takes more than ten years in the mainland India but in the state a mere havaldar has the right to take life according to his decision with immunity which, he said, is contradictory and discriminatory. He further said that armed movement can be resolved through political dialoque only, imposing Acts to quash the movement will only act as a catalyst for the succecsionist movement. In the keynote address, Laishram Babloo, coordinator of the WACL, said that the Act is not only draconian but racial, repressive and discriminitory since no such Act exist in the mainland India, even in the states with acute problems of naxalites. He asked why POTA was scrapped while AFSPA is still in force. He also said that the review report of Jeevan Reddy is insincere with an ill intent and speaks with two tongue. Meanwhile, also as a part of the events organised to mark the completion fo six years of Sharila protest fast, torch rallies were taken out at various places of the state. Hundreds of women gathered on the streets at different places this evening shouting slogans and flashing banners asking for the removal black laws and save sharmila`s life. In the Imphal west district, hundreds of women at Sekmai tried to stormed the Sekmai police station by shouting slogans and after an exchange of heated argument with the rallyist, the police resorted to firing of teargas shells to disperse the crowd gathered in front of the police station. Some women folk recieved injuries in the tussle with the police. However, the situation was brought under conrol. On the other hand, a torch rally coming from Maharabi towards Sekmai PS turned back before reaching Station. At Nambol, womenfolk numbering around 200 gathered at Nambol bazar and took out a rally towards Meibalokpaching where the 22 Maratha light infantry is stationed and shouted slogans like `go back Indian Army`, s`ave Sharmila`s life`, `Remove black laws etc`. However, no untoward incident occured and the rallyist turned back towards Nambol bazar where they were later joined by torch bearers in and around the area.
In Bishnupur also, a rally was taken out from bishenpur Bazar towards Bishenpur Thongkhong.

At Mayang Imphal, a rally was conducted towards Mayang Imphal PS. However, police personnel stopped the rally at Mayang Imphal thongkhong and made the rallyist turn back.
Rallies were also conducted in and around Imphal areas and its suburbs including porompat, Khurai, Wangkhei, Thangmeibandh, Kongba etc. A rally comming from Wangkhei proceeding towards Konung Mamang was foiled by the Imphal police near Andro parking.

MEELAL warns govt with agitation The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 5: MEELAL has warned the state government that it will launch various forms of agitations with the support of the people if it fails to respond to the call of the organization to suspend the ongoing issue and receipt of application for appointment of primary teachers.

In a press release dispatched today, MEELAL stating that its activists will also attack the candidates who turn up for the written test, warned the candidates not to appeared in the test. Any untoward incident to the individuals who appear in the written test will be their sole responsibility, the release added.
MEELAL, stating that though the government has already introduced Meetei Mayek in class I, II and III standards, no Meetei Mayek qualification has been incorporated in the RR for teachers. It alleged the the ongoing recruitment process set in motion by the state government is nothing but a trick to collect bribes from the job seekers who are desperate for a job.
The state government`s decision to issue and receive application forms at the police stations clearly points towards their eagerness to take bribes from the candidates, the release added.
Meetei Erol Eyek Lonasinlol Apunba Lup, Kangleipak, MEELAL, mention may be made, had imposed a ban on the ensuing recruitment test for primary teachers on the ground that no Meetei Mayek qualification are included in the recruitment rules.

11 killed, over 50 hurt as city bleeds again Centre convenes meeting; Laloo to move Patil; BJP calls Kamrup bandh By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 5: In a surge of violence, at least eleven people were killed and more than 52 injured in two separate bomb blasts triggered by suspected ULFA militants in the busy Fancy Bazaar and Noonmati area of the city here this evening. In a powerful explosion at a tea stall in the Jai Narayan Road of Fancy Bazaar here, seven people were killed — three on the spot and four after being admitted to hospital — and more than 45 injured at 6.45 pm.
The injured were initially taken to the nearby Mohendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital but 15 of the critically injured were shifted to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.
Three of the victims in the Fancy Bazar blast have been identified as Paban Shah (14), Monsun Rai (25) and Puranmal Choudhury. Among the injured were Papu Kamti (14), Mithun Kamti (10), Pradeep Rai (25), Asraf Mahato (55), Nanki (36), Md Asraf Ali (43), Suresh Shah (45), Deb Narayanan (28), Rampreet Kapur (30), Ram Vilas Chao (51), Manoj Kamti (25), Upinder Chou (25), Kailash Sharma, Dinesh Kumar Mahato, Debkanta Parekh, Baidyanath Mandal, Rajneesh Yadav, Sanjay Rai (15) and Binod Parekh (25). The casualty in the Fancy Bazaar blast is likely to go up, city SSP Nitul Gogoi said, while directly pointing the accusing finger to the ULFA.
Police suspect programmable time device was used for the explosion. In a grenade explosion at Patharquarry area in Noonmati near Indian Oil Corporation’s Guwahati Refinery and Oil India Limited (OIL) installations, four persons were killed and seven others injured at 6.30 p.m.
The dead include Majid Ali (50), Mustan Ali (45), Manuara Begum (25) and Manoj Das (28). Five of the critically injured — Kuddus Ali (20), Khusboo Khatoon (7), Jamir Hussain (18), Amar Ali (20) and Majida Begum (10) — have been rushed to the GMCH, while three others have been admitted to the Mathgaria Hospital. Senior police and civil officials rushed to the spot and the entire area has been cordoned off. The Fancy Bazaar area wore a devastated look with mangled bodies strewn around, vehicles and several shops damaged. Utter chaos and confusion prevailed in the two hospitals where the injured were admitted. Vehemently condemning the blasts, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the culprits would be dealt with iron hands. “Violence is no solution to a problem. It’s an act of cowardice,” Gogoi said in a statement from New Delhi.
The Opposition AGP, AGP(P), BJP and NCP, while condemning the incidents, have accused the State Government of failing to provide security to the people. The BJP has called a dawn-to-dusk Kamrup district bandh tomorrow in protest against the brutal killing of innocent people. The Kamrup Chambers of Commerce has extended support to the bandh call. PTI adds: Strongly condemning the twin blasts in Guwahati, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight said killing of innocent people was cowardice and violence can never achieve any goal. Singh has assured adequate relief to the kin of the victims of the near-simultaneous blasts in the Asom capital, his Media Advisor Sanjaya Baru said. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav tonight strongly condemned the blasts that rocked Guwahati in which Bihari labourers were killed, and demanded protection for Biharis living in Asom. The RJD leader said he spoke to Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and requested him to provide adequate protection to Biharis residing in the State. He would also request the Union Home Minister to provide additional security forces for the State to effectively handle the situation.
Meanwhile, the Centre has convened a high-level meeting tomorrow to discuss the security situation in Asom. A meeting of the Unified Command comprising the Army, para-military forces and the State police will also be held tomorrow in Guwahati in the wake of the blasts. Home Secretary VK Duggal has spoken to Asom Chief Secretary S Kabilan and took stock of the situation in the aftermath of the blasts. A meeting of Union Home Ministry officials, Director General of Military Operations, Director General of Military Intelligence and Intelligent Bureau and CRPF officials would be held here tomorrow to discuss the security scenario in the State. After the meeting in Guwahati, the Asom Chief Secretary will send a report to the Union Home Ministry following which the Centre will review the situation there. Meanwhile, a top Union Home Ministry official told PTI that no group has taken responsibility for the blasts. PTI