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11/10/2006: "Centre bans three more rebel outfits - Ulfa abetters penalised OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"


Centre bans three more rebel outfits - Ulfa abetters penalised OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Nov. 9: The Centre today brought under its scanner three other outfits who allegedly have links with Ulfa and extended the ban on them, too. The move is synchronised with full-scale army operations against the banned militant outfit.
The ban was extended for two more years against the Ulfa, Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). The decision to continue holding the outfits as unlawful was taken during a meeting of the cabinet committee on security chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The move signalled that not only will the government crack down on the Ulfa, it will also not spare those aiding and abetting it.
“They all have links,” said a senior home ministry official. Asked about the move to declare the ANVC and NDFB as unlawful despite ceasefire agreements with them, the official said the outfits still continued with violence and extortion and have compelled the government to take action.
Whereas the other outfits do not have overt links with the Ulfa, at least one of them, the ANVC, is believed to be involved in gun-running and providing transit facilities to other outfits in the Northeast to militant camps in Bangladesh.
The ANVC, fighting for an independent Garoland, is active in the South and East Garo Hills districts. It was formed with the assistance of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). However, while it distanced itself from the Naga outfit, it maintained links with the Ulfa, especially after the latter relocated its camps from Bhutan to the Garo hills.
The outfit is not considered strong in itself, but it does hold the key for other outfits for their transit to Bangladesh through the Garo Hills. Similarly, the Khasi outfit, HNLC, is alleged to have tactical links with the Ulfa. However, the NDFB is not known to have any established links.
Union tribal affairs minister, P.R. Kyndiah, who is from Meghalaya, said the government needs to continue its dialogue with the ANVC and start one with the HNLC. “I will be taking this up with the home ministry,” he said. The twin blasts in Guwahati this week, allegedly by Ulfa, have prompted the Centre to go all out against the outfit. In Delhi today, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi was admitted to Apollo Hospital for “a routine check-up”.
He is expected to meet Union home minister Shivraj Patil tomorrow to discuss the security scenario in Assam, especially in view of the escalation of violence in the state. Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh is also in the capital.
NNC cautions on fake names The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 9 (MExN): The Naga National Council (NNC) has cautioned against fake names of N. Nihuto Sumi as Kilonser Finance NNC and Atoba Rotokha as Commander, Combined Operation Western Command, Naga Army appealing for financial assistance from business community as well as 10 % (Ten percent) deduction from the one month salary for the year of 2006 under the name and style of the Office of the Naga National Council, Oking, Nagaland, Ura Uvie.
“This is a very serious matter for the NNC and therefore, the NNC is clarifying to all concerned that this is not from the NNC and the few people who are doing this collection, demanding, threatening, etc. in the name of the NNC are doing at their own risk. The NNC will not take any responsibility in this serious matter”, stated Mhasi Angami from Information & Publicity Wing of NNC. The NNC appealed to all concerned to be aware of such imposters at this serious situation.
Factional clash at Saijang; civilians moved out The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 9 (MExN): In yet another incident of factional violence, a group of NSCN (IM) cadres numbering around 70-80 attacked the rival faction at Saijang village at around 9:30 pm last evening. The intermittent firing lasted till dawn, it was reported.
According to sources, it was learnt that that in the course of retaliation one NSCN (IM) cadre was injured and later brought to Jalukie Public Health Centre for immediate nursing. However no casualty was reported from the NSCN (K) side. When contacted, it was reported that the NSCN (K) had moved away from the site of the incident. It was also learnt that civilians were deported to 10th IRB Camp at Saijang for their safety by the police and Assam Rifles.
The entire area is reportedly cordoned off following a tough diplomatic exercise by the administration. Situation is reported to be tense fearing public casualty. Meanwhile, both the public and administration have expressed unhappiness over the poor communication of BSNL services during the situation.
Exodus of students into Nagaland Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Nov 7: Students of private schools in the hill districts of Manipur face a worrisome future ahead due to the switch over to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) syllabus which has compelled them to seek admission to schools in Nagaland to appear the HSLC examination 2006-07. Around 200 students and some guardians left Tamenglong early Tuesday for Kohima and Dimapur for admission into some schools earmarked by the NBSE.
Earlier on November 1 last around 656 students from 30 private schools had rushed to Dimapur to enroll for the 2006-07 HSLC examination. The students who left Tamenglong early today with their guardians were from different private schools in chartered four buses that were arranged for the purpose. The hiring of the private buses along the Imphal-Tamenglong route for transporting the students had also created total inconvenience for people planning to go to Imphal said Raising Panmei, a resident of Tamenglong town.
He said there were only four passenger bus services on this route. Meanwhile, some parents from Ukhrul district have expressed deep concern to the Tangkhul Katamnao Sanglong office bearers over the prevailing security situation in Nagaland. The fallout of the switch over to NBSE syllabus done under the initiative of some NGOs has disturbed the minds of students and parents since the students now have nowhere to go but to appear HSLC from Nagaland.
This was particularly so since the change was done in the middle of the academic year that left them in a limbo. Many students from private schools affiliated to Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, BSEM in the districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati had enrolled themselves with government schools after The state education department issued permission through an order Most of the schools located in Ukhrul district had substituted the books prescribed by Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, and BSEM with books prescribed by Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). There are altogether 117 private schools in the four Naga inhabited districts of Manipur. Out of this, seven are Higher Secondary Schools, 44 High Schools and 66 Junior High Schools. Reports from Nagaland disclosed that there were nearly 4000 students who had enrolled for the HSLC examination under NBSE.
Rio graces Tokhü Emong celebration Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
WOKHA, NOV 7 (NPN): Chief minister Neiphiu Rio today asked the Lothas never to forget their culture and tradition. "We should never forget our culture and tradition. If we do that, (our) nationalism, our identity will be lost. It will be a great blunder," Rio said in his opening remarks as the chief guest of the Tokhü Emong celebrations held Tuesday at local ground, Wokha.
Marked by pomp and gaiety, this year's celebration of the post harvest festival of the Lotha Nagas, which was observed in various parts of the state, started on November 4 and concluded today. The chief minister who arrived here by helicopter from Tuensang after attending the funeral service of late Lakiumong, MLA, was greeted by thousands of people who had congregated at the ground. Remarking on the presence of foreign tourist at the celebration, Rio said "They come to see us because of our uniqueness, our culture, tradition. Not so that we can imitate them."
On the Indo-Naga issue, he said unity and reconciliation among the Nagas was a must; "Otherwise, the common Naga voice will be lost to mighty India and the world," he added. The chief minister also said the recent factional clashes have brought a bad name to the state.
Winding up his speech, Rio said the main goal of his government was all round development but that peace was prerequisite for development and vice versa. Lotha Hoho chairman Nyanbemo Ngullie gave the welcome address, former minister T Kikon dwelled on the significance of Tokhu Emong while Aremo Ezung offered vote of thanks. The day was marked by cultural dances, songs and other traditional presentations. Later, the chief minister inaugurated the new treasury office building and a tourist resort at Wokha town. Rio was accompanied by minister for Works and Housing Tokheho, minister for PHE P. Longon, minister for Agriculture Azo Neinu, parliamentary secretaries Nkhao Lotha, Kaito Aye, M.C. Konyak, deputy chairman, State Planning Board, Deo Nukhu and several other senior bureaucrats and heads of departments.
Earlier, in the morning, Tokhu Emong was also celebrated at Wokha village with YM Humtsoe, special officer to the CM as the chief guest and at N Longidang village where state NPF vice president Pinyinthung Patton was the chief guest.
Meanwhile, in Kohima, the celebration was held at the private residence of MLA E.T. Ezung at PR Hill Kohima. Rev. Dr. L. Tsanso dwelled on the significance of the festival while R. Ezung (Retd. Commissioner) and M. Odyuo, (Retd. Jt. Dev. Commissioner) exhorted the gathering. Highlights of the programme included folk songs by Lotha women.
NNP calls for common regional forum The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 9 (MExN): The Naga National Party has called for a common forum for the regional parties to bring better understanding for the common welfare of the people in the light of the forthcoming 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections. Expressing the feeling NNP said that the situation in the state is like sailing over rough ocean surface. a statement of the party today said, “In order to minimize the unfortunate tension prevailing among the various communities living in the north eastern states of India, the NNP feel that regional interest based political parties can play a vital role in defusing all the unwanted situations by dealing with such delicate and volatile situations according to the regional and local interests.”
While inviting all the regional political parties of both hills and plain, it appealed to like minded parties and party workers, well wishers to open up and join hands with them to fight the coming election in the state with confidence for a brighter future where each party and community respects each others aspirations and concern and avoids unnecessary confrontation with each other.
The NNP has been contacting various leaders belonging to different regional parties and other parties in Manipur as well as in other states, the statement said hoping that people will support their effort for a peaceful future. The regional parties know better and understand the need of their respective situations, the NNP statement said sharing its opinion that specially in states like Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh etc. it is mandatory for the regional parties to focus their priorities according to the needs of the people they represent which is also the expectation of the people. Stating that NNP is preparing mentally, physically and financially to participate in the forthcoming election, the party opened its doors to all the regional parties, like minded parties and well wishers to come forward and join hands to thrash out all differences and find out a workable strategy that will enable all concerned to work peacefully and harmoniously in the region and strive for faster development on all fronts, the party reiterated. “Together,” the statement said, “we can address our issues to the centre and seek for peaceful solution in a constructive way which will not be possible to be handled by a person or independent parties.”
IK-GOI and Naga politics- Nagaland Post Opinion
As long as S.C Jamir is concerned, he is the God father who gave a new lease of life to the IK-group through his secret payment of Rs. 10 crores to V.S Atem for the installation of his unopposed government in 1998. The Naga NGOs who vociferously sang the mischievous song of "solution, not election" closed their lying mouths never to speak of V.S Atem and the IK-group and failed to condemn them for betraying the voice or the confidence of the Nagas by accepting the bribe.
These same NGOs are still singing the 'make believe' song with the IK-group, but nothing will happen. To the NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland), both IK-group and S.C Jamir are different side of the same coin. The IK grop campaigned against S.C Jamir's bedrock of Naga society, but followed suit. There is no difference between Jamir's Bedrock…..' and IK's present talk. The entities of the Indo-Naga talk and their blind followers are far from realizing that, without NSCN's involvement in the process, there will be no permanent peace or any kind of solution for the Nagas. And of course, today's fighting is between the pro-people and anti-people forces. The IK-group as anti-people force continues to cheat the Nagas and keeps the Naga people under their grips through false propagandas or promises for enhancing their selfish game.
Whereas, the NSCN as pro-people is fighting for the sovereignty of the Nagas. In this context, the NSCN does not need the support of any tainted leader or corrupted political groups in our struggle, but pray for the support of right thinking citizens and honorable consensus of the Naga people in general. On the contrary, the IK-group, no matter how adept they may be in hypnotizing and in taking advantage of the ignorance of the Nagas, they can not survive without either Jamir or their puppet chief minister, Rio. The IK-group always accuses the NSCN of availing Indian Army assistance, but every body is aware of the joint operations of IK-group and Assam Rifles against the NSCN, since the secret meeting at Rangapahar between Lt. Gen Nanavati and V.S Atem in October 1997.
The NSCN taking strong exception for such anti-Naga nexus brands V.S Atem as 'Anti-National' and as such, he and his children will be answerable to the Nagas. This nexus was once again revealed on the 18th of October 2006 at Zunheboto, where the Assam Rifles under the command of Col. Sanjay arrested two NSCN cadres and seized their weapons thereby letting the IK-group to attack the arrested NSCN cadres with sticks, while in their custody, where one of the Naga Army cadres got seven (7) stitches on his head before they (Assam Rifles) handed over NSCN's weapon to the IK-group in the very presence of superintendent of police, Deputy Commissioner and other officials of Zunheboto district. Now, the IK group, the so called Rio's security personnel, continue to operate the Nagas wouldn't have been hypnotized, suppressed and experienced a state of fear psychosis. However, the downfall of IK-group is a long awaited objective of the Nagas and hence, their down fall will not have any significance effect in the Naga politics. In regard to the issuing of 'Quit Notice' to the Tangkhuls, the NSCN have time and again made known the factors to all concerned through our earliest press statements. The NSCN respects the aspiration of the Nagas who wants peace in their home land and therefore, asked the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland. The Tangkhuls of Manipur state created unrest in Nagaland since 1980, and kept the Naga people under their feet making use of the Nagas' revolutionary arms as their tools.
The generous act of the Nagas, in appointing Manipuri Th. Muivah as prime minister of Naga Revolutionary government, proved to be the greatest disaster for them, because Th. Muivah abused this power to suppress the Naga populace. Under his (Th. Muivah) command, so many generals, ministers (Kilonsers) and two prime ministers (Ato Kilonsers) have been murdered in Nagaland by the blood thirsty Tangkhuls. Therefore, the NSCN's 'quit notice' to the Tangkhul is final and binding. This move will continue even after Nagaland attains sovereignty. Of late, the Nagas of Nagaland at their own making have become like puppets in the hands of the IK-group, languishing their authority and power of dominance, enslaving themselves in their won soil which is very unfortunate on their part. Therefore, it is time we feel, the Nagas be released from the bondage of terrorism and given the 'right to freedom', to let them express their minds freely, so as to bring the Naga people of all walks of life to an understanding through a common platform for permanent peace and solution. Secretary MIP/GPRN, NSCN (K)
Full-scale operation against ULFA The Morung Express
Guwahati, Nov 9 (PTI): The army today resumed full-scale operations against the ULFA in the wake of increasing violence in Assam blamed on the banned group. “The army, aided by police and paramilitary forces, has launched a full-scale operation against the ULFA in various parts of Assam,” a spokesman of the army’s Four Corps based in Tezpur told PTI.
The army spokesman said additional companies of paramilitary forces, including those of the CRPF, had been rushed to “vulnerable areas dominated by the ULFA”.
He said the operations, launched in various ULFA- dominated areas of the state, particularly in upper Assam, followed the Centre’s directive and Sunday’s twin blasts in Guwahati city that killed 14 people.
The decision to launch the operations followed a visit by Union Home Secretary V K Duggal who held a high-level meeting here on Tuesday to review the law and order situation with top army, paramilitary and government officials.
The spokesman said the recent suspension of army operations against the ULFA had helped it to regroup and “engage in stepped up violence in the state”.
Centre extends ban on ULFA The Morung Express
Guwahati, Nov 9 (Agencies): The Center has extended the ban on terrorist outfit ULFA. Peace talks with ULFA broke down in September after a spate of extortions and killings by its cadres. Earlier, a five-year-old boy and his 14-year-old sister were critically injured in an encounter between the army and the ULFA in the Tinsukia district on Wednesday. According to the District Administration, ULFA was using the villagers as human shields and the children were caught in the crossfire. But the Army said the children were hit by bullets fired by the ULFA.
Politicisation on affiliation to NBSC The Morung Express In Focus
Minister of education Mr. Imkong Imchen’s statement that the state government would not remain silent on the affiliation of schools of Naga-dominated areas of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to pursue the matter ‘aggressively’, is a statement made by the minister, without understanding the magnitude of the situation and its implications on the general people of Nagaland. I don’t know, what prompt him to make such a statement without taking into confidences of stake holders of the state and public at large. It is very unfortunate that such a person of eminence; Representative of the people and a member of the cabinet, without studying and analyzing the situation making such statement is highly questionable? The government should know that the public at large are the stake holders and step taken without the proper consensus of the people would land government into big political crises. The education minister may not probably know that such affiliation would deprive all its citizens of their basic rights to education in the state and at the cost of tax payers money.
The state of Nagaland which has a population of 20 lakhs, is one of the Nation highest growth on decadal population, and with such pace in decadal growth the state may not be able to provide the basic amenities such as shelter, food, education, health and shelter to its citizen. Education being the top most priority of any government policy, the question I want to make to the state government is that, we still lack in 100% literacy rate in the state, so why are we trying to accommodate the schools of hill district of Manipur to our Nagaland Board of School Education? What are we benefiting from it? More chaos and depriving our people from getting our basic educations rights which is fundamental rights of every individuals. The reasons may be many, but one thing is very sure that, it’s the few sections of politicians and vested interest in the government who are actually trying to hijack the state machinery to gain larger political mileage and to achieve idealist notion of greater Nagalim, which I feel it is unrealistic and fruitless in an era of globalization and liberalization. To my knowledge and convictions it is a political gimmick and we should not fall into such trap.
Another area of concern are the finance, it is said that finance is the life line of administration, so in retrospect to it, such proposals of affiliation of schools of four districts of Manipur to Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSC) would have financial strain to the exchequer of the state in a large scale. Thirdly if the government accepts the proposals of affiliation, the government strongly violates the principle of territorial jurisdiction of other state, which may led to law and order problem in the region and the state may be fully responsible to such chaos, it should be reminded that such chaos may led to greater destruction in the region and moreover it will jeopardized the peaceful existence of state of Manipur.
Fourthly the schools of hill districts of Manipur may unilaterally decide to join Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSC) and may give several reasons to it for joining but the political leadership in the state should with stand such pressure and take a firm stance on the issue and respect the territorial jurisdiction of state of Manipur otherwise the government will be full responsible to all the chaos. So what need of the hour is to take confidence of Government of Manipur and assure them that such move will not be entertained at the cost of their state. The government should leave no stone unturned so that there is no room for ambiguity, thus it is necessary for the state to bring a consensus on the issue before any decision is taken at the cabinet, the opposition can play a proactive role and people have large confidence on them. Last but not the least it is the wise decision of the present leaders that will decide the fate of the future generation whether to live in a just and equal society or to live in a unequal society fort he generation to come.
Lima Temjen
M.A (Political Science), New Delhi
Fresh talks with ULFA mediators next week The Morung Express
Guwahati, Nov 9 (IANS): New Delhi will hold fresh talks next week with representatives of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), blamed for twin blasts that killed 15 people in Guwahati over the weekend, a rebel mediator said on Thursday. “At our insistence, the National Security Adviser (MK Narayanan) once again agreed to hold a meeting in New Delhi on Monday where we shall place fresh modalities for direct peace talks between the ULFA leadership and the government,” said Indira Goswami, a noted Assamese writer and sought by the ULFA to mediate for talks. Peace talks with ULFA representatives had broken down after New Delhi on September 24 called off a six-week ceasefire blaming the outfit of stepping up attacks and extortions. Goswami will be accompanied by Rebati Phukan, another rebel mediator and childhood friend of ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah. “I cannot reveal the modalities of what we are going to place before the government. The only thing I can say is that doors for peace talks are still wide open,” said Goswami, who teaches modern Indian languages at the Delhi University.
The central government had on Tuesday announced a major counter-insurgency offensive against the ULFA after two powerful explosions last weekend in Assam’s main city of Guwahati killed 15 people and wounded 40. Police in Assam have blamed the blasts on the ULFA, which is fighting for an independent homeland since 1979. The group has not claimed responsibility for the attacks.
“The fresh attempt for holding talks is aimed at putting a halt to the ongoing specter of violence in Assam. Everybody in the state wants peace and we are trying our best to bring the two sides to the negotiating table,” Goswami said. Peace talks between ULFA representatives and the central government formally broke last month after the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), a civil society team appointed by the rebels to mediate for talks, pulled out of the peace process blaming New Delhi for calling off the truce.
There were three rounds of talks between the ULFA chosen PCG and the Indian government peace negotiators. The ULFA wants the release of five of their jailed leaders as a precondition to holding peace talks. New Delhi in return wants the rebel leadership to commit in writing that they would come for direct negotiations if the jailed militants were released. The ULFA is not willing to give it in writing leading to the collapse of the peace process. “We are still hopeful and very positive about Monday’s talks,” Goswami said. In the past month, 10 people have died in a dozen bomb attacks in oil, timber and tea rich Assam, which borders Bangladesh and Bhutan. The ULFA is one of the at least 30 rebel armies operating in India’s northeast, where insurgencies have claimed more than 50,000 lives since 1947.
Perspective analysis of election in democratic polity By Ngamkhohao Haokip The Sangai Express
Thematic analysis of electoral system in a democracy would require at least a discussion on the existential circumstances of the State and the purposes of Government as advocated by different political scientists. While dealing with State and Government, a sort of scholastic ambiences of light would be directed to cast upon the election system. The light so cast is anticipated to take us to two discrete sides of whether our system could really address problems related to elections or take into account the sociological aspect of our societies and bring out novel approaches; and if our existing rules and norms meet electioneering in India, especially in Manipur.
Election is the paid culmination of the existence of a particular society in the form of ‘state’ that is governed, ruled, and managed by some individuals who are empowered by the electorates as ‘Government’. It is this body of individuals called ‘Government’ that enforce common rules that are acceptable to the society as a mechanism of dispensing the best interest of all. However, how far are our Government with its existing political ‘systems’, especially, the electoral system can deliver the desires of the masses is a quest that every citizens of a democratic state should try to answer for ourselves. A.C. Kapur, in his book Principles of Political Science puts this objective of Government in this way: “It is obviously a quest for a ‘just’ and happy life for men assembled together in a territo-rially integrated society (read ‘state’) and as such, the best form of relationship (is) manifested in their governance that can ensure such a life”. This is what we need to analyse.
This idea of changing a system is best expressed by Dorothy Pickles in his book Introduction to Politics, when he says: “Each generation” as it becomes adult is faced with the responsibility of deciding whether to accept the rules made or accepted by earlier generations, or whether to challenge their validity and try to replace them by others”. Considering these facts let us look into the past when justices were denied; equality was a dream and when the ignorant Indians were dominated by gagging their voices.
India’s political antecedents: India's past political structures or systems were simply an alloy of rules and systems merely framed to meet the then exigencies of - (1) colonial ambition; (2) social ills of the times; (3) divide and rule idea; and (4) the iron will to prolong the British hegemony. This unfriendly British had left unsuitable system that we cannot just do away with.
The Hindu social structures and the Muslim religious concept were indeed another important previous circumstances that have also contributed factors for deciding the foundation of our political system that we usurp today. One colossal mistake in the making of the constitution was that the social structure's of the tribal societies in the north-eastern part of India were not considered thereby leaving a great vacuum of political blunder.
Their forms, law, customs, institutions, modes of life, their thought and actions, economic standard and educational credence directly or indirectly influence their participation in the electoral system. Leaving this important aspect of the tribal, especially of Manipur, political justice system among the tribes is hampered tremendously.
The members of the constituent assembly fram-ing our constitution were more or less the brainchild and pensioners of unjust rule with its undeserved systems. They embodied in them tinges of such calloused nature that were seemingly not missed in incorporating them into the laws of the land, as we experience today. Although their contributions toward the making of the laws are immense, the laws of elections they have placed for use now are far from justifying our goal for equality and justice that we have been struggling until date.
It is also a well-known fact that the constituent assembly simply used comparative method in deciding the shape and nature of the constitution. Jawaharlal Nehru once said: “We choose this system of parliamentary democracy deliberately; we choose it not only because, to some extend, we had always thought of those lines previously, but because we thought it was in keeping with our own old traditions also naturally the old traditions, not as they were, but adjusted to the new conditions and new surroundings, we choose it also - let us give credit where credit is due - because we approved of its functioning in other countries, more especially the United Kingdom”. This shall remain as a characteristic of developing India. Part XV of our Constitution deals with election. Those initially enshrined five Articles - 324 to 328 are the legacy of Paramountcy of idea of subjugating the citizens with power of ‘superintendent’, ‘direction’ and ‘control’ etc leaving no power and rights to the electorates in the present context of Indian electioneering.
Rajni Kothari argued in his Politics in India, that the antecedent style and structures of caste or tribal loyalties would be functional in the short run and that they must give way to bigger pressures in the long run. Then, how far has the ‘long run’ been now? Elections after elections have come and gone. Each election is the testing field of the validity and appropriateness of the rules and regulations of elections that we gave to ourselves. All the election-related incidents are supposed to be the chapters that would expectedly open new panorama of change. The Election Commission is believed to account for thereby effecting changes in the system that will suit the new exigencies.
Modernising elections: The Government of India has indeed taken so many steps to address the problems relating to elections in the form of electoral reforms. Many new sections and sub-sections have already been inserted in the principal articles that deal with elections. In addition, the model code of conducts for candidates and political parties are amended repeatedly. The Representation of People Act, 1951 has almost lost its original contents due to frequent insertions of new requirements and amendments. The Indian Parliament amended this Act in 1989 along with The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 making provisions for the use of EVMs in elections. It began to be used only in November 1998. Rules and norms are prepared for officials, handbooks of elections. They are simple guideline of procedures that have, in the real sense, nothing to do with safeguarding of the electorates, rights.
Exercising its power conferred on it by Article 324, the Election Commission ordered every candidate to furnish affidavit information as to - any pending case against them; their assets; liability; and educational qualifications etc. Moreover, its disciplinary jurisdiction is also a remarkable buttress in the direction of correcting the ill conditions affecting our electoral system. The Constitution (Ninety-first amendment) Act, 2003 was a landmark in itself. — to be contd
Toursim festival to be annual feature: chief minister The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 9: The Manipur Tourism Festival 2006, which began on October 6 last under the sponsorship of the state tourism department, concluded at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal today.
The closing function was attended by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, tourism minister TN Haokip, MPCB chairman N Biren Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively. Stating that such festivals will help boost tourism industry in the state, the chief minister said such a festival will be held annually at this time of the year while the venue may change to the hills and valley as per convenience.

Listing the God-gifted natural beauty and resources of Manipur, he said tourism industry is a large scale industry which can generate large employment avenues and income. Manipur`s scenic beauty and comfortable climatic conditions must have compelled Jawaharlal Nehru to call it the Switzerland of the East, he said. In order to develop tourism industry, we must improve law and order situation, regular power supply, transport and tele-communication system.

While talking about the removal of Restricteed Area Permit, Protected Area Permit, Inner Line permit and AFSPA, he said removal of restrictions and Acts will not improve tourism industry unless law and order situation is improved as domestic and international tourists would be afraid to visit the state. Announcing that a week-long similar festival will be organised at the same time next year with double the budget, tourism minister TN Haokip adviced the concerned department to chalk out plans for the same. N Biren Singh said Manipur is a land of tremendous beauty of nature and the responsibility to safeguard it lies on us. A fashion parade based on ethnic wears and varieties of light songs were also held as part of the closing function.

Earlier in the morning, as part of the festival, para sailing was conducted at Koirengei. The event was jointly organised by MMTA, National Adventure Foundation and Youth Adventure Forum under the aegis of HQ IGAR (S). More than 50 children took part in the event.

MEELAL threatens to continue with its violent agitation The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 9: After burning down the Thoubal Agriculture godown in continuation of MEELAL`s agitation, the Wangoi SDO office in Imphal West was set ablaze yesterday. Stating this in a press release, MEELAL said the activists however did not burn the office to chars as it could have endangered the lives of family members of the chowkidar. But in future MEELAL will not relent in its actions on the basis of the public perception that saving a language and its script is more important than losing a few lives. It has also warned the people who are engaged in standing guard at government offices to take the warning seriously and act accordingly.

The old Meitei manuscripts and chronicles were destroyed under the insistence of Ramanandi religious preacher Santidas Gosai during the reign of Garibniwaz to thrust alien cultures on Meiteis, it said. Later, through the insistence of Vaskar Dev, a preacher of Vaishnavism, during Bhagayachandra Maharaja`s regime destruction of such valuable things continued, it further added. It futher said that Mayek,Lol, Lonnasinlol and tradional customs were supressed during the reign of Churachand Maharaja by estblishing Nikhil Hindu Manipuri Mahasava under the leadership of Atombabu Sharma. However, fortunately the former chief minister Yangmaso Saiza resurrected the Mayek from obscurity and the present chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has introduced to school textbooks to promote the script with a view to replace Bengali script in ten years` time, it added. Alleging that the education minister in collusion with education secretary, commissioner and Board secretary, is trying to exploit it for money and vote bank, it said the move is aimed at destroyng the Meitei Mayek and is against the people.

Insurgency stalling development: AICC official The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 9: The insurgency problem is hindering development work in Manipur. Many developmental programmes remain unimplemented, said AICC in-charge Sanjoy Bapna who is camping at Imphal, while speaking at a one-day block level youth congress workers conference held today at YDA ground, Ahongsangbam Leikai, Liwa road. He said, "because of non-implementation of many welfare schemes, the people of Manipur are suffering."

Bapna went on to observe that the congress had given good governance to the people of the country and will continue to do so in the future too. Only the congress is providing a stable government, he maintained. He said that in Manipur too, congress has brought a stable government once again by completing the five-year term of the Assembly. "For this, I on behalf of AICC appreciate the people of Manipur," he added.

Speaking at the conference, MPCC president Gaikhangam observed that some political parties in the state were engaging in spreading wrong propaganda to the people. He expressed pride that congress with the support of the people brought about a stable government in the state. Gaikhangam said, "hills people are also Manipuri, they were born in Manipur, and we cannot leave Manipur." None can disintegrate Manipur at any cost, he said hoping that integrity of Manipur will be strengthened more and more in the future.
He also appealed to the people not to believe in attempts of other political parties to woo people with the propaganda of protection of integrity of Manipur, AFSPA removal etc. to get votes.

He also said, "When the question of disintegration arises no one other than the people of Manipur can safeguard the integrity of Manipur."

Turning towards the gathering of people of Langthabal constituency, he said, "but for the last 15 years, people of this constituency have remained with marbles in their mouths instead of candy. This constituency could not participate in the race of development with other parts of the state as old politicians were in power and no new faces could appear. "People`s rights here remain deprived," he said. Secretary AK Mirabai who attended the conference lamented those old politicians in Langhtabal constituency who instead of putting the women forward throttled them.

She went on to say that there is nothing which could not be done by women in the field of politics citing that women had led the country. She also said even though Sonia Gandhi was a foreigner she has been sacrificing for the welfare and development of the country. She also said that those campaigning for votes with wrong propaganda are those who do not know their own identity.
The one-day block level congress conference was attended by many congress workers.


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