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11/17/2006: "NSCN-K cautions Chang Tribal Hoho The Morung Express"


Dimapur, Nov 16 (MExN): The NSCN-K has cautioned the Chang people, particularly the CKS (tribal Hoho of the Changs) against ‘selling out their political rights in the interest of short-term benefits and in the name of land disputes’ The NSCN-K also served a “last warning” against “Nagas who married Tangkhul women” and asked to be ‘careful’ not to “obtain self-inflicted punishments”.
“The NSCN/GPRN once more reminds the Chang people particularly the officials of CKS (Chang tribal Hoho) of the political rights of Eastern Nagas living in the four districts of East Nagaland. The CKS should not try to sell out their political rights in the interest of their short-term benefits and in the name of some land disputes. The NSCN/GPRN is fully aware of the destructive and self-isolation politics of CKS leaders” an MIP release stated.
According to the release, CKS leaders are ‘abusing, harassing and intimidating’ some persons joining the NSCN-K and to this stated that the leaders should first “surmise” the position of the Chang tribal areas and then “locate themselves who they are and where is their habitat”. The Chang area has no boundary with Assam, neither Burma or with “any outside world” which means Chang people have no access to “any outside people”, the NSCN-K stated adding that the area is “tightly surrounded by other Naga tribes and in time of adversity, Chang people living comfortably at Kohima and Dimapur will not be able to rescue them”. The release further stated that many Changs have understanding of their positions and have inclination to work with neighboring Naga tribes but some CKS leaders are “hell-bent” to be under the “Tangkhul invaders from Manipur”. In this regard the NSCN-K appealed to the “sensitive Chang people to think wisely in their own interest as well as in the interest of the Naga people and their land in general”.
CKS leaders were warned not to push things further ‘in their efforts to isolate the Chang people from their neighbors and bring self-destructions in their madness and vindictiveness’. While cautioning the Hoho leaders, the NSCN-K also warned Nagas who married Tangkhul women and ‘living and serving in Nagaland’ and for this ‘be careful so as not to obtain self-inflicted punishments’. It made clear that the NSCN-K authorities know by name and details Tangkhul women married to Naga husbands. It stated that they are working with the NSCN-IM in transporting its cadres, arms and ammunitions as well as intelligence networking. “This will be last warning and GPRN will not hesitate to take any action against these traitors” it added.
NSCN (I-M) officer defects Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, NOV 16 (NPN): A senior officer of the NSCN (I-M) Maj Lokishe who was also reportedly the second-in-command of the NSCN (I-M) during the recent factional clash in Zunheboto, has defected to NSCN (K). NSCN (K) military spokesperson Isak Sumi in a press release claimed that Maj Lokishe defected to the NSCN (K) on October 27 last, because he refused to obey the command of the deputy C-in-C of the NSCN (I-M) Markson to assassinate former Sumi Hoho president Huska. According to the NSCN (K), when Lokishe inquired the reason for the order, since he did not know anything about Huska, Markson responded by ordering him to find and kill Huska and that the reason was only known to their leaders, Isaac and Muivah.
"Lokshe believes that killing innocent public leaders is not a fight for the cause of nation...," the NSCN (K) release added. Meanwhile, the NSCN (I-M) in a circular issued to all its unit battalions informed that Maj Lokishe had defected to the rival faction not because of any political reasons, but purely on personal grounds. The circular also reminded all NSCN (I-M) members to be "conscious of the fact in the near future."
Crack in DAN, JD (U) differs with NPF on law and order Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Nov 16:: The state Janata Dal (United) unit, a coalition partner of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), has rejected the Nagaland Peoples' Front's (NPF) claims that factional clashes are not the law and order problem of the State...

In a media release here today, JD (U) president S Limatemjen said any fraternal violence or clashes outside the designated perimeters is the law and order problem of the state.He urged the state government to carry on its responsibilty of maintaining law and order in the state under the guise of political situation. (UNI)
NSCN (K) claims assassination plot The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 16 (MExN): As was reported earlier of the defection of one Major Lokshe of the NSCN (IM) to the rival camp, the Military Spokesperson, NSCN (K) Isak Sumi in a press note received here informed that Major Lokshe was also the second-in-command in the recent clash at Zunheboto operation and confirmed his defection to the NSCN (K).
The major defected to NSCN (K) as on October 27 last, it was informed. The Military Spokesperson pointed out that the deputy commander in chief of NSCN (IM), Markson had ordered Maj Lokshe to assassinate Huska, former president of Sumi Hoho. “Lokshe inquired the reason behind the killing order since he did not know anything about Huska to which Markson ordered him to find and kill Huska, stating that the reason is only known by their leaders Isaac and Muivah”, the NSCN (K) Military Spokesperson stated.
“Lokshe believes that killing innocent public leaders is in no fight for the cause of nation but we should be fighting against the terrorist activities which has brought about irreparable set backs in our national aspiration”, the press note from the NSCN (K) stated.
JD (U) chink appears on DAN government’s armor ‘Don’t shy away with political situation disguise’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 16 (MExN): The Nagaland JD (U), a partner in the NPF-led DAN coalition, has not taken lightly to the NPF party demanding disciplinary action against DAN Chairman Dr Hokishe Sema, JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi as well as 5 other legislators over statements made in regard to the law and order situation in Nagaland. Notwithstanding the earlier sharp reaction of the NPF, the JD (U) reasserted its stand that law and order is a state subject within the state and that the Nagaland government is responsible for maintaining the same within the state.
“Law and order is a state subject within the state and the state government is responsible for maintaining law and order within the state. Under the guise of political situation, the state should not shy away from executing its prompt responsibility of maintaining law and order in the state” the JD (U) stated through its President S Limatemjen.
The JD (U) state executives held a meeting on November 14 and reviewed the political, law and order situation and had appealed to all underground groups to desist from confrontations for peace as well as for a final political settlement. With regard to a press statement by 5 senior DAN legislators towards the matter, the JD (U) reminded that it was their collective opinion on the issue. “Hence, it will not be appropriate for the NF party alone to demand disciplinary action against 5 MLAs as all of them do not belong to NPF party; in fact NPF being the major alliance partner should have initiated DAN coordination meeting for consultation and for seeking collective DAN partners’ opinion” the JD (U) rued.
The party opined that without consulting DAN partners such as the BJP and the JD (U), the NPF’s demand for disciplinary against DAN chairman Dr Hokishe Sema is unjustifiable. It is also not proper for the NPF to demand disciplinary action against JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi who belongs to a different political party, the JD (U) reminded adding that better party coordination was expected to develop mutual trust and confidence for maintenance of the pre-poll alliance.
The JD (U) also took a swipe at Home Minister Thenucho’s statement that “GoI-NSCN ceasefire not in the interest of the Nagas”, and termed it as “not acceptable”. “JD (U) party has been upholding the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN since the party’s inception in Nagaland. In the interest of the Nagas for a political talk and peaceful settlement, ceasefire is a must otherwise peaceful atmosphere, free movement, communication, contact and interaction between the negotiating parties will be hampered” the party reminded adding that even mediators would be rendered “fragile.”
The JD (U) reasserted these:Designated camps and areas have been allotted to the undergrounds so they should confine themselves to the stipulate parameters for their activities; any fraternal violent activity or clashes outside the designated parameters becomes a law and order problem affecting normal life and activity of the innocent people, villages and towns.
NSCN-K slams rival faction over Grace Collins The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 16 (MExN): In yet another run-up to the ongoing paper war, the NSCN-K has pulled up the NSCN-IM for being under the influence of Grace Lyu Collins and has demanded that she tender an unconditional apology. “Until and unless Grace Lyu Collins scraps here concocted and fabricated malicious allegations written in her report against NSCN/GPRN and NNC/FGN from her book and tender unqualified apology to the NSCN and NNC, her name shall remain accursed in heaven and on earth so far as the Naga sovereignty movement is concerned” an NSCN-K MIP release stated.
The NSCN-K stated that Grace Lyu Collins’ name is “divinely, but her acts are satanic.” It rued that her team met and interacted with NSCN-IM men, Naga NGO leaders and others but not the NSCN-K and leaders of the two factions of NNC. “The team could meet even entityless (sic) and powerless social and non-governmental organization, why they failed to meet people who have political organizations and government which the government of India have ceasefire agreements by recognizing their potentials of their movement?” the NSCN-K stated questioning the purpose of her team’s visit.
The NSCN-K also reminded of the Atlanta issue. The MIP stated that the NSCN/GPRN and the NNC/FGN were bitter enemies but decided not to fight against each other out of the Atlanta meet “in reverence to the Baptist Christian leaders there and the Jimmy Carter Peace Center” and till date the decision stands which is “great for the Nagas”. On the other had, the NSCN-IM who had claimed to be “good people and good Christians” remains otherwise. “Did the NSCN and NNC give up heir fight for freedom because of the Atlanta meet? God forbid. Naga Christians, don’t hesitate come out openly and condemn I-K terrorists and their supporters from among NGO leaders whose names are traitors” it added.
DAN’s policies absurd: Chishi Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Nov 16(NPN): Former chief minister and Congress leader K.L. Chishi has termed it as a "parody of the absurd" the manner in which the DAN government led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio has abdicated its responsibility in managing the affairs of the state that has invited consequent problems upon the people of Nagaland. In a statement, Chishi charged the DAN government of politicising killings and refusing to acknowledge the genuine suffering of the affected people.
Instead of admitting its failure and lack of governance, the DAN government was making vain attempts to shift the blame on the Congress for raising the law and order issue, he said. He said DAN's current excuse would have had some logic, if factional killings took place in the jungles. However, he said, it was a "shame that despite clashes taking place inside civilian populated areas, the DAN government chose to speak about its equi-closeness policy which today stands exposed as a contributing factor to the problem".
He also said the NPF should stop "becoming personal" with its attacks such as that against NPCC president Hokheto Sumi. Chishi said it did not matter if one was in one party in the past or not but what mattered was the contribution one has made to any political party, especially outside one's constituency. He also hit out at the Rio government on the issue of affiliation and subsequent admission of Naga students from the four hill districts of Manipur. Chishi said the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government has added politics into academics for political mileage by imposing its decision upon the NBSE. He said the NBSE as an important academic body, has it own rules and regulations which should not be sullied by politics, as it affects the future of thousands of students of the state. Here too, the DAN government has sought to play politics, he said.
"When the constitutional duty of a government is to govern for the security and welfare of its people, the Neiphiu Rio government has indulged in the politics of the absurd", added Chishi.
Nagaland Governor, CM to meet Shivraj Patil Zee News Bureau Report
New Delhi, Nov 17: With recent spurt in violence in Nagaland between rebels, Governor Shyamal Dutta and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will apprise Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil of the prevailing situation in the state on Friday.

Dutta and Rio, who are in the capital for the North Eastern Council meeting, will have separate meetings with Patil during which they would explain the ground realities in the northeastern state.

Nagaland has of late witnessed a series of bloody clashes involving the two factions of NSCN leaving a number of persons dead and injured and leading to exodus in Zunheboto town which last month witnessed an intense gun battle between the two rival groups with rebels using heavy weapons like mortars. Similar clashes have been witnessed in Peren district.

Nagaland in need for creative uprising Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Sinha HOD, Economics, N.U Kuknalim.com
Innovation, technology and entrepreneurship have played an important role to expedite the process of social and economic development. The last decade has seen the transformation of Nagaland. Nagaland today is at the cusp of paradigm change in its growth trajectory. Revival of Nagaland’s creativity and the innovative spirit needs to be made into a state movement. Innovators refuse status quo, they convert inspirations into solutions and ideas into products. Building such innovators will require an all-pervasive attitudinal change towards life and work - a shift from a culture of drift to a culture of dynamism, from a culture of idle prattle to a culture of thought and work, from diffidence to confidence, from despair to hope.

Risk taking must become a part of our innovation strategy. Innovative organizations have no place for those who preserve the systems in a pre-fabricated and unaltered way. We do not shoot people who make mistakes. We shoot people who do not take risks. One must serious look at the scope of innovation in government institutions and laboratories which are risk averse. In fact, it is more often than not that such institutions are run by rules and regulations than by objectives.

Or new innovative Nagaland will have to be built to concentrating on our youth, which represents the state strength, vitality and vigour. If properly moulded, the youth can become the champion of our culture, custodian of our state pride. But the process of such moulding requires the right type of education right from childhood. One youth must imbibe the spirit of a true innovator. They must realize that an innovator is one, who does now know that it cannot be done. It is this 'can do and will do spirit' only that will build new innovative Nagaland of our dreams.

To drive innovations and encourage inventive practices Nagaland needs to focus on the following: 1. Change mindset to a more rational and scientific thinking in government administration, universities, science and technology laboratories, schools and homes. 2. Use technologies related to communication, biotech, nanotech and alternative sources of energy to expedite the process of modernization and meet basic human needs related to water, sanitation, food, shelter, education and health. 3. Develop new cost-effective products and services in collaboration with public/private partnership to create new business models which are scalable to improve access and affordability. 4. Create a new eco system to integrate resources and improve interaction between industries, universities, laboratories, financial institutions and markets. 5. Innovate ways to modernize age-old process. It is time to innovate new ways and means for government to interface with citizens with simplicity, transparency, clarity and accountability at state, district and khel levels. 6. Bring young talent to the mainstream of higher education and science and technology activities in the state. 7. Focus on indigenous development with local expertise on local problems with local content of local relevance. 8. Ensure that all development activities, products, services etc. are globally competitive, scalable and sustainable.

As we speak, Nagaland is innovating relentlessly-disregarding the bounds of accepted beliefs to find non-obvious, unconventional, or unexplored solutions to problems. I believe that this is just the beginning - we will see several profound innovations as Nagaland broad-bases its growth and reaches out to the remote areas of the state. Nagaland has demonstrated an admirable ability to respond with wise policies and needed reforms. As Nagaland continues to grow and evolve, the rest of India will watch with growing respect-and be as impressed as I have been - as this fascinating, dynamic, ingenious state strides forward to realize its full potential.
Friends against migrants Statesman News Service
IMPHAL, Nov. 16: With 7.04 lakh outsiders in a total of 23 lakh, Manipuris are pushing for the introduction of Inner Line Permit which regulates entry of people from other states into tribal states such as Mizoram and Nagaland.
Gearing up to get the legislators to promise the introduction of ILP is the newly-formed Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (Friends) which has asked Manipuris to abandon the practice of family planning. “We must procreate more to counter the influx of outsiders or we will be wiped out like the Tripuris who have become minorities in their own land,” said Mr Jadumani Sapam, chief of the organisation. “About 20 years ago, it was predicted that Tripura would be swamped by migrants. Today, there are 40 non-Tripuri MLAs in a House of 60. Experts predict the same fate for Manipur within 30 years. If ILP is not in place and the railway connection comes within 10 years, it will not take that long also,” he said. He said in at least 18 Assembly constituencies, contestants were dependent on immigrants. Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland were in similar situation, he said. “We must emulate Mizoram where the ILP is practised,” he said. With the Assembly election round the corner, Friends would ask political parties to include the introduction of ILP in their agenda. “We have submitted a memorandum to the chief minister,” he added. “Outsiders are welcome for business. But they must not try to enter electoral politics by acquiring permanent residency,” he said. Jadumani hinted at launching an agitation if the demands of his organisation were not met. Already, it has banned the use of goods made in other parts of the country and sometimes carries out seizure and destruction of goods. It forced one non-Manipuri from contesting the recent Municipal election.
Local contractors expose corrupt nexus The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 16 (MExN): The Nagaland Government Registered Class-I Contractors Union (NGRC-ICU) and Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union (NCSU) are clearly not happy with the emerging nexus of rival firm M/s Singh Construction Company with powerful vested interest in the Nagaland State establishment. The NGRC-ICU has once again brought to light startling figures to put forward their case.
As per a press communiqué received here, there were allegations that not even a single amount had been paid to the local contractors for construction of Permanent Headquarter for 9th NAP (IR) at Saijang and 10th NAP (IR) at Zhadima in the last release of Rs 573 lakhs in the month of August 2006. It was alleged that the entire amount was paid to M/s Singh Construction Company for the so called Turkey project whereas in the actual agreement under negotiated loan from HUDCO, it was to be released on 50:50 basis, i.e. Rs 286.50 lakhs: Rs 286.50 lakhs.
Further details were revealed by the NGRC-ICU as per the record available from the LOC of Finance department for the released amount of Rs 573 lakhs. “It is quite shocking to know that how the Finance department could release the whole amount of Rs 573 lakhs without deducting the 13% departmental charges amounting to a whooping Rs 66 lakhs (approximately) stated KC Angami and L Pukhato Shohe , President and General Secretary respectively of the NGRC-ICU in a press communiqué.
It was also disclosed that apart from this, in the contract agreement of M/s Singh Construction Co. 4% work tax on gross value of bill was to be paid as extra by the department. However as per a government order dated 16.7.2002, work tax is to be deducted from the gross value of all running and final bills. “Are they so special a contractor that they are exempted of all the departmental charges as well as the 4% work tax?” the statement questioned. In the light of these facts and figures, the NGRC-ICU pointed out that the firm in question M/s Singh Construction Co. i.e Mohan Singh in connivance with politicians, bureaucrats and technocrats are all out to deprive the local contractors in whichever department they put their hands to.
“Lastly, are we to let them (M/s Singh Construction Co.) continue with this practices or do our local contractors remain silent spectators without getting even a single penny for the works done for the same type of construction under same location when their rates are also far apart, i.e Rs 932.40 per Sq ft (local contractors) and Rs 2246.45 per Sq ft (M/s Singh Construction Co.)
Underground groups urged to solve Nagalim issue peacefully
JD (U) differs with NPF on law and order issue Crack in DAN? Sentinel
Kohima, Nov 16: The state Janata Dal (United) unit, a coalition partner of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), has rejected the Nagaland Peoples’ Front’s (NPF) claims that factional clashes are not the law and order problem of the State.
In a media release here today, JD (U) president S Limatemjen said any fraternal violence or clashes outside the designated perimeters is the law and order problem of the state. He urged the State Government to carry on its responsibility of maintaining law and order in the state under the guise of political situation. Limatemjen also took exception to NPF’s, another coalition partner of DAN, demand of taking disciplinary action against five DAN legislators for voicing their concern over the present law and order situation in the state.He said it was not appropriate for the NPF to demand disciplinary action against the five legislators as all of them do not belong to NPF. The JD (U) president further termed the State Home Minister’s statement, that the Centre and NSCN cease-fire was not in the interest of Nagas, as unacceptable and added that cease-fire is must for a political talk and peaceful settlement in the interest of Nagas.
He also appealed to all underground outfits to stop further clashes and work towards a peaceful and a final political settlement of Nagalim (greater Nagaland). (UNI)
Neiphiu Rio urges Centre to fulfil commitments Vajpayee’s promise for social and infrastructure development in Nagaland yet to materialize Sentinel
Kohima, Nov 16: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the UPA Government at the Centre to fulfil the commitments made by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during his visit to the State in 2003 for physical and social infrastructure development in Nagaland.
Addressing the 53rd meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in New Delhi yesterday, the Chief Minister insisted on implementation of a slew of schemes and projects announced by the then Prime Minister, including revival of defunct Tuli paper mills, a joint venture project between Nagaland Government and Hindustan Paper Corporation.
Vajpayee’s economic package included four-laning of Dimapur-Kohima section of NH-39, creation of employment avenues for 25,000 Naga youth, setting up of regional institute of information technology and extension of railway network upto capital town Kohima from Dimapur. Rio sought central assistance of Rs 5.87 crore for some additional facilities to be provided to Sainik school being set up and Rs 8.69 crore under NEC to clear committed liabilities of referral hospital Dimapur. Rio in his speech, a copy of which available here, suggested concrete measures from NEC and ministry of DONER for promotion of cross border trade, exploration of vast natural resources and tourism potential, agri and allied sectors and empowerment of youth through training and capacity building. PTI/AP
Security, Ulfa reprise: who’s listening? By Bijay Sankar Bora The Statesman
Once again there were emergency security review meetings, stock taking of the situation and hammering out a “specific strategy” to counter “renewed threat” posed by the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) in the wake of the 5 November twin explosions which killed 15 and wounded 40 in a busy market at Guwahati.
This is a rerun of what happens each time Ulfa strikes in a big way in the state: Home Ministry officials, police and other security figures talk of a specific strategy for effective real time intelligence sharing and better coordination. This begins and then takes a back seat as the pressure eases. And things fall apart till Ulfa hits again, usually where it hurts most and at the most vulnerable. How long will it continue? Is there any point talking about peace talks with a group that doesn’t hesitate to use bombs on civilians? Where are the human rights groups who are always vocal when an Ulfa militant gets killed at the hands of security forces?
These are some of the questions being asked after the blasts, incidents which rattled the state that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi admitted that his government had failed to provide security to ordinary people._ It is evident that the Ulfa can strike terror at will despite the pressure from the police and the Army. However, of late, the outfit whose cadre strength is depleting and firepower is on the wane, has shown tendency to target vulnerable civilians rather than members of police or security forces or VIPs. These are nothing but acts of terrorism. This time, Ulfa targeted those of Bihari origin while triggering the blasts. Earlier, suspected Ulfa cadres detonated two bombs near a Chait Puja celebration which is practised by people of Bihari origin near the Guwahati oil refinery killing two teenagers. The state government for the most tried to underplay the attacks on the community. And the Governor of Assam, Lt.-Gen (Retd.) Ajai Kumar Singh who led the military operations against Ulfa in the 1990s, says that the twin blasts were stray incidents and not part of any pattern of attack. He says that there needs to be better coordination among security forces in tackling terrorists, since the latter now operate with a global network. At a seminar on “Terrorism: emerging trends, needs forstrategies” organized by the Assam police, the Governor took pot shots at the state of affairs vis-à-vis intelligence gathering and sharing. The police, he remarked, needed be more serious in tackling terrorism because such an approach would be a major deterrent for terrorists. One thing is clear: Ulfa took advantage of the six-week-long cessation of hostilities with the central government in August and September, an informal ceasefire which was ostensibly aimed at giving peace a chance. The militant group utilized the time to regroup and replenish its armory and coffers.
The Assam government firmly believes that such a calculated risk needed be taken to give Ulfa a chance to come to the mainstream. However, the risk taken has now proved very costly.
The Union government apparently has not lost all hopes about the deadlocked peace initiative with the Ulfa provided it showed sincerity, which the organization has not. A transparent approach is the key to progress to any peace process. Union Home Secretary V K Duggal says the door was not yet closed to Ulfa but in the same breath declares there are plans to intensify operations against the militant group. How will this carrot and stick policy work?
As Ulfa continues to target the vulnerable and poor, public reaction will grow against it. The Governor wants the “mature and brave populace” of Asom to root out the virus (Ulfa) in the “greater interest” of peace and development. But the Governor also renewed his call to the media to mount pressure on the Ulfa to stop killing innocent people. Those editors who were in the People’s Consultative Group and others who are known to be pro-Ulfa should now take a lead in denouncing the violation of human rights by armed groups and calling for an end to indiscriminate, cowardly bombings which are clear cases of terrorism. Who is listening? Is Ulfa?
(The author is The Statesman’s Special Representative based in Guwahati)
A deep sense of exclusion and alienation Continuing our series of excerpts on the proposed National Tribal Policy: Violent Manifestations The Statesman
The plateau area of central India which, together with the North East, has most of the forest resources and mineral wealth of the country also happens to be the area in which the majority of the tribal people live. It also has very low physical infrastructure and a very low HDI.
STs, over a period of several years, have begun to feel a deep sense of exclusion and alienation, which has been manifesting itself in the form of tribal unrest in various tribal pockets. The increasing violence is due to a variety of reasons - social, political and economic, which combined together have created a sense of severe dissatisfaction, a feeling of having been neglected and deprived of what is rightfully theirs. The factors leading to the spread of the violent movements include the existence of acute poverty, severe disparities in living standards, lack of economic and livelihood opportunities and being treated as offenders and even criminals when they exercise their traditional rights.
A situation is thus developing where the STs view the State as their exploiter and enemy, and the preachers of violent actions as their protector and friend. Tribal people tend to support these violent movements as they feel that it would help them to get their rights, protect them from exploitation and redress their grievances.
Such violent manifestations should not be viewed as merely law and order problems to be tackled through policing, or by arming the tribals to fight these events as is being done in certain areas. The solution lies in giving rights to the ST communities over natural and financial resources and addressing the issue of economic deprivation in a prompt and time bound manner.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs)
A section of the STs who are even more backward than others have been historically classified as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) since 1973. These tribes are 75 in number and their population as per the 1991 census is about 25 lakhs. The criteria used for identification of the PTGs are: pre-agricultural level of technology, remote isolated enclaves, smallness of number, stagnating or diminishing population, low levels of literacy. These criteria also suffer from lack of specificity, but since it is not proposed to add any more tribes to the number of PTGs, a change at this stage is unnecessary. There is, however, a need to change the name, even though this may be merely cosmetic. The term ‘primitive’ has derogatory overtones and therefore will be changed through this Policy to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs).

The following action is envisaged under the Policy to improve the condition of the PTGs:
i. To address the problem of inadequate data, the concerned States will compile comprehensive databases and profiles for each of the 75 PTGs.
ii. Different approaches will be adopted for the two broad categories among the PTGs viz. the “heritage groups” which have been, more or less, insulated from the surrounding populations and are placed in isolated ecological environments, such as, the Jarawas, Sentinelese, Shampen, Cholanaikan, etc. and the category of PTGs which is located on the fringes of”mainstream” population and have some contact with them, such as the Birhor, Chenchus, Jenu Kurubas, etc. The strategy of advancement will b e group-oriented in the case of heritage groups; it will be a mix of group-oriented and area-development in the case of the second category. The first approach will aim at conservation of the eco-system, life styles and traditional skills of the group, while the second approach will place equal emphasis on economic programmes. The underlying principle and approach will be to enable a PTG to move forward in its own chosen direction and at its own pace. No attempt will be made to disrupt its moorings.
iii. Within this framework, conservation-cum-development plans will be prepared probing the causes of disequilibrium in the socio-economic, physical, environmental resources, assessing the specific requirements for health, nutrition, education, livelihoods, etc. and proposing appropriate interventions. The three entry points for administration will be drinking water supply, education and health. iv. All the PTGs would simultaneously be covered under the Life-cum-Disability Insurance Scheme.
Elephant stampede clears path for ministry in India. Mission network
November 17, 2006 India (MNN)--Gospel For Asia missionaries say an elephant stampede cleared the path to ministry. For reasons unknown, a group of 10 elephants recently stampeded a small village in India's Nagaland state. When the dust settled, everything was gone.

A church plant, now eight years old, saw its members scattered, too. However, the believers began to share the Gospel among their new neighbors, with amazing results.

Many people came to Christ and two new churches began. GFA native missionaries are now leading these fellowship groups and discipling the new believers.
Writes their correspondent, "Now all our believers understand that God works all things together for good. Praise God for using our believers to start these prayer fellowships."
200 Mizo Jews migrate to Israel The Morung Express
AIZAWL, Nov 16 (IANS): More than 100 newly converted tribal Jews in India’s northeastern state of Mizoram Thursday migrated to Israel following a formal invitation from Jerusalem, religious leaders said.
“A total of 105 people from Mizoram left for Israel on Thursday while another 103 went on Wednesday, with the Israeli prime minister’s office formally inviting them to their Promised Land,” Rabbi Hannock Avizedek, an Israeli preacher, said before boarding a flight from the state capital Aizawl. A representative of the Chief Rabbinate in Jerusalem, Avizedek is escorting the second batch of Mizo Jews to Israel. He had been in Aizawl for the past six months to impart Hebrew lessons to the tribal Jews and finetune their knowledge on Judaism. Schoolteacher Bana Kholhring and her businessman husband Avior were excited to be part of the 218 tribal Mizos chosen to migrate to Israel. “I am so happy today. It is a dream come true as we leave for our Holy Land,” 30-year-old Bana said. Their three teenaged children are also accompanying them.
“I have no regrets at all about leaving my birthplace because Israel is our Promised Land,” said Zimra Hnamte, a 50-year-old widow. The Mizo Jews would be settled in the cities of Nazareth Illit and Karmiel in northern Israel.
Sephardic or oriental chief rabbi in Jerusalem Shlomo Amar announced in March last year that some 6,000 members of the Bnei Menashe tribe in India’s northeast were descendants of ancient Israelites or one of the Biblical 10 lost tribes. The recognition by Israel came in the wake of mounds of applications from local tribals seeking to migrate to Israel, which they say is their right. According to Israeli law, every Jew enjoys the “right of return” - or the right of abode in Israel. After the Bnei Menashe tribe was recognised as one of the 10 lost tribes by Jerusalem, a group of Israeli Rabbis in September 2005 visited Mizoram and converted the first batch of 218 Mizo tribal people to Judaism after they took a holy dip at a ‘mikvah’ or a ritual bath.
“I have no doubt that the newly converted here are practicing the religion perfectly. Once they reach Israel they will be undergoing a year-long course to finetune other aspects of Judaism at government expense,” the Rabbi said. Some 800 people from Mizoram and Manipur have managed to migrate to Israel since 1994 when a private body called the Amishav Association took up their case. The last batch of 71 tribal people left the northeast for Jerusalem in May 2003. Mizoram is a predominantly Christian state, while Hinduism is the dominant faith in Manipur. A majority of the Jews in both Mizoram and Manipur were Christian by birth and later started practicing Judaism.
‘Look East’ to benefit SE Asian nations Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, NOV 16 (UNI): India's 'Look East' policy, targeted at enhancing India's standing in global politics, could spell success for the entire South East Asia depending on India's ability to integrate the interests of its North Eastern states in its larger regional ambition, though Myanmar could emerge as the Achilles' heel. This was suggested in a summary of a report of the Asian Dialogue Society's (ADS) Greater Asia Initiative, 'Shared Integration: Promoting a Greater Asia'. A study mission had visited NE in January this year to examine the possibilities of collaboration between the people of the NE states and Southeast Asia and the impact of the Look East policy. The report explores the critical nexus between India and South East Asia and the many dimensions of India's role in Greater Asia.
It maintains that India has adopted a configurational approach towards regionalism which is episodic in essence in which certain strategic configurations dominate, depending on the geopolitical or geo-economic environment. India perceives Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the stepping stone towards achieving her regional objectives and balance in the global power play. The report argues that the Look East policy was embedded in its historical commitment to build Asian solidarity as reflected in the 1955 Bandung Declaration. The report recommended 'shared integration' for a creative fusion of India's interests with the region's priorities. The report cautions that the progress of the Look East policy would be dictated by India's ability to integrate the interests of the NE states in its larger regional ambition.
As such, the report studies the realities of ethno-nationalism and sub-regionalism in NE India in the context of intra-regional relations, and their implications for the realisation of shared integration. It argues that bracketing of the eight NE states, with its diverse tribal groups, customs and cultures, into what is called the 'North East,' ignores the distinct identity and sub-national aspirations of resident ethnic groups. The report also examines the negative impact of Delhi's promised carrot of economic safety net, which serves to appease the 'greed' of a handful and to maintain the status quo. The issues of insurgency and NE India-Myanmar relations are also scrutinised, with Myanmar identified as a potential Achilles' heel in India's pursuit of global influence. The report urged strengthening of the Brahmautra-Yangtze-Mekong quadrant in a shared integration approach that would catalyse the change process in Myanmar.
The report also offered possibilities for collaboration, action and execution by both regions in a shared integration approach that would accelerate growth in congruence between the ideals of a Greater Asia and the prevailing realities in NE India. The report recommends two broad strategies for dealing with the complexity of the NE dilemma. It proposed an ''eco-holistic'' approach towards managing shared integration in the NE where human security, cultural connectivity and green economy form the substratum of change. Secondly, it emphasised the importance of short-run adaptive strategies as well as long-run reconstructive strategies focused on domains of leadership, legitimisation of regional institutions and the creation of optimal conditions. The findings of the study report focused on the importance of understanding and addressing the diversities of NE for the success of the Look East policy.
Tribal film makers come of age Newmai News Network
Lights, camera, READY ! : L Doungel and Mrs N Kentaliu
Imphal, Nov 16 : Of late, the creativity of tribal film makers are gradually looking up.
Many promising tribal film makers have begun to make their mark. Pioneers among them are Lamgin Doungel, N Kentaliu, Assurance Raikhan and a few others. To see where tribals films stand, Newmai News Network explored the film world of tribals in Manipur, interviewing some of the well known film directors, producers and film makers. Beginning from 1985, Manipur tribal film movement has progressed with the coming of digital film makings although the returns are extremely poor. The increase of film making movement in Manipur is said to be due to its legacy of rich cultural heritage and talented artistes (inborn quality). Chun Chun Films is a brain child of N.Kentaliu. It started with the objective of documentation brain child of N Kentaliu. Chun Chun Films started with the objective of documentation on culture parti- cularly on Liangmai Naga and Nagas in general. It also covers social, education, fa-mily planning, forestry and to show natural talent of the tribals singers, besides short plays and dramas. According to Kentaliu, Chun Chun Films has produced two episodes on do- cumentary features telecast in Prashar Bharati Corporation (PBC) in 2003 based on Liangmai culture known as “The armour of the olden village” in DDK Imphal on royalty programme called ‘Sweat for survival’, ‘Life in Liangmai village’ and ‘Life in Zeliang village’ in DDK Kohima. This year the couple had sent a documentary feature to DDK Imphal entitled ‘League of custom and dance’. Apart from this they had also submitted ‘foot prints’, ‘Glimpses of Liangmai in Manipur’ and has produced ‘Liangmai Lokpui’ and ‘Quinquennial programme’. She said that it was very hard to find tribal artistes because parents are unwilling to let their wards par- ticipate in the field of acting having the mindset that profession may lead to immoral life-style. “The tribal people are reluctant to extend co- operation whenever documentation projects are under taken. This is again owing to the popular ignorant belief that such pro- jects are anti-Christian while terming such undertakings as evil and failed to realize that culture is not religion”, Kentaliu rued. Making a film or documentary has become part and parcel of the family, though faced with various problems of researching due to unwritten records and passing away of elders, the only reliable records. Even if the research story is known they faced problems in bringing out visually. The Liangmai film maker said that since tribal people do not have enough technicians they have to hire from Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) at the rate of Rs.2500 per shift (8 hours).
On top of that every expense has to be borne by the producer from editing to technicians and to spot boys, she narrated. she also said most of the documentary films are made with the knowledge of authority concerned and comes at a high price for a particular shot as it means feast for the entire village, besides paying the villagers their daily wages. “Manipur Films Development Corporation should create a room for tribal concession/reservation include some criteria so that tribal people’s talent be explored because valley people are far ahead in the field, have enough experts, artistes, technician etc whereas tribal people are nascent on this sector”, Kentaliu suggested, adding “they have submitted a memorandum on this regard to Prashar Bharati Corporation (Guwahati)”. In order to keep one’s cultural heritage alive it need documentation, and for that reason visual is the essential tool. Tribals have their own customary/law courts till today following the great ancestor law, according to the director/producer. Most of the tribal artistes have natural talent but it need grooming/training and they’ll be on par with that of mainstream artistes, encouraged Kentaliu. People should be made aware of usefulness of film media as medium in a good light because most people especially from Christian background are superstitious on the issue. “Tribal films industries’ main stumbling block include non- existence of common language, less population, marketing problems and piracy,” N Kentaliu said.
Kalam exasperated with rampant corruption Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 16 – Terming corruption as a matter of serious concern, President A P J Abdul Kalam today favoured the setting up of an independent commission comprising officials from various government agencies for the strict enforcement of stringent laws to counter the menace, reports PTI. “Corruption is the concern of our society, our youth, of course government also. I believe a mission mode approach in elimination of corruption is essential. I am going to advocate (this) to my government,” Kalam said during his speech and a question-answer session at CBI’s 16th biennial conference of Anti-Corruption and Vigilance Bureaus of the country.

“The system can have convergence of all agencies to take decisions and execute (them). The idea only struck me a few days ago and I am working on it,” he said. Kalam said the idea came to him when he was surfing the internet to find a corrution-free country. “I got the information through internet about Hong Kong’s experience. “Hong Kong, 40 years back, has been described as though it was what we witnessed in many areas in the Indian scene. But today, Hong Kong is free from corruption. I was told that this has (happened) through their one action of establishing a powerful independent commission against corruption.

“The independent commission worked on a three-pronged approach by strict enforcement of stringent laws, prevention of corruption and community participation against corruption through continuous education. This has resulted in virtual elimination of corruption in less than 10 years,” he said. Kalam said he was studying this example and its suitability for application in the Indian environment. Terming corruption as a “dreadful malady” afflicting the society, Kalam said, “It should pain every citizen’s heart when he reads his country’s name included in the list of those blackened by the existence of this evil.
“Unfortunately, corruption has permeated all walks of life in our society and what is more disconcerting is the fact that it does not seem to abate as years go by and worse still, to a large extent, it has been taken for granted as a fact of life. “The society can progress only when it upholds, nurtures and enriches eternal values in which honesty and integrity assume a primary position. Dishonesty and corruption cancerously eat out the life of the society,” he said.
Developing tourism in North East — Dr Sunil Saikia Assam Tribune Editorial
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Every year some 250 million people i.e. about 6 per cent of the world’s population cross international frontiers. For some countries it is already the most important export oriented industry because of earning of foreign exchange. According to a recent study, world tourism generated 15 per cent of worlds GNP and domestic tourism is assumed to be nine times greater than international tourism. It is forecasted that by 2020 tourism industry would be single biggest industry in the world. In India also the government has been taken some new initiatives towards making the country in the top tourist destination of the world. In India about 30 lakhs foreign tourist and more than three crore domestic tourist visit different parts of the country every year. However, the entire north-eastern region (except Sikkim) accounts for a mere 0.4 per cent domestic tourist arrivals and less than 0.1 per cent of foreign tourist arrivals in India. Though the tourist arrivals (both domestic and foreign) to the entire region is very nominal, but experts focus a tremendous growth of this sector in the coming decades.

According to the experts, tourism industry in the region has to be developed in a more planned way and needs to be marketed more vigorously and with joint efforts, because the benefits of tourism are not only in terms of economic benefit alone, tourism has wider implications encompassing social and cultural benefits as well. Many states in our country have been working hard to establish their state as a tourist destination with some new slogans. For example, Kerala has prepared a Master Plan to promote Spice tourism, the state of Tamil Nadu is working hard to establish itself as the number one state for Medical tourism, West Bengal has been preparing to focus Kolkata as Shopping tourism on the lines of Dubai and Singapore shopping festivals etc.

The entire north-eastern region has tremendous potential for developing the tourism industry. The rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna of the region serve as invaluable resources for the development of tourism in the region. The entire region is endowed with diverse tourist attractions and each state has its own distinct features. For example, Arunachal Pradesh, which is popularly known as the land of rising sun, is the remotest and one of the loveliest states in the region. With its numerous roaring rivers, lofty mountains, snow clad peaks, dynamic blend of flora and fauna and delightfully variegated climate– perfect for holidaying any time of the year.
Similarly, Assam is famous for one– horn rhino, mighty Brahmaputra river, the world’s largest river island, lush green forests and tea gardens, Kamakhya temple etc. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam is the first national park to be listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

Meghalaya, the ‘home of the clouds’ is known as Scotland of the east, because of its resemblance to the scenic beauty of Scotland. Apart from a visit to the beautiful capital city of Shillong, the visits to Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram is a must because they hold the distinction of seeing the heaviest rainfall in the world. In Nagaland, out of many beautiful places and flora and fauna of the state, the panoramic view of the state capital of Kohima is worth seeing. The treasured culture of Manipur is world famous particularly its traditional dance and music. Agartala, the capital of Tripura, which is an ancient land of mysterious past, is also bounded by international border with Bangladesh, Mizoram an ideal hill station for those are looking for some fresh air and also peeping of its traditional music both in traditional and western style. Sikkim, one of the loveliest states of the region is a storehouse of the most exotic and beautiful orchids and flora that bloom during different parts of the year.

To attract more and more tourists to this region, some ground works like making wide publicity, providing good transport and communication facilities, clean accommodation, 24 hours power and water supply, varieties of food including of popular local food, prompt medical facilities, efficient services of tourist guides, entertainment facilities like trekking, angling, boating, cycling, gliding, ballooning and also organising traditional music and dances, games and sports, encouraging tourist participation in various local festivals etc. crating shopping facilities including selling and displaying of local products, local fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and handloom items, food items, easily accessible of telephone and internet facilities etc. The author has visited many tourist attraction countries of the world like Egypt, China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, England, French, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland etc and in all such countries it was noticed that such facilities have been created or developed in a massive way. In this region also the Government of India and the respective state governments are making considerable efforts to develop this highly prospective sector, but without the whole hearted involvement of local people it would be not in a position to develop this sector. Therefore, all categories of people in the region, particularly the youth of the region must come forward and take this as a challenge by crating and offering all such required facilities, educating and creating awareness among the masses about the tremendous prospects of tourism in the region including preserving of the wildlife and other monuments, offering all kind of hospitalities to the tourists, particularly setting up of various category of hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, tourist cottages, wayside dhabas, floating restaurants, luxury buses, taxi services, river cruises, setting up of more tours & travel agencies, trekking and angling facilities, gliding facilities, PCO, local handloom & handicrafts selling counters at the tourist sites etc. Finally, every citizen including students, traders, government officials, private officials, NGOs etc of the region must be concerned for creating a congenial atmosphere in the region. In conclusion, we can say that there is tremendous potential for development of tourism industry in the north-east. The region has rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna necessary for making and developing tourism as a potential industry, but the local people, particularly the youth need proper guidance, motivation, help and co-operation from all the concerned departments and organizations, banks experts and professionals.


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