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11/18/2006: "Patil reviews Naga crisis Kuknalim.com (The Telegraph)"

Patil reviews Naga crisis Kuknalim.com (The Telegraph)

NEW DELHI, Nov 17:: Union home minister Shivraj Patil today held three separate meetings with leaders from Nagaland to take stock of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Nagaland PCC president Hokheto Sumi called on the minister with a plea to bring the state under President’s Rule in view of continuing factional clashes. Governor Shyamal Datta and chief minister Neiphiu Rio, too, met Patil. Both were in the capital to attend a review meeting of the North Eastern Council. Earlier in the day, Rio met defence minister A.K. Antony, ostensibly to push forward a proposal for the creation of one more Naga regiment in the army.
Nagaland has been witnessing frequent clashes between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) since August.

The fact that Assembly elections in neighbouring Manipur are round the corner has added to Delhi’s worries. Prospective candidates in the four Naga-dominated hill districts have been asked by community organisations not to represent national parties in the elections, slated for February.

The polls are seen by many as an opportunity for the NSCN (I-M) to conduct a plebiscite of sorts to prove support for its demand for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast. In another development, leaders of both the NSCN factions refused any overtures by either side for reconciliation. “There cannot be reconciliation,” the NSCN (K) chaplee kilonser (finance minister) told The Telegraph over the phone. (The Telegraph)
Assassination plot claim fabricated: NSCN (IM) Maj Gen Markson rubbishes NSCN (K) allegation The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 17 (MExN): Major General Markson, Deputy Longvibu, Naga Army, NSCN (IM) has rubbished claims made by the NSCN (K) through sources from a defected cadre of an assassination plot on former Sumi Hoho President, Huska and termed it as completely false and baseless. It may be mentioned that Military Spokesperson, NSCN (K) Isak Sumi in a press note received here yesterday had claimed that Major Lokshe who was the second-in-command in the recent clash at Zunheboto operation and who had defected to the NSCN (K) had alleged that the deputy commander in chief of NSCN (IM), Markson had ordered Maj Lokshe to assassinate Huska, former President of Sumi Hoho and that the order had come from the NSCN (IM) leadership.
“The recent allegation to the cause of one Maj Lhokishe’s defection to their fold due to the assassination plan upon the ex-Sumi Hoho President is fabricated and a ploy to sow distrust in-within and alienate the masses from supporting the current peace process headed by the NSCN”, Maj Gen Markson stated in a press communiqué rubbishing the allegation made by the NSCN (K). “The higher authorities had never at any point of time issued or pondered over handing out such directive or order”, the statement maintained and pointed out that the NSCN (IM) was completely against the human rights violations and atrocities committed by the NSCN (K) upon the innocent Naga public. The statement also made it clear that it was the firm policy of the NSCN (IM) that any obstacle or problem faced in the course of the current peace process should be approached diplomatically and peacefully with rationale approaches and the public should not be victimized unnecessarily. “The former Sumi Hoho President is assured that such allegations are false with motives to incite hatred and distrust”, Maj Gen Markson stated.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that the attempt to malign the image of the NSCN (IM) with concocted allegations and accusations, using un-principled and indisciplined defectors as their source of information brought to the fore the “desperate deficiency of sane political agenda and bankruptcy of rational approaches to the Indo-Naga issue” by the NSCN (K).
“In fact, the present day’s Naga national movement’s hitch is due to the false national workers who in the name of nationalism are scavenging for overnight wealth and comforts at the price of the common Naga people’s sweat and tears”, the NSCN (IM) stated while pointing out that when such people fall short of their dreams, “they drift to other camps in search of exploitative grounds with false reasons to cover their face”.
Pointing out that Nagas should be aware of such elements, the NSCN (IM) stated that such ‘barbarous scavenger in search of the spoils of conflict’ would not hesitate to weave tales or fabricate lies to achieve their personal lust of materialism in the name of nationalism.
“Any reason that may be given to substantiate causes of change of allegiance does not hold any water, but a recognized mere pretext of instable and unprincipled minds of bounty hunters at the cost of the Nagas”, Maj Gen Markson stated.
Shocked Sumi Hoho sets Nov 25 for NSCN (IM) reply The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, NOV 17 (MExN): Following the news-report on the NSCN (K) claim of an assassination plot by the NSCN (IM) of its former colleague, the Sumi Hoho in an executive emergency meeting held today stated that it was shocked to learn about this and has decided to ask the NSCN (IM) leadership the reason behind the assassination order.
“The reasons asked for should be conveyed to Sumi Hoho office on or before November 25 2006”, the Sumi Hoho stated in a press communiqué issued by its President H.S Rotokha and General Secretary Aheto V. Yepthomi. Pointing out that the Sumi general public can never afford to remain threatened by any elements, “therefore be it Huska former President Sumi Hoho or any civilians if abducted or executed without valid rhymes and reasons shall never be tolerated at any point of time by Sumi Community”, the Hoho stated.
Parents appeal to NSCN-K over missing son The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 17 (MExN): Aggrieved family members of one Robert Osana Mao, missing since the last 10 years and who was also later reported to have been kidnapped by the NSCN-K after he joined the rival faction, has appealed to the latter organization’s authorities to release detail of his whereabouts. An appeal from the parents of Robert Mao, Mr. & Mrs. A Daihrii, stated that their son, after completion of his PU course from Alder College Kohima, joined the NSCN-IM under the commander of one Avi Sema. Later on December 14 1996 in Kiphire he was kidnapped by a group of NSCN-K cadres under the command of one Chuba Yimchunger of Chhomi village.
“Some people said that he was killed and other said he is still alive which one is to believe we are totally devastated. Our confusion is that if he was killed his dead body would have been either handed over to us at that time or his burial place would have been made known to us by anybody as we were staying there working under medical department as a staff nurse at Kiphire town and many of the public leaders of that area were contacted by us. At the same time if he is still alive today he would have contacted us either in verbal or in writing but no contact so far. Moreover we contacted some of the officers of NSCN-K to tell us the exact position but in vain. In a way we have been suffering too long waiting to know the fact of our son” the parents stated.
“Now our last request to the leaders of NSCN-K, please confirm us the date and place of he was killed (if he was killed by your group) and his place of posting (if he is still alive and working with you) before December 14 2006 – the day he was kidnapped from Kiphire town, that will set us free from bondage of sorrow and tears” the parents appealed.
The position of Isak-Khodao organization- Nagaland Post Opimion
When I-K (formerly I-M) group write or say anything bad about others, they laugh and celebrate. But when others write or say something bad of them (I-K men) they are offended and enraged, why?? Because they (I-K) have not yet understood that with what scale you measure others, the same scale will measure you. Do they think that they are something special?? They don't have any specialties, except tactics of terrorism as they had been trained by international terrorists in Afghanistan. Indian leaders are shouting against terrorism, but at hearts when they hear something about terrorism, they tremble and shake and they could not even believe their hands and legs. Otherwise, why they (India) continue talking with them to appease them (I-K) although Indian leaders have no intention to concede to the demands of Th. Muivah, whose name has been scrapped from the list of Nagas names, even to be contended under the constitution of India with some provisions.
The I-K group are talking about Americans (USA) whether wrong or right or good or bad is another issue, but the Americans are very much against terrorism and terrorists. So, if they (I-K) want help from any quarters of American, why they (I-K) obtained terrorism from international terrorists without any hesitation? Further still, why I-K group are talking about former president of USA Jimmy Carter and the American Christians? The American (USA) Baptist leaders knowing quite well that divided Naga was a great drawback in their freedom movements, arranged peace and reconciliation meet of the Naga groups at Jimmy Carter peace center in Atlanta, USA, in 1997. The NSCN/GPRN and the NNC/FGN representatives attended the meeting, but the so-called IM leaders Isak Swu and Th. Muivah ridiculed the move and did not attend the meeting and forbade others to attend. So now, why they (I-K) are talking about Jimmy Carter and the American Christians??
The NSCN/GPRN and NNC/FGN are bitterest enemies hitherto fore, but decided not to fight against each other out of the meet in Atlanta in reverence to the Baptist Christian leaders there and the Jimmy Carter peace centre. And upto till now, we are keeping that decision. That's great for the Nagas. But what about the I-K men who claimed themselves as good people and good Christians? Did the NSCN and NNC give up their fight for freedom because of the Atlanta met?? God forbid. Naga Christians, don't hesitate, come out openly and condemn I-K group and their supporters from among NGO leaders whose names are traitors.
The I-K group are talking about Grace Lyu Collins, their common sexual appeaser whose name is divinely, but her acts are satanic. Her team met and interacted with I-K men. They also met the Naga NGO leaders and even some private individuals. But why the team failed to meet the NSCN leaders and the leaders of two factions of NNC?? The team could meet even entity less and powerless social or non-governmental organization, why they failed to meet people who have political organizations and government, which the government of India have cease fire agreements by recognizing the potentials of their movement?? Think and think Naga people what is the intention and motive of the Grace's teams' visit?? Shame! Shame! Naga people rest assured the tentacles of I-K spread over many parts of the word are not for good, but for the destruction of Naga people and their land, no doubt. Until and unless Grace Lyu Collins scraps her 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 accused in heaven and on earth so far as the Naga sovereignty movement is concerned.
Secretary, MIP/GPRN, NSCN (K).
Naga Army rubbishes Khaplang’s allegation- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Naga Army clarifies that the Khaplang outfit's claim, through sources from a defected cadre, of an assassination plot upon the former Sumi Hoho President, Mr. Huska is completely false and baseless.
The stark reality of the Khaplang in trying to malign the image of the NSCN with concocted allegations and accusations, using un-principled and indiscipline defectors as their source of information, brings to fore their desperate deficiency of sane political agenda and bankruptcy of rational approaches to the Indo-Naga issue. The recent allegation to the cause of one Maj Lhokishe's defection to their fold due to the assassination plan upon the ex-Sumi Hoho President is fabricated and but a ploy to sow distrust in-within and alienate the masses from supporting the current peace process headed by the NSCN. The Higher authorities had never at any point of time issued or pondered over handing out such directive or order. In fact, the NSCN is completely against the Khaplang's human rights violations and atrocities upon the innocent Naga public that have been prevailing. It is the firm policy of the NSCN that any obstacle or problem faced in the course of the current peace process should be approached diplomatically and peacefully with rationale approaches and the public should not be victimized unnecessarily. The former Sumi Hoho President is assured that such allegations are false with motives to incite hatred and distrust.
In fact, the present day's Naga national movement's hitch is due to the false national workers who in the name of nationalism are scavenging wealth and comforts at the price of the commom Naga people's sweat and tears. When these people fall short of their dreams, they drift to other camps in search of exploitive grounds with false reasons to cover their face. These elements have remained to be certain factors that impede to a united stand of the Naga though the goal and objectives are one (the same) and the right stream that is leading the Nagas to our aspirations are indisputably established. The Nagas are to be well aware today of these elements that are in search of materialistic benefits. Like a barbarous scavenger in search of the spoil of conflict.
These persons without any principle or discipline care less of the consequences of their deeds or for the future of the Naga but only their selfishness. They would not hesitate to weave tales or fabricate lies upon anyone to achieve their personal lust of materialisms in the name of nationalism. Hence, we should not be swayed by these parasites without qualms that are out to implant divisions, distrust, hatred, suspicions and fears to aggravate bloodshed in our land.
It is to clearly understand that Maj. Lhokishe defected to Khaplang camp not out of any other reasons but on his instable personal grounds. Any reason that may be given to substantiate causes of change of allegiance does not hold any water. But a recognized mere pretext of instable and unprincipled minds of bounty hunters at the cost of the Nagas.
Maj.Gen. Markson, Dy. Longyibu, Naga Army Issued by : MIP : GPRN, NSCN (IM)
Rio urges Centre to fulfil commitments Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Nov 17 – 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 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. – PTI
Delhi includes the "excluded" - 11th Plan focuses on connectivity Nagarealm.com the Telegraph
New Delhi, NOV16 : Delhi may have just taken the first step towards bridging the great divide — mentally and geographically — between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
The draft approach paper to the 11th Plan that was discussed by the cabinet today focuses on “interconnecting” all northeastern states over the next five years by road, rail, water and air. In effect, interconnection will directly link each state of the region to the rest of the country. In an equally significant development, the external affairs ministry has decided to open a branch in the region soon. Foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon today made a detailed presentation on the region’s proximity to the Southeast Asian countries during a review meeting of the North Eastern Council. Union DoNER minister Mani Shankar Aiyar put the importance of the Northeast in perspective during a media briefing after the meeting. “The Look East policy has two components. One is to recognise that the Northeast of India is where Southeast Asia begins,” he said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is also the chairman of the Planning Commission, has been critical of the states of the region for their laxity in utilising sanctioned funds. However, that has not stopped Delhi from drawing up an extensive development plan with the theme “Bridging divides: including the excluded”.
One of the salient features of the five-year plan is multi-pronged action to upgrade all modes of transport. The broad gauge rail network will cover all states by the end of the Plan period. “Meghalaya and Sikkim will have rail links and almost the entire metre-gauge network in the region will be converted to broad gauge,” a highly-placed source said.

Delhi also plans to expedite work on greenfield airports at Pakyong in Sikkim, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Cheithu near the Nagaland capital of Kohima. A greenfield airport is one that is built in a brand new location – literally on a green field. It is built from scratch and not as an extension of an existing airport. A greenfield airport is sanctioned when an existing airport is unable to meet the projected requirements of traffic or a new focal point of traffic emerges with sufficient viability.
The airports in Guwahati, Dimapur, Agartala and Imphal are to be upgraded under the national modernisation plan. The Brahmaputra national waterway number two, which provides trunk route connectivity to the region, will be made fully functional by the end of the 11th Plan. Inland water transportation is seen as the ideal mode of transport for both low-value and high-value commodities. The theme of “bridging divides” highlights the need for balanced regional development and focuses on specific problems of the region arising out of remoteness, hilly and inhospitable terrain, a weak resource base, inadequate administrative capacity and a law and order situation “often threatened by insurgency”.

These factors have resulted in low economic activity and, consequently, in fiscal vulnerability, the approach paper states. Recognising the “criticality” of development of the vast road network in the region, the paper harps on the need to “accelerate” the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme. [NISHIT DHOLABHAI, telegraphindia]
Datta,Rio meet Home Minister Nagaland Post
NEW DELHI, NOV 17 (PTI): Close on the heels of the recent spurt in violence in Nagaland, Governor Shyamal Dutta and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil here and apprised him of the prevailing situation in the state.
Dutta and Rio, who are in the capital for the North Eastern Council conference, had separate meetings with Patil during which they explained the ground realities in the northeastern state.
"We had discussions on various issues including ceasefire ground rule violations. We express concern over the fact that though there is a ceasefire monitoring group, no implementing mechanism is there," Rio told PTI emerging from the meeting. "I told the Home Minister that the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the government are very slow which need to be expedited for a fruitful solution," he said adding "the meeting was very positive".
Nagaland has of late witnessed a series of bloody clashes involving the two factions of NSCN, leaving a number of persons dead and injured. The clashes also caused 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. When contacted, Governor Dutta refused to comment about his meeting with Patil.
It may be mentioned the state governor, chief secretary and home commissioner Z Banuo Jamir were earlier reportedly summoned by the Union Home Ministry on the law and order situation in the state. However, additional chief secretary and commissioner TN Mannen had denied the three were summoned by the Home Ministry and said they had gone for normal review of law and order situation in the state and also to attend the NEC meeting.
Former Nagaland Minister says economic blockades, bandhs against humanity North East Press Service

Kohima, Nov 16 (NEPS): Former Nagaland Finance Minister and ruling NPF MLA, K Therie expressed serious concern on the repeated economic blockades and bandhs on the National Highway 39 in Manipur by some organizations. Talking to NEPS over phone here from Dimapur today, the former Minister and NPF political stalwart termed such acts of "economic blockades or bandhs" on the National Highways as "anti-people, anti-economy and against humanity."

It may be mentioned that the All Tribal Students Association of Manipur (ATSUM) has already imposed economic blockades on the State’s National Highways since November 13 midnight. The student body is demanding extension of pension scheme to employees of district autonomous Councils, conversion of 13 grants-in-aid schools in the Hills into Government Schools, extension of contract appointment of teachers in Hill schools and also reservation for tribal students in central government institutions in the State.
Therie however pointed out that those organizations instead of adopting such methods to meet their demands should use other forms of democratic means to achieve their goals.
Asked whether he was aware of some elements that often played from behind to such economic blockades or bandhs on National Highways, Therie said even if such elements were involved from behind, they should realize that such acts were against the humanity.

The former Minister also reminded as to how High Court in Kerala brought out legislation banning those "blockades and bandhs" as they were against the "humanity." "This type of activities should not be allowed and they should be banned," he said, adding, "The Manipur Government should also bring similar legislation to ban such activities in the State."
NSCN (I-M) asked to explain order to assassinate Huska Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, NOV 17 (NPN): Expressing shock at the disclosure of a former NSCN (I-M) Naga Army officer that he was ordered by the deputy C-in-C of the NSCN (I-M) Markson to assassinate former Sumi Hoho Huska, the Sumi Hoho has asked the NSCN (I-M) to give reasons for the assassination order, on or before November 25.
Sumi Hoho president HS Rotokha and general secretary Aheto Yeptho in a press release said the "Sumi general public can never afford to remain threatened by any elements. Therefore be it Huska, former president Sumi Hoho, or any civilians if abducted without valid rhymes and reasons shall never be tolerated at any point of time by Sumi community." The decision to ask the NSCN (I-M) to give reasons for the order to assassinate Huska was made at an emergency executive meeting of the Sumi Hoho held Friday to deliberate on the disclosure of Maj Lhokishe who was the second in-command of the NSCN(I-M) during the recent Zunheboto clash and who later joined the NSCN (K). It may be mentioned that according to an earlier press statement issued by the NSCN (K) spokesperson Isak Sumi, Lhokishe had disclosed that he was ordered by Markson to assassinate Huska on October 27 last at ZB BN HQ, Ghathashi.
NSCN IM guns down one NSCN K cadre By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 17 : A cadre of the NSCN (K) was shot dead by a group of NSCN (IM) cadres at his house yesterday at about 10.10 pm. The NSCN (K) cadre was staying at his home at Khunkho Naga village in Senapati district when a group of the rival IM group barged into the house and shot him dead. The deceased is identified as Shangthong Abonmei.
Strongly condemning the killing of Shangthong, the information and publicity secretary of the NSCN (K), Zeliangrong region said that a two minute silence was observed today to pay respect to the departed soul. The publicity secretary said that even though a number of IM cadres had earlier been over powered by the Zeliangrong region of the NSCN (K), they were let off on humanitarian ground. The killing of Shang-thong has exposed the cruelty of the NSCN (IM) cadres, he claimed. Respecting public opinion, the NSCN (K) had not resorted to any violence, claimed the information secretary and added that the prevailing situation in Zeliangrong region is the proof. Naga leaders should question why Shangthong was eliminated so mercilessly, said the NSCN (K) and informed that the late man was attached to the civil authority of the outfit.
NGRC-ICU confirms govt. discrimination Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, NOV16 [NPN] : The Nagaland Registered Class-I Contractors Union (NGRC-ICU) and Nagaland Contractor & Suppliers Union (NCSU) have come up with further details that allegedly proved discrimination against local contractors by government departments in favour of non-local contractors. NGRC-ICU president KC Angami and general secretary L Pukhato Shohe in a press release said none of the local contractors received any money out of Rs. 573 lakhs released by the Finance Department in August 2006 last, as advance towards construction of permanent headquarters of 9th NAP (IR) at Saijang and 10th NAP (IR) at Zhadima.

They said on the other hand, the entire money was paid to M/s Singh Construction Co. for the so-called turnkey project. The signatories disclosed that as per agreement under negotiated loan from HUDCO, the money was to be released on a 50:50 basis, ie. Rs. 286. 50 lakhs: Rs. 286. 50 lakhs, between them. They also expressed shock that records available from the LOC of Finance Department, revealed that the entire amount of Rs. 573 lakhs was paid without deduction of 13 % as departmental charge amounting to approximately Rs. 66 lakhs.

They also pointed out that in the contract agreement of M/s Singh Co. the Finance Department had to pay 4 % work tax on gross value of bill as extra adding it was totally against the Government order NO.FIN/TAX-3/24/2000 dated 16.7.2002 where it was clearly mentioned that work tax was to be deducted from the gross value of all running bills. The signatories asked if M/s Mohan Singh Co. were "so special" that the firm was exempted from all the departmental charges besides being paid the 4 percent work tax.

Pointing to a nexus between M/s Singh Co. with politicians, bureaucrats and technocrats, the signatories accused the firm of "going all out" to deprive local contractors in whichever department it undertook contracts. They asked whether local contractors should remain as silent spectators in the face of not getting any payment for "works done for the same type of construction under same location when their rates are also far apart," ie. Rs. 932.40 per Sq. ft for local contractors and Rs. 2246.45 per Sq. ft for M/s Singh Construction Co.? Meanwhile, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) has extended its support to NCSU's demand for release of pending bills and liabilities. Referring to the NCSU's November 17 deadline given to the state government for fulfillment of its demands, NSF publicity and information secretary Kangzang Liegise urged the government to release the pending bills in order to avoid any inconveniences.

Nagaland Governor, CM meet Union Home Minister Zee News Bureau Report
New Delhi, Nov 17: Close on the heels of the recent spurt in violence in Nagaland, Governor Shyamal Dutta and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil here and apprised him of the prevailing situation in the state. Dutta and Rio, who are in the capital for the North Eastern Council Conference, had separate meetings with Patil during which they explained the ground realities in the Northeastern state.

"We had discussions on various issues including ceasefire ground rule violations. We express concern over the fact that though there is a ceasefire monitoring group, no implementing mechanism is there," Rio told a news agency emerging from the meeting.

"I told the Home Minister that the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and the government are very slow which need to be expedited for a fruitful solution," he said adding "the meeting was very positive".
Nagaland has of late witnessed a series of bloody clashes involving the two factions of NSCN, leaving a number of persons dead and injured. The clashes also caused 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.

When contacted, Governor Dutta refused to comment about his meeting with Patil.
‘Seven sisters’ woo tourists Nagaland Post
NEW DELHI, NOV 17 (AGENCIES): Tourism being one of the two themes at the 26th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan here, the North-Eastern States are trying to "woo" visitors to some of their famous and picturesque cities and towns. Said Indira Nongpiur, Deputy Director Tourism of Meghalaya Government: "We want to promote tourism in our State in a big way, especially as it is one of IITF's theme this year. Therefore we are giving a wide variety of information through brochures to everyone who visits our pavilion.
With Shillong being one of the biggest hill stations, we have the potential to attract tourists. Products of our small entrepreneurs is also on display at the pavilion."
Meghalaya is famous for its brooms as well as fruit products like jams and juices and all of these are available at the fair. Assam has a wide array of goods to offer like food products, clothes and handicraft items. Assam's Deputy Director Prabir Kakati said that in conformity with IITF's theme of "small and medium enterprises and tourism" we are showcasing developments in handicrafts, industry and the incentives available to potential investors for setting up different industrial units in the State. Manipur has on display tribal art, handicraft items, curios and cottage industry items besides salads and ginger.
Artist L. Singh has carved a unique creature -- a combination of dragon, python and crocodile in wood -- that is priced at a whopping Rs.150,000. Made from indigenous ` tyren' tree, it took him exactly three years to create. Apam Ragui, a nodal officer at the Manipur pavilion, said his State is famous for "nungbi" pottery that is made with black stone and local clay. "From `kauna', a local reed that grows under water, we produce a wide array of products. This time round we have brought items like mattresses, sleeping bags and quilts made from kauna," added Mr. Ragui. Nagaland has traditional mouth-watering dishes like rice with pork cooked in bamboo shoots to offer. Partition or room dividers are the most sought after items at the Tripura pavilion.
CM discusses PM's visit with Cabinet By Our staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 17: Soon after his arrival from Delhi today, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh presided a meeting attended by his Cabinet colleagues, Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) in connection with the proposed State visit of prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
In addition to the meeting presided by the CM, O ibobi also inspected the Bir Tikendrajit Flyover the inauguration for which is in the itinerary of the PM’s one day visit.
The CM, however, confessed at the inspection site that owing to the unhealthy precedents of derailing welfare/development works, the Govt is reluctant to fix a definite time frame for the flyover inauguration even though a tentative programme has been drawn out to co-incide the same with the PM’s arrival.
Chief Minister O ibobi Singh accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and top Government officials assessed progress of the BT Flyover at around 5 pm and told some reporters that the Government is apprehensive of listing the flyover inauguration during the PM’s visit owing to uncertainty over causing disruption to the particular programme from certain quarters.
To illustrate his point he cited stoppage of work regarding the Ima Keithel construction.
Ruing that the BT Flyover work had consumed over two years since the construction activities began compared to similar work in other States taking only about six months, the CM also asserted that there is alarming cause to worry regarding shortage of construction materials as the Govt is prepared to ensure availability of any materials.
To a query regarding report of bomb attack at his official residence, O Ibobi tersely remarked that he was out of station on that particularly day and posed to the media persons that they may be well aware of any such incident. For the time being Dr Manmohan is likely to arrive on November 27 and leave the next day as per schedule intimated by Central Govt officials, said a senior Minister of the SPF Govt. The Minister, nevertheless hastened to add that a final programme could be known only after another meeting slated for November 20.
other tentatively prepared programme of the Prime Minister include laying the foundations for the Tipai-mukh multi-purpose project, Loktak Downstream Pro- ject, Cultural cum City convention Centre at Palace Com-pound, National Sports Academy at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex and conversion of Manipur Institute of Technology into a National Institute of Technology.
On completion of the compact programmes Dr Manmohan would be accorded a public reception at the Kangla Hall in the evening, listed the Minister while confiding that State Govt is considering proposal to the PM for approving night landing of flights in Imphal (Tulihal) Airport, construction of hospitals in all the hill district headquarters, establishing Water Sports Complex at Takmu, sports complexes in all the hill districts, extension of NH-150 (A) from Thinungei till Jiribam and Bishnupur-Nungba route as NH 53 (A).

Modern Manipuri politics: An insight By R Yangsorang Sangai Express article
It is by observation of the movement and activities of leaders of political parties in Manipur that something is real in the wake of high-pitched political campaign in greater Imphal area. Regularly new parties were floated some months before every election held in the past and many of such parties died down soon afterwards. The truth is that there is hardly any political party that has great concern of burning issues of the State, one of which is of Ms. Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on fast unto death since November, 2000 for repeal of the AFSPA, 1958. No commendable voice was raised by any party when the building of Central Library was razed to the ground.
Now that the buildings of the administrative blocks of D.M. College of Science and Imphal College have been burnt down by the arsonists following the unceremonious termination of 466 part-time lecturers from their services is indicative of in-action of the state’s machinery and lack of political will. Because in Communist Cuba and Ch-ina, parties command barrels. In the United States and Great Britain, the parties formulate policies and the Govts implement them. In our State, the worst is still to haunt the State to create grim situation unless volatile issues are skilfully and timely tackled in a state as complicated and controversial as Manipur.
It can be asked whether political realignment or restructure of parties is for grabbing power only. Hence, political process of the state from the 70s to this time may be briefly elucidated.
Merger syndrome: There was the UNIC with four MLAs for a very brief period, deterring the st-ate’s integrity. But all in a dramatic turn, the party was merged with the INC in 1972 a sigh of relief for all. And a short-lived Manipur Hills’ Union could manage to place its leader even in the seat of Chief Minister of Manipur in 1974. Before long, stalwarts of the erstwhile state unit of the Samata Party joined the NCP en bloc. In recent time, there was the Manipur National Conference which was also merged with the RID. The Federal Party of Manipur which boasted of 13 law makers has finally merged with the MPP, the oldest regional party. No sooner than an election was over, the parties which failed to produce any result pitifully disappeared almost at once. In due course, leaders of such crest-fallen parties reappeared with new band of followers to form purely fresh parties with varied objectives before every election. This is the main feature of modern Manipuri politics, and what impact it will have in the 9th Assembly election in early 2007 is to be seen. The people of Manipur will never like to have so many political parties carried along by wind of ego, emotion and temptation in no particular direction.
But what are factual is that almost all candidates and most voters are members of a political party; say for instance, INC or any regional party. Concept of party: Nevertheless, the idea of party has many different meanings for both candidates and voters. To a candidate, party may be a handful of local leaders who can give or deny him a nomination or the thousands of people whose vote he can count on because he and they share the same party tag, or the policies he favours which were advocated by the presidents and members of his party in the past. For the voter, party may mean a family of political allegiance extending to two or three generations, or a local political party whose members are bound more in friendship than political philosophy and what not.
The voter may think of a party as a meaningful instrument for taking sides on the great public issues of his day. Still, the concept of party—for all its various meanings—is at the heart of Manipuri politics beginning from the days of Jana Neta Irabot Singh when he was elected president of Manipur Krishak Sabha in 1946. So, many of them in the state consider themselves congressmen or communists or regionalists. But for its importance in our political system, this party tradition was established as part of the system of Govt since 1957.
On the contrary, while the constitution of the land is very specific in providing for much of our political machinery, especially the method of electing the president of the country and members of the state’s legislature, it says not a single word about political parties.
Party viewpoints: In a wider scope, a political pa-rty is a group of people who have in common so-me general ideas of public policy and a very specific idea of political action-that members of their group should be elected to the state’s legislature. It explains much of what holds parties together, how they are able to maintain the support of individuals of widely different backgro-unds, viewpoints and obj-ectives. People who are interested in ideas -especially ideas about what should be done in their community, state and nation-are aware that those in public office are in the best position to get things done. So the thinkers seek out the doers and make common cause with them to translate thought into action. All find their place in a political party of the state.
The modern state political leaders bear little resemblances to the bosses of earlier eras.
Today’s leaders may exert considerable influence on the political and governmental affairs of the state and their methods and objectives differ from those of the old-style bosses.
With rare exception, they must have far higher standard of honesty, realizing corruption is bad politics. Recognizing a public interest in politics, they will aspire to lead a political organization that works effectively in the public interest. The activities of party organizations vary greatly from one generation to another or from one era to another. In our state one national party may be strong and effective drawing public support, with daily activity. In States like Orissa Tripura, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal the party may be no more than a paper party, rousing itself at rare intervals only to comply with political requirements for the selection and nomination of the party candidates. Accountability: Personnel and tradition seem to account for many of the differences among party organization. A State party that had been lazy in the past can become an aggressive or reliable organization when new and energetic leaders come to power. Before 1972, many political heavy-weights left the Congress to form a regional party.
That very party came to power in the state, though for a brief period. In those days, the regional party activity in the hills was so listless that the party rarely bothered even to nominate candidates or those candidates who were nominated could not be elected.
After 1974, however, a new crop of young political leaders breathed life into the regional party.
Without any further loss of time, they left it and joined the INC. Therefore, the hold of tradition is also important. Politics is essentially a conservative activity: what has been done before determines what is most likely to be done again. Today, the old ways do change, but slowly and often not until those in po-wer have been replaced th-rough age or political upheaval. A tradition of str-ong party activity perpetuates acceptance of party strength, while a history of weak organizations makes people suspicious of efforts to exert strong political power, scrapping people’s welfare programmes. The Task: The first task of all party organizations is to maintain control of positions of party leadership. In any state that is well organized politically, the leaders of each party at all levels are in alliance to maintain themselves in power. Rival factions may struggle for power but the state party leadership will often stand back from these local controversies and quickly acknowledge the leadership of the local winning faction.
Within each town or village, the local party leadership works hard to prevent a rival faction from gaining enough strength to mount a serious challenge. Political organizations dislike outright confrontations within their ranks, because they know their party will be weakened and the opposition party will benefit. Local revolutions do occur, however, and these intra-party fights are the most bitter in politics. Also at party headquarters on most days are a loyal band of party workers. Holding no special positions, they show up faithfully to do the chores, swap political gossip, and offer opinions to anyone willing to listen to their bosses who love talking and to have an audience with them. —To be contd

Doors for talks with ULFA open: Gogoi From Our Spl Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 17 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the doors for talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) are still open, but for that the militant outfit must announce its team of negotiators. Talking to this correspondent here today, Gogoi said that the Government would talk with the ULFA only if the senior leaders including the chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and Commander in Chief Paresh Baruah comes for talks. He said that if the ULFA is really serious about talks, they should refrain from putting forward new pre-conditions.

The Chief Minister said that the ULFA was adopting delaying tactics on the issue of talks and called upon the outfit to come forward for direct talks. He expressed the view that the ULFA has a golden opportunity to come for talks as the Prime Minister himself assured to discuss “all issues”.
Commenting on the defeat of the Congress in the Jamunamukh bye polls, Gogoi admitted that a street play organized by the Education Minister Ripun Bora spoiled the chances of the ruling party. He said that though Bora apologized to the people, it failed to make up for the damage the play caused. However, he said that the Jamunamukh constituency was not a stronghold of the Congress and in fact the vote share of the party increased considerably.

US Senate approves N-deal with India Assam Tribune
WASHINGTON, Nov 17 – The landmark Indo-US nuclear deal today crossed a major hurdle when the Senate approved overwhelmingly a legislation to implement it after rejecting at least five killer amendments, including one seeking a cap on India’s fissile material production, reports PTI. The bill on the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement was adopted 85-12 by the 100-member Republican-controlled Senate after intense day-long debate, handing President George W Bush an important diplomatic victory on one of his top foreign policy initiatives.

Bush, in a statement in Singapore before leaving for Vietnam for an Asia Pacific Summit, hailed the Senate decision saying the agreement will bring India into the international non-proliferation mainstream besides creating new business opportunities for American companies and enhancing trade relationship. The House of Representatives has already given consent to the Bill. The agreement clinched on March 2 during the visit of Bush to New Delhi will allow the US to have civilian nuclear trade and technology with India and pave the way for international community to have nuclear cooperation with the country. The bill makes an exception in US law to allow American civilian nuclear trade with countries that have not allowed full international inspections. The bipartisan support to the deal came after the Senate rejected five killer amendments, including a mandatory commitment by India to stop making nuclear bomb materials and to severe military links with Iran. For the deal to take effect, the Senate version now has to be reconciled with the House version that was cleared sometime back in a Conference Committee; and both chambers will now have to approve the legislation in its final form prior to the ending of the session in the middle of December. The Nuclear Suppliers Group will also have to make an exception for India, which has to negotiate a safeguard agreement with the IAEA. Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Richard Lugar, who moved the legislation with ranking Democrat member Joseph Biden, described the deal as “most important diplomatic strategic initiative” undertaken by the President.
“It is an opportunity to build a vital, strategic partneship with a nation that shares our democratic values and will exert increasing influence on the world stage. We should move forward now,” he said. Describing India as an emerging world power with “awesome responsibility”, he said the strategic relations between the two nations gave US an opportunity to make a “gigantic difference” in the world. Biden, who spoke after Lugar, said the deal was a “new beginning” in US-India ties and praised Bush for continuing on a journey started by former President Bill Clinton. At the start of the debate on the bill, as many as 18 amendments were to be offered as a part of the broad agreement between the Republican and Democratic leaders.

However, it came down to about half of that number and here it was manoeuvred to have two of the amendments passed by a voice vote; two adopted by unanimous consent;and only five of the major and so-called killer amendments left to be slugged out on the floor of the Senate.
All five of the “killer amendments” went down rather tamely and without any nail biting finishes.

During the course of the consideration of the Senate Bill, Lugar had two amendments approved by voice vote.The first of which was offered by the Chairman himself on behalf of Senator Barack Obama, Democrat from Illinois. The Obama amendment, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, said that any supply of nuclear fuel reserve to India must be commensurate with reasonable reactor operating requirement.
“It is the policy of the United States that any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve provided to the government of India for use in safeguarded civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with reasonable reactor operating requirements,” the amendment said.
Lugar then had the Harkin amendment approved by a voice vote— the purpose of the Iowa Democrat being to make the waiver authority of the President contingent upon making a determination that India is fully participating in US and international efforts to dissuade, sanction and contain Iran for its nuclear programme consistent with UN Security Council resolutions. Jeff Bingaman who had a slew of amendments earmarked at the time of the leadership agreement saw only two of his taken on by unanimous consent and one “killer” amendment going down in a roll call vote. Adopted by Republicans and Democrats as part of the unanimous consent agreement, Senator Bingaman’s first amendment requirement an estimate of uranium use and an analysis of the production rate of nuclear explosive devices.
Public hearing is null and void, say anti dam activists The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 17: The public hearing held today at the Churachandpur DC`s office is null and void and there should be a fresh notification for another public hearing. Making the above declaration, Action Committee against Tipaimukh Project`s co-convener Oinam Bikramjit said that legal action will be processed soon over the Churachandpur DC Suman Singh for holding a public hearing against the legal norms. He was speaking at a press conference held at the office of AMSU Bishenpur branch today. He said that the dates for the proposed economic blockade will be announced soon and it will be intensified and extended from the earlier proposed 10 days. He said that even the notification issued by the Pollution Control Board for the public hearing which was advertised in the local dailies were not in the local dialect.

Panti Golmei, president Rongmei Women`s Organisation Assam, Manipur and Nagaland said that there was no grass-root awareness of the public hearing and people came to know about it only through newspapers. Expressing discontentment at the way the participants were treated today at the DC office, Panti said, "We were kept waiting for over three hours at the gate of the Churachandpur DC office while the DC and his staffs wasted our time with their dilly-dally tactics. The entire people of Manipur should condemn the Churachandpur DC."

Sumitra Kamei, legal advisor Kabui Mothers` Association, said, "The DC`s response is most uncivilized. He invited us to participate in the public hearing and turned us away so ungracefully." Aram Pamei, convenor Committee against Tipaimukh Dam and co-chairperson Citizens` Concern for Dam and Development, asked, "Is the DC thinking that we are too na�ve to take part in the public hearing or is there a secret agenda? We declare today`s public hearing null and void. They cannot impose the Tipaimukh dam by calling in few hand-picked persons."
She said that the divisive methods of the government to divide people on communal line are unacceptable and that the CM, concerned authorities and Churachandpur DC should take responsibilities for the outcomes.

Gogoi team loses momentum After five months... By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 17: It was the team performance in his last Government that enabled Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to make it to Dispur for the second consecutive term, but in his second innings Gogoi himself and his team have lost the momentum they had. Although five months of the five-year term is too short a period for a government to show its performance, yet a government that has made it for the second consecutive term can pick up the momentum right from the word go. But that is not visible in this innings of Gogoi, and the style of working of a section of ministers and officials in the State Secretariat and the decreasing number of visitors to the State capital are glaring examples of this. Barring activities like the safai abhiyan in the Education Department undertaken by Ripun Bora, the drive to streamline the Health Department by Himanta Biswa Sarma, the drive to end the contractors’ raj in the Social Welfare Department by Ajanta Neog and activities taken up by Forest and Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain and Power and Industry Minister Pradyut Bordoloi, nothing concrete is visible under this Government. The Chief Minister himself, who holds important departments like Finance, PWD and Home, is responsible to a large extent for this under-performance of the Government being headed by him. According to Finance Department officials, about 20 finance proposals could not be given final shape because the bureaucrats cannot meet the Chief Minister who often goes for official tours most of the time. This apart, according to sources, the officials of Finance, PWD and Home departments get little opportunities to meet Gogoi and discuss things relating to their departments in detail despite the Chief Minister being not against meeting them, and this has badly hampered the work in the three important departments which have much to do with the performance of other departments. In the last Congress Government, these departments had separate ministers who were assisted by ministers of state. The Agriculture Department is one department in which a minister can perform much as the State had the bitter taste of a drought-like situation this year, but the performance of Pramilarani Brahma, who heads the department, has been abysmally poor so far. In the last Congress Government, Anjan Dutta successfully pushed the Assam State Transport Department (ASTC) to a certain height, and so did Ripun Bora when it came to the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. But this time around, these two departments, being held by Chandan Brahma, are among the poor-performing departments. The Planning and Development Department, which was very active in the last Congress Government, is very sluggish at the hands of Prithibi Majhi now. Of course, nothing much can be expected from Border Area Development Minister Goutom Roy, who spelt doom for the Social Welfare Department in the last Congress Government in the State. Along with the ministers, a section of officials have also been playing truant and some of them are even busy in manipulating things in their own favour. Circles concerned feel that it is high time that the Chief Minister reviewed the activities of the departments so as to bring them on the track before it is too late.
NDFB seeks clarification on killing of its cadres Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 17: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has today expressed its shock and serious displeasure over the killing of two of its cadres at Lnghin Manikpur in Karbi Anglong by the Assam Police yesterday. The rebel group has termed the incident as gross violation of ceasefire ground rules by the police. The rebel group has sought a clarification from the State Government on the killing of its cadres by the police. The All Bodo Peace Forum (ABPF), on the other hand, has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. This is the second incident of killing of NDFB cadres by the police in the hill district during the ceasefire period.
Strongly condemning the incident, NDFB spokesman S Sanjarang, in a hard-hitting statement, has said that the incident has reflected the insincerity and double standard on the part of the Government of India towards the ongoing peace process. He thinks that ‘arbitrary killings’ of the NDFB cadres have taken place at the direction of the top brass of the Assam Police so as to derail the peace process. Two NDFB cadres — K Riwriw and B Sijoosa — were gunned down by the police when they were on their way to attend the open session of the foundation day celebrations of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, both the organizations claimed. Dismissing the police personnel’s claim that they acted in retaliation, Sanjarang said that Jayanta Kalita, in-charge of Dokmoka outpost under the Howraghat police station, led the ‘unprovoked’ police action. “The incident has once again exposed the truth of sinister motive and lack of sincerity of the Government towards a peaceful solution of the Bodo national problem,” said Bhraman Baglari, ABPF advisor.