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11/19/2006: "NSCNs spar over assassination order Nagaland Post"


NSCNs spar over assassination order Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR, NOV 18 (NPN): Following the demand of the Sumi Hoho asking the NSCN(I-M)to explain the reasons for ordering the assassination of former Sumi Hoho president Huskha, on or before November 25, both NSCN factions stuck to their respective stands over the issue. Earlier, reacting to the charge made by former NSCN(I-M) officer, major Lhokishe(who has now joined the NSCN-K) that he was given the personal order to assassinate Huskha, NSCN(I-M)deputy C-in-C maj.gen Markson rubbished the charge. In a release issued today, the MIP, NSCN (I-M) said the allegation made by the NSCN (K) was entirely "false and fabricated".
"Such allegations are falsely invented to inculcate and generate distrust, doubts, suspicion and to alienate the masses away from our aspired national objectives," it said. Further, the NSCN(I-M)release accused the rival faction of manipulating "traitorous defectors" as sources for "deceptive information aimed at deceiving and misleading the Nagas".
Stating that it did not "randomly engage in targeting innocent people, public leaders or civil societies"as done by the NSCN(K) , the NSCN(I-M) charged the former of resorting to "cheap and sinister ways" to tarnish its image. It said truth "cannot be twisted or the public carried away by lies of unprincipled, instable and corrupt defectors."
In another statement, Lhokishe has accused NSCN(I-M) deputy C-inC maj.gen. Markson of indulging in "fallacious propaganda in order to disown and deny so meticulous a mission hatched in utmost confidentiality in person to person". Lhokishe said the refusal to carry out the assassination order "should not be the pretext to deny the plot".
To buttress his claim, Lhokishe said he was never accorded the official status of being issued "service pistol" in the past "except for this particular assignment." Throwing an invitation for an open platform, if Markson "is a commander of integrity and a man of words" Lhokishe said the issue be addressed in presence of apex Naga organizations and civil societies to the "series of clandestine plotting" which could be discussed and adjudged to fulfill the Naga people's "curiosities and suspicions."
Lhokishe also said his former "senior army officers" in the NSCN(I-M) "could provide vital testimony" as to his sincerity and devotion while serving under the NSCN(I-M). Terming Markson's statement that he defected because of his "personal instability" Lhokishe said it was a "mockery to 20 years of dedicated and trusted service I rendered under his commandership." He also clarified that although three senior NSCN (I-M) functionaries including deputy kilonsers Vitoi and Hekheto and tatar Kihoi were witness to his meeting with Maj Gen Markson on November 1 at Ghathashi, they were not aware of what transpired between him and Markson.
Ardent patriot T Sakhrie remembered The Morung Express
Khonoma, Nov 18 (MExN): Lt. T. Sakhrie, the first General Secretary of the Naga National Council (NNC) was today fondly remembered by thousands of people from different walks of life on his 50th death anniversary at his native village Khonoma. Almost all the tribal hohos from Nagaland and Manipur, public leaders, well wishers and villagers thronged ‘Terhotsiese’ at Khonoma to remember the departed leader. Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Naga Hoho President, Bendangmayang said that Khonoma village was the architect of the Naga national movement. He appreciated the honesty and patriotic spirit of the Khonoma people. Bendangmayang said that Lt T Sakhrie was an ardent patriot, and if he could have lived longer, the course of the Naga national movement would have been a different one. Bendangmayang added that reconciliation is the solution to the present Naga problem. Niketu Iralu, President, Initiatives of Change India and International member, who also addressed the gathering said that for the Nagas, “our problem is that in a short time, we have had to learn many things what others have done” and that “We need to sit down and look at what has gone wrong”.
(Left) The monolith for Late T. Sakhrie, which was unveiled to commemorate his 50th death anniversary at Khonoma village on November 18. (Right) Naga Hoho President Bendangmayang, chief guest for the occasion, remembered T. Sakhrie as an ardent patriot . (MExPix)
“India is not the right audience, we have seen them enough. We have to talk to the people of India”, Niketu said, adding that it is the people that keeps the country going. Niketu said that the Nagas need to ask, “where did we go wrong yesterday?”
Rev Kari Longchar, who also spoke on the occasion, appreciated the forgiving spirit of Sakhrie clan. “Sakhrie clan has resolved to forgive whosoever is involved. This is the implementation of the principle of Jesus” he said. Rev Longchar also called upon all the Naga leaders to follow the principle of Jesus Christ. “Let this occasion be the beginning of healing and reconciliation” he added. Angami Public Organization President, Mhiesizokho Zinyu described Lt. T. Sakhrie as a revolutionary poet and freedom fighter who dreamt of a free Nagaland. The APO president also said that Lt Sakhrie was a man who emphasized on what was right and not who was right, and who held non-violence and truth as his weapons. “Violence begets violence. A time has come for Nagas to search our hearts, humble ourselves and forgive one another”, said Mhiesizokho.
The occasion was also marked by an emotional speech from Nilasieto Sakhrie, the son of T. Sakhrie. Remembering all the children of the revolution, he spoke about his family’s pain at the loss of their father, and renewed their pledge to honour and respect the declaration made to the Public Commission of Khonoma. NSF and NPMHR representatives also spoke on the occasion. The opening remark was made by Peteroko Zetsuvi, Rev Zhabu Terhuja, NBCC General Secretary led the invocation while Lhusi Iralu sang a special number. Hulie Mor offered the vote of thanks. The occasion was also marked by the unveiling of a commemoration monolith and a community feast.
Ahu Sakhrie shares his thoughts: The Morung Express

The atmosphere was not conducive for such a meeting earlier. As in our culture, oral history is prevalent, and as the dead cannot justify themselves. Earlier on, there were many allegations leveled against T. Sakhrie. His stand of befriending Indians was considered a compromise. But I also believe that no matter how long it takes, truth will come out. Nagas must know that.
Today, the Nagas are coming back to the old story; and that is the fact that we must negotiate. T. Sakhrie believed that we must have a good relation with the Indians, to befriend and not antagonize India; and the need therefore to search for an amicable solution. He understood our limitations. But in between, there were elements that tried to project the opposite and the negative, and his stand was put as a compromising stand.
And at the end of the day, we are back to square one. We have been given a mental block to hate Indians. My experience in NPMHR and with various civil societies in Delhi, and different people of India and the Government of India has taught me that it is wrong to project the people of India as the enemy. We have overstretched our hatred towards Indians.
His personal feelings about the event:
I had my own subjective feelings, but I have overcome them. And what Labu said, says it all. Today, people from all walks of life and tribes have come together. In Khonoma itself, there were animosities between different Khels, existing underneath. But with the contribution of the Khonoma Public Commission, I am optimistic about a new chapter in the history of the Khonoma people. I also believe that it is a new chapter for us Nagas and of putting our differences behind after so many years of animosities. And making need for people to feel the need for reconciliation itself I believe, is a success.
‘Challenge to Markson’s denial of assassination plan’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 18 (MExN): Major Lhokishe Sumi who had recently joined the NSCN (K) has expressed ‘pain’ following what he termed as “resort to fallacious propaganda” by NSCN (IM) Deputy Longvibu, Maj.Gen. Markson stating that the latter was resorting to fallacious propaganda in order to disown and deny the “meticulous mission hatched in utmost confidentiality in person to person”. Maj Lhokishe was responding to the statement of an NSCN (IM) Maj General who had yesterday rubbished the allegations made by the NSCN (K) that he (Maj Gen Markson) had ordered the assassination of former Sumi Hoho President Huska.
“My refusal to carry out an assassination should not be the pretext to deny the plot, if at all he is a commander of integrity and a man of his words”, Major Lhokishe stated in a press note received here. “Should such denial persist and confuse the Nagas, it is my invitation to Markson to avail an open platform where series of clandestine plotting could be discussed and adjudged to fulfillment of Naga people’s curiosities and suspensions in presence of creditable host including apex Naga organizations or any such accountable civil societies”, it stated.
Pointing out that several subordinates as well as his (Maj Lhokishe) senior Army officers could provide vital testimony as to what extent of sincerity was devoted while serving in the NSCN (IM), Maj Lhokishe also disclosed “that no such official status of ever being issued service pistol in the past has ever been accorded except for this particular assignment”.

“Crediting defection to my personal instability is a mockery to 20 years of dedicated and trusted service I rendered under his commandership”, Major Lhokishe stated.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Maj Lhokishe also testified that Deputy Kilonser Vitoi, Deputy Kilonser Hekheto and Tatar Kihoi were witness. “It is therefore to be understood that, above mentioned workers were witness to my meeting with Maj.Gen. Markson on 1st Nov. 2006 at Ghathashi, however they were not aware of what transpired between me and Markson except that the meeting that took place were in their knowledge”, Maj.Lhokishe stated.
We don’t target innocents – NSCN-IM The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 18 (MExN): The NSCN-IM, reacting to the allegations of the NSCN-K that the former had conspired to assassinate former Sumi Hoho President Huska, termed the charges “false and fabricated” and asserted that it does target innocents.
“It is to be understood by all and sundry that the NSCN/GPRN does not randomly engage in targeting innocent people, public leaders, civil societies etc like the Khaplang group which is well-associated with them” an NSCN-IM MIP release stated adding that the rival faction in “desperation of defeat” is resorting to all ‘unthinkable, cheap and sinister ways’ to “taint the image” of the NSCN/GPRN. “Such allegations are falsely invented to inculcate and generate distrust, doubts, suspicion and to alienate the masses away from our aspired national objectives. To lend credibility to their hatched accusations, they manipulate traitorous defectors to being their sources of deceptive information aimed at deceiving and misleading the Nagas” it asserted. The NSCN-IM however assured that neither the truth can be twisted nor would the masses be carried away by the “lies of unprincipled, instable and corrupt mind, character and disposition of defectors.”
It maintained that as “good sense and rationality of the Nagas are far-advanced than the Khaplang’s evil and deceptive policies”, the ‘reality of facts will rule over all evil and deceptive devices’. “May common sense, rationality and honesty prevail in the Khaplang camp in the future?” the NSCN-IM asked.
Bandh hits life in NC Hills district Nagaland Post
Haflong (Assam), Nov 18 (PTI) A 24-hour North Cachar Hills district bandh called by Zeme organisations today affected normal life in the district with 108 bandh supporters taken into preventive custody. Shops, markets, business establishments, educational institutes, banks, offices, remained closed in the district headquarters and some other parts. Stray incidents of pelting of stones by supporters of the bandh on vehicles and shops were also reported, official sources said. Stating train services remained normal, the bandh, however, failed to have any impact in the subdivisional headquarters of Umrongso and some other parts of the district. The bandh was in protest against the non-inclusion of Zeme-Naga areas in the delimitation process by the present North Cachar Hill Autonomous Council administration Altogether 108 supporters, including women were taken into custody to prevent any untoward incident, police said.
Jubilee memorial for late T. Sakhrie Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Khonoma, Nov 18 (NPN): It was a poignant tribute albeit fifty years late, but Khonoma could not ever forget its other famous son, late Theyiechüthie Sakhrie (or T. Sakhrie, as he was known), when the village and members and friends who came from various places, including representatives of Naga tribes and NGOs congregated at Khonoma, the crucible of Naga nationalist movement, to pay homage to a political visionary on his fiftieth death anniversary. T. Sakhrie was often called the Naga chronicler and one time able aide of another famous son of Khonoma, late A.Z. Phizo till both fell apart over the policy of non-violent versus violent strategy for attaining Naga independence On November 18, 2006, fifty years after the killing of T. Sakhrie, Khonoma the home of the two titans with distinct political ideologies, set the stage for reconciliation process. I. Bendangmayang Jamir, President of the Naga Hoho, who was the chief guest reiterated that forgiveness and reconciliation were the only remedy for the Naga people for the future. Paying rich tributes on the occasion, Bendang said late T. Sakhrie was an ardent patriot who loved his country more than his own family. He said had late T. Sakhrie been alive today, the course of Naga history could have been different. He also described late Sakhrie's various representations to the British and India as "marvellous writings."
He also described Khonoma as the birthplace of Naga nationalism which gave T.Sakhrie, Dr. A.Z. Phizo and Gen. Mowu Gwizan to the movement. In his speech, Niketu Iralu, president, Initiatives of Change (IofC) India, said yesterday and today are road maps of history for tomorrow and asked those gathered what would they give to their children and the future generation.
He spoke of the need to be guided by past in order to rectify present mistakes. Rev Kari Lonchar, Director Peace Affairs NBCC said the event was neither political, social nor religious but and a search for reconciliation and peace. Lauding the Lievüse Clan for forgiving killers of late T. Sakhrie, Rev. Kari described it as an implementation of the teaching of Christ. He expressed the hope that the same spirit of reconciliation would reach all Naga Inhabited Areas. Describing late T Sakhrie as a man filled with passion for the Nagas, Rev.Kari recalled that during 1942 when Lanu Toy (first Naga chief engineer Power and who was also present at the gathering) came to Kohima for higher studies, Sakhrie welcomed Mr. Toy on behalf of the Nagas. Rev. Kari said late T.Sakhrie's was not inferior in wisdom to Jawaharlal Nehru or Mahatma Gandhi to whom he had written. He said late Sakhrie's writings are "our legacy and treasure". He also said it was at Khonoma that Nagas had proved their bravery against the British. In his speech President APO, Mhiesizokho Zinyü, said "it is only forgiveness that can bring reconciliation."
It was the heart rending narration of late T. Sakhrie's third son Neilasieto (Labu) Sakhrie about the plight of the brothers and sisters following their father's brutal killing that brought tears to many. Labu said after his father's death his brothers and sisters ended up in different homes of relatives in Shillong, Dimapur and Kohima. He was two years old when his father died and so never had the occasion to call anyone 'father'.
"Revolution devours its own children and society is torn apart. As the movement moves along, we see a trail of devastation," and added in anguish, "our nation is a tragedy where every family has suffered." He also renewed the family's pledged to respect the declaration of the Khonoma Public Commission.
Nipuni of NPMHR, WH Maring of NSF also spoke on the occasion. Other highlights of the programme included a song presentation by Mrs. Lhusi Haralu, opening words by Peteroko Zetsuvi, president of Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland, vote of thanks was proposed by Hulie Mor, chairman Khonoma Village Council while Nini Lungalang compeered the programme.
Among others who attended the memorial service included Prof. K Kannan vice chancellor, Nagaland University, representatives from Tribal Hohos of Nagaland including Kacharis, All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) and United Naga Council (UNC). Earlier the memorial monolith of late T.Sakhrie was unveiled by Naga Hoho president Bendangmayang.
Fervent appeal to the leaders of NSCN-K- Nagaland Post Opinion
After a long futile search for nearly 10 years with full of passion and anxiety for our missing son Robert Osana Mao, we are taking this opportunity as the last resort to confirm his whereabouts from the respected leaders of NSCN-K through the esteemed dailies of Nagaland. That our son Robert Osana Mao after completion of his pre-university course from Alder college, Kohima joined NSCN-IM in 1996 and was posted at Kiphire town as writer under the commander of Avi Sema. But after few days of his posting there, he was kidnapped by a group of NSCN-K under the command of Chuba Yimchunger of Chhomi village on December 14' 1996 at the heart of Kiphire town. Thereafter we have been searching from pillar to post for his whereabouts with confusion and in tears.
Some people say that he was killed and other say he is still alive, we are totally confused as to which one is to be believed. Our confusion is that if he was killed, his dead body would have either been 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. We had contacted many public leaders of that area, at the same time, if he is still alive today, he would have contacted us either verbally or in writing but there has been no contact so far. Moreover, we contacted some of the officers of NSCN-K to tell the exact position but it turned out in vain. In this way, we have been suffering too long waiting to know the fact of our son. Now our last request from the leaders of NSCN-K is to please confirm us the date and place of when he was killed (if he was killed by your group) and his place of posting (if he 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.
Mr and Mrs A. Daihrii Mao (parents) Taphao Senapati, South Nagaland
Manipur campaign for peace, dev launched Newmai News Network
Imphal :To bring unity, development and peace in Manipur, an organization committee comprising of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and others like AMESCO, AMAWOVA, MEPAK, PLMPAM have kicked start their year-long inaugural campaign under the them, “Campaign for unity, development and peace of Manipur” held today at THAU ground Imphal.
The organizing committee said that it has worked more than ten years for the territorial integrity and the emotional integrity of the people of Manipur saying it is a bounded duty of the organizing committee to protect understanding and love among various communities of the state. The objective will be to build harmony and defusing any social tension among different communities, said the committee, adding, “with this common vision it has formed a committee to implement the year-long programme. Some of the slogans reads ‘Let us live together, Let us safeguard our integrity together, Let us be united by strength of unity, Let us be united by the bond of love, Let us grow together’. It further said that there are around 36 different communities living in Manipur, though the state is small but people are living together from time immemorial.
In the name of integrity one community or the other is pointing finger to another community for the disharmony fallout, said the organising committee. Many recent incidents showed how community leaders are playing their parts in the communal fall out, it observed adding it is high time that the people of both the hills and valley are united as one.
Meanwhile, the organizing committee appreciated those who contributed for the year long campaign and appeals one and all to support the cause. On the occasion several prominent leaders spoke on the need of unity and integration.
Prof. Sanajaoba Dean Faculty of Law Gawahati University, stressed on the importance for oneness not for a particular section of the community, but said that everything needed to be done for all sections of the society. Rose Mangshi, president of the Kuki Mothers Association (KMA) opined that it is within the community that needs to unite and not from outside, saying all citizens of the state should stand together to fight for the integrity and that if any particular community is working for themselves alone than it needed to be retreated.
Abdul kalam Azad, ex-president of the Islamic Development spoke on the prevailing situation of Manipur as very tense and that said that it needed a remedy for its sickness, adding if the sickness is diagnosed then it is easy to prescribe a medicine. Kuki Inpi, representative Hengkholun Lungdel assured that Manipur does not belong to only valley people but for all the communities of the state. Others who spoke on the occasion are S.Umakanta United Manipur Association Assam representative, and prominent social worker Th. Iboyaima.
NGO scripts credit success Kuknalim.com (The Telegraph
NEW DELHI, Nov 18:: Kedule Angami started a small shop in Kohima with a loan of Rs 10,000 in 2001. Four years later, she was granted a loan of Rs 80,000 as she had repaid the amount she had borrowed earlier. Recovery of loans is considered difficult in the Northeast, but a novel technique used by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) has been able to churn out success stories in micro-credit. EDFi now extends loans to a local NGO, Entrepreneurs Associates (EA), in Kohima. This, in turn, disburses loans to individuals. But at the same time, EA also has the responsibility of recovering the loans.

“We cannot send people every now and then to every state for recovering loans. That’s why we tried this method, and were successful,” said corporation managing director K.N. Hazarika. Sustainable development has been an objective for extending micro-credit though NEDFi does not specialise in micro-credit and continues to focus on financing of the infrastructure industry for the region. Many entrepreneurs, who started small, have succeeded with EA’s sustained capacity building while NEDFi has got back its money. Susan Mao, who owns a shop at Mohankhola, Kohima, found in 1995 that her job could not pay for the growing expenses of her family.

Starting with a sum of Rs 90,000, Mao’s is considered one of the most thriving businesses today in the Nagaland capital. This year, she was chosen one of the first-generation entrepreneurs to avail of assistance worth Rs 5 lakh from NEDFi through an “on-lending tie-up” between EA and NEDFi. As on March 31 this year, NEDFi’s rate of recovery is 63 per cent while assisting 302 NGOs and a total of 31,562 beneficiaries. More than half (52.3 per cent) of the beneficiaries are women. In Assam, NEDFi has helped Uddhab Bharali, a skilled inventor who is now internationally acclaimed. The International Fund for Agricultural Development, Shillong, has placed an order for 1,000 passion fruit gel extractor machines, a Bharali invention.

Legislation against corruption Nagaland Post Editorial
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh enjoys a clean image, politically and personally and therefore his assurance on curbing corruption by enacting a bill that would protect whistle blowers (one who reveals wrongdoing within an organization to the public or to those in positions of authority) indicates he is serious. Such a bill would certainly complement the Right To Information Act currently in force throughout the country. It is not easy to expose wrongdoings or corrupt acts within a government even if the jigsaw of facts are available. It is far difficult when even the jigsaw is not perceived unless someone from within gives the clue. The proposed bill to protect whistleblowers will also act as a deterrent on one side and as an encouragement on the other, to disclose corruption in high places. Such an law would be meaningful if clear demarcation of responsibilities and power is made .It would seem that the bulk of the whistleblowers would be the junior subordinate staff. In order to disclose wrongdoings, the employees should be given direct access to the appointed authority without having to seek the permission of the head of the institution or department. This could be done if an independent statutory body is constituted to determine whether the employee was victimised and to also ensure that those guilty are awarded stiff punishment. It may also not be out of place to also point out that even with the best of laws, there can be no guarantee that those guilty of corrupt practices will be brought to book unless there exists a political will to make such laws effective. The impediment is fear of reprisals by those in power including criminal elements. Even with the current RTI Act, it is observed that there is a conscious effort to stymie queries by some officers. In Meghalaya, the bureaucrats have discovered loopholes in the Act by circumventing it with ingenuous noting methods such as 'as spoken earlier' or 'as per verbal discussion held' etc. Such noting left no clue as to factors as well as persons responsible for questionable acts.In Nagaland too, the president of a consumer body disclosed that most government departments were not forthcoming with details. Some were not even aware about the RTI and for which no officers were designated as Public Information Officers(PIOs). For journalists, the Act seeking protection for whistleblowers could be a boon towards investigative reporting. Famous investigative reports by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post exposed the Watergate scandal that rocked Richard Nixon's presidency. The source of information was attributed to an insider 'deep throat' or someone who was a whistleblower. The effectiveness of the Act will only be felt when society is clear corruption and wrongdoing no matter which community or caste the offender belongs to.
AMUCO begins year-long campaign By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 18: Preaching the message of peace and unity as two essential components for development of Manipur, the year-long campaign on ‘Unity, Development and Peace in Manipur’ to be organised by All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) in close-ordination with various other or- ganisations like All Mani-pur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO), All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMWVA), Meira Paibis Welfare Association, Kangleipak (MEPWAK) and Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur (PLMPAM) has kick started from today. The inaugural function of the campaign held at THAU ground, Thang-meiband with unfurling of the flag by AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koi- reng in the presence of sea of humanity coming from different parts of the State.
Speaking on the occasion Prof Naorem Sanajao- ba observed that in a multi-cultural and pluralistic society like Manipur whose integrity has been kept intact by all its people for the last 2000 years, it would be grievous mistake if one community tries to impose its own decision as the decision of the whole Mani- puri society. Such a move would only sow the seed of disintegration of the State. So every community should keep aside their own interest and work together for peace, unity and development of the State as a whole.
In the same vein, Kuki Mothers’ Association president Rose Mangshi, who spoke as one of the special invitees said there can be peace and prosperity in Manipur only when all the communities living in peaceful co-existence since time immemorial stand together as one.
Half of the efforts made by any community in connection with protecting its identity should also be sacrificed to the alter of motherland if it is going to pose threat to the integrity and unity of Manipur, she noted. AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng said Manipuri society does not belong to one particular or some communities only but it is for all. In such a unified society, there is the need to bring changes for the betterment from within without depending on outside for-ces he exhorted. Stressing on the need for interaction among the people of various communities as frequently as possible, Koireng said meaningful peace could be brought about only through living together, struggling toge-ther and progressing in unison. Other speakers also gave a clarion call for facilitating communication among the people so as to clear any sort of misunderstanding which might be detrimental to the development of Manipuri society. Cultural dances and songs of various communities enlivened the inaugural function of the campaign which would go on for one year to disseminate the message of peace, unity and development among the people of all community throughout the State. Advisor of Ching-Tam Peace Committee WS Lumshel Anal, president of Kabui Inpi Manipur Holkholum Lungolim, executive member of Kharam tribe Union Manipur R Reisongir Kharam, Dean of Faculty of Law Gauhati University Prof Naorem Sanajaoba, AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng, retired principal of Presidency College Motbung Pu Henkholen Sitlou, father of social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima, executive member of Lamlanghupi Chothe Village Authority Kundo Chothe, social worker Tomba Kabui, chairman of Phunal Maring Village Angthum Maring, president of PLMPAM L Memchoubi, president of United Mongoloid Khurmi Organisation Seikam Kipgen, president of Hou Khunai Inat Kanba Lup Souju Poumai, chairman Zeliangrong Union Imphal Zone Sanachao Kamei and ex-president of Islamic Development Council Abdul Kalam Azad Inqilabi were among the presidium members who graced the dais of the inaugural campaign.
Home coming that never was Sangai Express Editorial
The allegations raised against the police commandos involved in the killing of N Binoy on November 13 evening merit serious deliberations. A final decision may be taken after a thorough probe, but let's also keep in mind that the version put forth by the police for the killing looks more like a half baked theory and far from the truth. The stand of the police is that Binoy was shot dead when he tried to snatch a gun from them. This sounds ridiculous. No sane man will ever try to snatch a gun from a team of police commandos. If the police commandos think they can hoodwink the people by cooking up such fantastic stories, then they are living in fantasy. The reality is the people are petrified of any armed men, including police commandos and no unarmed man will ever even entertain the idea of challenging a group of armed police commandos. Maybe the State Government should also conduct a test to see the lying proficiency of the candidates whenever they recruit any police commandos in the future ! Now that Chief Minister O Ibobi is back, we expect the Government to do what is expected. Conduct a speedy investigation into the case and suspend the commandos concerned during the course of the investigation. If the allegations are found true, then penalise them according the law of the land. It is as simple as this or does the Government expect the people to believe the half cooked version of the police commandos ? The family members and the JAC formed in connection with the death of N Binoy have also come out with their side of the story. Binoy was intercepted while he was on his way back home after being released from Sajiwa jail. He had spent a year in jail under the National Security Act for being a member of the proscribed PREPAK.
A home coming that never was, is how the story of Binoy has ended, scripted by none else but by Government agencies and there can be no ground to justify the killing of Binoy. A single unarmed man attacking a team of police commandos is unthinkable in the first place and secondly even if Binoy had tried to snatch the gun, where was the need to open fire. A team of fully abled police commandos could have easily over powered a single man, who had just come out from jail. There is also a question that needs to be addressed. Why Binoy was waylaid by the police commandos ? Was there any other case pending against Binoy that it was necessary to pick up again ? The police cannot hide from the fact that a gross injustice has been committed. Tackling the armed movement is not only about eliminating hard core militants and busting their hide outs. It is also about winning the trust and confidence of the people. However with some trigger happy elements in the State police force, this is a pipe dream. The think tank of the State Police Department and the policy makers of the State need to seriously study and work out some long term plan to refurbish the image of the men in khakis. It should be made clear that the police commandos are not licensed to kill. The task at the moment is to deliver justice and secondly, an in depth study should be conducted to see what can be done to drill some sense and humanity into all the police personnel.
ULFA asks sportsmen to boycott Nat’l Games By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 18 – The militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today called for boycotting the ensuing National Games to be held in the State, and asked the sportspersons of the State not to take part in it to ensure their (players) safety and security. In an e-mailed statement released to the media this evening, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said that they are opposed to the “imposition of India’s National Games” on Asom without resolving the India-Asom conflict. Rajkhowa said that the colonial rulers of India are trying to impose the National Games on the State despite opposition expressed against it by the people of Asom. And right from the beginning, the ULFA has been opposing the holding of the Games in the State. He alleged that the Government of India has been suppressing the people of Asom and their democratic rights have been curtailed. The Government of India had launched a war on Asom on November 28, 1990, and holding of the Games without resolution of the conflict would be a humiliation for the people of Asom, he said.
The ULFA chairman also said that the struggling masses of Asom will try with all their might to thwart the conspiracy of the Government of India to hold the Games, and called upon the sportspersons of Asom not to get in-between. He also made it clear that ULFA respects sports and sportspersons, and believes that sportspersons of Asom should get all the facilities and opportunities to compete at the international-level.

Sino-Indian border talks Assam Tribune Editorial
The Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi’s comment before the much-awaited visit of the Chinese President Hu Jintao to India from November 20 to 23, that the whole of Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory, has not only caused consternation among the officials of the Union Government engaged in border talks with their Chinese counterparts, but the people of India as a whole prompting India’s Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to declare that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. What provoked the Chinese Ambassador to make such a statement when the two special representatives of both the countries are making active progress in solving the boundary dispute, following the political parameters and guiding principles for resolution of border disputes as announced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao during their New Delhi meeting, in a series of boundary talks, details of which are never divulged, is not known, but the Chinese Foreign Office spokesperson denied any knowledge of such statement. Another cause of concern for India is the reported plan of the Chinese Government to construct a dam over the river Brahmaputra at the trijunction of India, Tibet and China to divert water to China, which, if implemented may ease Brahmaputra Valley of flood, but would turn the fertile valley into barren land. The visit of the Chinese President may provide an opportunity for the Indian Government to seek classification on both these vital issues from the Chinese delegation.
The McMahon Line, which defines the boundary between India and China, was drawn up in a tripartite meeting at Shimla in 1913 between the British government, Tibet and China. This line, the Chinese claim, though initiated by the Chinese representative, was never ratified by the Chinese government and in violation of this political boundary Chinese army invaded India and advanced upto the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh in 1962. After a long period of stalemate, the Chinese Government recognised Sikkim as part of Indian territory and opened Nathula pass for trade. These positive developments raised hopes that the contentious border disputes would be resolved by mutual give and take policy. More than eight rounds of talks between the two special representatives have taken place and further meetings are on the cards. The Chinese Ambassador’s remark should not stand as a dampener in continuing the border talks between the two countries.
There are other pin-pricks in the Sino-Indian relationship. Bilateral trade is likely cross the $20 billion mark by the end of this year. China is keen to enter a Free Trade Agreement with India, which would create the biggest free trade region in the world. India is reluctant to enter into such agreement apprehending flooding of the Indian market with cheap Chinese goods which would harm the domestic industry. India is also contemplating to list China as one of the countries with security risk and refused approval for a port terminal contract to a consortium of Chinese companies. Another Chinese telecom-equipment company having a software centre in Bangalore and employing 1,150 Indian engineers were not allowed to expand as intelligence agency RAW identified this company as a possible front for espionage activities. China has already opened its doors to many Indian companies to operate in China, allowed Indian students to pursue professional courses in Chinese universities and welcomed foreign direct investment. China and India are projected as economic superpowers of the future and therefore both countries should try to remove these obstacles with mutual adjustment and settle boundary disputes on the basis of ground realities. The visit of the Chinese President Hu Jintao in the ‘year of friendship’ celebrated between the two countries, should mark the beginning of a new phase of bilateral friendship and reciprocal co-operation.

Myanmar in transition Nagaealm.com Daily Pinoneer
While public and media attention in India remains focused on events in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the forthcoming visit of President Hu Jintao of China, New Delhi seems to be paying scant attention to developments in Myanmar, with whom we share a 1643-km land border, straddling four insurgency-prone North-Eastern States - Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

The Khaleda Zia Government and the ISI have been promoting religious extremism, demographic change and insurgency in India's North-East. New Delhi has, however, been able to contain these challenges with some success. This is because the Myanmar Government has extended cooperation to India in dealing with insurgent groups being infiltrated into our North-East, through Myanmar territory. Institutional mechanisms for trans-border cooperation between India and Myanmar have worked consistently, to see that neither country permits its territory to be used to promote violence and separatism in the other.

The Western world, led by the US and the UK, has condemned the Myanmar regime for not immediately restoring democracy. For most Indians, this selective approach to promoting democracy is rather incongruous. General Pervez Musharraf has exiled the legally elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Nawaz Sharif, threatened to arrest Sharif's predecessor, Ms Benazir Bhutto, if she returns to Pakistan and assumed office in a rigged referendum. He proposes to get himself re-elected by emasculating the main moderate Opposition parties and promotes terrorism in Afghanistan and India.

The US and the UK, however, describe Gen Musharraf as a symbol of "enlightened moderation" and a reliable ally in the "War on Terrorism". At the same time, India is told that the military rulers of Myanmar who help us fight terrorism and separatism, should be shunned and ostracised for denying high office to Ms Aung San Suu Kyi. In the words of President George Bush, Myanmar is now "an outpost for tyranny". After considerable effort, the US and the UK have succeeded in inscribing the issue of Myanmar on the agenda of the UN Security Council with the aim of imposing sanctions on it. A pertinent question that Indians can ask is that if sanctions are to be imposed on Myanmar for preventing a Government led by Ms Suu Kyi assuming office, why can similar sanctions not be placed on Pakistan led by Gen Musharraf?

There was a wide-ranging discussion on such issues in a conference earlier this month organised by Wilton Park, a British Foreign Office-supported think-tank. The views of Western diplomats and NGOs were divided. Most participants agreed that sanctions would not work and only lead to greater suffering for ordinary people in Myanmar, with little effect on its military rulers.

There were no Chinese representatives in the conference, but China's Permanent Representative to the UN made it clear on September 15, 2006, that China was opposed to placing the internal situation in Myanmar on the agenda of the Security Council. Sanctions leading to economic deprivation instability in Myanmar would lead to an influx of refugees into our North-Eastern States, further destabilising the situation in our NorthEast. It is in this background that Mr Pranab Mukherjee told the UN General Assembly, "The inclusion of items that have nothing at all to do with peace and security (in the agenda of the UN Security Council) represents and encroachment on the roles mandated to other UN bodies."

Though some ASEAN countries have recently urged the military rulers in Myanmar (referred to as the State peace and Development Council - SPDC) to proceed towards democratisation expeditiously, ASEAN Governments like Indonesia continue their high-level engagement with Myanmar, promote trade and economic relations and extend technical assistance. India's approach has been largely harmonised with that of ASEAN. The military leadership has been repeatedly urged in high level discussions to effect democratic change. As Myanmar constitutes the land bridge to the booming economies of South-East Asia, India has extended assistance in the construction of roads, the development of the Yangon-Mandalay Trunk link by rail and in establishing an optical fibre link between Mandalay and Moreh in Manipur.

With China moving in aggressively to develop Myanmar's energy resources, Indian public sector and private oil companies have struck deals for both offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration. Further, when discussions with Myanmar for building an 1800 mw hydro-electric project across the Chindwin River conclude, work will commence on a project that can substantially address the power shortages in our North-Eastern States. More importantly, it would not be in Indian interests if the Chinese were able to establish a presence along our land and maritime borders with Myanmar. Western rhetoric on democracy in Myanmar will have little effect. Real progress in moves towards democratisation can only be achieved if Myanmar's Asian neighbours lend full support to and complement efforts by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative Mr Ibrahim Gambari to effect political reconciliation between the ruling SPDC and the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Ms Suu Kyi.

Mr Gambari appears to currently enjoy the confidence of Myanmar's military rulers and has met Ms Suu Kyi. The SPDC convened a "National Convention" to draft a new constitution for the country in 1992. Substantial progress has been made since then in drafting the major provisions of a constitution in which, like in Pakistan, the military will play a constitutional role in governance. The military rulers agreed in 1994 to permit representatives chosen by Ms Suu Kyi's NLD to participate in the National Convention. But talks between the NLD and the SPDC proved inconclusive. Mr Gambari appears to be encouraging efforts to make the National Convention more inclusive. Transition from military rule to democracy often takes a decade or more. Many of those from within Myanmar, whom I spoke to in the UK, felt that the effort should be to formalise a constitution that provides for a growing civilian presence within the Government. This effort should seek a constitution that is genuinely federal and promotes a process of growing democratisation. Both the SPDC and the NLD will have to show a measure of realism if this is to be achieved. India should discuss these developments with Myanmar's ASEAN partners. Political transition in Myanmar can be facilitated by quiet and concerted diplomatic efforts by Myanmar's neighbours. The stakes are too high for us to allow Myanmar to slide into instability and a resumption of ethnic insurgencies. [G PARTHASARATHY, dailypioneer]

Pradyut to meet Deura on Nov 21
Pass Indo-Myanmar gas pipeline through Asom, Centre to be told By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 18: When Asom Power and Industry Minister Pradyut Bordoloi meets Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deura on November 21, he will place a proposal to lay the proposed Indo-Myanmar gas pipeline through Asom making a case that if the pipeline traverses its territory, it would have a positive impact on the State, nay the entire North-east, in terms of energy security.
Earlier, the GAIL had proposed the natural gas pipeline through the north-eastern provinces of Mizoram and Tripura and neighbouring Bangladesh before finally meeting the Haldia pipeline in Gaya. Dhaka, however, wants the pipeline to be laid along Bangladesh’s existing roads and highways and that the project be jointly managed by it and India. It also wants New Delhi to agree to allow it to use the pipeline to export gas to India or import it from Myanmar. Lately, the neighbouring country has demanded from India a trade and power corridor to Nepal and Bhutan and measures to reduce Bangladesh’s $ 2 billion deficit. India, however, has been opposing to making bilateral issues part of a trilateral agreement.
While negotiations with Bangladesh are yet to be firmed up for the natural gas pipeline, New Delhi is learnt to be exploring other alternatives for importing gas from offshore Myanmar.
A year ago, the then Union Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar was quoted as saying that the possibility of taking the pipeline from Myanmar into Mizoram and onwards Asom and culminating in West Bengal, a distance of 1,400 km, would be explored.
While the route of the proposed pipeline is still to be finalized, State Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said if the proposed gas pipeline traverses Asom, it would be a major boost to the economy of the State as well as the entire North-east, besides meeting the power shortfall of the region to an extent.
“If the proposal materializes it would be a major achievement. We then would be able to connect all the major towns of the State to PNG and CNG.”
According to the Asom Government proposal, the gas pipeline would originate in Sittwe in the Arakan province of Myanmar and pass through Mizoram, Silchar, Shillong and Guwahati. Another pipeline, which has been already sanctioned by the State Government, would link Duliajan, Numaligarh and Guwahati. Both the pipelines would be merged to a single line at Guwahati which will then be connected to Gaya via Bongaigaon and Siliguri. The possibility of another pipeline to exploit the natural gas resources of Tripura is also being explored.

Three killed in Moirabari
Two student groups, one supported by the AUDF and the other by the Congress, go berserk at police station; curfew clamped Our Bureau and PTI
GUWAHATI/ MORIGAON, Nov 18: At least three students were killed and over 15 others, including policemen, sustained injuries in police firing, clash, stampede and arson when irate students clashing over a college union election set ablaze the Moirabari police station and three residential quarters forcing the district administration to clamp indefinite curfew at Moirabari today.
According to reports, two groups of students indulged in fisticuffs and skirmishes over the filing of nomination papers for the elections to the Moirabari College Students’ Union. A student of one of the groups hit another student of the opposing group with his motorcycle sparking a clash between the two factions. Police arrested some student leaders of both the factions.
The enraged students of both the factions then marched to Moirabari police station, gheraod it, went on a rampage and set ablaze the police station and three residential quarters.
To control the situation, sources said, police resorted to firing and one student was killed. The police station’s second officer and sub-inspector Amir Khan and five other policemen and firefighters were also injured in the firing. Morigaon Deputy Commissioner Shabir Hussain who rushed to the spot along with the Superintendent of Police said that two students were killed in stampede. Curfew was clamped since 5 p.m. and would be in force till such time the situation demanded, Hussain said. The injured were admitted to Nagaon Civil Hospital of neighbouring Nagaon district. Though there was no official confirmation, the two student groups were suspected to be supporters of the Assam United Democratic Front and opposing Congress in the immigrant minority-dominated area and AUDF-held constituency. Tension prevailed in the area and additional security forces were rushed to the spot, official sources added.


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