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01/23/2007: "Joint Statement Naga Hoho"


Joint Statement Naga Hoho
(Dated Kohima, Hotel Japfü,)

A Joint Consultative Meeting of Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights was held today at Kohima, Hotel Japfü to deliberate and take stock of the prevailing situation and to further consolidate its role and various responsibilities.

While doing so, the members expressed the many difficulties it had undergone in the recent past owing to many factors while categorically taking note on some developments that needed mention in order to take our people forward. Towards this endeavor, the meeting ACKNOWLEDGED the recent Proclamation of the Yaruiwo of the GPRN, Isak Chishi Swu on January 13, 2007 which states; “Let reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion ring all over Nagalim” and the subsequent announcement of the GPRN Ato Kilonser, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, calling for collective wisdom, saying “we must renew our aspects in all walks of life to integrate the restricted boundary to the zenith of rationale living” with deep APPRECATION.

As we enter the New Year of 2007, the abovementioned Naga civil society organizations, taking the cue from the political necessities as indicated by our topmost National leaders, also implore upon all Nagas to re-invigorate our common understanding of our political aspiration, based on the foundation of our unquestionable political history laid by the pioneers of our freedom struggle, and create an atmosphere of hope, trust and understanding for our common vision and future.

If we can together say; “if God be with us, who can be against us”? let us bury the painful past of mistrust and misgivings and help the present Naga up-coming generation grow and develop according to their geniuses in all fairness, so that posterity remembers the present-day leadership with gratefulness and their children blessed for their wisdom,

Sd/- Sd/-
Mr. I. Bengdang Jamir, Mrs. Khesheli Chishi
President, Naga Hoho. President, NMA.

Sd/- Sd/-
Mr. Pushika Aomi Dr. N. Venuh
President, NSF. Executive Member, NPMHR

Khaplang group in peace overture OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 22: The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland has responded to a call by its rival Isak-Muivah group for peace and reconciliation in the “Naga homeland”. NSCN (K) general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi said an endeavour for imparting stability to the “Naga nation” was his heartfelt wish. He pledged to take up the task of ushering in peace in Nagaland.
Zhimomi also rued the internecine trends that have developed over the decades during which the uprising has continued, eventually entrenching themselves in the “very socio-political” fabric of the Nagas. Earlier in the day, NSCN (I-M) leader Isak Chishi Swu reached Camp Hebron, the council headquarters of the outfit.
He called for reconciliation and forgiveness among the Naga groups, going to the extent of promising forgiveness to those who had committed mistakes that had affected his organisation and the Naga people. The Khaplang group has already apologised to the Naga people and chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his family for any “unethical” acts by its members in the past or policies implemented in any form which are not in consonance with the slogan “Nagaland for Christ”.
The faction, however, had issued a strong warning to Rio and his family for allegedly being too close to the rival NSCN (I-M). These charges were strongly refuted by the chief minister.
A.Z. Jami, NSCN (K) “minister” of information and publicity, Kughalu Mulatonu, “minister” for finance and Wangtin Konyak, “deputy minister” for home affairs, have termed Naga NGOs and the Church as “pseudo” organisations. The outfit has warned them to mend their ways or otherwise face consequences later.
Assam ‘out of bounds’ for Americans & Aussies A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution. Armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism related incidents occur regularly throughout the region, particularly in the states of Assam and Nagaland.” — An extract from a travel advisory to Australians
“This message is issued to alert US citizens travelling to and residing in northeastern India, and especially the Indian State of Assam, of the serious security threat due to a series of recent killings and bomb attacks, reportedly by the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa). The attacks have resulted in at least 70 deaths and numerous injuries” — A warning issued by the US
Guwahati, Jan. 22: Ulfa may have asked only “Indian migrants” to leave Assam, but America and Australia aren’t taking chances.
Sources in the home department today said the US government asked its citizens to review plans to visit the state after the string of attacks by Ulfa militants on Hindi-speaking people.
The Australian government likewise asked its citizens to “reconsider” their need to travel to the state and some of its militancy-ravaged neighbours either on business or for pleasure.
Hordes of foreign tourists visit Assam and the rest of the Northeast in winter. Wildlife parks, mainly Kaziranga and Manas, are the biggest draw. Americans constitute a large chunk of foreign visitors to Assam.
Ulfa’s latest terror run surely did not go unnoticed in the US, the outfit having found mention in the list of “terrorist organisations” drawn up by that country. The state department drew up a fresh list of terrorist groups operating around the world post 9/11.
The US travel alert states that between January 4 and 9, “Ulfa killed many migrants from other Indian states and attacked law enforcement officials throughout the Indian State of Assam. In the light of these attacks, Americans are advised to review carefully any plans to visit the Indian State of Assam.”
The Australian government advisory, issued by its department of foreign affairs and trade, was more comprehensive. Apart from Assam, it advised Australians against travelling to Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur.
Besides severely affecting Assam’s tourism industry, the warnings by the US and Australia could dent Dispur’s efforts to hardsell the state as an investment haven.
The tourism sector will be the biggest loser as the alerts have come in the middle of the peak season.
What is worrying Dispur is that the European Union may issue similar alerts.
NSCN K warns UNC, ANSAM Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, January 22: The NSCN (K) has accused the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) of "directly monitoring" the ensuing Manipur Assembly elections at the behest of the NSCN-IM.

The Khaplang faction of the NSCN said that the NSCN-IM has selected its own "pick and choose persons" as independent candidates.
In a statement issued by the secretary of the MIP in Dimapur today, the NSCN-K said that the course of action taken up by the NSCN-IM, UNC and ANSAM is not "election but selection." The NSCN (K) further said that since election is usually conducted under Indian laws, it was up to the Government of India and its Election Commission to decide whether the said exercise was "election or selection," and added that it is least bothered over such developments.

While warning the UNC and ANSAM, the NSCN-K said that the two social bodies would be held solely responsible if any untoward incident takes place resulting in the loss of human lives and properties on account of "undue interference" by them.
Significantly, UNC has announced the names of six candidates which it would support.

On the issue of affiliation of private schools in the four hill districts of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and subsequent permission granted to the hill students to appear under NBSE, which the NSCN (K) is totally opposed to, the outfit said "more understanding on this issue is still required." The outfit however said it was appreciable that many students and their parents in Manipur hill districts and also in Nagaland had come to understand the difficulties and implications involved in the NBSE issue.

"In the recent past, some people blamed the NSCN/GPRN for opposing the move.
But now people have come to understand what we said," the release added.
Nagaland has the worst roads The Telegraph
Guwahati Delhi asks states to take action against errant field engineers Nagaland has earned the dubious distinction of having the highest percentage of poor roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The scheme is a flagship programme of the Centre to provide all weather connectivity by 2009 for plain areas having more than 1,000 residents and hilly areas, deserts and tribal areas with 500 people.
Other states in the Northeast, which have fared poorly in terms of quality of roads are Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya followed by Manipur, Tripura and Assam.
A source said inspection of assets created under the scheme by independent national quality monitors in September last year revealed that 88 per cent of work completed in Nagaland was of “unsatisfactory quality”. Work under way for the remaining projects, too, is said to be tardy.
Union minister for rural development, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, had written to the chief ministers of these states last week to take appropriate disciplinary action against field engineers and penalise contractors responsible for the fiasco. In Arunachal Pradesh, 73 per cent of the work completed is unsatisfactory. In Mizoram, 67 per cent of the work completed is not up to the mark. In Meghalaya, 39 per cent of work completed is of unsatisfactory quality. The figures for Manipur reveal that 38 per cent of works completed fail to meet the requisite standards of quality.
A total of 32 per cent of work completed in Tripura is of unsatisfactory quality while in Assam it is 29 per cent. To make matters worse, some states in the region have not been able to draw funds allotted to them. Manipur has been able to draw only Rs 104.33 crore of its cumulative entitlement of Rs 216 crore for 2006-07. Similarly, Arunachal Pradesh has been able to draw only Rs 179.46 crore of its cumulative entitlement of Rs 279 crore. Singh said Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland have not drawn any amount so far this year.
The Asian Development Bank assisted North East State Road Projects seeks to upgrade about 1,300 km in the region with the broad objective of facilitating regional integration and promoting trade. It also aims to develop institutions for capacity building of the state public works departments for effective and efficient management of roads.
Naga civil society calls for cementing peace calls The Morung Express Dimapur, Jan 22 (MExN): Taking a cue from the recent proclamations of NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and NSCN-K Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi for peace the Naga civil society today called for a reinvigorated common understanding of the Nagas’ political aspiration and create an atmosphere of hope, trust and understanding for a common vision and future.
A joint consultative meeting of the Naga Hoho, the Naga Students’ Federation, the Naga Mothers’ Association and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights was held today at Kohima, Hotel Japfü to deliberate and “take stock of the prevailing situation and to further consolidate its role and various responsibilities.”
“While doing so, the members expressed the many difficulties it had undergone in the recent past owing to many factors while categorically taking note on some developments that needed mention in order to take our people forward. Towards this endeavor, the meeting acknowledged the recent proclamation of the Yaruiwo of the GPRN, Isak Chishi Swu on January 13, 2007 which states ‘Let reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion ring all over Nagalim’ and the subsequent announcement of the GPRN Ato Kilonser, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, calling for collective wisdom, saying ‘we must renew our aspects in all walks of life to integrate the restricted boundary to the zenith of rationale living’ with deep appreciation” said a joint statement from Naga Hoho President I Bendang Jamir, NMA President Khesheli Chishi, NSF President Phushika Aomi and NPMHR Executive member Dr. N Venous.
The organizations, taking a cue from the political necessities as indicated by “our topmost national leaders”, also implored Nagas to re-invigorate common understanding of their political aspiration, based on the foundation of their unquestionable political history laid by the pioneers of freedom struggle, and create an atmosphere of hope, trust and understanding for a common vision and future. “If we can together say, ‘if God be with us, who can be against us’, let us bury the painful past of mistrust and misgivings and help the present Naga up-coming generation grow and develop according to their geniuses in all fairness, so that posterity remembers the present-day leadership with gratefulness and their children blessed for their wisdom” the joint statement appealed.
UNC, ANSAM under NSCN (K) scanner The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 22 (MExN): The NSCN (K) today said the ensuing Manipur State election is being directly monitored by the NSCN (I-M) through the UNC and the ANSAM. “The exercise will not be election, but selection by I-K terrorists through UNC,” an MIP release said.
“Since election is Indian election and is usually conducted under Indian laws, it is up to the Government of India and its Election Commission whether the said exercise be election or selection, we do not bother.”
However, the NSCN (K) firmly warned that if some untoward incidents leading to the loss of human lives and properties occur “on account of the undue interference of UNC and ANSAM, these two bodies will be held solely responsible.”
“It is also appreciable that many students and their parents in Manipur Hill districts and also in Nagaland have come to understand the difficulties and implications involved in the NBSE issue.”
Calling for the requirement of “more understanding”, the release said, “In the recent past, some people blamed the NSCN/GPRN for opposing the move. But now people have come to understand what we said.”
NSCN-K reiterates stand on Kohima killing The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 22 (MExN): Terming statements of the NSCN-IM on the recent killing of two Konyak youths as “concocted” and “exaggerated”, the NSCN-K asserts that such are some instances to disturb cordial relations amongst the Nagas. The Tobu issue and the recent Shamator dispute are few of the NSCN-IM’s ‘misadventures’, a note from former Chairman of Phom Region, NSCN-K Namching Phom stated.
“It is to be reckoned by the Nagas that I-K terrorists shout choruses of ‘peace, unity and reconciliation’ while actually they enforce the reign of terror within the Naga society and that is why the Nagas have been experiencing chaotic state of affairs and bloodshed in Nagaland” it stated. It reiterated its earlier stand on the killing of the two youths that they were purely public members and in no way involved in the killing of ‘Sgt’ Moa. ‘Sgt’ Moa instead was involved in the assassination of two NNC Kilonsers, the note asserted.
KU, KSU against civilian casualty from faction feud The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 22 (MExN): The Konyak Union and Konyak Students Union has issued a clarification in response to the press statement of Tongmeth Wangnao, Education Kilonser of the NSCN (I-M) regard to the recent killing on two Nagas youths vis-à-vis relations between the Konyak and Tangkhul communities. The two have made it clear that no civilian casualty from factional issues would be tolerated.
A statement issued by Konyak Union President Tingnyei and President of Konyak Students’ Union Manpong highlighted that at no point of time Konyaks and Tangkhuls were enemies neither in the past or present nor will be in the future. Any assumption by any group or individual is wrong.
“In regard to the recent killing of two Konyak youths by the NSCN (I-M) cadres, we truly declare that they are innocent civilians to which the workshop owners, Police, etc can verify” the statement pointed out. The statement however, made it clear that no civilian casualty under the pretext of factional issues would be tolerated. “We would want to make the point clear that killing of innocent people under the pretext of factional issue will never be tolerated. That we demand justice for all the crimes committed particularly against innocent Konyak civilians in the past and the union will strive till justice is delivered on time” it stated.
The Konyak organizations advised that Tongmeth does not go to press without “knowing the sentiments of the people and the clarification should be given by the killers, not by Tongmeth.”
Referring to the NSCN-IM Kilonser mentioning that the two youths were NSCN (K) cadres, the statement pointed out that the proprietor/owner of NK workshop and mentor of the slain youth as well as Chingkao Chingnyu village can also give clarifications that the 2 youths were civilians and innocent boys. They were never involved in any factions and the entire Konyaks “mean it in the name of God” it added.
Assembly election in Manipur and the confused Nagas Jubilate Kazingmei Perspective The Morung Express
The word “Ideology’ was first used during the French Revolution to designate the science of ideas. Karl Marx and Lenin used this word in a very specific context and is now used in sociological term with scientific meaning. According to Marx ideology is a false rational explanation to hide a social reality. In other words it is a rational interpretation with a vested interest to give a false outlook to a social reality. But Lenin added a positive dimension by saying that ideology can also be understood as a rational explanation to mobilize people towards a goal. The rational explanation of NSCN(I-M) or UNC can hide reality in a negative way or can be formulated to play a positive role in mobilizing the Nagas towards the objective of Naga integration and Naga freedom.
In earlier election the NSCN (I-M) had called for boycotting the election on ground that they do not accept solution under the constitutional frame work of India. However, resolving conflict in democratic processes has to be constitutional whether we like it or not. The divided opinions of the Nagas to the boycott call only paved the way for the Kuki to represent in Parliament and some of the assembly constituencies and the Nagas particularly the ruler poor had suffered.
The NSCN (I-M) and UNC is taking a huge risk by setting up candidates of their choice as there is every possibility that the independent candidates supported by them will loose. Candidates who sought blessing of the UNC and rushed to Hebron camp had rather exposed themselves that they are incapable of fighting the election on their own potential and popularity. Even worse because some of the candidates sought the blessing of the UNC only when congress ticket was denied to them and became soar grapes. Just a week ago UNC had condemned the sitting MLAs as “betrayers” and God knows what sanctification process they had gone through at Hebron camp they turned out as UNC nominees again. Such instant twist confuses the Naga Civil society and people cannot believe those candidates became true in their commitment to the Naga cause just overnight whereas throughout their political career they have not had their opinion expressed any time. This is not the first time NSCN cadres have involved in elections officially or unofficially and candidates supported by them were defeated affecting the credibility of the organization.
Another aspect of the risk involved is that their support for one particular candidate will mean alienation of others and that way they will be causing a lot of psychological distance between the majority people and the NSCN(I-M) which may not be desirable. No damage control exercise is ever seen done after every blunder they commit. In fact it would have been wiser and even better for UNC to allow every aspiring candidate and party to contest and rather take oath of all to uphold and safe guard the interest of the Nagas and also lay down a programme of action.
Constitutionally for altering inter state boundary the parliament not only requires two third majority but also needs the consent of concerned states for which a few independent MLAs can at the most make some noise. UNC’s guideline that candidates supported by them shall not align themselves with any regional or national party will mean excluding them from holding positions of power, detrimental to the interest of the poor. Nevertheless the armed cadres will continue to have unholy nexus with those in power and position and for them it makes no difference as they will always remain back seat drivers of the Govt. What is confusing for the people is that armed cadres tell us not to associate with the system of the Govt. of India and in terms of drawing benefits for their own family and relatives they are themselves not keeping distance from the system. It may be ideal to tell the people to think first for the Nation then for the family and themselves but how many will take this ideal is a big question, even when you see others making fortunes for themselves and their relatives are getting Govt. jobs and schemes through their influence. Every Naga associates emotionally with the freedom movement but not with the behaviour of the armed cadres.
NSCN(I-M) cannot afford to care less about their image and credibility than anything else and needs to think twice before they deprive basic rights of the civil society. In fact, India as the largest democracy stands third in the world in terms of rights and entitlements offered to its citizens. It will be a blunder on the part of NSCN (I-M) and the UNC if the people choose to resist the deprivation of their freedom of expression and do not support the candidates supported by them. Such outcome cannot be ruled out as the saying goes – “More men are guilty of treachery through weakness then through studied design to betray and that there are no principles on empty stomach”. There is no visible indication that the wind is blowing their way.
The slogan of Naga integration may not be a strong factor to cause wave for the election in view of the fact that there is not much love lost even among the Naga brothers. NSCN (K) in their factional power politics denounces the Tangkhuls as non Nagas and Naga integration will mean only the end one conflict and the beginning of another which may be even worse even if we are integrated.
Meanwhile merger of regional parties and consolidation of MPP exclusively for the valley people seems to indicate that there is no political will even among the Meiteis to minimize development disparity between hills and valley thereby reduce ethnic differences and psychological distance between the two people. What is interesting is whereas corruption in the state is considered an issue worse than HIV/AIDS in the state, no party or individual candidate has raised it as election issue and no one even has mentioned the significance of RTI in such a corrupt state where there is absolutely no accountability for criminal actions of public authority.
Assam: The Bangla hand Maloy Krishna Dhar Column The Morung Express
The latest ULFA carnage in Assam has been diagnosed by top leaders like quack doctors, broadcasting panic, and their diagnosis is wide off the mark.
Ministers with foot-in-mouth disease rushed to comment about ISI-ULFA involvement and ascribed various silly reasons to befuddle the people. The media has quoted ULFA vice-president Pradip Gogoi as saying that the Government of India had invited trouble by terminating the dialogue process. The wise men of India have, as usual, fired erratically. The ISI alone has not adopted ULFA. The collateral adopter is the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence of Bangladesh, DGFI. It is necessary to understand the quantum dynamics of inter-relationship between the ISI, DGFI and Indian terrorist groups like ULFA.
The Bangladeshi intelligence machinery pivots around the DGFI, the Directorate General of National Security Intelligence (whose chief was sacked on January 15) and Military Intelligence.
The Bangladesh Threat The DGFI, modeled after the ISI by then Bangladesh leader General Zia-ur Rahman in 1977, operates from its headquarters located at the BNS Haji Mohsin naval base, Jahangir Gate, a little south of Tashdique, home of the Bangladesh army chief. It has zonal offices in every district of Bangladesh.
Major General Sadiq Hussain Rumi is the present chief of the DGFI; Brigadier Azam Mir serves as his chief deputy. The agency is staffed by military personnel. Its command and control are regulated by the army chief, though the last Bangladesh National Party government won over large number of DGFI top guns through Brigadier Mir. Mir is the son of Golam Azam, the former Jamait-e-Islami chief, who collaborated with Pakistan in carrying out the 1971 genocide.
The 1971 War, 35 Years On The agency is divided into 12 bureaus, each handling subject and territory desks. The India division is headed by a colonel.
In India’s neighbourhood, Bureau III handles Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, though there is a separate Bureau for the SAARC countries. These officers report to the chief of the South Asia division of the agency. The India desk has four distinct sections, which handle the North Eastern states, West Bengal, the rest of India and Muslim affairs in India.
In 2000 a new Bureau X was started to oversee the activities of domestic and international jihadi tanzeems, or local level outfits. Bureau X also plans and executes subversive operations in India.
A part of the Bureau known as the Dawa section handles Islamic NGOs and supervises internal and external money flow to these organisations.
Like the ISI, the DGFI has also an Inter Services Public Relations division, which works as the public face for the Bangladesh army. Bangladeshi military and civilian intelligence officers were initially trained by the ISI. Some special units of the DGFI were trained along with ISI operatives at the Harvey Point Defence Testing Activity, a high-security compound in a quiet corner of a marshland near Hertford, North Carolina, USA. The facility, officially owned by the Pentagon, serve as the CIA’s secret commando training base since 1961.
Such specially trained corps of DGFI officers initially trained some Harkat ul-Jihad-i-Islami and Jamait-ul Mujahideen top rankers. Bangla Bhai -- a Bangladeshi terrorist, who was captured and sentenced to death last year -- was originally designed by the DGFI for combating the Communist Party of Bangladesh, Janajuddha and Purba Banglar Sarbahara Party (both Naxalite outfits).
The DGFI has achieved excellent penetration amongst the Indian intelligentsia, academia, print and electronic media, political parties, business community and certain minority organisations and institutions. The allegation that the DGFI achieved penetration in the National Security Advisory Board cannot be shrugged off. The ISI and DGFI often jointly operate inside India. Taking advantage of Pakistan’s ‘theopolitical’ hegemony on vast sections of Bangladeshi people, specially the Afghan jihad veterans and other tanzeems, the ISI continue to operate against Indian targets in the Northeast. Nepal and Sri Lanka-based ISI outfits generally target the Indian heartland and the peninsular tracts.
The DGFI, besides handling joint ventures with the ISI, conducts ‘loner operations’ against India. The DGFI supports the Achik National Volunteer Council and Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council of Meghalaya, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, the Kamtapuri Liberation Organisation in West Bengal, the Dima Halam Daoga and the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity of Assam.
In Manipur, the DGFI’s main tools are the separatist United National Liberation Front, the People’s Liberation Army, PREPAK, the People’s United Liberation Front, the United Islamic Revolutionary Army, the North East Minority Front and the Indigenous People’s Revolutionary Alliance.
Bangladesh: The next terror frontier? In Assam, besides ULFA, the DGFI’s main clients are the Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam, United Liberation Front of Barak Valley, Muslim United Liberation Front of Assam, United Liberation Militia of Assam, Islamic Sevak Sangh, United Muslim Liberation Front of Assam and Revolutionary Muslim Commandos etc.
Besides running classical intelligence operations the DGFI has sponsored Bangladeshi jihadi tanzeems to establish cells and modules in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Dimapur and the Tezpur foothills areas of Nagaland, West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
These cells and modules are set up in areas inhabited by Bangladeshis.Indian intelligence agencies and others are aware that the DGFI played significant roles in the January 22, 2002 attack on the US consulate in Kolkata, the New Delhi bomb blasts on October 29, 2005, the Varanasi blasts and the Mumbai train blasts. These were ISI and DGFI joint operations.
There are indications that a serving major of the DGFI’s special operations cell crossed over to India with valid documents about 10 days before the Delhi blasts and spent three days in Kolkata. About six days before the incident, he was noticed at a guesthouse in Delhi with an undercover diplomat from the Pakistan high commission.
After he returned to Kolkata and left for Dhaka, the DGFI’s Kolkata station chief reached Delhi and met another Pakistani diplomat. He was present in Delhi on the day the serial blasts took place. In the Varanasi serial blasts both Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Harkat ul-Jihad-i-Islami members took leading roles after they were housed and trained at Char Gopalnagar, Khulna, in Bangladesh and traveled to Varanasi through cell-points at Berhampur in West Bengal Bhagalpur and Bare in Bihar. There is supporting information that an undercover officer of the ISI at Dhaka and a captain of the DGFI special operations cell visited Isurdi in Bangladesh to contact Harkat ul-Jihad-i-Islami area commander Barkatul Rahman Bablu. He was supposed to be the liaison man between the agencies and the tanzeem members responsible for the Varanasi incident.
The story of ISI and DGFI collaboration is thus of epic proportions. However, in the context of the latest carnage in Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Dibrugarh there is reliable information that this was a joint operation by the ULFA and DGFI.
Around December 28, top ULFA leaders and DGFI officials met at a safe house in Dhaka, and an operational task was charted out to create serious disruptions in Assam and in Siliguri to divert Indian attention from the election impasse in Bangladesh.
About 10 trained DGFI special task force members infiltrated into Assam and teamed up with ULFA cadres to carry out the mass killings. The infiltration of DGFI personnel into Assam is not a new development. To bolster sagging moral of local ULFA cadres and to bamboozle the Assam people, such special DGFI operators help ULFA cadres carry out spectacular actions. Some DGFI commandos are housed by Assam-based Muslim jihadi groups.
The ISI input cannot be discounted, as ULFA leaders Paresh Barua and Arabinda Rajkhowa returned to Dhaka from a trip to Pakistan around December 20.
Rajkhowa, who is trying to acquire an apartment in London with assistance of Dhaka-based ISI operatives, was pressurised to carry out the recent Assam task. Barua has reportedly bought apartments in Bangkok and London. The story of DGFI and ISI motivation in jointly and independently operating against Indian targets from Bangladesh is a part of the ‘unfinished agenda of the Partition of India.’ But that is another story. It is necessary for the Union and state governments to understand that after establishing ‘theopolitical’ hegemony in Bangladesh, Pakistan is now trying to gain joint ‘geopolitical advantages’ leading to the creation of a larger ‘Bangistan’ or ‘Northeast Pakistan’ as envisioned by Chaudhry Rahamat Ali in 1937 in his famous treatise ‘Now or Never.’ Is there any one in India to pay adequate attention to the DGFI and Pakistan’s ‘theopolitical’ allies in Bangladesh?
Maloy Krishna Dhar is a former joint director of the Intelligence Bureau and author of Open Secrets and Fulcrum of Evil-ISI, CIA, Al Qaeda Nexus. He is available at maloy_d@hotmail.com.
Grenade explodes in Assam, travel alert issued for foreigners By IANS
Guwahati, Jan 23 (IANS) Violence in Assam continued unabated with two more people injured in an overnight grenade explosion as Australia, Britain and the US issued advisories warning their nationals to keep away from the region. Police said militants riding a motorcycle late Monday lobbed a grenade outside a fuel station on a highway near Changsari, about 35 km west of here.
'Two people waiting near the edge of the petrol pump were injured,' a police official said. They were admitted to a hospital. Monday night's attack was the seventh explosion in the last week in which nine people were killed and 42 injured.
The bombings were preceded by the slaughter Jan 5-8 in eastern Assam by separatist guerrillas of 73 people, 61 of them being Hindi-speaking migrants. Authorities have blamed the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the attacks. ULFA has denied its involvement.
The attacks followed threats by ULFA asking migrant workers, most of them from Bihar, to quit Assam on the ground that they were taking away local jobs. 'The modus operandi of all attacks point towards ULFA,' said Khagen Sharma, Assam's police intelligence chief.
Meanwhile, Australia, Britain and the US have issued advisories asking their nationals to review travel plans to Assam. 'This warden message is issued to alert US citizens travelling to and residing in northeastern India, and especially Assam, of the serious security threat due to a series of recent killings and bomb attacks,' said an alert posted on the website of the US Consulate General in Kolkata. Similar alerts have been issued by Australia and Britain.
ULFA funding candidates in Bangladesh elections By IANS
Kolkata, Jan 22 (IANS) Even as Indian security forces crack down on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), it is reportedly funding select candidates in the now deferred general elections in Bangladesh, well informed sources here say. The sources say that ULFA is providing money to certain candidates from a cross section of parties in the election expected to produce a stiff contest between the two main alliances led by the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and the Awami League.
'It is partially funding at least 15 candidates, besides indirectly donating to party funds of a few major parties,' a source, with access to reliable information in the underground, told IANS. 'It is not a coincidence that most of these candidates are also very close to the ISI (the Pakistani intelligence agency),' the source added. According to reports from Bangladesh, ULFA, the most active insurgent group in northeastern India, is pumping over Rs.300 million ( nearly $6 million) in the polls. According to Indian government sources, the self-styled commander-in-chief of ULFA, Paresh Barua, is one of the wealthiest leaders in the outfit. His personal earnings a year from business ventures in Bangladesh are staggering. The total assets of ULFA are valued at over Rs.5 billion. This includes several benami (illegally operating) companies.
Barua, against whom Interpol alerts have been issued, also goes by the names of Kamruj Zaman Khan, Nur-uz-Zaman and Zaman Bhai in Dhaka. Anti-terror specialist and former Punjab Police chief K.P.S. Gill says on his website www.satp.org (South Asia Terrorism Portal) that ULFA has launched several income generating projects in Bangladesh. 'It has set up a number of firms in Dhaka, including media consultancies and soft drink manufacturing units. The ULFA reportedly owns three hotels, a private clinic and two motor driving schools in Dhaka.'
The site says that Paresh Barua is reported to personally own or has controlling interests in several businesses in Bangladesh, including a tannery, a chain of departmental stores, garment factories, travel agencies, shrimp trawlers and transport and investment companies. Reliable sources quoting political leaders in Bangladesh said Barua's funds are being managed and assisted by a senior functionary and candidate of one of the parties fighting elections.The ULFA leadership has managed to stay in Bangladesh for close to 15 years regardless of the party in power, be it pro-India Awami League or Khaleda Zia- led BNP. There is not a single report of Bangladesh taking any action against ULFA, barring some isolated cases.
Gill indicates on his website that it is an open secret in Bangladesh that ULFA leadership is living an open and luxurious life in that country. Reports indicate that the stakes for ULFA in the coming Bangladesh election is very high. The new government will have the authority to decide either to give shelter to ULFA leaders and cadres or to hand them over to India. Analysts say ULFA apprehends that with Indian influence growing in Southeast Asia and with the US cooperating with India on many issues including terrorism, the possibility of the rebels being deported to India seems very real. 'ULFA has to pay protection money to government officials of Bangladesh,' said one source who spoke strictly on the condition of anonymity. And rogue elements within the Pakistani intelligence ISI know that their grip on ULFA is 'complete and firm', the source added. Like many revolutionary groups that start with an ideology and purpose, ULFA has veered off its cause for which it was created 27 years back. The recent senseless killings of Bihari migrants, most of them poor, in Assam have again raised questions about the agenda of ULFA, which claims to be fighting for a sovereign Assam.
Ulfa plans attacks in Delhi The Nagaland Post
New Delhi, Jan 22 (Agencies): Security agencies have sounded an alert after an intelligence warning that the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is planning attacks in Delhi during Republic Day celebrations. The intelligence warning says four women ULFA militants are camping in Delhi and they are believed to be planning suicide attacks during the Republic Day.
According to reports, after the strikes in Asom, the ULFA is very likely to try and strike in the national capital for maximum impact. The sources also said that the ULFA militants are being backed by Bangladesh-based militant outfit Harkat-ul-jehad-e-Islami. The suicide squad is planning fatal strikes, the intelligence reports said. The Delhi police arrested two suspected Harkat-ul-Jihad-e- Islami militants on Wednesday and recovered 1.6 kg of RDX from them. They were planning to strike terror in the capital during the Republic Day celebrations, police claim.
The sources said the Union Home Ministry has already alerted the police and security agencies about the possible attacks. The Delhi police has already gone on a high alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations. on January 26 to prevent any terror attack. Police are keeping a close watch on small hotels. They are also checking out details about tenants from landlords. Cyber cafes and PCOs in the capital have also been put on alert about their customers. All nine districts of Delhi have been under increased security surveillance. Police have already arrested over 70 people of suspected identity.
Clarification- Naga;and Post Opinion
In continuation to earlier clari-fications by some of the au-thorities of the NSCN/GPRN, the undersigned do give this statement in the form of clarification for the information and necessary record for all concerned. That, all the recent big claims of the IK group in the form of concocted and exaggerated statements through media is all rubbish.
That, the allegation of the IK group upon the two Konyak boys, who were killed by them (IK grop) at Kohima on January 12' 2007 to be responsible in the killing of Sgt Moa Phom at Kohima on January 19' 2007 is one of their many kinds of excuses in the eyes of the Naga public and a way of disturbing the peaceful cordial relations among the Nagas.
For instance, sowing the seeds of discord between the Konyak and Chang tribes on Tobu issue and the recent incident of misunderstanding at Shamator involving the Tikhir and Yimchunger tribes are few of their (IK-group's) misadventures. It is to be reckoned by the Nagas that IK group shout choruses of 'Peace, unity and reconciliation' while actually they enforces the reign of terror within the Naga society, and that is why the Nagas have been experiencing chaotic state of affairs and bloodsheds in Nagaland.
Therefore, as has been made amply clear through our earlier statements, I once again make this clarification for the information of all concerned that the two Konyak boys recently killed by the IK group are purely public and are in no way involved in the killing of a traitor (Sgy. Moa), who instead is responsible in the assassination of the two NNC education kilonsers consecutively. Nagas must know that they (IK) are adept in creating all forms of tactic to destroy the Naga society in guise of Naga nationalism.
Manchung Phom, Pongching village, Former chairman, Phom region, GPRN, NSCN (K).
A brief clarification- The Nagaland Post Opinion
Firstly, I would like to apolo-gies to the readers for my article which appeared on 19th Jan '07, if I have written anything hard for them (readers) to digest. Actually, my intention was to make everyone understand the reality of the importance of feelings and affection of one another. I did not speak or write the article on someone's behalf. But rather, am trying to let other tribe or tribes feel that my tribe and community is not enemy to them (This reply is being giving to the Rejoinder of Mr.Y.Wangtin Naga in Nagaland Post, dated 21st Jan'07).
In connection with the two boys who were unfortunately killed in Kohima, I only wrote, "allegedly belong to" or in other word, "accusing them of" by someone. Here, I never give confirmation or approval that the two boys belonged to Khaplang group. Since I am not English, I might have wrongly represented the notion or if not, the readers might have misinterpreted my English. On the question of rank and file or status, I only want to say that, I am not at all after them. I left my college and service to join the National service not for high rank and file or status but to serve my nation in the best level I could. I joined the then united NSCN, have been working for it and I shall be working for the same.
During the past 20 years of my national service, I have not asked for any high rank or file or status. I was once asked by some ones to take the post of Chaplee Kilonser despite my reluctance. As far as life and death is concerned, I don't have any authority as Mr. Wangtin has. I am representing my people and community in the Indo-Naga political Talk as a member only. Besides, if I were to be a slave, I am and will be the slave of none but my nation alone. Lastly, I would like to whole heartedly tell the people that, I never regret for losing my status if any.
But, so long as I and my people is concerned, we are not apart from one another. I represent the people, and all the righteous like-minded people are after me, since the issue is purely national politics. And not between two tribes or two individuals.
Tongmeth Wangnao, Kilonser, Minister of Education, GPRN/NSCN (IM).
Nagaland: Nation in Christ- Nagaland Post Opinion
Filling men's heart with fear
Freedom we all hold dear
Now are at stake!
These are some of the words of a scriptural song written in the good old days. Today the perilous times have come. True! In the past there have certainly been very perilous times. The 20th century saw the great depression, two great world wars, the forces of fascism and Nazism wrecked havoc across. Europe and Japanese hordes swept throughout much of Asia and the pacific. The century witnessed the enslavement of hundreds of millions under communism and tyranny.
Today, we see new levels of the twin perils-terrorism and drugs-perilous time indeed! And we see every type of corruption abounding, and tragically this beautiful globe roller-coasting towards the "Mother of all disaster"-the climax of the age.
The times are perilous and the question on many a lip is, "what on earth is the world coming to?" But some will say, "Oh that's all negative! You are an alarmist! Look on the bright side, see the progress the prosperity and all the advances in science and technology".
Yes Nagaland is one nation that is boasting of its resistance against its aggressor. But how real is it? The Nagas find it hard to face the enemy even when the Naga nation was united during the good old days. So, how can we say that we are fighting for our nation when we are busy killing among ourselves? Surely Nagas are confused.
If killing among Nagas can solve our problem, let all Nagas young and old fight among ourselves till the last man and perish together as fools. Why don't we forgive and forget and reconcile. Then only solution to the Naga problem within our family is unity under one banner. And after all, we are Naga brothers and sisters and the blood that runs in our veins too is Naga blood. So we are not strangers to each other if we only forget and forgive. Those ignoring peace among us were not Nagas, meaning if you ignore forget and forgive and reconcile because Nagas are peace loving people. And nobody wants the fighting among ourselves. My dear Naga people, don't we see we have hurt ourselves by weakening our ability to recognize our enemies as such, seeing them rather as erstwhile peace partner? But one day we expect out people to arrive at common understanding and live peacefully in this land of ours, dear to our heart.
Kuknalim Wongcham Yimchungrü, Chumukedima.
Opp parties’ plea for peace talks By A City Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 22 – The forum of 12 Opposition political parties on Monday said that the ULFA problem had become more complex and volatile. They blamed the Government for overlooking the socio-political and economic factors that had helped in the growth of the ULFA and other militant groups in the State.

Asserting that the ULFA and its secessionist philosophy was a political problem and that it could be solved only through a political dialogue, the forum appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to initiate face-to-face talk with the banned outfit at the earliest.

The forum pointed out that insurgency was gaining ground due to the delay in addressing the political and mainly the economic issues that were long plaguing the State. “Taking advantage of the vacuum in the minds of the educated unemployed youth, the insurgent groups are alluring them to the path of violence,” observed the forum, adding that the conflict situation would not be solved unless the remedial measures ensured economic uplift of Asom.

In a written communiqué addressed to the Prime Minister, the forum mentioned the need for undertaking a holistic approach that would take into consideration every aspect of life here for a solution to the insurgency and separatist movement, as well as for a better understanding of the ULFA issue. The Opposition parties while expressing their dismay at the derailment of the peace talks, said that in the interest of the people, both the Government and the ULFA should avoid their rigid stance.

“The deadlock over the peace process is very unfortunate and will do no good to the common people of Asom,” said the forum, cautioning that the innocent people would bear the brunt of both the security forces and the militants. Describing that it would be neither wise nor pragmatic to close the doors of dialogue with the ULFA, the forum said that the problem could not be nipped by using the armed forces, as is being deliberated by the Government. The forum staged a sit-in-demonstration in all the district headquarters today demanding resumption of unconditional talks with the ULFA.
Army: ULFA procuring arms By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Jan 22: The Army recently arrested five arms dealer in upper Asom when they were entering from Nagaland which indicates that the ULFA is still procuring weapons, a top Army officer said today. Cash amount to the tune of Rs 9 lakh was also recovered from them. In view of the recent explosions, security agencies have been asked to keep a strict vigil in areas like Ledo Coal Fields, construction sites in Arunachal Pradesh etc where explosive materials are normally detonated. Security agencies are of the view that the rebel group is procuring explosive materials from these areas. In the past few days, the Army has arrested 20 ULFA leaders, 12 overground workers and recovered three universal machine guns, one Thomson Sub Machine Gun, AK series rifles, pistols and rifles. A top Army official said that operation is being carried to the remotest areas.
ULFA deadline for Congmen BID ON CONG MLA Our Bureau Sentinel
GUWAHATI/TINSUKIA, Jan 22: With the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) setting a 48-hour deadline for Congress workers and leaders last night to quit the party, grassroots-level party workers, especially of Magherita and other remote areas that are close to Arunachal Pradesh, are a panicky lot. Congress workers along the Arunachal Pradesh border are soft targets for ULFA cadres who can enter Asom from the neighbouring State, kill people and flee.
Meanwhile, unidentified gunmen made an abortive attempt on the life of Doomdoma MLA Durga Bhomiz last night. According to sources, some armed youths had a scuffle with the guards in the Congress MLA’s resident last night but could not enter the house.
It may be mentioned here that a number of Congress workers have already deserted the party after the ULFA threat, and more resignations are on the cards with the setting up of the 48-hour deadline.
Admitting the resignation of some Congress workers, Asom Power and Industry Minister Pradyut Bordoloi, who is also Margherita MLA, said: “My constituency has about 18,000 active Congress workers, and I have received information that some of them have quit the party in the aftermath of the ULFA threat. We are worried of the matter. To provide a security shield to the party workers, some camps have been set up.” He, however, refused to divulge the locations of the camps for security reasons.
Asom Government spokesman and Education Minister Ripun Bora said that the Congress in Asom had been under such threats since 1985. “The Congress is a 121-year-old party and each and every party worker and leader is committed to the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country, and as such the gun can only make the party workers desert the party apparently, but their hearts will be always with the party,” he said, and added: “We won’t bow down to the rebel group.”
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhubaneswar Kalita, on the other hand, said that he had no information about resignation by any Congress workers. His statement was basically on the fact that he had not received any resignation letter yet. “A blast doesn’t kill only members of a particular political party,” he said. It may be mentioned here that so far there has been no security arrangement for Congress workers from the State PCC. The current situation may affect the party’s prospects for the ensuing panchayat poll.




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