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01/24/2007: "Swu's, Kitovi's comments lauded"

Swu's, Kitovi's comments lauded Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, January 23: A joint consultative meeting of the Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) held at Kohima today appreciated the recent proclamation of NSCN (I-M) Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu and the subsequent announcement of NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser, N Kitovi Zhimomi.

While NSCN-IM's Isak Chisi Swu had called for "reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion to ring all over Nagalim", NSCN-K's Kitovi called for collective wisdom stating "we must renew our aspects in all walks of life to integrate the restricted boundary to the zenith of rationale living".

A statement issued jointly by Naga Hoho president I Bengdang Jamir, NMA president Khesheli Chishi, NSF president Phushika Aomi and NPMHR executive member Dr N Venuh which was made available to Newmai News Network said that the consultative meeting was convened to deliberate and take stock of the prevailing situation and to further consolidate various roles and responsibilities.

The signatories said taking cue from the political necessities as indicated by the "national leaders", the House call upon all Nagas to re-invigorate their common understanding of political aspiration, based on the foundation of the "unquestionable" political history, and also to create an atmosphere of hope, trust and understanding for a common future.

The House also called for burying the "painful past of mistrust and misgivings" to help the upcoming generation of the Naga people to grow and develop in all fairness, so that posterity remembers the present-day leadership with gratefulness and their children blessed for their wisdom.

Route power, rout rebels - DoNER minister says militants have free run in the dark OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Jan. 22: DoNER minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today that resolving the power crisis in the Northeast could help check insurgency. He said militants enjoy a free run under cover of darkness. In an apparent bid to draw the Centre’s attention to inadequacies in developing the power sector in the region, the minister pegged the issue on “terrorism”.
Most states of the region are affected by militancy with the demands of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and Ulfa throwing the biggest challenges to the Centre. Aiyar said although 62 per cent of villages in the region are electrified, only 24 per cent households receive electricity. “Large areas of the Northeast have no electricity. It is hardly surprising that terrorism thrives,” he said.
“In the short run, action involving special measures is needed for the Northeast.” A massive increase of public sector investment for power in the Northeast is envisaged in the 11th Plan.
Aiyar described his ministry as one involved in formulation of policies. He said it is evident that households around the Northeast and thoroughfares, including highways and trunk roads and other public places, are not lit up at night. He stressed on lights at these places as it will ensure people’s comfort and also act as a security measure.
The main objective of the two-day sectoral conclave on power generation at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh last week focused on bringing “power to the people”.
Aiyar said top priority should be accorded to small hydro power programmes for the region. Aiyar said out of 492 projects identified in Arunachal Pradesh, only 68 have been implemented and 48 are under way. He added that losses incurred because of transmission and distribution losses were also responsible for power crisis in the region.
Former Nagaland Speaker laments on DAN Government’s inaction By Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune
Kohima, 24 January, (NEPS): Former Nagaland Speaker and senior Congress leader Z Lohe expressed serious concern on the prevailing unwanted environment in the State. He said the factional killings and clashes in the State were on the rise and “bloodshed” more during the last four years than the past under Jamir’s (SC Jamir) Congress Ministry.
Talking to NEPS here, the former Speaker recalled how present Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was till the fag end of Jamir’s last Congress Ministry as Home Minister used Jamir as one of his main electoral weapons against the Congress in the last election. “He (Jamir) was accused of being a main stumbling block to the peace process,” he said. “So he (Rio) managed to remove Jamir and therefore the roadblock was supposed to be removed.”
Unfortunately there had been “more bloodshed” during the last four years than the past Congress Ministry under Jamir’s leadership, Lohe regretted. “It is for the people now to understand what one propagates and what one actually does in practice”, he pointed out. “I think the Naga people are now mature enough to understand the differences”.
The former Speaker recalled the Congress’ slogan in 1998 about the solution of the Naga political issue. It was “United and go for solution”, he stated. But those chorus of the Congress was silenced by the odd majority, so as the ongoing the dialogue.
He however explained that unless one sat to exam, one would not know the question of pass or fail. So the NSCN-IM, he argued, was now sitting for exam. It would be better for the people to wait and see the outcome of that exam. “And to accept or reject the outcome depends on the quality of the result”, he stated. “So it is left to the people”.
He however lambasted the performance of the Rio Government on the Naga political issue, saying the Government seemed scared of whatever the outcome of the talk. “To this point anybody can dispute with me but why this Government should be afraid of the result or for that matter the dialogue if they stand by its declared policy,” he averred.
On the frequent face off between the NSCN factions and also with the Federal groups particularly in the Phek district, Lohe said it was wrong for the factions to put the security of any citizen at stake under any circumstances. “It should rather be the principle of any individual or groups claiming to be fighting for the political rights of our people to always see that the public peace is secure,” he elaborated.
On the other hand, State Government had its bounden duty to ensure the security of each citizen with or without public pressure or any one reminding them (Government), he said. Whereas on most of the occasion of threats to public peace and tranquility, “this Government chooses to remain a mere mute spectator”, although they were armed with enforceable potential such as Cease Fire Ground Rules under which, he explained, they had every right to discipline anyone trying to give threat to “peace in the land”. “Yet this Government is found to have no interest to use those given facilities in protecting the lives and security of its citizens”, he pointed out.
As far as CPO was concerned, he said they had taken a very “mature decision” to remain under the aegis of the NNC. “So we unanimously decided to abide by the NNC without siding with any particular faction. But there is no unanimity in the division of Federal set up”, he asserted.
Unfortunately the Federal set up was now divided into two. This division was being explored and exploited by other faction. “Therefore we could not fully blame the intrusion of other into our district (Phek) without “introspection into our position”, he stated.
NSCN(K) warns UNC, ANSAM not to interfere in Manipur polls Newmai News Network

Dimapur, Jan 22: The NSCN(K) in Nagaland has alleged that the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students Association,Manipur (ANSAM) at the behest of the NSCN(IM) are "directly monitoring" the ensuing Manipur Assembly elections. The Khaplang faction of the NSCN said that the NSCN(IM) has selected their own pick and choice persons as independent candidates. The NSCN(K) said this while issuing a press release through its secretary of MIP in Dimapur today. It further stated that the acts of the NSCN(IM), UNC and ANSAM are not election but selection.

The NSCN (K) also said that since the election was 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," adding the NSCN (K) was 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 the two organizations.

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 NSCN (K) said "more understanding in this issue is still required."
The NSCN (K) 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.
Train bound for Naga hills It’s cleared: trains chugging towards Kohima Thannganing Hungyo
Dimapur THINK LANDSLIDES. Think Dimapur-Kohima road. Now think of the railway line to be extended from Dimapur to Zubza, near Kohima. Think no further.
The ‘technical people’ will, rest assured, make a detailed alignment survey before tracks are laid. AK Jain, General Manager (Construction) of North East Frontier Railways, explained, “All the technical details will be considered.”
In a telephonic conversation with The Morung Express, he said fund allocation for survey works have already been allotted. The railway ministry has sanctioned Rs 850 crore for the implementation of the 40-km line and given a go-ahead for the final location survey for the project. A problem that may crop up is the issue of landowners parting with their land to facilitate space for the railway line as Nagaland has a peculiar landholding system. But to tackle this, the Nagaland Government says it is committed to developmental works. Planning Minister and President of the Nagaland People’s Front, Dr Shürhozelie Liezetsu said once the survey works by the railways is completed, the government will give “all-out support.”
When queried on whether the extension of the railway line would encourage the growth of migrant population, the minister said there would not be such a big problem as such.
The railway track may not follow the route of national highway 39 due to difficulties in terrain and it will not take the Niuland way either, he said. In the words of AK Sanwalka, General Manager (general administration), North East Frontier Railways, for development to come in Nagaland, “the people have to help us.”
NPF welcomes NSCNs’ proclamations The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 23 (MExN): In reaffirmation that admitting one’s wrong and mistakes is a positive initiative and a realistic process, the NPF welcomes the recent proclamations of NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and NSCN-K Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi.
The NPF, in a note, appreciated what it stated is the initiative taken by NSCN-K Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi tendering apology to the Naga people for the organization’s failings. “…we firmly believe that this good gesture shown by him is a unique step and exemplary for us and all those generations who are working for the Naga people” the party stated. The statement of NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Swu is also appreciated. “As true Christian, in faith, action or in our deed, reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion should be our guiding light for solution of our problems” the NPF said welcoming the proclamations of the two leaders. “…the NPF considers such initiatives as pragmatic and realistic processes for creating congenial and cordial atmosphere towards solving the complex Naga problems, a new beginning”, it added.
More bloodshed now under Rio, Lohe laments The Morung Express
Kohima, Jan 23 (NEPS): Former Nagaland Speaker and senior Congress leader Z Lohe expressed serious concern over the prevailing situation in the state. He said factional killings, bloodshed and clashes in the state are on the rise for the last four years than it was in the past under the Congress ministry. Talking to NEPS here, the former Speaker recalled how present Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was till the fag end of Jamir’s last Congress ministry as Home Minister, ‘used Jamir as one of his main electoral weapons against the Congress in the last election’. “He (Jamir) was accused of being the main stumbling block to the peace process,” he said. “So he (Rio) managed to remove Jamir and therefore the roadblock was supposed to be removed.”
Unfortunately there had been more bloodshed during the last four years than the past Congress ministry under Jamir’s leadership, Lohe regretted. “It is for the people now to understand what one propagates and what one actually does in practice”, he pointed out. “I think the Naga people are now mature enough to understand the differences”. The former Speaker recalled the Congress’ slogan in 1998 about the solution of the Naga political issue. It was “United and go for solution”, he stated. But the chorus of the Congress was silenced by the odd majority, so as the ongoing the dialogue. He, however, explained that unless one sat for an exam, one would not know the ‘question of pass or fail’. So the NSCN-IM, he argued, was now sitting for the exam. It would be better for the people to wait and see the outcome of it “and to accept or reject the outcome depends on the quality of the result”, he stated. “So it is left to the people”.
He however lambasted the performance of the Rio Government on the Naga political issue, saying they seemed ‘scared’ of whatever the outcome of the talk would be. “To this point anybody can dispute with me but why this Government should be afraid of the result or for that matter the dialogue if they stand by its declared policy,” he averred. On the frequent face-off between the NSCN factions and also with the federal groups particularly in Phek, Lohe said it was wrong for the factions to put the security of any citizen at stake under any circumstances. “It should rather be the principle of any individual or groups claiming to be fighting for the political rights of our people to always see that public peace is secure,” he explained.
On the other hand, the Government has its bounden duty to ensure the security of each citizen with or without public pressure or any one reminding them (Government), he said. Whereas on most occasions of threat to public peace and tranquility, “this Government chooses to remain a mere mute spectator”, although they are armed with enforceable potential such as Cease Fire ground rules under which, he explained, they have every right to discipline anyone trying to threaten the “peace in the land”. “Yet this Government is found to have no interest to use those given facilities in protecting the lives and security of its citizens”, he pointed out.
As far as CPO was concerned, he said they had taken a very “mature decision” to remain under the aegis of the NNC. “So we unanimously decided to abide by the NNC without siding with any particular faction. But there is no unanimity in the division of federal set up”, he asserted.
Unfortunately the federal set up is now divided into two. This division is being explored and exploited by other faction. “Therefore we could not fully blame the intrusion of others into our district (Phek) without ‘introspection into our position’”, he stated.
Manipur polls: it’s different this time Newmai News Network
Imphal The approaching 9th Assembly Election of Manipur is different from the elections it has witnessed during the past.
The D-days are just round the corner, but externally things appear as usual and cold as if it were just another occasion. Street sides in Imphal used to be decorated with banners, festoons and cut-out photos of political parties and the candidates. This time, the scene is different.
Both in the hills and in the valley of Manipur, the outward tempo is yet to get into the real election heat. However, this is one election which is going to be the most volatile and highly strategic polls. One notice in common is that the voters rush to their respective candidates while the candidates halt in their residences. The past elections were the other way round.
One reason for the quietness in the Naga dominated hill districts of Senapati, Chandel, Ukhrul and Tamenglong could be that the United Naga Council (UNC) has banned election-related merry-making, parties and public feastings.
The new various codes of conduct put up by the Election Commission of India could also well be the reason for the change in scenario. Prohibiting the use of loud speakers and restricting the size of expenditures of the candidates that come under the purview of the Code of Conduct, are likely factors believed to have changed the course of election fever in the state.
However, political analysts and experts in the All India Radio (AIR), Imphal commentary in this morning’s programme opined that it would be wrong to say that the election tempo is low compared to the past assembly elections. The analysts stated that the heat of the election is already there and the only thing is the concealed campaigning due to high election strategies adopted by the political parties and candidates. Directives from NGOs and underground factors could all the more be the reason for the sophisticated atmosphere this time round.
‘It is a mockery, a great insult to democracy’ Open letter to Sonia Gandhi, President AICC, New Delhi Letter to editor Morung Express
Madamji,
Respecting the seat of the highest echelon of the Congress Party, the die-hard congress workers of 44/ST/AC Ukhrul Centre, Manipur through this esteemed paper send a warm seasonal greeting to you, hoping that the Almighty God gives you a fine wisdom.
Indeed, it is a shame on the part of your high office to issue another congress ticket to AS Arthur when Congress party ticket was officially awarded to Aleng Shimrah of Ukhrul on 14th Jan 2007 by virtue of his uplifting figure – a unifying figure. His stratospheric ability to win the election is unquestionable. It is now highly questionable by all right thinking citizens of India why two candidates were issued congress ticket when election is at the threshold. It is a mockery, a great insult to democracy. It is beyond our comprehension why Congress, the oldest political party in India committed such a heinous crime. There is a strong belief that Sanjay Bhopana and Randey Thomas AICC Secretary came here only to fill their coffers – bribery no doubt is being clearly manifested. The double-standard of Oscar Fernandes too is vividly revealed.
Now there is a strong apprehension that the Congress Party image will be totally erased from the political map of Ukhrul Centre.
Madamji, why your party observers to Manipur stoop so low, when they are supposed to give you an astute political statement. Indeed they are misleading your esteemed office – eventually there will be abysmal division among the Congress workers which will only bring irreparable loss to the Congress Party.
Mention may be made that Memorandum is being sent to you via fax dated Imphal 30/01/2007 detailing the happenings here about the crisis of Congress Party candidature. Your congenial perusal is crucial. Remember, democracy is a representation of the people.
Madamji, we the Congress workers vehemently condemn the diabolical act of your high office; it has already created anti-Congress feeling to the active Congress workers who have been arduously toiling day in and day out to create a solid pedestal for the Congress party in (Ukhrul District) Manipur. Now the situation is extremely precarious, any wrong move will invite people’s wrath. From an ethical point of view, we are pained to submit you not to make a sellout of the legal and ethical standard the Congress is known for all these years.
Thanks for your great wisdom in creating a big void amongst the party workers. May you reap what you have intrinsically sown. Truth shall prevail.
Yours faithfully, Mahomi Mashangya, President, Youth Congress, Ukhrul District
Workers, Congress Party, Ukhrul
Shed mistrust, NGOs implore Nagas Kuknalim.com (The Telegraph)
KOHIMA, Jan 23:: Leading non-government organisations in Nagaland have called for a common understanding of the Naga political problem and building a conducive atmosphere for hope, trust and understanding. A joint consultative meeting of Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights discussed and took stock of the prevailing situation to consolidate its role and various responsibilities. While categorically taking note of some of the developments, the members talked about the problems that they have faced in the recent past owing to many factors.

The meeting, attended by Naga Hoho president, I. Bendang Jamir, Naga Mothers’ Association president, Khesheli Chishi, Naga Students’ Federation president, Phushika Aomi and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights executive member, N. Venous, acknowledged the NSCN (I-M) leader Isak Chishi Swu’s proclamation, “Let reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion ring all over Nagalim,” as well as NSCN (Khaplang) general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi’s call for collective wisdom: “We must renew our aspects in all walks of life to integrate the restricted boundary to the zenith of rationale living” with deep appreciation.

Taking a cue from political necessities as indicated by “our top national leaders,” the meeting implored Nagas to re-invigorate the common understanding of their political aspiration, based on the foundation of the political history scripted 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 misgiving and help the present Naga 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.
Muivah under Z-plus security cover Kuknalim.com(IANS)
KOHIMA, Jan 22:: In an irony of sorts, NSCN-IM's General Secretary, who is currently in New Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to hold peace talks has Z-Plus security cover provided by the Government.
"The Nagaland government is duty-bound to provide adequate security to Muivah during his proposed visit to the state. We have received a communication from the home ministry to arrange for Z-plus category security," a senior intelligence official, said. The heightened security comes in the wake of a 'death threat' against Muivah by the rival NSCN faction led by S S Khaplang.
Prof. Kannan sees ‘exciting opportunities’ in Nagaland Nagaland Post Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 23 (NPN): Vice Chancellor Nagaland University and noted bio-technologist Prof. Kannan said he saw "exciting opportunities" for making Nagaland even better than Singapore,while referring to the free travel to Singapore through Air India's RANK & BOLT award winners. Addressing the second RANK & BOLT awards ceremony held at the IMC here Tuesday, Prof. Kannan said Nagaland's environment and natural resources needed to be discovered and they were not crumbling as perceived by some people.
"I want Nagaland's children to take environment and biodiversity as a hobby and make them do mapping every year", he said. Prof Kannan said the rich bio-diversity of the State showed it was sitting on a priceless potential which could help the state earn a lot through eco-tourism by educating children and youths about its value. The NU Vice Chancellor said during his recent visit to Khonoma he saw in what scientists were looking for in the world.
He urged students to discover what was there in their own backyard rather than look the other way. Prof Kannan said the NU was trying to make environment a subject to attract maximum students to the field. He said though micro-biology was not popular in Nagaland, the university would make efforts to cultivate interest on the subject among students.
He further revealed that efforts were being made to set up a bio-informatics centre and a school of natural forest/product in Nagaland. Prof. Kannan further stressed on cultivating the ability to hold on things for success and development, adding, "Don't expect results to come in a day."
NSCN (K) announces bounty Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Jan 23 (NPN): The GPRN/NSCN (K) Tuesday announced a reward of rupees five lakhs to anyone who will capture and kill two NSCN (I-M) functionaries - "maj" Ape Chakhesang and Kakuto Assumi - or give information leading to the arrest of the duo.
The NSCN (K) made the announcement hours after the killing of its activist Vikuto, alias Neon, of Aichisaghemi, Zunheboto, allegedly by NSCN (I-M) on Tuesday. NSCN (K) Union Territory-1 supervisor Akato Chophi alleged Vikuto was abducted from Dimapur on Tuesday and later killed at the central headquarters of NSCN (I-M) at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur.
He alleged NSCN (I-M) Dimapur town commander "maj" Ape Chakhesang and the faction's UT-1 political organizer, Kakuto Assumi; were responsible for the killing. The slain underground activist had recently defected to NSCN (K) purportedly from the NSCN (I-M).
Akato blasted the recent proclamation of NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu for peace and reconciliation in entire "Nagalim". He alleged at one hand the NSCN (I-M) collective leadership was issuing such proclamation and on the other hand killings were taking place "under their nose". "On one hand the so-called collective leaders issue proclamation for peace and reconciliation and on the other hand such kind of incident happens. Today's incident happened under their (Swu and Th. Muivah) nose," Akato alleged.
Ibobi`s Thoubal poll campaign in full swing The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jan 23: Chief minister O Ibobi, who is among 89 candidates whose fate will be decided during the first phase of the ensuing Assembly elections, has taken his election campaign into high gear, attending a host of flag-hoisting ceremonies across Thoubal kendra, participating in a mass rally and addressing a well-attended public meeting today at Thoubal district headquarters.

Ibobi is contesting in Thoubal A/C as well as Khangabok A/C in a bid to ensure his re-election to the state legislative Assembly. Today`s mass rally, participated by several thousand Congress supporters, was kicked off this afternoon at Thoubal Ningombam, and culminated at the grounds of the Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School, Thoubal.
Speaking at the mass rally, Ibobi alternatively promised continued stability and development under a Congress government, and lambasted the MPP and other rival parties as collections of disparate politicians without coherent principles or ideology.

The chief minister also promised that AICC president Sonia Gandhi, and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be visiting the state, and participate in the Congress election campaign in Thoubal by February 4 or 5 next. He told the crowd that confirmation of Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh`s trip would come within the next two days. Pleading with the public to support the Congress and ensures it returns to power with absolute majority, he said only the Congress can provide a strong and stable government and ensures its prosperity.

Ibobi cited the proposed rail link between Jiribam and Imphal, which is slated for completion within three years, as one of the benefits of the Congress rule in Manipur. He also observed that many important projects that have been actively pursued by the Congress government would be completed by 2007 or 2008. He went on to say that the government has not been able to take up all the development steps it wanted during the past five years due to financial constraints, but blamed this on the misdeeds of previous governments. Baring his fangs at the Nationalist Congress Party and the Manipur People`s Party, he maintained that they were an `unholy alliance`, composed of party-hoppers and Congress rejects, who did not have any common principle or ideology. Such parties cannot form a stable government or produce government policy, he said. Ibobi also predicted that none of the Congress`s rivals will be able to return more than two or three candidates from the hill areas.
UNC, ANSUM under influence of NSCN-IM: NSCN-K ‘Do not interfere in Manipur polls’ Sentinel
Dimapur, Jan 23: The NSCN (K) in Nagaland has alleged that the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) at the behest of the NSCN(IM) are ‘directly monitoring’ the ensuing Manipur Assembly elections.
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN said that the NSCN(IM) has selected their own pick and choice persons as independent candidates. The NSCN(K) said this while issuing a press release through its secretary of MIP in Dimapur yesterday. It further stated that the acts of the NSCN(IM), UNC and ANSAM were not election but selection. The NSCN (K) also said that since the election was 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’, adding the NSCN (K) was 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 the two organizations. 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 NSCN (K) said ‘more understanding in this issue is still required.’
The NSCN (K) 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.
Three abandoned packets found in Guwahati--- PTI
Guwahati, Jan 24: Three unclaimed packets were today found in separate places here creating panic, but they turned out to be harmless.
The police said one of the packets was found from Sarafbhatti area, near the office of the Director General of Police. It contained batteries.
Another packet was traced at a super market in Dispur capital complex area and after opening it, two cameras were found inside.
A third packet was found on the roadside near Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport.
The Bomb Disposal Squad was looking into it, the police said adding they were not taking any chances because of the continuous bomb explosions by the proscribed ULFA in the state.
Blasts continue to rock State, 22 injured By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 23 – In the run-up to the Republic Day celebrations, the banned ULFA continued to rock the State with a series of blasts at different places, including the State capital Guwahati. Fifteen people were injured, one critically, in a bomb explosion when a tea stall owner of Adabari, Suraj Zamal, threw an unclaimed bag, suspecting it to be an explosive, to a nearby drain. The bag actually had a bomb inside, which exploded immediately after it was thrown to the drain. The incident took place near a mosque in Adabari under Jalukbari police station around 6-30 pm. The injured have been admitted to hospitals including the Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH).
Almost the same time, a bomb was recovered from railway tracks at Noonmati around 6-45 pm.

Elsewhere, a woman was injured in another blast at Boragog village under Kamalpur police station in Kamrup (Rural) district this morning. Our Baihata Chariali Correspondent adds: Tension prevails at Baihata Chariali area following a bomb blast at the residence of Abbas Ali, a resident of Boragog near Dorakahara, around 7-45 am today. Sajina Begum (18), daughter of Ali, was seriously injured in the blast and was admitted to the GMCH.

The incident occurred when Saidul Islam, son of Ali, tried to open a ball-like object inside the house, which he claimed to have picked up from railway tracks the previous night. Meanwhile, Islam has been arrested and his interrogation is on. The officer-in-charge of Kamalpur police station said Islam changed his version before police, and that police suspect him to be either a member or a linkman of extremist organizations. His confession is likely to throw much light in the recent blasts in the State.

Our Bongaigaon Correspondent adds: In Bongaigaon district, six persons were injured in an explosion at the Paglasthan market in Bongaigaon town around 6-10 this evening. The explosives were kept in a bag on a cycle in front of a shop. The injured have been identified as Suraj Singh (20), Soumen Roy (30), AK Deb (40), Sunil Jain (40), Mitan Sutradhar (30) and Rudra Das (30).

There was another explosion under a culvert near Bongaigaon around 11-30 am. However, none was injured.
Doors for talks still open: Gogoi By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 23 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that though the doors for negotiations with the militants are still open, the ultras must abjure violence to come for talks and sovereignty is not negotiable. In a statement here, the Chief Minister said, “the attacks by the ULFA on unarmed common people demonstrated that they are frustrated and their strength has gone down. I am happy that all sections of people of the state have univocally condemned the heinous killings and the support base of the outfit is going down.”

Launching an attack on the ULFA, Gogoi said that development of Asom is not on the agenda of the outfit. The agenda of the ULFA is to keep Asom disturbed to keep its main problem of unemployment disturbed, he said. He also said that the ULFA was doing so at the behest of the forces who were opposed to development of the State and such acts of violence also gave wrong signal to the investors.

Gogoi said that at the initial stages when the ULFA launched its acts of violence against Hindi speaking people, the state faced shortage of forces, but subsequent arrival of forces including an Army brigade, improved the situation and the operations against the militants have been intensified. He claimed that not a single Hindi speaking person, who live permanently in the state, left Asom and the number of inmates in the relief camps came down from nine thousand to about three thousand now. He assured that the Government would give full protection to every Indian citizen living in the state as every citizen of India has the right to live anywhere in the country. “We are against any kind of violence and such acts will be dealt with firmly,” he said.

The Chief Minister asserted that the National Games would be held successfully as per schedule. Referring to a statement by one Hiranya Saikia, a member of the people’s consultative group (PCG), who claimed that the situation in the state was not conducive for holding of the Games, Gogoi said that the PCG member was speaking ULFA’s language. He appealed to the people to ignore people like Saikia.
Three traders killed in mistaken identity in Assam Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service Copyright Indo-Asian News Service

Guwahati, Jan 24 (IANS) Paramilitary personnel Wednesday killed three traders mistaking them to be militants in Assam even as another explosion rocked the state, the latest in a wave of violence that has killed 86 people in 20 days. Police said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) asked three youths riding a motorcycle to stop at a checkpoint near the eastern town of Geleki, 370 km from here. 'The youths took some time to stop their bike. In the meantime the troopers fired at them killing two on the spot. Another died in a hospital,' a police official said over telephone. The government has ordered an enquiry by a magistrate into the killings after locals identified the three youths as traders, not rebels.

'A case of murder has been registered and investigations are on. The law will take its course,' the official said. This is the first instance of aberration by security forces in Assam in the counter-insurgency operations that began Jan 8. Meanwhile, an explosion took place in the eastern district of Tinsukia Wednesday although no one was injured.
'The blast occurred in an isolated area,' Tinsukia district magistrate Absar Hazarika told IANS.

On Tuesday night, separatist guerrillas shot dead a ruling Congress party leader near Naharkatia in eastern Assam. A police spokesman said suspected militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) late Tuesday attacked Chandra Chutia, president of a local village unit of the Congress, outside his residence. 'The ULFA rebels fired at Chutia from close range with automatic weapons killing him on the spot,' said the official.
The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland since 1979, last week threatened to kill Congress workers and leaders if New Delhi did not stop a military offensive against the outfit.

There were five explosions Tuesday killing one person and injuring 20 people. Rattled by three explosions in Assam's main city Guwahati in the past week, the authorities have asked all shops and businesses in the city to shut down after dusk.

'As part of safety measures in crowded market areas, we have asked traders to close their businesses by 5.30 p.m.,' said Guwahati Municipal Corporation spokesman Binod Hazarika.
The blast Wednesday was the 13th in the past week, and brings the week's toll from violence in the state to 10 people killed and 62 wounded. 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. The latest attacks were Assam's worst violence in years, and came after the central government called off a six-week ceasefire in September and resumed military offensives, accusing of ULFA of stepping up violence and extortions.

India's Assam closes at sundown as attacks grow By Biswajyoti Das
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Authorities in India's restive state of Assam ordered shops and businesses to close before sundown on Wednesday as security forces struggled to contain guerrilla attacks blamed for more than 80 deaths this month.
In a further blow to the authorities' prestige, three businessmen were killed by security forces after being mistaken for rebels of the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

Separately, seven people were wounded in a suspected rebel bomb attack on a tea stall. Many streets in Guwahati, Assam's biggest city, were deserted after nearly daily grenade attacks and bomb blasts in the state over the past week. The violence comes despite a military offensive against the separatists following the massacre of 72 migrant workers this month.

The indefinite closure of shops and businesses at sundown across the state was aimed at halting civilian casualties, but did little to inspire confidence. "There is no guarantee of safety of lives in Assam and only God knows how long this is going to continue," said Chandrima Phukan, a mother of a five-year-old son. Like many people, she now longer shops late or takes her children outside to parks. India's northeast, joined to the rest of the country by a thin strip of land, is home to dozens of tribes and ethnic groups, and several major separatist rebellions.

The ULFA rebel group, formed in 1979, is fighting for independence for Assam's 26 million people. The rebels accuse New Delhi of plundering the state's mineral resources and neglecting its inhabitants. Most Assamese are Hindu but speak the Assamese language. The ULFA has tried to bolster its sagging popularity by targeting migrants from other parts of India, whom they accuse of diluting their culture, analysts say. Violence has risen in the oil- and tea-rich state after peace talks between the representatives of the ULFA and New Delhi failed last year. Some 20,000 people have been killed since the start of the insurgency in 1979.

OFFENSIVE FAILS?

Thousands of soldiers have fanned out into the jungles of Assam to hunt the rebels while others are deployed on streets throughout the state in a major show of force. But the offensive appeared only to cause a violent backlash.

"There is total chaos in the state, " said Noni Gopal Mahanta, a security analyst at the Peace and Conflict Studies Centre at Guwahati University. "The (state) government lacks a clear policy to contain violence and the rebels are taking advantage of it."

He said security forces were finding it difficult to identify militants among the state's civilians and many officials were worried a hardened crackdown would lead to accusations of human rights violations. Police said security forces shot dead the three businessmen after mistaking them for rebels as they tried to enter an oil installation in Geleki in Sivsagar district, about 325 km (200 miles) east of Guwahati. The men supplied construction material to the oil site. Separately, a bomb exploded at a roadside tea stall in Tinsukia town, about 600 km (370 miles) east of Guwahati, wounding seven people.
"Contrary to the government's assertion that it would provide security to us, it has now asked us to close down and go home in the evening," Rajesh Jain, a computer dealer in Guwahati, said. "Which means that it has failed to provide security to its people and bowed down before the militants."
New dimensions to insurgency in the North-east Nagarealm
The flux in the counter-insurgency situation in the North-east is acquiring new dimensions by the day with the leading lights of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) arriving in India in the X’Mas season and interesting signs and signals emanating from the nations on the periphery that have long been sanctuaries for insurgents from India.

That general secretary of the NSCN (I-M) Thuingaleng Muivah and chairman Isak Chishi Swu should decide to make a second visit so soon after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had undercut any expectation of merger of Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh into the “Nagalim” of their dreams by stating categorically that there would be no such integration is an indicator that “flexibility” is operational and alive. However, factors outside the periphery of India could obtrude on the Naga situation as well as on the many other insurgencies in the North-east. One is the overt hesitation on the part of the Myanmar military regime to crack down on the bases and sanctuaries of militants on its soil a la Bhutan some years ago. Instead, it has agreed to a mechanism for joint interrogation of cross border terrorists, smugglers and drug traffickers through what is to be called “Police Liaison Post”.
On the face of it this appears to be forward movement in handling cross border crime but it is unlikely to address India’s concerns over militants of different hues using Myanmar territory for terrorist activities in the contiguous Indian States. The reason being the absolutely porous nature of the India-Myanmar border. The mountainous and thickly forested terrain is not amenable to establishing police liaison posts through which travellers can be apprehended and interrogated. It will, forever, remain a static fixture around which activities detrimental to India can continue to swirl unabated. This arrangement is a far cry from what India had hoped would happen -- a full-scale military operation of the kind launched by the Royal Bhutan Army against sanctuaries established by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the KLO, and Bodo ultras in southern Bhutan some years ago.
For some time there was talk of “joint operations” on both sides of the border so that militants can be killed or captured by troops operating in unison. In this scenario what was envisaged was a “hammer and anvil” operation. That apparently is not to be and what is proposed to be done through the police liaison post is to elicit information from those who may be intercepted through “police action” rather than military operations. Police liaison posts presuppose border crossing points with road networks on either side. Such arrangements are few on the India-Myanmar border and in any case will not be used by militants bent on keeping their activities surreptitious. The message this arrangement sends out is that Myanmar is half-hearted in acceding to India’s requests for a crackdown on anti-India activities from its soil.
Simultaneously, India’s expectation that the next regime in Bangladesh, hopefully headed by Sheikh Hasina Wajed of the Awami League and its 19-party coalition, would put an end to the approximately 150 camps from where anti-India insurgents operate could prove pyrrhic. The alliance between the Awami League and Islamic fundamentalist political entity named the Khelafat-e-Majlish could inhibit the hitherto pro-India Awami League in its dealings with New Delhi. Clearly the Awami League has succumbed to the increasingly pervasive compulsions of Islamic fundamentalism sweeping Bangladesh. Dhaka under Begum Khaleda Zia and the Islamist parties aligned with her encouraged the fundamentalists to flourish and Pakistan has taken full advantage of the situation. If Awami League led alliance comes to power, the feeling is growing that there could be another exodus of Bangladeshi Hindus, harassed by atrocities, into India.

The Bangladesh connection in cross border terrorism has brought to the fore a new phenomenon. The arrest of three Manipuri youth in Delhi recently with explosives and weapons shows that the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) which is hyperactive in Bangladesh under Begum Khaleda Zia has managed to indoctrinate indigenous ethnic elements in order to camouflage its activities in India. The effect of these developments on its periphery could harden attitudes in insurgent groups like the ULFA and the NSCN. Against ULFA India had been pressing Burma to act militarily on its side of the border but the police liaison post arrangement has scotched that possibility. It can be expected that ULFA will be overjoyed and step up its cross border terrorism and India will have to brace itself against bomb blasts in crowded localities and attacks on its oil installations in the north-east.
Also, although the ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) has held for the past decade, there would be a sense of relief amongst the Naga ultras that Myanmar is not about to attack its base camps on its soil. This could embolden it in its dealing with India and add new kinks in the dialogue for recognition of Naga “sub-nationalism”. India has been pressing for NSCN to accept arrangements within the four walls of the Indian Constitution which is flexible enough to allow a large a measure of autonomy. In the context of insurgencies and separatist movements in the north-east the Government of India must draw appropriate lessons from the Myanmar and Bangladesh developments. The basic fact must be recognised is that it is only through its own efforts that it can expect to achieve a modicum of success. It must, therefore, redouble the creation of the barbed wire fence on the border with Bangladesh so that, as on the western front with Pakistan, cross border terrorism can be curbed by its own security agencies. Expectations that Myanmar and Bangladesh will cooperate in counter-insurgency operations to the extent India wants are not likely to fructify in the near future.

The fact that the ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) had threatened to evaporate after a couple of short-term extensions but for the dialogue on the extent of sub-nationalism the Indian Constitution can accommodate indicates that secessionism is still the underlying factor in both NSCN and ULFA positions. One will learn soon enough from Muivah and Isak Swu how they interpret the developments with Myanmar and Bangladesh. [Vinod Vedi - Syndicate Features]