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01/25/2007: "UNC’s election gamble runs into rough water"

UNC’s election gamble runs into rough water The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 24 (MExN): The words of Oscar Fernandes on January 18 at Imphal that the UNC’s directive to the Naga politicians to support only independent candidates will create some problems in the hill area now seems to ring true with the President of Naga National Party (NNP), Ng Hungyo today coming out strongly that the UNC is creating confusion and division among the Naga people.
In a telephonic conversation with the NNP president, Hungyo said the Nagas of Manipur are confused about whom to support and not to support. He categorically said that the UNC being a social apex body in Manipur, they are not authourised by the people to act as a political party and that they should not involve directly in elections. “They may involve in Naga Common issues like integration, extension of cease fire and support Indo Naga peace talks”, the NNP President lectured while adding that election is not for Naga issue but for development and welfare of the people.
The NNP president charged that the UNC has not kept its word with regards to choosing their candidates. “The UNC said that they will not select sitting or ex-MLA of this term, but contrary to their stand they have selected independent candidates out of their own choice unilaterally” said Hungyo.

On being asked what reaction they expect from the Naga body with regards to their critical opinion about the UNC, the NNP president optimistically said that it was for the good of the UNC only.
“Our party is exploring to save UNC and her subordinate organizations (ANSAM, NMA) from damaging their images…they should support us” said the NNP president confidently. He further said, “This is not the right way for the UNC to act, I sincerely appeal to all the Nagas to pray and work for Naga unity and development.”
Even while the NNP president Hungyo expressed its displeasure towards the UNC, a press release from the NNP president termed the situation in Manipur as ‘boiling’ and ‘ugly’ and called for a silent protest to be observed on January 26 next.
The release strongly hit out at some Naga bodies for threatening political parties and candidates and alleged that these organizations were propagating hatred among the people.
“There are voices of threatening warning from some organisations which are unexpected in the democratic system like India. Some organisations in the name of people interest and issue have been propagating hatred among the Naga especially in Manipur during this ensuing election,” the release stated. The release pointed out that the present situation for the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election, 2007 has created immense differences in deciding the fate of the political parties and contesting candidates”. The NNP alleged that some organisations have been creating anger, division and hatred during the ensuing election of Manipur state and expressed its apprehension that the Naga organisations are trying to keep the Nagas aloof from others.
“The NNP is apprehensive that they (Naga Organisation) are digging pots to burry all Naga civilian of Manipur and to keep aloof from other Nagas”, the release stated.
The NNP called upon the people to protest silently and pray in their hearts and mind saying that the NNP believe that by protesting and prayer in your heart silently the Nagas can save all the ugly situations for better future.
Though the NNP press release made no mention of any particular union, the telephonic conversation with the NNP president left no doubts that the organizations which the party mentioned are none other than the UNC, the ANSAM and the NMA etc which has supported the UNC directive.
UNC appeals on declaration

Imphal, jan 24 (NNN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed the Naga intending candidates who had not been nominated by the UNC on January 19 to show respect to the clause-VII of the Naga body’s declaration which was appended by 60 Naga intending candidates on January 16 at Taphou Community Hall, Senapati. The UNC pleaded that those intending candidates who had not been nominated to “withdraw or retire from the 9th Assembly Election in the general interest of the Naga people...

and extend their co-operation to the consensus candidates of the UNC”.
UNC information and publicity secretary S Milan told Newmai News Network this while stating,” In as much as we respect the 60 (sixty) candidates who have signed the declaration of the United Naga Council (UNC) along with their election agents and their respective family representatives on January 16, 2007 at Taphou, Tahamzam (Senapati), we now appeal to those candidates who have not been nominated by the UNC on January 19 to kindly respect the clause-7 of the declaration.
The particular clause of the UNC’s declaration states, “I declare that I will accept without any reservation whatsoever, the candidature of the particular person who is determined by the Naga people represented by the UNC to be the consensus candidate.”
Meanwhile, the UNC said that the names of the Consensus Candidates for the first phase of the poll are Wungnaoshang Keishing in Phungyar Assembly Constituency, Danny Shaiza in Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, Dr.Khasim Ruivah in Chingai Assembly Constituency, RV Shirang in Karong Assembly Constituency, S.Kho John in Mao Assembly Constituency and K.Raina in Tadubi Assembly Constituency.
Naga story shared in international meet Morung Express News
Dimapur As the Africa–Asian Solidarity meeting held January 18-19, 2007 and the World Social Forum (WSF) from January 20-25, 2007 brought the world to Africa, Neikesanuo Sorhie from Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) representing the Nagas shared the Naga story on right to self-determination emphasizing on the Naga people’s desire to determine and build their own future as one nation.
Neikesanguo Sorhie along with other participants at the World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. The WSF is an international event where thousands gather to articulate for an alternative world. The 5-day event comes to end on January 25.
According to information received, campaigning was done with the help of brochures, personal interactions, group discussions and also press interviews. Building networks and solidarity link with the different democratic struggles around the world was one focus that could be achieved with the hope that the Naga issue that is often distorted and hidden from the world receive the attention it so deserves.
It may be mentioned that activists, social movements, networks, coalitions and other progressive forces from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe and all corners of the continent converged in Nairobi, Kenya to share stories of struggle and address the many issues that confronts the world today especially the poor, the women and the Indigenous People the world over. The theme largely revolved around issue of globalization, imperialism, labour, women rights, right to information, education etc. The agenda discussed in the Africa - Asia Solidarity Meeting was taken to the larger forum in the WSF.
NSCNs shootout at Chumu The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 24 (MExN): Three cadres of the NSCN-IM, one from the NSCN-K and a civilian non-local, sustained injuries when fighters from the two groups exchanged gunfire today evening here at Shurhuza colony junction, Chumukedima. The non-local, identified as one Jagdish Chaudary sustained a bullet injury in the right arm when the cadres “abushed each other”, according to sources. The injured non-local has been admitted in Civil Hospital Dimapur.
Sources said both the NSCNs’ cadres chased each other in two yellow cabs and headed towards Chumukedima village. According to NSCN-K ‘UT-1 Supervisor’ Akato Chophi, his boys were ‘patrolling’ in the area when cadres from the rival group, in a Maruti car and a Gypsy, ambushed them. “My boys only retaliated. As per information from (informers in the) I-M, they told us three of their cadres were injured, one of them seriously. Only one of my boys sustained injury but not serious” he said. He informed that about 20 bullets were shot into the Gypsy and “we thought one of them was killed”. “They fired the first shot” Chophi maintained. Although tried to contact, NSCN-IM functionaries could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
Pughoboto fall victim to DAN’s law-and-order issue The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 24 (MExN): A road improvement work undertaking for Pughoboto sub-division was centralized by the state government, coming as a consequence from the fallout between NPF-led DAN legislators over last year’s law-and-order storm, according to MLA of Pughoboto A/c, Huska Sumi. The issue which saw the sacking of a Parliamentary Secretary and MLAs made Pughoboto sub-division a ‘victim of circumstances’, Sumi lamented.
Through this, Huska Sumi maintains, Pughoboto sub-division is now a victim of circumstances all thanks to the “Finance Minister” (Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio) and Minister for Roads & Bridges Tokheho Yepthomi who are accused of having centralized tenders and even disallowing documents of the road work to the MLA under whom Pughoboto constituency is.
Implying that action of the two is a reprisal for the law-and-order storm, the JD (U) stalwart forwards the following points why. From 1883 to 1987, Pughoboto 13 A/c was under Kohima. In 1987, it was forcibly “transferred to Zunheboto without road and communication” for which the people of the area has been struggling ever since, the MLA stated. Then it was clubbed with Tseminiyu, Kohima under the R&B in 2006. Rs 1.00 Crore was projected in the budgetary provision for Pughoboto to Mudutsugho via Chishilimi in the work programme for 2006-2007. Although the length of the road is over 40 kilometers and Rs 50, 00, 000 was provided in 2005 for improvement of the road from Pughoboto to Chishilimi, it was utilized without tenders, Sumi asserted.
The MLA then met with the R&B minister in August 2006 with the request to utilized funds judiciously for providing a good road to the people of Pughoboto, Huska Sumi stated. The minister also decided to provide a bulldozer when a file for the work returns from the Finance department after necessary ractifications in the nomenclature of the said work/scheme. Unfortunately, before the file returned a controversy arose over the law and order issue where DAN Chairman Dr Hokishe Sema and Legislators Obed, Therie, Tali and Huska himself held opinion that the situation is a law and order issue as against the NPF’s stand that it is political.
Reacting sharply, the NPF leadership convened a CCP meeting and attacked the DAN Chairman, suspended Obed and Tali and “punished Huska vindictively disallowing him to have a say in the constituency”. Thereafter, the Finance Minister and the R&B Minister even centralized tenders regarding the improvement of the road from Pughoboto to Mudutsugho via Chishilimi. They disallowed open tenders and even refused to hand over the documents concerned to Huska, it was alleged. He had only wanted to see the papers as he should know what is happening in his constituency, Huska stated.
Time to Reconcile Editorial The Morung Express
In a positive gesture towards peace and reconciliation, the NSCN (IM) in a proclamation declared by its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu announced that whosoever has committed crime against the people and the NSCN (IM) is forgiven. The proclamation issued by Swu on January 13 and reiterated a second time a few days later also “earnestly” urged those groups and individuals, who have committed serious political mistakes in the past, to seek forgiveness from the people. It was however unfortunate that barely a few hours later, armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) to which Swu belongs killed two Konyak youths ‘allegedly’ belonging to the rival NSCN (K) group. While senior Kilonser in the NSCN (IM) Tongmeth Wangnao later clarified that the killings could have been ‘averted’ if the peace proclamation had preceded the unfortunate incident, sadly the damage and hurt caused to the Konyak community had already been done.
Hopefully, the NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership will respond to the representation made by the Konyak Union and clarify to the points raised by the latter. In this way, both the two sides should keep the channels of communication open and address problems and issues in a transparent, democratic and peaceful manner though a process of listening to each other. The timely decision of the Council of Kilonsers to order a probe into the January 13 killings should likewise be welcomed. To be fair to the KU, what it has raised is the feeling of hurt and anguish felt by the Konyak community against the NSCN (IM). The Collective Leadership Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah are therefore also in the best ‘time’ and ‘position’ to respond to the concerns. The initiative taken by the KU to present their genuine concerns to the NSCN (IM) leadership is therefore welcome and hopefully similar processes of sharing will take place between others as well.
It is now extremely important that the senior leaders in the different national groups also start taking control of the political process before the issue becomes more complex and go out of their hands (control). Underground leaders should use their authority to restrain their armed cadres from undertaking further operations and to direct them to remain confined to their respective camps. The media wings of the respective groups should also put an end to the paper war and help create a congenial atmosphere for peace building options to develop.
More importantly, now that the NSCN (IM) has declared its intentions for peace and reconciliation through the welcome proclamation issued by its Chairman, its armed cadres should not belie this peace call. The senior leadership in the other national groups should also take this as the best opportunity to close ranks with each other and work through a common platform. Against this backdrop, the positive statement emanating from the NSCN (K) General Secretary Kitovi Zhimomi affirming to usher in peace among the Nagas is another truly welcome development.
Subsequently, the proposal for Kilonser level talks as earlier suggested by the NBCC should be seriously pursued. The UG groups should likewise cooperate and support such a move. It goes without saying that this is an opportune time for the Naga leaders to reconcile and assume their shared responsibility towards the people and the cause they have laboriously undertaken. Failure to grab this chance for peace will be a costly mistake for the Nagas.
Assembly Election in Manipur and the confused Nagas Letter to the editor of 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.
Jubilate Kazingmei Chingmeirong Tel: 2421562
From Nehru to Manmohan Perspective The Morung Express
Covering up Indian Forces’ bloody trails especially Dr. Haralu, the first doctor amongst the Nagas. Did he deserve such a death; Nagas tend to forget the past so quickly, but how many families are still hurting?
KEDI HARALU Nehru stands out as an icon of nationalism and embodiment of secular ethos of India. Unlike the great Quaid, who succumbed to poor health within a short time after the realization of his dream, Nehru lived a full life and had the opportunity to remain at the helm of Indian affairs for seventeen long years. He is regarded as the Father of Indian Nation, who molded India in the model of the “largest functional democracy of the World”. Manmohan Singh, the incumbent Prime Minister of India is also known to be a moderate unpretentious person, and boasts of being the first Sikh to rise to this eminent tryst with destiny. But what does the aristocratic and idealistic doyen of Indian politics from UP share with a self made Technocrat from a Jhelum village? – an unfathomable tolerance to the spilling of innocent blood by the Indian Armed Forces in the insurgency hit areas of Indian Held Kashmir and the Indian North East. Two documents, published recently, help us comprehend the high political threshold of Indian tolerance for atrocities committed by the Indian Armed Forces. These are the “Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru – 21 June – 31 August 1956” (SWJN) compiled by H.Y. Sharada Prasad, A. K. Damoda and the Amnesty International’s report published in 2005 covering India during the preceding year.
While browsing through SWJN one comes across an interesting (and revealing) communication of Nehru with his Defense Minister, K. N .Katju, concerning human rights violations by the Indian Army. By 1956 the Naga insurgency demanding freedom from India had become highly strident leading to the deployment of Indian Security Forces and the conduct of ham-handed counter insurgency operations in India’s fractured North Eastern Region. The death of a 75 years old medical practitioner, Dr. Haralu, by the Indian Forces, who according to the official version was “accidentally killed... due to mistaken identity”, caused wide scale protests by the local population. The matter came to notice of the Indian Prime Minister known for his “idealism”. It was perhaps this strain of his complex character and personality that caused him to write Katju, on July 24, 1956, warning him of the “limitations of the military approach”. Relating to Dr. Haralu’s tragic death Nehru wrote: “I am much troubled by this occurrence. It has far-reaching political consequences. Apart from this, it brings out some very unpleasant aspects about the behavior of some of our men in our Army, including some officers... An incident like the one resulting in the death of Dr. Haralu and the subsequent attempt to cover this up leaves a bad mark in [Army’s] record”
A follow-up note dated July 25, 1956, which seems straight from the contemporary situation in today’s Assam reads: “In a letter which I have just seen, from the Governor of Assam to the Home Minister, reference is made to information received about our Army burning villages and shooting people, including women, who are running away to the jungles.... Even the houses of certain persons whose loyalty is unquestioned, were burnt by the Army though it was asked to spare these houses. Certain instances of needless killing of innocent persons are also mentioned”. “There are reports also, which may or may not be true, about cases of rape. Many young Aos signed a pledge with their blood that they would fight on the side of Phizo to the last ditch. In fact, we appear to be succeeding in alienating even those elements among the Nagas who were opposed to Phizo and who wanted to side with us. At the same time, there is no evidence whatever that we have made any marked progress from the purely military point of view. Thus, we appear to be failing both in the military sphereproach.” Three days later he wrote to Katju: “Making every allowance, I think that what our military have done is not satisfactory and I have no intention to hush it up, even in private.”
Nehru’s resolve to expose the highhandedness of the Indian army expressed in the note to Katju notwithstanding, he ultimately chose to throw his lot with the run-amok Indian Army. On August 23, While addressing the Lok Sabha, the contradictions in his personality were at their hypocritical best: “I am not saying that wrong things are not being done there by individuals or groups, whether by civil authorities or by the military. But, I do wish to remove this impression that our Army or anybody else there is just playing fast and loose with lives and with burning of villages and the rest. Apart from our instructions which are very strict, the General Officers Commanding and others have been constantly issuing instructions. Now, it is true that many villages have been burnt there. Our information is that a far greater part of the burning is done by the Naga hostiles. They themselves do it; that is our difficulty.” Having seen his true face, it is no wonder that Nehru, the great democrat, was the moving spirit behind enactment of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in 1958 which provided unlimited freedom of action and immunity to
Indian security forces, employed on counter insurgency operations. The Act empowers the Indian Armed Forces to arrest without warrants and shoot to kill in situation even when their lives are not endangered. With Nehru setting the precedence it falls in the realm of the impossible that lesser mortals like Manmohan will have the motivation and the political will to rein in their Armed Forces. No wonder custodial killings, fake encounters, use of locals as human shields and rape are inescapable realities of life in the IHK and the Indian NE Region Fifty years have passed since Nehru displayed his chameleon like nature but even under the squeaky clean personage of Manmohan Singh, Indian Government’s tolerance threshold for violators of human rights remains unassailable. It should be instructive to read what Amnesty International’s Report for the year 2005 says regarding the immunity under which the Indian Armed Forces operate in the insurgency hit areas. “Members of the security forces continued to enjoy virtual impunity for human rights violations. In April women members of the Association of the Parents of Disappeared Persons were beaten by police when they demonstrated in Srinagar against continuing impunity for those responsible for “disappearances” in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While the state admitted in 2003 that 3,744 persons had “disappeared” since insurgency began in 1989, human rights activists believed the true figure to be over 8,000. No one had been convicted by the end of 2004,” says the Amnesty report. The report also chronicles the rape and shooting of Manorama Devi, a woman activist in Manipur on 11 July 2004. “Thangjam Manorama died after being arrested under the AFSPA by members of the Assam Rifles in Greater Imphal, Manipur. Her body was found later the same day a few kilometers from her home; it reportedly showed signs of torture and multiple gunshot wounds. There were reports that she had been raped. Her death was followed by protests by community and women’s groups which the security forces tried to suppress by detaining participants and firing on demonstrators, injuring scores of people. A judicial inquiry was ongoing at the end of the year”, points out the report.
From Nehru to Manmohan, Indian Political establishment has steadfastly supported its Army in covering its bloody trails in the IHK and its North Eastern Region. Even Titans like Nehru were not above giving a spin to atrocities perpetrated by its armed forces and presenting them as the handiwork of the locals. Over a period of time, the trend has become part of the Indian politico-military psyche where perpetrators of fake encounters, custodial killings and incidents of rape have no fear of being answerable to any law or authority. But India is paying a heavy price for its insensitivity, though. The resistance to Indian armed forces has become violent by degrees in synchronization with its own atrocities. As it seems, the fires of insurgency are ultimately focusing and in the psychological apathy heat on the Indian Army and the signs of fatigues among Indian rank and file are becoming only too manifest.
Personal Note: Make no mistake. I respect the Indian Army, for I am an Army school product thus I consider myself an Indian, hence voicing my thoughts and beliefs is in a democratic country is not wrong. As a believer I have forgiven all those who were responsible to my Grand dads murder, but the irony of the whole episode was, when this very battalion was posted at Arunachal during the Chinese incursion, none of the stood their ground, but the eldest son of Dr. Haralu was at that time the APO of that very region in Arunachal Pradesh, and heroically stood their ground in the trencher built by the Indian Army.
Sumi bodies plea to NSCN (I-M) Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Jan 24 (NPN): Several frontal Western Sumi organizations on Wednesday, demanded the release of three NSCN (K) functionaries reportedly held captive in the central headquarters of the NSCN (I-M) at Hebron near Dimapur. Representatives of Sumi organizations and villagers of the three captives numbering around eighty including family members and relatives of slain NSCN (K) activist Vikuto alias Neon marched to the NSCN (I-M) camp at Hebron Wednesday.
The above mentioned demanded that the body of late Vikuto, who was killed in the camp on Tuesday and later buried in Hebron, be handed over besides the release of the three captives - Hutoshe of Kuhuboto, Khetoho of Asukuto and Vikheshe of Lotovi under Kuhuboto.
It had been reported that the NSCN (I-M) abducted late Vikuto along with the three NSCN (K) activists from Dimapur on January 22. Sources said the Sumi community members who had gone to Hebron demanded appointment with Isak Swu but that the request was not granted. Later, the delegation met with NSCN (I-M) Steering Committee Member V. Tuccu and discussed the matter of abduction of the four NSCN (K) activists. During the meeting, the delegates highlighted the incidents of violence perpetrated after the January-13 proclamation of NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu for peace and reconciliation. Meanwhile, there were conflicting reports about the outcome of the meeting. While some sources claimed that NSCN (I-M) agreed to release the three NSCN (K) functionaries, others said a decision towards this effect was pending. Earlier, the NSCN (K) alleged that the rival faction killed Vikuto in its custody on Tuesday. The NSCN (K) also announced a bounty of rupees five lakh for killing or capturing NSCN (I-M) Dimapur town command "maj" Ape Chakhesang and Kakuto Assumi - or information leading to the arrest of the duo. The NSCN (K) held both 'maj" Ape Chakhesang and the faction's UT-1 political organizer, Kakuto Assumi responsible for the killing of Vikuto. Meanwhile, the prominent Western Sumi organizations have convened an emergency meeting at their head office at Chekiye village on January 26. The agenda of the proposed meeting was not known.
Neolithic site found in Nagaland OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 24: The on-going archaeological excavation at Chungliyimti in Tuensang district under a University Grants Commission-sponsored project, initiated by the department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University, has revealed the existence of a Neolithic civilisation at the site. Led by Tiatoshi Jamir, the team includes archaeologists from the department of Archaeology, Deccan College, Pune, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi.
A settlement bearing deep incision marks on clay, coarse and gritty sandstone of what is believed to be holes made by poles and footprints, was discovered near Longtrok. A stone staircase, leading to a house, was also discovered close to the settlement.
Some partially weathered stone items, grinding stones and a variety of pottery pieces were also found. Charcoal samples have been collected to establish the date of the civilisation. Soil samples have also been collected to look for traces of botanical remains.
Other team members involved in the excavation are Akumla Walling, a trained archaeologist from ASI, Chumbeno Ngullie, a research scholar in the department of Archaeology, Deccan College; Amongla Longkumer, draughtsman, and Nchumbemo Jamir from the department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University. The team adopted community-based archaeology to generate a more effective co-operation between the archaeologists and the local community.
The team will also educate the masses on the management of local heritage to boost cultural tourism. Archaeologists have excavated at least five Neolithic sites across the state.
Nagaland refuge for Ulfa: - GLA chief says he was the outfit’s linkman in Dimapur OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 24: Gorkha Liberation Army (GLA) commander-in-chief Ajay Subba, who was arrested in Dimapur recently, has disclosed his “close links” with Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah. Subba said the GLA is a front for Ulfa’s intelligence wing and was set up in Nagaland taking advantage of the ongoing ceasefire between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
The group functions as Ulfa’s link in the state and coordinates the safe passage of the banned outfit’s recruits to Myanmar for training. Subba said he had written to Baruah seeking his blessings to set up a camp in Dimapur as the two outfits share a common agenda. In another communication, he had praised the Ulfa leadership, saying it was the only organisation in the Northeast that the government of India had not been able to break.
Before he started working as an Ulfa linkman, Subba used to be a lottery baron in Assam’s Tinsukia district. He is reportedly a close associate of lottery baron and Assam MP Mani Kumar Subba, whose nationality was recently questioned by the Supreme Court. Subba has also been implicated in a Rs 38,000-crore Nagaland lottery scam. The GLA chief was also involved in several other illegal activities.
Police said Dimapur has become a safe haven for several Northeast insurgent groups who are taking advantage of the ongoing truce between Delhi and NSCN (I-M). Many of these militant groups have close links with the NSCN (I-M), which has its headquarters near Dimapur. According to intelligence reports, these militants undergo training at NSCN (I-M) training centres. Several Ulfa militants have also infiltrated into Nagaland to escape army operations against the outfit. On January 15, Assam Rifles apprehended seven Ulfa cadres from Mon as they were trying to sneak into Myanmar.
Police have busted several militant hideouts and intensified security in and around Dimapur in view of reports of presence of militants who have called for boycott of Republic Day celebrations. Additional forces of police, CRPF and IRB have been deployed in all sensitive areas, especially at the Railway station. A dog squad has also been requisitioned.
Security forces are engaged in heavy frisking to check anti-national activists. The state government has imposed night curfew along its boundary to check militants from crossing over.
Assam fights back violence with resilience By IANS
Guwahati, Jan 25 (IANS) The separatists may have unleashed mayhem in Assam, and there is still tension and fear in the air. But the Assamese are displaying great resilience.
Although militancy has raged in the state for decades, this month's slaughter of over 60 migrants from Bihar and the continuing violence since then has numbed Assam. But the people say they are determined to get on with their lives. 'Life has to move. We cannot allow ourselves to be cowed down by such mindless violence,' businessman Ramen Das said with palpable anger.
For the past three weeks, Assam was transformed into a virtual killing field, with authorities blaming the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for a wave of brutal attacks.
There were more than a dozen explosions in the past week killing 11 people and wounding 62. This came on top of the Jan 5-8 slaughter in eastern Assam of the Hindi-speaking migrants. 'The militants are aiming to bring life to a standstill and make a point. But it is our duty as Indian citizens to defeat such nefarious designs by putting up a brave front,' said Arunima Bora, a college teacher. 'Let us not panic and instead resolve to raise a banner of revolt against all forms of violence and terror.' In many parts of Assam, people in large groups are taking to the streets to protest against the gory killings.
'Let the boys (ULFA) who have been demanding independence while staying in Bangladesh come to Assam and mobilise public opinion in favour of their demands. Killings will not solve their problems,' said Kanak Sen Deka, president of the Asom Sahitya Sabha, Assam's highest literary body. Deka was speaking Wednesday after an anti-ULFA protest rally taken out on the streets of Guwahati. Political parties cutting across party affiliations are adopting a matured approach in condemning the violence. 'The support of all sections of the people is very heartening. People do not want violence and their mood is reflected in the protests and rallies across Assam,' said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Even the Assamese language newspapers have come out with hard-hitting editorials against the violence spree.
'You don't need a trained explosive expert to keep the bomb in a crowded market at night like a thief,' said a bylined article in Dainik Batori, a mass circulation Assamese daily. The buzzword across Assam is peace and an end to the brutal cycle of violence. 'Let everybody stay in peace. Nobody wants bloodshed,' said Biman Das, a retired police official.
Ibobi Singh caught on camera Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Jan 24: Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has landed in trouble for reportedly offering money to an old lady during poll campaign with the state election authority looking into the matter for appropriate action. Ibobi may be disqualified from contesting the ensuing Manipur Assembly elections as photograph of his giving cash to an old woman was splashed under the headline "CM sets campaign tone in Thoubal district" in both English and Manipuri editions of daily paper 'The Sangai Express" on Wednesday, an official of the state election department said. "I directed the district electoral officer (DEO), Thoubal today itself to make an enquiry into the matter and submit a report on this at the earliest," the Chief Election Officer (CEO), Manipur told this correspondent The chief minister may face disqualification in accordance with the findings of the enquiry to be submitted by the DEO. The DEO will look into any violation of the election code of conduct by the Chief Minister, he added. Ibobi is among the 89 candidates whose fate will be decided during the first phase of the coming Assembly polls. He is contesting the polls from Thoubal Assembly and Khangabok seats, seeking his re-election to the State Assembly. Meanwhile, the election campaign of CPI candidate from Lamlai Assembly constituency in Imphal East district and state agriculture minister Ph. Parijat Singh was marred by a powerful bomb blast inside a hall where he and party workers were gathering for some discussion Tuesday evening. The SP, Imphal east said, "The China-made hand grenade exploded near the dais of the hall. Though the dais was damaged, no one was injured in the blast."
CM asks ULFA to sit for talks By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 24 – If the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is really interested in the development of Asom and its people, it should abjure violence and come forward for talks with the Government, said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Unveiling a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the Paltanbazar area of the city today, the Chief Minister said that the doors of the Government are still open for talks and the ULFA should come for talks for a peaceful solution of the problems.

Gogoi said that the people of Asom must follow the ideals of Netaji and come forward to work for the well being of the State. He said that the people of the State must build up a mass movement against insurgency and violence .

The function was also addressed by legislator Robin Bordoloi, Ajoi Dutta, Umesh Dev Choudhury, Dr Yamini Phukan and others.
NDFB bandh hits traffic on NH-31 From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, Jan 24 – The 24-hour National Highway bandh call by NDFB today from 5 am disrupted vehicular movement along NH-31. All long and short distance public buses remained off the roads as a result of threats on the Highway. The bandh was called to demand unconditional release of NDFB 3rd Bn commander arrested in Guwahati recently.