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01/27/2007: "NSCN (K) rejects rival’s demand"

NSCN (K) rejects rival’s demand Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): The NSCN (K) today said it would not retract its recent announcement of a bounty of Rs. 5 lakh for capturing or killing NSCN (I-M) Dimapur town commander "maj" Ape Chakhesang and UT-1 political organizer Kakuho Assumi.
Rejecting the demand of the NSCN (I-M) for withdrawal of the announcement, supervisor of Union Territory-1, NSCN (K), Akato Chophi in a press release said the "brutal and inhuman torture and subsequent killing of Late. Neon (Vikuto)" had once again exposed the "contrasting policies of the IK group that lay certain acts of shame on its cadres and at the same time rests the issues of dark secrets on the so called Government."The NSCN (K) accused maj.Ape Chakhesang and Kakuho Assumi for the arrest of the four NSCN (K) member on January 22 in Dimapur and subsequent killing of Vikuto at the NSCN (I-M) Hebron Camp.
While pointing out that Nagas have all along tried to draw attention of international communities against the atrocities perpetrated by Indian Armed Forces and political instruments upon the Nagas, Akato said it was quite appalling that the NSCN (I-M) had adopted the "enemy's tactics." "Neon was skinned alive, his toes and fingers removed of nails, his vital internal organs damaged to the extent that his mortal remains were concealed to be buried and never to be seen by his family or friends for last rites," the release stated.
Akato further alleged that the NSCN (I-M) deputy C-in-C Markson had "vehemently opposed to handing over Neon's badly disfigured body to the family members fearing that the family members would opt for post-mortem." (Full text on page 4)
WSFO demand on NSCN (I-M) Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): Condemning the manner in which Vikuto alias Neon of the NSCN (K) was "tortured and killed" by the NSCN (I-M), the Western Sumi Frontal Organisation (WSFO) has served a three-point charter of demand to the NSCN (I-M).
According to a press statement issued by WSFO president Kaino Chishi and general secretary Akavi Zhimo, the demands include immediate discharge from service of the NSCN (I-M) Dimapur town commander and apology from both the NSCN (I-M) home and defence kilonsers to the WSFO through media.
WSFO also demanded that "arrested persons should be questioned and interrogated observing and respecting the basic human rights in future."
Terming the manner of killing of Vikouto as a violation of human rights, WSFO also regretted "the action of the NSCN (I-M) in ignoring the plea to have a talk with the leadership."
NSCN (I-M) man freed Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): A regional security informer (RSI) of the NSCN (I-M), who was apprehended by the NSCN (K) Friday afternoon at Medziphema, was later released unharmed after he was made to sign a bond.
Sources said the NSCN (I-M) informer, identified as Hekato of Hekheshe village, was released after he signed an agreement to the effect that wherever he might be, he would remain loyal to his own people. Meanwhile, Akavi, general secretary of the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), on behalf of the Hoho has expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the NSCN (K) for releasing Hekato.
Hundreds stage silent march demanding peace in Nagaland Zee News
Kohima, Jan 27: Hundreds of men and women staged a silent march this morning through the streets of this capital town to demand an end to factional fighting among underground groups and give peace a chance in Nagaland.

The procession, under the aegis of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, went through the main street after a prayer meeting at the P R Hills junction near the police headquarters.

The march, which included a large number of women holding placards also stopped outside the assembly complex for prayers and then proceeded towards the Tinpati area of the town for the final round of prayers for peace and re-conciliation among Nagas.

Meanwhile, several tribal organisations have called upon the leaders of underground groups to bring a complete halt to kidnapping and killing among themselves. Bureau Report

Enemy’s tactics by IK- Opinion Nagaland Post
The IK's vicious acts and contradictory statements thereafter have become regular and clear to every Nagas. Instances such as the brutal and inhuman torture and subsequent killing of Late. Neon (Vikuto) has added more salt to the wounds that are yet to heal.
By comparing the death of Neon to that of Jasper, the IK group has come down to such a level that tactics of warfare has been forgotten and given way to barbarism and cruelty to own fellow being. As a member of a movement striving for sovereign Naga nation, it is the duty of each cadre to lay down one's life and that was amply exemplified by both Neon and Jasper.
The armed combatants of various conflicting parties are supposed to be guided by "Ethics of warfare" as in context of our modern, enlightened scenario. In the context of the Nagas, despite divisions and infightings, it has been our ethos as struggling people to portray our sufferings to the world in the true spirit of Nationalism and Revolution, for which the Nagas has been trying to draw attention of international communities on the basis of UN declaration of Universal Rights (Human Rights) and Geneva's convention of Prisoner of War status.
Justice has therefore been demanded and international intervention sought against atrocities perpetrated by Indian Armed Forces and Political instruments upon the Nagas, where as quite appalling is the fact that rather then upholding these aspiratioins, IK has become perpetrator of these same enemy's tactics. Inhuman torture meted out to late Neon Sumi going to the extent of skinning him alive though he is a non-combatant deserves judicious implementation of internationally formulated rights and privileges. Crossing boundaries of internationally regulated military and moral approaches in treatment of prisoners of conflict by IK is nothing but an act of terrorism. The IK group has accused me of creating history by announcing a bounty for any person providing information on Major Ape and Kakuho Assumi which is ridiculous. Instead, the NSCN(IM) have been making history in Naga society by inhumanly torture and eliminating physical evidences of fellow Nagas. Neon was skinned alive, his toes and fingers removed of nails, his vital internal organs damaged to the extent that his mortal remains were concealed to be buried and never to be seen by his family or friends for last rites. Is this not a new culture then?
For instance, in Ngam Village, under Tening Sub-Division, an NSCN (K) functionary was assassinated by IK group in 1999 and his body was buried in a similar fashion. But with the intervention of Zeliangrong NGOs and Ngam villagers, the dead body was exhumed 3 days after burial and handed over to the family members. The IK group also paid One Lakh rupees as compensation through Markson, Dy-C-in-C. Then why was Neon's body not handed over to the family members. I have come to know that Markson had vehemently opposed to handing over Neon's badly disfigured body to the family members fearing that the family members would opt for post-mortem.
By terming such acts committed by major Ape and Kakuho Assumi as "Government's" doings, let me ask if acts meted out to Keviletou, Naga Hoho Vice-President and Rev. Lorou, CBCC's Field Executive Secretary by the IK boys were acts of the "Government"? Such are the contrasting policies of the IK group that lay certain acts of shame on its cadres and at the same time rests the issues of dark secrets on the so called "Government."
It is also to be noted that IK's diabolical policies of announcing peace at one hand and instigating terror on the other should no more fool us, for terror and peace cannot go hand in hand. Therefore the question of withdrawal of the announced bounty by the GPRN, NSCN(K) cannot be retracted. I also share the grief and pain with the family members of Neon and extend the Government's and People's Army of Nagaland's solace to the bereaved family. The NSCN will remember the sacrifice made by Neon for the Naga Nation and salute the martyr. Henceforth the off-springs of the slain martyr shall become the subject of GPRN so as to set an example of true patriotism.
Akato Chophi, Supervisor, UT-1GPRN, NSCN
Isak Swu’s proclamation a seed of destruction- Column Nagaland Post
A proclamation made by Isak Swu is a seed of destruction which may enhance terrorism and bloodshed in Nagaland. One wonder as to how he (Isak) threatened the Nagas, if it is for reconciliation and unification among the Nagas, as per his statement, 'any attempt to exploit the proclamation such as going on an offensive against the Naga Army, move to occupy new areas or creating a situation anywhere would be firmly resisted by the NSCN-IM.' This proclamation is a new form of political monopolization and hegemony over the Nagas. No Naga should be afraid of such senseless threats from an octogenarian whose time is running. Nagas have not been and will not be subjected to any inimical forces. Mr. Isak Swu, the ring leader of I-K group is responsible for murdering more than fifteen (15) great Naga leaders at the rank of Generals and Kilonsers of NNC and NSCN and more than four thousand innocent Naga Patriots. Today, this Isak dared to announced that, he have forgiven all whoever committed crime against his terrorist organization is a kind of anti-Christ and anti-Jehovah.
Only the living God can forgive the sins of the sinners or wrong doers. He cannot take the place of Holy God to forgive the clean and godly Nagas who never have committed any crime against his terrorist organization. Rather, he should seek forgiveness from the Nagas for his forty years genocide upon the faultless Nagas. He also need to seek forgiveness from the parents whose children had been slaughtered and vice-versa, by his (Isak) cadres, for no fault or crime. His more than forty years of bloodshed in Naga families to please his foreign masters and cadres will not be forgiven/forgotten. The same Isak murdered hundred of NNC leaders and cadres during 1970's on account of Shillong Accord, but shamelessly demanding his solution within the Indian Union. The spirit of these NNC leaders will surely haunt him.
Both Isak and Th. Muivah should resign and enjoy private life to pave the way for upcoming to lead the Nation in the right direction so that, they will not be cursed by the Nagas. Why should they (Isak & Th. Muivah) try to seek the kind of solution during their life time, if it is short of Naga Sovereignty? If Sovereignty cannot be achieved during their life time, leave it to the younger generation to continue the struggle, instead of making political mistakes in haste in their run-up for luxurious life styles.
No body can compensate the lost of the Nagas during the sixty years of Nagas' struggle for Sovereignty. The Nagas who during 1975 condemned the infamous Shillong Accord, will not disappear from the Nagas soil when this Isak sign his sell-out agreement with India. This same Nagas will all tooth and nail condemn any form of settlement, short of Sovereignty, of the I-K group; thereby ending their game and creating atmosphere of terrorist free-Nagaland. These are the collective opinions of most of the NSCN/GPRN leaders.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser, Ministry of Kilo Affairs, GPRN, NSCN (K).
Centre mulls new CF monitor The Telegraph
New Delhi The Centre is considering a change of guard in the Ceasefire Monitoring Group which oversees the truce agreements of the two NSCN factions. According to sources, former Andhra Pradesh DGP Swaranjit Sen may replace Lt Gen (retd) R.V. Kulkarni, the current incumbent.
Sen, who retired in December, may take up the assignment in Kohima after Gen. Kulkarni vacates the position. The move is likely to displease the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) but make it rival group, led by S.S. Khaplang, happy. The latter had been campaigning for Gen. Kulkarni’s removal.
The “real” reason behind the move, apparently, is to use the Khaplang group to flush Ulfa rebels out of Myanmar. The NSCN (K) reportedly trains Ulfa militants in its Myanmar camps. From Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Ulfa militants cross over to that country with the help of the Naga outfit.
Gen. Kulkarni had repeatedly told the home ministry that despite a ceasefire, not even one per cent of the group’s armed rebels stayed within designated camps, whereas nearly 55 per cent of NSCN (I-M) rebels lived in camps. This apparently displeased those in North Block who are in favour of the NSCN (K)’s help to tackle Ulfa. The move, however, may affect the ongoing peace process with the NSCN (I-M).
NSCN (K) decries ‘inhuman torture’ Calls for protection of non-combatants under international lawsThe Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (MExN): Slamming its rival, the NSCN-K today said “instances such as the brutal and inhuman torture and subsequent killing of Late Neon (Vikuto) has added more salt to the wounds that are yet to heal.”
“The IK’s vicious acts and contradictory statements thereafter have become regular and clear to every Nagas,” Akato Chophi, UT-1Supervisor of the NSCN-K said in a release.
“Inhuman torture meted out to late Neon Sumi going to the extent of skinning him alive though he is a non-combatant deserves judicious implementation of internationally formulated rights and privileges,” the Supervisor said.
Neon was skinned alive, his toes and fingers removed of nails, his vital internal organs damaged to the extent that his mortal remains were concealed to be buried and never to be seen by his family or friends for last rites, Akato said, and questioned, “Is this not a new culture then?”
By comparing the death of Neon to that of Jasper, the NSCN (I-M) has come down to such a level that tactics of warfare have been forgotten and instead given way to barbarism and cruelty to own fellow beings, he said. “As a member of a movement striving for sovereign Naga nation, it is the duty of each cadre to lay down one’s life and that was amply exemplified by both Neon and Jasper.”
Maintaining that armed combatants of various conflicting parties need to be guided by “Ethics of warfare” as in “context of our modern, enlightened scenario,” Akato said “Crossing boundaries of internationally regulated military and moral approaches in treatment of prisoners of conflict by IK is nothing but an act of terrorism.”
“Justice has therefore been demanded and international intervention sought against atrocities perpetrated by Indian Armed Forces and Political instruments upon the Nagas, where as quite appalling is the fact that rather then upholding these aspirations, IK has become perpetrator of these same enemy’s tactics.”
Akato said that in the context of the Nagas, despite divisions and infightings, “it has been our ethos as struggling people to portray our sufferings to the world in the true spirit of nationalism and revolution, for which the Nagas has been trying to draw attention of international communities on the basis of UN declaration of Universal Rights (Human Rights) and Geneva’s convention of Prisoner of War status.”
He termed as ridiculous the accusation of the NSCN (I-M) which says he created history by announcing a bounty for any person providing information on Major Ape and Kakuho Assumi. “Instead, the NSCN (IM) have been making history in Naga society by inhumanly torture and eliminating physical evidences of fellow Nagas.”
“By terming such acts committed by major Ape and Kakuho Assumi as ‘Government’s’ doings, let me ask if acts meted out to Keviletou, Naga Hoho Vice-President and Rev. Lorou, CBCC’s Field Executive Secretary by the IK boys were acts of the ‘Government’?” he questioned.
Therefore, Akato said, the question of withdrawal of the announced bounty by the GPRN, NSCN (K) cannot be retracted. “I also share the grief and pain with the family members of Neon and extend the Government’s and People’s Army of Nagaland’s solace to the bereaved family.”
Culture and Parade color Kohima R-Day celebration The Morung Express
KOHIMA, JAN 26 (DIPR): Cultural highlights on the occasion of the 57th Republic Day at Kohima included Sovi Pfhe dance sequence performed by the Angami cultural troupe, war and festival dance of warriors by Ungma Senso Telongjem of Kohima, Chamhang festival folk dance of Khiamniungam tribe, Rengma folk dance of victory and Lotha folk song, ‘Kherang Chokala’ an ode to God’s creation, performed by Cuckoo Cultural Club of Kohima. A cultural display on national integration was also presented by the Junior Indian Red Cross Society representing the states of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland besides a well-orchestrated band display presented by Kohima Village Sports Association band. Governor Shyamal Datta take a look at the march pass contingents at the Republic Day Celebration at Kohima. (DIPR)
This year’s Republic Day celebrations in the state capital Kohima saw the participation of sportspersons comprising of the Nagaland Sepaktaraw Association of Nagaland in the March Past parade as a separate contingent, led by Kekhriesituo Solo. Altogether there were 16 contingents in the day’s parade. Deputy Commandant of the 1st NAP, M. Rovisie Nguwi was the Parade Commander, with Deputy SP (Traffic) Kohima, Chinese Chakhesang as Parade Second-in-Command, and Havildar Theguolhoulie Angami as the parade BHM. The bands in the parade included the Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) band, Nagaland Police Brass band led by ABI M. Khan and Assam Rifles Pipe Band led by Havildar Umed Singh.
UNC factor adds new poll ‘flavour’ in Ukl dist Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jan 25 : The ugly and confusing scene that unfolded at Ukhrul AC over the ticket allotment of the Congress (I), notwithstanding, Ukhrul district is poised to go in for the first phase polling on February 8 with 11 candidates in the three Assembly Constituencies of Ukhrul, Chingai and Phungyar. By any calculation the fight is going to be between the Congress candidates and the UNC backed Independent candidates in the three Assembly segments and it is the direct involvement of the UNC, that will provide some “flavour” to the up-coming polls, despite the threat perceptions felt by many. Ukhrul district is one of more politically active districts in the State, having produced two Chief Ministers in the persons of the late Yangmasho Shaiza and the current Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing. The latter is the longest serving CM in the State. Another interesting feature of the election in this district is the point that the sons of the two former Chief Ministers are in the fray. Victor Keishing, the son of Rishang Keishing is a first timer and is the INC nominee in Phungyar AC. Danny Shaiza, son of the late Yangmasho Shaiza has already tasted defeat and success at the hustings, earlier losing to AS Arthur and then beating him in the last election as a BJP candidate. Significantly, Shaiza is the UNC backed candidate in Ukhrul AC. Other than AS Arthur of the Congress and Haokhomang Guite of the LJSP, the other two candidates in Ukhrul AC are Independent candidates. The two Independent candidates are Danny Shaiza and AS Shireiyo. Chingai AC will see a three way fight with sitting MLA A Aza of the Congress and RV Mingthing of the MSCP contesting the polls as candidates of political parties. The other, Khasim Rui-vah is an Independent and he is being backed by the UNC. At Phungyar the fight is going to be between Victor Keishing of the INC, Valley Rose Hungyo of the NNP, Tuireishing Longvah, Independent and K Wungnaoshang Keishing, an Independent candidate as well as the sitting MLA. W Keishing who defeated Rishang Keishing in the last polls, is the UNC's choice in this Constituency. Ukhrul will go to the polls, with the diktats of the UNC to other candidates to withdraw looming over the voters' head.

Nagaland Governor asks for stopping factional violence The Hindu
Kohima, Jan 27. (PTI): Nagaland on Friday celebrated the nation's 58th Republic Day peacefully with Governor Shyamal Datta calling upon the people for fostering peace and development bring a complete halt to on-going factional hostility.
After unfurling the tri-colour at the Civil Secretariat Ground here on Friday morning, the Governor who completes his five years in the State today, said "These five years have been memorable years for me and my family having shared with you the joys and travails of progressing towards a future that unfolds peace, growth and development."
He said that during these years, the Centre and the Naga people had been trying to resolve the long standing Naga political problem in a democratic manner.
Datta, however, said he regretted that factional violence still continued in the State.
It is the heartfelt hope of the people of the State that the on-going dialogue would result in an honourable settlement, he said. The Governor said, much progress had been made in the negotiation process and violence could never be an instrument to solve any problem, whether it is a Naga political issue or differences among Naga brothers along factional or tribal lines.
Reports of celebration of a peaceful Republic Day at different districts of Nagaland were received here. Presentation of an impressive parade, dance and music and tableau by different Government departments marked the celebration.
Datta’s Swansong Editorial the Morung Express
When incumbent Governor of Nagaland Shyamal Datta bids adieu to Kohima Raj Bhavan, his home for five years, there is no doubt that his absence will be sorely missed. Not only did Datta and his wife warm the hearts of people all around them, but here was a Head of State who spend as much time outside, as he would, in the safe and easy confines of Raj Bhavan. Journeying to the unknown places and reaching out to the nameless masses across the length and breadth of the State, the due recognition as a Governor of the people in itself is a testimony to his deep concern for people centred issues and his faith in the ingenuity of the Naga people to develop according to their own genius. In his departure, the people of the State can only wish him and his family good health and success in all their future endeavors.
More than even the tag of a “People’s Governor”, Datta will be remembered for championing the cause of women in Naga society. In fact, the Governor in his last major public statement included a separate section on empowerment of women in the State and pointing out that women, in horticulture, in floriculture and in a variety of services including public leadership, will have to play an important role in the State’s future progress. On several occasions Datta would speak about the role and contribution of women in the noble task of the State’s development, which according to him was not a choice but a necessity.
As such, it is obvious that for Datta, the (long delayed) setting up of the Nagaland Women Commission, the provision for reservation of wards for women in the State’s municipalities and for a woman member to be included in the NPSC, were all close to his heart as much as he was convinced that all these measures would finally enable women to contribute more to the progress of the Naga society. By facilitating, an enabling environment for women’s voice to be heard, and helping create a base for their participation in public life, will hopefully fulfill Datta’s hope one day of seeing a woman get elected to the State Legislative Assembly.
In his departure, Datta should take great satisfaction from the fact that as the Constitutional Head of the State, he had rescued the provision of women’s reservation in local bodies from being put in the cold storage by the male political class dominating the decision making bodies. Public memory may be short but it needs to be placed on record that it was Datta who did the right thing to return the Nagaland Municipal (First Amendment) Bill, 2005 back to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) for ‘reconsideration’. Datta had pointed to a major lacuna in the legislation, in that it failed to make provision for reservation of seats for women. This ‘rescue act’ of the Governor will hopefully enable the future generation of women in the State to enjoy equal access to power and decision making starting at the grass root level.
From all accounts Datta has had a successful stint as Governor upholding the dignity of office. Non-controversial, Datta’s relationship with both the Congress Chief Minister SC Jamir and the DAN alliance led by Neiphiu Rio was one of mutual trust and courtesy despite the occasional aberrations and differences. Datta was no rubber stamp either and despite his limitation as a constitutional head, he was known for having a mind of his own and acted according to the letter and spirit of the Constitution while discharging his role fairly and meticulously. At the end, the setting up of a women commission, inclusion of the first ever women as member in the NPSC and paving the way for women’s inclusion in local bodies may well have had the ‘guiding hand’ of Datta—his swansong no doubt.
Datta bids ‘peace’ adieu to Nagas Correspondent Nagaland Post KOHIMA, JAN 26 (NPN): Nagaland celebrated the 58th Republic Day in various parts of the state with the main function held in the state capital's local ground(Khuchiezie) where state Governor Shyamal Datta addressed what would be his last official public address Addressing a mammoth crowd, the Governor renewed the call for peaceful resolution to conflicts as violence was not an instrument for solving any problem , be it the Naga political problem or differences along factional or tribal lines. Datta looked towards revival of what he termed "inherent strengths" of the Naga culture and community spirit to solve problems confronting the people.
He also said the Government of India and the Naga people were engaged in trying to resolve the long-standing Naga political problem for the last ten years through democratic means based on the principles as enshrined in the constitution of India.
He reminded the people that the peace process had paid rich dividends to Nagaland in the form of development that was taking place at a faster pace in different sectors like agriculture, industries, communication, education, tourism etc. Datta however admitted, that despite various development activities in the state during the past few years, the "divisiveness that still festers along tribal and factional lines" was leaving an adverse impact on the law-and-order situation of the State. The Governor, in his speech also made mention of several achievements of the state in various fields such as declaration of the Year of the Farmer,what was extended from 2006 to 2007-08. He also listed the benefits of communitisation to 1089 VDBs where 2,24,553 households were poised to become financial intermediaries.
He said the implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programmes, helped towards bringing a measure of change in the quality of infrastructure of schools, besides bringing a decline in the number of school drop-outs in the age group of 6-14. Other achievements that he mentioned included introduction of AIDS education in schools, introduction of computer education under Information & Communication Technology and commencement of the first Sainik School at Punglwa in Peren district which is set to begin its first academic session from the first week of April. He said industrial growth in Nagaland was expected to be on a higher trajectory with the commissioning of the Growth Centre at Ganeshnagar; setting up of Mini Tool Room at Dimapur; clearance given by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for revival of Tuli Paper Mill and the move for privatization of the 150-tonne per day Mini Cement Plant at Wazeho.He said all these were likely to usher in dramatic changes in the industrial climate of the State.
Datta also listed privatization of the Likimroh Hydro Electric Power project (LHEP) has for improvement of power generation and the 150-megawatt Tizu-Zungki Hydro Electric Project that was on the anvil. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, 100 % rural household electrification is targeted by 2009," the Governor said.
He also said the State tourism was picking up with the growing popularity of the Hornbill Festival and setting up of various tourist villages and also inauguration of Wokha Tourist Lodge. Lauding the 9th NAP (IR) Battalion for projecting the image of the State by performing commendably in Chhattisgarh, Datta revealed that under the Scheme for Modernization of Police, the Government of India had brought Nagaland under the 100% Centrally Funded category in the current year.
Governor Datta, who has just two days left to complete his tenure as Governor of Nagaland, said his five-year tenure, had been memorable for him and his family for having shared with the people of Nagaland the joys and travails of progressing towards "a future that unfolds peace, growth and development as permanent features of life. Earlier the Governor took the salute at an impressive march past presented by contingents of Assam Rifles, 113th Bn. CRPF, DEF, Kohima, 4th NAP Bn, Home Guards, Kohima,11th IRB, ex-Servicemen, NCC boys, NCC girls, Bharat Scouts & Guides, Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Bethel Higher Secondary School and Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association. Among those who attended included chief minister Neiphiu Rio, his cabinet colleagues, senior civil, police and army officers including prominent citizens besides various other organizations.
Correspondent adds: However, the R-Day celebration in Mokokchung was marked by an unsavory incident. During the flag-hoisting ceremony, chief guest Minister Imkong L. Imchen was left in an embarrassing situation as the rope holding the flag snapped and the tri-colour fell down on the ground. However, the programme continued as scheduled after police personnel managed to fix the flag in position. The celebration was attended by a capacity crowd that included government servants, public leaders and general public. MLA Nungsangyapang, 30 AR Commandant, former MLA Aolepden were among the VIPs to attended the programme.
ULFA shows no response to govt's peace call: Governor Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Jan 26 (PTI) The banned ULFA has never shown a positive response to the government's peace initiatives through direct talks, Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh said today.
In his Republic Day address at the official function here today Singh said, "the ULFA's agreeing to talk through the People's Consultative Group with the government of India in 2005 appears to be motivated".
"They had actually regrouped and consolidated their weak positions to some extent by taking advantage of the ceasefire during the period of such indirect talks. They have never shown a positive response to the government's peace initiatives through direct talks", the governor said.
He said the administration was determined to put down all kinds of terrorist violence with a firm hand.
"However, the Prime Minister had reiterated while visiting Assam (recently) that door for such direct talks is still open provided the outfit shuns violence and shows positive response to the peace initiatives," he pointed out.
The central and Assam governments had been inviting the ULFA and other insurgent groups for negotiated settlement of their demands through direct talks, Singh said.
For combating insurgency and providing security to the people, the governor said, "a two-pronged strategy had been adopted by the state government -- counter-insurgency measures against militant groups and secondly a peaceful negotiated settlement with willing insurgent groups."
Stating remarkable success was achieved by the security forces in anti-insurgency operations, he said, "in counter- insurgency operation in 2006 the most noticeable feature is return of a good number of misguided youths to the social mainstream".
Where money talks Bagarealm.com
It is ironic that the political party which led the freedom movement and finally unshackled it from colonial domination should now be caught on the wrong foot. Mani Kumar Subba, Congress Member of Parliament from Assam’s Tezpur constituency is being hauled over the coals over his dubious citizenship. This is not a new phenomenon. Several media persons from the region have raised the issue of Mani Subba’s problematic credentials but to no avail.

As usual the CBI tripped and slipped and the case continues to baffle. Several well meaning citizens from Assam had even petitioned Congress president Sonia Gandhi not to allot a Congress ticket to Subba before the last parliamentary election, but failed to make an impression. After the usual prevarication and equivocation the Congress deity yielded to the political reality that Subba has the money to win the Tezpur seat and more. Indeed, Subba is the Congress party’s single biggest moneybag, the money coming from his multifarious businesses, amongst which are the infamous state lotteries.

Ticket to victory In the last parliamentary election, Subba was alleged to have distributed hundred of bicycles to the deprived section of Tezpur’s populace. Money flowed like wine. In spite of media reports to this effect the Election Commission took no cognisance. Subba rode to victory because not too many voters in this country can afford to be conscientious and weepy about principles. Poverty has a tight grip on people’s consciences. They think with their bodies and their immediate physical needs, not with their heads. And if a political party has certified the conduct of a particular candidate by giving him a ticket why should voters split hairs over his identity and citizenship?
Finally, therefore, it is the Congress party that must bear the full brunt of the apex court’s ruling on the Subba case. The Assam unit of the BJP has predictably asked Tarun Gogoi to take the blame for Subba’s induction into the Congress. They have sought Gogoi’s resignation on that score. Since the matter is sub-judice, perhaps the call is a little premature. But meticulous digging should bring the facts to light. If the apex court is persistent, there would be ample evidence to nail Subba who is alleged to have brutally murdered his sister in Nepal, over a family property feud. Subba allegedly escaped from a jail in Nepal and came over to Sikkim. From there he travelled to Arunachal Pradesh where he set up a timber business. Here he was ably assisted by politicians from that state until he established himself as a successful businessman.

In this country, the 1950 Indo-Nepal treaty allows reasonably free movement of Nepalese into India and vice versa. The Northeast has a particularly large population of Nepalese settled in its different states. They have merged very well with the geography of the place, are diligent and not politically pushy. Even the ethnic communities of the region are quite at ease with Nepalese than they are with Bangladeshis.

Easy access There will of course be arguments galore about differentiation between Indian Nepalese and the interlopers of Nepalese origin. But there is hardly any distinguishing feature. With the system so full of loopholes when it comes to claiming permanent residency, it is easy to become an Indian citizen. What an illegal migrant needs is just a certificate from a village headman that the concerned person has lived in a particular locality for over 12 years. This legitimises his claim for a ration card and, of course, voting rights.

They all follow in quick succession if the system is sufficiently greased. Mani Subba must have used a similar modus operandi. Once he had made his megabucks through the timber trade, he jumped into the lottery business. What needs underscoring is that without the goodwill of politicians in every state of the Northeast, barring Tripura, Subba would not have graduated into a multi-million lottery baron. In 2002, Subba tried to set up the online lottery in Meghalaya. Politicians, including the chief minister at the time, some Congressmen and women and senior bureaucrats fell over themselves to lay out the red carpet to Subba’s firm, MS Associates, to set up the online lottery, despite the firm’s past poor performance in terms of revenue paid to the state. Vehement protests by the People’s Rally against Corruption (PRAC) to debar Subba from any business deal with Meghalaya resulted instead in a brutal lathicharge. Members of PRAC, this writer included, were put in police lock-up. Such is the clout of Mani Kumar Subba. This writer was perhaps one of the first few to have put together a series of articles detailing Subba’s nefarious activities. Subba even framed defamation charges against a few of us in a court at North Lakhimpur. The summons, were, of course, royally ignored. If the courts in this part of the country had practised due diligence on the PILs filed against Subba, we would today have been spared the ignominy of being labelled a “soft state”.

Lax laws Delhi could have avoided the dishonour of allowing a foothold to criminals including those without a valid citizenship, to hold the esteemed positions of parliamentarians. Lawmakers, one presumes, should have an unblemished reputation. But here we have charlatans making a mockery of the law of the land from within the citadel of democracy, very much like a fifth columnist! Most Congress chief ministers have a cosy relationship with Subba. Treated like a VIP, he flits across the state capitals of the Northeast conducting his lottery business without a glitch. According to a veteran politician from Meghalaya, Subba’s farmhouse at Mehrauli is a regular haunt of politicians and favoured bureaucrats from Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland. There it is that infamous deals are concluded. These guests are very well looked after and provided all the creature comforts. But Subba is no sucker. He extracts his pound of flesh from all who enjoy his legendary hospitality. Unfortunately, in this country we have a poor intelligence system that misses out details which even an ordinary bumpkin is privy to.

Either that or our intelligence system is sold out to the likes of Subba. Meghalaya is a fine example of this. There are individuals who have become millionaires today from having facilitated Subba’s lottery deal. Such wheeler-dealers also hold very high positions in the Congress party hierarchy.

Sad descent What saddens us is that the party of Nehru and Gandhi should now be a haven for unsavoury characters like Subba. What an inglorious descent to vulgarity! The sad irony is that people with flawless moral conduct and exceedingly sharp acumen like Manmohan Singh should be sharing the same platform as Subba. To top it all, another Congressman, Abhishek Singhvi, has decided to become Subba’s counsel. This is what money can buy — the best legal counsel and all the legal protection that an ordinary citizen is not privileged to have. Politicians have gone to great lengths to defend Subba and his deals. On the eve of the 2003 Assembly elections in Meghalaya, fearing a reprisal from his colleagues on the lottery deal, the then chief minister F.A. Khonglam did something unprecedented. He announced that every sitting MLA would get Rs 3 lakh each to meet election expenditure. This money would come from the state lottery revenue. Obviously, everyone fell for this bait. Not a single sitting MLA raised the issue of the stinking lottery deal in their election rallies.

It was left to those outside the charmed circle to bludgeon the government for this obscene proposition. Since only 60 candidates received the amount, the other candidates simply had to start from a position of grave disadvantage. Some justice this! Money does talk and it talks loudest when politicians with moral integrity are a fast diminishing species. But since every crime has his nemesis, it is only a matter of time before such crime is exposed. [PATRICIA MUKHIM, telegraphindia]