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01/28/2007: "Naga group in killing protest"

Naga group in killing protest OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 27: Internecine feuds in Nagaland have taken a turn for the worse, with the Aichisaghemi community of Dimapur taking up cudgels against the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN. The Aichisaghemis strongly protested the killing of one of their members by the NSCN (I-M) on Monday. This move has come in the wake of the Konyak Union’s decision to withdraw support to the ongoing peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M).
Infuriated by what it termed was the “brutal killing” of its member, Vikuto alias Neon, who was also an activist of the NSCN (K), the Aichisaghemi Community, Dimapur, strongly condemned Swu’s January 13 proclamation of “peace and reconciliation, forgive and forget”. The community further claimed that the “infamous slogan” of peace and reconciliation was a form of “false propaganda to hoodwink the Naga public to cover up the outfit’s evil designs”.
The community demanded immediate disclosure of the names and ranks of NSCN (I-M) activists involved in the “brutal killing”. It also wanted “appropriate action” taken against them in accordance with NSCN (I-M) azha (law), which is to be made public through the local media.
Community chairman Zhehovi Awomi and secretary H. Akato Sema also expressed regret over the fact that no NSCN (I-M) councillor met the delegation that went to Hebron on Wednesday to “express their heartfelt discontentment and dissatisfaction”.
The community even termed Hebron “a burial and execution headquarters.” The community also said it had made repeated requests to the NSCN (I-M) to hand over Vikuto’s body, but the outfit had refused. Hundreds of people staged a silent march this morning through the streets of the Nagaland capital, demanding an end to factional fighting among underground groups and give peace a chance in the state, adds PTI. The procession was held under the aegis of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. Several tribal organisations also called upon the leaders of underground groups to bring a complete halt to abductions and killings among themselves.
Swu’s proclamation is ‘political monopolization’, says NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 27 (MExN): The NSCN-K is convinced the proclamation of NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu is a new form of “political monopolization and hegemony over the Nagas” and as such being the case, would only enhance terrorism and destruction.
“A proclamation made by Isak Swu is a seed of destruction which may enhance terrorism and bloodshed in Nagaland” stated a response from NSCN-K Kilo Deputy Kilonser Wangtin Naga. Wondering how long the NSCN-IM Chairman would ‘threaten’ the Naga people, the Deputy Kilonser quoted Swu’s proclamation that ‘any attempt to exploit the proclamation such as going on an offensive against the Naga army, move to occupy new areas or creating 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 (out). Nagas have not been and will not be subjected to any inimical forces” the NSCN-K asserted. After taking the lives of thousands of Nagas, Swu should not make such pronouncements, the Kilonser stated and that even ‘Generals’ and Kilonsers were not spared. “Today, this Isak dared to announce that, he (has) forgiven all whoever committed crime against his terrorist organization, is a kind of anti-Christ…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” Wangtin stated. Rather, he should seek forgiveness from the people for committing 40 years of genocide upon the “faultless Nagas”, the Kilonser added. Isak Swu and (NSCN-IM General Secretary) Th. Muivah should resign and “enjoy private life” to pave way for upcoming Nagas to lead the nation “so that they will not be cursed” by the people, the note further asserted.
“Why should they try to seek the kind of solution during their lifetime if it is short of Naga sovereignty? If sovereignty cannot be achieved during their lifetime, leave it to the younger generation to continue the struggle, instead of making political mistakes in haste in their run-up for luxury lifestyles” Kilonser Wangtin advised. Nobody can compensate the loss of Naga lives lost in the last sixty years of struggle for sovereignty, he added.
Hotovi village note NSCN-IM’s refusal to hand over cadre’s body The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 27 (MExN): Public of S Hotovi village takes serious note of what it stated is the inhuman act meted out to Late Vikuto (Neon) by the NSCN-IM and that his body was not handed over to the village by the organization.
According to S Hotovi Village Council, Late Vikuto Neon who was permanently residing in the village, defected to the NSCN-K from the NSCN-IM just two weeks before his murder. Villagers, on being informed that Vikuto was dead, proceeded to the council HQ along with Western Sumi Hoho, GBs Union WSTH and WSSU to collect the body. However, neither was dead body handed over nor even prayer was allowed over the burial place.
The village council calls upon all right-thinking citizens to contemplate over the treatment. Demanding that the NSCN-IM look into the matter and discharge the persons responsible, from service, the council in a note issue through its VCC Nitoshe Sumi stated “In this we are confident that we will have the support from all section of Naga societies especially the Western Sumi frontal organization to help the cause”.
Rio reassures rights of minorities The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 27 (MExN): Assuring minorities in Nagaland protection of their rights, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today gave surety that he would look into their ‘grievances.’ He insisted that the DAN government is committed to helping “backward tribes and minorities.”
A Dimasa youth stands guard as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio ponders over a matter at ‘Bishu’ festival. Attending the Bishu Festival at Bamunpukhuri –II, Dimapur, Rio said he would do ‘how much I can’ for the welfare of the Dimasa. He was replying to grievances put up by the President of the Dimasa Tribal Council, SK Khemprai, on behalf of the Dimasa public. The requirements highlighted by Khemprai include reservation of a seat in the legislative assembly for minorities, especially when the delimitation process is threatening to ‘fragment’ the minorities further. A fervent want of the Dimasas, also referred to as Kacharis, is removal of insecurity in respect of lands, villages and employment opportunities. Yet another demand which has been underscored time and again is land for a cultural and council hall at the Rajbari Area because of its historical linkage to the tribe of Indo-Tibetan lineage.
Rio, however, was candid to the point that reservation of an assembly seat for minorities would prove to be difficult as ‘this is a democracy’ and that a ‘democratic process’ has to be followed. Out of the 60 seats, 59 are reserved for Nagas with only the Dimapur-I constituency open for all. Instead, the Chief Minister proposed: “We have to understand each other.” Calling for cohesive existence among the many communities, he told the Kacharis that he is aware of their “problems and insecurity.” Minister for Transport and Communication, Imtilemba Sangtam, who was present as guest of honour urged upon the tribe to not hesitate in addressing their grievances to the government and called for selection of strong public leaders to highlight their needs.
Peace rally sees ‘Satan’s hand’ in fratricidal killings The Morung Express Stop using ‘Nagaland for Christ’ slogan for killing – NBCC Karaiba Chawang
Kohima When all efforts fail to bring healing, reconciliation and understanding amongst the different groups of the Naga “national workers”, NBCC, has virtually nothing more to convey, but ask the latter to stop using the slogan ‘ Nagaland for Christ’ for killing purposes.
At a ‘Prayer and Peace March’ held today at Kohima, which was intended at invoking Jesus Christ down to the wounded Nagas’ land, NBCC, Peace Director, Rev Kari said that killing is an insult to the preaching of Jesus Christ. “All Naga national workers have sinned against God. That’s why their works do not progress. Let us pray to God to forgive them’, he lashed out, while addressing the peace rallyists at Tinpati traffic point.
He also asked all “national workers” to confess their sins and seek God’s intervention at this worse of time. Although, man itself should be called Satan, or there is another Satan as such, is hard to tell. However, speakers at today’s rally were unanimous in their expression that Satan is already here to disrupt peaceful coexistence of the Nagas.
Rev Keneilevi, Pastor UBC, who also spoke at the rally at MLA Junction, said that all the tribalism, corruption, venality and killing are the works of Satan. “Christ does not advocate violence. It is not Christ’s rule anymore, but the devil’s rule”, the pastor said, asserting that if Christ rules, fear and anxiety will depart from the land.
Rev Kari Longchar also held similar view, when he added that ‘it is the intention of Satan to disrupt peace in our land’.
NBCC has been working hard towards restoration of peace in Nagaland for the last 50 years. Several programmes have been launched by them towards this end. These included ‘Touch Kohima’, ‘Nagaland Transformation’, ‘2006 Renewal Conference’ at Kohima and the ongoing ‘Healing and Reconciliation’, besides other prayer programmes and meetings.

Few years back, even Naga Hoho, the apex tribal body of the Naga, had also attempted to bring about reconciliation amongst the different warring factions of the Naga national Workers. Citizens take out a ‘Prayer and Peace March’ in Kohima on January 27. It was jointly organised by Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship. The state government, churches and even some National workers themselves has also attempted to bring peace at their own level. However, all these concerted effort had met with disdain from the leaders of the undergrounds groups, and had gone in futility. Not only did the factional killings dominate today’s prayer and peace march. But, in a startling revelation, Rev Keneilevi, quoting some clinical reports, disclosed that every month about 1000 abortions are being carried out in Kohima and Dimapur alone. This silent killing is the worse sin, which need to bear equal concern as the factional killings, he added.
Following the crowd, as they walked silently down the dreary street of Kohima town, one could clearly read the mind of the people on the hundreds of placards. “Peace is the way”, “Peace, like charity, begins at home’, “Let reason together and help bring peace”, “We still have choice, let give peace a chance’, and many more. Also one could feel the general air, though not expressed, amongst the rallyists that fratricidal killings does not stem from the spirit of patriotism anymore, but from the evil spirit of unwillingness to accept the Naga tribe in its wholeness, but to reduce it down to in-cohesive level of tribe, clan and individuals.The rally also, through an unspoken language, cnveyed that Naga freedom struggle is no longer a struggle to free from Indian imperialism, but has become more of a struggle of one faction to free from the domination of another faction, one tribe from another, faction from a tribe and vice versa.
The rallyists also offered prayer for the government, businessmen, public leaders and denizens of the state capital. The rally was organized by NBCC and Kohima Pastor Fellowship.
Rio push for minorities Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 27 (NPN): Chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said the DAN government had full concern for backward tribes and other minority communities in the State with special thrust on their development and uplift. The Chief Minister who graced the post-harvest Bishu festival celebration of the Dimasa-Kacharis here at Bamunpukhuri also said he has a soft corner for the Dimasa-Kacharis, whose roots in Dimapur dated back to the 13th century.
Addressing the festive gathering, Rio said any festivity should be celebrated in true spirit, that is one should enjoy and make merry only through the sweat and toil of one's labour. Assuring to look into the demands and grievances of the Kacharis including land settlement, extension of development schemes and setting up of a cultural hall at Rajbari area, the chief minister however said he has no power over the demand for reservation of one assembly seat to the minority communities of the state. He also exhorted the Dimasa-Kacharis to have unity among themselves and to live in peaceful co-existence with other tribes and communities.
The chief minister also donated Rs. 1 lakh to the festival organizing committee. Minister for transport, labour & employment, Imtilemba Sangtam who was the guest of honour urged the Dimasa-Kacharis to form a strong organization to highlight the community's grievances to the government. Imtilemba said the DAN government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio was ever ready to address the genuine plight and problems of backward tribes and minority communities.
President, Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland, SK Khemprai, on behalf of the Dimasa public, highlighted the various grievances faced by the tribe and urged the DAN government to look into them. He also thanked chief minister Neiphiu Rio for helping the Dimasas in various spheres.
Dances and songs by various Dimasa-Kachari troupes marked the occasion, which was followed by a grand feast. Around two thousand people including guest, invitees and well wishers from neighbouring villages attended the clebration. The programme, chaired by advisor, Dimasa Public Organization, Rup Langthasa, started with invocation prayer by the village priest F Khemprai.
Major parties promise to withdraw AFSPA Nagaland Post
IMPHAL (PTI): Major political parties in Manipur, including ruling coalition partner CPI have promised to withdraw the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and work to solve the decades-old insurgency problem through political dialogue if voted to power in the assembly elections next month. Making the promise in its election manifesto yesterday, the BJP also vowed to "protect the territorial integrity of the state", enact suitable legislation to protect the separate identity of the state's indigenous people.
The party also promised to root out corruption at all levels and set up a staff selection commission for appointing candidates in government jobs besides establishing suitable small industries.
Manipur People's Party (MPP), the oldest regional political party which had ruled the state earlier, in its manifesto also released during the day, said it would not only withdraw the controversial act but would also work for its repeal. The party said it would upgrade Sardar Hill and Jiribam sub-divisions into full fledged revenue districts and enforce uniform land laws both in the hills and valley areas. It also promised to raise a Manipur Regiment and a highway protection force besides safeguarding the integrity and unity of the state and expressed itself to be against the construction of the proposed dam at Tipaimukh in Churachandpur district.
The MPP said it would pressurise the Centre to give equal number of seats to all states in Rajya Sabha irrespective of their size and more power to Manipur considering its historical facts. Its manifesto highlighted the party's programme for making Moreh, a border town with Myanmar, an economic zone under the "Look East Policy" so as to get maximum benefits. The party also said it would also set up a government department to develop languages of various communities in the state and to respect and protect all customs and cultures of all communities in the state.
CPI, a junior partner in the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front ministry, has said besides withdrawing AFSPA it would try to solve the insurgency problem in the state through political dialogue with the insurgent leaders.
An appeal by - Rev. Vichakielie Perheilie, Nagaland Christian Democratic Party (NCDP), fabc_nagaland@yahoo.co.in Nagaland Post
Dear Nagas, for how long will we seek 'Forgive and Forget' and 'Peace and Unity? If on one hand we talk of 'Forgive and Forget' and on the other hand keep on killing one another, how can we 'Forgive and Forget'. I want to share few thoughts of mine with our respected leaders Isak, Muivah, Khaplang, Kitovi and to the NNC leaders. II Samuel 2:25-28 reminds us of how Abner and Joab had conversation. Even in the midst of bitterness, anger and war, talked judiciously and could bring truce between Israel and Judah and stopped killing. How beautiful are their dialogue? The Nagas too, yearns for such expressions! I believe there are people like Abner and Jaob even among the different factions. Can any of our factional leaders do that?
My article was published few days back in a local daily paper urging our leaders those who walk in the fear of the Lord to negotiate and find out some solution. As you initiate the work the Lord will be on your side and he will help you and pave the way for reconciliation among all the factions. For peace and unity comes only from God alone. Praise the Lord! Proverbs 16:7, "When man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him'.
Therefore, to acquire peace and unity in our land, Nagas must strive to please the Lord. However, since the time Nagaland got its statehood not a single political party has been seen attempting to lead the Nagas to please the Lord. So evil has flourished our land. 'Forgive and Forget' must come to both the Nagas as well as to the Indian. Or else still many more precious lives may be lost. In the past, Nagas and Indian fought out of bitterness and anger that led to loss of many lives. Thus, till today those bereaved families have grudges and bitterness and are carving for peace.
Therefore, both Nagas and Indian unite with the Nagaland Christian Democratic Party's aspiration and let us work together and truly witness ‘forgive and forget’ into our midst. The NCDP makes every effort to let Nagas do what is pleasing to the Lord. 'Forgive and Forget' is higher than heaven, deeper than hell, longer that the earth and wider than the ocean. Therefore, one need to kneel down, shed tears, ask, seek, and knock the door and pray and should work. For the Scripture says, 'Those who sow in tears will reap in joy, (Psalm 126:5). Praise the Lord.
Are you listening to the victims?- Nagaland Post Opnion
On December 1' 2006, a six-teen year old girl by the name of Nengneikim stepped on a landmine planted in the road on her way to a paddy field near her village in Aibol Jakhomang within the Chakpikarong sub division of Chandel district in Manipur. Both her legs had been ripped from her body by the blast. Despite efforts to keep her alive, she died the next day. Nengneikim is by no way the first victim of landmines in her area. Accruing to the Kuki Students' Organization, since 2001, when landmines were first allegedly planted in the region, they have claimed some 26 victims-all of them civilians. And the deaths have not stopped with her. Just eight days later, a 45 year old man was killed by a blast caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). When will the needless deaths end?
In the case of Manipur, the landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), allegedly planted by armed non-state actors (NSA) in defense against Indian Army operations, have been reported laid in the vicinity of or near villages, on roads and paths frequented by villagers, in jungles where villagers go to collect wood, vegetables and herbs, as well as in agriculture fields. In addition to the immediate casualties of the explosion, some 300 families are reported to have fled leaving behind their homes, lands and livelihoods and now live as internally displaced persons (IDPs) in neighboring Mizoram state. If these reports are true, it is the non combatants who are suffering-farmers and innocent children.
One of the main purposes of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-the law of war-is to protect as much as possible the civilians, i.e. non combatants-from the effects of war. This means combatants, whether state or non-state, must discriminate between military and civilian targets. Anti-personnel landmines and other victim activated explosive devices are indiscriminate weapons. It is for this reason, and the humanitarian crisis landmines have provoked in countries like Mozambique, Angola, Cambodia and Afghanistan, that an international movement was formed to ban anti-personnel mines leading in 1997 to the mine ban convention, otherwise as the Ottawa treaty. As recognition of its work in bringing about the ban, the international campaign to Ban landmines, a network of national and international organizations from around the world, was awarded the Nobel Peace prize the same year. Today, there are 151 states parties to the mine ban treaty, though some significant countries, such as India, Pakistan, China, Russia and the United States of America remain outside of the treaty. In addition, there are 31 armed non-state actors who have signed the deed of commitment under Geneva call for adherence to a total ban on anti-personnel mines and for cooperation in mine action. This parallel process was launched by a specialized organization, Geneva call, which engages armed non-states actors in a ban on anti-personnel mines and other humanitarian norms. Like the mine Ban treaty, the Deed of Commitment also provides for a total ban in addition to cooperating and assisting in mine action-those activities that aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of landmines.
Geneva call, in partnership with the Indian Institute for Peace, Disarmament and Environment Protection-the coordinator of the Indian campaign to Ban landmines-have been working to raise awareness in the northeast about the landmine ban issue and to help support assistance to mine victims and mine affected communities. It is a slow process, and one that needs support.
The devastation and personal destruction caused by anti-personnel mines will not end unless all armed actors commit themselves to the ban. The Indian government has yet to accede to the mine Ban Treaty. Along the border with Pakistan, India has used anti-personnel mines, which have caused a number of civilian casualties. Yet, it is encouraging that at least the government has a standing policy not to use landmines in its internal conflicts. Unfortunately, for the northeast, and India as a whole, there are many other armed actors which have not yet committed themselves to the ban. What is now only a localized phenomenon can quickly spread to other areas, unless all armed actors acknowledge that the humanitarian cost of landmines on the communities does not justify their use. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Issac-Muivah's group) and the Kuki National Organization have decided to forgo landmine use to uphold the cause of humanity. Will others? By: Katherine Kramer, programme Director, Geneva Call
Contributed by Dr. I. Longri State Coordinator Campaign to Ban Landmines Dimapur, Nagaland.
Governor censures ULFA, renews talks offer By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 27 – A strong censure of the ULFA while at the same time urging the group to engage in talks, and the State Government’s response to the recent spurt in violence were key elements in the Republic Day address of Asom Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh. References to various development activities undertaken by the State Government also featured in his address. Reading out his address after unfurling the tricolour in a heavily guarded Judge’s Field yesterday, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and all those who sacrificed immensely for the country’s freedom and referred to the traditional simplicity and non-violent nature of people in Asom. Soon thereafter, there was a change in tenor, and the address dwelt at length on the violence perpetrated by the ULFA.
“Some misguided youths have resorted to the path of violence… to achieve their selfish gains, which have disturbed the State in marching towards the path of progress and prosperity,” he said.

“They have now resorted to more senseless killings of innocent people including the school children and women in several places of Asom by mainly targeting the Hindi-speaking people who have been living peacefully in the State for generations.”

Singh said that his Government had “controlled the situation within 72 hours” and he along with the Chief Minister and senior ministers had visited the violence-hit areas and taken stock of the situation. They had also ensured relief and rehabilitation for the affected people.Mentioning that the Government of India and the State Government have been inviting the ULFA for negotiations, the Governor believed that the ULFA had other designs in agreeing to talks through the People’s Consultative Group. “They had actually regrouped and consolidated their weak positions to some extent by taking advantage of the ceasefire.”

Even as Singh pointed out the Government’s effort in offering ex-gratia and offering medical treatment to those affected by the violence, he referred to a two-pronged strategy to handle extremist activities – counter-insurgency measures and peaceful negotiated settlement. The Governor in his address touched on the State Government’s efforts to “speed up the process of implementation of various clauses of the Asom accord”, and efforts to ease tensions over the interstate borders. Describing the financial position of the State as satisfactory, he mentioned that the collection of non-tax revenue in the form of royalty on the mineral resources of the State has registered an all time high of Rs 1230.86 crore. Significantly, the Governor stated that the Government had taken steps for filling up 25,000 posts during 2006-07 and 2007-08. The Government has further initiated steps to generate self-employment through self-help groups.

Singh’s address contained substantial reference to the State’s health sector, which included recent efforts at upgrading the three medical colleges, process of constructing three new medical colleges and progress in implementing the National Rural Health Mission. The status of agriculture was another area highlighted in the address. “Strategy is built around two elements, namely: promoting rabi season as engine for agricultural growth and aggressively pushing for commercialization of agriculture,” Singh said. Focusing on the tea industry, the Governor said that a bailout package for the tea industry has been approved and a Special Purpose Tea Fund of Rs 567 crore has been set up. The Governor in his address claimed “proactive steps taken by the State Government and the emphasis on the implementation of the North East Industrial policy made a remarkable change in the attitude of the investors.” The State has emerged as a preferred destination for industries in Eastern India and in the last one-and-half-year, committed investment proposals are more than Rs 10,000 crore, he added.
Our correspondents report that Republic Day was celebrated in several places of the State, including Sivasagar, Tezpur, Doomdooma, Tangla, and Diphu.

Citizens defy ultra boycott call By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 27 – Defying the diktats of the militants, a good number of people took part in a function held to celebrate the Republic Day of the country yesterday on the Guwahati Press Club campus. The call for the celebration was given by a group of journalists. Hoisting the national tri-colour on the occasion at 11 am, veteran journalist and president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha Kanaksen Deka called for initiatives to transform the disadvantages of terrorism and backwardness into the advantages for the State to usher in development in a big way.

There should be all out efforts to convince the Central Government of the need to eliminate the vicious circle of underdevelopment and insurgency by initiating development activities in the State. For enabling the State also to derive the benefit out of such initiatives, he said, its youths should also be provided with the scopes to hone their skills.
The participants included, among others, veteran journalist Dhirendra Nath Bezboruah, former Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University Dr Nirmal Kumar Choudhury, former Director General of the National Museum Dr Rabin Dev Choudhury, former Director of Town and Country Planning Arun Chandra Thakur, noted social workers Dhiren Barua, Col P C Choudhury, Akdas Ali Mir and Nilima Kakati, besides, many people from different walks of life.
They also took out a procession from the Press Club to the Reserve Bank point, along the south bank of the Dighalipukhuri, exhorting the people to engage themselves in upholding the dignity of the national flag, to hoist it and to celebrate the events like the Republic Day and the Independence Day in a befitting manner. Responding to their appeals, some of the inmates of the Cotton College hostels also joined the procession.
Later, addressing the participants, Dr Nirmal Kumar Choudhury made an appeal to the young generations to make celebration of the Republic Day and the Independence Day an essential part of their life. All obstructions on the way of celebrating these two occasions, which are connected with the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters who embraced either martyrdom or suffered barbaric repression of the colonial rulers, should be overcome. He also apprised the gathering of his experience in Bihar following the recent anti-Hindi-speaking people carnage of the ULFA in various parts of the State. While he, along with his wife, was traveling through Bihar by train, some of the Bihar youths entered their compartment and offered them red roses, saying that the common people of Bihar had no grudge against the common Assamese people. They also requested the Choudhurys to tell the Asom people that the Biharis were their brethren.

External forces trying to break India: Centre Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Jan 27 – The government today said certain “external” forces were trying to “break” the social fabric of the country, threatening its internal security, reports PTI. “We are a nation of multi-religion and multi-culture. Certain external forces are constantly trying to break our social fabric as they wanted to give us maximum damage internally rather than externally,” Union Minister of State for Home Shriprakash Jaiswal said here. Addressing a seminar on ‘India’s security concerns; external and internal’, he said the threat has been continuing for the last 30 years and might increase manifold in the coming years if not dealt properly.

“India cannot ignore the possible dangers that can harm the social fabric of the world’s largest democracy,” he said. “We are aware of the dangers facing internal and external security of the country. Naxalism, terrorism, communalism, military strategies of India’s neighbours are some of the perceived and identified threats which are being grappled by our various enforcement agencies and defence establishments round the clock,” he said.
Jaiswal, however, admitted that situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast and some Naxal affected states continued to be a matter of concern. “The recent activities of the ULFA are also issues which require the strengthening of our national resolve to strongly fight back the divisive tendencies among some segments of society who are anti-social in their approach,” he said.
Centre, people trying to solve Naga issue democratically: Datta Sentinel
Kohima, Jan 27: The Governor of Nagaland Shyamal Datta, who is completing his tenure as Governor of Nagaland in next few days, expressed the people’s hope and desire on the ongoing dialogue that it would result in an ‘honourable settlement, acceptable to the people’.
Addressing the 57th Republic Day Celebration here at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Ground on Friday, the Governor said he was giving his last greetings to the people of Nagaland as the Governor of Nagaland, on an occasion like this. He said during his stint as Governor in the last five years in Nagaland, he had witnessed many positive political developments that took place between the people of Nagaland and the Government of India. “During these years, the Government of India and the Naga people have been trying to resolve the long standing Naga political problem in a democratic manner, based on the principles that are enshrined in the Constitution of India”, he explained. “It is the heartfelt hope of the people of Nagaland that the ongoing dialogue will result in an honourable settlement, acceptable to the people”.
Stating that the Constitution of India was vast enough to provide immense scope within its democratic principles to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of any section of people, Datta however strongly believed that the violence could never be a an “instrument to solve any problem whether it is the Naga political problem or the differences among the Naga brothers along factional or tribal lines”. Much progress has been made in the negotiation process and it was imperative that the “peaceful path is travelled enough to find solutions to our problem”, he added.
While acknowledging that the 10-year old peace process paid dividends as evident from various quarters on the State, the Governor said he was pained to note the “divisiveness that still festers along tribal and factional lines with an adverse impact on the law and order situation in the State”. “It is a matter of deep concern for all of us”, he said. He however strongly felt that the “inherent strengths of the Naga culture and community spirit need to be revived” to solve the problems that confronted them. He further said the State Government was committed to further “strengthening the community spirit” in the State by way of empowering the Tribal and various public organizations, by invoking the Clause 8 of the Sixteen-Point Agreement. “This will be a move in the right direction”, he added, saying, “We need to be guided more by our wisdom of time-tested culture, tradition and the community spirit”. (Agencies)
Source of legitimacy for separatism Nagarealm.com
Curiously enough, over the period, all political parties of India, perhaps without any exception, believed that without Muslim support they could not grab power and then retain it for long. This unpardonable weakness had crept in the minds of all political parties.

The Partition of the country has given a kind of legitimacy to the separatist movement and the persons behind these movements feel that if Pakistan could be created by taking a chunk of land from India, why they cannot take another chunk to fulfill their own ego? To stop this kind of egoistic ideas there should be an extraordinarily strong nationalist government at the centre. Mulayam Singh Yadav proposes to build minority colony in big cities of UP meant for Muslims only. Recently, he had declared that the weekly holidays will be on Fridays only to appease Muslims. If Mulayam implements these proposals then other political parties including Congress would declare some more attractive projects with the hope to keep their ‘vote bank’ in tact.

It is the appeasement polity that divided our beloved motherland in 1947. Some of our national leaders were in a hurry to grab power. They were so greedy that they did not think of the consequences of Partition. So our national unity was negated at the very outset of our Independence. It is useless to say that the British were the root cause for the division of our country. It was they who had pursued with the policy of ‘divide and rule’. For them it was but natural. Because they had to rule this land captured by them. One can understand their point of view. But what were our national leaders doing at that time? The political scenario of our country in 1920s was quite confused especially after the emergence of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in the political arena. It was because of him that the Indian National Congress had started a movement called “Khilafat” to reinstate the Caliph in Turkey. What interest India or for that matter Indian National Congress had got to protect the interest of Turkish? They say, to win over the support of Muslims it was necessary. But till today we could not win over them. Why? This big question has to be understood properly and then we could find an answer to it.

First, the British had purposely propagated that Hindus are also invaders to this land like Muslims British and many others and they cannot claim that this is their homeland. They established confusion successfully. Second, Muslims are of firm belief that as they conquered this land and ruled it for several years it is their right to rule. Third, the British took the advantage of the situation and instigated the Muslims to come forward with their demand of ownership of this land. It was the British who helped Salimullah, Nawab of Dacca; it is said, by giving Rs. One lakh to establish Muslim League, a parallel organisation to Indian National Congress. Fourth, both the British and the Muslim stood against, as they call it, ‘Hindu Revivalism’. Naturally they became united to defeat the Hindu nationalists. On the other hand, as Michael Edwardes wrote in his book ‘The Last years of British India’, “Although Congressmen believed the British to be engaged in deepening communal differences, on the principle of ‘divide and rule’, a Muslim League leader came nearer the truth when he said at the Round Table conference in 1931, ‘It is the old maxim of ‘divide and rule”. But there is a division of labour here, We divide and you rule.’ With the growing strength of Congress, and the British apparently indifferent to their fears, Indian Muslims looked outside India to their co-religionists in other countries. They saw that they were not alone and from this discovery, there grew the sense of separateness from the rest of India which led inescapably to partition.” (P 27) Ultimately partition became a reality and the greedy Congressmen felt, for several reasons, that they could not enjoy power without Muslim support. Curiously enough, over the period, all political parties of India, perhaps without any exception, believed that without Muslim support they could not come to power. This unpardonable weakness had crept in the minds of all political parties and only for that reason even our nationalist parties were not in a position to ignore the ground reality, especially when they had to work under democracy. Precisely this is the reason why political parties are so eager to appease those sections of people who are organised and cast votes unitedly for a purpose. The Muslim, the Christian, and other ethnic groups characteristically pursued this policy over the period. Hence in the name of minority protection in a secular state like India, political parties are all out to enact laws to provide facilities for them. Apparently this is not bad, as this should be the policy of a majority section of people. But then many questions will come up as to who are minorities? What are their motives? Are they against the security or interest of the country? According to the UNO Charter, in a country minorities are those who form 10 or less per cent of the total population of a particular country. Therefore Muslims are not a minority community in our country because they form more than 10 per cent of the total population. Taking part in the debate on National Minority Educational Institution Commission Bill, 2004, BJP member of Rajya Sabha Prof. Bal Apte said, “There is another definition. ‘Minority’ is something which, as the Act says, will be decided by the Central Government. How can the Central Government decide about what is stated expressly by and is interpreted, as such, by the Constitution and the Supreme Court. Minorities contemplated in this country are only two, religious and linguistic. The Supreme Court has held that this is not a matter of all-India conception, but since we have linguistic states, the reference to a minority or the concept of minority is referable to a state, not all-India”. Unfortunately, the UPA government is all out to negate this basic idea and in the process of providing more and more facilities to create vested interests. They are simply pursuing the policy of pan Islamism. One of these policies is to outnumber the majority community in certain chosen areas. The procedure is they would concentrate on a particular area. As soon as they got majority in that area they would move to a new area. Once they got majority it would immediately become a threat for the nation as they would leave no stone unturned to separate that particular land from the mainland. There were many instances where one would find that our nation had been divided because of this reason.

There are 1300 kms of border between West Bengal and Bangladesh and there are many villages in WB alongside the Bangladesh border where you would not find any Hindu or other community people living in those villages. In this area where Hindus have become minority their security is at stake. The young girls of 10-11 years are living under threatening condition of abduction. Those Hindus of these areas have who relatives living in safer areas; send their girl children to them for safety and security. These kinds of threats are looming large. This is called ‘demographic aggression’. The facts of this aggression are not only shocking but horrifying. Still the men at the helm of affairs are turning a blind eye to this threat.
After achieving a truncated freedom we have seen that the Hindus from Kashmir valley have been thrown out. The state government has supported, if not directly helped this move. Few statistics in this regard would help us to understand the seriousness of this problem. In Assam, during the last three decades Muslim population increased by six per cent. In 1971, the Muslim population was 24.56 per cent of the total population of the state. In 2001, it has gone to 30.92 per cent. The West Bengal has also registered the same trend. In 1951, Hindus were 79.85 per cent of the total population; it has reduced to 74.11 per cent in 2001.On the other hand Muslim population from 19.46 per cent in 1951 has increased to 25.25 per cent in 2001. The story of Arunachal is an eye opener. In 1961, the whole population consisted of Hindus (99.19 per cent) only. At that time Christians were only 0.51 per cent. But in 2001, Christians registered 18.72 per cent of the total population. If anyone tries to look at the individual district statistics it would be more shocking. Subansiri district had 22 per cent Christians in 1991. After ten years this had increased to 27 per cent. Subsequently the district was divided into two. One part is known as Papampore where Christian population has gone up to 30 per cent and the other part known as Tirap has registered an increase in Christian population from 18 per cent to 50 per cent. In the same way Christians increased their number in Changlung district from 11 per cent to 18 per cent in 2001. In this regard Tripura presents a peculiar picture. Up to 1971, Hindu population was increasing. In fact 78.98 per cent in 1961. Hindu population, after one decade, has increased to 92.31 per cent. But there also the number of Hindus reduced to 88.84 per cent in 2001. In Meghalaya, 70.25 per cent is Christian, Nagaland has 89.97 per cent, and Mizoram has 86.97 per cent Christians. Detailed study of the Census Report would reveal many such astonishing facts.

By now this is an open secret that Christians are killing our ethnic culture in these areas. Eight years ago the Christian Missionaries put pressure on the Reang Tribe to convert into Christianity. When they refused to do so they were turned out of the state forcefully. Till today these people are compelled to live in refugee camps. Government of India could not reinstate these people in their own home state as they failed to do anything for the Kashmiris (Pundits) who were turned out from the valley. In North Eastern states, knowing it fully well that change of religion simply meant the change of allegiance to the nation, the Congress, over the period, did nothing about it. Instead they had instigated these moves just to appease them.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress and the Chief Minister Mulayam Singh are engaged in competition for appeasing Muslims. In the process Mulayam Singh sometimes brings in the proposal to establish an Urdu University for Muslims, some other time he proposes to build Minority Colony in big cities of UP meant for Muslims only. Recently, he had declared that the weekly holidays will be on Fridays only to appease Muslims. If Mulayam implements these proposals then other political parties including the Congress would declare some more attractive projects with the hope to keep their ‘vote bank’ in tact. Whether these projects will be implemented or not the Muslims and other minorities know it for sure that so long the question of vote bank is there they can get things done by twisting arms through any party who is in power irrespective of their ideological commitment. For example, the Supreme Court of India not only once but thrice, directed the Government of India to enact a law to bring all citizens of the country under one umbrella of Common Civil Code. As Muslims are not agreeable to accept such law, that direction of the apex court is yet to be abided by. On the other hand the judgment given by the Supreme Court was, not only, not implemented, the Congress with its brute majority in the Lok Sabha at the time reversed the same verdict. For the last three years the Congress President, the Prime Minister and the senior ministers of the UPA government have started a concerted effort to appease Muslims to win the general election.

The constitution of Sachar Committee, offering special right to Muslims over government resources, communalisation of development projects etc. are pursued by the Congress with the great risk of jeopardising the security of the nation. The danger signals are already there. 1. Giving special status to Muslim citizens is fraught with further division of our motherland. 2. For the first time Muslim league member has been inducted in the central council of ministers just to appease them. 3. In the presence of an Inquiry Committee for Godhra tragedy Banerjee Committee was constituted to save the culprits of riot in Godhra. 4. Muslim infiltrators from Bangladesh in Eastern India have been given the recognition of Indian citizenship. 5. Vande Mataram controversy was initiated by the Congress to impress the Muslims. 6. Soft attitude has been adopted towards the terrorists as they are mostly Muslims. 7. Dilly dallying with the death sentence of Afzal, the attacker of Parliament House. 8. Lastly, as Prof. Bal Apte said in Rajya Sabha, “You repealed the POTA; you gave prizes to Isharat Jehan, posthumously, who was a terrorist, died along with the terrorists; you offered five per cent reservation on communal basis to the Muslims; you glossed over the threat of Bangladeshi infiltration”.

It is a feeling of many people that as the freedom came through backdoor, all bad motives were generated for that reason. In other words the Partition of the country has given a kind of legitimacy to the separatist movement and the persons behind these movements feel that if Pakistan could be created by taking a chunk of land from India, why they cannot take another chunk to fulfill their own ego? To stop this kind of egoistic ideas there should be an extraordinarily strong nationalist government at the Centre.
It is our bad luck that we did not get it. Hence the culprits, criminals and self-seekers swayed over the situation and put the people on the verge of another Partition. After experiencing the role of different coalition governments and their constituents, one can only remember the adage in a changed form “United we fall, divided we stand.” Because the more you are divided the more are the chances of getting berth in a coalition government through which you can satisfy your greed for power. It seems that in the arena of politics, talking of unity, nationalism, motherland, Vande Mataram and anything about Hindu is totally prohibited. [Asim Kumar Mitra, organiser]

Violence can’t stop development: Gogoi Rs 7-crore New Year gift for Hajo Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Jan 27: Asom Government formally extended its over Rs 7-crore New Year gift to the people of Hajo in Kamrup district in the form of as many as three schemes, the foundation stones of two of them have already been laid by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today. Gogoi laid the foundation stones of a Rs 3.20-crore development scheme for renovation and reconstruction of the Panchatirtha — the Hoyagreeb Madhab Mandir, the Kedar Mandir, the Ganesh Mandir, the Kameswar Mandir and the Poa Mecca — and the Rs 1.45-crore scheme for the development of brass industry. This apart, a scheme of Rs 2.64 crore was announced for the development of tourism sector in the area.
The break-up of the Rs 3.20 crore for the Panchatirtha is: Rs 1.35 crore for the Madhab Mandir, Rs 0.63 crore for the Kedar Mandir, Rs 0.75 crore for the Poa Mecca, Rs 0.23 crore for the Ganesh Mandir and Rs 0.24 crore for the Kameswar Mandir.
In the function that was held at the Hoyagreeb Madhab Mandir, Gogoi said that his Government was committed to develop the State, and the violence that was being carried out by rebels would not stop developmental works in the State. “If the ULFA really loves Asom, it should come forward for peace talks with the Government for development of the State. We won’t allow the militants to destroy Asom. The ULFA may come with proposals for the development of the State and the Government is always ready to sit for such talks,” Gogoi said.
Asom Forest and Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain, who announced the Rs 2.64-crore tourism development scheme in Hajo, said that the funds for the scheme had already been received from the Finance Department, and the scheme would be started soon.
Announcing the Rs 1.45-crore scheme for development of brass industry in the area, Asom Power and Industry Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said: “The scheme, first of its kind in the State, will help solve unemployment in the State.” According to him, training, gadgets for brass industry and loans will be ensured for people under the scheme. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was also present in the meeting, said that the Government would provide better healthcare facilities in the area. Chief Secretary PC Sarma, PWD Commissioner Mukut Dutta, Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty Debojit Das, Kamrup DC RC Jain, local MLA Nurul Hussain and others also attended the function. In a rally organized by the Hajo Block Congress, as many as 126 NCP workers joined the Congress in Tarun Gogoi’s presence.