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01/30/2007: "NSCN (I-M) in reconciliation mode"


NSCN (I-M) in reconciliation mode Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (NPN):In a marked shift its earlier stand on reconciliation, the Reconciliation Committee of the NSCN (I-M) has said the proclamation of the its chairman (Yaruiwo) Isak Chishi Swu on January 13 was "historic" and to be viewed as a positive step towards nation building and a healing touch to the war-riddled Naga people.
"It is so because it paves the way to reconciliation and re-unification among the warring Naga brothers and sisters from different camps. It is in fact, a message of great joy for all Nagas far and wide," a press release issued by the Reconciliation Committee said. Earlier, Swu on January 13 at the "national leaders' fasting-prayer programme" held at the CHQ Church, Hebron, on the theme "Forgiveness and Reconciliation" proclaimed "whosoever has committed crime against the people and the NSCN is forgiven". The Yaruiwo also urged those groups and individuals, who had committed "serious political mistakes" in the past, to seek forgiveness from the people and called for reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion in "Nagalim".
The committee felt that regardless of killing and dislikes, the time had come to tackle the problems collectively "in the greater interest of the people, in honor of those departed dear ones and in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ in spite of hurdles here and there."
However, the committee made it clear that whether it was confrontation or negotiation, peace or unity, all should carry political message to deliver to the people. "We should not shout for unity only to negate unity. We should also not strive for unity among the Nagas to be harvested by our adversaries. Unity must be for the Nagas and for them alone," it added.
Stating that over the years Nagas have been talking about unity, peace, solution and praying to God to "revive us again and heal our land," the committee said it believed that the time had come "for us to embrace each other, the time to heal our wounds, the time to rebuild our nation together and the time to bloom together in the same garden." It further said "no divisive forces should stand in the way to this historic re-unification move. We believe there is no policy or strategy, no wisdom or conspiracy or advice against the aspiration of the Naga people. All Nagas unite for a common cause and now is the right time."
15 dead as Myanmar cracks down on Indian rebels Times of India (Ians)
GUWAHATI: A dozen Myanmarese soldiers and three militants died in fresh fighting when Myanmar launched a massive military crackdown to evict anti-India guerrillas from its soil.
According to a spokesman of the SS Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K), Myanmar's military junta had burnt down the outfit's general headquarters and two other camps in that country's northern Sagaing Division.
“Heavy fighting is going on with a brigade (3,000 personnel) of the Myanmarese army with mortars and rocket launchers in a massive assault on our cadres since the weekend," AZ Jami, a senior NSCN-K leader, said over the telephone.

The NSCN-K, fighting for an independent homeland for the Nagas in Nagaland, has at least 50 camps with 5,000 guerrilla fighters entrenched in fortified bunkers in the Sagaing Division.
“We have lost three of our cadres and as many wounded in the attacks. In retaliatory strikes, our boys killed more than 12 Myanmarese soldiers and injured many more,” Jami said.

However, he added that around 60 cadres, who were at the general headquarters during the raid, managed to flee. Myanmar's offensive comes a week after India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Yangon and sought the country's help in cracking down on rebels from India's troubled northeast who are seeking refuge across the border.

“The offensive by the military junta has the backing of the Indian government with most of the weapons used in the operation supplied by New Delhi,” another rebel leader said.

Mukherjee's visit came after reports from Indian security officials that hundreds of rebels from Assam have fled to Myanmar since New Delhi launched a military operation against the guerrillas earlier this month. The Assam government blamed rebels from the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for a recent wave of violence in the state that killed 86 people, 61 of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers. At least four other militant groups from the northeast, including the ULFA, have training camps in northern Myanmar's thick jungles.
“There could be ULFA camps here and there that might have come in the way of the military attack in Myanmar but we are not very sure,” Jami said. “We too have positioned our cadres and would repulse the offensive.”
There has been no immediate confirmation of the military offensive from Myanmar. The NSCN's Khaplang faction has been observing a ceasefire with New Delhi since 2001 although peace talks are yet to begin. Myanmar had earlier pledged that the junta would not let Indian rebels operate from its soil. Last year, Myanmar launched a military operation against the NSCN-K and overran several of their bases. India and Myanmar share a 1,640-km (1,000 mile) unfenced border, allowing militants from the northeast to use the adjoining country as a springboard to carry out hit-and-run strikes on federal soldiers.
‘Right time’ for reconciliation The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (MExN): The newly-instituted ‘Reconciliation Committee’ of the NSCN (I-M) today said now is the ‘right time’ for reconciliation and re-unification. “We believe that is the time for us to embrace each other, the time to heal our wounds, the time to re-build our nation together and the time to bloom together in the same garden,” declared a statement titled ‘Reconciliation for Unity’, issued by the committee’ .
Affirming that no one or no force should asunder the path to reconciliation, the committee said, “No fighting, no foreign forces, no divisive forces should stand in the way to this historic re-unification move.”
Terming the January 13 proclamation of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu as historic, “to be viewed as a positive step towards nation building and a healing touch to the war-riddled Naga people,” the committee said this was so “because it paves the way to reconciliation and re-unification among the warring Naga brothers and sisters from different camps.”
“Regardless of one’s liking or disliking it has got to be tackled collectively in the greater interest of the people, in honor of those departed dear ones and in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ in spite of hurdles here and there.”
The statement further went on to say, “In the meantime, it should be understood that whether it is confrontation or negotiation, peace or unity, all should carry the message to deliver to the people. As nothing stands without a basis so they should be rooted on the rock of a certain principle.”
The reconciliation committee also said “we should not shout for unity only to negate unity.” Also maintaining that the quest for unity among the Nagas should not be harvested by “our adversaries”, the statement added, “Unity must be for the Nagas and for them alone.”
‘Yaruiwo’ Isak Swu tenders apology Chairman of the NSCN (I-M) Isak Chishi Swu has tendered an apology which reads as: “The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) recognizes the avoidable human errors committed by our army and civil authorities while on national duty. We are firm in our political vision for Nagalim yet, in the process we have wounded the hearts of many of our people resulting from lapses in discipline and approach. The pain and hurt caused in our moment of weakness is deeply regretted. We want to heal and comfort because we derive our strength from the people.
“The great responsibility bestowed upon the NSCN by the Naga people is greatly valued. We will uphold and insist on the highest standard of moral, spiritual, ethical and military values demanded of our men and women in uniform as well as civil wing. I tender this apology to our general public in the presence of our Almighty God.”
NSCN-K advises status quo in school affiliation The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 29 (MExN): The NSCN-K will leave no stone unturned to prevent students from the four hill districts of Manipur from appearing their HSLC examinations in Nagaland and has advised that status quo be maintained until a mutually agreed resolution on the matter is arrived at, stated a note from ‘Maj’ Shikaho Kiho ‘Urban Commander’, Kohima. Schools authorities where students from the said areas are to appear, are also cautioned.
In pursuance of a directive from the Council of Kilonsers “to protect interests of Naga students of Nagaland from arbitrary imposition of Manipur students’ affiliation to NBSE,” the NSCN-K stated that the ‘People’s Army’ would leave no stone unturned to prevent Manipur students from appearing HSLC examination from Nagaland, which has “obvious negative ramifications in the context of Nagas employment crisis, economic debacle and various complex social problems require thorough public debate.”
Stating that such “arbitrary” imposition at the initiative of frontal organizations like the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) “without consultation with the Nagas might have relieved a tiny fraction of Manipur students but (proved) suicidal to legitimate Nagas of Nagaland” the note called for status quo: “It has therefore been envisaged that without any malice towards none, status quo be maintained until further mutually agreed resolution is arrived at. Integration of Naga areas and students career should no be intermingled. Proprietor of Schools designated for Manipur students exam centers would be held responsible for any untoward incidents and People’s Army would not be held accountable” it stated. It also queried on what strength and support, the NSF has initiated the affiliation move. “Has NSF garnered consent of 16 tribes of Nagaland on this controversial issue? But since NSF is represented by sweeping majority from Manipur State and Nagas of Nagaland are subjected to negligible minority, therefore it is purely a matter of majority arrogance” the NSCN-K added warning that “no matter how sufficient a security cover is assured, People’s Army would employ its own means of opposition”.
Executions without trial alien to Nagas: NSCN (K) The Morung Express Bounty on Kakuho nullified; bounty on Maj Ape remains
DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (MExN): Stating that the “culture of vengeance killings and summary executions without trial is an alien culture to the Nagas imported to Naga country only after intrusion of criminal minded illegal-immigrants from neighboring states”, the NSCN (K) in a statement pointed out that it was “an inherent trait of the Nagas to settle any disputes through amicable discussions and debates, however heinous a crime could be, capital punishments were never exacted”.
“No vengeance was ever pursued by individual victims or communities after amicable settlement were agreed to. customary and traditional ethos had always been the basis of reconciliation and forgiveness”, stated Akato Chophi, Supervisor, Union Territory-1 of the NSCN (K) in a press communiqué. In light of what Akato termed as “these inherent positive qualities”, the bounty announced on Kakuho Assumi by the NSCN (K) in connection to late Vikuto (Neon’s) barbaric execution by rival NSCN (IM) cadres has become “nullified”. Informing that “this was necessitated and reciprocated after the family circles and village communities of Kakuho Assumi approached the victim’s families maintaining that Kakuho had in no way, instrumental in execution of Vikuto”, it was further stated that the concerned individual “tendered an apology and pleaded for absolving misconceived role in the brutal and inhumane hacking of Late Vikuto”.
“Respecting humane approach of the concerned, the NSCN has decided to withdraw the bounty announced on Kakuho Assumi”. However, taking into account what it termed as “the numerous atrocities committed and perpetrated by Major Ape and under his command, on Nagas, the NSCN takes a firm exception on his case and the bounty remains”.
The NSCN (K) leader alleged that Major. Ape, “owing to his merciless acts of barbaric killings even upon several Naga folks from his own blameless kith and kin, he was ostracized from his community”.
“It is indeed demeaning to our sacred national cause that worker with such reputation is made to command key areas in Nagaland, it is concluded that, terror is Systematically being utilized to rein over the peace loving Nagas”, Akato maintained.
Flag hoisting marks UNC campaign Newmai News Network
Imphal Samuel Jendai is the UNC’s consensus candidate for Tamenglong Assembly Constituency. UNC sources disclosed that on January 26 Samuel Jendai’s flag hoisting programme was held at Tamenglong HQ with GP Guidou gracing the function. Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC) has kick-started its series of flag hoisting spree since January 24.
UNC president K.S.Paul Leo today graced S.Kho John’s flag hoisting ceremony at Tungjoy village of Mao Assembly Constituency. UNC leader S.Milan informed NNN tonight that leaders of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM), ANSAM and leaders and general public from several other villages under Mao Assembly Constituency attended the programme. Today’s programme which started at 12 O’clock at noon “honorably concluded” at 3 pm. On January 24 flag hoisting ceremony of UNC’s consensus candidate for Ukhrul Assembly Constituency Danny Shaiza was done where UNC general secretary Azang Longmei explained in detail the steps taken up by the UNC. Representatives from ANSAM, NPMHR and others attended the function. Chingai A/C consensus candidate of the UNC Dr.Khasim Ruivah’s flag hoisting ceremony was carried out with Tangkhul Naga Long vice president Yangmasho Raising gracing the programme. On January 24 Phungyar A/C’s UNC consensus candidate Wungnaoshang Keishing’s flag hoisting function was graced by elders of the area.
Shedding a crocodile’s tears- Nagaland Post Opinion
The NSCN (IM) unipolar character, arrogant attitude and rhetoric on its own farce and especially the tentacle Kuki affairs/NSCN-IM no less allergic in barking at the Naga army manifest the empty vessels' loud noise. If ever the Naga army, U/T-II or did I myself commit any (Anti-Christian) sin, I don't hesitate to tender apology to almighty and the church body for forgiveness in the interest of the larger scope of understanding of all.
But alas! The Kuki affairs and the self-righteous starring like Rev. S. Hangsing cannot wash the blood-stained hands of crucifying hundreds of innocent life except indulging in escapism as if they are never quenched of their bloody-thirst of vengeance. Kuki affairs/NSCN-IM prima facie pro-Christian as to sympathize the postponement of KBA conference scheduled on January 18' 2007 at Saijang. But the NSCN-IM trampled on the plea of the KCC leaders of Ahthibung and responded their prayer into a troupe numbering 80 with full combat attire way laid us in ambush on the eve of the church conference. Is it pro-Christian attitude that you took of our obeisance and attacked us the next day and distributed the church conference held at Ahthibung?
Is it spiritual that you welcomed the dawn of this New Year 2007 with your 'Litmus test of offence' against the Naga army and desecrated the church meeting? Would your Yaruiwe's proclamation be in tune with the bombarding of the church complex and destruction there of with your 60 mm shells and rockets launched in the populated civilian areas? AR Samaritan comes to your rescue. The façade of one of the churchs have already been white washed. It is pretention, it is false tears not true ones that you shed on the KBA while spitting on the KCC-blessing one and cursing the others? No you are not loving any one either. And lastly, S. Hangsing is faceless to use such a mindless underrating language to undergo a national supreme as Khaplang men/gang etc and mind it Pride Comes before Fall. Luna, Chairman, Union Territory-II.
Political activities in full swing in Nagaland Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Jan 28:: All the political parties in Nagaland have swung into action following the appointment of a new Governor on February third. The Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), major alliance partner of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), had called for a meeting of the Central Office bearers here on Wednesday. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio would address the meeting, while NPF working president I K Sema would be presiding over the meeting.

The meeting would discuss all the matters related to the impending delimitation of Assembly constituencies, prevailing law and order situation, impact of developmental programmes of the DAN government and several other issues. Meanwhile, the Congress have also called for the Congress Legislature Party meeting here on Wednesday. (UNI)

UNC cautions dissenters
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jan 29: Brushing aside the voices of dissent and disagreements raised from several quarters against the selection of ‘consensus candidates’ by the United Naga Council (UNC), its president Paul Leo has asserted that the voices of protest and objections are being raised by some individuals who could not garner enough public support to be ‘consensus candidates’.
Paul Leo was speaking to reporters at the UNC office of Senapati yesterday in connection with its initiative to put up 11 ‘consensus candidates’ for the 9th Assembly elections. In case the voice of dissent and malicious propaganda continue unabated, UNC would take up non-violent action against those elements, said Leo while cautioning that their movements may be restricted.
Earlier DK Korungthang and Z Mangaibou approached the UNC seeking to be ‘consensus candidates’ from Tengnoupal A/C and Tamei A/C respectively, he disclosed. UNC then asked them to resign from their posts of MLA but they refused to act, added Paul. Altogether 80 persons applied to the UNC to be their sponsored ‘consensus candidates’. On January 15, with the undertaking of 51 aspiring candidates, 11 ‘consensus candidates’ were selected. There was no case of objection or misunderstanding, he said. To a query regarding the political parties with which the ‘consensus candidates’ may forge alliance after polls in case they get elected, the UNC president informed that political alliance would be made only through the United Naga Democratic Front. Even as the UNC has been mulling to prohibit election campaign by candidates belonging to National parties and regional parties, there would be no such restriction against independent candidates, he disclosed. Talking to reporters, the UNC sponsored ‘consensus candidates’ of Karong A/C RV Shirang and K Raina of Tadubi A/C stated that they fully endorse the ongoing peace talk between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.
When asked whether they (consensus candidates) get any financial aid from UNC, the former Deputy Speaker K Raina said they do not receive any financial help from UNC. He further exuded confidence that the ensuing elections would be free and fair. To another question regarding the general perception that the ‘consensus candidates’ are backed by NSCN (IM), Raina said that NSCN (IM) has nothing to do with the election process of India. Henry Paotei of Karong A/C who resigned as an MLA but denied that he did it to chosen as one of the ‘consensus candidates’ said "I'm not that important. What is paramount important importance as the national issues". Even though he is not among the UNC sponsored candidates, Henry said that he will contest the ensuing elections. He remarked that the fate of any candidate depends on the people but not on UNC's favour. He further questioned as to what can the UNC do in the elections. When asked as to why he was not included among the ‘consensus candidates’ despite working so long for the Naga cause, Henry replied that he has also been asking the same question to himself. Appealing to the people not to misuse the office (UNC), he said, "Let the people decide". On the other hand, the team of reporters could not observe any poster or flag belonging to National parties during their visit to Senapati Bazar and adjoining areas. However, elections posters and banners belonging to independent candidates could be observed in every corner.

“I and my wife leaving Nagaland with full satisfaction” – Governor By Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune
Kohima, 30 January, (Asiantribune.com): The outgoing Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta expressed his satisfaction on the sea change he had seen during the last five years since he came to Nagaland as Governor. “I and my wife will be leaving this land and people so dear to us with full of satisfaction," he told the journalists who called on him at the Raj Bhavan on Monday.
The Governor refused to pretend that he was not emotional on his parting with the Naga people. A leader bereft of emotion would lack stirring the minds of the masses and incapable of leading them sometimes, he explained. “We need to have emotions sometimes," he said. “After all, we are human beings."
Datta said the things in Naga society evolved themselves and that had been heading for the betterment of the their future. There had been visible sign of competitiveness among the Nagas and also with their counterparts and even with the rest of the world. They were second to none to the world and once the human resources that had been here were fully utilized, there would be tremendous progress and prosperity in the Naga society, he believed. Although he agreed there had been sporadic factional clashes and killings in the State, he asserted the citizens had almost peaceful lives unlike the past. This itself was a positive development, he added. He also stressed the importance of having peaceful environment, without which, he elucidated, no proper developmental activities would take place. Agreeing the ups and down in the human lives, the Governor understood the complexities under which the State media had been functioning. But he was happy that the media in the State as a whole withstood outside force and maintained their professionalism. He was fully satisfied on the level of standard news coverage and the way the local papers had been giving extensive space to the views and opinions of the masses. This was a clear reflection of the certain level of freedom of expression, which was rarely seen in other places, he admitted. “This is a sign of advancement and progress of the Naga people and definitely that of the media quality that has been in practice in the State," he said urging them to emphasize mostly on the developmental aspects.
Datta was however unhappy on not finding space of Nagaland stories in the national newspapers. The national media seemed more interested to bite the wrong tree that normally generated negative mindsets, as they seemed uninterested giving even a little space for any developmental activities of the State. “To them, Guwahati is northeast or Shillong is Northeast," he lamented. “Thus covering a little bit from these areas is enough for them." They had to change that mindset and focus mostly on the developmental progress, he asserted. The Governor also told about the saddest part about the unfinished projects like Referral Hospital, IG Stadium, etc. during his Governorship in the State.
He also extremely regretted at failing to fulfill his visit to Noklak in Tuensang district. “I have visited fifteen places out of sixteen tribes’ places in Nagaland," he mentioned. But he was so pained at failing to visit the Khiamnungan tribe at Noklak, although he had committed to visit them on January 28, 2007. “Due to my last hectic schedule, I have failed to fulfill that commitment," he said. “But I am very happy at least I could dance with them (Khiamnungan dance troupe) in my last Republic Day Program on January 26, 2007 at Secretariat Ground."
He also said he learnt a lot from the Naga people. “I came to know more of them by staying here than I stayed in Delhi," he said. They took time by observing the things and once they trusted, it remained permanent.
Master brain at work Sangai Express editorial
From the sequence of events drawn up by the family members of the two kidnapped kids of Senapati, Moheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert, as well as the Core Committee formed to help in tracing them, it has become clear that the kidnapping was well thought out and each detail was worked out. Interestingly, the family members and the Core Committee have also reportedly written to the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) to hand over the suspects under their custody within January 25, if nothing materialises. This in a sense reflects their disillusionment with the outfit in solving the case. The sequence of events has also been submitted to the collective leadership of the IM group. So far, from the details given by the family members as well as the Core Committee, nine suspects are in the custody of the NSCN (IM), two suspects are in the custody of the UNLF, two in the custody of the KNA and another suspect in the custody of the KRA. All the suspects are from different communities, including four Zeliangrongs, three Meiteis, two Tangkhuls, two Kukis, one Paomai and one Anal. From the list of the suspects it can be deduced to a certain degree that the gang members are well organised and the master brain has taken extreme care to ensure that the chain is broken, at points where he wants it to be. For example, the Meiteis may not know that two Tangkhuls are involved in the kidnapping plans and vice versa. The knowledge about the entire episode, that is from the start of hatching the kidnap plan to the identities of all the persons involved in the diabolical act may thus be known to only one or two persons. This is where the stumbling block arises but this should not mean that efforts should be relaxed to dig out the entire truth. The fact that the Core Committee and the family members have simultaneously approached both the NSCN (IM) and the State Government to help them in tracing the two children, is a grim reflection of the ground reality in the State today.
That the kidnapping is not the handiwork of some rag tag army of desperadoes out to lay their hands on some easy money is now clear, for keeping two children under wraps for over a month is no child's play. The plan was well executed with the command chain intact and only those at the helm in the know of the entire episode, while the others were given only specific task, so that there is no chance of anyone spilling the beans if caught. This calls for some ingenuity and the man or men who chalked out the devilish plan must have a thorough knowledge of the terrain, plus contacts at different places to shift the kids as and when required. Contingency plans too must have been worked out and all the groups and organisations which have taken some interest in the case should cover all the angles possible. As the for State Government, we really do not know what to say. The last time, we contacted the office of the SP of Senapati, we were politely informed that no hot lines have been set up as the telephone connection of the police has been snapped due to non-payment of outstanding bills ! As we had mentioned earlier too, the silence maintained by many of the civil society organisations in the valley is deafening ! It is time to come together, help each other out and if possible launch a joint search for the two children. The armed groups which have taken some interest in the case also need to be transparent. The story of Lungnila Elizabeth continues to haunt us and it would be a tragedy if the story of Martin and Hubert were to go the same way, buried under an avalanche of questions that are not answered.
Rishang cocks a snook at UNC's prospect naganation,com
IMPHAL, Jan 30: Brushing aside the prospects of the UNC backed candidates in the Naga dominated Assembly segments, veteran Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing today said that the UNC's agenda will stand defeated as it is the people who will decide who should represent them. The veteran Congress leader, who is also a former Chief Minister said that the UNC has taken the wrong path as it is an NGO and not a political party. NGOs should not involve themselves in election politics, he maintained. Speaking to The Sangai Express, Rishang said that it is the right of the people to exercise their franchise right and it is the duty of the Election Commission of India to ensure that the rights of the people are protected. Significantly Rishang's son, Victor Keishing is the Congress candidate in Phungyar Assembly Constituency in Ukhrul district.
Responding to a query, Rishang said that the performance of the Congress in the Naga dominated Assembly segments will be satisfactory as the people have already tasted and experienced good gover-nance during the Congress led SPF Government. On being asked on the resurgence of the MPP, Rishang said, “MPP is a community based political party and they are working along with their ideas and beliefs.”
For good effect, Rishang went on to add that many of the candidates being fielded by the MPP are those who have been rejected by the Congress. The irony is that these same set of people have started criticising the Government, added Rishang. To another query, Rishang said that the CPI is a prospective friend, in case a coalition Govt becomes necessary after the election. “Personally I have faith in the CPI. Their members are dedicated and committed to the cause of the people. Others are opportunists and many of them are party hopp- ers,” asserted the Rajya Sabha MP. The veteran Cong-ress leader added that the party needs to work harder to do better in the upcoming election. On his future plans, Rishang said that he may retire from politics soon, so that he may concentrate on taking up some work in Ukhrul district. The Sangai Express
Gogoi denies payment to Ulfa Nagaland Post
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday lost his cool when a media person asked him whether it was true that his government had paid Rs 10 crore to the United Liberation Front of Assam and pleading with the terrorist group not to carry out any attack when the state would be hosting the 33rd National Games from February 9-18, a report filed by rediff.com stated.
"I am going to take legal action against the Northeastern television channel owned by former congressman Matang Singh, who has been making false allegations on his television channel since being thrown out of the party," Gogoi thundered. He sought to assure media persons and the rest of the country that National Games participants and spectators will be given full protection. "There is no place in the world that can be said to be safe in the current scenario. I will like to give my personal assurance that there would be no security problem during the national games. It is our primary duty to provide security and protection to athletes and dignitaries who would be present for the games," he said. The state government has deployed 20 extra companies of the Central police forces to ensure that everything passes off smoothly. Congress president Sonia Gandhi would inaugurate the games on February 9 while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will attend the closing ceremony on Feburary 18.
Over 6000 athletes and 2000 officials from 32 states and Union Territories will take part in the National Games in 32 events spread over 20 venues that have been raised with an expenditure of Rs 330 crore. He denied that his state government was showing softness towards the ULFA and was giving them a chance to regroup by agreeing to ceasefire. "I admit that they have used the time to regroup themselves. We have started taking stern action against the ULFA cadre in last few weeks. There is no question of giving up before them," he said.
UNLF makes further claims of Army toll The Imphal Free Press
imphal, jan 29: The underground United National Liberation Front, unlf, claims to have killed three more Indian security forces personnel in another clash with its MPA cadres in the Dingpi area of Chandel district. A statement issued by the outfit said a fighting group of the MPA`s 293 bn engaged Indian forces in a fierce gunbattle this morning at around 6:45 am at Gamphajol, in which three Indian troopers were killed and five others wounded. This is in addition to a shootout yesterday afternoon at a spot between Thingpai and Layang villages, where the UNLF statement claimed, five Indian troops were killed and eight wounded.
An INSAS rifle was also recovered from the bodies of the slain Indian troops who were abandoned by their comrades, the statement said. There were no casualties among the MPA cadres in either action, the statement went on to say. A reception for the victorious cadres was also held today at the MPA 293 bn headquarters, it added.
It further stated that the consecutive defeats suffered by the Indian forces have severely affected their morale, and the efforts of the PIB (Defence Wing) to conceal their casualties are of no avail.

Meanwhile, while conceding that one security personnel was wounded in the exchange of fire this morning, the PRO, defence, has denied that there were any other casualties. The PRO also said a civilian was wounded in the gun battle early Monday at Gamphajol village. Conceding that one of their jawans suffered injury in the exchange of fire, the PRO said the gun fight occurred between 6.30 and 7 am this morning. The wounded personnel has been evacuated to Leimakhong army hospital and his condition is out of danger, the PRO said. The PRO could not immediately confirm the condition of the wounded civilian who was caught in the exchange of fire.

Political parties specify stand on AFSPA The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jan 29: With the forthcoming elections to the state legislative Assembly as the backdrop, leaders of various political parties elucidated their stance on the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, and the demand for its repeal today in an interaction programme held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The three-day programme, which is being organised by the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup under the banner `Repeal of AFSPA: Conviction of Political Parties`, is intended to provide an opportunity for interaction and discussion among political leaders, public representatives, intellectuals and mediapersons on the issue of the AFSPA, and the related issue of human rights violations in Manipur.

The programme will continue till January 31. On the first day today, the political party representatives, including those belonging to the ruling SPF alliance, took a uniform stance against the AFSPA in view of the public`s opposition to it. Speaking during the morning session, BJP state general secretary S Tikendra said the party is against the continued imposition of the AFSPA, and pointed out this has also been included in its manifesto. He noted that 90% of the people of the state are against afspa and said the BJP has been raising its voice against the Act
Even if bjp is a national party its outlook is regional, he maintained. mscp representative Debabrata while asserting that the MSCP stands for repealing the Act, maintained the present government is treating afpsa as a political problem instead of as a human one. The people`s faith in politicians is being lost in the present scenario, he warned. CPI state secretary B Sharma made it clear the party has been taking a strong stance against the AFSPA, even if it is a part of the SPF government. In every government meeting, the CPI has been urging the government to repeal the Act, he said, adding that the state unit has been urging the party`s central leaders for the repeal of the act and the matter is still being pressed. Bidyapati senjam, secretary MPCC, articulating the Congress`s stance said the party has been working along with the people according to their aspirations and it would not go against the people`s wishes.
He pointed out that as per the people`s aspirations, the afspa has been withdrawn from seven assembly segments falling under Imphal muniipal council and efforts are being made for withdrawing the same from other places. The act which is against the people is not favoured by the Congress, he asserted. Cpi(m) representative Salam Sarat said since long the cpi(m) been against the afspa and it has pressurized to repeal the same. While admitting that in Manipur the cpi(m) is not a strong party, he said as such it cannot take a major responsibility. However, it has been doing what it can. Senior journalists, legal practitioners, and civil society leaders and senior citizens were present at the gathering today.
Representatives of the mpp, rjd, ncp, jd(s), Samajwadi party, bsp etc. are expected to participate in the programme tomorrow. A `vox populi`, and panel discussion are reserved for the final day.

Governor to take oath on Feb. 3 Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, JAN28 [NPN] : Nagaland Governor-designate K. Sankaranarayanan will be sworn in on February 3 by the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court. The swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, is expected to be attended by the ministers, MLAs, Opposition Congress leaders and senior officials of the State government.
Besides, two Congress leaders from Kerala - M.M. Hassan and Benny Behanan - will also attend the swearing-in ceremony. Sankaranarayanan will replace incumbent Shyamal Datta, whose term expired on January 27. According to sources, the veteran Congressman and former Kerala finance and agriculture minister will arrive in the State on February 2 to don the mantle of Governor.
The decision to appoint Sankaranarayanan as the Governor of Nagaland was taken by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress president Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. Meanwhile, Nagaland Police will accord a ceremonial guard of honour to outgoing Governor Shyamal Datta at Dimapur airport on February 1 when he leaves the State for Kolkata. But before that, a farewell dinner is being organized in his honour by the State government at Kohima on January 31
Operation against ULFA in Majuli Congmen continue to quit party
From our Correspondent Sentinel
JORHAT, Jan 29: Acting on Intelligence reports that a team of ULFA militants is holed up in an interior area in Majuli to carry out subversive activities there, the Jorhat police led by the Additional Superintendent of Police have launched a combing operation in the river island to flush out the ultras. As many as three persons, including two trained cadres of the banned outfit who have recently been released from jail on bail, have been held in Shyam Deori village since the start of the operation yesterday. Police sources revealed that the interrogation of the ULFA duo, who had been staying at home after their release from jail, was on. The ULFA team hiding in the river island is believed to have made a bid to attack Hindi-speaking labourers at a brick kiln located in Nikinikhowa village under Kamalabari police station in the middle of this month. The attack was foiled by the police and an AK-56 rifle was snatched from a militant. The ULFA team comprising six to seven members may also target Congress workers in the river island, the sources said. Meanwhile, the brutal murder of general secretary of upper Majuli Mandal Congress Buddheswar Bez on January 24 last in the subdivision has triggered panic among the workers of the ruling party in the river island. Bez was hacked to death by four unidentified persons after calling him out of his residence. Another Congressman, president of Rangasahi Gaon Panchayat Dimbeswar Nath, too, was physically assaulted by unidentified youths. He has since left the party. According to unconfirmed reports, as many as 100 workers have already quit the Congress so far in the wake of the twin incidents. A lot of other workers are seeking a safe haven here after the violence in the river island, sources said.
Another Congressman falls to ULFA bullets Staff Correspondent Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, Jan 29: The killing spree of Congress workers by ULFA continues unabated even amidst strict vigil by security forces in the upper Asom districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar as a group of motorcycle-borne suspected militants killed Khagen Charengia, a 55-year-old primary member of the Congress, at 10.30 pm at Hingpara Gaon under Moranhat Police station in Charaideo subdivision, Sivasagar district last night. According to neighbours, five motorcycle-borne militants entered Charengia’s residence and demanded betel nuts from him. When betel nut was offered, the militants asked Charengia to show them the residence of one Tilak Barua while asking the other members of the family to remain in the house. Charengia’s family members heard the sound of three gunshot but did not dare to come out from the residence. The bullet-ridden body of the Charengia was recovered the next morning from the area in front of one Prabin Buragohain’s residence of the village. Senior police and Army officials visited the village, and have been launching a massive combing operation to nab the killers. The district administration has sanctioned Rs 3 lakh on behalf of the State Government and Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to the next of the kin of the slain Congress leader.
Liberate Asom from Violence Pranjit Agarwala Editorial Sentinel
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) must liberate the State from violence because it cannot achieve its objectives by shedding the blood of innocents and turning the State into a killing field. The ULFA originated in rural Asom. Initially, besides taking up the foreigners issue earnestly, the outfit also fought against corruption and the prevailing politician-contractor nexus that regularly siphoned off funds meant for development. It took up social work by building roads, bridges, embankments and school houses in rural areas. Its cadres became watchdogs against social evils like alcoholism, drugs and eve-teasing. Through its works, it aimed at being a mass-based organization and its initial commitments earned it the sympathy and support of a wide cross-section of the people of the State. And, significantly, this was limited only to the Asomiya community. Ironically, in the three decades since then, the ULFA has alienated the very people for whose cause it had taken up arms.
The peoples’ mood can be gauged from the results of a recent opinion poll conducted by Assam Public Works (APW), an NGO, which also has several persons from ULFA’s families among its members. Of the 25 lakh people polled in the nine districts, in some of which the ULFA has been active, 24 lakh voted against ULFA’s demand for sovereignty and its divisive and destructive agenda. Even though the poll has so far been conducted in the upper Asom districts considered to be the ULFA’s stronghold, it is widely accepted that the poll is a true reflection of the public opinion prevailing in the entire State. Moreover, earlier, the ULFA-constituted People’s Consultative Group (PCG) had also solicited public opinion on the issues involved. In that, the public opinion was also overwhelmingly for peace and in favour of federalism, greater autonomy or constitutional safeguards for the Asomiyas. But no one had espoused the cause of sovereignty or violence. With such a clear-cut mandate for peace, is not it time for the ULFA and its leadership to introspect and be guided in their future actions by the people’s verdict rather than be influenced by outside forces or stick to preconceived notions which are in conflict with the popular sentiment? It is indeed self-contradictory for a militant outfit to come forward for peace talks and yet continue perpetrating violence. This paradoxical stand has lent credence to certain allegations. First, that there is a rift between the ULFA leaders based in Bangladesh and the cadres operating in Asom. Secondly, that the ULFA leadership has come increasingly under the influence of Pakistan’s ISI. And thirdly, that the outfit is not serious about peace and is using the talks as a ploy to recruit, regroup and rearm. If these are the underlying truths behind the ULFA’s ambiguity, then it has only itself to blame for losing the people’s confidence and provoking the government to resume counter-insurgency operations. For this, it must not victimize the common man. It would be more pertinent for the outfit to shed this ambiguity and make its stand clear.
The outfit must clearly state that besides the demand for discussing the issue of sovereignty and the release of its five jailed leaders, what else it wants in order to eschew violence and come forward for direct peace talks. It must restate its objectives taking into account the transition that has occurred in the ensuring period since its inception and its then-stated goals and now. It must realize that in the interim period, more than a quarter of a century, a whole new generation has emerged and Asom today is not a single-community State but has become a pluralistic society. And an integral part of this greater Asomiya society is not only the various ethnic tribes of Asom but also those people who have come from other parts of the country and made Asom their home, enriching its economy, art and culture. Persecuting people on the basis of language and community will only incite sectarian sentiments and encourage those forces which are inimical to the State’s interest. Moreover, in the past decade, there has been a marked change in the mindset and outlook of the people regarding the problems and conditions prevailing in the State. It is no longer a common practice to blame New Delhi for all the ills plaguing the State. People now accept that socio-economic development rather than any political agitation is necessary for the conditions to improve. Information Technology (IT), television and improved Tele communications have enhanced accessibility and interaction with the outside world. Isolation which bred its own form of ignorance and paranoia has become a historical fact. IT has transcended all boundaries and opened up new avenues. The Generation Next is more work-centric and growth-oriented, and is busy acquiring the skills to take advantage of the new opportunities thrown up by globalization, and has little time for revolutionary rhetoric. It is in this growth-oriented and fast changing world that the ULFA has offered to negotiate for peace. It must then shed some rigidity and review some of its objectives in keeping with the times and the people’s mandate. The Central government’s apathy and negligence because of which militancy took roots in the State is no longer an obstacle in the State’s development. However, violence and instability are arresting the growth of Asom.


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