[Previous entry: "NSCN-IM bombs but sings unity tune"] [Next entry: "Burma Nagas dispatch SOS to people The Morung Express"]

02/01/2007: "Rio moots cadre-based political movement in Nagaland"

Kohima, 01 February, (Asiantribune.com): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has today said he was proud to be NPF Chief Minister of the DAN coalition. He said it took long years for him to reach this stage. He said he joined this regional NPF party as a youth activist back in 1947, while Dr Shurhozelie was already a Minister at that time.
Delivering his Keynote Address on the occasion of the Central office Meeting of the Central Office Bearers of the NPF here at Hotel Japhu on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said there was no short cut in the leadership and further explained that one had to sacrifice and contribute a lot to reach their goal. He further urged the NPF workers to have vision and to uphold the “Naga identity”. “You cannot adopt someone and feel proud of it”, he stated adding they should be proud of their history and tradition. The Chief Minister also explained as to how the party should have a firm foundation that would remain as a rock. He mooted a cadre-based type of political movement in the State emulating CPI (M) of the West Bengal. He pointed out unless they had such idea to have a cadre-based, they might face sometimes disintegration when they were out of power. In this, he urged the party workers go for a massive enrolment drive in the State.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (2nd right) addressing Central Office Meeting of Central Office Bearers of NPF at Hotel Japju on January 31, 2007. Dr Shurhozelie, NPF President and Minister (2nd left) also seen in the picture: (Pix by Asain Tribune/Oken Jeet Sandham).
The Chief Minister also described new Nagaland Governor-designate as a “thorough gentlemen”. He was confident that the new Governor with his political background would be able to adjust and have a balance in discharging his duties as Governor of the State. Rio also said he could discharge his Chief Ministerial duty because of the senior party leader like Dr Shurhozelie and the support given by the party workers and further sought their continuous cooperation to accomplish their goal.
Former Nagaland CM Hokishe Sema dead Chennai on line
Kohima, Feb 1: Yong Hokishe Sema, one of the founders of Nagaland state and a former chief minister, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Dimapur. He was 89 and is survived by wife, five sons and a daughter. Sema's family said the leader died yesterday. He was the chairman of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition. He was suffering from old age-related ailments and was admitted to the hospital yesterday.
After studying at the Srerampore College and St Anthony's College in Shillong, Sema joined government service in the 1950s as a school inspector. He also served as additional assistant commissioner of the then Naga Hills district of undivided Assam.
When Nagaland attained statehood in 1960, he joined politics and became a member of the interim body of the new state government in 1961. He became the chief minister in 1969 and served a full term. Sema was instrumental in effecting a large-scale surrender of Naga rebels in the early 1970s and rehabilitated them in the security forces. In the late 1970s, Sema joined the Indian National Congress, the first national party to set up a unit in Nagaland. He again became chief minister in 1986 for a brief period. In the 1990s, he left the Congress and joined the BJP. He was elected to the state Assembly on a BJP ticket in 2003. (Agencies)
Tangkhul bodies appeal to NSCN (K) to revoke quit notice The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 31 (MExN): The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland today strongly appealed to the NSCN (K) for repeal of the ‘quit notice’ served to the Tangkhuls on humanitarian grounds. A press release issued by the president of the TNL, Stephen Angkang, while calling for the revocation of the quit notice on humanitarian grounds, reminded that just because of the active involvement of Tangkhuls in the NSCN (IM), the NSCN (K) should not regard all Tangkhuls as NSCN (IM) cadres. “It is a fact that there is a factional fighting wherein Tangkhul NSCN (IM) are very much involved and because of that it is not nice to blame all the Tangkhuls and are tainted as NSCN (IM)” the release stated.
The TNL president also expressed deep concern for the Tangkhul students studying in Nagaland whose examinations are nearing. “This day there are many Tangkhul students in Nagaland for their examination and it has become very crucial for the Tangkhuls in Nagaland” stated the release. A separate press release by Joseph Shingnaisui, the President of the Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland based in Dimapur, while appealing to the NSCN (K) for revocation of the quit notice, called upon the NSCN (K) leadership to show wisdom as the quit notice will greatly affect the history of the Naga political struggle for freedom.
“We fervently and sincerely appeal to the esteemed NSCN (K) leadership for wisdom to prevail keeping in view the damage that will not only affect the Tangkhuls but also the entire Nagas’ history in future for their freedom movement” stated the release.
The release also called for forgiveness in the sprit of Christianity. “We require more of your healing touch of brotherhood love in Christian spirit”.
The release further declared that Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland, have always supported the various Naga NGOs work to bring about unification of the various Naga underground factions in the state. “We are always praying for you and for all national workers and will continue to do so in order that the hard work of various Naga NGOs to unify all national workers will see the light of day soon” the release stated. It may be mentioned that the NSCN (K) had on January 28 last issued a ‘final quit notice’ to the Tangkhuls living in Nagaland to leave the state by February 5.
NNLD alleges rape by armies, monks Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, FEB01 [NPN] : The Naga National League for Democracy (Burma) has alleged that Buddhist missionaries (monks) and military junta in eastern Nagaland (Burma) have raped several women at various occasions. A press release issued by Sosa, executive member of NNLD (B) stated that many rape cases have gone unknown as many uneducated women refuse to speak out due to shame while other times the women are not allowed to speak out at gunpoint.

Some of the army rape cases disclosed by NNLD (B) include - Miss Kibechaw, 23 years (nurse), a student of 18 years raped by Col Khim Maung Mint at Somra village, a midwife of 28 years, a clerk of 25 years, and Miss L. Delilah (26) raped and shot dead by constable Nai Win at Somra village. Some of the rape cases committed by Buddhist monks include - Tin Tin Win (18), Class X of Mayalung village raped by monk U. Matalah at Layshi town, Silentei (19) Class X raped by monk Ye Htet at Kon Khai Lung village and got pregnant, Mary Win (17) a student was raped by an unknown monk at Koki village, Lachawre (16) and Kathare (20), both students of Namiyupi village were raped by two unknown monks at Koki village who (monks) fled from the village after committing the crime, a woman clerk (22) was raped by monk U. Tha Krah at Layshio town, and three other students of Class IX. Highlighting the continuous rape and killing of Naga people by military junta in eastern Nagaland, the NNLD (B) also disclosed that the military junta and monks do not allow the Naga Christians to worship their own religion. It stressed that complains made against the offenders also do not bear fruit whereby the eastern Nagas are helplessly tortured and suppressed by the cruel military rulers.
Redress ‘final quit notice’ & students’ issue – Naga Hoho to NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 31 (MExN): The “final quit notice’ served by the NSCN-K to the Tangkhul community as well as preventing students from the hill districts of Manipur from appearing their academic examinations in Nagaland is disturbing the minds of every conscious Naga citizen, the Naga Hoho says. The Naga Hoho appeals to the NSCN-K to “redress” the issues in view of larger political ramifications.
“We issue this statement because we love Nagaland and its people; because we love peace, unity and stability for our country; because we believe in the welfare of our people and above all, because we believe that India does not stand for peace, reconciliation, unity, stability and the development of our country and our people” a Naga Hoho statement issued through its President I Bendangmayang Jamir reaffirmed.
Stating the “final quit notice” and preventing students of the four hill districts of Manipur from appearing their exams in Nagaland by the NSCN-K is disturbing the people, the Hoho said this is a contradiction of the recent historic statement of Ato Kilonser of the NSCN-K N Kitovi Zhimomi. The Hoho quoted the Ato Kilonser’s statement: “…hazardous internecine trends that have developed during these decades of uprising have eventually entrenched the very socio-polity fabric of the Nagas to the point of virtual extinction…and the root cause is the vortex of factionalism in all spheres, which degrades the innate interpersonal chain of brotherhood”.
The Naga Hoho, reiterating its stand of peaceful existence of all Naga tribes, asked the NSCN-K authorities to “redress the issue in view of larger political ramification”.
Nagas are their own threat NSCN-IM calls for unity The Morung Express
NSCN (IM) Chairman , Isak Chishi Swu (above) and General Secretary Th Muivah (below) speaking at the 28th ‘NSCN Day’ observed at Camp Hebron on January 31
Dimapur, Jan 31 (MExN): “We are our own threat” and unless the Nagas become aware of this and ‘rectify mistakes’, they are bound to fail. This was the message put across at the 28th ‘NSCN Day’ observed today at Camp Hebron with NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah addressing the occasion. A silent prayer was also observed in paying homage and in remembrance of martyrs.
God has His own will and purpose for the Nagas, but if they fail in their part, they will also fail in purpose, he said. “Isak may die, Muivah may die, but the future of the Naga nation cannot die, for the fate of a nation cannot be destined to an end with a leaders or a person. Today the serious threat to us is not anyone else but among ourselves. Unless the Nagas become aware of what, where and how, we are bound to fall” he forewarned. He concluded by saying it is high time to “rectify our mistakes and submit to our Lord for if we do not abide by Him, as He lifted us, we will be pulled pull down”. He called on the Nagas to unite in Lord Jesus Christ. “Unless we clearly understand our political course, we are doom to fail and fall” he said and asserting that God was with the Nagas and the NNC “but they failed in God’s desire for us and signed the Shillong Accord”.
Chairman Swu, also addressing the gathering dwelled on the history of the NSCN. He said that Nagas have crossed cross three stages in their political history: the first stage was the Naga Club when the Nagas asserted their inalienable rights as an independent people. The second stage was the formation of the NNC during which the Naga people declared independence reaffirmed through the NNC. The third stage appeared when the NNC “betrayed the Naga people mandate” and signed the Shillong Accord. “On failure of Mr. Phizo, the President of NNC, to condemn this treacherous Accord, despite repeated appeals by the Naga peoples, to resuscitate and rescue the Naga people’s political right, the NSCN was formed” an NSCN-IM MIP note stated.
Hohos’ plea to NSCN (K) Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): The Naga Hoho and the Tangkhul community living in Nagaland have appealed to the NSCN (K) leadership to reconsider their "final quit notice" served on the community to leave the state "bag and baggage" latest by February 5, 2007.
The Naga Hoho in a statement issued by its president I. Bendangmayang Jamir described as "disturbing" the quit notice and the diktat to students from four Naga Hill districts of Manipur to stay away from appearing the HSLC examination in Nagaland.
A statement issued by Naga Hoho president I. Bendangmayang Jamir said the directives issued by the NSCN (K) "is disturbing the minds of every Naga conscious citizens in general and the Naga Hoho in particular." The Hoho felt the NSCN (K) directives were in contradiction to the recent historic statement made by the Ato Kilonser of NSCN (K) N. Kitovi Zhimomi.
The Naga Hoho reiterated its stand for peaceful existence among all Naga tribes and urged the NSCN (K) to redress the issue in view of larger political ramifications. Further, it called upon the Nagas to recognize the "sinister design of New Delhi" towards sowing the seeds of hatred and confusion among the Naga brethren. It asked "why should we allow the mighty Indian military generals to sit over a finest glass of whisky and delicious food on top of the hill and gracefully watching every killing of a brother by brother in the playground?"
The Tangkhuk Hoho, Nagaland, in a separate statement issued by its president Joseph Shingnaisui said "We fervently and sincerely appeal to the esteemed NSCN (K) leadership for wisdom to prevail keeping in view the damage that will not only affect the Tangkhuls but also the entire Nagas' history in future for their freedom movement. We require more of your healing touch of brotherhood love in Christian spirit."
The Hoho also said the Tangkhul community was "always praying for you and for all national workers and will continue to do so in order that the hard work of various Naga NGOs to unify all national workers will see the light of day soon. After which, no power on Earth can shake you and Nagas will achieve what they want."
Factions clash in Phek town Nagareralm.com
KOHIMA, JAN31 [NPN] : Restive Phek town Wednesday afternoon witnessed a factional clash between a combined FGN-NSCN (K) cadres and the NSCN (I-M), barely fifteen minutes after Home minister Thenucho and his convoy passed the town enroute to Pfutsero to attend the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) meeting.

According to sources, the clash took place near Christian English School, Hebron-1 Colony, in the heart of Phek town and the exchange of fire that started around 1.15 pm lasted for about three hours. However, there was no report of any casualty on either side. Right after the firing stopped, public mustered the courage and chased away the warring groups from the town, sources added. It was also reported that DC Phek was out of station at the time of the clash, prompting the public to take the matter into their hands. Sources also alleged that the Home minister who had crossed Phek town some fifteen minutes before the firing began, and on his way to Pfutsero after attending a sports programme at Ketsapo, "instead of turning back and attending to the situation as demanded, left the public to handle the situation." It may be mentioned the public of Phek had recently threatened the district administration that they would be forced to evict the factional groups from Phek if the district administration failed to do so. Meanwhile, NSCN (K) military spokesman Isak Sumi told the Nagaland Post over phone that around sixty NSCN (K) men launched an attack on some seventy to eighty NSCN (I-M) members who were stationed in Hebron-1 colony.

Isak said the attack was launched following the NSCN (I-M)'s refusal to vacate the town despite the earlier hue and cry of the public. "We could have attacked them earlier when they invaded Phek town but we did not want to disturb the public, we respected their sentiment," he added. The NSCN (K) spokesman also alleged that IRB personnel who intervened in the clash, fired at least one hundred rounds towards the NSCN (K) position. Terming the act of the IRB as clear violation of ceasefire ground rules, Isak demanded a clarification from the IRB. He further alleged that the NSCN (I-M) deputy army chief Maj Gen Markson himself had come to Saijang along with a joint force of about two hundred men belonging to the NSCN (I-M) and Manipur-based outfits PREPAK and PULF, to combat the NSCN (K).

On present Naga political movement- Nagaland Post Opinion
While one seriously study the political journey of the Naga people, it can be reflected to the story of a man who traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho, Luke 10:25-30 This tired, hungry and sun hit traveler fell under the merciless hands of the robbers. The merciless robbers mercilessly beat him black and blue and also tore his clothes and threw him half dead. It happened that a priest who traveled along the same path reached and saw the seriously injured on the way side, but did not extend any help to this injured man. Again, a Levite who boasted himself a Godly man came and saw the same serious man, but he too had to go without giving aby attention to this man.
When I seriously study the present Naga political situation, it is quite similar with this Bible story. Because, some robbers have infiltrated and manipulated our beautiful land and its genuine unified political struugle for their own benefit. These infiltrators, being outsiders has less concern for the Nagas and instead enforce a reign of terror upon the Naga people. They felt satisfied of succeeding in dividing the unified Nagas into different figments and kept under their dominance for more than a decade. However, like the Levite priest, our Naga NGOs and churches failed to treat the sickened Naga political problem. They know the situations and conditions of the present Naga nation as being under the autocratic rulers, but none of them come forward to save the nation from the jaws of terrorism. However, I really thank all the conscious Naga citizens who are constantly praying and invoking God's holy intervention in the blood flowing situation of the Naga nation. Zinghat Konyak, Under secretary Ministry of religious affairs
Profile of Late Hokishe Nagaland Post
Late (Dr.) Hokishe Sema, son of Late Sukiye Sema, was born at Apitomi in Zunheboto district on March 6, 1921. He married Shitoli Sema on December 15, 1951. He passed the Intermediate Arts from Serampore College, West Bengal in 1949 after passing high school from GHS Mokokchung. He graduated from St. Anthony's College, Shillong under the Calcutta University in 1956. During his career as a student leader and social reformer, Late Hokishe served the Sema Students' Conference as its president (1947-1952) and worked for church development and village reforms in Zunheboto and advancement of education in Sema society.
He served as Sub-Inspector of Schools for Sema and Lotha areas (now in Zunheboto and Wokha districts) from 1952 to 55 before being appointed as Assistant Commissioner in 1958.
After resigning from government service in 1961, Hokishe joined politics at a time when Naga people were going through a period of pain and turmoil with Army operations going on in full swing in the region. He became president of the Sema Public Organisation in 1958 and, two years later, a member of the Drafting Committee of the Naga People's Convention, which laid the foundation of the state of Nagaland with the 16-Point Agreement reached with the Government of India. He then held prominent portfolios like member of Interim Body, Nagaland (1961-63) and Executive Councilor for Finance and PWD in the Interim Government (1961-1963.
Hokishe was elected unopposed from Akuluto constituency to the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the First general elections held in January, 1964. He was Cabinet minister in 1964-1969 under two successive Chief Ministers, Late P. Shilu Ao and Late T. N. Angami, holding the portfolios of Finance, Revenue, Medical & Public Health and Planning & Co-ordination. He was reelected to the State Assembly in the next general elections in February, 1969 and then elected Leader of the NNO Legislative Party before becoming the third Chief Minister of Nagaland on February 22, 1969. He contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1972 without success and continued as Chief Minister till February 11, 1974. Later in April 1983, Hokishe was appointed Governor of Himachal Pradesh, the first Naga to hold such high office. He resigned from the Governorship in March, 1986 and got elected to the Rajya Sabha in the same month. He, however, returned to State politics and became Chief Minister on October 29, 1986 for the second time. He returned to the State Assembly when he was elected from Dimapur-I Assembly constituency in the 6th general elections on November 18, 1987.
Hokishe was elected Leader of the Congress (I) Legislative Party and appointed Chief Minister on November 22, 1987 for the third time and remained in office till imposition of President's Rule on August 7, 1988. After losing the 8th Assembly elections in 1993 on a Congress (I), the veteran leader led the formation of Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) Party, but could not contest the 1998 polls due to boycott calls. He was again elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on a BJP ticket in the 10th general elections in February, 2003. A towering figure in Naga Politics, Hokishe was holding the post of chairman, DAN with Cabinet status. He also attended the UN General Assembly in 1972 and 1974 and led a delegation of Indo-Soviet Friendship Team to Moscow in 1972. Hokishe was a devout Christian and strongly stood for Naga culture. He was conferred with the Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by the Serampore University on February 7, 1988. Though he was a heavy smoker, he kicked the decade-long habit on September 7, 1967 in honour of the ceasefire in the State. Among other offices held by the late leader were president, Nagaland Congress Committee (1976-79), member, High Powered Panel for Minorities, Scheduled Castes and Tribes and other backward minorities ((1981-82), member, National Integration Council and Communal Harmony (1981-83), member, Commission for SC & ST (1982-83), founder, Indira Congress (1989) and National Democratic Alliance in Nagaland in 1992 and member, Consultative Committee for Peace with Cabinet status.
Assam Rifles celebrates raising day The Hindu
Shillong, Feb. 1 (PTI): The 31 unit of Assam Rifles, currently based at Kashi Ram basti in Nagaland's Dimapur city, celebrated its raising day today. During its 20 years of service, the unit, which was raised on February 1, 1988 at Mizoram's Saitual, performed in military and civil actions, officials said here. As part of its counter-insurgency operations, the unit has the distinction of capturing a huge quantity of arms and ammunition and eliminating a large number of militants. For its efforts, it was awarded the Chief of Army Staff's citation on January 15, 1997. The unit has also won two Shaurya Chakras, four Sena Medals and a large number of other gallantry awards and medals. The 31 Assam Rifles has also been providing medical aid to civilians in Nagaland and opened polio booths during the national Pulse Polio immunisation scheme. It has also undertaken several military civic action projects in Dimapur
People block Assam-Arunachal highway The Morung Express
Joipur (Assam), Jan. 31 (PTI): Thousands of people blocked the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh highway in Dibrugarh district today to protest the gunning down of a youth by the army, officials said. Traffic from Joipur to Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh came to a standstill after 10.30 am, when the people blocked the highway. The army had claimed the youth named Moni Gogoi -- who was shot dead by the 44 Field Regiment on Monday was an ULFA activist involved in a bomb blast on November 28 at Natun Asomiya village that killed a soldier. Ranjan Dhadumia, President of the Naharkatia unit of the All Assam Students Union (AASU), told reporters here the victim was a labourer and his elder brother Bijon Gogoi was a cadre of the banned group. He demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakhs and a government job for Moni’s kin. Bhaskar Sankar Rajkonwar, President of the Naharkatia unit of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, alleged that Moni was tortured by the army and demanded punishment for those behind the act.
After NETV, outfit now asks two editors to give up journalism

A day after serving a 'quit Assam' notice on Guwahati-based satellite channel NE TV for having allegedly run a story accusing the outfit of taking money from the state government to allow peaceful holding of the 33rd National Games, the ULFA today asked two senior newspaper editors of the state to give up journalism.
It also asked another newspaper editor to stick to the ethics of journalism and not meddle in ULFA-baiting. As if that was not enough, the ULFA also hit out at the state BJP for having reportedly accused the outfit of taking money in lieu of letting the state hold National Games, and warned it of dire consequences if it could not prove the allegation.
The latest issue of Swadhinata-the Assamese version of the ULFA's monthly e-mouthpiece-which hit out at the newspaper editors for condemning it in connection with the NETV episode, reiterated that NETV prove the allegation that the outfit had taken money from the government to withdraw boycott of the Games. "We reiterate that NETV had clearly carried a news item accusing the ULFA of taking money from the government to withdraw boycott of the National Games," the ULFA mouthpiece said. On the rejoinder issued by NETV managing director Manoranjana Singh saying that the channel had carried a news story based on newspaper reports, it asked how a channel could carry a news item without ascertaining the facts.
"It is definitely not within the ethics of journalism that one carry news from other sources without ascertaining the facts. NETV has sowed seeds of confusion through this news item. It is now NETV's responsibility to prove the allegations. The ULFA has not withdrawn its earlier stand against NETV," the e-mouthpiece of the outfit said. ULFA came down heavily on Kanaksen Deka and D N Chakravarty, editors respectively of Dainik Agradoot and Dainik Asam for criticising ULFA on the NETV issue and asked them to quit journalism. "We respect the two not for their journalistic capabilities, but at least for their age. Though we do not ask them to go on a pilgrimage, we expect them to give up running after money," the outfit said.
ULFA lists 'practical problems' in going for direct dialogue

The ULFA today said they were facing "certain practical problems" in going for direct talks with the Centre, and that was exactly why it had constituted the People's Consultative Group (PCG).
Swadhinata, ULFA's monthly newsletter in Assamese, sent via e-mail to media offices here today, said the government's stand that the ULFA was not interested in direct talks was "totally false". ULFA was reacting to Assam Governor Ajai Singh's Republic Day speech in which he had asked the ULFA to come out for direct talks. Citing reasons for its inability to have direct talks, Swadhinata accused the government of eliminating at least one senior leader in the past while he was trying to contact other leaders to hold talks.
"The government had in 1991 killed Hirakjyoti Mahanta after arresting him when he had come out of GHQ to contact other senior leaders (on the issue of holding talks). The ULFA vice-president was tortured. Such experiences have forced ULFA to decide that it will not go for direct talks until all hurdles were cleared for such a situation," Swadhinata said.
The outfit said it was a convention that representatives deputed for talks carry their credentials from their organisation. "But what the government is doing is asking us to publish these names and their credentials through the media. This way it is scuttling every possibility of holding direct talks," the ULFA mouthpiece said.
"Despite such hurdles we have been repeatedly saying that we will sit for talks within 48 hours if the government tells the PCG that it will discuss the issue of sovereignty with us," it said. "But the government should not think it can crush the ULFA. The ULFA will continue till India carries on its colonial exploitation of Assam," it added.
Rio moots cadre-based political movement in Nagaland North East Press Service

Kohima, Jan 31 (NEPS): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has today said he was proud to be NPF Chief Minister of the DAN coalition. He said it took long years for him to reach this stage. He said he joined this regional NPF party as a youth activist back in 1947, while Dr Shurhozelie was already a Minister at that time.

Delivering his Keynote Address on the occasion of the Central office Meeting of the Central Office Bearers of the NPF here at Hotel Japhu on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said there was no short cut in the leadership and further explained that one had to sacrifice and contribute a lot to reach their goal. He further urged the NPF workers to have vision and to uphold the “Naga identity”. “You cannot adopt someone and feel proud of it”, he stated adding they should be proud of their history and tradition.

The Chief Minister also explained as to how the party should have a firm foundation that would remain as a rock. He mooted a cadre-based type of political movement in the State emulating CPI (M) of the West Bengal. He pointed out unless they had such idea to have a cadre-based, they might face sometimes disintegration when they were out of power. In this, he urged the party workers go for a massive enrolment drive in the State.

The Chief Minister also described new Nagaland Governor-designate as a “thorough gentlemen”. He was confident that the new Governor with his political background would be able to adjust and have a balance in discharging his duties as Governor of the State.

Rio also said he could discharge his Chief Ministerial duty because of the senior party leader like Dr Shurhozelie and the support given by the party workers and further sought their continuous cooperation to accomplish their goal.
The generals fall out in Myanmar Larry Jagan Clumn The Morung Express Myanmar’s top generals are in the throes of a full-blown power struggle as they grapple with how best to introduce significant political reforms, including a planned move toward some form of democracy, and hand political power to a new generation of military commanders. Senior General Than Shwe, head of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is of failing health and in recent months has become increasing reclusive amid growing international pressure for political change - including the United States’ recent failed attempt to impose sanctions against the regime through the United Nations Security Council. Against that backdrop, the SPDC’s top three generals - Than Shwe, Maung Aye and Thura Shwe Mann - reportedly cannot agree on how to move forward, according to Western diplomats who spoke with Asia Times Online. “It’s a stalemate,” said a Western diplomat based in the former capital Yangon. “The three generals don’t trust each other and are closely watching each other. It’s like a giant chess game, and as a result nothing is happening.”
Big changes were in the cards. Top military rulers recently met in the new capital Naypyidaw - some 400 kilometers north of Yangon - for their quarterly meeting, where Than Shwe’s plans to prepare the government and military for constitutional reform were discussed. The top general significantly was not present for the meeting, and the SPDC’s second in command, Maung Aye, reportedly refused to accept some of the proposed changes, according to people familiar with the meeting. Myanmar’s National Convention, which is drawing up a new constitution, finished its latest session in December and Western diplomats in Yangon believe that in the next few months the charter will be formally drafted and by year’s end put to a national referendum. In anticipation of those reforms, a massive shakeup of the army and government is planned for the coming months to pave the way for constitutionally mandated civilian rule. The changes, if fully implemented, will be the most dramatic since the military seized power more than 18 years ago and have been designed to ensure that the draft constitution is democratically approved during a national referendum. Significantly, they will also pave the way for general democratic elections, which are expected to be held some time in 2008. The ruling junta annulled the results of the 1990 general election, which was won overwhelming by the National League for Democracy, and it remains unclear whether the opposition party will be permitted to compete in next year’s planned polls. As part of the reform plan, Than Shwe is reportedly planning to give up his command of the army, but retain the key post of chairman of the SPDC. However, Maung Aye, perhaps sensing Than Shwe’s declining health and tenuous grip on power, is now refusing to retire along with the senior general - as was earlier planned. His refusal promises to complicate the political transition and heighten intra-military rivalries in the months ahead.
Maung Aye “fears he will be completely sidelined if he accepts retirement”, said a relative of the general. “He still wants to be No 1.”
Than Shwe’s protege, General Thura Shwe Man, was tipped to take command of the armed forces, while Than Shwe and Maung Aye retained their top posts of chairman and deputy of the junta’s ruling council, which is expected to change its name to the State Democracy and Development Council (SDDC) to mark the start of a new political era.
Once established, the SDDC will be charged with overseeing both the military command and the civilian government, which unlike the current administration will have split authority structures. Over the past two years, Than Shwe has frequently told Thailand’s top army commanders that he planned to retire soon and that Thura Shwe Mann would take over his position as the country’s top military leader. Prime Minister Soe Win, meanwhile, has already shed his army khakis for a civilian business suit and his ex-military cabinet ministers have officially left the armed forces.

Last legs Now Than Shwe’s deteriorating health promises to alter, or potentially even scupper, those grand plans as new competitive divides open inside the SPDC. The changes have been in the planning pipeline for at least a year, according to senior Myanmar military sources. But the recent massive move of all the government’s offices and the armed forces’ central command to Naypyidaw - started more than a year ago and completed last February - have delayed the full transition from SPDC to SDDC rule. Than Shwe suffered a mild stroke nearly two years ago, but since has fully recovered. He also suffers from hypertension and is a diabetic, which causes him frequent violent seizures when his sugar levels get out of control, according to an army doctor familiar with the situation. According to one foreign visitor who met with him recently, Than Shwe is often short of breath. Than Shwe has become far more reclusive since the government finished its move from Yangon to Naypyidaw last February. For almost the past year, Than Shwe has not gone to the War Office and has only attended crucial meetings, such as the fortnightly joint SPDC cabinet session, according to an Asian diplomat who until recently was based in Yangon. The senior general also nowadays receives few outside visitors, other than Thura Shwe Mann, through whom he sends directives to Maung Aye and Soe Win.
Last month, the 75-year-old senior general traveled to Singapore for an urgent medical checkup after suffering from chest pains. What was to be a day or two in hospital attenuated to a week-long stay and stoked wild speculation and rumors about his health. Singaporean doctors discovered that Than Shwe is suffering from cancer of the pancreas, according to reliable medical sources in Yangon. “Than Shwe may only have three to 18 months left to live,” predicted one Myanmar army doctor. Many inside Myanmar thought the senior general was already on his last legs when he left for Singapore, and several ranking majors and colonels began jockeying for position in expectation that Maung Aye, rather than Thura Shwe Mann, would soon take the military’s top spot.
Since his return to Myanmar, Than Shwe has moved to allay speculation about his health, and he took the unprecedented step of allowing local television cameras to film the opening of the SPDC’s quarterly meeting - the first time ever that the traditionally highly secretive meetings have been allowed pubic exposure. His hale image has also been splashed almost daily across the front page of the government-mouthpiece New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
“This is to ensure that as few people as possible are aware of his failing health,” said Chiang Mai-based independent Myanmar analyst Win Min. “Even if Than Shwe officially retires, he will not give up his power. Instead, he’ll remain the gray eminence behind the throne, along the lines of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in the years before his death.”
According to Chinese diplomats, Than Shwe intends to stand down but become the civilian president under the new constitution. “He wants to be president for life,” a senior military source close to him said. However, Maung Aye’s refusal to retire has suddenly put a wrench in those works and raises hard new questions about his commitment to Than Shwe’s reform plan. Thura Shwe Mann has already been handed effective control over running the country’s day-to-day affairs, although he still reportedly consults Than Shwe on major policy issues. At the same time, government ministers have recently started to complain about the political inertia and their inability to make even basic decisions. From the outset, Than Shwe was aware of the potential dangers involved with backing a transition from pure military to some form of democratic rule. And unless he is somehow convinced that his personal power and his family’s fortunes are not at risk through its implementation, the current political stalemate could last at least as long as the senior general’s declining health holds out.
Conflict, Development and Dignity Nehemiah Rong Perspective the Morung Express
For people to live a life of dignity, honour and respect, it needs an economic prosperity, proper health care, transportation and communication system, quality education system, fearless, fair, free, just and peaceful society. The economic prosperity demands of sustainable livelihood that will enable people to have a basic living standard with modern amenities apart from the surplus income over expenditure. One of the prominent threats to development is armed conflict. When there is a conflict between two countries both lost their economy to meet war expenses.
The first of eighth Millennium Development Goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. ‘Development’ focuses on the poverty alleviation and eradication. When talking of interlink between the ‘conflict’ and ‘development’ Gareth Evans rightly said that, ‘Conflict almost always has a negative impact on economic growth: resources directed toward fighting are diverted from development, while infrastructure needed for economic activity is destroyed.’
The north east India being a ‘conflict ridden’ land with a problem of ‘connectivity’ for so long did not see the limelight of major development. The armed conflict between the ‘undergrounds’ and security forces have serious impact on overall development in the entire region. In the region Nagas movement for self determination is longest struggle (Indo-Naga-Myanmar conflict) though it’s a ‘political issue’ has serious implications in development that challenged the very human dignity of the people in terms of ‘militarization’ which amounts to human rights violation and also retardation of the economic growth. The series of operations operated by the security forces prohibit the people to move around and carry daily normal business, the inhuman torture meted out by the security forces to the public that left people to go unhealed, the burning down of granaries, the destruction of standing crops and vegetables by the untended domestic animals, the dismantlement of public buildings and school buildings etc. all have a negative impact on economic growth.
By nature’s mercy, Nagas are self sufficient for family livelihood from olden days though at present the divide of haves and haves not become broader. Each family has its own land, clan and village own joint community land i.e. forest, wasteland etc. Rice is the staple food and agriculture is predominantly the main occupation apart from jhuming and farming. Until the modern era factories and industries were not heard of. During the olden times the development was community base. The implementation and execution of any village developmental work was on people’s participatory basis. However, external forces (British and Indian) divided the Nagas and put them under many other Indian States and some part to the side of Myanmar ( Burma ). As a result of which, the Nagas become minority group in many states of North east India and Myanmar . Again this led to regional disparity, unequal distribution of infrastructures for economic activities. Many Naga areas remain economically backward due to the absence of infrastructures such as roads, hospitals, educational schools. The lack of these facilities added more wounds to the already affected people due to excessive militarization and already existing poverty. People walk miles on foot day in and day out to reach nearby towns and villages where the bus services are operating. Also, due to the bad road conditions, agricultural and other allied products cannot be transported. And people continue to suffer for decades long.
In a family usually father is a sole bread winner. In course of arms battle between the security forces and Naga militants innocent villagers were not spared in torture even upto third degree treatment like giving electric shocks, piercing of sharp objects in anus and other genital parts etc. Such inhuman treatments have a serious affect on the health condition and strength of a person. Many people who were tortured and beaten by the security forces have been suffering from various illnesses and could no longer work in paddy field or in other jobs. Again in this case the livelihood of a family is on threat. Forgetting about getting proper and regular medical check up, getting square meal a day becomes hard. Thus those affected and tortured innocent villagers continue to live in extreme poverty and malnutrition.
Taking the case of ‘Operation Blue Bird’ Oinam 1987 into consideration around twenty villages were affected, 125 residents houses are alleged burnt, 112 like houses were dismantled, 6 schools and 10 churches were dismantled, properties worth of Rs.50,75,000/- were looted from seven villages and villagers belonging to five villages were forced to work, 27 persons are alleged to have been killed in the encounter on different dates in Senapati District of Manipur, 3 women were alleged raped and five women were alleged sexually molested and 300 persons are alleged tortured by Assam Rifles as enumerated by the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights. The Operation Blue Bird Oinam last for more than six months and during that course of time, some villages were severely affected in terms of economy and wealth leaving aside physical and mental torment. July to November is the time of planting rice and harvest time for these Nagas villages where agriculture is the main occupation. As people were kept in concentration camps and forced labour, the cattle were let loose, as result of which the standing crops were destroyed and harvest could not be made for that year. This led to food scarcity and poverty for that year and also for the years to come. This is only one instance. There are many such other cases since 1940s in Naga areas and in North East India. It is also pertinent to note here that in the hill districts of Manipur, Panchayati Raj system is non-existent and municipal council is also not in exist, the District Councils is defunct for many years. As a result of which fund meant for such bodies could not be availed till to this day. The people suffered due to economic deprivation and infrastructural underdevelopment. The four hill districts of Manipur are inhabited by the Nagas, the people living here suffered as they become minority in the state and their economic status remain backward. The one of the contributing factors can be the arbitrary divide of the boundary by the Indian Government of these Nagas areas to the Manipur State . Nagas being asserting for their birthright of self determination which is a political issue, oftentimes can be seen as shying away from the ‘development’ and economic rights due to non-cooperation movements and civil disobedience launched by its civil societies. The state agency also did not pay enough attention to the hill areas. Not only Nagas by the hill populace in the state experienced the step motherly treatment meted by the State. That can be the fall out of the lack of democratic governance and the denying of the people’s right amongst others. Already having the move for self determination, the hill people(Nagas) began to see only doomsday under the present situation and condition until, the ‘conflict’ that imprison their birthright has been resolved and came to an end.
The initiatives of the security forces trying to help the people through the Military Civic Action Projects is not altogether absence and useless. Under the project water tanks, waiting sheds etc. are being constructed, however to see the resolving of the conflict and development in truest sense, the project is like providing a shoe after the legs of a person has been broken. Shoe is needed to put on even with artificial legs. But the question is why not save the legs as well?
Indo-Naga-Myanmar conflict stands as the longest ‘conflict’ in South Asia which has drawn worldwide attention and recognition. This conflict had affected people not only mentally and physically but also economically from both the ends. Many lives were lost and much wealth and resources have been involved in the course of conflict.
Until people have better infrastructures and proper development, their dignity is at stake. MDGs acknowledges that development rests on the foundations of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and peace and security. Inorder to bring back development and dignity to the people, conflict must end. That demands of strong, sincere and committed political will. Gareth Evans while quoting UN’s Shashi Tharoor’s remark which says, ‘convincing politicians to invest resources in conflict prevention is rather like persuading a teenager to invest in a pension,’ has this to comment, ‘the conflicts which are still raging around the world remind us that the alternative is too bloody and too costly to contemplate.’ At the end, the conflict must end not only to bring development but restore the dignity to the people and compensate the sufferings and agonies that people have went through. Therefore, empowerment to the people to determine their own course of action to claim the ownership and belongingness of their resources, traditional rights and values system and self governance at grass root level can be the lasting way to end the conflict and also to alleviate and eradicate poverty so as to let people have a dignified life. The end of the conflict will not only reduce violence but give way to economic prosperity by means of cooperation and partnership in trade and commerce.
Koirengs in the chronicle of Moirang: An investigation article Sangai Express
By R Yangsorang
The Koren or Koireng is a small community maintaining its own identity without siding with a particular community or group. The tribe has its own distinct dialect, culture, custom, tradition and belief. It is one of the unrepresented communities of Manipur. As it has no political backing, the Koireng villages in Manipur remain undeveloped and primitive in nature without basic amenities like health care, sanitation, communication, education, etc. This community has faced all kinds of hardship in the present turmoil in the state with threat, harassment and intimidation from different quarters every time. And they are always mistaken to be a part of certain social organization on a number of occasions. To remove doubt over it, the following description may be noted. The unity in diversity is the speciality of Indian culture and progress. It is also the case with the hill tribes of Manipur showing striking similarities in their socio-cultural contents. But by this, it doesn’t mean to suggest that they are of a single tribal community. Still, the hill tribes represent different levels of cultural attainment and profess different faiths. Thus, the tribals of Manipur differ from one another in all their socio-cultural make up, speaking different languages or dialects which not only differ from those of non-tribals but also from one another greatly. They are members of different stocks, and they entered Manipur in different waves of migration. Say for instance, the kindred tribes of Koireng like Kom, Chiru, Aimol, Kharam, etc. migrated to Manipur hills from different directions at different times. However, they resemble each other in very many respects. In spite of this resemblance, the tribes while acknowledging their relationship to one another, keep entirely apart, living in separate villages, and in the past they never intermarried though not so much restriction persists among them in that regard now.
The most important event was that of the Tangkhul migration to Manipur. Their tradition strongly upholds that they migrated to the present Ukhrul district from Samsok (Thangdut) in Kabaw valley as it was necessitated by the menace spread by mosquitoes and inhospitable climate of the region, even though some of them went to the district from Makhel in Senapati district in pre-historic time. Their folk-songs also commemorate it. (R.R. Simray, 1985). In the same way, the Koirengs, after having settled at different 25 places migrated to Thangjing Hill near Moirang from Kolram (Kol=East, Ram=land) believed to be somewhere in Karen State of Myanmar or upper Thailand. According to Dr. G.A. Grierson in his Linguistic Survey of India, Pt.III Vol.IIL page 21, the valley of Manipur is inhabited by a people who call themselves Meitei. According to their own traditions, the Maya-sang tribe has come from the South, the Khumals from the East, and the Meitheis proper and Luyangs from the North-East”. So, the Meiteis and all the tribes arrived in Manipur from different directions at different times to make the land a home to diverged communities when the valley area was swampy. In the version of Dr. Grierson, “The Kolren or Koireng are a small tribe in the State of Manipur. According to Mr Damant, they dwell in eight small villages on the hills north of the valley, and number about 600. They are also found as a migratory tribe in the valley itself. Kolren is the name which the tribe gives to itself, and Koireng is probably a Manipuri corruption of this name. The Kwoirengs or Liyangs, which have been dealt with under the Naga-Kuki, are a different tribe, and the languages of both have very little in common”. There is also Quireng in the list of Naga Tribes of Manipur by T.C. Hodson, having a dialect distinct from those of the Rongmeis, but a great similarity in all respects. They are the Liangmeis or the present Kacha Naga which is one of the 33 recognized tribes of Manipur. They inhabit all the hills north of the Rongmeis, between the high range that skirts the valley of Manipur and the Barak. Hence, the Quoireng and Kwoireng are of one entity to mean the Kacha Naga tribe of Manipur.
In the Lushei Kuki Clans by Lt. Col. J. Shakespear published under the orders of the Govt. of Eastern Bengal and Assam in 1912 at page 148 of Chapter III, the Kolren/Koireng is referred to as Kolhen which must have been a mistake caused by multiplicity of pronunciation among the interpreters of the time. Such multiplicity of spelling or pronunciation is bewildering, and they sound a little strange for the youngsters today. Shakespear borrowed Thadou name for Kolren. There is no confusion about it. Now, Kolren has been shortened to Koren by its own people, for which also, no further explanation is required. It was never possible for the writer to meet the Kolren people in person when the book was written on the sources collected by officials in the Manipur Administration. In that book, some clans appeared in Manipur as early as the sixteenth century. The Koirengs were not among the clans or tribes who entered Manipur at that period of time. The fact that the Koirengs had lived in the hills of-the south of Manipur centuries earlier was not conceived by the Political Agent who solely depended on hearsay and his hill interpreters. For example, Babu Biswarup, a clerk in the hill section of Manipur Administration went to Kharang Koireng (Kangchup) to collect specimen of Koireng dialect in 1858 AD and Nathor Nath Banerjee, also a clerk in the hill section collected some folk-tales from the Koireng.
There is a strong tradition among the Koirengs that the divine ruler of Moirang, Thangjing Koren Lai took a Koireng woman as his wife. It is said that the divine ruler was found of a Koireng song called “Yeihita” sung by men and women away from home to work in the fields and woodland around the village at Thangjing Hill. Whenever the song was sung, the divine ruler meticulously silenced every living creature like fowls and animals and stopped even the blowing of wind to enable him to listen to the melody. The reasonable claim of the present generation of Koireng, that they were the first to worship the deity, is strongly supported by the chronicle when there is a clear mention of “Thangjing Koiren Lai” at page 33 of Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba by O.Bhogeshwar. The only problem is that Koireng is mispelt as Koiren in which the letter “g” only is missing. But the chronicle of Manipur which occurred mainly at the Imphal valley has not dealt with the Koirengs fairly, obviously of communication bottle-neck. Though no adequate mention of the Koirengs is made in the Royal Chronicle of Manipur called Cheitharol Kumbaba, they occupy a unique place in the chronicle of Moirang, depicting their bravery and courage in their fight with the Moirang king. In the Second part of MNL at page 147, there is a sufficient mention of the Koirengs fighting with the Moirang warriors during the reign of Puriklai Nungnang Telheiba. “From the beginning, Koireng village is within my tributary land, and now without due respect, the Koirengs have devastated Mende village”- said Telheiba. A longdrawn and fearful fight began. The Koirengs fought back with all their might without retreat. One after the other, the best of warriors of both sides fell fighting. The Meiteis (as written in the chronicle) could not withstand the more advanced Koireng fighters working a miracle when they came to fight with them face to face at the battle-field. Telheiba was enraged by such a crushing defeat in the hands of a comparatively smaller tribe. Riding a horse in high speed like lightning above, he stormed the Koireng Fort and destroyed it ruthlessly. The fort being ravaged, the Koireng warriors ran helter and skelter to fall flat. After their debacle, it was possible that the Koirengs were driven out of Moirang, probably of their constant threat posing to the kingdom. When they left Moirang for different directions, their might had diminished greatly, also with a sudden decrease in their population which could not ever grow to its earlier level. The tale, that their constant fight with the Moirang king and his curse, and their tragic fight with a horde of Hmar at Tongkhuo were responsible for the decrease in their population, is reliable. In their lamentation, the Koirengs still recall the tragedy that occurred at Tongkuo where blood of the slain Koireng fighters washed away many paddy pounding implements of the village. In course of their long march for different destinations, out of eight clans, as many as six of them were absorbed into other communities. What is clearly known is of Thamthu clan which was merged with Hmar community. Only a small fraction of the Koireng population survives till today.
Another proof that the Koirengs had once settled at Thangjing Hill is supported by B.C. Allen in his book on Manipur: Population (1901 Census). Thus
“Other minor tribes are the Kom and Koireng who occupy the hills, which overhang the valley near Moirang”. Perhaps, the British officer did not know the name of the hill and he never bothered to know it either. The Koirengs faced all the onslaughts before they finally arrived at Thangjing where they settled twice. They abandoned it for a long time, and returned there to settle again, in search of more hospitable land. Eventually, they left Thangjing Hill, when a raging inferno which broke out from the ambers thrown over a pile of husks by an old woman, gutted the entire village. Then, they moved eastward to Laimanai where they dispersed for different directions and from there some of the clans proceeded to Ngangkha Lawai near Moirang. And the Koirengs who settled at the hill overlooking a valley near Moirang on the arrival of the British were the remnants of the Koirengs who left Thangjing centuries ago.
This is what has been called the pride of the Koireng people in their claim to show that they were one of the earliest of known tribes of Moirang Kingdom like the Chothe, the Kabui, the Moyon, the Thikhup, the Kharam, and the Mende (now extinct). It is unfortunate that the Koirengs were grouped with the Lushei Kuki clans by Shakespear on mere presumption. — to be contd
Concern over transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
JONAI, Jan 31 – The All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) and other tribal organisations of the State have alleged rampant violation of land transfer rules and regulations in the existing Nine tribal belts and 28 blocks, in the State. Cases of transferring of land to Non-tribals or Non-bona fide people are on the rise. It is most serious in Morkong Selek Tribal Belt (Jonai), posing a serious threat to the tribal people living in the area.
Citing a number of examples of illegal land transfer, Nandeswar Regan, the vice president of AATS told this correspondent that, non-tribal and non-bonafide people had bought plots of land individually or in the name of private school, societies, trust etc and they later used the plots for commercial purpose. He alleged that the State government has violated the Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act 1886 and utterly failed to protect the tribal communities on their right and aspirations. It may be recalled here that, the entire Jonai sub-division is a tribal belt declare by the Government of Assam in 1951 to protect the socio-economic, religious and cultural status of the indigenous tribal people. But the existence of the tribal communities is threatened by the unabated possession of land by other communities as well as doubtful migrants, from different parts to the area. Various tribal organisations here including Jonai District Tribal Sangha (JDTS) have alleged that the government officials including the former circle officers of Jonai revenue circle have joined hands with the land brokers and continued settling of tribal land to the non-bonafide people flouting all legitimate norms. Protesting against the rampant corruption and violation of law, the state tribal bodies led by the Tribal Sangha threatened a movement if the demand for tribal belt protection remains unheard by the government.
Manipur high on PM`s priorities: Oscar Fernandes The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jan 31: The union minister of state for labour, Oscar Fernandes, said today that Manipur is high in the priorities of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, stating that this is the reason for the frequent visits made by the latter to the state. The Union minister, speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of the Congress candidate for Patsoi A/C, Ak Mirabai at the latter`s home, said the Prime Minister is planning more visits to the state, though he did not indicate when such a visit will materialise. The Union minister, who is also the AICC secretary in charge of the north-east, further said the Centre was well aware of the potential of the state`s youth, and it was in recognition of this that the national sports academy is being set up in the state. Such an academy, he pointed out, does not exist in any other state. Observing further that various steps are being taken for the development of the state. Giving priority to improving the state`s economic condition projects focussing on agriculture and horticulture are being planned, he said.

Fernandes also stressed the need for ensuring adequate supply of electricity for modern industries to prosper in Manipur, and stated that in view of this, various power projects are being pursued Roads comunication is also being made a priority, he said. Appreciating Ibobi Singh for ensuring a stable government for a full five-year term, Fernandes further observed that the state has attained many achievements during the five-year period, and urged the public to help ensure five more years of development. Chief minister Ibobi Singh, in his address, pointed out that the mpp is not fielding candidates in several of the sixty Assembly constituencies of the state, and asked how it can aspire to capture power in the state.
Attacking mpp president and Patsoi A/C candidate Dr Chandramani as a poor leader, Ibobi charged that Chandramani has wrecked whichever party he had been a part of. Mocking the MPP`s promise to remove the AFSPA from the state, Ibobi further pointed out that the Congress-led government has already removed it from part of the state, despite objections from the Central leadership. Efforts are also being made in to remove it from the remaining portion as well in consultation with civil society organisations and NGOs, he claimed.
Rs 200 cr for developing NE trade points Sentinel
New Delhi, Jan 31: Giving impetus to its ‘Look East Policy’, the government has sanctioned a Rs 200-crore project for developing infrastructure at four international trade points in the Northeastern region. “We have already started the project. The four border trade points will be ready in 14 to 16 months time from now," Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh told a seminar on ‘Look East Policy: A Reality Check’ organised here today by the North East Media Forum. The four border trade points are Moreh in Manipur, Dawki in Meghalaya, Sutarkandi in Assam and one near Agartala. “We will have to have better infrastructure. These centres will have facilities for international trade, customs, immigration and banking,” Ramesh said. When completed, these points will greatly boost business between northeastern states and neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh. Ramesh said his ministry had approached the external affairs ministry to conclude bilateral trade agreements with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for regular trade with them through the northeast. “Bilateral agreements are very important. Apart from opening ancient trade routes, we will have to pursue a policy of trade in border rather than border trade,” he said. The inaugural function was also addressed by North Eastern Development Finance Corportion Chairman K N Hazarika. (PTI)