[Previous entry: "Tourists with military escort visit remote Naga festivals AFP"] [Next entry: "On campaign trail, Sonia woos Manipur"]

02/05/2007: "NSCN-K refuse NBCC plea on ‘Quit Notice’ The Morung Express"

NSCN-K refuse NBCC plea on ‘Quit Notice’ The Morung Express
MON, FEB 4 (MExN): The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has today refused to turn down the final ‘Quit Notice’ served to the Tangkhul community, beginning February 5, 2007 and said “We will stand firm to the notice issued to the Tangkhul communities.”
The top NSCN (K) officials said this, while responding to the 7-member team of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), who were presently at the outfits Ceasefire Monitoring Cell located at Mon town, for requesting to revoke the notice issued by the outfit to the Tangkhul communities and for considering reconciliation among the different outfit of Nagaland. The NBCC team was headed by Rev. Kari Longchar, Peace Director.
The leaders of the NSCN-K said that the main cause for their refusal was that the increased bloodshed and factional killings within the Naga family took place only after the entry of the Tangkhuls and added “Moreover, till date the Tangkhuls has never regretted for the loss of many innocent lives in the strive for Naga independence.”
The leaders also alleged that it was only under the direction of Tangkhul leaders that all the ‘assassination’ of Naga leaders took place. “As many as 70 Naga leaders of the rank of Kilonser and General were murdered by the Tangkhuls.”
The top officials of the outfit has also expressed that they have no intention to kill any innocent public or leaders. However, they were of the view that as long as the Tangkhuls stays in Nagaland there can hardly be any room for peace. “There can be unification among even the cadres of I-K organization and the cadres of any other Naga groups, but no Tangkhuls will be entertained in the process.”The NSCN (K) further added that since the organization has no intention to see the innocent brothers shedding their blood, asked all the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland and go back to their own home town (Ukhrul) safe and sound. “The NSCN (K) wants the Naga brothers and sisters to enjoy peace, tranquility and security”, they added
Sumis appeal to NSCN (K) The Morung Express.
DIMAPUR, FEB 4 (MExN): The Western Sumi Frontal Organization in its emergency meeting at the Hoho’s Hiyam has sincerely appealed to the NSCN (K) to reconsider its issuing of ‘Quit Notice’ to the Tangkhul tribe on humanitarian ground as “a whole community cannot be judged or held responsible for the misdeeds by any individuals”. A joint press communiqué issued by the President WSH, Hokiye Yeptho, President WSSU, Kaino Chishi, President WSTH, Hukheli Wotsa and President WSKH, Shikuto Zalipu has further appealed to the NSCN (K) to amicably solve any differences in a peaceful way “paving the way for the peace among the vast Naga family, as violence cannot be an end in itself” and that it will serve any one’s interest “but will further widen the gap among the Naga family”.
NSF appeals to Kitovi on exams The Morung Express.
Dimapur, Feb 4 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation today fervently appealed to the NSCN (K) authourity to review the decision taken by the NSCN (K) authourity not to allow the southern Naga students from appearing HSLC Examination 2007 under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and sought forgiveness for any lack of communication to the NSCN (K) authourity while pursuing the issue in the past. A letter addressed to the ‘Ato Kilonser’ of the NSCN (K), N Kitovi Zhimomi by the NSF Speaker, WH Maring and Vice President, Imchatoba Imchen, while appealing to the NSCN (K) to allow the ‘Southern Nagas’ to appear the exams under NBSE, stated that the NSF being the moral guardian of Naga students felt that the decision to let the Southern Nagas to appear exams in Nagaland as a call of duty, however, the NSF letter nevertheless, expressed regret for the lack of communication which the NSF felt as the reason for enraging the ‘central Nagas’ and asked forgiveness for this shortcoming.
“While this urgent matter (the issue southern Naga students seeking accommodation in NBSE) was brought before the NSF, the Federation as moral guardian of Naga students felt it ‘call of duty’ to rescue our brothers and sisters who needed our help though it might have fallen short of garnering consent and support of all concerned due to paucity of time and lack of communication, thereby enraging some section of central Nagas. The student community expresses deepest regret to your (NSCN-K) authourity for the shortcomings” the letter stated.

The NSF letter while tracing the genesis of the issue alleged that the Manipur Government was trying to divide the already fragmented ‘Naga family’ by imposing the Meitei script on the Naga schools. The letter stated that the students of the southern Naga rejected the prescribed syllabus by the Manipur Government in their own volition and started the mass exodus from the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. The NSF letter further stated that the southern Naga students in search of shelter to the nearest board of education deserve to be accommodated in the NBSE purely on ‘humanitarian ground’. The NSF letter further pointed out that the NSF is driven by Naga interests only and have no demarcated area when it comes to it issues concerning the Nagas. “(The) NSF does not have definite demarcated area of operation as far as issues that confront the Nagas are concern(ed) with guiding principal of ‘oneness’. The NSF never intends to pursue anything adverse to the Naga interest”.
Kitovi asks Sumi students to work for peace The Morung Express. Change of CFSB Chairman is Centre’s unilateral decision: NSCN (K)
Dimapur, Feb 4 (MExN): In a press statement received here, the Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (K), N Kitovi Zhimomi today on the occasion of the 43 General Conference of the Sumi Students Union, called upon every Sumi student to usher in peace and harmony in the society through out the year. The NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser called upon the Sumi students to take up professionalism in their work saying that there is no alternative to it. “In today’s world of competition, “Professionalism” is the only alternative to achieve distinction in any field of activity” stated the NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser. Kitovi further called upon the Sumi students to identify their talents and excel in their fields to set a challenging trend for others to follow. With deep conviction in his heart, the NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser called upon the Sumi students to reconcile and work for peace and harmony throughout the year for prosperity in the society.
“I therefore call upon Sumi It is my personal conviction and appeal to every Sumi and Nagas to usher in peace, harmony and tranquility through out the year 2007 and there after, let us therefore reconcile and bury the hatchet to pave way for peace and prosperity in our land” stated the release. In a separate press release issued by the External Affairs Kilonser and former Supervisor of the CFSB, C Singsong today clarified that the NSCN (K) had never approached the Government of India for removal of Lt Gen (rtd) Kulkarni as the Cease Fire Supervisory Board Chairman and refuted the news item that the Centre is mulling to change the CFSB and CFMG chairman to placate the NSCN (K). The release clearly stated that change or removal of the CFSB chairman was the prerogative of the Centre’s unilateral decision where the NSCN (K) has no say. However, the release stated that the NSCN (K) has been insisting the GOI to create a separate CFSB chairman, though the Centre is yet to comply. The release stated that “implicating GPRN, NSCN’s interests as the basis of change of guard is unfounded and baseless”.
The release further cautioned the Press and Media to be careful in their reporting in order not to create more chaos and confusions in the interest of on going peace process.

The release also refuted the story that the centre had initiated the change of CFSB, CFMG Chairman mainly to placate GPRN, NSCN so as to garner GPRN’S support in flushing out ULFA from Myanmar dominated Naga Areas .Such baseless coverage creates more confusion, which needs rectification and more clarity in future, stated the release.
NSCN (K) rejects Thenucho’s plea Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, FEB 4 (NPN): The NSCN (K) has rejected Home minister Thenucho's appeal to the outfit's council of kilonsers for allowing students from the hill districts of Manipur to appear the HSLC examination under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
Reacting to Thenucho's letter of appeal that was addressed to the Cease-fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) office at Mon, NSCN (K) finance kilonser and CFSB supervisor Kughalu Mulatonu said the NSCN (K) has nothing to do with Neiphiu Rio-led DAN Government and further informed Thenucho to stop sending letters to the CFSB office. "The NSCN (K) has no connection with Rio's puppet government and the appeal will not be accepted. Rather Thenucho and Agriculture minister Azo should be aware of the activities in Phek," Mulatonu said.
Terming Thenucho as a "traitor" who had all along been masterminding "terrorism" against the NSCN (K) in collaboration with its rival NSCN (I-M) since 2003, the CFSB supervisor asked the minister not to forget the DAN government's logistic "muscles" that was been tightened against the NSCN (K) and innocent Nagas. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Nagaland Baptist Church Association (NBCC) led by its director, Peace Affairs, Rev. Kari Longchar reportedly met with the NSCN (K) council of kilonsers at Mon on Sunday. Though there were no details of the outcome of the talks, sources said NBCC was likely to appeal the NSCN (K) to review the latter's stand on the forthcoming HSLC exams. Sources also informed a special prayer was held in all churches throughout Nagaland for overall peace in the state and peaceful conduct of NBSE examinations. Thousands of people attended the special prayer programme held at Shisha Hoho (prayer house), near New Assembly Complex, Kohima, sources added.
NSF appeals to NSCN (K)- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) fervently appeals to your esteemed authority to review the decision taken by the authority of National Socialist Council of Nagaland not to allow the southern Naga students from appearing HSLC Examination 2007 under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). It may be recalled that the NSF pursued the process of affiliating private schools. From southern Naga areas after Manipur Government imposed Meitei script (Meitei Mayek) to the Naga students which was seen as policy of the Meitei dominated Government of Manipur to further divide the already fragmented Nagas family. Therefore, the students of the southern Nagas on their own volition decided to reject the syllabus prescribed by the Manipur Government and thus started the mass exodus of students from Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. This mass exodus of the southern Naga students in search of shelter to the nearest board deserves to be accommodated purely on humanitarian ground.
NSF does not have definite demarcated area of operation as far as issues that confront the Nagas are concerned with guiding principle of "Oneness". The NSF never intends to pursue anything adverse to the Nagas interest. All sensitive issues are being thoroughly deliberated and resolved in the Federal Assembly and carried out by the executives with fullest co-operation of the Federating units. The NSF never ever excluded any section of students' body from its fold but always urges all concern to strengthen it and shall continue to strive on.
While this urgent matter was brought before the NSF, the Federation as moral guardian of Naga students felt it 'call of duty' to rescue our brothers and sisters who needed our help though it might have fallen short of garnering consent and support of all concerned due to paucity of time and lack of communication, thereby enraging some section of central Nagas.
The student community expresses deepest regret to your authority for the shortcomings. Since affiliation is a process, it takes time and the fate lies in the hand of God the Almighty as far as its future course is concern. Arrangement for appearing HSLC Examination 2007 for students from southern Naga areas is temporary. The Federation strongly believes that your competent authority will examine those above noted facts and acknowledge the plight of thousands of students whose future are at stake. Therefore, the NSF sincerely pleads your authority to review the decision and revoke on humanitarian ground.
Imchatoba Imchen, Vice president, NSF. W.H. Maring, Speaker, NSF.
Joint statement of appeal- Nagaland Post Opinion
This joint statement of ap-peal has been released by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women's Union Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) south sector.
While appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga national reconciliation and unity, the student's community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing the aspiration of the people through strengthening of the emotional bond in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture.
It considers the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) on the students' community and against those institutions/individuals supposedly would be facilitating the hosting of examination as unfortunate and insensible. These very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations. In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, we appeal NSCN (K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the Naga Hill students of Manipur from giving examination, in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties. We also appeal to all communities and institutions to kindly cooperate in the larger interest of our peoples’ quest for justpeace, understanding and solidarity.
K.S.Paul Leo, President, United Naga Council (UNC) Paulhring Langhu, President, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) Grace Shatsang, President, Naga Womens' Union Manipur (NWUM) Phamhring Sengul, Con-venor, NPMHR south sector.
Kitovi greets sumi students- Nagaland Post Opimion
In the name of our Lord Jesus, I extend heartiest greetings to Sumi Students on it's (SKK) 43rd general conference. I also share my joy with not only the Students who are the leaders of tomorrow, but every patrons and leaders from every walk of lives who has all along been the source of strength to SKK. SKK has a proud heritage of being the mentor of many distinguished personalities who has brought laurels not only to Sumi community but Nagas in general.
Modernity has brought about many positive changes and development at the same time evils are also increasingly creeping into our lives, at this crucial cross road I feel SKK has greater responsibilities to mould and shape not only Sumi people but to contribute towards Nation building for which leadership quality has to be reared up to lead our nation tomorrow.
In today's world of competition, "Professionalism" is the only alternative to achieve distinction in any field of activity. I therefore call upon Sumi Students to identify each God's bestowed gift to excel and set a challenging trend for others to follow.
It is my personal conviction and appeal to every Sumi and Nagas to usher in peace, harmony and tranquility through out the year 2007 and there after, let us therefore reconcile and bury the hatchet to pave way for peace and prosperity in our land.
N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN, NSCN (K).
K set to neutralise IM agenda The Sangai Express
JIRIBAM, Feb 4 : The Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region has decided to foil all attempts by the IM group in collaboration with the United Naga Council to coerce the Nagas of the four hill districts of Manipur in the forthcoming 9th Assembly election, reports our correspondent. Talking to this correspondent, NSCN (K) Jiribam town commander, Adi Laona Panmei accused the Im group of compromising everything with the Government of India, including its principle and ideology.
The Naga people have realised the futility of supporting the NSCN (IM), which has betrayed its people, said Panmei and added that the rival outfit is now trying to lure the people, deceive them and shackle them. Panmei also appealed to the Naga people not to pay any heed to diktats imposed on them by the IM group. The NSCN (K) will not hesitate to take up any drastic action against individuals who act champion the diktats of the NSCN (IM), he warned and added that the NSCN (K) cadres are ready for the inevitable show down with the IM group in all the Naga inhabited districts of Manipur.

Naga candidates point fingers at IM men By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 4 : Four Independent candidates of 47 Karong (ST) Assembly Constituency namely L Jonathan, Benjamin Banee, SP Henry and PS Henry Paotei have cried foul allegedly over the direct involvement of some NSCN (IM) men in the election campaign of UNC sponsored candidate RV Shirang.
A joint press statement, signed in favour of the candidates, disclosed that Col Sounii, L Siba (Rajou Peyu), P Ambition (Leacy member), P Shimray (Tatar) and Lt Phanitphang of NSCN (IM) have been openly campaigning for RV Shirang.
Saying that they have learnt of NSCN (IM) leadership never intimating any individual or
group to engage in election campaign in the name of the outfit, they flayed the conduct of the NSCN (IM) cadres in favour of a particular candidate.
Disclosing that the supporters of different candidates are at loggerheads over the involvement of NSCN (IM) men in the election process, the political workers of the said candidates cautioned that they shall not be held responsible for any consequence arising out of the undue interference, conveyed the statement. The United Naga Council had earlier announced that it would announce the names of 11 Naga consensus candidates to contest the election from the 11 Naga dominated Assembly segments. UNC has already named some candidates.

Students on way to NBSE exam stopped by NSCN(K); bus pushed down gorge The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL/KOHIMA, Feb 3: A passenger bus transporting students from the state to Kohima for appearing in the High School Leaving Certificate examination under the Nagaland Board of Education was intercepted and pushed into a gorge by armed NSCN(K) cadres on the IT road this afternoon The incident took place between Thonglan Akutpa and Duna villages along the IT road in Senapati district at around 3:30 pm today.

The NSCN(K) has claimed responsibility for the incident. The outfit had earlier warned the Naga students from Manipur against appearing in the HSLC examination conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.Reports said the students mostly belonging to Tamei were allowed to get down first from the bus before it was pushed down into a gorge.
Altogether 54 students were on board the bus which had left Tamei for Kohima earlier in the day.

The students were later made to return home on foot. Another report said another two buses carrying students which were behind the ill-fated vehicle also turned back following the incident. The incident has highlighted the uncertainty facing thousands of students from the Naga-dominated districts who have transferred to the Nagaland board for the HSLC examination on the diktat of several Naga organisations.
It may be mentioned that several private educational institutions in the four hills districts had introduced NBSE curriculum in the academic session 2006-07 due to mounting pressure from some NGOs favouring integration of Naga inhabited areas of Manipur to Nagaland.

Since affiliation to another state board is not allowed for such schools, their students who were due to appear in the HSLC examination have opted for enrolment at various schools in Nagaland mostly in Kohima and Dimapur for the purpose. As many as around 5000 students studying in class-X standard from Naga dominated areas of Manipur had left the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, BSEM and were preparing for the exam under NBSE. On the other hand, following the threat from the NSCN (K), many students who had earlier obtained transfer certificate from BSEM had reportedly got themselves admitted at various private schools at Imphal. They are currently attending special coaching classes to cover the BSEM curriculum which they had earlier missed out. In the meantime, the Nagaland government has taken up several precautionary measures to ensure smooth conduct of HSLC examination, especially in the three examination centres designated for Naga students from the four hills districts of Manipur. A report from Kohima said that the state government had taken the decision to allow the Naga students from four districts of neighbouring Manipur to appear in the HSLC examination. Apart from this, the School Education department was working out strategies for smooth conduct of exams. On the other hand, another report said that the Southern Angami Public Organization, Viswema Village Council and the Southern Angami Youth Organization have lodged strong protests against the Nagaland government`s order designating HSLC examination centre for students from Senapati and Tamenglong districts at Viswema village. The Nagaland government had designated three examination centres including one in Kohima district for students belonging to Senapati and Tamenglong districts and the other two in Dimapur for students belonging to Ukhrul and Chandel districts. The NSCN (K), which staunchly opposes the state government`s decision, had threatened of dire consequences and warned that the Nagaland government would be held responsible for any untoward incident. Around 5000 Naga students from the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur are supposed to be appearing their HSLC examination under Nagaland Board of School Education. Newmai News Network adds: NSCN-K Medical Kilonser Major N.Panmei claiming responsibility for the incident, said in a statement it should not be viewed in the wrong perspective. The NSCN-K Kilonser further said that the evil design of the NSCN-IM, United Naga Council and All Naga Students Association, Manipur has eroded the Naga society. The statement further said that the issue of text book or NBSE or school board has nothing to do with the sovereignty issue of the Nagas. The outfit also pledged that all the activities of the UNC and ANSAM and any other NSCN-IM worshippers will be dealt with iron hand. On the forthcoming Assembly Election of Manipur, the NSCN-K has urged all the Nagas to cast their votes without any fear according to their choice of candidates."I call upon all the Nagas to come out with truth and principle and let us work for peace and unity," declared the NSCN-K Kilonser.
‘Quit notice a plague’ says TCU; appeals for calm The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 4 (MExN): In the backdrop of the ongoing quit notice issued to the Tangkhul community and the threat served to students for appearing in the upcoming NBSE examinations, the Tenyimi Central Council (TCU) of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam has appealed to all the “political groups to exercise utmost restraint on humanitarian ground for the sake of survival of our nation”. Pointing out that this was not the first time quit notice has been served to the Tangkhuls, the TCU informed of the earlier quit notices served to the Tangkhuls at Mokokchung and later at Phek after the assassination of General Povezo in order to defuse the prevailing tension and to save the Tangkhuls from the wrath of the general public. “But the NSCN (IM) again served death sentence as a retaliatory measure to all the Chakhesang public leaders. However, by the grace of God and due to the tireless efforts of the NGO leaders, good sense prevailed and understanding was restored and ultimately the death sentence was revoked. In this manner, quit notice has been menacing the Naga society as a plague”, the TCU stated in a press communiqué issued by TCU President ZM Sekhose on behalf of the union.
Further lauding Kitovi Zhimomi, the TCU stated that the NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser had emerged as a man of wisdom, a true Christian and a true patriot by his very act of tendering apology to the people of Nagaland for the excesses his compatriots had committed and for the acts which were not in consonance with the theme “Nagaland for Christ”. “This is a major step in initiating the healing process in our land so as to remove the bitterness and the scars”. The TCU hoped that one day the Nagas will be remitted in the spirit of tendering apology, forgiveness and brotherhood in the right manner.
“Every action has a reaction. That is why it is pertinent to think about the possible effects or repercussion of the action taken. Whoever had imagined that the mighty Saddam Hussain would be hanged one day? But the true history had hanged him”, the TCU further stated.
As for the issue of Naga students from Manipur appearing HSLC examination in Nagaland, the TCU stated that it was like putting our children into difficulties because of the parent’s shortcomings. “The TCU is of the opinion that it is the bounden responsibility of the Untied Naga Council (UNC) and Naga Students Federation (NSF) to prepare the ground work properly by way of discussing the issues with the various political groups, tribes and surrounding neighbors in Nagaland in the same approach sincerely before taking u their final decision; prior consultation is always necessary (imperative) even in future with a view to avoid unseen complications. This is in consonance with the Naga tradition”.
Stating that the present generations of students are leaders of tomorrow, the TCU pointed out that it was important that no trait of bitterness is left behind today in the minds of the students because historical events are always the basis of future course of human relations.
Naga bodies urge NSCN K not to restrict students The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, February 04: A large number of Naga civil society organisations have appealed to the NSCN-K to revoke the threat notice issued on the Naga students from Manipur not to sit for the examination under NBSE in Nagaland. The United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) have made a joint appeal to the NSCN-K in this regard.

The NPMHR (Nagaland Sector) while issuing a statement to Newmai News Network last night through its Convenor Lanu Sashi Longkumer and General Secretary of the NPMHR (Secretariat) Nepuni Piku said the “demands for affiliation of students from the Naga Hills of Manipur is an expression of the will of the people who continue to be oppressed through the systematic process of brainwashing by upholding the dominant culture and way of life while deriding the age old unique cultural and historical rights of the Nagas”.

“Throughout history it is the dominant that often create and write history to perpetuate the dominance of the frontier communities under their so called sphere of influence. Language has been one chief medium through which the dominant system tries to exclude the other communities in the name of homogenization and dominance. The dominant community through the systematic coercion and obvert connivance of the State administration has been trying to impose the Meitei Mayek (script) since decades which rightfully continues to be resisted by the hill peoples in general and the Nagas in particular,” added the statement.

The Naga rights body further said that it will be the people and not imposed structures that will decide the future of the people. “NPMHR appreciates and extends our critical solidarity to the peaceful assertion and critical demonstration of the students’ community through the banner of Naga Students Federation (NSF) which is a just struggle for dignity,” added the statement. NPMHR also expressed its gratefulness to the role of the Nagaland State Government “for positively affirming and upholding the right of choice for the students’ community in the Naga hills of Manipur to gain affiliation with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE)”.

The Naga rights body further said that the NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination. It then cautions that any impediment cause towards this effort of creating a common vision is a negation in our united search for unity in purpose towards achieving our aspiration as a people.

“NPMHR considers the threat notice issued by certain national groups as deviation from our common goal and appeal for immediate revocation of threats which creates an abnormal situation for all especially the young minds preparing to take the important exams,” concluded the NPMHR,Nagaland Sector. Meanwhile,a joint statement of appeal has also been released by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM)and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-South Sector. The joint statement said that while appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga national reconciliation and unity, the students’ community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing the aspiration of the people through strengthening of the emotional bond in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture. “It considers the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) on the students’ community and against those institutions/ individuals supposedly would be facilitating the hosting of examination as unfortunate and insensible,” rued the Naga frontal organisations.

The joint statement further said that those very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations. In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, we appeal NSCN (K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the taking of examination by Naga Hill students of Manipur in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties, said the statement. “We also appeal to all communities and institutions to kindly cooperate in the larger interest of our peoples’ quest for justpeace, understanding and solidarity”, said the statement of UNC,ANSAM, NPMHR - (South Sector) and NWUM.
Khongdei Union, UNC candidate refutes NSCN (IM) link up The Morung Express
Senapati, 4 Feb (MExN): The Chairman of the Khongdei Union and the Independent Candidate from 47 (ST) Karong AC today termed the allegation of NSCN (IM) cadres involvement in the election process in the hills district of Manipur made by four independent candidates of 47 (ST) Karong AC as unfortunate and a game of selfish politics.
A press release issued by H.Kharamo, Chairman, Khongdei while condemning the news item published in the February 2 issue The Morung Express under the caption ‘NSCN (IM) hand alleged in UNC Candidate’s Campaigned’, squarely put blame on the four signatories of the allegation and termed it as selfish politics.
‘The entire villagers of Khongdei Circles blame the signatories of the release for misleading the public of 47(ST) Karong AC and exposed their evil game by dragging the committed national workers for their selfish politics,’ the release stated. The release stated that the Khongdei Circle has many cadres in the underground faction since the beginning of the Naga movement and added that defaming the spirit of the ‘national workers’ will not serve the purpose of a political leader.
Besides open support of the underground faction, the chairman of the Khongdei Union further appealed to the people not to tarnish the image of the ‘national workers’. ‘Let us no try to tarnish the image of the true National Worker who is always loyal to his motherland’ the release stated.
Also in a separate press release issued by RV Shirang, Independent Candidate 47 (ST) Karong AC termed the allegation of NSCN (IM) cadres’ involvement in the election process in Manipur as ‘unfortunate and an ‘unexpected development’. The candidate stated that as a consensus candidate of the United Naga Council from 47 (ST) Karong AC, he would not hurt the sentiments of his fellow Nagas. ‘I have no ill feeling against my colleagues and shall never try to hurt the sentiment of my fellow Nagas’ stated RV Shirang.
The UNC’s consensus candidate appealed not to drag the name of committed ‘national workers into self interest politics’. RV Shirang further called for strengthening the hands of the UNC in the larger interest of the Naga society. ‘Let us try to strengthen the hand of UNC in the larger interest of the Nagas and lets us refrain from making such comment in future’ stated the UNC’s consensus candidate. It may be mentioned that on February 2 last four independent candidates from 47 (ST) Karong AC namely L.Jonathan, Benjamin Banee, SP Henry and P.S. Henry Paotei, has alleged that NSCN (IM) cadres were involved in the election process in the Naga inhibited areas of Manipur. The four candidates strongly alleged that the NSCN (IM) cadres were campaigning for one UNC nominated candidate in their constituency.
NSCN-K pushes down hill bus with students Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 4 – Suspected NSCN-K activists last night stopped a bus carrying Naga students from Manipur and pushed it down a hill after forcing out the occupants at Thongnang in Tamenglong district, official reports said. Reports said the students were on their way to appear in Class X examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.

NSCN-K had asked the Naga students from four hill districts of Manipur who would appear in the Class X examination that they should not be allowed to appear in the examination under NBSE. NSCN-K also took strong exception to Nagaland government’s decision to allow students from four hill districts of Manipur to seek affiliation under the NBSE to appear for the coming HSLC examination in the state. – PTI
Car bomb opens new face of terrorism in Assam The Morung Express
Guwahati, Feb 4: With just four days before the 33rd National Games kicks off in the state, a high power car bomb suspected to be planted by ULFA went off early in the morning at a police station in the heart of Guwahati city. Although no one was injured, a potential disaster was averted because the red Maruti car in which the bomb was placed was towed away along with three other cars from the very busy Fancy Bazar area. The car was reportedly parked near the Sani Tample since Saturday afternoon. There was heavy rush in the area as Sani worship (God of Saturn) was on full swing throughout Saturday.
A man carries remains of a vehicle damaged by a car bomb outside a police station in Guwahati, Sunday, February 4. (AP Photo)
It was brought into the Panbazar police station in the late evening. While three of the vehicles were claimed by owners and taken away by paying necessary fines, the unclaimed fourth one fitted with a bomb, went off at 3:15 am (IST) causing heavy damage to adjoining buildings.
The bomb laded vehicle was beyond recognition and some parts were seen dangling from the adjoining trees. “I was jolted out of my sleep as the whole building rattled under the impact of the blast. All the window panes of our room were shattered,” informed Anjali Deka whose husband is recuperating in the MMC Hospital.
The explosion also caused heavy impact on the surroundings vegetations. Hundreds of birds mostly crows which live on the trees in the areas were seen on the roads near the blast site looking dazed. The impact of the blast was such that almost all the birds looked naked without any trace of feathers on their skins feared to be taken away by the impact. This correspondent when tried to touch one of the birds remained dazed and stared blank. Interestingly, the vehicle was dragged despite a warning from state intelligence that militants from the banned ULFA could use car bombs in the next few days. This is the first time a four wheeler loaded with explosives has been used by militants for subversive activities in Assam opening a new chapter in terrorism. The technique which is widely used by Islamic militants across the world has become a great matter of concern for the state administration after the Sunday morning blast.
New parking laws after Guwahati car bomb blast Yahoo India Bangalore By IANS
Guwahati, Feb 5 (IANS) A rattled Assam government Monday enforced new parking regulations for motorists, a day after the state's first car bomb explosion at a police station here. A government spokesperson Monday said no vehicles without a driver or an attendant would be allowed to park in Guwahati's public places beyond an hour following a car bomb explosion early Sunday at the Panbazar police station in the city. 'The order banning parking of vehicles without a driver for more than an hour is purely for security reasons. Anybody violating the orders could face punishment, including imprisonment of up to one month,' said C.K. Bhuyan, the sub-divisional magistrate of Kamrup (metropolitan) district. The blast at the police station damaged at least six vehicles, but a timing device problem prevented any casualties. The Maruti car packed with explosives and fitted with a timer went off at 3.15 a.m. splitting high-tension electric wires overhead and damaging window panes of several houses nearby.
Police had Saturday towed the explosive-laden car from a no-parking zone close to a Hindu temple in the busy Fancy Bazar area. 'This is a new ploy by the militants and is the first instance of a car bomb explosion in Assam,' said Assam police chief R.N. Mathur.
The explosion has triggered panic in the city, which is hosting the 33rd National Games starting Friday. With several teams having arrived in Guwahati for the event, the blast has led to further tightening of security measures. 'We are intensifying security and doing our level best to foil any further attacks,' Guwahati police chief R.N. Singh said. Authorities have blamed the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the explosion, including a string of bombings and shootouts last month that killed 90 people, including 61 Hindi-speaking migrant workers.
ULFA is one of several separatist groups operating in Assam, a state known for its oil reserves and tea crops but where at least 20,000 people have died in rebel violence since 1979. ULFA has called for a boycott of the National Games in the state.
Gogoi: It's impossible to protect all Congmen
As many as seven members of the Congress party, all block and panchayat-level office-bearers, have been killed by the ULFA since the beginning of this year. CM Tarun Gogoi said he was "highly concerned" over the killings, but admitted it was not possible for the government to provide security to each and every person. "It is not possible to provide security to every member of the party. There are lakhs of Congress members in the state. All we can do is to ask them to be a little extra-cautious in view of the attacks," he said.
Gogoi ,however, asserted that no member of his party had resigned due to the ULFA threat, as reported in a section of the media. "I am sure the Congress members have not resigned. They are dedicated people and are not scared," he said. Reports, especially from the Upper Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat, however said a large number of Congress members, particularly office-bearers of the panchayat-level and block-level committees of the party, had resigned in view of the threat.
Bordumsa Block Congress Committee president Ajit Deuri was the first to be killed on January 6 amid the attacks on migrant labourers in Tinsukia district. Another block-level Congress worker, Abdul Basher, was shot at Dergaon in Golaghat district on February 1. ULFA's 28 Battalion, which is active in Upper Assam, had in the beginning of the year asked Congress leaders and members to resign in view of the Congress-led government's offensive against the outfit.
Conflict, development and dignity — III By Nehemiah Rong Contd from last Saturday
Already having the move for self determination, the hill people (Nagas) began to see only doomsday under the pre-sent situation and condition until, the ‘conflict’ that imprison their birthright has been resolved and came to an end.
The initiatives of the se-curity forces trying to help the people through the Mi-litary Civic Action Projects is not altogether absent 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. In order 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 suff-erings and agonies that people have gone 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. — Concluded
Chaoba attacks Cong, AFSPA By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 4 : Former Union Minister Th Chaoba has categorically stated that absence of any mention on the public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur in the election manifesto of Indian National Congress shows that the draconian Act is here to stay and torture the innocent people. Addressing the last election meeting of MPP’s Khurai AC candidate Dr N Bijoy at Khurai Popular High School ground today, Chaoba noted that as for the stand of the MPP on the issue, it has been clearly stated in its election manifesto.
“MPP is committed to the public demand for removal of the Act from Manipur,” Chaoba said.
However, among the points that have been put forward by the Congress for implementation if it returns to power, there is no mention on removal of Armed Forces Special Powers' Act, Chaoba pointed out, adding that this shows that Congress wants continuance of the Act and suffering of the people. Although the Congress had not given any assurance that it would repeal the Act, it had obliquely stated that the party would try to remove Disturbed Area tag from the whole of Manipur as and when the law and order condition improves. Continuing his attack, Chaoba said it is to the credit of the Anti-Defection law passed by then BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre that the Ibobi Ministry has been able to complete its full term.
It has nothing to do with the skill and statesmanship of the Chief Minister, Chaoba claimed.
The former MP further said there would be no squabbling for the post of Chief Minister if MPP is elected to power. Many noted politicians have come into the fold of MPP not for power but to save Manipur. Congress should not worry for the MPP on this count, Chaoba remarked.
Addressing his last election meeting, Dr Bijoy thanked all the people present at the occasion.

Car bomb explodes in city By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 4 – A powerful car bomb exploded right in front of the Panbazar police station in the wee hours today. No one, however, was killed or injured in the blast, as most of the people were confined to indoors at that time. The explosion that took place at 3-15 am ripped apart the red Maruti car (AS-23-A-6670) in which the programmable time device (PTD) was kept. So powerful was the impact that parts of the car were thrown to a distance of over hundred metres. It also damaged some power lines. The blast, however, took a heavy toll on birds that had nests on the trees along the road. Dozens of crows were seen lying dead, while a sizeable number was seriously injured.

The car had earlier been brought from a no-parking area in the busy Fancy Bazar, the business hub of the city. “The car was brought from near the Sani temple in Fancy Bazar around 11-30 am yesterday. Three more vehicles were also brought but those were later collected by their owners,” Additional SP (City), Rajen Singh said. Singh said that those those who planted the bomb, most likely to be ULFA militants, probably erred while setting the time of the explosion. “Probably they set it wrongly for 3-15 am instead of 3-15 pm,” he said, adding that the most likely target of the attack was the Panbazar police station and not the Fancy Bazar area. “The car was parked in the busy no-parking area and besides it was obstructing a road. Those who abandoned it knew that it would be taken to the police station immediately,” he said. The blast has led to a panic reaction among the police and security personnel, with security measures intensified in a never-before manner. Vehicles were being checked thoroughly, with security personnel going to the extent of opening the bonnets of cars in search of explosives. Meanwhile, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration has prohibited parking of vehicles even in parking places for over an hour unless the vehicles had one attendant each after the expiry of an hour.

Minister flays killing of Bodo youth in Bihar From Our Correspondent Assam tribune
UDALGURI, Feb 4 – Daimalu Daimary, son of Binoy Daimary of Bagaribari village under Mazbat PS in Udalguri district was brutally tortured and killed at Danapur railway station on January 25 last in Bihar on his way to Asom from New Delhi.
According to the sources in Mazbat anchalik committee of All Bodo Students, Union, Daimalu had gone to New Delhi to meet his elder sister who is an employee in a company.

Meanwhile, Rihon Daimari, PHE Minister of Asom has condemned the killing of Daimalu and urged the Bihar government to provide full security to the passengers of the State traveling through Bihar. Mazbat unit of ABSU has also demanded a probe. Sources said the killing could a reaction to the recent killings in Asom.

People must raise voice against militancy Nagarealm.com
GUWAHATI, FEB03 : Noted Gandhian Natwar Thakkar today said that civil society groups would have to show the way for return of peace in the State and the North-East. “The gun has muffled the voice of the majority, and the civil society groups must motivate and embolden the silent majority to raise their voices against violence perpetrated by militant groups,” Thakkar said at a seminar on ‘North East Today: The Path to Peace’ organized by the Centre for Peace and Progress (CPP). Asserting that people were the only force through which peace could be established, Thakkar, who has seen militancy from close quarters for four decades in Nagaland, said that the common people must be empowered to speak out. Maintaining that militant outfits often acted under “misplaced notions or ambitions”, Thakkar said that they forfeited their right to speak on behalf of the people the moment they took the gun. “It is the gun that is dictating the militants, and unless guns are laid aside, real dialogue will be difficult,” he said.

Eminent journalist DN Bezborua, in his speech, attributed the present turmoil in the State to a host of aberrations, injustices, inequalities, and inequities, and said that promoting such aberrations of democracy over the last few decades was at the root of all the unrest and violence. “Imposing draconian laws in the North-East, having a second immigration law for one State, and having different cut-off dates for the State for detecting illegal immigrants are all aberrations of democracy, and the consequences are there for all to see,” Bezboruah said.

Stating that the abnormal rise in the Muslim population of the State was not a natural happening, Bezboruah said that the State was now confronted with a frightening situation – that of fundamental militancy. “What should be a matter of grave concern is that the increase in the Muslim population has been caused by unabated influx from Bangladesh – something which our leaders has been encouraging for decades for their vote bank politics,” he said. “This demographic change has been engineered and orchestrated by our politicians,” he added.

Former bureaucrat TL Baruah said that the best chance to curb insurgency at its nascent stage in the State was lost when the AGP Government allowed the outfit to run a parallel administration from 1985 to 1990. Baruah also felt that the role of the civil society, i.e. groups like the AASU, Asom Sahitya Sabha, Sankardev Sangha, etc., were not up to the mark when it came to mould public opinion against militancy. “Civil society groups like the Naga Ho Ho, the Mizo Church and the Manipuri woman organizations were instrumental in pressurizing the militants to come to the negotiating table. But in Asom, civil society groups have not shown that amount of zeal, and the unified public action is lacking here,” he said.

Prof Sanjiv Baruah of CPP, in his speech, bemoaned a ‘dysfunctional policy approach’ for the ills affecting the North East. “Our policy approach has been dysfunctional in the way of solving the problems,” he said, and also stressed the need for normalizing relations between India and Bangladesh. PJ Baruah, executive editor of The Assam Tribune, said that a sense of grave identity crisis was gripping the various indigenous ethnic groups of Asom, contributing to the situation of confusion and uncertainty. “Implementation of the Assam Accord, especially Clause VI providing for constitutional safeguard for the indigenous people, would have gone a long way in assuaging the feelings of the people. But nothing was done on that vital Clause,” he said, adding that as a result the people had to be asking now as to who is an Assamese. [Assamtribune]

Political parties in power game Nagarealm.com
The sheer weight of opposition to the Rs 6,800-crore Tipaimukh hydro-electric project on the Barak river may have forced all political parties to include the issue in their election manifestos, but their views could not have been more different. The pronouncements of the major parties on the issue vary from defensive ambivalence to downright hostility.

The mega project, touted as Asia’s highest dam, has been gathering dust for years. When Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde laid the foundation stone for the project last year, scarcely did he know that it would trigger such an uproar. A storm of protests by the Action Committee against Tipaimukh Project, a conglomerate of 25 social organisations, followed the ceremony. “We will never allow this project to come up. It will only compound the woes of the impoverished tribals,” declared Oinam Bikram, co-convener of the action committee.

The militant United National Liberation Front, the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak joined the anti-dam lobby last month. They also warned villagers against working on the project. Naga organisations — the United Naga Council and the All Naga Students Association of Manipur — separately protested the implementation of the project. Forced to take a stand, political parties now find themselves speaking in disparate voices.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said last month that the pros and cons of the project would be re-evaluated. “If the government is convinced that the losses will be more than the benefits, we may scrap the project.” However, the Congress is silent on the issue. The party has instead pledged to launch more power projects without the attendant problems. The CPI has promised a study by a committee of experts before giving the green signal to the project and the BJP has linked its fate to a consensus among people and parties. The Manipur People’s Party (MPP) has been more forthright on the issue: “We will scrap this project once we come to power,” MPP president L. Chandramoni Singh said recently. “We are against mega projects that result in human suffering. We will go for small hydro-electric projects instead.” Reiterating his resolve to have the project shelved after the elections, Bikram said: “According to estimates made by Neepco, the implementing agency, the construction of the dam will displace 2,200 impoverished tribals and submerge 15 tribal villages spread across 311 square km.”

Tribals constitute the majority of the population at the project site, located in the southwestern fringe of the Manipur-Mizoram border. “Displacing them from their roots will deal a blow to their cultural ethos. Monetary compensation will never be enough.” According to Neepco’s memorandum of understanding with the Centre and the Manipur government, Manipur will get 10 per cent of power generated in Tipaimukh as royalty and Mizoram will get two per cent. But Bikram is unimpressed. “Human life and culture are more important than government revenue in the form of free power.” He also claimed that the project would bring with it environmental hazards. “We cannot transform Barak’s green valley into a valley of tears.” [KHELEN THOKCHOM, telegraphindia]

Assembly polls in three states Sonia Gandhi to begin campaigning from Manipur Sentinel
New Delhi, Feb 4: Congress president Sonia Gandhi will begin her campaign for the party, facing assembly elections in three states, tomorrow by addressing rallies in Manipur.
After then, the Congress chief will campaign in Punjab and Uttaranchal. Gandhi’s day-long campaigning in Manipur will be followed by rallies on February 7 and 10 in Punjab. Elections to the 117-member Punjab Assembly will be held on February 13. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will follow Gandhi and visit Punjab on February five and six with a likely halt for the night at Chandigarh.
Gandhi’s visit to Manipur comes amid reports that Congress candidates were being ‘threatened’ by banned militant groups to either stay out of the poll process or pay money. The UPA chairperson will visit the state again on February 11 to address a rally in Imphal, and sources said the ruling Congress was hoping that some announcement would be made on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, whose repeal has been demanded by the people of Manipur.
Militant groups like the PLA, UNLF, KYKL and KCP have been threatening politicians, especially Congress candidates. The polls to the 60-member assembly will be held in three phases on February 8, 14 and 23. Ahead of elections to the 70-member assembly of Uttarakhand, Gandhi will address rallies at various places on February eight. She is expected to visit the state a second time on either February 16 or 17, the sources said. The Prime Minister will visit the state on February 13. Elections in Uttarakhand will be held on February 21. (PTI)
Sangma assures AFSPA repeal if voted to power Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 4: Former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP leader Purno A Sangma said the first priority of the NCP if it comes to power after the forthcoming elections, is to adopt an Assembly resolution for the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
The NCP leader, who arrived in Imphal from New Delhi yesterday, was speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony of the party’s candidate for Kshetrigao A/C, Thangjam Nabakishore.
Purno Sangma is accompanied by his son and NCP youth wing president Conrad Sangma. Speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony at Nabakishore’s residence, Sangma expressed the view that the AFSPA has encouraged gun culture, and seriously affected the lives of the common people of the state. He further maintained that the Army’s duty was to guard the country’s borders and it had no business turning its guns on the citizens. Stressing the need to do away with the AFSPA, he reiterated that the NCP, if it comes to power, would table the AFSPA issue in the state Assembly as its first order of business and adopt a resolution for its repeal. The NCP leader also found fault with the Congress for its emphasis on peace before development, stressing that development has to come first if peace is to be brought about. As long as there is unemployment there cannot be peace in the state, he maintained. (Agencies)