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02/08/2007: "Sonia statement a gimmick: Naga Council • "Nagas want to be under one administrative unit" "Peace talks delayed for lack of sincerity on the part of Government Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu"

Sonia statement a gimmick: Naga Council • "Nagas want to be under one administrative unit" "Peace talks delayed for lack of sincerity on the part of Government Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu
SENAPATI (Manipur): A day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi reiterated her party's commitment to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, this Naga-dominated hill town witnessed a vigorous campaign by the United Naga Council (UNC) for the victory of 11 independents backed by it so that they can take up the cause of "integration of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur with Nagaland."
"The Naga ancestral land does not belong to the Congress or any other party. The land belongs to us and we will decide what to do with it. Nobody can impose his or her decision on the desire of the Nagas to come under one administrative unit. Congress president Sonia Gandhi's statement was just a political gimmick. Such an irresponsible statement only exposed the lack of sincerity on the part of Government of India, due to which the peace negotiation with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has been delayed," UNC president Paul Leo said. Tuesday was the last day of electioneering for the first phase of the Assembly polls. The campaign in the hill constituencies, particularly the 11 dominated by Nagas, centres round the single agenda of "Naga integration."
Of these 11, three in Senapati district — Mao, Tadubi and Karong— and three in Ukhurul district, which has the ancestral village of NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, are going to the polls on Thursday. Elections in the remaining five — three in Tamenglong and two in Chandel district — will be held in the third phase on February 23.
The UNC shortlisted 11 from among 61candidates, who had signed an undertaking here on January 16 to take up the cause of Naga integration in the Assembly. This was because the Naga representatives elected in 2002 failed to perform their duty, the UNC president told The Hindu.
UNC leaders' appeal The UNC leaders along with the candidates went round villages, appealing to the tribal councils, Hohos, churches, women, youth and student organisations to ensure that "this election reflects the wish of the Naga people to live together with their Naga brethren, and not fall victim to party politics or forces inimical to the Naga aspirations."
Breach of trust slur on NSCN-K OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 7: The army has taken strong exception to the abduction of a havildar of territorial army Nagaland home and hearth battalion by the NSCN (Khaplang) cadre from Dimapur bus stand on Monday. Terming it as an unexpected and gross violation of ceasefire rules, security forces said, “This reflects breach of trust as well as the irresponsible behaviour of NSCN (K) cadre and their leadership.” Pointing out that acts such as these are detrimental to the peace process in Nagaland, the army has warned the outfit to desist from such anti-army and anti-people activities, failing which they would be compelled to take appropriate action.
“The responsibility rests solely upon the NSCN (K) leadership. The army expects the leaders of all factions to refrain from such violations, disrupting peace and harmony in the overall interest of the people,” the communiqué stated.
It further said that by kidnapping a member of the home and hearth battalion, the NSCN (K) has proved that it is not helping in providing a conducive atmosphere for the state’s development.
The NSCN (K)’s ministry of information and publicity said said it had “nothing to do with the kidnapping” as the outfit is in truce with security forces. They accused the rival NSCN (Isak-Muivah) of having kidnapped the havildar. Condemning the threat issued by the security forces, the NSCN (K) alleged that the former had clandestine links with the NSCN (I-M). The Khaplang group said it would take up the matter (of the abduction allegation) at the board meeting of the ceasefire supervisors.
Rio jolt to Manipur matric examinees - Plight of students is not Nagaland’s problem: CM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Feb. 7: After welcoming Naga students from Manipur with open arms, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio did a volte-face by saying his government would not be accountable for the possible repercussions of defying the NSCN (Khaplang) to sit for the matric examination in Kohima and Dimapur. More than 1,000 students from Manipur sat for the High School Leaving Certificate examination at three centres today amid appeals by various organisations to the NSCN (K) not to target them. Militants had waylaid the bus that was carrying the first batch of students in Senapati district last week, forced them to disembark and pushed the vehicle down the hill. Rio, who is in New Delhi for a meeting on the next fiscal plan, said Nagaland was not answerable to anyone for that incident. “The situation in Nagaland is alright, it (the attack) did not happen in our state.”
The chief minister’s reaction to the attack contradicts his government’s stand on schools in the Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur switching affiliation to the Nagaland Board of School Education. The idea was the brainchild of the United Naga Council, which has been mobilising support for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland.
Rio had then backed the council to the hilt, even appealing to Delhi to look at the issue “sympathetically”. The Union human resource development ministry was silent throughout, lest any comment be construed by Manipur as indirectly supporting the bifurcation of its territory. Not one to support any campaign that would bolster the NSCN (I-M)’s “Nagalim” dream, the Khaplang faction opposed the change in affiliation of schools. The attack on the students just before their first examination under the Nagaland board is seen as one more attempt to frustrate a move that could benefit rivals. Security personnel and activists of the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union are trying to ensure that the examination goes off smoothly. The NSCN (K) declared a few days ago that it would use all means to prevent Naga students of Manipur from sitting for the exam.

No integration of election agendas - Disparate voices echo in valley & hills Key Issue The Telegraph SEKHAR DATTA
Imphal, Feb. 7: Pit the Naga aspiration for an “integrated” homeland against the Meitei community’s steadfast refusal to compromise on Manipur’s “territorial integrity” and you get an issue that is electoral RDX. The state’s homogeneous electorate may have reached a consensus on the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, but the divide between the hills and the valley on the issue of Naga integration seems to have widened in the run-up to the three-phase elections.
Manipur’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct to the Meiteis of the valley, significantly supported by the majority of the Kukis in the four hill districts. On the other hand, the integration of parts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati districts with Nagaland is something the Nagas in the hills equally dear to their heart.
Now, where does this leave the political parties, trying as they are to woo people on either side of the divide? The intensity of the Meitei-dominated valley’s opposition to the demand for Naga integration is reflected in senior CPI leader and agriculture minister Ph. Parijat Singh’s remark.
“This (integration with Nagaland) is absolutely out of question. We (people of the hills and the valley) have been living together for centuries and will keep on doing so.”
The sentiment is echoed by former chief minister and Rajya Sabha member Rishang Keishing. “We have been living together for a long time. Where is the need to redraw the state’s boundaries?” he asks. All the main political parties have given prominence to the issue of territorial integrity in their poll manifestoes. The ruling Congress, which hopes to retain power and has a lot at stake in the hill constituencies, has also spoken against the demand for Naga integration, albeit in a guarded manner. “The Congress will urge the Centre to provide constitutional safeguards for the territorial integrity of Manipur in the line of the commitment made in its common minimum programme,” the manifesto states.
However, in meeting after meeting in constituencies across the valley, the Congress and its rivals have thrown all caution and niceties to the wind and gone for the kill. Senior leaders, including chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, have been harping on their unshakeable commitment to the territorial integrity. In the hills, the United Naga Council has asked all candidates not chosen by it to withdraw from the fray. Backed by invisible friends, this organisation of Nagas living in the hills of Manipur is determined to ensure victory for its 11 candidates at any cost.
The UNC had forced the resignation of five Naga legislators from the Assembly last year to highlight the demand for integration. Its sole election plank is the integration of the four Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur with Nagaland. “Their gameplan is clear. By making a clean sweep of the 11 seats, they want to show that the people of the hills support the demand for merger with Nagaland,” said Samuel Kipgen, a Kuki NGO activist. Kipgen said contrary to belief, none of the four hill districts was a “Naga-compact” area. “The majority of the non-Naga tribes, especially the Kukis, will oppose the UNC.” Kuki-Naga clashes had erupted in the state in the nineties. The UNC’s role in the electoral arena is expected to trigger a backlash by the Meiteis, who seem to be favouring the Manipur People’s Party (MPP). Journalist Pradip Phanjoubam said: “The UNC’s role in the hills is sure to evoke an equal and opposite reaction in the valley, and we may see the rebirth of the MPP.”
The valley’s anguish is understandable. Nearly 70 per cent of Manipur’s population lives in the valley, which constitutes about 30 per cent of the state’s geographical territory. The real drama will unfold only in the aftermath of the monthlong election process. “The uneasy calm that you see in Manipur today will be shattered unless status quo is maintained in the matter of the state’s geographical composition. But then, the Naga demand is also there,” a senior central government official said.
South Naga students take historic step First day of HSLC examination concludes peacefully Morung Express News
Dimapur Amidst tight security and round-the-clock police protection, Naga students from the four hill districts of north Manipur, today took the historic step and sat for the first day of examinations under NBSE. In Dimapur there was no report of any disturbances and the examinations in both the centres, identified as sensitive, were conducted like any other day of examinations. “The exams ended at the right time and with no disturbances from any corner” said one of the student union officials.
STRIVING FORWARD: Naga students from Chandel District of Manipur (in uniform) walk towards the classroom to appear for the HSLC exam under NBSE at one of the designated centers, Wednesday, February 7. Also seen in picture are DC Dimapur (far left), T.N. Mannen, SP Dimapur, DNSU President, Addl. SP Dimapur and Members of Peace Observers. (MExPix)
Today, a total of 1,057 south Naga students were registered at the two examination centres in Dimapur. In one designated centre in Dimapur, out of the 494 Naga candidates from Manipur, 437 candidates turned up to write their exams. The south Naga students are sitting for the exam in Nagaland at three centres--one at Viswema, Kohima and two in Dimapur.
Reports received from Kohima made known that out of total 1,364 Manipur hill students only 1187 turned up for the exam. “The first day of the exam concluded in a very peaceful way and no information of any disturbing elements were reported,” the chief of Kohima Police informed.
Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, T.N. Mannen and Mission Director, SSA, Angau Thou, K.N. Ngullie, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur and the Superintendent of Police, Bidhu Shekhar also paid a visit to supervise the overall situation in both the centres. NSF President Pushika and DNSU President Obed Quinker were also present. The District Administration, Peace Observers and members from the students union put up an all-round vigil during the day.
It may be mentioned that the Khaplang faction of the NSCN is against the Nagaland government’s decision to allow south Naga students from the four hill districts of Manipur namely Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel to sit for the HSLC examination under the NBSE.
Ukhrul, Senapati face elections today Newmai News Network
Imphal In the first phase of Manipur polling, 6, 00,697 electorates domiciled in 19 Assembly Constituencies of Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts will decide the fate of 77 candidate fates including that of chief minister O.Ibobi Singh. The over 6 lakhs voters will exercise their franchise from 7 am till 3:30 pm. The first polling phase has identified 271 polling stations as hyper sensitive while 443 as sensitive polling stations, as per tentative classification of polling stations by the Chief Electoral Office. In the hill constituencies, other than independent candidates, political parties fielding their candidates are minimal in a fray except the Congress party putting up their 19 candidates in all the ACs for the first phase polling.
Meanwhile, following the dereliction committed by the polling personnel in Senapati, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Prem Singh has suspended 12 personnel including presiding officers, polling officers and a peon out of the 35 personnel assigned for the Assembly election duty at Tadubi AC, Mao AC and Karong AC. The erring personnel is said to have not been available at their residence nor has collected their monthly pay for the last few months. The DC has sought police help in arresting those polling personnel in case they fail to surrender or give evidences to substantiate their actions.
Since yesterday polling materials including Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) along with security forces were already sent at their respective polling stations. There are some special arrangements for far flung remote polling station where only Shaktiman truck can reach such destinations. Keeping in mind difficulties of the terrain roads the election authority dispatch all the required materials and security personnel in advance.

The 6 ACs in Senapati district which is going for first phase poll today includes Karong AC having 55 polling stations with 48301 voters, Mao AC having 51 polling stations with 49337 voters, Tadubi AC-52+1 polling stations with 41549 voters strengths, Kangpokpi AC-33 polling stations with 29747 electorates, Saikul AC-43 polling stations with 35344 voters and Saikul AC have 45 polling stations with 38892 voter strengths.
NSCN (K) refutes allegations The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (MExN): Responding to the allegation leveled against the Khaplang outfit of the NSCN by the Indian Army of kidnapping one havildar of the Territorial Army Battalion of Nagaland and violating the cease-fire ground rules, the NSCN stated, ‘it is a serious case of blunt accusation arising out of ignorance and lack of evidence on the part of Indian Army’ while clarifying that the deployment of NSCN cadres and members at Dimapur is strictly limited to “combating of adversaries” harmful to Naga’s aspirations. The Indian forces and the NSCN (K) are currently at “Peace Process.” The clarification statement issued by the Military Spokesman of the People’s Army also clarified that, in Dimapur NSCN cadres were posted mostly at sensitive areas and the nature and location of incident (kidnapping) itself suggests the involvement of some other elements, who freely meander in and around the city. “The question of kidnapping an Indian Army is thus unwarranted on our part,” it added. The NSCN appealed the Indian authorities to differentiate the ‘criminals’ and ‘nationalists’ and also to cease from any such activities which aims at demoralizing the struggle, for it is inherent and undying. The outfit further warned that ‘trying to malign’ the NSCN’S image by unnecessarily and ignorantly linking them, would serve no purpose.
NESO appeals to NSCN (K) for reconsidering ‘decision’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB7 (MExN): The North East Students’ Organization (NESO), on behalf of the Naga Students of Southern Manipur slated to appear their HSLC examination under the NBSE, fervently appends its humble and sincere appeal to the leaders of the Khaplang group of the NSCN to reconsider their decision to destruct the Naga Students of Manipur from appearing the final examination ‘at least for this time’. The NESO in a press statement while expressing their hope that they (NSCN) would use this opportunity to win the hearts of the young minds, to appreciate the sagacious wisdom of the NSCN under the collective leadership of S.S Khaplang and Kitovi Zhimomi, stated “Causing emotional and psychological tension in the minds of the students in the hardest of their times is a mental perpetration. It will surely result in serious damage to their young innocent minds and they will misunderstand the present Naga political struggle which is being fought for their future” while also drawing the support of the Nagas in the days to come. Stating the students as the ‘most priceless assets of the present society’ and the future ‘hope of the present generation’ the organization said that the students are innocent and are in no way to be blamed or victimized with the outcome of present imbroglio- social or political motivation presented by various groups and organizations whatever, be the cause and the background.
UNC slams ‘satanic pamphlet’ circulation Newmai News Network
Imphal Confusions reigned on February 6 as some unidentified persons reportedly circulated pamphlets printed in Tangkhul dialect in the name of UNC information and publicity secretary, S.Milan. The pamphlets which read, “Election Wui Maramli Tharkhami” were distributed in Ukhrul district with regard to the 9th Assembly Election of Manipur.
Meanwhile, the UNC clarifying that it never issued any such pamphlets has, in a release issued by S.Milan, condemned the pamphlets as ‘satanic pamphlets’ circulated by “irresponsible and senseless miscreants to create confusion in the minds of the Naga people aiming to sabotage the political aspiration of Naga dream.”
The UNC’s statement further stated that the Naga people represented by the United Naga Council (UNC) will never tolerate such mischievous politicking that will divide the Nagas. “The UNC seriously takes note of the circulation of the pamphlets for directly defying the reputation of the Naga body by adopting devilish method to meet ones’ selfish ends keeping Naga aspiration at the back burner behind” stated UNC.
The UNC also stated that it will never spare the culprits and befitting reply will be awarded to “criminals”. “Since day one the stand of the UNC is unchanged and our support to its consensus independent candidates is loud, clear and consistent. The writings found in the pamphlets are all the creation of selfish individual for their own personal games and gains”, declared the UNC.
The UNC appealed the Naga public not to believe the concocted pamphlets mentioned in point-4 of the clause in particular but to vote for UNC’s consensus independent candidates.
Ex-UNC Chief claims support in Chandel Newmai News Network
Imphal Various social organisations in Chandel have decided to support ex-UNC president L.Benjamin in the forthcoming Assembly Election of Manipur, according to the former UNC chief.
L.Benjamin is in the fray at Chandel Assembly Constituency. The former UNC president said that on February 4 an emergency meeting was held in Chandel where seven tribe hoho leaders, students’ leaders and other civil society leaders attended.
L.Benjamin further said that Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA) president was the chairperson of the meeting.
The former UNC president claimed that president of Chothe Union Kh.Paul, president of ALT BS Shemhring, president incharge of SUR, president of ASR RD Samery, president of Tarao students union S.Moses, president of Moyon students Union C.Gabriel, general secretary of ANTA Samos Wangshol, art and culture secretary of ASR BD Shanginingam, finance secretary of ANTA KL Wellee, member of ASR Tongsin Bless, finance secretary of ASR SR Hringshel, advisor of ASR RT Hringlun, member of ASR Mr.Shiveng, general secretary of NSUC TS Molarshing, president of ANTA Nula Kono Anal, president of Moyon tribe R.Jindashing and Tarao tribe president SS Norjani have decided to fully support him in the forthcoming election in Chandel A/C.
NSCN-K mulls over NBSE and Integration issues The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (MExN): Brig. Niki Sumi, Commander Operation “Blue Land” People’s Army, NSCN-K, today taking note on the ongoing NBSE affiliation controversy questioned, “Would abrupt shifting of exam centers of four hill districts of Manipur to Nagaland prove fruitful in the long term political aspiration of the Nagas?
He expressed his consent over the fact that “Students were always regarded and envisioned as the architects of tomorrow therefore the interests, agendas and issues related to students were never gambled over, regardless of extremity of circumstances, destroying human resources of any generational stage causes adverse setbacks in the advancement, growth and progress of nation or human society.”
The commander further called upon the Nagas to reason out jointly the ramifications of such a move in correspondence to the activities of contemporary concerned platforms striving for unification of Naga Areas.
Reflecting on the zealous effort by the UNC, ANSAM and other civil organizations in the present Manipur State Assembly election to elect candidates of its own choice, queried that boycotting exams under MBSE while preserving the Manipur State’s constitutional integrity through their active participation in legislative assembly election not contradictory? Is it justified to oppose Manipur State Educational institutions but accept their political institution, he added.
The present situation is being propagated by some vested section of ‘misled Nagas’ that NSCN is opposing against the unification of Naga Areas, especially the amalgamation of southern Nagas with present Nagaland stated the Brigadier. The State of Nagaland is composed of only 16 recognised Naga tribes; where as the state of Manipur has more than 20 Naga tribes, so isn’t not we (the tribes of present Nagaland) contemplate on integrating the ‘minor Naga’s State of Nagaland’ with majority that inhabits the State of Manipur, he further stated.
The NSCN-K is not opposing the Integration of Naga inhibited areas, but is simply standing to protect the Nagas of Nagaland from ‘unnecessary deprivation of rights and privileges’ to survive until a commonly agreed dispensation is brought about. The NSCN-K Commander said.
NSCN (K) alleges Army-rival nexus Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (NPN): While accusing the Indian Army of having nexus with the NSCN (I-M), the NSCN (K) Wednesday dismissed the Army's charge that the underground faction kidnapped a havildar of Territorial Army Battalion Nagaland (Home and Hearth) from Dimapur on February 5 and termed the accusation as "a serious case of blunt accusation arising out of ignorance and lack of evidence on the part of Indian Army."
"The Army's allegation that the NSCN (K) was responsible for kidnapping a havildar of Territorial Army Battalion Nagaland is a serious case of blunt accusation arising out of ignorance and lack of evidence on the part of Indian Army," the military spokesman, People's Army, NSCN (K), Isak Sumi, said in a release issued here. Isak clarified that deployment of NSCN (K) members in Dimapur was strictly limited to "combating of adversaries harmful to Nagas' aspirations." "Members of Indian forces currently involved in peace process with NSCN are not our subject of violent confrontation of any form. Thus the question of kidnapping an Indian Army (havildar) is unwarranted on our part", he pointed out.
While saying NSCN (K) cadres are posted mostly in sensitive areas of Dimapur, Isak claimed "the nature and location of the incident itself suggests involvement of other elements who are used to exacting their will freely in and around Dimapur." He made it clear that trying to malign NSCN (K)'s image by unnecessarily implicating it in such incident would serve no purpose. Isak, on behalf of the NSCN (K), appealed to Indian authorities to keep criminals and nationalists apart and also to "cease any such activity aimed at demoralization of our struggle for it is inherent and undying."
NSCN (I-M)-Indian Army nexus Our Correspondent from Kohima adds:
Meanwhile, reacting to the reported kidnapping of a havildar of TA battalion, Nagaland (Home & Hearth) by NSCN (K) members in Dimapur on Monday last, supervisor, CFSB and senior NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu termed the incident as a ploy by NSCN (I-M), in collaboration with some major Assam and Manipur based underground outfits, to malign the image of NSCN (K).
Mulatonu, in a text message issued to the press, alleged that there was a clear nexus between the NSCN (I-M) and the Indian Army in Dimapur, saying the kidnapping incident was "hatched" fearing the NSCN (K)'s venture in Dimapur area. Mulatonu cited an incident where the NSCN (I-M) allegedly killed a PRO of the India Army at Dimapur Railway station and then put the blame on the NSCN (K). He said the Indian army needed no further explanation but to get the release of the kidnapped havildar through the "back door" of Hebron Camp or many parts of Dimapur or "make it clear to the NSCN (K) if the Indian army was prepared to abrogate the ceasefire without the approval of GoI." "NSCN (K) will seriously view these false and collaborated charges, and these are clear signals to the GoI of the Indian Army-IK terrorist nexus," the statement read, adding with or without ceasefire the NSCN (K) "has and will survive."
Terming the issues of "quit notice" and "NBSE" as "lip service" charges against the NSCN (K) by different NGOs, Mulatonu said the appeal to revoke them was a "diplomatic message which demeaned the organizations to put words into action." The NSCN (K) leader further said leaders of NBCC, CNBC, NPMHR, NSF and Naga Hoho "who all along had condemned NSCN (K) as Assam Rifles and Indian Government-sponsored organization," were now begging the outfit for peace and unity after massacring tens of thousands of lives and to solve the Naga issue.
Day of reckoning for 77 candidates By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express IMPHAL, Feb 7 : Over six lakh voters will exercise their frachise rights tomorrow to decide the fate of 77 candidates spread across 19 Assembly Constituencies Thoubal, Senapati and Ukhrul districts.
Polling will start from 7 am and will wind up at 3.30 pm. All necessary arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the election, said sources adding that polling officials have reached their destinations along with related poll material, including the electoral rolls as well as the Electronic Voting Machine. The fate of many political heavy weights, including Chief Minister O Ibobi will be sealed tomorrow, when the voters decide who should represent them.
Ibobi is contesting simultaneously from Thoubal AC and Khangabok AC, which is his home turf.
The Congress has fielded candidates in all the 19 Assembly Constituencies while the MPP has nominated its men in eight ACs. The MPP failed to nominate any candidate in the six ACs in Senapati district as well as in the three ACs of Ukhrul district. At Thoubal too, the MPP has not fielded candidates in Lilong AC and Wabagai AC. Leaving nothing to chance, the State Election Office has kept a helicopter on stand by to meet any eventuality.
All polling booths will be manned by armed Central security personnel.
For the record, there are 31 Independent candidates in the fray including the UNC sponsored men, three women candidates, five NCP candidates, five RJD nominees, four CPI candidates and two BJP candidates. Campaigning for the first phase polling came to a close at 3.30 pm yesterday in line with the election code of conduct. To enable the media cover the first phase election, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations has arranged three vehicles to transport reporters to the three districts. The vehicles will leave for Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal ACs at 7 am from the office of the DIPR. To neutralise any threat perception and ensure the smooth conduct of the election, security was beefed up at the three districts today.
Newmai News Network adds : Confusion reigned on as some unidentified persons reportedly circulated pamphlets in the name of UNC information and publicity secretary S Milan yesterday.
The pamphlets printed in Tangkhul dialect under the title, “Election Wui Ma-ramli Tharkhami” were distributed in Ukhrul district yesterday with regard to the upcoming 9th Assembly Election.
The UNC said that it never issued such pamphlets. Rather the UNC has appealed to all the Nagas to cast their votes only for the consensus independent candidates of the UNC.
The UNC strongly condemned the “satanic pamphlets” circulated by “irresponsible and senseless miscreants to create confusion in the minds of the Naga people aiming to sabotage the political aspiration of Naga dream,” said the UNC statement issued by S.Milan.
It further stated that the Naga people represented by the United Naga Council (UNC) will never tolerate now and ever to such mischievous politicking that will divide the Nagas.
“The UNC seriously takes note of the circulation of the pamphlets for directly defying the reputation of the Naga body by adopting devilish method to meet ones’ selfish ends keeping Naga aspiration at the back burner behind” blasted the UNC. The UNC then stated that it will never spare the culprits and befitting reply will be awarded to “criminals”.
“Since day one the stand of the UNC is unchanged and our support to its consensus independent candidates is loud, clear and consistent. The writings found in the pamphlets are all the creation of selfish individual for their own personal games and gains”, declared the UNC.
The UNC appeals the Naga public not to believe the concocted pamphlets mentioned in point-4 of the clause in particular but vote for UNC’s consensus independent candidates.
NE militants: Myanmar fails to sustain action R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 7 – Though India’s relations with Myanmar have improved considerably over the years, the Government of the neighbouring country has not been able to launch sustained operations against the militant groups of the North East states camping in the territory of the country. Highly placed official sources said that the Government of India raised the issue with the Government of Myanmar in the meetings of the joint working groups and another meeting would be held shortly where the issue would be raised once again. The Indian delegation in the joint working group is headed by the Union Home Secretary, while, representatives of other Ministries are members of the group. Sources said that militant groups of the North East states including the NSCN (K), United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), PLA, UNLF etc have strong bases in the territory of Myanmar. In fact, the headquarter of the NSCN (K) is located in Myanmar, while, the headquarter of the 28 battalion of the ULFA, which is responsible for the upper Asom operations of the outfit, is also located inside the territory of the neighbouring country. Sources said that according to information available with the security agencies, the ULFA launches most of its operations in the upper Asom districts from its camps in Myanmar Taking advantage of the terrain along the international border, the militants manage to sneak into Asom through either Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland to carry out operations in Asom.

Sources revealed that according to an estimate, at least 300 cadres of the ULFA stay in the camps in Myanmar and though from time to time, the militants belonging to the ULFA were nabbed in Nagaland or Arunachal Pradesh while crossing over, they still manage to sneak into the state regularly. The ULFA is believed to be even maintaining training camps in Myanmar and recently six members of the ULFA were arrested in Nagaland when they were on their way to the camps in the neighbouring country for training. The ULFA is also maintaining camps along with the NSCN(K). Sources said that though the NSCN(K) has signed a cease-fire agreement with the Government of India, formal talks with the outfit are yet to start as the outfit has not placed its charter of demands before the Government. Official sources pointed out that at one point of time, the Government of India ceased to maintain diplomatic relations with Myanmar, but now the relations have improved considerably. Sources said that the relations started improving since the late 1990s and a joint working group has been formed, which meets once every year. The Government of India is also extending help to Myanmar in taking up development schemes like construction of major roads and a hydropower project.
The attitude of the Government of Myanmar to the issues raised by India is also changing and it promised not to allow the militants of North East to use the territory of that country. Sources pointed out that unlike the Government of Bangladesh, which even refused to accept the presence of Indian militants in its territory, the Myanmar Government’s attitude was positive and from time to time, the Myanmar Army launched operations against the militants. But it is also a fact that the Myanmar Army has so far not been able to launch a sustained operation to evict the camps of the militant groups. Sources also pointed out that the Myanmar Government has some problems in dealing with the militants, who are taking shelter in jungle area where there is very little presence of Myanmar administration or Army and it is also believed that some lower-level Armymen of Myanmar were maintaining links with the militants to earn some extra money.

Sources also disclosed that the Assam Rifles has been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the India-Myanmar border to prevent militants from sneaking to India from their bases in the neighbouring country. The Assam Rifles has already established some camps along the international border and the force is on the process of raising new battalions to seal the border. However, raising of the new battalions to seal the border will take some time and because of the terrain, it is impossible to completely seal the border without adequate forces, sources admitted.
Poll Promises Editorial; the Morung Express
As is the case in the run up to every election that comes up at a given point of time, poll promises have become the major subject of political parties and the electorate. The recent slew of election promises announced by political parties in the run up to the Manipur Assembly election is therefore not unexpected. While election is a rare time for political parties and politicians to play humble pie, it will be interesting to see whether those seeking election will remember their poll promises and fulfill them once they acquire legitimate power. Making promises is one thing but it is quite unbecoming to promise the electorate the moon when this may not be attainable. As such, the electorates will have to remain conscious of the fact that such posturing of parties during elections is nothing but a desperate attempt to entice for votes without the commensurate fulfillment of such pre-poll promises once they get elected.
Against this backdrop, it is interesting to read about the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act becoming a major issue in the Manipur assembly elections with all political parties promising to withdraw it if voted to power. This is nothing but misleading propaganda for which the voters must act with caution. While a party like the DMK in a State like Tamil Nadu can deliver on promises of a colour television to each house without one, however in the specific case of the AFSPA and its withdrawal, the promises being made especially by the Manipur based political parties can hardly be taken as convincing. Only national parties like the Congress or the BJP will be in a position to repeal such a law if at all they really mean what they say during election time.
Even the Congress party has no moral ground to now say that it is “seriously and genuinely considering” the recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy Committee. This soft stand on AFSPA as can be gauged from the statement made by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign is poles apart from the earlier hard stance taken by senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to the region only a few months back. So either the Congress party is itself confused about its stand on AFSPA or it wants to play safe and not give any clear assurance on its repeal. This is best expressed in the language used by the UPA Chairperson herself that while seriously and genuinely studying the reports of the commission the Congress led UPA government will do all the requirements in the greater interest of the people of Manipur. This at best is election rhetoric. As such, the response of civil society groups in Manipur terming the fresh promises by political parties on AFSPA’s repeal as blatant lies to secure votes is a correct assessment and therefore voters must make an informed choice while voting on issues and parties. It is quite an irony that with the condition of social activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on fast for six years demanding removal of the act deteriorating, political parties are trying to cash in on this emotional appeal or in other words an anti-AFSPA posturing, which is an insult to the good sense of the Manipuri people.
Global media body to ULFA: withdraw threat to channel By IANS
Brussels, Feb 7 (IANS) The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Wednesday asked the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to withdraw its threats to a private satellite channel in Assam. Guwahati-based North East Television (NETV), the only private TV channel in India's northeast, last month reported that the state government had paid money to buy peace with ULFA for the smooth conduct of the National Games Feb 9-18. This week ULFA has withdrawn its call to boycott the games. According to NETV, the ULFA told its station director Manoranjana Sinh to prove allegations that the group was working with the government or stop broadcasting and leave Assam or 'face dire consequences'.
After protests from the IFJ, ULFA leaders said they did not mean to threaten NETV but had thrown down a challenge to the channel to prove its allegations. The TV channel is standing by its story. The IFJ has now urged the militants to stop making threats and instead take its complaints to industry regulators, an INEP report said.
'If there is a genuine complaint it can be dealt with through normal channels of accountability,' IFJ general secretary Aidan White was quoted as saying. 'What is not acceptable is to try to bully media with threats of violence.' The IFJ, which represents over 500,000 media persons in more than 100 countries, is the world's biggest journalists' organisation.
Sonia to unveil North-East women empowerment project in Assam
UPA chairperson and Congress party president Sonia Gandhi will unveil an integrated scheme for empowerment of women of the Northeastern region in Guwahati at a one-day meet of representatives of women NGOs of the region on Friday.
Revealing this, Central Social Welfare Board chairperson Rajani Patil said here today that the scheme has specially been designed as a pilot project to address the socio-economic problems of the region by particularly focusing on empowerment of women. "Sonia Gandhi and PM Manmohan Singh have given special emphasis in bringing about the over-all development of women and children of the North-East. The UPA government has also made special budgetary allocations to achieve this goal, and the new project intends to give a major boost to the socio-economic status of women of the region," Patil said.
Manipur goes to polls today Nagaland Post
Thoubal (Manipur), Feb 7 (IANS): The stage is set for the first of the three-phased assembly elections in Manipur Thursday with hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers taking vantage positions to thwart moves by separatist guerrillas to disrupt polling. Close to 600,000 voters would decide the fate of 77 candidates in 19 assembly constituencies in the insurgency ravaged districts of Thoubal, Ukhrul, and Senapati. 'Everything is in place for the first phase of polling Thursday,' Manipur's chief electoral officer R.R. Rashmi said. Security forces have fanned out across the three districts - a known bastion of several of Manipur's 19-odd rebel armies.
'All the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations have been identified and accordingly we have deployed police and paramilitary personnel for providing foolproof security,' a senior police official said. Thursday's vote would decide the fate of several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manir Udin Sheikh and former finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel.
The chief minister is contesting from two constituencies - Thoubal and neighbouring Khangabok. Senior Manipur People's Party (MPP) leader L. Tomba Singh is pitted against Singh in Thoubal.
The battle lines are drawn with the ruling Congress party taking on regional challengers, the MPP, with the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, dominating the agendas of all political parties. The AFPSA, an anti-terror law that provides sweeping powers to the security forces deployed in the region, is the focal point in the electioneering - almost all the opposition parties have been demanding its repeal saying the 'draconian legislation' was a slur on democracy as it infringed on basic human rights of the people in Manipur.
'Barring the Congress that has no mention of repealing the Act in their manifesto, all the other parties are harping on removing the legislation if voted to power. The Armed Forces Act is definitely the focal point in this election,' Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press, a mass circulation English daily, told IANS. While the Congress is banking on stability and development and seeking solace in the fact that their party is ruling New Delhi, the main opposition MPP is hoping to cash in on a surge of regionalism sweeping the state, bordering Myanmar. Not to be left behind is the United Naga Council (UNC), a newly floated front that supports integration of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur with Greater Nagaland, a concept mooted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
The two districts of Senapati and Ukhrul are dominated by Naga tribal people with the UNC believed to be having considerable clout among the voters.
In the second phase Feb 14, polling would take place in 29 constituencies, and the remaining 12 seats would go to the polls Feb 23. Counting of votes begins Feb 27.
Naga blues in Manipur's soul Rahul Karmakar The Hindustan Times
Imphal, On Thursday, Manipur can witness what is termed as “surrogate polling” across constituencies that are geographically in Manipur, but “emotionally” in Nagaland, rather the greater Naga homeland. Some 6 lakh voters across 19 constituencies will decide the fate of 76 candidates, who include chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Maniruddin Sheikh (both Congress) and coordinator of the SPF government M Nara Singh (CPI). They will also decide if the Naga-dominated hills of Manipur eventually become part of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah)'s map of an "integrated Naga homeland". Nine of these 19 seats are in Senapati and Ukhrul districts, which along with Chandel and Tamenglong districts figure in the greater Nagaland dream. The pro-NSCN United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, has fielded six candidates to pursue the "integration issue outside and within the Manipur Assembly".
The agenda is significant in the wake of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio's "blessings" for the Naga homeland push through the "historic election". "We passed resolutions for integration in the Nagaland Assembly four times, it is time for similar resolutions in Manipur," he said.
Rio had earlier rubbed Manipur the wrong way by granting permission to some 5,000 Manipuri Naga school students to appear for the Nagaland board exams. The exam, labelled the education route to NSCN (I-M)'s integration goal, began on Wednesday under tight security in Nagaland.
Meanwhile, all the 11 UNC-backed candidates - five are in Tamenglong and Chandel districts where polling is in the third phase on February 23 - formed the United Naga Democratic Front (UNDF) on Tuesday to make the agenda apparent. According to UNC president KS Paul Leo, the idea behind backing Naga candidates was to within the have a force 60-member Manipur Assembly to "fight for the cause".
Massive security in Manipur First phase of polling today Sentinel
Thoubal (Manipur), Feb 7: The stage is set for the first of the three-phased assembly elections in Manipur on Thursday with hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers taking vantage positions to thwart moves by separatist guerrillas to disrupt polling.
Close to 600,000 voters would decide the fate of 77 candidates in 19 assembly constituencies in the insurgency ravaged districts of Thoubal, Ukhrul, and Senapati. “Everything is in place for the first phase of polling Thursday,” Manipur’s chief electoral officer RR Rashmi said.
Security forces have fanned out across the three districts—a known bastion of several of Manipur’s 19-odd rebel armies. “All the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations have been identified and accordingly we have deployed police and paramilitary personnel for providing foolproof security,” a senior police official said.
Thursday’s vote would decide the fate of several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manir Udin Sheikh and former finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel.
The Chief Minister is contesting from two constituencies—Thoubal and neighbouring Khangabok. Senior Manipur People’s Party (MPP) leader L. Tomba Singh is pitted against Singh in Thoubal. The battle lines are drawn with the ruling Congress party taking on regional challengers, the MPP, with the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, dominating the agendas of all political parties.
The AFPSA, an anti-terror law that provides sweeping powers to the security forces deployed in the region, is the focal point in the electioneering—almost all the opposition parties have been demanding its repeal saying the ‘draconian legislation’ was a slur on democracy as it infringed on basic human rights of the people in Manipur.
“Barring the Congress that has no mention of repealing the Act in their manifesto, all the other parties are harping on removing the legislation if voted to power. The Armed Forces Act is definitely the focal point in this election,” Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press, a mass circulation English daily, told IANS.
While the Congress is banking on stability and development and seeking solace in the fact that their party is ruling New Delhi, the main opposition MPP is hoping to cash in on a surge of regionalism sweeping the state, bordering Myanmar. Not to be left behind is the United Naga Council (UNC), a newly floated front that supports integration of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur with Greater Nagaland, a concept mooted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.The two districts of Senapati and Ukhrul are dominated by Naga tribal people with the UNC believed to be having considerable clout among the voters. In the second phase Feb 14, polling would take place in 29 constituencies, and the remaining 12 seats would go to the polls Feb 23. Counting of votes begins Feb 27. (IANS)
Jeevan Reddy panel report on AFSPA ‘Congress trying to befool Manipur people’ Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 7: The suppressing of the Jeevan Reddy panel’s report on the AFSPA time and again on the plea that the government is considering it is sheer hypocrisy on the part of the Congress-led SPF government aimed at befooling the people.
This was stated by Jaya Jaitley, former president, Samata Party while speaking to mediapersons during the flag-hoisting ceremony of N Nodiachand, ex-MLA and present candidate of the Samata Party of Uripok A/C yesterday. Jaitley, who was referring to the statements made by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in her visit to the state recently, stressed that the scrapping of AFSPA was an aspiration of the people and there was a need for the Assembly to pass a unanimous resolution to scrap the act. The scrapping of the act rests in the Assembly.
The flag-hoisting ceremony held at Nodiachand’s residence at Yambem Leikai was attended by various state leaders of the Samata Party as well. Jaya Jaitley, while answering queries from the media maintained that there was no need for plebiscite to solve the armed conflict in the state which is being demanded by one of the major underground outfits. The problems must be solved within the framework of the Indian constitution and there is no need for UN or a third party as the people of the state are the same as the people in the rest of the country, she said. The armed conflict in the state is being endorsed by some neighbouring countries to create restlessness and chaos in the country, she maintained. (Agencies)
Insurgency a result of unemployment: Paswan Sentinel
LAMKA, Feb 7: Manipur is a neglected border state where its people are exploited in all spheres of lives, said the Union Minister for Steel, Fertilizers and Chemicals and national level president of the Lok Jan Shakti, LJP, Ram Vilas Paswan yesterday at the Tuibuang peace ground during his address to the gathering. Paswan said the Hmars had been exploited and mass rapes took place last year but no tangible action has been taken against the perpetrators by the government so far. He also said that ways to solve the problems of the Kukis and Zomis have to be found and added that if the LJP comes to power the 6th schedule would be granted to the Zomis and the Hmars and all other minority tribes will be placed under one separate administration. He said that as the party’s election symbol is a house (bungalow) so all people will be provided a home and electricity, roads, communication and water supply which are the basic needs of the people, but which people in the state have do not have. The present UG problem is the result of unemployment and so if the LJP comes to power Rs 1 lakh amount of loans will be provided to all youths without interest which they have to repay within a period of ten years. Known for his love for the poor helpless people, Paswan came by road and as soon as he reached Tuibuang peace ground at 11 pm he directly went to the tomb of the late Gengoukhup Mate who was killed recently and offer floral tributes. He termed the departed soul as ‘My leader’ and assured the family members all help in the days to come.The LJP leader was accompanied by Mitra Chakraborti and Thangkhangin apart from other leaders. All the tribes of Churachandpur who gathered to welcome him presented him their traditional shawls and showcased their traditional dances. Paswan administered candle light to all the candidates in Churachandpur constituency and later opened the election office of TT Haokip, a candidate of LJP in Henglep constituency. (Agencies)