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02/12/2007: "Myanmar heat back on NSCN-K The Telegraph"

Myanmar heat back on NSCN-K OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, Feb. 11: Myanmarese troops today resumed their offensive against the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), pounding the outfit’s positions in Sagaing division and setting a battalion camp ablaze. It was the second setback in two weeks for the Khaplang group, which was forced to abandon its general headquarters in Myanmar following an army raid on January 28. The camp was located about 70 km from Mon town of Nagaland.
There was no official statement from Myanmar on the resumption of operations till late this evening, but the militant group’s propaganda wing confirmed losing one of its battalion camps.Operations against the NSCN (K) had been stalled after the first taste of success because of heavy rain in Myanmar.
Kughalu Mulatonu, a kilonser (minister) in the NSCN (K) hierarchy, said Myanmarese soldiers seized 1,250 kg of TNT explosives, 1,500 rounds of ammunition and documents during the second phase of the offensive. “We lost our battalion headquarters to the Myanmarese soldiers, but not before our fighters defended their camp for 10 hours. The raiders set the camp ablaze.”
Mulatonu said at least 15 soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire. He refuted reports of “heavy casualties” on the NSCN (K) side. “Only seven of our men were wounded,” the NSCN (K) leader said. Both Mulatonu and the outfit’s propaganda wing accused the junta of targeting villagers on charges of harbouring militants.
“Many innocent people have been assaulted by Myanmarese soldiers,” a statement from the outfit’s “ministry of information and publicity” said. Mulatonu accused Delhi of trying to “push the NSCN (K) against the wall on the pretext of flushing out Ulfa militants from Myanmar”.
The NSCN (K) is in ceasefire with Delhi but has come under fire for being in league with Ulfa, against whom the army is going all out. Mulatonu warned of “retaliation in equal measure” if Delhi did not stop providing material and logistical support to Myanmar’s campaign against the NSCN (K). He said no amount of aggression would diminish the “Naga spirit of patriotism”.
Hundreds of NSCN (K) and Ulfa members have reportedly sneaked back into Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland since Myanmar resumed its offensive. An unconfirmed report said even the reclusive S.S. Khaplang had “entered India” to escape the heat. However, the NSCN (K) said its chairman was “safe and sound” in his council headquarters, not far from the Arunachal Pradesh border. Myanmar’s next target is ostensibly Khaplang’s hideout. Supported by Delhi in terms of military equipment and financial assistance, Myanmar claims to have killed hundreds of NSCN (K) members since 2001. But the Naga group continues to stick to Myanmarese territory.
Nagaland weighs its stakes The Telegraph
- State pins hope on UNC-backed candidates SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA Key issue-Naga integration Dimapur/Kohima, Feb. 11: As Manipur parties cross swords in the battle of ballots, Nagaland is praying for the 11 United Naga Council-backed Independent candidates in the Naga-dominated hill districts of its neighbouring state. The fate of these candidates will be decided in the second and third phase of polls are slated for February 14 and 23.
According to Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of the UNC-backed candidates in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel will help set up a pressure group in the Manipur Assembly.
For Manipur, this is no ordinary election too. For the first time the territorial integrity of Nagas is uppermost on the minds of the electorate in the four Naga-dominated hill districts.
“This is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision which is good for us too,” Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said.
The Nagaland Assembly has also adopted several resolutions for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast.
While reacting to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s assertion that territorial integrity of Manipur would be protected at any cost, he said, “In democracy it’s the will of the people that ultimately prevails. Individual opinion doesn’t count.”
For the Naga Hoho, the Manipur election can add a new dimension to Naga politics as it believes that Naga legislators in Manipur have so far failed to associate themselves with the “Naga cause”.
“The elected Naga leaders from Manipur have till date miserably failed to voice Naga people’s aspirations. We are hopeful things will change from now,” Hoho president Neingulo Krome said.
Krome said Naga Hoho would do everything possible to ensure that the UNC succeeds in its objective.
“It will be too much to expect that once elected, all the Naga-inhabited areas will be integrated. This will just be a happy augury,” he said.
The UNC is acting as a catalyst for Naga integration by asking Naga students in Manipur to appear for their exam under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
A student leader from Nagaland said putting up candidates by the UNC was an extension of its strategy to enrol Naga students of Manipur under NBSE. “It may all appear to be symbolic, but it has political ramification which should not be overlooked,” he said.”
Krome said Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh had contributed to a great extent to the cause of Naga integration when they moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking integration of Naga areas. “The resolution was defeated but they set up an example by voicing Naga aspirations. We need to assert ourselves,” he said.
DAN may pitch in for consensus candidates Morung Express News
Dimapur A preliminary meeting of the DAN coalition partners was held today in the State capital Kohima where it was reported that the alliance discussed the possibility of going in for consensus candidates in both the seats in which bye-election has been announced to be held on March 8. However nothing conclusive could be arrived at in the current round of talks. A clear decision of the alliance partners is expected only after NPF party President Dr Shurhozelie returns from New Delhi. Dr Shurhozelie is reportedly recuperating after undergoing a minor operation.
The BJP, which is the key alliance partner of the NPF-led DAN government, has however gone ahead and pitched in Captain Hekiye Sema, eldest son of Late Dr Hokishe Sema as its official candidate for the prestigious Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency. For the Tuensang Sadar-II seat, the BJP has named W Wongto to be its official candidate, according to highly reliable sources. However, the final decision whether or not to field its candidate will be taken only after meeting with the coalition partners once Dr Shurhozelie returns from Delhi, BJP sources informed.
Meanwhile, during Sunday’s meeting of the coalition partners at Kohima, the BJP had reportedly taken the stand that since both the seats were vacated by the party, it had ‘requested’ the NPF party to leave the seats for the BJP. Further inside sources within the State BJP disclosed that the party would respect the ‘spirit of the DAN coalition’ and that if the NPF has ‘serious candidates’, the BJP may consider the case.
As per the last assembly election for the Dimapur-I seat, both the BJP and the NPF fielded their respective candidates with Late Dr Hokishe Sema winning comfortably and the Congress candidate coming a modest second. The NPF was placed third with its candidate forfeiting his deposit. In the Tuensang Sadar-II election, the NPF did not field its candidate and even the BJP was only able to win with a wafer thin margin. The erstwhile NDM party and the Congress came in a close second and third respectively. The merger of the NDM with the Congress since then may just about tilt the balance in favour of the Congress as far as the Tuensang seat is concerned.
From the point of view of the DAN alliance as far as the crucial Dimapur-I seat is concerned, it can hardly afford to divide its vote bank. As such, a consensus candidate may be the best option to retain the seat for the alliance.
India to ask Myanmar for Bhutan-type crackdown on ULFA The Morung Express
New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): A fresh demand for a Bhutan Army-type operation against ULFA and other northeastern insurgent groups will be made to Myanmar during the upcoming visit of Union Home Secretary V K Duggal to Yangon.
Issues like drug trafficking and effective border management will also figure high on the agenda during Duggal’s visit from February 13 to 17, Home Ministry sources said.
They said the Home Secretary has already chaired a meeting of senior Home Ministry officials to review the situation along the India-Myanmar border particularly in the wake of violence unleashed by ULFA militants in parts of Assam.
ULFA has bases in Myanmar and New Delhi has been demanding a crackdown on the insurgent groups operating from that country similar to the 2003 Bhutan Army operation against ULFA.
Other insurgent groups operating from across the border include the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The UNLF, through its armed wing -- the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) -- is said to have been behind Friday’s ambush of a poll party in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar in which three CRPF personnel were killed and 10 others injured.Myanmar, however, does not accept presence of insurgents in its territory engaged in anti-India operations.
‘Fallen Naga IR soldiers a testimony of Nagas’ strength’ The Morung Express Wangyuh salutes fallen IRB ‘Chhattisgarh Tigers’
Dimapur, Feb 10 (MExN): Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, W Wangyuh Konyak, in his message of condolence, said that the death of the 3 IRB Jawans in a landmine explosion in Chhattisgarh brings a paradoxical feeling of sentiments and the latest sacrifice is a testimony how far Nagas are able to go. The “Daring Ninth” has surely picked up from where their fellow Nagas and national heroes of Kargil had left behind and Nagas have nothing to prove to the country, but the Country needs to realize how much and how far Nagas are willing to go, if given the opportunity, the MP stated in his message of condolence. “The supreme sacrifice of the 3 Jawans, that too in a foreign land, will be remembered in the annals of the Naga history. But on the other hand, I feel greatly for the near and dear ones of the 3 Jawans of the 9 IRB, for in these moments of glory and victory they will not be present to celebrate with the rest of their fellow Jawans, but ultimately they will be regarded as martyrs and posthumously awarded with the highest of bravery awards, for they died for the Country which has brought a great deal of injustice and pain to the generation before them” he said. Nagas have proved their worth during the Kargil conflict and commanding officers of the Armed Forces learned that Nagas are usually friendly and hospitable but on the other hand, they are always the ones with the sharper edge in times of war, MP Konyak acknowledged. “I salute ABSI Apong Chang, Assistant Commandant Surhoto Pochury and Naik Imnawati, for their supreme sacrifice and I also salute the proud parents that gave birth to these heroes and martyrs and also their family members, for they died for cause worthy of National reputation and recognition.” Wangyuh Konyak said. It is truly worthy of the Daring Ninth, to have such courageous, committed and dedicated Jawans thus they should all be considered as National heroes with names like Bhagat Singh, Subash Chandra Bose, Field Marshal General Manekshaw and all other great men and women who sacrificed their very existence for a worthy cause, that too a National cause, Wangyuh pointed out warning that the Naxals should and must realize that Nagas are there to stay till every last Naxal is flushed out. “It is a huge mistake of the Naxals if they think such activities and methods will deter the Naga Jawans, for I am sure every Jawan of the 9 IRB are willing to go to the limit which the fallen comrades had gone” MP Konyak added with pride.
‘Nagaland needs to develop fast’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
Chiechama: Brig. H. D. V. Singh, DIG 5 Sector, Assam Rifles, Sunday said Nagaland should try to develop faster, taking advantage and keeping pace with the fast-developing world and the country. "If Nagaland failed to take its chance for its development, others would come to Nagaland leading to economic clash in the near future," Brig. Singh said while addressing a large gathering during a free medical camp held at Chiechama village. He stressed on "preparing ourselves to take the advantage of development through children education, economic growth, agriculture and industrialization."
On the problem of insurgency, the DIG pointed out the experience in Punjab where Punjabis initially fought for a smaller Punjab state based on their language and later they fought for a separate sovereign independent state leading to the sacrifice of many precious lives. In the course of time, the Punjabi leaders realized that the people were the sufferers, he said. He also pointed out that with the realization now, the Punjabi today had a serving Prime Minister of the country, Chief of Army Staff, 7 Governors of State and 9 DGPs of states in the country. While talking about the rich and abundant natural gifts of God to the Nagas, he called upon the people to listen to the voice of God and love one another and preserve those God-given gifts to them.
Brig. Singh urged the various Naga groups to desist from killing each others and to maintain peaceful co-existence among the Nagas. He also said the village and its surrounding areas would be benefited from the proposed four lanning of NH-61, which passes through the village, airport in the area and Railway head till Zubza and village proximity to Zubza through new road connectivity between the two national highways. He stressed on the need for a rethink on the prevailing standard of family size among the Nagas in view of fast rising cost of children education. The function, which began with invocation of God's blessing by the village pastor Soneiu Metha, was chaired by Dr. Tolto Metha. Chiechama village council chairman Suolahie Sogotsu gave the welcome address while the president, Chiechama Razou Kehuo Pusanyu Rupreo proposed the vote of thanks. The medical camp was organized by the 26 Assam Rifles under the aegis of the HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles where free medical check-up and treatment, including free medicines, was provided to needy villagers.
Sonia to face rough political weather in Manipur campaign today The Morung Express
New Delhi, Feb 11 (Agencies): Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s second round of campaigning in Manipur is facing rough weather, with the controversy over candidates contesting the Assembly polls in Naga-dominated constituencies taking a turn for the worse.
The withdrawal of Congress candidate S.T. Kohring Anal’s nomination from Naga-dominated Chandel constituency this week, ostensibly because of threats from the NSCN (I-M), has severely dented the party’s image on the eve of Sonia’s visit.
Adding to the crisis, the United Naga Council (UNC) today reiterated its threat to “restrict” electioneering by all candidates other than those it has chosen to support. The UNC today asked “rival” candidates to withdraw from the race for the third phase of polls slated for February 23. There are fears that the tension spawned by the UNC diktat could escalate into full-fledged clashes, particularly in Tamenglong district.
The Congress, which had prided itself on fielding candidates for all 60 Assembly constituencies in the strife-torn state, has been embarrassed.
Sitting BJP legislator from Chandel, B.D. Behring, has also withdrawn his nomination.
“Intimidation by the NSCN (I-M) prompted us to take the decision and the only candidate left is the proxy candidate supported by the UNC,” said state PCC president and party candidate from Nungba, Gaikhangam. Gaikhangam said the party had written to the Election Commission and apprised the Centre of the situation. A BJP leader in Imphal echoed his allegations. The NSCN (I-M) has denied the charges. UNC president Paul Leo said he had no knowledge of withdrawal of nominations by BJP and Congress candidates. According to him, the Congress was facing a stiff challenge from the resurgent Manipur People’s Party, the oldest regional party in the state.
The UNC, spearheading the campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, has fielded 11 candidates in the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur — Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong. “The UNC’s reminder has sparked resentment among supporters of other candidates in Tamenglong. Clashes could erupt if the situation continues,” a source said.
“There are apprehensions among workers of candidates opposed to the UNC that they could be targeted by the council’s supporters. The district administration should take preventive measures to prevent any poll-related violence,” the source added.
‘Centre won’t infringe on Naga identity’ Assam Tribune
KOLKATA, Feb 11 – The Centre will convince the people of Nagaland that it will not infringe on their cultural identity while it holds talks to resolve the insurgency in the state, Union Minister for Development of the Northeastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar said on Saturday.

“Talks are on in Nagaland. We will try to convince them that this is their country and Delhi will give whatever help is needed,” Aiyar told the closing ceremony of a week-long Assam handicraft exhibition here last evening.

“In India, it is possible to be an Indian and yet retain one’s regional identity. If I can be a Tamil and an Indian, what is their problem in being Nagas and Indians?”

Noting that militancy was on the wane in the North-east except in Nagaland and Manipur, he said local people will have to be involved in socio-economic developmental programmes to solve problems in these two states.

“We will have to create infrastructure and make arrangements for higher education and training for the youth in northeastern states. If this can be done, we can bring these states at par with the rest of the country within the next five to seven years,” Aiyar said.

According to him, 10 per cent of the Centre’s total expenditure was currently allotted to the North-east though it comprised only eight per cent of country’s area and its people made up four per cent of the nation’s total population.

Bodies recovered: The bodies of seven members of a family, including a village chief, were found under mysterious circumstances in an area of Pungro in Nagaland’s Kiphire district bordering Myanmar, police said on Saturday, a report from Kohima says.Though police are yet to ascertain whether any militant group was involved in the incident, they suspect the seven persons might have been the victims of either a family feud or an inter-village rivalry.

People of Zangor village on Friday spotted the bodies and informed the police. The bodies were brought to Kiphire police station on Saturday. Tension prevailed in the entire Pungro area but the situation was under control, police said. An investigation was on to ascertain the cause of death of the seven persons in a place where inter-tribal rivalries have been acute for some time, they said. – PTI
Jungle Law The Morung Express Editorial
The murder of seven persons in Kiphire district on February 8 by unidentified assailants is a shameless act of cowardice and one that has shocked the sense of peace loving people. The cruel manner, in which the seven members belonging to the same family were killed in cold blood without any respect for human life, only goes to show the malicious mindset of the killers. Whatever may have been the ‘case’ in dispute, there is a lawful and fair way of dealing with issues at hand without having to take away another person’s lives. If a government does exist, it must nab the killers whoever they are without any hesitation or compromise before its credibility goes down the drain. Any government worth its salt has a duty to effectively put in place and implement the rule of law.
This gruesome murder once again brings to light the savage instinct of some of us who are still governed by the law of the jungle without respect for life itself. At another level, this open defiance of the lawless elements and their ill motive can be best illustrated by what the 17th Century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes described as the ‘state of nature’ or the state of men without civil society, a state of continual warfare. This is the level to which some of us have stooped down to—as beasts in the jungle and without the power of reasoning.
Coming to the question of delivering justice to the victims, it has to be kept in mind that customary laws are found to be wanting on this score. Justice for the seven human lives lost is quite unlikely unless the State government is able to intervene and prosecute the killers under the appropriate law. It will be of interest to note that in several cases related to rape, local organizations especially Mothers, have been insisting that such rape cases be referred to government courts rather than allowing it to be taken up under customary law as the concerned mothers are naturally apprehensive that the accused may be awarded a mere ‘soft punishment’ under the traditional court. While rape and murder are itself grave offences, the issue that needs to be seriously delved into is on whether fair justice can be dispensed under the prevailing customary laws.
It also goes to show that the traditional customary laws have not been able to develop effective responses to crime of the magnitude such as rape and murder. There are reasons to doubt about the capacity of customary law to deal with issues of violence against women or such barbaric killings as witnessed by the latest gruesome incident under Kiphire district. Given the extent of the changing nature of crime and violence and the concerns that most customary laws do not address them in a way it should be done, there is every reason to suggest that mainstream law should play a part in addressing such cases of rape and murder taking place within Naga society.
Nagaland weighs its stakes: State pins hope on UNC-backed candidates Nagarealm.com
Kohima, FEB11 : As Manipur parties cross swords in the battle of ballots, Nagaland is praying for the 11 United Naga Council-backed Independent candidates in the Naga-dominated hill districts of its neighbouring state. The fate of these candidates will be decided in the second and third phase of polls are slated for February 14 and 23. According to Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of the UNC-backed candidates in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel will help set up a pressure group in the Manipur Assembly. For Manipur, this is no ordinary election too. For the first time the territorial integrity of Nagas is uppermost on the minds of the electorate in the four Naga-dominated hill districts. “This is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision which is good for us too,” Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said. The Nagaland Assembly has also adopted several resolutions for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast.

While reacting to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s assertion that territorial integrity of Manipur would be protected at any cost, he said, “In democracy it’s the will of the people that ultimately prevails. Individual opinion doesn’t count.” For the Naga Hoho, the Manipur election can add a new dimension to Naga politics as it believes that Naga legislators in Manipur have so far failed to associate themselves with the “Naga cause”. “The elected Naga leaders from Manipur have till date miserably failed to voice Naga people’s aspirations. We are hopeful things will change from now,” Hoho president Neingulo Krome said. Krome said Naga Hoho would do everything possible to ensure that the UNC succeeds in its objective.

“It will be too much to expect that once elected, all the Naga-inhabited areas will be integrated. This will just be a happy augury,” he said. The UNC is acting as a catalyst for Naga integration by asking Naga students in Manipur to appear for their exam under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). A student leader from Nagaland said putting up candidates by the UNC was an extension of its strategy to enrol Naga students of Manipur under NBSE. “It may all appear to be symbolic, but it has political ramification which should not be overlooked,” he said.” Krome said Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh had contributed to a great extent to the cause of Naga integration when they moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking integration of Naga areas. “The resolution was defeated but they set up an example by voicing Naga aspirations. We need to assert ourselves,” he said. [SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA, telegraphindia]
Doctorate for Jamir Nagaland Post
DIMApUR, FEB 11 (NPN): S. C. Jamir, Governor of Goa, was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by the Serampore University at a grand function at the John Roberts Theological Seminary, Shillong Saturday evening. Jamir was honoured with the Degree Doctor of Divinity for his "service to the Church and society to the best of his capabilities and God-given gifts through his exemplary life style."
The former Nagaland Chief Minister received the Doctorate from the president of the Senate Dr. Rajaratnam in the presence of Dr. M. M. Jacob, Governor of Meghalaya, and Mr. Rymbai, Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Founded in 1818 by Carey, Marshman and Ward, the Serampore College (University) was incorporated by the Royal Charter, 1827 and Bengal Act IV of 1918 as modified up to 1997 by the Government of West Bengal. The University has 50 theological colleges affiliated to it from all over the country and also from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Irenaeus of Kerala was also conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Divinity for his services to the Church and society. Both Jamir and Ireneaus join the list of renowned personalities like Mother Teresa who was honoured with the Doctorate in 1991, Dr Graham G Staines (2000) posthumously and Mrs Gladys Staines (2000). The University has conferred such Doctorates to 103 personalities since 1929. Jamir is the third Naga to be conferred with the Degree by the University after Late Dr. Hokishe Sema (1988) and Dr. K. I. Aier (1993). The Serampore University Convocation 2007 also saw awarding of Degree of Doctor of Theology to 14 theologians including R. Sashikaba, L. Imsutoshi, Hukashe Zhimomi and B. Atola Longkumer. Chen Rengma received the Degree of Doctor of Ministry along with two others.
Cong leader swears by State's integrity By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 11: Union Minister Vijay Krishnan Handique has assured that not an inch of land from Manipur would be parted, leave alone the question disturbing its territorial integrity.
Addressing an election meeting of the Congress party at Luwang-shangbam NISU ground under Heingang AC today, the Union Minister, who is an elected MP from Assam, pointed out that there is strong opposition against any move to disturb the existing boundaries of the North Eastern States and the issue is being discussed with the seriousness it deserves with the Centre. However, one thing is sure that Manipur will not lose even an inch of her land, he added.
Maintaining that there can be no development if there is no stable Government, the Union Minister asserted that the during its full five year rule the Congress-led Government in Manipur has not only brought development on various fronts but the financial position of the State too has improved appreciably.
After six months of diligent planning for development of rural areas under the overall supervision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Bharat Nirman Programme has been launched, he said, adding that Manipur would benefit the most from this programme and it is in the hands of the people whether this development programme should continue or not after the election.
Union Minister Oscar Fernandes who also attended the meeting also asserted that the Congress has not only be able to provide a stable Government but also bring development in Manipur.
If a Congress led Government is installed once again after the election, then the people can rest assure that there would be peace and integrity, Fernandes said.
He further said that to solve the problem of power and water scarcity in Manipur, the Government has already provided the required fund. Special attention would also be paid for development of industries and irrigational facilities, he said
Moreover, efforts are on to develop the three National Highways passing through Manipur to solve the problem of transportation of goods and other essential commodities from outside Manipur due to frequent imposition of bandhs and blockades.
Stating that AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh have been taking special interest in Manipur, the Union Minister said Sonia Gandhi would be coming to the State for the second time tomorrow and would address the people at two different places. He also appealed to the people to support and can cast their votes in favour of Congress candidate of Heing- ang AC and help in setting up a stable Govt led by Congress party.
Speaking at the occasion, N Biren also spoke during the meeting expressing his gratefulness to all the people who attened the meeting.

Crucial India, Myanmar talks Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 11 – A fresh demand for a Bhutan Army-type operation against ULFA and other northeastern insurgent groups will be made to Myanmar during the upcoming visit of Union Home Secretary VK Duggal to Yangon. Issues like drug trafficking and effective border management will also figure high on the agenda during Duggal’s visit from February 13 to 17, Home Ministry sources said.

They said the Home Secretary has already chaired a meeting of senior Home Ministry officials to review the situation along the India-Myanmar border particularly in the wake of violence unleashed by ULFA militants in parts of Asom. ULFA has bases in Myanmar, and New Delhi has been demanding a crackdown on the insurgent groups operating from that country similar to the 2003 Bhutan Army operation against ULFA. Other insurgent groups operating from across the border include the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The UNLF, through its armed wing — the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) — is said to have been behind Friday’s ambush of a poll party in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar in which three CRPF personnel were killed and 10 others injured. Myanmar, however, does not accept presence of insurgents in its territory engaged in anti-India operations.

India has been raising the issue of shifting of boundary pillars in Manipur by the Myanmarese army and the issue is likey to figure again at the talks. The last round of talks at the Home Secretary level was held here in September during which Duggal took up with his counterpart Brig Gen Phone Swe the activities of insurgent groups having camps in Myanmar.

The northeastern states have been voicing concern over this issue, pointing out the importance of Myanmar as the gateway to East Asian countries. Discussions on border management and fencing would assume significance in the backdrop of reports of smuggling of Chinese grenades and counterfeit Indian currency through the Myanmarese border. India shares 1,643 km rugged border with Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh alone accounts for 520 km followed by Mizoram 510 km. Manipur shares 398 km of its boundary with that country and Nagaland another 258 km.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil had himself raised these issues with his Myanmarese counterpart Maung Oo in December 2006 here and the progress made since then in the areas of security, drug trafficking and effective border management would be reviewed during Duggal’s visit. – PTI

Tension at Jiribam as poll worker dies in violence The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 11: The death of a poll worker at Jiribam has created high tension in the sub-division of the Imphal east district and security forces there are being kept on alert to prevent any untoward incidents. The paramilitary forces deployed in the sub-division also conducted a flag march on all the important streets of the area. Protests by the people were reported till late tonight even as the civil authorities were making hectic efforts to bring about an understanding and settle the matter without further escalation of violence. An official report said that a worker of an independent candidate in the Jiribam constituency succumbed to injuries after he was badly beaten up by some persons suspected to be Congress workers last night.

Outraged people of - Jiribam Sorok Atingbi, from where the deceased man identified as Khangembam Pradip Singh, 40, son of Kh Gopal Singh, refused to receive the dead body demanding justice from the state authorities and placed certain demands. The report said that a worker of the independent candidate E Dipti Singh from Jiribam constituency succumbed to injuries in the early hours today at around 3 am. He died on the way to a hospital at Silchar, the report said. He was reportedly beaten up last night at around 12.30 am by suspected supporters of the Congress. Jiribam Constituency in Imphal east will go to the polls on February 23 along with the 11 constituencies covering three hill- districts of Manipur. Senior Congress candidate and minister of FCS in the SPF government, Th Debendra is contesting in this constituency.

As news of death of the man spread this morning, people of Sorok Atingbi area numbering around 60 thronged the residence of Congress candidate Th. Debendra Police fired several rounds of tears gas and mob ammunitions to disperse the crowd. A JAC was formed against the killing of the man which later called on the ADC and put up several demands which include inquiry into the incident and justice for the victim. They also reportedly threatened to boycott the election if their demands are not considered and fulfilled by the concerned authority.

In the meantime, as the doctors at Jiribam community health centre refused to conduct post mortem stating that there was no medico legal officer in the centre, the Jiribam police transported the dead body to a hospital at Silchar and the post mortem on the dead body was conducted at around 2 pm today. The dead body is still lying at the Jiribam police station as family members supported by the JAC "and locals refused to receive the body.

Humanist Party questions authenticity of Accession Act The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 10: The Manipur State Council Humanist Party will submit an application to the United Nations to bring permanent peace in Manipur through a political process. Yambem Biren, general secretary of the Manipur State Council Humanist Party, an international political party with headquarter at London and network all over the world, contended that if elections in Manipur is not conducted under the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, no peace will be possible in Manipur. Addressing a press conference at Kalyan Bhawan here today, Biren said that Humanist Party had earlier sent a letter to the home ministry, government of India, through the Manipur Governor`s office requesting for a certified copy of the Instrument of Accession allegedly signed by the then Maharaja Bodhchandra on August 11, 1947 acceding the joining of the princely state of Manipur to the Dominion of India. However, he said that the letter was not forwarded to the home ministry by the governor. Biren said, "Since the governor`s office did not forward the letter to the home ministry, our party will send a direct letter to the home minister." The party`s publication secretary L Chaoba, speaking on why the press conference was called, said that Humanist Party has done some fact finding for restoration of peace in Manipur.

He said that it was found out that Manipur`s merger to India was not done properly and that certified copy of acceptance of the Instrument of Accession is not available. He said that Manipur was not merged into the Dominion of India under this Act and in order to bring peace in Manipur, the party will take help of international bodies. Biren highlighted that in spite of having the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947, during the time of taking over of Manipur by India the wishes of the people were disregarded completely and no referendum was taken. So he said, "The United Nations term such accession as merger through force and threat and signing a merger agreement without people`s wishes is completely wrong." Stating that third party mediation is a must to resolve the political conflict between India and Manipur, Biren said restoration of peace in Manipur will be possible only through political means. He said that the availability of the acceptance of the Instrument of Accession Act allegedly signed by Maharaja Bodhchandra on August 11, 1947 will help in resolving the confusions in Manipur. It may be noted that the Humanist Party has boycotted Manipur`s 9th Assembly Elections.

Clash of titans in second phase of Manipur polls Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 11: The fate of three former Chief Ministers will be decided in the February 14 second phase election to 29 assembly seats of Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishenpur districts.
The former Chief Ministers were state RJD president W Nipamacha, contesting from Wangoi, Manipur Peoples' Party's (MPP) R.K.Dorendra Singh, fighting from Yaiskul, and NCP Manipur president Radhabinod Koijam, contesting from Thangmeiband. A total of 3,88,925 women and 3,49,754 man voters will exercise their franchise in 827 polling stations.
In all, 181 stations have been marked hyper-sensitive and 646 as sensitive. A total of 155 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of whom six are women. Indian National Congress has 29 candidates, Bharatiya Janata Party has 9, Communist Party of India 16, Communist Party of India (Marxist) 1, National Congress Party 17, MPP 25, RJD-17, JD(U)-1, JD(S)-2, LJSP-7, SP-13, SAP-2, MSCP-4, NPP-1, AIFB-2, Independents 8. The second phase of elections will concentrate on the Manipur valley and will be the biggest of the three phase elections.
In the February 8 first phase election to 19 Assembly seats of Thoubal, Ukhrul and Senapati districts, 85 per cent polling was reported. A repoll for the first phase will be held in eleven stations tomorrow. The third phase election will be held on February 23 in 12 Assembly segments of Jiribam sub-division, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts. In the third phase election, there are two women candidates. Chandel has the maximum of ten candidates, while Singhat has three candidates.
In all 1,85,598 women and 1,77,752 man, totaling 3,63,345, will exercise their franchise. Indian National Congress is contesting 11 seats, LJSP-9, RJD-6 National Congress Party in 5, SP-5, the Bhartiya Janta Party has three candidates, Communist Party of India 4, Manipur People's Party (MPP), 3, NPP-3, SAP-2, JD(U)-1, PDA-1, and Independents 23. There will be 516 polling stations and 516 EVMs will be used. (UNI)
Hotbed Of Violence Nagarealm.com
The state of militancy in Karbi Anglong fails to register in the consciousness of mainstream Assam, both among the intelligentsia and among policy makers.

When Karbi Anglong was declared an autonomous district in October 1976 under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, this was intended to resolve the tensions arising out of the disparate aspirations of the district's overwhelmingly tribal population.
Thirty years later, Karbi Anglong remains conflict-ridden, with 13-militancy related fatalities (seven per cent of the total militancy-related fatalities in Assam), including six civilians and seven security force personnel. The relatively small number of fatalities, however, is not an accurate index of the instability and violence that continue to wreak havoc in the lives of the people of the state’s largest district.

Karbi Anglong, spread over 10,434 square kilometers, consists of three sub-divisions—Diphu (the district headquarters), Bokajan and Hamren. Located in the central part of Assam, Karbi Anglong is abutted by Golaghat district in the east, Meghalaya state and Morigaon district in the west, Nagaon and Golaghat districts in the north and the North Cachar Hills district and the state of Nagaland in the south. With three per cent of Assam’s population of 26.7 million (according to the 2001 Census), and 13 per cent of the state’s land mass, Karbi Anglong is home to a minority non-tribal population as well as several tribes. While the majority Karbis are spread throughout the district, Bodos live in the Langhin area; Kukis (also called Thadous or Hmars) in the Singhason and Koilamati areas; Dimasas in the Dhansiri or Mohendijua area; Tiwas in areas bordering Nagaon and Morigaon districts; Mans in Bokajan sub-division; Garos and Khasis in the Hamren sub-division; Chakmas in the Borlangphar area; and Rengma Nagas in the Nilip Block.

Nearly 89 per cent of Karbi Anglong’s population lives in its 2,633 villages. Some 47 per cent of the district is forested, consisting of 14 state Reserve Forests and 17 district Council Reserve Forests. Compared to a state population density of 340, Karbi Anglong is sparsely populated with a density of 78 persons per square kilometre. district headquarters Diphu is 213 kilometres away from Dispur, the state capital.

In recent years, Karbi Anglong has been a theatre of bitter ethnic strife. Clashes erupted in 2005 between Karbis and Dimasas and, on October 29, 2005, a total of 88 people were officially reported killed and 1,014 houses were set ablaze. People belonging to other ethnic groups—Bodo, Nepali and Assamese—also lost their lives in the violence, in which the involvement of local insurgents of the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and Dima Halim Daogah (DHD), was confirmed by the government. A year and half earlier, on March 24, 2004, at least 34 Karbi villagers had been killed by the Manipur-based Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) militants at Uden Tisso and Sarpo Terong villages under Bokajan Police Station, and Jari Teron under the Manja Police Outpost. Clashes had started over the issue of extortion from Kuki ginger cultivators in the Singhasan Hills, but soon took the shape of an extended ethnic conflict involving UPDS and KRA militants, which continued for three months.

UPDS was formed in March 1999 with the merger of two outfits, the Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) and Karbi People’s Front (KPF), with the objective of creating a separate homeland for the Karbis, and entered into an extended cease-fire agreement with the Union government in May 23, 2002. In January 2006, UPDS dropped its main demand for an autonomous state and, instead, settled for additional powers to the existing Autonomous Council. However, in September 2006, the outfit announced the suspension of its ‘peace talks’ with New Delhi, without discontinuing the cease-fire. A month later, media reportage indicated its involvement in an intensified extortion drive, with incidents reported from Nahorjan, Tongkory, Tinglijan, Ramsing Terang and Dikoi Terang in the Karbi Anglong district. Prominent incidents in 2006 and early 2007 included:

March 5, 2006: A trader and a civil society activist was abducted from Mentila village and later killed by UPDS militants at Nahorjan. The victim’s wife was earlier served a demand note for a ransom of Rs one million for the release of her husband.

April 10, 2006: Two persons were killed by unidentified UPDS militants in the Tongkory area.

April 29, 2006: A pharmacist was abducted by UPDS militants from Tinglijan medical sub-centre under Bokajan Police Station.

January 19, 2007: A senior leader of the Autonomous state Demand Committee, Kuthor Hanse, was killed by UPDS militants at his residence at Hidim Teron village. The militants also assaulted villagers at Ramsing Terang and Dikoi Terang under Manja police station. The ceasefire between the UPDS and the union government led to a split in the outfit, with a splinter group rechristened the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF). The KLNLF also formed an ‘armed wing’, the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Resistance Force on May 16, 2004. Apart from engaging in internecine clashes with the UPDS, the KLNLF has engaged in violence targeting civilians in Karbi Anglong and adjoining areas. Significant incidents involving KLNLF cadres include:

June 15, 2006: Bokajan Police recovered the dead body of a KLNLF cadre who was abducted from Japarajan and later killed by UPDS militants.

December 5, 2006: KLNLF militants hurled two grenades and opened fire at Dongamukam.

December 18, 2006: Acivil convoy was damaged when suspected KLNLF militants opened fire on it at Silvetta under Diphu Police Station.

December 24, 2006: Acivil convoy was damaged by KLNLF militants at Kohra

January 6, 2007: At least eight polling personnel were killed and eight others were injured during elections to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, when the KLNLF exploded an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and opened fire. The polling personnel were targeted while they were returning from the No. 16 Hapjan Polling Station under Dokmoka Police Station, to Parakhowa.

Militancy from Karbi Anglong also spilled over into the neighbouring states, especially the Jaintia Hills and its adjoining Ri-Bhoi district, in Meghalaya, which witnessed an extortion drive by the Karbi militants. On June 24, 2006, several villagers of Moolaber, Skap, Deinler, Saba, Myntang, Psiar, Lum Moojem, Khatkhasla, Mooshrot, Mukroh and other neighbouring villages near Labang-Nongphyllut in the Jaintia Hills district were forced to pay Rs 200 each by UPDS militants. Again, on July 1, 2006, several farmers of Mawlasnai area in the Ri-Bhoi district, with their cultivable lands in the Madan Umwang and Khlieh Umwang areas, were served demand notes by the UPDS to pay ‘levies’. They were later asked by the militants to attend a meeting at Madan Umwang, and were threatened with dire consequences in case of failure to meet the demands. Similarly, Khasi farmers in the Block-II areas of the Ri-Bhoi district alleged that they were subjected to extortion, on October 24, 2006, by the KNV. On June 28, 2006, several civil society groups and chiefs of local self-governance institutions, Rangbah Shnongs, urged the government to create more Police outposts and deploy additional Police personnel to prevent the UPDS from harassing Khasi-Pnar families in the Block-I and II areas of the Jaintia Hills district.
Meghalaya Chief Minister J.D. Rymbai, on July 5, 2006, accused the UPDS of violating rules of the cease-fire agreement by engaging in unlawful activities along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
Karbi Anglong also witnessed violence by militants primarily based and active in other districts of the state. The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), for instance, which has been under a cease-fire agreement with the union government since May 25, 2005, has extended its ‘operations’ into this district:

June 26, 2006: Two NDFB extortionists were killed by security personnel at an unspecified location under the Dokmoka Police Outpost. Three other militants, however, managed to escape from the site of the encounter.

July 5, 2006: Two cadres of the erstwhile Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) were killed by suspected NDFB militants at Langhing.

November 16, 2006: Two NDFB militants were shot dead by the Assam Police in a counter-insurgency operation at Langkin Manikpur.

Similarly, the DHD and its renegade group, the Black Widow, based in neighbouring North Cachar Hills district, also operate in Karbi Anglong. An internecine clash among Black Widow cadres occurred at Lanfer village under Kheroni Police Station in the Hamren sub-division on August 20, 2006, following the escape of five cadres of the outfit from its camp in North Cachar Hills. Further, on December 1, 2006, two DHD militants were arrested during a search operation at Diphu.

Karbi Anglong comprises six Police Station jurisdictions—Diphu, Howraghat, Bokajan, Baithalangso, Hamren and Kheroni. These police stations have further been divided into 11 police outposts: Diphu Town, Manja, Dhansiri, Bakulia, Dokmoka, Uttorborbil, Dillai, Borpathar, Khotkhoti, Donkamoka and Ulukunchi. There are also 10 Border Outposts (BOPs), including Lahorijan, Sankartilla, Monglamukh, Doldoli, Daujingphang and Rongapahar along the Assam-Nagaland border and Khanduli, Mokoiram, Sabuda and Mukroh along Assam-Meghalaya border. Against the back drop of the continuing militancy, the security set up in the district appeared to have registered some successes, including:

January 9, 2006: The UPDS ‘publicity secretary', Tongeeh Nongloda, was arrested from Dillai for carrying a 9mm pistol.

April 10, 2006: The UPDS 'defence secretary', Thong Teron, was killed by security personnel at Satgaon under the Dongkamokam police outpost.

November 13, 2006: At least seven suspected UPDS militants were arrested at Kaniya Bey Village near Diphu for violating cease-fire rules.

November 26, 2006: A suspected UPDS militant was arrested from the Lahorijan area under Khatkhati police station.

Regrettably, the state of militancy in Karbi Anglong fails to register in the consciousness of mainstream Assam, both among the intelligentsia and among policy makers. Despite the many peace processes and ceasefire agreements with various groups in and around the district, the unfortunate reality is that area will continue to fester in the shadow of official neglect. [Sandipani Dash, outlookindia]