02/14/2007: "Nagas in fresh feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Nagas in fresh feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 13: The stage is set for another round of fratricidal feuding in Nagaland, with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) today warning of retaliation against the rival Khaplang faction for trying to prevent Naga students of Manipur from sitting for the matric examination in Kohima and Dimapur.
The Union home ministry has asked the Nagaland government to take all precautionary measures to stop a full-blown war between the militant groups.
The NSCN (I-M) said it had exercised restraint despite the Khaplang faction issuing a quit-Nagaland diktat to the Tangkhul Nagas — Thuingaleng Muivah is from this community — and obstructing students from Manipur when they were on their way to Kohima to sit for the High School Leaving Certificate examination.
Schools in the Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur have already switched affiliation to the Nagaland board in accordance with a directive from the United Naga Council. The move is an extension of the campaign for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas.
The NSCN (I-M) said its patience was “running out” and it would retaliate if the Khaplang group failed to understand the crux of the issue. It accused the NSCN (K) of giving vent to its “frustration” by issuing diktats. “We would like to inform Mr Khaplang, who hails from Myanmar, that there are hundreds of our Naga brothers and sisters from Myanmar either pursuing their studies or their livelihood in Nagaland, be it in Zunheboto, Kohima, Ukhrul, Dimapur, Mokokchung or Tuensang,” the outfit said. The NSCN (I-M) held two leaders of the rival group, Kitovi Zhimomi and Kughalu Mulatonu, responsible for hundreds of casualties in fratricidal feuding. Civilians in several districts of Nagaland have borne the brunt of clashes between the two groups. Phek, about 150 km from the state capital, is on tenterhooks with members of both NSCN factions and the Naga National Council camping in the town. Yesterday, nearly 60 members of the NSCN (K) and the NNC attacked a camp of the Isak-Muivah group at Jericho II Colony. The exchange of fire lasted almost six hours.
Acid test for Rio’s leadership By: Oken Jeet Sandham Kangla on Line
Barely 23 days are there for the State to face by-elections for two constituencies---Dimapur-I and Tuesang Sadar-II. The by-elections are necessitated due to the sudden demise of the sitting two BJP legislators, Dr Hokishe Sema and Lakiumung. It is understood the amount of loss the BJP party has when these two sitting legislators suddenly died one after another. The BJP is the second major alliance partner in the DAN coalition with its seven legislators and now its strength has reduced to five. Yet it still commands as the second largest coalition partner in the coalition ministry.

These elections to be held on March 8 in Nagaland are extremely vital, besides an acid test for the ruling DAN coalition Ministry and more so for its Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Thus, the consultative meet for all the alliance partners called by the Chief Minister at his private residence in Dimapur is crucial.

Consensus will be the central point for the consultative meet. But this formula will unlikely be workable as the State BJP leaders may insist that they have their own candidates for the simple reason that those constituencies fell vacant due to their leaders’ sudden demise. Such demands cannot be undermined. Yet the major ruling NPF will perhaps make every possible effort to underline the importance of putting up “consensus candidates” as, they might argue, it will not only give a positive message to the people of Nagaland about the complete harmony within the partners but also the importance of such a decision at a time when the peace process is stagnant.

Given that, if they fail to reach a consensus for the by-elections, it will certainly give a wrong message to the people, while the opposition Congress will have a smooth sailing in all the two constituencies.

And once the two seats lose in the hand of the opposition Congress, the party (Congress) will up the ante mounting their justification of Rio Ministry’s failure to Naga political front. And in fact, for Congress to win these two by-elections in Nagaland will certainly enhance its political image at a time when the State is left one year to go for general elections. For the Congress to set up their candidates in these two constituencies may not be much problem unlike the ruling DAN party, besides the party has now a new Governor, who is a Congress loyalist, and of course they have a friendly Government at the Center. But the speculation of former Chief Minister KL Chishi to be the Congress candidate for Dimapur-I cannot be taken lightly. He is undoubtedly one of the firebrand and vocal politicians and if he wins, the leadership within the Congress legislature party might also get stirred.

The coming by-election will give a real test to Rio’s leadership and one will see how he convinces the DAN coalition partners particularly the BJP during the consultative meet.
Phek tells UGs to leave Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, February 13: The public of Phek Town in Nagaland today took the initiative to chase out militants present in the town. Reports said that the general public are fed up with the factional fightings in Phek district and hence the drastic steps.
Reports from Phek Town said that people numbering about five to six thousand proceeded to various pockets of the area to ask the militants to vacate the town.To some extent, the general public managed to drive out the underground elements from certain areas, said sources.

Meanwhile, the public has expressed resentment against the defiance of the armed groups to the CPO’s resolution not to allow any armed faction to camp in civilian populated areas under Phek district. In the wake of heightened tension in Phek areas owing to factional violence, the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) today asked all the underground outfits to vacate the public-inhabited areas in Phek district and stop clashes forthwith to ensure peace and security to students who are appearing in HSLC and HSSLC examinations. President of the student body, Vevoyi D Vadeo and general secretary Khrope Tsühah in a statement said that the factional clashes of in the area have disturbed the class X students whose exams are underway.
Berth pangs for DAN coalition OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 13: With less than a month to go for the byelections, the partners of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government are still bickering over fielding of candidates in the seats which fell vacant following the death of BJP legislators Hokishe Sema and Lakiumong.
Sources close to the DAN camp said the stalwarts of the ruling conglomeration yesterday held a closed-door meeting to reach a consensus regarding the Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly constituencies. However, Nagaland People’s Front and the BJP failed to arrive at a conclusion. The BJP said they should be given the chance to contest the March 8 byelections as the seats were earlier held by their partymen. The NPF, on the other hand, said there would be no friendly contest between the two parties. Party spokesman Akang Ao said the NPF was contemplating to field candidates for both the seats, but they would come to a final decision only after consulting the DAN partners.
Former state BJP preside-nt M.C. Konyak said his party would not compromise with the seats as they have been vacated by BJP legislators. The Opposition Congress is also facing a similar rift over the choice of candidates for the two seats. While the Dimapur district Congress committee has recommended former chief minister, K.L. Chishi’s name for the Dimapur-I constituency, a Congress insider said leader of the Opposition I. Imkong Ao was favouring former Dimapur DCC president, Aheto V. Yeptho. But the leader of the Opposition and the election committee of Nagaland PCC have refuted allegations of any rift in the party. The BJP has, however, pitched Capt. Hekiye Sema, eldest son of Hokishe Sema, as its official candidate for the Dimapur-I constituency. For the Tuensang Sadar-II seat, BJP has named W. Wongto as its official candidate.
Political spin may favour NPF Stage set for DAN consensus talks today Morung Express News
Dimapur If inside “bargaining” between the DAN coalition partners is anything to suggest, NPF Youth Spokesperson Atomi Zhimomi might as well be the alliance’s consensus candidate to contest in the March 8 bye-elections for Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency while the candidate for Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency remains behind DAN’s closet, although the BJP may get this seat as part of the bargain.
The general view among DAN coalition party say-doers is that Atomi Zhimomi, a son of Nagaland Industries Minister Khekiho Zhimomi remains the most “eligible bachelor” to hold Dimapur-1 AC seat owing to his wide support base. And of course, the size of electorate his father commands, which, insiders say, would be another muscle string for the NPF, the majority party in the coalition. “The DAN is bargaining but Atomi has the best position and he might be the consensus candidate” said a reliable insider, refusing that his name or party be given in the press. And Zhimomi? “It is understood I am the consensus candidate. I am geared up” Atomi said when contacted.
Minister Khekiho on his part doesn’t want that his presence be a wind of change for DAN partners in their decision who should be the consensus candidate. So he himself decided against attending the February 14 meeting called by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to have consultations on the matter, so that his son can have a fair fight. So will he attend the February 15 meeting if not the 14th? “I don’t know. But if it is for the consensus candidate I will go but if it is for a candidate I will not go” he said.
Meanwhile, in what is likely to be a decisive meeting of the DAN Alliance partners to decide on the prospects of fielding consensus candidates for the March 8 bye-elections, the BJP today made a last minute appeal to its NPF ally ‘requesting to understand the sentiments of the BJP’ and to put up its candidates in both the Tuensang Sadar-II and Dimapur-I seats. BJP President Ato Yepthomi in a conversation with The Morung Express argued that since both the seats had been vacated by the BJP and that it was only a bye-election for the remaining one year before Assembly Elections early next year, the ‘pre-poll’ alliance partners should be willing to have an accommodative spirit.
When queried whether the BJP would forfeit its claim for the Dimapur-I seat during the next Assembly Elections, the party President only said that they were open to the idea of sharing seats in the spirit of give and take. “Even in the next Assembly Elections our arms are open and we are willing to make sacrifices in the spirit of give and take”, Yepthomi said.

The BJP President however expressed surprise over the manner in which the NPF announced its candidate for the Dimapur-I seat “without consulting its allies” and termed it as “unfortunate”. Meanwhile, for the Tuensang Sadar-II seat, it was informed that the BJP headquarters in Delhi has already the cleared the name of W. Wongto to be its official candidate.
While choosing the consensus candidate for the Tuensang seat may not be such a prestige issue for the DAN alliance, for the prestigious Dimapur-I seat, serious bargaining is expected to take place among the coalition partners when the meeting takes place tomorrow. With youth leader, Atomi Zhimomi who is also the son of senior Minister Khekiho Zhimomi being projected as the choice of the NPF, the BJP will also stake its claim by pushing for Captain Hekiye Sema, eldest son of Late Hokishe Sema to retain the seat left vacant by his father’s demise.
Move to curb ethnic feud ST panel seeks more teeth The Telegraph New Delhi
Taking cognisance of a recent inter-tribal feud in Nagaland and friction in Manipur, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has urged states to pay specific attention to inter-tribal relations in the Northeast. Viewing the killing of seven persons of a family in Nagaland’s Kiphire district recently, the commission stated that while its mandate is mainly development, it will try and impel states to take action to prevent violence.
Kunwar Singh, chairman of the commission, said today that the commission is pushing for special attention to the Northeast, which has a predominantly tribal population in many states.
Inter-tribal disputes have been considered a thorny issue for the ministry of tribal affairs, which considers only development as its mandate.
Singh said the commission is now studying how to initiate action to prevent violence among tribes. The limitation is that non-tribals do not consider inter-tribal violence and rivalry as crimes as it falls under the purview of the Atrocities Act. “Administratively, cognisance is taken of inter-tribal violence and we are now going to ask states to take proactive action to prevent such violence,” Singh said. The recent incident in Nagaland apparently involves “political interference”, said secretary of the commission, K.K. Gupta. A centre of the commission in Shillong will look into the matter, a source added.
Pitched battles between the Yimchungru tribe and its sub-tribe Tikhir have increased in frequency with Naga militant groups allegedly adding fuel to the fire. While Tikhirs insist on recognition as a separate tribe, the Yimchungrus oppose the demand.
Gupta said there have been complaints of inter-tribal violence from Manipur too. On the Indo-Myanmar border in Nagaland, Tobu village was infamous for inter-tribal clashes between the Chang and Konyak tribes. Naga militant groups and political parties in Nagaland had allegedly interfered but no one dared to take sides openly.
“We have asked the government to pay special attention to the Northeast. We want more teeth to improve our own functioning,” said Singh.
‘NSCN-IM’s apology more an insult’ ENPO/KU to discuss Black Day Minphong Konyak The Morung Express

Mon, Feb 13 (MExN): Konyak Union officials headed by President Tingnyei Konyak will be going to Tuensang to discuss matter regarding observation of Black Day in protest against the killing of two Konyak boys by the NSCN-IM at Kohima in January. The KU maintains the ‘mere apology’ from the NSCN-IM is more an insult than being genuinely sorry. Tingnyei said that on February 16, they along with other union members under the umbrella of the ENPO will sort out a date procedure for observing Black Day which was earlier scheduled on January 10, but later postponed. Clarifying as to why they had postponed the earlier date, Tingnyei said that the Konyak Union had everything prepared for the observance but it was only under the direction of the ENPO that they had stopped since the observance includes the State capital and Dimapur too. He said that the delay of the NSCN-IM leaders in responding to the memorandum submitted by ENPO had compelled it to cancel the previous date and till date they have not responded. But notwithstanding the negligence and indifference of the NSCN-IM leaders towards the ENPO, KU said that they will discuss and fix a date for the same. KU also said that they had only received a ‘mere apology’ from the NSCN-IM leaders for the killing of the innocent boys ‘which is more an insult than being sorry’.
CPO,CSU put foot down on factional fights in Phek The Morung Express ‘Is Govt. keeping forces as decorative items?’
Dimapur, Feb 13 (MExN): An unhappy Chakhesang Students Union today demanded that all underground groups vacate civilian-inhabited areas and cease factional clashes and warned that action will be initiated against any group(s) failing to honor the sentiments of the students’ community.
“In the interest of peace, tranquility and nation, the Chakhesang Students Union demands all the groups of Naga national workers be it FGN, NSCN (IM) or NSCN (K) to vacate civil inhabited areas and stop clashes forthwith to ensure peace and security to the students appearing the examinations” a press release from the CSU appended by its President Vevoyi D Vadeo and General Secretary Khrope Tsuhah made clear. “The Chakhesang Students Union shall no longer cooperate with any group(s) and will initiate whichever action against any group(s), who fails to honor the sentiment of the students’ community” it stated.
The CSU expressed concern at the clashes between the factions of NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)-FGN combine on the other in the heart of Phek town especially when the students are appearing for their examinations. “When HSLC and HSSLC examinations are in full swing involving hundreds of our students at the moment. What the examinees require is congenial atmosphere for their preparation and sitting for the exams” the CSU stated lamenting “we can imagine how much the poorer parents suffer for nurturing their children in quest of education”.
“Whereas the so-called national workers of today do not have sense of concern for their own brethrens whose futures are promising only through academic education but prefer to build tension in the mind of the students out of sheer struggle for factional supremacy” the CSU stated expressing puzzlement whether the factions are for themselves at the cost of the young generation. The CSU also expressed amazement “how insensitive the Government is to the prevailing situation in Phek HQ, where the academic examination atmosphere is agitated because law is not sufficient and effective”. It questioned whether the Government has decided to keep its forces “as decorative items” and allow the factions to harass the general public and ruin the careers of the younger generation.
Failure to control the situation would mean whatever consequences that arise, the government would be solely held responsible.
Meanwjile, strongly terming the February 11 shootout between the underground factions in Phek as defiance of standing resolutions, the Chakhesang Public Organization has decided against fratricidal killings as well as cadres moving around in combat dress and arms, in civilian-populated areas.
“The Chakhesang Public Organization have passed a resolution to oppose fratricidal killings amongst factions and also not to allow cadres of various factions to camp or move around in combat uniform with arms in civilian-populated areas particularly in Phek district to avoid public panic” stated a note issued by the organization through its President Yesonu Veyie.
The CPO reminded that the organization’s leaders have been rendering every possible effort in implementing the decisions taken vis-à-vis factional fights, with underground leaders being approached. The CPO had approached the “national leaders” with their resolution and was encouraged by their assurance of cooperation in striving for peace.
However, the February 11 shootout “by FGN” at Phek town is an act of defiance to the CPO’s resolution, the organization lamented. “Though there has been no report of casualty, peace and tranquility of the public has been disturbed” the CPO lamented and asked all underground cadres to exercise restraint from creating havoc in civilian areas.
Also, with regard to the “arrest” of one ‘Sgt’ Aribo of the NSCN-IM by FGN cadres in Phek on January 29 (and not January 14 as reported), the CPO stated that it had promptly appealed to the FGN leaders not to harm the captured cadre. The matter was monitored by Shevotso, CPO Vice President, and Kupota, Chairman of Phek Town Council, till ‘Sgt’ Aribo was released unharmed on February 8 at Yorba village. He was handed over to his family and tribe leaders in the presence of CPO president, CYF president and CSU president. “We do appreciate the good gesture shown by the FGN authority and their cadres” the CPO stated.
UNC spells out stand By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 13: Besides exuding confidence of getting maximum number of its sponsored candidates getting elected from the 11 Naga dominated Assembly Constituencies, the United naga Council (UNC) has reiterated that the elected independent candidates would not join Government formation.
During a UNC sponsored meeting in January this year all the intending Naga candidates had undertaken a declaration that, even if elected, they would not join any front or merge with any party in the formation of a new Government, reminded UNC president Paul Leo while talking to The Sangai Express.
“this stand underlines that our candidates, if elected, would remain in the Opposition,” Paul said.
On being asked as to how candidates sponsored by the UNC would emerge victorious in the just concluded first phase elections, he said “out of the three nominated by the Council in Senapati district and another three in Ukhrul we are confident that at least four of them will win the election.”
To another query, the UNC chief said, “We don’t want to give wild speculation on our nominees’ prospect of winning in the third phase polls covering Tamenglong and Chandel district ACs.”
Since the third and final phase polling is slated for February 23, it would be too early to spell out speculation, he explained and added that any change might take place during this period. Stating that poll campaign is underway in full swing in the two districts and that the people’s response towards the UNC initiative is overwhelming, Paul also expressed confidence that the Council would pocket a good number of seats from the two districts.
PM arriving on Feb 18 to campaign for Congress The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 13: It is officially confirmed that Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh will be visiting the state to campaign for the Congress party before the three- phase election to the 9th Manipur legislative Assembly concludes. The Prime Minister will be visiting the state on February 18 for a few hours. A highly placed official source said that the state government has received official intimation about the visit from the PMO.

As per the official intimation, the Prime Minister will arrive by a special Indian Airlines flight on February 18. Immediately after landing at Tulihal airport at 9 am, he will be airlifted directly to Tamenglong public ground where he is expected to address a public meeting organised by the Congress party. The source further said the PMO has asked the state government to take up all the necessary security measures for the Prime Minister`s visit to the state. Immediately after addressing the public meeting, the Prime Minister will come back from Tamenglong to Tulihal airport by a chopper and board the same Indian Airlines flight for Guwahati. The source further revealed that the PMO`s intimation has also directed all the SPG personnel who have been stationed in the state since the past few days for the visit of Congress president Sonia Gandhi to stay put till the PM`s visit. It will be worth mentioning that if Manmohan Singh happens to visit the state as planned, he will be the first Prime Minister to campaign for elections in Manipur.
Manipur set for second phase polls Nagaland Post
Imphal, Feb 13 (PTI): About 7.39 lakh voters, including 3.8 lakh women, were expected to cast their vote tomorrow in the second phase of assembly polls in Manipur in 29 assembly constituencies spread over three districts of Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur.
Polling and security personnel would reach their respective polling stations with election materials this evening, officials said.
Polling would begin at 0700 hrs and end at 1530 hrs in all the 863 polling stations. Heavy deployment of Central Para Military Forces will be made in view of the ambush on security personnel by insurgents of Manipur People's Army (MPA) while the latter were returning to Ukhrul District headquarters after the first phase polls on February 8. Altogether 198 polling stations have been placed under hyper-sensitive category and 395 under sensitive category.
Security patrol would also be intensified near polling stations to intercept the movement of insurgents, the officials said. The fate of senior Manipur People's Party (MPP) leader and former chief minister R K Dorendra Singh, MPP president L.Chandramani Singh, former Union Sports minister Th. Chaoba Singh (MPP), Arts and Culture minister Ph. Parijat (CPI), Works minister Govindas Konthoujam (Congress), former Chief Minister Radhabinok Koijam (Nationalist Congress Party) and several other political heavyweights would be decided in the second phase polls. The first phase polls was held on February 8 in 19 assembly constituencies and the third and final phase would be held in 12 assembly segments on February 23. Manipur assembly has 60 seats.
Gunmen kill polling official
Imphal, Feb 13 (PTI): A presiding officer for the second phase of polls to the Manipur assembly was shot in the leg by gunmen who alleged he was distributing money to people on behalf of a Congress candidate, officials said today. The gunmen picked up L Hemochandra (50) yesterday at a place in Imphal West district and asked him why he was distributing money on behalf of Congress candidate Y Erabot in Wangkhei assembly constituency. The gunmen, who claimed they belonged to a particular insurgent group, shot Hemochandra in the leg. He was later taken to a private hospital near here, officials said. Denying the charges levelled against him, Hemochandra told reporters he did not distribute money to people though he is a neighbour of Erabot. The second phase of the polls will be held tomorrow.
Security at 60 hypersensitive polling stations cut down due to shortage The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 13: The state election authorities are facing a shortage of central paramilitary forces and as a result have decided to reduce the strength of security personnel for 60 hypersensitive polling stations to one section instead of its earlier plan to deploy two sections each in all the hypersensitive stations, a well placed official source said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, an adequate number of forces equipped with anti riot equipments like tear gas, smoke bombs, gas guns etc. have been detailed at all strategic points to respond to any outbreak of violent incidents, the source informed. The polling to 29 constituencies covering three valley districts of Imphal west, Imphal east excluding Jiribam A/C and Bishnupur will be held tomorrow. Meanwhile, in the latest development, the DEO office of Imphal east said that there is a change in the location of two polling stations at 15-Wangkhei A/C. The new location of the 15/20 polling station will be at Halley English School while that of 15/26 will be at Citizen Club building, an official source informed. According to the DEO Imphal east, KK Chhetry, the locations have been changed with the approval of the Election Commission of India.

As per the latest categorization of polling stations, 237 polling stations have been placed under hypersensitive category out of 727 while the remaining 590 have been placed under sensitive category. Out of the total 291 polling stations spread over 10 A/Cs in Imphal east, 86 have been identified as hypersensitive while the remaining 205 are under the sensitive category.

Sixty-four polling stations out of 365 in Imphal west have been placed under the hypersensitive stations while the remaining 301 as sensitive stations. For Bishnupur district, out of 171 polling stations 87 are hypersensitive and 84 are sensitive. A source said that earlier there was a plan to detail one section of CPMF in sensitive polling stations while two sections in each of the hypersensitive stations but only one section of CPMF will now be deployed in 27 hypersensitive polling station in Imphal east, 16 in Imphal west and 25 in Bishnupur. The decision was taken considering the shortage of CPMF personnel, the source said.

A total of 119 companies of CRPF are engaged for protecting 863 polling stations apart from three companies each of BSF personnel in each of the three districts where the 29 Assembly constituencies are. The 291 polling stations in Imphal east are spread over 10 Assembly constituencies, 365 in Imphal west cover 13 A/Cs while 171 in Bishnupur district cover six A/Cs.

Central paramilitary forces personnel are deployed at all the polling stations irrespective of sensitivity of the polling stations. Two to three sections of CRPF are deployed in the 177 polling stations which the election authorities categorized as hypersensitive while one to two sections at the remaining 679 sensitive polling stations, the source added. Apart from this, Border Security Force, BSF who are assisting the state police in maintaining law and order started flag marches in the nooks and corners of the three districts as a prior security measures.

The district authority of Imphal east has divided the whole of the district into 10 security zones which will be operated by 40 mobile teams of police personnel including 10 reserved.

Likewise, 39 mobile parties of Imphal west police have been kept on alert at 13 security zones which divide the district for the purpose of poll. A total of 18 mobile teams and 6 striking parties will operate in the entire Bishnupur district on the poll day for maintenance of law and order, officials said. A total of 7,39,658 electors will decide the fate of 155 candidates who are in the fray in 29 Assembly constituencies covering the three valley districts. The polling for the only constituency in Jiribam sub- division will go to the polls during the third phase along with three hill districts on February 23.

No voters turn up to vote at three Mao polling stations during repoll The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 12: Repoll in 11 polling stations in five of the assembly segments for which election was held on February 8 was held today. Though today`s repoll was held by and large successfully without any untoward incident, election officials however are very much concerned about three polling stations in 48-Mao assembly constituency where no voters turned up to cast their votes. Repoll in other polling stations however passed off with a high turn out. Of the 11 polling stations where repoll was held today, two were for two assembly segments in Thoubal district and the remaining were three assembly segments in Senapati district.

Except at three polling stations in 48-Mao assembly constituency where no electorates turned out to cast their votes, the repoll passed off peacefully without any untoward incidents.

Repoll in two polling stations in Thoubal district namely 37/25 Kakching Khullen Makha Leikai High School of 37 Kakching a/c and 38/27 Thounaojam Primary School of 38 Hiyanglam a/c were necessitated due to failure of EVMs on the day of polling. The remaining polling stations in Senapati district where repoll was held today were necessitated on account of disturbances due to clashes amongst supports of rival candidates and instances of proxy voting. High turn out of voters was recorded in both the polling stations in two assembly segments in Thoubal district.
According to latest information received, turn out at the two polling stations in Thoubal namely 37/25 Kakching Khullen polling station was recorded at 91 percent while 92 percent turn out was recorded at 38/27 Thounaojam Primary School.

About 90 percent turn out was recorded at the lone polling station of 47/29 Ngari Khullen under 47-Karong a/c. High turn out of voters was also recorded at three polling stations under 49-Tadubi a/c for which repoll was held for 49/6-Tadubi (A), 49/9 Rajamei and 49/21 New Makhan.

Out of the five polling stations under 48-Mao a/c for which repoll was conducted today, not even a single voter turned out to cast their votes in three polling stations namely 48/15 Sajouba (A), 48/16 Sajouba (B) and 48/17 Sajouba (C). Turn out of voters at two other polling stations in the same constituency namely 48/1 Pudunamei (A), 48/2 Pudunamei (B), for which repoll was also held today, was also low as the first one recorded 45 percent and the second polling station 26.2 percent. Reliable sources said state election authorities have furnished a report to the ECI about non voting in the three polling stations in 48-Mao a/c.

‘Flush out ULFA from AP’ Sentinel
DIBRUGARH: The Union Home Secretary VK Duggal will try to convince Myanmar to crack down on the ULFA cadres who are hiding in camps in its territory during his five-day visit to the country, which starts today. But Myanmar has always denied the existence of the armed outfit’s bases there. However, security analysts here say that the Government should first flush out the insurgents from the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh. “ULFA cadres slip out of the State into the thick jungles in Arunachal Pradesh after carrying out subversive activities here,” said a security official, on the condition of anonymity.
ULFA cadres have been striking with impunity, carrying out blasts and extortion, even in midst of heightened security cover after the intensification of military operation against the banned outfit almost a month back. The armed group has been using mobile phones to their advantage with their over ground workers passing on information about troop movement helping cadres escape the security dragnet. Security forces are now identifying the phone numbers being used by informers and blocking them out. “Its not an easy task,” the security officer said.
The security official further said motivation level of the militants are quite high, and they have regained the lost public support, especially in remote and isolated pockets of the state, mainly in upper Asom. But at the same time, the security forces are getting more intelligence inputs from the public after the January series of killings and bomb blasts carried out by the ULFA militants, he added. Staff Correspondent

Nagalim.NL News

02/14/2007: "Nagas in fresh feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"