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02/20/2007: "NSCN(IM) leaders meeting masses Assam Tribune"
NSCN(IM) leaders meeting masses Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 19 – With fresh parleys between the NSCN-IM and the Centre likely to begin next month, visiting rebel leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu are consulting civil society and church leaders in Nagaland on the contentious issue of creating a “Greater Nagaland”, reports PTI. “Both of them are holding a series of consultations with civil society, political and church leaders and common people on various issues to garner support for our cause for one political territorial entity for Nagas,” senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang told PTI over phone from Nagaland.
Union Minister Oscar Fernadez, who heads the group of Central ministers engaged in parleys with the NSCN-IM, said last month that the peace talks could resume only after the Manipur assembly polls end. According to a home ministry source, the talks are likely to begin in the first week of March as results of the Manipur elections will be announced on February 27.
Refusing to comment on steps the group may take if the talks fail, Chawang said, “the NSCN-IM is hoping that the Centre concedes to our demands as early as possible. But right now, it’s not the time to comment on presumptions.” Another NSCN-IM leader Rh Raising said the group wanted to make its stand clear. “There have been assurances and commitments. The Centre has been buying time but we cannot be taken for granted,” he said, adding the ball is in New Delhi’s court.
“Our leaders have not come all the way to Nagaland for nothing. They are here with a certain purpose,” Raising said. Muivah and Swu came to India in December last year. The NSCN-IM wants the creation of a Greater Nagaland by incorporating Naga-inhabited areas of Asom, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur with Nagaland. The other states have strongly opposed this.
On media reports that the NSCN-IM has been asking Manipuris to “vote out the Congress government” in that state, Raising said it has informed the electorate and now it was for them to act. “We have not issued any diktat. The government is acting as a hurdle to our demand for integration and the people must not support this,” he said. The NSCN-IM has held over 50 rounds of talks with the Centre since it agreed to a ceasefire in 1997.
Raising said the group has no pre-conditions on the venue for the upcoming talks. “It can be held anywhere - New Delhi, Naga areas or abroad. The only thing is that talks must go on.”
NSCN-K puts Cong in a spot - ‘Imkong paid us Rs 5 lakh’ H. CHISHI The Telegraph Kohima, Feb. 19: Nagaland’s worst-kept secret tumbled out today when the NSCN (Khaplang) claimed to have received a “donation” from the Congress, thanked it for being generous and conjectured that the party was courting it with an eye on the elections next year. The Khaplang group’s “ministry of finance” issued a statement conveying its gratitude to the Congress for the Rs 5 lakh received through the leader of the Opposition, I. Imkong Ao. It did not mention any date. Kughalu Mulatonu, the outfit’s chaplee kilonser (finance minister), then made an even more sensational statement. He said the donation might have been made in anticipation of “help” in winning the Assembly elections, slated for early next year.
“The money could be to play the buy-and-win game for the coming elections,” Mulatonu said. He claimed that Imkong was trying to court the Khaplang faction to “consolidate” his position. “The chaplee ministry is grateful to I. Imkong Ao for assisting the Ao region (unit of the outfit) with Rs 5 lakh,” the militant leader added. The leader of the Opposition could not be reached for his comment on the NSCN (K)’s claim. For the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, it is most certainly payback time. Accused by the Congress of being partial towards the NSCN (Isak-Muivah), chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues can be expected to use the NSCN (K)’s statement as political ammunition against the party.
The NSCN (K) had written to legislators from Mokokchung district last year, seeking Rs 1 lakh each. One of the legislators later leaked a copy of the letter to the media. The letter explained that the money collected from the legislators would be used to “reorganise our Ao region”, disbanded after the 2003 public uprising against the outfit. Several leaders from the Ao region defected to the NSCN (I-M) in the wake of the uprising in Mokokchung. Since then, the Khaplang group’s relationship with the Ao community has been tenuous at best.
More recently, the NSCN (K) accused industries and commerce minister Khekiho Zhimomi of pocketing a huge amount of money meant for its coffers. It said the minister embezzled money from the Transport Subsidy and Industry Development Fund. Zhimomi refuted the allegation.
Dr Lotha asks State Congress to clean their eyes first North East Press Service
Kohima, Feb 19 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha has ridiculed the NPCC’s demand to remove him from office for violation of the Election Model Code of Conduct and further asked them to “clean their eyes first before attempting to clear others.” It may be mentioned that the NPCC has in an Open Letter to the Election Commission India demanded for removal of Dr TM Lotha, Minister for Health and family Welfare, from his office for violation of Election Model Code of Conduct. The Congress party charged that the Minister, while attending as a chief guest in one of the Medical department functions at Dimapur on February 16 had violated Election Model Code of Conduct by promising to “create post in a short time.”
In a rejoinder issued here on Monday, the Minister who is also senior BJP leader had rather asked the Congress leaders in Nagaland to see how their Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had promised slew of schemes while campaigning for Congress candidates in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on February 18.
He further asked the Congress leaders in the State to “clean their eyes first before attempting to clean others.” “Otherwise such childish, hasty and blind misinformation will only do more harm to their position,” he warned.
Dr Lotha further surprised how the Congress had misconstrued as violation of the Election Model Code of Conduct about his attending of the normal annual affairs of the Nagaland Branch of the Indian Dental Association and his sharing of the Government’s contemplating to at least give a dentist each to all the district hospitals and also CHCs in the State during such meeting.
“It is a routine affair of the Association and has no connection whatsoever either with the ensuing by-elections in the State,” he said. “In fact, I have never mentioned about the BJP, to which I belong, throughout my speech either nor did I ask to vote for the BJP or for that matter the ruling DAN coalition Government as it had no connection with the by-polls.”
Terming as “uncalled for” the Congress allegation, Dr Lotha said the entire action of the Congress appeared that they would unlikely change their “old tricks of criticizing other parties.” He further cautioned the electorates to be ever guarded as the “Congress will continue to use the same old tricks to criticize the BJP, NPF and the DAN Government as they have no any other agenda for the people as usual.” Such actions of the Congress party also clearly showed that they were “panicky” and fear psychosis had already crept into the “rank and file of the party (Congress) as they had already been rejected by the people and they are going to be rejected in this coming by-elections too,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Lotha refutes Cong allegation The Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 19 (NPN): Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr. TM Lotha today expressed shock at the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee's (NPCC) demand for his removal from office for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct and asked the Congressmen to 'clean their eyes first before attempting to clear others."
The state Congress had demanded the Election Commission India to remove Dr TM Lotha from his office, accusing the minister of violating the code of conduct by assuring creation of more posts in the medical department and upgradation of dental branch, during an annual meeting of the Indian Dental Association, Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB), held recently at Dimapur.
Reacting to NPCC charges, the minister and senior BJP leader in a press release said the function he attended was a routine affair of the Association and had no connection whatsoever with the ensuing by-elections in the state. "In fact, I have never mentioned about the BJP, to which I belong, throughout my speech either nor did I ask to vote for the BJP or for that matter the ruling DAN coalition Government as it had no connection with the by-polls," the minister added.
Hitting back at the Congress, Dr. Lotha said "It will be wise for them to see what their Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh promised a slew of schemes during his election campaign at Tamenglong in Manipur on February 18, 2007." Terming as "uncalled for" the Congress statement, Dr. Lotha said the entire action of the Congress appeared that they were unlikely to change their "old tricks of criticizing other parties." He further cautioned the electorate that the "Congress will continue to use the same old tricks to criticize the BJP, NPF and the DAN Government as they have no any other agenda for the people as usual."
Meanwhile, ridiculing the Congress demand, the State BJP president Ato Yepthomi said the Congress was once again resorting to giving "very immature statements to gain cheap political advantage." Ato said Dr. Lotha had attended the IDANSB function in the capacity of H&FW minister and as chief guest and not as a BJP leader. Maintaining that during the entire programme, the minister had at no point of time talked about party politics or the coming by-elections, Ato also said the venue of the meeting was under Dimapur-III and not Dimapur-I jurisdiction where by-polls was slated. He further said the IDANSB state branch should clarify whether the function was "public or solely departmental."
IDANSB clarifies
The Indian Dental Association, Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) has clarified that its function held on February 16 at Highway 39, Dimapur, and inaugurated by H&FW minister Dr. TM Lotha, was a "purely professional scientific session" organized by the Association to update the members with the latest scientific development of the profession. IDANSB president Dr. Imna Longchar and Hon. Secretary Dr. Alex Kithan in a press release said "Dr. TM Lotha replied to the query of presidential address in connection to our representation submitted to the Government of Nagaland dated 26th Oct 2006, which was an ongoing departmental process, but never an election assurance or commitment as reported."The association also clarified that the function was "purely professional and does not have any political affiliation in any form."
Tension runs high along border Corespondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Feb 19 (NPN): Tension was running high at Anaki village along Assam-Nagaland border since Sunday after a team of Assam Police personnel burnt down a few houses in the village and detained six villagers. The police personnel intruded the village in the morning hours when the villagers were attending church services and took the six villagers in their custody before retreating. However, they returned again at around 4 pm and threatened the villagers with dire consequences before setting fire to the houses.
Sources said the Assam Police team was not accompanied by any border magistrates. The fate of the six villagers detained by the personnel was not known till filling of this report. Nagaland claims that the village falls well within its territory in Mokokchung district. Meanwhile, sources said DC, Mokokchung, had sent a strong protest note to his Sibsagar district counterpart and invited him along with SP, Sibsagar, to Mokokchung for a discussion on the incident on Tuesday.
State Commissioner in-charge of border T N Mannen, who is also the Additional Chief Secretary, has described the incident as "illegal intrusion" and a "unilateral act of aggressive provocation which is intolerable". Mannen warned that the incident could have far-reaching and dangerous repercussion. "This is not the first such incident. In recent times they (Assam) have become aggressive to claim some of the established villages of Nagaland as their land," the Commissioner alleged. He also said the incidents of incursion were motivated and pre-planned to prove allegations before the Local Commission on Border that Nagas were encroaching upon the land of Assam "rampantly".
Mannen alleged Assam had been indulging in such "provocative actions" for quite sometime now and cited the incidents of intrusion at Rengmapani in Wokha district where the Assam government had constructed a water pump project well inside the border of Nagaland and the arrest of eight persons from Yajang village on February 13. The Commissioner regretted that despite strong protests from Nagaland the Assam government continued with such activities. He warned that Nagaland government would not allow such illegal incursions by armed Assam Police personnel in future.
Political parties expecting tough contest ‘Victory’ shouts Congress as BJP set ‘Peace, Development, Weaker Section of the Society’ as their slogan The Morung Express
Congress candidate Aheto V. Yepthomi seeking God’s blessing through the prayer of Rev. Inaho G. Swu, Pastor, Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church on February 19. (MExPiX)
Dimapur, Feb 19 (MExN): Putting forth ‘Victory’ as its slogan, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) is preparing itself for the battle against the state missionaries and ruling DAN Government in the forthcoming March 8 Bye-Election. NPCC, though expecting a tough fight, is optimistic of winning the prestigious Dimapur-I constituency. “The struggle is not going to be easy as it appears” said former Chief Minister of Nagaland KL Chishi and “the forthcoming bye-election is very significant as the fate of the next general election will be decided by this election” he further added. While reminding the party members and workers that there are several factors which will lead their party to victory, Chishi also called upon the party workers to gear up their weapons and to work towards the victory of the party, which other wise will demoralize the party, he added.
Chishi, also, while reminding the party workers that they have to fight against the ‘money power and muscle power’ of other parties urged upon Aheto V Yepthomi, NPCC candidate for Dimapur-I A/C to gear up his resources, man power and determination to fight the battle. He also called upon the party members and workers to cast away all doubts and suspicion because, Chishi added, “we have to fight the battle jointly.”
CLP Leader I Imkong said that it is the time to fight the battle against the forces of the government and that they are not discouraged. He said, ‘victory will be ours despite all the opposition and competition.’
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which took the Congress by surprise to form a coalition government with the NPF in the present DAN coalition, has stepped its activities with confidence to take a shot at winning both the Dimapur-I and 54 Tuensang-II Assembly Constituencies. BJP’s candidate Kevishe Angami, who is also an ardent social worker while expressing his confidence of winning the bye-elections, said that he was not contesting for ‘the rich people but the poor and weaker section of the society.’ His priorities, said Kevishe are, ‘weaker section of the people and their rights.’ He also said that he was contesting because ‘he wants peace to prevail in Dimapur and also see development in city.’
Nagaland BJP Youth President James Vizo also expressed his confidence in Kevishe who has been recommended by the central BJP and has the blessing of Late Hokishe Sema. He said that Kevishe being a resident of Dimapur-I is an added advantage because he understood the problems and will concentrate in the given constituency. James also expressed his belief that Kevishe, once he wins, will work for the welfare of the people and the party. James Vizo further said that Kevishe will follow the foot step of their late leader Hokishe Sema and work for the peace of the state.
The BJP has also appealed the Election Commissioner to look into the matter to conduct a free and fair election, said James Vizo. Further, the BJP has intimated the Election Commissioner to provide maximum paramilitary forces for the March 8 bye-election, said Nagaland State BJP Youth President James Vizo.
Police, BSF ransacks UNC office in Chandel Newmai News Network
Imphal A Maruti gypsy belonging to the Independent candidate from Tengnoupal Marung Mokunga has been completely damaged and the election office of the candidate set up at Kangshang in Chandel has been ransacked by the Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnels, according to the United Naga Council.
UNC chief KS Paul Leo while informing this development to Newmai News Network tonight, rued that the motive of the security forces has been to hamper the movement launched by the UNC.
KS Paul Leo stated that at around 3/4 pm today the personnels of the Manipur police commandos and the BSF were loitering around the Pallel and the adjoining areas and then went to Kangshang which is some 2 km away from Pallel and ransacked the office of Marung Mokunga who is the UNC’s consensus candidate.The UNC leader also alleged that files and election posters have been torn and the vehicle of the candidate has been completely damaged. According to the UNC president, the Maruti gypsy with registration number bearing AR-O-1/4662 of which the permit issued on February 10, 2007 bearing number 001.
The UNC president further lamented that the UNC team is now campaigning in the Chandel district and now it has been noticed that the state agencies are all out to intimidate and threaten the innocent villagers to go against the UNC. The Naga body urged the Returning Officer/Deputy Commissioner of Chandel to take up the matter in the earliest time possible with regard to the incident and award appropriate action against the Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnels involved in carrying out unlawful activities.
Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland expresses gratitude The Morung Express In Focus
Sir – The Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland (THN) express its heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Govt. of Nagaland and its machineries, the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), the District Administration and the Police, Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Women Hoho, all Zonal Hohos, NGOs, Naga Council Dimapur, the Dimapur Munipal Council (DMC), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and its constituent Units, Dimapur District GBs Union, all School Authorities of Dimapur, the Security personnel of the State and the Central govt., Churches, Village Councils, Civil societies, well-wishers and the general public of Dimapur in extending all possible means and resources, prayer and moral support to the southern Naga students in the just concluded HSLC Examination-2007.
The Hoho further expresses that the bond of oneness and solidarity of the Nagas got itself distinguished, which shall undoubtedly remain ever qualified in the annals of Naga history.Joseph Shingnaisui President, THN
I-K’s misadventure for unity- Nagaland Post opinion
The I-K group once again failed in their mission to rope the NSCN leadership In fact, the use of Mr. Tongmeth, former Home Kilonser of NSCN, but who defected to I-K group, as messenger proud to be one of the main factors for failure of their mission because many of the K.U. leaders do not want to see the letter written by Mr. Tongmeth. The moment Tong-meth's letter reached K.U. office, there was dissent whisper and murmurs among the K.U. leaders who felt that he (Tongmeth) cheated and humiliated the Konyak People by defecting to I-K group.
Some of them even said that Mr. Tongmeth, who once said that he did not want to beat the soundless drum and play with stringless guitar of S.S. Khaplang and N. Khovi Zhimomi failed to play with sounding drum and stringful guitar of Isak Swu and Th. Muivah, is once again trying to beat the soundless drum which is not only funny, but also shameful.
Moreover, the assassination of many leaders both NSCN and NNC unarmed Kilonsers and particularly, the assassination of Late. Ngampam Kilonser through their pro-Islamic Holy War of 18/05/05, V.S Atem - Lt. Gen. Nanavatty Military pact of 1998 aimed at wiping out the NSCN, rejection of NSCN cease-fire offer between 1993-2004, their stage managed Grace Collin report, Isak's declaration that unification is not a must for solution, Rio's announcement of Solution within a year including his direct sponsoring of I-K group proved to be the main factors for the NSCN's rejection of their (I-K group) offer for reconciliation. The pro-Islamic plan of massacring the Naga leaders under the cloud of reconciliation is also a matter of serious concern.
The NSCN wants to know in what chapter of Naga Yehzabo empowered the I-K group to declare Holy war to murder the Naga leaders. What more else of enmity could there be to the Nagas than V.S. Atem-Gen- Nanavaty Military pact against Naga Nationalist? What kind of Peace and reconciliation is required now after the rejection of the same for the last eleven years? When Isak and Th. Muivah on 2000-2003 declared that Unification is not a must for solution, why is it necessary now? Rio's declaration of Solution within a year on 2004-2005 should not go in vain.
When I-K's talk and peace process is in the right direction for Rio and Naga NGOs, why should they (I-K) be pulled down to the wrong direction now? Mr. Keviletuo's 80% achievement must be placed before the Nagas and the NSCN will search until he (Keviletuo's) place it for deliberation and examination. Therefore, the NSCN only wants that, I-K group must have their solution and end up their terrorism in Nagaland to let the NSCN carry out the Sovereignty movement until it is achieved. However, before their exit, the I-K group should bring back the lives of the greatest Naga leaders murdered by them. Almost more than ten unarmed Naga Kilonsers of NSCN and NNC have been murdered by the I-K group. Unless the lives of those murdered Kilonsers and Generals are given back to the Nagas, there can be no excuse.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser - Home, GPRN/NSCN (K).
Counter Rejoinder- Nagaland Post Opinion
I am to react to a rejoinder issued by R. Paphino, Press Secretary, NPF which appeared in local dailies on 7.2.07 & 8.2.07 respectively to my statement published recently. I did say that 'there had been more bloodshed during the last four years than the past under Jamir's Congress Ministry' which was carried in both Nagaland Page and Nagaland Post. Yet I did not specify the 10 years rule of Congress and quoting it as such is a misnomer. NPF need not necessarily panic nor should the party be surprised to get such criticism from concerned citizens since the situation that developed under the present Govt. definitely warrants it. The comparative casualty figures given as 'official' is misleading because R. Paphino represents his party and not Govt., and only when those figures are vouched by Govt., it becomes official.
Although we belong to different political parties I never have ill-feeling against my young friend R. Paphino. I am not going to lose anything if he prospers in politics, wealth or otherwise nor will I gain anything should he face any misfortune. The language my young friend uses such as 'a desperate politician who does not have a political standing….', '…gratify their leaders…','…to restore his battered position in the Congress party', etc lack maturity and just with the sheer intent of tarnishing my humble image. At best Paphino would have been satisfied with the figures he enumerated to justify his point and not being too much subjective and personal. Such barbs are irrelevant too in the context of Naga society being in total chaos today. Rather, the concern of the leaders is how do we collectively normalize the situation at this juncture, is important but not how bad or good is the position of any individual politician. Yet, I am hardly bothered because sooner or later time will prove him either right or wrong and I am ready to face whatever comes my way. Moreover, one thing I am definite, is my young friend Paphino will not possibly decide my fate but the Almighty God. Also, those undermining languages do not disqualify me from voicing my humble concerns in the greater interest of the people of Nagaland nor am I being intimidated by such deprecated glib.
However, this is exactly the culture of NPF in handling the situations always mostly on emotional hysteria. As NPF is allergic to even constructive criticisms it should be equally sensitive to the welfare of the people, and the deeds are supposed to commensurate the degree of defensive statements. Whatever said and done, as we all claim to stand for the public welfare, once again, I continue to draw the attention of the Govt to the following concerns which we can rightly call the few 'factual state of conditions' which are directly or indirectly affecting the general public in Nagaland today are:
a) Total lawlessness under which the factions are rampantly clashing with each other in civil populated areas without any restriction from State Govt. When such confrontations are on, the concerned field officers are kept at receiving end because of the lack of directives from the Govt. Under the circumstances, so many of our capable officers are forced to face the wrath of the public and even lose the confidence of the public since they are incapacitated due to sheer lack of direction. In the midst of confusions everywhere the security of the citizens is left to private individuals resulting to further deterioration of the situation.
b) The price hike of essential commodities since 2004 remains unchecked. To provide essential commodities at reasonable cost should have been on any sensible Govt's priority even at the cost of other populism programs. Yet, the Govt. allows the prices of the basic facilities which are indispensable for the rich and poor alike to skyrocket in Nagaland. The poorer section of our people are the worst victim. The glaring example is that the cost of living in Imphal is cheaper than in Kohima Town.
c) More division has come in the underground set up during this period and the existing divisions have become sharper by this time eventually affecting the age old tribal unity of the Nagas. The trend is going to have far fetching impact on Naga unity.
d) The truth, when exposed, is irritating, yet the result of the policy of equi-closeness is found to be detrimental to the interest of the Nagas be it economy, political or social. Z. Lohe, Ex-Speaker.
Hundreds rally for free and fair polls at Cdl By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 19: Protesting what they termed as ‘double standard’ in the mode of selection of its ‘consensus candidates’ by the United Naga Council (UNC), hundreds of womenfolk staged a peace rally at Chandel district headquarters today.
The womenfolk were demanding free and fair conduct of the polls during the third phase election to the two Assembly segments of the district on February 23.
Chandel district will go to the polls along with Tamenglong and Chura-chandpur districts and Jiribam sub-divisions during the third and final phase of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election on February 23.
Leaders of Anal Sinnu Ruwi (Anal Women’s Association), who organised the rally said UNC had on January 19 declared L Benjamin as its consensus independent candidate and subsequently people started campaigning for him. But the UNC had on January 29 rejected Benjamin’s candidature and recommended Francis Huten as its chosen candidate, thereby creating confusion among the people, they said.
‘Now the people are strongly against the double standard stand of the UNC and the protest rally is being taken out to ring out this message to UNC’, they explained, while informing that some people at the instigation of UNC have been issuing threats to the people.
They also appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and allow every voters in the two ACs of Chandel disttrict to exercise their democratic rights in accordance to their choice.
“ Now we want a free and fair conduct of the polls without any threat or intimidation from any quarters and that the people should decide themselves to choo-se their best candidate’’, said RD Samery, president of the Association.
While KL Khunghlung Anal, 68, a supporter of Benjamin, reacted that other candidates should respect their rivals and that they should not use any kind of muscle powers against the voters, TS Shangmani, 54 expressed her feelings to allow all electorates to enjoy their democratic rights without any restrictions from any organizations. Placards reading “ Stop suppressing our right to vote”, “ Where is our liberty of choice”, “ Give us chance to select our leader”, “ My vote, my rights”, “Stop imposing against our rights”, etc were held by the rallyists during the peace rally which began from Chandel Christian village and marched towards the district head- quarters road to submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner/ Returning Officer in this connection. The memorandum demand-ed free and fair conduct of the polls and take all out po-ssible measures to safegua- rd the people while exercising their democratic rights.
3rd phase polling Violence rocks Cdl, CCpur UNC accuses Security Forces Sangai Express
A Maruti Gypsy belonging to Independent candidate from Tengnoupal AC, Marung Mokunga has been completely damaged and the election office of the candidate set up at Kangshang in Chandel was ransacked by Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnel, according to the United Naga Council, reports NNN.
UNC chief KS Paul Leo while informing this development to Newmai News Network tonight, rued that the motive of the security forces was to hamper the movement launched by the UNC. Leo stated that at around 3/4 pm today personnel of Manipur police commandos and the BSF were loitering around Pallel and the adjoining areas and then went to Kangshang which is some 2 km away from Pallel and ransacked the office of Marung Mokunga who is the UNC’s consensus candidate. The UNC leader also alleged that files and election posters weretorn to shreds and the vehicle of the candidate has been completely damaged.
According to the UNC president, the Maruti gypsy with registration number bearing AR-O-1/4662 of which the permit issued on February 10, 2007 bearing number 001.
The UNC president further lamented that the UNC team is now campaigning in the Chandel district and now it has been noticed that the state agencies are all out to intimidate and threaten the innocent villagers to go against the UNC. The Naga body urged the Returning Officer/Deputy Commissioner of Chandel to take up the matter at the earliest time possible with regard to the incident and award appropriate action against the Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnel involved in carrying out unlawful activities.
PM calls for dev of NE Region The Morung Express
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,left, sports a traditional Assamese hat,that was presented to him as Assam state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi holds an Assamese Sarai at the launch of ‘Backward Regions Grant Fund’ at Mandia, 90 Kilometers west of Guwahati, Monday, February 19. (AP Photo)
GUWAHATI, FEB 19 (NET): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is committed to remove the regional imbalances persisting in the country and upgrade the poor infrastructure of the neglected regions.
Calling for the removal of the regional imbalances in the neglected region while launching the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) today, Dr Singh said, “While India has progressed rapidly on many fronts, a large segment of our population is still relatively untouched by its benefits. This is particularly true of those living in some regions which have not been able to keep pace with other advanced regions.”
Emphasising on the commitment of his government’s effort to focus common people’s welfare, he added, “The backwardness of these regions is a result of many factors but this is so mainly because of their poor infrastructure such as roads, communications, irrigation, schools and healthcare facilities.”
Terming the launch of the BRGF as a major initiative of the Central Government, which is envisaged to bridge the regional disparities, he elaborated the two unique features of the fund.
Firstly, it will be implemented totally through Panchayati Raj institutions, and secondly, it will be implemented through district plans, which are prepared at the grassroots, he said.
Speaking on the Gram Swaraj, Dr. Singh said that the country seeks to realize the vision of Mahatma Gandhi for self-reliance through Gram Swaraj and that the government is putting tireless efforts to restore Panchayati Raj to the centre of the planning process.
He also informed that there is a parallel investment in building local community capacities by promoting the training of “barefoot engineers”, “community- level agricultural extension workers” and local l specialists who can be of direct utility in each Panchayat.
He went on to say that backward regions of the country can only develop when their genuine needs are assessed by the people residing in those areas, prioritised and plans prepared by them together with the assistance of professional experts.
Expressing confidence that if the granted funds are utilised efficiently, the Prime Minister said, “The people residing in this regions will be able to participate in and benefit from the rapid growth processes going on in the rest of the country.”
The BGRF, which has been allotted Rs. 3, 750 crores, will cater to 250 Districts apart from the additional Rs. 15 crores for every Districts of the region.
Speaking about social and infrastructural development of the Assam, the state from which Dr. Singh is elected to Rajya Sabha, he said, “Assam is my state in many respects. As your representative in Parliament, it has been my endeavour to pay special attention to your problems. Over the last three years, we have been making all efforts to improve the economic conditions of the people of Assam.”
“For the first time in many years, a massive thermal power project is underway in Bongaigaon. A huge expansion of coal mines is going on in Ledo in Tinsukia. Special road programmes have been sanctioned for Assam and the North East,” added the Prime Minister.
Singh also applauded Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, by saying that the latter is providing excellent leadership with a large number of forward looking policies and programmes which will take this state to the top of the national development league. Prime Minister also informed that the Central Government is providing support and a large amount of funds for education, healthcare, rural roads, irrigation, rural electrification and drinking water. I believe that the state is on the right path. “With the BRGF we have fulfilled the prime responsibility of local development of those who are vitally affected by underdevelopment of the region,” said Dr. Singh. Stating BRGF as a pilot project in the direction of the development of the underdeveloped regions, he said, “I have no doubt in my mind that the Backward Regions Grant Fund will be a tremendous learning experience for all deeply committed to bringing prosperity to every Indian. “In Assam, the districts which come under the BRGF are Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Goalpara, Hailakhandi, Marigaon, Dhemaji, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, North Cachar Hills and North Lakhimpur.
Prime Minister launches mega development project in Assam By IANS
Barpeta (Assam), Feb 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday launched a Rs.50 billion ($1 billion) project - the Mahatma Gandhi Backward Regions Development Fund (MGBRDF) - aimed at removing regional imbalances and making the rural poor self-reliant.
'The scheme will cover 11 districts in Assam and is meant to make the people self-reliant,' the prime minister told a public rally in western Assam's Barpeta district.
The scheme is aimed at improving infrastructure and speeding up other development works in backward areas currently not covered by existing budgetary allocations.
The funds allotted under the scheme will go to the state consolidated fund, with every district getting at least Rs.100 million. Across India, the new development fund will cover 250 districts - a little less than half the total number of 604 districts in the country. The scheme will include all districts where the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme is being implemented, besides facilitating participatory planning, decision-making and implementation and monitoring.
Poll violence unabated in Manipur Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, FEB 19: Threats and assault to political party workers and supporters by gunmen continue even as the election fever for the final and third-phase polls in the Manipur legislative Assembly heightened. Alongside the threats, public also staged rallies calling for a free and fair election and following two rallies in Tamenglong district, another rally was carried out Monday in Chandel. And amid confusion over the fate of the kidnapped independent candidate Khangthuanang Panmei from Tamenglong, armed persons attempted to kidnap BJP candidate Ngamkholun in Saikot constituency of Churachandpur district. However, the Ngamkholun managed to escape and has reportedly gone into hiding, an official source said.
As many as eleven workers of the candidate were severely wounded as the miscreants assaulted and ransacked the house of Ngamkholun at Gangpizang on the night of February 17, sources said. The incident occurred when the state BJP vice-president Shantikumar along with some leaders of the party from New Delhi were staying at the house of the candidate for the election campaign.
"Miscreants armed with AK rifles in two gypsy vehicles intruded into the house of the candidate where we were staying and stated assaulting the workers and supporters at the candidate. They asked and search for the candidate who had left home as the fracas began," Shantikumar said.
Meanwhile, an army spokesperson said the 57 Mountain Division used its office in securing the release of Khangthuanang, an independent candidate from Tamenglong who was kidnapped by the NSCN (I-M) on February 17. The PRO, defense wing, said the candidate was released unharmed Sunday night at 7 p.m last and handed over to an NGO based at Tamenglong. But contrary to army claims, official reports from Tamenglong said the candidate did not arrive home till Monday. Meanwhile, in Chandel district headquarters, people in hundreds Monday took to the streets registering their voice against interference on the right to exercise franchise freely and fearlessly.
Manipur - would you be in safe hands By S Kunjabihari Singh Article Sangai Express
2007 has noticed, more then ever before, conglomeration of a large chunk of political forces - some stalwarts and quite a few political heavy weights with some minors and refuses from this party or that; in their desperate bid for a foothold in the run up to the 9th general elections. In their last minute attempt to get through some of the major national and even regional parties, they had accomplished every conceivable somersault, connived various methodologies in their sleeves, all the time reminding the masses that politics is the last refuge of the scoundrel and therefore had nothing to shy upon in catching hold of whatever means for survival, however lowly it may be.
Though a few, quite a few, indeed succeeded in securing access into, understandably, the much sought-after front, the ruling national party-the INC, many who were shown the door, unceremoniously, in the last moment, had to scour desperately for a tooth-hold in some party or, more appropriately, a sub-party as one can brand them. One such regional party, the MPP, had finally benefited by providing the much-awaited refuge to this tertiary group into its fold. The major players in the fray are, INC, BJP, MSCP, NCP, RJD, BSP, NNP, MPP, CPI, CPI (M) plus a number of Independents.
Politicians are endowed with the best of tongue with enormous lung power and the stalwarts of the party lost no time in welcoming these panic-stricken, so-called, social workers into its fold with such sugar-coated welcome notes like - a home coming in the long run and ultimate rendezvous after a while in wilderness, or reaching solace in the political yatra and the like. They are masters in attributing any added qualifications to whomsoever they choose, mostly guided by their convenience and suitability, rather then reason and principle.
Popular support for one particular party or person is complicated in nature, content and disposition. A voter may be easily swayed from one party to another, more so in the rural areas where the people are not well informed, educated or worst still, take little interest in the profile of the candidates, let alone, the issues rolled up by the parties. These categories are, more often then not, indifferent to the political campaigns and easily yield to well-orchestrated political gimmicks or constant pleads from close associates or through the oft-used, avenues of bribery. Such phenomena exist in rural, why only rural - are rampant in suburban areas as well.
In the urban set up, at least in the more educated and informed town areas, pressures serve a secondary approach, and voters are more or less immune to pulls; which situation is true even among the few four or five members that constitute a family. They go by their conscience governed by their experience in the past, the expected commitment and inherent capability of the candidates and the ideology of the political party concerned.
In the hill areas, however, the situation is peculiarly different. Group or community concerns sponsored by a few influential leaders or village chiefs often decide the candidate or the party to choose from. They are more organised, and have a strong community sense of belongingness to a common cause and more often then not, the collective decision is often the last word.
Perhaps the institution of Church services instils this rare quality of reconciling to a common undisputed wisdom of submission to a particular dictum. And there they go en-mass, in full steam in majority of the cases. This situation is what is obtaining today in at least four out of five hill districts namely Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong where the United Naga Council in connivance with the NSCN (IM), blew hot and cold with a dictum to cast votes to 11 UNC- backed independent candidates, openly sponsored in meetings held in Senapati district.
According to the Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of these independent candidates will reinforce building up of a pressure group as part of the Opposition in the next Assembly in Manipur.
Paul Leo, president of Naga Hoho, exuding full confidence in the election of these sponsored candidates asserts that they would not join the Government. Their concern was to put up candidates who on being elected, would work for the common cause of greater Nagalim, by integrating all-Naga inhabited areas in the north east encompassing parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and more specifically Manipur.
In their patriotism for the cause of an independent Nagalim, they were scornful of other candidates under the banner of other parties, and thought it wise to intimidate such candidates not officially put up by the UNC to withdraw. To ensure return of these consensus candidates in the Naga-stronghold districts, the United Naga Democratic Front has hands in glove with the all-powerful UNC. Their command was clear and loud to the extent of causing concerns among informed persons if the approach adopted by the UNC does not attract election code of conduct for a free and fair poll. And mind you, the hills constitute 900 polling stations out of a total of 2053 stations. As it is, this is no ordinary election in the State. Even the Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio weighs full stakes on UNC and reportedly observed - this is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision, which is good for us too.
The premises on which the fronts solicit votes understandably are the ones that attempt to woo popular support and sympathy of the masses. They prefer, however inconvenient, to ride the waves generated by current issues. Catchy slogans spurted out by majority of the candidates often centre on mud-slinging via personal references often tantamount to finding faults with others rather then what he or she would individually and collectively endeavour to achieve on being elected.
Almost all the political parties play the non-development cards close to their chest, rather then the development issues that confront the society. This strategy is apparent on the face of the fact that non-development issues can be made as ambiguous as possible depending on the suitability or otherwise of the person or the party and thus can be safely played whereas for development matters, one has to be location and time-specific and such other considerations and would therefore cause a backlash in the likely event of a miscarriage.
Issues like generation of employment or for that matter eradicating poverty, or industrialisation, quality education, or improving availability of power etc take the back-stage. In the State, presently hot topics like safeguarding the territorial integrity, repeal of the dreaded Army Act (AFSPA), prohibition etc are given much weightage in the valley whereas in the hills the single most popular issue of all-time importance is integrating all Naga-inhabited areas into a unified Nagalim. Poll are no longer immune to HIV/AIDS and it has finally shared space in poll manifestos along with the more discussed topics like insurgency, territorial integrity, AFSPA etc.
The MPP a strong contender for forming the Government, despite the fact that it had to lick wounds with two lone representatives in the last Assembly, kick-started its campaign largely riding the anti-AFSPA wave in valley already surcharged with emotional outbursts on the fall-out of Sharmila Chanu's six-year old fast unto death demanding repeal of the so-known draconian Army Act. Once returned to power, the MPP declared-the AFSPA would be repealed from the State. — to be contd
Kukis in Manipur ‘appreciate’ Army operations Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 19 – The Kukis have started to “appreciate” the activities of the Indian Army in connection with driving out the underground activists from their villages.
An open letter has also been sent to Dr Shivinder Singh Sidhu, Manipur Governor in this regard. “The Kuki people appreciate the help of Indian army in clearing the underground personnel from the Kuki villages in Manipur and Chandel district in particular. This office received applications from the Kuki Chiefs Association and understands the seriousness of their sufferings”, says the letter which was signed by Dr T Lunkim, chairman of Kuki Movement for Human Rights.
Claiming that the villagers are kept in grouping centres, as good as concentration camps, it said all their food provisions have been looted. What has been brought about by the army operation is that all the villagers, thousands in number, have been prevented from their jhum cultivation for one full year. Eco-Crafts Bazar: The Eco-Crafts Bazar - 2007, a ten-day-long exhibition showcasing products of talented local artisans and craftspersons began on Thursday at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal. Creations Society for Handicrafts and Goodwill, under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is organising the exhibition-cum-sale of the State products.
Abducted Tml candidate `retires` from elections after release Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 19: The abducted independent candidate from Tamenglong Assembly constituency Khangthuanang Panmei has "politically retired" from his candidature and has apologised to the NSCN(IM) for his "unlawful activities". Disclosing this information in a communique issued to Newmai News Network by the `home ministry secretariat` of the NSCN(IM) has said that Khangthuanang Panmei has tendered his apology before the kilo-kilonser (home minister) of the outfit that the candidate himself be held responsible "directly for the unlawful activities" of his workers by vandalising the official vehicle of the president of the Zeliangrong Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZU-AMN) on February 8 at Tamenglong Hqs.
Khangthuanang Panmei also admitted to have attacked the election office of one candidate at Tamenglong, according to the NSCN(IM), adding, the candidate in question is in the fray from Tamei A/C. The communique further said that Khangthuanang Panmei confessed that he was responsible for the "subsequent overpowering and the physical assault with attempt of life upon one honourable kilonser, secretaries of GPRN and the CAO of the Zeliangrong Region of the outfit on different dates and places at Tamenglong".
It also stated that the independent candidate from Tamenglong A/C had admitted "for the direct insult and uttered the word of open challenge to the Naga nation during the election campaign whereby inciting his workers to attack and finish off the national workers (cadres of NSCN(IM) wherever and whenever they come across and also by lending support to the anti-UNC policies of the so called peace rally". "Having realised my foolishness and brutishness, I finally declare to retire from my candidature outright. I therefore deeply regret and solemnly apologise before God and our sacred Naga nation and earnestly pray to pardon me for such unlawful and unbecoming acts and henceforth and hereby append my signature with my own volition in sound mind and body on this 18th Feb, 2007 before A Puni, the honourable kilo kilonser (home minister), GPRN in absolute agreement for any penalty for the failure on my part to honour my apology as stated above," said the apology note of Khangthuanang as per communique issued by the NSCN(IM).
It is worth noting that Khangthuanang Panmei was abducted by NSCN(IM) cadres in the wee hours of February 17 from his residence in Tamenglong Hqs.
Chandel public rally for fair polls The Imphal Free Press
imphal, feb 19: A silent rally was taken out today at Chandel district headquarters demanding restoration of peaceful atmosphere to guarantee free and fair elections in the district. Some 350 members of the public, including women, children, students and social activists participated in the rally which started around 11 am this morning from the playground of the Chandel Christian village. The rally culminated at the office of the DC Chandel after passing through Japhou bazar and the rallyists later submitted a memorandum to the DC, Chandel urging to maintain conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections. Placards bearing such messages as, `my vote, my right`, `where is our liberty of choice?`, `stop suppressing our right to vote`, `respect the voice and rights of general public`, `voice of public is the voice of God` etc. were carried by the rallyists.
Speaking to mediapersons, participants in the rally said they were demonstrating against double standards of the United Naga Council in connection with the elections, particularly in respect of 41-Chandel A/C. `The UNC is confused, and shifting of its decisionis misleading the public,` the participants said. They condemned the UNC for disrespecting the voice of the Chandel people and deliberately strangulating them from expressing their democratic rights.
The rallyists however made it clear that their democratic step has been taken to strengthen the Indo-Naga peace process and to realise the aspirations for integration of Naga homeland.
They said they reposed faith in L Benjamin, independent candidate for 41-Chandel A/C, and condemned the threats, seizure of money and mobile phones from workers of L Benjamin, on February 13 under alleged instigation by the UNC. They appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and allow voters to exercise democratic rights according to their choice.
They also declared that the unc sponsored candidate would be held responsible for any untoward incident happening to the workers of L Benjamin or the candidate himself. Meanwhile, in view of tension over reported restrictions imposed upon candidates of 41-Chandel A/C other than UNC supported candidate Francis Huten, security measures at the Chandel HQ have been beefed up, according to official sources.
