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02/24/2007: "NSCN-IM responds to tirade The Morung Express"

NSCN-IM responds to tirade The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 23 (MExN): Deploring that NSCN-K CMSB member Kughalo Mulatonu could conceive the idea that NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and Vice Chairman K Yanthan would join the rival faction, PS to Swu, TG Jimo has asserted points in regard to the Naga political talks. Criticizing the CMSB member’s tirade as appeared in a section of the local media on February 20 last, the release stated that the political talks between the government and the NSCN-IM is unconditional and held at the highest level i.e., at the Prime Minister level. The two separate entities recognize each other’s history and rights. However, Mulatonu had agreed in the ceasefire agreement to “’protect and safeguard the law of the land i.e., India unconditionally’”. This is not at all a political dialogue, let alone the issue of sovereignty, stated the NSCN-IM and wondered if the NSCN-K leader is aware of the matter that any issue tackled by the Indian Home Ministry is nothing but law and order problem. It charged him of sneaking into Jorhat “guarded by Assam Rifles and then taken to Delhi by Indian Army helicopter to brief the Home Ministry officials on the prevailing law and order issues and get more intelligence inputs against the people”. Nagas’ sovereignty is not in Assam and cannot be had in collaboration with Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), the NSCN-IM stated querying if accepting arms and ammunitions or logistic support from India is the NSCN-K’s idea of sovereignty. Also, the release also maintained that the Government of India-NSCN (IM) talks are being held in third country under the glare of “world media” and the world recognizes the right and history of the Nagas. “…come to think of it we struggle for all Nagas including your family” it stated even while advising to “call up UNO or GOI or any organization and ask them if Nagas are terrorists, trust me, you will go red in the face”.
The NSCN-IM also took note of the NSCN-K serving a ‘Quit Notice’ to a particular community and termed it as a blatant violation of “the deeply ingrained age-old harmony among the Naga family”. Asking where Mulatonu derived the authority to claim or disown a part of Naga territory or a community, the NSCN-IM strongly held forth that “if you insist that the Tangkhul brothers are not Nagas, I must also have the right to say that you are not a Sumi”. Cautioning that preaching nationalism bereft of moral, ethical values and integrity would later be “heaped twofold upon you”, the NSCN-IM held opinion that receiving all possible help from the Indian agencies has inflated your ego to such an extent that it has made you a rogue and not a leader”. “Perhaps your spirit of nationalism burns brightly in some Assam Rifle camp. I urge you to do away with that wanton boy attitude and be sober and rational with the Nagas because the institution of the Nagas is much dearer than you or me. If this piece hurt your sentiment in any manner, then you’d probably realize how merciless you’ve been with your pen over the years” the statement added.
Uprising against atrocities caused NSCN split The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has clarified on what it termed as “the unfortunate split of NSCN way back in 1988”. “Hitherto, meticulously designed propagandas and fabricated documentaries of events and circumstances preceding the split and resultant blood letting has been systematically instilled particularly over Western Nagas in order to whitewash their crimes”, stated Brig. Niki Sumi Commander OBL. Stating that truth has been buried for long and justice evaded, Brig. Niki pointed out that criminals were still at large and their atrocious tentacles entrenched deeper in their new conquered kingdom (Nagaland) in the form of NSCN-IM.
While terming the Naga struggle as not only political but also the struggle of suffering humanity and that humane ideals is therefore inalienable in the quest for freedom, the Brig lamented on the “extremist ideology and misinterpreted communism” imported to Naga country. The NSCN (K) stated that this “arrogant despotic diktats were forcibly imposed on the democratic and freedom loving Nagas”.
Recalling that the Eastern Nagas who were illiterate and ignorant of the outside world those days but undoubtedly patriotic and innocent “were inhumanly exploited to the extent of murder at will”. “For instance the then Sgt. Jacob Tangkhul hacked to death one local porter merely because the porter failed to keep pace due to overloaded baggage”, it alleged and mentioned that Tangkhul workers treated Eastern Nagas as slaves and were subjected to unthinkable forms of humiliation stating that primates can be tamed only through violence and enslavement. “On the pretext of spreading Christianity and Education, these Tangkhuls who were comparatively far advanced exacted extreme hardships and humiliation upon the Eastern Nagas”, the NSCN (K) Brig stated.
Pointing out that all these acts of savagery failed to dampen the spirit of Eastern Naga brothers, the NSCN (K) stated that “finally they rose in public revolt against Tangkhul’s atrocities. Further it was alleged that Muivah and his Tangkhul coterie apprehending end of their survival in the East began plotting surrender to Indian Government by creating autonomous Wung Tangkhul State within India. “This plot was exposed and Muivah was summoned to give explanation to the Council but he failed to convince the councilors”.
While stating that trouble was brewing, tension and suspicions were running high, “but internal politics was not the main subject that led to split”, the NSCN (K) clarified. Describing the aftermath, Brig Niki stated that the outburst of violent public anger resulted in the unfortunate loss of several Tangkhul lives. “NSCN members were alleged of having carried out discriminate killings against Tangkhuls, on the contrary hundreds of Tangkhul workers were given shelter and escorted safely to Nagaland from the hands of irate public by NSCN, except few cases of execution of proclaimed traitors”, the statement maintained. The NSCN (K) informed that there were several dozen Tangkhuls including women in the same command during the time of incident, “surviving witness in the person of Maj. Tokiho’s wife (a Tangkhul lady) can relate as to the extent of decent and protective treatment accorded to those Tangkhuls in the custody of NSCN”. Brig Niki also recalled what he described as an “eventful night” at Taka near Chindwin River on March 1987. “Around midnight- NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu called me and N. Kitovi Zhimomi the then SO and presently our Ato Kilonser to his bedroom and told us that Tangkhul brothers are plotting violent secession , therefore don’t loose even a single Sema sons until I return from foreign trip (Ten Days Commandment). Since then Isak Chishi Swu didn’t rejoin and we are still awaiting him patiently and expectantly with Sema sons as in compliance of his advice. But how many Naga’s sons of soils including Semas have perished and exterminated by your co-worker Muivah while you are still on your foreign trip? would you ever rejoin us with those lost sons, Is thousands of Naga lives still not enough to recover self-invited death of several Tangkhuls in 1988?” Brig Niki stated. Further the questions raised to Swu were: “How many more Naga lives would you allow to be wasted in Tangkhuls vengeful backlash? Are you still being misled and forced to lead Tangkhul movement as you were way back in 1988?”
“Generation will come and generation will go and so the bloody carnage left behind your every footsteps shall pass on to succeeding generations in bleak testimony of the dark age in the history of Naga struggle endowed by your strayed leadership”, Brig Niki stated. In conclusion, it was stated that “henceforth, the 1988 uprising of Eastern Naga people against Tangkhul’s atrocities should never be attributed to NSCN and the reign of terror over the Nagas in a similar fashion as perpetrated upon the Eastern Nagas should not be recreated and repeated in Nagaland”.
Nagaland Governor to work for education, transport The Morung Express
New Delhi, Feb 23 (AGENCIES): Newly appointed Governor K Sankaranarayanan wants Nagaland to be developed by establishing professional institutions and improving road, rail and air connectivity to allow the Naga people to showcase their diverse talents. “There are no medical and engineering colleges in the state. It is surprising. I want to contribute as much as I can to change the face of Nagaland,” he told here. “There is no railway connectivity from the state to any part of North India. The state has only seven kilometers of railway tracks. We will have to improve this,” he said. Sankaranarayanan, who met President A P J Abdul Kalam, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Antony in the capital, said education and connectivity were key to the development of Nagaland.
He also met Home Minister Shivraj Patil yesterday and discussed various issues related to the state’s development and security situation. “It is highly essential to establish a medical college, an engineering college and a nursing college in the state without any delay. I have taken up the matter with Central ministers and they extended total support for it,” he said. “I will urge the centre to give priority to education as job-oriented courses are a must for the state,” he said.
Sankaranarayanan, who was sworn in as Governor on February 3, said he would also work to ensure better connectivity to all corners of Nagaland. Sankaranarayanan, the first politician to be appointed as Nagaland’s Governor in the past two decades, said the centre has decided to invest Rs 50,000 crore for the development of surface transport infrastructure in the northeast in the 11th plan period. “This will change the face of road connectivity in the region,” he said.
Sankaranarayanan said he would also meet Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to discuss the establishment of an airport in Nagaland. Asked about his meeting with Kalam, he said the President emphasized the need for developmental activities in Nagaland and agreed to visit the state next month. All the central ministers he met had assured they would give total support to developmental activities in the state, he said. Asked whether he had taken up security-related matters with Antony in light of reports of factional clashes between the NSCN-IM and its rival NSCN-K, he said, “there is a system for all these matters and they will take care of them.”
Asked whether development is possible in the state if the peace talks with the NSCN-IM failed, he said, “everybody, including the Naga insurgents, want peace in the state. “People want peace and development and that is the only way, and I am confident that the peace talks will succeed,” the former Kerala minister said. Sankaranarayanan said he had not received any request for a meeting from NSCN-IM leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu, who are currently in Nagaland. However, Sankaranarayanan, who succeeded former Intelligence Bureau Chief Shyamal Dutta as Governor, said he was confident a solution to the decades-old problem of insurgency in Nagaland will be found.
Sekrenyi celebration in Kohima today Morung Express News
Kohima The premier festival of Angamis – Sekrenyi will be celebrated on February 24 at Kohima Local Ground from 11 am under the aegis of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) with the theme “Blending hues into oneness.”
Governor K. Sankaranarayan will grace the occasion as the chief guest while chief minister Neiphiu Rio will deliver greeting message.
Medoselhou Keretsu, APO Sekrenyi, convenor will chair the programme while APO president Mhiesizokho Zinyu will deliver welcome address.
Significance of Sekrenyi will be highlighted by MLA Rokonicha.
Folk song, folk dance, traditional ‘Tati’ folk song, wrestling display and Sekrenyi feast will mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, the organizer informed that Southern Angamis will gather at Police headquarters junction and walk in procession to the Local Ground. The Western and Chakhro Angamis will gather at Kohima Civil Hospital junction and join the Sekrenyi procession from TCP gate junction. Northern Angamis will gather at Pezielietsie (Teenpati junction) from the High School road and walk in procession to the local and enter Khuochiezie from the north gate.
All the Angamis from the respective areas have been requested to reach their designated starting points latest by 9 am so as to be seated inside the Khuochiezie by 10:45 AM before the chief guest arrives.
“It is for the information of the public that no one will be allowed to cross or disturb the procession as per tradition,” said R. Dzuvichu, secretary media and publicity sub committee in a release. The Angami Youth Organisation will stand as guard of honour on both sides of the road, dressed in full traditional warrior attire, from the southern gate “Kezekevi kharu” and will receive the converging Angamis from the four areas and the chief guest. They will enter the Khuochiezie only after the chief guest is seated, the release said.
“The Sekrenyi celebration being hosted by the Angami Public Organisation this year under the theme “Blending hues into oneness” will see the biggest gathering of Angamis from all the four areas,” the release said adding that the programme will display the rich Angami culture of folk songs and dances, traditional style of wrestling by the best wrestlers of the tribe as well as the choicest selection of Angami delicacies for the honoured guest. Invitation has been sent to all ministers, legislators, bureaucrats, leaders from different Naga tribes, representatives from other communities, civil societies and organizations and media guests from outside the state area also expected for the celebration, it added.
‘When we hate… rationality all but dissipates’ David P. Ward Perspective The Morung Express Pastor Neimoller’s poem “First they came for the Jews” from the Nazi death camps springs to mind when considering the present lack of clarity regarding “Quit Notice”. He went on to state “I did not stand up because I was not a Jew”. Nor did he in the subsequent verses when they came for the trade unionists and communists. The final verse states “When they came for me there was nobody left to stand up for me”.
Many have chosen to remain silent spectators whilst this scenario has unfolded and I myself was only prompted after reading the recent appeal made by the Pastor of the Tangkhul Baptist Church in Kohima. In a way I felt sorry for him as I envisage a lamb bleating plaintively in the wind where his cries and scent may be picked up by wolves and pity little else. Many consider there to be no such thing as an innocent bystander in our conflict. We are all too painfully aware of the internecine blood letting of the past that set the stage for the present and future bloodbaths. We have made a profession of licking our self-inflicted wounds and wallowing in our own despair. We are the laughing stock of our adversaries and no right thinking person would like to express their solidarity or support with the present cause of the Nagas. Let us be frank at least with one another, the present anarchy in our society is a legacy of our own larceny.
In 1989 the Naga Vigil was founded in the memory of Rose Machuila of Ngaprum village in Tangkhul Region of southern Nagaland. It may be recalled that she was the victim of multiple rape at the hands of two army officers of the 95th BSF on March the 4th 1974. A few days later she subsequently committed suicide at the tender age of 18 short years.
The Tangkhuls are Nagas as good or bad as any other region of Nagaland. However, dear Pastor and Tangkhul Long, the confusion arises when one automatically assumes, quite wrongly as it transpires, that the whole tribe are followers of Thingaleng Muivah or the NSCN-IM for that matter. There are on record scores upon scores of Tangkhuls killed by the NSCN-IM during the 1980’s. Tangkhul baiting is an anti-national activity and how we expect to march ahead for the nation after amputating one of our own legs is a bit obscure. It is not the first time during contemporary history that blanket quit notices have been issued to the Tangkhul community. Firstly, by the Konyak region and then the Chakhesang region following the murder of General Povezo amongst others. This form of ethnic cleansing has riven great gashes across both communities who are neighbours and interlinked through matrimony in the case of the latter. These ugly scars do not heal easily. Thus we can be aware of local, regional and national perspectives that come into play.
It would behove the politicised Tangkhul elite well, to note some of the animosity that has been allowed to ferment and exercise a little humility. It is a fact that Wung region was not in the vanguard of the nationalist movement until the cease-fire of 1964. They were thus able to study and develop their region whilst the rest of Nagaland was laid waste to a scorched earth policy on a full-scale war footing that consumed the lives of 100,000 Nagas. It is in this context that people are saying that the NSCN-IM is harvesting fruit that it has not sown.
Dear Pastor, if you say that three of your parishioners had no link to any faction we must take you at your word and condole the senseless loss of their souls. I would however, urge you to venture to the village of Thingniungan among the eastern Khiamniungan where you will find another 301 souls who so needlessly perished at the hands of three Tangkhul leaders and their men. There is no shortage of other villages and churches burned down by this group. Other regions of Nagaland have been subjected to the very bowels of man’s inhumanity to man where the names of several Tangkhul leaders amongst others are abhorred and reviled. To say nothing of the dozens of Naga girls raped by their cadres. When the situation has plunged to those depths of depravity, logic has quite frankly long since departed. It would be naïve to expect any Naga region faced by such marauders to sit placidly by. Fewer still would disagree with the premise that we work from our own base areas instead of inflicting our hegemony over other regions of Nagaland. That simply means Chang commanders in Tuensang, Ao in Mokokchung, Angami in Kohima, Konyak in Mon, Tangkhul in Ukrhul and so on. Anything short of that amounts to neo-colonialism at best. It may not be right but it is certainly understandable why other Tangkhuls are thus maligned, misunderstood and mistrusted. Furthermore if I have not made my own position clear that these particular tyrants are not my ambassadors then I bring suspicion to bear upon myself. The aforementioned perpetrators have chosen their methods of attack and have their means of defence, so they are in the fray come what may. The grey area arises with secondary sympathisers and extended family to the combatants. Where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion a fair hearing ought to be given before banishment is resorted to. Even in customary Naga law, exile has played an integral part when faced by extreme circumstances. Therefore many are not against the “Quit Notice” per se, merely the methods and criteria by which it is applied. The Tangkhul public, for example villagers with no particular axe to grind, are not legitimate targets for anyone anywhere. Therefore in the present scenario, the Geneva Convention and the rules of military engagement, which require us to differentiate between civilians and combatants, bind us all.
You know when you mentioned the Solomon Islands in your appeal Pastor; I wish you had mentioned the wisdom of King Solomon. Are we not facing the very same political predicament in the biblical sense? When we have finished with the Tangkhuls who shall we start on next. The little Tikhir Region has found its voice today sandwiched between the Khiamniungan and the Yimchungru. I have stayed in the Thonokniu Town area and ventured beyond the Limisol and seen the reflection in eyes weary from carnage on both sides. There it is nothing to chop and throw away the carcass for even wearing the wrong colours. Is she not symbolic of the infant child being argued over by two mothers? Array dao lobi na, tik katibi, aro ada ada deibi, ki ase? (Why not take dao and chop it in half and distribute to the two)? Alternatively, why not err on the side of magnanimity and let them have their region, as many villages as they consider themselves to be Tikhir? Yimchungru and Khiamniungan you are the elder brothers no doubt of the same mother, so let them be? We know there are other extenuating factors on the ground and I am not trying to be obtuse or over simplistic. And where the learned pastors and leaders might be at their particular hour of need one wonders?
And after the Tangkhuls and the Tikhirs we can start on the Semas or the Angamis and the Aos and so on and so forth! Why leave it at that? We could also finish the foreigners as well and go merrily off to hell together! Ash! Pau Ishwor Apuni kot jaise? Naga batcha-kan eman douk paise. In closing, remember when we hate, we become irate and rationality all but dissipates.

Kuknalim David P. Ward Naga Vigil HRG Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Violence hits Manipur polls; 80% votes cast; NSCNs clash at Makoinung Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Feb 23: Snatching of EVMs, underground factional conflicts, skirmishes among supporters of different candidates, attack on an Independent candidate and arrest of militants marked the final leg of the three-phase elections to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly Friday. At least 80 per cent votes were polled in 12 Assembly segments of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts and Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district. Eighty five per cent votes were cast in Tamenglong and Chandel districts while Churachandpur district and Jiribam Assembly seat in Imphal East district recorded 80 and about 70 per cent voter turnouts respectively. Cases of EVM capturing were reported in various polling stations during the elections which came to an end at 3.30 p. m. Friday.
A man suffered bullet injuries in police firing when he tried to snatch an EVM in Tengnoupal assembly constituency. Security personnel resorted to firing to disperse mobs and to foil their attempts to snatch EVMs at various polling stations in the three districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel. However, the voting passed off peacefully in Jiribam Assembly seat. Three EVMs were also damaged by workers of rival candidates at various polling stations in Khangsang, Korungthel and Churachandpur.
Naga underground factions NSCN-K and NSCN (I-M) exchanged fire at Makoinung polling station area.
It may be noted here that the NSCN-K had announced ban on elections in Tamenglong assembly segment while NSCN-IM imposed 'curfew' in Tamenglong constituency during the day. There were also reports from Tamenglong of a gun battle between NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) men at Makoingang polling station forcing voters to stay away from the polling afterwards. Armed militants reportedly directed voters to cast their votes for a particular candidate at Tharon polling station under Tamenglong constituency. Unknown armed ultras also opened several rounds and threw grenades at the house of Ajit Singh, a candidate from Thongju Assembly constituency. At least four activists of different militant outfits were arrested by security forces today. One NSCN (IM) cadre was nabbed by police commandos on mobile duty along with one 9mm pistol at Tamenglong district headquarters. Two KNF rebels and one KNA militant were also arrested by the police and BSF in Churachandpur district early this morning. Armed miscreants created trouble at Karongthel of Tengnoupal Assembly constituency where CRPF personnel had to fire some rounds. The EVM there was also totally destroyed in the process.
In Tamenglong and Churachnadpur districts security men also resorted to firing to control mob fury against alleged proxy voting. Polling in many stations was disturbed due to quarrels among workers of different candidates amid allegations and counter-allegations of proxy voting.
The fate of altogether 76 candidates, including Manipur Congress chief Gaikhangam and three ministers in the SPF Government, was decided in today's polls.
Heavy polling in largely peaceful Manipur elections Indo Asian News Service
Tamenglong (Manipur), Feb 23 Polling for the last of the three-phased elections in Manipur ended Friday with people in large numbers casting their votes with stray incidents of violence, officials said. An election official said voting ended in 12 of Manipur's total 60 assembly constituencies. 'Preliminary reports indicate about 75 to 80 percent voting although we are awaiting final figures to come in from many interior locations,' an election official said.
'Voting passed off rather peacefully, barring a few incidents of group clashes.'
A police official said rival factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) opened fire near a polling booth in Tamenglong district, but there were no reports of any casualties.
The S.S. Khaplang faction of the NSCN had given an election boycott call in Tamenglong district, while the rival group headed by guerrilla leader Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah had enforced a 'curfew' in the same district Friday.
'Despite threats, people in Tamenglong district voted in the elections,' the election official said.
Friday's vote would decide the electoral fate of 76 candidates in the insurgency-hit districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Chandel. The total number of voters in Manipur is 1.7 million out of nearly 2.4 million people.
Election authorities have declared 516 polling stations in the three districts as 'sensitive' as several separatist groups operate in the region. Some 100 polling stations are located in inaccessible terrain and require walking around 30 km to reach them.
'We deployed adequate number of police and paramilitary troopers for the polling,' a police official said.
An estimated 72 percent votes were cast in the first phase on Feb 8, while a record 85 percent polling took place in the second stage Feb 14. Counting of votes begins Feb 27.
At least four people were killed in separate incidents of violence Thursday.
A police official said unidentified militants attacked troopers of the Assam Rifles near village Gomni in Chandel district Thursday. (c) Indo-Asian News Service
Electioneering ends in Manipur Iboyaima Laithangbam The Hindu
IMPHAL: Electioneering for the third and final phase of Assembly elections in Manipur, covering 12 constituencies, ended on Wednesday evening. Polling will take place on Friday in one constituency in Imphal East, three in Tamenglong district, two in Chandel and six in Churachandpur.
The United Naga Council (UNC) has sponsored 11 Naga candidates in the Naga dominated areas. It is alleged that militants forced at least three candidates — an independent in Tamenglong and two CPI nominees in Chandel and Tengnoupal — to retire from the contest as they posed a threat to the sponsored candidates. In retaliation to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) "selecting" candidates in the Naga areas, the rival faction, NSCN(Khaplang) has banned all election-related works in the Tamenglong constituency.
ANSAM thanks Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, February 23: The All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all who their wholehearted support to Naga students from four hill district of Manipur who ‘voluntarily elected to merge’ with Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), for the purpose of doing their HSLC Examination 2007 which was conducted at Kohima and Dimapur from February 7 to 19. It also expressed its gratitude to the civil societies such as the Naga Hoho and its federation tribes-hohos, the NSF and its federation units and other Naga bodies.
“The ANSAM extends its gratitude to Medical Department, Tadubi, and Mao for the unstinted services to the students, vehicle owners and drivers for their help in transportation of students.

It further said that the ANSAM is indebted to school proprietors and the MIDA complex management board for their generous offer of free accommodation to the students, Our heartfelt thanks also to the Chief Minister , Nagaland , The security forces (IRB) of Nagaland Govt. The ministers, MLAs of Nagaland, village chiefs for their display of solidarity throughout the entire duration of exam to numerous churches all over Nagalim.
Rebels ambush Indian police, killing 15 Wasbir Hussain, Associated Press Writer Boston News
GAUHATI, India --Fifteen police officers were killed Saturday when suspected rebels ambushed their patrol in India's remote northeast, officials said.
Sixty armed police officers who had been supervising elections in Bishenpur district were traveling in six vehicles back to their headquarters when rebels fired on them with automatic weapons, said local police chief Jayanta Singh. A fierce gunbattle ensued, Singh said, adding that the rebels then fled into a nearby dense forest. Fourteen policemen died at the scene and another officer died later at a hospital. "The death toll may rise as seven others are critically wounded," Singh said. It was the worst attack since the election began on Feb. 8. Voting is staggered in the insurgency-wracked region to help security forces prevent attacks.
Singh blamed rebels for the attack, but did not name a specific group.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland and Manipur People's Liberation Front are among several rebel groups that have been fighting for decades for independent homelands in Manipur and the neighboring state of Nagaland. The militants say the central government in New Delhi -- 1,000 miles to the west -- exploits the northeast's rich natural resources while doing little for the indigenous people, most of whom are ethnically closer to Burma and China than to the rest of India. The northeast has poor infrastructure, widespread unemployment and a bitterness toward the national government that has nurtured dozens of militant groups.
© Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fourteen police killed in militant attack in Manipur By Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - At least 14 policemen were killed on Saturday in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur, a day after provincial elections were held there, a police officer said. Personnel of the India Reserve Battalion were patrolling in a vehicle in the mountainous district of Tamenglong, about 85 km northwest of the capital, Imphal, when grenades were thrown at them and they came under fire.
"Twelve people died on the spot and two others succumbed to their injuries later," the officer, who declined to be identified, told Reuters by telephone.
Seven others were wounded in the attack, he said. Manipur is plagued by a decades-old insurgency seeking a separate homeland for its ethnic and tribal population. Police said the rebels hid in the jungle and opened fire with their automatic weapons.
After the ambush, they took several automatic weapons and a large amount of ammunition from the dead policemen, the officer said, adding that the wounded and the dead had been airlifted by army helicopters to a hospital in Imphal. Security reinforcements have rushed to the area and have launched a massive manhunt for the guerrillas, he said.
Indian tea production touches record high, jump in exports By IANS
Guwahati, Feb 24 (IANS) India's beleaguered tea industry is showing signs of resurgence with record production and a jump in exports, besides prices firming up in the weekly auctions.
'The production last year was a record high of 955 million kg, up by 27 million kg compared to 2005, while exports have gone up by about eight million kg to 200 million kg in the same period,' said Dhiraj Kakaty, secretary of the Assam chapter of the Indian Tea Association (ITA), the country's apex tea administration body. India's $1.5 billion tea industry was facing a crisis with prices dropping in the weekly auctions since 1998 and exports plummeting as well.
'The overall mood is vibrant with the Indian tea industry now beginning to look up with overseas demand on the increase mainly due to very good quality teas produced by us,' Kakaty told IANS.
Countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Iran and Iraq figured prominently in the export list with the ITA setting up a marketing bureau in Tehran as part of an aggressive campaign to boost sales of the beverage. A kilogram of good quality Assam tea sold at Rs.73 in the auctions last week. Last year, the average price in the auctions was Rs.65 a kg. 'The gain in production and exports apart, what is heartening is the fact that we are fetching reasonably good prices in the auctions. There is no glut in the market now unlike in previous years,' the tea official said.
India is the world's largest tea producer followed by China. The northeastern state of Assam is considered the heart of India's tea industry with the state accounting for about 55 percent of the country's total annual tea production. India's domestic tea consumption that remained stagnant for over a decade had shot up from 620 million kg three years ago to 805 million kg last year.
The slump in prices and exports in the past few years was largely attributed to cheap and inferior quality teas produced by many new tea-growing countries, thereby pushing premium quality Indian teas to facing stiffer competition in the global market. Faced with crashing prices, a glut in the market and falling exports, the Indian government last year announced a whopping Rs.50 billion package to boost the sagging tea industry. Up to 70 plantations in Assam had closed down in recent years unable to sell their produce with exports dropping and domestic consumption remaining stagnant.
Polling chaotic but turnout high; four UGs nabbed The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 23: Snatching of EVMs and disputes among the supporters of candidates in the fray despite best efforts of the election authorities for smooth conduct of the polls marked the final leg of the three phase elections to the 9th Manipur legislative Assembly which took place on Friday. Amidst the chaotic situation at various polling stations the overall turnout percentage was 85 as per official reports. Tamenglong district recorded 88 percent, Chandel 85 percent, Churachandpur 83 percent while 70 percent turnout of voters was recorded at the only constituency of Jiribam sub-division of Imphal east district. The prior security measures to prevent disturbance by the underground elements also yielded at least four cadres of different outfits in Churachandpur and Tamenglong district.

An NSCN(IM) cadre was reportedly nabbed by police commandos on mobile duty with an 9mm pistol at Tamenglong district headquarters last night. In Churachandpur district also at least three militants of different groups were apprehended by the police commandos and BSF separately early this morning, reports said. Weapons were also reportedly seized from the cadres.

Security forces fired to disperse mobs and to prevent snatching away of EVMs and to control confrontations at various polling stations located in the three districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel today. There were no reports of violence in the only constituency of Imphal east, 40-Jiribam A/C, which went to the polls along with the three hill districts today.

Armed miscreants abducted election agents of the candidates at polling station no. 36 and 37 of 41-Chandel A/C in the early hours of the voting. The CPMF personnel also resorted to firing at a polling station at Karongthel in Tengnoupal A/C. An EVM was also totally destroyed here, reports said. In Tamenglong and Churachnadpur district also firing to control mobs protesting against alleged proxy voting took place. Casting of votes at many polling stations was disturbed due to confrontation between workers of the candidates over allegations of proxy voting.

The poll percentage was reported to be very low, 5 percent in some of the polling stations, till 11 am but it increased to around 40 to 45 at around 1 pm. Official reports said that minor group clashes were reported in 12 polling stations, out of which 10 were in polling stations located in 41-Chandel and 42-Tengnoupal A/C while the remaining two at 58-Saikot A/C. The mob at Saikot damaged the EVMs in the said stations, the report added. One EVM at one of the polling stations in 41-Chandel and two in 57-Henglep were replaced due to mechanical failure of the EVMs. Manipur CEO, RR Rashmi had earlier termed the third phase as "the most difficult phase". Polling in 12 Assembly segments covering the three district of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel district and Jiribam sub-division of Imphal east concluded more or less peacefully at 3.30 pm officially on Friday. Polling took place at Sajik Tampak also which was once known as a "liberated zone" as the area was dominated by the insurgents and the Khenjoi range where the Indian security is still fighting with insurgents.

In some of the polling stations casting of votes concluded ahead of the end of the polling hours while in some stations polling reportedly went on till the poll hours were over. The fate of altogether 76 candidates including Congress president Gaikhangam, three Congress ministers Phungjathang Tonsing, Th Debendra and D Korungthang will be decided in today`s polls.

With the conclusion of today`s third leg poll in three districts and one sub-division, the elections to the 60 member 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly are over and the counting will be held on February 27. A total of 308 candidates were in the fray in the state Assembly elections. The Congress fielded the highest number of candidates in 59 constituencies. For the smooth conduct of the poll, the state authorities in collaboration with the election authorities had deployed maximum security in all the sensitive areas apart from the polling stations. Additional forces were detailed in all the polling stations, officials said. Five choppers were used at eleven airlifting points, out of which two were in the remote areas of Chandel district while the remaining nine were in Tamenglong district. Three choppers conducted the airlifting operation and 61 EVMs for the polling stations in the remote areas of Tamenglong district and Chandel district.

Meanwhile, the chief electoral officer rr rashmi, said the third phase elections were held peacefully, barring some violent incidents at a few places. Briefing mediapersons this evening, Rashmi said group clashes and other acts of violence were reported at some places. Group clashes took place at at least two places in Tamenglong district, but the returning officer concerned has not provided details, he said. Adding that some similar incidents had taken place in Chandel, he informed that an attempt was made to destroy the EVM at a polling station in Tamenglong A/C, but it was prevented in time by security personnel.

In Churachandpur also, an attempt was made to destroy an EVM, but this was also foiled. He indicated that no decision has been taken yet on holding of repolls, if any. According to the CEO, voter turnout was reported to be around 85 percent in Chandel and Tamenglong, while in Churachandpur it is estimated to be between 82 to 85 per cent. 70 per cent of the electorate voted in Jiribam, he said. He also informed that the displaced villagers of the Khengjoi range were allowed to vote at two designated polling stations, and were provided transport by the district administration. He said 65 to 70 per cent polling took place at these two polling stations.

Regarding counting of votes, which is scheduled to take place on February 27, the CEO said 12 counting centres have been set up for the purpose. Counting will begin at 8 am and results can be expected to be declared by 4 pm the same day, he said. He also informed that there would be three cordons of security at the counting centres to ensure that there is no untoward interference in the counter process. He added that counting trends and results would be put up on the Election Commission of India`s website. In the meantime, the Gauhati High Court, Imphal bench, has dismissed a writ petition filed seeking repoll in four polling stations of 48-Mao A/C on the grounds that villagers had not turned out to cast their votes in the election held on February 8.

According to a statement issued seperately by the CEO, the High Court dismissed the petition on the ground of non-maintainability, observing that all matters relating to elections fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India, and consideration of such matters by any other forum are clearly barred in view of the provisions of Article 329 of the constitution, and several other rulings laid down by the Supreme Court in relevant cases.
Healing touch in NE to continue From Our Spl Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Feb 23 – President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has pledged continuance of the healing touch policy in trouble-torn north-eastern region (NER) and Jammu and Kashmir, with the Government remaining focused on social, economic and cultural development. The President’s address at the joint session of the Parliament, marking the beginning of the three-month-long Budget Session, however, failed to enthuse the MPs of the north-eastern States.

The President made a passing reference to the killings in Asom, without going into details. Neither did the Central Government thought it fit to acknowledge the successful hosting of the 33rd National Games by Assam Government against all odds.

The President said that while ensuring law and order and internal security in the North- east, Jammu and Kashmir and Naxalite-affected regions, the government would remain focused on the overall social, economic and cultural development of these parts of the country, aimed at ensuring the active participation of all sections of our society in the national mainstream.
Making a mention of the recent incidents of violence in the country, Dr Kalam said his government recognised the challenge posed by terrorism and extremism and had been resolute in dealing with it. “While our security and intelligence agencies have successfully foiled many attempts by terrorist groups to strike terror, there have been tragic, dastardly and cowardly acts of terrorism, as in Mumbai and Assam and, most recently, in the attack on Samjhauta Express,” was all he said. “My Government would continue to impart a healing touch both in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North-east, while maintaining utmost vigil against terrorist and extremist forces. The government attaches the highest importance to ensuring that all agencies respect basic human rights, even in the most trying circumstances,” he said.

Dr Kalam further mentioned that government had been paying special attention to the modernisation of the police forces, security forces and intelligence agencies. A focused and holistic attempt to deal with the challenges of internal security in the north-eastern region, in Jammu and Kashmir and in regions affected by Naxalite activity is yielding dividends, he said.
About the development activities in the North-east, the President said Government was implementing the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-east, keeping in view the urgent need to improve connectivity to the region.

Dr Kalam also mentioned about the multi-purpose identity card project, saying that Government would take forward the National Identity Card Project under the National e-Governance Plan for nationwide rollout in a phased manner so as to ensure better delivery of services to the citizens.

India’s “Look East Policy” has contributed to increasing engagement with ASEAN and East Asian neighbourhood. India’s participation in the East Asian and India-ASEAN Summits has rejuvenated our ancient links with the region and strengthened economic ties, the President said.

Dr Kalam also touched on the recent signing of the new India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty in place of the earlier one of 1949. The new treaty updates the legal basis of our bilateral relations to reflect the contemporary reality. It would enable us to further strengthen and enhance our relationship to a higher level to meet the aspirations of our two peoples, he said. About Bangladesh, he said as a friend and neighbour, India is interested in a democratic, stable and prosperous Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Congress and Opposition MPs of the region, alike felt that the address left much to be desired.

Reacting to the address, Kirip Chaliha said due emphasis has been given to the region. “We are optimistic that what he said in his address would get reflected in the general Budget and the 11th Five Year Plan,” he said. Tapir Gaon of BJP said the president’s address mentioned all the unfulfilled promises of the UPA Government. “Today we do not need assurances,” he said.

Dr Kalam did not make any mention of the massacre of Hindi-speaking people in Assam, as neither did he mention about the law-and-order situation in the north-eastern region that is deteriorating day by day, he claimed. About the Look East Policy, the BJP MP said whatever the UPA Government had promised to the north-eastern States about connecting the region with South East Asia, has not been reflected in the address. Dwijen Sarma, Congress MP said they were satisfied with the address and hoped that the assurances made would be reflected in the 11th Five Year Plan.
AFSPA: The Question to Democracy Nagarealm.com
The Armed Forces Special Power Act, AFSPA, popularly called the “draconian law” has, once again, become the favourite toy in the politicians’ cradle. As the fever of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election grips, AFSPA becomes the catchword. As if it is the soul of their political salvation, politicians swear on it without any hesitation. AFSPA becomes the shared agenda for the contesting candidates.
As “democratic election” gears up in Manipur, the operation of AFSPA poses a big question to the kind of democracy we are living with. Is free and fair democratic election really valid under such circumstances, when “inhumane” law prevails with unbridled power given to the Armed Forces? If the conduct of election is seen as a continuity of democracy, we are not far from accepting the continuity of AFSPA as democratic. The election, which is supposed to be a democratic means of empowering the people, is, however, a big contradiction as the secret ballot hangs on the draconian law. The whole drama is a face saving exercise for the mysterious democracy, whose face we have not yet seen. The “concert for democracy” swings without any democracy. If today democracy is seen as following formal procedures to allow dissent and multi-party election, democracy is, then, alive without its heart and soul. India as a flawed democracy is rightly said. The flaw being the inability of its institutions to be accountable and efficient in its operation. What we see in Manipur and in different parts of the North East is a deficit of trust in everything. What not?

The party politics or say the electoral politics has stirred with a temper and tone to repeal AFSPA after the election forms its own house. But with a condition, if they are elected to power. AFSPA has posed a big political challenge not only for the politicians but also for the authorities as well as several NGOs. As everyone battles with what comes first, peace and development or AFSPA, the tone and tenor becomes promising in the ambiguity. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh belongs to the tribe who believed in the return of peace as the condition for repealing the Act. AFSPA is hidden in the most ambiguous excuse of the absence of peace, when it is already clogged in the spiral from the offshoot that gripped the entire North-East. When that becomes evident, one cannot, but wonder whether the meaning would be delivered with the politicians poking a small but sensitive constituency. When the killing spree in Assam could have a spillover effect on the prospect of AFSPA in Manipur, the campaigning chorus will face more orchestration even if everyone sits with power. The politicians’ race for mileage would turn out to be a mute tirade when none of them has a concrete design to repeal the Act.

That, once again, proved that the AFSPA chorus is situation created. It has to be when they failed to provide regular electricity, road and connectivity, safe drinking water, healthcare, institutions, playgrounds and what not. I was told only about 15.1 percent household in Manipur get access to safe drinking water. Nature is good to the rest. Imagine two hours of power supply in forty-eight hours. Imagine also the spine chilling record of over 400 cases of bloody violence in Manipur in the last four years. In the year 2006, there was a record of 418 cases of violence by undergrounds accounting for death of 73 civilians and 27 security personnel.

The question is what and where is the leverage? There is a need to test and run in every situation, which should be the alternative. A realist approach should substitute the soft stand that has been representing the region with AFSPA hatching no change at all. That would eventually allow any change a chance to take place in the space clogged with inhumane colonial Act stagnating the prospect for democracy and development. Fifty-seven years of swaying to merely fit into the political game of power quest has delivered nothing. The Act seems to be taken as a dead end in itself. One thing very clear is that peace or stability would not be established by strengthening the Armed Forces. But the land has been militarised. The rest is supposedly seen as militants if not victims of that. The unbridge gap of distrust grows evidently bigger. The only progress actually.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier expressed his desire to relief the draconian act by giving a humane touch to it. AFSPA is the new untouchable item in the democratic space. Even though the authorities had shown compelled concern to touch the seemingly untouchable Act, the concern and motives are always suppressed. BP Jeevan Reddy Report as well as the numerous movements from the civil society for its repeal has been putting reasonable pressure. The protest is moving promisingly from Irom Sharmila Chanu to the United Nations. But will it be what it will be. Or is this what it really ought to be? So far a lukewarm response seems to be what it begets as “democracy” is cast once again into the ballot. One thing very popular with the general public in Manipur is the often-asked question, whether things, as they are, are real or not. Right now, politicians battling for power are baking their cake with AFSPA. As the ballot inked the finger of the right hand, AFSPA also wave on the left hand. A big reminder that right is not right. The question remains, is this democracy real or not? [David Buhril, KOL]

Chin people demand political dialogue with Military Junta Sentinel
Aizawl, Feb 23: Mizo origin Myanmarese and 25 other Chin communities under the banner Chine National Council (CNC) have urged Burmese military regime to release Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and start a political dialogue with the opposition.
They also demanded release of other ethnic and political prisoners in Myanmar. In a statement to mark the 59th anniversary of Chin National Day, the CNC said, “Since the issue is political in nature, the regime would have to solve it in a political way to halt it’s ongoing military offensives against ethnic minority groups”.
It has also appealed to the Chin people to be unified and work for solidarity among Chins, regardless of clans and regions in interest of national movement against military Junta.
The statement claimed the Chin communities across the globe have raised their voices against the military government in Myanmar for its alleged discrimination against the Chin people.
The CNC urged the military Junta to find a political solution to end the impasse through tripartite dialogues with the wining political parties of 1990 elections as well as the leaders of ethnic nationalities.
Myanmar military Junta has allegedly disallowed Chin community in the country to celebrate the Chin National Day.
About 50,000 Chin people had left their homeland and took refuge in foreign countries to escape unabated oppression of military in Myanmar, CNC stated, adding that a large number of Chin people were engaged as domestic help, while the males do odd jobs in Mizoram. UNI