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02/26/2007: "Rio confident of NPF winning both seats Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express"

Rio confident of NPF winning both seats Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express

Touphema State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today ruled out any misunderstanding amongst the DAN coalition partners with regard to the forthcoming bye-election in two assembly constituencies of the state, Tuensang Sardar-II and Dimapur-1. He however expressed confidence that the NPF party would win the two seats. Rio, in a tête-à-tête with pressmen on the sidelines of Sekhrenyi festival at Touphema, said that the NPF and its allies have no problem as far as the bye-election is concerned and further reiterated on going in for friendly contests.
“We have no problem on this. We will go for a friendly contest”, Rio said, stating that the DAN coalition partners have an understanding on this arrangement and will go ahead with it.
Asked about the modus operandi of the elections, Rio said that he belonged to the NPF party and will campaign only for his party candidate. “I belong to the NPF party so I will campaign for the party candidate. I don’t know about the other party”, Rio added.
Bye-election in the two assembly constituencies is slated to be held March 8 next.
With the countdown to the bye-election drawing near, all major political parties are reported to have been resorting to heavy politicking in both the constituencies. In Tuensang, BJP candidature was earlier rejected by the Returning Officer on technical ground, while their party observer went missing on the day of scrutiny, and alleged that the later was made to sign a ‘bond’ under duress by gunmen.
Meanwhile, Rio once again reiterated that factional clashes was part of the political problem and said that it should be the combined duty of the Government of India and the state government to contain such law and order problem arising out of the factional clash.
“To deal with the undergrounds under the ceasefire ground rule is not easy”, Chief Minister said. He said that the state government had sufficient force to stop factional clash in the civilian areas, if force have to be applied, but, the state government is using a patient approach as the use of force will create unwanted situations further. “They are no more unlawful organizations, so we cannot deal with them like the unlawful”, Rio maintained, while asserting that the state government is only looking at how to stop the warring factions from fighting.
“We need to be patient”, he said, and rubbished the Opposition’s charge that factional clashes are a law and order problem and the present government has failed to contain to it.
NNC questions NSCN-IM’s use of the term ‘Nagaland for Christ’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 25 (MExN): Highlighting what it stated as NSCN-IM leaders Isak and Th Muivah’s failure to quote Bible verses as to where they have the right to level false allegation against innocent Nagas and to kill them without fear of God, Major Winchanlungbo, chaplain Naga Army, FGN in a press release stated that they have no right to use the term ‘Nagaland for Christ’. When church leaders warned them not to use the term, they reprimanded them in a letter by quoting many Bible verses, but they failed to refer the Bible verse from which they can say that killings and telling lies are not an act of Satan it was stated. “From which Bible verses they have the right to use ‘Nagaland for Christ’ in vain or tell lies that the Nagas had accepted the Indian Constitution?” the release added.
Quoting Imsu Jamir, Mokokchung (November 22, 1998) in God’s sayings as “You shall not use Nagaland for Christ in vain. You should ask His forgiveness for taking His name in vain, lest His curse will be upon you forever”, the release stated that the happenings in Nagaland after 1980 are the product of the formation of Isak-Muivah’s socialist organisation and therefore they have no one to blame or show anger for the consequences of their own wrong actions and that unless they admit their mistake, they will surely face the wrath of the Naga people as to what happened in Phek town recently. Stating God’s non failure to lead and protect the Nagas under the leadership of the Naga National Council (NNC) ever since its inception, the release also stated that “if Isak and Muivah said the NNC/FGN was defeated by India through signing an accord in 1975, then the word of God become untrue” and even if the Nagas formed a new political organisation after the accord, it would become only a mere secessionist group as to which he states that the Nagas never reduced to such group in the history but believe that through God’s protection Nagas will surely achieve their goal which Nagas are defending their sovereignty at all cost till date. Furthermore the release added that “they will never co-operate with the renegade leaders Isak and Muivah who are misleading the Nagas to demand for integration or greater autonomy from India, because the Nagas cannot sell out God given sovereignty”.
Search for rebels after 16 police die in ambush AP Gulf News
Guwahati: Security forces started combing the heavily forested mountain areas of northeastern India's troubled Manipur state yesterday, a day after 16 policemen were killed in a rebel ambush, an official said. Army, police and paramilitary soldiers were combing the area where the attack took place and have recovered a cache of weapons, the state's police chief A. K. Parashar said.
He did not give any details about the kind of weapons found. The attack involved 40 to 50 heavily armed rebels, Parashar added.
Convoy Sixty armed police officers who had been supervising elections in Bishenpur district were travelling in a six-vehicle convoy back to their district headquarters in Bishenpur town when rebels fired on them with automatic weapons on Saturday. Police retaliated and a fierce gunbattle ensued in which 14 policemen were killed on the spot and another eight were critically wounded, two of whom later succumbed to injuries in a hospital in Imphal.
Voting It was the worst incident of violence since the elections began on February 8. Voting is staggered in the insurgency-wracked region to help security forces prevent rebel attacks.
Parashar said it was unclear which rebel group was behind the attack. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Manipur People's Liberation Front are among several rebel groups that have been fighting for decades for independent homelands in Manipur and the neighbouring state of Nagaland.
NNC to defend ‘God-given sovereignty’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 25 (MExN): Pointing out the misadventures of NSCN (IM), the Naga National Council (NNC) called the Naga youths to abstain from supporting the NSCN (IM) and work for the right cause of Naga nation in joining hands with the NNC. In a press release issued by Chungbui Newmai, Youth President Nagaland Youth Movement, NNC it stated that the youths should not serve the Indian nation only for the interest of money, but should know their bounden duty to serve for “our own Naga nation” and “sacrifice for our people”. “We have to defend God-given sovereignty at all cost” it added.
Asserting that the actions of their (NSCN-IM) actions reveal their “hidden agenda” it stated that “they are fighting against the Nagas in the interest of India uncovered” and pointed out that the two leaders Isak and Th Muivah had “given up the sovereignty” and they demanded “integration or greater autonomy” from Delhi Government. But when the Government of India did not grant their demand, “they demanded for affiliation with the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and then giving aside their demand for integration, they set up their own Manipur State political party (United Naga Democratic Front/UNDF)” it stated. It also asserted that the NSCN (IM) are now “notoriously involving” in the Indian State elections by threatening and forcing the Southern Naga people to vote for their UNDF candidates, whereby abducting public leaders from various regions for refusing “to support their (so called NSCN-IM) candidates.”
The NNC stating that “if the NSCN (IM) are not for the Indian constitution they would not involve in the Indian elections and if they are not for the Manipur state integration, they would not set up political party under the Manipur State” and validated that the NSCN (IM) are for the Indian constitution and for the integration of the so called Manipur state. Affirming that many youths had been led to involve in “anti-social and anti-national activities by the renegade Isak and Th Muivah” and lost their lives in vain it therefore called youths to unite and also pray to God to use the Naga Youths to defend the sovereignty of Nagaland and henceforth guide them in the right path.
Forget the bad past for better future: Rio Correspondent Bagaland Post
TUOPHEMA, FEB 25 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Sunday urged the people to preserve and promote their rich age-old culture and tradition while asking them to forget all the bad things for their better future. Rio was participating in the Sekrenyi or Phousanyi festival celebrated by the Nothern Angami tribe at the Tourist Village Tuophema, hometown of the Chief Minister.
The occasion, called festival of purification organized by the Nothern Angamis, followed the main Sekrenyi festival held at local ground, Kohima Saturday. The celebrations at Tuophema began amidst booming of guns, bursting of fire-crackers and the unique festive cry of the Angamis as the people received their guest chief and other dignitaries at the festival venue.
The main attractions of the day's celebration were traditional fire making and live demonstration of the rituals of killing cocks and dressing them on the freshly-made fire, which drew applause from the spectators, including more than 30 international tourists and also several other domestic ones. The celebration was followed by a grand Sekenyi feast.
The theme of this year's Sekrenyi festival was "Blending Hues into Oneness". The celebration of the most popular festival of "purification" of the Angami tribe witnessed a mixture of tradition and modernity. The marked difference was seen when traditional rituals had been replaced with prayer by Christian Reverend or Pastor.
Sankaranarayanan stresses on peace building at Sekrenyi The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 25 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland K. Sankaranarayanan while attending his maiden Sekrenyi festival at Kohima on Saturday said that the Naga forefathers’ emphasis on purification had become even more important in today’s world and that “we need to purify our bodies, both physically and spiritually.”
Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan addressing the public on the occasion of the Angami Sekrenyi Festival at Khuochiezie (Local Ground) Kohima, on February 24. (DIPR)
“This is relevant for all of us in Nagaland”, he said in his address while pointing out that through purification one can become free of animosity and hatred borne out of narrow vision. “This will allow us to be at peace with ourselves. If we experience peace within, to strive for peace outside will not be difficult”, he said. Sankaranarayanan said that Sekrenyi was also an occasion to visit each other and feast together “to reaffirm old friendship and build new ones”. “This wisdom is important in today’s urbanizing and globalizing world”. He said that people’s vision must extend to other states in the country and also to other countries. “It is in our mutual interest to develop and maintain good relations with them”.
Everybody's doing it Editorial Nagaland Post
When BJP minister in the DAN coalition in Nagaland, Dr. T.M.Lotha expressed fears that the by election on March 8 would witness voter impersonation in the prestigious Dimapur-I assembly constituency, it was an admittance of the fact that such malpractices are rampant in the state as that of booth capturing. Needless to say, threats,intimidation and kidnappings add to the abnoxious essence of the unique way through which farcical democracy is being practised. With a total of 21,716 voters as per the 2003 electoral roll, the Dimapur-I assembly seat was earlier held by noted public figures such as Gobind Paira, Anwar Hussain, Mhale Peseyie, I.Vikheshe and Dr Hokishe-all who passed away.The opponents were no less notable public figures such as Chalie Kevichusa, and Crellan Peseyie both who passed away,besides Manik Bhattacharjee and S.K.Dutta. Following the death of the then sitting legislator late (Dr) Hokishe Sema, the by election will be held on March 8 this year. The March 8 byelections to the Dimapur-I assembly constituency would be contested for the first time by all political parties-national such as Congress, BJP,JD(U) and the regional NPF. Majority of the voters in the constituency are non-Naga citizens who have lived in Dimapur for generations, perhaps even longer than most Nagas many of who migrated to Dimapur only after 1980-90.The fears expressed by Dr.Lotha is well founded and it is undeniable. Electoral malpractices in Nagaland have surpassed concern as it has become a potentially harmful and dangerous syndrome.An overwhelming number of electorate do not cast votes as it involves a great deal of waiting in queue for long hours. This is because bogus voters stand in queue much before the break of dawn and cast votes by impersonating those in the electoral roll. All agents of political parties hardly bother to protest or challenge the identity since everyone is involved in this great farce. It is an unwritten agreement that every political party gets its own people to cast votes in the name of anyone and therefore, no one raises a voice against voter impersonation. However, it does not mean that this should be accepted. In fact, since a senior cabinet minister himself has gone on record expressing apprehension over voter impersonation, the state election department should ensure that the electoral process is not allowed to be hijacked. It is now more than ten years after voter identity cards were issued but all the efforts as well as large sum of money spent have come to nought. In general, electoral malpractices have become an accepted phenomenon in Nagaland and no political party or politician can feign innocence. The by election on March 8 will be watched with keen interest as it poses a challenge on the Election Commission of India as well as the state Election department and the law enforcement to check various malpractices. The electorate have to make a united stand against electoral malpractices but the authorities have to complement these efforts if democracy is to survive in this part of the country.
A thought for Kughalu Mulatonu- Nagaland Post Opinion
Of all Kughalu Mulatonu's toilet-paper imaginations rolling out for over a decade, the one which appeared in the local daily on February 20' 2007 under the caption "NSCN (K) says rival in no-win situation" needs to be corrected for I see in it the persona of a man bereft of any moral, ethical and political integrity. I see it as an ultimate insult to not only the two most elderly and respected national leaders namely, NSCN chairman Isak Chishi Swu and vice chairman Khadao Yanthan, but also an outrageous attempt to inject defeatist to the Nagas from a politically deranged mind. I bear no malice towards you Mulatonu yet how, in the name of heaven, did you conceive the idea that NSCN chairman uncle Swu and vice chairman uncle Yanthan would join your gang? Your SMS to the media proved yet again how isolated you are from reality. I hope your mind is not as crooked as you write. Your irrepressible urge to feed your egocentric mind with lies and deceits are well known. Your attempt to club yourself along with the two legendary figures evoked in me a sense of pity and shame. You talk of luck but unlike you, in their long struggle for their homeland they have never depended on luck. It is the firm determination, astute statesmanship and their faith in the Almighty God which has seen them through all obstacles. Your reckless political monologue to malign the just struggle of the Nagas has astonished me no end and sadly you grow smaller by the day in the eyes of many Nagas, including mine.
Frankly, your idea of nationalism stems from the fact that you have never been a true patriot. When have you really written a line or a sentence endearing yourself to the people? Every outburst of yours is a display of intense hatred for your own people. You have proven yourself a political lunatic incapable of absorbing even a grain of truth from your elders and well wishers. Know that the greatness of our people dwells in fraternity and brotherhood practiced by our forefathers. Don't be a cactus plant Mulatonu, they grow only in deserts and Nagalim is not one. Even a school bully knows his limitation against terrorizing fellow students. You know you'll never earn a standing ovation for your theatrical dialogues. I am afraid Nagas cannot be taken for a ride. They can very much appreciate the good and ridicule the fools as well. Why do you have to be such a loudmouth?
Remember, Naga nationalism is not your cup of tea nor is it about going hammer and tongs against a particular community, tribe, Hoho or a civil society. A leader you are? Where is your leadership quality Mulatonu? Equating yourself with uncle Isak Chishi Swu or uncle Khodao Yanthan doesn't make you a leader. For nearly 50 years they have proven to the world the stuff they're made of by leading the Nagas with vision and determination. Please clam down and see what you have done for the Nagas in the past decade or so since your joining your gang. Perhaps it was with good intention then, but today I read nothing sensible but only sheer display of inconsolable cry of banishment of fellow Nagas from their own soil. I do know that you do this simply to please the monster of a shadow standing behind you.
The words 'terrorist', 'terrorism', 'sovereignty', 'independence' is now etched deep into your soul and only the good Lord knows what they imply to you. Please allow these facts to filter into your chaotic brain. I have just a couple of points for you. Firstly, the political talks between the government of India and the NSCN is unconditional and held at the highest level i.e. at the Prime Ministerial level, as two separate entities recognizing each others history and rights. Now Mulatonu, you know very well that in your so called ceasefire agreement, you agreed 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 sovereignty. Why, do you know the fact that any issue tackled by Indian home ministry is nothing but the law and order problem? Why do you harp on sovereignty for Nagas when it is clear that your gang is a mere law and order problem for India? We do know that you sneak 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. Where is your sovereignty? Sovereignty of the Naga people do not reside in Assam Rifles camps, it cannot be had by collaborating with Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) or any intelligence agency of India. Accepting arms and ammunitions, money and logistic support from India is your idea of sovereign Nagalim?
Secondly, the NSCN and government of India hold political talks in the third country under the glare of world media. The world recognizes the right and history of the Nagas, come to think of it; we struggle for all Nagas, including your family. Call up UNO or GOI or any organization and ask them if Nagas are terrorists. Trust me; you'll go red in the face!
Your serving quit notice to a particular community is a blatant violation of the deeply ingrained age old harmony among the Naga family. Where did you derive the authority to claim or disown a part of Naga territory or a community? If you insist that the Tangkhul brothers are not Nagas, I must also have the right to say that you are not a Sumi. You see Mulatonu, preaching nationalism bereft of moral, ethical values and integrity, the same will be heaped twofold upon you. Perhaps, your collaboration with Indian army and intelligence and the financial and logistic support you enjoy have inflated your ego to such an extent that it has made you a rogue and not a leader. Is your patriotism confined to the present state of the so called Nagaland? 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, 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.
T.G Jimo, PS to Yaruiwo, GPRN, NSCN (IM).
Family tree of Kughalu (Mulatonu)- Nagaland Post Opinion
History of all living beings has its own beginning or it has to be a mystery or a miracle to have existence in any form within itself. When we talk about creation of mankind or the evolution of men, every theory relies on certain thesis upon which antithesis is derived to ascertain the relationship of the historical or biological facts with regard to the subject under consideration.
Every Naga family has its own story to tell orally or written (in modern days) and in every tribe this oral tradition have survived the test of time enabling us to bridge the paradigm shift from hearth to class room whereby every known facts comes to life as we are today.
Family tree of Mr. Kughalu (Mulatonu) can be traced back to the time whence, yet for the sake of relevance we wish to highlight only the seven generations of his family tree. The great great-grandfathers of Kughalu till the time of settling in Khrumcho Village are, Late. Sahupu who sired Yangtongkiu who latter migrated to Yimchung Awun near Chessore Village and begoted a son Sofuyim whose son was Hangkhum who had three sons, among them Langakiu migrated to Hukir Village. Luyan was born to Langakiu who again migrated to Tsuko village and lived under the guardianship of Late.Ghuvishe of Tsukomi village where Kamjimong was born who in turn migrated to Phisami village and settled there as a subject of Mr. Zhukishe Hd.G.B.of Phisami.Kamjimong upon settling in Phisami he fathered a son and named him Satokhu (Typical Sumi name ). It was from here the dramatic scene of the family tree of Mr. Kughalu took place.ln 1970-71 the elders of Phisami village allowed certain members of the village to alter their names to assimilate as well as to allow them to have names suitably preferred in modem society, accordingly Satokhu changed his name to Mulato who is apparently the father of Kughalu. For the understanding of other Naga family the suffix 'nu' means "son of' in Sumi dialect as such Mulatonu means son of Mulato.
Points of observation:
1. Since time immemorial the Sumi tribe have only two clans ie,Tuccu and Swu.
2.From Tuccu and Swu sub-clans there is no mention or history about 'Mulatonu' sub-clan.
3. We do not know whether 'Mulatonu' falls under Tuccu or Swu sub-clan.
4. Sumi Hoho and Sumi Kukami (G.B) HOHO has never approved the creation of such sub-clan among the Sumi community at any point of time.
5. Has any Sumi come across such sub-clan among us?
6. Whatever write-up or statement of Kughalu given at any point of time and under any circumstances does not reflect the views and opinion of Sumi Tribe as such it should be taken as of its own creation.
Isuued by Sumi National, Workers, NSCN (IM).
Army launches operations in Manipur The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 (Reuters): A massive manhunt is underway in the dense jungles of India’s troubled northeastern state of Manipur after 16 policemen were killed in a militant ambush, a top military commander said on Sunday. In the deadliest attack in the state for at least two years, more than 30 heavily armed militants threw grenades and fired from hilltops at a police patrol vehicle in Tamenglong district, about 85 km northwest of the state capital, Imphal.
The attack on Saturday came a day after provincial elections were held in Manipur, which borders Myanmar. Twelve policemen died on the spot and four in hospital. Five others were critically wounded. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“The militants meticulously planned their ambush in an isolated place from where they could easily escape,” the senior officer supervising the search said, requesting anonymity. He said soldiers on foot, backed by helicopters, were combing the jungles where the guerrillas are believed to hiding. “They will not be allowed to go off so easily after killing so many of our boys,” he added. More than 20,000 people have been killed in decades of insurgency in Manipur, triggered in the 1960s after Manipuris complained their province was being neglected by the far-away federal government in New Delhi.
Doors for talks open despite negative response from ULFA: Governor--- PTI
Guwahati, Feb 26: Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh today said that the doors for negotiation with the ULFA was still open despite the outfit's negative response to the government's offer for talks.

"ULFA has not responded postively to the government's initiatives for direct talks... Nevertheless, the prime minister has reiterated that the doors for direct talks are still open provided the ULFA eschews violence," Singh said at the budget session of the state assembly here. ULFA had expressed its willingness (for talks) initially by forming the Peoples Consultative Group. They have, however, not shown sincerity and instead regrouped to continue with their activities, Singh said. There was general improvement of the law and order situation in the state compared to the situation six years ago, he said while regretting at the same time last month's "dastardly killing of innocent people, most of whom were Hindi speaking but living in the state for generations." "My government has responded to the situation on a war footing and succeeded in controlling the violence within 72 hours," he added.
CRPF man dies in bomb attack; Manipur cauldron: ‘Probe into Jouzangtek attack on’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, FEB 25: Manipur continued to reel under poll-related violence with a CRPF personnel suffering injuries in a bomb blast triggered by rebels at Sekmai on National Highway-39 Sunday. The bomb attack followed the massacre of 16 IRB personnel in one of the deadliest strikes on security forces by militants in recent years, at Jouzangtek in Bishenpur district Saturday. The CRPF jawan, identified as Naresh Kumar Sania of the 125 Bn, was wounded today when a bomb planted on a tree hanging down on NH-39 exploded on the roof of a vehicle of CRPF convoy at around 11.45 a.m, official sources said.
The CRPF convoy, along with other vehicles, was leaving Imphal for Dimapur on its way to the CRPF headquarters after performing election duty in Manipur. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has strongly condemned the Jouzangtek attack in which 16 IRB men were killed Saturday and termed it as "most unfortunate" and "an act of coward people."
"Investigation is on to determine which group was responsible for the attack," Ibobi told mediaperpersons. The Chief Minister was leading the state in paying floral tributes as state honours to the 16 slain IRB personnel at a function at Imphal today. High-ranking officials of the state police, DGP, CRPF, and those from other forces paid homage to the deceased IRB jawans.
UNLF counters AR ‘propaganda’ By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 25 : Asserting that the people are now aware of the excesses committed by Assam Rifles in the remote areas of Dingpi and Khenjoi under Chandel district, UNLF asserted that the facts can no longer be kept concealed despite the alleged fabricated and misleading propaganda being floated consistently by the PRO of Assam Rifles. A statement issued by the Senior Publicity Officer of UNLF Ksh Yoiheiba remarked that Assam Rifles troops who marched into Dingpi and Khenjoi areas with delusions of driving out the MPA cadres were dejected and frustrated with the repeated defeats suffered at the hands of MPA cadres. Unable to face their adversaries, the AR troops have been pouring their wrath on the innocent villagers of Tuyang, Tol-bung, Hengshi, Holenjang and Joupi. Consequent upon the PIL filed at the Gauhati High Court by the village chief of Tuyang, an enquiry team was sent to the spot to verify the charges. The enquiry report has confirmed the atrocities committed by AR personnel against the villagers, observed the outfit. In addition, a team of reporters who went to these remote villages to ascertain the charges of excesses committed by AR personnel have also confirmed that the allegations were all true, it said. Quoting media reports, Yoiheiba said that many villagers injured in the severe assault by AR personnel were prohibited from seeking medical aid outside their village. Moreover, deadly traps of landmines have been laid all around the village to prevent any one venturing outside. Taking into account all such anti-people activities, it came as no surprise when AR PRO claimed that UNLF cadres have been driven off into Myanmarese territory. The allegation that the villagers were forced to grow poppy by UNLF and that all the charges made against AR were instigated by UNLF are all manifestations of their (security forces) utter frustration, Yoiheiba claimed. Remarking that security forces have been indulging in such false and fabricated propaganda for a long time, UNLF claimed that MPA cadres have proved repeatedly by deeds that they can launch assault on security forces at any time anywhere.
The farcical judicial system of the existing Government has been reduced to nought by its own security forces by dismissing the spot enquiry report conducted under direction of the Gauhati High Court. The security forces even went on to say that the enquiry report showed rhetoric of UNLF. Such irresponsible and high handed conduct of security forces is a bitter lesson to the people that they are being subjugated under military rule, Yoiheiba added.
ULFA funding to Bangla political parties worth $6 m Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 25 — Already under pressure, the top ULFA leadership may find itself in a soup after a reputed US-based private intelligence agency exposed it of funding both the major national political parties in Bangladesh to the tune of $6 million, while commander-in-chief Paresh Barua’s net worth has been estimated at $110 million. The report by Strategic Foresight Inc, better known as Stratfor, released on January 31 comes close on the heels of a report by Indian intelligence agencies, which exposed the militant outfit’s close links with Bangladesh-based fundamentalist forces. ULFA leaders might find itself on a sticky wicket because the same Stratfor quoted senior State Department officials in Washington, in an earlier report, of keeping a close watch on ULFA’s activities in Bangladesh.

The Stratfor report said, besides the Islamist parties, the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party also are receiving substantial support from one of India’s most prominent indigenous militant groups, ULFA. ULFA has developed into a powerful, moneymaking machine that relies on Bangladesh for its protection, making it all the more important for ULFA to ensure that its interests are satisfied in the upcoming elections. ULFA reportedly has pumped more than $6 million into Bangladesh’s elections, with funds going to at least 15 candidates belonging to both the AL and BNP. By supporting both parties, ULFA is hedging its bets in order to protect its militant and business operations in Bangladesh should either party win.

“ULFA’s core leadership is believed to have been living in luxury in Bangladesh for 15 years under the protection of political allies in Dhaka. As long as ULFA can continue funding the appropriate candidates, it can ensure that the Bangladesh government will resist caving into Indian demands to crack down on the militant group,” the report said. Clearly $6 million is a handsome contribution to be coming from an indigenous Indian militant group, but ULFA is no ordinary organisation. ULFA’s leader is Paresh Barua, an enormously wealthy racketeer worth approximately $110 million. Barua has business operations throughout India, Bangladesh and the Persian Gulf, including hotels, consulting firms, driving schools, tanneries, department stores, textile factories, travel agencies, investment companies, shrimp trawlers and soft drink factories.

A senior government official in Dhaka allegedly handles Barua’s business interests in Bangladesh. The report that ULFA has turned itself into a money-minting machine assumes significance because of recent reports of the rebel outfit allegedly entering into compromise deal with State Government ahead of the National Games.
Along with Barua’s business empire, ULFA funds its militant activities through a sophisticated extortion network. Assamese tea companies and tea garden owners are continually faced with “pay up or die” threats from ULFA, yet the companies have preferred to stay quiet about ULFA’s operations out of both fear and business interest, since tea prices have been on the rise.

ULFA is well aware that New Delhi will not budge in its refusal to give into ULFA demands, so the group has focused its militant operations on bleeding Indian security forces in order to strengthen its negotiating position. The group has stepped up attacks in recent months by targeting Hindi-speaking citizens in Assam in order to force the Indian government to come to the negotiating table after a deal to release five of ULFA’s jailed leaders fell through.

ULFA and the Bangladeshi Islamist groups are not the only players with stakes in Bangladesh’s elections, however. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency is heavily involved in supplying, funding and training an array of regional militant groups, including ULFA, Kashmiri militant outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and Sri Lanka’s Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, all of which are known to cooperate with each other in weapons training and funding in spite of their varied ideologies. Though ULFA is likely to deny the report, it should be noted that Stratfor reports are well researched and, is rarely known to be influenced by external sources let alone foreign governments and intelligence agencies. Its impressive clientele is testimony to that. Significantly, a report by the Indian intelligence agencies weeks earlier said that ULFA has been further strengthening its links with Islamic radical organisation in Assam like the MULTA (Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam). The MULTA has contacts with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) of Bangladesh. The ULFA headquarters in Bangladesh has been working not only with intelligence agencies of Bangladesh, Pakistan and China but also with Islamic extremists forces. There are confirmed reports that weapons were procured by ULFA from China’s Kunming province bordering Myanmar . The usual route was through the Kachin state of Myanmar. Arms also come through the Arakan areas of Myanmar and from the sea off Cox’s Bazaar, to Chittagong . The ULFA sells their illegally imported arms to the smaller insurgent groups for a profit, reports indicate. The options for ULFA are getting limited day by day. If the ULFA leaders surrender to the Indian authorities, both Pakistan and Bangladesh’s previous BNP government will be exposed as sponsors of international terrorism, the report said.
Tribal reservation in Manipur: A boon or a bane — I By John H. Pulamte
Sangai Express Introduction
The Constitution of India that came into effect from 26 January 1950 prohibits any discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth. But, while providing equality of opportunity for all citizens, the Constitution also contains special clauses to ensure reservation ‘for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes’. With a view to provide and safeguards these communities against exploitation and to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interest, special provisions were also made in the constitution. For effective implementation of various safeguards provided to them in the Constitution and other protective legislations, a Special Officer, designated as ‘Commissioner for SCs/STs’ was also appointed under Article 338 of the Constitution. Although originally supposed to last only for 10 years, the Indian reservation system has continued till date, and applies to higher education and legislative office. Currently, 22.5% (15 for SCs & 7.5 for STs) in all government jobs and seats in higher education institutions under the Central government are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Reservation is intended to increase the social diversity in campuses and workplaces by lowering the entry criteria for certain identifiable groups who are grossly under-represented in proportion to their numbers in general population. Inspite of reservation being implemented as a tool to improve the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes or the Other Backward Classes, it becomes just a compensation that needs to be in place for the well-being of these peoples since they are not at par with the rest of the country. As long as such improvement is not achieved, reservation will be mandated to keep these underprivileged peoples to be able to compete with the rest of the country.
In August 2006, based on the recommendations of an independent panel, the UPA Government at the centre proposed to implement quota system for Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other minority communities in IITs and IIMs (for both students and faculty). This led to sharp reactions from the unreserved category students in the institutes concerned especially students from the Medical fraternity.
Reservation in Manipur
Before Manipur became a part of India in 1949 the king governed the plain areas whereas the Village Chief traditionally administered the hill areas, which constitutes a little more than 90% of the total geographical area of the state. Manipur was included in the re-organisation of North east India Act, 1971 to become a full-fledged state. While a Bill was introduced in the Parliament for creation of statehood for Manipur, the tribal people urged for a separate administrative unit or creation of Hill Secretariat in the state. Consequently, the creation of statehood for Manipur was delayed for a year.
In the interest of the integrity of the state of Manipur that saw statehood in 1972 - the unwritten ‘social contract’ between tribals and the valley dwellers states that the general population could have access to the produce of the land while in matters of employment, tribals would share in the development of the state by ‘representation’ of one-third of the work force as a corollary to the principle of democracy. This agreement was never fulfilled, and has contributed much to tribal youth to assert their own identity at the cost of impending integrity. As per the unofficial 2001 census, the population of the tribal peoples has increased to about 37%. However, reciprocal increase in reservation percentage is a far cry when even the present reserved percentage has also been under constant manipulation and is at stake from time to time.
A Bill known as ‘Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (for SC and ST) 1976’ was passed by the state’s Legislative Assembly on December 12, 1976 and assented by the Governor on February 21, 1977 but, the same is inoperative till date in the absence of Rules under the Act. The Rules framed and published by the then Commissioner of Tribal Welfare Department in Gazette No. 474 (B) on December 10, 1990 ‘for immediate enforcement’ was rescinded by Gazette No. 618 published by the Chief Secretary on February 2, 1991 ‘with immediate effect’ and reinforced by another Gazette No. 639 published on February 5, 1991 rescinding once again and stating that, ‘the same shall be treated as to have not been issued and existed’. The main reason cited by the government for this cancellation is that no proper channel and mandatory state’s Cabinet approval is sought and obtained by the Tribal Development (TD) department before going ahead for pu-blication in the Gazette.
Rather than the validity of the reason and circumstances for such cancellations of one government Gazette by another, what is more mystifying and that ire the tribal peoples of Manipur is – why does it take such a long 15 years to make the first attempt to frame the RULES in order to make the said ACT operational? To make the matter worse, after the failed attempt in 1991, no new step is being taken for another 15 years to have a specific and legally binding reservation policy in Manipur. Due to relentless pressure from All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM), ‘Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (for SC and ST) Amendment Bill 2006’ was introduced in the state’s Legislative Assembly on September 15, 2006 and was passed on September 18, 2006. Before that, the Bill was referred to the Manipur Hill Areas Committee (HAC) constituted by all tribal MLAs (20 in number) for their observation, comment and opinions. It may be noted that the HAC has the power to reject, rectify or nullify any such Bill that concern the tribal peoples and their areas. But, may be due to an oversight or callous approach of these elected people’s representatives, the Bill was approved without any comments or modifications. On seeing that there are some misleading sections and clauses that can be misinterpreted to the disadvantage of the tribal peoples, ATSUM immediately approached the Governor and request him not to give his assent to the Bill in its present form. The Governor on his part uses his wisdom and sent back the Bill to be deliberately discussed once again in the Assembly. It was also learnt that the Governor also rejected the request of the state Cabinet to pass an Ordinance so as to make the Bill operational as he consider that the issue was of great importance, serious and sensitive in all respect. Had that Bill received the Governor’s assent or the state government passed an Ordinance, the very law that tries to promote and help the tribal people of the state is sure to bring more problem to the tribal peoples than solving it.
It may be noted that, the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (for SC and ST) Amendment Bill 2006, does not mention anything on the penalty to be given to those who do not abide by the said law. Besides, the percentage to be reserved for SC/STs was more or less fixed with no room for determining it as per the state’s population. The Bill also almost completely close rooms for promotion of tribal Class II officers to Class I officer in departments such as, PWD, IFCD, Power, PHED, V&AH, Agriculture, etc. Hence, chance of technical Section Officers (class III) getting promotion to class I in these departments is almost nil. — To be contd
Myanmar team on NE visit to boost trade ties Surajit Khaund Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – In a bid to give a fresh impetus to the ongoing border trade between North East India and Myanmar, a 34-member delegation of Myanmar is visiting Assam, Manipur and Mizoram from February 28. The delegation comprising Thaung Kyaw, deputy director of Border Trade, Aung Min, director, Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, Tha Ra, deputy general manager, Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB) and senior members of the leading trade bodies will meet the ministers and the senior officials of these States. They are planning to sign a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the trade bodies of the North East.

During their seven-day stay in Assam , Manipur and Mizoram, the delegation would visit tea gardens, textile units, agro-based industries and fisheries to explore import of technology to their country. The visit initiated by the Myanmar Government is aimed at improving bilateral trade between Myanmar and North East, besides importing tea technology from the region. The delegation will also make a series of presentations in Guwahati about the opportunities in the Myanmar market to woo traders of the region.

The Indo-Myanmar trade pact was signed in 1994 and it was made operational in 1995. Since then the volume of trade between North East and Myanmar has not been encouraging. The export growth is around 7% against the import of 32%. The poor trade is apparently due to lack of available information about the market and and currency problem in Myanmar. To overcome the existing problem, the Myanmar Government has taken a slew of measures to disseminate information so that the North East traders can explore the market. Moreover, the Indian Commerce Ministry has of late initiated several measures keeping in view the market potential in Myanmar. To reciprocate the move, the Junta has sent the delegation to have direct interaction with with the North East traders in order to cement bilateral trade ties.

Upbeat over the visit, Yumnam Ch Dilipkumar, chairman of PIC, Indo-Myanmar Border Traders’ Union, said that the visit would further enhance bilateral trade between North East India and Myanmar. “We have two border trade points-Moreh and Champhai with Myanmar, but we have not been able to reap the benefits and therefore the traders of the North East and the Myanmar will be able to share their plans together”, he added. The Industries Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) has hailed the visit of Myanmar officials and the traders saying that it would further enhance the trade ties. “We are organizing an interactive session among the traders of North East and Myanmar to exchange their business plans”, Rajesh Das of ITFAA said.
Arunachal Pradesh demands ‘peace bonus’ from Centre Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, Feb 25 – Arunachal Pradesh has demanded “peace bonus” from the Centre in the form of special package to speed up the economic development of the State. Chief Minister Geogong Apang said it is indeed a paradox that the country spends thousands of crore of rupees every year to control insurgency but it neglects Arunachal Pradesh which has remained peaceful.

He was addressing the 21st Statehood day rally here yesterday which was attended by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil as the chief guest. Turning to Patil, Apang said “I fervently appeal to you to announce a peace bonus for states that maintained absolute peace and social and communal harmony.” “The bonus could be in the form of special development package and a beginning can be made with Arunachal for its impeccable record in law and order front.

“This will provide incentive to the people to remain peaceful elsewhere in the country,” he said.
Apang said Arunachal Pradesh may be having a small population but the fact that the State shares long sensitive borders with China, Maynmar and Bhutan places great responsibility on the inhabitants of the State. The Chief Minister said that the hilly State bestowed with huge natural resources is a sleeping giant and has begun to wake up from deep slumber. – PTI
PREPAK to execute extortionist The Imphal Free Press

imphal, Feb 25: The underground prepak has announced that the death penalty has been awarded to a youth who was caught committing extortion in the name of the outfit in the Imphal east area.

The youth, identified as Ningthoujam Malemkhomba 20, hailing from Iroisemba was produced before mediapersons somewhere in Imphal east today.
A spokesperson of the PREPAK, briefing mediapersons said Malemkhomba had been working under one Loya hailing from Uripok, and added that his accomplices have been identified.

The spokesperson said such accomplices should surrender to the party at the earliest, failing which they would face a similar penalty.
The spokesperson also urged the public not to cooperate with any financial demands made in the name of the party without sanction by Chinglemba Mangang of the prepak`s finance section.

In another development, the Kangleipak Communist Party, kcp, has also caught one youth who allegedly attempted to extort money from a cement dealer at Khoyathong in the name of the outfit. Producing the youth before mediapersons somewhere in Imphal east, a spokesperson of the outfit said the youth, identified as Elangbam Premjit, 25, of Yaripok Nungsum, was caught while he was attempting to extort a sum of Rs 10,000 from the cement dealer. The KCP spokesperson added that one A Bikram was behind the extortion bid. He added that earlier this month, they had also collected an amount of Rs. 8,500 from several shops located at Khoyathong. The spokesperson said Premjit was found to have been duped and used by Bikram, and therefore he has been handed over to his family with a stern warning. He however demanded that a bikram should surrender within a week, failing which he would be given the extreme punishment.

Repolls possible only in 14 out of 15 polling stations The Imphal Free Press

imphal, Feb 25: Voting in 14 out of 15 polling stations in Tamenglong and Chandel districts where repolls were ordered took place peacefully today, but repoll could not be held in 52/5-Kadi polling station of Tamei A/C as the polling officers failed to reach the spot in time. Election authorities said a high turnout of more than 80% was recorded in the repolls, though media persons on their rounds did not see that many voters. According to offical sources, repolls at 52/5-Kadi under Tamei A/C could not take place as the assigned polling officers could not arrive in time. Repoll has been recommended at this polling station tomorrow, from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

In the rest, official sources said, polling was held peacefully amidst heavy deployment of security forces with executive magistrates posted at each polling station. Mediapersons, however found that this was not the case at all polling stations during their rounds today.

At 41/12 polling station in Chandel A/C, mediapersons who attempted to enter the polling station were stopped outside by a youth who claimed to belong to an underground group. The youth prevented the mediapersons from entering, until after 30 or 40 people, both men and women, had emerged from the polling station and left. Inside the polling station, the mediapersons found things at the point of being wound up though it was only 2:12 pm

The EVM showed that 723 out of 740 electorate under the polling station had voted. The presiding officer also said voting took place peacefully The mediapersons found two agents of one particular candidate present, though this is against the rules. The agents of the other candidates had left earlier, they were informed. In the meantime official sources informed that 81% turnout was recorded at 53/2-Tharon, 90% at 53/4-Thingra, 81% at 53/14-Kabui Khullen, and 84% at 53/21-Khebuching polling stations of Tamenglong A/C/

In Chandel A/C,.official sources said turnout in the repolls was around 97%. According to the district electoral officer Chandel, all EVMs used in repoll except that of 42/10 Khulsaibung reached the district headquarters today. 41/2 Angparal recorded 95% turnout, 97.7% at 41/11 Japhou bazar part IB, and 97% at 41/14-Monsang Pantha. In the seven polling stations of 42-Tengnoupal, 98.6% was recorded at 42/5-Khangshin, 97% at 42/6 Kangsang (A), 97.2% at 42/7 Kangsang (B), 95.09% at 42/10 Khulsaibung, 97% at 42/14 Langol A, 98% at 42/15 Langol B and 97.5% at 42/24-Phunam Sambam. On the other hand, rjd candidate Thangkhulun Haokip,

41-Chandel A/C has opposed the repolls held today, saying they were unjustified. Repolls should be held only when evms are lost or destroyed, he said, alleging that the repolls had been held at gunpoint at the instigation of Independent candidate Francis Huten. He said attempts to make complaint in this regard to the election authorities, including ceo, dc chandel and the concerned RO, have been disregarded.

Contest for meanest chilli was a scorcher Nagarealm.com
WASHINGTON : As fiery spats go, nothing like this had ever happened between the United States and India. While ties between the two countries have lately been warm, fuzzy and full of saccharine sentiments, away from the public glare and diplomatic canoodling, a scorching confrontation brewed in the background. At the heart of this flaming row: which is the hotter chilly - Assam's little-known and mysterious Naga Jolokia or California's reigning champ Red Savina.

After months of heated debate and measured tests, the verdict is in: Jolokia has booted out Savina from the hottest spot by a big margin - 1,001,304 SHUs to Red Savina's highest 577,000 SHUs. SHU is acronym for Scoville Heat Unit, a dilution measure invented by American chemist William Scoville to quantify spice heat. Naga Jolokia's score means for it to be rendered neutral or tasteless, one measure of it has to be diluted 1.001 million times.

Jolokia, which means chilli in India's northeastern regions, is the first natural pepper to breach the 1 million SHU mark. Most people are reduced to tears at 300,000 SHUs, the standard for the hotter varieties including Mexico's famed habanero. A bell pepper (Shimla mirch) is typically measured at nil. Just how hot are Jolokias is evident from the prefixes it has earned - Bhut means ghost, for that is what it reduces anyone who bites into it, it is said. Naga, the alternate prefix, was given because it is said to reflect the tribe's fiery temperament. "It is a very intense chilli with a delayed heat that is quite phenomenal," says Paul Bosland, Director of the Chilli Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University who came out smoking after the his first bite of jolokia five years ago and knew immediately that he was on to something very hot. Very, very hot.

The story of the sizzling spat between Naga Jolokia and Red Savina goes back to the year 2000 when some American growers first read a claim from India, reported in Current Science magazine and attributed to an official of the Defense Research Laboratory in Tezpur, that an Assamese chilli had broken all records for spice heat at 855,000 Scoville Heat Units.

The news was greeted with scepticism. Frank Garcia of GNS Spices, a Californian developer and grower of the 'Red Savina', thought it highly unusual for Jolokia, said to belong to the family Capsicum frutescens, to be so hot. His own Red Savina belonged to Capsicum chinense, which was typically thought to produce more scalding chillies, such as the Habanero.

Garcia took the report to Paul Bosland, head of the Chili Pepper Institute, founded in 1991. One doesn't associate U.S with chillies (peppers, in Americanese) but Bosland says it is a well-kept secret. "In New Mexico, it is a $ 400 million industry," the mild-spoken director told ToI. "When it comes to chillies, we are the centre of the universe." Indeed, located at Les Cruces, about 50 miles from the border town of El Paso, Bosland's CPI is the crucible of some of the hottest experiments involving chillies. Like Garcia, Bosland too had his doubts. Did the Indian test stick to the standards? Were the seeds, pericarp, and placenta of the chilli ground together, or did they just pick the hot parts? Meanwhile, Garcia issued a Bush-like challenge to Jolokia: Bring it on!

That was easier said than done. Emails and faxes to Indian authorities went unanswered for months. Friends who went to the region were unable to bring back quality seeds. When Bosland finally got his hands on the right stuff, it took two years of careful breeding to grow Jolokia in New Mexico. By 2005, Bosland had grown and lined up enough Bhut Jolokia, Red Savina and Orange Habanero to conduct what he called the Great Heat Test. The results were stunning: BJ scorched the competition at 1.04 million SHUs. What's more, even Orange Habanero, at a mean heat level of 357,729 SHU huffed past Red Savina.
"So much for the world's current hottest chilli pepper," noted the website fieryfoods.com, which chronicled the epic, if not epicurean, battle. Last week, the results from the Chile Pepper Institute test, validated by two peer outfits, was recognized by the Guinness World Record organisation. Interrupted for an interview for this story while fixing dinner for his family, Bosland had a hearty laugh when asked if Bhut Jolokia was now part of his spice rack. "No way," he said. [Chidanand Rajghatta, TNN]