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03/03/2007: "Dutch ‘mediator’ in Naga talks gaffe OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Dutch ‘mediator’ in Naga talks gaffe OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

New Delhi, March 2: Michael van Walt van Praag’s entry into the Naga peace process may have been with Delhi’s consent, but there was nothing remotely official about the Dutchman’s entry into Nagaland this week without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for foreigners.
Less than two months after NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu allegedly sneaked into Nagaland from across the Indo-Bangladesh border in the Northeast, the militant group’s Dutch counsellor and his wife landed in the state without informing anybody there of their visit.
The diplomatic gaffe was quickly corrected, enabling Praag to visit the NSCN (I-M)’s Camp Hebron near Dimapur and a few more places before returning to New Delhi on Wednesday without further controversy. Cracking the Naga conundrum could, however, prove to be a little more difficult for Praag than going to Nagaland minus proper documents and getting away with it. The NSCN (I-M) and the Centre are scheduled to resume their dialogue in the capital tomorrow with Praag playing “facilitator”. Thuingaleng Muivah arrived in New Delhi last night without the usual fanfare and the baggage of positive energy he professes to carry to every round of talks. A source close to the NSCN (I-M) admitted today that the signs were not healthy.
Even Praag, who represents the NGO Kreddha, has reportedly begun to see the NSCN (I-M) as being “too adamant” on certain issues. Kreddha — International Peace Council for States, Peoples and Minorities is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts between population groups and the states within which they exist. Delhi has always been saying that the militant group needs to be “more political and diplomatic” and “less emotional” in dealing with the problems at hand.
The NSCN (I-M) signed a ceasefire agreement with Delhi in 1997 and submitted its demands after four years of negotiations, mainly on streamlining the truce mechanism. In subsequent years, the discussions have covered the issues of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland, a joint defence mechanism, a separate constitution for the Nagas and control of education, home affairs and tourism in “Naga areas”. The subject of integration has been the thorniest one, especially with Manipur bent on scuttling any move to take away a part of its territory.
Back home, some senior NSCN (I-M) leaders have been huddled in talks with supporters and Naga village heads from within the state and its neighbours. Two other senior functionaries of the outfit, Rh. Raising and M. Angami, will be with Muivah during the negotiations in New Delhi.
A source said Muivah’s arrival in the capital was “kept under wraps”, explaining the absence of the supporters who usually throng the Indira Gandhi International Airport whenever he comes for talks. Last night, there were only a few aides with the NSCN (I-M) general secretary as he walked out of the terminal with a posse of security personnel in tow.

Crucial Naga talks in New Delhi Indo-Asian News Service

Guwahati, Indian peace negotiators are beginning fresh peace talks in New Delhi on Saturday with leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) in the presence of a Dutch mediator. A group of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's main peace interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah are meeting top leaders of the NSCN-IM, the main rebel group in Nagaland state.
"We want the government to come up with a response to our demands and help expedite a solution to the longstanding problem. The ceasefire is now on for 10 years and people are getting edgy," a senior NSCN-IM leader said on conditions of anonymity. The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and T Muivah, had entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 1997. The two sides have since held at least 50 rounds of peace talks aimed at ending one of South Asia's longest running insurgencies that claimed an estimated 25,000 lives since India attained independence in 1947.
The NSCN-IM is one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India's northeast and wants to create a "Greater Nagaland" by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal populations. The three regional governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas.
"Unification of Naga inhabited areas is our historical right. This is the main bone of contention where the government is dithering," the rebel leader said. Joining the peace talks will be Michael C Van Walt Van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator'. "Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in the fresh talks," the rebel leader said.
"The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the Indian government, but his impartial role, we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi," he added. Praag is currently the Executive President of a Hague-based non-governmental organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states. Praag has been unofficially assisting the NSCN-IM and New Delhi in the talks since 2001.
An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier the General Secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). The UNPO claims the support of over 100 million people in 52 member countries and works for protecting the human rights of nations, peoples and minorities not represented in international forums such as the UN. "This would be a very crucial round of talks and could determine which way the peace process moves from here on," another NSCN-IM leader said.
Th Muivah heads for talks at New Delhi Newmai News Network

Dimapur, Mar 1: NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah left Dimapur for New Delhi this afternoon to hold another round of political dialogues with the government of India.

NSCN(IM)`s ceasefire monitoring cell convenor Phumthing Shimrang told Newmai News Network tonight that the next round of talks between the government of India and the NSCN(IM) is likely to begin on March 3 for which reason the general secretary of the outfit had left Nagaland today. Phumthing Shimrang however said whether the NSCN(IM) leader will return to Nagaland after the talks would only be known after the next round of talks is over.

A separate source informed NNN that a six-member delegation of the NSCN(IM) led by its general secretary Th Muivah left Dimapur for Delhi today to carry forward the ongoing political dialogue with government of India. According to sources, the other members of the team include senior leaders Rh Raising, Tongmeth Wangnao, V Tuccu, Samsong Jajo and Alezo Venuh.
However, NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu is staying back in Nagaland.
Limatemjen to advocate ceasefire and reconciliation The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 2 (MExN): Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Limatemjen said that he stood for ceasefire, reconciliation and peace for the Nagas which was a prerequisite for progress and development. Expounding on the need for ceasefire, the JD(U) candidate said that he totally disagreed with the Home Minister’s opinion that Cease fire was not good for our people and he continued that he would stand in the general election on these same grounds.
Talking of his preparations for the bye-elections, the JD (U) candidate said that he was meeting the people in small pockets and though he tried to convey his confidence Limatemjen admitted to being wary of the money power that was being used to woo voters. He added that this trend of money power was not entirely the fault of the politicians but the people were to be blamed for selling their right for monetary gains.
Lamenting the fact that he had not been given the chance to serve the Naga people much but during the three years he had served as an MLA in 1989-1992, Limatemjen said that he had pondered and come up with a way to utilize the 360 crores of planning money given to the Nagas. The candidate claimed that the present Local Area Development Fund which was earlier called the Compact Area Development fund was the solution that he had come up with.
Limatemjen added that his other main concern was a balanced and well planned progress of Dimapur, specifically mentioning the congested traffic in the city which could be done away by constructing parking buildings and underground parking areas. He also pointed out the insufficient water supply in the town despite the government spending crores of rupees. He said that with the limited time he might not be able to see the completion of his plans but they would definitely be recorded to be carried out by the next government.
Crucial Naga talks in New Delhi By IANS
Guwahati, March 3 (IANS) Indian peace negotiators are beginning fresh peace talks in New Delhi Saturday with leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) in the presence of a Dutch mediator. A group of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's main peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah are meeting top leaders of he NSCN-IM, the main rebel group in Nagaland state.
'We want the government to come up with a response to our demands and help expedite a solution to the longstanding problem. The ceasefire is now on for 10 years and people are getting edgy,' a senior NSCN-IM leader told IANS by telephone on conditions of anonymity. The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and T. Muivah, had entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 1997. The two sides have since held at least 50 rounds of peace talks aimed at ending one of South Asia's longest running insurgencies that claimed an estimated 25,000 lives since India attained independence in 1947.
The NSCN-IM is one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India's northeast and wants to create a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal populations. The three regional governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas. 'Unification of Naga inhabited areas is our historical right. This is the main bone of contention where the government is dithering,' the rebel leader said. Joining the peace talks will be Michael C. van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator'.
'Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in the fresh talks,' the rebel leader said. 'The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the Indian government, but his impartial role, we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi.' Praag is currently the executive president of a Hague-based non-governmental organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states. Praag has been unofficially assisting the NSCN-IM and New Delhi in the talks since 2001. An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier the general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). The UNPO claims the support of over 100 million people in 52 member countries and works for protecting the human rights of nations, peoples and minorities not represented in international forums such as the UN.
'This would be a very crucial round of talks and could determine which way the peace process moves from here on,' another NSCN-IM leader said.
Naga peace talks resume today The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAR 2 (MExN): Peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) resume today. Led by General Secretary Th Muivah, the Naga group will delve into issues which will “explore” possibilities of the proposed ‘federal relationship’, senior NSCN (I-M) leader Rh Raising, stated from Delhi. A meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is to follow suit.
When asked if Dutch facilitator, Dr Michael C van Walt van Praag, would engage in the talks as a mediator, Raising replied in the negative by saying that the ‘Kreddha’ member was only a catalyst who has been pushing the peace process forward. “Praag is a friend of both India and the Nagas,” he said, “If it were not for him, the talks would have collapsed a long time back.”
Talks were earlier stalled due to “inconveniences” caused by assembly polls. This time around, “important issues” which form part of the “overall exercise” are expected to be touched.
Honesty is the best policy- Nagaland Post Opninion
In breaking our silence and yet in a move of patience with all faith and hope for peace and goodness, the Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC) is compelled to issue the following statements without any malice, ill feeling and intentions to any individual', organizations, agencies etc whether Governmental or public. In the recent past, our attention has been drawn from the various press statements in regard to the situation and development concerning the integrity of Yimchungru Tribe and the incidents therein at Shamator and Pungro Sub divisions.
As a parental organization and authority, the YTC on behalf of the entire Yimchungru Naga tribe endorse herewith the statement for harmonious and a peaceful co-existence amongst neighbours and with one another in Black and White. The YTC resolved to condemn the self-styled and dictatorial functioning of the deranged President of the Kiphire District G.Bs Association Mr. Yangkyumong and the Secretary Mr. Litsaba. Incidently, the President is the father-in-law of Tajingki whose father is the deceased Hd. G. B. of Zaonger Village, resolved to condemn the destructive minded President of the G. B. Association and those responsible (whether public or officials as such), where instead of maintaining law and order and peace, are in contrast indulging and inciting communal violence and instability and consequently leading to unrest and gross law and order problems and civil disorders. In line to the statements the YTC further condemns the above individuals, associations or any other individuals for misleading the state Government, misuse and manipulation of the District Administrative Machinery of Kiphire District.
We strongly urge that the President and the Secretary of the Kiphire District GBs. Association be arrested by the Govt. immediately for war mongering, rumor mongering and false propagation leading to sectarian and communal violence and tension. That the issue and the background leading to the killing of the 7 (seven) persons at Zaonger Village is a feud which the public are capable and in position to answer the govt. Over the incident in all fairness and truth it need be.
That the 7 (seven) deceased are not innocent and blameless as projected by the aggrieved family members, certain unwanted outsiders and elements, and above all, by the hijacked and manipulated G.Bs Association of Kiphire District. The G.Bs. Association is a forum consisting of Yimchungru, Sangtams and Sumi Tribes and hence not a platform for self interest and misuse by any particular tribe or individuals of Kiphire District. Against this backdrop, there were no collective prior discussions or decisions, or least of all, fairly represented for the issue of press statements and representation etc. That the 7 (seven) deceased, persons, (out of which one was a Limitsong terrorist) were killed in self-defence and their death is an outcome and consequence of their conspiracies and evil intentions where they had elaborately and secretly planned to attack Zaonger Village and to assassinate/murder several Yimchungru public leaders and elders in collaboration with a terrorist outfit called Limitsong. The venomous deceased had to be killed in pure self-defence as stated, before innocent and defenseless public could be murdered in cold blood. It was a public movement to defend themselves, their territory and integrity. We ask- Is it a crime to do so? We certainly do not approve of violence and killings in any form for no reason, but what would you do if a brood of venomous snakes come to strike you without any provocation, will you not kill the snake or your attacker in self defense? Isn't it only a sensible act and a basic right to do so and to defend oneself no matter what and how?
For any village, tribe, community etc. as here in Nagaland, one would under any circumstances defend their homeland in any form of aggression and assault. Therefore it is the bounden duty of every Yimchunger Naga to defend themselves for what is rightfully theirs for their survival and integrity. We do not occupy and possess nobody's land, nor do we subjugate and oppress others, nor will we allow others to do so upon us. That the remaining 2 (two) namely Lolumthong and Sheshimkiu who apparently jumped out of the D.Bs. Court window are members of the terrorist outfit Limitsong who were in possession of unlicensed weapons (Pistol).
YTC condemns certain District Administrative Officers for conniving and making use of Limitsong outfits without verifying their true identity (Lolumthong and Sheshimkiu) who were used in assisting the arrest of some public of Zaonger Village. Sheshimkiu incidentally is the younger son of the deceased Hd. G.B. and the brother of the son in-law of Mr. Yangkyumong, the President of Kiphire District G.Bs Association - Mr. Tajingki. The YTC also denounces the locals who are in habit of irresponsibly and shamelessly misleading and misguiding other non-local govt. officials both at the state level and the District levels by twisting facts like their mindsets.
The YTC is equally wary over the lackadaisical and perplexed approach of the State Machinery, where in spite of prima-facie evidences over the killing of Special Task Force (STF) personnel who was on active duty in cold blood by Limitsong terrorists, is yet to take any steps to arrest those involved. This sort of attitude will only create a sense of insecurity and lack of coverage amongst dutiful security personnel and the public in general. The outfit (Limitsong) is involved in disrupting day to day public life and yet, after promising assurances by the govt. and followed by representations and reminders, the govt. is yet to implement the assurances for banning and disarming the outfit. However in much contrast the govt. was only quick to respond and react to the reports sent from Kiphire Head Quarter and led to the arrest of the 6 (six) villagers of Zaonger Village. While there are Global efforts at the highest level to destroy and overcome terrorism, we have right here in our backyard as patronized and free- moving Limitsong terrorists akin to AL-QUEDAS and OSAMA BIN LADENS by sections of our own people for reasons best known to them. Lastly, we urgently appeal the State Govt. for the immediate release of the six Yimchungru public of Zaonger village who are detained illegally and tortured beyond human tolerance by police officials of Kiphire District HQ under police custody here in Dimapur. It may be mentioned that the public were brought to Dimapur under the pretext of safety precautions. In conclusion the YTC appeals to the General Naga Public and Right thinking citizens to judge and opine in all fairness as stated. We further appeal to all third party, individuals, organization and agencies not to involve and incite in one sidedness. It is a matter within our community and we request for non-interference in the interest of peaceful co-existence, harmony and for a united Naga Family.
Long live Naga unity. Down with divisive elements. Last but not the least - Let Truth Prevail.
Thsesong, President Y.T.C.
Appeal by concerned Nagas in response to the ‘Quit notice’ Kangla on Line
In an effort to bring about peace and harmony among the Nagas, we the following concerned Nagas would like to make an appeal.
We fully understand the anger, hurt and outrage behind the Quit Notice issued by NSCN(K). The narrated intolerable excesses of some Tangkhuls in the NSCN(IM) that have provoked the Quit Notice are true. Yet the NSCN(K) accusation that all Tangkhuls are agents of NSCN(IM) is not true. Therefore the ultimatum to all Tangkhuls to quit Nagaland or face dire consequences is excessive and unjustified. No Naga tribe today is qualified to judge others so harshly from a moral high ground, especially the “advanced” or major tribes.
We believe it is outrageously wrong to accuse and victimize an entire tribe for the evil deeds or failures of some individuals of the tribe. Once this tempting method of achieving goals is allowed, Nagas will be on a slippery road to uncontrollable mutual destruction. This must not be allowed to happen. Any Tangkhul or anyone from any Naga tribe may join or support NSCN (IM) or any of the national groups provided that right is not misused to oppress or exploit others.
If our perception is correct, the Quit Notice will also complicate our politics too dangerously for all Nagas at this stage. We, therefore, appeal to the concerned leaders to review their decision on the Quit Notice that will serve the common good of all Nagas giving our people a chance to find unity through healing and reconciliation. NSCN(K) will be guilty of an equally wrong excess should its Quit Notice result in the shedding of innocent Tangkhul blood.
The Naga public are also beginning to question why Tangkhul Long, Tangkhul Churches and other bodies are remaining silent, leaving it to other Nagas to speak out at this dangerous time to protect helpless innocents. Nagas urgently need to hear what Tangkhul public bodies have to say. Excesses committed by certain Tangkhuls in the NSCN (IM) have for long angered other Nagas, not just the Khaplang group. What we need most at present is to strengthen the unity that binds all the Naga tribes. Concerned Nagas -
Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh, Rev. L. Shohie Mhasi, Rev. Dr. Visor Zeliang, Rev. Chingang Konyak, Rev. C. Lima Sangtam, Rev. L. Kari Longchar, Rev. L. Bizo, Rev. Fr. Abraham, Rev. Pughoto Aye, Rev. S. Takam, Pastor Hotokhu P. Zhimomi, Dr. Miss Kapfo, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Rev. Shiwoto Sumi, Rev. Dr. Pongsing Konyak, Mrs. Lochumlo Yanthan, Niketu Iralu, Ahu Sakhrie, Dr. Dietho-o.
Posted on: 2007-02-26Ibobi sworn in as CM The Morung Express
Imphal, March 2 (PTI): Okram Ibobi Singh was today sworn in as the chief minister of Manipur for a second consecutive term. Governor S S Sidhu administered the oaths of office and secrecy to him. Soon after taking the oath, Singh, whose earlier government was the first in Manipur to complete a full term, told reporters that he would expand his ministry after Holi.
He said he had the support of the CPI, which was a junior partner in the earlier Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry, as well as the RJD. The SPF now has a strength of 37 (Congress - 30, CPI - four and RJD - three) in the 60-member House. Newly elected MLAs, senior party leaders, Union Minister of State Oscar Fernandes and senior civil and police officials attended the swearing-in ceremony. Singh, who staked claim to form the government on February 28, said his administration will work for peace and development in the state.
MLAs to take oath on Mar 7

Imphal, March 2 (NNN): The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected MLAs to the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be held on March 7 for which all the MLA-elects have been informed. Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Dr SS Sidhu has called on March 16 for the first Assembly session of the new government.
Bodies of fallen IRB jawans to arrive today The Morung Express
Dimapur, MarCH 2 (MExN): The mortal remains of the four fallen jawans of the 9th NAP (IR), who fell to a landmine and an ambush by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on March 1, is expected to arrive in Dimapur late night on March 3. The jawans Havildar B Limawati Walling, C/N T Nghio Lotha, C/N Chumukie Sangtam and C/N Mayangchiba Walling fell to a landmine explosion when they were on a road-clearing operation in the district. The total casualty was 8 including two Special Police Officers and the driver and the handyman of the truck the soldiers were traveling in. Two other IR jawans, C/N T Nokum Konyak and C/N Shilulemba Ao sustained injuries in the attack.
Police sources informed that the remains will be taking a flight to Numaligarh (at the time of filing this news report) and then to Guwahati where another chartered flight will bring home the fallen soldiers to Dimapur. The arrival is expected at around 9-10 pm. On arrival, the bodies will be taken to respective native villages of the soldiers. However, a brief state reception is said to be in arrangement for Sunday, most probably at Kohima, before the bodies leave for their native places i.e., Wokha, Kiphire and Moayimti (Mokokchung) and one to Chumukedima.
Although a ‘single’ State funeral for the soldiers could not be arranged due to difficulties posed by divergent locations the bodies will be moved to, a full State Guard of Honor will be accorded at their burial places, it was informed. Officials like Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of the respective districts will represent the state at the Guard of Honor, it was informed.
Myanmar to import Indian tea technology By IANS
Guwahati, March 3 (IANS) Myanmar Saturday sought Indian technology to help boost its tea production, besides collaborating with the regional governments in the northeast to promote medicinal herbs in its country. 'We are keen on importing the best of tea technology available here to boost production of the beverage in our country. We are already in touch with the Indian tea industry to help us in producing more tea and improving quality,' Thung Kyaw, Myanmar's deputy director of Border Trade, said here.
Kyaw is currently in the northeastern state of Assam leading a 31-member business delegation to study prospects of trade and commerce in sectors like tea, herbal medicines, textiles, and fish farming. The Myanmarese business delegation is visiting a number of tea gardens and herbal medicinal farms in Assam as part of a three-day visit that ends Sunday. 'We have had a very good meeting with traders of the northeast and want India to help us in promoting our tea interests,' Kyaw said. Myanmar produces about 90 million kilograms of tea annually with about 65 percent of the crop grown in northern Shan State and the remaining in southern Shan State, Sagaing and Mandalay divisions and Kachin State. Myanmar produces three types of tea - green, black and pickled. Green tea accounts for 52 percent of the production, black tea 31 percent and pickled tea at 17 percent - which is an essential ingredient of a popular national snack.
Tea is also used in various religious and social functions, including royal ceremonies. 'Assam tea is known worldwide and hence our interest in borrowing methods and techniques from this part of the world,' the Myanmarese official said. 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 of 955 million kilogram last year.
Gogoi-Advani tussle Nagaland Post
New Delhi, March 2 (PTI): Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today dared senior BJP leader L K Advani to prove his allegation that the Assam government "struck a deal" with the banned ULFA to withdraw its boycott of the National Games, saying he would quit politics if the charge was substantiated. "But if he (Advani) can't prove it, he should quit politics," Gogoi told a press conference here. Advani had claimed in Parliament yesterday that there was a "secret understanding" between the Centre and the ULFA.
He had also claimed the Congress government in Assam had cancelled a TV news channel's accreditation for the National Games in Guwahati last month after it beamed a report that large sums of money were paid to the insurgent group to withdraw its boycott of the sports event.
Gogoi said: "It pains me that a leader of his (Advani's) stature has said we had an understanding with the ULFA. Let him prove it. "All along, it is the Congressmen who were being killed, they are the targets (of ULFA). No BJP leader has been killed."
The National Games, he said, were a success due to the participation of sportspersons from across the country and voluntary services rendered by people. "In spite of all the propaganda and ULFA threats, people participated and Scouts and Guides and NCC cadets gave their voluntary services." Gogoi said his government was ready to hold talks with the ULFA if it gave up violence and its demand for sovereignty and came forward for parleys "within the Constitution". "They can even form a party, fight elections and prove their popularity," he said.
Wanted : A strong Opposition Sangai Express Editorial
It was a mauling all right and while the top guns of the MPP must be licking their wounds, it is something of a tragedy that the 9th Assembly may see a considerably weakened Opposition, not according to the basis of the numerical strength, but more because of the absence of many veterans whose mere presence could have given the Treasury bench some thoughts to worry about over the performance or non-performance of the Government. With the role to be taken up by the NCP not yet clear, there is only Okram Joy Singh of the MPP who can pull up the Government on the floor of the Assembly. The others, especially the other four MPP MLAs are raw new comers and it would be unrealistic to expect them to play the role of an effective Opposition. The NCP has no doubt Radhabinod Koijam, who can make an impact in the Assembly, but with the role of his party not yet clear, it would be premature to expect him to play the role of the Opposition. The election result has such been that, there is not a single party which can project one of its members as the leader of the Opposition as none of them have touched the 6 figure mark, that is one tenth of the strength of the Assembly to project the Opposition leader, who enjoys the status of a Cabinet Minister. Six UNC sponsored candidates no doubt have made it to the Assembly, but then since they are all independent candidates, they cannot be seen as a political entity in the Assembly. In as much as a strong Government is needed to deliver the goods we are also of the opinion that a strong Opposition is also the need to keep the Government on its toes and take up issues which directly affect the interest of the people.
With so many big guns, especially from the MPP falling like nine pins in the election, the Opposition bench does not present a healthy picture and while there is the inimitable O Joy, it would be too much to expect a single MLA to do the work of the whole Opposition. This is where the allies of the Congress can chip in, if they want to ensure good governance. A cue can be taken from the Centre, where the Left, which is extending support from outside to the Congress led UPA Government has donned the role of the Opposition on issues which it feels need some rethinking. So far the NPP has announced that it will extend support to the SPF Government. This is fine and acceptable, but we hope, the NPP realises its responsibilities. We really do not understand under what political vision the NPP has decided to back the Congress led Government, but if it is for the betterment of the State, then it may also take up the role of the Opposition on issues which are of importance to the public. In V Hangkhanlian the NPP has a veteran political figure and with his experience, we are sure he can act as the check and balance to the Government. The independent candidates too need to play their role with the importance their job demands. Governance should not be seen only through the action of the Government but also on the role taken up by the Opposition.
Gogoi, Mahanta on collision course Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, March 2 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today took on former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta for his remarks about definition of indigenous people, asking him what prevented him from submitting it during his second term. Reacting to Mahanta’s claim, Gogoi said though he was unaware about any such proposal, he was curious because Mahanta had all the opportunity during his second term to have it passed. They were in an alliance at the Centre and he was member of the United Front Government.

“Why Mahanta did not submit it in second term as he was signatory to Assam Accord and close to the Central Government?” Gogoi asked.