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03/06/2007: "NSCN (IM) had planned to hijack Manipur election By Jayant Manipur Poll Organiser"


NSCN (IM) had planned to hijack Manipur election By Jayant Manipur Poll Organiser

Only independent candidates supported by NSCN (IM) and UNC candidates—an ally of NSCN (IM) were allowed to campaign in all the four hilly districts of Manipur.
NSCN(IM) had almost hijacked Nagaland Assembly election in 2003. It did not allow Congress(I) headed by S.C.Jamir even to campaign. Several candidates were kidnapped. NSCN(IM) had supported all the candidates fielded by Democratic Alliance of Nagaland(DAN) of which BJP was also an ally. As a result, S.C.Jamir—the sworn enemy of NSCN(IM) was thrown out and DAN Government headed by Neiphiu Rio and supported by all the seven BJP MLAs was formed. The success of this experiment emboldened NSCN(IM) during those days.

Meiteis of Manipur are greatest hurdle in materialising the game-plan of Muivah. NSCN(IM) is scared of fighting spirit of Meiteis—a very devout Hindu community and most patriotic. Muivah’s lieutenants and his shadow organisations like All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM), Baptist Council of Churches of Manipur (MBSC) and United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur have tested their strength on many occasions to defeat Meiteis. Through these organisations, NSCN(IM) had imposed 52-days-long economic blockade at all the roads and National Highways leading to Manipur only a year before. NSCN(IM) boycotted Manipur Board of School Education (MBSE) and all the students from four hilly districts of Manipur viz. Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong appeared in their Matric examinations from Nagaland under tight security cover provided by Neiphiu Rio—the strong supporter of NSCN(IM). NSCN(IM) was also successful in threatening all the rival candidates to resign during the current Manipur Assembly Election. Only independent candidates supported by NSCN(IM) and UNC candidates—an ally of NSCN (IM) were allowed to campaign in all the four hilly districts of Manipur.

Encouraged by past successes and inaction of Central Government, NSCN(IM) had planned to throw out Congress(I) Government at Imphal headed by Okram Ibobi Singh—another arch-rival of NSCN(IM). This time also, Muivah’s men were moving with sophisticated weapons in support of candidates of United Naga Council (UNC). The shadow organisations of NSCN(IM) in Nagaland like Naga Hoho, Naga Student Federation (NSF), Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Nagaland Baptist Council of Churches (NBCC), Naga Mother Association (NMA) and many other political leaders in league with Muivah’s clout supported NSCN(IM)’s candidates fighting the Manipur election either under the banner of UNC or independent.

The Manipur election was a tough test for Election Commission. All the four hilly districts lying in NSCN(IM)’s Naga homeland map have 12 seats. NSCN(IM) was backing United Naga Council (UNC) which fielded 11 candidates. All other candidate were threatened to resign in support of UNC candidates. Independent K.Panmei in Tamengland Constituency withdrew from the pool after NSCN(IM) abducted him.

The final leg of the three-phase elections to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Friday—the February 23, 2007 was, marked by snatching of EVMs, underground factional clashes, skirmishes among supporters of different candidates, attack on Independent candidates and arrest of terrorists. At least 80 per cent votes were polled in all the 12 Assembly segments of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts and Jiribam sub-divisions of Imphal East district. Eighty-five per cent votes were cast in Tamenglang and Chandel districts while Churachandpur district and Jiribam Assembly seat in Imphal East districts recorded 80 and about 70 per cent voter turnout respectively. The turnouts in all the four hilly districts of Manipur negates the integration demand of NSCN(IM). Rather, it manifests people’s mind to ensure the unity and integrity of Manipur. The people are scared of terror-tactics of Muivah’s clout. Naga underground factions NSCN(K) and NSCN(IM) clashed at Mokoinung polling station area. NSCN(K) had announced ban on elections in Tamenglong Assembly segments to check the terrorist doctrine of NSCN(IM) while imposed curfew in Tamenglong constituency during the day. The gun-battle between NSCN(K) and NSCN(IM) at Makoingang polling station forced voters to stay away from the voting. Armed terrorists of NSCN(IM) directed voters to cast their votes for a particular candidate at Tharon polling station under Tamenglong constituency. Unidentified terrorists fired several round of bullets and threw geneades at the house of Ajit Singh, a candidate from Thongju Assembly Constituency. At least four terrorists were arrested by security forces. One NSCN(IM) cadre was nabbed with weapons at Tamenglong. Two Kuki National Front (KNF) and one Kuki National Army (KNA) terrorists were also arrested. The armed terrorists created trouble at Karongthel of Tenghoupal Constituency. The EVM there was totally destroyed. The polling in Tamenglong and Churachandpur was also disturbed by furious mob against complaint and counter complaint of proxy voting and booth capturing.

It was thus, a dangerous game being played where money, and power in league with militancy over-rode the basic concern for human suffering. The people are the victims of political adventurism. The gun-toting elements tried to gain legitimacy under the cover of right to self-determination. And, absolutely corrupt elements within the political and bureaucratic circles helped the terrorists elements.
CNC annual conference held at Hebron We are in the generation of Joshua: Isak Swu The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 5 (MExN): The Council of Nagalim Churches Annual Conference 2007 was held from March 1 to 4 at Council Headquarters Church, Camp Hebron, where Brenda Kelly from England, Pastor Imcha Yanger and Rev Dr Shiwoto were the guest speakers.
A press release issued by the MIP of NSCN (IM) stated that the Chairman of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chisi Swu expressed his gratefulness to have Brenda Kelly who God had sent her in the right time to help them to reform and save their souls.
The release stated that Isak Swu compared the present time of Nagas with the time of Joshua. The release quoted Isak Swu words, “It was Joshus who rescued the Israelites from the shackle of slavery and delivered them to the Promised Land. On their journey, the people of Israel crossed the river Jordan and the Red Sea. God helped the Israelites to cross the Red Sea by splitting the water into two which symbolized the baptism of all the Israelites at one time. Joshua led them to cross the river Jordan”.
The release stated that the NSCN (IM) Chairman said that keeping in mind ‘that we are Joshua generation’, the Nagas also need to be circumcised not of flesh but circumcised in our heart spiritually. The release also stated that the Chairman said that the NSCN (IM) needs to surrender before God with full repentance to bring about solution. The release also stated that the main speaker, Brenda Kelly claimed that God brought her to the conference by divine intervention. The release quoted Brenda Kelly words, “You are already call and chosen people of God”.
The release further stated that the conference was attended by the Chairman of the NSCN (IM), Isak Chisi Swu ad his wife Uster Chisi Swu and the Ikris Muivah, who is the wife of Th Muivah. The conference was attended by delegates from all units, regions, departments, ministry, NSWON, steering committee, Kilonsers, Tatars, Head of Department, secretaries, all rank and files of NSCN/GPRN stationing in the ‘Oking’.
REASON TO LOOK FORWARD SUMANTA SEN The Telegraph
The people of Manipur have shown great maturity in choosing their next government Even as the media remained preoccupied with the Congress debacle in Punjab and Uttarakhand, an interesting scenario was unfolding in Manipur. The Congress-Communist Party of India coalition had gone into the polls as the first ministry to have completed five years in office, and returned to power too. This double feat did not quite get the notice it deserved, but then, the people of Manipur have got used to hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons.
What was so remarkably different about Okram Ibobi Singh’s rule in Manipur that the anti-incumbency factor did not work in his case? The election in Manipur was held in the backdrop of a rising demand for civil security, for withdrawal of the AFSPA. The Indian army has frequently been accused of wanton savagery against ordinary citizens, particularly women, in the name of fighting extremists. Protests against army atrocities kept life paralysed for days in Imphal and other parts of Manipur. The opposition Manipur People’s Party had led many of these agitations, triggering expectations of its victory. It managed to win only five of the 60 assembly seats.
So were the agitations without any basis? Far from it. But the voters had realized that since it was the Centre which could withdraw the act, or make it more tolerable, they would achieve little by electing a non-UPA force. The campaign promise of Sonia Gandhi to review the AFSPA made the choice easier for the people. Since Ibobi Singh himself was not too comfortable with the act, it was felt that with the people’s mandate, his government would be in a better position to put added pressure on New Delhi. It would, however, be unfair to believe that the Congress-CPI coalition has won just because the Congress was seen as a better bet in negotiation with the Centre. It must have brought stability to the state — one indicator of this was the success of Manipur in the just-concluded National Games. There are also indications that the youth in Imphal and other towns are looking for an environment in which they can pursue their careers in peace. As students, many of them have tasted life in cities outside the state and wonder why things cannot be the same back home. The AFSPA was not the only irritant, the Meiteis have been feeling threatened by demands that the Naga-dominated Ukhrul and Senapati districts be taken away and merged with Nagaland. Again, it was felt that the Congress would be more effective in persuading the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim to soften the demand. The maturity shown by the Manipuris in choosing their government should teach New Delhi to be less dismissive of the north-eastern corner of India. The mandate implies a lot of tightrope walking for Ibobi Singh and the Congress. Will they prove equal to the task? Promises unfulfilled in Manipur may have repercussions which could travel far beyond the North-east.
Centre rules out role for Kreddha in talks The Morung Express
New Delhi, Mar 5 (PTI): The Centre has ruled out any role for the Netherlands-based NGO Kreddha in its talks with the NSCN-IM and insisted that the parleys must be a “bilateral affair”, official sources said. In the wake of overtures from the NSCN-IM that Kreddha and its Dutch “executive president” Michael van Walt van Praag be given some sort of formal role in the talks, the government made it clear that the rebel group was free to consult the NGO but it could not have a role in the discussions, sources in the Union home ministry told PTI.
“The talks with the NSCN-IM will be a bilateral affair, just as they have been since the group agreed to a ceasefire in 1997,” a source told PTI. Van Praag had arrived here last week after visiting Nagaland amidst speculation that he might be roped in for parleys held on Saturday between the NSCN-IM and a government team led by Union Minister of State Oscar Fernandes.
During the talks, the two sides discussed political issues and agreed to hold another round of discussions in the last week of this month. NSCN-IM leaders have recently claimed that Kreddha and van Praag were playing a key role as mediators in its talks with the Centre. During 1991-98, van Praag served as General Secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO), another NGO which lobbied for the NSCN-IM at various forums.
Rio looks beyond 2008 Bye-election is NPF ‘Semi-Finals’ for elections 2008 The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 5 (MExN): The NPF’s Rally at DDSC today sent out only one confident message – crucial as Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency is for the NPF to win, the March 8 bye-election is only the “semi-final” for the coming general elections 2008. After which, the NPF will stand ‘once again’ for another stint in power.
The party’s rally today showcased the strength of the NPF’s electorate, or at least those in Dimapur, even as party leaders one after another highlighted confidence that its candidate, Atomi Zhimomi, will win the all-important Dimapur seat. According to its leaders including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, this win will be the launch pad to fulfill the party’s slogan, ‘Beyond 2008’, the theme under which the rally was held. Spelling out his confidence in loud Nagamese, Chief Minister Rio implied that the bye-elections would launch the NPF into another success in the coming state elections in 2008. ‘We will have another term with your support’ he said even as he appealed that ‘Nagas should show what the NPF government is all about by voting for the regional party.’ Making a call out to the electorate Rio asked to take Nagaland further and ‘we will look beyond 2008 and together we will bring peace and development’.
On the development front, Rio said that in spite of criticism and “propagandas” the policies of the NPF will always be for reaching out to those in need. The slogan ‘Peace for development, development for peace’ he said, will be the beacon. This party is for peace, he asserted while making a brief reference to the party’s commitment to a peaceful and honorable settlement to the Naga political issue.
Also, reflecting on Atomi Zhimomi’s youthfulness yet ‘ripened’ for leadership, the NPF chief also reiterated the NPF-led DAN government’s ‘love’ for the youths. ‘NPF loves the youth; NPF love sports; NPF loves music so take advantage of this and work together to support Atomi’ Rio asserted with his Nagamese even as youths at the rally reciprocated with loud cheers. Maintaining that “Kushi-Paa laka candidate” Atomi is “fully educated youth leader and very enterprising” Rio said Nagas today need capable leaders. ‘So we chose Atomi’ he said. In conclusion, Rio assured that that ‘full security’ will be provided and so Nagas should come out and vote for the NPF. “…and we will look beyond 2008 and together we will bring peace and development” Rio concluded his address in English. Candidate Atomi, in his address, made no promises but assured to reach out to the people in need of him. He expressed gratitude to the confidence bestowed on him by both the party and the workers and assured he would take forward the NPF’s vision further. ‘Don’t look at the tribe, caste or appearance but look at the one who is able to work for the people’ he advised in Nagamese. ‘I will work for you’ he assured.
The rally was also highlighted by the show of core NPF leaders, ministers, parliamentary secretaries and central level leaders, all expressing high confidence to securing the Dimapur seat.
2 days to go for bye-election ABEMO SHITIRI. The Morung Express
Dimapur With only two days to go for the by-elections, many unforeseen surprises may arise due to the strong presence of NPF, BJP and Congress candidates. Almost all the candidates are expressing confidence of winning, though there are exceptions or apprehensions of poll riggings in some pockets of polling stations which is a regular feature in almost every election.
Speaking candidly to this reporter, the BJP candidate of Dimapur-I A/C, Kevise felt that he considers it as his outmost responsibility to complete the works left unfinished by Lt. Hokheshe Sema, adding that his main targets are the youth, knowing fully that the future lies in their hands and also not forgetting the weaker sections of the people, who desperately needs greater attention and care. He continued that government schemes meant for the poorer and weaker sections will be fairly and evenly distributed Speaking in regard to his expectation as a candidate, he said that he will surely win, provided quinine voters are allowed to exercise their franchisee in a free and fair manner. He exuded confidence that BJP is getting stronger day by day, citing the examples of the recent election results outcome in the states of Punjab and Utttarkhand. Nagaland is not far behind because the BJP will soon come to power in the State. Regarding his foremost task, in the event if his winning the by-election, he said that he would especially improve the drainage system in Dimapur-I A/C. Meanwhile, K.L.Chishi, who happens to be one of the aspiring candidates for the Dimapur-I A/C By-election but unfortunately lost out the ticket to Aheto Yepto. One can call him a man with big heart who deserves to be called as a true politician, both in mind and spirit. He can be seen campaigning for Aheto Yepto in every ward campaigns and moreover, he often sacrifices most of his precious time in leading, encouraging and guiding the Congress workers. When asked if has any reservations for mot getting the prestigious Dimapur-I A/C ticket, he replied in a true political spirit that he is a true party man and leader and he is willing to serve the people in any capacity as long as the people have faith in him. He is a former chief minister with no starry airs and possessing a down to earth personality, who surely has a bight future and capability to become a chief minister once again as long as there he has the right people to back him sans the so-called ‘Chamchas’.
Peace talks remain inconclusive Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, The Government of India and NSCN (I-M) resumed the dialogue, but talks remained inconclusive after a ‘detailed discussions on political issues’, and the two sides are likely to meet again on March 29, sources said.

The first round of talks to be held this year and after arrival of the two NSCN (I-M) leaders in India, last year was reported to have gone along the expected lines. The Government of India, pleased as they were after Congress managed to retain power in Manipur, made all the right noises. The Minister of State for Labour, Oscar Fernandes also hosted a dinner for the visiting Naga delegation. The ruling party in Manipur was nursing serious apprehension over the impact of the presence of the NSCN (I-M) chairman and general secretary, Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah in neighbouring Nagaland, during Manipur polls. However, to their relief, the Congress Party bagged seats this year and the Naga United Council failed to make the desired impact in the Hill districts. The talks yesterday that lasted for over two hours and held in secrecy away from the media glare, was different, in that for the first time a Dutch NGO Kreddha (International Peace Council for States, Peoples and Minorities)’s counsellor Michael van Walt van Praag took part in the negotiations, in India. The Dutch, has been acting as an unofficial mediator in the Naga peace process. However, sources in the Home Ministry said they have not given the Dutch NGO any official recognition and as far they are concerned, it is a bilateral talks between the Group of Minister and NSCN (I-M). “Who the NSCN (I-M) brings along for talks is up to them,” the official said. Meanwhile, R H Raising, a key member of the four-member negotiating team was quoted as having said that the outcome was very positive, and they had respectable discussions.

The NSCN I-M team was led by Muivah, but did not include chairman Isak Chisi Swu. The Naga delegation also included R H Raising, M Angami and Samson, while the Government delegation headed by Union Minister of State Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Prthiviraj Chavan, S Reghupathy, besides Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal, Interlocutor, K Padmanabhaiah.

“It is imperative for both sides to continue these discussions,” Raising said. The NSCN (I-M) delegation is likely to head back to Nagaland for further consultation with the Naga civil society.
Coinciding with the ongoing talks, a three-member team of the rival NSCN (Khaplang) faction also arrived in New Delhi. The arrival of the delegation has sent jitters because the Khaplang faction is never known to come calling when negotiation with the rival faction is on. (Agencies)
Poll security in Dimapur Kuknalim.com NPN)
DIMAPUR, Mar 4:: Following the apprehension aired by some political parties over rigging and poll violence in the by election to the Dimapur-I assembly constituency it was learnt that the Election Commission of India has directed the government of Nagaland to take all steps for conduct of free and fair polls at in the Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II by elections on March 8.

The ECI has deputed a two-member team of poll observers to Nagaland to review the security arrangements. Talking to Nagaland Post on Sunday, DC Dimapur, K Nzimongo Ngullie said sufficient CRPF and IRB will be stationed in all the 38 polling booths under Dimapur-I assembly constituency which have been declared as hyper sensitive. The constituency has over 18,000 voters.As a measure to prevent voter impersonation the DC said restrictions would be imposed on movement of people and vehicles coming from outside to Dimapur-I.

Meanwhile, even as most political parties assured they would not indulge in electoral malpractice, there are reports of some elements threatening voters to vote for a particular candidate in the constituency. "Now everything is in the hands of the government and the district administration to ensure free and fair elections," said a leader of a political party. There are four candidates from four political parties-NPF, Congess, BJP and JD(U)vying for the prestigious Dimapur-I assembly constituency. The seat fell vacant following the death of late (Dr) Hokishe Sema of the BJP.
Battle royal for Dimapur-1 A/C Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 5 (NPN): With barely 48 hours before polling day on March 8, over 18,000 voters of the prestigious Dimapur-I assembly constituency will choose one among five candidates in the fray, to represent them in the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting BJP legislator, former Governor Himachal Pradesh and state chief minister late (Dr) Hokishe Sema. Electioneering has been a low key affair as candidates addressed roadside and colony meetings.
The five candidates whose fate will be decided on March 8 include: NPF candidate Atomi Zhimomi, son of Industries Minister H. Khekiho Zhimomi; Congress candidate and former DDCC president Aheto V. Yeptho; BJP candidate Kevise Angami; Nagaland Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Roland Lotha and JD (U) candidate S. Limatemjen.
On March 5, in a show of strength, the Congress and NPF took out vehicle processions in the main city carrying hundreds of youth and volunteers. Roland Lotha, the founder president of the NDP also contested in the 1999 Lok Sabha and 2003 assembly elections from 39-Sanis A/C.
Meanwhile, an incident at the Khermahal junction nearly took a serious turn when some fifty vehicles of the Congress party was stopped midway by police at the traffic point, to let the cavalcade of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, coming from the local ground side, to pass through. Somehow the chief minister's cavalcade could pass by without further incident but not before police had to face some agonising moments. The Congress workers were visibly annoyed by the police action.
Free and Fair The Moung Express Editorial
How to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections on March 8 remains a matter of serious concern for many people including this newspaper. Several public statements have been made by concerned individuals and the public at large drawing attention on this particular issue. The fact that everyone, including all political parties is raising concern about it should be taken to mean that the predicament of rigging and proxy voting is very much a real problem. It will be safe to assume that such malpractices during elections have come to be a thumb rule rather than an exception and all parties resort to it as a matter of ‘policy’. This in itself is a part of the problem in as much as any solution will require some form of ‘moral’ responsibility on the part of political parties and those who contest elections.
Against this backdrop the decision of the Election Commission of India to go in for revision of electoral rolls in the State ahead of Assembly Elections slated for early part of next year is a welcome development. Hopefully, the proposed revision of electoral rolls tentatively scheduled from April 2, 2007 and expected to be completed by June 18, 2007 will be able to rectify on the anomalies present and bring out a full proof electoral roll that is genuine. Along with the revision of rolls, other measures such as photo identity cards and introducing electronic voting machines in all polling stations should be seriously considered for implementation.
As far as the ensuing bye-election on March 8 goes, the State Election Office should keep a close watch on the administration during the period so that no room is left for any unfair practice or the abuse of authority on political lines. Those who are given the responsibility to conduct free and fair elections must do so sincerely without compromise. If past elections are of any indication, many times it is not the law that fails us but rather those who are meant to protect it. While it will be unrealistic to expect 100% clean polls, nevertheless a sincere attempt must be made to curtail the use of money and muscle power. On their part it is unfortunate that political parties in Nagaland from time to time merely express concern over the use of muscle and money for winning elections without doing anything themselves to discourage such elements. Given the wide open space for malpractices in the present system, the case for undertaking some major electoral reform is the need of the hour.
For now though, all eyes will be on the two District Administration and Police of Tuensang and Dimapur and it is hoped that they will be able to conduct a credible, transparent, free and fair elections on March 8. Adequate security should be provided to all polling stations and security beefed up in sensitive stations. Acute care must be taken while transporting ballot papers to polling stations and ballot boxes to counting centres from polling stations after elections. Another precautionary measure is to regulate traffic movement near polling stations. And since there is a lot of distrust on the current electoral process, select members of the public and the media can be mobilized to remain as a watchdog body at the time of polling and to act as a counter weight against unlawful elements and their nefarious designs. At the end of the day the prime objective should be to maintain peace and allow every voter in the two ACs of Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II to exercise their democratic rights in accordance to their choice.
Tough contest expected for Dimapur by-election Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Mar 5:: With barely 48 hours before polling day on March 8, over 18,000 voters of the prestigious Dimapur-I assembly constituency will choose one among five candidates in the fray, to represent them in the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting BJP legislator, former Governor Himachal Pradesh and state chief minister late (Dr) Hokishe Sema. Electioneering has been a low key affair as candidates addressed roadside and colony meetings. The five candidates whose fate will be decided on March 8 include: NPF candidate Atomi Zhimomi, son of Industries Minister H. Khekiho Zhimomi; Congress candidate and former DDCC president Aheto V. Yeptho; BJP candidate Kevise Angami; Nagaland Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Roland Lotha and JD (U) candidate S. Limatemjen. On March 5, in a show of strength, the Congress and NPF took out vehicle processions in the main city carrying hundreds of youth and volunteers.

Roland Lotha, the founder president of the NDP also contested in the 1999 Lok Sabha and 2003 assembly elections from 39-Sanis A/C. Meanwhile, an incident at the Khermahal junction nearly took a serious turn when some fifty vehicles of the Congress party was stopped midway by police at the traffic point, to let the cavalcade of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, coming from the local ground side, to pass through. Somehow the chief minister's cavalcade could pass by without further incident but not before police had to face some agonising moments. The Congress workers were visibly annoyed by the police action. (NPN)
NPCC demands CBI probe Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, MAR05 [NPN]: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Monday demanded a CBI inquiry into the various cases of alleged corruption in the Department of Industries and construction of the 9 IRB headquarter at Saijang. Responding to the recent clarifications issued by minister for industries and commerce, Khekiho Zhimomi, on transport subsidy; the Congress alleged that the minister had asked beneficiaries to hand over their bank passbooks. Later, the cash was drawn against those passbooks from the NEDFi branch of Dimapur through some officers. NPCC general secretary Kakheho Sukhalu alleged though the beneficiaries were asked to sign as having received the full amount in the receipt, they were however paid only fifty percent of the amount while at the time of disbursal of the money. Further, the Congress alleged that there was more to it and therefore demanded a probe by a competent authority so as to dig out the "skeletal truth from the wardrobe".

The party further demanded a CBI probe into the alleged corrupt deal in the construction of the 9 IRB headquarters at Saijang involving Rs.49 crore. It said the estimate was inflated by 85 per cent raising the original estimate to Rs.77 crore. On the Nagaland Fruit Processing Unit, the Congress described the reply of Khekiho as "totally false and untenable". The party accepted the contention of Khekiho that "he took over the ailing unit" which was "running it at loss" and demanded to know why the minister allowed it to run at loss.

"It shows that there has been a conspiracy so that he could easily take over the unit for his personal benefit," the NPCC alleged. The party asserted that if at all, there was a cabinet decision to transfer the unit to a private party, it should have been done in total transparency through a public tender for the benefit of young and enthusiastic Naga entrepreneurs. The Congress described as a "tall claim" the statement made by Khekiho that he had "donated" 1,000 acres of land at Ganeshnagar. Accusing Khekiho of not telling the truth regarding the deal, the Congress pointed out that Khekiho had agreed to sell 1,000 acres of land at prevailing marker rate earlier with a promise that the land measured 1,000 acres. However, the Congress said, when the Industries department conducted a survey of the land, it was found it measured only five hundred acres. "This was nothing but cheating the State government as minister of industries department," the Congress said.
Suggest solution to Naga tangle: NISC to NSCN-K Sentinel
Kohima, March 5: The Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Center, NISC, asked the NSCN (Khaplang) to spell out their political agenda as to how they would bring solution to the Naga political issue, when they did not fight against the so-called their ‘enemy-the Indian government’.
In an open letter to the NSCN-K, the NISC explained about the contradictions of the outfit that at one point it claimed that Indian Government was their enemy, occupying the ‘land of the Nagas’, on the other they did not engage in driving out its armed forces.
Strangely, the outfit did not try to meet the Indian leaders to ‘negotiate’ for an ‘honourable settlement’ either, argued the open letter.
The Rights body also asked the outfit to come forward with ‘credible policies’ to achieve ‘sovereignty’ on behalf of all Nagas and with whom they aspired and planned to achieve their desired goal. The open letter reminded that the Nagas had been fighting against their invaders for long, while some, through money, weapons and imposition of statehood, had sided with their adversaries. They made life difficult for the ‘civil society and the Naga forces’, it stated, asking the outfit to come together as one to ‘sincerely pursue the goals of what the NNC once stood for, to stand for the sovereignty of the Naga people.’
The NISC body said it supported the right of self-determination of all Nagas, including the NSCN-K. They also said it would happily discuss matters with the outfit when the latter kindly revoked the ‘death threat’ served to them.
JD (U) ditches candidate Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAR04 [NPN] : In a dramatic development in the affairs of the JD (U), the Dimapur District unit of the party has expressed its inability to support S. Limatemjen as JD(U) candidate for the ensuing bye-elections to Dimapur Assembly constituency-I, while saying the Dimapur district JD (U) and its workers have reached an agreement on supporting any DAN candidates in general and NPF candidate Atomi K. Zhimomi in particular.

Dimapur District JD(U) president Kakuto Sema alleged that S. Limatemjen had "debased the rules of the party as he did not take any proper and official approval from the District and State Party to be the JD(U) candidate (from the Dimapur Assembly seat." "The JD (U) Dimapur District president Kakuto Sema and State Executive Kivi Sumi and our party workers are unable to support S. Limatemjen and have agreed to support any of the DAN candidates in general and NPF candidate Atomi K. Zhimomi in particular", the Dimapur (U) president said in a release issued here.

Kakuto also made it clear that in the event of his defeat in the bye-elections, S. Limatemjen "should not blame the JD (U) leaders and party workers." The Dimapur District JD (U) release was also signed by State Executive members Kivi Sumi and Johny Awomi. It may be mentioned earlier no objections were raised when S. Limatemjen filed his nominations.
Let us reason together the Words of God and reunite Thomas NNC Member The Morung Express Perspective (From yesterday’s issue)

By all these our acts of disobedience we provoked God our Lord and His wrath fell upon us, and therefore we are now facing untold sufferings in the hands of our own men. God says “Nagas turned away from Me and they mocked My grace” through Imsu Jamir. Indeed God Almighty is leading our nation, He has chosen A.Z.Phizo to lead our nation. And before the death of our great leader A.Z.Phizo, God says “I have chosen a woman to lead the Naga nation” through Enoli Guangsuanrei Phaomei Zeliangrong on 19th November 1989. Exactly it had happened in 1990 as God foretold us, because when our leader A.Z.Phizo passed away on April 30, 1990 the Nagas unanimously entrusted Adinno Phizo to be President of the NNC. Since then she is leading the Naga nation. Some Nagas however played for self-aggrandizement and thus rose up again many leaders against Adinno’s leadership and played to make confuse the Nagas on their national stand. But they faced their own shame.
When we read the history of the Indian independent movement, even Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sought the bleesing of Gandhiji for his Herculean endeavours. But some of our educated people rejected God’s chosen leader A.Z.Phizo by forming the so-called Naga peoples Convention, Revolutionary government and the so-called NSCN one after another. Instead of seeking the blessing of God’s chosen leader A.Z.Phizo, the renegade leaders even condemned him as traitor in 1980. And also killed the national leaders and workers who supported Phizo’s leadership and many innocent Nagas who supported the NNC. Thus we defiled God’s anointed land with the blood of innocent people.
Truly, murderers, liars, deceivers, power mongers, money mongers, immoral and corrupted leaders can never be a chosen leader of God our Lord. God says “The Nagas failed to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather seeking first money, power, leadership and worldly pleasure to gratify the flesh desire. For all these reasons the Nagas provoked God to anger and so He is going to pour out His wrath and that will sift away the wicked persons” said through Vevosolü Thülüo.
As God has His own purpose for the Nagas He is leading the Naga nation from the beginning, but we are failing to know that God is leading our nation and He has a purpose for the Nagas. We therefore failed to walk on the path God is leading us. Which is the main reason that we have fallen into trouble and chaotic. When the Israelites opposed and complained against the leading of Moses Israelites people suffered and lost their lives. So also the Nagas are suffering because we opposed the NNC and Phizo’s leadership, now Adinno’s leadership. When Israelites raised up against Moses, God never forsake Moses, likewise God never forsakes the NNC and its leaders whom He chose. Even we failed to walk in the path through which God is leading us, He did not forsake us. And as He loves us, He is directly speaking to us, teaching and correcting through His various servants like a father speaks to his children, saying “your disunity is an obstruction to my stand for your liberation from the hands of idolatry. Reconcile and reunite among yourselves. Follow oneness principle as in the beginning, then I Jehovah will restore peace for all Nagas” Therefore, let us diligently reason together the following God’s words and correct ourselves for the interest of peace among us.

1. God says to general Naga people
“The Lord had set thee in a corner of the world, but that which He is doing is not in a corner. The Lord had set thee in a small place but that which He is doing comes not from a small place but from a large place”. said the Lord through Sister Susan in October 1982.
“The Naga nation is no longer a smallest place, but it is now large. You shall not do any thing in flesh and blood, not even a point. I am the Father whom you have been praying in the name of Jesus, and what your people have been praying and what your people longing for is at hand. I am not unwilling to give what you ask, only let the people humble themselves. Many people still do not know how to humble themselves nor do they know me. There are some in sheep’s clothing in your midst. But the sun is shining upon your people. Time will change, meaning your wish is being fulfilled”.
“Your Kingdom is not yours alone but is mine also. I am going to prepare a place for Myself here. You are a small nation, your population is small and you have no arms but you keep your faith in me. Arms will not be used. I will put the use of your faith in this work. Think of young David as an example. Faith will rule over the earth”.
“I created a big world and it has been divided into numerous parts. Lo, a small nation in the East will emerge full of glory above all nations. Through this nation, all those who had failed to know Me will come to know Me. Big nations will wonder and ponder much about this nation. Those who oppose this nation oppose themselves because this nation is My place and My name. I will therefore take revenge. Many of you fail to take this seriously but when you carefully watch where you stand, you will realize your mistake. Many learned men now laugh at others not realizing that they laugh at themselves. Behold I sent My messengers, listen to them. Now you may think these Messages are of no value but when destruction and suffering come you will understand. I sent My Messengers to prick open the ears of your people and to tear at their hearts. I have allowed you to suffer for many years so that through your sufferings you may learn of Me, but you have been going against yourselves”.
“The time is here I call you now. Turn to me when I call you. The children of this nation can never be divided. I love the children of this nation. You anger me when you did wrong but you have turned to me again in humility so I never leave you. I will make you My own true children. Therefore let your hearts be united. Many nations will want to know about you and will envy you. Without suffering, men’s ears cannot be opened nor men’s heart be torn apart. Time is near. Remain united like a bundle of sticks. Keep on praising My name. Proclaim My words to all My children. This is My word. If you do as I say, you will never know any suffering and you will not perish” said the Lord through Chaplain Yethihü on 20th September 1974. (To be continued in the next issue)
ULFA silence could be the lull before the storm By IANS
Guwahati, March 6 (IANS) The Indian government's indifferent handling of the vexed insurgency in Assam could once again prompt the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to resume its cycle of violence. For the past one month, Assam has witnessed an ominous calm with no major incidents of violence reported after the ULFA agreed not to disturb the 33rd National Games in Guwahati. But with the Games' successful completion, the rebels are getting restive as the state and central governments show no signs of re-launching the deadlocked peace process.
On the contrary, there are conflicting statements both in parliament and in the Assam assembly saying ULFA is yet to respond positively for holding talks. Even the army brass believes that the present lull is a result of the military offensive currently on in Assam - a thinking that could go awfully wrong if one analyses the ground situation. 'It was ULFA that created an environment for the National Games by lifting the boycott call. People thought the government would reciprocate positively to the ULFA's gesture once the Games were over, but it didn't happen,' Indira Goswami, a noted Assamese writer and sought by ULFA to mediate for peace talks, told IANS.
'If the army and the government mistake ULFA's silence as a weakness, Assam would be in for a bad phase again, something no Assamese wants.'
The ULFA already sounded a warning Monday by triggering a powerful blast on a paramilitary convoy wounding six personnel in eastern Assam's Dhemaji district. 'The ULFA is definitely not a spent force. It has enough reserves to hit back and so a military solution is not the answer. What is required is a dialogue to resolve the problem,' said Hare Krishna Deka, former Assam police chief and a security analyst. The ULFA, fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, in two statements last week offered to hold talks with New Delhi if the government gives a written commitment. 'We urge the Indian government to pave the way for direct talks by giving in writing that it would hold talks with us on the issue of restoration of Assam's sovereignty, provide us information about our comrades in the custody of Indian and Bhutanese forces, and release our jailed central committee leaders,' ULFA chairperson Arabinda Rajkhowa said.
During the first round of talks in October 2005 with the ULFA-chosen People's Consultative Group (PCG), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in no uncertain terms that the government was ready to discuss 'all issues' - a statement the rebel leadership welcomed. But the preliminary talks were deadlocked after three rounds. The ULFA went on a killing spree and bombings after that with the government resuming a massive military offensive - although the operations have failed to yield the desired results. The rebels have sneaked back to bases in Myanmar or are able to mingle with the Assamese masses. 'The only hope now is the personal intervention of the prime minister to break the impasse and start fresh talks,' Goswami said.
Definition of 'Assamese' yet to be worked out New Kerala--- PTI
Guwahati, Mar 6: A definition of "Assamese" people acceptable to all sections in the state is yet to be worked out though the process for this is still on, Minister Bhumidhar Barman said today.

The Asom Sahitya Sabha, the state's apex literary body, was given the responsibility to come up with the definiton but has failed to do so, Burman -- the minister overseeing the implementation of the Assam Accord -- said in reply to a query by Karendra Basimatary (BPPF) in the state assembly. The All Assam Students Union (AASU), which signed the historic Assam Accord with the Centre in 1985 at the end of a six-year anti-foreigners movement, was also involved in coming up with the defination, he said. Noting that all political parties and literary and youth bodies were also involved in the process, Barman said the committee formed during the assembly's last session for defining Assamese has held two sittings so far.

Though Assamese people were not defined in the Accord, he said the agreement only mentioned under its clause six that the "Assamese people (should) be protected and their cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage be protected under the provisions of the Constitution".

ULFA yet to respond positively: Govt By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 5 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has not yet responded positively to the efforts of the Government to hold direct talks, while, the formal talks with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (BDFB) have not started because of the failure of the outfit to submit its charter of demands, said the Forest Minister, Rockybul Hussain, who was replying to a question by Karendra Basumatary (BPPF) on behalf of the Chief Minister in the State Assembly. Hussain said that though three rounds of talks were held with the people’s consultative group (PCG) formed by the ULFA to hold initial parleys with the Government to pave the way for direct talks, in the later stages the militant outfit did not show sincerity for talks and in fact, the outfit took advantage of the situation to regroup and continued indulging in acts of violence. However, the Prime Minister has already made it clear that the doors for talks are still open provided the ULFA abjures violence, he added.

Hussain said that formal talks with the NDFB would start after the outfit submits its charter of demands. In reply to a question by Ranjit Dutta (BJP), Hussain informed the House that as many as 87 persons including 83 civilians and four security force personnel were killed in acts of violence by militant outfits in the month of January. During the month, the militants belonging to the ULFA and KLNLF triggered 28 explosions in different parts of the State killing 12 civilians and four security force personnel. He said that the police, Army and paramilitary forces, operating under the Unified Command, played a major part in containing the acts of violence by the militant outfits. Replying to another question by Sambhusingh Mallah (BJP), the Minister said that as many as 459 persons were killed and 1350 injured in acts of violence by the militants belonging to the ULFA since 2001.

In response to a question by Anup Phukan (AGP), the Minister said that more than 7400 posts are lying vacant in the police department, while, 158 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in the State. He said that the State Government has to pay Rs 1,83,700 per month against the deployment of each company of central force, while, about Rs 1,11,000 is to be spent on each company for other expenses including lodging, food etc. Home Guards: Hussain also informed the House that the Government has increased the daily wage of the Home Guards from Rs 45 to Rs 100 per day and the other demands of the Home Guard personnel would be considered sympathetically. Earlier, several members of the Assembly including Brindaban Goswami (AGP), Mission Ranjan Das (BJP) and Nurul Hussain (AGP) demanded that the wages of the Home Guards should be increased and steps should be taken to solve the problems of the personnel of the force.

NISC asks NSCN-K to spell out agenda for Naga solution North East Press Service

Kohima, Mar 4 (NEPS): The Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Center, NISC, asked the NSCN (Khaplang) to spell out their political agenda as to how they would bring solution to the Naga political issue, when they did not fight against the so-called their "enemy-the Indian government."
In an open letter to the NSCN-K, the NISC explained about the contradictions of the outfit that at one point it claimed that Indian Government was their enemy, occupying the "land of the Nagas"; on the other they did not engage in driving out its armed forces. Strangely, the outfit did not try to meet the Indian leaders to "negotiate" for an "honorable settlement" either, argued the open letter.

The Rights body also asked the outfit to come forward with "credible policies" to achieve "sovereignty" on behalf of all Nagas and with whom they aspired and planned to achieve their desired goal. The open letter reminded that the Nagas had been fighting against their invaders for long, while some, through money, weapons and imposition of statehood, had sided with their adversaries. They made life difficult for the "civil society and the Naga forces", it stated, asking the outfit to come together as one to "sincerely pursue the goals of what the NNC once stood for, to stand for the sovereignty of the Naga people."

The NISC body said it supported the right of self-determination of all Nagas, including the NSCN-K. They also said it would happily discuss matters with the outfit when the latter kindly revoked the "death threat" served to them.

Exception in Manipur Nagarealm.com
By winning the Manipur assembly elections, the Okram Ibobi Singh-led government in Imphal has managed to buck the trend of a Congress in retreat, as may have been evident in the results in the Punjab and Uttarakhand polls.

But, perhaps, more importantly by winning 29 seats, one short of the majority required in the 60-seat Manipur assembly, the state Congress has fought off any anti-incumbency jitters that may have been present before the three-phase elections were held last month. In fact, this is the first time in its nine assembly elections history that a government in Imphal has managed to last out its whole term and win a second one.

The impressive voter turnout of 80 per cent meant that the elections were not devoid of issues. One did not hear any mention of the repeal of the dreaded Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, at any Congress pre-poll rally, but the lifting of the ‘disturbed areas’ description on seven districts could have given voters some hope for the future. Despite the courageous six-year hunger-strike protest against the AFSPA by Irom Sharmila, who continues to languish in a New Delhi hospital under police arrest, the atrocities committed by the armed forces in Manipur have yet to unnerve the Centre enough for the Act to be repealed. But like other smaller states, Manipur depends largely on central largesse, a possible reason for voters choosing a political alignment that rules in Delhi.

The other issue of Naga identity has seen the United Naga Council (UNC) floundering in the polls — despite ten Independents supported by the outfit winning. The divide between the hills and the valley, in terms of voters opinion on the Greater Nagaland issue, has seen to it that the UNC remains outside the mainstream polity. Unfortunately, the election results do not point to the woeful underdevelopment — especially in the power sector — that Manipur continues to suffer from, regardless of which party is in power. This is an irony for a state which came a close second (after the Services) in the recent National Games in Guwahati. [HINDU Editorial]

Over Rs 4.66 crore goes to paramilitary forces monthly: CM ULFA killed 459 since 2001, says Gogoi By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, March 5: In order to keep the law-and-order situation in the State under control, the Government of Asom has to spend over Rs 1.83 lakh as deployment charge per month per company of paramilitary forces deployed in the State. This apart, the State Government has to spend over Rs 1.11 lakh per month per company as expenditure for boarding and lodging and other facilities for paramilitary personnel. With the total number of companies of paramilitary forces deployed in Asom being 158 — CRPF 138 and BSF 20 — the total monthly expenditure on the part of the State Government for deployment of such forces and other charges concerning them comes to over a whopping Rs 4.66 crore.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the Home portfolio, informed the State Assembly of this today while replying to a question from AGP’s Anup Phukan.
According to Gogoi, the total strength of the State police force is 54,235 and as many as 7,416 posts have been lying vacant. He further informed the House that with a view to modernizing the State police force, the State Government took a number of schemes. The new schemes, according to Gogoi, are: procurement of latest weaponry such as Insas 5.56 AK 47 Rifles, LMG; construction of police stations, outposts on the latest designs accommodating computer reception rooms and residential quarters for police officers and men; procurement of vehicles with bullet-repellent device and riot-control equipment; providing vehicles to police stations and outposts and forensic mobile units; procurement of equipment for training purposes like firing arms simulators, artificial rock-climbing walls, bomb-disposal equipment, forensic science laboratory equipment such as DNA fingerprinting etc. Responding to another question from BJP’s Shambhu Singh Malla, Gogoi informed the House that from 2001 to February, 2007, as many as 459 people had been killed and 1,350 injured in ULFA attacks. According to him, the Unified Command structure that came into existence from 1997 in the State, has yielded good results.



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