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03/08/2007: "Facilitating dialogue in a Naga conflict zone IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK"

Facilitating dialogue in a Naga conflict zone IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK

In 1984, it began as a group of women trying to stop the increasing use of drugs and alcohol among Nagas. Today, it is one of the largest civil society groups facilitating dialogue between the actors in a conflict that has riddled Naga society for more than five decades and left thousands dead. The Naga Women's Association has been one of the critical organisations in keeping channels of communication open between groups and parties that are so divergent in their views that gun power seems to be the only term of engagement otherwise. "In conflict zones, where civil society cannot operate, the Naga Women's Association comes close to taking on the role of a civil society organisation," says Akum Longchari, editor of Morung Express, one of the leading papers of Nagaland.

In 1994, the Naga Mothers Association, which has members from all Naga tribes, formed a peace team in reaction to the killings in the region. It coined the slogan "shed no blood", speaking out against killings by the militants and the armed forces.

In a region where it was almost impossible for a common man to stand up to the gun, it was a bold move by the women to make a statement that "the way in which our society is being run, things have become simply intolerable". This was when no one spoke against militant groups or the armed forces. But the women's collective decided to do more than sloganeering. Soon they were mediating dialogue between the army, Naga groups and militant factions.

By 1997, they, along with several other civil society groupings, had got the NSCN (IM), one of the largest militant groups, onto talks with the Indian government. They began talks with Naga militant groups, elders of society and initiated dialogue with factions in other countries. Their efforts bore fruit. For the first time in decades, the Naga community saw a semblance of peace as NSCN signed a ceasefire agreement.

"It was the need of the hour, as women we couldn't sit by and watch our children and men die. We decided that enough was enough. We had to play a role in society. A death is a death, whether of a Naga or anyone else," says Kheshili Chishi, president of the Naga Women's Association. It's tough to quantify NMA's achievements. It doesn't use crutches like self-help groups to operate but many people believe that it is bound to play a central role if total peace is to prevail one day.

"They have been so effective in mediation that today the society, I sometimes think, has unrealistic expectations from them," says a Naga woman leader who has worked closely with NMA. Despite its considerable 'clout' if one may call it that, ask any NMA member about the leader of the group and there is almost 100% chance that she will say "the elder women". It's almost codified in the oral history of NMA: contribute but don't claim
Increased factional fights put public to misery Clashes near local ground Tizit, interrupts KSU sports
Tizit, March 7 (MExN): The two warring NSCN faction engaged in a serious gunfight lasting about one and half an hour near Tizit local ground, where the 18th Konyak Students’ Union KSU sports meet is under way here today.
The tournament went off peacefully but at around 2 pm, when the third match was going on, the firing started between cadres of the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) cadres.
After much petition and appeals to both parties and even a visit by KSU and Konyak Union (KU) officials this very morning requesting them not to create fear and insecurity, both the factions disregarded the appeal and started the gunfight.
The firing took place just 100 meters away from the local ground where thousands of people had gathered to witness the match between the 44 A/C Phomching and 46 A/C Mon, sent the gathered people helter-skelter and creating a pandemonium in the ground. The match was abandoned.
Despite the long gunfight, no one was injured or killed. There were also no reports of casualties or injuries from both the factions. However, the house where the Tobu area players were camping was sprayed with bullets.
Personnel of the 37 Assam Rifles headed by Post Commander were also present at the function attending the sports meet. The AR personnel instructed the public to take cover, however, the firing stopped only after the intervention of a truckload of IRB jawans who arrived at the scene of the gun battle.
Angry public
The situation in Tizit town nearly went out of control with the angry public trying to take the law in their own hands during the NSCNs gun battle. Some of the civilians came out with weapons to fight the NSCN cadres. However the arrival of the IRB jawans restored order and the abandoned match was resumed after much deliberation that Konyaks must not bow under pressure and ‘evil design’ of the NSCN factions.
An emergency meeting including the ADC Tizit, commander 6 NAP, KSU, KU and all the presidents of KSU units will be held later tonight to discuss further course of action with regard to today’s incident. Meanwhile the ENSF, KU, KSU, administration and all in general have condemned this ‘beastly acts’ of both the factions and called upon all Nagas to support the KSU in this connection. It is also worth mentioning that the 18th KSU sports meet which began today at Tizit local ground was graced by Nyeiwang, Parlimentary Secretary, Department of Horticulture during the inaugural function as the chief guest. The parliamentary Secretary also donated Rs 50,000 to the KSU.
Fight force villagers to vacate in Satakha The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 7 (MExN): In a latest episode in the Satakha factional standoff between the two NSCNs, cadres exchanged fire in the early hours again today while sources reported that the NSCN-IM gave two hours to villagers of Khukiye Lukhai, near Satakha, to vacate the village. Sources informed that cadres of the NSCN-K stationed in Khukiye Lukhai village were attacked by a reinforcement of the NSCN-IM and now the latter faction have stationed themselves in the village. Villagers have already vacated the place and relocated to Satakha town, just adjacent to Lukhai. The harried villagers are reportedly taking shelter in churches in the town. Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto is reported to have met with the respective factions’ leaders to cease all hostilities in the area, continuing unabated since March 5. However, the appeal from the district administration, as well as Zunheboto civil society, have fallen on deaf ears as usual, it was informed. “I don’t know in what way I should talk to them (for cessation of hostilities) now”, sources quoting the Deputy Commissioner, said. Villagers are expecting more ‘crises’, it was added.
Listen to the people, Sumi society to UGs The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 7 (MExN): Taking serious note of the harried public owing to the two NSCN groups clashing frequently in Satakha, the Sumi civil society visited the town and appealed to the factional leaders to keep the interest of the people in priority.
The Sumi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, CCFZ and Zunheboto Town councilors appealed to the factions to create a peaceful atmosphere in the interest of the people. “…it is the basic way of bringing reconciliation and understanding among the different groups if they really meant to keep up their given commitment” stated the Sumi Hoho in a note appended by its Vice President Kakihe H Yeptho and General Secretary Aheto V Yepthomi.
The team also urged the state government to uphold its responsibility in safeguarding the lives of its citizens during situations “not only giving responsibility to the particular leaders and officers.”
The Sumi civil society further reminded the factions’ leaders to concede to the reasonable appeal made by the affected public to do away with factional confrontations, especially in public-habited areas. The efforts of Satakha leaders and public, Peace Monitoring Cell, state and district functionaries to rein in the situation, was also appreciated.
Free and fair polls look good on paper Morung Express News
Dimapur Finally the much anticipated bye-elections to the Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituencies will take place today with many expecting a keen tussle between the ruling NPF candidates and the Opposition Congress in both seats going to polls. And to ensure that free and fair poll is conducted, the district administration especially Dimapur in conjunction with the Kohima based Chief Electoral Office has come out with several welcoming directives to achieve just this. To make sure that the directives issued over the last few days looks good not only on paper, all eyes will be on the respective district administrations and how well they are ‘allowed’ to enforce their order without political interference or the sway of money and muscle power.
It may be mentioned that earlier, in response to the Election Commission of India directives to maintain law and order situation and also to make necessary arrangements for free movement of voters going to polling stations to exercise free franchise on March 8, DC Dimapur K. Nzimongo Ngullie came out with a four point order to give effect to the EC’s directives. According to the order, there will be no movement of private and government vehicles in Dimapur town on March 8 from 5 am to 4 pm. The vehicles detailed for polling duties and Magistrates on duty, medical party for First Aid, Para Military vehicles only will be allowed to move in Dimapur. Further, all shops, offices, banks and schools in Dimapur town will remain close on March 8. Any public or outsider from other constituencies/area will not be allowed to enter into Bye-election to Dimapur-I A/C (General) area on March 8 from 5 am to 4 pm.
In a subsequent order to remove other loopholes, the Dimapur DC who is also the Returning Officer has barred GBs and DMC members from the ‘screening-process’ GBs/headmen of khels, DMC members as well as any other organizations and NGOs are barred from participating in screening and checking voters in polling stations. As per the Election Commission of India’s Model Code of Conduct, they can only participate as voters to exercise their franchise. No screening or checking by the above stated entities or by any other in the polling process will be allowed except by authorized persons, the Returning Officer for Dimapur-1 A/c had notified yesterday. Political leaders have also been directed to observe the election Model Code of Conduct and adhere to the rules. Further, in confirming with the EC’s stipulation, no person from outside the constituency is allowed to stay or move within the A/c till the polling is over. This includes the movement of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs and political leaders, if they are not voters of the constituency and they are informed of this. Violators of this order will be brought to the notice of the EC, the RO stated.
New Torch bearers The Morung Express Editorial
Since women constitute almost 50% of the State’s population, efforts at nation building will have to take into consideration in full measure and proper perspective, the role and contribution of women in the noble task of the State’s development. While there have been various shifts in policy approaches during the last 20 years from the concept of welfare in the 70’s to development in the 80’s and now to empowerment in the 90’s, as far as the status of women in the State is concerned, she is uniquely placed in the socio-cultural context as a respected figure. Compared to other’s we can claim that the status of women is much better off. According to the State Human Development Report 2004, Nagaland does not conform to the general perception of women’s status in India. Apart from traditional practices that have generally cared for women and the girl child, the State has successful achievements in the fields of literacy, increasing sex ratio, health and entrepreneur development. In many ways however, a women in Naga society has also been kept limited within the confines of a patriarchal system. One area of concern is that they continue to be excluded from decision making process and in this sense Naga women have played a limited role in institutional politics. The absence of women legislators in all the 10 State Legislature since Statehood in 1963 is significant.
Against this backdrop, the celebration of International Women’s Day today will be a good time to gloss over the role they have played, the areas where their participation has to go up and also the issues that needs to be taken up in conjunction with the overall development of the State. The positive changes at the level of government are noteworthy. This includes the decision to have a separate Directorate of Women and also the formal setting up of the Nagaland Commission for Women. Hopefully these structural changes will create a conducive environment for greater empowerment of women and to safeguard their rights under the constitution. In the past there have been arguments put forth on the enviable status of Naga women. While it is accepted that dowry system, child marriage and caste distinction are absent in Nagaland, can anyone vouch that other social evils such as domestic violence, rape, prostitution, sexual harassment, gender discrimination are not present? As such any claim that atrocities against women are relatively unknown in the State is nothing but absurd and misleading. As such, one of the areas that require proper attention is working on women specific policy initiatives and safeguarding the rights of women in Nagaland. Lastly, the vital role of women in peace building required serious attention. Sustainable peace requires the full participation of women yet they have been largely excluded from formal peace building efforts. Their involvement in these mechanisms, which prevent conflict, stop war, and create mutual trust and understanding damaged by violence and hatred, is essential. Woman is by nature a pacifist. Today when our society desperately wants peace in our troubled land the greatest contribution can come from Naga women by virtue of their natural gifts of intelligent persuasion, sympathy and love; indeed women can prove the best teachers in propagating peace in our land.
Ethel Konyak says Naga women are left out Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Mar 7:: North Zone Representative to the Gladrags Mega Model contest, Ethel Konyak said that she was entering the contest to see how it is like and tell other Naga girls about it. Sharing with The Morung Express how she first began modeling for free as a favour to friends, she says that modeling is just a hobby for her and was not keen to choose it as her career. “I want to continue my studies and I like designing, fashion or interior and I am interested in politics too” she quips adding that she had joined “Shoot Talent Agency” which is managed by Times of India, simply to do something useful with her time while she is doing her degree through correspondence.

Laughing at being asked for her beauty regime, Ethel said that she must be blessed because she never worked out and that she had even stopped partying partly because she was too busy and ‘partly out of laziness’. Naming shopping, flowers and dogs as her passion, Ethel revealed that she lives with her three dogs in her flat at Delhi and also admitted that she is a very family person. “I want to get married soon and have children” she giggled but refused to tell if she has a boyfriend. Musing on the status of Naga women, Ethel commented that although in some part of Nagaland women are doing much better than the men, they were still being largely left out. While advising the girls to be more confident and try it out, she cautioned that the fashion involved too much politics and could sometimes be dirty. (MExN)

Rebel says he is Subba kin OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, March 7: As Congress MP Mani Kumar Subba struggles to prove his Indian citizenship, a National Security Act detainee in Nagaland has claimed he is the parliamentarian’s brother. Ajay Kumar Subba was arrested by Nagaland police and detained under NSA with an unlicensed 9 mm pistol and cartridges on January 20. Ajay is the leader of the Gorkha Liberation Army in Dimapur and is currently lodged in Dimapur central jail with an accomplice. In the wake of the ongoing controversy surrounding Subba, the rebel’s claim has added to the Tezpur MP’s headache.
Subba is accused of being a Nepali citizen and forging documents to be elected to the Lok Sabha. Before becoming an MP from Tezpur, he was a legislator in the Assam Assembly. If the rebel’s claim proves to be true, the MP might be in deeper trouble than just having to prove his citizenship. The GLA allegedly has militant links with Ulfa. Besides, its presence in Dimapur has forced security agencies to suspect its links with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) as well.
Dimapur, being a stronghold of the Naga outfit, other militant groups of the region can operate in the town only with the NSCN’s “permission”. Subba confirmed that he has a brother named Ajay, but clarified that the one lodged in Dimapur jail was not his sibling.
“That Ajay is from Darjeeling and not my brother. His arrest has nothing to do with me and even the ongoing controversy will not affect me,” he said over phone. Subba said he would file a defamation suit against a news channel that aired a news item against him.
There is a case pending against him in Supreme Court where the MP has to prove his nationality. “It is an old case since 1998 and I have evidence,” he said. Subba claimed that he was the “number one” MP in Assam and the party “knows I am innocent”.
When the Lok Sabha met this morning, the BJP sought to raise the matter of Subba’s nationality, but Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said he had received no intimation from the party on the matter. Subba today also approached Union information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi and sought to speak in Parliament. Over the next two days, the Tezpur MP is likely to give his side of the story on the “nationality controversy” on the floor of Parliament.

Press release NSCN IM
The Naga Army do not take pride of killing own misled brethren or capturing of their arms but will fight determinedly against any force trying to hamper the process of solution to the decades old Nagas problem. Displeasingly the Khaplang gang once again attacked the Naga Army at Hoishe this morning, however, fails to overpower us, instead they were chased away and in which the Naga Army captured the following arms & ammunitions at Khukiye near Satakha.< The GPRN view seriously the series of attacks and false-propagandas carried out by the Khaplang gang and its collaborators strategy. The GPRN will have to response or counter befittingly as and when it requires. However, the GPRN still stand firm on ground with the call of peace and reconciliation declared by the Yaruiwo. Ministry of Information & Publicity Govt. of the People’s Republic of Nagalim

Satakha clash continues Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MARCH 7 (NPN): Factional clash between the rival NSCN factions in Satakha area entered the third day with another heavy exchange of fire reported early Wednesday morning at Khukiye-Lukhai village, a few kilometers away from Satakha town. However, there was no report of any casualty on either side in the firing that started from 5.30 a.m and lasted till 8 a.m.
According to sources, after two days of continued clash at Hoishe village, the NSCN (I-M) men sneaked out of the village on Tuesday night and proceeded to Khukiye-Lukhai village, where only ten to twelve NSCN (K) men were stationed as the chunk of the NSCN (K) cadre had gone to Hoishe village. On Wednesday morning, the NSCN (I-M) men attacked the NSCN (K) at Khukiye-Lukhai village and re-occupied the village after the remaining NSCN (K) men fled, sources added. The NSCN (K) had on Monday and Tuesday last attacked the NSCN (I-M) who were stationed at Hoishe village and in Monday's clash, one NSCN (I-M) man was killed while two NSCN (K) men were injured. It may be mentioned earlier the NSCN (I-M) had its camp at Khukiye-Lukhai village, which was attacked by the NSCN (K) on February 27.
Following the request of the Sumi Totimi Hoho, the NSCN (I-M) vacated the village and went to Hoishe village, some two kilometers away from Satakha town. Meanwhile, Zunheboto Police sources informed that three platoons from 8th NAP and one platoon from DEF have been rushed to Satakha to control the tense situation. Public are also however apprehensive that clash between the two factions might resume Thursday morning. Sources also said the NSCN (K) has regrouped and were presently camped some 200 meters away from the NSCN (I-M) camp.
The NSCN (K) has reportedly covered two villages- Hoishe and the fringes of Satakha- while the NSCN (I-M) has fortified itself in Khukiye-Lukhai village. Meanwhile, the NSCN (I-M) has condemned the rival NSCN (K) for "attacking" the NSCN (I-M) earlier Hoishe village and on Thursday at "Hoishe, Khukiye, Namsa, Tizit town."
The MIP/NSCN (I-M) in a press release said it was "unfortunate and disappointing for the Khaplang gang to unequivocally offense the call of peace and reconciliation declared by his Excellency the President (Yaruiwo) of Nagalim." The NSCN (I-M) however said the rival members were chased away and the NSCN (I-M) later captured three 303 rifles, one M21 and a rocket launcher with shell at Khukiye village.
SGSY FUNDS TO NAGALAND Goi Press Information Bureau
The Ministry of Rural Development has released Rs.12.53 lakh as second instalment of the Central share under the `Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana’ (SGSY) during the year 2006-07 to Dimapur DRDA of Nagaland. Grants-in-aid amounting to Rs. 13.08 lakh as first instalment has also been released to Phek DRDA of Nagaland under the scheme.

The amount should be utilized on the Programme as per approved guidelines of SGSY. The funding pattern will be 75:25 by the Centre and the State. The State Govts/DRDAs/ZPs are also to ensure to submit the report of State and District Levels Vigilance & Monitoring Committee meeting held during current year by March 31, 2007, otherwise Ist instalment during the next year will be held up. The State Government should release its share within one month of the date of release of the Central assistance.
Under SGSY, assistance is given to the poor family living below the poverty line for taking up self-employment. It actively promotes group approach by organising the rural poor into Self-Help Groups. AD/ST/JA
Elaborate arrangements for by-poll in Nagaland Zee News
Kohima, Mar 08: Elaborate security arrangements have been made for Thursday’s by-elections in two assembly constituencies in Nagaland, which are witnessing triangular contest among Nagaland People's Front (NPF), BJP and opposition Congress. All necessary security measures have been put in place as per new guidelines of election commission in both seats to ensure free and fair polling, sources at the CEO's office said. Personnel from state police and paramilitary forces have been deployed at Tuensang and Dimapur while returning officers ordered restriction in vehicular movement during tomorrow's polling hours and closure of business establishments.

By-elections to Dimapur-I and Tuonsang Sadar-II constituencies were necessitated following death of BJP MLAs Hokishe Sema and Lakiumong respectively.

Although BJP had won both the seats in the last general elections, its ruling coalition partner NPF failed to reach any consensus this time and the two partners of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) have fielded candidates against each other in both seats. With the opposition congress too in the fray, the by-elections are witnessing triangular contest.
ULFA demands political resolution of insurgency problem By IANS
Guwahati, March 8 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Thursday said that it was seeking a political solution to Assam's insurgency problem through the proposed peace talks. 'But we are sure the central government is only seeking peace talks instead of a political solution to the problem. We need to be cautious not to fall into such a trap,' ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement.
'Let us make it very clear that we are carrying out an armed struggle out of compulsion. But, on principle, we want a peaceful political solution. This is the stark reality,' he said in the third such statement in recent weeks after the ULFA offered to come for peace talks with the central government. In an earlier statement last week, Rajkhowa had said: '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 with information of our comrades in Indian and Bhutanese custody, and release our jailed central committee leaders.'
During the first round of talks in October 2005 with the ULFA-chosen People's Consultative Group, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that the government was ready to discuss 'all issues' - a statement the rebel leadership welcomed. However, preliminary talks were deadlocked after three rounds of negotiations. The ULFA, fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, went on a killing spree and bombings since then with the government resuming a massive military offensive.
UNC sponsored MLA Dr Ruivah ready to sit on Opposition bench
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 7 : UNC sponsored MLA from Chingai Assembly Constituency in Ukhrul district, Dr Khashim Ruivah who was among those to take the oath of office and secrecy as an MLA today said that all the six UNC backed candidates will sit on the Opposition bench.
Speaking to some reporters soon after the swearing in ceremony, Ruivah said that he would whole heartedly work for the welfare of the Naga people in consultation with the UNC.
Reiterating his earlier point, Dr Ruivah said that all the UNC MLAs would work as true Opposition members and added that he will leave no stone unturned to work for the welfare and interest of the people, he represents. Commenting on the Naga issue and the ongoing peace talk, the MLA said, “We need peace and the ongoing dialogue between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre should bring an amicable solution to the decades old Naga issue.”
Dr Ruivah defeated A Aza of the Congress at the recent hustings.
Cong downplays Subba's nationality issue By IBNlive.com
New Delhi: A day after CNN-IBN exposed the web of lies that Congress MP from Tezpur, Moni Kumar Subba had created for three decades about his nationality, politicians from across party lines spared no words in their criticism, the Congress downplayed his nationality issue.

Congress on Wednesday said the matter was subjudice

"Obviously the Opposition parties are fishing in troubled waters on the issue. The fact is that the issue is pending before the Apex Court for one and half years", news agency PTI quoted Congress spokesman Abhshek Singhvi as saying. Singhvi added that he would not comment whether Subba is right or wrong but "what I am saying is that the matter was before the Supreme Court and Subba, CBI and some Central Institutions are discussing it".
Subba issue rocks Parliament From Our Spl. Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, March 7 – Reports about controversial Congress MP Mani Kumar Subba’s citizenship has provoked the Opposition parties today to demand an inquiry by the Parliamentary Privilege Committee. Even as the Congress Party began showing signs of distancing itself from the controversy, Opposition BJP, SP and Trinamool Congress pounced on the UPA Government demanding action against the self-styled lottery baron. Surprisingly, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MPs, including Dr Arun Kumar Sarma and Sarbananda Sonowal as well as the State’s BJP MPs maintained a stoic silence in the Lok Sabha.

The CNN-IBN special investigation report raised doubts about his citizenship, pointing towards anomalies in his records in Parliament and Assembly. While State Congress MPs did not appear too perturbed by the reports, Subba himself played it down and made a brief appearance in the Parliament. Subba, who tried his best to appear cool, threatened to sue the TV channel. He told newsmen that he was filing a defamation suit. Declining to make any comment on the charges levelled in the news report, he said people of Assam have elected him and how could someone from any other State question his credentials. The Parliament has important business to discuss rather than his background, he added. Inside the House, BJP’s Vijay Kumar Malhotra demanded an inquiry into his citizenship. In the Rajya Sabha, SP and Trinamool Congress raked up the issue but the chairman disallowed any discussion.

Later briefing newsmen, BJP spokesman Malhotra drew a parallel between Subba’s case and disqualification of 10 MPs in the cash for query scam. He said when the Privilege Committee could take up the case of the 10 MPs on the basis of an sting operation and disqualify them, then Subba’s case also holds merit of being tried by the Committee. Subba is not a citizen of India and it has been known since last three years. A special committee may be appointed or the Privilege Committee may be asked to take up the case. If found guilty, he should be removed like the 10 MPs, who were disqualified. The BJP further questioned the CBI’s probe into his antecedents.

Embarrassed as it was by the reports, the Congress Party tried to play down the controversy, though it did not come to Subba’s defence. The Party opted for the easy route and cited the pending case in the Supreme Court against the MP, to wriggle out. Briefing newsmen, Congress spokesman, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said identical issues concerning Subba being raised by the Opposition parties was already in the Supreme Court. A PIL against the MP is pending in the Supreme Court, in which all concerned agencies of the State and Central Government including the CBI are parties. “The political parties are fishing in troubled water. I am not saying that Subba is right. All these issues are totally wide and open ended,” he said.

The MP’s luck, if his colleagues in the party, is to be believed may be running out. The AICC seems to be veering around to the fact that the lottery baron has outlived his utility. The State Congress leadership including Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi have also distanced themselves from Subba and may not back him the way it did in the past.
Meanwhile, managing editor of the TV channel, Rajdeep Sardesai said that they would produce the documents in the court. “Two of our reporters namely; Niti Tandon and Deepak Bajpayee, worked for three months and travelled widely in Sikkim, Siliguri, Assam and Lakhimpur. We went and traced all the houses and other benami properties,” Sardesai told newsmen.
Kukis demand trial of NSCN(IM) for criminal acts before talks The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 6: Even as there are reports of NSCN(IM) general secretary Th Muivah`s trip to New Delhi to hold further talks with the Centre, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has reminded the Prime Minister of India of its long time demand to try the NSCN(IM) for various criminal acts of murder, uprooting and displacing of the Kukis in the region.

KIM has since long been alleging that the NSCN(IM) had murdered over 900 innocent Kukis, uprooted over 360 Kuki villages apart from displacing over 100,000 Kukis during the Naga-Kuki clashes spearheaded by the NSCN (IM). A memorandum which according to KIM is the sixty sixth of its kind submitted to five successive Prime Ministers namely PV Naramsimha Rao, HD Deve Gowda, IK Gujral, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh reminded once again that any settlement with the NSCN (IM) must be preceded by the amicable settlement of NSCN (IM)`s murdering, uprooting and displacing of Kuki civilian population first.

The Kukis will never accept any settlement without first settling of the criminal acts committed by NSCN (IM) against innocent Kukis in particular and humanity in general, the fresh memorandum the KIM dispatch on Tuesday to the Prime Minister Manmohon Singh stated.

"The guilty must be booked and judgment be passed in a proper court of law," the memorandum demanded. The memorandum also warned of causing great trouble if there be agreement between the NSCN (IM) and government of India without first settling the damages done to the Kukis by them (NSCN-IM). "The government of India should be fully responsible" for the uncertainty caused by the agreement before settling the Naga-Kuki issue, the memorandum reiterated.

Six killed in factional fight in Churachandpur The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 7: At least six militants belonging to Hmar National Army, HNA died in a factional fight with Hmar People Convention (HPC) at Thingmun village in Churachandpur district, official reports said Tuesday. A highly reliable source said that the six HNA cadres were abducted by the suspected cadres of a faction of the HPC on March 4 last and shot dead near the river bank. A police report said that the dead bodies of the six militants of the HNA were recovered from near a river bank Monday morning.

The identities of all the slain militants were subsequently identified and after postmortem at Sakoroda primary health centre of Mizoram handed over to their respective families, police said.

Out of the six, four hail from Parbung village of Churachandpur district. They were identified Songneithuom, 31, Lalngaisang, 32, Lalditsak, 20, and Rolthang, 28. The other two were from Sakorada village of Mizoram. They are Nunmawia, 30, and Hauthangvung, 27. More than 10 community based armed militant groups are operating actively in Churachandpur district. Even as seven of the groups had decided to work together under the United People`s Front, UPA, there were reports of fighting among the rival groups since the last few years in the district.

Tension among the different militant groups ran high since the election to the state Assembly was held in the district on February 27, apparently as many militant groups favoured some candidates.