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03/09/2007: "Stray violence rocks Naga bypolls - Proxy voting, explosion at Dimapur booth in spite of heavy security OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Stray violence rocks Naga bypolls - Proxy voting, explosion at Dimapur booth in spite of heavy security OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, March 8: Proxy voting and malpractices disrupted the byelections to Dimapur I and Tuensang Sadar II today. With the exception of an incident at Dimapur Commerce College, where criminals exploded a crude bomb, the elections were by and large peaceful. However, proxy voting marred the proceedings, as hooligans forced thousands of genuine voters out of the polling booths. The Election Commission, state government and the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) had issued directives for smooth conduct of elections, but their appeal went unheeded.
The poll panel had said there was to be no movement of private and government vehicles in Dimapur town today from 5 am to 4 pm. Only vehicles assigned for poll duties and magistrates on duty, medical teams for first aid and paramilitary vehicles were allowed to move in Dimapur.
All shops, offices, banks and schools in Dimapur town remained closed and outsiders from other constituencies were not allowed to enter the Dimapur I A/C (general) area.
In a subsequent order to remove other loopholes, Dimapur deputy commissioner K. N. Ngulie, who is also the returning officer, had barred gaonburas (headmen) and Dimapur Municipal Council members from the “screening-process”. Gaonburas, municipal council members, as well as other organisations and NGOs, are barred from participating in the screening of voters in the polling stations. According to the Election Commission’s model code of conduct, they can only exercise their franchise. The returning officer for Dimapur 1 constituency had notified that only authorised persons will be allowed to screen voters. Chief minister Neiphiu Rio had also assured free and fair elections, but the Opposition Congress and other partners of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland doubted the state government’s credibility. The BJP had accused Rio’s party, Nagaland People’s Front, of indulging in nefarious activities to win the byelections.
Last night, gunmen abducted one Kahuto Chishi and forced him to sign a paper supporting the NPF candidate. Chisi was released this morning. Ato Yepthomi, president of the state unit of the BJP, has alleged that the NPF was involved in the incident.
Altogether five candidates are contesting the prestigious Dimapur I seat. The Congress candidate is Aheto V. Yeptho, the BJP has fielded Kevise Angami, the Janata Dal (United) contestant is S. Limatemjen, the NPF has Atomi Zhimomi and Nagaland Democratic Party is represented by Roland Lotha. Altogether 17,160 voters, comprising 9,539 men and 7,621 women, will decide the fate of the candidates from 38 polling stations, the results for which will be declared on Monday.
Peaceful yes, but ‘fair’ voting a fairy tale The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 8 (MExN): The Dimapur I A/C bye-election which was today held across 38 polling stations was officially termed as “remarkably peaceful” with some stray incidents of violence in certain areas. Maximum security was provided by security agencies which were largely responsible for the violence free polling, officials maintained. However, several voters expressed dismay over the inability of genuine voters to cast their votes and said that a lot of proxy votes were being cast everywhere and in some instances the voters on entering the voting booth were astonished to discover that their votes had already been cast by others. Expressing sadness over the situation, a source disclosed that some parties were even distributing money around some polling stations in order to buy the voters at the last minute and that a single person was seen casting her votes 5 to 6 times in the same polling station.
In another incident which occurred in polling station-24 at Namghar School, opposite Public College of Commerce, the NPF party was seen in hot discussion with the CRPF over the slack in checking of the voters. Sources revealed that the complaint was about a catapult which was found inside the polling station but the CRPF in-charge of the polling said that the catapult had been taken from the pocket of a voter and then handed back to him after he had cast his vote.
IRB personnel attempt to contain an eager throng of voters at a polling station of Dimapur-1 constituency where bye-poll was held today, March 8. (MExPix)
The presence of a host of security personnel in the different polling stations also failed to check the fair conduct of the election in which various parties were seen sitting nearby with tables and chairs, freely issuing voting slips to their party members. In one polling station (at Burma Camp) there were also a group of boys sitting openly with a bottle of remover and a huge roll of cotton to remove indelible ink from the fingers of their voters. The security and peacefulness of the bye-election was thus indicated to be a superficial one with no real steps taken to insure a fair polling.
It was also reported by some sources that there had been some agitation late last night around polling stations 4 and 5 at Manipur State Transport in Chakhesang Colony and a large group of people were seen purposefully moving towards the polling station, and expressed suspicion of foul play even before the polling.
The Dimapur I A/C bye-election which was necessitated by the sudden death of Late Dr. Hokeshe caused the whole town to come to a standstill as vehicular movements were restricted. Dimapur wore a deserted look as all shops remained closed till the polling was over. Counting of votes will take place on March 12 Monday and results declared the same day.
Democracy through muscle power The Morung Express reporter confronted; camera damaged
DIMAPUR, MARCH 8 (MExN): In an abhorrent display of muscle power, Member of Dimapur Municipal Council, representing ward no. 2, snatched and destroyed the digital camera of The Morung Express reporter at Zakiesatou Memorial School, polling station no. 9. The reporter in question who happened to be a young lady was officially designated to cover the bye-election and was clicking pictures outside the aforementioned polling station. The DMC member, campaigning for the NPF, was with a mob shouting slogans and moving towards the school and protesting against the Presiding Officer of the ward when he spotted the scribe. “Who are you to click photos?” he screamed at the reporter, after which he forcefully grabbed the camera and hurled it to the ground. The camera could not be retrieved as it was taken away by the mob accompanying the DMC member. Instead of containing the situation several CRPF and police personnel, including officers and at least one lady constable who were at the scene merely watched the incident and asked the lady reporter to enter the school’s premises.
Bye-poll by & large peaceful : DC The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 8 (MExN): 84.91% of the electorate from Dimapur-1 today cast their votes to elect their representative to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. This percentage is derived from the total of 17610 voters comprising of 9,539 males and 7,621 female voters. Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, K Nzimongo Ngullie, said there were no instances of booth capturing, no intimidation, and no public interruption. Terming the bye-poll as “one of the most peaceful elections”, he said the voting was by and large peaceful though small complaints were reported in one or two isolated places. Eleven magistrates, an expert team of presiding officers and strictly-enforced security was responsible for this, he added. “I am satisfied.”
98.30% turnout at Tuensang-II Mob gets out of hand in polling station The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 8 (MExN): The bye-election to the Tuensang Sardar II A/C was held today at 21 polling stations across the constituency. An attendance of 98.30 voters was registered, according to Tuensang DC, Abhijit Sinha. However, repolling at the polling station in Chendang village has already been announced due to the destroying of the Electronic Voting Machine by an angry mob at around 8:30 am. Sources have also disclosed that the three polling stations in Tsudokur and one in Longtok village were cooped by certain groups and the entire votes were cast by 5 to 6 selected candidates. Complaints for conducting a repoll in some wards of Tuensang II have also been filed but the DC Tuensang said that the matter would be decided only after consultation with the the Election Officer.
NSWC chief calls on Naga women to work for peace Chizokho Vero The Morung Express
Kohima The enormous achievements and talents of Naga women in the various fields across the state registered a thunderous applause today during the celebration of International Women’s Day here at the Kohima Local Ground. “We have a great challenge before us,” said Sano Vamuzo, Chairperson of the Nagaland State Women’s Commission and called upon the women to translate the talents and potentials of Naga women into reality. (Left) A picture being displayed at a Museum showing Late Indira Gandhi with the Naga women delegation. (Right) Sano Vamuzo Thangi Mannen and others at the International Women Day in Kohima. (MExPix)
Terming the Naga family as “colourful,” she challenged the women to work together to discover and learn together and at the same time asked them place a strong foundation for children.
She however lamented many are still in dark, adding that “we need to remember and think for those less fortunate women and fill the gap.” Referring to the present situation in Nagaland, she said that the people are yearning for peaceful atmosphere and she appealed to the Naga women to come together and work for peace. “We must spread the gospel of peace,” she added.
Referring to the setting up of Nagaland State Women’s Commission, she said that the Commission will be coordinating with the various women organisations, NGOs, churches and state government so as to grow into a proper shape. “We shall also be networking with everybody,” she declared adding that networking has become a necessity to make a good headway in the different fields. “Together we can achieve great things,” she maintained.
Thangi Mannen, Commissioner and Secretary Horticulture, Daisy Mezhur, Secretary Nagaland State Social Welfare Board also spoke on the occasion while Naga Mother’s Association (NMA) President Khesheli Chishi chaired the function. An enchanting special number from Ilitoli Z. Ayemi made the function richer. Traditional singing, conferring awards to eminent women, highlighting the wealth of Naga women designers in the form of fashion show, exhibition, floral galleria, open solo competition, handloom and cooking competition also marked the occasion.
The occasion also housed information booths on health and nutrition, environment, legal rights of women and programmes for women in different departments. Meanwhile, Naga women achievers from various walks of life were honoured during the function in recognition of their pioneering efforts and achievements in different fields. The programme was organized by Nagaland Women Development Department, Horticulture Department and Nagaland State Social Welfare Board.
Remembering Khrisanisa Seyie- Nagaland Post
The grand occasion to un-veil the Khrisanisa memo-rial stone on February 28, '07 rekindled a powerful energy lying dormant in our people. I was present and saw it coming alive in the eyes of all I met. I want to congratulate the organizers of the programme. Their determination and foresight gave a gift we Nagas have needed badly. It did something good for our people.
As I sat there I recalled the Naga Goodwill Mission to Assam in 1953. I was privileged to be a member along with Anie Khrisanisa and other colleagues. Ngutono was the other woman member of the delegation.
The Goodwill Mission showed early Naga awareness of the indispensabilty of people-to-people goodwill and understanding with our neighbors and eventually with the wider Indian public to solve our complicated problem. Mutual goodwill and trust are ideas whose time has come. We must not ignore or underestimate them. But today's goodwill mission has to start with Nagas going to Nagas, individually, and tribe to tribe. This will heal and restore our deeply damaged relationships. We will then develop the confidence and conviction needed to reach out to the people of India through our neighbours in the Northeast region.
I want to thank Scato Swu, an elder Naga brother, who forthrightly challenged us, especially Angamis, to go out to others not taking them for granted and think others will come to us.
The points he made and the spirit in which he made them were much appreciated. The wisdom, courage, vision and dignity so evident in the words of all the others who spoke made me to believe that the occasion marked the reawakening of our people. Let us come closer to one another and think together to take our people forward. God will not fail us if we let Him, instead of our pride and selfish ambitions guide us. I thank the wise men and women of the present generation who made the day possible. The inspiration ignited must be strengthened further through more such meetings.
Mrs. Rano Mese Shaiza, {First President, Naga Women Federation, (NNC/FGN) Former Lok Sabha MP}.
Women’s Day lighting the hearts of Naga women The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 8 (MExN): Naga women, cutting across all barriers, today came together with the world to celebrate their Day, “Women’s Day,” under the theme “Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls” lighting the heart of thousands of women. The United Nations has set aside March 8 as ‘Women’s Day’ to recognize the fact that peace and social progress require the active participation and equality of women and also to acknowledge the contribution of women to international peace and security but, for the women of the world, the Day’s symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development.
“It is a time to reflect back and salute those women who took the women ahead…..” said Dr Asang, Lecturer during a programme organized by Sinai Café to commemorate ‘Women’s Day’ here at Sinai Café, Dimapur. Asang, Coordinator IMC, felt that it is a time to accept the challenge to move ahead. She said, “We can do what they can. In fact, we are better.”
As the people came together today to celebrate the lives of women and their contribution to human lives, Aküm Longchari, Managing Director of The Morung Express speaking as the speaker articulated, “we must find the courage to seize opportunities in finding genuine answers that responds to the imperative need to build a shared humanity” in which women and men are equally engaged in a respectful and equal partnership. He said that such events should not become platforms where social prejudices and stereotypes are reinforced but, he added, it rather should be represented as opportunities to raise critical issues and consciously break down stereotypes, while embodying virtues that empower and enable the fullest development of human worth. Also, to secure human life, Aküm said, “The rights of women must first be secured.”
Also present at the occasion were Laisen, Editor of Attitude, and Imtijungla Longchar, author, who also shared their views on the significance of celebrating ‘Women’s Day.’
Meanwhile, the Sinai Café will be organizing ‘The Divine Search’ at IMC at 3:30 pm on March 9. The speaker for the occasion will be Nukla Phom. The organizers have invited all to come and attend the get-together.
Being a Woman By Vishii Rita Krocha Kuknalim.com

The day is here again. Time sure seems to fly. Faster than we can catch sometimes. A year seemed swiftly spent and yet again, women's day is already here...

Seems only yesterday we welcomed a New Year and it's already March. But no regrets, no complaints, it's wonderful to live to see another dawn and it happens to be a special day because the day marks the significance of the presence of women in our world.

For the female lot, it's time to let their hair down and be glad and thankful that they belong to a remarkable species. Indeed, it's a nice feeling to be a woman. To gain that kind of attention where men seldom recieve. It's nice to see the kind of respect that most men hold for women. Sometimes nothing is quite like being her. Nothing quite replaces the value of a woman. Even though, for years the female species seemed to hold a lower status in our own society and nation wide, today, many of our perspectives have changed for better and we have come to accept equality in a greater measure. Indeed, it's time to welcome the new generation beliefs as long as they can have a good impact on the whole meaning of living.

Today, being a day where the world over is celebrating the worth of women, I guess it's a good time to bring in mind those women in our lives who have selflessly contributed so much in making our space a beautiful portal. Starting with our own mothers, though they have another day to get all the special tributes, I think they are the most special women we'll ever come across again. For most of us, a mother is the first woman we ever saw, the first woman who taught us rich values and a lot of other memorable firsts. Then probably, other special women come to scene. Our sisters, aunties perhaps, or friends who are women and the like. Each one of them in their own special way, play a part in our lives, without which we would have many empty spaces.

Apart from many great achievements that several women have already gathered and made our country or our own family or society proud, there is one thing that will always remain special in every woman and that is simply just being a "Her". Because being a woman means having some special qualities, being a woman means greater emotional values, it means a great deal of making a house a home which actually happens to be everyone's dream~to have a home to call their own, even though most of us have not quite realised it. Perhaps we won't till unfortunately we become a wanderer.

In case, you haven't seen the beauty of a woman still, or in case you fail to notice the qualities within her, or if at all you have foregone the chance of loving a woman, You are probably running a little late. You'll never find another who can bring you greater joy because being a woman herself, is a lot of happiness. You can never buy or trade it.

For those men out there, you're lucky if you have enough women to love. Celebrate their presence today. Celebrate the women in your life. As for the female lot, celebrate yourself, celebrate the woman in you.
Konyak mothers celebrate International Women’s Day Mon calls for improvisation and empowerment to change in the society on the occasion of Women’s day Shahkai Konyak The Morung Express
Mon In an effort to bolster the consciousness on Women’s rights, responsibilities, and contribution in the society, the KNSK (Mother association) in association with World Vision mustered the Women of Mon and converged at the Local Ground to mark the occasion of Women’s Day here today. Though the event was being observed for the first time in public, interestingly, a huge number of women irrespective of tribe, community, religious affiliation turned out for the Marathon on the street of Mon, captivating, and messaging the denizens that they are all brave, caring, and makers of society and history. “Empowered to Change” was the key slogan of the day. Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, M Patton IAS, DC Mon lauded every woman and saluted them for their contribution in the society. He also said that women since time immemorial had sacrificed and contributed incredibly in socio, economic and political movement of every history of the world. When women are weak, the society is weak, ha said adding that the woman is the backbone of the family and society. He also exhorted that the day should be meaningful and not just for observing and that the principle on which basis the day was founded should not be forgotten, rather try to improve and improvise the principle of the basis for a better change and uplift. Mrs Yumah.Konyak, President KNSK while delivering the key note address highlighted the significant of the day, and how, when and why the day was started in 1909 in the United States and the subsequent declaration of the day by other countries across the globe. She also saluted those women, organizations and nations who have worked for the liberation of woman from social bondage.
RUNNING THE GOOD RACE: Women taking part in the Women’s Day Marathon organised by KNSK and World Vision in Mon, March 8. (MExPix)
The event also witnessed presentation of Cultural dance and songs from Gorkha and Kuki community and replication skit show of how the women’s group from ancestral time to modern age had transformed and evolved with change of time and civilization by Mrs Lomei, Neilong and friends. Special solo number was also presented by Miss N Ateih K. The program was chaired by Mrs. Moilong Phom and unfurling of the IWD (International Women’s Day) flag by Mrs Ngepnyu, Member Mon Town Council while invocation was pronounced by Smt. Thrangmo PS, KBBB. The events concluded with prize distribution and Prayer of praise by Nahngom Associate Pastor, KBCM.
Earlier a day before, an Essay competition was organized at GHSS Mon with the topic “Life of a Woman” where 2 participants each from every school participated. Miss L Manshom K of St. John School bagged the first prize while Miss Bonchung, Donbosco School and Miss Shuiching, Christ King School bagged second and third places respectively. In the marathon event, Mrs Bongshon bagged first prize while Mrs Nyulih and Mrs Ya-am bagged second and third prizes respectively. The rally was flagged off by Tingnei K, President KU, at Helipad ground about 3 kms from the main venue.
ANSAM bans Board/Council exams Newmai News Network

Imphal, Mar 8: While sternly voicing against collaborating with the examination activities conducted by Board of School Education, Manipur (BSEM) in the four hill districts of Senapati,Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Chandel, the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has banned today the holding of examinations under the BSEM. ANSAM warned that the Controllers of the examinations, DCs, SPs, ZEOs, principals/headmasters/headmistresses of the examination centres,OCs and invigilators will be solely held responsible for any untoward incident arisen out of the matter.

"While reiterating the decision of the ANSAM, Naga students and all the private schools within the Naga areas of South (Naga areas in Manipur), consciously discarded the BSEM syllabus since the academic session 2006 and vividly demonstrated to welcome Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). Substantiating the process of school affiliations in a historic cabinet decision/govt of Nagaland, opens door and thousands of Naga students of south were privileged to appear HSLC exam 2007 under NBSE," said the Naga students body.

Issuing this statement to Newmai News Network by ANSAM`s information and publicity secretary Sounii Khapa, the Naga students` body said, "in a historic landmark of our struggle, Naga students of south joined the NBSE syllabus expressing democratic insights. The accomplishment we witness so far is solely the collective contributions of the government of Nagaland, Naga civil organisations, intellectuals, politicians, education departments of Nagaland, NBSE, churches, private schools, students and parents and the Naga people."

ANSAM said that after a hard earned effort of the Naga people to work for common education system, the government of Manipur and its machineries collaborating with vested groups of individual(s) is designing to counter the Nagas. "If the state government of Manipur wish to see set of violence it will be the handiwork of Manipur government. Naga students exert democratic rights democratically but if our interests are not respected the Nagas will not be responsible for any consequences", cautioned the Naga students` body.

ANSAM while giving reasons for its latest move has said that "enforcing our decisions, due to compelling circumstances created by BSEM authorities and related offices, collaborating with district administrations, the ANSAM declared banning of examination centres of BSEM in Naga areas with immediate effect and in the event of not complying the declaration the controllers of examination, DCs, SPs, ZEOs,principals/headmasters of examination centres, OCs and invigilators will be solely responsible for untoward incidents".

The Naga students` body then warned that the above mentioned "concern authorised offices" and individuals must seriously take note of the situations and avert conducting exam duties and also that the "students and parents are enlightened to understand the situations, and seek cooperation to strengthen the just cause of the Naga students. ANSAM regrets for the inconveniences."

NSCN(K) denial Newmai News Network

Imphal, Mar 8: Though the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region continues to drive against the elements working at the behest of the NSCN-IM but it will never carry out anti-peoples activities such as burning down of a vehicle belonging to the president of the Zeliangrong Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region.

The outfit while denying its involment of the reported incident of burning down of a Maruti Gypsy used by the president of Zeliangrong Union at Jiribam on the midnight of March 4,the information and publicity secretary in-charge of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region informed NNN that the outfit strongly condemned the incident and said that the March 4 incident had been carried out by self-style leaders who are all out to tarnish the image of the outfit. It also rubbishes the newspapers` reports that the NSCN-K had burnt the vehicle of the Zeliangrong Union leader at Jiribam. The NSCN-K, Zelianrong Region then said that it respects all the social organisations and students` bodies but it will strongly continue to oppose tooth and nail the activities of "those organisations and individuals who are the followers of the NSCN-IM".

Cong MP Subba accused of rape Neeti Tandon CNN-IBN
New Delhi: A CNN-IBN Special Investigation has exposed that Moni Kumar Subba, the Congress MP from Tezpur, is not an Indian and has lied about his nationality for 16 years. But lying and cheating are just some of the crimes Subba is accused of. In Tezpur, a young girl accused him of raping her. “My aunt left me with Subba in a room. He locked the door and asked me to remove my clothes. He said he had paid my aunt,” the girl told CNN-IBN.
During his decades long career as a businessman and politician, Subba's has been accused of tax evasion and lying about the true value of his assets.
Subba, who owns the Nagaland State Lottery, claimed that he is worth Rs 20 crore when he filed his Lok Sabha nomination papers in 2004. But if one adds up the scams he is accused of, he is worth Rs 25,000 crore. These are some of the scams he is accused of:
• Subba's company MS Associates, organisers of the Nagaland State Lottery, was indicted in 1997 for embezzling Rs 5,000 crore.
• Subba was in 1998 accused of embezzling Rs 5,000 crore from Meghalaya Lottery. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probed the case but made no recoveries.
• Subba's company MS Associates was in 1997 accused of involvement in the Rs-3500 crore UP Trade Tax Scam.
“When we do discuss the cases we feel that Subba can manage everybody with money,” said R P Sarma, an advocate in the Guwahati High Court. Subba proudly claims to be the Congress’ moneybag in the Northeast. In an interview to a Nepali magazine once, Subba boasted about his what he has done to fund the party. "I keep nearly Rs 2,000-3,000 crore as political funds for various parties, to use during elections," he said in the interview. CNN-IBN’s investigation had earlier reported that there are coincidences between Subba and Moni Raj Limbo, an escaped murder convict in Nepal. But the authorities and the CBI say they don’t have conclusive evidence against Subba and are still working on the cases. Till then, a foreigner will continue as an Honourable MP in India.
Six killed in rebel attacks in Manipur, Assam By IANS
Guwahati, March 9 (IANS) Six people were killed and 18 wounded in two different separatist attacks, including a powerful bomb explosion, in India's northeastern states of Manipur and Assam, officials said Friday. Five people were killed in Manipur when armed militants entered a bakery at Ningthoukhong village, about 40 km south of Imphal, and opened fire at the workers late Thursday.
'The militants fired indiscriminately on a group of workers, killing five on the spot,' A. Singh, a police official, said by telephone. The provocation for the attack was not known, he added. 'Investigations are on and security forces have since launched a hunt to nab the rebels.'
Manipur is home to 19 separatist groups with demands ranging from independence to greater autonomy. In Assam, one person was killed and 18 wounded in a powerful bomb explosion at a marketplace late Thursday. Police said the bomb went off outside a hardware shop in Kakopathar village in Tinsukia district, about 530 km east of Guwahati.
'The shopkeeper was preparing to down his shutters when the explosion took place,' Sadhani Dar, a police official, said by telephone. The shop owner had spotted an unclaimed bag just outside his shop and informed the police. 'In less than two minutes after we were informed about the bag, the explosion took place. There was a crowd of people who gathered around the bag and hence so many were injured,' the official said. Seven members of the shop owner's family were among the injured of which one died in hospital later. 'Minutes later we recovered another powerful bomb barely 100 metres away from the blast site,' Dar added.
Police suspect the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to be behind the blast although no group has claimed responsibility. 'The modus operandi of the blast points to ULFA as they are known to attack in crowded places,' another police official said. The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland since 1979, was blamed for a string of attacks in January that killed about 80 people, 61 of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers in eastern Assam. The ULFA has in recent weeks offered to hold talks with New Delhi although there is no response yet from the government.
Govt firm on integrity, unity of nation Spl Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, March 8 – Reflecting a toughening of stand, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said Government of India would never compromise the unity and integrity of the country nor allow those who killed innocent people in Assam to go unpunished. The Prime Minister who was replying to the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address to the Parliament, this afternoon, dwelt at length on Assam and the North-East and clarified his Government’s stand on range of issues from internal security to illegal influx from Bangladesh. In a way, he sought to address the grievance aired by several MPs over the brief mention about the region.

“Advani had referred to Assam and stated ULFA was not even mentioned. He wanted to know what we are doing to identify and deport illegal immigrants,” Dr Singh said.

“Mere mention of one insurgent group or the other will not serve any purpose. What is required is the will and resolve to maintain peace and order and defeat any terrorist design. About this, there should be no doubt whatsoever about the firmness of our resolve,” he said. “I have always condemned violence and extremism in Assam, as elsewhere and never hesitated to say that we can negotiate only with those who want peace, not with those who kill innocent people,” the Prime Minister said. “We will never hesitate to sit down and talk to a fellow Indian – however, misguided he or she may be — if such conversation can bring peace to our people,” Dr Singh said. “But we will never compromise the unity and integrity of our country or allow those who kill innocent people to go unpunished. It is with this view that we began a dialogue with the People’s Consultative Group so that it may gradually extend to ULFA as well,” he said.

“As talks did not make headway, we continued with action by our security forces,” he said. Claiming that the situation in the North-East and Jammu and Kashmir has improved, the Prime Minister said the UPA Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs have a better track record to show than that of the previous government. Be it the North-East, J&K or Naxal affected districts, the overall internal security situation today is far better than what was seen during the previous government, he contended. About the IM (DT) Act, the Prime Minister defended his government stand, arguing that whatever measures were taken, was to protect the minorities from harassment. In Assam, the large elements of the minority communities generally fear that the process of detection of foreigners could degenerate into an instrument of harassment of minorities, he said. It is for this reason to reassure them, not to protect illegal immigrants but to protect the genuine citizens of the country that the IM (DT) Act was enacted. “I know the IM (DT) Act was struck down by the Supreme Court. Then, we acted under the existing Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964. A separate procedure for detection of illegal migrants was laid down for Assam, which was struck down by the Supreme Court as being necessary.

Asserting that Government has continued to work under the existing laws for detection of illegal immigrants, Dr Singh said Tribunals have been constituted under the 1964 Order and work was going on. “There is no laxity or lack of commitment on our part in detecting and deporting illegal migrants, the Prime Minister. The reply to the Motion of Thanks had generated much heat after the Opposition Leader attacked the Government for failing to protect the lives of the Hindi-speaking people and the Government’s dilly-dallying tactics vis-à-vis ULFA peace process. Advani had also alleged that Assam Government was hand in glove with ULFA and it had struck a deal ahead of the National Games. Members hailing from the North-East including Khiren Rijiju, Tapir Gaon, Sarbananda Sonowal and Dr Arun Kumar Sarma had also participated in the discussion.
Govt aware of Arunachal on China map: Pranab Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, March 8 – The Government is aware of the fact that maps and globes depicting Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as integral parts of China are being sold and circulated in the Communist nation, Rajya Sabha was informed today. In a reply, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government has conveyed to the Chinese side that Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are integral parts of India. The two countries are also engaged in discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question at an early stage, he said. In another reply, the Minister said the government is watchful of China’s plans to lay a railway line through bordering areas adjoining India and connecting other cities of China with the capital of Tibet, Lhasa.

He said the government was also alert towards the media reports stating China’s proposal to extend the said railway line to Khunjarb Pass situated along the border of Pakistan and China. Mukherjee also said the government has proposed to the Chinese side to open an alternative route to Kailash Mansarowar, through Demchok in Jammu and Kashmir. During the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao, the two sides agreed to explore its possibility. To a query whether India has conveyed its concern over China’s reported plan to build a dam on Brahmaputra river and divert 200 billion cubic metres water annually to its ageing Yellow river, Mukherjee said the issue was taken up during the visit of Chinese President in November last year. Various issues of mutual interest, including India-China boundary question, two-way investment flows and cooperation relating to trans-border rivers were discussed, he said. A number of initiatives were announced to consolidate institutional linkage between the two governments, encourage comprehensive economic engagement, promote trans-border connectivity and cooperation and enhance science and technology, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.–PTI
AFSPA repeal issue raised in Parliament Manipur Information Centre

NEW DELHI, Mar 8: Supporting the motion of thanks on the President`s address moved by Madhusudan Mistry, MP, in the Lok Sabha yesterday, the Lok Sabha member from Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency Dr. Thokchom Meinya expressed his gratitude to the President of India for his address to both Houses of Parliament on February 23.

Participating in the motion of thanks address, he said the success of the Indian National Congress in Manipur was the testimony of good governance of the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh under the benign supervision of UPA chairman Sonia Gandhi.

Dr. Meinya mentioned that the UPA government has covered many new initiatives for the North-East Region, which is a hot spot of the country. He also expressed optimistic view that the Government of India would pay more attention towards solving the various problems faced by the people of the region.

Highlighting few problems, he first drew the attention of the House on the demand to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958. He said, under this particular demand, one lady, Irom Chanu Sharmila has been on fast for the last six years. She was brought to the capital and few days back was brought back to Manipur. She has been demanding the repeal of the Act and the Government of India has been actively considering the report of the Justice Reddy Commission. He urged the concerned ministry for early solving of the particular problems of all the states that have come under disturbed area category.

Dr. Meinya mentioned that another issue was the ongoing peace talks of the Government of India with NSCN(IM). He said, " An early completion of this peace talk will be good for everyone of us. It has been pending for a long time. We feel that for every problem, there has to be a solution. I am very optimistic about that."

He also urged for an early solution of insurgency problem in Manipur and emphasized it as an important thing. He said, " One more important thing is that an early solution to the problem of insurgency has become a must at the moment because my state is now running into difficulty on account of this."