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03/11/2007: "UNC dismisses NSCN (K) accusation UNC aims work for the tangible solution of the Naga problem: KS Leo Newmai News Network"

UNC dismisses NSCN (K) accusation UNC aims work for the tangible solution of the Naga problem: KS Leo Newmai News Network
Imphal While countering all the accusing fingers pointing at the United Naga Council (UNC) and its constituent units from some quarters that they have been working at the behest of the NSCN-IM, UNC chief KS Paul Leo said that as a responsible Naga family the position of the UNC and its constituent units is loud and clear and that is to work for the tangible solution of the Naga problem. Dismissing the accusations Paul Leo said that the question of UNC working at the behest of the NSCN-IM does not arise because the Naga civil society has been working for the cause of the Naga people. The United Naga Council’s president statement has been prompted by the incident of March 4 at Jiribam where a Maruti Gypsy used by the president of Zeliangrong Union (AMN) had been burnt down by the NSCN-K cadres.
Paul Leo, on behalf of the UNC strongly condemns the incident and said that the NSCN-K cannot deny that its cadres were responsible forMarch-4 Jiribam incident. He said that at the Presidential Council meeting of the UNC on March 8 the decision to condemn the Jiribam incident had been taken. In a fuming mood, the UNC president said that the Zeliangrong Union president was proceeding to a destination when the cadres of the NSCN-K stopped him at a place in Jiribam and then one of the cadres took away the vehicle and set on fire. Paul Leo also narrated that the NSCN-K cadres charged the ZU president as to why the latter had been listening to the UNC.
The UNC president termed this development as very unfortunate. Explaining its move with regard to the recently concluded Assembly election of Manipur, Laul Leo said that the UNC had published its Position Paper on the 9thManipur Legislative Assembly Election of Manipur, 2007 where it had clearly mentioned about the stand of the UNC in detail and as such there is no room to accuse the Naga body of working at the command of the NSCN-IM or any other groups.
Pukreilas and Kohima Tangkhul Peace Crusader acknowledges The Morung Express Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): The Pukrelias and Kohima Tangkhul Peace Crusader today acknowledged its gratitude to the participants of various Churches in Kohima town for the continuous prayer for healing of the wounds inflicted on the people due to ‘self pride of the three (Naga) National Organisations against the will of Almighty God’.
A press statement issued by Sareno Chophi, Pukrelias and N Pheirim, the Convenor of Peace Crusade stated that in view of the prevailing situation caused due to lack of love among the Naga brethrens and in order to seek God’s intervention and restore peace and reconciliation, the Kohima Pastors Fellowship was requested by the Pukrelias and Kohima Tangkhul Peace Crusade, Tangkhul Baptist Church for a prayer meeting which was held at the Tangkhul Baptist church in Kohima on March 8 last. The release stated that the prayer meeting participants prayed for the revocation of ‘quit notice’ served to the Tangkhuls by the NSCN (K), and for restoration of peace and reconciliation among the Nagas. The release stated that the congregation also prayed for peace and healing among the Nagas for the wounds inflicted by the underground factions; for meaningful and fruitful dialogue between the GoI and NSCN (IM), for the Pukreilas and Tangkhul peace crusaders actively working for peace and reconciliation and also for the Kohima Tangkhul Baptist Church and each member for God’s protection. The release also appealed to the religious institutions and its members to take up prayer programme for immediate divine intervention from God and to let ‘Nagaland for Christ’ become a reality. The release further stated that the Pukreilas and Tangkhul peace crusaders are very optimistic that through prayer and repentance, Naga hope of Sovereignty under the three Naga underground organisations’ leadership, the ‘God’s promise of sovereignty’ might be attained.
Muivah returns Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 10 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) General Secretary Th. Muivah, who went to Delhi recently along with other leaders of the faction, arrived here on March 9 after holding talks with representatives of the Government of India.
A statement issued by the MIP of NSCN (I-M) said on his arrival at Dimapur airport, Muivah was received by the emissary to the collective leadership, members of the Steering Committee, Council of Kilonsers (ministers) and other senior leaders of the faction.
The NSCN (I-M) expressed gratitude to all those who had offered prayers and extended their moral support for the success of the talks that are aimed at finding a solution to the Naga political problem. Further, the NSCN (I-M) urged all its well-wishers and the Nagas to continue with such prayers for early and peaceful solution to the conflict.
FGN blasts ‘lying leaders’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): With the assertion that “God is leading our nation” and “our leaders are chose by God” the FGN feels that “there is no room to tell lie or deceive others by our leaders” with special reference to a “drunk” FGN leader.
An FGN note from Gaibon Panmei, Dy. Rali Wali Kilonser stated as unfortunate that Zaleo and KL Kronu had been serving the NNC/FGN since the 80s “but they are now telling lies…from 2006”, that the organization is ‘accordist’ or that veteran leaders are not NNC/FGN workers. “Or are they themselves called as accordist when they were working with the veteran national leaders staying at Peace Camp in the last more than 20 years? In fact, Mr Zaleo says time and again that the Naga leaders won diplomatic victory over the enemy in the 1975 Accord” the FGN note stated. The FGN queried why the two were “telling lies that the Shillong Accordists Transit Peace campers in collusion with the NSCN-IM are attacking Khaplang group” and also wondered why the two want to create enmity by adopting the “dirty policy of Muivah and Isak.”
While asserting that ‘many Chakhesangs’ know well that “Mr Zaleo is a habitual drunkard and spending every day at one house where he gets rice beer or rum,” the FGN pointed out his background: that he joined the NNC/FGN in 1988 and later was appointed as ‘Secretary’ but he later resigned from service “when he got drunk on August 13, 1997” on the event of FGN golden jubilee. He rejoined and became “Kilonser of Parliamentary FGN.” However, he “went against” what the FGN stated “constitutionally elected President” of the FGN from 2006. “Now he is telling lies to deceive the Chakhesang people in particular and the Naga people in general” the FGN note stated. “If any Naga leader is telling lie to deceive the Chakhesang people or others he himself proves that he is a self styled leader, not chosen by God or by his own people” it added.
“Withdraw cadres” Traumatized Satakha students to UGs The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): A traumatized students’ community from Satakha has asked the leaders of both the warring NSCNs to withdraw their respective cadres from civilian-populated areas taking into account the misery being faced by the public ever since the underground groups commenced fighting for the last several days.
“Factional clashes are causing untold miseries, losses in livestock, properties and in economic fronts; the civilians’ lives are threatened and condemned to living in perpetual fear and trauma” the Satakha Range Students’ Union in a note appended by its General Secretary Jimo K Jimo informed. “Taking into account the civilian casualties, miseries and general hysteria caused by the continuing skirmishes between the factions, SRSU condemns the use of civilian areas as battleground and appeals to the concerned leaders to restore normalcy in the said area.”
The students also expressed unhappiness that even children are falling victim to the warring groups’ fighting. Three school-going children and a teacher were severely injured on March 8 at Satakha as the two factions fought to control the town. Further the general public was dissipated from their homes while heavy losses were incurred from the destruction of properties, with farmers and government employees bearing the brunt of it, the students lamented.
“Educational institutions had been shut down since the factions resorted to fighting, disrupting all educational activities; the students are facing problems in attending their classes in midst of straying bullets in the ensuing gun battle; this situation has been persisting even after repeated appeals made to both the factions by the NGOs, village council, GBs, elders, district administration and the general public for peace, there is still no respite from the prevailing situation” the students lamented and strongly appealed to the respective leaders of the factions to restore peace and normalcy and withdraw their forces from civilian areas.
NSCN-IM condemns Walford shooting The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): The NSCN-IM condemns what it termed the “heinous act” meted out to an unarmed NSCN-IM cadre, ‘Lance Corporal’ Kaikiho by the NSCN-K at Walford, Dimapur during the wee hours of March 10. An MIP release pointed out that “gone are the days when men go about head-hunting for their preys and return home with heads held high carrying number of heads they hunted down”. While killing a rival was honored and the killers held in high esteem, “in the world of today such bloodsheds and pride over killing someone is no longer acclaimed for” the NSCN-IM stated. A separate NSCN-IM MIP note also mentioned that on March 9, 3 NSCN-K cadres led by one Nagato, shot Kaikiho. The NSCN-K cadres followed Kaikiho in a car (a Swift) and shot him from behind, injuring him in the neck. The NSCN-IM condemned “this principle-less activities of Khaplang boys who keep hunting by singling out a person in the daylight in a crowded place like Dimapur.” The note mentioned that “it is quite a depressing and shameful thing to always give a press release about the bloodsheds in our Nagalim” even while Chairman Isak Chishi had made the ‘peace and reconciliation’ declaration. The MIP release also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured cadre.
NSCN-K expel former chairman Morung Express
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): The NSCN-K has expelled its Ao Region’s former Chairman LJ Wati for a period of six months with effect from March 10, “on account of immorality, indiscipline and alcoholism”. ‘Cabinet Secretary’ Nitovi Aye in a note directed LJ Wati to hand over all the “government properties” under his possession, if any, at the earliest.
NPMHR-South Sector reaffirms commitment to peace talks The Morung Express Imphal, March 10 (NNN):The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (South) (NPMHR-S) reaffirmed its commitment in finding a political solution to the Indo-Naga conflict and extended its support to the campaign on “Integration of Naga Homeland under one administrative unit” spearheaded by the United Naga Council (UNC), and the demand for “Common Syllabus for a unified vision” spear-headed by Naga Students Federation (NSF) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM).
In a statement issued to NNN today the Naga rights body welcomes the “genuine gesture” made by Dr T Meinya MP Lok Sabha (Inner) Manipur in his press release on March 8, 2007 at New Delhi regarding the long-drawn Indo-Naga (GOI and NSCN) Political Talk for Self determination of the Nagas, that, “An early completion of this peace talk will be good for everyone of us. It has been pending for a longtime. We feel that for every problem, there has to be a solution. I am optimistic about that.”
The NPMHR then said that it was unfortunate that some “vested interest individual/group(s) are trying to derail the hard earned political dialogue between GOI and NSCN”. “The challenge ahead of us to reclaim the democratic, independent and peace loving nature that is rooted in our culture and tradition is only through reasoning together and reconcile. Our wounded past has left deep scar in our society but NPMHR believes that we can build our future in Peace and Unity by shedding our narrow self-centered differences and healing of our spirit,” said the NPMHR-South Sector.
The statement said that NPMHR believes that a nation cannot be founded on divided house and distrust. As responsible Nag citizen it is our duty to reply with one voice. Therefore, at this crucial moment, NPMHR fervently appeals to all Nagas, young and old to exhibit Political Maturity by respecting and supporting the Political Decision and Declaration of the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) of August 8-9, 2001 and November 4-5,2006 at Taphou Naga Village, Tahamzam (Senapati) under the banner of UNC: “that our identity and history have to be defended and preserved at all cost, and the firm political stand of the Nagas of Manipur is to uphold the resolution of the Naga people for integration of all Naga areas under one administration”.
NPMHR then congratulates the UNC and its newly formed United Naga Democratic Alliance (UNDA) for successfully securing a strong six constituency assembly seats out of eleven constituency seats fielded by the UNC in the just concluded 9th General Assembly Election-2007, Manipur. NPMHR believes in the integration and sincerity of the UNDA that they will eventually respond to the call for democratic expression of the “Birthright of the Nagas” by the United Naga Council (UNC).
Meanwhile, Naga Women Union Manipur and NPMHR-South condemned the “improper” announcement of the state government to pull up all elements disturbing or creating trouble during the HSLC examination 2007 conducted by the BSEM under National Security Act (NSA), saying the agitators are protesting in a democratic way, there is nothing anti-national about it.
Dialogue on peace initiatives in NE Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, March 10 (NPN): In an effort to bring the northeastern states closer, a day-long "Regional Dialogue on Peace Initiatives in Northeast" was held at the Ura Academy here Saturday. Delivering the welcome address, Ms. Rosemary Dzüvichü, president of Nagaland University Teachers' Association, Kohima, (NUTAK); said "This is a beginning to a series of dialogues we plan to facilitate for peace initiatives to succeed between the people of the region."
The programme was aimed at creating better understanding among thinkers for social changes in the north-east and learning from each other's experiences, she added.
In his speech, the secretary general of NPMHR Dr. N Venuh lamented that Government of India branded the region as a conflict zone without knowing the ground realities.
Making a special reference to the various "peace packages" for north-east, he maintained the peace packages instead of bringing any solution to the issues and problems of north-east would cause more division among the people and create more problems. Dr. Venuh felt "peace will come when justice is done".
Dr. Leban Serto, coordinator for Center for Peace Education, Manipur; said the dialogue should go beyond states and further congratulated the NUTAK for initiating the programme.
Dr. Serto also said that trained teachers were the best to teach peace education and suggested that peace education should be included in the curriculum of schools and colleges. The peace activist from Manipur pointed out that "military approach cannot solve any problems but instead will enhance the problem". "Peace should be given the fullest potential to grow," he added.
In his speech, Chandraaditi Gogoi, the vice president of Assam State Youth Organization, touched upon the issues confronting Assam and squarely blamed the central and state governments for not paying much attention to the popular demand of people to bring peace in Assam. Gogoi appealed to all northeastern states to form a greater unit and fight cohesively for their rights. Talking part in the discussion, Thepfulhouvi Solo, retired PCCF, said the region turned a "political country" in the Indian union like the Balkans in Europe. Taking advantage of the forum, Thepfulhouvi said the issue of border dispute between Assam and Nagaland must be settled by the present generation with the principle of give and take and by accepting the ground realties. Thepfulhouvi also advocated formation of friendship organization towards developing goodwill, peace and oneness among the people of the region. Several academicians, intellectuals, leaders from civil societies, peace activists, lecturers, media persons and university students from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland attended the programme, which was organized by the NUTAK.
The one who tells lie is a self- styled leader- Nagaland Post Opninion
It is very much unfortunate, Mr. Zaleo and K.L. Kronu, who were serving the Naga nation sincerely and truthfully under the banner of the NNC/FGN since 1980’s but they are now telling lies to their own people from 2006 that the NNC/FGN workers are accordists or the veteran Naga leaders are not the NNC/FGN workers etc. So, let the Chakhesang people ask them, were they (Zaleo & K.L. Kronu) not NNC/FGN workers before 2006? Or are they themselves called as Accordist when they were working with the veteran national leaders staying at Peace Camp in the past 20 years and above?
In fact, Mr. Zaleo says time and again that the Naga leaders won diplomatic victory over the enemy in the 1975 Accord. Why are they telling lies that " the Shillong Accordists Transit Peace Campers in collusion with the NSCN (IM) are attacking Khaplang group?" Why they wanted to make enmity among the Naga brothers adopting the dirty policy of Muivah and Isak. For what purpose are they doing it or telling lies?
Indeed many of the Cha-khesang people know well that Mr. Zaleo is a habitual drunkard and spending every day at one house where he gets rice beer or rum. Why then he wants to add another title "liar"? If we tell the background of Zaleo, he joined the NNC/FGN in 1988 and later he was appointed as secretary of the FGN. But he resigned from the service when he got drunk on 13th August 1997 on the eve of the NNC Golden Jubilee 14th August 1997. Again he rejoined and became kilonser of Parliamentary FGN. He however went on against constitutionally elected President of the FGN from 2006. And now he is telling lies to deceive Cha-khesang people in particular and the Nagas in general. As God is leading our nation, I do believe that our leaders are chosen by God. Thus, there is no room to tell lies or deceive others through telling lies by our leaders. Because they have to fear of the God our Lord and our people as well. If any Naga leader is telling lies to deceive the Chakhesang people or others, he himself proves that he is a self-styled, not chosen by God or by his own people. Gaibon Panmei, Dy. Reli-wal Kilonser, Federal Govt, of Nagaland.
Naga land problem Nagaland Post Editorial
Even as Nagaland has serious boundary disputes with neighbouring states like Assam and to some extent, with Manipur, there are contentious disputes among some tribes within the state that have often erupted into violence. The recent bandh on March 7 by the student bodies of Peren district amplifies the problem between people of different tribes living contiguous. It may be said that the genesis of the problem is apparently when new villages are set up and later accorded recognition by the government. Similar problems exist is a few of the districts.Of all encroachments, the most serious concern is the total denudation of the Ntanki (Intangki) National Park under Peren district. The entire National Park has been encroached with the state government doing precious little.It apparently leads to an unnecessary intra-tribal conflict when the traditional owners reassert their rights of the land. Land grabbers have perfected the art of beating the system where many government employees themselves including politicians are involved. It would appear that the regulations have been so rationalised on the pretext of serving the public good, but the end result has been a system of mercantilism that makes people’s rights subservient to personal interests. The encroachment phenomenon began in the late seventies when some former underground members were rehabilitated in these areas as special case. Legalising the settlement within the reserved forest areas virtually opened up a free for all and legalised the kind of 'rights-of-occupation' encroachment phenomenon. It is pertinent to note that each district in Nagaland inhabited by various tribes, has its boundary and hence, any new settlement should be permitted only after going through a process in consonance with the traditional land owners. Even if the traditional land owners do not raise any voice, it is the duty of the district authorities and the state government, to ensure that new settlements have to fulfil certain laid down criteria as any error could lead to future problem. In this context, current chief minister Neiphiu Rio had stated in Dimapur that the state government has formed a committee to look into encroachment problem in the state As nothing has been heard of that committee or its recommendations, it is time that the traditional lands as well as those of the government, should be clearly stated. Areas where violent conflicts have been reported due to encroachment, should be stringently policed to prevent recurrence of clashes. Encroachments will dominate the state in the coming days and the ball is in the court of the government.
UNC dismisses allegations of working under IM Newmai News Network
Imphal, Mar 10: While countering all the accusing fingers pointing at the Uni-ted Naga Council and its constituent units from some quarters that they have been working at the behest of the NSCN-IM, UNC chief KS Paul Leo said that as a responsible Naga family the position of the UNC and its constituent units is loud and clear and that is to work for the tangible solution of the Naga problem. Dismissing the accusations Paul Leo said that the question of UNC working at the behest of the NSCN-IM does not arise because the Naga civil society has been working for the cause of the Naga people. The United Naga Council’s president statement has been prompted by the incident of March 4 at Jiribam where a Maruti Gyp-sy used by the president of Zeliangrong Union (AMN) had been burnt down by the NSCN-K cadres.
Paul Leo, on behalf of the UNC strongly condemns the incident and said that the NSCN-K cannot deny that its cadres were responsible for March-4 Jiribam incident. He said that at the Presidential Council meeting of the UNC on March 8 the decision to condemn the Jiribam incident had been taken. In a fuming mood, the UNC president said that the Zeliangrong Union president was proceeding to a destination when cadres of the NSCN-K stopped him at a place in Jiribam and then one of the cadres took away the vehicle and set on fire. Paul Leo also narrated that the NSCN-K cadres charged the ZU president as to why the latter had been listening to the UNC. The UNC president termed this development as very unfortunate. Explaining its move with regard to the recently concluded Assembly election of Manipur, Laul Leo said that the UNC had published its Position Paper on the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election of Manipur, 2007 where it had clearly mentioned about the stand of the UNC in detail and as such there is no room to accuse the Naga body of working at the command of the NSCN-IM or any other groups.

NPMHR-S pitches for UNC, ANSAM cause Newmai News Network
Imphal, Mar 10: Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (South) (NPMHR-S) reaffirm its commitment in finding a political solution to the Indo- Naga conflict and extends its support to the campaign on “Integration of Naga Ho-meland under one adminis- trative unit” spearheaded by the United Naga Council (UNC), and the demand for “Common Syllabus for a unified vision” spear-head-ed by Naga Students Federation (NSF) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM). In a statement issued to NNN today the Naga rights body welcomes the “genuine gesture” made by Dr.T.Meinya MP Lok Sabha (Inner) Manipur in his press release on March 8, 2007 at New Delhi regarding the long-drawn Indo-Naga (GOI and NSCN) Political Talk for Self determination of the Nagas, that, “An ear-ly completion of this peace talk will be good for everyone of us. It has been pen- ding for a long time. We feel that for every problem, there has to be a solution. I am optimistic about that.”
The NPMHR then said that it was unfortunate that some “vested interest individual/group(s) are trying to derail the hard earned political dialogue between GOI and NSCN”. “The challenge ahead of us to reclaim the democratic, independent and peace loving nature that is rooted in our culture and tradition is only through reasoning together and reconcile. Our wounded past has left deep scar in our society but NPMHR believes that we can build our future in Peace and Unity by shedding our narrow self-centered differences and healing of our spirit,” said the NPMHR-South Sector. The statement said that NPMHR believes that a nation cannot be founded on divided house and distrust. As responsible Naga citizen it is our duty to reply with one voice. Therefore, at this crucial moment, NPMHR fervently appeals to all Nagas, young and old to exhibit Political Maturity by respecting and supporting the Political Decision and Declaration of the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) of August 8-9, 2001 and November 4-5, 2006 at Taphou Naga Village, Tahamzam (Senapati) under the banner of UNC: “that our identity and history have to be defended and preserved at all cost, and the firm political stand of the Nagas of Manipur is to uphold the resolution of the Naga people for integration of all Naga areas under one administration”.
NPMHR then congratulates the UNC and its newly formed United Naga Democratic Alliance (UNDA) for successfully securing a strong 6 (six) constituency assembly seats out of 11 (eleven) constituency seats fielded by the UNC in the just concluded 9th General Assembly Election- 2007, Manipur. NPMHR believes in the integration and sincerity of the UNDA that they will eventually respo-nd to the call for democratic expression of the “BIRTHRIGHT OF THE NAGAS” by the United Naga Council (UNC). Meanwhile, Naga Women Union Manipur and NPMHR-South condemned the “improper” announcement of the state government to pull up all elements disturbing or creating trouble during the HSLC examination 2007 conducted by the BSEM under National Security Act (NSA), saying the agitators are protesting in a democratic way, there is nothing anti-national about it.

NPMHR committed to finding solution to Naga issue The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, Mar 10: The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (South) (NPMHR-S) reaffirm its commitment in finding a political solution to the Indo-Naga conflict and extends its support to the campaign on “Integration of Naga Homeland under one administrative unit” spearheaded by the United Naga Council (UNC), and the demand for “Common Syllabus for a unified vision” spear-headed by Naga Students Federation (NSF) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM). In a statement issued to NNN today the Naga rights body welcomes the "genuine gesture" made by Dr.T.Meinya MP Lok Sabha (Inner) Manipur in his press release on March 8, 2007 at New Delhi regarding the long-drawn Indo-Naga (GOI and NSCN) Political Talk for Self determination of the Nagas, that, “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 optimistic about that.”
The NPMHR then said that it was unfortunate that some "vested interest individual/group(s) are trying to derail the hard earned political dialogue between GOI and NSCN".
"The challenge ahead of us to reclaim the democratic, independent and peace loving nature that is rooted in our culture and tradition is only through reasoning together and reconcile. Our wounded past has left deep scar in our society but NPMHR believes that we can build our future in Peace and Unity by shedding our narrow self-centered differences and healing of our spirit," said the NPMHR-South Sector. The statement said that NPMHR believes that a nation cannot be founded on divided house and distrust. As responsible Naga citizen it is our duty to reply with one voice. Therefore, at this crucial moment, NPMHR fervently appeals to all Nagas, young and old to exhibit Political Maturity by respecting and supporting the Political Decision and Declaration of the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) of August 8-9, 2001 and November 4-5, 2006 at Taphou Naga Village, Tahamzam (Senapati) under the banner of UNC: “that our identity and history have to be defended and preserved at all cost, and the firm political stand of the Nagas of Manipur is to uphold the resolution of the Naga people for integration of all Naga areas under one administration”.
NPMHR then congratulates the UNC and its newly formed United Naga Democratic Alliance (UNDA) for successfully securing a strong 6 (six) constituency assembly seats out of 11 (eleven) constituency seats fielded by the UNC in the just concluded 9th General Assembly Election-2007, Manipur. NPMHR believes in the integration and sincerity of the UNDA that they will eventually respond to the call for democratic expression of the “BIRTHRIGHT OF THE NAGAS” by the United Naga Council (UNC).
Meanwhile, Naga Women Union Manipur and NPMHR-South condemned the "improper" announcement of the state government to pull up all elements disturbing or creating trouble during the HSLC examination 2007 conducted by the BSEM under National Security Act (NSA), saying the agitators are protesting in a democratic way, there is nothing anti-national about it.

Subba claims he is supreme The Morung Express
New Delhi, MARCH 10 (CNN/IBN): For at least 16 years, Congress MP Moni Kumar Subba has brazenly snubbed allegations that he is not an Indian. CNN-IBN’s Special Investigation Team has letters from the Union Home Ministry, which show that the Government itself has suspicions about Subba’s nationality. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed three reports on Subba’s nationality, but has found no “conclusive evidence”.
“In absence of any evidence regarding the birthplace or year of birth of MK Subba, no final view could be taken about his nationality,” the CBI has told the Supreme Court, which on January 19 asked the MP to prove his citizenship. Subba was first elected as an MLA in June 1991 and is now an MP. How could he do this when under the Representation of People’s Act, he is yet to prove that he is an Indian? Subba himself says that he does not have to prove his nationality. Such arrogance may not impress the Supreme Court as Subba simply has no document to prove that he is an Indian by birth.
Documents sourced from Nepal present a serious case: that Subba is actually Moni Raj Limbo, who escaped from the Illam prison in Nepal after being convicted for the murder of his sister.
14 dead in Myanmar military offensive The Morung Express
BANGKOK, MARCH 10 (AGENCIES): Clashes between the Myanmar military and ethnic Karen rebels killed 14 people and forced at least 300 civilians to flee into neighbouring Thailand, a rebel spokesman and a Thai military official said.
The Myanmar military and the pro-junta Democratic Karen Buddhist Army launched attacks on Thursday against the Karen National Union, said David Thaw, a spokesman in Thailand for the KNU, the largest group representing the Karen.
Thaw said 10 Myanmar troops and four rebel soldiers were killed in the clashes. He said the military was “trying to pressure the KNU into returning to the negotiating table.”
Col. Phanu Wacharopas, a Thai military commander in charge of border districts in Tak province said 300 people had fled across the border into Thailand.
Phanu said most of the refugees were staying in a Buddhist monastery in Umphang district near the border. He said the fighting had stopped and the refugees would probably return home soon. A spokesman for the junta in Myanmar, also known as Burma, was not immediately available for comment. The KNU has been fighting for half a century for greater autonomy from Myanmar’s central government. Cease-fire talks between the KNU and the government broke down in 2004, and the Myanmar army launched a major offensive in Karen State in eastern Myanmar in 2005.
Since then, it has repeatedly tried to bring KNU members to the bargaining table in an effort to split the group.
Congress leader shot dead by ULFA in Assam By IANS
Guwahati, March 10 (IANS) A senior leader of Assam's ruling Congress party was shot Saturday by suspected militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), officials said.
A police spokesman said two ULFA rebels riding a motorcycle waylaid the vehicle carrying Munindra Bharali, secretary of the Congress unit of Hajo town, about 35 km off Guwahati. 'Bharali was on way to Guwahati when the two militants overtook his car and asked the driver to stop. The masked gunmen then pumped five bullets from a pistol killing him on the spot,' a senior police official said.
The rebels then fled the spot. This is the third attack by the ULFA in the past one week - two bomb explosions in eastern Assam killed one person and wounded 24.
Criminalisation and militarisation of politics By Donn Morgan Sangai Express
With the swift formation of Congress-I led O Ibobi Govt, the overall pictures of the just unjustly concluded 2007 General Election in Manipur have become crystal clear. The official reports from security point of view are not palatable and digestible, as tactically pre-planned, for both the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) plus the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The final reliable overall intelligence inputs and strictly confidential and official memos from the majority of polling officials and security officers have clearly pointed out the glaring failure of the untested gambling of entrusting the complete security protections of all polling stations by the central paramilitary and the union armed forces. The childishly and farcical security cover in many A/Cs and highly sensitive but unclassified polling stations has undermined the democratic norms and the Constitution of India. Even the toughest independent observers and Intelligence Officers have reportedly been shocked and unnerved by the pathetically outrageous 'one party polling process and open proxy-votings by armed militant activists'. The audacious 'booth-capturing' by few local youths under the protection of intimidatingly well-armed UG militants, right under the long noses of the CRPF/BSF jawans, had never been done so openly before when the armed police, MR/IRB personnel were on polling day duty. Of course, there are ceasefires between CHIKIMS UG outfits and Naga militants with MHA/MoD, but capturing of polling booths/ EVMs guarded by the central paramilitary forces would definitely not have been one of the ground conditions of the SOPs.
Insurgency and election have no connection and as such, atleast the Army/AR should have enforced non-interference of friendly UG militants during voting period. Instead of herding friendly UG militants to their designated or forward base camps in the hill areas, it inexplicably, if not ironically, was the tactically deployed Union armed forces units for CI OPs who were 'advised' to stand down and take a day's rest on polling days in many insurgency infested A/Cs. Or else how on mother's earth could fully armed combat UG militants carried out heavy patrollings and 'political party verifications' in and around well-guarded polling booths in many sensitive pockets without encountering any Army/AR Qrts and stand-by platoons located/posted within 3 to 5 kms? With non-cooperation from a larger and well-trained regular military units due to some highly politicalised battle-orders to remain 'neutral' in some specific areas of specific A/Cs, the CRPF/BSF, deployed in hostile unknown territories had to turn a Nelson's eye for their own personal safety. For them, who cares which candidate wins in what manner if there is no Qrts or military reinforcement in this lawless godforsaken land of insurgency. They, therefore, wisely admitted that assault and automatic rifles were issued for self-defence and not for EVMs defence. They were also under the justifiable impression that all those outrageously unlawful activities were a pre-arranged rule of politicalised military engagements. Moreover, how could their wives and children 'eat and survive' with posthumous gallantry medals for the rest of their lives? It would be an understatement of the year to say that the 2007 General Election was an unprecedented militarisation of politics and politicalisation of insurgency movement. Most unfortunately, it also introduced individual criminalisation of insurgency movement since many UG outfits received lakhs of rupees each from all corrupted and tainted candidates, but some UG units independently supported atleast one more enterprising candidate rather too openly in both hill and valley areas alike. It is hard to justify as to why some influential UG militants took direct parts in such unlawful and anti-social political activities which definitely would tarnish their outfits' image. Like the wild-west type coerced votings in the un-policed hill areas, some an unidentifiable UG militants openly cocked and displayed their unlincensed hand guns at some sensitive polling stations right within the heart of Greater Imphal areas.
With the official non-engagement of the state police commandos and IRBs/MRs, even few number of armed UG militants made their presence felt during hectic votings in valley areas. Since there is no ceasefire nor suspension of military operations (SOPs) between the State Govt and hill based UG outfits, the deployment of the State law enforcement agencies would definitely have a positive impact and prevent wanton booth-capturings. On the hindsight, the total absence of gun-battles between CRPF/BSF with UG militants who tactically took position or patrol in and around polling stations, especially the hill and sub-urban areas, clearly showed that there had been something fishy going on.
As the planned temporary suspension of ceasefire during election period ended without any encounter, there was some monkey business had been going on. It was the best opportunity for the armed forces units to decisively take on hard core UG militants en masse by means of tactical ambush, interception and real armed encounters to download the CI OPs with telling effects. Since there were no such thing to ensure free and fair votings, the military establishments have dishonourably politicalised themselves for professional profits i.e a healthy ACRs and promotions. It sadly remains to be seen as to how long the CMO, with MPHQ, directly control and whip the Military Commanders to do their biddings at the behest of the PM and the CM at the double.
Actually the Congress-I have lost about 3 or 4 top guns in this politicalisation of the military by allowing free movements of UG militants to operate as they pleased in some few 'selected A/Cs'. Instead of 35 plus Cong-I MLAs, the hawkish CM, O Ibobi made sure that some few powerful but unfriendly MLAs to individually and vulnerably fight their way through the most unpromising and hopeless positions, which ended as expected. Party colleagues or not, the CM apparently did not like any potential challengers to his 5 years old warm throne. Even the top military commandos are said to have a personal scores to settle with powerful politicians by completely holding back their combat troops in some few selected A/Cs when they were needed most. The glaring effectiveness of pay-back time could be seen from the list of defeated MLAs. If the IB/SIB or observers were to file this incredible reports, the authorities of the Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) and the MHA/MOD officials would be wondering as to where the union armed forces were tactically deployed for CIOPs. The DGMI would surely be baffled by the politically-motivated classification of sensitive zones, which was not properly done in the first two phase of the election where 90% of Manipur's UG outfits operated old long since. It was there armed elements manipulated independently more like a gangster and anti-social activists just for the sake of money. Yes, indeed, these booth/EVMs capturers were certainly not working as a regular UG outfit cadres. Nevertheless, it made wrong impression upon the common citizens, in as much as the baffling non-activities of the military for political reasons. Nowadays, even an ordinary citizen is much too wise to be deceived by both opposite armed establishments. For all the 'criminalisation' of politico-insurgency movement and politicalisation of the military establishment in Manipur, heads will roll and fitting actions would be initiated with most probable change of guards. There shall be no rooms to hide. In order to lighten the general scenario, let's take a hearty smiling solace in learning 'Politics for Beginners' hung at self-service Cafe' San Antonio for sopho-mores, which run thus:
1. Socialism - You have two cows - you give one to your neighbour.
2. Communism- You have two cows - the Govt takes them both and gives you the milk.
3. Fascism - You have two cows - the Govt takes them both and sells you the milk.
4. Nazism - You have two cows - the Govt takes them both and shoots you.
5. Capitalism - You have two cows - you sell one and buy a bull.
6. Trade Unionism - You have two cows - they take them from you, shoot one, milk the others and throw the milk away.
* Moral: Don't have anything with political cows (or cowboys). They only bring you trouble.
Rebel outfit ‘executes’ top leader, 7 others From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, March 10 – The Manipur-based outfit Kangleipak Communist Party, has said that that its vice-president KK Mangang alias Laibakmacha along with seven others have been executed for their involvement in the arrest of party general secretary Ksh Laba Meitei, alias Noyon, by Indian security forces in October 2006, and the killing of KCP captain M Tombi and another in December the same year, as well as in other anti-outfit activities. According to a press statement issued by the information and publicity secretary of the outfit, the involvement of KK Mangang alias Laibakmacha alias Lankhomba and the others had emerged during a three-month-long inquiry conducted by the outfit into these incidents. The statement said that the report of the inquiry committee was submitted to the UNLF, KYKL and PREPAK on February 2, 2007, and after the three parties had independently vetted the report, the persons involved were court-martialled after they were detained and stripped of their posts.

As they were unable to offer any justification for their crimes despite being afforded an opportunity to do so, they were awarded the death penalty at the party general headquarters on March 5, 2007 at 12:30 pm, the statement said. Mangang also confessed to have plotted to assassinate several top leaders of the party in collusion with his close aides, said the statement. As KK Mangang and its group have been found to have acted as reactionaries and Indian agents, it said, in accordance with section 9, para 9:12 clauses (c) and (e) of the party constitution, they have been given the death penalty.

Apart from kk mangang, alias Leibakmacha alias Lankhomba, 48, the others include Lt Sanayanba alias Bijoy of Tentha, Lt Promila alias Lanchenba of Nungsum, Fungi alias Annuwar, of Moreh, JiaUddin of Moreh, G Sinsuba Sharma of Serou, S Deban of Khordak Awang Leikai, and H Luwang alias Manibabu of Thanga. The statement also acknowledged the help extended by the UNLF, KYKL and PREPAK in uprooting KK Mangang and his group.
Margin Money Scheme for surrendered militants Govt repays Rs 73.18 cr for SULFAs, ex-Bodo rebels Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 10: Due to inaction of the Political Department, Asom, in monitoring and supervising the implementation of the Special Margin Money Scheme for Rehabilitation of Misguided Youths (surrendered ULFA and Bodo militants), the State Government had to incur an avoidable expenditure of Rs 73.18 crore, besides making excess payment of Rs 5.41 crore.
According to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Asom for the year ended on March 31, 2006, the State Government led by Hiteswar Saikia had launched “100 per cent Special Margin Money Scheme for Rehabilitation of ULFA Surrenderees” with effect from May, 1992 which was subsequently renamed as “100 per cent Margin Money Scheme for Rehabilitation of Misguided Youths” with effect from January, 1994 by extending the rehabilitation facilities to surrendered Bodo militants as well. According to the report, the scheme continued till March 31, 1997 and covered projects pertaining to industries and allied services, including business, transport, agriculture, veterinary and fisheries. According to the scheme, an individual beneficiary was eligible for financial assistance up to Rs 2 lakh — Rs 1.50 lakh as bank loan and Rs 0.50 lakh as margin money — to be provided as grant by the State Government which stood guarantor of the bank loan. The repayment of the loan was to start from the fourth year of its drawal and the entire amount was to be recovered within eight years from the drawal of loan. Test-check (April-May, 2005) of records of the Commissioner and Secretary, Secretariat Administration (Account B) Department revealed that 4,843 beneficiaries (3,439 ULFA and 1,404 Bodo surrendered militants) were stated to have been covered under the scheme, for which Rs 68.93 crore was provided as bank loan by 17 participating banks and Rs 23.14 crore was released by the State Government as margin money till March, 1997. Of the bank loan of Rs 68.93 crore, an amount of Rs 1.16 crore was recovered from the loanees, leaving Rs 67.77 crore outstanding. On being pursued by the banks, the State Government being the guarantor of the loan, decided to repay the outstanding principal amount of loan to all the 17 banks as one-time settlement. Accordingly, the report said, Rs 73.18 crore was paid to the banks in six instalments between May, 2004 and January, 2005. There was nothing on records to show that the State Government had made any effort to recover the loan from the surrendered militants before making repayment of the outstanding amount from its own fund, the report added.
The report further added that as the guarantor of the loan and disbursers of the grant, the implementing authority was required to assess the viability of the projects and ensure eventual repayment of the loan. The paragraph 2 of the Deed of Guarantee provided that the banks should be at liberty to take other securities in respect of loans given to the beneficiaries besides the Government guarantee. The Government did not ensure proper monitoring and supervision of the implementation of the scheme and arbitrarily made repayment of the principal loan, which resulted in avoidable expenditure of Rs 73.18 crore, the report stated.
Out of Rs 68.93 crore disbursed by the banks as loans, Rs 1.16 crore was repaid by the beneficiaries. The Government of Asom, however, paid Rs 73.18 crore to the banks as one-time settlement of the loan, instead of the outstanding amount of Rs 67.77 crore (Rs 68.93 crore — Rs 1.16 crore), thereby making an excess payment of Rs 5.41 crore to the banks.