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03/16/2007: "Nagaland welcomes President Dr Abdul Kalam Nagarealm.com"


Nagaland welcomes President Dr Abdul Kalam Nagarealm.com
Kohima, MAR15 [NPN][: As the four Indian Air Force helicopters hovered over the vicinity of 26th Assam Rifles helipad at 4.02 pm, the message was loud and clear that "The President is finally arriving". After ten minutes, the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam touched down at the Assam Rifles helipad at 4.12 pm on Thursday afternoon, after an hour delay from Arunachal Pradesh.

The first citizen of the country was received by Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, leader of the Opposition I. Imkong, Home Minister Thenucho, Chief Secretary Lalhuma, DGP J. Changkija, IGAR (N) Major General KS Sethi, DC, Kohima R. Ramakrishnan, SP Kohima K. Martin Pienyü and KMC Chairperson Menuovilie. The President shook hands with almost all the VIPs present at the helipad, while KMC chairperson Menuovilie, on behalf of the denizens of Kohima town, presented him with an Angami shawl.

An ever friendly President, posed for photographs with young girls and the VIPs and then walked pass the helipad. Meanwhile, the chief minister, for a few seconds, became a "tourist guide". While Kalam was looking towards "Kohima Village", the Chief Minister promptly added "Sir that is Bara Basti". By then at 4.16 pm, the President moved into an Ambassador car and headed for the 2nd convocation ceremony of Nagaland University at the Nagaland Secretariat Plaza, Kohima.

As the President and his cavalcade passed through the Kohima town, thousands of people lined up to greet him, while the President reciprocated in all smiles and waved from his car. This was his second visit to Nagaland. He earlier visited Nagaland in October 2002. After a night's halt in Kohima, the President on Friday morning will lay wreath at the 2nd World War Cemetery at 8.30 am, before leaving for Shillong, Meghalya, where he is scheduled to address the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Dr. Kalam exhorts students Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, MARCH 15 (NPN): Underscoring the potential of the youth force in the state, the President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said Nagaland is the land of the young and therefore the dream of the youth has to be the dream of Nagaland. In his inimitable informality to be one with the people, the President asked that the bullet proof barrier shielding him around the lectern be removed.
"Ignited mind of youth is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under the earth," the President said while reminding that at least fifty percent of the state's nearly 20 lakh people are below twenty years. Sharing his thoughts on 'vision for Nagaland and the mission for University' at the second convocation of Nagaland University (NU) held Thursday afternoon here at Secretariat Plaza, Dr. Kalam who is also the visitor of NU, said he envisioned Nagaland with its rich natural resources, as an economically developed state well before 2020.
Dr. Kalam went on to identify six areas for accelerating economic development of Nagaland.
These areas included- tourism development; promotion of handicraft products with technology infusion; industrial growth with particular emphasis on horticulture and floriculture; agriculture and aromatic plants; bamboo and value added products and knowledge products with core competence in English and environment. To promote these areas, the President said Nagaland University has the mission to partner in the development of the state, particularly, by building the capacity among the students to meet the economic challenges. Further, Dr. Kalam summed up five capacities required to build up through the education process such as - "inquiry, creativity, technology, entrepreneurial and moral leadership"
He said the University would be able to produce "an autonomous learner" if a student developed all the five capacities. According to Dr. Kalam, self-directed, self controlled and lifelong learners who would have the capacity to respect authority and at the same time capable of questioning authority, in an appropriate manner. Describing Nagaland as "a beautiful, happy and prosperous land", the President said the state is the gateway between one billion plus people to 0.5 billion people of ASEAN countries. "Nagaland is indeed in the front line in India's Look East Policy," he added. In his address, Governor of Nagaland K Sankaranarayan who is also the chief rector of NU, said that till date, Nagaland has not found a place in the map of professional education.
He made a plea to the state government, university administration, teachers and students to join hands in order to improve the university infrastructure, start new discipline and achieve higher standards of learning.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio who was the guest of honour at the convocation, expressed the hope that through the new 'Look East Policy,' of the Government of India, the university could play a vital role in forging working relationships with other South East Asian countries and their universities by introducing studies on oriental languages as well as international trade.
Vice chancellor, NU, Prof. K Kanan in his welcome address informed that for the first time, the university had utilized all the funds provided by UGC under 10th Five Year Plan for all the three NU campuses. Prof. Kanan also said NU would be initiating a school of engineering and institute of management by August 2007. A total of 12981 students of NU were conferred degrees on the occasion, out of which, the Dr. Kalam awarded certificates to 13 Ph.D candidates and gold medals to 23 graduates. The convocation programme chaired by Registrar, NU, Theja Vihienuo. Earlier the convocation began after an opening song by students of Japfu Christian College, while professor in-charge of Examinations proposed vote of thanks. The Police brass band played the national anthem at the close. Later, while interacting with students at the GHSS, Kalam proved it once again that he is not only the President of India but a good teacher, motivator and champion of the children of the country. "Problem should not be your captain; you should captain the problem and defeat it," Kalam told a large group of students during the interactive session.
"An ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource of the earth and in the earth" he said and encouraged the students to aim high. Terming the word 'impossible' as not a good word, Kalam pointed out to the students that the world has proved that nothing is impossible.
Repeating one of his favorite practices, the President administered an "oath of courage" to the hundreds of students from twelve different institutions of the state capital who participated in the session. Earlier, the President was captivated by the welcome song presented by a group of students. Appreciating the lyrics, the President described it as "fantastic lyrics and composition". Kalam, who was given a copy of the lyrics on the theme "song for the country", was seen trying to catch the tune along with the students. Despite the hectic schedule and travel at his age, the 75-year old President showed no signs of fatigue and continued to answer the questions of the students.
"Whether a girl or a boy child, children are the wealth of the nation," Kalam said while replying to a question from a girl who had asked him what special contribution he would give to a girl child. On his favorite teacher Subramanyam, the President narrated the story of how his teacher had taught the students on how birds fly and which had injected in him the vision of what he had become in his life later. To another query, he said "I want to see the billions of people in India smile". Elaborating, Kalam added he meant a "prosperous India".
NSCNs to vacate Satakha Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 15 (NPN): The Satakha Range Students' Union (SRSU), has claimed that both the rival factions of the NSCN have agreed to vacate Satakha area in Zunheboto district following a near fort-night long stand off. A statement issued jointly by the SRSU president and its general secretary said the two factions acceded to the request to vacate the area after a delegation of the Union met leaders of both factions on March 13 and 14 and highlighted the grievances faced by the general public and students. The SRSU officials called upon the factions to vacate the Satakha town as the situation remained tense due to their presence and continued stand off.
The SRSU also pointed out that normal life was affected in Satakha and its adjoining areas, as schools had to be closed for an indefinite period due to the situation.
The SRSU delegation also pointed out that farmers, government employees and the general public were put under severe difficulties in carrying out their normal works. It further expressed appreciation to both the factions for acknowledging the union's peace overtures and at the same time, urged both sides desist from attacking each other in Satakha and its adjoining areas.
The Union also expressed gratitude to Peace Monitoring Cell, Satakha, GBs, STH, NGOs, general public, church leaders, students, 111 Bn BSF and DC Zunheboto for contributing towards restoration of normalcy. Meanwhile, the SRSU has convened an emergency meeting with its executives, unit presidents/ representatives and GBs within Satakha range on March 17.
MPCC concern
Aizawl, March 15 (UNI): The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has expressed deep concern to chief minister Zoramthanga over the presence of Naga underground functionaries in the State. Some members of the MPCC said the recent incidents of reported inner squabble in NSCN (IM) along Mizoram-Tripura border could disturb peace in the State.
NSCN (K) flays rival Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 15 (NPN): The NSCN (K) Thursday said the proposed celebration of republic day by the rival NSCN (I-M) on March 21 at Camp Hebron would be a mockery of sorts, as it would mean that the NSCN (I-M) would be celebrating two republic days in one year. The NSCN (K) accused the rival of having celebrated the first republic day on January 26 (Indian republic day). A statement issued by the secretary of MIP, NSCN (K), alleged that the NSCN (I-M) had invited several Naga people and cultural troupes for the proposed celebration. The NSCN (K) threw open the option before those who planned to attend by asking whether it would be proper and morally right for them to be a part of the "mock celebration" . It said this was since the "NSCN (I-M) has already given up the demand of sovereignty and now seeking autonomy with special provisions under the Constitution of India."
The NSCN (K) reminded the invitees that Nagas were on the road of history and therefore, if it was politically right to accept the Constitution of India on one hand and celebrate "another" republic day on the other.
Blast in Guwahati, six wounded By IANS
Guwahati, March 16 (IANS) At least six people were injured, two critically, in a powerful explosion Friday in Assam's main city Guwahati - the latest in a string of blasts. Police said the bomb went off at a crowded street at 1 p.m. 'Initial reports suggest about six people were wounded and about a dozen motorbikes and two shops went up in flames after the blast near a parking lot,' an official said.'What saved many lives was the fact that the explosion took place at a parking lot where there were few people,' said Rana Baruah, a trader who was nearby.
Police said they suspected the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the attack.
On Thursday, there were six explosions in different parts of the state, leaving one person dead and wounding 11 people, besides blowing up a crude oil and a gas pipeline. Friday's blast comes on the ULFA's 'army day' celebrations Friday - the armed wing was formed March 16 after being founded in 1979. 'Let us pledge on this auspicious day to fight and achieve independence at any cost,' ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah said in a statement Friday.
There were two bomb explosions earlier this week in eastern Assam killing one person and injuring 24 people. A ruling Congress party leader shot dead near Guwahati. The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland since 1979, has been blamed for a string of attacks in January that killed about 80 people, 61 of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers, in eastern Assam.
Manipur election: Congress extends domination By Nava Thakuria © Copyright 2003 by The New Nation BanglaDesh
Wed, 14 Mar 2007, 12:42:00For Indian National Congress, though bad news was pouring from Northern India, Manipur remained a smiling ground. One of the oldest political parties in India, the Congress has proved its acceptability to form the government once again. The man behind the success story, Okram Ibobi Singh has been sworn in as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on March 2 last. Congress has been supported by its former ally (under Secular Progressive Front) the Communist Party of India (CPI) and also the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Earlier Congress faced humiliating defeat in two north Indian states namely Punjab and Uttarakhand. The Sonia Gandhi led party was voted out of power in Punjab, where Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party coalition returned to power with clear majority. The SAD-BJP alliance bagged 71 of the 117 seats in the state Assembly. Similarly, Congress lost in Uttarakhand, where BJP candidates won in 34 seats in the 70-member Assembly.

However, the party has regained the power in the insurgent stricken northeastern state of Manipur. After Asom, it was another important victory for Congress in Northeast. The Myanmar bordering state witnessed largely peaceful polls this time, where the Congress alone won 50% seats in the 60 members state Assembly. It showcased an impressive voter turnout of more than 80% in the Assembly polls, in which 1.7 million voters exercised their franchises. Election was held in three phases beginning on February 8 and ended on February 23, where electronic voting machines (EVM) were used. The counting of votes took place on February 27 and the result came same day. The main opposition party in the state Manipur People's Party (MPP) showed poor performance in the polls. The oldest regional party in the state was restricted in five Assembly constituencies only. An ally to SPF led by Congress, the CPI begged 4 seats. On the other hand, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates were declared winner in 5 constituencies. The RJD and the National People's Party (NPP) begged 3 seats each. Independent candidates won 10 seats. Out of them six candidates were supported by Naga groups. The outcome of the election was significant for the ruling Congress as it could win 30 seats compared to 20 seats it won in the 2002 polls. The chief minister O. Ibobi Singh won from two Assembly constituencies (Khangabok and Thoubal). Besides, Singh became the longest serving chief minister in the history of Manipur, which attained statehood in 1972. The Congress led alliance completed a full five-year term (2002-2007) that itself was a record in Manipur.

"We tried our best to understand the burning issues of the state and attempted to address them with our full commitment," said Singh, soon after he was declared winner in Khangabok constituency. The soft-spoken politician is largely credited for the successive return of Congress to power in Manipur, similar to Asom's chief minister Tarun Gogoi. Gogoi, after full term in office guided his Congress party to retain power in Dispur during the last Asom Assembly election. Though the development was the prime issue for the political parties in Manipur election, the territorial integrity and the removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 also dominated the poll campaign. The Congress emphasized on the development issues, which attracted the common people. The bordering state Myanmar has no single industry and the youths are desperately advocating for employment schemes. A large number of frustrated youths in the state are turning to be drug addicts and become victims of the deadly HIV. A significant number of jobless youths have also joined the insurgent outfits (Manipur has more than 25 armed groups) and are fighting New Delhi with demands ranging from self rule to sovereignty.

The Congress party also promised on upholding the territorial integrity of Manipur, an emotional issue touching the hearts of members of hundred thousand Meitei community, which constitutes a majority in the state. Following the demand of 'Greater Nagaland' by the Naga armed groups, the issue becomes more sensitive as some parts of Naga inhibited hill areas of Manipur were included in the proposed Nagalim. It also comprises few localities of Asom, Arunachal Pradesh and also Myanmar, which is predominantly Naga inhabited. However, the issue of greater Nagaland has more relevance in Manipur as almost half of its territory is claimed under the integrated land for Naga people. Till date, many people in Manipur have lost their lives in the clashes prompted by the Nagalim supporters.

Of course, in demanding the AFSPA, both Meitei and Naga joined hands. The brutal act, which was imposed in 1958 on the then Asom, later extended to many parts of Northeast today. Manipur saw more aggressive protests against the act, which empower the uniformed personnel to exercise authority without accountability. The surprising protest by a group of Manipuri women, where they stripped of their clothes in front of the head office of Assam Rifles, received international media headlines. The memory of the incident remains still fresh in the minds of the people.

The Manipur People's Party emphasized more on the repeal of AFSPA. Moreover, the state units of the RJD and NCP too assured the people to maintain pressure to remove the inhuman act with an aim to safeguard the rights of the citizens. Chief Minister Singh was of the view that the present situation in Manipur demanded some hard laws to maintain the law and order situation. Though he ruled out the possibility of repealing AFSPA in the present situation, he asserted his initiative to curb the atrocities on common people by the members of the security forces.

Meanwhile, he argued that his government was successful in lifting the act at least from the Imphal Municipal locality, more precisely the valley areas of the state. Singh says that he would try his best to repeal the act from entire Manipur as early as the situation turns normal. An initiative to an integrated development of the state in all aspects to develop infrastructure and create jobs for the people is the need of the hour. This would surely help rapidly normalize the situation, Singh emphasized.
GoM clears NE Industrial Policy From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, March 15 – The new North East Industrial Policy has been cleared by the Group of Minister (GoM) and is likely to be considered by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on March 22, highly placed sources. There are going to be major surprises in the new industrial policy for the region, sources said, adding that the GoM has given more than what was expected. The new policy is going to remain valid for seven years though transport subsidy scheme is likely to be extended for a year only. An empowered group is likely to examine the scheme thereafter.

Meanwhile, a bid to garner support of the North-east MPs for extending the excise duty exemption on pan masala, is likely to end in damp squib. A prominent manufacturer of pan masala, the Dharampal Satyapal Group has launched a signature campaign opposing the bid to withdraw the exemptions. However, majority of the MPs of the region have opposed the move and decided not to sign the petition, on the ground that there has been massive misuse of the concessions granted as part of the North East Industrial Policy. Their only hope now is the new industrial policy. The Cabinet would table the new industrial policy for the North-east in the Parliament after its clearance, the MPs belonging to the North-east were told.

A meeting of the MPs with the officials of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) presided over by Union Minister, Mani Shankar Aiyar saw the members vent their ire over delay in clearance of schemes. The MPs cutting across party lines alleged their recommendations were struck in bureaucratic red tape.

The meeting, also attended by officials of the North Eastern Council (NEC) concluded on the note that schemes submitted by the States would be retained. The Ministry promised to get back to the MPs within a specified period. A MP said they have apprised the Minister about the delaying tactics adopted by the officials. Even senior MPs like Rishang Keising and Silvius Condpan were agitated over the attitude of the officials, sources said. Meanwhile, Aiyar apprised the Members about the new industrial policy, allaying all apprehensions.
ULFA triggers 4 blasts on its ‘army day’ eve Our Bureau Sentinel
GUWAHATI/SIVASAGAR/SONARI, March 15: On the eve of ULFA’s ‘army day’ today, the banned outfit struck triggering four explosions in upper Asom in which one person was killed and eight others sustained injuries. One ULFA rebel was killed while five others were injured, two of them seriously, in a powerful bomb blast near Haji Store outside the UCO Bank at Sonari in Sivasagar district around 8 a.m. today.
The deceased has been identified as Dulu Gogoi. Drupnath Mahato, Krishnapada Ghosh, Binod Ram, Krishna Shah and Bharat Mahato were injured in the blast. Drupnath and Krishnapada, who were seriously injured, have been admitted to the Assam Medical College Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh.
Police sources said that the bomb went off while the ULFA cadre was trying to install the device near a fruit stall, just outside the UCO Bank. The fruit stall and an Indica Car were also damaged in the impact of the blast.
Police has recovered a mobile SIM card, some recharge coupons of Aircell, Reliance, a visiting card of a senior advocate of the Gauhati High Court, a map of India, a list of phone numbers and some incriminating documents from the site. All shops and business establishments of Sonari town remained closed throughout the day.
In another blast in Moran, three persons were injured when a PTD, planted on a bicycle, went off near Shiva Mandir adjacent to Maharaj Hotel under Moranhat police station in Sivasagar district at 3.05 p.m.
The injured have been identified as Surya Probha Moran, Rajat Chetia alias Raju and Nikhil Kar. All the injured were released after application of first aid at Moran Government Health Dispensary.
Sources said that a coil of fuse wire, batteries and a damaged digital watch had been recovered from the site. Meanwhile, security forces have stepped up their vigilance in every strategic and entry point of Dibrugarh town to avert any untoward incidents during the ULFA’s ‘army day’.
Suspected ULFA militants triggered two more blasts in Sivasagar and Jorhat districts this evening. However, none was injured in the explosion that took place at Nitai Pukhuri Road in Demow around 7.35 p.m., while another bomb went off under a transformer at Borigaon in Jorhat around 7.45 p.m. Further details are awaited. Meanwhile, the Jorhat town has experienced power-failure since 2 p.m. till the filing of this report triggering fear psychosis among the citizens regarding surprise attacks by the militants. On the other hand, an IED was recovered near the SDC office at Lachit Nagar in Demow around 7.45 p.m. today.
Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off, the City Police arrested an ULFA rebel, Nalin Gogoi, from Hotel Sukhmoni in Paltan Bazar in the city today. Sources said that Nalin was a close associate of Dulu Gogoi who died in the Sonari blast this morning. Another ULFA linkman Krishna Sarma of Sitaliapthar was also arrested from the city today. Sources said that Krishna has good relations with Ankur Shyam, commander of the ULFA’s ‘28 battalion’.
MLAs lack accountability By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 15: The voters send their representatives to the State Assembly and Parliament with high hopes that their woes will be raised on the floor of the House. But are the MLAs really concerned for the people who they represent? Most of the legislators often fail to spend the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) funds meant for development of the Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs), and that is enough to expose how concerned the MLAs are for those they represent. Performance of the MLAs on the floor of the State Assembly that is currently under its Budget Session has also exposed the level of interest the legislators have for the people.
In accordance with rule of the Assembly, in a single working day the MLAs can raise as many as 20 starred and 50 unstarred questions, but often the legislators fail to avail this opportunity to the fullest extent. The latest statistics shows that on March 13, the MLAs raised 46 unstarred questions, an equal number on March 14, 31 on March 15 and only 16 questions will be raised on March 16, as if they have been running short of questions!
Manipur scribes on stir after assault by troops Sentinel
Imphal, March 15: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) has decided to cease work today for print and tomorrow for electronic media to protest the detention and alleged assault of reporters by Assam Rifles troops at Kotlien yesterday.
A meeting of the AMWJU, held during the day, resolved to demand punishment of those involved in the assault and demanded that the Chief Minister should take appropriate action against the erring personnel. The journalists will also boycott Manipur Assembly session, scheduled to begin tomorrow and all news related to army and Assam Rifles.
The AMWJU has also decided to submit a memorandum to the CM, GOC of 57 Mountain Division, IG Assam Rifles(South), Press Council of India, the Defence Minister, Union Home Minister, International Federation of Journalists and Indian Federation of Working Journalists.
The AMWJU president in the memorandum addressed to the CM said that the journalists had gone to Kotlien in Senapati district to take news of an alleged rape of an 18-year-old girl by Assam Rifle troops on March 13 when the troops assaulted the media team and asked to delete all photographs taken at the place. AMWJU sources said the AR personnel also threatened the journalists to erase the photographs of the incident in which the troops were seen beating up large number of women, who had come to protest the allege rape. Meanwhile, the PIB (Defence Wing) said the troop had deserted their post on March 12. While one of the jawan reported back on March 13 the other was absconding. The accused jawan was found during an operation and necessary disciplinary action is being initiated against the erring soldier. (UNI)
AP asks Centre to open more routes at Indo-China border Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, March 15 – The Arunachal Pradesh Government has asked the Centre to open more routes at the India-China border for trade between the two countries. The State Government has requested opening up of the Kepang La Pass, Simu la, Lusa La, Mechuka-Lola Pass, Bumla and Kenzamane as additional border trading routes, Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The government has proposed to the Chinese side the opening of additional trading routes, including through Demchok, Niti and Bumla, he said.
Currently, border trade with China is conducted through three border passes namely Lipulekh, Shipkila and Nathula.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also taken up a proposal with the Government of Myanmar to open a third border post at Pangsau Pass, he said. In reply to another question, Ramesh said, the Government of Sikkim wants to add more items to the list of commodities being exported and imported through the silk route between India and Tibet.

The items include beer, flour, alcohol, milk-processing products, flowers, medicinal plants, coconut, saffron, cardamom, ginger, cement, steel, silk clothes, petrol, gas, diesel, automobiles, software, health, insurance and banking services. – PTI
The mayhem in Manipur Nagarealm.com
Rattling around the hairpins, the six-lorry army convoy had almost descended to the safety of Bishnupur, a town in Manipur’s main valley, on February 24th, when the insurgents attacked. A thunderous volley of grenades and automatic gunfire sent the lead truck skidding into the forested verge. Sixteen of its uniformed passengers were killed. The attack sullied an election in Manipur. Voting had ended the previous day, and returned the Congress party, which leads coalition governments in Delhi and in Imphal, the state capital.

The attack was a blow to India’s efforts to tame the wildest of its seven remote and insurgency-riven north-eastern states. Manipur, a green and hilly region nestling along the border with Myanmar, has multiple militant groups—23 at the latest count, fighting a 26-year insurgency. The biggest mostly belong to the Meitei majority, which resides in Imphal and the valleys. With an estimated 5,000 fighters, they want independence for Manipur, which was an independent Meitei kingdom for centuries before India absorbed it in 1949.

Other bands represent Manipur’s 30-odd hill-tribes, including several living also in neighbouring states and countries. Their demands are various and shifting. The main faction of one, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (itself split), has observed a ceasefire with the government since 1997, but is a prime suspect in the latest ambush.

The other hill-based groups agreed on a ceasefire with the security forces in 2004, and now fight alongside them against the Meitei outfits. With 50,000 troops in Manipur, the government says it has retaken much territory from these militants. And it has got slightly better at killing them, as opposed to unarmed civilians: of 290 insurgency-related deaths last year, including militants, security forces and civilians, half were militants. India has also encouraged Myanmar to sweep its western border region, where the militants hide, and has armed it for the task.

For decades India neglected the north-east, partly, allege locals, out of a racist disdain for their Mongoloid ancestry. Things have got better. Last year Delhi allotted Manipur a development budget of Rs 11.6 billion rupees ($260m), a big sum for a state of 2.5m people. Its two national highways are being widened. Construction of a railway from Assam through Imphal to the Myanmar border began last year. The main impulse behind such schemes is the government’s wish to increase trade with Myanmar. This would be an economic boost for Manipur. Campaigning in the state, India’s prime minister, Manmohan Singh, envisaged it as a “mini Switzerland”, enriched by orchards of lemons and pears and hordes of tourists. The state governor, Shivinder Singh Sidhu, speaks shiningly of its “tremendous human capital”. Manipuris are, at the very least, good sportspeople: at India’s national games in Assam last month, Manipur won 51 gold medals, more than any other state.

But nothing will unfetter Manipur’s potential so long as the conflict continues. Its central grievance, the desire of many Manipuris to be free of corrupt, bullying India, has hardened, while other hostilities have fermented. Long-repressed caste rivalries, for example, between Meitei Brahmins and “untouchable” highlanders, have resurfaced. This is one reason for the multiplicity of militant groups. Another is India’s divide-and-rule tactics.

The conflict has created a nightmare of extortion. Kelvin Hatlang, spokesman for one hill-based group, the Zomi Revolutionary Organisation, says that to maintain an army of 500 militants it taxes working Manipuri Zomis, a group split between India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, 4% of their salaries. If they refuse to pay? “We may insist, we may use violence, to be honest, or, very occasionally, some kidnapping.”

The militants also skim money off government contracts, especially road-building. To enforce their demands, they call strikes and impose blockades. The two highways were closed 40% of last year. From April to July, 82 out of 122 days saw general strikes. Manipuri politicians survive, and thrive, through corrupt ties to militants, who have the power to deliver voters. This helps explain why one day of the recent election saw a 90% turnout in a rainstorm. Asked whether his group’s chosen candidate always wins, Mr Hatlang says: “Roughly, yes.”

India’s government has said it is willing to negotiate with these hoodlums, but probably is not. It considers them too many, chaotic and criminal. It is also wary of giving encouragement to other militants, especially those waging a much bigger Maoist insurgency in central and eastern India. But so long as Manipur’s political concerns, tarnished as they are, are not heard, the insurgency will probably continue. So development funds will be looted. And sometimes a lorryload of people may be slaughtered. [Editorial FE]


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