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03/29/2007: "NSCN-IM claims `substantial progress` in talks with Centre Zee News"

NSCN-IM claims `substantial progress` in talks with Centre Zee News

New Delhi, March 29: The NSCN-IM has said "substantial progress" was made in parleys it held on Thursday with the Centre to resolve the decades-old insurgency in Nagaland.

"We are fully satisfied with this round of talks. We have made substantial progress in today`s meeting," top NSCN-IM leader V S Atem, part of the group`s seven-member team that participated in the talks which lasted over two hours, told a news agency.

Official sources said the talks focused on the NSCN-IM`s key demand for the unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast to form a "Greater Nagaland". Recent clashes between rival rebel factions and a "charter of demands" given by the NSCN-IM were also discussed, they said.

The Central team comprised Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of State for Home S Regupathy, Minister of State for PMO Prithiraj Chavan, interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah, Home Secretary V K Duggal and Home Secretary-designate Madhukar Gupta. The NSCN-IM team was led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. Sources said the Naga group raised the recent attacks by NSCN-K members on NSCN-IM cadres and insisted that the government "control" the rival faction, which is also observing a truce with the Centre. Bureau Report

3-Day Peace Talks begins Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Mar 28:: One week ago, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak- Muivah) observed the Republic Day of “Nagalim” at its camp Hebron and ruled out any compromise on sovereignty and independence “special federal relationship with India”, therefore, will once again top the agenda for the outfit during the three-day talks that will begin tomorrow. The outfit has, however, not been promised any such “relationship” by negotiators at the Centre. This time, both Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah will attend the talks. Head of the group of ministers for Naga talks, Oscar Fernandez, will represent Delhi, backed by principal negotiator K. Padmanabhaiah.

For the last two days, each side has been huddled in talks to discuss who will bargain for what, and how hard. “A man fighting for independence is expected to be angry. Our commitment to pursuing a special relationship stands,” V.S. Atem, the outfit’s special emissary in the talks, told The Telegraph, hinting at the aggressive mood on the eve of the three-day talks. The rising impatience of people at home, a resurgent rival NSCN (Khaplang) and a tough stance by the Centre has spurred the NSCN (I-M) into pressing for its demands with renewed vigour.

The outfit will ask the Centre to clarify whether the document prepared by Michael van Walt van Praag of Dutch NGO Kreddha — outlining a roadmap to resolve the Naga problem — would be discussed. While the Centre is not in favour of any third party mediation, NSCN (I-M) has favoured Praag’s engagement. The Dutch negotiator and his wife have been invited but are yet to arrive, sources said. The NSCN (I-M) team comprises its kilonser (minister) for war victims’ welfare, Yanger Pongener, and tatars (parliamentarians) Kiyohi, V. Makritsu and Samson Jajo.

The Centre is understood to have clearly told the outfit that by insisting on integration of Naga areas it is asking for too much. Instead, the Centre is thinking of granting more autonomy to the state, sources said. The outfit dismissed “allegations” that it will settle for a solution within the framewo-rk of the Indian Constitution. (Telegraph)

Naga talks in Delhi today Source: The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, March 28: Unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of the North East and fresh clashes between rival rebel factions are expected to dominate tomorrow's talks between the Government and NSCN-IM here, the second round of parleys since the group's two top leaders arrived in the country in December last year. Apart from the violence in Nagaland, where three NSCN-IM cadres were killed allegedly by the rival Khaplang faction on Saturday, the two sides are likely to discuss several key subjects, including the rebels' demand for unification of Naga-inhabitated areas and its "charter of demands" to resolve the dragging insurgency.

A seven-member team headed by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah will represent the NSCN-IM while a group of ministers led by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and the Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah will represent the Government.

"We are expecting tangible discussions, something concrete," a senior NSCN-IM leader said today. The rebels are likely to press for "total control" by the Government over NSCN-K cadres who were allegedly behind recent attacks on NSCN-IM members.Two NSCN-IM cadres were kidnapped and shot dead in Kohima allegedly by NSCN-K militants on Saturday. In another incident in Wokha on the same day, NSCN-K members opened fire on cadres of NSCN-IM, killing a woman and injuring another person.The NSCN-IM team may also meet top government leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during its stay in the capital.
NSCN-K cautions on use of police uniforms The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): The NSCN-K Lotha Region cautions the NSCN-IM on what was alleged as using IRB and police uniforms in abetting terrorist activities and extortions in the region. A note from the region’s “supervisor” Joseph Lotha and “secretary in-charge” Chichamo Lotha pointed out an instance where it was alleged that a group of NSCN-IM men dressed in full police combat uniforms ‘arrested’ one Tsanmomo and subsequently, was killed. The NSCN-K cautioned the authorities concerned that the NSCN-K will not be held responsible in any case of untoward incident taking place with the police or paramilitary force on “mistaken identity,” if “they let the I-K terrorists use their uniforms in the near future.” Entrepreneurs and businessmen and the public are also warned to “desist themselves from doing any kinds of business in collaboration with or from using the business permit issued through the I-K terrorists.”
Further, the note ‘appealed’ to “all the 126” informers of the NSCN-IM in the Lotha “region to shun the path of bloodshed at the behest of anti-Lotha and anti-Nagas.” These informers were responsible for the killing of both innocent public and non-combatant NSCN-K cadres as well as for abetting anti-social activities in the recent past, it stated. The note also stated that the recent killing of five NSCN-IM cadres at Wokha town “is to be reckoned with seriousness by all concerned.” It maintained that the “peace in the land of the Lothas ushered by the NSCN/GPRN is not solely for the peace of the NSCN/GPRN, but peace for the Lothas.” For this the NSCN-K sought cooperation from the general public in “its effort to fight terrorism” and any anti-social activities in the region. The organization also prayed that the desire for peace would not go in vain.
Factional clash claims one in Tam’long Newmai News Network
Imphal One NSCN-IM cadre was killed in a factional clash between the two rival NSCN factions in Tamenglong district today. Reports said that today’s clash took place at a village called Thiulon under Tousem sub-division of the district. The incident is said to have occurred at around 4 O’clock this morning. The slain cadre has been identified as one Somipem son of A.W Ungthing. The deceased was the corporal of the NSCN-IM. He was 25 years old and hailed from Siroi village of Ukhrul district. Meanwhile, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has ridiculed the rival NSCN-IM with regards to the latter’s move on the Indian election.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region in a statement issued to Newmai News Network by its information and publicity secretary while calling the rival group as “Isak-Khadou gang or NSCN-IK gang,” has said that some years ago the NSCN-IM had announced, “We want Solution, Not Election’ saying that the Nagas did not recognise the Indian election and hence the “ Isak-Khadou” gang boycotted the Indian election. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region then said that the flip-flop stance of the rival NSCN-IM or “Isak- Khadou gang” had been exposed when it fully involved in the Indian election by using its puppet organisations like the United Naga council (UNC) and worked for few ‘ selected’ candidates in which the general publics were forced to cast their votes under the barrel of guns in favour of the NSCN-IM’s selected candidates.
The Khaplang faction then suggested the rival NSCN-IM to float an “Indian political party” so that the confusion in the public’s minds would be cleared. “This is so because the ultimate goal of the Isak-khadou gang (NSCN-IM) has been to join the Indian politics”, predicted the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region. On the ongoing dialogue between the government of India and the NSCN-IM, the Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region questioned that the peace-process of the Isak-Khadou gang (NSCN-IM), if tangible and fruitful, why dragging on for so long and then termed it as the world longest peace-talk in the political history.
“After every round of talks, the Isak-Khadou gang (NSCN-IM) always claim it as smooth, positive and forward and in the right direction”, belittled the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region to the NSCM-IM and the GOI peace talks and said, “this has been done so in order to mislead the Naga public.” It also questioned that for how long the Isak- Khadou gang (NSCN-IM) will keep on fooling the Nagas.
Nagaland State Women Commission launched Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Mar 28:: Nagaland State Commission for Women was formally launched today by the Nagaland Governor, K. Sankaranarayanan at an impressive function at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima. Laying emphasis on education for girls, the Governor requested the Chairperson and the members of the Commission to “go and work with women in the villages”. He also noted the important issues raised by some of the speakers for due consideration by the Government. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acknowledged the valuable contributions made by Naga women leaders in many fields. He said due share of recognition has not been received by women and assured all possible support to protect the rights and privileges of women in Nagaland. He expressed concern over an issue raised by another speaker on prevalence of female foeticide and said this would be looked into.

Mrs. Banuo Z. Jamir, Principal Secretary (Home) said that the launching of the State Commission for Women is a milestone in the history of women in Nagaland adding that it speaks of the determination, resolve and above all patience of women to attain this. She said that “men and women respond and react to situations and relationships in different manner because we are created differently – if we can recognise that we complement each other rather than compete with each other, we can work as equals with our differences so that the best and most can be done for the community and the society”.

Rosemary Dzüvichü, Expert Member, National Commission for Women raised serious issues concerning the plight of women in Nagaland and asked among others for the adoption of the State Policy for Women at the earliest. D.K. Bhalla, Commissioner and Secretary, in his keynote address stated that a statutory body in Nagaland was long felt to investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women in Nagaland. He hoped that all Naga women would take advantage of the Commission, not only to redress their grievances, but also to add to their opportunities and establish their rights.

The function was chaired by Mrs. Sano Vamuzo, Chairperson, NSCW and the welcome address was given by Mrs. Abeni T.C.K., Member NSCW. A special song was presented by the Post Graduate Students, Nagaland University, Kohima campus and vote of thanks was delivered by Ellen Konyak, Member NSCW. The function was attended among others by the Nagaland Speaker, Chief Secretary, MLAs, senior government officials and women leaders.

(Chipeni Merry, DIPR)

Cong demands probe into transport subsidy in Nagaland Zee News
Kohima, March 29: Not satisfied with government replies in the ongoing budget session of Nagaland Assembly, Opposition Congress today demanded high-level probes into GROs irregularities in the disbursement of central transport subsidies and construction of 9th IRB Headquarters in the state. The Congress petitioned the state Governor S Sankaranarayanan demanding a thorough probe either by the vigilance commission or CBI into the two issues terming them as 'major scams and embezzlement of public funds'.

Submitting two separate memoranda to the Governor and signed by 17 Congress legislators, the party alleged that the Centre sanctioned Rs 25.37 crore to North-Eastern Finance Development Corporation (NEDFI) to disburse transport subsidies to entrepreneurs.

But when the entrepreneurs, selected by state industries and commerce department, went to banks at Dimapur to withdraw their respective amounts, they found that the cheques were issued in favour of joint accounts. In most cases there were two persons, including a foreign national, who posed as middlemen to siphon off the subsidy money.

The memorandum alleged nexus among the officials of NEDFI , State Industries Department and the two middlemen in the entire process of subsidy disbursements in the state. Bureau Report
Abolish child marriages in Naga society: NCW expert member Morung Express News
Kohima National Commission for Women (NCW)’s expert member Rosemary Dzuvichu today asserted that the customary practice of child marriages in Naga society should be abolished and further called for implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 by the State government for protection of children.
Speaking at the formal launching ceremony of Nagaland State Commission for Women, Dzuvichu also said that women cells in all districts must be set up immediately, as per Supreme Court ruling for all States to prevent crimes against women and to protect them. The directive of the Union Home Ministry for 10 per cent of police force to be filled by women must be implemented in toto and at the earliest, she said adding the Nagaland Police has 2 per cent women in its police force till date. Thousands of educated unemployed girls can be employed through this implementation, she observed. While acknowledging the State government for amendment of the Municipalities Act, she made an appeal for early implementation in 81 wards within the time frame mentioned in the Act. She also called for strict implementation of VDB model rules for adequate representation of women members, adding “Village and area of Nagaland Council Act needs to be amended in tune with the constitutional rights of women and adequate representation of women members guaranteed.”
She pointed that the State has seen an increase in violence against women, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS high risk group of mothers and children, trafficking, prevalence of female foeticide in Nagaland as per study.
“No inheritance rights, maintenance, property and land rights must be amended to grant gender equity to women”, she said adding there must be a fusion of tradition and modernity to empower women. The expert member also regretted that education of the girl child is still ignored in many areas of the State. She also lamented that there is no State policy for empowerment of women till date. “Child welfare must be attached to women development department and the serious anomaly has drawn the attention of Ministry of women and child welfare and the NCW expert members,” she said.
Dzuvichu also called for adopting constructive relief and rehabilitation policy for war widows and children of conflict in the state.“We hope our men will see empowerment as “partnership” and ensure a better future and gender equity for the younger generation,” she remarked.
Nagalim - Will weld or draw wedge? By RS Jassal Sangai Express
Nagalim is very appropriately chosen name for expansion-ism of territories tagging along to Naga Hills (once a Hills District of greater Assam with a population of 3.5 lakhs). After Independence of India, NHs were expanded to NHTA (Naga Hills & Tuensang Area) i.e., TA slicing from erstwhile NEFA (now Arunachal Pardesh), followed by adding Dimapur (erstwhile capital of Dimasa - Cacharis) to facilitate creation of a full fledged State on 1st Dec 1963 under Sixteen Point Agreement between NPC & GoI. It was then considered to be a final shape to meet the aspirations of that time hopefuls.
‘Land’ and “Lim’ are synonymous in letter & spirit. Conversely, Lim suffix has taken place after fourth year of cease-fire for peace was completed between NSCN (IM) and GoI since 1997. NSCN (K) at that time was either ignored on the analogy of ‘not of much importance’ because of its origin from Myanmar (North) or that whatever IM will settle with GOI will be acceptable to K and left over NFG/NNC both. But passage of time, proved it ‘what it is today’. This ‘Lim’ demand has current second stage currently affecting Manipur, Assam & Arunachal. And finally it is to contend with annexation of large chunks of northern Myanmar’s areas to complete Nagalim which may be a long drawn struggle of unpredicted misery & pains’ torment. Thus the common man is caught between the might of the Indian security forces and the guns of the Naga ‘freedom fighter’ suffering the worst consequences of the socio- armed conflicts. He lost the voice and in most instances he became a tool used by both sides against each other.
The armed struggle of some of the Naga leaders for independence from India only gave the common Naga untold misery, hopelessness, confusion, suppression of his basic rights and excluded him from the benefits of the globalization world wide & technological revolution. In other words, the idea of sovereignty rules and freedom eludes. The first casualty of the freedom struggle turned out to, be freedom itself. Examine the post ceasefire hallucinations; for the first time the innocent civilians tasted ‘Freedom’ albeit in highly adulterated form. They are acutely conscious that no political ‘solution’ has so far been found and the reversion to ‘Gun’ still remain a possibility however much despised by the majority population. For one, the public has in clear and loud voice rejected any ideas of return to the ‘Gun’ for a solution, thanks to the fine democratic and free structure of the Naga social traditions. The people’s representative organizations under apex body, Naga Hoho such as various tribe Hohos, NPO, NWUM, ANSAM etc., are created precisely for articulating the common man’s voice and opinion and they are mandated to work for the welfare. Since then much water has flown through the bridge but new culverts of holding unmatching quantum of water flow are finding obstructions & diversions due NSCN (K) entered into negotiations talks though yet to start syndrome. Political analysts unable to foresee what will be the final demand once Eastern Lims across IB and the Lims form peripheries of Indian states are left out if not completely tagged. And last year under unification plank, even Naga Hoho the apex body of Nagas socio cultural wing became casualty to the style of functioning of collective leadership, when some moderate members from reconciliation committees were chucked out summarily.
These organizations were revered for protecting people’s interests during the brutal armed violence before the CF. Cut off from the outside world, the common Naga followed every diktats in good faith as directed by them quite willingly (isn’t ignorance a bliss?). However, the 10 years of CF have kind of awakened the masses from deep slumber, the spirit of questioning has come alive and the idea of individual rights has taken firm roots. The dark ghostly images of security forces of yester years are being steadily replaced with a ‘people friendly’ progress and development oriented force worthy of a profession that majority of the Naga youth now aspire to join. People do realize that the soldiers are not decision makers and they simply follow orders and that they too are simple human beings with ordinary family lives. Role played by brave valiant patriotic Nagas in the Indian Armed Force proudly known as Naga Regt have proved their mettle in war at Kargil. Their sacrifice at par with other Indian soldiers speaks volumes on this issue which proved Naga & Indian blood is the same traditionally of valour & sacrifice.
Today, the real monster which is threatening to undermine the very core ideal of traditional society needs to be analyzed. It is rather strange that the very social organizations that strived to protect their people’s human rights against the arbitrary actions of state law enforcing machinery have themselves become autocratic, ‘directing’ with threats of dire consequences to the people, to do or not to do certain things.
The recent UNC declaration which many intending Naga candidates (9th State LA Election) were made to sign, symbolizes the rot that has set in the erstwhile ‘Democratic Naga Society’. The direct political involvement of these predominately social ‘welfare’ organizations itself demonstrates that they have become the ‘tool’ to ‘control’ the very society that they seek to protect. One need not dwell any further on this unfortunate development and its likely negative socio-political consequences for the future of the Naga which urgently need to further discussion? One must pause & think!! The modern Naga society in essence is still ‘Democratic’, but it has now at its helm of affairs two ‘armed’ and decision making ‘authorities’ - NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) (and of course their alliance with some smaller players). Ironically in this ‘Democratic’ Naga society, instead of the decision flowing from people to the leaders, the reverse is the norm. The top leaders make a decision then call handful of frontal organizations, give them a mock hearing, appreciate their concerns, then ‘tell’ them what to do and unleash these ‘Faithful’s to go and do their bidding with the common man being asked to sacrifice ‘everything’ for the good of the Naga society. It is the favourite slogan for all dictators and autocrats of the world that people have to sacrifice their basic rights and freedom to achieve development and progress which will lead to the ultimate freedom! The common Naga too is being given the bait and is ‘directed’ to take it.
Many educated Nagas clearly see the futility of the struggle for the unification of Naga inhabited areas for they know that while Nagalim may be created ‘Freedom’ will still elude the common masses. If the top leadership claims to be the people’s representatives who are guided by the people’s wishes, shouldn’t the people then have the freedom to ask for their removal/ replacement with more competent ones, if they feel? The self - righteous world view of a handful of leaders who claim to best understand the ‘Nagas’ interests is typical of any autocracy. In the long term, however, such endeavours only leave in their wake denial of Human rights and all evils associated with such denials.
The truth is that creation of Nagalim will only mean change of masters and beneficiaries of this new political arrangement. There will definitely be some gainers and more losers. Those who will not benefit from Nagalim will wage armed or violent struggle, albeit this time against their own brothers, for share of the booty. After all, the one commodity that will still be freely available in Nagalim is the gun. The society has, for too long lived with and by the gun and it remains even today, the ‘force’ behind the directions flowing from the top.
As for the common man; once again the struggle will continue for his basic rights and freedom. Under the circumstance when no one else is there may God be with them! It is a guess, thus unification will act a wild chase or draw a wedge?? Changes of acting as a wedge appears to be more seen from the experience people of Tuensang & Mon indicate since joining Nagaland.
Nationalist moorings of Naga society A NORTH-EAST DESPATCH Organizer
A decade ago, Naga insurgency was on the peak. Today, it is on the decline. Factional killings, rampant corruption, carnal education and lack of spirituality have destroyed the vigour of Naga society. Naga people have realised that the fate of Naga society lies with Bharatvarsh. Naga leaders like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and Dr T. Sakhrie have explained this to Nagas during their lifetime.

Before the advent of Christianity, Nagas referred themselves as Hindu by religion and nationality. There are many common customs between Naga Hindus and Hindus of other parts of the country. Nagas follow solar calendar and full moon has special significance in religious practices.

Nagas have realised that their forefather’s religion, ancient colourful culture, binding festivals, customary laws, traditional village institutions, mother language, glorious history, virtuous living, honesty and industrious Nagas have been replaced by one phrase—“unique Naga history.” This is the reason that silent Naga society has risen against these excesses. They are silently working hard to restore the lost glory of Naga.
This is an extract from the speech by Sushri Aning Zeliang at the 3rd World Hindu Conference, Kumbha Mela, Prayag

I am from Naga society of Nagaland. Our country Bharatvarsh is still not fully aware of this Naga society. People have general impression that all the Nagas have become Christian and by virtue of conversion to Christianity they have become anti-Hindu and anti-India. It is a fact that nearly 85 per cent Nagas have converted to Christianity. This conversion has alienated Nagas from Hindu society. The Christian missionaries and British government did their best to keep Nagas away from Hindu influence. They entrusted Church with a task to propagate missionary education, primary health care and English language. They distorted our history and condemned our forefathers as wild, savage, heathen, naked, raw meat-eaters and head-hunters. They destroyed our traditional village institutions and customary control of elders over society particularly youths. They condemned our religion and culture. They encouraged the youths to disobey Naga elders. They dishonoured our customary laws and introduced foreign religion and strange culture.

Due to nexus between British government, bureaucrats and Church, general Naga people were frightened. They were stunned to see the cruel behaviour of “messengers of Messiah” and “preachers of peace” in white gown. Anybody who opposed British rule and Christian coversion was done away with. The Angami warriors of Khonoma, Mezoma and Kekrima repulsed British army and British missionaries from their territory. The people of Tuensang and Mon areas revolted against British expansion and foreign religion. Forty-eight Chakhesang youths of Thevopesumi village of Phek District were killed in one go for opposing conversion and insurgency. Haipou Jadonang was hanged for opposing British rule and Christian conversion. Rani Gaidinliu was chased by British army to kill her and some of the Christian Nagas were hired to spy against her. She was caught from Poilwa village and awarded life imprisonment. Pou N.C. Zeliang met the same fate. He was condemned for working for Naga religion, Naga culture and sovereignty of Bharatvarsh. Many Naga elders are the witness of all these tortures. I have been the President of Zeliangrong Heraka Pailei Baudi (Heraka Women Society). My colleagues and I have similar experience.

A decade ago, Naga insurgency was on the peak. Today, it is on decline. Factional killings, rampant corruption, carnal education and lack of spirituality have destroyed the vigour of Naga society. Naga people have realised that the fate of Naga society lies with Bharatvarsh. Naga leaders like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and Dr T. Sakhrie have explained this to Nagas during their lifetime. Today, present-day Naga celebrities like S.C. Jamir, Dr Hokishe Sema and Pou N.C. Zeliang have been explaining this truth to Naga community. The intolerant section of our society opposed this thesis vehemently and reacted violently. But the reality cannot be suppressed. Today, Nagas have diverted their attention on quality education, economic development, virtuous living and to shun anti-Indian image.

Nagas have realised that their forefather’s religion, ancient colourful culture, binding festivals, customary laws, traditional village institutions, mother language, glorious history, virtuous living, honesty and industrious Nagas have been replaced by one phrase—“unique Naga history.” This is the reason that silent Naga society has risen against these excesses. They are silently working hard to restore the lost glory of Naga. They admire excelling of any developed society of our country. The hostility against Hindu society and Bharatvarsh has become a thing of the past. Nagas wish to live in complete harmony with Hindu society. Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu, Pou N.C. Zeliang, Dr. Hokishe Sema and S.C. Jamir have shown the parth of harmonious living with Hindus society. They have built a bridge over gulf between Nagas and Hindu society. All Indian citizens—Nagas and Hindus—can cross the gulf of misunderstanding over the bridge built by Naga geniuses refered above through their selfless sacrifices. Zeliangrong Heraka Association has its on share of contribution in bridging this gap and rejuvenating mutual trust between Nagas and Hindu society.

Before the advent of Christianity, Nagas referred themselves as Hindu by religion and nationality. There are many common customs between Naga Hindus and Hindus of other part of the country. Nagas follow solar calendar and full moon has special significance in religious practices. Earth is regarded as “mother” and sustainer of all the living beings. Our life is agriculture based, our festivals are agriculture based, our food habits and way of the life are also agriculture based, best suited in the given geography environment and eco-system. Nagas worship formless God—The Almighty. Pooja articles are agricultural produces and materials available in the surroundings. These are all common with Hindu practices in other parts of the country.

Similar practices prevail also in other Vanvasi communities of the north-east region. The way of worship in Lungpung festival of Khashis and Jaintias of Meghalaya, pooja system practiced in Mizo society and propagated by Nunnalal-chungkua in Mizoram and religious practices in other Vanvasi communities of the north-east region have many commonalities with larger Hindus society. These common bonds are required to be highlighted. The process of social assimilation should be accelerated and cultural exchange should be encouraged. But this is not enough. The larger Hindu society must come forward to the rescue of their brothers in the north-east region who are struggling for their survival in volcanic situation in the areas adjacent to international border.

(Sushri Aning Zeliang is former President Zeliangrong Heraka Pailei Baudi, Nagaland.)
ULFA rejects offer for talks, threatens violence By IANS
Guwahati, March 29 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Thursday rejected the Assam government's offer for unconditional talks and warned of stepped up violence by suicide bombers. 'The offer for unconditional peace talks is not acceptable to us. The freedom fighters (ULFA cadres) have reached such a stage that they would strap bombs on their chest and attack,' ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement.
The warning came after Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Tuesday offered unconditional peace talks with the ULFA, aimed at ending close to three decades of insurgency in the region.
The ULFA, fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, said direct talks could be possible only if New Delhi agrees to discuss their core demand of sovereignty or independence, and release five of their jailed leaders. 'Let the talks be unconditional from both sides. On the ULFA's demand for discussing sovereignty, let me be frank, there is no point in discussing things that cannot be conceded,' the chief minister told journalists here Tuesday.
The ULFA warned of stepping up attacks. 'If the government does not stop ridiculing our demands like protecting the interest of the state and our birth right (of independence), then the situation would turn frightening in the very near future,' the rebel statement said.Three rounds of preliminary talks between the government and the People's Consultative Group (PCG), a team of civil society leaders chosen by the ULFA, were deadlocked after the rebel group refused to give New Delhi a letter of commitment mentioning they would sit for direct talks once their jailed leaders were released. The peace process broke down in September 2006 after New Delhi called off a six-week ceasefire and resumed military operations blaming the ULFA for stepping up violence and extortions. The ULFA went on a killing spree and bombings with the government resuming a massive military offensive that failed to yield the desired results. The rebels sneaked back to their bases in Myanmar or mingled with the local people. The ULFA was blamed for a string of attacks in January that killed about 80 people, 61 of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers in eastern Assam.
Over 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam during the past two decades.
India’s road aid to Myanmar on By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 28 : To literally smoothen the path for boosting trade and commercial ties between India and countries in the south east Asian region under the vision of India’s Look East Policy the Central Government is keen to repair the Tamu-Kalemyo road in Myanmar which the Border Road Organisation (BRO) had constructed some years back. Taking into account logistic importance of the Tamu-Kalemyo route in augmenting the ambitious Look East Policy as well as pave the way for the Trans Asian Highways, the 25 Bn BRTF headquartered here would expedite works relating to resurfacing the 160 kilometre roadway. The Tamu-Kalemyo road in Myanmar connects with the endpoint of National Highway 39 at Moreh town on the Indian side.
According to Commandant of the BRTF battalion MA Raja the Ministry of External Affairs had already sanctioned Rs 51 crores for repairing and resurfacing the route with BRO authorities entrusted to do the needful. To carry out the task a BRO unit with a strength of 40 personnel including Engineers is informed to be stationed at Tamu town the nearest Myanmar commercial centre to Manipur’s Moreh. Despite the presence of BRTF men and other road construction material already in place in Tamu, machineries like heavy duty crusher, hot mix plant and pavers would reach Imphal in a few days’ time, the BRO official said. Stating that once the remaining equipments arrive the task force would start the work, MA Raja said and added that completion of the said work might consume a couple of years. Moreover, about 600 labourers from Myanmar would be engaged in the work, he added. Under funding from the Union Ministry of External Affairs, the Border Roads Organisation had begun construction of the same stretch from 1998 and was finally completed and inaugurated in the year 2001.
Govt trying to locate missing ULFA leaders A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 28 – The State Government is trying its level best to trace out the ULFA leaders, who are missing since the Bhutanese operation against the militant outfit. It is also in constant touch with the Central Government for the purpose. The State Government has made an appeal to all sections of the people to extend their help to trace out these ULFA leaders.

It needs mention here that the issue of the missing ULFA leaders, who include Bening Rabha, Amulya Chakravorty and Ashanta Baghphukan, among others, came to the fore when the ULFA raised the demand for their production during the process of negotiation initiated by the Central Government with the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) nominated by the outfit.

The Gauhati High Court has also been moved by the wives of these leaders seeking judicial intervention for their production. Since March 20, wives of these leaders are on a fast for an indefinite period demanding production of their husband and negotiation between the Government and the ULFA. The State Government in a statement made in the State Assembly today stated this. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bharat Chandra Narah read out the statement.

In the statement, the Government said that on its behalf, Ministers Dr Bhumidhar Barman, Ripun Bora and Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma this morning met the wives of these ULFA leaders who are on a fast since March 20, for an indefinite period at the Lakhidahar Bora Khsetra on the southern bank of the Dighalipukhuri here. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had directed the Ministers to meet the fasting wives of the ULFA leaders.The Ministers apprised the fasting ladies of the steps taken by the Government so far to hold negotiation with the ULFA. They also apprised these ladies of the Government’s position vis-a-vis their missing husbands.
The Ministers also requested the fasting ladies to withdraw their fast, said the statement.

PCI concern over ULFA threat to scribes By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 28 – The Press Council of India has taken serious note of the ULFA’s threat to some journalists of Assam and described it as inimical to the freedom of expression. The Council has also urged the Assam Government to expeditiously comply with the Supreme Court order regarding revocation of accreditation to NE Television. It has taken suo moto cognizance of the threats and an inquiry has been constituted to examine the matter in detail.

Stating this in a press conference held in the city today, a three-member group of the Council underlined the need for a conducive atmosphere for media persons to work in, which they felt was absent in the State. The group, including KS Sachidananda Murthy, Hiranmay Karlekar and Gitartha Pathak, which has been preparing a report on the threats to Dhirendranath Chakrabarty of Dainik Asam, Kanaksen Deka of Agradoot and the NE TV said that apart from meeting with media persons, views from select political parties were being gathered.

Based on the feedback, the group would submit a report to the chairman of the Press Council of India, Justice (Retd) GN Ray in around a week’s time.

Responding to queries, Hiranmay Karlekar significantly revealed that Justice (Retd) Ray has already written to the State Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and the Home Secretary expressing concern over the threats to journalists, but no one has replied to his letter so far.

NDFB appeal to work for peace By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 28 – The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) today called upon all Bodo organizations, intellectuals and the common masses to work towards restoration of peace in the society. The NDFB, in a release said that a few former cadres of the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) were involved in the recent attack on a camp of the NDFB at Madaghat , in which one NDFB man was killed and several others were injured.

The NDFB said that the BTC chief Hagrama Mahilari and one executive member of the BTC Emmanuel Mochahary tried to mislead the people by denying the involvement of the former BLT cadres in the attack. The NDFB claimed that the cadres of the NDFB, who were present in the camp, also managed to identify some of those involved in the attack.