03/30/2007: "Substantial progress in talks: NSCN(I-M) The Hindu"

Substantial progress in talks: NSCN(I-M) Special Correspondent The Hindu NEW DELHI: The ongoing talks between the Centre and the Naga insurgent outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) have entered a crucial phase with the two sides focusing on the key demand of the NSCN (I-M) relating to the unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast to form a "greater Nagaland."
After the talks here on Thursday, the NSCN (I-M) said that "substantial progress" was made in efforts to resolve the more than five-decade-old insurgency in Nagaland. "We are fully satisfied with this round of talks. We have made substantial progress in Thursday's meeting," said top NSCN (I-M) leader V.S. Atem, part of the group's seven-member team that participated in the talks which lasted over two hours. Official sources said recent clashes between rival rebel factions and a "charter of demands" given by the outfit were also discussed. The Central team comprised Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of State for Home S. Regupathy, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan, interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah, Home Secretary V.K. Duggal and Home Secretary-designate Madhukar Gupta. The NSCN (I-M) team was led by the outfit's president Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah. The NSCN (I-M) leaders, based in Bangkok, have been in India since December 2006 and have also visited Nagaland.
"The discussions were held in a very cordial manner and there was good understanding of each other's position," Mr. Atem said. The two sides also agreed to meet again soon and the next round of talks could take place next month.
Huska denies hobnobbing with governor Datta to topple Rio ministry North East Press Service

Kohima, Mar 29 (NEPS): MLA Huska Sumi denied that he was hobnobbing with the then Governor Shyamall Data to topple Rio Ministry. The Chief Minister's charge that he had revealed a very serious issue of grave public importance as to how he had been hobnobbing with the Governor to topple his (Rio) Government was "far from truth," said Huska in a statement supposed to be raised during zero hour on the concluding budget session of the Nagaland Assembly on Thursday. Huska's plea to take the opportunity of zero hour to rise his point was however turned down by the speaker. But the statement was made available to the press. He narrated as to how four DAN legislators---Z Obed, Tali, K Therie and himself---led to the meeting of then Governor Shyamall Datta when the state was witnessing law and order breakdown in 2006 due to factional clashes. But the NPF leaders branded this development as "political issue" and not a "law and order problem," he stated.

In this, late Dr Hokishe Sema, being Chairman of DAN, felt that it was his duty to present the correct picture to the people of Nagaland. Hence, he invited senior DAN legislators---Z Obed, Tali, K Therie including himself (Huska) at his residence at Dimapur to ascertain their views, Huska further disclosed to discuss whether the law and order situation was political or whether the state should tackle the law and order issue. In the discussion, the legislators replied that the situation prevailing in the state was law and order situation, and the state government should tackle it, Huska pointed out. Dr Sema had the same opinion but he tried to ascertain the views of DAN legislators as he was critically attacked when he pointed out the policy of "equi-closeness" was not good, he added. On the basis of their outcome, Huska stated, they had issued a press statement that; "the breakdown of law and order in the state was a law and order problem to be tackled by the government to ensure safety of lives and properties of the people of Nagaland." Reacting to this, the DAN through its CCP meet held here severely criticized Dr Sema and suspended two NPF legislators, Z Obed and Tali, while he was punished vindictively, he added.

Huska further mentioned that this political victimization was relayed to then Governor Datta when the latter came to grace a function at Chumukedima. The Governor also wrote a letter to Chief Minister explaining the prevailing situation in the state as "law and order." The Governor also pointed out that Dr Sema, being the chairman of DAN was right person to convene DAN legislators' meeting and take initiative for arranging an "alternative government," Huska claimed. Besides the governor assured them that he would discuss the matter with the chief minister on his return to Kohima. But the legislators had not crosschecked what transpired between the governor and the chief minister, he added. Therefore, the question of hobnobbing with the governor to topple his (Rio) ministry did not arise, as the former had no interest in politics, Huska said adding, what they had been doing was simply an expression of their grievances as in a democratic society, people ought to know how their government was functioning.
IM-GoI talks reduced to control Khaplang, says FGN The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 29 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has today disapproved the peace talks between the GOI and NSCN-IM for “coming down from their demand for sovereignty to integration, from there to affiliation and then reduced to involving in the Indian elections and now demanding to control Khaplang group and for the exit passage.” Maj. Wichanlungbo in a release has stated that the talks in the second week of March 2007 was concentrated on the issue of exit passage for Isak and Muivah to go abroad again to which the Indian interlocutors urged them to write an official application to the Government of India, he added. Also as routinely, they are attacking the Nagas always when they are about to hold talks with GOI stated Maj. Wichanlungbo, however, he added, ‘this time instead of killing others their own man Somipem was killed on 28th March at Thiulon village, Zeliangrong Region.’
While questioning “are these the achievements for them or for the Nagas,” Maj. Wichanlungbo stated “the Nagas will not play such games at the cost of Naga blood and tears, but the Nagas shall continue to defend our sovereignty at all cost under the banner of the NNC and FGN. This is the bounden duty of the good sons and daughters of Nagaland and the Nagas will never yield God given sovereignty to any nation” he added.
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.
State govt to meet NSCN-IM on Intangki Morung Express News
Kohima Although the State Cabinet, on March 15 last unanimously agreed to protect Intangki National park at any cost, and which was reiterated by Forest Minister, Kheto, today while replying to the starred question raised by Congress MLA C. Apok Jamir, and dissident NPF legislator, K Therie, the State government appears to be still relying on the NSCN-IM forces to carry out eviction drive inside the park. Forest Minister, Kheto admitted on the floor of the house that encroachment has been going on inside the park and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect it. The Minister however, disclosed that the State government had written to the NSCN-IM authorities for a discussion on the issue, and action against the encroachers will be initiated after the meeting with the latter.
Making an evasive reply, Kheto, did mention about the encroachment made by the Beisumpuikam village in 1992, the traditional owners of the park, and the subsequent court verdict in favour of the state government. He however, conveniently ignored to mention about the heavy encroachments way back in 1994, which was evicted by the NSCN-IM after the State government failed to carry out the same. This time too, the State government appears to be shifting its responsibility of evicting the encroachers to the NSCN-IM, as they had already requested the latter to assist the State in protecting the park. It was learnt that the NSCN-IM has not responded till date on the request of the state government. In a manner of blaming the previous Congress regime of failure to protect the park, Kheto clarified that the proposed land exchange deal could not be carried out till date with Beisumpuikam village, as a large portion of land belonging to Paijol village is also involved. Surprisingly, Forest Minister disclosed to the house that Rs 21.74 lakh had already been spend during the year 2006-07, under the centrally sponsored project ‘Elephant Reserve’ on identification and survey of elephant habitat in the State, eco-restoration of the habitat, protection works, eliciting public cooperation for reducing man-elephant conflict and research and monitoring activities.

Giving out the details of the works completed during the year 2006-07, Forest Minister said that Rs 1.60 lakh had been spend on identification and systematic survey of all elephants bearing area in the State, Rs 2.25 lakh on eco-restoration of the habitat, Rs 1 lakh on protection works and construction of watch tower, Rs 50,000 for rewards to informers for intelligence gathering, Rs 12 lakh for anti-poaching squads, Rs 1.50 lakh for upkeep of departmental elephants, Rs 40,000 for protection/anti-poaching camp, Rs 20,000 for creation of fire lines, Rs 50,000 for public awareness, celebration of elephant day, Rs 1 lakh for improvement of support service, including monitoring research and training, Rs 24,000 on immunization of cattle on the fringes of Intangki, Rs 55,000 for eco-development in and around elephant bearing areas and corridors, handicraft works and provision of weaving and handloom unit for women folks.
Although, it was not known how all these works were carried out when the forest department has admitted that the Park has gone out of department hands since last few years, and its personnel could not enter the Park due to present of underground cadres, the Minister claimed that these were the targets for the year 2006-07 and has been achieved. Interestingly according to the official news bulletin, Kheto stressing on the measures taken by the Government to protect and preserve the Wildlife Sanctuary in the state said that eco-development activities are being taken up and whenever there are encroachments, evictions have been carried out with the help of the Administration and the Police. He also said that publicity and awareness drives to protect the sanctuaries with the involvement of the local people are being undertaken and Wildlife Week is also observed in the month of October everywhere year.
FGN ridicules peace talk Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 29 : Alleging that the peace talk between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India would concentrate this time on containing the rival NSCN (K) group and exit passage for Isak and Muivah to go abroad again, the FGN has ridiculed the peace parleys as nothing but a farce. A statement issued by Maj Wichanlungbo of the Naga Army, FGN also accused the NSCN (IM) leadership of deliberately attacking Nagas ahead of every round of peace talk held.
The NSCN (IM) leadership have come down from their demand for sovereignty to integration, later to affiliation and then to direct involvement in Indian electoral process and now stooping to such a low politics of demanding containment of the NSCN (K) and for the safe exit of Isak and Muivah. Asking whether such degradation of moral principle and trampling of political stance any achievement, FGN observed that the Nagas will never indulge in such cheap games at the cost of Naga blood and tears. The Nagas shall continue to defend their sovereignty at all cost under the banner of NNC and FGN, declared Maj Wichanlungbo.
NSCN-K criticizes NSF on Aolichen killing The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 29 (MExN): The NSCN-K calls “distortion of truth” the condemnation issued by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) against the March 17 killing of one person by unidentified gunmen in Mokokchung. A note from “under secretary” Ame Konyak of the outfit’s MIP also stated that the Ao community should not “keep silent or be a mute spectator to such barbarism.”
Stating that the NSF’s condemnation is a “distortion of truth” because “it is well known that he (the victim) fell victim to I-K terrorism,” the NSCN-K stated that “we don’t even want Nagaland to be a ground dotted with the tombstone of innocent people falling victims to alien death-traps.” Expressing ignorance what “they are up to” it asserted that “they are a crazy mob, mad at something here in Nagaland which help explains why they do such miserable things making their favorite game or pass times.” These acts of ‘omission and commission’ have “thrashed while senseless ten standards have a tendency to be obeyed” it maintained. Further, the Ao community, being the torch bearers of moral and Christian values, should not remain silent spectators to ‘such barbarism.’ “Condemnation put up only in a press without pressing the appropriate agencies to book and contain such anti-social elements is but an act where word or faith and the action do not co-exist” it stated asserting that the community and “other NGOs” know “fully well” that the victim was killed by the NSCN-IM.
“At the same time, the I-K terrorist shying away from owning the responsibility is a sheer mockery and act of cowardice” it stated. The outfit mentioned that even in the case of the shootout in Namsa on March 24, “where three I-K terrorists were actually killed and several others injured,” the NSCN-IM had distorted the facts. ‘Self styled Lt. Col’ Absolom denying any casualty on their side in this shootout is a usual childish propaganda wherein he and his cohorts will always feed the family members of those killed with these words ‘sent to Alee command’ upon enquiry,” it stated. It added that whether it is an NSCN-K or an NSCN-IM cadre killed they are all Nagas and the NSCN-K is never happy over killings “that is why the NSCN is very much pained to see and experienced such killings among the Nagas.”
NSCN (K) Lotha region cautions- Nagaland Post
In continuation to the earliest statements giving serious consideration on the activities of the IK terrorists in the Lotha region, the NSCN/GPRN Lotha region issues this statement for the information of all concerned as a final reminder. That it (NSCN/GPRN) has lost the patience of maintaining utmost restraints all along to counter the activities of the anti-social elements or the menace of terrorism, particularly in the Lotha region, keeping due reservation on the sentiments of the general public, and therefore, the NSCN/GPRN will no longer remain a mute spectator, but fight against any anti-social elements or the terrorists with all possible means henceforth.
It also warned all the concerned entrepreneurs/businessmen and the concerned public to desist themselves from doing any kinds of business in collaboration with or from using the business permits issued through the IK terrorists. Concerned is also being raised for the information of the state machineries and paramilitary forces about the using of IRB and police uniforms by the IK terrorists in abetting terrorist activities and extortion, etc, especially in the Lotha region.
One such act of the IK terrorist is the recent incident at Helipad area (Wokha-Doyang road); where a group of the IK terrorist in full police combat uniforms arrested Tsamomom and subsequently, killed him then and there. Hence, it cautioned the authorities concerned that the NSCN/GPRN will not be held responsible, in case of any untoward incidents taking place with the police or the para-military forces on mistaken identity, if they continue to let the IK terrorists use their uniform in the near future. Further, the NSCN/GPRN, Lotha region appeals to all the 126 (one hundred and twenty six) informers of IK terrorist in the Lotha region, who were responsible in killings of both innocent public and non combatant NSCN cadres as well as abetting anti-Lotha and anti-Nagas.
The recent killing of five terrorist at Wokha town is to be reckoned with seriousness by all concerned. Whereas, the doctrine of 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, as such the NSCN/GPRN, Lotha region seeks the cooperation from the general public in its effort to fight the menace of terrorism and any anti-social/people activities in the Lotha region. We sincerely pray that our desire for peace from our people the Lotha will not go in vain. Joseph Lotha, Supervisor Lotha region, NSCN K)Chichamo Lotha Secretary-in-charge, Lotha region, NSCN (K)
Rejoinder by NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post
The Lotha Region, GPRN while condemning the statement of Chichamo Lotha, region secretary, NSCN-(K), I on behalf of the Lotha region, GPRN wish to declare before the Lotha public in general that under any circumstances the Lothas will not compromise our cherished rights to live as one people no matter what tribe/caste we belong Targeting a particular community will only result in sowing seeds of mistrust and confusion among the Naga family. Instead, the NSCN-K must respect the sentiments of other tribes also in order to uphold justice.
The Lotha region, GPRN state that Chichamo Lotha does not represent the voice of the Lotha. Therefore, his statement should be read as "Null and Void". Moreover the GPRN Lotha region also warns that in case of any harm caused to Tangkhuls residing at Lotha region Chichamo Lotha will be held accountable. Further, the CAO Lotha region, GPRN has directed all authorities under Lotha region not to induct any defectors or discharged cadres of NSCN (K) without the consent of the CAO Lotha region. Woben Lotha, Secretary, Lotha Region, GPRN
Delhi announces North East Industrial and Investment Policy The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 29 (MExN): The Centre today announced the “North East Industrial and investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007” containing an extensive package of fiscal incentives and other concessions for the country’s North Eastern region, according to a PIB release. Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, has said that: “this landmark Policy, which will be in place for a period of 10 years, will accelerate the pace of industrialisation and development of the North East”. For the first time, the Policy will cover Sikkim also. The benefits under the Policy will be available to new industrial units and existing industrial units on their substantial expansion, irrespective of their location.
In order to give a boost to investment in North East Region, the Policy provides for an enhanced capital investment subsidy at 30% of Plant and Machinery subject to a maximum of Rs.1.5 crore. This represents a five-fold increase in the ceiling for capital investment subsidy, which is currently Rs.30 lakh only. The Policy has also a provision to consider medium and large projects which have a significant potential for employment generation, to be given subsidy upto Rs.30 crore, subject to the approval of an Empowered Committee.
“Another important feature of the Policy is that incentives are being extended to service sectors and select sectors such as bio-technology industry and power generating industry in addition to manufacturing sector. In addition, industries which cause environmental pollution and are hazardous to health such as tobacco products and tobacco processing, pan masala, manufacture of plastic bags etc. will not be eligible for benefits under the Policy.” In order to ensure that genuine industries come up in the region, the Policy disallows concessions to goods in respect of which only peripheral activities take place. In order to have proper coordination and monitoring, a High Level Committee and an Advisory Committee along with an Over Sight Committee will be set up. The Policy allows continuation of benefits of excise duty and income tax exemption, interest subsidy and comprehensive insurance. The Policy covers the 8 North Eastern States namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim
Ulfa wives drag kids into protest The Morung Express
Guwahati, March 29 (Agencies): Wives of Ulfa militants who went missing during the 2003 military offensive by Bhutan have threatened to push their children into the hungerstrike routine tomorrow, hoping it would elicit a more sympathetic response from the government than their fast-unto-death has done. The Tarun Gogoi government today appealed to the women not to subject themselves to such physical strain, only to be rebuffed.
After remaining almost silent for a week the campaign began on March 21 the government sent three ministers to the protest scene to mount a damage-control exercise. The trio of Bhumidhar Barman, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ripun Bora was, however, unsuccessful in persuading the women to end their hungerstrike. What came later left the government in a bigger dilemma. The women declared that their children would join them in the fast-unto-death. Apart from information about the whereabouts of their husbands, the group of women is demanding resumption of the peace process with Ulfa. They are planning to take the campaign to New Delhi if the government continues to withhold information. A case pertaining to the same issue is pending in Gauhati High Court. The court has asked both Delhi and Dispur to make detailed submissions on Friday. In the Assembly, the government had a difficult time fending off questions on the continuing hungerstrike by the militants’ wives. Parliamentary affairs minister Bharat Narah said the three-member ministerial team spoke to the fasting women for over half-an-hour and apprised them of steps taken by Delhi and the state government to revive the peace process with Ulfa. On whether the women would have to remain in the dark about the fate of their husbands some of them were allegedly captured by Bhutan and handed over to India Narah said the Congress-led government was doing everything in its power to ascertain their whereabouts. The minister argued that it was not possible for the state government to get all the information the women were asking for because Operation All Clear was held in a foreign country.
On the other hand, the fasting women told the media that the ministerial team offered to take them to the chief minister for a discussion, which they rejected immediately. They insisted that the chief minister visit them. “Only then will we reconsider our decision to continue our fast,” one of them said. Activists of the women’s wing of the Asom Gana Parishad (Pragatisheel) fasted for six hours in a show of solidarity with the militants’ wives.
Gogoi appeals to ULFA to come forward for unconditional talks By ANI
Guwahati, Mar 30 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said that discussions could be held between the State Government and the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) over greater autonomy for the state or even a "greater Assam" but not on sovereignty. The ULFA can also raise demands aimed at the development of the state, Gogoi said The Chief Minister renewed his appeal to the insurgent group to come forward for unconditional talks.
"The Government is ready to discuss anything else except sovereignty, including granting more autonomy or a greater Assam on the lines of the demand for greater Nagaland made by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) during their parleys with the Centre." Gogoi said this in the State Assembly. The group had earlier criticised Gogoi's rejection of its demand for sovereignty and dared the government to hold 'plebiscite' on the issue of 'restoration of sovereignty to Assam -- the core demand of the group. In the latest issue of its mouthpiece, Swadhinata (Freedom) posted on the Internet, the ULFA has stated that if the Government of India was unwilling to hold talks with the group on its demand for 'sovereignty to Assam,' a plebiscite should be held on the issue to have people's opinion on it.
Gogoi had outrightly rejected 'ULFA's demand for sovereignty, and termed it as the insurgent group's tactics to delay the peace process. This is not the first time that the ULFA has insisted on a plebiscite as a way to end the imbroglio over whether people of Assam need or aspire for 'sovereignty' or not. But it was furious when an opinion poll conducted by an organisation called Assam Public Works (APW), showed that over 95 per cent people in nine districts of Assam did not support the ULFA's demand for 'restoration of sovereignty'. The ULFA termed the opinion poll as a handiwork of the state police and Indian intelligence agencies. APW is an organisation of close relatives of some ULFA members. (ANI)
Tension mounts in Senapati From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, March 29 – Prohibitory orders has been promulgated in Manipur’s Senapati town as the tension mounted in the hill station after the recovery of skeletal remains of two kidnapped kids.

A number of Meira Paibi leaders from Imphal also joined a sit- in demonstration at Senapati district headquarter on Thursday. Dr Prem Singh, DC, Senapati district issued prohibitory orders under CrPC 144 from 7 pm till 5 am every day with immediate effect to pre-empt any untoward incident with deployment of armed security men at the strategic points of the hill town, 60 km north of here.

Tension still ran high at the district headquarters till Thursday in the wake of the discovery of the skeletal remains of two schoolchildren who had been missing since they were kidnapped on December 14 last year, with an irate mob burning down the houses of two persons suspected to be behind the crime. The two suspects identified as one Manikho Mao (42) and Brown Tangkhul (38), both residents of Senapati town were reportedly in the custody of Naga rebel group NSCN (IM)). Locals said they saw Manikho taking the children on December 14 last year. Since then the two kids Hriini Hubert and Mohini Martin, both Class III students of Don Bosco School Senapati went missing.
Only after a gap of 104 days the skeletal remains of the kids were found when some boys went to hunt birds in a jungle near Viewland Colony, around 2 km from district headquarter on Tuesday afternoon. The funeral of the bodies are yet to be held. Meanwhile, condemning the incident nearly 2,000 mothers staged a protest march at Chandel district headquarters, 75 km south of here on Thursday. Mao Naga Womens’ Welfare Association, Mao Students’ Union, Imphal , Kabui Mothers’ Association, Women’s Action for Development, All Manipur Students’ Union, Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur, Manipur Peace and Integrity Council and others strongly condemned the incident while some blamed the government and NSCN (IM) who had reportedly taken the culprits into custody for the events leading to the tragedy. Besides Tuesday’s incident, many schoolgoing kids have since been killed for ransom since the last few years. Deepak Jain and Lungnila Elizabeth murder cases could be remembered, not to speak of the killing of another school boy Chinglenkhomba for the sake of his earrings in Imphal early this month.
Authorities promise action against Senapati culprits within 15 days The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 29: The situation in Senapati worsened today as people intensified their protest demanding handing over of the culprits and shouted anti-NSCN(IM) slogans in the streets. Meanwhile, the state authorities have promised ex-gratia amounts to the tune of Rs. 2 lakhs each to the bereaved families of the two murdered school kids and promised booking of the culprits within 15 days time. The people of Chandel district joining in the mass protest marched down in a massive rally at the district headquarters to protest the murder of Hriini Hubert and Muheni Martin. In Ukhrul too a seven hour bandh has been called tomorrow to show solidarity to the cause of the people of Sanapati.

Senapati district headquarter continued to remain tense as protestors shouted slogans outside the deputy commissioner`s office the whole day today while the state government officials held talks with representatives of various social organizations including representatives of the core committee on the safe release of the two abducted children and leaders of various tribes inhabiting the district.
The protesters apart from demanding the government`s prompt action against the murderers of the children also shouted various slogans against the NSCN (IM), the outfit which reportedly took into custody the persons who were allegedly involved in the killing of the minor children.

They demanded that the GPRN, NSCN (IM) authorities hand over the persons taken into their custody so that they could punish them according to Naga customary laws."It will not be right for the NSCN (IM) if justice is not done by handing over the culprits," a protester cried.

A woman who participated in the protest said that they would continue their protest against the outfit so long as the culprits in their custody are not handed over to the people. Amidst the strong protests state authorities assisted by three MLAs, DD Thaisii, K Raina and Thohri, held a meeting with the leaders of various NGOs and communities residing in the district amidst tight security.

State DGP in-charge, Y Joykumar, deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police of the district took part in the meeting from the government`s side. The state side promised to pay Rs. 2 lakhs each to the families of the deceased children as ex-gratia amount during the meeting. The amount includes Rs. 1 lakh each from the discretionary fund of the chief minister.

Sources said that chief minister O Ibobi Singh was planning to proceed to Senapati today to convince the protesting people, especially the womenfolk, but he finally did not do so and instead sent his representatives to convey his message and assurance to the people. From the police side, the DGP in-charge, Y Joykumar reiterated his assurance to bring the murderers to book within 15 days period and appropriate legal action to punish them. However, sticking to their demand for handing over of the murderers and punishment to them in accordance with the Naga customary law, the people refused to receive the skeletal remains of the two children and perform the last rites.
The remains are still lying in the custody of the Senapati police station.

Owing to the situation and with a view to prevent any untoward incidents the district administration promulgated restrictions on the gathering of five or more persons and bearing of deadly weapons in Senapati district headquarter under section 144 CrPC of the Indian Penal Code, IPC, a police officer there said. Mention may be made that a preliminary investigation report made by the police expressed suspicion that the two school kids of the Don Boco School, Maram were stabbed to death with sharp weapons more than three months back.
"We detected at least two marks on the shirt worn by Hriini Hubert and one of Muheni Martin which indicates that the killers used sharp weapons, a senior officer told IFP over phone yesterday.

On the other hand, in Chandel district, placards with slogans like `Have mercy on kids`, `we condemn the inhumane killing of Muheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert`, `punish the culprits` etc, were displayed as around 1500 people, mostly school students, marched through the streets at Chandel district headquarter. The massive protest rally was organized jointly by seven students organizations based in the district along with the students of private schools in the district.

All the shops and other establishments remained closed for the day showing solidarity to the bereaved families of the two children and the people of Senapati district. In the meantime, the gruesome murders of Moheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert continue to draw condemnation from all sections. The United Committee Manipur, UCM, in a statement said the crime had shocked all communities of the state and all communities were united in their desire for justice.

The UCM, recalling the similar episode of the kidnapping and murder of Lungnila Elizabeth, lamented that such crimes targeting children have increased in frequency in recent years. The UCM went on to lambast the state government and its agencies for failing to prevent the killing, questioning what measures the state police had taken to trace out the children in the hundred-odd days since their kidnapping. The organisation also flayed the state`s political leaders for their utter indifference to the issue, charging that they had been more interested in government formation than in tracing the missing children. The Kuki Students Organisation, general headquarters, condemning the brutal murder of the two school children in the strongest terms, said the criminals responsible were incarnate of the devil himself, and stressed the need for pass participation and outcry so as to stamp out this devilish work once and for all.
While expressing regret that policing in Manipur is most often ineffective in handling kidnapping cases, the KSO said the police should leave no stone unturned to catch the culprits. It also support the demand for payment of Rs. 5 lakhs as ex-gratia to each of the bereaved families.

The BJP, Tamenglong district council, while condemning the heinous crime, took a swipe at the state government, stating that it can no longer protect innocent citizens and helpless children for reasons best known to itself. The AISF, Manipur State Council said the brutal killing of the children after their kidnapping was a direct challenge to society, and demanded that all-out efforts should be made to bring the culprits to book. It said the recent trend of crimes against children boded ill for our society, and urged all sections to rise up against it.

ULFA is directionless: Tewari Sentinel
Shillong, March 29 : Outgoing Meghalaya Chief Secretary S K Tewari today said the United Liberation Front of Asom(ULFA) had no sense of direction. “The ULFA has very little understanding of socio-economic issues in their own state. They have no grasp over what is happening in their society and they even lack the sense of direction,” Tewari said, while recalling his five-month-long captivity in ULFA hideouts. Tewari, who is retiring on March 31, recalled how he and a few others were abducted for ransom by ULFA militants in July, 1991, bargaining for the release of ULFA cadres from various jails in Asom. “They kidnapped me along with a few others and demanded the release of 150 ULFA cadres who were in jails,” Tewari said in a voice choked with emotion. “They kept shifting me to different villages of Nagaon and Kamrup districts during that period,” he said. The IAS official further recalled how the two engineers, who were kidnapped along with him, were killed by the ULFA militants, pressing the Asom government to release the jailed ULFA ultras. “When the militants shot dead an engineer abducted along with me, I feared I would also meet with the same fate,” Tewari recalled.
“But, they called me uncle and treated me well. When I asked for something, they obliged,” Tewari said. Tewari said that while releasing him, the ULFA had wished him warmly and given him a sendoff gift. Unlike others, after his release, Tewari did not leave Asom.
“I stayed on till my appointment in Meghalaya in 1995,” he said.
However, Tewari said he did not develop a sympathy towards the ULFA as he neither understood what they were doing nor could appreciate what they said or did. (UNI)
ULFA rejects unconditional talks, flays Kirip By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 29: The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has come down heavily on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s recent statement that the rebel group should come forward for unconditional talks with the Centre. In an e-mail, chairman of the banned outfit Arabinda Rajkhowa said after ‘supreme sacrifice’ of more than 10,000 people for their motherland, only the lunatics will agree to unconditional talks.
Referring to the recent conclave organized by the PCPIA in the city on March 22 and 23, Rajkhowa stated: “Every leader of the political organization voiced for unconditional talks between the ULFA and the Union Government. But, what does it mean? Should the ULFA go for dialogue without the issues of sovereignty, release of jailed ULFA cadres, withdrawal of Army from State etc. Then what’s left behind?”
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. The ULFA chairman also castigated the AASU, the AGP, the BJP and the Congress for their failure to the issue. Blaming Kirip Chaliha for his comment on Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami that the latter should be put behind the bars, the ULFA chairman said: “Chaliha should be thrown to dustbin.”

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03/30/2007: "Substantial progress in talks: NSCN(I-M) The Hindu"