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04/05/2007: "Senapati mourns loss of Moheni, Hriinii Nehemiah Rong The Morning Express"

Senapati mourns loss of Moheni, Hriinii Nehemiah Rong The Morning Express
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Senapati Hundreds came out to mourn Moheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert here today condemning the inhuman act of kidnapping and killing of the two innocent children in a funeral service organized by Core Committee on the two missing kids. K. Ranjit Singh, MLA, Dr. Loken, MLA, M. Oken, MLA, D.D. Thaisii, MLA, K. Raina, MLA and M. Thorhii, MLA, DGP O Joykumar, Dr. Prem Singh IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nishit Kumar Ujjwal, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Senapati, Francis Ngajokpa, Ex-MLA, His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop of Imphal, religious priests, army officers, social and tribe leaders, students, Senapati public and family members were present at the funeral service.
The mass often broke to tears by the speeches and songs. As classmates of Moheni and Hubert stood to read poems and sing ‘God Be With you till We Meet Again,’ people present broke into tears. Some lines from the poem read, “your seats will remain vacant; we are waiting for you each day that you may show up one day; sometimes we quarrel not knowing that someday we will be torn apart this way.”
Ex-MLA Francis Ngajokpa along with his wife also took part in the programme. Some three/four years ago Elizabeth Lungnila, daughter of Francis Ngajokpa was kidnapped for ransom and her lifeless body was found dumped in a gunny bag. In today’s funeral Ngajokpa, on seeing the two coffins was seen inconsolably weeping with tissue papers covering her nose.
Earlier speaking at the occasion Veino Solomon, President, Core Committee, said that the society is under threat due to the presence of anti-social gangs. “We should eliminate such gangs. This kidnapping and murder case of Moheni and Hriinii should not be politicized, no one should create communal tensions,” he said and urged the public to strengthen unity to find all the culprits involved and award them befitting punishment. K.Ranjit Singh MLA said that kidnapping and killing for ransom should be strongly condemned and the Government of Manipur under the Secular Progressive Front had been putting all efforts to book the culprits. He asked the Government of India to direct the NSCN (IM) to handover the culprit to them. He also said that although the law may take time, no one can escape it. N. Loken, MLA, M. Okendro MLA also spoke and expressed their deep sorrow to the bereaved families and at the same time maintained that all must join hands to stop such acts in the State.

“This should be the first and last. As a citizen in the civilized society all must try to ensure that such demonic incident never take place again in the district and the region,” Dr. Prem, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati said while extending his condolence to the bereaved families. K.S. Paul Leo, President UNC said that the day of reckoning has come to think and check such killing which is a crime against humanity. He asked the people to unite to tackle such crime in the society and extended his condolence to the family members. Grace Shatsang, President, NWUM said that the kidnapping and killing of the innocent kids is traditionally and culturally not acceptable in the society. She said, “Public cooperation is our responsibility.” Alew Patrick, on behalf of the NPO, apologized to the students’ community for not being able to bring the two kids alive. He challenged the public to be bolder enough to share related information to the organizations and authorities concerned while carrying out their investigation. He said once the tribal people especially the Nagas are known for their simplicity and straightforwardness but it was so sad to come to harsh reality that the prime suspects and killers were Nagas themselves.
He said it is the time that people must be courageous enough to spell out the truth and the information they know about the case.
Isaac President, SDSA called upon the people to set the minds clear and fight a good fight to remove such perpetrators from the society who indulge in such devilish acts. Poundingla spoke on behalf of SDWA. She said that the women have been staging sit-in-protests since the time kids went missing and are continually praying for the kids and families members. ‘Women Demand Justice,’ she said. Other speakers were Tangkhulong President, Stephen Angkang, CNPO, President Gilbert. Both the speakers while sending condolence message said that such kidnapping and killing should not be tolerated. James Rungsung, Vice-President, Zeliangrong Central union also spoke on the occasion and extended condolence message and urged one and all to leave no stone unturned to trace the culprits involved until justice is delivered.
Full Guard of honour was paid by the Manipur Rifles. Wreaths were laid by various organizations and individuals. The last rite was performed by His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop of Imphal. Later the mortal remains of the Moheni and Hriinii were laid to rest in peace near NPO building at the heart of Senapati town as a symbolic significance that in death they become the sons of the Senapati people. With inputs from Newmai News Network
8 suspects in NSCN-IM custody Dimapur, April 4 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has ‘arrested’ eight persons suspected to be involved in the recent murder of two school-going children in Senapati.
According to latest information, the eight were apprehended by the Senapati command of the NSCN-IM. Details on when and where the murder suspects were apprehended were not made available at the time of filing this news report. Sources said five of the eight accused have already confessed to involvement in the killing of Moheni Martin and Hruni Hubert, both 10 years of age.
The NSCN-IM functionaries are reported to have said that there are still more to be “arrested.” Details in regard to the ransom that was paid to the alleged abductors (about 4 lakhs) last December and whether or not the arrested persons are NSCN-IM cadres as being alleged by certain sections, was not disclosed.
NPF reaffirms support for peace process Karaiba Chawang The Morning Express
Kohima Nagaland People Front (NPF) today reaffirmed its support to the ongoing peace process and commitment to work for a negotiated settlement towards the protracted Naga political problem, and termed the unabated factional clash as un-nationalistic. NPF President and Minister for Planning and Coordination, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu, while making a presidential address at the inaugural function of its new central office building said that Naga problem is basically a political and a human problem which can be solved only through political and humane approach.
“We remain as the northern Star because we formed this party based on principles that are safeguarding the interest of the people. Our fundamental principle is to work to strive for a negotiated settlement of the Naga political problem”, Dr Shurhozelie said.
The NPF President also recounted instances where regional parties suffered under the hands of the government of India for ‘speaking out the truth on Naga political issue.’ He, however, drew containment that the truth has now prevailed and the latter has recognized it as ‘unique history’.
They do not claim any credit for it, but it is a victory of their principle. They have no regret for what they had suffered in the past for saying the truth because the truth is now recognized by the people, said Dr Shurhozelie. Coming down heavily on the undergrounds groups for feuding, the NPF President said that although the Naga problem has been branded as a unique history, the unabated fratricidal killings in Nagaland among the different groups are unfortunate. This amounts to factions’ refusal to listen to the voice of the people for whom they claim to have made sacrifices, Dr Shurhozelie said.
“Killing amongst them is a total deviation from that main principle. Because killing amongst them is neither for sovereignty nor for the Naga people and we do not understand the reason why they are fighting among themselves”, Dr Shurhozelie said.
Asserting that the NPF wants a political solution, and in the event of any political solution arrived at, as a ruling party, it would give way for any alternative arrangement. He added that the DAN government is playing a mediator role between the conflicting parties. Elaborating the various strategies adopted by the NPF led DAN government towards facilitating the ongoing peace process like the CCP, State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who addressed the gathering of party men and women as chief guest, strongly urged and appealed to all underground groups and over-ground citizens of the State to eschew all forms of violence and learn to live together unitedly.
Rio iterated the call for adopting forgive and forget policy, reconciliation and to follow the healthy spirit of accommodating one another, which he emphasized as the only way for Nagas to have a brighter future and to survive together as a people.
“If we are not prepared for this, our future will be doomed and posterity and history will never forgive us”, Rio said. “Peace for development” is the most important policy and strategy the DAN government has adopted in furthering the search for a solution to the Naga political issue, and good governance is the process through which we plan to achieve this strategy, Rio stated.
Although, the final solution to the political issue is still eluding the Nagas, there has been considerable improvement in law and order problem during the last four years, Rio reiterated, and attributed this achievement to the ‘open door policy and brotherly approach’ to all underground groups, coupled with their policy of equi-closeness.
“Therefore, I am of the view that in spite of the final peace still eluding us we have done reasonably well in the pursuit of our main agenda of securing an honourable and negotiated settlement of the Naga political, and in implementing our policy of peace and development”, Rio said. Rio also went on to add that NPF, which is the off-shoot of the 1963 Democratic Party, has always been maintaining the flexibility and adaptability to the changing needs and situation of the State and upholding the identity of the Nagas, but without changing its core identity of regionalism. So the present coalition government, led by the NPF is the seventh non-Congress government in the State. However, the difference now is that regionalism is taking firmer roots in the State, and this government is not only completing its full tenure, but also has the brightest chance of coming back to power, Rio further added.
Swu for fiscal transparency The Morning Express
Dimapur, April 4 (MExN): Chairman of NSCN-IM Isak Chishi Swu in his remarks on ‘fiscal policy’ during the “Budget Session of the Fiscal year 2007-2008” of the NSCN-IM at Camp Hebron maintained that the endurance of any nation is determined primarily by its economic stability and a responsible society with sound economy and inquisitive mind is behind humanity’s greatest achievement in any field.
“Nations possessing these three essential elements are recognized instantly for they are the masters in their own affairs” he asserted. However, Swu lamented that “the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the Nagas is our obsessive dependence on India for our sustenance.” “…what alarms me most is our ignorance and inability to explore the possibility of surviving on our own economically. Clearly we need to identify the prime areas where we could thrive on our own. It is high time that we break out of this non-performing zone and educate our people on the importance of self sustenance” he observed.
He set the following points of the members to “ponder upon”. Firstly, the NSCN-IM needs to have a broader outline when it comes to “fiscal structure” and “we must find a way to restructure our fiscal policy with vision while meeting the demands of the day.”

Secondly, a mechanism to control pilferages “for effective governance” must be found “because we have had the history of financial irregularities owing to mismanagement by those assigned in towns and other areas, particularly the collectors, whereby, embezzlement of Government money is constantly reported.” This is causing a huge toll on the “government treasury” he said and called for strict control over the malpractices by competent authority. Thirdly, goals must be set and the Chaplee ministry must see to it that they are met and that “as people’s Government” it is its “duty to effectively reflect transparency in our financial transactions.”
Further, due consideration must be given to the overall economic status of the people he said. “Local entrepreneurs particularly in agro-based products and other indigenous arts and crafts must be supported and encouraged through nominal taxation policy. While depending on the support of our people, NSCN must also ensure that the nation building process continues. Inviting eminent economists and experts in various other fields must be considered from time to time to meet the demands of the future” he said. Swu commenting on the Indo-Naga talks with the government of India said that it is moving in the “right direction” and held optimism that the GOI is “equally serious” for solving the Indo-Naga conflict. “The political talks with the GOI, I must mention, is moving in the right direction. The latest round held in New Delhi ended on the positive note. We believe the GOI is equally serious in settling the Indo-Naga issue”
Rio, Shurhozelie spell out DAN’s achievements Chizokho Vero The Morung Express
Kohima Both Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Planning Minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu today sang sweet tune on the sphere of developmental activities and achievements of the DAN government during the last four years and further announced to follow many more other programmes during the ensuing years.
“We have indeed a very long list of achievements to our credit during the last four years. Just like a very drop of water that makes up the mighty oceans, or every grain of sand that makes up the giant continents, every department and every individual has contributed in our collective achievement,” maintained Rio while speaking at the inaugural programme of Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) central office here. Rio stated that the consolidation and stabilization of the finances of the state has enabled regular and steady release of funds for better implementation of development programmes. He also talked on passing of Nagaland Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005. The Governor of Reserve Bank of India has complimented the state “for our sound fiscal management”, he said adding that the Accountant General of Nagaland has recently commented on Nagaland‘s budget for 2007-08, saying that “it is a positive phenomenon, reflecting an improvement in terms of fiscal management of the state.”
With the election year in hand, the Chief Minister challenged the party workers “to work very hard so that we come back to govern the affairs of our people.”
“We have a vision for our people, to motivate them, and help them to become productive, prosperous and responsible citizens and to survive as a vibrant society and a strong people,” Rio said.To turn this vision into a reality, in this noble venture be of greater service to our people, Rio sought cooperation of the legislators and all concerned to collectively strive for a better tomorrow. “Naga people have seen maximum developmental activities during the last four years with many more other programmes to follow during the ensuing years, “said Planning Minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu.The Planning Minister said that helicopter service will be introduced shortly in the state, the process of which has been completed. The Centre has agreed to revive Tuli Paper Mill and for which a sum of Rs. 500. crore has been sanctioned, Dr. Shurhozelie said.
The Centre has agreed to construct railway line from Dimapur to the capital and also the construction of railway along the foot hills is under the active consideration. The UGC has granted for the establishment of an Engineering College and an Institute of Management attached to Kohima campus, he said. The new Assembly Complex is under completion, the Minister said adding the Nagaland is going to host North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference from the new complex from May 3-5 this year.
The Referral Hospital was handed over to Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research. (EHA & CMC, Vellore & Nagaland Govt). This will become functional by this year and to start medical college from this institute is on the card, the Minister said.
Other areas of developmental activities pointed out by the duo included, creation of three districts-Peren, Longleng and Kiphire, completion of first phase of Indira Gandhi Stadium, completion of the first phase of Naga Hospital, construction of Sainik School at Punglwa, establishment of the Regional Institute of E-learning and IT at Kohima, upgradation of five high schools to higher secondary, taking over three colleges of Peren, Longleng, Kiphire including Kohima Arts College, opening two private universities, setting up of Nagaland State Commission for Women, to reserve seat for women in Municipal and Town Council elections, arrival of Deccan Airlines to Dimapur, enhancement of household allocation of VDB grant, years of youth empowerment, construction of market complexes, creation of Department of Under Developed Areas for backward districts, creation of women development department, great improvements in condition of roads, increase in LADP fund, Nagaland University HQ at Lumami under completion, obtaining GOI’s sanction for raising of two IRB, completion of Police HQs building and Raj Bhavan, launching of State Bamboo Mission, declaration of years of farmers 2006-07, completion and inauguration of Industrial Growth Centre and Export Promotion Industrial Park, decision of GOI to sep up Central Institute of Horticulture at Medziphema, providing funds to small and medium towns, communitisation of all elementary schools in Nagaland, etc.
“Our roads are overflowed with new vehicles including the latest models. Why because we have improved the circulation of money, we have improve the economy of the state. Therefore, these are all signs of economic boom in the state,” said Dr. Shurhozelie.
He also claimed that under youth empowerment, many of the youth are getting employment opportunity not only in the country but also in foreign countries.
“No government in the past had done such much as we have done during the last four years. I am sure Naga people are highly appreciating all these achievements. If anyone is not appreciating these achievements, we can leave it to the posterity to judge them,” the planning minister added.
Anger transforms into sorrow as little ones laid to rest; NSCN(IM) says more involved The Imphal Free Press

SENAPATI/IMPHAL, Apr 4: Thousands of slogan-displaying protesters rallied in Senapati, Ukhrul and Bishnupur districts on Wednesday to urge the concerned authorities to bring justice in the murder of two school kids at Senapati and other crimes against children, even as the funeral service of the two children was performed with a mass peace procession in Senapati district headquarters today. Meanwhile, the NSCN (IM) has reportedly extended its self imposed deadline on the completion of investigation. The outfit also claimed that some more alleged culprits in the custody of the NSCN(IM) reportedly confessed involvement in the crime against the two school kids Moheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert, according to members of the core committee. Authorities of the core committee on the abduction of the two school kids said that they received a message from the NSCN(IM) authorities that out of the eight alleged culprits involved in the abduction and murder of the two kids five have so far confessed their involvement in the crime. However, the outfit did not mention the particulars of the alleged culprits stating that declaration of the names of the alleged culprits may lead to communal riots in the state.

They also informed the members of the core committee on the extension of their investigation period which expired today stating that the investigation has become more complicated. The representatives of the civil organizations along with the core committee were also informed of the need for holding a meeting with the NSCN(IM) leadership and they are likely to proceed after Good Friday, the core committee informed.
More than 5,000 women as well as students converged from different places of Manipur to march down the streets of Senapati district before the funeral ceremony was performed today.

Displaying placards "Criminals have no place to live in this decent world," "Punish the guilty," "We will fight till justice is done," etc. the protesters mourned with the families of the two children. The burial service of the two school children, Moheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert was held with tearful rites. The last rites were organized by the core committee on two missing kids attended by thousands of tearful Senapati residents. Those public faces who came to share the sorrow and pains of the two bereaved families were DD Thaisii, MLA, M Thohrii, MLA, Dr.Loken, MLA, M Oken, MLA, K Ranjit, MLA, Dr.Prem Singh, DC Senapati, DGP Y Joykumar, Nishit, SP Senapati, and representatives of various organizations, teachers, students, friends and well wishers. The last rites were performed by Rev. Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop, Imphal flanked by priests and nuns. Many others church pastors, catechists, church leaders were present at the ceremony. The father of Hriinii, A Aro, representing the two families told the gathering that the children were full of promise, brought love to the family and were once a constant hope and joy of the family.

"But their lives are brutally cut short and hope shattered," he said.

He went on to say that though the children are missing since December 14 last year, they always hoped they would return to them one day alive. A representative of the Naga People`s Organization apologized to the family and the public for its inability to bring the kids alive although "we tried our best".

DC Senapati, Prem Singh, IAS expressed his wish that the incident be the first and the last in the district. MLAs who attended the funeral ceremony representing the state government informed the gathering that state government has been doing its best to book the culprits, reiterating that the chief minister was communicating with the Centre to insist on the NSCN(IM) to hand over the culprits to the Manipur government. They also appealed to the public that such inhuman acts can be put to an end only when the public united irrespective of community lines and fought together.

The last rites were performed at around 10 am after the dead bodies were taken to their families for their last visit. The bodies were then taken to the public gathering at Mini Stadium where thousands of weeping men, women and children were waiting. There was a sea of mourners rushing towards the bodies to have a final glance of the two skeletal remains, but they were kept away from the coffins that were kept covered. Guns were fired into the open blue sky of Senapati in the Naga customary way of seeing off the dead.

The funeral started with a song "What a friend we have in Jesus" in unison followed by invocation prayers led by Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, general secretary, MBC. The various events that led to the finding of the two kids were read out to the public along with condolence messages which had poured in from representative of various social organizations and individuals at the service. Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal in his funeral sermon consoled the two parents and relatives that the departed souls would be safely in the hands of Jesus in Heaven.

Veino Solomon, chairman of the core committee thanked various social organizations for their solidarity and support in their search for the two missing kids. He lauded the women power and their die-hard support and initiatives taken up by the women`s organizations of various tribes.

Meanwhile, hundreds of students of several schools located in Moirang area of Bishnupur district carried out a rally protesting against crime against children. They carried placards with slogans like "Respect children`s rights", "Save us", "Stop children trafficking", and "Stop child killing and child rape", "Respect human rights" etc. The rally began from the campus of the Moirang Multi-purpose Higher Secondary School and after covering the streets of Moirang turned back from INA complex and concluded at the starting point.
Before the rally started a meeting was held with Moirang MLA Manindra as chief guest.
NSCN (K) ridicules IM's clarification By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 4: Dismissing denial by the NSCN (IM) that it is not involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Muheni Martin and Hriini Hubert, the rival NSCN (K) has claimed of unearthing evidences that clearly suggest role of IM activists in the ghastly episode.
Recalling that failure of the IM leaders to crack the case for over 100 days despite asserting on Decem- ber 17 that the culprit/s would be produced within 10 days of kidnapping of the boys is a clear indication of IM’s lack of commitment to the people’s aspiration and sentiment, publicity and information secretary in- charge of the NSCN (K) Ze-liangrong Region reminded the rival faction that the kids’ skeletal remains were recovered from Senapati - considered to be one of IM’s strong-hold.
Moreover, due to intense investigation by the NSCN (K) the public were made aware regarding involvement of IM cadres and sym- pathisers in the case, the secretary ridiculed contention of the IM that cited ‘Meitei sources’ behind the revelation.
Dragging in ‘meitei’ is merely an attempt to paint the issue with communal tone as a cover up exercise of the IM leaders to keep under wrap its misadventure, he observed while speaking to newspersons somewhere in Senapati district today.
Reacting to news report wherein an important IM functionary (kilonser) expressed that NSCN (K) ac- tivists might be behind the murder of martin and Hu-bert, the secretary descri- bed the speculation as not only figment of imagination but yet another facet of IM leaders’ clamour for wealth by patronising kidnapping of innocent children for ransom.
demanding proof from the IM group regarding aspersion cast against the NSCN (K) organisation, he affirmed that in case such wild allegation could be substantiated there would be neither delay in producing the guilty nor laxity in initiating befitting punishment.
In addition to slamming the IM leaders as liars with particular reference to only three suspects currently held in IM’s custody contrary to previous declaration of four individuals detained in the IM camp, he also made a startling revelation that two prime accuse in the case had already been eliminated by the NSCN (IM) to prevent the duo from exposing the whole truth.
Identifying the slain persons as Adai - secretary to a Zeliangrong Region’s CAO of the NSCN (IM) - and Theimi said to be a close associate (officer) of a top kilonser, the secretary asked the IM group to proof him guilty by producing Adai and Theimi.
From Muivah to care-taker (chowkidar) of Hebron all IM functionaries and cadres are morally responsible for the unfortunate demises of Muheni Martin and Hriini Hubert, he maintained.
Appreciating swift and prompt action of the RPF/PLA in executing Bungthoi as punishment for the brutal murder of Chinglenkhomba recently, the secretary opined that had the NSCN (IM) resorted to such ‘instant justice’ when the Lungnila Elizabeth incident took place the cruel fate befallen upon the two innocent Senapati kids could have been averted.
maintaining that culture of kidnapping/abduction for ransom in the North Eastern region was introduced and continuously pursued by the IM group, he also charged the rival faction of demeaning value of media by feeding confusing information on the ongoing peace talks that had consumed nearly ten years without any substantive breakthrough.
Referring to recent report of the IM regarding one Manikho abducting the kids and handing them over to another person called brown only to retract that Brown is not involved in the case, followed by the same outfit informing that brown had fled from Hebron, the secretary construed that such flummoxing stance adopted by the IM leaders is to save a Tangkhul individual (Brown) by sacrificing Manikho.
Insistence of the NSCN (IM) that the real culprit/s would be produced within seven days is yet another attempt to pacify the people from sustaining the ongoing agitation as such a mass movement would be detrimental to aspiration and agenda of the IM, he observed. Alleging the NSCN (IM) of being dominated by communal elements, he pointed out information fed by the rival group of the two boys being reportedly seen in Tamenglong district contrary to which their remains were found close to Senapati district headquarters as another glaring example of the NSCN (IM) trying to create enmity between the people of Tamenglong and Senapati. Drawing comparison with the boys’ murder to the Lungnila Elizabeth case wherein prime accused James Kuki was released from Hebron on parole, the secretary reiterated NSCN (K)’s allegation of the IM group receiving substantial amount from the ransom money. Regarding the NSCN (IM) contention that a former manipur Police commando personnel who later joined UNLF organisation is being detained in connection with the Lungnila Elizabeth case, the NSCN (K) prevailed upon the rival group to identify the said individual for public knowledge. Conveying of an individual named Nando of the KCP being detained in connection with the Lungnila Elizabeth case and questioning motive of dragging the UNLF, the secretary asked the NSCN (IM) to stop misleading the general public by contending that its (IM) investigation on the Lungnila case is being impeded due to non-compliance by the Manipur Government for handing over the jailed individual. Doubting NSCN (IM)’s ethos, he questioned why leaders of the IM group had declined intimation of the CBI to interrogate James Kuki. Moreover, after freeing James Kuki the same individual is being utilised to black-mail prominent politicians of manipur, he alleged.
NSCN-K advises against ‘downplaying crimes’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 4 (MExN): Asserting that the genocides and acts of terrorism committed ‘particularly’ upon the Naga people by the NSCN-IM under the Collective Leadership are conspicuous and well-known to the people and God, the NSCN-K advises against playing down the “crimes of the I-K men.”
According to a note from Yato Konyak, “Under Secretary” of “Home Affairs” NSCN-K, in spite of these crimes, many people tries to hide the truths and downplay the crimes of the NSCN-IM. These are by way of using the terms “undergrounds” or “underground factions.”
“Don’t say ‘undergrounds’ or ‘factions.’ If it is I-K (I-M) say I-K, if it is FGN/NNC, mention the organization directly or if it is GPRN/NSCN spell out the name of the group” the note advised. “Naga people, don’t play hypocrite. Make your words clear and unambiguous. Don’t play on the lives of men” it added. The note further mentioned that on December 14 last year, two school children Moheni Martin and Hruni Hubert, both 10, were kidnapped from Senapati by one Manikho Mao and a Brawn Tangkhul for ransom. They received an undisclosed amount of the ransom but later the two children were killed. The NSCN-IM then took away “their cadres’ at Hebron Camp where the accused and their accomplices are hiding, the note stated. Once the accused are handed over to the appropriate authorities they would spill the beans so because of this fear the NSCN-IM are hiding the killers, it maintained adding that this is a repetition of the shooting of Dr Moangwati in Dimapur years back.
The NSCN-K also mentioned several instances stated as committed by the NSCN-IM. These included the killing of two Konyak youths in January, the Kiphire massacre of a family, the landmine explosion where the chairman of Chalkot village was killed and the recent killing of a person at Aolichen and several other instances. These acts are violation of the ceasefire ground rules, the issue of which was raised in Mon on March 24 by the NSCN (K) with the Government of India, however AK Goyal, Director of “Indian Intelligence Bureau” “angrily told Mulatonu not to raise such issues involving I-K terrorists’, the release stated. The release further alleged that the GOI and its intelligence wings knows of these developments but is “deliberately hiding the crimes of the terrorists” it added.
NSCN(K) rejects rivals denial in Senapati murder The Imphal Free Press

imphal, apr 4: The Khaplang group of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland has dismissed the rival nscn(im)`s denials of its involvement in the kidnapping and murder of the two Senapati school children as a tissue of lies, charging that the rival group has already killed two persons to conceal its complicity in the crime. Addressing a press conference somewhere in Senapati district, a spokesperson of the nscn(k), Zeliangrong region, two of the persons involved in the kidnapping, identified as Adai and Theimi, have already been killed by the NSCN(IM) for fear that they may implicate other cadres of the group in the crime.

He said Adai was a former CAO (central administrative officer) of the NSCN(IM) for the Zeliangrong region, while Theimi was an aide to a top kilonser. The spokesperson challenged the NSCN(IM) to produce the two if they had not been killed. The NSCN(K) spokesperson also strongly questioned the ambiguous statements made by the rival group regarding the suspect it claims to have in its custody. Affirming the involvement of the two persons currently said to be in the NSCN(IM) custody, namely Brown and Manikho, the spokesperson said Manikho had done the actual kidnapping and the children were later handed over to Brown Tangkhul.

`The IM group is now saying that Brown is not involved, and again that he has fled from Hebron,` the spokesperson said, adding, `this is nothing but an attempt to protect Brown.` The spokesperson reiterated that high level leaders of the NSCN(IM) were aware of the kidnapping from the beginning, and has been trying to misguide the public in a bid to cover up their own crime. He also maintained that the NSCN(K) had come to know of the nscn(im) involvement through its own investigation, and not through Meitei sources, as claimed by the nscn(im), adding that the mention of Meitei sources was just an attempt to deflect public anger.

Rejecting out of hand the rival group`s counter-allegation that the nscn(k) might have been involved in the kidnapping and murder of the children, the spokesperson challenged it to produce proof, saying the NSCN(K) is prepared to surrender the culprits before the public if it is able to do so. He further maintained that the NSCN(IM)`s promise to complete its investigation within seven days is nothing but an attempt to mollify the ongoing public agitation

After Hrinii Hubert and Moheni Martin were abducted on December 14, the NSCN(IM) had announced on December 17 that it would trace the culprits and punish within ten days, he pointed out. On the contrary, after over a hundred days, the children were found dead, that too in an area dominated by the nscn(im). Referring to the Lungnila Elizabeth case, he pointed out that the nscn(im) had earlier described James Kuki as the main accused, but after releasing him on parole, he was described as just a suspect. The spokesperson also challenged the nscn(im) to deny that it had received Rs 6 lakhs out of the Rs 10 lakhs obtained as ransom for Lungnila Elizabeth

He also ridiculed the NSCN(IM) claim that the government of Manipur`s refusal to allow the NSCN(IM) to cross examine an ex-police commando, and collaborator with the unlf who had been arrested by the Manipur government had hampered its investigation into the Elizabeth murder case. He went on to point out that Nando, who is currently in jail after being arrested by the Manipur police is linked to the KCP and not to the UNLF. Further stating that the NSCN(IM) had refused to hand over James Kuki when asked to do so by the CBI, the spokesperson charged that James Kuki is currently being used by the NSCN(IM) to blackmail some top politicians of Manipur. The NSCN(K) appreciated the step taken by the rpf in administering capital punishment to the killer of Chinglenkhomba and said if instant justice had been delivered in the Elizabeth case, the kidnapping of the two children might not have taken place.
Unity : A frank appraisal Editorial Sangai Express
During the last few years, particularly after the massive rally organised by the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation in 1997, unity amongst the different communities of Manipur has become the statement of quite a large number of civil society organisations and today we see many campaigns being carried out by different organisations to champion this cause. The 1997 rally was staged in the backdrop of the peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) wherein the concept of a Greater Lim was perhaps for the first time articulated openly by the Naga rebel group. Much water has flowed down the Nambul river since then and the ghost of the 2001 uprising continues to haunt the collective psyche of the people, especially the Meitei community. Today Manipur is undergoing one of the most tumultuous periods in her history with different communities pursuing their own interest and in the process putting the entity known as Manipur on the scaffold. With different interest groups and communities pulling the social and moral fabric of the State in different directions, the call for unity amongst the different groups of people gains credence. Any call for unity should be understood in its truest sense and there should be no room for any doubts or misinterpretation. This is where we find the observation of social worker Holkhothang Haokip extremely relevant. Mr Haokip, during the Sajibu Khudol Tamba Egee Khongul Liba function at Sugnu on April 3 noted that the threat of a Greater Lim would not have come about if the idea of unity and brotherhood between the people of the hill and valley was floated some 20/30 years back. We feel that this observation has some extremely significant meaning, especially for the Meitei community.
What is unity and what do we mean by the term brotherhood between the hill and valley people is a question that merits a clear understanding. Looking at the observation of Mr Haokip from a slightly different angle but which can be seen as complementary, we feel the question, “Would unity and the concept of brotherhood between the hill and valley people gained so much currency if the Greater Lim question had not arisen ?” is apt. Why wasn't the voice of unity and brotherhood raised when there was no threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur, courtesy the fantastical idea of a Greater Nagaland, is the question we would like the Meitei community to ponder over seriously. In as much as we stand by the territorial integrity of Manipur and the universal dharma of unity and brotherly co-existence, we feel this question merits importance of the highest order. To be brutally frank, we feel, Mr Haokip was right in observing that the threat of a Greater Lim would not have come if the call for unity and brotherhood was raised some 20/30 years back. However this does not mean that we are too late and nothing can be done. In fact a lot still remains to be done and the first step would be to sincerely look inwards and study whether all of us really mean and stand by unity as it should be understood. If unity is a slogan to be raised only to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, then its very purpose and aim will stand defeated. Unity and brotherhood should come with no strings attached and once this is achieved everything will take care of itself, including ensuring the territorial integrity of Manipur.
DAN will retain power: Rio Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, April 4 Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday predicted that NPF led DAN government would retain power by winning the next assembly elections in the State.

"Although several State party governments were formed in the past - Vizol in 1974 and 1977, JB Jasokie in 1980, SC Jamir in 1980, KL Chishi in 1990 and Vamuzo in 1990 - none of them could complete a normal tenure," Rio said in his address after inaugurating the central office of NPF here.

Claiming that Nagas were more inclined to NPF today, Rio believed regionalism was on firm footing in the State and therefore, the NPF led government would not only complete the current term, it also has the brightest chance to come back to the saddle after the next general elections, expected early next year.

The Chief Minister said inauguration of the new office building of NPF was a sign of the growing strength and confidence of the party. He appreciated all his colleagues in the ministry, legislators, party functionaries, DAN allies, government officials, business community, NGOs, civil societies, churches and public, who all have been contributing towards effective functioning of the government for the last four years.

Earlier, giving a brief history, origin and growth of regional parties in the State, Rio said the NPF, being a regional party, had always maintained the flexibility and adaptability to the changing needs and situations of the State and upheld the identify of the Nagas but without changing its core identity for regionalism. "Thus NPF can also be said to be the longest and only serving State party in Nagaland," Rio said. He further highlighted the various developmental activities taken up by DAN government in the last four years. (NPN
)Revolt against Gegong Apang Nagaland Post
Itanagar, April 3 (IANS): Arunachal Pradesh is heading for a leadership change with the country's longest serving chief minister Gegong Apang facing a bitter political revolt from within his ruling Congress party lawmakers. The wily Apang, who became chief minister for the fifth term after assembly elections in October 2004, virtually lost the trust with 29 of the 34 Congress legislators in the 60-member assembly formally supporting a leadership change.
Joining the bandwagon of revolt against Apang are two Nationalist Congress Party and seven Independent MLAs. "In all, 38 MLAs are seeking a change in leadership and wants Dorjee Khandu (power minister) as the new chief minister of the state," Tako Dabi, water resources development minister and one of the pro-change leaders, told IANS. Congress legislators have been angry for quite sometime over Apang's alleged "dictatorial policies" and disgruntled over "portfolio distribution" in the council of ministers.
"Apang was trying to rule Arunachal Pradesh like his own fiefdom and hardly consulted us while taking major policy decisions," a minister in the Apang-led cabinet said by telephone from New Delhi. The chief minister denies the allegations and is trying to put up a brave front.
"I don't think there is any problem. Everything needs to be done democratically," Apang said.
A group of about a dozen MLAs are camping in New Delhi since the past one week and have met top leaders of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), including party president Sonia Gandhi.
"Indications are that the change of guard would take place within this week with Khandu replacing Apang as the new chief minister," another senior Congress leader said on conditions of anonymity. There were murmurs of revolt soon after the election results were announced in October 2004 with some Congress legislators openly challenging Apang's loyalty to the Congress. Political instability is the hallmark in Arunachal Pradesh with legislators switching parties and loyalties at the drop of a hat.
Apang engineered a mass defection of the Congress in 2003 and formed a non-Congress government and later merged with the BJP to install the first saffron-ruled state in the northeast. But just before the elections, Apang and his BJP ministers made a dramatic switchover back to the Congress before winning the assembly polls.
Peace efforts elude Manipur students Ibobi faces quota cloud The Telegraph
Imphal The All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur, has threatened to resume its agitation if chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh fails to implement their demand for 50 per cent reservation for the tribals. The chief minister had signed the agreement more than six months ago.
President of the students’ union John Pulamte today announced that the union would resume its agitation from the next day if they do not receive any positive response from the government by April 8.
“The mode of agitation and the course of action would be decided by Thursday. We are now giving the state government time to respond positively,” he said.
The union is demanding 50 per cent reservation for tribals in all advertised posts for graduate teachers, people’s involvement in running the affairs of education in the hills, revamping the tribal development department and extension of services of contract teachers for hill schools.
On September 20 last year, the union suspended its economic blockade after it signed a memorandum of understanding with the government. Pulamte complained that the government has done nothing till today despite the memorandum and repeated assurances.
Apao Haokip, assistant general secretary of the students’ union, said after failing to reserve 50 per cent seats for tribals in the advertised posts, the government had promised to fill 17 per cent of the total vacant posts of graduate teachers with tribal candidates. However, the government has failed to fulfil the commitment, he added.
The services of more than 1,300 teachers appointed on a contract basis last year for hill schools expired on March 31 this year. The government has also not cleared their salaries for the past six months. The students’ union also expressed resentment over the manner in which the state tribal development department was functioning. It sought a positive response from the government to revitalise it.Pulamte said the students’ union had decided to resume the agitation as the government failed to redress the grievances of the people in the hills.
Ulfa shuts Assam Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, April 4 (IANS): A dawn-to-dusk general strike enforced by the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to protest alleged police atrocities on the wives of six militant leaders brought normal life in Assam to a standstill on Wednesday.
A police spokesman said shops and businesses, educational and financial institutions remained closed, while public and private transport remained off the roads. The 12-hour strike began at 6 am. The bandh completely paralysed life in upper Assam districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sibsagar, Golaghat and Jorhat and in all lower Assam districts. There was not much impact of the bandh in three districts of Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj in the Barak Valley.
"Normal life has been hit by the ULFA strike although there are no reports of any untoward incidents so far," a police official said. Train services were also hit with the railways either cancelling or rescheduling some of its services.
The ULFA called the strike to protest against the arrest last week of five wives of ULFA leaders who were on an indefinite hunger. Police later shifted the fasting women to hospital on medical grounds. The five women were demanding information from the government about their husbands whose whereabouts were not known since the 2003 military offensive by Bhutan against Indian rebels in the Himalayan kingdom. Both the central and the state government say they have no information of the ULFA leaders and were not in their custody.
"We do not have any information so far," said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.
The ULFA on Tuesday also launched a grenade attack in Guwahati wounding nine people.
Garo leader ‘tortured’ to death in Bangla The Morung Express
Shillong, April 4 (Telegraph): A Bangladesh-based Garo tribal leader, Chalesh Ritchil, the Medha Patkar of the Modhupur reserve forest — was allegedly killed by “joint forces” comprising the army, Bangladesh Rifles and police two weeks back. Today, the Asian Centre for Human Rights, which has made the claim, appealed to the Meghalaya government to take up the incident with the Union ministry of external affairs.
The rights panel has also appealed to the heads of the delegations participating in the 14th Saarc summit to look into the matter. The Garo leader’s death was reportedly kept under wraps by Bangladesh police until several NGOs in Bangladesh and the indigenous tribal population of Modhupur, which includes Garos and Khasis, rose in revolt.
Sources in Bangladesh said the Garo leader was “brutally killed” by the joint forces, for “leading a campaign against the construction of an eco-park” which would have led to the eviction of 25,000 indigenous Garos and Khasis who have been living in the area for over 300 years.
After the declaration of emergency in Bangladesh, forest department officials restarted the construction of the controversial boundary wall for the eco-park. The Garo community, under Ritchil’s leadership, protested again. On March 18, Ritchil was arrested by plainclothes security personnel from Kalibari under Muktagacha subdivision. A day later his body, with “torture marks”, was handed over to family members.
Open Letter to Chief Minister Manipur Subject: The truth of the fact of 400 Kukis taken into Myanmar
Hon’ble Sir,
The Kuki people are grateful to your Honour for your help rendered immediately to the cause of the KSO Joint Protest Rally and the unwanted consequences, to which you have helped at Delhi.
Promise has been made that the truth of the factual abduction of over 400 innocent Kukis taken into Myanmar be made straight. Accordingly the fact finding commission composed of KSO, HTC and KUMHUR, has found out the following facts.

1. The incident is to be understood in the backdrop of –
(1) Illegal occupation of Chandel and Churachandpur Hill Districts of Manipur State by the valley based UGs ever since your honour started ruling in Manipur State.
(2) Landmining the hill areas, killing innocent people.
(3) Forced the innocent people as forced labourers. In other words the villagers are used as good as slaves, and kept at the disposals of UGs and Indian Army.
(4) Chiefs are not respected even though their lands are forcibly occupied. Some Chiefs are murdered.
(5) Mass women raped at Parbung and justice has not been done so far.
(6) S.P. Pu Tolkhanpao was ambushed and killed, near Moirang.
(7) I.G. Pu Thangthawm ambushed and mercilessly killed at Oinam Bazar.

All these are established facts, the hill people have been enduring patiently, but not cowdowned, for the sake of the integrity of the State and to maintain the cordial relationship of the citizens.

2. Now the truth of the factual happenings of T.S. Laijang grouping centre on March 13, 2007 morning at 5:30AM (IST) are as follows –
(1) About 400 innocent Kukis have been forcibly taken to Lallim/Namunta, Myanmar. At Lallim in Myanmar, two buses full of the abducted people have been sent away not telling towhere they are taken.
(2) At this point the Myanmar Army intervened and arrested UNLF leaders, one named as Ma-ngang, another Paokeh, but released them later. The abducted people are left at Lallim/Mamunta in Myanmar.
(3) The left and unprotected abducted people scattered in fear and over 497 have sneaked back to Moreh border town, temporarily fed and sheltered by the HTC, churches, Kuki Women Union and KSO etc.
(4) In the meantime the UNLF made a feast by killing two pigs at Molcham brought together people and also the Media personnel are invited there on March 18, 2007, asked certain people (whose names are kept in fear of life) dictating them what to say, and say only what has been dictated to them to the media personnel, thus made the public confused. This is a made-up story.
(5) The abducted people are now in Moreh without food and shelter. Anyone willing to know the truth can see the unfortunate/innocent, whom forced to suffer like this.

3. The most immediate need to save hundreds of human lives are-
(1) To give rice (food) and whatever is needed for the unfortunate people who are treated like garbages.
(2) Temporary shelters, tarpaulins enough for the families stranded at Moreh town.
(3) Clear all UGs and landmine bombs from all the areas of the two Hill Districts namely (a) Chandel and (b) Churachandpur within 2 months. (4) Resettle all the villagers in their own villages peacefully and provide them food for two years 2007-2008 because their food provisions looted and they missed (Jhuming time February-March) for 2008. Anything falls short of the above stated facts can be construed as the ruling Government’s intentional negligence and pretending not knowing all this sufferings, killings, treating human beings as garbages. If this ever happens the endurance and the patience may not be forever, and the Government will be fully responsible.

Jointly submitted by L. Touthang, President Kuki Students’ Organisation GHQ
Jangmang Haokip, President Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Chandel District
T. Lunkim, Chairman Kuki Movement for Human Rights
‘Sino-Indian border situation has changed for the better’
Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, April 4 – The situation along the Sino-Indian border has changed for the better and the two countries were now collaborating in key areas like energy, a senior IAF official has said.

“Both China and India are growing economic powers and together buy energy sources. Thus I do not think there will be any more military battle (between them),” said Air Marshal P K Barbora, the chief of the IAF’s Eastern Air Command which operates along the border with China in Arunachal Pradesh.
Interacting with visiting reporters recently at the Command’s headquarters here, Barbora, the first officer from the North East to head an IAF Command, recollected the Chinese agression in the North East in 1962.
“It had been a setback but since then the situation has changed for the better,” he said. Listing his priorities, Barbora said his main aim would be to protect the borders to ensure that the “people of the North East have a good night’s sleep”. – PTI

‘No immediate solutions to NE problems’ From Our Correspondent Assam tribune
KARIMGANJ, April 4 – Leading social scientist and former director of the Centre for Himalayan Studies, North Bengal University, Prof Bani Prasanna Misra made a prognosis that he did not find much hope for ending of present turmoil of the North-east because the problems were multi-dimensional involving issues related to ethnicity, social evolution, demography and history.

Delivering the Pramesh Bhattacharjee Memorial Lecture at Karimganj College recently, Prof Misra dwelt in details on the problems arising out of the functioning of democracy in multi-cultural milieu, theoretical solutions envisaged by philosophers and political scientists and experiments and experiences of other societies confronted with the problems of multi-culturalism, assertions by the autochthons and resultant minority resistance. He opined that nowhere a resolution or permanent solution of the problem can be made and it would continue to be so as long as liberty of the ‘ancient would get primary over the liberty of the modern.’

‘The Bordoloi sub-committee report of 1947 on North-eastern areas did not visualise full ‘absorption’ of the hill areas and their political and social amalgamation,’ said Prof Misra while speaking specifically on the North-eastern situation. That is why autonomous hill districts came into existence, he said, adding that the plain tribals were visualised as potential targets for assimilation and measures were taken to ensure the process. In 1950s, a strategic assimilation was made of the immigrant Muslims of the Brahmaputra Valley, he said, to rive definite numerical edge over others. However, introduction of Official Language Act, 1950 disrupted the process and besides hastening the dismemberment of Assam created deep resentment amongst the Bodos and the Bengalis. He added that, resultant reaction took the form of Anti-Foreigners Movement which started in late 1970s, spectre of which had been still looming large over the entire NE. He observed that where a ‘soft state’ dealt with aspirations charged with emotions the role of politicians would be reduced to the status of brokers between the government and the people.

In his final observation, Prof Misra observed that in resolving the problem of the NE region administrative action should be fortified by political consensus. He said, here the Indian federation is faced with a challenge which deserved to be modulated by progressive extension of cultural secularism and withdrawal by the state from all cultural survival projects so that neither envy nor pride could be generated at any level. ‘Though all of us have undoubtedly an overworking identity for most occasions, let us not forget that we all have multiple identities and we make use of them as credit cards to suit our needs,’ he asserted.

The function was presided by LM Saklabaidya, MP.

Meet on RTI: Right to Information Act empowers every citizen to know the functioning of public authority, through implementation of various schemes. This was stated by Sankar Dey, secretary Silchar Press Club in a public information campaign on Bharat-Nirman at Udharbond recently. PIB had organised the campaign. Addressing the meeting, Sankar Dey said that the RTI Act is an important Act. The act was passed in 2005. Through this Act, every citizen has a right to seek information from public authority. The government has started many schemes for the welfare of the common people. But these schemes have not reached them till to-day. He requested everyone to avail this act to know about the implementation of various schemes in their area.

AJ Laskar, assistant project officer, DRDA said that 100 days employment is guaranteed under the NREGA. He said that Cachar district is not a NREGA district. However, several schemes have been implemented by the DRDA for the uplift of socio-economic conditions of the rural people. He hoped that all villages would be developed in due course.
Addressing as resource person on the prime minister’s new 15-point programme for the welfare of the minorities, S Paul, senior planning officer said that there is inequality in the society. This inequality is on the basis of caste and communities. To remove these inequalities the Central government has started the PM’s new 15-point programme for the welfare of the minorities. He hoped that people belonging to minority communities would be benefitted from this scheme.

NR Paul, asstt executive engineer PWD (Roads) and resource person on Bharat Nirman said that necessary steps have been taken to provide all weather roads to all villages having a total population of 1000 or more within 2009. He said that 28 proposals for construction of new roads under PMGSY have been approved during 2006-07. Twelve more new roads are also under process of sanction during this year, he added.
Dr S Das SDM&HO and resource person and NRHM said that the NRHM has been started in Udharbond area too. Health care facilities have been provided to the rural people. The ASHAs have been appointed under the scheme. Dr Das requested the people to avail services of the ASHA. He also requested pregnant mothers to avail facilities under Janani Suraksha Yojana Scheme. Mihir Kar Purkayastha, founder, Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, D Das, SDE, ASEB, Udharbond also spoke on the occasion.

Shopkeeper beaten: A shopkeeper was badly beaten for asking one of his customers to clear his outstanding dues. The shocking incident took place at Ghugrakuna village under Nilambazar outpost. One Surajit Das of the village took goods on credit from Rinku Deb’s grocery shop. As Surajit showed no sign of clearing the outstanding dues, Rinku Deb reminded the former to repay his dues as year end was approaching. When asked to repay, Surajit simply denied to have taken any goods on credit. This flat denial led to verbal altercations between Surajit and Rinku. Surajit eventually left the place but returned after sometime with some hoodlums and vandalised the shop. Rinku Deb was physically assaulted and received serious injuries as a result. When locals rushed to Rinku’s rescue, Surajit and his band of hoodlums left in hurry. Injured Rinku Deb was taken to Nilambazar Primary Health Centre for treatment. Rinku Deb has since lodged an FIR at Nilambazar OP.

Bandh, Government and the People By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
ULFA has remained blind to the plight of scores of widows and orphans whose lives are in a shambles just because they had to pay the price of a ‘revolution’ now orchestrated from Bangladesh. GUWAHATI, April 4: The ULFA today called a 12-hour bandh in protest against the handling of the wives of missing ULFA leaders by the State police. The police had arrested the wives of the missing ULFA leaders, who were on a fast-unto-death to know about the whereabouts of their missing husbands, and confined them at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital in view of their deteriorating health conditions. All these are ‘atrocities’ in the eyes of the ULFA. But the banned outfit, as usual, has chosen to see and exploit situations of only one kind, such as the case of the wives of missing rebels, and has remained blind to the plight of scores of widows and orphans whose lives are in a shambles just because they had to pay the price of a ‘revolution’ now orchestrated from Bangladesh. So the outfit created a fear psychosis in the minds of the general public by triggering blasts in Guwahati and upper Asom in the run-up to today’s bandh.
However, despite being aware of the fear factor that precedes and marks every bandh called by the ULFA, the Tarun Gogoi government remained a mute spectator to the making of that fear factor. It is as if the government had no clue as to how the bandh effect could be neutralized except for a mere circular.
It is a fact that banking plays a vital role in the movement of people and their business. The government must have ensured that the banks operated normally under full security cover, and that the bank employees reached their respective offices under safe conditions. Did the government talk with the bank authorities, assuring them of full security cover during the bandh period, and then ask them to keep their branches open for the public so that there would be at least some movement of people, to begin with? That could have prompted the rest of the people to also come out of their homes and go about their business, thus defeating the very purpose of the bandh.
Did the government ever thought it necessary to talk with the Sadau Asom Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) so as to ensure the presence of government employees in their offices after having worked on a convincing security arrangement? Not that we know of. The SAKP is not an anti-national organization to support the ULFA’s bandh call. A mere circular, just for the sake of formality, directing that all government offices and services throughout the State should function normally during the bandh period is a big joke, given the attitude of the people towards bandhs — as extended holidays. Does the government think that such a circular can at all be effective in countering the ULFA fear factor in the minds of the general public? What did the government do to provide security to its own employees and arrange for their safe transportation? Did the government even think of talking with bus, autorickshaw and rickshaw associations so as to evolve a mechanism to ensure normal movement of vehicles and people under full security cover?
As a matter of fact, today, during the bandh period, the ministers and bureaucrats must have been within the safe confines of the Secretariat, working hard through the day, and should have relieved the security personnel on VIP duty to provide security to ordinary citizens.
As for the ULFA’s so-called revolution, it is nothing but a multi-crore business house operating from Bangladesh. It overlooks the annexation of Asom — the outfit’s actual homeland — by Bangladesh. Therefore, as an outfit whose voice is not its own but that of the ISI and Bangladeshi forces, the ULFA should not be under a wrong impression that the people of the State are supporting its multi-crore business house in the name of Asom’s liberation. The fact remains that people are just afraid of the ULFA, given the outfit’s choice of soft targets — even children — and the government’s inability in providing security to ordinary citizens.
What is the bottomline then? By not ensuring security to ordinary citizens and a smooth functioning of banks and other establishments, the government also contributed to the ‘success’ of today’s bandh. It is such bandhs that not only disrupt normal life but also lead to the State’s daily financial loss running into crores of rupees. Who is going to compensate for all that? Then just think about the poor daily wage-earners losing their meagre daily earnings during such bandhs. Who will compensate for them? The government or the ULFA?
Meanwhile, when contacted, SAKP secretary Basav Kalita told The Sentinel that the government’s directive to the district administration in regard to today’s bandh did not make any sense. “The government should provide transportation facility to the employees coming from remote areas. Besides, security cover should be given at the offices in remote areas during the bandh period,” Kalita said, adding that if the government does not take these initiatives, then the directive to take action against those abstaining from office does not make ‘any sense’.
However, Chief Secretary PC Sarma told The Sentinel: “We have taken all possible measures from our side. The Rhino buses were plying on the road. We also asked the private bus associations to continue their bus service during the bandh period.” He also said the government cannot force the banks, private institutions and other establishments to remain open during the bandh period. He, however, said that enough security was provided during the day.