[Previous entry: "'Use your potential to become good citizens of the society': Ramakrishnan Kuknalim.com"] [Next entry: "Protests over non-implementation of Delimitation Act heats up Kuknalim.com"]
04/08/2007: "Govt pacify people over delimitation storm The Morung Express"
Govt pacify people over delimitation storm The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 7 (MExN): Breaking its silence on the delimitation storm, the state government today issued a statement highlighting that the reasons for the ongoing exercise. The statement while elaborating the reasons also assured to the people that before finalization of the issue, the Delimitation Commission will have consultations with the people and the public will have sufficient time and ‘plenty of opportunity to ventilate their views.
The Parliament had passed the Delimitation Act 2002, amended in 2003, for constituting the Delimitation Commission to affect readjustment of each state into territorial constituencies for elections on the basis of the census as ascertained in 2001. However this was to be without increasing the number of seats of assembly or parliamentary constituencies assigned to each state, the statement issued by Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma stated. The Nagaland legislative Assembly passed a resolution in 2003 urging the Center to amend the Act to keep Nagaland out of the purview of the delimitation exercise as in the same lines of J&K, till the ongoing Naga dialogue is concluded and Nagaland’s seats are increased as resolved in 1999. A meeting of all recognized political parties was also held on August 5, 2004 and decided to request the Center to exclude Nagaland from the Act. A request that fresh census be carried out in those areas where growth rate is more than the average rate in the state, be made, the government said.
The state government also observed that the growth rate projected in the 2001 census was “abnormally and phenomenally” high in some areas. Against the decadal national growth rate of 23%, some districts in their rural areas showed a decadal growth of more than 100%, it stated. The lowest growth rate registered at Kohima at 43%. “Whereas a higher growth rate may be logical in the urban areas due to urbanization, a high growth rate exceeding 100% in rural areas is found to be quite untenable” the government observed. The state cabinet in 2005 had also observed the abnormal growth rate in some areas of the state will have serious repercussions in matters of delimitation of constituencies. Hence the 2001 census was rejected and requested the Center to carry out a fresh census.
In view of ‘several requests’ from both government and non-government agencies, the delimitation commission tentatively agreed that inter-district transfer of seats may be avoided and that delimitation be confined within each district to remove ‘inequalities in population’ between the constituencies with respective districts, it stated. For this purpose the commission had given a working paper to form the basis for discussion among members and associated members. The state government considered this as a major victory and decided to carry out adjustment of assembly constituencies within each district” the government stated.
However, adjustments within the districts is left to the “wisdom” of the people and is to be implemented only after consultations with the people, under the supervision of the DC of the respective districts, it reiterated. Most of the districts have brought out their proposals for readjustments which will be forwarded to the commission, it assured.
“In view of this aspect and the above mentioned points, the state government appeals to all sections not to agitate but to understand the stand of the state government which has been trying its best to reach an amicable solution to the problem of delimitation” the statement appealed.
Protestors march to DC’s residence Noel Manuel & Morung Express News
Dimapur Around 200 representatives from the Purana Bazar B Village marched to the residence of Dimapur Deputy Commissioner KN Ngullie Friday morning to protest against the arrest of their chairman L. Temjen, who was taken into custody on Wednesday night for allegedly destroying a government fencing wall of the department of geology and mining. The protestors prayed outside the residence of the DC, asking for justice to be delivered, after planting placards outside his official residence as part of a silent procession.
The DC was reportedly away for Church services at the time of the incident.
Ngullie, when contacted today, said that there is no law in the land under which a village can be constructed on government land. “They must realize this and encroaching upon government land will be dealt with according to the law.”
The DC also expressed disappointment in the manner in which the protests were being carried out and alleged that most of the protestors apparently do not belong to the area. “We are trying to identify the protestors and more arrests will be made soon,” he said and added that the government fencing wall should first be repaired before any further dialogue can be initiated.
But according to some villagers, the DC’s action is “illegal” as they claim that village elders were attending the inauguration of the new building of ‘Purana Bazar B’ government primary school at the time when a mob destroyed the wall of the Geology and Mining department. Another argument villagers put up was that the department did not touch the properties belonging to TA Ngullie, an ex-minister, “who made bogus pattas”, but instead evicted 18 houses “illegally.”
Head GB of the village, Kiron Mech, an octogenarian, was also arrested on March 13 last year but was released the next day. Mech said the village was established in 1942, and added that he had never been informed of the plans of the Geology and Mining department to set up a facility in the area. Infuriated villagers on Good Friday said responsibility would rest on the DC if their chairman suffers “even a single scratch” or if even a single document snatched from them goes missing. Prior to the arrest of the chairman by Police, 5 “civilians” forcibly broke open a box containing 40-year-old documents of the village and made good with the papers, residents said. In the failure of immediate release of the chairman or documents, the villagers have threatened to intensify agitations.
Don’t disgrace ‘Nagaland for Christ’ – FGN to “youths” The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 7 (MExN): If “youths” live a life of indulgence in anti-social activities, “your” slogan ‘Nagaland for Christ’ would be a deceit; the FGN reminds “the youths.”
Taking note of the recent kidnapping and subsequent murder of two school-going children from Senapati, the FGN through its Midan Peyu of Shepoumaramth region asked “the youths” to learn to “love our people” and do go good. “All youths have in their knowledge that the Nagas proclaimed Nagaland for Christ. But if the youths involve in the violent activities or anti-social elements, you shout ‘Nagaland for Christ’ would be only a deceit and lie unless you abandoned your violent activities and anti-social activities” the FGN advised. “Therefore the crime committed on the two boys would be the last and let our youths learn from it to love our people to do good for our people” it stated.
The Midan Peyu recalled that late NNC leader AZ Phizo dreamed of a Nagaland free from “no political party, no social class distinction, no complain for economic maladjustment, no pauper, no homeless person, no property ownerless family, no liquor bar, no opium den, no dancing hall, no brothel no law for death sentence, no law to imprison a person, no land tax of any kind, one murder case occurred in 5 years, one rape case in 30 years, one suicide in 20 years, no kidnappings, no dacoit case, no abduction of women etc.”
However, in the recent years, the Naga people are experiencing heinous crimes being committed “by our young people.” The FGN cited the instance of kidnappings for ransom such as the one witnessed in the Elizabeth Lungnila murder case three years ago and the recent adduction and subsequent killing of two children Moheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert.
FGN concerned over rising young criminals Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 7: Expressing serious concern over the rise in criminal activities among the young people in Naga society during the past few years, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has termed it as an unfortunate trend. In a statement, Midan Peyu of FGN, Shepouma-ramth Region H John Vekhe observed that Naga leader AZ Phizo was proud of saying about the fair social and political system of the Nagas. But unfortunately for the past few year, the nagas people have been experiencing heinous crimes committed by the young people such as killing, torturing and kidnapping for ransom. The kidnapping and killing of Lungnila Elizabeth three years ago and two boys, Moheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert on December 14, 2006 for ransom were the most heinous crimes ever occurred in Nagaland, the statement said, adding that the day on which the funeral services of these young children was conducted would remain as a sorrowful and tearful day in the history of the Naga people. Just as Phizo was proud of the fairness society and culture of the Naga, the statement exhorted that the Naga youth today should also be proud of their fair culture, tradition and its values, and should preserve it at all cost.
‘All the youths are bou-nd to check anti-social acti- vities in our region and work against anti-social activists whatsoever be the anti-national elements or indivi- dual who are disturbing the sanity of our region and who breeds barbarism and terrorism’, the statement said. The statement further said ‘ all youth should have in their knowledge that Nagas proclaimed Naga-land for Christ. So if the youths involve in the violent or anti-social activities, the shout for Nagaland for Christ would only be a deceit and lie. Therefore the crime committed on the two boys should be the last and let our youths learn from it to love our people to do good for out people’.
Azha discharged: In consideration of his request of Eno Ch David, Leacy member s/o Eno Chimok Shimphum village, Shepoumaramth Region has been charged from the National service on ground of ill health with effect from April 3, informed Midan Peyu, Shepoumaramth Region, Federal Government of Nagaland H John Vekhe informed in a statement.
Village expels culprit for kids’ kidnapping, murder The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 7 (MExN): The Viewland Village Authority at Senapati, Manipur has resolved to expel the culprit involved in the sensational kidnapping and murder of two kids in Manipur, and also his entire family including the next kin from the village.
A press release issued by the chairman of the Viewland Village Authority, OK Sang, without naming the culprit, stated that the Viewland villagers during its special session of General Meeting on April 3 resolved to deal with the matter seriously so that ‘the law of the land and security of the citizen shall prevail upon all’ and added that the culprit shall ‘be dealt by the laws of the village as per the paucity of the action of the person concerned’.
Besides the expulsion of the culprit and is family including the next kin from the village, the release stated that the immovable belongings or properties of the accused shall now become village property and that any claim for the property from any corner stands null and void.
The release also stated that the villagers resolved to condemn the cowardly act of killing the two innocent boys after kidnapping them for ransom in the strongest term. The release stated that the keeping of the dead bodies of the boys at the village premises shocked the villagers and filled them with apprehension. “It is to be recollected that, their dead bodies were placed at the village premises which shocked the public with confusion and apprehension. The house term the act as a case of defamation and blasphemy,” the release stated. Further, the release stated that the members present at the meeting convey their ‘deepest concern to the bereaved family of Hriinii Hubert and Moheni Martin with sincere prayer that God almighty will console them even at this moment of sorrow and grief’.
PM launching two mega projects New Kerala By Syed Zarir Hussain,
Guwahati, April 8: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives in Assam on a two-day visit Sunday to launch two mega projects - a bridge over the Brahmaputra river and a whopping Rs.54 billion integrated petrochemical project. He will lay the foundation of the Rs.2.38 billion three-lane bridge over Brahmaputra river near Guwahati in the evening.
"This bridge has been a long-standing demand of the people of Assam and I am happy the prime minister will be laying the foundation stone," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told IANS.
The 1.4-km-long bridge is part of the much-hyped North South East West Corridor, the largest ongoing expressway project in India that proposes to have four to six lanes and is being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The total length of North-South Corridor from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and the East-West corridor from Silchar to Saurashtra is about 7,300 km and is to be completed by 2009. On Monday, the prime minister will lay the foundation of a gas cracker project at Lepetkata in eastern Assam's Dibrugarh district. The project is expected to help provide a major boost to this industrially backward northeastern state. Popularly referred to as the Assam Gas Cracker Project, but re-christened the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymers Ltd, it is to be implemented by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) with 70 percent equity participation in five years.
The remaining 30 percent equity would be shared equally among Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and the Assam government. "We hope nearly 100,000 people will get employment opportunities, either directly or indirectly, as a result of investments in downstream plastic processing industries and allied activities," Assam's Industry and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi told IANS. According to preliminary estimates, at least 500 plastic processing industries are likely to come up in the region when this project becomes operational.
The feedstock for the petrochemical project, natural gas and naphtha, is to be provided by OIL, ONGC and the NRL. "We are already promoting a plastic park in the area and the project would surely help turnaround the economy of Assam," the minister said.
The petrochemical complex would comprise a cracker unit, downstream polymer and integrated off-site utility plants. The products from the proposed project would be 220,000 tonnes of polythene, 60,000 tonnes of polypropylene, 55,000 tonnes of raw pyrolysis gasoline and 12,500 tonnes of fuel oil per year. As part of the Assam government's aggressive policy to give a fillip to industrial activities, it has agreed to grant exemption to entry tax on capital goods, works contract tax during the construction period, sales tax and VAT on feedstock for 15 years from the date of commencement of production. --- IANS
Hot question on the world famous Naga King Chilly- Nagaland Post
Everyone will agree with the fact that our Nagaland is blessed with a unique Flora and Fauna which we are slowly exploring and gaining more knowledge of its potential. Due recognition has been given as in the case of Chumukedima's pastor Melhite's new genus of rice which has found a place in the Guinness World record. More recently, the Naga King Chilli or more popularly the Naga Raja Chilly was in the news as a contender for the title of "World's Hottest Chilly" and seeking a place in the Guinness World record. It was reported in the top dailies that the world's official hottest chili is now the "Bhut Jalokie" which is just another news for the Naga King Chillie claimed as a nature produce of Assam's Tezpur district, a few question arises at this point and it would serve a great purpose for Nagaland if we can get reliable and accurate answers to these questions.
1. Is the Naga Raja/King Chilly, originally a nature of Nagaland, which is being propagated to Assam or the other way round? Are there any documentaries available to this effect?
2. Which part of Nagaland is conductive to the cultivation of Naga Raja/King Chilly? Which place of Nagaland are the natural habitats?
3. Where do the Naga Raja/King Chillie supply come from? What is the nature and extent of harvest?
4. What is the origin of this particular Chilly? Who was the first to cultivate in Nagaland? Is it native to Nagaland or brought from elsewhere?
5. In the Kohima area, it is referred to by various name such as (a) Kedi Chüsi (b) Raja Chüsi (c) Chünhe Chüsi (d) Chüdi-Chüsi (e) Kambura/Gaonbura-Chüsi (f) Bur-Chüsi (g) Kotsa/Kutsiemia Chüsi…..what are its other names? Which is its most appropriate or popular name?
6. Which places other than Nagaland and Assam have been known to be favourable for a cultivation of Naga Raja/King Chilly?
7. Is any organization or department/ministry involved in the observation of event regarding the Naga Raja/King Chilly issue?
The knowledged people of Nagaland are requested to ponder on this questions and invited to send in any replies or answers to the above queries. Any response is highly anticipated and will be greatly appreciated.
(Chüsi-Angami word for Chilli) M.K Naga E-mail: m_kaye@rediffmail.com
Gas cracker project to create 1 lakh jobs By Ron Duarah Assam Tribune
DIBRUGARH, April 7 – Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Bijoy Krishna Handique today claimed that the gas cracker project will kick start an economic revolution in Assam and her sister states in the region and that one lakh job opportunities "may be in the pipeline in the next seven to eight years." He said the mother cracker unit, being set up as Brahmaputra Cracker & Polymer Limited (BCPL) has received the wholehearted support of the people and wanted this cooperation to continue. Dibrugarh Additional Deputy Commissioner in charge of revenue, Nareswar Upadhyaya said "55% of the required 3,000 bighas of land for BCPL has already been handed over to Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) till today and the remainder will be handed over before April 15." He refuted allegations of any scandal relating to payment of compensation money, and that everything has been done following a meticulous documentation process, including detailed video recording of property of the displaced families. He informed that till today, 128 families have been paid a total of Rs 12 crore as compensation and that the remaining compensation dues are being paid expeditiously and systematically.
Meanwhile, Handique said all the Industrial Training Institutes in Assam have been specifically asked to introduce plastic engineering as a course. Expert trainers from the Central Institute for Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) are likely to be associated with this ambitious scheme to build up a pool of technologists and entrepreneurs, to gain from the gas cracker. "The Rs 6,000 crore that will be invested in building up BCPL is one part of the scenario, the downstream industries that are expected to come out would entail investments ten times this amount and spring up massive employment potential," he said. The Union Minister said the entrepreneurs would be financed on easy terms by SIDBI, and that all the districts of Assam would have plastic parks for setting up downstream projects. He added that he has requested GAIL, the operating partner in BCPL, to set up a permanent mini plastic park at Lepetkata. This would help potential entrepreneurs to see the vast potential of plastics. He said that a recent international survey has shown that the global per capita consumption of plastics per annum is 25 kg, that of India 4.5 kg, 35 kg in China and 1 kg in India's northeast. He hastened to add that people have a notion of carry bags alone as plastic products, whereas plastics are used in a big variety, and that due importance has to be accorded to cleaner disposal and recycling of the material. The Union Minister sought the help of the media and NGOs to carry out a campaign to create awareness about downstream projects of the gas cracker, saying this is the only way to derive maximum gains from such an industry.
ULFA: talks on sovereignty or plebiscite By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, April 7: On the 28th foundation day of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said, in principle, the rebel group wants peaceful political solution to the problems of Asom, and it was with that in view the rebel group chose a mediator and formed the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), but the Government of India, showing this or that pretexts, continues to stay way from the peace process.
In an e-mail to The Sentinel today, Arabinda Rajkhowa said: “The oppressed people of Asom have no alternative but to opt for peaceful negotiations with the Government of India. We want peaceful political solution to the problems of Asom, but the Government of India tells us to go forward for peaceful talks. We want sovereignty of Asom should be the main agenda for peace talks, but the Government of India maintains that there can’t be any talks on independence of Asom, and that indirectly means that the Government of India is not sincere in peaceful political solution to the problems of Asom. If the Government of India can’t sit for talks on the sovereignty of Asom, it should opt for a plebiscite, we are ready to accept the people’s verdict, whatever that might be”.
On the search for the definition of the word ‘Asomiya’ by a number of bodies in Asom, including the Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX), Rajkhowa said that the cry for safeguards for Asomiya proved it beyond doubt that the identity of indigenous people in Asom was at stake. He appealed to all castes, communities and ethnic groups in Asom to stand united in the fight against the oppression. He demanded the release of the jailed ULFA leaders and Anup Chetia, now in Bangladesh.
Speech of the Chairman on the 28th Foundation Day of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) 7 April 2007
Revered Freedom loving people of Assam,
Today is the 28th foundation day of the United Liberation Front of Asom. ULFA was formed with the determined aim of re-establishing a Sovereign Independent Assam, presently under Indian colonial occupation. The objective of our national liberation struggle is to free the indigenous peoples from Indian colonial oppression and exploitation, the ultimate goal being to establish a society on the principles of scientific socialism. Assam belongs to all the indigenous peoples of Assam. But the divisive and oppressive Indian subjugation has deprived us of our common heritage of the Sovereign rights over our land. It is with these solemn national and social objectives that ULFA was formed on this day 28 years ago.
During the past twenty-seven years, the peoples of Assam have suffered immeasurably because of Indian colonial repression and exploitation. Over Ten Thousand sons and daughters of Assam have embraced martyrdom, many a women have been raped and even raped-and-killed, hundreds have become disabled, many more remain ‘disappeared in custody’ while hundreds still languish in colonial jails inside Assam or elsewhere. Despite all these sufferings the peoples of Assam as a whole have been supporting the national cause by sending their beloved sons and daughters to join the liberation struggle, and by sheltering and protecting us to continue the struggle until final victory. On this occasion, I on behalf of the United Liberation Front of Asom, bow my head in veneration and salute the entire indigenous peoples of Assam.
For us today is the day for reaffirming our commitment and faith in the national liberation struggle. On this solemn day, we remember with tears those heroic sons and daughters of the soil who have made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their duties for our Motherland.
At this hour of reflecting on our national resolve, we offer our deep sympathy and condolence to those who have lost their near and dear ones at the hands of Indian Occupation Forces.
With the firm resolve of “Either Freedom or Martyrdom”, our cadres have been fulfilling their commitment of carrying on the freedom struggle overcoming incalculable sufferings and overwhelming odds with total dedication and devotion. I take pride in saluting them.
Many patriotic organisations and intellectuals of Assam have raised their voice against the atrocities and human rights violations committed by the Indian Occupation Forces, and they are victimised for their bold stand. Moreover, organisations like PCPI have united in a common platform in asserting our national rights urging for a peaceful resolution of the Assam-India conflict by democratic means. On behalf of my organisation I congratulate all of them on this auspicious day.
We are proud of the five mothers who have added a new dimension to the democratic struggle of our people by resorting to ‘fast unto death’ since 21 March 2007, seeking the whereabouts of those who disappeared in Bhutan while in custody of Indo-Bhutan joint forces, political solution of the Assam-India conflict and the unconditional release of the Nationalist leaders of Assam. We extend our solidarity to these brave mothers and also salute them for their courage and example. We also thank all those who have extended support, directly or indirectly, to this bold historic stance in the process of our national liberation.
Our revolutionary salute to our beloved Advisor Bhim Kanta Burhagohain, Vice-President Pradip Gogoi, Publicity Secretary Mithinga Doimary, Cultural Secretary Pranati Deka, Ramu Mech and Mrinal Hazarika and many others now in Indian jails. We also salute our comrade Anup Chetia with two of his associates now being detained in Bangladesh prisons, and demand their unconditional release.
Our fraternal neighbour Naga people and their organisation NSCN have been helping us within their limits since the inception of our organisation till today. We gratefully thank the comradeship and encouragement we have received from them. Similarly, we thank our Manipuri brothers of the UNLF and RPF with revolutionary salute for their unfailing and continuous help and support for the freedom of the whole region. We also extend our revolutionary greetings to the fraternal KLO and TPDF who have been closely working with us for the common cause of freedom and independence.
We are also grateful to those International Human Rights Organisations, individuals and well wishers for all the help and support they have been giving to the ULFA thus far and would like to request their continued support in taking our struggle to a successful end.
My esteemed people, Indian rulers are trying to malign the ULFA as a ‘terrorist organisation’ for spearheading the struggle for regaining Assam’s Sovereign Independence and thus destroy the confidence you have in it. They are desperately churning out evil propaganda against the ULFA so as to deprive us of any moral support internationally. On the pretext of ‘anti-ULFA drive’ India is conducting a sub-conventional warfare and deliberately committing genocide in Assam. The Indian Occupation Forces have been torturing people in the villages and towns of Assam daily. Over and above these dirty games they are playing up ethnic sentiments to divide and weaken the democratic unarmed movements.
Despite all these subterfuge the freedom fighters of Assam, with or without arms, have been taking the resistance movement forward step by step. The Indian Army’s claim that ‘the ULFA is finished following the war in Bhutan’ had to accept now that ULFA is a force to reckon with by declaring unilateral ceasefire on 13 August 2006 for 20. The streets of Assam are echoing with voices from the various organisations, intellectuals and politicians that the peaceful solution on the restoration of Assam’s sovereignty be accepted. This has proven beyond doubt that the ‘Sovereignty restoration’ is the core issue to end the Assam-India conflict. The people of Assam want a peaceful political solution. On this basis from 21 March 2007, five freedom-fighter mothers have taken to the ultimate democratic means of fast unto death. Over the years people of Assam have resorted to various democratic means to get a solution as per the wishes of the people. But, it is the typical character of the Indian Occupation Forces to ignore any such demands.
What sort of bitter experience makes the people angry is reflected by the action path of these five ladies as if a long suppressed anger has erupted like a volcano! The ‘fast unto death’ resolve has proved the point. The ULFA need not explain what makes a son of the soil an armed fighter. The oppressive action against the democratic movements has said it loud enough.
My fellow citizens, twenty seven years ago at the moment of birth of the United Liberation Front of Asom, the prevailing politico-economic and social situation was analysed in detail and we came to the conclusion that the colonial rule and the exploitation thereof was the main factor in pushing the Assamese nation into oblivion. We also arrived at the realisation that apart from the Assamese people the entire indigenous peoples of the region were facing the same fate under Indian colonial rule. Therefore we realised that all the indigenous peoples need to struggle together and that only a united struggle can achieve victory was evident then and now as well. Whatever the Indian media publishes or the local politicians or intellectuals in the Indian pocket say, the undoubted truth is that the survival of the Assam nation is the core issue in the conflict here. At one pole are the indigenous peoples of Assam and on the other is the Indian colonial rule. This is what we refer to as the Assam-India conflict. Nowhere in the world in an independent State, the survival of an independent Nation is threatened as here in Assam. But, the Assam Literary Guild and the Assam Provincial Assembly finding it difficult to define the term ‘Assamese’ proves how seriously the Assamese indigenous identity has been undermined. When the majority and well established Assamese identity is under threat, how grave would be the threat to other indigenous groups is abundantly clear. These people living in Assam from time immemorial having to fight for survival and getting oppression in return from the authorities that be proves the dire state in totality. The colonial policy of divide, exploit and rule has been put in place across the milieu. The protests against such a deplorable state is also manifested in different forms. The threatened peoples despite their individualistic movements have not been able to get anywhere in the colonial existence to live peacefully, prosper and lead the life they want and the indigenous population has no security of existence, property and their political rights have not been granted. They have become prisoners of doubts, mistrust and conflicts between groups. This state of affairs under the colonial rule is making our nation and other ethnic groups suffer immeasurably. To free ourselves from this suffering we must fight united against our common enemy. This land of Assam is the common habitat for several races and ethnic groups, this land is our common property. No one should lay claim to a specific area exclusively as their own. No one needs to be controlled by another. The answer to permanent peace and progress lies in living together with equal rights and prestige. To achieve this we need a united stand to struggle in unison. The exclusive individual struggles over the last 27 years have distinctly proved that only a united struggle can bring success. Therefore, on this auspicious day I appeal to all the peoples inhabiting in Assam to join the mission for the restoration of Assam’s Sovereign independence, with or without arms, or both.
Respected compatriots, history stands proof that Assam is historically an Independent country. Some conspirators with the idea of merging Assamese identity with India are trying to mislead the people that Assam has always been a part of India and that there is no valid justification to claim an independent Assam. I would like you to know that the struggle for independence has been going on Twenty-five days just after the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo on 24 February 1826. On 20 April 1826. Dhonojoy Gohain and Gomdhor Konwor started the first independence movement against the British. Four years later in 1830 the second independence war was waged under the leadership of Pyolee Phukon. Maniram Dewan was hanged only because he wanted to regain Assam’s independence. The struggle did not end there. More importantly, the united peoples of Assam wanting a Sovereign independent Assam is recorded at the mega assembly at Khasi Darbar Hall held on 21,22 and 23rd March 1945 where the indigenous peoples from the plains and hills of Assam took a resolution - “ As Assam and her surrounding tribal regions have never been part of India and because the races and ethnic groups especially the tribes of this region racially and culturally are distinct from Indian races, hence, this Assembly strongly believes that Assam and her tribal regions must not be left with either India or Pakistan or any other country at the proposed division, but, made an autonomous region in which the neighbouring hill States be included.”
Gynanath Bora the President of the 1968 session of the Assam Literary Guild in his book “Should Assam stay with India?” commented that ‘being within India, Assam is slipping back. If Assam has to progress and prosper we need to think in terms of establishing an independent Assam.’
In the same vein, in the 1950 session President Ambikagiri Raichoudhuury of the Literary Guild commented, “Assamese need the total freedom to develop with their own philosophy which is impossible with a majority drawn from diverse background.” Late Nibaran Bora who was put behind bars on the 15 August 1947 hours after Indian independence produced facts and arguments in 1978 that the losing of Assamese identity inside India which could not be refuted by India. What an irony that while Assamese women are being raped and murdered in the villages and towns of Assam, ten thousand Assamese progeny has laid down their lives to establish their birthrights, the current President of the Assam Literary Guild is saying, “The Indian constitution has given us the right to live a good life.” “Assam has been from the ancient time a part of India.” What a servile outlook! One can not kill off the historical rights of independent Assam and it is not possible for India absorb her into oblivion.
Since Indian colonial rule began on 15 August 1947, there is no doubt that the indigenous peoples are facing extinction. It is not only the collective rights of the indigenous peoples over the resources that have been snatched away by Indian colonial rulers; even basic human rights have been denied. One should know that Assam is not seeking Sovereign Independence on mere historical background alone; this is just the historical basis for our sovereign existence. Our struggle encompasses the liberation of our peoples from Indian colonial oppression, persecution and economic exploitation so that we can march ahead towards economic freedom and prosperity as masters of our own destiny. Our peoples should be highly alert on this aspect as the enemy is using disinformation to confuse them.
Compatriots!
India is repeatedly saying, “Military action has been launched against the ULFA because of their violent activities”. In reality this is a war launched against the people of Assam. In the past 27 years the occupation army has killed more innocent peoples than killing our cadres. This is the reason we call this a total war conducted by the Indian Occupation Forces. The genocide at Kakopathar-Makum, murdering of peasants at Darrang Dipila Sok, after murdering the family of Uma Gogoi at Sibosagar Mahmora Borbil and then blowing up the house with the dead bodies, murdering of Babul Ingti’s aged parents and his brother at Lokhra of Guwahati, the aged parents of Babul Boro at Boko, the aged parents of Dristi Rajkhowa of Goalpara, the whole family of Mithinga Doimary of Boroma, the brother of martyr Joyonto Talukdar, brother of Sasha Choudhury and Biju Deka, etc. were murdered and none of them were armed and trained ULFA cadres. They have also labelled many other innocents as ULFA cadres after murdering them. To stop any protest from the near and dear ones of the slain, they falsely accuse the dead of possessing arms. The public is also misled by such disinformation and no protest results after such news. Khargeswar Talukadar of Borpeta, the protest marchers at Duliajan, the villagers of Ponkarajabari were not ISI trained armed cadres. But they were shot dead like wild animals. Can any ruler other than an occupation force kill its ‘own people’ like wild animals? Such cruel repressive policy justifies our armed struggle to regain our sovereignty. So long as the Indian State does not agree to resolve the Assam-India conflict politically, there is the need to continue the armed struggle and struggle we must. This is the direct result of repressive Indian colonial policies. Armed struggle does not necessarily mean discarding of unarmed struggle. We use the arms to defend ourselves and the liberation movement from the armed attacks of the fascist Indian power. The aim of our armed struggle is to bring about a peaceful political solution to the conflict. I felt the need to remind our citizens of these events so that they understand how India is conducting an unjust war against the people of Assam. This is the reason behind the conflict turning into a confrontation.
However, on principle the United Liberation Front of Asom desires a peaceful political solution of the Assam-India conflict. As we also desire a political solution, as the entire people of Assam does, we took the initiative to engage a go-between and entrusted the like minded PCG to prepare the ground for ‘direct talks’. We sent our first letter to the Indian Prime Minister on 1 May 2005. On 24 September 2005 the PCG was constituted and sent for the first discussion on 26 October 2005. The second discussion took place on 7 February 2006 and the third on 26th June 2006. As we do not have any conspiracy behind seeking to establish our rights, we wanted to resolve the conflict politically and directly in association with some patriots of Assam. But the Indian Government has been using all efforts to trap the leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom in accepting the Indian Constitution. We are talking about peaceful resolution of the conflict and India has been insisting on ‘peace negotiation’. There is a wide gap between these two concepts. India wants to negotiate their ‘peace’ with a ‘package of economic development’ while the reality demands a peaceful resolution of the conflict. As we desire a peaceful resolution of the conflict once and for all, we asked for the core issue of restoration Assam’s Sovereignty to be on the agenda. But India deliberately avoided mentioning the core issue and insisted on a discussion on ‘core issues like development…’ India’s senior politician and Educationist Ajij Kuresi has said, “To bring peace to Assam, there is no restriction in the Indian Constitution to discuss Assam’s sovereignty restoration.” But the Indian policy makers did not heed such expert opinion and has been repeating what has been said before. This proves that India is not sincere to end the conflict politically. Therefore, we read that the door to a peaceful resolution of the conflict has been closed on the Indian side. But India says the door (to ‘peace negotiation’?) is still open. By such misleading and deceiving statements India’s dubious position on conflict resolution is not difficult to gauge. Despite this realisation the oppressed people of Assam has no alternative but to tread all the avenues for a peaceful political resolution of the conflict. We have stated that if India cannot sit for discussion on Sovereignty restoration then let us have a plebiscite under the United Nation’s supervision to decide the issue. We are prepared to accept the verdict of such a plebiscite if India also does the same. In 1991 Macedonia from Slovac Republic, in 1998 East Timor from Indonesia, in 1999 Bougainville from Papua New Guinea gained independence through plebiscite. India should accept this democratic challenge if she has to ride on her accolade as the ‘largest democracy in the world.’
A Sovereign Independent Assam is our birthright. Every patriotic Assamese must remain alert to counter all sorts of tricks and conspiracies to prevent us achieving this right. I call upon each and everyone of our citizens to take part in any possible way you can to bring a successful conclusion to our struggle.
To all the comrades of the ULFA, risking your lives you have overcome many adversities to reach where you are today. You have given courage to the freedom loving people of Assam. Your good work has drawn attention of the world to what ULFA stands for as a political entity and to our rights to a Sovereign Assam. You must remember that the enemy has used our mistakes as weapon to destroy our national struggle. Therefore, you must be ever alert to carry out each mission without any fault. This alertness is the key to advance our struggle to its destined goal. I urge upon you to advance the cause with unparalleled enthusiasm and sacrifice, ever more.
“Let the struggle of the people of Assam grow stronger!”
“Let the chained exploited people of Assam be free!”
“Down with Indian colonial occupation of Assam!”
“Long live the United Liberation Front of Asom!”
“Victory to our motherland, Assam!”
