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05/04/2007: "AR to intervene in factional clash if demanded The Morung Express"

AR to intervene in factional clash if demanded The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 4 (MExN): Following yesterday’s factional standoff at Nikhekhu village, the IGAR (N) today made known its intention to continue intervening in such situations. Outlining the role of the Assam Rifles in yesterday’s incident, the release declared, “AR troops will continue to intervene in order to prevent any factional clash within the state as such lawlessness needs to be disciplined with fundamental priority”.
Ever since the declaration of ceasefire between the GOI and the Naga Army in 1997, the AR has maintained a low profile though there have been several allegations of the violation of Cease fire ground rules by the Assam Rifles. It may be added that the NSCN (IM) had also alleged that the NSCN (K) had been aided by the AR during yesterday’s firing at Nikhekhu village. The ceasefire status has not reduced the number of clashes in the state, especially amongst the factions, who maintain that their ceasefire is with the GOI and not the rival groups. Talks between the Ceasefire monitoring groups have also zeroed in on the point of factional clashes which have raised serious questions on the policy of the GOI. On being contacted, Lt. Col. Nirupam Bhargava, PRO of the Ministry of Defence, Kohima, denied that the AR would play any ‘additional role’ in the present situation of the state. He said that the Assam Rifles would continue to maintain the principles of the Ceasefire Ground rules in letter and in the spirit.

Explaining that the state administration make decisions during factional clashes by using its resources like the state police, the PRO maintained that it was only if they were unable to contain the situation with their own resources that a requisition for assistance would be communicated to the AR. Adding that the AR would not be able to do anything without the administration’s request, the Lt. Col. assured that there would be no violation of the ground rules by the AR.
Meanwhile regarding the factional clash at Nikhekhu, the PRO in a separate press note was pointed out that on being contacted HQ IGAR(N) immediately mobilized two columns from 31 AR personally led by the Commanding Officer and rushed to the site with an aim to directly intervene and restore normalcy within Nikhekhu village. A joint operation led by Assam Rifles columns and IRB forced managed to ease off the building tension between the factional groups by making them leave the village premises, the press note claimed. Additional stepped up vigil by AR troops ensured that factions could not come in contact for a face off thereby creating an atmosphere for the villagers to return to their houses, the note further went on.
Sources in Assam Rifles reveal that IGAR(N) has issued directions to units for extending all out support to all civil agencies involved in helping Nikhekhu village to return to normalcy and maintain a high state of alertness to prevent any further deterioration of the situation. AR troops will continue to intervene in order to prevent any factional clash within the state as such lawlessness needs to be disciplined with fundamental priority, it was informed.
Sumis and Tangkhuls forgive each other Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, May 3 – In the backdrop of the communal tension created by the unfortunate Wungram Colony incident of April 22 here, the Sumi and Tangkhul communities have pledged to ‘forgive and forget’ the incident and rebuild and strengthen the relationship between the two tribes. The Sumi community of Purana Bazar and Tangkhul community of Wungram Colony unanimously resolved to rebuild and strengthen relationships as one family.
The resolution was the outcome of the joint meeting of the leaders of both the communities, held under the aegis of Western Sumi Hoho and Tangkhul Hoho, Dimapur at the office premises of the former. The meeting resolved that any future conflict and misunderstanding that might arise between the two communities should be settled by leaders of the two communities ‘but should not at any cost communalize the issue’.

The Tangkhul community of Wungram Colony after series of deliberations on the issue, admitted the mistake committed by Tangkhul boys to Sumi community boy that led to the incident and sought apology and forgiveness. The Sumi community of Purana Bazar also expressed “profound and heartfelt regret to the huge damages done on Wungram Colony and sought apology and forgiveness.”
Both the communities also appealed to the general public to desist from indulging in any anti-social activities that might hamper the fabric of Naga society.
Rio calls for bridging ‘constitutional divide’ The Morung Express
KOHIMA, MAY 4 (MExN): Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today pointed out that failure of the parliamentary system to appropriately include and reflect time-tested traditions, customs and aspiration of the people in systems of governance, would bring about ‘Constitutional divide’ between the people and the Government. “Unless the people are closer to the Government, democracy would be bereft of its spirit and meaning’, he said while addressing the members of legislatures and delegates during the 10th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference (NERCPA) which got underway today at the new Assembly Secretariat Complex, Kohima.
The Chief Minister also stated that in a constitutional democracy, the legislators who carry with them the mandate of the people, has to take the lead over the other organs of the state in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people they represent, and try to become harbingers of change.
Rio also felt that the NERCPA may employ what is called “Parliamentary Diplomacy” to its best use, by joining the chorus with other institutions, on crucial matters affecting the region. He reminded the Parliamentarians not to forget the common culture, history, culture and also centuries of history of co-existence despite the inter-state disputes.
To promote and strengthen Parliamentary democracy of the North East region, Rio said that he visualizes a new role for NERCPA, as an agency for empowering youths, farmers and other entrepreneurs to become catalysts of change and development.
Rio said that the North-East region is full of potentialities and possibilities in the form of tourism, arts and crafts, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, aromatic and medicinal plants, rural industries and hydel power. In order to convert these inherent strengths into advantages and ‘economic benefits, “we need infrastructure for development, particularly good road, rail, water and air connectivity”, he said.
Rio suggested that the conference pass a resolution for strengthening the existing border trade points with Myanmar and Bangladesh by constructing proper highways connecting these stations from both sides of the border. He appealed to the Parliamentarians of the North East region to infuse more life into the NERCPA, so that this unique regional forum becomes a catalyst of change.
Rio released the NERCPA souvenir and formally declared the NERCPA deliberations open. Nagaland Speaker and Vice President, NERIPSTR, Kiyanilie delivered the welcome address, while Speaker, Tripura and Acting President NERCPA, R.C. Debnath delivered the presidential address.
The programme was followed by a plenary session, on the subject “Development of roads and communications opening border trade and commerce: a scheme for self employment – an instrument for solution of youth unrest”. speakers, deputy speakers, MLAs from the legislative assemblies of the North East, secretaries of legislative assemblies of the North East, and officers from state assemblies are attending the conference.
Kasom Khullen village appeals for release of Brown Tangkhul The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 4 (MExN): The Village Authority of Kasom Khullen today appealed to the NSCN (IM) authority to release Brown Tangkhul, prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of two children at Senapati, at the earliest without any conditions saying that he is innocent and that all his confessions about his involvement is a forced and dictated one.
A press release issued by the headman of Kasom Khullen Village, S Rathing, while urging for the release of Brown, stated that Brown Tangkhul was taken from his house on December 24, and taken into the custody of the NSCN (IM). The release stated that the NSCN (IM) had assured the family members of the suspect that the NSCN (IM) would handle the case of the kidnapping and murder of two children in Senapati, freely and judge accordingly
However, the release stated that on April 13 or 14 2007, Brown Tangkhul was compelled to confess of his involvement due to ‘heavy and unbearable’ torture ‘up to the extend of crushing his testis’. The release also stated that the suspect was ‘urged’ to name some friends and confess of his involvement, ‘though he is innocent’. The release also alleged that Brown Tangkhul was directed to confess that he took the ‘children’, received the ransom money and that he is the gang leader, and added that Brown Tangkhul agreed to the NSCN (IM) dictate simply because he could no more bear the ‘heavy tortures’.
“All these happening were briefed by S Shangchung Brown (full name of Brown Tangkhul) when we interacted him at Hebron Camp, Dimapur on 24/4/2007,” the release supported their allegations.
“We observed that S Shangchung Brown (Brown Tangkhul) confession was a forced and dictated confession and his is innocent…..we appeal to the NSCN (IM) authourity to release S Shangchung Brown without any conditions at the earliest,” appealed the release.
To support their stand that Brown Tangkhul is innocent, the release cited three instances where Brown Tangkhul has confessed his non-involvement in the case; January 14, 2007 at NSCN (IM) Hothrong Brigade Senapati, March 16, 2007 at Camp Hebron, he met his family members and also on April 4 2007, the Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development Association met Brown at Camp Hebron.
The release also strongly condemned the kidnapping and murder of the two school-going kids and at the same time condemned the burning of the houses at Senapati in connection with the case.
Are Nagas going mad in the Naga Hills?’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 4 (MExN): Condemning them, the ‘Naga International Support Center’ observed that in the last few weeks, major disturbances have taken place in the Naga hills: intensified fighting amongst Nagas themselves; the killing of innocent children and “the burning of Wungram village.”
“In Nagaland, cease fire tension is on the rise again. It is a tension with a long history which, time and again, flared with violence. On the surface this time it looks like it is a tension amongst Nagas themselves, a result of psychological side effects of war and uncertainty?” a note from the NISC stated reminding that many people have lost their lives in the bloodshed which started over 50 years ago and “tension and fear was instilled then.”
Now that the peace talks are deadlocked the Indian Government instigates with renewed drive its divide and rule policy, it maintained adding that for years, the leaders of the NSCN-IM had pointed out that the Indian Government played this devastating game of divide and rule “and they say this was only to be expected.”
The NSCN-K stated just after the “horrendous incidences” in Nagaland that it will not begin talks for peace as long as the NSCN-IM talks are on. “Yet without talks on conditions it extended their cease fire for another year. Were there no issues for them to talk about with the Government representatives now that Nagaland is burning? Should they not have brought that up or at least talk about safeguarding the Naga people during a cease fire?” the NISC queried. The NISC opined that ‘it is perhaps more important that the Government of India did not raise the inhumane issue of the Quit Notice by the NSCN-K against the entire Tangkhul tribe when talking about the extension.’
“The question is can a self-respecting government, any government, on the basis of human rights alone, be credible when it does not intervene? After all the Government of India claims that Nagaland is part of India so the (NSCN-K) and its quit notice is subjected to the Government of India. History shows when one people quits on another ethnic cleansing could be the result” it stated and lamented that GoI neither raised the question nor did it openly condemn it. “Also it did not call for the arrest of leaders of the K for this infringement of human rights. Does this mean that the Government of India encourages the NSCN-K?” the NISC queried.
It also took note of the Wungram incident which the NISC stated was carried out by a “wild mob” of a tribe and said to have been ordered by a local chief from the rampaging community “who has close relations with the K.”
“Of course things happened before the mob set fire to the village. But then, before going berserk a respectable and civilized community would want an investigation on the allegations made against members of the Wungram community” it stated.
The NISC called upon the authorities, “national” and local, to form an impartial team of investigators assigned to look into these issues. It recommended a body which is knowledgeable about the parties in conflict as well as the relations they have with the Government of India yet is capable of securing an impartial stand.
“NISC is convinced that this type of investigation will lead to the real culprits behind the atrocities they committed, their motivation and if they operated alone or were coerced to act for others. The question which remains now is: if the authorities themselves are guilty of instigating so the power of the NSCN-IM to operate as an equal partner at the negotiating table fades, will they allow an impartial investigation?” it added.
Death blow to Naga talks OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, May 2: The death of senior leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) Angelus Shimray in Dimapur last week has provided a setback to the Naga peace talks. The 62-year-old Shimray, who was suffering from cancer, “was a sensible man,” said a source, who is part of the peace talks with the rebels.
Shimray was a key man for both sides in the crucial negotiations. While he headed the NSCN’s “constitution drafting committee”, Shimray was seen by Delhi as the one capable of understanding the nuances of the Constitution. Shimray could have had a moderating effect in times of crises. “He knew the Constitution well,” said one official. For the outfit, the death of a man who was seen by many as a successor of sorts to Muivah has come as a shock. “It is a great loss,” said NSCN (I-M)’s convenor of the ceasefire monitoring group, Phunthing Shimrang.
Following the last round of talks in Delhi, the rebel group is in the process of drafting its own “constitution of Nagalim”, a source said. Though Shimray was seldom included in active negotiation, the Centre apparently thought of him as one who could save the situation when emotions overshadowed political pragmatism.
Earlier this year, Shimray and a few other leaders had reportedly visited the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea to study the Bougainville peace process. The Papua New Guinea parliament is reportedly thinking of allowing a referendum on full autonomy for the province. This was the second visit by NSCN (I-M) leaders to the island in the past five years.
In March when the outfit’s general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and chairman Isak Chishi Swu held talks with Oscar Fernandez and his group of ministers here, a proposal for studying the Constitution was made by the outfit, a source said. At the end of the study the outfit chalked out what was acceptable to it in the Constitution, what changes could be made vis-à-vis its demands and what was not acceptable to them, the source added.
The NSCN (I-M) wants a “special federal relationship” between “India and the Nagas”.
It is in the process of drafting a constitution that it sees as the blueprint for a proposed solution. A separate constitution is not acceptable to Delhi, a source here said.
Rio calls for bridging ‘constitutional divide’ The Morung Express
KOHIMA, MAY 4 (MExN): Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today pointed out that failure of the parliamentary system to appropriately include and reflect time-tested traditions, customs and aspiration of the people in systems of governance, would bring about ‘Constitutional divide’ between the people and the Government. “Unless the people are closer to the Government, democracy would be bereft of its spirit and meaning’, he said while addressing the members of legislatures and delegates during the 10th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference (NERCPA) which got underway today at the new Assembly Secretariat Complex, Kohima.
The Chief Minister also stated that in a constitutional democracy, the legislators who carry with them the mandate of the people, has to take the lead over the other organs of the state in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people they represent, and try to become harbingers of change.
Rio also felt that the NERCPA may employ what is called “Parliamentary Diplomacy” to its best use, by joining the chorus with other institutions, on crucial matters affecting the region. He reminded the Parliamentarians not to forget the common culture, history, culture and also centuries of history of co-existence despite the inter-state disputes. To promote and strengthen Parliamentary democracy of the North East region, Rio said that he visualizes a new role for NERCPA, as an agency for empowering youths, farmers and other entrepreneurs to become catalysts of change and development. Rio said that the North-East region is full of potentialities and possibilities in the form of tourism, arts and crafts, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, aromatic and medicinal plants, rural industries and hydel power. In order to convert these inherent strengths into advantages and ‘economic benefits, “we need infrastructure for development, particularly good road, rail, water and air connectivity”, he said.
Rio suggested that the conference pass a resolution for strengthening the existing border trade points with Myanmar and Bangladesh by constructing proper highways connecting these stations from both sides of the border. He appealed to the Parliamentarians of the North East region to infuse more life into the NERCPA, so that this unique regional forum becomes a catalyst of change. Rio released the NERCPA souvenir and formally declared the NERCPA deliberations open. Nagaland Speaker and Vice President, NERIPSTR, Kiyanilie delivered the welcome address, while Speaker, Tripura and Acting President NERCPA, R.C. Debnath delivered the presidential address.
The programme was followed by a plenary session, on the subject “Development of roads and communications opening border trade and commerce: a scheme for self employment – an instrument for solution of youth unrest”. speakers, deputy speakers, MLAs from the legislative assemblies of the North East, secretaries of legislative assemblies of the North East, and officers from state assemblies are attending the conference.
Dangerous Affairs Editorial The Morung Express
The upsurge of factional clashes after a period of lull is once again becoming a matter of concern for peace loving citizens. Unfortunately for everyone including the State government, there is nothing much that can be done except make the same reiterations—reminding New Delhi on revamping the ceasefire ground rules and appealing to the Naga factions to stop abetting violence. At the end it appears to be that the concerned authorities—the Government of India and even the NSCNs—are not in control of the situation allowing it to drift towards a point of no return. At least people had expected the Naga groups to show more restraint and uphold the strong sentiments for peace building. Given this dangerous trend of all the concerned parties refusing to entertain the peaceful resolution of the intending conflict, the Naga people can only wonder in awe as to what is fundamentally wrong with the current peace process itself and whether the ceasefire is a ploy to prolong the conflict and create more ruckus within the dynamics of factional politics.
For the government of India and its agencies a clear message has to be conveyed i.e. to stop fomenting trouble and instead work to bring about an honourable and permanent solution acceptable to all sections of the Naga people. And the foremost thing that it needs to do is to revamp the ceasefire ground rules. It has been observed that factional clashes in the State are occurring due to the underground groups not staying in their respective designated camps. It is therefore suggested that such designated camps be identified immediately and the UG cadres be asked to stay in their respective designated camps. Delhi should not drag its foot on this issue any longer if it is sincere in the peaceful resolution of the Naga problem. Further, the State government has already called for an “implementing mechanism” to the ceasefire ground rules. This is extremely important if the same is to be observed in both letter and in spirit.
On its part, the warring Naga underground factions should show greater political maturity to work in cohesion in order that the rights of the people can be respected and honoured as a legitimate claim in the eyes of the world and India. It has been rightly pointed out by the UK based Naga Solidarity Group that in order to legitimize the Naga political rights in the world community, Naga national groups are encouraged to resolve their differences through peaceful means. And this can be achieved only if the Naga underground groups give up violence against each other and stand together on a common platform and thereby allowing the transformation of the current volatile situation into a more comprehensive and stable peace process that is people-based, non-violent and democratic thereby reflecting the sentiments, values and principles important to all Nagas—to establish a genuinely pluralistic political society, in which all individuals and groups are free to engage in peaceful competition for political power through non-violent democratic means.
Centre out to divide the Nagas: NSCN(I-M) Chairman Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, May 4::Although the Centre has opted for a negotiated settlement to solve the Naga issue, it is primarily working to divide the population on communal lines, NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chisi has alleged.
The Centre's "tactical policy" on the whole issue had not been changed, Chisi told a two-day party meeting at its headquarters 'Camp Hebron', near Dimapur yesterday.

"Their ambition is to divide the Nagas on communal lines using selfish individuals as their tools," he said. The chairman, however, said that NSCN(I-M) was committed to live in peace and harmony and fight along with other struggling groups in the region against the "common enemy".

Referring to the recent reports of abuse of power by some members, he regretted that indiscipline, selfishness and immorality of a section of NSCN(I-M) members were eroding the strength of the organisation and called for a deep introspection.

According to a release issued by information and publicity wing of NSCN (I-M), the chairman asked the members "have you not abused the power and authority granted on you by heaven and the people of Nagaland?

"Why not look deep within you and acknowledge the presence of subtle hatred, envy, selfishness, arrogance and avarice against your co-workers, not to mention the same against the civilian population," he said. (Bureau Report)
Factions clash; trade charges Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAY03 [NPN] : After a brief lull, rival NSCN factions again clashed Thursday at Nikhekhu village under Niuland sub-division, some 20 km from Dimapur town. The NSCN (K) has claimed that one rival member was killed and another one injured in the clash. However, the NSCN (I-M) has denied any of its men were killed or injured. According to sources, the clash started when the NSCN (I-M) men had gone to confront the rival members who were camped at Nikhekhu village since Tuesday night.

The exchange of fire, which started around 4 a.m and lasted for about three hours, was brought to a temporary halt after the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) officials and area public leaders intervened and urged both the factions to withdraw from the village. However, the clash resumed in the afternoon at around 2.30 and lasted for about thirty minutes. Unconfirmed reports also said one NSCN (I-M) man was beaten up by the area public and his weapon seized after the latter reportedly threatened the public. Meanwhile, both the factions have blamed each other for igniting the clash. Supervisor, UT-1 NSCN (K), Akato Chophi told Nagaland Post over phone that Thursday's clash was a result of the rival faction trying to avenge the Wungram Colony incident by targeting Nikhekhu village.

Akato however said the NSCN (K) men withdrew from the village after listening to the pleas of the Sumi public leaders and villagers and since the NSCN (K) did not want the village to be destroyed or burnt down. "We came for peace. If our intention was for offensive, we would have entered other I-M populated villages, not Nikhekhu where the I-M does not have a single presence," he said. "We may not have a very big presence in Dimapur like I-M, but we have a very big presence in the hearts of the people and that to us is what matters the most," he added. The UT-1 supervisor further said "we have entered Dimapur through the heart of the people and we seek their support in liberating Dimapur from foreign yoke. Dimapur should belong to the people and we will see that the people take over Dimapur."

On the other hand, the MIP/NSCN (I-M) in a press release said the NSCN (K) had forcefully intruded into Nikhekhu village on May 2 morning and started occupying houses, dug bunkers and built defences. "At 11 p.m. on that day, 'SS Maj' Vikato announced challenges upon the Naga army of armed confrontation and subsequently threatened the villagers through a hand-mike saying that if the inhabitants leave the village, their houses will be burnt down and they will be shot," the NSCN (I-M) release said. Consequently, the Naga Army came forward at around 4.30 a.m the next day to evict the "insensitive anti-people elements and return normalcy in the area," the NSCN (I-M) said and added that in the "flush-out process," the rival members were "cornered behind human shield" and later escaped towards the Assam Rifles camp with AR personnel coming in between. "There remains to speculate why the Khaplang boys happen to always appear with their 'terror permeating' strategies under the shadow of the Assam Rifles or the IRB which continues, though refuted," the release added.
Naga body appeals for lifting quit notice The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 4: Expressing serious concern over the adverse development taking place in the Naga society, the Naga Forum, Delhi has stated that the incidents happening in Nagaland particularly the issuing of quit notice to a particular family of the Naga family is painful.

In a statement, Forum president and member of Lok Sabha Mani Charen-amei said it is unfortunate that some of the recent events in the Naga society have explicitly manifested the symptoms of self destruction. Such incidents within the Naga family have projected the Nagas in a very poor light. It would be too much a price to pay for the Nagas to barter their hard earned struggle into tribalism, regionalism and personnel gratification.

Wouldn’t it be inhuman for any cultured and civilised community to issue Quit notice to own family members, whatever, valid reason it might be ?, he asked adding that there is little evidence to show that issues have been resolved through resorting to such means as it is happening.
The MP said in no way differences of opinion are anathemas to any sort of struggle, however, discourse and dialogue has remained the most viable approach to resolve any issue irrespective of how sensitive and difficult the problem may appear to be.

With the hope to save the future generation and to secure Naga society denigrating further, a clarion call is needed to free the Naga society from personnel; ego, pride, corruption and selfishness, the MP said while observing that at the right earnest, before one starts thinking to reform the society, there is a serious and urgent need to reform from within.

The Naga Forum, Delhi also appealed to the leadership of NSCN (K) to with- draw the quite notice against the Tangkhul community ‘who are out own brothers not by choice but by blood’.
Morung, Ruivah question Governor on Naga issue The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 3: In an unexpected turn of event on the first day of the first full session of the Manipur legislative Assembly today, two of the Naga independent candidates who participated in the discussion on the Governor`s address to the House on March 16, called for an amendment of the address on the plea that his assurance of Manipur`s territorial integrity was against the spirit of the Naga peace talks.Independent MLA from Chingai AC of Ukhrul district, Dr. Khasim Ruivah, taking part in the discussion on the Governor`s address categorically drew the attention of the House to the seeming contradictions which he along with several other MLAs of the state noticed. He said during their oath taking they swore allegiance to the protection of the country`s territorial integrity, while in the Governor`s address there was mention of the protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur only. this he said was contrary to the national ideology hence the governor`s address needed to be amended.

He also said there is a complete failure in implementation of Border Area Development Programme in his constituency as no physical activities under this programme could be seen in the sub-division. His constituency lies at the extreme border of Myanmar in Ukhrul district, he added. Later, independent candidate from Tengnoupal AC, Morung Makunga while participating in the discussion charged the state government of complete failure in framing clear cut policies to solve the burning insurgency problem in the state. This was reflected in the Governor`s address to the House he added. He said the invitation and offer of talks to all insurgency groups operating in the state in the Governor`s address would have little meaning as long as the government does not change its stand on the territorial integrity of Manipur on the one hand, and on the other, holding peace talks with the NSCN(IM) under the framework of the Indian Constitution to end the 60 years struggle of the Nagas. Morung Makunga also argued that the Governor`s address would be better amended in this regard if the state really wanted to find a solution to the burning insurgency problem in the state.
Naga MLAs question Governor on integration Imphal Free Press
Imphal In an unexpected turn of events on the first day of the first full session of the Manipur legislative Assembly yesterday, two Naga independent candidates who participated in the discussion on the Governor’s address to the House on March 16, called for an amendment of the address on the plea that his assurance of Manipur’s territorial integrity was against the spirit of the Naga peace talks.
Independent MLA from Chingai AC of Ukhrul district, Dr. Khasim Ruivah, taking part in the discussion on the Governor’s address categorically drew the attention of the House to the seeming contradictions which he along with several other MLAs of the state noticed.
He said during their oath-taking they swore allegiance to the protection of the country’s territorial integrity, while in the Governor’s address there was mention of the protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur only. This, he said, was contrary to ‘the national ideology’ hence the Governor’s address needed to be amended.
He also said there is a complete failure in implementation of Border Area Development Programme in his constituency as no physical activities under this programme could be seen in the sub-division. His constituency lies at the extreme border of Myanmar in Ukhrul district, he added. Later, independent candidate from Tengnoupal AC, Morung Makunga while participating in the discussion charged the state government of complete failure in framing clear cut policies to solve the burning insurgency problem in the state. This was reflected in the Governor’s address to the House he added. He said the invitation and offer of talks to all insurgency groups operating in the state in the Governor’s address would have little meaning as long as the government does not change its stand on the territorial integrity of Manipur on the one hand, and on the other, holding peace talks with the NSCN (IM) under the framework of the Indian Constitution to end the 60 years struggle of the Nagas. Morung Makunga also argued that the Governor’s address would be better amended in this regard if the state really wanted to find a solution to the burning insurgency problem in the state.
"North-East has highest percentage of working women" The Hindu
Shillong, May 4 (PTI): A national sample survey found that the north-eastern region had the highest percentage of working women in rural and urban areas.
A Press Information Bureau (PIB) press release said here today that the highest percentage of working women in rural areas was in Nagaland (50.4 per cent), while Mizoram had the largest percentage of women workers in urban areas.
The percentage of women workers in the rural areas increased from 29.9 per cent in 1999-2000 to 32.7 per cent in 2004-05 in the country," the release said adding that in case of urban women, the percentage of women employed in jobs went up by just 2.7 per cent, up from 13.9 per cent in 1999-2000 to 16.6 per cent in 2004-05. The study also pointed out that a greater percentage of rural women were employed compared to their urban counterparts, even as the number of the women workers in the country showed an increase of 3 per cent.
ULFA cadres romancing Bhutanese girls The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, May 4 (PTI): Militancy and romance do not go together, they say. But ULFA insurgents appear to be an exception, with many of them having love affairs with girls from neighbouring Bhutan and some even wanting to marry them. These facts have come to light through the diary of the man in charge of ULFA’s 709 battalion in lower Assam, Commander Hira Sarania.
The diary, now in possession of the army, reveals that some of the cadres not only had affairs with girls from the Himalayan Kingdom, where the ULFA had set up camps, but were even keen to tie the knot. Physical relationship was, however, strongly frowned upon by the ULFA leadership, who punished the cadres for their misdemeanour in various ways as evident in the diary, defence sources said.
However, ULFA’s rule of punishing its own men for being involved in a relationship or for wanting to get married is in direct conflict with the punishment it often metes out to normal youths who fail to translate their romance into marriage honourably. Also, there are instances in which the banned organisation has shaved the heads of people and made them to kneel down on roads for being in an inebriated condition.
The underground group had also earlier unsuccessfully attempted to regulate sale of alcohol in the state by fixing the time of business for liquor shops and bars, the sources said. This romantic side of the ULFA also militates against its assumed role of a moral police and taking upon itself the unsolicited onus of taking the people of Assam to their “liberation from India,” sources said.
Khasis concerned about declining birth rates Newmai News Network
Shillong The chief executive member of the Khasi Hills District Council (KHADC) H.S.Shylla has urged the state health machineries ‘not to encourage family planning’ in the state run health centers.
Addressing a function of the State health department Shylla stated, “Though the state health centers should provide the people with proper and better health care, yet it should not be an institution to encourage family planning”.
“We should allow people to bear more children to ensure that the identity of the khasi race is protected”, stated Shylla, while referring to the 10-12 lakhs khasi population of being vulnerable to being swamp by other infringing communities.
“If we can have a population of 30 lakhs in 15 years then the khasis are assured of the existence in the centuries to come”, further observed Shylla in his exhortation to the health officials ‘that they rather gave good care to those mothers of many children and their new born siblings’.
Shylla statement in a government function is reiteration to his stand as the District Council chief. It may be reminded that Shylla has felicitated and gave cash awards to parents who gave birth to 15 children and his search for more such family is still on.
NDFB whiff in Ram drama The Morung Express
New Delhi, May 4 (Telegraph): The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) may have been ULFA’s ally in the abduction of P.C. Ram.
Since tactical associations, including financial transactions, between militant groups of the Northeast are common, the possibility of ULFA and a section of the NDFB collaborating in the abduction of the Food Corporation of India executive director is being investigated.
“About a week ago, we found information indicating the NDFB’s involvement,” said a source in one of the security agencies providing inputs to the investigation team.
One of the reasons for suspecting the NDFB’s hand in the abduction is the confirmation that Ram’s abductors whisked him away to a Bodo-dominated area of Lower Assam. However, the issue is being handled with caution because Delhi and Dispur’s ceasefire with the NDFB expires in a month’s time.
Collaborations between militant groups, irrespective of their goals, are as old as militancy itself. The nexus between the United National Liberation Front of Manipur and the NSCN (Khaplang) or the proximity between the Dima Halam Daoga (Jewel Gorlosa) and the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) have long been confirmed.
While an Assam-based outfit may approach the Achik National Volunteers’ Council — active in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya — for help in transit to Bangladesh, the NSCN (K) comes into play when the same group requires access to Myanmar or a base in that country.
In some cases, an outfit that dominates a particular area grants “extortion rights” to an armed group from another state. The NSCN (I-M), for instance, has been accused of allowing the Manipur-based People’s United Liberation Front to collect “tax” from Muslim traders in Dimapur.
It is in this light that security agencies are investigating the NDFB’s probable nexus with ULFA, particularly in Ram’s abduction.
The head of the FCI’s regional office was abducted from Guwahati on April 17 along with his driver Rabiram Basumatary. The abductors freed Basumatary on April 22, but there is still no trace of Ram. Suspicion about the NDFB’s involvement has only complicated the case.
The NDFB’s ceasefire agreement with Delhi is due for an extension on May 31, but the general feeling is that the outfit has been breaching its commitment to the truce far too often. On April 24, NDFB leader Govinda Basumatary and his associates held talks with officials of the Union home ministry. The outfit was asked to keep its members confined to designated camps.