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05/07/2007: "NSCN-IM, PCPIA seek solution to border dispute City Correspondent Assam Tribune"

NSCN-IM, PCPIA seek solution to border dispute City Correspondent Assam Tribune

GUWAHATI, May 6 — The NSCN (IM) and the Peoples’ Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) have jointly called for a peaceful solution to the long-standing border dispute between Assam and Nagaland and for strengthening the bond of brotherhood between the people of the two neighbouring States. In a communiqué issued to the press, the functionaries of PCPIA, the conglomerate of 27 organizations, have stated that as a step towards strengthening unity and solidarity between the people of Nagaland and Assam, they have initiated parleys with the leaders of NSCN (IM).

Both side met at the headquarters of the NSCN (IM), i.e. Hebron on Saturday and discussed several issues including the border dispute. Top leaders of NSCN (IM) Isak Swu and T Muivah discussed at length various issues with the office bearers of PCPIA. According to PCPIA convenor Birinchi Neog, the two sides agreed to work jointly towards building unity between the neighbouring States. Neog further informed that the parties also took the decision to continue with the dialogue. It may be mentioned here that many functionaries of NSCN (IM) were present at the discussion. The PCPIA was represented by a 11-member delegation.

‘Socialist spirit sustains and governs world’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 6 (MExN): Preaching the socialist ideology advocated by the NSCN (IM) to its rank and file of the organisation, a top official of the underground outfit said that the socialist spirit governs and sustains the world and that it is the dynamic force behind the creation of nation-states. Secretary of the Steering Committee NSCN (IM), Rh Raising while delivering a speech on ‘Council line during the Annual Council meeting held in May 2007’, at Camp Hebron, said that whether one admits it or not, the world is being governed and sustained by the socialist spirit, without which the world might have crumbled to many pieces, stated a press statement of his speech received here from the NSCN (IM).
He asserted in his speech that socialist spirit is the universal mind that sustains the world, and that man being created to be social being, is a part of society nation and the universe.
“We cannot see any other dynamic force behind the creation of nation-states than the socialist spirit” said Raising in the press note and added that the spirit is not foreign to the Nagas since the Nagas are socialist oriented people. In this respect, the NSCN (IM) Steering Committee Secretary said that every member of the NSCN (IM) must be able to identify himself with the Naga national mind and global mind as well. “We must belong to the whole because we are part of the whole by nature, not by choice” he added.
Raising said that the people are saying that they do not see any socialist element in many members of the NSCN (IM), therefore in this respect, he said that the NSCN (IM) members must have the courage to break through the shells of individualism, materialism, divisionism and tribalism etc so that they become socialist persons. Dwelling deeper in this point, Raising said that a socialist does not love one section of people and hates the other and added that a socialist person is a common wealth of the Naga people. “Our people believe that that every member of NSCN is a common wealth of the Naga people” said Raising.
Change or perish
Rh Raising also said that the NSCN (IM) is witnessing a moral degeneration and that they must either change or perish. Change, he said begins from the individual and personal change precedes organizational change. He said that life lies in the seed so the seed of ‘free Nagalim’ is within the Nagas and added that the NSCN (IM) must be the ‘seed’.
Be revolutionary
Rh Raising urged the members of the NSCN (IM) to be revolutionary, however, he lamented that many NSCN (IM) members are not revolutionary. He fears that if the NSCN (IM) stops to be a revolutionary organisation, then another organisation more revolutionary than the NSCN (IM) would over take it. He said that Nagaland calls for revolution in all field be it learning, construction and recreation of Naga history and transformation of ‘swamps’ into ‘oasis’ in Nagaland, however, he said that it demands ‘quality’ and not number of persons. Participation in a revolution, according to Raising, is a life time job and not a part time one, a mission and not a career. He said that revolution moves the world and that it is an ever growing creative sprit, “Let us therefore be revolutionary” he maintained.
Delimitation without increase in Assembly seats meaningless The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 6 (MExN): The present proposal to bring about delimitation of assembly constituencies without increasing the number of assembly seats is a meaningless exercise, according to the Founder and Advisor of the GB/Village Federation of Nagaland, Dimapur.
A press release issued by TL Angami, Founder and Advisor of the GB/Village Federation of Nagaland, Dimapur, stated that ‘past history have clearly shown that Mokokchung constituency only 900 population at the time of first delimitation in Nagaland inspite of which it was granted a separate constituency. No other attempt was ever made to amalgamate it with other tribal area, thus the first elected member from Mokokchung Town A/Constituency won with a mere 300 votes, Angami stated and added that ‘rightly or wrongly it was correct not to club it with other tribe when there are enough seats to share.
Standing on that point of view, Angami contended that the same yardstick should be applied even today instead of clubbing a portion of one tribal area with another.
“Why should we put two tribes in a house in the name of delimitation, and without increasing the Assembly Constituency in Nagaland, the present practice of delimitation in Nagaland is meaningless,” argued TL Angami.
He stated that the Indian government is aware that the ‘majority of Nagas are happy to be in the Government of Nagaland under the protection of Article 371-A of the Indian constitution and for which the government of India or the Election Commission of India may like to increase at least 20-25 Assembly Constituencies in Nagaland to meet the demands of the Nagas instead of creating any further problems.’
TL Angami also stated that delimitation of constituencies will disturb the tribal balance of the Naga society and bring about unbearable burden within the Naga tribal society. Such steps under any law, be it Indian or other ‘more civilized nation’ will only bring about chaos in the well-knitted social fabric of the unity in diversity in the tapestry of Naga social system, he contended.
Angami also pointed out that the Naga tribes have their own jurisdiction and normally do not cross their boundary to seek remedies from others except in time of emergencies, thus, joining a portion of one tribe with another will render the minor partner without nay voice, he stated and summarized that under such circumstances, it would be more advantageous to remain within one’s own tribe whatever be the compulsion.
India prods Myanmar on rebel hunt Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, May 6 (NPN): India is reportedly pressurizing the Myanmarese military junta to crack down on the militants of north-east taking refuge in that country.
Talking to Nagaland Post on Sunday on condition of anonymity, a defence source said the issue of insurgency was discussed threadbare by both India and Myanmar during the 30th Bi-annual Liaison Meeting of army officials of the two countries in Kolkata.
A fifteen-member delegation of the Myanmarese Army had recently visited army headquarters at Rangapahar, Tezpur and Kolkata and held discussions on wide ranging issues.
"During the meeting in Kolkata, India said it will give arms to Myanmar but the neighbouring country must launch an operation against the north-east militants," the source said. It added Myanmar was yet to take any decision in this regard. Earlier during his visit to Rangapahar, Defence Minister AK Antony had said that India's offer of military assistance to Myanmar was part of the effort to boost ties with the neighbouring nation.
It may be mentioned that hundreds of cadres belonging to ULFA, NSCN (K) and some Manipur-based outfits are currently holed up in Myanmar.
Sources said since India desperately wanted an offensive by the Myanmarese Army against the NE rebels, it was currently focused on improving its relations with Myanmar.
Earlier, experts including some high-ranking retired Indian Army officials had opined that India must improve its diplomatic ties with Myanmar if it wanted to contain insurgency from across the border. Later, President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and the three service chiefs had visited the neighbouring country.
Sources linked these visits and also the Indo-Myanmar Army car rally to India's effort to win the confidence of the country and persuade it to conduct an operation against the NE ultras.
ANSAM appeals The Tangkhul Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 6: The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has requested all its federating units and associate units to attend the five day long 22nd general conference of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) at Punanamei near Mao Gate which kick starts from May 8.

ANSAM general secretary Asinpou Riamei appealed all its members and federating units to extend fullest co-operation to the programme. This year’s conference has been hosted by the Mao Student Union. Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS)’s newly elected president J.Phungcham has called upon all the TKS units to support and work towards strenthening the Tangkhul students’ body and to bring conducive atmosphere within the students’ body.

J.Phungcham expressed hopes that in the near future there will be better and stable administration in the affairs of the TKS. The Tangkhul students president then said that any financial transaction related to the TKS matter cannot be done without the prior approval and consent of the president. The TKS then appreciated the BRTF for the commemdable repairing work of road that has been going on between Imphal and Ukhrul.

Nagaland Armed Police man held, ammo seized Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 6 — In a major breakthrough, the Government Railway Police (GRP) today arrested Bimal Kumar (36), a cook with the 5th Nagaland Armed Police and recovered 95 rounds of ammunition of 303 rifle and 9 mm pistol from his possession in the Brahmaputra Express here at 12:15 pm at the Guwahati railway station. The arrest of the Nagaland Armed Police employee has brought to fore the existence of a hidden nexus between the culprit and some of the terrorist groups like Ranvir Sena, which is very active in Uttar Pradesh. “He was carrying the ammunition to his home State Uttar Pradesh, and the existence of a nexus with the active terrorist groups in UP cannot be ruled out,” said a senior GRP official.

“We are combing for more clues in this regard and are hopeful that something concrete would definitely come up after interrogation,” said the official. Bimal Kumar, who hails from Balika district of UP, joined Nagaland Police as a cook in the year 1996. Meanwhile, KK Nath, officer-in-charge, GRP said that the investigation is on and taking into account the seriousness of the crime, “we are investigating the case with every possible angle.”
Rio calls for a common vision for NE States– PTI
KOHIMA, May 6 – There should be a long-term common minimum programme among the north-eastern States for sustainable peace, development and democracy in the region, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said. “The aspirations of the people of the region will acquire a new clout only when we can speak in one voice, which can be heard promptly and know how to leverage our economic and strategic importance,” Rio said while inaugurating the 10th North-eastern Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, here on Friday.

The three-day conference, attended by Speakers, Deputy Speakers and legislators of eight NEC member states, made development of roads and communication, opening of border trade and commerce as main theme of the deliberation.

Highlighting the possible economic benefits occurred to the region from the Centre’s ‘Look East’ policy, the Chief Minister suggested to pass a resolution for strengthening of the existing border trade points with Maynamar and Bangladesh by developing necessary infrastructure.

He called upon the lawmakers to give more thrust to NERCPA “so that this unique regional forum becomes a catalyst for change”.

Despite having mechanism like North Eastern Council (NEC) to look after the development aspects in the region, an institution like NERCPA “may put, what is called, parliamentary diplomacy to its best use” to solve crucial issues which plagued the states of the region, Rio said.

In this context he called upon parliamentarians to actively co-operate with each other in resolving the inter-State disputes. “We should not forget that we have our common culture, history and identity and also centuries of history of co-existence,” Rio said.
Fratricidal struggle Assam Tribune Editorial
Peace is eluding Nagaland inspite of cease-fire agreement between the Union Government and the insurgent groups, due to fratricidal killings between the two insurgent groups spearheading Naga independence movement, namely NSCN(IM) and NSCN(Khaplang). While NSCN(IM) is now engaged in a protracted negotiation with the representatives of the Government of India,theNSCN(Khaplang) group has intensified their operation targeting the leaders of the NSCN(IM) and also issued a blanket order to eliminate the members of their rival group, deputing several hit men to implement the order. During the last fortnight several militants of both the groups were killed in Zunheboto, Dimapur and Kohima sending a shock wave among the peace loving people of Nagaland.Localism (love for villages) and tribalism (placing tribes before the large collectivity) are identified as hindering developments of a Naga identity and bringing them under one greater Nagalim though the church leaders and other NGOs have been trying hard to reconcile the differences between the tribes. The Cease Fire Monitoring Group which met after a gap of five years appealed to both the groups to adhere to the truce ground rules. The State government has expressed its limitation in directly intervening and engaged church leaders and NGOs to negotiate with the militant groups. The veteran Naga politician and presently Governor of Goa has expressed his anguish and concern over Nagas killing Nagas which he termed as self destructive which would never bring peace, unity or solution. His sane voice should have sobering effect on the two warring groups and they should get rid of parochial ideas. Such fissiparous trends would also influence the peace dialogue now carried on by the NSCN(IM) faction with the representatives of the Government of India as any settlement with this group may not be acceptable to the rival NSCN(Khaplang) group.The Shillong Accord of 1975 with the Naga National Council was repudiated by the trinity-Issac Chisi Swu ,Thuingaleng Muivah and Khaplang who broke away from the NNC and formed the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland and continued their armed struggle for the last thirty years or more.This is a lesson which the representatives of the Centre must keep in mind.
Message of Goodwill and Support from Th. Muivah, General Secretary of the NSCN, to the Council of Khalistan, Delegates at the Khalistan Conference held at Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Shaheed, Birmingham, United Kingdom on 6 May 2007 and to the Sikh Nation as a whole

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Nagalim!

At a time when both our respective nations are engaged in a noble, legitimate and just struggle for our freedom and national rights, it gives me great pleasure to pass on a message of friendship and support on the occasion of the Khalistan Conference being held in Birmingham, UK on 6th May 2007. I sincerely hope that your Conference will be successful and that you will be stronger and closer to your goal as a result.

The Naga people fully recognise the Sikh Nation's right to live in a sovereign independent Khalistan in their homeland in Punjab. This is your right as enshrined in international law. Self-determination is the most fundamental of all human rights and, as we have seen to our terrible cost, all other human rights can be readily abused by an oppressive state when self-determination is denied.

The world community is also fully aware of your cause and we must now unite in our efforts to fully explain how the state of India's colonialist approach towards Nagalim, Khalistan, Kashmir and other regions has cost many hundreds of thousands of innocent lives and the denial of freedom itself.

India has, within the international arena, sought to brand our peoples as the aggressors but nothing could be further from the truth. It is not we who at any time militarily occupied the homelands of freedom loving nations; it is not we who had committed genocide; it is not we who illegally appropriated the precious natural resources of others; it is not we who enacted brutal laws which defy internationally accepted standards of human rights; it is not we who started a potentially devastating nuclear arms race to South Asia. With a record such as this India does not deserve to be described as a democracy and certainly should not secure membership in the UN Security Council. We will therefore stand with you in the international community in upholding freedom. We stand with you in calling for those responsible for the genocide in Punjab over the last 25 years or so to be brought to justice.

The Naga Nation has sought to pursue its goals through peaceful means by entering into a ceasefire with India and pursuing negotiations which will secure the sovereign position of our Nation. The world is witness to the fact that India has recognised our unique history as a Nation, but yet stalls on delivering any meaningful solution to give effect to our national rights. The current dialogue is in limbo purely for this reason. Meanwhile the Indians sponsor splits in our people and aims to maintain its hold on Nagalim by force. We are aware of similar divide and rule tactics being used amongst the Sikhs and others as well.

Ultimately, these tactics will fail as the urge for freedom is too great to contain. The God-fearing nations of this world will emerge to win their freedom from Indian colonialism. We must however work together in taking forward our struggles. In the international arena we can and must stand as one and expose the injustice and brutality of the oppressor. I look forward to working with you and with others who share the aim of freedom, dignity and security in our respective homelands.

Let me also pass on my sincere condolences on the death of Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan. He was admired by so many across the world for his personal sacrifices and his determination to liberate Khalistan. As a former Finance Minister of Punjab, he had the opportunity to be part of the establishment but decided to forgo those benefits and work for his Nation, being forced to live in exile for some twenty years. He rightly recognised the dangers faced by the Sikhs in India well before the inhuman military assault carried out by the Indian army on the Golden Temple complex and Punjab generally in June 1984. He was recognised internationally as a leader who gave the Sikhs political direction at a critical time in their history. The greatest tribute to him will of course be the fulfilment of his vision and I wish success in that endeavour.

Thank you and God bless!

Th. Muivah

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NOTE: We express our gratitude to Professor Timothy Kaping, President, Naga Support Group (UK) for taking the trouble to read the above message on behalf of General Secretary Th. Muivah.

MIP, GPRN
Tribal Vertigo: Exploring the Origin of Tribes Among Nagas (By Tezenlo Thong)
Kuknalim.com

The term “tribe” has never been used in a positive sense. It is, from the very inception, laden with a pejorative overtone.

For instance, Western social theorists have used tribe to refer to the earliest stage of human social development that is primitive, savage and far from sophisticated. Today, in international political discourse, the word “tribalism” has come to mean chaos, lawlessness or destabilization. Unfortunately, tribal situations, such as we have among contemporary Nagas, do not offer any positive image as a refutation against the stereotype. Lately, tribal consciousness has become all the more manifest and detrimental among the Nagas. Therefore, at this crucial juncture in our history, when almost everything in our social relationship is tied to the reality of the existence of tribes among us, we need to reexamine the origin of tribes and its negative impacts on us.

At the outset, let me assert that the term “tribe” did not exist in the dictionary of Nagas. If any Naga community has it today, like many other words, the term is likely to be a later formation. I do not believe that a vocabulary equivalent to the concept of tribe as we know today existed in any Naga language in the pre-colonial period. The term “tribe”, which has come to be used very frequently amongst us and without serious thoughts on its ramifications, is an externally imposed category with specific intent and purpose. It is, among many others, a colonial construct imposed on us. Put it differently, tribal consciousness among the Nagas or any “tribal” peoples is one of the lingering colonial legacies still with us. It derives not only its terminology but also its divisive, demoralizing and denigrating force from colonialism. As for the Nagas, six decades after the departure of the colonizers, “tribalism” still lives on among us and casts negative impacts on our relationship. It continues to create among us opposing ideas of “our tribe” and “their tribe” or “them” and “us.” Tribalism or tribal favoritism has come to color or taint everything among the Nagas, be it employment, economic and development opportunities, politics or aspiration for political emancipation.

Scholars believe that the term “tribe” has no consistent meaning; rather, it carries misleading historical and cultural assumptions. For these and other reasons, some indigenous scholars resist the use of the word. John Bodley, a well-respected anthropologist put it well when he said, “In the modern world, the term tribal is even more problematic because…. [‘Tribes’] often were created by colonial governments as political units, with ‘chiefs’ appointed for administrative purposes. In some areas, tribe is used as a self-designation by indigenous peoples, although other may reject it as derogative or divisive.” J.P. Mills, who was once a colonial administrator over Nagas, came close to, at least implicitly, saying that Nagas did not have tribes. He said, “The Naga social unit is not the tribe, but the village. Confederacies of villages may be formed, but they are usually ephemeral…. Few villages have real chiefs.” The word “tribe” has colonial derivation, which was projected into our psyche and is now deeply engraved in our brain. We then play out this imagery in our day-to-day relationship, which is destructive for a healthy and peaceful co-existence. Let us, therefore, do away with this falsified imagery of tribe/tribalism and construct a model that would help us unite and stand together. Because tribe is just a mental representation or symbol, a terminology and concept that we think is real - but is not.

Classification or categorization of the “Other” was a common attribute of classical colonialism, because being able to classify under a certain taxonomy or rubric, among other things, made colonial control and manipulation easier. The naming of the Nagas as “Nagas” and then segmenting us into different “tribes” is foreign to us both in concept and in terminology. Unlike Nagas, Western culture has the practice of naming every thing, such as hurricanes, warships, military operations, etc. Naming, therefore, is very much a Western cultural phenomenon, a child of the European Enlightenment, because naming name and describing “it” gives power and control. If you have the name and the ability to explain it, you have “knowledge” over it, and you become an “authority”. Wherever colonizers went, they named or renamed names, classified, categorized, divided and ruled over the natives. Hence, the old cliché, “divide and rule.”

I’d love to be able to speak with someone in my native language and share my cultural distinctiveness, such as my “tribal” food, with another person of the same ability and taste. And there is nothing wrong with that. However, once I begin to privilege and favor someone because we speak the same language or we belong to the same “tribe”, the harmony or goodwill of my larger community is undermined and betrayed. Most Nagas profess to be Christians, but it is obvious that we have not been truly converted from our tribal biases and prejudices. That is why we keep on seeing ugly expressions of tribalism that deeply hurt our social relationship and reinforce and sustain the colonial image that Nagas are wild, violent and barbaric.

When we Nagas set out of our homeland, we are treated as Nagas, not as someone belonging to this or that tribe. We are not discriminated against as a member of a particular group. Rather, each of us is perceived and treated as a Naga. This experience should help us to carry ourselves and our image both within and outside the state as Nagas, not as a member of a specific tribal group. For Nagas, as a minority and “tribal” people, our problem is not only political. We have numerous other issues that we need to confront unitedly, not as several fragmented and undermined forces. Whether it is in relation to political, social or economic issue, it does not serve us and our cause well when we engage in tribal consciousness or tribal favoritism and carry that mentality with us in our day-to-day dealings and association with one another. What good does it do if one tribe prospered and another one suffered? Such power and economic disparity will only bring communal misery and accentuate tribal hatred and division. In order to live in a more peaceful and equitable society, we need to march and prosper together as ONE Nagas, not as Naga tribes or Naga factions.
Nagaland to explore thermal generation To meet with DONER, NEC this month Al Ngullie The Morung Express
Dimapur Rattled out of its daylights by one of the worst ever power crises in recent years, the Nagaland government has finally decided to explore ‘heat’ and cease depending on ‘water’: the government is already into drawing up a plan exploring thermal-based power generation as an alternative to the current monsoon-dependent Hydro-based generators.
Logistical explorations – “rough idea” for now – are already underway involving a coordination of both the department of power and the department of Geology & Mining. The thermal specifics? Coal and heavy fuel-based generation. The two were specific as the most feasible alternatives over hydro-generators for reasons of availability in local specifications. To this effect, the government is set to meet with the ministry of Development of North East Region (DONER) and the North East Council (NEC) this month to press for the matter. It was also informed that out of the Rs. 121 Crores sanctioned for a thermal feeder infrastructure in Dimapur, Rs. 90 Crores is yet to be sanctioned by the Center. Nonetheless, the Dimapur feeder is currently under construction.
Parliamentary Secretary for Power Y Doshehe Sema disclosed that he would be leaving later this May for Delhi to meet with the NEC and the DONER to press for sanctions, particularly the unallocated Rs 90 Crores for instating a proper thermal generator base in Dimapur. Considering paramount importance of thermal-based power generation, Sema said his colleagues in the last Assembly session had also broached the matter. Thermal-based generation seemed to be the only alternative left, it was implied.
Sema said the power department is already on way into exploring the feasibility of coal and heavy fuel as generator-bases. While acknowledging that the power situation in the state has improved to a considerable level, all thanks to the monsoon, it was implied that hydro-stations – the only generators in the state – are so much reliable only so much as the monsoons are on. He was, however, apprehensive of the level of Sulphur content in coal. He said to install ‘de-sulphuring’ infrastructure to counter the content to make safer the generated power output.
Parliamentary Secretary Sema also informed that while the NEC has been approached many a time over the years, they continue to be “not very receptive.” Expressed concern over meeting the investment demand of Rs 90 Crore, he said private investors could share a finger in the pie, if any would step forward. Commissioner & Secretary for Power Talitemjen Toy confirmed of the explorations. He said logistical assessments are underway if at all thermal generation, specifically coal, is a feasible commercial base.

“We cannot depend hydro alone” Commissioner Toy said and disclosed the power department’s option to delve into the coal resources of the state to harness them into a commercially viable as well as local-supply specific power. Commissioner Toy was of the opinion that while coal deposits are confirmed, the quantity and quality has to be determined and likened details obtained before any concrete steps. He said to have communicated the needful to the department of Geology & Mining Mention may be made here that there are currently no thermal-based power generation stations in Nagaland. Coal deposits in the districts of Mokokchung and Longleng are being studied by the department of Power if it is in capacity to merit thermal power stations. An official from the department of power approximated 5 million matric tons of coal in the deposits of Longleng and Mokokchung. The official, however, said the department is in touch with the department of Geology & Mining to determine the actual load of coal deposits. Only after the figures are determined that the feasibility or incompetence of thermal generation would come to light, the power official said. Meanwhile, the state government awaits the response of the Center over the request made last month for allocation of additional power loaddage to the state under a ‘special dispensation’ package.
Anti-Ulfa offensive Correspondent Nagaland Post
Diphu, May 6: Police and para military forces have intensified operations against ULFA rebels in Karbi Anglong district of Assam following reports that the outfit had shifted its base there.
According to reports, a large number of ULFA rebels had entered Karbi Anglong district following the massive counter-insurgency operation launched by the army in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of upper Assam. "Due to the large-scale presence of security forces in upper Assam, the ULFA had shifted a majority of its cadres to Karbi Anglong to take shelter in its vast jungle and hilly tracts," SP Karbi Anglong, Anurag Tangkha said.
Police said the outfit received a major setback after losing some numbers in encounters with police and para military forces.
It may be mentioned at least two ULFA militants were killed and six others arrested by the forces in recent past.
"Lieutenant" Rajiv Kalita alias Bipul Choudhury of the banned group's dreaded 27th Battalion was killed in a gun battle with police and army on the night of May 4.
Police said Choudhury was the mastermind behind some of the major IED blasts. He was also leading the operation of 27th Battalion in Darrang, Udalguri, Nagaon, Morigaon districts of Assam and part of Guwahati city.
Police also claimed that Choudhury trained some cadres of Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF) on how to detonate IED. The 27th Battalion, with help from KLNLF, was responsible for a bomb blast during elections to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council on January 6 that killed seven persons, including three policemen, police said. However, the KLNLF denied the charge. The outfit said it had no link whatsoever with any outfit.
Boro cultural fest at TinsukiaFrom Our Reporter Assam Tribune
TINSUKIA, May 6 – The Boro cultural festival, under the aegis of All Tinsukia District Bodo Awareness Committee, will be held for the first time with a two-day long programme from June 2 next at district library here.

The festival will began with the inauguration of flag hoisting, lamp lighting. Other programmes include a seminar on “The history and its present of Bodo Kachari.”

The programme on June 3 will include felicitation of invitees and general meeting where good number of dignitaries including Hagrama Mahiliari, chief executive member of BTAD, Chandan Brahma, Rural, Panchayat and Transport Minister and Sarbananda Sonowal, MP Dibrugarh, will grace the occasion.

The two-day celebrations will be concluded with a colourful cultural programme along with Kherai dance, Bagurumba dance, Jarai-Fagla dance etc.

ULFA targets innocents, again 17 injured in city blast Staff Reporter Sentinel
Guwahati, May 6: The ULFA today struck at the busy Fancy Bazaar area here today at 6.10 pm, exploding a powerful bomb and injuring 17 people, including two CRPF jawans.
The bomb, concealed inside a black Yahama RX 100 motorcycle, exploded near Rasaraj Hotel in front of a Sani temple in the busy bazaar area when people were shopping, Kamrup DC (Metro), Avinash Joshi said. The explosion created panic and people ran helter skelter for cover.
“The explosion was powerful as it was heard even at my residence situated more than four kms away from the blast site,” Joshi said. The DC did not rule out the possibility of minor injury to other people who “might have run away due to panic”.
The injured including the CRPF jawan, who was on patrol duty in the area, have been admitted at the nearby MMC Hospital.
The injured has been identified as Arun Kumar Choudhury, Abdul Karim (both jawans), Bishu Dev, Tarun Kumar, Mayur Kumar, Jitender Kannan, Ganesh Sahu, Kamal Deka, Gautam Sarma.

Market blast wounds 15 in Guwahati By Reuters
GUWAHATI (Reuters) - A bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded in a crowded market in insurgency-torn Assam on Sunday, wounding 15 people, police said.
Police officers said they suspected rebels of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were behind the attack, which took place in the Fancy Bazar area of Guwahati.
"The bomb was hidden in a motorcycle parked by the side of the footpath," said Rajen Singh, a senior police officer. "Two of the injured are in critical condition."
Witnesses said local traders helped take the wounded to a nearby hospital. Several vehicles were damaged by the blast.
The ULFA says it is fighting for the independence of Assam, which is rich in oil, natural gas and tea. The group accuses New Delhi of taking away its mineral and forest resources while neglecting the welfare of the local population.
More than 20,000 people have been killed since the insurgency began in 1979.
The state is home to 26 million people, the majority of them ethnic Assamese.