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05/13/2007: "NSCN (K) claims hand in killing rival cadre Sangai Express"

NSCN (K) claims hand in killing rival cadre Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 12: While claiming responsibility of killing Finance-in- charge of NSCN (IM) Lt Jacob, NSCN (K) has clarified that the real intention of the outfit was to set Jacob free on humanitarian ground.
A statement issued by the Publicity and Information Secretary in-charge of Zeliangrong region NSCN (K), asserted that Jacob was pulled up for extorting money from transporters and people travelling along NH 53 in connivance with Assam Rifles.
Just after NSCN (K) cadres picked up Jacob, some IM cadres informed Assam Rifles of the incident and the AR troops came after the NSCN (K) cadres.
Compelled by the circumstances and the unfolding situation following pursuit of K cadres by AR, Jacob was awarded capital punishment, it disclosed.
Saying that the outfit too share the disapproval of Zeliangrong people for bloodshed in their region, it lamented that the Zeliangrong Elders' Forum (ZEF) remained a silent spectator when K cadres were attacked by IM cadres in Taningjam village under Tousem despite the ZEF's press statement issued earlier that any group who launch attack against another in the first place will not be allowed to operate in Zeliangrong region. Moreover, not a single word of condemnation was issued by either ZU, ZYF or other NGOs when the outfit's Raju Peu and Sangthonang Abon-mei were murdered, he rued.
Observing that press statements for NSCN (IM) Zeliangrong region were issued either by K Chawang of MIP or its CEO, it asked as to why IM's Ringthim made the press statement in the case of Jacob. He construed that this was a ploy to divide Zeliangrong region into several fragments. Acknowledging that there were appeals from various Zeliangrong NGOs not to award capital punishment to Jacob, the Publicity and Information in-charge maintained that NSCN (K) do not struggle for Zeliangrong alone but for the whole Naga issue. Asserting that K favours an understanding with the rival faction just as there was understanding in the Zeliangrong region between the two factions when Adi was chairman-in-char-ge of NSCN (K) Zeliangrong region and Winning CEO of the IM in the region, the outfit welcome the people's appeal to this end.
NSCN (K) claimed that it can do ten good things when IM do one. But the question remains as to what points can serve as the ground for any possible understanding with IM when it is always scheming to expel K cadres from the Zeliangrong region in collusion with AR. Maintaining that the outfit do not accept any degree of hypocrisy, it declared that NSCN (K) is fully prepared to respond with deed to any overture of good will from IM. Under the prevailing situation, it remains unrealistic to secure any kind of understanding with the rival group, NSCN (K) noted while asserting that as long as Zeliangrong NGOs remain partial, peace will remain a farfetched dream.
NSCN told to rein in cadre OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Imphal/New Delhi, May 12: The Centre today asked leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Mu-ivah) to restrain its activists in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. NSCN (I-M) activists allegedly issued “death threats” to deputy commissioner Pankaj Pal after he refused to follow their diktat regarding the awarding of contracts for construction of a community health centre. Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh yesterday requested K. Padmanabhaiah, the Centre’s interlocutor in the ongoing peace talks with the NSCN (I-M), to tell the outfit that its members in Ukhrul should not target Pal. The Manipur administration sent an SOS to the Centre after the district commissioner was escorted to Imphal yesterday. “Padmanabhaiah asked the NSCN (I-M) leaders to control its activists in Uk-hrul,” an official source said.
NSCN (I-M) activists in Ukhrul allegedly issued death threats to Pal after he issued the work order for repairing a community health centre at Kamjong in Ukhrul district. The rebels wanted to entrust the work to a contractor of their choice. Director general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh yesterday sent a police team under the command of DIG Range-II, M. Karnajit Singh, to escort Pal back to Imphal. The Intelligence Bureau “warned” the state police that the deputy commissioner could be either “abducted and even killed” by the NSCN (I-M) activists.
Pal was not available for comment. A senior politician, however, accused Pal of siphoning off large amounts of funds meant for the uplift of villagers by working in tandem with rebels. Official sources confirmed that Pal would be returning to the district headquarters tomorrow.
In an unrelated development, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) claimed responsibility for killing one Jacob, a self-styled “lieutenant” of the NSCN (I-M). Jacob’s body was recovered yesterday morning in Tamenglong district. A spokesman for the NSCN (K) in Zeliangrong today said Jacob was responsible for collection of money from the public along the Imphal-Jiribam highway.
Quality education tops new NSF president’s priority The Morung Express
Kohima, May 12 (MExN): The newly elected president of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Imchatoba Imchen strongly felt that quality education should be given to the students. “I really want to work on this,” Imchen told the valedictory function of the NSF conference last night at Asufu Robvedzu (Punanamei). Further, the plight educated-unemployed youths occupied his other areas of concern. He wished to initiate the task for identification of the right students to the right fields for this action. The new president also looks forward to unflinching support from each and every individual to carry out the various tasks set for 2007-09. “We have to serve our students with commitment and dedication,” Imchen challenged his colleagues. “Let us try to make something and bring our society to a greater height,” he added.
Kheto wishes new NSF leadership Dimapur, May 12 (MExN): Minister for forest and IPR Kheto, congratulates the new team of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) led by its new president Imchatoba Imchen and general secretary Hetoi Chishi on their appointment to the leadership of the apex Naga students’ body. The minister in a message expressed hope that the Federation would achieve greater heights under a visionary and active leadership in the new team, for the honor of the Nagas in general and welfare of the students in particular. Kheto wished the new NSF leadership God’s abundant blessings and guidance throughout their tenure.
India ‘clear’ on Arunachal: Anthony Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Punglwa, MAY 12 (NPN): A.K. Anthony, the Defence Minister of India on Saturday said that "everything is clear" about Arunachal Pradesh being a "part and parcel" of India and that there was no Chinese incursion in recent times.
Briefing media persons after the inaugural function of a Sainik School at Punglwa, Anthony reiterated that India was "clear" on the issue. However, he admitted that "dispute and dialogue" were continuing with China.
The Defence minister also said that the situation in the Indo-Chinese border was peaceful for the "last few years" and that "peace and tranquility" exist in the borders.
On New Delhi's insistance on flushing out northeast militant groups from neighbouring Myanmar by the military junta, the Defence Minister said the response from Myanmar "has been very positive".
Antony also added that talks was held with Dhaka for eviction of northeast militant groups from Bangladesh too, while the response from Thimpu on the issue was "very positive".
On the Naga issue, without naming any particular outfit the Defence Minister said "we hope we will be able to find a solution."
He also recalled his frequent visits to Nagaland in the mid eighties in various capacities and said there had been a "remarkable change" in all spheres and that the people were "more relaxed and peaceful" and expressed hope that there would be "everlasting peace" in the state.
He also said that "all issues" should be solved and Nagaland should become the most peaceful state in the country.
Only Nagas and Nagaland- Nagaland Post Opinion
The quest for Naga sovereignty, the plight for the retention of Naga sovereignty, struggle for sovereignty and all its legitimacy will continue to exist but it will never be won if the Naga Nationalists do not "Correct, Remove and Ban' those self vested Naga NGO leaders who portray themselves in the seat of leaders while they live under the pay roll of the Terrorist organizations, puppet state of so-called Nagaland Government and occupational India.
Many anti-Naga activists who were instrumental in the surrender of the RGN and the Shillong Accord of NNC are coercively and deliberately trying to lead the Naga NGOs with an intention to mislead the Naga people against the NSCN. Times have passed but history still remains which is why, I believe that until and unless the Naga Nationalists do away with these anti-Naga activists sponsored by Isak Terrorists, Neiphiu Rio's DAN and occupational India, the quest for peace is only a misadventure. All schisms of "isms" such as "Tribalism, Clanism, Chauvinism, Terrorism, Egotism other than Nagaism must be nipped off from the Naga society". All forces of external and internal occupational agencies brutally trying to occupy Nagaland's Dimapur in the name of Nagalim must be given a final farewell.
Dimapurian Nagas, if they so desire to live with the foreign terrorists to be a thorn and speck to the Nagas and its legitimate sovereignty then, they should go to Nagalim's Ukhrul but never ever invite them to Nagas' Nagaland. Dimapurian Indians and so called Nagaland state puppet politicians like Khekiho Zhimomi, Thenucho, Hewoto Awomi and so on must not show artistic styles of their due role as ministers in Nagaland state and Kilonsers of the Isak terrorists. It must be very clear to Nagas that even if leaders of the NSCN forgive them, history will black list them and the cicatrices will remain just as A.Z Phizo ordering the killing of T. Sakhrie was done under presidential decree but wounds still remain in the minds of the Sakhrie people. And even if Sakhrie people proclaim that they have forgiven and forgotten, history has not because the root of fratricide began there.
Today, the fatigued NGO leaders of Naga Hoho, NSF, NPMHR, NMA, NBCC, CNBC, Neiphiu Rio's DAN have tried their utmost to destroy the NSCN's promising of IK terrorist-GOI solution. N. Rio must start remembering his promises of "Solution within five years during his chief ministership" made on October 27' 2002 before the witnesses of Khekiho Zhimomi, K. Therie, Imchalemba Ao and Yeshito Chishi. I can assure the Nagas that the Isak terrorist can never ever solve their own problems but surrender to NSCN than surrendering to India to escape one heat of defamation. Those who have been the bulwark in building the refugee camps in Dimapur will be responsible to the Nagas in course of history.
It would be Napoleon's Waterloo if ever the Nagas try to trust the Tangkhul Reverends, Evangelists, Pastors, and Missionaries with grenades, bombs, assault rifles, fake money (dollars and rupees) bunkers and palatial buildings camouflaged with bamboo framed walls. What you do in the dark will shout at your house-tops and I assure the Nagas that, "those who have been the brainchild for the re-establishment of refugee camps at Purana Bazar will reap for themselves and their children what they have sown today". A refugee camp designed into a "Concentration, whoredom, an institute of fake money making, Sodom-Gomorrah and arms depot should have been cursed just as Joshua did it to Jericho that will never be built". Unmistakably, the Tangkhuls are ruthless people who provokingly extort money in the name of NSCN to run business in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Dimapur and so on then, Tangkhul Students Union in Delhi with Naga money cursing the Nagas is an absurdity.
One thing the Tangkhuls can boast about their studies in Indian cities, abroad and claim their heritage in Purana Bazar could be from nowhere but income from "drug-peddling that includes white sugar, brown sugar, opium, ganja (Marijuana) and arms smuggling". The Tangkhul terrorists should know that they joined NSCN from Patkai Christian College without a cloth to change, came down empty handed to Purana Bazar in Dimapur on Exodus, joined Naga Movement because of suppression by the royal Meiteis because of indecency. This is Nagaland and only Nagas must rule the Nagas and Nagaland but for Tangkhul refugees on Exodus to even have supposed or dreamt to rule Nagas or demand to live will be an invitation of a nightmare.
The 22nd April' 2007 Sumi revolt is just a "beginning of the symptom" and the truth is yet to happen. Tangkhuls beating and killing Sumi youths at Chumukedima is a salutation to Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho to which they can boast of.
Shempai Khiamniungan Deputy Kilonser Ministry of Law and Justice GPRN - K
Nagas are Condemning Factional Fighting Anil Bhat Sangai Express
A long look at ten years of the ceasefire between security forces and the Isak
Chishi Swu-Thuingaleng Muivah group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland/ Nagalim (NSCN-IM), with negotiations which have been dragging on, presents a dismal picture of the whole process. While thankfully there have been no major incidents of violence between the security forces and the NSCN (IM), which so far still holds a large inventory of sophisticated weapons, and while the Naga civil society has been aspiring for peace and progress, extortion has continued along with violence between factions of militants, often claiming innocent lives. There have also been cases of civil society lashing out - at times physically — against some of the militants, which is a clear indication of their sentiment that enough is enough.
A diary of incidents covering the 2006-07 period gives an idea of what the situation has been in Nagaland, tremors of which have been felt from time to time in Manipur too.
During the last week of August 2006, approximately 200 people from Longkhim township took out a peaceful protest rally against movement of armed cadres in the town. On September 8, 2006, the Chare Area Students Union, of village Chare near Mokokchung, strongly condemned the inter-factional clashes at Old Chare on September 6, 2006. On September 8, the Atoizu Area Gaon Buras’ Association of village Atoizu near Zunheboto appealed to all factions to desist from fighting. On September 9, the Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF) earnestly appealed to all factions to shun violence, stop fratricidal killings and condemned every act of violence in and around educational institutions and student groups. On September 11, NSCN (1M) offered fresh proposal of taxation to shopkeepers of Hongkong Market, Dimapur. The fresh tax proposal was Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 from large, medium and small shops respectively. The union rejected the demands and downed their shutters. The State Government had to intervene to resolve the matter. On September 18, the Phom People’s Council (PPC) wrote a letter to NSCN (IM) cadres operating in Longleng area expressing their displeasure over the activities of the group and prevailed upon it to restrict its members’ frequent visits to villages adjoining Longleng. The Litsami Students Union condemned factional clashes of September 22, wherein one lady sustained multiple gun shot wounds, and accused the factions of using innocent public as ‘human shields’. On September 23, one NSCN (1M) cadre was beaten up by general public in Longleng town.
NSCN (1M) and NSCN (K) cadres had begun to gather in the vicinity of Zunheboto town since October 20. On October 28, approximately 8000-9000 members of Sumi Totomi Hoho, including ladies and children, gathered in general area of Town Hall and thereafter, armed with dahs (machetes), stones and sticks, took out a procession chanting slogans. The crowd forced the cadres of both groups to flee from their respective areas of concentration inside the town. Thereafter, the general public destroyed the temporary or semi-permanent defences prepared by the factions and even manhandled some cadres.
On November 6, approximately 3,000 locals of Shamatore held a protest rally against the alleged misbehaviour of cadres with a local ex-MLA. Taking strong exception to the increased factional clashes, locals of Merdziphema during the first week of November resolved to ask all cadres to desist from violence in public areas.
Various church bodies and NGOs widely condemned the incident of physical attack of the Executive Secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) at Pfutsero by cadres of the faction on December 30. The killing of two Konyak tribal youth in Kohima on January 13, 2007 by the cadres of the faction led to widespread condemnation. On January 16, the Konyak Union held a meeting at Mon and demanded the arrest of the culprits. The union also sought an explanation from NSCN (1M) in this regard. On January 18, approximately 4000 people of Phek including various NGO bodies, women and students organizations carried out a ‘‘protest march’’ to protest the continual stay of NSCN (1M) cadres inside the town. They protested in front of the DC's office and demanded immediate action to evict the NSCN (1M) cadres. In fact, on January 17, in a violent incident, an innocent lady got injured in Kohima.
In view of the same, on January 19, residents of Lower Jail Colony, Kohima held an emergency meeting and asked all factions to move out immediately from residential areas. Armed cadres of NSCN (1M) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), a supporter of the Khaplang faction of NSCN (K), had concentrated in and around Phek town since February 6. A violent confrontation between the two lasted for two days — February 11 and 12. Pleas of the Deputy Commissioner and the social groups to the cadres of both factions to vacate the town went unheeded.
On February14, the people of the town got together and a crowd of 700-800 people marched up to the NSCN (1M) positions in the area of New Colony. The NSCN (IM) cadres were chased out of the town and the temporary structures erected by them were dismantled. Seeing the belligerent mood of the people, the cadres of FGN who were camping in another part of the town withdrew on their own. Another contentious issue has surfaced again with a memorandum submitted by Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM), on March 9, to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and former Home Secretary K Padmanabhiah. This memorandum — the 66th submitted so far — urged the Central government not to arrive at any agreement with the NSCN (IM) before the issue of the murder of over 900 Kuki villagers, uprooting of over 360 Kuki villages and displacing over 100,000 Kukis by NSCN (IM), is settled. It remains to be seen how the Centre resolves these issues without ‘annoying’ the NSCM (IM) and the non-Nagas, particularly in Manipur.
(The writer, a strategic analyst, is Chief Editor, WordSword Features & Media)
Therie accuses DAN governmet of betraying people’s aspirations The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 12 (MExN): Former Finance Minister and present NPF dissident, and K Therie blasted the DAN Government for betraying the aspirations of the people of Nagaland and said that the DAN’s leadership policy to facilitate and support the ongoing peace process “is a major diversion from the CMP. Addressing the 16 Pfutsero Assembly Constituency Active Leadership Meet held on Friday the 11th at Zuketsa, Therie asserted that the assurance given in the vision statement of the Common Minimum Programme (CPM) is based on the aspirations of people and that the people have expressed their aspiration to secure negotiated settlement to the Naga political problem in the last election. He further reiterated that DAN leadership’s policy to facilitate and support the ongoing peace process “is a major diversion from the CMP” in which “we” have committed to secure a negotiated settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem.
Saying that the voice of the people reigns supreme, he said “the decision of the public to secure peace through negotiation is supreme” and therefore Therie maintained, “Common sense speaks to me that we must intervene”. He advocated a ‘broad consensus proposal of the people, evolved by the people’ and that it was the “duty of the official representatives of the People of Nagaland to bring together all sections in the process in evolving this broad consensus proposal”.
Therie said the people of Nagaland look sad with defeated hearts, unable to speak out the truth out of fear in a land where fear was not known to Nagas in the past history. He said that even though all undergrounds are in ceasefire with GoI, they continue killing each other because there is no ceasefire amongst them and lamented that the bloodshed among Nagas is heading to a point where more Nagas would have been killed by Nagas than by other forces. Therie also blasted the DAN Government for landing the state in Rs. 331crs deficit despite of the favorable award of 12th Finance commission and 11 Five-year Plan grant. The Meet was chaired in the first session by Avolie Kezo, while the second session was chaired by Mezelo Lomi. Reports on achievements were presented by Kedou Wetsah and L. Achuchinyi Ritse in the second session.
Youth Club appeals to NSCN (IM) over Brown The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 12 (MExN): The Kasom Khullen Youth Club today appealed for the release of Brown Tangkhul, prime suspect in the sensational kidnapping and murder to two children in Senapati, from the NSCN (IM) custody if he is found innocent of the crimes. A note entitled “Brown Tangkhul not found guilty in the kidnapping of two unfortunate kids at Senapati” which was issued by the general secretary of the Kasom Khullen Youth Club, Somiching Shinglai, stated that the youth club, after meeting and hearing Brown at Hothrong Brigade and Hebron Camp, observed and learnt that because of suspicion in the crime and ‘false allegation’ leveled by Manikho Mao, he was tortured and still under the custody of NSCN (IM), ‘instead of pleading of his non-involvement in the abduction and murder of the two kids of Senapati’.

Supporting their allegations against Manikho Mao, the release alleged that ‘at the beginning, Manikho told the investigators that he took the two kids from the resident of K Dilli Mao (F/O Muheni Martin). But he does not know who has taken away the kids from Senapati.’
The release alleged that later on ‘Manikho confessed that the kids were with Mr Adai.’ As the investigation progressed, the release alleged, “He (Manikhao) began to charge Brown that the kids was handed over to him and two of his friends at the river side near bamboo tree. Later Manikho told that the kids were handed behind the building construction site. Surprisingly, when interrogated by the father of two kids in the presence of investigation teams at Hothrong Brigade, Manikho told again that he did not take the kids from the aforesaid residence, and it is also learnt/proved that one Manikho asked forgiveness to Brown for the severe punishment/torture meted out to him because of the false allegation by Manikho.”
The release stated that Kasom Khullen village elders met Brown at Hebron Camp on April 24, 2007, where it was told that Brown Tangkhul was given heavy and unbearable torture and was ‘urged’ to confess of his involvement, ‘though he is not involved and to name some of his friends’. The release stated ‘as he could not bear the heavy toture meted out to him, he was compelled to spell out the dictated words of confession’. Standing on all the above points alleged by the KHYC, the release (unintelligibly but indisputably in support of Browns innocence, as held by them) questioned, “If Manikho charge of handing over the two kids to Brown was not withdrawn, will Mr Brown remain in the custody of NSCN-IM though he is not involve in the crime. From the above statement, it is easily learnt/proved that the confession of Brown involve in the crime was not done on humanity ground.” The release further sincerely appealed for ‘true judgment’ and for safe release at the earliest if Brown is not found guilty in the crime.
Antony inaugurates Sainik school Morung Express News
Punglwa (Peren) Union Minister of Defence, AK Antony, who inaugurated the Sainik School at Punglwa as chief guest today, assured the people of the state that both the Government of India and NSCN-IM will be able to settle all issues that are pending before them.
“I hope that Nagaland will be one of the most peaceful and happiest states”, Anthony told the gathering, while asserting that talks are continuing between the two parties.
The Minister said there has been a remarkable change in situation of the Naga society. Stating that he had witnessed the Nagaland situation in the late 80s, when the situation was so tense, ‘no one was safe to travel by road.’ However, now people are ‘more relax and more at peace.’ “I hope that this peace should be a permanent peace”, the Minister said, without elaborating further on the nitty-gritty of the talks. Anthony also further said that the Ministry has approved for setting up of Sainik schools at Mizoram, Sikkim and all other states of the country. “Peaceful and serene environment at Punglwa will motivate teachers and students for all-round development”, the Minister added. State Governor K Sankaranrayanan, underscored good education as the valuable gift that the Naga can give to themselves, for which, he said, the state needs educational institutions of excellence. Addressing the inaugural function of the Sainik School at Punglwa as guest of honour, the Governor expressed confidence that with the support of the Ministry of Defence and the efforts of the principal and teachers, the school will develop into a model of excellence. Sankaranarayanan also went on to add that the knowledge of economy, education and skills play a major role, and said that to benefit from the changing pattern of the economy, one has to formulate strategies based on his strength and weakness.
“The traditional Naga society has always valued discipline in the village life. The Sainik School will impart education with a disciplined approach to life. It will equip the young generation with the skills essential for success in an increasingly integrated and competitive world”, the Governor added. Union Minister for Defence AK Anthony (center) shares a smile with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (right) as Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma (extreme left) looks on.
In his welcome note Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio beseeched the Defence Ministry for more facilities in order to bring it at par with the standards of the older and the more well-established Sainik schools. “And unless the government of India once again provide us with the required financial assistance, the growth of the school itself may suffer setbacks”, Rio said while recalling the past when hundreds of Naga boys from Nagaland studied in various Sainik schools across the country. He said that earlier Naga boys were spread in Bhubaneshwar in Orissa, Ghorakhal in Uttarkhand, Goalpara in Assam, Korukpnda in Andhra Pradesh, Kunjpura in Haryana, Purulia in West Bengal and Tiliya Dam in Jarkhand.

However, following a shift in the policy from around the early 70’s, the intake of Naga boys was restricted to Sainik School, Imphal and that too, at a much reduced scale of about 17 students per year till about the late 70’s and thereafter to a trickle of just 6-7 students per year.
“This invariably gave rise to a situation wherein many Naga boys desirous of joining Sainik Schools have to forego the opportunity. This situation continues to be the same till today. However, now the Sainik School Punglwa has been set here in Nagaland, with an impressive enrolment of 150 students of classes VI and VII for the first academic session 2007-08”, Rio said.
Rio was also confident that this newly born Sainik School, the 21st and the youngest in its series will not suffer from neglect or for want of fund but will receive adequate attention that of due a child of tender age. Union Minister of State for Defence and the Chairman of the Sainik School Society, M M Palam Raju, who also spoke on the occasion, said that Sainik School Punglwa was established after a gap of 35 years, and the ministry is contemplating to set up another two schools at Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. He said that Sainik School is the largest contributor of students to military academy and NDA.
Expressing optimism that the school will continue to provide quality product for all round development, the Minister disclosed the gathering that the Ministry has taken up several improved and reform measures like enhance of budgetary allocation for Sainik School, allocation of Rs 10,000 subsidy per year per student, support of IT and other infrastructural developments.
The Minister also assured the State that the Ministry will see to smooth growth of the new school and make it as an institute of repute. Initial project cost framed by the state government was to the tune of over Rs 69 crores, with an aim to provide school with best and the latest amenities. However, at the instance of Ministry of DONER, this estimate was revised several times and finally trimmed down to Rs 14.07 crores. Rio also added that many works has to be done in order to be able accommodate the full complement of 550 to 600 boys up to the level of 12th standard.
Chief Secretary, Lalhuma chaired the function, while vote of thanks was delivered by Minister for Education, Imkong Imchen. Other highlights of the programme included traditional dances, ceremonial parade by students and brief reports of the School by Principal Col. BS Rathore.
Empowering Naga women By: Rosemary Dzuvichu Kangla on Line
Empowering women in Decision Making bodies in Nagaland is not going to be an easy task, both for women as well as the State Government. The long awaited reservation policy for women in Municipalities and Town councils came into being after numerous representations to the Governor of Nagaland, recommendations to policy makers, including a law suit. The Nagaland Municipal (first amendment) Act 2006 will satisfy the long felt demand for gender equity in decision making bodies in Nagaland and Naga women are preparing to meet the challenges and work in partnership for development. Thanks to the former Governor Shri Shyamal Datta, who was a champion for empowering women, the Act not only ensures one third reservation of seats for women in all municipalities and town councils, but also a rotational reservation of the offices of Chairpersons, in proportion to the number of seats reserved for women .

The Act clearly stipulates that seats in every Municipality shall be reserved for SC,STs and women in accordance to the provisions contained in clause (1) to (3) of Article 243-T of the Constitution of India. The Government of Nagaland has notified the allotment of seats to be reserved for women, by rotation in different wards of all municipalities and town councils in Nagaland. Therefore the reaction of the male Town Councillors/Municipal Councilors to the amendment of the Act is expected, as the Act states that “all male members who were directly elected from those wards in the Municipalities which have become reserved for women, including women belonging to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes under clause (10 to (3) of Article 243-T of the Constitution shall be deemed to have vacated their seats upon notification of the reservation of seats under clause (3)”.Thus all Councillors who have been elected from the wards allotted now as reserved for women, are supposed to
have vacated their seats upon the notification.

However, keeping in view the welfare and rights of elected Councillors, the Act ensures that the Government shall constitute as many number of single member Committees, as are equal to the number of such members who have vacated their seats, and designate them as Chairman of such Committees with specific functions. The Chairmen so designated shall thereupon be deemed to have become members of the respective Municipality under Article 243-R (2) (a) (iv) of the Constitution. Therefore, Councillors who have vacated their seats from the allotted wards for reservation, will still be members of the Municipal or Town Council till the end of their tenure.

The news item in a local daily “Civic storm over reservation move” is very discouraging and a strong indication of the patriarchal mindset that exists in the state. The Constitution guarantees the protection of women and their fundamental rights and women in Nagaland have come of age, to deliberate and demand their rights as equal human beings. There is very serious gender inequality in Naga society, particularly in all decision making bodies and this amendment will definitely create the space for women to have a voice in decision making. Women have been deprived of their rights and discriminated for generations, under the guise of certain customary practices and tradition, which are being debated in many tribes today, by activists and strong women organisations.

One is confident that many political parties (hopefully) have started identifying active and socially conscious women in all reserved wards for
their candidates. However, Apex women organisations in all towns should prove their worth by encouraging capable women candidates to be elected by ‘consensus’, instead of spending enormous sums of money and avoiding corrupt practices of elections which is rampant in Nagaland like booth capturing, proxy voting etc etc, for this first election. If political parties are serious about empowering women, it should not be difficult to convince party leaders to listen to the voices of women organisations, and elect efficient women who can contribute to the development of their towns, without any animosity over candidates. Elections for the reserved seats, in the next six months must prove that women are ‘capable’ of working in partnership for development in the state.
The fear of Councillors that ‘women running booze joints will jump into the fray and lower the functioning of the municipalities ‘is ridiculous.It must be noted that in the Act, there is no bar for women earning their livelihood by selling liquor to stand for election into the town or municipal council. Many Councillors in many towns in Nagaland will agree, that the best and hardest campaigners very often, are these women who have supported their entry into the town or municipals, by hosting and sponsoring ‘free drinks and food’ and campaigning for their candidate at the same time. In spite of the Prohibition Act in the state, (which has now become a mockery of the very definition), it is an open secret that these sellers are some of the richest too! We must not forget that many educated, successful Nagas today are the children of women who make their livelihood by brewing and selling local liquor. If they are women who have educated and supported their families through their own enterprise, are committed to improving the social conditions of the people and developing the towns, there is nothing that prevents them from contesting. Many of these women are also well educated and would understand the responsibility that a Councillor takes upon himself or herself. This is not to say that Naga women are going to encourage all booze sellers to jump into the fray, but their business must be accepted in its hard reality, without moral judgement clouding their capability. Health, sanitation and cleanliness, good drainage systems, good roads, adequate power supply, good and safe drinking water, good town planning and beautification, regular monitoring of prices of essentials, safety and security of citizens are very important issues for all women, irrespective of professions.

The citation of Article 371-A or the “unique social fabric of the Nagas” in the face of positive changes, many a time, by our politicians, especially, in the case of empowering women, is highly debatable. The State Government and Honourable members of the Legislative Assembly must remember that women represent the other half of the population in the state. Gender equity and justice must exist for a society to progress and develop. We look forward to seeing a better Nagaland with efficient women Councillors and women Chairpersons in our towns and municipalities.
They Call It Peace Nagarealm.com
Technically, there's a 'ceasefire' with both the principal insurgent groups, but Nagaland still registers higher levels of insurgent violence than many of the states with an 'active' insurgency. And it's getting progressively worse.

The near decade-long ceasefire with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the six year old ceasefire with the rival Khaplang faction (NSCN-K) continue to hold in Nagaland, in an environment of endemic fratricidal clashes, pervasive extortion and rapid consolidation of the insurgent sway over every segment of society and government. New Delhi's response, surprisingly, remains stubbornly conventional, failing to question the rationale behind the countless rounds of peace talks, a move that undermined political processes in the state, and ceding to the insurgent group a position of dominance in the state, even as fratricidal violence, extortion and intimidation remain entrenched in the day to day lives of the people.

For a state under a 'ceasefire' with both the principal insurgent groups, Nagaland still registers higher levels of insurgent violence than many of the states with an 'active' insurgency, and the situation appears to be progressively worsening over the years. According to the union ministry of home affairs (MHA), insurgency-related fatalities have increased from 97 in 2004 to 99 in 2005, to a further 147 in 2006. Incidents of insurgent violence have registered an increase from 186 to 192 between 2004 and 2005, and sharply to 309 in 2006. Institute for Conflict Management's open source documentation of insurgency-related fatalities totalled 56 in 2007, till April 20

Virtually the entire volume of fatalities are concerned with the network of intimidation and the turf wars between IM and Khaplang factions, with the Security Forces (SFs) obvious and mute spectators, accounting for very few of the violent engagements or fatalities. In 2007, for instance, of the total of 56 fatalities, 43 (77 per cent) have been insurgent cadres, and the remaining 13, civilians. Insurgents accounted for 57 per cent of the total fatalities in 2004, 71 per cent in 2005 and 79 percent in 2006. Only three SF personnel have been killed in Nagaland since 2004.

Of the 56 fatalities thus far in 2007, 43 have occurred in a total of 24 factional clashes. The toll includes 22 NSCN-IM cadres, 18 NSCN-K cadres and three militants from the Naga National Council (NNC). Clashes have occurred in seven of Nagaland's 11 Districts: Mon, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Phek, Peren, Kohima and Dimapur.

The war of attrition continues with scant regard for the ceasefire ground rules, which stipulate that the insurgents stay in designated camps, bans their movements in uniform and with arms and prohibits extortion. The NSCN-IM's writ runs supreme in most parts of the state, though the NSCN-K remains dominant in the Districts of Mokokchung and Dimapur. While NSCN-IM's well-oiled 'finance department' engages in wide-spread 'tax-collection' activities, its 'home department' virtually runs the administration in the state. Its 'crime suppression department' ensures control of its areas of dominance, administering a selective 'justice' over various 'offenders'. Cadres move unhindered in the townships and country-side, enforcing the insurgent group's diktats. Intelligence reports indicate that the cadre strength of the NSCN-IM has increased from 800 to about 2,500 since the July 1997 ceasefire announcement.

Internecine clashes have remained the principal instrument of seeking or defending dominance for the two groups in various parts of the state. For the NSCN-K, which is yet to start a dialogue process with the government of India (GoI) since its April 2001 ceasefire agreement, violent engagements with its rival also help send periodic reminders to New Delhi that any 'deal' with the IM faction would have no permanent positive impact on the Naga conflict. Fratricidal engagements also serve as opportunities to inflict costs on each other, upsetting the cadre strength and wearing down stores of weapons and ammunition.

The lack of progress in NSCN-IM's protracted dialogue with the GoI, currently in its 10th year, has only provided added incentive to both factions to continue with their 'war games'.

Unconstrained insurgent activities have resulted in the occasional civilian backlash. On April 22, 2007, subsequent to the abduction and torture of three Sumi tribesmen by NSCN-IM cadres, a large mob of about 5,000 people attacked the Wungram Colony, home to several of the NSCN-IM's leaders in Dimapur, destroying 47 houses and several vehicles. The houses of NSCN-IM's 'steering committee member', Rh. Raising, tatars ('parliamentarians') Samson Jajo, Nithungla and Kamlang, and three leaders of the group's armed wing -- Hangshi, Ramkating and Markson -- were gutted in the incident. Over 300 civilians belonging to the Tangkhul tribe, from which NSCN-IM's top leadership, including its 'general secretary' Thuingaleng Muivah, is sourced, were displaced from the colony and have since taken shelter at the nearby police station at Chumukedima and the group's camp in Hebron, near Dimapur town.

Such occasional, desperate and rarely fruitful mass interventions notwithstanding, insurgent factions in the state continue to hold sway across wide areas of the state, and engage in continuous efforts to extend their areas of dominance. The Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, is on record claiming that such clashes are a part of the 'political problem' 'between India and Nagaland', thus indicating that these would continue as long as the 'conflict over Nagalim (greater Nagaland)' is not resolved. The Chief Minister's refrain closely echoes the NSCN-IM's position that the factional violence is due to the GoI's failure to restrict the movement of NSCN-K cadres. The GoI, on the other hand, insists that the clashes between the insurgent outfits are a law and order problem. About 10 months ago, on June 20, 2006, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a seven-member Congress Party team from Nagaland at New Delhi, that the conflict between the insurgent Naga factions was a 'law and order problem' which the state's home department has to solve on its own, instead of blaming Delhi.

The Nagaland Police, however, has not been involved in any significant cases challenging the dominance of the insurgents, while the Central Para-military Forces (CPMFs) have failed to take effective steps against the flagrant and rampant violations of the ceasefire ground rules.

Myanmar, with which India shares a 1,640 kilometre-long unfenced border, remains vital to the capabilities of the Naga outfits, especially the NSCN-K. The group's 'general headquarters' is located in the Sagaing Division of Myanmar, bordering three Indian states: Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. On April 27, 2007, official sources in New Delhi said that Myanmar has promised to step up military action against all Indian insurgent groups operating from its territory. However, assurances made by the 18-member Army delegation led by Brigadier General Tin Maung Ohn can, at best, be termed as routine and insignificant, and are not expected to have any decisive impact on the potential of the insurgent groups. Sporadic military offensives in the Sagaing division by the Myanmarese Army have taken place since the mid-1980s, but have only temporarily displaced the various insurgent groups from Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. Once the Myanmarese Army personnel have vacated the areas, the groups have simply gone back to reclaim their facilities. Moreover, a fairly cosy relationship exists between lower-rung Myanmarese military personnel and the insurgents, and the latter are often warned in advance of imminent raids, allowing them to minimise damage.

Little change is anticipated in the situation in Nagaland in the foreseeable future.On the contrary, with elections to the state Legislative Assembly due in 2008, insurgent violence can be expected to grow and expand into newer areas. With both the state and the union government frozen in their commitment to a policy of inaction, the civilian population in the state will continue to bear the brunt of insurgent lawlessness. SOURCE : OUTLOOKINDIA]

[Bibhu Prasad Routray is Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management. Courtesy, the South Asia Intelligence Review of the South Asia Terrorism Portal,

NSCN(IM) irked by killing of its cadre by rivals The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 12: The NSCN(IM) has expressed anger over the killing of its cadre, Lt. Jacob Gaikhonlung Gonmei, 34, of Lungchum village of Tamenglong, who was abducted from his rented home at Noney and killed by NSCN(K) cadres yesterday. A statement issued by the MIP/GPRN, said yesterday, around 12:30 am, some armed Khaplang cadres forcibly entered Gonmei`s house, and despite repeated appeals from the ZSU, ZYF, ZU and local women folk, he was taken away. In the afternoon, his body was found at Haochong by some villages.

The statement said Gonmei joined the national service in 1998, and fearless discharged his duty till his last breath. He was newly assigned as Naga Army finance in charge of Tamenglong district. He is survived by his wife and two sons, the statement said. Giving the highest revolutionary salute, the GPRN, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the peace of his soul, the statement said.
Call of the hills ARCHANA AND PRABAKAR VENKATARAMAN The Hindu
History, culture and nature — there is an interesting mixture of all the three at Khonoma in Nagaland WHAT does one look for in a tourist destination? The buzzword now is nature. There is still much interest in cultures. History also has its own charm. How about a grand mix of all the three? Khonoma, which overlooks one of the most scenic spots in Na galand, is also a fount of tribal wisdom and takes pride in its valorous past!
Located 20 km west of Kohima, Khonoma supports a predominantly agrarian population. Typical of an Angami tribal village, Khonoma runs along a ridge. It extends from the terraced rice fields immediately beneath the ridge all the way southwards till the Manipuri border district of Senapati. Khonoma’s reputation is partly as a warrior village. They put up the fiercest resistance to the advance of the East India Company in the 1830s and the intense “Battle of Khonoma” in 1880 culminated in the siege of the Angami village followed by a treaty. Christianity was introduced by the American missionaries and Khonoma is said to have produced the best doctors, musicians and professionals in Nagaland. Education is held in great respect here and the village falls to pin-drop silence during the exam times.
Green venture The Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture promotes eco-tourism in Khonoma through the Khonoma Green Village Project (KGVP), initiated by the villagers in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education. Given that hunting is a Naga tradition a nd a way of bringing food home, the decision of the Village Council of Khonoma to ban hunting in 1998 altogether shows the villagers’ commitment.
The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary was set up to conserve the rare Blyth’s Tragopan, an endangered pheasant and the State bird of Nagaland. The sanctuary is also an ideal place for trekking, enjoying nature and doing research. Khonoma is rich in birds, primates, reptiles, amphibians, orchids, medicinal plants and many rare flora and fauna. Most of these have been documented as part of the Green Village initiative. Our birding guide promised 75-110 species in one day and would have met that mark quite easily!
Farming techniques, which are completely manual, do not employ beast of labour or machinery. The village is self-sufficient from the yields from rice crop and the produce depends more on available labour than on the land in possession. People grow their own vegetables and fruits. Alder trees lining the terraced cultivation land not only help prevent soil erosion but also serve as high quality firewood. The villagers have mastered the art of growing and pollarding alder, reducing the pressure on the forest.
Community concept At the heart of realising and sustaining the initiative is a tribal community living concept called “Age Groups”. At around nine-10 years, a child joins an age group hosted by a village superior, referred thereon as the “Father”. Under his tutelage and staying in a dormitory (called “Morung”), the youth engage in physical training, sports, moral and social education, preparation for warfare, singing, dancing and folklores. There is always a healthy competition among the age groups while showcasing each other’s skills and talent. A stroke of genius put this healthy competition to work in the Green Village initiative. Each age group competes and takes pride in its role in maintaining hygiene, cleanliness, beautification of roads, ensuring water supply and sewage systems.
Ancient ways Out of the many interesting things, the concept of “Feasts of Merit” is the most fascinating. It is an utmost honour to give a feast of merit — host a feast for the whole village. The person has to give away all the wealth, keeping only a small house, farming equipment and a pair of mithun (a cross between a bison and a cow) in the stable. When one gives a feast of merit, he is worthy of adorning his headgear with the feathers of a hornbill (a most revered bird am ong tribals). When a person offers seven such feasts of merit, he is eligible to build a pheku and have it named after him. A pheku is a village meeting place where all important decisions are taken or important even ts happen. A man has to have his wife beside him when he is conferred the eligibility to build a pheku. A person who builds five phekus can have his own fishing tank; no one can fish there without his permission. In other words, he influences the village economy directly. In Khonoma’s 400-year history, only one person has built a pheku and a private fishing tank. Stone monuments are found all over the village, commemorating achievements during war or regular social life. The kuda, or fort built of stones, is maintained in good condition. The khels or the village gates are places of great importance. The morungs are defunct now, but there is an effort to resurrect them. A walking trail down the village takes you through all these and interesting stories unfold at every corner. Once we jumped as a Striped Rock Owl peered at us from a careless corner! An Angami woman with child.

Something for everybody The Dzoukou valley, Dzuelekie village, the Tragopan sanctuary, the numerous hills and caves have much to offer to the avid trekker, naturalist or researcher. The world’s tallest rhododendron tree, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records is in Mt. Japfu of Khonoma district, in the Dzoukou region which is a trekkers’ paradise. Camping sites are available at convenient places and the natural caves abundant here are worth exploring. If birding is on your agenda, warblers, thrushes, forktails are everywhere; the call of the partridges echoes across the valley all the time, a khaleej pheasant may suddenly dart across your path! Our best moment was when a pygmy wren popped right in front of us, stared confusedly at us for a few seconds, and then disappeared into thin air!
Factfile Getting there: By road 23 km from Kohima. The nearest railway station is Dimapur (73km) and the nearest airport, Dimapur, is connected from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati Facilities: Airtel and BSNL cell connections might work at certain places in the village. The nearest bank is in Kohima, connected by bus four times a day. Home stay is being encouraged. Inform in advance if you are a vegetarian. You are not allowed to move around in the village without a guide.
Requirements: Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) obtainable from the Nagaland House at Kohima, Dimapur, Guwahati or Shillong. A group of four or more foreign tourists can obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), for a period of 10days and can be extended later.
Contact Mr. Angulie at anguliemeyase@yahoo.com You can also reach him at: 9436071046 or 0370-2340012.
The best time to visit is between October and April. Winters can be extremely cold. Bring proper winter clothes. If you visit during the rainy season, be prepared to face the harshest weather. Khonoma’s forests are thick and dense – a machete can be very helpful. The treks are moderate to very difficult. Equip yourselves appropriately.
Sharmila to fast till AFSPA revoked The Morung Express
New Delhi, May 12 (ANI): Irom Sharmila, the Manipuri woman who has been on hunger strike for the last six years over alleged human rights abuses in Manipur, has said that she will continue her fast until the government repeals the draconian and controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which gives army soldiers sweeping powers to detain and kill suspected rebels, without fear of prosecution.
"They are not concerned about my health. I shall never move from my stand without fulfilling my demand," she said after a Patiala House court had granted bail to her on a personal bond of 10,000 rupees. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act only applies to Kashmir and insurgency-affected northeastern India. Human rights groups say it has given the army a licence to kill, torture and rape with impunity. Sharmila was summoned by a court in connection with a case of attempted suicide. Sharmila's counsel protested the treatment meted out to her client.
"Even when you summon a person, if a person is at hospital, you do not bring a person 2,000 kilometers to Delhi. The Manipur Police did not inform that she is in hospital. When I filed in Delhi, the Delhi High Court said to go for two hours, she is weak. She can't go for a meeting for two hours, and these people are bringing her here from Manipur," said Colin Gonsalves, her counsel. The next hearing will be held on September 28.
Thirty-four-year-old Sharmila is an iconic figure for Manipur's. She launched her hunger strike in late 2000 after soldiers shot and killed ten young men at a bus stop in a small town in Manipur.
Shortly after commencing her fast, Sharmila was arrested and charged with attempted suicide. Since then, the authorities have been force-feeding her through a nasal tube at a government-run hospital in Imphal. The maximum term for her offence is a year, and police have habitually released her every year, only to re-arrest her the following day. This year, a small group of supporters and human rights activists took advantage of her one day of freedom to smuggle her through Imphal's high security airport and onto a plane to New Delhi, only to return.
Sharmila is one of two Indians, who were recently chosen for a prestigious South Korean human rights prize - the Gwanzu Award in recognition for their efforts to improve human rights in India.
Naga MLAs re-affirm stand Daniel Dhovee The Morung Express
Senapati Four of the six elected UNC consensus Naga MLAs re-affirmed their stand of the position paper signed during a meeting organized by UNC with all the contending Naga candidates to the 9th Manipur State Legislative Assembly held prior to the assembly election in the felicitation function held today at Indoor Stadium, Senapati.
One of the clause in the position paper calls for upholding and safeguarding of Naga identity and to support the on-going Indo-Naga peace process.
Of the six elected Naga candidates out of eleven nominated by UNC as their consensus candidates, two could not attend today’s function due to prior engagement elsewhere. The four candidates, namely; Dr. Khushim Ruivah, Morung Makunga, K.Raina and Avangbo Newmai were felicitated by UNC president Paul Leo in the presence of representatives from Naga tribal hohos, All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and other Naga civil organizations. Speaking on the occasion, leaders of the Naga civil organizations called for a united effort to fulfill their dreams while anticipating a good outcome from the elected members.
The four MLAs spoke in unequivocal voice about their stand to work for the cause of the Nagas as representatives of the people.
ULFA blows up gas pipeline The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 12 (UNI): ULFA militants blew up a gas pipeline at Borhat in Sivasagar district late last night.Police today said the militants exploded the gas pipeline of the Asom Gas Company Limited (AGCL) running through the Borhat tea estate under Borhat police station, around 95 km from Sivasagar town, at around 2345 hours yesterday. The blast resulted in a massive fire, which was doused by AGCL officials after about two hours. This is the second blast in the district in three days. On May 10, the ULFA exploded an IED inside a diagnostic centre in the heart of the Sivasagar town, injuring five persons seriously.
Bodos oppose delimitation From Our Spl. Correspondent Asam tribune

NEW DELHI, May 12 – Upset with the draft delimitation proposals, Bodos have demanded retention of Schedule Tribe status of Kokrajhar Lok Sabha seat, besides 10 of the 14 Legislative Assembly seats in BTC area. A 10-member delegation of Bodoland Citizens Forum met the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, yesterday, with a three-point charter of demands.

Agitating womenfolk storm CM bungalow By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 12: Demanding unconditional release of Laishram Premjit, general secretary of UPF Ithai Zonal Council who is lodged in the jail after arrest by a combined team of BSF and Assam Rifles on May 7, a large number of women protestors stormed the gate of the Chief Minister’s bungalow today.
The agitating womenfolk came together in a bus. After alighting from the bus in front of Nupi Lan Memorial complex located nearby, they moved towards the Bungalow of the Chief Minister carrying a banner inscribed with ‘Repeal AFSPA, 1958’. Police personnel on duty reacted swiftly and prevented the womenfolk from launching their agitation in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow. Afterwards some of the women were allowed to meet to enter the Chief Minister's official residence. However, as Chief Minister had already gone to attend some function, the women representatives handed over a memorandum from the side of UPF to an official of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Even after submission of the memorandum, the agitating womenfolk remained at the gate of the bungalow insis- ting to meet the CM, thus prompting the police to herd them away upto Keishampat. There, the agitating womenfolk also lingered around with the intention of meeting the Chief Minister. The memorandum of the UPF demanded unconditional release of Premjit from jail.
Strongly condemning the alleged arbitrary act on the part of the combined force in arresting the general secretary of UPF Zonal Council, the memorandum also warned that UPF would seek the support of the people for a civil disobedience movement if the Government fails to release the arrested person without any condition immediately.
Meanwhile, in a statement made available to the press, publicity secretary of UPF Thoubal Haokha-Kiyam- Kiyam Siphai-Waithou Zonal Council Kshetrimayum Bhubol categorically stated that the arrest of a innocent social activist like Premjit and lodging him in the jail on false charges is nothing but inviting agitation from the people. The State Govt and the security forces should understanding the pulse of the people and release him from jail uncondition, the statement, while informing that Haokha-Kiyam-Kiyam Siphai-Waithou Zonals of Apun-ba Meira Paibi Lup (AMPAL) and UPF are prepared for full participation in the ongoing agitation.