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05/17/2007: "Attempts underway to unite rival NSCN factions Zee News"
Attempts underway to unite rival NSCN factions Zee News
New Delhi, May 17: After nearly two decades of rivalry, fresh attempts are being made to unite the two rival factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, a move that could result in the creation of the northeast's largest and most powerful rebel group. Following recent calls by NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah for "peace, reconciliation and unity" among the factions, rival NSCN-K Chairman S S Khaplang has said he is not averse to unification provided the other group accepts certain conditions.
"Our chairman Swu has already said all Nagas must stand united both physically and mentally. Reconciliation is a must. Though it is difficult to materialise, a response (from Khaplang) is there," top NSCN-IM leader R H Raising told reporters on phone from Nagaland. He, however, accused the Khaplang faction of acting under the influence of "someone else" but did not give details. "Since they are under the control of someone else, we can't expect 100 per cent now," Raising said.
On the other hand, senior NSCN-K 'kilonser' (minister) A Z Zami said Khaplang was "not averse or opposed" to any move for reconciliation or unification between the two factions if certain conditions are fulfilled.
"Swu and Muivah must first declare that they have not abandoned the demand of sovereignty for Nagas and they (NSCN- IM) must withdraw their charter of demands given to New Delhi during ongoing peace talks," Zami told reporters. The NSCN split in 1988 following a power struggle between Swu, Muivah and Khaplang, a Hemi Naga from Myanmar. Both factions have agreed to a truce with the Central government and are engaged in peace talks. Bureau Report
NSCN(IM) decrees draconian steps against riots, arson Newmai News Network Kohima, May 16: The joint council of the NSCN (IM) after minutely observing the current situation has adopted six-point "azhas". A statement issued by the MIP of NSCN (IM) said the council resolved that in order to effectively contain recurrence of public riots/arsons, the concerned administrative units would immediately activate the law-enforcing agencies to control the situation.
However, the statement warned, "amassed agitation" against the military (Naga Army) would be treated as instigating and encouraging the adversaries and therefore, the commander on duty would be empowered to exercise maximum force, even to the extent of causing grievous injury/death of the agitators to bring the situation under control. "Because such uprising of mobs shall be considered as human shield motivated and employed by the enemy and hence use of force is justified," the statement said. The council also directed the concerned administrative officers and authorities to submit preliminary report to the cabinet through the kilo kilonsers (home minister of the outfit) within 24 hours of the untoward incidents. It warned that they would be held responsible for any personal or individual disputes inflaming communalism/tribalism. Further, the council resolved to immediately recall any NSCN member, with or without the influence of alcoholic/psychotropic substances, "disturbing social order and safeguarding of law and order" causing loss of lives, injuries or damage of properties to the concerned headquarters and be placed under suspension for thorough investigation and trials for justice. The statement said enquiry committees would be constituted primarily to find out the cause of the violence/riot, identify the mastermind or ring leader or leaders and assess the damages caused and loss of lives and properties. Finally, the council resolved to award befitting punishment to the offenders according to the gravity of the crime committed.
NSCN-IM says Brown ‘gang leader’ in kids murder case The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 16 (MExN): The NSCN-IM maintains that Sachung Brown is the ‘gang-leader’ in the recent kidnap and murder of two children, from Senapati, and has strongly warned that “whosoever” stands for any of the criminals involved in the case would be considered party to the crime and the criminals.
A note from the MIP stated that owing to the sensitivity and nature of the case the “government” instituted a fact-finding team.
The team examines all evidences to make sure nothing is “un-rooted” the NSCN-IM explained. “And without any doubt, Mr Sachung Brown is the ringleaders and he masterminded the whole episode of the kidnap and murder of the two school-going children late Mr. Moheni and late Mr. Hrinii of Senapati” the NSCN-IM stated. Cautioning that anyone ‘standing’ for any of the criminals involved shall be considered party to the perpetrators, the NSCN-IM ‘appealed’ to one and all not to “muddle” the matter in the name of village or tribe.
The NSCN-IM would be constrained to initiate befitting “necessary action” against the individual, family, village, organization, adversary or state functionary who deliberately tries to “misconstrue” the case, it stated. It also expresses serious cognizance “how Manipur government responded to a crime taking place in Nagalim” and observed that any issue related to the Nagas “is being always politicized by the so-called Manipur government and its Medias out of frustration and jealousy as the Nagas march forwards their goal.”
Panger appeals to NSCNs, FGN to shun violence The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 16 (MExN): “Gen. (Retd)” Panger Walling has sent out an appeal to the two factions of the NSCN and the FGN as well to shun violence for the sake of the suffering people. The president of his NNC group, Panger, reminded that today’s suffering in the Naga homeland is due to the antagonist interests, pride and revengefulness of the respective underground leaderships.
“The NNC has emphasized even in the past that when the real peace and unity work is opposed then the worst day of killing always comes in the Naga homeland” Panger said in his message on “Naga national plebiscite day.” “This is happening today because of the leadership of different factions’ stubbornness, hatred, greed, pride and revengefulness” he said and strongly called for cessation of violence. “I humbly appeal once again to the NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) and FGN to shun violence against each other in the homeland in the name of our living God and for the sake of freedom for the Naga people” Panger appealed.
The NNC president also reiterated that the Plebiscite of 1951 remains the “final verdict” of the Nagas as an Independent state and people. “Therefore, our fight and stand is to get official recognition from the world body and the community of nations” he explained and appealed to the Government of India to “officially recognize” the democratic rights of the Nagas as a nation so as to bring real peace in the South East Asian region. He explained that this “bold and decisive official recognition” will create ‘real peace’ and tranquility in the region avoiding future wars of destruction between neighboring “countries.”
The NNC president also asserted that the NNC as the “parent body of the Nagas” had ‘never failed nor committed any blunder at any point of time in the political struggle for the Naga sovereignty.’ “Rather the NNC had done all the political landmarks for the very sovereignty of the Nagas which cannot be changed or denied by anybody or any force in this present world. Of course, the NNC admitted that some Naga traitors and leaders failed in their duty for the nation and betrayed the cause of the Naga people” Panger elaborated, and reiterated its stand for sovereignty. He affirmed to stand in opposition to “any move of a treacherous piece-meal solution.” The NNC stands for the whole and all Naga-inhabited areas of free and occupied land of the Nagas, he explained.
Referring to the present-day situation Nagaland is in, Panger lamented that the Naga people are going through a very difficult and defeating period. He reminded that the people’s future will be saved or lost by the present generation “but of especially the leaders of the Naga nationalism.” He challenged the Naga leaders of the various factions to ‘prove the true stand and responsibility to lead the people and nation forward for freedom instead of curse, bloodshed and destruction in the homeland.’
“Therefore, at this critical juncture of our struggle, the future of the Naga people depends very much on the present leaders who lead the Naga nation. Whether we bring blessing or curse and destruction to our people by our opinionated-ness, hatred and actions of bloodshed and destruction” he said. “Today, the Naga people from all corners talk about peace and unity among the Naga national parties at this critical juncture but this had to be done with honor and not with shame and compromise. The Naga national unity is a must but with the original mandated stand of the Nagas,” “Gen (Retd)” Panger Walling added.
Need to review CF rules: Gen Shah Nagarealm.com
Kohima, MAY16 [NPN] : Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen ZU Shah said there was an urgent need for review of the ceasefire ground rules. In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post prior to his departure for Kolkata on Wednesday after a three-day official visit to Nagaland, General Shah pointed out that NSCN cadres were taking advantage of the loopholes in ceasefire ground rules. He said the main thrust of the security forces and the army was to keep away the cadres from local population.
To a query, the General said the local populace would be averse to abrogation of Centre's existing ceasefire with the two factions of NSCN. General Shah, who was the Commander of 3 Corps based in Dimapur, also ruled out any Bhutan-type joint operation by India to flush out insurgents of India's north-east taking refuge in Bangladesh and Myanmar. "We've given all locations of the NE insurgent camps to both our Bangladesh and Myanmar counterparts and I am sure they're capable of handling it themselves," he said. The General said though Indian Army was conducting joint exercises with "friendly countries" yet there was no plan as yet for joint operations to flush out the insurgents from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The General, however, admitted that Indian Army was trying to help its Myanmarese counterpart to remain operational and strengthen the bilateral ties. General Shah revealed majority of the insurgents from India's north-east were holed up in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Commenting on the reported dissension among jawans of Assam Rifles over disparity in perks as compared to that of the Army, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff said the condition of Assam Rifles should commensurate to the hazard and risk they were facing. However, he insisted that Assam Rifles should remain under the operational control of Army till normalization of the situation. General Shah, who is also looking after Planning and System of the Indian Army, revealed that acquiring night-fighting equipment and improving air defence were on top priority of Indian Army in its modernization process.
Two kinds of peace in Nagaland – NNC The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 16 (MExN): There are two kinds of peace in Nagaland today. One is the peace ‘brought about’ by God while the other is the peace ‘offered’ by the enemy according to W Shapwon, “joint secretary” of the NNC.
“The Nagas therefore now have two kinds of peace, which was brought by God and the other one was offered by the enemy” W Shapwon stated in his message on the occasion of the 57th Naga “voluntary” Plebiscite Day. He explained that “the peace of enemy is to keep us silent under their bondage” which became crystal clear “by their talks with the renegade leaders on the agenda of political solution within the framework of Indian Constitution.” The Naga general public therefore must be cautious, “so that we should not be illusioned (sic) by the peacemakers of the enemy.”
He said the day’s gathering was not only to observe the “national day” but also to retrospect on the history of the people and land. “…and to rededicate ourselves to serve our nation steadfast on the national principle enunciated on this national Plebiscite Day by our people 56 years ago; and we are proud of our sagacious leaders who led to conduct national plebiscite while the other princely states of Indian sub-continent have no imagination of such” he stated. The “joint secretary” asserted that by conducting the plebiscite, the NNC leaders laid a firm foundation of nationhood and the Naga people made their solemn pledge for the future of Nagaland. This is “immutable and remains till date as legitimate ground for all Nagas to stand on this platform and strive together for the final achievement of our national goal” he asserted.
He also explained that from the beginning, the NNC leaders “laid down” a policy of non-violence. “Thus our great leader AZ Phizo expressed in his speech on starting of national plebiscite on May 16, 1951 that ‘most of the histories of human freedom were recorded in human blood. Most of the foundations of free nations were built on human bones and crushed skulls. But we want our national independence to remain holy and pure. We do hope we shall not be compelled to live on a structure founded on human skulls and bones.’”
He also conveyed his support and appreciation to all Church leaders and public leaders for having much concern for peace and unity among the Naga brothers. “And I have a great expectation that when the Nagas speak in one voice for the purpose of God and follow together in one accord on the path God is leading us, then we will surely have peace among us and will achieve our cherish goal through the power and guidance of God” he hoped.
NSCN (I-M) warns Nagaland Post
Dimapur, May 16 (NPN): The NSCN (I-M) Wednesday cautioned all concerned to stay away from defending any of those involved in the abduction and subsequent murder of two school-going children - Moheni and Hriini - of Senapati, Manipur.
The faction warned that whosoever would stand for any of the criminals involved would be considered to be a party to the "killer and murder gang".
A statement issued by the MIP of NSCN (I-M) said following investigation, the investigating team found Sachung Brown to be the ring leader, who had masterminded the kidnap and murder of the two kids. Therefore, the NSCN (I-M) appealed to individuals, NGOs, villages etc to refrain from meddling in the matter in the name of village or tribe. The faction warned that it would be compelled to initiate befitting necessary action against anyone "who deliberately tries to misconstrue the kidnap and murder case".
Further, the NSCN (I-M) criticized the Manipur government and the media of that State for "politicizing" any issues of "Nagalim" out of "frustration and jealousy as the Nagas march forward their goal". Charging the Manipur government with going against the wishes of the Nagas time and again, the faction cautioned that Manipur government would be held solely responsible for any untoward incident if the patience of the Nagas slipped out of their hand.
NSCN rivals clash Correspondent Nagaland post
KOHIMA, MAY 16 (NPN): Even as the 56th Naga voluntary Plebiscite Day was being observed Wednesday, heavy exchange of fire between the rival NSCN factions was reported at Sanis village under Wokha district. Sources said the clash started Wednesday afternoon at around 2.30 p.m. and lasted for about half an hour, though was no report of any injury or casualty on either side. According to the local pastor of Sanis village A.R. Murry, about eight NSCN (K) men who arrived in the village at around 2.10 p.m. were resting in a house inside the Church complex, when another group of NSCN (I-M) also arrived at the scene and a gun battle ensued. However, the immediate intervention of the womenfolk who staged a procession demanding cessation of firing and vacation of armed factions from public areas, forced both the groups to retreat.
Meanwhile, according to a delayed report, suspected NSCN (K) members shot dead one shopkeeper inside the Doyang Hydro Electric Project locality on May 9 last.
The deceased identified as Yuromi Tangkhul was married to a Lotha lady and had three children.
Sources also said Yuromi, who was a former NSCN (I-M) member, had been running his small grocery shop in the locality for several years. It was suspected that late Yuromi was a victim of the NSCN (K)'s 'Quit notice' served earlier to Tangkhuls.
NNC observes Naga Voluntary Plebiscite Day The Morung Express
Kohima, May 16 (MExN): The Naga National Council (NNC) today observed the 57th Naga ‘Voluntary’ Plebiscite Day at Kohima village. The message of the NNC president was read out on the occasion.
“Our people in Nagaland commemorate the historic plebiscite Day held on May 16, 1951 as the defining moment that brought about the Naga nation,” said NNC president Adinno Phizo in her message. The NNC president thanked everyone “who work and stood together upholding our Naga national stand regardless of the difficult time.”
W. Shapwon, Joint Secretary, NNC while speaking on the occasion said that by conducting “this national plebiscite the NNC leaders laid a firm foundation of our nation and the Naga people made their solemn pledge for the future of Nagaland. Lhouvitsu, Tatar Hoho speaker also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Shevohü Keyho, Kilo Kilonser.
Guilong `controversial` suspect,says NSCN(IM) John Baso Pou Kangla on Line
SENAPATI, May 16: The Senapati children`s murder case took another twist as the investigation officer of the NSCN (IM) investigation team stated that Guilong Tuimei, who absconded from the hands of the police, was the "most controversial accused" in the case. The officials of the outfit have also sought two days time to capture the absconded Guilong even as the self imposed deadline of the outfit expired yesterday. The investigation officer of the NSCN (IM) has reportedly told the authorities of the fact finding committee, that during course of investigation, Guilong appeared to be one of the most controversial accused and as he is not in their custody, the progress of the investigation could not reach the expected level.
Guilong was the man who allegedly contacted one of the parents of the two deceased children after kidnapping them. He was handed over to the Senapati police by Ireng village for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of the two kids Moheni Martin and Hriinii Hubert of Senapati. Later, he obtained bail from the court on health grounds and failed to show up before the police. Senapati police have also alerted all the police stations of the state for his arrest.
On the other hand, a meeting of the fact finding committee on the murder of the two school kids held today at Senapati district headquarter expressed dissatisfaction over the apparent non-progress in the investigation by both the NSCN (IM) and the state government.
Speaking to this correspondent after the meeting of the fact finding committee, Veino Solomon demanded that both the parties should place their findings before the public as people were not satisfied with the current progress of the investigation. He also insisted that the state government keep its promise by publishing the progress report of the Special Investigation Team, SIT formed by the state home department through the newspapers.
He also alleged that the government by not meeting with the fact finding committee once in a week as per agreed conditions violated the agreement. The chairman of the committee also expressed his dissatisfaction over the NSCN (IM)`s inability to apprehend another alleged acused Adai. He also informed that the authorities of the outfit called the members of the committee to turn up at its designated camp at Hebron and have discussions on the progress of the investigation. However, he refused to say when the team would proceed to Hebron.
Nagaland CM attacks 'Freedom of Religion Bills'--- UNI
New Delhi, May 17: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today attacked 'Freedom of Religion Bills', saying such legislations deprived the people of their right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution. ''This is a subject about which I feel strongly as a tribal and a Christian,'' said Mr Rio sharing a forum on empowerment of dalits and tribals with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and leader of the Opposition LK Advani.
''The so-called freedom of religion bills are basically directed against Christianity, having been used to prevent conversion to this religion, and to harass Christian missionaries, who have renderd so many philanthrpic services to the poor and the marginalised,'' he said.
The Chief Minister also registered his strong protest against what he called ''grave injustice'' to dalit Christians'' who because of religion and faith have been deprived of their right to reservation, which the dalit Hindus enjoy.'' He sought to underline that the socio-economic condition of these dalit Christians had not changed after their conversion to Christianity.
Mr Rio also came down heavily on the policy and functioning of the Tribal Affairs Ministry.
''This Ministry implements tribal sub plans in those states which have pockets of tribal areas, but has no such plan for the fully tribal states of the North east. I consider this a great paradox. We had taken up this issue at various fora in the past, but with no results so far,'' he said.
He was addressing the two-day international conference on 'Empowerment of SCs, STs and Minorities', convened by Lok Sabha Deputy speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal. Mr Rio hoped the conference would deliberate upon these issues and come out with its recommendations.
Labyrinths of an Issue Nagarealm.com
In short, the chronicle of Naga political movement is intermittent with Agreement, Ceasefire, Talks and Accord. Inspite of several rounds of peace talks with the Government of India, political solution is not at sight. Unlike previous peace talks, ongoing Naga dialogue opened new political dimensions particularly on the agenda of “territorial” integration [vis-ŕ-vis integrity].
Integration seems to be unkind word at the moment. However, the issue of integration remains crucial as well as contentious for a variety of reasons. Today, such situation created “conditioning politics” for both Nagas and neighbouring communities.
As a part of Naga integration movement, many private schools in Naga areas of Manipur affiliated to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). In this affair, Naga civil societies have issued a statement explaining the stand made in this regard. The frontline Nagas organisations explained the various dynamics involved and the area of their “justification” is on the grounds of syllabi, educational policies and administrative concerns. Naga civil organisations joint statement state that: “In the first place, schools of the said areas opted for NBSE affiliation because of the varied and ‘innumerable’ reasons within the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM). One of the most damaging reasons is the imposition of Meetei-Mayek [Manipuri or Meetei script] and distortion of Naga history in the syllabi, the statement explained adding that schools of the stated areas are convinced that Nagaland’s syllabi is ‘undoubtedly far better’ than BSEM’s.” Unfortunately, the performance of private students from the four hill districts of Manipur in the HSLC final examinations (2007) is dismaying situation. A declared proportion recorded only 19.21 per cent.
One interesting development in the recent Naga political movement is departure from the earlier policy and commitment. Today, United Naga Council (UNC) extends its activism towards state’s politics with the formation of “United Naga Democratic Front” (UNDF) in Manipur. This political front emphasis to work outside the house for “Common Identical Programme” and “interest” of the Naga people…The total six UNC’s MLAs are essentially instituted to voice Naga Integration in Manipur Assembly [So far, no loud intervention is observe in Manipur Assembly regarding Naga integration issue]. In this context, the policy seems to endorse that the Indian electoral process could be “potential” factor for Naga integration [or solution]. Having said Naga integration is crucial agenda however; reducing Naga issue into a mere electoral process is uncalled for. In fact, Naga issue is neither Indian Constitutional crisis nor electoral representation.
Beyond Integration…
By tradition, Nagas are proud people as well as stubborn too. Still proud to be Nagas however, come to “thinking and acting” part, it narrows down to mere self-community interest and narrow-minded attitude. Occasionally, this so-called “self-community interest” leads to ethnic-differences and hatred. Such circumstances even observes among “elite” student community particularly at the time of union election [Delhi illustrates good example]. The sphere where Nagas could not integrate is in the territory of “psychological integration,” call it emotional and attitude. For instance, quit notice being served to the Tangkhul Nagas in Nagaland state by the certain section of Naga people. This implies that the society is still enables to crawl out from the communal cocoon. On the other hand, this gives full advantage to those who want to sabotage the Naga politics.
Indeed, so-called “money culture” had done enough damage in Naga society. The culture reduces the society into a mere slave [to state tactical “kill with dollars”]. Such intervention created a kind of monster forces with “perverse” incentive to segregate the society into hierarchical structure and individualism. In other word, it can be interpret that money culture has become one of the main contributory factor to violence in Naga society.
Today, Nagas are in the state of transition stage. The transition is also incorporated with a wave so-called “globalisation.” This wave bears enormous and powerful forces that can kill not only the society but also drain the resources. In fact, it poses a big challenge to the Naga contemporary wisdom and thinking. Unfortunately, at the moment Naga wisdom hovers around inter-ethnic communalism, fratricide, extortion and “unholy nexus” [Also, insurgent’s interference in developmental works, favourism to certain contractors and partisan attitude]. The trends manifests of internal socio-political weakness. Such internal weakness stakes danger for the Naga politics. One can cite 22nd April Dimapur [Nagaland] incident, the “black Sunday.” Another unhealthy tendency is over indulgence of state’s politics and electoral process for instance, in Manipur where the Naga civil organisations participates Indian electoral process with catchy phrase “Lead Kindly Light” It seems like the civil organisations least bother the subsequent confusion created in the society [The explicit indication is Chandel Assembly Constituency where Nagas political maze paves way for the Kuki community].
Today, the dynamic of inter-communalism, electoral politics, intolerable senseless factional killings and money culture pose as unkind “apparatus” in Naga society. So, the question is what colour tag in Naga politics? Is it a communal colour or greed? In fact the mentioned factors could lead to self destruction. At this juncture, Nagas thoughts need contemporary wisdom, rationality, public debate and reasoning. Nagas are not lack in thinking; the problem is underestimation of “good thoughts” of the rational people. Conversely, Naga politics rather accommodate too much middle-man’s intervention vis-ŕ-vis their suggestions [Those who whisper in the ear]. Moreover, Naga issue should not be solely depends on Naga civil functionaries and social leaders [or Middle-man]. But it needs to outsource contemporary wisdom and intellectual inputs. Nagas are no more isolated community, now there are several “capable” people who are either in government service, NGOs, research institutes, church organisations, universities, schools et al. If the trend of “middle-man” monopoly continues in Naga thinking then the real issue could destroy. [UA Shimray, KOL]
Prices skyrocket in state due to illegal `taxes` Thingbaijam Dhamen
IMPHAL, May 16: Prices of essential commodities transported from Dimapur, the business hub of Nagaland, reach double the original price by the time they reach Imphal. As for instance, currently potatoes cost Rs. 10 per kg in Imphal while the same is available at less than Rs. 5 in Dimapur. The unchecked collection of various kinds of legal and illegal "tax and entry fees" along the stretch of National Highway-39 from Imphal to Dimapur leading to increase in freight charges for ferrying goods to the state from Dimapur, is the main reason behind the increase in the prices, transporters and businessmen admit. `The "tax and entry fees" along the stretch from Imphal to Jakhabanta in Assam via Nagaland state has led to a manifold increase in the expenditure incurred by trucks and other vehicles serving on this route,` the transporters said.
Justifying the high freight rates for transportation of goods, the transporters and truckers stated that the expenditure on the national highways is increasing non-stop since there are plenty of taxes both legal and illegal imposed on them from various sides. Every commercial vehicle serving on the route has to spend at least Rs. 4000 per trip while crossing various illegal and legal check posts opened in the entire stretch. According to truckers whom this correspondent contacted, they could hardly manage with Rs. 4000 as the taxes are increasing day by day.
"The money spent by the truckers and service providers of inter-sate buses on this route is above the "tax" collected annually and monthly by outfits active on this route, a trucker who did not want to disclose his name said. It is well known that a driver has to pay Rs. 200 for a receipt slip of Rs. 2. Likewise, for Rs. 5 the charges are Rs. 500.
For entry fee for the underground elements, the receipts have to be collected from various points at Dimapur and its surrounding areas by the drivers. The same slip is to be produced at certain points where activists of these underground groups are detailed for the purpose.
Those truckers who fail to produce the same get punishment ranging from being beaten to shelling out fines fixed by them.Earlier, most of the collections of "entry fees" were concentrated on the Dimapur-Imphal stretch, but now it has extended to the Karbi Anglong side as many more groups have started collecting fees for entering their area of operation, disclosed the truckers.
At present the freight rate for transporting goods from Dimapur is Rs. 12,000 to 13,000 for 10 tonnes. The rate is changeable as it has to be fixed at Dimapur while loading the goods from the godowns after negotiation between the agencies and the truckers or the transporters.
The freight rates as disclosed by the transporters and truckers are still not high enough if one takes into consideration the various problems faced by them mostly on national highway-39 where countless number of governmental and non-governmental taxes are imposed on them.
Pouring out their grievances, some truckers plying along NH-39 pointed out that transporters face ever-increasing monetary demands from various organisations. When the vehicle or goods owners fail to pay up on time, which often happens due to the sheer number of demands, the truckers are the first to be targeted. Truckers have often been kidnapped and vehicles set ablaze for failure to pay such demands. Even if these do not happen, the truckers are the targets of considerable mental and physical harassment. Sometimes vehicle documents and goods challans are snatched by miscreants, which lands the truckers in further trouble, as without challans they cannot collect the transport charges from the goods owners. It may be mentioned here that in the last one month as many as six goods laden trucks were burnt down by miscreants at various places in the state allegedly for not paying extortion money to different outfits.
There were also reports of cadres of an outfit forcibly unloaded goods transported from Dimapur and Guwahati at Senapati in Manipur for not paying money to them.
Army crackdown in Assam after attacks on migrant workers The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 16 (Agencies): Authorities in Assam Wednesday announced a massive military crackdown after separatist attacks overnight left five Hindi-speaking migrant workers dead and one injured, officials said.
'We are taking some very strong anti-insurgency steps and security forces are put on high alert across Assam with army, police and paramilitary troopers, deployed in strength in vulnerable areas,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters.
Heavily armed militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) shot five migrant workers and wounded one in two separate attacks in eastern Dibrugarh and Sivasagar districts. Four daily labourers were gunned down near village Belbari in Dibrugarh, about 470 km east of Guwahati.
Another person was shot dead near Borhat in the adjoining Sivasagar district and his son critically wounded in the attack.
Police blamed the ULFA for the fresh attacks on Hindi-speaking workers, who hailed from Bihar and have made Assam their home for decades, doing odd jobs as brick kiln workers, fishermen and daily wage earners.
'The attacks on innocent people are inhuman,' the chief minister said.
Tuesday's attacks came after four people were killed in clashes Sunday between indigenous Assamese and tribal tea plantation workers in eastern Assam over blocking a national highway to protest the death of a youth in an alleged staged shootout by the army.
The plantation workers clashed with the anti-army protestors saying the road block had led to shortage of food supplies to the tea gardens. Two people were killed Monday in a bomb blast set off by the rebels at a market in Guwahati. The ULFA, which is fighting for a separate Assamese homeland and demanding the expulsion of all non-Assamese people, especially those from the Hindi-speaking northern belt of India, had killed about 60 migrant workers in January in a wave of attacks. The attacks have triggered fear and panic among hundreds of Hindi speaking people in Assam. 'People are panicking and there is a fear of more such attacks. We are really worried for our lives. We have been residing in Assam for decades, but now we don't know whether to stay or flee to safer areas,' said Mohan Singh, a grocer in Tengakhat town in Dibrugarh. 'The attacks were reminiscent of the one we saw in January,' said Hariprasad Gupta, another trader in the adjoining district of Tinsukia. Both Singh and Gupta originally hail from Bihar. 'We are committed to protecting the lives and ensuring security to everybody,' Gogoi said. The killings in January prompted New Delhi to launch a massive military offensive in which around 60 ULFA rebels were killed and about 570 arrested in separate raids. Since peace talks collapsed between New Delhi and the rebels last September, Assam has witnessed a series of deadly attacks that authorities have blamed on the ULFA. In 2000, the outfit killed at least 100 Hindi-speaking people in a series of attacks after vowing to free the state of 'non-Assamese migrant workers' who they say take away their jobs. Separatist violence has wracked Assam, the northeast's most populous state, since 1979, claiming at least 20,000 lives. n labourers who were not being able procure foodstuff following the road blockade.
ONGC buoyed by gas find The Morung Express
Silchar, May 16 (Telegraph): The Cachar forward base of the ONGC has struck natural gas in a 2,705-metre-deep well at Khubal near Pechertal village in Karimganj district on the Assam-Tripura boundary. The find topped the agenda during the discussion of the ONGC board of directors at its Srikona sector headquarters near this town yesterday which was presided over by the corporation’s chairman an d managing director R.S. Sharma. This is the first time that the board met in Cachar district since exploration attempts for hydrocarbon were unveiled there in 1977. Surajit Sen, general manager of the forward base, said the potential of this new gas field would be realised only after certain tests were carried out. The tests are already under way, he added. Sharma, who made a whirlwind tour of the ONGC’s areas in south Assam and adjacent Tripura yesterday, was quite optimistic about the find. He said south Assam, with its proximity to neighbouring gas-bearing Bangladesh, has plenty of gas reserves. But despite its continuous efforts to tap the hydrocarbon wealth in south Assam, Sharma admitted that his organisation’s track record in oil find in this region continued to be poor. He said the corporation, which struck oil first in this region in 1981 and since then drilled 76 wells in 19 structures, found six oil-bearing and nine gas-bearing areas, but the flow in the oil fields soon dried up, much to the disappointment of his staff. At present, only natural gas was spurting out of the nine wells dug in the region. Among these, the important gas wells are Adamtilla, Banskandi, Bhubandhar and Patheria. In its next phase of drilling operations in the forward base, the ONGC will scour Adamtilla and Longai in Karimganj district and Masimpur and Natanpur in Cachar district.
The state-run Assam Gas Company Limited has now been supplying 150,000 cubic metres of gas each day from the Banskandi and Adamtilla gas fields to the 25-MV thermal power plant, set up by DLF Power. The ONGC has also been toying with the idea of laying 36-km-long pipelines to supply piped cooking gas to the inhabitants of Silchar from its Bhubandhar gas field.
Terror signature Nagaland Post Editorial
Recent spurt in violence unleashed by Ulfa in Assam, where several innocent people died indicate that there has been no improvement in the situation, despite the initial flicker of hope for an end to such mindless violence. Though ending violence may not necessarily mean lasting solution and peace; yet it forms the most essential and primary need for building the bridge for negotiation. These attacks have left an indelible mark of fear and dread on the horizon. It is also clear that the outfit is unwilling to give up violence. In fact, these blatant acts of terror lave a "no peace" signature which needs to be viewed with utmost concern by the government. The voice of the human rights activists has been muted over the recent violence unleashed against innocent civilians. The silence of those who have been loudly criticizing the government for launching military operations against elements who violate the rights and destroy the lives of the unarmed civilians is deafening indeed. The double standards of these activists is not surprising but very unfortunate. On the other hand, the Dispur government has not been doing much except talk peace at one time or talk tough at another but failing to translate these into action. Were the recent attacks a sign of desperation, given the fact that the Army has almost choked the supply and movement of the outfit? Though militarization of the situation is a matter of deep concern yet it totally pales in comparison with the barbarity of those elements who are not at all concerned about the wishes and desires of their people. The wishes of the people for peaceful resolution must be respected. On the other, people and various NGOs also need to need to speak with a clear voice against murderous acts on innocent people. For the moment though, those who wage war against the innocent have abdicated any moral right to talk on behalf of the people. It is clear how terror is being sponsored from across the international border and so this apparatus that has led to the so-called 'proxy war' should be totally neutralized. No conflict exists between the people and the militants and therefore, the only path is to shun violence and resolve issues with the government. The innocent and unarmed public have become the pawns in this deadly game and it is time for people to wake up. If people reject the ideology of a dream that has practically translated into gory violence then it time that the government read the writing on the wall and seriously consider long term objectives to protect and lives and properties of innocent people. Strengthening democracy in an environment of imbalanced development due to corruption and also highhandedness of the law enforcement agencies brings the need for a viable public forum to safeguard people's interests.
