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05/23/2007: "NSCN-IM invites all ‘for-sovereignty’ The Morung Express"

NSCN-IM invites all ‘for-sovereignty’ The Morung Express

Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): The NSCN-IM invites all Nagas “from different camps” who are “for sovereignty” to “come along” and be a part of the “historic reconciliation.”
“…we invite and welcome all of our brothers and sisters in different camps to come forward for the historic reconciliation. We hope no one who runs the blood of the Nagas opposes it. We are for sovereignty. Come along if you too are for sovereignty” declared an MIP issue. The NSCN-IM declared that the sovereignty of the Nagas’ is based on the “historical facts of the Nagas and for this we have been taking so long a time even in the last moment of the talks.’ “We have not given up even an iota of sovereignty and we will continue to do so” it asserted.
A “dead history” would have been inherited had not it been the leadership of AZ Phizo and his refusal to join the Indian union in 1950 and a history of surrender, shame and humiliation would have resulted had it not been the leadership of Isak and Muivah “who saved the future of the Naga nation” from the Shillong Accord, the NSCN-IM declared.
The NSCN-IM further added that the history of the Nagas would have been most ignominious had “the abortive coup attempt of SS Khaplang, the darling of RAW, been successful in 1988.” The NSCN-IM maintained that the “world knows” how the NSCN-K chairman ‘clique’ had been “honeymooning” with the Indian intelligence and armed forces for two decades now.

“People say it may be not because they are working for it, but because they are trying to deceive the world by covering up their crimes” it stated adding that in their (NSCN-K) talks with the GoI “they have accepted the law of the land which is noting but the acceptance of Indian constitution?”
The NSCN-IM also reiterated its stand on integration maintaining that integration/unification of all Naga territories is a “natural necessity which admits no argument.” It is a matter of choice, the NSCN-IM stated. Unification of all Nagas areas under one political umbrella has been the long-cherished goal of the Nagas wherever they are; integration of all Naga territories is an integral part of solution which no sensible Naga would misconstrue it, it added.
NSF no to sectarianism The Morung Express
KOHIMA, MAY 22 (MExN): While renewing its commitment to the Naga issue, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) today said it will not tolerate regionalism or sectarianism within the Naga family. There is no eastern Nagas, western Nagas or Southern, but the Nagas are one, reiterated outgoing president Phushika Awomi at the handing and taking over function held at its office chamber.
The outgoing president also said that the NSF do not recognized the artificial boundary created by the Indians to divide the great Naga family. “NSF is surviving because of the Naga issue”, Pushika said, while calling upon the new incumbent to give more time to the Naga issue. Besides, prioritizing the Naga issue, the Naga Students’ Federation also reaffirmed it commitment to spurge corruptions in NPSC and NU.
Other issues in the long targeted list of NSF are HIV/AIDS, illegal immigrant and superannuation. The simple handing and taking over ceremony was chaired by former president and tribunal member Achumbemo Kikon. Meanwhile, the executive meeting of the new office bearer will be held on Wednesday at its office at 11:00 am, informed new vice president Charles Lotha.
Cong denies Jamir petition; hard copy with MEx The Morung Express
MON, MAY 22 (MExN): Even as a press copy of the petition to Ranjit Thomas was issued to our local correspondent, the DCC vehemently denied all knowledge of suggesting that S.C Jamir be brought back to the state, as the party leader. The rejoinder jointly issued by the DCC president, P. Chingao Konyak and general secretary Manlip Konyak stated that the district Congress leaders had never discussed or submitted any petition to the Secretary AICC, Ranjit Thomas to this effect. The DCC further stated that Congress party leaders of the district were not aware of the suggestion if it had been given by an individual of persons and maintained that the leadership would be decided by the party by the elected members after elections.
The rejoinder was issued against the news item which appeared in The Morung Express under the headline, “Demand for Jamir’s return grow within the Congress Party” wherein it was stated that the District Congress had submitted a petition to Ranjit Thomas for change of leadership. The aforementioned petition, submitted to the ACCI Secretary while in Mon, appealed for Jamir to be recalled back to the state for the salvation of the Congress party which was suffering from lack of strong leadership. The news item also had also mentioned that the DCC president had denied the submission of the petition even as he admitted that the same might have been done on an individual capacity.
It may be added in this regard that a copy of the petition had been made available to the correspondent by a veteran party worker which was addressed to the AICC Secretary, Ranjit Thomas. The petition had been submitted after the meeting during a closed door meeting of the DCC, PCC and other high profile persons of the district congress which took place after the meeting with the frontal organizations. It was also revealed by reliable sources in the party leadership that a copy of the petition had also been faxed to the Governor of Goa, SC Jamir. The press copy of the controversial petition is signed by five high-profile local Congress leaders of the district.
Zeliangrong Baudi responds to allegations- Nagaland Post
Although we do not desire to come into confrontation with any people or tribe, we are left without any option bit to react to the behavior of some of our Sumi brothers who, without any regard for our aged village, in our land are totally disregarding our ownership by simple saying, "we are trying to settle because we are landless". Proclaiming that you are landless does not give you the right to come and forcibly establish villages in someone's land. In fact if you are truly landless and desire to settle down in someone's land, traditionally there are certain norms to be adhered to. However no Naga tribe can convincingly say that they are landless since all Nagas have their own territories. We know that Zunheboto district belongs to the Sumi tribe. It was only through a press statement that we were made aware of the Sumis establishing 160 villages in Dimapur. We simply stated that we do not desire to see such and expansion of Sumi villages in our land. In the light of such a huge territory, how can you say that you are landless?
When you come and forcibly take our land and we resist we are called troublemakers. When you come and encroach on our land and we call you encroachers, you are unhappy that you are called encroachers. What do we say?
Zeliangrong people and the Kuki's have been living together for a prolonged period of time. The Kuki's have acknowledged our ownership of land so we live together in respect for each other. However your concern to establish ownership of land to the Kukis is quite obvious and mischievous. If any dispute arises between Kuki villages and Zeliangrong villages, there is a forum to settle it out amicably or for that matter, there is judicial court within the Peren district to settle such matter. Thus your interest and intervention creating artificial land dispute has carried a colorful design to the people of Nagaland which is uncalled for.
On the question of our Zeliangrong brothers settling down in our villages is our right. We decide who resides in our land. Press allegations that consideration first must be given to geographically Naga born citizens and that Inavi village has more superior status legally to Besumpuikam village is absurd. Consideration for settlement is the right of the landowner. How can we consider Inavi village or for that matter any one who has no regard for us at all? And as far as we are concerned, we are either Naga or not Naga, we do not distinguish Nagas as geographically Naga born citizen or non-geographically born citizen. Zeliangrong people originating from Assam and Manipur state are our blood brothers. We are living in one contiguous area and have been doing so since time immemorial; the undesirable situation of fragmenting us into different states came much later. What is wrong in giving preference to our own people to settle in our own land and respecting our way of life? Will it not be natural for the Rengmas to show more love to their own brothers from Western Rengma in Assam or for the Konyaks to be more accommodating to their konyak brothers from Arunachal or Myanmar. Let us not make our own brothers aliens or second class Nagas just because of an unjust and wrong demarcation of states by the Government of India. Zeliangrong and Konyaks if not physically divided will be the biggest Naga tribe but unfortunately we have been fragmented. Interestingly it is perhaps because of our earlier resistance to foreign domination (Rani Gaidinlie's movement) that the size and the jurisdiction of our people have been divided. Similarly in the case of the Konyaks, perhaps it is their ingenuity and skills and the size and jurisdiction of their people and land that they were also fragmented, the reason being that we should not pose a threat to the establishment. Have we not suffered enough for an unjust treatment on us? Today being deprived and subjugated, Nagas brothers, do not trample on our rights and insult us because of our simplicity and our silence should never be treated as our weakness. Zeliangrong people have suffered and sacrificed no less for the "Nagalim" dream. But if our land and territories are not secure, and our rights trampled upon by dominant forces, then will the Nagalim dream means anything to us.
The time has come for all Nagas especially the respected bodies like tribal Hohos, Naga hoho, Naga councils, NSF as well as all right thinking Nagas to speak the truth boldly to check this conflict from heading to an undesired irreparable situation. After all, whatever anyone may say, Ntangki belongs to the Zeliangrong.
Dennis Elung, president Raitu Elu, vice president, ZLR Baudi (N) Peren, Nagaland
Nagaland headed for White Revolution-Rio New Kerala
Kohima, May 23: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said Nagaland was switching-over from Green Revolution to "White Revolution", which he termed as the success story of the farmers.

Addressing a programme for distribution of Tractors and Power tillers, organised under Chief minister's Corpus Fund in connection of the ongoing "year of farmers" at Agri Expo site in Dimapur yesterday, Mr Rio called for optimum harnessing of "the strength of our area", the Agri allied sector, for empowerment of farmers and economic growth of the state.

He outlined the vision of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland(DAN) as empowerment of the farmers, as the Government was only a facilitator and not the sole provider.

He also asked the farmers to adopt modern methods of farming, while claiming that the ongoing Year of Farmers had opened up many opportunities not only for the farmers, but also for the mases. He disclosed that Rs 20 crores had been earmarked for the "Year of Farmers", which will be given to the Agri and allied departments, based on their action plans. He also said the Government is also giving importance to Bamboo Mission since bamboo is readily available in abundance and urged the people to come forward to avail the opportunities. --- UNI

Kids cross from Myanmar to attend class The Tangkhul
IMPHAL, May 22 : Although the existing condition of the schools in the hill districts of Manipur are generally said to be deplorable, many students from the bordering villages of neighbouring country, Myanmar are coming to study at various schools of Ukhrul district even if they have to walk 20 kms on foot every day in quest of knowledge. During a recent visit to the remote Poi village of Ukhrul district, The Sangai Express came across many Myanmarese students coming from beyond the border to study at the schools of Ukhrul district.
Eight-year old Jolla is a young boy from Ngachan village of Myanmar. He has been staying at Poi village for the past one year to study. He is now studying in class I in a private school there. He can speak Tangkhul very fluently but has not picked up Manipuri language.
Talking to The Sangai Express with the help of headman of Poi AS Patrick, Jolla said he wants to stay and study at Poi and does not want to go back to his native village in Myanmar, where there is no facility for education. When asked whether Myanmarese Army came to his village, Jolla promptly replied, ‘Kabo Siphai come every now and then’.
A senior IAS officer of the State Government disclosed there had been an instance in the past when people of some of the neighbouring villages of Myanmar requested the Government of Manipur for paying the house taxes and to merge with Manipur instead of being a part of Myanmar. During the course of conversation with the headman of Poi village, it was learnt that atleast 10 to 20 Myanmarese students have been coming to study at Poi Junior High School every year. They either come walking on foot everyday or put up in rented rooms or with some acquaintances. Around 300 students are studying in Poi Junior High School, and there are only two Government teachers including the Headmaster posted at the said Junior High School.
In order to educate the students, the monthly rice share of the School under the Mid-Day Scheme is sold off and six teachers are hired by paying them Rs 1200 per month as salary.
Some amount from the developmental schemes of the village are also deducted in paying the salary of the hired teachers in case Mid-day rice does not reach in time. Patrick further informed that the villagers are very concerned about the education of their children, and so there is a sort of competition among the villagers in taking care of the teachers posted in the village.
Unfortunately, not even a single graduate teachers who were given appointment by the Govt have been posted at Poi Junior High School, the headman rued. While informing that the existing wooden bridge over Chall-ou river passing through the village is in dilapidated condition, the headman also urged the State Government for construction of a new bridge. Among other problems being faced by the people of this remote village, one serious problem is that of health care. It was conveyed that many of the villagers irresp-ective of their age group are suffering from stone cases.
Naga frontals urged to make stand on Intangki The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): Naga frontline organizations are urged to wake from their slumber and intervene to prevent the Ntangki National Park dispute from spiraling out of control. Making obvious reference to the frontal organizations’ keeping mum over the land dispute, the Zeliangrong Baudi reminded the Naga Hoho, Naga Council, Naga Students’ Federation and tribal Hohos that ‘the time has come’ to make a stand.’
“The time has come for all Nagas specially the respected bodies like tribal Hohos, Naga Hoho, Naga Council, NSF as well as all right-thinking Nagas to speak the truth boldly to check this conflict from heading to an undesired irreparable situation” a statement from the Baudi appealed. The release was appended by the Baudi’s president Dennis Elung and vice president Raitu Elu. “After all whatever anyone may say, Ntangki belongs to the Zeliangrong” it added.
The Baudi expressed loathe for any confrontation with any people or community, but the “behavior” of certain sections of a community in disregarding the ownership rights of the Zeliangrong cannot be left with any other option. The Baudi reminded that one being “landless” does not entails him to a right to forcibly settle in someone’s land but if at all he is allowed to settle, there are certain norms to be adhered to. “However, no Naga tribe can convincingly say that they are landless since all Nagas have their own territories. We know that Zunheboto district belongs to the Sumi tribe. It was only through a press statement that we were made aware of the Sumi establishing 160 villages in Dimapur the Baudi stated. It however wished not to see such expansion in the land of the Zeliangrongs. The Baudi cited the example of the co-existence of the Kuki community with the Zeliangrongs where the former acknowledges the ownership of the latter. The Baudi strongly reminded that if any dispute arises between the two there is a proper forum or a judicial court in Peren to settle the matter amicably. The Baudi also reminded that it is the Zeliangrongs who decide who resides in its land and not any other. “Consideration for settlement is the right of the landowner” it reminded. In regarding to questions raised on the ‘patriotism’ of the Zeliangrongs, the Baudi reiterated that the Zeliangrongs have equally suffered and made sacrifices no less than any other community for the sake of Naga people. “But if our land and territories are not secure and our rights trampled upon by dominant forces then will the Nagalim dream mean anything to us” it stated.
Remove eastern Naga area from Naga inhibited area map: ENSA Morung Express

Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): Strongly opposing the inclusion of Eastern Nagaland in the map of Naga inhabited areas, the Eastern Naga Students’ Association asked all the Naga NGOs to remove Eastern Nagaland (Myanmar) from the map.
A press statement received here from the President of ENSA, Michael Kaita, said that the inclusion of the Eastern Naga area in the map with the rest of the Naga area will never relieve them from the bondage of suffering, but made them look like mere decorative pieces in front of the Nagas.
“No one cam claim that drawing out the map of Eastern Nagaland is the sign of concern for all the Nagas, but Western Naga has been making us looking glass and makeup powder of the Naga,” stated the release and added that not a single NGO has come forward to rescue the Eastern Naga, but instead meted out step-motherly treatment, the release lamented. Therefore, the release appealed “to all the Naga NGOs to remove the eastern Nagaland (Myanmar) from the map and not display the eastern Naga territory with the rest of Naga which it hurt the sentiment of our people,” stated the release. The release stated that the eastern Nagas want to live alone without interfering with the other part of the Nagas and added that the western Nagas need not worry about the eastern Nagas and leave them alone.
Just thinking aloud Perspective The Morung Express
After actively serving the nation for two years in Nagalim and a year in Bangladesh, it was my good fortune to have had the opportunities to be with the Collective Leadership from 1997 till 2001 mainly in Thailand. Unlike those bullies who threaten others and indulge in wrong deeds and thereby bring shame to the NSCN, I found our Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th Muivah very kind and understanding. Their national vision, based on God’s leadership and equality for all, delighted me immensely. I discovered that these leaders wholeheartedly love the Nagas above themselves and their families. As an example, even though they could have done as bosses, there was not a single instance when they have better things than those who live with them. They indeed exist for the glory of Nagalim.
My room was next to Chairman Swu’s and therefore I could know his daily routine. Though I miserably failed to be like him, I very much appreciated his philosophy of life. Besides his cleanliness, it was his punctuality that I failed to acquire. But it was his pious living that captivated me the most. Most of the time he is either reading the Bible, or praying or fasting. Another important lesson I learnt from him is the total lack of slandering and backbiting in his character. As young men, we found ourselves wanting in many respects, but he was always there to readily forgive. I will remain grateful to him for showing me good ways to be a worthy Christian. We Naga people, the Sumis in particular, ought to be praising our living God for sending such a wonderful person to lead our nation at this crucial time of our history. Thinking of Chairman Swu’s kind and forgiving nature brings to our minds his pleading for unity and reconciliation, and we join the KU in thanking the NSCN for kindly releasing one K cadre recently in Tizit (this is one of the proofs that Konyaks and Tangkhuls did not and will never entertain animosity against each other). Indeed there is no glory for both the NSCN and the K group in killing their fellow Nagas. Also, except making the adversaries happy, there is no glory in “Quit Notice for Christ” either. Naga Support Group (UK) is sure that Chairman Swu’s petition for unity is for the Nagas to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. By loving one another, we Nagas can work for the Nation and one day gladly say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7). KUKNALIM
In God’s grace, Professor Timothy Kaping President, Naga Support Group (UK)
Lazy? Time to work, says Rio The Morung Expresss
Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): Calling for inculcating work culture among the Naga people, state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that it was time to work and ‘not be lazy’ searching for ‘easy money.’
Giving a powerful speech at the power tillers and tractors distributing function at the Agri Expo Site in Dimapur, Rio told the gathered beneficiaries that the Naga society is improving and setting a trend, however, he lamented the fact that the state remains by and large, a consumer society, with nothing to boast of and nothing to produce. “We are even importing labourers,” lamented Rio and added that no country in this world depends on outside labourers and that all the countries in the ‘world do the things for themselves.’
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tries his hand at one of the tractors issued under the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund to commemorate ‘Year of Farmers’ at Agri Expo site, Dimapur on May 22. The powertillers were distributed to beneficiaries. (DIPR) Saying forty three years of statehood is enough time for maturity and for the state to start producing, Rio called upon the people to be responsible citizens and added that the government is a felicitator and not the sole provider. In this regard, Rio said Nagaland is a ‘land of opportunities’. He said that the people have so many opportunities at hand but are unable and unwilling to work, which according to him is a crime, a sin leaving the people with no future.
About the employment scenario in the state, the chief Minister said that government job, although ‘good,’ makes the people ‘lazy.’ He said that those government employees who are drawing their ‘salaries without doing any work’ and without contributing anything, are setting a bad example to their children who are closely watching them. He said by such action of the ‘lazy government employees,’ they are teaching their children how to be crooked and be irresponsible, making the children a liability to the society and the family and leaving them with no future.
Rio called for broadening the horizons of the people and start working. “If you don’t work, then there is no future” Rio reminded.
Doors open for Therie: Cong Nagarealm.com

Kohima, MAY22 [NPN] : The Congress party in Nagaland said it was in no mood to take back Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio into its fold though the "door is open" for suspended NPF legislator and former finance minister K. Therie.

"For Neiphiu Rio, we have to think something else, he has to come to us, not to the AICC leadership", Leader of the Opposition I. Imkong told a press conference here on Monday. He said the return of Rio to Congress depended on State Congress leaders though the doors were open for Therie. Asked if any ministers, parliamentary secretaries or MLAs from the ruling DAN ministry had approached the Congress for tickets in the next assembly election, Imkong said it was "something we don't want to discuss".

The Leader of the Opposition also said that Congress was confident of winning the next assembly polls by absolute majority. AICC Secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Ranjit Thomas, who also spoke to the media persons, claimed that Congress would get absolute majority. To a query, he said Congress would go it alone in the polls.
ATSUM to go ahead with bandh The Morung Express
Meanwhile, the agitating All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has expressed its appreciation to the O Ibobi Singh led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government of Manipur and yet reiterated to go ahead with its proposed 24 hours Manipur bandh on May 24.
However, the tribal students’ body, whose main concern is education and students, will exempt all educational institutions/offices from the purview of our agitation. So, students, teachers and educational department staff using private vehicles are requested to paste either the word Education or School on the front of the vehicles."
The ATSUM while lauding the O Ibobi Singh government for the latter's effort of passing a bill on the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (SC/ST) Bill, has put forth the remaining issues raised by the students' body to be addressed by the state government. It then said that ATSUM wishes the bill to become a living legal document rather than a decorative and pacifying act. ATSUM's information and publicity secretary Joseph R Hmar informed NNN that issues of the Tribal Development department, Panel List and Backlog for Scheduled Tribes, the administration of Education department and the Manipur University should be attended as raised by the tribal students' body of Manipur.
KNO reiterates Naga-Kuki friendship The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): In the back drop of the recent news report about the Kuki armed organisation coming together against their ‘common enemy-the Nagas’, the Kuki National Organisation reiterated the age old cordial relations between the Nagas and the Kukis and added that the KNO continues to cherish the bond between the two communities.
Reiterating this view of Kuki-Naga friendship, the Under-secretary, Publicity and Information, T Stephen Kuki, while presenting a clarification and rectification of the news item published on May 5 in The Morung Express about the Kuki groups joining hands to fight the ‘common enemy-the Nagas’, Stephen Kuki termed the news item as most regrettable.
Stephen Kuki said that ‘from 1992, the Tangkhul led NSCN (IM)’ carried out the infamous Kuki genocide which let over 900 killed, 350 villages up rooted and more than 50,000 rendered refugees.
He said that during the course of 1992 to 97, the Tangkhuls through media manipulations used erroneous term ‘Naga-Kuki conflict’ and brain washed and used the other Nagas, particularly in Manipur. ‘They also managed to influence old Kukis from Chandel district in Manipur to act against their own people, the so-called new Kukis’ Stephen Kuki said and added that this division among the Kukis on the basis of old and new Kukis originated with the British colonialist and now being perpetuated by the NSCN (IM).
All these have made it difficult to single out Tangkhuls from Nagas, which unfortunately led to the common usage ‘Nagas’, said Stephen and added that the many people have a clear idea of the implicit meaning of the usage of the word ‘Naga’, and also to avoid any ambiguity, the KNO have on several occasion released articles, including a statement in the press distinguishing Tangkhul from Naga, Stephen said.
The KNO Under Secretary of Publicity and Information also said that the KNO would like to state, in no uncertain terms, that it is NSCN (IM), which is concerned with targeting Kuki militarily and politically to sabotage their movement.
“It is in this regard, for example, that they harbour and instigate the united Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) against the Kuki people” stated Stephen Kuki. After stating all this, the KNO reiterated the age-old cordial relations between the Nagas and the Kuki and the added that they continues to cherish the bond between the two communities exemplified in the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929.
Further, citing another instance of the Naga-Kuki brotherhood, the Stephen said that another historic event marking ‘our’ peoples brotherhood is the symbolic act of sharing ‘ju’ from the barrel of a flintlock, breaking of an animals’ skull and pulling apart its intestines which signifies that whomsoever breaks the agreement of peace and unity would face the barrel of gun, have his skull broken and the intestines pulled apart which was done by the Angamis and the Kukis in Nagaland, stated Stephen and added that the event as repeated in 1929 at Khonoma village, symbolizing the ongoing peaceful relations. It may be mentioned that the NDTV, on may 5, carried an exclusive news item about the different Kuki armed underground faction joining hands and coming together to fight against a common enemy-the Nagas’. The same news also carried in the local dallies.
Killings, kidnappings in northeast down: UPA report Tarique By IANS
New Delhi : The number of people killed or kidnapped in India's restive northeast has significantly declined since the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) came to power, according to the Report to the People 2006-07 released by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday.
"The numbers of incidents of civilians and security personnel killed and persons kidnapped in the northeast have registered a significant decline over the past three years compared to earlier years," stated the report brought out to mark the third anniversary of the UPA government.
According to the report, several militant groups in the region including the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isaac/Muivah (NSCN-I/M), National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Khaplang (NSCN-K), United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), National Liberation Front of Tripura - Nayan Bashi (NLFT-NB), National Liberation Front of Tripura - Montu Koloi-Kamini group (NSCN-KMK), Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have entered into agreements for suspension of their operations.
"Talks are also being held with all these outfits, except NSCN(K)," it stated, adding that all these talks have progressed in a constructive manner and have contributed to relieving the sense of alienation among some of people.
A special package of Rs.550 million has been approved in pursuance of the memorandum of settlement entered into with the NLFT-NB and another agreement has been signed between BNLF and the Mizoram government for the return of the Bru/Reang tribe from Tripura to Mizoram during the UPA government's term, according to the report.
To wean away the youth of the northeast from the path of violence, several steps have been taken during the three years like reserving jobs in the border guarding forces and extending Operation Sadbhavana, which has been in force in Jammu & Kashmir, to the northeast to provide vocational training to people.
"The UPA government has improved the scheme for surrender and rehabilitation of militants in the northeast," it added.
Interestingly, the report made no mention of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), with which the government failed to hold talks last year. The outfit is suspected to be behind a series of violent acts in Assam, especially since January.
The UPA progress card listed the approval of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the Northeast (SARDP-NE) and the introduction of a new comprehensive industrial policy for the region as the key initiatives taken by the government to accelerate economic growth and improve social and economic infrastructure.
Stating that connectivity is the key to the development of the northeast, it stated: "It (SARDP-NE) envisages improvement of about 7,639 km of national highways, state roads and general staff roads, involving a total of 83 roads, bridgeworks etc. This will ensure connectivity with national highways to 34 hitherto unconnected district headquarters at a total estimated cost of Rs.12,123 crore (Rs.121.23 billion)."
The report said that work to lay new railway lines in the Kumarghat-Agartala and the Jiribam-Tupul (Imphal Road) sections and gauge conversion of the Lumding-Silchar section have been taken up at a total estimated cost of Rs.34.50 billion to provide broad gauge connectivity for Silchar and the state capitals of Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland.
It noted that the government would introduce a bill in parliament for declaring the 121-km Lakhipur-Bhanga stretch along the Barak river in southern Assam as national waterway.
The report also cited the new industrial policy for the northeast, which came into effect March 31, as an important initiative to promote industries in the region.
"A more liberal new industrial and investment promotion policy for the northeast has been approved, continuing 100 percent excise duty and income tax exemption on finished products made in the northeast and doubling of capital subsidy to 30 percent of the investment in plant and machinery given on investment by new as well as existing units for 10 years. Sikkim has also been covered for the first time."
The report also listed out steps taken for development of sectors like power, health and education in the region. It also mentioned the incentives for officers of the all India services like incentive package covering more attractive norms for inter-cadre deputation, opportunity in training abroad, annual home travel concession by air and reimbursement of cost of children education to encourage to them to serve in the northeast. The annual report, the third released by the UPA government since it came to power in May 2004, is an attempt to ensure accountability in governance. "There is much we have done in these three years, but much more that we need to do to win the war against poverty, ignorance and disease, and the fight against extremism, communalism and terrorism," Manmohan Singh stated in the foreword to the report.
KNO clarifies on 'Nagas' Nagarealm.com

Lamka, MAY22 [TSE] : In a bid to clarify what the word 'Nagas' has been referred to in the news item published in the Morung Express dated 5 May, 2007, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) today presented the background on its reference. 'From 1992 the Tangkhul led NSCN (IM) carried out the infamous Kuki Genocide.

Over 900 Kukis were killed, 350 of their villages uprooted and more than 50,000 souls were rendered refugees from 1992-1997,' a press clarification signed by T Stephen Kuki, under secretary of the KNO said. "In their course of action, the Tangkhuls, through media manipulation used the erroneous term Naga-Kuki conflict and brain washed and utilised other Nagas".

"They also managed to influence the Old Kukis to act viciously against the New Kuki in Chandel district," the KNO statement claimed. All these developments have intricate errand to out the Tangkhuls from the Nagas, leading to the unfortunately common usage of 'Nagas', it further maintained. The implicit meaning of the usage, however, remain clear in the minds of many, asserted the under secretary's statement.

It also reiterated the age old cordial relationship Nagas and Kukis have been sharing through the ages including that of the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and symbolic act of sharing 'Ju' from the barrel of a flintlock, breaking of an animal skull and pulling apart its intestines by the Angamis and Kukis in Nagaland. And despite of it, 'it is the NSCN (IM) which is concerned with targeting Kukis militarily and politically to sabotage their movement', the KNO statement argued and proclaimed its stand on the issue in no uncertain term. [S Singlianmang Guite]
Visit to China border by Army commanders Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 22: Top Army commanders were supposed to review the ongoing anti-insurgency operations in Asom and take stock of activities along the unfenced Sino-Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, officials said.
An Army spokesman said Lt Gen KS Jamwal, who heads the Army’s Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will review the overall security scenario in Asom and adjoining Arunachal Pradesh with senior Army commanders based in the region.
The General-Officer-Commanding of the Army’s Four Corps Lt Gen RK Chhabra, currently heading the military offensive against the ULFA in Asom and Arunachal Pradesh, briefed the visiting commander in Tezpur on Monday.
“The GOC-in-Chief (Lt Gen Jamwal) was updated on the latest security situation in Asom,” the Army spokesman told IANS.
Jamwal will also hold separate meetings with Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh in Guwahati to discuss strategies to counter the spurt in rebel attacks.
“The GOC-in-C was also briefed about the activities along the LAC before he visits the frontier,” the Army official said.
The visit by the Army Commander to the Sino-Indian border came in the wake of claims by an Arunachal Pradesh MP Khiren Rijuju that China moved 20 km inside the State. IANS