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05/27/2007: "NSF to work for unity, reconciliation Morung Express News"

NSF to work for unity, reconciliation Morung Express News
Kohima Expressing serious concern on the need to strengthen the ongoing peace process, the new team of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today announced that it will ceaselessly work with utmost sincerity for unity and reconciliation.
“We will give our best effort to maintain peace, understanding and tranquility within the Naga family,” NSF president Imchatoba Imchen told the press conference here this afternoon in his office chamber.
The Federation also appealed to all Naga communities particularly to the factions to immediately shun factional killings and come together to work cohesively for the ultimate vision and the right of the Nagas. Imchen stated that the NSF will be meeting all the factions and express its mind.
Further, Imchen lamented the infrastructure of Nagaland University (NU) is not up to satisfaction. The Federation was also of the view that professional and career oriented-courses should be focused on by the NU. Stating that the NSF will take up the issue of illegal immigrant with seriousness, Imchen said that the Federation is on preparatory stage to gather various information, adding that unless “we intervene and control it now,” it will adversely affect the future.
The president also informed that the Federation was contemplating to first advocate the people, adding that power-point presentations would also be initiated on the issue. On affiliation of private schools to NBSE, the president said that the Federation will pursue it with utmost sincerity and dedication. The NSF will continue to work in combating the menace of HIV/AIDS in the state, Imchen said. Other areas to be addressed by the Federation include redeployment of teachers and superannuation issue. The newly elected team of the NSF assumed the office on May 22 for the tenure 2007-09.
Reconciling the Nagas RAMACHANDRA GUHA The Hindu
Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

Distinct culture: An Angami tribesman in front of a traditional house.
Jayaprakash Narayan was convinced that a settlement with the Nagas can be forged only on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s cultures and traditions. MY last column dealt with the tireless efforts of Jayaprakash Narayan to assure the Kashmiris a place of honour and respect in independent India. This column continues in the same vein, by recalling JP’s work to reconcile the Nagas to the India n Union.
It is not very widely known that the Naga “problem”, so-called, predates the Kashmir “problem”. The latter dates to the second half of 1947. However, it was even earlier, in 1946, that a group of Naga intellectuals formed a Naga National Council (NNC). This asked for “self-determination”, defined by one faction as autonomy within a soon-to-free India, but by another faction as the creation of a separate, distinct, independent Naga nation.
Away from media gaze In the early 1950s, these varying definitions of Naga sovereignty contended with one another, but by the end of the decade the radicals had won the argument. A bitter civil war commenced, with Naga resistance fighters on the one side, and the Indian Army on the other. This was a conflict played out away from the gaze of the foreign and even domestic press, but it withal exacted heavy costs. Both the army and the rebels were accused of intimidating and harassing ordinary Nagas. Many people died, and many villages were also burnt.
Finally, in 1964, a cease-fire was declared between the NNC and the Indian Government. A three member “peace mission” was formed, consisting of the Anglican missionary Michael Scott, the Gandhian nationalist B.P. Chaliha, and Jayaprakash Narayan. Tragically, the mission collapsed within a year, and the rebels returned to the jungle. It was at this stage that JP wrote an extraordinary, if still little-known, booklet in Hindi, based on a speech he delivered in Patna on Martyrs Day, January 30, 1965. The booklet is called Nagaland mein Shanti ka Prayas (The Attempts to Forge Peace in Nagaland). While ostensibly about a dispute within a single small State of the Union, it is actually a meditation on the meanings of democracy everywhere.
Futility of violence “In the history of every nation”, began JP, “there have been disagreements among the servants and leaders of the nation. Where democracy prevails, these disagreements are discussed and resolved by democratic means; but where democracy is absent, they are resolved by the use of violence”. However, history teaches us that violence begets counter-violence and, eventually, violence on one’s own comrades. Thus “when disputes arise, past alliances and friendships are forgotten, and allegations of betrayal, traitorous behaviour, etc. are levied on one’s opponents”.
JP then proceeded to recount the history of the civil war in Nagaland, the recourse to the gun of one side, then the other, and the brutalities committed by both. Then, in the spirit of his master, Gandhi, he asked each party to recognise and respect the finest traditions of the other. First, he told the Nagas that, among the nations of Asia, India was unusual in having a democratic and federal Constitution. Were the rebels to abandon the dream of independence and settle for autonomy within the Union, all they had to give up control over was the army, foreign affairs, and currency. In all other respects they would be free to mould their destinies as they pleased.
A distinct culture Narayan recognised the distinctiveness of Naga cultural traditions. While both East and West Pakistan bore the impress of the Indic civilisation, “what we call Indian culture has not made an entry into Nagaland”. That said, JP thought that the Nagas could not sustain an independent country, what with China, Pakistan, and Burma all close by and casting covetous eyes on their territory. Why not join up therefore with a democratic and federal India? When New Delhi could not dominate Bihar or Bengal, how could it dominate Nagaland? Were the rebels to come overground and contest elections, said Narayan, they could give their people the best schools, hospitals, roads, and so on.
Finally, JP turned to educating his Patna audience about the virtues of the Nagas. He was particularly impressed by the vigour of their village councils. Anywhere else in India, he said, to construct an airport the “government can uproot village upon village” (sarkar gaon ka gaon ujhad de sakti hai), whereas in Nagaland it could not do without the consent of the local people. He was even more struck by the dignity of labour, and the absence of caste feeling. In matters of co-operative behaviour, said JP, the Nagas could teach a thing or two to the people of India. He gave the example of a magnificent church recently constructed in a village near Mokokchung: with a seating capacity of five thousand, it had been built entirely with local materials and local labour, much of it contributed voluntarily by men with B.A.s and M.A.s. Narayan contrasted this with the contempt for manual work among the educated, upper-caste elite of the Indian heartland.
Continuing relevance Forty years later, Nagaland is observing another cease-fire. But a durable settlement remains out of sight. Which is why Jayaprakash Narayan’s little pamphlet retains its relevance. For, that elusive settlement between the Nagas and India can only be forged on the basis of a deep and sincere respect for the cultural, historical, and political traditions of the other side.
Kma tension eases; APO thanks NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 26 (MExN): Three days of tension and uncertainty which had enveloped Kohima days earlier ended this evening with the withdrawal of NSCN (IM) cadres from the civilian populated areas of PR Hill and Paramedical. In a press note, the Angami Public Organization (APO) expressed its profound gratitude to the caretaker Angami Region NSCN (IM) KK Angami and his functionaries for withdrawing their cadres from civilian populated areas of PR Hill and Paramedical Kohima on May 26, Saturday ‘by paying due respect to the appeal of the APO. ‘
“This wise decision has restored a sense of relief to the people who have been on the grip of tension and a cloud of uncertainty for three days. And it has also salvaged the capital town from a catastrophe”, the APO President Mhiesizokho Zinyu and Finance Secretary Kho-o Psopsukha stated. The APO appealed to all the political groups to exercise outmost restraint and withdraw their respective cadres from civilian populated areas. The APO further appealed to all groups to respect the sentiments of the people and to avoid provocation of one another in the larger interest of the Naga people.
NSCN-K unconvinced on sovereignty call The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): The NSCN-K is not convinced of the NSCN-IM calling all who are ‘for sovereignty’ and rather, advised the people to “open your eyes, ears and minds; look, listen and try to understand what is what and who is who.”
“Now, why should we argue and condemn each other to become a laughing stock before our adversaries? But what we want to say is that the patriots or the revolutionaries should be always discreet, firm, honest, consistent and play a very clean politics, come what may, lack of honesty, cheatings, bluffing and inconsistencies are the real attributes of self-interested over ground puppet politicians” the NSCN-K maintained through Ami Konyak, “under-secretary” of MIP. “Any sign of inconsistencies or infirmness would certainly cost any revolutionary movement costly or rather collapse any movement” a statement observed.
While acknowledging that Isaac Swu and Thuigaleng Muivah, no doubt, started their work for Naga sovereignty “in their early lives” but, the NSCN-K stated, they are also responsible for thousands of innocent Nagas killed in the name of sovereignty. “They have put down any voice of dissent with iron hands. Now, they are indiscriminately killing innocent men in hundreds in order to bring the sovereign Nagas under threat and coercion under the Constitution of India or Union with India under the duo’s wishes. How long and how many times they would befool the innocent and simple Nagas?” the NSCN-K queried.
The NSCN-K also took note that while 31- point charter of demands or competencies were submitted by Swu and Muivah to the Indian government at the beginning of their dialogue, “was there any mention of Naga Sovereignty in that charter of demand?” When the “competencies document” met with a failure, Swu and Muivah submitted “lower and lesser proposals in early 2005 to Indian government that also could not pass through” the NSCN-K observed.
It also recounted Th. Muivah’s December 15, 2005, interview Subhir-Bhumik of the North-East Sun where Muivah said (the NSCN-K quoted) “I feel doubly tired because there seems to be no results coming out of the talks. We have come from our demand of absolute Sovereignty, but the GoI seems to be playing for time.” The NSCN-K also stated that in an interview with senior journalist Sheela Bhatt, the interlocutor of the NSCN-IM is said to have replied, “They are not sticking to their original stand of Sovereignty. I personally think they are looking for a solution within the Indian Union, and that is a major step forward.” Similarly in 2005, in an interview with the BBC (Hard Talk) in Delhi, Th. Muivah said, ‘we have climbed down from our position of absolute Sovereignty, but still the government of India does not want to concade to our other demands,’” the NSCN-K stated.
NSCN-IM refutes ransack story The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): Reacting to the reports that NSCN-IM cadres ransacked the house of NSCN-K Kilonser AZ Jami’s daughter, the NSCN-IM has condemned “such concocted stories.”
“Putting matters straight it is clarified that daughter of AZ Jami, Mhono has been on surveillance for a long time, as the government has hard evidence that she had been sheltering the Khaplang gangs who operates in and around Dimapur” a note from “CAO” of Lotha region Renthungo Lotha stated.
He stated that on May 24 it was confirmed that some NSCN-K cadres were lodged there to carry out subversive activities. “Therefore as a preemptive measure her house was raided but they were tipped and before our boys could reach the place Mhono along with the Khaplang gangs escaped” the “CAO” asserted. The NSCN-IM questioned that if she was innocent “why should she ran away from her residence?” None of the NSCN-IM cadres entered the house as it was confirmed that no one was inside the residence and so “the question of looting cash, mobile phone and other valuable items does not arise at all” it added.
NSF ‘unity’ plea to factions Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, MAY 26 (NPN): The Naga Students' Federation Saturday called upon the Naga factions to shun the path of violence and immediately stop killing each others, saying the NSF would work with utmost sincerity for unity and reconciliation among the various factions of Naga "national workers."
Highlighting the plans and programmes of the newly-elected office bearers of his federation, NSF president Imchatoba Imchen told mediapersons that "our team will work with utmost sincerity for unity and reconciliation among the various Naga factions." He renewed the NSF appeal to all the different factions to abjure violence and immediately stop killing each others, while assuring to hold discussions with collective leaderships of all the factions for unity and reconciliation among them.
He said the new team of the NSF had already received an invitation from a faction for a meeting, adding, "We have no hesitation to go and meet all the factions."
The NSF also said it would vigorously carry on its pending issues such as affiliation, illegal immigrants, redeployment of school teachers, superannuation, Nagaland University and HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in the State.
"Affiliation of schools from the four Naga-inhabited districts of Manipur with the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) is a process. The NSF will continue to pursue the matter with dedication until a permanent solution is worked out," Imchatoba said.
He recalled that all the federating units of the NSF had expressed concern over the affiliation issue during the last NSF general conference at Mao, but at the same time they appreciated the steps initiated by the Nagaland Government over the issue.
On the illegal immigrant issue, he said the NSF would pursue the matter seriously with steps like making people aware of the danger posed by the illegal immigrants.
The new NSF president alleged there was still disproportionate deployment of school teachers and rampant attachment of teachers to the Directorate with backing of ministers and bureaucrats. He cited attachment of teachers as one of the reasons behind nil performance of at least 15 government schools in the last HSLC final examinations.
The NSF also alleged the Education Department carried out several backdoor appointments after it had submitted a memorandum, listing shortage of teachers in several schools.
Altogether 120 schools are facing the problem of teachers, while 70 others have excess teachers, it said, adding the NSF would fully utilize the RTI Act to wipe out corruption, nepotism and favoritism. Reiterating its earlier demand for superannuation of government servants at the age of 57 years or after 33 years in service, the premier student body pointed out that the State had more than 46,000 educated unemployed youths who could get an opportunity for appointment once the NSF demand on superannuation age was implemented. The NFF president went to allege age tempering by government servants was rampant in each and every government office. He regretted the fact that even after 13 years of its establishment the Nagaland University had yet to develop infrastructure satisfactorily and demanded again the Vice Chancellor function on the main campus and professional and job-oriented courses be introduced in the university.
Rejoinder on ‘Come for sovereignty’- Nagaland Post
Many newspaper readers among the Nagas have come across the press write up of the MIP of IK group published in the local daily papers on May 23 calling the Nagas who are for sovereignty
Now, why should we argue and condemn each other to become a laughing stock before our adversaries? But what we want to say is that the patriots or the revolutionaries should be always discreet, firm, honest, and consistent and play a very clean politics, come what may.
Lack of honesty, cheatings, bluffing and inconsistencies are the real attributes of self-interested over ground puppet politicians. Any sign of inconsistencies or infirmness would certainly cost any revolutionary movement costly or rather collapse any movement.
Isaac Swu and Thuigaleng Muivah, no doubt, started their work for Naga sovereignty in their early lives. They had certainly killed thousands of innocent Nagas in the name of sovereignty. They have put down any voice of dissent with iron hands. Now, they are indiscriminately killing innocent men in hundreds in order to bring the sovereignty Nagas under threat and coercion under the Constitution of India or union with India under the duo's wishes. How long and how many times will they befool the innocent and simple Nagas?
Nagas have learnt the 31 point charter of demands or competencies submitted by Swu and Muivah to the Indian Government at the beginning for their dialogue. Was there any mention of Naga sovereignty in that charter of demand?? When that competencies document met failure, Swu and Muivah submitted lower and lesser proposals in early 2005 to Indian Government that also could not pass through.
On December 15, 2005, Subhir Bhumik of "North East Sun" interviewed Th. Muivah, which runs thus: Subhir Bhumik asked, "After eight years of negotiations with India, how do you feel? Th. Muivah replied, "I feel doubly tired because there seems to be no results coming out of the talks. We have come from our demand of absolute sovereignty, but the GOI seems to be playing for time". Then Subhir Bhumik asked, "So what are you suggesting?" Muivah replied "We have revised our proposal twice and come down from our original position now India has to take decision". Subhir Bhukim again said, "Well, Nagas also defended Indian territory during the war with Pakistan". Muivah said, "Yes, yes that is true. We are not opposing to the presence of Indian army in Nagaland".
Before that a senior journalist Sheela Bhatt interviewed the interlocutor in the IK peace process Padmanabhaiah in Delhi. Sheela Bhatt asked "But what do they want? What are their precise demands?" Padmanabhaiah replied, "They are not sticking to their original stand of sovereignty. I personally think they are looking for a solution within the Indian union, and that is a major step forward". In 2005 in the BBC interview (hard talk) in Delhi, Th. Muivah spoke about IK's position in the same tone. He said, "We have climbed down from our position of absolute sovereignty, but still the Government of Indian does not want to concede to our other demands".
Now, therefore, Naga people don't blame this or that. Open your eyes, ears and minds. Look, listen and try to understand what is what and who is who.
Ami Konyak Under secretary, MIP, GPRN NSCN-K
NSCN (K) man gets death penalty Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAY25 [NPN] : An NSCN (K) cadre was given death penalty for shooting down one of his sub-ordinates at Athibung Friday. Though their identity could not be known, both the NSCN (K) cadres involved in the incident reportedly belonged to the Kuki community.
Terming what was "accidental," sources said an NSCN (K) activist shot dead one of his sub-ordinates without any authorization or "azha" from the higher-ups of the underground outfit. He was later awarded capital punishment for killing his sub-ordinate, the sources added.
Focus on commercializing cultivation of Naga chili The Morung Express
Kohima, May 26 (MExN): With the focus on commercializing the cultivation of Naga Chili (Raja Mircha) in Nagaland, the department of Horticulture, has launched an awareness campaign by organizing and conducting training programme in the identified Naga Chili growing districts of the state, viz, Kohima, Peren and Mon. The training programmes have been completed for Kohima district. The department stated that similar training programmes will be conducted for Mon and Peren districts. The department has initiated a partnership with ILTC for the post-harvest handling of the produce by transferring technology for quality drying, using solar drying energy systems. Polyhouse Driers are being procured through ITC Guntur, Adhra Pradesh. For obtaining protection of property rights of the Naga chili farmers, the department has already initiated action by preparing the Geographical Indication and GIS Mapping of the identified Naga chili growing areas in Nagaland.
Three model projects for Naga chili cultivation of 5 ha. each, are being set up in the districts of Kohima, Peren and Mon. They will be equipped with all the required infrastructure, with technical guidance and under the direct supervision of the department.“If found successful and viable, the technology so adopted will be transferred to the farmers of the identified growing areas so that commercial cultivation can take off in full swing,” source said.
India-Myanmar border sealed following explosion The Morung Express
Imphal, May 26 (PTI): The Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh in Manipur's Chandel district has been sealed following a bomb explosion there in which five persons sustained injuries, official sources said today. Sources said unidentified militants set off a bomb and also fired indiscriminately at Myanmar's Namphalong market complex, near Moreh, yesterday in which five persons, mostly from Moreh, were injured.
Reports from the border town said the insurgents escaped through Moreh.
The injured were taken to hospital at Tamu near Namphalong in Myanmar. The condition of three of the injured was stated to be serious, the reports said.
After the incident, security personnel of both countries deployed on the international border, held a meeting to discuss the situation and later sealed the border, reports said.
It said the international trade conducted through Moreh and Namphalong was also suspended but it was likely to resume anytime depending on the situation.
The motive behind the blast was not immediately known.
Tribal insurgents of different groups in Manipur were operating in the area, reports said adding that they had earlier attacked securitymen posted on the border. The militants had also been extorting money from people from time to time. Sources said Kuki militants of some outfits have been trying to dominate Moreh area where there was a sizeable Kuki population.
Border sealed after blast, Myanmarese found shot A Lalit Kangla on Line

MOREH, May 26: In the aftermath of the blast yesterday at Namphalong market, just across the border from Moreh that left altogether eight persons injured, the India-Myanmar border remained sealed today, even as a Myanmar national was found shot to death this morning near the international border.

With the discovery of the bullet-riddled body of the Myanmar national early this morning near the international border on the Indian side, security measures have been stepped up, with Indian and Myanmarese forces conducting intensive patrolling on the international border.

According to reports received here, the deceased Myanmar national is identified as Khainthu, a resident of Tamu ward no 12.

Reports also added that the two Indian nationals injured in the bomb blast and firing incident yesterday, identified as Ramu Chhetry, 21, and Soibam Abung, both residents of Moreh ward no. 7, are in serious condition, and have been evacuated to a hospital at Kalemyo after initial treatment at Tamu.

Ramu Chhetry reportedly sustained five bullet wounds in the chest and abdomen, while Abung was hit by three bullets.

The two of them, it may be mentioned, were fired upon by unidentified miscreants, who also hurled a hand grenade, while they were having tea at a small hotel at Namphalong market.

At least six others were also wounded in the grenade explosion, including several women and a five-year old child who sustained splinter injuries at the forehead. All of them have reportedly been discharged after first aid at a Tamu hospital.

Myanmar authorities reportedly believe that yesterday`s incident is the handiwork of people from the Indian side of the border, and with tensions escalating after the discovery of the bullet-riddled body of a Myanmarese national this morning, the Myanmarese authorities decided to seal the border gates as a precautionary measure.

Intensive patrolling is also being taken up on both sides of the border by Indian and Myanmarese security forces.

There was some speculation that the Myanmarese national who was found dead today may have been shot in firing by Indian forces, but Lt Col MS Gaged, CO, 24 Assam Rifles, told this correspondent over the telephone that no firing had taken place on the part of Indian security forces.

The DC, Chandel, has in the meantime reached Moreh, apparently with an intent to observe the prevailing situation.

No stepping back till demands are met: ATSUM The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 26: Taking a firm stance, the All Manipur Tribal Students Union, ATSUM has said it will continue and intensify its ongoing economic blockade until its outstanding demands are satisfactorily addressed by the government.

The ATSUM, in a statement, said it is morally responsible and answerable to the tribal people of the state, and the high hopes and expectations placed by the latter on the organisation cannot be belied by one or two officers of the state government.

Giving a detailed account of its outstanding grievances, the ATSUM charged that even after the appointment of an additional director of education (schools), for the hills, all attempts were made by some sections so that the office did not function properly. No proper allotment of works was given, and most works related to the office was handled by someone else. In addition, recently one joint director in the state secretariat was given in-charge of director of education (s), it said, contending that this has brought all the efforts of the ATSUM and others back to square one.

On the issue of panel list with regard to the recently conducted recruitment of graduate teachers, the ATSUM clarified that it was not demanded by the organisation, but promised by the government when it failed to implement its promise of 50% reservation of total vacant posts for tribals to clear the backlog.

The state Cabinet even agreed to extend the panel list beyod the normal 10% only to review and rescind it the next day on the advice of some officers with vested interest, it charged.

On the issue of teachers engaged on contract basis, the ATSUM pointed out that their services would be utilised until adequate replacement is made. It also made the point that their services would continue to be required, as out of the newly recruited graduate teachers, only 304 were posted in the hill districts, though the required number worked out by the department is 1132.

With regard to the shrinkage of reservation for tribal people in employment and admissions in Manipur University from 31% to 7.5% after its conversion to a Central university, the ATSUM reiterated that it is the duty of the state government to look into this serious matter without delay as it is its own creation.

The ATSUM also objected to the introduction of a new clause in the freshly amended Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (for SC and ST) Bill 2006, giving protection to `action taken in good faith`. However, it said it has decided to leave the matter to the Hill Area Committee and tribal legislators.

Truce pact with NDFB extended By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 26 – The term of the cease-fire agreement with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has been extended by a period of six months and the outfit is of the view that formal talks on the substantive issues would start within that period. The NDFB entered into a cease-fire agreement with the Government of India with effect from June 1, 2005 to solve the problems through political talks and the term of the cease-fire agreement was earlier extended twice. The term of the agreement is scheduled to come to an end on May 31 and both the Government of India and the militant outfit yesterday decided to extend the term of the agreement for six more months in the interest of carrying forward the peace process.

Talking to The Assam Tribune, the general secretary of the NDFB, Govinda Basumatary said that the meeting held at New Delhi yesterday was chaired by the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, while, the Joint Secretary (North East) of the MHA, State Home Commissioner and the Inspector General of Assam Police (Special Branch) also attended the meeting. The NDFB delegation was headed by Basumatary.

Two years have passed since the cease-fire agreement came into affect, but formal talks on political issues between the Government and the NDFB are yet to start. The Government is claiming that failure of the NDFB to submit the charter of demands delayed the peace process and two deadlines set by the Government for the submission of the demands passed off with the militant outfit failing to submit their demands in black and white to set the ball rolling. The NDFB general secretary admitted that they failed to submit the charter of demands because of their failure to hold the general assembly meeting as the chairman of the outfit is abroad. He expressed the hope that the NDFB would be able to hold the general assembly meeting shortly to finalize the charter of demands to be placed before the Government of India for the political talks to start.

Basumatary said that the Government has decided to increase the capacity of the existing three designated camps and the process of starting extra barracks would start next month. As per the ground rules of the cease-fire agreement, all the cadres having training in handling of weapons should stay in the designated camps, but at this moment, only around three hundred cadres are staying in the camps. Basumatary said that after the construction of the new barracks, the outfit would be able to keep six to seven hundred cadres in the camps. The Government has also agreed to take the responsibility of providing funds for the maintenance of the camps, but the modalities are yet to be finalized, he added.

The NDFB general secretary also denied the outfit’s involvement in the recent killing of four persons in Sonitpur district and alleged that former BLT men tried to falsely implicate the NDFB in the incident. “We made our stand clear before the Government in the meeting yesterday,” he added.
Terror at its worst in city Gogoi asks DGP to act Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 26: Terror revisited Guwahati in one of its most horrendous forms when a powerful improvised explosive device (IED), kept in an autorickshaw by suspected ULFA militants, went off killing seven persons (police put the death toll at six) and injuring 25 others at Athgaon in the city at 10.35 am today. The impact of the explosion led to the blast of a gas cylinder that was being transported in a rickshaw near the IED blast site. The owner of the gas cylinder and the rickshaw puller were among the seven killed in the blast. The blast prompted Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to ask DGP RN Mathur to take all necessary steps to bring the law-and-order situation in the State under control.
Today’s blast on FC Road in front of the house of one Sunil Kumar Dey at Athgaon is close on the heels of a blast in the area on Saturday last, and on the eve of the Tarun Gogoi Government’s completion of one year in office tomorrow. The State Government is going to observe the day with a day-long function tomorrow.
This reporter, who visited the site soon after the blast, found headless bodies and body parts strewn on the road near the blast site. A number of cars, autorickshaws and rickshaws were totally damaged in the explosion.
Five of the killed have been identified as Nirmal Dey of Lal Ganesh, Md Anwar Hussain of Motihary in Bihar, Mokram Ali of Fakiragram, Nareswar Deka and Partha Saha, a teacher.
According to eyewitness account, the driver of an autorickshaw (AS0IN4924), Nirmal Dey, who was going with his three-wheeler on the road at that time was killed on the spot, and his autorickshaw was totally damaged. Another autorickshaw (ASO1J4299) that was parked near the blast site was totally damaged. It was a miraculous escape for Sunil Kumar Dey while his Hundyai car (ASO1L1480) was badly damaged in the blast. The Maruti 800 (ASOIV4821) of one Sarat Chandra Rana that was parked near the blast site was damaged.
It is worth mentioning here that there are as many as four schools in the area, and had the timing of the blast been a bit earlier, the casualty would have been beyond imagination.
Utter confusion and panic followed the blast as the police moved in and cordoned off the area.
The injured were first admitted to the Marwari Maternity Hospital, but later shifted to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital and other private nursing homes.
People at nearby Fancy Bazar took to the streets in protest against the blast.
The injured have been identified as Bhusan Pandey (31), Faizul Haque (15), Suresh Nath Surana (14), Srichand Harijan (40), Maher Ali (22), Md Swahid (50), Nurzamal Ali (24), Mithun Mandal (24), Jaya Dey (28), Madhurya Rana Momin (25), Syed Ali (47), Purna Kalita (22), Muzamin Haque (17), Gautam Das (32), Tara Bano (30), Tushar Mohato (32), Renu Surana (32), Yash Jain (17), Md Abusar Ali, Asok Jain (52), Tamizul Islam (16) and Motizul Islam (23).
16 blasts in city in five months By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 26: In a span of just five months since January this year, as many as 16 blasts have been triggered in the city that, being the seat of power of the State, is essentially a high security zone.
While two IED blasts rocked Narengi area on January 8, Dispur capital complex was rattled by a blast on January 9. Barely a week after the blast in Dispur capital complex, there was a blast at Ganeshguri Chariali on January 17, closely followed by two blasts at Adabari, one on January 19 and the other on January 23. Again on January 25, there was a blast at Ganeshguri.
In February, violence began with a blast near Fancy Bazar Shani Mandir on February 4, followed by an IED blast at Kamakhya Railway Station on February 9. In April there were two blasts, one at Machkhowa vegetable market on April 3, followed by another blast at Kumarpara on April 7. In May, the city witnessed as many as five blasts, one on May 3 near the FCI godown at Bamunimaidam, followed by another blast on Hem Baruah Road in Fancy Bazar on May 4, near Athgaon UBI Bank on May 14, at Fancy Bazar on May 18, at Athgaon on May 19 and today.
Meanwhile, after today’s blast in the city, a number of politicians, including BJP leaders Asoke Singhal, Bijoya Chakravarty, Asom BJYM president Dilip Saikia and former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, rushed to Athgaon and demanded safety and security of the people and their property.
Talking to The Sentinel, the BJYM president said that jihadi elements were behind the recent blasts in the city. “The law-and-order situation in Asom in 1990 was no better than what is today, and as such the Congress-led Government at the Centre should have been agile enough to impose President’s Rule in Asom the way it had done in 1990,” the BJYM president said.
Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, on the other hand, said that the State Government failed to protect life and property in the State, and as such the Centre should intervene. He demanded a thorough inquiry into all the incidents of violence in the State, including the allegation of the ULFA using the mobile SIM card of a Congress leader.