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06/01/2007: "Nagaland meeting to review migrant status OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Nagaland meeting to review migrant status OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 31: The Mokokchung deputy commissioner Abhishek Singh today convened a meeting of apex Ao tribal organisations to take stock of the influx of migrants in Mokokchung district from Assam.
The Ao Students’ Conference told The Telegraph that the meeting today discussed the issue in detail with the Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Ao Students’ Conference, Ao Women’s Organisation and several other organisations.
The problem of illegal migrants, especially those from Bangladesh, is becoming a threat not only for Mokokchung but also for Nagaland and India as a whole. Thus, the problem needs to be addressed by the district administration in a holistic manner.
The members called for the administration to work out a procedure in which such elements can be controlled. It was resolved that the district administration would review the system of issuing inner-line permits (ILPs) to all migrants and take the help of NGOs and the public as well.
In view of the decisions taken at the meeting, a number of guidelines were given for the issue of ILPs in Mokokchung district.
No individual in Mokokchung will henceforth be allowed to sponsor more than five persons for an ILP.
In case someone stands guarantor for more than five persons, the deputy commissioner himself will examine the case. It will be mandatory to maintain photographs and the full address of guarantors in the records being maintained in the ILP office and the genuineness of the guarantor will be randomly checked every month.
In case any person is found concealing facts or withholding relevant information from the authorities, strict legal action will be taken, apart from cancellation of the permits issued.
Strict checking of all ILPs and associated documents will be done before renewal or issue of new ILPs. All doubtful cases will be referred to the Mokokchung deputy commissioner. The Mokokchung Municipal Council will ensure that the tendency of Bionomic Trade Permit is restricted and the practice of dummy businessmen running their own business with trade permits in any other person’s name will be curbed.
The office of the superintendent of police will compile the number of ILP holders entering and living in Mokokchung and submit it to the deputy commissioner’s office every month so that the records can be checked and compared.
Mobile ILP boards will be organised more frequently to ensure better compliance with rules. Businessmen will be encouraged to employ local people as far as possible.
Manipur militancy blame on Myanmar - Officer points to flow of arms & drugs OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph



Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa speaks to surrendered militants at the inauguration of a rehabilitation centre in Imphal West on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Imphal, May 31: Illicit flow of weapons from Myanmar is fuelling Manipur’s insurgency, according to Assam Rifles inspector-general (south) Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa here today.
The general said inflow of a large quantity of arms from neighbouring Myanmar had helped “insurgency and terrorism” thrive in Manipur. He called for ensuring effective policing of the international border.
“The disturbed environment in our neighbour (Myanmar) has led to the inflow of arms and drugs to Manipur, which, in turn, facilitated insurgency and terrorism in the state,” the senior Assam Rifles official said while opening a renovated rehabilitation centre for surrendered militants here today.
The general pointed out that the Indo-Myanmar border was porous and this problem has to be addressed as a part of the process of combating militancy in Manipur.
“The Assam Rifles has already been given the task of guarding the border here in Manipur. But unlike the western sector, here the border could not be effectively guarded because of a shortage of security strength,” Gen. Chengapa said.
He, however, expressed the hope that the task of protecting the border would be gradually extended along the 500-km-plus international border.
According to the Manipur government’s records, more than 20 militant groups are currently operating in the state. The insurgent outfits belong to various ethnic groups and the goals range from “restoring the sovereignty” of Manipur to protecting the interests of ethnic communities.
Stating that the internal security environment in Manipur has deteriorated further over the past few years as a result of escalating violence and extortion, Gen. Chengapa called for a major, comprehensive initiative to bring “misguided” youths to the national mainstream. He praised the surrender policy announced by the Ibobi Singh government as a step towards mitigating insurgency and helping militants return to normal life. The general added that renovation of the rehabilitation centre was a small contribution from the Assam Rifles supplementing the government’s efforts to resettle the former rebels.
The rehabilitation centre, located at Lamphel in Imphal West, currently houses 22 former rebels belonging to various militant outfits, including the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), United National Liberation Front, Peoples Liberation Army and the Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak.
The Assam Rifles has opened a computer training centre and will also impart driving lessons and training in tailoring to former insurgents.
Assam Police committed unprovoked murder of Naga villager – Eyewitnesses The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 31 (MExN): The killing of the Naga villager Tuesday by personnel of Assam Police in Anaki ‘C’ village, Mokokchung, was without provocation, eyewitnesses informed. The person, S Alemmongba was slapped without any reason, pushed to the ground and then shot in the back with an AK assault rifle.
SADISTIC INDULGENCE... Seen here is the dead body of S Alemmongba who was murdered by Assam police Tuesday. He was pushed to the ground and shot in the back. The picture was received from villagers wishing to highlight the plight of Naga villagers suffering in the hands of rogue Assam policemen. This graphic image is being reproduced only after consultation within The Morung Express.
Three women from Anaki ‘C’ village had gone to work in a paddy field adjoining a tea garden where Alemmongba was in-charge of the laborers. The eyewitnesses said personnel of the Assam Police, numbering about seventeen or eighteen, entered the garden and accosted the victim. Without any reason or provocation, he was slapped a couple of times, pushed to the ground from behind and shot twice in the back by the Assam policemen. After shooting the victim dead, the policemen fled the scene, chased by those women working in the fields.
It is confirmed by the district’s police that the victim was shot dead with a Kalashnikov. Two empty casings of bullets at the murder scene confirmed this, it was informed. The whole gory murder incident took place late afternoon around 2 pm. Anaki ‘C’ village borders Assam.
It was also informed that the victim was earlier taken into custody, along with four other persons by the Assam police in the month of February. They were kept in custody for a night and later released. The murder committed by the Assam Policemen is observed as an unprovoked, sadistic indulgence.
Harassment of Naga villagers by personnel of the Assam Police is not a new thing, eyewitness accounts made clear. They often march into the area without warning or warrant and harass the Naga villagers, the area’s people said.
Rio ministry in trouble The Morung Express
22 DAN MLAs petition Governor withdrawing support Morung Express News
Dimapur With Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio away attending the meeting of the National Development Council in New Delhi, serious trouble awaits the survival of the DAN ministry headed by him as twenty two DAN MLAs have reportedly signed a letter withdrawing support to Rio’s government. According to reliable sources, the letter expressing ‘no confidence’ has been submitted to Governor K. Sankaranarayanan yesterday evening even as speculations were doing the rounds for some time now of an impending fall of the Rio Ministry. At the time of filing this news report, Rio rushed to the State Capital. Interestingly, he was accompanied by the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly who is reported to have returned from a trip abroad.
According to sources, of the 22 DAN MLAs, 17 are from the ruling NPF while two are from the JD (U) and three Independents. However this sudden development has now led to complete uncertainty of the political situation with various factors coming into play. The Governor it has been reported is likely to ‘wait and watch’ before deciding on his next move. As per the situation, the ball is now in the court of the Speaker who has to ascertain on whether the NPF MLAs in particular will come under the preview of the Anti-Defection Law. According to the arithmetic of the numbers now available with this daily, the seventeen NPF MLAs stand to be automatically disqualified because the number with this breakaway group falls short under the new Anti-Defection Law, which is two-thirds of the official thirty-two member NPF Legislative Party. However, the new law while disallowing ‘splits’ has left the question of ‘mergers’ untouched.

Raj Bhavan Kohima is reportedly closely watching the next move of the Speaker and if the latter disqualifies the breakaway NPF MLAs, the Governor according to reliable sources is likely to impose President’s Rule. However, inside sources within the political establishment, disclosed to The Morung Express that the Speaker has been cautioned ‘not to take this step’ in order to avoid imposition of Central Rule. Sources said that the dissident group may end up forming the government with support from the Congress if in case Central Rule is avoided.
Whatever is the developing situation, political sources disclosed that the Rio government will not last this time and that there is only two possibilities i.e. either Presidents Rule or the dissident group forming the next government with Congress support.
It may be mentioned that as per the new Anti-Defection Law henceforth, any MLA or group of MLAs who “split” a party lose the membership of the House they belong to. They come within the purview of disqualification based on defection. While political commentators and jurists believe that this will put an end to the menace of defections, retail and wholesale. However, the problem is far from over because the Constitution (91st Amendment) Act has left paragraph four of the Anti-Defection Law dealing with mergers untouched. Paragraph four says a member or members of a political party can merge their party with another party or members of two political parties can merge to form another political party. The only requirement here is that the merger will be “deemed to have taken place if, and only if, not less than two-thirds of the members of the legislature party concerned have agreed to such merger”. In other words, in the earlier scheme of things, one-third of a legislature party could break away to form a separate group. Now, two-thirds of the legislature party can get together and “merge” their party with another party or form a new party along with members of another party. In short, earlier you needed one-third to “split” a party, now you need two-thirds to “merge” your party with another.
The big question now is whether the breakaway DAN MLAs including the seventeen NPF MLAs will be able to forward their case convincingly to the Speaker after which the ball will enter Raj Bhavan for the Governor to take the next logical step. Either way the Rio Ministry is in serious trouble.
BJP reaffirms support to Rio
Kohima, May 31, (NEPS): The BJP Legislature Party Nagaland (BJPLPN) has reaffirmed its faith and confidence on the leadership of DAN Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. In an emergency meeting of the BJPLPN held today at the residence of Dr TM Lotha, the leader of BJPLPN, it has resolved that the party would remain committed to the DAN and would continue to work for the overall development of the State.
Appealing to the people of Nagaland not to be disturbed by the misinformation of the latest political development, Dr Lotha in a statement asked the people of Nagaland to instead continue their support to the DAN Government as it was committed to “bring about the overall development and to work for the negotiated settlement to the ongoing Naga political issue.” The BJPLPN felt that any leader whosoever indulging for the instability of the DAN Government at this juncture would amount to going against the wishes of the people.
Congress in touch with dissidents DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): The 22 DAN legislators are still yet to make a formal request to the Congress party for support. ‘They have not formally approached us for support. They will not need our support for the no-confidence representation. They will do on their own. But we are in touch. CLP leader I. Imkong said when contacted over the recent political development. Congress supports the move “if that is the actual case”, he said
Imkong confirmed that he was informed that the legislators had met with the Governor already and made the submission. He however expressed cognizance of “the names” who had submitted the letter withdrawing support to the Chief Ministry.
They can always have Congress support when approached. We are willing to support anyone willing to take down the DAN government, Imkong said.
When contacted, NPCC President Hokheto Sumi said “We will not interfere because it is their (the 22 dissident DAN legislators) game. It is purely their game.” He said that at the moment he did not have “much Idea” about the move of the 22 DAN legislators and refused to talk anymore.
Literally all of the Ministers of DAN had their phones switched off. MLAs and party functionaries of the NPF likewise remained muted in their response. The few who could be contacted flatly said “no comment” and kept their phones down.
Meanwhile, according to earlier information received a meeting of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Executive Committee will take place on June 1 at Congress Bhavan, Kohima at 11 am.
Naga Vigil warns Timothy Kaping The Morung Express
• Sir – When we are guests in a foreign land we should exercise some degree of humility because it is easy to resort to blind firing when one is out of range of the home front. This is simply a case of smoke without fire and empty vessels making most noise. Your colours have been clearly noted and you can easily be taken to task here in the United Kingdom by the powers that be. If you are here in the status of student then you should limit yourself to this activity and not act as the propaganda wing of the NSCN-IM under the guise of the non existent Naga Solidarity Group, for which there is no e-mail, contact address etc. It is a simple enough exercise to trace you and if you are a combatant then go home and have the courage to put on a uniform and fight. Making antagonistic remarks to national workers at home from the safety of the United Kingdom are the actions of a coward. I am personally ready to meet you at any time or place of your choosing if you wish to take the matter up with me or further debate any subject regarding eastern Nagas.
Yours Sincerely in the Vigil
David P. Ward NVHRG (UK) Phone: 0797 406 9378 nvhrg@hotmail.com
FAKE NAGA VIGIL

The letter written by one David P Ward of the so-called Naga Vigil Human Rights Group (UK) in the Morung Express on 1 June 2007 caught my attention. The letter is rather silly and amply demonstrates the sorry nature of the writer. But, as a Naga, I am not afraid of him and his unwarranted warning.

This is not the first time that Ward had made known his antagonism to the Naga people. I remember his many criticisms against the NSCN and its leaders way back in the 1990s and later. Some years ago the Bangkok office engaged him in the media and exposed his uselessness and that silenced him for long.

I saw him once inside the UN building in Geneva. He came there but, unlike most of the NGO representatives, he did not present any paper. So, what was his motive in coming to the UN gathering and loitering around in the lobby for days? That time NSCN Chairman Swu was secretly warned by western supporters of a threat to his personal security and he could not deliver his message in person. One lady told me that a few years before that many representatives of the Southeast Himalayan region and other places felt humiliated by the way this Ward was dictating the Chairman of the K group as to whom he should meet and for how long etc. as if Khaplang was a kid of yesterday. Khaplang being a Naga, we all feel very insulted when he allowed himself to be treated that way by one ordinary Scot.

Last year Nagalim delegates were invited by the British parliamentarians and they successfully told the story of the Naga Nation inside the British Parliament. Immediately, as if he owns Great Britain, Ward (who was not even invited to the meeting) haughtily boasted that he would disallow the Nagas from entering Britain and that all the Naga international support groups in Europe would be kicked out. Since Ward’s bragging, by the grace of our living God who loves the Naga Nation we prayed and happily established the NSG (UK) and from time to time it had played host to Naga brothers who visited England. Naga support groups in continental Europe either ignored him or said: “We checked Ward’s so-called Naga Vigil and found that it is not even registered, whereas we are officially registered”.

As to Ward’s threat “Your colours have been clearly noted and you can easily be taken to task here in the United Kingdom by the powers that be“, I wish to tell him that I openly work for the suffering people of Nagalim through the Parliamentarians for National Self Determination (PNSD) and there are many British MPs (including from Scotland) who know of our official position and presence. Also, Ward should understand that Nagas are not cowards. It is our dedication to our right to self-determination and bravery which, in spite of the overwhelming attendance of threats and killings perpetrated by the occupation forces and people like him, is keeping the national liberation movement alive and well. Also, kindly note that the PNSD knows well that the NSG (UK) is an independent body.

And, yes, kindly stop collecting donations in the name of the Nagas; we are not beggars.

In the first place, I have not uttered a word against you. Secondly, our perceptions of things are quite different from one another. Thirdly, fully knowing your antagonism towards the national salvation of the Naga people, I have no intention whatsoever to see you or engage in meaningless debate with you. Lastly, I am a Naga and therefore please do not teach me about the Naga people. Also, don’t disturb me; I have a family to feed and there are good works to do for Nagalim citizens. If you want any information about the NSG (UK) for a good purpose, do kindly contact the PNSD office in London.

KUKNALIM
Professor Timothy Kaping President, Naga Support Group United Kingdom
Minister Shurhozelie inagurates the Global Open University Kuknalim.com

WOKHA Minister for Higher Education, Shürhozelie inaugurated the Global Open University at Wokha on 31st May 2007 as the Chief Guest.

In his inaugural speech, Shürhozelie said education is vital for social development and so is higher education for higher level of development and achievement. He spoke on the successful implementation of communitisation of public institutions in the state, which was put in place by the present Government, adding that many village communities have found great interest in managing their schools.

Shürhozelie said that it has become essential to provide vocational and professional education to our students and opening up more education opportunities, which culminated in the establishment of two private state universities in 2006, namely the Global Open University and I.C.F.A.I University. The Minister opined that Naga youths will be suitably rewarded through gainful employment opportunities, thereby giving relief to the problem of educated unemployed youths. He extended his gratitude to Dr. P.R. Trivedi, Pro-Chancellor Global Open University, who has ventured to provide facilities for higher level of vocational and professional learning to the people of Nagaland.

Minister for Health & Family Welfare, T.M. Lotha and Parliamentary Secretary Nkhao Lotha also spoke on the occasion and appealed to the citizens of Wokha to extend full support and cooperation to the university.
Dr. P.R. Trivedi announced the views and action plans of TGOU (The Global Open University) Nagaland, Wokha. Rev. Dr. M. Motsuo Ngullie, Vice-Chancellor TGOUN gave the welcome speech while Rev. Dr. E. Nrio Ezung said the invocation prayer. Director, Higher Education TGOUN Imotemsu Ao proposed the vote of thanks and Rev. L. K. Tsanglao said the benediction prayer. The function was chaired by N. Mhao Lotha, Administrative officer, TGOUN.
A host of dignitaries including Dr. Deorani, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Thepfülhouvi Solo, Rtd. Principal CCF, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha Mikha Lomi, heads of offices, public leaders and students attended the function. (DIPR)
Is the Indo-Naga peace talk going in the right direction? By Waikhom Damodar Singh Sangai Express
The so called Indo-Naga Peace Talk which have since been going on in between the Government of India and the Naga revolutionaries was moot-ed out by Baptist church leaders of Nagaland who met in earnestness in a convention held at Wokha, HQ of the Lotha tribe area on 24 February 1964 with an object to bring an ‘end’ to the great war like ‘turmoil’ that had taken place with heavy loss of many innocent lives and bloodshed amongst the people of the erstwhile Naga Hills District which later on spread in the four Hill districts of Manipur, particularly in Ukhrul district.
The convention issued an appeal to the Government as well as to the underground revolutionary Nagas for restoration of peace, normalcy and order in the strife-torn State and had formed a four-men Peace Mission comprising Reverend Michael Scott, Jayaprakash Narayan, the supremo of the socialist party of India, Assam congress party chief Minister, Bimalaprassad Chaliha and Shankerrao Deo for interposing between the Government of India and the Naga Revolutionary Federal Government formed some 5 decades ago under the behest of late Naga revolutionary pioneer, A. Zaphu Phizo Angami.
The Naga revolution or insurgency erupted out with violent subversive activities from March 22, 1956 onwards when they declared their own “de facto sovereign Government” with their own Constitution adopted and signed by the Head of the State (Kedaghe), the president commander-in-chief of the Army, Kilonsers (Ministers), (members of Parliament - Tartar Hohos), Ahangs (governors) etc appointed. The declaration of their own sovereign State and Government took place at Phensinyu village in the Rengma Naga area with hoisting of Naga National Flag, bearing red, green and white colours with three blue stars. The historic event of the Nagas took place with great traditional ceremony and feasting.
Insurgency is defined as politics with bloodshed. It is what had exactly happened to the Nagas of Nagaland who began their demand of a sovereign Independent State of their own outside the dominion of India in a non-violent manner in the very initial stage, but later on turned it into a movement with all the ferocities of bloodshed by taking up arms against the Government of Assam (under whom Nagaland then was a mere district) and the Government of India as the last resort for achieving their avowed goal.
The “cradle” of their movement for independence may perhaps be tra-ced back to the old Naga club founded in Kohima and Mokokchung towns as far back as year 1918 which served initially only as a “forum” for carrying out “social activities for the Naga community, particularly the Naga Government officials living in the above mentioned two towns.
It was then in the year 1945 that the then Deputy Commissioner of the Naga Hills District, Charles Pawsey, ICS had established a Tribal Council known as the Naga Hills District Tribal Council in order to unite the Nagas of the District for the reconstruction works of the great devastation left by the Second World War in the district, particularly in Kohima town where one of the severest and bloodiest battle was fought between the columns of the Allied Forces of the 14th Army of General William Bill Slim under his 33 Corp commanded by Lt. General Montagu Stopford and of the Japanese of the 15th Army of General Renya Mutaguchi under his 31 division commanded by tough Lt. General Kotuko Sato, who at the end, lost the battle miserably and who was court-martialled afterwards for defiance of the orders of his superior commander.
The set-up of the Naga Hills District Council was, in fact, the forerunner of the so called Naga National Council which have been actually an organisation converted from the Naga club established earlier. It was this Naga political organisation that had finally been converted into the set-up of an armed revolutionary Government.
The primary objectives of the district council established by Pawsey were purely for the purpose of rendering some autonomy for the Naga Hills district as he was intensely interested in the welfare and development of the Nagas, who he greatly admired of their good and simple qualities, though there had already been a secret plan worked out by the British Government known as “coupland plan” (worked out initially by Reginald Coupland, a former Governor of the erstwhile greater Assam province) for carving out a separate area inhabited by the Naga tribes of India and adjoining areas of Buma which was to continue to remain as a -buffer state” under their rule even after India and Burma attained independence as they had no more illusion of denying it to the Indians and the Burmese, especially after the end of the Second World War due to heavy national and international political pressures.
Inspite of the simple objectives that the organisation so had in the beginning for improving the socio-economic conditions of the much backward tribes of the district, it became later on the ‘hub’ of political activities of a group of extremist Nagas whose attitudes became more seriously changed as soon as A. Zaphu Phizo, an Angami Tribe born in Khonoma village near Kohima in the year 1900 (the village was called Thibomei by the Meiteis earlier and was once under the territory of the erstwhile independent state of Manipur till it was taken over by the British from Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh under an appeasing policy and had established their military garrison for the convenience of spreading of their power in the north eastern region) joined the party after having lived in Burma from 1933 to 1944 and it was only after he joined the organisation that its very original name of the Naga Hills District Council had been changed into the Naga National Council and that it became an organi- sation of a much more active political party highly infused with deep anti-Indian feelings and ideas of living as a separate entity of independent people or Nation - according to the opinions of many learned historians and expert writers like P.D. Staacy the Nagas had never been a unified Nation, rather it had been only a concept hypothesised by Phizo.
Thus leaning more towards the ‘extremism’ preferred and induced by the new leader, Phizo, the Nagas of the Naga Hills District issued ultimately a very bold declaration in June 1947 to the effect that the Naga Hills which was administratively only a District under the Province of Assam should cease to be a part of India when she attains independence.
In fact, the anti-Indian attitudes and feelings of the Nagas of the district cast on them due to the high-handed and much inferior treatment done to them by the plains people, particularly of Assam, had already been brewing up since much earlier time and it was on the occasion of the visit of the British Simmon Commission in 1929, which had come to India to study the ground for Constitutional reforms as strongly demanded by her people, that a party of Naga delegates had openly expressed their strong anti-Indian feelings to them with very fervent request to leave them (the Nagas) out from being considered and inclusion as a part of the Indian people. While such were the extreme and hostile feelings that were then amongst the Nagas of the Naga Hills District ‘the hill tribes of Manipur, namely the Tangkhuls etc had remained as quite loyal, simple and peaceful subjects of the State under the ruling of the king.
During the period between 1947 and 1956, Phizo tried several times to convince the Governments both in Assam and Delhi, of the earnestness and seriousness of the claim of the Nagas of having of their own independent sovereign “de facto Government” to show genuineness of this, Phizo even conducted, though a unofficial process, a unilateral plebiscite” by collecting signatures and thumb impressions from house to house from May to August in 1951 and according to it he claimed that over 99 per cent of the people of the Naga Hills District voted for a separate and independent state of their own. — to be contd
Dissidents demand change of leadership in Nagaland Sentinel
KOHIMA, June 1: Dissidence in the Neiphu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland has surfaced after a group of its MLAs met Governor K Shankaranarayanan and reportedly petitioned him for a change of leadership.
The dissidents claimed that they could master the support of 22 DAN legislators in the 60-member House in support of their demand for a change of leadership.
Although Raj Bhavan sources confirmed the meeting which took place yesterday, none wished to be quoted about the content of the petition.
CLP leader I Imkong also met the Governor yesterday.
When contacted, Imkong confirmed his ‘usual meeting’ with the Governor as the CLP leader saying “it was mere coincidence that DAN members were also meeting the Governor. I am not aware what transpired in the meeting between DAN legislators and the Governor”.
Health Minister Dr TM Lotha, who belongs to the BJP, a DAN coalition partner, said its Legislature Party reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of Rio.
In a statement, Dr Lotha said the BJP Legislature Party yesterday met here to discuss the “latest political development” in the State amidst the speculations over the fate of the Rio Ministry, and appealed to the people not to be disturbed by “misinformation”.
The Chief Minister, in the recent past, has attracted attacks from both dissidents and the Opposition Congress, both inside and outside the Assembly for his alleged failure in maintaining law-and-order and in reining in underground activists.
Nagaland goes to the polls early next year.
Lotha urged the people instead to continue with their support to the DAN as the alliance was committed to work for a negotiated settlement of the vexed Naga political problem.
In the 60-member Assembly, the DAN has 43 legislators while the Opposition Congress has 17.
The DAN (43) comprises NPF-32, BJP-5, JD(U)-2 and Independents - 4.
The State Congress, which has been demanding imposition of President’s rule in Nagaland for alleged breakdown of law and order, has already hinted that it would not hesitate to extend outside support to any political group attempting to change the leadership in the DAN Ministry. However, the CLP leader today clarified that his party had nothing to do with the reported ‘dissident activities in DAN and the move to replace Rio’, saying, “it is an internal matter of the ruling alliance, we have not received any formal request from any member of DAN seeking our support to change the leadership”. (PTI)
Combined military force bust KRA camp Newmai News Network

The combined security forces fall in line for check up after the heavy gunbattle with KRA outfit. (Photo: Newmai News Network)
Imphal Even as heightened tension among the various Kuki based underground groups has been developing in the last three days, following the killing and coup within their respective outfits, a combined team of 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Imphal East and Imphal West District police commandos busted a camp belonging to Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) today at Gampijang village under Saikul sub-division of Senapati district today.
Receiving specific information of underground elements’ presence at Gampijang, the team led by Imphal East district Aditional SP, Radheshyam headed for Gampijang last night and cordoned off the area where the camps were located in the wee hours today said SP. By 7 O' clock in the morning, heavy exchange of gun fire was ensued between the underground group and the combined security forces team which lasted till 2:30 in the afternoon.
During the gun battle, one personnel from the 7th Manipur Rifles identified as Remen Tangkhul (Rifle no.019) has been reportedly killed while the casualty of the undergrounds side could not be ascertained as yet. The SP also disclosed that atleast 10 camps belonging to KRA were destroyed but no weapons were recovered from the battle site. According to the Gampijang villagers, the underground elements numbering around 50 to 60 members had been loitering around in the surrounding village since yesterday.
The police sources said that there were members of National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) during the skirmish, apart from KRA.
Barely two days ago, a coup is said to have taken place within the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) led by its deputy commander, who killed its chief-in-command, Letkholun along with his five followers at Saichang village under Yairipok police station.
Militant camp busted in Karbi hills The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 31 (UNI): The Karbi Anglong Police in a joint operation with CRPF has busted a camp of the KLNLF here.
Karbi Anglong SP Anurag Tankha told UNI that the operation was conducted yesterday at Paklangso Pahar located in Langlakso jungle, about 120 kms from Diphu. While the KLNLF extremists attacked the security forces from a camp on high feature, the security forces successfully destroyed the camp.
However, taking benefit of the jungle and hills, majority of cadres managed to escape. One hardcore cadre had been arrested. A large number of uniforms, wireless charging batteries, explosive fuse wire and camp materials were recovered.
In the past three months, this was the third major success of the security forces in the district in busting the camps of the KLNLF.
Violence in State shoots up in ’07 By R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 31 – Though the overall level of violence in the entire North East region is coming down over the years, the situation is just the opposite in Assam as the level of violence has gone up considerably in the last three years mainly because of the fact that the militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have started resorting to blasts in public places. According to records available with the security agencies, the number of incidents of violence involving the militants belonging to the ULFA is increasing gradually in the last three years and till date this year, the ULFA militants triggered off more than 50 bomb and grenade blasts in different parts of the State.

Police sources said that the level of violence involving the ULFA came down considerably in the year 2005 as only 19 civilians and three security force personnel were killed in the acts of violence by the militants in that year. In that year 10 militants were killed in encounters with the security forces. It may be mentioned here that the year 2005 also raised hopes for a negotiated settlement of the problem of insurgency with the ULFA forming the People’s Consultative group (PCG) to hold initial parleys with the Government of India to pave the way for direct talks.

But the peace process ended in a deadlock last year with both the ULFA and the Government of India sticking to their stands. The ULFA was insisting that sovereignty of Assam should be the core issue for talks and the five jailed central committee members of the outfit should be released to enable the outfit to hold its central committee meeting to discuss the issue of talks with the Government. On its part, the Government made it clear that the ULFA would have to give a written assurance to come for talks to facilitate the release of the jailed leaders of the banned outfit. The Government also made it very clear that to come for talks, the militant outfit would have to abjure violence and that the sovereignty of Assam is not negotiable.

The level of violence shot up abruptly after the peace process ended in a deadlock and the state witnessed more than 160 incidents of violence involving the militants belonging to the ULFA, in which more than 80 civilians and 14 security personnel were killed. Last year, six ULFA militants were killed in encounters with the security forces.

The year 2007 started with a bad note with the level of violence involving the ULFA shooting up abruptly. Till date this year, more than a hundred incidents of violence involving the ULFA have been reported from different parts of the state, in which more than 100 civilians were killed and more than 280 were injured. Three security personnel and five ULFA militants were killed in encounters this year. The year started with the militants targeting Hindi-speaking people in the upper Assam districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Dhemaji killing more than 60 innocent persons.

The level of violence involving the KLNLF and Black Widow group in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills also showed an upward trend this year. According to records available, the Black Widow group was involved in 10 acts of violence last year and it increased to 17 so far this year, while, till date this year, the KLNLF militants were involved in more than 10 major acts of violence. It may be mentioned here that the overall level of violence in the North East has come down as the level of violence in Tripura has gone down considerably in the last few years after the militant groups like the ATTF and NLFT suffering reserves in the operations, while, Nagaland has also become relatively peaceful barring a few incidents of clashes between the rival factions of the NSCN.

‘ULFA is a divided house’ Common people are with us: ULFA
If the ULFA thinks that the common people of the State support its agenda, why does it kill them? Why does it target innocents? The outfit should rather fight openly with the Indian Army. By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 1: The top rung in the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is a divided house, if the information on the rebel group being poured in is to be believed. According to intelligence sources, matters relating to peace talks between the rebel group and the Centre drove a wedge between ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah who, according to sources, was not aware of the city blasts till recently. Sources further said that Arabinda Rajkhowa has already contacted the Centre, and he is likely to come forward for peace talks with the Government soon. Paresh Baruah, on the other hand, has prepared a ‘hit list’ that includes a number of journalists and writers.
“Heera Sarania had a quarrel with Paresh Baruah recently, and since then Heera has snapped his communication of all sorts with the outfit’s ‘commander-in-chief’, and as such Paresh Baruah was ignorant of the city blasts till recently,” the sources said, and added: “The recent blasts in the city were triggered by Hemanta Rajbongshi, a cadre of the outfit hailing from Nalbari, following a directive from Heera Sarania”.
Intelligence sources claimed that there had been a difference in opinion between Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa on the outfit’s peace process with the Centre at the initiative of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), and that had led Paresh Baruah to hand over the charge of the outfit’s spokesman to Raju Baruah.
Meanwhile, with the anti-ULFA wave gaining its momentum in the State, the outfit, at the directive of Paresh Baruah, has prepared a hit list that included people like AASU leader Samujjal Bhattacharya, APW director Abhijit Sharma, journalists Naba Thakuria, Ronen Goswami, Rupam Baruah, writer Atulananda Goswami and others.
The sources, however, said that the rebel group is not in a position to target those in the list right now since the group is well aware of the fact that such a step will erode its support base, whatever it is, left among the people of the State.
Meanwhile, the ULFA has said that it has not lost its support base among the common people of the State, and it is the anti-ULFA groups that are shouting “ULFA-go-back” slogans. In an e-mail sent here today, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said: “Most of the oppressed people of the State are in support of an independent Asom. The Assam Public Works (APW) is trying to create anti-ULFA wave because it fears that the ULFA would win the referendum for a free Asom. Time will say whether the ULFA or the ‘occupants’ would be forced to leave Asom.” The chairman said that if Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sumatra, Sri Lanka and Myanmar can get independence, then why Asom cannot.
On the other hand, the outfit, in its mouthpiece Swadhinata, said that independence of Asom was the only alternative for the safety and security of the people of the State.

DATELINE GUWAHATI/Wasbir Hussain Rebels, Govt must see writing on the wall Sentinel
The writing on the wall is sharp and clear, and I hope like most people,
the ULFA and the Government have understood it. Asom wants peace, and an end to killings. And, for a change, mainstream forces are coming out to the streets to demonstrate their pro-peace or anti-violence stand. The Opposition AGP may have supported the 12-hour Guwahati bandh on Monday by blaming the Congress-led State Government of having failed to protect life and property of the people. But the bottom line is that the AGP, like the BJP, AASU or the students of Cotton College, have been forced to voice its opinion against the mindless killing of innocent civilians. And for once, the AGP, BJP and the ruling Congress have ended up being on the same side, by backing the bandh called by the Kamrup Chamber of Commerce in the wake of the May 26 bomb attack in Guwahati that killed 7 civilians and injured up to 30 others.
The ULFA, if anything, seems to be rattled by the wave of protests, that too, in the open. After all, some of the organizations leading the protests are as concerned about Asom’s all-round welfare or economic ‘independence’ as anybody else. This is something that cannot be missed or ignored. Well, a day after the bandh, the ULFA has chosen to issue a statement denying its hand in the market blasts and sought an ‘impartial enquiry’ to find out the ‘forces’ behind such attacks. One may even be prepared to believe the ULFA’s claim that it is not involved in the devastating cycle, motorcycle or auto rickshaw explosions, but my problem is with the timing of the rebel group’s response through that statement on Tuesday. Why has the ULFA decided to come out with such a statement only after mainstream political and student forces vented their ire against the bombings and not before? After all, Guwahati has witnessed five blasts in the past month, and every time the needle of suspicion was pointed by the authorities at the ULFA.
The Government’s response amuses me most of the time. Well, the May 26 blast in the crowded Athgaon area virtually maddened the political and administrative bosses in both Dispur and New Delhi. Asom’s officiating DGP was almost warned that the Government won’t tolerate any further attack of that sort. Newspaper headlines suggested that the top cop was at the receiving end of both the Chief Minister as well as the Governor. That may or may not be true, but my question is in a State where there has been a sustained counter-insurgency operation for almost 17 years without a break, how can one ‘tighten security’ any further? The Army, police and the paramilitary are working under a Unified Headquarters and ULFA militants are being killed by dozens. The answer perhaps lies in actionable intelligence. That input may quite be lacking. I always think as to how the law-enforcing agencies almost always fail to prevent an attack, but seem to know everything as to who had committed a bomb attack within hours of such an incident happening. That, I know, will forever remain a mystery for a humble analyst like me!
The Government is making a great error of judgement by not making any attempt to revive the derailed peace process. Yes, the ULFA would only be prepared to talk peace (if at all) with the Centre. But that should not prevent the State Government from at least opening a dialogue process with the civil society and leading citizens in Asom. Such a dialogue process need not even be aimed at reviving the peace process, it can be initiated to evolve ways and means to put an end to the mayhem and to prevent Asom from turning into a mad killing field. It is indeed tragic that the Congress party in Asom that has been re-elected to power does not believe in engaging with the people to bring peace back to the State and seems to pin its hopes just on the power of the gun. I firmly believe that the political leadership running Asom has been misled by influential sections not to initiate any initiative other than the administrative and military ones that have not really yielded dividends. The time is right for our leadership to try out some radical measures to break the existing deadlock on the ULFA insurrection. I have no reason to think that Mr Tarun Gogoi is not a well meaning leader, but he needs to act at this juncture to take things forward. And, the ULFA may miss the bus for ever, if it fails to show reason and take a pragmatic approach at resolving its conflict. Stealth bomb raids on innocent civilians is not the answer.