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08/13/2007: "NISC asks China to stop supporting the Burmese junta Special Correspondent, Narinjara News Bangladesh"

NISC asks China to stop supporting the Burmese junta Special Correspondent, Narinjara News Bangladesh

Guwahati, Northeast India The Naga International Support Center (NISC), a human rights organization has called upon the Chinese government to withdraw its support from the Burmese junta. The Amsterdam based rights body has also appealed Beijing to stop supplying weapons to the junta.
In press statement, issued on August 11 (2007), the NISC argued that the military junta of Burma was using the weapons against its own people like the indigenous Nagas.
"After the resurrection in 1988 and the general election in 1990 the Burmese junta could maintain its control over the nation, because China helped the junta going on. China continues to support the Burmese military rulers with weapons and funds," said in the statement.
Chinese interest in Burma is guided by primarily three reasons. If the mentality of imperialism by China is first reason, preventing India's influences in Burma remains another important concern for Beijing. Moreover, China finds Burma as a cheap source of natural resources.
NISC appeals the Chinese government to show a humane face so that the indigenous people of Burma, including the Nagas, could set free and pursue their destiny.
It may be mentioned that Naga people living both in Burma and India are pursuing for a greater Nagalim. Nagas are divided in various tribes and they even use different dialects. But for a greater homeland for Nagas, they have erased all their differences and arrived in a conscious notion in respect of the Nagalim.
In fact, driven by the growing need for energy, both China and India are spending money for the development projects in Burma. India is also appeared determined to enhance its strategic ties with the Burmese junta to avoid conceding ground to China. On the other hand, the junta known as the State Peace and Development Council have found a lucrative game: playing India off against China and winning projects from both.
"China, without having its own seaports for access to the Indian Ocean, would dearly love to get Indian Ocean access via Burma's rivers and seaports. The fact that both of the two regional powers, India and China, want exactly the same thing from Burma puts them in a position very vulnerable to be exploited by Burma's streetwise generals," said an exiled Burmese journalist.
India too, though facing criticism from international communities for maintaining relationship with the present regime of Burma is not convinced to snap ties primarily for three reasons. First, Burma can play an important role in realizing India's Look East policy, where New Delhi proposes land connectivity with various South East Asian countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (through Burma) for trades.
Secondly, the government of India is very much concerned with the presence of Northeast based insurgents in northern Burma. It believes that many armed outfits namely NSCN (both K and IM factions), ULFA, PLA, PREPAK, UNLF, KYKL, KCP etc run their training camps inside Burma and also use the neighbouring country as their safe hide outs. Thirdly, New Delhi also remains equally concerned with more and more Chinese presence in Burma. With an aim to prevent China's involvement in that country, New Delhi wants to involve the military rulers in the greater economic cooperation. #
YARUIWO (PRESIDENT) ISAK CHISHI SWU’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON THE EVE OF THE 61st INDEPENDENCE DAY OF NAGALIM. 14th Aug. 2007.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Beloved Countrymen,

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was with our forefathers when they first chose to settle in this part of the world. Nobody raised a finger, no one objected because they were the first settlers; they survived and flourished into a nation. The same God was with our honored leaders when they first hoisted the Naga National flag on 14th August 1947 and declared to the world that Nagas value liberty and freedom above everything else. It is the same God who salvaged our tiny Nation from the threat of annihilation, treachery and capitulation. I am convinced that only He could have done so much for the Nagas despite our weaknesses. God has been with us in our best and worst moments…He has a big purpose for the Nagas. Praise the Lord!

On the eve of the 61st Independence Day, I greet my countrymen everywhere for it is your sublime steadfastness against political slavery, suppression and domination which has brought us thus far. The will to survive has been the essence of our struggle. Over the past sixty years, bones of thousand of men and women lie scattered all over Nagalim and other foreign lands; all for a cause so dear and precious to their hearts. The sacrifice of the dead and the unyielding spirit of the living is the testimony of the right of the Naga nation.

We pay homage to our beloved comrades who laid down their lives for Nagalim. History shall remember their courage. May they find everlasting peace in Heaven. I also take this opportunity to announce the promotion of some of the distinguished officers in the Naga Army to their next higher ranks in recognition of their seniority, achievement and loyalty towards the Nation.

Dear Nagas, Our politics and history is clear; to live in peace with our neighbors and to develop ourselves as free people was, and is, never a point of debate because this is the basis of our struggle. We respect and cherish the historical affinity that we share with our neighbors. This bond, we pledge, shall continue for hundreds of years to come. We are, however, very clear that Naga history, our right and our people cannot be reduced to being safety valves for our neighbors. Emotional outbursts cannot erase historical facts. Historical errors committed must be rectified by those very people who committed the act in their weak moments. The artificial boundaries created arbitrarily to suit the politics of the time must be uprooted. Historical blunder of few decades must be set straight to conform to the ageless fraternity amongst the Naga family. The inalienable right of the Nagas to live as one must be rightfully restored.

Mahatma Gandhi and his assurance to the Naga leaders on that sunny afternoon of 1947 still echoes in the hearts of both young and old alike, “Nagas have every right to be independent…” This utterance from the Father of the Indian Nation must be respected both in words and actions. On Indo-Naga political talks, we do not wish either the Government of India or any other power to be confused or attempt to confuse us on this paramount issue. We will not survive on anyone’s whims and fancies. Both sides have had, for hundreds of years, clear and distinct political, historical, cultural, social and religious existence. We do not beg or plead, we simply ask India to respect the rights, wishes and sentiments of our people. History has shown that to defend a nation and its right, succeeding generations come wave after wave giving little or no importance to enemy strength or size because to live and die defending the truth is the very meaning of life. It is more powerful than the mighty army. Sixty years ago our fathers struggled for us for that very reason; today without fear we struggle for tomorrow. I take courage to tell my countrymen that the world shall never brush us aside unless we allow ourselves to be.

The ceasefire and the political talks between the Government of India (GOI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has taken ten long years and although GOI has, time and again, failed to take any concrete step other than assurances through words, NSCN is committed to peace process. We have made our position very clear that the will of the Naga people shall be taken into consideration for any solution because we belong to the people. If the talks collapse, insincere nature of the Indian Government would be the sole reason. During the July 21 talks in New Delhi, NSCN proposed the next round of talks to be held in Nagalim for wider participation and consultation. Therefore, on 31st August 2007 at Dimapur, ceasefire with the GOI was extended indefinitely on the condition that there would be progress in the political talks and improved situation on the ground. The GOI is set to strengthen and ensure that ground situation would be conducive for political talks. This may simply be explained that GOI shall stop Indian Intelligence services such as Research and Analysis wing (RAW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Para Military Forces such as Assam Rifles (AR) and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) from Sheltering, transporting and supplying money, Arms and ammunition to Khaplang Gang and the so called Federal/NNC people. Until GOI put an end to these covert dealings, ceasefire would be meaningless. This has clearly been conveyed to Indian representatives in the talks and NSCN has been assured positive response. NSCN has, over the years, done much to understand the difficulty of the Indian government. We have proposed for a special federal relationship recognizing each other’s historical and political rights as two different political entities through mutually acceptable political agreement. Mere recognition of unique history and situation of the Nagas does not solve any problem unless unique solution is found. NSCN hopes that the Indian leadership would exhibit boldness and maturity in tackling South Asia’s longest running conflict. The ball is in GOI’s court as to whether to bring the conflict to an end or resume hostilities. Any solution, therefore, must be honorable and acceptable to the Nagas. We are hoping for the best while also preparing for the worst.

Fellow Nagas, At this point of our struggle we need to have a broader perspective on how to achieve the desired goal and not elbow one another on the question of factionalism without having a closer look at its origin. “Factionalism” is the most frequently used word in the Naga context. It is a simple ploy of GOI and its intelligence wings to undermine the Naga struggle in the eyes of international community. They supply hardware and other logistic support to K and NNC people to be used against the Naga Army.

Beware of imposters and traitors who constantly harp on Naga sovereignty even as they slumber inside enemy camps. A band of antisocial elements sheltered by Assam Rifles and IRB and transported from camp to camp fully armed to fight the Naga Army, can never taste true patriotism. Naga army have captured enough arms and ammunition with Indian markings on them, not to mention of the true accounts of former K, federal/NNC cadres who joined the national mainstream having realized the futility of their association with K and NNC people. The crux of the problem is: how does one deal with a group who shout unity by day and troop back into Indian Army barracks by night? Will GOI react if Naga Army ambush Indian military vehicles transporting K and NNC people?

We honor and respect the efforts of the GB’s and DB’s, Hohos, the students, Mothers, Churches and different organizations who continue to pursue common goal for unity and reconciliation among the Nagas. We are for the people and will continue to listen to the voice of the Nagas, yet regretfully at times, reality of the situation forces us to defend and prove ourselves against enemies of the people.

The contribution of Naga civil societies and their efforts to create people to people dialogue with their counterparts in mainland India is very much appreciated. This is a noble way for the two peoples to understand and appreciate each other’s history through non-political prism. NSCN has the highest regard for the many sympathizing Nations, International organizations, friends, well wishers and Christian believers worldwide, who take it as a mission to bring solution to the Indo-Naga political conflict. The support of UNPO (The Hague), SFTP (Germany), NISC (the Netherlands) NAC (US), PNSD (UK), NPFNK (Korea) Forum Asia (Thailand) IWGIA (Denmark), KWIA (Belgium) etc., has been instrumental in drawing international community’s attention to the Indo-Naga political conflict. We convey our gratitude to every organization that speaks out for the oppressed nations and peoples.

The enormity of the task ahead demands that every Naga be prepared to accept the challenge of the time. We value tomorrow and therefore we must plant our feet firmly on the ground. There is no greater shame than bowing down to enemy in confusion and chaos. It is clear to us; Nagas shall never part with what belongs to them. I urge my countrymen to return to Christ for in him dwells the fate of our Nation. Let those who seek to glorify themselves by pleasing the enemy do so. A day will come when one’s own actions and deeds shall return to mock at the tall claims.

As we celebrate this historic day of our nation, may our hearts rejoice with great pride. May the good Lord bless us all

KUKNALIM!
NISC appeals to China for a humane face towards Burmese The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 12 (MExN): The Naga International Support Centre has appealed to the Chinese Government to show a humane face so that the peoples of Burma, especially the Nagas can be set free and allowed to be reunited to peacefully pursue their destiny.
A press statement issued by the NISC categorically implicated China of playing a hand in the politics of Myanmar which makes the neighboring giant to indirectly control over Nagaland over Myanmar, leaving devastating effects on the people.
The NISC said that the Chinese government supports the Military with weapons and funds and added that after the resurrection in 1988 and the general election in 1990 the Burmese Junta could only remain in control of the nation because China kept the junta going.
The NISC said that China encouraged the oppressive junta regime in Myanmar because China wanted Myanmar because of her sense of international expansion, Myanmar’s functions as a bridgehead against India and also because of Myanmar’s cheap resources.
Besides this, the NISC alleged that China provides the military junta with certain amount of legitimacy and knowingly contributes to the severe oppression of and the denial of the Burmese citizens of their basic human rights, which results in killing of the Burmese people by the junta government.
However, the NISC lamented that since most of the neighboring countries near Myanmar like Japan, China and ASEAN countries are interested in trade relations, these countries communicate with “these human rights violators” (Myanmar) about normalization of relations.
Nonetheless, the NISC, pointed out that the consequences of such action by the international communities have a far reaching effect on the Burmese people, both living in the central and the indigenous people who are kept isolated.
“They (the Burmese triblas) are demeaned forced, their rights forfeited and threshed up. The military junta does what it likes and the international community does little to intervene” the NISC said.
The NISC said that Burmese nationals especially the triblas pay a hefty price just for being Burmese.
The release said that unknown to international community, many tribal populations surrounding the Irrawaddy Valley are forced to adapt to the Burmese language, religion and culture.
However, many tribal populations like the Nagas, resist and defend themselves against intrusions by “the Burmese Army backed up by formidably strong China”. The NISC said that China becomes an ‘adversary’ since it backs up the Burmese Army to suppress the tribal population in Myanmar.
However, in the connection, the NISC called upon the Chinese Government to withdraw its support from Burma, to stop supplying the military junta with weapons used against its own people and against Indigenous Peoples like the remote Nagas.
“NISC appeals to the Chinese Government to show a humane face so the peoples of Burma can be set free and allow the Nagas to reunite so they can peacefully pursue their destiny” the NISC said.
Naga groups mark ‘Naga Independence’ today ‘We will listen to voice of the people’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): Asserting that ‘a day will come when one’s actions and deeds shall return to mock at the tall claims,’ NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu has urged the people to “return to Christ for in him dwells the fate of our nation” and that the NSCN-IM would continue to “listen to the voice of the people.”
Swu in his ‘independence day’ message reminded that “the enormity of the task ahead demands that every Naga be prepared to accept the challenge of the time.” He said: “We value tomorrow and therefore we must plant our feet firmly on the ground. There is no greater shame than bowing down to enemy in confusion and chaos. It is clear to us; Nagas shall never part with what belongs to them. I urge my countrymen to return to Christ for in him dwells the fate of our Nation. Let those who seek to glorify themselves by pleasing the enemy do so. A day will come when one’s own actions and deeds shall return to mock at the tall claims.”
Stating that the Nagas’ politics and history is clear Swu acknowledged the historical affinity that ‘we share with our neighbors.’ This bond shall continue for hundreds of years to come, he asserted. “We are, however, very clear that Naga history, our right and our people cannot be reduced to being safety valves for our neighbors. Emotional outbursts cannot erase historical facts. Historical errors committed must be rectified by those very people who committed the act in their weak moments” he claimed.
“I take courage to tell my countrymen that the world shall never brush us aside unless we allow ourselves to be. We are hoping for the best while also preparing for the worst” the NSCN-IM leader affirmed.
He also urged for a broader perspective ‘on how to achieve the desired goal and not elbow one another on the question of factionalism without having a closer look at its origin.’ “Factionalism’ is the most frequently used word in the Naga context. It is a simple ploy of GOI and its intelligence wings to undermine the Naga struggle in the eyes of international community. They supply hardware and other logistic support to K and NNC people to be used against the Naga Army” chairman Swu stated.
The NSCN-IM also acknowledged the efforts of Naga civil society and international support groups. “We are for the people and will continue to listen to the voice of the Nagas, yet regretfully at times, reality of the situation forces us to defend and prove ourselves against enemies of the people” he stated.
“The contribution of Naga civil societies and their efforts to create people to people dialogue with their counterparts in mainland India is very much appreciated. This is a noble way for the two peoples to understand and appreciate each other’s history through non-political prism. NSCN has the highest regard for the many sympathizing Nations, International organizations, friends, well wishers and Christian believers worldwide, who take it” Swu added.
‘Will work harder for Nagas’
Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): Declaring that the Nagas become “an independent people” because of the political achievement by the NNC, “Gen (Retd)” I Panger Walling asserts to work harder for the people and their aspirations. “.. NNC is determined to work harder for the cause of the Naga sovereignty in the Homeland and abroad for the betterment of the Naga people as well as to save the political situation for the best interest of the Naga Nation in particular. God bless Nagaland. Long live the Naga Independence” stated walling in his ‘independence speech.’
The NNC president stated that the Government of India instead of giving due recognition sent her troops to Nagaland in 1954 and started destroying Naga villages, killing, torturing, raping women, grouping of villagers etc. “and finally occupied Nagaland.” “Since then, the war went on between the Naga Government and the Government of India and political talks started at Prime Ministerial level. But the Government of India unilaterally withdrew the cease-fire, in this matter of peace initiative between the Nagas and India also. Therefore, the Government of India can never be trusted in ceasefire and political dialogue for permanent peace and settlement of political issue” he stated.
According to Walling the “Naga political history will remain as it is forever” and “will be only a curse and doom for those who try to undo and change the political rights and history of Nagas which is made and done with thousands of precious lives of the Nagas.” He also advised Naga NGOs, sympathizers and well-wishers abroad to maintain neutrality as they are “social and neutral bodies.” For this reasons, civil society should be very “cautious, careful and tactful” in their dealing with the “human problem of sixty years of political conflict.” Walling hoped God would help and “control each one of us” to bring real blessing and permanent peace in the Naga homeland “instead of more curse and bloodshed.”
The NNC also appreciated all those “governments,” NGOs and leaders’ concerns and support for the Nagas. It also appealed to the Government of India and the Military Junta of Myanmar to step forward to settle the political problem for the sake of peace in the world and for “permanent peace and tranquility in the South East Asian Region in particular.” “The NNC will ever stand to welcome or support any nation or organization or leader who speak or write or work officially in support of genuine cause of the Naga political problem of sixty years of struggle for sovereignty” he assured. However, it was also made clear that the NNC will oppose factions, organization or NGOs “who compromise the very right of sovereignty of Nagaland.”
Further, he asserted that the ceasefire talks between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM has “miserably failed” and the latter has completely fallen into the trap of New Delhi’s indefinite cease-fire policy “without any objection.”
This is very unfortunate, Walling stated, “because this is a complete compromised” and “the Government of India will never solve the political problem with NSCN IM alone.”
‘The will of people prevails’
Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): The FGN says that the rights of the Nagas are ‘intact’ but they should stick to truth, justice an honor. FGN Kedahge “Brig. (Retd)” S Singnya in his ‘independence day’ speech urged for valiant stand to bear the “yoke of national responsibility” in days to come. He stated that the will of the people prevails.
“Politically our right is intact” The FGN Kedahge stated but there are other points that need caution.
“Educationally and economically, our people are (fast) progressing along; with these acquired gains are also associated many undesirable social menaces” Singnya reminded. We have to use our gains to combat those evils which will swallow up our nation by destroying the individual as well as the common Naga identity if left unchecked. I believe our people ever stand to shun violence and immorality but stick to truth and justice and honor” he hoped.
The FGN leader also paid tributes to those who laid down their lives for “national cause.” The suffering and trauma which the people have endured shall be a grim reminder to the coming generations, he stated. “…the price that our people had to pay for the sake of freedom and liberty” Singnya reminded.
Further sovereignty is Go-given, according to the Kedahge. It is what which cannot be bought, be humbled or be destroyed by others, he explained, adding that the unrest in the Nagas’ land today is an internal problem. “Other nations too faced (with such) at one time or the other in its history; individual ambitions, sectoral ideologies which are shameful menace may be afflicting us but truth and will of the people prevails” he acknowledged.
The FGN also advised the people to not be “cocooned by the false propaganda of the ongoing peace talks between the GoI and the NSCN-IM.” He asserted that it would only be eyewash in the end but for “which our people will have to suffer more if anyone believes or expect honorable results from it.”
“Brig.” S Singnya however appreciated the efforts of the Naga Church and the Naga civil society to stop fratricidal killings in the Nagas’ land and to bring about reconciliation which remains elusive. “It will be incomplete on my part if I fail to especially thank the churches and the different organizations within and abroad who genuinely and tirelessly work and share with our cause morally and materially for the right that we stand for” he acknowledged.
He advised thus: “It is time enough for our people to put into use your discerning wisdom and choose whether to be a free people or a subjugated people aiming at individual glory and keeping behind national warfare.” Further, while history cannot be “started afresh,” what can be done is “let us stick to the truth” and let this set one free, he exhorted, with the affirmation that the NNC/FGN stands to uphold a just cause, envisioning a nation of freedom and liberty.
‘Nagas not demanding favor from India’ Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): The Nagas are not demanding a favor from India but fighting for what is rightfully own, NNC president Adinno Phizo states. The NNC chief has urged the people to “promote peace, understanding as good Naga and pursue national unity towards a common goal.”
In her ‘independence day message’ Adinno Phizo stated that “The 53 years unresolved conflict between by any standard unequal Nagaland and India, couldn’t have done the Indian leaders reputation much good other than a laughing-stock.” Whether Delhi ‘cares or not,’ trampling on Nagaland’s sovereignty on false ground will eventually collapse because of inherent contradiction, the NNC asserted.
She pointed out as a clear fallacy to refer Indian aggression as the “vexed Naga problem.” The core issue is simply the total withdrawal of the Indian occupation army and its camp followers from Nagaland immediately, she stated, adding “there can be no excuse for India to concoct imagined fear to prolong the occupation of Nagaland.”
She reminded: “From the outset, Nagaland did not seek or demand any favor from India. The Naga stand always has been Nagaland belong to the Naga people. Let no one doubt the resolve of the Naga nation to uphold the Yehzabo of Nagaland.”
Adinno stated despite unremitting Indian occupation since 1954, the “federal republic of Nagaland” is very much alive. “For where our nation is today, we thank the Almighty God for sustaining our people to stand on own’s ground. We will always remember our patriots who sacrificed their lives in defending our freedom. The Government of India (GoI) senseless policy to colonize Nagaland has no place in modern world” she acknowledged.
Further, the NNC president mentioned that her generation witnessed momentous political upheaval across the world in the aftermath of World War ll. At that juncture, the Naga communities had no common purpose. But, she said, unlike neighboring British India and Burma, the sovereignty of Naga territory was never conceded to foreigners. It stayed the same during the former British Empire.
“In the 19th century, the British invaders met fierce resistance from the Angami Naga villages that started in January 1832 till 22 November 1879. To end the war, the British entered into an unwritten peace understanding with the dominant Khonoma village on 27 March 1880. The basis of the understanding unequivocally bound the British that on the day the British decide to go back home, the Naga territory were to be left alone” Adinno Phizo stated.
The NNC also reiterated the plebiscite of 1951 and that it was ‘immutably entrusted with the people’s mandate.’
“In total reversal to Mahatma Gandhi’s word that India will never use force against Nagaland and respect Nagaland independence, given to NNC representatives on 19 July 1947 during a visit to Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, gave order to his Indian army to invade Nagaland in 1954. Ever since, the GoI flagrantly pursue with no signs of relenting, the annexation of peaceful and beautiful Federal Republic of Nagaland” the NNC stated.
‘Time to speak out with one purpose’ Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): The time to ‘speak out with one purpose’ and that the Nagas should ‘desist from repeating foolishness,’ FGN Kedahge “Gen. (Retd)” Viyalie Metha advises in his ‘independence day’ speech.
“…today as we celebrate our nation’s historic day, I call upon every bona-fide Naga citizen to decease from repeating any foolishness but be awakened and let the past pass. Let us give a chance to good deeds for our nation. Time has come for Nagas to speak out in one voice with one purpose. For our task ahead every single Naga is needed to take part let no one be left behind,” stated “Gen. (Retd)” Viyalie Metha.
Recalling the founding fathers of the Naga nation who initiated and shaped the Naga Nation, the FGN also remembered the good deeds and sacrifices of predecessors “many of whose sufferings were known only to God.” They are the unsung patriots and true national heroes to whom Nagas owe their gratitude, the FGN Kedahge said while expressing gratitude to the present leaders and “national workers” for their continued sacrifice.
The FGN looked back to “the facts” that the Nagas declared “their independence” on August 14 1947 before India attained her independence from the British. The Kedahge asserted that “we conducted a plebiscite in 1951 and confirmed that declaration to remain independent.” He also asserted that “our national government” was formed in March 1956 where by our people took oath of allegiance “to the Yehzabo of the Federal Government of Nagaland.”
Ever since the people came together to live a “stronger national life,” India has been invading Nagaland, occupied the land by force and has been “trying to destroy our tradition and fabric of our social and cultural life with the power of money and armed forces.”
The FGN explained that “in course of which countless futile exercises were perpetrated on Naga people, one latest of such kind was by hoodwinking a number of self-seeking Naga acquired educationists along with few pseudo nationalists and renegades trying to mislead our people under the cover of holding stage managed so-called peace talk with India has once again failed to impress the reasonable thinking Nagas.”
India continued its unremitting militarized tyranny in Nagaland and tried to replace the NNC and “our legitimate government” the FGN with imposters and helping the self trumpeting heroes to “replace the true national heroes” it stated. “On the other hand India supports the terrorist groups to terrorize with intent to subdue the Naga people into submission” it added.
“By tradition Naga people are known for their honesty and integrity and we shall live up to the expectation with our mission to maintain sanity if that is humanly possible to live in harmony with our fellow men and be of service to others at all time and with the objective to be a man among men and to be a nation among nations. Those were the teachings of our forefathers which we shall do our best to maintain” stated “Gen. (Retd)” Viyalie Metha.
ULFA under ISI influence: Gogoi The Morung Express
Guwahati, August 12 (AGENCIES): With incidents of the killing of civilians, particularly Hindi-speaking people, on the rise in Assam, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi says he doubts the sincerity of the outlawed ULFA to join the peace process as it is “under the influence” of the ISI and Jehadi groups.
Gogoi is ready to release five jailed ULFA leaders provided that brings the group’s top leadership - chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and secretary general Paresh Barua, believed to be living in Bangladesh - to the negotiating table but says there should be direct talks without any conditions. He also feels the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), which includes eminent writer Indira Goswami, has been unable to make any breakthrough in persuading ULFA’s leadership to participate in the peace process.
“They (PCG) are only talking to our leaders (in the Central government). They don’t seem to have direct contact with ULFA leaders. Why doesn’t Indira Goswami meet the other side? I am prepared to provide any help and facilities to them,” he said in interview at his residence over the weekend as the banned group kept targeting Hindi-speaking people in Upper Assam, killing 16 people.
The wide-ranging interview covered issues like the infiltration of foreigners, an issue that gained a new dimension last year with the scrapping of the Illegal Migrants (determination by tribunals) Act of 1985 by the Supreme Court and the need to update the national register of citizens, as 71-year-old Gogoi rebutted charges that his Congress party was interested only in creating a “vote bank” of illegal migrants.
Asked whether ULFA leaders were sincere in wanting to hold talks with the government or whether they were only posturing, Gogoi said, “That is my doubt also. Their sincerity is in question. See frankly speaking, they are under the influence of many others like the ISI and Jehadi groups. Their links with the ISI and Jehadi groups should be broken, which is an international problem.”
Gogoi said he had doubts whether anyone in Assam has direct contacts with the ULFA. “But still I am appealing to anybody having direct contact with the ULFA to mediate. Otherwise there is no point. Unless you go and talk to people directly, persuade them, know their mind...,” he said of the ULFA leaders who have so far refused to come forward for direct talks.
“If these five people (jailed ULFA leaders) can bring their leadership to talks, I don’t mind (releasing them). But I make it clear that talks must be direct and not through these five people or the PCG,” Gogoi said, referring to ULFA’s demand for the release of imprisoned leaders including ideologue Bhimkanta Buragohain.
“Arabindo Rajkhowa and Paresh Barua must come forward. Otherwise there is no point of talking,” he said, pointing to the direct talks between the NSCN-IM and the Centre since a ceasefire was put in place in neighbouring Nagaland in 1997. Asked whether Bangladesh was playing a positive role, he said, “Somebody appears to be doing that. But let us see. Only results will show.”
Assam mayhem continues; four more shot dead GUWAHATI, AUGUST 12 (PTI): Continuing attacks on Hindi-speaking people in Assam, United Liberation Front of Asom and Karbi Longri National Liberation Front militants on Sunday shot dead four persons in Karbi-Anglong district. Police said 12 heavily armed militants kidnapped the four persons, including a woman, from upper Dehori and Rongbong Hat villages on Saturday night. They were taken to an isolated place near Rongbong Hat Tiniali and shot dead, they said. Sixteen Hindi-speaking people, including two women and six children, were killed and 13 others seriously injured in three joint attacks by ULFA and KLNLF militants in the same district on Friday night. With Sunday’s killing, the toll of Hindi-speaking people killed over the last two days has climbed to 20.
PM condemns massacre New Delhi, August 12 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condemned the killing of Hindi-speaking people by ULFA and KLNLF militants in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. The Prime Minister is in touch with the state government on the action being taken and relief given to the victims of the attack, PMO spokesman said. Sixteen Hindi-speaking people were killed in three joint attacks by militants on Friday night. In the wake of the killings of the Hindi-speaking people, particularly Biharis, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had sought immediate intervention of the Centre to ensure their safety. “It is not for the first time that Hindi-speaking people, several of them from Bihar, have fallen to mindless sectarian violence in Assam. It is the duty of the Congress government of Assam and the Centre to prevent such violence. I want the Centre’s UPA regime to intervene to prevent recurrence of such violence,” Kumar had said.