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08/19/2007: "NSCN extortionists lynched - Govt institutes judicial inquiry, outfit ‘looks into episode’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

NSCN extortionists lynched - Govt institutes judicial inquiry, outfit ‘looks into episode’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, Aug. 18: Three activists of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) were lynched by a mob in Tuensang town, some 250km from here, this afternoon. This was confirmed by sources in the Tuensang district administration as well as the NSCN (I-M).
Nagaland commissioner T.N. Mannen disclosed that a crowd comprising hundreds of irate residents overpowered the few security personnel posted at the Tuensang police station. The mob dragged out the activists and lynched them.
The fracas began when some policemen tried to prevent the three NSCN (I-M) activists from collecting “taxes” illegally from one of the areas in the town. The three extortionists had a scuffle with the policemen.
According to an official source, the extortionists even tried to snatch the service rifle of one of the policemen. In the melee, a policeman sustained an injury from a bullet fired from his rifle. The three activists were then arrested and locked up at the police station.
As word of the incident spread, hundreds of irate townspeople came to the police station and overpowered the few guards there. The mob then proceeded to beat the extortionists to death. The state government has instituted a one-man judicial inquiry into the incident. The NSCN (I-M) has confirmed that its activists were beaten to death this afternoon by a mob. Self-styled brigadier Phungthing Shimrang of the outfit said they were “looking into the whole episode”.
That the Naga people are fed up with extortion demands by the two factions of the NSCN and other underground outfits is also clear from another development. The Angami Nagas today decided not to pay any “tax or donation” to any Naga underground outfit. This resolution was adopted in the wake of the attack on former Angami Students Union president Medo Yhokha on Thursday. Yhokha was attacked at Jail Colony by activists of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN.
“We will not pay tax or donation to the factions till they unite,” president of the Angami Students Union, Kelhouniezo Angami, announced after a meeting. The NSCN (K)’s Singson Kuki, military supervisor of “union territories” I and II (Dimapur and Athibung), said they would meet the Angami leaders to sort out the matter. Shops and business establishments will remain closed till then.
Mob kills 3 NSCN (I-M) cadres in Tuensang lock-up The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 18 (MExN): Three cadres of the NSCN (I-M) were beaten to death by a mob inside the lockup of the Tuensang police station at around 1 pm today.
Police sources in Tuensang said the underground operatives were arrested after they assaulted a policeman in the town. Peeved by the action, men folk stormed the police station and, using stones and sticks, lynched the cadres who were handcuffed, police said.
“We were also injured,” a policeman said. “We were helpless.”
The NSCN (I-M), condemning the incident, in a press release stated, “Though the NSCN never condone such wayward lifestyle of the Phom regional members, the uncivilized way of venting the public anger is all the more condemnatory.”
Regretting that “our boys in the regional authority found themselves in the wrong side of the incident,” an MIP press release from the organization said, “We bow our head in shame that our boys went astray in such irresponsible manner degrading the name of the NSCN in the eye of the public.”
However, the release added, “Human understaning is sometime slow to act in the manner to save the situation from turning ugly. But what has been done cannot be undone anymore.
“The jungle culture of solving dispute should not have been applied by the Phom public. And they ought to be ashamed of the backwardness of their mindset.”
“The Tuensang incident could have been avoided had the public exercised constraint by heeding the voice of the conscience that such passionate reaction is not demanded and things could have been sorted out in a more human manner.
May the Phom public be awakened to the reality that the world around them has changed in keeping with the rest of the civilized society. And there are better ways of looking at the issue of any colour and solving it accordingly.”
Meanwhile, additional forces have been rushed to the area to contain the situation.
Kohima youths serve deadline to NSCN (K) The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): Angami youth and students’ organizations today served an ultimatum to the NSCN-K till Monday, 3:00 pm, to hand over the NSCN-K cadre, one Yehokhu Sema. The cadre should be handed over to the Angami Youth Organization and the Angami Students’ Union on or before August 20. Failure on the part of the NSCN-K to do the same would invite any course of action against the faction, a joint statement from the two organizations warned. Strongly putting its foot down on the failure of the NSCN-K to ‘deliver justice,’ the two frontal Angami youth bodies stated that whatever action is deemed fit, it shall be taken against the faction. Alongside, five other points of resolutions were also taken during general meeting involving the Angami range, villages and youth leaders of Kohima town colonies. The joint statement also affirmed to work for the interest of the Naga society.
The Angami Students Union also, in a separate note, informed that taking into account inconveniences caused to the public, the closure of business establishments has been relaxed. The decision was arrived at a meeting held with the ASU, AYO and the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industries, in the aftermath of the attempt made on the lives of Neiketouzo Kuotsu and Medo Yhokha. However, the organizations have advised the public to be prepared to face lightning moves in the event of situation resulting from the response of the NSCN-K. Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for an emergency presidential consultative meeting of all federating units and subordinate bodies along with concern senior members on August 22, 11:00am at the NSF conference hall.
NSCN (K) replies to Joseph Lotha The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): The NSCN (K) today gave a strong rejoinder to the words of their former Defence Secretary, Joseph Lotha, who said that he did not expect ‘songs of praise and hug’, while speaking out after his defection from the NSCN (K) to the NSCN (IM) with a huge cache of arms and ammunition recently. A press statement received here from the NSCN (K) which was issued by Maj Oponthung Lotha and 2nd Lt Tsenchithung Lotha, said that Joseph Lotha, when he was assigned as supervisor of Lotha region, should have worked in close coordination of the NSCN (K) Home Ministry. “Mr. Joseph Patton, you think yourself that you are somebody who deserves recognition, but you cannot be adjusted to anywhere. The high authorities explained to all of us of your assignment Azha, when you were assigned as Supervisor of Lotha Region, that you should worked in close co-ordination with the Home Ministry, GPRN and the Lotha leaders. You were only to supervise the affairs of the Lotha Region administrative machineries handled by the other Regional authorities,” said the release.
The statement said that the defected NSCN (K) Defence Secretary became a dictator against the rules and regulations. “But you became the dictator, usurping all the functions even military duties, and also fund utilization. You and Chichamo became the Hitler and Mousulmi and that was why Lt Mhabemo was summarily executed by you without obtaining necessary directions from the higher ups not to talk of signatures of consent from the fellow Lotha cadres in the same unit,” the statement said. In this regard the statement asked Joseph Lotha, “If Lt Mhabemo was murdered by accusing him to attempted defection to I-K camp, why you defected with Govt. money and arms? Is it not a clear guilty conscience on your part? No argument from your guilty mouth and pen is valid,” said the statement. On the point of sovereignty as raised by Joseph yesterday, the statement said that Joseph has left the NSCN (K) and joined the NSCN (IM) just before the point of total betrayal. “Coming to the point of Sovereignty, you (Joseph Lotha) are very lucky to share the Sovereignty with Isak and Th Muivah-congratulations! You have joined the I-K terrorists in the nick of time, just at the point of total betrayal,” the statement said and added, “We do not know how big the size of the sovereignty of Isak and Th Muivah. If it is broken to pieces, you may also get some particles with those pseudo Naga NGO members. Cheer up,” the statement said.
This War of Words Must End! By Rokovilie Chakhesang Kuknalim.com

Introduction:
Of late, I have been through certain topics in the forums of www.kuknalim.com, some of which have been published in some local dailies in Nagaland. I’m a newbie (new user) in www.kuknalim.com but I would like to share a few thoughts which I believe would be contributory towards bringing a solution to end the ongoing war of words...

The real world has always been and will always be full of conflicts of varied intensity. The Naga people have been witness and victim to inhuman, unthinkable and sadistic atrocities perpetrated upon us by the Indian Armed Forces. The past more-than-half-a-century has been the bloodiest period in the history of the Nagas. The Indian Armed Forces have inflicted grievous wounds not only on the physique of the Naga people, but also on our psyche. After all these decades of bloodshed, there has been an attempt to resolve the longstanding conflict between the Nagas and the Government of India.

Recognizing each other’s uniqueness:

In February 1993, when the then Prime Minister of India, the late P.V. Narasimha Rao, came to Nagaland, he actually said that the Naga issue is a political issue which needs a political settlement. In pursuance to the desire of successive Governments of India and the Nagas to come to the negotiating table, the NSCN (IM) entered into a formal ceasefire agreement with the Government of India (GoI) effective from August 01, 1997 while the NSCN (K) also entered into a formal ceasefire agreement with the GoI effective from April 28, 2001. The road towards attaining lasting peace and an ultimate honourable solution is long and winding. Both the Nagas and the Government of India continue to pursue the desired goal for permanent peace and an honorable settlement acceptable to all sections of the Naga society. When the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Nagaland in October, 2003, he recognised the uniqueness of Naga history which has gone on record. In the course of his public speech, delivered on October 28th, 2003 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Vajpayee further said (and I quote), “Who can forget that in critical times of war in 1962, 1965 and 1971, Naga undergrounds did not fire on the Indian Army.” The wars are an obvious reference to the Sino-Indian war of 1962, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. This proves that the Naga people are a valiant yet respectable foe. The crux of this issue? Recognizing each other’s uniqueness!

My point here would also conform to the saying, “One good deed begets another.” Throughout a long history of violent struggle, there have been chivalrous moments such as those mentioned in the preceding paragraph and that is exactly what has sown the seeds of trust and hope towards attaining a permanent peaceful solution to the vexed Naga political issue which has graduated from a jungle war to the negotiating table. A small step taken from each side has led to the progress towards finding a solution to the age-old conflict.

Case Study of Cause(s) and Effect(s):
I have noticed that the ongoing issue in www.kuknalim.com has stemmed out of differing views and opinions of the members and guests vis-à-vis the Naga political issue. I understand and respect an individual’s right to freedom of thought and expression, but it is unfortunate when he/she should choose to arrogantly express his/her thoughts at the expense of the pain and suffering of other people! I have noticed certain member(s) quoting the Naga “freedom fighters” as “gun totting extortionists” besides making fun of the Oral Tradition of the Nagas by terming it as “hearsay”. When a member expresses his/her views without understanding the CAUSE which led the Nagas to take up arms in the first place, and dwell only on the resulting EFFECTS (as to why they carry guns), I cannot help but perceive such a member to be intellectually bankrupt when it comes to the Naga issue. Every cause has an effect, and every effect has a root cause. I have also noticed some member(s) relying/banking heavily only upon the writings about various Naga underground organizations posted on www.satp.org (as quoted by them) without attempting to understand the ground realities the other side(s). I find this part amusing. Why do some members harp only on the writings there? Now some member(s) are so pathetically bankrupt intellectually that they have turned into parasites who feed off the highly questionable intellectual integrity of some retired Indian Police Service Officer vis-à-vis the Naga issue.

Since the member(s) concerned have openly declared the source of their self proclaimed knowledge over the Naga issue, I can’t but help think that they are more or less mere parrots, repeating the voice of a bigoted system to undermine the Naga political issue. I am sure that the license to extreme violation of human rights under the guise of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 cannot bring about any superficial or realistic calm over the Nagas. The views of the member(s) concerned would be more substantial if they themselves would come to Naga inhabited areas and do a case-study. First hand views of any issue hold more weight rather than diluted accounts aimed at negating the facts. Or in simple words, come, see and study the ground realities and then judge.

Coming to the case of Oral Tradition of the Nagas being referred to as “hearsay” by the particular member, I deem it as charity to feed the knowledge-starved mind of a pseudo intellectual. Oral tradition is the transmission of cultural material and other knowledge through vocal utterance handed down from generation to generation with the intent to keep the culture and tradition vibrant and safe from erosion or obliteration. Are not the epic poetry of the Iliad and the Odyssey examples of the combined oral literature and oral history of the Greek Civilization before it was recorded in writing? Whereas, on the other hand, “hearsay” is pure and simple rumor or gossip with the intention to indulge in mere idle talk which creates more damage rather than bringing about any benefits.

Comments, from a particular member, who has the traits of a pyromaniac hell-bent on igniting the wrath of the Naga people with seditious comments, are found in many topics relating to the Naga issue. Perhaps the most demeaning comment towards the Naga people and the Naga political issue which I have come across till today is a comment from that particular member which reads like this: “I jeer the idea of sovereignity based on the power-hungry ambitions of a few, imposed on their larger ethnicity (which is but ONE of MANY ethnicities in this country) under the garb of a "difference" based on superficial grounds of race and religion (both of which are to be found in good measure amidst the "others").
and It is my RIGHT to jeer....as long as Im not making personal attacks on anyone.( which is more than what I can say for a lot of the people "posting" in the threads)
I doubt if that right to jeer will be guaranteed in the "promised land" of the divinve-right-invoking insurgents.”

Now, let’s try to assess the brazen display of mental dysfunction from some of these lines:
(1) “…… power-hungry ambitions of a few….”: Who are those few? Care to name them? If the concerned member can’t name those “few”, his claim is no more than an erroneous perception.

(2) “…imposed on their larger ethnicity..”: Imposed? What does the concerned member know of the solidarity towards the Naga political issue? To use the word “imposed” means that the concerned member must have conducted a plebiscite or poll as to how many Naga people actually support the Naga political issue and how many don’t. I seriously doubt he conducted a poll on the matter which compels me to aver that his view is another instance of parasitic feeding off diluted information.

(3) “…….(which is but ONE of MANY ethnicities…): Whoever disputed the fact that there are MANY ethnicities “in this country”?

(4) ….under the garb of a "difference" based on superficial grounds of race…”: Difference on superficial grounds? Ever heard of Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India? Does the concerned member understand why it was incorporated into Constitution in the very first place? Ever tried reading it? If the particular member has read it, it proves his incapacity to understand. If he has not read it, then it proves his ignorance as well as his arrogance. Further, it’s an irony that the concerned member thinks that the “uniqueness” and the Naga “political issue” is superficial when former Prime Ministers of India like late P.V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee have acknowledged the Naga issue as “political” which needs a “political settlement” and recognized the “uniqueness of Naga History.”

(5) “…….It is my RIGHT to jeer….”: Some definitions of “jeer” are “make fun of”, “deride”, “scoff” and “taunt” etc to name a few. So the concerned member is hell-bent on contemptuously provoking the Naga political issue at the cost of all the blood spilt and the pain and suffering faced for more than 50 years. Is this “RIGHT,” which is bereft of any humane approach, but rather fuelled with sarcasm, justified? SARCASM IS THE GREATEST WEAPON OF THE SMALLEST MIND.

(6) “....as long as Im not making personal attacks on anyone.”: Very true. This line proves my point. The concerned member is not making personal attacks on anyone. He is attacking the entire Naga people with his verbal tirade!

It is precisely such kind of successive, egocentric propelled comments on a variety of Naga related issues by irresponsible member(s) which CAUSE dissension in www.kuknalim.com while the reactions of the other members are the resultant EFFECTS. I would like to ask those perpetually cynic member(s) some few questions. “Have you ever been caught in a crossfire and have had to run for your life?” “Have you ever turned a dead body over only to see his brains spilling out and a dead eye staring at you in the face?” “Have you ever seen a man struggling for his life even though his head has been partly blown apart?” The pain that I have felt after witnessing these incidents myself has been more than enough for me to understand in depth why our society needs healing. If I, an unknown person unrelated to the unfortunate victims, can feel this way, imagine the hurt their family members must have felt. Only God knows why He destined their fate to be so, but as a Naga, it pains me to know that the fratricide goes on. Its easy to comment from a distance, but to actually understand and feel what the system is like, you have to be there to witness first hand, live through it, and continue to survive. I hope logic will pierce through the thick veils of conceit worn by some particular member(s) so that they refrain from committing similar mistakes henceforth.

Solution-based approach:
Let us be pragmatic and adopt a solution-based approach to the various issues particularly the ongoing War of Words. Hence this post is necessitated because THIS WAR OF WORDS MUST END. Let us find the solution instead of pointing fingers. Let us try to heal the wounds instead of picking at the scabs. This suggestion goes out to all responsible, matured and understanding members in general and some member(s) in particular who constantly provoke our sentiments in various unwarranted ways as cited above. The solution to the ongoing war of words lies within ourselves. While I respect every individual’s freedom to comment, I request that he/she be responsible and maintain atleast a modicum of decorum while posting their comments. On the other hand, we have numerous challenges to face in the contemporary context. The Nagas have had to bear the onslaught of bullets, ill effects of drugs and alcohol, and in addition to all these problems, the present generation faces the biggest challenge whatsoever to the very existence of mankind: the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The answers to these issues are not easy to find. Let us put our heads together and be the harbingers of change in our society. Put your opinions across, but kindly do not revive the long suffered wounds or racially discriminate your fellow friends. Let’s be diplomatic and humane in our approach and accommodative in spirit. The battery of hate posts directed towards the Maos and the Tangkhuls and others (if any) is totally unwarranted and uncalled for. Let’s refrain from being misanthropic and work cohesively to do away with the thorns of tribalism. As for the Site Administrator and the website being blamed for “promoting” tribalism, I would negate that allegation because it is only meant to create more confusion. If the site was promoting tribalism as alleged, no right thinking person would have continued to be a member. So, on a positive note, I want to suggest a more comprehensive formula. Since www.kuknalim.com represents a community, every member should participate in the tedious task of identifying and weeding out the inflammatory posts instead of leaving the responsibility entirely up to the Site Administrator or the topic Moderators. The basic concept of community participation, in this case, being empowerment of the kuknalim community members to conduct effective policing against anti-social elements besides constructively utilizing the various facilities provided by the site. LET’S JOIN HANDS TO KEEP KUKNALIM CLEAN.

Bottom-line: We are pointing fingers at each other because of certain members who believe in Chinese whispers! I believe that it lies within our power to be more responsible members with our comments and inculcate a positive outlook towards finding solutions to all the issues that plague our contemporary society. Let not the future generations question us.
I believe that God has created everyone differently with a purpose. Like an artist, he has painted us in various hues and colors. I believe that it has always been and is the honest intention of the founders/administrators of www.kuknalim.com to project us as a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers. Instead of pointing fingers, let us join hands together towards keeping our home on the net cleaner and free from discrimination. Instead of taking a step back, let us come forward in unison towards a common goal – to make www.kuknalim.com an even better home for Nagas on the net.
Let us remain beautifully united in our diversity. Let us put the theatrics to an end and allow good sense to prevail. To err is human but to forgive is divine, it is said. I believe that to err is human, but to admit and rectify one’s own mistake(s) makes one a better person. A wise man learns from his own mistakes. A wiser man learns from the mistakes of others.

P.S: THE POINTS MENTIONED ABOVE ARE NOT MEANT TO IGNITE A HATE CAMPAIGN AGAINST ANY MEMBER(S) IN ANY WAY BUT IS INTENDED AS A CASE STUDY AND THE QUEST TO BRING AN END TO THE ONGOING BARRAGE OF VERBAL ABUSE SO AS TO FACILITATE A BETTER AND HEALTHIER ATMOSPHERE.
Manipur’s Turmoil: Politician and Insurgent's Nexus The Morung Express
Imphal, August 18 (Agencies): Manipur got the national attention, when Manipur police unearthed the links between politicians and insurgents.
In a major search, police nabbed 12 militant from the residence of 3 MLAs and one from former legislator’s house. Police also recovered M-16 rifle, two 9mm pistol and numbers of live ammunition. They also found extortion latter written to several businessman.
This tells the insurgents infested Manipur where there is largest number of unlawful associations as declared by Unlawful Activities (prevention) Act 1967.
The insurgents were of various secessionist groups, fighting for Manipur’s Secession from India.
They belong to Kanglei Yawal Kanna Lup (KYKL), KCP (Kangliepak Communist Group), PLA (People Liberation Party), and PREPAK (People Revolutionary Party of Kangliepak) insurgent organization. The MLAs were K.Meghachandra Singh, W.Brajabidhu, N.Sovakiran of ruling congress and former legislator Bijoy Koijam who were hiding the insurgents in their residents. Such organizations run parallel government and levy taxes or extort money from government servants and businessman. This links between the two points towards the corruption in the state agency and negligence by central government. The Central government which poured money to the state government actually has formed underground economy under the control of insurgents.
Central government has unable to reach to the common problem of people out there. The state is facing constant upraises of anger among people against state machinery. Presence of Army has farther deteriorated the situation. They are reported to have killed many innocents on suspicion of their militant contact. It is also believed that the insurgents are getting support from the foreign nations.
Kohima protests against excesses by undergrounds Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Aug 18 – Shops and business establishments in this capital town remained closed for the second consecutive day today protesting excesses by underground activists. Banks and financial institutions, however, functioned normally and vehicular traffic was sighted on the roads, police said.

Shops had downed shutters yesterday after Angami Students Union (ASU) and Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) called for closure of shops in protest against the abortive attempt made on the life of a former student leader on Thursday by underground activists.

The underground activists made an abortive attempt on the former student leader in the jail colony area of the town after he refused to pay ransom demanded by them.

Although ASU and AYO office bearers invited the senior functionaries of NSCN(K) to hold a discussion on the matter yesterday, they did not turn up provoking the organisations to call for closure of shops in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the ASU and APO today held an emergency meeting to discuss the future course of action. Several organizations, including Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) have also condemned the incident. Coming out strongly against Thursday’s incident, Kohima Chambers of Commerce (KCC) expressed serious concern over random extortions, threats and intimidations to the traders by underground cadres.

The KCC said all shops in the town will remain closed until the matter is resolved. Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), in a separate statement, also condemned the incident and asked the authorities to take actions against the law breakers. – PTI
Arms for settlers to fight Ulfa attacks Morung Express
New Delhi, August 18 (AGENCIES): The Salwa Judum model — where local villagers are mobilised against militants — may soon be replicated against Ulfa in Assam.
The Union home ministry has decided to group Hindi-speaking people in Assam to protect them from militant attacks. The new approach will complement the government’s toughened stand against Ulfa, which will now have to speak to the state government before approaching the Centre.
In the wake of the killing of 29 Hindi-speaking people in Karbi Anglong district this month, their scattered population will be melded into clusters and provided weapons.
The move is designed on the lines of the controversial Salwa Judum campaign in Chhattisgarh. The new approach proposes to form clusters of around 200 families each of Hindi-speaking settlers. At least 50,000 such settlers are estimated to live in the district. Union minister of state for home Sri Prakash Jaiswal, who visited the affected area last week, disclosed that he has decided to empower the targeted population by providing them police protection and weapons.“We will give weapons to selected people within these clusters and police chowkies will be set up nearby to maintain vigil,” he said. The weapons will be provided by the state government, the minister added. In Chhattisgarh, villagers have been provided weapons to fight the Naxalites. The local people are sheltered in camps supported by government agencies. Village defence committees have been set up in other insurgency-affected states, including in the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.
NE ultras routing arms through Bangla: DGP By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 18 – Militant groups including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) are bringing in most of the weapons and explosives through Bangladesh and the Assam Police and the security forces launched all out efforts to plug the routes used by the militants for transhipment of weapons, said the Director General of Police, RN Mathur. Talking to The Assam Tribune here today, the DGP said that the explosives, weapons and the Programmable Time Device (PTD) switches used by the ultras are not available here and those are brought in from other countries. He said that though it is difficult to ascertain the sources of all the explosives used by the militants, it is a fact that majority of the explosives and weapons are brought in to Assam through Bangladesh. He said that efforts are on to plug the routes used by the militants to bring in arms and explosives and the Assam Police is in constant touch with Meghalaya police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in this regard. He also pointed out that plugging the routes is very important to check the subversive activities of the militants and in recent months a number of explosives and even PTD switches were recovered by the police in different parts of the State.

Mathur said that the attempts of the militants belonging to the ULFA to create disturbance during the Independence Day celebrations were foiled because of the strict vigil by the police and security forces. He pointed out that a number of IEDs planted by the ultras were recovered and the militants could only trigger off blasts at isolated places, which did not affect the Independence Day celebrations in any way.

Karbi Anglong violence: Commenting on the recent spurt of violence in Karbi Anglong, the DGP said that there was a general threat about the possibility of ultras launching a fresh attack on Hindi-speaking people and all the district police forces were alerted. He said that the problems of the police and security forces in Karbi Anglong were compounded because of the terrain and also because of the fact that the Hindi-speaking people of the district lived in scattered places. He pointed out that it is not possible for the police to provide security to the people living in scattered places and attempts are on to persuade the Hindi-speaking people living in the hill district to stay in clusters so that adequate security can be provided to them.

However, some of the people have their own land and cattle and they are reluctant to shift from their homes. “We are trying to persuade them to move in clusters at least at night for their own security and they can always go back home for work during the daytime,” Mathur said. He also said that earlier in January this year, the militants attacked Hindi-speaking people in Upper Assam districts and majority of those were brick kiln workers. He said that the brick kiln working season is now over, which minimised the chances of attacks in upper Assam.

The DGP said that the shortage of force was always a problem in the two hill districts and the terrain always put the militants in an advantageous position. He said that the process of establishing six new police stations in Karbi Anglong would start immediately after receiving the formal sanction from the Government, while, four new police stations would be established in North Cachar Hill District. He said that establishment of the new police stations would improve policing of the hill district by a great extent.

Mathur said that seven companies of Assam Police personnel have already been trained in jungle warfare in the training facilities of the Army, which would be helpful in dealing with militants in rough terrains. He said that the Assam Police would soon have a full-fledged jungle warfare battalion and discussions are on with the Army for the use of Army training facilities in the Jungle warfare training centre in Mizoram and also in the training facilities in Tezpur. He said that the decision on whether to convert an existing battalion into jungle warfare battalion or to raise a new one is yet to be taken. The DGP said that about 7000 posts at various levels are lying vacant in Assam police, which resulted in shortage of force. But he said that the Government would soon grant necessary permission to fill up the vacancies. Referring to the reports of raising of two new battalions, the DGP pointed out that training of the new recruits of the new battalions would take at least a year.
CM failed to honour commitments: ULFA By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 18 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today said that from time to time, the Government raised the issue of direct talks without any reference to the issue of restoration of Assam’s sovereignty. In its mouthpiece Freedom released to the media through e-mail today, the militant outfit hit out against the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for his recent statements on the issue of talks, and said that Gogoi was not aware of the facts. The outfit said that the Chief Minister also failed to keep its commitment of releasing five jailed central committee leaders of the ULFA and till date, the Government has not declared the whereabouts of the ULFA men missing since the operations in Bhutan. Of late, the Government of India is also quiet on the issue of talks with the ULFA, the outfit said.
On the issue of floods, the ULFA said that a permanent solution to the problem would come only after the end of the “colonial rule”. The ULFA alleged that till date, the Government of India failed to take any steps for permanent solution to the problem of floods and the Government is concerned only about floods in Mumbai, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The ULFA also alleged that the political leaders also failed to play their part to provide help to the affected people and expressed the opinion that the proceedings of the State Assembly should have been suspended and all politicians should have rushed to the affected areas.

On the issue of talks between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M), the ULFA said that the people are inquisitive to know whether the NSCN gave up the demand for sovereignty. The ULFA observed that not much progress has been made in talks between the Government of India and NSCN in the last ten years and only the cease-fire agreement is being extended. The ULFA also alleged that India encouraged NSCN to demand creation of greater Nagalim with inclusion of areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, which affected the age-old bond and brotherhood among the people of these states.
Solve conflict or we’ll fight: NDFB
By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Aug 18: The NDFB has said that the invaders of the 13th century — Ahom and others — who had migrated to Asom with different roots from different places cannot claim themselves to be native or indigenous people. In an interview with the human rights organization, Boro Support Group (BSG), based in Australia, NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary said: “The ULFA must declare their policy on the right to self-determination of the Bodo and other indigenous people. They must also be more distinct on the term ‘indigenous’ as no Kangaroo can be the native or indigenous animal of Asom, or no Rhino can be the native or indigenous animal of Australia. So the invaders of the 13th century — the Ahom and others — who had migrated to Asom with different roots from different places cannot claim themselves to be native or indigenous people.”
Stating that the struggle of the NDFB and ULFA against colonialism of India have ‘more similarities than differences’, he said: “Nevertheless, the NDFB feels that the ULFA should spell out their socio-economic and political system of sovereign Asom. They must understand that simply words like ‘liberation’, ‘independence’ and ‘sovereignty’ are not enough to unite the people of Asom.”
Talking about the NDFB struggle, he said: “Freedom is our birthright. So we are confident that we are just fighting for our rights. If we continue to fight with all determination, India must recognize our rights sooner or later. India, in the present political form, never existed before and so its collapse is inevitable like former USSR. Demand of the charter of demands and mere extension of ceasefire by India is, in fact, insulting to the Bodos. India must understand that if the conflict is not resolved peacefully and democratically, we are also ready to fight to achieve our cherished goal — freedom.”
Appealing to the international community to take initiatives for putting pressure on India to de-colonize the Bodo areas and the entire region, Daimary said: “We will certainly laud the initiatives of the international community leading into the recognition of the Bodo people as part of the international community and put pressure on India to de-colonize the Bodo areas and the entire region. We would like the international community to draw the attention of the Special Political and De-colonization Committee of the United Nations.”
Talking about the truce with the Centre, he said: “If India can enter into ceasefire with a banned organization, it can also start talking to a banned organization. We have been closely monitoring the Indo-Naga talks for the last 10 years. But it is unfortunate that in the last 10 years, there has been no known development. India’s sincerity and honesty is questionable. If the conflict is not resolved peacefully and democratically, we will have no other option but to continue fighting for our right to self-determination. ”
Police blitzkrieg leaves "tainted" legislators ducking for cover The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 18: A day after the arrest of a dozen underground activists from the quarters of several MLAs in the high-security Babupara area, the concerned MLAs went into denial, some denying that anyone had been arrested from their quarters, others saying they had no knowledge of the underground links of the arrested persons.

The MLAs are also calling the arrests a political conspiracy. It may be mentioned, altogether 12 militants belonging to separate groups were arrested by police from the official quarters of MLAs and ex-MLAs located in the heavily guarded VIP colony at Babupara in a daylong cordon and search operation in the area yesterday. The police raid in the area also yielded weapons parts, ammunitions and demand letters of the underground KYKL.

Reacting to the reports, MLA, W Brajabidhu said at a press conference today that many of the youths rounded up from his quarters were staying there as his workers. "I have no idea of their being cadres of an outlaw organizationm" he added. He said two of them, Lourembam Tiken and Engudam Ibosana, have been his active workers, for the past 10 years. The MLA, who represents Lamsang A/C said he had fully given cooperation to the police operations. He added that he did not personally see any arrests being made, and was only told later that eight persons had been picked up from his quarters.

Regarding the recovery of disassembled weapons parts, Brajabidhu said, the septic tank where the weapons were detected was a common tank used by three MLAs residing in the vicinity, namely, Dr Kh Ratankumar, Md Alluaddin and himself. Hence, it would be wrong to attribute it to him, he said.

Brajabidhu also expressed that there was some political hand involved in the episode, which he maintained could be an attempt to defame his political reputation. Ex-MLA N Sovakiran also strongly denying the police claim of arresting one KCP from his quarter said that during the search operation, the police had picked up three youths from his quarter but later released all of them after verification.

"I was astonished when newspapers reported the arrest of one KCP cadre from my quarter," he said.

MLA Bijoy Koijam, who spoke to media offices last night, had also made a similar statement, On the other hand, MLA Meghachandra was not immediately available for comment as he had left his quarters in the aftermath of the arrest of two militants, one PLA and another KCP from the place.
The Imphal police station has taken up a case under section 16/17/20 UAP (A) act and 25 (1-B) Arms Act. Cases have also been registered against the arrested cadres of the underground organizations.

Gujral, Fernandes concerned over India's policies towards Myanmar Burma Indo News
August 19, 2007: (Daily India) New Delhi, Aug 19: Former Prime Minister I.K. Gujral and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convenor George Fernandes have expressed concern over New Delhi's policies towards the military junta in Myanmar. Gujral said it was an irony that India, a role model in democracy, is surrounded by military governments in its neighbourhood, and called for a review of foreign policies for its neighbouring countries.

"Burma (Myanmar) has a military regime, so do Pakistan and Bangladesh. The time has come that we seriously ponder and contemplate this possible ramifications of the situation," Gujral said. Endorsing Gujral's view, former Defence Minister Fernandes said the government was not doing enough to counter China's growing influence in Myanmar.

"China is trying hard to spread its ideology in Burma. We are not doing anything to counter that. Our policies are limited to efforts to acquire their petroleum," Fernandes claimed. Their statements assume significance as earlier this week, both houses of the US Congress voted to renew for an additional year US sanctions on Myanmar, which include a ban on imports.

In January, Russia and China had, however, objected to a US proposal to put Myanmar on the Security Council agenda that would have allowed the human rights situation there to be formally discussed at the forum. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a part, had asked the military junta at a summit last month to restore democracy and overcame objections from the military-ruled nation on setting up a regional human rights body.

Earlier this month, Myanmar decided to sell gas to China via a pipeline from its A1 and A3 blocks, in which Indian firms have stakes, despite an agreement with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) as preferential buyer of gas from the two blocks.