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08/29/2007: "Dismiss DAN for Jalukie village arson’ The Morung Express"



‘Dismiss DAN for Jalukie village arson’ The Morung Express

Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): Following the razing of about 30 houses by the NSCN-IM yesterday in Peren, Peren MLA Vatsu Meru and Pfutsero MLA K Therie have demanded that the Governor of Nagaland dismiss the DAN government for failing to protect the citizens.
Expressing shock and condemnation at the razing of 30 houses in Jalukie Zangdi village under Peren district, the MLA mentioned that the issue is well known to the State Government as the villagers have already submitted their complaints. “However, the State Government has ignored the complaints and turned a blind eye to the issue. Jalukie Zangdi village and its land are hereditary property of the Zeliangrong people and there is nothing more painful than having one’s rightful property and particularly one’s shelter destroyed. This is a gross violation of Human Rights” the legislator asserted. “This is yet another proof that the State Government has completely failed to control unlawful activities in the State and protect its citizens” he added and demanded that the Governor dismiss the DAN Government.
MLA K Therie also strongly condemned the incident stating that such destructive intentions and actions add poverty to the innocent citizens. He also demanded dismissal of the DAN government. “Any authority in the world should be used for the welfare of the people. It is reported that the villagers have already submitted complaints to the government well ahead of time. Knowing the gravity of the situation, the State Government has deliberately ignored the complaints and has allowed such destruction to occur, thereby causing irreparable loss to the villagers” K Therie stated in a note. Demanding that a compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs be paid to each household as well as to reconstruct and rehabilitate, the MLA stated that the heinous crime in the face of the standing government only proves that it has failed to enforce the Constitutional provisions to protect its citizens. “I therefore, demand that His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland dismiss the Government to enforce the Constitutional provisions to protect the lives and property of the citizens” he stated.

Organizations flay arson Meanwhile the Zeliangrong Baudi, the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, and Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland and the Zeliang Officers’ Association Nagaland have flayed the action of the NSCN-IM cadres under orders of the outfit’s “kilo kilonser.” A joint statement of the Baudi and the students expressed strong resentment that a “responsible leader” of the NSCN-IM was never expected to utter such statements as a Naga village belonging to “Kacharis” and “Mias” of Assam. The organizations reminded that Jalukie Zangdi village was established in 1980 and recognized by the government of Nagaland in 1991 with clear-cut boundaries given by landowners of Old Jalukie village which was also government-approved. Later some groups of people settled in Monglumukh area without consent of the Zeliangrong people. So the Zeliangrong land was demarcated between Jalukie Zangdi and Monglumukh, which forced the two to go to the court of the NSCN-IM, the organizations stated.
However, kilo kilonser “started giving one-sided boundary demarcation without he consent of Jalukie Zangdi with sinister design, creating confusion among the peaceful co-existence between Jalukie Zangdi and Monglumukh villages,” it said.
The organizations have strongly reiterated that the entire Dhansiripar sub-division is under the Zeliangrong and Angami communities and no other in between. The termination of “service” of the kilo kilonser and his secretary Bohoto has been demanded. The NSCN-IM is reminded and cautioned by the organizations that no artificial boundary would be accepted.
The Zeliang Officers’ Association Nagaland in a separate note expressed shock that the NSCN-IM even claimed that the Zeliangrongs’ land could be termed as belonging to “mias” or illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The officers wonder whether the NSCN-IM is for the integration of Naga areas or disintegration of the same. The NSCN-IM is also reminded of the truth that no illegal Bangladeshi immigrant or “mias” owns an inch of land in Nagaland.
Houses burnt down after land dispute The Hindu
Kohima, Aug. 29 (PTI): NSCN(I-M) cadres set fire to 19 houses and 11 granaries in Jalukie Jangdi village in Nagaland's Peren district over a boundary dispute with a neighbouring village, reports said today.
The houses and granaries were set ablaze yesterday following a dispute over boundary demarcation with Munglumukh village, not very far from the NSCN(I-M)'s headquarters, Camp Hebron.
There was no casualty.
Additional police had been deployed following the arson and the situation was now under control, the police said.
After yesterday's arson, women members of the affected village went to the gate of Camp Hebron to raise the matter before the leaders of NSCN(I-M), but were turned away, the reports said.
Last week, NSCN(I-M) in a statement cautioned "illegal encroachers" from grabbing "land of national importance".
NSCN goes on house burning spree Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, AUG28 [TI] : Nineteen houses, 11 hutments along with granaries were burnt down by NSCN-IM cadres near Camp Hebron today. The houses situated at Jalukiezandi village were burnt under the directives of ministry of kilo affairs, GPRN/NSCN-IM, according to highly placed sources.


A land dispute between Jalukiezandi and Munglamuk villagers was earlier taken up in the tribunal court of the NSCN-IM, following which the NSCN-IM demarcated a boundary between the contending villagers, separated by a stream. An order was subsequently served to the Jalukiezandi villagers to vacate the area by July. The Jalukiezandi villagers, however, refused to honour the tribunal court`s ruling, claiming that the area belonged to the Zeliangs.

The villagers maintained that the land was demarcated by the NSCN-IM without the consent of the land owners. Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Students` Union president Mirhu expressed unhappiness over today`s incident. "The action taken by the NSCN-IM is extreme. People are not happy," he told this correspondent over phone. "They are creating enmity among the Naga communities. How could they give away the land to others which belongs to the Zeliangrong people," he questioned.
Angamis resolute to end violence, gun culture The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 29 (MExN): The Angami Public Organization (APO) the apex tribal organization of the Angami Nagas has taken the resolute stand to end what it termed as the “madness of violence and gun culture”. The APO in a press note issued by President Mhiesizokho Zinyu, Secretary (Administration) Ruokuoheu Miachieo and Finance Secretary Kho-O Pfukha appealed to all Naga political groups to exercise restraints so as to provide opportunities for dialogue and restore peace in the land.
“We have a great theme and a great goal: freedom and liberty. We must free Nagaland from the tyranny of violence, hate and tribe prejudice which weakens our strength and rob us of our freedom”, the APO stated adding that the hope and aspiration is for a free Nagaland where all men walk with their heads held high in dignity and brotherhood.
The APO stated that it will fight in its own capacity for freedom from hate and bitterness, freedom from violence and killing, freedom from fear and threat and freedom from hunger.
“Our revolutionary goal is big enough to include every Naga. What is important for us is not the name of our tribe or the dialect we speak, but the goal we all pursue together though all men may not have the same capacity or ability”, the APO stated.
The APO further stated that during the last six decades of armed struggle, the Angami community had “borne the brunt of fury of Naga nationalism”. “Many Angami leaders, young and old, fell victims to the gun culture as martyrs”. The APO pointed out that many people were vocal about why the Angamis should make an issue of a life attempt on a student leader only now when so much tragedy had befallen on the Angami people in the past and when many Angami leaders had been mercilessly killed. The APO however stated that “enough is enough and that this madness of violence and gun culture should no longer continue to take over the Naga conscience”.
The APO also observed that there is no dearth of high caliber of leadership among the Nagas in every political group but to set things right and to restore the “greatness of Naga brotherhood, it is equally vital that the leaders listen to their own conscience and also the voice of the people”. “Conscience has been defined as the small still voice of God in man. But it is a tragedy that we often use our pride and our brains to kill our conscience, thus stooping to the level of moral and spiritual dwarfs”, the APO observed while adding that it was for this reason that the “voice of the people is often thrashed to the ground”.
Meanwhile, while appreciating the earlier apology tendered by the Ato Kilonser of NSCN (K), Kitovi to the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and his family in connection with the threat hurled to the entire Rio generation by a senior NSCN (K) Kilonser Kughalu Mulatonu, the APO was of the opinion that the matter had ended there and goodwill restored. However, the APO termed as unfortunate that Mr Mulatonu had again dragged the name of the Chief Minister into the picture in relation to the recent incident on August 16 in which an errant cadre made an attempt on the life the former ASU President. “This occurred when other Kilonsers were seeking a solution to the unfortunate episode”, the APO stated and pointing out that dragging the name of the CM into every controversy just because he is an Angami was unbecoming of a leader. “Drawing an equation of events to justify the crime perpetrated by an errant cadre and thereby venting the grudges against a democratically elected leader of the State is irrelevant and uncalled for”, the APO stated adding that to hate someone on the ground of his race or continually harboring malice towards a tribe is not a healthy trend. “Indeed, it is sheer madness to go on quarrelling on tribal lines”.
The APO has nevertheless appreciated the maturity, wisdom and humility exercised by the official representatives of the NSCN (K) in resolving the differences and working out a solution in the case of the bid on the life of the ASU leader by an errant cadre on August 16, 2007. “The outcome of the dialogue bears evidence that the Nagas have a way to try and to resolve the perplexed issues, though either side might have been wronged”, the APO stated.
NNC on ‘Z’ plus security to NSCN-IM leaders The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): The NNC questions if it deserved for the NSCN-IM collective leadership to be accorded a ‘Z’ plus security.
According to NNC “member” Thomas on December 19, 2004, NSCN-IM leaders Isak Chishi and Th. Muivah were provided ‘Z’ plus security by the government of India. Likewise the state government of Nagaland was directed tp provided security entitlement of ‘Z’ plus security with two bullet-proof cars, bullet-proof jackets, 10 vehicle escorts “with automatic weapons, anti-mine sweepers, metal dictators, bullet-proof glass etc.” Expenditures were borne by the state government which was further reimbursed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated the NNC.
“The questions are being asked whether the two leaders are deserved. Whether so-called national leaders are deserved to enjoy such facilities from the enemies?” queried the NNC member. It was asserted that since 1975, activities from terrorism to extortions were perpetrate dby the two NSCN-IM leaders. Wondering if the GoI is protecting the “wrong person” the NNC stated that the development is “a irony of our so-called leaders.” The public should be the ones who should be protected it added.
FGN flays NSCN-IM’s torching of houses The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): The FGN states that the burning down of houses in Jalukie Zangdi village by the NSCN-IM is yet another sign that “no chameleon attitude of Isak and Th. Muivah.” According to Gaibon Panmei, “dy. Rali Wali Kilonser” the very fact that the NSCN-IM cadres had retorted by saying that “we are born of women but we were also taught to kill,” expresses how the NSCN-IM leaders taught its cadres to kill Nagas.
Stating that Isak and Muivah have been eliminating their opponents from towns like Dimapur and Kohima to villages, the FGN stated that more than three thousand innocent Nagas have been killed since 1980. “Moreover they have destroyed Naga tradition of truthfulness and honesty and they are trying to kill the Naga nationalism as well” it stated. It is time for Nagas in general and “Naga national workers” in particular to decide what should be done to save the people and the nation from “imposter leaders” the FGN stated. It asserted that young Naga should be aware of the gigantic task ahead of them to save the society from the hands of “treacherous leaders.”
Gratitude to APO, AYO & ASU- Nagaland post
I on behalf of the NSCN/GPRN and my behalf extend my sincere gratitude to Angami leaders, Angami Youths and Angami Students for applying wisdom and endurance, in the interest of the Naga Nation, in amicably solving the problems arising out of the August 16 incident at Kohima, wherein an errant cadre of NSCN had assaulted, injured and humiliated an Angami youth leader without valid reasons. Special gratitude goes to the APO leaders who, with wisdom and farsightedness, had guided the Angami youths and students in such crisis. We know very well, many individuals and organizations with their self interests had tried to blow the crisis out of proportion and thereby to fish out of the trouble waters. But due to the magnanimity and wisdom of the Angami leaders, the adversaries had been put to shame.
I personally confess and admit that the errant Sgt. Maj of PAN, who was involved in the August 16 incident, was not the only errant cadre. But there are so many indiscipline and lawless cadres, whether civil or army, in our organization, but the Naga public are requested to bear with us taking all the ugly trends of the present day Naga Society into positive considerations.
We really and sincerely apologise the misdeeds and excesses of our errant cadres everywhere.
No doubt, there may be pro-Phizo and anti-Phizo among the Angamis. But of a truth A.Z. Phizo had done so many remarkable works in the Freedom struggle of the Nagas. Recently, in a big meeting of the Nagas, T.L. Angami had said that Angamis are the Father of Naga National politics. If it is true, Angamis should keep this in mind and should not succumb to others tricks and pressure and Angami National workers should not be tempted by the others pleasures and luxuries, which some organizations are enjoying with pride and terrorism.
In the past, the present I-K leaders condemned A.Z. Phizo along with Angamis in the meanest words available under the pretext of the infamous Shillong accord of 1975. And the NNC workers were slaughtered as animals. But when they have to learn that they could do no better than the NPC's 16th Point Agreement of 1960 and the Shillong Accord of 1975, they are now idolizing A.Z. Phizo as a God in their speeches and writigs. But the Naga people, specially the Angamis and Chakesangs, should not be swayed by such cheap and betrayal polities. We shall march shoulder to shoulder till we achieve our cherished goal.
Lastly, I want to write some thing on the issue of defections. During the later part of 2005 and 2006, there were many defections of cadres from I-M to NSCN and many recruits including many educated persons came and joined NSCN/GPRN. But when they saw that NSCN/GPRN is not an organization to enjoy life to their hearts content, many of them were discouraged. Because as erstwhile NNC/FGN, the NSCN cadres are mostly self maintained or self-reliant and the regions (tribes) are fully autonomous unlike the I-K Government. Many of them are defecting to I-K camp. The defectors are mostly Sumis (Semas) and Lothas as we come across the news write-ups. But it is not a surprise. Rest assured, history repeats itself. In 1968, the Sema leaders (we don't want to name anyone) formed the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland and most of the Semas joined it and then surrendered to Indian Government and got rehabilitated. Only some of them were left behind who stuck to the original principle. Again, in August 1975, most of the Lothas led by many senior leaders of both civil and army surrendered to India along with many arms and ammunitions and got rehabilitated.
Only some of us, like Yanphamo Kikon, Chenirao Humtsoe, etc were left behind. Such unfortunate events happened in the past also, but keep in mind, the NNC/FGN still exists. Likewise, Naga freedom struggle will continue against all anticipated odds till we achieve our objective of convincing the nations including India in recognizing the Sovereignty of Nagaland. Cheer-up Nagas, don't be discouraged and wavered, Nagaland is a God chosen Nation and Israelites in the east. Jehovah is leading us, in spite of our manifold sins and short comings before Him.
A.Z. Jami, Senior Kilonser, GPRN NSCN-K.
Demands dismissal of NSCN (IM) Kilo Kilonser Nagaland Page
Dimapur, August 29: Various Zeliang organizations have come out strongly against the reported comment made by an NSCN (IM) leader to some women of Jalukie Zangdi Village that Jalukie Zangdi village does not belong to the Zeliangrong community but to "Kacharis and Mias of Assam".
Allegedly NSCN (IM) Home Secretary, Bohoto, made this comment when the womenfolk of Jalukie Zangdi village had marched to Camp Hebron to meet the NSCN (IM) collective leadership in the aftermath of the torching of 19 houses and 11 huts along with granaries at Jalukie Zangdi village by the NSCN (IM)'s STF Battalion on August 28 last.
Taking strong exception to the claim of the NSCN (IM) that Zeliang land belongs to the "illegal Bandladeshis (Mias)", the Zeliang Officers' Association Nagaland (ZOAN) pointed out to the NSCN (IM) that illegal Bangladeshis do not own an inch of land in Nagaland.
"The Association is dismayed that the organization unreasonably claimed this part of Zeliang land as belonging to the illegal Bangladeshis (Mias). The ZOAN wonders whether the organization is for integration of Naga areas of disintegration of our land. The entire Naga society knows that the illegal Bangladeshis (Mias) do not own an inch of land in Nagaland," it said in a press release issued by its president, K Haralu and general secretary, Dr Ilang.
Also coming out strongly against the NSCN (IM) claim, the All Zeliangrong Students' Union and the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland have made it clear that Dhansiripar Sub Division is under Zeliangrong and Angami people and there is no other in between.
Strongly condemning the August 28 incident, a joint press release issued by ZB (N) president, Dennis Ilunglung, AZSU president, Mirhiu and ZSUN president, Lungchui, appealed to the NSCN (IM) collective leadership to immediately intervene to restore justice back to Jalukie Zangdi village in the best interest of National unity before the situation goes out of control.
The press release also demanded the NSCN (IM) collective leadership to terminate the service of the outfit's Kilo Kilonser and Home Secretary, Bohoto "before they further divide the Naga society using the good name of the GPRN."
The ZB (N) and AZSU claimed that the August 28 incident at Jalukie Zangdi village was carried out under the directive of NSCN (IM) Kilo Kilonser, Azheto.
The press release informed that Jalukie Zangdi village was established in 1980 and recognized by the Government of Nagaland in 1991 with clear cut boundaries given by the land owner of Old Jalukie village and approved by the Government. After June 2005, some group of people came to settle in Monglumukh area, which forced the two villages to go to the National Tribunal Court of the GPRN, it said. "Surprisingly Azheto Kilo Kilonser hijacked/manipulated the case after taking over Kilo Kilonser within three months and started giving one side boundary demarcation without the consent of Jalukie Zangdi with a sinister design, creating great confusion among the peaceful co-existence between Jalukie Zangdi and Monglumukh village," the release alleged. The ZB (N) and AZSU further cautioned all that Zelaingrong people will stand by the boundary and land given to Jalukie Zangdi by the landowner of Old Jalukie village and would not accept any "artificial boundary demarcation created by the one sided decision of the GPRN." (Page News Service)

Govt awaiting ULFA's response for intiating peace talks Nagaland
ageNew Delhi, August 29: The UPA government is awaiting a formal communication from top ULFA leaders indicating their willingness to enter into negotiations with Centre/State Government without any pre-conditions, Minister of State for Home Affairs Radhika Selvi informed the Rajya Sabha today.
Selvi, in a written reply, said Nagrik Shanti Manch (NSM) President Indira Goswami had recently presented a memorandum to the UPA Government for the resumption of peace talks between the Centre/State governments and the ULFA leaders.
The MoS said Dr Selvi, inter alia, has been informed that the government was awaiting a response from ULFA regarding their desire to hold peace talks without any pre-codition. The response is yet to be received from the ULFA leaders.
She said the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) was in force since June 1, 2005. The NDFB has been repeatedly requested to submit its Charter of Demands so that discussions could be initiated but they have not submitted them so far. It is, therefore, premature to indicate the time frame for formal talks with NDFB.
The Minister said Dr Goswami had earlier taken the initiative for talks with the ULFA. After three rounds of talks with Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG), which was set up by ULFA, the governemnt had declared unilateral SoO by Army against ULFA from August 13, 2006 to September 20, last year with a view to creating a conducive atmosphere for holding peace talks.
There was no direct response from ULFA and some inputs of regrouping, new raising, violence, collection of weapons/ explosives and extortion by ULFA cadres were received. As a result, counter-insurgency operations against ULFA were resumed, she added. (UNI)
House sitting on Lim issue demanded MPP fires salvo at SPF Govt Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29: Leaders of the Opposition MPP have categorically stated that the State Government should be responsible for the failure of the State Cabinet to take a decision on convening a special session of the Assembly inspite of the resolution of the all political party meeting to discuss the issue related to submission of a memorandum to the Prime Minister jointly by four Naga MLAs and one MP on July 18 for integration of all incongruous Naga-inhabited areas.

Addressing a press conference at MPP office here this afternoon in this connection, party president Dr L Chandramani said that the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister jointly by six MLAs from Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong and MP of Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency is a challenge to MPP which was set up in the first place to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Goods pile up on Indo-Burma border Indo Burma News
August 28, 2007: (Khonumthung News) Goods from Burma bound for India are piling up on the Indo- Burma border after Indian authorities closed the Indo-Burma trade road (2) in August this year. Businessmen are suffering heavy losses as a result.
Following a tip-off that opium and ammunition are likely to be trafficked from Burma to India, the police superintendent of Champhai district in Mizoram state, India on August 20 ordered the closure of the Indo-Burma border trade road (2) for two months.
The Indo-Burma border trade road (2) links Zokhuathar in Mizoram state, India to Kalay town in Sagaing division through Tedim in Chin state, Burma.
“The storerooms on the Burma side are overflowing with goods said to be valued at Kyat 20,000,000 (US $ 15,267),” a local on the Indo-Burma border said. “We want the border to be opened as soon as possible. There is no more space for the goods as all the storerooms near Tio river are full,” a trader from Burma on the border said. Traders are worried that the goods will be damaged in the rains that have been heavy and frequent on the Indo-Burma border areas.
Moreover, the storeroom owners are charging traders between Kyat 2,000 to Kyat 5,000 a day for keeping the goods. The amount depends on the number of goods stored.
A minimum of 100 traders from Burma are engaged in business activities along the Indo-Burma border trade road (2) to Mizoram state daily.
In order to promote border trade between India and Burma, both governments signed an agreement on reconstruction of the Indo-Burma border trade road (2) in 2003. However, local authorities in Mizoram state, occasionally close the road to stop drugs and ammunitions from Burma entering Mizoram.


A Nagalim map as envisaged by the NSCN (IM)



The inability of the SPF Cabinet to recommend a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue even after the matter has been placed before the Government after an all political party meeting is not right, Dr Chandramani said, while exerting pressure on the Government for taking up necessary measures for calling a special session of the Assembly at the earliest possible.

The State Government should not forget the June 18 incident against the move of integrating all incongruous Naga Nagainhabited areas of the North Eastern States, he reminded.

Dr Chandramani disclosed that taking serious note of the threat posed on the territorial integrity of Manipur a meeting of the working committee of MPP was held yesterday to discuss the necessary steps to counter such threats.

After adopting a policy in this regard, the same has also been referred to the central committee.

If necessary, a special session would be called to discuss the matter, apart from making arrangements for a day-long discussion session on the issue of integrity of Manipur on September 6, he said.

Leader of MPP Legislature Wing MLA O Joy who was also present during the press conference contended that the demand of the six MLAs and one MP for bringing all the Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit is nothing but a challenge to the integrity of Manipur.

Can the honourable MP raise the issue of integrating the Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar with Nagaland on the floor of the Parliament ?, Joy questioned, while wondering how the six MLAs who have been elected for the integrity and development of Manipur could write to the Prime Minister in this regard.

Joy reiterated that the issue that has hurt the sentiments of the people should be taken up for proper discussion on the floor of the Assembly by calling a special session very soon.

The Assembly is a common platform for all the elected MLAs and if they are not going to discuss it then who else would do it ?, he asked, adding that the Congress led SPF Government should be held responsible for any eventuality of the failure of convening the Assembly session.

He also strongly condemned the recent resolution of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland.

While Congress party is claiming itself committed to the protection of the existing boundaries of the North Eastern States, what role is being played by its units in Nagaland and Manipur ?, he questioned further.

Party MLAs, RK Anand and Dr Ng Bijoy who were also present at the occasion maintained that convening a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue should be right step and said Article-III of the Indian Constitution should not be applied to Manipur.

More civilians killed in Assam than J&K The Morung Express
New Delhi, August 29 (Agencies): Where in India are ordinary civilians most vulnerable to terrorist violence? The name that automatically comes to mind is Jammu and Kashmir, where foreign-trained terrorists strike at will.
But here's a shocker. The figures tell a different story: more people die in terrorist violence in many other states than J&K. In 2007, 480 civilians have fallen to terrorist bullets and bomb blasts so far. Assam tops the list with 168 killings, mainly at the hands of the United Liberation Front of Asom, compared to 124 in J&K.
The figures have been compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), an independent New Delhi-based thinktank that records all civilian and security personnel killed in terrorism, insurgency and other forms of political violence. The SATP is part of the Capital-based Institute for Conflict Management.
In Manipur, which has a population one-fifth of J&K and occupies one-tenth of the area, the death toll stands at 95. With a population of over a crore, J&K's 124 deaths translate into one death per 80,000 people while for Manipur, it is one death per 22,000 people.
At 120, the total number of civilians killed by various factions of the underground Maoists is almost as high as the Valley's death toll. According to SATP figures, even in 2006, Left wing extremists killed more civilians (266) than anti-nationals in J&K (346). However, the number of terrorists killed (599) in J&K is more than the number of Left wing extremists (348) killed.
However, if one were to club civilian, security force and terrorist casualties, then Jammu and Kashmir tops the list with 469 fatalities. In comparison, the number for Assam is 272 and for Manipur 218.
Last year, J&K registered 349 civilian deaths while the total number of fatalities stood at 1,116.
United Nations intervention in Burma demanded ‘Now’ Morung Express News
Dimapur Against the backdrop of escalating situation in Burma over the sharp fuel price rise, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) iterated its call for firm and deliberate action by the United Nations on Burma, emphasizing that it should be done “now, today”. The Commission in a press communique charged the United Nations with inaction even as the volcanic situation in Burma enters the second week. The Commission made known that despite the open letter of August 24 calling on the Secretary General of the United Nations to take intervention in the worsening situation in Burma, the people from all parts of the world were asking why the UN has so far sat on its hands.
Burmese children rallying in solidarity in New Delhi, demanding the release of Aung Sang Suu Kyi. (File Photo)
Mere fleeting expressions of concern by the Secretary General and High Commissioner for Human Rights had only served to boost the confidence and further reassured the dictatorship that yet again “empty rhetoric” was all that the UN had to offer its fifty million long-suffering people, continued the statement by AHRC. The Commission said that besides the UN other multilateral agencies, notably the European Union, deserved criticism for the complete lack of timely and meaningful intervention at this critical time.
The AHRC has proposed that the Secretary General and High Commissioner each call urgent strategy meetings with concerned personnel and informed advisers, those who know what is actually going on in the country, to discuss and propose immediate steps. “It also echoes calls for an emergency session of the Security Council to be held on the same, as the consequences of the recent hikes in prices will under any circumstances have ramifications for the region”, the statement added.
Meanwhile the protests against the rise in fuel price in Burma is reported to continued unabated despite constant arrests and harassment of demonstrators and their leaders by plain-clothed police, government officials and gangs of thugs mobilised for the purpose, while soldiers are reported to be watching and waiting in the wings in case events prove uncontrollable. The protests have now spread to parts of at least six out of the country’s 14 states and divisions, and for the first time members of the Buddhist monastic order have come out to protest as well.
The press communique stated that it could now no longer be denied that the present conditions could ignite another mass uprising against Burma’s atrocious military regime. Since virtually all of the leaders from the initial protests after the unannounced August 15 price hike were now in illegal detention, it was clear that the continued rallies are not being organised through any one group or body of leaders but rather are an expression of deep and swelling resentment at the army government, it added. The AHRC earnestly called upon concerned fellow members of the public everywhere to lobby their governments to act, “before it is again too little, too late for Burma”.
The AHRC communicated confidence that the genuine interest among other ordinary persons throughout the world, and global popular outrage at the happenings there today could be translated into strong demands upon representative governments for a unified and coherent response to these events which would make a big difference between survival and disaster for the people of Burma.
Myanmar, India finalising river transportation project Indo Burma News
August 28, 2007: (India eNews) Myanmar and India are in the process of finalising a river transportation project mooted during former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's state visit in March last year, local media reported Tuesday.
The Kaladam multi-modal river transportation project, which also involves the building of the Paletwa border road, will involve India extending a US $10 million line of credit.
The Kaladam project will cover upgrading of waterways along the Kaladam River and Sittway port in Western Myanmar's Rakhine state, the Flower News said.
Once the project is formally endorsed by both sides, it will start implementation, the report said.
Besides, the project will also cover upgrading of both motor roads and waterways in those parts in northwestern Chin state to enable Indian cargo vessels along the Kaladam river in Sittway's eastern bank to berth at Paletwa where a high-standard port is to be built through which a highway will also be built to enable access to the border area of Myeikwa in the state for commodity flow to India's Mizoram state, the report added.
Meanwhile, proposed by India, Myanmar is also making a feasibility study to build a deep-sea port in the country's southern coastal Tanintharyi division to facilitate maritime trade with neighbouring countries.
The prospective Dawei deep-sea port project stands one of the priorities among future programs of the seven-member Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) which now comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. Moreover, Myanmar is also conducting survey to build still another deep-sea port on the Maday Island in Kyaukphyu, western coastal Rakhine state, to serve as a transit trade centre for goods destined to port cities of Chittagong, Yangon and Kolkata.
Relations between Myanmar and India have been growing during the past few years with cooperation in all sectors, particularly in those of trade and economy. The Indian statistics show that Myanmar-India bilateral trade reached $650 million in the fiscal year 2006-07 which ended in March, up from $557.68 million in 2005-06. India stands as Myanmar's fourth largest trading partner after Thailand, China and Singapore and also Myanmar's second largest export market after Thailand, absorbing 25 percent of its total exports. Myanmar figures also show that India's investment in Myanmar had reached $82.57 million in four projects as of the end of 2006, out of Myanmar's total foreign investment of $14.4 billion since late 1988.



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