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08/31/2007: "Rebels oppose India oil restart By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta"



Rebels oppose India oil restart By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta


Rebels have been fighting in Nagaland for more than 50 years
Plans by India's state-run oil company to restart operations in the insurgency-hit north-eastern state of Nagaland have hit an obstacle.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) was forced out of the state more than a decade ago by Naga separatist insurgents and radical youth groups.
Last year, the rebels said they had no objection to the firm's return.
But after their latest round of talks with the Indian government, the separatists say they will oppose ONGC.
The insurgent group, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), says it will not allow exploration of the state's mineral resources "unless and until the Indo-Naga political conflict is resolved to the satisfaction of all sections of Nagas".
Other options The NSCN, easily the strongest separatist group in India's troubled north-east, says it is upset with the "slow progress of negotiations" with Delhi.
The talks between the two began 10 years ago.
"Unless New Delhi recognises the Nagas as a nation and acknowledges that we own what is under the ground, on the ground, and above the ground, no Indian or overseas company would be allowed to explore or exploit resources in our territory," said D Mero, a senior NSCN member.

NSCN leaders say they are not happy with the way talks are going
Mr Mero told the BBC that his organisation had viewed the question of ONGC's re-entry into Nagaland with "sympathetic consideration" a few months ago when it appeared the Indian government would work towards a settlement of the Naga problem.
"But now Delhi does not seem to be interested in a solution, it is just buying time. We have renewed our ceasefire but we are weighing other options," he said.
Two months ago, ONGC and Canada's Canoro Resources Limited had entered into an agreement for exploration, development and production activities in Nagaland.
Growing pressure
Nagaland's industry minister Khekhiho Zhimomi said the government gave the ONGC and Canoro the go-ahead as "it would benefit the indigenous people and result in overall economic development of the state".
Experts say by stopping the ONGC's re-entry, the NSCN is stepping up pressure on Delhi for a political settlement on its terms.
The ONGC started explorations in Nagaland in 1973 and began extracting crude in 1991.
The company was advised by the state government in 1994 to close shop after the NSCN and the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) threatened to attack their facilities.
Ever since the NSCN struck a truce-deal with New Delhi in 1997, Nagaland government and the ONGC have been discussing possibilities of resuming exploration and production in the State.
Last year, Nagaland's government promised adequate security to the ONGC staff.
The NSCN also promised not to attack the ONGC.

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NPMHR hails Nagaland Congress, flays MLA Bijoy
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 30: Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) (South Sector), while appreciating the stand of the Nagaland Congress to integrate all contiguous Nagainhabited areas, strongly flayed MLA Bijoy Koijam's speech at the 9th foundation anniversary of United Peoples' Front (UPF) at Kangla Hall on August 28 where he said, "… Moreover, it is a fact that Naga people living in Manipur do not have any intention of working against the integrity of Manipur".

The NPMHR said "these words clearly reflect again the consistent attitude of the majority community suppressing the rights of the Nagas and other minority communities in their desire to lead a life free of provocative repression".

The NPMHR asked as to since when did MLA Bijoy Koijam receive the mandate of the Naga people in Manipur to speak on their behalf or define their history, culture and desire.

The rights body asserted that it has been made amply clear for the Nagas, that living under one administrative unit is not just a demand but "our birth-right".

It further stated that arbitrary division by the British and then by India regarding the Nagas is well documented and need no further clarification.

"The United Naga Council (UNC) in clear-cut terms is spearheading the Naga integration movement by declaring non-cooperation against the Government of Manipur.

NPMHR lauded Naga MLAs and MP for expressing what is their (Naga) birthright constitutionally by submitting memorandum to New Delhi.

At the highest level, the Government of India and NSCN (IM) have been holding dialogue to resolve this long standing demand of the Nagas", reminded the body.

The NPMHR also alleged that atrocities were committed against people of Tokpa Ching in Thoubal district by security forces personnel.

"NPMHR strongly condemns the atrocities meted out by the combined force of 21 Assam Rifles and Manipur police commandos to innocent residents of Tokpa Ching in Thoubal on August 23, and the assault on innocent youths by 7 Manipur Rifles on August 22 at Moreh in Chandel district. NPMHR would like to remind the people of Manipur about how human rights continues to be abused by supposedly the law enforcers including the state government machinery in the name of counter insurgency when they should be protecting the innocent populace.

Nagas have borne the burnt of the Indian military since the Naga movement started in the 40s.Villages were reduced to ashes, standing crops were burnt, women and children mercilessly murdered, domestic animals killed randomly and so on. Unfortunately, this has continued despite the declaration of cease-fire between GOI and NSCN (IM).

"Notwithstanding these, the NPMHR still believes in the spirit that has guided our destiny and continues to do so," it asserted.
Rio for Naga selection process Nagaland Post

Dimapur, Aug 30 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Thursday said the Naga traditional way of selection process was superior to the present democratic election process as the latter “tends to bring misunderstanding and breaks unity also”.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the DC’s Office in Kohima, the chief minister maintained that the Naga traditional way of selection process enabled people to choose leaders with integrity, calibre and quality. He called upon the Hohos to follow the traditional method of selection for the benefit of the public.
Commenting on the newly-constructed DC’s Office, Rio said it was owing to the efforts of all those involved in the construction that the construction works could be completed six months ahead of scheduled time. He warned that government would blacklist any contractors if found sabotaging government funds for own benefit and failing to provide quality building. The chief minister said it should be the aim of every contractor to give qualitative infrastructures as they would be used on permanent basis.
“Administration is the backbone of the government and therefore accommodation, infrastructure and other related facilities should be provided so as to enable the public to get the best service and benefit,” Rio said.
In the same programme, Home Minister Thenucho, who unveiled the plaque of the District Customary Court, echoed Rio by calling upon the people to keep the importance of customary laws “which delivers judgments according to the rights”.
Further, he emphasized the gathering on the preservation of values as practiced by the DBs and the GBs in the villages. The function was chaired by Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, T.N. Mannen. The DC’s Office, with forty rooms, was constructed at a cost of about Rs.4.97 crores, financed by the HUDCO.
Planning Minister Shürhozelie, Agriculture Minister Kuzholuzo, Additional Chief Secretary Lalthara, IGP GK Rengma, SP Kohima R. Kikon and other senior government officials attended the function.
Protection of wrong persons- Nagaland Post
As per the Government of India's Policy for protection of V.V.I.P, the ministry of Home affairs issue, a guidelines/Policy called "Yellow Book", the highest security category of protected person is "Z-Plus" in India. The President, Prime Minister of the Country, belonging to this category being the virtue of their position and office, other public leaders, bureaucrats are determine depending on the threat perception of the individual.
On December 19, 2004, when two NSCN(IM) leaders Isak Sumi, and Th. Muviah came to Nagaland from Europe, the Government of India declared the two leaders as Z-Plus security category. Accordingly, the State Government of Nagaland was directed to provide as per the security entitlement of Z-Plus i.e 2 Nos. of bullet proof A/Car, bullet proof jackets, 10 Nos. of gypsies for escorts with automatic weapons, anti-mine sweepers, medal detectors, bullet proof glass etc. were provided by Police department for their security till date, all those equipments, vehicles, expenditures are borne by the State Government of Nagaland which were further reimbursed by Minister of Home Affairs under Security Related Expenditure Head (S.R.E).
The questions are being asked whether the two leaders deserve. Whether the so-called national leaders are deserved to enjoy such facilities from the enemies? If we look back to the history of Naga political movement since 1975, terrorism, assassinations, killing, robbery/extortion/factional killing etc were sponsored by these two leaders till date. How many Naga leaders and innocent bothers and sisters had been massacred under the blind order of these two leaders? How and why these two leaders are required protection? What for? In fact, the Naga public in general is required protection from the terrorism activities of these two leaders and their gang. How long these two leaders will require Z-Plus security? Is it not protecting a wrong person? This is an irony of our so called leaders. The Government of India should not protect the wrong person, the Government of India and Nagaland should protect public from their terrorism instead.
Thomas, N.N.C. Member.
Rights group upset over govt`s media strictures The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 30: The Hong Kong based Asian Human Rights Commission, a non-governmental human rights body, has evinced serious concern over the recent orders of the state government imposing restrictions on the publication of material related to the activities of the underground groups.

In a statement released in this regard, the organisation pointed out that the Press Council of India has its own regulations regarding acceptable standards for publishing and broadcasting material by the media in India, and the blanket ban that is sought to be imposed on the media in Manipur by means of the government home department orders of August 2 and August 14, amounts to curbing of media freedom, and may prove counterproductive.

The statement noted that the media has a role to play in a conflict situation like that prevailing in Manipur The presence of an independent media, free to report about facts and circumstances in a conflict situation, is an equally important factor in any process to bring an end to any armed conflict, it said.

Settler killers gunned down OUR BUREAU The Telegraph


The items found on the militants. Picture by Eastern Projections
Nagaon/Dhubri, Aug. 30: A day after killing a top-ranking Ulfa leader near Guwahati, security forces claimed another major success in Karbi Anglong when two Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF) militants were gunned down in an interior village under Hauraghat police station.
Though the militants are yet to be identified, police claimed that they were involved in the recent massacre of Hindi-speaking people in the district. A machine gun, a 9mm pistol and Rs 89,000 in cash were found on them.
“The arms recovered from their possession indicate the duo’s involvement in the recent killings,” a police officer at Hauraghat police station said. He said forensic reports of the victims of the mass murders had found that the wounds inflicted on them had come from machine gun bullets. Since the KLNLF was not a big outfit, the officer expressed doubts on whether it possessed more than one machine gun.
In Dhubri district, a hardcore Ulfa militant, identified as Tapan Roy, was killed in an encounter with the army in the early hours at Chapgarh village under Gauripur police station this morning.
A Bulgaria-made 7.65mm pistol, ammunition, extortion notes and a mobile handset were found on him. A joint team of the army and the police launched the operation on a tip-off that an Ulfa militant was spotted in the village. He was found in a fisherman’s hut at the edge of Madhukuti Beel where the encounter took place.
A few days ago, a civilian was injured in the crossfire between an Ulfa member and security forces in Chagolia Part-II village, close to the inter-state checkgate under Golokganj police station in Dhubri.
Karbi Anglong police, on the other hand, claimed that the militants are feeling the heat after the launch of a full-scale operation in the wake of the massacre of Hindi-speaking people. “We have information that the militants are running short of food inside their jungle hideout. We are waiting for them to come out,” the sub-divisional police officer of Bokajan, Satyen Gogoi, said.
Karbi Anglong additional superintendent of police (headquarters) Nityananda Goswami said a joint team of the army and the police raided Rangagora early this morning after they received information that some militants were holed up in the village. The militants fired on the security team and “after a 10-minute gunbattle, the two militants lay dead”, Goswami said.
Book Review: Beyond Twilight: A thriller with backlash of policies
Author: Frans Welman

Originals, Ashok Vihar Phase-IV, Delhi India 2007 .Book Prize: Rs.750

Beyond Twilight is a novel in which the author tries to portray the Indo-Naga conflict in a new twist of thriller and romance. In this more then one hundred and thirteen conversationalist characters novel, Frans Welman tries to present the Naga struggle in its own kaleidoscope form. The story revolves around Lisa, Janie and Marius as a Love triangle super sleuth.

In this Novel, as the so called thrilling part starts from an unknown man shot dead in Manila who happen to be identified as Naga leader Isak Chishi Swu. The assassination carries the reader through exotic African culture and involvement of Brazilian while the accusation was pointed to India. In the end the Climax was thrown by making the leader resurrect again and the culprit were ask to give a trail in Nagaland. If you have read the Author’s previous book on Nagas then you will understand while you flip the page that the seven main characters have the touch of author’s character. Through them he communicates to the readers about his most inner sentiments; his yearn to visit Nagaland and his love for Naga people.

As a thriller, the novel has too many potholes, there are schemes which do not fit in properly and a lack of characterization can be seen openly, for Instance, the assassination of Isak Su in Manila and the role of the people who are involved in it. The paper carried the news with detailed description and mention about the body in the morgue, but the resurrection end bluntly with the assassinator shooting a blank shot with a tranquilizer. There isn’t really a trace of grace as a romantic fiction base thriller novel, except for one lovemaking session which gives us some information about soul to soul conversation.

I will say that the Novel is a tough read because it in an unreadable piece of junk due to massive spelling errors and bad editing. It seems like a trial for human patient! The mass errors, the shabby plot and draggy conversation of the storyline can never earn the credit of reader’s applauses. The jacket of the book ‘Beyond Twilight’ have a picture that display indigenous work of art which have no relevant at all with the thriller that depict Naga leaders. As an entertainment, it failed horribly but as an inspiration it gives hope and ideas for the Nagas. The Author cunningly conceals the identity of his characters by ‘A’ to replace with ‘L’ as in Latem and give an extra ’L’ for Patil. But I wonder if the Author deliberately chucked out the ‘a’ in Dou Aung Saan Su Kyi’s name or that, if he knows what it means to convert ‘Phek’ into ‘Peck’ district.
It is also a tough read because it talks about Indo-Naga conflict beyond Indo-Naga realm. It gives a lot of insight information and international ideology concern with the Nagas. If the readers can overlook the bad editing and erase the thriller notion and read this work in a political frame and as semi travelogue book, there is mass knowledge to gain from. For instance the author not only talk about Naga culture and the situation Naga people are facing but he puts an effort to share the other rich indigenous culture from the walk of his life.
In this four hundred and three pages novel, Mr.Welman exposed the role of India in Nagalim. No stones were left unturned when he depict about Rwanda and link the genocides with Naga people. Through his book he introduces us to an African culture to witness the delicacy of maisbeer and Zimbabweans dance. While in Philippines, he gave us an inside knowledge about the hard life of the flesh traders and their helplessness in their own land. With his mass experience in countering for different ethnic people with his writing skill and press communiqué, Frans toy the idea of the Indo-Naga conflict in Indian point of view.
In Beyond Twilight, one of the strongest points that the Author argues and lashes out leaving the world to wonder is about the Christianity in Naga areas. Till now the world are ignorant about the conflict and take it as a domestic issue. Yet, he claim and argue through his work that it is an international issue and that the British and American Baptist are to be blame. The Baptist American who Christianized Nagas is to be blamed because during the genocide they abandoned them fearing political implications in the USA and fears the intimidation of other communities and the British because, they handed the land to India without the consent of the Nagas before they leave.
Frans Welman did successfully touch the Indo-Naga political issue thoroughly by mentioning the role of civil organization of Nagalim, as well as Indian intelligence. His thought touches the faction as well as the Eastern Nagaland to end with the reminder about the ‘Naga Vigil’. He revives the beautiful Naga culture by taking us on a tour to the Naga terrace field and the custom of the Naga log drum. When he mentioned about the Naga youths who are more into westernized culture, he did not fail to mention the physical detoxification programme that was implanted by the Naga Army.
Abstract
“Nagas are tribals in the eyes of the Indians. We are not part of the Hindu religion like Dalits are, well know they are part of, so when not even Hindu and tribal for that matter we are even lower than nobodies. To the Indians it is normal to subdue us. Can you imagine someone whose mind is engrained with the idea of being very much higher than a Naga, a savage, to treat us equally? Translate that to the Indo-Naga conflict and on that idea alone it is very difficult for the Indians to come close to what the Nagas know as their Homeland”
“So you fear this is real background of the conflict Neichu?”. Jeanie had asked.
“Of course there are more factors involved, the integrity of the borders, for India fears China due to the annexation of Tibet and it fears too that when they give in to such, in their e4yes, insignificant6 tribe the rest of the country falls apart, just like USSR did.”
About the Author
Frans Welman is a photojournalist, writer and do*entary filmmaker based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Starting out as a clinical psychology he used that focus to start a journey that took him from Botswana to Brazil via Papua to Peru, From Indochina to Indonesia and he eventually landed on the doorstep of Nagaland. Working in the prominent Dutch anthropological Royal Tropical Museum and his years of travelling around the world brought him the conviction to stand by indigenous peoples’ right to self determination, so the people can achieve self rule. He is also the author of ‘Forbidden Land’, about Naga and its culture.
Burma concludes 14-year-old National Convention Mizzima News
August 31, 2007 - The tortuous 14-year Constitution drafting Convention of the Burmese military junta has finally been wound up today, sources in Rangoon said.
The junta on Friday concluded the first step of its so-called 'seven-point roadmap to democracy,' and in a gesture of benevolence, awarded its senior delegates, attending the convention since its inception, permits to import vehicles, the source said.
The junta only gifted permits to those delegates attending the convention since 1993. But delegates attending the convention from 2003 were not similarly treated, the source said.
Under the strictly controlled import regulations, a permit to import cars is highly lucrative.
There was widespread resentment and discontent among the convention delegates since they were not treated equally, the source added.
However, the junta is yet to officially announce the conclusion of the National Convention, held at Nyaunghnapin camp in Hmawbe, about 25 miles north of Rangoon. However, sources said that the convention will be officially declared closed on Monday.
Critics say the proceedings of the national convention were a sham as most of its delegates were handpicked and Burma's main opposition party – the National League for Democracy – stuck to its boycott.
While the NLD and pro-democracy allies such as the Shan National League for Democracy have boycotted the junta's convention, the 88 generation students group has appealed the people of Burma to vote against the draft constitution of the convention at the referendum proposed.
The National Convention Convening Commission, Chairman, Lt-Gen Thein Sein had announced in June that the constitutional talks will be followed by a referendum and a general election.
While analysts believe the junta will conduct a referendum in the early half of 2008 and general elections in the later half, the Burmese regime has not given any time-frame.
The 88 generation student leaders, prior to their recent arrest on August 21, had warned the junta that they could trigger another uprising similar to 1988, if it enforces its one-sided constitution.
Ko Ko Gyi, an 88 generation student leader told Mizzima, "a referendum is not only to give consent but it could also be a platform for rejection. We will campaign among the people to make use of this opportunity to express their true desire."
However, the state-run new Light of Myanmar reported that the 13 student leaders, arrested on August 21, have been held on charges of disrupting the convention, and could face up to 20 years in prison.
The military junta has arrested and detained over 100 activists during the recent spate of protests that began on August 19 over the sudden hike in fuel prices. The junta is deploying hired gangs to keep watch in Rangoon and other parts of Burma to snuff out any sign of protest.



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