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09/07/2007: "NSCN-IM clarifies stand on KLA casualties The Morung Express"

NSCN-IM clarifies stand on KLA casualties The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 6 (MExN): Following the killing of ten cadres belonging to the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) on September 3 in Ukhrul district by the NSCN (IM) and the concern from different quarters of a possible backlash, the Ministry of Information & Publicity NSCN (IM) has clarified that “creating terror or violence” was not part of “NSCN revolutionary spirit” and that it had “equal respect and sympathy for the neighbour’s revolutionary groups”.
“More than anything else we have inspired them to take people interest as part of their liberation movement”, the MIP press communiqué stated. The NSCN (IM) nevertheless questioned the credibility of “revolution” if it became a “source of public nuisance” and reduced to the “level of a mere anti-social group”. “Revolutionary group exist to bring socio-economic and political transformation. But no such historic event can ever take place when the very revolutionary groups earned the wrath of the people for its anti-people activities”, the NSCN (IM) stated while making the point that the KLA for all practical purpose had become nothing more than a “counter-revolutionary force who practice an extreme and ruthless form of struggle without any convincing support to justify their people’s movement”.
The NSCN (IM) pointed out that such group like the KLA was striving “to use terror and violence to make their presence felt” and that “resorting to fraud and exploiting other socio-economic vulnerabilities should not be made the KLA’s affairs for existence”. The NSCN (IM) maintained that the KLA did not “live in isolation” and that it brought “grievous harm to the revolutionary image of other groups”. “This is the tragic state of affairs within KLA. And the compulsion for NSCN to stop their anti-people activities, which has also put the Naga national interest at stake”, the MIP press communiqué stated adding that when the NSCN (IM)’s “spirit of accommodation is taken for granted and even daring to cross sword with us the option for NSCN is quite obvious”.
It further added that no revolutionary group of any standing will concentrate their activities in extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other fraudulence. “But this is KLA’s story and the truth has to be told today to clear the public conscience, particularly the Kuki community”, the NSCN (IM) stated while recalling the kidnapping of one Germany journalist (NGO) few years back in Manipur and also the kidnapping of Victor Keishing son of former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing by the KLA both for ransom and extorting money. “This is no way for the KLA to justify their criminal act in the name of liberating their people from socio-political injustice”.
The NSCN (IM) likewise pointed out that revolutionary groups are motivated by human values and human rights but that in the recent past, the KLA had become a source of physical and mental turmoil in the villages they operate, particularly in the area of the incident at Tangkhul Hundung. “They created social nuisance and harassed the public beyond forbearance. This is no revolution for the people but counter-revolution because this messing up of revolutionary movement served the interest of the forces against revolution and NSCN cannot afford to close eyes on this wanton violation of people’s right of Naga villagers at the hands of KLA”, the NSCN (IM) stated while clarifying its position.
It was also made known that the two vehicles used by KLA members were hijacked and not hired as alleged by KLA and that the NSCN (IM) was compelled to intervene and that what followed thereafter was “KLA’s folly”.
The NSCN (IM) also made known that the KLA has been on the prowl to hijack vehicles plying on National Highway 39 and reminded of the hijacking of JCBs recently. “Their modus operandi was to hijack vehicles from the highway in collaboration with some like-minded Meiteis and take shelter in the Naga foothill villages to give the impression that it is the NSCN who masterminded the operation. As part of their ploy they go to the press to de-link themselves from the crime”.
Pointing out that Kuki revolutionary groups are no enemy of the NSCN (IM), the latter informed that it had relationship with most of the Kuki groups including KRA. “However, by virtue of NSCN’s relation with KRA it does not warrant KLA to indulge in freewheeling movement that is not in consonance with NSCN’s revolutionary concept”. The NSCN (IM) as such pointed out that it was “still unconvinced of the political ideology of KLA except for its gang-like operation and that the operational style of KLA was considered nothing more than any anti-social group and thus far from any revolutionary group that deserve any respect”.
The NSCN (IM) stated that lest it is misunderstood for the killing further clarified that “it was the KLA who repeatedly threw challenge to NSCN and ultimately the final encounter day was brought before the NSCN and KLA when KLA on the fated Wednesday went too far for the NSCN to exercise restraint, and the KLA’s challenge has to be accepted though reluctantly”.
MPP urges Manipur govt to call session to discuss ‘Naga Integration’ Newmai News Network
Stirring up the issue of “territorial integrity of Manipur", the Manipur Peoples' Party (MPP) convened its party level meeting today deliberating ‘to save Manipur's territorial integrity’ and their (MPP) role as political party demanding state Assembly session on the issue.
Speaking on the deliberation, MPP president Dr. L. Chandramani said that the issue occurred due to "divider and connector'" policy, saying on May 2005, 11 MLAs of Congress and 2 MPs had submitted an agreement signed on ' Nagas integration' and had submitted to the Prime Minister of India. And again on July 18 this year, 6 MLAs along with the Outer MP submitted another memorandum on the Naga integration. He said that if this is not stop on time before the issue becomes larger, no one can stop later. The MPP president while querying on the credibility of the six MLAs and the MP, urged the state ruling government to call an Assembly session to discuss the issue. Joining the deliberation, the MPP stalwart O. Joy Singh ridiculed the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) decision to urge the Union government for Naga integration saying instead of taking up their works as responsible MLAs, they are working for the merger of Nagaland with part of Manipur.
MPP leaders L. Jatra, Th. Chaoba, ex-minister L. Ashok Kumar, H. Basanta kumar, S. Dilip general secretary of MPP and women wing leader of the party spoke on the deliberation demanding an Assembly session to discuss on the issue and also to boycott MP Mani Charenamai. While charging the Outer MP, the MPP pointed out that current 'outer MP is a hired advocate of the NSCN-IM'.
KNO demands ‘reason’ from NSCN-IM for killing 10 KLA cadres The Morung Expres
Dimapur, September 6 (MExN): Following the gunning down of 10 KLA cadres by the NSCN-IM, the Kuki National Organization (KNO) has today demanded the reason for the killing.
As per the news reports, ‘a mere tussle over pressurizing a jeep owner warranted shooting down the KLA cadres’ but this categorically contradicts to the version of two KLA survivors stated Stephen Kuki, Under secretary, Information and Publicity, KNO in a press statement. According to the surviving cadres, KLA had gone to Tangkhul Hundung village upon the invitation of Kuki Revolutionary Army and their stay at Tangkhul Hundung village was arranged and organised by the KRA, which already has an established relationship with NSCN (IM) stated Stephen. “After two day’s stay at the village, both KLA and NSCN (IM) cadres traveled on two vehicles. They were headed to Ukhrul to meet with the NSCN (IM) top brass in order to finalize and formalize KLA’s links, similar to the status enjoyed by KRA and United Kuki Liberation Front. The KLA cadres were lodged in one vehicle, while the commanding officer of NSCN (IM) was seated with his cadres in the other. While stopping to fill fuel, the NSCN (IM) guards fired upon the KLA cadres seated inside the vehicle and killed 10 of them in cold blood” stated Stephen Kuki in a press statement.
“The memories of over 900 Kukis (mainly children, women and the elderly) being slaughtered, over 359 villages uprooted and thousands rendered refugees from 1992-1997 has not dimmed,” however, for the sake of the shared Christian faith by Kukis and Nagas, KNO wishes to look forward to a state of peaceful coexistence, he further stated. The incident of 10 KLA cadres mowed down by NSCN (IM) in cold blood, however, adds salt to the wound earlier inflicted upon Kukis, even though aided and abetted by the KRA for their personal gain, which patently is favoured by NSCN (IM) Stephen stated.
While stating that it is also unfortunate that the United Peoples’ Front, which acknowledges that KLA is a member group of the organisation, tolerates membership of those linked with NSCN (IM) he stated and further reminded that KNO awaits an ‘official declaration from NSCN (IM) and appropriate measures to remedy their dastardly act’.
Customary laws for Jalukie redress Morung Express
Dimapur, September 6 (MExN): Making a reference in the context of the Jalukie Zangdi arson, the NSCN-IM prioritizes the Nagas’ customary laws as a ‘guiding basis’ for land dispute. Also, responding to the slew of censure from civil society, the outfit has called for a “conciliatory approach” rather than “emotionally-charged reactions.”
“Customary law will be taken into priority for that has been the Nagas’ guiding basis of any dispute including land dispute. Necessary customary references will naturally come into account” stated an MIP issue. In the same vein, the guiding principle is affirmed to be conciliatory. The NSCN-IM stated: “While historical facts and other legal and customary aspect cannot be set aside, conciliatory approach should be the guiding principle. In this critical juncture of Indo-Naga peace process this should be the over-riding spirit.”
The NSCN-IM also acknowledged that the Kachari community is no newcomers to the area in question. That with the period 1901-1913, it would be ‘unbecoming’ to feign ignorance of Manglumukh’s early settlers, it stated. However, the outfit also took into account, records highlighting a Manglumukh village GB Domush admitting in 1977 that irrespective of Kacharis and Kukis, they both live in a land belonging to the Jalukei people.
The outfit also expressed regret for the “damning criticism” against it, which the MIP issue claimed, was “in the heat of the emotion” which would make the world “look at NSCN as the culprit.” Still, this spark of “small misunderstanding” should not give way to spoil time-honored peaceful co-existence, the organization stated.
The NSCN-IM also charged “various civil societies” for giving the issue an “unfair treatment.” The issue has been given unfair treatment at the hands of various civil societies “who shot off unpalatable remarks to the press against the NSCN” the MIP lamented. The outfit explained what it claimed “the actual legal analysis of the issue” was not paid the attention it deserved. “And the legal dimension of the issue ‘encroachment’ was not properly highlighted in the manner it should have been by going through proper process with investigation mindset.
And thereby the factual picture of the issue was left without exposing its true color” the NSCN-IM asserted.
“…unwarranted and exaggerated outburst to hoodwink the emotion of the people with vested interest is detrimental to the greater interest of the Naga nation leaving enough room for others with devilish mindset to generate destructive game plan” it stated adding that it is all the more unfortunate that the Jalukie Zangdi-Manglumukh episode has been “personalized to the level that has the potential to do damaging role in the ultimate analysis of NSCN functioning.”
Still, the NSCN-IM affirmed to “protecting people’s justice taking into consideration all established legal and historical norms.” The history of peaceful co-existence with the spirit of brotherhood needs to be maintained at all cost, it stated.
India must stop proxy war: FGN The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 6 (MExN): In the backdrop of a programme to commemorate the 43rd Anniversary of the Indo-Naga ceasefire (1964-2007), the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) while assuring the Naga people peace and tranquility has demanded that India stop its proxy war in Nagaland. In a speech delivered by Lhouvitsu, Speaker Tatar Hoho, the FGN recalled that after the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement of September 6, 1964, India had violated and unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement in 1972 and had resumed their oppressive activities in Nagaland with more ferocity. The FGN however stated that Nagas faced India’s salvo with coolness and maturity. The FGN also pointed out that there were ‘matters’ between the two nations which required to be addressed with promptness and without delay. “India is seemingly unprepared to openly face the undeniable truth that their illegal and forced occupation in Nagaland must end. But the truth must prevail sooner or later, though ugly if not honorably”, the FGN stated.
Pointing out that September 6 was a landmark in Naga national history, the FGN called for rededicating the resolve towards peace and honoring the commitments made by its leaders and also assured that the FGN would continue to honor and uphold their commitment. The FGN Speaker also called upon India to honour peace and non-violence in truth and to give rational consideration towards ending the conflict between the Naga nation and India.
The FGN also put on record its appreciation of those who had enabled the signing of the ceasefire in 1964 and mentioned the names of Late Rev Michael Scot, Late Jaya Prakash Narayan, Late Bimala Prasad Chaliha, Late Rev Longri Ao, Late Rev Kenneth Kerhuo all from the Nagaland Peace Mission.
The FGN called on all sections of the people to abide by the Naga tradition and to respect the value of living as a people. “As believers having fear in God, if we work together we can achieve our goal much sooner. And our goal is ‘Urra U Vie’ our land belongs to us”, the FGN stated.
Killings spark ethnic tension in Manipur By Biswajyoti Das Newind Press
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - At least 15 tribal people in Manipur have been killed this week in clashes with separatist rebels, police said on Thursday, sparking fears of wider ethnic conflict in the region.
Separatist rebels in neighbouring Nagaland are campaigning for autonomy in a region that includes parts of Manipur, home to most Kuki tribal people, whom the rebels have attacked in the past.
Before a 1997 ceasefire between the rebels and the central government, the rebels killed nearly a thousand Kukis and burnt down 300 villages in Manipur.
India's northeast is home to a complex web of tribal groups, many of which have launched insurgencies, accusing New Delhi of plundering resources and doing little to improve their lives.
The Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), which wants more autonomy for the Kukis, threatened reprisals on Thursday against the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah), or NSCN-IM, if it failed to compensate for killing Kukis.
"If our conditions are not followed by the NSCN-IM we will adopt the policy of an eye for an eye," warned Malsawm Kuki, the information secretary of the KLA.
The NSCN-IM is pushing for self-rule in a "Greater Nagaland", which would include several parts of neighbouring Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh where Nagas live in large numbers.
The truce between the NSCN-IM and New Delhi covers its activities in Nagaland, but peace talks have failed to find a solution to their revolt, which began in 1947 and in which 20,000 people have been killed. "Tension is very high among the Kukis after these killings. They are angry and we are trying to calm them down," Satkhokai Chongloi, a senior leader of the Kuki Movement for Human Rights, told Reuters from Imphal by telephone.
Authorities have stepped up security measures in Manipur's tribal areas to prevent ethnic violence.
Four districts of Manipur and parts of other northeastern states are home to both ethnic Nagas and Kukis, who have been dragged into a turf war..
AZSU and ZSUN clarify- Nagaland Post
The All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AMN) and the Zeliangrong Students' Union Nagaland is constrained to issue this statement to clarify once and for all in the interest of the general public. The Zeliangrong community had registered its resentment against the arson and inhuman act of the GPRN on the September 3 through Peace Rally. However, the clarification and claims of the NSCN IM is not justifiable which disturbs the sentiments of the general public. It is disgusting that the so called National workers had stoop so low by misleading the Nagas. It is obvious that the Ministry of Kilo Affairs had incited communal tension by issuing orders to burn down the village by being align with another village for their vested interest. It wonders who had given them the Legal Rights to settle disputes between two contending parties, when there are various means of traditional ways of resolving any conflict. Further, it is unfortunate that the MIP had clarified by saying that the burnt houses are temporary huts. Does it mean to the GPRN that they have every right to burn down temporary huts or do they expect concrete structured buildings in remote villages? It is for all to know that even the residence of the ex- Chairman Jalukie Zangdi was not spared.
It is also ridiculous to know that when the Zeliangrong public staged a public rally on a march to Hebron Camp, the GPRN refused and sabotaged the Peaceful Rally by deploying armed cadres. It is obvious that the cadres of GPRN in full war footing came in defense of the Dhansriphar Sub-division villages which at all is not their obligation. The GPRN has clearly proved to the world its short sightedness towards the national cause rather inclines towards a particular community.
The cruel act of the GPRN is a total violation of human rights in all sense of the term. To us, the violation of human rights does not only mean atrocities committed by the Indian armies. However, the so called human rights activist or commission decided to restrain from the situation for reasons best known to them. Moreover, though Jalukie Zangdi is one of the recognized villages in Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland is least bothered about the current imbroglio and neither relief nor rehabilitation are taken care of. The innocent villagers are left alone to decide their own fate. The District administration and the Police could have done much in securing the people, but instead the administration and the police is a party to it in sabotaging the rally and causing '"harassment to the public. In fact, the deployment of IRB personnel should have been to create conducive atmosphere for the public to stage the rally. Whereas, the presence of the Police caused undue harassment and torture to the public, instead of safety. The Zeliangrong people appeal to all sections of people not to be misled by all means of cheap press releases but to meticulously analyze the situation and condemn such inhuman acts so as such situation does not arise in future.
T. Miruh, president, AZSU Lungchui, president, ZSUN
Dimapur, SEPT06 [IFP] : The NSCN-IM has put its record straight with regard to the much-publicised Jalukie-Zangdi village arson episode of August 28 amidst condemnations against the incident continue to pour in from different quarters.


The NSCN-IM explained that the Manglumukh-Jalukie Zangdi episode has cast a dark shadow in the otherwise peaceful atmosphere that surrounds these picturesque villages. "Nevertheless, the spark of small misunderstanding should not give way to spoil the time-honoured peaceful co-existence. Despite the involvement of emotionally-charged reactions and counter-reactions leading to the issue to be blown out of all proportion sanity should prevail to pave the way for humane approach to the issue," stated the NSCN-IM in a statement. "It is, however regretted that making a damning criticism of NSCN in the heat of the emotion without first waiting for the actual picture to be displayed in due time has really put the NSCN authority in turmoil lest the world look at NSCN as the culprit," rued the NSCN-IM.

In a statement issued to Newmai news Network tonight, the NSCN-IM recalled that the history of Manglumukh dated back to the period of 1901 to 1913 which goes to testify that the Kacharis are no new comers in the area. It will be quite unbecoming if one were to feign ignorance to the history of early settlers in Manglumukh. Historical reality of the Kacharis and Zeliangrong people will have to be given deeper treatment to establish sense of belonging to the native land. It is however to be taken into consideration that as per the records the Manglumukh village GB Mr. Domush admitted in 1977 that irrespective of Kacharis and Kukis they live in the land belonging to the Jalukei people. Customary law will be taken into priority for that has been the Naga’s guiding basis of any dispute including land dispute. Necessary customary references will naturally come into account, stated the NSCN-IM.

"Surprisingly, some of our own Naga people tangled with words by passing unwarranted statement on the issue complicating the matter further. The irony is that the issue has been given unfair treatment at the hands of various civil societies who shot off unpalatable remarks to the press against the NSCN. The actual legal analysis of the issue was not paid the attention it deserved. And the legal dimension of the issue ‘encroachment’ was not properly highlighted in the manner it should have been by going through proper process with investigation mindset. And thereby the factual picture of the issue was left without exposing its true colour," further stated the NSCN-IM. The outfit also said that in any dispute that involves land the question of ‘eviction’ often comes up. But this is only the legal compulsion that cannot be avoided in delivering justice, said the statement, adding,"the NSCN interpretation of ‘eviction’ should therefore not be given negative connotation.

To evict the persons involved in the encroachment is in conformity with the customary laws and legal norms. But what has come as the painful experience for the NSCN is that some civil societies, including Church organizations have taken sheer pleasure in condemning NSCN magnifying the issue to smear NSCN and mislead the thinking of the people on the motive of NSCN." The NSCN-IM expressed its unhappiness saying that in the given situation rumour mongers on the basis of unverified statement emanating from some irresponsible persons have taken the upper hand disturbing the perspective side of the issue, and thereby, provoking incendiary remarks from civil society who matters. "This is the crux of the issue and nothing to do with NSCN taking recourse to judicial nuisance at the behest of any person in the NSCN authority," said the statement.

Regrettably, the universal norms of putting up representation to the concern authority if it is of the opinion, legally and historically, that something has gone wrong in the handling of the Manglumukh and Jalukie Zangdi dispute, has not been followed by the concern parties, the NSCN-IM statement said. The statement said that it was all the more unfortunate that the Jalukie Zangdi–Manglumukh episode has been "personalized to the level that has the potential to do damaging role in the ultimate analysis of NSCN functioning. The issue of Jalukie Jangdi and Manglumukh is in NSCN hands and not in anybody’s hands. And therefore, the situation does not warrant making any persons in GPRN authority as the scapegoats".

The issue involved having come to such pass, there is room for consultation and the door of "NSCN Collective Leadership is always open. In the process, the sanctity of the NSCN judicial authority has to be maintained to the standard where justice is not denied to anyone. It is however, to be cautioned that meddling in GPRN affairs and going public will be considered uncalled for. Holistic approach to the issue be entrusted to the NSCN. But due process needs to be followed", said the NSCN-IM statement, adding, "NSCN shall live up to its commitment to stand by protecting peoples' justice taking into consideration all established legal and historical norms. The history of peaceful co-existence with the spirit of brotherhood needs to be maintained at all cost. But at the same time NSCN cannot escape from the legal compulsion of executing its order that comes within its legal parameter".

Dimapur arson justified Nagarealm.com
KNF decries, seeks answer for elimination Sangai Express

Topic: Tangkhul Naga NewsIMPHAL, Sep 6 : The Kuki National Front (KNF) has condemned the cold-blooded killing of 10 Kuki Liberation Amy (KLA) cadres at Tangkhul Hundung village on September 3 and demanded an explanation from those responsible as to why they carried out such acts and what solution they suggest to remedy their act. Whatever the causes may be, the Front takes such acts as a crime against the whole Kuki community, information and publicity secretary of KNF LH Stephen said in a statement. The outfit also warned of giving a befitting reply if the perpetrators of the crime cannot come up with an acceptable solution.

Any secret deal or agreement with any particular revolutionary organisation to resolve the matter act will not be acceptable. So the perpetrators must come up with an understanding acceptable to the Kuki community as a whole as such incidents are the sparks that light up the communal flame in 1992-93 claiming thousands of innocent lives including women and children, the statement said.
Further, this incident should serve as an eye-opener for all those organisations and revolutionary groups of Kuki community who depend on or sought help from organisations outside their own community, Stephen said, adding that ‘we must learn the lesson from our comrades who have paid for their lives that having alliance with groups and organisations hell bend on suppressing our people in every aspects is never going to serve the interest of our people.
Message of FGN- Nagaland Post
Dear Friends,
At the very outset, I thank God for His unceasing love and care for Naga people and Nagaland all through the time and through the generations. That only because of Him, we are today gathered together here to commemorate one of the great national events, an event not of our achievement but that was of God's providence for our people. And I thank you all who made it possible to be present in person showing your solidarity with friends in thanksgiving.
This is a day for rejoicing and celebration. And on this occasion, I on behalf of the Federal Government and the Naga people express our gratitude to the great people through whose sacrifice peace was made possible in Nagaland by enabling an international cease-fire agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland. To mention few: Rev. Michael Scott, Late Jaya Prakash Narayan, Late Bimala Prasad Chaliha, Late Rev. Longri Ao, Late Rev. Kenneth Kerhüo, all from the Nagaland Peace Mission and many more, through whose sacrifice the Naga people could have breathing time after a decade of nightmares in war with Indian Army.
Forty years have gone by and each year on this day (September 6) Nagas look back to observe as a landmark in Naga national history rededicating ourselves towards peace and honoring the commitments made by our leaders. In this manner, the Federal Government of Nagaland will continue to honour and uphold their commitment. While declaring our stand, I offer my benign request and call upon India also to honour peace and non-violence in truth and to give rational consideration towards ending the conflict between our nations.
It may be recalled that after the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement of September 6, 1964, India violated and unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement in 1972 and resumed their oppressive activities in Nagaland with more ferocity. However, Nagas faced the Indian's salvo of offensive and repressive measures with coolness and maturity. It may be inappropriate to pass on complaints on an occasion such as today, but there are matters between the two nations which require to be addressed with promptness and without delay. India is seemingly unprepared to openly face the undeniable truth that their illegal and forced occupation in Nagaland must end. But the truth must prevail sooner or later, though ugly if not honourably.
As for the Nagas, the Federal Government of Nagaland will ensure that peace and tranquility prevail in Nagaland and that India must stop its proxy war in Nagaland. In conclusion, by affirming our national stand, I beseech all sections of Naga people to abide by our tradition and to respect the value of living as a people. As believers having fear in God, if we work together, we can achieve our goal much sooner. And our goal is "Urra Uvie", our land belongs to us.
May God bless Nagaland. Lhouvitsü, Speaker Tatar Hoho FGN
Deadly trinity of Naga society The Morung Express Perspective
The world of the present Naga Society we live today is caught in the web of Politics and Bureaucracy (PBB). This so called is a fatal triangle and poisonous to the Democratic Society like the venom of cobra to man. Politicians rely on big business for funds to contest elections. On their part, businessmen turn to Bureaucracy to condone their misdeeds by seeking loopholes in the existing laws. Bureaucrats’ advice politicians and businessmen on matters which are ostensibly outside their domain. When all these three indispensable ingredients of society are in tandem, corruptions sets in; it seeps into the vitals of a society or state. In that event, nothing on earth can save it from disintegration and ultimate decay. This happened in ancient Rome and is increasingly evident in many parts of the world today. Government has been toppled in Japan and Italy with alarming regularity in the recent past of 4/5 years on charges of corruption. In India and the third world countries, however, it has become a way of life in the case of a small state like our very own Nagaland which I myself saw it with my very naked eyes is a matter of fact. And, what is worse, it has come to be accepted by the masses as the sole mode of running and administration
The 4-to-5 year’s back-publicized VORAH Committee report on the politician-criminal nexus and the efforts of crusaders like KIRAN BEDI and some Of the Prominent personalities Of the past to arouse the people to the Fatal-Triangle (PBB) are mere ripples in stagnant waters. We have become so immune to the goings-on in the higher echelons of democracy that we cannot think beyond what exists today. The Politicians-Businessmen-Bureaucrats Triangle is fast eating into the vitals of the Nagaland State Of turned civilized Nagas from Head-hunting to this present westernized and computerized age. People’s Welfare concern for them is mere a verbal matter is in the least of their concerns.
In a Democracy like our country India, the PBB is an endless and immortal, no matter whatever official policy is adopted. Modern or this computer age is ruled by this unholy trinity comprising POLITICIANS-BUSINESSMEN-BUREAUCRATS. Each of these is trying to assert its supremacy over the other two. At times, politicians call the shots, which is usually after they have won an election with help from uncounted wealth of big business who, in turn, are helped by the Bureaucracy. It has become a chain-reaction today and the conflict cannot be reasonably resolved to the advantage of one or another.
The Ideal situation, however, is when politics, business and bureaucracy work for the general good. But this a lofty ideal, honoured more in than promise. Politicians lay down the laws, bureaucrats implement them. But this is generally done for the benefit of business tycoons and bosses, who are the benefactors of politicians and the bureaucrats. In reality, big business calls the shots in this unholy trinity. This is, indeed, a fatal triangle. This also explains why ‘The Rich’ gets richer and ‘The Poor’ increasingly poor with each passing day.
Although politicians may swear by the law, the poor have hardly any access to bureaucracy or business or law courts. Poll time promises made to them always remained on the paper in dusty files in almirah or bookshelf of the office because the politicians are too busy recompensing their business bosses for help during the elections. The Bureaucrats, most of time, are too happy carrying out the orders and wishes of the politicians because it is in their long-term interest through Promotion or etc,; they also feather their own nets at the expense of the poor of the land. Corruption is, thus, institutionalized and operated.
The Basic reason and motive for this deadly triangle lies with our people. Illiteracy and ignorance is our greatest bane in life; people are mostly ignorant of what goes in the country or state. The second reason and motive is Party-Loyalty; it turns camp-followers away from what goes on right under their noses. Consequently, they join the bandwagon and become a part of this triangle for personal advancement and aggrandizement. Also, our people are emotional just like me; they are easily provoked by unscrupulous politicians who use them for their own nefarious ends. Bureaucracy, the steel frame of administration, has also crumbled under the pressure of day-to-day politics as well as the rise and fall of politicians on the national or regional scene. It is, therefore, rightly remarked that politics, business and bureaucracy are a fatal triangle that may sound knell of our democracy unless people read the writings on the wall and act accordingly, to wipe out this evil.
Medowe Kapfo
Tripura is world's richest in gas yielding Economic Times IANS
AGARTALA: Tripura had perhaps the world's highest success rate when it came to yielding natural gas, state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said Friday. "We are striking gas in one out of every two wells drilled in Tripura, while the average ratio worldwide is one out of every three wells," said A.K. Hazarika, ONGC's director (onshore). Since 1972, the ONGC has drilled 127 wells in Tripura; of these 63 are yielding gass. The oil and gas exploration company has so far invested Rs 30 billion in Tripura. The Performance Monitoring and Benchmarking Group (PMBG) has awarded 'outstanding grade' for ONGC's assets in Tripura for the year 2006-07.

"Out of 10 ONGC assets across the country, Tripura topped the list scoring 110.24 percent due to high performance of gas production, gas flaring, lifting cost, besides number of wells drilled against agreed and approved targets," Hazarika said. The ONGC has recently found two new gas yielding zones in western Tripura. "A huge deposit of hydrocarbon has been found in both the new locations and this discovery would help in meeting additional gas requirements for the commissioning of the 750 mw capacity mega power project in south Tripura's Palatana," Hazarika said.

The ONGC is also set to resume exploration work in Nagaland after a gap of 13 years. Nagaland has an estimated 600 million tonnes of proven crude oil reserves.
"After drilling 28 wells in the Changpang area of Nagaland, there were some disputes over payment of royalties that led to abandonment of the exploration work in May 1994," the director said.

ONGC and the Nagaland government have recently signed an agreement for fresh exploration.
India invites insurgent group for talks United Press International
NEW DELHI, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- India says it is open to talks with insurgent groups including the banned United Liberation Front of Assam to end violence.
"The government is open to talks with any militant groups, including United Liberation Front of Assam, provided they shun violence. The government has not received any formal proposal from ULFA for direct talks," Junior Interior Minister V. Radhika Selvi told Indian Parliament Friday. She said a cease-fire agreement and suspension-of-operations pact were in operation with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), United People's Democratic Solidarity, Dima Halam Daogah, National Democratic Front of Bodoland and Achik National Volunteer Council.

"Several rounds of tripartite talks with UPDA, DHD and ANVC on their charter of demands have been held and the talks are inconclusive. A group of ministers has been constituted to hold talks with NSCN (I-M). The latest round of talks was held on July 7 this year," she said. She said NDFB and NSCN (K) had not submitted their charter of demands to the government. A large number of insurgent groups operate in the northeastern region of India. India accuses Bangladesh and Myanmar of providing shelters to these groups and has asked them to dismantle all the groups' camps.
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Burma on the Edge Editorial The Morung Express
It is not for nothing that Burma has long been the center of international attention and concern in the Asian Pacific region. Its transition from a growing democracy to a military state, and from being the rice bowl of Asia to its now present position of poverty and extreme shortages of rice does puts into historical perspective the political conditions that have caused the present crisis in Burma. Since the take over by the military junta in 1962 and the continued repression that led to the non-violent 88 pro-democracy uprising and the subsequent military crack down, Burma has been on the edge. The recent protest precipitated by the increase in gas prices is an indication of how pro-democracy groups are constantly seeking every opportunity to protest the legitimacy of the junta. These political acts of defiance are demanding a new political reality.
The struggle for democracy in Burma is however just the tip of the iceberg. There are greater fundamental issues of freedom challenging the people of Burma. These issues go back into history and like most colonies, the demand for self-determination by indigenous nations continue to pose a serious political dilemma. While it is the Burmans that have wrested political power and military control over Burma since its inception as a state, it is the struggles of the various political communities such as the Kachin, Shan, Chin, Mon, Karen, Karenni, Arakan and the Nagas that have continuously questioned the legality and legitimacy of Burma as a state. Most of these groups are fighting either for autonomy or complete independence from Burma.
To an extent the political aspirations of different nationalities in Burma has been constructed as a conflict of interest with the Burmans, whose ultimate desire is to uphold the territorial integrity of Burma. And while the pro-democracy movement headed by National League for Democracy Party has some participation from the different political nationalities, it is for most part a Burman political party. Aung San Suu Syi, the leader of the party herself is a Burman, and there have been concerns around whether the negotiating process with the junta would fully reflect and represent the political aspirations of all the nationalities of Burma. There is skepticism. And considering the painful and divided history in which the Burman worldview violently suppressed all other worldviews in Burma, there are doubts whether NLDP can embody the political aspirations of the different nationality groups.
However for now, the politics of pragmatism prevails. Considering that the world opinion and solidarity for Burma has been shaped in the form of Aung San Suu Syi, due to her dedicated leadership and profound commitment to non-violence, leaders of the different resistance movements in Burma will have to unite together and evolve some basic point of consensus with the Burman leadership. This consensus can be found in their mutual acrimony with the junta. While it is self evident that Aung San Suu Syi is surrounded by the old school of advisors, it remains to be seen, whether the new generation of Burman activist will take this opportunity to reach out to the different nationalities and dialogue with them in creatively finding news ways to build a new Burma, in which the rights of all nationalities – not just Burmans – will be recognized and respected.
Burma is sitting on the edge. And apparently it is not just because of democracy, it is also because Burma is denying the different nationalities the right to decide their own political destiny.