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09/13/2007: ""

music: Historic UN declaration a boost for Naga rights Morung Express News


Historic UN declaration a boost for Naga rights Morung Express News

Dimapur The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted Thursday a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which upholds human rights of the more than 300 million indigenous peoples around the world. The 192-nation body voted 143 against four to adopt the declaration, which is considered a victory for the indigenous inhabitants despite the strong objections from countries with large indigenous communities.
The United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand voted against the measure. “The Declaration encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between states and indigenous peoples, and recognizes a wide array of rights specific to indigenous peoples around the globe,” a UN statement announced. This declaration will provide a fillip to the Naga struggle. Nagaland is ahead of New York – where the declaration was made – by nine and a half hours. Dr Lanusashi Longkumer, a faculty of Nagaland University who has for long been associated with fighting for human rights, said the declaration is a positive sign in the Naga context. It would show that “our struggle is not in vain.”
The biggest ‘but’ is that many Nagas do not realize that they are indigenous and form part of a larger group of indigenous peoples of the world. “We are quite ignorant of our rights,” Longkumer said. From all across the world, other indigenous people have been silently struggling for their rights in remote areas, he added. “Their struggles are now bearing fruit because of the declaration.”
The UN Declaration represents a significant recognition of the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of hundreds of millions of indigenous people around the world who suffer from human rights abuses such as forced relocation and assimilation, seizure and exploitation of lands, territories and natural resources, discrimination and a disproportionate amount of poverty. Indigenous languages, cultures and ways of life continue to be threatened without international legal protection. The Declaration will address many of these issues by providing the moral and legal backing for several concepts seen as critical to the preservation of the collective rights of the world’s estimated 370 million indigenous peoples, who belong to more than 5,000 distinct nations and groups.
The UN Declaration was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council during its inaugural session in June 2006, and recommended to the UN General Assembly for final passage. Adoption of the Declaration by the General Assembly represents an affirmation of the position of the Human Rights Council as a key standard-setting body within the United Nations system.
Indigenous peoples from around the world, many of whom have worked tirelessly for the adoption of the Declaration since its inception, were present at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday to witness the adoption of the Declaration.
Nepuni Piku, who has been following the issues of the indigenous people for over ten years, stated: “It is a historic moment for indigenous peoples around the world since the adoption of such a monumental declaration provides them with a tool to translate their denied rights into reality. This adoption by the UN General Assembly will allow Indigenous peoples space to exercise hitherto deprived rights both individual and collective in consistent with the international law.”
Piku, who is a former International Co-ordinator of the London based International Alliance of Indigenous and Tribal People of the Tropical Rainforest, which was instrumental in creating a global coalition for Indigenous peoples’ rights, said:
“The debate in the past many decades has been on whether indigenous people constitute ‘a peoples’ who are entitled with the rights to self determination. Nagas are very much part of the world indigenous community but their unique historical struggle puts them within the context of national liberation against both colonial and neocolonial forces enduring both oppression and suppression without enjoying their basic rights and dignity as any human community. The door has been open now for Nagas too but it will now depend on how creatively we use this document to fulfill our rights and aspirations.”
First 3 Articles of the Declaration

Article 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the full and effective enjoyment of all of the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are recognized in the Charter of the United Nations and in the human rights law;
Article 2.
Indigenous individuals and peoples are free and equal to all other individuals and peoples in dignity and rights, and have the right to be free from any kind of adverse discrimination, in particular that based on their indigenous origin or identity;
Article 3.
Indigenous people have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
NISC questions killing of Kuki cadres The Morung Express
Dimapur, September 13 (MExN): The killing of a number of Kuki cadres by the NSCN-IM is strongly questioned by the Naga International Support Center (NISC). The NISC has advised the NSCN-IM to rethink its stand on how to “behave.”
“The NISC calls on the NSCN to rethink its stand on how to behave in relative peace during cease fire, how to keep its armed soldiers occupied and disciplined; or is it the Christian Nagas have abandoned the ‘love thy neighbor’ principle?” stated a release form the organization. The center sated that irrespective of what transpired between the Kuki forces and the NSCN-IM cadres, it is certain that the Kukis were on Naga territory. The NISC also stated that they had been there for several days “operating under the strong influence of other military organizations, to destabilize the situation created havoc among the Nagas”…“yet the question is should they have been killed?”
“… NISC questions the NSCN-IM as to why the Kuki men had to be massacred. Did the well trained NSCN soldiers have no other measures at their disposal?” it stated while querying if these men cold not be apprehended and either turned over to the authorities to be tried in a court, “like a democratic NSCN-IM envisages?”
“NISC does not believe that escalation is warranted! Since there is no justifiable explanation the Naga International Support Center, NISC, questions the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN, on its own merits of justice and condemns the outright killing of ten Kuki men” it stated.
NSCN (I-M) refutes rival’s statement Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, SEPT 13 (NPN): In a counter to the NSCN (K) Angami Region’s denial of the latter’s involvement in the September 8 killing of five NSCN (I-M) members including a woman at Lakie road, near Jotsoma village, the NSCN (I-M) has said such a “loathsome act carried out in the Angami homestead shall never be hidden in the dark.”
The NSCN (I-M) in a joint press statement issued by ‘Lt Col (retd)’ Victor Angami, tatar, and deputy kilonser Dr. P Mor, also reminded the PRO, Angami Region, NSCN (K), Thikelie Angami that “Thikelie Angami may run from the truth, but he can never flee…you will sooner come to embrace the reality of your friends for whom you are constructing cover at the expense of your own tribesmen’s dignity.”
The NSCN (I-M) further said it could also “decipher whose pen is doing the writing behind the façade as PRO Angami Region.”
The hand that writes your rejoinder shall be the same hand that will write on the wall: ‘you are put on the balance and found wanting.’”
Kukis observe ‘Black Day’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Sept 13: The Kuki community in Manipur Thursday observed “Black Day” in remembrance of those killed during ethnic clashes in the nineties.
In almost all Kuki-inhabited villages across the State, people hoisted black flags in front of their homes as a mark of respect and remembrance of those, suspected to have been killed by the NSCN (I-M).
According to reports reaching here, fasting and prayers were held in the churches as a part of the observance. A report from Kuki-dominated Moreh town said all important market places and educational institutes remained closed for the day, affecting normal trade activities.
Around 300 Kukis gathered at the main church at Moreh and performed prayer with fasting.
Similar programmes were also held at Kangpokpi in Senapati and Churachandpur district.
The main state level function was held at Kuki Inn, Imphal, under the auspices of the Kuki Students’ Organization. It may be mentioned thousands of Kukis of the hill areas in the State were killed while many others were rendered homeless in the ethnic clashes.
The Kukis have been observing the ethnic clashes as “Black Day” every year on September 13 taking into account the killings and destruction of houses at Joupi village in Churchandpur district. Ninety per cent of the villagers including children were killed while their houses were burnt down in the Joupi massacre of September 13, 1993.
Zeliangrong rally, Sept 3 Reader’s Diary The Morung Express
The proposed rally held on the September 3 by the Zeliangrong people was peaceful in nature whose sole intention was to submit its representation! Memorandum regarding the arson of Jalukie Zangdi (28th Aug07) to the collective leaders of the NSCN (I-M). However, the situation turned out worse only when the encroachers and their supporters blocked the rally by putting vehicles as barricades on the road, awaiting the rallysts with weapons at the so called Kiyoto village. Here is a point to be pondered! Who are out for an onslaught or a massacre whether people armed with daos, spears and guns or unarmed people with placards? It is ironical that the state govt. and GPRN should have given full security protection for the peaceful rally, but, they went against the rallyst, instead of disarming the Sumis and Kacharis who were all out armed with daos and spears for a massacre. It is obvious that the state govt. had not only failed to protect Naga Zeliangrong people but also has shown that they are for the encroachers. How biased it was, a mere nepotism!
The intervention and action taken by the IRB is totally wrong and need to be condemned by every right thinking people. IRB- use your blank firing, lathi- charges, shelling of tear gas and those well trained ugly kicks for the armed people and not to the unarmed people. The IRE had yet again earned another priceless medal to their berth by targeting the defenseless and innocent people. It was foolish and a shameful act done on the part of IRB that they chose to fight against the descent and peaceful rally. The IRB clearly demonstrated cowardice!
It seems inevitable that the Zeliangrong people have been compelled to seek its own survival. The rally indicates that they would not remain mute spectators but fight till justice is delivered. Getting justice based on truth whether from the state govt. or GPRN is out of question. The arson of Wungram colony was carried out right under the nose of the district administration and the IRB who did nothing except gazed at for more than five hours and even worse, the culprits are still on rampant. Again, despite being well aware of the tense situation, the state govt. allowed Jalukie Zangdi to be burnt down and this time sided the encroachers by committing the atrocities upon the unarmed people.
From time immemorial, every Naga tribe have their own respective traditional boundaries which need to be respected and honored in order to maintain peace and harmony amongst Nagas. As per the report in the news paper, that dear Sumis are dragging into picture the other communities so as to instigate and provoke them too, what a pity!! We should not allow a few vested selfish individuals to hijack the national interest. Fellow Naga brethren should not only take note of the situation, but also realize the high handedness of the encroachers and should step out from their comfort zone to fight united against the invaders who are trying to fragment and sabotage the Naga identity and create a division among the peace loving Naga family. So far, the media had done their job well but as a precautionary tip they could be more careful than before with what to be reported, because as seen in one of the local dailies stating ,”... ... to face the onslaught of Zeliangrong “which is totally blatant. How can people with mere placards go for onslaught? Therefore, any misleading word or sentence should be avoided which can add more fuel to the already tense situation. It is our wish that every Naga have the wisdom and discernment on the fact of the situation.
The Zeliangrong people had done a great a job by starting with a peaceful rally which is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter, standing on the right foot-hold in protection of our God given birthright which will be written down in the Naga history for generations to come.
Akuali, President Liukeng, Secretary, Liangmaipui Union, Dimapur
Rejoinder on, “Is 15 BRTF relevant in Manipur”
Heritage process of Nagas- Nagaland Post
When apropos of living profession and modernization are roughly scrutinized, the various tribes of the Nagas, (16 tribes) many pre-meditated people may lure/incline to luxuries and "Live to eat" overweighing. "Eat to live" in negligence of tradition and customaries, sparing few, so-called presently state backward tribes, on the expense of old age reservations, natural wealth and generation economy. The forest wealth and animal kingdom are vanishing fast, and some tribes reserved forest and animal wealth's are worth less to a clan wealth, say, Kohima District or Peren District roughly. These wealth are not the properties of the present generation alone, but also to the generation coming after of Districts and tribes. A sense of civilization must prevail and deserve among the Nagas without further delay.
The failure and absence of 'human society etiquettes' amongst tribes, tribe respect/ relations are setting down sound foundation of tribalism on solid rock. Repercussion on the subject, sooner or latter with the truth and justice prevailing in further degradation of the whole tribe by few group of greedy persons creating enmities, hatred all over the state in vision.
The happy-dilly expeditioners are also well within the law of the land and under the same atmosphere NTP (Normal, Temperature Pressure) aiming completely contrary to the Nagas objectives of peace, tranquility and neighborhood establishments of the different tribes of the Nagas. The sooner these sort of absurd are controlled/removed, the theme of peace and tranquility will survive bearing fruits to the determination, desire of the Nagas, taking revenge is the final solution to any disputes usually continuing from the time of immemorial.
It may be noted that civilization is the guardian of customaries and traditions guiding the Nagas for developments and improvement in the name of forefathers' heritage with-the aim and objectives of Nationalism. Any deviation from this principle of radü-standy is expected Nagas to land into a mesh of dilemmas and awkward consequences.
Respect and love for one another in real sense of tradition and customaries will certainly bring peace and tranquility whichever Government is running or coming, without doubt. Late Rajiv Gandhi said "a war cannot end war" is true to mankind and the Nagas, though the Nagas were head hunters in the olden days. The Nagas presently switching over to civilization in competition must devote to daily routine works and programmes in humanity qualities in human society establishments.
K.C Angami, Kohima
BJP probe Congress stand on Naga issue Morung Express News
Kohima The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked the Congress-led UPA government in the Centre to shun tom-toming on the Nagas peace process, but to categorically spell out their ‘intention and provision’ for ensuring peace in Nagaland. Party Spokesman and election in-charge of Nagaland, Rajiv Pratap Rudy said today at a press conference held at Hotel Japfu that the ambiguous statements made by some Congress leaders over the Naga peace process, during their recent visit to the State is dangerous.
“People along with those involved in the peace process have every right to know unambiguously, the ‘contents and pathway’ of the peace proposal”, Rudy demanded. BJP also termed the indefinite extension of Ceasefire between the GOI and NSCN-IM as a welcome sign, but stated that it should not be treated ambiguously.
The BJP’s apprehension was that indefinite extension of CF could be a ploy of UPA government before the State Assembly election. “We apprehend it could be a ploy by Congress-led UPA government before the State Assembly election”, Rudy said. Chipping in, BJP legislator and Parliamentary Secretary, MC Konyak, assured that Naga issue will be seriously taken up if BJP returns to power at the Centre. Supplementing him, Rudy said that BJP-led NDA regime had lined up the issue; however, the discontinuation of BJP rule at the Centre had stunted the whole process. In order to bring solution to the vex Naga issue BJP regime needs continuity at the Centre, Rudy said.
It was also made known that the BJP-led NDA government had agreed to support integration of Naga areas, but the condition that it should be based on national consensus has hindered the integration process. Asked whether BJP’s assertion that integration of Naga areas based on national consensus, tantamount to the party’s own ambiguity and excuse to escape from fulfilling the Nagas demand, the BJP leaders responded by saying that there is nothing wrong in trying for consensus.
“Integration is in the court of the Centre”, Konyak said. Congress is playing a double standard game on this issue because the latter supported those who are opposed to integration, he added. Transport Minister, Imtilemba and Ato Yepthomi, state president, also partook in the press conference.

Nod to DAN coalition The Bharatiya Janata Party today said that DAN coalition should continue but affirmed that the party will endeavour to extend its tentacle even to the remotest parts of the state by contesting in most of the seats. BJP Spokesman and election in-charge of Nagaland state Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that the party has accepted the coalition in Toto and they are comfortable and happy working in the present coalition.
“BJP accepted coalition in Toto. We are comfortable and happy working in the present coalition government”, Rudy told the press conference held at Hotel Japfii today.
Although the party has agreed to abide by the coalition arrangement on seats sharing, BJP may pit its own candidates in majority of the constituencies. In the last election the party contested in 38 constituencies, but this time they may put up more candidates, Rudy said.
Rudy also admitted that there has been often minor rift between his party and NPF, but such differences are often eased through dialogue. One instance was during the election of President of India, where most of the NPF legislators voted against their candidate, but it was resolved through dialogue, he stated.
The BJP national executive is holding a review meeting from September 21-23, at Pune, where the party would work out strategies for the forthcoming election, especially for the NE states.
DAN coalition government has given ample opportunities for its legislators and ministers to contribute their mite in the development of the state, Rudy said.
He said that the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari vajpyee led NDA has shown them a very compatible art of coalition and the BJP will continue to adopt it.
BJP would like to remind the people that Rs 1050 crore former PM Atal Bihari Vajpyee package for Nagaland has gone a long way in the development of state, Rudy said, while complimenting the DAN government for successfully using this resource for development.
“BJP legislators and ministers in the state government has contributed immensely to development”, Rudy boasted, while he condemned the ‘lackadaisical’ approach of the UPA government in providing resource, infrastructure vis-ŕ-vis 4 lane national highway, tourism, airport etc. “Nagaland is a living credentials of secularism”, Rudy added. Meanwhile, BJP said that the government should explore all possible means to tap the untapped hydel resource for generating power in the NE.
Rio fans affiliation flames OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Sept. 12: The Neiphiu Rio cabinet today set the cat among the pigeons by deciding to enact a legislation that will facilitate affiliation of schools in the Naga-inhabited areas of other states to the Nagaland Board of School Education.None would have been more offended than Manipur, fighting a losing battle with Naga organisations that have already forced many schools in the hill districts of that state to follow the syllabus prescribed by the Nagaland board.
A legislation will complete the changeover. School education minister Imkong L. Imchen said the cabinet reviewed the scope for “expansion of areas of functioning” of the Nagaland board and the feasibility of granting affiliation to schools in other Naga-inhabited areas.
The government has been under pressure from various Naga organisations, including the influential Naga Hoho and the Naga Students’ Federation, to hasten the process. Dozens of letters have also been written to the central government to facilitate the change despite opposition from the Manipur government.
Congress leaders in Nagaland have always been sceptical about any such arrangement, but the irony of it is that they have decided to support the move. Manipur sees it as an extension of the campaign for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas of other states with Nagaland.
The complexity of the issue increased when the Khaplang faction of the NSCN warned Nagas of Manipur not to interfere in the affairs of Nagaland.
Militants of that faction even pushed a bus that was taking Naga matric examinees from Manipur to Nagaland earlier this year down a gorge after forcing them to disembark.
On the other hand, the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur set several schools in Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel ablaze in protest against the Okram Ibobi Singh government’s opposition to any change in affiliation. Student activists also made a bonfire of textbooks prescribed by the Manipur board.
Apart from deciding to enact a legislation, the Rio cabinet today accepted the interim recommendations of the government-constituted committee on reservation.
The panel recommended a 25 per cent employment quota for residents of the four backward districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng. The demand was raised by the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation and other organisations of those districts.
They were planning to force the closure of all government offices from today till Friday as part of the agitation. “This is a landmark decision,” Imchen said of the government’s acceptance of the recommendations. Sumi Nagas of Kiphire district will also enjoy the benefits of reservation.
LSU put foot down on oil dealings Action against chairman, ALRMCC demanded The Morung Express
Dimapur, September 13 (MExN): The Lotha Students’ Union while censuring what it called the arbitrary and illegal acts of the Champang village chairman, and ALRMCC, has demanded action against the ‘defaulters.’ The LSU has sternly warned that it would not allow any oil-related activities without the knowledge of the State government, the Lotha Hoho and the LSU. The students’ body has also reminded of an own course of action for which the individuals/groups in question would be held solely responsible.
The Lotha Students’ Union registered its strong protest against illegal activities being carried out ‘by a few vested interested individuals’ at Champang village pertaining to oil and other mineral resources of the area. A release from the president of the LSU Nzanthung K Yanthan took cognizance of the activities of certain companies and individuals which are without the consent and knowledge of the Government of Nagaland, Lotha Hoho or the LSU.
The union took strong note of an “error” committed by the chairman of Champang Village Council who, on the pretext of “extra-ordinary situation” issued on his behalf, endorsed, enacted and passed an order granting permission for oil production activities to All Lotha Resources Management Cooperative Champang. This also included permission for commercial sale of crude oil and other associated minerals and a mining lease for 25 years with ‘No Objection certificate’. This was issued on October 2, 2006, the LSU noted.
The LSU also took cognizance that ALMRCC had signed an agreement with one M/S SRM Explorations (P) Ltd for explorations and commercial utilization of all natural resources for the production of oil, gas and other natural and mineral resources.
“The union, while condemning the arbitrary and illegal act of the chairman, Champang Village Council and the ALRMCC, demands that Government of Nagaland annul all those illegal activities and initiate befitting action against the defaulters” the LSU stated. The LSU has warned of an own course of action and the vested individuals and groups would be held solely responsible.
Nagaland and Chin state- Nagaland Post
Manipur in North East India separates Nagaland from Chin State in the Union of Burma (UB). But the many similar affinities we both have in common always make us feel brotherhood on the people of Nagaland.
The native religion of our forefathers we had in common, a belief in life after death and animal sacrifice to their deities and the spirits in the hills and valleys, has been now transformed for us, in this generation, to share again our common faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
He had redeemed us from sacrificing animals to those deities and spirits for once and for all by sacrificing Himself in His own human body on the Cross.
Chin State with the Christian population of 80% is the only Christian State out of the 14 provinces in the UB.
It is also wonderful and surprising that Nagaland with Christian population of 85% and Mizoram with Christian population of 75% are the only two Christian States in India.
Many Chin people therefore have great interest in any thing about Nagaland and admire it very much.So the people in the Chin State are much delighted to visit this website as if we are touring around the scenic beautiful landscape of Nagaland, the land of our brothers' and cousins'..
Lian Uk, Chin State.
Kukis want their side of the story heard in any report to Centre The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sept 10: The Kuki Movement for Human Rights has warned the state government not to send any report to the Central government regarding the Tangkhul Hundung village massacre of September 3 without consulting the `victim community` for details.

Reacting to a report in a Kolkata-based newspaper to the effect that the state government will be sending a report to the Centre on the September 3 incident, the KUMHUR charged that on many previous occasions the state government has furnished false and fabricated reports without proper consultation with the Kuki people and as a result the Kuki problem has been sidelined.

It said a fact-finding team had| been constituted in connection with the killings, and no fabricated report can be sent without consulting them. It further demanded that if a report has been sent already, a copy of the same should be furnished to the Kuki civil organisations.

Rebels eye trade bootyOUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


At the receiving end?
Dibrugarh, Sept. 12: Ulfa’s extortion machinery has gone on an overdrive to mop up as much cash as it can from traders at the start of a season of high transactions in most businesses.
Intelligence agencies got a whiff of the militant group’s plan recently and reported it to the Union home ministry, which then asked the Assam government to take remedial action. A senior official said the chief of Ulfa’s 28 Battalion, Prabal Neog, deputed the commanders of Alpha, Bravo and Charlie companies — Arun Baruah, Sujit Mohan and Jiten Dutta — to target traders over the next few weeks.
Tinsukia superintendent of police Prasanta Bhuyan indicated today that Ulfa militants were behind the attack in which two businessmen — Tarun Kundu and Rambilas Shah — died at Talap market near Doomdooma on Monday evening.
“Kundu’s family denied that he had received an extortion note, but our investigations revealed that Ulfa did ask for money. We will be able to confirm it after the investigation is complete,” he said. The army had arrested the other victim three months ago for allegedly collecting money from traders on Ulfa’s behalf. He secured bail soon after, little realising that militants would be waiting for him.A senior official of an intelligence agency said Ulfa was looking to extort money from traders throughout this month, knowing they would now be flush with funds to procure stocks of various consumer goods that are in demand during the festive season.
Army sources said Ulfa was also trying to replenish its arsenal of rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. The army’s 6 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, based at Rupai in Tinsukia district, recently arrested four persons — one of them an Ulfa member and another from the Kuki Revolutionary Army — while they were about to strike an arms deal. The arrests were made at Lahorijan in Karbi Anglong. “We have intercepted coded wireless messages that confirm Ulfa’s plan to start attacking security forces again with rocket-propelled grenades and mortars,” an army officer said.Ulfa has of late been showing a preference for planting improvised explosive devices at public places rather than one-to-one confrontations with security forces.
The outfit’s 28 BATTALION has lost several of its leaders in encounters with security forces in recent months. Three of the big names are Charan Majhi, Debojit Konwar and Rameswar Barsaikia. The last one was the commander of its Alpha company.
Union blocks Sena bid to stem influx - Threat of a counter-battle OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, Sept. 12: The campaign to oust Bangladeshi migrants from Assam’s Bodo heartland has spawned a battle on the sidelines between an organisation representing Muslim students and the Shiv Sena.
The All Bodoland Muslim Students’ Union today accused the president of the Shiv Sena’s Bodoland chapter, Shiva Chandu, of a smear campaign against its leaders in the name of driving out illegal migrants. It said Chandu had also been misleading rickshawpullers of Kokrajhar into joining his campaign against “genuine Indian Muslims”.
The organisation warned the Sena of a counter-movement if it continued to project Muslim student leaders as protectors of Bangladeshi migrants. Chandu was unavailable for comment, but district Sena vice-president Subrabrata Sinha described the allegations as part of a conspiracy to derail the oust-Bangladeshi campaign.
“We are not targeting Indian citizens. The Shiv Sena has nothing against any community and, therefore, the question of a smear campaign against the president of the students’ union simply does not arise. The allegation is imaginary but intentional and provocative,” Sinha said.
He said it was the students’ union that created trouble by warning Muslim leaders of the rickshawpullers’ association against raising their voices against the influx of migrants. “The unprecedented increase in the number of rickshawpullers and labourers of a particular community is cause for concern. The economic survival of indigenous labourers is at stake and it is the responsibility of every Indian to help stop the influx of people whose antecedents are suspect.”
The Kokrajhar District Workers’ Union has taken out processions to mobilise support for the campaign against influx. Employers have been asked not to recruit any person without a citizenship certificate or an identity card issued and approved by the union.
The Bodoland Territorial Council last month decided to issue work permits to labourers from outside the four Bodoland districts to check the influx of foreigners. The BTC and several Bodo organisations also issued quit notices to a group of suspected Bangladeshis who migrated to these districts from the neighbouring states.
Black Day solemnly observedDay of mass masacre remembered
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 13 : In memory of the Kuki victims of 1993-94 ethnic clash, the Kuki community observed Black Day today.
At Sadar Hills, all Kuki households hoisted black flags and daily activities were suspended with all the shops and markets remaining closed.
The Black Day is observed on September 13 in memory of the innocent Kukis killed on this day in 1993 and on other days during the tumultuous period of the ethnic clash.
Most of the Kuki families in Sadar Hills area observed a fast today in obeisance to the departed souls.
Under the aegis of the Kuki Women Union Manipur, Kuki Students' Organisation and Thadou Students' Association, a prayer session was also held at the Church of P Moulding village in Leimakhong area. After the prayer session, people observed two minutes' silence in honour of the ethnic clash victims.
Representatives of different organisations who spoke on the occasion appealed to all to avert such unfortunate incidents in future.
Kuki Women Union Manipur president Rose Mangshi said that the commemorative function is being organised to restore peace, unity and integrity among different communities of Manipur, particularly between Nagas and Kukis. Appealing to other communities not to interpret the observance in the wrong sense, Rose Mangshi prayed that such painful, ugly incidents should not recur in future.
The Black Day observance also paid obeisance to the 10 KLA cadres killed recently at Tangkhul Hundung village. Lamminlun Singsit of Thadou Students' Association called upon all the people to avoid any form of violence.
The Black Day was also observed in Manipur University in remembrance of the 106 innocent men, women and children murdered on September 13, 1993.
During the observance student leaders, research scholars and elders spoke on the need for reconciliation and restoration of peace and normalcy in the State. They also prayed for the departed souls.
In connection with the Black Day, a press release issued by Kuki Movement for Human Rights conveyed that in accordance to the Kuki Inpi policy, the Inpi asked the United Naga Council since July 1993 to come forward and explain the murder of so many people so that an amicable solution can be reached, peace restored and observation of the Black September 13 be stopped.
UNC responded to the invitation and the Kuki Inpi Manipur and United Naga Council met twice on March 29, 1994 (after eight months since KIM asked the UNC for consultation), and on April 4, 1994. To the five point conditions raised by KIM, the UNC failed to bring in any proposal, rather told the meeting that they were not allowed by NSCN(I-M).As such, no settlement was made so far and the mourning for those murdered continues even to this day. It will continue if no settlement of those deaths is brought about and settled for peace, noted KMHR.
Anti-AFSPA drive kicks off By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
Imphal, Sep 13 : In support of hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila and the people’s movement against the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, a five-day solidarity fast has begun from today at Keishampat junction here.
Apart from a number of Meira Paibis and student leaders, human rights activities from across the country are joining the fast being organized under the joint aegis of Delhi based National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) and Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF).
Talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the de-monstration at Imphal, MAFYF president Sapam-cha Kangleipal informed that along with the solidarity fast at Imphal, people in other parts of the globe including US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh and several Arab countries have also simultaneously begun a five-day demonstration at their respective countries against the prolonged imposition of the draconian Act in the NE States.
He said the people’s concern over the draconian Act has now become globalized as they have shown their solidarity towards “our movement”.
Kangleipal informed that the agitators will meet Irom Sharmila on Sunday at the security ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital where she is being nose fed and kept confined.
Sandeep Pandey of NAPM said ‘such draconian Act has no place in democracy. Since the imposition of the Act has not been able to resolve the insurgency problem in the region, it should be repealed immediately. Failure of the Act has shown that armed forces cannot guarantee peace’.
Taking serious note of the silence of the Government of India over over the status of Jeevan Reddy’s report, Pandey dis-closed that NAPM would soon file an application with the Prime Minister Office under the Right to Information Act on the matter.
Biju Borbaruah of the sa-me organization observed that prolonged imposition of the Act has hampered all developmental fronts.
‘Because of the large-scale violation of human rights including extra judicial killings, atrocities and raping of women and girls by the security personnel with immunity granted under the Act, the people of the North eastern region are becoming more and more alienated from the mainstream India apart from aiding in changing of their mindset and the character’, she said
She further observed that the people of Northeast want peace and development but have been compelled to join the unrelenting protest against the oppressive Act. This being the case the suppressed people have not been able to move forward for boosting economy’. 39In recognition of relentless her struggle, Sharmila was honoured with the prestigious Gwangju Prize for Human Rights along with another rights activist at Seoul recently.Her brother Irom Singha-jit collected the award on her behalf.Sharmila was also among 1000 Asian women nominated for the 2005 Nobel peace prize.
Worldwide anti-AFSPA demonstrations to be held today The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sept 12: Public demonstrations will be held in at least four nations, including the USA, UK, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as in Imphal, tomorrow in support of the Manipuri people`s movement against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958. Informing this, Sapamcha Kangleipal, said the Imphal protest, planned to be held at Keisampat junction, will be participated by several rights activists from outside the state.The coordinated protests are being organised to demand the complete repeal of the AFSPA, and also in support of Irom Sharmila Chanu`s ongoing struggle against the draconian law with the support of several human rights organisations from across the country and abroad, he informed.

Anti-AFSPA demonstrations will also be held at seven or eight places in the USA, in London, in Pakistan, and in Bangladesh, Kangleipal informed.
Rights organisations, and NRI groups will be involved in organising these demonstrations.

Kangleipal observed that the issue of AFSPA, and human rights violations in Manipur have become globalised. It is also time for all sections in Manipur to act to get the repungnant law set aside, he said.

Informing that the sit-in protest at Keisampat will begin at 10 am, he urged the general public to give the outside participants a warm welcome, and turn out in large numbers for the demonstration.

Villagers protest govt`s land takeover bid Protesters marched from Canchipur near MU to the chief minister`s bungalow in Imphal protesting the government move by shouting slogans stating that the land to be taken over for the university`s expansion is cultivable land and amounts to snatching of the livelihood of the people of the surrounding villages.

Many taking part in the protest rally also raised slogans like `MU na lam louba yaroi` (we oppose takeover of land by MU), `Heibokchnig louba yaroi` (We oppose takeover of Heibokching), `No need for land for MU expansion`, etc. and carried banners appealing `Don`t snatch our agricultural land`.

The Manipur University is planning to expand and upgrade itself to stay abreast with the changing times and the Manipur government has decided to evict villagers from the land at Phumlou Konjin and Heibokching located next to the MU campus which are currently under cultivation.

The protestors marched down the street from Canchipur targeting the chief minister`s bungalow. On reaching there, the police who were on duty there blocked them and turned them back till the MSTRC complex, some 200 metres away from the CM`s bungalow. Only eight representatives of the Land Protection Committee, a body formed by the owners of the lands affected by the proposed expansion plan, were allowed to proceed to submit their petition to the chief minister.

After the representatives submitted their petition, the demontrators turned back to where they started from. Before concluding their demonstration, the secretary of the committee said they would continue agitations of different forms till the state government gives up the takeover move.

"We will continue our stir till the chief minister gives a written assurance that the government will not snatch the land from us," he said. It is pertinent to mention that the state government plan to set up the National Institute of Technology at Kiyamgei near the MU campus had to be dropped some time back owing to the strong opposition by the people of the area.
ONGC quite indifferent to pollution From our Correspondent The Sentinel
JOYSAGAR, Sept 13: The gas-gathering stations and oil wells of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd, situated in various parts of the Sivasagar district, have been repeatedly polluting the environment. The harmful gaseous substances along with crude oil seepage from the various oil installations of the ONGC are posing a threat to the environment. Widespread pollution of the environment that includes agricultural land, water reservoirs, sound and noise pollution near the oil installations, has made life difficult for the people living in these areas.
Various oil fields of the district, including the Lakuwa, Galeky, Amguri and Rudrasagar oil fields, and other oil and gas installations, have been repeatedly polluting the rivers, water bodies, agricultural lands and the atmosphere of these areas. Many hectares of agricultural land of the district have been damaged as a result. Crude oil seeping into the water bodies is also harming the prospect of fishery in these areas. The most disheartening aspect of the situation is that pollution has also given rise to various diseases, including skin infections, lung problems, etc.
Pollution from the ONGC oil and gas installations has also damaged parts of tea plantation areas of the district. The Lakuwa Tea Estate has been the worst-affected one, with many hectares of its area under tea plantation damaged by crude oil seepage from the nearby oil wells. Decreased productivity of agricultural products has also been reported from parts of the district as a result of pollution.
Notable here is the Kasturba Gandhi Ashram near Bokota in the district. Most of the Ashram’s som tree plantation has been damaged due to the harmful gaseous substances released from the nearby gas-gathering stations of the ONGC.
At a time when conscious sections all over the world are seeking ways to minimize pollution in order to protect mankind, the ONGC’s indifferent attitude towards environment in the said areas and its failure to initiate proper and adequate pollution-control measures is a cause of great concern. Conscious sections of the people of the area here allege that waste products from ONGC oil wells are not treated properly, and pollution control norms are not followed leading to the seepage of oil well wastes into the nearby agricultural lands. They also allege that the compensation amount given to those affected by pollution from the ONGC installations is quite less, and in no way can this be compared with the damage done.
Despite widespread pollution by the ONGC oil and gas installations and their harmful effects, it is surprising that the matter has not got due importance. Although the local populace and the affected people have raised the issue several times before, everyone, including the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA), has remained silent all these years.
The silent and callous attitude of the PCBA, absence of any strong environment group in the district and the non-initiation of any protest by various organizations of the district — all have given the ONGC enough scope to carry on with its practice of polluting the environment.



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