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09/26/2007: "Plan to curb Nagaland faction feud - Village panels mulled NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph"

Plan to curb Nagaland faction feud - Village panels mulled NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph


Participants of a rally in Dimapur appeal for an end to the clashes between the rival factions. File picture
New Delhi, Sept. 25: Nagaland is preparing to rein in its militant factions at the grassroots level. For the first time since the factional feuds broke out, Delhi has asked the state government to prepare an action plan to tackle the inter-factional fights, which have claimed hundreds of lives in the state.
According to the plan being chalked out by the state, gaonburas (village elders) and the traditional dobhashis (interpreters) will intervene to prevent the clashes.
In a society whose social fabric and hierarchy are still in place, village elders and the British-appointed interpreters in their red shawls are still respected in villages. Asked if they would be vulnerable to violence from the militants, a senior official in Nagaland said everyone was vulnerable, but lasting peace would have to be achieved. According to the plan, these influential people will form committees within a village and with other villages in order to mobilise public support against the clashes.
However, Delhi is hoping that the grassroots-level action plan in Nagaland would be different from the Salwa Judum movement in Chhattisgarh, where 50,000 people have been displaced as a fallout.The campaign could bear fruit as at least 25 people have been killed in crossfire between the warring outfits this year alone.
Factions of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and the NSCN (Khaplang) have been fighting pitched battles since the outfit split in 1988. Both the factions have signed ceasefire agreements with the Centre and while they do not clash with security forces, they continue to fight each other. Altogether 60 Naga militants were killed till June this year, a majority of them in factional clashes, home ministry sources said.
All these years, people have silently borne the strife stemming from these fights. Of late, there has been opposition from villagers to this fighting. In Zunheboto, Phek and Kohima, people have protested on the streets. Apparently, the people have now taken up the mantle, hitherto held by the Church and Naga Hoho, the apex body of the Nagas, to reconcile the rebel factions.
Nagaland chief secretary Lalhuma said the government had not finished preparing the plan, but hoped that the influential people in the villages would be able to convince the militant factions not to clash. Village Guards, a grassroots institution, will help in the process. The Union home ministry noted in its status paper on internal security that the NSCN (K) and the NNC (Adinno) had combined to fight against the NSCN (I-M).
Issue of indigenous people- Nagaland Post
The debate is going on through print media in Nagaland among the Nagas since the declaration of Indigenous Peoples' Right by the UN General Assembly recently. The leaders of the Naga Hoho, the NSF and the NPMHR are more vocal on the issue, claiming that the Nagas are indigenous people.
V. Phutoi Zhimomi of NNC had written in his article stating that Nagas are not Indigenous People. He had given his explanation vividly that the Nagas are the original people of a nation so far not yet submerged into the overwhelming majority of migrants or immigrants. He stared the native people who have been reduced to minority in their own land by the waves of the migrants from outside and the native people who have been completely submerged and assimilated into to the political, social economic and cultural system of the migrant people are indigenous people. But, in the context of the people of Nagaland state, I wholly agree to his view point and I too can say that the Nagas of Nagaland are not indigenous people. Because, whether under an autonomous state or an independent nation, Nagas of Nagaland are: so far the owners and rulers of our own land.
But it is also true, that the Nagas of Nagaland like the leaders of the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR who had voluntarily adopted Manipur as their home state are indigenous people. The Nagas of Manipur who had been submerged into majority Meities, and various ethnic tribes, the Nagas of Arunachal who have been minority of the vast majority of the various Arunachal ethnic tribes, and the Nagas of Assam who have been completely submerged into the overwhelming majority of migrants of different races. It is also true for the I-K terrorists who have voluntarily become the subjects of Tangkhuls to claim as indigenous people.
P. Chuba Ozukum, Publicity Secretary of Naga Hoho who had voluntarily adopted Manipur as his home state in order to please the I-K terrorists can rightly claim himself as a member of an indigenous people. He had given the definition of the "Indigenous People" in his article. But he miserably failed to understand the meaning of definition in respect of the Nagas of Nagaland. He read the definition with his myopic eyes and biased mind. Like Chuba Ozukum, many leaders of the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR see the problems prevailing in Nagaland with their myopic eyes and biased minds. That is why in spite of various appeals and warning by genuine Nagas, they fail to see reasons and come to terms. And because of these crepancies, the sufferings of the Nagas are growing more and more.
It is to be noted here that Nagas are not demanding any political concession from India. Nagas are a nation and that our struggle is to obtain recognition of our nation and Sovereignty from Foreign nations including India. India is the aggressor and their armies are occupational forces. Therefore, what we demand from India is to leave Nagaland alone and to withdraw her armed forces from Naga soil. The Sovereignty of Nagaland is not negotiable. It is non-negotiable entity. We are the people of a nation.
We cannot call the Israelites and Palestine's as indigenous peoples. Therefore, at all times we have to support the two nation theory of Israel and Palestine. If you are a writer or an educated man try to understand, why U.S.A, Canada Australia and New Zealand voted against the UN declaration on "Indigenous Peoples". Because, these countries were populated by migrants or immigrants and the natives or aboriginals were reduced to minorities and had became subject people who are deprived of their rights and opportunities. In fear of these peoples, the USA, Canada., Australia and New Zealand were against the declaration of indigenous People's rights. Pangshai Konyak CCM, NSCN (K)
NSCN(IM) hits out- Nagaland Post
The road to the Naga national resistance for a just cause has not been free from stumbling blocks in the likes of Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir who got baptized and utterly immersed into Indian philosophy and politics in 1960. Since then till today, he has never let an opportunity pass by without throwing a spanner in the wheels of solution to the long drawn Indo-Naga conflict.
The letter of SC Jamir, the then parliament secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, which was written to P. Shilu Ao, the chief executive councilor of Nagaland bears testimony of his total opposition to the proposed discussion between Indian PM Nehru with A.Z Phizo to find a permanent solution. Jamir swore in the letter classified as secret, "If he starts negotiating with Phizo, I am prepared to come back because there is no use sitting here to be only laughing stock. I believe that that we are also quite capable to create more troubles than the hostiles could do". And true to his word, he successfully created terrible troubles in Nagalim. For him, the Naga national revolutionary patriots are "Hostiles".
It is for the record for posterity that the RAW-masterminded successful 1978 Military Coupe, staged by Lt. Col. Supong guided by Mayanger was fully supported by S.C Jamir where hundreds of revolutionary patriots died. The 1988 Khaplang's coupe attempt that killed hundreds of revolutionary patriots including women and children was his handiwork. The so called, Naga Youth Liberation Front formed in the early 90s to crush the NSCN, was financed by S.C Jamir and armed by Khaplang. Having foiled of his plans, he successively formed the 9th Brigade and then 24th Brigade for similar purposes. His 1996 Peace Offensive came with 37 coffins of innocent civilians from a single community.
His divisive mindset and attitude is echoed in his write ups and speeches. On Nagaland's 35th Statehood day in 1999 he spoke, "It is high time the Nagas separated the chaff from the grain……militants (NSCN) from outside the state (Nagaland) are not Nagas. They have not made any contribution to the Naga political struggle over the past five decades..... The Naga political problem could be resolved through democratic means only by the Nagas of Nagaland ". Indoctrinated by this philosophy, his brainchild Khaplang and his, boys reverberate the same today.
During the tenure of Atal Behari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister of India, S.C Jamir went to New Delhi and persuaded the GOI to impose President Rule, deploy more Army and grant more money to crush the NSCN and the Naga national movement. He strongly recommended against further extension of the Cease-fire and also to derail the peace process as the NSCN is getting strengthened on account of it. But he was flatly refused and told to support it himself. On reaching home he organized a press conference and said that for the peace of the Nagas, he has spoken to New Delhi for extension of CF and that it will be done, He is such a person who can comfortably tell lies straight on the face without remorse.
It is for all to recollect that, during the cease-fire period when Jamir was the CM, he fully activated the Indian Army and the paramilitary forces to arrest, raid, snatch arms, kill and let loose reign of terror. But with the change of guard, Naga people are enjoying semblance of peace though it is the same CF Ground Rules. Judge for yourself whether S.C Jamir is constructive or destructive.
What is more, in 2004 during the North East Congress Coordination meeting, Jamir strongly urged the members that:, "It is grave mistake on the part of the government to have unconditional talks with the NSCN They must be conditioned to accept Indian constitution. But if they refuse, NSCN should be declared as terrorist organization and befittingly dealt with". When the Government of India recognizes the unique history and the situation of the Nagas, where is he and his accomplices:
The 16 Point-Agreement is not a negotiated settlement and that people were not involved at all, unmistakably indicate that it is just a sort of Memorandum of Understanding between two groups or parties. However, being a signatory, Jamir attempted to glorify it through the Bedrock of Naga Society, that attainment of Nagaland statehood had fulfilled the aspiration of the Nagas' and that statehood is reality, sovereignty of the Nagas is a myth'. Apart from further division of the Naga family, what aspiration has been fulfil1ed? How can Jamir reduce the sovereign rights of the Nagas to a myth just to please his Indian masters? There is no greater crime than undermining the rights of the people. As such, there is no reason as to why S.C Jamir Goa Governor and Alemtemshi Jamir, Commissioner, the authors of Bedrock of Naga Society should not be ostracized from the Naga society.
Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Convenor, Rh. Raishing, Secretary, Steering Committee NSCN (IM)
Jamir faces NSCN (IM) censure The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 25 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has once again censured its prime detractor SC Jamir, former Chief Minister Nagaland by stating that the Goa Governor has till today, “never let an opportunity pass by without throwing a spanner in the wheels of solution to the long drawn Indo-Naga conflict”. Significantly, the Steering Committee, the highest policy making body of the NSCN (IM) today issued a statement through its Convenor Qhevihe Chishi Swu and Secretary Rh. Raising pointing out that it was the likes of Jamir “baptized and utterly immersed into Indian philosophy and politics in 1960” who had been “stumbling blocks” to the Naga national resistance.
While pointing out that the 16-point agreement was not a negotiated settlement and that people were not involved at all indicating that it was just a sort of MoU between two groups or parties, the NSCN (IM) stated that being a signatory, Jamir attempted to glorify it through the Bedrock of Naga Society that “attainment of Nagaland statehood had fulfilled the aspirations of the Nagas” and that “Statehood is reality, sovereignty of the Nagas is a myth”.
“Apart from further division of the Naga family, what aspiration has been fulfilled? How can Jamir reduce the sovereign rights of the Nagas to a myth just to please his Indian masters”, the NSCN (IM) questioned adding that there was no greater crime than undermining the rights of the people. “As such, there is no reason as to why SC Jamir, Goa Governor and Alemtemshi Jamir, Commissioner, the authors of Bedrock of Naga Society should not be ostracized from the Naga society”, the Steering Committee stated.
The NSCN (IM) in its condemnation of Jamir likewise referred to the letter written by the latter (when he was Parliament Secretary, MEA, New Delhi) to P. Shilu Ao, the Chief Executive Councilor of Nagaland
.... and pointed out that the said letter was a clear testimony of Jamir’s total opposition to the proposed discussion between Indian PM Nehru and AZ Phizo to find a permanent solution.
The NSCN (IM) quoted Jamir from the letter: “If he starts negotiating with Phizo, I am prepared to come back because there is no use sitting here to be only laughing stock. I believe that we are also quite capable to create more trouble than the Hostiles could do”. The NSCN (IM) stated that true to his words, Jamir “successfully created terrible troubles in Nagalim” and that for Jamir, the Naga national revolutionary patriots are ‘hostiles’.
In this regard, the Steering Committee went on to add that the RAW masterminded successful 1978 military coup, “staged by Lt Col. Supong guided by Mayanger was fully supported by Jamir” in which “hundreds of revolutionary patriots died”. Further, the 1988 Khaplang’s coup attempt that “killed hundreds of revolutionary patriots including women and children was his handiwork”, the NSCN (IM) alleged while adding that the Naga Youth Liberation Front formed in the early 90s to crush the NSCN (IM), was financed by SC Jamir and armed by Khaplang. “Having foiled of his plans, he successively formed the 9th Brigade and then 24th Brigade for similar purposes”, it stated while also alleging that Jamir’s peace offensive in 1996 “came with 37 coffins of innocent civilians from a single community”.
The NSCN (IM) also alleged that Jamir’s divisive mindset and attitude is echoed in his write-ups and speeches and quoted Jamir’s speech on the occasion of Nagaland’s 35th Statehood day in 1999: “It is high time the Nagas separated the chaff from the grain…militants (NSCN) from outside the State (Nagaland) are not Nagas. They have not made any contribution to the Naga political struggle over the past five decades…the Naga political problem could be resolved through democratic means only by the Nagas of Nagaland”. The NSCN (IM) pointed out that “indoctrinated by this philosophy”, Jamir’s “brainchild Khaplang and his boys reverberate the same today”.
The NSCN (IM) statement also disclosed that during the tenure of Atal Behari Vajpayee as PM, Jamir went to New Delhi and persuaded the GoI to impose President Rule, deploy more army and grant more money to crush the NSCN (IM) and the Naga national movement. It alleged that Jamir “strongly recommended against further extension of ceasefire and also to derail the peace process as the NSCN (IM) was getting strengthened on account of it”. According to the NSCN (IM), Jamir was flatly refused and told to support it himself. On reaching home, he organized a press conference and said that for the peace of the Nagas, he had spoken to New Delhi for extension of CF and that it will be done. “He is such a person who can comfortably tell lies straight on the face without remorse”.
The NSCN (IM) further stated that it was for all to recollect that during the ceasefire period when Jamir was the CM, he had “fully activated the Indian army and the paramilitary forces to arrest, raid, snatch arms, kill and let loose reign of terror”. “But with the change of guard, Naga people are enjoying semblance of peace though it is the same CF Ground rules. Judge for yourself whether SC Jamir is constructive or destructive”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
It was also disclosed that in 2004 during the North East Congress Coordination meeting, Jamir strongly urged the members that: “it is a grave mistake on the part of the government to have unconditional talks with the NSCN. They must be conditioned to accept Indian constitution. But if they refuse, NSCN should be declared as terrorist organization and befittingly dealt with”. The NSCN (IM) pointed out that when the government of India recognized the unique history and situation of the Nagas, where was Jamir and his accomplices.
TNL justifies action against Rev Shishak The Morung Express
Dimapur, September 25 (MExN): Making its stand clear on the excommunication of Rev Tuisem A Shishak from the community, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) today asserted that its decision was purely based on Tangkhul customs and that the Reverend was treated as any other Tangkhul citizen. A press statement issued by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Stephen Angkang, which comes as a response to the various writes ups by various organisations and individuals that appeared in the local media, affirmed that the Tangkhuls know best about Tangkhuls and Tuisem A Shishak.
Justifying its decision to excommunicate Rev Tuisem A Shishak, the TNL said that Shishak is like any other Tangkhul citizen and so when any Tangkhul citizen commits an offence, a befitting penalty is awarded and in such cases every person is treated equally in the eye of its customary law. Giving the rationale behind the excommunication, the TNL asserted that its decision, by all means, was rational since the writings of Shishak was condemnable. “We stand for our rights and dignity, history, politics, culture, custom and when we read the statement of TA Shishak word by word sentence by sentence in the House, it was found condemnable and the House, with all reasons, logic, reality took the action of excommunication and it is rational.”
The Tangkhul Naga Long affirmed that it respects the custom of other community and therefore called for respect of each other and at the same time, the TNL appealed to all section of the people not to politicize the matter or make it a ‘church’ issue.
AR patrol to drive out NSCNs Nagaland Post
Kohima, Sept 25 (NEPS): Close on the heels of factional standoff in the state capital and its surrounding areas, the 26 Assam Rifles led by Col. Gautam Ganguly Tuesday patrolled in areas where the underground activists were suspected to be camping. The Assam Rifles conducted the patrol to ensure that the activists vacated the areas.
Earlier on Monday, the chairman of both Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) Lt. Gen (Retd) R.V. Kulkarni, had served a vacation order to both the factions to leave the state capital and its surrounding areas before Tuesday morning.
Talking to NEPS, Co Ganguly said "We have already conveyed to them (activists) to leave the places as their presence in civilian-populated areas have made citizens restive." He also said the patrolling was aimed at driving out the activists, if there was any.
Rebels threaten Candian oil firm in northeast India AFP
GUWAHATI, India (AFP) — A separatist group in India's restive northeast on Wednesday warned Canadian and Indian oil firms against carrying out exploration work in the region. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-S.S. Khaplang faction), which is fighting for an independent tribal homeland for Nagas, threatened Canoro Resources Ltd and India's Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) with unspecified "action" if they start exploration work.
"We shall not allow any oil companies to extract crude or carry out other exploratory works in Nagaland without our permission," rebel spokesman Kughalo Mulatonu told AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location in the state. The two companies have signed a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) for exploration, development, and production activities in six blocks in Nagaland. "It is in the interest of the Naga people that we are taking such a step. Any attempt to violate our diktat would be dealt with sternly," the spokesman said.
Five of the six blocks are for exploration and the other a producing block at Changpang -- a field where ONGC suspended operations in 1994 following threats from Naga rebels. Changpang is expected to produce 1,000 barrels per day of crude. Rough estimates indicate that Nagaland has the potential to yield some 600 million tones of petroleum. The ONGC, India?s premier oil exploration firm, withdrew from Nagaland in 1994 after rebel threats. "We are committed to giving adequate security and protection to the oil companies," a senior police official said, asking not to be named. More than 30 rebel armies operate in India's seven northeastern states,
ANSAM throws down gauntlet Stand off over CAUCUS ’07 Newmai News Network Imphal, Sep 25 : All is not well in the relationship between the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) as the former has threatened to review its association with the latter in the event of the latter going ahead in organising the Caucus 2007 of the ATSUM.
ANSAM president Paul Langhu informed NNN tonight that if ATSUM goes ahead in conducting the Caucus 2007 on September 27 then the Naga students will not participate in the event. In this regard, ANSAM has conveyed to all its units and subordinate bodies not to participate in the programme. Paul Langhu said that ANSAM had approached ATSUM earlier to postpone the Caucus 2007 indefinitely but the latter refused to pay any heed. The Naga students leader stated that the relationship between the ANSAM and ATSUM executives may not be the same again if the apex tribal students’ body goes ahead in organising the Caucus 2007 on September 27. The ATSUM sponsored Caucus 2007 has been slated for September 27 at Kuki Inn in Imphal. Talking to NNN, All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) president Dr John Pulamte said that the Caucus 2007 will be held as scheduled on September 27.
Dr John Pulamte further stated that programmes have already been distri-buted and the organisers of the programme are all set to carry out the event. Given this situation, the damage is bound to occur with regard to the relationship between AN-SAM and the ATSUM
Combined security team clash with UGs at Keirao; Army celebration of India’s T20 triumph causes panic By : A Staff Reporter Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Sept 25: Firing of several rounds of gunfire at an army post apparently to celebrate India’s winning the Twenty20 World Championship caused panic among the local residents at Ningthoukhong while suspected militants ambushed a police team who had rushed to Keirao Mukting Laphupat to collect a dead body, in separate incidents that occurred in the state late Monday night.
Local residents of Ningthoukhong in Bishnupur district remained indoors the whole night after they heard several rounds of gun shots along with flashing of search lights at the Ningthoukhong post of the 15 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry at around 9.15 pm.
The firing sounds forced the locals to end their celebration of India’s victory as they assumed that an exchange of fire between the army and militants had occurred there. However, it was later known that the security forces were celebrating the victory. The firing without prior announcement to the public caused panic and people remained indoors the whole night due to fear of the usual reprisals, a local resident who did not want to be named said. Army authorities were not immediately available for comments on the firing incident by the personnel of the post.
Meanwhile, a heavy exchange of fire between well armed suspected militants and a combined force of police commandos and Assam Rifles occurred at around 10.30 pm last night at Keirao Mukting Laphupat some 10 km south east from Imphal.
The clash occurred when a team of Irilbung police rushed to the area on hearing some sounds of firing and on getting reliable information that some miscreants shot dead a man last night at Keirao Makting Laphupat under Irilbung police station.v A combined force of Imphal east commandos and Assam Rifles also rushed to the spot to reinforce the police team. The miscreants fired upon the combined force too resulting in a heavy exchange of fire for some minutes. No casualty was reported on the security side in the clash. The attackers escaped taking advantage of the darkness, the report added. Later, the bullet riddled dead body was recovered from a spot. The police assumed the man was shot dead by the suspected militants involved in the clash. Locals said that the man was brought there by the miscreants and shot dead.
In another incident, firing of guns near Thoidingjam Leikai along the Imphal-Ukhrul road was reported tonight at around 7 pm. No casualties were reported in the firing by suspected militants.
Myanmar protests could end in bloodshed or democracy The Morung Express
Members of the National League for Democracy join Buddhist monks in a protest against the military government in Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday, September 25. Monks have taken over leadership of anti-government protests that began over a month ago, leading marches for the past eight days that are the largest anti-government protests since a 1988 pro-democracy uprising was brutally suppressed by the military. (AP Photo)
YANGON, September 25 (Reuters): Huge protests against Myanmar’s junta will likely end in one of two ways, analysts say - the first genuine steps toward democracy, or a bloody crackdown all too familiar on Yangon’s streets. Chanting “democracy, democracy”, thousands of monks marched through the heart of Myanmar’s main city on Tuesday in defiance of a threat by the ruling generals to send in troops to end the biggest anti-junta protests in 20 years.
“The streets are lined with people clapping and cheering them on,” a witness said. There were no signs of soldiers around the Sule pagoda in downtown Yangon, the destination of a week of marches by the deeply revered maroon-robed monks. “The people are not afraid,” another witness said. “They are helping the monks and offering them drinking water.”
As on Monday, when up to 100,000 people came out to support them, the column of monks stretched several city blocks as they marched from the Shwedagon Pagoda, the former Burma’s holiest shrine and the symbolic heart of a growing campaign against 45 years of military rule. In a gesture of defiance, some waved the bright red “fighting peacock” flag, emblem of the student unions that spearheaded a mass uprising in 1988. That rebellion was eventually crushed by the army with the loss of an estimated 3,000 lives.
In an ominous reminder of what was a watershed moment in Myanmar’s history, vehicles mounted with loudspeakers toured the city earlier in the day blaring out warnings of action under a law allowing the use of military force to break up illegal protests. “People are not to follow, encourage or take part in these marches. Action will be taken against those who violate this order,” the broadcasts said.
The international community has pleaded with the generals to avoid another bloodbath, but the chilling message behind the legal language of the warnings was lost on nobody in the city of 5 million people. “I’m really worried about the possible outbreak of violence,” one street vendor said. “We know from experience that these people never hesitate to do what they want.”
After the massive crowds dispersed on Monday, state radio quoted Religious Affairs Minister Brigadier-General Thura Myint Maung as saying action would be taken against senior monks if they did not control their charges. He was also quoted as telling the State Monks Council the protests were incited by “destructive elements who do not want to see peace, stability and progress in the country” -- the junta code for the political opposition.
For the first time since protests against soaring fuel prices began a month ago, a small number of soldiers were deployed outside the gilded Shwedagon on Tuesday. The junta, one of the world’s most isolated regimes, has seldom listened to the opinions of others. “The regime has a long history of violent reactions to peaceful demonstrations,” Gareth Evans, head of the International Crisis Group think-tank, said in a statement.
“If serious loss of life is to be averted, those U.N. members with influence over the government are going to have to come together fast,” he said in a reference to China, Russia and India. Others urged the generals to address the grievances of Myanmar’s 53 million people who, in the past 50 years, have watched their country go from being one of Asia’s brightest prospects to one of its most desperate.
U.N. special envoy Ibrahim Gambari said he was praying the generals opted for compromise and dialogue with the monks and opposition party of detained democracy icon and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi rather than sending in the troops. “For the sake of the people of Myanmar, for the sake of neighbouring countries and for the sake of Myanmar’s place in the world, we certainly hope that the same reaction that took place in 1988 will not be the case now,” he told CNN.
Bush to focus on Myanmar
UNITED NATIONS, September 25 (Reuters): President George W. Bush is set to announce new U.S. sanctions against Myanmar over human rights as the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering of world leaders gets under way later today. Bush is one of the first speakers on a list that later features Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and diplomats will be watching to see if the leaders of the two bitterly hostile countries cross paths or exchange words.
But despite the United States leading efforts for more U.N. sanctions against Iran to curtail its nuclear program, Bush will only make a brief mention of Tehran in his speech, the White House said. “The speech is not about Iran,” spokeswoman Dana Perino said. “The speech is about liberation and how liberation from poverty, disease, hunger, tyranny and oppression and ignorance can lift people up out of poverty and despair.”
Bush will advocate supporting groups in Myanmar that are trying to advance freedom and announce new sanctions directed at key members of the military rulers and their financial supporters, said White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley. “He’s going to talk about the importance of continuing to support the humanitarian organizations that are trying to deal with the needs of the people of Burma on the ground,” he said, using Myanmar’s former name. “Our hope is to marry that internal pressure with some external pressure -- coming from the United States, the United Nations, and really all countries committed to freedom -- to try and force the regime into a change,” Hadley said.
Brown calls for tougher sanctions
LONDON, September 25 (Reuters): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged the European Union on Tuesday to take a tougher stance on Myanmar, saying sanctions against the military-led government should be tightened. In a letter to EU heads of state, Brown called for an immediate agreement to “warn the Burmese government that we are watching their behavior and that the EU will impose tougher sanctions if they make the wrong choices”.
Riot police moved onto the streets of Yangon, the main city of the former Burma, on Tuesday after a second day of mass protests against Myanmar’s military junta ended without incident. Tens of thousands of monks have led the peaceful demonstrations for democracy. “The unfolding human tragedy in Burma requires immediate international action,” Brown wrote.
He also wrote to the U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon saying: “We need concerted international action to discourage violence. We need to stand together”, and encouraged the U.N. special envoy to hold talks on the crisis as soon as possible.
China reaffirms nonintervention
BEIJING, September 25 (AP): China ruled out Tuesday getting involved in events in neighboring Myanmar, where the military junta has threatened to take action against a growing wave of pro-democracy protests led by Buddhist monks. The Myanmar protests have placed China in a difficult situation because Beijing is a key political backer of the regime and has extensive economic links with the military government.
However, in what was apparently China’s first official comment on the protests, Zhang Zhijun, a vice minister of the party’s International Department, said Beijing has had minimal contact with either side and would abide by its long-term policy of noninterference in the domestic affairs of its allies. “In our external exchanges, the party strictly abides by four principles ... there is one that is no interference in each other’s internal affairs,” Zhang told reporters at a news conference in Beijing.
Later Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu repeated China’s stance of noninterference. “We hope Myanmar and its people will take proper actions to resolve the issue,” she told a news conference. Admitting that protests have spread across the country, Myanmar’s rulers on Tuesday ordered Buddhist monks who have spearheaded the demonstrations to stay out of politics. “The stability of Myanmar serves the interest of Myanmar itself and the interests of the international community,” she said.
NSCN cadres asked to vacate Kohima Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, Sept 25 – Armed cadres of both the factions of the NSCN have been asked to leave the State capital Kohima and its surrounding areas immediately.

The vacation order was issued by Lt Gen (Retd) Ramesh V Kulkarni, who is the chairman of both Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) today, following a standoff between the heavily armed cadres of rival NSCN factions at Mezoma village, located in the vicinity of the capital on Monday morning. CFMG is monitoring the ongoing ceasefire with Government of India and NSCN-IM while CFSB monitors the ceasefire mechanism with NSCN-K. The vacation order was issued after the security forces and the state police reported the massive concentration of armed cadres of both the factions in and around Kohima to Gen Kulkarni. The situation was brought under control following the intervention of the village elders and the administration. According to witnesses, the warlike situation developed following the arrival of a large number of heavily armed NSCN-K cadres on Sunday at Mezoma village where armed cadres of the rival NSCN-IM were camping since last couple of days.

NSCN-K warns oil majors to stay away Threat to ONGC over exploration Nagarealm.com
Kohima, SEPT25 [TI] : The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland has threatened Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) and international oil companies with dire consequences if they carry out drilling operations in Nagaland, particularly in the Champang area of Wokha district. The outfit’s “finance minister”, Kughalu Mulatonu, said they would not allow any oil company to operate in Nagaland unless it obtains permission from the NSCN (K). “We won’t allow any oil company to operate in Nagaland without the consent of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland,” Mulatonu said over telephone from his hideout. He said oil companies were trying to exploit the ingenuous Naga people, adding that the outfit was ready to defend the rights of the Nagas.

He was reacting to news reports that the country’s premier oil company, ONGC, as well as some foreign companies were ready to resume oil exploration in the state, particularly in the Champang area. Mulatonu said no such company would be allowed to operate without the consent of landowners and the NSCN (K), warning them of dire consequences if they tried to do so. He accused the oil companies of trying to cheat innocent landowners. “They should respect the traditional rights of the Naga people,” he added.

After several rounds of discussions with landowners and residents of Wokha district, which ended in a deadlock, the state government and the oil companies are exploring several other avenues so that they can immediately resume their operations. ONGC was the first company to start activities in Nagaland. It had to suspend its oil exploration abruptly after a threat by the Naga militant outfits and Naga organisations, such as the Naga Students Federation.

The groups alleged that ONGC was exploiting the people without paying appropriate compensation to the government and landowners. The Neiphiu Rio government, however, is contending now that the state was losing out on crores of rupees each year, which could have been used for welfare programmes for the people.
ULFA may split due to fratricidal fights: army commander By IANS
Guwahati, Sep 26 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) may witness a split with internecine clashes on the upswing coupled with growing disenchantment among cadres who are either sick or dying in the jungles due to lack of medication, a top army commander Wednesday said. 'A split may ultimately take place in the ULFA with their leaders in Bangladesh and the cadres getting disillusioned and facing hardships following constant pressure from the security forces,' Lt Gen B.S. Jaswal, general-officer-commanding (GOC) of the army's Four Corps, told reporters here.
Jaswal is also the chairperson of the operational group of the Unified Command structure in Assam where a massive anti-insurgency operation is on against the ULFA. 'We have come to know from ULFA intercepts that there were instances of cadres being killed in clashes within the group, many of them suffering from malaria and typhoid and some even dying without medication in remote camps,' the corps commander said. In the ongoing military crackdown since January, some 109 rebels were killed, 1,295 apprehended, and 81 surrendered.
'There is a massive public outcry against the ULFA with locals lynching six militants in recent weeks... this is a strong indicator that people are no longer scared of the ULFA and there is a palpable revulsion against terrorism,' Jaswal said. He said the ULFA's strength had reduced to just about 600 to 700 although bases in Myanmar were giving the outfit an edge.
'The presence of ULFA camps in Myanmar does concern us as they are way beyond reachable distance. Having camps in Myanmar means they are getting a space for training and trading in weapons.' Jaswal said continuing anti-insurgency operations have 'marginalized the ULFA', leading them to act in desperation. 'ULFA leaders are being systematically neutralised with the outfit now in a desperate state and hence striking at soft targets,' the commander said.
'The synergy between the various security forces is pushing the ULFA into a pressure situation forcing many of them to give up.' The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland since 1979, is blamed for a wave of killings since January in which more than 100 people were killed, most of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers. 'The ULFA is best advised to announce a ceasefire by shifting to designated camps instead of wasting time. There is a life span for every terrorist and their days are numbered,' the officer stated.