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10/01/2007: "Cong asks NSCN (I-M) to revoke decree on Goa Governor The Hindu"



Cong asks NSCN (I-M) to revoke decree on Goa Governor The Hindu

Kohima, Oct. 1 (PTI): Nagaland Congress unit on Saturday urged NSCN(I-M) to revoke its decree against Goa governor and former state chief minister S C Jamir, barring him from entering the state and socially interacting with the people.
NSCN(I-M) had recently declared Jamir as anti-people and anti-national and barred him from all kinds of social interactions in the state with immediate effect.
The declaration had stated that in the interests of maintaining peace and order, Jamir has been barred from all kinds of social interactions and restricted entry into Naga soil.
This assumes political significance as Jamir is likely to come back to steer the opposition Congress to power in the state in the upcoming assembly elections at a time when dissident activity in the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government is at its peak.
NPCC president Hokheto Sumi told reporters here that issuing of such Azhas (decree) would not serve any purpose as it would not affect the party's position in the state.
Congress, he said, has been striving for peace and reconciliation in the state for many years and even the ceasefire between the Centre and the Naga underground groups came into effect due to the initiatives of the party.
The decree would not help either the individuals or the society, he said adding, if the declaration was a ploy in view of the assembly elections, then NSCN(I-M) was committing a wrong act.
NSCN(I-M) was believed to be behind the ousting of Congress from power in the 2003 assembly polls.
WSH demand eviction of Beisupuikam The Morung Express
Dimapur, September 30 (MExN): Barely a day after Inavi villagers were evicted from Intangki Reserved Forest on September 29, the Western Sumi Hoho today demanded the eviction of Beisumpuikam village from the reserved forest within twenty one days failing which it warned of an own course of action.
A press statement received here from the WSH president Hokiye Yepthomi, and general secretary Akavi Zhimomi said that the demand to the NSCN (IM) was arrived at an emergency meeting of the “western” Sumi frontal organization and concern senior leaders on September 29. It deliberated the situation arising out of the eviction of Inavi village from the Intangki area.
The statement said that the meeting expressed utter surprise as to how the NSCN (IM) ‘targeted the Sumis’ by displaying biasness, over the Zeliangrongs, who according to the WSH, are the ‘real violators’ that established Beisumpuikam within the reserved forest area
“The house deplored the NSCN (IM) bias action as short sighted and favoritism.”
The Hoho said that Inavi village, consisting of ‘various Naga tribes’ was established with the ‘strength of the state government’s letter.’ Till date there have been 23 evictions carried out against Inavi village both by the state government and NSCN (IM), however not a single eviction has been made against Bishumpuikam village despite the two villages being ‘in the same vicinity,’ the Hoho lamented.
The Hoho also said that the Tenyimi Central Union’s blanket support to the Zeliangrong’s ‘baseless claim’ of land ownership, is unjustified.
In this connection, the WSH demanded the NSCN (IM) to evict Beisumpuikam village within 21 days effective from the date of submission of this resolution, saying that both the villages fall within the declared national reserve forest area.
The WSH also appealed to the Naga civil bodies especially tribal hohos including Naga Hoho to visit the spot as to whether Beisumpuikam and Inavi village are in the ‘same position’ and as to whether the NSCN (IM) has done justice by evicting only Inavi village. Western Sumi Hoho also said that ‘in the interest of Naga national property,’ Inavi village may pave a way for the ‘national reserved area’ provided that the NSCN (IM) evicts Beisumpuikam village and other occupants within the said area.
Further, the release cautioned that in the event of failure by the NSCN (IM) to evict Beisumpuikam in equal yardstick applied to Inavi village, the “western” Sumi public general will decide its own course of action. It may be mentioned here that the so-asserted “western” Sumis had earlier cautioned both the State government and the NSCN (IM) over the planned move to evict Inavi village which is adjacent to Intangki Forest pointing out that there are many Naga tribes inhabiting the said village and also the fact that they are in possession of government’s permit for establishment of the village.
They had likewise made it clear to the NSCN (IM) in particular that, in the event the decision taken on September 22, 2007 by the cabinet council is implemented to evict Inavi village without evicting Beisumpuikam the Sumis “shall resist to the extent of physical confrontations and shall not bear the responsibility of the unwanted situation.” It was also maintained that Beisumpuikam village being an exchanged land ‘are all farce and concocted stories by the Zeliangrongs.’
NSCN-IM says it is in view of “common interest of Nagas”
Dimapur, September 30 (MExN): Asserting what it claimed is “commonly own (sic) properties,” including Intangki, the NSCN-IM today stated that it will not allow any individuals to claim or own land of the same irrespective of tribe “big or small notwithstanding.”
Making a particular reference to Intangki or for that matter, “any other commonly owned properties” a note from the NSCN-IM stated “It is to be strictly noted that with regard to Intangki or for that matter, any other commonly own properties, the GPRN is not going to stoop that low to allow any individuals to claim or own land irrespective of tribe, big or small notwithstanding.”
The NSCN-IM claimed that this statement is being issued “keeping in view the pragmatic aspects of the common interest of the Nagas.” The outfit explained that Nagas, bound by customary attachment of each tribe, “no Naga is landless, homeless and vagabond.” It expressed regret that there is a “tendency among some Nagas to misinterpret the meaning of ‘everything belongs to the people.’” Rather the exact meaning is “everything belongs to the individuals,” the outfit explained. It is unthinkable or unwise for the Nagas to think in terms of individual greed or advancement at “the cost of interests that speaks of the Naga nationhood and it is an obligation of every Nagas to stand by the common properties of the Nagas.”
The NSCN-IM also took note of the “attitude of some Naga leaders attached with Hohos or associations.” “No single step should be taken to encourage sneaking into some piece of land that does not legally or by customary law belongs to him or to his tribe. Fighting or arguing in the name of land that is none of their business should henceforth be abhorred” the NSCN-IM stated without naming who “their” was.
NSCN (IM) “arrests” 7 FGN cadres The Morung Express

Dimapur, September 30 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has informed what it said to have “arrested” seven FGN (accordist) cadres. A note from the MIP stated that seven FGN cadres were collecting “taxes.” The cadres said to have been “arrested” are ‘khapur’ Vinetso Lohe, “captain” Vevocho Tsukhamo, “corporal” Zhopra D Vadeo, “sergeant” Shezho D Vadeo, “captain” Akhoe D Vadeo (all from Sakraba village) and “2nd Lieut.” Theyieshi Sekha Mochomi of Poruba village and ‘Razu Peyu’ Avi L Mero of Chizami village.
The “arrest” was made on September 28 under the command of “major” Neipfupe Venhu, the outfit informed. The MIP stated that the cadres have been collecting taxes from villages like Thatsumi (Rs. 9500), Pfutsemi (Rs.4000), Chizami town (Rs.600) and Achumi village (Rs. 1800). The FGN has also been looting vehicles, the MIP added.

Dude! Where's the future?- Nagaland Post
Inspite of being in the world largest democratic government, the defini-tion of democracy seems to have missed its track by miles together. Social satirists have managed to transform the famous of the people, by the people, and for the people theory of Abraham Lincoln (Gettysburg Address) into the laughing invoking- of (f) the people, for (get) the people, and by (e) the people you can't blame democracy for its failure when the real villain is the person or persons whom you have elected. Democracy is the best means of development if the men at the top are accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. It is not enough that we have democracy just in name but we must make our democracy meaningful to the people, a living and vibrant medium that can deliver much better than any other system of government. It is high time that we first find out the roots upon which our Naga society is founded. Today Naga people are affected with a great number of diseases such as fears, the worst disease of all and we are all affected is by corruption and nepotism where dignity of labour disappeared and the traditional and individuality are all cast away day by day. We live in a fiercely competitive world where survival of the fittest is extremely relevant in the modem context.
No matter what the situation offers for its citizens the diabolic natures for the future generation remain unstable. But why does the story always end without any result? Killing, bribery, corruption, drudgery, extortion, rape and threatening of government officials and businessmen are some of the anti-social elements making headlines in every nook of our land. Isn't this a public line one's pocket through back doors. Complacency has been the enemy of progress. The people are thoroughly subjugated by a number of elements from outside and within us. Yet fear has become the overwhelming emotion in our land and no man, woman or child feel safe, and secure in their own homes, fields and towns. Moreover the turbulence of fear has restricted the mind of the people to come out merry-making or celebrate together like in the past. There is a tension in the air and carefree laughter has become rare.
It is also an ill-feeling to see large number of illegal immigrants occupying our land as a 'No-Men's' land so also our economy ever since they creep into our society. Do the Nagas really have thought about this? What kind of legacy prospects do the Nagas have? This is an issue where every Nagas need to study about, before the sun sunk down. Nagas really does miss out the benefits and advantages that are being reaped by others.
Our land, culture, economy etc, should not be polished by the people from outside as it is a mockery to us. Yet too much of politics and militants trade unionism and corruption in some places have also scared away many potential investors because of the chaotic political conditions in the state. And too much of democracy has also killed or enormously delayed development in the state for quite sometime the pressure of population and resulted to shortage of land is degrading the environment at an alarming rate. There are at times wrong conceptions among the people in which important factors like bio-diversity, ecological resources, human resources potential, indigenous skills and talents etc, of the people are being taken at a low weightage. Yet development without enhancing the human potential is meaningless. There is also a need to evolve improved methods within the existing systems of our economy itself so that better chance and opportunity lay in the hands of the locals.
In Nagaland in terms of flora and fauna, it's a tale of riches. In terms of topography, it's simply unique. If the reliable resources and economy of the state are inefficiently handed or burgled by other people then every activity of the Nagas as well as the government will be severely affected. Our limited capacity for generating internal resources puts us at an inherent disadvantage. All the resources being produced are taken a back seat. We cannot seek only short-term gains at the cost of outright destruction of our own economy to other people. We cannot lay bare and completely strip for we should not be a consumer alone, we need to be a producer as well. There is also a dire need for extensive research to be carried out in all sectors of our economy keeping in view the position, climate and condition of the mass.
It's sad that, we are yet to cope up with our contemporaries elsewhere in the country. The crux of the imbroglio lies in the government apathy towards generating awareness in society as to why our economy is needed for upliftment. This motivation is strongly missing because the government itself is not self-cultivated virtues instead of all those schematic or programme oriented suggestions and seminar. The knowledge revolutions are absolutely meaningless if it once again creates stratification of haves and have-nots as between the rich and the poor class, as among different sets of people in our state and as between urban Nagas and rural Nagas.
Kotso Medo, Dimapur
NSCN (I-M) cautions Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, SEPT 30 (NPN): Amid tension following the sweeping eviction drive carried out by the NSCN (I-M) on alleged encroachers inside the protected Intangki National Park on Saturday, the NSCN (I-M) today asserted the GPRN, NSCN (I-M), would not allow any individuals to claim or own land like the Intangki Park or any other commonly owned properties, irrespective of tribe, big or small notwithstanding.
The NSCN (I-M) in a press release issued by its MIP also said that it was unthinkable and unwise for the Nagas to think in terms of individual greed or advancement at the cost of interests that speaks of the Naga nationhood and that it was an obligation for every Naga to stand by the common properties of the Nagas.
“Surprisingly, the attitude of some Naga leaders attached with hohos or associations leave much to be desired. No single step should be taken to encourage sneaking into some piece of land that does not legally or by customary law belongs to him or his tribe,” the release said.
The NSCN (I-M) also said it was unfortunate that there was a tendency among some Nagas to misinterpret the meaning of “everything belongs to the people.”
“Rather, the exact meaning is ‘everything belongs to the individual,’” the release added.
Calling for a change of mindset, the NSCN (I-M) further said fighting or arguing in the name of land should henceforth be abhorred and instead, the spirit of sacrificing any piece of property towards fulfilling certain objectives of the Nagas should be developed as demanded by the “changed situation of strengthening our spirit or Naga nationhood.”
Rongmei Council clarifies to WSH- Nagaland post
The Rongmei Council Nagaland felt pertinent to make a clearance statement to all the general public, and the Western Sumi Hoho in particular relating to recent press release September 29 in a local daily caption, "WSH clarifies on land issue." This statement of clearance is made once and for all time so as any untoward volatile and distorted articles are avoided in near future.
We feel sorry to state that the recent unthought-of distorting statement published in press media pointing that the Rongmei of Zeliangrong migrated from other state to have created land dispute problem is provocative and has caused resentment and provoked the Rongmei community. For the reason, this statement is served to make things clear and abate the matter so that peace and harmony is maintain between the Sumi and the Rongmei community in particular and the Nagas in general. Hence we clarify the presumptuous and distorting statement that appeared in recent press release by Western Sumi Hoho. The Rongmei Naga were known as Kabui Naga not Zeliangrong at any time though Zeliangrong is composite name of three brothers tribes in which Rongmei is one. During the British regime, the Kabui who are endearingly called Rongmei fought and revolted the British in their own country. Subsequently the Rongmei faced the consequence for fighting the British in the name of Makam Gwangdi, Naga Raj(Naga Kingdom). Many Rongmeis lost their lives in the hand of British; many were put to forced labor under Sarker. Jadonang was hanged for leading the revolt which the British alleged as murder case to justify their act. The British made a brutal plan to suppress and totally subdue the Rongmei by means of executions and scattering the Rongmeis to far off distance places, to southward now in Silchar or Kachar hills, Assam and westward Naga hills District Assam now in Dimapur Nagaland. The Angamis, the Dimasas, few Ahoms and Bengalis knew the Rongmeis as one of the first settlers of Dimapur since British time. The community underwent series of suppressive treatments. Subsequently the Rongmei have learnt to live in suffering and learnt lessons to live as qualified citizens of the land. No more aggressive and warring as British and neighboring tribes like Kukis, Meiteis in time past termed us. Christianity has brought a significant change in the lives of the community since decades old. We have records of history and justice to speak for us in due time. We will remain true to our culture and principle to be truthful and loving to all humanity and treat all as brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord Jesus.
The Rongmeis who have been settled in Dimapur and Kohima since British time should not be termed with those who later migrated from Manipur at the call and general appeal of Namgahieng Chairman Zeliangrong Tribal Council during 1965s. Formation of Zeliangrong council took place in 1947 initiated by the Zeme of Nagaland Namgaheing and L.Lungalang. The Rongmei on brotherly terms cooperated and accepted the formation of Zeliangrong by merging of Kabui Samiti. Later after the attainment of Nagaland statehood in 1960s, the Zeme brothers curved out Zeliang and registered in the state as Zeliang tribe. Nevertheless the Rongmei endured all forms of suffering and deprivation for no reason of our own but only of prejudices and misapprehensions of other brothers. Not in any manner or whatsoever, the Zeliangrong from Manipur have initiated land issue or create related problem in Zeliangs' land and never will. It is never our people culture to illegally occupy someone's land. Some few sections of adventurous Rongmeis from Manipur came and settled in Kabeikamning now called Jalukie area. In the course of time, a good number of precious lives have lost in defending the land of Zeliang unnoticed and unrewarded. Till date, there is no Rongmeis' land in Peren District but all under the control of the landowners. The Rongmeis never grab or make any forceful occupation in someone's land neither cause trouble to others in matter of land. The land in dispute is the subject of Zeme of Zeliangs affairs. Never in time past and till date have the Rongmeis lead, instigate or cause dispute in Zeliangs' land. True to what we say, Zeliang will truly testify that the Rongmei have never grab or try to grab a portion of land but only occupied the allotted areas till date for settlement and with due acknowledgement of ownership as per Zeliang custom. We count that wherever Zeme or Liangmai brothers settled and rightfully occupied, are under the concern of the Zeliangrong people as a whole.
We therefore appeal to all concern to promote Nagas' unity and integrity by refraining from publishing unfounded truth or presumptuous impression on each others tribe but honorably consult, share and do things only that will bring mutual understanding and solution among ourselves. For any further clarification, we are ready all the time to prove for what we state.
James Akham, president Rongmei Council Nagaland.
NSCN (K) denies threat to Ministers, MLAs By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 30 – NSCN-K has described the claim made by Arunachal Pradesh Water Resources Minister Tako Dabi, who is also the spokesman of the Arunachal Pradesh Government that the insurgent groups had been threatening the Ministers and MLAs of the state as unfounded.

Dabi’s claim was published in a section of the print media as few days back. The Minister had claimed that the insurgent outfits had been threatening the Ministers and MLAs of the state, particularly those of the Tirap and Changlang districts for extortion.

In fact, said P Tikhak, Deputy Kilonser of the Ministry of Information and Publicity, Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland run by the NSCN-K, the legislators of Arunachal Pradesh had been paying to the underground outfits to achieve at their political goals.

For instance, Gegong Apang paid an amount of about Rs 15 crore to the NSCN –IM leader VS Atem to topple the Mukut Mithi Government through different people and at different locations before and after the toppling of the Mithi Government, said Tikhak.

He said that during his tenure as the Revenue Secretary of the NSCN-K –run Government’s Union Territory-III, under which Tirap and Changlang were placed, nothing in cash or in kind was received from any of the legislators by the outfit. Tikhak also made an appeal to the legislators of Tirap and Changlang to verify the statement of Dabi and also to make public statements about the real situation there in this connection.
We will safeguard common properties: NSCN-IM Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, SEPT30 [IFP] : The NSCN-IM has made it a point that it will not stoop low to allow any individuals to claim or own land irrespective of tribe, big or small with regard to the Intangki or any other commonly own properties.

"In this age of advancement where the Nagas also have been given a cognizance of its share, it is unthinkable or unwise for the Nagas to think in terms of individual greed or advancement at the cost of interests that speaks of the Naga nationhood and it is an obligation of every Nagas to stand by the common properties of the Nagas," an MIP release stated. The statement comes after unprecedented high tension following the sweeping action of GPRN in evicting the encroachers.

It may be recalled that about 500 hutments of Inavi village were burnt down by NSCN-IM cadres numbering about 150 led by steering committee members on September 29. Earlier on August 28, NSCN-IM burnt down 30 hutments of Zalukie Zangdi village and subsequently Zeliangrong Baudi organized a rally. However, the proposed rally was thwarted.

Following the incident, Tenyimi body declared that Zeliangrongs were the owners of Intangki. "Bound by customary attachment of each Naga tribe, no Naga is landless, homeless and vagabond. Unfortunately, there is a tendency among some Nagas to misinterpret the meaning of everything belongs to the people. Rather, the exact meaning is - everything belongs to the individuals," the release said. The NSCN-IM has expressed surprise at the claims made by `some Naga leaders attached with Hohos or associations` of land and maintained that the land does not legally or by customary law belong to him or to his tribe. "Fighting or arguing in the name of land that is none of their business should henceforth be abhorred," the release added and asked to change the mindset with the spirit of sacrificing any piece of properties towards fulfilling certain objective of Naga nationhood.
4 former Legislators make last ditch effort to topple DAN Govt Nagaland Page

Kohima, September 30: In an last ditch effort to bring down Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government, the 3 NPF legislators who had resigned from Assembly recently are campaigning in New Delhi seeking political parties' intervention.
K Therie, former Finance Minister and once a close buddy of Rio, who is leading the 3-member team told Nagaland Page this afternoon from New Delhi that they are meeting several top political leaders cutting across party lines to garner their support and consensus on the prevailing law and order situation in the state. "We are in Delhi to gain the support of the Central leaders," Therie said.
He said Nagaland deserves immediate attention of the Centre as law and order has deteriorated over the years and that people are victims of this situation under the leadership of Rio.
He said Nagaland ought to have attention of all political parties both UPA and the NDA so that Governor's rule could be enforced immediately. But he said political parties are often not in favour of imposition of central rule in any state, however he said for Nagaland it was a special case where such rule is applicable at this juncture.
Therie, Vatsu Meru and an independent MLA Khutovi Sumi are in Delhi meeting political leaders. They have not met UPA chairman Sonia Gandhi.
It is also understood that their visit to New Delhi is also to lobby for their entry in the Congress.
All the 4 NPF resigned MLAs and an independent MLA Khutovi Sumi have expressed their desire to join the Congress.
The legislators, who resigned, are Therie, Z Obed, Vatsu Meru and Yeangphong Konyak.
(Page News Service)
6 killed in Assam blasts Nagaland Post
Tinsukia, Sept 30 (Agencies): ULFA militants Sunday stepped up violence in upper Assam by exploding three powerful bombs in three places killing six persons and injuring at least 29 others.
Official sources said here that two persons were killed when a powerful bomb planted by the ULFA on a motorcycle near a cinema hall at Uchumati in Doomdooma town in Tinsukia district exploded. Fourteen persons who were nearby were injured in the blast.
In the second blast that occurred near Devipukhuri Tinali in Tinsukia town at around 5.45 pm near an electric transformer, two persons were killed and 17 injured.
Two of the injured succumbed to their injuries in the Assam Medical College Hospital at Dibrugarh. ULFA ultras also exploded a bomb on an Assam Gas Company pipleline causing extensive damage.
A huge fire engulfed the pipeline and senior officials have rushed to the spot.
Fire extinguishers have been deployed to douse the flame.
Commenting on the blast in Tinsukia, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, deputy inspector general of Assam police, said "most of the injured were either temple-goers or evening shoppers”. He said the bomb was probably concealed in a bag and kept on a parked bicycle.
"The condition of at least 12 of them is stated to be critical," the police official said. On the blast in Doomdooma, he said "In all probability, the rebel bomber (from the ULFA) who was carrying the explosive in a motorcycle, died in the blast. A civilian was also killed," a police official who declined to be identified said by telephone from Doomdooma.
"The condition of five of the injured is said to be critical."
"The blast on a pipeline transporting natural gas to tea gardens near Velukajan in Dibrugarh district ripped apart the pipeline and a massive fire erupted soon after. The fire has since been brought under control after gas supply was stopped," an Assam Gas Company Limited official said. Police blamed the three blasts on the outlawed ULFA.
The ULFA was earlier blamed for a string of attacks and explosions in Assam since January in which about 120 people were killed, most of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers.

Call it the big bluff Nagarealm.com
Judging by reports, New Delhi seems determined to go ahead with its efforts to develop the Northeast. Earlier too such noises had been made, particularly after major incidents of violence. This time, however, there is a difference. The Centre wants the region to enjoy the benefits of globalization in order to acquire capital and expertise from abroad so that the seven sisters and Sikkim would shine.


To sell these states to the foreign moneybags, minister for Northeast, Mani Shankar Aiyar, will lead a delegation of chief ministers to Bangkok in the first week of October. This event was preceded by another excursion to New York, this time by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the deputy chariman of the Planning Commission, for a four-day interaction with American businessmen.

The Centre has 50 thousand crore at its disposal for the purpose, but Aiyar feels that technical knowhow is required for the proper utilization of funds. Hence his decision to visit Thailand. This is not only consistent with the prime minister’s ‘Look East’ policy, but, Aiyar said, it is also in keeping with the issue of ethnicity. Belonging to the same Mongoloid stock as the Thais, people in the region, barring those in Tripura, should have no trouble in identifying with them.

However, a question crops up in this context and it is related to the issue of identity. Separatists in the region have always argued that they have little in common with the Indians on the mainland. The former prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi, had unwillingly given them a boost when he told a gathering in Kohima that he had brought with him friendship from the “people of India”. Now, by raising the same issue, the government is stoking the fire once again.

Sensitive issue It would be instructive for the government to remember that in 1979 the concept of “Seven Sisters’ United Liberation Army” had been adopted at a conference in Sibsagar, Assam, which was attended, among others, by the then ambassador of Thailand to India. That conference had been followed by anti-foreigner agitations in the region, particularly in Assam and in Tripura. Talking of Tripura, it will be interesting if Manik Sarkar or any of his ministers accompanies Aiyar to Bangkok. It was already known that Sarkar would not be going to New York. Mischief-makers in the Northeast often exploit the issue of ethnicity to create unrest in the region. Even if the Centre feels that no damage will be done by opening the doors wide, it must remember that the Northeast is sensitive towards notions of ethnicity and, therefore, must choose its words with care.

If Aiyar is expected to be the leading light in Bangkok, the New York show, titled ‘Incredible India @ 60’, had Montek Singh Ahluwalia as the chief guest. But what is expected to be achieved? What are the specific areas that can attract foreigners? Indeed Aiyar himself laid bare the sad state of the Northeast when he said that he will seek to rope in technology for infrastructure development in Bangkok. So if infrastructure is absent, then is there any need for the New York rich to fly in? Moreover, infrastructure implies roads, bridges and so on. Is it to be seriously believed that the job cannot be done with the resources available at home?

These are uncomfortable questions but they need to be raised. The first thing that an investor will demand is a conducive business atmosphere. The Northeast does not offer that. Otherwise, Indian investors would have been the first to jump in the fray. In New York, the tourism potential of the region was slated to be held up but could not a beginning have been made by first convincing domestic tourists that it is safe to travel there? The New York and Bangkok shows are publicity events where investors are bound to make polite inquires. But then what? [Sumanta Sen, TI]
ULFA strikes to show it still has power By IANS
Guwahati, Oct 1 (IANS) The separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has struck with a vengeance, killing five people and injuring more than 50 in a string of bomb attacks Sunday -- seen as a deliberate attempt to negate claims by top army commanders that the rebel group was wilting under pressure from security forces.
The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland since its inception 1979, has been facing major reverses since an assault on its camps by the Bhutan army in December 2003. But its biggest setback has been the capture of two of its high-profile commanders in recent months, the latest on Sep 17. 'I am not surprised at the renewed attacks by the ULFA because after the arrest of its top commander Prabal Neog by the Assam Police near Tezpur on Sep 17, the rebel group was bound to send out a strong signal that it was capable of striking like before,' Noni Gopal Mahanta, who heads the Peace and Conflict Studies Centre at the Gauhati University, told IANS.
Neog, 43, was the commander of ULFA's '28th battalion', known to be the most potent of its four fighting units. From its bases across the border in Myanmar's Sagaing Division, the hit-squads of the '28th battalion' roam the eastern Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar, attacking soft targets.
Last year, Mrinal Hazarika, who used to command the '28th battalion' before Neog, was captured from a hotel in Siliguri in West Bengal, along with three of his colleagues, jolting the ULFA's fighting unit.
During the past 12 months, beginning September 2006, the army's 2nd Mountain Division, based in eastern Assam, has neutralised scores of ULFA militants.
'We have neutralised 177 ULFA militants since Sep 24, 2006 including one battalion commander (Rajiv Kalita of the '27th battalion'), four company commanders, 10 action group commanders and seven experts in improvised explosive devices (IED),' an army official said.
On Sep 26, barely 10 days after Neog fell into the police dragnet, the General Officer Commanding of the Army's Tezpur-based IV Corps, Lt Gen B.S. Jaswal, told journalists here that the ULFA could well be heading for a split, unable to 'absorb the aftershocks' of the reverses it has faced in recent months.
It is true the ULFA has been at the receiving end since the temporary ceasefire with the government was snapped in September last year, but the rebel group has struck every time a top army general or an important government functionary makes 'gung-ho remarks'.
Before the latest serial bombings Sunday, the ULFA was blamed for a string of attacks and explosions across Assam since January in which about 120 people were killed, most of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers.
China completes its side of Stilwell Road Sentinel
KUNMING (China), Sept 30: Seeking to enhance people-to-people contact, China has completed the renovation of its side of the Stilwell Road, which was constructed during the World War II connecting India through Myanmar. The 1,726 km-long road — from Ledo in Asom to Kunming in China — was constructed under the leadership of American General Joseph Warren Stilwell to provide support to the Allied Forces fighting against the Japanese Army. It was later rechristened as Stilwell Road in his honour. However, movement through the road was discontinued after the war due to political reasons and natural calamities, which wiped away a large portion of it and several bridges.
“The Chinese side of the road is reconstructed as a six-lane highway up to the Myanmar border. If the road is reopened, it will be a good communication line between China and India,” Director of Information of China’s Yunnan Province Zheng Ming told PTI.
Sixty-one km of the road lies in India, 1,033 km in Myanmar and 632 km in China. Of the 61 km, 30 km lies in Asom and 31 km in Arunachal Pradesh, which is in deplorable condition. Though the long stretch of the road in Myanmar territory is in motorable condition, landslides often block the road.
Yangon is said to be reconstructing its portion of the Stilwell Road, with the deadline set for December 2007. However, the current political instability in that country might delay the project. India too is working for the renovation of the road falling in its territory — from Ledo to Pangsau pass on the Indo-Myanmar border — under the Special Road Development Programme of the Ministry of Surface Transport. “If the road is reopened, it will connect people of three nations. One can drive down from Beijing to Delhi in seven days,” said Yang Fuquan, Vice President of Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences. Besides, being of strategic importance, this could also help convert the area into a major trade hub of South-East Asia.
“China and India are two great nations with ancient civilization. If the road is reopened, it will strengthen relations between the two countries, and enhance people-to-people contact,” Zheng said. PTI
External Affairs Ministry urged to aid fencing work Indo Burma News
September 30, 2007: (The Sangai Express) Imphal, Consequent upon the cold shoulder response of the Myanmar Government to the initiative of the Union Government to take up border fencing work along Moreh sector for a length of 10 kms, the State Government has approached the External Affairs Ministry to take up the matter with the Government of the neighbouring country. According to an official of the State Government, the Myanmarese junta is not cooperative to the initiative of the Government of India to take up border fencing work for 10 kms along Indo-Myanmar border.
Manipur shares 350 kms of international border with Myanmar.
Unlike other international boundaries, there is no clear cut no man's land in the Moreh sector of the Indo-Myanmar border, noted the official adding that the State Government has approached the External Affairs Ministry to bring the Myanmar Government to an understanding so that border fencing work can be taken up.
To settle the impasse/misunderstanding between the two countries on boundaries and boundary pillars, the State Government has also written to the Centre.
According to the representation, the border dispute between the two countries may be settled under an arrangement in which some areas of Choro in Ukhrul district may be handed over to India while retaining the area of Tamil Mandir in Moreh, disclosed.




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