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10/04/2007: "Four die in rebel feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"



Four die in rebel feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, Oct. 3: Bullets continued to fly from either side of the NSCN divide in Nagaland today, claiming four lives in the state capital and keeping residents of another militant-infested town on the edge. Two members of the rival Isak-Muivah group and as many civilians were shot by militants of the rival Khaplang faction at AG Colony on the outskirts of Kohima in the afternoon. The victims were headed for the town in a jeep when they were ambushed.
Another civilian was critically wounded in the firing. Police said none of the persons in the vehicle was armed. There was also heavy exchange of fire between the NSCN (I-M) and a combined force of the NSCN (K) and the Naga National Council in Phek town, about 150km from Kohima. There was no casualty in that incident, but the police admitted that law and order in the town had reached breaking point.
The NSCN (I-M) members who died in the Kohima ambush were Kevetso Kezo and Avoyi Puro. Avoyi’s brother Vechikho and an acquaintance, Kuzhongoyi Puro, were the other victims. The injured man, Bedivo, is the vice-president of the Kikurma unit of the Nagaland People’s Party. The police said the slain quartet and the wounded person were from the same village, Kikurma in Phek district. The ambush coincided with a meeting between government officials and NSCN (I-M) representatives in Dimapur town to discuss violations of the ceasefire.
The convenor of the militant group’s ceasefire monitoring cell, Phungthing Shimrang, said that the meeting was convened to remove the misgivings and misunderstanding that had cropped up between the two sides. He said the government and the NSCN (I-M) — not for the first time — had agreed to implement the ground rules of the truce “in totality”. Representatives of the militant group asked the Assam Rifles and other central agencies to stop aiding and abetting the activities of the Khaplang group, with which it has been engaged in a fight for supremacy since the NSCN split in 1988. Assam Rifles officials told the NSCN (I-M) they had never taken sides. The NSCN (K) demanded the immediate release of eight members who were arrested by the Assam Rifles and the police in Zunheboto town, 160km from here, yesterday. One of its kilonsers (ministers), Kughalu Mulatonu, said the arrested members were guards of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board office and there was no question of their violating the ceasefire.
Gunmen kill 4 in broad daylight Morung Express News
Kohima Four persons, which included a cadre of the NSCN-IM, a former member of the NSCN-IM, a student leader and a civilian were killed, while a politician sustained bullet injurious when the vehicle in which they were traveling was ambushed by unidentified gunmen at AG colony, near the Agriculture directorate, Kohima this afternoon. Source said the five of them were returning from the Agriculture directorate in one Mahindra jeep (NLN 1474), when unidentified gunmen spray bullets from the front, killing four of them on the spot and leaving another injured.
Although, the actual reason of killing could not be ascertained, police suspected that it could be faction-related. The four persons were identified as Avoyi Puro, “second lieutenant” of the NSCN-IM, Kevetso Kezo, a former Leacy of NSCN-IM, Vechikho Puro, Games and Sports secretary of the Chakhesang Students’ Union and Shrivasri Kezhongoyi Puro Chairman, Village Education Committee RD Block, Kikruma while the injured person was identified as Beduvo Vero, vice president of NPF of Kikruma R.D Block unit. All the deceased and the injured belong to Kikruma village, of Phek district. The bodies of the four persons have been handed over to relatives.
Meanwhile, five cadres of the NSCN-IM reportedly joined NSCN-K today from village Mezoma where they were camping. The five defected cadres were identified as “Sgt. Maj.” Aliba Sangtam, “Sgt. Maj.” Atoka Sema, “Sgt. Maj.” Chibo Lotha, “Corpl.” Hekiye and “Sgt.” Joy Newmai. NSCN-K source said the five cadres defected with one M21, one AK 56, 4 SLR and several rounds of ammunitions.
Total breakdown of law & order: Therie DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 3 (MExN): Strongly condemning the killing of Shrivasri Kezhongoyi Puro Chairman, Village Education Committee RD Block, Kikruma, Kevetso Kezo, Nuvotso (Avo) and Vechikho, Secy, Games and Sports, Chakhesang Students Union and injuring Beduvo Vero, former MLA K Therie representing Pfutsero constituency expressed sorrow and pain with the bereaved children, widows, parents and family members. “This is an irreparable loss caused to the family members and the community. May the Grace of God be with the family members and comfort them in these painful hours of tribulation”, Therie stated in a press note describing today’s gruesome incident as a “breakdown of law and order”.
“To stop such incidents, I have been voicing against the weakness of the State Government both in the Assembly and outside, but, DAN Government has refused to listen and act. They are responsible for the deaths. Killing innocent civilians cannot be forgiven”, Therie stated while appealing to the Police to register FIR and bring the culprits to book.
Lamenting that such killings have occurred in the State capital barely a day after we observed International Day of Non-violence, Therie held the DAN Government and in particular the Home Minister of Nagaland responsible for failing in their moral duty to provide safety and security to the people of Nagaland. “However, they will shamelessly stick to their chair knowing their failure. The people hold DAN Govt. and Home Minister responsible for factional war at Phek in his home district Hq”, Therie added. He also stated that in respect to Chairman Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, if no suggestion of his is honoured by the factions and GoI in implementing the Ceasefire Ground Rules in ten years time and violations continue, the Chairman “knows best what he should morally do to the people of Nagaland”.
Stating that the patience of the Governor of Nagaland in tolerating all these recent developments after taking over as the Constitutional Head in the state and not forgetting the past 9 years’ history of bitter experiences passed on to him, Therie stated that these are enough evidences to take action to either invoke Art.356 or Art.371(A) Clause (b).
“I therefore urge His Excellency, the Governor of Nagaland either to invoke the provision to protect the citizens from internal disturbances as is promised in the Constitution or else recommend to the GoI for consideration of the case in the proper forum. Let Parliament discus the situation. The People of Nagaland will be happy to accept the verdict of Parliament, whatever it may be”, Therie reiterated.
Is Nagaland heading for President’s Rule? Bonnie Konyak The Morung Express
Following a chain of violent incident taking place across the State, today’s gruesome encounter in the State Capital Kohima which killed four persons in broad daylight will give a strong case to those who are advocating the imposition of President’s Rule in the State. Former Finance Minister in the DAN government and ex-NPF MLA K. Therie after having failed to topple the Neiphiu Rio Ministry has now shifted attention to Delhi lobbying hard for the imposition of Article 356 citing a “breakdown of constitutional machinery in a State”. Significantly given the fluid political situation, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is away in Bangkok attending the Northeast Investment Week in the Thai capital.
Mention may be made here that the Governor had already turned down an earlier demand for PR pointing out then that he did not see substantial reason to apply Article 356 in Nagaland. Governor Shankaranarayanan stuck to the rationale that he “will go according to the Constitution”. But recent developments within the State appear to have strengthened the case of Therie and those advocating Central Rule ahead of state assembly elections early next year.
Therie disclosed to The Morung Express that the Central Congress party was not against the imposition of Article 356. However it was the allies that needed to be convinced who were maintaining that there was no real reason according to the coverage in the national news papers to qualify for such an imposition. Therie said that they had met up with other political parties like to the DMK and the CPM and was trying to ‘educate’ them of the special case of Nagaland while informing political parties in New Delhi that the situation in Nagaland was not favourable for holding elections.
Speaking from Delhi, Therie expressed immense concern for the deteriorating situation in Nagaland. He spoke out on the deteriorating law and order and the ‘indifferent attitude’ over the numerous episodes of violence in the State saying ‘our villages are burning’ while the people were fighting for party tickets and worried about election. He was referring to the razing of Jalukie Zangdi and Inavi village at Intangki by the NSCN (IM) which according to him was the most recent instance of the break down of law and order in the state invariably adding weight to his argument with the Central government. Briefly touching on the NSCN (IM) diktat against Goa Governor Dr. S C Jamir, Therie communicated regret over the turn of event saying “Do you think this is in the interest of the Nagas?”
Substantiating reasons for the imposition of Article 356, Therie said that President Rule would ensure the presence of a neutral government and thereby create a conducive atmosphere so that all the factions can come to the negotiating table without the hurdle of a “patronizing government”. Referring to the NSCN (K), he said that one faction of underground was not coming in for negotiation because of the patronization of the other and therefore a neutral government was necessary for reconciliation, Therie opined.
It may be mentioned that K Therie, Vatsu Meru and Khutovi had set off for Delhi on September 23 to meet with the Congress high command with intentions of meeting United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Shivraj Patil and impress upon them the urgency for “change” in what was described as a “strife-torn situation”. Therie also disclosed that another issue in the agenda was the setting up of a ‘Ceasefire Fund” for the Undergrounds to stop the factions from collecting taxes from the people and thereby relief the burden of the people. “We have to do justice to our people” said Therie.
Meanwhile, a news report carried in the Telegraph today confirmed the move of Therie and others demanding imposition of President’s rule in the state before the elections. The report stated that the “Congress has adopted a wait-and-watch policy over the party’s position in the hill state”. The report also made the startling disclosure quoting an AICC leader who said “Rio was willing to join the Congress and while the central leadership was not opposed to this plan, the state unit was unwilling to accept his leadership”. The report also stated that the “Chief Minister has of late lost support from sections within his party”.
NSCN (IM) threatens to end Ceasefire Morung Express News
Dimapur The NSCN (IM) today threatened to pull out of the Cease Fire if the Assam Rifles continued to use ‘arm-twisting’ tactics to distort the image of what it called “Naga nationalists.” Speaking to media persons after the emergency meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group at Circuit House, Dimapur today, the convener of the CFMC, Pungthing in resentment of “Indian Army’s continual interference” stated, “Let them continue to have political discussions out there (Delhi), and let us fight here”. He said that the Government of India needed to take a stronger stand on the various manipulations of the Assam Rifles and questioned whether the Government of India or the Army was ‘bigger.’ Pungthing also accused the GoI of saying one thing and the army another, twisting things to make the Nagas look like ‘the villain and the bad boys.’
The convener said that the civil societies carrying out peace initiatives, needed to look deeper into the matters instead of merely looking on from outside and pressing the different groups from time to time to unite. He expressed that there might not be so much differences between the ‘Naga brothers’ and opined that if the AR was made to stop their tactical instigations, uniting different factions would not be very difficult. “Once they stop, between two brothers, it won’t be hard”, he emphasized.
Saying that the NSCN (IM) fully endorsed the peace initiatives by civil society Pungthing, however expressed regret that they had not been able find the real culprit. He said that the Naga people should be able to look into it and tell them clearly. “Naga people should ask them courageously what is the ‘peace’ they were talking about. Is it peace through force?” Pungthing queried adding that external forces would always try to use local groups to bring about disturbances. He said that unless the root cause of the issue is addressed, the confusion and misconception of the people would continue to culminate in proxy wars, turmoil and confrontation around the state. Pungthing accused the Assam Rifles of instigating the conflict between the different factions to make Naga look ‘like very aggressive against each other,’ later descending upon the fighting groups to make themselves look like the peacemaker. Referring to the NSCN (IM) and the AR stand-off at Sakhalu, Pungthing said that it was the Army which had tried to ‘wash off their error’ by arresting the NSCN (K) cadres which would only aggravate the situation by making it look like the AR were extending tactical support to them. “It will not solve the issue but in-fact spark-off into something worse”, he said.
The convener said that the issue of the Zunheboto confrontation was still a ‘tussle’ between them and no resolution has been arrived at. The same was confirmed by the IGAR representative, Brigadier Bhobendar Singh, as he very briefly spoke to the press following the lunch after the meeting. Apparently there was a slight misunderstanding between the parties as the Brigadier said that the matter being still unresolved, another meeting was going to be held after the lunch, however Pungthing and the others of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell denied any such meeting and left soon after lunch. Meanwhile the PI Cell of HQ IGAR (North) informed through a release that the emergency CFMG meeting was convened by Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) RV Kulkarni with the primary agenda to discuss the unauthorized concentration of NSCN (IM) cadres at Sakhalu which has vitiated peace and created fear psychosis among the locals.
Kulkarni is said to have informed the NSCN (IM) that Sakhalu is not a designated camp. The presence of NSCN (IM) in the area is a cause of concern highlighting that the guidelines laid down for establishment of a designated camp and the same should be observed if NSCN (IM) wants to establish a camp in the area. He is said to have asked NSCN (IM) cadres to leave the area in the interest of maintaining peace to which the NSCN (IM) reportedly did not commit any response but informed that they would respond after consultation with their senior leaders.
‘Azha’: State bureaucracy asks govt to step in The Morung Express
Kohima, October 3 (DIPR): The state’s bureaucracy is to plead the State Government to intervene to take action for immediate withdrawal of the NSCN-IM’s decree against one of Nagaland’s senior-most state officials, principal secretary Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS. So far the state government has been maintaining silence, yet again. They are also to seek protection and security for all government employees.
All administrative heads and heads of departments met today at the Civil Secretariat to deliberate the underground outfit declaring Alemtemshi as “anti-people” over the controversial booklet ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ A copy of the resolutions taken during the meeting was received from the Principal Secretary of P&AR and Home Commissioner, Nagaland.
The state bureaucracy deliberated at length and decided that the terms “anti-people” and “anti-national” is not only unacceptable but also misleading and unfair to the officer in particular and bureaucrats in general. “The House unanimously condemned the declaration. It was also felt that in any democratic set up bureaucrats have to work with political executives, not by their own choice, but as a part of the Government system to carry out the policies and programmes of the Government in power” the bureaucrats reminded all in concern. “It is unfortunate that a senior bureaucrat has been singled out in this manner” the meeting lamented.
The officials agreed as fact that Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS, has been one of the exemplary officers who had been serving the people and the Government for the last thirty years with sincerity and devotion and with distinction. “Such declarations would demoralize not only him but the Government officers in general who are already working under very difficult circumstances” the meeting stated and unanimously decided to request the State Government to take necessary action for immediate withdrawal of the declaration and to ensure protection and security of Government employees.
‘Revoke decree against economic architect’ Dimapur, October 3 (MExN): The NSCN-IM is urged by Khonoma’s Gwizantsu clan to withdraw the “decree” on principal secretary Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS, stating that he is the architect behind the rapid economic growth Nagaland is experiencing today. “…Shri. Alemtemshi is the architect behind the rapid economic boom that is experiencing in Nagaland today; he is also credited for encouraging and molding many Naga entrepreneurs and hence it is unfortunate that a dedicated officer of his stature is labeled as anti-Naga” the Khonoma village’s Gwizantsu clan stated in a note issued by its executives. The clan was of the strong opinion that Alemtemshi should not be responsible for “disagreement” on the booklet ‘Bedrock of Naga society’ since he was not the author of the same. In the interest of justice and the welfare of the people, the clan has urged that the “decree” be withdrawn by the NSCN-IM.
Shurhozelie defends Alemtemshi, requests NSCN (IM) to review Azha Dimapur, October 3 (MExN): NPF President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu appealed to the NSCN (IM) to review their decision against state bureaucrat Alemtemshi Jamir, saying that the bureaucrat should not be entangled in the controversy surrounding the publication of the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ by the NPCC in the year 2000. A press statement issued by Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that the Congress party and all its members in Nagaland should be held responsible for what was written in ‘Bedrock of Naga Society.’ He said that a bureaucrat, as a government servant has the bounden duty to work with any political party that is in power during any given period of time and act as they are directed by the politicians ruling the state.
“I do not know to what extend Mr Alemtemshi Jamir got himself involved in the drafting of the booklet,” said Shurhozelie, “Even if Mr Alemtemshi got involved in the drafting of the booklet I still believe that he must have acted upon as per the directive of the party in power during that given period of time.”
In this regard, Shurhozelie expressed his honest feeling that the bureaucrat should not be entangled into the controversy regarding the NPCC booklet. He also appealed to the NSCN (IM) to review their decision and revoke the ‘Azha’ ‘as a reciprocal action to this request’.
FGN no more existing as peoples’ group’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, October 3 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today said that the FGN does not exist as a peoples’ group since looting and force collection of tax is no way to rebuild its fallen image. An NSCN (IM) MIP press release received here said that the FGN, unfortunately, through historical blunder, “does no longer exist as people’s group”. “Action speaks of its identity and FGN has fallen in the wayside desperately trying to make its presence felt. But looting and force collection of tax is no way to rebuild its fallen image,” the release stated. In this connection, the release said that the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) know the FGN ‘from close angle’ and that ‘its’ decision not to support the FGN was therefore, ‘taken in correct perspective’. “ No fooling around in sheep’s clothing but facing the reality of the Naga political movement by retracting its nonsensical utterance that is nothing but false obsession with Naga national interest,” the MIP stated.
DAN blamed for killings Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Oct 3 (NPN): Former Finance Minister K. Therie Wednesday held the State government, in particular Home Minister Thenucho, responsible for Wednesday’s killings of the four persons in Kohima.
Condemning the killings , Therie in a statement demanded that police arrest those who were behind the ambush. He alleged the DAN government and the Home Minister had failed “in their moral duty” to provide safety and security to the lives and properties of the people.
He lamented that his persistent criticism of the government on the law and order front had fallen on deaf ears as government did not initiate any measures to improve the situation. He said though the government and the Home Minister knew their failure in protecting the lives and properties of the citizens, yet they would continue to “shamelessly stick to their chair”. He reminded that the people held DAN government and the Home Minister responsible for the factional war in Phek district headquarter.
Therie also said the Chairman of CFMG and CFSB, Lt. Gen. (Retd) RV Kulkarni must know what he should morally do to the people of Nagaland if his suggestions were not honoured by the factions and Government of India in implementing the ceasefire ground rules and the violations continued.
He said the recent developments as also the nine years history of “bitter experiences” passed on to the incumbent Governor were enough evidences to take action by invoking either Article 356 or Article 371(A) Clause (b).
Therie urged the Governor to invoke the provision in order to protect the citizens from internal disturbances or recommend to the Government of India for consideration of the case in the proper forum. “Let Parliament discus the situation. The People of Nagaland will be happy to accept the verdict of Parliament, whatever it may be,” he added.
Nine die in rebel attacks in India AFP
GUWAHATI, India (AFP) — Five paramilitary troopers and four tribal separatists were killed in two attacks in India's restive northeast, police said. Armed militants of the People's Revolutionary Army of Kangleipak (PREPAK) ambushed a paramilitary convoy late Wednesday in hills some 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Manipur state capital, a police spokesman said.
"The convoy was on a routine patrol when they were ambushed," the paramilitary unit's chief S.K. Jain told AFP. PREPAK, which is fighting for an independent homeland for the majority Metei community, claimed responsibility.
"Our armed wing, the Red Army, planned and executed the attack," said a rebel spokesman, local newspapers reported. More than 19 militant groups in Manipur, which borders Myanmar, are making demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy. In neighbouring Nagaland state, four rebels of a faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) were killed Wednesday in an attack by a rival faction, police said.
Two bystanders were also wounded. The NSCN factions are engaged in a fight over territorial supremacy in Nagaland. The NSCN wants an independent homeland for Nagas. More than 50,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in the northeast since India's independence in 1947.
ULFA, NSCN providing support to smaller outfits By R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 2 – Despite counter-insurgency operations by the Police, Army and central paramilitary forces, new militant outfits are cropping up in Assam with every passing year and what is interesting is that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the NSCN are playing the role of “big brothers” to most of the smaller outfits. Formed in 1979, the ULFA is still strongest of the militant outfits active in Assam and several attempts to bring the outfit to the negotiation table failed to yield the desired results. Of course, of late, the ULFA suffered several major setbacks because of arrests of senior members, but the ULFA is still considered to be a major force with the capacity to create disturbance. The worst of the setbacks received by the ULFA in recent years was the operations against the outfit in Bhutan in December, 2003, in which the general and central headquarters of the outfit were smashed and a number of important members were nabbed. The hopes for a negotiated settlement with the ULFA soared in 2005 with the outfit forming the people’s consultative group (PCG) to hold initial parleys with the Government to pave the way for direct talks, but the process ended in a deadlock last year.

The level of violence in the Bodo dominated areas of Assam came down after the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) signing a ceasefire pact with the Government of India to solve the problems through dialogues, but formal talks on political issues with the outfit are yet to begin, which raised doubts on the possibility of immediate solution to the problem.

Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that majority of the smaller outfits, which cropped up in recent years, have the backing of the ULFA or the NSCN as the big outfits started to help the smaller ones because of tactical reasons.

According to police sources, among the smaller outfits, the Black Widow group, active in the North Cachar Hills, is considered to be one of the strongest and the terrain in the hill district also puts the outfit in a favourable position. The Black Widow group, also known as the DHD (J) was formed in June, 2004 after the DHD signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government to come for talks and police believes that the group has a cadre strength of around 150 members. The Black Widow group has the backing of the NSCN (I-M), which is under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India for the last ten years and in recent times, the outfit has been creating terror in the hill district. The acts of violence by the members of the outfit delayed the implementation of the mega gauge conversion project of the Railways, forcing the Government of India to rush additional forces to the district exclusively to guard the work sites. The members of the outfit also launched several attacks on the members of the DHD in recent times and even killed the chief executive member and one executive member of the NC Hills district council, forcing postponement of the polls to the Council. The slow progress of the peace talks with the DHD also helped the Black Widow group to increase its strength as several members of the DHD switched over to the breakaway faction.

The KLNLF, formed in May, 2004, is also turning out to be potent force, particularly in the hill district of Karbi Anglong. Police sources said that the KLNLF was formed after the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) came forward for talks with the Government. However, with the peace talks with the UPDS yet to yield positive outcome, the KLNLF is gaining ground and according to records available with the police, the outfit now has more than 120 cadres. Initially, the activities of the outfit were limited mainly to kidnappings for ransom as the members of the outfit even kidnapped tea executives from the areas bordering Karbi Anglong, but of late, with active support from the ULFA, the outfit has increased the level of violence in Karbi Anglong. Police pointed out that the ULFA started helping the KLNLF to establish bases in the hill district and the recent mayhem of killing of Hindi speaking people in Karbi Anglong were mostly joint operations by members of both the outfits.

Police sources said that the All Adivashi National Liberation Army (AANLA), formed in the last part of 2004 with the aim of achieving the status of Scheduled Tribes and the outfit has around a hundred cadres. The members of the outfit are active mainly in the tea belt in the districts of Golaghat, Jorhat etc and the activities are limited mainly to kidnappings for extortions. The strength of the outfit increased considerably after it started receiving help from the NSCN. Police said that according to information available, the AANLA and NSCN even signed an agreement to help each other and the training from the NSCN helped the cadres of the Adivashi outfit to a great extent. Police believes that the NSCN started helping the AANLA only to increase its domination in the areas bordering Nagaland, as the Naga outfit has been demanding creation of greater Nagalim with inclusion of areas of Assam.

Though several outfits including the United Liberation Army of Barak Valley are active in the Barak valley districts, the activities of the outfit are limited mainly to extortions and a few kidnappings.
Thailand for better access to North East From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
BANGKOK, Oct 3 – The first-ever North East India Investment Opportunities Week concluded on a promising note with at least eight MoUs being sealed, even as the Thais called for better accessibility to the Region. Agriculture and road construction sectors have emerged as the key sectors, hot favourite with the Thais, if the number of MoUs and handshaking are any indication. The Thai entrepreneurs were interested in horticulture products, agriculture produce, tea, bamboo and tourism.

Government of Assam is facilitating negotiations between three State-based construction companies and Thai equipment suppliers.

An official of Assam Government told the Feedback Session that they are expecting at least 10-12 MoUs between local entrepreneurs and Thai companies. The most significant of the deal yet could be between State’s Inland Water Department and Thailand’s department of Marines. Assam Government was looking for an engineering solution to dredging and channel marking of Brahmaputra River. A delegation of Thai department is likely to visit Assam to evaluate the project. The official said they would like to involve the private sector in developing the jetties. Day Three of the Summit was encouraging to the DoNER Ministty and Indian Chamber of Commerce as reports tickled in of entrepreneurs and public sectors undertaking making hopeful beginnings. The summit was attended by 280 entrepreneurs from India and 150 Thai businessmen.

DoNER Minister Mani Shanker Aiyar presided over a feedback session attended by senior Thai officials of Department of Commerce and Indian officials, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, DD Lapang, Secretary Sushma Singh, besides the entrepreneurs. The Minister summed up the three-day by asserting that a beginning has been made. If the volume of trade between North-east and Thailand increases then DoNER Ministry might explore the possibility of deputing an official in the Indian embassy in Bangkok.

The power sector, however, had few takers as the Thais were not keen on getting into multi-million projects and were looking for only smaller hydropower projects. The National Hydro Power Corporation offer of 51 percent equity in power projects in Arunachal Pradesh had no takers. They were looking for Rs 14,000-15,000 crore investments, promising a guaranteed equity return of14 percent. The Thai Old Construction Equipment Suppliers have emerged as the most sought after group, as entrepreneurs mostly from Assam were looking for used equipment in road construction. National Highway Authority of India is pumping in Rs 50,000 crore for construction of roads.
Six contractors including five from Assam and one from Nagaland were negotiating with Thai counterpart for joint ventures for sell and use of construction equipments.

An entrepreneur from Assam is likely to sign a deal with a Thai company to supply fly ash and tiles to Thailand, while another group was in negotiation with a Thai hotel chain to set up a hotel in Sivasagar in joint venture. The financial institution NEDFI and India Thai Business Forum (ITBF) signed an MoU to facilitate promotion of business. The two agreed to set up information cell in each other's country, to identify potential entrepreneurs and coordinate with respective governments. The two sides also agreed to meet once in every six months. The Sikkim Government was in 'serious negotiation with a Thai company to set up casinos and five star hotels in the State. The Government of Meghalaya was negotiating with Thailand's department of Horticulture for technical know-how, capacity building, training, and packaging. Medicinal plants, roses and strawberry were identified as potential export items. A businessman from Manipur signed a deal for exporting sticky rice and another was in negotiation for supply of bamboo incense sticks and furniture manufacturing.

However, the most luring offer came from a top official of Thailand's Department of Commerce, who said that his country could be very interested to import vegetables and fruits from North-east instead of China, once the Free Trade Agreement comes in force, scheduled late this year. The deputy Director general said that Thailand imports lot of agriculture produce from China, but they have discovered that these items are very cheap in North-east. Once the FTA is completed the North-east would have advantage over China.

The country’s Director General Trade, Chutima offered the most significant suggestion stating that the biggest hurdle was very little was known about the Region in Thailand. A lot of business companies including some construction giants came to us and said the Summit was an eye opener for them.

“The most common question was how do I get there and is there any means to ascertain and see what the Region has to offer,” the official said quoting the Thai investors.
The Thai construction companies wants to do business in North-east because they see a lot of potential. But who do we go to seeking information, she asked, suggesting that Ministry DoNER should set up a focal point.
Leash the Army Edityorial The Morung Express
Imagine a hypothetical scenario in the world’s largest democracy India when the Prime Minister is removed from office, Parliament is dissolved, the Constitution is suspended and the judiciary is also relieved of duties. Likewise, government offices are ordered closed and all permanent secretaries have been ordered to report to the army headquarters in place of their Ministers. While this is only an imaginary, such incidents of the armed forces taking over power from civilian rule has happened in other countries including India’s close door neighbours and most recently in Thailand.
Taking the above context and given the fact that parliamentary democracy in India has matured to the point of having a strong edifice of civilian rule, it was quite astonishing and at the same time disturbing to listen to the remarks made by the new Indian Army Chief who while stating that the bloody crackdown by Myanmar’s military junta against pro-democracy protests was an “internal matter”, went to the extent of adding that India’s army, which is battling numerous insurgencies in the remote northeast bordering Myanmar, favours a “good relationship” with the military junta.
It is quite unbecoming for a General in uniform and more so in a polity like India, to publicly project a policy stand and that too on a central issue and thereby abrogating to the military on what should in essence be the mandate of the duly elected government of the day. In this regard, even the UPA government has been extremely cautious in its response given the sensitivity of the matter and also given the future consequence for the country’s own relations with its neighbors and the stand on democracy. The timing of the statement is likewise questionable coming as it does in the immediate backdrop of the United States tightening sanctions on Myanmar’s military rulers and urging countries like China and India to do more to help end the crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
The Government of India and the concerned Ministry must take serious note of the Army Chief’s remark and call for an explanation so that such undiplomatic remarks made by the military establishment is not allowed to embarrass the country’s standing in the eyes of the world. Such posturing by the military is uncalled for and at the same time disturbing. This definitely calls for reining in the military establishment by the duly elected government and to ensure that it does not allow the military to dictate on policy matters facing the nation. Whatever de-facto civilian control there is over the army should be firmly kept intact. The Army must not be allowed under any circumstances to challenge this cardinal principle.
In this regard, the Government of India must do a serious re-think on the military assistance being doled out to the Burmese army as this is likely to be used against civilians or in its war against ethnic national workers. It is well known that the Army establishment in India would have pushed hard the case for assisting the junta without going through the requisite political process of taking the mandate of an institution like Parliament. This is quite appalling and India only ends up abetting a regime with an atrocious human rights record and no semblance of democracy.
NDFB raises Bodoland pitch OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


A marchpast by NDFB cadre to mark the 21st raising day of the outfit at Borbori in Assam’s Baksa district on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Kokrajhar, Oct. 3: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) today reiterated its demand for an independent Bodoland, saying it was the only way to permanent peace.
Speaking on the occasion of the outfit’s 21st raising day, NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary alias D.R. Nabla said: “Only independent Bodoland can bring permanent peace. So Bodoland is the component part of peace. Bodoland is an important part of laying the foundation for peace. So let us talk of independent and sovereign Boroland.”
In his speech, e-mailed to the media, Daimary said the outfit had entered into a ceasefire with the government for the sake of peace. But Delhi had made no effort to resolve its problems.
“Not even a single formal political talk has taken place in the past three years. Instead of expediting the political process, the Indian government is just talking about the charter of demands. Ceasefire is not an end in itself. It can’t bring peace. Only independent Bodoland can bring permanent peace,” he said.
Daimary called on the members of the outfit to “ignite the spirit of 1986 and take a pledge afresh to realise the dream of scores of martyrs”.
The outfit was formed on October 3, 1986, as the Bodo Security Force under the leadership of Daimary. It rechristened itself as the NDFB on November 25, 1994.
Daimary’s message to the outfit’s cadres, read out at the NDFB designated camp at Borbori in Baksa district of Assam, said: “The foundation day is not only a day for celebration and jubilation. It is also a day for vows. It is also a day to renew our spirit to fight for our right — freedom. If the French revolution can be considered as the rose in the bush, the NDFB can be considered a rose in the bush for the Bodo people.
The foundation of the NDFB has unleashed new forces and destroyed old ideas. It has offered new promises.”




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