[Previous entry: "India's Psychological Warfare on Minorities and lack of Academic Resistance"] [Next entry: "Jamir should say sorry: NSCN (IM) Newmai News Network"]

10/23/2007: "SC Jamir clarifies on 80's debacle Denies his part Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network"

SC Jamir clarifies on 80's debacle Denies his part Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima,
Goa Governor and former Chief Minister of Nagaland today maintained that Naga people should recognize the positive contributions of leaders instead of their negative attributes and build a firm foundation for the Naga's land of "our dream".

A highly placed source from Raj Bhavan Panaji, Goa said that Jamir while interacting with a group of Gaon Buras (GBs) from Dimapur district who called on him this morning at Goa Raj Bhavan, said the good things done by Naga leaders like Phizo, Imkongmeren, Zashei Huire, Kughato, Gen Kaito, Muivah, Isak Swu, Khaplang, P. Shilu, Jasokie, Vizol, Hokishe or even SC Jamir should be recognized instead of criticizing them as if they have not contributed anything to the Naga society. He urged the grass roots level leaders to appreciate the positive contributions that the leaders have made and to downplay whatever human mistakes they might have committed. Confiding that he can very well imagine why NSCN (IM) surpremo Th Muivah harbours animosity towards him, Jamir narrated an incident which took place in the mid 1980s when he was the Chief Minister and when the first ever effort was made to bring the then undivided NSCN leaders to the negotiating table, stated the source.

"Hollohon was then my Political Advisor and along with Isak Swu's brother Shikato, M Vero, Longrisashi, Pastor Chingam Konyak and several others, we convinced the NSCN leaders including Muivah to come to Nagaland. The agreement was to let them have their headquarters at Tuensang with a base camp at Tizit. This was done with the full knowledge of late Indira Gandhi and the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. About 75 NSCN leaders reached Khonsa, and the then Governor of Nagaland General KV Rao and myself headed for Delhi to pave way for the Government of India to meet them. Unfortunately, the then Union Home Minister SB Chavan and the then Union Home Secretary Pradhan did not realize the opportunity this offered and ordered them to be arrested since they, the NSCN had "kidnapped" 10 persons from Arunachal Pradesh. I immediately rang up the 3 Corps Commander and also Hollohon to intervene, and somehow the NSCN leaders were released," Jamir said and went on to rue that this effort to bring the Naga leaders to the negotiating table could have been sabotaged by some who did not want the problem to be solved.

I had nothing to do with the arrest and the volte face of the Government of India, but since I was the Chief Minister of Nagaland at that time, Muivah must have thought that I was responsible for it. I do not blame him because he would not know which leaders at the Centre botched it up. Hollohon too had to pay a heavy price for this misadventure even though he was not at all responsible for the sabotage," narrated SC Jamir while talking to the Gaon Buras, according to the source.

"When all political parties and NGOs called for the boycott of the 1998 elections at the behest of the NSCN (IM), I stood firm on my ground since I have already taken oath like all former MPs, MLAs and Ministers swearing allegiance to the Constitution of India and that I would stand by my oath like a true Naga. NSCN(IM) leaders Phungthing Shimrang and VS Atem met me in 1997 to dissuade me from participating in the general elections of 1998.But I told them that as a Naga and as a Christian, I could not go back on my oath and that come what may, I would have to stand by my allegiance to the Constitution of India. As you know, elections were held and the Congress party swept the polls. We formed the Government and it was duly recognized by the Election Commission of India and the country. Some political parties realized their folly only too late. As a Naga and as a Christian, I stood by my oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India which was taken in the name of the Almighty. However, I am afraid this principled stand I took had hurt the NSCN leadership and I was branded as 'anti-people' and 'anti-nation'. They have attempted to assassinate me several times, but by the grace of God, I have survived thus far. I have a clean conscience and I believe whatever I do, I do it for the welfare and benefit of the people of Nagaland," added the source quoating Jamir.

"They then embarked on a media blitz against the 16-point Agreement and Statehood. So, in 2000 when I was the President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, the party brought out a booklet called Bedrock of Naga Society in which arguments were put forth as to how the people of Nagaland have benefited from Statehood, and why Statehood has been one of the best things to have happened to the Naga people so far", the source further quoted SC Jamir.
Jamir sheds light on CM years ‘Confides why Muivah harbours animosity towards him’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, October 22 (MExN): “Naga people should recognize the positive contributions of leaders instead of their negative attributes and build a firm foundation for the Nagas of our dreams”, said Dr SC Jamir, Governor of Goa in a press communiqué issued by Sebastian Zumvu, OSD to the Governor. Interacting with a group of Gaon Buras (GBs) from Dimapur district who called on him this morning here at Raj Bhawan, Jamir said the good done by Naga leaders like Phizo, Imkongmeren, Zashei Huire, Kughato, Gen Kaito, Muivah, Isak Swu, Khaplang, P. Shilu, Jasokie, Vizol, Hokishe or “even SC Jamir” should be recognized instead of criticizing them as if they have not contributed anything to the Naga society. He confided that he can very well imagine why NSCN (IM) Surpremo Th Muivah harbours animosity towards him.
He narrated an incident which took place in the mid 1980s when he was the Chief Minister and when the first ever effort was made to bring the then undivided NSCN leaders to the negotiating table. “Hollohon was then my Political Advisor and along with Isak Swu’s brother Shikato, M. Vero, Longrisashi, Pastor Chingam Konyak and several others, we convinced the NSCN leaders including Muivah to come to Nagaland. The agreement was to let them have their headquarters at Tuensang with a Base Camp at Tizit. This was done with the full knowledge of late Indira Gandhi and the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
“About 75 NSCN leaders reached Khonsa, and the then Governor of Nagaland General KV Rao and myself headed for Delhi to pave way for the Government of India to meet them. Unfortunately, the then Union Home Minister SB Chavan and the then Union Home Secretary Pradhan did not realize the opportunity this offered and ordered them to be arrested since they, the NSCN had “kidnapped” 10 persons from Arunachal Pradesh. “I immediately rang up the 3 Corps Commander and also Hollohon to intervene, and somehow the NSCN leaders were released,” Jamir said and went on to rue that this effort to bring the Naga leaders to the negotiating table could have been sabotaged by some who did not want the problem to be solved.
Goa Governor Dr. SC Jamir and his lady wife (center) with the visiting Gaonburas from Dimapur. The GBs met with the former Nagaland chief minister at the Raj Bhavan today in Goa
“I had nothing to do with the arrest and the volte face of the Government of India, but since I was the Chief Minister of Nagaland at that time, Muivah must have thought that I was responsible for it. I do not blame him because he would not know which leaders at the Centre botched it up. Hollohon too had to pay a heavy price for this misadventure even though he was not at all responsible for the sabotage,” he said. Jamir also mentioned the case of the NSCN (IM)’s call to boycott the 1998 Elections in the State as another instance which could have hurt the sentiments of the NSCN (IM) leadership.
“When all political parties and NGOs called for the boycott of the 1998 Elections at the behest of the NSCN (IM), I stood firm on my ground since I have already taken oath like all former MPs, MLAs and Ministers swearing allegiance to the Constitution of India and that I would stand by my oath like a true Naga.
“NSCN (IM) leaders Phungthing Shimrang and VS Atem met me in 1997 to dissuade me from participating in the General Elections of 1998. But I told them that as a Naga and as a Christian, I could not go back on my oath and that come what may, I would have to stand by my allegiance to the Constitution of India. I told them that I am true to my word and that I would never back-stab them, but warned them to be careful of those who have forgotten their oath and were rallying behind them at that point of time would back-stab them. “As you know, elections were held and the Congress party swept the polls. We formed the Government and it was duly recognized by the Election Commission of India and the country. Some political parties realized their folly only too late. As a Naga and as a Christian, I stood by my oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India which was solemnly taken in the name of the Almighty.
“However, I am afraid this principled stand I took had hurt the NSCN leadership and I was branded as ‘anti-people’ and ‘anti-nation’. They have attempted to assassinate me several times, but by the grace of God Almighty, I have survived thus far. I have a clean conscience and I believe whatever I do, I do it for the welfare and benefit of the people of Nagaland.
“They then embarked on a media blitz against the 16-point Agreement and Statehood. So, in 2000 when I was the President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, the party brought out a booklet called Bedrock of Naga Society in which arguments were put forth as to how the people of Nagaland have benefited from Statehood, and why Statehood has been one of the best things to have happened to the Naga people so far. Some uncomfortable truths were raised in the booklet, and I can understand how these truths could have hurt the sentiments of some people,” he said.
“I have been blamed for various things and even criticized as being the stumbling block to the Naga peace process with the Government of India. I can only say that these critics are giving me too much importance which I do not deserve. They are making a giant of me! As if I am capable of influencing the stand or policies of the Government of India,” he added.
He went on to narrate how he as an elder citizen of the State has witnessed and come across the transition Naga society had undergone since the earlier half of the last century to the present. He lamented that Naga people are not allowed to speak out their minds and that those who do are threatened with dire consequences.
“What kind of society can we expect when we cannot speak out our minds, voice our opinions or give dissenting views?” he asked and urged the GBs to seriously consider what has gone wrong with our Naga society and how to rectify the mistakes.
He urged the grass roots level leaders to appreciate the positive contributions that the leaders have made and to downplay whatever human mistakes they might have committed.
“When a house is on fire, even quarreling couples forget their differences and try to save their home. The Naga house is now on fire and it depends on us to forget our differences and save it from being completely razed down to the ground,” he said. The group of twenty GBs from Dimapur district is on an exposure trip traversing the entire length and breadth of the country. The GBs arrived here in Goa day before and will be departing for Pune Wednesday from where they are scheduled to leave for Calcutta on their way to Nagaland.
India to dismantle unauthorized NSCN (IM) camp: NSCN (K M) camp: NSCN (K)
Kohima, October 22: The NSCN (K) on Monday claimed that the Centre has assured the outfit that it would dismantle all unauthorized camps of the rival NSCN (Isak-Muivah) in Nagaland. The Khaplang group which is hell-bent to undermine the existence of the rival group in Nagaland vis-à-vis ongoing Naga peace process be)tween the Centre and the latter has been insisting the Centre not to allow the free movement of rival cadres or let them establish unauthorized camps in the state. So far the outfit could recently established two designated camps at Suruhoto some 200 km from Kohima under Zunheboto district and another near Tizit some 400 km from the state capital. But still the survival of two camps is being threatened by the rival group. A senior minister in the Khaplang faction, Kughalu Mulatonu, who is also the Supervisor of outfit's Ceasefire Supervisory Board said from New Delhi that officials from the Union Home Ministry have assured them that no unauthorized camp of NSCN (IM) would be allowed to exist in Nagaland. "They have assured us not to allow unauthorized camps of NSCN ((M) in Nagaland," Mulatonu said. The NSCN (K) members who are still in Delhi meeting Home ministry officials to streamline the existing truce ground rules and establish more designated camps in the state are optimistic that they could be able to establish 6-7 designated camps in the state. Mulatonu said by November they would start sending cadres to their camps as per the discussion with the Centre and that they are ready to face any eventuality from the rival group.
"We're ready to face the NSCN (IM) any time," the NSCN (K) man said. He said NSCN (K) has enough manpower to repress the assault of the rival gunners. But due to the frequent onslaught of the rival group even after 7 years of bilateral ceasefire with the Centre the outfit could not set-up a permanent designated camp. Earlier a couple of their camps were battered by the rival. Mulatonu said they would not be deterred by the offensive of the rival cadres as they had survived the assaults of security forces.
The group has decided to set-up camps one each in Kiphire, Wokha, Mon, Zunheboto, Peren and Longleng districts by November, but the NSCN (IM) said it would not allow a single camp of rival faction in the state. The group often accuses the Khaplang group of being a pseudo-Naga group, which is being aided and logistically supported by New Delhi. The group also regards the rival faction as 'underdog' organization.
The main worry and concern for the Khaplang group at the moment is the rival camp at Sukhalu near Zunheboto, which has become a threat to the very existence of the group in Zunheboto town. Zunheboto is not only the hometown of NSCN (K) general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi but also to many other ringleaders from the outfit, including Kughalu Mulatonu. The present Sukhalu camp is about 4 km from the residences of Zhimomi and Mulatonu and the proposed ceasefire supervisory board office of the outfit.
The outfit has recently shifted its CFSB office from Mon town to Zunheboto, but the existence of the office has been threatened by the movements of the rival cadres in the neighbourhood. Mulatonu demanded the Centre to immediately remove the camp from Sukhalu village as this is not a designated camp or warned that they would also start setting-up camps in unauthorized locations.
He said the recent meeting at Delhi with the representatives of the Centre discussed about the unauthorized camps of the rival group, particularly one that is at Sukhalu village.
The NSCN (IM) has been insisting the Centre to rub-off the word 'designated' and replaced by 'notified' for their camps. The group wanted their camps be termed as notified camps and not designated camps as they thought designated camps have become almost a detention camps for the cadres. Now they want the current ceasefire as two-nation type ceasefire, but the demand which the centre is unlikely to agree, as this would give move space for the NSCN (IM) cadres to ascertain their reign in their turf.
Inspector General of Assam Rifles, Major General K S Sethi, GOC Nagaland, told Nagaland Page that Sukhalu camp is not a designated camp and therefore the NSCN (IM) must vacate. He said this matter has been communicated to the Ministry of Home Affairs for necessary action.
"We've already communicated this to the home ministry," Gen. Sethi said. The General said government is ready to locate designated camp for the NSCN (IM) cadres, but not in such location like Sukhalu, which is contiguous to the civilian populated area. On the charges from Isak and Muivah that Assam Rifles are the backbone of the Khaplang group, Gen. Sethi rebutted the charges and said AR has been all along maintaining neutrality and how to enforce the truce ground rules, notwithstanding various constraints on their ways. He asked the NSCN (IM) for the proofs on their allegations and charges. (Page News Service)

None of our cadre is in M’laya: NSCN-IM Staff Correspondent Sentinel
SHILLONG, Oct 22: The NSCN-IM has denied the presence of its cadres in Bapakram National Park in Garo Hills a few days after the Meghalaya Police abandoned its operations against the hideout of the Liberation of Achik Elite Force (LAEF) and the NSCN-IM on the ground that the militants might have escaped from the forest near the Indo-Bangladesh border. An NSCN (IM) leader and self-styled brigadier Phungthing Shimrang told The Sentinel over phone today: “There is no NSCN-IM cadres in Meghalaya, and the allegations are aimed at defaming us.” Terming the allegations as no surprise, Shimrang said: “It won’t be appropriate to respond further to such unfounded allegations. We have heard such fabricated allegations many times,” said Shimrang.
The Meghalaya Police is of the view that cadres of the Naga outfit have been aiding the newly-floated LAEF in the thick and remote forest of Balpakram.
“Our operation was based on specific inputs about the presence of the NSCN and LAEF camps,” stated South Garo Hills SP H Toi. He added: “We have yielded some success by forcing them out, and seizing important items from the camps.” The operation forced the militants to decamp with arms and ammunition, leaving behind little traces of their fleeing routes, the SP said. The Balpakram Park is located between the border of West Khasi Hills, South Haro Hills and Bangladesh. “Our seizure from the abandoned camp is relevant”, stated Toi in his reference that a number of villagers had sighted some Naga-like people deep in the jungle where the LEAF has a camp. Meanwhile, the police attributes the camping of militants in Balpakram as another bid to enhance their extortion ploy during the coal export season from South and East Garo Hills to Bangladesh.
Last date for form submission of SSLC private candidates
SHILLONG, Oct 22: The Executive Chairman of Meghalaya Board of School Education, Camp Shillong, has said that the last date for submission of forms and fees in respect of private candidates appearing without selection test for the SSLC Examinations, 2008, has been extended up to October 31, 2007, an MIRP release said.
2 shot dead in Kohima Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, OCT 22 (NPN): In a factional related case, two persons were shot dead in the state capital in New Market area Monday night at around 7.10 p.m. One of the deceased has been identified as Sevikuolie (23) alias Akolie alias Samuel, son of BR Sangma of Sirhima village. Intelligence sources said the other victim, a non-local in his mid-thirties was a spy working for some factions. Both the victims had their hands tied and were blindfolded.
According to sources, the two victims were reportedly brought in a vehicle and later shot at New Market, below the main road. Police also recovered 4 empty cases of 9mm and 2 empty cases of .32 pistol from the site. Sevikuolie bore two bullet wounds while the other victim bore four bullet wounds. Intelligence sources said late Sevikuolie who had earlier served in both the NSCN factions was wanted by both the factions. He was also arrested by police on several occasions.
Both the bodies have been kept at North Police Station. Further details were not available till the time of filing this report. Investigation by police was on.
Meanwhile, condemning the incident, KMC councillor of New Market Neiphrelie Rutsa said the colony should not be turned into a “dumping ground for dead bodies.”
Furious drivers call bandh on NH-39 after NP assaults colleague to death The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Oct 22: Many truckers of Imphal bound goods trucks were assaulted allegedly by the Nagaland police at Lalmati area where hundreds of Imphal and Kohima bound trucks are stranded due to heavy landslides there. Among the truckers, one was reportedly beaten up badly and succumbed to injuries after struggling for life at the Kohima hospital where he was evacuated after he fell unconscious in the assault. Outraged over the assault incident, the truckers from the state who are stranded at the place since the last around one week have announced a steering down strike with immediate effect.

With the commencement of the steering down strike, even as traffic resumed on the NH-39 after nearly a week this evening, the drivers refused to cross the landslide area. Reports received here said that a Nepali driver from Manipur who attempted to take across a passenger bus stuck at the landslide area when the movement of heavy vehicles started was beaten up by the Nagaland police on duty at the landslide area at around 4 pm. The incident occurred when traffic resumed and around 30 goods carrying trucks had already crossed. The police assaulted the driver on the charge of causing a traffic jam in the area. The driver whose identity could not be immediately confirmed was only helping the driver of the bus that was stuck. He was the driver of an Imphal bound truck stranded since the beginning of the landslide in the area. The report added that after the assault of the Nepali driver, the police also assaulted many drivers who were trying to cross the landslide area. But except for the Nepali driver other drivers received only minor injuries. Enraged over the act of the Nagaland police the truckers immediately stepped out from their trucks and decided not to cross the landslide area. Earlier, confirming the reports, a driver at the spot said that they were trying to contact their leaders in Imphal for further steps.

He also said that the drivers had unanimously decided not to proceed till the latest condition of the driver was known. They feared that the driver may succumb to injuries as he had collapsed totally at the spot.

In the meantime, with the efforts of the personnel of the 15th BRTF, assisted by Nagaland Police who were working round the clock till late this afternoon the road was cleared for vehicular traffic. Continued mudslides from above had hampered the clearing operation since October 16 last.Kohima as well as Manipur have remained cut off from Dimapur due to heavy landslides, caused by incessant rains, on National Highway 39 at Lalmati near Kiruphema. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded after many vehicles including army vehicles got stuck in the middle of the road by the landslides. There were also reports of landslides in some other areas on the highway, especially Paglapahar, and mudslides, landslides and sinking of roads at various areas in and around Kohima town. Mention may be made that the prices of essential commodities have shot up in Kohima and Imphal in the past few days following the landslides.
Possible oil reserves in Indian jungles UPI Energy Watch

The government of the Indian state of Nagaland has signed agreements to look for oil deposits.
A joint venture between Indian company Assam Company Ltd. and Canadian Canoro Resources Ltd. will invest $100 million to explore reservoirs of crude oil and natural gas discovered in the northeastern states of Assam and Nagaland.
An Indian Petroleum Ministry official said ACL and CRL found oil and natural gas at two drilling blocks in Amguri, near Jorhat in Assam, and one at Changpang in Nagaland.

"The two reservoirs could thus yield a total of over 3,100 barrels of oil equivalent a day and this is by far our most successful result to date," said Rob McInnis, vice president of Canoro's corporate affairs department. According to estimates, the two reservoirs could possibly produce up to 1,200 barrels of oil a day and 12 million cubic feet of gas per day.
NE girl sexually assaulted, beaten Students forced to vacate rented house; police delays registering complaint The Morung Express
New Delhi, October 22 (MExN): On the same night after “North East Support Centre & Helpline” was officially launched at Press Club of India, a tribal girl age of 21 years old from Manipur was sexually assaulted by a tenant at 12:30 AM on October 21, 2007. In spite of protecting the victim, the landlord forced victim’s cousin and other students from north east India living in the rented house to vacate the rooms without any notice, informed a press note issued by Mr. Madhu Chandra Media In-charge of the NE Support Centre & Helpline. A fact finding team of “North East Support Centre & Helpline” after hearing the news of the incident, rushed to the spot and gave immediate trauma counseling to the victim. An application was lodged in Vasant Kunj Police station to book the accused and landlord under SC/ST Atrocity Prevention Act (1995). As reported in The Morung Express yesterday, the incident happened when she along with her sister went to visit her cousin brother who lives in rented a room in Mahipalpur.
“When my friend went to shared bathroom outside the room, I was waiting outside for her, a tenant claimed to be a police man started taking picture of me and molested me by pointing out to my private parts”, the victim stated in her report to North East Support Centre & Helpline. When she screamed, her cousin brothers came out in rescue of her. They were abused by the man claimed to police in front to the residents by making assault remarks on them.
Next day, the landlord, instead of protecting the victim, forced three students from Manipur living in the rented rooms of the same building to vacate the house immediately without any prior notice. Students sought shelter in their friends living nearby along with their belongings after they were pushed out by the landlord. Fact Finding Team consisted of Supreme Court Lawyer Ms. Lansinglu Rongmei, All India Christian Council’s Regional Secretary Rev. Madhu Chandra, Journalist Ms. Lemyao Shimray, Peace Campaign Activist Dr. Alana Golmei and Mrs. Mandali Devi rushed to the spot and gave trauma counseling to the victims and lodged complaint in Vasant Kunj Police station under SC/ST Atrocity Prevention Acts (1995).
The Duty Officer Mr. Nalka Ram refused to entertain the complaint. After waiting for two and half hour long, under the instruction of Station House Office of Police Station Mr. Rajesh Kumar endorsed the application by victims and First Information Report (FIR) with appropriate sections of IPC and under SC/ST Atrocity Prevention Act (1995) will be registered.
Girls from North East India have suffered sexual abuses at work places, colleges, rented homes, roads and market places in recent time. In 2005 a girl was raped in a moving car. A girl was molested by a manager of Mall in Gurgaon last year and in last September; two girls were assaulted in Delhi University Campus, of which duty office of Police station refused to take their complaint. North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nesupportcentre.blogspot.com) is combined initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to North East People and tribal communities of other states.
ULFA steps up activities in Garo Hills Correspondent Nagaland Post
TURA: The proscribed United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) had increased its extortion activities in the Garo Hills area of Meghalaya. Highly placed sources said that the ULFA's 109th battalion was active at Phulbari, Garobadha, Mendipathar and other adjoining areas in the plains of West Garo Hills district. The Garo Hills, comprising three districts - east, west and south Garo Hills - in the western part of Meghalaya, shares its border with Assam and Bangladesh. The district facilitates as a safe corridor for North East-based militants to cross over to Bangladesh.
The dreaded Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim also had its operational base inside the Balpakram National Park with the support of the nascent tribal Garo militant outfit - the Liberation A'chik Elite Force. Both the Army and BSF sources confirmed that the ULFA was operating from Garo hills, using the border with Bangladesh.
''We have confirmed reports of the ULFA serving extortion notes to businessmen over the past few months,'' intelligence officials stated. The whole operandi was being managed by one Madan Koch with the support of 34 other active ULFA cadres, they asserted. Earlier, the Meghalaya police arrested one Kedarson Sangma, suspected to be an ULFA courier, from Rajabala area in West Garo Hills. Meanwhile, the BSF officials, monitoring the increased activities of insurgents at Garo hills, apprehended that there had been a definite movement of ULFA cadres from Assam.
Crude oil thieves open fire at securitymen Assam Tribune
DIBRUGARH, Oct 22 – A few crude oil pilferers, who were fleeing with illegally drawn fuel, today fired at a joint team of police and ONGC security staff in Sibsagar district of Assam, and managed to escape, reports PTI. During routine patrol, the security team spotted a Nagaland-registered oil tanker on the national highway at Jatipatia village in Sibsagar last night, which was carrying illegally drawn crude fuel from an Oil India Limited (OIL) pipeline at Dimuwal, police said. When the tanker was chased by the security personnel, the driver and others in the tanker fired at them and then escaped leaving behind the vehicle, they said. The crude oil was drawn out of the OIL pipeline between Duliajan in Assam and Barauni in Bihar by putting in a 20 feet pipe through a valve, police said. The tanker belonged to a Sports Authority of India (SAI) coach and businessman Darshan Gohain, who told PTI that his tanker might have been stolen from the parking lot by a driver whom he had recently dismissed from service. Crude oil theft is a multi-million rupees affair with the criminals using sophisticated drilling machines to make holes in the ONGC and OIL crude pipelines passing through isolated areas and selling it to some tea gardens and buyers outside the state, police said.
Beauty spots to replace scars The Telegraph
- Dispur to tout best of militancy-ravaged NC Hills at fest A STAFF REPORTER


The hills beckon
Guwahati, Oct. 22: North Cachar Hills, so long under the scanner for militancy, will now be under the spotlight for its beauty. Dispur’s healing balm on the militancy-ravaged hill district comes in the form of an NC Hills Festival, to be held at the Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here in the second week of November. The three-day event will showcase the best of the district’s traditional food, culture, fashion, art and crafts and tourism potential. “A seminar, food festival, cultural show and exhibition of traditional art and crafts as well as tourism potential will propel the district to the centrestage of the Northeast and the country,” an official said. Elaborating, he said: “A circuit has been identified. It will cover Umrangsu lake, Paimur waterfalls, Jatinga, known for its bird suicide mystery, and the recently-constructed model village.”
The festival will highlight Haflong as the only hill station of Assam, he added.
“The non-operational tourist lodge in Umrangsu will be inaugurated. Plans are also afoot to set up an economical tourist lodge at the district headquarters in Haflong,” he said. The festival, being touted as the first-of-its-kind initiative by the government, assumes significance because it has been initiated with the aim of conveying to the world that the district is at peace with itself in the run-up to the two-phased council polls on November 26 and December 1. Governor Lt Gen. (retd) Ajai Singh had assumed executive powers of the district on June 20 after elections to the NC Hills Autonomous Council were postponed on June 12. The polls were deferred after three members of the council, including chief executive member P. Langthasa, were killed, fanning fears of more bloodshed.
Rally aims to bring revolution OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, Oct. 22: A cycle rally organised by the All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu), as part of its Mission Quality Education programme, was kicked off today. Former Indian diplomat Upen Boro flagged off the rally at a ceremony at the Kokrajhar District Sports Association ground.
Absu president Rwngwra Narzary said, “The rally aims at bringing about a revolution in the field of education. With the co-operation of the people, we can create awareness on the urgent necessities of quality education among the masses and eradicate illiteracy.”Absu has declared 2007 as the Year of Mission Quality Education.
The union has organised the rally to draw the people’s attention to the need for quality education. The rally will also help highlight social issues like superstition and blind faith. It will awaken scientific thought and culture and create awareness on an innovative and productive work culture. Besides, Absu hopes to build information and a knowledge-based society. generate self-employment, quality human assets and human resource development as an outcome of the rally.
Upen Boro, who attended the function as chief guest, termed the rally as the biggest ever programme undertaken by the Absu. He said the union has taken up “the right programme at the right time” to reach out to the rural areas. The Bodo Sahitya Sabha has also promised to support the mission. Sabha president Brajendra K. Brahma, said, “The Bodo Sahitya Sabha and Bodo students have always been working closely and helping each other.”
Killing of two more youths escalates tension at Yorbung; Bodies of three PREPAK victims taken by families A Staff Reporter Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Oct 22: Tension has escalated at Yorbung village, in Imphal east district following the killing of two more youths by unidentified gunmen, even as public dissatisfaction over the killing of three local youth on October 17 by an underground group is still high. 25-year old Ningthoujam Mangolsana, and Yaikhom Angam, 27, both residents of Yorbung Mamang Leikai were shot dead sometime last night at Yorbung Chingkhong by unidentified gunmen. The bodies of the two deceased were found blindfolded, with their hands tied at the back, and they were shot in the head and chest.
According to family sources, the deceased were close friends. Both had been trained at the RKCS art gallery and earned a living by doing painting jobs at their respective homes.
The family said they had no idea of any links of the deceased youths with underground groups.
As per local sources, the two were seen moving around with two girls from Chingkhei Lokmang village yesterday afternoon and at around 5:30 pm left on the Yorbung to Kharasom road, to escort the girls to their homes. As they failed to return home till 7 pm, they were contacted by a friend over mobile phone. At that time, they confirmed they were at Kharasom Khunou and would return soon. When they failed to return till late in the night, another attempt was made to contact them but the mobile phone was switched off. This morning, anxious family members went to see the two girls at Chingkhei Lokmang, and were told the youths had left after seeing them to their homes. Later it was learnt that two dead bodies had been found at Yorbung Keishibi Chingkhong, and they were found to be Mangolsana and Angam. It is believed that they youths might have been abducted from Kharasom Khunou or while returning home. The bodies were brought to RIMS morgue for post mortem, even as the families refused to accept the bodies. Speaking at a press conference, L Shyam, convenor of the JAC formed in connection with the October 17 killings, strongly condemned the repeated killing of local youth belonging to the village. Stating that such killings has created major apprehension among the villagers, he said the JAC has decided to take up the issue as a state issue with the assistance of various human rights groups and civil socieity organisations.
Sh Padma Devi, local meira paibi leader appealed for an end to the killings, saying the mothers of the village are ready to sacrifice themselves to stop these killings. The family of the deceased Angam demanded a clarification from whomever was responsible for the crime and said they would not claim the body until a clarification is received. On the other hand, Mangolsana’s family expressed the desire to perform the last rites as soon as possible.
In the meantime, in view of this difference of opinion among the families of the victims, a public meeting which was to have been convened at Yorbung Primary School in connection with the incident could not be held. Meanwhile, it is learnt that one of the girls from Chinghkhei Lokmang was picked up by Lamlai police for taking her statement.
In another development, the bodies of Yumnam Inao Meitei, 21, Sandam Dhanajit, 21, and Huidrom Manaoton, 21, which had been lying at RIMS morgue after they were shot dead by PREPAK activists on the night of October 17 at Kumuda Uku, under Lamlai police station, were collected by the respective families today after post mortem. In this connection, L Shyam said no agreement has been concluded with the authorities, but it was decided to claim the bodies was taken following the announcement by the district magistrate that the bodies would be disposed of as unclaimed and also in view of the desire of the families to perform their last rites.
Gambari happy with Indian response Mungpi Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com) The UN Secretary General's special adviser on Burma is 'very satisfied' at the response of Indian authorities but he urged the largest democracy in the world to do more to pressurize the Burmese military junta for political changes. Ibrahim Gambari during a press conference on Tuesday said that he has asked Indian authorities to exert pressure on the junta for the immediate release of political detainees including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and start a more broad based dialogue for national reconciliation.
"I believe that India will do whatever it can to encourage the Burmese government to bring changes in Myanmar [Burma ]," Gambari told reporters. The Nigerian diplomat said he had a 'good and detailed meeting and exchange of views' with the Indian Foreign Secretary, Minister of External Affairs and the Prime Minister of India. He visited Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and he will leave for Beijing tonight. However, no details were divulged about his meeting.
Mr. Gambari reiterated the need for regional countries to do more on Burma: "It is up to the countries what policy they want to have on Myanmar [Burma ], but the UN Secretary General's good offices is seeking more results to be shown in Burma," he said. While India, a neighbouring country had earlier stated that it wants to see Burma's political problems resolved peacefully through an inclusive and broad based dialogue, it avoided harsh criticism against the junta saying it is engaged in 'non-condemnatory' and 'silent diplomacy'.
The military junta has invited the UN envoy to revisit in mid-November when he had earlier requested to visit in the first week of November. Mr. Gambari last visited Burma in late September amidst mounting protests led by Buddhist monks followed by the brutal crackdown by the junta. He met junta brass, including Snr. General Than Shwe and visited detained Burmese democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi twice. The regime responded by appointing a liason officer for Senior General Than Shwe to negotiate with the opposition leader but there has been no progress so far. In a follow up action of the UN's initiative to push for changes in Burma, Gambari is consulting leaders in Thailand, Malyasia, Indonesia, India, China and Japan on Burma.
India promises to do more against Myanmar – envoy Indo Burma News
October 23, 2007: (Reuters) New Delhi, Giant neighbour India has given an undertaking to do all it can to push for democracy in Myanmar, a U.N. envoy said on Tuesday, amid growing pressure on New Delhi to take a tough line against its military regime. Ibrahim Gambari is trying to forge a united front in Asia to prod the junta in the former Burma to end its crackdown on pro-democracy activists. But while he did not doubt India's commitment, he said countries could not be stopped from pursuing their own methods.
"I am very encouraged by their response," Gambari said at the end of a two-day visit to New Delhi, part of an Asian tour to drum up support for action in Myanmar. "I am encouraged by the undertaking which they have given to do everything possible ... use their influence to encourage the authorities in Myanmar to continue their cooperation and to deliver tangible results," he told a news conference. New Delhi would spell out how it could help to get Myanmar's generals to free prisoners arrested during last month's pro-democracy rallies and make a process of national reconciliation inclusive, he said.
"There are several issues that have been put on the table," Gambari said after talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
"If all of us can club our efforts to get the government of Myanmar to continue to respond positively to that, then I think that will be very good," he said before heading to China. India, along with China, is considered to have some sway over the junta in Myanmar, which has kept a tight lid on the country since crushing Buddhist monk-led protests that began last month. The demonstrations grew into the biggest against the military regime in 20 years and official media said 10 people had died. Diplomats and pro-democracy activists, however, say the death toll could be much higher. Thousands more were beaten and arrested, although state media said last week that only 377 were still detained.
LIMITED INFLUENCE? New Delhi has courted the military rulers since the early 1990s in a bid to counter Beijing's influence in Myanmar and access its rich gas reserves, in a turnaround of a policy that initially supported democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. India has come under significant pressure in recent weeks, including from U.S. President George W. Bush and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, to influence the junta to ease up on repression of protesters and open talks with Suu Kyi. But India has hedged its bets and played a delicate diplomatic game, calling for political reform while opposing sanctions and underlining that it would not help to openly condemn a neighbour. Indian analysts have been divided over whether New Delhi can afford to change its policy towards Myanmar while pursuing its economic and strategic interests. Most, however, agree that they do not expect any change to come about, if at all, due to Gambari's visit. Indian diplomats frequently say that the world overestimates New Delhi's influence over Myanmar's general. Thant Myint-U, grandson of former U.N. Secretary-General U Thant from the then Burma, and who teaches history at Cambridge University, said he partly agreed with that assessment.
"My guess is that outside influence may not be enough to move the regime forward on political reforms," he told the Hindu newspaper in an interview during a visit to New Delhi this week. "But it can help move the regime on other issues such as economic reforms and humanitarian issues. On some of these issues it has enough leverage to make a positive impact," he said referring to India.