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10/27/2007: "NSCN (K)’s shoot at sight order Nagaland Post"




NSCN (K)’s shoot at sight order Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): In an unprecedented move, the NSCN (K), UT-1, has cautioned all owners and drivers that light vehicles in Dimapur carrying more than five persons would be shot at without further warning.
Urban commander, UT-1, NSCN (K), “Capt” Atoshe Sema in a press statement also asked public of Dimapur not to move about in groups of more than six persons after 6 p.m.
The NSCN (K) said the order was being issued following reports of intense activity targeted against its cadre members by the rival NSCN (I-M) faction in Dimapur and surrounding areas.
The NSCN (K) appealed to the public of Dimapur to cooperate with it, while cautioning that the NSCN (K) should not be blamed as a consequence for violating its orders. The NSCN (K) warning comes a day after a statement issued by the rival NSCN (I-M), UT-1, informing vehicle owners that the latter would check number plates of vehicles in Dimapur, citing security reasons.
Further, the NSCN (K) questioned the “ineffectiveness” of the state government, particularly the Dimapur district administration to the statement issued by the NSCN (I-M) on checking of number plates of vehicles in Dimapur.
Attacking the NSCN (I-M) for issuing the dictat , the NSCN (K) demanded to know as to who had authorized its rival to check and frisk vehicles when state government machineries exist to carry out such a duty. The NSCN (K) also wondered if the rival faction was carrying out the proposed drive under the state government’s supervision.
It may be mentioned that three NSCN (I-M) men and one NSCN (K) member were killed in separate incidents in Dimapur on Thursday while two NSCN (K) men were also shot dead by the NSCN (I-M) at General Area Dairy Farm, Medziphema, on Wednesday night.

NSCN-IM accuses security forces of abetting K group Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, October 26: In the backdrop of the killings in Dimapur on Thursday and other neighboring areas "the Naga Army" of the NSCN-IM today stated that it is constrained to come out with the story as unfolded by the killings and counter killings. The NSCN-IM alleged that the Government of India was on numerous occasions countered by NSCN-IM to "admit the sinister design and identity of the Khaplang group as one of its most trusted forces" to counter the NSCN-IM.
"Having accepted, though grudgingly, the bonafide standing of Khaplang group, vis-ŕ-vis in countering NSCN, a time was forced on the NSCN authority to treat the Khaplang issue in a more serious manner given the fact that the notoriety of Khaplang boys is getting more intolerable by day. All the more, such collaborative operation of Indian security forces against the NSCN has been tabled by NSCN in a cogent manner with all corroborative evidences," asserted the NSCN-IM in a statement. The outfit then said that following the peace initiative undertaken by Gaonburas (GBs) and Dobashis ( DBs), the NSCN-IM responded in the manner that peace has always been their priority.
"But making its stance very clear to GBs and DBs on the exact mission of Khaplang group as designed and motivated by Indian intelligence agencies to create havoc against Naga interests that is being stoutly defended by NSCN, the GBs and DBs were told in no uncertain term if they can really rein on the Khaplang group.

If they can do it well and good, but if proved otherwise, the NSCN shall be left with no option but to take up the matter on its own," charged the NSCN-IM It also stated that in the course of the peace process with the GOI, the NSCN-IM have raised the "Khaplang party issue without mincing words because the truth has to be told and the truth has to be accepted. Because peace in Nagalim is at stake and peace is necessarily for a meaningful conclusion of the Indo-Naga Peace talks".
It then alleged that the crux of the issue which has put the "Nagalim peace" at stake is the failure of the Indian security forces to restrain "Khaplang boys" from moving around with criminal program.The outfit cautions by saying that the NSCN-IM's blunt message to the GOI was to stop "Khaplang group" from any anti-peace activities and anti NSCN-IM activities.

The present scenario give the clear indication that GOI has failed again to show its face of sincerity and commitment by feigning ignorance that appears to be more pretentious than anything else, accused the NSCN-IM. "It has been the earlier policy for the NSCN to exercise restraint unless provoked beyond tolerance. Now the matter is left for the GOI to act fast to take full control of this 'Sarkari NSCN', or witness the bloody show that will only expose hypocrisy and deceptive face of India", it warned.
Forces hunt for militants in Tirap - NSCN-IM ambush on Assam Rifles could be a fallout of Operation Orchid OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Dibrugarh, Oct 26: Security forces today launched a massive operation in the forests around Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh. The move follows an ambush by the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) on an Assam Rifles convoy last evening. The attack had taken place around 7pm when a three-vehicle convoy, carrying personnel from the 23 Assam Rifles, was ambushed 3km off Panchau near Khonsa in Tirap district. Tirap superintendent of police C.K. Mein said over telephone that the first vehicle, a truck, was blown up in a powerful improvised explosive device, after which the militants fired from both sides of the road. Four persons died in the ambush. Three Assam Rifles personnel — havildar Mohan Singh and riflemen Luwang and S.K. Tiwari — were killed on the spot. Local businessmen Mukesh Srivastav died today.
Two jawans were critically injured. “One of the two injured Assam Rifles personnel was airlifted to the Indian Air Force hospital in Jorhat and the other to the army hospital in Dinjan. Their identity is not yet known,” an army source said. The trader was with the convoy as he supplies materials to the paramilitary force operating in the district.
The attack comes at a time when the outfit is engaged in a ceasefire with the government to find a peaceful solution to the Naga problem. “This is an unfortunate and shocking act of violence by the NSCN (I-M). We are still to make out why the outfit launched the attack,” a senior Assam Rifles official said. He, however, declined to give details. Sources said the Naga militant outfit is believed to have carried out the ambush in retaliation to Operation Orchid, launched by the 23 Assam Rifles in the district to flush out NSCN (I-M) militants. The twin districts of Tirap and Changlang used to be a stronghold of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN. But since 2000, the Isak-Muivah faction has taken control of the districts, driving out most activists of its rival faction. The NSCN (I-M) claims the twin districts to be a part of the Greater Nagalim. Sources in Khonsa said the army has joined the paramilitary force in the hunt for militants.

NSCN (IM) warning over killing- Nagaland Post
In the backdrop of the killings in Dimapur and other neighboring areas, the Naga Army of NSCN is constrained to come out with the story as unfolded by the killings and counter killings.
The Government of India was on numerous occasions countered by NSCN to admit the sinister design and identity of Khaplang group as one of its most trusted forces to counter the NSCN. Having accepted, though grudgingly, the bonafide standing of Khaplang group, vis-a.-vis in countering NSCN, a time was forced on the NSCN authority to treat the Khaplang issue in a more serious manner given the fact that the notoriety of Khaplang boys is getting more intolerable by day. All the more, such collaborative operation of Indian security forces against the NSCN has been tabled by NSCN in a cogent manner with all corroborative evidences.
Following the peace initiative undertaken by GBs and DBs, NSCN responded in the manner that peace has always been their prioriiy. But making its stance very clear to GBs and DBs on the exact mission of Khaplang group as designed and motivated by Indian intelligence agencies to create havoc against Naga interests that is being stoutly defended by NSCN the GBs and DBs were told in no uncertain term if they can really rein on the Khaplang group. If they can do it well and good, but if proved otherwise the NSCN shall be left with no option but to take up the matter on its own.
In the course of the peace process with the Government of India, NSCN have raised the Khaplang party issue without mincing words because the truth has to be told and the truth has to be accepted. Because peace in Nagalim is at stake and peace is necessarily for a meaningful conclusion of the Indo-Naga Peace talks. And the crux of the issue which has put the Nagalim peace at stake is the failure of the Indian security forces to restrain Khaplang boys from moving around with criminal program. NSCN's blunt message to the Government of India was to stop Khaplang group from any anti-peace activities and anti-NSCN activities. The present scenario give the clear indication that Government of India have failed again to show its face of sincerity and commitment by feigning ignorance that appears to be more pretentious than anything else.
All said and done it is left for the public to draw their conclusion as to why NSCN is now compelled to go for offensive against the Khaplang boys. It has been the earlier policy for the NSCN to exercise restraint unless provoked beyond tolerance. Now the matter is left for the government of India to act fast to take full control of this 'Sarkari NSCN', or witness the bloody show that will only expose the hypocrisy and deceptive face of India and be made a laughing stock before the world.
In yesterday incident at 3rd mile, Dimapur where Khaplang group killed two of our boys, 2nd Lieut. Tekanungsang Ao and Sgt. Ato Sema, NSCN responded immediately and chased the Khaplang boys smashing the glass of their vehicle. When the chase reached Chumukedima they escaped into IRB camp. As doctrinated, the IRB may issue denial statement that will carry no face value, lest the Nagas and the concerned authorities misconstrue the NSCN's offensive as lust for violence or anti-peace this statement has to be read in a very perspective manner.
The NSCN condoles the death of 2nd Lieut Tekanungsang Ao and Sgt. Ato Sema and pay honor and respect for their years of national services.
It may be noted that even since the GBs and DBs started the initiative the following persons belonging to NSCN were killed by Khaplang group- Major PK Stone (Chaplain) and his wife, Lance Corporal Ngashakhui, Private Ahenmi Sareo, Private Easternlight Raikui at a place between Jotsoma and Piphema on 8th September 2007, 2nd Lieut. Ayoyi Sumi Kohima on 3rd October 2007, and 2nd Lieut. Tekanungsang and Sgt. Ato Serna 3rd Mile, Dimapur.
The version given by Akato Chophi of Khaplang is offensive and provocative to say the least. Who are they to go on routine patrolling other than looking for soft target on NSCN in Medziphema? NSCN is not going to tolerate the Khaplang group if found on such offensive patrolling again. The stance taken by Khaplang group on GBs and DBs peace mission indicates their wavering stand ever since this issue comes into the picture. Where the Khaplang exactly stand in relation to GBs and DBs is still unknown for many obvious reasons. But the statement given by Akato Chophy is nothing more than deceptive ploy seeking escape route to their crime.
MIP, GPRN NSCN (IM)
Army gets a rebel googly - All decked up & nobody to surrender OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Guwahati/Dibrugarh, Oct. 26: A tinge of embarrassment today coarsed through the ranks of the lately upbeat army after it was forced to postpone another organised surrender of militants because some of those who had sent feelers about their willingness to give up the gun did not turn up. Army officers tried hard to convince the media that the postponement was necessitated by a positive development rather than a negative one. A spokesman said some more militants wished to surrender and the army wanted them to do so with those who had already committed themselves. A source in the security establishment, however, said the about-turn by some of those who had agreed to surrender was the only reason for the postponement. “It was a case of counting the chicks before they had hatched.”
The army announced only yesterday that around a dozen rebels — most of them from Ulfa — would surrender with arms in the headquarters of the 181 Mountain Brigade at Laipuli in Tinsukia district. Had the ceremony been held, it would have been the second in less than a week. As many as 33 militants, 31 of them from Ulfa, surrendered at Tamulpur in Baksa district on Tuesday. The leader of the group, Nagen Rabha, said he and his comrades decided to “return to the mainstream” because the Ulfa leadership “does not care for lower-level cadre”.
A source did not rule out today’s episode being a ploy by Ulfa to embarrass the army. “The outfit has received several jolts in the past few months with several top leaders either arrested or killed. The mass surrender in Tamulpur was another setback. The outfit may have intentionally embarrassed the army to deflate its morale,” he said. The army had invited a large media contingent from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts to cover the surrender ceremony. When the event did not happen as planned, officers were at pains to come up with explanations.
“We have got feelers from more rebels who have decided to give up the gun. This is why we postponed the ceremony till Monday. It is a very positive development for the security forces and, overall, for the people of Assam,” Brig. Binoy Poonnen, the commander of the 181 Mountain Brigade, said over the phone later.
“The good news is that we are in touch with these rebels and, hopefully, our officers on the job will manage to rope them in before Monday,” he added. The army had been confident that several members of Ulfa’s 28 Battalion, said to be its most potent unit, would surrender today. The 28 Battalion has taken several blows in the past few months. The casualties include big names like Ulum Bhuyan, Rajeev Saikia and Amar Tanti. The “commanding officer” of the battalion, Prabal Neog, was arrested along with his wife in Tezpur recently. Pranjal Saikia, the “commander” of the battalion’s Alpha Company, surrendered.
Merapani venue for first sitting Border spat in people’s court Nagarealm.com

Guwahati, OCT26 [TI] : Uttered often by leaders of nations trying to mend fences, the magic mantra of “people-to-people contact” will now be used to end the festering, four-decade-old boundary dispute between Assam and Nagaland.
A team of activists from Assam and Nagaland will conduct a “confidence-building exercise” involving residents of villages on either side of the border tomorrow at Merapani, the flashpoint of the dispute between the neighbours. Located in Golaghat district, Merapani first made the headlines when nearly 100 people died in police firing from either side in 1985.

Citizens’ organisations from the two states met for three hours in Guwahati today to brainstorm on how to improve the tenuous relationship between the neighbours, particularly residents of the villages dotting either side of the boundary. A delegation of members from these organisations left for Merapani in the evening. Naga Hoho leader H.K. Zhimomi, one of the participants in this exercise, said people-to-people contact just might achieve what official talks had failed to. “A 12-member team from Nagaland participated in the session (in Guwahati). Tomorrow, we will be having the first grassroots-level dialogue involving residents of Merapani. The idea is to improve people-to-people contact and also impress upon the governments of the two states to resolve their differences amicably,” he said.
The participants in the discussion included writer-academician Hiren Gohain, AGP general secretary Hitendra Nath Goswami, former Gauhati University vice-chancellor D.P. Baruah, Naga Mothers’ Association president Khesheli Chishi and engineer Mukul Mahanta, who is a member of the Ulfa-constituted People’s Consultative Group. Leaders of the Naga Students’ Federation, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti and the Asom Mahila Sachetan Mancha were present, too.

The chief convenor of the People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam, Lachit Bordoloi, said tomorrow’s event at Merapani would be the culmination of amicable talks between organisations of the two states. “We have worked out a strategy to improve ties through people-to-people dialogue. We will be holding more meetings at sensitive points along the inter-state border and involve residents of both states.” His colleague Dilip Patgiri said four rounds of talks had been held so far, including one with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah)’s leadership at Camp Hebron — the outfit’s council headquarters near Dimapur — on May 5. “The discussions so far have been encouraging. The NSCN (I-M) top brass was happy with the initiative and said that the boundary dispute should not affect people-to-people ties.”
10 dead in India rebel attacks Daily Times afp
GUWAHATI: An ambush by separatist rebels in northeastern India left three soldiers and a civilian dead, while a series of clashes between rival militants also killed six rebels, officials said Friday. Rebels from the leading faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) ambushed a military convoy late Thursday, police said, which also injured four people. The Isak-Muivah rebels, who are fighting for an expanded Naga homeland, attacked the convoy in Arunachal Pradesh state, a senior police official told AFP. In three separate clashes in Nagaland set off when another group of suspected Isak-Muivah rebels stormed the camp of a rival faction, six militants were killed and several wounded, police official A. Sema told AFP.

A falling out two decades ago between the separatist group’s founders - Isak Chisi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and SS Khaplang - led to a split and infighting. The Isak-Muivah group is holding talks with the Indian government after entering into a truce in 1997. The Khaplang faction agreed to a truce in 2001. The NSCN’s fight to expand the mountainous Nagaland state in India’s remote northeast bordering Myanmar has claimed 25,000 lives in the past six decades.

DAN reduced to 36 members Nagaream.com
Dimapur, OCT25 [NPN] : Following the withdrawal of support by JD (U) legislator Deo Nukhu to the ruling DAN coalition government on Wednesday, the conglomerate has now been reduced to 36 members with NPF-28, BJP-5 and Independents-3. The Congress has 17 members, JD (U)-2 and Independent-1 in the House. The 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly has an effective strength of 56 members at present following the resignation of four from the House earlier. In September, four former ministers K. Therie, Z. Obed, Vatsu Meru and N. Yeangphong Konyak had resigned from the Assembly while Independent MLA Khutovi Sema withdrew support to the DAN. Another JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi had also withdrawn support to DAN government earlier. On Wednesday following his withdrawal of support to the DAN, Deo Nukhu in a statement issued to the media alleged that though it was the BJP, Samata Party and JD (U) that rescued the NPF and helped DAN form the government after the 2003 election, yet the “original party workers” of these DAN allies were being sidelined.

“After the downsizing of ministry in 2004, the JD (U) was left out of the ministry. There was no reshuffle of the ministry in the entire five years tenure for offering opportunity of power sharing amongst the DAN legislators. Practically it has been reduced to only NPF-BJP coalition government,” Nukhu alleged. He also said that during a recent executive meeting of State JD (U), majority of the members expressed their displeasure and discontentment with the DAN government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the State and the alleged step-motherly treatment being meted out to JD (U) party workers by certain NPF ministers. Nukhu also alleged that NPF leaders did not have the attitude of seat-sharing among the DAN allies even for the forthcoming general election. Under such circumstances, Nukhu said he had withdrawn his support to the government in the best interest of the party workers as the party could not foresee any future in the DAN.Meanwhile, the JD (U) Phek district has withdrawn its support to the government in support of the stand of Nukhu and in view of the “insensible attitude” of Home Minister Thenucho towards the deteriorating law and order situation in Phek district. The JD (U) Phek district in a release issued by its president alleged despite the best effort given to maintain the spirit of coalition partner and to fulfill the CMP of the government, the JD (U) supporters were sidelined and deprived of many deserving facilities. “The attitude of Phek district NPF has become more than the opposition party, as such making it impossible to function together as DAN alliance parties,” the release added. It may be mentioned political parties in Nagaland have already started to gird up their loins in view of the polls. The polls are expected early 2008.
3 AR jawans die in ambush Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Oct 26 (Agencies): Three Assam Rifles personnel and a civilian were killed and several others injured in an ambush by suspected NSCN (I-M) activists in Arunachal Pradesh.
A police spokesperson said that suspected NSCN (I-M) activists attacked a three-vehicle convoy of the 23 Assam Rifles near village Pangchau in Tirap district late Thursday.
“A group of heavily armed NSCN (I-M) rebels fired indiscriminately with automatic weapons killing three Assam Rifles personnel and a civilian contractor accompanying the team,” a senior police official told IANS. Four personnel, including an officer, were wounded in the attack.
A report filed by the PTI, however, said two jawans and a civilian were killed while eight others injured in the attack.
“Two of the injured were stated to be critical,” the official said. The Assam Rifles personnel were on their way to Pangchau on a routine patrol when they were ambushed.
“We are still not sure as to why the NSCN (I-M) launched the attack despite the truce,” an army commander told IANS on condition of anonymity. Defence sources told PTI that the ultras targetted the 23 Assam Rifles commanding officer and three vehicles moving from Khunsa to Panchu by exploding a powerful IED. Due to the impact of the blast, two vehicles were hurled twenty metres up in the air. The commanding officer sitting in one of the vehicles had a miraculous escape. The ultras also fired on the securitymen killing Havildar Mohan Singh and Lance Naik S K Tiwari. A civilian contractor Mukesh Srivastava, who was travelling in the vehicle, also died. The eight injured personnel were airlifted to army base in Dinjan and Jorhat.
The army suspects the involvement of either the NSCN or the ULFA in the attack. However, ULFA sources in Dibrugarh have denied the outfit's involvement.

Fire The Cease Fire By: Geoffery “Whenever a separation is made between Liberty and Justice, Neither in my opinion, is safe.” - Edmund Burke.
Ceasefire means ‘Truce’ to end violence. The sequence of ceasefires commenced with NSCN (IM) entering into an agreement with GoI in 1997. Number of such agreements with various other outfits (NSCN (K), UPDS, ANVC, DHD etc.) followed the suite. NDFB has entered into a more akin agreement i.e. Soo (Suspension of operations). Literally speaking these agreements mean that these outfits shun the use of weapon, stay in designated camps and stay away from factional fights, kidnapping, extortion, societal violence etc and contribute positively to the society. Notwithstanding the negative contribution of the outfits that have not entered into such agreement those who have are no less. Despite initial hesitation, Manipur Govt. has also decided to go in for ceasefire agreement with UG outfits operating in the state. Perpetual efforts of ceasefire agreement with ULFA have failed. To a thinking person; these agreements mean UG outfits have come over ground. It means peace, development, prosperity and end of violence. But, has it been achieved? Is the self feeding spiral of mis-governance fuelling violence or vice versa? All and sundry need to find an answer to fire the ceasefire.

First question is partially answered by the facts. After these agreements, there is semblance of peace and prosperity but far from satisfaction. Statistics by institute of conflict management reveal that overall violence related fatalities are on decline in the NE. Now the second question, former part is more true then the latter. What do we expect? When there is an established political & UG nexus for mutual convenience? When a chief Minister of a state, during budget speech (2006) resignedly says “It is not possible for any government to prevent extortion completely”? When erstwhile surrendered cadres BPPF (H) hold the key to power in Assam? When NSCN (IM) has issued diktats to bureaucrats and local tribes with impunity and made the affected parties kneel & plead? When elections in South Assam are postponed due to well established nexus?

Numbers of voices in the media call these states as failed states. Responses of the people to unending violence are a futuristic warning of desperation. Lynching of ULFA carders in Sivasagar (Jun 07), Jorhat (01 Oct 07) and NSCN (IM) cadres in Tuensang (Sep 07), people’s vehement voice against the violence and absurd acts of judgment by the over ground out fits (Jalukie Jangdi and Intagaki Reserve Forest case) in Nagaland, Truckers & Education staff in Manipur going on strike against unethical demands of outfits etc are recent examples Readers can draw their own conclusions.

To make the ceasefire more productive the players who can contribute are; Centre Govt, State Govt and the common man. Out of the three, state Govt has to play big. The leaders need to leave exclusivist tribal leanings behind. The leaders need to stop dividing the society for power games they play. The leaders need to stop looking towards the mainland for everything that goes wrong and start identifying their own responsibilities. The leaders need to make a paradigm shift from rhetoric to action. The leaders need to synthesize history with contemporary needs. There is need to improve the response capacities of law and order machine and also reduce their response time (Tripura has achieved to some degree).

Lack of development is one reason for the existing state of affairs. But as per union minister of commerce, Jairam Ramesh “On a per capita basis, each state of NE gets much more than any other state in the country but nothing is visible on ground”. What happens to the funds or the fund flow is a pollution of democracy? People are not wrong who go on Blockades, Strikes and Dharnas either on developmental issues that they so well deserve or corruption of state machinery that needs reining. Losses due to these should not be mere statistics but taken note of. To quote figures in Manipur, there had been 42 days of Bandh & 77 days of Blockade in 2006-07 till 31-1-07. Each day of bandh and blockade has costed the exchequer, Rs 6.88 crores and Rs 3.01 crores respectively totalling to whooping Rs 520.73 crores.

One thought to fire the ceasefire is: Include a clause for cadres to deposit weapons for the tenure of agreement and assign some productive unit to be manned & managed by the outfit (not linked to rehabilitation of surrendered). Let them contribute to the society economically rather weaning away the same. Let them contribute to the positive thinking of the youth. Let them contribute to the saving of lives of young cadres who are used as cannon fodders or die of malnutrition or sickness in jungles etc. As per statistics from 2001 to 31 Mar 2007 there had been 5373 violence related fatalities. Out of these 2943(55%) are militants (obviously the younger cadres). Let these outfits not be above the law of land.

Exclusivist tribal identities and attendant insecurities of various tribes need to be impartially understood by the elected leaders of the state and represented at the centre cohesively. Ceasefire Meeting at Dimapur on 31 Jul 07 is a historical signpost lending the talks an inclusive dimension. It will not be wrong to quote ex governor of Nagaland H.E. Shymal Dutta who said “Though I dealt with North East desk before my retirement but my understanding of Nagaland and neighboring states is more realistic and better now than it was earlier”.

Now the society. More is required from energetic & adventurous youth who need to explore their stamina & enterprise. Youth here does not lack anything but guidance & moral support of elders and NGOs. It was very encouraging to read in Sangai Express (23 Sept 07) about Kanglei Economic Development Organization (KEDO) in Manipur. Its mission is to spread the message of self dignity & dignity of labor amongst the youth? Following KEDO Boys, Girls have also started the work, who sell items of daily use to the women vendors in famous Khawairamband Bazar. Each girl earns upto Rs 200/- every day. These girls deposit rupees ten every day for something big in future. Remember! small opportunities are often the beginning of big enterprise. Some of these girls are educated, some are pursuing studies and some are sports persons of national level. One of the girls told the media “We have come out to work, not because we do not have anything to do at home. But to show; that there are lot of works that can be done and earn money outside the home if one is determined”. She further added “In order to bring development in our society, we the youth should work tirelessly. Only then we should be able to make decision of our own”. Wow! What a positive and adventurous outlook to emulate and stop lamenting? Positively engaged youth will be idolized and bring lasting development. To make cease fire deliver results everyone need to identify his onus to fire the ceasefire lest it’s too late.

“The world is not moved by the mighty shoves of the herores but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker” - Hellen Keller. (Readers can reach out to the author on Email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in)

Manipur bandh affects Kuki areas OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Oct. 26: Today’s Manipur bandh, called by the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) to protest against the killing of a rifleman on Wednesday, did not have much impact in the state except in the Kuki-dominated areas. A police team had gunned down Tongthang Haokip, a rifleman of the 1st Battalion of Manipur Rifles, near the Palace Gate in Imphal East when he was allegedly on his way to collect money from an official of the Chandel division of the public health engineering (PHE) department. Haokip, a member of the Kuki community, was the security guard of former minister C. Doungel.
Imphal East superintendent of police L. Kailun alleged that the rifleman was a cadre of the militant Kuki National Army (KNA) and was coming with another person to collect Rs 4.5 lakh from the PHE official, L. Sanatombi Singh, and a driver of the department. He said Haokip had collected Rs 3 lakh earlier that day from the same official. Haokip’s accomplice, Thenkholun Haokip, was a rifleman of the 2nd Battalion of Manipur Rifles. The police said he was also hit during the firing and fell into a nearby river. He is yet to be traced.
The KSO called the dawn-to-dusk bandh to demand a judicial inquiry into the killing of the rifleman, punishment to the personnel involved, a government job for a member of his family and payment of salary and other entitlements to the family. The organisation also wants the missing rifleman to be traced. A police officer said, “It was a clear case of killing of a KNA cadre in an encounter, while he was coming to collect money. It is only that he turned out to be a rifleman.” Haokip’s body has been kept at the forensic wing of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences as the family members are refusing to accept it.
One more dead in KNA-KRA clashes By : A Staff Reporter Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL Oct 25: Suspected cadres of KNA clashed with KRA rebels again Thursday morning killing one at Khamenlok under Saikul police station taking the toll of the dead in the rival clashes to two since October 18. The clash occurred amidst appeals by various Kuki civil bodies to refrain from acting like brutes with civilians and comrades alike considering the need for peace and social order in the Kuki society.
The clash reportedly occurred early this morning and the dead cadre may be one Lalboi of KNA. The dead body was retrieved from the spot this afternoon by the police, reports said.
Locals found the dead body of the man after sound of heavy firing was heard by the villagers of Khamenlok this morning. Suspected KNA and KRA cadres have been engaged in gunfights since the last couple of weeks in the Kuki inhabited areas bordering Imphal east, Senapati and Ukhrul district. It may be recalled that villagers of Saichang village under Lamlai village have been taking asylum at the neighbouring villages of Itham and Moirangpurel after fleeing their homes following factional clashes between Kuki armed groups. A civilian woman victim of the clash has also been hospitalizing at a hospital in Imphal since October 18.
In the meantime, stating that the clash among the rebel groups had caused immense trouble and miseries at Saichang village in Saikul sub-division, various Kuki civil bodies have appealed to the groups engaged in the fight to shun the same for sake of peace and social order.
A joint statement signed by the president of KSO (Sadar Hills), vice chairman, KUMHUR, Dr. S Chongloi, KSO headquarter president P Simte, president Kuki Inpi (Sadar Hills) Chungkam Haokip, president Kuki Women’s Union, Rose Mangsi Haokip and president of Sadar Hills Chiefs Association, Aneh Chongloi also lauded the people of Moirangpurel and volunteers of AMUCO for giving shelter and providing humanitarian help to the displaced villagers. “Such incidences of intra-party fighting, violence and internecine killings have marred the Kuki society to an unfathomable degree in the past years,” the statement said. They also lamented that the groups who were posing to spearhead the cause of the people with sophisticated arms have lead haywire the cause of their struggle and the wishes and aspirations of the Kuki people will never be met if they (armed groups) continue to disturb the public peace and create social tragedy.


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