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11/04/2007: "NSCN (IM) identifies informer; condemns October 31 killing The Morung Express"

NSCN (IM) identifies informer; condemns October 31 killing The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 3 (MExN): Having undertaken ‘thorough investigation’ of the 31st October killing where one “innocent person” identified as Imkongtemsu, son of Chubatoshi of Longkhum village, the brother-in-law of GPRN Tatar Akato was killed in false encounter by the 5th Bihar Regiment ‘in collision with the Khatkhati Assam Police led by its OC,’ and also injuring Akato seriously, the NSCN (IM) stated that it was constrained to unearth the truth of everything and condemn the ‘falsehood of the parties (culprits) involved in the unprovoked killing.’ An MIP press note received here stated that on investigation it was found that an informer, Tamang Nepali who at one time worked as driver in one garage in 5th Mile, Dimapur, played an active role. “It was Tamang who planned out everything for the day’s encounter that have no link to any arm transaction or provocation by Akato and his brother-in-law. As planned by Tamang, Akato and Imkongtemsu arrived on the spot where Tamang also appeared. But on the signal given by Tamang the personnel of the 5th Bihar Regiment dressed in civil showed up and had argument with Akato. But despite identifying himself through his I-Card issued by Ceasefire Monitoring Group Chairman Lt. Gen.(Retd) Kulkarno and Brig. Phunghting he was shot straight through his hand and Imkongtemsu was killed in the next without any provocation as alleged by the Indian Army and Assam Police”, the MIP note stated. Tamang the informer disappeared from the scene within no time and was informed later by the eye witness that the 5th Bihar Regiment took him along, the MIP stated adding that the conspiracy of the day also revealed that on that day one white Tata Sumo was parked the whole day on the spot of the incident. As told by the eye witnesses there were no such firing from the Naga personnel but a small argument was heard just before the firing. “In the deeper analysis of the incident everything goes towards undermining the Naga Struggle by inventing all conceivable conspiracy to cause roadblock to Naga people’s political aspiration. In 1970s was a period of betrayal to the Nagas cause by forcing the Shillong Accord using the NNC members. The 1980s was another period of betrayal using Khaplang to split the NSCN and weaken the NSCN leadership as planned by SC. Jamir”, the NSCN (IM) stated. Pointing out that though the ceasefire was signed in 1997, “the dirty hands of the intelligence agencies never stay at rest”. The recent Khatkhati Road, United North Block-B, Burma Camp, Dimapur incident is just another sinister designed game-plan of the Indian Army to make a mockery of the ceasefire ground rules by choosing the spot of killing right on the soil of Nagaland, it stated. The NSCN (IM) pointed out that the Nagaland State government also confirmed on investigation that the Indian Army claim held no face value as the spot was in Burma Camp, United North Block-B, Dimapur and that the misleading statement of the 5th Bihar Regiment only goes to expose the deeper side of the Indian Army to play funny with the Nagas under ceasefire. “The irony of the killing by the 5th Bihar Regiment was that just after the incident the Bihar Regiment personnel involved in the killing immediately put on their Army dress and pretentiously took control of the situation by not allowing even the police personnel to enter the area. The whole picture was vividly narrated by the people who were the witnesses throughout. What a demeaning game for the Indian Army to indulge in such unruly and unethical killing without the slightest reason at hand”, the NSCN (IM) noted.
NSF asks Govt. to safeguard innocent public Nagaland Page
Dimapur, November 3: Concerned by the unabated killings taking place in the state, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has called upon the state law enforcing agencies to come to sense and seriously initiate measures to curb the menace of senseless taking place in Nagaland. The federation said the concerned authority can no longer remain a mute spectator to the state of lawlessness which is increasing day by day.
"It must be understood that it is the paramount duty of the state to safeguard the innocent people and save their lives from becoming an easy prey and valueless," it said in a communiqué issued by its assistant general secretary, Thoshusie Katiry.
The NSF made this appeal to the state agencies in the backdrop of the recent cold-blooded murder of Moayanger Longkumer of Nokpu village, an employee of state Industries & Commerce, on October 30 last by some unidentified miscreants at BOC Market, Kohima.
Vehemently condemning the killing, the NSF said such barbaric act meted out to an innocent person in broad daylight would not serve any purpose to any organization or individual in whatever pursuit the killing accounted for. "The federation denounces any form of violence and killing among Naga brethren which is becoming highly prevalent in the present Naga society," it added. The NSF also prayed to the Almighty to give solace to the bereaved family members. (Page News Service)
NSCN(IM) diktat may see many contractors losing work in `Naga areas` Newmai News Network

Dimapur, Nov 2: The contractors in Manipur will soon find themselves in the beeline at the doors of the Who is Who of the NSCN-IM if they want to get assigned contract works in the "Naga areas" in Manipur.

In an interesting development today, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim of the Isak-Muivah faction has directed this afternoon that no contract works in the "Naga areas" in Manipur are allowed to be taken up without the recommendation of the outfit. The NSCN-IM warned that "zero tolerance" should be exercised or enforced against anyone defying this directive. The bottom-line of this measure of the NSCN-IM is that the tribal people should not be denied their rightful place in the developmental works.

"No contract works sans recommendation from GPRN (NSCN-IM`s Government of the People`s Republic of Nagalim) in the Naga areas shall be allowed under any circumstances. Consequences, thereafter for violation shall be serious with dimensional effects. Ongoing works in the hill areas if found without the recommendations of the GPRN shall face action for deliberately by-passing the GPRN authority," declared the NSCN-IM.

The directive of the outfit, which was made available to Newmai News Network by the outfit`s ministry of information and publicity (MIP) in Dimapur, states, "In the backdrop of the ground reality where the Manipur government in complicity with the valley-based underground groups are exploiting the tribal or hill people in the allotment of contract works related to any developmental programs sponsored by Central or state government the GPRN/NSCN is constrained to issue the directive to the concerned departments that henceforth `zero tolerance` shall be exercised or enforced against anyone who dares to deny the tribal people their rightful place in the developmental works that fall in their areas."

While pointing at the state government the NSCN-IM said that the Manipur government does not exist for the "people of the valley only."

It asserted that "the valley underground groups" have no right to enter into complicity with different "departmental heads in collusion with the concerned ministers to exploit the hill people."

The NSCN-IM then asked, "Where is their revolutionary concept of integrity if the valley undergound groups practise corruption and exploitation of the highest order?"

The outfit pointed out that the Central government has not poured in so much money just to fill up the coffers of the ministers and "valley UGs and therefore, anyone found indulging in such mischief will only face penalty with irreparable loss."

With a fiery tone, the NSCN-IM cautioned that time to face the reality and bills drawn without any work done in the hill areas are being checked and "if proved to be true such persons shall be treated as people`s enemies and debarred from any contract works in the hills".

Oil: Illegal activities in Champang The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 3 (MExN): Taking strong cognizance of the growing division in Champang village over oil exploration issues, the Lotha Students’ Union has reiterated its warning of action against certain sections undertaking illegal activities in the area.
The union has warned that any action on the violators would be taken without any warning. The organization has directed that all illegal activities in the Champang area over oil explorations be stopped immediately. While warning of dire consequences, the LSU reiterated its earlier stand that no oil exploration operations would be allowed to be carried out without the full knowledge and consent of the government and the Lotha Hoho. The LSU cautioned that the union should not be held responsible if any dire eventualities take place.
A statement from LSU president Nzanthung K Yanthan and vice president Chenirao Lotha also mentioned the October 20 joint meeting of the Lotha Hoho, LSU and the Lotha Eloe Hoho. The Lotha Hoho was endorsed to formulate policies that shall be acceptable, honorable and beneficial’ binding to the people with regards to oil and related mineral resources. The meeting also decided that no company or agency will be allowed to carry out any operational activities in any of the oil fields without acceding to and satisfying the preconditions to be laid down by the Hoho. The companies and agencies in concern are directed to adhere to the resolutions undertaken at the meeting “instead of creating commotion and division among the people.”
Manipur rice scandal- Nagaland Post
Corruption of highest order involving FCS rice has been placed under the centre's scanner for quite sometime. The real picture of the fishy dealings took time to surface in the open because of the involvement of the people in the authority not excepting the people's representative in collusion with the valley based underground organizations. The illegal transaction however, could not escape the watchful eye of the regional authority of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) who caught hold of the truck drivers transporting the FCS rice and they eventually unfolded the murky world of the forbidden business worth crores of money.
The modus operandi of the whole business as revealed by the drivers exposed the deceptive movement that goes on under the shadow of the Manipur FCS godown located at Nungba Headquarters of Tamenglong District. Once the truck loads reach the FCS godwon premises the trick of the illegal transaction was set in motion. The vehicles would enter the godown through the back door and after waisting the whole day giving the seeming impression that unloading is taking place, the approach of evening would set the next move to exit the fully loaded trucks through another exit point to proceed to the destined private godowns.
According to Gojen of Tera Bazar, Imphal one of the agents who supplies rice taken from FCS godown to Ananta of Jirighat the Manipur FCS Minister Y. Irabot is the ring leader in the illegal transaction of rice when interrogated by NSCN authority of the Zeliangrong Region after being caught confessed that 100 trips had been transported of Jirighat. While passing through police check points they would pay Rs. 1,500 - 2,000/- to pass through. The police know the everything of the transaction that is illegal and an open crime against the State Government. But for the heavy tips that come without the asking they would allow safe passage of the vehicles that are proceeding to their private godowns. Interestingly, he reveals further that there are more that 10,000 quintals of rice in these private godowns. According to him, the partnerships in crime of FCS Minister Irabot are:
1. Rajen Meetei, Tera Bazar
2. Kamal Bengali, Man-tripukhuri
3. Pappu Marwari, Mant-ripukhuri
4. Lalal Marwari, Man-tripukhuri
5. Kamal Singjamei,
6. Alladin, Kashipur, Silchar
7. Achinto Bengali, Jirighat
8. Anato Bengali, Jirighat
9. Ibocha, Naga Mapal
According to the drivers of 11 trucks arrested and interrogated by NSCN, around 350 to 400 trips had been transported to various locations outside Manipur from May 2007 to October 2007. These loads of rice are handled by agents namely:- Alladin of Kashipur, Silchar, Achinto Bengali, Jirighat. Sometimes these rice are transported to Mizoram and Tripura. Interestingly, the rice taken to Manipur are again taken back to Assam but only to expose the shady business that is tumbling down now. Mr. Md. Amu of Khurai Khomidok purchased rice from the following godowns:-
1. Kamal godown, Man-tripukhuri, Imphal
2. Natesh godown, Man-tripukhuri, Imphal
3. Papu godown, Mant-ripukhuri, Imphal
4. Iboton godown, Tera Bazar, Imphal.
From theses godowns the rice are transported to Assam. With the modus operandi unfolded, conflicting statements started emanating from Mr. Irabot after landing himself in soup. In one occasion he allegedly said that the rice are for Manipur and serious action would be taken against the police personnel involved in facilitating the transportation of the illegal business. Again he was in for further mess up when he said that the rice are for private purpose. But the question that cornered him into deeper trouble is what is the necessity of depositing private rice to government godowns? Again he was allegedly saying that the rice are for other states. But if that is the case what is the compulsion to be brought all the way to Manipur in Nungba District?
With nothing left to hide about the illegal business caught by the NSCN in constant vigilant, the drivers pleaded for their lives saying that they were mere drivers earning their daily bread to support their families. They confessed that their activities are unlawful, yet when they complaint about it to their bosses/agents they were just told that their criminal activities are done under cover and under protection from the government authorities and as such they have nothing beyond profit making from the business. Mr. Irabot has much explaining to be given to the masters in New Delhi from where the rice originated. But in any case he has landed himself in big soup. Such corruption of highest order often took place when there is collusion between the Manipur Ministers and Valley underground groups. The so-called revolutionary groups who professed to be fighting for people's cause are robbing the poor people in collision with state privilege representatives. Where is their revolutionary integrity under the given situation that now expose the true face of the Meetei undergrounds? Why is the valley UGs stoop so low to indulge in such dirty dealings? And why the Minister entered into such collusion with UGs to deprive the people the much needed rice.
Ministry of Information & Publicity, NSCN (I-M)
NSF condemns killing of govt employee The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 3 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation today strongly condemned the killing of a government employee, Moayanger Longkumer on October 30 by some unidentified miscreants at Kohima and said that the concern authority should not remain a mute spectator to the state of lawlessness in the state. Condemning the killing, the NSF asserted that it denounces any form of violence and killing among Naga brethren which is becoming highly prevalent in the present Naga society.
“Such barbaric act meted out to an innocent person in the broad-daylight will not serve any purpose to any organisation or individual, in whatever pursuit, the killing accounts for,” the NSF stated in a press statement received here today. The NSF strongly suggested that the law enforcing agency of the state should now come to its sense and initiate the strongest measure to curb the menace of the senseless killings going on in the state. “The concern authority should no longer remain a mute spectator to the state of lawlessness which is increasing day by day,” the NSF stated and pointed out that it is the paramount duty of the state to safeguard the lives of the people. The NSF further conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
NSCN-IM impeaches FCS Minister in rice scam Newmai News Network
Dimapur, The name of Manipur senior Mi-nister Y Irabot has been pictured in the centre of the episode with regard to FCS rice scandal as revealed by the NSCN-IM reported investigation today. Atleast ten Silchar bound trucks carrying FCS rice we-re nabbed by the NSCN-IM on October 8 along NH-53 in Tamenglong district. As per the revelation made by the NSCN-IM today based on its investigation, FCS Minister Y Irabot was the ring-leader in the scandal.
“According to Gojen of Tera Bazar, one of the agents who supplies rice taken from FCS godown to Ananta in Jirighat, Irabot is the ring-leader in the illegal transaction of the rice,” disclosed the NSCN-IM. The outfit said that this was disclosed when interrogated by the NSCN-IM authority of the Zeliangrong Region. The NSCN-IM added that while passing through police check points the drivers/agents would pay Rs. 1,500 – Rs.2,000 to pass through. “Interestingly, the rice agent (Gojen) reveals that there are more that 10,000 quintals of rice in private godowns”.
“According to him, the partners-in-crime of FCS Minister Irabot are Rajen, Tera Bazar, Kamal Bengali, Pappu Marwari, Lalal Marwari, all from Mantripukhri, Imphal and Kamal of Sing-jamei, Alladin of Kashipur in Silchar, Achinto Bengali and Anato Bengali, both from Jirighat and Ibocha, Naga Mapal, Imphal,” further disclosed the NSCN-IM.
As per revelations made by the drivers of 11 trucks arrested and interrogated by NSCN-IM, around 350 to 400 truck loads had been transported to various locations outside Manipur from May to October this year. “These loads of rice are handled by agents Alladin of Kashipur, Silchar and Achin -to Bengali of Jirighat. Some -times this rice are transported to Mizoram and Tripura.” alleged the NSCN-IM. “Md Amu of Khurai Khomidok purchased rice from Kamal godown, Natesh godown, Papu godown, all located at Mantripukhuri, and Iboton godown at Tera Bazar,” the NSCN-IM allegation continues, adding, “from these godowns the rice are transported to Assam”. The NSCN-IM also stated that with the modus operandi unfolded, conflicting statements started emanating from Y Irabot after landing himself in soup. “In one occasion he allegedly said that the rice are for Manipur and serious action would be taken against the police personnel involved in facilitating the transportation of the illegal business. Again he was in for further mess up when he said that the rice are for private purpose. But the question that cornered him into deeper trouble is—what is the necessity of depositing private rice to Government godowns? Again Y Irabot was allegedly saying that the rice are for other states. But if that is the case what is the compulsion to be brought all the way to Manipur in Nungba District?,” asked the NSCN-IM. The outfit then alleged that with nothing left to hide about the illegal business caught by the NSCN-IM, the drivers pleaded for their lives saying that they were mere drivers earning their daily bread to support their families.“The drivers confessed that their activities are un-lawful, yet when they com- plaint about it to their bosses/agents they were just told that their criminal activities are done under-cover and under protection from the Government authorities and as such they have nothing beyond profit making from the business,” further added the NSCN-IM. “Irabot has much explaining to be given to the masters in New Delhi from where the rice originated. But in any case he has landed him-self in big soup. Such corruption of highest order often took place when there is collusion between the Ministers and valley underground groups. The so-called revolutionary groups who professed to be fighting for people’s cause are robbing the poor people in collusion with state privileged representatives. Where is their revolutionary integrity? Why is the valley UGs stoop so low to indulge in such dirty dealings? And why the Minister entered into such collusion with UGs to deprive the people the much needed rice,” questioned the NSCN-IM.
AR organize education tour for village elders Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Army officers and delegates of educational tour pose for camera. (MExPix)
Kohima | Brig Bhupinder Singh, Deputy Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) today flagged off the 15 day long educational tour for village elders to Delhi- Agra organized by 40 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 5 Sector AR and Headquarter Inspector General Assam Rifles (North).A group of 30 members delegation of village elders under Wokha district along with two guides joined the tour programme, where they will visit the historical places at Delhi and Agra besides, visiting the Indian Agricultural Research Centre and the Shopping Mall at Gurgaon. Speaking on the occasion, the Brig. Singh expressed that 40 Assam Rifles has undertaken a noble cause by giving an exposure to the village elders to visit places of historical and educational interest. He was hopeful that all the elders of Wokha district would get maximum benefit out of the tour and share their memories and information with others back home. He also declared that Assam Rifles as friends of the hill people would continue their relentless endeavour of helping out the local populace of far-flung and remote areas with an aim to bring about develop and ensure a path for better and prosperous future of the State. A team comprising two NCOs from 40 Assam Rifles is accompanying the party as guide. Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles will be organizing a warm welcome function on return of the party on November 18.
Violence and the State Nagarealm.com
What are the normal responses to violence and discontent in India, patterns that we have come to expect in almost machine like blueprint. They tend to follow a standard operating procedure. First there are patchy protests and demands and agitations which are generally disregarded. The mighty state has no time to pay attention to the cribs and & gripes of ordinary people. They have other priorities, other issues to grapple with like for instance becoming a regional or global power or taking on super powers on their turf or fight political and ideological battles.

No one has time to spend on petty skirmishes. So if things get a bit noisy, they send in some police men with lathis or if things get bad , then with tear gas shells an if things get real bad, then folks with real guns and real bullets and they do some shooting practice and kill some defenseless people – pretty much like Jallianwala Bagh. There too, General Dyer whom we all love to hate got hold of his people and shot a peacefully gathered crowd hoping that he had put the fear of God into them.
But the reverse happened. his actions pumped some adrenaline into the freedom struggle with Mahatma Gandhi launching his non –cooperation movement soon after and revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh also becoming active in the rage spawned after the carnage. The pitiless General was finally disciplined after an enquiry but today, they is so much discontent and so many photocopies of the reviled general, that we have institutionalized what in those days was an isolated incident and rarely is the system ready any more to punish its own elite.

What happens when the police go in with their batons and their lathis and the tear gas and guns? Does by killing or brutalizing people a problem disappear? Of course not. Just as it did not then in the days of Jalianwala Bagh. The establishment thought then that by terrorizing people, the grip of the state would be strengthened but the opposite happened then and the same thing happens now. Dissent gets strengthened, not the state.
Today there are no Mahatma Gandhis around who would call off the Non Cooperation movement because a small police station in then unknown Chauri Chaura was set on fire. Many modern historians view the Chauri Chaura incident as a minor episode of violence, which while regrettable, did not merit the cancellation of a nation's demand for political freedom.

Supporters of Gandhi's point of view agree with his decision, as it was feared by Gandhi that Chauri Chaura was not an isolated incident, but a shocking episode in a rising trend of violence between protesters and police, which could have degenerated into an orgy of mob violence, which would justify martial law and police suppression of even more civil liberties. Whatever be the case, there existed a sensitivity those days that human lives and liberty were important and worthy of preservation. Today there are no Bhagat Singhs either but there are lots of guns and lots of people who love to use them without the courage or the convictions of either of the giants. And so violence escalates. Once violence escalates beyond a point, then the state decides that talks are called for certain rebellions and agitations simply will not be crushed. So after decades of agitation the Nagas are called for talks and sometimes these talks drag on for decades because a problem that was simple to begin with has become extremely complex with the passage of time. The same thing has happened in Assam with the Assam accord, in West Bengal with the Gorkhas, in Assam with the Bodos, in Mizoram with the Mizos and now the same route of talks is being contemplated with the Nasalizes in Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere.

Of course in Kashmir, the matter of repression and talks has taken such a turn that no one knows exactly what is to be expected around the bend. There is that famous quote that says some things about those who haven’t learnt anything from history are doomed to repeat it again. Looks to me that we ought to have things learnt many times over by now but haven’t because we keep doing the same things that Gen. Dyer did nearly a century ago. Worse, General Dyer was the representative of an imperialist regime who had no particular reason to be sensitive to the wishes of the Indian people. But when we shoot and kill our own people and then appoint commissions of enquiry, it seems to me that we have just stooped a notch lower. [Shantanu Dutta, Desicritics] Shantanu Dutta is a doctor by training and a development professional by vocation. He is an onlooker on events happening in India and the world and most of of what he writes is guided by the axiom WWJD - How would Jesus understand, interpret and write about the situation.

Cong leader among 4 killed in NC Hills By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 3 — Close on the heels of killings of seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in North Cachar Hills district yesterday, the militants belonging to the Black Widow group struck again today killing four persons including a Congress candidate for the ensuing polls for the NC Hills Autonomous Council. Police sources said that the Congress candidate for the Lower Kharseng constituency, Darbikhend Hmar was travelling from Silchar to Haflong in a Maruti Gypsy vehicle today and the vehicle was ambushed in between Lower and upper Redjal, 17 kilometres away from Haflong town at around 1 pm.

The Congress candidate, two of his PSOs – constable Lalremthang Hmar of sixth Assam Police Battalion and constable Kumud Boro of the second Assam Police Task Force and the driver of the vehicle John Hmar were killed on the spot. The militants also managed to snatch away two carbines and 140 rounds of ammunition from the PSOs of the Congress candidate. It may be mentioned here that the killing of the acting chief executive member and an executive member of the Council early this year led to the postponement of the polls to the council. Meanwhile, the Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh today reviewed the situation in the NC Hills District in a meeting with the Chief secretary, Director General of Police, Principal secretary, Home and Political Department and other senior officials. The Government had earlier held meetings with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police and the Brigadier of the Army unit operating in NC Hills and instructed them to take all possible measures to ensure violence free polls to the autonomous Council.
Dissident MLAs lobby for Ibobi’s ouster By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 3: Dissident MLAs who have revolted against the leadership of SPF Government and are camping at an undisclosed place in Delhi have demanded Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to step down insisting he (CM) ought to do so on moral ground as majority of the MLAs in the 31-member Congress Legislature Party (CLP) have openly come out against his leadership.
The dissension within the CLP over its leadership had its bearing on the meeting of the State Cabinet also which was convened today with only seven CLP members including the Chief Mi- nister showing up for the meeting. Health Minister P Parijat was the lone Minister of the coalition partner CPI who was present at the meeting. other who attended the meeting include Ministers holding portfolios of Information and Public Relations TN Haokip, Panchayati Raj & Rural development Md Allauddin Khan, Forest and Environment Th Debendra, Health Ph Parijat, Power Phungzathang Tonsing and Education L Jayantakumar. According to the dissident MLAs, out of the total 31 members of the CLP, 17 including two Ministers are presently camping at Delhi even as two more Cabinet Ministers have communicated their support to the campaign. Since majority of the CLP members have now come out openly against leadership of Ibobi, MPCC president Gaikhangam is expected to arrive at Delhi very soon, they informed. Necessary arrangements have been made for submitting an ultimatum signed by all the dissident MLAs to AICC president Sonia Gandhi reasoning why Ibobi Singh should not be heading the coalition, the MLAs said, adding that the process for seeking an appointment with Sonia Gandhi is already underway. Claiming that campaign against the leadership of Ibobi is being carried out with the understanding of MPCC president Gaikhangam, two MPs and AICC officials who are in-charge of North East, they clarified that it is not intended to topple the SPF Govt but to bring about a change in leadership within the CLP. As Ibobi is now well aware of the fact that majority of the MLAs are against him, it would be befitting on his part to step down on moral ground without any further delay, the dissidents insisted. He should keep his promise of resigning from the post of Chief Minister made during a meeting of CLP if four MLAs from Thoubal district withdraw support, the MLAs recalled. Stating that it is known to all MLAs and people of Manipur that size of Ministry cannot be expanded even if the CM is replaced, the dissident MLAs asserted that the revolt is not for want of Ministerial berths but for saving Manipur.
The MLAs further said there is no conflict over choosing a new leadership. The campaign against Ibobi is only a one line action and that is to remove him from the post of Chief Minister.
No question would be raised when AICC and CLP elect any person as the new leader, they said, adding that although the timing may not be right for the announcement, candidate to be appointed as the new Chief Minister has already been decided. Some of the charges levelled against Ibobi by the dissident MLAs include failure of maintaining law and order in the light of killing sprees almost on daily basis and frequent at-tacks at the residences of Ministers, MLAs and other Govt officials, misuse of developmental funds released by the Centre and dictatorial functioning of Ibobi. The MLAs said they are aware of O Ibobi deputing N Biren, K Ranjit and N Loken - confidants of the CM - to prevail upon them. Consequently, they have shifted site of the camping location to a place where the three would never know. Talking to The Sangai Express, Works Minister K Ranjit Singh, who is currently at Delhi, however, said that campaign of the MLAs is not against the interest of the people of Manipur. Some people who have an eye on the post of Ministers are only holding back other MLAs. When asked whether he has met the any of the dissident MLAs, he replied in negative but hasten to add that communication is being made through telephone. Meanwhile, the meeting of the State Cabinet which was convened today to mainly the issue of law and order in the State was overshadowed by the dissension within the CLP with only six out of the total 11 CLP members including Chief Minister coming up to attend the meeting. Health Minister P Parijat of CPI was the lone Minister from outside the CLP who was present in the meeting. Though no definite decision on the steps to be taken up for improvement of the law and order situation in the State had been taken, the meeting attended by high ranking officials of the Departments concerned expressed that some concrete measures should be adopted in this regard. Apart from discussion the law and order situation, the Cabinet meeting has also approved filling up of vacant post of one Engineer, two SOs, one Architect, one LDC and one Mohori in the newly set up Engineering Cell of the Education Department.
Kid soldiers to fight for Myanmar now Nagaland Page
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 2: More skeletons are tumbling out of Myanmar’s closet. The military government is recruiting 10 to 11-year-old children. They are buying them and sending them to fight after a few weeks of training. It is childhood cut short in a most cruel way, according to Human Rights Watch.
In its latest report, the agency says the recruits are bought by the army for as little as $20 to 40 and sent into conflict situations after 18 weeks of military training. “With the dramatic expansion of the military, which has more than doubled the military after 88, the recruitment has become more predatory,” says Burma consultant, Human Rights Watch, David Scott Mathieson. It is not only the military doing so. Even the armies of rebel ethnic groups in other parts of the country recruit child soldiers. These include the Karen National Union in northern Myanmar, the Karenni rebels in Kayah and the army of the ethnic Shans. The estimate of the total number of child soldiers is about 50,000 now. “Ethnic militia armies also use child soldiers to varying degrees. But the weight of the use of child soldiers is definitely on the Burmese military there are larger numbers within the Burmese military,” says Mathieson. Myanmar’s army is reportedly Asia’s third largest with an estimated 400,000 soldiers. But experts say the military is worried about attrition. About 3,500 soldiers retire or quit the army every 3 months. Besides that standoff against Buddhist monks also appears to have hit morale among the rank and file. (IBNLive)

Rebel MLAs confident of regime change; pro-CM camp ready to negotiate Staff Reporter Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Nov 3: The move by several dissident ministers and MLAs of the Congress to oust O Ibobi Singh from chief ministership is at an interesting point. Though momentarily stymied by the apparent reluctance of the AICC top leadership, including Sonia Gandhi, to grant any appointments, the dissidents are still upbeat, claiming that more MLAs are coming over to their side. On the other hand, despite the open emergence of the dissidents, supporters of Ibobi are still claiming that there is no such move to unseat the chief minister. In the meantime, two of Ibobi’s main trouble shooters, ministers N Biren and K Ranjit, who were apparently sent to Delhi to conciliate the dissidents were reportedly unable to meet them. One of the MLAs camping at Delhi, when contacted by IFP this afternoon, said the numbers are on their side and the only thing left is clearance from the AICC authorities. The MLA said the dissident group is set to increase to 21 MLAs soon, with more MLAs including at least three cabinet ministers, expected to join their camp. The rebel MLA said they have spoken to several AICC leaders over the failure in maintaining law and order, burgeoning corruption, and deteriorating administration in Manipur under O Ibobi Singh and stressed that it was time to go for a change. The MLA however admitted that there has been a delay in getting appointment with the top Congress leaders, particularly Sonia Gandhi. The dissidents are now waiting for the arrival of MPCC chief Gaikhangam in Delhi, the MLA disclosed. On the other hand, even as cabinet ministers N Biren and K Ranjit reached New Delhi yesterday at Ibobi Singh’s behest, they have been unable to contact the dissident MLAs. In this connection, a dissident MLA said there is no going back, and they are not open to any persuasion from Ibobi Singh’s supporters. At least 13 Congress dissident MLAs namely Elangbam Kunjakishore, L Nandakumar, W Brajabidhu, Govindas Konthoujam, T Manga Vaiphei, Dr Kh Ratan, Bijoy Koijam, M Oken, M Hemanta, I Hemochandra, K Meghachandra, M Manindra and Y Surchandra, plus at least two ministers are camping in three separate areas of Delhi at present.E Dwijamani and Ksh Lokeshwor are also reportedly in Delhi at present, but their loyalties is still unclear. On the other hand, the names of at least four Congressmen are being proposed as replacements for Ibobi, namely Th Debendra, Y Erabot, Govindas Konthoujam and Phungzathang, according to reliable sources. The name of current Lok Sabha member Th Meinyo has also been mentioned. Debendra and Phungzathang are in still in Imphal, but were unavailable for comment. Reliable sources also stated that the situation is likely to be resolved one way or the other within these two or three days, with MPCC chief Gaikhangam, chief minister O Ibobi Singh and state Governor Dr SS Sidhu all due to reach Delhi soon for different purposes.

Governor, CM to attend conference on federalism Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, Nov 3: Manipur Governor Dr. Shivinder Singh Sidhu and chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh will attend the 4th International Conference on Federalism organized by the Inter-State Council Secretariat, government of India and the Forum of Federations from November 5 to 7, 2007 at Vigyan Bhavan here. The conference is the fourth in a series organized in partnership between host governments and the Forum of Federations. The earlier conferences were held in Canada 1999, Switzerland 2002 and Belgium 2005. The other officers from Manipur to take part in the conference are Rakesh, the principal resident commissioner of Manipur Bhawan, New Delhi, RR Rashmi commssioner (finance), IS Laishram, commissioner (rural development) and A Sukumar, secretary (law). The objective of the conference is to promote dialogue on the renewal and development of federalism and greater cooperation among practitioners in pursuit of better or good governance. The working title for the conference is “Unity in diversity - learning from each other”. The three-day event will have 24 sessions on 12 parallel dialogue sessions, 8 sessions on 4 parallel theme sessions and one plenary with 3 sessions. The conference will open with the chanting traditions of different parts of India coming together in unison at 11 am of the first day. It will be followed by the welcome address by Sheila Dixit, chief minister of Delhi and Dr. Arnold Koller, chairman of Forum of Federations. Thereafter, Shivraj Patil, Union minister of home affairs will present key note address and Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India will deliver the inaugural address. The participants include practitioners of federal democracy - at all levels - including those heading federal governments - presidents, prime ministers, chancellors; to those heading constituent units - premiers, chief ministers; and those representing federal practice at the grassroots - leaders of village or town governments. Besides, scholars, experts, administrators and social activists dedicated to federalism will also take part in the conference. All participants will collectively engage in the process of sharing ideas, experiences and drawing inspiration from one another. Participation confirmation has been received from chairman, council of ministers, Bosnia - Herzegovina, President of Comoros, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and President of Switzerland. International invitees include Cabinet level ministers, provincial heads, state level ministers, diplomats, administrators, members of judiciary, former ministers, civil servants and representatives of international organizations. National invitees include the vice president, Lok Sabha Speaker, Central Cabinet ministers, secretaries to the government of India, Governors, chief ministers, leaders of national political parties, chief secretaries and principal secretaries of departments concerned in the states among others. Congress party president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker House of Representatives, USA, Hillary Clinton and Rona Ambrose, minister of inter-governmental affairs, Canada, former US vice president and Nobel laureate Al Gore, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and many other eminent personalities have also been invited at the conference.
Memorandum to India’s vice-president by Burmese activists Indo Burma News
November 3, 2007: (Khonumthung News) Burmese pro- democracy activists under the banner of 'Campaign for Democracy Movement in Burma' handed over a memorandum to the Vice-President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari who arrived in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram state, northeast India yesterday. The memorandum urges India to stop selling military hardware and to halt training Burmese military officers.
Burmese activists in Mizoram warned India that the supply of armaments to the junta threatens the lives of innocent people. The Burma regime killed over 30 demonstrators including Buddhist monks in September when they were protesting across Burma against the fuel price hike, the memorandum reminded. CDMB in its memorandum also suggested to India that it is time to review its policy towards the Burmese junta at a time when the US and the international community has announced economic sanctions against the Burmese regime for it's ruthless crack down on peaceful protesters. India had finally joined the international community’s call for a dialogue to address the political crisis in Burma but had opposed sanctions against the regime.
India and Burma have secretly finalized the agreement for the construction of the $100-million Kaladan multi-modal project that will connect the north-eastern states of India and Sittwe seaport in Arakan state via Paletwa in Chin state. Mohammad Hamid Ansari during his tour to Mizoram inspected Aizawl University and inaugurated a new administrative building sin Aizawl today. CDMB comprises Burmese student groups, Chin political organizations and civil society groups from Mizoram state, India aims to step up campaigns in northeast India for democracy and freedom in Burma.