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11/06/2007: "NSCN-IM seeks international support in US, Europe Newmai News Network"

NSCN-IM seeks international support in US, Europe Newmai News Network

Dimapur, Nov 5: In an endeavour to draw more international attention particularly the powerful United States of America and the European countries, top NSCN-IM leader VS Atem has begun his campaign in Washington DC USA.
A highly placed source in the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) of the Isak-Muivah faction, NSCN informed Newmai News Network tonight that the NSCN-IM leader “is now in America lobbying the Congress of the United States of America.” The source also added that VS Atem will tour most of the European countries too in the coming days for the same purpose.
International news agency Reuters had filed a story in this regard from Washington, USA that VS Atem had accused New Delhi of using a decade-old ceasefire as cover to tighten its power grip and jeopardising the peace process.
“It is now 10 years without honourable solution in sight,” reported an international Reuters news agen- cy from Washington quoting the NSCN-IM leader.
“The Nagas are growing tired and worried. We feel that our sincerity to peace has been misused, even as India has aggresively used the ceasefire for her own interests. This breach of trust has put the whole peace process into jeopardy. Nagas do not wish to be forced back to war. Our rivers have run red with blood and the cries of our children echo through the hills. We know the price we have paid for our freedom,” VS Atem gave a running commentary while talking to the journalists in Washington, according to the news agency report. Of late, the NSCN-IM has been expressing its frustration and anger while heaping blames on the Government of India for the present state of affairs concerning the peace talks between the two parties. NSCN-IM supremo Thuingaleng Muivah had gone to the extent of pronouncing that “ ten years of the Indo-Naga peace talks are in crisis.”
Muivah had told Asian News International (ANI) in New Delhi recently that “we have enough patience....and the ceasefire is in crisis,” while adding that in the eventuality of a breakdown in talks, the NSCN-IM cadres would be forced to go back into the jungles.
More of similar tones and words have been spewing out from other high ranking NSCN-IM leaders. The outfit’s Ceasefire Monitoring Cell convenor Phumthing Shimrang had, on the eve of the last round of peace talks, compared the Government of India with that of “Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” story. It is a classic novel on a doctor who has a split personality written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Phumthing Shimrang had opined that the approach of the Government of India to the issue was reminescent to the act of the main character of the novel. With this grim development, the fate of the next round of the talk between the two parties or for that matter, the ongoing ceasefire altogether, is sailing in the rough deep sea. Thuingaleng Muivah had expressed pessimism few days ago and said that “if there is no progress in the talks, I need to go off for some time,” indicating his plan to go back to Europe. The outfit’s Chairman Isak Chisi Swu had already left India.
NPMHR, NSF slam Dimapur killing The morung Express
Dimapur, November 5 (MExN): The 5th Bihar Regiment has provoked the ire of the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) following the October 31 killing of one Imkongtemsu and wounding another in Dimapur.
The murder amounts to declaration of war by Indian military on the civilian mass, a joint statement from the two Naga frontal organizations stated while condemning the military in concern. Terming the claims of Lt. Colonel Nirupam Bhargavan, as “false claims” the NPMHR and NSF condemned what it stated is the Indian army’s attempt to foment tension between the peoples of Assam and Nagaland. The alleged ‘informer,’ one Tamang, is also condemned for “giving the lives of the two victims into the hands of the Indian army stationed at Bokajan through false information.”
The joint statement appended by NPMHR General Secretary Dr. N Venuh and NSF President Imchatoba Imchen stated to have ascertained that the victims were on way to Burma camp to meet the alleged ‘informer’, who is said to be a mechanic at 5th Mile, Dimapur. On reaching Lotha colony, some non-Nagas in civilian dress halted their vehicle and then picked up an argument with them. They were then fired at the victims indiscriminately killing one and injuring another. The perpetrators then changed their dress for their military uniforms, the frontals stated.
Taking cognizance that the Indian security forces employ various tactics to “strangulate” the Naga movement, the two organizations expressed shock that there are numerous non-Nagas working in different capacities in Nagaland “who have turned informers to the Indian security forces.” The NPMHR and NSF questioned the Government of India and the defense forces on the rampant violation of human rights, the ceasefire ground rules and “the willful attempt to foment tensions between peoples along the Nagaland boundaries. The Naga bodies also queried of India’s continuance of the policy of occupation and suppression “even while political dialogue between the Nagas and the Government of India is taking place” and for “the crimes it still envisages to commit.”
The statement also urged the Naga undergrounds to “seriously think of our nation’s future” and to “totally eradicate fratricide and accusations.” The organizations appealed: “We also appealed to you to dialogue for the sake of the safe continuation of our future generations and our nation.”
NSCN (K) sets fresh conditions for unification Suggests cessation of hostilities between factions (Page News Service)
Kohima, November 5: The Khaplang faction of NSCN has once again set fresh conditions for unity and reconciliation with the rival NSCN led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. Talking to Nagaland Page this evening over phone, Kughalu Mulatonu and Wangtin Konyak, both ministers in the outfit's hierarchy today put certain conditions before any move for unity and reconciliation with the rival group which has been waging bloody war with them since the split of NSCN in 1988.
Mulatonu said to push forward for unity and reconciliation first the NSCN (IM) support groups like Unrepresented Nations and People's Organization (UNPO) and Naga International Support Centre (NISC) to first come forward and initiate the move. UNPO, which the NSCN (IM) is also an affiliated member, is based at The Hague, while NISC is based in The Netherlands. According to him both the organizations have been the mouthpiece and supportive of the NSCN (IM) without feeling the pulses of the Naga people at home.
"These two organizations should first come and meet us," the Naga rebel leader insisted.
While Konyak, another bigmouth of the NSCN (K) said unity and reconciliation between the two factions could be possible only if the rival group uphold sovereignty for Naga nation and henceforth stop doublespeak.
"We can't unite with NSCN (IM) if they have dropped demand for sovereignty," the rebel leader said. Konyak said if they merge with the group, which has dropped sovereignty issue it would be loss to the Naga people.
The outfit's renewed conditions have come on the sidelines of latest peace and unity initiative by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and certain international peace organizations.
Nagaland Baptist Church leaders have recently met the NSCN (K) top managers at Mon and tried to pursue them to come to their terms for unity and reconciliation between the NSCN groups to avoid further bloodshed in Naga family.
Konyak said a team of NBCC led by Rev. Kari Longchar met them at Mon recently and discussed on how to find a way for merger of NSCN outfits in the larger interest of Naga people.
Another group from London, known as, 'Quakers'- a religious group will also arrive at Mon on November 6 to meet the NSCN (K) policy makers. Their meetings would continue till November 8. Mulatonu said another peace mission group from America would also be visiting the state to pursue them to come forward for unity and reconciliation with the rival group. He said the same North American Baptist Church, which initiated peace and unity meeting at Atlanta for the NSCN groups in 1997, would be coming to Nagaland for the same purpose.
Konyak, who is the Deputy Home Minister of NSCN (K) in a clear message said unity and reconciliation is a must for the Naga people as hundreds of precious lives have been lost and this situation cannot continue, but demanded strong assurance from Swu and Muivah. He said for the last couple of years several letters have been written to the NSCN (IM) collective leadership on this matter but so far there was no positive response. "It's very hard to believe NSCN (IM). They speak one thing and do another thing" Konyak said.
He said unity is a must as Nagas cannot afford to loss more lives, but said there are many reasons why his faction is reluctant to merge with the rival.
Konyak, however suggested for a complete cessation of hostilities between the two organizations to halt further fratricidal killings. "I think ceasefire between the two groups would be better," he suggested adding that unity would take some more time.
On NSCN (IM) activities across the globe, Konyak tried to belittle the rival saying that Nagas will liberate Nagas and not by any foreign force or nations. He said the present exercises of the rival group would prove futile. The NSCN (IM) said Khaplang group is 'pseudo Naga organization" aided and abided by the centre to undermine the Naga political issue and create more division among the Naga people. But the NSCN (K) rubbishes the allegations.

NBCC blame Naga leaders for all ills in Naga society (Page News Service)

Dimapur, November 5: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has blamed Naga leaders, both over ground and underground, for taking Naga society towards chaos and destruction.
"Naga society today is plunging evermore deeply into destructive divisions. Directly causing this crisis to deteriorate dangerously is the misuse of resources and opportunities by those advantageously placed overground and underground. This provokes bitter frustration and vengeful hatred in the majority who fee they are caught in between," said a press release issued by NBCC general secretary, Rev Zhabu Terhuja on behalf of the NBCC executive body.
The Church body also expressed serious concern over the denunciation and derogatory remarks directed against some leaders by certain Naga groups as also the series of unabated killings taking place in the state. The NBCC was of the view that whatever shortcomings individuals might have, the factions of the Naga struggle should know by now that over the past decades condemnation by them have often resulted in arbitrary elimination of lives by their cadres leaving Naga society weaker than before.
"The public are aware of the sacrifices of some veteran national workers, and the complicated difficulties they face to uphold their political positions. But the public are equally aware f the failures and shortcomings of those conducting the Naga struggle, human beings as they also are like the rest of their fellow Nagas. So the public expects them to be more responsible for the consequences of their denunciations and actions. We must find better ways to take our people forward," it said. The NBCC, however, acknowledged the Church as a part of Naga developing society's failure in meeting the challenges and needs adequately.
"Though easily discouraged when we become human-centred, the Church must keep renewing her loyal commitment to our society's aspiration to be a just and fair society under God, pray and struggle in faith to aspire our people to build the future God means us to have," it added.The NBCC also put on record its appreciation to the bold "confession" of Rev Dr Tuisem Shishak, saying what he had said has helped to strengthen "honest conversation".
"Different people say different things on this. Whether he could have stated differently what he has said in his confession is another matter. But what he has said has helped to strengthen 'honest conversation," it said
Processus de paix au Nagalim: les Nagas jouent cartes sur table
Quatre mois après l'accord entre l'Inde et les Nagas sur un cessez-le-feu indéfini, les Nagas ont présenté leur proposition à la presse. Sous les apparences d'une demande d'indépendance, ils semblent avoir opté pour une forme de grande autonomie au sein d'une fédération indienne asymétrique. Reste à savoir si le gouvernement indien verra d'un bon oeil ces propositions qui remettent en question l'équilibre politique du sous-continent. Les populations de la région ont en tout cas besoin de sortir rapidement de la situation d'urgence humanitaire dans laquelle elles se trouvent depuis soixante ans.
Dans une interview accordée aujourd’hui à l’ANI, Thuingaleng Muivah, secrétaire général du Conseil Socialiste National de Nagalim (branche IM), la principale organisation représentant les Nagas dans les pourparlers avec l’Inde, a déclaré ne pas chercher l’indépendance pour le Nagalim mais une relation spéciale avec l’Inde. Ceci intervient une semaine après une autre interview de M. Muivah également accordée à l’ANI dans laquelle il menaçait de se retirer des négociations et de “retourner dans la jungle” (comprenez: reprendre la lutte armée). Cette nouvelle intervention semble marquer la volonté de M. Muivah de rectifier le tir et de revenir sur ce que beaucoup avaient perçu comme un coup de sang.
Fédération asymétrique M. Muivah a insisté sur le fait que la proposition actuelle des Nagas aboutirait à un cadre dans lequel l’Inde et le Nagalim formeraient une fédération de fédérations et en somme “seraient presque unis“. Le compromis proposé par les Nagas est loin de satisfaire tout le monde: d’un côté les Nagas pro-indépendance n’y trouvent pas leur compte (il est important de garder à l’esprit la mobilisation de nombreux Nagas qui avaient protesté lors des dernières négociations de juillet 2007 en demandant à leurs représentants de ne pas céder à l’Inde), de l’autre côté le centre (gouvernement indien) craint que la création d’un statut particulier pour les Nagas encourage les tendances autonomistes d’autres peuples d’Inde. M. Muivah et son organisation ne renoncent officiellement pas à l’idée d’auto-détermination et d’indépendance, toutefois leur proposition est dans les faits celle de rester au sein de l’Inde en acquérant un statut spécial au sein d’une fédération asymétrique.
Projet préparé avec l’aide d’experts du Kreddha, la proposition des Nagas est de reconnaître le Nagalim (région habitée par les Nagas comprenant l’état de Nagaland plus des parties des états de l’Assam, l’Arunachal Pradesh et de Manipur) comme entité à part entière (l’obstacle rencontré jusqu’à présent est l’opposition de tous les états en question sauf celui de Nagaland), de le doter d’une constitution faisant mention d’une alliance organique avec la fédération Indienne et d’amender la constitution indienne pour faire mention d’une alliance avec le Nagalim. En d’autres termes: reconnaître le concept de “grand Nagalim” (Nagaland + autres terres habitées par les Nagas), reconnaître le Nagalim comme un état séparé de l’Inde, puis faire une fédération dans laquelle l’Inde et le Nagalim sont unis sur un pied d’égalité.
Bien entendu, l’Inde ne semble pas prête à concéder à quelques millions de Nagas une semi-indépendance que convoîtent beaucoup d’autres minorités (notamment certaines vivant dans la même région comme les Boros mais aussi des groupes de taille bien plus importante comme les Tamouls du Tamil Nadu). Les négociations semblent pourtant être la seule façon de dénouer la situation et d’aboutir à un résultat pour sortir de 60 ans de crise.
Etat d’urgence depuis 1947 En effet, bien que l’Inde se présente au monde comme la plus grande démocratie de la planète, elle a - comme tous les autres pays - plus d’un cadavre dans son placard. Depuis son indépendance en 1947 la région du Nagalim est considérée comme une zone en “état d’urgence”. Des lois sécuritaires donnent depuis cette époque les pleins pouvoirs aux militaires pour contenir les problèmes dans la région. Le Armed Forces Special Powers Act (en vigueur depuis 1958) permet par exemple aux soldats de tirer à vue sur des suspects portant “une arme ou un objet susceptible d’être utilisé comme arme” (section 4 - la loi ne donnant pas de précisions, il peut s’agir d’une pelle ou d’une pioche) et sur tout rassemblement de “de cinq personnes ou plus” (section 4 - là encore, l’absence de précisions fait qu’un groupe d’amis ou une famille peuvent être légitimement la cible de soldats mal intentionnés). Cette loi permet aussi les perquisitions sans mandat et comme les soldats ne sont pas soumis à la justice pénale normale mais à des courts martiales. Les nombreuses victimes et le grand public ne sont pas informés de sanctions qui pourront avoir été prises contre des soldats ayant commis des abus. Cette loi est le coeur d’un arsenal législatif et réglementaire considérable qui a permis à l’Inde de tenir sous contrôle militaire la région du nord-est en proclamant un état d’urgence permanent. Ce contexte a considérablement freiné le développement économique de la région. Pour Frans Welman, responsable du Naga International Support Center à Amsterdam, ces lois sécuritaires sont au coeur du problème. Pour lui, “tant que l’Armed Forces Special Powers Act sera en vigueur, les Nagas percevront l’Inde comme un oppresseur“. Dans une communication envoyée à l’ONU pour l’examen périodique universel de la situation des droits humains en Inde, l’association française Tourner La Page fait un constat simple: soit il y a bien un état d’urgence au nord-est et alors il faut que l’ONU envoie avec des forces de maintien de la paix, soit l’état d’urgence n’est pas nécessaire et les lois sécuritaires doivent être immédiatement retirées. Malgré les promesses réitérées de modification ou de suppression (et la suppression positive du très liberticide Prevention of Terrorism Act), les lois sécuritaires sont toujours en place, alimentant l’animosité des Nagas contre le gouvernement indien.
Il semble en définitive que si le centre ne manifeste pas rapidement une volonté de résoudre la question Naga, le conflit puisse reprendre à tout moment, au détriment - comme toujours - des populations civiles.
NBCC regrets UGs’ usage of ‘harsh & wounding language’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 5 (MExN): Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today expressed regret and unhappiness over the ‘harsh and wounding language expressed by the national workers.’ It said that condemnations by factions have often led to eliminations of life by cadres in the past decades, and therefore, should find better ways to lead the people forward.
The NBCC said that there have been denunciation and derogatory remarks directed at some leaders in the land and also series of killing. In this regard the ‘NBCC Executive Committee in session acknowledged the church as a part of the developing society’s failure in meeting the challenges and needs adequately. “Whatever shortcomings individual might have, the factions of the Naga struggle should know by now that over the past decades condemnation by them have often resulted in arbitrary elimination of lives by their cadres leaving our society weaker than before,” the apex Baptist church organisation said through a press release issued by its General Secretary Rev Zhabu Terhuja.
The NBCC opined that the Naga public are aware of the sacrifices made by the ‘veteran national workers’ and the complicated difficulties they faced to uphold their political position. However, the Council also pointed out that the Naga public are equally aware of the failures and shortcomings of those conducting the Naga struggle.
Continued on Page 5
“So the public expect them to be more responsible for the consequences of their denunciations and actions. We must find better ways to take our people forward,” Rev Terhuja affirmed.
The NBCC asserted that misuse of resources and opportunities by those advantageously placed overground and underground have caused a crisis which has provoked bitter frustration and vengeful hatred in the majority who feel they are caught in between.
“Naga society today is plunging evermore deeply into destructive divisions,” the NBCC said.
However, the Council said that though people easily get discouraged when they become human-centre, the Church must keep renewing her loyal commitment to the aspiration of the society to become a just and fair society under God, pray and struggle in faith to aspire to the people to build the future God have in store for them.
Also reiterating its earlier stand, the NBCC appreciated the ‘bold confession’ of Rev Dr Tuisem Shishak. The NBCC affirmed that what the Rev Shishak has said ‘has helped to strengthen honest conversation’ and go towards greater transparency.
“All Naga tribes are in need of acknowledging their own mistakes and wrongs,” the NBCC declared and said that their stand in support of Rev Shishak’s writing comes in pursuit of its endeavour of finding healing am reconciliation in the Naga society.
Debate snubs Vision 2020 Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express
The public hearing on North Eastern Region Vision Document 2020 in progress at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on November 5. (DIPR)
KOHIMA Nagaland cold-shouldered the draft 'North East Vision 2020', presented today for public hearing at the Zonal Council Hall, with both the State government officials and NGO representatives charging that the vision document has completely sidelined the crucial ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue, and ignored the voices of the people of the region.
Many speakers, which included bureaucrats, representatives from NGOs and Church, civil societies leaders, politicians, academicians, and students, offering a critical view, felt that the draft lacked first-hand recommendations and did not actually carry voices of the people of the region. It was rather prepared by people living in Delhi basing on secondary data without consulting intellectuals and academicians of the region.
Agriculture Production Commissioner, Alemtemshi Jamir, was of the opinion that the Vision 2020 document provided more of critical analysis of what is happening in the region rather than offering a practical action plan. Expressing regret that the draft has no mention of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue, he also felt that even undergrounds need to be consulted while drafting the vision document. He also said that many Nagas still feel that the State government is only a temporary arrangement and cautioned against frequent use of ‘weak governance’ in the vision document.
“It is dangerous to write a vision if we cannot implement. See the amount of frustration we are going to have if we cannot implement”, Alemtemshi reminded, emphasizing that the clear definition of practical action plan need to be adopted. “We are clear what we want. Put into practical action plan”, he said. Several social organizations, including Naga Hoho, NSF, NPMHR and CNBC outrightly rejected the draft on the ground that it did not carry the voices of the people, and the Naga political issue being completely sidelined.
Naga Hoho General Secretary Neingulo Krome, pointed out that the vision draft undermined the sentiment of the people, and completely sidelined the Naga political struggle. He also expressed strong reservation on the draft, stating that it relates insurgency and the people. “Naga will be independent by 2020”, Krome quipped, while asserting that the Naga Hoho will not be in position to be part of the vision document.
NPMHR Secretary General, Dr N Venuh, charged that the draft is based on ‘hearsay’ and does not carry the voice of people in the region. He also said that the region has able technocrats and bureaucrats, but they were never consulted in policy-making. He demanded that the draft be restructured in a way the confidence of people is taken into consideration.
NSF President Imchatoba Imchen, described vision document as worrisome and demanded that the meaning of development in the draft be well defined. NSF will object the vision in the present form. It is not workable, Imcha said. CNBC President Dr VK Nuh, also said that India lacked the political will to develop the Northeast region. He said that Nagas want political settlement and not the vision document. NUTA President Rosemary, termed the draft as ‘patronizing and condescending’. Charging that voice of academicians and intellectuals from the region were not taken into consideration, she demanded that gender concern should also be given emphasize in the document. “Our voices should be heard and not people from Delhi to prepare our vision document”, she demanded. NU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kannan, participating in the debate said that the Vision should be a one line statement and that the Vision document did not discover any new thing. “Stop talking about vision, but get down to mission. We already knew what we want”, Prof. Kannan also stated. Ex- MP, Khyamo Lotha also argued that the Vision document did not take Indo-Naga talks as a reality. He also said that Vision document should not relate insurgency and people and demanded that the attitude of the Centre towards North East should change. "We want peaceful settlement of Nagas problem', Khyamo demanded. The NER Vision 2020 draft was presented by NEC Member, PP Srivastav. With Nagaland giving a critical response, the draft of the Vision is likely to undergo total review before its finalization.
The Draft of Vision 2020 projects the Northeast as the region which lags behind the rest of the country, with high rate of poverty related incidence. It states that people of the region aspire to achieve peace and prosperity, eradicate poverty; have a sense of belonging and harmony while maintaining their distinct identities.
The objective, the draft Vision states, is to ensure that people receive adequate food, clothing, and shelter, and that every family is free from hunger, leads a healthy life and participates productively in the growth process. “By 2020, they would like to catch up with the rest of the country and contribute to its affluence by becoming a prosperous part of India”, the draft stated.
Development of tourism in the region is identified as one of the most important sector, while it also equally underscores human resource development, capacity building for emotional integration with rest of the country, skill development, ensure corruption free administration, and strengthening local self government. Its promises to model Central Master Plan for road connectivity by 2010, connect sub-divisional headquarters with all weather roads, upgrade all national highways to four lanes; rail project under construction to completed by 2010, connect all state capitals with broad-gauge; improved air connectivity, besides others. Vision 2020 also states that people of the region are tired of insurgency and expect that this connectivity can dampen the insurgency.
Ethnic groups meet at Nishangram Correspondent Assam tribune
GOALPARA, Nov 5 – The third annual general conference of the ethnic group’s coordination committee was organised on October 26-27 at Nishangram village, 8 km, from Dudhnoi under Goalpara district. The ethnic group’s coordination committee was formed in the year 2003 in association with eleven organisations of Assam.

Garo Students’ Union (GSU), All Assam Garo Sahitya Sabha (AAGSS), Garo National Council (GNC), Garo Women’s Federation (GWF), All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF), Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Hajong Students Union (HSU), Hasong Jatiya Parishad (HJP), Hajong Mahila Parishad (HMP) and Dularai Bodo Abadari Afat (DUBAA) are the organisation members involved in this ethnic group.

Under presidentship of Dr Tharush K Sangma, the deputy chief of BTC and Transport and Panchayat Minister Chandan Brahma, MLA of Dudhnoi constituency Deben Doimary, chief executive member Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC), Dr Sarat Chandra Rabha, executive member, Garo Hills District Council Dolly K Sangma were present in the conference. Besides this, many invited guests of the organisation involved in this ethnic group and about six thousand people attended the conference.

Basic topics in the conference were the development and welfare for the areas of the members of this group.
Manipur to probe fund flow to rebels OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Cash crunch ahead?
Imphal, Nov. 5: Manipur police have begun a probe into an alleged “nexus” between militants and state government officials in a bid to stop development funds from flowing to underground groups.
An official source said the probe began after chief secretary Jarnail Singh issued a directive to the state police department a few days ago to look into the “nexus” between government officials and militant outfits. The chief secretary’s order came after three engineers of the state public health engineering department and another of the irrigation and flood control department were abducted in two separate incidents recently.
The order said police should probe “links” between government officials, contractors, suppliers and underground organisations that result in state funds being siphoned off.
Jarnail Singh directed the police to book under the National Security Act any employee found deducting money from salaries of workers or the entitlement of contractors and suppliers to pay militants. He also asked principal secretaries, commissioners, secretaries and heads of departments to report to the government information received on such underhand dealings.
A source said the chief secretary had taken serious exception to reports that certain officials in each of the departments have been deducting money from employees’ salaries and bills of contractors and suppliers to pay off militants.
Though the police have begun the inquiry, officers are sceptical about just how much proof they can uncover. “Yes, we have started the investigation as directed by the chief secretary. Though there are talks of deduction of employees’ salaries, it will be very difficult to prove,” a senior police official said. He said none of the employees had so far admitted to deduction of pay or giving up a portion of their salary for militants for obvious reasons.
“If nobody gives us proof, how can we book anyone under the National Security Act? Without proof, the board will not accept anything,” the officer said. Some senior officials in civil departments described the chief secretary’s order as “impracticable”.
“Instead of targeting the helpless officials, the government should provide full security to its employees. Who will want to pay their salaries to anyone? The chief secretary’s order is aimed at covering up the failure of the government to maintain law and order,” an official said.
Tribal bodies join hands against Forest policy By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 5 : Tribal organisations have called upon the State Government to uphold community rights over forest following a controversial forest policy being mulled by the Centre.
At a meeting at Embicy Hotel, Chingmeirong today, tribal students’ organisations, the United Naga Council, the Naga Women’s Union, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, the Zomi Human Rights Foundation and the Campaign for Survival and Dignity along with human rights lawyers and concerned citizens called upon both the State and Central Governments to cease undermining community control over forest lands in the hill areas.
The participants protested the Forest Department’s use of ambiguous extra-legal term like unclassed State forests when descrbing community forest lands. After the Supreme Court’s rulings in recent cases, these terms can be used to claim that community forest are actually Government forests and hence are subject to the Central Government control under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Shankar Gopalakrishnan stated on behalf of the congregation after the meeting. This would mean that any non-forest activity such as jhum cultivation would need permission from the Central forest empowerment committee, he added. He cited the recent demand of afforestation funds by the Forest Department from the BRTF for the two lane Imphal-Ukhrul road to establish the imposing danger.
Such developments are of particular concern in the wake of the recent moves by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to institute a legal definition of the term ‘forest’, for the purpose of the forest Conservation Act, that would also include community forests and unclassed forests.
KYKL debunks gang-rape story By Our Staff Reporter Sangai express

IMPHAL, Nov 5: Debunking the news report published in newspapers on October 23 last in connection with alleged gang-rape of a woman identified as Kh (O) Leishathoi of Heirok Part-II by six persons who identified themselves as activists of KYKL on October 1, an investigation team of the proscribed outfit today paraded the said woman and all the accused in front of mediapersons somewhere in the valley area. Speaking at the occasion, investigation officer Litpaluwangcha said the findings of the investigation team led to the conclusion that no such gang-rape had ever occur and none of the cadres of KYKL were involved. The investigation officer also made Leishathoi to narrate the true account of the incident.
Leishathoi misused the name of the outfit just to cover up her misdeeds. She had been having illicit affairs with a man from Heirok Part-I. On October 1, Leishathoi and her paramour were caught red handed by six youths. Out of the six youths, Leishathoi lured four of them to have physical contact with her so as to seal their mouth. Saying that Leishathoi is a morally degrading woman and a blot on the image of Manipuri woman, the investigation officer informed that all the youths who fell into the trap of Leishathoi would be handed over to their respective family members after giving proper advice in consideration of their young age and future career. The Investigation officer has also expressed his gratitude to all those social organisations and clubs which have extended their co-operation during the probe.
Ibobi Singh throws down gauntlet to detractors, Prove corruption charges, CM challenges rebels Sapam Aruna Kangla on Line
IMPHAL, Nov 5: Chief minister O Ibobi Singh, making his first public comments on the ongoing move by a section of Congress legislators to unseat him, has thrown down the gauntlet to his detractors, challenging them to prove the charges they have made against him.

The chief minister has also served a blunt warning to the ministers actively involved with the dissidents, saying there are any number of MLAs who would be willing to replace them in the council of ministers.

The chief minister, who spoke to IFP from New Delhi over the telephone this morning, categorically denied the charges of corruption laid against him, stating that if any credible evidence is produced of his involvement in corruption and bribe-taking, he would resign from chief ministership instantly.

`If anyone produces proof that I have been engaging in corruption or bribe-taking, whether it is in assignment of contract work, sanctioning of bills, recruitment or transfers, I`m ready to quit on the spot,` said a spirited Ibobi.
Ibobi also denied categorically that he had taken bribes in assignment of ministerial portfolios.

On the question of law and order, the chief minister said, `The people of Manipur know better (why the law and order situation is so bad)`.He remarked that if there is no insurgency, and all the insurgency-related killings and violence stop, law and order situation would automatically improve, and reiterated that his government has been making repeated attempts to initiate talks with the underground groups to bring a political solution to the insurgency.

Referring apparently to Rajya Sabha member and former chief minister Rishang Keishing, who had made some adverse comments in the local media, Ibobi also pointed out that vicious ethnic clashes had taken place during the tenure of previous chief ministers which they were unable to bring under control.

`Would anyone say that law and order situation was under control at that time,` he asked. Regarding the reported involvement of some members of the council of ministers in the move to oust him, Ibobi claimed that he had no idea which ministers were among the dissidents.
However, he made if clear to such ministers that if they are tired of their jobs, there are any number of MLAs who are hankering for a ministership and who were ready to replace them.

Ibobi also said it would be more gutsy on the part of such ministers if they resigned from ministership before taking up cudgels against him. `Nupa thokna hanna minister phamdagi resign touraga loabiyu,` (`Act like men, and quit your posts first`), he said.The chief minister went on to observe that the current political unrest was unfortunate, since it could prove to be a hindrance to the development of the state.

At the same time, he said the so-called political crisis in Manipur had made hardly a ripple in Delhi. The postponement of the central working committee meeting called by AICC chief Sonia Gandhi, had nothing to do with the emerging crisis in Manipur, he clarified.

Looking East, talking West Hindustan Times) Asia
November 5, 2007: (. Fifteen years later, the External Affairs Ministry brought the policy to the North-east for the first time in a consultation that took place in Shillong in June 2007, with the second one held soon thereafter in Guwahati. The latest round in the series took place on October 31 in the form of a meeting of the Chief Ministers of the North-east in New Delhi.
While the earlier Guwahati October 7 meeting was being held, several hundred miles to the east, Buddhist monks were pouring into the streets of Rangoon in an unprecedented democratic protest against a junta that has become a close ally of the present Indian regime.
When the protest was brutally suppressed, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, attending the meeting, said, “India is involved in a variety of bilateral projects with Myanmar, including roads, railway, telecom, information technology, science and technology, power...” There was no word about the democratic upsurge or its brutal repression. This provided a grim backdrop to the undemocratic nature of the ILEP process itself. These economic priorities, which are increasingly turning our leaders away from their democratic responsibilities, underscore another critically important reality. The North-east has closer relations with Burma — and vice versa — than with New Delhi. Before national boundaries were drawn in 1947, the North-east and Burmese territories shared deep cultural, economic and political ties.
With the hardening of boundaries, these historical links were severed, except for a few economic holes in the form of Indo-Myanmar trade via Manipur and Mizoram. What has received little attention is the anguish that local communities continue to feel about them being delinked from the plurality of relationships they enjoyed with the people in and beyond Burma. If the ILEP is also about understanding the reality and aspirations of the North-east, with policy flowing as a natural corollary to this, there should be a very different set of priorities. The first step would be the democratisation of the North-east — and of Burma. Present thinking in the corridors of power seems to shy away from engaging with this path. It seems to be easier to push through a host of development projects in a largely undemocratic manner. Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) Mani Shankar Aiyar nearly got it right when he stated that the North-east needs to be “liberated” from its “geo-political trap”. He has, however, not told the complete truth. Aiyar promptly went on to give solutions to the problem — solutions directed from New Delhi and beyond, and not those based on local aspirations and needs.