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11/20/2007: "Dutch group blasts Ulfa OUR BUREAU The Telegraph"



Dutch group blasts Ulfa OUR BUREAU The Telegraph

Guwahati/ Kohima, Nov. 19: A Dutch group that professes to uphold the Naga cause has delivered a sermon to “terrorist” Ulfa and words of support to its militant cousin, the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN.
The Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Centre said in a statement that Ulfa was trying to divide Naga society to get even with the NSCN(I-M), just like the Khaplang group had been doing. “Knowing that Ulfa was once a friend of the Naga forces, it is astounding to see how low it has sunk morally,” the NISC secretary, Frans Welman, said.
The two most powerful militant groups of the Northeast have been on a collision course since a group of Ulfa members were attacked by the NSCN(I-M) near Namtola along the Assam-Nagaland border on November 11. The Assam outfit’s military spokesman, Raju Barua, blamed a particular Naga tribe for the attack and threatened to mobilise other Naga groups against it.
The NSCN(I-M) said it attacked the Ulfa team for entering Naga territory without permission.
Welman had strong words for Ulfa, but little to suggest his organisation would ask the NSCN(I-M) for restraint. He condemned the “terrorist activities of Ulfa like planting bombs in markets, cinemas and other public places, for blowing up pipelines and attacking trains, which have claimed several lives in Assam”. He said Ulfa should not blindly follow “criminals out to divide the tribes”.
“Save the methods used, like striking on innocent people with bombs, the NISC believed in Ulfa’s quest for self-determination on behalf of the people of Asom. However, it is practically unbelievable to witness Ulfa’s teaming up with a bunch of criminals such as the Khaplang group,” the Dutchman added.
The NISC advised Ulfa to “stand up and fight for a just cause on the basis of human and indigenous peoples’ rights”.
In an intriguing twist to the rivalry story, the Khaplang group accused Ulfa of “flirting” with the NSCN(I-M). A senior member of the Naga faction, Athrom Konyak, said Ulfa and the NSCN(I-M) had actually come closer since the November 11 shootout at Tizit. He warned Ulfa of continuing the dalliance and reminded it of its commitment to the Khaplang faction, with which it shares camps in Myanmar.
‘NE rebels should avoid Western-style negotiations’ Newmai News Network Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Nov 19 – Governor of Goa, SC Jamir has said that insurgent groups in the North-east should have frank discussions with the Government to express their aspirations and avoid “Western-style” negotiations.

“We people of the North-east are frank, honest and straightforward people and are not quite familiar with the art of diplomacy,” he said.

“We speak from our hearts and so we should have frank discussions putting across what we really want to the Government of India rather than having Western style negotiations.”

A release issued by Sebastian Zumvu, OSD to the Goa Governor said that interacting with a group of journalists from Mizoram, who called on him recently, Jamir reiterated that the real aspirations of the people have not been properly and appropriately expressed by foreign words and phrases and that at the same time, the Government of India tends to interpret the words and phrases used by the north-eastern people from the Western context.

“Call these psychological or social barriers, but these barriers should be removed so that we can come closer to each other,” he said. He also called upon the journalists of the northeastern region to project the positive aspects of the region and not on the insurgency or political turmoil alone.

He also expressed his desire that leaders of the region start to think of the entire North-east as a single political, social, economic and geographical unit.

On the Naga political scenario- Nagaland Post
I am constrained to react to a recent article written by Tiameren, former minister of Nagaland, Dimapur published in various local dailies on November 18 under the caption "Political scenario in Nagaland." I am not impugning the political views and issues raised by the esteemed writer regarding the 16 Points Agreement nor the questions of implementation of different provision of articles-371 'A' of Indian Constitution by the central Government.
But the apprehension of the writer towards the functioning of the political parties in the state is a bit contravening. The 8 (eight) points, stated by the writer, in the field of economic development, law and order needs to be rectified in proper perspective for the consumption of the general public. As a matter of fact, the writer claimed of such a grim picture of Nagaland, forgetting about the ranking in the Indian union, is highly reprimandable, when the source of the datas are considered (i.e. no name of the agency-just a national survey, no specification)
Believe it or not! Nagaland is the only state in the Indian union where population below poverty line is 0.00 percent. Again sample this, amongst the North-Easter states, Nagaland rank No. 1 in consumer market, No. 2 in law and order, No. 3 in budget and prosperity and in overall Nagaland rank No. 3 just behind Sikkim and Mizoram.
Nagaland is number 2 in the North-Eastern regions in terms of per capita income with Rs. 27.058 (twenty seven thousand and fifty eight). In literacy, Nagaland is just behind Mizoram with 78% and again Nagaland ranks number 2 (two) in Primary Education way ahead of Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam etc. All these datas are from a recent study conducted by eminent economist, Bibek Debroy (Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Social and Economic research, New Delhi and Laveesh Bhandari, published by India today (volume XXX11 number 38) as a cover story which was release on September 17' 07.
This mammoth study was based and extracted from National Sample Survey (NSS) 2004-05. The often repeated allegation of law and order, scenario in the state deserve a special mention, Nagaland made a quantum jump in law and order from Number 9 in 2004 to number 3 in 2007, well ahead of Delhi, Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya in the small states category, showing an impressive positive performance in managing the affairs of the state.
The study was divided into 3 (three) categories
1. Big states: States with an area of over 35, 000 sq km and
2. Small States: States with an area of less than 35, 000 sq km and population of less than 5 million
3. Union territories Shilumar Associate Press Secretary, NPF
People march for peace in Nagaland Sahil Nagpal Topnews.com
Kohima, Nov 19 : Nagas from all walks of life have joined hands to promote and preserve peace and harmony in the state. Recently, they took out a rally to condemn factional clashes and appeal to all groups to work for the progress of the state.
Some with walking sticks and fading eyesight carried out a peace march with the message to stop killings and bloodshed once for all. They were forced to take the walk after their continuous appeal failed to dissuade the warring Naga factions from killing each other.
"We all know that Naga political issue is a national issue. Naga political issue has been 78 years now, since Simon Commission. We could not settle our Naga political right, that's why, we all have gathered over here," said Vikuto Zhimo, President of the All Nagaland GBs Association.
Sachopra Vero, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, said, "In order to take a decision to control the situation, the joint forum working committee and resolutions were adopted. And we are going from district to district, to make our people understand the situation."
NSC (IM) and NSCN (K) - the main factions of the Naga groups have been fighting each other for the last two decades for establishing supremacy in the region.
IM group claims to represent all the Nagas of the North East while the K faction declares itself the real representatives of Nagas. In this war, it's the common people who are the real sufferer.
"These two organisations have joint forum and have adopted the five point's resolution and the most important point is the six months cease fire between the factions of Nagas. Let us not ask them to declare ceasefire among the faction. We can bring them together and can solve the existing problems," said Vilanuo Yhome from Angami Women Organization. People of Nagaland have seen enough violence and uncertainty. Peace talks since 1997 has given the state the taste of peace. It's now the bounden duty of the different Naga outfits who claim to represent the people to respect the wishes of their constituencies. But that's not happening. And people have gradually started questioning the Naga leadership about their commitment to peace and harmony. (ANI)
Illegal migrants fuelling dispute: Rio By Our Correspondent Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 19 – Asserting that the Assam-Nagaland border dispute must be resolved outside the court of law, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today revealed that a ‘third party’, comprising mostly the illegal Bangladeshi migrants, who are occupying the border areas in sizeable numbers, is playing a crucial role in keeping the dispute hot among the people of both the States. In an exclusive interview with The Assam Tribune here today, the Nagaland Chief Minister said that as these illegal migrants are coming to the border areas via Assam, the Assam Government has a greater role to play before things worsened further.

“Assam, apart from being the gateway to SE Asia is also the mother of all the North-eastern States and, therefore, the onus is more on them to restore normalcy in the region in co-operation with the other NE States,” Rio pointed out.
“As it is through Assam that all the development works take place in the other NE States, having a proper bonding with it is very necessary for the other NE States,” he asserted.

“The High Court may come up with a verdict on the Assam-Nagaland border issue soon but the real challenge would be to sensitise the people along the border by striking a certain level of understanding between them. Until and unless people along the border develop a certain bond of understanding, the problem would keep on erupting time and again,” Rio said. “The scenario in the Assam-Nagaland border is deteriorating and we will have to work in tandem in order to sensitise people living along the border,” said Rio, who was here in the city to inaugurate the first Nagaland guesthouse in Six Mile area.

When asked, he however refused to comment as to whether any political party is backing the illegal migrants for their vested interest, who in turn are fuelling the border dispute between the two States. He went on to say, “Both the State Governments of Assam and Nagaland would have to identify these illegal migrants and take necessary action against them.”
The Chief Minister further said, “ Loss of human lives and property is always painful and co-operative initiative from the both the States is the only way of resolving the issue.”

He went on to say that the North Eastern States are heading towards major development and peace being the prerequisite for sustainable development cannot be compromised with at any cost. On the arms and drugs proliferation in the region, Rio opined that neighbouring countries virtually have no control over the borders, which is one of the reasons why such crimes are on the rise in the NE.

“ I have spoken to the Union Ministry on this issue several times but nothing has come up as yet. I feel, all the northeastern states must initiate concentrated efforts to convince the Centre to take steps in this regard,” the Chief Minister added.
Rejoinder- Nagaland Post
I did not care when a few minutes ago I saw the writing of Kughalu Mulatonu in a local daily on November 19 where he called me a womaniser, for people know that as usual he is telling a lie. I do not care whether he calls me a murderer or a RAW agent, for everyone knows that he is a big liar. But it surprised me when Kughalu, who is considered by the Sumi freedom fighters as non-Sumi, wrongly attributed the statement(s) of the Naga International Support Centre to me repeatedly. Stop this madness! Also, I care a lot when this madman is trying to ruin the happiness of the Naga people by destroying their hope for self-determination and dignity.
I shared a camp with Kughalu about twelve years ago, and I still remember him for three ugly things: laziness, purposelessness and insanity.
During those months we were together, there was not even one instance when I saw Kughalu working or helping someone though he knew that people around him were busy. The main reasons for which he appeared to have joined the Naga freedom movement were to avail the chances of shooting monkeys (I had a terrible time when one day he killed four giant Hanuman monkeys in the middle of nowhere and we had to carry those heavy carcasses on our badly swollen shoulders the whole day as we got lost in that gigantic primeval forest) and to show the many poems he wrote against "terrorist" (his word) SS Khaplang which he was compiling for future publication.
I can understand and even appreciate the many odd cultural practices of nations and idiosyncrasies of individuals, but Kughalu's unruly behaviour shocks me immensely because of its implications in the overall national welfare of the people of Nagalim. He and his fellow gangsters are like clouds carried along by the wind and bringing no rain. They are like trees that bear no fruit, even in autumn, trees that have been pulled up by the roots and are completely dead. They are like wild waves of the sea, with their shameful deeds showing up like foam. They are like wandering stars, for whom God has reserved a place for ever in the deepest darkness (Jude, verses 12b and 13).
Let me humbly end with one worthy information: A four-page Naga story written by me in one British magazine appeared in its No. 705 monthly issue (November 2007), and another one will be published in December 2007. All the credits go to our living God who loves and cares for the suffering citizens of Nagalim so much.
KUKNALIM Professor Timothy Kaping President, Naga Support Group-UK
No reason for NSCN (IM)-ULFA conflict of interest The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 19 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today asserted that it has never deviated from the path of respecting the revolutionary standing of ‘each group on the northeast,’ and added that other than ‘operational ethics,’ there is no reason why NSCN (IM) and ULFA should develop any conflict of interest in their relationship.
A press statement issued the NSCN (IM)/MIP, while replying to the press statement issued by senior Kilonser of NSCN (K) Athrong Konyak who cautioned the ULFA to be wary of the NSCN (IM), asserted that parroting somebody’s interests with vicious intention will only go towards aggravating the atmosphere. It has called for exercising maturity of thought and moral conviction otherwise the “national workers” would become victims of their own making bereft of any morality without which revolutionary movement is hard to survive.
“In the matter of ULFA the NSCN have its own standard of dealing and respect. But at the moment, other than operational ethics that each group should adhere to there is no reason NSCN and ULFA should develop any conflict of interest,” the release declared.
With regard to the NSCN (K) allegation that NSCN (IM) cadres killed the militray chief of the Kuki National Army (KRA), K Hangsing Kuki in Delhi on November 12, the release affirmed that notwithstanding the unpleasant record of the conflicts between the Nagas and Kukis, certain section of the Kukis, with the dawn of new political wisdom, desired that the Nagas and Kukis must work in unity to secure their future political set up.
“Late. K. Hangsing commander-in-chief of KRA was one with the revolutionary vision for the Naga-Kuki unity. But for the forces who are against his visionary zeal, he was assassinated in New Delhi,” the release reiterated, “NSCN took no time in condemning such act of cowardice.”
The release also advised KRA to remain steadfast in its determination to carry on the movement to fulfill K. Hangsing’s vision.
However, expressing strong distaste at certain allegations by the NSCN (K) Kilonser where he made particular mention of the word ‘Tangkhuls’ while alleging the NSCN (IM) cadres as the assailants of K. Hangsing, the release asserted that ‘in the message to the NSCN the KRA clarified that KRA will never be carried away emotionally or politically the Khaplang group allegation naming ‘Tangkhuls’ who killed its leader’.
The release stated that the KRA is rather suspecting the hands of the KNA and KLA and are thoroughly investigating the deeper motive behind the murder. In the same vein, the NSCN-IM also said it is a ‘painful reality’ about the NSCN (K) ‘jumping in a hurry to align with those very groups like Meiteis’ UNLF who stands deadly against Naga unity and Naga-Kuki unity.’
“This is maddening for NSCN to watch and to forbear with. Because NSCN is concern for the earliest solution of the Indo-Naga problems,” the release stated and added that this is one of the reasons why the NSCN (IM) is compelled to target the NSCN (K) as the obstructionist force working at the behest of anti-Naga groups, controlled by Indian Intelligence Agencies to counterweight the NSCN.
The NSCN-IM opined that it is unbecoming on the part of NSCN (K) Kilonser for indulging in ‘something bombastic but not realistically interesting’ for public consumption like the press release issued by him. The release advised the NSCN (K) that the wisdom of the people to judge the happening regarding the Naga issued should not be underestimated and undermined. It strongly opined that transforming the society needs to be properly informed in a ‘perspective manner’ and not necessarily by way of ‘resulting’ to use of malicious language ‘bereft of any face value.’ “In the true sense of the term the slanderous attack of Khaplang group pinpointing the ‘Tangkhuls’ will only go towards vulgarization of the Khaplang Group that often shout from the rooftop professing to be fighting for Naga political cause. But in actuality very remotely connected to it,” the release stated. “In the fitness of preserving the good name of the Nagas while relentlessly pursing our political aspiration the emptiness of utterance from Khaplang group does not augur well for the healthy development of people’s thinking vis-à-vis the Naga’s elusive political solution,” the release added.
S.C. Jamir’s visit raises speculations Nagarealm.com
[NPN] : Governor of Goa Lok Shree Dr. S.C. Jamir arrived Nagaland a few days back to be home in Mokokchung and the visit has set tongues aflame amid the consternation within the state Congress party over the leadership issue which is being fiercely debated even as the party feels strongly optimistic of riding back to power in the election scheduled in February 2008.

It was reported that droves of people in large numbers have been meeting with Dr S.C. Jamir. Dr Jamir’s visit to his home state is believed to be to gauge the political situation though he has not declared the intention to contest the election in 2008. Speculations over his return is being opposed by some sections within the party on the plea that it would harm prospects in view of the decree declared on him by the NSCN (I-M). Other sections of the party as well as political observers however believe that Jamir’s return would brighten the party’s prospects. Even before Congress tickets have been announced, there are already many aspirants in this could be a problem for the party.

Poor Naga youths- Nagaland Post
There will be no employment in Nagaland for the Naga youths, unless something is done. There is only 2 months left for the present government, and less than 2 months for NPSC to declare vacancies of posts for the next civil service exams. Lets take up the much talked about issue of retirement age, 60 years of age or 33 years of service. This, according to my understanding, is on a higher side. It should be 57 years of age or 30 years of service, whichever is earlier. If the mentioned retirement scheme is taken up, thousand vacancies will be created, and about 3000 will get employment.
There is no industry, no factory, no workshop and as the governor says," there is no road in Nagaland" then where do you expect employment? NSF was busy for the Manipuri student's exams and affiliations to NBSE. Why not stand for local youths? I wonder as to why Naga youths kept sleeping all these years, when outsiders, along with their lady wives get government services in all departments here in Nagaland. What are the unemployed organizations doing? Raise your voice; carry out processions and every possible method.
Rush to Rio's Bungalow. He should be ready with open arms as he needs you now. There is a time factor and luckily there are two ways now. If the right turn is reluctant, you may turn left and go to I.Imkong's Bungalow, and help the party which agrees with you. Be faithful to your promises and help them in all 60 areas, this can be done overnight. Parents, do you pray? Do you go to church on Sundays? Do you love your children and pray for their welfare? Then be satisfied with your age and 30 years of service. You have accumulated enough by all means.
Dear youths, Nagas being too simple, have been exploited from all fronts. Activate this project as there is nothing wrong in doing so either spiritually or socially. If you don't move, don't blame anyone. Opportunity comes but once. It's now or never. Bendang, AG Colony, Kohima.
Assam More Setbacks for ULFA Bibhu Prasad Routray Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management
It was supposed to be a rather routine and uneventful trip from Myanmar to Assam through Nagaland for the group of seven United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) cadres. However, on November 11, barely a few kilometres from the Assam-Nagaland border, while passing through the Tizit town in the Mon District of Nagaland, the group was ambushed by National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) cadres. In the ensuing encounter, two ULFA cadres and a lone NSCN-IM cadre were killed, three others injured and two ULFA cadres were taken into custody by the Naga group. The incident led to an expected spat between the two outfits. While ULFA asked for the release of its captured cadres, the NSCN-IM claimed that they had been handed over to the Police. The NSCN-IM, further, warned the ULFA to desist from trespassing into Nagaland without its permission, rebutting the latter’s claim that the route used by its cadres falls within a ‘disputed’ territory.
Occurring at a time when the group is already facing critical challenges to its survival, the incident could not have come at a worse time, from the ULFA’s perspective. Since the collapse of the temporary truce between the Union Government and ULFA in September 2006, a total of 655 ULFA militants have surrendered (till October 31, 2007) across the State. During the same period, in three Districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sibasagar alone, Army personnel have killed 51 militants from the outfit and arrested 95 others. Separately, the police and the central paramilitary forces have also neutralized a number of ULFA militants in independent operations. The pressures of attrition have pushed the group into crisis that threatens its very existence.
The November 11 incident is the first of its kind involving armed violence between the two ULFA and the NSCN-IM, who had parted ways in 2001, after nearly a decade-and-a-half-long courtship. In the late 1980s, the NSCN-IM had provided arms training to ULFA cadres and introduced the group to the Southeast Asian arms bazaars, thus assisting its transformation from ragtag group of troublemakers to an outfit that could rival the firepower of the Security Forces (SFs). Subsequent years had seen a cementing of ties between the two groups, and these withstood several conflicting developments, including the ULFA’s formation of an umbrella group of insurgent organisations in the Northeast, the Indo-Burma Revolutionary Front (IBRF), along with NSCN-IM’s bete noire, the Khaplang faction (NSCN-K) in May 1990.
The immediate reason for the estrangement between the groups was the June 13, 2001, Union Government decision to extend the ceasefire with the NSCN-IM ‘without territorial limits’. The NSCN-IM interpreted this as recognition of its avowed objective of Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). Since this grandiose vision includes significant portions of the Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills Districts of Assam, it was unacceptable to the ULFA, which claims to fight for a ‘sovereign Assam’. In its mouthpiece, Freedom, dated July 17, 2001 ULFA ridiculed the idea of Nagalim and opined that ‘history should not be distorted only to satisfy the chauvinistic ego.’ It further asked the NSCN-IM leaders to "review their stand concerning their most-talked Nagalim over others territories (sic)". Even though the Union Government was to annul its decision subsequently, relations between both groups never improved after this point.
The split with the NSCN-IM in 2001 pushed the ULFA further into the lap of the NSCN-K. ULFA’s cadres started using NSCN-K camps in the Sagaing division of Myanmar, just across the international border along Nagaland. Such camradarie further deepened after the December 2003 military blitzkrieg in Bhutan, in which ULFA lost all its bases in that country. Since then, ULFA’s ‘28th battalion’, which operates out of the Myanmar camps, has been solely responsible for the outfit’s concentrated activities in the State’s eastern-most Districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sibasagar. To execute these attacks, ULFA cadres have periodically travelled between Myanmar and Assam, principally using two routes: one through the Tirap and Changlang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh and another through the Mon District of Nagaland.
The NSCN-IM’s ambush of ULFA cadres is largely the fallout of ULFA’s ties with the NSCN-K and needs to be assessed within the context of the continuing fratricidal warfare between both the NSCN factions. Since their split in 1988, both the factions have engaged in bitter clashes across the entire territory of Nagaland and adjoining areas in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Area domination being the key objective, both factions have won and lost control over various Districts from time to time.
Interestingly, the November 11 ambush occurred at the Tizit sub-divisional town (under Mon District), where the NSCN-K has a designated camp, set up under its 2001 ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. Mon is the northern-most District of Nagaland and is strategically positioned at the tri-junction between Myanmar, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Control over the District has thus become vital for any outfit that does business in any of these three regions. If recent incidents are an indication, the NSCN-IM is beginning to secure an upper hand over the NSCN-K in Mon. Several NSCN-K cadres have deserted the outfit to join the rival faction, thus, weakening the traditional support base of the Khaplang group among the Konyak tribals who dominate the District. On at least on two occasions in 2007 (June 24 and July 4), both factions have clashed at Tizit, 44 kilometres away from Mon’s District headquarters. Earlier, in March 2005, the NSCN-IM carried out an attack on NSCN-K’s Mon-based Ceasefire Supervisory Board office. The fact that the NSCN-K is gradually losing its grip over Mon is further evident in their October 2007 request to New Delhi to shift the Ceasefire Supervisory Board office to the District of Zunheboto, which is the group’s stronghold.
For the ULFA’s ‘28th battalion’, on the other hand, the Mon District has served as the shortest and safest transit route between Assam and Myanmar. Adjoining the Sibasagar District in Assam, Mon provides passages through the Patkai Hills range on the eastern side of the District to the NSCN-K camps at Lunglung in Myanmar. Another route starts from Sonari in Sibasagar District via Nyasa in Mon District and passes through Hoyet in Myanmar, to reach the camps located at Kachintala. However, the consolidation of NSCN-IM control over Mon and the November 11 ambush, makes both the routes highly unsafe and hence, unusable for Khaplang cadres. Dodging Mon and trekking through the adjoining Tuensang District to reach Assam is also not a workable option for the ULFA, as that considerably increases the length of the route, passing mostly through areas that are, again, dominated by the NSCN-IM.
This compels the ULFA’s ‘28th battalion’ to fall back on the routes through the Tirap and Changlang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. These routes have traditionally been less preferred by the militants as they involve treks though extended road lengths, compared to the informal routes through Nagaland. Moreover, these two Districts have also witnessed extended NSCN-IM activity since 2000. On November 12, 2007, five civilians were injured as IM and K factions exchanged fire in the Lazu village of Tirap District. In addition, in recent times, SFs’ presence has increased in these Districts. A sweep operation by the SFs was conducted in Tirap on October 26, 2007, two days after an NSCN-IM ambush killed five persons, including three personnel of the para-military Assam Rifles. Using Arunachal Pradesh territory as a route is, consequently, no less risk-prone for the beleaguered ULFA.
These developments will certainly impact on the operational capacities and effectiveness of ULFA’s ‘28th battalion’. That being the only potent armed division of the outfit at present, the overall activity of ULFA in Assam is likely to be affected, with the State’s eastern-most Districts benefiting the most from the difficulties the rebel group is currently experiencing. It will be interesting to watch whether ULFA attempts to tide over the crisis by entering into an understanding with the NSCN-IM, though this cannot be an option as long its ties with NSCN-K remain intact.
India 's Myanmar policy and the Mizoram connection By Sanjoy Hazarika-IANS

India 's evolving political approach to events in Myanmar ( Burma ) is moving fairly rapidly: it now appears in conformity with a large section of international opinion, advocating internal dialogue, national reconciliation and accommodation as led by the United Nations in its effort through Ibrahim Gambari, the special envoy of the UN secretary general.
Of course, New Delhi has not and cannot be in favour of the silly old sanctions pushed by the United States and its allies which hurt only the common man and women and not the generals who run that impoverished and tragic land.

This evolving approach is fairly dramatic in the speed with which it has changed, although India still is perhaps more comfortable with the generals than a uncertain alliance of various political power interests as represented by Aung Sang Su Kyi's National League for Democracy and the various ethnic minorities. That there is now a liaison minister who will talk to Gambari and Aung Sang Su Kyi, the latter regarded by millions across the world as one of the most celebrated prisoners of conscience and icon of democratic struggle against oppressive odds and a brutal regime, although the junta has rejected efforts at direct tripartite negotiations, shows that even an isolated group as the men who run Burma cannot but be affected by international opinion - but especially when it is being facilitated by none other than their oldest ally, China.

India has been playing catch up and that too not very effectively because its clout by no means matches the influence that China has over Burma .

But that is not to say that we cannot have a role because of our cultural, historic and ethnic affinities with our large neighbour, far closer than that with almost any other country on our borders, barring Nepal . In addition, India must strengthen the UN process instead of tossing out caveats every time it signs a statement on Burma; it should not give the impression that it is being dragged unwillingly, like a petulant child for a bath, as happened with the statement in Geneva where the Indian envoy, after signing the note, said his government disagreed with its strong tenor (the statement demanded the release of Aung Sang Su Kyi). The close connection with Burma was visible a few days ago when I visited Mizoram, on the India-Burma border. Unknown to most Indians, it is host to one of the largest migrant populations in the country - the state, one of India's smallest and shaped like a dagger leaping south, has a population of about 10 lakh or one million. Of that figure, some 70,000-to-80,000 are migrants from Burma , largely Chins from the neighbouring Chin State and Sagaing Division. Most of these have fled the unsettled economic conditions in their country in a desperate search for work over the past two decades and more. There are a handful of political refugees; refugee leaders in Mizoram and Delhi say that this figure in unlikely to be more than 70 i.e. political figures who cannot return home because of threats they face.
There are occasional campaigns against the Chins, at times spearheaded by Mizo groups, citing alleged "criminal" activities etc., and by a state government that appears keen to give in, at least publicly. Yet, barring a few cases, many of those who are picked up and transported to the border for "deportation" are actually allowed to return.

While this tension does exist among some groups in Mizoram and the Chins and erupts in occasional incidents, yet, for the main, the Chins seem to have merged reasonably well with Mizo society, as household help, labourers, running small businesses and handicraft and handloom workers. Some work with Indian government departments.

Mizoram has felt the direct impact of the economic disaster and humanitarian crisis that is sweeping across Burma and its border regions. There has seen a sharp change in attitudes here towards the Chins - ranging from welcoming in the mid-1990s to outright condemnation and hostility more recently - but one cannot move away from the reality that the state has hosted a migrant population which is nearly one-eighth of its own size for nearly 20 years.
By any means this is a remarkable achievement and the people and governments of Mizoram as well as the centre - that has tacitly assisted the process - need to be commended despite the occasional hiccups.

The impact of militarization, lack of peace and underdevelopment in Burma are the reasons for this flight across borders. If conditions at home were as attractive as conditions here, people would not move. This is one of the cardinal principles of out-migration, especially of refugees - people move away from unstable situations where they feel under threat, from harsh political, environmental and economic situations.

While many among us find flaws in the practice of democracy here, often we do not see the enormous benefits we have reaped over the years - but which our neighbours, lacking as they do, access to basic infrastructure, education and health facilities as well as the freedom to speak out, can.

Indeed, the Mizo example is a good one of the seamless ways in which identities transpose and migrate over centuries, borders and boundaries: the Mizos are linked to the Kuki-Chins who reside in Manipur and in the Chin Hills and Sagaing Division of Myanmar. They are among the 220 distinct ethnic groups in this part of the world who have moved over the centuries. Thus, the Lisus are in Yunnan , Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh. The Khasis of Meghalaya talk of descent from Cambodia and speak Mon-Khmer.

These days, engineers and planners are actively planning to resurrect some of those links and forge new ones - by connecting Burma to Mizoram, and the northeast by extension, via the Kaladyne river, which flows along our eastern border to Burma's main port - Sittwe or Akaib in the Arakan, the source of one of the richest oil and gas fields in Asia. Part of this strategy is aimed at bypassing Bangladesh , which Delhi regards as a difficult customer in the neighbourhood and of little help.

India 's vision does not merely embrace access to Southeast Asian markets but seeks to send a muted but clear message to China that its influence in Burma cannot go unchallenged.

This is as much part of the Look East policy that is so extensively and passionately argued by our political leaders and mandarins in New Delhi as the soft diplomacy involving cultural exchanges, seminars, tourism and investments that are being promoted. Economic muscle is crucial to this push and Myanmar 's association is seen by Delhi as critical to this effort. And to a great degree, this dependence on Myanmar and its generals who have ruled for 45 years, grows upon the hope that they will deliver to us the fuel to help meet our energy hunger and also tackle the insurgent groups based there which we have not been ourselves able to militarily neutralise.
This has been as much at the heart of India 's unwillingness to directly come out against the military junta.

However, we need to realise that the refugees who live in Thailand and India, in Washington and Europe and elsewhere could well be among those who shape a new Burma, in collaboration with the military, which cannot be shut out of the process because it is too powerful and enduring to ignore. A representative government and constitution would have to give a face-saving role for the generals.

It is in India 's interest to quietly begin a process of officially consulting the refugee groups on its soil; civil society organisations should meet with them and organise public discussions. As a practical step, the government could offer scholarships and financial backing for groups, monasteries and institutions that were harmed in the recent crackdown.

(Sanjoy Hazarika is a specialist on India 's northeast. He can be contacted at sanjoyha@gmail.com)

Protest against continuation of AFSPA and militarisation The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 19 (MExN): Observing November 19 as a nationwide protest day against the continuation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), scores of Dimapur, NOV19
Re-entry of former Congressmen into the party such as K. Therie, Z. Obed including some Indpendents and reportedly even a few ministers are being widely speculated. It is reported that the party high command would decide whether or not to issue tickets to the former Congressmen. This has left the Congress in a piquant situation where fight for tickets could hamper its election machinery. It is in this light that the fissures within the party over the issue of leadership has cast a bit of gloom amid the sheer optimism within the party’s rank and file. The NPCC is scheduled to finalize its party candidates after November 27 and as of today, it appears that the AICC or 10 Janpath has yet to decide on Dr Jamir’s case. Political observers also speculate that decision on distribution of party tickets as well as projection of either a clear leader or even a team to spearhead the electioneering,would determine the ultimate outcome in the February elections.prominent human rights activists from different backgrounds such as media, university teachers, women activists, lawyers, and student’s movement from Delhi including active support groups from the Northeast undertook a symbolic protest with placards and slogans shouting at one of Delhi’s busiest traffic point at ITO today.
This united protest was directed against the continuation of Armed Forces Powers Act and intensification of militarization in the Indian sub-continent particularly northeast region; Opposing military rule in Pakistan Myanmar and Bangladesh and to support peoples struggle against military regimes, was participated by many individual activists and groups such as Peoples Union for Democratic Rights(PUDR), Naga Students Union Delhi(NSUD), Students Federation of India (SFI), Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union(JNUSU), All India Students Association(AISA), Lok Raj Sanghathan, Burma solidarity group, Campaign against Shwe Gas Company, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights(NPMHR), Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organization, Hmar students, All India Progressive Women Association, Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti(MASS) from Assam and Meities From Imphal.
The protest gathering reiterates that there is only one way out from this web of unjust militarization especially for ‘40 million people of northeast and Kashmir who lived under martial rule for the past more than 60 years’ and that is through a united and persistent protest by all against AFSPA – for its unconditional repeal. The pamphlet bluntly states that ‘long term army deployment alienates people instead of convincing them’.
The protest pamphlet reaffirmed that ‘when political solutions are sought, if unaccompanied with sincerity on the part of the government, the possibility of lasting peace recedes. The decade long ceasefire between the Indian government and the Naga people has not meant either withdrawal of AFSPA or reduction in deployment of forces. As a result, the armed forces, have entrenched themselves even more firmly within Naga society.’
Further it raised some uncomfortable questions such as ‘Should peoples’ aspiration be dealt with militarily? More importantly, should the Indian state, or for that matter, any democratic state, demand subjection and loyalty at the point of a gun? Occupational rule is never just or desirable. And this is precisely what AFSPA does.’
Commenting on the prevalence of impunity the statement states ‘it is not easy to prosecute the security forces for offences as the Act provides immunity to them. Wherever such absolute power exists, those empowered turn criminal. So, rapes, torture, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances or fake encounters happen and happen repeatedly, precisely because guilty officials know that the law protects them.,
No Human Rights Commission in 10 states including Nagaland Nagaland Page
New Delhi, November 20: As many as 10 states, including six in the Northeast, are yet to set up a Human Rights Commission.
This was stated by Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Minister said that the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura in Northeast and Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand and Uttrakhand have not set up the Human Rights Commission. The Centre has issued advisories from time-to-time to all these states, he said and added that the states had generally cited paucity of funds and lesser number of complaints of human rights that does not justify setting up a full-fledged commission. Bihar has notified setting up of a human rights commission but has neither been able to appoint a chairperson nor members yet, he said. (Agencies)
Three surrendered ULFA rebels killed in Arunachal By IANS
Guwahati, Nov 20 (IANS) Three surrendered militants were shot dead by separatist guerrillas of the outlawed United Liberation front of Assam (ULFA) in the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh, police officials said Tuesday. A police spokesman said an ULFA hit squad trailed the three former comrades and shot them dead near Deobil village in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Tinsukia in eastern Assam.
'There was probably an encounter between the two sides as weapons were found with the dead militants,' a police official in Lohit district told IANS over the telephone. The three dead bodies were recovered by police Monday, all of them lying in a pool of blood inside a car. 'Villagers heard gunshots but did not dare to go and see what was happening. We were informed later by some locals and we found the three surrendered ULFA militants killed,' the official said. The dead include Srimanta Chetia alias 'Chinese', a surrendered ULFA rebel allegedly acting as a spotter for the army in its operations against the outfit in the dense jungles of Arunachal Pradesh.
The ULFA have set up bases in Arunachal Pradesh with their cadres operating out of temporary camps in the state. ''Chinese' was a very useful guide for us and probably this could be the beginning of a new chapter in Assam when the ULFA could be targeting surrendered rebels,' an army commander said on condition of anonymity.
The ULFA in recent months have faced heavy reverses with more than 120 cadres, including several senior leaders, surrendering before authorities. A number of their leaders were also arrested or killed in the same period in continuing anti-insurgency operations in the state.
PM urges Myanmar to expedite, broad-based reforms Nagaland Page

SINGAPORE, November 20: In the first high-level meeting after the recent crackdown in Myanmar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today met his Myanmarese counterpart General Thein Sein here and pressed for expediting and broad-basing the political reform process.
During the 30-minute meeting, the Myanmarese Prime Minister briefed Singh about the "internal developments" in his country and efforts made by his government at "political reforms and national reconciliation."
"The Prime Minister conveyed India's position that the reform process should be broad-based, including pro-democracy leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi and various ethnic nationalities and it should be carried forward expeditiously towards a satisfactory conclusion," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said. Sarna noted that India supports efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari to engage Government of Myanmar on behalf of the international community to facilitate the process of reconciliation. Singh told Sein that India attaches importance to its relations with Myanmar. The two leaders also reviewed the status of various bilateral projects and discussed regional and international developments. Ahead of his meeting, Singh hoped that the ongoing dialogue between the military junta and pro-democracy leaders will have a "satisfactory outcome" and the happenings in that country has a bearing on India.
"Myanmar is our neighbour. What goes on there has an important bearing on our own country. As you know that a number of insurgent groups take advantage of the instability in Myanmar to indulge in unlawful activities in our Northeast," the Prime Minister told reporters on board his special aircraft while coming here.
"Therefore, we have a strong interest in a stable, prosperous, peaceful Myanmar," he said.
"We had supported the role of the United Nations in bringing about a national reconciliation between Government of Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi and I sincerely hope that dialogue, which is progressing, will reach a satisfactory outcome," said Singh, who will be meeting his Myanmarese counterpart Thein Sein. The meeting came on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit amid intense pressure on the Southeast Asian grouping to take action against Myanmar. India, while seeking early steps towards democracy, has been opposing any coercive action against Myanmar, citing its multi-faceted interests in the neighbouring country. New Delhi has noted that as a "close and friendly neighbour" it wanted any initiatives to be "mindful of the need" to ensure that the country is "peaceful and stable". (PTI)

PREPAK faction owns up bomb attack, rival group denies hand The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 19: One of the factions of the proscribed People`s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, PREPAK, has confessed responsibility for the Videocon House bomb attack at Paona Bazar on Saturday that left one person dead and another four injured. A statement, understood to have been issued by Chinglemba Mangang, PREPAK central committee, also expressed the group`s profound regret over the death and injuries resulting from the bomb attack, and clarified that it had not been its intention to cause any harm to the public.The statement said the attack had been intended to serve as a warning to the Videocon House proprietor for his defiance of the party and the cadre who carried it out had been instructed to ensure that members of the public are not harmed.

The cadre had accordingly lobbed the bomb behind the refrigerators and other goods on display, but it got deflected and exploded in the open, thereby resulting in injuries among the public. The group also apologised to the family of the dead and the injured victims, and said it shared in their suffering.

The group also pledged to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future, stating that a meeting of the PREPAK central committee is being convened soon in this regard, and added that the appeals issued by various civil society organisations in this regard have been taken to heart. Meanwhile, Aheiba Angom, publicity in charge of the proscribed People`s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, PREPAK has clarified that the group had nothing to do with Saturday`s bomb attack at Paona Bazar that left one dead and four others hurt.
In a statement, the group said it was unfortunate that the SP, Imphal west, had mentioned the PREPAK`s name in connection with the incident. It added that if those responsible for the attack had mentioned the PREPAK`s name, they may have been imposters who are taking advantage, ongoing internal crisis in the party. The statement also pledged that the crisis in the party will be resolved once and for all at the earliest. It added that it has come to the party`s knowledge that some government department officials are being summoned outside the state in the name of the party`s PRO/PO, in connection with monetary demands. It clarified in this connection that the party is not at all involved, and asked those concerned not to answer any such summons.
ASEAN leaders disallow UN envoy to brief them on Burma Mizzima News
November 20, 2007 - The flat denial by the ASEAN to allow UN special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari to brief the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations' summit on the Burma situation, only proves that the regional grouping is not serious about pushing for political change in Burma, a regional human rights group said.
Alternative Asean network on Burma (Altsean-Burma), a regional human rights group, today said ASEAN has only proved its unwillingness to push for genuine political changes in Burma when it refused Gambari, who visited the military-ruled country twice following a brutal crackdown on protesters in September, to brief leaders of the 10-nation grouping.
"If ASEAN really wants a genuine solution they should work with all parties including the UN. They ought to be engaging with everybody. And by being only with SPDC [Burmese military regime], they will create more problems for their own countries," Debbie Stothard, coordinator of the Altsean Burma, said. Following a discussion during an informal working dinner on Monday, Asean on Tuesday said Professor Gambari, who last visited Burma in early November to negotiate talks between the government and opposition, will not brief ASEAN or East Asian Summit leaders on the situation in Burma. The ASEAN Chairman's statement released today said, the Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein, told leaders of the grouping that the situation in Burma was a domestic affair and that it is fully capable of handling the situation.
Thein Sein also explained that UN Secretary-General Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari had visited Burma four times, and that the Burmese government had implemented many of his proposals, the statement said. "He [Thein Sein] emphasized that Professor Gambari should only report to the UN Security Council and not the ASEAN or the East Asia Summit (EAS). Myanmar [ Burma] has every confidence in managing Professor Gambari's mission and the good offices of the UN," the grouping said. "In view of Myanmar's [ Burma] position, Professor Gambari will not brief the ASEAN or EAS Leaders. However, Singapore, as ASEAN Chair, will facilitate Professor Gambari's meetings with interested parties," added the statement.
Stothard said such a stand by the grouping will only encourage the Burmese junta to continue its rampant human rights violation. "If ASEAN does things like this, the State Peace and Development Council [SPDC] will be emboldened to do what they like. And more people from Burma will suffer and also many problems will visit countries in the region," Stothard said.
"Even if ASEAN governments don't care about people who are dying and suffering inside Burma, they should care about the human rights violation and SPDC's mismanagement and rule which actually are causing problems in their own countries," Stothard said.



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