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11/28/2007: "Swu debunks unity declaration Nagarealm.com"

Swu debunks unity declaration Nagarealm.com

Dimapur, NOV26 [NNN] : In a significant development pertaining to the present situation in the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) set-up, Chairman of the NSCN-IM Isak Chisi Swu while terming the November 23 Niuland declaration as "controversial unification initiatives", has outrightly said that "any independent unity move" should not be acceptable though "NSCN stands for reconciliation, unity and peace of all the Nagas".

The NSCN-IM leader also stated that "other tribes" cannot be discriminated "because of (the) Sumi (Sema) unity". In an effort to "clear away" the air of present "confusion" following the November 23 Niuland declaration, Isak Chisi Swu who is currently in Bangkok, has issued his stand on the prevailing situation while clarifying that he and Thuingaleng Muivah have "no differences in opinion". In a fax message made available to Newmai News Network this afternoon, Isak Chisi Swu said, "In view of the sensitive situation prevailing in Nagalim as a result of the controversial unification initiatives involving certain section of our people, this statement is issued to clear away any confusion—— that the NSCN stands for reconciliation, unity and peace of all (the) Nagas.

Therefore, (I) appeal to the people to exert all out effort to achieve it". However, the second point of the NSCN-IM Chairman's message stated, "Any independent unity move, deliberately done through the back door, shall not be acceptable". With regard to the reported speculation on his relation with Thuingaleng Muivah, Chairman Isak Chisi Swu clarified, "The rumours that there are differences between the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister Muivah) and the Yaruiwo (President Isak Chisi Swu), are concocted by vested interest persons to mislead the people.There are absolutely no differences between us".

Isak Chisi Swu then appeals that the "Naga people should be on the guard against divisive external forces". In a separate fax message dwelling on the Sumi (Sema) issue, the Chairman of the NSCN-IM stated that the unity among the Sumis is essential. "However, other tribes cannot be discriminated because of (the) Sumi unity. The unity of the Sumis should contribute towards the unity among all the Naga tribes. Let this be known by all the Nagas and there should be no confusion," clarifies the NSCN-IM Chairman from the Thai capital.
Press Release Naga Hoho
An Executive Council Meeting of the Naga Hoho was held today, the 27th November 2007 as scheduled and decided to convene a Federal Assembly sometime in the month of March 2008, to finalize all details for the next General Session of the Naga Hoho, which will also elect a new team of Office Bearers for the next tenure. In this regard, schedules for the Federal Assembly will be intimated by the office of the Speaker, Naga Hoho in due time, after assessing proper time, place and date for holding the same, as per the conveniences of the federating units and constituent body members.
The meeting also took note of the prevailing situations and developments in the Naga society and expressed with deep concern, the reported assassination attempt on the life of Mr. S. C. Jamir, the Governor of Goa, followed by denials, allegations and vitiations, which in any case is disturbing the tranquility of social and political atmosphere, as indicated by the manner in which the Ao Senden office was put to task.
Furthermore, while Unity and Reconciliation amongst the Nagas at all levels of the society, and more importantly among the National Workers, have always been the highest concern of all the Nagas, some of the recent developments have also caused much reasons of anxiety among the Nagas and all well-wishers. Therefore, to search for meaningful interventions with common understanding of all Nagas, the Naga Hoho is convening an Emergency Consultation with the NPMHR, NSF, NMA, CNBC, NBCC and NCF along with, the President of all Naga tribes, regardless of their affiliations and relationships with Naga Hoho, on the 2nd December 2007, at Japfu Hotel Conference Hall from 2 PM.
Towards this endeavor, we urge and beseech all Naga tribes, to take into consideration, the purpose for which we have struggled and survived as a people, while also, taking this as an opportunity to retrospect our own failures and weaknesses, as we contemplate to live with dignity.
Sd/- Neingulo Krome,
General Secretary, Naga Hoho. Dated Kohima, the 27th November 2007.
Sumis laud unity move The Tangkhul

Dimapur, Nov 27 (NPN): A joint meeting of the Sumi Hoho and its frontal organizations held on Tuesday said the Sumi public appreciated and extended their strong support to the unification of NSCN factions. A press release issued jointly by Sumi Hoho president HS Rotokha and Western Sumi Hoho president Hokiye Yeptho urged all Naga underground activists to “unite like the NSCNs and the leaders of different groups to meet and negotiate at the earliest”.
The House further appealed to all to restrain and cease fire in all Naga-inhabited areas during the process of unification.

Meanwhile, a separate press release issued jointly by the Maram Hoho and the Thangal Hoho expressed deep concern over the unification move. The release issued jointly by Maram Hoho president Hingba Thomas and Thangal Hoho president Kangba alleged the move was initiated by “sectarian group with vested interests” to mislead the Nagas.
The signatories said the two Hohos, viewed the “sectarian unification” as against the working principles of Naga unification. The signatories said the House reaffirmed that Naga Hoho should spearhead the peace process towards attaining the unification of Nagas.





Jamir hurls bias slur at Delhi- ‘I am a tribal and a second-class citizen’ NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, Nov. 27: The UPA government already has too much on its plate and now, to add to this, one of its own is accusing the Centre of bias Goa Governor S.C. Jamir today said the Centre’s silence on the recent attack on his life is because he is a tribal. The former Nagaland chief minister survived the sixth attempt on his life on Saturday when his motorcade was ambushed near Changki village, nearly 50km from Mokokchung. Jamir and his wife escaped unharmed, while three of his escorts sustained minor injuries.
“I am a tribal but I am a citizen and a governor,” a visibly disillusioned Jamir told The Telegraph. He said when a governor is attacked it is the duty of the government to give an appropriate response because it is an attack on the Constitution of the country itself. “But if the government does not mind this, what can I say?” Jamir asked.
The governor is understood to have conveyed to the Prime Minister that the government’s reaction indicated that because of his tribal identity he is being treated as a “second-class citizen”. It is the first time that Jamir, a deputy railway minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s council of ministers, has spoken so candidly.
The senior Congressman called on home minister Shivraj Patil today and briefed him about the situation in the state. He met the Prime Minister on Monday.Hurt that he was attacked simply because he is a former chief minister, Jamir also sprung a surprise that may allay fears of his opponents in Nagaland as well as militant outfits. Asked if he would return to politics in Nagaland, he said: “No, not with this kind of environment.”
Talking about the manner in which the Centre has tackled the Naga problem, Jamir said the Centre is on a “weak wicket”. He said unlike the present attitude, the government need not be diplomatic while dealing with its own people. The governor said the Centre should make it clear to the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) that violence is not the way to solve a problem nor can it be resolved by eliminating leaders.
‘Ceasefire in all Naga inhabited areas’ The Morung Express
Sumi Hoho to support unification drive Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): An appeal has been made to all to restrain and cease-fire in all Naga inhabited areas during the process of unification, stated a joint meeting of the Sumi Hoho and its frontal organizations held today, which came out with a three-point resolution, informed HS Rotokha, president Sumi Hoho and Hokiye Yeptho, president Western Sumi Hoho in a press note received here. The meeting resolved that the “Sumi public has appreciated and extend its strong support towards the unification of NSCN faction”. It urged all the Naga undergrounds to unite like the NSCNs and the leaders of different groups to meet and negotiate at the earliest.
Naga Hoho’s wisdom sought Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): After lengthy deliberation, discussion and exchange of views and opinions, a meeting of the two tribes Maram and Thangal held today at Senapati has expressed deep concern on what it termed as “the unfortunate move of misleading the Nagas” and stated that the “allege unification drive prevailing in Central Nagalim” was initiated “by sectarian group with vested interest”. A joint press note issued by Kangba, president of Thangal Hoho and Hingba Thomas, president of Maram Hoho viewed the “sectarian unification as against the working principle of the Nagas unification”. The meeting reaffirmed that the apex body of the Naga organization—the Naga Hoho “with its wisdom alone should lead and spearhead the peace process leading towards the attainment of Naga unification”.
Naga Hoho calls for emergency consultations The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): The Naga Hoho while affirming that unity and reconciliation amongst the Nagas at all levels of the society, and more importantly among the undergrounds, have always been the highest concern of all the Nagas, stated that some of the recent developments have also caused much reasons of anxiety among the Nagas and all well-wishers. To search for meaningful intervention with common understanding of all Nagas, the Naga Hoho is convening an emergency consultation with the NPMHR, NSF, NMA, CNBC, NBCC and NCF along with the president of all Naga tribes, regardless of their affiliations and relationships with Naga Hoho, on the 2nd December 2007, at Japfu Hotel Conference Hall from 2 pm, informed Neingulo Krome, General Secretary, Naga Hoho in a press note received here.
Towards this endeavor, the Naga Hoho urged and beseeched all Naga tribes, to take into consideration, the purpose for which we have struggled and survived as a people, while also, taking this as an opportunity to retrospect our own failures and weaknesses, as we contemplate to live with dignity.
It was also informed that an Executive Council meeting of the Naga Hoho was held today, the 27th November 2007 as scheduled and decided to convene a Federal Assembly sometime in the month of March 2008, to finalize all details for the next General Session of the Naga Hoho, which will also elect a new team of Office Bearers for the next tenure. In this regard, schedules for the Federal Assembly will be intimated by the office of the Speaker, Naga Hoho in due time, after assessing proper time, place and date for holding the same, as per the conveniences of the federating units and constituent body members.
The meeting also took note of the prevailing situations and developments in the Naga society and expressed with deep concern, the reported assassination attempt on the life of S. C. Jamir, the Governor of Goa, followed by denials, allegations and vitiations, which in any case is disturbing the tranquility of social and political atmosphere, as indicated by the manner in which the Ao Senden office was put to task.
Unity process sans civil society-NSCN (K) The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): The NSCN-K wants the unity and reconciliation process without involving Naga civil society i.e., the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR). The NSCN-K claimed that the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR are “deadly against Naga unity.”
Lauding the Sumi Hoho for what the underground outfit maintained was the Western Sumi apex body ‘translating into practice’ unity and reconciliation, the NSCN-K maintained that Nagas of every walk of life have been talking about unity and reconciliation of the Naga undergrounds, but have proved “as empty sounding cymbals.” A note from AZ Jami, NSCN-K Kilonser asserted that “This time the Western Sumi Hoho has translated into practice by facilitating the first phase of the unity and reconciliation among the NSCN factions.”
“Now it is the time for all Naga tribal units to follow suit and work actively to bring unity and reconciliation among the factions without involving the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR which are deadly against Naga unity.” The NSCN-K Kilonser hoped that the “non-violence movement would be carried out till the complete unification among Nagas is achieved.”
3 DAN legislators resign; DAN strength reduced to 33 Nagaland Page
Dimapur, November 27: In another major development in the state politics ahead of the general elections scheduled in February 2008, three DAN legislators, including a Cabinet Minister and two Parliamentary Secretaries, on Tuesday resigned from the NPF-led DAN Government in Nagaland, reducing the strength of the Neiphiu Rio led Government to 33. With this latest round of resignation, the DAN coalition comprises of the NPF, BJP and an Independent.
The present 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with strength of 55 MLAs, comprises of NPF with 28 members, Congress - 17, BJP - 4, JD (U) - 2 and Independent - 4. The other 5 MLAs, out of a strength of 60 MLAs, has so far resigned.
The three DAN big shots that resigned and withdrew their support from the DAN Council of Ministers include State Roads & Bridges Minister, Tokheho Yepthomi (NPF), and Independent Parliamentary Secretaries, P Chuba Chang and Jongshilemba.
Talking to newsperson right after resigning and withdrawing their support to the DAN Government at his official residence at Kohima, Tokheho Yepthomi said he had resigned from the Government considering the prevailing law and order situation as well as other failures on the part of the State Government.
While praising all the development initiatives of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio throughout the state, Tokheho, however, expressed his reservations over the lack of understanding among DAN members.
Asserting that the responsibility of the elected members of the House is to provide security and look after the welfare of the people, Tokheho accused the Government of failing to provide security even to Goa Governor, SC Jamir.
"If the Governor cannot be protected then how the common people can be protected," he asked.
Asked on his reasons for resignation, he said the reasons for the same had been build up over the years, including failure to maintain law and order, failure on the part of the government to streamline price hike affecting the people living under the BPL, and differences among the Cabinet members regarding the superannuation issue. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Jail & Home Guards, Jongshilemba blamed dissatisfaction over teamwork within the DAN Ministry as reasons for his resignation from the DAN Government. (Page News Service)

Unity Group disowns Lim Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Nov 27: Confusion continues to reign among the general public following the Friday Niuland declaration. In an interview with a Nagaland based newspaper yesterday, the leaders who had taken the November 23 initiative, while calling themselves as ‘Unification Team” said, “ When we say NSCN, we mean Nagaland and not Nagalim.” The “Unification Team” also said that “any Naga leader who is against the unification move is not a Naga.”
The “Unification Team” then stated that they would soon finalize on who will be heading the organization after consulting the tribal Hohos. Even after four days of the hectic drama, no official statements have come forth from either the top NSCN-K set up or the NSCN-IM. However NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chisi Swu had earlier stated that “any independent unity move” shall not be acceptable.
Reiterating their earlier statement, the “Unification Team” said that their “newly unified NSCN” should not be pre-fixed nor suffixed with any other letters or words as in the case of NSCN-K and NSCN-IM. “We are just the NSCN,” said C.Singson.
However, even after this Herculean development, both the factions of the NSCN continue to hurl each other with allegations on certain matter. The NSCN-K has accused the NSCN-IM for the life attempt on the Governor of Goa and former Chief Minister of Nagaland S.C Jamir in Mokokchung in Nagaland on November 24. On the other hand, the NSCN-IM has termed the allegation of the rival faction, the NSCN-K as “nothing surprising”. “The reaction of the Khaplang group in put-ting the blame on the NSCN for the ambush on Goa Governor SC Jamir was nothing surprising and that rather it had come on expected line. But what matters is the fabricating of the story that is far from the logical conviction”, stated the NSCN-IM while denying carrying out such life attempt on S.C.Jamir.
I will not return to Nagaland politics: Jamir Nagaland Page

Dimapur, November 27: Setting aside all the speculations, Governor of Goa and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, S C Jamir today confirmed that he would not be coming back to Nagaland politics.
Talking to a section of the media at New Delhi today, Jamir said that he would not come back to Nagaland politics. He said that he was "totally frustrated" with the present situation in Nagaland. Expressing concerns over the present political equation in Nagaland, the former Chief Minister was dismayed over the political parties' involvement with the underground groups in the state.
Jamir, who met Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil today, told media persons that he was disillusioned with silence of the Central Government on the recent attempt on his life. "If the Union Government is protecting the Constitution of India or a Constitutional authority, it is up to them. If they do not protect, it is up to them," he said. ithout naming any organization, Jamir said, "Considering the stiff opposition registered from a section of the Naga society, about his coming back to state politics, and given the present situation in Nagaland, I do not want to come back to Nagaland politics. I have made up my mind not to enter politics again." (Page News Service)

The ongoing unity process Nagaland Page
Nagas of every walk of life have been talking and are being talked about unity and reconciliation among the Naga National workers. But all have proved as empty sounding eymbals, only shouting by mouth and do not translate into actions. This time, the western Sumi8 Hoho has translated into practice by facilitating the first phase of the Unity and reconciliation among the NSCN factions. Now, it is the time for all Naga tribal units to follow suit and work actively to bring unity and reconciliation among the factions without involving the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR, which are deadly against Naga unity.
Like many tribes of Nagas, Sumis have so many commissions and omissions in the past in the Naga freedom movement. But what I highly appreciate and cherish the idea was that though the Sumi led so-called Revolutionary govt. of Nagaland (RGN) was formed in late 1968 and the greater armed force was seized by them, yet they appreciably did not resort to any kinds of killings or bloodshed. It was a good precedent to be cherished by all. They only found their way out of survival without doing much damage to the National cause. Likewise, this time also, the majority of the Sumis have initiated the process and I hope the same non-violence movement will be carried on till the complete unification among Nagas is achieved.
A Z Jami, Convenor Council of Kilonsers GPRN/NSCN

NSCN (K) appeals Nagaland Page
Everyone is aware that killing among the Naga brothers is going on increasingly day by day. But, we are failing to understand the real cause of this killing? There are three categories of leadership in our society today. Real Leadership, Commandership and Ordership.
Presently majority of the IM, particularly Tangkhuls are of the Ordership category for which, many precious lives has been shortened and the Naga general public should understand.
There are also many people, whether social workers or national workers who failed to understand what is 'Public Relation' today. They only leave aside their assigned responsibilities of building relationship and instead work only for money and monetary gain. As for example, Dezilie Stephen, who had worked as PRO under the Angami Region for about one and half month had demanded money from around 40 different shops within the span one month and 17 days and also took Rs.50,000 (fifty thousand) from the NSCN-K government and defected to NSCN-IM. Similar was the case of Mr.Moses Sangtam who claimed himself as the PRO Sangtam Region and worked for few days without the knowledge and consent of the Central appointment authorities and defected to NSCN-IM.
I urge upon the ministry of public relation and its staffs not to be swayed away by the charms of money and wealth. I also ardently appeal to the different organizations not to be in haste and give condemnation statement over any incident(s) just for the sake of condemning without verification or cross checking the facts at this crucial juncture. Because, there is always reasons behind be it "intentional or sudden and unintentional" incident. Therefore, random condemnation should be avoided as it doesn't serve any purposes and instead create more rooms for more problems, hatred and division among the societies.
K.Zhimomi (Kughavi) Secretary, Education, NGOs and Public Relation NSCN-K
Jamir ambush raised in Parliament The Morung Express
New Delhi, November 27 (Agencies): The ambush on the Governor of Goa SC Jamir last Saturday by suspected insurgents in Nagaland was raised in the Parliament this evening with the South Goa Member of Parliament Francis Sardinha taking it up at the discussion hour on Matters of Urgent Public Importance. In his maiden speech in the Parliament after his election to the Lok Sabha from South Goa Constituency in the October 30 bye polls, Sardinha expressed dismay that a Governor could be attacked in the manner of which the Goa Governor SC Jamir was ambushed the other day and appealed to the Government to ensure that the Governor is safe in his own country. The Governor of Goa has been barred from entering Nagaland by an insurgent group and the silence of both the State Government and the Central Government, raises some interesting Constitutional implications, he said. “Jamir, being the Constitutional head of a State, is the representative of the President of India. Can any representative of the President of India or any bonafide citizen for that matter, of the country be barred from entering any other Indian State, and that too, by an insurgent group,” he questioned.
Narrating the sequence of events, Sardinha said, “on November 24, 2007, the Governor’s convoy was ambushed reportedly by the NSCN (IM). Four strategically planted explosives went off a few feet away from his car as his convoy passed by. This was followed by a fusillade of gunfire from above the road. A few 2-inch mortars also exploded near his vehicle. Had these explosives exploded as planned by the insurgents, we would be gathered here paying obituaries to His Excellency the Governor of Goa…” “The silence of the Central Government on this dastardly attack on the Governor of Goa is sending shivers up the spine of nationalists in the country. It is not only an attack on SC Jamir, but it is an attack on the Constitutional position that he holds.
Apprehensions raised over border fencing LaishramShamungou Sangai Express

Myanmarese couple make their way back home after selling goods at Moreh while a Moreh man ventures into Myanmar to fish
MOREH, Nov 27: Even as the officials of BRO and Survey of India have arrived at the border town in connection with border fencing for over a distance of 10 kms to be carried out for the first time on the Manipur sector of the Indo-Myanmar International border at Moreh, apprehensions have been raised that the step being taken up to enhance governance might create artificial barriers and sow the seeds of enmity among the people who have been living in peace and mutual harmony in the border area.
On account of certain reservations on the part of its Myanmarese counterpart, the proposal of the Government of India to put up fencing along the 380 kms long Indo-Myanmar boundary that Manipur shares with Myanmar could not take off for many years. However, after the recent visit of the Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta to Imphal it was decided that border fencing should be carried out 10 metres inside the controversial International boundary on Mani- pur side. Subsequently, the officials started arriving at Moreh for the Risky Survey Trace Cutting work which was scheduled to begin from November 16.
However, the step being taken up for border fencing has caused jitters in the hearts of the people living in the border area on either sides who fear that it may snap their relationship.
And this is not without reason. Even before the signing of the Indo-Myanmar border trade agreement, people living in Moreh and its neighbouring Kabow Valley have not only been maintaining alliances through marriages but also looking after each others’ needs for day-to-day survival without any restriction in crossing over the border since time immemorial.
People from Moreh also used to cultivate and graze their cattles at the very site where the Myanmarese Government have set up a market place at Nampha-long today.
To be carried out following instructions from the Government of India for, the task of border fencing in the undisputed area is to begin from Border pillar no. 79 to 81, covering over a distance of about 10 kms. There used to be two border gates in this area, though only in name sake. Talking to The Sangai Express, president of Manipur Muslim Council, Moreh Jeinul Abidin alias Nahamacha, who lives in Moreh Ward no. V, located just adjacent to Border Pillar No. 79, informed that his family has been settled in the area since 1972.
‘In those days, people from either sides of border used to cross over without any restrictions. In fact, six Kabow women have married to men of our community and settled here’, Jeinul said.
At present too, people from Moreh cross over the border and go from one household to another in Myanmarese villages to sell Kerosene, Lungri and salt. Similarly, traders from Myanmar come to Moreh bringing fish, cereal, flower plants, charcoal and rice. After border fencing, all these activities would be stopped, he lamented.
It is said the rice being consumed by the people of Moreh sub-division are mainly brought in from Myanmar. Despite being the staple food of the people, rice is not included in the list of the trade items of the ongoing Indo-Myanmar border trade. After the border fencing, the villagers also feared that they would not be able to go and gather the fodder from Myanmar, as they used to do, for the cattles being reared in their houses. People living in the Mo-reh Ward No. V also used to go upto Maklang river, running along the foothills of Ango mountain ranges of Myanmar for fishing without any restrictions. However, after the introduction of the border trade, one has to get an entry ticket of Rs 10 for entering Tamu, the commercial hub of the neighbouring country, that also for some fixed hours. Of course, taking advantage of the porous border one can sneaked into the neighbouring country illegally. A woman who came all the way from Saong Nasi Village of Myanmar to Moreh, walking over a distance of 2 kms just to purchase some cosmetic products, papar and biscuits, obser-ved that border fencing would cause lot of inconveniences to the people settling on either sides of the border.
A person who runs a school in Moreh said, ‘ Today, we have students from Namphalong and Tamu of Myanmar coming to schools in Moreh to study. There are also teachers from Myanmar teaching in Moreh schools. In fact, some of the schools in Moreh have started teaching Myanmarese language’.
According Prof Amar Yumnam of Economics Department of Manipur University, even if border fencing is intended to bring about some formality in the existing traditional and cultural relation of the people and enhance governance, the pertinent question that can be raised is what the Government has worked out for the welfare of the people living in the border area. Without a proper planning and foresight, what is intended good for the people might become a disaster, he observed. ADC Moreh Hopeson Chothe mentioned that several rounds of talks at various levels have been held in the past between the officials of both the neighbouring countries in connection with the proposal of border fencing, but Myanmarese side had always shown some reservations in this regard.
Indigenous rights declaration revives independence pangs Newmai News Network
Aizawl |The United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples approved on September 13 this year has revived longings of independence in Mizoram after 20 years of armed struggle by the MNF failed to bring self-determination to the people of Mizoram. Under the initiative of Zo Reunification Organization, a committee was set up under the chairmanship of R. Zamawia, a former MNF underground member who recently published his memoirs on the MNF's independence movement, which held a meeting at the Aizawl Press Club to decide on the name of the committee.
About 80-odd committee members had been appointed for this yet unnamed committee of whom about 20 people attended the meeting today. Giving reasons for the lack of attendance, Lalmuanpuia Punte, general secretary of ZoRO said it was because the date had been postponed twice and the committee today was last-minute information provided to the members yesterday through the telephone. While most of the members who attended the meeting today were above 60 years of age and had been former MNF members or former politicians, there was also a sprinkling of young blood from different walks of life including the media.
Talking about the aims of the committee, Zamawia said since the United Nations had provided a legal instrument with which to address the Mizos' decades old problem of having been annexed both by the British and then the Indian governments, a necessity had been felt for the need to set up a committee which would look for avenues where the UN declaration could be used to restore Mizos to their rightful place within the gambit of international law.
Vice-Chairman of the committee, Vanlalngaia, a veteran politician, speaking to the meeting said this movement would sooner or later take on political colours and that the members would need to take into account next year's general Assembly elections since the MNF cannot now be part of any movement for restoration of the indigenous peoples' rights which could include independence since the MNF had agreed Mizoram is an integral part of India.
He also explained that the MNF signed signed away all rights to the state's overground and underground resources and that the UN declaration would give the state leverage in getting more share of its natural resources.
The committee today decided that the movement should be on the lines of an NGO at present because what needs to be addressed first are not the political issues, but issues of the people in regard to their cultural and traditional heritage such as lands most of which has been taken away by the government. A number of names were suggested for the committee and it was left to the office bearers to decide on the name to be given this committee at a later date. Among the speakers were former MNF members during the insurgency period who felt that Mizoram has been given another chance at fighting for independence but this time within the framework of the law. Meanwhile, this UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples has also been seen as beacon of light in other NE states and according to Punte, a region-wide meeting on the issue has been called for early next year to be held probably in Guwahati.
Violence mars 36-hr Adivasi bandh By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 26 – Violence hit different parts of the State today during the 36-hour Assam bandh called by the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA), with one death reported from Kokrajhar. Elsewhere, there have been reports of group clashes between bandh-supporters resulting injuries to many. Incidents of damaging of vehicles, business establishments and public property also occurred. A number of AASAA members have been arrested in different places. The State Government, meanwhile, has deferred the dates of constable interviews to November 30 and December 1.

Our Correspondents add: KOKRAJHAR: Violence rocked Kokrajhar during the 36-hour bandh that began today, with a person stabbed to death and two others critically injured in the same incident at New Amguri around 5 am today.
The miscreants dragged out three persons including the driver who were travelling in a Tata Safari (AS-16-7549) near New Amguri and stabbed them. The vehicle was also set on fire. One died on the spot and he has been identified as Santosh Kumar Prasad. The other two persons were first admitted to Kokrajhar civil hospital and later shifted to Guwahati Medical College Hospital, police said.

In another incident near the Srirampur inter-State check-gate around 12-30 pm, miscreants tried to set a truck on fire but police foiled their bid. The vehicle, however, suffered some damage. About 1,500 picketers were prevented by police from entering Kokrajhar at Magurmari around 1-30 pm. The national highway wore a deserted look throughout the bandh. The few vehicles that plied were given police escort. TEZPUR: A number of violent incidents took place in Tezpur during the bandh. Group clashes between AASAA members and other local people were reported Tezpur Poruwa Chariali, Goroimari, Shovagaon, Phulbari, (Rangapara), Dhekiajuli, etc., areas of Sonitpur district.

Bandh-supporters also damaged business establishments, vehicles, etc., and attacked people during the bandh at Dhekiajuli, Rangapara and Goroimari areas, resulting in group clashes. Later, police and security personnel brought the situation under control. No major incident, however, has been reported. Meanwhile, seven persons injured seriously in Saturday’s mob violence in Guwahati have been admitted to Tezpur Kanaklata civil hospital.

NORTH LAKHIMPUR: Police arrested over two dozen AASAA activists in North Lakhimpur today during the 36-hour bandh today. The violence passed off peacefully in the district on the first day today barring some stray incidents of vehicles being damaged in the early hours. While a motorcycle was damaged in Chabati area, a night bus coming from Guwahati was damaged near Harmutty tea estate. The arrival of police prevented a possible group clash when about 30 AASAA supporters came to the main taxi stand area of North Lakhimpur and ordered the local shopkeepers to down their shutters. Most of the AASAA members, however, were arrested. They had also been carrying catapults for attacking vehicles and public.

All shops, business establishments and banks remained closed while public transport remained completely of the road. Private vehicles, however, were seen moving in all parts of the town. Attendence in government offices was thin and students did not attend schools.

TINSUKIA: Normal life was stalled in Tinsukia district by the AASAA-sponsored 36-hour bandh. Although the bandh did not have impact on the areas of the north bank of Sadiya subdivision under Chapakhowa police station, normal life was disrupted in other parts of the district with shops and establishments remaining closed and vehicles off the roads. Police picked up 59 picketers in different parts of the district. DHEKIAJULI: Normal life was paralysed in Dhekiajuli by the bandh. All business establishments remained closed and tea estates also did not function. DIBRUGARH: Incidents of stone pelting and vandalism have also been reported from Tingrai under Digboi PS in Tinsukia district and Bokuloni under Duliajan PS in Dibrugarh district during the bandh period.

Meanwhile, all modes of vehicular traffic remained off the road, besides all business establishments, financial and educational institutions remained closed today.

DERGAON: The bandh was total at Dergaon. The shops and business establishments etc remain closed while no passenger vehicle was plying on NH-37. In the morning some supporters threw stones to a marriage party Indica car, however no injury was reported.
Uproar in Lok Sabha over Guwahati violence, House adjourned for an hour By PTI
New Delhi, Nov 27 (PTI) The violence in Guwahati in the wake of a demonstration by tribals demanding Scheduled Tribes status created an uproar in the Lok Sabha today, forcing its adjournment for an hour. The House witnessed a verbal duel between BJP member Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs B K Handique, who hails from Assam, in the wake of Home Minister Shivraj Patil's statement on the matter.
Rijiju was seen complaining about wordings in the statement which, he alleged, was against tribals, a point sought to be countered by Handique. BJP Deputy Leader V K Malhotra also expressed his unhappiness over the statement saying details of several tribals missing and the reported stripping of a tribal woman did not find mention. As acrimonious exchanges continued and Rijiju came into the well, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjourned the House. Earlier, when several members who had given notices wanted to speak on the subject, Chatterjee said he would allow a discussion depending on availability of the Home Minister.
Bodo MP condemns clashes in Guwahati Uproar over Guwahati violence Hindustan Times Press Trust Of India
The violence in Guwahati by tribals demanding ST status created an uproar in the Lok Sabha forcing its adjournment for an hour. New Delhi, Condemning the group clashes in Guwahati, Bodo MP SK Bwiswmuthiary on Tuesday appealed to all aadivasi organisations and other people to maintain peace and not get provoked by vested interests.

"I earnestly appeal to all aadivasi leaders and organisations and also other sections of people of the state of Assam to maintain peace and harmony and not be provoked by any vested quarters and provocators," he said in a statement here. Expressing concern over the "group clashes" of November 24 in Guwahati, Bwiswmuthiary said there was a "total failure" of the district police and civil administration in controlling the situation. Demanding a probe and booking of the culprits, the MP asked the authorities to provide adequate compensation to the families of those killed and to the injured.
Three arrested for stripping tribal woman in Guwahati by IANS
Guwahati, Nov 26 (IANS) Three youths, two of them postgraduates, were arrested here Monday on charges of stripping a tribal woman during a protest march, after photographs of the horrifying act made national headlines and triggered outrage.
The incident took place Saturday during a clash between local residents and tribal protestors belonging to the All Adivasi Students Association (AASA), in which one person was killed and more than 200 wounded.
As the mob violence spilled over to various city localities, a group of youths stripped a young Adivasi woman in full public gaze and later kicked and punched her private parts. The photographs of the terrorized woman running naked for her life in one of the city's main thoroughfares in broad daylight were splashed in local newspapers, evoking a nationwide debate about the police inaction.
'This is a shameful act. We have arrested three youths after identifying them from television footages and newspaper photographs,' Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told journalists. The three youths hail from good families, said police.
The incident evoked angry reaction from rights groups and from all sections of the society.
'This was a moronic act committed by a hoodlum fringe and this incident was perhaps the darkest face ever Guwahati has shown to the outside world,' an angry Mala Baishya, a college teacher, said.
Some people who saw the panic-stricken woman running naked took off their shirts and helped her cover herself, before arranging a vehicle to ferry her to the nearest police station.
'At least there were some good people who came to her rescue,' Pritam Bordoloi, a doctor, said. Police have framed charges ranging from rape to molestation on the three youths. The chief minister has announced a financial assistance of Rs.100,000 to the woman. 'The woman is now totally traumatized after the incident... We are planning to send her out of Assam for counselling and are thinking of putting her in a convent so that she does not suffer from humiliation and shame,' a senior tribal leader told IANS requesting not to be named. The identity of the woman was being protected to avoid further mental trauma to the victim and her family.
Contractor turned ministers have reduced politics into a contract bazaar, says UNLF The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 25: The UNLF has come out strongly against the culture of dishonest government supply-contract works which has percolated and contaminated the very being of Manipur. It has not only introduced a materialistic culture amongst the people, but also transformed the face of the revolution as so many revolutionary organisations have jumped into this ugly fray.

In the annual statement by the organisation`s central committee, (two earlier parts already published), it called this a cancer that has been introduced by India, whereby open and collaborative robbery of public funds by contractors and government authorities is being given a perverse legitimacy. If India has been unable to subdue the liberation struggles by means of the forces under its command, this culture of government supply-contract has all the potential of decimating the original cause beyond recognition, it said.

It appealed to all fraternal underground organisations to introtrospect on the matter and mend their ways. In particular, it reminded certain organisations which have gone to the extent of claiming monopoly over certain supply-contract turfs, disallowing normal procedures of issuing tenders or their bidding by anybody else, to rethink and realize the harm they are doing themselves and everybody else.

It also called upon them to distance themselves from this culture and for a beginning agree to stand away from petty contract works involve less than Rs 20 lakhs. "Let there be open tenders in the prescribed ways for these and let honest work be allowed to be done" it said. It pledged that UNLF would not have a hand in these petty matters.

The easy money, unaccounted for by hard work or enterprise, has robbed Manipur of its soul it said. This money is to blame for the lavish lifestyle children of contract and corruption fattened parents who go to study outside Manipur live in other cities, sometimes keeping expensive motor vehicles and hiring expensive flats etc, it said. It has also made the traditional practice of dowry etc opulent and repulsive, it added.

Listing some of the harms brought by this inflow of unearned money, it said it has destroyed work culture; increased and inflated bribery; introduced a contagious hedonistic culture, especially amongst the nouveau riche; these nouveau riche contractors and suppliers are also today coming to be the prominent citizens, and even getting to be elected as ministers and MLAs, reducing politics to one big contract-supply business; it has also reduced many revolutionary orgnisations to contract mongers, it said.

It said in matters of education, academic researches, public health, sanitation and such other issues of vital public importance, it would be keeping a keen eye on misdeeds by contractors, and would even resort to action in consultation with other fraternal organisations against those who would put the health, lives and the future of the people at risk for their personal gains.

The UNLF statement said this cultural onslaught is even more dangerous than those traditionally identified, although it praised the efforts of other organisations such as the ban of Hindi entertainment, for among others, giving a boost to the Manipuri digital cinema. It also praised the introduction of phanek as uniform in senior schools. But it noted that even Manipuri digital cinema still is unable to reflect the true culture of Manipur yet and the introduction of phanek as school uniform has still to be the prop for the handloom industry as it should be as the material used in the phanek are still not locally made.

The statement called for an end to the constant splintering of underground organization. Giving a brief recap of events in this regard in the last few decades, it said in 1968-69, a splinter group from the UNLF led by Sudhir Kumar formed the RGM. In 1978-79 the RGM split with N Biseshwar forming the PLA (Eastern Region), and Sudhir Kumar retain the rest and calling his group the Porei Liberation Front, POLIF. The latter in time turned counter-revolutionary, it said. These two factions indulged in a bloody feud at the time. In 1980-81 the PREPAK splintered and indulged in a similar faction feud. At about the same time the UNLF too split, although without bloodshed. In 1987 the two factions reunited, but split again in 1991 and fought bitterly against each other for nine years. Earlier in 1985-86 the current RPF/PLA had a bitter friction within the organization and many lives were lost. And now PREPAK is showing signs of splintering again, the statement lamented.

The statement reasoned that individuals or organisations parting ways is human nature. Revolutionary organisations would naturally come under this natural law. However, since the objectives of all revolutionary groups are the same, they should settled difference through dialogues without resorting to violence against each other, it said.

The statement further indicated the UNLF has been keenly following the history of peace talks in India`s northeast. In particular the progress of the peace talk between the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India. Its conclusion is, this is a trap to defeat the causes of the various revolutions and struggles. Citing example, it said, even an organization which once vowed "Naga sovereignty cannot be negotiated" has now changed tune to say it is looking for "a special federal relationship within India". The statement praised those underground organizations which have held out against the temptation and cautioned those who have suspended their struggles of the dangers of being lulled into total submission.

Activists group urge people to revive 'Saffron Revolution' Maung Dee Mizzima News
November 27, 2007 - As the first tentative step towards reviving the September Saffron Revolution, a new group of activists called – the Generation Wave – today urged all Burmese people to honor the fallen monks by pinning pieces of robes on their person.The group, in a statement released today, urged all Burmese to honor the fallen monks during the Saffron Revolution, by putting pieces of monk's robes on their wrist or hanging it around their necks.
"We are asking for only what people can do, things that will not bring them into harm. We want them to do things that will not harm them but still show their solidarity and participation in the Saffron Revolution," Kyaw Kyaw of the Generation Wave, told Mizzima. Generation Wave was formed following the Saffron Revolution by artists, government servants, computer experts and students, Kyaw Kyaw said. The group said to usher in political changes in Burma, the people should continue to strive and continue the revolution instead of waiting for the international community to act.
"We cannot depend on international pressure alone. Though we welcome these pressures, we cannot have changes unless there is internal pressure that will force the ruling junta to change," Kyaw Kyaw added. The 'Peoples Union', another group formed following the September peoples movement, said it supports the Generation Wave's statement and expressed optimism for the success of the new campaign.
"I believe this campaign will have an impact as some monks are scared after what happened to their fellow monks. They obviously think that the people are not with them, so they dare not begin a fresh movement. At this time, if the people could show their solidarity and participation, it will revive back the monks' spirit," a member of the Peoples' Union told Mizzima over telephone. Following the September Saffron Revolution and the junta's brutal crackdown, activists have conducted anti-junta activities under the banners of secretly formed groups such as "Generation Wave', 'Peoples Union ', 'Civilian Community' and 'Freedom Fighters'. While the groups prefer to keep a low profile, their activities including distribution of pamphlets and posters with the words that includes 'CNG' (Change New Government) have been seen in various parts of Rangoon. "To revive the Saffron Revolution, we need to unite all groups. Not only just our group, but all groups under the banner of the religious flag, must work together," Kyaw Kyaw added.
Ethnic Kachins meet to discuss draft constitution Mizzima News
November 26, 2007 - Preparing for a future federal state of Burma, ethnic Kachins in exile today began the second consultation workshop on Kachin state constitution in New Delhi .Led by the Kachin State Constitutional Drafting Committee (KSCDC), several Kachin organizations including youths and women's groups will hold consultations over three days, seeking to lay down the basic guidelines for a future federal state in Burma.
"Our goal is to gear up for a federal Burma in the future, and that requires separate state constitutions by all the ethnic groups. That's why we are here consulting our fellow Kachin," Mahkaw Khun Sa, chairman of the KSCDC, told Mizzima. As per agreement by all ethnic nationalities under the umbrella of 'Ethnic Nationalities Council', the KSCDC had started working on a state constitution and completed the first draft in 2006, Khun Sa said.
Reportedly, other ethnic nationalities of Burma such as Arakan, Chin, Karen, Karenni, Mon and Shan have been working on their respective state constitutions. While some groups have completed several stages of drafting the constitution, some are reportedly working on the first draft. On the completion of the first draft, the KSCDC, has been holding consultation meetings to discuss the draft and such meetings are expected to give shape to the second draft, Khun Sa added. He, however said, though there are underground movements to consult the Kachin people inside Burma, the consultation meetings are largely done in various places in exile including Thailand and India .
"As the ENC has decided, we began drafting the Kachin state constitution and completed it in 2006. We are now on the second stage of drafting and we hope to bring the opinions of as many Kachins as we can," Khun Sa said. KSCDC, formed in 2002, was tasked with bringing out a draft constitution for Kachin state that would be submitted to the ENC and ultimately to the Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordinating Committee (FCDCC), formed with representatives of ethnic nationalities and other Burmese political organizations and parties.
According to FCDCC leaders, the draft federal constitution will be submitted to the United Nations and to various international organizations to be compared with the junta's constitution and to be endorsed. According to Khun Sa, the KSCDC's draft constitution will be based on a 11 point-guideline that includes - Kachin State, Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, Kachin State Legislative Assembly, Kachin State Government, Suffrage and Elections, Judiciary, Inter-Governmental Relations, Emergencies, General Provisions, Transitional Provisions and Amendment of the Constitution.
The KSCDC leaders said the draft constitution has been endorsed by several Kachin organizations including youths and women. The KSCDC was formed with several Kachin organizations including Kachin National Organization, Kachin State National Congress for Democracy, All Kachin Student Youth Union, Kachin Women's Association-Thailand and United Nationalities League for Democracy – Liberated Area. However, Kachin's main armed resistant group – Kachin Independence Organisation – which has been waging a war of independence against the Burmese military regime for over 40 years, remains out of the fold.
But the KSCDC leaders are optimistic that the KIO would not object to the state constitution being drafted by other Kachin organizations as most of the fundamental points are the same as the KIO's demand to the ruling junta. The KIO, which has a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese military junta, has endorsed the ruling junta's National Convention -- the first of its declared seven-point roadmap, which concluded in early September. During the last session of the tenuous 14-year long National Convention, the KIO in July 2007, submitted a 19-point charter of demands to be included in the junta's draft future constitution. However, the junta turned a deaf ear, ignoring the plight of the Kachin delegates and left the demands undiscussed.
"We can say they [KIO] will agree with our draft because all the points in the draft [constitution] are no different from their 19-point charter of demands, which they submitted at the National Convention on July 19," Khun Sa said.
A proposed trade route worth its salt Indo Burma News
November 27, 2007: (The Telegraph) Pansaung (Myanmar), East of the Indian hills, a small gesture can pack a world of meaning. So, when junior commerce minister Jairam Ramesh handed over a sack of salt to a Myanmar army officer here on Saturday, he knew he could be opening a door. A whole highway, actually.
On the Centre’s table is a proposal to reopen the 1,700km Stilwell Road — which connects Ledo in Assam to Kunming in China through Myanmar — to cross-border trade. The symbolism in Ramesh’s gift was apt — salt and tea are India’s most important exports to Myanmar. But the minister would have been as grateful handing it to Maj. Aungse as the soldier was to receive it.
Ramesh’s ministry backs the road proposal but the foreign and home ministries have doubts. “There is concern that the road passes through insurgency-hit areas in Myanmar,” Ramesh said. Northern Myanmar’s jungles teem with Indian guerrillas from groups like Ulfa and the NSCN (Khaplang). It is under Maj. Aungse’s command that Myanmar’s 126 Light Regiment, posted at the border, raided Ulfa camps last week. Delhi and Myanmar are drawing closer despite the junta’s crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators, mainly because the home ministry sees a strategic partnership as crucial to security in the Northeast. The commerce ministry wants to reopen the route by 2008, Ramesh said while inaugurating the international trade centre at Nampong, the last Indian town on Stilwell Road. “I have spoken to (foreign minister) Pranab Mukherjee on reopening (trade through) the Pangsu Pass soon,” he said.
The junta wants India to also upgrade a 61km stretch of the road — from Nampong to Tennai in Myanmar — on which Pangsu Pass (Pansaung to the Myanmarese) lies. Now, the moment one passes the wooden signboard saying “The Union of Myanmar”, the ride till Pansaung remains bumpy. At the busy market here, women sell wares ranging from cigar-like bidis and Chinese knives and toys to Myanmarese slippers and shoes. Close by is the Lake of No Return — the local Bermuda Triangle. According to folklore, aircraft that fly over the lake never return.
The local people are eager to see Stilwell Road reopened for trade before 2010. All the northeastern chief ministers, too, have requested Manmohan Singh to reopen the route. Arunachal Pradesh hopes it will boost timber exports.