[Previous entry: "Jamir talks of return to Nagaland state politics The Morung Express"] [Next entry: "NSCN (IM) responds to KNO Morung Express"]

12/01/2007: "NISC asks Khaplang to speak out on unification The Morung Express"

NISC asks Khaplang to speak out on unification The Morung Express

Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): While wholeheartedly supporting reconciliation to achieve unity among the Naga peoples, the Dutch based Naga International Support Center (NISC) however made it clear that unity cannot be achieved by way of excluding any Naga tribe or any civil organization, but by looking into the cause of the bitter feud which had led to the split in the first place.
The NISC while terming the recent unification drive as a “coup” by the Khaplang group/Sema leaders, it wanted to know whether Khaplang himself had ordered the unity team or whether it was people like K. Mulatonu and AZ Jami who acted on their own “in collaboration with Sema with their agenda on Intangki Forest”. Pointing out that Khaplang has no reason to keep quiet, the NISC requested Khaplang to speak out on unification through reconciliation. “Khaplang you are accountable for your actions, or does your silence means you agree with the conditions your men spelled out for unification?” the NISC stated.
The NISC claimed that the unification drive was declared without the knowledge of the leaders of both NSCN’s and that it was a serious mistake to exclude social and civil organizations from reconciliation. The NISC stated that to exclude any tribe from the unity process was an anachronism and to exclude parts of the Naga Homeland a scam.
The NISC further alleged that the “Sumis bonded with the Khaplang group to occupy Intangki and Cachar” and that “acting on behalf of Khaplang and Mulatonu, a Sema, tried to grab power and land”.
Consequently the NISC gave a five point suggestion and called on all Nagas to strive for unification on the basis of equality and accountability for all; to include civil society of all walks of life and in all Naga lands of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Burmam so not just Nagaland State; to condemn the greed for land of the Semas concerning Intangki Forest Reserve which has been their underlying motivation to join forces with the Khaplang group, sans Khaplang; to counter fake unification attempts which really are intended to undermine Naga Society and divide the Nagas all for personal greed, land grabbing and subservience to the Indian Masters and lastly to stand together as one to achieve the ultimate goal the Nagas have been fighting for so long already, “your right to determine your own future”.
The NISC also called on the NSCN-IM to show restraint and statesmanship when coming down on the village where the ‘peacemakers’ have their quarter and to try to solve any conflict through dialogue and peaceful means.
Revoke Quit notice, Azha: Sumi Church leaders The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 30 (MExN): The Sumi Concerned Church Leaders appreciated the unification efforts and stated that it is believed to be an answer to the prayers of the Naga for Peace and reconciliation. The press release received here today from the Sumi Concerned Church Leaders, stated that the decision was arrived at during the consultative meet on Dimapur, Sumi Baptist Church on November 29 and while it stated that the unity move was in line with the Peace and Reconciliation move taken by the Nagaland GB’s and DB’s Association, they appealed to the concerned bodies to revoke the quit notice issued to the Tangkhuls and the Azha served against S.C Jamir and Alemtemshi Jamir.. The 13 leaders are Rev. Phughoto Aye, Rev. Dr. Khehovi Shohe, Rev. Vitoi Kappo, Dr. Hesheto Y. Chishi, Rev. Dr. Vikheshe Chishi, Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo, Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Sumi, Rev. Dr. Yehevi Jimo, Mr. Vihokhu K. Zhimomi, Dr. Hukashe Zhimomi, Rev. Helkath Kappo, Mr. Pitoyi Chophy and Rev. Inaho Swu.
‘All Nagas must be part of unification’ The Morung Express
In the backdrop of the so-asserted “unification” of the “NSCN,” Western Yimchungru Hoho and Western Yimchungru GBs’ Union have stated that all the Nagas must be a part of the unification. A meeting was held on November 29 at old Showba under the initiative of the Western Yimchungru Hoho and Western Yimchungru GBs’ Union where the “factional unification” from the two NSCNs was deliberated upon. While the meeting resolved to encourage and support the efforts initiated by members of both the NSCNs for “unification” to end killings and bloodshed and misunderstanding amongst the Nagas, the meeting also resolved that all Nagas must be a part of the unification process. This was stated in a joint press note appended by WYH president S Tokiu, general secretary H Lakiumong and chairman of the WYGBU Rejang.
Attempt on life: Jamir 'hurt' by Centre's silence, TNN Economic Times


MUMBAI: A former Nagaland chief minister and a veteran Congressman gave vent to his feelings while talking to newsmen in Panaji. He said he was “anguished, frustrated and disillusioned” over the stoic silence maintained by the central government over the recent attack on his life in Nagaland. Governor Jamir’s vehicle was ambushed in Mokokchuna district of his homeland, Nagaland, on November 24.

“Even after their own man is attacked they maintain silence, I feel there is something wrong,” visibly upset state governor said. He was terribly hurt as centre has not reacted to the attack. “If anything happens to your relative don’t you react?,” he questioned. “I don’t know why there is a silence. I am part of the whole establishment being representative of president of India in Goa,” said Nagaland’s longest served chief minister. NSCN-IM, a local militant group in Nagaland had issued ‘fatwa’ against Mr Jamir on September 25 this year banning him from entering the north-eastern state. This was the fourth attack on Mr Jamir’s life since 1990, the earlier occasions being in February 19, 1990, November 19, 1992 and November 29, 1999.

The governor said that he had written to the president about it, but “there was no reply and no response. Union home minister had told me that fatwa would be discussed during the negotiation meetings with the extremist group.”
According to him the attack was “direct challenge to the Indian constitution.” The governor, claiming there were some strange incidents during the recent attack on him, said, “the portion where there was an attack was not patrolled by police.”

Mr Jamir has ‘Z’ plus security cover. The attack took place at the area where there was a landslide and vehicles were moving at slower pace. “There were two dummy VIP cars. How could the attackers know exactly in which car I was sitting?” he questioned again. “Only few top level officers knew which route I was going,” he said. The governor was under the protection of India Reserve Batallion (IRB), which is equipped to deal with such situations.

Lambasting the Nagaland state government, the leader said that the state is run by these separatist groups with law and order thrown out of gear. Reacting to the allegations of NSCN-IM that the attack was stage-managed, the governor said that “no normal human being would believe this allegation.”
Naidu slams Jamir for playing politics BJP demands removal of Goa Governor The Morung Express

BATTLEMODE: Former BJP President and sitting MP Venkiah Naidu (in shawl) addressing party memebrs at the BJP political camp at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur today.
Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): Former BJP President and sitting MP Venkiah Naidu today slammed Goa Governor, Dr SC Jamir for playing politics in Nagaland and strongly opined the Indian President should dismiss the Governor from his job.
“The BJP takes strong exception of the words of SC Jamir. A serving Governor has no business in politicking, if he is interested then he should come to the court,” said Naidu during a press conference here at Tourist Lodge today. “President should dismiss him. This is the view of the BJP,” added Naidu who is on a two-day visit to the State to attend a BJP political workshop held at Tourist Lodge.
He opined that if Jamir is interested in politics then he should give up his chair as a governor and return to Nagaland to ‘do something for the people.’ Also, virtually kicking off the election campaign for the BJP in Nagaland, Naidu urged party man to start and carry on a sustained election campaign.
Focusing his speech on the ‘concern’ shown by the last NDA Government headed by AB Vajpayee towards the Naga people, Naidu said that it was Vajpayee who took the initiative and signed the peace talks with the Naga underground groups with the objective to bring peace in the State. Naidu affirmed that the UPA government at the Centre is not sincere about the peace talks and is neglecting the talks.
In this regard, Naidu exhorted BJP workers to spread the message among the Nagas that the BJP Government at the Centre will take much bolder steps than the Congress to find a lasting solution to the protracted Naga problem. However, he asserted that the approach of the BJP will be to bring peace in Nagaland, but it has to be solved within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
About the prospects of the BJP in the next assembly election, Naidu expressed strong hope that a non-Congress coalition government would come back to power in Nagaland. He asserted that the BJP will definitely improve its position in the State and fare well in the next election since there is a tremendous amount of sympathy for the previous NDA government by the Naga people and added that the people are not satisfied with the UPA Government. He also said that the performance of the DAN government is better than that of the previous Congress government.
Rio renews peace appeal Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, NOV 30 (NPN): On the eve of the 44th anniversary of Nagaland statehood, chief minister Neiphiu Rio has renewed his appeal to all sections and groups to eschew the path of violence and to come under one umbrella for ensuring a safe, peaceful and violence-free society.
“Let there be no more dividing lines... Let us bury our past, and in true Christian tradition, forgive one another for creating a new Nagaland,” the chief minister said in a message.
Rio said that after a long struggle and bloodshed, Nagas were recognized as a separate people and given a statehood with a special position under article 371-A of the Constitution of India.
“But that was not the end. Our struggle for realization of our political aspirations is still on. The ongoing political dialogue is expected to bring the cherished dreams of peace leading ultimately to the final solution to the long drawn Naga political struggle,” he said.
Rio also said the ongoing festival at the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama was an attempt to bring together all tribes in Nagaland for the sake of “celebrating our unity in diversity” and added that the festival would try to showcase the best of Naga culture, tradition and Naga food.
On the development front, Rio said the state has come a long way in its 44 years of existence.
He further claimed that the speed with which the state has been touching upon new areas of development including the farm, empowerment of women and youths, addressing the problems of underdevelopment in backward districts, sports and youth activities, in the past four years had never been equaled in the past.
Rio said faster development was possible on all fronts due to unstinted support his government received from the people at large, the civil societies, the Naga Hohos and the Churches.
On the occasion of statehood hood, which also coincides with World AIDS Day, Rio urged the young and old alike to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS till the menace was completely eradicated from the state.
“Our vision of creating a new Nagaland, full of peace, development and opportunities for the Nagas enabling them to fully realize their full potential, is no more a distant dream. I seek your continued cooperation for this noble endeavour,” the chief minister said.
Sumi bodies plea on ‘unification’ Nagaland post
DIMAPUR, NOV 30 (NPN): The Sumi hohos have appealed to the Naga Hoho, tribal hohos, the NPMHR, student bodies, churches and Nagas in general to extend their support in order to strengthen the ongoing efforts to bring about “unification” among the Naga national workers.
Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) in a press release issued by president Hokiye Yeptho and general secretary Akavi Zhimo reminded that the Naga Hoho had earlier, in pursuance of unification of various factions of the Naga national workers, conducted a ‘Reconciliation meet’ on December 20, 2001, and adopted a resolution of ‘forgive and forget.’
WSH said that in pursuance of the same policy, the Sumi Hoho and WSH too, like any other Naga civil societies, had always been trying their best for unification of various Naga national workers at their own level.
While thanking God for giving an opportune moment in the Sumi Hoho and WSH’s endeavour to bring about unity among factions, WSH also thanked leaders of the various Naga factions for the wisdom, far-sightedness and magnanimity displayed in “bringing understanding among themselves.”
Meanwhile, WSH informed that the Sumi Hoho in its emergency meeting held on November 27, had resolved to disown ay Sumi underground cadre of any faction if he or she do not cooperate and join the “unification move”.
The hoho also cautioned that in such cases, the hoho would neither recognize the “rank” of the cadre nor would the cadre be allowed to represent Sumi tribe as a whole on any platform.
WYH, WYGBU support
The Western Yimchungru Hoho (WYH) and the Western Yimchungru GBs Union (WYGBU) at a meeting held Thursday resolved to support the efforts initiated by the members of both the NSCNs for unification to end killing and bloodshed amongst Nagas.
A joint press release issued by WYH president S. Tokiu, general secretary H. Lakiumong and WYGBU chairman Rejang urged all the Nagas to be part of the unification.
Unity discourse continues Support unity drive, Sumis to Naga Hoho The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): Pointing out that the Naga Hoho in its pursuance of the “unification” of various factions of the Naga undergrounds had conducted a ‘reconciliation meet’ and adopted a resolution of ‘forgive and forget’, Sumi hohos have appealed to the Naga Hoho, various tribal hohos, the NPMHR, student bodies, Churches and all right-thinking Nagas to extend support to the effort in order to strengthen the unification drive initiated recently. This was stated by Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) president Hokiye Yeptho and general secretary Akavi Zhimo in a press note received here.Pointing out that in pursuance of the same policy, the Sumi Hoho and the WSH like the other Naga civil societies have always tried its best to bring about unification amongst the undergrounds at its own level “We thank the God Almighty for giving us this opportune moment in our endeavor in bringing unity among the factions which has been the dream and aspiration of the Nagas.” The WSH also thanked the various Naga factional leaders for their “wisdom, far-sightedness and magnanimity” that they have displayed in bringing understanding among themselves.

Sumi Hoho resolves The Sumi Hoho in its emergency meeting held on November 27 resolved to disown any Sumi underground cadre of any faction ‘if he or she did not cooperate and join the unification move’ initiated recently and cautioned that the Hoho shall not recognize his or her rank and file nor can he or she represent the Sumi tribe as a whole in any platform. This was stated by the Western Sumi Hoho president and general Secretary in a press note.
Senior Citizens reaffirm Nagas as one The Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum (NSCF) held its 3rd consultative meeting today at Red Cross Conference Hall and reaffirmed that Nagas are one and decided to appeal through a three-point resolution, informed H. Hesso, president and Dr R. Zinyu, secretary. The NSCF expressed appreciation on the call for unity of the Naga factions and agreed that this is in the right direction. For the success of this unity movement, the NCSF appealed that there should be no more killings, infightings, “quit-and anti-Naga notices”. The NSCF also appealed that the senior citizens of the respective tribes across the Naga homeland should work towards this goal actively for unification. The NSCF also expressed gratitude for the steadfast work done by the churches to bring healing within the Naga family.
“Eastern Naga National Workers” resolve Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): The “Eastern Naga National Workers” held a meeting on November 30, 2007. In the said consultative meeting the Eastern Naga National Workers reaffirmed to fully support the leadership of chairman Isak Chishi Swu and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process under his leadership. The meeting also discussed and resolved to stand firm on the pronouncement of a meeting of the chairman on the present controversial unity move. The “Eastern Naga National Workers” appealed to the Naga people not to be confused but rather stand on their mandate “given to the collective leadership,” stated a press note from the “Eastern Naga National Workers” issued through the MIP.
Naga Hoho emergency consultation informs The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): In view of many queries and enthusiastic response from various tribal and civil society organizations, concerned individuals and public, the Naga Hoho has informed all concerned, that, only the president or official delegate of the various Naga tribes will be allowed to attend the December 2 emergency consultation. With regards to the mass-based civil society organizations and Churches, only the president and secretary will be allowed to attend the same.
Informing of this, Neingulo Krome, general secretary of Naga Hoho stated that this was being done with conscious consideration of the fact, that the situation confronting the Naga society cannot be more volatile as of now, and which calls for maximum vigilant and restraint from every perspective. The meeting will also be a “close-door discussion”, for which, no press or journalists will be allowed.
At the same time, the Naga Hoho requested all the organizations and federating units and other tribal organizations to consider this Press handouts as the official invitations, as no personal or official letter has been given out to any one in this regard, due to paucity of time and nature of the meeting.
The truth about ambush must come out: NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has come out with serious charges alleging that Goa Governor SC Jamir and NSCN (K) General Secretary Kitovi were working together to create a situation of breakdown of law and order in Nagaland so as to demand the imposition of President’s Rule in the state. The NSCN (IM) in a press note issued by its MIP section alleged that with such scheme of things both Jamir and Kitovi had worked out the plan in their meeting in Goa and Mokokchung.
The NSCN (IM) alleged that the game plan was set into motion in the evening of November 23 at 7 pm in Mokokchung when Jamir was picked up by two MLAs in two black Scorpios and proceeded straight to Dimapur to his residence at Chumukedima. “As planned, the next morning the convoy of vehicles with IRB moved out giving the seeming presence of Jamir in one of the vehicles. At the appointed hour of the ambush Jamir was already seated in the comfort of his house in Chumukedima and never on the spot as made out to be”, the NSCN (IM) claimed while adding that “such was the temerity of Jamir to blame” the NSCN (IM). “The truth must however come out if the investigation into the ambush is to be processed in true spirit and honesty”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
In this regard, it may be mentioned that the State government had on November 26 constituted a three member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to inquire into the ambush on Jamir on November 24 to be headed by CP Giri, IPS, Additional DGP (Operations). The SIT has been mandated to inquire into the circumstances leading to the ambush on November 24 and was to ascertain the identity of the perpetrators of the act and related matters thereof.
Subsequently, the NSCN (IM) claimed that the “unfolding events” went as per the game plan and pointed out to the Congress legislators in Nagaland demanding President’s Rule under the pretext of “deteriorating law and order’.
It further went on to allege that what was happening in Niuland under the “professed NSCN unification” was part of Jamir’s scheme of things and that this reflected “something destructive and not constructive for the ultimate political benefit of the Nagas”.
The NSCN (IM) stated that when the “political game plan is fixed there follows an unholy nexus between the politicians and underground elements scheming for the programme that defile human value attached with high profile public leaders”. The NSCN (IM) in this regard pointed out that Jamir who holds the gubernatorial post of Goa Governor “exercised no moral restraint to go to the extent of resorting to the dirty scheme of organizing a stage managed ambush in connivance with his brain child underground elements in the Khaplang group with the covert backing of some political leaders whose only thinking is to grab power by hook or by crook and begin a sort of war against the present set up under the Indo-Naga ceasefire”.
The NSCN (IM) in this regard asked the Government of India not to be too naïve to act in hurry “keeping in view the illogical observation of incident pointing the finger at the NSCN”. “The fact that SC Jamir comes all the way from Goa to execute this schemingly planned ambush is a fitting case of defiling the honor and respect that goes with the office of the Governor”, it stated while adding that “politics in Nagaland has gone the way of moral bankruptcy where anything is made to happen but for the heck of political power and other ulterior motive”.
Ukhrul mourns for Capt Thanshok Addie Chiphang Sangai Express
Ukhrul, Nov 30: Over thousands of people assembled at the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground Wino Bazaar, Ukhrul today to pay their last homage to late Captain, Thanshok Zingkhai of NSCN (I-M), who was killed at Tixsit area of Mon District at Nagaland by the rival group of NSCN (K) on November 28.
The public condolence service was organized by TNL in association with other local social organizations like Hunphun Katamnao Long (Ukhrul students Union) Hunphun Shinao Long and United Hunphun Youth front. The service began at 7. 00 am and was participated leaders of many social organizations including TKS, TSL, TMNL, Village Headman’s, VA’s , CAO, Wung Tangkhul Regions and many ranks and files of the NSCN (IM) collective leaderships.
Qr. Captain, Vareithing Hongreinao, from Hebron Office who brought the corpse of his colleague all away from Dimapur stated that the incident occurred on November 28 at around 8:30 am when the latter was taking a sun bath near the camp when all of a sudden an ambush was laid killing Captain Thanshok and his junior Lieutenant Sema on the spot at Tixit Namsha village at Mon Dist.
The captain further said that Captain Thanshok was a disciplined and courageous Army officer who sacrificed his life for the sake of the National cause till his last and that the untimely demise of such a noble officer will not only be difficult to fill but also left a great vacuum in the hearts of the Tangkhul in particular and all Nagas in general. Captain Hongreinao also read out the Condolence message from the NSCN/GPRN during the service. According to the records Lt.Captain, Thanshok Zingkhai, 34 years, son of Vareishing Zingkhai hailed from Kasomtang of Hunphun/Ukhrul and he joined the NSCN on 1991 and served the Nation for 17 years. After the public condolence service the corpse of the Captain was taken to his home at Kasomtang, 2 and half Kms away from the TNL ground by the public making a human chain and pulling the rope by joining the end of the vehicles where the coffin was being carried till his residence. Meanwhile, the 24 hours banth called by the contract teachers Association was passed out peacefully without any untoward incidents. During the banth all the shops remain closed and the vehicles moments cease plying the road.
People's struggle for realization of political aspirations is still on: Rio (Page News Service)

Dimapur, November 30: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the Naga people's struggle for realization of their political aspirations is still on and the ongoing political dialogue is expected to bring the cherished dream of peace leading ultimately to the final solution to the long drawn Naga political struggle.
In a message on 44th Anniversary of Statehood, he appealed to all sections and groups to rededicate themselves to the service of the people, by eschewing the path of violence, hatred and bloodshed.
Rio said, "In these 44 years of our existence as a state, we have slowly and steadily covered a vast canvas of development in the state," adding, " The speed with which we have been touching upon new areas of development, be it on the farm front, or on the front of empowerment of women and youths, or on the front of addressing the problems of underdevelopment in backward districts or on the front of sports and youth activities, we have traversed longer distances in the past 4 years than what we have done in all the years preceding 2003." Highlighting the numerous development activities taken during the last 4 years, the Chief Minister said that all were possible due to the unstinted support of his Government received from the people at large, the civil societies, the Naga Hoho and the Churches. Greeting them on the auspicious occasions of State Hood Day, Rio appealed to them for their continued support in times to come. Stating that peace and development are two sides of the same coin, Rio said his Government has tried its best to unite all concerned for achieving a durable peace in Nagaland. In the spirit of 'forgive and forget', he appealed to all to come under one umbrella for ensuring safe, peaceful and violence-free society, and for strengthening the collective Naga voice for arriving at acceptable solution to the almost 6 decade-old Naga political problem. "Let us sincerely try to become one big Naga family. Let us bury our past and in true Christian tradition, forgive one another for creating a New Nagaland," he appealed. About the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, Rio said that this year the Government is trying to showcase the best of Naga culture, tradition, dress, songs and dances including the varieties of Naga food.
UNC express profound concern Kuknalim.com
IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 30:: While expressing profound concern on the frequent violent incidents and blasts in the Ukhrul district in the recent past, the United Naga Council (UNC) urged the armed groups not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the area.

UNC information and publicity secretary S. Milan while citing the latest incidents in Kamjong and Phungyar sub-divisions of Ukhrul district, has cautioned that the armed outfits should stop creating trouble in the areas immediately before things take an ugly turn. The UNC urged the armed groups not to plant explosives and also not to open fire which have already caused uneasiness and problem in the area and also in any other areas.

Recalling the past event, UNC leader S. Milan said that the Nagas had faced immense suffering in the past due to armed conflicts between the “Indian security forces and the Naga armies” which had run for decades while the Nagas were “defending their historical rights” and in the process men and women were “tortured besides meted out all types of harassments on the Nagas by the Indian security forces”. The Naga body then stated, “However, peace was restored after the Ceasefire Agreement was signed with the Government of India.” (NNN)
Rio renews peace appeal Nagarealm.com NPN]
DIMAPUR, : On the eve of the 44th anniversary of Nagaland statehood, chief minister Neiphiu Rio has renewed his appeal to all sections and groups to eschew the path of violence and to come under one umbrella for ensuring a safe, peaceful and violence-free society.

“Let there be no more dividing lines... Let us bury our past, and in true Christian tradition, forgive one another for creating a new Nagaland,” the chief minister said in a message. Rio said that after a long struggle and bloodshed, Nagas were recognized as a separate people and given a statehood with a special position under article 371-A of the Constitution of India. “But that was not the end. Our struggle for realization of our political aspirations is still on. The ongoing political dialogue is expected to bring the cherished dreams of peace leading ultimately to the final solution to the long drawn Naga political struggle,” he said.

Rio also said the ongoing festival at the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama was an attempt to bring together all tribes in Nagaland for the sake of “celebrating our unity in diversity” and added that the festival would try to showcase the best of Naga culture, tradition and Naga food. On the development front, Rio said the state has come a long way in its 44 years of existence. He further claimed that the speed with which the state has been touching upon new areas of development including the farm, empowerment of women and youths, addressing the problems of underdevelopment in backward districts, sports and youth activities, in the past four years had never been equaled in the past.

Rio said faster development was possible on all fronts due to unstinted support his government received from the people at large, the civil societies, the Naga Hohos and the Churches. On the occasion of statehood hood, which also coincides with World AIDS Day, Rio urged the young and old alike to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS till the menace was completely eradicated from the state. “Our vision of creating a new Nagaland, full of peace, development and opportunities for the Nagas enabling them to fully realize their full potential, is no more a distant dream. I seek your continued cooperation for this noble endeavour,” the chief minister said.

Delhi extends NDFB truce OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Kokrajhar/New Delhi, Nov. 30: The Centre today extended its ceasefire with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) by six months. It was mutually agreed to extend the suspension of operations till May 31, 2008, after discussions at a tripartite meeting attended by representatives of the Centre, the Assam government and the NDFB in New Delhi last evening. A senior leader of the outfit who participated in the talks said movement of cadre into the designated camps and adherence to the ground rules by the NDFB were also discussed at the meeting.
“We hope that formal talks will follow the submission of the charter of demands,” he said. The outfit, which has been fighting for a sovereign Boroland, has assured that it would submit its charter of demands to the government by February, raising hopes of formal talks to begin thereafter.
“The meeting last evening was held in a cordial atmosphere and there was no sore point,” a source said. The current term of the truce expires today. A five-member NDFB team, led by the outfit’s secretary-general, Govinda Basumatary, alias B. Swmkwr, participated in the meeting which the outfit termed as “fruitful and satisfactory”.
The outfit’s publicity secretary B. Sanjarang and commander of its 2nd Battalion B. Sila were the other leaders who attended the meeting last evening.
The outfit’s spokesman Sunil Basumatary said: “The ceasefire has been extended for another six months. It was also decided that the charter of demands would be submitted by February.”
The Centre is also gearing up for talks with the A’chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) of Meghalaya on December 12. The director-general of police, Meghalaya, B.K. Dey Sawian, and the council’s leaders will participate in the talks. The proposed Garoland of the outfit includes West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills and parts of contiguous West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts of Meghalaya, besides Goalpara and Kamrup districts of Assam.
Exhausted, Ibobi collapses on dais OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph


Imphal, Nov. 30: Facing a relentless oust-Ibobi campaign by dissident Congress legislators, Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today tried to show that he was in charge of everything by listing plans to make Imphal a “cleaner city” by March.
However, Ibobi Singh fainted at the end of his speech and was immediately taken to his office bungalow. Later in the day, his office announced that his condition was “under control”.
Ibobi Singh presided over the inaugural programme of Bir Tikendrajit flyover in Imphal city while Governor S.S. Sidhu opened the Rs 24.92-crore flyover. After walking to and from the nearly 623-metre-long flyover with Sidhu, Ibobi Singh mounted the dais.
“By March, Imphal city is going to be cleaner, if not the cleanest,” he said. In his 20-minute speech that was mainly focused on plans to develop Imphal city, the chief minister did not show any sign of weakness.
He entertained the gathering, telling it how he had convinced women vendors and traders about the need to dismantle old buildings and construct new ones to suit the needs of a growing city.
After saying “Jai Hind and thank you all,” at the end of his speech, he did not move from the place where he stood for about 10 seconds.
Everybody was expecting another announcement and there was pin-drop silence. Then in a feeble voice, Ibobi Singh repeated the words “thank you”. His two personal security guards, standing behind him, felt something was wrong and walked up to him.
Ibobi Singh fainted and was immediately taken to his official residence, about half a kilometre from the venue. The incident disrupted the programme for about half-an-hour. Doctors from private and government hospitals rushed to the chief minister’s residence.
“The slight deterioration in his health during the programme has been brought under control. Doctors have conducted the necessary tests and the reports are normal,” a physician who examined Ibobi Singh said. “The chief minister has been running a slight temperature since yesterday and was irregular in his diet,” a statement issued by Ibobi Singh’s secretary, P.K. Singh, said. The incident sparked speculation that stress and anxiety caused by the rebel camp’s move to dethrone him, could be the reason for his collapse. About 15 Congress legislators are camping in New Delhi for about a month to lobby for his replacement.
The governor wished the chief minister a speedy recovery.
Adivasi bodies call to restore peace in State City Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 30 – After the storm, the return of calmness was evident with all the organizations representing the tea community including the All Assam Tea-tribe Students Association (AATSA), All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA), Asom Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Asom Chah Janajati Yuba Santha (ACJYS), and the Jatiya Mahasabha of the tea tribes, the State MLAs and ministers belonging to the tea tribe and the tea cells of all the political parties resolving to work for restoration of peace in the State. At a closed-door meeting on Friday in the capital city, the organizations resolved to serve a 15 day ultimatum to the State and Central Government on the issue of ST status to the tea community in the State.

The meet has asked both the Governments to clear their stand on the matter of granting ST status to the tea community which has since long been agitating for the same. “In view of the Governments giving contradictory statements in regard to granting ST status to the tea community, we have decided to serve an ultimatum to the Governments,” said Pallav Lochan Das, general secretary, AATSA.

The meet has also demanded unconditional release of the AASAA leaders. Six leaders of the organization have been arrested by the police. The meet blamed the Government for the violence at Beltola and said that it was pre planned by the Government, which was not interested to address the problems of the tea community. Demanding punishment for the people responsible for the incident, the meet expressed its gratitude to the local people of Beltola who came out and stood up as a shield to the fleeing Adivasis. “We are grateful to all and especially to Bhagiram Barman for helping us at the hour.
NDFB truce extended for six months By Our Spl Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 30 – The Government of India and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have agreed to extend the ceasefire for six months till May. This was officially announced here today by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ceasefire had been in operation since June 2005. It was mutually agreed to extend the arrangements after discussions at a tripartite meeting held in New Delhi yesterday, said the sources.

Officials of Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of NDFB took part in the meeting. Issues relating to extension of suspension of operations arrangements, movement of cadres into the designated camps and adherence to the Agreed Ground Rules by the NDFB were discussed at the meeting, said the sources.

The MHA, however, is not too pleased with the NDFB for dilly-dallying on submitting its list of demands. Sources said the Centre has again impressed on the outfit to submit the list of demands before formal political dialogue could begin. However, with top leaders of the outfit based in Bangladesh, there is little the Centre could do pressurize the outfit, sources said.
Hill MLAs deny they are campaigning for Ibobi The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 30: The 10 independent MLAs from the hill constiuenies who were reported to have gone to New Delhi to counter-lobby for the continuance of chief minsiter Okram Ibobi as CLP leader, denied this was their agenda at all. Two of the MLAs the IFP was able to speak to said they were there to campaign with Central leaders to use their influence to have the tribal area sub-plan cleared, have election to the district council and also to have the 6th Scheduled introduced in the hill districts.

The MLAs said they have sought appointment with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and All India Congress Committee, AICC, president Sonia Gandhi, but have not been intimated when they might be given audience. Asked to comment on the news reports in local dailies today, they said it was unfounded speculation and absolutely baseless. "We have no business to join in the Congress family tussle", Morung Mokunga, one of the independent MLAs now in New Delhi told IFP over the phone when contacted.

It may be recalled many local newspapers reported in today`s edition of their publications that 10 hill based MLAs, including the six sponsored by the United Naga Council, UNC, had flown in to New Delhi to campaign with the Central leaders to ensure that Ibobi remains chief minister no other chief ministers as had shown a keener interest in bringing about development in the hills than him.

The newspapers also speculated the MLAs` aim was to counter, and undermine the campaign by Congress party dissidents who have been camping in New Delhi for Ibobi`s ouster.

Boro Women Justice Forum president Anjali Daimari addressing a press conference at the Guwahati Press Club on Friday. Buddhadeb’s comment on Asom in poor taste, counters Gogoi
By our Staff Reporter(Sentinel)
GUWAHATI, Nov 30: “It’s highly unfortunate that West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has tried to project Asom in a poor light. Regular violence is not a feature of Asom, as Bhattacharjee has said. There is no comparison at all between what happened at Nandigram for months together and the one at Beltola in Guwahati that was brought under control within a few hours. The Nandigram issue is due to the Government-backed CPM’s desperate attempt to lay siege on the area in utter disregard to democracy and came in for scathing criticism from intellectuals, social activists, political parties and the people at large,” said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while reacting to the adverse comments aired by the West Bengal Chief Minister at an open session of CPM’s South 24 Parganas District Committee in Kolkata.
Gogoi said the West Bengal Chief Minister’s sweeping remark — that “he would not allow an Assam-like situation where violence is a regular event to prevail in West Bengal” — is without any basis and unfortunate.
In a statement here today, Gogoi said: “The incident that occurred in Guwahati on November 24 last was a result of the clash between some sections of Adivasis and some miscreants. However, the stripping of a woman processionist is highly condemnable, and we have already nabbed the culprits behind the heinous crime,” and added: “The Left Government of West Bengal did not allow any mediapersons to enter Nandigram. On the contrary, we did not curb the freedom of press in any manner, nor did we hide anything about the incident.”
Gogoi said the people have accused the Left Front Government of grabbing the land of the poor, unharmed and defenceless people of Nandigram to hand it over to the rich and the affluent class, which goes against the Left ideology.
Refuting the West Bengal Chief Minister’s reported comment that Assam is lagging behind due to violence, Gogoi said: “If that had been the case, Asom would not have been ranked as the fastest mover State in the overall ranking of States in the country in a national survey carried out recently by a popular magazine.”
Gogoi said Bhattacharjee’s comment on flood in Asom is not in good taste. “Flood is a natural phenomenon and it happens in West Bengal too. Instead of showing sympathy towards the flood victims of Asom, he has ridiculed them,” countered Gogoi.

Tea Tribes aren’t adivasis of Asom: Anjali By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 30: The advisor of the Indigenous Women’s Forum of North-East India, Anjalee Daimari, today said the Tea Tribes of Asom, who call themselves adivasis, are not at all adivasis (aboriginal or indigenous) in the State. “They had migrated to Asom about 150 years ago as labourers for tea gardens and are not the sons of the soil here,” she said.
“When the Bodos are not given tribal status in other parts of the region like the hills district of Karbi Anglong in Asom and Meghalaya, how do the Adivasis consider themselves as indigenous tribals?” questioned Daimari, who is also the president of the Boro Women Justice Forum.
She also said it is beyond her understanding as to why people are demanding ST status when people in other parts of the country want to come out of their tribal status. “Despite being an ST since my birth, I have seen that my village is still without drinking water, electricity and proper road connectivity,” she said.
However, she declined to clarify her stand on the demand of six ethnic communities of the State for ST status. “Though some of the organizations are opposing the demand, we are yet to consider the issue,” she added.
On the Beltola incident, she said: “We cannot deny that vandalism on that day was started by the Adivasi activists, and the AASAA leadership failed to control their activists.”
On the publication of the photograph of a stripped Adivasi girl in some of the newspapers, Daimari hoped the media would play a constructive role in the future.
UWSA defy junta's pressure, refuse to sign pre-written statement Mizzima News
November 30, 2007 - A Sino-Burmese border based ethnic armed group, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), said it welcomed Burma's pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement on national reconciliation and refused to sign the junta's pre-written statement.
An officer of the UWSA, who requested not to be named, told Mizzima that the group, like many other armed ceasefire groups, was pressured by the junta to sign a pre-written declaration condemning Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement on cooperating with the ruling junta in order to kick-start a process of national reconciliation.
"U Khin Aung Myint [Burmese Cultural Minister] came to us and pressured us to sign a pre-written statement. But we refused because we did not even see the statement. Moreover, we welcome any efforts toward national reconciliation," the UWSA officer told Mizzima by phone.
Reportedly, the Burmese Cultural Minister traveled to places along the Sino-Burmese border in October and November and held meetings with ethnic armed ceasefire groups and pressured them to sign pre-written statements against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. However, like the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the UWSA was among the few groups that openly defied the junta's request and refused to sign the document.
Speaking from the UWSA's headquarters in Panghshang, eastern Shan State, the officer revealed that the group would like to see democracy and equality among all ethnic groups in Burma.
"We love democracy and peace and we don't want to face any kind of coercion or violence," he added. UWSA was until recently widely known as one of the Burmese junta's most favored allies, and is reportedly highly involved in the cultivation of poppies and production of amphetamines along the Sino-Burmese border.
However, with the fall of Burma's former Prime Minister and Intelligence Chief, General Khin Nyunt, and the UWSA's Chairman's promise to the Chinese government in late 2004, there has been a drastic fall in opium poppy cultivation. The UWSA is one of the 17 armed ceasefire groups that attended the Burmese military junta's long and winding National Convention that concluded this past September. Following the conclusion of the National Convention, the UWSA, along with other ceasefire groups, has come under pressure from a Burmese military junta determined to completely disarm the ceasefire groups. According to the UWSA officer, the Burmese junta has been pressuring the group and is banning some of its members based along the Thai-Burmese border from traveling freely and conducting business. The junta also decided in its National Convention that Wa dominated areas in the south, close to the Thai-Burmese border, would fall under Shan administration, he added. However he reiterated the Wa's relentless desire for self-determination, adding, "the Wa army still has 20,000 strong men and the Wa population is estimated at 500,000."