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12/04/2007: "“Unification” must include all Nagas The Morung Express"



“Unification” must include all Nagas The Morung Express

Dimapur, December 3 (MExN): Following the emergency consultation meeting of the Naga Hoho held at Kohima on December 2, which was well-attended by federating tribes, various constituent bodies and mass-based civil society organizations and social institution, the Naga Hoho is furthering the expressed wishes and aspirations of the Naga people through the deliberations of the consultative meeting. It has come out with a two point resolve stating that any kind of unification must be inclusive of all Nagas, and secondly that unification must be achieved in uniformity with the political aspiration of the Naga people and the ongoing political negotiations. The Naga Hoho also conveyed its understanding that for any meaningful unification to take place amongst the various Naga groups there should be clear-cut endorsement from the top leadership of all the Naga underground groups, stated a press note issued by Naga Hoho president Bendangmayang Jamir and general secretary Neingulo Krome.
Besides tribal Hohos, it was informed that the meeting was also attended by Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association and the Naga Council of Dimapur, which deliberated at length, the prevailing situation with particular reference to the recent move for “unification” amongst the Naga underground groups in a spirit of “heart to heart talks”.
In this regard, the Naga Hoho expressed its deep appreciation to the Sumi Hoho for explaining some of the compelling reasons and circumstances under which the recent unification move was launched, so also, to the Chakhesang Public Organization, for their generosity to share their experience of a similar initiative several years ago in the Chakhesang Naga country, and the subsequent unanimity to say that, “unifications of any tribe should not minus any other Naga tribe”. At the same time, the Naga Hoho also took the opportunity to express its profound, but unqualified, gratitude to all the federating units and participants for the confidence reposed on Naga Hoho, as the competent body to take up any unification move, while “fully aware of our many weaknesses and limitations”.
NSCN (K) leaders endorse ‘unity move’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 3 (MExN): Convener of the Council of Kilonsers, NSCN (K) AZ Jami has cautioned that the recent unity drive initiated by the Western Sumi Hoho may well be the last and only chance for the Nagas towards reconciliation and unity under a single umbrella. Jami in this regard clarified that as far as the NSCN (K) is concerned, “the consent and blessings of the senior leaders like SS Khaplang and General Khole had been unambiguously obtained”. As such Jami stated that for the NSCN (K) leaders and cadres there are no different opinions, “but only one consensus opinion that there should be unity and reconciliation among the different factions”.
“So, please do not talk that it is for the Sumis or Konyaks or Aos. It is for all the Nagas to stop fighting against each other and to accuse each other to show our nakedness before the world”, Jami stated adding that it was high time that different sections of the Naga people from every walk of life should come to an “understanding point”. Jami in a press note pointed out that Nagas from every corner have been talking of unity and reconciliation among the different Naga factions but stated that no one had the courage to start it and acknowledged that this time the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) had initiated the move and that the senior Kilonsers of Sumis in the NSCN (IM) had responded positively with their cadres. Jami stated that the WSH was supported by all the frontal organizations of the Sumi community. Jami however regretted that “people from some corners, who do not know the gravity of the problem, are misleading the Naga people by saying that the unity process has been initiated by some vested interest” people. Jami stated that the chance provided by the recent unity drive may never come back and if today’s chance is missed who will take up the move again. “Tell the Naga people who will have courage to take up the initiative before the barrel of guns of the reactionaries”. Jami appealed and urged the Naga people to “plunge into the unity move and let God help in reconciliation and forgiveness among the Nagas” in order to allow “the land to be healed of bloodshed and hatred”. He also appealed not to “pretend, give excuses and not to nurture ill feelings against anyone…nor suspect anyone”.
Pointing out that Nagas goal of sovereignty was long overdue, Jami called for positive thinking citing the instance of Kosovo which will be an independent nation very soon although their movement is of very recent origin and whereas the Naga movement is about three quarters of a century old now. The NSCN (K) leader urged the Naga tribal units, students and Churches to have courage and give full support and cooperation to the unity move. “Where are you now NBCC? Where are you now GBs federation? Where are you now DBs Association? Where are you now, who are dreaming and talking about unity and reconciliation? Come out openly. Don not go to the adversary’s camp. Do not miss this last chance”, Jami stated and encouraged the Sumis to keep courage and strengthen their hands and to be patient working hard till the goal of unity is fully achieved.
Naga Hoho discusses unification move Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, DEC03 [NPN] : Against the backdrop of the current unity move, the Naga Hoho Monday said any kind of unification must be inclusive of all Nagas and that unification must be achieved in uniformity with the political aspiration of the Nagas and the ongoing political negotiations.

An emergency consultation meeting of the Naga Hoho held at Kohima on December 2 deliberated at length the prevailing situation with particular reference to the move for unity among the Naga underground groups and maintained that there should be clear-cut endorsement from the top leadership of all Naga national groups for any meaningful unification. The Naga Hoho in a statement issued jointly by its president Bengdangmayang Jamir and general secretary Neingulo Krome expressed appreciation to the Sumi Hoho for explaining some of the compelling reasons and circumstances under which the recent unification move was launched.

The Hoho pointed out that a similar initiative taken several years ago in Chakhesang area ended with the unanimous decision that “Unification of any tribe should not minus any other Naga tribe”. The Naga Hoho expressed gratitude to all the federating units and participants for reposing their confidence on it as the competent body to take up any unification move, “while fully aware of our many weaknesses and limitations”. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association and Naga Council of Dimapur.
Support for unification process Nagarealm.com
UNIFIED CAMP (KUHU-BOTO), DEC03 [NPN] : Leaders of the erstwhile NSCN (K) from Phom, Chakhesang and Kuki regions have dispelled apprehensions that the ongoing process of unification was for the benefit of certain tribes alone.
The leaders insisted that the process was itself a “people’s mandate” and that the core issue still was sovereignty of the Nagas.

Speaking to a select group of journalists here at Kuhuboto, ‘Kilonser’ C. Singson, ‘Tatars’ Thepuvezu Chakhesang, Langtok Phom and Haolim Kuki, were univocal in their stand against tribalism in NSCN and instead appealed to all sections of Naga society to support the unification move. Haolim Kuki said that after several attempts to bring about unification by various NGOs and even the DAN Government, the NSCN today was sitting across the same table due to the maturity of the leaders from both factions to unite under the same banner.
On the other hand, Langtok Phom said the unification move had come a little too late as many lives had been lost due to factional feuds.

Expressing his happiness over unification of the two NSCNs, he however warned that certain groups were still averse to the unification process and urged Nagas to repel these forces. Thepuvezo Chakesang questioned the silence of the Church and the NGOs saying the process of unification was in line with the long-desired wish of the Naga people. He said that no section of society or groups should cast any suspicion on the Sumis at this point but instead appreciate and support the move initiated by Sumi leaders. Asked on whether the move would invite any backlash from any quarters, Singson said any such move would go against the wishes of the Nagas. He said unity of the Nagas should be irrespective of Northern or Southern Nagas, tribes or regions.

Meanwhile, in a statement, senior NSCN (K) leader AZ Jami appreciated the Western Sumi Hoho for the unity move but criticized some sections of the society for “misleading” the Nagas that the process was initiated by some vested interests. Jami clarified that the process was not initiated by a single community as alleged but that it had the consent and blessings of senior leaders including NSCN (K) Chairman SS Khaplang and “Gen” Khole. “It is for all the Nagas to stop fighting against one another,” Jami said. He urged all sections of the Naga society to come to the point of understanding.
Rio’s plea to Centre Nagaland post
Dimapur, Dec 3: In the aftermath of the reported drive by Myanmerese military junta to drive out activists of India’s north-eastern States holed up in that country, the Nagaland government has purportedly requested the central government to prevail upon Myanmar to declare a ceasefire with the NSCN (K).
Talking to a national daily on the sidelines of ongoing Hornbill Festival at Kisama, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cited “economic” reasons for recommending the opposite of what any State government would be expected to do.
Rio insisted that Government of India pressurize the neighbouring country to make peace with Nagas living across the border in order that they could participate in economic activities as envisaged under the “Look East” policy of the Centre. “Peace in the Naga areas of Myanmar is essential to develop trade with Myanmar through Nagaland,” he said.
According to a report filed by the national daily, Rio made the request to Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee. He also desired to speak to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in this regard.
This was for the first time any State government suggesting that a neighbouring nation be asked to go easy on a militant outfit.
The NSCN (K) along with ULFA and some militant outfits of Manipur has a dominating presence in the Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar’s Sagaing division.
Rio said unlike other groups of the north-east, the NSCN (K) was engaged in a “political conflict” with Myanmar.
“India should take the initiative in making the military junta in Myanmar recognise the Naga issue as a political problem,” he had insisted.
Protest rally to push GoI on Naga talks The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 3 (MExN): The Naga Students Union Delhi (NSUD) has informed that in view of the impending political solution even after more than 60 rounds of talks since 1997, it plans to organise a peaceful protest rally to express its dissatisfaction with the Government of India for “shilly-shallying” the political peace process. This peaceful protest rally will march from Mandi House to Parliament Street on Tuesday, December 4 at 1.30 pm, informed Thejasenuo Meyase, president of NSUD and Yaronsho Ngalung, media incharge.
The NSUD wants the Government of India to spell out its political decision in clear terms on the genuine aspiration of the Naga people. In this regard, the NSUD strongly urged the GoI to take matured political steps that will help implement the core aspiration of the Nagas to preserve and nurture their unique political identity, and that, “un-turning the GoI’s recognition of unique history and situation of Nagas on July 11, 2002, in Amsterdam into a reality is a political sham”.
The NSUD also pointed out that the Nagas’ aspiration for their politico-cultural and territorial oneness in the North Eastern region is a sine qua non towards transforming the conflict, and that, NSUD wants the GoI to get rid of its old and traditional method of managing the conflict through adhoc measures devoid of political content and meaning.
The NSUD wants the GoI to overcome “its incorrect understanding and narrow perception of the conflict as merely internal or domestic issue in nature” and that the GoI should be aware that such traditional mechanism has never helped in transforming the Indo-Naga politico-military conflict. As such it urged Delhi to have a more holistic approach that takes into consideration the external relevance which it stated needs to be contextualized.
The NSUD states that the sincerity as claimed by the GoI has a big question mark given the fact that nothing concrete result is being seen even after 10 years of peace talks. The NSUD therefore urged the GoI to be more sincere and honest while keeping in mind the Nagas’ aspiration. The NSUD informed that it was organising this peaceful protest rally to strengthen fostering positive transformation of the conflict informed of principles of human rights, dignity, freedom, liberty, equality, natural justice and democracy.
NSCN (K) refutes ‘blatant lie’ on ambush The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 3 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has termed as “nonsensical” the allegation leveled against its Ato Kilonser N. Kitovi Zhimomi by the NSCN (IM) relating to the November 24 armed ambush on Goa Governor SC Jamir and also refuted the charge that Kitovi had a meeting with Jamir in Goa and Mokokchung. Terming such allegations as a “blatant lie”, the NSCN (K) through its MIP stated that Kitovi never ever went to Goa and had also not even stopped “a single minute at Mokokchung after the August 2003 ugly incident”. The NSCN (K) stated that the question of Kitovi taking part in the alleged stage-managed ambush was nothing but “a talk of mentally imbalance persons and blasphemy against God” and that Kitovi as a Naga leader would never ever “stoop too low as Th Muivah to commit such sins”.
Making serious allegations, the NSCN (K) alleged that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had given Rs 10 crores to Th Muivah on October 14 by sending his official vehicle to Hebron and the conspiracy was hatched with the help of that money. The NSCN (K) charged that the Naga people were “rejecting Muivah’s leadership because of his unfaithfulness and falsehoods” and that such a person should be ashamed to claim himself as a leader. The NSCN (K) also pointed out that the NSCN (IM) had actually issued an order banning Jamir to enter Nagaland and that Jamir had defiantly visited his home town. “Therefore, thousands of statements will not absolve them (Th Muivah) from the charges of attempting on the life of Dr SC Jamir”.
The NSCN (K) alleged that Muivah had the guts to instruct “his gangs to concoct and fabricate such evil allegations against his opponents and his men have the guts to commit such heinous crimes against anyone and throwing the blame on others”. “But how long, they will be able to do such abomination as real devils cannot be measured. But Naga people should not be swayed by such hypocritical acts”, it stated.
Pointing out that every time the NSCN (IM) killed or hurt any one was termed as stage managed by them, the NSCN (K) stated that the shooting of Dr Maongwati at Dimapur some years back was also stage managed according to the NSCN (IM). “But Dr Maongwati is in the wheel chair now and some of the criminals are still in jail. We think no one on earth will inflict serious injury to himself in as stage managed act”, the NSCN (K) stated while adding that according to the NSCN (IM) the four life attempt on Jamir “were all stage managed”.
Nagaland wants Myanmar to recognize NSCN (UNI) Nagaland Page

Kohima, December 3: The Nagaland government wants the Myanmarese junta to recognise NSCN(K) group of militants, holed up in that country, for early solution of the Naga peace process.
Talking to a group of visiting newspersons last night at Kohima, Chief Minister Neiphu Rio said he had raised the matter with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukharjee.
''I am going to write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to pressurise the military junta to recognise the NSCN(K) on their side of the border so that we can push forward with the case,'' Rio said.
The NSCN(K), or Khaplang faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland(NSCN), has been largely based at Myanmar since they split with the Issac-Muviah faction of the NSCN.
As the peace process has entered a crucial stage with the Union Government, there are efforts to cover all the Nagas under the possible solution. But that is not so easy as the political boundary of India and Myanmar have separated many Naga villages on the edge of Mokukchang and Mon districts of Nagaland, but inside Myanmar.
The Nagaland government wants the Myanmarese government to recognise the presence of Nagas and NSCN(K) so that Nagaland can play their part in helping Nagas, living in the remotest part of the world, as well as involve them in the peace process.
Those Nagas are still far from the modern world as they are not governed by Myanmar and the Nagaland government could do nothing because of the international boundary. It was for this reason that both factions of the NSCNs are fighting for a sovereign Nagalim, involving Nagas scattered over Nagaland, Manipur, Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and some parts of Assam.
This new move of Nagaland is being seen in political circles as aimed at keeping the Khlpang faction in good humour before the February Assembly election, as both sections of NSCN are trying to forge unity.
''If they get united then it is the best thing for peace solution. But sectoral unity on the ethnic line may produce more bloodbath,'' Rio warned.
There are reports that Sema people of both militant groups are trying to unite, which has triggered a series of political moves in Nagaland.
There are reports that, after 19 years of fratricidal killings, the Nagas are finally coming under one banner - the NSCN - leaving aside past bitterness. It was mainly through the efforts of the Sumi frontal organisations, specially the Western Sumi Hoho, Western Kukami Hoho, Western Sumi Youth Front, Western Sumi Students' Union among others.
Rio further said he was observing the movements very keenly and recent resignations of some of his Sema ministerial and party colleagues have been due to 'vested interest'.

LOKSHREE DR. S.C. JAMIR AS I SAW HIM Jagdamba Mall Nagaland Page

The situation in Nagaland in the mid-nineties was very volatile and violent. The mindless killing, kidnapping, robbery and extortion had threatened the peace, prosperity and communal harmony of the people in Nagaland and also in neighboring states. The Merapani incident of 1985 added salt to injuries. During Merapani uprising scores of innocent people were killed and the disturbance continued for several months. It was during those days I first met Shri S.C. Jamir then Chief Minister of Nagaland at his official residence when I led a delegation of Central Government Employees as General Secretary of All Nagaland Central Government Employees Coordination Committee Nagaland. The delegation included Manoj Biswas and Ranjit Paul from Accountant General's Office, D.C. Rout and Gulabi Singh from Telephone Exchange, H.K. Endo and Neisakulie Angami from Census Operation and few more from different Central Govt. Offices stationed at Kohima. The office bearers of the said coordination committee submitted a memorandum to Shri S.C. Jamir - the Chief Minister of Nagaland, with a request to provide security in the premises of Central Government Offices and in residential area as well. Because Central Govt. employees were targeted and were more vulnerable. Three of employees of AG Office were lifted during office hours from office premises and taken to unknown destination which led to a weeklong strike in the office. I was then Secretary of Audit and Accounts Association, Nagaland.
The delegation discussed the security problem in detail with Shri Jamir who gave a very patient hearing to us. We returned with a sigh of relief because of assurances offered by him. Though we were not fully satisfied with what were done by the State Government it provided much succour to Central Government employees during those turbulent days. The day and night CRPF patrolling started in residential areas where Central Govt. employees lived and CRPF security guards were posted in most of the major Central govt. offices stationed at Kohima and Dimapur. Chief Secretary K.S. Puri and DGP Nagaland came to AG Office and addressed General Body meting of AG's employees assuring possible security arrangements.
The second time I met Shri S.C. Jamir was in 2004 at his Chumukedima farmhouse. I took a team of office bearers of Hindu Mandir Society Kohima and met him to invite grace Shree Shree Ram Katha Utsav in State Academy Hall, Kohima. Shri Jamir thoroughly inquired about the identity of each member of the team. He asked about the activities of Hindu Mandir Society, Kohima and then had a very free and frank discussion with us while sipping a cup of tea. He then said that he would let us know about his decision within two three days. Though we were much pleased on his hospitality and befitting reception and response we had doubt that he would accept our invitation. Only after two days I received a telephonic call on his behalf conveying that he had consented to grace Shree Shree Ram Katha Utsav and that he had asked for details of the programme. We were jubilant on Shri Jamir's acceptance of our invitation. Hindu Mandir Society had ventured to invite Shri Shyamal Dutta, then Governor of Nagaland and all the four former Chief Ministers viz. Shri J.B. Jasokie, Shri S.C. Jamir, Dr. Hokishe Sema and Shri Vizol alongwith many former and sitting political leaders and public leaders from Naga society. Shri J.B. Jasokie could not attend the function on health grounds. All the three former Chief Ministers - Dr. Hokishe Sema, Dr. S.C. Jamir and Shri Vizol shared the same sofa-set alongwith the Governor Shri Shyamal Dutta. The veteran social worker and a noted educationist Shri Manik Bhattacharjee and Shri N.C. Zeliang also were happy to share the VIP row in State Academy Hall. Swami Yatindrananda Saraswati - the Sanyasin from Roorkie, U.P honoured the Governor and all the three former Chief Ministers with Kashmiri Shawal and Shrifal (coconut) and blessed them with Veda Mantras. Shri Manik Battacharjee and N.C. Zeliang were also honoured for their selfless social service to the society. This function was of great significance for bringing Nagas and Hindus closer to each other. The venue of utsav was jam-packed with almost one third of audience from Naga society. The venture was appreciated. The idea was to enthuse mutual trust in every section of human society. This could be achieved to a certain extent. All these could happen because of encouraging response we received from Dr. S.C. Jamir. The speech he delivered in the function was another encouragement towards bridging the gap between Nagas and non-Nagas. Some fanatics later criticized Shri Jamir in the media for attending this Hindu religious function. They questioned Jamir's propriety of his Christian faith. But he preferred to remain quiet.
Except on these two occasions I had no other opportunity either to meet Shri Jamir or interact with him. But as a keen observer of the developments in Nagas society - political and non-political both, I have been reading the views expressed by Dr. S.C. Jamir in the media including his most talked of booklet - Bedrock of Naga Society. I have also been reading the views expressed by Governors and top ranking political leaders, underground leaders, student leaders, Church leaders and leaders of other social organizations. As a resident of the capital city-Kohima, I have been watching the various political activities and cultural functions for last thirty-two years from 1975 onwards.
What strikes most to my mind is the lack of vision, the lack of ability to peep into near and a future and their crave for carnal pleasure in most of the Naga leaders - over ground and underground both. When I say Naga leaders it includes Church leaders also who are supposed to be spiritual in approach and pious in behavior.
Before and after the publication of Bedrock of Naga Society, the top ranking Naga leaders - political and non-political both admitted in private the facts narrated in that booklet. The armed section of Naga society blamed Shri Jamir of putting sovereignty movement into reverse gear.
Now, if the opinions/proposals are analysed objectively and subjectively put-forth by several Naga leaders at different point of time right from Shri V. Sakhrie - the first NNC General Secretary, R. Suisa, Dr. Imkongliba, signatories of Shillong Accord 1975, Dr. Hokishe Sema, J.B. Jasokie, Shri Vizol till day's Naga leaders, it will be seen that Dr. S.C. Jamir is not alone in his view point about vexed Naga problem. The silent majorities from Naga society have similar views. The only difference is that Jamir speaks out while others not.
The national and international scenario have been changed to the advantage of our country. The countries like USA, UK and China - once sworn enemies of Bharatvarsh have drastically changed their perception and approach towards Bharatvarsh. They have become partners in economic deals and international commerce and trade. They have shared defence deals and entered into agreements to contain cross - border terrorism.
At home, Nagas stand fragmented not only today but from the beginning. One many not admit but I have been noticing from last thirty-two years. They are killing each other. It is not only Dr. S.C. Jamir whose head is wanted by whom (?), not by any non-Naga but by a section of armed Nagas, but the heads of all the top-ranking Naga leaders - over ground and underground both without even a single exception, are wanted by rival armed factions. Who is safe here in today's Nagaland? Can any top-ranking underground Naga leader claim that he is safe in Nagaland whose sovereignty, they claim, they are fighting for? No. They can't claim because situation is such. It reminds me the phrase-hate begets hate.
Because of assassination of dozens of giant geniuses from Naga society by their own people, the Naga community stands today starved of intellectual class who can match geniuses at national and international fora. In fact, people in other parts of the country are bemused to witness the mad killings here in Nagaland.
Dr. S.C. Jamir has been attacked almost half a dozen time the recent being at Changki village on 23rd November. God knows what will happen to him tomorrow. But frankly speaking, I admire him not for any other reason but for his wisdom, his all-embracive behaviour and his contribution to Naga society and the country risking his own life.
Not that those who are manning the high ranks in underground organizations are not wise. In my opinion, they also possess high degree of wisdom. But their wisdom is not being used for the welfare of the society because they are working opposite to each other. As of today, there is no hope even in distant future that all these Naga intellectuals will come closer to each other. In the present crisis in Naga society, if Dr. S.C. Jamir is assassinated, it will be a great loss not only to Naga society alone but the nation as a whole and for that matter, to whole of the humanity. It will not be possible to fill up the void so created in Naga society for long.
The great leaders are born not always but at a given point of time with God-assigned duties to perform for the good of human society. I would, therefore, like to avail this opportunity and appeal not to kill the rivals but to settle their differences through meaningful dialogues. Let the forthcoming Christmas festival deliver a dawn of peace, prosperity and harmony in Naga society.
I am a Central Govt. employee and I am fully aware of provisions of CCS (Conduct) Rules which do not permit to write such article but I am unable to withhold the idea which I am nursing in my mind about Naga society. That is why this small write-up. But let me make it clear that this is neither to glorify anybody nor to downgrade somebody. This is my personal opinion which I am sharing with the society.

NDA walkout over Adivasi ST status Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Dec 3 – A walkout by the Opposition BJP-led NDA notwithstanding, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil steered clear of making any firm commitment on the long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Adivasis, and sought to pass the buck on the State Government for the impasse. The much-awaited Calling Attention Motion on the violence in Guwahati involving the Adivasis and the locals turned into a political blame game, with the ruling Congress party MPs locking horns with the Opposition BJP and AGP. After sustaining repeated hits from the Opposition during the last couple of days, the Congress’ State MPs retaliated with all guns blazing.

The Congress party dug into old records and sought to pin down the AGP and the BJP for having rejected the demand for ST status, when they were in power at the State and the Centre, respectively. SK Bwiswmutiary, however struck a different note when he opposed the demand for scheduling of the six communities without the consent of the existing tribal groups. A breather for the UPA Government also came in form of Sibu Soren, who restrained himself from attacking Tarun Gogoi Government, like other tribal leaders. Instead, he concentrated on the demand for ST status and payment of adequate compensation to those affected particularly the girl who was disrobed.

In his opening statement, Patil informed the House that the Chief Minister has written to him informing that the cost of the girl’s education would be taken care of by the State Government and promise of a government job, thereafter.
The Union Home Minister also sought to take shelter on the recommendations of the previous State Governments to justify the Centre’s stand on the issue of scheduling. “I am sorry to say Government of Assam has given different recommendations,” he said.

“The recommendations given by Government of Assam are not consistent. In 1997, they said don’t include them. In 1999, they said if the tea tribes were included in the List, other tribes in the area would object. Then they said even though they don’t fulfil the criteria, the communities should be included,” Patil said to a loud protest by AGP and BJP members.

The Union Home Minister was also refrained from making any commitment on the demand for CBI inquiry, mentioning that the Agency was over worked and may take a long time in taking up the probe. The inquiry report may not come as soon as desired, he added.

Despite Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee’s repeated attempts to prevent the MPs from slamming Assam Government, Opposition MPs paid little heed. “This is not Assam Assembly,” Chatterjee kept reminding the agitated MPs. Later, the BJP along with its NDA partners staged a walk out in protest against the Home Minister’s unsatisfactory reply’.

Replying to the questions raised by the MPs, Union Home Minister admitting that the problem was complex, said the Centre and the State Government would apply their mind to resolve the problem in a fashion that their conditions improve.
Referring to the violence on the streets of Guwahati, Patil commented that what happen in Assam was condemnable and should not happen to anyone, anywhere in the country.

The Union Home Minister, however, startled everyone by admitting that the extremists’ outfits in Assam have tried to take advantage of the turmoil to start fresh trouble. According to available information some terrorist outfit are trying to find out the issues on which agitation could be started. “We will not be surprised if the terrorist outfits tries to exploit the situation to start a new agitation in the State,” observed Patil.

On the critical issue of the demand for ST status raised by majority of the MPs, the Union Home Minister explained the procedures involved in scheduling. The Lokur Committee that was appointed by the Centre laid down the criteria for accepting a tribe as ST. The criteria are: primitive traits, geographical isolation, shyness and economic backwardness, Patil informed. These criteria have to be applied to see whether they fulfil them, the Union Home Minister said. In his first statement in the Parliament, Patil has said the demands for scheduling was rejected because the communities tend to loose their status in new surroundings, besides some of the adivasis were not even STs in their native States.

Patil also pointed to the opposition by other tribal groups. If they are included then other tribal groups object. “We have to take a balanced stand,” he said.

About the demand for inclusion of the six communities, an upset Patil clarified that 97 tribes were seeking entry into the ST List. “It is going to create a problem,” he cautioned.

It is also the recommendation of the State Government that they should be included only if they don’t affect the interest of the tribal groups. Hinting that it was the economic conditions of the advisasis that concerned the government most, the Union Home Minister, who faced frequent interruptions from opposition said that they were economically most backward. It is this situation that Government of India and Assam are concentrating. They need help the most and we shall have to find a way out,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the Home Minister said the State Government has instituted a judicial inquiry, while three persons involved in the incident of disrobing has been arrested. All districts have been asked to take adequate measures to control the situation and mobile patrolling has been started in those districts with mixed population. The Ministry of Home Affairs is keeping a close watch on the situation, he added.
Blast on passenger train in Assam, no casualties By IANS
Guwahati, Dec 4 (IANS) A major disaster was averted early Tuesday in Assam when a powerful explosion rocked the engine of a passenger train but failed to impact the coaches, officials said.
A railway spokesman said the blast took place around 1.35 a.m. near Kathkhati in the eastern district of Karbi Anglong, 260 km from Assam's main city Guwahati. 'The locomotive of the Kamrup Express was partially damaged although there were no casualties. It was a narrow escape,' chief railway spokesman T. Rabha told IANS.
The train with about 400 passengers was bound for Tinsukia in eastern Assam from Guwahati.'The blast did not damage the rail tracks. We changed the engine and the train departed for its destination after about two hours,' Rabha said. Police suspect that tribal Karbi militants may be involved in the blast.
Firing on youths fuels Adivasi anger OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


The Adivasi activists who laid siege to the OIL installation on Monday. Picture by Amrit Sarma
Dibrugarh, Dec. 3: Assam’s already restive Adivasi community exploded in protest once again after police opened fire on a group of youths who were protesting against retrenchment by Oil India Ltd.
Hundreds of Adivasis, most of them tea garden workers, laid siege to an OIL installation at Makum in Tinsukia district this morning to demand action against the police team that fired on the youths last night, injuring two of them. They also demanded that the contractual workers who had lost their jobs be reinstated.
Superintendent of police Prasanta Bhuyan said the firing was provoked by a mob armed with sharp weapons. “About 50 of them charged at the police team that was deployed at the OIL installation only yesterday. The security personnel had no option but to open fire.”
The two youths injured in the firing — James Tanti and Bharat Patra — were taken to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. “James, who was admitted with a bullet in his chest, had to be operated on. Bharat’s injuries were mostly inflicted with bayonets. Both are stable,” the principal and chief superintendent of the medical college, Dr T.R. Borborah, said.
Tinsukia deputy commissioner K.K. Dwivedi announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident, but the Asom Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) demanded a judicial probe instead.
The protesters who faced bullets were all residents of Betjan tea estate. Bhuyan said most of them were drunk when the incident occurred. The trigger for the protest was the OIL management telling 11 Adivasi contractual workers who had been employed as guards at the company’s Betjan installation that their services were no longer required. Personnel from the Makum camp of the 2nd Assam Police Battalion took charge of security at the site.
“We have demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident because we do not have any faith in an executive inquiry. The state government will have to bear all the medical expenses of the injured and properly compensate them. We also want the policemen involved in the firing to be put behind bars,” the secretary of the Doomdooma circle office of the ACMS, Rupesh Gowala, said.
The ACMS also demanded payment of a day’s wages by OIL to the 1,200 workers of Betjan tea estate who lost their day’s earnings because of today’s protest.
The Tinsukia administration deployed a large contingent of police and paramilitary forces, led by additional superintendent of police (headquarters) Bir Bikram Gogoi, to keep the unrest from going out of control. “The army too has been requested to stand by,” a senior official said.
Myanmar back on a roadmap to nowhere Bertil Lintner is a former correspondent with the Far Eastern Economic Review. He is currently a writer with Asia-Pacific Media Services
With the opposition subdued and the authorities vigorously hunting down the organizers of the September demonstrations - and the international community held at bay with promises of more ineffectual talks mediated by United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari - Myanmar's ruling junta has put back on track its so-called "Seven-point Road Map" which it says will lead the country towards "national reconsolidation".
A newly formed 54-member State Constitution Drafting Commission was set to meet on Monday for the first time to "coordinate matters relating to the drafting of a new state constitution", according to a recent article in the state mouthpiece newspaper The New Light on Myanmar. That is supposed to represent the third step on the Road Map - but a closer look at the proceedings shows clearly that they are not a blueprint for democratic reform, but rather a plan to make military rule constitutional.
After general elections were held in May 1990, the junta suddenly - and to the dismay of many - announced that it would not convene the democratically elected 485-member Pyithu Hluttaw, or National Assembly, but rather planned to launch a "National Convention" entrusted with drafting a new constitution. For three years nothing happened, but in 1993 the convention was eventually in session. It was suspended in 1996, after the National League for Democracy (NLD) - which had won a landslide victory in the 1990 election - walked out, branding the process a sham and a farce.
In August 2003, intelligence chief General Khin Nyunt was appointed prime minister, and shortly afterwards he launched his seven point Road Map plan, which survived his ouster on corruption charges a year later. According to official documents from Yangon, the first step of the plan was "reconvening the National Convention", which had been adjourned since 1996. When that was done, however, of the 1,080 delegates only about a dozen were actually elected by the people in 1990.
About 200 represented former rebel groups that had entered into ceasefire agreements with the government, and the rest, or more than 800, were handpicked by the military to represent "workers", "peasants" and other social groups. Despite the breadth of the convention, no serious discussions were allowed. The delegates were required to sit in their national costumes and listen to endless speeches by military officers. One of the few who dared to raise any important issues, and suggest some new clauses to the draft that the military had prepared, was Hkun Htun Oo, leader of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, SNLD.
The party had emerged as the second biggest in the country after the National League for Democracy, capturing 23 seats in the never-to-be-convened National Assembly. The NLD got 392 seats, while the military-sponsored National Unity Party had won in only 10 constituencies. On February 9, 2005, Hkun Htun Oo was arrested along with 30 other Shan leaders, charged with "defamation of the state" - and sentenced to 93 years' imprisonment. Sai Noot, the SNLD general secretary, was sentenced to 85 years on a similar charge, while the rest received 75-year sentences.
The National Convention wound up in September, ending step two on the Road Map: "After the successful holding of the National Convention, step by step implementation of the process necessary for the emergence of a genuine and discipline-flourishing democratic system." The third step now underway will be the "drafting of a new constitution in accordance with the basic principles laid down by the National Convention."
Little is known of those basic principles, as to date they have never been made public. But gleaning from occasional announcements in the government-controlled media, the following appear to be some of the parameters:

• The president of the country must have at least 10 years of military service.
• Establishment of a bicameral system with an indirectly elected Upper House and a Lower House, which in theory will be elected by universal suffrage. However, 25% of seats in both houses will be filled by non-elected military officials.
• The minister of defense and the minister of border areas development will be appointed by the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, not by the parliament or the prime minister.
• In case of emergency the military will have the constitutional right to seize power and that seizure should be considered legitimate.

Legal experts familiar with certain provisions of the draft have said it is not based on basic democratic principles. However it is clearly designed to bar NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi from holding any office in a future Myanmar. The draft constitution stipulates that a member of the assemblies should have no connection with any foreign government, or children who are not Myanmar citizens. Suu Kyi is a Myanmar citizen who was married to a recently deceased British citizen and her two sons Alexander and Kim Aris, who were stripped of their Myanmar citizenship in 1989 and have since become British nationals.

Democratic missteps
It is still uncertain how long the Road Map's step three will take, but given that the first two steps took 14 years to complete, it seems evident that the junta is in no hurry to implement even its own version of what it has referred to as "disciplined democracy", which to most others is synonymous with a continuation of military rule dressed up as democracy. When the draft constitution is finally finalized, step four states that the charter will be "adopted" through a "national referendum".
There seems little chance that regardless of what the charter says that it won't be adopted. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation on October 18, 2006, Tun Aung Chain, an alternate chairman of the National Convention, was asked what kind of referendum it will be, he said: "In my opinion, it may be like the one in 1973, a referendum by voting."
That was a telling reply: In December 1973 - when Myanmar was still ruled by General Ne Win and his Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) - a referendum on a new constitution was held, but the voting hardly met any acceptable democratic standards. Due to various polling irregularities, including a lack of privacy for voters which allowed supervising authorities to easily see whether they case a "yes" or "no" vote, it was hardly surprising that 90.19% approved that constitution. It was promulgated on January 3, 1974, and abolished when the military stepped in to assume direct state power after crushing a nationwide uprising for democracy in September 1988.
Assuming as some analysts do that the referendum on a new constitution will be held some time next year, step five would follow: "Holding of free and fair elections for the legislative elections according to the new constitution." This would in theory lead to step six: "Convening of hluttaws [legislative assemblies]," and then the final step seven: "Building of a modern, developed and democratic nation by the state leaders elected by the hluttaw, and the government and other central organs formed by the hluttaw."
The roadmap has so far and could still take ages to travel as long as the military continues to control all organs of the state while the so-called nation-building exercise is in process. And, if anyone - Buddhist monks marching down the streets, students demonstrating for democracy, or ethnic leaders demanding their rights - challenge the new order in the making, the military will have the constitutional right to resume direct power.
This is definitely not what Myanmar's people expected when they went to the polls in May 1990. And it is highly unlikely that the international community - other than Myanmar's allies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, and perhaps India - would accept the final goal of the Road Map as something even vaguely resembling a truly democratic system.
On the other hand, it is still possible that there will be another popular uprising similar to this year's protests before the military junta even gets to step five on it Road Map. Discontent is simmering all over the country as protestors are harassed and arrested - and many Myanmar citizens say they feel that it is now or never to push for political change. They realize that once the junta's new constitution is in place - and the international community and media lose interest in the story - it will be that much harder to put an end to military rule because which the new charter is specifically designed to perpetuate.
SF claim killing three UGs in Chandel operations; UNLF counterclaims, says four SF killed The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 3: Security forces today claimed to have killed at least three militants in a firefight in the vicinity of Old Samtal in the ongoing military operations in the border areas of Chandel district, even as the proscribed UNLF has claimed that four Indian security forces personnel were killed in the same incident, and several others wounded.
Neither the claim nor the counter-claim could be independently verified at this time.

A statement issued by the PRO, HQ, IGAR (South), said troops of the 44 Assam Rifles gunned down three militants in a firefight today in operations in the Old Samtal area. The bodies could not however be recovered as the remaining militants manged to drag them away under cover of heavy fire, the statement said, without giving more details. A spokesperson of the UNLF, on the other hand, informed media houses in Imphal four Indian soldiers were killed and some others wounded in a heavy exchange of fire with MPA cadres this evening in the vicinity of Old Somtal village.
The spokesperson also claimed that there had been no casualties among the UNLF/MPA in the firefight.

In the meantime, the Assam Rifles statement went on to say that success is being achieved at all steps in the operations by the AR against the UGs in the Samtal area. As of today, the security forces have secured and consolidated areas upto Tuitong. 26 more IEDs have been recovered and destroyed, bringing the total number of IEDs recovered so far to 115. Road till Changjal village has been opened using dozers and till now nine villages have been cleared of the UG presence, it said. The inspector general, Assam Rifles (South), along with commander 26 sector Assam Rifles visited Sehlon village on November 30, and besides personally directing the operations interacted with the locals.

The locals were surprised and happy to interact with the general officer and expressed their joy and gratitude at the efforts of the AR to rid them of the menace of the militants, the statement said.

Chandel villagers fleeing due to SF shelling, says UNLF The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 3: The proscribed United National Liberation Front, UNLF, has charged that indiscriminate shelling by Indian forces in the ongoing operations in the border areas of Chandel district have caused hundreds of villagers to flee their homes. A statement issued in this connection by Ksh Yoiheiba, senior publicity officer, UNLF said some 350 villagers of Old Somtal and S Bongjoy villages have fled their homes, and are living in appalling conditions. The statement said Indian forces in their current offensive have not been able to progress beyond Tuitung. Instead, they have concentrated at Tuitung and commenced shelling surrounding jungle area with heavy weaponry at the rate of over 200 a day.

This has resulted in local villagers abandoning their homes amidst the harvesting season, it claimed, stating that this was one of the Indian forces` objectives, in order to coerce the locals into giving up support for the UNLF by making them suffer hardship.

250 villagers from Old Somtal area have taken refuge at New Somtal, while another 100 villagers belonging to S Bongjoy have fled to Tuileng village, it said. The villagers, including women and children, are suffering considerable hardship due to the cold and lack of adequate food.

The MPA is extending whatever aid it can, but this cannot be sustained, the statement said, and urged civil society and humanitarian groups to come to the assistance of the refugee villagers.

The statement also reminded that when, last year, villagers of Dingpi and Khengjoi were similarly driven out from their villages due to indiscriminate bombardment by the security forces, the MPA had selflessly extended assistance to them, but this was deliberately misprotrayed by some Kuki groups with the accusation that the UNLF/MPA had kidnapped the villagers.

In this context, the UNLF reminded Kuki groups and organisations that at times of distress, past misunderstandings must be set aside, and each brethen community must come to the aid of the other.



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