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12/05/2007: "Nagas question Delhi’s stand on democracy, peace The Morung Express"

Nagas question Delhi’s stand on democracy, peace The Morung Express

Naga students along with well-wishers taking out a peaceful protest march near Parliament Street, New Delhi on Tuesday. Dimapur, December 4 (MExN): The Naga Students Union Delhi (NSUD) today organized a peaceful protest march to express its dissatisfaction with the Government of India (GoI) for its indecision with regard to the Naga peace process. This protest rally from Mandi House to Parliament Street saw hundreds of Nagas and Indians marching shouting slogans “Long live Naga people! Long live Naga Movement!”
The gathering witnessed a play appropriately titled “We are no more free” portraying the long supression of the Naga people by the Indian State making known that “taking the Nagas into confidence and allowing them to inherit what is rightfully theirs will only free the conscience of the Indian democracy”. The rally ended with the affirmation that the “beat of resistance will never stop”.
Among the list of speakers were Nandita Haksar, a prominent Human Rights Lawyer, Mani Charanamei, Member of Parliament, Outer Manipur, Dr. Venkatesh from Lok Raj Sangathan, Shankar Gopalkrishnan from Campaign for Survival and Dignity, Chaya from Purogami Mahila Sangathan, Dawa from Affected City of Teesta, Lalremlian Neitham from Hmar Students’ Association, Saurabh Bhattacharjee from the other media, Ritupan from Democratic Students’ Union, Moses from Forum for people Right. ‘Guru’ Rueben Mashangva enthralled the crowd with his instrument playing a piece for Peace and Justice. Thejasenuo the President of NSUD read out the demands from the memorandum the same which was submitted to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). It may be mentioned that the NSUD wants the Government of India to spell out its political decision in clear terms on the genuine aspiration of the Naga people. The NSUD also expressed concern that the sincerity as claimed by the GoI had put a big question mark as nothing concrete could be seen even after 10 years of peace talks.
Hoho push to unity OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Dec. 4: The Naga Hoho today said the unification of Naga groups must take into account all Nagas, irrespective of tribe or faction.
Hoho president Bengdangmayang Jamir said the unification must take into account the political aspirations of the Naga people and the ongoing political negotiations.
Jamir added that the top brass of all the Naga outfits should endorse the unification. The outfit is currently meeting representatives of other Naga organisations like the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association and several other tribal Hohos to push forward the ongoing unification process initiated by the Western Sumi Hoho.
The Naga Hoho lauded the efforts of the Sumi Hoho and the Chakhesang Public Organisation, which shared its experience of a similar initiative taken several years ago in the Chakhesang Naga area.
The outfit also expressed its gratitude to all the federating units and participants for the confidence they reposed in the Naga Hoho.
Joint meeting of all factions on Dec 7 Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, DEC03 [NPN] : The Joint Forum of Nagaland GB Federation and Nagaland DB Association has organized a joint meeting with all groups of Naga National Workers on December 7 at Kohima, starting 10 a.m.

The Joint Forum convenor A Taku Longkumer and secretary Lungrahei Herie in a joint press release said the scheduled meeting was as per the five-point resolution passed by the Forum on June 6 last at Kohima. The Forum has appealed all peace-loving Naga citizens, prayer groups and churches, irrespective of denominations, to hold special prayer and fasting on December 7 for success of the meeting.
CM, Minister for broad-based unity Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kidima, Dimapur | Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, today said that his government fully endorses any unity move that will benefit all Nagas. “We fully endorse any unity move. But it should be for all Nagas. We welcome unity move that are taking place”, Rio said without directly referring to the ‘unity move’ that is going on at Niuland. Speaking on the sidelines of the foundation stone laying ceremony of Kidima village Panchayat and a play ground today Rio said that opposition to the unification move doesn’t make sense. “It is just starting. Let’s first formulate. We should not give too many suggestion, it will confuse the issue”, Rio also added.
Nagaland Agriculture Minister, K Azo Neinu has also extended support to the ‘unification’ move and said that Naga brethren should extend support to the movement so long as “the movement is not confined to one single tribe alone, and also that it is a movement for unification of all Nagas and not NSCN faction alone, and also not aimed at involving in state politics”.
Azo maintained that for all practical purposes, this is one step forward to a new era and a new beginning for all the Nagas to settle their differences and hammer out a solution which will be acceptable to all the Nagas.
However, Azo asserted that in order to show their sincerity, there should be no more fratricidal killing and that the undergrounds (be of any faction) should not involve in State politics whatsoever, so that they may gain the popular support of the Naga people.
All tribes should be in unification drive: TCUDimapur, December 4 (MExN): The Tenyimi Central Union reminds that the ongoing “unification” move should not be confined to a singular section of the people but should include all the Naga tribes, leaders and organizations. The TCU also refuted a news report in a local daily that it rejects the “unification” move of the Naga undergrounds. Stating that the news item was inaccurately reported, the TCU in a rejoinder from its executives said it will only create confusion and mistrust between the various communities.
The TCU welcomes any move that aims to unite Nagas, the Tenyimi organization stated. All sections of the Naga society should work towards wholesome unity, TCU stated through its general secretary Keku Zeliang and press secretary Tshela Pochury. However, it clearly reminded all in concern that the unity drive should encompass all the Nagas and not confined to a singular tribe or entity, or as the TCU put it, “sectoral.”
“While welcoming the unification move, we urge all sections of the people and the leaders of Naga society to work towards wholesome unity that encompasses all sections of the Nagas. The unity drive should not be sectoral but rather it should cover all tribes and organizations” the TCU stated. The organization hopes for a reality of lasting peace through unity, reconciliation and “forgive and forget.”
Give me another chance, says Rio Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kohima | Asserting that five years is not enough to prove his real mettle Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today pleaded to the people to support NPF for another tenure to run the government so as to allow him to take the State to a new height of development. “Five years is not enough. I am seeking your support for another tenure”, Rio said, at an interaction with some pressmen at his official residence this evening. He said that the regional party is becoming very strong because it protects the rights of people and addresses regional issue.
Rio promised to take Nagaland to a new height of development if the NPF party is given another chance to rule the State. “We are not the enemy of BJP or Congress. Our two MPs also are giving issue-based support to the UPA government at the Centre”, Rio said.
He also said that if the NPF is voted to power again they will amend the Village and Area Council Act according to Naga tradition. “We respect our women. They are well placed in the society. We want to develop women through entrepreneurship”, Rio also stated.
The Chief Minister further said that NPF has not changed it policy on Naga politics.
US officials to trek Dzukou valley The Morung Express
Kohima, December 4 (MExN): Ted Osius, Minister Counselor for political affairs, Embassy of the United States of America and Henry V. Jardine, Consulate General of United States of America are currently in Nagaland to witness the Hornbill Festival. “Our main motive of coming here (Nagaland) is to get more familiar with the people,” said Henry while talking to media persons today. Nagaland is unique- culturally and historically. It is refreshing to see retained culture, he added. “It is a nice opportunity to be here,” said Ted adding “We feel marvelous”.
The duo said that they will also encourage friends and colleagues to come and visit Nagaland. It is learnt that the two had already met various NGOs, civil bodies, various institutions including the Governor K. Sankaranarayanan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. They will be undertaking a trekking to Dzukou valley tomorrow.

American Consulate General at Kolkata Henry V.Jardine and Theodore Osues, official from US Embassy, New Delhi pit their steps with members of one of the participating troupes at the ongoing Hornbill festival at Kisama on Tuesday. (Pix/Pradeep Pareek)
United old Kuki army aligns with KNO The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 4 (MExN): Strongly asserting that the Kuki National Organisation has begun the process of unifying the Kuki people to preserve the territorial integrity of Zale’n-gam, the ancestral Kuki lands, the united old Kuki army, comprising the Maring people, today solemnly pledged to align with the Kuki national organisation.
A press statement e-mailed by the “united old Kuki army”, said that the Maring people, belong to the categorization ‘old Kuki’, coined by the British to divide Zale’n-gam, between British India and British Burma; as a means to carry out ‘divide and rule’ policy among the indigenous ethnic Kuki people. The asserted that the same policy of the British was carried out by the “Tangkhul missionaries”, who, instead of being faithful to preaching the gospel of Christ among the ‘old Kuki’ groups in Chandel, focused on dividing the Kukis and influenced the ‘old Kuki’ people to be identified as Naga after converting them to Christianity.
The release asserted that after the role of the “Tangkhul missionaries”, the NSCN (IM) created further division among the Kukis through the use of gun-power. “They threatened the people of Chandel to identify as Naga or else face their guns. Their policy is to divide the Kukis so that their ancestral lands can be included to ‘Nagalim’,” the release maintained.
The release stated that since Chandel is populated one hundred per cent by the Kukis, the Tangkhul missionaries and NSCN (IM) have been determined to perpetuate division among them. The release in this regard, said that, instigated by false propaganda and use of force to make the Kukis say that they are Naga; many Kuki youths, women and children and many more have died from 1992-1997, ‘when NSCN (IM) carried out the Kuki genocide’.
In this connection the release stated that just like the British, who dividied the Kukis to rule over them, the Tangkhuls and NSCN (IM) have done the same.
In the same vein, the release said that the valley based militants, such as UNLF, plans to include our ancestral lands to Kangleipak so that they may continue to dominate the Kukis.
In this connection, the release expressed strong supported the KNO in their quest to unite the Kuki people under one umbrella.
“A new dawn is upon us because the Kuki National Organisation has begun the process of unifying our people, which will also preserve the territorial integrity of Zale’n-gam, our ancestral lands,” the release stated. The release therefore said that in their determination to achieve the political ideology of Zale’-gam to create Kuki statehood; one in India and another in Burma, the united old Kuki army, comprising the Maring people, solemnly pledge allegiance to the Kuki national organisation. The united old Kuki army comprises the eleventh armed wing of the Kuki national organisation, the release stated. In this regard, the united old Kuki army, strongly urged each and every ethnic brethren in Chandel, such as Anal, Moyon and Monshang, Chothe, Chiru, and Lamkang to return to their Kuki roots and join the noble task of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Zale’n-gam, the ancestral lands of the Kukis.

Angami, Khurmi region of NSCN (IM) for broad based unity The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 4 (MExN): The Angami Region of the NSCN (IM) expressed their whole hearted support to the declaration made by Chairman Isak Chishi Swu. Issuing a statement, Angami Region CAO KK Angami and Secretary MS Rokonuo pointed out that its members strongly reiterated the statement that the “independent unity move, deliberately by the backdoor shall not be acceptable”. The statement informed that the members thoroughly discussed and deliberated that unity, reconciliation and peace is a long cherished desire of all the Nagas and as such it should be done in a broad based, sincere, honest and proper manner in the interest of all the Naga community.
“Further, any deliberate attempt to sabotage the ongoing peace talk by a single community or unauthorized persons without the mandate of the Nagas between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) to find out an honourable and acceptable solution cannot be compromised at any cost”, it stated.
The Angami Region NSCN (IM) members also appreciated and thanked the Almighty God for bestowing wisdom, courage and strength to the Chairman Isak Chishi Swu for his press statement dated 3/12/2007 wherein he had clarified the stand between the collective leadership to the effect that there is no misunderstanding between them and both the leaders firmly committed to work hand in hand for the Naga national cause despite the numerous rumors spread within the Naga nation by some vested interested persons. The members also reaffirmed their unflinching support to the collective leadership and committed to work and act on the principle of the GPRN for the interest of the Naga nation.
In a separate press note, the NSCN (IM) Khurmi region informed that its national workers and the general public of Khurmi region will adhere to the November 25 declaration of the Chairman on reconciliation, unity and peace of all the Nagas. HB Rungkhel CAO, Khurmi region stated that under the collective leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Khadao Yanthan and Thuingaleng Muivah, the NSCN (IM) had been sacrificing in sweat and in blood for a honorable solution with clear conscience thus far. “The people have no confusion on the back door declaration of unity by some vested interest while ignoring and discriminating a majority of Nagas. Hatred, discrimination, enmity etc. among the Nagas has no room in Khurmi region as all are prepared to handle it without delay”, it stated.
Motley crowd at Naga peace rally Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, DEC04 [TI] : Scores of “plains manuh”, as the people from the plains are called in the Naga hills, walked the streets of the national capital today carrying the blue NSCN flag and loads of misconception about the Naga struggle.

The rally, organised by the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi, to demand a speedy solution to the peace talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), was joined by several Delhi-based organisations. The activists later submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office. Non-Naga support for the Naga cause is not new. There are even rumours that people from Punjab and Kerala “work” for the NSCN (I-M).

But today’s support came largely from ignorance rather an informed decision to back a movement for self-determination. Take Anand for instance. A student of Bhagat Singh College, Anand is under the impression that people in Nagaland dare not venture out of their homes lest the police kill them branding them as terrorists. Hence, his strident support for the Naga cause.

“Our organisation, the Lok Raj Sangathan, has been supportive of people fighting against state terrorism. We support freedom for the Nagas,” he said. His organisation had also joined protests against the killing of Thangjam Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur. Strangely, Anand has not even heard about the NSCN (I-M), unlike Sahitya Akademi employee Neeraj Kumar who stood nearby, a Naga flag pinned to his blazer. Kumar could not pronounce the names but said the fact that the two leaders (Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah) lived abroad while the residents “lived in penury” amounted to injustice to the people. [NISHIT DHOLABHAI]
Support for unification process Nagaland post
Dimapur, Dec 4 (NPN): The Ao Region of NSCN (K) and the Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) Tuesday affirmed their support to the ongoing process for unification of the NSCN factions. A statement issued by the chairman of Ao Region, NSCN (K), L.J. Wati Imsong appealed to all its members to stand by the “long-awaited unification”.
Imsong said peace and unity were the two sides of a coin. He further lauded the leaders of both factions of the NSCN, especially Sumi Hoho, for initiating “such a positive event in the history of Naga struggle for freedom” despite several difficulties.
The NSCN (K) Ao Region chairman further appealed to all sections of the society to extend their fullest support towards restoring peace in the State. In a separate statement, the Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union has also extended its support to the process for unification. The statement issued by DDADU president Akaho Kiba urged every Naga leader to “move forward in the process, discarding isms, selfish gain and political motives”.
Further, the release urged the underground factions to come under one banner for peaceful co-existence among the Nagas.
Consensus still eludes road to “unification” Abraham Lotha perspective The Morung Express
Nagas have grown weary of factional killings in the name of independence and a longing for peace. There are no words in recent Naga vocabulary that have sounded so empty as forgiveness, unity and reconciliation. So it was natural that last week, when some members of the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) factions from the Sumi community announced a “unification” of the two factions, Nagas’ responses to it have been mixed.
There are certain anomalies to this “unification” and Nagas have every reason to be apprehensive about it.
The Sumi Hoho has given a thumps-up to it while other Hohos such as Thangal and Maram have called it an unfortunate move of misleading the Nagas “by sectarian group with vested interest”. The Western Yimchungru Hoho and Western Yimchungru GBs’ Union too have stated the need of all the Nagas to be a part of the unification.
There are also dissenting voices among the IMs and Ks. The Angami, Chakhesang, Ao, Lotha, Tisari and “Kuki region” regions of the NSCN-K are alleged to welcome the “unification” of the “NSCN.” The Ao national workers have affirmed to stand by the Collective Leadership and called for unity without discriminating any Naga tribe. Victor Angami and Neiba Kire of IM Angami Region alleged, “the move is being made not for the actual purpose of unification of the Naga underground workers but for the benefit of only a particular tribe” (MExN 28/11). Dr. Mor of the same region even alleged that the “unification” initiated by Western Sumi Hoho is with the ulterior motive of excluding the Nagas of Manipur and to lay a claim on the Intangki forest. Very strong and dangerous statements if such allegations are true.
The fear and suspicion of Nagas in general and Angamis in particular are not unfounded because the memories of Revolutionary Government of Nagaland in 1968 and the settlements of Niuland are fresh in Naga people’s memory. History is alive and sacred to Naga people.
The first question Nagas should ask is whether the “unification” leaders, Singsong, Hukuhvi Yeptho, Azheto Chopy, Shikato Chishi Swu, Mulatonu and Hothrong Yimchunger were authorized by the leadership of their respective factions? If yes, what proof do they have of such authorization? How did such novel intentions come about?
Even though leaders of the “unification” team claimed they were “doing it with the knowledge of Isak Swu and Khaplang,” NSCN (IM) Chairman Swu, in his statement on this “unification” said that any “independent unity move, deliberately by the backdoor, shall not be acceptable”. The Zeliangrong Region quoted Isak Swu’s statement appealing to the Nagas not to be confused by “unprincipled unity move with ulterior motive by some imposter”. Khaplang, on the other hand, has maintained his silence. This silence does not necessarily mean yes.
Leaders of the “unification” team allegedly told the Morung Express (27/11) that the rank and file of the NSCN (K) has been aware of the move to unify the warring NSCN factions. At the same interview Mulatonu, a senior NSCN (K) Kilonser, even added, “for the NSCN (K), it (unification move) is complete from top to bottom.” Yet, according to a Nov. 28 PTI report, two NSCN (IM) cadres – Asang Tangkhul and Huketo Sema - were killed in a fight with suspected NSCN (K) ultras in Mon district on Wednesday 28th November, the day after the declaration of the “unification.”
AZ Jami’s alleged statement that Naga civil society such as Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA are against Naga unity and his call to the Nagas “to bring unity and reconciliation among the factions without involving the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR” is very telling that this “unification” is not well thought-out. Any intelligent Naga will vouch that this is absolute nonsense. In this day and age, how do they even envision working for Naga self-determination without the collaborative work of the civil society?
IM Chairman Isak Swu, in his statement, “Clarification on Sumi unity” says, “other tribes cannot be discriminated because of Sumi unity.” On the other hand, according to Morung Express news report (27/11), the leaders of the “unification” team are alleged to have said that the fate of the Tangkhuls and the issue of the “Quit Notice” would be taken by the Naga people themselves. I wonder which Naga people these leaders are talking about. Tangkhuls are as Naga and as related to other Nagas as any other Naga community. In fact, culturally, the Tangkhuls, Sumis, Aos, Lotha, Angamis, Chakesang, Sangtam, Rengma, and Yimchuger belong to the same linguistic group.
According to a news report, the Eastern Nagaland People Organization is reported to have said that it will support the “unification” move made by some section of NSCNs leaders only if it is for the unification of all Nagas. Expressing a concern that the “unification” team wants to exclude some communities, Phowang Konyak, the president of ENPO is reported to have said, “We will also support if all Nagas are to be united under the unification move.”
A reliable source who was present at the Naga Hoho emergency consultation meeting at Japfu on Sunday, Dec. 2nd 2007, through a telephone interview, said Hoho representatives were of the opinion that unification by one community is objectionable. Members at the Hoho meeting agreed that any unification minus the civil society and Tangkhuls was not accepted. They reiterated that all Naga communities should be involved. Hoho representative also expressed suspicion about the motives of the “unification” team headed by one particular community. “There is some kind of game plan going on by those with vested interest. Their intention is very clear. All support unification of the Nagas but this so-called “unification” is not for the cause of the Nagas and therefore is very objectionable. Any genuine unification move should be done through the proper channel,” the source added.
There are many intelligent and well-meaning Sumis, but in the context of all the contradictions and controversies related to the “unification” by a few people of both factions belonging to the Sumi community, when HS Rotokha, president Sumi Hoho and Hokiye Yeptho, president Western Sumi Hoho issue a press note saying, “Sumi public has appreciated and extend its strong support towards the unification of NSCN faction,” what are other Nagas expected to conclude? With their best intentions to initiate unity, the Sumis, including the Sumi Hoho have become a suspect of conspiring with the “ulterior motives.” The Western Sumi Students’ Union termed the “unification” as a “prayer finally answered”. But, whose prayer? And, prayer for what?
If anything, the “unification” looks like a coup attempted by few individuals. But this time around, Nagas are wise not to be dissuaded by such shortsightedness. Whether Intangki Forest is the objective or not, this time around, it is like the case of the black crow. It steals but everybody knows it because it betrays itself by its raucous croaking. For some time, Nagas in Nagaland have become suspicious that one community is trying to control both underground and overground politics. Hopefully this is not the case. As Nagaland Post editorial (29/11) rightly pointed out, “tribal or territorial dominance would create the biggest impediment towards any peace process.” Ultimately, as a member of the Naga Hoho commented, “the truth will reveal itself.”
There is a story of Naga independence doing the rounds in Nagaland. It seems, like the Three Wise Men in the Bible, the Nagas went in search of independence. The elder Angami reached London and assumed he had got independence. He was so happy that he went into a deep sleep. But as he slept soundly, independence was snatched away from him.
The Ao was one of the early birds; he sold independence for Rs. 30/-. With that money he went to school to learn Hindi and the language of the Indian Congress and now speaks only Hindi and doesn’t want to speak the Naga language.
The younger Angami was traveling with the Sumi. Somebody had dropped Rs. 5/- on the way. Wanting to take that money, the Sumi farted to distract the Angami. As the Angami covered his nose with his hand, the Sumi took the money. Feeling cheated, the Angami took a vow never to go behind the Sumi and parted ways. The Angami, however, lost the way and came back home to make a shrine for the elder Angami.
In the meantime the elder Sumi reached Dimapur and realized it was the land of milk and honey. “This is independence! Alhoshe! Oshikimthi! (Praise the Lord! Thank you!)”, he said. Since then he has bought many goods and positions.
The elder Lotha started out well and reached London. Like the Angami, he thought he had independence but he was mistaken. He cooked too much bas tenga (bamboo shoot) and people did not like it so he had to change course. He took another direction and reached all the way back to Lakhuti, the village in Nagaland from where he started the search. The younger Lotha headed in the right direction but one day in a daze he lost his way and reached Mon. There in Mon he got intoxicated with opium and now he is in a la la land.
The Tangkhul found some treasures on the way and he claimed, “this is mine, this is also mine, this is also mine, this is also mine.” When his companions asked him why he was taking everything, he kicked them and said, “You are also mine.” And so the companions are still grumbling.
The Konyak was taught by the Ao and he has been a faithful student all the time. The Ao told him, “Say halleluia” and he said “halleluia”. Say “poisa”, and the Konyak said, “poisa.” But the Konyak had a habit of having opium and has not gotten over the hang-up. He thinks he is searching for independence but has not started from Mon yet.
This time in Niuland, the younger Sumi undergrounds initiating the “unification” have farted again and the smell of akhuni is too strong and many Nagas find the smell repugnant and are covering their noses and turning away in disgust.
You see, this was a drama and the audience was India. He enjoyed the drama so much that he has not stopped clapping and laughing. He is paying more money for an encore performance.
NESO to turn ‘aggressive’ against illegal migrants Newmai News Network
Guwahati |
The North East Students’ Organization (NESO), an umbrella organisation of students’ bodies of northeastern states, has decided take up ‘aggressive’ agitation against the governments in the Northeastern states over the issue of illegal immigrants residing in the region.
The decision was taken on Monday during the NESO's executive committee meeting, said NESO chairman Samujjal Bhattacharyya while addressing the newsmen here on Tuesday. “Besides we have also decided to take up strongly the issues relating to education, employment and economy of the region,” he said.
“We are reiterating our demands for Special education commission for the northeast and declaration of northeast as special economic zone and special employment zone,” he said and added that to improve education sector the organization has decided to press the respective state governments and the central government for introduction of new courses in various universities and colleges of the northeast.
Apart from this we have also decided to press the central government for having a boundary commission to settle the inter states boundaries of the region. “We would also demand special constitutional status for the people of the northeast region with right over land and natural resources.
esides these demands we are also going to press the governments for implementations of inner line permit in each states,” he said. NESO Secretary General Gunjum Haider said that implementation of Inner Line Permit is very important for Assam and most of the immigrants enter the region through Assam.
He said that the NESO has decided to observe December 17 as NESO Northeast Demand Day in each state and added that all the member student bodies of the region would place their demands before the respective state Governors on the day addressed to the President of India.
NESO seeks special status for NE States By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Dec 4 – The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has demanded special constitutional status for the NE states and their peoples. It has also demanded introduction of the inner line permit system for all the region’s states.

Addressing a press conference here today, NESO chairman Samujjal Bhattacharyya, its secretary general Gumjum Haider and vice president Lalmuampuia Punte apprised the mediapersons that the new executive committee of the students’ body in its first meeting here yesterday, had also demanded an economic commission as well as a special education commission for the region. The NESO, which is a confederation of the students’ organisations of the indigenous peoples of the region, has also demanded a technical university in each of the region’s states and to resolve the boundary disputes among the region’s states, it has also demanded a boundary commission, said the NESO leaders.

They further apprised the mediapersons that the federating units of the NESO would observe December 17 as the demand day and send memorandums addressed to the Prime Minister, through their respective Governors that day listing the above demands.

The memorandums will also include the demands for an effective mechanism to deport the foreign nationals from the region; updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC); treating region’s flood and erosion as a national problem and steps to develop NE region as a special employment and economic zone. The demands for scrapping the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act; utilisation of all natural resources of the region, except uranium; dealing the region’s political issues politically; re-opening the Stillwel Road and reserving the C and D categories of jobs in the region’s Central Government establishments for the local jobseekers will also feature in the memorandums, they said.

They resented the tagging of Tripura with Kolkata in matters of passport. The passport facilities for the Tripura people should be made available either at the Guwahati Regional Passport Office or each of the region’s states should be provided with a passport office, they demanded. Moreover, the NESO leaders demanded restoration of democracy in Myanmar to ensure return of its around 70,000 Mizo refugees from Mizoram. They also demanded immediate removal of the present NERIST head Kalyan Kumar for his alleged involvement in plagiarism and restoration of the provision of reservation of 31 per cent of the seats in the Tripura NIT for the tribals. Resenting the practice of keeping vacant a large number of seats meant for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in the NERIST, Itanagar, since its inception, the NESO leaders demanded that the quota of reservation for ST students in the institute should be raised to 46 per cent.

Foreign nationals: The NESO leaders resented the way the Assam Chief Minister declared the foreign nationals expelled by Arunachal as Indian citizens. If the NESO demands on foreign nationals are not met, it will take ‘very very aggressive steps’ against the foreign nationals, they warned. Constitutional status: To save the peoples of the region from being uprooted, they said a special constitutional status to these peoples and their states was needed with the rights of these peoples over their own land and natural resources entirely protected. They also need the protection of the inner line permit system to save themselves from the unabated influx of outsiders, said the NESO leaders. The peoples of the region are being marginalized and their rights over their land and resources are under serious threat due to influx of people from other parts as well as outside the country.

Chakmas: The NESO leaders also demanded relocation of the Chakma refugees of Arunachal Pradesh in other parts of the country in case the Indian Government wanted to grant them citizenship. The Chakmas are propagating in a rapid pace and it is feared that they will outnumber the aboriginal peoples of Arunachal in 2020, said the NESO leaders.
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.
Threat to revive ‘Bodoland’ demand From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Dec 4: A section of former Bodo leaders today said they will revive their original demand of “separate State of Bodoland” if the Government provides ST status to the six communities who have been demanding their inclusion in the ST list. They warned the State Government of another unrest in the State if it goes ahead with its decision to accord ST status to the six communities.
The six communities that have been demanding their inclusion in the ST list are the Mottocks, Morans, Koch-Rajbongshis, Chutias, Tea Tribes and the Tai Ahoms.
Talking to The Sentinel today, former senior Bodo leader Daorao Dekhreb Nazrary, who is also the treasurer of the BPPF(H), said both New Delhi and Dispur should remember that the existing tribal communities, who are the sons of the soil of Asom, must not be affected by granting of ST status to more communities of the State. He said the Government is going ahead with its decision to accord ST status to the Adivasis — who hailed from Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh a century ago as tea workers— after the recent Beltola incident is not acceptable. “It is a matter of shame for the State Government that it has succumbed to the pressure from Jharkhand leaders to grant ST status to the Adivasis,” Narzary said, and added: “The Government shouldn’t forget that thousands of Bodos and other tribes of the State lost their lives in the name of creation of the territorial council, script issue, the medium of instruction and other issues, but nobody in the State raised his or her voice in favour of the demand of the Bodos.” He said Bodo women were gang-raped at Bhunka in 1989, Baghmara (Barpeta) in 1991, and at Ultapani many of them were molested by security personnel, but neither the media highlighted all those incidents nor the administration brought the culprits to the book. He urged the State Government to review its decision to send fresh recommendations to the Centre for ST status to the six communities.
Talking to The Sentinel, All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) president Ranjit Kumar Borgoyary said the Sangha will not be a mute spectator it the Government goes ahead with granting ST status to the six communities. He said the AATS will launch a massive agitation in the State within the next few days to register its protest against the move to include more communities in the ST list. Borgoyary held the State Government responsible for its failure to protect tribal in the State.
BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary said nobody has objection to ST status to the Adivasis and other five communities, but the move should not affect the interest of the existing tribes. “The six communities, if included in the ST list, should be categorized separately,” he added. Former senior Bodo leader A Daimary, while talking to The Sentinel, said the Bodos and other tribal people of the region have no alternative but to revive their demand of separate “State of Bodoland” if the Government accords ST status to the six communities.
China Wins Rights to Myanmar's Gas, Beating India Indo Burma News
December 5, 2007:(Bloomberg), China won the rights to buy natural gas from Myanmar's biggest field, beating stakeholder India in the race for resources among the world's two-fastest growing major economies. Daewoo International Corp., the operator of the field, said it picked a Chinese company as the preferred bidder. State-owned Indian companies own 30 percent in the area, which holds as much as 7.7 trillion cubic feet of gas. India has lost out to China in more than $10 billion of oil and gas assets in Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Canada in the last two years, depriving the resource-scarce nation as crude oil prices rose to a record. China's planned construction of a pipeline underscored its commitment to win the latest contest.
``The Indians showed interest but they haven't been so aggressive,'' said Tony Regan, a consultant for U.S. Nexant Ltd. based in Singapore. ``The Chinese were showing much more interest and they were looking at how to get it to China and they got a pre-approval from Beijing for a pipeline to China.''
China, India, Thailand, South Korea and Japan are competing for a share of Myanmar's gas supply as discoveries increase. The Southeast Asian country had about 19 trillion cubic feet of reserves last year, BP Plc said in its annual energy report.
Planned Pipeline The gas will be transported via pipelines, Daewoo said in a regulatory filing in Seoul today, without identifying the buyer. The Korean company is the operator of the A-1 and A-3 offshore blocks, in which it has a 60 percent stake. Korea Gas Corp. owns 10 percent of the areas, GAIL India (Ltd.), the nation's biggest gas distributor, holds 10 percent and Oil & Natural Gas Corp., the biggest explorer, owns 20 percent.
``Gas from the field has to be sold and if Daewoo has chosen China, in-principle, I see nothing wrong with it,'' said R.S. Sharma, chairman of Oil & Natural Gas. ``GAIL was dealing with the bit relating to getting the gas to India.''
Energy consultant Gaffney, Cline & Associates certified that Myanmar's A-1 and A-3 areas hold as much as 7.7 trillion cubic feet of gas.
State-Owned Bidders Daewoo International is in talks to sell the gas to PetroChina Co., the Korea Economic Daily reported on Nov. 27, citing Daewoo International's Chief Executive Kang Young Won. Daewoo and PetroChina are in discussions over the price and may reach an agreement soon, Kang said in an interview with the Korean-language newspaper.
``Daewoo and Myanmar government had agreed to put the first priority on profitability when it comes to the gas project, and the selection of a Chinese company is in line with the basic principle,'' said Kim Sang Ook, director at Daewoo International's public relations department.
China is Myanmar's closest ally and one of its biggest trading partners. As a permanent, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, its support is essential for any international effort to bring about change in the Southeast Asian country. Myanmar's military, which has ruled the country formerly known as Burma for 45 years, was condemned around the world for deploying soldiers Sept. 26 to crush the biggest anti-junta protests in almost 20 years.
Energy Consumption China, the biggest contributor to global growth, last year consumed 1.96 trillion cubic feet of gas, according to BP Plc's Statistical Review of World Energy released in June this year. India, the second-fastest growing economy in the world after China, estimates its demand for gas will more than double to 14 billion cubic feet a day by 2025. Natural gas is the largest source of revenue for Myanmar, according to the New York-based Human Rights Watch. Myanmar earned $2.16 billion by selling gas, mainly to Thailand, in 2006, Human Rights Watch estimates. And that amount accounted for half the country's total exports, it said.
Cnooc Ltd., China's biggest offshore oil company, in 2006 bought a stake in a Nigerian oil field for $2.7 billion after India's government blocked Oil & Natural Gas's plan to buy the share.
China National Petroleum Corp., or CNPC, in August 2005 won $4.2 billion bid for PetroKazakhastan Inc. A month later, the Chinese company won a $1.42 billion bid for Encana Corp.
``They go in with a sovereign mandate,'' Oil & Natural Gas's Sharma said in an interview in October. ``We have commercial considerations and need to do due diligence.''
Army tanks patrol Myit Kyina town: KIA Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 4, 2007 - In a show of military muscle, a number of military tanks have been spotted doing the rounds of Myit Kyina town, capital of Kachin State in northern Burma, an officer of the Kachin Independence Army, an armed ceasefire group, said.
"I was told by our headquarters [on the Sino-Burmese border] that several tanks are seen doing the rounds in Myit Kyina town, particularly in front of the KIA office in Shatapru quarter," the KIA officer, who requested anonymity, told Mizzima.
While the reason for the sudden show of strength by the Burmese Army is still unclear, the KIA officer said it could be a warning to the KIA, which has been fighting the Burmese military dictators for over 40 years, for failing to comply with the junta's request. The Burmese military junta has pressured the KIA to sign a pre-written statement that refuted the declaration made by detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in early November.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on November 8, issued a statement through the visiting UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, stating her willingness to cooperate with the ruling junta to kick-start a process of national reconciliation in serious consideration to the interest of ethnic nationalities.
Following the statement, the junta sent its Minister for Culture to area along the Sino-Burmese border and pressured ethnic cease fire groups to issue statements countering Daw Suu's statement.
"May be the junta wants to show its strength to us and wants to give us some kind of warning," added the KIA officer. Meanwhile, a source in Myit Kyina town confirmed that he had seen several army tanks doing the rounds of the town.
"I think it was in the last week of November, when I returned from work I saw a few tanks in the centre of the town," said the source, who does not wish to disclose his identity.