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12/13/2007: "Unification’ process must reflect ‘national sanctity’ The Morung Express Dimapur, December 12 (MExN):"



‘Unification’ process must reflect ‘national sanctity’ The Morung Express Dimapur, December 12 (MExN):

The NSCN (IM) has stated that an issue like Naga unification with its magnitude cannot be done in a haphazard manner and that the issue itself requires a strong foundation. “The undeniable fact that there is an undercurrent of resentment towards the new move on unification is not without a solid validity based on impropriety and travesty of trust. When somebody in NSCN authority dared to go for an audacious plan on Naga unification giving a sanctimonious impression, it naturally become an overbearing proposal that is bound to face disqualification when placed before the Nagas for the mandatory stamp of approval and acceptance. Anything short of national scrutiny will only invite NSCN/GPRN interpretation in accordance with its avowed principle”, stated a press note issued by the MIP.
The NSCN (IM) stated that the “pragmatic approach in the context of the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks cannot be taken apart in any move towards Naga unification” and that “any Naga civil society keen enough to bring Naga unification should exercise this propriety and be in the right place if it has the single target of Naga unity and reconciliation”. It also stated that “timing of unity effort may be right and this right timing could have been initiated and processed in the manner that carries the weight of national sanctity”.
Pointing out that “under the situation where the government of India is not showing any sense of political expediency in handling the Indo-Naga issue”, the NSCN (IM) stated that “it would be invidious for the Nagas to make any adventurous attempt on Naga unification without following a well-meaning system”. The NSCN (IM) also stated that since it is the “overriding desire for Naga unity being the priority agenda of every single Naga individual and society, transparency and respect for certain protocol that binds GPRN could have make a big difference in the eye of the Naga people who yearns for unity and peace”.
The NSCN (IM) stated that sending a wrong signal to India through “our highly disorganized approach is to be considered a very disturbing episode in the Nagas’ search for unity” and that “such overbearing approach in the name of Naga unification is best forgotten lest it create more confusing and disunity”.
Pointing out to what it termed as “in the hurry to serve individual interest”, the NSCN (IM) stated that its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu’s name had been used unceremoniously without considering his well established personality as a Naga leader who has stood the test of time under the pressure of heavy crisis. “This is unfortunate and this reflects something to do with communal prejudice and communal antagonism which is far from what the unification team projected”, it stated. “Lack of political wisdom in the craze for some individual interests gives the so-called unification team a blind eye that anything of the magnitude of Naga national interests should be projected through the front door and not from the back. Nagas’ sense of judgment should not have been underrated in such manner. Let us not stigmatize ourselves in the name of Naga unification. Let us not give room to government of India to further delay the Indo-Naga peace process and let us not create room for antagonism among ourselves. But let us be magnanimous enough to bring Naga unification base on correct principle that should find reflection by being debate at national level”, it stated.
Unification on correct principle- Nagaland Post Opinion
With the magnitude of Naga unification issued, a very strong foundation is needed, and not in the haphazard manner. The undeniable fact that there is an undercurrent of resentment towards the new move on unification is not without a solid validity based on impropriety and travesty of trust. When somebody in NSCN authority dared to go for an audacious plan on Naga unification giving a sanctimonious impression it naturally become an overbearing proposal that is bound to face disqualification when placed before the Nagas for the mandatory stamp of approval and acceptance. Anything short of national scrutiny will only invite NSCN/GPRN interpretation in accordance with its avowed principle.
Pragmatic approach in the context of the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks cannot be taken apart in any move towards Naga unification. Any Naga civil society keen enough to bring Naga unification should exercise this propriety and be in the right place if it has the single target of Naga unity and reconciliation. Timing of unity effort may be right and this right timing could have been initiated and processed in the manner that carries the weight of national sanctity.
Under the situation where the government of India is not showing any sense of political expediency in handling the Indo-Naga issue, it would be invidious for the Nagas to make any adventurous attempt on Naga unification without following a well meaning system. The overriding desire for Naga unity being the priority agenda of every single Naga individual and society, transparency and respect for certain protocol that binds GPRN could have make a big difference in the eye of the Naga people who yearns for unity and peace. Sending a wrong signal to India through our highly disorganized approach is to be considered a very disturbing episode in the Nagas' search for unity. Such overbearing approach in the name of Naga unification is best forgotten lest it create more confusing and disunity.
In the hurry to serve individual interest, NSCN Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu's name has been used unceremoniously without considering his well established personality as a Naga leader who has stood the test of time under the pressure of heavy crisis. This is unfortunate and this reflects something to do with communal prejudice and communal antagonism which is far from what the unification team projected. Lack of political wisdom in the craze for some individual interests give the so-called unification team a blind eye that anything of the magnitude of Naga national interests should be projected through the front door and not from the back. Nagas' sense of judgment should not have been underrated in such manner.
Let us not stigmatize ourselves in the name of Naga unification. Let us not give room to Government of India to further delay the Indo-Naga peace process and let us not create room for antagonism among ourselves. But let us be magnanimous enough to bring Naga unification based on correct principle that should find reflection by being debate at national level.
MIP, GPRN/ NSCN (IM)
Peace pact hailed Nagarealm.com
Imphal, DEC12 [TSE] : While lauding the signing of ceasefire among the Naga militant groups for six months, the Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) has said such encouraging effort would definitely benefit the whole Naga society in every respect.


Ajinbou Abonmai, president of the LNC opined that the peace and reconciliation initiative taken up by the Gaonburas and Dobashis organisations of Nagaland will definitely minimise violent activities. The Liangmai body also expressed happiness over the reported comment of CAO of the Zeliangrong Region, NSCN-IM Lungchaibi who was said to have pledged to stick to the six months ceasefire agreement among the Naga militant groups signed in Kohima few days back. Further expressing optimism on the development, Ajinbou Abonmai said that the Kohima agreement will give immense impact in the positive note.
Rally in support of unification on Dec 14 at Dimapur (Page News Service)

Dimapur, December 12: The Naga Hoho is organizing a public rally at the City Tower Junction, Dimapur, on December 14 next, from 9 a.m. onwards on the theme 'Rally in support of unification of all Nagas & the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks.'
According to NH president, I Bendangmayang Jamir, the decision to organize the rally was decided in a special emergency meeting with tribal councilors of Naga Council in the office of Naga Council Dimapur today.
The NH president said the rally is being held with a view to reiterate Naga aspiration of unity and solution to the long standing Indo-Naga impasse and to express solidarity to the peace talk initiated by the collective leadership and endorse by Naga people in consultative meetings.
Meanwhile, the NH has entrusted the Naga Council Dimapur, the Dimapur Naga Women Hoho and the DNSU to carry out all necessary arrangements for the rally. The NH also requested all tribal hoho presidents and GBs/DBs to mobilize respective tribes, besides all citizens in & around Dimapur, business community of Dimapur and well wishers, to attend he rally to demonstrate solidarity and support to the ongoing peace process.
Rio faces no-confidence motion today Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kohima | The Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government will face a no-confidence motion tomorrow as the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly sits for the sixteenth session. Initiated by the opposition Congress, the no-confidence motion is likely to evoke keen interest and rock the one-day session, perhaps, which could be the last session of this tenure.
One and a half month are barely left for the next general election, but the Congress are adamant with their demand for sacking Rio’s government and imposing President’s Rule in the state, accusing the NPF-led DAN government of failure to contain law and order, corruption, nepotism etc. The speaker is reported to have admitted the no-confidence motion, and the Congress will not backtrack.
“We are going ahead with the no-confidence motion. The speaker has admitted the motion”, said senior Congress legislators, KV Pusa, this evening. Both the DAN alliance and Congress were engaged in a series of meeting till late into nights as they prepared for Thursday’s showdown in the floor of the house. But, the mood in the NPF camp appears unruffled by the Congress threat of no-confidence motion. Senior NPF functionaries beamed confidence, when queried whether the government will pass the test of strength, stating that it will sail through the storm as they still have the numbers to keep the government intact. Rumors have also been doing rounds that four more legislators are likely to desert the government, but it was not confirmed.
With the resignation of 6 legislators, which included four parliamentary secretaries and two MLAs, today, the 60 member house has been reduced to 48 now. Out of 48, Congress has 17 legislators. The DAN alliance is supposed to have 31 legislators, but 2 JDU legislators, Huska Sumi and Deo Nukhu, and another member, Jungshilemba, had earlier withdrawn their support to the Neiphiu Rio government. So now the DAN has only 28 members, but they still command majority. DAN needs 25 legislators to pull through the storm. Even if the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio fails to withstand the no-confidence motion, the Congress still doesn’t have the magic number to form an alternative government. So, the state may come under President’s Rule if at all Rio fails to sails through the no-confidence motion. Those who resigned from the assembly as well as from the NPF party today includes parliamentary secretaries Hewoto Awomi, K Hollohon, Kipili Sangtam and Nkhao Lotha, and two MLAs, Hukavi and Tarie Zeliang.

Reasons for resigning Giving reasons for their resignations, Hukavi said “as we are aware that there is corruption, nepotism and self-style of governing as far as DAN government is concern,” said Hukavi. Equality and transparency should be there in governance, he said while addressing media persons at the official residence of opposition leader, I. Imkong this evening. “We are not happy with this government,” he said adding that for this reason that they have taken a decision to quit. Hukavi also condemned the equi-closeness policy saying that the policy was ‘good, but lacked in implementation.’ Also referring to their resignation, Hewoto said that they had done it knowing fully well the situation and they have no regret. On being queried whether they have any plans to join the Congress, Hewoto said “we have not yet decided.” Also alleging that there was lack of coordination, Kipili said “Our vision is for better,” claiming that their move will bring a “better change.”
BJP reaffirms support to DAN Dimapur, December 12 (MExN): The BJP Nagaland has reaffirmed its full support to the DAN coalition government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Following the uncertainty over the recent spate of resignations, the BJP in a press note issued by Johny G. Rengma, national Council Member and Spokesman stated that the BJP was committed to fulfill the mandate given by the people of Nagaland to the DAN coalition in the last assembly election to serve the welfare of the people.
The BJP appealed to the general public not to panic and be misled by the resignation of “some vested selfish Legislatures” who have betrayed the mandate given by the electorates. The BJP assured the people of Nagaland that the DAN coalition will not only complete its full term in office but also continue even beyond 2008.
Congress using armed elements to topple DAN Government: Rio Dimapur, December 12 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has alleged that the Congress was using force and help of armed elements in trying to play defection politics and that MLAs of the DAN alliance have been put under tremendous amount of duress by the armed elements to defect from the DAN and oppose the DAN leadership. Rio as leader of the DAN Legislature Party issued a statement pointing out that using the force of armed elements, the Congress has hoarded the MLAs in the official residence of the Opposition Leader in their game of trying to dislodge the DAN Government.
Rio stated that the DAN was compelled to issue this press release in order to inform the people on the negative tactics of the opposition Congress in Nagaland. Rio stated that the Congress has tried to play the toppling game using negative force and armed elements in their unsuccessful attempt. Rio pointed out that this was not the first time that the Congress has used such undemocratic means in their desperate attempt to oppose the people’s mandate.
“The DAN coalition will not allow such negative policies to dictate terms and we are confident that the people will not accept any politics that is through the backdoor”, Rio stated adding that the DAN Government enjoys the mandate of the people and that it will continue to uphold and protect the people’s mandate under any means. Rio stated that this latest episode was another reminder to the people of Nagaland that the Congress has completely lost any hope of winning the people’s support and in its desperation it has found no other option but to resort to use of force and negative tactics for its survival. “The people must reject such policies that have no place in democracy where the will of the people is supreme”, Rio stated.
Nagas must unite- Nagaland Post Opinion
The recent unification move initiated by some organizations is a welcome step and that all sensible Nagas must extend support and cooperation towards this mission. We have had enough bloodshed in Naga family and we can't afford to continue with this anymore. But in doing so Nagas should not succumb to the plans of our adversaries who are trying to divide Naga family and subdue our Naga nationalism.
As a sensible and a concern Naga, I am sure there is no question why Nagas can't unite and fight for our common cause. The unification between the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) should not be a problem in any case. But the problem will be by Kitovi Zhimomi and his brother-in-law Kughalu Mulatonu who are poles apart from other Naga nationalists. Their contributions toward Naga nationalism are fairly different from others and therefore they will not be in a position to come to the terms with other fellow Nagas immediately. Therefore people who are initiating the unification move must keep this in mind in the larger interest of Naga people. Here are some of the contributions and achievements of Kitovi and Kughalu towards Naga nationalism:
1. Killing of hundreds of Naga patriots and innocent Nagas; including children, women, church workers and students
2. Accepting unilateral ceasefire offered by government of India in 1997
3. Imposition of economic blockades on Zunheboto
4. Nexus with all anti-Naga organizations and outfits
5. Opposed to Naga integration
6. Against all organizations and nations who are in support of Naga nationalism like Naga Hoho, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers' Association, Naga Students' Federation, church, Tribal Hohos, and several other Naga organizations. They are also against international Naga support groups and nations vis-à-vis serving death threat to them.
7. Serving 'quit notice' to a certain Naga community
8. Several bomb blasts in Dimapur
9. Fooling and misleading the innocent Konyak brothers and S S Khaplang chairman of NSCN (K)
10. Nexus with Assam Rifles, Indian security forces and intelligence agencies
11. Kidnapping and extortions in Nagaland in the name of Naga nationalism etc etc.
These are only some of the few contributions and achievements of Kitovi and Kughalu towards Naga nationalism. But whatever their contributions and achievements may be, but Nagas must forgive and forget and come for the unification to avoid further bloodshed in Naga family. I also would like to remind the Sumi leaders to be pragmatic in their approach as Nagas are closely watching and monitoring the situation.
Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho Naga Army, NSCN (IM)
NNC to meet on ‘national unity’ The Morung Express

Dimapur, December 12 (MExN): The Naga National Council (NNC) while affirming that it stood for “Naga national unity” pointed out that it was reiterating its “stand for the whole and all the Naga-inhabited areas of Sino-Mongoloid Race between tri-junction of China, Myanmar and India”. Mhasi Angami, Information & Publicity Wing, NNC in a press note has also summoned all the central executive council members as well as the “regional authorities” for a very important meeting on December 18, 2007 at “Oking.” “Therefore all the regional authorities and the central executive council members are to attend this meeting of importance positively to take certain decision for the larger interest of the Naga nation and the NNC in particular”, it stated.

Six Naga MLAs quit Assembly OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, Dec. 12: Six legislators of the Nagaland People’s Front, the major constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), resigned from the Assembly this afternoon, ahead of a crucial session tomorrow.
Nagaland Speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie said he had received the resignation letters of Kihoto Hollohon, Kipili Sangtam, Nkhao Lotha, Tarie Zeliang, Kheto Sema and Hewoto Sema.
Peseyie, however, said there was no threat whatsoever to the ruling DAN government and that it would complete its full tenure. The Assembly polls are slated for February. “There is no threat to the government. We are comfortable,” the Speaker said.
With the resignation of the six legislators, the total strength of the DAN government has been reduced to 27 (NPF 22, BJP 4 and one Independent).
The legislators later called on Governor K. Sankaranarayanan and reportedly urged him to accept the no-confidence motion in the Assembly tomorrow. The motion will be initiated by the Opposition Congress. None of the six MLAs could be contacted as they were reportedly holed up at an undisclosed place. But Congress secretary and MLA Medokhul Sophie said all of them are with the party. The DAN this evening charged the Congress with using muscle power to dislodge the government.
Imkong rebuts Rio’s charges Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Dec 12 (NPN): Reacting to the allegations made against him by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, that he (Imkong) was using armed underground activists to force some NPF legislators to resign besides keeping them in his house under guard, leader of the opposition Congress, I. Imkong has dismissed the allegations as “baseless and unfounded.”
He told the Post over telephone from Kohima, that the NPF legislators had gone to his house “with the intention of resigning and also joining hands together” against the failure of the DAN government and its leadership. “If Rio was describing my police bodyguards as armed underground elements, then I cannot help it”, he said.
Imkong instead charged Rio of being the one who was using armed underground activists for his political interests, adding the fact was known by all.
Imkong further disclosed that the “crisis-ridden DAN government was getting desperate” when the assembly speaker on Wednesday, issued show cause notices to three Independent MLAs who had withdrawn support to the DAN government two weeks ago.
Imkong said the threat of disqualification after so many days had elapsed but which was being used now, was a travesty of constitutional norms. He said the Independent members were free to decide which party to support or not to support.
Stage managed?- Nagaland Post
1. New Delhi 1993-S.C Jamir was seriously wounded when he was attacked by assailants in the Nagaland house, Delhi. Doctors in one of the most reputed hospitals in the world would know how miraculous it was for S. C Jamir to survive the attack. Yet, the NSCN (IM) implied that the attack was stage-managed. Meanwhile, the Delhi police managed to arrest two of the assailants who happened to belong to a particular Naga community doing hit job for a certain organization.
2. Kohima, 1995-Gunman sprayed AK bullets from close range at the car in which S.C Jamir was returning home after visiting his daughter's house. The impact of the bullets threw the car down below the step slope. The car rolled down about thirty metres until it dashed against a pine tree and stopped. Inside, S. C Jamir and wife were found alive with only minor bruises. The NSCN (IM) said that the attack was stage-managed. 3. Piphema, Kohima 1999- Nine powerful bombs were detonated simultaneously, followed by a hail of AK bullets from three sides, when the chief minister of the state, S.C Jamir's convoy was passing through a narrow stretch of NH 39 which is topographically one of the most dangerous road spots in the state. Even if the bombs missed Jamir's car, a violent swerve of the vehicle due to the impact of the explosions would have hurled it thousands of metres down the extremely steep terrain. Besides, a hail of bullets from sophisticated weapons killed two security personnel's on the spot and wounded several more. Again, S.C Jamir escaped miraculously. Yet, again the NSCN (IM) denied its involvement in the ambush even after the state police and intelligent agencies had established beyond doubt that the attack was carried out by the faction. The faction even went to the extent of saying the attack was staged managed. Ironically, the then BJP government at the centre engaged in political negotiations with the faction remained silent over the incident, thereby giving the impression that it was fine even if the NSCN (IM) physically eliminated the chief minister of an Indian state as long as Indian soldiers were safe in Nagaland with the cease-fire in force. 4. Hebron camp, Dimapur- The NSCN (IM) declared S.C Jamir as anti-Naga, traitor and so on. It ordered S.C Jamir not to enter Nagaland or else. The chief minister of Nagaland and his colleague in the state government, who had all sworn to abide by the constitution, uphold the sovereignty and defend the territorial integrity of India, shockingly remained silent when the NSCN (IM), a separatist organization, banned the entry of the governor of an Indian state into Nagaland, an Indian state. One could understand the policy of the DAN government vis-à-vis the position of its political benefactor. But the incomp-rehensible silence of the union government over the development indicated that it had come to terms with the supremacy of the insurgent groups over Na- galand matters. Is the day of India formally agreeing to independent Nagaland close at hand? 5. Changki, Moko-kchung, 24-11-07- Goa Governor S.C Jamir was ambushed while he was returning to Dimapur after visiting his home district. Five IEDs exploded on the spot of ambush followed by firing from two sides directed at the governor's vehicle. Two-inch mortars thrown at the governor's vehicle miraculously failed to explode. Besides, the police found another five IEDs, which had not been triggered off because the attackers apparently pani-cked and fled the scene in the face of swift reaction from the security per-sonnel's accompanying the governor S.C Jamir escaped unhurt for the fourth time. As anticipated, the NSCN (IM) promptly came out with the oft-repeated "stage-managed" yarn. But what else can we expect from an organization which obvi-ously takes delight in insulting the intelligence of the people of Nagaland? Not the least surprising, the Rio-Led DAN government see-ms to have brushed off the latest ambush as just ano-ther minor matter under the 'political problem' category. As for the SIT constituted by the impotent state gove-rnment, it is expected to come out with a report not entirely inconsonant with the 'stage-managed' doc-trine for obvious reason. As for the Indian government, it has once again sent the message that it does not care a fig what happens to the patriotic Naga leaders and the common men of Naga-land as long as Indian officials and soldiers can remain safe and sound in Nagaland.
T. N Emjen, Upper Chandmari, Kohima
Clues on Adivasi militant leader A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Dec. 12: The arrested Adivasi militants have told their interrogators that the chief commander of the Adivasi National Liberation Army (ANLA), David Tirkey, is hiding somewhere in Jharkhand.
Tirkey figures on the most-wanted list of Assam police.
A police official today said the interrogation of ANLA activists who were arrested in the city on Monday had revealed that Tirkey was orchestrating the unlawful activities of the outfit from Jharkhand.
“Assam police will seek help from their counterparts in Jharkhand to track down Tirkey,” he added.
The police official said they have learnt that Tirkey left for Jharkhand a couple of months ago apparently to forge ties with Maoist rebels active in that Adivasi-dominated state.
He said arrested ANLA leader Raj Munda has confessed that the outfit was planning a massive recruitment drive in the Adivasi-populated areas of the state.
“According to him, at present ANLA does not have more than 200 members. He also said ANLA members are being provided arms training and logistic support by the Manipur-based militant group, the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), at Singhasan Hill in Karbi Anglong district,” he said.
ANLA reportedly has strong links with a Naga insurgent group, which is currently in ceasefire with the Centre.
“The tea gardens in Golaghat and Karbi Anglong districts are the prime targets of ANLA militants for extortion. Several tea garden managers were abducted by ANLA for not paying up. The Adivasi outfit shares the extortion money with the other militant groups which are providing them with arms training and logistic support,” the police officer claimed.
He said though the outfit does not have a large number of armed cadres, it is planning to increase its strength to carry out attacks in different parts of the state and make its presence felt.
The weapons available with the outfit include AK series rifles, carbines, pistols and SLRs.
“They (ANLA) still do not have much knowhow about sophisticated explosives. But it is only a matter of time before they master the art of explosives when they are trained by the Maoists,” the police officer said.
17 IEDs found in Manipur - Bombs ‘welcome’ Assam Rifles DG OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Imphal, Dec. 12: Seventeen bombs were recovered from two busy Manipur roads during a search operation by security forces this morning. The number is being pegged as the highest recovered by security forces in the militancy-ravaged state on a single day. The immediate spur of the search was the visit of the director general of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen. Paramjit Singh, to Manipur.
Early this morning, troops of 34 Assam Rifles fanned out into Thoubal district for a routine search when they stumbled on three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the Imphal-Moreh road at Wangjing.
The bomb squad of the police safely exploded the IEDs later in the day. The paramilitary force informed the police that they also recovered 14 IEDs laid by militants along Imphal-Ukhrul Road between Litan and Sangai and had destroyed them. Recovery of the explosives held up traffic for several hours on both the roads. “Had the IEDs exploded, they would have caused immense disaster, as both the roads are always busy,” a source said.
The director general of Assam Rifles, who arrived here yesterday to review the law and order situation in the state, today visited Chandel, where the security forces have launched a rebel flush-out operation. The Assam Rifles officers used a chopper to reach Chandel. Combined forces of the Assam Rifles and the army launched an operation on November 18 to flush out United National Liberation Front militants from Somtal along the Indo-Myanmar border.
After having captured the UNLF-dominated Khenjoy and Sehlon ridges, the army is busy clearing Somtal of improvised explosive devices. More than 68 IEDs were destroyed last month and the troops will continue their search till the area can be declared free of bombs.
The Assam Rifles source said the director general visited Sajik Tampak, once a rebel stronghold but now occupied by the security forces, and Somtal.IG (South) Assam Rifles Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa accompanied the director general to Chandel. Before leaving Imphal tomorrow, Gen. Singh will visit Tamenglong and meet Governor S.S. Sidhu.
Chauhan ‘interview’ AICC general secretary Prithviraj Chauhan, who is in charge of Manipur, did nothing to ease the legislators’ tension today after even after interviewing all the 31 MLAs a day before.
Chauhan has been sent by AICC president Sonia Gandhi in the wake of a no-holds-barred move by dissident Congress legislators to replace Ibobi Singh. After the “interviews” were over, Chauhan addressed a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party at Hotel Imphal here. However, he did not give any indication of the decision likely to be taken by the party high command on the dissidents’ demand for a change of guard.
Chauhan is returning to Delhi tomorrow after inspecting the progress of the construction of the high court building and Assembly secretariat here. He will submit his report to Sonia Gandhi.
New Delhi, DEC12 [IANS] : India Tuesday said it will continue supporting development projects in Myanamar, but cautiously underlined the need for stability and inclusive political reforms in the military ruled country that acts as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

India to continue assistance to Myanmar Nagarealm.com
"India is committed to extend assistance to Myanmar on various developmental projects of mutual benefit, including the Kaladan multi-modal transport project," the external affairs ministry said in a statement after talks between Myanmar's Deputy Foreign Minister U. Kyaw Thu and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon. Myanmar's minister also called on External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and updated him about the evolving political situation in Myanmar, which was rocked by massive pro-democracy protests, led by monks, nearly three months ago. "The discussions covered all areas of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional and international issues, and were marked by the friendship and cordiality that mark relations between India and Myanmar as close neighbours," the statement said.

A memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the India-Myanmar Centre for enhancement of information technology skills at Yangon, to be built with the Indian assistance, will be signed by the two sides Wednesday. India reiterated its position on the need for broad-based and inclusive political reforms and pushing the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar, official sources said. India is engaged in the construction of key transportation projects in Myanmar, including the Kaladan project, which will provide much-needed transit access between the northeastern states and the rest of Southeast Asia.

The two countries have quietly finalised $100 million Kaladan link project, which is expected to link Sittwe port in Myanmar via Paletwa to Mizoram in India by road and inland water. The project is expected to be completed by 2010. India was guarded in its response to the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar in September and was criticised for its extremely circumspect attitude to the situation in Myanmar by some Western countries.

The US and the European Union had urged India, China and Russia, the three big Asian countries with substantial stakes in Myanmar, to use their influence with the junta to nudge it towards real political reforms. Even as India has sought to do a tightrope walk on its diplomatic response to the Myanmar crisis, it has made it clear that there are real economic and strategic imperatives that have necessitated its continuing engagement with the junta, as the military rulers are known.

India's substantial stakes in Myanmar's oil and gas sector and China's increasing influence in the southeast country have been two principal reasons driving India's policy towards its neighbour. Besides, India needs the junta's help to control anti-India insurgent groups which have infiltrated from its northeastern states like Nagaland into the neighbouring country. This explains New Delhi's hesitation in supporting the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar with which it shares a border of more than 1,600 km. Bilateral trade between the two sides is estimated to be around $1 billion.
Five killed in Rajdhani blast, rebel group owns up By IANS
Guwahati, Dec 13 (IANS) At least five people were killed and four injured Thursday in a blast on the super-fast Rajdhani Express bound for Delhi from this Assam city. A shadowy adivasi insurgent group has claimed responsibility for the terror attack.
'Our cadres triggered the blast using a remote system and we shall continue with such attacks in the coming days,' Dilip Beg, a top leader of the rag-tag Adivasi National Liberation Army (ANLA), told IANS by telephone from an undisclosed location.
A railway official said the blast took place around 1.05 a.m. at the Rajdhani Express near Chungajan in Golaghat district, about 270 km east of Assam's main city of Guwahati. 'Five people were killed and four others injured with the impact of the explosion hitting a portion of the luggage van of the train,' T. Rabha, chief spokesperson of the Northeast Frontier Railways, told IANS. The ANLA leader said his group would not remain quiet until the government conferred Scheduled Tribe status to the adivasis in Assam that would bring in more rights and privileges for the community in the state.
'We have been forced to take up arms by the government and we shall not rest until our community gets special recognition like a scheduled tribe status,' Beg said. The train was not derailed and all other passengers were safe. The train originating from Dibrugarh in eastern Assam has since arrived in Guwahati, on way to New Delhi. The blast, that rattled sleeping passengers, created panic.
'I presume the bomb was planted in the toilet of the parcel van. People started screaming and crying when the explosion took place,' said Rajinder Singh, an army trooper, travelling in the train.
Bimla Singh, another passenger, is still dazed. 'I was two coaches behind and am really scared.'
There was partial damage to the tracks with just two sleepers affected. The damaged track was quickly repaired. The injured were shifted to a hospital in Dimapur, the commercial hub of the adjoining Nagaland state. Police suspects the bomb could have been planted inside the non air-conditioned section having a capacity to carry some 40 passengers along with cargo.
'Preliminary investigations and a look at the extent of damage caused to the tracks indicate the bomb could have been placed in the luggage van itself although a final report is awaited,' Golaghat district police chief P.C. Haloi told IANS. All the dead passengers were Hindi-speaking migrant workers from Bihar, the police official said. The ANLA is a little-known rebel group active in Golaghat and Karbi Anglong districts of eastern Assam and fighting for special rights for the adivasis, one of the 120 tea-plantation workers' communities.
On Dec 4, a powerful explosion hit the engine of a passenger train in the same area, although it failed to impact the coaches. The Kamrup Express was bound for Tinsukia in eastern Assam from Guwahati when the blast took place.
Voices against Black Laws raised By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
Shouting the slogans of ‘Liberate Manipuri women’, ‘Do not suppress Manipuri women’, ‘Stop State sponsored terrorism’, ‘Repeal AFSPA’, ‘Anti-people policy and governance, down, down’, etc, the 68th Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram was held along with a rally at Moirang today.
Hundreds of slogan shouting women participated in the rally which was taken out from Mukta High School to the venue of the observance function organised at Chingei ground, Moirang under the aegis of Nupi Lan Observation Committee formed jointly by Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur (PLMPAM); Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak (MEPWAK) and All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMOWOVA).
The main observance function commenced after the rally with PLMPAM president Longjam Memchoubi, MEPWAK president Moirangthem Keinahanbi and AMOWOVA president Nongthombam Chaobi taking the dais as presidium members.
Giving the key note address of the observance, AMAWOVA advisor S Leirangtombi said that the first Nupi Lan which broke out in 1904 was not just to oppose forcing the people to fetch timbers from Kabow Tampak to reconstruct the Bungalow of the British which had been set on fire by some miscreants nor the Nupi Lan of 1939 to oppose import of rice from Manipur. In fact both the uprisings were against the oppressive colonial rule of the British.
Similarly, today’s function was also not just to commemorate an event that took place in the past, but an extension of the ongoing public movement against oppressive rule, she observed, adding that although the Britishers have left, the people are still being subjected to oppressive rule of similar nature. Speaking as one of the resource persons, president of Irabot Foundation, Manipur Thounaojam Ibo-yaima said along with their struggle for day to day survival, Manipuri women have been contributing their mite to various causes of the society.
Without the Meira Paibi movement, half of the male population in the State would have been annihilated long ago, he maintained. He also deliberated on the role of Irabot duing Nupi Lan.
Advisor of AMUCO Dhanabir Laishram and Associate Professor of Mani- pur University Chinglen Maisnam were also among other resource persons who spoke at the occasion.
At the ground of AYDA at Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai, the 68th Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram was organised by the Imphal West unit of ACOAM-Lup, Kangleipak.
A race for women which was flagged off from Awang Khunou Lamkhai and offering floral tributes to all those women who fought against the oppressive rule of the British colonialist were the main highlights of the observance.
Advisors of ACOAM Lup Kangleipak RK Rajen-dra and H Kulla, president of Imphal West Unit of the Lup H Manichand Singh, member of Awang Khunou Zilla Parishad N Pramo Devi and member of Yurembam Zilla Parishad Ch Bijenti Leima attended the observance function as presidium members. All Manipur Nupi Marup observed Nupi Lan Ning-shing Thouram at Kangla Hall here today with Health Minister Ph Parijat as president, president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Y Ibeni Devi and patron member of AMNM K Kadambini Devi as presidium members and MLA U Deven, MLA Dr H Borajao, principal of DM College of Science Th Bedamani Devi and president of TG Higher Secondary School S Damenti Devi as guests of honour. BJP Mahila Morcha Ma-nipur Pradesh also observed Nupi Lan at the Nityaipat Chuthek office of BJP Headquarters here today.
State Mahila President of BJP Manipur Pradesh Th Promila Devi presided over the commemorative function attended by president of BJP Manipur Pradesh Dr H Borobabu Singh as chief guest. In commemoration of the Nupi Lan, Manipuri Literary Society, Imphal organised a poetry recitation session for women writers and poets only at the hall of Manipur Hindi Parishad. Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Co-operation AK Mirabai Devi and president of Manipuri Literary Society Dr Ng Akashini Devi attended the commemorative function as chief guest and functional president respectively. On the occasion of observing Nupi Lan memorial day, Kasturba Gandhi Kendra, Imphal organised a discussion session on the topic of ‘Women empowerment through economic and social development’ with lecturer of Economics, MB College Dr Th Roben Singh and lecturer of Political Science GP Women’s College Dr Th Binarani Devi as main speakers. The Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust, Manipur began its 68th Nupi Lan memorial observance from today at Irabot People’s Museum at Lokchao Santipur, Tinsid Ching. The main highlights of the observance which would continue till December 29 would concluding unveiling Nupi Lan statue, inauguration of Nupi Lan Gallery, release of souvenir, book exhibition and launching of eco-campaign.
Junta yet to come clean over crackdown Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 12, 2007 - Reporting in Geneva yesterday, the United Nations appointed Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, told the Human Rights Council that the Burmese government's official version of the recent crackdown on protestors falls well short of what actually took place.
To date, Pinheiro said he can confirm the deaths of 31 persons at the hands of state security forces, along with 74 "disappeared" and 653 remaining in detention. The junta's official death toll stands at ten. Pinheiro went on to say that he believes up to an additional one thousand civilians, monks and nuns, over the junta's figure of just fewer than three thousand, were detained in the course of the regime's violent crackdown.
Accusing the generals of violating international law, the Special Rapporteur told the assembly that the wrongs of the Burmese regime are not limited to recent events.
"By severely restricting the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, the government has prevented over many years the emergence of a platform for genuine public dialogue," said Pinheiro. Decades of mismanagement on the part of junta authorities have led to virtually the entire Burmese population being endangered.
He also described reports from residents of Rangoon claiming that security forces, from September 27 to 30, burnt the bodies of several dead protestors in an attempt to cover-up the true gravity of the situation.
Pinheiro asks the Burmese government to immediately announce an unconditional amnesty of those wrongfully detained in the wake of the protests, and to permit the conduct of an independent investigation into the fate of those unaccounted for.
His remarks met with concern and warnings from officials in the United States.
"We must continue to send a clear message to the regime: It is time to unconditionally release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, cease arrests of all democracy activists, and establish a meaningful, time-bound dialogue with the democratic opposition and ethnic minorities," according to a State Department spokesperson. Meanwhile, President Bush responded to Pinheiro's briefing by saying: "Should the regime continue to ignore calls for a true democratic transition and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, the United States is prepared to lead international efforts to place more sanctions on the regime."
The junta's representative in Geneva, U Wunna Maung Lwin, refuted the claims of Pinheiro, saying that Burmese authorities, in conducting their crackdown, were only exercising the sovereign right of any independent nation.
Monks flee to Bangladesh to evade arrest Nyein Chan Mizzima News
December 11, 2007 - A Buddhist monk from Rangoon's Zathilaryama monastery, who took part in the September protests, fled from the manhunt launched by the Burmese military junta and arrived in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh. Ashin Panyathami, a young monk from the Zathilaryama monastery in Rangoon, fled to Bangladesh along with more than 20 fellow monks, following the junta's relentless search to arrest and detain monks and protesters.
"As the authorities launched widespread search operations, more than 20 monks, had to hide near the Moe Yeik River for three days. After that we returned to our monastery but there the soldiers called more than 20 of us for interrogation," Ashin Panyathami, who arrived Cox Bazaar on December 5, told Mizzima during an interview.
"They took our photographs and asked us whether we had joined the protests. They told us not to join up again and threatened that we would be arrested if we did," added the young monk.
After arresting the abbot of their monastery, U Zarthila at the end of September, soldiers had continued their rampant crackdown by conducting raids in monasteries and had come to their monastery several times. The young monk, who is an ethnic Arakan, said he left the monastery in Rangoon for his native home town in Arakan State for fear that authorities would continue raids and arrests. Along with Ashin Panyathami, several monks went back to their native hometowns. However, authorities were reportedly looking for him to arrest as he possess photographs, which he had taken at the Maha Wizeyatheindaw monastery in Rangoon.
The young monk said, he finally left Burma for Bangladesh as authorities were conducting raids in several monasteries in Arakan searching for him. The monk said, he had to hide himself for five days and nights along Kin Chyaung River , and finally crossed the border to Bangladesh.
Similarly, on October 29, U Indra Panya and U Magindar from the Alodawpyih DamaSariya monastery, who had actively participated during the recent protests, fled to Bangladesh after authorities came in hot pursuit of the duo.
House of rape accused vandalized Indo Burma News
December 13, 2007: (The Sangai Express) On the charge of raping a Myanmarese girl, the house of the accused was vandalised by the local people here today.
The irate local people has also decided to block Imphal- Moreh in case the accused is not produced by the family by noon tomorrow, reports our Moreh correspondent. The man accused for rape is identified as Md Yunus (22) s/o late Md Anwar of Moreh ward no 5, Muslim Basti.
A 14 year old Myanmarese who came to Moreh to trade in rice was reportedly raped by Yunus at about 11.30 am today. The accused has gone hiding. As the news of the rape spread in the border town, the local people led by the Kuki Women Union on Human Rights (KWUHR) built up a mob and vandalised the house of the accused.
In connection with the incident, a joint meeting of the Meitei Muslim Council Moreh and KWUHR was held at the office of the Hill Tribal Council here. According to the resolutions of the meeting, the family of the accused should produce Yunus by noon tomorrow and to take up punitive actions in line with the Kuki customary law. In case the family members fail to produce Yunus, the family will be ousted from Moreh and their properties will be confiscated. Moreover, a bandh will also be imposed along Imphal-Moreh road, resolved the joint meeting.



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