12/20/2007: "UNC on Naga unity- Nagaland Post"

UNC on Naga unity- Nagaland Post

The United Naga Council (UNC) issues this press communiqué in the interest of all concern.
In consonance with the declaration of Naga Hoho's motto "Nagas are One" and launching of the "Naga Reconciliation Day" on 20th Dec.2001 under aegis of Naga Hoho and the Churches, participated by all tribal Hoho, women, youths, students', Human Rights Org. state Government machineries, Naga National workers, Politicians and all individuals. UNC has been determined without any prejudice in pursuing for the unification and true reconciliation, in uniformity with the hard won peace process and the ongoing political talk for honourable solution to the Indo-Naga conflict. With all honesty, the UNC acknowledges the role of every Organisations and individuals for their quest for healing and reconciliation within the Naga family in our struggle for freedom and will continue to do so. We believe that bringing about justpeace to our people is within our reach and it is an integral part of our faith.
The UNC is aware of the recent move by the UNIFICATION TEAM'S effort for bringing about Unification and the process. However, we are concerned of the whole process, and feels that it demeans the very purpose of Naga political struggle which is now more than 7 (seven) decades and the martyrs of thousands and thousands of Nagas lives irrespective of small or big tribe that have been laid down for this noble cause, particularly when it has officially came out from responsible leaders that Unification will be exclusive. Our statement may not be misconstrued in whatsoever way but should be taken into account the concern of the Naga people and the profound recollection of historical foundation laid down by our great pioneers, past leaders and the present leaders for their resolute determination to sustain our struggle for freedom thus far.
UNC was very much part of the discussions of the consultative meeting of all Naga tribe Hohos, churches, women, Human Rights Org., youths and students' Organisation held under the aegis of Naga Hoho on 2nd December, 2007, at Kohima and the subsequent stand make known through the press on Dec.04, 2007 that "Any kind of unification must be inclusive of all Nagas and that unification must be achieved in uniformity with the political aspiration of the Naga people and the ongoing political negotiations"
UNC believes that collectively understanding the core issues that confronts us in many facets can be a milestone in our struggle for justpeace. However, at the given situation if some Naga leaders, intellectuals and organisation prefer to take the role of neutrality then we believes that such an act itself negate the very essence of true healing and reconciliation process.
Therefore, the UNC unequivocally re-affirmed;
"We are firm and we stand by on the unification of all Naga family with true healing and reconciliation, with accountability and transparency and inclusive process and in uniformity with the hard won peace and ongoing political talk, as it deals with our sacred struggle with clear common vision derived from the basis laid down by our pioneers, elders and leaders from generation to generation".
Samson Remei, Gen Secy cum Care taker. Azang Longmei, Speaker
United Naga Council (UNC)
Unification without ‘prejudice’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 19 (MExN): The United Naga Council, Manipur has stated that it was determined “without any prejudice in pursuing for the unification and true reconciliation, in uniformity with the hard won peace process and the ongoing political talk for honourable solution to the Indo-Naga conflict”. This it stated was in consonance with the declaration of Naga Hoho’s motto “Nagas are One” and launching of the “Naga Reconciliation Day” on 20th December 2001 under the aegis of Naga Hoho and the Churches, participated by all tribe Hoho, women, youths, students’, Human Rights Org. state Government machineries, Naga undergrounds, politicians and individuals.
“With all honesty, the UNC acknowledges the role of every organisations and individuals for their quest for healing and reconciliation within the Naga family in our struggle for freedom and will continue to do so. We believe that bringing about justpeace to our people is within our reach and it is an integral part of our faith”, stated a press communiqué issued by Speaker/caretaker UNC Samson Remei and general secretary Azang Longmei.
The UNC while pointing out that it was aware of the recent move by the NSCN (U)for bringing about unification however expressed concern that the “whole process” “demeans the very purpose of Naga political struggle which is now more than 7 (seven) decades and the martyrs of thousands and thousands of Nagas lives irrespective of small or big tribe that have been laid down for this noble cause, particularly when it has officially came out from responsible leaders that unification will be exclusive”.
The UNC stated that its statement “may not be misconstrued in whatsoever way but should be taken into account the concern of the Naga people and the profound recollection of historical foundation laid down by our great pioneers, past leaders and the present leaders for their resolute determination to sustain our struggle for freedom thus far”.
Clarification sought- Nagaland post
The statement issued in the press by 'so-called' NSCN unification camp on December 19 that the group stands for all Nagas irrespective of artificial boundaries. But while welcoming such statement they have not yet clarified to the people about the stand of some of their members who are all out against such move. I hope the unification group will clarify this to the Naga people.
We all know that Kughalu Mulatonu and Kitovi Zhimomi are strongly opposed to the idea of amalgamation of all Naga contiguous areas and so also against unification with Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Myanmar, though S S Khaplang is from Myanmar.
Even when some people and the organizations were hectic with the unification process, Kughalu had come out with a venomous statement that no unification with certain Naga tribe and asked Th. Muivah to leave Hebron Camp within 24 hours or face the attack.
They are also always against Naga organizations, church and Naga international support groups and countries. In the name of Almighty, I don't understand what they are doing.
Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho Naga Army, NSCN
Rio shares vision for Nagaland Kuknalim.com (With inputs from UNI)
DIMAPUR, DEC 19: Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio along with DK Bhalla Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House New Delhi today attended the 54th meeting of the National Development Council (NDC) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This was informed though a press note issued by Kuolie Mere, PRO Nagaland House, New Delhi. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who is also the chairman of the NDC. The meeting was attended by central ministers and chief ministers of all the states.

Rio in his written address emphasized on twelve key points including on the vision and thrust area for development of Nagaland. The other points highlighted included agriculture and allied sectors, Jhum cultivation, micro credit facilities and strengthening and widening the scope of existing good practice, bamboo, converting the bio-diversity of North east into economic benefits; infrastructure development such as roads, railways and airports; hydro power development; tourism and RAP/PAP; industrialization, trade and ‘Look East’ policy; youth empowerment and employment and lastly, promotion of border trade and construction of roads in border areas.
According to UNI, Rio said the plan to connect all the state capitals of the region through the North East Express should now be made a reality, even if it meant a private-public partnership. He urged the centre to expedite the construction of the railway line from Dimapur to Kohima and setting up of a new green field airport at Chethu (Kohima).

The Chief Minister said the region could be marketed as a common tourist destination and attractive tourist circuits should be worked out and publicized through the Internet. ‘’In this regard the proposed creation of North East Tourism Development Council is a welcome step,’’ he added.
Specifying another priority area of opening of trade with the South East Asian countries, Rio said it would not only boost economy but also remove the sense of ‘’isolation and neglect’’ felt by the people of the region. ‘’In this connection, the Look East Policy of the Government needs to be better defined and crystallised into specific action programmes so that it does not remain a mere policy statement or attractive slogan. This would require restructuring of the various policies of the country, including the foreign policy,’’ Rio said. Among other issues he spoke about were non-implementation of Prime Minister’s package for Nagaland like revival of a paper mill, four laning of NH 39 and employment opportunities. The Chief Minister also attended the 55th meeting of the North East Council yesterday at Parliament Annexure New Delhi along with officials Lalthara, Additional Chief Secretary and DK Bhalla, RC Nagaland House, New Delhi.
Chandel conference calls for peace The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 19: A one-day Chandel district peace conference was organised today by Rural Education and Action for Change, Manipur, at St Joseph`s School, Kuraopokpi. M Lunminthang Haokip, ADC, Chandel, attended as chief guest of the inaugural function of the conference. In his address, Lunminthang Haokip observed that restructuring of society is very much needed for mantaining peace in the region.

He said, peace must start from the self, and maintaining of peace of mind would not be possibile without first restructuring the existing deteriorating situation of society, and restructuring of society can only succeed when every individual of various communities follow the rule of law.

Apart from the effort being made from the government side for various aspects of development, and restoring peace in the region, it is the responsibility of the people to devote greater effort towards this end with sincerity and true heartedness if they truly wanted the restoration of peace in the region, he said.

He further suggested that in order to avoid contradictory thinking among different sections, such sharing of minds for common purposes need to be organised more often, where every individual regardless of caste, creed or sex could participate and share their ideals for bringing peace.

Rev Fr KC George, parish priest, St Paul`s Parish, Liwachaning, in his address eleborated on the word peace as reflected in the Bible and said the Cristians from various communities seem to have different concepts of peace, as a result of which there has been lack of peace within the Christian communities.

Ramesh, a social activist from Henry Martin Institute, Hyderabad, observed that solving of conflicts in the region cannot be termed as bringing of peace, and in order to maintain peace there is need of restructuring of existing society towards a common platform of understanding and peaceful coexistence by following the principle of forget and forgive. Representatives of Chandel Naga People`s Organisation, Kuki Chiefs` Organisation, Chandel, Kuki Students Organisation, Chandel, Naga Students Union, Chandel, Kuki Women`s Human Rights Organisation, Molnoi areas, Naga Women`s Union, Chandel, Hill Tribal Council, Moreh, attended the meet, and expressed their desire for living peacefully with understanding among various ethnic groups of the region.

A seven point declaration was finally adopted at the end of the discussion, agreeing that peace is the need of the hour, and every organisation and individual in the district should make all efforts for peace and communal harmony in the district, and in the state. It was also resolved that the conference should be considered a stepping stone for restoration of peace in the whole state of Manipur, that all should act as peace makers, in the Biblical sense of the term, and create a congenial atmosphere in the district for their children and generations to come. The meet was attended by about 200 people, including village chiefs, students, women leaders from Tengnoupal, Chandel, Chakpikarong, Khengjoi areas etc.
Nagaland Progressive Alliance submits memo to President Patil Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Dec 19: The Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) led by its leader elect, I Imkong yesterday called upon the President of India, Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum seeking her intervention into the constitutional crisis in Nagaland, stated a press release.
During the 30-minute long interaction, the NPA delegation apprised the President of the way in which the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had “undemocratically and unconstitutionally subverted the Constitution of India and the Rules and Procedures of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly,” which had given rise to a situation in Nagaland wherein the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
“Allowing the present Government to continue in office will be therefore subversion of the Constitution of India and it is therefore humbly requested to dismiss the illegal, undemocratic and unconstitutional minority Government of Nagaland without further delay,” stated the NPA delegation in the memorandum.
The President, who gave a patient hearing to the NPA and after a careful study of the sequence of events, assured the delegation that as per the provisions of the Constitution of India, action would be taken.
Addressing a press conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan after meeting with the President, NPA Leader, I Imkong said, “We shall await the decision of the Government of India and I would like to appeal to the people of Nagaland, particularly to the Congress supporters to be patient and the rule of law should prevail in the State. The unconstitutional action taken by the Speaker has been ventilated to the highest authority in the country and we are hopeful of the President taking an early action in this regard,” Imkong said.
Earlier in the morning, the delegation met Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Oscar Fernandes at his office, who also gave a patient hearing. The Minister noted the views of each and every member of the delegation and assured that justice and the sanctity of the Constitution of India will be upheld at any cost.
The NPA delegation later met AICC general secretary in charge of Nagaland, Margaret Alva at her private residence.
The Congress leader told the delegation that the AICC is supportive of the State unit of the party and she is also deeply concerned about the matter and assured to take the matter to the highest level so as to ensure that justice is delivered.
Cong seeks PR as an alternative Morung Express News
Dimapur | Almost a week after cobbling together the Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) seeking claim to form an alternative government, the Congress-led alliance in Nagaland appears to have settled for demanding President’s Rule instead. This new development comes in the wake of a memorandum submitted to the President of India on December 18 by the Leader of the Opposition I. Imkong urging the President to exercise powers vested under Article 356 of the Constitution of India.
Interestingly Imkong in his memorandum to the President addressed himself as Leader of the Opposition and not the NPA. It may be mentioned that ever since the formation of the NPA and the subsequent demand calling for the dismissal of the DAN government and staking claim to form an alternative government, Imkong was projected as the leader of the NPA.
Imkong in the memorandum addressed to the President stated that “since such a situation has arisen in Nagaland that the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution of India” and “allowing the present Government to continue in office will be therefore subversion of the Constitution of India” and therefore requested to “dismiss the illegal, undemocratic and unconstitutional minority Government of Nagaland without further delay”.
Related to this is the reported statement made by the Congress in-charge of Nagaland, Margaret Alva, pointing out that since elections were due in the State early next year, the legislators led by Imkong had come around to accepting President’s Rule as an alternative.
NNC committed to non-violence The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 19 (MExN): Bringing Christmas greetings to the people on behalf of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), it Kedahge Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha has affirmed that the Naga National Council (NNC) upholds the policy of Non-Violence pointing out that this is the challenge and responsibility of the FGN and assured that it would endeavor to maintain peace and tranquility in our land. “Let every Naga come forward to this endeavor and build our Nation that may be acceptable to God the Redeemer”, the FGN leader stated, while expressing “heartiest warm greetings” ahead of Christmas.
Metha reminded that “God had made a commitment for the love of mankind that He would send a redeemer who would deliver the people from their sins and death” and that this “promise was fulfilled to us in the Bethlehem, about this time since two thousand years past”. Quoting the Bible verse John 3:16, the FGN leader stated that God is gracious even to the Naga people and that “we rejoice in Him”.The FGN leader expressed hope that this Christmas season, Naga people will also rejoice in God and prayed that “divine peace prevail in Nagaland”.
‘Remove regional imbalance to bring peace in Northeast’ Newmai News Network
Agartala | "Injustice and negligence" to the Northeastern region has been the root causes for the existence of militancy and the removal of the "regional imbalance” is the only way in bringing peace in the region, opines Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Sarkar while delivering a speech in the National Development Council meeting held on Wednesday in New Delhi, according to a report received here.
Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the meeting at Pragya Bhawan in New Delhi.
The Tripura chief minister while addressing the council has said that to wipe out the militancy from the northeastern states of India, regional imbalances should be removed immediately. Imbalance fosters the inequality which leads to intractable problems with feeling of isolation, alienation and frustration in the affected regions, stated Manik Sarkar.
"The Northeast in particular has been the victim of such imbalances and the growing sense of injustice and discontentment at times had led a section of youth to the path of violence and anti national activities," said the Tripura chief minister.
"This is so because of the poor infrastructure, roads, rails, power and telecommunication and we have already lost several precious years toying with such concepts", Sarkar added.
Demanding a massive amount of investment in the region to correct the disproportion, the chief minister urged the Union government to take a leading role.
He also spoke about the review of centre-state relation and said that 50 percent share of taxes be passed to states. He termed the present attitude of the centre as 'red tapism'. According to him, strengthening of the states instead of concentration of power at the centre will help in strengthening the country's integrity. Sarkar was not happy with New Delhi's economic policy regarding the liberalisation and said, 'our country still exists in our villages and countrysides".
‘Infrastructure could support Look East Policy’ The Morung Express
New Delhi, December 19 (UNI): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga today said the major issue confronting the state is the famine-like situation due to bamboo flowering that causes increase in pests and rodents trigerring large scale damage to food crops. Speaking at the 54th National Development Council meeting here, the Chief Minister said the grain production which is likely to fall far below the 50 per cent mark has caused a huge jolt to productivity in the agriculture sector, especially rice production.
Drawing the attention of the Centre to the difficult terrain and strategic situation of the state, he said the biggest constraint in the northeast region has been the poor state of infrastructure, in particular roads, railways and power. ''Infrastructure and connectivity could support the Look East Policy and provide an impetus to trade with neighbouring countries. As the success of the eagerly awaited LE Policy lies on this, a big push in this regard is needed if the state is to receive more fruit from the policy,'' he said.
He further stated that Mizoram required more attention for increasing its per capita income. In order to achieve the growth at the national level, the states need special attention which automatically calls for more intervention of the Central Government, he added. He urged the Centre to develop a means for maximum utilisation of the resources within the state. Tourism sector should be developed taking the entire Northeast as one unit he said adding there should be easier access to tourist destination in Mizoram through air, road, rail and waterway.
Officials suspect pesticides killing fish in Brahmaputra Hindustan Times
Guwahati | Thousands of dead fish were found floating in the Brahmaputra river on Sunday, substantiating the claims by Assam officials for some time now that some fishermen were using toxic substances to catch fish during winter.
According to the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) officials, the fish started dying mysteriously in a 'ghuli' or lagoon-like stagnant section of the river around 11 am. A drastic drop in the water level results in ghulis near the sandbars. "We have collected water as well as dead fish samples for study, but this seems to be a case of pesticide," said APCB official Deepak Barua. "From what we have gathered so far, pesticides must have been sprinkled the previous night, which resulted in a dip in the oxygen content in the river water killing the fish."
This particular ghuli, measuring approximately 300 sq ft and connected to the main flow of the river by a narrow stream, is ironically off a high-security zone that includes the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police and the CCF (Terrestrial).
Incidentally, HT had earlier reported how fish 'mahaldars', who take stretches of rivers on lease for commercial fishing, use pesticides to catch more fish. There had been instances of mahaldars using non-biodegradable pesticides such as Thiodan and Dialdrin, despite being banned.
According to wildlife activist Anwaruddin Choudhury, mahaldars in Assam and elsewhere across north India have a tendency to fish extensively before the rivers run dry in winter. "Up to 20 per cent of river fish sold in the markets during winter are high on pesticides," he said.
Flavours from North East set to tantalize foodies The Morung Express
New Delhi, December 19 (PTI): Tenga, Pitika, thupka and Rumba along with a host of other delicacies from the northeast are now making waves across the world. Though a piece of the pan-Indian cuisine, food from the Northeast is only recently making its presence gradually felt both in the country as well as in the global market. "The not-so-much-talked-about Northeastern food with its pristine flavors and pure taste of nature is slowly making inroads to global palates," Bakshish Dean, executive chef at a five star hotel in the capital, told PTI.
The eight Northeastern states has a very rich culinary heritage, says Dean who in joint collaboration with Institute for Environmental Management and Social Development (IEMSD), had organised a eight-day northeast food fest here recently.
To look at the diversity of NE cuisine is sometimes an unfathomable proposition. The cooking styles and flavors of each and every state in the region is unique and differs from each other with considerable influence of Bengali, Nepali, Thai, Bhutan, Tibetan, Myanmar and Chinese cuisine, he says. According to foodie, traveler, social scientist and filmmaker Dr Ashish Chopra, Assamese and Tripurian cuisine have adopted various nuances from Bangladesh. "The Bengali influence is strong and the ingredients and recipes are more or less similar. The only difference is that Assamese cuisine is much less spicy and less oily. The staples are rice and fish." "Bamboo is used extensively in cuisine of Tripura," says Dr Chopra who has also authored a book called 'NE Belly'. The traditional cuisine 'Mui Borok' and a key ingredient in Tripura cuisine is 'Berma', dried and fermented 'puthi' fish.
Rebel hunt for zarda traders Nagarealm.com

Imphal, DEC19 [TI] : The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) today warned two zarda traders of Manipur that stringent punishment would be meted out to them if they failed to surrender by December 30.

The Central Special Force of the Manipur-based outfit seized several tin containers stashed with zarda worth Rs 12 lakh from a bus coming from Guwahati on December 12 from Koirengei, outside Imphal city. The truck, carrying the containers hidden under consignments of biscuits and footwear, was intercepted by the outfit's cadre. The zarda consignment originated from Guwahati and was transported to Moreh, Manipur's border township in Chandel district.

It belongs to one Jitendra from Bihar now residing at Paona Bazar in Imphal and Khumak Kuki, a resident of Moreh. The outfit's cadre today handed over the consignment to members of a club in Imphal West district. The youths set the consignment on fire in front of journalists. The Revolutionary Peoples' Front (RPF), the political wing of the Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA), had imposed a ban on sale and consumption of zarda, for many years.

The RPF has banned betel leaf, locally known as meetha patti, with effect from October 15 this year. The outfit even gunned down two traders for selling zarda and meetha patti. The UNLF is also campaigning against drugs and tobacco products, including zarda. A spokesman for the outfit told journalists that its cadre were looking for the two traders who had fled after the seizure. He appealed to transporters not to bring zarda and banned drugs in the state. The All Manipur Inter-state Tourist Bus Association has warned its member transporters that it would not allow them to continue services if they were caught transporting items banned by the RPF.

Govt to spell out steps to tackle Adivasi stir Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Dec 19 – Assam Government is likely to spell out the measures taken to tackle the situation arising out of the reservation stir launched by the Adivasis, at the meeting on Internal Security which will be chaired by the Prime Minister here tomorrow. The meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs to take stock of the internal security situation is being attended by Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, State DGP RN Mathur, besides top officials of the State Home Department. The MHA has already asked the States to furnish the strategy adopted to tackle the internal security situation. According to sources, the Chief Minister is likely to give an account of the measures taken to handle militancy and other law and order situation. The Adivasi agitation over scheduling is going to be touched upon, sources added.

A matter of concern for the State Government are reports of militant outfits like ULFA, NDFB and NSCN joining hands with the Adivasi militant outfits. The recent bomb blast at Rajdhani Express has shaken the State Government. Sources said State Chief Secretary, PC Sarma has been monitoring the Adivasi agitation on a daily basis. The effort of the State Government is to ensure that the situation does not get out of hand, like the Beltola incident. Security forces have been instructed to handle the situation with utmost care and resort to the extreme step only after clearance from Dispur.

Sources, however, blamed intelligence failure for the flare up involving the Adivasi agitation. “Even now there is very little intelligence input about their next move,” sources confided.

Meanwhile, the State Government would be hard put to explain the delay in recruitment of constables. The State Government bid to recruit the constables has been challenged in the court. Its attempt to hire ex-servicemen has also hit a road block following a demand for higher pay package. Meanwhile, sources in Home Ministry said that apart from the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern States, Naxalite violence and terrorism in the hinterland would be the main focus of the meeting. Among the measures to effectively deal with the threats to internal security, augmentation and modernisation of state police forces, training of police personnel, strengthening of the intelligence apparatus, and investigation of terrorism-related cases, security in mega cities, border management, bilateral and international co-operation would also figure in the day-long meeting.

Paranoia after Ulfa threat - Army steps up vigil in Upper Assam OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dibrugarh, Dec. 19: The army has intensified operations in Assam, especially in Sivasagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, in the wake of threats issued by Ulfa to some Congress candidates contesting the panchayat elections. Intelligence agencies have warned of a string of strikes by the proscribed Ulfa in the run-up to the three-phase panchayat elections in the state, slated for December 31, January 4 and 9. Ulfa would try to strike before the elections, basically to prove its existence and use the disruptions as publicity stunts, they warned.
The commander of the Charlie Company of the outfit’s 28 Battalion, Jiten Dutta, recently warned all Congress candidates, especially those who had deserted the party in the wake of the quit Congress notice issued by the outfit in February, but have rejoined the party ahead of the panchayat polls and are contesting the elections — of dire consequences. Dutta is also in charge of the Alpha Company of the outfit after the surrender of the commander of the company, Pranjal Saikia. Security has been beefed up in the light of these threats. “We have intensified operations in certain pockets like Tengakhat area in Dibrugarh district, Pengeri, Bordumsa, and Makum in Tinsukia district. The number of patrols has been increased and many columns are out at various locations. The intensity of the operations will increase in the days to come,” said Brig. Binoy Poonnen, commander of the Laipuli (Tinsukia)-based 181 Mountain Brigade.
Another senior officer based at Dinjan, the divisional headquarters of the 2 Mountain Division, said the 82 Mountain Brigade, headquartered at Tezu in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, has been asked to intensify vigil. The aim is to stop militants from fleeing after carrying out hit-and-run operations. “The 11 Sikh Light Infantry Regiment and the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles, both of which are under the 82 Mountain Brigade, have been asked to carry out operations along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. After the considerable success against Ulfa militants, particularly the 28 Battalion, we cannot let the initiative go,” a senior army official said from Dinjan.
However, intelligence reports said despite heightened operations, Ulfa has managed to issue threats to some Congress candidates. An intelligence source said a five-member group, led by self-styled sergeant major from the Alpha Company of the 28 battalion Tete Bezbaruah, is operating in the Mohong, Dirak and Pengeri areas of Tinsukia district.
“Another 12-member group, led by Diganta Moran alias Rocket, is operating in the Kordoiguri, Philobari and Bisnupur areas of Tinsukia, while Madhurjya Gohain is leading a third group in and around Tengakhat in Dibrugarh district.” Some Congress candidates who have reportedly received threats have sought police protection. Dibrugarh superintendent of police Anurag Agarwal said adequate measures are being taken to provide them with protection.
Cops continue hunt for Dimasa hit force OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Nagaon, Dec. 19: A day after the police force lost two of its men to Dimasa rebel bullets, intelligence sources revealed that a 20-member team of the Jewel Gorlosa faction has been deployed by the outfit specifically to attack security personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations in North Cachar Hills. Confirming the intelligence report, a senior North Cachar Hills police officer today said search operations were on to arrest the group belonging to the anti-talks faction of the Dima Halam Daogah that arrived here from Nagaland sometime in September.The police, however, refused to divulge whether this group was behind the series of attacks on security personnel and convoys of political leaders in the district in the recent past.
The faction killed two police officers and injured five others during an attack on an 8th Assam Police Battalion camp at Faiding, 4km from Mahur town, yesterday. “We retaliated well. But till now we are not sure whether any of them (the militants) died or were injured,” an officer said.Of the five injured, two are still undergoing treatment at Haflong civil hospital.
“The terrain of North Cachar Hills is not favourable for insurgency operations but it is a boon for the militant outfits. Withdrawal of 14 border outposts from the 50km inter-state boundary with Nagaland and Manipur has facilitated infiltration, making the situation even more critical,” an officer said. Dispur had deployed 14 companies of security forces just before the autonomous district council election, which ended on November 1. But the additional forces were withdrawn immediately after the polls. The police suspect that till about six months ago, the faction was not more than 250 members strong. In the past three months, its strength has crossed 500.
Opposition upset over stalled dialogue Mungpi Mizzima News
December 19, 2007 - Burma's main opposition party the National League for Democracy said the ruling junta should not prolong the process of dialogue but should start meetings with detained party leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the early initiation of the process of national reconciliation. Nyan Win, spokesperson of the NLD, Burma's main opposition party said by stalling the meetings between the government's Liaison Minister Aung Kyi and party secretary Aung San Suu Kyi, the national reconciliation process is being delayed.
Nyan Win said, "The preparation for the process of dialogue needs to conducted faster and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be given the opportunity to meet her party leaders to discuss the developments leading to the negotiation." Expressing signs of desperation, Nyan Win, however, said there are so far no signs from the ruling junta which hints at a meeting between pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Aung Kyi, the junta's Labor Minister. The 1991 Nobel Peace Laureate, who has spent 12 of the past 18 years in Burma in solitary confinement, on November 19, met for the third time the government appointed Liaison Minister.
While details of the meetings remain undisclosed, Aung Kyi during a press briefing in early December in Burma's new jungle capital, Nay Pyi Taw, said the talks were progressing.
"The first meeting was aimed at gaining an understanding between us. The second meeting was to discuss the framework for the future. The third meeting was to discuss the facts that should be included in the framework," Aung Kyi told a rare press conference on December 3. But Nyan Win said, with no indication of any meetings in the near future, the talks do not seem to show any sign of progress.
Ground Situation Despite the junta's claim of normalcy returning, critics said with the economic situation worsening, another protest could erupt anytime in the near future.

David Steinberg, Director of Asian Studies at Georgetown University, who visited Burma's news capital, Nay Pyi Taw in October, said the situation on the ground, particularly the economic situation, remains bad. "Unless there are changes in society, there will be other demonstrations at some time triggered by some incident but based on these deeper issues," Steinberg told Mizzima.
Following the September protests, activists, particularly youths, in Rangoon and other parts of Burma have formed satellite groups and have been conducting activities in defiance of the ruling junta. An activist in Rangoon, who wished not to be named told Mizzima, that they have urged the people to join them in a 'non-cooperation' movement against the ruling junta by boycotting the use of government run buses or buying things from stores run by the junta or its business cronies. Refuting the junta's claim that normalcy has returned in Burma, the NLD spokesperson Nyan Win said, "I do not believe things have changed on the ground. It is only getting worse with the rise in the prices of essential commodities."
Sean Turnell, Associate professor in the Department of Economics in Australia's Macquarie University, said, "Since the fuel rise, oil price has increased even more in international markets. There is nothing to suggest the [Burmese] regime's fiscal position has improved since the unrest." "Matters remain dire, and it's hard to be confident about Burma's immediate future," Turnell told Mizzima in an email interview.
Turning a deaf ear Despite increasing international and domestic pressure for changes, the Burmese military junta seems to be turning a deaf ear to the calls and is determined to continue with its planned seven-step roadmap, which critics said will enshrine the role of the military in the future constitution. The junta's Information Minister Kyaw Hsan during the press meeting on December 3, announced that work has begun by the 54 member committee, who were selected to draft the actual constitution based on the principles agreed at the National Convention.
Kyaw Hsan clearly indicated that the government is determined to continue with its planned road map and excluded opposition groups including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's party National League for Democracy (NLD), which flouts the suggestion of the international community including the United Nations. Gambari, the UN special envoy to Burma, who visited the country twice after the junta brutally cracked down on protesters in September, said during his meeting with government officials he had urged for an all inclusive process of dialogue that will include all political stake holders including the NLD and ethnic groups.
Win Min, a Burmese analyst based in Thailand, said "the Burmese junta is not interested in talks and are using the 'talks strategy' to ward off international pressure. So, we can expect the next round of talks will come about when there is another wave of pressure that hits the junta hard."
Meanwhile, the United States first lady Laura Bush, who met the United Nations special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, on Monday, said the Burmese junta has made no serious efforts to meet and talk with opposition groups to resolve the political crisis in Burma.
Mrs. Bush, in her statement released on Tuesday after her meeting with Gambari, said, "The junta has made no meaningful attempt to meet and talk with democratic activists. Instead it has continued to harass and detain them."
Forged normalcy The military junta, which suppressed popular protests led by monks in September resorting to violence, said peace and normalcy, had been restored after 'bogus monks' and 'destructive elements', showing dissidence, had instigated public unrest in September.
Kyaw Hsan, at the press conference on December 3, said normal life has returned in Rangoon and other parts of Burma and several monks and protesters, who were arrested in connection with the protests, have been released. However, with reports suggesting the closure of monasteries in Rangoon, a Thailand based activist group, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said, at least 700 monks and protesters still remain in detention.
Bo Kyi, secretary of the AAPP said, "Though the junta has released several monks and protesters, there are at least 700 or more who continue to be detained." "By releasing a few now and then, the junta is trying to show that it is responding to international calls," added Bo Kyi.
Talks still the best option Gambari, the UN special envoy to Burma, has urged the ruling junta to take 'bold steps' in implementing an all inclusive process of national reconciliation, which is the only genuine approach to solve the country's political, social and economic problems.
Gambari, speaking to reporters after briefing the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, said it is very important for Burma not to slide backwards or stay still but to move forward and take "very bold steps" to address the political crisis in the country. "The crisis is real and must be resolved or mitigated before other violence breaks out for whatever ostensible reason," Steinberg said.

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12/20/2007: "UNC on Naga unity- Nagaland Post"