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12/22/2007: "Muivah breaks silence over Niuland pact Source: Newmai News Network"
Muivah breaks silence over Niuland pact Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, December 21: After a month of keeping silent over the “Niuland Unity Declaration”, NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said tonight that no Naga hates unity but a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion in a place cannot be termed as unity.
Th Muivah in his statement said, “It goes without saying that everyone is for unity and no one is for division. I can affirmatively say that no Naga hates unity. Like it or not, unity among brethren or a people in principle, for a common future is not an option; it is a must.
Therefore, unity among Nagas in their National salvation line is a necessity and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) stand for that”.
The NSCN leader then countered with the poser, “But can we say a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion in a place as unity ? Certainly not, that is only a crowd which has nothing to do with the politics of unity.
An initiative for unity must carry a message of common vision, common faith and common political agenda. Unity goes its own way. It comes from the law of cementing principle, without which it is an artificial edifice. It must therefore, address the politics of common future”.
The NSCN-IM tough talking leader then opined, “ I do not believe in the policy of making a new friendship with the unprincipled at the cost of the faithful and steadfast old one. Neither do I believe in the politics of negotiation with adversaries at the expense of one’s own principle”.
Th.Muivah then stated, “Some talk of unity devoid of common agenda, some talk of unity only for the sake of unity. And some other talk of it with ulterior motive behind to deceive the people.
Unity among the Nagas is a serious matter which can never be dealt with by any irrational, unauthorized and unmandated individual or group of individuals. We must always beware of false preachers who are out to do away with national issue in the sweet name of unity, peace, development and democracy”. He also said that “ours” is a political issue which is now increasingly capturing the attention and support of the international community.
Th.Muivah further stated that, indeed, it is the issue where the future of the present and the coming generations of “our people are involved”.
The NSCN-IM leader further opined that hundreds or even more may run away from the people to join forces with the adversaries, but “people” will never run away. “Thousands of spineless workers may be purchased with blood-stained money and tinsel status, but people can never be bought with money in the bank. Hundreds or thousands may be killed, but the issue can, in no way be murdered. India using her military might, divide and rule policy, collaborators, instruments of state terrorism and money has tried the best she could to wipe out the spirit of Naga nationalism, but all have ended in futile exercises. No matter how long it may take, we, the Naga people will stand our ground against aggression”, pledged Th.Muivah.
He then defines the term unity and said that by unity “we meant unity of all Nagas irrespective of the artificial boundaries, not the unity of few sections of people. By unification we also meant unification of the whole Naga homeland”.
The NSCN-IM general secretary concluded his statement by saying, “Now some Indian-state-backed unruly elements are attempting to create undesirable situations, to disturb the on-going peace process and the peaceful co-existence in Nagalim,” and cautions that before the “enemies of peace carry out their plot, I warn our people to be alert so that we do not become victims of the divisive forces.
This is the right moment to stand up against such socio-political evils”.
UNC critical of ‘unification’ move Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21: Taking serious note of the recent move by the ‘Unification Team’ for initiating a unification process among the Naga armed outfits, the United Naga Council (UNC) observed that the whole process has demeaned the very purpose of Naga political struggle which is more than seven decades old.
A statement issued by UNC general secretary Azang Longmei informed that it is deeply concerned about the unification process as thousands of Nagas belonging to both small and big tribes have laid down their lives for this ‘noble cause’, particularly when responsible leaders have officially declared that the unification will be ‘exclusive’.
Stating that its statement should not be misconstrued, the UNC maintained that it should be viewed with due consideration for it concerns 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”.
The UNC was very much a part of the discussion of the consultative meeting of all Naga tribe Hohos, churches, women bodies, human rights organisations, youths and students’ organisations held under the aegis of Naga Hoho on December 2 at Kohima and also the subsequent proceedings which was published in the media on December 4 which declared 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”, reminded the UNC.
It observed that collective understanding of the core issues confronting Nagas in many facets can be a milestone in the Naga struggle for just peace. However, at the given situation if some Naga leaders, intellectuals and organisation prefer to take the role of neutrality, then it will be negating the very essence of true healing and also the reconciliation process, alleged the UNC.
“We are firm and we stand by 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 out sacred struggle with clear common vision derived from the basis laid down by our pioneers, elders and leaders from generation to generation”, declared the UNC.
Muivah hits out at unification move Nagaland post
DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th.Muivah has hit out at the ongoing unification move by describing those involved as “unprincipled” and “spineless workers”.
In a hard hitting statement, while affirming that unity among Nagas was imperative, Muivah said “unity among the Nagas in their national salvation line is a necessity” for which the NSCN (I-M) also stood for.
However, Muivah questioned the ongoing unification move saying that “a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion” was only a “crowd which has nothing to do with the politics of unity.”
He said any effort for unity must address the “politics of common future” through the message of “common wisdom, common faith and common political agenda” otherwise it would be an “artificial edifice.”
Rejecting moves for “making new friendship with the unprincipled at the cost of the faithful and steadfast old one” Muivah said he also did not believe in the “politics of negotiation with the adversaries at the expense of one’s own principle.”
According to the NSCN (I-M) general secretary, some talked of unity “devoid of common agenda”, some “only for the sake of unity” while some talk of unity “with an ulterior motive behind to deceive the people.”
He said unity among Nagas was a serious matter which could never be dealt with by “any irrational, unauthorized and unmandated individual or group.”
Muivah sounded a note of caution to beware of “false preachers who are out to do away with the national issue in the sweet name of unity, peace, development and democracy.”
According to Muivah, unity meant inclusion of all Nagas irrespective of artificial boundaries but “ not the unity of a few sections of people” adding it meant “unification of the whole Naga homeland.”
Asserting that the Naga political issue was “capturing the attention and support of the international community” as it was an issue dealing with the future of the present and coming generations, Muivah said though many may run away from the people to join forces with the adversaries, yet the people would not run away.
He said though “thousands of spineless workers” may be purchased with “blood stained money and tinsel status”, yet the “people can never be bought with money in the bank.” He also said the issue could never be murdered even if “hundreds or thousands may be killed”.
Muivah said though the Government of India was using military might, divide and rule policy, collaborators, instruments of state terrorism and money, to wipe out the spirit of Naga nationalism; yet it was all futile.
He said the Naga people would stand their ground, not matter how long it took.
Accusing “some Indian state-backed unruly elements” of trying to create undesirable situation to disturb the ongoing peace process and peaceful coexistence at home, Muivah warned that before “the enemies of peace carry out their plot”, the people be alert so as not become victims of “divisive forces” adding it was the right moment to “stand up against such socio-political evils.”
‘Unification’ group grateful to God The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 21 (MExN): The NSCN (unification) informed to have held a “thanksgiving” prayer service at the “unification camp for enabling the ongoing peace and reconciliation effort “to attain its 30 days process…”
A note from the ‘publicity cell’ of the NSCN (unification) said the period was attained without hostilities and “negative outcome.” Rather, a positive response from all quarters was prayed for to enhance the peace and unity process. The NSCN (U) stated that God’s grace and the unceasing prayers of all peace-loving Naga people that thus far “bloodshed has been averte” . The NSCN (U) also appealed to all for moral and prayer support “so that the Naga people can be unified and bloodshed in our land could cease…”
The NSCN (U) also mentioned kidnappings, extortions and likened anti-social activities have been on the rise, by, the group claimed “pseudo-national workers.” The NSCN (U) maintained that the miscreants are taking advantage of the “prevailing situation” to fill their coffers and smear the “image” of the underground workers. The NSCN (U) cautions the public and business community to be vigilant and take care that they are not victimized by the miscreants.
In support of unification- Nagaland post
I the undersigned would like to extend unconditional support to the current unification process and deeply appreciate the GBs, DBs, Naga Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho for taking the constructive step to bring the Nagas under one umbrella.
In fact, the step taking by the mentioned NGOs and sensible leaders of both the factions was indeed praiseworthy. The true Christian spirit and the spirit of brotherhood shown by the leaders of both factions deserve support by all sections of Naga society. In order to achieve our ultimate goal, positive attitude is indispensable. In this regard, I appeal to one and all to think positive to the present issue and most of all to follow the policy of forgive and forget, the highest code of moral conduct of all mankind, so that the full unification is achieved. I am convinced that this step can motivate and orient our society in a more positive way in every respect. I once again appeal to all right thinking Nagas to wholeheartedly support the ongoing process of unification.
Tokugha Zhimo, Brigadier cum Supervisor, Sumi Region FGN
Kukis, Nagas pledge to work for common cause The Morung Express Newmai News Network
Imphal | Terming it as a historic moment, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) have finally come together and pledged to “work hand in hand” for the peaceful co-existence and communal harmony amongst all the communities. Both the top organisation also agreed to “defend and develop the common tribal interest.”
The KIM and UNC in a programme under the theme “Get-Together” held on December 15 took the significant decision to work for a common cause.
Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) general secretary Thangkhosei Haokip and UNC care-taker Samson Remmei informed this development to Newmai News Network this evening while appealing to all civil society organisations not to call any bandh/strike, blockade during the Christmas and New Year season. The two organisations also appealed to all the underground groups operating in Manipur not to carry out violent activities during this festive season.
“KIM and UNC send out joyous greetings and wishes to all the people a merry Christmas and a happy New Year”, stated the message of the two bodies while expressing hope that the coming Christmas and New Year would bring eternal peace, communal harmony and understanding amongst all the communities.
Heartland study tours for villagers The Telegraph
The 40 Assam Rifles recently organised academic tours to New Delhi and Jaipur under the aegis of headquarters, 5 Sector of the paramilitary force, and the headquarters of inspector-general of Assam Rifles (North). A 20-member team, accompanied by two guides, left Lotha in Wokha district of Nagaland on December 10. The event was flagged off by inspector-general Maj. Gen. K.S. Sethi. “The IGAR (N) has been organising tours for the youths and the elderly of Nagaland to enable villagers travel to places of historical and academic interest and broaden their outlook,” Gen. Sethi said. “I hope the inhabitants of Lotha derive maximum benefit from the tour and share memories and information with others back home.”
On December 4, a trip to Jaipur and New Delhi was flagged off by inspector-general, Assam Rilfes, (South) Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa. The tour was organised by the 1st Assam Rifles.
The team comprised 18 school students from Kuki and Tangkhul tribes of Manipur.
Friend in need The 18 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under the headquarters of inspector-general Assam Rifles (South) supplied drinking water to poor villagers of Saivom this year too. With the onset of winter, Saivom and its neighbouring villages face acute shortage of water for daily use. The unit has been helping the villagers by providing them medical aid, hygiene and sanitation besides monetary assistance. It also organises sports, cultural events and youth club meetings. The villagers appreciated the Assam Rifles’s endeavour to forge a bond between security forces and the people of the locality.
Medical camp A joint team of doctors of the 2 Assam Rifles and the 3 Rajputana Rifles of 27 Sector under headquarters of inspector-general Assam Rifles (South) held a two-day medical camp from December 8 for the villagers of Tipaimukh subdivision in Manipur who are prone to various types of diseases. The Assam Rifles has been concentrating on providing medical cover to these villages where healthcare facilities hardly exist.
The 2 Assam Rifles and the 3 Rajputana Rifles have been running hospitals at Thanlon, Aina and Leizangphai in Thanlon and Henglep subdivisions. The hospitals help people of the locality fight malaria and other diseases prevalent in the region. The 22 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) based at Maram recently conducted a medical camp in Tuiyeng, one of the remotest villages in Senapati district. Located about 85km from National Highway 39 on Maram-Peren Road, it is the first medical camp for the villagers of Zeme, bordering Nagaland.
Clarion call to the Naga youth- Nagaland post
1. The Central Youth wing of Nagaland People's Front (NPF) extends our warmest greetings and best wishes to all the Youth of Nagaland. The NPF led Dan Government has completed almost 5(five) years with full of developments and activities. It's an achievement for all the loving Nagas. This is the time for the Youth of Nagaland to come together and retrospect the achievement and developments during the last five years with justifiable satisfaction and also to introspect our future plans to develop Nagaland into a modern state worth its name under the undisputed leadership of Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland. The NPF Party is the only political Party which represents the aspiration of the people, the only political party which sincerely works for the welfare of the people of Nagaland, where leadership is provided collectively with the people at the grassroots level as the high command
2. The government under the visionary leadership of Neiphiu Rio has given top priority to development of youth by successively declaring 2004 and 2005 as "Year of Youth Empowerment". The people of Nagaland have enjoyed peace, tranquility and progress under the present government.
3. The Congress party is 'confused' and fighting amongst themselves. We have tasted them enough. The Congress leaders are creating differences in the society. The Congress leaders in Nagaland are merely a puppet in the hands of the Centre, Regional party in Nagaland" has in history of 40 years or more. The Regional party is a gift of great leaders. Let us salute the great champions of this Regional party like late. A. Kevichüsa, late. Vamuzo, and Vizol etc. The fact is that they are now trying to paint the Regional party in wrong colours is a sign of the fear and the uncertain future that faces them which dearly indicates that this is a sign of weakness and not a sign of strength.
4. Some Congress leaders also said that some districts are neglected or discriminated by DAN government. No, these are totally false that some districts are neglected. All 11 (eleven) districts of Nagaland are the beneficiaries of the accelerated process of development, which the DAN government launched. If anyone looks at the developmental activities, we think all the districts in Nagaland are getting its due share and it will continue to get its due share. The DAN government has treated all the districts with the same yardstick .We repudiate the charge that some districts being discriminated against every inch and corner of the state are an equal beneficiary of the developing wave that is now sweeping all over the state. Some Congress leaders are making false promises and announcing big projects to be implemented by misleading the Naga Youths. They resort to the same lies as before.
5. The Regional Party ties with the people. Help NPF for another 5 years to effect a total changes which are yet to be fully developed. Give another chance. Vote for the NPF to bring in a change for al better future of the youth. If NPF come to power again; the people of the state will have a feeling that the government belong to them and that the government is there to protect their rights and liberty regardless of their political affiliation.
6. The series of MLA resigning from NPF as well as MLA's from the DAN conglomeration were an outcome of so many intending candidates seeking NPF party ticket in the forthcoming Assembly Election. They resigned because the N'PF could not assure party ticket to them. Now, it's good that all the complicated leaders are out of the part NPF, as of now, is facing the dissensions. Sooner or later, the Congress would face similar dissensions in their camp. Once the Congress party comes out with its list of candidates, every one of us will see a lot of defection into our camp.
7. It is time for the Naga youths to look beyond 2008 election under the Leadership of Neiphiu Rio, the darling of Naga youth to build a more strong state of Nagaland, to offer a more transparent and honest government.
8. God's willing, Youth of Nagaland have many more future and plans as our leaders did during the last 5 years. Now it's time for us to speak out the truth before our silence is misunderstood. "Therefore, today, the NPF Youth Wing Nagaland earnestly request the youth of Nagaland to go to the common people and let them understand the development achievements and future course of plans to develop Nagaland. Wishing all the youths that this Christmas brings peace and prosperous New Year to this blessed Land of ours.
Kakuto Shohe, President Moanungsang, Gen Secy, Youth wing, NPF
WSYF on unification- Nagaland Post
The Western Sumi Youth Front would like to express sincere appreciation to the cadres of different Naga Revolut-ionary Factions for deciding to unify in order to cease bloodshed and fratricidal killings in Nagaland. The Youth Front fully supports the initiatives undertaken by different Naga NGOs. The Youth Front would like to salute the GB's and DB's Forum of Nagaland, the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho for ushering in unification which had always been the dreams of every Naga citizen. The Youth Front is of clear conscience that the Herculean task undertaken by the different NGOs is purely to stop bloodshed and fratricidal killings in Nagaland and, therefore, should not be twisted into communal issue.
The Youth Front further appeals to all factions to maintain utmost restraint in order to prevent additional bloodshed in Western Sumi inhabited areas in particular and Nagaland in general. In this regard, the Youth Front urges every Naga to stay alert and ready to intervene and defuse in case of an emergence of any untoward situation that may lead to more senseless fratricide.
In clarification to the allegation published by the NSCN (I-M)that the WSYF is collecting arms and ammunition from arm dealers in Dimapur, the Youth Front strongly disown the baseless allegation. The Western Sumi Youth Front in an organization which is formed with a sole intention to protect and preserve our traditions and its heritage and to maintain cordial relationship with all tribes. Therefore, the Youth Front appeals to the authorities of the NSCN (I-M) not to issue such article to malign the good reputation of the Front. The Front would also like to assure the NSCN (I-M) that the WSYF is not an adversary of the NSCN (I-M) rather, the Youth Front has always upheld it as a responsible outfit.
Kakiye Zhimo, president, Mughavi Chishi, press secy, Western Sumi Youth Front
NPA expects 'speedy decision' from Centre (Page News Service)
Dimapur, December 21: The Congress led Nagaland Progress Alliance today met several Central leaders including UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister for External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee and Political Secretary to AICC President, Ahmed Patel and apprised them of the latest political uncertainty in Nagaland including the "unconstitutional actions" of the Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Leader of the NPA, I Imkong said that they also consulted legal luminaries.
"We intend to stay on till a decision is taken by the Government of India and we are willing to sacrifice spending Christmas with family members in the interest of the people of Nagaland particularly the Congress men and women in the State," Imkong said in a statement issued from New Delhi," adding, "We expect a speedy decision from the Centre."
The NPA also condemned the way in which the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has briefed the media yesterday that some Central leaders assured him that there will be no President's Rule.
This shows his lack of political responsibility and maturity and also his false assurance to those who have to sink with him, Imkong said adding, "As a responsible Chief Minister, he ought to have resigned on the Floor of the House on December 13, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. when he lost the confidence of 31 Members of the 55 Member House."
An Image of Nagaland - Pól Ó Géibheannaigh Artdaily.Org
LONDON.- Brunei Gallery SOAS, presents An Image of Nagaland - A photographic exhibition by Pól Ó Géibheannaigh, on view 17 January – 22 March 2008. The photographs included in this exhibition were taken in and around Kohima the capital of Nagaland in north-eastern India in December, 2000. They show the participation of tribes of Nagaland in the first Hornbill Festival celebrating the sacred bird of the Naga peoples, an annual festival that now takes place between the 1st & 5th of December every year. All of the Naga tribes unite to celebrate the occasion.
The Festival is named after the Hornbill bird which is a part of Naga identity that shows up in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes which is deeply embedded in their cultural history. The imagery, the costume, the enactment of totemic dance is all a part of an ancient ritual, but the circumstances in which these photographs were taken were far removed from a simple anthropological recording of a people’s past. These pictures celebrate a sense of identity which marks a period of optimism in north-eastern India after the difficult period of Naga history. The state of Nagaland boasts 16 major tribes; a number of these are presented here. The names of the tribes are not a typical recitation of Indian ethnic groups - Angami, Ao, Chakhesang , Chang, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Konyak, Kukis, Lothas, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru, and the Zeliang.
In 1947, two-thirds of the land of the Nagas was apportioned to the Indian Federal Union and the rest of their territory fell within the borders of Burma/Myanmar. In the years following 1947, a sense of Naga nationalism arose with the generation of A.Z.Phizo, one of the nationalist leaders who emerged in the period of Indo-Naga war, even down to very recent times a troubled relationship has persisted between New Delhi and the Naga people.
When these photographs were taken in 2000 a ceasefire had just been arranged between the Indian government and the National Nagaland Socialist Council, the Issak-Muviah (NSCN-IM). The Nagas were able, almost for the first time since the establishment of the Indian Federal Union, to celebrate their culture. It is in this atmosphere that they celebrated in 2000 the Hornbill festival. For the photographer, to be at Kohima at the cessation of hostilities, as a guest of the Ao tribe of the Naga, was an honour. Pól travelled amongst the various tribes and regions and captured these and other images of Nagaland.
Hectic political activities on in Nagaland ahead of Feb polls PTI Times of India
KOHIMA: Hectic political activities are on in Nagaland as the insurgency-hit state goes to the polls in February. Seven legislators, including former finance minister K Therie, have already quit the Assembly as well as the ruling Nagaland People's Front (NPF), led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Cashing in on the growing intra-NPF differences, the opposition Congress recently formed Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) along the resigned NPF legislators and moved a no-confidence motion against the Rio government. The move fell through as the Speaker did not allow the resigned MLAs to vote.
Along with NGOs, the Neiphiu Rio government claimed to have played the role of a facilitator to the Naga peace process. But the Congress alleges that the government has failed to rein in warring underground groups by enforcing the cease-fire ground rules.
The cease-fire between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) has completed ten years. The truce was extended for an indefinite period in August. Although over 50 rounds of talks have been held since the process was started, so far no major breakthrough has come through.
The NSCN (I-M)'s demands basically revolve around a special federal relationship between the Nagas and New Delhi and unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the region into a single administrative unit, a demand other north eastern states have opposed.
Amid routine clashes between rival groups of NSCN, various civil society organisations and churches continued their efforts throughout the year to bring about some understanding and re-conciliation among the warring factions.
The Rio government intensified its development efforts in the election year. All district headquarters towns were recently connected with the state capital by introducing Pawan Hans helicopter service. The government declared 2006-07 as the year of farmers. The state also put serious efforts for generation of employment in the information technology sector. Similarly, Nagaland's potential as investment destination was showcased at various trade fairs, including the North-east Business Summit at Bangkok.
All-party delegation from Manipur meets PM
New Delhi, December 21 (PTI): An all-party delegation from Manipur on Friday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and requested him to stall the delimitation exercise in the state, saying revamping of constituencies is being carried out on the basis of the 2001 census report, which is "flawed". The 11-member delegation led by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh urged the Prime Minister to take steps to maintain status quo in the constituencies as all political parties of the state are opposing the exercise. "The Prime Minister listened to our demands patiently and told us that he would look into the matter," the General Secretary of Manipur unit of NCP, Sarat Kumar, who was part of the delegation, told PTI.
Terming the 2001 census report as "flawed" and "bogus", he said no political party in the state would accept the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission.
"The 2001 census report is flawed and bogus as according to it the population growth rate is above 150 per cent in some areas and less than two per cent in many areas," he said. "We are for maintaining status quo in the constituencies," he said.
Asked about whether the law and order situation of the state figured in the meeting, Kumar said only delimitation exercise was discussed. The delegation also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and requested him to suspend the delimitation exercise in Manipur until the 2001 census was "corrected". Representatives of the Congress, NCP, BJP, CPI, CPI(M), RJD and Manipur People's Party were part of the delegation.
Sino-Indian joint military exercise begins Assam tribune
KUNMING (China), Dec 21 – In a groundbreaking confidence building measure, India and China today launched their first-ever joint military exercise marked by a spirit of camaderie in this southwestern province, upgrading the ties between the two armies to a new high, reports PTI. After the five-day exercise focused on anti-terrorism operations kickstarted at the Kunming Military Academy here, ground forces of People’s Liberation Army and India demonstrated their tactics and skills, displayed weapons and equipment and test fired from each other’s weapons in a high point of the day’s drills.
The ball for the exercise codenamed “Hand in Hand 2007” reflecting the warmer relations between the two armies, was set rolling after the opening ceremony which saw the national flags of both nations being raised to the national anthems played by the PLA band in the presence of senior military officials from both sides.
Chinese and Indian soldiers were hawk-eyed as they closely watched the skills displayed by each other and responded with repeated rounds of applause admiring each other’s combat fitness. A highlight of the day was the standing ovation given by the Red Army men to Indian soldiers for the “Malkambh” exercise performed on a pole.
The day got off to the start with Chinese soldiers displaying their skills in “Hard Qigong”, a martial arts form, that put their robustness to the severest test, as the Indian troops watched it in awe and clapped in appreciation.
This was followed by Chinese troops clearing their way through explosions from bombs and hand grenades firing at short intervals and rocket launcher in an anti-terrorist drill.
After the manoeuvres by their men, the PLA displayed Chinese-made weapons including automatic rifles, machine guns, semi-automatic weapons, automatic grenade launcher, rocket launcher and transport vehicle for troop mobility, with Indian soldiers and officers taking a close look at them. It was the turn of the Indian troops in the afternoon to expose their Chinese counterparts to their skills, which began with display of weapons including automatic grenade launcher, rocket launcher, medium machine gun, sniper rifle and light machine guns developed by India under the Indian New Small Arms System.
The Chinese soldiers and military officials showed curiosity and interest in eliciting details of their characteristics from Indian armymen who explained the same to them with enthusiasm, winning nod of appreciation. Indian soldiers also demonstrated their skills in Yoga, which is spreading its wings in China, particularly cities, followed by “Malkhamb”.
As Indian personnel performed various acrobatics and even Yogasanas on the pole, they were greeted with loud cries of “Hoi, Hoi”, from the Chinese army in admiration and received a standing ovation with a deafening round of applause. In an anti-terrorist drill, Indian army cleared a building where terrorists were holding hostages in a rapid action and rescued them. Chinese soldiers watched with bated breath as two Indian army men on the move fired at targets with their other colleagues standing next to the targets. Such training is given to build confidence in the troops, an army official said.
New Kuki outfit floated Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 21 :A faction of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) called Kuki Revolutionary Army (Unification), in short KRA (U) has started its operation in Saikul area since August 21. The new faction has been floated under the leadership of founder member of KRA David Chongloi, Rocky and Sehkkam. Along with formation of KRA (U), a meeting of the Central Committee of the outfit has also unanimously elected David Chongloi as its president, W Lincoln as general secretary, Ch Rocky as defence secretary, Kh Hills as finance secretary and Ch Lenin as publicity secretary. Announcing this while talking to a group of mediapersons somewhere in Karbi Anglong area in Assam yesterday, KRA (U) president David Chongloi said the main objective of the outfit is to bring about unification and work towards achieving the common goal. He said that KRA (U) would work for the welfare of Kukis, Meiteis and other communities, and sought the co-operation and support of all the communities in the activities of the outfit.
Terrorism, migrants issue put up by state at CMs` conference; Role of intelligence, media also mulled The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 21: Strengthening of state machineries for gathering intelligence in respect of terrorism and suspicious elements, including outsiders and to enhance checking of illegal migrants and overstaying of foreigners in the state were among the issues taken up in the context of terrorism in Manipur at the chief ministers` conference at New Delhi on Thursday. Exploring the issues needed to be tackled by the state, the Manipur delegation led by state chief minister proposed to set up/strengthen anti-terrorism squads or special task force to deal with terrorist activities, an official source said Friday.
While stressing on the need to lay greater attention on verification of identity documents and background check on Bangladeshi migrants and overstaying foreigners, particularly Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, and suspicious movement of any outsiders in the Manipur, the delegation proposed for strengthening the state police and its special branches, the source said.
A delegation from Manipur led by state chief minister O Ibobi Singh comprising of state chief secretary Jarnail Singh, principal secretary home and state DGP Y Joykumar participated in the conference of chief ministers on internal security on Thursday (December 20) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
The state needs to improve the network with private security agencies, NGOs and other vigilant public groups and proactively maintain a regular dialogue with community leaders at different levels so as to detect fringe local elements who provide logistical support and `foot soldiers` to the external elements in pursuing their terrorists agenda. Apart from strengthening of the special branches, there is need for the revival of the traditional beat constable system to gather human intelligence in respect of terrorist and suspicious elements, including outsiders, the state proposed.
"It is necessary that intelligence regularly flow not only between the Centre and the state but also between the states," the state delegation stated according to the source. For effective implementation of the state proposal it will need to establish institutionalized arrangements to facilitate smooth inter-state sharing of intelligence, in coordination with intelligence bureau, IB. The sharing of information obtained during interrogation of arrested terrorists by some states is also equally important with the concerned authorities in other states, the state proposed. Manipur needs a massive programme of installing access control systems, CCTVs cameras etc. at public places on a priority basis in the context of management of private establishments such as malls shopping complexes, cinema halls, public parks, etc.
These places need to be looked after by professional private security agencies apart from physical security, the delegation stated. Citing that it has not been possible for the state law enforcement agencies to successfully investigate many of the cases of terrorist violence particularly in the hinterland, the state also laid emphasis on the requirement for establishing concurrent jurisdiction of a Central agency to take up investigation of selected cases of terrorism and related crimes which have inter-state/external ramifications.
The state put up the proposal in view of the fact that such cases have variably inter-state/international linkages, the source said. The need for regular sensitization of the media about the role they can play in preventing and dealing with terrorist activities also focused in the conference, the source informed.
EU allocates 18 million Euro more to Burma Mizzima News
December 21, 2007 - The European Commission's decision to allocate another 18 million Euros (USD 26 million) on Thursday is welcome but it has to be ensured that the aid reaches the needy and not the ruling generals, an ethnic leader said. Harn Yawnghwe, director of Euro-Burma office in Belgium, said with the deteriorating economic and political system in Burma, the EU's humanitarian aid for the people of Burma is needed more than ever.
"But it must be ensured that the aid reaches safely to the people and not the generals, otherwise it will be meaningless," Yawnghwe said. The European Union on Thursday said the aid will be targeted for vulnerable rural people living in remote frontiers including Arakan, Shan, Mon, Karen states and Sagaing and Thanintharyi division.
Besides, the fund will also target 138,000 Burmese refugees living in camps along the Thai-Burmese border. The European Union has been providing humanitarian aid to Burma since 1994. It has allocated more than 100 million euros to the country since 2000.
