Nagalim.NL News

Home » Archives » December 2007 » Unity move a 'crowd': Miuvah NDTV.com Press Trust of India

[Previous entry: "Naga Cong in losing battle - Ao’s dismiss-Rio demand falls on Delhi’s deaf ears OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"] [Next entry: "Guns rob Nagas of X’mas spirit OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph"]

12/24/2007: "Unity move a 'crowd': Miuvah NDTV.com Press Trust of India"



Unity move a 'crowd': Miuvah NDTV.com Press Trust of India

(Kohima) Against the backdrop of efforts to unify warring Naga rebel groups, the NSCN(I-M) today described the reconciliation move as a ''crowd''. Breaking his silence on the issue, NSCN(I-M) general secretary Th Muivah said ''a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion... is only a crowd which has nothing to do with the politics of unity''.

Muivah, who is the dominant rebel group's chief peace negotiator with the Centre, said in a statement unity meant ''unification of the whole Nagalim'' irrespective of ''artificial boundaries, not unity of a few sections of people''.

''It goes without saying everyone is for unity and no one is for division,'' he said adding that he did not believe in the ''policy of making a new friendship with unprincipled people at the cost of the steadfast old ones''.

Neither did he believe in the ''politics of negotiation with adversaries at the expense of one's own principle'', the statement said. NSCN (Isak-Muivah), NSCN (Khaplang) and the Adino group of Naga rebels signed a pact recently when the Nagaland Gaonburas (village chiefs) and Dobashis (interpreters) joint forum met here to put an end to killings, kidnapping and extortions in Nagaland.
Bloodletting between the factions has come down in the past few weeks as a result.
Let peace, goodwill prevail: Swu The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 23 (MExN): NSCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu has stated that this year’s Christmas was going to be more meaningful to the Nagas than the past ones for “it is going to be more pertinent to the present situation in Nagalim”. In this regard, Swu in his Christmas message has called for peace and goodwill among the Nagas and called on the entire Naga population to exercise reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion pointing out that those who will go against this spirit of rejoicing will receive condemnation from God. Swu in his message stated that if Nagas were prepared to accept repentance and reconciliation, then “God’s compassionate scheme will find its fulfillment during this Christmas season”.
Pointing out that Christmas is the season during which time “God displayed His agape love to the whole of humanity”, Swu reminded that Jesus came from the “heavenly realms to bring reconciliation between God and man” and the concept of saving or redeeming people from their sin and death originated from God and was fulfilled by sending His Son Jesus Christ to this world on this occasion.
“Therefore Christmas is a special moment for all Christians in particular and the whole humanity in general”, Swu stated and urged Nagas to ponder this point very deeply pointing out that if there is no Christmas then there would be no salvation and that God through His redeeming love planned to reconcile with His children and through His compassionate perspective gave Christmas as a gift to all of us. “Let the message brought by the angels—Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men prevail in Nagalim today abundantly”, Swu stated.
‘Let us bury the past bitterness’ The Morung Express
Imphal, December 23 (NNN): The Kuki Students Organisation, General Headquarters (KSO) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) while sending out a joint Christmas greetings and New Year wishes, have appealed to both underground groups and the general public not to resort to any form of violence during Christmas time. The Kuki and the Naga students' bodies jointly appealed fervently to maintain peace and tranquility and so that everyone can enjoy the Christmas celebration with their near and dear ones. Christmas time is one special moment where the family members from far and near come together and share the joyous occasion.
Paul Langhu and P.Simte in a joint statement appealed all sections of the people to prepare to truly adhere to the teaching of Jesus Christ with the observation of Christmas. "Let us bury the past bitterness, hatred and vengeance in the name of Christ," stated the ANSAM-KSO statement. It appealed to everyone to imbibe the responsibility to follow the foot-steps of Jesus Christ; and to be the torch bearers of peace, humility, gentleness, compassion and serve to restore the truth and justice in the society.
Factional clash leaves two dead Newmai News Network
Imphal | Two militants, including a militant "sergeant" were killed in a clash with another armed underground group yesterday at around 6.30 pm at Nongpok Keithelmanbi village, 13 kilometres north-east of Yairipok police station in Thoubal district of Manipur. A police source said a long gun battle between suspected People's Liberation Army (PLA) cadres and combined forces of Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki National Front (KNF-P) took place yesterday at Nongpok Keithelmanbi which resulted in the death of two PLA cadres, including a sergeant of the outfit.
The corpses of the two militants have been retrieved by the police this morning from Utubi Lamkhai, near Thoubal Multipurpose Project area in Thoubal district. The dead bodies were deposited at Lilong mortuary. Locals heard the sounds of heavy gunfight among the militant groups yesterday at around 6.30 pm and lasted till 1.30 am today. Both sides have reportedly resorted to use of bombs during the gunfight. Stray bullets have also landed in the nearby villages. No civilian casualties have been reported however. The cause of the factional clash could not be established yet. Detail reports are awaited till the filing of this story to ascertain whether there are further casualties.
NSCN(I-M) rejects `politics of negotiation`



Kohima, DEC23 : The move to put an end to the internecine clashes between Naga rebels and bring them under a single platform received a jolt today with NSCN(I-M) terming it "politics of negotiation" and that it should have a common vision.

Going public for the first time since Nagaland Gaonburas (village chiefs) and Dobashis (interpreters) joint forum met, NSCN(I-M) general secretary Th Muivah questioned "whether a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion" could be termed unity. "Certainly not, that is only a crowd which has nothing to do with the politics of unity," Muivah, who is the dominant Naga rebel group's chief peace negotiator with the Centre, said in a statement.

He said unity of all Nagas irrespective of "artificial boundaries, not the unity of a few sections of people" and meant "unification of the whole Naga homeland". "It goes without saying everyone is for unity and no one is for division" but the "policy of making a new friendship with unprincipled people at the cost of the steadfast old ones" was something he did not believe in, he said.

Neither did he believe in the "politics of negotiation with adversaries at the expense of one's own principle", the statement said. As a first step towards unity, NSCN (Isak-Muivah), NSCN (Khaplang) and 'Federal Government of Nagaland' (Adino group) signed a pact here recently to halt killings, kidnapping and extortions in Nagaland, due to which factional fighting has come down in the past couple of weeks. Muivah, the chief peace negotiator for NSCN (I-M) with the Centre, however, questioned "as to whether a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion" could be termed as unity. "Certainly not, that is only a crowd which has nothing to do with the politics of unity".

The NSCN (I-M) general secretary insisted that any initiative for unity must carry the "message of common vision, common faith and common political agenda".

Muivah stated that "whether one likes it or not, unity among bretheren or people in principle for a common future is not an opinion but a must and therefore unity among the Nagas for their national salvation is a necessity and National Socialist Council of Nagalim stands for that'. "It goes without saying that everyone is for unity and no one is for division," the General Secretary asserted adding, "I can affirmatively say that no Naga hates unity". However, Muivah said he did not believe in the "policy of making a new friendship with unprincipled people at the cost of the faithful and steadfast old ones and neither did he believe in the "politics of negotiation with adversaries at the expense of one's own principle". [zeenews]

Monthlong celebrations in Nagaland OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Dec. 23: The countdown for Christmas has begun in Nagaland. With only two days left, people are busy with their last-minute shopping, exchanging gifts and even food packets.
All district headquarters, local civic bodies and district administrations have been directed to keep the shops open even on Sundays to enable the residents to wrap up their shopping.
Christmas in Nagaland is an impressive and a colourful affair. The state comprises mostly Christians and most of them are American Baptists. The celebrations, which begin from December 1, continue for the entire month. Even the non-Christians join in the celebrations, breaking the shackles of religious difference.
On December 25, the celebration starts with the church services. Carols are sung in both English and local dialects. Midnight masses are held in every church and attended by a large section of the community. Besides the traditional Naga dishes, the contemporary Indian and foreign multi-cuisine is also popular among the young generations.
With elections approaching, ministers and MLAs are also making the most of the festive season. They have rushed to their respective constituencies to celebrate Christmas. But 16 Congress legislators, two JD(U) and few dissidents of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland are determined to celebrate Christmas in New Delhi till the present Nagaland government is dismissed. The Leader of the Opposition, I. Imkong Ao, said they are ready to spend Christmas in Delhi to convince the central leaders to dismiss chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s government.
Stable, alive and kicking: DAN govt- Nagaland Post
1. For the past few days, the people of Nagaland have been bombarded by silly and mischievous information's propagated by the Congress, lead by I. Imkong. Leader of the opposition, polluting the political atmosphere of the state.
2. In order to clear the air, it is pertinent to retrospectively examine and analyse the murderous campaign of the Congress party, lest I. Imkong and his coterie may take the innocent general public for a joy ride.
3. The Congress party had exercised every available option to topple mandated and constitutionally installed DAN government for the past almost 5 (five) years, which was conformed by more other than I. Imkong, CLP leader while interacting with media persons outside Raj Bhavan on December 14'07.
4. The Congress party collaborated with arm elements, instigated some disgruntle NPF Legislators from disqualified and moved a Non-Confidence Motion (NCM) on 13th December'07 came and went. Non-confidence motion was out rightly rejected in the floor of the house with 23 members voting against the motion and only 19 members voting in favour of the motion.
5. The grounds on which Congress party and DAN defectors seek the dismissal of DAN government were:
a. Failure to maintain Law and order. b. Price rise in essential commodities.
The much acclaimed Hornbill festival 2007 and first ever Night Bazaar at Kohima went till 11 pm every night with not even a single incident. Can any sane person call this breakdown of Law and order in the state?
6. Just consider this! Nagaland ranks No.3 in Law and Order in the whole country much way ahead of Congress ruled states Viz Delhi, Manipur, Assam etc. according to a recent study conducted by an eminent economists Bibek Debroy, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Social and Economic Research, New Delhi and Laveesh Bhandari, published by India Today as a cover story (Vol:XXXII Number 38) released on September 17th '07.
7. Yes, no doubt, prices of essential commodities are rising within the permissible range. But let's not forget, inflation is not local phenomena, but national and international phenomena. Nagaland, been a consumer state, the rate of inflation depend upon many factors' such as transportation, inter-state taxes, political and economic situation of the producing states, unpredictable forces of the mother nature in the producing states etc.
As a matter of fact, the rate of inflation in Nagaland is much more below the National average.
8. Now, to fresh our memory, how about this! Huska Sumi and Deo Nukhu were elected in the general election 2003 from JDU and Samata party on strong Anti-Congress wave and till the other day, both were a member in the DAN government. Then, can we say they are leader for a change, as they claim or mere power-mongering elements! Huska and Deo Nukhu squarely fulfill the latter.
9. Now, for the lethargic Congress party, the resignation of Rokonicha, senior legislator and veteran politician on 16th December'06 from the membership of the 10th NLA and the Congress party speaks volume of their adulterous campaign.
10. In a press conference on 16th December'07 at Kohima I. Imkong CLP leader squarely blame Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister and one of the senior most congress leader for unnecessarily applying delaying tactics, alleging that chief minister Rio and Shivraj Patil has a close link and I quote, "We do not understand why the home minister is unnecessary delaying. We should not allow the minority government to continue". This statement explicitly demonstrates the insatiable desire of the CLP leader to become the chief minister. Instead of blaming union home minister, CLP leader should take note that the union home minister is not unnecessarily delaying but endorsing the legality of the speaker and the government.
11. How on earth can the NPCC state that the DAN government is a desperate and minority government? Have the whole lot of NPCC lost their sanity? Let this be crystal clear: the DAN government is the only mandated and constitutionally installed government in the state with present effective strength of 24 members with 18 members in the opposition bench.
12. The so-called Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) claimed of enjoying the majority support of 30 members can be termed as "Joke of the year". The NPA percept that union government can be convinced by parading disqualified MLAs and defectors but the indefinite postponement of union cabinet meeting, which was about to discuss the Congress created political crises in the state doused the supposed political conflagration.
13. Members of the so-called NPA after confusing the innocent general public, are getting confuse and just to enjoy the luxury of seven star resort Hotel, they are staying back at Delhi.
The day, the adulterous campaign of the defectors and miscreants MLAs started, they, are afraid to face the electorates. May be, this is the reason why the members of the so-called NPA are enjoying the Christmas at Delhi away from loved and dear ones.
14. The Nagaland People's Front would like to state that DAN Alliances is absolutely intact; the DAN government is solidly stable, alive and kicking.
Shilumar, Associate press secretary, NPF.
Rise above narrow parochialism and tribalism: Rio (Page News Service)

Conveys Christmas greetings to citizens of Nagaland
Dimapur, December 23: Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, has called upon all to rise above narrow parochialism and tribalism, to broaden their outlook, and to walk taller than in the past.
Conveying his warmest Christmas season's greetings to the people of Nagaland, Rio wanted all Nagas to eschew violence, ill will, hatred and all negative thoughts in the same way as God sent His goodwill towards mankind through His son Jesus on that first Christmas night.
"May God give all of us a 'forgiving' heart, the wisdom and the vision so that Nagaland moves in the right direction, and towards the right destination," he prayed.
Calling upon all Nagas to introspect, and let Jesus be born in their hearts, Rio appealed to all to rededicate oneself to spread God's love and affection all round in the true Christian spirit of "forgive and forget" as Christ has forgiven all of us.
"Let us trust in the Lord and look forward to a better tomorrow for Nagaland," he added.
The chief minister also called upon all citizens of the state to reaffirm that "we will stand for peace, and that we will live and work for peace."
"Let us recollect what Jesus said: Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God. Let us uphold the Christian values. If we can do that, then, the Christmas celebrations will become meaningful," he added.
AANLA becoming major ultra outfit By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Dec 23 – Emergence of the All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) as a major force is turning out to be serious cause of concern for the police and security forces, who are of the view that the recent clashes in the Beltola area of Guwahati would give more teeth to the outfit. Highly-placed police sources told The Assam Tribune today that according to information available, the commander in chief of the outfit- Nirmal Tarki alias David is now in Jharkhand and the State would have a much bigger problem in its hand if the AANLA manages to come in contact with the Maoist militant groups.

Sources said that the AANLA, formed in 2004 with the main aim of protecting the interests of the people belonging to the Adivasi community and to put pressure on the Government to grant the status of Scheduled Tribes to the Adivasi community, now has around 150 cadres and the assistance that it received from the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the NSCN (I-M) is transforming the outfit as a major force to reckon with.

Sources said that after its formation in the Singhashan hills of Karbi Anglong, the AANLA militants were first given training by the KRA and the outfit signed a formal agreement with the NSCN (I-M) last year, which added strength to the outfit. At the initial stages, the AALNA concentrated more on extortion and kidnappings, but in recent times, the outfit has started targeting passenger trains and it is believed that the outfit was involved in the recent blast in the Rajdhani Express in Golaghat district, which resulted in the death of five persons. The outfit has strongholds in the districts of Golaghat and Jorhat and Bokajan area of Karbi Anglong and the outfit is only maintaining temporary camps. Sources said that members of the AANLA also take shelter in the labour quarters of the tea gardens in the districts of Golaghat and Jorhat, while, the terrain in the Singhashan hill area of Karbi Anglong also puts the militants in an advantageous position.

On the support that the AANLA is receiving from the NSCN(I-M), sources said that only last year, the outfit signed a formal agreement with the Naga outfit, which is under a cease-fire agreement with the Government of India since 1996. Sources said that as per the agreement, both the groups would work together and would be able to enter into each other’s territory with prior permission. The tax collected would be shared and the AALNA would bear the expenses whenever the members of the NSCN are used for operations.

Police sources said that the NSCN , which is holding political dialogues with the Government of India, extended help to the AANLA with the aim of extending its area of influence to pave the way for creation of greater Nagalim.
Police foil Ulfa bomb plot OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Dibrugarh, Dec. 23: A police team today saved an oil and gas unit in Sivasagar from being blown up by Ulfa, known to target such installations in the weeks leading to Republic Day.
The team, led by subdivisional police officer Jayanta Sarathi Bora, found a powerful improvised explosive device in a roadside ditch at Habigaon Nepalibasti, under Geleki police station. The bomb was to be planted at a nearby unit of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, the police said.
“We had information about the movements of some Ulfa militants in the locality and their plan to plant the IED at the ONGC installation. We mobilised teams and one of them found the bomb concealed in a container around 6.30am,” Sivasagar superintendent of police Shyamal Saikia said over phone. Security forces have been on maximum alert since receiving reports of Ulfa teams, particularly from Bravo Company of the outfit’s 28 Battalion, sneaking into Sivasagar from Nagaland’s Mon district.
Another senior police officer said a 14-member team led by Dulu Bora was lying in wait to strike in a big way ahead of Republic Day and the panchayat elections on December 31, January 4 and January 9. “We have information about the outfit becoming desperate on not being able to continue its activities as freely as it had been doing. We have deployed all the resources at our disposal to keep the militants from committing acts of violence.”
The Abhaypur forest reserve in Charaideo subdivision of Sivasagar was until recently part of a corridor to Nagaland for Ulfa militants. They would execute hit-and-run operations and take refuge in neighbouring Mon.
A relentless operation by security forces has almost rid the forest of militants. “Right now, the smooth conduct of panchayat elections is our top priority. We will then have to focus on Republic Day. We cannot allow Ulfa to strike at will and get away with it,” the police officer said. Ulfa has triggered blasts at various places in Sivasagar district in recent months. The outfit even planted a bomb in front of the SP’s office in Sivasagar town.
On December 20, a patrol team foiled a second sabotage attempt by the Adivasi militant group responsible for the explosion that killed five Rajdhani Express passengers in Upper Assam in the previous week. A routine inspection revealed that 10 girders and roller bearings were missing from a rail bridge over the Doyang in Golaghat district half an hour before the Mariani-Guwahati special passenger train was to pass by.
Kuki militants gun down PLA men OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Dec. 23: The Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA), a Manipur-based outfit, lost two of its cadres in a gunfight with Kuki rebels in Thoubal district last night as another PLA suspect was apprehended by the Assam Rifles in Bishnupur district yesterday. Police found the bodies of the suspected PLA members dumped by a roadside at Uttubi Khul, about 13km north of Yairipok police station in Thoubal district this morning.
One of them was in full combat gear while his comrade was wearing a jacket and black pants.
The villagers told the police that the seven-hour-long gunfight began at 6.30pm but the police are yet to find out if the bodies were dumped by the Kuki rebels or taken to the village by people staying nearby. The bodies have been sent to Lilong Hospital for identification and post mortem.
Troops of the 7 Assam Rifles apprehended a militant at Thanga on the fringes of Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district. A 9mm pistol and some live ammunition were seized.
The troops reported to Moirang police station this morning that he was a PLA cadre. A frisking team had reportedly asked him to stop at Thanga Chingjin Kom last night when the man fired at it to escape. In retaliatory firing, he suffered minor injuries in the right shoulder.
He was turned over to the police today. This morning, activists of the Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), the armed wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), had an exchange of fire with soldiers at Cheljang in the Dingpi area along the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district after the rebels had attacked a security post. The security forces had launched operation flush-out in the area on November 18. The UNLF, in a statement today, denied claims by security forces that six of its cadre had been killed and troops had busted its hideout on Friday.
Ops Samtal: UNLF presents its report By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 23: The MPA today launched a fresh offensive to drive out security forces from Dingpi village located in the highest and farthest range of Dingpi hills at about 9.15 am.
A statement issued by UNLF’s Senior Publicity Officer Ksh Yoiheiba informed that the exact figures on the part of the security forces cannot be ascertained as yet.
On the other hand, the outfit flatly rejected the Assam Rifles’ claim that its six cadres were killed in two near simultaneous gun fights at S Bongjoi and Tuileng village on December 21.
It also dismissed the report about busting an MPA hide-out in Chamol village and subsequent seizure of a large quantity of weapons, IED materials and stores.
Further, the UNLF maintained that Nasir Khan of Moreh arrested by troops of 24 AR on the charge of being a cadre of the outfit is an innocent civilian.
All these alleged fabricated and baseless reports being published by the security forces are aimed at covering up their increasing number of deaths and casualties in the ongoing Operation Samtal, asserted Yoiheiba. The repeated claims of success made by the security forces might be causing confusion to the people about the exact situation of the ongoing battle, it observed while maintaining that UNLF/MPA never tell falsehoods. Unlike security forces, it never covered up any death on its part nor deserted its deceased cadres in battle fields nor deceived families of deceased cadres, asserted the outfit. In the Tuileng gun fight of December 21, more than five security personnel were killed and many others injured, countered Yoiheiba. This was confirmed from the radio message of the security forces intercepted by MPA cadres, he added. In both the gun fights at Tuileng and S Bongjoi, there was no casualty on the part of MPA cadres.
Giving details of the confrontation at S Bongjoi, the Senior Publicity Officer conveyed that as a large number of security personnel approached S Bongjoi, only two fighting sections of MPA were stationed there to engage the advancing troops while other cadres moved to more secure positions.
The gun fight between the security forces and the two fighting sections of MPA lasted for about 3 hours, it informed while reiterating that there should be some fatal casualties on the part of the troops approaching in a large number. On Tuileng front, MPA cadres made first move firing all weapons in their arsenal just as the troops neared Tuileng. During the intense gun fight, five security personnel were killed besides injuring more than six, claimed Yoiheiba. Except for a minor injury to one MPA cadre on his hand, there was no other casualty, he conveyed.
Contradicting the claim of security forces that a large number of MPA cadres have crossed into Awa (Myanmar), the outfit disclosed that Myanmarese army, on the instigation of Indian armed forces, are now moving toward their boundary line with India. The existing situation has the potential of a direct confrontation between Myanmarese army and MPA cadres, Yoiheiba said. Yet, the MPA cadres with their superior knowledge of the terrain around Khengjoi, Dingpi and Dongyang marked by thick forests have been quite successful in their battle strategies against the advancing security forces. Reminding the people that the ongoing battle is a battle to save the indigenous people of the land or to perish under the alleged repressive rule of the alien power, the outfit recalled the atrocious cases of Chanu Rose, Manorama etc. The outfit further called upon the people to build a strong people’s movement against the excesses of security forces at the time when the MPA cadres are engaging security forces in the hill ranges of the land. “Prepare for Utoop Lan to oust all central security forces from Manipur”, exhorted the UNLF.
Former cadres blame ULFA for ills of Asom Sentinel
Guwahati, Dec 23: A number of cadres, who left the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) recently, blame the separatist outfit for many of the ills plaguing the State.
They say that the ULFA is no longer true to its own cause and that the outfit has turned barbaric. Over 300 ULFA cadres, who returned to the mainstream, claim to be working hard to be back on the normal track.
Jaleshwar Mushahari, a former rebel, after leading a nomadic life in the forests for over two years has now shunned violence and is delving into books, apart from acquiring computer skills. He said: “I like it here (at the rehabilitation camp). I am expecting to make a fresh beginning and I am acquiring skills in computer technology. Although, I can’t get a Government job, I will use the skill to survive on my own and make life better. That is my aim”.
Several others like Mushahari, who had deserted the outfit, have taken shelter at the rehabilitation camp. Arrangements have been made at the camp for training them in various professional and technical fields. Besides each one is being paid Rs 200 per month.
However, some former rebels complain about being charged for the food served at the camp. Anwaruddin Ahmad, a former ULFA cadre, said: “I have come back willingly. And arrangements have been made to provide us with training in various areas. But the facilities that we are getting are not as we were promised. We have to pay for food from Rs 200 that is being given to us. That is the only problem we are facing otherwise we are liking the new place”.
The former rebels realise that killing the people of Asom was like murdering their own relatives. Brajan Kalita, another former ULFA cadre, said: “I don’t appreciate the killings. I feel we end up killing our own people. So there can be no benefit from such cruel murder. ULFA has deteriorated and is corrupt. It has become cruel. That is why people don’t support the ULFA any more”.
The former ULFA cadres believe that the solution to the problems of the people should be found through talks and not through violence. “ULFA has become barbaric because they have been killing ruthlessly. ULFA is trying to find a solution by killing people.’’ (ANI)
Civilians made scapegoats in aftermath of UG clashes The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 24: Fifteen passengers of an inter-state bus heading for Guwahati, including students and teachers of a private school were abducted by armed militants near Sapermeina on NH-39 and detained for a few hours this afternoon. The abduction took place apparently as a consequence of a shootout between cadres of some underground groups last night near Nongpok Keithelmanbi, and the abducted persons were released reportedly after an understanding was reached among the groups involved.

The abducted passengers included eight students and a teacher of the Hundred Flowers School, Pangei, who were leaving on an excursion trip to Sikkim. All the abducted passengers belong to the Meitei community. According to other passengers travelling on the same vehicle, a tourist bus operated by GG Travels, the vehicle were stopped by armed gunmen at a lonely spot on NH-39 just beyond Sapermeina, and the Meitei male passengers singled out and detained at gunpoint.

The passenger bus was carrying 21 students of the Hundred Flowers School, Pangei along with two teachers, and 15 other passengers. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, who were at least four in number, forced the driver of the vehicle to drive to a diversion road leading to Bungmual village. About half a kilometre from the main road, the bus was stopped and all the passengers were forced to get down.

All Meitei males were gathered together, and the rest of the passengers told to get back on the bus and leave the spot immediately. The gunmen openly told the other passengers that the Meiteis were being held because their fellow cadres were being detained by a Meitei-dominated underground group following a shootout last night, and they would be released only if their cadres were released.

After leaving the spot, the tourist bus returned to Imphal, and informed the authorities of the abduction.

In the meantime, after being detained for about two hours, the 15 abducted passengers were told by their captors that they were free to go and that an understanding had been reached with the other underground group involved in last night`s encounter. The passengers thereafter walked back to the main road, where they were soon picked up by a team led by minister N Biren and representatives of the UCM.

The abducted Hundred Flowers students were identified as Tomba, Hidesh, Punshiba, Rajesh, Inao, Bhagat, Prem and Rishikanta. The others abducted along with them included one Deven of Awang Khunou, Romesh of Meihoubam, Bonikumar of Thounaojam Yangdong, Thouba of Uripok Haobam Devan Leikai, and three others from Kangpokpi, namely Khamba, Kula and Sharat. Earlier, upon hearing of their abduction, minister N Biren and UCM president Lanngamba immediately rushed to the area. Police reinforcements from Imphal was also sent, but by the time they reached, it was learnt that the abducted passengers had already been released. The UCM president, speaking to IFP, in the meantime said victimising of civilians and students and using as human shield was condemnable, and appealed that such incidents should not be repeated in future. N Biren also stressed the need for all sections to avoid taking any actions that would result in heightening of communal tensions.





News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter