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01/04/2008: "Centre sacks Nagaland government(Reuters)"



Centre sacks Nagaland government(Reuters)

GUWAHATI, India - The Central government dismissed the elected state government in Nagaland after a controversial no-confidence vote triggered political uncertainty there, officials said on Thursday. The decision by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet would bring Nagaland under central rule, weeks before the state is due to elect a new legislative assembly. The state poll is expected to go ahead as planned.
"The union cabinet has decided to impose president's rule in Nagaland because of the prevailing political uncertainty," a senior home ministry official told Reuters by phone from New Delhi. "The state assembly has been dissolved."
The decision came after Nagaland's coalition government, backed by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), managed to stay in office even though it lost a no-confidence vote moved by the opposition last month. The coalition survived after a controversial decision by the assembly speaker not to consider seven votes cast against the government by disgruntled ruling party legislators. Nagaland is home to India's oldest insurgency, launched by Naga rebels in 1947 demanding the creation of a separate "Greater Nagaland" for ethnic Naga people of the region. About 20,000 people have been killed in the conflict but a 1997 truce has largely capped violence, although peace talks have made little progress since.
Nagaland's dismissed Chief Minister Neiphu Rio said the move to impose central rule was "not only illegal and unconstitutional, but also murder of democracy".
Varied response to Delhi rule Nagaland CMO dismisses report, minister prepares for battle OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
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File picture of Rio (centre) at a recent news meet in Guwahati. He accused the Congress
of trying to destabilise the government instead of seeking power through polls
Kohima, Jan. 2: The Nagaland People’s Front, the main constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, today reacted to the news of the Union cabinet recommending President’s rule in the state in contradictory voices.
The chief minister’s office dismissed the news outright, saying it was a mere rumour floated by the Opposition Congress.
Abu Metha, the press secretary to the chief minister, told The Telegraph that the government was undeterred by such rumours.
He said chief minister Neiphu Rio had not even convened a meeting of his ministers to discuss the matter. He criticised the Congress for trying to destabilise the government through “unfounded and malicious propaganda”.
However, a senior party leader and minister, Shurhozelie Liezietsu, appeared to be convinced about the veracity of the report doing the rounds.
Terming the Union cabinet’s decision as a forcible imposition of central rule on the state, Liezietsu said the front and its allies were ready for the battle ahead. “We are prepared to face any eventuality that may arise out of the forcible imposition of President’s rule in the state.”
The minister said the ruling coalition was ready to face the consequences, as hardly one-and-a-half months were left for the Assembly elections. Taking the fight to the people, he said it was they who would make the judgment as they would have to face the consequences of President’s rule. Liezietsu said the Congress was desperate to dislodge the popular, welfare government, which was going “all out” to develop the state. “They want to stop the development taking place in the state,” he added.
He said President’s rule meant army rule and the Nagas would only suffer under it. The government would be voted to power again as the people were aware of the good work being done by the Rio government, he added. Even as Liezietsu lashed out at the Congress for trying to topple the government, its leaders who are camping in New Delhi for more than three weeks to demand President’s rule in the state were also unaware of the cabinet decision.
Congress parliamentary secretary and legislator K.V. Pusa as well as Nagaland PCC secretary (administration) and legislator Medokul Sophie told this correspondent that they had come to know about the development through newspaper reports.
Both Pusa and Sophie said they had not received any communication from the party leadership on the decision, but hoped that the Centre would accept their demand.
After failing to convince Delhi about the imposition of President’s rule in the state, the Congress had alleged that Rio had entered into a nexus with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) to defeat the Congress in the February elections. In this scenario, the Congress would hardly win 20 of the 60 Assembly seats, it added. The Congress also alleged that the Naga militant outfit had identified at least 11 party candidates whom they would stop from winning.
It accused the NSCN (I-M) of wanting a weak government in the state so that it could control it and the Rio government of running a proxy government for the NSCN (I-M).
Cabinet nod to Prez rule in Nagaland; CM cries foul TNN The Economic Times
NEW DELHI: The three-week-long political drama in Nagaland came to end here on Wednesday when the Manmohan Singh government recommended the dismissal of the Neiphiu Rio government and the imposition of President’s rule in the state. The decision puts a question mark over the elections to the state assembly, which were due next month.

The recommendation was sent to the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Wednesday, a day after the Union Cabinet discussed the political situation prevailing in the state and concluded that imposition of President’s rule was the only way out of the impasse.
President Pratibha Patil, who is presently in Hyderabad, is expected to sign the proclamation soon.

The move is certain to raise the hackles of the opposition BJP and its alliance partners in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, as it came barely a month before the assembly election. Moreover, the state government had survived the trial of strength on the floor of the state assembly on December 13, even though the tactics employed by the speaker came in for a lot of flak. The BJP cited the Goa experience to justify the Nagaland speaker’s action.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio had weathered the trial of strength on the floor of the assembly on December 13, when the motion was defeated 23-19 in the 60-member House, after the speaker had barred three independents from taking part in the voting process and held that the votes of nine dissident NPF members were invalid.

Livid over reports that his state was heading for President’s rule, the chief minister asserted that such a move would be illegal and unconstitutional. “I’ve come to power only after being elected democratically and my government had won the trust vote in the state assembly on December 13,” he told a news agency.

“The Congress wants to disrupt the election. If they impose President’s rule and dismiss my democratically-elected government, it would be nothing but murder of democracy,” Mr Rio said.

Centre recommends President's Rule in Nagaland PTI Times of India
NEW DELHI: Nagaland is set to come under President's rule with the Centre recommending it to President Pratibha Patil, Home Ministry sources said on Wednesday.

The papers were sent to the President, who is at present in Hyderabad, the sources said.

They said that Patil was considering the recommendation which was made at an unscheduled Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday.

The Cabinet meeting was convened at a short notice to discuss the fluid political situation in Nagaland where BJP-backed Democratic Alliance of Nagaland is in power. Strongly reacting to reports that his state was heading for President's rule, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio said, "such a move will be illegal and unconstitutional as I have come to power only after being elected democratically and my government has won the trust vote in Nagaland assembly on December 13."

Rio survived a controversial no-confidence motion in the assembly on December 13 when the motion was defeated 23-19 in the 60-member House after speaker barred three independents from taking part in the voting and held that the votes of nine dissident ruling NPF members were invalid.

Polarisation among NSCN factions creates concern Newmai News Network Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, Jan 2 – There is an air of fear and uncertainty in the Nagaland commercial hub – Dimapur following the fast polarisation among the NSCN factions.

According to the NSCN-IM, a huge amount of money to the tune of crores of rupees has been collected from the businessmen in Dimapur by the NSCN faction led by Azheto Chophy and Khaplang in just one month’s time.

Azheto Chophy and C Singson are the two signatories of the November 24 Niuland Unity Declaration. The NSCN-IM then expressed with a serious tone that the “Azheto and Khaplang group” has tested the nerves of the NSCN-IM.

The NSCN-IM has said that the outfit has been exercising maximum restraint and patience in the interest of the “Naga Nation.”

“In the name of unification the most provocative things are happening in Dimapur but for the greater interest of the Naga Nation, maximum restraint and patience have been exercised by NSCN, because the national principle are not guided by communal interest but by national interest. The national issue cannot be allowed to get polluted to serve the interest of the anti-Naga forces that has raised its ugly head in the form of Azheto Chophy and his mentor Khaplang,” said the NSCN-IM.

The outfit alleged that running after the cadres of NSCN-IM forces from behind to snatch away their arms is indicative of the most provocative action that armed forces of the “stature of GPRN/NSCN could forbear” for long, stated the NSCN-IM while adding, “This bears immense significance but with dangerous repercussion as such incidence comes behind the call of Naga Unification initiated by Azheto and Khaplang group.

During the past one month of this false unity call, prominent businessmen have been kidnapped for ransom demanding crores of rupees; no doubt they have collected in terms of crores. The NSCN is in the knowledge of all such dirty dealings by Azheto and Khaplang forces,” cautioned the NSCN-IM.

“Where is the unity group under Azheto leading the Nagas to?,” asked the NSCN-IM while adding, “Lest the Nagas are taken for a ride by this deceptive scheme, the NSCN is under obligation to forewarn the Nagas to exercise their conscience in order to uphold the greater interest of the Nagas and not the chauvinistic interest of any single tribe”.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM Ministry of Information and Publicity
Press Statement 3rd January, 2008
Naga unification in the context of the present situation where unprincipled ground exists taking the name of national workers, has become an emotional issue for the Nagas who really matter and who have forward looking approached for the Indo-Naga solution. Because, given the years of hardships with many lost of lives, there will undoubtedly be no single Naga across Nagalim who will not vouch for Naga unification. But the unfortunate thing as seen today is the exploitation of this issue on an emotional line to further enhance sectarian interest which is far from serving the purpose of the whole Naga.
This exposure of the anti-Naga agenda behind the call for Naga unification is the cause for the damnation of the dethroned GPRN Kilo Kilonser, Azheto Chophy who was dismissed by Yaruiwo’s Order after having been convicted on criminal charge of high treason. There is no ground for Azheto Chophy to justify his action for he dared to hook wind the Nagas, collaborating with the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), only to end up in the mess, never willing to wriggle out of it despite the life line extended by the forgiving hands of NSCN. After all, how long can NSCN exercise restraint on such condemnable act with such overbearing attitude that is tantamount to challenging NSCN authority? The intelligence scrutiny of the NSCN nevertheless failed to find on iota of truth in Azheto’s seemingly show of extra concern for Naga unification. The simple fact is that the immorality and guiltiness in his objectives forced him to use illegal passage to announce his plan.
The NSCN never questions the initiative of anyone on the issue of peace and unity. Question was only raised when one started on wrong footing without taking the NSCN/GPRN authority into confidence. Because Azheto Chophy happened to be GPRN’s Kilo Kilonser and the violation thereof the mandatory adherence to principle guidelines and official code of conduct that binds every national worker, high and low. After all, an approach to the magnitude of Naga unification, otherwise motivated by ulterior design, will go the way of a very transparent manner. However, like the Biblical saying: “Behold, your sins will find you out”, how long can Azheto and his blind followers go on taking the Nagas for a ride.
It is ridiculous for the Western Sumi Hoho to speak of Naga history. It will be an embarrassment for the WSH if historical facts are to be dug out; but for the faithful and die-hard Sumi National workers who have lived up to the Naga national principles, it is best left to the unfolding situation to reveal the true color of each national worker, irrespective of tribe and to prove their worth.
In the given situation where Azheto Chophy has been listed among the National Traitors, the same stigma is to be attached to those who have gone along with Azheto if they fail to come back within the stipulated period. As such, “traitors and defaulters” will henceforth be treated in the manner they deserved and there will be no compromise whatsoever.
Issued by MIP/GPRN
SNUNS supports unity move- Nagaland post
Drawing attention to the news item published on December 30 in a local daily under the caption "resolution declared for unity", we the SNUNS extend fullest support and appreciation to the Eastern Nagaland People Organization whose wisdom has taken bold decision on December 18' 2007 last to uphold unification of all Nagas regardless of territorial demarcation.
The landmark resolutions declared by ENPO for unity is one of the most remarkable momentous changes in the Naga history to bring salvation to all the Nagas.
Naga nationalism and unity should not be sacrificed at alter of tribalism and divisiveness. We all longed for the cherished dreams of the Naga unification and irrespective of artificial boundaries. SNUNS welcome any move or pledge of friendship for peace and unity to uphold the principle in good faith and in spirit.
C.D. Pao, president, South Nagas Union of Nagaland State
WSYF reacts to NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post
The Western Sumi Youth Front would like to express strong resentment over the allegations made by the MIP NSCN (IM) in some local daily dated December 29' 2007 last. Terming the allegations, 'Arms collection and imparting trainings to Sumi Youth Front' as baseless and false, the youth front asks the NSCN (IM) not to stoop so low as to be spreading such cheap propagandas. The youth front further asks the outfit to furnish proof and evidences and let the people judge.
While re-affirming its support to the unification, the youth front would like to make the people realize the peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed during this Christmas and New Year which should be considered as a significant change the people have witnessed only after the unification. It was a festive season without killings and bloodshed after a long spell which has always been a longing aspiration of the Nagas and it should continue.
Further, the youth front appeal to all factions to unify in the larger interest of the Naga people. However, it cautions that it shall no tolerate any more bloodshed and shall not remain a mute spectator should any factional encounter takes place in the Western Sumi Region, rather, it shall do every thing possible to prevent any untoward incident and at the same time condemn any group that is found guilty. The youth front also urges the Western Sumi Youths to be vigil and to report any suspicious activity within the Western Sumi jurisdiction which might be an element to disturb the cordial and the peaceful atmosphere.
K. Kakiye Zhimomi President Mughavi Chishi Press secretary
DAN ready to face President’s Rule Nagaland Post

Kohima, January 2: Nagaland People's Front (NPF) the main constituent of ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland said they are prepared to face President's Rule in the state.
Reacting to news reports in some national dailies that Union Government is likely to impose President's Rule in the state as demanded by the Opposition Congress from Nagaland, president of NPF who is also a senior minister, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu told Nagaland Page that they are prepared to face any eventuality out of "forcible" imposition of President's Rule in the state as one month would not have any effect on the prospect of the party. He said if Centre had considered President's Rule in the state than it would be the biggest achievement of the Congress after 20 years and that the people of Nagaland have to judge, as the consequences would befall upon the Nagas. He said Centre's rule was not befitting to the state like Nagaland, which has been under peculiar situation.
Liezietsu said Congressmen in the state are desperate to dislodge the mandated and welfare government which has been all out for the development of the state. "They wanted to stop the developmental activities which are going on at present", the NPF supremo argued. He said President's Rule means army rule and that Nagas would only suffer under such rule as experienced from the past and that this would be the biggest achievement of the congress. He said hardly one and half month to go for the elections and therefore DAN is ready to face any consequence. Liezietsu expressed optimism that DAN would come to power again as people have experienced how the present government has delivered goods to them.
The NPF chief however said it would be only a speculation and rumors and that nothing would be happened, as Centre was well aware of what is happening in the state.
When contacted chief minister's office, press secretary to the CM, Abu Metha also rubbished the reports saying that it would only be a speculation or rumors created by the opposition camp. Metha said government is still undeterred by such reports as chief minister had not even convened a meeting of his ministers today even after reports in national newspapers. He however did not rule out Rio meeting with some of his senior ministers and party functionaries unofficially.
The press secretary also lashed out the Congress' attempt to dislodge the government with several unfounded and malicious propaganda.
While Congress leaders who are campaigning in New Delhi for the last more than three weeks were also not aware of such decision by the union cabinet last evening MLA K V Pusa and Secretary (Administration) Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee and MLA Medokul Sophie both told Nagaland Page that they have come to know only through the newspapers report.
Pusa said no communication has come to them over the decision, but expressed hope that thier demand would be accepted by the Centre. Sophie echoed same opinion.
But both the opposition NDA and left parties have strongly opposed imposition of President's rule in Nagaland.
Congress after failing to convince the Centre over the imposition of president's rule in Nagaland had come out with strong allegation that chief minister, Rio was in nexus with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) to defeat the Congress in February elections. The party said if the activities of NSCN (IM) are not stopped forthwith Congress would hardly win 20 seats, out of 60 seats. It further said Naga outfit has identified at least 11 Congress candidates to stop them from winning.
The opposition Congress said the sole objective of the NSCN (IM) is to form a weak coalition government so as to keep control. It said Rio was only running a mere proxy government of NSCN (IM).
The Congress further said during the truce between the Centre and the Naga underground groups have freed over 4000 militants' sophisticated weapons and that violation of ceasefire agreement ground rules are daily affairs.
Leader of the opposition I. Imkong Ao also said for the last one month or so several prominent businessmen from Dimapur have been kidnapped for huge ransoms.
But the NSCN (IM) denied its involvement and put the blame on NSCN (K) and some of its defected members who are spearheading for unification of two NSCN factions. But the NSCN (Unification) denied its involvement and warned of those involved in such activities. (Page News Service)

Red alert sounded following ULFA hijack plan From Raju Das Assam tribune
SHILLONG, Jan 2 – A red alert has been sounded and security stepped up in Meghalaya after reports of hijack plan by the outlawed ULFA to pressurize the government to release five of its jailed founder members. Paramilitary forces, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been deployed at all airports to plug security loopholes.

Confirming the report, Meghalaya’s Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) L B Rapthap said, “airports in the Northeastern States have been put on high alert following specific reports of ULFA militants planning to hijack flights from North East”.

Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), Bomb Disposal Squads and sniffer dogs have been deployed at the airports for enhanced surveillance, CISF officials said. As part of the security measures, entry of visitors to airports has been banned and 100 per cent manual checking of cabin baggage in flights introduced, even as surveillance was stepped up at aerodrome parking lots and ticket counters, the officials added. Recently, ULFA peace interlocutor Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami claimed that New Delhi has decided to release the five jailed founding members of the ULFA within January 5 and re-start the peace process. ULFA has been demanding for the release of its five leaders in jail, as a precondition to sit for talks with the Centre and State Government. ULFA is of the view that the release of Bhimkanta Buragohain, vice president Pradip Gogoi, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and senior member Ramu Mech would help kickstart the stalled peace dialogue.

However, Home Ministry officials said, New Delhi was not in favour with the idea to release the arrested ULFA militants and wants the ULFA to come forward for talks “unconditionally”.
Army out in Assam district, death toll mounts to eight By IANS
Guwahati, Jan 3 (IANS) The army Thursday continued marching through Assam's Goalpara district as the death toll from the police firing on protesters demanding rural polls mounted to eight with four more people succumbing to their injuries.
A police spokesperson said the army was deployed in strength across Assam's Goalpara district, about 170 km west of the state's main city of Guwahati.
'The situation is under control but tense with soldiers called out to prevent escalation of violence,' G.P. Singh, deputy inspector general of Assam police, told IANS. Police had opened fire on a group of protesters Wednesday in Goalpara's Lakhipur town when they went on a rampage burning vehicles and attacking a police station. The protesters were taking out a procession in Lakhipur to press the state government to hold rural polls in the area. Four people died on the spot and 20 were injured; four more later succumbed to their injuries.
'An indefinite curfew is on in Lakhipur area since Wednesday,' Singh said. The area, dominated by the Rabha ethnic group, has an autonomous politico-administrative structure. The tribal leaders who run it have opposed local elections for fear that the powers of the autonomous council would be curtailed. The non-tribals who cohabit the area, however, favour holding local polls and had taken out the procession Wednesday to put pressure on the Congress-led ruling coalition in Assam to hold the polls. The non-tribal people had called a 48-hour general strike in Goalpara district since Wednesday morning and were trying to enforce the strike when the situation turned violent.
The staggered local elections began Dec 31 and are scheduled to end Jan 9.
Absu men assaulted OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, Jan. 2: Tension prevailed in Simbargaon after some members of the All Bodo Students’ Union were allegedly assaulted by ex-BLT members late last evening at Jainary in Kokrajhar district. Sources said six armed men, allegedly ex-BLT members, came on three motorbikes and started an altercation with the Absu members who were enjoying a New Year party at Jainary club and assaulted them. The president of Simbargaon unit of Absu, Nobin Basumatary, was hit by an AK-47 rifle butt.
Situation worsening for detained activists Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
January 3, 2008 - The Burmese military junta's dilatory tactics has worsened the situation of detained political activists in Burma's notorious Insein prison. The junta is delaying the legal procedure to charge and put them on trial, family members and activists said.
Family members said prominent student leaders Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe have been detained for over four months, 130 days, without being charged and put on trail. They alleged that the Burmese authorities are violating international laws, which allows only 90 days detention before someone is charged and tried.
Generation Wave, a young Burmese activists group formed after the September protests, however, told Mizzima several other activists have been charged under various articles including article 505 (a) & (b), which is inciting public riots and engaging in disrespectful action against the government.
The group however, said on December 26 Burmese lawyers and judges held a secret meeting where they agreed not to proceed with a formal trial but to sentence them without proper trial.
While the information could not be independently verified, several activists have had their trials deferred without any formal reason. Meanwhile, 88 generation students have said they will not accept any charges or sentences without proper trial which should be conducted openly.
"They [the three 88 generation student leaders] want their trial to be conducted openly in the public otherwise they will not accept or agree with the charges," a family member of the 88 students, who requested anonymity, told Mizzima.
The Generation Wave said family members of the 88 students are ready to sue the authorities for detaining them for more than four months without trail. However, when Mizzima contacted, family members of prominent students declined to comment.
Three months after Editorial Mizzima
Time passes and the year 2007 is over. The most significant and most shocking incident in 2007 was the 'Saffron Revolution' in September. It was brutally crushed by the military regime. It's been over three months now.
But the state-run media belittled this great event as unimportant, ineffective and just a triviality. And also they are trying to say they have no responsibility for the brutal crack down and trying to free themselves from all brutalities that they committed. They wrongfully hope this revolution and the people's resentment against them would finally fade away as time passes.
Though the regime claimed to have used minimum force and exercised restraint and great patience in tackling the protests while defending themselves from the outcry of the public and the international community, more and more evidence of their brutal crackdown is appearing daily. But I'm astonished in seeing some persons are buying and accepting the regime's meaningless claim without sympathy for the suffering people despite the obvious evidence and countless eyewitnesses. It is comprehensible some could not trust democracy, politicians and activists who are struggling for democracy. But it is not understandable is the echoing of government's meaningless claims of the protesting monks being 'bogus monks' and 'the regime used minimum force in tackling the unrest' though there are enough evidence and countless eyewitnesses are available everywhere. How can I understand and see those heartless people?
The difference between men and other beings is 'thinking and reasoning'. Those who are echoing whatever the regime and bosses are saying for the fear of losing jobs and positions should not be regarded themselves as 'human being'. They are mere beasts in human clothing.
No one can deny that the regime crushed this movement and revolution brutally and inhumanely by using excessive force regardless of being instigated by exiled forces. Why does the regime hesitate to accept this self-proven point? Similarly some people follow the regime's line and claim. These people must be would-be dictators saying only 'whatever I'm saying is right'. These people have no reasoning and thinking power at all.
Let them not trust politicians and seeing politicians as unimpressive. Not only politicians, no one can stand without being supported and accepted by other people. But I wish them to see the reality that no one can deny if they have heart and sympathy. The regime crushed brutally its own people. Now these fallen martyrs are seen as 'bogus monks' and 'destructive elements' for sacrificing their precious lives because of these selfish and heartless people.
If they wish to yell 'we have won', let them do enthusiastically. But they must keep in mind that this 'win' is not the real one, the 'win' at the expense of hatred and resentment of the people against them. Even it they do not wish to turn the 'hatred' to 'love', please don't multiply the 'hatred' anymore. Even harsher words may be contained in this letter. But I have no regret to say such harsh words which will make some people mad.
Why? Because I haven't got such a heart like those great people which can ignore and be indifferent to the sufferings of the unarmed people who were brutally killed in cold blood as if it were in the battle field and even more.



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