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01/06/2008: "Central rule could derail Naga peace talks, says Rio By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS"

Central rule could derail Naga peace talks, says Rio By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS

Kohima : Former Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has termed the imposition of central rule in the northeastern state as "nothing but a murder of democracy and unconstitutional" and said it could hamper the ongoing peace talks.
"A single wrong step at this juncture would jeopardize the peace process as this is a very sensitive issue," Rio said, and threatened to move the court against the imposition of central rule.
Rio said: "Some of our friends are already consulting legal experts on what steps to take."
President Pratibha Patil Thursday gave her assent to a recommendation by the union cabinet to dismiss the Bharatiya Janata Party-backed Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government, two months before it was due to complete its five-year term.
The decision came after Nagaland's coalition government headed by Neiphiu Rio managed to stay in office even though it lost a no-confidence vote moved by the opposition on Dec 13.
A controversial decision by Speaker of the Nagaland assembly K. Peseyie - barring three independent legislators from voting in the no-confidence motion and declaring as invalid nine ruling Nagaland People's Front MLAs for defying a party whip - helped Rio to stay as chief minister until Thursday. Rio accused the opposition Congress of masterminding the dismissal of the elected government. The Congress party, however, denied the charges.
"We simply wanted the dismissal of the Rio-led government as they lost the right to be in power after losing the no-confidence vote," I. Imkong, state Congress party president, said.
Meanwhile, National Socialist Council of Nagaland, Isak-Muivah faction (NSCN-IM), leaders refused to react saying they would 'wait and watch' the political developments in Nagaland.
The NSCN-IM is currently holding peace talks with the central government after the two sides entered into a ceasefire in 1997. The NSCN-IM, the oldest and the most powerful of around 30 rebel armies in India's northeast, wants the creation of a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh that has sizeable Naga tribal populations. The regional states are opposed to the NSCN-IM's demands. Despite apprehension by the former chief minister, top Naga leaders said there was no need to worry about the peace process. "I think it would be wrong to think that way. In fact, the imposition of president's rule would create a space for interrupted peace talks without any political interference," N. Krome, general secretary of the Naga Hoho, the apex tribal council of Nagaland, told IANS.
"It is for their own interests that politicians make such comments out of fear and apprehension regarding the peace talks." Elections in Nagaland are due in February.
‘Unification, inclusive of all Nagas’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, January 5 (MExN): In a bid to push forward its “unification” drive the NSCN unification group today held a closed door meeting with representatives of Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) and the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) at its camp in Vihokhu village, near Nuiland here today.
According to the publicity members of the NSCN unification group, around twelve representatives from three civil bodies attended today’s meeting, during which matters relating to the unification process were discussed.
A member of the group’s publicity cell asserted that the Dimapur-based Naga civil bodies, during the course of the meeting, expressed “wholehearted support” to the move. “The NSCN also clarified that the unification move is not exclusive but inclusive of all the Nagas and those who oppose this unification move is excluding and secluding themselves,” said another cell member.
On being queried on their stand on the forthcoming state assembly elections, the group’s members said that its politics is ‘above Nagaland state politics’. “We have no intention of interfering in Indian sponsored state elections. Ours is a national politics,” they claimed.
On the warning issued out to them, a deputy kilonser responded “If the Nagas want to unify and if the Naga people recognize and work in that way, is it treason or traitors?”
Further commenting on the NSCN (IM) December 31 directive to its cadres to return within five days, the NSCN unification said that they are not bothered about any call or notice since their work is all about the unification. “So when we are working for unity there is no question of returning to Hebron,” said one member.
The NSCN unification, however, said that ever since the move was initiated on November 23, 2007, it had been maintaining what it claimed as “utmost restraint.” It further claimed to be ‘the real NSCN’ and that other factions don’t exists at all anymore. “We are NSCN/GPRN…there is no more NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) or NNC, we are only NSCN. The Hebron Campers are compelled to (be) called Muivah group,” maintained a deputy kilonser.
NSCN (IM) to defend ‘national interest’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, January 5 (MExN): “The Western Sumi Hoho’s initiated unification process has boomeranged midway for the very reason of not attaching any respect or importance to the civilized political standard that governs people’s mandated organization like the NSCN/GPRN” stated a NSCN-IM MIP release responding to the reactions made by “Sumi Hoho on the controversial issue of the diminished Naga unification agenda made-believe by the dismissed kilo kilonser”.
The statement accused the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho of employing ‘sub-standard ethical norms’ which it said stands exposed. It further said that “this is something highly regretted but the inevitable impact on the credibility of Western Sumi Hoho and Sumi Hoho will never go down well in the history of the Nagas, and the unfolding events shall be witnessed by the Nagas across Nagalim to judge the true mentality of the Sumi Hohos who have now gone to the extend of questioning the Naga people’s mandated government of NSCN.”
Expressing that “it has gone too far and is tantamount to challenging the NSCN/GPRN authority” the MIP statement said the NSCN (IM) has “no other recourse but to accept the challenge” and to defend, what it claimed as “national interest.”
The statement queried “where is the question of ‘inconsistency’ on the part of NSCN chairman Ino Isak Chishi Swu on the matter of Naga unification?” It clarified that “in the backdrop of the sensitive situation” that chairman had issued a statement that read “The NSCN stands for reconciliation, unity and peace of all the Nagas. Therefore, appeal to the people to extent all out effort to achieve it. Any independent unity move, deliberately by the back door shall not be acceptable.”
While cautioning that no one “should not consider themselves greater then the Naga nation” the MIP said that the “NSCN shall henceforth consider these two Sumi Hoho organizations entering into direct confrontation with NSCN. The battle cry has been sounded as forced on the NSCN.” “If this Statement bears no meaning to the Sumi hohos, then the issue is clear to the NSCN and to the Naga people. It is a wanton disregard to the establishment of a lasting Naga unification, and shall be considered as a direct insult to the NSCN/GPRN,” the statement declared.
Push peace process, says Nagaland Governor Special Correspondent The Hindu
Guwahati: A day after the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland, Governor K. Sankaranarayanan urged the State bureaucracy to ensure maintenance of law and order, improve implementation and monitoring of developmental schemes and improve collection of revenue before the elections are held in the State. He urged them to give their best to ensure effective and efficient administration.
At a meeting attended by the Chief Secretary and other senior officials, the Governor urged them to ensure that the peace process moved forward. The government employees were a major stakeholder in the peace process.
“The initiative shown by the Joint Forum of Nagaland GB (Gaon Bura) Federation and the Nagaland DB (Dobhasi) Association needs to be carried forward to stop factional clashes and to bring ever-lasting peace and reconciliation in the State. I am sure with active support for the peace process from all quarters, especially government servants, NGOs, and student bodies, the long-cherished dream of a peaceful and vibrant Nagaland will be achieved,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to the people, Mr. Sankaranarayanan said: “During the period of President’s rule, I wish to assure you that I shall do my very best for the peace, progress, prosperity and development of Nagaland. I shall ensure that the State administration gears up to meet the expectations that citizens have from the government. Maintenance of law and order has to be a top priority and the police and security forces must ensure that citizens can live a secure and peaceful life.”
Security of people top priority: Nagaland Governor The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): Allaying fears that President's Rule might provide free hand to armed forces, Nagaland Governor K Shankaranarayan has said maintenance of law and order would be his top priority.
"President's Rule means civil rule, not army rule, where the civil administration, police and governor have to run the government efficiently and smoothly," he said in view of some political parties and organisations' assertion that President's Rule meant army rule leading to sufferings of the people. Addressing a security co-ordination meeting at police headquarters yesterday, the governor asked the police and paramilitary forces to remain alert.
The governor directed the director general of police to issue instructions to all senior police officials to make available police officers and personnel at their places of posting so that they could visit the place of occurrence of any incident.
Nagaland under PR: A mockery- Nagaland Post
The decision to impose President's Rule in Nagaland is the most abhorable thing that has ever happened to Nagaland during the last one decade. At a time when Nagaland is considered as more peaceful state than many other turbulent states in the country, the proclamation of the Central Rule came as a shock for many peaceful loving citizens of Nagaland.
For a separate HC and judiciary This is because central rule in Nagaland has always been marred with excess of the Indian army and that's why for the common people, Presidents' rule or more infamously PR is considered as a "reign of Terror" often unleashed by the central troops in the name of curbing insurgency. At a time when the people of Nagaland had just welcomed the NewYear 2008 with happiness and hope for a prosperous year, the 3rd January 2008 will be considered as another Black Day in the history of the Nagas because of this very day, the popular will of the people got murdered by the Congress (I). The ruthless and relentless political creed of the Congress could be obvious from the way the PR celebration continued amongst the different ranks and files within the Congress party both at the Centre and at the state when the common people began to reel at the thought of atrocities perpetrated upon the people during the earlier PR. This is indeed a mockery on the democratic cultures of the Nagas. The Nagas are borne warriors and accepts both vanquished and victors as courageous warriors. However, the cowardice imposition of PR by the Congress has proven that the true spirit of Naga warriors' blood does not run in the veins of the Nagaland State Congress Party.
In a strong supplementation to the NSF president, Imchatoba Imchen who said that the people of Nagaland do not want central rule, especially when there is hardly two months to go for the General election, the Congress led UPA and its allies must seriously reconsider its PR imposition if the Congress honestly wants to win the hearts and the sympathy of the Naga people. The PR will, in no way, serve to make political mileage for the congress party. Instead, PR will prove to be the Sword of Gideon which will chop off the Congress political career once the Court of the People gives its judgment in the form of adult franchisee.
Needless to say, the imposition of PR has already benefited the Neiphiu Rio led DAN in the form of people's support and good wishes. It has only exposed the desperate and frustrated action of the Congress party to shy away from the people's mandate due only by two months.
The Naga people stands to congratulate Neiphiu Rio for having successfully carried those bunch of defecting political conscripts for two months short of five years as no other than him (Rio) could have such bold and dynamic caliber to withstand such challenges. In this light, the people of Nagaland are ready to give another chance to Neiphiu Rio to take the Nagas forward into a self-reliant society. In short, the popular demand of the Naga people today is to revoke the imposition of PR and hold election and let a new people mandated government be formed before March 13. The people of Nagaland are ready to give a befitting reply to the Congress party for bringing an ill-fated PR as a New Year's curse. It must also be taken as a warning that if election is not held on time, the feeling and reaction of the Naga people may take an unwarranted and ugly turn, eventually, leading to a break down of the state machinery once the public take deliverance of justice in their own hands. The Congress party will be solely held responsible and they should be ready to reap the fruits of such negative development.
N.S.N. Lotha, Ex. gen secy & president, NSF Former secy gen, Advisor, North East Students' Org. President’s Rule face more criticism
PR a grave blunder: George Fernandes The Morung Express

Dimapur, January 5 (MExN): With President’s Rule in Nagaland, the Congress party has committed a grave blunder by creating yet another problem for the state of Nagaland, states sitting Lok Sabha MP George Fernandes. The development is a prelude to scrapping the anti-defection law, he reminds. In a press release issued today the former union defense minister regretted that President’s Rule should be imposed in Nagaland, a state in NE India “which was not giving any trouble to the country.” Fernandes is convinced that the bungling Congress has only created another problem. “I must say that the government has created one more problem. The Congress’ design to destabilize the region and to impose President’s Rule in Nagaland as a prelude to scraping the anti-defection act…” Fernandes stated. He gave his arguments – “During the Kargil war, they (Nagas) played a role which was such that after getting a blow they would get up immediately and would go to battle again. I am witness to this. It was their great love to the country that made them give their lives and there were many lives.”
On a more politically practical explanation, Fernandes lamented that while in other parts of “this area,” insurgencies are in place and even in Nagaland, “there is a minor problem” which the government has not been able to tackle. But the Congress policy-makers have bungled by creating yet another problem. “…what the government has done is to create another problem for those who were running the state without any problem; I must say that the government has created one more problem” Fernandes reiterated.
AGP and UDP terms PR as ‘undemocratic’ New Delhi, January 5 (PTI): Assam’s main Opposition Party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) on Friday condemned the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland and said the move has exposed the “undemocratic” character of the Congress-led UPA government. “We condemn the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland. It showed that the UPA government has no respect for democracy,” AGP MP Sarbananda Sonowal said here. “The Centre undemocratically dismissed a democratically elected government in Nagaland. The people of the state will give a befitting reply to the Congress in the coming Assembly elections,” he said.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) of Meghalaya has termed the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland as ‘undemocratic and unconstitutional’. Condemning the decision of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre to recommend President Rule in that state, UDP spokesperson Bindo Lanong said the decision is unfair as the DAN government had won the trust vote in the floor of the assembly only last month. “This is a desperate move by Congress after the shocks in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh,” he said. The UDP also urged all ‘right-thinking’ people, including political parties, to oppose the Centre’s decision by rejecting Congress in the coming polls to uphold democracy.
Nagaland was brought under President’s Rule on Thursday and the state Assembly kept under suspended animation. A political uncertainty was triggered in the state by a controversial trial of strength won by the BJP-backed Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Assembly elections are due in the state in a couple of months.
Sangma condemns PR imposition Shillong, January 5 (UNI): Political parties in Meghalaya today condemned the Centre’s decision of imposing President’s rule in Nagaland and termed it ‘undemocratic and unconstitutional’. Former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP leader Purno Sangma was most vociferous against the Congress-led UPA government’s decision, saying that the Centre was trying to ‘’destabilise the region with such arbitrary undemocratic decisions.’’
Sangma alleged that the Congress was also looking into ways to rig the Assembly polls slated early this year.
The UPA government, however, justified its decision by rubbishing the NCP leader’s allegation. Similarly, the state BJP condemned the UPA government’s decision with its president AL Hek warning that the ‘’undemocratic decision of Congress’’ would have a negative bearing on the party poll prospect in the upcoming Assembly elections in Nagaland. ‘’The decision will boomerang on the Congress’ poll prospect in Nagaland’’, Hek told UNI.
GOVERNMeNT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity
Press Release January 7, 2008

Peace and reconciliation through Naga Unification is nothing new in Nagalim. What has stood on the way is the national principle that cannot be compromised. This is to drive home the point that the NSCN/ GPRN is never against the common national agenda of Naga Unification. This achievement will be the biggest blessing for the Nagas, if ever succeeded, whoever may take the initiative But knowing complexities involved in processing the thorny road to unification an approach with conviction and embracing the collective interest of all Nagas should have been boldly attempted. Behaving in the manner of a thief on the issue of the magnitude of Naga unification is too vile in the true sense of the issue that has plagued Nagas for years.
One cannot defile the sweet sounding name of "Unification" by choosing the road bereft of moral standard, norms and ethics that civilized the political culture of today. Anything to Naga unification deviating from this pragmatic approach is doomed to meet failure, and simply quoting biblical verses by church leaders after the damage has been done will not keep resuscitate the premature death of Naga unification which was practically death from the start.
Under the circumstances NSCN cannot help pointing out the unification initiated by the so-called "Black Sheep" of the society that has taken the role of national workers under compelling circumstances but refusing to learn even after committing to serve and defend the national interests. Disgraced and dismissed Kilo Kilonser Azheto Chophy was habited defector, so is his friend Kiyekhu who was holding the post of Dy.Kilonser, Keya (Defense). After all "birds of the same feather flocked together" It is unthinkable for these unprincipled persons to initiate on Naga unification. The way they arrogantly stood, their grounds leave nothing to doubt that these persons are motivated by some other sectarian interest other then Naga interest.
Azheto and his accomplices in order to give shade of seriousness collaborated with Western Sumi Hoho (WSH). But at the end of the day the presence of WSH, and even Sumi Hoho failed to lend the initiative a dignity and credibility they desperately tried to establish.
Having started on the platform without foundation the unification team failed to charm the right thinking and good meaning societies of the Nagas. Because the wrong steps taken can never justify the means to an end. A thief can never justify saying that he is doing for the interest of his society.
The overbearing manner of Sumi Hohos president Hokishe Yeptho is a thing to be kept in mind, for he is indulging in damning criticism against the NSCN Chairman Ino Isak Chishi Swu. This will be taken as an exceptional case by NSCN as Kakishe's attack on NSCN Chairman will be interpreted as an insult to the Naga Nation. On the issue of Naga unification there is not a slightest deviation on the part of the Chairman to deserve somebody of the stature of Sumi Hoho president to cast aspersion on Isak Chishi Swu's integrity in defense of Naga national interest.

Issued by MIP/GPRN
‘Jan 3, another Black Day in Naga history’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, January 5 (MExN): Strongly condemning the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland, the North East Students Organization (NESO) today declared that the day of the imposition of PR, January 3 would be considered as another ‘Black Day’ in the history of the Nagas since on this day the ‘popular will of the people got murdered by the Congress (I)’.
A press statement received here on the NESO writing pad, which was signed by former Secretary General and present Advisor of NESO, NSN Lotha, categorically said that the decision to impose President’s Rule in Nagaland is the most despicable thing that has ever happened to Nagaland during the last one decade.
The former NSF President asserted that at a time when Nagaland is considered as more peaceful state than many other turbulent states in the country, the proclamation of Central Rule came as a shock for many peace loving citizens of Nagaland since Central rule in the state has always been marred with excesses committed by the Indian army in the name of curbing insurgency.
Nonetheless, NSN Lotha turned his guns towards the Congress party and said that the Congress party has murdered the popular will of the people on January 3 through the imposition of PR.
“The ruthless and relentless political creed of the Congress could be obvious from the way the PR celebration continued amongst the different rank and files within the Congress Party both at the Centre and the state when the common people began to reel at the thought of atrocities perpetrated upon the people during earlier PR,” said Lotha, “This is indeed, a mockery on the democratic cultures of the Nagas.”
In this regard, the NESO Advisor opined that the ‘cowardice imposition of PR’ by the Congress has proved that the true spirit of Naga warrior’s blood does not run in the veins of the Nagaland state Congress party.
Asserting that the imposition of PR will in no way, achieve political mileage for Congress party, Lotha asked the UPA Goverment and its allies to seriously reconsider the PR imposition if the Congress Party honestly wants to win the hearts and sympathy of the Naga people, otherwise the imposition of PR would prove to be the ‘Sword of Gideon’ which will chop of the Congress political career once the Court of the people gives its judgment in the form if adult franchise, he added.
“The people of Nagaland are ready to give a befitting reply to the Congress party for bringing an ill-fated PR as a New Year Curse,” declared Lotha. Similarly, NSN Lotha said that the imposition of PR has proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Neiphiu Rio led DAN Government in the form of peoples’ support and good wishes. “The people of Nagaland are ready to give another chance to Neiphiu Rio to take the Nagas forward into a self reliant society,” Lotha predicted.
Further, the NESO Advisor asserted that the popular demand of the Naga people today is to revoke the imposition of PR and to hold election and allow a new people-mandated Government to be formed before March13. Lotha warned that if the state assembly elections are not held on time, then ‘the feeling and reaction of the Naga people may take an unwarranted and ugly turn’, which would eventually lead to a break down of the state machinery once ‘the public take deliverance of justice in their own hands’. “The Congress party will be solely held responsible and they should be ready to reap the fruits of such negative development,” Lotha added.
Naga civil societies against President’s Rule Newmai News Network
KOHIMA, Jan 5 – Naga civil societies especially the apex Naga organisation, the Naga Hoho, have all expressed their opposition to imposition of Central rule in Nagaland.

Speaking to media persons, the Naga Hoho through its press secretary said that “we are absolutely against the imposition of President’s Rule at this juncture”.

It will create an undesirable situation, Chuba Ozukum, the Naga Hoho’s spokesperson stated. The Hoho also said that if President’s rule is imposed in Nagaland, “it will definitely have a negative impact on the peace process and the ceasefire.”

The other influential civil society organisation and perhaps most powerful youth organisation of Nagas, the Naga Student’s Federation also termed the imposition of Central rule as “most unfortunate”. The President of the NSF, Imchatoba Imchen stated that “President’s rule is not a welcome development, especially when there is hardly one month to go before Assembly elections”.

“The people of the State do not want Central rule so it will surely have a direct or indirect impact on the peace process and the ceasefire”, the NSF president stated. Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has also come out openly against PR in Nagaland. In a statement by its executive member, Vashum, the human rights group said that imposition of Central rule is “murder of democracy since it withdraws democratic rights”. Attacking the Congress, it said that “losing in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh does not mean that it has the right to impose President’s Rule in Nagaland”.

It is also of the view that the ceasefire and the peace process will be adversely affected. The NPMHR further added that, nowhere in the world will the people support such an imposition where the army has supreme powers and democracy is withheld. Civil society leaders also observed that imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland will get the people up in arms in revolt.
Media boom in Nagaland By Vibou Ganguly Thai IndiaNews
Kohima, Jan 6 (ANI): Nagaland has witnessed a media boom with a rise in number of English and regional language newspapers being taken out from the insurgency-hit state in the last few years. Analysts describe this as a dynamic development, which is an indication of vibrant and robust democracy.
The rising level of literacy rate in the State has brought about a change in the political situation and with the smooth functioning of democracy and relative peace since 1997, the younger generation got an excellent opportunity to excel in the field of media.
Geoffrey Yaden, the editor of The Nagaland Post, one of the first English newspapers to be published in the State, appreciates the growth of the media. Yaden said through their daily they brought a great deal of awareness among the people about the importance of peace. “We can also see the positive growth of media and this growth will definitely help in bringing about a change in people’s perception. That alone I think will play a very important role towards our future,” Yaden said.
The number of English newspapers published from the State has gone up to six. They include Nagaland Page, Eastern Mirror and Morung Express. Analysts say that the media has scope to further expand in the Northeastern State. “It’s the wonder of peace in the State and achievement of democracy that people are finding a proper platform to express their views and ideas,” said Morung Express Publisher and MD Akum Longchari.
Longchari says that the industry has given scope to the educated people to find another field for employment and creative experiment.
“The media is the voice of society. It strengthens the democracy,” said Longchari.
Longchari said: “What we have now is only the succession of arm confrontation, but not peace itself. So, hopefully the media will play a more active role by just not educating the people, but also empowering the people to not only focus on ceasefire, which is a temporary means, but on the aggressive issues for the establishment of peace.”
However, some journalists feel that the media in the State works under pressure. “Unlike other states in the country, media in Nagaland is quite under pressure. We can’t say it is a free media, because we continuously work under the pressure of different organisations,” said Dilip Sharma, Assistant Editor, Nagaland Page. Along with English newspapers, regional language newspapers have also come to flourish in the State.
A few journalists feel that despite the newspapers in Nagaland lacking technological advancement compared to the national dailies, they are playing a greater role in stabilising peace in the State. Vilasielie Nakhro, the editor of the Tenyi Ralha, a regional language daily, said: “The role of a free press is just like a lifeline of the society.”
Narain Sagar, a local journalist, said: “Media is gaining the momentum particularly in last the four to five years. Media has gained importance from all quarters, even from the government, who acknowledges the efficiency of media.” (ANI)
Rio may move Court against PR in Nagaland Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Jan 5 – Former Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today hinted at going to the court against imposition of President’s rule in the state just before the state assembly elections, reports PTI. “Some of our friends (party leaders) in Delhi are consulting legal experts whether the Centre’s decision should go for a judicial review in appropriate courts,” Rio said here after meeting the Governor K Shankaranarayanan following imposition of President’s rule on Thursday.

Defending the Nagaland Speaker’s decision to debar nine NPF MLAs and three independents during the voting on no-trust motion on December 13 under the provisions of anti-defection laws, Rio asked why same yardsticks were not applied in case states like Goa and Meghalaya where the respective presiding officers saved the ruling governments under the same laws.

The Speaker’s action helped Rio to win the trial of strength on the floor of assembly on December 13. Rio said the Speaker’s decision can only go for a judicial review in appropriate courts but not by any other authority and ridiculed the state Congress leaders for their refusal to go to courts against the outcome of the no-trust voting in the assembly.

“When DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) dared the Congress leaders to go to the courts, they refused to do so. Rather, they pressurised the Centre for dismissal of my government and finally succeeded in bringing President’s rule package to the people as a New Year’s gift even sacrificing Christmas and new year celebrations in Nagaland, Rio said.

Reiterating that the Centre’s decision was “unconstitutional and politically motivated”, he exuded confidence that the DAN coalition would come back to power in the coming assembly elections in the state. “The people, which is our high command, are with us,” he said. Rio said the people of Nagaland would judge what the DAN government had done for state in development front in past five years. But the most important achievement of the government was that there has been a perceptible change in the attitude and mindset of the people, particularly among the young people, he said.

He hoped the “development tempo” initiated by the DAN government would continue during the spell of the President’s rule and the Governor, with his vast experiences in public arena, would do justice for the people of Nagaland.

NPF calls NH-39 bandh on January 8 Newmai News Network

Kohima, Jan 5: Unable to stand the political defeat against the Congress Party two months ahead of completing its tenure, the Nagaland People`s Front (NPF) led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) has resorted protests by launching poster campaign and imposing National Highway bandh on January 8 in Nagaland.
Mention may be made that the political upheaval in Nagaland started during the last Assembly session, on December 13, 2007 wherein the Congress with the support of other political parties had moved a No-Confidence Motion against the DAN Government. The opposition party had 31 members in favour of the motion while the DAN had 23 (excluding the speaker) but the Speaker ruled in favour of the DAN.

Subsequently, the Congress formed an alliance, Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) with JD(U), Independent and NPF MLAs staking claim to form the Government having majority of 31 members in the then 55 member House. However, the NPF led DAN continued in office which forced the Opposition to move the matter to Delhi.

After spending 20 days in New Delhi, the NPA succeeded in convincing the Central Government to bring Nagaland under President`s Rule (PR) by keeping the House in suspended animation on January 3, 2008.Sources revealed that NPF workers were actively pasting posters in every nook and corner of the State capital Kohima last night with five main catch-words such as `PR is not for peace`, `Election no PR`, `Congress is responsible for PR` and `Down with defectors`.

Interestingly, the NPF has decided to impose total bandh along the National Highway 39 and 61 on January 8 as a sign of protest against the imposition of President`s Rule in Nagaland.

Meanwhile, political observers are of the view that in a political game and fight for power the public being made the victim as bandh should not be used as a weapon to protest against any political fight. Such matters should be taken up politically instead of involving the general public.

Northeast insurgent groups & the Bangladesh connection Nagarealm.com

At the recent Chief Ministers' meet on internal security held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh outlined the growing threat to the security and integrity of the nation posed by Naxalism and other homegrown insurgent movements, and also highlighted the external support that these insurgencies receive. Insurgent movements in Northeast India, in particular, have been supported by external forces, especially from Bangladesh.

Many of the insurgent outfits in Northeast India have their bases in Bangladesh and several of their top leaders have been operating from there for a long time now. While Bangladesh has all along denied the presence of Indian militants or their camps on its soil at the official level, the military-backed regime that took over power in Dhaka in January this year, has sent certain informal feelers to India that it has cracked down on many of these insurgent networks inside its territory.

Proof of the Bangladeshi connection and the support that the Northeast insurgent groups get in its territory was revealed recently by Julius Dorphang, the surrendered chairman of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). Dorphang was the founder of the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC) in 1992 along with John Kharkrang and Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, which waged a war against the Indian state for a separate Khasiland. In 1995, all three leaders met in Dhaka and subsequently renamed the HALC as the HNLC. Dorphang is the first leader of any insurgent group of the Northeast to have openly confirmed his stay in Dhaka and has endorsed the dominant view in India, that almost all northeast militant groups have bases in Bangladesh.

Dhaka serves as the base and meeting place for several top leaders of these groups, he revealed saying that he had himself lived in Dhaka for several years in an apartment called Banani close to the airport. The Meghalaya police have confirmed the existence of this place in Dhaka. Dorphang says that the leaders used to meet each other in several hotels and other rented places in Dhaka and also used to shift their bases every six months with the cadres arranging for the meetings and other logistics for their stay in Bangladesh. Dorphang revealed that the top leadership of every outfit used to stay in Dhaka to ensure better coordination among cadres and leaders of other similar insurgent outfits. This was also necessary for active coordination with their support bases inside Bangladesh, be it the DGFI or other political parties that helped them.

Dorphang disclosed that the HNLC and other militant organizations such as the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) have operational presence and camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and that almost all the insurgent outfits had close relations with each other within Bangladesh.

He also mentioned an instance in which the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) had to close down its camp in Bangladesh due to differences with locals. Prominent insurgent leaders such as Bobby Marwein and Thangkhiew of the HNLC, Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Baruah of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Ranjan Daimary of the NDFB, Biswamohan Debbarma of the NLFT, Ranjit Debbarma of the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), among many others, are believed to be operating out of Bangladesh.

Dorphang's revelations have raised a number of questions and cast serious aspersions on Dhaka's commitment towards cracking down on insurgent groups of the Northeast on its soil. It also shows New Delhi's inability to prevail upon Dhaka to act decisively on matters pertaining to India's internal security. Bangladesh has, in a way, been successful in pushing its own designs on India's Northeast by supporting such insurgencies through various means.
The jihadi influence, which various interest groups within Bangladesh have been supporting, has the potential to foment much trouble in the region. India needs to be more proactive on these concerns for its internal security and put greater weight behind them in order to ensure that Dhaka addresses them. [Mirza Zulfiqur Rahman]

Ten rebels surrender OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dibrugarh, Jan. 5: Seven Ulfa and three NSCN (Isak-Muivah) militants laid down arms at an army camp while a woman Ulfa activist died in an encounter with the army in Assam’s Tinsukia district today. Security forces also arrested two Ulfa militants from Naginimora in Sivasagar district, Nikhil Bhuyan and Jadab Saikia, in the wee hours. Some RDX, Rs 11,000 in cash and incriminating documents were seized from them.
The 10 militants, including two women, surrendered at a function in Gelapukhuri army camp in the presence of Brig. Binoy Poonnen, the commander of the 181 Mountain Brigade, and deputy inspector-general of police (eastern range) L.R. Bishnoi. They deposited two 9mm pistols, a .22 pistol, a revolver, four grenades and ammunition of assorted weapons.
The surrender ceremony was the fourth in the past four months in Upper Assam. Seven militants had surrendered on October 1, 14 on October 29 and 17 on November 22. Most of these were Ulfa activists, while some were militants of the Adivasi National Liberation Front.
“The voluntary surrender of Ulfa militants indicates that the outfit has not only developed serious cracks, but is also losing the support of the masses,” Brig. Poonnen said. In yet another blow to Ulfa, its self-styled sergeant Swapna Baruah alias Swapna Moran died in an encounter with the army at Dirak Rongpuri village. Stung by the surrenders, the Ulfa leadership today warned its cadres not to fall prey to the “evil designs of occupational forces”.
“Beware of false promises by the occupational forces. They would only try to use you against the outfit and when you all are of no use, they would kill you,” a statement issued by self-styled major Raju Baruah, defence spokesman of Ulfa, said. Citing instances in Tinsukia district, the release said many cadres who had died recently were working with the security forces and against the outfit for long. When they were of no use, they were killed, it added. “Security forces claim they are Ulfa militants, but they have actually surrendered long back,” the release said.
Bodo community asked to preserve Bathou culture
From our Correspondent Sentinel
UDALGURI, Jan 5: The Bathou Religious Union, in a statement has urged the Bodo community to stick to their own culture and identity. The union stated that the philosophy of the Bathou religion is a primitive and age-old tradition of the community. There has been a growing threat of conversion by the Bodo people to follow other religions, which has threatened the very existence of the Bathou religion, according to the union leaders.
A three-day-long conference of the Udalguri anchalik unit of the All Bathou Religious Union concluded at Niz Udalguri Bathou Thansali premises recently. A discussion — Bathou religion and Bodo society, education and cleanliness — was held, which was presided over by Dhanuram Basumatary, speaker of the district unit of the Bathou Youth Union. Binoy Kumar Daimary, advisor, Bathou anchalik committee inaugurated the delegates’ hall, while Rajendra Basumatary inaugurated the delegates’ meeting.
The second day’s programme began with the hoisting of the Bathou flag by Udalguri anchalik Bathou Union president Buddhiman Basumatary. Maheswar Boro garlanded the ‘vedi’ of Bathou. A souvenir Gudi Dwhwram was also brought out on the occasion. The souvenir, edited by Ramesh Daimary, was released by noted social worker Rameswar Boro.
The cultural competition in the evening was inaugurated by Babul Swrang Boro, cultural secretary of the Bathou youth wing. The Bathou Preacher and Deuri session was presided over by Kamal Wary and sermons were delivered by Sombar Basumatary, main preacher of the Udalguri district Bathou Union.
Premada Boro, vice-president of the district Mainao Afad, delivered a sermon on the topic — Bodo women should maintain cleanliness and preserve the age-old integrity of Bathou culture. The concluding day’s programme began with the morning Bathou Araj led by Baburam Basumatary. Gangacharan Boro delivered a speech on the theme — The way of preserving the Bodo community through the Bathou religion.
An open session was conducted by Buddhiman Basumatary, which was inaugurated by Budaola Daimary, noted social worker and Bathou activist. He urged the Bodo people to be conscious to foil the plans of disintegrating the cultural identity of the Bodo community. Krishna Kanta Boro of the All Bathou Religious Union and Govardhan Prasad Chowhan, North-east coordinator of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad addressed the gathering.
The delegated session elected a new anchalik committee for the next term with Kamal Wary as president and Khanindra Wary as general secretary. Speaking about the customs and rituals followed during Bathou puja, the speakers said that the Dosa Thoi Long Nai is a major form of dance performed by the Bodo community to please Lord Shiva. The puja ceremony is held every year in the month of April. The Dosa Thoi Long Nai is a very important religious dance, where the priestess called Deodhani dances with a bowl on her head in which the blood of a sacrificed fowl is kept. There is a legend behind the festivities during Bathou puja. It is believed that while the Deodhani performs this dance in a condition of trance, Lord Bathou (Shiva) will snatch away the bowl and drink the blood. In the past, the Bodos worshipped their forefathers. In recent years, Bodos practice Bathouism, Hinduism. Bathouism is a form, where forefathers called Obonglaoree are worshipped. The siju plant (belonging to the Euphorbia genus), is taken as the symbol of Bathou and worshipped. In the Bodo language, Ba means five and thou means deep. Five is a significant number in the Bathou religion. During the puja ceremony, a clean surface near the house or the courtyard is selected as the ideal place for worship. Usually, one pair of betel nuts called ‘goi’ and betel leaf called ‘pathwi’ could be used as offering. On some occasions, the worship offering often includes rice, milk, and sugar.
Other important festivals include the Kherai puja, where the altar is placed in the rice field and other festivals like Garja, Hapsa Hatarnai, Awnkham Gwrlwi Janai, Bwisagu and Domashi. Despite the advance of Hinduism among the Bodos, mainstream Indian practices such as caste and dowry are not practised by the majority of Bodo Hindus who follow a set of rules called Brahma Dharma.
Burmese opposition reiterates call for dialogue on Independence day Mizzima News
January 4, 2008 - Burma's main opposition political party – the National League for Democracy – today for the umpteenth time reiterated its call for the release of all political prisoners including detained party leader Aung San Suu Kyi and kick-start the national reconciliation process even as the party marks the 60th anniversary of Burma's Independence day.
The NLD, which has long demanded that the junta begin genuine dialogue that will facilitate reforms in the country, in their Independence day statement optimistically said '2008 is the year of political reform through dialogue.' With over 600 participants, including veteran politicians, diplomats, activists and party members, the NLD held the 60th Independence anniversary ceremony at its headquarters in west Shwegonedine in Rangoon.
Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson, said they are optimistic about a political breakthrough in 2008 and hoped that the ruling junta would lend their ears to the calls of the people.
Following the junta's brutal crackdown on protesters in September, detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed a rare meeting with party leaders.
As a concession to the brutal crackdown, the junta also appointed a Liaison Minister as a go between with the junta head Snr. Gen Than Shwe and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The minister, Aung Kyi, was also allowed to meet opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi thrice as the initial step to prepare for a process of dialogue. However, with the junta making no visible efforts to convene another meeting with detained Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the talks seem to have petered off. The junta, as much as the opposition groups, marks the 60th anniversary of Independence day at its new jungle head quarters in Nay Pyi Taw.
In what seems to be a preparation for the Independence Day, the junta, in its mouthpiece New Light of Myanmar newspaper, has carried articles that exhort the people of Burma to maintain the spirit of the union and to be aware of 'external and internal destructionists', apparently pointing at opposition groups. Meanwhile, Burmese activists in Malaysia were showered with teachings by the Penang abbot Ashin U Pyinnyawuntha during a ceremony marking Burma 's Independence day. Similarly, Burmese activists in New Delhi held a function in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Burma's Independence day. Burma, after nearly a century of colonial rule, gained independence from the British colonial rulers in 1948. Though Burma enjoyed a brief period of democracy following independence, it plunged into military dictatorship in 1962 when General Newin grabbed power in a military coup.
Burma, at independence, was known as the 'rice bowl' of Southeast Asian and was predicted to be the most prospective economy in the region. However, after decades of civil war and economic mismanagement by the ruling junta, Burma today is listed by the United Nations among the Least Developed Countries (LDC).