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01/31/2008: "‘Not passengers but drivers of peace process’ morungexpress"



‘Not passengers but drivers of peace process’ morungexpress

Keviletuo Keiwhuo addressing the gathering at the silver jubilee celebration. (MExPiX)
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 30 (MExN): “The journey has begun to bring all the Nagas together. March on, the Naga Hoho are with you” assured Naga Hoho vice president Keviletuo Kiewhuo to Shajouba villagers during the Charanghimei Chiitu Silver Jubilee celebration on January 29 at Shajouba village. While reminding that Shajouba village is the ‘epicenter of Naga history’ and that villagers being occupying a very historical place, Keviletuo, who was gracing the occasion as the chief guest of the silver jubilee celebration called upon the people of the village to make a new approach and direction to tell the people that ‘Nagas are one’ and to renew and revive and to march forward to lead the Naga people.
Keviletuo also while reminding the people that Nagas are at the verge of peace with the Indians, he further reminded that the people can’t leave everything at the hands of the national workers. He said, “let us not be a passenger in the peace process but let us be drivers.” Keviletuo also told the people not to wait but to take pro-active role in the peace process.
Also talking of the achievements and failures of the peace process, Keviletuo said that the achievements are more than failures. The Naga Hoho vice president also while reminding that Naga peace process is “deviating from settlement to unification and reconciliation” said the “priority should be settlement and honourable solution.” He said everyone, be it NSCN-IM, NSCN-K or NNC are for unity but, he further added, “we cannot have a uniformed unity but it has to be unity with a purpose.”
Also speaking on the theme of the jubilee ‘Celebrating Oneness’, Convenor organizing committee D.Besii said that “it is not numbers of clans or khels or villages or tribes but our common vision and united efforts towards achieving this aspiration of ‘oneness’ that binds us together. A common vision guided by the power of truth and wisdom of our elders which ensures the people liberty, justice, peace and human dignity”.
“From the plains of Brahmaputra to the Chindwin and from the Patkai to the Shiroi the common aspiration of the Nags to live as a free nation is the premise of Naga oneness” he further added. Though the Nagas are devided by artificial boundaries, the Naga nation is one because no force on earth can remove the beacon in our hearts that is calling out for Naga to be free in oneness. It is the Naga spirit that holds the key to the oneness of Naga nationhood” he added.
Rio optimistic of DAN victory morungexpress
Kohima, MExN): Former Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio is optimistic that the NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) will form the next government in the state. Speaking at the NPF 9th Kohima town A/C general meeting at the party’s central office here today, Rio castigated the Congress party for bringing President’s Rule in Nagaland against the wishes of the people, ‘for which the Congress, has to face defeat in the forth coming election.’
Stressing on the value of vote, Rio appealed to the people not to sacrifice their future by compromising with money power, in exercising their franchise. He said 9th Kohima town A/C is the most prestigious constituency in the state component of all the Naga tribes, so exhorted party workers to work united and set an exemple to other constituencies of the state.
On the development front, Rio asked the people to judge by comparing achievements of the decade-old Congress regime in the past. The former chief minister lauded Dr. Nicky Kire as the most suitable candidate to contest with NPF ticket in the 9th Kohima town constituency.
He appeals the party workers and voters to build full confidence on Dr. Kire.
Intending candidate Dr. Nicky Kire who also addressed the party workers, assured that if he got elected he will fulfill his promises for the welfare of Kohima town dwellers in particular and state as whole.
A short speech were also delivered by James Liezietsü, president, NPF 9th Kohima Town; Pele Khezhie, Advisor NPF Youth Wing Nagaland; V. Kobu Solo, ex-president, 9th Kohima Town and present Joint Secy of NPF Kohima Division and Kopela, general secretary, Women Wing, 9 Kohima Town A/C.
Hundreds of party workers, including primary and active members, Area/colony/sector representatives under 9 Kohima Town A/C attended the meeting.
Earlier the programme was chaired by Neilaselie Kire, Vice President NPF 9th Kohima Town A/C and invocation prayer pronounced by Babu, Finance Secretary of the A/C.
Plea to factions Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): Public of Khaghaboto, Kuhuboto and Aghunaqa areas have directed all underground factions not to disrupt the ongoing construction works of the RCC bridge between Shozukhu and Zukihe, in the interest of the public of the three areas.
A joint press statement issued by Gozheto, chairman Khaghaboto GBs Union; Khehovi Yeputho, president KGPO and Lutozu Katy, chairman Aghunaqa GBs Union, informed that a joint meeting of the public of the three areas held on January 26 last also resolved that in the event of violation of the directive, the erring party would be held “absolute responsible” and the public might resort to their own of action. It may be mentioned earlier an engineer of PABSCON, the firm engaged in construction of the RCC bridge, was reportedly abducted by armed men but later released unharmed.
Dimapur plagued by abductions Staff Reporter: Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Jan 30 (NPN): Fear psychosis grips the business community here in the commercial city of the state after a series of incident involving unidentified gunman who have kidnapped several for ransom. Most of the incidents have gone unreported even to the police, for fear that the lives of the victims would be at risk.
On Wednesday, another trader was reportedly abducted in the morning while opening the shop. So far there has been no report of whether he had been released.
According to reports, most of the business community have almost gone underground fearing kidnap for ransom. One prominent businessman disclosed that he has since stopped going to his shop for fear of being abducted. It was suspected that some of those involved were operating as renegades with information and knowledge of such operations.
ULFA’s top leadership neutralised: Jaswal Ramen Kalita Assam Tribune
TAMULPUR, Jan 30 – Following the continuous surrender by a large number of ULFA militants in the recent past, the Army has neutralised the top leaders of the outfit and they are now desperate, said 4 Core GOC Lt General BS Jaswal. Talking to the media at Tamulpur recently, the GOC asserted that some top leaders of ULFA are also in contact to come to the mainstream.

Stating that the law and order situation in the State is now very peaceful and three-four leading festivals are passed without any insurgency-related incidents, Jaswal stated that the activities of the militants have fast come down. He added ‘ we are only the facilitator but the problem has to be solved politically.” Jaswal further stated that the Army is plying the role of doctors bringing the misguided youths to the mainstream as the doctors give new life to the dying patients. He however admitted that only due to the people cooperation with the security forces, the ULFA has lost ground among the masses.

Briefing up the media personnel, the Director General of Police RN Mathur said that the surrender of huge militants is the sign of frustration and it will encourage the other militants to take the right path. When asked DGP Mathur said that though we have no definite information, according to the intelligence report there is possibility of regrouping the ULFA in its earlier Bhutan hills bases.
Promise of good bargains at expo - Artfed organises fair to showcase best of handloom products A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


Bodo women in traditional hand-woven attire. A file picture
Jan. 30: If you have been wanting that traditional handwoven Bodo shawl for long but been repulsed by the price quoted at the city handloom fair, it won’t be a bad idea to plan a trip to Kokrajhar for some quality bargains at the Special Handloom Expo from Friday.
The expo at Rashmela Pathar not only promises to be a riot of colours and designs on traditional textiles, but also the place to buy the choicest of handloom products at the best prices.
The event has been organised by the Assam Apex Weavers and Artisans’ Co-operative Federation Ltd (Artfed) in collaboration with the development commissioner for handlooms. The department for welfare of plains tribes and backward classes is the sponsor.
“The fair has generated considerable enthusiasm and curiosity,” an Artfed official said. “The best of handloom products from across the country will be on sale at the expo.” The expo aims to give consumers access to genuine handloom fabrics from the district co-operative societies. The variety will be mindboggling, including products in silk, cotton and wool.
“Weavers will benefit as much from the expo as customers. The way this expo pans out will be an indicator of the demands of the market,” the Artfed official said.
The organisers are expecting sales to top Rs 2 crore by the end of the expo.
A theme pavilion has been set up at the venue to highlight the exclusive products of tribal weavers of Assam. Self-help groups formed by weavers and entrepreneurs supported by the welfare of plains tribes and backward classes department will form the bulk of the participants at the expo.
The chief executive member of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Hagrama Mahilary, will be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony .
The minister for welfare of plains tribes and other backward classes, Pramila Rani Brahma, Kokrajhar MP S.K. Bwiswmuthiary, BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoyari and the speaker of the Bodoland Legislative Council Assembly, Reo Reoa Narzihari, will be the guests of honour.
Oscar’s ‘secret’ visit raises eye brows By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jan 30 : Centre’s emissary in the peace talk with the NSCN (IM) and Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Oscar Fernandes today paid a hush-hush visit and then left in the evening after visiting Senapati district, where he reportedly had a meeting with some Church representatives, raising eye brows and posers over the real purpose of his visit.
The Union Minister arrived this morning in an Indigo flight from New Delhi, ostensibly to attend the golden jubilee function of the Poumai Naga Catholic General Conference scheduled to be held at Saranamei village in Senapati district as the cultural chief guest.
Fernandes however did not attend the golden jubilee and left Senapati Hqs after meeting some Church representatives in a ‘private residence’ at the district headquarters.
After a brief meeting with Chief Minister and well as taking his lunch at the CM’s official residence he left for New Delhi in an evening flight.
It is not clear what was discussed during the meeting with the Church representatives.
What has however raised eye brows is the point that the MPCC was not officially informed about the visit of the Union Minister. The Government too had not informed the public that the Minister would be coming to the State on a one day visit.
Rebel MLAs return to Imphal for Assembly session
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jan 30: The dissident Congress MLAs who were lobbying with the party high command for a change in the state CLP leadership returned to Imphal today, exuding confidence of a successful conclusion to their campaign to oust Okram Ibobi Singh in the near future.

Barring MPCC chief Gaikhangam and minister DD Thaisii, all the dissident MLAs, 14 in number, flew into Imphal this afternoon on an Air India flight.

The dissident MLAs came back in the state only to attend the budget session of the state Assembly which is due to commence on February 1 and their return does not mean an end to their campaign for replacing Ibobi as chief minister, said a source in the dissident camp.

Before leaving the national capital, they submitted representations to the Congress high command urging to settle the crisis within the party at the earliest.

The MLAs who have returned include FCS minister, Y Erabot Singh and Congress chief whip, Mangibabu.

Other MLAs who arrived at the Imphal Tulihal airport this afternoon include L Nandakumar, Bijoy Koijam, M Oken, Y Surchandra, K Meghachandra, K Govindas, M Hemanta, M Manindra, I Hemochandra, Manga Vaiphei, Kh Rantan and W Brajabidhu.

Speaking briefly to the media at the Imphal airport, MLA Bijoy Koijam maintained they had come with the blessing of the Congress high command, and said they will surely win the game.

MLA I Hemochandra also affirmed they have come back to attend the Assembly session as instructed by the AICC high command.

Y Surchandra, spokesperson of the dissidents, said the apparent defection of Debendra will not affect their movement and they would choose a leader from among them, or as instructed by the high command if necessary.

He said Th Debendra will be missing a big opportunity if he does not respond to the summons of the high command.

Y Surchandra also informed they will return to New Delhi on February 7 after the Assembly session to further press their demand.

It is also learned from among the dissidents that they would meet tonight at the official quarter of K Govindas, to discuss various matters, including the question of selecting a new leader.

It may be mentioned, the revolt by the dissidents against O Ibobi Singh which erupted in the first week of November last year received a set back after revenue minister, Th Debendra, the projected leader of the dissident camp suddenly snubbed them on January 27 last by refusing to join them at New Delhi to meet with representatives of the AICC representatives.

On the other hand, as per dissident sources, Debendra was yesterday asked by the AICC leadership to come to New Delhi after the end of the Assembly session to properly clarify his position.
Burma still using child soldiers: HREIB Than Htaik Oo(Mizzima News)
Chiang Mai: The 'Human Rights Education Institute of Burma' (HREIB) today said that it was not true there were no child soldiers in Burma as claimed by the military regime.
Today's issue of the state-run 'New Light of Myanmar' says, "expatriates national traitors with negative views in collusion with some foreign media are making groundless accusations that there are child soldiers in Myanmar Tatmadaw (armed forces) with the intention of attacking the nation" and "Tatmadaw systematically recruits in accordance with the laws, rules, orders and directives". But Thai based HREIB said it was not true.
"We are still receiving news of recruiting minors. We got the news recently saying that a Sergeant came and bought children at Kemmendine fish market and took them to the recruiting camp. If they dare do such recruiting in downtown Rangoon, you can imagine how much worse it is in other areas. There are many child soldiers still serving in the army", Director of HREIB Aung Myo Min said.
The state-run newspaper also said that the officials concerned were instructed to continue to take measures in line with the law and to enforce the subordinate organizations to abide by the law, rules and regulations promulgated in the interests of the children.
They are still denying it. Talking alone is not enough to do away with child soldiers in the armed forces," U Aung Myo Min added.
But according to the 'Human Rights Watch' report issued in November 2007, there are over 60,000 child soldiers in Burmese armed forces.
"This figure maybe correct and valid according to the statements of child soldier deserters who fled to the border and complaints lodged by the guardians and parents in this regard," Aung Myo Min said.
The local authorities of Putao, Kachin State forcibly took away over 120 Lisu ethnic race teenage high school students to the basic military training depot and about 10 of them escaped from the recruiting unit, Ko Leonard, Vice-Chairman of 'All Kachin Students and Youth Union' (AKSYU) said citing the local residents.
"The officials forcibly took away over 120 teenaged Lisu, Rawan ethnic tribes in October from Putao to the recruitment centre for basic military training. They were taken to Rangoon and 10 of them refusing forcefully to be enlisted in the army, were then sent back to their homes. The rest of them, 108 children, are still serving in No. 46 Infantry Battalion (IB 46)," he said.
Aung Myo Min said that the regime is weak in stopping the use of force in recruiting minors and it is important to take action at an earliest time against the complaints lodged.
"If they really wish to stop the use of force in recruiting minors, they must look into all the complaints lodged with them and sent them back to their respective parents. And also there should be a mechanism for lodging complaints and start public awareness in this regard. They also should establish rehabilitation centres for the child soldier deserters where they could be nurtured back into their child life. Only in this way, the child soldier issue can be eradicated and tackled.
Aung San Suu Kyi 'dissatisfied' over talks with junta Mungpi Mizzima News
Noble peace laureate opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi under detention has expressed her dissatisfaction with the current pace of talks for political reforms in Burma, spokesmen of her party the National League for Democracy said on Wednesday.
The Burmese democracy icon told her party leaders in no uncertain terms during a rare meeting today, that she is frustrated over the lack of progress on talks for political reforms in the country with the ruling junta. The meetings with the military junta's Liaison Minister have not been fruitful.
Nyan Win, NLD spokesperson, who was among the seven NLD leaders who met detained the party secretary today, said, "She is not satisfied with the current pace of talks. She would like to see concrete progress."
For the second time in three months, Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed a rare meeting with her party leaders for 90 minutes in the military guest house in Rangoon.
In the wake of the meeting, the junta's Liaison Minister Aung Kyi was said to have met Aung San Suu Kyi for the fifth time, since he was appointed mediator between Aung San Suu Kyi and the junta Supremo Snr. Gen. Than Shwe.
Aung San Suu Kyi said, while the meetings, both with the NLD leaders and Aung Kyi, do not show any sign of progress, "Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst," Nyan Win quoted her as saying.
In the course of the meeting, Aung San Suu Kyi briefed them about the details of her fourth meeting with Aung Kyi but expressed concern that the meetings, including the second meeting with party leaders, might give rise to "false hope", Nyan Win said.
Aung San Suu Kyi told Aung Kyi that the talks must include representatives of Burma's many ethnic groups, who are fighting for autonomy or independence for the last five decades.
"She also said talks should not be delayed for too long," said Nyan Win adding that NLD had asked the regime to allow party leaders to have frequent meetings with her to discuss party affairs as well as the current status of the talks.
The talks, which began in the aftermath of the bloody crackdown on protesters in September, have not yielded any meaningful dividend, Nyan Win said.
The monk-led protest in September, which was the biggest threat to the Burmese junta in nearly two decades, was brutally suppressed by the iron fisted regime. The UN said at least 31 people died and 74 went missing during the crackdown, but activists believe the number to be higher.
In a bid to counter international outrage, the Burmese junta, allowed visits by UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari and UN rights expert Paulo Sergio Pinheiro to the strife torn country.
Following the visits by the UN envoys, the junta assured that it will stop arresting and detaining dissidents, a promise it did not live up to.
The police on Tuesday arrested a Burmese blogger, Nay Phone Latt, from an internet café in Rangoon, his friends and colleagues said. Similarly, a Burmese poet, Saw Wai, was arrested last week for publishing a Valentine's Day poem, which had the words "Power Crazy Than Shwe" when the initial words of the lines were put together.



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