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02/02/2008: "Nagaland govt signs MoU with Trident Mineral Resources, PTI Times of India"

Nagaland govt signs MoU with Trident Mineral Resources, PTI Times of India


KOHIMA: The Nagaland government will take up exploration work at mineral-rich belt of the state in conjunction with Trident Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd.

The government signed a memorandum of understanding with Trident Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd yesterday to undertake exploration work at Naga Ophiolite belt, which covers the border districts of Tuensang, Kiphire and Phek.

According to an official source, the MoU was signed by chief of the Directorate of Geology and Mining H K Chishi on behalf of the state government and Director of Trident Ltd V N Vasudev here. The Naga Ophiolite structure is said to be the host rock of many minerals, including gold, chromium, nickel, copper and platinum group of elements, among others.

Both parties agreed to undertake exploration, prospecting and feasibility studies with the objective to improve the state's economic condition, the source said


Nagaland polls: EC insists on checking proxy voting
Kohima (PTI): The Election Commission, which reviewed preparations for March 5 Assembly polls in Nagaland, on Friday insisted on checking the practice of proxy voting and interference of underground organisations in the state's election process.
After holding a series of discussions with senior government officials and representatives of political parties here, Commission members directed the administration to take all measures to ensure that cadre of underground organisations confine themselves to designated camps, not interfere and intimidate voters during elections.
Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy told reporters that the Commission's main concern was the practice of proxy voting and asked the administration to check it at any cost.
He said, the Commission was also taking serious note of instances of pre-poll violence in various parts of the state and insisted they be prevented for free and fair polling.
The CEC said the Commission was satisfied with the preparations, including revision of electoral rolls, and whatever "small things left" would be completed soon.
However, he maintained that preparation of electoral photo identity cards (EPICs) was not satisfactory as so far only 45 per cent electorate has been covered. The Commission would notify the other relevant documents to be used by voters to exercise their franchise, Gopalaswamy said.
The Commission welcomed the reported statement of Nagaland Baptist Church Council, which expressed serious concern over the practice of proxy voting and other malpractices during the electioneering in the state.
SPEECH OF CHAIRMAN ISAK CHISHI SWU
ON THE 29TH NSCN DAY CELEBRATION
Dated: OKING Jan.31, 2008
My dear Countrymen,
I thank God of all nations and praise His Almighty name for sustaining my life thus far to continue my humble service to the cause of his people, the Nagas. I want to say a big thank you to all the representatives from various organizations, the church, GBs, ladies and gentlemen present here on this auspicious day.
It was on this day, the 31st of Janaury 1980 that NSCN was established and the first NSCN day was celebrated at Tonyu with great joy and revolutionary zeal. Formation of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) became inevitable as vacuum was created by the demise of NNC, the then political organization of the Naga people. NSCN was approved by the National Assembly and mandated with the National trust. It is no doubt, a Principle-based organization.
We had to form NSCN because the issue of the Naga nation is too dear to us to be buried with the dead organization. We had to form it because a people without an organization to guide to a vision are dead. We had to form it because unorganized people are always vulnerable to the danger of enemies of both within and without.
NSCN is issue oriented. Every member of NSCN is also issue oriented. We value this National issue above everything in as much as the future of the Nagas lies in it. We risked our lives in defending the issue against all odds in every national crisis that shook our land. I salute those departed revolutionary patriots who had laid down their lives in defending our nation. My deep gratitude goes to our people and all those friends of the Nagas who stood by us in times of long national trials and tribulations.
In spite of human frailty, NSCN has not failed in the military front. It is during the time of NSCN that Indian Generals stated-‘Military solution is not possible’. It has raised the issue from the zero point to the highest level. It has also made great achievements in the diplomatic field. NSCN name sells. Nagas are not alone. The world will no longer sit idle on the fence. Above all, the presence of the Lord has been with us. Let us only be firm and stay the course.
Unity and reconciliation has been the agenda in many public meetings that have so far been conducted by the civil societies and the church. We highly appreciate their sincere efforts. Unity, as we understand, is highly political which calls for political approach. We do not totally rule out emotional factor. But we give more emphasis on unity founded in the declared National Political and Faith lines. We have already declared ‘Unity through reconciliation’. However, it should be understood that unity is too big an issue to be dealt with by any Jack and Harry. Being political, it should be handled politically by political authorities or by any authorized organization or persons.
The crux of the problem is delaying the solution. All kinds of human sufferings, social problems like- poverty, unemployment, diseases, backwardness, division, fighting, killing etc. come from this. Nagas will be assimilated into the foreign culture if solution to the chronic problem is further delayed. We will be totally uprooted if we give up resistance and give in to the aggressors. Solution will neither come from the east nor from the west. It will come only from our unwavering stand. And that 4 million Naga people must speak one language with one mind.
The world today is now well informed about the Naga political history. They too admit that ours is a case of invasion, not domestic problem of India and Myanmar. Many a writer agrees that Nagas are free from time immemorial. In spite of the fact, it must be understood that to be a free people is not enough. We must have the courage to defend our freedom. We must have the knowledge of statecraft of running our country. We must have the science of managing the national economy to develop our country. We must have the political wisdom to build up good relations with our neighbors. And we must be able to deliver message to the world for global peace and progress. NSCN is fully aware of all these realities. And that it is prepared to take the great historical responsibility of equipping our people with the right education for making ourselves master of everything.
‘MAY GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY AND PEOPLE’
KUKNALIM!
NSCN (IM) alleges violation The Tangkhul


Dimapur, February 1 (MExN): Terming it as a serious violation of their “over stated mission on Naga unification”, the NSCN (IM) informed that the unification group was going all the way to prove themselves wrong on their own professed unification initiative, and for which the Naga civil society should not afford to remain silent but to start raising probing questions to the unification team.
An MIP press note received here informed that on Friday around 3 pm the unification team abducted “UTI C.A.O.” Tokishe G. Swu along with two cadres Asangba Sangtam and corporal Nikhuyi with one AK-56, one .22 rifle, one M-20 and one Gypsy soft-top.“It is obnoxious to let this happen in the hands of the group who calls for Naga unification. But this is just one incident in the past few weeks such undesirable incident have taken place too and anyone who have the concern for Naga unification cannot feign ignorance”, stated the MIP press note.
The MIP note recalled that in the Wungram colony incident, Tatar Viniho seized two SLRs from two cadres and again on December 8, 2007 “Sgt. Maj.” Khevishe was attacked with bomb at Qwality hotel in Dimapur. Q. Awomi’s house at Burma camp was also rounded up by around 30 unification group cadres, but Qhehovi had a miraculous escape, stated the MIP.
“Should the Nagas allow this anti- peace and anti-unification activities to go on and all behind the façade of unification?” the NSCN (IM) questioned and stated that it was waiting on the Naga civil society to react positively. The NSCN (IM) also demanded the release of the “CAO” and his wife along with the two cadres unconditionally along with the arms and the vehicle. The MIP note lamented that the continuing abductions for ransom and even killings in the name of Naga unification is going unabated.
Unification without accountability spells future disaster The Tangkhul

February 1 2008: A look into history shows when unforgivable deeds are left unaddressed, deeds leading to death and disunity, then unification without accountability for these deeds throw shadows over unification. Like a sword of Damocles this accountability hangs over the deep rift cause by those yearning for unification. Although by all means the unification drive is a laudable initiative there are a few things to be considered:

One - the cause of disunity

Two - the ever important respect for human rights and

Three - the motivation behind this type of unification devoid of the concern for accountability

Hence the Naga International Support Center calls first of all on the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights to speak out on the standards of unification so that the threats or recurrence and the vengeance evoked by unaddressed deep inflicted pains
will be averted. After all, what about all those families left behind?

NISC calls on all involved to be prudent and wise so that true unity can be achieved, not half baked and primarily for the sake of those who are guilty of selfishness, greed, power and the like, for true unity leads to a united stand against a formidable opponent which has the Nagas in tight grip for over 60 long years.

True unity means all Nagas are directed to achieve one thing: self determination. It does not mean all have to think alike and do alike, on the contrary in a democratic society all are free to express themselves. However, in such society it is absolutely out of the question to raise and use a gun to get what one wants. A democratic society is a pluriform, a multifaceted society, where ideas from several, even opposing parties come together meant to tried out and implemented for the benefit of the whole society. So, NPMHR, NISC urges you to speak out. Take the lead and initiate this unification drive using the objectives you stand for the
safeguarding of human rights. But it is not just NPMHR

For unification to bear the much desired fruit justice should be done; a respectable civil society will adhere to that . Consequently the Naga International Support Center calls on the Naga Hoho, the Naga Mothers and Naga Women, the Naga Student
Federation and all civilian parties concerned to take unification seriously so that suspicion, hatred and vengeance vanish in favor of forgiveness.

‘North East must have permanent peace’ morungexpress
Lohitpur (Arunachal Pradesh), February 1 (PTI): Concerned over the problems of militancy and insurgency in the north east, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it was imperative to have lasting peace in the region.
"It is imperative that permanent peace is established in the north east," he said addressing Army and ITBP jawans here and those who came from the far flung Kibithu area for 'barakhana' (lunch) with the Prime Minister. While Kibithu is on the China border, Lohitpur is on the boundary with Myanmar.
Seeking to boost the morale of jawans braving hostile weather conditions in inhospitable terrains, Singh said that apart from guarding the borders, they were fighting terrorism and insurgency. "This is a challenging task," he said. Referring to the transit problems faced by jawans, Singh announced a grant of Rs.60 lakh to upgrade the transit facilities at Dehan, Senge, Likabali and Missamari. He also announced a grant of Rs.30 lakh for setting up satellite telephony at Subansiri, Siang, Seam, Lohit and Debang valleys to improve telecommunication with the rest of the country. The Prime Minister said he had instructed senior officials to bring to his notice whatever more was needed to address the problems faced by the personnel. "I will see that the requirements are met," he said. "As the sentinels of the nation, you should get all facilities as a matter of right," he added.
3 NSCN (I-M) men, 1 woman abducted Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 1 (NPN):The CAO, UT-I, of NSCN (I-M) Tokishe G. Swu, his wife and two other NSCN (I-M) army personnel -Asangba Santam and ‘Corp’’ Nikhuyi- were reportedly abducted by the NSCN (Unification) in Dimapur Friday afternoon at around 3 p.m.
The MIP/NSCN (I-M) in a press release said the abductors also took away one AK-56, one .22 rifle, one M-20 and a soft-top Gypsy. Condemning the abduction, the NSCN (I-M) said the act was a “serious violation of their over stated mission on Naga Unification”, which the Naga civil societies should not afford to remain silent but start probing questions to the unification team.
“Should the Nagas allow this anti- peace and anti-unification activities to go on and all behind the façade of unification?” the NSCN (I-M) asked. The NSCN (I-M) demanded immediate and unconditional release of the four abductees along with arms and the vehicle.
Redrawing the borders of North East Nagarealm.com



The other day, I attended another of those Summits on investments in the North East at the cavernous, galleried indoor stadium on the outskirts of Guwahati, which has become the place of choice for various economic meetings for reasons unclear to me.

All of us at the event heard the same phrases parroted that have become de rigueur for such events, where we are told to lift up our eyes to see the vision before us (with apologies to the New Testament) and forget the keecher that swamps us, that is destroying the world around us and certainly the greatest resource of our State, the Brahmaputra. The rivers are our lifelines yet we don’t have a single town along it that has a sewage or effluent control system. We defecate in the open, especially along the river line why do our toilets face the river and not elsewhere? obviously for quick disposal of waste.

The money that is wasted in such jamborees would have served a better cause had the organisers spent it in launching a campaign of private and public toilets across Assam, where barely eight per cent of the population has access to sanitation. But let's hold our noses a bit longer because I'm now coming to the heart of this article and the specific issue I want to raise.

The conference, for a bunch of Non-Resident Assamese (who come home like migratory birds evry winter for a few days before going to their foreign nesting lands), some international companies and a few domestic ones, was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, arguably the most powerful representative association of industry in the country, the Ministry for the Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the host Government of Assam. There were government delegations from all States of the region and ministers from the Assam Government.

We heard how good the opportunities were for investment and some spiffy power point presentations on all that was glowing and good in the region. Some of the foreign delegates used the opportunity to beat their own drum or that of their organisations, one doctor from the UK talked about how wonderful and large the British Health Service was (it's not, it's poorly run, overstaffed and difficult to get appointments) and horrified he was at the bad traffic in Guwahati and how his wife did not even dare to cross the road all the time she had been in the city.

But the impressive statistics reeled off by Jairam Ramesh left a sense of dejavu. Broad band connections would soar from a pathetic current figure of 20,000 to six times that by 2009. And that there was no point expecting private players given the circumstances in the region and the huge gaps; it would have to be the public sector that would have to step in with funds, technical specialisation, programms and projects.

The Rs. 50,000 crore that is to be spent on roads in the North East was actually a repetition of an announcement made in February 2007 in Kolkata by the Minsiter for the North East, Mani Shankar Aiyar, at an event organised by another powerful business body, the Indian Chambers of Commerce there, where he also talked about the surge in air connectivity in the region (226 flights per week to the various States, better than most metros could boast) and other issues. Apart from the paeans of praise showered on each other and the need to push connectivity to South East Asia (conveniently side stepping an inconvenient and harsh truth, that Burma or Myanmar, one of the poorest countries in the world saddled with a brutal regime, it was left to Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Minister of Assam, to deliver a few home truths.

He said he really was not interested in just getting more funds, a courageous statement for a major political leader, but what Assam needed was to really build skills, deliver an education system that produced employable youth and develop capacity.

All this took place in the background of a conference folder put together by the three sponsors of the meeting. And that’s the punch line of this piece – on the cover of the folder was a map of India with the title of the conference and the sponsors. Nothing special about that. What made it unique — and this was repeated on the cover of the CD inside – was that the demarcated map of the North East on the map of India began in West Bengal, at the Sunderbans.

This is not a casual mistake by the printer. An American IT specialist who was at the New York “Investment” conference for the North-East in September 2007 said he and a number of others had seen it and puzzled by it. The CII’s regional office for the North East is in Kolkata. The Chairman of the CII Northeastern region is from Kolkata. And which is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the “Look East Policy?” No prizes for guessing: Kolkata – it has a powerful, well organised State leadership that makes the Central government shake when it catches cold; it has fraternal connections with the Communist Party of the Peoples Republic of China and flights from Kunming in Yunnan are coming to Kolkata, not to Guwahati!

It has a vibrant economy and strong administration; its capitalists are not just very wealthy and influential but close to the Left comrades who run the State; investors from abroad are rushing there; the infrastructure is good, the roads are excellent; Buddhadev Bhattacherjee carries more clout in New Delhi and the rest of India than all the eight Chief Ministers of the North East put together. The head offices of major tea companies and others with substantial investments in Assam and the NER located in this first capital of British India, despite the agitations of the 1980s by students in Assam that they should relocated in Guwahati.

Map making is political. It is a perception translated from colonial ambitions and more, where traveler’s tales and measurements are shaped into empires and nations. These perceptions make demands. Above all they emphasize the concepts of borders, boundaries and frontiers, of margins, settlement and sovereign nations.

It is not an accident of drafting but an agenda proclaimed, not counting mountain peaks and valleys but asserting political rights and mandates. Map making has been the preserve of the powerful; those without a voice have had to lump it for centuries. Maps are political statements – take the Chinese map of India which excludes Arunachal Pradesh or the Indian map of Kashmir which includes Pakistan-held Kashmir. And what of the NSCN map of a Greater Nagaland that takes in parts of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh?

Is it the view of the Government of India, especially MDoNER, of the Government of Assam and the other States of the region, of CII (in the NER as well as Kolkata and Delhi), that the North-East, without being consulted is now part of West Bengal or vice versa, whether ostensibly for economic activity or otherwise? Is this the real face of the Look East Policy, Summits or not? The powerful prevail, often. But as in Perth, the underdogs do sometimes. By issuing a map such as this, the three partners at the conference have issued an unacceptable position.

In 1947, Mahatma Gandhi and Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi backed by the Congress party in Assam and in the face of opposition from Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhai Patel – stalled the proposed amalgamation of Assam with East Pakistan. Is there an effort to rewrite history, through the back door, as part of economic “globalization?” That this has happened without fuss or objections from groups like AASU and others who proclaim their commitment to Ai Asom and the people of the region is astonishing. This article seeks to reach a wider audience so that others voice not just their concern, including rational people, scholars, media and professionals, but their opposition.

It was perhaps appropriate that soon after this event an international conference on the North East and its borderlands took place at another venue in Guwahati; the discourse was more academic although grassroots organisers and others were present. One of the issues that caused concern was over the opening of borders which would place small vulnerable communities at the mercy of a political-industrial juggernaut. [Sanjoy Hazarika, Assamnet]

PM calls for lasting peace in NE Assam Tribune

LOHITPUR, Feb 1 – Concerned over the problems of militancy and insurgency in the North East, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it was imperative to have lasting peace in the region, reports PTI. “It is imperative that permanent peace is established in the North East,” he said addressing Army and ITBP jawans here and those who came from the far flung Kibithu area for lunch with the Prime Minister. While Kibithu is on the China border, Lohitpur is on the boundary with Myanmar.

Seeking to boost the morale of jawans braving hostile weather conditions in inhospitable terrains, Singh said that apart from guarding the borders, they were fighting terrorism and insurgency. “This is a challenging task,” he said.

Referring to the transit problems faced by jawans, Singh announced a grant of Rs.60 lakh to upgrade the transit facilities at Dehan, Senge, Likabali and Missamari.

He also announced a grant of Rs.30 lakh for setting up satellite telephony at Subansiri, Siang, Seam, Lohit and Debang valleys to improve telecommunication with the rest of the country.

The Prime Minister said he had instructed senior officials to bring to his notice whatever more was needed to address the problems faced by the personnel. “I will see that the requirements are met,” he said.

“As the sentinels of the nation, you should get all facilities as a matter of right,” he added.

The Prime Minister said he was proud to say that the nation was prepared to face any challenge because of the brave jawans. “To ensure peace, it is very important that the nation is strong,” he said.

Singh lauded the security forces for their great service in fighting terrorism in the region and added that people had great faith in them for facing challenges boldly.

“I believe your sacrifice and selfless service has enabled the government to face security related challenges and to create an appropriate atmosphere for development,” he said.

The Prime Minister spoke of the valour and bravery of the jawans posted in remote areas to safeguard the nation. “I salute the jawans who have made great sacrifices,” he said.

Citing the tremendous progress made by the country in the field of science and technology and referring to the strong economy, he said the standard of living of the people has improved. “These have added to the strength of the forces too and they can face new challenges more effectively.”

“Today our force occupies an important place in the world. Our armed forces have used new technology to make them more strong,” he said adding their sense of dedication and sacrifice has helped the country emerge from difficult times.

The Prime Minister said he was confident that the jawans would face new challenges with full preparation. Singh told the jawans they were lucky that the first rays of the rising sun touched this part of the country. “It is a matter of great pride for me that I am standing on the North Eastern corner of our great country,” he said.
Mapithel Dam NPMHR, others pitch in for anti-Dam lobby Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 1 : Throwing its weight behind the opposition raised against the construction of Mapithel Dam (Thoubal Multi-Purpose Project), the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights in collaboration with various apex bodies of the Tangkhul community held a public meeting and adopted a series of resolutions against the dam.
A joint statement issued by the TKS and NPMHR today said that after minutely discussing the hardships and losses to be suffered by the people, the meeting condemned the construction of Mapithel Dam and other such projects that adversely affect the livelihoods and economy of the indigenous peoples as well as cause ecological disruptions in the ancestral homeland of the Nagas.
The meeting also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the dam and also urged the State and Central Governments to withdraw the military deployed in and around Mapithel area and respect the rights of the people concerned.
Giving details, the statement said that the dam will submerge as many as 11 villages in the upstream area including fields, jhum lands, medicinal plants, sacred sites, graveyards, salt springs and other bio-rich lands.
Officially the total area of land to be submerged is 1215 hectares and 595 hectares of bio-resource rich forest lands. However as in most cases, the area to be actually submerged will be twice the official estimate, it said. Out of 21 villages, whose homesteads and agricultural lands stand to be submerged include, Phayang, Chadong, Lamlai Monbung, Lamlai Khullen, Lamlai Khunou (Ramrei Aze) in the upstream region and five villages whose agricultural lands will be submerged include Riha, Thawai, Zelenbung, Shankai and Sikibung etc. The meeting also noted the construction work of the dam started without the consent of the people as well as sans the environmental clearance which are mandatory.
Congress "Cold War" kept cold in Assembly; Sidhu calls for democratic resolution to conflicts The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 1: The third session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly began today with the Governor Dr SS Sidhu addressing the House. The session which will have three seating in a span of five days will end on February 5. Contrary to some expectations, all the MLAs who have revolted against the chief minister, O Ibobi Singh attended the session which began from 11 am today.

The rebels, it is worth mentioning, had earlier threatened to boycott the session if the Congress high command did not resolve the tussle in the party by removing chief minister Ibobi Singh. The rebels however softened their stance later. The dissident MLAs who had been camping in New Delhi for nearly three months, with a few breaks in between, returned to the state capital on January 30.

There was no overt hostility visible among the dissident MLAs and Ibobi loyalists during the session, but no bonhomie either. Unlike in past sessions, the dissident MLAs did not linger to chat in Assembly recreation room with their colleagues, but left quickly.

The only business transacted on the first day was the address of the Governor of the state to the House, traditional for the first session of the year, and the introduction of the Manipur Compulsory Registration of Marriage Bill, 2008 by social welfare minister N Loken. The Governor`s address focussed mainly on the achievements of the barely year old Congress-led SPF government and the programmes and action-plans for the coming years. The Governor began his address once again by reiterating the desire of the government to resolve all issues through peaceful means and appealed to those "who have taken up arms to come forward, lay down arms and adopt a democratic and peaceful means".

Dr Sidhu also observed that the finances of the state have considerably improved and stabilized during the past year. He gave credit for this to the effective financial administration and better debt management. He said that with the computerization of the 11 treasury and 5 sub-treasury offices and computerized pension payment, huge savings could be made by the government. In order to improve debt management, the Governor said, the government proposes to introduce a bill to amend the Manipur Ceiling on Government Guarantee Act, 2004 during the current session. Informing the house that the 2008-09 annual plan outlay of Manipur was finalized at Rs 1660 crores, Dr Sidhu also noted that the 2007-08 annual plan outlay of Rs 1420.40 crores is being implemented successfully. Among the thrust areas is the completion of three ongoing irrigation projects including the Thoubal project by 2009-10.

Elucidating the importance of Information Technology, the Governor said that under the national e-governance plan, the SWAN (State Wide Area Network) to connect state capital to district headquarters and up to sub-divisional/block headquarters is being taken up in association with NIC and BSNL.

He said that work is also taken up to establish 399 Common Service Centres in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode in the state. A project is also being taken up by the government to upgrade the lone IT Park at Mantripukhri to facilitate setting up of IT enabled service and software industry.

The Governor Dr SS Sidhu also highlighted some of the achievements of the security forces. He said that in 2007 alone 1296 extremists belonging to different insurgent groups were arrested and 121 extremists were killed. While 163 persons were detained under National Security Act, 6 extremists surrendered to the government. In his address, the Governor said that altogether 199 assorted weapons with huge number of ammunitions and explosives were recovered. He said that along with making speedy progress in the investigation wherein 2125 cases were disposed of, the government has reviewed the Surrender Policy making it more attractive for the extremists. In order to control the violence in the state, the Governor said that the government has started implementing an action plan. He said that this action plan consist of recruiting 3,138 additional manpower in police department, setting up women police stations including a women commando force, construction of police station buildings and residential accommodations, purchase of transport vehicles, communication equipments and weaponry. He said that Rs 45 crores have been provided in the current year annual plan for construction of buildings for the police department. Also, the Governor said that renovation works of the Sajiwa Jail and Churachandpur District Jail are going on under the Modernisation of Prison Scheme with central assistance.
Burmese blogger Nay Phone Latt, mysteriously missing Mizzima News
The Burmese blogger, Nay Phone Latt, allegedly arrested by the police on Tuesday has mysteriously gone missing, family members complained. Daw Aye Aye Than, mother of blogger and writer, Nay Phone Latt, said, the whereabouts of her son cannot be confirmed as authorities including police officers in Thuwana and Thingan Kyun police stations and Ministry of Home Affairs deny detaining him. Daw Aye Aye Than said her son left home on Tuesday at about noon but when they tried to contact him on cell phone at about 1:00 p.m. he could not be contacted.
"And at around 2:30 p.m. the authorities came to our house but did not ask for Nay Phone Latt. They looked around the house. So I think he must have been arrested before they came to us," Daw Aye Aye Than told Mizzima. She added that the police team led by Maj. Hein Htet while not mentioning their purpose searched around the house, as if looking for someone in hiding.
"We went to the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Tingankyun and Thuwana police stations to inquire about him but all the authorities would tell us was they don't know him and he is not here," Daw Aye Aye Than said. Daw Aye Aye Than said she is worried for her son and could not understand the reason for his mysterious disappearance.
"I am very sad for this kind of unlawful action, I don't understand why they [authorities] are doing this to my son because he is not involved in any illegal activities and does all his work openly," Daw Aye Aye Than said. Nay Phone Latt, who has a blogsite www.nayphonelatt.blogspot.com, reportedly disappeared on Tuesday. While many of his colleagues believe he has been arrested by the police, there are, so far no eyewitness accounts.
While earlier, some friends said he was taken away by the police from an internet café in Thingan Kyun township in Rangoon, his mother's version indicates that he was arrested while on the road. While either version cannot be independently verified, it is still uncertain that the authorities have taken him away, as there are no eyewitnesses.