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02/07/2008: "Naga issue tops NPF poll agenda Chizokho Vero morung express"



Naga issue tops NPF poll agenda Chizokho Vero

Kohima, February 6 (MExN): The NPF has formally declared that it’s first and foremost agenda during the coming Assembly Elections will be on the Indo-Naga problem. “We have committed to continue to strive for solution of the Naga political problem,” said NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu during the ticket distribution ceremony and meeting of the Central Executive Council here at the NPF central office. The NPF today distributed party tickets to 55 official candidates for the forthcoming state general elections scheduled for March 5. Dr. Liezietsu asserted that the NPF will continue to play the role of a mediator to bring together the conflicting parties to the conference table for political dialogue. “We appeal to the different UG groups to understand our stand and make good sense prevail for the future of Nagaland,” he said adding that the NPF will continue to work towards this end till “we achieve our goal.” He also said that it was the declared policy of the NPF that “we stand for integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas.” “This is our birth right and we have not said or done anything against anybody for expressing our desire that we, members of the same family, want to live together under one administrative umbrella,” he said.
“This time we are going a step further and declared that we will bring this matter to the kind notice of the Indian government to take up this issue with the Government of Myanmar for giving due recognition to the Nagas in Myanmar”, he said adding “we do not want to count out our people in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur states.”
Saying that the NPF has no problem of leadership crisis, Dr. Liezietsu said “we have reiterated and confirmed the leadership of Neiphiu Rio even before election”. “Our adversaries have many leaders who, we doubt, cannot live together even for a single day. It is for the people of Nagaland to judge and make decision if they want stability and development”, the senior NPF leader said. Also stating that the NPF had made remarkable progress towards implementation of its pledges to the people of Nagaland in all spheres of activities during the last 4 and 10 months in office, he said “No successive government in Nagaland in the past had achieved so much as the DAN government did,” he said. Dr. Liezietsu also asserted that the NPF will continue to work to bring about better understanding among the different sections of the Naga people. It also condemned “any move which may confuse and further divide the people of Nagaland.”
The NPF President also said that the party was committed to work and improve the economic condition of the people of Nagaland. Dr. Liezietsu announced that it will continue to work to achieve 100 percent literacy of our people. “God willing, we will give our best to change the face of Nagaland” Dr. Liezietsu added. Earlier Neiphiu Rio delivered keynote address. Those who spoke on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak, Rajya Sabha MP T.R. Zeliang, Thenucho, Khekiho, Imkong Imchen and Dr. VC Kanito. Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Principal, OTS Dimapur gave the dedication before issuing of party tickets. The function was chaired by Chubatemjen Ao, Secretary General NPF.
We will fight elections on issues: Neiphiu Rio
Kohima, February 6(MExN): Former chief minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the NPF will fight the coming elections based on issues. Stating that it will be using ‘minimum money’ to fight the elections, he said “We will not use money; we will use issues.” He said it has many visions and policies for rapid development and welfare of the State.
Speaking at the NPF party ticket-distribution ceremony here today, Rio was hopeful that the public will pay attention to such move and help bring the NPF-led DAN back to power. He also challenged party workers to be committed and work hard so as to secure absolute majority in the forthcoming elections. “We have to get absolute majority,” he said and at the same time urged the party workers and official candidates to be fully prepared. Rio also exuded confidence that the NPF-led DAN will return to power through the support and ‘prayers’ of the public.
Rio informed that the NPF would fight the elections with three issues - the Naga political issue, the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland and developmental achievements.
Rio also assured that the NPF would work for all Nagas wherever they are so that they get a rightful place.
PRESS RELEASE MIP/GPRN Feb.6, 2008

Going the way of the street rogue the Azheto gang has taken the life of other Dimapur businessmen by the name Kailash Agarwal of Khrishna Trading Company, Church Road Dimapur. An innocent victim has fallen prey to the greed of the money mongers. NSCN condoles, the death of Kailash Aggarwal and condemned the murderers who must face the wrath of the people’s condemnation in the days to come. Their judgment days are soon approaching. NSCN also express grief and sorrow for the bereaved family. Our concern also goes to the injured Brabu Bihari.

Ironically, this is the new breed of terrorists in the guise of Naga unification with Azheto as the ring leader. A bomb in a bag placed in the shop blasted away the life of Kailash. For obvious reason the security forces out in the street with seeming show of concern were caught napping.

This business group is a part and partial of Dimapur community and therefore, the civil societies should come out to condemn such brutish manner of targeting innocent persons. The security forces who are yet to prove their prowess to maintain law and order must show its true color. This refers to the lackadaisical attitude of the President Rule’s administration who refused to awaken to the reality of the situation in Dimapur for the vested interest of keeping the Indo-Naga issue in suspension on the pretext of law and order situation. But the Naga people who are master of their own issue will stand out to point out who is who in the present scheme of the deteriorating law and order situation.
Arunachal CM Khandu seeks PM’s intervention into abducted youths morungexpress
Itangar, February 6 (UNI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has sought the Prime Minister's intervention into the reported abduction of youths by militant outfits for recruitment process. Official sources said here today that Khandu informed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a day after the Wancho Students Union (WSU) claimed that the outfits, especially NSCN (K), were abducting youths in Tirap district.
''It is a matter of grave concern that despite the district being declared as Disturbed under Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 and deployment of Army, the outfit is carrying out their illegal activities with impunity,'' Khandu said. ''This is high time to drive these militants out from Arunachal and to ensure immediate release of the kidnapped,'' the Chief Minister said. Earlier, the NSCN (K) had served demand notice on 13 villages under Longding, Pumao and Panchao circles of Tirap district to make available 227 numbers of youths for recruitment into their outfit. They had also kidnapped 39 youths from Konnu, Konsa, Khasa, Jagan, Chongkhaw and Wakka villages during the last month.
Khandu also spoke to Home Minister Shivraj V Patil and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and apprised them that the kidnapped had been taken to the outfit's hideout in the forests of Myanmar. ''Since this issue assumes international dimension, it is beyond the means of state to deal with the problem. The return of kidnapped youths may not be possible unless Myanmar government drive the outfit out of their territory,'' he added. He also spoke to Major General Jitender Singh, GOC, 2 Division, Tinsukia and requested for stringent action to counter NSCN (K)’s illegal activities. The state police have registered three cases at Longding and Panchao police stations of Tirap district. Further Tirap superintendent of police has provided details of the incidents to Assam Rifles and CRPF located at Khonsa and requested them to help police in providing protection to the villages targeted by NSCN (K). Patrolling in the vulnerable villages has been intensified. Meanwhile, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union has served a ten-day ultimatum to the state government to initiate appropriate action to release the kidnapped youths failing which the apex students’ body would resort to a massive agitation.
Two arrested morungexpress
Dimapur, February 6 (MExN): Two former NSCN (IM) cadres, who according to police officials had joined the NSCN (Unification) were arrested by Dimapur police personnel while they were demanding money from the business community at the Old Market area, Dimapur at around 3 pm this evening,
Briefing media persons at the Dimapur SPs office, police officials disclosed the names of the two cadres of the NSCN (Unification) as “finance under secretary” Tokheho Sema (56 yrs) hailing from Aotsakilimi village under Atoizu, and presently residing at Diphupar B, Dimapur while his accomplice, is “sectional officer” Tohevi Yeptho (45 yrs), hailing from Lezutomi village under Aghunato, Zunheboto district and presently residing in Thahekhu. Police recovered Rs 4370, one cash receipt book and one “Chaplee Committee information slip” from the possession of the two arrested undergrounds, police said.

Unification: Disastrous misadventure- Nagaland Post
Where is the face of the Naga Civil Soci-eties that belongs to certain community who connived with Azheto gang in the name of Naga Unification? Where is their moral integrity today, and where are they heading for after the disastrous misadventure on unification taking the Nagas for a ride? Where are the church leaders who have proclaimed Azheto as a hero, and blessing him as their savoiur that has come from the back door? The spate of abductions for ransom by Azheto gang has not pricked their conscience the least, and even killing for failure to pay up the ransom have so far failed to move the church leaders and members of these civil societies. This is tantamount to supporting the Azheto gang as partner-in-crime but to earn the wrath of God and the Naga people. For these are the same people who shouts for Naga unification by even going all the way to organize public rally in Dimapur and Zunheboto for Naga unification. It was an overbearing show of seriousness without anything worth to prove their integrity in the ground reality. Because whereas their ring leaders Azheto is sticking to the name of NSCN with exploitative motive the letter head under NSCN read 'National Socialist Council of Nagalim'. Is this not a deception to the whole Nagas? Who are they trying to fool in the name of Naga unification? Are the Nagas so naïve to be carried away by such hallow and anti-national gimmick? This is the most dangerous gamble for the heck of money and other sectarian interests. To the Nagas, Nagalim signifies the realistic spirit of oneness in principle.
For all practical purpose the Vihokhu Camp of Azheto gang is the epicenter of all socio-economic crimes committed in Dimapur. SS Deputy Kilonser Akato Chophy, Isak Sumi and Akato Sumi, son-in-law of Nihoto Chishi are masterminding the abduction spree for ransom. This in turn has encouraged other members of the Azheto gang to go on the prowl in same fashion to kidnap businessmen. And these are the people who keep parroting their master's bidding on unification. Is this not in reality nothing more than devils unification? For the devils are master of disguise in every respect. Nagas in turn have learnt the lesson the hard way but never too late to salvage the national damage caused by the devilish gang of Azheto who was brought to the Naga national scene in the incarnation of national worker.
MIP/GPRN, NSCN (I-M)
Trader dies in rebel strike - Protest rally in Dimapur today OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


The gutted hardware shop. Picture by Eastern Projections
Kohima, Feb. 6: A contingent of 600-odd paramilitary and police personnel could not stop suspected militants from sneaking past them today and killing another member of the non-tribal trading community in Nagaland’s commercial hub.
The assailants lobbed a grenade inside Krishna Hardware on Dimapur’s Church Road around 1pm, killing the manager instantly and leaving two more persons critically injured. The blast also triggered a blaze, but fire-tenders arrived quickly and doused the flames. Police officials were reluctant to comment on the incident, thought to be the outcome of resistance to extortion by a splinter group of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah).
The trend began a couple of months ago with armed men targeting non-tribal traders for money and attacking those who refused to pay up. One businessman was killed last week. Several non-tribal traders have already fled Dimapur and prices of essential commodities have spiralled upwards. Estimates of the number of non-Naga traders being abducted in the past two months alone range between 50 and 100, astounding for a state under President’s rule and where the two main militant groups are in a ceasefire with Delhi. Some blame the truce and Dimapur’s accessibility for the town becoming the melting pot of militants looking for easy money.
A protest rally has been planned for tomorrow by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union with the backing of the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Dimapur Naga Women’s Hoho, Dimapur Municipal Council, Dimapur Naga Council and the business community. Shops, business establishments and schools will remain closed for the day. The student union today appealed to “all peace-loving citizens” to participate in the rally and condemn the “ongoing spate of terrorist activities in the town by armed elements”.
The NSCN(I-M) said Delhi was as responsible for the crisis as its former “home minister” Azheto Chophy, who recently broke away to form his own group. The outfit demanded an independent inquiry into the spate of abductions and extortion.
The insinuation was that Delhi was supporting Azheto’s group. “Crimes are rampant and law and order has broken down completely since President’s rule was imposed on Nagaland. This has made things clear beyond doubt that Azheto’s group has the blessings of the Indian government,” the NSCN(I-M) said.
The outfit said the presence of an illegal camp of the splinter group, called NSCN-Unification, at Vihokhu village near Dimapur was proof of the official patronage it allegedly enjoyed. “But our patience is wearing thin and when the NSCN takes necessary steps to save the situation in the interest of the people, the Indian government shall be solely responsible for any fallout,” it added. The NSCN(I-M) also criticised the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho for allegedly backing a renegade group in the name of initiating unification among Naga factions.
ULFA talks likely to be revived From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 6 – Fresh attempts by People’s Consultative Group (PCG) to break the logjam has led the Centre to take stock the ULFA peace process, even as the security agencies have proposed stringent ground rules. For the Centre, talks with ULFA has become a case of ‘once bitten twice shy’. With the militant outfit yet to budge from its earlier stand, the Centre is treading cautiously and certainly not willing to take chances.

In what could be described as a hush-hush move, the Government of India has been seeking opinion about opening dialogue with ULFA from various agencies engaged in counter-insurgency operations including the Army, in Assam, highly placed sources said. The move incidentally comes close on the heels of a three-member PCG team’s meeting with AICC general secretary, Veerappa Moily. The Congress leader is believed to have taken up the issue with the Prime Minister’s Office. Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami is also in regular touch with Moily.

A top official confirmed that the Defence Ministry’s opinion was sought. The Army has suggested the same format adopted in case of the NSCN (I-M), BLT and NDFB peace processes. They have ‘strongly’ recommended that ULFA leadership be asked to direct its cadres to settle in designated camps, ban movement with weapons, besides adhering to the ground rules. Home Ministry sources said they are still going to insist on presence of the top leaders of the outfit including its chairman and commander-in-chief, Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Baruah respectively at the talks. The last round of peace process collapsed after ULFA insisted on fulfilling three pre-conditions. These included talks on core issue of sovereignty, release of the five leaders and whereabouts of the ULFA cadres gone missing in Bhutan operations.

This time around, sources said the Centre was not averse to releasing the ULFA leaders, and was open to the idea of ULFA broaching up the issue of sovereignty at the talks. But Centre certainly isn’t willing to give anything in writing as being demanded by ULFA, sources added. The differences have narrowed down to a written assurance from Centre on the ‘core issue’ and insistence on presence of top ULFA leaders at the talks by New Delhi. With the Lok Sabha polls scheduled next year, the Congress-ruled UPA is keen to resolve the ULFA problem. An upbeat State Congress party after having wrested the panchayat polls is also keen that some sort of ceasefire arrangement comes into effect ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Army has pointed out to the Centre that its operations have been successful and the militants are on the run. Army’s sustained operations in Tirap and Changlang districts have choked their supply routes from Myanmar via Arunachal Pradesh.

ULFA currently has over 300 cadres in a couple of camps in the neighbouring country. Sources said the outfit’s 28th Battalion is in disarray after sustaining several setbacks. The political instability in Bangladesh and caretaker government’s no nonsense attitude has forced ULFA leaders to lie low, New Delhi believes.

The Government of India having burnt its fingers once is cautious and everything is being kept under tight wraps. Even the three-member PCG team, that came down to Delhi was not given any hints. They later clarified that they had ULFA’s green signal.

Significantly, Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi appeared cautious about talks with ULFA, stressing that government’s doors were always open. Later in the evening, he called on Moily in what was described as a courtesy call. In 2006, the Centre paid a heavy price when it unilaterally declared a ceasefire of 41 days. The outfit used it to regroup and rearm and extort money. The subsequent months saw ULFA going into a killing spree, unleashing violence against the Hindi-speaking settlers. The death toll recorded last year was highest in India, leaving the Centre seething with anger.

Ethnic aspirations keep Assam under siege Ians
By Syed Zarir Hussain, Guwahati, Feb 6 : The multiethnic northeastern Indian state of Assam is under siege with the aspirations of different communities and groups showing no signs of a decline despite attempts at devolution of power to the grassroots level.
A state of 26 million people, Assam already has autonomous councils, which are politico-administrative structures, for ethnic groups like the Bodos, Karbis, Thengal Kacharis, Rabhas, Dimasas and few others. It appears now that every single community in the state is seeking autonomy. At a political conclave this week in the eastern district town of Tinsukia, the Moran community has raised the demand for a separate state for the group.

"We have been demanding Scheduled Tribe status for our community, but the government seems to be in no mood to accept our plea. We may now have to seek a separate state for ourselves," said Srikumar Dahotia, a Moran community leader.

The matter of concern is that even in areas where the dominant ethnic group has already been granted autonomy, there are demands for safeguarding of rights from minorities living there. The case in point is the non-Bodos living in the area under the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Muslims in the Bodo-dominated western and northern Assam areas, which fall under the BTC, have demanded a Minority Development Board within the Council to uplift the status of Muslims living there.

"Besides setting up the Board, there should be 30 percent job reservation for the linguistic minorities in the BTC area," a memorandum to the BTC leadership by the Bodoland Minority Students' Union this week said.

The BTC was set up after the Bodo Accord of 2003 between the rebel Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) and the central government. The agreement brought the curtains down on the violent separate state movement led by the BLT although its rival, the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), is still seeking a separate Bodo homeland.

In terms of the 2003 Bodo Accord, the BTC has been granted an annual allocation of Rs.1 billion with which the leaders running the Council can pursue development programmes in the Council area. That has not satisfied sections of non-Bodos living in the BTC area, leading to fresh demands for safeguards. "We are not averse to further devolution of powers, but community leaders chosen or elected to govern their own people through autonomous councils must deliver. Otherwise, frustration will never end," said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. The question that analysts ask is whether demands for autonomy and self rule would end if every community in Assam was to be granted an autonomous council. The answer is a unanimous no. "This is primarily a governance issue. Poor governance is the main trigger factor for ethnic groups or sub-groups clamouring for autonomy. Such demands from newer groups are here to stay," said Bibhu Prasad Routray of the Institute for Conflict Management, New Delhi. ---
Ethnic groups welcome NLD's invitation for talks Than Htike Oo and Phanidar Mizzima News
Chiang Mai– Several ethnic organizations at home and abroad welcomed the invitation of the National League for Democracy (NLD) to all ethnic organizations in Burma, including ceasefire groups, to come and discuss differences in policy matters.
The main opposition for the first time, opened up discussions with ethnic organizations on February 5. The meetings are to focus on any differences between the NLD and ethnic communities regarding a statement issued on November 8, 2007, by NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Previously, the Pa-O National Organization, Union Pa-O National League, United Wa State Army, Shan State Special Region (4) Mongla, Kokang, Kachin Defence Army and Shan State Army (North), all ceasefire groups, issued statements saying they did not support Suu Kyi's earlier statement.
"Some ethnic organizations issued statements in state-run newspapers saying they disagreed with this statement. We agree with their statements as they are issued under democratic principles. Similarly, face to face dialogue is also a democratic practice. So we have invited these ethnic organizations, which have different viewpoints on policy from those of the NLD, to come for talks", spokesman Nyan Win said.
But as of yet, no organizations have accepted the invitation, he said. Some ceasefire groups reportedly said that their statements were issued under pressure and at the behest of the junta. They reportedly were instructed to simply sign pre-prepared statements.
United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) spokesman Pu Sian Tshing Thang said, referring to those organizations that submitted statements opposed to that of Suu Kyi, "I wonder why they protested against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement? Maybe it was not clear what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said or maybe they acted under pressure of the regime? I think the NLD wants them to clarify their positions. If they have actual differences with the NLD, the NLD would like them to come and discuss those differences with them. This is how I see their statement."
"National reconciliation through dialogue is the best way. Otherwise any resolution through other means will give our country bad results rather than good results. This is my view", Nai Ngwe Thein, Vice-Chairman of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) said. The NMSP has issued public support for Suu Kyi's position. Meanwhile other groups have yet to respond to Suu Kyi's November statement.
"We haven't yet discussed it, as we were preoccupied with the KIO Revolution Day celebration," said a spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), referring to Suu Kyi's original statement. "We haven't discussed anything yet on the matter and as of yet have no official position. We'll discuss it later when we have a meeting." The KIO is another of the ceasefire groups. Revolution Day is honored on February 5. Dr. Salai Lianmong Zarkaung, General Secretary of the Ethnic Nationality Council (Burma), which supported Suu Kyi's earlier statement, welcomed the most recent NLD statement and urged ethnic organizations inside Burma to accept the invitation and discuss any differences they have with the NLD. In all, twelve ethnic organizations, including the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), Zomi National Congress (ZNC) and Mon National Democracy, previously announced their support for Suu Kyi's statement.
Naypyitaw paralyzed as an ailing Than Shwe clings to power
Larry Jagan
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
February 5, 2008
Burma's junta is in trouble as it faces the future with an ailing general in charge. Senior General Than Shwe is sinking fast, according to sources close to him. "He's losing his mind – forgetting who has been cashiered in the past, becoming increasingly reclusive and trusting no one around him," said a senior military source in Naypyitaw, Burma's new capital – four hundred kilometers north of Rangoon.
At the same time tension within the army is beginning to show. Many officers are resentful that there have been no military promotions for more than eight months because the governing State Peace and Development Council has failed to meet due to Than Shwe's health and mood swings.
Continuous intelligence failures have also forced the senior general to reappoint Major General Kyaw Win, his former deputy intelligence chief under General Khin Nyunt, to a 500,000 kyat salary posting to run the training school. Several other former intelligence officers have also been reappointed, according to sources close to former intelligence officials.
Than Shwe is worried that current military intelligence operations, set up after Khin Nyunt and most of his military intelligence officers were sacked and many given stiff jail sentences, may not be up to the task. They have been unable to find those behind several recent bombings, including one in Naypyitaw. They also failed to predict and prevent last year's mass demonstrations.
But the senior general's woes don't stop there. The economy is continuing to deteriorate rapidly while the international community steps up pressure on the regime to reform. The European Union is expected to increase selective sanctions against the generals in the next few months while U.S. President George Bush vows to keep the Burma issue as a high priority in the dying days of his administration.
In the meantime a group of prominent lawyers in Europe and the United States are preparing in the coming months to lodge a petition against the junta at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, alleging the crackdown on the monks in September was a crime against humanity.
"There's total inertia in Naypyitaw, no one dares make a decision, even in regard to the smallest matters, without approval from the top, which is rarely forthcoming," a senior government official confided to a Western diplomat recently.
"Nothing is happening at all, everyone is waiting for Than Shwe to die," according to a senior Asian government minister, who recently met his Burmese counterpart at an ASEAN function outside the country.
Than Shwe's health is rapidly worsening, according to diplomats, who have seen him recently. "He may be getting Alzheimer's – he periodically forgets things; he recently asked where several officers were, all of whom were sacked last year during the mass retirements of middle ranking officers," according to a government source in Naypyitaw.
"He's rapidly going senile, and now has increasing heart problems," according to another government source. He already suffers from chronic diabetes and has regular bouts of hypertension. Several years ago he also suffered a mild stroke. Now with heart coronary problems and dementia, he is becoming increasingly incapacitated.
Singapore doctors have been making regular visits to Than Shwe's residence in Naypyitaw over the last few months, according to Southeast Asian diplomatic sources.
"For almost a decade now Than Shwe has refused to have his annual medical check-up done by Burmese army doctors for fear that this would leave him vulnerable and in danger of being ousted as he did to General Saw Maung [some fifteen years ago, on the pretext of suffering a nervous break-down]," a former military doctor told Mizzima on the condition of anonymity.
Last month he had a minor cardiac operation, in Naypyitaw. Singapore doctors went to the capital to perform a balloon angioplasty. A major quadruple heart bypass operation though has been scheduled for later this month in Singapore – as the facilities in Burma are too primitive.
This latest health problem has caused Than Shwe to postpone the quarterly meeting of the junta until the end of the month -- the first meeting they will have had since the brutal crackdown on the monk-led demonstrations last August and September in response to price rises.
"The generals have not met for more than eight months, since before the August and September protests, so during that time, apart from the appointment of three regional commanders, there have been no promotions," a Chiang Mai-based Burmese analyst, Win Min, told Mizzima.
That is going to be the first order of the day. Than Shwe also realizes that most senior generals, including regional commanders, actually owe their personal allegiance to Maung Aye and Thura Shwe Mann and not him. This is beginning to trouble him as he fears that his immediate subordinates may be planning a putsch against him.
"For the past twelve months, Than Shwe has been preoccupied with sidelining Maung Aye," a military source told Mizzima. "He has been relatively successful in this, but Maung Aye constantly manages to harass him, block promotions, or disrupt decisions in a fit of spite," he added.
In the latest show of strength, he ordered the Mayor of Rangoon to take down billboards across town urging people to "oppose those pessimistic axe-handles who are relying on America" because he objected to the use of America, preferring instead not to distinguish between foreign enemies.
After the promotions Than Shwe plans a major cabinet reshuffle with many of the old guard being forced to retire, to allow the regional commanders to be appointed to some of these senior posts, and to allow younger officers their chance to become commanders in the field. Until that happens, government administration is at a standstill, according to diplomats in Rangoon.
To make matters worse, many Burmese astrologers are predicting black times for the senior general. The solar eclipse later this week is seen as a bad omen for Than Shwe's health and family fortunes. While the wily old general has survived previous astrological predictions of doom, his grip on power is being increasingly weakened by ill-health and inertia.
"Burma remains a social volcano about to erupt," a major Burmese businessman told Mizzima on condition of anonymity. "It's a cauldron boiling away underneath," according to a senior European diplomat based in Bangkok who has followed Burmese affairs for more than a decade. "Sooner or later it's going to explode," he predicted.



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