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02/13/2008: "‘Unity more precious than peace talks’ morungexpress"

‘Unity more precious than peace talks’ morungexpress

Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN Khaplang group, today declared that ‘unification’ is more precious and valuable than ‘mere peace talk’ with the Indian government. “Criticizing one another among the Nagas is nothing to us. Bringing unification by sacrificing one’s own individual blood is same as joining the national worker by one’s own individual volition,” said K Zhimomi (Kughavi), “secretary of Public Relations & NGOs” in a press statement received here.
In this light, Kughavi said that for the betterment of the Nagas, the NSCN-K supported the unification movement and since then there was no killing or kidnapping from the NSCN-K side. However, he alleged that there is still destructive policy from the NSCN (IM) headed by Muivah, he said. Kughavi maintained that the underground organizations like NSCN-K, NNC, and FGN have become closer for unification, which he termed as a ‘rightful unification’ with the objective of ‘not to kill and no more bloodshed amongst the Naga family.’ Also saying that no Naga has a license to give allegation against individual, Kughavi asked whether Muivah has a license to throw allegations against Azheto Chophy ‘who is trying for unification’.
“Since 1997 till date, we’ve never come across Muivah statement against the Indian Government,” said Kughavi. Kughavi also asked that different NGOs to keep their words and differentiate “between killings and non killing by taking the example of the last more than two months of the start of the unification”. He said that ever since the unification process started, six of their cadres have been killed by the NSCN (IM), while the NSCN (K), it claimed, has not resorted to any killing “as we profess and believe in peace and unity”. In this regard, Kughavi directly asked the NGOs and public why they are so silent on “this killing”. “Even wars are fought to bring peace and solution so Nagas should not wait and watch but act else it’ll be only a negative attitude and action among the Nagas. So don’t let the bad time come but let the bad time go away,” he said. Saying that the NSCN (IM) is opposing the unification move, while “a unification calendar for the year 2008 has been flooded in market and is been forced upon the Naga household to buy” by the NSCN (IM), Kughavi said that selling or advertising such calendars, is only to divert the minds of the people. Further, Kughavi said that until and unless Nagas could able become one it would be a shameful thing to talk about peace process without unification of the Nagas with the Nagas. “Muivah talk about the peace process but how could he be able to cross Naga border without peace and unification,” said Kughavi.
‘Reactionary forces cannot represent people’s interest’ morungexpress
Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has pointed out that reactionary forces cannot claim to represent people’s interest under the stolen name of NSCN and that “the Khaplang group” was “desperately eying the attention of the Naga people to be accepted as a bonafide organization” and “misleading the people and the press on the non-existence issue of who carry the name “NSCN” to represent the Naga people’s political struggle”. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim was responding to the notice earlier given to the media by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland that the nomenclature NSCN be used to address the organization.
“In the name of survival under the nomenclature of NSCN, anything that goes to commit effrontery is to be taken as nothing short of lying to the people”, a press note from the MIP stated. It pointed out that the Khaplang group bereft of any political morality was “begging to be given the nomenclature of NSCN. This, the MIP stated was in order to come in line with the policy as “prodded by the Home Ministry’s intelligence agencies whose hidden agenda with Khaplang group is to support Khaplang group’s existence as a counter-force against NSCN”. And this is best served by still sticking to the name of NSCN, the MIP stated. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim pointed out that the only claim for Khaplang group was by virtue of its forceful but unwarranted support by the government of India to fulfill its suppressive nature governing the North East States.
The MIP note gave a brief historical note on abortive coup under SS Khaplang and “Brig.” Kholi and described this as the “bloodiest ever massacre into the ranks of the NSCN claiming over two hundred lives of revolutionary patriots”. It also alleged that this as a well-organized conspiracy directed by the Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB). “They concocted the story that Messrs. Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah are processing to work out a solution with India (within the Indian Union) and secondly, to do away with all the Konyak and Pangmi national workers to seize all arms to surrender them to India”, the MIP note stated. It pointed out that “S.S. Khaplang and his mercenaries became the tool of the adversary in spreading this sheer fabrication among the workers and villages, whipping up bitter antagonism”. The MIP noted that following this national crisis, the historic National Assembly of NSCN was held at “Jordan Camp” on 17th November 1989, and condemned S.S. Khaplang for his crime against the nation and expelled him from the organization once and for all. The Assembly on the other hand reaffirmed the leadership of Messrs. Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah as Chairman and General Secretary respectively, the MIP stated and as such, the media groups have been requested to take this historical fact into account and thereby avoid creating further confusion to the people. “The reactionary forces cannot claim to represent people’s interest under the stolen name of NSCN”, it stated.

Troops to guard tracks - Army personnel to patrol Silchar-Lumding project OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Silchar,: Army personnel may soon be guarding the Silchar-Lumding track to keep militants from disrupting work on the gauge conversion project. The metre gauge track in the hill section is being upgraded to broad gauge. Union heavy industries minister and Congress MP in the Lok Sabha Sontosh Mohan Dev, said yesterday a decision in this regard may be taken at a meeting in New Delhi next month. Senior officials from the defence, railway and home ministries are likely to attend the meeting.
The “vulnerable” 201-km railway track has been a favourite target of Dimasa militants, who routinely attack and abduct workers at the project site. They also run an extortion racket in the area. The Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah killed 11 railway personnel and contractors engaged in gauge conversion work in 2006. In January this year, it attacked the Umrangsu power production unit, killing five persons. The Kuki National Front and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) are also active in the area. Dispur had recently criticised the army for failing to tackle terror in the hill districts, which had affected gauge conversion and the East West Corridor projects. It had also demanded that the hill districts be brought under the control of 4 Corps rather than remain under the army’s 3 Corps.
The most vulnerable stretch for the rail project is between Chandranathpur in Cachar and Maibong in North Cachar Hills district, where work has been progressing at a snail’s pace since 1998. The tardy progress has been responsible for the project cost shooting up from Rs 648 crore to Rs 1,500 crore. The rail scheme was also was granted the status of a national project recently. The state government has already decided to engage 2,000 ex-servicemen for security of the projects in the districts.
“There are reasons to believe that deployment proposals will be cleared. The public criticism of the army, too, needs to be negated by deploying an adequate number of personnel there,” a source said.
Poumai Union summons imposters morungexpress
Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): The Poumai Public Union Kohima today summoned two imposters to appear before the executive members of the Union on February 16 at 10 am at the residence of its President at Kohima Town. A press statement issued by the PPUK President, CD John and Secretary PH Shesou, while making the summon said that the two imposters; Dangao s/o Puni of Zhobumai (Chingmai Khunao) village and Hrakhalou s/o Ngaolouni of Zhobumai village, posed as President and Secretary of PPUK respectively and approached the Congress candidate of 9th A/C Kohima town. The PPUK, in this regard, expressed deep regret “as the two persons mentioned above organized a political party meeting at AG Colony on January 28, 2008 and invited one of the candidates of 9th Assembly Constituency Kohima town”. The release stated that, accordingly, the meeting was held which was attended by members collected from other constituencies and not from 9th A/C alone.Meanwhile, the PPUK has informed the general public and the contesting candidates in the ensuing State assembly election not to be misled by “such unscrupulous persons”. The PPUK further encouragesall its members to exercise their franchise wisely and not to be lured by money power.
Kikon to support Indo-Naga Peace morungexpress
Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): On Sunday, February 10, the NCP Ticket Declaration Programme of Y.Y. Kikon, held at the residence of the canididate’s mother in Chukitong town was attended by 560 selected supporters/election agents from all villages within 37 Tyui A/C.
The NCP candidate from 37 Tyui A/C, Y.Y. Kikon’s convoy from Kohima reached Satsuphen, near Wokha, at 2 pm where a large crowd of supporters had gathered to receive him. From there, Kikon’s convoy of 73 vehicles proceeded towards Chukitong town where a still larger group of supporters had also gathered at his mother’s house for the Declaration Programme. The short programme was chaired by Thomas Ngullie, Chief Agent of Kikon. T. Mhao Kikon and Associate Pastor, Tsungiki Baptist Church dedicated the NCP Ticket for Kikon.
Kikon’s speech covered his personal vision for the constituency as well as the NCP Manifesto for the general elections 2008. Kikon said he and his party (NCP) would wholeheartedly support the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process. Kikon also outlined his developmental vision for the 3 Ranges within 37 Tyui A/C (namely, Englan Range, Nyiro Range, and Chukitong Range) where the main thrusts would be on Agri and Allied sectors, Road Infrastructure, improvement of Basic Amenities and Employment. Many supporters also spoke during the programme in appreciation of Sharad Pawar, National President of NCP, and Y. Sulanthung H. Humtsoe, Nagaland State President of NCP and his colleagues for allotting the NCP ticket to a deserving candidate like Kikon. Ekyimo Ngullie, Associate Pastor, Chukitong Town Baptist Church offered the invocation prayer. Remomo Kikon, the recently-resigned president of NPF, 37 Tyui A/C proposed the vote of thanks. Mhabemo Ngullie, Associate Pastor, AG Church, Chukitong pronounced the benediction. This was stated in a press note issued by Thomas Ngullie, Chief Agent for Kikon, Intending NCP Candidate, 37 Tyui A/C.

NSCN (I-M) on the division of NSCN’s- Nagaland Post
Under the circumstances where the Khaplang group is desperately eyeing the attention of the Naga people to be accepted as a bonafide organization with interests that are focused in accordance with the Naga people's political aspiration by misleading the people and the press on the non-existence issue of who carry the name "NSCN" to represent the Naga people's political struggle. In the name of survival under the nomenclature of NSCN, anything that goes to commit effrontery is to be taken as nothing short of lying to the people. And as demanded by the situation where the Khaplang group bereft of any political morality is begging to be given the nomenclature of NSCN in order to come in line with the policy as prodded by the Home Ministry's intelligence agencies whose hidden agenda with Khaplang group is to support Khaplang group's existence as a counter-force against NSCN. And this is best served by still sticking to the name of NSCN. So far the only claim for Khaplang group is by virtue of its forceful but unwarranted support by the government of India to fulfill its suppressive nature governing the North East States.
In this context, the NSCN is once again placed under the condition where it necessitated pointing out the historical fact. It may be noted that following the steady sign of progress made by the NSCN the dark shadow of obstructionist forces begin its work. Accordingly, S.S. Khaplang and Brig. Kholi attempted an abortive coup and perpetrated the bloodiest ever massacre into the ranks of the NSCN claiming over two hundred (200) lives of revolutionary patriots. The NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu was then away for mission abroad. The General Secretary Th. Muivah along with true national workers was plunged into chaos and uncertainty. In this way two distinct camps-revolutionary and reactionary came into existence in Nagalim.
NSCN, without the slightest hesitation have charge the whole turn out as a well-organized conspiracy directed by the Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB). They concocted the story that Messrs. Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah are processing to work out a solution with India (within the Indian Union) and secondly, to do away with all the Konyak and Pangmi national workers to seize all arms to surrender them to India. S.S. Khaplang and his mercenaries became the tool of the adversary in spreading this sheer fabrication among the workers and villages, whipping up bitter antagonism. Khaplang was able to win over the simpletons and some weak-kneed Naga Army personnel to his lies. And very soon, hatred was fanned up to an unlimited fever pitch. Without delay he ordered them to attack the NSCN Operation Headquarters, and slaughter over 200 Naga patriots in the most sadistic manner. Following this national crisis, the historic National Assembly of NSCN was held at "Jordan Camp" on 17th November 1989, and condemned S.S. Khaplang for his crime against the nation and expelled him from the organization once and for all. The Assembly on the other hand reaffirmed the leadership of Messrs. Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah as Chairman and General Secretary respectively.
The media groups are requested to take this historical fact into account and thereby avoid creating further confusion to the people. The reactionary forces cannot claim to represent people's interest under the stolen name of NSCN.
MIP/GPRN, NSCN (I-M).
Nagas at CrossRoads Editorial morungexpress
Today, the Nagas are at crossroads. Nagas are now at a point in history where it must decisively determine which value system will best represent their interests; and like any other young society in this world, Nagas must engage with the dilemmas of truth and the truth about dilemmas. Take for instance, today somewhere in a Naga village a child will be born; and the mother will hold, comfort, care and feed the child – just as any mother would anywhere in the world. In these most basic acts of human nature, humanity knows no divisions.
But to be raised in an environment of degenerating values - where the most basic value to respect human dignity and human worth is being challenged - is the defining crisis. Today, real borders are not between divided states. The real borders are between human hearts and human values. They are between the powerful and the powerless, the free and the bonded, the privileged and the unprivileged, the rich and the poor, and the equal and unequal.
No one today can claim ignorance of the cost that this divide imposes on those who are no less deserving of human dignity, fundamental freedoms, security, food and education than anyone. The values of inclusiveness are but a natural demand of human life. These are issues posed by the history of our times and the manner, in which our values and our culture collectively address them, will define and shape the future of our collective destinies.
Which values are we pursuing and nurturing? Are Nagas feeding and nurturing the forces that will consolidate a humanity of respect, dignity, justice, freedom and hope. Or are Nagas only fueling the forces of prejudice, hatred, oppression and the ‘isms’ that destroys human dreams and hopes? When have we ceased to learn that one cannot begin building a future founded on ‘fear’ ‘hate’ and ‘exclusivity?’ This reality can not be ignored. It must be confronted.
It will not be wrong to point out that our generation has inherited a legacy of extraordinary changes from the last century, and now in the first decade of the new century we are faced with greater dilemmas and newer opportunities in the search for human security. I therefore claim that Nagas are at a unique turning point and it is for us to be steadfast in redefining human affairs and conduct. It is crucial for Nagas not to forget that in history genocide begins with the killing of one person – not for what he or she has done, but because of who he or she is, or that poverty begins when even one child is denied his or her fundamental right to education. What begins with the failure to uphold the value and dignity of one life, all too often ends with a calamity for entire nations. The last century was therefore perhaps the most violent in human history, devastated by countless conflicts, untold suffering, and unimaginable crimes. Time after time, a group or a nation inflicted extreme violence on another, often driven by irrational hatred and suspicion, or unbounded arrogance of power and monopoly over resources; only to realize that after the bloodbath, the only way to resolve differences was for them to sit across the table and engage in dialogue. If only the bloodbath had been avoided!
Can we therefore consolidate values that will empower us to realize the futility of a bloodbath and to acknowledge that humanity indeed is indivisible?
Some scientists tell us that the world of nature is so small and interdependent that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest can generate a violent storm on the other side of the earth. This principle is known as the “Butterfly Effect.” Today, we realize, perhaps more than ever, that the world of human activity also has its own “Butterfly Effect” – for better or for worse.Nagas must focus therefore as never before, on improving the humanity of Naga men and Naga women who give their political community its richness and character. It must begin with that young Naga child, recognizing that saving that one life is to save humanity itself. That Naga child being born somewhere today must be raised to learn and live the inclusive values of a shared humanity. Are Nagas still in the CrossRoads?
Ranji Thomas calls for united front morungexpress
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 12 (MExN): AICC Secretary, Ranji Thomas arrived at the NPCC Office, Kohima today and requested Congress workers in all the districts to put in their full efforts for the success of the Indian National Congress candidates in all the 60 seats.
A press release from the NPCC stated that Ranji Thomas reminded party workers that it is only Congress Party which can provide a proper government with new hope and vision to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the Naga people in this fast growing world. The AICC Secretary added that with leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh, who are of international repute, Nagaland also can come up in the international arena as one of the number one State in India.
The release adds that it is the dreams of Rajiv Gandhi that brought the latest advancement in technology and economic upgradation of India and continued that with Rahul Gandhi taking over the leadership of youth and students in India, a new hope and vision has been generated in the heart and mind of the young generation of Nagaland as well. Ranji also appealed to all Congress men and women in Nagaland to bear the pain and discontentment in allocation of the tickets in some Constituencies and work for the success of the official candidates since various aspects were considered by the leadership even though the had to sacrifice some of its best and talented leaders. Ranji expressed hope and wished that the Congress workers will unitedly work for a thumping victory for the Congress Party to give a visionary government for a prosperous and unique Nagaland.
NSCN-IM slams rival faction as tool of Indian intelligence Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Feb 12: The Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN on Tuesday while alleging that the rival NSCN- K has been used by the Indian intelligence agencies as tool as a counter -force to the NSCN-IM, has stated that the Khaplang faction “cannot claim to represent people’s interest under the stolen name of the NSCN”.
In a press note issued here to the media, the NSCN-IM said that under the circumstances where the “Khaplang group is des-perately” eying the atten- tion of the Naga people to be accepted as a bonafide organization with interests that are focused in accordance with the Naga people’s political aspiration by misleading the people and the press on the non-existence issue of who carry the name “NSCN” to represent the Naga people’s political struggle. The outfit stated that in the name of survival under the nomenclature of NSCN, anything that goes to commit effrontery is to be taken as nothing short of lying to the people. “And as demanded by the situation where the Khaplang group bereft of any political morality is begging to be given the nomenclature of NSCN in order to come in line with the policy as prodded by the Home Ministry’s intelligence agencies whose hid- den agenda with Khaplang group is to support Khaplang group’s existence as a counter-force against NSCN. And this is best served by still sticking to the name of NSCN. So far the only claim for Khaplang group is by virtue of its forceful but unwarranted support by the government of India to fulfil its suppressive nature governing the North East States”, alleged the NSCN-IM statement.
The outfit then stated that in this context, the NSCN-IM is once again placed under the condition where it necessitated pointing out the historical fact. “It may be noted that following the steady sign of progress made by the NSCN the dark shadow of obstructionist forces begin its work. Accordingly, Mr. S.S. Khaplang and Brig. Kholi attempted an abortive coup and perpetrated the bloodiest ever massacre into the ranks of the NSCN claiming over two hundred (200) lives of revolutionary patriots. The NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu was then away for mission abroad. The General Secretary Th. Muivah along with true national workers was plunged into chaos and uncertainty. In this way two distinct camps-revolutionary and reactionary came into existence in Nagalim,” narrated the NSCN-IM. “They concocted the story that Mes- srs. Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah are processing to work out a solution with India (within the Indian Union) and secondly, to do away with all the Konyak and Pangmi national workers to seize all arms to surrender them to India”, stated the NSCN-IM while adding, “S.S. Khap-lang and his mercenaries became the tool of the adversary in spreading this sheer fabrication among the workers and villages, whipping up bitter antagonism”.
The NSCN-IM also said that Khaplang was able to win over the simpletons and some “weak-kneed Naga Army personnel to his lies”. “And very soon, hatred was fanned up to an unlimited fever pitch. Without delay he ordered them to attack the NSCN Operation Headquarters, and slaughter over 200 Naga patriots in the most sadistic manner”, further alleged the NSCN-IM.
Rio, NPF leaders file nominations Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Feb 12 (NPN): A total of 16 nominations were filed on Tuesday in Kohima, Wokha, Phek and Pughoboto for the March 5 Assembly elections in the State. With this, altogether 26 candidates have filed their nominations. Ten candidates had filed their nomination papers on Monday. Five nominations each were filed in Kohima district (four from NPF and one Independent), Phek district (all NPF) and Wokha district (four from BJP and one Independent). One nomination (NPF) was filed from Pughoboto. Those who had filed their nominations on Tuesday from Kohima district included former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from 11 Northern Angami-II, former Planning Minister and NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu from 10 Northern Angami-1, former Nagaland Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie from 8 Western Angami, Dr. Atha Vizol from 15 Southern Angami-II (all NPF) and Er. Levi Rengma (Independent) from 12 Tseminyu. Those who had filed their nominations from Phek district included Neiba from 16 Pfütsero, Kewezü from 17 Chizami and former ministers Thenucho from 18 Chazouba, Kuzholuzo from 19 Phek and Yitachu from 20 Meluri (all NPF). Those who had filed their nominations from Wokha district included Yanthungo from 37 Tyui, former minister Dr. T.M. Lotha from 38 Wokha, T.L. Merry from 39 Sanis, C. Kikon from 40 Bhandari (all BJP) and E. Zachamo Lotha (Independent) from Bhandari. Y. Vikheho of the NPF filed his nomination from 13 Pughoboto. Earlier, accompanied by his poll campaign managers and son, former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio arrived at the office of DC, Kohima, at around 1.05 pm to file his papers.
Meanwhile, three NPF candidates and one Independent are expected to file their papers on Wednesday. The last date for filing of nominations is February 16 while scrutiny of nominations will be held on February 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 20.
ISI link in ULFA plane hijack plot Nagaland Post
New Delhi, Feb 12 (Agencies): Assam Police have found an ISI link in the abortive plot by an ULFA militant to hijack an Indian Airlines flight. According to official sources, the ULFA plotted with the ISI to hijack a plane from Guwahati to Pakistan. ULFA militant Manoj Tamuly told police during interrogations that he was allegedly trained for the hijack mission for 18 days by an Afghan national R K Ahmed in Assam.
According to police sources, Tamuly was trained to hijack an aircraft from Guwahati to Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The plane was to stop over in Bhutan's capital city, Thimpu's Paro base where more hijackers were supposed to board the plane and then move over to Kathmandu before reaching Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The entire plan was similar to the IC-814 hijacking of 1999 executed by Taliban in collusion with Pakistan's ISI. Meanwhile, fifteen ULFA militants trained to hijack planes have moved to neighbouring countries and are being tracked down, a top police officer in Assam said. IGP (Special Branch) Khagen Sharma said the men were in Bangladesh, Myanmar and "other neighbouring countries" and that airports in West Bengal and Northeast had been asked to go on high alert. "We have information that the militants, trained specially for hijacking planes, have sneaked into Bangladesh, Myanmar and other neighbouring countries," Sharma told IANS over the phone from Guwahati.
"We know their identity. We are tracking them down," he added. "The matter has been communicated to the central government."According to Sharma, the militants were trained to hijack planes by ISI near Assam's border with Bhutan, which in the past has served as a sanctuary for ULFA."We don't expect them to carry out hijackings now. But as a precaution we have alerted airports in West Bengal and the northeast and asked them to be on high alert," said Sharma. Sharma did not identify the "other neighbouring countries" the ULFA militants were in but other police sources said these could include Nepal and Bhutan.
It is not clear if the ULFA, which has been talking peace to the Indian government off and on, plans to seize Indian aircraft flying out of any of the neighbouring countries.
The Assam Police believe the arrested militant planned to hijack a plane from the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International airport at Guwahati and take it to Pakistan.
This, the police believe, would be aimed at forcing the Indian authorities to free jailed ULFA members. Over 600 ULFA militants are in Indian prisons. A few are reportedly senior leaders of the organisation, arrested during army raids on their camps along in Bhutan in 2002.
A Bureau of Civil Aviation Security official said: "The threat by ULFA persists." He added there was information that ULFA was undergoing specialised terror training. The ULFA, which is known to have close ties with the Pakistani intelligence, has been fighting to secede oil-rich Assam. Violence linked to the campaign has claimed thousands of lives over the years. Indian officials allege that many ULFA leaders are based in Bangladesh. Dhaka denies the charge.
It may be mentioned an Air Deccan employee Sumon Dutta and a rights leader Lachit Bordoloi were arrested by police on Monday in connection with the plot. Besides, well-known Guwahati-based lawyer Nekibur Zaman was questioned late Sunday by a special six-member IB team.
from New Delhi at a city hospital where he is currently admitted after a fractured leg.

Gaps in Myanmar's democratic timetable Larry Jagan
Myanmar's top general Than Shwe has finally revealed his closely guarded plans for the country's political future: institutionalize military rule through a sham constitution and manipulated democratic elections. The strategy was presented publicly over the weekend when Myanmar's military rulers announced plans to hold democratic elections in 2010 after holding a national referendum on a new constitution this May. The referendum represents the fourth step in the ruling junta's seven-step "roadmap to democracy", which was first broached in 2003."We have achieved success in economic, social and other sectors and in restoring peace and stability," a top leader in the junta, Secretary 1 Lieutenant-General Tin Aung Myint Oo, announced on the state-run radio and television. "So it is now suitable to change the military administration to a democratic, civil administrative system, as good fundamentals have been established," he said.
Than Shwe obviously feels the time is now right to move towards a form of civilian rule in order to appease international pressure and prevent further unrest within the country. Previously the military regime used its so-called "roadmap to democracy" as a delaying tactic when they came under international pressure to introduce political reforms. "It seems that General Than Shwe has changed his mind and is no longer using the seven-point road map to buy time, but instead it is now central to his efforts to overcome both internal and international pressures," according to the Chiang Mai-based academic Win Min. "Internally the generals may be worried about further mass unrest, and are using the promise of elections to cool people down and encourage them not to do demonstrate, but to wait and see," he said. "The junta promised elections after crackdown on the 8-8-88 mass movement for the same reason."
Than Shwe, keen to maintain his influence despite his failing health, has strategically killed several birds with one stone. Within the military, he has clearly indicated to his number two, General Maung Aye, that he cannot hope to replace him as the country's absolute ruler. He has also effectively killed the United Nation's mediation role - as there is nothing left for the envoy Ibrahim Gambari to discuss. And his message to the detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is that there are no viable options for her but to endorse the roadmap. The move will please Myanmar's Asian allies - especially China, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - by coming up with a hard and fast timetable for political change. The junta first broached its "roadmap to democracy" over four years ago, but this weekend's announcement represents the first time that a timetable has been set.
"Than Shwe has been constantly considering all his options and examining all the possible scenarios in order to have a strategic plan which will ensure he retains power and protects his family's interests in the long-run," said a senior source in the new capital Naypitdaw who is close to the military leader. "For sometime the roadmap was a back-up strategy, but after the crackdown on the protests last year, it became the main option to keep political control."
The planned constitution, which critics have branded as a sham and unrepresentative of the country's pro-democracy constituency, is expected to be revealed in the next few weeks. More than a thousand military appointed delegates spent over 14 years in a National Convention process drawing up guidelines for the constitution.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, which resoundingly won 1990 democratic elections which the junta annulled, was notably excluded from the constitution drafting process. "Without the participation of Aung Sann Suu Kyi, the NLD and the ethnic groups, the constitution is not credible and people will not accept it," said Zin Linn, a spokesman for Myanmar's government-in-exile made up of MPs elected in the 1990 elections.

Towards military democracy So far little is known about the actual contents of the new constitution - except that it will essentially preserve military rule under the guise of a civilian government. Under the guidelines for the new charter drawn up by the National Convention, a quarter of the seats in the proposed parliament will be reserved for military appointees.
The president will come from the military, while key ministries, including defense, will be directly controlled by the military. The army would be allowed to set its own budget, without reference to the civilian government, and the army commanders would retain the right to declare a state of emergency and seize political power at any time for ill-defined reasons of national security.
"The junta's plans are for a nominal democracy, or as the military prefer to call it, 'disciplined democracy'," said the independent Burmese analyst Aung Naing Oo. Moreover, few, if any, Western diplomats or political analysts believe that the referendum on the new constitution will be a free and fair process.
"Unless the regime revokes the regulation 5/96 [which prohibits criticism of the National Convention or the constitution with a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted], there can be no free debate about the constitution," an opposition leader inside Myanmar told Asia Times Online on condition of anonymity. Rather than a secret ballot, analysts believe that the new constitution's ratification is likely to be accomplished through a series of mass meetings across the country overseen and controlled by the pro-military mass organization the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), which is run by Than Shwe's closest allies.
Ever since the National Convention first started discussing the guidelines for the new constitution in 1993, several senior government officials have hinted that USDA rallies would form the basis of the referendum process. In 1994, millions of Burmese citizens reportedly attended USDA-led mass rallies across the country to publicly support the work of the National Convention. Most of those in attendance, however, were coerced or bribed by the regime, according to many diplomats based in Yangon at the time. "It's almost certain to be either a process of affirmation through mass meetings or a re-run of the 1974 constitutional referendum, when voters had a choice of putting their ballots either into a black box for 'no' and a white box for 'yes' under the gaze of the soldiers guarding the polling stations," says Australian constitutional lawyer Janelle Saffin.
What is even more certain is that international election monitors will not be allowed to scrutinize the referendum or the elections. Myanmar's charismatic opposition leader Suu Kyi - who has spent more than 12 of the past 18 years in detention - will constitutionally not be allowed to stand for election because she was married to the British academic Michael Aris and thereby considered a foreigner. Although Than Shwe has previously told UN envoy Gambari that the NLD would be allowed to stand in the general elections, many analysts believe all the existing political parties, including the NLD, will be either barred or severely hobbled through official harassment. "The generals learned their lesson from the last elections in 1990; they will not repeat the same mistake twice and this time they have two years after the referendum to make sure the results meet their plans," Zin Linn said.
The junta's announcement notably comes at a time that the military regime is under growing international pressure to introduce political reform and involve Suu Kyi and the NLD in the process. The European Union and the United States have stepped up trade and investment sanctions against the junta after its brutal crackdown on mass anti-government demonstrations across the country last August and September. Both the EU and the US have threatened even stiffer sanctions if there is no demonstrably progress towards political reform in the next few months. In the meantime UN special envoy to Myanmar Gambari has been trying in vain to return to the country to resume his mediation efforts between the opposition leader and the junta.
"The announcement may also mean the end of the Gambari process," said Win Min. "In effect Than Shwe is saying that there is no role now for the UN - the constitutional process has been laid out and will now take its course," he added. It's still unclear if the junta's move was goaded on by China, which since last year has been quietly urging the regime to make concessions to the international community. "Behind the scenes, China's leaders have pushed the regime to speed up the national reconciliation process," says one Yangon-based Asian diplomat. "China has been particularly worried that their support for [Myanmar] might adversely affect the Olympic Games in Beijing ... if the junta continued to defy calls for reform," he added.
International rights groups have called for a boycott of the Summer Olympics over Beijing's support for Myanmar's rights abusing regime. Yet while Chinese pressure may have been instrumental in the junta's decision to announce its new democratic time table, Than Shwe would not have moved unless he felt it was his best option to preserve his and his family's power and interests into the future. "Without genuine dialogue between the key political actors - the military, the opposition and the ethnic groups - national reconciliation is an empty shell," said Myanmar analyst Aung Naing Oo. "The junta's announcement leaves the opposition groups no room in which to maneuver and so makes heightened tension inevitable," he said.
Top ULFA cadres, 25 others lay down arms Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIBRUGARH, Feb 11 – In yet another blow to the morale of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), another 29 cadres surrendered today at the Dinjan Military Station, near here. A member each from the KNLF and NDFB outfit also laid down arms during the surrender ceremony.
Top ranking self-styled captain Keshav Hazarika, the commander of ULFA's 709 battalion, self styled Lieutenant Biraj Phukan and self styled sergeant Major Kumud Bordoloi were also in the list of the surrendered rebels. Self-styled captain Meenakshi Hazarika, the wife of self-styled captain Keshav Hazarika and also the number 2 in the ULFA 709 battalion hierarchy being indisposed could not be present for the occasion. However, her surrender, in absentia was also accepted. It is to be mentioned that only 25 cadres turned out for the surrender ceremony today but the Army has accepted 31 members as official surrender.

The surrender ceremony at Dinjan Military Station was presided over by Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding 4 Corps. Major General Jatinder Singh, SM, General Officer Commanding 2 Mountain Division, Brigadier Binoy Poonnen the Commander of 181 Mountain Brigade, Deputy Commissioners of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh district, Commanding Officers of various units of Dah Division and other Army officials were present during the surrender ceremony. More than 30 electric detonators, 10 pistols, 9 grenades, one radio handset, several rounds of live ammunition, a 7.62 MM Universal Machine Gun and a 7.62 MM SLR gun was also laid down during the surrender ceremony.

Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, 4 Corps congratulated the surrendered cadres for their bold and wise decision to join the national mainstream. He mentioned that the volunteer surrenders of such senior cadres was a positive indicator that the ULFA has developed serious cracks from within the organization and is also losing the support of the masses.
At the initiative of Major General Jatinder Singh, SM, General Officer Commanding Dah Division, a rehabilitation centre for surrendered cadres is likely to be commissioned at Dinjan Military Station where vocational training such as driving, welding, plumbing, vehicle mechanic training, carpentry and electrical training will be imparted with a view to equip them to earn a decent livelihood.
Violence, surrenders, arrests clouds Assam Deepika global
Guwahati, Feb 12 (UNI) Insurgency returned to centre-stage in Assam with violence, arrests and surrenders running parallel during the last 48 hours, leaving at least seven people, including police and rebels, dead. While ULFA, the most powerful outfit of the state, remained in the headlines with its alleged foiled plane hijack plan, fundamentalist and tribal militants triggered violence in the state.

Several ULFA sympathisers, including advocate Nekibur Zaman, human rights activist Lachit Bordoloi, journalist Pradeep Gogoi and Air Deccan employee Sumon Dutta, were also arrested in the police crackdown since Sunday.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also sent a stern warning to the insurgents, stating that counter-insurgency operations would not be relaxed and anti-national elements would be dealt with a tough hand.

The surrender of as many as 31 militants in Dibrugarh district yesterday also backed the government's claim of cracking down the militancy gambit in the state. The surrendered militants included 29 ULFA cadres, including two female cadres, and one each of the Bodo outfit NDFB and Karbi outfit KLNLF.

The ULFA cadres were led by 'commander' of its strike-force '27th battalion', 'captain' Keshab Hazarika, which is being constructed as a major jolt to the striking capacity of the outfit in Upper Assam, where the ULFA has a more prominent presence. But the militants struck on Monday evening itself, when suspected Dimasa rebels gunned down four people, including twp policemen, in an ambush on an NEEPCO escort vehicle at Umrangso in North Cachar Hills districts. The anti-talks faction of the Dima Halom Daogah (DHD), also known as Black Widow, is suspected to be behind the ambush. Earlier on Monday, three suspected fundamentalist militants were killed by troops of 4 Kumaon Regiment in an encounter in Goalpara district. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the killed militants.
Shan faction urges all ethnic armies to integrate Nay Thwin Mizzima News
February 12, 2008 - Chiang Mai- The Shan State Army (South) has urged all ethnic armies fighting against Burma's military junta to unite.
"We can achieve our desired ethnic rights only when we emerge as a unified force under one command and one voice. It's time to be united and so our Chairman has called for unity and solidarity", Sai Lao Sai, a spokesperson for SSA(S) told Mizzima. The call for unity and solidarity follows an announcement by the junta of a referendum on a newly drafted constitution, which many observers say will guarantee the supremacy of the armed forces in government. Khun Thurein, the general secretary of an armed Pa-O group which withdrew from a ceasefire agreement with the junta last year, welcomed the call made by the SSA(S).
"Our armed resistance is scattered and not in harmony. Sporadic and scattered movements make our revolution ineffective and don't achieve success. We welcome a proposed united front under one command and one voice, with unity and solidarity", Khun Thurein said. However he added that equal rights and authority is essential for unity among ethnic armed forces.
"We hope we can regroup and reunite if the current situation changes to some extent. If the junta pushes all of us to abide by the results of the National Convention, the unity and integration of all ethnic armed forces would be sped up", Khun Thurein added.
The strength of the SSA(S) is estimated at over 5,000 personnel. According to military sources there are also attempts at cooperation between the SSA(S) and United Wa State Army (UWSA), which in the past fought fierce battles. The two sides have achieved more understanding between them since 2006, Sai Lao Sai confirmed. Analysts estimate the strength of the UWSA to be at least 25,000 armed troops. The UWSA reached a ceasefire agreement with the junta in 1989.
Since the junta began pressuring the UWSA in 2006 to surrender and demand they withdraw from the Thai-Burma border to the Sino-Burma border, relations between the two Shan State armies has improved, analysts say. Last year the junta hinted they would attack the UWSA, before eventually backing down. "I think the junta now sees the SSA as their number one enemy rather than the Wa", Khun Sai, editor of the Shan Herald Agency for News, confided to Mizzima. The junta issued two announcements on the 9th of this month, setting the timeframe for a referendum on a newly drafted constitution in May and for fresh elections to be held in 2010. The junta has been increasing pressure on ceasefire ethnic armed groups, spawning speculation that the junta intends to disband and disarm all such groups after approval of the new constitution in the forthcoming referendum.