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03/04/2008: "Buying votes open secret morungexpress"



Buying votes open secret morungexpress

Kohima, March 3 (CNN-IBN): As Nagaland is moving towards Assembly elections, it is an open secret in the state that votes are purchased and every political party is a part of this racket. For journalist-turned-politician like Abu Metha, who is standing for his first election for the National People’s Front, the rules of the game are already clear to him.
“Money power is being used, votes are purchased and the voters are being influenced. It is little bit more in Nagaland than anywhere else in the mainland, I would openly admit to that,” Metha revealed. Political parties could spend anything from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh for a block of votes. And the final decision is left to the village council, who give their votes to the highest bidder.
“Every party is trying to do that. They call maybe group wise, maybe family wise and they say we will give you money. That’s an open secret,” a teacher, KK Newmai said. On camera though, every political leader believes it’s the others who are guilty of the vote-buying business. “The Congress party and National party are rich parties. They are running the Central government, so they must be using money. But our regional parties and small parties don’t have the money, so how can we use it for such purposes?” former chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio asked.
While another former CM of the state, K L Chishi, played it safe by saying, “I don’t think so. Some people might be doing, but I don’t know.” Ironically, it’s the underground groups like the NSCN (IM) that are willing to come out in the open to say elections are all about money. “After the ceasefire this is the third election, and I am keeping a watch. People do buy votes. Some of the Naga people are so that if they take money from them they find it hard to say no to them,” member of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN (IM), Phunthing said. It’s Nagaland’s open secret that stares everyone in the face, yet all political parties continue to seek measures for free and fair elections.
Import of manpower, votes in high demand

Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): The Congress party under 27th Mokokchung town A/C today petitioned the Chief Election Commissioner of India to take measures against what it alleged, the illegal activities and flagrant violation of election code of conduct by Aolepden, the independent candidate for the constituency. He is said to be ‘importing miscreants’ from Longsa and Dimapur to 27th Mokokchung town A/C and also the involvement of government servants for electioneering in the constituency. “With a view to disturb the polls, the Independent candidate (Aolepden) has imported 19 persons including Government employees from Longsa village and Dimapur town and they are presently camping in his residence.
They are planning to attack Congress workers before and during the polls,” the Chief Agent of the Congress party in the 27th Town A/C, Marlemba said in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
The letter pointed out that both the administration and the Election Commission have promised that all measures are being taken to ensure free and fair polls in the state and that the Election Code of Conduct would be strictly adhered to.
However, it termed the “importing bogus voters from outside the Constituency with clear intention of mischief and creating social unrest during the polls” as “a very alarming development”.
In this regard, the Chief Agent of the ACCC 27th Mokokchung, Marlemba demanded the immediate flushing out of ‘those miscreant from outside the constituency who are presently camping at the Independent candidate’s residence’ from the constituency.
The Chief Agent also demanded that those government servants involved in the electioneering in the A/C should be immediately punishment as per the provisions of the laws.
“Involvement of Government employees/servants in the electioneering process is definitely a matter which should be taken up with all seriousness by the Administration as well as by the Election Commission,” the letter stated.
The names of the ‘imported person’ in the letter to the election Commissioner are; Mayangtemjen, Inspector of Supplies posted at Dimapur; Talirenba, Inspector NST posted at Dimapur; Bendangtoshi, GPS Teacher at Longsa village; Temjennungsang Assistant Coordinator, Educational Block Research Centre at Khensa in Mokokchung and Imkongchiba, Maputemjen and Lipokmeren.
The letter alleged that the ‘imported persons’ are led by Meyisubong, “who is moving around in Gypsy hardtop bearing registration number NL-02-1473. It may be noted that 27th Mokokchung Town A/C has three candidates contesting in the ensuing election; C Apok Jamir from Congress, Nokzenketba from NPF and Aolepden as Independent candidate.

Involvement of UGs in Nagaland election- Nagaland Post
It is sad and very undemocratic way to witness the pre-poll violence going in and around in different constituency. I was quite impressed when the declaration of not to indulge in the forthcoming election came straight from the NSCN/GPRN office in the newspaper few weeks ago. All in all it was the best wishes and thoughts from the leaders. But, in contradictory to the declaration, some bad apple has gone against the wishes of the said leaders of the same faction. Maybe, the factional leaders' orders were too weak, or are there no systematic rules implemented in the organisation for the consequences, due to which some bad apples are still indulging in the act of violence.
Leaders are not chosen by guns,or money. It is by the choice of the people who elects their own leaders in regard to democracy. Let not some bad apples defame or destroy the image of the organisation rules and leaders in particular through their own selfish gain act. Let not the public lose their trust in the organisation by creating a mass destruction by own factional group. When the same factional groups are going against the wishes of their own leaders who just recently said that, they will not at all indulge in the coming election.
Now what are we observing here! In short, we the public are observing non-cooperation or no-trust movement in near future. Do what you've said and act like a leader and gain or win the trust out of public mind for better tomorrow and better Nagaland.
Akhong Takam Sangtam.
Nagaland winning millionaires'game MSN
Kohima: Although disclosure of assets before the Election Commission has revealed 58 'crorepatis' in Nagaland, in many cases valuation of immovable properties was not assessed as per prevailing market rates, two NGOs have alleged.

The NGOs collected and analysed the affidavits filed by contesting candidates for the March 5 assembly election in the state.

The number of millionaires from the regional Nagaland People's Front (NPF) is double their counterparts in Congress party, disclosure of assets list reveals.

"Nagaland Election Watch", an exercise initiated by Delhi-based Association for Democratic Reforms in collaboration with Youth Net of Nagaland, found that as per disclosure of assets before returning officers there were 58 candidates (26.60 per cent) whose properties, including movable and immovable, valued at over Rs one crore.

National coordinator Pawan Rana and state coordinator of Election Watch Hekani Jakhalu told newsmen here today that the properties amassed by the politicians in the fray and average income of common men reinforced the fact that the gap between rich and poor in the state was ever increasing.

The Election Watch survey finds a single PAN card holder among the 218 candidates. Out of 58 crorepatis, 13 are from Congress, BJP-6, NPF-26, RJD-2, one each from NCP and UNDP and 9 Independents. A total of five candidates have declared their liabilities at over Rs 10 lakh.

© Copyright 2008 HT Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
‘Don’t use Naga issue to grab power’ morungexpress
He has voiced his concern on various issues as a student activist, first as president of the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union and later as President of the Naga Students’ Federation. Phushika Aomi, in a candid interview today shared some of his concerns on the Naga political issue and elections in the state.

What is your opinion, observation of the present political situation?
We have a Naga political problem. The peace talks are on, while on the other hand Nagas have been contaminated by the electoral politics of India. Every Naga wishes to live as an Independent people. The Naga issue is very dear to us. Unfortunately, most of our Naga people fail to demarcate or distinguish between ‘Self Determination’ and ‘Temporary Electoral Politics,’ which means that the entire political scenario in Nagaland is in a state of confusion and the common people are pawns of this confusion.
There has been a lot of promises made on the peace talks during election rallies. What do you make of this?
Almost all political parties have been canvassing with promises of an early political solution to the peace talks. This has become a bargaining point for any political leader irrespective of party, because they know that the sentiments of the common people lie with our struggle to live as Independent people. ‘It’s just bargaining during elections, whereas no political party can bring a solution to the protracted Naga political issue.’

Who or what holds the key to a solution?
I think the solution to the Naga issue and struggle lies with the people themselves and not with the state elections. If we want to be free people, we have to struggle together, in unison.

What is your reaction on the Naga International Support Centre (NISC) questioning the stand of three former NSF presidents in their participation in these elections?
You see the solution to the Naga political issue does not lie with any leader. It’s a people’s issue and people have to come forward. The NISC’s questions should be posed to every Naga irrespective of their status or position and not only single out three student leaders. If you look back at the Indian electoral process, the Nagas boycotted the elections in 1952 and then responding to a call given by the Naga Hoho in 1998, demanded SOLUTION – NOT ELECTION. At that time, the Congress defied the call of the Naga Hoho and went ahead with elections. The Congress party headed by S.C. Jamir formed an unopposed and unmandated government. The Naga Hoho had then taken a stand / resolution, that whosoever defied the call, would be declared as anti-Naga. Unfortunately, that never happened. The Congress leaders instead responded to the Naga Hohos call by publishing ‘the bedrock of Naga society.’ The Congress leaders then shifted their political affiliations and the DAN government, a conglomerate of former Congress leaders headed by Rio promised to bring a solution during its regime, which has remained an unfulfilled promise. The Naga peace talks are being used as a tool to earn power and this, I regret to say, is unfortunate.

Is the Naga struggle as vibrant as before?
It’s losing its momentum, which is a sad thing. This is due to rampant corruption and unaccountable flow of money. There is no moral institution to contain corruption or the greed for money. The struggle is a people’s issue and the people have to be actively and vibrantly involved.

Do you agree that there has been a degradation of moral values in our society?
Yes. A massive revival is required and every section of the society has to play an integral part to reform our society. Failing which, we are heading for doomsday. The mindset of every individual has to change. Self-respect has to be revived in every person. Nagas have adopted westernization without civilization. We have become ‘couch potatoes’ and rely on easy money.

Who do you feel is responsible for destroying our society?
The Indian form of governance is largely to blame for the deterioration of our Naga society. More so, because they have misguided our Naga people through sheer enticement of easy money.

You have been an active student activist for the past many years. What ‘avatar’ can we expect to see you adorn in the coming days?
I will remain a social and political activist throughout my life and work at the grass root level for the welfare, security and upliftment of our Naga people.

What is your opinion of the division amongst our Naga insurgent groups?
I wouldn’t like the freedom fighters to have any divisions amongst themselves. Every faction has got the same ideologies and I see no reason why there should be any division amongst them.

What is your opinion on president’s rule in the state?
For the common people, the quality of service and accountability rendered under President’s Rule is appreciated. On the whole, people are appreciating the conduct of President’s Rule.

The armed forces have maintained peace and calm with regular frisking and checking?
Shouldered with the responsibility, they should do it, but not at the cost of terrorizing the common people.

Do you think Nagaland needs a regional government or national government?
Nagaland needs an honest people’s government

Do Nagas vote for party or the individual?
It’s difficult to demarcate. As long as money plays in the elections, it is a dangerous practice.

Over the last few years, many national political parties have made inroads to Nagaland. What is your take on that?
The national parties are making inroads to Nagaland state on the pretext of addressing the Naga issue. Pouring in of any national political party in the state, will never solve the Naga political issue.

Crores is being spent on this election. How do you opine on that?
Nagas are swimming in the river of money poured out during the elections. And this has to stop. But to my utter surprise, the Election Commission of India is turning a blind eye to these unconstitutional practices.

Do you have any message for our politicians?
Be a responsible and accountable public leader and not a party leader alone. Deliver good and justice to the needy and common man. Don’t be a commission agent of contract works and project works.

What is your take on the education system in the state?
It’s very unfortunate that our political leaders have failed to echo their concern on education during their election campaigns. I have said it in the past and reiterate once more that we need a comprehensive, holistic and all round developmental education programme. We have to make ‘competitors’ of our children and not mere certificate holders.

What is your observation of the role of politicians in the present Naga society?
The Nagas are heading for ‘class’ system and this is due to our politicians. The rich are turning richer and the poor turning poorer. This is because the politicians play a partisan role in promoting favoritism, nepotism and biasness.

Can we expect to see Phushika as a politician in the days ahead? Only time and God can tell.

Thanks for sharing your concern and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours?
Thank You. Noel Manuel
NSCN-IM’s hand in Wokha poll alleged morungexpress
Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): The Congress unit of Wokha has alleged that a number of NSCN-IM cadres threatened and also physically assaulted Congress workers from various villages in Englan range. A note form the Wokha district Congress committee stated that NSCN-IM cadres led by one Joseph Patton, Chichamo Tsanglao, Yanpvu Odyuo and Yanthungo Odyuo have been stationed at Englan range since the last few weeks. They are in fact campaigning for the BJP candidate of 37th Tyui Assembly Constituency, the Congress stated. The NSCN-IM cadres threatened the Congress workers with arms and also physically assaulted around 60 Congress workers from different villages in the range. The NSCN-IM cadres did not even spare the chief agent of INC candidate Yankithung Yanthan, the Congress stated. The said chief agent has been hospitalized, it was informed. Strong condemning the atrocities committed by the NSCN-IM cadres, the Congress reminded that the organization had called against cadres’ involvement in the elections as highlighted in the local media. The Wokha Congress has strongly urged the NSCN-IM leaders to discipline their cadres.
Politics in Nagaland is mainly to do with which of the following?morungexpress

Some of those who voted Party Interest had this to say:
• Its all about parties. Can you imagine, some villages have taken resolution saying that we will support anyone who will bring the party ticket of Congress. What kind of feudalism is this?
• because the tribal or individual can not be call a politics
• The question is quite confusing. It is a fact that most of the politicians when they join politics, it is basically for their own individual interest. But on the other hand, most of the electorate when they vote, they do it in the basis of party. Some of the Ao villages this time have openly stated that they will vote only for a particular party, irrespective of the individual.
• In this election do you hear any name? No, you only hear the name of the party and nothing else. Nagas are drowning in party politics.
• Nagaland state politics has always been about parties and nothing more. This is one of the reasons why there are no new dynamic leaders. We have the same old leaders. No one new. But these parties comprise of many politicians who are for their own interest.
• Elections in Nagaland is about Party, Party and Party and nothing else. Just look at the amount of parties that have come or have been formed this elections. Sadly it is not about leadership, it is about party and that is the reason why the elections are so corrupted and distasteful.

Some of those who voted Individual Interest had this to say:
• No politician in Nagaland have any ideology to stick to any political party nor does they have any principles for tribal interests but it is solely which have got to do with ones prestige and individual's interest.
• Was individual interest, Is individual interest and will be individual interest until and unless people change their mindset.
• Self-centeredness attitude and personal gain.
• Every individual, taking from youth to old seek for their own selfish gain for the next five years.
• Politics is nothing in Nagaland but the individuals gain at the cost of others
• Those who spend money to get into power do so to reap more money. After all who would spend lacs of rupees for a salary of 50 thousand? Contracts, payoffs, etc is the reason for the Nagas to go into Politics. As before election time no one is seen or when seen its VIP escorts and moving people of the road.
• It could be good or bad interests. Politics in Nagaland is all about individuals, it's just like that.
• The fact that the politicians are the richest people in Nagaland shows that they are only after individual riches. Most of them join politics for the thrill of power and unproportionate high status.
• At the core it is individual interest, at the community level it is party interest and therefore the layers of interest are many when it comes to Nagaland elections. But yes one could say that the elements of greed for power and money is at the driving seat which gives the candidate a higher status in this corrupted society.
• Mismatch between aspiration and actual capability : pretensions of sophisticated culture while in actual fact Naga society is third rate in terms of commitment to ethics
• Nagaland should have been a better place, if it wasn't for that

Some of those who voted Tribal Interest had this to say:
• 'isms' still rule no matter how hard u try to ignore it
• In elections it is not about tribal interest, it is about clan and village interest.
Clash at Longsa: over 50 injured Correspondent Nagaland Post
Mokokchung, March 3 (NPN): In the continued pre-poll violence in Mokokchung district, over 50 persons were injured Monday during a clash between the supporters of an Independent and NPF candidates at Longkhum village.
According to police, the clash erupted early in the morning during which shots were fired and stones pelted by the supporters. The situation was brought under control by the security forces later. Fourteen crude bombs, 44 live cartridges of SBBL gun, 47 empty cases of SBBL and six SBBL guns besides other lethal weapons were recovered by police.
Police arrested one person for possession of a 9mm pistol. Another 108 youths of the village were detained by police but released later on good behavior bond.
According to reports, 53 injured persons including two females were admitted to the district hospital. However, except three the rest were released after first aid. The three sustained serious injuries with one of them referred to Guwahati.
The village falls under Koridang A/C from where former school education minister Imkong L Imchen is contesting on NPF ticket. His opponents include S. Moa Imchen of Congress and T. Chenung Longchar, Independent.
In another incident, a woman, identified as Renbeni (35) of Lotsu village, was injured when unidentified miscreants exploded a bomb on the roadside near Wokha Town Baptist Church at around 10.20 pm on Monday.

Rio ‘kills’ Congress softly with his song Nagaream.com




Kohima, MAR03 [TI] : Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland’s new regional mascot, missed a place in history by a whisker. Just two months short of becoming the first chief minister from a regional party of the state to complete a full five-year term, his Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government was dismissed and President’s rule imposed.
An old hand in turning political adversity to his advantage, Rio has been determined in his effort to whip up a sympathy wave by projecting himself as a victim of the Congress’s greed for power. Many Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) leaders admit in private that Rio has been able to duck the anti-incumbency factor to a large extent by turning the tables on the Congress — he has launched a counter attack on the UPA government for imposing President’s rule in the state.

From the commercial hub of Dimapur to remote Tuensang, the core theme of his campaign, which drew to a close today, has been the unceremonious dismissal of his government. Cleverly terming President’s rule as “army rule”, Rio tried to send out a message to the electorate that unlike his party, the Congress was not keen to find a political solution to the Naga problem. Rio, who started his legislative career as a Congress legislator in 1989, champions regional aspiration by arguing that the Congress has failed to redress the grievances of different communities and ethnic groups.

To drive home his message, Rio has encouraged youths of his Northern Angami-II constituency, from where he is seeking re-election for the fifth consecutive term, to come out with a music CD mocking President’s rule and eulogising the DAN coalition. Rio has even composed a number, March together, in the album titled DAN for Progress and Peace.

One of the eight songs in the album goes: “UPA government ki dise? President rule package, army rule package dise (What did the UPA government give to the people? President’s rule and army rule).” One song is dedicated to Bedrock of Naga Society, a controversial booklet published by the PCC when former chief minister S.C. Jamir was at the helm of affairs.

In his campaign trail, Rio took along a four-member NPF Band to sing songs from the album. From the tone and tenor of his speeches, he appeared to be the challenger who is seeking a mandate against the Congress and not for his government. Rio, a badminton player of some repute, has succeeded in repeatedly smashing the shuttle into the Congress’s court. Whether that will be enough to win the match remains to be seen.

Mediapersons arrive in Nagaland to cover elections Nagarealm.com




Kohima, MAR02 [UNI] : With only days left before Nagaland goes to the polls for the 60-member Assembly media-persons from outside the state have already arrived in large numbers to cover the elections.


Camerapersons and reporters from national and private channels as well as journalists from national dailies and news agencies have reached here to give wide coverage to the Assembly elections in this Northeastern hilly tribal state. Most of the rooms in the hotels here as well as other areas in the state had already been booked taxi drivers too were doing brisk business.

A large number of reporters had already gathered in the state capital, Dimapur and other district headquarters in connection with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, BJP national president Rajnath Singh and Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad's visits to the state. Polling for the one-phase election to 60 Assembly seats will be held on March 5, while counting will be held on March 8.

Dr. Senka new NNC president Nagarealm.com




Dimapur, MAR02 [NPN] : Dr. Senka Yaden has donned the mantle of eighth president of Naga National Council (NNC). He replaced Gen (Retd.) I. Panger Walling.

A press release issued by I. Panger Walling said a decision towards this effect was taken during the Central Executive Council Members’ Meeting and General Meeting in Ao Region held on February 13 and 14 respectively in the interest of Naga people and NNC in particular. The meeting also elected the new team of office bearers – vice presidents Shanyie Konyak and Kiumungam Yimchungrii, general secretary Vizosielhou Nagi and joint secretary Sashi Aier. Congratulating both Dr. Senka and the new team of office bearers and wishing that God bless them abundantly in their march for the freedom of Nagas, Panger appealed to all people to co-operate and support the new leadership as they work for Naga unity and Naga sovereignty.
3 die in pre-poll clash
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, March 3: Pre-poll violence claimed three lives in Nagaland today, the last day of campaigning, with security forces apprehending more trouble before the state votes on March 5.
In Mokokchung district, which has seen most of the pre-poll violence, two persons were killed and several injured when supporters of Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) attacked the rival Congress camp at Longkhum village with sophisticated weapons at 10 this morning.
NPF candidate Imkong L. Imchen and Congress candidate Moatemjem, who are contesting from Koridang constituency, are from the village.
In Dimapur, two gunmen shot dead the chairman of Dimapur Muslim Council and gaonbura (headman) of New Market, Farkanudin, at his residence this morning. Eyewitnesses said this Congress supporter had an argument with the gunmen before he was killed. Police did not rule out this being a political killing.
Shops and business establishments were closed in New Market and some other parts of the town in protest against the killing.
Violence was also reported from Phek, Zunheboto and Wokha districts.
At least 20 persons were injured in Suruhoto constituency under Zunheboto district yesterday in clashes between supporters of the Congress and an Independent candidate. In Zunheboto town, six vehicles of an Independent candidate, Nihoshe Sema, were damaged by the supporters of Congress candidate Hukavi Zhimomi.
In Dimapur, there were reports of violence in Dimapur-III constituency between supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress.
Though security forces apprehended further trouble, they sought to allay fears regarding poll-related violence. Assam Rifles public relations officer Maj. Pallab Choudhury said steps had been taken to reach the remotest corners of the state to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
“Security forces have been deployed, covering important urban centres and remote villages. However, in view of the fact that underground elements are likely to be involved in possible rigging of elections and intimidation, helicopters have been deployed to enable the Rapid Deployment Force to reach the remote areas in a short time,” he added.
Sonia wrong, Statute has split Nagas: NSCN (IM) Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 3: A day after Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said there was enough space in the Indian Constitution to find an amicable and honourable solution to the vexed Naga tangle, the NSCN (IM) has not only rejected it but said it was the Indian Constitution that was the root cause of the problems faced by the Nagas.
“I don’t know what Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh wants to say by talking about the Indian Constitution. It is the very Constitution of India that had divided the Naga people,” Phunting Shimrang, a senior leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim NSCN (IM), told The Indian Express here on Sunday.
While Sonia Gandhi said there was enough space in the Indian Constitution to resolve the Naga issue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had last week said his Government would even go “the extra mile” for finding it.
The NSCN (IM) leader also said 10 years of ceasefire had passed “simply like that” without any significant progress. “There have been arrests, killings and a lot of provocation other than anything else,” he said.
Shimrang, who represents the NSCN (IM) in the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee constituted by the Government of India in the wake of the ceasefire agreed upon in 1997, also said the NSCN (IM) had already suggested a federal structure in order to resolve the Naga issue. “We have already suggested a federal structure during the talks,” he said. The last time the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) leaders met for talks was in November.
The NSCN (IM) leader also accused security forces of provoking it by way of arrests of its cadres and raids on their houses. “The security forces have killed over 100 men of ours since the ceasefire began in 1997. But because we are in a ceasefire agreement we have restrained ourselves as much as we can,” Shimrang said.
Accusing the Government of bullying, he said the security forces had arrested a number of its cadre since the imposition of President’s rule in Nagaland on January 3. “Security forces search and raid our houses, and arrest and restrict movement of our men as if we are under house arrest. Such acts might even affect the talks process, you never know,” he said.
Claiming that the NSCN (IM) had not touched a single security personnel since the ceasefire began, Shimrang said it was not an easy task to remain so. (Courtesy: IE)
Two days more to speak lies and listen S Varah
No.1. lie is to solve Naga political problem if he is voted to power to make law in the state assembly. Peace, development, justice and tranquility are number two, three, four etc, etc. When government shall be formed after counting the votes we will cast on March 05, half of the lucifers in Nagaland will go back to hell and return after five years if a government can complete tenure. There are approximately three groups of liars. They are: politicians, thieves and our children. They need constant supervision. Thieves and children can be dealt with by stringent laws. But long arm of laws can not govern politicians because they have the power to make or unmake laws. This is the problems. And these problems will never be solved until the end of time. Let us say this is a process without an end.
Experienced and serious thinking people say that bodyguards of politics are lies. The ammunitions these bodyguards use during election times in Nagaland are armed militants and rupees. To bring home the truth here, let us take the example of Dimapur-11 Assembly Constituency. Its total strength of voters is about 17 thousand. Of this, 11 thousand is non-Naga, and the rest 6 thousand Naga. These 6 thousand electors are again divided into various Naga tribes. Therefore, non-Nagas decide who win and who loose. So how to deal with this situation? The logic is simple: Who can frighten these non-Nagas the most.
Now let us study the movement of money and fire power to frighten the non-Nagas first and then deal the Nagas with money. Nagaland is backward in terms of its economy; more forward in fire power. Therefore, Delhi magnanimously shovels down enough rupees as peace bonus and development in all fronts, including faction front. These bonuses from different packages go to Church Road or Nyamo Lotha Road, Marwari bati, New Market and so on. Then when the turn of 9mm pistol and Kalashnikov comes, they cough out substantial amount from these dukandars for buying Scorpio, Bolero and Chevrolet and so on. This is the customary journey of Gandhi’s head imprinted on shard of notes. The method, of course, is known as extortion, a little primitive when compared with tactical robberies in various state departments. If the fashion is through gun point, then it is known as ‘law and order.’ But if the other system is siphoning through paper works, it is ‘according to the law of the land.’
So we see, government formation process is all about two important actors. One is rupees and the other, fear factor and who can use it wisely. Here lies the wisdom of the Nagas. We have two days left to listen to lies and speak them. After that, a coalition government will be declared. Common majorities form the government but chosen few owned up the institution. And when they become the masters, they recover threefold the amount they spend in electioneering. Therefore, the money we give as tax when we buy things first goes down to dukandars’ cash cabinet, goes out to enter professional political thieves’ pocket; goes out to the common majorities in the time of election. If you want to arrest these restless rupees, make relationship with wine shops in and around Khatketti during ‘Dry State’ election time, then you are a crorepati overnight. Drenched and soaked inside wine bottle and say ‘Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!’ amid ‘Dry Christian State.’ This is the third class lie.

MLAs warned against keeping UG links; Police spreading fear: Opposition leader The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 3: The Members of Manipur Legislative Assembly are requested not to give protection to the insurgent outfits. If any `protector` is found having nexus with the insurgents, stringent actions will be taken up.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi, responding to the cut motions raised by the Opposition members to the demand for grants for police at the Assembly session on demand discussion today, appealed to the members as well as people of Manipur for sincere cooperation to improve the law and order in the state.

It may be noted that in 2007 insurgents as well as arms were recovered by the state police force from the quarters of many MLAs. However, actions were not taken up against any of the MLAs.

In his clarification speech to the cut motions, the CM said that the law and order is the foremost priority of the state government. He said that the intelligence department has all the information on the links between the `protectors` and the protected. He said that if any member of the House is found having link with the insurgents, the security provided will be removed. "So let us be sincere if peace is to be restored in Manipur," said Ibobi.

The CM, once again, said, "I appeal through this august House that killing each other will not serve any purpose. Let us try to restore peace through political dialogue.
I don`t think anywhere in the world would we find so much of factionalism as seen here. Intelligence has all the reports of those who are playing key role over-ground. I also appeal to the MLAs not give protection to the insurgents."

Saying that Manipur has now become one of the most disturbed states in the northeast, the CM said that safety of the people is state government`s responsibility and the activities of unwanted elements cannot be tolerated by the government. The CM said, "In tackling them, some unfortunate incidents, some omission and commission here and there will occur."

Another common issue raised by the Opposition was the bad image police, especially the commandos, have come to earn due to various alleged misdoings. Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam said that the police-public relation has deteriorated so much that people are more afraid of police than criminals.

The opposition leader said, "A police force without discipline is no different from dacoits. They will be like wild animals. Police personnel not knowing the intricacies of law are dangerous. For example, if a personnel does not know how to take a dying declaration the excuse of insurgency is used as an easy escape."

MLA Morung Makunga said people in Manipur can no longer travel with huge amount of money with them without risking their lives. He said that people in Manipur can no longer travel after 8 pm not due to fear of insurgents but police.

The CM said that the inability of the police to instill a sense of safety among the people is a very important issue. He said that efforts are made at police training to make the force an accessible one and the effort is still continuing.

MPP members O Joy and RK Anand raised the possibility of extending unilateral ceasefire as a noble gesture to the insurgents to restore peace. Both MLAs said that this is a debatable issue and should be given thought.

The CM also said that around 100 acres have been finalized at Jiribam for constructing a centre for the surrendered militants with facilities even for their immediate families. He also said that 10 fire tender vehicles will be bought. The CM said that highway protection force will also be set up soon.

After discussions, grants amounting to Rs. 2,94,60,53,000 were passed by the Assembly today. This total amount included Rs. 271,98,54,000 for police, Rs. 1,92,38,000 for vigilance, Rs. 4,40,41,000 for fire protection and control, Rs. 7,45,97,000 for jails, Rs. 7,80,02,000 for home guards and Rs. 1,03,21,000 for rehabilitation.
Will 'No' votes even be counted? Mizzima News
A regional human rights group has raised the question of whether the junta's referendum law will even count abstentions and votes cast against the draft constitution.
ALTSEAN-Burma, in a statement released Saturday, argues that only votes in support of the junta's constitution, which has yet to be seen publicly, are to be counted in May's referendum.
"The intentions of the SPDC to force this constitution on Burma's people should now be abundantly clear to everyone - including those who wanted to give the SPDC the benefit of the doubt over this referendum and its so-called roadmap to democracy," Altsean-Burma Coordinator Debbie Stothard prospers in the press release.
The precise language of the text in question, as printed in the New Light of Myanmar on February 28 under Chapter IX subsection 23 of the referendum law, reads: "The Commission shall, after holding the referendum, combine the lists of advance ballot papers submitted by the State or Divisional Sub-commissions under sub-section (d) of section 22 and lists of advance ballot papers counted by the Commission under sub-section (e) of section 22, declare the number of eligible voters, number of voters in favour and the comparison of them in percentage."
Section 22, referenced above, reads in part that the polling booth team will "prepare separately the list of voters contained in voting roll, votes in favour, votes against, cancelled votes, ballot papers received and remaining ballot papers."
ALTSEAN-Burma also expressed outrage at the denial of voting rights to the clergy, a right that has never been expressly granted to this sector of Burmese society since the inception of the modern state.



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