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03/13/2008: "Nephieu Rio to take oath as Nagaland CM today By Sanjay Kumar ThaiIndian News (ANI)"

Nephieu Rio to take oath as Nagaland CM today By Sanjay Kumar ThaiIndian News (ANI)

New Delhi, Mar.12 (ANI): With the Union Cabinet deciding to revoke Presidents Rule in Nagaland, decks have been cleared for the formation of a new government in the state.
Nephieu Rio, the Leader of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, would be taking oath as Chief Minister at 5 p.m. this evening.
Twelve Ministers will also be taking oath with me,Rio told ANI over the phone this morning.
In the sixty member House, in which the result of fifty nine seats have been declared so far, the NPF got 26, Congress 23, NCP and BJP two each and independents six. Result of Surohoto LAC under Zunheboto district is still awaited as Election Commission rescheduled re-poll at a polling station there.
The NPF-led DAN paraded 33 MLAs, including four independents, before Governor K Shankararaynan on Sunday while staking claims to form the government.
The Congress on Tuesday decided to sit in the opposition, respecting the mandate of the people.
Election results in Nagaland election have come as a big set back for the Congress as it is on the insistence of the party, that Presidents rule was imposed in the state months before the elections.
Rio back in Naga saddle- CM does a balancing act Source : The Telegraph

Kohima, March 12: Neiphiu Rio today became chief minister of Nagaland for the second consecutive term, beating the anti-incumbency factor and breaking the trend of President’s rule in the state leading to a Congress resurgence.
Governor K. Sankaranarayanan administered the oath of office to Rio and 11 more legislators of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, supported by five Independents, in the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhawan.
Since the strength of the ministry could not be more than 12, the chief minister juggled portfolios and created responsibilities to keep everyone happy. One legislator each of the BJP and the Nationalist Congress Party and an Independent were included in the ministry.
As was expected, Rio’s Nagaland People’s Front, the largest single party with 26 seats, got the lion’s share of the ministerial berths. But the chief minister made sure there were no rumblings of discontent.
Barely an hour after being sworn in, he named 13 legislators as parliamentary secretaries during a get-together in the banquet hall of his official residence. The list includes eight NPF members, one each of the BJP and the NCP and three Independents.
The chief minister will “watch over” the parliamentary secretaries to prevent “conflict and instability”, an official source said.
Two doctors — Dr Chumben Murry of the NCP and Independent legislator Dr Nganshi Ao — are the debutants in the ministry. Rajya Sabha member T.R. Zeliang, also of the NPF, is an old hand but a new addition to the government. He will resign from the Rajya Sabha shortly, a party colleague said.
The DAN-Independent combine is 35-member strong in the House of 60. The break-up is: NCP 26, BJP 2, NCP 2 and Independents 5. The Congress has 23 legislators. One Independent is not backing the ruling coalition.
The Suruhoto seat was today won by Independent candidate Shetoyi, who defeated Congress nominee Khutovi. The result was pending because of repolling in one booth.
Rio told the media that portfolios would be allocated later. Two political affairs committees, one within the coalition and another at the level of government, will be constituted to “facilitate” the Naga peace process and unite the warring groups, he added.
A mixed bag for post-poll North East Statesman News Service
NEW DELHI, March 11: The action of the acting Meghalaya Governor, Mr S S Sidhu, in installing a minority Congress government headed by Mr D D Lapang was challenged today in the Supreme Court by the Nationalist Congress Party leader, Mr P A Sangma.
In Nagaland, even though the result of one seat is awaited as re-polling in four booths could not be held, the situation is clear and a non-Congress government is all set to assume power. The Constitutional process of revocation of President’s rule is in motion. The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), which has the support of 35 in a house of 60 is expecting a call from the Governor, Mr K Sankaranarayanan, to form the government led by Mr Neiphiu Rio.
But first the Meghalaya muddle. The Congress, with 25 MLAs, emerged as the single largest party in the house of 60 with an effective strength of 59 (election for one seat would be held later this month) and was invited by the Governor yesterday to form the government even as the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) had paraded support of 31 MLAs. Mr Sangma’s NCP which won 14 seats is part of the MPA. Mr Sangma’s petition was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice Mr K G Balakrishnan, by senior advocate Mr Soli Sorabjee. He told the court that the Governor has invited the party with a lesser number of MLAs to form the government. The court posted the matter for tomorrow.
DAN and Now Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

In the end, the Congress’s election stunt of promising to campaign for “Greater Nagaland” did not work in Nagaland. The party has been roundly beaten by its regional archrival, Nagaland People’s Front, NPF, led by former chief minister, Niphieu Rio, even though the latter too could not alone muster in the required majority of 31 in the house of 60 to form the next government on its own, having managed to win only 26 seats. Interestingly, it did not enter into any pre-poll alliance with any of its former partners in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, DAN, perhaps in the belief that it would be able to do it alone. But now, mutual interest would probably ensure that the former allies come together and claim the trophy together. This is all very fine, except for the fact that with a low ceiling on the size of the ministry stipulated by the Anti-Defection Law, Rio’s balancing act would be all the more tougher. The Act, it will be recalled, restricts the size of a ministry to 15 percent of the total number of members in the lower house of the legislature, Lok Sabha in the case of the Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies (as opposed to Legislative Councils, as in some of the bigger states) in the case of the states. In the case of smaller state Assemblies, such as Nagaland, the size of the ministry is to be restricted at an absolute number of 12 including the chief minister, which is a little above the 15 percent for the bigger Assemblies.
Even then, Rio will now have much less to distribute to his party strongmen to keep them happy, as all of the other parties joining the alliance would surely demand their pounds of flesh for the vital prop they are asked to provide the chief minister. As of today, although the last word is still to be said, the new alliance will at least have to have five non-NFP legislators. These would probably be two each from the BJP and NCP and at least another independent MLA to bring up the number to the required 31. But since this will be too delicate a balance, where even the rebellion by a single MLA can put the ministry in trouble, probably Rio will seek to enlist the support of more of the total of six independents. Indeed, according to reports from Kohima, Rio has 34 MLAs lined up, which will mean a total of four independent MLAs in his camp. Rio probably would also be wary that between the cup and the lip there can be many a slip, especially because the Congress which won 24 seats is just two less than his party’s tally. Any slip by the NPF and the Congress can strike, and this resourceful party is known for the number of tricks up its sleeves, and Rio, himself a former Congressman and once a trusted lieutenant of party stalwart, Goa governor SC Jamir, must be acutely aware of this. Rio’s trouble will also be compounded by another fact. According to reports of the election process in Nagaland, candidates here spend phenomenal amounts of money to win, with figures running into several crore rupees. If these reports are to be believed, winning elections in Nagaland costs much more than even in exorbitant Manipur. Hence, while the losers understandably would be devastated, the winners too would not only like to reclaim their “investments” but make “profit” as well. This can happen only if they are able to be in positions of power. Under the circumstance, we can only wish the chief minister good luck. Leave speculations of Rio’s future challenges aside for the time being, the man is capable of handling his own problems, but the question of “Greater Nagaland” in the Nagaland Congress party manifesto has thrown up some an interesting thought, and incidentally one which has reinforced IFP contention that the issue, although undoubtedly important in Nagaland, is not so contentious as in Manipur that it would be able to evoke sustained passion and interest. In this sense, “Greater Nagaland” is more a Manipur issue than a Nagaland one. Those campaigning for it, and those campaigning against it, are overwhelmingly, although not exclusively, domiciles of Manipur. In all probability then, when reconciliation does come about, which probably will some day or the other, it will again overwhelmingly be a Manipur story. This is also probably the reason why the Nagaland Congress was unable to reap any major benefit from raking up the issue.
Neiphiu Rio sworn in as Nagaland CM Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times
Neiphiu Rio was sworn in as Nagaland’s chief minister on Wednesday evening, 24 hours after the Union Cabinet decided to revoke President’s Rule imposed in January. Governor K Shankaranarayanan also administered oath of office to 11 others in the new Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ministry following a communiqué from Rashtrapati Bhavan on revocation of PR.
The two-month, PR-induced break notwithstanding, this is the second straight term for both DAN and Rio, whose Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) party leads the coalition of 34 legislators including two each of BJP and NCP and four Independents. The NPF bagged 26 seats in the 60-member House while the Congress bagged 23.
“This election has shown that the people of Nagaland are with us,” Rio said in Kohima after the swearing-in. “The onus is now on us to live up to the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people.”
Though there were apprehensions in the DAN camp earlier that PR might be extended, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s decision on Tuesday to sit in the Opposition erased doubts. Later in the day, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, met to revoke PR.
On Tuesday, the Election Commission also issued a notification for constitution of the 11th Nagaland Assembly comprising 59 newly elected legislators. Result of Surohoto constituency under Zunheboto district is still awaited as EC rescheduled re-poll at a polling station there.
President's Rule revoked in Nagaland Press Trust of India NDTV

The President's Rule imposed in Nagaland over two months ago was revoked on Wednesday, paving the way for the formation of the next government.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday morning. President's Rule was imposed in the state on January 3.

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland has staked claim to form the government on March 9 with unconditional support of four independents.

Two MLAs each from BJP and NCP and four independents have reposed their faith and support in the DAN. They said they had voluntarily joined the alliance as per the pre-poll understanding.

The Congress has decided not to stake claim to form the government in the state but sit in the Opposition. The party has re-elected I Imkong as leader of its legislature wing.

The CLP meeting held on Tuesday decided that Congress, which secured 23 seats, eight short of majority in the 60-member assembly, would sit in Opposition at this juncture.

The Congress' hopes of making a last-ditch effort to stake claim for power was dashed after four independents and two NCP legislators on Tuesday extended support to the leadership of former chief minister and NPF leader Neiphiu Rio.

The NPF-led DAN paraded 33 MLAs, including four independents, before Governor K Shankararaynan on Sunday while staking claim to form the government.
Rio’s Political Test morungexpress
Now that the decks have been cleared for the formation of a new government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the focus will now shift to the distribution of Ministerial berths and portfolios. While bringing together a comfortable working majority was clearly the first task that the NPF led DAN partners had to work on, now that the numbers have been put in place, the biggest test for Rio will now be to ensure that his team remains cohesive and in the process provide an effective and stable government. The test before Rio will not be an easy one and he would have to use good judgment to go about this important yet difficult job at hand. Rio’s experience in running the previous DAN regime and the fall out from the downsizing exercise will come in very handy and hopefully he will be in the best position to get the right political combination proportionate with the support base he has.
While the previous experience of running a coalition will give valuable lessons to the Chief Minister, the bigger task before Rio will be to get as close as possible to a common political denominator—one that satisfies the pulls and pressures from political allies and besides arriving at formula as far as the tribal and regional equation goes. Rio will need all his political wisdom and the resources at his disposal; to be able to keep everybody happy. What will work in favour of Rio this time—taking a look at the composition especially of the NPF members—is the absence of at least three big names (Thenucho, Khekiho and Noke). This will give greater leg room to Rio for the distribution of offices.
However the down side is that going by the numbers, the DAN Alliance will virtually live on life support provided by the five (of six elected) independent MLAs. While the absence of some big names will help in accommodating the DAN’s support base (i.e the independents), but for this, the NPF may have to do the sacrifice to ensure for Rio a stable government. And as the leader of both the NPF and the DAN Alliance, Rio must be allowed some discretionary power in taking decisions that will ensure the viability of his government. Self interest and personal glory must be kept in check for the greater interest of survival. It goes without saying that in order to keep the five independents on his side i.e. well protected from harms way; Rio must work with them closely and enjoy their trust while also keeping them happy without reason for grievance and disaffection, whatever this entails.
As far as allocation of offices from within the single largest party i.e the NPF, as mentioned earlier, certain sacrifice will have to be made. Rio will hopefully keep in mind the broad contours of the verdict and look ahead to the future growth and prospect of the NPF in the State. In this regard, given the crucial seats that the NPF got from Mokokchung district—a traditional stronghold of the Congress—it makes sense to invest at the least two Ministerial berth from this region. While every seat won counts and there should not be any ill motive to be discriminative, it is left to Rio’s political judgment to assess whether the NPF, denting the rival Congress base, with four crucial seats ought to be seen as politically significant as far as the end result of election 2008 goes. Not capitalizing on this gain may make it easier for the Congress to recover lost ground.
(Note: This article is purely a personal observation and need not represent the views of this newspaper. Further this was written before the induction of the new DAN Ministry)
UNDP congratulates successful Neiphiu Rio morungexpress
Dimapur, March 12 (MExN):The United Naga Democratic Party (UNDP) today congratulated the DAN leader, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister designate of Nagaland for ‘his historic success in the March 5, 2008 Nagaland Assembly Elections leading the DAN to victory’. A press release issued by the UNDP Central President, O Mozamo Ngullie, stated that the victory under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio has dispelled the ‘unconstitutional imposition of Presidential Rule in Nagaland by the opposition Congress’.
The release stated that ‘the electoral defeat’ of the Congress party had once again set the ‘people free from the forcible imposition of PR. “The people’s mandate in favour of Neiphiu Rio led DAN has out rightly condemned the Presidential Rule imposed upon the people for dislodging the popular DAN Govt by the Congress (I) led UPA Govt,” the release asserted.
The UNDP also congratulated all the elected members and called upon them to play positive roles for the larger developments and progress of the state ad its people. The UNDP further appealed the governor of Nagaland, K Sankaranarayanan to undertake all necessary steps for paving the way for installation of the new DAN government and enable the new government to undertake developmental activities. The UNDP wished the Chief Minister designate, Neiphiu Rio and the DAN government a full term of office as well as ‘a stable, transparent and God fearing governance with all round developments and achievements’.
Furthermore, the UNDP assured the “Chief Minister and the DAN Govt” cooperation and unwavering support for taking up all round developments and in taking up the burning issues of the Nagas with all sincerity and commitment.

‘GPRN/NSCN’ on state polls- Nagaland Post
The depressing fact of non-involvement in Indian State sponsored assembly elections has been the parody of jingoistic proclaimers. The internal tussle or differences and subsequent finger pointing is nothing but significance of a defeated and submissive admittance.
We have incurred innumerable losses in following our egoistic political ambitions. Today sacrifice is nowhere found in the dictionary of Patriotic leaderships, as Pseudo- nationalistic materialism has gained ground in current Naga National Political struggle of emancipation from alien or certain Naga tribal subjugation. We remain committed to our egos and our self-centered personal benefits and not to our people, thus endowing fratricidal blunders.
In the process, how much do we expect the common man to contribute to the altar of the Naga Political mayhem? We proclaim 'Nagaland for Christ' as our emblem, but we perform and act 'Nagaland for Blood and mafiaism'. Our initial goal was political salvation, but we are today pursuing for individual aggrandizements and material benefits.
The picture of nationalism has succumbed to jingoistic materialism. How much wealth the Pseudo- Patriots have accumulated is the general Naga Public's guess and assessment to be grasped: already well analyzed. The nationalistic fervor and spirit has ebbed down to such heights that national workers today fear of their identity and survival in the society. The atmosphere has grounded to a complex situation where corruption has penetrated into every social external as well as internal political spheres that the aura of public's emotion are unpredictably to explode at any hour. Life has come to such a juncture on the tips of the horns of a dilemma that the Naga public would no more fear the barrel but to resort to raw justice. May reformative conscience prevail.
Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN.
S.I Jamir clarifies- Nagaland Post
Apropos the news items that appeared in the local dailies linking me to the alleged abduction bid of Dako Phom, Independent MLA from Tamlu A/C, I wish to categorically deny any involvement in the issue. In fact one Mapu Ao, whose brother works in my household has already issued a statement in the press apologising to me and my family.
Kindly verify any further news regarding this issue before publication, barring which I will be forced to take legal recourse. This seems to be an attempt to tarnish my name and seems to be politically motivated.
S. I Jamir, MLA (INC).
All women candidates lose on Women’s Day Nagarealm.com




KOHIMA, MAR08 NPN] : It was yet another sad story for the women in Nagaland state elections. All the four women candidates in the fray lost their seats. The only consolation for the women folks was though Mrs. Rhakila of NCP who managed to secure the runner-up position. She lost by 403 votes to her nearest Congress rival Kejong Chang in the 54 Tuensang Sadar-II. She polled 7225 against 7626 poled by Khejong Chang.


Others candidates Mrs. Zenieselie Ate (JD-U) from Dimapur-1 A/C, polled 226 votes, Mrs. Rosemary Jamir (Independent )- 30th Alongtaki A/C polled 220 votes. Mrs. Tsoly (BJP) - 60th Pungro A/C polled 513 votes. According to records available, so far from 1964 till 2008, only 14 women candidates had contested in the state elections and only this time a women could get the second position.

Despite the much vaunted status of women in Nagaland, few of them actually feature when the State election comes. The participation of women in any decision making bodies like State Assembly election is indeed very poor. The two main contenders NPF and Congress failed to nominate even a single lady candidate. But when one examines the number of electorate in Nagaland or if one goes by pure numbers, the fate of these 60 candidates in the forthcoming ballot battle lies in the hands of women of Nagaland for 17 seats, female voters outnumber the males.

It may be worth mentioning here that since the Assembly election way back in 1969, female candidate contested the polls, but till 2008 no women candidate had won. The only good news was in 1977, Lok Sabha elections, when Mrs. Rano Saiza of UDF won the Nagaland seat. In the last 2003 elections there were three women candidates. In the last assembly all of them forfeited their security deposits. In the history of the Nagaland House of 60 members, one has hardly seen lady member till date.
Jami flays ‘pseudo national workers’ Nagaland post
DIMAPUR: The convenor of the Council of Kilonsers of GPRN / NSCN (K), A.Z Jami has flayed the Naga national workers other than NSCN (K), FGN and NNC workers for involving in the recently concluded state assembly elections. While condemning those Naga national workers, Jami stated through a press release that "those Naga group who claim themselves to be Naga freedom fighters, but yet wholly involved in the said election with hand in gloves with the Nagaland state politicians in puppet state elections." Jami further stated that it was rather a "shame for all freedom loving Nagas on account of those claiming to be freedom fighters but sending armed personnel to threaten and forced the Naga people to vote for their favoured candidates and parties against their will." While terming himself as a veteran Naga freedom fighter without any reservation, Jami has urged those "pseudo Naga National workers and especially their leaders to stand down from their claims and positions in the greater interest of the Nagas and their nation." "It is a shame and disgrace to speak lies and play faults in National politics under the banner of "Nagaland for Christ", Jami added.
Meanwhile, A.Z Jami who was authorized by the collective leadership to oversee and supervise all the political party and administrative matters of GPRN / NSCN has appreciated the NSCN (K) functionaries of all ranks and files for staying away from the recently concluded Indian "imposed" election in Nagaland in compliance to the directives of its high command. Jami also appreciated the FGN and NNC workers who had held their ground not to involve in Indian elections.
Claim Congress-NSCN (U) threatened DAN legislators Nagaland Page
KOHIMA, MARCH 11: Hundreds of angry Nagaland People's Front youths tried to storm inside hotel Japfu today afternoon after they received information that Congress legislators were with the members of the NSCN (Unification) and threatening the independent MLAs who are with the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland.
After receiving information that Independent and other DAN alliance legislators are being threatened by the Naga armed militants at the behest of Congress to withdraw their support to the DAN, hundreds of NPF youths surrounded the hotel and tried to force in but security forces prevented them from entering.
Out of the 6 Independent MLAs, so far 5 have extended their support to the DAN coalition. Two each legislator from NCP and BJP are also with the DAN. Congress has so far mustered only 23 MLAs, but making desperate attempt to form the next government by snatching away some members from the DAN.
NPF youth leaders said they have seen Congress MLAs in nexus with the NSCN (U) were threatening DAN legislators, especially the independents. "We have seen NSCN (Unification) members moving around with the Congress MLAs", said a senior NPF youth.
Several angry youths vowed to fight the militants do or die if they do not leave hotel.
Presently Congress members along with 3 AICC members Margaret Alva, Ranji Thomas and Siddarth Patil at Hotel Japfu. The 3 members, according to the Congress insiders, were with the Governor till late night. The youths have also alleged that Governor K. Sankaranarayanan was applying a delaying tactics to let the congress take opportunity to muster majority through 'unfair means'.
Raj Bhavan is yet to invite DAN to form the next government even though Rio had paraded 33 members before the Governor on March 9. DAN legislators have also criticized the governor for taking time to invite them to form the government even after proving the total strength.
Congress dismissed the charges that they are in nexus with militants to disband the DAN.
Meanwhile, both Rio and Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak today said the Governor has assured them that by tomorrow they will be allowed to form the government. "The Governor has assured me that we will be invited to form the government by tomorrow" Konyak said. Quoting Governor as saying that Raj Bhavan was trying to complete the formalities of PR government before the next government is installed.
To substantiate their claim Rio today again paraded his 34 MLAs before the media. One more independent MLA, Kipili Sangtam has joined the DAN. With this the strength of the DAN has risen to 35.

Rift in Congress after Imkong's appointment as CLP leader Nagaland Page
KOHIMA, MARCH 11: All is not well in the Congress camp with the selection of I Imkong as new CLP leader.
A senior Congressman on condition of anonymity tonight indicated that rift has cropped up in the camp due to the selection of Imkong as CLP leader again even after he resigned yesterday on moral ground.
The Congress leader said Congress in Nagaland has been buried from today.
"Congress was killed in last elections and buried today because of imposition of CLP leader," the Congressman said. He said Congress High Command has forcibly imposed on the state Congress. "It was an imposition upon us," he added. He said imposition of their (Congress High Command) will against the wishes of the state unit party has buried the Congress.
But he said sufficient time is there and that they would wait and see.
The Congress leader said Congress could have done better in the recently held polls.
Imkong resigned owing responsible for the party's debacle in the recently held elections on moral ground. Former chief minister, K L Chishi was also in the race for the CLP leader post. Though Congress camp had denied there was report that Congress legislators from Mokokchung, Tuensang and Mon had proposed the name of certain legislator for the CLP leader to the party high command today.

Mockery of Sumi Hoho’s declaration: NSCN (IM)
In what can be termed as a serious violation of the December 7, 2007 Ceasefire Agreement, the firing incident at Satakha, Zunheboto District on 4th March by the Azheto group seriously injuring three men and two woman, has cast a dark shadow on the peace prospect as envisaged by some Naga Civil Societies such as GBs and DBs.
It was at around 9 pm when the private Vehicle of Sumi region CAO, NSCN was stopped by Azheto group near Satakha (CAO was not in the vehicle) and started frisking the vehicle. On identifying the persons traveling in the vehicle, unprovoked firing started while the NSCN boys escaped in the melee the indiscriminate firing seriously injured two women and three men. They were all innocent bystanders. One of the critically injured persons was Robin s/o a BSF personnel. The bullet hit his private part and exited through the backbone. One of the women was hit in the breast and the other on the thigh. The CAO's vehicle was also taken away.
Ironically, targeting the public deliberately is difficult to comprehend at the time when it has been a matter of public interest to put a stop to factional fighting. More than that the present situation under the ceasefire agreement do not warrant firing at each other. This is also a mockery of the Sumi Hoho's declaration of all Sumi inhabited areas as 'peace zone'. Significantly, the Azheto group's changing colour under unification is showing off in aggressive manner far from showing a meaningful restraint to deliver the true message of unity.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN

The gifts Nagas need from the new government Thoughts from NBCC Nagaland page
Another Election has come and gone leaving deep wounds and much confusion everywhere. A new Government will take over in a few days. Looking back, the Election Day was more peaceful than expected. The credit for the positive difference this time must go to election officials, Church bodies and leaders Christians, Village Council, Town Committee, Police and Security forces and others who performed their duties without fear of favor. Yet there were many including officials, police, security personel and Party functionaries who wantonly violated laid down ethical and legal norms to serve their own interests or those who used them. They must realize the terrible damage they have inflicted on their own souls and conscience and on their society. But what does it profit a person if he wins even an Election; but loses his own soul to satisfy his greed or to achieve worthless success?
Politicians are partly responsible for the evil practices of election. However the concern comes from a disturbing awarness that while the public thoughtlessly and self-righteously blame our politicians for all wrong practices that destroy our society, there is too little acknowledgement of the widespread greed and selfishness of the public which is equally wrong and responsible in producing our society we have today.
NBCC therefore challenges politicians and the public to see the writing on the wall and act responsibly together before it is too late. This is another moment of truth and decision for all Nagas. So easily we call ourselves Christians yet behave as if God does not exist or Christ did not die to show as Hids majestic way of the corss. Naga society is so fragile and still so unformed we cannot develop and grow. We need to help one another to do the best we are capable of instead of our worse, as we have done so far.
With hope as well as serious concern Nagaland Baptist Chruch Council (NBCC) welcomes the new Government whichever party or parties will form it. Effective governance with transparency, accountability and integrity is the main challenge for the new Government. We pray that the elected leaders to bring in changes our people deserve and are hungry for.
Rev. L. Kari Longchar
Director, Peace Affairs NBCC

Assaulting an Indian dream Tarun Vijay Times of India

More than a hundred thousand civilians have been murdered in cold blood since 1986 in ideological hate attacks in India. Most of them invariably were Hindus. Though Hindus are there in every party and state machinery, there has been hardly a voice of reason, angst and pain raised effectively against assaults on Hindus during all these years, as if Hindus still feel they are living under an oppressive un-Hindu regime and hence it's better to suffer in silence and be thankful to the oppressors for small mercies.

It's amazing. The sheer nature of compromise and an attitude of self-denial , the auto suggestion to keep mum if slapped, otherwise you will lose votes and power, has de-nationalised governors and polity to such an extent that a lady minister thinks it beneficial to visit the office of the assaulters on Hindus, sympathising with the attackers but chooses to remain silent over the gruesome murders of five Indian citizens in an Indian town Kannur, just because the governance depends on the support of the assaulters and victims do not figure in their voters list. Is this the government for only those who form the ruling coalition or for all Indians?

So much humiliation and insults have gone deep into our blood that even to say, oh we were attacked not for any other reason but just because we wore saffron, we were Hindus, makes many of us feel embarrassed and declare oh, what's the use of remembering what happened to our ancestors, it will further create bad blood and hatred. But this is 'true' only when Hindus are victims. In every single other incident, its 'prudent', 'wise' and 'essentially readable a thousand times'. Movies on Hindu 'lumpens and aggressors' are facilitated to bag state awards and included in international film festivals. I have seen a couple of such aggressively secular 'missionary' documentaries. It is difficult to appreciate the tone and tenor of utterly hateful commentaries, which rely more on fabricated unsustainable allegations and communally surcharged picturisation.

A precipitated hate against Hindus in an influential part of polity and media showed its first face, post- partition, immediately after the Tricolour was unfurled at the Red Fort. The Mirpur, Mujaffarbad, Pindi massacres of Hindus put even the Nazis to shame. It's difficult to re-count those incidents of blood and gore and unimaginable brutalities on Hindu women and children. It was so horrifying that Hindus dread even to remember that. But it figures nowhere in media, though they recount world war, Pol Pot ,Vietnam but not massacres of Hindus in the erstwhile East Pakistan and Kashmir. In North East, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM), which is fighting to crate a greater Nagaland for Christ, United Liberation Front of Assam and many such fronts in Tripura and Manipur, Maoists extremists active from Orissa to the states of UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and Islamist Jihadis under various banners have been targetting Hindus under different pretexts like in Assam they call them as Hindi- speaking people and in Kashmir its just KPs(Kashmiri Pandits).
And now, we have Kannur.

What has changed in this sixty-one-year of progress, secular rule and increasingly impressive listings in Forbes list?

Hindus being targeted just for their colour of faith and assertive Hindutwa is a matter of embarrassment.

Two recent incidents have made me feel like re-visiting Godhra, where Hindus were victims and Hindus were blamed for having organised their death in a burning inferno! Everyone condemned Gujarat riots where Hindus and Muslims both were victims, but never even for once we have seen a secularist answering a question-why were Hindus burnt alive in Sabarmati express?

Why not a single secular human rightist has taken up the case of Godhra victims?

Why Gujarat riots means only 'Muslims killed' and hundreds of Hindus killed are simply forgotten as if they were unmentionable dirt? Every single Indian facing injustice, no matter what the colour of his faith is, must get support from all patriots. Why colour of death decides the hues of support?

In the killing fields of Kannur, five RSS-BJP workers were hacked to death in a matter of four days Those killed were low income group wage earners like auto rickshaw and truck drivers. Since CPM has come to power in Kerala in 2006, 20 RSS workers have been murdered for their saffron leanings. No animosity of any other count but just belonging to a different and growing ideology was their crime. In 2003, a teacher K.T. Jayakrishnana was hacked to death before the tiny tot children he was teaching. On 17th September 1996, two ABVP activists, Anu and Kim, were cornered in a college in Parumala and threatened to be killed for joining a saffron student's organisation. Fearing death too close, the students ran and tried to swim across the Pampa river, but the SFI goons stoned them so severely that they were forced drowned. Even the women washing near the river tried to throw their sarees to the drowning students, but were stopped by Communist student leaders. Both the dead youngsters were the only offspring of their families. The killings of RSS workers in Kannur have a background to it. It was here that the Communist Party was formed in Kerala in 1940 and the place is considered a stronghold of the Left in the state. Since early sixties, the RSS began its work here and soon workers from lower income group, especially the backward, dalit segment were attracted towards it. This angered the CPM cadre and leadership and to harass and instil a fear in the CPM workers who were joining RSS, the first murder of a saffron worker took place in 1967. His name was Ramakrishnan. I have received a letter describing why violence is not stopping in Kannur against Hindu workers from Sadananda master, a teacher in Kannur whose both legs were chopped off in 1994 because he was organising RSS work there. He is still a teacher, and continues to do RSS work. From Nandigram to Kannur, Communist terrorism has taken different shapes and shades. Their ideological cohort Maoists have emerged the largest single murderer-outfits responsible for killings and looting ( http://www.mha.nic.in/Annual-Reports/ar0607_Eng.pdf ). Yet they have captured the space for peace initiatives and candle light marches!! They don't know, a worker killed may have a red or a saffron colour, but the colour of the tears of their mothers remain the same. Ideological apartheid and a policy to annihilate the differing people is a legacy of the Communist and Islamic intolerant groups. This creates a chain reaction. Unfortunately media too takes a narrow sectarian view and sides with groups that thrive on a secular bias against anything saffron.

The entire Europe and India's anti-fascists churn out tones of literature against Nazi barbarities and make it sure that the new generation is taught about how bad Hitler was. This is considered an essential exercise in secularising the society and building brain walls against recurrence of such dark periods. But if in the same spirit of building resistance to the barbarities of Dark Age represented by Aurangzeb, an exhibition is sought to be displayed, it is uprooted and closed by the secular state power.

This happened in Chennai where police ordered forcible closure of an innocuously presented exhibition on Aurangzeb, according to Mogul documents.

The exhibition was organised by a French journalist Francois Gautier, who is an ardent devotee of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an apostle of universal brotherhood and peace. The purpose was to depict Aurangzeb as he was seen by Mogul chroniclers and his confidants. The secular politicians are afraid of two things -showing disrespect to Aurangzeb and showing respect to his blood brother Dara Shikoh, a noble hearted Muslim whom he got murdered. Its important to recollect that not only the dreaded terrorists active in Kashmir like to call their actions of brutality in the name of Islam as continuing the 'great legacy of Aurangzeb' but in Pakistan the craze amongst the anti-India leaders is to decorate themselves with the title of Aurangzeb in order to show their devotion and zeal to the cause of their religion.

This situation says a lot about the dispossession of the Hindus and their severe loss of memory resulting in disinterestedness in resisting assaults on their soul. Every party has Hindus as leaders, but they feel to speak for Hindus is a matter of political loss. They shine individually but fail collectively. In spite of being the victims of hate and assaults since centuries, there is not a single museum of holocaust in this land depicting the long journey of Hindus through indescribable travails and their glorious history of resistance. There is not a single institution of excellence in India devoted to the study of Hindu resistance and assaults on their body and mind. Indian leaders, mostly Hindus, have earned hundreds of crores, amassed great amount of wealth, but most of it is spent in downsizing their colleagues, living in extravaganza, launching missiles against their rivals rather than using it, for once to reawaken the memories of their collective glorious past and struggles of their ancestors to inspire and lighten up a grand future. Its an intellectual war to be fought with warriors of wisdom rather than political gatekeepers and durbans. A community which forgets insults and doesn't make amends to put up a courageous resistance can't hope to weave a future of respect. It's not against any other people but on the contrary a Hindu solidarity alone is a guarantee of peaceful co-existence and equality testified by our long history. And it certainly means a society without any caste discriminations, asserting one single identity-the Indian Tricolour. A Hindu observing caste or region based discriminations and prejudice is less than a Hindu. Make him feel ashamed of his narrow-mindedness. Breaking the stranglehold of caste in politics and social mobility corridors is another Independence struggle to realise the Indian dream.

There can't be an American dream deleting the memories of Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and Martin Luther King and making Americans feel embarrassed about their Latin Christian character that defines the colour of the land. There can't be an Indian dream by targeting Hindus for their legitimate saffron assertions.

The author is the Director, Dr Syamaprasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.
Old rivals renew Bodoland feud OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Kokrajhar/Dhubri, March 12: The Bodo heartland braced for another round of fratricidal bloodletting after clashes between members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) left at least six persons injured.
Several houses and vehicles were damaged in the fighting, triggered by an attack on an NDFB camp yesterday.
The BPF comprises mostly former members of the Bodo Liberation Tigers, a militant group that was disbanded after its leaders signed a tripartite agreement with Delhi and Dispur and formed the Bodoland Territorial Council.
Although the militant group no longer exists, its rivalry with the NDFB continues. The council chief, Hagrama Mohilary, said last week that he was ready to bury the enmity by sitting for talks with NDFB chief Ranjan Daimary, but the spate of clashes since then indicate that the others are not quite willing to toe his line.
Baksa and Kokrajhar have witnessed the occasional sparring between NDFB rebels and members of Mohilary’s party, but chances of a battle increased only yesterday when some people torched the outfit’s camp at Chelaka Bazaar, near Bismuri police outpost.
This morning, assailants suspected to be BPF workers torched the house of NDFB leader B. Bwlwgwra at Karigaon, under Kokrajhar police station. The site is only 50 metres from the Karigaon police outpost.
A group of NDFB rebels later vandalised the office of the BPF’s youth wing at Dotma. In another incident, arsonists damaged two motorbikes in Dotma. Two persons were said to be injured in the same area.
Traders hurriedly wrapped up business at the Dotma weekly market for fear of more violence. There was a sense of panic in Kokrajhar town, too, with shops and other business establishments downing shutters and vehicles going off the road from 11.30am. Employees of several government offices returned home as news spread about a big clash in the making.
In Saraibil, four persons were injured, two of them seriously, when NDFB members allegedly attacked BPF workers around 11am. They also torched the party office there.
A resident said the groups exchanged fire, but neither side would confirm it.
An old office of the Bodo Liberation Tigers at Sapatgram was torched. Fire tenders from Dhubri and Bilasipara rushed to the area, but the house was gutted by then.
Plea on access area NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, March 12: India and Myanmar could extend “free access area” for citizens of the two countries living on the Indo-Myanmar border.
Union home minister Shivraj Patil today indicated in Parliament that New Delhi and Yangon may allow more free access for the border residents. He was replying to a supplementary question raised by Mabel Rebello of the Congress.
The Centre is considering stretching the “free access area” from the earlier 24-km distance allowed by the Myanmar government for Indian citizens, sources said.
At present, traders from India can travel till Tamu in Myanmar without passport and visa clearance but with requisite permission from the border authorities.
Accusing the Centre of allowing Myanmarese nationals to settle in Mizoram with their livestock, Rebello sarcastically asked Patil if it was part of a policy to build people-to-people contact “so that nobody is ever caught, nobody is averse and nobody says anything to them.
“Is the government doing it purposely, encouraging them to come to this side to do trade with the Indian community?” the Congress leader asked.
Patil said since 1947, the country had recorded names of 80,000 infiltrators from different international borders and “they have been deported”.As far as Mizoram is concerned, Myanmar has complained of Chin militants taking refuge in border areas of India.
Sulfa killed: Two suspected Ulfa rebels today shot dead Ghanashyam Kalita, 28, a surrendered Ulfa militant (Sulfa), at Tihu in Nalbari district. Police arrested three Ulfa rebels Ajay Das, Uday Das and Jayanta Kalita from Kulhati at Hajo in Kamrup district and seized three grenades. besides incriminating documents.
India, Burma conclude secretary level talks Mizzima News
New Delhi - In yet another sign of warming up to each other in terms of bilateral relations, India and Burma on Monday concluded a secretary level talk in New Delhi.
Both India and Burma, during the 14th National Level Meeting, agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of security and border management along the common border.
The Burmese delegation to the meeting was led by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig. General Phone Swe and the Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary, Shri Madhukar Gupta.
During the meeting, both sides discussed various issues of mutual concern including security, drug trafficking and border management, according to a press statement released by Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.
India and Burma have regularly held bilateral meetings on various levels including head of the state meetings, since the visit by Burmese head of state and military supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe to New Delhi in October 2004.
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Burma's second military strongman Vice Snr. General Maung Aye will visit New Delhi in the first week of April to sign an agreement with India to build a multi-modal transport project in western Burma.
Sources at the MEA said India will invest a US $ 100 million for the Kaladan multimodal project, while Burma will contribute US $ 10 million and free land.
Despite criticism by the west, particularly the US and EU, which has imposed stern financial and economic sanctions on the Burmese junta, India continues to engage the Burmese generals under the banner of its 'Look East policy' and 'national interest'.