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03/28/2008: "'Unification' is the 'must' for both the Naga Integration and Naga Sovereignty Nagaland post"



'Unification' is the 'must' for both the Naga Integration and Naga Sovereignty Nagaland post

In the capacity of "Adviser to Sumi Hoho" and "Convenor of Co-ordination Committee" of Sumi Hoho and ENPO Joint Forum, I felt necessary to expose some few facts that hindered the Naga integration and Naga Sovereignty. It is evident that, without the Naga Unification there is no chance for the Naga Integration and so also Naga Sovereignty. Even after the Naga unity, the question of the Naga Integration of all the Naga inhabited areas shall be difficult, unless within the 'Box' (Indian Constitution). In the case of the Naga Sovereignty also, even after the Naga Unity, the issue shall have to be 'tough-fight'. Infact, even the Nagas are in unity, the issue of the Naga Integration and the Naga Sovereignty can never solve at a time, Integration of all the Naga inhabited areas may be possible only when the Nagas drop the issue of Naga Sovereignty. As because, unless the Indian Government interest is involve we cannot slice out the Naga areas from the two /three different States of Indian Union'. The matters become complicated issue, as we have to curve out the areas from the different pockets in different States. This is very difficult task for both the Indian Government and the Nagas and for which total unity through the total unificaition of all factions and organisaitons is 'MUST' and that compels the Nagas to go for "interim settlement" with GOL Both the Naga Integration issue and Naga Sovereignty issue must be settled mutually with GOI and in the manner of step by step. In both the cases, Naga Unity through the Nagas Unification of all factions and organizations is the "MUST", without which, any slogan without the Naga unity is the mere "POLITICS" of that faction or organization. Factions and organizations leaderships always criticized one another, accusing each other with the word "COLLABORA TORS" with Indian Armies and State Governments. Please understand that both the Indian Armies and State Governments, be it Cong (i) or NPF are the soldiers of the Indian constitution and you are equally "hand-inclove" with the soldiers of the Indian Constitution i.e., through the Assam Rifles and State Governments. Naga public never criticize you for your understanding with Assam Rifles, S.C. Jamir and N.Rio. They are all tourch-bearers of the Indian constitution. So, instead you blame one another you must forgive one another and unite among yourselves and settle the Naga Political issue as emicable as possible. The Naga public shall not bargain any 'status' that you can settle in unity with GOL But, without unity and unification among yourselves you must not shout for your own righteousness. We the Naga public understand that the Bible has said correctly, quote "No One is righteous" and if any body claim he has no sin "He is Liar". Let us not point out our one finger to others, as the another three fingers of your are pointing at you. That is what you are. Now, Nagas must wake up and interfere in the matters of the Naga political solution, if the underground groups continue to misbehave like this and encourage the policy of disunification, let us take it as the policy of their (undergrounds) survival and not for the Naga cause. In that case, NGOs and State Govt. representatives (MLAs & MPs) must participate in their (Factions & Organisations) affairs, as one of them, equipped with the sense of maturity, otherwise, the Naga issue becomes endless and our people have to become most sufferers, socially, economically and politically.
It is presumed that, there is no leadership to led the N aga Nation in underground, who can unite all the Nagas and march together, as that of "MOSES" with Israelites. If we do not found any efficient leadership, who wins the confidence of all the sections of the Naga people, than the matters must be settled on the line of like minded and not en-block.
In the case of the Sumi Tribe, we cannot support the policy of the solution first and unification last. Because, the Sumis are in both the factions in equal strength, except a few individuals here and there. Other Sumi Cadres from both the factions have come to the unification and now camped at "VIHOKHU". Other Tribes also, who are like the Sumi Tribe have come forward and joined the unification camp. The FGN / NNC non-accordists have also affiliated to "UNIFICATION", through MoU. Sumi Hoho and ENPO shall continue to support the unification of all the Nagas, now based at 'VIHOKHU'. This is in accordance to the ENPO Resolution dated 18.12.2007, Tuensang and ENPO and Sumi Hoho Joint Forum Resolution dated 08.01.2008, at Thahekhu Village.
Lastly, I on behalf of the Joint Forum Co-ordination Committee appeal to all concern, not to encourgage the peace process with GOI in piece meal, but to encourage the solution in one voice, as this is the only right perspective and official. Let us look to the official message from the interolocutor GOI, K. Padmanabhaiah during his conversation with N. Jagoi Pressman, Eastern Mirror dated 19.03.2006, quote "EM: What will be your message to the Nagas ?"
K. Padmanabhaiah : "Well you see, Naga people must be together. They should speak with one voice." "I think the Nagas would benefit themselves provided they speak in one voice." Again in the recent press statement under heading "UNITY WELCOMED" dated Shillong, February 18, 2008, quote "In the midst of reports about a possible unification of both the rebel NSCN factions, the centre's emissary in the Naga Peace Talks Oscar Fernandes said, such a development will help carry forward the peace process."
Now, situation is very clear to all that, whatever Naga areas can come together in unity shall search the Naga political solution with GOI, aiming at solving the problem emicably. This is what the majority Nagas long-cry and cherished goal.
I. Vitokhe Assumi,
‘Unity cannot be imposed’ morungexpress
Dimapur, March 27 (MExN): The NSCN, unification, states that the Naga people be educated by the NSCN-IM on the talks with the Government of India for the last 11 years. The outfit is of the view that the Nagas should not be kept in the dark.
“The IM may also educate the general Nagas on all aspects and prospects of the political dialogue with the GoI for the last 11 years. The Nagas should no longer be kept in the dark for the issue solely concerns (sic) the Nagas so is the GPRN/NSCN marching and would continue to, with the consent and mandate of the Nagas” stated a note from the publicity cell. The outfit also stated that the people have been striving for “fraternal peace” and unity “but all in vain due to the open door policy of a certain outfit.” This open door policy without any “accommodative facilitation,” has been a stumbling block toward “unification” the note maintained adding that unity cannot be imposed or served with ultimatums to surrender “as none is superior to the other.”
However, the outfit stated, it is natural to encounter obstacles toward peace and unity “but Nagas must be prepared to defend our aspired endeavor so that fratricidal killings are erased from our revolutionary struggle and our objective concertedly expedited for a lasting acceptable political settlement with the GoI.”
In this regard, the note maintained that while ‘consensus’ of the Nagas is yet to be sought, “it is too premature on the part of IM outfit to predict settlement within Indian constitutional limit.” The outfit also explained that ‘land’ is in English while “lim” is a “synonymous term” in Naga and “hence does not merit any debate.” The mandate of the Naga people and their interest and aspiration, however, is “our priority above all else” it added.

‘NSCN/GPRN’ to frisk
With effect from March 28, Friday, the “NSCN/GPRN” will be frisking all vehicles that are with tinted glass, in and around Dimapur and Kohima. This is in view of what the outfit’s publicity cell claimed was for the “heightened security situation” in the state. While appealing to the public to cooperate, the outfit also stated that in the face of any eventuality, the “NSCN/GPRN” would not be held responsible.
The Cong Ignoramus about Naga problems Dr. V. C Kanito Morungexpress
The Congressmen of Nagaland have awakened from their slumber and now questioning several fields, but the questions are highly nonsensical in their usual tradition. In the first place the Congress tried to accuse the DAN's role in Naga Peace Process with a supplement Quote:- "You can fool the people once but not twice". The Morung Express March 23th 2008. However to our dismay, such an empty slogan by the Congress against the DAN Alliance is a sheer nuisance rather than a gentle humour in the DAN's Camp. The above caption reveals the ignorance of the Congress writer who is without the least concern over the gravity of the present socio-political situation at home and outside.
It seems that the Congress people have been focusing at their unknown target through the wrong lens of their binocular. This defect makes the Congress men out of their vision towards the important meaning of Nag a Peace process. Infact we the people who have any concern for the conflict resolution and peace in our midst should persevere with committed tolerance and action. This process is indeed a time taking and never to be hurried and haphazard in our mission. For us the DAN, we believe and we are aware that within our parties the question of the propriety of the alliance's strategies and tactics become our secrets, but the parties and Alliance collectively safeguards our stands through the Co-ordination body. This is the DAN's approach to the tasks we deem reasonable. No matter how regrettable situation that prevails the Congress camp due to the recently concluded election debacle. What was to happen has happened so that by now they should be content with their own fate. At this juncture particularly for the congress, instead of unnecessarily interfering into other's business and' policies they should retrospect upon their past deficiency and irresponsibilities.
During the last 10 Golden Years of the INC regime either in Delhi or Kohima, the NPCC leaders did not realize that the Indo-Naga Political Ball is laying at the INC court New Delhi. From 1997 to 2007 all the way the Congress was ruling the governance either in Delhi or Kohima, but the Congress under the guise of the NPCC miserably failed to recognize the existence of the Congress led Government in India or the Congress led UPA Government in India and then side by side the Congress government in Nagaland for consecutive 10 years. Still then where were the NPCC leaders hidden themselves away during the hours of Nag as need. Perhaps they hide away themselves in New Delhi and did some domestic shopping and returned to Nagaland then start creating bombastic tells of much ado-about nothing and then the Naga followers pretend to appreciate them. These are the days when our Congress leaders who frequent New Delhi led the innocent Nagas down. If ever the NPCC had constituted any panel of senior Congress members to deal Indo-Naga issue and shown their outcome to the Nagas. On the other hand the members of the DAN are enthusiastic with sacrificing spirit any time to meet the Nagas need. Such attitude is very much unlikely with the NPCC members. This differentiation between the Congress and DAN matters lot. When time comes the Nagas at large can exploit every opportunity from the INC to the maximum limit, but the same Nagas can never ever sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Indian National Congress, because it is indeed true that the INC have simply no native roots in the Naga soil.
The Naga's basic reaction against the INC and the NPCC is the ways how INC dominate Naga socio-political life beyond required as claim by the elite Nagas. The crux of the problem in this context is that the INC's policy that instead of respecting the unique freedom right of the Nagas, the INC segregating the Naga tribes from the mainstream. The unholy design of the INC keeping Naga people divided into different factions is no longer yielding any prospective result for the Congress party in the North-East India.
However, by all means the Indo-Naga political issue will reach its ultimate phase in any form to attain honorable settlement. That, inspite of the bitter relations among the Naga communities the DAN Alliance is all the way confident that the Naga conscience will draw together all Naga people under one umbrella. In view of the above subjects the DAN is preparing for model role towards structuring and restructuring political maturity.
In support of Higgins’ statement- Nagaland Post
An election watch: A foreigner's perspective on Nagaland state election a press statement issued by B Higgins which appeared in a Nagaland Post on 21st March was such a conscience pricking write up that ought to be an eye opener for all sensible Nagas.(Sadly, many or our so called sensible Nagas are not sensitive Nagas). It is really shameful that Nagaland is known as Christian dominated State when nothing of Christ like seen in Nagas. We are fortunate that we have Naga watchers abroad like Higgins, we must be even more grateful that he is not just a silent watcher but a person who has come out openly to voice the sorry state of affairs in our land as we become blind to our own problems.
He had rightly pointed out that we get the government we deserved. Now, what about the elected members in the helm of power? Are they not the right people in the right places to clean the system? The people in power have all the opportunity to use the stick for good or for bad. One simply wonders then, why with all the powers in their hands to do good things they do not want to see a better Nagaland.
There was no space for issues and principle in 2008 election. Vote became a purchasable commodity. The electorates sold off their votes. The people in power will in return amass public funds mean for common people for the next five years. The blame game is a never- ending vicious cycle. Nevertheless, ultimately it is the leaders in power who have the mass to put a stop to selling and buying of votes. Let the goods be delivered judiciously during the next five years and we hope to see more honest electorates in the next election.
Looking at the level of corruption and the evils related to Nagaland elections it makes one to wonder if at all we really need elections. We need electoral reforms (a mindset reform) more than elections and in doing so there is short cut to public education on the sanctity and value of one's vote. Neat election will either be a boon or a doom for Nagas. The countdown for free and fair election should begin today. Else, "no election" would alone save the Nagas from socio- political catastrophe.
God bless Higgins and family. Dr. K. Hoshi, former INC Candidate, 19 Phek A/C.
Naga political issue not law and order morungexpress
Kohima, March 27 (DIPR): Replying and clarifying to the budget discussion which was presented on the floor of the House on March 24, leader of the House Neiphiu Rio, said that the Treasury bench have learnt a lot through the constructive criticism given by the opposition members adding that their suggestions have been recorded and would be pursued.
Rio clarified that the 1st session of the Eleventh Assembly was conducted as per the Rule of Procedures and Conduct of Business of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He pointed that the Naga political issue should not be mixed up with the law and order issue. Stating that the civil society, church, student community and public leaders are all concerned about permanent peace in Nagaland, Rio said that all sections of the society must supplement one another.
To bring about permanent solution and to go about with the developmental activities, “that is the policy of the DAN Government as a facilitator”, he added. Fratricidal killings should stop and good sense should prevail because of which a Political Affairs Committee has also constituted, he maintained.
Appreciating the concern raised by member K L Chishi during zero hour regarding rapes and kidnappings, Rio assured that his government has taken note to keep law and order under control. He also informed the House that Highway Mobile Units for security has been set up, to contain law and order problem.
Lauding the Re-conciliation Forum, Rio said that the Government would extend all possible help. Clarifying on the issue of appointing Parliamentary Secretaries, Rio said that he had discussed the matter with the Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patel who responded that there are provisions for appointing Parliamentary Secretaries. Rio also informed that Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed in Nagaland way back in 1964 and 1969 pointing out that the appointment is not a new thing.
On the issue of printing of CMP in 2003, Rio said that DAN Government got the mandate of the people and felt that it was important to print the CMP so that all the members as well as the public are aware of the developmental programmes and policies of the Government. “Whenever a political party comes to power, the bureaucrats, technocrats and the public ought to know the policies, programmes and developmental activities taking place”, he maintained.
On the issue of Ntanki reserve forest, Rio informed that presently one company of IRB has been stationed since October 2007 and process is on to create 100 strong Armed Protection force for protection of Ntanki reserve forest. Rio refuted allegations that developmental activities are concentrated only in certain district and informed that developmental activities are being carried out all over the state.
Reiterating that DAN Government is for justice and fairness, Rio said that his Government would continue to work for the welfare of the minority community. “If there is specific problem it can be brought to their notice so that it can be resolved and solved”, he informed.
On the issue of lifting of prohibition, the leader of the House termed it as a sensitive issue and felt that an elaborate discussion is required. “We represent the people, so we have to consult the people. We cannot take decisions which will go against us and our people”, he added. Nonetheless, Rio said that for the welfare of the visiting tourists, possibilities if any would be looked into after thorough discussion. Regarding distribution of tractors and power tillers, Rio said that selection is being done from the districts. “Selection is transparent and the names of the beneficiaries are published in the papers”, he informed. Winding up the budget discussion Rio described the members of the treasury bench as active, capable and professionals and expressed confidence that the team would perform better and serve the people of Nagaland with the support of the opposition members.
An emergence of a Common Hope morungexpress
Dimapur, March 26 (MExN): The forum for Naga Reconciliation formed during the Naga Peace Convention (February 22-24, 2008) met in Kohima on March 25 and resolved that a working committee for Naga-reconciliation will be worked out at the earliest. The forum which consists of apex Naga organizations stated that the working committee will be based solely on “the historical and political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India”. The forum has therefore urged all “factions” and the Nagas to render undivided loyalty towards this common vision. The forum has requested Dr Wati Aier to be the convener for a period of time.
The forum in its meeting also affirmed the sacrifice and hard work of the GBs and the DBs and with “renewed spirit and commitment” urged the various Naga “factions” to abide by the ceasefire agreement signed between them under the aegis of the GBs and DBs. In addition, the forum while expressing utmost concern has appealed to the Nagas to desist from any “unwanted patterns and behaviors which would disturb the peaceful co-existence of the communities in towns and villages thereby affecting the business community, educational institutions’ and the citizens in general”.
Furthermore, the forum called upon the ‘responsibleleaders’ to be vigilant of their own cadres towards any unwanted acts carried out on their own behalf. In this regard, the forum reminded the UGs that the Naga public is unhappy and has taken anti-social acts in towns, villages and highways with seriousness. It also requested each tribal community elder, leader and the citizen to observe strict watch and ‘to discipline the undisciplined,’ “be it underground or over ground”. The Naga communities are also urged to take this matter with concern as this, it described, was a way to control society toward peaceful living.
The forum also called upon law enforcement agencies—the police and particularly the Indian security forces—“not to indulge in Naga political affairs with clandestine design” pointing out that “the Naga nation has suffered too much for too long under such designs”.
The apex Naga organizations making up the forum for Naga Reconciliation are the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), GBs & DBs Federation Nagaland, Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), United Naga Council Manipur (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Shisha Hoho office bearers and Naga Peace Convention speakers.
Analysis: Violence up in India's northeast By KUSHAL JEENA UPI Correspondent© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
NEW DELHI, March 27 (UPI) -- An Indian Interior Ministry status report on internal security acknowledged that despite a massive anti-insurgency offensive, there was a sharp increase in overall violence in the country's restive northeast in 2007 over the previous year.

The report presented in Parliament during the current budget session said the security situation in the region has continued to worsen for the past five years. Among the seven states in the northeast, Assam and Manipur witnessed the worst militancy-related violence.

India's northeast is home to seven states and a dozen-odd ethnic groups all fighting for independent homelands. Their location -- bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar -- is a cause of concern for India as rebels move their bases from India across the porous borders.

"Militant groups operating in various states of the northeast have usually found refuge in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar," said Kalyan Barooah, an expert on insurgency in the region.

Fencing along the 2,500-mile border with Bangladesh, suggested as a remedy to the problem, is incomplete, leaving ample scope for easy entry and exit by militants. Similarly, many militant groups operating in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur have taken shelter in Myanmar.

"While in Assam 216 ULFA cadres were neutralized and another 205 surrendered in stepped-up counterinsurgency operations, Manipur continues to be affected by insurgent activities of a large number of militant outfits divided on ethnic lines," the status paper said.

Assam-based United Liberation Front of Assam, along with Karbi Longri National Liberation Front and Dima Halam Daoga, accounts for the bulk of the violence in Assam, the report said.

The report said last year there were 474 incidents of insurgency-related violence resulting in the killing of 27 security forces and 287 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 413 incidents in which 32 security personnel and 164 civilians were killed. There has been a marked increase -- 200 percent -- of violence against Hindi-speaking migrant workers in the state.

The Interior Ministry said Arunachal Pradesh state also witnessed an increase in incidents in 2007 compared with the preceding year with the districts of Tirap, Changlong and Lohit registering the bulk of violence.

In Nagaland, relative decline in inter-factional clashes between the two factions of NSCN reflected on the overall security situation, as there was some decline in violence in 2007. Mizoram and Sikkim remained largely peaceful, and violence in Meghalaya was low.

The number of violent incidents in the northeastern states increased from 1,332 in 2003 to 1,489 in 2007. Civilian casualties recorded in 2003 were 494, 414 in 2004, 393 in 2005, 309 in 2006 and 498 in 2007. However, the number of security forces killed in action and extremists killed decreased between 2003 and 2007.

In Manipur, there were 584 incidents resulting in the death of 39 security personnel and 130 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 498 incidents and death of 28 security personnel and 96 civilians. Violence by ethnic Meitei groups escalated by 38 percent and largely accounted for the increased violence in the state. There was a decline in civilian casualties and increased neutralization of militants in counterinsurgency operations.

In Nagaland, 272 incidents were reported in 2007, resulting in the deaths of 44 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 309 incidents and 29 civilian casualties. Violence in the state is on the rise even as the government is engaged in holding talks with the insurgent National Socialist Council of Nagaland. The status paper said a decline in the insurgent violence has been registered in Nagaland as some members of the NSCN have shifted to designated camps.

"Notwithstanding the government's efforts in bringing all militant outfits to the negotiating table, the region continues to remain disturbed," said Ajai Sahani, executive director of the Institute of Conflict Management, a non-governmental think tank that deals with issues relating to armed conflict.

Peace negotiations launched by the government to restore normalcy in the poverty-stricken area have failed to get to the core issues of the conflict.
Alarming tension after clash between KNA and NSCN(IM) The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Mar 27: High tension erupted among the villagers of two neighbouring villages, Chasad and Kamjong in Ukhrul district, in the aftermath of a gunfight between suspected cadres of Kuki National Army, KNA and National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN (IM) last night which resulted in the death of a suspected KNA cadre and wounding of two others.

The slain person was identified as Alal, 28, son of Halkhojang of Phaikot village. He succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital. One of the two wounded cadres was identified as Paothang, 35, son of Sheizang Kuki of Chasad village in Ukhrul district. He received a bullet at the left chest.

The other one, Thangnio, 30, son of Thanglun of Aishi village suffered wounds at the eye and head.
They have been admitted at different wards in a hospital.

The wounded cadres were brought by troops of 1st Assam Rifles to the RIMS hospital this morning at around 7 am. However, one of them was declared brought dead at the hospital. The dead body was, later, deposited at RIMS morgue for official identification.

Troops of Assam Rifles led by one naik subedar Balbir along with two villagers John Kuki and Thangnion Kuki brought the wounded persons.Police reports said that last night at around 6.30 pm a group of well equipped suspected NSCN(IM) cadres fired upon three suspected cadres of KNA who were at a village market located between Chasad and Kamjong village under Chasad police station.

Local reports said that the incident took place when three cadres of suspected KNA who came to the small market in between Chasad and Kamjong were fired upon by suspected cadres of NSCN (IM). The firing took place when one of the suspected KNA cadre was at a PCO booth while two others were waiting outside the PCO. Following the gunfight additional security forces were deployed in the area as high tension prevailed among the villagers of Chasad and Kamjong.
However, no untoward incident was reported from the two villages.
PREPAK takes responsibility for killing of 3 persons Agencies
Imphal, March 27: Banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) has owned responsibility for the March 24 incident in which three persons including two girls were shot dead in Thoubal district of Manipur.
In a statement here yesterday, PREPAK said, "Two girls - I. Nirmala (17) and Th Promila (16) - and a youth identified as Th. Romesh (21) were killed at Heirok village while the victims were celebrating 'Thabal Chongba' dance festival in connection with Holi on Monday night."
Requesting the people to pardon the outfit for killing the two girls, the statement said PREPAK was attempting to eliminate Romesh for colluding with enemies of PREPAK and for trying to kill PREPAK members. It claimed while opening fire at Romesh, stray bullets also hit the two girls and injured another girl also.
Official sources had earlier said unidentified militants opened fire at a group of young boys and girls who were participating in the 'Thabal Chongba' dance festival on Monday night killing Nirmala and Promila on the spot. Romesh later succumbed to bullet injuries in a hospital here while another girl also received bullet injuries, sources said.
Angry locals set houses of Prepak supporter on fire
Imphal, March 27 (PTI): Angry local residents on Thursday set on fire three houses of sympathisers of banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak) which owned the responsibility for killing of three persons including two girls in Thoubal district of Manipur on monday last, official sources said.
Hundreds of local residents of Heirok village gathered at the village playground this morning and burnt down the houses of Th Maipaksana, Th Sunidion and M Itaoba of the same locality, who were reported to be sympathisers of the outfit. A report from the district said major portions of the houses were destroyed by fired when fire personnel and police forces reached the spot, about 30 kms south-east of here.
Local residents also refused to collect the bodies of the three persons, still lying at the morgue of the Regional Institue of Medical Science and Hospital till the culprits were arrested, the report said.

Govt okays Rs 535 crore Myanmar project PTI
New Delhi, March 27 : Government today approved a Rs 535.91 crore multi-modal transit transport project in Myanmar, which India will use for improving access to the North-Eastern states. The Union Cabinet sanctioned the funds under the 'Aid to Myanmar' project for the upgradation of Sittwe Port and Kaladan Waterway. The money will also be used for construction of a road from Setpyitpyin (Kaletwa) to the India-Myanmar border.
"The project will provide an access to Mizoram and to other North-Eastern states as well as an outlet to the sea," an official spokesperson told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The project, to be executed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, also involves construction and improvement of 117 km road on the Indian side from India-Myanmar border. The government approved signing of the Framework Agreement and Protocol on Facilitation of Transit Transport and Protocol on Maintenance and Administration to facilitate the project.
Fresh moves to revive deadlocked ULFA peace process Ians
Guwahati, March 27 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) steps into its 30th year of armed rebellion next week with the violent insurgency showing no signs of relenting. But there is a glimmer of hope with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi trying to revive the peace process. Gogoi has offered to facilitate direct talks between the ULFA leadership and New Delhi.
'We are ready to facilitate and support anybody, including opposition politicians or civil society leaders, willing to go abroad (Bangladesh) and explore possibilities for making the ULFA leadership sit for direct talks with the central government,' the chief minister told IANS.
Intelligence and police reports said the top ULFA leadership - chairperson Arabinda Rajkhowa and commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah - are based in Bangladesh, presumably in Dhaka. Bangladesh, however, continues to deny the reports. In September 2005, the ULFA constituted the People's Consultative Group (PCG), a nine-member group of civil society leaders, to explore possibilities for holding peace talks with New Delhi.
There have been three rounds of talks between the ULFA-chosen PCG and the central government, including one chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In August 2006, New Delhi offered a unilateral ceasefire and the ULFA too responded by calling a truce.
The ceasefire, however, collapsed in September after six weeks with the government accusing the ULFA of violence and stepping up extortion. Since then, the peace process has been in a limbo with violence continuing unabated. 'The chief minister's offer for reviving the peace process is a step forward and we welcome his overtures,' Indira Goswami, a noted Assamese writer, told IANS. For the last four years, Goswami has been the key link between the ULFA and New Delhi with the ULFA formally entrusting her with the task of opening exploratory peace talks. She has held several rounds of informal meetings with the prime minister.
'The first thing we should find out is whether the ULFA wants to talk to some emissary for peace talks. The government and the PCG should meet and then decide whom to send abroad for exploring possibilities for reviving the peace process,' Goswami said. The PCG has also welcomed the chief minister's initiative. 'We welcome the move and hope the government is sincere in its efforts,' PCG leader Dilip Patgiri said. The ULFA had earlier said it would sit for talks if the government released five of their jailed leaders and discussed the core issue of sovereignty. New Delhi has rejected the preconditions.
'Talks should be unconditional,' Gogoi said.
Kuki and Naga militants clash in interior Manipur, 1 dead Nagaland Page

IMPHAL, March 27: A Kuki militant was killed and two others were injured during a gunfight with Naga militants in interior Ukhrul district of Manipur, official sources said today.
There was a heavy exchange of fire between militants of Kuki National Army (KNA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland -- Isac Muivah (NSCN-IM) faction at Chasad area last evening, sources said. They said a KNA militant was killed and added that two others who received bullet wounds were being treated at Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here. The cause of fight was not immediately known, sources said adding that security and police forces in the district have been alerted in view of the gunbattle between the two militant outfits. (PTI)
UN needs alternative plan for Burma: Activists Mungpi Mizzima News
New Delhi – Given that the UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari's visit to military-ruled Burma did precious little in resolving the country's political imbroglio, the world body needs to think of an alternative, Burmese activists in exile said on Thursday. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC), a new group formed by Burmese activists in exile, in a press release said the UN must force the Burmese junta to recognize the 1990 election results instead of treading on its "roadmap to democracy".
"The UN's role in Burma is hypocritical as it seems to have been taken in by the junta's game plan. Rather the UN should take a binding resolution on Burma," said Myo Thein, the UK director of BDC, which is an international campaign for Burma, formed with activists. Despite several visits by the UN envoy to Burma where he engaged the military leaders, there has been no indication of the junta's willingness for change, the BDC said.
"All the talks, the scheduled referendum and elections are the junta's tactics to smother the international community's pressures. And there is no genuine effort on the part of the junta to usher in reforms in the country's politics," Myo Thein said.
With the junta refusing to recognize the 1990 election results, there is no guarantee that it will honour the results of the ensuing referendum in May and elections in 2010, he added.
"Unless the junta gets its desired results in both the referendum and the elections, the junta will repeat what it did in 1990," said Myo Thein adding that the junta would not have announced the referendum and elections, without planning victory. In 1990, the junta, which seized power after crushing student protests in 1988, held a general election. However, when the poll results were contrary to what the junta had anticipated, the generals refused to honour it.
Instead the junta arrested Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the election winning party – the National League for Democracy – and put her in solitary confinement. After nearly 18 years, the junta in February announced that it is ready to hold a referendum in May on its draft constitution - which took the junta 14 long years to formulate its basic guidelines in a National Convention.
The junta also declared the referendum will be followed by a general election in 2010. The junta is about to repeat what it did in 1990, Myo Thein said. "The UN should realise that its efforts are not producing results and it should think of an alternative," added Myo Thein.
But, Gambari, the UN special envoy to Burma, during an interview with Singapore's Straits Times newspaper said he is hopeful that the Burmese junta is implementing political changes in the Indonesian model, which turned it into a democracy from a military ruled state.
"I can reveal to you that the junta has been looking for a model closer to Indonesia where there was a transition from military to civilian rule and ultimately to democracy," Gambari said, during the interview, which was published on Wednesday.
Despite Gambari's hopes, Myo Thein said there are so far no signs indicating that the junta is ready for a change and called on the UN to impose stricter and more targeted sanctions on the generals, so as to force them to implement change.
New Delhi eyes a Burmese seaport by indoadmin Indo Burma news Nava Thakuria:
March 26, 2008: (Narinjara) Come April 4 and New Delhi will unfold the red carpet for the 'second man in command' of the Burmese junta, Maung Aye, who supposes to arrive in India for finalizing many business deals, primarily the Kaladan project. The project includes the development of Sittwe port in the Bay of Bengal and then connects it with the landlocked Northeast India through the Kaladan river and road transport. The connected Indian state will be Mizoram, which is adjacent to Chin province of Burma (also known as Myanmar).
Vice Senior General Maung Aye, the deputy commander-in-chief of Defence Services is expected to arrive in New Delhi for signing the much discussed Kaladan Multi-Model Project. It will be an important visit of a Burmese high profile leader to New Delhi after Senior General Than Shwe, the head of the State Peace and Development Council (as the present brand of Generals is known) paid a visit four years back.
The project includes the up-gradation of the seaport in Sittwe, widening and deepening of the Kaladan River and development of a road to connect Aizwal.
"The Kaladan project will include shipping, riverine and road transport," said Jairam Ramesh, the Minister of State for Commerce. Talking to media persons during one of his recent visits to the Northeast, Mr Ramesh also added, "New Delhi wants to connect the Northeast with the commercial sea routes. Moreover, with the development of Sittwe port and the Kaladan River as navigation efficient, the region is expected to have another viable access to the South East Asian counties."
India has decided to spend nearly $ 100 million for the project. The junta, though assured free land for the project, had shown reluctance to invest money in the project, which finally compels New Delhi to extend a soft loan of $ 10 million to the SPDC leaders. The Kaladan project is anticipated to be completed within four years and the project will be executed by the public sector Rail India Technical Economic Services organization.
New Delhi's move to invest in a Burmese port assumes significance in view of Bangladesh's reluctance to give India access to Chittagong port, which is nearer to the Northeast. Chittagong port in Bangladesh is less than 200 km from Agartala, where as Sittwe is around 400 km away from Aizwal. Mr Ramesh clarified the issue, "It is unfortunate that we have not been able to develop our relationship with Bangladesh to the level of making it our gateway to Southeast Asia." But he pointed out that New Delhi was constantly working on enhancing ties with Bangladesh.
But the signing of the deal will not be out of repercussion, as the international communities have been raising voices against the military junta for its continued repressive policies on the pro-democracy activists including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and of course poor human rights record in Burma. The public memory remained fresh for the political observers worldwide, where thousands of agitating monks in the streets of Rangoon, the former capital of Burma, were subjected to torture during last September. The junta controlled the movement with strong hands killing nearly hundreds.
The Burmese exiles irrespective of their organizations have come out heavily against New Delhi for initiating for a business deal. The supporters of pro-democracy movement in Burma have raised a single point that India should not invest money at this moment in Burma as the money will not reach the common people, but the pockets of the Generals. They unanimously point out that it is not the suitable time to invest in Burma, even if one does not endorse the pro-democracy movement led by the Nobel laureate Suu Kyi.
"This is not a right time to build long-term relationship with the Burmese rulers," argued M. Kim, the coordinator of Shwe Gas Pipeline Campaign Committee (India). Talking to this correspondent, Kim added, "India must not bury alive its extraordinary democratic values and inspiration of promotion of peace and human rights by dealing business and building relation with this barbaric Burmese military junta which recently not only kill, torture and imprison its own innocent people and monks but also violated religious rights by sealing off monasteries and restricting basic rights of prayers at pagodas."
Even a public meeting at Aizwal during January resolved to appeal New Delhi to snap all ties with the military junta as 'the economic cooperation with them would never benefit the people unless democracy was restored in Burma'. Organized jointly by the Mizoram Committee for Democracy in Burma and the Campaign for Democratic Movement in Burma, the meeting also resolved that New Delhi should work with the UN to find amicable solution to the Burmese imbroglio. Dr Tint Swe, a leader of National League for Democracy led by Suu Kyi, who is living in exile in India, was also present at the meeting and argued that dealing with Burma 'would only have a meaning after restoration of democracy' there.
Tayza Thuria, a Burmese exile based in London debates that 'India's doing business with Burma and engaging with Burma's de-facto military government is not wrong in itself'. But the Indian government needs to be careful to maintain a balanced and ethical approach towards Burma; i.e., while engaging with Burmese government in business and security affairs, New Delhi must also try to persuade, advice and guide the junta to make the systematic democratic reforms in due course of time.
Kyaw Than, the leader of All Burma Students' League (ABSL), a conglomeration of Burmese students' organizations in exile, asserted that it is not the suitable time to do business with Burma. He rather claimed, "It is high time for the international communities, more precisely India and China, to come clean on Burma policies. Otherwise, they will be criticized in future that both New Delhi and Beijing had continued business for good reasons but sadly with wrong people."



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