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03/29/2008: "Tension clouds Dimapur morungexpress"


Tension clouds Dimapur morungexpress

Dimapur, Six NSCN (IM) functionaries including a Deputy Kilonser and a Steering Committee member of the organisation have been abducted from different locations in Dimapur on March 27 night and March 28 morning by armed cadres.
Senior NSCN (IM) Kilonser, Tongmeth Konyak today informed that a Deputy Kilonser, Daniel Tikhir was abducted from his residence at Purana Bazar area on March 27 night. A ‘Steering Committee’ member, Longshen Khiamniungan was also abducted from his residence at Diphupar ‘B’ area in Dimapur on March 28, informed Tongmeth. He also informed that one Kuki Hangsing was abducted from Taipijan village in Dimapur. Tongmeth said that the abductors “must be” from the Unification team and added that they are strongly suspecting them to be from the NSCN Unification group. Meanwhile, it is reported that three bodyguards of senior NSCN (IM) leader, Phungthing Shimrang were abducted by armed cadres on Thursday evening from the residence of Shimrang at Diphupar ‘B’. It is reported that 10 car-borne armed cadres of the NSCN (Unification) had gone to the residence of Phungthing Shimrang and abducted the three bodyguards. However, one managed to escape. Confirming the abduction, Phungthing Shimrang, though refusing to divulge the names of his abducted bodyguards, said that an AK rifle and a carbine were also taken by the abductors.

Abduction is ‘provocatively planned and executed’
The NSCN (IM), in a press statement issued through its MIP, termed the abductions as “provocatively planned and executed” and stated that “it is difficult to see any logic by going headlong against the NSCN leaders in the manner bereft of any political message that calls for political understanding towards unity”. “What is being said on unity finds no support or acceptance when viewed from the practical terms as very aggressively delivered by raids, abduction kidnapping and other means that are no less antagonistic,” the release berated.
The NSCN (IM) declared that it is accommodative to any well being opinion or suggestion that will take the Naga people to total unification. Further, the release stated “that NSCN (IM) was magnanimously tolerant by accommodating workers with doubtful political commitment” as in the case of the Azheto who was generously given the handsome assignment but, the release maintained, betrayed the trust of the GPRN by allowing himself to be used by Anti-Naga forces.” The release expressed surprise that the ‘unity group’ is going overboard by going the way of the state police and paramilitary forces, frisking vehicles for security reasons. “Why not form another RGN, BSF, IRB and NAP as done before so that you keep on tracking the national workers movement,” the release stated. It ridiculed the press statement that appeared in the local media under the caption, ‘Unity cannot be imposed’, and termed it as “political immaturity or deliberate ploy to stagnate the political process of the Indo- Naga political negotiations with the instigation of the forces inimical to the historically proven political aspiration of the Naga people and to create uncalled for confusion.”

Abduction is in ‘retaliation’
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): Admitting to abducting NSCN (IM) cadres, the Publicity Cell of Unification camp stated that the abduction is only in “retaliation” of four of its cadres who were abducted by the NSCN (IM) on March 25. However, it said that unlike the NSCN (IM); who had tortured and killed one of their cadres and tortured the other three to subconscious state and are still being kept at Hebron; the abducted NSCN (IM) cadres are being treated hospitably. Calling upon the public “not to be disturbed”, the publicity cell said that they would “not harm the people even if their own boys are being harmed.” It gave an assurance that the NSCN (IM) cadres are not being harmed in any manner.

‘Act of sabotage to Naga unification process’
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): Describing the gory details of the torture and subsequent killing of its cadre, Lhotoyi allegedly by the NSCN (IM) on March 25, the GPRN/NSCN has termed it as yet another act of sabotage to the ongoing Naga unification process. It accused the NSCN (IM) has “once again perpetrated its vilest crime against humanity”. A press release from the publicity cell GPRN/NSCN stated that on March 25, Lhotoyi, Zakaito, Hoito and Khetovi were apprehended by the NSCN (IM) at Dimapur and were tortured in the most inhuman way. “The limbs and arms of the deceased Lhotoyi were all twisted and broken, skull was hammered with heavy blunt object and the entire body bore the mark of torture” it stated and added that “the dead body was later packed in a gunny bag and disposed of like animal carcass.”
The others it said were taken to Hebron and tortured and later confined in the underground “death chamber” and subjected to “extreme physical and psychological humiliation”. The Publicity cell added that as a result in addition to the permanent damage inflicted, the chance of survival has become doubtful. The release informed that Hoito has been release due to critical heath condition but the safety of the other two is still uncertain. It added that according to “confirmed sources” they have also been “rendered in a state of coma owing to incessant torture.” The GPRN/NSCN questions these acts asking if such measure is an open door policy for unification and if the same old “prophesized principled killings, abductions, torture and intimidation continue in the name of National principle and for how long.”
The release further declared that “in defense of our people and Nation and to preserve our sovereign right and unresolved political issue Phungthing Shimray’s which serves as the centre of all these nefarious social evil acts was raided on the night of March 27, 2008.”
However it assured that the GPRN/NSCN would never resort to any unprovoked act of defiance against the aspired wishes of the Nagas for peace and unity or jeopardize the on-going unification process, but would counter act any ploy of the “adversary” to destroy the hard earned peace and unity amongst the Nagas.
Alarming tension after clash between KNA and NSCN(IM)The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL,: 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.

NSCN unification flays NSCN-IM Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (NPN): The NSCN (Unification) has said the abduction of four persons allegedly by the NSCN (I-M) on March 25 in Dimapur and subsequent torture inflicted on them resulting in the death of one of the abductees, was another act of sabotage to the ongoing Naga unification process by the NSCN (I-M).
The publicity cell of “GPRN/NSCN” in a press release said the four victims –Lhotoyi, Zakaito, Hoito and Khetovi- were tortured in the most inhuman manner.
“The limbs and arms of the deceased Lhotoyi were all twisted and broken, skull was hammered with heavy blunt objects and the entire body bore the mark of torture. The dead body was later packed in a gunny bag and disposed of like animal carcass,” the release said.
The ‘NSCN’ also alleged that the other three victims were tortured all the way they were being taken to Hebron and later confined in an underground “death chamber” and subjected to extreme physical and psychological humiliations, “as a result not only permanent damage inflicted but the chance of survival has become doubtful.”
The ‘NSCN’ said while Hoito was released due to critical health condition, the fate of Zakaito and Khetovi were still uncertain and added that as per confirmed sources, the victims were “rendered in a state of coma owing to incessant torture.”
“Is such measure an ‘open door policy’ for unification? Would the same old prophesized principled killings, abductions, torture and intimidation continue in the name of National principle and for how long?” ‘NSCN’ asked.
The “GPRN/NSCN” affirmed that it would never resort to any unprovoked act of defiance against the aspired wishes of the Nagas for peace and unity or jeopardize the ongoing unification process, but would counter any ploy of the “adversary to destroy the hard earned peace and unity amongst Nagas.”
Meanwhile, the “GPRN/NSCN” informed that its members had raided the residence of NSCN (I-M) leader Phungthing Shimrang, “which serves as the center of all these nefarious social evil acts,” on Thursday night.
Also admitting to abducting NSCN (I-M) cadres, the Publicity Cell of Unification camp stated that the abduction was only a “retaliation” of four of its members who were abducted by the NSCN (I-M) on March 25. However, the ‘NSCN’ said that unlike the NSCN (I-M) who had tortured and killed one of their cadres, the abducted NSCN (IM) cadres were being treated with hospitability. Calling upon the public “not to be disturbed,” the ‘NSCN’ said that they would “not harm the people even if their own boys are being harmed.”
NSCN (I-M) slams unification camp- Nagaland Post
In what can be termed as political immaturity or deliberate ploy to stagnate the political process of the Indo-Naga political negotiations with the instigation of the forces inimical to the historically proven political aspiration of the Naga people and to create uncalled for confusion, it is politically imperative to nail the highly motivated press statement of Azheto's gang as appeared in the local papers, "unity cannot be imposed" lest the public are made the victims of misguided information to create the ground for Indo-Naga solution that is far of the mark as aspirated by the Naga people for the last sixty years.
Provocatively planned and executed on 27th March night Brig. Phungthing's house was raided by the Azheto group and took away his two body guards along with two arms. The same night the house of Daniel Dy.Kilonser was also raided and on 28th March. Hangsing tatar and Longshen Steering member were also kidnapped and abducted from their respective residence by the same gang who preached 'unity cannot be imposed' ironically, it is difficult to see any logic by going headlong against the NSCN leaders in the manner bereft of any political message that calls for political understanding towards unity. What is being said on unity finds no support or acceptance when viewed from the practical terms as very aggressively delivered by raids, abductions, kidnappings and other means that are no less antagonistic.
The Indo- Naga political issue is a Naga People's issue and therefore, there is no question of the people being kept in the dark.The Indo- Naga political process has been highlighted to the Naga people at home and abroad in the Naga people's consultative meetings several times. When demanded by the nature of the political situation is the context of the response from the Government of India. The Naga people represented by various civil societies are consulted in a very transparent manner.
It is rather silly on the part of Azheto's gang to say that open door policy is a stumbling block to the Naga unity. The logic of the negative connotation is not a people's oriented approach to the issue. NSCN is however accommodative to any well being opinion or suggestion that will take the Naga people to total unification. But to argue that open door policy is a stumbling block is suicidal in political interpretation. Going further, NSCN was magnanimously tolerant by accommodating workers with doubtful political commitment as in the case of the Mr. Azheto who was generously given the handsome assignment. But he betrayed the trust of the GPRN by allowing himself to be used by Anti-Naga forces.
Surprisingly, unity group is going overboard by going the way of the state police and para-military forces, frisking vehicles for security reasons. Why not form another RGN, BSF, IRB and NAP as done before so that you keep on tracking the national workers movement.
MIP, GPRN/NSCN.
DAN govt trying to contain violence: Rio PTI Newind Press
KOHIMA: Reiterating DAN government's commitment to help expedite the slowed-down Naga peace process, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said his government is trying to contain violence in Nagaland. He said the democratic alliance of Nagaland government would continue to complement any effort of Naga civil society and churches towards restoration of much needed unity and re-conciliation among waring Naga groups.

The Chief Minister, however, alleged that the law and order situation deteriorated during the two-month spell of the president's rule resulting in manifold increase in anti-social activities in the state. He said on Thursday that during the president's rule, “60 people were kidnapped in Dimapur district alone, and huge ransoms paid for safe release of some of the abductees.”

“The DAN government, soon after its installation, is trying to contain such activities,” the Chief Minister said. Rio maintained that Nagaland has peculiar problems and situation, which the centre was fully aware of and claimed that the Union government used to compliment the efforts of the state government in tackling law and order problem.

He said of the 108 people killed during the year 2007 in the state, most of the killings were among rival underground groups and appealed to them to stop such senseless killings.

The government had set up mobile check posts at various places besides providing security to Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses following reported escalation of looting of passengers by gunmen, Rio told the house.

He said it was only a small section of the society which was taking the advantage of the on-going ceasefire under which police and security forces were restricted from operating freely and such elements were creating law and order problem in the state.

Replying to the discussion on the annual budget for 2008-09, the Chief Minister maintained that the members should not mix up the Naga political issue with the law and order problem in the state. Appreciating roles of Naga civil society, churches, students community and public leaders in bringing about a permanent peace in the state, Rio said that all sections of the society must supplement one another towards this end.

Urging underground groups to stop fratricidal killings among them, Rio pointed out that the government constituted a political affairs committee to complement the efforts of the Naga civil society towards peace, unity and re-conciliation in the Naga society.
2 NSCN (I-M) leaders abducted Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 28 (NPN): Close on the heels of the raids carried out by the NSCN (Unification) on the residences of NSCN (I-M) leaders including ‘Brig’ Phungthing Shimrang and deputy kilonser Daniel on Thursday night, two NSCN (I-M) leaders were reportedly abducted from their respective houses by the NSCN (Unification) on Friday.
The MIP/NSCN (I-M) in a press release said the two NSCN (I-M) leaders -‘tatar’ Hangsing and steering committee member Longshen - were abducted by “Azheto’s group” on Friday. Terming the raids and abductions as “political immaturity or deliberate ploy to stagnate the political process of the Indo-Naga political negotiations with the instigation of the forces inimical...,” the NSCN (I-M) said it was ironical that the acts were carried out by “the same gang who preached ‘unity cannot be imposed.’”
Former NSF prez assaulted morungexpress
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): The Thevopisu villagers report an assault on one of its citizens, Chokriveyi Venyo, former president of NSF who is presently residing in Diezephe village, Dimapur. The press release issued by village leaders stated that Chokriveyi sustained an ear injury from the assault and his vehicle was snatched forcibly by some unidentified persons on March 24, at 7:10 PM.
The release stated that the culprits were led by Vedeta Nienu, an NSCN (IM) major, who they claim, has a history of victimizing Thevopisu villagers in the recent past. The release issued by the Chairman of Thevopisu Village Council, Vesathu Dozo, Pochiyi Tetseo GB, Besukroyi Dozo GB, Vechitso Venyo GB and Murhenyi Rhakho VC member, stated that the vehicle had been snatched on the pretext that it belonged to the NPF party. The villager leaders expressed surprise that Chokriveyi, who had served and associated with the regional party for so many years and resigned only in November 2007, and one who had suffered at the hands of the Indian Army during Oinam incident at Senapati in 1987, along with his collegues while serving as president of NSF, could be victimized and humiliated by a Naga National worker on the pretext of the “state political party colours”. Therefore, the village leaders stated that they are compelled to raise their protest and condemn the action of Vedeta Nienu and his men.
Flashback of 23rd March incident- Nagaland Post Opinion
On the fateful calm morn-ing of 23rd March'08 had left a deep imprint mark in the minds of the general public as a great remainder of traumatic episode when the three respectful innocent citizens of Changtongya Town namely Bendangkokiba, Sentinuken and Chitensangba were forcefully taken away at 2am by police personnel, with roaring voice, from their peaceful and sound sleep. Meanwhile, in the mid-way pending to the Police Station, the police forces had beaten the three victims savagely under 'dead or alive' condition. They were then slain down unconsciously after much exhaustive blow, on the bare cold floor of the security vehicle. Some blackened spots mostly located at sensitive portions of the victims' bodies are fairly visible.
Today, to speak out the truth, one cannot assure guarantee to the victims for survival of their life. In most cases if spared safely, the rest of their life are subjected to susceptibility of mental and physical deformities like crippling, handicap and life-long paralysis.
The victims' relatives had thoroughly enquired into the matters with some police officers through a series of interaction. However, it is painful to say that the officer-in-charge (OC), who is sole in-charge of that particular jurisdiction did not release any arrest order to such victims rather arrest was primarily done from the higher commanding authority led by SDPO, Mokokchung without informing him (OC) based on misinformation as stated by the police officer (OC). Such act of heinous crime and self-serving gorges by erring police officers and their personnel towards such innocent citizens are highly condemned by one and all with tooth and nail. It is highly against the constitutional law on the ground of civil rights, liable to question in a court of law.
It is also quite pertinent to assert that as envisaged by our constitution (Art. 21 and 22), Right to physical safety is one of the major componential parts in the domain of Right to personal life and liberty. No person is subjected to physical coercion and torture arising out from outside forces through violation and invalid application of law and order. Reaction was quite an opposite turn when unscrupulous police officers and associate personnel had allegedly infringed against these safeguard distorting the sole nature of the civil rights of the society.
We, the civil community cannot tolerate anymore and thus consider it right to book those alleged masterminding offenders and personnel and award them stringent punishment or penalty as per the established norms and laws of the land.
Today, such tragic maladies had been experienced by a handful of individuals, but tomorrow, it would further affect a number our civic population. If these satanic rules continue to exist, we would plunge into 'hell of horror', deprived of our personal right to life and liberty in near future.
Thus, it is high time for all peace loving citizens to join hands to raise our voice against such cruel acts and appeal to the authority in charge to bring justice and security from such ailments of social disorderliness and inhibited insecurity.
Tiatemsu Lkr, Changtongya Town.
Rally in Manipur against militant excesses



Posted by admin on Saturday, March 29, 2008


IMPHAL, MAR28 [EPNS] : The streets of Imphal Friday reverberated with slogans such as “punish the culprits, we want justice” as hundreds of residents of Heirok in Thoubal district marched down the streets in protest against the March 24 shootout at Heirok part-II involving PREPAK cadres that claimed three lives including two girls besides leaving one girl seriously injured.


The rallyists shouted slogans denouncing the clarification made by militants on the shootout through the media and also demanded immediate booking of the culprits by the authorities. Three sitting MLAs from Thoubal district led the rally, which marched from Hatta Kangjeibung to RIMS morgue, where the bodies of the slain civilians including two girls and one boy lay. An attempt by the rallyists to take the route on the side of the chief minister’s bungalow and Raj Bhavan was however foiled by the police and security forces.

It may be mentioned on the night of March 24, PREPAK militants resorted to indiscriminate firing at a thabal chongba function (an indigenous dance item staged during the Holi festival in Manipur) at Heirok part-II, killing two teenage girls on the spot while another girl and a boy were seriously injured. The boy also later succumbed to his injures at a hospital. In order to quell public outrage, PREPAK had immediately tendered an apology with a clarification through the local media. However, angry the public refused to be taken in by the apology. "We could not be satisfied with the clarification made by PREPAK. They are trying to conceal the truth behind the incident. They should hand over the cadres involved in the shoot or punish before the public," said L Mandir Singh, general secretary of the joint action committee (JAC) formed against the backdrop of the brutal killings.

Earlier, representatives of the agitating Heirok people held talk with chief minister O Ibobi Singh who agreed to their demands other then supply of weapons to the public to protect themselves from militant excesses. The chief minister agreed to theirs demands including opening of permanent security post at Heirok to guard from militant intrusion, installation of solar lamps in every lane in the area and non-stop supply of power till an amicable solution was reached with the militants groups. It may be mentioned earlier on Thursday night, the angry locals torched at least four houses belonging to suspects behind the shootout, apart from pasting posters denouncing and banning the entry of all militants in Heirok area. The locals were also infuriated when some members of the outfit intruded into the locality posing as reporters of local newspaper and asked the members of the JAC to stop protesting against the militant group.
Cycle bomb, the latest addition to Assam's violent insurgency IANS
Guwahati, March 28 (IANS) Militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Assam seem to have adopted new terror tactics with the latest being the ubiquitous bicycles converted to lethal explosives for maximum impact. Police in the textile township Sualkuchi on the outskirts of Assam's main city Guwahati unravelled the new terror design by seizing a bicycle loaded with a range of explosives, from RDX to TNT and PETN.
'The militants stuffed explosives in the hollow steel frame of the cycle after dismantling it first. Earlier, militants concealed explosives in sacks and placed it on cycles; now this is an entirely new terror tactic and a very dangerous one too,' said Debojit Hazarika, police superintendent of the Kamrup (rural) district. The seizure was made from an ULFA militant who confessed during interrogation that the cycle bomb was their latest terror design to inflict heavy casualties.
'A cycle parked on a roadside would definitely not be taken note of by security personnel unless one knows that their steel frames were filled with explosives,' Hazarika said.
The cycle bomb has alarmed police circles. A top police official said the ULFA was probably trying to attack VVIPs and target crowded places using it. A massive security revamp was being done, especially with the chief minister's security.
'We are taking the chief minister's and other VVIP security very seriously after the cycle bomb threat,' another senior police official said. A decision was taken by the police not to allow even bicycles to move on the streets when the chief minister's convoy passed towns and cities in view of the latest developments. The threat was being taken seriously with the ULFA observing its 30th foundation day April 7. In the run up to such occasions, the ULFA generally demonstrates its strength by carrying out violent strikes.
'All the district police superintendents have been alerted about the cycle bomb and its implications,' G.P. Singh, deputy inspector general of Assam police, said.
‘New Bodo militant outfit formed’ By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 28: The Boro People’s Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR) has expressed concern over the formation of a new militant outfit — Bodoland Royal Tigers’ Force (RRTF) — in the BTAD heartland, which, the forum said, has been started to jeopardise peace and stability in Bodoland.
A high-level delegation of the BPFPR told this to Asom Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh seeking his intervention into the matter when they met him at Raj Bhavan here on March 26. “The situation in BTAD will become more volatile if the Government does not act immediately,” said Bhramon Baglari, BPFPR president, while talking to The Sentinel today.
The delegation led by Baglari comprised of Forum vice-president Dharanidhar Wary and four other frontline leaders, blamed it on BTAD chief Hagrama Mohilary and his party, BPF for the prevailing situation in the Bodo-dominated areas. The forum in its memorandum to the Governor also blamed both the Governments at Dispur and Delhi for allegedly turning their back to peace in BTAD.
The BTAD administration led by Mohilary is a “rule of a gangster; it has also violated all norms and ethics of democracy,” the memorandum said. “In the name of democracy and party politics, Mohilary is known to have formed a new insurgent outfit under the cover of Youth BPF to which the allotted funds for the BTAD are being siphoned off,” it alleged.
The BPFPR not only handed over to the Governor the list of violent incidents which took place in BTAD since March 23, 2007, it also placed a detailed account of the alleged BTTF camps and activities.
The forum also furnished before Singh a list of dozen BRTF camps run by prominent ex-BLT cadres in Chirang district alone, having about 365 inmates armed with sophisticated weapons, “What is a matter of more concern”, the forum said, “is that the outfit has been initiating a massive recruitment drive targeting the young generation in various parts of Chirang, Udalguri, Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts, beyond the BTAD boundary.”
Baglari said the forum also urged the Governor to take a “pragmatic initiative” to expedite the peace process between the Centre and the NDFB. The BPFPR held the delay on part of the Centre to start political dialogue with the NDFB as “partly responsible” for the current turmoil in BTAD.
Though the NDFB entered into the peace process through the ceasefire agreement with the Government, Delhi and Dispur are dragging their feet on the much-awaited political solution to the Bodo issues, the forum said.
Massive rally denounces UGs for Heirok killings; Last rites of victims performed amidst tears and anger The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 28: Thousands of people Friday marched down the streets in Imphal demanding justice in the shooting incident on the night of March 24 which involved PREPAK cadres and claimed three lives at Heirok part-II. The sky in Imphal city reverbrated with thunderous slogans like "Punish the culprits`, `We want justice, hand over the culprits to the people`, `Punish them before the people do` etc. as protestors marched against the act of the undergrounds on the innocent people and accusations of lies being tole to the people by the revolutionary group.

The rallyists, residents of Heirok in Thoubal district shouted various slogans against the militants involved in the shootout denouncing the clarification made them through the media and demanding handing over or punishment to the erring cadres before the public. At the same time they also demanded booking of the culprits by the state authorities at the earliest.

The rally was also participated by four sitting MLAs, M Oken, M Hemanta, Y Surchandra and K Govindas and marched down the streets from Hatta Kangjeibung to RIMS morgue where the dead bodies of the two girls and one boy were being kept. The rally was organized by the residents as part of a procession for performing the last rites of the three deceased. The rally which marched under strict security protection followed the route from Hatta Kangjeibung to Minuthong along the New Checkon route and then proceeded to Khoyathong and then to the RIMS morgue. After collecting the dead bodies the rally returned back to Heirok for performing the last rites of the three dead. Indiscriminate firing on March 24 by PREPAK militants at a thabal chongba function (an indigenous dance item staged during the Holi festival in Manipur) at Heirok part-II resulted in the death of two teenage girls at the spot and left one more girl and a boy with severe bullet wounds at the head. The boy also succumbed in later days at a hospital. The PREPAK has tendered apology with a clarification but people are not satisfied.

"The PREPAK is trying to conceal the truth behind the incident by giving a false statement to the media. We want PREPAK to hand over the cadres involved in the shootout or punish them before the public," said L Mandir Singh, general secretary of the JAC formed against the brutal killing of the two girls and a boy and serious injury to a girl.
The mass gathering of the people proved to be a major concern for the state police in controlling the traffic in Imphal city areas as traffic jams were witnessed along the route of the long rally this afternoon.

Despite restrictions, the rallyists attempted to break through the silent zones of the Imphal city on their way back after collection the dead bodies from the RIMS morgue.

But police and security forces prevented them from doing so and allowed them to proceed towards Naoremthong, then to Sagolband Tera bazar Sayang Kuraomakhong road, Kwakeithel, Nganapi Thong, Pishumthong, Singjamei Chinga Makha and then to the Indo Burma road.

Placards and banners with slogans against the underground elements involved in the incident were displayed during the rally. On the other hand, the spokesman of the JAC has reaffirmed to continue the agitation against the excesses of the underground elements after accepting the dead bodies.

The last rites of the three dead were performed at their respective localities tonight at around 7 pm after floral tributes were offered by the people of Heirok.

Junta likens itself to 19th century royal court Mizzima News
In an address to military personnel and dignitaries, Senior General Than Shwe linked today's Burmese armed forces with the battles of Burma's dead kings in a war against imperialism and regressive policies.
Speaking yesterday on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of Armed Forces Day, Burma's Head of State delivered a national address harkening back to a golden era of monarchial reign interrupted by an "unbearable situation of over a hundred long years."
"Blind to progress of other nations, lack of defensive alertness resulted in losing of independence and sovereignty," Than Shwe told those in attendance at Naypyitaw's parade ground.
The Tatmadaw, the Burmese army, is alluded to as dutifully picking up the pieces left from the 19th century and heroically finishing the work of Burma's kings in the 21st.
Yet Britain overthrew the last Burmese king in 1885 and ceded independence to modern Burma in 1947, a period of only 62 years. How then to account for Than Shwe's over one-hundred years of "unbearable" conditions?
The Senior General defines 1866 as the year when Burma's path to modernization was felled, spelling an end to Burma's honorable regency and opening the door to colonialism. In that year the modernizing, reforming vision of Prince Kanaung, who was the heir apparent to the throne of then King Mindon, was killed by jealous, regressive rivals.
However, in his diatribe, Than Shwe also referenced the necessity for the army assuming power and responsibility in the country in 1988: "Because of the violent disturbances of 1988 the Tatmadaw, to protect the life, property and security of the people and to preserve and protect the sovereignty and independence of the nation, had to take over all the responsibilities of the country."
Of course the armed forces assumed absolute political power fully 26 years earlier in 1962.
Was Burma's top brass then attempting to further distance the present regime from that of General Ne Win and his Burma Socialist Programme Party, which maintained a firm grip on power from 1962 till the late 1980s?
Than Shwe also, interestingly, specifically spoke of the insulting obligation on Burmese citizens to refer to their colonial administrators as thakins, or masters. Yet in the 1930s there arose the thakin movement, which saw the Burmese population endowing worthy Burmese leaders with the same title, in a dual indication of objection to British policies and respect for their own leaders. Burmese thakins came to include future politicians and military men such as U Nu, Aung San and Burma's would be dictator Ne Win.
The only solution to the puzzle of "over a hundred long years" must be that the current regime views itself as the continuation of the modernizing, progressive influences of Burma's doomed royal court, which are said to have come to an end in 1866 and were only revitalized with the actions of the army and state policy after 1988. This would then account for over 120 years of regressive polices.
Fittingly, the speech took place under the watchful gaze of a monument to three former Burmese kings in the new capital of Naypyitaw, meaning "Royal City." And the legacies of these three kings, held in high esteem by the military, serve to further argue for the perceived legitimacy of monarchial-military rule dating back a thousand years.
The three kings depicted are Anawrahta, an 11th century ruler credited with first unifying Burma, Bayinnaung, a 16th century monarch who arguably stretched Burmese rule to its outermost limits, and Alaungpaya, who in the 18th century is credited with christening Burma's port city of Dagon with its new moniker of Yangon.




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