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04/06/2008: "'Efforts on to find solution to Naga problem' Times of India"

'Efforts on to find solution to Naga problem' Times of India

6 Apr 2008, 0132 hrs IST , TNNNEW DELHI: The government on Saturday said that it was making all out efforts to find an amicable solution to the long-festering Naga problem. This was stated by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil while addressing a function here to mark the 173rd anniversary of Assam Rifles.

The remarks assume significance in view of the fact that NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Swu recently blamed New Delhi for its lack of sincerity in solving the issue and prolonging the peace process in Nagaland. Appreciating the relentless efforts of the Assam Rifles - the oldest paramilitary force in the country - in combating insurgency in the north-east, Patil said the force has played a pivotal role in tackling the problem. He said the success of the recently conducted counter-insurgency operations in Manipur was because of the efforts of the force in restoring normalcy in the state.

The Home Minister was earlier welcomed by Assam Rifles chief Lt Gen Paramjit Singh at the force raising day function, attended by a number of dignitaries and paramilitary personnel.

The Home Minister also complimented the soldiers of Assam Rifles, which was formed as "Cachar Levy" in 1835, and said the force had also played a major role in the peaceful conduct of recent Assembly elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland. Patil said the force enjoyed complete confidence of the people of the North-East and has lived up to its title "Friends of the Hill People".

IM man shot, abductions on Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, April 05: One hard-core cadre belonging to NSCN-IM was reportedly shot by suspected armed cadres of the rival NSCN-K in the heart of Kohima town at around 11 am today.

Sources revealed that the injured NSCN-IM cadre identified as one Taku Ao, 'ss Sgt.Major' sustained bullet injuries on his belly and shoulder by some NSCN-K cadres near Fancy Market, Old NST Kohima.
However, he was rushed to the nearby local hospital by police and is said to be out of danger.

In another incident, personnel of South Police Station acting on specific information of armed cadres carrying out extortion in Chandmari area of Kohima managed to nab three armed cadres belonging to Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) along with small arms yesterday at around 3:30 pm from Upper Chandmari, Kohima.

The cadres have been identified as 'ss Capt.' Nekedu S Venuh, 'ss sgt.Maj.' Kekhrieyalie Liny� and 'ss sgt.' Tavei Choumai. All the three are from Transit Peace Camp, Kohima.

Police recovered demand slips, two revolvers and 12 live round. However, two cadres reportedly managed to escape along with extorted money before police reached the site, sources added.

Dimapur: There have been more abduction of the NSCN-IM men by the rival NSCN-U in Dimapur. after the abduction of two NSCN-IM men on April 3 in Dimapur, the NSCN-U has abducted again rival members on April 4 from Dimapur.

NSCN-IM "Sgt Major" James was abducted from his residence in Dimapur's Burma Camp area yesterday while NSCN-IM Section Officer Shomy Sharon and Assistant Section Officer T Shangreingam were abducted from Super Market in Dimapur, also yesterday.

Today, following this development, the NSCN-IM said there is strong indication that the newly formed 'Reconciliation Forum' with Rev Dr.Wati Aier as the convener bears no meaning to those who are determined to wreck any prospect of peace in Nagalim.

The voice and conscience of the public when not given the value it deserved is just one symptom of the destructive mindset, said the outfit.
The outfit said in the ongoing spate of abduction, on April 4 at around 6 pm one Sgt.Maj.James of Naga Army of the NSCN-IM was abducted from his residence at Burma Camp in by the NSCN-Unification.
The NSCN-IM alleged that James was forcibly taken away right in front of his wife.

There is also the report that this same group is checking all suspected houses of NSCN-IM in the Burma Camp area taking maximum advantage of the NSCN-IM not going for any counter-action, stated the outfit. However the NSCN-IM said that the outfit's priority has always been to respect the public appeals to give peace a chance no matter what provocation.

"Because truth will prevails ultimately", declares the NSCN-IM.

The outfit then stated that the incidents of open confrontation through abductions, snatching of arms and vehicles belonging to NSCN-IM is increasing by day. It recalled that on April 1 Tatar (Member of the outfit's Parliament) Khriinuh Angami's house was raided in his absence but his security guards had to face the intrusion. In the process his pistol was taken away.

It further narrated that on the same day the outfit's Dy.Kilonser V. Markritsii Angami's house was raided and finding him absent his vehicle was forcibly seized.

The next day April 4 another Tatar K.V Paulus was confronted in his house by the unification group and after beating him black and blue they snatch his AK.and Sten Carbine.

Again, on April 4, Shomy Sharon, SO. And T. Shangreingam ASO were abducted from Super Market, alleged the NSCN-IM today.

"It is now left to Naga civil societies to interpret this direct confrontation in a very perspective manner because an unprecedented show of provocation is deliberately enact with the active collusion of certain forces out to change the course of the Indo-Naga political peace process," said the NSCN-IM.
DAN resolves on Naga issue morungexpress
Dimapur, April 5 (MExN): The Political Affairs Committee of the DAN government has taken a number of resolutions pertaining to the Naga political issue and related matters like support for the Forum for Naga reconciliation. A copy of the five resolutions which was taken during yesterday’s joint meeting of the PAC and the DAN was sent late to this daily, received only today.
The DAN has committed to supporting the ongoing peace process and the Indo-Naga political dialogue by playing the role of facilitator. The joint meeting appealed to the negotiating parties to expedite the ‘peace process’ to bring about a “logical” and honorable settlement acceptable to the people.
The state government also assured to extend all possible support to the reconciliation forum formed by Naga civil society and the Church. Urging the Naga civil society, the ENPO and tribal hohos to extend support, the resolution appealed to all sections of the society to work for reconciliation and unity between the Naga factions. The DAN also appealed for ceasefire between the underground groups. “They should listen to the voice of the people whom they represent so that fratricidal killings amongst the Naga national workers can be brought to a halt” the copy of the resolutions stated.
The government and the DAN also resolved to work fro and support the cause of what it stated is the “eastern” Nagas in Myanmar so that “eastern” Nagas receive due political recognition and political rights within their traditional territory (in Myanmar). The DAN also declared its commitment to step down from office in the event of an “alternative arrangement” that “may be necessitated” by a successful conclusion of the indo-Naga political dialogue.
Shivraj Patil praises AR for ‘pivotal role’ in NE PTI
New Delhi, April 5 : Noting that Manipur and Assam were currently witnessing some levels of insurgency, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said the Assam Rifles has played a pivotal role in tackling the problem. Addressing a function here to mark the 173rd Anniversary of the para-military force, he said Assam Rifles has contributed to measures for bringing peace and prosperity in the North East region.
He said the success of the recently conducted counter-insurgency operations in Manipur was because of the efforts of the force in restoring normalcy in the state. Referring to another northeastern state of Nagaland, where the ceasefire with both factions of NSCN is in force, Patil said the Centre was making all possible efforts to find a viable solution to the Naga problem.
Appreciating relentless efforts of the Assam Rifles in combating insurgency in the region, he promised all help for modernisation and better training facilities to its personnel. He said the Assam Rifles, hailed as the 'Sentinels of the North East', was procuring modern equipment and ensuring better training facilities and assured it that Home Ministry stood committed to render all possible help in this regard.
Patil complimented the brave soldiers of the oldest para-military force, which was formed as "Cachar Levy" in 1835, and has since contributed to the development of the nation, especially the North East. He said Assam Rifles played a major role in the peaceful conduct of recent assembly elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland. Patil was earlier welcomed by the Assam Rifles Chief Lt Gen Paramjit Singh.

The Nagaland University syndrome- Nagaland Post
The pitiable state of the NU has been highlighted time and again by concerned students and individual with little or no outcome. Since the academic session began there is nothing worth mentioning to be ascertained that impress or encourage the students apart from the hardship it has endured with ample scope to tap the talent of the students.
The mode of administration is deeply penitent and the pace of development too tardy. The highly nugatory feature of the NU has impugned upon many students with blur career.
It is three weeks now since classes were called off due to the conflict between the NUTA and the VC but still no solution seems to be in the offing. It appears the agitation has fallen into the abysmal of endless conflict to the detriment of the student's career. It's a shame and a sign of mediocrity on the part of the literati people of their stature to continue to niggardly fail to forge a compromise when students are facing undue hardship.
If they have the least concern for the students, they should supplicate themselves to immediate understanding as this is transcending away to the limit of things. We hope they are not refusing to budge from their position knowing that they have nothing much to loose with class or without.
As students, our first priority is study and we cannot afford to let our career fall into disarray because back home there are people expecting us that we might come out with flying colors one day. It is not only the class that is affected but our future is at stake. The Governor and the State Government should intervene in the present impasse keeping in mind the deplorable plight of the students. The PGSU in tandem with other frontal organization should take a more proactive role in this matter.
It is a pity that the Nagas cannot groom their only University on an expected level though this is the future of the society. We wonder whether the Government has any capability to innovate change apart from their interference only in matter of jobs. The credibility of the central Government with regard to small state like Nagaland is highly doubting who sends only corrupt servants. Out of millions out there we wonder whether they have any honest and diligent servants apart from sending us only corrupt and stubborn representative who hardly listen to the pleas of the students or is it just because of too many loopholes in the system that leaves the University too vulnerable to exploitation. But the million dollar question is why cannot the NU strive like any other good Central Universities without comp-licated anomalies.
The NU as an elite institution should have been playing a positive role in the society by now if not for all these mess. The students' organi-zation of the NU as an intellectual body should not limit its activities to the university alone. There are many sim-mering issues confronting the society requiring intellectual pragmatism like the present electoral system which is dividing and killing the people, factionalism, tribalism, corr-uption etc which are gnawing the good social fabric of the society. These are some of the many issues that confront us and its bound to affect us even tomorrow. Students are therefore morally duty confide to contribute themselves for the welfare of the society. They should not become mere stooges of some party that may tarnish the confidence of another but should be audacious enough to tackle issue candidly.
The NU should provide a broad based ground to extract the potentials of the students in Tandem with academic excellence. It could be the pro-genitor of enlightened intell-ectuals devoid of parochial outlook. The NU could also become a thin tank academic centre of traditional political and cultural symbolizes con-sistent with other part of the world. But without any immediate genuine touch to the stagnant problems, our hopes with only be dashed into a chagrin of trivial obsession.
Zhokusheyi Rhakho PG Mens Hostel-II Agri Colony Nagaland University.
Back-to-back meetings on security A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, April 4: Concerned over the prevailing security situation in the state as well as the delay in completing two national projects in trouble-torn North Cachar Hills, the Centre has convened back-to-back meetings in Delhi on April 10 and 11 involving state government officials.
Sources in the chief minister’s office said chief secretary P.C. Sharma, along with senior home department and police officials, would attend the twin meetings.
While Union home secretary Madhukar Gupta will discuss the security situation, principal secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, T.K.A. Nair, will hold deliberations on the time-bound completion of the twin national projects.
“The meetings are intertwined as both involve security which has been dominating the headlines of late. Moreover, the two projects have been held to ransom by the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah despite stepped-up security. Besides insurgents, we are also threatened by jihadi elements. The Ulfa issue could also figure in the discussions,” an official said.
He said the team bound for Delhi is collecting data and materials for presentation to officials in the North Block, that houses the ministry of home affairs. “We need to be fully prepared to answer any query on law and order or the mega projects,” the official said. “The team will seek more help, financial and personnel to cope with the situation till a breakthrough is made on the insurgency front.”
The meeting in North Block assumes significance because the leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Chandra Mohan Patowary, plucked data from one of the home ministry reports and described the situation in the state till November last year as a matter of concern.
Till November 2007, 268 civilians, 112 militants and 25 security personnel were killed in Assam.
The report, quoted by Patowary, had stated, “Out of the eight states of the Northeast, there is no violence in Sikkim. In Mizoram also, the situation is peaceful. There is low intensity violence in some parts of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. The overall number of incidents is quite similar to (that in) previous years but there has been an increase in the number of incidents in 2007 (upto 31.10.2007) as compared to 2006.
“The number of civilians killed last year upto October 31 has increased by 79 per cent over those killed in the previous year, mostly because of targeted killing of Hindi-speaking people in Assam. Militant activities in Assam and Manipur continue to be a matter of concern, and are being dealt (with) accordingly.”
The situation is particularly grim in NC Hills where the DHD (J) targets contractors and workers engaged in the twin national projects at will, thereby pushing back the deadline for completion of the same.
That the security scenario was a cause of concern was also evident from the budget speech of chief minister Tarun Gogoi, wherein he had spoken about the government’s plans to set up a full-fledged counter-insurgency academy and a special task force to counter insurgents. The government also plans to set up 45 new police stations in the char areas.
The PMO meeting assumes significance because it also has to find the reasons for the delay in fencing the international border along Bangladesh, a commitment made in the 1985 Assam Accord. “The twin projects could be one of the issues but the international border issue is equally important,” the official said. What he left unsaid was the flak Dispur had faced for missing the March 31 deadline to fence the border.
Renewed bloodspill in bandh-hit Bodo belt OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, April 5: Blood stained the Bodo heartland again, with a former National Democratic Front of Boroland militant being gunned down in Baksa district on the eve of the 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the Bodoland People’s Progressive Front today, in protest against Tuesday’s killing of a school principal.
Police sources said the surrendered militant, Mridul Mushahary, 25, was gunned down by unidentified persons at Dalbari under Barama police station last night. His body was recovered this morning.
In another incident at Dalbari, assailants also shot at a civilian, Lombi Boro, 22, around 9.30 last night. Boro, who was seriously injured, was taken to the Nalbari Civil Hospital.
Around 25 persons — mostly relatives and supporters of the disbanded Bodoland Liberation Tigers (BLT) and the NDFB — have been killed and dozens injured in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) since March 1 in fratricidal clashes between the two groups.
Several Bodo organisations, including the BPPF, have sought the deployment of army and paramilitary personnel to stop the orgy of violence.
The BPPF-called bandh affected life in the four BTC-administered districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri. Candidates appearing for the degree examinations had a tough time reaching the examination halls in time as vehicles remained off the road. Business establishments, educational institutions and offices remained closed. Trains services were, however, not affected.
The BPPF has convened an all-party meeting in Guwahati on April 10 to highlight law and order breakdown in the BTC and sought the governor’s intervention to bring the situation under control.
“The party will also meet Governor Lt Gen. (retd) Ajai Singh seeking his intervention in the prevailing law and order situation in the BTC area,” BPPF president Rabiram Narzary said.
Former president of the All Bodo Students Union (Absu) and Rajya Sabha MP from Kokrajhar U.G. Brahma also sought the governor’s intervention and demanded the deployment of army and paramilitary forces in the BTC area. “It is becoming difficult for civilians to live here. The situation has crossed the limit,” he alleged.
The Absu will stage a sit-in in front of the offices of the four BTC-administered districts on Monday in protest against the government’s failure to control the situation.
The Bodo Sahitya Sabha has also accused the state government of failing to maintaining law and order. The Kokrajhar police, which has been under pressure to bring the situation under control, arrested two prime suspects in the March 18 attack on the NDFB camp at Ghoskhata, from Isha Lodge in Kokrajhar this evening. The two were identified as Ranjit Cameroon Brahma and Rakesh Brahma.