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04/12/2008: "‘Unity , a common responsibility of all’ Special Correspondent Morungexpress"

‘Unity , a common responsibility of all’ Special Correspondent Morungexpress

General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Th. Muivah is seen talking to a section of the local media at the VIP Lounge, Dimapur, before his departure for New Delhi on April 12. (MExPix)

Dimapur | April 12 :National Socialist Council of Nagalim General Secretary Th. Muivah today said that unity is a common responsibility of all the Naga “national” groups fighting for the Naga cause but pointed out that any move towards unity should be broad-based and through a clear and legitimate process involving ‘reconciliation’. “If it involves true reconciliation and forgiveness, we are always ready to extend our support”, Muivah disclosed in an informal meet with a section of the local media here at the Dimapur Airport VIP Lounge before departing to New Delhi. Muivah is leading a delegation to hold the next round of peace parleys with Government of India representatives over the next few days. The NSCN (IM) General Secretary when queried about the recently floated Forum for Naga Reconciliation involving Naga civil society, said that unity through reconciliation was the best way forward and expressed support for any such a kind of initiative from whichever quarter it comes from. Muivah affirmed the position of the NSCN (IM) as declared on January 13, 2007 by its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu proclaiming that it would strive for reconciliation and unification of all Nagas through forgiveness and that no stone shall be left unturned towards this end. Meanwhile, RH Raising, secretary of Steering Committee, who is accompanying Muivah, disclosed that they will raise ‘issues’ related to the current situation in their parleys with Delhi. It may be mentioned that the NSCN (IM) has taken the position that such ‘delay tactics’ and ‘divide and rule’ policy of the Indian government is a total negation of the long search for mutually acceptable solution through peaceful means. It may be mentioned that following the move for reconciliation, Muivah had gone on record as stating that any initiative for unity must carry the message of common vision, faith, political agenda and that unity must “address the politics of a common future”.
Four militants killed in Manipur clash The Hindu
Tamenglong (Manipur): Four Naga militants were killed in two separate factional fights between the NSCN (I-M) and the NSCN (K) in this interior district bordering Nagaland and Assam on Friday, officials said. Some NSCN (K) militants gunned down Simreisang Tangkhul, a self-styled sergeant major of the NSCN (I-M), at Dikiuram area in Tamei sub-division of the district. Later at around 5.30 a.m., about five NSCN (I-M) cadres shot dead three militants of the NSCN (K) at Duivagailong area under Tamenglong sub-division, the officials said.
The three NSCN (K) cadres were identified as self-styled second lieutenant Daijuang Pamei (26), privates Giangthamlung (19) and Zachaiah (25). PTI
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity PRESS RELEASE 11 April 2008

In the continuing attack on NSCN, the unification group acting serious with the public on unification through reconciliation and peace, abducted four NSCN members namely, 2nd Lt. Zuiring, Sgt/Maj. Simon poumai, Sgt/Maj. Alung Liangmei and pte. Aso along with three pistols from Dimapur on 10 April 2008 at 1 pm. Again, the house of one David Mero, secretary of Forest and Environment Ministry was raided in his absence and taken away Rs. 35,000/- in cash, family album and children's school documents. Earlier one Tatar Robin Lotha house was raided and his 9mm pistol taken away.

This is a serious action that contradicts the unification groups' push for unification. Do they think this is the way to force unification? And if the civil societies are in support of such anti-national activities but taking shelter under the call of unification. Moral integrity is prerequisite for bringing materializing unification which is serious subject matter. Any move that encompasses the interest of the whole Nagas needs the moral backing, and without which everything is left for suspect. This is the problem that the civil societies must not restrain themselves from speaking out if at all they are a force for the Naga's socio-political interest.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity

PRESS RELEASE
11 April 2008

Coming as a great setback to the efford of the civil societies to bring reconciliation and unity among the Khaplang group and NSCN, a large force of Khaplang attacked the NP Battalion Headquarters, Naga Army at Biunning, Tamenglong on 10 April, 10 am. But the vigilant Naga Army repulsed the attack and force the Khaplang group to flee in hurry. There was no casualty on NSCN but the fleeing Khaplang members suffered injuries.

In the related counter attack at Tamenglong town, the Town Command of NSCN attacked the hides out of Khaplang group and killed 3 of them on the spot. The Khaplang group retaliated in another place at Dikeoram near Kaphun Tamei and abducted one Sgt/Maj. Themreishang. In keeping with not going against the public interest for maintaining peace it was not in the interest of NSCN to attack any treacherous groups unless provoked by attacking. The inconvenience caused to the public in Tamenglong town is then regretted.
Plea against abduction Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (NPN): Reacting to reports of abduction and arrest of several NSCN (I-M) members by the rival NSCN/GPRN (Unification), the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) and Sumi Hoho Joint Co-ordination Committee has condemned such incidents and appealed for immediate, safe and unconditional release of the NSCN (I-M) members. A press release issued by Toshi Wungtung on behalf of ENPO-Sumi Hoho Joint Co-ordination Committee said the Unification of Nagas was a prerequisite and prelude for solution and peace to the Naga issue and added such arrests and abductions would only create more rift, barriers and misunderstanding among Nagas, thereby making the objective of Nagas’ long-awaited political solution more elusive, particularly at the present crucial juncture.
“Unification of the Nagas at the moment requires a healing and mutually respectable process, which will not come by forceful means or otherwise, nor imposed,” the release reminded. It further said arrest and abduction were contrary and a dishonour to the peace rally for unification and reconciliation of the Nagas, and one that would certainly not go well with the Naga public and resolutions adopted and declared by the Joint Committee and the Naga public on April 9, 2008, at the rally, the dust of which was yet to settle down.
NSCN/GPRN (Unification)release 3 cadres; ENPO & Sumi Hoho grateful morungexpress
Dimapur, April 12 (MExN): Three cadres of the NSCN-IM said to have been abducted by the NSCN/GPRN Unification have been released unconditionally. The cadres “capt.” Athan Horam of Kachari Village, “lt.” MH Churing Tangkhul of Senakthai Village and “pvt” Varieso Horam of Halang Village, all from Ukhrul district, were released by the NSCN/GPRN Unification “without any harm and harassment”, stated the ENPO/Sumi Hoho joint coordination committee in a note. The ENPO and the Sumi Hoho joint committee is “extremely grateful” to the NSCN/GPRN Unification for responding to the appeal for the NSCN (IM) cadres to be released and their subsequent unconditional release.
“This kind gesture and positive step will certainly help in creating an atmosphere of trust and love among fellow Nagas. This will hopefully contribute towards the removal of any mistrust, suspicion, intolerance and hatred. We see this act of unconditional release as a positive factor towards building a broad and deep-rooted understanding and confidence building among the Nagas” the committee hoped. It has appealed for early release of the “remaining persons” on humanitarian grounds.

FGN on firing incident at Phek- Nagaland Post
On the 4th April 2008 at around 10 pm a group of Transit Peace Campers came to Phek Town and blindly fired into the night scarring and terrorising the inhabitants of the Town. Adamant to heed to the voice of the public leaders, they stayed in Zion Colony of Phek Town to carry out the nefarious designs. On April 7, 2008 morning they surrounded the residence of Midan Peyu, Chakhesang Region, FGN and attacked the Naga Army personnel of 5 Brigade, Southern Command stationed there exposing their motives.
These incidents are a mockery to Naga Sovereignty and a direct challenge to Naga freedom fighters which can not go un-answered. Nagas know the truth but simply do not expose the reality as should be and allow these anti-national forces to carry out their ill conceived designs at will where the nation and the people are at the receiving end of shame and suffering.
Clause-1 of the Shillong Accord reads, "On our own volition we accept the Constitution of India". This Clause makes those people who accepted the Shillong Accord direct agents and the watch dogs of India. For 33 years they are living in Transit Peace Camp on the hospitality of India and cheating or intimidating the Nagas for their self aggrandizement. When they accepted the Constitution of India can they be considered as Naga National workers? Are these accordists not ashamed not to speak of nationalism but even think in their wildest dream that they are freedom fighters? Whoever harbour and nurture these people are also equal collaborator in anti-national activities. Will the Nagas still allow these Indian watch dogs to meddle in the affairs of the Federal Government of Nagaland? The NNC and FGN belong to the Nagas and not to a few misguided and hyped lots.
In 1980 the Naga saw the emergence of the NSCN/GPRN mainly because of the Shillong Accord as the main factor. Disastrously it had only caused setbacks to Naga cause of Sovereignty and introduced fratricidal killings which continue to this day. The untold misery and suffering faced by the Nagas as a consequence cannot be erased from Naga history. Today we cannot allow further disintegration of Naga family but strive for Peace and Clarity of our people.
Nagas must no longer remain silent observers but be brave enough to speak out and expose the truth by calling what is " a spade a spade" to protect the Nation by upholding the cause of freedom and sovereignty as pledged by our fore bears through the Independence declaration of 14th August 1947 and the popular Plebiscite of 16th May 1957.
Leut. Vesaneyo, Spokesman, 5 Brigade,S/C,Naga Army FGN.
NSCN (IM) cadre members declare- Nagaland Post
We the undersigned on behalf of the cadres who have left the NSCN (IM) wish to make this public declaration so as to make our position clear to the Naga public. We made this declaration after careful examination of the present prevailing situation.
Despite our sincere commitment to the Naga national cause and our many years of service rendered for the Nation we have become disillusioned with interfactional fighting and the misuse and abuse of power and position for personal and narrow interest. We are also fed up with the national leaders' stand of not cooperating with the Naga public's plea for reconciliation within the Naga family for peace. We also wish to express our opposition to the present practice of extortion and harassment of the Naga public in the name of Naga nationalism and Nagaland for Christ. With all these facts, we have come out from the NSCN (IM). We also assure the Naga public that we are still standing for the Naga national cause and are ready to give full support towards the Naga reconciliation and subsequent actions that would lead towards achievement of our national goals.
L. D John, member, former tatar NSCN (IM). Ashuhrü Ben, member, former Jt. Secy. NSCN (IM).

Ketsapo fights armed UGs Nagarealm.com Kohima, APR11 [NPN] : Villagers of Ketsapo in Phek district exhibited true Naga grit when they chased and overpowered some twenty armed underground activists of the NNC (Accord) group to rescue the village council chairman and VDB secretary both of who were abducted at gunpoint from their houses at around 4 a.m. Friday.

Despite immense danger to their lives, the Ketsapo villagers refused to be cowed down and with only spears and daos, chased after the heavily armed abductors for nearly half an hour through the jungles. It was reported that the abductors fired some shots to ward off the villagers but in vain. The Ketsapo villagers managed to overpower the abductors and rescue their chairman and secretary by around 5 a.m. The NNC (Accord) group were led by one ‘capt.’ Sakuve of Phek village and another ‘capt.’Vechineyi of Losaphu village. It was in Ketsapo that the VDB concept was birthed by the then DC Mr. R.S. Pandey, currently on deputation to the centre and holding the rank of secretary steel. Mr Pandey had returned briefly as adviser (Development) to the Governor during the President’s rule from January till March 5 this year. DC Mokokchung Ma-ongwati Aier lauded the bravery of the Ketsapo villagers and rewarded them with twelve bags of sugar and other gifts.

Phek district, the traditional NNC bastion, has been experiencing frequent movement of armed cadres for quite sometime. Splits within the NNC led to inroads made by other NSCN factions in the district though the NNC (non-Accordist) continues to hold traditional sway.

Nagas reiterate broad-based unification Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, April 11 – The Nagas representing various tribes have yet again reaffirmed their concern for unification of all Nagas in a broader perspective to bring about a solution to the vexed political issue. Led by the Joint Coordination Committee of Eastern Naga Public Organization (ENPO) and Sumi Hoho, a unification rally was organised on Wednesday at City Tower Junction here. The rally resolved to work hard for a broad-based Naga unification in whichever manner that may be fit according to the situation.

Various speakers from different tribal organisation raised their concern on the burning issue of “unification of the Nagas” and called for reconciliation amongst the various Naga tribes, irrespective of underground or overground.ENPO advisor Pohwang Konyak said that the Naga factions have used the slogan ‘Nagaland for Christ’, but they have not practiced what Christ taught. “Does Christ teach us to kill each other?” he said.

He said that talks about sovereignty do not hold any meaning unless Naga people unite for the common cause. He said Nagas have to think whether they want sovereignty or not, adding, solution is not only for the NSCN, FGN or NNC but also for the entire Naga community.

Neingulo Krome, general secretary of Naga Hoho, claimed that if the NSCN had made any achievement in the past 11 years, it was because of the Naga people’s search for freedom and peace.He said that the Nagas have expressed their resentment over the issue and spelled out their vision for the Nagas in the past, which had led to the signing of the 16-Point Agreement, Shillong Accord, etc., and subsequently the 1997 Cease-fire Agreement with the Government of India and the NSCN-IM. However, with all these “achievements” the Nagas have not contributed for their common cause, he observed.

“It is not the NSCN-IM alone which brought achievement by initiating talks with the Government of India; the Naga civil society had also contributed by taking up the Naga issue at the international platforms,” he said. Krome said Nagas should stop living in the past if they really want peace. “If we really want to achieve peace, we must forget our past differences” he said and urged the Nagas to overlook the petty differences of the past.

He further said that due to selfish attitude of many Naga leaders, Nagas today continue to victimize their own people. “In the guise of bringing peace, we instigate war among ourselves,” he added. He warned that in the midst of Nagas blaming each other, outside agencies are taking advantage of the division. Later, talking to media persons, Krome said that Naga Hoho has been working as facilitator to resolve differences among factions. On the issue of unification, he made it clear that it has to be broad based with principles and should include all Nagas.

When asked to comment on the absence of representations of several organizations, like Nagaland Baptist Council of Churches, Naga Reconciliation Forum, Naga Mother’s Association, Tenyime Central Union, United Naga Council, Dimasa Kachari Union (Dimapur) and Gorkha Union (Dimapur), Krome said, it may be because of communication gap.
The Joint Coordination Committee also reaffirmed and reiterated the earlier resolution of ‘unification first’ and then solution based on the December 18, 2007 Tuensang Summit and the January 8, 2008 Thahekhu Resolution.
`Public curfew` in Tamenglong after rival NSCN factions clash leaving four dead Daniel Kangla on Line

TAMENGLONG, Apr 11: Zeliangrong civil bodies in Tamenglong district of Manipur issued a red alert and imposed public curfew in the district headquarters as fresh factional clashes between the two rival NSCN factions erupted in the town claiming at least four lives, including high ranking officials of both groups since Thursday.
In retaliatory action to the murder of a NSCN(IM) sergeant major by cadres of the NSCN(K) yesterday, at least three cadres of the NSCN(K) were shot dead early Friday at around 5.20 am, official reports said.

NSCN(IM) cadres hiding in the forests near Tamenglong town came out and abducted the three cadres of the NSCN(K) today morning and shot them dead at the complex of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tamenglong for which the construction work is currently in progress at Duigailong village, a report said.

The slain cadres were later identified as SS Major Zachariah, 25, son of Ningthak of Noneh village, SS Lt Keithonang Panmei, 28, son of Gaijonlung of Sheicheiram village currently residing at Tamenglong ward-no. 6 and Giangthanglung, 19, son of Gaikhailung of Komlam village.

Earlier yesterday afternoon, a sergeant major of the rival NSCN (IM) named Genreisang, 28, was shot dead at Deukeuram village where he was staying in a rented house by the cadres of the NSCN(K).

Yesterday, a marathon gunbattle was fought between the two rival groups when well equipped cadres of NSCN(K) attacked NP battalion of the Naga Army of the NSCN(IM) located at Buning village, around five kilometers away from Tamenglong district headquarter. The battalion was under the command of captain Chamdal of the rival outfit.

In the gunfight which lasted from around 9 am till 3 pm, NSCN(K) claimed killing at least one IM cadre at the bunker of the battalion and injuring four to five others. However, the same was denied by the NSCN(IM) who stated that none of its cadres suffered casualties in the fight.

In the aftermath of the clashes that erupted in the town, the Zeliangrong civil bodies in the town have sounded red alert and asked the general public to remain indoors from 6.30 pm to 5 am everyday.

In a joint announcement after condolence service of the deceased were performed today at Haipou Jadonang hall, they also announced ban on the collection of taxes of any kinds by the outfits operating in the area with immediate effect. Violation of the announcement by anyone will be dealt with severely, Daniel Kameih, a journalist in the town reported.

Before the announcement, around 500 people of the town gathered at the Haipou Jadongnag hall of the Zelaingrong House today and performed a condolence service for the victims of the fresh factional clashes. After the condolence service, the dead bodies were received by the families for the last rites at their respective native villages.

IM scalps 3 K cadres Staff Reporter/Correspondent Sangai Express
IMPHAL/JIRI, Apr 11: In continuing hostility, atleast three cadres of the NSCN (K) have been reportedly killed by armed cadres of rival NSCN (I-M) in an ambush laid at the site where a hospital is under construction at Duigailung village, about 3 kms south-west of Tamenglong Police Station at around 5.30 am today. The slain NSCN (K) cadres have been identified as 2nd Lt Keithannang Panmei (26) s/o Gaigunglung of Tamenglong Part-6; Sgt Zachiah Rongmei (25) s/o Ningpha of Noney Part-I and Pvt Giangthanlung (19) s/o Gaithailung of Guangram village, near Irang bridge.
All three of them were killed by the armed cadres of NSCN (I-M) while coming to make arrangement for cooking food. Police could not confirm whether arms and ammunition have been seized by NSCN (I-M) cadres from the possession of the slain NSCN (K) cadres. Nonetheless, police have recovered some empty cartridges from the site of the incident.
Mention may be made that the headquarters of the NSCN (I-M) at Bunning in Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district was attacked by cadres of NSCN (K) yesterday. One Sgt Maj of NSCN (I-M) identified as Shimreishang Tangkhul was killed in the attack.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the slain NSCN (K) cadres have been handed over to their respective family members after post-mortem at Tamenglong District Hospital.
India supplying arms to Yangon By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 11: Under a diplomatic tie-up between India and Myanmar, the Government of India has been providing arms and ammunition worth crores of rupees to the Myanmarese junta to strengthen defence capability of the eastern neighbour.
A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that the Government of India provided arms and ammunition worth Rs 44,60,680 to the Myanmarese junta during 2004-05 without charging any money. More free supply of arms and ammunition followed during 2005-06 and 2006-07, their monetary value being Rs 37,78,669 and Rs 56,44, 28,560.
So far, the Government of India has supplied arms and ammunition worth Rs 57,26,67,909 free of cost in a friendly gesture to the junta.
The arms supplied by New Delhi to Yangon included heavy and sophisticated weapons capable of firing mortar shells.
Under an understanding among the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, the arms and ammunition were delivered to Myanmar by road through Moreh after crossing several North Eastern States. Even though the arms consignments were granted customs clearance at Moreh, the Government of Manipur was never informed of the arms and ammunition transported through the State, disclosed the source.
It further disclosed that the Government of India started aiding the Myanmarese junta by providing arms and ammunition free of cost since 2003. In that year alone, 110 truckloads of arms and ammunition were supplied to Myanmar. The largest consignment of arms and ammunition was dispatched this year, it added. One accused in police net : An individual reportedly involved in killing two Anal women at Thoubal Tekcham in the night of March 21 has been apprehended by Thoubal police. According to information received from police, the accused involved in the killing of PS Snowy Anal alias Julie of Chakpikarong Anal Khunou and NH Easter Anal of Chakpikarong Charangching is currently in police custody and is being questioned. Citing security reasons, the police source, however, refused to divulge the names and details of the apprehended accused.
Be proud to be a Bodo, an Asomiya and an Indian: Aiyer Staff Reporter Sentinel
BODOFA NWGWR (Dotma), April 11: “Be proud to be a Bodo and a citizen of Asom as well as of India,” was the call given by Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and in-charge of DoNER Mani Shankar Aiyer who was overwhelmed by the warm and colourful reception studded with traditional music and dance. The Union minister visited BTAD today.
“Unity in diversity, the very foundation of Indian nationalism, has further been established here. Different languages, food habits and dresses are not barriers for a true Hindustani,” he said while addressing as the chief guest in the 47th annual session of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) at Bodofa Nwgwr (Dotma). A number of prominent Bodo leaders were present at the session.
BSS president Brajendra Kumar Brahma handed over a memorandum to the Union minister urging him for the construction of a Rs 8.5-crore socio-cultural literary complex at Gorchuk, Ahomgaon in Guwahati to promote Bodo language and culture at the national and international levels. The BSS also has urged Aiyer for special Central funds from DoNER to provincialize all categories of Bodo medium venture schools and colleges. Aiyer assured the BSS of looking into the matter if it comes through the State Government in the form of a concrete proposal.
On granting special funds in the field of education, Aiyer assured the BSS of taking up the matter with Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh. “The future of Bodoland depends on the development of its younger generation,” he said. “Over the years, the Bodo movement for self-determination has jeopardised educational development in the community, and that needs to be improved,” Aiyer opined.
Kokrajhar MP SK Bwismuthiary, who accompanied the Union minister, said there are about 2,000 venture schools in BTAD which could not be provincialized due to constraint of funds.
Earlier, just after his arrival at Titaguri in Kokrajhar district by a chattered helicopter, the Union minister laid the foundation stone of the proposed India-Bodoland Indigenous (Tribal) Bodo Cultural Complex-cum-Film Studio at Bangaldoba-Holoadal. Responding to Bwismuthiary’s contention that the Rs 500 crore sanctioned for the complex is not adequate for completion of the project, the Union minister said that funds would not be a constraint for the project. BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, Asom ministers Chandan Brahma and Pramila Rani Brahma and newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary were, among others, were present on the occasion. Mohilary said the proposed complex will be open for all communities living in the BTAD. The Union minister also visited the secretariat complex of the BTC under construction and the special games complex currently managed by the Sports Authority of India. The BTC Legislative House and Secretariat complex on a plot of land measuring about 242 bighas are expected to be inaugurated by the end of this year. Talks for setting up of an airport in Chirang district near the BRPL is on with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, BTC sources revealed. Aiyer expressed his happiness over the development process going on in the BTAD. However, later talking to newsmen, he ruled out any direct funding by the Centre to the council. Since there are no constitutional provisions for such direct funding, funds to be injected for the development in the BTAD will be only through the State Government, he clarified.
Submit charter demands to Centre, BSS tells NDFB Correspondent Sentinel
BODOFA NWGWR (Dotma), April 11: Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) president Brajendra Kumar Brahma today said the BSS has been struggling for the development of Bodo language and literature. “The history of the BSS is the history of Bodo struggle. The Bodos get their demands fulfilled only through struggle. After the inclusion of Bodo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, we have been struggling for development of the language,” Brahma said while speaking at the 47th BSS session at Dotma in Kokrajhar district today.
On militancy in the State, Brahma said the Government should hold talks with the NDFB and the ULFA. He has appealed to NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary to submit the charter of demands to the Government and come forward for talks.
BSS vice-president Gopinath Borgoyary said a number of BSS office-bearers, including former president Bineswar Brahma, were killed at the hands of militants. “Such a confrontationist attitude among the Bodos won’t solve our problems,” he said.
Referendum not a final solution Mizzima
April 11, 2008 - Despite both the ruling junta and the pro-democracy opposition trying to get their own way in the ensuing referendum on the draft constitution by getting the people to cast the 'Yes' and 'No' vote respectively, there is a little light at the end of the tunnel. There will be political stalemate after the referendum amid changes in the political spectrum in one form or another.
The military regime is openly campaigning among the people to vote 'Yes' for the draft constitution as the fourth step of it's so-called seven-point Road Map to democracy. It took 14 years to finish drafting the constitution, which ensures a role for the military or Tatmadaw to control power by hiding behind the constitution. The constitution is designed to install new faces of civilians from among the men in green for some sectors but, mostly they would be puppet civilians controlled by the military hierarchy.
A month before the referendum those into campaigning for casting 'No' votes are still being sent to jail, almost every day, by the Burmese regime. The opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is still under house arrest and the military has even denied her the right to contest the 2010 general elections if its constitution is supported by a majority of the voters. The local authorities are threatening the ordinary villagers saying those voting "No" could face punishments although the junta publicly promises to ensure secret voting. The regime is creating "a climate of fear" before the referendum which has been prolonged for almost two decades since the new brand of military officers took over power from the former dictator.
The International community is hesitant to endorse one of the most repressive regime's moves. The United Nation which has been rejected, had called for broader and inclusive or "genuine dialogue" for political transition to democratization. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be allowed to speak freely and hold political meetings, the draft statement of the UN Security Council stated. Even, the regime's rare friend India called on the junta to turn back to the UN led dialogue table which was sought to solve the imbroglio after 31 peaceful protesters lost their lives in the bloody crackdown on Buddhist monk-led demonstrations.
On the other hand, the main opposition political party the National League for Democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has urged the public to "bravely vote 'No'. So has almost every opposition group including an influential group, the 88 Generation Students amid debates of "Boycott the referendum or vote No" in the initial stages. The media in exile and the regime's propaganda machinery is busy with referendum related coverage. The daily newspapers in Burmese, controlled by the junta say "If you do not want a puppet government controlled by the foreigners, vote 'Yes'".
The regime has chosen its own Road Map to avoid dialogue and the main supporter is China as usual. However, even if the opposition has been kicked out from participating in drawing up the constitution won by 'Yes' votes under such an environment, there would be very few new countries to recognize and endorse it as democratic reform. Similarly, there would be no significant changes if the constitution is rejected by the voters. The regime has never mentioned a word on this scenario. The ball is still in their court and it would choose to return to the "buying time method". The opposition and the international community should not lack preparation for real and immediate pressure on the regime to come to the dialogue table. Without pressure, the regime will not move a single inch. The building of political institutions is never too late and it should be on track while understandably rejecting the regime's one-sided approach.