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05/06/2008: "4 more killed in rival NSCN push to take over Dimapur(Page News Service)"

4 more killed in rival NSCN push to take over Dimapur(Page News Service)

Situation tense in Dimapur as rival NSCN rushes in reinforcement
DIMAPUR, MAY 5: At least 4 persons were killed and another 2 critically injured in NSCN factional related violence in Dimapur during the last 12 hours disrupting normal activities in this commercial capital of Nagaland.
Law and order situation in Dimapur continues to remain very tense with rumors of a major showdown between the rival NSCN groups within this week doing the rounds in order to assert their authority over revenue rich Dimapur. That the NSCN groups had been bringing in more reinforcements into Dimapur had given credence to the rumors, although there are no "official or intelligence" reports on the build up of armed cadres in and around Dimapur.
With Monday's killing, Dimapur is fast turning into a killing field with at least 17 persons shot dead in as many days and injuries to scores of others, including civilians. This is in addition to the reported as well as unreported abductions of businessmen and their siblings for ransom taking place on a daily basis in Dimapur.
On Monday, three persons identified by police as Ayo Muivah, son of Shemriphang; Mayoyang Muivah, son of Shemriphang, both from Phadang village in Ukhrul District and Suriyu Khamrang, son of Chanaongai, a resident of Wungram Colony here were abducted at around 9.30 a.m. from the house of Ayo Muivah at Khermahal by unidentified armed miscreants. Later at around 11.30 a.m., Ayo Muivah and Suriyu Khamrang were taken in a Maruti Swift car towards Duncan Bosti area and shot at point blank range.
According to police, Suriyu Khamrang was killed on the spot after the miscreants shot him on the head, while Ayo Muivah sustained bullet injuries as the shot fired on him hit his right jaw. He was immediately shifted to Metro Hospital for treatment, but seeing his critical conditions, he was brought to Civil Hospital. However, family members of the victim later shifted him to Zion Hospital.
An hour later, Mayoyang Muivah was taken to Ghorapatti area and shot on the forehead by the miscreants, police sources said. He died on the spot.
Police recovered 2 empty cases of 7.65 ammunition from the Duncan Bosti area.
However, residents of the area claimed that at least 3 shots were fired.
Police sources revealed that the identity of the victims were established by the wife of Ayo Muivah.
Police quoting her informed that Ayo is an ex-cadre of NSCN (IM), while his brother Mayoyang is a PU 2nd year student of Patkai Christian College, who had come today for admission to the college.
Whether Suriyu belong to any faction was not known.
When Dimapur Police were investigating into the 2 shoot-out incidents till Monday evening, they received an information from the GB of Veterinary Colony that a dead body was seen at DMC dumping ground at around 7 p.m. He was later identified as Vitoshe Sumi, Chaplain of NSCN (IM). Police sources suspects that he might have been shot and dumped there.
Meanwhile, another cadre of NSCN (IM), identified as Pouken Zeliang, son of Mohontai Zeliang was killed on the midnight of Sunday at around 12.30 a.m. at Burma Camp area.
According to police, Pouken was traveling in his Maruti car when he was chased by some armed people in another vehicle. After sometime, they opened fired at Pouken's vehicle, which killed him on the spot.
Police also said that one person was seriously injured, but his identity could not be established nor he could be found after the incident.
Police also recovered the car, which had several bullet marks on it.
NSCN-IM, NSCN (U) engage in war of words -Newmai News Network
Dimapur, May 6: Both NSCN-IM and the NSCN-Unification are currently engaged in a war of words over the current situation.
The NSCN (I-M) blames the NSCN-Unification for deterioration of the situation and questions the move for unification by the rival outfit.
According to NSCN (I-M), the NSCN Unification is nothing less than a “rogue”, “illegal” and “unruly” organization”.
On the other hand, the NSCN-Unification in a stat-ement charged the “Hebron campers in NSCN (I-M) set-up of coming in the way of Naga unification supported and endorsed by various NGOs, tribal hohos and village chiefs.”
The NSCN-Unification said it was an irony that NSCN (I-M) killed three “innocent” Konyak youths in “cold-blood” in Kohima on the day its chairman Isak Chishi Swu had made a proclamation for peace and reconciliation on January 13 last year.
The NSCN-Unification alleged NSCN (I-M)’s “open door policy of ultimatums to surrender and seek forgiveness” had all along been the stumbling block towards unification of the Nagas.
Mention may be made that the NSCN (I-M) had viewed the latest attacks on some of its cadres belonging to Tangkhul community as “ethnic cleansing” by the rival NSCN Unification.
Two Tangkhuls were among four killed on Sunday and Monday.
Both were purportedly civilians. Two others, both Tang-khuls and cadres of NSCN (I-M), were also grievously injured.
The NSCN (I-M) in a statement issued by its MIP said the attacks were the “beginning of an ethnic cleansing by the Unification Gang”.
“The Unification Gang took the decision to go against the Tangkhuls on May 4 under the command of V. Tuccu, Akato Chophy and Keyakhu,” the NSCN-IM statement said.
Meanwhile, there is virtually no sense of security in the minds of people in Dimapur despite heightened security. The Naga- land Government has not taken any tough stand so far to stop the killings.
The killings continue despite appeals by the civil societies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Church to the factions to shun the path of violence. Violence belies
Peace Bloody Monday morungexpress
Dimapur, May 5 (MExN): Tension runs high in Dimapur, even after the formation of the District Coordination Committee Dimapur to maintain peace and tranquility and despite the frequent and fervent appeals to stop bloodshed made by Naga civil society. In a latest and a clear sign of the deteriorating law and order situation in Dimapur district, five people - two NSCN (IM), a Patkai Christian College student, a civilian and one unidentified person - were killed in different incidents within a span of little over 12 hours here today.
According to police sources, at around 11:30-12 noon, a speeding Maruti Zen came and shoved out two persons at a spot near the Ao Baptist Church and Essar petrol station in Duncan Basti and fired ‘three shots’; leaving one dead on the spot and another seriously injured with a bullet wound in the head. He was rushed off to Metro Hospital then shifted to Civil Hospital and then Zion Hospital, where he is said to be in serious condition, sources said. The deceased, who was blindfolded and bore two bullet wounds on his head, has been identified as Suriyo Khamang (33 yrs), son of Chenaongai from Ukhrul. The injured has been identified as Sumiho (Ayo) Muivah (29 yrs) son of Shemiriphang from Ukhrul, and reportedly an “ex-member of the NSCN setup”. The involvement of the deceased in underground factions is not ascertained till now, police said.
Meanwhile, at around 12-12:30 at Ghorapatti area in Dimapur, police recovered the dead body of another person, Mayoyang Muivah (19 yrs), reportedly the brother of the injured person, Sumiho (Ayo) Muivah, the injured person in the Duncan incident.
Police said that Mayoyang Muivah is reportedly a student of PU (Commerce) who had recently come to Dimapur from his village for readmission into Patkai Christian College; he had earlier studied there but got “failed.” Dimapur Superintendent of Police, Lirimo Lotha disclosed that the three persons were abducted by armed cadres from a house in Khermahal colony at around 9:30 this morning.
The SP informed that last night at around 12:30 pm one NSCN (IM) cadre was shot dead while he was traveling in a Maruti car with his companion in a Burma Camp area. The deceased was identified as ‘ss’ Lt AB Pouken Zeliang, presently residing in Wungram Colony, Purana Bazar. His companion escaped however, his condition is not ascertained till now and that the police have no records of his accomplice, the Dimapur SP informed.
Meanwhile, Dimapur police confirmed that the body of ‘capt’. Vitoshe, an NSCN (IM) cadre was recovered this evening from Burma Camp area. A top Dimapur police officer informed that another body has been found in Padum Phukri area late this evening. However details to these two incidents could not be ascertained from the police, till filing of this story.
Nonetheless, speaking on the tense situation in Dimapur SP Lirimo Lotha said that the Dimapur police will “definitely gear up” to face the situation. He disclosed that Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Maongwati has personally requested the Assam Rifles to provide security in the peripheral areas of Dimapur. “The DC personally requested the Assam Rifles and hopefully they would come forward and help us with peripheral security,” the SP said.
The SP further disclosed that the DC has asked the tribal hoho leaders present at today’s meeting of District Coordination Committee Dimapur at DC office, to disseminate to the people not to harbor cadres in their houses; since rival cadres would come around in search for them, resulting in abductions and even shootouts in civilian-populated area.
Meanwhile, the Dimapur SP Lirimo Lotha today refuted the allegation of the NSCN (IM) that that one of its officials, Tatong Ao (Secretary) had been “abducted” from his residence at Bank Colony, Dimapur by the “Unification gang” who came disguised as policemen in ‘police uniform’. In this regard, Liromo Lotha said that the police have thoroughly inquired into the matter with the relatives of the abducted persons, who told the police that some people did come to the abducted person’s house three or four times searching for the victim; however, they came in civilian clothes, said Lirimo Lotha.
Ethnic cleansing: NSCN-IM Nagaland Post
Squarely blaming the GPRN/NSCN Unification for the incidents of Sunday and Monday, the NSCN (I-M) said the attacks were the “beginning of an ethnic cleansing by the Unification Gang”.
A press release issued by the MIP of NSCN (I-M) said “The Unification Gang took the decision to go against the Tangkhuls on May 4 under the command of V. Tuccu, Akato Chophy and Keyakhu”. Giving an account of the attacks, the release said K. Chinaoyo was a civilian and that he was hunted from Burma Camp area before being shot dead at Ghorapatty. The release said Mayoyang Muinao and “Crpl” Somayo Muinao were abducted from Khermahal where the latter was staying with his wife, a Sema. According to the release, Mayoyang was a class XI student of Patkai Christian College and killed in uniform.
On Sunday night’s incident at Burma Camp, the release said Poukan was abducted and then hacked to death while Solomon escaped with serious injuries. The release further charged the rival faction with the killing of “Capt” Vitoshe.
NSCN-IM reacts to latest killings morungexpress
Dimapur, May 5 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has termed today’s bloody wave of killing in Dimapur as the “beginning of an ethnic cleansing by the Unification Gang.” A note from the MIP stated that the “Unification gang” took to targeting four Tangkhuls, two of who are innocent public members while the other two are NSCN-IM cadres. The note also mentioned the killing of a class XI student of Pakai Christian College, Mayoyang Muinao, said to have been shot while in uniform.
“In what could be termed as the beginning of an ethnic cleansing by the Unification Gang, four Tangkhuls are targeted today at Dimapur-two are civilians and two are NSCN members. The Unification Gang took the decision to go against the Tangkhuls on May 4” the NSCN-IM stated.
Giving its account the MIP note stated that a civilian one K Chinaoyo was ‘hunted’ from the Burma Camp area and shot dead at Korabati. Then one Mayoyang Muinao and “CPL” Somayo Muinao were abducted from Khelmahal where “Corpl.” Somayo stays with his Sumi wife. “They were shot some distant (sic) from City Tower. Mayoyang died on the spot and Somayo was fatally injured. Mayoyang was a class XI student from Patkai Christian College and killed in uniform” the MIP stated. It also said that earlier, on May 4, at 11:30 pm one “Lt.” Poukan Zeliangrong and a “Lt.” Solomon were attacked at Burma Camp.
“Poukan was abducted but hacked to death. Solomon escaped with serious injuries. Again, today capt. Vitoshe, Chaplain of Hevito battalion Naga Army was shot dead by Unification in Burma Camp, Dimapur” the MIP added.
In a separate press note, the “Konyak National Workers, NSCN” stated that the brutal murder of Konyak “CAO” Man-i and his guard “L/Corpl.” Shangti after being abducted on May 2 in Dimapur ‘has come as a great shock to the people of Konyak region in general and to the family members in particular.’
Terming the act as that of cowardice on the part of the “Unification ruffians who never compromise themselves to follow humanized norms to bring about Naga Unification” the note regretted “the fact that such group has come to exist to cause irreparable damnation to the Naga’s sincere approach to unification.”
The “Konyak national workers under the able leadership of Isak, Khadao and Muivah strongly condemn the killing, and woes betide the unification gang for committing such unprecedented trails of crimes in the name of unification” it stated.
The note added that the “Konyak National Workers share the grief and sorrow of Man-i and Shangti and the Naga nation will never forget the service rendered by them. The Konyaks shall never be cowed down but shall stick to any approach that encompassed human respect and norms” it added.
Rio in Delhi for State plan Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, May 5 (NPN): State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with some senior officials of the State government is campaigning in New Delhi in connection with the finalization of annual state plan for the year 2008-2009 by the Planning Commission.
Official sources informed that Rio was expected to give power point presentation on the various departments before the Planning Commission.
During his stay, the chief minister is expected to meet some Central ministers and senior officials of various ministries.
Earlier in April, Rio had expressed optimism before media persons that the State’s plan outlay would cross rupees one thousand crore.
The chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented Rs.425.77 crore deficit budget for the year 2008-2009 on March 24 during the 1st Session of 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile, according to a close aide of the chief minister, Rio was expected to meet Union Agriculture Minister and NCP president Sharad Pawar and discuss the Union Minister’s proposed visit to Nagaland.
Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule, a Rajya Sabha MP, will come to Nagaland on May 17 on a three-day visit.
During his stay, the minister is expected to inaugurate an agriculture exhibition at local ground here. Stalls for the exhibition are expected to be set-up by the Agri and allied sectors and some performing Self Help Groups.
Press Release Ministry of Information and Publicity, GPRN

Am I my brother's keeper

In the world torn with ideological and other unfounded conflicts, killing has taken a common place, and may be killing among enemies are allowed to take place in the scheme of things as willed by God. But when the killing has to do among own brothers it carries a meaning of crime of highest degree and the stamp of negative connotation naturally follows. According to our Bible interpretation, the killing of Abel by his brother Cain is born out of sheer jealousy. Today, jealousy has turned out to be most dangerous disease in the socio-political affairs among the Nagas. And to give vent to this jealousy many Naga national workers exposed themselves as the most vulnerable lot and allowed themselves to be used as somebody's tools to wreck the Naga nationhood. This is the reality today. But in the process there is the greater conviction that ultimately the truth shall prevail, for God shall always side with the forces that stands for truth. But the greater interest of the Nagas forbade things to go on like this for long. Time has come to leave aside whosoever may have started the killing among the Naga brothers, and the urgency has come before us to reconcile ourselves before our God Jehovah on whom we believe. In the true spirit of brotherhood with one objective we need to place ourselves before God and reconcile among ourselves for unity before the solution. Because, in the practical sense of the term we need to search for the signification of unity that can only come from reconciliation.

Let us not put ourselves in the position to be left behind with baseless and visionless revolution, and create more problems for ourselves. We need to have strong moral integrity and allegiance to our commitment to do the will of God to fulfill the will of our political commitment. This is the true meaning of our allegiance to the Naga nation. We need to work among ourselves and share opinion with that democratic spirit and accommodation. Only then we can generate that atmosphere to bring about genuine unity, leaving no room for superficial campaign that has created more scope for bloodshed. But changing our position every now and then, overcome with the possessive spirit that is far from the Naga political aspiration, we simply add more fuel to the burning fire.

This kind of activities and mindset should be stopped forthwith lest it create more bloodshed among the Naga brothers. Because of which our God Jehovah will ask of us where our brothers are. And we should not be found wanting by answering to God "am I my brother's keeper?"

Issued by:Tongmeth Wungnao Kilonser, Ministry of Information and Publicity, GPRN
4 killed in Dimapur Nagaland post Staff Reporter
Dimapur, May 5 (NPN): Four persons – two from NSCN (I-M) and two civilians – were killed while two others, both from NSCN (I-M), were seriously injured in separate incidents here on Sunday and Monday.
In the first of the incidents late Sunday night, one NSCN (I-M) activist was killed while another, also of the same faction, was seriously injured at Burma Camp area of the town.
The slain activist was identified as “Lt” A. Poukan Zeliang and the injured as “Lt” Solomon. The condition of the injured was stated to be critical.
Three more persons – one from NSCN (I-M), a student and a civilian – were killed while another, also of the NSCN (I-M), was critically injured in separate incidents here on Monday.
In the first of the incidents, one K. Chinaoyo – reported to be a civilian – was killed on the spot by armed assailants at Ghorapatty area of the town Monday noon.
Minutes later, unidentified gunmen killed one Mayoyang Muinao, purportedly a student, on the spot and grievously injured one “Crpl” Somayo Muinao of NSCN (I-M) at Duncan area of the town. The injured was rushed to Zion Hospital and his condition was stated to be critical. According to police, Mayoyang and “Crpl” Somayo were brothers. They were the sons of
Factional killings continue unabated in Nagaland By Vibou Ganguly Morungexpress Thai Indian news
Kohima, May 6 (ANI): Dimapur, the commercial capital of Shemiriphang, Ukhrul, Manipur and staying together at Khermahal, Dimapur. In the last incident, “Capt” Vitoshe, Chaplain of Hevito battalion, Naga Army, NSCN (I-M), was killed by unidentified gunmen in Burma Camp area. It may be mentioned the resurgence of factional violence has so far claimed over 20 lives. On Sunday, two activists of the GPRN/ NSCN Unification were killed in a clash with NSCN (I-M) in Merapani on the Assam-Nagaland border.
Nagaland, has become a killing field of sorts on account of the factional killings which continues unabated.
In the last 48 hours, six people have been killed, including a student. The bullet riddled body of the student of the Patkai Christian College, Dimapur, who hailed from Manipurs Ukhrul District was recovered by police from the Ghorapatty area of the town.
Dimapur and its surrounding areas are dominated by the Sumi Tribe which happens to be the backbone of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-Unification).
On Sunday, two Unification cadres were killed by its rival Isak Muivah (IM) group at Merapani, a disputed area on the Assam-Nagaland border.
The Unification group took a decision on May 4 to go against the Tangkhuls under the command of V Tuccu, Akato Chophy and Keyakhu. The NSCN (U) is determined to have an upper hand in NSCN (IM) dominated Tangkhuls from Ukhrul District.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NSCN (IM) said the killings in Dimapur were the beginning of an ethnic cleansing operation launched by the Unification group. (ANI)
Sümi daily launched Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAY06 [NPN] : The first daily newspaper in Sümi dialect under the aegis of "Sümi Kiyephi" was launched Monday at Kohima with a vision to disseminate news, current event and development vis-a vis to promote Sümi dialect.
According to a release issued by its editor and publisher H. Chishi "Sümi Kiyephi" first started on November 16, 2004 as bi-weekly, later tri-weekly and now it has switched on to daily.

Meanwhile, Kohima Press Club (KPC) in a separate release expressed happiness that Sümi Kiyephi was upgraded from tri-weekly to daily. It said that Sümi Kiyephi stands as the fourth vernacular dailies in Nagaland, adding it envisage the growth of journalism in the state. The release further stated that the Nagas were gifted with different dialects, stating that was the beauty of the Nagas. It also appealed that one should encourage and promote the respective dialect with good faith.
"With the upcoming of advancement media is the indispensable in the society, while to cater to the grass root vernacular paper is pre dominant", the release said. It also expressed hope that "through this public platform" it would benefit Sümis as well as the Nagas. KPC further urged the responsible authorities to give due justice to it.
NSCN Unification slams NSCN (IM)- Nagaland post
Branding and daubing NSCN/GPRN with unrefined terms such as rogue organization, unruly organization, gang, etc. needs some food for thought while reflecting on the deeds committed by the Muivah's callous anti-Naga unification forces.
Retrospection of the chain of events and incidents during the pursuit to achieve the ardent desire of the beleaguered Naga people favoring peace, reconciliation and unity amongst brethrens, the true picture of pseudo-nationalists are uncovered to the limelight. The selfless efforts of various NGOs to unite the Nagas went in vain due to the unyielding and obstinate national principles espoused by reactionaries. To shed light on the referred national principle upheld by anti-Naga unification process- 'open door policy' of ultimatums to surrender and to seek forgiveness had all along been the stumbling block towards Naga unification. Nonetheless, criminalization is well credited and attributed (inclusive) to proclaimed nationalists, with none bearing the better moral standing. Peace, reconciliation, mass-based unification and amnesties proclamations have preceded numerous cold-blooded executions of innocent lives in the guise of political principles, communistic philosophies and inconsistent nationalism, hitherto.
Anti-unification elements have all along obstructed Naga people's desire for a unified approach and suppressed the masses by entrapping the latter as political hostages. Against all odds and transcending beyond every differences, unification of all the Nagas remains the pre-requisite for attaining a lasting acceptable political solution. It is the circumstances that necessitated embarking upon the present 'all Naga unification' process despite desperate opposition by antagonistic anti-Nag a forces.
After a brief lull in violence with the dawn of Naga unification process, initiated by the NGOs with the consent and approval of the Chairmen Isak Chishi Swu and S.S Khaplang, a glimmer of hope for heralding peace in the land of the Nagas took shape. This historic landmark in the Naga political history was further augmented by the support extended by all the NGOs, apex tribal bodies, churches, public leaders and intellectuals from across the length and breadth of Nagaland thus, supplementing added impetus to the peace and unity efforts of the Nagas.
The unification process began with the proclamation call upon all Naga people by chairman, Isak Chishi Swu on January 13th, 2007 after three (3) days of fasting and prayers. But ironically, in contrast to the proclamation of peace and reconciliation, no sooner did peace began yielding positive results, two (2) innocent Konyak youths were abducted and cold-bloodedly killed at Kohima on the very day of Chairman's proclamation. This was followed by the killing of another Angami youth at Seluphe village, who succumbed to extremities of inhuman torture for indulging in a minor brawl during this period.
The peace and unification process was once more resuscitated on 21st August 2007 when Chairman Isak convened a meeting of national workers at Hebron camp and appealed upon the National workers to unite unconditionally irrespective of factional affiliations, so that gradual unification of all Nagas may follow suit. Again, during a meeting held on 17th September the endeavor for Naga unification was re-affirmed.
Subsequently, all Naga warring factions through the mediation of NGOs unconditionally united on November 23rd, 2007 at Hovishe village, Dimapur.
As hopes for peace to materialize were on, under the aegis of Nagaland GBs and DBs Joint Forum a formal cease-fire for six months was arrived upon between the NSCNs on January 7th, 2008 at Kohima.
The unification efforts was further revitalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSCN/GPRN and the NNC/FGN which affirmed and declared on January 12th, 2008 at Vihokhu to strongly uphold the stand on unification of all the Nagas irrespective of artificial boundaries. This MoU also pledged to stop all hostilities in-between and enable democratic participation and interaction among the Nagas to come together under one platform. Avenues were to be explored to ensure transparent pursuit of unification process on solid foundation (broad based) encompassing all sections of the Nagas .
Ironically, Muivah's cadres unilaterally in complete contravention and disregard to this cease-fire agreement abducted three (3) NSCN/GPRN members namely Capt. Imliyanger, RCM Imnasangma and Rajapeyu Temsushashi belonging to the Ao community and cold-bloodedly murdered them at Longmisa village under Mokokchung district on January 14th, 2008.
Again, on March 25 four persons- Lhotoyi, Zakaito, Hoito and Khetovi were abducted in Dimapur. The abductees were taken to Hebron camp and meted with third degree tortures to which late Lhotoyi (an innocent public) succumb to the cruelty. The limbs and arms of the deceased were all twisted and broken, skull was bludgeoned with heavy blunt objects and the entire deep-purplish corpse bore the mark of extreme inhuman torture. The dead body was later packed in a gunny-bag and disposed of like animal carcass.
Again, on April 16, Akato of the Naga unification team and an innocent student, Kitoshe Zhimomi of Kiyekhu village who is a student of Salt Christian College were abducted and taken to Hebron, where they were physically, mentally and psychologically tortured.
Again, on April 17, the NSCN/GPRN personnel were fired upon injuring one person in the morning while intercepting hijacking of two loaded trucks headed for Imphal and killing two in the evening at Dimapur.
On April 20, Sadem Ao a member of the Naga unification team and an innocent public, Kilensowa Lonchar, serving in the electrical department who belong to Sungratsu village were abducted by Muivah's cadres and are believed to have been killed with their whereabouts or bodies untraced as yet.
On April 22, while the NSCN/GPRN personnel intercepted smuggled round log of Intangki National reserved forest, they were fired upon by Hebron campers thereby killing two Naga national workers. The same evening, one non-local business was assassinated at New Market, Dimapur.
On April 25, IRB personnel were way-laid at 5th Mile Dimapur killing one Konyak sepoy by the Hebron campers.
Again, on April 30, two innocent Naga public were gunned down at Showuba village, Dimapur by Muivah's cadres.
On May 4, two unification personnel were killed at Merapani by Hebron campers.
Provocative assaults continue unabated to dislodge the on-going Naga unification process but in vain. Many persons from the fold of Muivah's camp, who on realizing that the Naga people should unconditionally unite for achieving a lasting acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political imbroglio, were and are being executed and gone untraced, so that Naga unification is discouraged. Whatever misinformation may be disseminated to mislead the Nagas and to smear NSCN's image or whatever roadblocks may crop up to obstruct the on-going all Naga unification process, the Nagas shall never succumb to adverse elements but unify to find a solution to our common cause. May all responsible Naga citizens step forward with their respective contributions, so that the yoke of bondage is lifted from our backs once and for all!
Publicity Cell, NSCN/GPRN.
Assam government bows down to public outrages Nagaland post
Finally Assam govern-ment has bowed down to the growing public outrages. Following intense public pressure, the province government of Northeast India, has favoured for a CBI probe into the cases of rhino poaching at different preserves in the state. The state chief minister Tarun Gogoi on May 2 declared that following demands from various socio-environment organisations, the government has decided to go for a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the killing of over 30 rhinos in Assam since January 2007.
The civil societies and the advocacy groups of the region had rigorously raised voices against the slaughtering of endangered one horn rhinos by poachers since the early part of 2008. But surprisingly enough, the concerned authority and the state government preferred to overlook the public resentment. For more than three months, the wildlife lovers have strongly condemned the authority of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), which had witnessed the loss of 26 rhinos to poachers since January 2007. But neither the authority nor the government had shown the moral courage to admit their incompetence in protecting the inmates of the celebrated park.
The last week of April witnessed the slaughtering of two more rhinos in Kaziranga. The forest guards discovered the bodies of the rhinos, one of them was a calf, inside the park, but the horns were already chopped off. Even the tigers feasted half of the bodies of the rhino calf, when the forest guards witnessed them. It has added the list of rhinos, fallen prey to poachers at KNP, up to six in this year.
Recognised as a safe heaven for the rhinos, Kaziranga gives shelter to almost two-thirds of the total population of one-horned rhinos on Earth. A 1984 census showed that Kaziranga, which was declared a National Park in 1974, had 1,080 rhinos. The toll increased during 1975 to 1990, nearly 25 per year. The statistics showed that rhino population was found 1069 in another census during 1991. The census in 1999 provided more optimistic result as the number of rhinos soared to 1,552. The last census in 2006 revealed the number of rhinos in the park at 1,855.
The rhino horn enjoys great demand in international market as it is considered to contain aphrodisiac qualities. The heavy animal enjoys great sexual power, as its mating time is not less than 45 minutes (quite higher than any other animal). Many people believe that one can achieve the sexual power with the help of rhino horns. They consider the rhino horns as another kind of traditional viagra. The horns are also believed to have medicinal values.
The traditional Chinese medicine demands rhino horns, which is believed to cure fever and stomach ailments fast. China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and the Middle East are known to be huge markets for illegal trading of rhino horns. It fetches a few thousand US dollars per kilogram of horn in the international market.
The park director Suren Buragohain remained clueless at the increasing incidents of poaching of rhinos and only parroted his earlier version, "The poachers are equipped with sophisticated weapons. But our forest guards lack the proper arms to counter them." However, Mr. Buragohain has earned brickbats from wildlife advocates as the recent increase in rhino poaching has occurred during his tenure. Statistics reveal that during his term of around a year, Kaziranga lost the highest number of rhinos in a decade.
If the director was oblivious to the grave threats to rhino poaching in Kaziranga, the Assam forest minister showed equally insensitive and callous approach to the issue. All the time, the young minister in Tarun Gogoi's state cabinet, preferred to ignore the matter. It finally compelled the students union, environmental activists, journalists' organisations and political leaders to adopt the path of demonstration against the minister.
It started with Nature's Beckon, an active environment NGO of the region, which staged a protest rally on October 1 last year against the authority for its failure to manage the forest and wildlife of Assam. The concern for the rhinos was visible in media through the editorials and the letters to the editor columns. Concerned ordinary citizens and the opposition political parties also expressed their deep anguish against the continued poaching of rhinos in Assam, particularly in Kaziranga.
Soon the activists belonged to All Assam Students Union (AASU), an influential students body of Northeast, staged demonstrations throughout Assam on February 2, protesting against the authority's failure to protect the rhinos. The venues included the offices of the forest departments in all parts of Assam. The AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya, an aggressive student leader, demanded the resignation of Rockybul Hussain, the forest minister of Assam 'for failing to take adequate steps to stop this heinous crime against a national treasure'.
Lately, the AASU activists organised a citizens' meet at Kohora near the Kaziranga Park, to hammer on the authority on its failure to protect the rhinos. The daylong meet on February 24, which was attended by various pressure groups, resolved to emphasize on a high level probe to catch the real perpetrators behind rhino poaching.
Various speakers in the crowded meeting, which was inaugurated by an eminent Assamese author Arup Kumar Dutta with the children novel 'The Kaziranga Trail' fame, highlighted the demand for a special task force, equipped with modern weapons for protection of flora and fauna, an annual census of rhinos and a citizen monitoring committee involving the indigenous people to keep an eye on the wildlife. The state forest minister was accused of non-performance by most of the speakers and the chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi was also targeted by them for his lingering silence on the issue only to safeguard his ministerial college.
Shocking revelation is however made by the director of Nature's Beckon. Talking to this writer, Soumyadeep Datta claimed that the forest department of Assam was itself involved with the illegal trade of rhino horns. "We have authentic information that Assam forest department had sold more than 300 rhino horns even after India adopted the wildlife protection act in 1972. We can give the relevant statistics of the sold rhino horns in details as 29 (during 1971-72), 13 (1972-73), 19 (1973-74), 40 (1974-75), 18 (1975-76), 27 (1976-78), 42 (1977-78), 63 (1978-79), 63 (1978-79), 61 (1979-80)," Mr Datta revealed.
In fact, the young activist came out with such an apprehension more than two months back. Addressing the media persons at Guwahati press club on February 4, Mr Datta commented, "We suspect that a large share of the wildlife parts, which are being sold in the international markets, made way from the forest department's stock due to the manipulation and corrupt practices of some dishonest forest officials."
So we want to a probe (preferably by Central Bureau of Investigation) on the stock of animal parts in the custody of Assam forest department, as it is assumed that some precious parts of rhinos, elephants, tigers and leopards had gone for international markets from the official stock of the department, Mr Datta insisted.
In India, poaching is a punishable offence with up to seven years' imprisonment. India has been a member to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species since 1976 and hence, in principle at least, is bound by all its efforts to eliminate International trade in wildlife and wildlife parts, he added.
As the controversy gained momentum, one rhino was slaughtered at Kaziranga on February 5, which created a huge public uproar throughout the region. Under pressure, the forest minister Mr Hussain rushed to Kaziranga and ordered to deploy additional 100 armed guards in the park. Compelled by the situation, the minister even disclosed that he had no reservation against a CBI enquiry into the entire issue of poaching at the National parks of Assam.
The demand for a CBI probe into the killings of rhinos was also highlighted during a Nagorik Sobha (citizens' meet), which was organized by a local journalist group. The Journalists' Forum, Assam, during its meeting on February 13 urged the state chief minister 'to break his silence on the issue and let the people know his government's stand and the steps he has taken, if any, to stop the menace'. In one of its resolutions, the meeting asserted that the incumbent forest minister had miserably failed to protect the rhinos and prevent their poaching and hence no longer he remained 'fit for the job'.
The concern for the rhinos was also expressed by a group of non-resident Assamese (Indian), who joined the chorus to save the rhinos. The Friends of Assam & Seven Sisters (FASS), in a recent statement, supported the demand for a credible and high level enquiry into the ongoing killings of the precious animals.
"We think volumes have been written and spoken about the ineffectiveness of the present measures to protect the rhinos in KNP and other sites. Now it is time to act. We urge for an immediate CBI investigation into the ongoing killings of rhinos, and take disciplinary actions against the officials and individuals responsible for the lack of protective actions," commented Rajen Barua, CMD of FASS stated. Speaking to this writer from New York, Mr Barua added, "Since the state government has failed miserably in its duties, the administration of the KNP should immediately be placed under military rule for the time being with strict orders to treat the poachers as terrorists. More over, a citizen's vigilance committee should be formed to monitor the situation on a regular basis in the national parks."
Concerned ordinary citizens, political party members, and media in general have all expressed their deep anguish against the continued slaughtering of rhinos in Assam, particularly at Kaziranga.
The newspaper readers and television viewers had a shocking experience in January when they were exposed to visuals of a wounded rhino at Kaziranga. A mother rhino, which had already lost her baby to poachers for its horn, was shown falling victim to poachers. The poachers cut her horn when she was alive. For the next two days the rhino suffered with severe wounds on the mouth and finally she succumbed to injuries.
But even after the escalating public resentments, the state government remained silent on the issue for all the time. The chief minister, Mr Gogoi, who is otherwise outspoken, avoided the issue while talking to media persons. The state forest minister also continued to cover up his face. But finally the public censure has won the battle, as the Assam government had bowed down.
There was however wild allegations that the Congress led government always put a deaf ear to the public grievances. But in respect of rising incidents of rhino poaching and public protests in Assam, the government found it in a difficult position to ignore the public furies for longer period and finally goes with the people's mandate. Nava Thakuria

International Humanitarian Law(Source: ICRC)Mhathung Ngullie | A DIPR Feature
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which is also known as the law of armed conflict or law of war forms a major part of public international law and comprises the rules which in time of conflict seek to protect the people who are not or no longer taking part in the hostilities and to restrict the methods and means of warfare employed. The two branches of IHL are:
1. The “Law of Geneva” which is designed to safeguard military personnel who are no longer taking part in the fighting and people not actively involved in hostilities. i.e. civilians.
2. The “Law of the Hague” which establishes the rights of belligerents in the conduct of military operations and limits the means of harming the enemy.
More precisely, What the ICRC (International Committee of Red Cross) means by IHL applicable in armed conflicts is International Treaty or Customary Laws which are specially extended to resolve matters of humanitarian concern arising directly from armed conflict, whether international or non international nature; for humanitarian reason, those restrict the right of the parties to a conflict to use the methods and means of warfare of their choice and protect people and property affected or liable to be affected by the conflict.
Some Rules applicable in conflict The essential rule of IHL drawn up by the ICRC is one of the most important for facilitating the promotion of IHL. The parties to a conflict must at all times distinguish between the civilians and combatants in order to spare the civilian population and civilian property. Neither the civilian population as a whole nor individual civilian may be attacked. Attack may be solely against military objectives. People who do not or cannot take part in the hostilities are entitled to respect for their lives, physical mental and integrity. Such people must in all circumstances be protected and treated with humanity, without any favourable distinction whatever. It is forbidden to kill or wound any adversary who surrenders or who can no longer take part in the fighting.
Neither the parties to the conflict nor members of their armed forces have an unlimited right to choose methods and means of warfare. It is forbidden to use weapons or methods of warfare that are likely to cause unnecessarily or excessive suffering.
The wounded and sick must be collected and cared for by the party to the conflict, which has them in its power. The Red Cross or Red Crescent on a white background is the distinctive sign indicating that such person and objectives must be respected.
Captured combatants and civilians who find themselves under the authority of the adverse party are not only entitled to respect for their lives but also their dignity, personal rights, religions and other convictions. They must be protected against all acts of violence or reprisals. They are also entitled to exchange news with their families and receive aid to enjoy basic judicial guarantees.

NDFB leaders get warm reception from Bodo bodies By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 5: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) wants early response from New Delhi to its memorandum submitted to the Centre on May 1, said S Sanjarang, NDFB spokesperson, on his arrival at the LGB International Airport at Borjhar. Sanjarang was accompanied by other leaders of the outfit from New Delhi today. The NDFB leaders have, however, refused to divulge the content of its charter of demands that was placed before the Centre in the form of a memorandum.
“We hope that the Centre will respond to our memorandum without further delay,” Sanjarang said. Without making any direct comment on the outfit’s demand for “sovereignty” and “self-determination”, he only said: “Self-determination is the legitimate rights of all indigenous communities.”
Over 100 activists of the Boro People’s Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR) and Boro Women Justice Forum (BWJF) thronged the airport this morning with posters and banners to welcome the NDFB leaders on their arrival. Apart from Sanjarang, the outfit’s publicity secretary B Benga, spokesperson Sunil Brahma, organizing secretary M Gerema, finance secretary B Dersung and deputy chief of arms wing B Shila were among those arrived from Delhi.
BPFPR president Bhramon Baglary, who also came in the same flight, said: “The Government should act positively. Mere submission of the charter of demands does not mean the end of the problem. Now the ball is in Centre’s court.”
On the State Government’s apprehension over the NDFB’s demand for “sovereignty”, Baglary said it is now the time for the Government to prove its sincerity towards restoration of peace in “Boroland”.
According to Government sources, the State Government has warned the Centre that it should act cautiously on the NDFB’s demand of “sovereignty” as any wrong steps in this regard may hamper the proposed peace talks with the ULFA. The BPFPR president said the demands of the NDFB are very much within the ambit of the Constitution.
Boro Women Justice Forum leader Anjali Daimary, who arrived in Guwahati from New York in an another flight, said the Government should take the opportunity to proceed towards peace as the NDFB had already placed its agenda for talks. Daimary was in New York to attend the 12-day seventh convention of the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous People. On the possibility return of NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary from aboard, Anjali said this is the internal matter of the outfit. But NDFB’s current move has been approved by Ranjan Daimary, she added. Anjali is the elder sister of the NDFB supremo.
India says it warned Burma about cyclone indoadmin
May 6, 2008: (Times Online) Indian meteorologists say that they gave authorities in neighbouring Burma 48 hours warning before a cyclone slammed into the country, killing as many as 60,000 people.
The comments from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) came after allegations from Laura Bush, the US First Lady that Burma's military junta failed to warn its citizens of the impending storm.
“Forty-eight hours before (tropical cyclone) Nargis struck, we indicated its point of crossing (landfall), its severity and all related issues to Myanmarese agencies,” B.P. Yadav, an IMD spokesman, said.
The department is mandated by the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organisation to track cyclones in the region. “Our job is to give warnings and in advance, and we take pride in saying that we gave warnings much, much in advance and there was enough time to take precautionary measures such as evacuation,” Mr Yadav added.
He said that starting in late April, the weather department was issuing regular advisories to Burma and other South and Southeast Asian countries that the cyclone was brewing in the Bay of Bengal.
“Way back on April 26, we told them a cyclone was coming,” Mr Yadav said, referring to general warnings of a growing storm.The IMD’s 41st and final advisory about the status of the storm was issued on Saturday, just after the cyclone hit land.
Mrs Bush yesterday accused Myanmar’s military regime of failing to take action to protect the remote part of the impoverished country from the storm. “Although they were aware of the threat, Burma’s state-run media failed to issue a timely warning to citizens in the storm’s path,” she said.
The IMD, which also alerted the World Meteorological Organisation, declined to comment on Mrs Bush’s allegations.
The official death toll from the cyclone stands at 22,000 with a further 41,000 people listed as missing. Most of the victims were killed in the Irrawaddy river delta, a remote but densely populated region of malarial swampland that is hard to reach at the best of times, experts say.
International aid agencies, which are still waiting for permission to enter the country four days after the storm, said delivering aid to such a remote region was posing a major challenge.