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05/23/2008: "Muivah meets Singh NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph"
Muivah meets Singh NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met Naga rebel leader Thuingaleng Muivah on Tuesday after denying him an audience for months, possibly with an eye on the renewed violence in the Northeast.
The meeting, sources said, showed that the Centre was keen on using the NSCN (I-M)’s influence over various rebel outfits to buy peace in the region.
The NSCN (I-M) is said to have been instrumental in getting at least some of the outfits in the region to the negotiating table. The low-profile meeting was also attended by the national security adviser, M.K. Narayanan, sources said.
“It was decided that the Naga talks would continue and both sides would try and find an honourable, mutually-acceptable peaceful solution,” said a source. Muivah is understood to have been satisfied with the meeting. For more than a month, the rebel leader has been camping in the national capital to meet the Prime Minister. The outfit has witnessed some of the worst factional wars in Nagaland in the past few weeks, with the home minister warning the state government that the Centre would be forced to intervene if it failed to check the violence. (Telegraph)
Rejoinder to L. Kari’s statement- Nagaland Post
Jackal writes "Allow me to ask these few questions to L. Kari Longchar, the Director of Peace Affairs. What were those 3 K cadres doing at Longmisa on January 14, 2007 after ceasefire agreement under the aegis of GBs and DBs? What were those 14 boys in military fatigue doing near Patkai Christian college on May 16, 2007? Didn't they come in search of Naga Army for open fighting? You can have a confirmed press statement from Alezo Venuh, a defector from NSCN. They attacked Lt. Col. Yarteo's residence and encounter response to their raid, 17 of them died.
Now the question is, why did Kari Longchar advocate that K group have every right to search and raid residences and offices of NSCN? On the other, to resist such diabolical acts is a violation of cease fire? For him and NBCC all activities of K-group, unruly mob, anyone's participation in violence against NSCN and any man in military uniform who attacks residence of NSCN's leaders are justified acts, whereas, to defend themselves from K-group is considered violence. This is mockery of any revolutionary military operations.
Another question to Kari Longchar and NBCC officials. What is your verdict on the abduction and killing of a Tangkhul boy of Patkai Christian College in decent dress of College Uniform? What about the abduction and killing of Shomi and Shangreingam, MTh, Religious Department staff? What about the 7 Tangkhul gentlemen, Citizens of Commanding Bosti, who were picked up from their respective houses and killed on May 14th night by Azheto group? For you, all of them are criminals just because they are what? Your memory must be still strong enough on how Capt. Vitoshe, chaplain was abducted from the hands of his wife and slaughter like animal in the dumping place. Interestingly, your voice of condemnation was never heard. Where is your Christian affinity towards your fellow servant of God?
You attacked on NSCN's political philosophy, terming it "doctrine of bloodshed." Well, I'll ask you the same question. What is your doctrine? To show sympathy to the victims, to write condolence messages, to rush to the spot and calm the situation, to give biblical guidance and advice, to comfort the sorrowing people, to organize prayer programs for national leaders etc. should not these be a Reverend's unmatched doctrine and philosophy? Did you write condolence messages to those innocent victims' bereaved families? What are you doing? Writing diatribes, concocted stories, condemnations, rejoinders etc. Is this your philosophy and doctrine? I think this is nothing but sheer hypocrisy.
On May 17, you issued a condemnation on behalf of the K-group. This is quite unbecoming of your position in the apex Church organization. It is quite amusing on why you turned down our request to lead the unification and reconciliation move as declared by Isak Chishi Swu? Why did you also reject the official invitation to the recent reconciliation meeting at Chiangmai jointly convened by many International Church leaders and civil societies? If there is any room in your heart for reconciliation and unification you should not have turned down all these invitations. May I invite the opinion of our Sumi people who are really serious about Naga freedom movement to exercise caution in dealing with the present WSH leaders lest we face eternal damnation. For practical purpose, let us avoid resorting to anything extreme and thereby contribute in maintaining cordial social atmosphere.
Allow me to express a little part of my philosophy of life. I am fully convinced that the world is a battlefield of the righteous and the wicked, the revolutionary and the reactionary and the truth and the falsehood. There is no middle ground. One must be either in God's side or Satan's side. The choice is set before us, either to choose life or death, freedom or slavery. Let us be wise by choosing life and freedom.
Q. Awomi, Director, PWD, GPRN. "
NSCN (IM) hardens stand on ‘UNPC’ morungexpress
Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): The NSCNM (IM) today said it had accepted the challenge offered by the “United Naga People’s Council,” and has assured to deal with the matter “by the root.”
“In acceptance to the challenge offered to the Naga people by the so called United Naga People’s Council (UNPC) headed by Mr. Max and Lansha,” an MIP note stated, “this statement is being issued for wide circulation all over the land, that, no such persons had ever enrolled nor deserted NSCN, hence, the question of breaking away does not arise.” Stating that the ‘declaration’ itself is foreign to the Nagas, the MIP said “not even a Naga deserter would dare to behave like a mad dog against his own people.” The NSCN (IM) also cautioned that no Naga be associated with the said ‘UNPC.’
“No Naga would also come forward to sell his own home to the Meiteis or others and commit himself to fight for the so-called Manipur territorial integrity. This is an absurd thing. However, the statement will be thoroughly investigated and if a Naga is found to be in that group, GPRN will deal with him by the root” the MIP note assured.
Urging every Naga to immediately distance himself from the said group, “before the law grabs him/her for judgment” the note also cautioned families to “take care lest anyone of their boy or girl is misled to join this group.” The NSCN (IM) declared that “we do not covet for even an inch of others’ land nor will we give an inch of ours to them” and appealed to all to be vigilant and safeguard the Naga homeland and “freedom.”
‘State law & order situation under control’ morungexpress
Kohima, May 22 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the overall law and order situation in the State was ‘under control’ and much ‘better’ as compared to the neighbouring states of Assam and Manipur. He clarified that the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI, had also mentioned in the SOP that factional clashes amongst the undergrounds were not to be treated as normal law and order problems, but to be handled differently, through the joint effort of police, paramilitary force and the army. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made the comments in a meeting held today with deputy commissioners and superintendents of Police in the presence of home minister, chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), and commissioner of Nagaland and senior police officers at the Secretariat Hall to discuss the present law and order situation and price rise in the State.
The DCs presented a brief account of the law and order situation as well as the prices of essential commodities in their respective districts. They also confirmed that the District Level Co-ordination Group (DLCG), prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, have been constituted in every districts under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner with the police, army, CPMF, tribe hoho’s, NGO’s and prominent public leaders as members of the committee. It was observed that all DLCGs had met and passed resolutions not to allow the armed cadres to stay in the town areas or in any civilians populated areas. It was resolved that the SOP must be strictly followed by the police and the army in dealing with violation of ceasefire ground rules by the armed cadres of the undergrounds. It was also decided that actions of the armed cadres which constitute violations of ceasefire grounds should be published so that they might be avoided in future.
Price Rise to be controlled The issue of price rise was discussed in the afternoon session, where representatives from the Supply department, FCI, chamber of commerce of Kohima and Dimapur, and municipal councils of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung also participated. It was stated that the district administrations and the municipals councils had done commendable job in controlling the prices of essential commodities in their respective areas by fixing the prices after taking into account all relevant factors.
It was informed that the prices of essential commodities have come down during recent weeks on account of these actions. The comparative statement of the prices of essential commodities at various cities, complied by the Directorate of Supply and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce was also discussed. It was noted that the price level at Dimapur was not much higher than the price level prevailing at Jorhat, Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi. However, the meeting resolved that the unauthorized collections by various organisations at various check gates should be stopped, so that the prices could come down further. This was stated in a press statement issued by Lalthara, additional chief secretary.
Rio to grace Naga Hoho general session Our Correspondent Morung Express
Kohima | May 22 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will grace the 9th general session of Naga Hoho under the theme “Fostering Peace & Harmony” from May 29 to 31 at Peren. Minister for planning TR Zeliang and CLP leader I. Imkong would also address the session while Rev. Dr. Wati Aier will speak on the theme.
Zeliangrong Baudi will host the session. Solidarity messages, cultural interlude, symposium session, discussion hour, business hour and adoption of resolution, election to the Naga Hoho for the tenure 2008-2010 will mark the session. Peren is 80 km away from Kohima via Medziphema and 60 km from Dimapur via Shokovi village (7th Mile).
Govt directs DCs, SPs to flush out UGs Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, May 22 (NPN): State government is reported to have issued guidelines to all DCs and SPs to flush out armed underground activists from civilian-populated areas before June 10.
According to highly-placed sources in government, the guidelines were announced during a joint meeting convened by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday with the DCs and the SPs at Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was also attended by Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen and senior government officials.
During the meeting, the DCs and the SPs were asked to strictly implement and enforce the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), a guideline issued by Union Ministry Home Affairs (MHA) earlier.
The meeting revolved round two main issues – maintenance of law and order situation and tackling the rise in prices of essential commodities.
In the second session, representatives from Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Dimapur Chamber of Commerce, General Manger of FCI NE region in-charge of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur and Director of Food & Civil Supplies.
During the discussion, it was agreed that a mechanism would be evolved to check the spiraling prices and a detail strategy worked out for streamlining business management and curbing the prices. It was learnt the meeting agreed to come out with a weekly price index market rates of various commodities through the media.
Meanwhile, commenting about the meeting an official release said the chief minister observed that overall law and order situation in the State was under control and much better as compared to that of Assam and Manipur. The chief minister also stated MHA had mentioned in the SOP that factional clashes were not to be treated as normal law and order problems but to be handled differently through the joint effort of police, para military forces and the Army.
The release claimed the district administrations and municipal councils had done a commendable job in controlling the prices of essential commodities by fixing the prices after taking into account all relevant factors. The House resolved that collections by various organizations at the check gates should be stopped so that the prices could be brought down further.
Trucks bear brunt of blockade fury OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, May 22: Supporters of an economic blockade along Manipur’s two lifelines went on the rampage late last night, damaging more than 20 trucks and setting on fire another in Senapati district, raising fears of a breakdown in the supply chain of essential commodities.
The Naga Peoples’ Organisation, Senapati, and the Senapati District Students’ Association have jointly imposed the indefinite economic blockade from 6am yesterday. They are protesting against the Okram Ibobi Singh government’s failure to properly distribute items under the public distribution system and also the non-completion of water supply schemes in the district.
Truckers today threatened to stop plying on these two highways — National Highway 39 (Imphal-Kohima) and National Highway 53 (Imphal-Jiribam) — if the government did not increase the number of personnel providing security to the convoy of supply trucks. In Imphal, the supply department warned that if the strike continued for another couple of days, the prices of essential commodities would “shoot up and may even lead to a shortage”.
“Though we are keeping a close watch, traders often try to create artificial shortages in such situations. The sooner the issue is resolved the better,” an official added.
Reports said blockade supporters threw stones at the convoy of more than 200 loaded trucks which were passing through Mao, Tadubi, Kangpokpi and other places along the Imphal-Kohima highway, the state’s main supply line, at 10.30pm.
The trucks were being escorted by four security vehicles of armed Manipur Rifles jawans from Mao gate in Senapati district. The activists also set on fire a truck carrying sand near Tadubi late last night. Tanker drivers slammed the state government for failing to provide full-proof security to the vehicles. The damaged trucks include 10 oil tankers. However, no one was injured in these incidents.
“The attacks despite escorts prove that the security provided by the government is not enough. We demand that more armed personnel be provided in future,” the secretary of the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Union, Th. Rajen Singh, said.
He warned that if any driver was injured or killed in the attacks during the blockade, they would stop plying their trucks even with security escorts.
Taking advantage of Manipur’s excessive dependency on the two highways, organisations often try to browbeat the government into submission by blocking the two roads, sometimes even over petty issues.
IM debunks UNPC stamp Newmai News Network
Dimapur, May 22: The NSCN-IM while reacting to floating of the United Naga People’s Council (UNPC) in Manipur, said that no such persons called Max and Lansha had ever enrolled nor deserted NSCN-IM, “hence, the question of breaking away does not arise”.
The NSCN-IM statement said the declaration itself is also foreign to the Nagas. “Not even a Naga deserter, would dare to behave like a mad dog against his own people. No Naga would also come forward to sell his own home to the Meiteis or others and commit himself to fight for the so-called Mani-pur territorial integrity. This is an absurd thing,” fumed the NSCN-IM tonight in a statement.
The outfit however, affirmed that the statement of the UNPC would be thoroughly investigated and “if a Naga is found to be in that group, GPRN will deal with him by the root”.
The NSCN-IM also advised that every Naga must immediately distance himself/herself from this UNPC before the law grab him/her for judgement. “Families are cautioned to take care lest anyone of their boy or girl is misled to join this group,” cautioned the NSCN-IM while adding, “Solemnly, we declare that, we do not covet for even an inch of others’ land nor will we give an inch of ours to them. We appeal the Naga people to be vigilant to safeguard our sweet homeland and freedom”. In a separate statement the NSCN-IM said that UNPC is an organisation of hooligans which is headless and without ideology. The NSCN-IM pledged that it would leave no stone unturned to wipe out such “unwanted development”.
40 trucks damaged in stoning, oil pumps run dry as blockade begins The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, May 22: Windshields of more than 40 goods trucks including oil tankers were broken in stoning by economic blockade supporters along the Imphal-Mao section of the NH-39 even as most of the oil pumps closed down today due to non-availability of stocks at the oil depots.
A truck transporting sand from Dimapur was also set ablaze by blockade supporters last night at around 8.30 pm at Tadubi. The indefinite economic blockade along the NH-39 imposed by the Naga People`s Organisation, NPO, Senapati district commenced yesterday in protest against the state government`s failure to take up positive action in matters of PDS items and water supply even after its 24-hour district-wide bandh on May 20.
Reports said that truckers leaving Mao gate late yesterday afternoon with security escorts were caught in heavy stoning from the blockade supporters on their way from Tadubi to Senapati.
Windshields of more than 40 loaded trucks were shattered, reports said. There were no reports of human casualties though.
The security personnel escorting the vehicles did nothing to stop the stoning which greatly annoyed the truckers. They said they were not satisfied with the security forces who escorted them for namesake only.
The trucks were stranded at Mao gate due to the blockade which commenced immediately after the end of the 24-hour general strike on May 20.
In the meantime, most of the oil pumps in Imphal remained closed for the day. According to the oil pumps, it was due to unavailability of stocks even though the IFP witnessed many black marketeers selling petrol near the closed pumps. Many black marketeers came out near the oil pumps with plenty of petrol containers and sold the petrol at higher rates.
Factional clash: Nagaland asks districts to enforce SoP The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has asked district administrations to strictly implement the guidelines issued by the government in clearing residential areas in towns from underground activists in the state, official sources said here on Friday.
In view of the heightened factional violence, particularly in and around Dimapur, the state government recently issued the guidelines under Standard Operation Procedure (SoP) prepared by the Union Home Ministry in January as part of the amended cease-fire ground rules.
Last week the state government asked underground groups to vacate populated areas and directed police and paramilitary forces to enforce cease-fire ground rules to pre-empt armed clashes among rival factions. The chief minister yesterday reviewed law and order situation with deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all districts. Home Minister Imkong Imchen also attended the meeting.
The review on law and order was followed by another meeting with representatives of municipal councils, chambers of commerce of Kohima and Dimapur and officials from FCI, civil supply department and district administrations. The chief minister asked them to adopt all measures to check price hikes in the state, the sources said.
Opposition Congress was mounting pressure on the state government to contain factional violence and check rising prices of essential commodities. The party constituted two committees to study law and order situation and price situation in Nagaland.
Democracy a casualty of AFSPA Al Ngullie Morung Express
Dimapur | May 22 : The 50 years of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 owes its reviled existence to an abysmal concoction of authoritarian political fallacies, misapprehension of the justice system and circumstantial socio-political exigencies, apart from the Act’s declared objective to stemming resistance movements.
These political dynamics have continued to be reinforced by parallel motivations of the Government of India to control or remain in control, and on the other hand, by the apathy demonstrated by a justice system that identifies inhumanity against peoples, with confronting the so-called “lawlessness.” This misconception of the Indian system, particularly the justice system, has been buttressed even more by geo-political “security” interests rather than by humanitarian standards and considerations.
‘India does not respond (to recommendations and peoples’ mandate for AFSPA repeal) because it fears threat to national security’ said Indira Jai Singh, a constitutional expert. She held vehement opinion that the AFSPA is a ‘totally unnecessary’ law, and does not merge with the ground realities of the people of Northeast India and states like Kashmir. “It is a totally unnecessary, draconian and absurd Act. The Act is absurd to the situation and it must be repealed” said Singh who is an authority on the constitution and well-associated with the matter of ‘degenerate’ laws imposed by political states on resistance-states.
To the query that the Indian military is a tremendous weight responsible for keeping the AFSPA stuck strongly, she said it is not necessarily the military but the government of India. “It is the government and the cabinet that puts the final stamp of approval, not the army.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee was instated by the PMO to explore the possibility of substituting the AFSPA with a so-called “more humane” Act. The committee submitted its report June 6 in 2005 and recommended that the Act be repealed. Similarly, the Administrative Reforms Committee headed by Veerappan Moily also recommended on June 26 last year that the Act should be scrapped. Even the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination had in February 2007 also recommended that the Indian Government immediately repeal the AFSPA. Till date, there has yet to be a word from the GoI.
While it was implied that recommendations are had from the military, however, Singh said, it is the government that wants to maintain strict centralization, as a means to preserving territorial integrity of the country. Over the inaction demonstrated by the centre on the recommendations made by several high-committees for AFSPA’s repeal, Singh said that India does not respond, citing ‘security’ reasons and maintains a “hands-off” attitude.
However, the justice system of India is no less culpable for reinforcing the ‘stay’ of the black law. Queried why the judiciary should also virtually endorse the Act even very well knowing that AFSPA has in itself extreme perils against Human Rights, Singh said the judiciary does not want to be placed in a position of political accountability.
The Supreme Court is “afraid” that if ceasefires break down (the county’s security would be compromised). ‘It is maintaining a ‘hands-off attitude because it fears that a war or revolt would break out and does not want to be held responsible’ she explained. She was responding to a query up to what extend the Indian justice institution has reciprocated to the black law, or the inhumanity that has been waged under its sanction for the last 50 years.
It was observed that if the AFSPA was to be revoked if at all demanded by the Indian judiciary, then the military and state police forces would be compromised or would “lose teeth” in its fight against resistance movements. And the court would not want to be placed in a position where it is blamed for threat that may arise out of the absence of the AFSPA. So naturally the Indian judiciary, although aware of the profound dangers to Human Rights, does not endorse repeal of the Act, it was implied. ‘It is afraid so it keeps citing “security”’ Singh said. Expression was also made that there is no action expected whatsoever, from the Indian government or the Indian justice institution, no matter how sever Human Rights are violated under the Act.
The constitutional expert’s viewpoint was reiterated by Ahu Sakhrie, who is a former convener of the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR). According to Sakhrie, courts and judges are “sly” when it comes to the AFSPA.
“The judges are always sly. They (judiciary) are always citing ‘national security.’ They think that the Armed forces would be demoralized and the ‘hostiles, and militants’ would take over” Sakhrie explained. Ahu Sakhrie is founding-member of the NPMHR. “If the Act is repealed, they feel the Army cannot act (against resistance movements)” he said in explanation on why the judiciary remains practically apathetic to the black law.
Queried to comment on the possible reasons why the GoI cannot repeal or even offer an alternative over the AFSPA, Sakhrie made clear that the Indian government has “political interests.”
Referring to the assurance given by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to instate a more so-called “humane Act,” the former NPMHR leader said the government does not want to be held accountable as well, as much as the judiciary does not want to be. If the Congress-led government at the center, which is also a coalition, repeals the act, it (government) will not do well in the eyes of the military and the coalition partners, he said. It was implied that repealing the AFSPA would compromise the regional geo-political integrity of the Indian setup. It is these political interests that are responsible for the GoI not responding to the widespread mandate of the people, especially of the NE, to repeal the black law.
One of these political interests overriding humanitarian polity, is testified by the fact that present Minister of State for Science & Technology for Kapil Sibal, was the lawyer who took up the NPMHR’s case in 1997. Today he is a minister, and his hands are tied, Sakhrie remarked. “He knows all the problems of the NE and Nagaland; he helped so much and pressurized for the AFSPA’s repeal “but today his hands are tied” Sakhrie commented.
Justice Jeeven Reddy Committee The apathy that has been demonstrated by the Union Government and the Indian justice system is testified by several high-committees, whose recommendations remain gathering dust. On June 6, the expert panel which the Congress Manmohan Singh government set up in November to review the workings of the AFSPA, submitted its report. The panel was chaired by Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy, a retired judge of the Supreme Court and consisted of former Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) and military analyst Lt. Gen VR Raghavan, academician and former Vice-Chancellor of Marathwada University Prof. SB Nakade, senior journalist and authority on the NE Sanjoy Hazarika and finally PP Srivastava, former Special Secretary for Home.
The recommendations or report dispatched to the Union government by this committee has yet to be even responded to, leave alone make it public. Member of the committee Sanjoy Hazrika said earlier that the Act be repealed without any further ado
The original ordinance story Viceroy Lord Linlithgow declared emergency in British India and promulgated the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance in 1942 on August 15, 1942. This act conferred vaguely-defined special powers to the armed forces to arrest and use force (even kill) civilians on mere suspicion. On 15 August 1947, India became independent and then a republic on 26 January, 1950. In 1958 a mutated Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from the original Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance of 1942, came into being. The AFSPA 1958 is with modifications of the 1942 ordinance.
• The provision for declaration of ‘emergency’ was replaced by the term “disturbed area”.
• More vaguely-defined powers were added (including the power to use force to even kill any person on suspicion of disturbing public order or carrying weapons, “to search any place without warrant or destroy any place on suspicion of being used by armed groups” to the old ordinance.
• The power to take action, given to an officer of the rank of Captain and above in the old ordinance, was delegated to lower ranks including Junior Commissioned officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (basically, a jawan).
• Areas of operation were confined to ethnically distinct North-East region unlike the 1942 ordinance, which was applied to entire India.
As a result of these modifications, the 1958 ordinance became more political criminal and harsher than the colonial statute of 1942.
Will India ever learn from her history? Nagarealm.com
For over a year now, the Government of India has been suggesting the creation of a Federal Intelligence Agency to combat terrorism. The suggestion has been made at the conferences of Chief Ministers and the Director Generals of Police. The Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have been underlining the need for it in Parliament and elsewhere.
After the recent serial bomb blasts in Jaipur, which claimed the lives of over 60 persons, the need for such a force has acquired an urgency. The National Security Advisor, M. K.Narayanan , was frank enough to admit the weaknesses in our system. Hardly were the bodies of the dead in Jaipur cremated or buried, and the incident has became a debating point among political parties, particularly during the Karnataka elections. The opposition leaders have been blaming the United Progressive Government for being ’soft’ on terrorists, and for amending the POTA, as if no violence had occurred when the Act was law. One has only to recall the dozen or more terrorist attacks when the National Democratic Government was in Office: Coimbatore in February 1998 (81 killed), Delhi-attack on Parliament - in December 2001 (7 killed), Jammu in July 2002 (28 killed), Akshardham in Gandhinagar in September 2002 (34 killed) and Jammu in November 2002 (12 killed) and Mumbai in August 2003 (46 killed).
When the Government at the Centre changed in 2004 at the United Progress Alliance assumed office, it was felt that the POTA needed an amendment to make the law more humane, in response criticism from Human Rights Organisations. The track record of violence has not changed. Starting from Delhi in October 2005 (62 killed) Varanasi in March 2006 (21 killed), Mumbai in July 2006 (209 killed) Malegaon in September 2006 (40 killed), Panipat in February 2007(66 killed) and the recent blasts at Jaipur. The nation has had to face one tragedy after another in a regular sequence. To add to the sense of insecurity, there has been continuing violent activities by Naxalites in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra, Maharashtra and Karnataka. In 2007, 696 persons were killed in 1565 incidents. During the first three months of this year, there have been 358 incidents, in which 89 civilians and 45 security force personnel were killed.
The law and order machinery in the affected areas have been only silent spectators. One hears of security measures being ‘tightened’ and leads being followed to search for the perpetrators of the criminal acts, and the incidents are forgotten. The Central Government sends letter to the States, and the States in turn will send replies. When India could not be vanquished in war, efforts were made to divide our society by promoting proxy war. Initially in the sixties, efforts were made to promote insurgency in Nagaland, followed by adjacent areas like Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Assam. In the west, Pakistan made efforts to promote insurgency in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Constitution entrusts the task of maintaining internal security to the States. The existing powers and equipment with the State police forces were adequate for the tasks in the early years. But they were not equipped to combat terrorist violence. Efforts were made to strengthen the police forces. Whenever the situation goes out of control, the States request the Central Government for additional forces. In many cases the damage would have been done, before the Central forces arrive on the scene. Besides strengthening the police organizations in different States, it is necessary to strengthen the intelligence set up. In combating adversaries of the country, the intelligence organizations have had an important role. The Indian intelligence organization has been rated as one of the best in the world. But to prevent terrorist incidents occurring in different parts of the country, the need has been felt for a Federal Intelligence agency.
As of now, the Intelligence Bureau has no authority over the state intelligence organizations. After every terrorist incident, usually allegations are traded accusing the Centre of not having informed the States about the possibility of the incidents. Suggestions to strengthen the intelligence set up have been recommended in the Status paper on Internal Security prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Veerappa Moily has suggested positive proposals to strengthen the intelligence machinery both its human intelligence system and the technical intelligence apparatus. Nearly two years ago, a model Police Act was drafted, but nothing has materialized. India was a unitary State when the British ruled it. When we attained freedom, our founding fathers drafted a Constitution that was quasi-federal. The Congress party held office both at the Centre and the States for nearly two decades after Independence.
With coalition Governments holding office at the center, the country is now more of a Federal State. It is time we set up a Federal Intelligence Agency, if we want to bring down incidents of terrorist violence. It will only strengthen the States rather than take away their authority. There is no need to amend the Constitution, as even after creating such force, the law and order will continue to be the responsibility of the State Governments. During my early years of service as a communicator in the central Government, a great deal of effort was spent on inculcating among the people that the strength of India is her unity in diversity. We were also aware that India faced dangers when its people were divided.
History tell us that India faced dangers when it was divided. The way our political parties have been trading charges after the violent incidents in Jaipur, it looks as if we have learnt nothing from history. [ANI, I. Ramamohan Rao, former Principal Information Officer, Government of India. e-mail: raoramamohan@hotmail.com]
NDFB flays Govt over lack of accommodation for cadres From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, May 22: The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) expressed their displeasure over the Government’s failure to arrange sufficient accommodation for the leaders and cadres in designated camps. The NDFB also stated that a good number of cadres have been suffering from various ailments due to insufficient accommodation problem.
“Most of the cadres are staying in ordinary tent houses in the fields but the Government is looking the other way, ignoring the deplorable accommodation issue.”
Speaking to The Sentinel, the 2nd I/C of the outfit’s Serfanguri designated camp B Antony said that lack of accommodation in the camps has become a major concern sans permanent buildings. “The cadres have been living in utmost abject condition inside tents that become unsuitable in the rainy season and thereby increasing the number of cadres suffering from different diseases,” Anton reiterated.
He also said that the existing camp at Serfanguri lacks sufficient rooms to accommodate all the cadres. The deliberate removal of all Public Liaison Offices (PLO) also aggravated the already deplorable situation as the cadres of the PLOs were brought to Serfanguri designated camp before making any alternative arrangement, he added.
Antony said that ration and other basic amenities in the camp was another problem to be sorted out. The NDFB managed to run the designated camp through public donations but the fresh Government notice to the outfit to confine themselves only in the designated camp has deepened the worsening situation as the question of perennial provider of food and other support arise. Antony vehemently urged the Government to make its stand lucid as to who will provide all the basic requirements including financial support for management of the organization.
The account officer B Bandu said that there are 599 NDFB cadres at Serfanguri designated camp. “The camp could provide accommodation to approximately 300 cadres only. The new rooms constructed by the Government is not big enough to hold all cadres and as such around 50 per cent of the cadres have to lodge inside tent houses.”
Bandhu said that the removal of all PLOs of the NDFB by the police has created enormous problems as they are vital in maintaining relationship with the general population to instill confidence on them. He alleged that removal of the PLOs without making alternative arrangements for their cadres is gross negligence towards NDFB
BPFPR demands ban on BPF By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 21: The Boro Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR) has demanded the Centre to declare Hagrama Mohilary-led BPF and its youth wing unlawful organizations for its alleged militant activities.
Expressing concern over the unabated volatile situation in the entire BTAD area, the BPFPR in a statement today said the nexus between the Bodoland Royal Tigers Force (BRTF), BTAD chief Hagrama Mohilary and BLT Welfare Society chairman Jana Mohan Mochahari has further come to light with the statement of former NDFB cadre Nailang Basumatary in a section of electronic media.
“The Government of India need to initiate legal action against Mohilary and Mochahari who are, as per the statement of the former NDFB cadre, allegedly have made a blue print at the resident of the BTAD chief on the night of March 28 for killings the innocent people,” said BPFPR president Bhramon Baglari and its assistant general secretary Rakesh Boro, citing the media report. They also mentioned the arrest of two BRTF cadres by Army last night.
“How could Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi allow the BPF, his alliance partner in the Government, to involve in such illegal activities,” they questioned. “If Mohilary allowed to carry guns, being his alliance partner, Gogoi should also carry a AK-56 on his shoulder. Otherwise, he should initiate immediate legal action against Mohilary and Mochahari,” said Baglari.
The BPFPR leaders alleged that the BRTF, under the banner of BPF youth wing is openly carrying out killings and militant activities as per the direction of the BTAD chief. Baglari demanded immediate legal action against the alleged instigators of such activities for protecting the democracy from criminalization.
Manipuris concerned with Nagaland crisis UNI
Imphal, May 22: A large number of organisations in Manipur have expressed concern over the recent spurt of violence in Nagaland which has also affected the Manipuri people residing in Nagaland.
Official sources said recently six people of the Tangkhul tribe, originally from Ukhrul district of Manipur, were found killed near Dimapur in Nagaland.
Following the killing, the NSCN-IM’s “ministry of information and publicity” alleged that the six people were abducted on May 13 by the cadres of the NSCN( Unification).
The Manipur-based Naga Students’ Union, Chandel (NSUC) appealed to all the Naga underground factions to maintain peace.
Earlier, several organizations from Manipur, including the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM) and Church organisations had also appealed to all to maintain peace. Meanwhile, in Manipur too, tension was brewing within the NSCN(I-M), as some cadres had reportedly defected and formed the United Naga People's Council (UNPC). President of the newly floated outfit S S Max said the UNPC had been formed to “maintain peaceful relations between the people of the hill and valley districts of Manipur.” The UNPC reportedly became functional from April 30. (UNI)
