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06/14/2008: "FGN urges Nagas to bury past rancor & reunite Nagaland Post"



FGN urges Nagas to bury past rancor & reunite Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR, JUNE 13: While appreciating the Quaker group and Baptist World Alliance for their initiative to bring peace and unity among Nagas, the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today said that Nagas must bury the past rancor and misunderstandings amongst themselves and decide to reunite with NNC/FGN, the parent body.
It disclosed that the NNC/FGN did not attend Chiangmai meet held on May 9 and 10, but some unauthorized persons claiming themselves as so-called non-accordist NNC or non-accordist FGN attended the meeting, who are not recognized by the Naga people.
It further said that the renegade leaders expressed to forgive each other at Chiangmai meet but immediately after the meet, terrible killings took place in Dimapur on May 16 were 15 people were killed and on June 4, where 12 persons were killed.
Stating that 2 more persons were killed today at Kohima public ground, the FGN said that those who are claiming themselves as non-accordists are more actively working and telling lies against Naga veteran leaders and their evil acts damage the image of Naga people and showed the negative result of the meeting.
A release issued by Gaibon Panmei, Deputy Rali-Wali Kilonser, FGN stated that the Plebiscite of 1951 was a solemn pledge and final verdict of Naga people for the future of Nagaland, therefore, Nagas need no other political solution or referendum, but only the recognition of sovereignty by the world. (Page News Service)
Withdraw resignation: NPF requests Wangyuh Our Correspondent Morungexpress
Kohima | June 14 : Nagaland Peoples’ Front party president Dr. Shurhozelie today said that the recent resignation tendered by Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak has come at a wrong time for which the party, after consultations, has requested the latter to withdraw the resignation. The NPF chief, however, said that his resignation vindicated the NPF’s stand of the last 1998 elections.
The NPF party after thorough consultations, thought that resigning at this juncture might not help for which the NPF wrote a letter to the Lok Sabha MP and a copy of the same endorsed to the Speaker, asking him to withdraw his resignation, Shurhozelie added.
MP Wangyuh Konyak’s intention of resigning from the Lok Sabha is to attract the attention of the Government of India, said Shurhozelie and hoped that Konyak’s action has vindicated the stand of the NPF. Addressing the DAN Legislature Party meeting today, he said owing to the popular demand of the Nagas, the NPF had ‘sacrificed’ the 1998 assembly elections hoping to invite the attention of the Government of India. However, the same plan was ‘spoiled’ by the Congress who defied the call of the Nagas and went ahead to contest the elections.
When queried whether the lone MP had consulted him and the party before putting offering resignation, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio implied that the latter had not. Rio also denied having any information whether Wangyuh’s resignation had been accepted by the Speaker of Lokh Sabha. “Speaker might summon him, but I don’t know the procedure”, Rio said and simply suggested to the media persons to interview Konyak on the issue.
Young people respond to ‘Call for Peace’ Morung Express News (left)Responding to the ‘Call for Peace’ young boys and girls marched out for a Prayer Walk covering all major locations of Dimapur on June 14 last. Some of the youth prayed in liquor shops, for beggars on the road side including for sex-workers in ne
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Dimapur | June 14 : In what was considered as an historical event in Nagaland, hundreds of young people in Dimapur participated in the Prayer Walk as a ‘call for peace,’ jointly organized by the Sinai Ministry, Voice of God Ministry and OM Books on June 14 last. Young people from different churches and community started the Prayer Walk from 5 in the morning from more than eleven junctions leading to Town Baptist Church. After two hours of continuous prayer walk, more than one thousand youth gathered at TBC for a combined worship service.
Identifying the cause for ‘failure of peace rallies and concerts,’ Director of Voice of God Ministry Wati said, “We talk about peace too much but, we neglect Righteousness and Justice. That is where we fail in our search for peace.” Quoting two verses from the book of Psalms; ‘Righteousness and peace have kissed each other, Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne’, Wati said, ‘We need right relationship to work for righteousness and Peace always comes behind justice.’
Appreciating the positive response of young people to this ‘call of peace,’ Youth Director of Town Baptist Church, Acuu Kevichusa said that already God is answering their prayers in the spiritual realm. However, he continued saying that, “There need to be something for God to show up and that is hunger. We need to be hungry for God Himself and no less than God. We need to repent because we are not hungry enough.”
Speaking on the importance of intercession and agreement of prayer, Among Lemtur Youth Pastor of City Faith Church said, “Nagaland is in the peak of sin. Things are getting wild and devil is on loose but Young people, we can make a change. Our prayer will make a big difference in Nagaland.”
A prayer for forgiveness was led by Pastor Naro, where she on behalf of the whole Naga Nation asked for forgiveness to people whom Nagas have caused harm in the past years. Pastor Robert of Christ Community Church, Chumukedima also called upon the youngsters to rise up and shine for Christ and to be change agents for a changed Nagaland.
Director of Sinai Ministry Wabang Longchari thanked the co-organisers, ministries and participants for making the programme a successful one. The service worship was led by the Praise and Worship Team of Dimapur Christian Fellowship.
Kohima killings condemned morungexpress
Dimapur, June 14 (MExN): The Khiamniungan Tribal Council and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation have strongly condemned the killing of two persons, M Pitu Khiamniungan and one Lusang Khiamniungan, in on June 13. The KTC and the ENSF in separate notes expressed condemnations
“The federation cannot understand the mindset of vengeful (sic) amongst the Nagas. The two victims late M Pitu Khiamniungan and Lusang Khiamniungan are very much innocent persons working very hard for their lively hood at Kohima” the ENSF stated, adding that appeals have been made to every section of the Nagas for peaceful co-existence. “…but this kind of heinous and barbaric act is unacceptable” it stated and dared the “cowardice persons” responsible for the murder “to come out openly, explaining for what reason this two innocent two persons were murdered.”
The Khiamniungan Tribal Council also vehemently condemned the killing of two of its citizens. Expressing strong displeasure over the killing of innocents, the council said M Puto was a constable in the Home Guards while Lusang was an ITI diploma holder who was in search of a job in Kohima.
Lamenting the destruction of God-gifted lives ‘leaving no room for repentance or negotiation in case of any mistake or misunderstanding,’ the KTC said such wanton bloodshed is diseasing amity among the Nagas. The KTC urges all the Nagas to stop killings in the Naga family but give peace a chance to prevail in our land. Law enforcing agencies in concern are urged to arrest the murderers at the earliest and also be vigilant in protecting innocent people. The two organizations also share in the grief of the bereaved family member of the victims, and pray that the deceased rest in peace.

Nagaland to raise Village Guards Oken Jeet Sandham Kangla on Line

Kohima, June 13: The State Cabinet has reportedly approved to raise Village Guard (VG) Posts in 58 villages bordering Assam and the recruitment for it is likely to take place as early as possible.

Confirming this, Y Patton, Parliamentary Secretary for Border Affairs, Irrigation and Flood Control and Geology and Mining, said the situation in the Disputed Border Areas (DBA) of Nagaland-Assam was quite alarming seeing the attitude of the Assam government. He said the State government had no option but to take measure to counter the massive deployment of Assam Armed Police, establishment of Village Defence Parties (VDP) under the provision of the Assam Villages Defence Organization Act, 1966 in all along the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).

"The Assam government has done this in contravention of the Interim Agreement of 1972," he said.

The parliamentary secretary said as per the Interim Agreement of 1972 and the agreements dated 2nd and 28th January, 1979, both Nagaland and Assam should withdraw their Armed Police Posts from the DAB and also not to set up any Armed police posts within the reserved Forest areas or within a belt of 3 kms on the said border areas.

Army recruitment Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 13: As per latest order received by the Army Recruiting Office, Rangapahar, it has been intimated that all male candidates between the age of 17 and half and 23 years, who have qualified in Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or Computers, belonging to Nagaland as well as Manipur, may appear for screening at the Army recruitment rally being held at Ukhrul from July 19 to 26, informed PIB Defence Wing in statement.

In addition, candidates from all NE States including Nagaland and Manipur may at their conveniences, appear for screening for enrolment as Solider technical on July 22 at the Army Recruiting rally being held at Sibsagar, Assam, the statement added.
NSCN/GPRN terminates 2 cadres Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JUNE 12: The NSCN/GPRN has terminated Ghoshito Sema, former Acting Chairman, NSCN (K), UT-1 from the national service for abusing his position and authority by deliberately working against the spirit of Naga unification.
In a release, Bohoto Kiba, Secretary in Chief, NSCN/GPRN said that the good image of the NSCN/GPRN has been tarnished by his involvement in the kidnapping a non-local businessman at Hazi Park on June 12.
Ghoshito's personal interest has overshadowed his integrity and commitment towards the Naga people, the release stated. The NSCN/GPRN further cautioned its civil and military wings against committing such anti-national acts.
Further, in pursuance of the NSCN Core Committee resolution, the former NSCN/GPRN official has been handed over to the state authority for any further investigation.
In this regards, NSCN/GPRN appealed to all administrators and the judiciary alike to desist from granting bail while also cautioning lawyers/advocates against representing the disgraced official.
The NSCN/GPRN has also discharged Hekuto Sema, Raju Peyu UT-I, from the national service for his involvement with the kidnapping case with immediate effect. (Page News Service)

PM to release NE Vision Sangai Express
The final draft of the Vision Document, 2020 which envisages to develop and usher in peace in the whole North East region by 2020, would be officially released by the PM Dr Manmohan Singh at New Delhi on July 2. A decision to this effect was arrived at during the last round of meeting to discuss the draft docu-ment held on June 9 with DONER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer in the chair and attended by officials of the North Eastern States, according to an official source.

UNLF hits back at IM-I By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 14: Hitting back on NSCN (IM), the proscribed UNLF has cate-gorically stated that self- righteousness of the NSCN (IM) in boasting about “...magnanimity in helping out the various revolutio-nary groups of the region” and the assertion that “fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal” is a point for further debate so that concerned peoples can make their own judgment.
In a statement, senior pu-blicity secretary of UNLF Kh Yoiheiba said that for UNLF, guided by the belief in the composite interdependent unity of the Indian occupied Region, it has been its consistent revolutionary effort to develop fra- ternal relationship with all the revolutionary struggles in the region for unity against the common enemy.
So, believing in the fraternal interdependent co- existence of all the peoples in the region, UNLF tried to develop fraternal relationship with the Naga struggle from the time of undivided NNC, and also with the Mi-zo National Front then leading the Mizo freedom struggle, the statement said, adding it was all in the larger interest of searching for regional unity against the common enemy.
In this effort, the statement went on to say, UNLF had to swallow the disdain and condescending attitude towards ‘Manipur of having compromised its sovereignty with India’ not know- ing fully well the history of forcible annexation of Manipur by India in 1949. On the other hand, UNLF was surprised, rather disappointed, to discover later that MNF and NNC in the 1970s even when they were receiving external help and assistance and actively fighting against the same enemy for the same goal of independence, did not even discuss common interests.
Stating that an unbiased analysis of this attitude would reveal their ethno-exclusive outlook subjectively separated from the common context, UNLF maintained that though initially a necessary stage in asserting ethnic identities, this ethno-exclusive ideology more or less outlived its historical purpose when other struggles, that also mostly inspired by theirs, began to emerge in almost all parts of the region. That marked the beginning of a new historical process necessitating the transforma- tion of ethno-exclusive ideologies into inclusive revolutionary struggles so as to consciously develop revolutionary unity of the region beyond ethnic lines.
Regional unity on the basis of a minimum common goal is a prerequisite condition for ‘fighting unitedly’ against the common enemy. This minimum common goal should be the basis for regional unity without which fighting unitedly against the common enemy is unthi-nkable, UNLF pointed out.
Posing what should be the minimum common goal for fighting unitedly against India, UNLF said that for those aspiring to be free from colonial occupation, the minimum common goal should logically be to overthrow colonial rule/occupation from the Region. Without this common goal it is simply indulgence in absurd illusions to think about fighting unitedly. Or, if it is a deliberate policy of using, rather abusing a united front for one’s exclusive goal, then it is insincere opportunistic politics forbidden by revolutionary culture.
Thus, the reality of the Region – the composite interdependent unity and confronting a common external enemy – demands of the various revolutionary organisations to fight united against the common enemy for a comprehensive solution, the statement said, adding that UNLF is firmly convinced that any individual effort, ignoring the reality of the region, to fight/bargain/negotiate independence with India separately, is doomed to end in failure. This has been clearly proved by fifty years of armed struggle. Therefore, it is of primary importance to build regional unity on the basis of a common understanding of the region’s historical process, putting in place ‘unique histories’ as all histories are unique in their own ways.
Therefore, the NSCN (IM) policy statement that “fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal” is self-contradictory and does not hold water in the regional context, the UNLF asserted, adding that it reflects confusion between policy and goal. OR, was NSCN (IM) using the regional united front as a bargaining factor to attain the exclusive goal of ‘Nagalim’? , it questioned.
Whatever the goal, it is this self-confessed contradiction between policy and goal of the NSCN (IM) that is primarily responsible for the present disarray in the region’s liberation struggles and also within the NSCN (IM), UNLF said.

QUO VADIS, SH/WSH

Human judgment can be wrong and misdirected at any time. Our deed, done out of good intention cannot be commendable or acceptable always. Somewhere, somehow we always commit mistake, and some mistakes are so grievous that they cannot be overlooked simply. We must, therefore, seek divinely forgiveness for our mistakes, and seek his leading as we live on, knowing that there is "pay day."

In any stage of human history, ransacking and burning of houses and properties of innocent public and treating on human lives in cruelty are despicable crimes before God and man. What is more abhorring is to find someone who stand behind such barbaric course of actions.

It is clear beyond doubt that the recent spurt of killings and violence were carried out by human agency as instigated by some unscrupulous peoples. This is a very unfortunate moment for the Nagas. It gives me pain when I had a glimpse into the present obnoxious events in Dimapur where many precious lives are taken away and properties are destroyed by the armed groups. It is devilish on the part of Administration to remain silent when the unruly armed groups are having hay-days at the cost of human lives and properties.

It is very sad to look into the decisions of SH and WSH leadership. On January 15 this year, they have made the Sumi general public to accept their diktat to support only one armed group, that is Unification group, which is now no longer in existence. Instead of working for Nagas' unification and independence, they declared war to other groups if I am not mistaken in understanding one of their resolutions that read "If and when any action is taken against any Sumi leader, the masses of Sumi Public will recompense against the culprit." Consequently, they started attacking NSCN for dismissing Azheto and his colleagues by Yaruiwo. Their extended target was directed towards Tangkhul civilians as well. This is one of the most demeaning decisions of the SH and WSH in Naga history.

The most injurious, probably incurable, was their promise of Rs. 5 lakhs each as a compensation to their boys who died for Unification cause. They made this promise in their inability to foresee how many souls will be pushed into caskets. It is reported that to some, they have paid Rs. 5 lakhs each to the victim's next kin but that was before the mass burial took place.

Sad to see, after serial crimes, their boys came across their match on May 16 and June 4 in which over 40 souls were buried en mass. I may be wrong but one cannot be discarded without prayerful probing of the hush-hush talks among the public who attended the funeral Services, "divine curse is being brought upon the wrong . . ."

Now how can SH and WSH leadership can play on human souls? Are they really going to raise crores of Rupees for compensation? Even if they can compensate with the estimated amount crossing 2 crores for the last departed boys, definitely it is not going to take them anywhere near to give consolation and comfort to the bereaved families. Human values can never be bargained for any amount of material thing. However, this obligation will continue to haunt SH &WSH till the last coin is paid. A promise over dead bodies cannot be broken.

In the ultimate analysis of the situation, one cannot miss to see that SH & WSH unification initiative with ulterior motive have boomeranged right on their face. How do they wriggle out of their own creation is going to be the most interesting part of the Unification disaster. In the context of the changing situation, where the unification initiative had gone awry, the Naga people cannot afford to stay silent but come forward with a pragmatic approach incorporating the national sentiment from the historical point of view.

It is a time of reckoning for the Sumi people to settle issue with the SH/WSH from human perspective. A real testing time has come for the said Hohos to face the reality of the situation without any reservation or else quo vadis?

Mrs. A. Longchari
Through MIP, GPRN.
Press Release
June 14, 2009

The way of the truth is always straight and the way of the wrong is always crooked. The manner of AZ. Jamir's staying away from the press release of Azheto-Mulatonu-Kitovi group under the caption "Naga Unification; Whose Is This" is reflective of how things functions in the group. In any scheming agenda things are destined to explode when somebody is taken for granted within the organizational set-up. The presentation of any paper on the given topic is a matter of being subjected to critical assessment by the concern group of persons before it is dispatched for public consumption. The way AZ. Jamir reacted to the misuse of his name hinted who runs the show in the group, and how others are just made to exist as nothing more than decorative members whose views and opinions are given no chance to be aired. It is, therefore, left for public curiosity that if a person of Jamir's standing as senior Kilonser is not consulted in issuing such statement, others status in the statement is a mere show of deceptive lists. Oh what a cruel turn of event to fool its own fellow members and the Naga people!

MIP Press Release on Kidnapping of Murari

When caught red handed in the kidnapping the face saving drama is enacted to salvage the tainted image of the group. Nevertheless, great job done by the Dimapur Police, though it comes as a belated action.

The businessman Murali Prasad is one among the many businessmen, now touching 100, abducted by Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group for ransom. But in the earlier occasions, the dereliction of duty on the part of the state police was conspicuous by the abduction spree.

Like Vihokhu village, Hoito village is another hot-bed of this group from where all criminal activities are conducted. It is, therefore, not strange when Murali was taken to this village, Police however acted very swiftly, thanks to the cooperation of the businessmen and the public. In the human assessment, the greed for money can drive the people to any extend. But the interesting question is who set off the trend in committing such crime?
For the success of any socio-political movement it is the leadership that shapes the destiny. So when the leadership guided the abduction road for the sake of its survival it became a thing with different motive and mission, far away from public interest. In the better sense of explanation it is like the pack of wolves looking for prey. This is the exact face of the group unless some change has come upon recently. The sources also informed that frustration and anger over the spoils led to more abduction, with controlling hands going out of sense. Because in the absence of moral command, nothing is taken at face value, and Dimapur has been made the living hell for the businessmen. In the face of Murali abduction episode the painful reality has come the surface. Why this group is using different yard-stick to Ghoshito Sema, former Acting Chairman, K-group and Hekuto Sema, Raju Peyu vis-à-vis Atong Pongener who was ultimately shot dead on the false implication case in the abduction of a school boy. Such prejudiced judgement only reflects the hypocrisy of their public appeasement.

Issued by: MIP/GPRN

Fire in the northeast Tarun Vijay Times of India




Seeing the Darjeeling hills simmer with unrest and the army patrolling to keep peace, tourists are naturally heading to other places. The demand for Gorkhaland has again hogged the headlines and new faces and names have come up leading this unruly movement better known for the leadership of Subash Ghising. Now he is growing old and hence new faces have emerged. To register their presence, they find it fruitful to get more bitter, hateful and violent.

That's the comrade-ruled land of West Bengal, adjoining Nepal, an area that recently fell to the bloodthirsty and now power-hungry red brigade of Maoism. Just two days ago, a camp of a Hindu organisation near Ganga Sagar, a pilgrim centre of great significance, was attacked by a communally charged crowd. The result was that the state govt. accused the victims themselves of fomenting trouble and none of the attackers was arrested.

So which part of India is safe and can be visited for a pilgrimage and a Bharat dekho tour? From Kashmir to Kamakhya (Assam) and Jaipur to Darjeeling, Jihadis and Maoists have left their ugly marks. Manipur, famous for heavenly lakes and Krishna's legacy, is in the grip of anti-India, anti-anything Hindu terror outfits. So is the condition in Nagaland and Tripura. Are they going the way of Malaysia – another place which has seen anti-Hindu repression by the state?

Beyond Darjeeling the entire northeast is a region of enchanting natural panorama and religious pilgrimage. But you can't even think of going there for a holiday. Recently a new wave of killings was reported from the Karbi Anglong area of Assam. An organization known as the Black Widows killed 11 labourers and workers on May 15 in the North Cachar hills. This was said to be in retaliation against the army's action that saw 12 Black Widow terrorists eliminated. The same day, Black Widow gunmen killed 10 truck drivers who were bringing daily supplies to the interior areas.

Why should a terrorist organization be known as Black Widows? Is there any virtue in it, as the terrorists are known to find, the way they named their gang of murderers as Lashkar-e-Toiba or Jaish-e-Mohammad? The name, 'Black Widows', doesn't convey anything like that. It instantly attracts media attention though none has been authoritatively able to tell the reason behind such a weird name. One half-baked explanation is that a terrorist organization, Hmar Peoples' Convention, had killed 18 Dimasas in 1995 in Karbi Anglong, widowing 18 women. To avenge that, the Dimasas formed a group that later on became known as Black Widows.

This group, a breakaway faction from the original organization called Dima Halim Daogah (DHD) is headed by Jewel Garlossa. The outfit was formed by Pranab Nunisa. When Nunisa's group surrendered to the government in 2003 and started peace talks, Jewel under the influence of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) parted ways, took an anti-talks position and entered into an agreement with his Naga Christian patrons that meant his group would support Nagalim (a Greater Nagaland with areas from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh merging into it. Nagalim is clearly viewed by the NSCN as a state for Christ). Jewel also happens to be a Christian. When the tragedy occurred, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi chose to go on a trip to China and after a fortnight, sent his junior-most minister to probe the massacre.

More than the lack of timely help and sympathies is the attitude that hurts the most and turns even the soft-spoken shy tribal into a dreaded terrorist. The foreign powers, always in a search of such alienated sections, immediately seize their chance and spread their terror network.

Having failed in his duty to protect the Dimasas, Gogoi alleged that the BJP-ASDC (Autonomous State Demand Committee) run North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council was helping the Black Widows and announced an inquiry. But soon an executive member of the Autonomous Council, Mohet Hojai, issued a statement that revealed that the Congress had created the Dima Halim Daogah. Same story, different area. Remember when Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale had come to Delhi brandishing his AK-47s Congress leaders had chosen to look the other way and Rajiv Gandhi had issued his famous one liner – 'he is a saint'. From Bhindrawale to Raj Thackeray and Black Widows, vote bank politics has proved more murderous than any war waged on us from outside.
Have you ever asked yourself why India's best and most beautiful places are under terror attack? What should have been the natural course for all patriotic Indians in such a situation? To join hands, forget their internal differences and defeat the enemy of the nation, which obviously belongs to all Indians. The anti-national insurgent should have been the target of every Indian party – BJP, Congress, the Samajwadi Party, BSP and the others. Should the matter of how anti-nationals, pronounced enemies of our beloved motherland, be treated become a matter of debate? Should a wicked and unrepentant traitor be made a hero in the media and a debate be launched to re-discuss whether he should be hanged? Shouldn't the Home Minister show some spine and offer to be a hangman for the person who attacked Parliament and waged a war against the nation?

But the traitor is not amused and is teasing the secular nincompoops from inside the jail and the Home Minister issues an annual report that's a bahi khata, a ledger of shame. Every single war against terror, waged by the initiative of brave forces, has been turned into a defeat for the sake of votes. A Times of India front page report said Afzal is not being hanged for fear of annoying the minorities. How can any Indian group, belonging to any faith, feel bad to see an anti-national going to the gallows at the orders of the country’s Supreme Court?

Look, the face of India. The army is deployed to keep peace in Sikkim, it is ordered to face the criminal gangs of the northeast working under various garbs of faith and is also deployed in internal and border security duties in the Valley. Yet we say we are a dynamic democracy surging ahead!
The Ministry of Home Affairs website states its functions thus – "The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) discharges multifarious functions, important among them being the maintenance of internal security. Article 355 of the Constitution enjoins the Union to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution."
But who is shouldering this responsibility? The list of banned organizations in India released by the MHA makes an interesting study. Most of them are either Communist, Islamic jihadis, or Church-supported Northeastern outfits. For the purpose of record I am reproducing the list of banned organisations as is published in the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs:

1) United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)
2) National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) in Assam
3) People's Liberation Army (PLA)
4) United National Liberation Front (UNLF)
5) People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak)
6) Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)
7) Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL)
8) Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF)
9) Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) in Manipur
10) All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF)
11) National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) in Tripura
12) Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC)
13) Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) in Meghalaya
14) Babbar Khalsa International
15) Khalistan Commando Force
16) International Sikh Youth Federation
17) Lashkar-e-Toiba/ Pasban-e-Ahle Hadis
18) Jaish-e-Mohammad/ Tahrik-E-Furqan
19) Harkat-ul-Mujahideen/ Harkar-Ul-Ansar/ Karkat-Ul-Jehad-E-Islami
20) Hizb-ul-Mujahideen/ Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment
21) Al-Umar-Mujahideen
22) Jammu And Kashmir Islamic Front
23) Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
24) Students’ Islamic Movement of India
25) Deendar Anjuman
26) Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)-People's War; all its formations and front organisations
27) Maoist Communist Centre (MCC), all its formations and front organisations
28) Al Badr
29) Jamiat-ul-Mujahidden
30) Al-Qaida
31) Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DEM)
32) Tamil Nadu Liberation Army (TNLA)
33) Tamil National Retrieval Troops (TNRT)
34) Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj (ABNES)

The ban on these outfits in fact is nothing but a mockery of law as most of these organisations are active under different names. In the northeast, banned organisations like ULFA issue press statements and call the Army an "occupational army"; in Nagaland, a terrorist and separatist organization like the NSCN (IM) has its headquarters in Hebron where it 'celebrates' its "republic day" inviting journalists from Delhi and Kolkata; in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has announced pensions for the family of terrorists killed in encounters with security forces!

The seriousness of the ministry can be gauged by the way it maintains its presence on the internet. The first page of its website shows two columns, 'New' and 'Tenders'. But in the 'New' column, supposedly dedicated to the ministry's activities, the tenders have got mixed up, presenting a hilarious list. So after the Jaipur blasts, it is "finalising of rates of tender", and after "minister of state for home affairs", you suddenly find "purchase of boot polish and boot brushes" and so on.

It shows nothing but a casual attitude towards the most serious business of state affairs.

We can choose our concerns and our dinner tables. Be happy seeing Indians in the Forbes list, clap when an Indian tycoon builds the most fabulous highrise private residence, or an Indian multinational purchases corporate giants in UK, Sweden and US. If that makes you happy, please go ahead and giggle. The other side is the northeastern cauldron. Run by insurgents, Bangladeshi infiltrators, terrorists and their accomplice: corrupt politicians. That too is India. Enough reason to smile?

The author is the Director, Dr Syamaprasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.
Impunity Institutionalized Jagmohan Singh morungexpress
While people couldn’t care less and the State continues to revel in the impunity granted to the armed forces, well-meaning social activists, journalists, academicians and young human rights activists demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 at a Seminar held in New Delhi on 22nd May 2008 –marking the 50 years of the legislation. The event went totally unreported in the Indian media. The author files this report and comments on various aspects of the draconian law.
Armed Forces Special Powers Act completes 50 years as Indian law50 years ago, on 22nd May 1958, in the face of rising political dissent in the North-east, India decided to add fiction to its laws -the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Though enacted only for a year, it has continued since. It contravenes the fundamental principles of jurisprudence, Indian law, particularly the right to life and right to a fair trial and international standards, particularly the derogable and non-derogable provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which India is a signatory.
Though meant to be a tool for restoring public order by aiding civil authority, the AFSPA empowers the State governor to subsume the powers of the State government to declare “undefined” disturbed areas. It also empowers non-commissioned officers of the armed forces to arrest without warrant, to destroy any structure that may be hiding absconders without any verification, to conduct search and seizure without warrant and to shoot causing death. No legal proceeding against abuse of such arbitrary powers can be initiated without the prior permission of the federal government. Various interpretations of the provisions of this Act by various Indian courts have seriously undermined the role of the judiciary while adjudicating upon the validity of this law.
This legislation has been used as an instrument to deal with the people of the North-east militarily and not politically. While the people of Punjab had a brief taste of the Act in the 1980s, the people of Kashmir continue to be subjected to the same Act since 1990.
Families of victims have lost count of the various times that the provisions of the Act have been used to crush all forms of dissent –political, social and even personal. In the name of keeping the high morale of the “protectors of the country-the armed forces” a free-run has been given to the Indian Armed Forces for far too long in this part of the Indian territory, which according to the dissenters has been “illegally occupied” by the Indian state.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 must be repealed and there is no further argument on it.
To unnerve a brutal power regime and to awaken it from its slumberous torpor, something major had to happen. The continuity of the Act in “far off” North-east has simply gone unreported in the Indian mainstream media. The death of one woman -Manorama Devi and the steadfastness of another, who is on fast unto death for the past eight years –Ms. Sharmila, have brought the issue into focus. The numerous acts of human rights abuses under the Act came to the fore after the gruesome murder of Manorama by the security forces operating under the Act in 2004. The people of Manipur rose up not only against the murder but also against the Act. Civil liberties organizations and concerned citizens from across the country and world joined in the chorus of protest. Documentaries were made. People from all walks of life sat on protest demonstrations and candle light vigils. Womenfolk resorted to the extreme step of a “nude protest” to shame the armed forces and the government.
The government relented, but in its typical way of “setting up of a committee”. The Prime Minister’s Office constituted the Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy Committee to look into the matter and explore the possibility of substituting the AFSPA with a “more humane” Act. The Committee submitted its report on 6 June 2005 and recommended that the Act be repealed. Similarly the Administrative Reforms Committee headed by Veerappan Moily also recommended on 26 June 2007 that the Act be repealed.
Earlier, in February 2007, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination had also recommended that the Indian Government immediate repeal the AFSPA. So far the federal and Manipur governments have failed to meet many a promise made for repeal of the Act. Even the Jeevan Reddy Committee’s report has not officially been made public, though The Hindu newspaper managed to leak its contents.
The Act is discriminatory no doubt and the alienation issues flowing from the misuse of the provisions make it more symptomatic of the malafide intent of the State. Dr. Bimol Akoijan, a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, in the course of the recent conference in Delhi, remarked that “this Act is not an Act but legal fiction. Discussing public interest litigation of civil societies, the Supreme Court of India, accepts that the conditions are not “disturbed” and that “armed rebellion does not constitute threat to national security”. And then goes on to uphold the constitutional validity of the Act, which it did in 1997.
Senior Editor of the acclaimed Indian newspaper, The Hindu, Sidharth Vadarajan pointed out that the new phenomenon of arming civilians in Manipur is going to have serious repercussions. “It is a dangerous experiment and all those engaged in armed resistance must keep away from these non-state actors” he said. He also commented that the use of National Security Act is yet another aspect which has not received much attention as there are cases of people being charged under sedition charges and then detained under NSA.
Ravi Himadri the Director of The Othermedia outlined that the ill as a matter of policy and governance. He said that “the larger policy of the government of India seems to be about dealing with militarization. The state is unwilling to have a peaceful dialogue with what it conceives as ‘small groups’, for example the people living in Garo Hills. The law/army/ ministry have a big influence on the ‘system’ which is why repealing the Act is quiet improbable.”
“The Jeevan Reddy Committee report has not been implemented clearly under army influence.” He further said. He expressed the need to assess the social and psychological trauma undergone by the people. Going into the question of institutionalizing the illegal methodologies adopted under the statute, a member of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee and renowned columnist, Sanjoy Hazarika, said that “one of the key questions is the prolonged imposition of the Act. 50 years of militarization is far too long and clearly exposes the lack of resolve, insecurity and failure of the government of India in handling the political questions of the region. The Act must be repealed and there is no further argument on it.” He further said that, “A new set of legal structure is needed and mutual understanding evolved to ease the problem and undo the damage done to the Indian army which is seen as a villain of the State.”
A lady activist, Ninglun Hanghal of the Indian Social Action Forum suggested that the government of India should scrap the Act, at least on an experimental basis and monitor the results. She said that serious problems like unemployment may soon spawn an era of social unrest. Pointing out at the other side of the picture, she said that with an increase in the number of insurgent groups, the problems have further escalated.
Like Sidharth Vadarajan, the Coordinator of Reachout, Kshetrimayum Onil also stressed upon the emerging problems which may set off as a result of the arming of civilians. He said that “Already there are over 50,000 armed forces so where is the necessity to arm small pockets of civilians. This shows complete irresponsibility of the government. The neutrality of civilians will be weakened and it may degenerate into “organized crime”. Urging the government to look at the problem as a political issue, he said that there is need for a solution through dialogue and not gun power. The Act is discriminatory no doubt and the alienation issues flowing from the misuse of the provisions make it more symptomatic of the malafide intent of the State, he further said.
Though the saner voices in India are becoming increasingly muted, it is satisfying to note that a number of organizations, namely the National Alliance of Peoples Movements, Asha Parivar , North East Dialogue Forum, Open Space (Bangalore), People’s Watch, Drik India, MASUM, Jagori, Secular Alliance for Harmony among Youths of Grassroots (SAHYOG), Shwe Gas Campaign Committee, Human Rights Alert, Association for Protection of Democratic Rights, North East Network, Human Rights Forum (AP) supported the event which revived the demand for annulment of the anti-people legislation.
To follow the UN call of “All Human Rights for All” in this sixtieth year of the UN Declaration for Human Rights, India will do well to recall the words of Mary Robinson, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in her report to the 58th Session of UN Human Rights Commission. She had said, “An effective international strategy to counter terrorism should use human rights as its unifying framework. The suggestion that human rights violations are permissible in certain circumstances is wrong. The essence of human rights is that human life and dignity must not be compromised and that certain acts, whether carried out by State or non-State actors, are never justified no matter what the ends. International human rights and humanitarian law define the boundaries of permissible political and military conduct. A reckless approach towards human life and liberty undermines counter-terrorism measures”.
A Sikh soldier (name withheld), now in his eighties, who had served in the Indian army some decades ago, upon reading of a report of the violations under the Act, called up a political activist and said, “today, I am ashamed of what I did as a soldier longtime back while serving in Nagaland and Manipur.” I wish even India says the same.



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