Nagalim.NL News

Home » Archives » June 2008 » NSCN (IM) rejects Kumawat's appointment as CFMG chairman To stay away from all CFMG meeting under Kumawat Nagaland Page

[Previous entry: "UNLF says NSCN(IM) self righteousness point for debate The Imphal Free Press"] [Next entry: "‘Fishing Peace in Bloody Rivers’ S Daiho Mao morungexpress"]

06/16/2008: "NSCN (IM) rejects Kumawat's appointment as CFMG chairman To stay away from all CFMG meeting under Kumawat Nagaland Page"



NSCN (IM) rejects Kumawat's appointment as CFMG chairman To stay away from all CFMG meeting under Kumawat Nagaland Page

Dimapur, June 15: The NSCN (IM) has categorically rejected the appointment of Special Secretary (Internal Affairs), ML Kumawat as the new chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) on the grounds that the outfit was not consulted before Kumawat's appointment by the Centre.
Kumawat took over as the new CFMG chairman on June 1 last from Lt Gen (retd) Ramesh V Kulkarni, reportedly following the end of his tenure on May 31 last. Kumawat appointment is reported to be temporary before the appointment of a permanent CFMG chairman.
"We have not accepted Kumawat's appointment as CFMG chairman because the Government of India has not consulted us before his appointment," convener of the outfit's Cease Fire Monitoring Cell (CFMC), Brigadier Phungthing Shimrang told media persons here at the CFMC office on Sunday.
And making the outfit's position clear on the unilateral appointment of the new CFMG chairman by India, the NSCN (IM) leader said the outfit will not attend any CFMG meeting under Kumawat's chairmanship.
The CFMG meets at least once every month to review implementation of the ceasefire ground rules by all parties involved. On June 12 last one such meeting was held inconclusively after the NSCN (IM) delegation staged a walkout after Indian officials ignored the NSCN (IM)'s statement made in the meeting on the present situation in Nagaland.
In the June 12 meeting, the new CFMG chairman was conspicuous by his absence, which also irked the NSCN (IM) delegation led by its convener Brig Phungthing Shimrang.
"A ceasefire ground rules made between two parties cannot be implemented by one party alone… But if they (India) think that they can handle it alone, unexpected problem will arise," he warned.
Phungthing also made it clear that the NSCN (IM) will not accept "any imposition" on the outfit by the Centre in the name of ceasefire. He said the NSCN (IM) will not tolerate "this kind of attitude" from Government of India.
The NSCN (IM) leader pointed out that as per agreement between India and the outfit, any selection/change of CFMG chairman would be based on mutual understanding. "But without our knowledge, they (India) have changed the Chairman saying the term of Kulkarni has expired," he rued.
On the requirements necessary for anyone to be appointed CFMG chairman, Phungting was of the view that the chairman should be someone who understands the issues at hand. Besides there should be continuity, he said while pointing out that when someone is changed, the new person is liable to interpret the ceasefire ground rules according to his understanding as a result of which "misunderstanding" crops up.
When Kulkarni came in February 2001, there was progress and we were in a position to move forward. But there were many obstacles because of change of CFMG members, particularly the change of IGAR (N), regularly, he added.
The NSCN (IM) leader also accused India of creating more problems than solutions to the Indo-Naga problem. Buttressing his claim, Phungting accused India of creating "more confusion" among Nagas with a view to create divisions in the Naga family. They are fighting a proxy war in the name of ceasefire, he added.
Phungting also lamented that the 'abnormal' situation in the state in the midst of blame-game between the Centre and the State. "The GoI is blaming the State Government and the State is blaming Government of India, even as the situation continues to deteriorate.
We want a conducive atmosphere for the peace process, but GoI agencies don't want this because they want to prolong the Naga issue to create more confusion," he said and appealed to all Nagas not to fall prey to the attempt of GoI agencies to divide the Nagas. (Page News Service)
‘GoI engage delay tactics’ morungexpress
Phungthing Shimrang (left) convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell (CFMC) along with a member of the CFMC during a press conference at the CFMC office at Diphupar on Sunday, June 15. (Morung Photos)
DIMAPUR, JUNE 15 (MExN): A couple of days after walking out of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group meeting (CFMG), the NSCN (IM) today made their stand loud and clear by declaring that it would not accept ML Kumawat as chairman of the group.
“We don’t have a chairman now” declared Phungthing Shimrang, convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell (CFMC) during a press conference in the CFMC office at Diphupar and also announced that the NSCN (IM) would not attend any meeting of the CFMG under Kumawat’s chairmanship. Shimrang said that the NSCN (IM) harbors no personal dislike for Kumawat but the fact that the NSCN (IM) views were not taken to consideration while appointing the new CFMG chairman. Shimrang said that the NSCN (IM) had made it clear to the Government of India that the new chairman would have to be selected on the basis of mutual understanding. He reasoned the imperative that any new incumbent have to be someone who understood the Naga situation so that continuity of the talks can be maintained.
The NSCN (IM) accused the Government of India of using the method of changing members as a ploy to delay the talks. This was the problem the outfit had faced for the last ten years with the constant change in the government and especially the IGAR who were changed every two years. Shimrang said this constant change of members in the CFMG has resulted in the habit of each new member interpreting the ground rules in his own way which effectively violates the “unwritten understanding” inherent in the Ceasefire Ground Rules.
Despite allegations heaped on the NSCN (IM), the CFMC convener accused the centre itself of violating the first clause of the rules which declared that there would be no loss of property. He said that in the last four to five years, the NSCN (IM) had lost more than 200 arms and other “property” when the Assam Rifles got some of its cadres booked under NSA. But the Assam Rifles is said to have admitted to possess only 10 of the seized arms so far.
No CF meeting, under KumawatAdmitting that the political negotiations were “becoming slow” and ceasefire meetings being “dragged on”, Shimrang said that the center’s constant reply to any grievance of the NSCN (IM) was that they would “look into it”. Exemplifying the point with the center’s earlier statement that the Vihokhu camp was illegal and not recognized, Shimrang said nothing had been done about it. Moreover, every time the matter was brought up, it brought forth the same reply to “look into it.” As a result of the GoI’s inability to give any assurance, the CFMG meeting had become a “casual affair” said Shimrang, adding this attitude was found insulting to the Naga people.
Shimrang also lashed out at the district coordination group for their decision in its recent meeting to implement ceasefire ground rules without involving the NSCN (IM). “Ground rules created by two parties to be implemented by them will not work with the decision of only one group” he said claiming that the NSCN (IM) was “restraining” itself “because of repeated appeals from the public” despite knowing every nook and corner of the other group’s position. “If we start fighting, will they be able to handle it? Will the state government, government of India or administration?” questioned Shimrang cautioning the government agencies not to think that they could do it alone.
Shimrang made it clear that the ceasefire of NSCN (IM) was with the Centre and not the state government and it is the Centre that should direct the state government ‘of how to handle the matter.’ But instead, the NSCN (IM) functionary said, there was a trend of the centre blaming the state and vise versa. However, Shimrang added that the NSCN (IM) ceasefire was not a law and order issued but a political one and the matter had to be handled politically.
Accusing the GoI of instigating a proxy war among the Nagas, Shimrang called upon the people to look deeper into the factional clashes taking place and find out who is creating the situation. He said that the GoI was trying to create confusion and division among the Nagas by using “our own people” for which he expressed pain. And against such a scenario, Shimrang said that the most dangerous mistake would be to generalize or stereotype a community since every community has good, sensible as well as bad people.
“We should not fall prey to this dangerous trend” he cautioned the Nagas.
‘Naga issue is not about integration’ morungexpress
Dimapur, June 15 (MExN): The “NSCN/GPRN” today reflected on a number of aspects characterizing the Naga political issue. The outfit in a statement wondered about the end of the “peace” process. According to the publicity cell of the “NSCN/GPRN” the issue of Naga “sovereignty” “is about the future of the Naga people” and so any solution must reflect the will of the Nagas.
Any solution must reflect will of the people: NSCN/GPRN “Historical documents clearly proves that Naga issue is not about integration. Its more than 6-decade of political struggle of the Nagas is turned into integration issue overnight, those responsible must be questioned” it stated and proceeded to mention NSCN (IM) general secretary Th. Muivah. He must seek “emotional integration” from the Nagas first “than demanding physical integration of Nagas from the Government of India” the outfit stated.
The “national” movement “of the Nagas,” the publicity cell asserted, “originated from Nagaland and then spread to other areas Naga inhabited areas beyond artificial boundaries created by alien oppressors.” If they so desire, Nagas outside the present state of Nagaland shall have the right to live under one entity. This is the fact about Nagas integration, which can be pursued post solution, the cell explained. The group also said that a united political agenda without any covert dealings must firmly be placed before the Naga people “lest it becomes the agenda of few individual at the cost of Nagas.”
If Th. Muivah had this basic foundation in him, the cell stated, the “peace” process would not have “collapsed.” Despite its “end,” the “NSCN/GPRN” claimed, “he tried to whip up the interest of the Nagas by dwelling on federal and constitutional possibilities.” The group also noted what it stated was Th. Muivah’s “spirring (sic) up Indian media “whenever the situation at home does not suit his interest.” The cell accused him of ‘exploiting’ the consciousness of the Nagas “particularly the educated class.” The group urged “the Nagas not to allow the political wisdom grope in the dark” and rather they must “wake up to reality.”
“Is the Naga political struggle inferior to others to let an individual pull it along t any direction he likes? A revolutionary leader ceases to be one when he places personal vision above that of the peoples. If a 60 year old freedom struggle of the Nagas is reduced to being a solo project, any failure must be squarely blamed on the person at the helm of affairs” it queried. “The greatest enemy of Th Muivah is not India or GPRN/NSCN. It is his own political ego” the outfit stated. The cell also stated what it said was “sympathy to Muivah’s group for opening an institution of fake names to justify all the misdeed and to further confuse the Nagas” .

4 Ulfa militants gunned down OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dibrugarh, June 15: The army which had very recently tasted major success in its counter-insurgency operations against Ulfa, today eliminated four cadres in an encounter at Balijan grant near Kanu tea estate in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district.
The operation was carried out by the army’s 268 Field Regiment, which had sent the troops for the operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a five-member Ulfa group in the area.
An army official said over telephone that the Ulfa cadres had opened fire on the troops as the soldiers were advancing towards the residence of schoolteacher Ghana Tamuli, in whose residence the militants had taken shelter.
“The Ulfa militants fired at our troops to which we retaliated and during the encounter, which lasted for an hour, four of them were killed and one escaped,” the official said.
The encounter started around 3.10 this afternoon. The army has recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter site, which include one AK-56 rifle with four magazines, one M-16 rifle with six magazines, one grenade launcher with four grenades, one country-made gun, one rifle, one mobile handset, ammunition pouches, CDs and incriminating documents.
Relatives of Ghana Tamuli said the five-member Ulfa group had forcibly taken shelter in his residence this morning.
“One of the Ulfa militants was taking a bath, three were asleep inside and one stood guard outside the residence when the soldiers surrounded the house. The one who was bathing in the backyard of the house made a run for it. Later, all of them were caught and shot from point blank range,” a local source said.
The army had contradicted this allegation and stressed that all of the Ulfa men were killed during the encounter. One of the slain Ulfa militants has been identified as self-styled private Ajit Gogoi, a resident of the same area where the encounter took place. Three others have also been identified as Badal Khargoria, Ani Bawri and Sonit Gohain. A search operation by the security forces in the area is still on.
NPF candidate The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland has finally endorsed Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) candidate Khekiho Zhimomi as its consensus candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat, reports our Kohima correspondent. The seat fall vacant after T R Zeliang had resigned to contest the assembly elections.
Unity of people is pre-requisite to any solution: GPRN/NSCN Nagaland Page
Dimapur, June 15: The GPRN/NSCN today said that unity of the people towards the Naga issue is pre-requisite to any solution because a political struggle can succeed only if it is firmly backed by the people.
It said that Naga sovereignty issue is about the future of the Naga people and therefore any solution must reflect the will of the Nagas, adding historical documents clearly proves that Naga issue is not about integration.
If more than 6-decade of political struggle of the Nagas is turned into integration issue overnight, those responsible must be questioned, it said adding, Th Muivah must seek emotional integration from the Nagas first than demanding physical integration of Nagas from the Government of India.
In a release issued by the Publicity Cell, the outfit said that Naga integration can be pursued post solution. It stated that the national movement of the Nagas originated from Nagaland and then spread to other Naga inhabited areas beyond artificial boundaries created by alien oppressors and if they so desire, the Nagas outside the present state of Nagaland shall have the right to live under one entity.
United political agenda without any covert dealings must firmly be placed before the Naga people lest it becomes the agenda of few individual at the cost of Nagas, it stated while prioritizing on transparency and camaraderie among the leaders and subordinates; justice and equality in the entire organization.
The GPRN/NSCN further stated that if Th Muivah had this basicc foundation in him, the so-called peace process would not have collapsed and alleged that he tried to whip up the interest of the Nagas by dwelling on federal and constitutional possibilities.
It also alleged that Muivah has exploited the consciousness of the Nagas particularly the educated class over many years. It said that his recent appearances on News channels and print media are good examples of resorting to publicity stunts to bombard Naga psyche and cover his failures and the perennial issues.
" So long as his policy of dividing the Nagas on tribal lines is pursued, mileage and sympathy of the Nagas will never be forthcoming. It is of little use barking at the media people in New Delhi harping a hope and positivism when blood flow unabated at home because of his anti-Naga policies," the release stated.
The GPRN/NSCN urged the Nagas not to allow the political wisdom grope in the dark and appealed to all tribal hohos, GBs & DBs, the state Government, NPMHR, NSF and other frontal organizations to wake up to reality.
"If the autonomy status of the four Naga districts in Manipur is being pursued even that has to be approved by the Naga people of four districts. Nagas have the right to know why a decade of negotiation be generated from "Nothing sort of sovereignty" to "No integration, no solution" to a "deadlock", the release stated.
The release further stated that if a 60-year old freedom struggle of the Nagas is reduced to being a solo project, any failure must be squarely blamed on the person at the helm of affairs.
The greatest enemy of Th Muivah is not India or GPRN/NSCN. It is his own political ego, it further added. (Page News Service)
Karbi safari, Kenya style - African model of eco-tourism to show the way in Assam PULLOCK DUTTA The Telegraph
Guwahati, June 15: For a trip to Masai Mara game reserve, you will no longer need a Kenyan visa. The luxury and thrill of African safari will soon be rolled out in the untamed wilds of the Karbi Anglong.
A project initiated by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with help from a Nairobi-based tourism agency is set to bring the highly successful Kenyan model of eco-tourism to Karbi Anglong. The executive director of WTI, Vivek Menon, and the chairman of the Nairobi-based safari company, Donald Young, toured Karbi Anglong this week to chart out the modalities of project.
Young has been a profession safari guide for 25 years and a highly respected one too. Like in Kenya, the WTI will engage local people in protection of wildlife while the safari company — Newland, Tarlton & Co — will employ them in tourism-related jobs. The tourism project will initially include a tribal Karbi village and the famous hot water spring at Garampani in Nambar reserve forest.
The divisional forest officer of Karbi Anglong (East) J.N. Hazarika, said youngsters living in and around Garampani will be taken to Kenya’s game reserves for “on-the-spot” training in hospitality.
Young of Newland, Tarlton & Co has explained the village council members of Karbi Anglong that a select group of villagers would be taken to Nairobi to work with professionals of the company in the game reserves of Africa.
By the time the game reserve opens in Karbi Along, WTI will have a group of trained local hands for the project.
A Centre for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, on the lines of the one at Bokakhat in Golaghat district near Kaziranga game sanctuary may also be built in Phuloni area of Karbi Anglong under the project.
The Assam co-ordinator of WTI, Rathin Barman, said there has always been a demand for an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Karbi Anglong. Forest officials feel that not just animals, the Kenyan model of eco-tourism would also help protect the greens.
“When local people get involved in tourism projects, timber smuggling, which is rampant in the district, would definitely come to an end,” he said.
NSCN (IM) on Jami’s statement
The way of the truth is always straight and the way of the wrong is always crooked. The manner of AZ. Jami'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!
Issued by MIP/GPRN

NSCN (IM) on Kidnapping of Murari Nagaland Page
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

A Z Jami has taken right decision Nagaland Page
The decision of Mr. A Z Jami to distance himself from the statement issued by Kitovi-Kughalu Mulatonu gang, “Unification: Whose is it?” recently was a wise decision. Being with these two gang leaders for the last couple of years he has discovered what they have been doing all these years in connivance with our adversaries.
With his denial to the statement I am sure Mr. Jami is trying to detach himself from the "Kitovi-Kughalu Mulatonu gang". This is a welcome step for the Naga people.
As for Mr. Azheto Chophy congratulating a new team of Naga Hoho, I must say such is a double standard policy and absolutely ridiculous. It has come as a bolt from the blue to the Naga people, because after joining the anti-Naga force or in other words “axis of evil” Mr. Azheto is shedding a crocodile’s tears. How could Mr. Azheto congratulate a respected organization like Naga Hoho which is ceaselessly working for unity and aspiration of Naga people, after he had joined “Kitovi-Kughalu Mulatonu gang” which is all out against Naga unity and aspiration? With what moral can Mr. Azheto speak about Naga unity?
Is it not Mr. Kitovi and Mr. Kughalu Mulatonu who are totally against Nagas and other Naga international support groups and nations who are working for the cause of Naga people? Is it not they are against even the church organizations? They are against Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers Association, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga tribal Hohos, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, and several other Naga mass based organizations. They two brother-in-laws have been appealing to their New Delhi bosses to declare these organizations as terrorist groups, including the church. The duo have now adopted the policy of ‘ethnic cleansing’ at the behest of government of India, where several precious lives have been lost, including church workers, school children and housewives. Forget about Naga sovereignty, these two self-styled Naga leaders are strongly opposed to even integration of Naga contiguous areas. Than where is their political ideology and stand? What are their achievements so far? This Nagas have to ask these two persons.
Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho
Naga Army GPRN/NSCN
Build connectivity among ASEAN for economic development of NE’ Newmai News Network
Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, left, delivers a speech at the inauguration of the Ministry of External Affairs Branch Secretariat, as Indian Panchayati Raj and North Eastern Region’s Development Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, center in red, ges
Guwahati | June 15 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday stressed on building connectivity among the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the economic development of India’s Northeast. Addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of a branch secretariat of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Guwahati, Mukherjee and Panchayati and DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar were unanimous that only connectivity with the ASEAN, be it road or air, could take the northeast to the road of economic prosperity.
He also played down the issue of China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, and said that boundary disputes can not stop two countries from having healthy trade ties. “Bilateral trade with China has improved and size of trade between the two countries has gone up to $ 40 billion, while it was only a few hundred million in the 90's,” he said.
“However, efforts were on to settle disputes with china. We have readied a framework for solution of the dispute which is mutually acceptable to both the countries. We had a series of high level discussion in this direction. ASEAN countries have emerged as important trade partner of India," he Said. “Economic development of northeast will depend on how fast and quickly we build up the connectivity with the ASEAN countries,” he said, adding that the northeast has a special importance in this regard, particularly after India had started boosting its ties with the ASEAN countries since 1995.
Mukherjee pointed out that prevalence of a congenial atmosphere could help boost the economy of the region. In this regard, the minister said private investment in the northeast is essential for its economic development. In his speech, Aiyar said the northeast got cut off from India ever since the partition of the country. He said even the foreign policy of India had partly contributed to this isolation, thus affecting India’s relationship with the neighbouring countries in the last one decade or so.
Aiyar pointed out that economic development of the region largely depended on how India maintained its relationship with the neighbouring countries. He urged the North Eastern Council (NEC) as also Ministry of DoNER and all State governments of the region to take full advantage of the branch secretariat of MEA here. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh blamed insurgency for impeding development in the Northeast. Gogoi observed that lack of employment opportunities was responsible for the problem of insurgency in the region.

It’s not our job to determine Govt in Myanmar: Pranab

Guwahati, June 15 (Agencies): Often under international pressure to nudge the military Junta in Myanmar to usher in democracy, India on Sunday made it clear that “it is not our job to determine what kind of government is” in that country.
“It is not our job to determine what kind of government is there (in Myanmar).... Economic development and peace should go side by side,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while inaugurating a branch secretariat of the external affairs ministry here.
“We want to have good relations with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar so that trade between the NE region and the Asean countries are promoted”, he said. India has over the years promoted its engagement with the military rulers in Myanmar bilaterally as well as part of its “look east” policy.
Build connectivity among ASEAN for economic development of NE’ Newmai News Network
Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, left, delivers a speech at the inauguration of the Ministry of External Affairs Branch Secretariat, as Indian Panchayati Raj and North Eastern Region’s Development Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, center in red, ges
Guwahati | June 15 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday stressed on building connectivity among the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the economic development of India’s Northeast. Addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of a branch secretariat of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Guwahati, Mukherjee and Panchayati and DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar were unanimous that only connectivity with the ASEAN, be it road or air, could take the northeast to the road of economic prosperity.
He also played down the issue of China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, and said that boundary disputes can not stop two countries from having healthy trade ties. “Bilateral trade with China has improved and size of trade between the two countries has gone up to $ 40 billion, while it was only a few hundred million in the 90's,” he said.
“However, efforts were on to settle disputes with china. We have readied a framework for solution of the dispute which is mutually acceptable to both the countries. We had a series of high level discussion in this direction. ASEAN countries have emerged as important trade partner of India," he Said. “Economic development of northeast will depend on how fast and quickly we build up the connectivity with the ASEAN countries,” he said, adding that the northeast has a special importance in this regard, particularly after India had started boosting its ties with the ASEAN countries since 1995.
Mukherjee pointed out that prevalence of a congenial atmosphere could help boost the economy of the region. In this regard, the minister said private investment in the northeast is essential for its economic development. In his speech, Aiyar said the northeast got cut off from India ever since the partition of the country. He said even the foreign policy of India had partly contributed to this isolation, thus affecting India’s relationship with the neighbouring countries in the last one decade or so.
Aiyar pointed out that economic development of the region largely depended on how India maintained its relationship with the neighbouring countries. He urged the North Eastern Council (NEC) as also Ministry of DoNER and all State governments of the region to take full advantage of the branch secretariat of MEA here. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh blamed insurgency for impeding development in the Northeast. Gogoi observed that lack of employment opportunities was responsible for the problem of insurgency in the region.

It’s not our job to determine Govt in Myanmar: Pranab
Guwahati, June 15 (Agencies): Often under international pressure to nudge the military Junta in Myanmar to usher in democracy, India on Sunday made it clear that “it is not our job to determine what kind of government is” in that country.
“It is not our job to determine what kind of government is there (in Myanmar).... Economic development and peace should go side by side,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while inaugurating a branch secretariat of the external affairs ministry here.
“We want to have good relations with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar so that trade between the NE region and the Asean countries are promoted”, he said. India has over the years promoted its engagement with the military rulers in Myanmar bilaterally as well as part of its “look east” policy.
Taking Ownership morungexpress
Indigenous peoples make up 5% of the world’s population, occupy over 20% of the earth’s landmass, and pursue self-determination, which includes sovereignty, in all 73 countries in which they dwell. At a time when instead of widening choices, globalism is forcing the multitude of cultures into a monoculture of shallowness which has created more inequality; and unfortunately it’s the indigenous people that has been affected the most. While the challenge is not so much the changes that are taking place, the greater challenge for indigenous people is the pace in which the changes are occurring.
To ensure that indigenous people are not overwhelmed by the pace in which change is taking place, it is necessary for them to begin taking ownership over their lives and the various facets required in their hope to lead dignified lives. Taking ownership does not however mean other people deciding policies while indigenous people participate in the activities of their choosing. In actuality, taking ownership implies people taking effective roles in decision making processes and evolving concrete stages of implementation.
In essence the process of ownership begins with the power of imagination. Imagination has direct effect on decision-making and is critical in strengthening the understanding needed for making decisions that not only takes into account needs of the present, but also future generations. It demands not losing indigenous knowledge, ethical values, ways of thinking and knowing the collective will of the people. Eventually, ownership comes with the consciousness of oneness with fellow human beings, the universe and all its powers and that the center is within each individual embarking on that journey of self-realization.
Imagination is the depth of wisdom that concerns nourishing the dynamics of the soul, spirit, nature and nation, which creates opportunities to address underlying issues of human tribulations. It is the power of imagination that allows the human spirit to weave together the various aspects of creation into wholeness. Imagination therefore resonates with the art of provoking, exhilarating and challenging the profoundness and predicaments that life offers to human reasoning.
Nagas, as indigenous people are in a place of predicament; and undoubtedly their depth of wisdom and imagination is now at test. The astuteness in which they decide to address the question and purpose of their existence will define their maturity and spirituality as a people. It will reveal their ability to see reason and build hope. Eventually, at its heart, taking ownership entails a journey about human imagination and the power to discern what seems impossible by stretching the moment of opportunity; in rising to the challenge of creating new possibilities to collective shape and reshape the world. It offers a place of both challenge and opportunity and demands the will of the people to take courage and creativity. Nonetheless, it is an opportunity that Nagas must not let it pass by!

Pranab for close ties with NE neighbours Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 15 – The Union Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee, today vowed to extend all possible support to help the Northeast to expedite its economic development, which would be possible only by improving upon its relations with the ASEAN and other neighbouring countries. The Union Minister further underscored the need for better road, rail and air connectivity with the bordering countries of the NE, saying that it is high time to build up connectivity and “we will have not only to identify but also chalk out means to resolve the problems.”

The minister was speaking during the inaugural function of the Branch Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs, in Guwahati today. This is the fourth such branch in the entire country after Kolkota, Hyderabad and Chennai.

“The North-east India can reap the benefits of tremendous commercial prospects by having a better linkage with the ASEAN and other neighbouring countries. There is no doubt that we can have divergent of views but that cannot and should not pose a hurdle in the way of mutual commercial progress,” Mukherjee asserted, adding that the ASEAN has emerged as the most important trading centre for the country, especially the North-east. Citing an instance, the minister said, “There has always been a boundary dispute with neighbouring China, which of course has made some progress in the recent times. But in spite of having a dispute, both the countries have improved upon their commercial relationship.”

“Of late, when the Prime Ministers of both the countries met, it was revealed that both the countries have actually surpassed the target of business to the tune of $40,000 billion, which was set for the year 2010. Now, both the countries have actually set a new target of $ 60,000 billion for 2010, which I am sure would be achieved,” Mukherjee pointed out. He also hoped that the boundary dispute over Chinese claims would soon be resolved through dialogue. Mukherjee said that the North-east started bearing the brunt of isolation after the partition, and to some extent even the country’s foreign policy, from time to time, has failed to address it effectively. The minister further urged all the North-eastern States to work not only to improve their ties with the neighbouring countries but also with mainland India.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister for Panchayati Raj, and the DoNER, too, emphasised on improving relationships with the neighbouring countries, especially with Bangladesh and Myanmar. In this connection, he also mentioned that better ties with other neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and even Pakistan, would fetch greater dividends for the region. Earlier, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi assured the gathering that the State is giving top-most priority to achieving sustainable economic development.

“Every department in the State Government must work in a cohesive manner to ensure better growth,” Gogoi said. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that special impetus should be given to improve the road, rail and air connectivity, which would bring in investment in an unprecedented manner. PTI adds: Often under international pressure to nudge the military junta in Myanmar to usher in democracy, India today made it clear that “it is not our job to determine what kind of government is” in that country.

“It is not our job to determine what kind of government is there (in Myanmar)... economic development and peace should go side by side”, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while inaugurating a branch secretariat of the External Affairs Ministry here. “We want to have good relations with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar so that trade between the NE region and the ASEAN countries are promoted”, he said. India has over the years promoted its engagement with the military rulers in Myanmar bilaterally as well as part of its “Look East” policy, Mukherjee said.
Government’s role on release of suspected ISI agents severely criticized By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 14: Former Asom Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, former Asom Chief Secretary JP Rajkhowa and former DGP HK Deka today expressed serious concern over the release of as many as ten suspected ISI agents by the court for the failure of the Assam Police to prove charges against them. They termed it as a total failure of the Government and a serious threat to the internal security of the country. Mahanta even said the incident has once again proved Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s soft stand towards the ISI and Islamic fundamentalists. However, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) preferred not to air any comment on the issue now.
Talking to The Sentinel, Mahanta said: “It was due to the bold stand taken by the then AGP Government that police could arrest as many as ten ISI agents on the basis of strong ground, but those ISI agents have been set free due to negligence on the part of the Tarun Gogoi-led Government. Either the police didn’t investigate the case deeply or the prosecutor was not given the required briefing by the State Government or the State Government took a soft stand in the case. Whatever may be the case, it has proved once again that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is soft towards the ISI and fundamentalists. This is undoubtedly a serious threat to the internal security of the country.”
It may be mentioned here that the 10 suspected ISI agents had been arrested during the tenure of Prafulla Kumar Mahanta as Chief Minister of the State.
Blaming it on the Assam Police, former Asom Chief Secretary JP Rajkhowa said since it is a serious matter and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs should step in. Talking to The Sentinel, Rajkhowa said : “If the ten are not ISI agents, the Assam Police is responsible for holding them so long on mere suspicion. After their arrest, did the Assam Police ever consult the RAW and IB, given the fact that the issue was so serious and a grave threat to the internal security of the country?”
Rajkhowa further said: “The Assam Police can still detain them as they are a threat to national security. They can still be arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and their cases may be referred to an advisory committee headed by a retired judge of the High Court. The Assam Police is actually incompetent to handle such cases.”
Former Asom DGP HK Deka was also surprised at the release of the 10 suspected ISI agents. Talking to The Sentinel, Deka said: “It’s not only an unfortunate incident, but also a threat to the internal security of the country. When the suspected ISI agents were arrested, sufficient incriminating documents were seized from their possession. Maybe, the police didn’t investigate the case deeply and that led to its failure to prove the charges against the 10.”
Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) general secretary Manoj Baruah said: “It’s a total failure of the Government and the police. If the 10 are not ISI agents, what action will the Government take against those who detained them for nine years?”
AUDF working president HRA Choudhury, on the other hand, said: “This incident has proved that only judiciary can give justice to the people, not administration. The incident has also proved that there is a tendency to frame the people of a particular community as fundamentalists.”
It is worth mentioning here that when the 10 suspected ISI agents had been arrested, including four from the Guwahati railway station, the police had claimed that it had seized various incriminating documents from their possession and claimed that it had been a big success.
What will Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi say now? It is still fresh in the minds of circles concerned that the Chief Minister, while replying to a question from Opposition leader Chandra Mohan Patowary on March 10 this year, told the Assam Assembly that ISI activities had been on the rise in the State and that his Government had arrested as many as nine ISI agents. Gogoi had also told the Assembly that his Government had enough evidence to prove that MULTA and HuM had links with the ISI. This apart, at a meeting on internal security in New Delhi on December 20, 2007, Gogoi said: “The Northeast, of late, emerged as an important hub for espionage activity for agencies such as the ISI. But we are determined to root out that menace.” Does Gogoi realize the gravity of the situation?
‘Peace talks without preconditions will yield results’ By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 14: A seminar on peace talks was organized by an NGO, Himalaya Parivar, at Vivekananda Kendra today. The seminar was inaugurated by Asom Sahitya Sabha president Kanaksen Deka. In his inaugural speech, Deka said both the Government and the ULFA should sit down for talks without setting any conditions. “If both sides sit for talks with the ultimate objective of achieving peace, the talks will definitely yield result,” he said. The Asom Sahitya Sabha president however said that the Government should dismantle the Unified Structure currently in force in the State and announce a special economic package for Asom to solve its unemployment problem. Deka urged both the Government and the ULFA to respect the cease-fire rules while the talks are in progress
Retd Deputy Commissioner Kanak Chandra Sarma felt that a conducive environment was of utmost importance before holding peace talks. Sarma said, “Peace talks between the Government and the ULFA should not be held by setting any sort of conditions”.
The meeting was attended by PCG (Peoples Consultative Group) member Hiranya Saikia besides a host of other eminent personalities.
Himalaya Parivar convener Chiladitya Deb informed The Sentinel of the decisions taken by the NGO after the end of today’s seminar. Deb said, “We have decided to request the Government to release four ULFA leaders - Bhimkanta Buragohain, Mithinga Daimary, Pradip Gogoi and Pranati Deka - before holding any talks with the ULFA. The Government should show its sincerity for holding talks by releasing these jailed ULFA cadres”.
Himalaya Parivar further said that peace talks should be held without any preconditions and it should be held within a stipulated time period. “The talks should be held directly between both parties and no third party should be allowed to be part of the talks,” Deb added.
Buzz in India-China frontier over female Buddha statue Sentinel
Itanagar, June 14: There is a lot of excitement in Arunachal Pradesh’s border region with China as work has begun to erect an 80-feet statue of the White Tara or the female Buddha on the dizzy heights of a peak that overlooks Tibet and Bhutan.
“We have begun work to install the statue on top of the Lumla peak in Tawang district. The project will develop the area and attract pilgrims and tourists,” TG Rinpoche, a Buddhist leader who is also a legislator in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly, told IANS.
The White Tara, associated with Tibetan Buddhism, is a female Buddha known for long life, compassion, healing and serenity. “Our people in Tawang and elsewhere in the state are very happy with our efforts. The White Tara after all is regarded by our people as the goddess of prosperity,” said Rinpoche, one of the architects of the project.
The project will include prayer halls, a museum, a library and accommodation for visitors. The base of the statue will have 1,000 petalled lotuses.
The project in Tawang district -- which the Chinese claim as their territory and is regarded as an integral part of India by New Delhi -- is estimated to cost Rs.50 million.
Tara is a deity whose worship is used by practitioners of the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism to develop certain inner qualities and understand outer, inner and secret teachings about compassion and emptiness. In Japan she is known as Tarani Bosatsu, but she is said to be virtually unknown in China.
India has embarked on a massive infrastructure development programme in Arunachal Pradesh, including around Tawang, an important seat of Buddhism perched at an altitude of 11,115 feet.
Tawang has been in the news with frequent claims by Beijing that it is part of China. India rejects the claim. India and China fought a 42-day border war around the Tawang heights in 1962.
India has been contesting Beijing’s rule over 38,000 sq km (15,000 square miles) of barren and uninhabited land on the Tibetan plateau, which China seized from India during the 1962 war. China, on the other hand, is pushing ahead with its claim on 90,000 sq km of territory ruled by India in the eastern part of the border, mostly in Arunachal Pradesh. (IANS)
Editor aiding cyclone victims arrested by Junta Wai Sann




The Burmese military junta continues to harass and detain people and despite odds have gone out of their way to help victims of Cyclone Nargis. In its latest instance of intolerance it arrested a journalist on Friday, who had been helping survivors. Zaw Thet Htwe, the former editor of a weekly sports journal was arrested in his home town, Minbu, according to a close relative according to a close relative who refused to be quoted by his name.

"They [local authorities] came and arrested him and blocked mobile phone connection," he said.

Zaw Thet Htwe was visiting his native town after delivering some kitchen utensils for cyclone victims in the Irrawaddy Delta.

No official reason has been given by the authorities. Nevertheless, Zaw Thet Htwe's arrest is thought to have a link with Zarganar's arrest last week.

The well-known outspoken comedian was arrested after his team was caught supplying food and shelter to cyclone victims. The authorities confiscated relief money along with the VCDs of records of his team's activities in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

It is not the first time that Zaw Thet Htwe has been arrested on November 2003 . He was charged with sending reports to the International Labour Organization and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the Supreme Court quashed the sentence later against him due to pressure from the ILO.

Till date, it is not known where he has been taken. His home in Rangoon was reportedly stormed by the special police and his phone connection was also cut off.

Some reports said he was being detained in an interrogation camp in Rangoon after being transferred from Minbu Township.



News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter