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06/17/2008: "‘Fishing Peace in Bloody Rivers’ S Daiho Mao morungexpress"

‘Fishing Peace in Bloody Rivers’ S Daiho Mao morungexpress

Zunheboto, Longleng & Mon | June 16 : Carrying on with the policy of ‘fishing for peace in bloody rivers’, state Home Minister Imkong L Imchen today visited three different district headquarters propagating the ‘peace offensive’ against armed underground cadres sheltering in public inhabited areas. The Home minister has declared that peace and security are now the top priorities of the DAN government.
“It is everyone’s concern to provide peace and security to the people”, the Home Minister said while addressing the district administrations and civil society of Zunheboto, Longleng and Mon in separate meetings today. The previous DAN government had given top priority on development and it has now decided to give priority on maintaining law and order, he said, adding “development alone can’t give peace of mind”.
“This policy of providing peace and security has become the prime concern of the government”, he said and reiterated that the DAN government has decided to implement the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry. In this regard, he said that the MHA is giving strong thrust to the state government to use security forces to the maximum to provide security to the people.
Taking a dig at the rival Naga underground factions who continue to defy the call of the people but rather continuing with the fratricidal blood-hunting, Imchen reminded that both the NSCN factions have signed ceasefires with the GoI separately.
But, Imchen said, they have signed the ceasefire ground rules with the GoI on their own and the people are not part of it so they should also implement the ceasefire ground rules. “They’ve ceasefire wit the GoI but this ceasefire does not give them license to kill each other”, he added. The Home minister also pointed out that the state has enough forces and weapons apart from central forces available at its disposal but at the same time justified the futility of armed confrontations.
‘What is the use of the state declaring war against its own people, after all they are our own people, and the state government is not elected to power to declare war against its own people’ he reasoned.
He however asserted the hard stance of the state government not to allow armed underground cadres to stay in public inhabited areas and revealed that the district administration has been given full authority to deal with them in their respective district. “The state government had authorized the Deputy Commissioner of the district to exercise the National Security Act (NSA)”, he revealed and asked the district administration to deal firmly with armed cadres under the same Act if they fail to heed to the warnings. “Arrest them and put them behind bars”, he said and asserted that no person or politician should interfere to release the arrested cadres either with or without weapons.
The home minister also told the district administration and civil society to even invite the underground activists to the district level-security coordination meeting. “Tell the UGs that their guns will not solve any problem or bring any solution”, he added.
State PWD Minister Kaito who also spoke in one of the meetings stressed the need to discipline the cadres and also oneself. “We should propagate to the people that everyone should be discipline”.
Principle Secretary and Commissioner Nagaland, H K Khulu asked the district administration to brace up its intelligence network and be vigilant to shoulder responsibilities at any point of time if situation arises. He also regretted that many people misinterpreted the “flush out” operations. He clarified that the operation is, but not to allow armed cadres to stay in public areas.
The district administration and representatives of the various organizations including the GBs and DBs joint forum, apex tribal organizations and NGOs also shared their problems and views during discussions in the three district headquarters.
Suggestions from different organizations include strict implementations of the SOP, inclusion of prominent personalities from among Naga civil society in the CFMG and CFSB. Sumi women organizations also queried the state government as to what it is going to do for the many widows and children of the fratricidal killings. They have proposed either financial assistance or in the form of academic scholarships for “victim children.”
The Home Minister who made a fly-pass visit to the three district headquarters was accompanied by PWD Minister Kaito, School Education Minister Neiwang Konyak, Parliamentary Secretary P.Dako Phom, Parliamentary Secretary Pangnyu Phom, MLA, Noklutoshi and Shetoyi, Principal Secretary and Commissioner Nagaland, H K Khulu, Secretary Home ST Sangtam and Media persons.
NSCN(K) irked over Pradyut’s remarks Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 16 – The Khaplang faction of the NSCN has deeply resented the recent statement of Assam Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi hinting at the hand of the NSCN (K) behind the abduction of Prasanna Turung and his wife Komai Turung of Margherita who are traceless since April 8, 2007. Talking to this newspaper, Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN (K) P Tikhak, who is the spokesperson of the faction, said that it was unbecoming of such influential persons and the statement was uncalled for. He also demanded an explanation as to what they (Bordoloi and the persons like him) wanted to mean by referring to the Naga origin of Komai Turung.

It may be mentioned here that Bordoloi had stated at a press conference recently that Turung’s wife belonged to Tangsa tribe and had roots in Changlang. Some of their family members suspect that people close to the NSCN active in that part of Arunachal Pradesh could be involved in the mysterious disappearance of the couple. In that part of Arunachal Pradesh, the NSCN (K) is active.

Tikhak questioned as to whether they (Bordolois) meant that NSCN (K) cadres were criminals and as to why they (Bordolois) were ‘silent on their own sponsored goons and thugs.’ “This type of wild allegation from these people is very unethical and will be considered as a direct attack on the Naga people’s struggle for self-determination, which will not be tolerated in future,” said the NSCN spokesperson.

Tikhak also criticized the failure of the Assam Government and particularly the Tinsukia district administration, to demonstrate sincerity in tracing out the missing couple. He said that this might be attributed to the tribal identity of the couple. “Had they belonged to any other community they would have been traced out by now,” he said.

Now, facing pressure from different political parties and organizations, the Assam Government has stated that it is willing to hand over the case to the CBI, he said, expressing the hope that the case would be handed over to the premier investigating agency expeditiously and the culprits would be booked. Thus, it is expected that justice would be delivered to the family of the abducted couple at the earliest and the ethnic tribal minorities of Assam would be provided with the solace, said the NSCN (K) spokesperson.
‘Development should go with peace and security’ DIPR morungexpress
Kohima, June 16 (DIPR): Development alone is not sufficient but peace and security should complement all activities of the state government, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen said while addressing the Administrative and Police Officers at the DC’s office chamber on June 15. He said we cannot allow our people to live under threat and impressed upon the officers that peace and security is the concern of everyone. He added that DAN government’s policy is for peace and development, which are two sides of the same coin.
The message today, the Home Minister said, is to tell the UG cadres that the people of Nagaland do not appreciate their presence in the populated areas. He urged the security forces to utilize Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) to flush out all UG factions in the district. The arrested cadres should be booked under the authority of National Security Act, he added. Calling upon the implementing agencies in the district, he said time has come for us to act. The government does not exist in the name of the government but for the people so we should act before it is too late or perhaps land towards trouble, he said. He said that the will of the people must be respected, and it is time for the UGs to hear the call to vacate the civil areas, adding that ceasefire is not a license to kill people or even among themselves. He highlighted the example of the Indian National Congress in their struggle against the British power, and stated that Indians never killed Indians, so why do we kill our own brothers, he questioned.
Imchen impressed upon the civil society and mass based NGOs and said that they should get involved as it is everyone’s business for a peaceful Nagaland. “Be strong,” he added and said that the government is behind them and all possible assistance will be rendered. He said that division among the UG factions are the barrier for any Naga solution and added that we should utilize the time for peace as only a peaceful mindset can bring peace. The NGOs being neutral bodies can work wonders, as there is no obligation to anybody. He encouraged the civil societies to rise above petty barriers for a lasting solution.
Minister for School Education, Nyeiwang Konyak, Minister for Roads & Bridges, Kaito Aye, and Commissioner Nagaland, HK Khullu, also spoke on the topic ‘Ushering peace and development in Nagaland’.
SP Zunheboto, K Kivigho Chishi, gave a brief account of apprehension and steps to be taken in the district to tackle any eventuality. DC Zunheboto, CM Tsanglao chaired the meeting. Earlier he gave a brief overview of the law and order and the present state of affairs in the district. He emphasized his appreciation to the Home Minister for the special care taken by him about law and order. Later, he requested posting of an NAP platoon at Zadoi under Zunheboto district. The meeting was also attended by the GBs, DBs, Zunheboto Town Council, Sumi Hoho, Totimi Hoho and the Concerned Citizens Forum, Zunheboto, to assess and interact about the overall situation in Zunheboto district.
President, Sumi Hoho Zunheboto, Hokishe Yepthomi gave a short speech and assured that Sumis are all behind the government to support peace in Nagaland. HS Rotokha viewed that the government of Nagaland should be a party to the signatories for ceasefire and ceasefire amongst the UGs should be implemented. The other dignitaries present were Parliamentary Secretary, Transport & Communication, Dako Phom; Chairman NIDC, Nuklutoshi; Parliamentary Secretary Rural Development, Pangnyu Phom; MLA and Chairman, Handloom & Handicraft, Shetoi; and Deputy Secretary (Home), SK Sangtam. The entourage departed for Longleng after the meeting.
ENPUK seeks ‘clarification’ on killing morungexpress
Dimapur, June 16 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Peoples’ Union Kohima (ENPUK) has strongly condemned the killing of its member Pitu Khiamniungan at the Kohima local ground on June 13, despite different organisations calling for peace among Nagas. A press note from the union has also asked for a ‘clarification’ from the group/ groups responsible for the killing of an innocent member of the public.
The union also questioned the government and law enforcing agencies, “if an innocent public can be shot dead in broad daylight even in the heart of the town where security is round the clock, then where is the security for the public?” They added that if an armed person/ persons are allowed to go out freely even in the presence of security personnel and commit crime, then whom should the public depend on, they asked.
Meanwhile, the ENPUK has urged the state government to investigate into the matter and bring those responsible to book at the earliest. The union also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Parliamentary Secretary, S Heno, also expressed deep shock on the killing of Pitu Khiamniungan and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Congress snubs Rio’s RS suggestion morungexpress
Dimapur, June 16 (MExN): The Congress party is not ready for Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s ‘suggestion’ that the former desist from putting up a candidate for Nagaland’s lone Rajya Sabha seat.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee today issued a statement expressing “concern” at Rio and some NPF leaders’ approaching CLP leader Chingwang Konyak not to set up a Congress candidate but rather support DAN candidate Khekiho Zhimomi.
“The Congress party being a national political party has its own policy and programmes and cannot succumb to any pressure which is against the interest of the party. It may be pointed out that the NPF Party after unilaterally selecting their candidate is making attempt to seek the support of the Congress party” the NPCC remarked in a note issued by its president. The Congress feels that any party candidate representing the State in the Parliament should be of a person who has experience and can speak for the rights of the Nagas “but not of a person who is implicated and under investigation by CBI in corruption case.”
It also termed the NPF party as a confused political party having no stability in its policy “as they compelled the lone Lok Sabha MP, Shri Wangyuh Konyak to resign before completion of the tenure and now setting up a candidate to fill up the vacant seat of Rajya Sabha to complete the remaining tenure.”To maintain “unity,” the Congress appeals to the NPF, BJP, NCP and Independent MLAs to support and cast their vote in favor of Congress candidate as a consensus candidate in the coming Rajya Sabha elections.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information & Publicity Issued by MIP/GPRN

Press Release 17th June'08

The marauding members of Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group raided the rented house of one Under Secretary Royemchu Chang at Signal Angami Basti., Dimapur. The house was ransacked and dismantled at 7:00pm on 16th June'08. Royemchu is a Chaplee-in-Charge of Tuensang and Kiphire. The owner of the house is Ao.

Press release June 17, 2008

PRESENT UNIFICATION MOVE: WSH's LAST OPTION IS NOT NAGAS' LAST

It would have been nearing to the point of appreciation if Western Sumi Hoho leadership would admit to the truth as much as they admitted to some historical facts. It was true, as they have stated, that "Unification Process was born all of a sudden with the initiative of Azheto and his colleagues from NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) at Hovishe village near Niuland Town" just last year with an ulterior motive. Azheto and his men produced a lot of concocted stories and WSH were made to believed on their fabricated propaganda such as "Brig. Ramkathing was preparing for attacking the designated camp of NSCN (K) at Suruhoto and Zunheboto of which the then Kilo Kilonser Azheto was not informed even though the matter was a very serious in nature." If you were wise, Hebron is not that far from your place that you should have come for verification before you took a jump into their pit. For God's sake, you should have come for guidance or for advice or for suggestion or for consultation while "Azheto, Shikato and their colleagues" started their ground work for their so-called Naga Unification "under the directive of Isak Chishi Swu." But, sad to say, your becoming of a "like minded people" in Azheto's line has placed you at a very sorry state of position.
It should have been wise on your part if you withdrew yourselves from participation in passing the resolution of "expulsion and excommunication of Sumi National workers who do not join the Unification move from Sumi community." Accordingly, you, together with the runaway people and K group, passed this divisive and destructive resolution consecutively on November 23, 2007 at Hovishe village and on November 27, 2007 at Kuhuboto Town respectively. Later on, you picked up this deadly resolution into your hand and by befooling the whole Sumi community "adopted (it) at Dimapur on 11th December 2007 and at Zunheboto Town on 15th January 2008." As you mentioned, no doubt, enough documents in the form of audio, video and print media are available. This resolution under Azheto's Unification was just like Korah's "Golden Bull" made by befooling the Israelites at Sinai while on Exodus for the Promised Land. Therefore, you yourselves have smeared the Sumi Community with national insults. It was not by MIP as you blamed.
Unification initiative, if ever it happened in "Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung and any other place," their approach would have been done thoughtfully and correctly in the national line, not in the way of your blue-eyed boy, Azheto. Running away with arms and ammunition, uniform and equipments is never meant for unification but for more bloodshed. How many civilians, businesspersons and cadres have died in the hands of Unification group speaks loud enough to reach heaven. Sincerely, you don't like your area or Nagalim a killing field but sad to say, inadvertently, you have made it happened by taking hasty decision to support Azheto.
To plead so much for Azheto's misadventure simply will drive you farther and farther. An attempt to understand will be better in such case. If we were to read your mind and understand you through your actions as well as your writings, would you still be angry with us! Allow us to quote you and ask a few questions later. "Therefore, the question of this unification move as being labeled as 'Sumi Unification' does not arise and nor does this unification move was initiated by Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho alone." Well, if you are consistent to your today's statement, why did you take side with Azheto who openly advocates "Sumi Unification" is essential and pre-requisite to Naga Unification, as a result of it, many Sumi cadres ran away. Seccondly, if Azheto's Unification move was not initiated by you, how come that you almost single handedly are supporting it while the rest of the Naga tribes are watching you silently? If it was a consensus move, why did you also state that "Unification Process was born all of a sudden with the initiative of Azheto and his colleagues from NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) at Hovishe village near Niuland Town." Evidently you were the only participant Hoho according to your discourse. What makes you to take side with K group who are bitterly waging war against NSCN, Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA and many Naga civil societies? And in the like manner, why did you also quarrel with Chief Minister Rio, NBCC, APO and NSCN?
Without giving a proper examination you also pronounced that Azheto and his pretentious unification was God's answer to Naga people's ardent prayers. Could this really be the answer of God! No, never. God's answer will be freedom, peace and prosperity, not this kind of bloodshed and fighting amongst brothers.
Regarding to "Quit notice to Tangkhul Community" no tribe had ever issued such devilish notice. Horrendously, it was by K-group. Honestly speaking, SH/WSH didn't do that in the Hoho level. Would you be able to recall the time when you were served quit notice from Dimapur Area by 15 tribes of Nagaland State at which NSCN came to your rescue? This was a painful reality of the past which should not be forgotten easily. There are, however, many Sumi people who are maintaining their age-old good relationship with the Tangkhuls. We wish such relationship outlived. Thanks a lot for the philanthropic service toward the Tangkhuls. May God indeed bless you and those other kindly people who came and stood by their side in the hour of great distress. Any way, Tangkhuls must have conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for themselves to all concern people. We are simply extending our acknowledgment.
Please don't mind but allow us to ask you two questions on Wungram Colony mayhem. Can you tell us whose unruly mob did it if not K people to whom you have so much attachment? Can you hold your Bible and wash your hands off that the program was not announced in Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazar? We will be very grateful if you are honest enough to help us trace the culprits and book them in a court.
In regards to Unification, yes, all Naga tribes cherish for it. But you know, unlike you, they, as you mentioned, have a "second thought on the current unification move even though they want Naga unification at all cost." Because, wrong starting cannot take anyone to right ending. Therefore, it is advisable that you better follow other's example of cautious approach when dealing with such delicate issues, like Unification and Solution. It must have been known to you that such issues must be taken up or carry forward conscientiously and with mutual understanding. It is also worth drawing your attention that to handle such sensitive issues are not a layman's task. To lend credibility to your much hyped unification agenda some certain person with national character could have been placed in the fore front rather than using some persons' names with the tag of deserter and traitor. Because Naga issue is too big an issue to be handled by such persons devoid of national principle. Any authoritative statement on sectarian line should not come in the way of national interest which is supreme to all the Nagas, hence your slogan "Unification: First and last opportunity for Nagas" is totally against the unification taste of the Nagas.

Issued by MIP/GPRN
BLESSED ARE THE PEACE MAKERS Dr. Thamsing Lamkang morungexpress
Few things are as important as friendship. Friendship without frontiers, without resentment, without problems, without hate. How many barriers man has created! Barriers that destroy, that kill, that discriminate between people because of their indifferences or for a disagreements or beliefs, because of their origins…barriers that are the product of “SIN”, because God says that the result of sin is “Hate and Death”.
Some people think that they can conquer anything. They don’t seem to care what they do or how they live. I’ll do as I like, is their motto, and it carries them straight to destruction. They don’t understand that we are our own worst enemy when we follow only our will. Don’t believe you can do as you like and ignore the word of God. Some day, your own death will bring you to a fatal reality. Always remember that “We are our own worst enemy.” We may think we can do as we like and have it all, in the worst sense of the word, ignoring those who advice us to show down, but one day we’ll be sorry.
It is hard to find ‘Peace Makers’ in the world. It is difficult to find people who seek peace and dependence on God. When someone appears talking about peace especially among our Naga leaders, it is usually a biased peace, a peace that is convenient. However, God teaches us that we should be at peace, as much as possible, with everyone. Those who seek peace are Blessed!
Peace makers are very essential in our present Naga society; it is a commandment for a Christian people to make peace with everybody; men and women who never accept evil; men and women who prefer to lose their own rights to let God be glorified. Men and women who are able to abandon all disputes so that the gospel is not stained with their attitude. Peace Makers: Happy People!
How many divisions have been created even in churches because the members did not know how to give in! How many problems for the gospel have been caused by useless traditions! How many problems are caused because of our leaders hungry for Money and Power to rule their world. How many minute details have separated entire families during years of quarrelling! How many “because-I-say-so” arguments have created enmity that has only been resolved by death…divisions, struggles, jealousy, anger, are some of the favorite weapons of the Devil to destroy the unity of the Christian people. Worthy indeed are those who seek peace!
God says that Peace Makers will be called His children, but the whole world will recognize them. And we cannot deny that in this world they are essential. God is the greatest example of a Peace Maker because He made peace with all of us, through Jesus Christ, when we were His enemies. We should never forget that one of God’s characteristics is His kindness: unlimited kindness. We know that by experience. Peace Makers: Happy People. Peace Makers: Happy Nation!
Who seeks peace is happy, because he does not let hate live in his heart!
20 militant groups active in Manipur Newmai News Network
Imphal | June 16 : Manipur has an approximate 1310 to 1480 cadres hailing from over 20 militant organisations actively operating in the state, according to the state government's home department latest report on militancy.
According to the source, the numbers of militant organisations include four Naga outfits, eight Kuki based groups, two Zomi groups, two Hmar outfits, one Muslim outfit and five Meetei groups. The numbers of the cadres in the report did not however include the overground workers and cadres in their camps.
The Manipur Home department's report estimated the number of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Isaac-Muivah (NSCN-IM) cadres operating in the state to 350-380, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) to 300-350, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to 120-130, the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) to 40-45, the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) to 70-80, the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) to 45-50, the Kuki National Army (KNA) to 200-225, the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) to 30-40, and others like the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) and the People's United Liberation front (PULF) to 110-130.
It reveals that to respond to the activities of these cadres, 18 battalions of security forces including four battalions each of Manipur Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), two police commando units and three Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) battalions are deployed in the state currently.
This apart, a mountain division of the Army, and the Assam Rifles under Inspector-General Assam Rifles (IGAR) which consist of nine infantry battalions and 21 AR battalions are also deployed, report further said.
The source said that Central Police Organisations (CPOs) and state police are restricted to point security, VIP and ROP duties while the army and the Assam Rifles units are used for counter-insurgency operations.
Owing to poor case of documentation by the state administration and the police, the judiciary has been unable to get the arrested militants to be convicted for their crimes, the report observed, and as such most cadres of the militant organizations arrested by the police and the security forces in Manipur are released without trials for their alleged crimes.
The functioning of civil administration as well as the judiciary have been severely affected by the militants, the report noted. The government could not make its presence felt in remote areas of the state due to the rampant threats from the militants, stated the Manipur Home department report.
Spurt in violence in NE, Centre asks for strengthening SB
Nagaland Page
SHILLONG, JUNE 16: With the Northeast witnessing a spurt in terrorist violence in 2007, the Centre has asked the states to strengthen the Special Branches of state police.
Noting that collection of 'timely and local actionable intelligence' holds the key in preventing terrorist activities, a report on the internal security situation by the Home Ministry recently said well-coordinated and efficient intelligence machinery at the Centre and state level are crucial.
"There is a need for greater alertness and regular surveillance on the part of intelligence agencies and local police to identify and pre-empt terrorist modules or sleeper cells in some parts of the country, particularly J&K, the Northeast and the Naxal-affected areas," the status report underlined.
The Home Ministry has directed the states to earmark upto five per cent of their annual allocations under the scheme for modernization of state police forces for strengthening special branches and revive the beat constable system to improve skills for actionable intelligence gathering.
The scheme also envisages strengthening of community policing systems to enable improved understanding between the police and the people and collection of local intelligence, the report stated.
The states have been asked to induct competent officers in the SBs, with a mandatory tenure of five years for the personnel whose promotions should be linked to this requirement.
The Centre has also approved the raising of 35 more India Reserve Battalions in addition to the 25 battalions to be raised by 2010 approved for the NE, J&K and the Naxal-hit belt.
Besides, the government has approved the setting up of 13 integrated check posts (ICPs) at the major entry points along international borders with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar at a cost of Rs 734 crore.
In the first three months of the current year, the North East saw 414 incidents of violence that resulted in the killing of 12 security personnel and 131 civilians besides 171 extremists.
The Home Ministry report stated that the overall security situation in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur remained an area of concern. (PTI)
Disarm NDFB cry in Dispur - Govt wants stricter rules on outfit
STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, June 16: Desperate to buy peace in the Bodoland Territorial Council, Dispur has moved the Centre to ask the ceasefire-bound National Democratic Front of Boroland to disarm before further peace talks. Dispur, in fact, had recently suggested to the Centre that in future any militant outfit wishing to start negotiations would have to first surrender their weapons. Going a step further, the state government has now urged North Block to take drastic measures to rein in the NDFB, though it already has a ceasefire pact with the government. Dispur accused the outfit of not adhering to the ceasefire ground rules, and blamed it for the spurt in fratricidal killings in the past few months.
“The Centre has been informed about the ground situation in the Bodoland Territorial Areas District and we have suggested that if the outfit continued to show disregard to the truce rules, it should be disarmed,” a senior police officer said. He said it was for the Centre to decide how it could put a leash on the outfit. “There may be technical problem in disarming the outfit after the truce was formalised, but it is for the Centre to take the call,” the official said.
The Centre last week extended the ceasefire period with the NDFB for another six months.
The state government, however, was not pleased with the progress of the ceasefire as it has failed to bring peace in the BTC areas administered by the Congress ally, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), comprising former Bodo Liberation Tiger militants.
Since the ceasefire with the NDFB failed to bring peace to Bodoland, the state government has toughened its stand on truce rules, insisting that the militant groups should now first surrender their arms before entering into any peace agreement.
The officer said the ceasefire with the DHD (J) militant was not formalised despite the outfit’s peace overture only because the state government wanted the outfit to surrender arms.
Nearly 40 people have been killed in the fratricidal clashes in Bodoland since March 1.
In the latest round of killing, suspected NDFB rebels killed two former BLT members on Friday. Sources said since the killings, the BPF have been mounting pressure on the government to act tough on its bete noire.
The ex-BLT members even enforced a 12-hour statewide bandh in protest against attacks on its members today. The strike crippled life in the BTC areas, bandh supporters torching a motorcycle at Chapaguri in Chirang district.
That the former BLT militants mean business was evident from the fact that for the first time it even imposed restrictions on the movement of media personnel during the bandh.
North-east is no longer neglected: Aiyar Sentinel
Kohima, June 16: Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Mani Shanker Aiyar today asserted that the words “alienation” and “neglected”, often used for the Northeastern region, were no more valid as the region was being given full attention not only by the Centre, but also the people of the entire country.
Inaugurating the week-long 23rd Annual Convention of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Among Youth (SPIC-MACAY) here, Aiyar said the NE region has very rich diverse culture, which should be shared and exchanged with the culture of the other parts of the country.
He thanked the organisers of the SPIC-MACAY, especially the Nagaland University (NU), for providing such a wonderful opportunity to propagate the rich Naga culture and share it with the other parts of the country.
“The integration of the NE with the other parts of the country is increasing since the past few years owing to good communication system, especially in the IT sector,” the DoNER Minister said.
He also appreciated the NU for establishing IT links with Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, through which the students of the NU could acquire knowledge on various subjects.
Nagaland Governor Kateekal Sankaranarayanan said that the union of the various forms of Indian classical music at the convention was a wonderful opportunity for Nagaland to exchange the valuable culture.
Appreciating the rich culture of the Nagas, he said if the Naga cultural artists were trained properly, they would be enabled to exhibit their talents and win the heart of the entire nation.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his speech, appreciated the NU for keeping alive the dream of unity in diversity by organising such a cultural function in the State with the aim of universal brotherhood.
He said the NE region was already a hotspot of diverse culture and welcomed all visitors coming from outside and requested them to be the ambassadors of Nagaland to convey the State’s message.
A galaxy of maestros, including Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Pandit Viswamohan Bhatt, Ms Ashwini Bhinde, Prof T N Krishann, Ustad R Fahimuddin Dagar, Mrs Bombay Jayashri, Ustad Asad Ali Khan, Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan, Prabhat Sarma, Guru Ghanakanta Bora and Ms Suryamukhi Devi, besides a host of artists from all over the country are attending the week-long convention. (UNI)
We can’t decide on Myanmar: Pranab indoadmin Sources: Press Trust of India
June 16, 2008: Guwahati: Often under international pressure to nudge the 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.
Guwahati Branch Secretariat Inaugurates by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday. Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, Minister for Panchayati Raj and (DONER) Mani Shankar Aiyar and Manipur CM Ibobi Singh.
"We want good ties with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar"
“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 North East (NE) region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries are promoted,” he said.
Connectivity India had over the years promoted its engagement with the military rulers in Myanmar bilaterally as well as part of its “Look-East” policy.
Mr. Mukherjee said the core issue should not be the dispute but promoting close relationship through which trade links would be established.
Stressing on the need to improve connectivity, he said economic development of the area depends on “how fast we can build connectivity between the ASEAN and neighbouring countries with NE region.”
The Minister said that prior to 1991, external relations were a subject matter of diplomats but with liberalisation there had been a transformation in the economic system, where the States had a major role to play.
India’s trade target Mr. Mukherjee said India had fixed a target of trade worth $ 60 million by 2020 with the ASEAN countries with which sectoral dialogues had already started. PTI