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06/23/2008: "NSCN (IM) team for Chingmai By NPN Nagaland Post"

NSCN (IM) team for Chingmai By NPN | Nagaland Post

Dimapur22/06/2008 A three-member NSCN (IM) team led by "Lt. Gen. Retd" VS Atem on June 19 left for Thailand to attend the Chingmai meet scheduled to be held from June 23. Speaking over phone, Vikiye, Kilonser in charge of MIP disclosed that the team included Angnaikham, Kilonser Steering Committee Member and Kihoi, Dy Kilonser (Home) besides Atem. Vikiye however said the team which was still on their way was expected to reach the venue tomorrow. He said the teams at Chingmai would be holding a devotional service on Sunday.

Wangyuh Konyak resigned for wrong reasons: NPCCBy NPN |
Dimapur22/06/2008 NPCC has hit out at W.Wangyuh Konyak for stating that he resigned from the Lok Sabha due to "the wrong policies of the Congress-led UPA government for keeping the state aloof from their discussions with underground factions in Nagaland" resulting "in rampant factions clashes and loss of many lives".
In a statement, the NPCC said Wangyuh contested on the NPF ticket and during campaigning, promised to bring a solution to the Naga political issue within three months, if elected.
Instead, it said, the NPF has failed to bring any solution despite being in power for two consecutive terms and as a consequence, Wangyuh was made the "scapegoat" and by taking the excuse in blaming the "wrong policy" of the UPA government at the Centre.
Secretary NPCC Vitsorel Lcho, said Wangyuh Konyak had raised the Naga political issue only on two occasions during his tenure in the Parliament. On both these occasions, Wangyuh during the discussions in the house, only expressed appreciation that "through Ceasefire extension, all the time, peace is prevailing in the State of Nagaland barring few incidents …."
Vitsorel said Wangyuh Konyak wasted the time allotted to him in the House by referring the Naga political issue along with terrorists, naxalites and extremists, instead of projecting Naga political issue in the right direction to convince the Central leaders.
Further,the NPCC said Wangyuh Konyak was compelled to tender his resignation due to the case registered against him for selling of jobs.
It said the episode had brought embarrassment to the NPF Party besides failing to highlight the Naga political issue in the right perspective.
On the Rajya Sabha by election, the NPCC reminded that Nagaland has only one seat in the Rajya Sabha, and Nagas should elect a candidate who is respected and has concern to work for the peoples' interest and not a 'tainted' personality who is presently under 'investigation by CBI and State Vigilance Commission'.

Muivah''s sovereignty demand climbed down to UT’ Nagareakm.com
KOHIMA, JUN22 [NPN] : 'GPRN/NSCN' has claimed that the stand of NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah from "nothing less than sovereignty" in the eighties, has in 2008, climbed down to demand for union territory (UT) for the hills districts of Manipur.

Emissary to collective leadership, 'GPRN/NSCN', Kughalu Mulatonu alleged that the rival NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah had secretly put up a demand to Government of India this month, for granting of union territory (UT) status to the Naga hills districts of Manipur. Mulatonu said the proposed "union territory" submitted by Muivah excluded the Meiteis and Kukis. Kilo kilonser (Home minister) 'GPRN/NSCN', Azheto Chophy said Muivah had revealed his true intention through the unfolding of events beginning with the eighties.

Azheto, also a former kilo kilonser in the NSCN (I-M), said from the eighties till 2000, Muivah had in all his speeches always declared that Nagas would accept "nothing less than sovereignty." Then in 2001 in Bangkok peace talks and till 2005, Muivah switched his stand to "no solution without integration", Azheto said and added that in 2006, the NSCN (I-M) leader had dropped the sovereignty issue as reported in an interview given to The Telegraph. "Presently, Muivah is demanding union territory for the Naga hills districts in Manipur," he said. Terming Muivah's demand as at the cost of innocent Naga blood, the 'GPRN/NSCN' questioned both the Government of India and Manipur government as to why they had allowed Muivah to wage war in Naga country for so many years just for the sake of union territory. Mulatonu also asked those in Hebron camp to be very clear on whether they want to be a part of Nagaland or a part of Muivah's union territory.

NSCN Press Release 23rd June' 08

Immaturity in what he professed to be, and he made himself a vulnerable person to parrot on something sensitive he does not know. The person in the focus is Captain Vedeta, who defected to Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group and rewarded with Lieutenant Colonel rank. And carried away by such overnight promotion under the rule that defied all existing military rules and ethics Vedata has gone headstrong to place himself on the issue he has not seen with his own eyes.
For public curiosity it will be interesting to point out that Vedeta was promoted to Captain in 2006 without the mandatory passing of Military Basic Training. In more than one occasion he was directed to undergo the Military Training. But under one pretext or the other he took leave and never goes for the training. On the contrary he was found indulging in passing away his time in drink, much to the dismay of the Naga Army authorities. To cause further damage to himself he was avoiding reporting for duty till he defected to Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group. Devoid of national spirit he lacks the character other than his interest in monetary and other material possession.
Promotion and rank comes cheap to him after he defected to Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group. From Captain he was given Lt. Colonel. Any self respecting individual or organization wouldn't have gone through the process to make a sell out of military rank to reward a defector. But given the organization that was set up in a haphazard fashion, this manner of military functioning evoked only laughter and duplicity.
Coming like a bold from the blue was the assertion that two or three Tangkhul villages has been set up in the Jalukie Zangdi area. Such baseless allegation only reflects his state of mind that is not in his control.
We are at pain to know that our former Naga Army officer is making a mockery of himself, not realizing that he is bringing a bad name to the Chakeshang people and to himself. It is not the characteristic trait of the Chakeshang people to indulge in such mischievous thing as done by Vedeta. For the Chakeshang people in the Naga Army, this is an insult. Anyway, what makes Vedeta go for such unfounded allegation and where will he be when asked to prove his reports? Naturally, such things will emanate from a person without a sense of responsibility to community and to the nation. All said done, it should be wise for the Vedeta to apologize for the non-sens-ical utterance.

Issued by: Lt.Col. Ape Venuh
Maj. Vekele
Maj. Tsevetso
Capt. Rusu
GHQ Naga Army

Press Release 23rd June' 08

The Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group abducted two lady Naga Army personnel Sgt. Shon Khiamnungan d/o Shingia of Noklak village, Khiamnugan Region and Pte. Shon Amongshe Lams Tikhir, of Phakpur village, on 21st June '08 from Dimapur.
They were kept in Vihokhu.
Issued by: MIP/ GPRN.
Dialogue, not Monologue morungexpress Editorial
One reason why Nagas in recent times find themselves in a perpetual state of arrestation is because of the manner in which ‘monologue’ has become so embedded into the ethos of daily life. Indeed the healthy and dynamic practice of dialogue which was central to the Naga way of conducting human affairs has over time become into a dialogue between monologues. As a result, the monologues have only widened the possibilities of understanding because people are no longer listening to each others point of views. Consequently, each monologue only hears its own voice and because they are no longer listening to the other voices, they are unable to determine and identify the opinions which are found to be common. Is this not the reality of today’s time?
If only Nagas could patiently and actively listen to each others opinions and perspectives, perhaps the differences of views could be addressed meaningfully. However, the culture of monologue which has become the norm of the day prevents any process that resembles genuine dialogue. The culture of monologue feeds into the cycle of power where each voice asserts itself to drown other voices, and rather than being reflective, it assumes a form where it primarily takes the position which is reactive, defensive and self-righteous. This monologue is eating away the spirit of understanding and definitely undermining the ethos of democratic participation and ownership.
The culture of monologue is now prevalent in all spheres of Naga activity and it has infected all forms of human organization in the Naga realm of life and how it conducts it human affairs. Because Nagas have stopped dialoguing with each other, the monotone and bankruptcy of ideas and staleness of thoughts are setting into the psyche and preventing the creative realization of what the human mind can achieve. No wonder one finds that we are constantly repeating ourselves and actually have little or nothing new to say or do anymore. It’s like a music cd that has been overplayed.
Nagas must break out of this monologue and find new meaning and purpose of life again. While building on the legacy of what the elders have handed down to the present generation, we must ensure freshness to life. The existing monologue must be confronted and transcended so that the destiny of a people’s existence is no longer ambiguous, but one that gives people a reason to have hope. Overcoming the existing monologue demands a new consciousness and a way of life which is reflective and representative of a new system of conducting human affairs.
There is an imperative need to shift from a monologue to a dialogue, a dialogue which brings to public expression the issues that are essential towards defining the purpose and existence of life; and one that embodies an understanding, which embraces the understanding and acceptance of differences. Unless, Nagas as a people are able to search deep down within themselves to live again as a dynamic and creative political entity, the cycle of monologue will eat away the Naga capacity to exercise its ability to define and determine itself.
Naga Students’ Federation continues to picket NPSC office Our Correspondent Morung Express
Kohima | June 21 : Demonstrating that it meant business, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today picketed the NPSC office for the second day today despite knowing well that it was a non-working day. “We know that Saturday is a non-working day for the Government offices, but we don’t want to take a chance, because NPSC as an autonomous body might try to work even on non-working days to compensate the day lost on Friday due to our picketing”, said an NSF official. However, the federation will not picket the office on Sunday but resume on Monday.
More than two hundred students’ volunteer from the Nagaland Law Federation (NLSF), Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) and Combine Technical Association Nagaland (CTAN) took part in the picketing today.
Although the NSF’s stir against the premier recruiting agency enters the second day today, the Federation said that there was no official response either from the state government or the NPSC so far. “We’ll continue with agitation till our demand is fulfilled” asserted NSF president Imchatoba Imchen. He also disclosed that the Federation will chalk out a different and harsher course of action if the commission and the state government fail to respond to the present agitation.
The NSF had been demanding total revamping of the NPSC, based on the reports and recommendation of the High Power Committee which was instituted by the state government earlier. Both the State Executive Council under the President’s Rule in the state and the State cabinet of the present DAN government is said to have approved the implementation of the revamping of the NPSC, based on the recommendation of the HPC. However, the commission is reportedly reluctant to implement the same on the ground that it is an autonomous body.
The only political events and platforms for Naga Unity and Reconciliation Kaka D Iralu Morungexpress
Of late there has been many moves for Naga reconciliation and unity initiated by Church groups, NGOs, traditional customary institutions and even national workers organisations as well as well meaning international organisations. However, till date no organisation has made any headway in bringing out any concrete platform upon which all Nagas can be reconciled and re-united.
Allow me therefore to express my concern and opinion regarding the only platforms upon which the broken Naga family can be reconciled and re-united.
On this matter, I am not proposing some new ideas or platforms but am referring to the already established platforms to which all Nagas have pledged their sworn allegiance way back in 1947, 1951 and 1956. By this I mean the declaration of our independence on 14th August 1947, the national Plebiscite of May 16, 1951 and the adoption of the Naga Yehzabo on January 14, 1956. All these important historical, political and legal actions were done under the banner of the Naga National Council (NNC). These important events forms the foundation and platform of Naga unity, integrity and nationhood. All these important events, whether it was executed by a few Naga leaders or thousands of Naga leaders were done with the consent and approval of the whole Naga nation. Due to the stormy political conditions prevailing from 1947 to 1956 and also because of the artificial political boundaries drawn up by the departing British government and the incoming Indian goverment, in some of these events, some Naga tribes could not participate. However, those who executed these important events executed it on behalf of all the Naga tribes and all these unrepresented tribes later gave their endorsement of the events undertaken on their behalf.
Now, coming to the seriousness of these events, after the hoisting of our flag on 14th August 1947, a cabled message was sent to both the unborn Indian Government and the UNO informing them that Nagas would remain sovereign and independent. As for the Plebiscite of 1951, right after the completion of the event, tribal leaders took a solemn oath before God and the nation to the effect that should they or any of their tribesmen stray away from this declared stand of the Naga nation, they should be cursed by God and wither away as clans or tribes. Finally coming to the adoption of our Yehzabo and the subsequent formation of our Federal Government of Nagaland, our national stand on unity was clearly spelled out in the following words in the preamble to our constitution:
“WE, THE PEOPLE OF NAGALAND, solemnly acknowledging that the sovereignty over this earth and the entire universe belongs to the almighty God alone, and that the authority of a people to be exercised on a territory is a sacred trust from God...and having our attachment to the truth of popular sovereignty as declared on 22 March, 1956... based on the common ideals of Democracy, Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity... do hereby adopt ... the Yehzabo of Nagaland...’
In other words, acknowledging the sovereignty of God over the whole universe and pledging ourselves to defend our God apportioned land, we made a solemn oath before God that we would defend our sovereignty and our land. This was, and still is the written declaration of our unity as a nation before God.
Secondly, as to the question of integration or integrity of our nation, the first article article of our Yehzabo states thus:
Article 1 - “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise of all the territories inhabited by the indigenous Naga tribes”...
This means no Naga tribes dissected into Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh or Burma were excluded from this integrated Nagaland.
The 3rd article of the Yehzabo further stated: “The Tatar Hoho shall from time to time, make laws for ensuring and preserving the unity and integrity of the nation”.
When unity and integration of the nation has been so clearly stated in our Yehzabo, and when over 200,000 Nagas have already laid down their lives for the defense of that unity and integrity, what new unity and integration of the nation are we talking about after 6 decades?
Our fathers and grandfathers, including some of the senior leaders today, took a solemn pledge yesterday before God and one another. All our problems of today started when some of our own national leaders walked away from that solemn pledge in order to seek their own selfish personal as well as tribal interests.
This tragic story of betrayal and treachery began with the inauguration of an Indian puppet state on Dec 1, 1963. This was followed by the formation of the Revolutionary government on Feb 2, 1968. Next was the formation of the NSCN on Jan 31, 1980, followed by the formation of the NSCN K on April 30, 1988, and the formation of another new NNC on July 17, 1990.
What did the Naga nation gain from all these tragic events when some of our leaders walked away from our collective political stand?
Fratricidal blood and tears and wandering in political wilderness for the past 35 years (1963-2008) has been our lot ever since we walked away from our own oaths and commiments. The day we walked away from our own oaths, we invited the curse of God upon ourselves and also made ourselves a mockery before the watching world.
In conclusion allow me to remind my fellow Nagas that these collective historical, political and legal events like the declaration of independence, the Plebiscite and the adoption of our Yehzabo WERE NOT DONE FOR:

1. These important events were not done so that Nagas can become a state under the Constitution of India.
2. It was not done, so that Nagas will be forced to live under the dictates of a foreign imported government imposed by terror tactics and murder by our own people.
3. It was not done so that the Federal Government of Nagaland would handle the affairs of the nation behind a white flag of peace for 33 years.
4. It was also not done so that certain regions of Nagaland will become union territories under India and Burma in the name of Naga integration.

Far from all these nonsense, the Naga struggle for recognition of our independence will become a reality only when all Nagas return to our collectively sworn allegiance to our Yehzabo and the historical, political and legal events that were conducted under the collectively mandated political institution of the NNC. Our national salvation lies not in the adoption of foreign political ideology, or a foreign brokered integration but only by returning to our oath taken commitments. Any further departure from these commitments will only lead to further damnation and doom.
ULFA leader released on bail Agencies
Guwahati, June 22 : A top separatist leader of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was released on bail by a district court and was soon after whisked away in a three-vehicle carcade by unidentified associates, officials said Sunday.
A police spokesman said Mrinal Hazarika, former self-styled commandant of ULFA’s 28th battalion, the outfit’s most potent striking unit, was released on bail and the rebel leader stepped out of the prison cell in Dibrugarh in eastern Assam late Saturday.
Hazarika was arrested from a hotel in Siliguri in West Bengal in May 2006 and was charged on 15 counts in cases ranging from murder to kidnapping and extortion.
Earlier, he got bail in 14 other cases and a Tinsukia court Saturday granted his bail plea for the last case. Hazarika’s release on bail has led to speculations that the government was trying to use his services to broker a peace deal with the ULFA’s top leadership, particularly the 28th battalion of which he was the commander until his arrest in 2006. Authorities have refused to comment on the issue.
Despite Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi earlier in the week adopting a belligerent posture by putting several preconditions for talks with the ULFA and denying reports of any move about a ceasefire with the 28th battalion, there are reports of the government trying to engineer a split in the ULFA and bringing a faction to enter into a truce.
The ULFA has reacted strongly to the reports. “The reports of a ceasefire are nothing but an attempt to create confusion among the cadres,” ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the ULFA-constituted People’s Consultative Group (PCG), a group of civil society leaders formed to explore possibilities of peace talks with New Delhi in 2005, has termed the chief minister’s preconditions as unfortunate.
“At a time when the people of Assam and the ULFA are seeking a peaceful solution, the chief minister’s statement has come as a shock,” said PCG member Dilip Patgiri. Gogoi said militants must surrender arms and stay in designated camps, besides agreeing to discuss anything under the ambit of the constitution, before any ceasefire was reached.
Terror groups regrouping in Bangladesh: Report PTI
New Delhi, June 22 : Islamic extremists in Bangladesh, who had managed to lie low since the 2005 synchronised bomb blasts there, have started regrouping themselves and launched recruitment drives in areas, especially those bordering West Bengal, a report said.
The banned Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which now operates under a new name – Allah’r Dal (or the team of the Allah), has become active in Bangladesh’s south-western region, says a report prepared by a Dhaka-based NGO Bangladesh Enterprise Institute. The report titled ‘2007-08 Trends in Militancy in Bangladesh’, says the areas where the outfit was operating were Kushtia, Meherpur and Chadanga, all bordering West Bengal. The outfit was reportedly holding public meetings, raising funds and running recruitment drives in areas like Gaibandha, it said. Observing that though the execution of six JMB leaders last year had led to a decline in terror attacks, the report said these groups were once again organising themselves for such strikes and waiting for the opportune moment.
“They are inviting people to join JMB and trying to motivate innocent villagers in the name of ‘jehad’ to establish Islamic rule in the country. Villagers are called ‘kafirs’ (infidels) if they refuse to listen to the militants,” the report said, adding that in recent months, they have attempted to spark revolts in jails or made several attempts to break out.

Terror outfits regrouping in Bangla Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, June 22 – Islamic extremists in Bangladesh, who had managed to lie low since the 2005 synchronised bomb blasts there, have started regrouping themselves and launched recruitment drives in areas, especially those bordering West Bengal, a report said, reports PTI. The banned Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which now operates under a new name - Allah’r Dal (or the team of the Allah), has become active in Bangladesh’s south-western region, says a report prepared by a Dhaka-based NGO Bangladesh Enterprise Institute.

The report titled ‘2007-08 Trends in Militancy in Bangladesh’, says the areas where the outfit was operating were Kushtia, Meherpur and Chadanga, all bordering West Bengal.

The outfit was reportedly holding public meetings, raising funds and running recruitment drives in areas like Gaibandha, it said.

Observing that though the execution of six JMB leaders last year had led to a decline in terror attacks, the report said these groups were once again organising themselves for such strikes and waiting for the opportune moment.

“They are inviting people to join JMB and trying to motivate innocent villagers in the name of ‘jehad’ to establish Islamic rule in the country.

“Villagers are called ‘kafirs’ (infidels) if they refuse to listen to the militants,” the report said, adding that in recent months, they have attempted to spark revolts in jails or made several attempts to break out. The outfits were handing out propoganda leaflets, CDs and books during their recruitment drives, while occasionally using coercion to achieve that end, the report said. In the last ten months, 245 militants were arrested. Among them, 145 were ‘Islamist militants’ – of whom 45 were members of the Hizbut Towhid, 35 belonged to the JMB, 25 were from Harkat ul Jihad (HUJI) and 23 from Allah’r Dal.

As many as 17 militants, including seven of the JMB, were sentenced to death in the last ten months, while 86 others were sent to varying prison terms. Islamist militancy had gained momentum in Bangladesh in 2001 during the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s government at that time had for long denied the existence of these groups and the kingpins like Bangla Bhai. It moved to proscribe them only after protests at home and criticism in the West, including the American Congress.
Hagrama urges NDFB to shun violence Correspondent Assam Tribune
UDALGURI, June 22 – “The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) should shun violence in the greater interest of the future generation of Bodos and should start the peace process, which would ultimately create a congenial atmosphere for all kinds of developmental activities in the Bodoland region.” This was said by Hagrama Mohilary, Chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) while appealing to the outfit for permanent peace in the BTC region in an open meeting held on June 19 at Bhergaon.

Speaking on the occasion of inauguration of a new sub-divisional building of Bhergaon subdivision as chief guest, Mohilary made a scathing attack on UG Brahma, former RS member and BPPF president Rabiram Narzary and said that they were responsible for the ongoing fratricidal killings in the BTC region.

Addressing the mammoth crowd as distinguished guest, Biswajit Daimary, the newly elected RS member, said that the BPPF should delve into the problems of the people rather than keeping themselves busy in mud slinging activities. He too urged everyone to extend cooperation to make BTC region an ideal council in the country.

The open session was also attended by Reo Rewa Narzary, Speaker of BTC Assembly, Lwmshrau Daimari, Executive Member of BTC, Purna Daimary, Deputy Speaker of BTC Assembly, Kampha Borgoyary, Deputy Chief of BTC, Mitharam Basumatary, Derhasat Basumatary, Executive Members of BTC, Kamali Basumatary, MLA of Panery LAC, Kartick Boro, Keshab Deka, Ganga Daimari, Ratiram Boro, Santosh Kuzur, Dandi Rabha, all MCLAs of BTC among may others.

Earlier, Mohilary inaugurated the building constructed by the Building Division of PWD worth Rs 2 crore wherein the 18 departments of the government would function under the roof. He also laid the foundation stone of Bhergaon guesthouse on the occasion.

Before the inauguration of Bhergaon subdivisional office building, the BTC chief inaugurated the inspection bungalow at Khoirabari, which is under Bhergaon subdivision of Udalguri district.

BYCF felicitation: The Rowta Chariali unit of Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation felicitated 26 brilliant students of Rowta area who excelled in the recently declared HS and HSLC examinations under AHSEC and SEBA. The students were accorded felicitations with certificates and gifts and were urged to build an ideal society. The function was held recently at Rowta Chariali.
Northeast Echoes
Peace as a political tool PATRICIA MUKHIM
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi’s cup of woes seems to be overflowing with conflicts on so many fronts. The resurgence of Bodo militancy after a lull has only sharpened the contours of conflict in Assam. It was not at all pleasing to the ears to hear two prominent leaders of the Bodo people, publicly trade charges at one another.
Supporters of Hagrama Mohilary accused U.G. Brahma of masterminding the fratricidal killings in Bodoland. Brahma threw back each allegation at his detractors. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Bodos are a culturally superior race with a history of civilisation that is longer than most of the other tribes in the Northeast.
How a group that is culturally and intellectually endowed could be subsumed and pushed to the fringes of development is a historical aberration that can only be revisited with much anguish and a sense of loss of something irretrievable.
Historically, the living space of the Bodos comprises nearly one-third of Assam. But in terms of development what is euphemistically referred to as “Bodoland” remains a laggard. The creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was a temporary palliative. As always the beneficiaries of such political endowments are the leaders of the movements and their kin. The rest of the Bodo people have remained at the subsistence level. For them a BTC or a state government are one and the same.
Co-existence At one conference attended by Bodo women, one was surprised to learn that the Bodos living along the borders of Bhutan get their electricity from that country. They earn their livelihood across the border and depend very little on Assam.
For them it is advantageous that India and Bhutan co-exist peacefully because any imbalance between the two as had happened during the Bhutanese operation against the Ulfa, tends to create a livelihood problem for them. As long as such simple folks continue with their economic pursuits and stay out of political discourses about their rights and the infringement of those rights, there will be a lid on political aspirations.
But history is a grim reminder that marginalised groups do tend to seek their place in the sun sooner than later. It is evident that several Bodo people are dissatisfied with the BTC. They do not see the council as an answer to their development backlogs.
The BTC we are told has failed to live up to the expectations of the hoi-polloi. There is allegedly no system of financial accountability and this is the crux of the matter. When people ask for greater autonomy for themselves what the leaders are actually asking for is more money to play around with. It is so easy to forget “the people” in whose names armed struggles were raised and whose blood was shed for the cause.
In cold blood Besides the current blood-letting in Bodoland which has yet to raise the temperature in Dispur, the other battlefront that could spoil Tarun Gogoi’s sleep is the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) led by Jewel Gorlosa. This group is known to be mentored by the NSCN (I-M) and therefore as unscrupulous in its operations. Recently, the DHD (J) killed a dozen truck drivers who were on routine trips through North Cachar Hills to the Barak valley and beyond carrying food supplies.
The manner in which the drivers were shot in cold blood and at point blank range is reminiscent of the cruelties of the Gestapo. The DHD (J) then attacked the railway employees who were merely carrying out their duties. As a consequence the rail authorities suspended their work and trucks refused to move.
The repercussions were felt in Mizoram and Tripura whose foodgrain quota was dwindling by the day. Having carried out their horrific massacre the DHD (J) then calls a unilateral truce. This trigger-happy group probably woke up to the seriousness of the situation only belatedly when it began to affect their own people and a hue and cry was raised by the Dimasa people themselves.
Today there are over 40 companies of security forces posted in the North Cachar Hills, the largest ever for the smallest area. This became necessary in order to complete the railway gauge conversion and the trans-Asian highway. The role of the NSCN (I-M), a group that is ostensibly on a truce with the Centre, but is providing the fuel to different armed groups across the region has not come in for close scrutiny. But things being so convoluted you can never be too sure as to who is fuelling what and under whose direction.
Be that as it may the Assam government is expected to have some plan of action to deal with groups like the DHD (J) which have assumed the characteristics of marauders.
If such groups are not put down with an iron hand one foresees many more splinters emerging each with its own ideology but all of them out to make a fast buck. The complete absence of the rule of law in North Cachar Hills, Karbi Anglong, and Bodoland can no longer be covered up. The lawlessness in Assam has in fact reached such serious dimensions that even the state forests will now be guarded by the army. This is quite a telling account of the ground situation in that state.
All these are bad enough indications but what is worse is Tarun Gogoi’s proclivity to buy peace in instalments.
His government is all out to sign a truce with a faction of Ulfa whose cadres are faded and jaded and have lost their firepower. Normally, no armed group would sing the peace tune if it could still survive in the jungles. And the rule of the game is that talks are held only between equals. Why should the state agree to a peace proposition from an ineffectual group? Unless of course there is an uncoded quid pro quo that the group will serve the political dispensation at Dispur in some strange way.
Ulfa on back foot The argument that Ulfa has not killed anyone for months together and therefore deserves a chance at peace is specious. If Ulfa is on the back foot now it is only because they have run out of steam. At this juncture the outfit is in dire need of oxygen. If it is starved of it for some more time it might have to surrender. Hence the proposal to smoke the peace pipe. If the Tarun Gogoi government succumbs as it appears to have done then the future of Assam will stand gravely compromised.
Non-resident Assamese are appalled by the number of bandhs calls, which have crippled particularly the tea industry. Any attempt to give Ulfa its much-needed time to regroup will spell disaster for Assam. It will also be the death knell to entrepreneurship and industry both of which are meant to trigger economic growth. Alas. Politics pushes people to look for short-term gains and abandon any long-term policy for the common good.
(The author can be contacted at patricia17@rediffmail.com)
ULFA broken, PCG member arrested (UNI)

GUWAHATI, JUNE 22: The Assam Government today completed a long and secret exercise to split the banned ULFA into two, encouraging one section for discussions and targeting the other.
There was official confirmation that controversial businessman - Hiranya Saikia - member of Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) and a close overground associate of ULFA commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua, was arrested this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the official sources also confirmed that ULFA's strike force 28th Battalion of the Upper Assam has defied the outfit's top leadership and has come forward for talk.
The ULFA's top leader duo chairman Aurobindo Rajklhowa and C-in-C Paresh Barua were opposed to negotiations with present terms and conditions.
They were defied by the 28th Battalion leadership who are in touch with Assam Police. The State Government and the army managed to woo leadership of the battalion after seven months. They are now believed to be camping somewhere in Guwahati under the protection of the Assam police. They are likely to announce ceasefire soon for opening the peace process.
Last night, ULFA's former commander of the 28th Battalion Mrinal Hazarika was released on bail from Tinuskia district and whisked to Guwahati by the Special Branch of the Assam Police.
As the ULFA peace process hit a deadlock, the intelligence agencies swung in and managed to win over substantial portion of the Batllion, which has been the main strike and potent force of the ULFA for decades.
Major General Chandra Prakash, GOC of Red Horn division said 64 militants were eliminated since December in Upper Assam. There are now reports that all of them were killed with the help of information provided by the pro talk faction of the same ULFA group.
The arrest of the controversial PCG member Hiranya Saikia conformed the whole development as he was not only close to Paresh Barua but was also giving highly inflammatory statements in the recent weeks.
He was arrested by the Gorchuk police station on the charge of having close nexus with the ULFA. The controversial businessman always boasts his closeness with Paresh Barua and criticised Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as main stumbling block for peace.
He is the critical link of the PCG, which was formed by the ULFA two years back to go between Government and ULFA while brokering peace with the Centre. This was the first major attempt to split the ULFA and force one group for talks since 1993 when the then Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia almost succeeded, with one group reaching to then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao.

Media to strike work on May 25 against UG interference; More underground threats to AMWJU The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 22: The All Manipur Working Journalists` Union, AMWJU and editors in a meeting today resolved to hold a meeting of the state`s scribes in the state on June 25 to discuss the latest threat to the journalists fraternity from yet another faction of the KCP led by Kokai of the KCP (Lamphel) group, amidst the government`s reported plan to ban media houses which do not restrain publication of underground statements.

As there will be no work in newspapers and cable TV offices on the day, publication of newspapers and broadcasting by the local cable network will remain suspended for a day on June 26.

A meeting was held today at 3 pm at the Manipur Press Club with the main agenda of thrashing out an action plan to meet the new challenges of reported review of the RNI registration of newspapers and as well as the new threats to the AMWJU secretary by Kokai of the KCP (Lamphel).

The matter of review of the RNI registrations of the newspapers had come up reportedly for excessive coverage of underground statements.

The meeting also discussed the frequent threats to the media houses and ISTV network and decided to call the meeting of the journalists on June 25 at 11 am, a statement of the AMWJU said.

The meeting seriously noted and condemned the pressure to the AMWJU president and general secretary by the underground group to meet them at a place outside the state or with its cadres at a place in a hill district.

The threat not to allow publication of newspapers or broadcast of news on the local cable network and to "gift" bullets to each and every media house was also condemned by the meeting.

The meeting also resolved to cease work for a day on June 25 while urging the general masses not to blame the journalists for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of publication frequently.

Due to pressure exerted by different factions of the KCP, journalists in the state had ceased work for two days very recently. However, work resumed from June 17 considering the inconvenience caused by the suspension of publications to the public.

The journalists have, at the same time, reaffirmed their stand not to publish any press statement of the underground groups related with factional feuds.

While the meeting resolved not to entertain any press release after 7 pm it also urged all concerned to follow the code of conduct of the All Manipur Working Journalists` Union and not to interfere in the freedom of the press.

It also urged the KCP(MC) to respect the AMWJU`s code of conduct and withdraw its stand with immediate effect.

Conflicting UG claims The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 22: The underground PREPAK while reacting to a claim made by another underground outfit, the PULF owning up responsibility for the attack on a passenger bus at Thoubal Babu bazar yesterday, said that it was performed under the leadership of PREPAK Thoubal district commander, Yaiphangamba and not by the PULF.

Before this, a press communique of the PULF signed by its secretary, publicity cell, Saroz Khan said that the attack on the bus was carried out by the group.

It further said that the group had conducted the attack as a last warning for not converting into action the agreement of the association of vehicles plying along the Indo-Burma Sugnu road on payment of annual "tax" to the group.

It also suggested that it would be better if the vehicles suspended their services till the agreement was converted into action.

In the meantime, while claiming responsibility for the attack on the passenger bus MN01-0647, the PREPAK said that it was carried out by its cadres under the leadership of Thoubal district commander, Yaiphangamba and the claim of PULF was false.

The attack was conducted as the Southern Cooperative Society failed to consider the monetary demand served by the group. It also warned of repeating such attacks if their demand was not considered by the society.

Paresh Barua’s ‘linkman’ Hiranya Saikia arrested Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 22: Acting on the confessional statement of an ULFA cadre who was arrested here last night, People’s Consultative Group (PCG) member Hiranya Saikia, who is allegedly a close overground associate of ULFA “commander-in-chief” Paresh Barua, was arrested by the police today.
It may be mentioned here that another PCG member Lachit Bordoloi had earlier been arrested by the police under the National Security Act (NSA).
According to police sources, Gorchuk police arrested an ULFA cadre, Akhil Goala, from the city last night. During interrogation, Goala confessed before the police that he had come to Guwahati to take a plan from Hiranya Saikia for subversive activities in upper Asom, police sources said, and added: “The mobile set of Goala that was seized by the police also contains two telephone numbers of the PCG member”.
Saikia will be produced before the court tomorrow. The police today raided the house of the PCG member and recovered some documents. The Nalbari police has also been asked to raid the Nalbari residence of Saikia.
It may be mentioned here that Hiranya Saikia had allegedly used force to get the occupation of the premises where he has been running a Titan showroom at Christianbasti, GS Road in Guwahati. The said premises had earlier been taken on rent by a few Asomiya youths who were forced out by Saikia with the help of his underground connection. The Sentinel had earlier published a report on the matter.
It is suspected that three leaders of the “28th battalion” of the ULFA — Jiten Dutta, Ram Singh and Jun Bhuyan — are either in the custody of the Army or the police.
Meanwhile, APW director Abhijit Sarma said Hiranya Saikia should be arrested under the NSA as he is a threat to the integrity of the country. “Saikia has earned a huge fortune after becoming a member of the PCG. There should be an inquiry into the assets of the PCG member,” he demanded. Another PCG member Dilip Patgiri said the arrest of Lachit Bordoloi and Hiranya Saikia has proved beyond doubt that the Government has no goodwill for peace talks with the ULFA.

Junta's reshuffle; what lies behind? Mizzima Mungpi



New Delhi - In an unusual and sudden move, Burma's military junta has reshuffled several key army officers and promoted young officers to the important rank of regional military commanders.

The reshuffle, which included promoting at least four young officers to regional commanders, is seen as a significant move by observers who think the junta may be gearing up for its planned general elections in 2010.

While the secretive junta is known to reshuffle its officers from time to time, shifting around about 200 officers from their ranks could be a move especially designed for the post 2010 general elections, a Burmese military analyst based in China said.

Mya Maung, the Sino-Burmese border based analyst said, "This time it is significant as at least 200 of them have been reshuffled."

While it is obvious that the junta is infusing 'Young Blood' into its control mechanism, it is more than apparent that the junta is preparing for a new form of governance that is likely to surface after the 2010 general elections, the fifth step of the junta's planned roadmap to democracy.

"It is possible that the junta is making way for the younger generation to come up but the junta could also have different plans. It could also be a preparation," Mya Maung added.

Sources in the military establishment said the junta has ordered the transfer of four of its key military commanders to positions in the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO).

The source added that four officers of the BSO were made to retire in order to make way for the newly transferred officers, while five young officers were promoted to commanders of Triangle, Eastern, Southern, Northern and Rangoon division commands.

"While it means pumping new blood into the junta's ruling mechanism, it is significant for even the BSO officers have been moved," Win Min, a Burmese analyst based in Thailand said.

Win Min, also suggested that the reshuffle may be the result of power struggle between the junta's top generals – Snr. Gen. than Shwe and Vice Snr. Gen. Maung Aye.

"But this reshuffle will further strengthen Than Shwe's power, as most of the officers who have been given control of strategic commands are his loyalists," Win Min said.

Win Min, however, does not rule out the possibility that the junta's reshuffle may indicate its plan for a new form of governance post general elections.

According to the ruling junta's planned roadmap to democracy, the approval of a draft constitution will be followed by a general election, after which the winning party will govern the country in keeping with the constitution.

The junta in February announced that it will hold general elections in 2010, though it has not set any specific date.

Critics have slammed the junta's roadmap to democracy, declared its draft constitution as non inclusive and called the process of referendum approving the constitution -- 'rigged'.

"It seems the junta is slowly planning its new administration after the elections," Win Min said.

Mya Maung, from the Sino-Burmese border said, the junta's plan is to switch from direct military dictatorship to a new civilian dictatorship, which was effectively implemented by its predecessor General Ne Win from 1962 to 1988.

"So, it is likely that the junta is retiring some of its key people to form a civilian cabinet that will actually rule the country," Mya Maung said.

Bo Bo Kyaw Nyien, a veteran Burmese political observer, however, said it might be too early to jump to any kind of conclusion and it requires observation of the junta's next move.

"The reshuffle is definitely a significant move, but in politics it will be too early to jump to conclusions before observing their [the junta] next move," Bo Bo Kyaw Nyien said.