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06/24/2008: "Reconciliations in the Nagas Nagaland Page"

Reconciliations in the Nagas Nagaland Page

Nagas are very fond of the word "RECONCILIATION" and many seem to vaguely take it as if it is the solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political problem. Some political problems are so deep it takes hundreds of years to solve and the Indo-Naga political tango could be one of them. It may take hundreds of years to reach a solution; a solution to the problem will emerge only when the overwhelming majority of Nagas become much more civilized morally, ethically and educationally than we are today. Economy is not a determining factor for it is Peace, Freedom, Liberty, Industriousness and Enlightenment that determine the economy of a Society.
Most importantly however, the Naga movement could become a world accepted political potent force only when it functions with complete transparency of democratic principles and India becomes a much more civilized Democracy than it is largest democracy in the World today only in Elections alone. The "Naga problem" would reach solution only when Leaders have the caliber of Nelson Mandela or of the Noble Peace prize winning Leader of East Timor Island and not Gun toting, Pistol-whipping dictators with Marxist or Tribal thinkings.
Do not expect from Chingmai or from Bangkok a Packet next week with a brand new solution for the complex Naga political issue. The Bible says: Do not believe the Court Prophets who do not have the Word but prophesy. They say: "...the law of the LORD is with us. From the least to the greatest, from Prophet to Priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying: "Peace, Peace" when there is no Peace" [Jer.8:10].
I. RECONCIIATION:
On the question of reconciliation, let us be down to earth realist: Firstly, What is it there to be "Reconciled" in the Nagas? By "reconciliation" do we mean the NSCN should become NNC? No way, if one political Organization can turn into another political Party, then one may as well expect the BJP and the Congress in India today to merge into one great majestic National Party; or the Democrats in the USA reconcile with the Republicans and run the next Government of America together! No way.
And who in this wide world, other than the great Naga Christian zealotry, would say the NNC should become the NSCN, or the NSCN [IM] become NSCN [K] or the various shades of NNC to become the initial NNC? A politician may migrate from one Party to another in search of greener pastures but a political Party cannot turn into another political Party. Parties can together form a coalition Government like the DAN in Nagaland or the UPA in India, but as of today there is no such a Unified TERRITORY the Naga National Organizations could jointly form a Government.
The simple naked truth of why there can be no reconciliation is that there can be no two different Governments collecting Tax in a "one and the same Territory", and Nagaland cannot be divided into the Territories of the various Camps of the Naga National Organizations for the purpose of collection of their "Tax". Therefore reconciliation is not possible under the conditions at hand and the whole issue of fratricidal killing hinges on this small point and not on any other immense Promethium issues.
II. FORGIVE AND FORGET: The second point on the Issue is: "Forgive and Forget. Busy Bodies and Civil Societies in Nagaland in their pastimes manufactured a lofty ethereal phrase called "FORGIVE & FORGET". What an apt phrase, -a beautiful one at that; what a nice slogan; forgive one must, but in Politics can one? When God forgives, He also forgets all pasts but in Politics, can one really forget or for that matter should one forget? Should the World forget the holocaust on the Jews in Hitler's time? Should mankind forget the Communist Genocide in Cambodia? Should not the world remember Rwanda and learn a lesson? Not for a health of Democracy in our children's future should mankind forget its past follies. The World must have Memorials of World War I and WW II so that there would never be WW III. My hunch is that: "Forgive & Forget" is too simplistic a proposition for the solution of the complex political situation into which the Nagas have landed themselves in today. The apparently Christian phrase must have inadvertently bewitched some important Nagas. It is good for the Reverend to preach the principle in the Church but it is not the redemption for political sin, if I may say so. The price of manâ's Sin had to be paid with the life of the Son of Man on the Cross; in the same manner political Wrongs have to be repaid and there is no Forgive and Forget. The Wrong done in politics must be recompensed, -a hard unpalatable saying in Christian Nagas today!
Theologians may not but the member of hard-boiled National Organization know unforgettable dirty things happen in politics and is corrected only with a just restitution. The Japanese Government today has to restitute for its use of Korean women as "Comfort Woman" for their soldiers during the World War II. Who in Christianity would believe Iscariot Judas has been forgiven? It is better a millstone is hung on his neck and drop him in the Sea and that he were not born to this world. Personally one may forgive but an Organization must be prepared for retribution. The UN must prosecute Milosevic under democratic justice; the Cambodian genocide must be brought to book. Can Nagaland be different in? Not if it claims it constitutes a Nation. Forget about forget and forgive in political wrong doings, they must be restituted.
III. ACCREDITED MIDDLEMAN.
This Issue is a very murky thing in Nagaland: In Nagaland, if anyone can have a Film Star appear in the Stadium in Dimapur, then anonymous Nagas in their thousands would appear in the ground and a self-styled Naga Star Hoho could even be formed immediately. The Star Naga Hoho may then say it represents the Nagas and claim even a Seat in the UN Security Council on behalf of the Nagas!
It appears Shisha Hoho convened a meeting of prayerful Nagas in the Stadium at Dimapur where the Naga Reconciliation Forum appears to have been formed. Peace is not a monopoly of any Organization but if the Shisha Hoho assumes the confidence it represents the Nagas, then any gathering in the public may bewitch Nagas. As far as this writer is aware, the Shisha Hoho is not an established Church, it is not an established Organization; it is just a collection of prayerful souls of many Christian hues and is as permanent as a fractious coalition Government.
Nagaland Post June 22 Issue carried a very meaningful statement: Mulatonu also said the GPRN/NSCN was not certain whether the organizers of the reconciliation meet including the Naga Reconciliation Forum headed by Church leader Rev, Dr. Wati Aier, Baptist World Alliance and UK-based Quaker group, were "agents of India or Nagas". This gives a significant clue to the accreditation of the Naga Reconciliation Forum in the eye of the participants. Without gaining the grudging trust of the Contestants, A tiger may break up a fight between two Cats but a Chicken cannot break the fight between enraged Tigers. Reconciliation is not an issue, Unification is not an issue, fratricidal killing is the burning issue and if the Chingmai Meet produces even a glimpse towards solving it, then something good would have been done. Thepfulhouvi Solo (On E-Mail)

No rejection or missing of the meet. Nagaland Page
To let our people clearly know the stand of the NNC/FGN on the factional meet holding at Chiang Mai, Thailand, this short statement is released once again. Because some media stated on 22nd & 23rd June, 2008 that the NNC rejected or missed the meet. But it is not rejection or missing of the meet. The NNC/FGN stand was already cleared and it appeared in the Nagaland dailies on 20th June 2008 that, the NNC/FGN is a parent body of the Nation and it is unnecessary for the parent body to attend such face to face sit of factional leaders.
The Naga people had constituted the Naga National Council in 1946 and declared the age-old Naga independence in 1947. The NNC then conducted Naga national Plebiscite in 1951 and adopted the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland in 1956, also established the Federal Government of Naganland on March 22, 1956. Thus the foundation of Naga nation was firmly laid by our forefathers and the Naga people are on the foundation and platform of our nation and upholding the Naga national principle. But who went on astray from this national foundation and platform had formed factions on their own whims for their own benefits and they have committed heinous crimes against their own people. Such leaders should attend the reconciliation meet. They must repent and should admit their mistakes. And ask for forgiveness of the Naga people and reconcile with the parent body from such reconciliation meet. The door is open for them to reconcile with the parent body.
Thomas, NNC Member.

UNLF says NSCN(IM) self righteousness point for debate Nagarealm.com IMPHAL, JUN14 [IFP] : The self-righteousness of the NSCN(IM) in boasting about their "...magnanimity in helping out the various revolutionary groups of the region" and the assertion that "fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal" is a point for further debate so that concerned people can make their own judgment, a UNLF statement from Ksh Yoiheiba, senior publicity officer, has said.

The UNLF`s belief in the composite interdependent unity of the Indian occupied region, has been its consistent revolutionary effort to develop fraternal relationship with all the revolutionary struggles in the region for unity against the common enemy. Believing in the fraternal interdependent coexistence of all the peoples in the region, UNLF tried to develop fraternal relationship with the Naga struggle from the time of undivided NNC, and also with the Mizo National Front, then leading the Mizo freedom struggle, the statement said.

It was all in the larger interest of searching for regional unity against the common enemy. In this effort, UNLF had to swallow the disdain and condescending attitude towards `Manipur of having compromised its sovereignty with India` not knowing fully well the history of forcible annexation of Manipur by India in 1949, it said. On the other hand, UNLF was surprised, rather disappointed, to discover later that MNF and NNC in the 1970s, even when they were receiving external help and assistance and actively fighting against the same enemy for the same goal of independence, did not even discuss common interests, it said adding that an unbiased analysis of this attitude would reveal their ethno-exclusive outlook subjectively separated from the common context.

Though initially a necessary stage in asserting ethnic identities, this ethno-exclusive ideology more or less outlived its historical purpose when other struggles, that also mostly inspired by theirs, began to emerge in almost all parts of the region, it said adding that this marked the beginning of a new historical process necessitating the transformation of ethno-exclusive ideologies into inclusive revolutionary struggles so as to consciously develop revolutionary unity of the region beyond ethnic lines. Regional unity on the basis of a minimum common goal is a prerequisite condition for `fighting unitedly` against the common enemy, it said while stating that this minimum common goal should be the basis for regional unity without which fighting unitedly against the common enemy is unthinkable.

The question is, what should be the minimum common goal for fighting unitedly against India. For those aspiring to be free from Indian colonial occupation, the minimum common goal should logically be to overthrow Indian colonial occupation from the region. Without this common goal it is simply indulgence in absurd illusions to think about fighting unitedly. Or, if it is a deliberate policy of using, rather abusing a united front for one`s exclusive goal, then it is insincere opportunistic politics forbidden by revolutionary culture, it said. Thus, the reality of the region ? the composite interdependent unity and confronting a common external enemy ? demands of the various revolutionary organisations to fight united against the common enemy for a comprehensive solution. UNLF is firmly convinced that any individual effort, ignoring the reality of the region, to fight, bargain or negotiate independence with India separately, is doomed to end in failure. This has been clearly proved by fifty years of armed struggle. Therefore, it is of primary importance to build regional unity on the basis of a common understanding of the region`s historical process, putting in place `unique histories` as all histories are unique in their own ways, it said.

Therefore, the NSCN(IM) policy statement that "fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal" is self-contradictory and does not hold water in the regional context. It reflects confusion between policy and goal. Or, was NSCN(IM) using the regional united front as a bargaining factor to attain the exclusive goal of `Nagalim`? it asked. Whatever the goal, it is this self-confessed contradiction between policy and goal of the NSCN(IM) that is primarily responsible for the present disarray in the region`s liberation struggles and also within the NSCN(IM). By stating this, UNLF is not `meddling` in NSCN(IM)`s internal affairs. Because any revolutionary organisation in the region has the right to make critical assessments of other`s policies in so far as it has negative repercussions on regional unity, it said.

Had it been a correct policy based on objective reality, the NSCN(IM) would have been in a much better position than now to lead the Naga struggle. But the present sorry state of Naga struggle consequent upon the ten-year-old-no-result peace-talk between NSCN(IM) and government of India leaves nothing to be jealous about despite their claims of having "coordinating offices in different countries, including India." No amount of external factors can act to bring about qualitative changes without creating favourable internal conditions, the UNLF said. UNLF`s official relationship with the Naga struggle began with the NNC in 1977. This relationship was further maintained with the NSCN under the collective leadership of chairman Isaak Chisi Swu, vice-chairman SS Khaplang and general secretary Th Muivah from 1980. UNLF`s relationship with the undivided NSCN was an example of fraternal revolutionary relationship. It was a reciprocal relationship, it said.

UNLF was benefited by the base facilities at NSCN base area. UNLF is grateful and feels indebted to the undivided NSCN, particularly to the eastern Nagas in the NSCN base area who shared their all in providing food and shelter to UNLF. But it must be put on record that UNLF did not solicit arms or military training from the NSCN as many would have thought. UNLF imparted military training to its cadres and procured arms and ammunition with own resources, it said. Today, UNLF feels proud of its self achievement when NSCN(IM) boasts of its `magnanimity to UNLF`. On its part, UNLF contributed all it can for the development of the base area. UNLF transported and installed a printing press in the NSCN base area, the first in the history of the region`s revolutionary struggle. UNLF also contributed physically in introducing wet rice cultivation. Besides, UNLF provided human resource in running schools and medical centers. From the UNLF presence, NSCN was benefited in many ways. Besides, UNLF provided help and support to NSCN in many operations. When the NSCN was split in 1989, UNLF continued the relationship with the one led by chairman Khaplang who was in control of the NSCN headquarters.

The undivided NSCN earned respect and confidence when its leadership provided the correct revolutionary line and saved the Naga struggle from capitulation of the Shillong Accord. This was an inspiration to other revolutionary organisations in the Region. It was natural that the Region expected leadership from the NSCN in the struggle against India. However, some leaders of the NSCN failed to understand the more important historical role they were supposed to shoulder when they began parleys through go-betweens with government of India in 1984, it said. To the NSCN(IM) "fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal." The NSCN(IM) also wants to protect the `uniqueness of Naga history` by not making a joint issue with those who have joined forces with the enemies?" This must be the policy that prompted the NSCN(IM) to abandon the South East Himalayan Self Defence United Front, hardly before fighting unitedly began, when they singed the ceasefire agreement with India in 1997 to begin `peace talk`. Is this an example of revolutionary sincerity?the UNLF asked.

UNLF would remind NSCN(IM) that whatever has been said against them is not hate campaign, nor is it out of enmity. It was certain policies of the NSCN(IM) against which any revolutionary organisation was morally obliged to speak out. Such as, the policy of ethnic cleansing against the Kukis and the united front policy against India. So far as the situation in Manipur is concerned NSCN(IM) needs to be more accurate. It is true that a couple of valley villages in Manipur have demanded weapons, but not against UNLF as stated by NSCN(IM). It was for self protection against armed gangs and from the unwarranted actions of some particular organisations. As for public relations, right now UNLF enjoys general sympathy and support because of its pro-people policies and actions. All said and done, UNLF suggest a dispassionate review of all the struggles in the region so as to seek common grounds and narrow down differences in the spirit of revolutionary unity against the common enemy, the statement said.


‘Time to show the existence of govt’ DIPR morungexpress
Mokokchung, June 23 : Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, accompanied by Home Secretary TC Sangtam visited Mokokchung headquarters on June 20 and held a meeting with the district administrative officers, police officers and judicial officers at the DC’s conference hall.
The Home Minister reviewed the implementation of Ceasefire Ground Rules and Special Operation Procedures (SOPs) in the meeting. The Minister lamented over the prevailing state of affairs in all the districts of Nagaland wherein extortion, intimidation and killing were rampant and the people left terrorised. He admitted that earlier the government was not in a position to address the problem and that it just remained a mute spectator. He said the situation has now changed where the prime concern of the government is to provide peace and security to the people. Imchen asserted that it was now time to show the existence of the government and to show the people that ‘We Care’. The minister regretted that the call for peace and tranquility and prayers by various organizations in the state fell on deaf ears.
Therefore, he felt that those underground cadres not staying in designated camps should be arrested and booked under the National Security Act. He reminded that the state government has the authority to use force or retaliate under compelling situations through the SOPs. He further stated that the urgent need of the hour was to stop the clash between the two NSCNs and called upon them to raise their voices in unison as their sole objective was the same.
Earlier in the day, the Home Minister also held another meeting with the GBs, DBs, Ao Senden, AKM and NGOs in the town hall wherein he emphasised the inherent culture of forgiveness which was practiced among ourselves from time immemorial, adding that the present practice followed by underground brothers was a complete deviation from our Naga custom. He therefore called upon the people to unite and fight for permanent peace in the state, “as we have peace with India but not within ourselves.” The Home Secretary also exhorted the gathering in the meeting.

Nagaland wins coveted UN Award for Public Service PTI




United Nations, June 24 (PTI) A government programme aimed at empowering people run by Nagaland has won the coveted United Nations Award for Public Service from Asia and the Pacific region for "fostering participation in policy making through innovative mechanism." Nagaland's Programme of Communitization of Public Institutions and Services has helped in moving the State towards fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the citation on the UN award read.
Former Nagaland chief secretary Raghaw Sharan Pandey, Chief Secretary Lalhuma and Secretary V Sakhrie accepted the award comprising a trophy and a certificate on behalf of Nagaland yesterday.

District Lokvani Society of Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh was among the finalists in the "improving transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the public service." Counsellor at the Indian UN Mission B N Reddy accepted the commendation certificate on behalf of the Lokvani Society.

Organisations from 12 countries were chosen for awards in three categories from several hundred nominations received by the United Nations from across the world.

The award is considered as the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide.

Addressing the winners and diplomats, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro expressed the hope that the award would inspire governments around the world to step up their efforts to deliver vital basic services and improve the daily lives of their people. PTI

Go easy on Ulfa, Dispur tells police A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph



Hiranya Saikia being taken to court in Guwahati on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Guwahati, June 23: Dispur has asked police to restrain from any “unilateral” action against Ulfa that could hamper peace efforts with the outfit’s 28 battalion.
A “secret memo” was issued to all district superintendents of police a couple of days ago to bolster the government’s initiative to bring the outfit’s most potent unit overground.
“Given the knife edge on which the peace process sits at the moment any action against militants belonging to the outfit irrespective of the battalions they belong to could undo all the good work done so far,” a source said.
A large section of the 28 battalion of Ulfa is willing to hold peace talks with the government and some of the group’s top leaders have been in touch with top police officers to work out the modalities for truce.
Sources said the release of the former commander of the 28 battalion Mrinal Hazarika on bail in 15 cases was also part of the “confidence building” measures initiated by the government to aid the peace process.
“Would it have been possible for him to obtain bails so easily in all the cases? It was made possible only because we (police) did not make any sincere effort to keep him behind bars,” said a senior police officer, who is privy to the entire process.
According to the government’s scheme of things, it will first utilise the services of the top leaders of the 28 battalion of the outfit, who also hold key positions in the Ulfa hierarchy, to bring the outfit to the negotiating table.
If the group failed to persuade the entire outfit to smoke the peace pipe, then the government would hold discussions with the splinter group that was willing to come overground.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi had said the government has no reservation about holding negotiations with even the splinter groups. “The idea is to tackle those on the ground and disconnect them from those leaders who are away from the country,” the police officer said.
At least two superintendents of police, who confirmed receiving the “secret memo”, however, pointed out operational difficulties in implementing the stricture.
“I have seen and put away the memo. Now the question is how do I implement this when there are other militant groups active in my area? In the midst of an operation at night, how do I differentiate between Ulfa and the others? Of course, there will be no operation against the group based on specific tip-off,” the superintendent of police of a Lower Assam district said.
The officer, however, said there would be no mercy if the group indulged in violence. “We have been asked not to take unilateral action against the group. But if the outfit makes the first move, we are free to retaliate,” he said.
While the police top brass is chalking out strategies to bring the 28 battalion overground, an arrested senior member of the Peoples Consultative Group today said the peace process — the one initiated by the Ulfa’s handpicked group — has failed.
Hiranya Saikia, who was arrested yesterday, was remanded in four days’ police custody after being produced in court this afternoon.
He said he had been framed by the police and that he had no connection with Ulfa.
The police said Saikia was arrested on the basis of statements by an arrested Ulfa militant, Ashim Goala.
Ulfa, on the other hand, today said Goala had surrendered to the police on May 20 but he was shown as arrested on June 21. The outfit said since Goala’s arrest itself was a travesty of truth, his statement could not be true either.
Insurgency tops govt list A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, June 23: With the Congress-led government stepping into its third year, the Assam PCC has decided to put insurgency on top of the 28 issues that it has shortlisted for review at its manifesto committee meeting on Wednesday, which will be attended by AICC leader in-charge Veerappa Moily.
The development assumes significance as the agenda has been “specially” prepared for the manifesto committee meeting and comes amid efforts by the government to make peace with Ulfa. The insurgency problem is being followed by implementation of the Assam Accord.
The last item on the list is the administrative reforms.
A senior PCC leader said the committee would review the progress of the steps to broker peace with groups like Ulfa, National Democratic Front of Boroland, United People’s Democratic Solidarity, Birsa Commando Force and Dima Halam Daogah.
“Since the party had put the peace process on top of its agenda in the 2006 manifesto and named Ulfa directly, it is only natural that it remains on top. Nothing much must be read into this as this is just to see how much progress our government has made in the two years of its present term,” the leader said.
What the leader left unsaid was the concern of the party that though it has completed seven straight years in power, it has not made much headway except the botched up peace process with the Ulfa-constituted PCG before the Assembly elections.
“We have the crucial Lok Sabha elections coming up. We need to be seen as doing something except make promises and half-hearted efforts to bring peace. The peace process with the other groups, too, has not made any progress. And there is a lot of confusion and concern about the recent developments surrounding Ulfa, DHD (Jewel) and the bloodbath in Bodoland. Seven years is a long period to effect positive changes,” a party insider said.
The insiders said chief minister Tarun Gogoi, a key member of the manifesto committee, will have to apprise other members of the committee about the steps his government was taking to resolve the issue. “The party needs to be apprised because it is the one which will have to face the electorate. Since the committee has senior party members who are not part of the government, it could also offer its suggestions on the issue,” the source said.
The manifesto committee meeting will be followed by the co-ordination committee meeting and the extended PCC executive to be held on Thursday morning at Rajiv Bhawan.
Bandh cancelled OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Shillong, June 23: The Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) has deferred the proposed bandh scheduled for Friday after a meeting with power minister Conrad Sangma today.
The FKJGP had called the bandh to protest against the delay on the part of the state government to cancel the power deal with the six private companies.
The FKJGP president, Emlang Lyttan, said after the meeting the organisation had decided to postpone the agitation as requested by the power minister.
Lyttan said Sangma had assured the delegation that a high-powered committee would submit the report on the merits and demerits of the power deal within two days. The previous Congress-led government had constituted the committee.


Criminalising Activism Gladson Dungdung morungexpress
If you stand with the poor, redress their grievances, raise their issues, support their causes and fight for their rights; be ready to face the consequences, because all these come under the purview of crime in democratic country like India. You can be abused, alleged, tortured, booked under the false cases and finally thrown behind the bars at anytime. A noted public health specialist Dr. Binayak Sen, a well known development economist Prof. Jean Dreze and a human rights activist Kirity Roy are paying the prices for their passion, courage and extraordinary work for the poor and marginalized people of Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Dr. Binayak Sen has been in Raipur Jail for more than one year. His only crime was being a doctor; he was much involved in redressing the grievances of the poor adivasis (tribals) of Chhatisgarh and also raised his voice against the illegal killings of adivasis in the name of Salwan Judum (peace mission). He was alleged of violating the provisions of the Chhatisgarh Special Public Security Act 2005 and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, and detained in May 2007.
If you stand with the poor and fight for their rights, be ready to face the consequences — this seems to be the State’s messageThe Supreme Court of India had also rejected his bail petition in December 2007. In the meantime, Dr. Binayak Sen was declared as the first winner from South Asia of the “Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights”, which generated the global support for him. 22 Nobel laureates wrote letters to Smt. Pratibha Patil, the President of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister and Dr Raman Singh, the Chief Minister of Chattisgarh for his release so that he can collect his award and continue his valuable work for adivasis but their voices were not heard.
Another person Prof. Jean Dreze has been fighting against corruption in NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) to ensure 100 days work for Dalits, Adivasis and Poor so that their right to food can be secured. He had organized a “Social Audit” on May 26, 2008 at Chatarpur of Palamu district in Jharkhand, where huge numbers of villagers had participated and spoken out publicly about how they were cheated in NREGA by the contractors, development mafias and the government officials. After the social audit, Jean Dreze was alleged by the Collector and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Palamu district.
Though Jean Dreze is a member of the NREGA Council and is mandated to help in auditing the scheme by the law of the land but the reports of the responsible Collector and SP accuse him of attempting to malign the state government, falsifying the statements and assaulting the government officials. After seeing his passion of work for the poor; the villagers consider him like a living God for them but the district administration coined him as a violator of laws but his fight for poor is on.
Similarly a human rights activist from West Bengal Kirity Roy was alleged, his office was raided and a criminal case was filed by the police at Taltolla Police Station under sections 120[B] (criminal conspiracy); 170 (personating a public servant); 179 (refusing to answer public servant authorized to question); and 229 (personation of juror or assessor) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He was charged for organizing a “People’s Tribunal against Torture” in Moulali, Kolkata on 9 and 10 June, 2008.
Though Kirity Roy had invited all the relevant officials, including the Police Commissioner of Kolkata but they refused to accept it and asked him for giving them a written explanation on the legality of the public event. During the hearings a jury of human rights defenders, jurists and medical personnel sat on the panels, which were co-chaired by the former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, Justice Malay Sengupta and the Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Dr Mohini Giri. 82 cases related to police torture, rape and illegal killings in West Bengal including Nandigram cases were heard in the tribunal. After the tribunal the police coined him as a criminal for his passion of work against torture.
All these people did the hard work to ensure the rights of the poor and marginalized which guaranteed by the constitution of India. But irony is the state which prime responsibility is to protect and ensure the rights of everyone of the country, depicted them as violators of laws, booked in false cases and thrown behind the bars for raising their voices, questioning the state and asking to ensure the “right to live with dignity” of adivasis, dalits, poor, women and children.
One would surely be stunned after knowing the agony of poor and their supporters because when the government distributes arms to the civilians which caused killing of thousands of innocent adivasis in Salwa Judum become legal but the people who raise questions against these illegal killings become violators of the laws and thrown behind the bars. In the same way, when the police rape women in the police stations most of them are not punished but the people who raise these issues are coined as criminals, booked in false cases and thrown behind the bars. Similarly, the ministers, the government officials and the contractors eat up the money of the poor are not punished but those who fight against it are coined as law breakers. Obviously, this is not a fight between the state and the people like Binayak Sen, Jean Dreze and Kirity Roy but it is a fight of the state versus poor. Whenever the adivasis, dalits, poor and their supporters raise the questions against the state they are coined as “violators of laws”, “separatists”, “anti national”, anti development” and “naxalites” so that their voices can be easily suppressed. In all the cases adivasis, dalits and poor are at the loser end but does it mean they will stop raising their voices, claiming their rights and demanding for social justice?
Gladson Dungdung is a Human Rights Activist associated with the “Child Rights and You”

Ultras urged to shun violence From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIPHU, June 23 – Development starts with peace and peace has been restored in Karbi Anglong, and this will usher in peace in this hilly place. It will also fulfil the dream of Late Samson Engti and Late Khorsing Terang the founders of the then Karbi Anglong District Council, Bhumidhar Barman, Minister, Revenue and Disaster Management, etc. said on the occasion of the 57th foundation day of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) at KAAC secretariat complex here today.

He appealed to the armed organisations to come to the negotiating table for the betterment of Karbi Anglong.

Mongal Sing Engti, CEM, KAAC without naming the KLNLF outfit urged them to come forward for dialogue to bring peace and development in Karbi Anglong.

Earlier, the CEM inaugurated the golden jubilee gate of KAAC Complex.

On this occasion, the Education department felicitated the meritorious students of the district including Sermili Rini Signarpi, who secured the 16th position in the recent HSLC exam. The heads of seven schools were also felicitated for their outstanding contribution.

The Agriculture Department distributed tractors and power tillers to the farmers while Sanasing Timung was felicitated for the cultivation of Joha rice, which has earned name in the national market.

Kabon Mili Timungpi was given the Samson Sing Engti award posthumously. The foundation day, programme was also attended by Biren Sing Engti, MP, Bidyasing Engleng, MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, and Chairman and EMs of KAAC.
Manipur scribes in catch-22 situation Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, June 23 – Media in Manipur is in a catch-22 situation today following pressures from both the militants and State Government.

Representatives of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union decided to hold an emergency general body meeting of the State’s scribes on June 25 to discuss the issues relating to latest threat to the journalists from yet another faction of Kangleipak Communist Party led by Kokai of KCP (Lamphel) group and government’s reported plan to review the RNI registration of newspaper houses.

AMWJU’s Sunday meeting has decried the threat not to allow publication of newspapers or broadcast of news and to ‘gift’ bullets to each and every media house.

It also seriously noted the pressure to the AMWJU president and general secretary by the militant group to meet them at a place outside the State or a place in hill district.
India to hold talks with Myanmar to speed up Kaladan project Nagaland Page

It will provide a shorter route to Northeastern States
NEW DELHI, JUNE 23: India will seek to accelerate the path-breaking Kaladan multi-modal transit project that will provide an alternative route to the Northeastern states and later to South-East Asian countries through Myanmar.
During the 4-day Myanmar visit by Minister of State of Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh, which began on Sunday, India will seek to hold discussions to ensure that the project is completed by May 2012, a year ahead of schedule.
This project will provide a shorter route to many Northeastern states. At present, all traffic is routed through the narrow and congested chicken neck corridor via Assam and West Bengal.
Ramesh is expected to visit the Sittwe port in the Arakan region on the Bay of Bengal. The facilities at the port will be expanded to accommodate goods traffic under an agreement signed by the 2 Governments in April this year.
From Sittwe, the Kaladan River will be made navigable for 225 km up to a place called Kaletwa. From there, a 62-km highway will take the traffic to the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram. A road from the border will then link the project to National Highway-54.
The sea distance between Kolkata and Sittwe is about 540 km. India is financing the entire project at a cost of Rs.546 crore
India will also sign 4 economic cooperation agreements, including a Bilateral Investment Promotion Agreement (BIPA) to facilitate greater investment by both countries.The second pact would be for a $64 million credit line agreement for financing 3 transmission lines in Myanmar.
The third agreement would be for a $20 million credit line for an aluminium conductor steel reinforced wire manufacturing facility. The United Bank of India and the Myanmar Economic Bank would sign the fourth agreement for providing a banking arrangement to implement the border trade agreement at Moreh in Manipur. Ramesh would also be discussing the issue of opening more border trade centres at Avangkhu and Lungwa in Nagaland, Zowkhathar in Mizoram, Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh and Behiang, Skip and Tusom in Manipur. (Agencies)
ULFA condemns Saikia’s arrest; threatens violence
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, June 23: The banned ULFA today strongly protested the arrest of People’s Consultative Group (PCG) member Hiranya Saikia and said they would retaliate with firepower.
In a statement released to the media today, ULFA president Arabinda Rajkhowa alleged that Saikia had been arrested on the basis of false confessions. He said, “On February 16 last, PCG member Lachit Bordoloi was arrested on the basis of the confessions of Manoj Tamuly who was called an ULFA cadre. This time, Saikia was arrested on the basis of the confessions made by Ashim Gowala, who is also said to be an ULFA cadre. Both Tamuly and Gowala had surrendered from the outfit a long time back”.
The ULFA president further said, “Kulu Saikia alias Ashim Gowala of Village Perabhari of Lakhimpur district had surrendered before Additional SP Mihir Jyoti Gayan on May 20 and stayed with the police for one month. The claim that Gorchuk police arrested him on the night of June 21 is utterly false. As such, his revelations against Saikia are also baseless”.
Rajkhowa admitted that the outfit has links with the PCG. He said, “Not only PCG, ULFA has links with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and National Security Advisor MK Narayanan as well. If Saikia was arrested for having links with us, why are they not arrested?” He added, “This is a Government conspiracy to derail the ULFA’s desire for peace talks”.
The ULFA president alleged that the Government wanted to derail the peace process and solve the problem through Army operations. He said, “The PCG was formed to take the peace process forward and as such, ULFA will definitely maintain links with PCG members. Someone has to take the initiative to involve the Centre in the conflict between the ULFA and the Government. However, the Government is arresting PCG members one after another, which has disrupted the entire peace process”.
“The Government wants to solve the problem through Army operations. We will reply to Saikia’s arrest with violence,” he added.
Chinese arms best choice for North-east rebel outfits Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 23: In what can be described as a new trend in illegal arms smuggling, a huge quantity of Chinese arms has started to reach the hands of North-east rebel outfits, including the ULFA, an intelligence source told The Sentinel.
The traditional illegal arms markets of Cambodia and Thailand have now been replaced by Chinese arms and these sophisticated weapons are trafficked along the North-east’s international borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh and other countries, the source said, while quoting a report of Genes International Review (GIR), a US-based top defence analysis wing.
According to the source, Chinese arms have gradually become popular among militant outfits of the country and aboard, and the ULFA has already procured huge Chinese arms and ammunition in its armoury. Even the website of banned militant outfit LTTE shows a range of latest models of Chinese arms, including the .56 QBZ rifle, which is highly popular among the militant outfits, the report said.
According to the report, the Myanmarese rebel outfit — United Waa State Army (UWSA) — is playing a major role in the trafficking of Chinese arms to the North-east. The outfit, currently under a cease-fire agreement with the Junta Government of Myanmar, is active in the Yunan province of China and has a strong base camp at eastern Myanmar with about 20,000 cadres, the report stated.
The Rohingia Solidarity Force (RSF), another insurgent outfit of Myanmarese Muslims, is also maintaining close links with the UWSA and is contributing a lot in the arms trafficking racket, the source said. According to the source, the report also pointed out a “Al-Qaeda connection” with the RSF’s hideout at Teknaf in Coxbazar of Bangladesh’s Chittagong hill tracts.
The source said that illegal consignments of arms reach the North-east rebel outfits through at least four corridors passing through the Barak Valley. Pointing out the huge involvement of money in the illegal arms trade, the source said that Chinese automatic rifles, which are available in Myanmar for 500 dollar each, are sold in North-east India for 2,500 dollar per piece.
Similarly, Chinese T-56 rifles, originally priced at around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, are sold in the region for around Rs 2.5 lakh. The T-56 rifle is popular among the militant outfits as its ammunition is cheaper than others, a T-56 magazine available for as less as Rs 100, the source added.