[Previous entry: "Reconciliations in the Nagas Nagaland Page"] [Next entry: "NSCN(I-M) overrun Vihokhu camP By NPN Dimapur27/06/2008 Staff Reporter"]

06/25/2008: "Flush out op in Dimapur Nagarealm.com"

Flush out op in Dimapur Nagarealm.com

DIMAPUR, JUN24 [NPN] : Dimapur district administration alongwith Police comprising of SP, Addl SP, SDO (C), EACs, SDPO, OC Diphupar, IRB and village authorities Tuesday conducted a joint flush out operation of armed cadres at Sovima, Diphupar B, Chekiye and Ikishe villages from 6: 30 am till 9:30 am.

Informing this, Dimapur SDO (C) Sadar, Hotolu in a press statement said it found that the "armed cadres have largely vacated the civilian populated areas around there". It said reports also showed that movement of armed cadres around these areas have become "minimal" during the recent weeks. Flush out operation in certain areas would be carried out shortly, the release added.

House raided Meanwhile, Police said some15 activists of the NSCN (IM) raided the house of one Mrs. Losheli Swu in Ghokhuvi village today at around 6 am. Referring to the statement of the villagers, SDPO Nuiland, Khalo said the activists took away some camouflages, electricity and telephone bills, bank pass books etc. It was learnt that the NSCN (IM) members also photographed two vehicles belonging to Losheli and noted down the numbers. Police said the house belonged to a suspected deputy kilonser of the GPRN/NSCN. Ghokhuvi village Head GB, K.Viheto Swu and Akaho Awomi chairman also confirmed the raid.

32 militants surrender in Assam Times of India
MARIANI (ASSAM): As many as 32 militants belonging to various outfits like ULFA, NSCN-IM and NSCN-K bade surrendered before the army in upper Assam's Mariani on Tuesday.

Of the 32 militants who have surrendered, 26 belonged to United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). They included two women, five sergeant majors and as many sergeants. Of the rest, four belonged to National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and two from NSCN-K (Khaplang).

The militants surrendered before Brigadier M J Mathew, commander of the Dah Artilerry Brigade, during a function at the army cantonment here. They gave up two AK-47 rifles, 13 pistols, eight 12-bore rifles, four grenades, two revolvers and a carbine.

Among the ULFA extremists are the outfit's senior leaders Numal Chetia and his wife Bonty Chetia, both of whom were trained in Bhutan.

The other woman to surrender has been identified as 28 battalion cultural secretary Ritumani Hazarika. She was considered to be a close associate of the battalion's arrested commander Prabal Neog. The militants talked to the media. When asked whether the ULFA or the 28 battalion would declare ceasefire, they said it was not possible under the present situation. "We have not received any such instruction from our top leaders," they said. Brigadier Mathew said the militants will be sent to the army's rehabilitation camp at Dinjan in Dibrugarh for technical training. He said they could apply for the army recruitment tests if they fulfilled the required criteria.
Four NSCN (IM) cadres apprehended morungexpress
Dimapur, June 24 (MExN): The 42 Assam Rifles personnel, acting on specific information ‘from own sources’, apprehended four NSCN (IM) cadres and seized arms and ammunition at around 11:15 am near Piphema road today. The cadres, who were traveling in a Gypsy bearing Registration Number NL-07-6275, were way laid and intercepted by the AR personnel at a MVCP erected at Piphema, informed PRO IGAR (North) Pallab Choudhury in a press release.
The AR personnel seized an AK-47 rifle, two 9mm Pistols, one 7.62mm Pistol, one 12 Bore rifle, one Chinese grenade and assorted ammunition along with magazines. Besides, a large quantity of explosives was also recovered which included 200 gelatin sticks and 400 detonators safety fuse and radio sets, the release informed.
The release disclosed that during on spot interrogation, it was revealed that the vehicle was heading towards Ukhrul from Dimapur. However, on producing valid Identity Card, two of the NSCN (IM) cadres were released. But, the captured weapons and the other two NSCN (IM) cadres were handed over to Medziphema Police station, it stated.
The release further disclosed that all the units of AR under HQ IGAR (N) are maintaining a state of high alert in and round the clock vigil in order to provide environmental security within the state. Patrolling, MVCP, frisking of suspected personnel and vehicles is being done day and night to prevent movement of armed cadres outside designated camps, it stated. It informed that to ensure peace in the society, stringent measures are being adopted against erring factions violating the laid down cease fire ground rules.

AR apprehend 4 NSCN (I-M) activists By (NPN) | Nagaland Post
Dimapur Troops of 42 Assam Rifles apprehended four NSCN (I-M) activists at Piphema road while they were traveling in a Gypsy (NL-07 - 6275) on June 19 around 11.15 a.m. PRO IGAR (North) Pallab Choudhury in a press release said the AR troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two 9mm pistols, one 7.62mm pistol, one 12 Bore rifle, one Chinese grenade, assorted ammunition, explosives and radio sets from the NSCN (I-M) men. On spot interrogation revealed that the vehicle was heading towards Ukhrul from Dimapur, the release said. On producing valid identity cards, two of NSCN (I-M) members were released, while the other two along with captured weapons were handed over to Medziphema Police station.
Verbal duel continues, UNLF raises posers to NSCN-IM Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jun 24: While sustaining the expose agai-nst one another, the UNLF countered that the NSCN-IM's contention of the UN authorities 'rebuking' the former group's chairman at a Geneva session of the world body.
A statement issued by the senior publicity officer of the proscribed UNLF Ksh Yoiheiba conveyed that unlike the NSCN-IM, it will not stoop down to belittle leaders of the Naga rebel group.
Yoiheiba clarified that UN authorities in geneva instead of rebuking 'our chairman' as alleged by the NSCN (IM) facilitated him (Sanayaima) in taking the floors of the working group on Indigenous Populations and the UN Sub Commission on Human Rights for two consecutive years.
Reacting to the recent contention of the NSCN (IM), the senior publicity officer pointed out that 'inherent contradiction betw- een the policy and goal, the wide gap between theory and practice, the wrong priorities provoking opposi- tion all around instead of fighting the common enemy together, and the arro- gant refusal to recognise the basic unity of the region by the NSCN (IM), the self-appointed ‘torch bearer of the Naga struggle, stand fully exposed from their (NSCN (IM) recent statements.
Observing that the no-result 10 year old peace talk with the Government of India testify that the NSCN (IM) is devoid of consistent policy to lead the Naga people to its goal, the UNLF insisted that such basic issues are having direct bear- ing on the Naga struggle.
“No one in their right senses will even think of fighting a common enemy without a common purpose or goal. Because doing so, though punctuated by insincere rhetoric of unity as the NSCN (IM) has been doing for a long time, is sheer political opportunism,” the UNLF maintained while expressing its grave concern about the future of Naga struggle itself becoming the victim of NSCN-IM’s wrong political line, wrong policies and wrong priorities. Reminding that there is no room for condoning individual or groups involved in crime against humanity, Yoiheiba posed was the ethnic cleansing policy of NSCN (IM) against the Kukis a priority to resolve the Indo-Naga political problem ?
Asserting that such genocide carried out by the NSCN (IM) is certainly not a policy of fraternal co-existence, the UNLF statement further maintained that the Naga rebel group making a U-turn and using some Kuki armed groups against the UNLF is a glaring example of manipulative politics.
Was dumping the ‘Self Defence United Front of South Himalayan Region’ for the purpose of peace-talk with India and then pushing all the partners into peace-talks’ with India a policy of fraternal co-existence or abusing partners as bargaining factors, questioned the UNLF statement.
It further enquired ‘was it in the exclusive interest of the goal set for the Nagas by the NSCN (IM) or was it an expression of gratitude to the Government of India for ‘recognising the unique history of Nagas and suggested that these are basic questions to be pondered by ‘our’ Naga brothers in particular and the entire peoples of the region in general.
The NSCN (IM) is now disintegrating and the illusions with which it tried to pull the Naga people along its line has evaporated, primarily because of its ethno-exclusive ideology, opined the UNLF adding ‘though a necessity at one stage of the Naga struggle, it has now outlived its historical purpose and its transformation into an inclusive revolutionary stru- ggle has become a historical necessity of the time’.
Nevertheless, the UNLF expressed hope that the Naga people will once again display their traditional wisdom and judgment in breaking away from the illusions of the NSCN (IM) and bring back the Naga struggle on the right track in the spirit of fraternal co-existence among all the peoples of the region.
Naga lawyers unite against ‘Profiling’ morungexpress
New Delhi, June 24 (Agencies): The Naga Lawyers’ Guild, Delhi, has served a legal notice to the management of a lounge bar in GK-1 for allegedly refusing entry to a Naga woman photographer because she did not have the “right profile”. The notice has categorised this incident as a “willful and deliberate discrimination on the basis of caste, sex, creed and region”. The notice also says the management of the bar — Urban Pind — asked the woman to reveal her nationality. “When told she was an Indian from the North-East, she was bluntly refused entry,” the notice reads.
Bar owner Kashif Farooq, however, said he was yet to receive any legal notice. He denied the charges against the management saying, “Profiling is based on dress and behaviour and not region”. He said on Thursdays — the incident took place last Thursday — are ‘expat nights’, evenings for foreigners working in India. Farooq said, “Over 200 people were turned away because of this last week.” He added: “We have six employees from the North-East.”
The photographer was to meet two friends — a South Indian publisher and a German employee of a development bank — at Urban Pind. “I was stopped at the gate because I did not have a good profile,” she said. Her advocate, K Enatoli Sema of the Naga Lawyers’ Guild, said the manager, Tahil, turned her away after being “told that she was from the North-East”. The photographer added she was stopped at the gate, while others — not all foreigners — were let in.
The photographer also said she was dressed sensibly in trousers, a top and scarf. She added, “It was deeply embarrassing, since the place was crowded. Finally, my publisher friend called up another friend who happened to know the owner and I was allowed in. But by then, I had been humiliated enough and decided to leave.”
The legal notice reads: “She was told by the manager that it was ‘policy’ not to allow entry to people who weren’t of the ‘right profile’. Asked why other women, including Oriental women of other nationalities, were being allowed entry... the manager said... it was the ‘policy’ laid down by the general manager.” Sema alleges there has been another instance of a Naga man being denied entry to the same lounge bar.
The photographer, who has lived in Delhi for 10 years, said: “When such discrimination happens, and it happens very often, we are forced to step back from the mainstream.” Stephen Yanthan, president of the Naga Lawyers’ Guild, has said they will take legal steps unless the lounge bar apologises.

‘Such discrimination cannot be tolerated’ Morung Express News
Dimapur The lawyer representing the discriminated Naga photographer, Advocate Enatoli today asserted that such kind of blatant discrimination against innocent persons cannot be tolerated since everyone is entitled to basic Human Rights and dignity. Besides, discrimination infringes on the Fundamental Rights of a human being to live with dignity as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Speaking with The Morung Express from Delhi this evening, Advocate Enatoli said that the Naga Lawyers Guild has specified a one-week time to the lounge bar to tender an unconditional apology and publish it in the Media. It must also declare that the lounge will not have such a ‘policy’ she said.
However, Enatoli disclosed that the management of the bar have told journalists in Delhi that it will not tender an apology since nothing ‘wrong’ was committed. Enatoli said if the bar refuses to tender an apology then the matter will be fought in the court and even take up the matter with the National human Rights Commission and the National Minorities Commission.
Enatoli also disclosed that the national news channel, NDTV is doing a story on the matter which will be telecast on Wednesday on its regular feature, ‘Verdict’ in which the opinions of some concerned Naga people in Delhi are to be featured.
The Naga Lawyers Guild is a group formed by a group of advocates with the objective of representing the people of northeast and the Nagas in particular and also the public during times of need, Enatoli informed.
An editor of a publishing house, who is a south Indian lady was with the victim on that night. Requesting not to be named, she categorically termed the whole incident as “the worst kind of discrimination” and said to have been devastated that such an incident would happen in a nation that claims to be the world’s largest democracy.
Confessing that she has a lot of friend from the northeast region, the Editor said that she was angry Thursday night when her friend was not allowed into the lounge bar because she did not have the “right profile”. The Editor lamented that when the northeast is being tried to be integrated into the country, such kind of incident would alienate them more.
Advocate Enatoli Sema, representing the victim, disclosed that the Editor was the one who took a lot of initiative in motivating Naga Lawyers Guild to take up the matter, and at the same time acknowledged the role played by the Editor of the publishing house in rendering support to the people of northeast in the capital.
It may be noted, that discrimination of people from remote northeaster region in mainland India, especially Delhi has been a regular feature for the past many years.
Naga Council on Prohibition Savi Liegise Morungexpress
While appreciating the views of all concerned on the issue of Prohibition for which there Has been a renewed debate whether or not to lift or partially modify the Act, it is our bounden public obligation to express few thoughts in public interest with due apology to opinions that may differ.
19 years after the Act was in force, the debate still prevails. This is so and will continue to be so as long as two sides, for and against Prohibition exists. Prohibition was invoked because the Church felt it was not good for the society of that time. All agreed and it was so for 19 years since 1989. I t is seen that it is still not good for the society today and hence the NBCC’s stand against lifting or modifying the Act. Opinion are diverse but all agree that liquor is not good for the general mass of the society composed of many individuals. Elaboration is redundant because public is aware of the ill-effects of drinking. Just take the fresh example of the tragic accident at the Secretariat yesterday, 23rd june where the accident is reportedly attributed to DUI/alcohol. The arguments and rationalizing from both pro and anti Prohibitionists will be endless and so perhaps public may be spared of the lengthy academics on the issue for once and we may, in keeping with the NBCC Peace Director Rev Kari Longchar’s, statement (Morung, 22/6/08), dwell more on “peace, unity, justice, good governance….”etc.In our opinion, as a public organization devoted to promoting well being of both individual as well as organizations, if an issue at hand not suitable, we will say no with due apology to other opinions. Let us choose what is generally accepted as proper and suitable to the society although sometimes some points may be very tempting. The Government of the day after due assessment of the pulse of the people should apply its wisdom and necessary step as deemed democratically correct without fear or fovour. One does not forget the fact that enormous financial implications are involved while taking about Prohibition in terms of revenue generation. However, having survived anyhow for 19 years, perhaps recourse to more publicly accepted venture will substitute the perceived loss, what with an array of technocrats and experts available with the State who are conversant with opportunities and access to global economy today.
We believe the Church is not imposing its authority against the interest of the State. The question of the Church’s involvement will continue to be a factor because we are predominantly Christians. We must be grateful to the Church for the unseen, unsung, unpublicized efforts undertaken by it since civilization first came to us. In fact, what we claim we are today is because of the dawn of Christianity (read the Church). The Church is often viewed as native and insensitive to secular exigencies. They are really not at fault because the clergy is called to devote full time, intellect, energy and resources to take care of the spiritual aspect of the human being. They are not tuned to understand the intricacies involved in statecraft. It is the public leader and Govt. personnel who perhaps care of the spiritual aspects of the human being. They are not tuned to understand the intricacies involved in statecraft. It is the public leader and Govt personnel who perhaps today need to be more sensitive to need of the Spirit of God in tackling mundane issues that happen every day in out society including the abuse of wine and liquor.
To drink or not to drink is the individual’s prerogative. Imposing our will against the Church may not the best option. One thing comes to mind. Perhaps SC Jamir who penned the Prohibition Act as Chief Minister 19 years ago, was blessed to survive so much assassination attacks because of having fulfilled one primary desire of the Church (read God) during his time in power inspite of many other sins attributed to him.
After all, did Isaiah not say, “and the Government shall be upon His shoulder…”

Savi Liegise, President K.Kumkiu Yimchungrü Jt.Secretary

NSF against decision on NITs quota : NSF stir enters 4th day Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, JUN24 [NPN] : NSF in a press release issued by its education secretary Ahito Achumi said it was also imperative of the part of Nagaland Government to pursue and request the MHRD to review the decision and to continue with the previous norms and standard relating to admission in NITs.

According to an MHRD letter dated June 13, 2008, fifty percent of seats in an NIT shall be filled by the eligible candidates who have passed +2 examination from the state in which the NIT is situated, while admission for the rest fifty percent seats would be on all India basis. For example, in NIT Agartala, fifty percent of the seats would be filled up by eligible candidates who have passed +2 examinations from Tripura, NSF said.

And for the second category, candidates would be admitted from amongst the top rank holders of the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE). It may be mentioned till 2007, the mode of admission into NITs was based on all India ranking and state ranking (state quota), or fifty percent seats were filled up through joint entrance examination (JEE) of the particular state having NIT and the rest from ranking (state quota) through AIEEE. In the earlier mode of admission, students from each state of India were getting the opportunity of being admitted to NITs for different engineering courses.

NSF stir enters 4th day Naga Students 'Federation (NSF) picketing of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) office entered the fourth day, with no signs so far of the Federation calling off its agitation. A team of NSF led by its president Imchatoba Imchen met the State governor at Raj Bhavan Tuesday evening.

"We sought an appointment with the governor and met him and appraised the stand of NSF on the NPSC issue," Imchen said and added "we have earlier submitted a memorandum to him (Governor) on the same issue." On Tuesday, NSF volunteers drawn from Ao Students' Union (AKM), Lotha Students' Union (LSU), ANCSU and Combined Technical Association Nagaland (CTAN), picketed the NPSC office.

Meanwhile, NSF president has called an emergency presidential council meeting on June 26 at 11 a.m at NSF conference hall, Naga club Building. All the federating unit presidents, subordinate bodies president, tribunal and senior members of NSF have been requested to attend the meeting positively. Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has expressed disappointment with the new directive of the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) for allotment of seats in the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and said the decision would affect the Northeastern states, in particular Nagaland, as dominating states would have the upper hand in the NITs.

ULFA's strike unit announces ceasefire Nagaland Page


GUWAHATI, JUNE 24: The most potent strike unit of the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Tuesday announced a unilateral ceasefire, prompting Assam authorities to say more rebel units might want to put violence on hold. "The 'A' and 'C' companies of the ULFA's 28th battalion have decided for a unilateral ceasefire with effect from Tuesday to facilitate peace talks with the government," Jiten Dutta, a senior ULFA commander, told a local TV channel by telephone.
On the surface, this looks like a split in the ULFA, fighting for a 'sovereign, socialist Assam' since its inception in 1979, but leaders who have called for the truce say that is not so.
"The ULFA is not split and we shall disclose everything as to why we decided to declare the unilateral ceasefire," Dutta said.
The 28th battalion of the ULFA, also called the 'Kashmir camp', has its headquarters in Myanmar and was closely aligned with the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K).
The truce announcement means that only the 'B' or the Bravo company of the ULFA's 28th battalion is outside the purview of the truce.
"Since most of the top leaders and cadres of the 'B' company are at bases abroad, they are not in a position to declare the truce," the ULFA leader said.
It is not clear whether the ceasefire decision has the approval of the ULFA central leadership.
Last week, in the wake of media speculations about the impending truce between the government and the 28th battalion, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said there was no such possibility.
"There has been an attempt to spread such news to create confusion among the rank and file of our group," Rajkhowa said in a statement.
Indications about such a move by the 28th battalion surfaced when the Assam government Saturday facilitated the release on bail of detained commander of the ULFA's 28th battalion, Mrinal Hazarika. The authorities apparently did not oppose Hazarika's bail plea.
Within a day of his release, Hazarika telephoned journalists to say he was back with his colleagues at the 28th battalion's 'C' company.
The 'A' company of the ULFA unit has been active in the eastern Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, besides in adjoining Arunachal Pradesh, while the 'C' company was active in Sivasagar and Golaghat districts.
"This is the beginning. More ULFA units are likely to put violence on hold for possible peace negotiations," a police official said, requesting anonymity. (Agencies)
North-east fast losing forest cover Sentinel
NEW DELHI, June 24: India’s North-east, considered to be one of the richest biodiversity hot spots in the country, is fast losing its forest cover, according to data released by Aaranyak, an Asom-based NGO.
The data shows that the northeastern states of India have lost almost 20 per cent of their forest cover in the past two decades.
Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, secretary general of Aaranyak that works for biodiversity conservation said that their latest findings on the forest cover of the North-east, clearly show that 64 per cent of the total geographical area of the Northeast (255,000 sq km) is currently under forest cover. Two decades earlier, it was 84 per cent.
“The rate of loss of forest cover is quite fast and the situation is deteriorating with each passing day. If precautionary measures are not taken immediately, the region would soon lose its valuable flora and fauna biodiversity,” said Talukdar.
Soumyadeep Datta, director of Nature’s Beckon, another Asom-based NGO working on environment and wildlife protection of the region, expressed concern over the alarming loss of forest cover across the North-east.
“If the situation is not controlled now, it might worsen in the coming days. The North-east cannot afford to lose its forest cover, its most valued asset,” said Datta.
The seven States of the North-east - Asom, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland - comprise about eight percent of the total geographical area of the country.
“But the entire northeast consists of 25 per cent of the country’s forest cover, making it one of the richest biodiversity zones of the country. Thus we have to make a concerted effort to save it,” said an official of the Arunachal Pradesh Government’s department of environment and forest.
The report of Aaranyak states that the large scale loss of forest cover in the North-east in recent times is due to de-forestation caused by human encroachment on forestland.
“The entire region is highly populated. The burden of population is causing a lot of damage to the forest cover,” said Talukdar. The Northeast accounts for 3.7 per cent of the country’s population of 1,028,737,436, as per the 2001 census.
“Moreover, almost half of the population of the region still depends on forestland to earn their livelihood,” he added.
The report warns that if the forestland continues to disappear at the present rate, soon the region will witness massive floods, large-scale soil erosion, loss of agricultural land, extinction of animal and plants species and perhaps a drought-like situation. “The North-east is the land of myriad range of flora and fauna. We have to save the forestland to save them. We plan to form a united forum consisting of forest departments of all the states and various NGOs working in the field of environment,” said Talukdar. (Agencies)
60 UGs lay down arms in Assam Sangai Express
Guwahati, Jun 24 : As many as 60 militants, including two Bhutan-trained cadres among 54 from ULFA, surrendered before the army today across Assam and laid down arms.
In upper Assam's Maria-ni, 32 insurgents -26 from ULFA, four from NSCN-IM and two from NSCN-K-surrendered at a function in the army cantonment.
The ULFA group had two women, fivå self-styled sesgeant majors and as many 'sergeants' while the rest were 'privates'.
They deposited two AK-47 rifles, 13 pistols, eight 12-bore rifles, four grenades, two revolvers and a carbine.
The prominent ULFA cadres who surrendered included the Bhutan- trained husband-wife duo of 'sergeant major' Numal Chetia and Bonty Chetia, Ritumeni Hazarika - 'cultural secretary' of the group's strike force '28 battalion' - and a close associate of the battalion's arrested commander Prabal Neog. In another army function at Tamulpur in lower Assam, 26 ULFA militants -- 23 from its 709 battalion and three from 27 battalion - surrendered. In two other small pro-grammes at Diphu and Charidoar, two ULFA militants surrendered before the army and laid down some revolvers and several rounds of live ammunition. PTI