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06/30/2008: "Chief Minister says ‘allegation is without any basis’ morungexpress"

CM says ‘allegation is without any basis’ morungexpress

Dimapur, June 29 (MExN): Refuting allegation that the Nagaland state government was involved in the recent factional clash at Vihokhu, the press secretary to the chief minister in a press note stated that the “allegation is without any basis and holds no truth.”
The note said that while the “attention of the chief minister and the state government has been drawn to another false accusation issued by an underground leaders alleging the involvement of the state government in the recent factional clash at Vihokhu,” it clarified that “the State Government is not involved in any factional clash in either assisting or opposing any group directly or indirectly.” It further added that “such accusations should not be made without any factional justification and it is unfortunate that, at a time when the DAN Government is making all out efforts to bring peace and understanding, such misleading and unfounded statements are being issued.”
The press secretary affirmed that the DAN Government has always advocated the urgent need for peace, understanding and oneness within the Naga family.

Nagaland Police refutes allegation as ‘totally false’ Kohima, June 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Police today refuted the allegation levelled by Khughalu Mulatuno, the ‘Emissary to NSCN (K) leadership,’ who alleged that the “Indian-made mortars for bombarding GPRN/NSCN camp at Vihokhu, were supplied to the NSCN (IM) by Nagaland Police Barrack, located at Chumukedima at the behest of Neiphiu Rio.”
In a press note received here from LL Doungel, IPS, Deputy IGP, Headquarters and PRO, Nagaland Police, Doungel stated that he had been directed by the PHQ, “to vehemently refute the allegation as totally false and baseless.” The note further informed Khughalu Mulatuno, the ‘Emissary to NSCN (K) Leadership,’ as also the ‘discerning public,’ that “the Nagaland Police is of the firm view that the police must preserve its credibility, if it is to play a positive role in helping to usher in an amicable solution to the ongoing conflict in the State.”
It further added that “it is with this objective that the Nagaland Police has been scrupulously even-handed and neutral in their dealings with all factions and do not believe in indulging in any partisan act against any faction, as has been alleged.”
“The Nagaland Police therefore, sincerely urges the discerning public not to be misled or swayed by such allegation, which is bereft of any supportive evidence,” stated Doungel.
Naga Hoho calls for restoration of Peace morungexpress
DIMAPUR, June 29 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today said it was “overwhelmed” by the ‘spark of hope’ which had been ignited by the renewed vision between the two NSCNs in Chaingmai, Thailand and asserted that Nagas should take this effort seriously and ‘not allow adversaries to derail our own destiny.’
Reflecting upon the present situation in Nagaland, the Naga Hoho said “for over half a year Nagas have been passing through another form of mental trauma and vindictiveness, a design created by our own people in the interest of alien forces.” Stating that while ‘mourning and shedding of tears’ took place in hundreds of Naga families, every conscious Naga individual and different sections of the society, including the state government had tried their best to restore peace and unity among warring groups, fervently appealing to all Naga underground workers to shun violence once and for all.
Despite these appeals, Naga Hoho laments that “it has become like talking to a stone or a wall” till at last the public begun “openly questioning, ‘what type of Sovereignty we want?’ Is it the domination of one tribe over other tribes or supremacy for taxation?”
Nonetheless, the Naga Hoho said that it “is overwhelmed to see a spark of hope over the new development with renewed vision particularly between NSCN (K) and (IM) in Chiangmai, Thailand, owing to the timely initiatives of peace makers along with the unflinching support of peace activist from America, England and Canada under the banner of Forum for Naga Reconciliation.” Towards this ‘noble endeavor,’ the Naga Hoho expressed strong feelings that Nagas should take this effort seriously having missed many opportunities in the past due to petty differences and therefore, not allow adversaries to derail the Naga’s destiny
Simultaneously, the Naga hoho said it was disturbed “to see the excessive actions of both the NSCN be it the leaders or cadres generating restlessness and enigma in the minds of the common people which has culminated over the burning down of properties worth crores of Rupees and turning Vihokhu camp into ashes and most of all, loss of precious lives.” The hoho through a press release issued by general secretary, P.Chuba Ozukum and joint secretary, Nikhrolo Khalo, fervently appealed “to all cadres belonging to both the NSCN groups to adhere to the historic declaration of their own leaders at Chiangmai vis-à-vis the Naga Peace Summit 11( two) Chiangmai and restore the much needed peace and tranquility to our land.”

NPC lauds symbolic gesture
Dimapur, June 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) has lauded the symbolic gesture made by “gen. (retd)” V.S Atem, emissary to the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) and Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy Kilonser of “NSCN/GPRN” at Chiang Mai Naga Peace Summit in Thailand. A press note issued by N Theyo, chairman of the NPC, mentioned that the gesture is seen as a herald of hope by the Nagaland Peace Centre, Kohima. “It is really a historic moment when joint signatures of both these two leaders after a long conflict, have taken them to the path of peace,” the note stated. “It is an ardent prayer of the peace centre that both sides will honor the solemn pledge made between them and see to it that both sides maintain the spirit of forgiveness” NPC said. The NPC has also expressed support to the gesture and hoped that the pledge made on the crucifix is not taken lightly.
Further pointing out that with both sides claiming to be working for the cause of the Nagas, the peace centre feels that “it is right that they listen to the voice of the Naga people.”
Trauma: The Hidden Wounds of Violent Conflicts Merina Chishi Morungexpress
Dimapur| June 29 : Nagaland has over the past few months and for the last more than 60 years witnessed widespread violence. Consequently, the law and order situation, Indo-Naga peace process, reconciliation and such other endless number of issues continue to be felt and discussed unabated. One thing that has unconsciously escaped the Naga mind has been the adverse effect these violent processes have left in the minds of the people directly and indirectly connected to it. Studies have shown that people who experience or witness violent occurrences, especially in conflict areas are prone to developing the unsavory ‘Post-Traumatic Stress disorder’ or PTSD. PTSD is an extreme anxiety, psychological disorder that can develop after exposure to one or more trumatic events in which grave physical harm or severe emotional upheaval was experienced. It is an emotional reaction to an extreme psychologically-severe event. Although PTSD is not a new phenomenon, Nagas are generally very unaware and ignorant about the extent of damage that PTSD can do to a person’s life. Generally Nagas consider any psychological illness superstitiously eluding it to conditions considering them as ‘diabolical possessions’ or usually, ‘mental retardation.’
Accordingly, in December 1994 after the gruesome incident that took place in Mokokchung against civilians by the Indian Army, Dr. P Ngullie, a clinical psychiatrist, and his team conducted a survey of the victims who were directly or indirectly affected by the incident. The survey found that PTSD among the victims was very high and the common symptoms found were - besides affect on health, emotional incomprehension hallucinations, cognitive problems in decision-making and studies and even bed-wetting. Dr. Ngullie recalls his youngest subject who was an 11-year old boy; terrified and withdrawn, “He asked me not to let the Army loiter around the area,” Dr. Ngullie recollects. However, most victims could not come out with their problems openly due to the stigma attached to mental illness. “There was a sense of helplessness among them. Some people could hear (imaginary) sounds of wailing and crying even nine months after the incident,” the psychiatrist said.
It is found that parents of young Naga children are terrified about their children’s fascination for guns and ‘camouflage pants,’ accompanied by threats to join the undergrounds. These fascination are expressed during petty quarrels at home. Child Psychologist Rene Angami says, with violence taking place at this rate, adverse effects are to be on children. “Children between the age of 0-6 are the most vulnerable group; what they see, they retain it for a very long time that can result in anti-social behaviour,” Rene says. She adds that it is this stage which is very crucial and anything learnt, good or bad is almost ‘irreversible’ and their personality will be affected. Lobeni Kikon, a former counselor who has done her masters in Clinical Psychology says that any sort of violence can impact change in personality. Symptoms like aloofness, irritability, withdrawal-behavior, schizophrenia and insomnia accompany PTSD. She says, in some extreme cases, it could lead to mental retardation as well. Both Dr. Ngullie and Lobeni Kikon do not rule out that psychological problems can lead to dependency on alcohol and drugs for temporary ‘relief.’ “Many troubled youngsters are today turning to substance abuse just to suppress their problems,” Dr. Ngullie says. Although unnoticeable, psychologists believe that with escalating violence in the state, cases of PTSD will also shoot up. Rene Angami says that Nagas need to educate children with good moral values so they can eventually differentiate between ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ “It is very difficult to bring any remedies so we need to educate our children, our future generation” she says. Lobeni Kikon mentioned that underground cadres living under stressful conditions could well be suffering from PTSD but unable to recognize it. “PTSD strains all relationships; marriage, father-son, friendship, etc,” she adds. What is more appalling is that PTSD could effect a victim’s lineage even forty years down the line as cases shown among children of Vietnam war victims and those of the Nazi Concentration Camps during the second World War.
Many civilians have been left traumatized over the past few months but the inability for people to recognize their own distress is frightening. “Awareness on psychological disorder is very essential. This and mental retardation are two very different thing and we have to reduce stigma attached to mental illness,” Dr. Ngullie says. He also feels that psychiatric clinics and clinical psychology centers should be set up across Nagaland. “We definitely need it. No matter the kind of problem…it is a safety valve for all of us,” Lobeni adds.
Assam: The ULFA Mutiny Wasbir Hussain Member, National Security Advisory Board, India; Associate Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management, New Delhi
Northeastern India’s frontline separatist group, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), is faced with its biggest mutiny in nearly 30 years of its existence. On June 24, 2008, two of the three companies of the rebel group’s crack ‘28th battalion’ announced a unilateral ceasefire with the authorities, saying the move was aimed at facilitating peace talks between the outfit and the Government of India. This was, indeed, a significant development because the ‘28th battalion’ of the ULFA, also known as the ‘Kashmir Camp’, is headquartered in Myanmar, and has been the most potent strike force of the outfit, active in Assam’s eastern Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar districts, as also in adjoining Arunachal Pradesh.
The truce called by the Alpha and Charlie companies of the ULFA’s ‘28th battalion’ has not really come as a surprise. On June 21, 2008, three days before the ceasefire announcement, a former commander of the ‘28th battalion’, Mrinal Hazarika, walked out of prison in Dibrugarh on bail. The authorities had apparently not opposed his bail plea, facilitating the ULFA leader’s release from jail, where he had been lodged since his arrest in 2005 from Siliguri in West Bengal. The next day, Hazarika telephoned journalists to say he was back with his colleagues in the ‘28th battalion’. Two days later, Hazarika, along with Jiten Dutta, another top commander of the ‘28th battalion’, and a dozen other members of the unit, issued a signed statement announcing the truce.
When these ULFA leaders, who can now be described as the pro-talk group, addressed the media on June 26, 2008, at one of their strongholds in the village of Amarpur, in eastern Tinsukia District, close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh, it was clear that they had been in touch with the authorities for long. Hazarika, who was among those who addressed the visiting journalists, openly admitted having parleys with officials of the Assam Police, the Army and the central intelligence agencies during the run-up to their truce announcement. It was not surprising, therefore, to find Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, quickly welcoming the ceasefire call by the two companies of the ‘28th battalion’ and promising help to facilitate their peace initiative. Assam Police chief, R. N. Mathur, has since been quoted in the media as saying the Alpha and Charlie companies of the ULFA’s ‘28th battalion’ will be outside the purview of the ongoing counter-insurgency offensive of the Security Forces (SF) in view of their truce call.
Whether or not the announcement of a truce by a section of the ULFA will serve any purpose in taking the ‘peace process’ forward, the points raised by the pro-talk ULFA leaders before the media are of significance:
• There has been no split in the ULFA and the ‘pro-talk group’ has been forced to revolt because the group’s central leadership refused to pay heed to several issues raised by them for almost two preceding years.
• The central leaders have failed to appreciate the ground situation in Assam, since they have been living abroad for long.
• The central leaders have preferred to remain silent on the threat to the indigenous Assamese people from illegal Bangladeshi migrants, despite being apprised of the matter.
• The central leaders and the other ULFA units must now take the cue and come forward for unconditional peace talks with the Government of India.
• The ULFA-appointed peace panel, the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) — set up in 2005 and that held three rounds of talks with the Central Government — has failed in its objective of preparing the ground for possible direct talks between the group and the Government.
• The only other company of the ‘28th battalion’, the Bravo company, has not called a truce as yet because most of its leaders are outside the country.
The call by the pro-talk ULFA leaders to their bosses — ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa, ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah, ‘foreign secretary’ Sasadhar Choudhury and others — to enter into unconditional talks with New Delhi is nothing unusual. What is particularly significant, however, is their statement that the ULFA’s central leaders — believed by Indian authorities to be operating from Bangladesh — have preferred to remain silent on the threat posed by illegal migrants from Bangladesh to the very identity of the Assamese people. By raising the issue of illegal influx from Bangladesh, the pro-talk leaders have put the ULFA leadership in the dock, and in doing so, seek to appease local sentiments, including those of influential mainstream groups in Assam, who have been raising the migration issue with determination to rid the State of illegal aliens.
While these developments are certainly positive, from the point of view of the authorities, there are no grounds for euphoria. The events in Nagaland in recent weeks have shown what factionalism within an insurgency movement can do, derailing gains that may have been made over the years through peace processes. At least 40 Naga rebels have been killed in factional fights since May 2008, and as many as 62 since the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, there will certainly be enormous pressure on the ULFA leadership now, and the central leaders will have to introspect on the state of the organization and the causes that have led to the ‘28th battalion’s’ mutiny. A crucial aspect of the latest turn of events is that direct talks between the rebels and the Government have actually occurred without the involvement of intermediaries, and particularly without the participation of the ULFA-backed PCG.
The security establishment believes that the ULFA leadership could soon be isolated if more rebel units were to come forward to join the pro-talk group or the peace process. This argument is not something that the ULFA leadership can simply brush aside. It has been a long time since the ULFA’s top leaders have hiding out abroad, running the organization by remote control, and many of the top operational commanders, with whom the top leaders were personally familiar and who were appointed to key posts by them, have fallen into the security dragnet. Their positions have been filled up by newer cadres, many of whom have not had the opportunity to work closely with their top brass.
It would be naïve to expect the ULFA to follow the example of the pro-talk group in the ‘28th battalion’, but the outfit will certainly be forced to formulate a strategy to repair the damage. One option would be to launch a series of strikes, particularly on soft targets (a bomb blast on June 29, 2008 at a crowded market at Kumarikata, in the western Baksa district, on the Bhutan border, killed five people and injured more than 50 others while another explosion in the central Assam district of Nagaon on June 27, 2008 injured six people), or get busy rebuilding the two breakaway companies of the ‘28th battalion’ to fill up the void created by the desertion of the pro-talk group. If that happens, Assam could well witness fratricidal feuds between ULFA factions. In fact, pro-talk leaders of the group like Hazarika have admitted that they are, indeed, apprehensive of such an outcome, and stated that they were "taking precautions". Local media reports suggest that some cadres of the Alpha and Charlie companies of the ‘28th battalion’ have joined the Bravo company as they did not want to be a party to the truce.
The Government, combating the ULFA in a systematic manner since the first military offensive (Operation Bajrang) was launched in November 1990, will certainly receive a temporary reprieve following the latest truce. The challenge, now, is to consolidate these gains and establish an effective process to secure peace in the State. This is going to be an uphill task as ULFA military chief Paresh Baruah has said on June 29, 2008 that any dialogue with the Government must include the group’s key issue, that of ‘sovereignty’ of Assam. Talks with two companies of the rebel group will certainly create tremendous pressure on the ULFA high command, but cannot end the insurrection in Assam. Over the coming weeks, it will be interesting to discover how the pro-talks group will respond to the Assam Government’s stated position that rebel cadres coming forward to join the peace process must lay down arms and stay at designated camps, till a final resolution is reached through negotiations. There is little reason to believe that the road to peace in Assam will not remain thorny.
NDFB makes demand charter public By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 29 – The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) today made public its charter of demands submitted to the Prime Minister and asserted that the Government of India should recognize the “legitimate right of the Boro people for national self determination including the right to independence and sovereignty to resolve the Boroland-India political conflict.”

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the NDFB said that the Boro people have the inherent right to national self-determination as guaranteed by the international laws and the Boro people must have the right to determine their political future.

The letter said that a congenial atmosphere is prevailing in Boroland after the declaration of unilateral ceasefire by the NDFB on October 8, 2004, which was followed by signing of a formal ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NDFB in 2005. The Boro people have welcomed the initiative for peace and extended full cooperation for a lasting solution to the conflict, the letter said. The NDFB said that the atmosphere in Boroland is now conducive for beginning the process of political resolution to the Boroland-India conflict.

The militant outfit said that the land of the Boro people was never part of India and the Boro people do not belong to the Indian race or civilization. The present forced status of the Boro people is a result of historical accidents and not by choice of the Boro people, the NDFB said.

It may be mentioned here that the though the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NDFB was signed three years back, formal talks on political issues are yet to start and the Government claimed that the delay on the part of the militant outfit to submit the charter of demands delayed the process. However, the submission of the charter of demands by the outfit, which it called the “agenda to resolve the Boroland-India political conflict”, should pave the way for formal talks.
Assam bomb blast kills eight Reuters
An injured woman receiving medical treatment at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital, Guwahati. (UB Photos)
GUWAHATI, June 29 (Reuters): At least eight people were killed in a bomb blast at a crowded village market in India’s troubled northeastern Assam state on Sunday, police said. The separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), fighting for an independent homeland for the state’s more than 26 million people, was suspected to be behind the attack, according to police.
More than 45 people were wounded in the blast at Kumarikata, a small village near the border with Bhutan in Assam’s Baska district, about 100 km west of the state capital, Dispur. “Five people died on the spot and three died on way to hospital. Four others are in critical condition,” a senior police officer told Reuters. The toll could rise, police said, as they searched for more bodies and evacuated the injured to hospitals.
Police recovered another bomb from the market, he added. Witnesses described a scene of carnage. Blood was spattered around the market and torn human limbs were strewn about, while pigs and poultry ran amok after the blast, they told Reuters by telephone. The attack came nearly a week after six ULFA senior commanders decided to shun violence and declared a ceasefire.
Unilateral ceasefire by its units, a major blow for ULFA PTI
An ULFA cadre seen patrolling with a weapon outside camp where a press conference organised under the 28th Battalion of Banned outfit ULFA organised by the A and C Company of the Organization in a ULFA camp on June 26.. (UB Photos)
Guwahati, June 29 (PTI): The banned ULFA in Assam has suffered a major blow with the 'unilateral ceasefire' announcement by two "companies" of its dreaded "28 Battalion", a move as an open challenge to the authority of its central leadership.
The "28 Battalion", operating in the Upper Assam districts, was considered the strongest of the four "battalions" of the outfit and announcement of a truce and their desire for peace through negotiations is being seen as a significant development in the state's insurgency history.
The process for peace negotiations was initiated about four years ago with the formation of the Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG) by the ULFA but several problems arose and there was no significant progress in the effort. The decision of the two units to declare ceasefire has brought to light what analysts see as an indication to simmering discontent among the rank and file of the outfit, dissatisfied with the top leaders leading comfortable life abroad while the cadres slog it out in the state risking their lives.
The ceasefire leaders are, however, keen to project a picture that despite the differences there is no split in the outfit and they would like the central leadership to come forward for talks. In a recent press conference, a former commander of the "Battalion" Mrinal Hazarika clarified that they would not sit for talks with the central government but want the Centre to take initiative. Declaration of "unilateral ceasefire" was to pave the way for a congenial atmosphere, he says.
‘Truce by ULFA faction alone will not bring peace’

SIVASAGAR, June 29 (Agencies): While welcoming the willingness of a section of ULFA cadres for the ceasefire, AGP president Brindaban Goswami said here on Friday that it will not bring permanent peace to the State. Besides, the AGP does not approve of the coarcive means alleged to have been adopted by the present government.
Referring to the on-going Army operations, Goswami said that it is heart rending to see bullet-riddled bodies of Assamese youths in the fields or in streets. Obviously, the security agencies need to be retrained at once. Internecine bloodshed should be avoided at any cost, he appealed and a conducive atmosphere for peace must be created.
Goswami categorically denied that DGP was a spent force, rather he said it managed to win support of not less than 31 lakh voters in the last general elections and it will bounce back with rescued vigour in the next Parliamentary elections. He said, he was hopeful of unification of all factions of AGP and likeminded regional parties, but the final outcome of the on-going unification move will depend on the report of the committee instituted for the purpose.
Further, the AGP strategy for the next Parliamentary elections will depend on the report of the 11 field committees formed in 11 Parliamentary authorities. The leader of the Opposition came down heavily on the Centre and the Congress party and said that it is the years of misrule by the Congress party that led to wanton exploitation of the State’s resources, inabated influx, ethnic violence and rise of divisive tendencies among the people of the State.He also called upon the election commission to review the election process and check rigging.
Brindaban Goswami was in Sivasagar as part of his Upper Assam tour to call on the bereaved family members of former AGP leader Naren Tanti and Nitya Dutta, who died recently.

ULFA disbands truce-seeking companies Assam Tribune
DIBRUGARH, June 29 – The ULFA has disbanded its ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ companies, which have declared unilateral ceasefire, even as military chief Paresh Barua said the group is willing to sit for talks only if the sovereignty issue is discussed. The ULFA at a meeting yesterday under ‘Major’ Jibon Moran disbanded the companies and put the entire 28th battalion under ‘Commander’ Bijoy Chinese, sources said. Erstwhile leader of the 28th battalion Jiten Dutta said Baruah had informed him that the ULFA is ready for talks but the discussions should centre around the sovereignty issue.

Dutta, who claimed Baruah talked to him, told reporters that earlier the leaders of the ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ companies at a meeting comprising 28th battalion ‘Commander’ Bijoy Chinese, ‘B’ company ‘Commander’ Sujit Mohan, senior cadre Ram Singh and himself had decided not to go for subversive activities after March 16 and to declare the ceasefire.

“No organisation is above the people,” said Dutta, who has already declared that sovereignty cannot be a precondition for talks.

After Baruah stepped in, Chinese and Mohan, however, backed out from the ceasefire declaration. – PTI
Hagrama highlights achievements of BTC regime Correspondent Assam tribune
UDALGURI, June 29 – “People will justify what I am doing for the BTC and in the next elections you will know it. Whether I am bad or good, will be judged by the people of this region, and the Boro Peace Forum which has no contribution in the making of BTC has no right to speak against us.” The above was observed by Hagrama Mohilary, Chief of BTC region while addressing a mammoth gathering here at Udalguri DC’s Court parade ground on June 26 on the occasion of three years completion of BTC government.

He also promised that the much-awaited 200-bed Udalguri Civil Hospital would be completed and opened for public by August next.

Mohilary also said that in the last three years his government gave priority to development of road communication and now he would work for development of agriculture, tourism, health sectors along with road communication. He also assured the people that Udalguri would also have an agriculture college in the near future. He criticized Rabiram Brahma and UG Brahma for their negative attitude and said that people would justify who is who in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking on the occasion as distinguished guest, SK Bwismuthiary, LS MP from Kokrajhar HPC said that the ongoing fratricidal killings are hurting the Boro society and the concerned groups must shun this kind of crime at the earliest for betterment of the Boro society. Addressing the gathering, Chandan Brahma, Panchayat, Rural Development and Transport Minister outlined the developmental activities of the BTC authority at par with the State Government in the Bodoland region and appealed to everyone to extend cooperation in the government activities.

Earlier, Kampha Borgoyari inaugurated the open session. In his inaugural speech, the deputy chief of BTC said that the three years of the BTC administration was a retrospective study and within this short period the BTC government has been able to do a lot for the betterment of the neglected society.

“We are committed to our duties to bring permanent peace in the region and to implement the Bodo peace accord in letter and spirit. It will surely benefit the 30-lakh population of Bodoland region comprising all linguistic and religious groups. If peace has to reign, if development is to be brought, the Bodo accord must be implemented fully.”, he observed. Speaking on the occasion, Biswajit Daimary, RS MP dwelt on the activities of the BTC authority and sought cooperation from the public to carry out other schemes and projects in the days to come. “We’ve done a lot with Rs. 500 crore from the centre. Yet there are lots of works to be carried out”, he observed.

Mohilary in due course inaugurated the guesthouse of Udalguri district agriculture department adjacent to the DC office, which was constructed at a cost of Rs. 34.74 lakh. He also inaugurated the Udalguri district forest office for Dhansiri forest division at the heart of Udalguri town. The BTC chief also laid the foundation stone of Bodoland guest house at the heart of the town and formally opened the 5.25 km long Monpur-Khaurang PWD road completed this year a the cost of Rs. 2.5 crore.

Despite the 12-hour long Udalguri district bandh called by the Boro People’s Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR), a large section of people from all walks of life thronged the open session of the ceremony of the BTC government which started with hoisting of national tricolor by Mitharam Basumatary, executive member of BTC followed by homage to the martyrs by the leaders of the Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF).

The open session was attended by Reo Rewa Narzary, Purna Daimari, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of BTC Assembly among many other EMs and MCLAs of BTC Assembly.
Two PREPAK cadres killed yesterday were involved in Heirok firing incident: police The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Jun 29: In what the police considers a major breakthrough in counter insurgency a combined force of Thoubal police and 34 Assam Rifles shot down two hardcore activists of the PREPAK allegedly involved in the March 24 firing incident at Heirok, during an encounter at Langmeithet village under Yairipok police station last evening.

According to Thoubal SP Clay Khongsai, the entire security forces in Thoubal district had been put on alert to track down PREPAK cadres who were involved in the firing incident at Heirok during March this year in which three youths died and a teenage girl blinded. Yesterday during regular operations by the combined forces of Thoubal commandos and 34 Assam Rifles two members of the PREPAK outfit were killed during a fierce encounter at Langmeithet Khunou under Yairipok police station.

The SP mentioned that the encounter between the security forces and PREPAk cadres lasted about about 15 minutes and finally the militants numbering around 10 managed to escape taking advantage of the darkness.Police later confirmed that the slain youths belonged to the PREPAK and were involved in the Heirok firing incident. They were identified as Khaidem Ibochou, 25, son of Kh Toman and Laishram Bhagat alias Bomba, 28, son of L Tomba, both residents of Sekmaijin.

In the meantime, another two persons who were killed by Thoubal commandos yesterday afternoon at Ukhongsang Mayai Leikai under Yairipok police station were also identified by the respective families at RIMS morgue this morning.

One among the deceased was a bailed out PLA member identified as Laishram Nanaocha alias Pamheiba, 28, son of L Ibobi of Changei Uchekon, presently residing at his wife`s house at Heirok part-II by running a rice mill.

The other deceased was identified as Huidrom Brojen, 38, son of Amu of Ukhongshang Awang Leikai. He was reportedly an innocent farmer and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The dead body of Nanaocha alias Pamheiba was collected by the family from the RIMS morgue after post mortem this afternoon. However, the family members of deceased Brojen refused to accept the body claiming that he was killed in a fake encounter by the Thoubal police commandos yesterday after he was picked up from his locality by the police yesterday afternoon around 12.20 pm.