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07/02/2008: "Wangtin’s plea to faction leaders Nagarealm.com"
Wangtin’s plea to faction leaders Nagarealm.com
TUENSANG, JUN30 [NPN] : Underscoring the need for “unification” and “reconciliation” among Nagas to end fratricidal killings, deputy kilonser (Home) ‘GPRN/NSCN’ Y Wangtin Naga has renewed the appeal to leaders of different factions to pave the way for “reconciliation and ultimate unification.”
Wangtin Konyak who returned after attending the second Naga Reconciliation meet at Chiangmai in Thailand, told this Correspondent “ the ultimate solution to our prolonged disease is reconciliation and unification and none can by-pass it,”. He said Nagas must unify at any cost since enough bloodshed had been shed and thousands of Naga soldiers had sacrificed their lives at “our own altar” to no avail, but for the selfish ends of the factions’ leaders. “Whatever the reasons our leaders might offer, the main cause of unending killing among Nagas has been their selfish creation”, he said. Urging leaders of different factions to stop entrusting their soldiers to kill one another, the “GPRN/NSCN’ deputy kilonser also appealed to the leaders to pave the way for reconciliation and ultimate unification. “Our leaders should meet anywhere, anytime and at any cost within this year and bring the Naga unity,” he pleaded.
In an obvious reference to the rival NSCN(I-M) interpretation of unity, Wangtin said the idea or policy of “unity under correct principles, general amnesty and by surrendering and laying down arms would only close all doors for Naga unity”. He said “this policy need to change as Naga leaders should not expect other factions to bow down before them; because Naga revolution is by blood and not by might. Nagas have not surrendered even before the mighty India and Maynmar.” He also appealed the NGOs and public leaders to speak out the truth; to correct the wrong policies of the national leaders instead of blindly appreciating them and their policies. Alleging that the present Naga situation had been created by Naga NGOs, Wangtin said even as some NGOs were trying to unite Naga factions, some (NGOs) want “factional solution.”
He reminded that the Naga issue was a collective issue and that no single faction can claim to represent the Nagas. On the Chiang Mai peace meet, Wangtin lamented that both the meetings were marred by the NSCN (I-M) attacking their rival factions. Wangtin said when the news of the burning down of Vihokhu camp reached him in Chiang Mai, he did not chose not to make it an issue in keeping with the spirit of the meet. He wondered whether the NSCN (I-M) had burnt down Vihokhu camp to fulfill their vengeance or to disturb the Chiang Mai meet. Further Wangtin asked the NSCN (I-M) to clarify on burning Vihokhu camp otherwise there can be no meeting point if such attacks continued. While stating that for every problem, there was a solution, Wangtin appealed for peaceful means and ways to explore the ultimate solution. [K Tsongs Yim ]
Centre to review Naga truce Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, July 1 – Up-set with gross violation of the ground rules in Nagaland, the Ministry of Home Affairs has rushed a team of officials to Dimapur to hold meeting with the ground rule monitoring group with both the factions of the NSCN. The Central team headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security), M.L.Kumawat and joint Secretary (North-east), Navin Verma visit comes after a series of factional killings rocked the State. The Home Ministry team is slated to hold separate meetings with NSCN (I-M) and Khaplang factions.
The mechanism worked out to monitor the implementation of the ground rules, include a ceasefire monitoring group with I-M faction and a ceasefire supervisory board with rival Khaplang faction.
The meeting is crucial in the backdrop of the recent incident at Vihokhu when NSCN (I-M) ran over a camp of its rival 10km from Dimapur, leaving five dead and several injured.
The Dimapur meeting scheduled for Wednesday is, however, unlikely to be attended by the I-M faction. They had also walked out of the June 12 meeting in protest over change of the chairman of the CFMG, Lt General (retd) RV Kulkarni. The Centre did not extend the services of the chairman. He had served for seven years.
They have opposed the appointment of Special Secretary Internal Security as chairman without consulting them. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, meanwhile, wrote to the Home Ministry expressing his concern over the threat to the ongoing peace process of ceasefire, seeking urgent intervention of the Centre. Significantly the meeting tomorrow also comes after the Chiang Mai peace summit between the two factions. The meeting was organised by Forum for Naga Reconciliation in Thailand last month.
CFSB meet today to discuss Vihokhu incident, designated camp NSCN (IM) not to attend CFMG meet
DIMAPUR, JULY 1: The Government of India will hold separate Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) and the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) meetings with the NSCN (K) and the NSCN (IM) respectively on Wednesday at Chumukedima Police Complex here.
The meeting assumes significance in the aftermath of the Vihokhu Camp incident, which was overran by the rival NSCN (IM) on June 26 last, in which at least 7 NSCN cadres were killed.
Special Secretary (Home), M L Kumawat, who has been temporarily appointed as Chairman of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board and Ceasefire Monitoring Group will lead the Indian delegation along with other members from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Sources from NSCN (K) said that the meeting would discuss the destruction of Vihokhu camp by the rival group, besides setting up a designated camp as proposed earlier.
It may be mentioned here that the Government of India representatives led by state officials conducted a survey of the proposed designated camp at Kehoi village.
The sources said the GoI officials might face heat from the NSCN (K) representatives following the recent developments in Dimapur in which the outfit has lost more than 40 members.
On June 13 last, the NSCN/GPRN led by Khaplang had attended the CFSB meeting at Chumukedima where an official from the GoI, Naveen Verma attended in the absence of newly appointed CFSB Chairman, M L Kumawat. The meeting had deliberated mainly on shifting of Vihokhu Unification Camp to the proposed location at Kehoi village, some 1½ kilometers from Vihokhu.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (IM), which has also received a letter about another Ceasefire Monitoring Group Meeting on Wednesday, has categorically refused to attend the meeting "without" the Chairman or with M L Kumawat as Chairman of CFMG.
Talking to Nagaland Page, Brig Phungthing Shimrang said that the NSCN (IM) has already rejected Kumawat's appointment as CFMG Chairman as he was not appointed through mutual understanding between both the parties.
Shimrang said that the NSCN (IM) has nothing to do with the Special Secretary (Home), but it would not accept him as the Chairman of the CFMG and therefore, the NSCN (IM) would not attend any CFMG meeting under his chairmanship.
He said there should have been mutual understanding between the NSCN (IM) and the GoI in the appointment of the CFMG Chairman, but the Government of India did not do so.
It may be mentioned here that on June 12 last, the NSCN (IM) walked out of the CFMG meeting held at Chumukedima as the Chairman of the CFMG was absent. The NSCN (IM) had alleged that the GoI officials were reluctant to listen to them, when they presented their views on the present situation in the state. (Page News Service)
NNC plea for Nagi’s release By NPN | Dimapur01/07/2008 NNC (Non-Accordist) has appealed to the NSCN (I-M) to release NNC (Non-Accordist) general secretary V Nagi who along with one of his lieutenants was allegedly abducted by the NSCN (I-M) on June 23 last at Oking Hospital, Kohima.
Members of the NNC (Non-Accordist) central executive who met Tuesday, also urged the Naga Hoho, GBs & DBs Joint Forum, Naga Mothers’ Association and church leaders, to approach the NSCN (I-M) for immediate release of V Nagi and his lieutenant. The MIP Cell, NNC (Non-Accordist), in a press release issued by Hokivi Awomi informed that the house also decided to appeal to all National workers to remember that NNC is the “parental body or political institute of all Nagas” and leaders of various factions to “honour their own parent body for better understanding of Naga sovereignty.” Stressing on the need for Nagas to remain united, irrespective of tribes or factions, the NNC (Non-Accordist) further requested all factional leaders to come forward and create mutual understanding for Naga solidarity.
Breakthrough in feudal fighting Nagaland page
The Naga International Support Center felicitates all concerned with their efforts to reunite
For the first time in 20 years the bitterly feuding NSCN factions came together in Chiang Mai under the auspices of well meaning third parties, Thailand, to straighten out their differences. And this was necessary too. Why?
Because of the ceasefire between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Government of India there was relative peace and movement in Nagaland, now for a decade already. Created long before the cease fire and subsequent peace talks on the basis of strong differences leading to violence opposing factions became so engrossed in their differences over the years that they practically forgot about their occupier India, their real enemy. Instead, more and more they fought each other, this with severe repercussions to the Naga society too.
In line with its, not published agenda, the Government of India, GOI, used these differences to drive the Nagas further apart. With money, guns and power it supported the factions so they would fight each other till death. Since there was no tangible progress in the peace talks for over a decade this is what became the focal point of those who could not tolerate the others’ presence. And, of course they had every reason too!!! After all killing spurs on retaliation and so a vicious circle of violence was born and nurtured.
Recently with the emergence of the Unification Group, yet another faction, all attention was on internal troubles rather than on the all important Indo Naga peace talks. As a result tribalism reared its ugly head. Though more violent than before the creation the Unification group could very well be the turning point.
In this light NISC welcomes the Chiangmai communiqué and compliments the NSCN IM for its courage to forgive others and to be frank about its own mistakes, all for the sake of peace and unity. They did what others have not or could not do.
The result of the Chiang Mai meeting paves the way to genuine reconciliation and unity; not the violent kind the Unification group showed; as it also did not elucidate on what the different factions were driven apart.
Over the years the NSCN made some grave mistakes too and had to swallow its pride long and hard before it could consent so NISC encourages all concerned to respect and live up to the commendable Chiang Mai Joint Communiqué in letter and spirit. Let it not be a token, a null and void, statement.
NISC lauds all those who tirelessly worked to for this agreement to unite once again for the common cause of all Nagas. For, as pointed out in the statement, it is the Government of India which is responsible for the bloody war, not fellow Nagas occupying the Naga lands. This communiqué is a great leap forward, a significant step to achieve unity. Let it not be shot down to fall in midair.
For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email to nisc@nagalim.nl (On E-Mail)
Sumi Hoho restates ‘no prejudice’ morungexpress
Dimapur, July 1 (MExN): In the backdrop of the recent factional upheavals, the Sumi Hoho today reiterated that the “stand taken by Sumi” is not for discrimination or eliminating any Naga tribe. In the backdrop of the recent factional unrest, the hoho has also reminded the warring groups to honor and respect the joint statement issued by leaders of the NSCNs VS Atem and Wangtin Naga on June 27 from Chiangmai.
“While reaffirming its stand on the principle of ‘broad-base unification’, the Sumi Hoho reminded all concern that the stand taken by Sumi does not in any way discriminate or eliminate any Naga tribe on unification which invariably meant (sic) for all Naga tribes irrespective of territorial demarcation” a note from the hoho executives stated.
The hoho met with its frontal organizations on June 30 and deliberated on “the Sumi stand” on the broad-based “unification process.” The organizations expressed strong condemnation against the unabated bloodshed between the warring Naga underground groups. The hoho lamented that the blood-hunting continues despite the relentless appeals made by the people. The hoho has urged the factions to honor and respect the joint statement made by “gen. (retd)” VS Atem and deputy kilonser Wangtin Naga from Chiangmai in Thailand. The two factions are urged to implement the statement in both letter and spirit.
Development, foreign policy blend in northeast vision Thai Indian News
ICT by IANS - New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) India’s Look East policy will be in focus Wednesday when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveils a vision document for development of the northeast region that includes enhancing transport and economic links with Southeast Asia. The prime minister will launch the ‘Northeastern Region Vision 2020′ document in the presence of governors and chief ministers of the region. Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Minister for Development for the North Eastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar will be present.
The vision document will detail a plan to bridge the development gap between the northeastern region and the rest of the country.
The document will focus on ways to ensure peace and progress, spur private investment and industrial development, empower the people by maximising self governance, spur rural development, increase agricultural productivity and augment infrastructure in the region which continues to lag behind in most development indicators.
The government’s broader vision entails dovetailing of its Look East policy - developing multi-faceted engagement with the economically vibrant countries of Southeast Asia - with the northeastern region. Nagaland’s capital Kohima is closer to Hanoi than to New Delhi, as the crow flies.
In the last decade or so, India has expanded its engagement with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and is trying to negotiate a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with it.
Closer transport and trade links with Southeast Asia will bring enormous economic benefits to the northeastern region.
Putting India’s Look East policy in the context of the development of the northeastern region, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday spoke about building a 160-km road link with Myanmar and developing a port in that country that will facilitate easier passage for goods to states like Nagaland and Mizoram.
On appointment of CFMG Chairman
In Indian Polity, the family of Late. Nehru ji, Lt. Indira Gahdhi ji, Lt. Rajiv Gandhi ji knew the Nagas better than any other Politicians in the Country.
Secondly, the Army Generals beginning from General Thimaya till today's, General Kapor, knows the problems of the Nagas and its implications. For amicable Solution of the Naga problems the successive Army General after acquiring in-depth knowledge and years of experiences in this part of India, had recommended for Political Solutions rather than Solution through arms in the present Indo-Naga-Political issue.
Accordingly, General Kulkarni had served Nagaland and for many years had, been appointed as the Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group for which he was doing very well. IAS and IFS (Frontier) Services have also served the people of Nagaland and NEFA the present Arunachal Pradesh. The sincerity of these Officials are beyond expressions in the service of a backward people, the Nagas. M L Kampan IAS knows each and every person in Nagaland for which former Prime Minister of India, Shri. Morarji Desai made him as his Additional Secretary and Adviser to the Prime Minister for North East Affairs. Among the Civil Officer he is acceptable by all sections of the people. Appointing IPS officers from outside cadre as the Chairman, of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group, he has to take time to study and learn the problems involved m the issue and the psychology of the people of the North East in particular to the Nagas.
In this respect, the Chief Minister of Nagaland had written to the Union Home Minister, Govt. of India, for appointing the Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group. I have no doubt about Chief Minister's sincerity and concern for restoration of Peace but he should understand that the Home Minister will not do anything.
So I request him to write directly to Smti. Sonia Gandhi ji, the wife of Late. Rajiv Gandhi, the Former Prime Minister of India who had visited every nook and comer of Nagaland and became the leader of the youths in Nagaland. I hope Smt. Sonia Gandhi will speak to the Prime Minister of India and appoint an acceptable Chairman if Lt. Gen. Kulkarni is not reinstated. The non functioning of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group properly is the result of more killings and fightings and factional clashes are daily affairs in Nagaland today.
The appointment of an IPS Officer without proper consultations has been rejected by the NSCN (IM). The Chairman so appointed has to be acceptable to all the Party involved in the crucial talks as this is only a Peace Forum and the co-operations of all the Parties involved is a must for larger progress of the Peace Talks. Smt. Sonia Gandhi is the proper person to advise Prime Minister to appoint the Chairman acceptable to all without delay.
T A Ngullie
Adviser/Patron, UNDP, Nagaland
A Presentation on Arunachal Pradesh, by Sai Tenneti Tattva
Recently, I had the great fortune of meeting two social workers from Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Joram Begi and Shri Vijay Swami. They delivered a presentation explaining the economic, historical, social, and cultural situations of a state which has lagged in comparison to the rest of Bharat. They extensively spoke of the challenges faced by the inhabitants of the state when it comes to strengthening cultural identity. With the presentations, the speakers hoped that we become more aware of the conditions in Arunachal Pradesh and understand the strong need of cultural unity to bring the state as well as the nation together.
Shri Vijay Swami is currently the executive director of the Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions, Culture, and Heritage (RIWATCH). Along with writing several articles and making documentaries on the history, traditions, and challenges of Arunachal Pradesh, he has coordinated and organized many service projects on behalf of Vivekananda Kendra, (http://www.vkendra.org). Dr. Joram Begi currently holds the chairmanship of RIWATCH and has one of the most inspirational life stories. Though born in a remote village and brought up in a place where there was no school, he kept his focus on studies and became the first graduate from his tribe. He is a popular speaker and is proficient in five national languages and many local dialects of Arunachal Pradesh. The two speakers provided us with an overview of the state and explained in detail the threats and difficulties the people face. However, they also pointed out certain opportunities that would restore its world standing. Below is a summary of the key points in their presentations.
Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in Northeast India, and is bordered by two other Indian states: Assam and Nagaland. Arunachal Pradesh is also surrounded by three countries: Myanmar, Bhutan, and Tibet. Despite its statehood, it has remained isolated for a long time from the rest of India because the British never administered the land when they ruled India. Therefore, many inhabitants remain ignorant of the history and culture of their country. The population in the state is very diverse with 25 major tribes and 87 sub-tribes. However, in spite of this diversity, many of the prehistoric artifacts and tools that are found in the area also confirm that this land once shared a common culture with the rest of Bharat. Many of the tourist sites, like the Parashuram Kund (the place where Sage Parashuram is said to have washed all his sins) also show the location’s links to Hinduism. The current demographics show that in terms of religion, the state is predominantly Buddhist, and the rest mostly practice either Hinduism or animism. Arunachal Pradesh also has the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, Tawang, which houses about 500 monks.
However, this land faces many difficulties. One of the major challenges has been security. With fences and mountains that can easily be crossed, the borders between Bangladesh and Assam are quite porous. Therefore, people from Bangladesh have been entering Arunachal Pradesh through Assam. Since Arunachal Pradesh is strategically located, it also faces security and cultural threats from its neighbors, like the Communists in Nepal, the military junta in Myanmar, and the Islamic groups in Bangladesh. Another major problem has been China’s claim that portions of the state belong to South Tibet. Ever since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where India’s army was ill-equipped and therefore lost most of the NorthEast Frontier Agency (NEFA), Chinese aggression grew stronger. They have even started to develop naval bases in islands located in the Bay of Bengal.
Economic and social backwardness have impacted the state greatly, especially in areas like transportation and education. There is great difficulty in building quality road networks because of the rough topography of the land. Transportation through rivers is also difficult because the rivers constantly change course. Since 75 percent of the villages are not connected by road, the only reliable and dependable source of transportation is by air. Air droppings are extensively used for transportations of goods and medicines. There is also a plan to build a Trans-Arunachal Highway for the lower belts of the land to transport goods by land. Education and healthcare in the region are also relatively underdeveloped, but on the verge of improvement. Some other social problems involve the drug menace, especially from Myanmar, which has also hindered progress in the region.
Religious influence and pressures along with an identity crisis have also proven to be a big challenge to the inhabitants of Northeast India. This is due to many separatist movements, especially one which wants to create a Christian nation called Nagalim with parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur. There have been big conversion forces which also disturb the area. Nagaland and Mizoram are the most disturbed states in the country due to tremendous conversions. At the same time, these men and women also face an identity crisis. Since their ancestors hail from places east of their inhabited land, many of the people of Arunachal Pradesh have features similar to East Asians. They always tend to get asked whether they are Chinese, Japanese, or Taiwanese, but never if they are Indian. In their own country they are often perceived as being “outsiders.” Therefore, the identity crisis leads to a sense of isolation from others and from the country itself.
Despite the geographical, political, economic, social, and religious challenges that face this state, Arunachal Pradesh does have many opportunities. The rivers in the region, due to their tumultuous activity, can be useful to produce hydroelectricity. Based on rough calculations, it is possible to accumulate 65,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power if it works successfully. That is enough to power the entirety of Asia! Another advantage is the biodiversity of the land, with its flora, fauna, scenic beauty, snowcapped mountains, and much more. There are many rare species and plants as well. Some plants are said to even have great medicinal value that can prevent cancer, reduce aging, or increase vitality. The scenery and beauty of the place makes it a great place of tourism as well.
However, both speakers agreed that the most important solution to all of the problems and challenges is the patriotic education of the people. Education must not only help the youth modernize and get in touch with the real world, but must also instill patriotic fervor in them, so they consider India as their country and homeland. Ramakrishna Mission and the Vivekananda Kendra actively strive to promote such activities. At the same time, the youth must also not lose their indigenous culture. Along with English and the national language, schools promote the learning of Arunachali languages. Finding commonalities between cultures and traditions also helps to acquire a sense of patriotism. For example, a girl interested in dance researched to find commonalities between the traditional Arunachali dances and the ancient Indian dances. After her investigation, she found 52 Mudras and 110 steps in common between the two types of dances. Projects like this help develop the emotional integrity and pride greatly needed to unify the society. “Mobile science laboratories” with the teacher carrying all lab equipment in a backpack, have been organized to teach youth about modern science and technology. RIWATCH provides a platform for such activities to develop the individuals and the society. The end result of all these activities must be for the Arunachali inhabitant to feel like a proud Indian.
Sai Tenneti is an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. You can contact Sai at stenneti@student.umass.edu.
Centre backs State Govt stand on truce Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, July 1 – Despite reservations over the truce with 28th Battalion of ULFA, the Centre has decided to go along with the State Government. The Central Government is in close touch with the State Government on the issue and differences, notwithstanding, is going to stand by the State Government, highly-placed sources said.
Curiously enough, senior officers of the Home Ministry here are tight-lipped about the developments in the State. The Centre is closely monitoring the situation in the State, an official said.
The State Government has been keeping the Centre in the loop. The general apprehension is that the truce with one battalion may not yield the desired results and at best can be described as a split.
Sources said that the State Government had approached the Centre sometime in May when the initial feelers from the detained leaders of the 28th battalion came. The State Government was then advised to discuss the issue at the Unified Command.
However, when the Unified Command endorsed the truce proposal, North Block here was left with little option but to relent, sources said.
The Assam Government had welcomed the June 24 unilateral ceasefire offer. “We welcome the decision of the A and C companies of the 28th battalion for giving up the path of confrontation and coming forward to the mainstream for talks with the Government, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had said. “The 28th battalion is one of the important battalions of the ULFA, and this decision is definitely in the right direction which will help in ushering peace and prosperity in the State, he said.
Gogoi had also appealed to other ULFA units and cadres, besides other insurgent groups in the state to give up path of violence and come for talks within the framework for Constitution. “The government will make all efforts and provide all facilities to bring the militants to the mainstream so that they can lead a normal life with honour and dignity and serve the society in a meaningful manner, he said.
However, indication was that a formal ceasefire pact with the 28th battalion complete with ground rules is unlikely to be signed soon. The normal practice followed by the Centre to keep the militants under check, is to sign a formal ceasefire pact. All the militant outfits including DHD, UPDS, NDFB besides, the bigger outfits like NSCN have ceasefire pacts with the Centre.
Commenting on the developments in the State, a senior Minister of the UPA Government said it was a repeat of the 1990 split, when a section of the militant leaders came over ground. This may be considered as the second major split in ULFA, he observed.
The Minister, however, conceded that they were perturbed by reports that the ULFA may target the Congress Party during the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. They are going to create trouble for us, he said. While agreeing with the Chief Minister about the effectiveness of the Peoples Consultative Group (PCG), sources clarified that the Centre stand is that to be meaningful, the ULFA peace talks must have the presence of chairman and commander-in-chief, Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Barua.
NE trapped in whirlpool of corruption: Mooshahary From Raju Das Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, July 1 – After a report ranked Assam as the “most corrupt State” in India, newly sworn-in Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary today said the entire region was “trapped in a whirlpool of corruption.”
Mooshahary, after being sworn-in by Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Jasti Chelameswar at the Raj Bhavan today, said an “institutional arrangement” was required to check corruption in the region. The 62-year-old Governor’s statement came after Assam earned the dubious distinction of being the “most corrupt State” in the country, as per the India Corruption Study 2007 report.
In other North-eastern States like in Nagaland, the corruption level was found to be “alarming.” In Meghalaya and Sikkim, corruption was found to be “very high” and in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur corruption was “high”, as per the report.
In fact, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, after publication of the report, asked his Ministers to submit lists of their properties within two months.
Mooshahary, who held several key posts including that of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Assam, said the North East was “trapped in this whirlpool of corruption” and is one of the biggest problems the region was facing.
“The Right to Information is an effective mechanism to fight corruption and people must make full use of it to fight corruption,” the Governor and former Assam CIC advised. Mooshahary, also the former Director General of BSF, said respective State Governments of the region must ensure “good governance” so that projects were implemented in time “without syphoning of resources.”
For the overall peace and development of the region, he added: “the matrix of governance management needs to be made more transparent and accountable.”
On Meghalaya, the Governor said, although the State was small it was “beautiful and bountiful. Meghalaya’s natural resources…native manufacturing capabilities and bracing climatic condition can truly energise the dynamics of industrial and tourism economy.”
Six militants including three school bus hijackers killed The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jul 1: At least six suspected militants, including three suspected KYKL cadres who hijacked a school bus, were killed by the Imphal east police commandos in separate joint operations with the 32 Assam Rifles Tuesday afternoon.
Three suspected KYKL militants who hijacked a school bus were killed in what police said was a brief encounter at Langol Games Village zone-III under Lamphel police station while they were attempting to torch the vehicle at around 2 pm. A 9 mm pistol with eight live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the slain militants, according to police at the spot.
Considering the origin of the bus, police are taking seriously today`s hijacking of the bus, according to a senior police officer. The bus originated from Heirok village where two militant outfits, UNLF and KYKL, have prohibited villagers from leaving the village.
Three more suspected militants were also shot dead by the same Imphal east police commandos at a separate place at Laphupokpi some 20 kilometers east of Imphal at around 4.45 pm today. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two 9 mm pistols, three PEK bombs, one lethod bomb, live ammunition of AK series and 9 mm from the spot.
Imphal east police commandos launched a rescue operation on receiving a report that a bus MN01-0775 (Lanchenbi Express) plying along the Imphal-Heirok road (and also used for transporting students of Maria Montessori School) which was parked at the Central Bus Terminus, Khuman Lampak was hijacked with the driver and conductors at around 1.30 pm.
The police team in the course of operation located the bus speeding towards the foothills of Langol Games Village.
The bus was seen driving at great speed when the two police vehicles started chasing it. Thereafter, locals nearby heard some firing sounds and later found three persons dead in the shootout.
Before the shootout occurred the bus was seen coming from Imphal side with only a few persons. The police team also arrived there soon after.
Police said that the three miscreants who hijacked the bus from Khuman Lampak bus terminus attempted to torch it by pouring petrol on it, a senior police officer said.
When the police commandos reached near the bus, the hijackers opened fire at the police and in the retaliatory fire by the police the three hijackers were killed at the spot.
The driver and the conductors of the bus escaped unhurt as they were kept away from the vehicle while the militants tried to set it ablaze.
The report could not immediately confirm whether the bus was hijacked due to some monetary demand or for any other reason. Police, however, suspected that the bus was being hijacked in connection with the ban imposed on the Heirok villagers by the militant outfits KYKL and UNLF.
The bus which runs along the Imphal-Heirok road was hijacked by the three suspected militants at gun point from the Central Bus Terminus while it was parked there after its normal routine of dropping school children for the day.
The driver and the conductors of the bus were not allowed to be interviewed by the police at the spot.
It may be mentioned that since the militants imposed restrictions on the villagers of Heirok village, the villagers have been leading a life of fear. The bus along with the driver and conductors were taken into police custody later while the dead bodies were deposited at the RIMS morgue for official identification.
All the three militants had received several bullet marks including at the head. Two of them were wearing half shirts of the same colour while the third was wearing a black colour T-shirt and jeans.
One of the dead body with a 9 mm pistol was found in front of the bus towards the hillside, while the second was found at the back side of the bus and the third one on the eastern side of the bus. Later, the Imphal east SP Th Radheshyam, Imphal west SP L Kailun and troops of the 32 Assam Rifles arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation. In yet another incident, three more militants were killed in a shootout at Laphupokpi village near the foothills of the Nongmaijing hill in Imphal east late this afternoon at around 4.45 pm.
Police said that they were militants and were killed in retaliatory action of a combined force of Imphal east police commandos and 32 Assam Rifles. The combined team was there to launch an operation based on specific information, according to the police. The dead bodies which police suspected to be PREPAK cadres were deposited at the RIMS morgue for official identification.
Sovereignty is not a precondition but an agenda for talks: ULFA By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, July 1: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today made it clear in the editorial of its mouthpiece, Freedom, that the security of sovereignty of Asom was never a precondition of the group, and it was only an agenda of talks. “The security of sovereignty of Asom was never a precondition of the ULFA. It was the media that hyped the issue of sovereignty and projected it as one of our preconditions,” the editorial said, and added: “For peace talks with the Government of India, the ULFA had only two preconditions — any talks with the Government of India should be held in a third country and that should be under UN mediation. We, however, dropped these two preconditions also when the PCG went to New Delhi to do the spadework for the peace process.”
In a report of Freedom, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said: “Our struggle is not aimed at holding talks with the Government of India but to solve the Asom-India conflict politically”.
On the unilateral ceasefire declared by founder “commander” of the 28 Battalion of the ULFA, Rajkhowa said: “If Mrinal Hazarika’s talks with the Government of India can ensure the sovereignty of Asom, we have no objection to accept the outcome.” Rajkhowa made it clear that Mrinal Hazarika had not talked to him on the issue of ceasefire with the Government of India. On Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s recent statement that ULFA-Government peace talks could be held even without participation of the top leaders of the outfit, Rajkhowa said: “The Chief Minister is out to divide the ULFA by airing such comments.” On the issue of Bangladeshis, Rajkhowa said in another report of the mouthpiece that all the “Indians, Nepalese and Bangladeshis who had entered Asom after August 15, 1947 are foreigners in the eyes of the ULFA. They should be deported from Asom.”
Burmese student warriors claim responsibility for Rangoon blast Mizzima News
New Delhi - A Burmese armed student rebel group, Vigorous Burmese Students Warrior (VBSW), on Tuesday claimed responsibility for the bomb blast on Monday in a suburban township in Burma's former capital Rangoon.
VBSW in a statement, posted on a Burmese blog in exile, on Tuesday said they had triggered the bomb blast at the office of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) on Monday, July 1.
"As a continuation of VBSW's operation, the attacked the USDA office in Rangoon's Shwepyithar Township is apart of our unit no. 18's handiwork," the Burmese statement posted on http://drlunswe.blogspot.com/, said.
The statement further said, they have been launching an operation against Burma's military rulers and that it had exploded two bombs on April 20, targetting vehicles owned by USDA officials, which were parked in front of the 'ABC' restaurant in downtown Rangoon.
The VBSW members, who claim to be operating inside Burma's business hub Rangoon, were, however, unreachable for confirmation of the authenticity of the statement.
On Monday, a small bomb exploded in the office of the USDA, a pro-junta civil organization, in northern Suburb of Rangoon.
While the existence of the Student Warrior group cannot be proved, the statement allegedly by them said, they are genuinely opposed to the military junta's continued rule in Burma and have resolved to carry out attacks on them.
It, however, said, "In our operation against the junta's political activities, military and economy, we have vowed not to harm innocent civilians."
The VBSW had earlier claimed responsibility for several similar bomb blasts including a deadly blast at the Panorama restaurant in Rangoon's Pasodan Street in December 2004.
So far, Burma's military junta, has made no official accusation against any groups regarding the blast, but merely stated that "authorities are investigating the incident," in its state-run newspaper, New Light of Myanmar.
But the paper urged the people, "to pay special attention to the saboteurs who will be active assuming various forms in public places and to expose them by reporting to officials in time."
Karen rebels recapture outpost Than Htike Oo Mizzima
Chiang Mai – The Karen National Union, one of Burma's longest operating ethnic insurgents, claimed it had recaptured a camp, which it lost a few days ago to a joint force of its splinter group, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Burmese Army.
The ethnic Karen rebels of the KNU on Monday lost its Waylaykhe based camp in Kawkareik Township in Karen State, during a joint attack launched by the DKBA, another Karen rebel group that broke away from KNU, and the Burmese Army.
But the fire fight was far from over and on Tuesday, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of KNU, launched a counter attack and reclaimed its outpost, a KNU leader said.
"We were able to reclaim all that we lost. We took about half of the area by noon yesterday and by night fall they [DKBA & Burmese Army] retreated, so everything is ours again," Pado Saw Hla Ngwe, information in-charge of the KNU central committee told Mizzima.
The recapture was only possible after fighting the whole day. The KNLA had about 60 soldiers fighting against nearly 80 DKBA soldiers through out the day on Tuesday, he said.
"The Burmese Army battalion 284 also helped the DKBA and fired at us from the hills. We had no casualties but we don't know how many casualties the enemy suffered," Pado Saw Hla Ngwe said.
On Monday, a KNLA soldier was killed when the DKBA and the Burmese Army jointly launched an attack on the KNLA outpost. But it is not known how many casualties the joint force suffered. Waylaykhe outpost is located about 45 kilometres from the Thai-Burmese border town of Mae Sod. Thailand is said to have beefed up security along the border.
DKBA has several times joined the Burmese Army in it is campaign against the KNLA.
According to KNU statistics, in 2007 the KNLA and the Burmese Army had more than 1,000 clashes including minor skirmishes along the Thai-Burmese border.
According to the Free Burma Rangers, a volunteer group helping refugees and internally displaced persons along the Thai-Burmese border, more than 20,000 Karen villagers were displaced in 2007, as a result of the clashes between the KNLA and Burmese Army.
