[Previous entry: "NSCN clash mars 12-hour Dimapur bandh against factional feuds . (Page News Service)"] [Next entry: "NSCN (IM) refutes statement The Morung Express"]

07/13/2008: "NSCN (IM) inching towards accepting Indian constitution: Fernandes By Prashant K. Nanda ThaiIndian News by IANS"

NSCN (IM) inching towards accepting Indian constitution: Fernandes By Prashant K. Nanda ThaiIndian News by IANS

Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), July 13 (IANS) The dominant Naga separatist group has met senior government functionaries at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and is “inching towards accepting the Indian constitution”, according to a senior minister involved in the peace talks. “Top leaders of the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah) recently met Home Minister Shivraj Patil and top officials of the PMO,” Labour and Employment Minister Oscar Fernandes, a key interlocutor with the Naga rebels, told IANS here.
“Yes, I have been meeting them regularly and have had several rounds of successful discussions. I can say with some degree of confidence (that) they are inching towards accepting the Indian constitution,” Fernandes said.
Fernandes was in Bhiwadi, an industrial town about 80 km from New Delhi, to lay the foundation of an employees’ state insurance hospital. Refusing to provide details of what transpired during his visit to Sweden in June to meet the Naga leadership, Fernandes said there was forward movement and discussions would take some time to achieve tangible results.
“They (NSCN-IM) have met important officials more recently. Lets give it some time. “I must tell you that both the government and the Naga groups are discussing several technical issues, and the progress is quite satisfactory.”
In the last few rounds of talks, Indian government representatives have been trying to convince the NSCN-IM not to press for the unification of all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast and their demand for sovereignty, considering the complexities and sensitivities.
Fernandes has been in the forefront of talks with NSCN-IM leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for years, having met them in several locations including Bangkok and Amsterdam. The NSCN-IM and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire agreement in August 1997. The truce has been renewed regularly. “We are negotiating and I don’t find any reason why the peace talks should not achieve success. Our government is serious about resolving the Naga issue,” Fernandes said.
The rebels and the government have held at least 60 rounds of peace talks in the past 11 years to end one of the longest running insurgencies in India. The campaign has claimed around 25,000 lives since 1947. The NSCN (IM) has been demanding a ‘Greater Nagaland’ that would unite 1.2 million Nagas. But this is strongly opposed by neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
REJOIDER TO KAKA D.IRALU MIP/GPRN. JULY 13, 08.

A boy of yesterday but with professorial headstrong attitude has been censorious in his writing targeting the NSCN.Kaka D Iralu's recent article 'THE GLARING DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANCIENT NAGA DEMOCRATIC SOCILISM AND MODERN MARXIST COMMUNIST SOCIALISM' is an affront to the NSCN in particular and to the Naga people in general. There is, of course, no doubt about his bete noire status vis-à-vis the Naga national cause under the banner of National Socialist Council of Nagalim. Let it be known that before Kaka was given birth in this world the Naga democratic socialism and the modern Marxism Communist Socialism has already been well versed by Collective Leadership and a clear and detailed exposition of this status has been convincingly explained across the world. Kaka is in the know about this discourse from our leaders. But ridiculously Kaka is plagiarizing Muivah's theory and practice on socialism and Marxist- Communism. But in the deeper analysis of Kaka's impulsive style of writing that comes along with devilish charm, such article is only to be treated with disdain. It is exasperating to learn that his writing is a part of the program to launch bitter dia-tribe against the NSCN. May be, emboldened by wine of treason, he has chosen the despicable course to test the nerve of NSCN. Amusing enough, Kaka had the effrontery to teach NSCN on the issue that was customized by NSCN before he started his basic education. The pleasure of plagiarizing to serve vested interests will never be taken kindly by NSCN.

It is ludicrous to think that the Naga people will be perturbed by someone of the type of Kaka's article that was written from the pig headed point of view. The study on Kaka'S past writings also shows that he has the propensity for going hyper bole when choosing to act as one of the most outspoken critics against NSCN. Kaka is one individual with insidious mindset who has taken the NSCN for a head on confrontation. By deliberately writing on the subject that is none of his business and doing it in the fashion of indiscretion NSCN have no choice but to accept his challenge on the subject, anytime, anywhere in full public view to satisfy public conscience. But toleration cannot be exercised for such person who has developed the habit of taking pot-shots at the NSCN. Mentioning the Marxist-Leninist or Maoist ideology/Communism is not relevant in the Naga context. And annoyingly, by a person of the like of Kaka whose foul mouthed campaign against the NSCN has only taken the form of sleazy writer or writer of fortune.

Nagas have not mechanically imported any traits of Socialism or communism and the Nagas way of socialism reflects the modernized socialistic economic pattern that suited the Naga best. There is no denying of the Naga socialism as a purest form of democracy where consent and spontaneous willingness finds its own reflection. This is the hallmark of the Naga democratic socialism. China also follows or practice socialist form in one way or the other. But Nagas have never learned to compromise on the communist socialism. Anything that contradicts the existence of God or the relevant of God in the human revolution or creation is the antithesis of Naga's socialist way of life. Where is the evidence that NSCN is practicing or has imported Marxist Leninist and Maoist ideology? In the global Naga campaign NSCN came across many 'Doubting Thomas' particularly in US and European countries. But on elaboration, there was admiration and praise on the spirit that shaped the Naga socialism. And that was the turning point for the Nagas to get the much needed moral support.

All said and done, the plagiarizing article of Kaka Iralu has come in a very bad taste, leaving us with no option other than to treat the write up with revulsion because of the intoxicated spirit that carried him through. In its true spirit, Kaka's journalistic material to satisfy the antagonistic forces of NSCN has to be contemned for being obnoxious, outrageous and diabolical.

IIITM-K links up with Nagaland varsity Special Correspondent The Hindu
‘Link will eliminate the distance between south-west, north-east’ 16 faculty members from IIITM-K to take part in programme
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union government would set up an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Dimapur in Nagaland soon, Minister for Development of the North-East Region and Panchayati Raj Mani Shankar Aiyar said here on Saturday.
Inaugurating a broadband terrestrial education grid link between Indian Institute of Technology and Management (IIITM)-Kerala and Nagaland University, Mr. Aiyar said the new interactive link should be developed as a double-lane for communication between the two States so as to enable students to gain the best from the teachers of the IIITM-K and ensure that Kerala imbibed the development models and initiatives launched by the Nagaland government towards attaining 100 per cent literacy in villages, among other achievements.
The link, a mentoring technique, has eliminated the distance between the south-west and north-east parts of the country, he said.
At the time of Independence, Nagaland was one of the two prosperous regions in the country, but it was caught in political turmoil.
Now the State is emerging from the confusion. The new link would help Nagaland regain its prosperity and complement the capacity-building year observance launched by the State government. Education Minister M.A. Baby, in his presidential address, said the trans-border link would provide more choices in education for Nagaland.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the State had already launched the year for capacity-building and the new link would go a long way in catalysing the development process. The government has already signed MoUs with Kerala on health, education and agriculture initiatives.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor K. Kannan said the link would be the beginning for providing quality education for the 21st century by connecting, communicating and making education an engine for caring and sharing growth, transformation and development for Nagaland. The terrestrial link is the platform for making functional the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning.
It would also provide inclusive quality education under the National Mission on Education.
Sumi Hoho flays abductions By NPN |Nagaland Post
Dimapur12/07/2008 Against the backdrop of the appeals made by various organizations to one underground faction for safe release of Khezheto Chishi, GB, of Yesholuto village, the Sumi Hoho has expressed dismay over the “heinous crime” being perpetrated to innocent public including the abduction of one Avito of Khehoto village and his handyman Aloto on July 9 in Kohima.
Sumi Hoho vice president Kashito Yepthomi and general secretary Kitoho S Rotokha in a press release said the act of not sparing even a village chieftain (GB) without any rhyme or reason was alien to Naga culture, and makes one wonder as to who was responsible for all such “barbaric acts.”
The hoho in the larger interest of peace, reconciliation and unification process, appealed to the authority responsible for the abductions to release the three civilians, and further called for cessation of hostile acts against innocent civilians. Sumi Hoho also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NSCN (I-M) for reported assurance given through the media for safe release of NNC (Non-accordist) general secretary V Nagi and his bodyguard. The hoho said such kind of acknowledgement to appeals made by civil societies should be inculcated by all leadership and functionaries of warring factions.
HRUD, AAUK appeal Hoshepu Range Union Dimapur (HRUD) and Aghunato Area Union Kohima (AAUK) have appealed to law enforcing agencies of the State to take immediate steps to find the whereabouts of Avito, son of Sughozhe of Khehoto village and Aloto Sangtam, son of Vihoi Sangtam of Sutemi village, who were reportedly abducted on July 9 in Kohima.
HRUD president Shikheto Aye in a press release said the duo had been missing along with their red Maruti car (NL-02C-3196) since they were last seen near Blue Hill Travels station, Mohonkhola, on July 9 at around 7 a.m.
Both the unions stated that Avito was a carpenter under PWD (H) Zunheboto, while Aloto was a driver by profession, and had no links with any faction whatsoever.
AAUK president Kawoshe Achumi in a press release requested public to contact 9436207900/9436005793 in case of any information regarding the abduction.
Similarly, HRUD also informed anyone having clues to whereabouts of the abducted duo to contact 9436432916/9436207900. The wife of Avito also appealed to abductors to release the duo on humanitarian ground. Meanwhile, Kohima Police said they were informed about the incident and that investigation was already underway. Police also disclosed that they had contacted their counterparts in Dimapur as well as Senapati district under Manipur.
One shot dead in Dimapur morungexpress
Dimapur, July 12 (MExN): A day after the Western Sumi Students’ Union called a bandh in protest against the unabated and continuing factional bloodshed and ‘violations of human’ rights, an “NSCN/GPRN” activist was today shot dead by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres near the State Stadium (near DC Court) at around 4 pm here this evening. Dimapur police identified the deceased as one Shiwoto, 48 years, hailing from Ighanumi village under Zunheboto district. He was said to be residing at Padumphukri area Dimapur. He was shot in the head. The body was handed over to relatives.
Meanwhile, the publicity cell of the “NSCN/GPRN” in a note informed that the deceased was a head chaplain. He was ‘abducted and subsequently murdered cold-bloodedly’ by the NSCN (IM) cadres, it stated. ‘The victim had gone to Bimal garage at Duncan Bosti to repair his vehicle. He was abducted from the garage and taken to Dimapur stadium and killed,’ the outfit stated. The cell further stated that the deceased was an ex-pastor from Ighanumi village and that “he was a humble God-fearing man who served the Lord throughout his life until the cold-blooded I-M murderers killed him”.
‘Factions going against will of Naga people’ morungexpress
Dimapur, July 12 (MExN): The All Zeliangrong Students’ Union Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (AZSU AMN) has strongly condemned the various factions of ‘Naga National Workers’ for going against the will of the Naga people.
“In the name of freedom movement kidnapping, abduction, demand and extortion, intimidation and killing is randomly taking place,” stated a joint press statement issued by Nchaheing, assistant general secretary and Ilungbam, finance secretary, AZSU AMN.
While condemning and terming the incident of July 1 as unfortunate, where three members of GPRN/NSCN were abducted while coming back from Punglwa village, the union stated that “such killing and senseless action will further aggravate the deteriorated situation of the Nagas.”
Reacting to the statement of Vikishe, ‘Leacy’ of ‘GRPN/NSCN’ that the abductees are from Zeliang and Tangkhul community, the union stated that “Let us be clear in one thing that whatever activity carry out by any faction – NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), NNC, NSCN (U) etc. it is solely unmandate and directive of the ‘High Command’ of the concerned faction. The action might be executed by anyone among the cadres but that should not be considered as the responsibility of the tribe or community which he belong to because factions have their own system of function in which community does not have any involvement.”
The union also made aware that “outside force is infiltrating into Peren District to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the district which consequently will affect the entire state.”
“The DHD (J)/Black Widow faction has come in connivance with a faction. One thing should be remembered that the age-old relationship of Naga and Dimasa should not be cheaply ruined by a few vested individuals rather both the communities should give more effort to strengthen the social relationship of the two communities,” the statement stated.
The statement added that “we consider every faction as an organisation in their own aspiration and with definite goal striving for our welfare. However, utmost care should be taken that one does not intervene the affairs of other or else bitterness will sit in.”
The union firmly urged all factions to absolutely desist from killing one another in order to pave a way for peace to prevail.
Diphupar attack onus placed on Dimapur admn morungexpress
Dimapur, July 12 (MExN): The attack of the NSCN (IM) on the hideout “against reactionary forces” in Diphupar village was the direct out come of the “double-standard policy” adopted by the Dimapur administration, the outfit has asserted. A different yardstick was applied by the government and the “indignation” of the NSCN (IM) cannot be faulted, a note from the MIP justified.
“The attack by Naga Army against the hide out of the reactionary forces located at Diphupar is a direct out come of the double standard policy of the Dimapur administration. The Deputy Commissioner's pretentious seriousness just faded after his operation flush out evicted the NSCN members but allowing reactionary forces of Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group to be stationed there at Diphupar area and other places from where all the criminals activities like abduction and extortion are conducted” the MIP asserted. The “state administration under the direction of Nagaland state government (sic) is adopting the same attitude by applying different yard-stick while going headstrong with the notorious ‘flush out operation’ in Dimapur” the MIP stated. “The indignation of NSCN cannot be faulted. And when things started going too far the Naga Army is forced into action but conscientiously” it maintained. Assuring that there shall be “no running away” on the “action taken by the NSCN against the Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group” the NSCN (IM) queried “why the state police forces turn (sic) a blind eye to the presence of their highway command in the house of Maj. Atoshe at L khel, Diphupar?” Stating to have acted in what the MIP stated was “very clear conscience when the Dimapur administration failed to apply the same yard-sticks” the MIP added “when dealing with NSCN members the police acted with promptness and faithfulness.” However, it lamented, “in the matters of Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi elements, the police intelligence went out of action or simply directed to go slow by the top level officials.” Stating the NSCN (IM) cannot afford to “go slow” it assured “will never go slow” to defend “people's interest.”
Drawing irony that ‘everybody talks about ceasefire ground rules implementation but ‘nobody ask who will implement it and how’ the MIP said “not by Government of India agency alone can ceasefire ground rules be implemented if NSCN is not taken account.” Otherwise would only mean that the ground rules remain in name only, the MIP said and rolled the ball into the GoI’s court to “treat the Ceasefire rules with a heart of sincerity to make it more meaningful.” ‘The state as well as Central government should take serious note of the duplicity in the matter of ceasefire rules’ it added.

AZ Jami tenders resignation morubg
During my short stint in the NSCN (K), I had found out that there are many capable and subtle young leaders who could carry on the organization to the higher level even without my contribution. As such I had tendered a formal resignation letter to the Chairman of the NSCN K in the middle of 2007, written under my own hand. I have waited for his positive response for a pretty long time so that I could bow out gracefully with his blessing.
But unfortunately and recently some of my colleagues and others have deliberately or mistakenly (that I don’t know) dragged my name into unnecessary controversies which compelled me to make a premature exit.
With the cited point in view I hereby resign from both primary and active membership of the NSCN (K). My resignation will be effective from the date it is published in the newspapers. The option of completely staying away from national service or joining any other organization in the future will be decided as per the demands of the situation.
A Z Jami
Senior Naga National Worker

Green appetite: Feast of winged visitors Press Trust of India
Kohima): Nagas, who have a tradition of preparing delicacies with insects, are having a Grasshopper feast season. With hundreds of tiny creatures filling the night sky of Nagaland for the past fortnight, locals who were initially taken aback, some even scared of the winged creature, have started catching them to prepare dishes.

As dusk set in and lights came on, people come out of their houses and even shop owners downed shutters to grab their catch, found milling around the high mast lights that had recently sprung up in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and other towns.

Soon non-Nagas also joined the party to make some fast buck with a bottle of grasshoppers fetching a cool Rs 100. Contrary to popular perception that the creatures destroy crops, experts say that they were harmless seen only during night. Initially, the grasshoppers were seen in Kohima which got the high mast street lights in five locations last year and the people thought the grasshoppers were attracted by the bright lights.

Later, similar reports of grasshopper invasions were received from Mokokchung and Dimapur. So far, no complaints about damage of crops due to the creature, mostly brown in colour having two long antennae, have been received from the framers. Agriculture department officials said the insects are not like locusts of Africa and the possibility of damaging crop is remote because of their short life span. "Still we are monitoring the situation in villages and have requested the farmers to inform the department if grasshoppers attack crops," the officials said.

Hopping visitors:

Although no definite scientific conclusion could be arrived at by entomologists on the sudden sighting of grasshoppers in the state, officials in agriculture department cite environmental and climatic changes as the reason behind the phenomenon. Elderly in the villages call it a bad omen and signal of famine as grasshoppers in swarms generally eat away the entire standing crops. But they pointed out that this year the phenomenon had occurred much before the harvesting season. "We are happy that instead of using chemical pesticides to destroy them, people have been relishing the high protein content of the winged insects," they said.

The phenomenon came close on the heels of an abnormal increase in rodent population in the Jalukie sub-division under Peren district following bamboo flowering. These rodents also damaged crops in Jalukie, famous for rice cultivation. Alarmed by the unusual multiplication of rodents and now this winged invasion, the state government has decided to constitute two state-level teams to assess the 'problems'. A high-level meeting was held last week in civil secretariat conference hall, presided over by Chief Secretary Lalhuma, to draw up an action plan. The chief secretary suggested constitution of a multi-disciplinary action plan involving agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry, horticulture, forest, home, and rural development department and asked departments concerned to conduct assessment survey in most affected areas of Jalukie sub-division.

BDR hands over rebels - Three NDFB militants, driver handed over to BSF OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


(Sitting from left) Khorang Mushahary, Sanjay Das, Parmeshwar Chouhan and Deben Mushahary at Dalu border outpost in Meghalaya on Saturday. A Telegraph picture
Shillong, July 12: Three militants of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and a truck driver, who recently completed their jail term in Bangladesh, were handed over to the BSF by the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) at Dalu border post in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya today.
In a ceremony that lasted five minutes, the BDR handed over the four to the BSF with a “list”. The BSF then transferred the rebels and the driver to the Meghalaya police. Since the four had cases pending against them in Assam, they were then taken into custody by Assam police.
The handing over ceremony was preceded by a flag meeting between the BSF and the BDR.
A month ago, Bangladesh had handed over three United Achik National Front (UANF) militants and an NDFB cadre to Meghalaya police. The UANF militants had confessed their involvement in a bomb blast in Tura market two years back and in the kidnapping of a businessman Rajib Sharma.
There have been many instances in the past when BDR has “handed over” or “pushed back” Indian militants, but this was done “silently” without any fanfare.
Top Tripura militant Nayanbasi Jamatiya is known to have crossed over to India in a similar manner in 2004. The National Liberation Front of Tripura (Nayan) chief was “handed over”, after which he surrendered and went underground again.
A Meghalaya police official said, “Insurgents taking shelter in Bangladesh have been handed over due to constant pressure by our country.”
Though the BSF did not divulge the details of the “list” received from the BDR, its officials said the NDFB cadres and the truck driver were arrested in 2005 from Mymensingh for staying in Bangladesh without valid documents. They were later imprisoned and after completing their jail term were handed over to Indian authorities.
Among those who were handed over, Khorang Mushahary, Deben Mushahary and Sanjay Das are NDFB militants. The truck driver was identified as Parmeshwar Chouhan. Assam police are still in the process of drawing up a “full list of charges pending against them in their home state”.
The Meghalaya police official said Das had links with the Garo Hills-based UANF since 2004.
He said the UANF and NDFB militants had jointly kidnapped Rajib Sharma and the truck driver from South Garo Hills in 2004. But the police do not have details of how Chouhan became associated with the three NDFB militants who were handed over to the police today.
New Lambulane killings JAC threatens indefinite strike
The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Jul 12: A JAC was formed this morning during a public meeting held at New Lambulane in connection with the killing of two youths from New Lambulane by a combined team of 115 Bn BSF and Imphal east commandos yesterday at the Tinsid road. As a first step the JAC has announced that it would be calling a general strike from tomorrow evening if the state government does not respond to its demands.

In the meantime, the dead bodies of the two Kuki youths identified as Limlenbert alias Bertneo Hangsing, 23, son of Khupminlien Hangsing of New Lambulane, a football player of Kuki Sporting Club, KSC, and Thangtinsei Kipgen, 29, son of Khukminlein of K Hengjang village in Seikul who is presently resident of New Lambulane, a second year student of LMS law college and also working as a production manager of JV Films, are still lying at the RIMS morgue as the family members and JAC have refused to accept them.

In the meantime, the convenor of the newly formed JAC, Rose Mangsi Haokip during a press conference held at New Lambulane this afternoon mentioned that the deaths had become a matter of great concern for everyone who knew them as innocent civilians.

Rose further said the killing was shocking as the people knew that both the youths were in no way associated with UG activities.

The JAC also demanded the state government institute a judicial inquiry into the extrajudicial killing of the two youths and immediately suspend the involved police commandos from service until the judicial inquiry is successfully concluded.

The JAC has decided to wait till 2 pm tomorrow for a positive reply from the state government failing which the JAC would constrained to call an indefinite general strike from 6 pm tomorrow. All essential services like education, electricity and health would be, however, exempted from the strike, the JAC convenor added.

Meanwhile, the fathers of the deceased youth disclosed during the press conference that their sons were totally innocent and did not associate with any militants. The charge that they were militants was quite unreasonable and appealed to the concerned authorities to avoid such killings in future.

Letkhai Kipgen, the father of the deceased Thangtinsei Kipgen, said his son remained busy in assisting various development activities of their village despite his tight study schedule, and it was quite impossible that he could have indulged in underground activities.

Later, Limlenbert`s father Khupminlien Hangsing said his son was a good footballer and was always practicing and attending football coaching every morning and evening. It would have been quite impossible for him to carry demand letters for underground groups. He went out with Thangtinsie yesterday morning for some work and on the way both were arrested by the police commandos and killed in a fake encounter, the youth`s father added.

Thangneo Misao, joint secretary, Kuki Sporting Club, mentioned at the press conference that the deceased Limlenbert alias Bertneo was an outstanding footballer and had played in several clubs like TYC, USA Khurai, YWC Thambalkhong and recently had started playing for the Kuki Sporting Club. The charges levelled against both the deceased were totally false and baseless and the state government must dispense true justice in this case to prevent occurrence of similar incidents in future, he added.

Later in the evening today, six members of the JAC led by its convenor Rose Mangsi called on the chief minister O Ibobi Singh`s residence but were unable to to meet him as he was attending an official programme. As a result it is quite certain that the JAC would go ahead with the indefinite statewide general strike from 6 pm tomorrow, a spokesman of the JAC said.

In the meantime, the Kuki Students` Organisation, KSO, general headquarter, Kuki Women`s Union, Manipur Sadar Hills, Seikul and New Lambulane Welfare Committee, Imphal east district have expressed strong condemnation of the killings.

Statements from these organisations said that the allegation made by the police commandos in connection with the killings was just a ploy to mislead the public and cover their heinous crime. It was an open secret that the police commandos indulged in wanton killings by planting incriminating documents and arms and ammunition to implicate the victims, the bodies said while extending solidarity to any steps taken by the JAC in its fight for justice.
Chindwin touches fourth highest point in 40 years Mizzima News




Chiang Mai – The Chindwin River has touched its fourth highest point in 40 years and is flowing above the danger level in Mawlaik, Monywa and Kalewa towns, but the water level in other cities has dropped below the danger mark. The water level in Monywa is still hovering two feet above the danger level and the level is still rising in Kalewa and Mawlaik.

The Commander of the Northwest Command arrived in Monywa and is monitoring the situation closely. Local residents in Monywa are apprehensive about the embankment giving away due to the rising water level.

In its forecast the Meteorology and Hydrology Department said that the water level will fall below the danger level in Monywa by July 13 and in Mawlaik and Kalewa by July 12.

The announcement by the Department says that the water levels in Mawleik, Kalewa and Monywa have touched the fourth highest point in 40 years, and is still above the danger level.

The Chindwin River is still rising at the rate of two centimetres an hour in Mawleik, Kalewa and Monywa. The water level in Kalewa reached 1836 centimetres and 1990 centimetres in Monywa, the Hydrology Department said. The water levels in Khamti and Homlin are falling gradually. Here the people had to be evacuated to higher places.