07/14/2008: "NSCN (IM) refutes statement The Morung Express"

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY MIP/GPRN

Late R.V. Sahriinii under secretary GPRN, of SPMTH region was abducted at Kohima along with his car and shot dead at Jotsoma by the reactionary Azheto-Mulotonou- Kitovi group.

With his death the Nation has lost a future dynamic leader, the community has lost a prospective youngster and the family has lost a great son in the hands of the traitors who has brought shame and dears to the long cherished dreams of the nation. The NSCN condoles the death of Sahriinii, may the Almighty God give strength and comfort the bereaved family.

The great sacrifice that the young officer has rendered for the Sacred Cause of the nation shall not be left behind but shall seek till the aspirations and dreams of the Nagas are fulfilled, come what may. His selfless sacrifice shall always be cherished and remembered.

NSCN (IM) refutes statement The Morung Express

Against the statement made by Labor and Employment Minister Oscar Fernandes that the NSCN (IM) was “inching towards accepting the Indian constitution”, Emissary to the Collective Leadership of NSCN (IM), “gen. (retd).” VS Atem rubbished it saying that there is no possibility or basis to the news. “There is not even an iota of truth in the statement made by him (Fernandes)”, asserted the NSCN (IM) functionary guffawing at the Union Minister’s statement.
Atem confirmed that the faction had met important officials more recently and even had two or three appointments with the Prime Minister himself during April and May. But he vehemently denied that there had been any discussion about accepting the Indian Constitution.
Without divulging information of their discussions with the Prime Minister and other officials, Atem said that the NSCN (IM) had furnished the Centre with all the points of discussions and taken all steps to arrive at a ‘logical conclusion.’ However, the emissary said that the GoI had not taken any action so far which was why they could not take the matter further. Atem also struck out saying that if Oscar had indeed made such a statement, the minister needed to relive the past of the 50’s “when the Indians had imposed their Constitution of us and due to which thousands of lives had been lost”. Making it clear that the statement was ridiculous, the emissary ground out that there was no possibility of the NSCN (IM) accepting the Indian Constitution.
Meanwhile, Padmanabhaiya, the Center’ Interlocutor, on being contacted refused to make any comment on the issue. “I cannot tell you anything on the phone”, he said before hastily hanging up. In the meantime, during the last few rounds of talks, Indian government representatives are said to have been trying to convince the NSCN-IM not to press for their demand for sovereignty and the unification of all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast, considering the ‘complexities and sensitivities’ involved.
‘NSCN(IM) inching towards accepting Indian constitution’Agencies
Bhiwadi, July 13 : 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.

Comments (12 posted):
St. Anger on 13 July, 2008 07:50:33
Again. I wonder why and how these kinds of statements are made. Here's an advice for those at Hebron, if you are listening, involve the United Nations or a Int'l Group ( pls, not the NISC), and it will go smoothly, unless the NSCN or the Indian Govt. have ulterior motives in not involving a third party.
And I don't believe our 60 yrs of self-defence against one of the world's most stubborn and ignorant nations will come down to this. If you let go, I, read that I, will take up arms myself. I know there are thousands of Nagas who will do the same.
Our freedom cannot be placed under the alien Indian constitution, no matter what... They are not us, we are not them. Impossible.

Kevi Meru on 14 July, 2008 12:05:18
The UN will be useless and won't interfere, and no nation will risk displeasing India to speak for Naga Independence. Without a political settlement, Nagas will continue to kill each other and appear more divided and more stupid as the years drag on. I would hope for a political settlement in return for a clear geographical integration and defined boundaries for all Naga inhabited areas and make it into a whole and wholesome contiguous State. Good fence make good neighbors and good boundaries should make good relationship with our neighbors, specially Assam and Manipur --- and Burma.

At this stage, knowing the present realities, and being mission minded, I would never pick up a gun to fight for Naga Independence. Its about time we mend fences with India and move on as a unique State in India. If what the report said above about the attitude of NSCN is true in its willingness to accept a solution within the Indian Constitution, I believe its fruition will make Nagas breathe easier and move on to bless India, God helping us. We are all descendants of Adam and Eve and God loves India.
God Bless Nagaland!

St. Anger on 14 July, 2008
I can't believe this "kevi meru' is an Angami or even a Naga--remember 250,000 Nagas have been killed. If you are a Naga indeed and have this attitude, you must be the son of a rich politician or contractor, someone who has never felt humiliation and hunger, and never had a sleepless night recounting the horrid history of those who preceded us.
If you aren't a Naga and masquerading as one, you have done the right thing--masquerading.
It's time that the young Nagas go through a mandatory 2 year military training like Koreans and israelis to safeguard a possible fallout. And this 'Kevi Meru' can pray while the Indian army burn down our church down. Brother, who ever you are, you have hurt 250,000 Naga lives; all I hope you do is go through Iralu's "Blood and Tears," and read about the girl who was gang-raped for months by Indian soldiers, and tell me that you can go to sleep. God is punishing Indian and will punish Indians. They are despised everywhere you go.

Experience naga on 14 July, 2008
To St.anger,the way you spill out trying to advice the naga political groups didn't appear supportive but with strife and bitterness. what have you done to self-defense your rights when you truly define yourself that you belong to ignorant nagas? You sounds hopeless and childish,take up your arms and let's see how far you can go. And Kevi Meru sounds very selfish,

St. Anger on 14 July, 2008
To Experience Naga (experienced Naga?): what parts of my comments make me ignorant. i have done my homeward--I read a lot, I have talked Naga soldiers, I've defended my Naga identity at all times, and I truly believe that taking arms is the best option 'cos the Indian govt. is just playing around and the Indian people are just reticent and ignorant. Please, when you argue about something like my 'ignorance,' point out exactly what makes me ignorant. Don't beat around the bush.
(St. Anger doesn't signify my temperament--it's Metallica's coolest album)

Oto on 14 July, 2008
What bullshit unification? Nagas are grabbing each others' throats and you talk about unification. Muivah should ask for Union Territory status or some kind of autonomy for Nagas living in Manipur and leave Nagaland alone.

My Cup of Tea on 14 July, 2008
Every one Clap...Clap...Clap...After more tha half a century of struggle and bloodshed, NSCN-Atem Muivha is accepting Indian constitution. What is the purpose of our struggle?
Thouseands of lives have been lost, our women have been raped, our people have been tortured, grannaries and houses have been burned and people went with without food and shelter for weeks and months. Are all these sacrifices just to accept Indian constitution?

We given Indian constitution without any coast so why struggle for so many years of misery and hardship for things that was already there. We always knew that Atem and Muivha was fighting for Nagas in Manipur and not for the entire Nagas. You may fail nagas cause your are in power but history will not forgive you and the tears and blood of Nagas will never keep you in peace.

Real Patriotic Nagas on 14 July, 2008
Hi Dear brothers Let us analyst the real ongoing policy of Nagas for freedom struggle. I have a strong believe in Nagas struggle for freedom… Anyway do you feel that Nagas are struggling for money or real freedom? My breath goes deep and breathless, thinking and dreaming about the Nagas struggle for freedom… It really makes me to confuse where we Nagas are at this present situation… We Nagas has different group NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), NNC, and now NSCN (U). All this fraction of different group works in the name of Nagas…

And now when we look at NSCN (IM) they have got several round of talk with the govt. where as other group is not seen for such activity with the govt. of India till this Date. So all the innocence Nagas believe that NSCN (IM) really work for Nagas. But we don’t know what is really going on inside between Nagas leader Muiva and the Indian govt. these become the big Question for the people who has real patriotic feeling. As we analyst on this ground with the entire present situation prevailing amount the Nagas I feel that the Nagas nationalist work for nothing but create disturbance and serve as the hindrance/bottle neck on the existence of peaceful living…
Firstly let us see About the Prevailing Condition of Nagas underground leader:
Most of the Indian Govt. employees have its own income from the Indian govt. where the Nagas leader does not has its regular income but the Indian govt. employees among the Nagas are unable to build their house and purchased four-wheeler and unable to have a luxurious livelihood but when we see to the Nagas underground leader they have luxurious building with four-wheeler etc. from where all this come from how do they earn better than the Indian govt. employee. These become the controversial part how Nagas underground leader work for the Nagas nation.
Secondly Why Muiva didn’t work to solve the problem of the denial of his own tribe Tangkhul civilian from entering Nagaland the mainland of Nagas and why first priority to have talk with Indian govt.:
Tangkhul they are one among the Nagas Tribe. And the top Nagas leader Muiva is from the Tangkhul tribe but what is the reason behind that, solving of this denial of Tangkhul civilian become the first priority on him to bring unity among the Nagas tribe, before solving this issue and uniting Nagas tribe he has bilateral talk with the Indian Govt.? Did he feel that this issue will come to an end if he fulfills the talk with the Indian Govt.? Is this the way he works for Nagas people who really have trust on them, paying taxes, cooperating them in every part… or Is he asking bribe from the Indian govt. to keep the Nagas people silent from the disturbance? Or did he want another greater dispute among the Nagas tribe in the future days?
Dear brothers this is the time that we have to learn from our pass mistake let us see an analyst our work for the betterment of our own people. Instead of demanding money or threatening some one let us threaten and compel the govt. to bring development in our hill district. Where Nagas are inhabited in this way we can see the development in all our places and time will come for us when we can stand by our own when all this development come in.. Don’t see only for the develop area where people can rise voice against you… give more preference on the hill and undeveloped area so that stability and peaceful environment will prevail amount the Nagas to struggle together for the freedom….

olivenaga on 14 July, 2008
No objection to IM accepting Indian constitution because that's what they will do eventually. It may be even better because one faction will be lesser. Do not worry about the strength of IM, you see Nagas can change their party overnight. If IM accepts Indian constitution and the leaders get some statuses in the State or Union Territory, the dissatisfied will come to NNC or K (whatever) and the movement can still go on. It bothers me the very least that IM is settling something with GOI. BUT I will ask an explanation from them why they killed so many of our people in the name of sovereignty. Get ready for that, IM!!

HR 14 July, 2008
Its time NSCN (IM) owe an explanation to Naga people. Everything cannot be classified as top secret. Anyway, what's the use of Naga National Movement, if Nagas are always kept in the dark as to what their leaders are doing? You want support, Peoples' mandate? People ought to know what you're talking with Government of India. You cannot expect Nagas to follow you blindly. More importantly, Nagas have the right to say yes or no to your proposal. Convince if you can but never impose. Too many secrets breed suspicion and that is actually happening in Naga society today. Real issues are yet to surface. Just don't play with Nagas' lives.
Jami ‘resigns’ from NSCN (K) morungexpress
AZ Jami Morung Express
Dimapur, July 13 (MExN): Senior kilonser of the NSCN (K) AZ Jami has tendered his ‘resignation’ from the outfit, for various reasons cited in a letter received here from him.
“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” he stated.
“Unfortunately”, he stated, “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.”
Citing these points he said to tender resignation from both “primary and active membership of the NSCN (K).” Stating that his resignation will be effective from the date it is published in the newspapers, Jami added that “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.”

NSCN (IM) flays NSCN (IM) Nagaland Page
The high flying knowledge and teaching of Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) on human rights is amusing and shall be examined but with a pinch of salt. This kind of awareness and consciousness on human rights violations by the students' community is critically important. There is however, a painful reality. WSSU is a wrong body to raise voice on human right violation. Because, human rights violation is not to be realized and reacted in a prejudiced manner. Otherwise it will simply expose hypocrisy and deceptivity. The bloody situation in Dimapur district is nothing new. This blatant violation of human rights has been the eye sore in the socio-political life of the people ever since the deceptive exit of Azheto group from Hebron on 23rd Nov'2007. It is further to be noted that human rights violations speaks of the violation of the human rights of non-locals too. No human rights of any particular community are placed higher than others. And therefore, when human rights and its violation are not responded with the universal spirit, it smacks of the degradation of human rights itself. Because human rights cannot be viewed in such devious manner and with communal selfishness.
The WSSU while professing to be concerned with human rights violation citing certain incidents to justify itself for raising its voice of protest should have shown the same spirit when so many innocent civilians were brutally killed like animals and that too right in the eye of the children and wives. Where were they? Certainly, the WSSU were not in slumber. But the fact was that the victims are not from their community, and they are therefore, least concern. For the same reason not a word of sympathy and protest was raised when as many as hundred businessmen were abducted for ransom, and some killed for non payment. Are they not human being with human rights respect as the birth right?
The WSSU's awakening appeal on human rights violations sounds beautiful but disgustingly coming in different colour. And that nullified the seeming show of seriousness on the issue of human rights violation. In the deeper analysis with perspective angle the dawn of sanity is not yet seen in WSSU, they have to travel miles before credibility is stamped on its face. Till then WSSU is nothing less than 'accomplice' of Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group.
There are many pertinent questions to be thrown at the face of WSSU. Why have you not raise your voice when so many businessmen were abducted and killed? Probably, you kept silent as the abductions were done by the gang of your choice. But this is also human rights violation, because human rights value is attached with every class of citizen without partiality involved. You said 'to respect and honor the dead bodies of friends and foes alike is the foundation of human civilization and which is nothing but the doctrine and principles of the established Naga customary traditions. Please recollect that on 29th March'2008. Daile Mao, ASO, GPRN was abducted by Azheto group. he was eventually killed and his body was thrown in the isolated place like carcass, on 4th April'08 the same group abducted NSCN members Shomi Sharon, SO, and T. Shagreingam, ASO. Though presumed to have been killed, their dead bodies were never allowed to be handed over to the bereaved families to perform the last rite. On 27th April 2008 Sgt. Zaimi Hongray, Naga Army was abducted by this group and his highly decomposed body was found after two week in an isolated place between Chumukedima village and Shokhuvi village. He was treated like an animal as his lifeless body was made to rot in the jungle. You much be grinding your teeth for more such killing to go on.
The voice of WSSU was unheard of when Capt. Vitoshe, Chaplain, Naga Army was on 5th May'08 abducted from the hands of his wife and shot dead like a street dog at a nearby dumping ground. The notorious group killed Atong Pongerer, Jt. Secretary, GPRN on false implication after giving false promise to the family members to release him. His lifeless body was thrown at United village. You turn your head the other way.
On 14th May'08 six Tangkhul from Vihokhu village were abducted by this group. They were later on hacked to death, and their bodies chopped like animal. The WSSU cannot be in another planet when their abduction stories were prominently highlighted in all local papers. Their human right sense were non-existent, and for obvious reason. When the houses of the Tangkhul civilians in Dimapur were attacked and burnt the WSSU have the sinister pleasure of enjoying the flame going up higher in the sky. And they confined themselves within the four corners of their house. Their human instinct failed to react as expected from any human society, particularly from such dubious students' body who is now showing its professed concern for human rights.
Remember, a peace Rally was organized on 20th May'08 at Dimapur and across. WSSU must have shown its deceptive presence in the rally. But the next day one Tangkhul Johny, who was married to Sema, was shot dead right in front of his wife and children. The voice of conscience of WSSU was never in the picture. Why silent? Such killing of innocent civilian never shook the consciousness of WSSU.
The violation of human rights goes on in a bizarre manner on 7th June, Mr. Kavito Sumi, a Rajau Peyu in UT-1 was met by this Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group at Super Market. He was caught by the collar and taken some distance before pumping him with bullets, and burn down his Maruti Car also. WSSU seems to give damning approval by keeping silent.
When Mayoyang College student of Patkai Christain was killed on 5th May'08 after abducting from the house of his brother and sister-in-law at Khelmahal, where were the WSSU to show its affinity to fellow student? Where is WSSU human rights concern and what makes them wake up now? Probably, their masters in Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group prodded them to act to further confuse the Naga people.
These are just few glaring examples that involve blatant violation of human rights. But for the WSSU different Yard-stick are used for different incidents. Rather, in its eye human rights are reserved for certain community ethnically linked to them. This was the exasperated experience when the tainted WSSU shows its ugly heads on the issue of human rights violations.
When they WSSU have the temerity to organize bandh in Dimapur glorifying themselves as the crusader of human rights, to pour scorn on WSSU cannot be avoided. Because for all practical purpose, they are the perpetrators of human rights crime, and never the other way they are desperately trying to project.
Numerous incidents that are no less inhuman in brutality and barbarity have taken place in Dimapur. But not even in one occasion the voice of WSSU was heard expressing disapproval, leaving enough room for the public to conclude that this WSSU is a covert accomplice of Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group who have made Dimapur as the most criminalized city of Northeast, where respect for human rights is non-existent in the hands of this marauding group.
Crucial in the context of the present situation, the human rights issue should not be discoloured or distorted. Conflict is there but it is a conflict between the NSCN and collaborators or deserters. And so, the interpretation to be given serious meaning. Killing innocent civilian is a pure human rights violation. But killing members of the organized armed group is never to be considered human right violation. They are no less than criminal gang.
Nevertheless, if there is realization about the fault of their stand, there is room to accommodate them back in the NSCN fold, by forgiving them. NSCN is never thirsty of killing anybody, it is never for the killing among the Nagas. It is only for the realization of the Naga's aspiration that such compulsive action arises. Because the national objective has to be materialize at any cost.
The world is watching with a keen sense of wonder and curiosity at the changing turn of events in Nagalim, particularly the bandh organized by WSSU in Dimapur. No wonder when the freedom fighters died the professed crusader of human rights like WSSU kept deceptive silent. But when traitors and deserters died they weep. Oh, what a demeaning manner of desperation in the name of Naga political issue that is being destroyed by the reactionary group.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN.

No individuals are greater than the Naga issue Nagaland Page
Twisted and distorted are the panic reactions of Vedeta Veinu, now attached with Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group as Lt.Col. There is no grudge from NSCN. But strongly, this exalted Lt.Col.Vedeta has now targeted his words of war against SS.Major Ape Venuh. But amusingly, there is no such Ape Venuh with that rank. The Naga Army record shows only Lt.Col. Ape Venuh. As per the official practice, the NSCN authorize no unilateral action in the name of the government. Every action is authorized and therefore, accountable to NSCN.
Lt. Col. Ape Venuh ever failed to execute any program placed on him on behalf of the NSCN. The aspiration of the Naga national interest is all that matters in fixing any agenda. Anybody who dared to cross swords with NSCN is unfortunate and has always been unfortunate. No individuals are greater than the Naga issue.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN.
IM guns down U cadre Newmai News Network
Kohima, Jul 13: An NSCN-Unification activist was shot dead by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres near Dimapur Stadium at around 4 pm yesterday. Dimapur police identified the deceased as one Shiwoto (48) hailing from Ighanumi village under Zunheboto district. He was residing at Pa-dumphukri area Dimapur. He was shot in the head. The body was handed over to relatives the same evening, police said.
In other incidents, two persons, including a Government employee and a civilian were shot dead during the last 24 hours in Kohima district of Nagaland.
Official sources revealed that Kohima police today recovered the decomposed body of two persons, including a Government employee, near Dzudzaru, some 17 kms from Kohima along Phek road. The two have been identified as Avito, son of a Sughozhe of Khewoto village under Zun-heboto district and Aloto Sangtam, son of Vihoi Sangtam of Sutemi village in Kiphire. The victims were residents of Project Colony, Zunheboto and were reportedly missing since July 9 from Kohima along with their vehicle, a red coloured maruti car (NL-02C-3196) after repairing their vehicle from one H-Angami Motor Vehicle Workshop near Blue Hill Travels Station, Imphal Road. Avito is a Government employee working as Carpenter in PWD (Housing) Zunheboto while Aloto is a civilian, police said.
The victims had their hands tied and bore a bullet shot each on the head. Their relatives claimed the bodies at the spot itself.
Bodies of missing persons found Our Correspondent morungexpress
Kohima | July 13: Barely two days after a bandh in Dimapur by a students’ body to protest against ‘Human Rights violations,’ two highly decomposed bodies of two persons, one Avito and Aloto Sangtam who were reported missing from Kohima since July 9 were found in two separate places below the NH-150 about 17 kms away from the state capital today.
The police on receiving information of a dead body, below NH-150 last evening, dispatched a team to the area today morning and found the two highly decomposed bodies in two separate places about a distance of 1 km apart. Both the bodies are said to bear single bullet wounds on the head and their hands tied from the back. They are suspected to have been shot dead on the roadside and later thrown below the road.Unable to remove the totally decomposed bodies, police informed the relatives, who went to the spot and identified the bodies as that of Avito, son of Sughozhe of Khehoto village and Aloto Sangtam, son of Vihoi Sangtam of Sutemi village.
The two were suspected to have been abducted by miscreants from Kohima on July 9 along with their red Maruti car (NL-02C-3196).
They were reportedly seen last near Blue Hill Travels station, Mohonkhola, at around 7 pm on the day when they were missing. Avito was said to be a carpenter under PWD (H) Zunheboto, while Aloto was a driver by profession and they came to Kohima for some minor repairs on their vehicle.
“It is too barbaric and inhumane”, commented a police officer who went to the spot. The way the bodies were dumped, it is difficult to find if not for the stench, the officer said and lamented that the culprit responsible, whoever it might be, should have at least some respect on the dead body and left them after killing them in a place where it can be easily seen by the people and taken care off.
“We went to the area and found the first highly decomposed body and in the meantime, our boys who were searching the surrounding area also detected the second body through the smell of the highly decomposed body”, said a police officer who went to the spot.
After formal identification, doctors were called to the spot and a formal inquest and post mortem were conducted as the bodies. Later, the bodies were taken to Kohima and the mortal remains of Avito was laid to rest in the Sumi cemetery while that of Aloto was laid to rest in the common graveyard in Kohima.
Meanwhile, police investigation is on but the motive behind the killing or the identity of the culprits responsible is not known till the filing of this report. Moreover, police is yet to trace the whereabouts of the missing red Maruti car belonging to the victim.
Look East Policy Trade is top catalyst morungexpress
Dimapur, July 13 (MExN): The Center envisages economic “liberation” of the North East region though trade and commerce with particular reference to agriculture-development interactions, from ‘economic imprisonment.’ A number of recommendations, pointing to the said vision, were highlighted in a Press Information Bureau press release received here.
“Critical to the progress towards prosperity in NER is its liberation from economic imprisonment. This would require a qualitative change in the relationship of the country with the neighboring countries contiguous to NER. The reason is, a press release from the Press Information Bureau stated, there are considerable gains to be had by improving relations. Given that economic interests of NER are affected by the nature of relationship with these countries, it is important that the Foreign, Defense and Home ministries have a consultation process with the states in NE to take account of their views, the PIB said.
Emphasizing trade barriers to be more restrictive for trade than transport costs, the government said, for instance, a transport subsidy to NER states is unlikely to overcome this problem. “In fact, troubled relations in Manipur have made even the relatively more developed Moreh trading post relatively redundant, to the extent that informal trade will need greater incentives to convert to legal trade and formal trade is unlikely to divert via Manipur in place of West Bengal” PIB said
Promoting trade between the NER states and neighboring countries require going beyond the calculations of ‘geographical contiguity’ and looking at those commodities in which the states have a comparative advantage in an economic sense. “Here two main points need to be made. First, there are a few agricultural items in which the NER states have a comparative advantage vis-à-vis the rest of the country. The NER states can actively consider trading these items only when their own domestic surpluses become sufficient, and domestic surpluses are constrained by the lack of marketing due to uncoordinated production efforts of the individual States” PIB emphasized. Secondly, the PIB said, it is debatable that NER trade with neighboring countries is always more profitable (and hence more likely) than with the rest of India. “Many growth centers like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai offer economically larger markets than those of Bangladesh and Myanmar” the PIB explained.
The PIB also explained that the dynamics of trade in agricultural products is “somewhat different” from the dynamics of trade in industrial goods. “In agricultural items the excess demand in the NER States for items like meat, meat products and fish make them potentially important import items, so supplies from neighboring states are likely to be cost-effective. However, this is largely ruled out by the restrictions on such trade, for example, in the Indo-Myanmar trade agreement” PIB stated.
In summery the PB said whether it is border trade or ‘regular’ trade, the kind of trade being promoted is important: For instance, in border trade, benefits would accrue to the NER States from storage, customs and tourism, which are typical for such ‘transit’ States. In addition, there are likely to be significant advantages of trade in agricultural items as these are normally perishable.
A number of recommendations were made for the Look East Policy. They include immediately increasing border trade in agriculture and some industrial goods; it is necessary to remove current restrictions on border trade via Moreh, Nathu La and other entry points; unrestricted trade with neighboring countries in agricultural and meat products could lead to considerable reduction in the costs of these items in NER, the PIB stated.
Further, stating that the Look East Policy has important security dimensions, it was reminded that there is an urgent need to promote interaction with neighboring countries through sports, music and other cultural activities. “In the case of neighboring countries which are members of WTO, formal request for trade facilitation would improve trade access for NER States. In the longer term, industrial output of NER should cater to the demand for industrial goods in the neighboring countries. This is particularly important for border trade in items like cement, coal, timber and steel” PIB pointed out.
To facilitate trade, the PIB recommended, it is essential to activate existing land-customs stations (LCS) and to provide a secure transport corridor for traders. “In the long run, NER needs to plug into the growing trade with ASEAN countries particularly in items like wood products, ores and rubber products. It is imperative to integrate IT facilities in promoting infrastructure for trade with the ASEAN countries” the release added.
ULFA’s constitution not greater than people’s verdict: Mrinal Our Staff Correspondent Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, July 14: “The constitution of ULFA or any other organization is in no way greater than the opinion of the people,” said former commander of ULFA’s 28th battalion, Mrinal Hazarika, who is currently garnering people’s support to bring the Centre and the ULFA’s leadership across the negotiation table.
While talking with representatives of various organizations like AJYCP, Indian Youth Federation (IYF), Gorkha Students Association (GSA), Eastern Assam Chambers of Commerce and Industries (EACC&I), Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation (BYCF) and others, Hazarika reiterated that they were working to create a conducive atmosphere in the state for unconditional talks between the two parties. He also called upon the various organizations to help and arrange a public meeting at Dibrugarh if they sincerely sought peace in the state.
‘After the turbulence in the state in the last few decades, Asomiya as a race is on the verge of extinction and the situation has come to such a head that if we fail to bring the government and ULFA to the negotiation table, there might be no one to make the claim of being an Asomiya in the state,’ Hazarika added. He said that they had placed their points before the central leadership time and again but, for reasons known to them only, they showed a negative attitude to the demands. This forced them to approach the people for their go ahead to the peace initiative, the former ULFA commander stated. He also revealed that once the people were on their side, they would ask ULFA’s leadership to sit across the table with the Centre.
Answering a query, Hazarika stated that he and his colleagues had talked with other ULFA leaders at Guwahati jail about the peace talk. The former commander of 28th battalion also said that he would to chalk out the modalities of peace talk in consultation with the jailed comrades.
When asked whether the pro- talk faction of ULFA had any strategy to solve the problem of immigration, Hazarika reiterated that the government would need a strong political will to solve the problem once and for all. “The border should be sealed and the foreigners are to be detected with the people taking into confidence’ he added.
Hazarika admitted that the ULFA would be gained much if talk holds earlier. In the same breath he stated that the time is not running out yet. “ We are hopeful that unconditional peace talk between the government and the ULFA leadership will certainly bring a new era in the state” Hazarika added. Mrinal Hazarika and Joon Bhuyan today met Milika Baruah, mother of Paresh Baruah, ULFA Commander-in-Chief at Deraigaon.
KYKL leader tenders apology for ONK over enthusiasm The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, July 13: In a personally signed press statement, general secretary of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, N Oken, offered an unconditional apology to senior faculties of various departments of the Manipur University, including a dean and four heads of department, for the over enthusiasm of its Operation New Kangleipak, ONK, team in hauling them up on the allegation of willfully manipulation of results of the admission tests for various Ph.D courses.

The matter had been brought to the notice of the organisation`s higher authorities and although prima facie there did appear to have been several offences committed, upon closer scrutiny it was found that there were no intentional, cognizable or actionable transgressions of norms by any of the department heads, the statement said.

The mistakes it is now established were either a result of understandable slips of the question setters or else over enthusiasm of the ONK team to have the Manipur University free of all scourges and shine, the statement said.

The statement also said that the ONK had promised action against the teachers, but for the senior and revered teachers of the university, the very act of being paraded before the media was a severe and humiliating punishment in itself, it acknowledged.

For the undeserved assault on the dignity of these respected teachers, N Oken on behalf of KYKL sought the forgiveness of not just the teachers concerned but the people of Manipur too.

Giving the chronological details, the statement said following widespread protests over the pulling up of two Deans and four Heads of the Department of Manipur University before media persons on July 8 by members of the ONK task force on grounds of discrepancies in admission for Ph. D courses, the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) instituted a high level probe into the matter.

The release said that its earlier action against the said MU faculty members were on the basis of numerous complaints regarding admission process.

The basis of its action were on the basis that there were only 15 seats for research scholars in the Manipuri Department but two candidates were pulled up from the waiting list. Secondly, there were instances of multiple markings in some answer sheets in the multiple questions of the Philosophy department, which are not allowed under the norms of UGC for its JRF/NET examinations. Thirdly, answers for an objective type question for Commerce was found to have been allotted marks despite it being not included in the course. Lastly, there were instances of allotting more marks to answers for English subject.

But following further inquiry, it was found that the task force had been hasty with its action. First, two more seats were allotted for the Manipuri Department and under the discretion of the MU Admission Committee. Secondly, there are no directives that MU has to follow JRE/NET norms of mark allocation.

The KYKL leader said although there is no cognizable offence committed in not following the JRE/NET norms, he urged the MU authorities to evolve its own examinations norms so as to standardise these tests as well as to dispense justice more equitably in future.

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