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07/19/2008: "Death-threat to leaders noted morungexpress"

Death-threat to leaders noted morungexpress

Dimapur, July 18 (MExN): The death-threat made on the lives of the chief minister of Nagaland, Home minister and the DGP is censured by the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) and the Nagaland Peace Center. While urging the NSCN (K) not to take hasty actions, the organization have also reminded that abrogation of the ceasefire will only have a direct impact on the innocent Naga people. Separate messages of condemnation were received here today from the said two civil organizations.
The statement made by the NSCN (K) leadership, the NPC said, is causing a grave concern “because their thinking and threatening to abrogate the terms of agreement made for ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN (K) has put the road to peace in jeopardy.” The NPC reminded that peace is indispensable for all to survive. “The NSCN (K) as a part of the Naga society understands the importance of peace and they use it as a political platform and a means to have negotiations and dialogues with the Government of India for peaceful settlement of the Naga political problem. With this opportunity they can talk and discuss any issues with the help of this platform,” the NPC reminded.
Expressing dismay that once the ceasefire is abrogated, “it will be a direct assault on the innocent Naga people who may not enjoy the security and freedom of life for progress.” The NPC has appealed to all law-abiding citizens to denounce the ‘thoughts’ of abrogating the ceasefire by the NSCN (K). The NSCN (K) is also appealed to not to take ‘hasty decisions’ on the issue.
In a similar vein, the AKM today expressed strong condemnation for the death threat issued to the chief minister, Home minister and the Nagaland police chief. “Expediting the decades-old Naga issue to bring an amicable solution once and for all at the earliest possible, in fact is the need of the hour. Intimidating each other and issuing death warrants would rather fragment our society into more parts” cautioned the AKM in a separate statement.
The AKM made clear that issuing threats is not acceptable by the younger Naga generations. The AKM has asked the NSCN (K) leadership to desist from issuing such threats. This is against the voice of the people, it stated while reminding to heed to the cry of the Nagas.
Changki: Uneasy Return, to Home Limalenden Longkumer Morungexpress
Mokokchung | July 18 : Conforming to the Ao Senden’s resolution of July 15, the Changki Ayim Asem Senso Mungdang (CAASM) today extended invitation to fellow Changki villagers who were ‘expelled’ earlier and temporarily camping at Imkongmeren Sports Complex (ISC) to return to their native village, July 18.
In reciprocation, the ‘Enrem Changkiri’ clansmen, comprising of 49 families, today returned to their village after almost three months of stay in their make-shift camp. They were ‘evicted’ from the village on April 21, 2008. The Ao Senden had earlier on July 15 directed that the CAASM invite back the Changki villagers camping at IMS to the village “without any condition.”
The ‘Enrem Changkiri’ clan, often referred to as ‘Playground Campers’ lately, left their camp at ISC at 10:30 AM after a brief prayer fellowship under the auspices of ABAM Peace Committee. The members of the clan, including children, women and elders, embarked on their journey back to their native village, some forty-five kilometers away from Mokokchung town, in an atmosphere of uneasy calm.
Confirming uneasy speculations, their entourage was halted when Changki villagers under the aegis of CAASM stopped them at the Changki ‘Süngküm’, or Changki village gate.
The return journey entourage was accompanied by ABAM Peace Committee and well-wishers. Quite curiously, no representatives of the apex frontal organizations like Ao Senden, AKM and Watsü Mungdang accompanied the entourage. Changki villagers led by their elders had ‘closed the village gate’, or imposed a ‘Süngkümshi’, and the returning Changki villagers had to make a halt. It was then that the ABAM Peace Committee members initiated a spur-of-the-moment ‘program’ in front of the ‘Süngküm’.
The president of CAASM, Imlimeren, during the proceedings welcomed the ‘homecoming fellow villagers’ by saying that Changki villagers has no ‘ill-intention’ in stopping the ‘home comers’ at the village ‘Süngküm’ and that they extended the invitation as directed by Ao Senden and that they endorse the Senden’s resolution of July 15.
He however continued to add that the village had imposed a ‘’Süngkümshi’ whereby no one is allowed to enter the village gates, and expressed regret that they could not allow the ABAM Peace Committee and well-wishers to enter as well.
Even the Press was not allowed to enter the village. After a brief sermon by the ABAM Peace Committee, the returning Changki villagers entered the village gate.
When enquired on the safety and security measures taken for the returning villagers, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mangkolemba, Temsu Longkumer, responded in the affirmative, provided “they abide by the customary laws of the village and remain as good citizens”. The CAASM president Imlimeren also told Media persons that they respect the Ao Senden’s resolution of July 15, while its general secretary Imtinochet declared that all the 13 clans of Changki village are still there in the village and that “some dissidents” who refused to pay customary fees were “evicted”.
Shedding more light into the imbroglio, Imtinochet also disclosed that the entire episode is not just an issue of non-payment of citizenry membership by the “few dissidents” as popularly projected but that the issue went out of proportions because the “few dissidents”, whose ancestors were actually “late comers”, wrongly claimed themselves to be the “village founders”. The Ao Senden intervened in the case after “Changki acted in contrary to Ao customary practices.”
While it remains clear that both parties involved in the issue have upheld the Ao Senden’s resolution, it remains uncertain whether or not the feud is over. Temjen Paul, general secretary of the Ao Senden was optimistic that the matter will be solved. He nonetheless added that the Ao Senden shall intervene if “such disputes” arise again, be it in Changki or any other village.
There is no information of the Ao Senden monitoring the resettlement of the returned villagers. With none being allowed to enter the village, no further information could be ascertained.
Meanwhile, some observers have maintained that the “Süngkümshi” imposed by Changki today is also in contradiction to Ao customary law. No person, whether a resident or a citizen of a village, is neither allowed exit nor entry during a “Süngkümshi”, unlike t
PRESS RELEASE Issued by MIP/GPRN July 19,2008.
The Kughalu Mulatuno's veiled threat of scrapping the peace deal with the center is sounds amusing and but hallow. As far as the ceasefire ground rules are concerned the K-group stands on a very weak ground, and the enforcement of the ground rules is the responsibility of the government of India as per ground rules no.2. This gives unilateral power to the center to decide the fate of the ceasefire. Taking the cue from NSCN, s point of argument with the center the K-group is talking about the center's lack of sincerity. But the moot point is, what is the proper interpretation of 'sincerity' in the context of K-group. Sincerity on what? What is the parameter to test sincerity? No single round of talks during the last eight years of ceasefire. No group worth the salt would have tolerated this indignity. But ironically, there is no grumble and the occasional noise made by K-group least bothered Government of India. Even the noise that was heard was timed and arranged by their Indian intelligence master like RAW (Research and Analysis wing) to give a sort of shaded colour to the meaning of ceasefire in order to maintains some living status to the meaningless or politically hallow ceasefire.
The K-group to talk with India on what? The government of India cannot be faulted in the eye of the public or Nagas. But at the sometimes, RAW have tamed and taught them to keep shouting 'sovereignty' to maintain their political image and to keep the people on tenterhooks on the non-existent political agenda. In any political process, political agenda always precede. But in the case of K-group this bears no meaning. They know where they stand and who they are. But the noise on sovereignty is necessary for them to keep them standing for personal survival. In the back ground of this deception on the part of K-group, it is worth recollecting the encounter Mr. Th Muivah had with the then Prime Minister of India Narasimha Rao in paris. When Muivah retorted " why don't you talk with the K-people"? Narasimha Rao replied " why should we talk with them? The issue is with you, the people are with you. This is the reason why we are in search of you , to seek a solution, to find a solution because you can do that but these people they cannot do. They are in my hand. What can they do, the issue is not with them". Nonetheless, deception and deceitfulness are the traits that has carried them through. It is too demeaning for a group with dubious status issuing threat to Neiphiu Rio, Imkongt L. Imchen and J. Changkija. But it only reflect the terrorist mindset of this group. Terrorist they were and terrorism they only knows and practice. Killing innocent civilians they took sadistic pleasure. Abduction for ransom their favorite earning sources. Killing for non payment comes too quick and easy. These are the characteristic style of any terrorist group. And K-group represents the exact face of terrorism in Nagalim.
Manipur Govt on alert over NSCN (K) threat Sentinel
Kohima, July 18: The Nagaland Government has taken serious note of the alleged threats to the lives of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, State Home Minister Imkong L Imchen and Director General of Police(DGP)J Changkija by National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN(K)) leader Kughalu Mulatonu, as reported in a section of the media.
Reacting to the statement of the NSCN(K) leader, a Chief Minister’s Secretariat release here today said, “It is clearly known to everyone that the ceasefire was between the underground groups and the Central Government and the state government has no direct role to play in it and the political dialogue.”
It said the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government had repeatedly made public its role of an active facilitator in the peace process and it “is the loudest advocator” for the talks to be expedited.
The Government also felt that the underground factions and the Union Government should listen to the voice of the people.
The release further appealed to the underground leaders to heed the call of civil societies and listen to the “cry of the people”, if they were sincere in their stand that they were working for permanent peace and the cause of the Naga people.
According to recent media reports, the leader of NSCN(K) had threatened “to abrogate the seven-year-old ceasefire with the Indian Government and said the Chief Minister, the State Home Minister and the DGP would be responsible for it and they would face the same fate as former DGP late Hesso Mao who was assassinated.”
The NSCN (K) had entered into the cease-fire agreement with the Centre in April 2001, but formal talks were yet to start. (UNI)
No peace without justice. M. Pahiu Meya
I am from the Eastern Nagaland and also from outside of the dungeon of Western part of Nagaland where there are kidnappings, money extortions, telling lies and playing politics, deceiving and killing each other, crying, mourning for the dead of their love one, shouting and longing for peace, but find no peace at all. The same thing of sufferings we have faced in 1980 in the hands of Isak-Muivah group. They had randomly killed our people, ruthlessly and barbarously beaten up our men and maimed them for life. More than 500 of our people were killed and starved to dead by burning down our houses, granaries and finished all live stocks. We have lost our beloved fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. The story is still fresh in our minds, yet, as we have completely driven the illegitimate Isak-Muivah group out from our areas in the last part of 1980, we are now enjoying peace among us while the Western Naga people are suffering in the hands of our own men. Now in Eastern Nagaland, no killing among us, no one to deceive us; no one tells lies and plays politics, no money extortion, and no division among us. Even the former Kedahge (President) falls as a victim of a few self centered educated persons in 2005, who called themselves as non-accordist FGN, we the Eastern Khiamniungan Nagas are intact with the constitutionally established Federal Government of Nagaland and defending the Yahzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland. We never waved from the NNC/FGN since our leader A.Z. Phizo visited our areas in 1954 and inspired us the Naga nationalism. In 1976-1978, Isak and Muivah also told us to uphold steadfastly the NNC, because this is the only way to achieve our national goal, they said. But it was astonishing to us that they defected from the NNC and formed the so-called NSCN in January 1980.
The Nagas in general are fed-up with the killings, money extortions and taxations by many factions, but they don’t know what they should do. The church leaders, NGO leaders, DBs, GBs, Peace Committee, Peace forum etc. are working for peace, but none of them can effort to bring peace. None of them can speak the truth and work for justice. They are inviting and meeting with all illegitimate groups, thus they recognized various kinds of illegal groups. Again they are trying to reunite them without telling them where to reunite.
Many of them conceived in their mind that the NNC/FGN leaders had done wrong in the history but Isak and Muivah had taken the right step. So they supported Isak-Muivah in one way or the other and threw the blame for killings and division on the NNC/FGN leaders. Thus they make the wrong as right and right as wrong. I feel bad and very angry when some of the Western Naga people said the Shillong Accord caused the killing among the Nagas. How can they say that the Eastern Nagas were deserved to kill because they accepted the accord? What they thought and said as the accord caused the division and killing among the Nagas but not the formation of NSCN is totally injustice. Hence, without justice none of them can effort to bring peace among the Nagas. They should boldly and truly say that the formation of NSCN fragmented the solidarity of Naga nation and caused the killing among the Nagas, and should urge Muivah and Isak to abolish the NSCN set up immediately in the interest of peace and unity among the Nagas. Then only our people will see the dawn of peace among the Naga brothers.
Some educated Nagas are playing dubious game. They tell the Naga history proudly and write proudly but then at one point they denounce the NNC/FGN veteran leaders as if they betray the Naga national rights. They know the fact that they can write the Naga national history very proudly only because the veteran leaders have been safeguarding the Naga national rights without swaying up to date. But intentionally they are playing dubious game. Such dubious game or write ups directly or indirectly supported the new illegal groups and it leads to more bloodshed among the Nagas. I would urge to all educated Nagas not to play such dubious game to let our brothers kill each other. Killing among us is not a funny game. Therefore, they should write only in one way that right is right and wrong is wrong, and work for justice like a wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah City who worked for justice against Sheba and saved her city when King David’s General Joab was about to destroy the city to fight against a rebel leader Sheba. (See 2nd Samuel 20). She worked against Sheba because he rebelled against the anointed King David. As David was anointed Kind of Israelites, the NNC is mandated by the Naga people in 1951 to safeguard the sovereignty of Nagaland and speak for the future of Naga people. Some Nagas who fight against the NNC are therefore committing wrong in the face of God and man. Such wrong doers should be condemned and reprimanded by the Church leaders, public leaders, octogenarian leaders and mothers, so that we might save our nation from destroying.
M. Pahiu Meya, Tatar, FGN
NPC concerned by NSCN (K) threat to abrogate truce (Page News Service)
DIMAPUR, JULY 18: The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) has expressed serious concern over the NSCN (K) threat to abrogate the cease fire with Government of India, saying it has put the road to peace in jeopardy.
The NSCN (K) has been in a ceasefire with Delhi since April 2001.
"Ceasefire and peace is indispensable for all of us for survival," said a press release issued by NPC chairman, N Theyo and executive director, Lhusi Haralu.
NSCN (K) leader, Kughalu Mulatonu has recently said the outfit was seriously considering scrapping the peace deal citing Centre's lack of sincerity.
"Discussions are on among our leaders, including Chairman SS Khaplang and Prime Minister Kitovi Zhimomi to abrogate the eight-year old truce with the Centre due to the indifferent approach of the leaders in dealing with the issues of the NSCN (K)," Mulatonu had said.
Pointing out that once the ceasefire is abrogated it would be a direct assault on the innocent Naga people who may not enjoy the security and freedom of life for progress, the NPC appealed to the NSCN (K) leadership not to take hasty decisions on the issue of abrogation of ceasefire.
The NPC further appealed to all law-abiding citizens to renounce the thoughts of contemplating to abrogate the ceasefire by the NSCN (K).
Nagas encroaching Asom land in spite of evictions Correspondent Sentinel
NAZIRA, July 18: The encroachment of the land of Asom by Nagaland is going on, especially in the Asom-Nagaland border area of Nazira subdivision of Sivasagar district. The people of the nearby state of Nagaland have been establishing residential houses, religious and educational institutions at Bihubor, Ogurijaan, Geleki of the subdivision. In Sentak upper-Namsai area, almost 24 families of Konyak community of Nagas have already settled there and established schools and churches throughout the year. Families of the community cast their votes in both the states in elections.
In June 21, 2007, Nagas have cut down more than 200 tea plants at Ogurijaan grant in Bihubor, in the Asom-Nagaland border area. In the same year, on July 5, the Nagamese shot dead two persons and set ablazed several houses and animals at Sunapur-Borhula in Geleki. Though such attacks by Angami-Nagamese people have decreased for some time, but their encroachment of Asom land is going on. The subdivisional administration of Nazira has evicted such illegal constructions recently. Alang Konyak, chairman of Nagininora Town Committee has allegedly acquired the lands under myadi patta number 53/73/74 of Ogurijaan, Bihubor and collected taxes from businessmen of Asom.
The subdivisional administration has received the information of constructing boundary walls for Bitumen Mixture Plant on the land of Asom, which was taken over by BRTF Department of Border Roads Organization in lease from Nagamese people. The Nazira subdivisional administration under the supervision of SDO(civil) Mollika Das Medhi and Border Magistrate Rajiv Thappa, a team of officials has evicted the illegal construction on the land of Asom. On the other hand, Atang Konyak has been demanding a great area of land apart from collecting taxes by threatening Asomiya people. The police administration of Nazira subdivision in presence of SDPO GN Dutta Choudhury started the eviction drive.
Tuluni festival celebrations in Nagaland by ANI – Thai Indian News
By Vibou Ganguly Kohima, July 19 (ANI): Tuluni festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of one of the largest tribes of Nagaland, was recently celebrated here with much pomp and gaiety.
It is a festival of the Sumi Naga tribe to celebrate a good harvest. All tribes participate in the annual get together, which ends with community feasting. “We have come out here and met old friends which, is typical of Tuluni. You meet old friends and family members,” said Kito Swu, a resident.
The festival is celebrated in the second week of July after the sowing is complete. It is a festival invoking God to shower blessings for a bountiful harvest. It is also a time of peace and reconciliation. “We observe the day as a peace day. We celebrate with food. Enmities are forgotten, as this is also a day of reconciliation. This is the real meaning of the Tuluni festival. We celebrate it in a big way and also pray for God’’s blessings,” said Pukhato Shohe, a Sumi Naga. During the festival, a goblet is made with the leaf of plantain, to serve the rice beer.
Tuluni is the name of this wine that is consumed by the Sumi tribe. “Anni” is another name for ”Tuluni” meaning the season of plenteous crops.
To make the celebrations much more joyous, it is during the festival that the fiance is invited over to the finacee’’s place and the young couples exchange gifts.
Engaged couples get married and start their new lives and all are fed lavishly with meat and other delicious food.
There are folk songs and ballads that are sung to keep the spirit of the festival high. (ANI)
S.C. Jamir sworn in Maharashtra Governor The Hindu
Mumbai (PTI): S C Jamir was on Saturday sworn in as Maharashtra Governor of at a brief ceremony held at the Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan here. Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice Swatanter Kumar admistered the oath of offce of Jamir. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented to the Governor by the Indian Navy on the occasion.
Jamir's appointment followed the resignation of S M Krishna. He was holding additional charge of Maharashtra Governor along with Goa since March nine after Krishna resigned to return to active politics in Karnataka.
The 77-year-old former Nagaland Chief Minister was the Goa Governor for four years. Among those present at the swearing-in were Jamir's wife Alemla, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, his deputy R R Patil and government officials.
Jamir brings with him rich experience in Government, Parliament and administration. Born on October 17, 1931, he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Arts and later took his law degree from Allahabad University. He was the President of Students' Christian Movement while at Allahabad university during 1954-57.
Jamir is regarded as one of the architects of modern Nagaland. In 1960, he was a member of the delegation that met Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for political talks that resulted in creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian union.
S.C. Jamir to take oath as Maharashtra governor Saturday IANS
Mumbai, July 18 (IANS) S.C. Jamir, who was holding additional charge as Maharashtra governor since the resignation of S.M. Krishna in March, will be sworn in as the new governor at Raj Bhavan here Saturday morning. Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Swatanter Kumar will administer the oath of office to Jamir, an official communiqué said Friday.
Jamir, 77, became active in politics when he was president of the Students’ Christian Movement while he was studying for his law degree at Allahabad University in 1954-57. In 1960, he was a member of the delegation that met the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for political talks. It ultimately resulted in the creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of India and Jamir is regarded as one of the architects of modern Nagaland.
The next year, Jamir was elected as the first Lok Sabha MP from the new state. Over the years, he served as minister at the centre, handling portfolios like railways, labour and rehabilitation, community development and cooperation, food and agriculture.
In 1971, he was elected to the Nagaland assembly and since then never lost any assembly poll. He was the state Congress president for 11 years and has had the longest stint as Nagaland chief minister so far. He was appointed Goa governor four years ago and held additional charge of Maharashtra since March 9 after S.M. Krishna resigned from the post.
Put pressure on Centre, ULFA for talks: Mrinal Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 18 – Asserting at the there is a need to mould public opinion to compel both the Centre and the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to sit for talks without any pre-condition, expelled leader of the outfit’s 28th battalion Mrinal Hazarika today conceded that that the outfit’s central leadership is being shown a distorted picture of the ground situation in Assam by some vested interest circle. “This is perhaps what is stopping the central leadership to talk with the Centre unlike what the leaders of the 28th battalion have done,” Hazarika stated while speaking during an interactive discussion organized by Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development on ‘The Current Developments in the Peace Process in Assam’ here today.

Asked whether the outfit’s central leadership is being influenced by the anti-Indian forces like the ISI, which is stopping them from coming for the talks and whether there is any alternative to move ahead with the peace process sans them, Hazarika said, “If for any reason, the ULFA leadership do not show interest even after the pressure created by the public, then the onus would lie on the masses to opt for other leaders, who can pursue the parleys on the outfit’s behalf.”

Though Hazarika refrained from speaking anything about the ISI or any other anti-national forces on whose behest the ULFA leadership could be working, he, however, stated that if the Bangladesh Minister and the Bangladesh Army General during their trip to India could openly admit ULFA’s presence in their country, there must be something in their mind.

“But whoever represents the ULFA leadership, they would have to get acquainted with the pulse of the people before sitting for talks with the Centre,” he said, adding that the outfit’s 28th battalion has prepared a blue-print for the peace talks, which it, at this point of time, do not want to make public.

“There could be a section of cadres, who may not endorse the peace talks and they, I am sure would lose their identity,” he pointed out.


He, however, maintained that though there are innumerable number of organisations in the State, it is only the ULFA which can force the Centre to do things in favour of the people of the State and only that is what can ensure lasting peace in the State.

Hazarika, who was also accompanied by another expelled leader of ULFA Jiten Dutta, further stated, “At this stage, the identity of the indigenous people of Assam is facing severe threat for more than one reasons and that made us enter into an unilateral ceasefire. It is high time that a strong policy is chalked out to safeguard the interest of the indigenous people before it gets too late.”

“We want to talk to the people to know their grievances and we know that even if we manage to get freedom after another 25 to 30 years, it would be of no use because by then the identity of the Assamese people would be lost,” he pointed out.

The ULFA leader also reiterated that the Centre is dilly-dallying with the peace process because it fears of losing the logical debate over sovereignty, which is backed by facts and historical evidences.
Replying to a question, he further said that there is no division in the ULFA as of now.
Wary Heirok says ‘no’ to SPOs - Village does a U-turn on self-defence; groups to meet on ‘missing’ children KHELEN THOKCHOM Telegraph
Imphal, July 18: Fearstricken villagers in Heirok, who only two months ago had cheered a government initiative to arm them against militants, today said they did not want deployment of special police officers. Thousands of people marched through the village roads in Thoubal today and gathered at a playground to adopt a one-line resolution: “Heirok no longer wants SPOs.”
The U-turn on the “empowerment” issue came after the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and the United National Liberation Front imposed restrictions on the movement of villagers, including students, as a punishment for accepting the government’s proposal for deployment of SPOs. Militant threats forced more than 300 students studying in schools and colleges in various parts of the state to return home and remain confined to the village.
The two rebel outfits, however, responded to an appeal by a women’s organisation and lifted the restrictions for 10 days with effect from July 11 to give people time to take a final stand on the issue. The volte face, however, could not have been more badly timed. The 300 SPO recruits from Heirok are on the verge of completing their monthlong police training at the 2nd Manipur Rifles training centre in Imphal and joining their new jobs.
The government, however, appears adamant on deploying the force at Heirok.
“There is no change in the government policy of raising the SPO force for Heirok. We don’t want to make much comment on this issue,” a senior government official said tonight.
The rallyists, however, urged the government to recruit the SPOs in the state force, a demand the Okram Ibobi Singh government is unlikely to accept.
“Heirok accepted the SPOs without knowing its full implications. Now we are apprehensive that we will be caught between three guns (one from the militants, one from the government forces and another from the SPOs),” Khundongbam Kumudini, president of the women’s organisation, said. Laishram Mandir, secretary of the action committee, maintained that Heirok had demanded weapons for each house for self-defence and not SPOs. The village had demanded weapons after militants mowed down three youths during Holi festival in March.
“Taking advantage of the gullible nature of the villagers, the government went ahead with the SPO plan. Now we know what an SPO is and we don’t want a village force that would be used by the government in counter-insurgency operations,” he said.
While Heirok rallied to keep SPOs at bay, two citizens’ groups today vowed to put an end to the “disappearance” of minors by drumming up mass support against child-lifting and recruitment of minors by militant organisations.
The United People’s Front and the Ethno Heritage Council have convened a meeting of professionals, including lawyers, citizen bodies, meira paibis and teachers, on July 21 to take a united stand on the abductions. Official sources put the figure of missing children to 13 since May 1 and admitted that there were several cases that went unreported. “We want suggestions of people from all walks of life to end this trend of child-lifting or recruitment by armed groups. Hence this meeting on July 21,” L. Ratan, secretary of the council, said.
Rally planned against child kidnapping By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 18: Taking serious note of unabated reports of children disappearing over the last few days and its likely implication in the society, a mass public rally is being planned to be taken out under the aegis of Kanglei Apunba Ima Yaipha Lup here on July 21.
Talking to media in this connection at Manipur Press Club here today, pre-sident of Kanglei Apunba Ima Yaipha Lup A Pramo-bati Leima observed that children are the future of the society and so they should not be mislead.
There is no reason why misleading of young children should not be opposed and considered it as a challenge to the future of the society, she said, while seeking the support an participation of all the civil organisations in the proposed rally.
She further announced that the proposed rally would flag off from THAU Ground at Thangmeiband and conclude at MDU Hall at Yaiskul Police Lane where a public meeting would be held.
The resolution adopted during the meeting would be forwarded to the Government of Manipur for taking up necessary action, she added.
Meanwhile, various social organisations have come out strongly against rising crimes against children in Manipur. In a statement, Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) said that recruiting children as soldiers by armed group is one of the most grievous crimes that any group claiming to be fighting for the cause of the people can do.
It destroys all hope not only of a healthy and productive life for the concerned child but also predicts a social future which is disastrous for all children and indeed for all our people, said the statement sent out by the administrator of the group.
CORE called upon the leadership of the concerned armed groups to desist from such action in future and restore all the abducted chilfren to their homes.
Meanwhile, United NGOs Mission-Manipur, Thoubal District, People Action for Development-Tiddim, Bishnupur and Senapati, All India Students’ Federation, United Women Front, Earth Foundation, All Manipur Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association and Child Welfare Committee of all districts of the State urged the concerned UG group to hand over the abducted children to their respective families.
Nine militant groups active in Asom: Hussain Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, July 18: State Forest and Environment Minister Rockybul Hussain today said in the State Assembly that nine militant outfits, with a total cadre strength of 2,275, are operating in Asom.
The Forest and Environment Minister was replying to a short-notice question in the State Assembly on behalf of the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio.
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is the most powerful militant outfit with 1,175 cadres, he said.
The other powerful groups include the United Liberation Front of Barak Valley (ULFBV) with a cadre strength of 250, Dima Halom Daogah (Jewel) (DHD-J) with 240 and Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) with 225 cadres.
Of the other militant groups, the Muslim United Liberation Tiger of Asom (MULTA) has 160 cadres, All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) with 90, Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) (HPC-D) with 50, Harkat-ul-Mujahiddin (HUM) with 45 and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) with 40 cadres.
Of the militants currently in jail, the ULFA has 249 cadres behind the bars, while the KLNLF and AANLA have 20 each and DHD has 17.
Meanwhile, in reply to separate questions, Hussain said 14 cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), currently under ceasefire with the Government, have been killed either by miscreants or in encounters with security forces since the truce was declared. The ceasefire agreement was signed on June 1, 2005, and several rounds of talks have been held since, with the group submitting its charter of demands on May 1 last, which the Government is examining, the Minister said.
DATELINE Guwahati/Wasbir Hussain Needed, a ‘Vision’ to end corruption by 2020! Sentinel
On July 2, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released the much touted North East Region Vision 2020 document at a function in New Delhi that resembled a mela. For days prior to the release of this grand plan for the region’s transformation, DoNER, the Ministry for the development of the Northeast, put up advertisements in newspapers announcing that the document was being released and made public after all. Not only were lakhs of rupees spent on these adverts, DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar even appeared on television advertising that the document was being released on July 2. Yes, you guessed it right, television commercials don’t come cheap. The end result of this plan will be known much after the politicians and babus in DoNER and other ministries retire or sink into oblivion. And, therefore, the aam admi must know now that Delhi has spent crores on formulating a plan for the Northeast that can change the region’s profile!
Releasing the document, the Prime Minister said: “A vision is not merely a static statement but is embedded in the hearts, minds and actions of the people and their leaders. In this room today, there are a thousand or more leaders of public opinion whose commitment to the path of sustainable, equitable development can make a great deal of difference to the development of future of the Northeast.” Those were thoughtful words, but the Prime Minister knows as much as we do that words hardly gets translated into action, especially in this far-eastern frontier. Aside from inefficiency of the political class as well as the bureaucracy, the Prime Minister is aware of the level of corruption in this region that has shattered many a dream.
What does the Vision 2020 document emphasize on? Well, it talks of catching up with the rest of the country, structural transformation, poverty eradication, maximizing self-governance, harnessing resources for the benefit of the people, building capacity in people and institutions, strengthening infrastructure, creating a center for trade and commerce, effective governance and establishing peace and harmony. Haven’t we heard these before? Didn’t a Prime Minister named H. D. Deve Gowda bring the Delhi durbar’s focus on the region in 1996 itself by announcing a Rs 6,100 crore package? Didn’t his successor, a Prime Minister by the name of Atal Behari Vajpayee increase the quantum of this package to Rs 10,000 crore? What happened to these announcements? What was the end result of those packages?
The alarming report by Transparency International and the Centre for Media Study released on June 28 (just three days before the Vision 2020 document was released) in New Delhi by Vice-president Hamid Ansari could not have been better timed. Assam earned the dubious distinction in the report of being the most corrupt State in the country, on the basis of corruption in 11 vital services. Corruption level was alarming in four other States, as well Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Take a look at the following extract from a news report: “…The grouping of States on corruption reflects position of States in the context of eleven services. The eleven services included ‘basic services’ like Public Distribution System (PDS), hospital service, school education, electricity and water supply services and ‘need -based services’, like land records, registration, housing service, forest, NREGS, banking service and police service (traffic and crime)). The study does not include operational irregularities in the system and even corruption that does not involve citizens directly. The level of corruption in all the 11 services studied in Asom and Madhya Pradesh was alarming. In Delhi and West Bengal, for example, corruption level was moderate in most services surveyed. Among smaller States of the Northeast, like Nagaland and Goa, corruption level was alarming, whereas in Meghalaya and Sikkim, it was very high. In Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur the level was high, while in Tripura and Mizoram, it was found to be moderate.”
The region is known for its student activism. Every state in the Northeast has an apex student group, besides student groups representing almost every ethnic group or communities. But, these groups are at war with everything else except against corruption and poor governance. Last fortnight, I was talking to Meghalaya’s new Governor R. S. Mooshahary, who was the Chief Information Commissioner, Assam, under the Right to Information system. He hit the bull’s eye when he said, ‘Corruption is the biggest form of terrorism in the Northeast today.’ There are many people in important positions who openly acknowledge that corruption has been retarding progress and development in the region. Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, who likes to champion the interest of the region, is among those who subscribes to this view. So, Delhi will now do well to prepare a Vision 2020 document to combat or eliminate corruption in the region. DoNER can think of funding the formulation of such an action plan instead of wasting money on newspaper adverts or funding fashion shows!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Asom Food and Civil Supplies Minister Nazrul Islam has justified the rise in prices of essential commodities by saying that price rise is a global phenomenon resulting from inflationary trends worldwide. He has told the State Assembly that there is very little scope for the government to control price rise.
One would naturally ask the government whether it has ever initiated any timely action against unscrupulous hoarders whose business it is to create an artificial scarcity of food items and other essentials and thus to raise their prices exorbitantly. One would also ask the government whether it is in the business of regularly monitoring the market as any responsible and pro-people government would naturally do. One would definitely ask the government whether it has the will to create scope to regulate the prices of essential commodities, which civilized democracies across the world do by forming expert bodies to monitor the trend of prices in consultation with business leaders.
Is not this government of ours shouting from the roof top that it has left the people to fend for themselves when faced with galloping inflation and price rise — because ministers and bureaucrats are just not touched by prices however high?
BSS president assures restoration of peace in BTC Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, July 18: The new president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) Dr Kameswar Brahma has assured the people that he will work towards restoration of peace in the BTC region in order to bring development in the society and the region in specific.
Brahma in an interview with mediapersons in the sideline of the felicitation ceremony organized by the Kokrajhar Branch of the Asom Sahitya Sabha on Thursday said that bringing a congenial atmosphere was utmost important in BTC region to concentrate in the developmental works for the society. He also said the killings and all sorts of attack and counter attack or terrorizing between each other should be stopped at any cost.
Replying to a volley of questions, Brahma said that he will take all necessary measures to resolve the problems of BSS and Bodo medium schools.
He admitted that the distribution of text books to the students of Bodo medium schools was not regular. “The BSS will ensure timely distribution of text books to Bodo medium students,” adding that the other problems like appointment of teachers, provincialization of Bodo medium schools and regularization of classes would be looked into.
The president of the BSS said the Bodo language was declared as the associate official language in Kokrajhar and Udalguri two decades ago but it is not properly used by the people. He said the BSS will take steps for utilization of Bodo language besides urging the State Government to include it as the associate official language of Asom.
Dr Brahma was felicitated by the Asom Sahitya Sabha, Kokrajhar branch in a ceremony at Sahitya Bhawan. The president of the ASS in Kokrajhar, Khanindra Nath Das who also chaired the function felicitated Brahma with Assamese japi and sarai. A memento was also given to him. The function was also attended by former member of APSC PN Brahma and renowned Assamese writers and litterateurs.