10/13/2008: "Time for Nagas to act like One: M.C Konyak morungexpress"

Time for Nagas to act like One: M.C Konyak morungexpress

Kohima, October 13 (MExN): Minister for forest and excise MC Konyak visited Khonoma village on October 10 last. He was accompanied by Z. Lohe, political advisor to Chief Minister, Neiba Kronu, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Vikhou, Advisor, IT and TE, Chotisuh Sazo, parliamentary secretary for social welfare and child & women development and L. Kire, commissioner secretary, forests.
A meeting was convened in the Village Council Hall. Speaking on the occasion, the minister talked about the illustrious legacy of the village. He reminisced about the contribution of the village in the areas of politics, art and culture etc. He also expressed his concern about the dis-unity amongst the various Naga tribes. He said that it is high time that all Naga tribes should act like one and have confidence in each other.
He also lauded the efforts of the villagers in the field of conservation especially the creation of Tragopan Wildlife Sanctuary. He asked the people to spread the message of conservation to the other parts of the state also. MC Konyak encouraged the people to be more frank and communicate with the elected representatives. He said that the present DAN government under the leadership of Neiphi-u Rio has been always making an effort to address the various problems of the general public and in fact, a lot of progress has been achieved during the last five years tenure.
He announced the contribution from the forest department of Rs. 1 lakh towards the Council Hall and Circular road each under forest development Agency. He also donated Rs. 50,000 to the Village Council and one LPG connection each to Baptist and Catholic Church respectively. He also donated a traditional Konyal Gong to the village council. Also speaking on the occasion, Chotisuh Sazo talked about capacity building and stressed on the need for women empowerment. In his speech, Vikhou asked the people to approach the political leaders for redressal of their problems.
‘Please Give Reconciliation a Chance’ morungexpress
Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): Referring to the killings on October 11 in Dimapur and NC Hills, when barely out of the assurance and faith from the reconciliation soccer match in Kohima, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has today urged the Naga “national political” groups’ to demonstrate sincerity and give reconciliation a chance. The forum strongly made a reminder to the conflicting groups that the reconciliation process itself was necessitated because of such killings which have today begun to erode the very fabric of Naga aspiration.
“The FNR is saddened by the violence that claimed Naga lives on October 11 in Dimapur and NC Hills. Such violence will only undermine and negate the Naga reconciliation process. The FNR reminds the Naga people that the Naga reconciliation process became a necessity because killings among Nagas were eroding the very fabric of Naga aspirations and rights” the forum said in a statement today. While acknowledging and appreciating the positive participation and contributions extended thus far by the Naga groups towards the reconciliation process, the forum expressed sadness at the violence and killings that continues unabated.
The forum appeals to the Naga groups to demonstrate utmost sincerity by adhering to the Covenant of Common Hope, which was mutually agreed and accepted by all the Naga “national political” groups who were present at the Naga Peace Summit III at Chiang Mai.
The forum reminds the leaders “To constructively work together in addressing differences and difficulties of the ground realities that stand in the way of Naga reconciliation; and to exercise utmost restraint and shun all forms of confrontations and violence that may result in any further divisions among the Nagas.”
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation convened today at Dimapur to deliberate on the present situation and to explore steps to strengthen the reconciliation process. The forum is grateful to the Naga “national political” groups for responding positively to the Naga people’s desire for reconciliation and for demonstrating their commitment by participating in the recently concluded Naga reconciliation soccer match which was played at Kohima on October 9. “We feel that such openness and constructive attitude will enable the process to progress further” it stated.
The FNR expressed its deepest gratitude to the Naga public for supporting the reconciliation process and for their solidarity with the soccer match. The forum also thanked the Nagaland Christian Forum and the NSF Martyrs’ Cup organizing committee for taking upon itself the responsibility of organizing the reconciliation soccer match. The forum appeales to the Naga people to continue praying and participating in the reconciliation process and not to be discouraged. “The FNR implores upon the Naga people and the Naga national political leaders to give Naga reconciliation a chance” it added.
NSCN (IM) reacts on Oct 11 death morungexpress
Dimapur, October 13(MExN): The NSCN (IM) today refuted the claim of the “NSCN/GPRN” that the person, one Hekavi Chishi, who was shot dead on October 11 at 4th Mile in Dimapur is not the latter’s cadre. The latter has yesterday maintained him to be a “civilian”. “Telling false stories over the dead body of late Hekavi Chishi by manipulating his bonafide identity as a member of Khaplang group to a mere civilian is another disgraceful game of deceit as often indulged by the group, in order to draw people’s attention to its favor. But such manner of playing with the identity of its own member is as good as disowning him to serve its purpose of misleading propaganda” stated the NSCN (IM) MIP.
Lamenting “what a turn of fate for Hekavi Chishi to be dishonored by his group”, the MIP asserted “what really dogged the K-group is the disease-like parochialism as reflected in every piece of its so-called publicity cell’s press statement”. They have the ‘pretentious dignity to go on harping on the issue of reconciliation and unity’ and ‘unfortunate of everything but the fang of divisive language nullifies everything of their much hyped reconciliation agenda’, the MIP note stated. “Who fools the Naga people and who leads the Naga people? The Naga people and the public are not that naïve” it added.
PRESS RELEASE13th Oct. 2008.
Telling false stories over the dead body of late Hekavi Chishi by manipulating his bonafide identity as a member of Khaplang group to a mere civilian is another disgraceful game of deceit as often indulged by the group, in order to draw people's attention to its favor. But such manner of playing with the identity of its own member is as good as disowning him to serve its purpose of misleading propaganda. What a turn of fate for Hekavi Chishi to be dishonored by his group!
What really dogged the K-group is the disease-like parochialism as reflected in every piece of its so-called Publicity Cell's Press Statement. But they have the pretentious dignity to go on harping on the issue of reconciliation and unity. Unfortunate of everything but the fang of divisive language nullifies everything of their much hyped reconciliation agenda. Who fools the Naga people and who leads the Naga people? The Naga people and the public are not that naïve.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN
‘Violence threatens India’s social stability’ morungexpress
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, center, and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, right, take part in the 14th National Integration Council meeting, in New Delhi on October 13. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI, October 13 (AFP): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned Monday of rising ethnic and communal tensions in India and blamed extremist elements for fuelling the violence. His comments came against a backdrop of unrest, particularly attacks by Hindus on Christians in eastern Orissa and southern Karnataka states, and clashes between Muslims and tribal groups in the northeast.
“Perhaps the most disturbing and dangerous aspect today is the assault on our composite culture... we see fault-lines developing between, and among, communities,” Singh told a conference of chief state ministers in New Delhi. Singh said the violence threatened what he described as India’s proud “inheritance” of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-caste society. “There are clashes between Hindus, Christians, Muslims and tribal groups. An atmosphere of hatred and violence is being artificially generated. There are forces deliberately encouraging such tendencies,” he said.
Prior to Singh’s address, a group of Church leaders, including the Archbishop of Delhi, Vincent Concessao, had issued a joint statement urging the government to protect Christians. “We must be allowed ... to profess our faith in honour and without fear,” the statement said.
The issue of anti-Christian violence in India was raised by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday during a mass at the Vatican to canonise India’s first woman saint. “I urge the perpetrators of violence to renounce these acts and join with their brothers and sisters to work together in building a civilization of love,” the pope said. His remarks were welcomed by India’s Catholic clergy, but the main opposition party, the Hindu nationalist BJP, criticised the pontiff for interfering in India’s internal affairs.
Attacks on Christians are just one example of a recent surge in communal violence here. Earlier this month, some 50 people were killed in clashes between Muslim migrants and tribal groups in India’s northeastern Assam state. India has also been rocked by a series of bomb blasts targeting major cities this year that have taken a combined toll of more than 100 lives. A homegrown Islamic group, the Indian Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the blasts in the cities of Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and New Delhi, saying they were revenge for attacks on Muslims across India.
“There can be no compromise with terrorism and terrorists have to be dealt with firmly,” Singh said in his speech. “We need to meet today’s mindless violence with the requisite amount of force but must also ensure that this is tempered by reason and justice which is the normal order of governance,” he added.

Kandhamal violence “due to SC-ST rift”

NEW DELHI, October 13 (PTI): Seeking to deflect attention from Bajrang Dal which has been accused for attacks on Christians, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday said the recent incidents of violence were a manifestation of the “conflict of interest” between Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Speaking at the National Integration Council (NIC) meeting here, he sought to project a rosy picture of Orissa in terms of communal harmony even while acknowledging the “disturbances in some pockets” of the state from “time to time”, for which he blamed “ethnic strains, particularly among ST and SC communities”. Referring to two incidents of communal violence in Kandhamal, he said there were clashes between members of SC and ST communities in the past “on account of conflict of interest in the matter of land rights, employment opportunities and religion”.
“The recent incidents of violence in Kandhamal are a manifestation of such discord,” he said about the district where STs constitute 53 per cent of the population and SCs constitute 22 per cent. This comment assumes significance as the violence against Christians and churches has been blamed on Bajrang Dal, prompting demands for banning the Sangh Parivar outfit. Patnaik insisted that the situation in Kandhamal has been brought under control and a “gamut” of measures initiated to facilitate “harmonious and speedier” socio-economic development of different communities living in the district. He said a Special Administrator of the rank of a Commissioner has been appointed in the district to oversee the development of the area. The administrator has been given powers to settle long-standing issues over land rights.

‘Forces encouraging communal violence will be punished’

New Delhi, October 13 (Agencies): In a veiled attack on the saffron forces blamed for the anti-Christian violence in Orissa and Karnataka, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the “most disturbing and dangerous” aspect now is the “assault” on the country’s composite culture. “Recent tragic events in Orissa, Karnataka and Assam have pained all right thinking persons. There are clashes between Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Tribal groups. An atmosphere of hatred and violence is being artificially generated. “There are forces deliberately encouraging such tendencies and also spawning militant outfits who engage in irrational violence. These need to be firmly dealt with. There is, at the same time, real need for better understanding of the forces at work,” he said in his opening remarks at the National Integration Council meeting.
On terrorism, which was included at the last minute in the agenda of the meeting after BJP Chief Ministers made a demand, he said that there can be no compromise with terrorism and terrorists have to be dealt with firmly. “At the same time, it is important that in trying to counter terrorism, wrong methods and means are not adopted. Any impression that any community or sections amongst them are being targeted or that some kind of profiling is being attempted should be avoided. This vital, as otherwise, it could lead a major polarization in society,” Singh said.
The Prime Minister appeared to be doing a balancing act by referring to the recent ethnic violence in Assam along with the attack on Christians in the NDA-ruled Karnataka and Orissa but made it clear that “the process of governance needs to be strengthened and the rule of law maintained, but in a manner that brings hope and succour to the poor and needy”. Against demands from UPA for imposition of President’s rule in Orissa and a ban on Bajrang Dal and VHP, Singh said those who threaten communal harmony, integrity and peaceful coexistence deserved very deterrent punishment. “In doing so, we need to be bound by the framework of our Constitution and the political democratic process that enables us to reconcile differences through dialogue.
Naga bodies appeal for peaceful co-existence NEWMAI NEWS
KOHIMA, Oct 13 – Dimapur Christian Forum along with various NGOs from Dimapur including Naga Council, Naga Women Hoho, DNSU, Nagaland Theological Association and ANPSA held a peace rally at City Tower Dimapur today against the atrocities perpetuated on the Christian community in several parts of country.

The rallyists along with students from various schools and colleges in Dimapur marched from Circuit junction to City Tower in Dimapur displaying banners some which read - We want peace, In solidarity with prosecuted Christians in Orissa & rest of the country, Down with religious fanatics, We want secular India etc.

Speakers appealed for peaceful co-existence among the different communities in the country. The speakers also expressed their apprehension and concern for the inhuman activities perpetuated upon the minority Christians community in India and also expressed their protest against the continuous attacks on Christians in Orissa, Karnataka and other parts of India.
Rigidity in national principle the blocking rock of Naga underground unification that delayed solution I. Vitokhe Assumi
Now is the crucial hour where all the right thinking senior citizens must contribute valuable suggestions and opinions to bail out the situation for the Naga political solution.
As one of the senior citizens, one time three tribes tribunal convenor and Advisor to Sumi Hoho, I feel responsible to share my views and suggestions with my fellow Nagas of both the underground and overground, about the past, present and tomorrow. It seems, there is no much time for every Naga to play the politics, but the right time for the Naga political solution must be now. Whether we like it or not, but it is right time to ta1k about the right tiring. You may like to play the delay-politics, but the other Nagas want to solve the Naga Political solution. Because, when our leaders are still energetic and active m politics they can initiate our political solution, otherwise, tomorrow will be late. It is true that, all our National leaders are attaining eighty's and there is no time for them to play politics, but to initiate the interim settlement in one voice is the last chance for them. Now, they have two urgent problems. First problem is immediate unity of all the National leaders through the unconditional Reconciliation. Because, conditional Reconciliation might take 20/30 year’s time, whereas, the remaining span of our national leader’s life may not be even 5/10 years. Their second urgent problem is to bring the interim settlement, which may not be full Sovereignty.
Let us go back to fifty's. Originally, Naga issue was one only. It was the "Naga Independence," in other words "Leave us alone." But today, we are ta11cipg less about the Naga Independence/Naga Sovereignty, but talking more about the "Factions and Organisations" and about the ''National Principle and National Un-Principle." Factions, Organisations, National Principle and National Un-Principle are not the Naga original issues. These are all man-made politics. These are the "BLOCKING ROCKS" for our Naga political solution. There is no other name that is 'in-lieu' to Naga political solution. The Nagas are not interested in the Factional politics of "Principled-Leaders and Un-Principled Leaders." But our interest is the "Solution." Let it be Sovereignty or little below Sovereignty. We don't mind to accept it, but don't delay the solution for your disunification. The moment you lowered the status of the Sovereignty in the Negotiation with Government of India, you are defected from the original National principle, which is no less than the full Independence and full Sovereignty. The Naga people understand that the Naga National Principle is Sovereignty and not NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K). Please review your stand in unity.
Let us remember what Dr. Wal Vat said, who is the UNPO Ex-Chairman and UNPO representative in UNO, who attended in the second Naga Consultative Meet, in
-Bangkok. He said, "When you have come to the negotiating table, than you are for "Give and Take solution." You ~ not for full Sovereignty, as the full Sovereignty will be too costly for you, being it needs more bloodshed. Negotiation means, you must sacrifice some of your rights and Government of India also must sacrifice some of her rights, he said." This Dr. Wal Vat said in the presence of Mr. Isac Swu, Chairman and Mr. Th. Muivah, General Secretary NSCN (IM). Hence, it is well understood to all of us that, we are at the negotiating table for the interim solution and not the Final solution. Let the new generation initiate the Final settlement with Government of India. Such an interim solution was suggested by the Nagaland Chief Minister N. Rio. See the Nagaland
Post dated 29-05-2006, under the caption 'Rio on Interim Agreement' Quote"…. Rio said his suggestion for an Interim Agreement was as means to give a much needed breather in case the negotiation on Sovereignty threatened to jeopardize the nine year long peace process."
Let me not go in detail about how the three tribes Tribunal under the Convenorship of I. Vitokhe Assumi (Myself) had tried for the Naga underground factions unification from 2001-2008. But, let me tell you in short. As entrusted upon by the than President Naga Hoho M. Vero, the three major warring tribes of Sumi, Tangkhul and Konyak led by the Tribunal Convenor (Myself) bad attempted the two NSCN factions unification. Visited Ukhrul Town once, visited Mon Town five times, visited Mynyukshu CHQ II office three time visited Bangkok seven times and Chiangmai two times. Successfully initiated the two NSCN factions unification without the leadership crisis for the success of the ongoing Peace Process with the Government of India, on the condition that, factions unification without the leadership crisis, but through the 'MERGER' was accepted by the NSCN (K), but the NSCN (IM) leadership insisted on the "OPEN DOOR POLICY" unification of Factions. Thereby 'Dead-Locked' the unification process. Consequent upon the failure of the unification of factions process initiated by the K.U and Sumi Hobo, the two Hohos resolved to stop the co-operation to any faction that do not comply with the two Hobos initiatives for the unification of factions, in support of which the joint session of two tribes had passed the Resolution in Mon Town .earlier on 20th December, 2003 and the same has been reaffirmed at every joint session intervals that banned the fighting’s within the two Districts of Zunheboto and Mon.

I. Vitokhe Assumi, A senior citizen and Advisor Sumi Hoho

Killing triggers another media war between factions Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Oct 13: The historic football match played in Kohima on October 9 involving represen- tatives of both the NSCN factions, FGN/NNC, Naga social organisations and the Church failed to make any headway to the Naga reconciliation path.
Even as the euphoria of the much hyped football match christened as ‘Reconciliation Football Match’ initiated by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), is very much alive among the general public, the killings and the usual subsequent blame game has started between the rival NSCN factions.
Some three/four days after the Reconciliation Football Match held in Kohima, the killing of a suspected cadre of NSCN-K (GPRN/NSCN or NSCN-U) by some gunmen near High School Junction in the outskirt of Dimapur at around 1:30 pm on Saturday has triggered another round of media war between the warring NSCN factions. The victim identified as Hekavi Chishi, s/o Hevi Assumi of Khehokhu village was shot on the chest and forehead by some gunmen.
Rushing to the spot, police found that the victim was breathing but succumbed to his injury while being rushed to the hospital.
Police said that the victim had come for servicing his motorcycle at Diphupar when the miscreants fired at him from close range.
While the GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-K/NSCN-U) clarifies that late Hekavi Chishi of Khehokhu village who was killed by NSCN-IM and that the deceased was a civilian and not a member of ‘GPRN/NSCN’, as reported in the local dailies, the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN refuted the former’s allegation today.
“Any death is regrettable and GPRN/NSCN mourns every precious Naga life snuffed out in an instant. The Reconciliation Football match in Kohima on October 9 witnessed great camaraderie among different Naga factions and Naga Christian Forum led civil society members. GPRN/NSCN has high hopes of its fruition yet at the same time it will be prepared for any eventuality should the situation demand. The first bullet after Reconciliation Football match has claimed an innocent man. To this, GPRN/NSCN shall direct all its civil and military authorities to observe closely whether those claiming to love Nagaland will show any reconciliatory gesture in the coming days. In this great trial of strength between the will of the Naga people and those harping on non-existent national principle through guns, GPRN/NSCN shall protect and defend the inexhaustible power of the Naga people from pseudo-national wor-kers and their agents. It also urges all Hohos, Churches, NGOs and civil societies to stand steadfast against threats, intimidation, pressure tactics exerted by the enemies to derail the reconciliation and unification of the Nagas,” said the GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-K/NSCN-U) statement.

No NDFB role in riots, says Anjali Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 13 – In a scathing attack, the Bodo Women’s Justice Forum has termed the comments of Government spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sharma on recent clashes in Udalguri and Darrang as malicious, motivated and highly provocative. Denying that the clashes could be called ethnic cleansing and were triggered by organisations like the NDFB, as emphasised by Sharma on recent occasions, the BWJF said that such comments were but a travesty of truth.

Contrary to Sarma’s claims, the recent incidents of violence could not be termed as ethnic cleansing because people from various communities including Bodo, Assamese, Santhal, Nepalese, among others, were affected. And many of those were staying in same camps, the BWJF stated.

In a press conference held in Guwahati the president of Bodo Women’s Justice Forum, Anjali Daimari said that unless Sarma restrained his views and comments, there was a possibility of more violent and aggressive acts being committed in the vulnerable areas. “Peace and amity would be a far cry if Himanta Biswa Sarma continued to voice his highly objectionable, divisive, and convoluted views, which was part of a strategy to divide the Bodo community by undermining their shared identity” she remarked.

The BWJF was of the view that at a time the people of Assam and particularly the violence-affected were looking out for genuine peace initiatives, a member of the Government who was also an official spokesperson, was repeating ‘irresponsible and disruptive opinions’.

Taking exception to Sarma questioning the BWJF’s credentials as an organisation representing the Bodo people, Daimari said that any organisation or individual with good will towards their community could voice their people’s concerns without seeking Sarma’s recognition.

In a more dramatic disclosure, she said that the recent violence in Udalguri and Darrang, was in fact the handiwork of Sarma himself. “We, like some others, know that he plans to get his wife elected to the Parliament from Mangaldoi, and it is with this aim that he has become part of a conspiracy to uproot the Bodo people from their homeland.” She said that it was due to such a design that the former Udalguri SP was prevented to act in a prompt and effective way when violence first broke out.

The BWJF president went so far to say that Sarma could also have a hand in the widely reported incident of a Pakistani flag being raised, because he could have freely moved around after local people had vacated the area. She denied that the flag was unfurled in a Bodo-dominated area, as alleged by Sarma.

The BWJF demanded that Sarma, ought to be removed from the post of Government spokesperson if the Congress-BPF Government was serious about staying in power.

No illegal Bangladeshis in Assam: Gogoi NEW DELHI, OCT 13 (IANS):

There are no illegal Bangladeshi nationals staying in Assam, stated Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi here Monday, attributing the recent violence in his state to the handiwork of “devious elements”.
“There are no illegal Bangladeshis in Assam. Who says they are killing the tribals?” Gogoi told IANS on the sidelines of the National Integration Council (NIC) meeting here.
Gogoi claimed there was a conspiracy by vested interests to malign his state’s image by claiming that illegal Bangladeshis were behind the recent ethnic violence in the northeastern state.
“Unscrupulous elements are creating the disturbance in the state. The violence in Udalguri and Darrang was the handiwork of devious elements,” the chief minister said.
“I said this at the NIC meeting as well,” he said.
At least 55 people were killed and over 200,000 displaced following ethnic violence in the northern Assam districts of Udalguri and Darrang. The violence has been attributed to clashes between illegal Bangladeshi migrants and ethnic tribal Bodos. Amar Singh, Samajwadi Party general secretary, told reporters after emerging from the NIC meeting, “I visited the violence-hit districts of the state.” “At least 100 Muslims were killed in Assam in last week’s violence.”
Minister of State for Home Shakeel Ahmad Sunday visited at least six relief camps in Udalguri and Darrang and assessed the situation. Ahmad, who led a three-member team constituted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to the state, is to submit a detailed report to her Tuesday.
“The state is in favour of a high level inquiry into the ethnic clashes,” said Gogoi.
The NIC, with representatives from all parties and different social organisations, was constituted in 1962 to promote national unity through inclusive growth.

Assam CM demands more military forces Nagaland post
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded more companies of central security forces to prevent clashes between Bodo tribals and Bangladeshi settlers.
"We are asking another seven companies also. Then I asked also home guards to be recruited so that we can provide necessary security," said Gogoi.The Assam Government has decided to institute a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the latest communal clashes that led to the death of 55 persons and wounded over 100 people in Udalguri and Darrang districts in the state.
Gogoi said the State Government would request the CBI to identify the forces behind the violence as early as possible. He also said the State Government would also conduct an inquiry and warned that anybody instigating violence will not be spared. Around 2,500 houses were damaged in 54 villages in both the districts in the clashes. The Chief Minister further said that about two lakh affected people are still taking shelter in relief camps.
He has asked the district authorities to draw an action plan to provide security to the people so that they can return home.
Over 51 people have been killed in clashes between the tribal Bodo community and migrant Muslims in violence-hit Udalguri and Darrang Districts of Assam.

Gogoi seeks additional forces for State Integration Council meet Kalyan Baruah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 13 – Assam Government has opposed the Centre’s bid to withdraw forces from the violence-hit Darrang and Udalguri districts, even as Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi sought additional seven companies of para-military forces. The 14th National Integration Council (NIC) meeting witnessed a verbal duel between the Chief Minister and BJP national president, Rajnath Singh over the recent killings in the two districts, as the State Government was held responsible for failing to tackle the illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

In the capital to participate in the NIC meeting, Chief Minister wrote a strong note to the Home Ministry, rejecting a move to pull out forces from the trouble-torn districts, highly-placed sources confirmed.

The Chief Minister’s action came after the Army conveyed its move to withdraw from the twin-trouble- torn districts. There have been no reports of any violent incidents in the past week and situation has been brought under control, Gogoi told this newspaper on the sidelines of the NIC meeting.

“However, we cannot withdraw the forces just yet and their presence is essential to instil a sense of confidence among the riot-hit people. We will also need them when the affected people return home to ensure continuance of peace,” added the Chief Minister.

“The State Government has sought 21 companies of central forces, of which we got only 14. We have again pressed for immediate sanction of seven additional battalions,” he disclosed.

At the NIC meeting, Chief Minister took up the issue of allocation of additional forces with Home Minister, Shivraj Patil.

Chief Minister gave vent to his ire, when Singh raised the issue of killings between Bodos and migrant settlers, alleging that Assam is witnessing internal and external aggressions. He charged the ruling Congress Party of looking the other way.

Making an intervention, an upset Gogoi sought to set the record straight by delving into the genesis of the problem in Assam, right from partition. He referred to the Indo-Pakistan war and creation of Bangladesh and the anti-foreigner’s agitation and signing of Assam Accord.

He held that it was a clash between Bodos and Bengali Muslims, where Assamese Muslim also became victims. The involvement of Bangladeshi in the clash is a false BJP propaganda, he asserted.

Gogoi directly accused Opposition Leader, L.K.Advani of trying to gain political mileage out of the trouble, criticising his recent statements in Assam. He said that Rajnath Singh has not been properly briefed and the State Government was ready to provide all facts and figures.

Asserting that the State Government was committed to detect and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants according to the Assam Accord, Gogoi said that it was just as duty bound to ensure security to all religious groups and communities.

Without naming any political party, he held that certain parties has all along been trying to influence people by claiming the identity of the Assamese people were under threat. He charged that when BJP was in power, it did not take any steps to stop the influx from Bangladesh.

On the other hand, he informed that Home Minister Patil visited the border to gain first hand knowledge and has committed to check illegal migration from across the border. The National Register of Citizens is being up dated, he said, recounting the measures taken by his government.

Meanwhile, the BJP national president, set up a five-member committee to visit Assam to take stock of the situation in Darrang and Udalguri districts. The Committee includes; Jual Oram, SS Ahluwalia, Santosh Gangwar, Khiren Rijiju and Anusuiya Uike.

Fear affecting people in Udalguri, Darrang Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 13 – The members of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Sarvodaya Trust and North East Society for the Promotion of Youth and Masses, who visited the strife-torn districts of Udalguri and Darrang recently, have called for a secular and non-sectarian approach by competent organisations and individuals to bring in a sense of confidence and communal harmony amongst people of the affected areas.

According to the team members, the sense of fear and distrust was still strong amongst the affected people.

Veteran Gandhian Hema Kakoty was a member of the team that visited the relief camps in the affected areas and interacted with the people still to recover from the shock of the violence. The team also visited Kuptimari and No 1 Jhargaon villages where houses have been reduced to ashes and where reportedly the flag of a foreign country was hoisted by the masquerading crowd in the Sanaritola play ground.

The other members of the team included Kusum Bora Mokashi, Nolini Bora, Dr Chiranjeeb Kakoty, Sajjad Ahmed and Nikendra Nath Sarkar.

The findings of the team revealed that the people would like to go back to their own homestead only after sufficient security is made available in their villages on a more or less permanent basis.

“With the ripening of paddy in the fields, the people are anxious to go back to their villages to cut the paddy but there is a great feeling of fear,” the findings said.

The team has felt the need to carry out peace initiatives on a long-term, sustainable manner in the affected areas. “This will reassure the people and at the same time reduce possibility of recurrence of such acts in the future,” said a member of the team.

The on-the-spot study by the team of the requirements of the people sheltered in the relief camps has revealed that apart from material needs, the affected people, especially the young children, were in need of psychological support who will have to live with this trauma for a long time to come.

As per the observations of the team, there is a need for ensuring proper sanitation in the relief camps, safe drinking water, supply of mosquito nets to prevent outbreak of malaria, and supply of disinfectants, etc., to the inmates of the relief camps.

The study by the team also stresses on the need for providing food items to children and proper medical and nutrition care for pregnant women. The requirements of the affected people also include cooking and serving provisions and educational needs like textbooks, exercise books, writing materials, etc., for the students.

Govt move to tame Ulfa arm A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph

File picture of Ulfa rebels from various battalions of the outfit during a surrender ceremony at Rangia in Assam
Guwahati, Oct. 13: Having virtually neutralised the two fighting arms of the Ulfa –the 28 and 709 battalions, the government now has set its sights on the 109 battalion, the logistics arm of the outfit.
This battalion operates out of Goalpara and its adjoining areas across the state’s border with Meghalaya.
Officials today said a high-level security meeting is on the cards this week to work out a strategy to deal with the cadres of the battalion. “The meeting had to be deferred due to the outbreak of violence in Udalguri and Darrang districts,” a senior home department official said.
The 109 battalion mainly looks after the logistical requirements — men and weapons — and helps the rebels from Assam to cross over to Bangladesh. It also arranges passage for cadres from the neighbouring country to the state through the Garo hills of Meghalaya.
Besides, the battalion facilitates moving in weapons from Bangladesh for use of the outfit’s cadres in Assam. “The flow of both trained cadres and weapons from the neighbouring country will cease if we can neutralise the 109 battalion,” an official said.
In fact, BSF personnel had apprehended a youth from the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya a few months back. He admitted to having acted as a guide for Ulfa militants.
The youth, BSF had claimed, was a member of the 109 battalion. A consignment of arms was also recovered from him.
The home department official said that the Ulfa’s supply route from Myanmar had almost choked with the two companies of the lethal 28 battalion declaring a unilateral ceasefire in June last. “Maybe there were one or two militants of the B company of the 28 battalion crossing the border but there has been no major supply of weapons or movement of cadres on that side in recent times,” the official added. “Once we manage to neutralise the battalion, the outfit’s connections with the neighbouring countries would be cut off.”
Meghalaya would also be kept in the loop as the cadres use the neighbouring state, particularly the Garo Hills. “We need Meghalaya’s co-operation for our effort to be successful,” the official said.

Nagalim.NL News

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