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10/19/2008: "Naga Issue and Peace Talks By: U A Shimray Sangai Express"



Naga Issue and Peace Talks By: U A Shimray Sangai Express

“Nagalim for killing” wrote by one Leiyawon A. Shimray in her article “Pondering the Nation’s banner” [Tangkhul.com, 08 October, 2008]. The article began ‘had the banner of our nation been a “Nagalim for killing,” I would not be writing this…’ The author seamlessly deliberated that ‘we the youngsters look upon the national leaders to learn from them but sadly we are led astray; we are shown and seem taught the art of killing among brothers… feels like we are battling against our own brothers instead of our rival.’ Indeed, internal rivalry and killing [more] among the Nagas in the present ceasefire is heartbreaking “inconvenient truth.” The Naga is currently having ceasefire with the Government of India for peace talks however, things are not well and situation is turning ugly in this fratricidal killing.
Is the history repeating now?
Let me appropriate briefly the chronology of Naga issue. India got independence through Gandhi’s non-violence, non-cooperation, Salt-march, et al. Gandhi approach was traditional, self-reliant, grassroot based…Just before the birth of Indian nation state, the Naga National Council [NNC] leaders discussed the Naga issue with Mahatma Gandhi. The father of the Indian nation Gandhi does little lip-service [assured] the Naga leaders that- ‘if you do not wish to join the Union of Indian nobody will force you to do that’ [This one quotation we love to quote it].
Coming to Naga issue or J&K problem, the Indian state turn towards violence [call it a colonial hangover]. For instance, imposition of suppressive law like Armed Forces Special Powers Act [AFSPA]. In the post colonial period India has followed a two pronged policy for territorial integration, that is, use of armed might and negotiation. Nehru used both talk and suppression. For instance, Kashmir issue was discussed under the shadow of gun whereas; Naga problem intermittent was punctuated with accord and talks. Lt. General BM Kaul wrote in his book “The Untold Story,” ‘When Thimayya [distinguished army officer] suggested that we should use guerilla tactics against the Nagas, Nehru flared up and said the army had been saying this for long but apart from lip service had taken no practical steps in the matter. He said we indulged in more talk than deed.’
From the first initiation, Nehru strongly objected to the concept of an overall independent Naga Hills. However, he promised to accommodate certain demands of the Nagas under the Constitution of India. The NNC insisted to be inserted on the form of the 9 [Nine] points agreement [Hydari Agreement] that the Nagas would have the right to secede if they so desired, after ten years from the date the constitution came into force. But this was totally rejected by Pandit Nehru.
In this backdrop it is important to analyse Naga ceasefire, political talks and consequences. In 1960s and 1970s, there was series of political talks between Naga leaders [NNC] and Government of India. This included “Peace Mission” package headed by JP Narayan, Michael Scott and BP Chaliha. The Peace Mission suggested the “Naga hostiles” to abandon the dream of independence and settle for autonomy within the Union, all they had to give up is control over Army, foreign affairs, and currency. In all other respects they would be free to mould their destinies as they pleased. Unfortunately, the peace talks ended with major breakdown because both the groups were adamant to their stand.
Nehru ceased the opportunity of Naga division. Taking the views of “moderate Naga” leaders and Mokokchung Convention, wherein the Sixteen-Point Memorandum was adopted, Nehru enhanced sense of urgency to rush up the creation of Nagaland State [Naga Hills district of Assam]. The Governor of Assam however continued to object. Nehru told him: ‘When a limb has become gangrenous, for God’s sake cut it off at once before the whole body is infected. Can’t you see you will be doing yourself more harm than good by trying to cling on to the Nagas?’ So, Nehru midwifed the birth of Nagaland state through a caesarean. Creation of Nagaland state in fact segregated large section of Naga population which now falls under the administration of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal.
However upgradation of Naga Hill district into fullfleged statehood Nagaland in 1963 failed to subdue Naga struggle rather the “extremist Naga” leaders took reactionary path by launching insurgency movement. Sajal Nag wrote: ‘Naga freedom movement had thus had a metamorphosis: from then on it took the form of an organised insurgency. From an overground activity the Naga movement had became an underground movement in the face of the onslaught of Indian State and the weakening social base of the movement itself’ [“Contesting Marginality”].
Indira Gandhi first encountered with the Nagas, when Pandit Nehru visited Kohima, in the company of the Burmese Prime Minster U Nu in 1953. When a Naga delegation wished to meet Nehru to present a memorandum, officials refused to allow them audience. Nagas were angered by the attitude of the officials. At the time, Nehru and his guest U Nu turned up to address a public meeting they witnessed their audience [Nagas] walking out as they arrived. Renowned historian Ramchandra Guha [“India After Gandhi”] states that in one account the Nagas bared their bottoms as they went. In another, Nehru’s daughter, Indira Gandhi, said into a live microphone: ‘Papa, wo jaa rahe hain’ [Father, these people are all leaving]. Indira never understood Naga issue. It was during her regime that conferred enormous power to the army. For instance, under Section 4 of the AFSPA and its amended version of 1970. In fact Indira messed up the Naga issue by creating vague Accord in 1970s ceasefire and peace talks. The talks hastily ended with section of Nagas agreeing to the “Shillong Accord.” In fact, the Shillong Accord sows the seed of sectarian politics and rivalry. This led to the formation of underground group called National Socialist Council of Nagaland [NSCN] on 31 January 1980. Further, the NSCN experienced a major setback in the late 1980s with split of two factional groups.
In this interim period of Ceasefire [with NSCN], certain discontent commotion of confrontation is situating in the Naga society. One of the root causes could be occasional indulgence “unpleasant-activities” by so-called “national-workers.” For instance, direct involvement in Indian Electoral process, civil work, governmental contract and developmental scheme distribution. Unfortunately, this has become more prominent in this intervening period of ceasefire. Discontentment or rather put as instance spark of the people is evident in the recent Dimapur incident the “Black Sunday.”
Remark
To overview Naga political movement one cannot undermine the social transformation and economic diversification in the Naga society. With the change of time and socio-economic transition, Naga issue is getting more and more complex and deviation. Taking advantage of social change, the policy of ‘to kill with dollar’ by pumping massive sums of money wean away section of the Naga people from the Naga issue and politics of insurgency. The policy inevitably promoted corruption and created social-class in the society. Also, it develops a ‘habit’ of relying on New Delhi’s economic package and succour. In fact, this is somehow successful in sowing the seed of ethnic hatred, sectarian attitude, jealousy and socio-political division.
The methodical external political interference and internal politicking have done great damaged in the struggle. Naga political system have breed too many pseudo-leadership as well as ‘ism’ among the Naga groups (this is also true in case of the Naga social organisations). The tragedy is misuse of the political struggle and creating mental barrier and suspicion. With the emergence of political division there are inevitable adversaries among the Naga society. The utmost need at the moment of the Naga leaders is counting accountability in the society. So lesson need to be drawn from the failure of the talks and learn from the past mistakes. The solution should come from the Naga people rather than Indian government option. It is the right time, right moment for the Nagas to defeat weaknesses and selfishness.
Operations against armed cadres continue The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, October 18 2008: The Kohima police personnel along with the Special Operation Companies of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) have been continuing operations in different colonies within the Nagaland capital with a view to stop movement and free colonies from armed Naga underground cadres taking shelter in public inhabited areas.

The continuous frisking and house to house search resulted in the arrest of two NSCN (K) cadres on Friday.

Sources revealed that the two NSCN cadres identified as SS sergeant major Amuhato (32) and SS lieutenant Kevi Koza (28) were arrested from Electrical colony along with arms and ammunition.

The arms include two .32 pistol and 35 live rounds.

Mention may be made that the administration in Nagaland teaming up with the security forces have been carrying out such 'flush out operation' particularly in Dimapur and Kohima as a measure to maintain law and order situation.

Frequent looting of Manipur bound transporters in the "Angami Region" by certain elements has irked the NSCN-IM of the Angami Region.

The Angami Region of GPRN (NSCN-IM) has asked any group or individual to restrain from involving in anti-social activities within Angami Region.

A press release issued by Helie, Central Administrative Officer (CAO) Angami Region GPRN (NSCN-IM) condemned the frequent looting of vehicles, especially Manipur bound trucks and passenger buses by certain elements along the National Highway-39 within Angami Region.

Such incidents are being reported frequently specially in the Southern Angami area, which has tarnished the image of the Angami Region GPRN (NSCN-IM), the press note said.

Therefore, the 'Angami Region Authority' (NSCN-IM) said that it seriously views such unwanted incidents and asked any group or individual to restrain from involving in similar anti-social activities within Angami Region.

"Any individual or group found involving in such activities would be sternly penalized without any further warning", the press release of the NSCN-IM, Angami Region warned.
The Bamhum- Worlds Newly Invented Musical Instrument.
Dimapur, India, 2008 Bignews.biz
The Bamhum is a new wind musical instrument made out of bamboo invented by Moa Subong of Abiogenesis from Dimapur in India . The Bamhum draws it’s name from the basic roots, the Bamboo and the effect of Humming into this instrument. A medium sized bamboo instrument that one hums into to produce tones that are sourced from the user’s vocal chords and resonates with a captivating effect on the listener. Rattles are assembled on the opposite end of the knot that works as a resonance chamber which converts the tune of the hum into the unique sound of the bamhum. The simplicity with which the player can play the bamhum is an added advantage since all it takes for a player is to simply hum a tune into the hum hole, besides controlled breathing as an ingredient to acquire proficiency and versatility over the bamhum, unlike other instruments where one undertakes the long trail of learning the technicalities of playing musical instruments. No theoretical lessons are necessary to play the bamhum and one can easily progress from a learner to an exponent through practice. It can be played as a solo instrument, back-up or supportive role in a band/orchestra or played in an ensemble with many bamhum players playing various parts of a song. It can be played in any kind of music- classical, folk, rock, jazz, blues, gospel, pop etc.The bamhum is arguably the only musical instrument invented in the past 100 years, other claimed ones being improvisation or re-invention of existing ones.
The Bamhum was unveiled by His Excellency Shri M.M. Jacob, Governor of Meghalaya on 3nd May 2005 at the Central Library Hall, Shillong, Meghalaya, India during the International Bamfest. The unveiling ceremony was entirely organized and sponsored by Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, Government of Nagaland.
The Bamhum is the brainchild of Moa Subong, who also happens to be a renowned musician and songwriter in India. Moa and his wife Arenla are founding members of the nationally acclaimed fusion band Abiogenesis. Though the bamhum was unveiled in 2005, it drew attention after Abiogenesis released their album Aeon Spell in June 2007 by Saregama which went on to be listed for the 50th Grammy Awards in 2 categories. Bamhum is a leading instrument of Abiogenesis and it blends beautifully well with Howey music. Howey is a new world music genre developed by Abiogenesis , it’s a blend of Naga (India) folk tunes with various forms of modern music. Abiogenesis has also released their second howey album Rustic Relish through APH Records. One can listen to their mp3 clippings or buy online at www.cdbaby.com/abiogenesis4 and see theit videos at www.youtube.com/abiogenesis88
What the bamhum has got is really unique and a natural result of one man’s dream and effort. The effect of this new wind musical instrument is multifaceted and versatile because it is not restricted only to the musicians but just about anyone can pick it up and play it . One canThe Bamhum is a new wind musical instrument made out of bamboo invented by Moa Subong of Abiogenesis from Dimapur in India .

‘Without Culture Society Does Not Progress’ morungexpress

Savi Liegise, President Naga Council Dimapur and Hilo Semp, Project Director (DRDA) at a seminar organized by the Rengma Students’ Union Dimapur at IMC Hall, Dimapur on October 19. (Right) Rengmas present their traditional attire at a seminar “culture preservation” organized by the Rengma Students’ Union, Dimapur at IMC Hall, Dimapur on October 18. (Morung Photos)
Dimapur, October 18 (MExN): Stressing the need to preserve culture in order to progress, Savi Liegise while addressing a seminar on “culture preservation” said every society needs to move forward to progress in life and “without culture a society does not progress; it fails to exist.”
Savi, President of Naga Council Dimapur at the opening of the seminar organized by the Rengma Students’ Union, Dimapur at the IMC Hall also pointed out that Naga civilization is very young saying although Nagas have lived in the midst of influential civilizations like the Chinese and Indian civilizations, it has yet remained away from the influences of such great civilizations. “Nagas have survived these influences and it is therefore for us to identify our purpose in the midst of all this,” Savi said and added Nagas have so much within its own society which needs to be taken forward.
Savi however lamented that Nagas are still in the process of transition and said Nagas need to find a foothold and get serious with politics, society and as individuals.
“Collective force lacks among Nagas,” Savi held while urging students present at the seminar to have determination that will help them to grow collective as tribe and society. “Weave and stick together as individuals and for Nagas in general and participate to uplift the community,” he said.
Savi further encouraged students to have competitive spirits in the competitive world. “A degree cannot do much these days and it is important for students to learn to be competitive,” he said while also reminding students about the phase of unemployment. “Many qualified people have started opting for low rung jobs out of pressure. You have to excel or be left behind,” he said and advised students not to take things “lightly.”
Savi also said that moral fabric of Naga society is very thin and is “braking apart,” and it is therefore essential for students to have moral authority and moral responsibility in order to achieve success.
Chakhesang National Workers, GPRN/NSCN clarifies on expulsion morungexpress
We the undersigned Chakhesang National Workers would like to clarify that the GPRN/NSCN is a political institution of the Nagas which do not function at the whims and fancies of any individual, community or region. The confused members at Hebron camp claiming themselves as National workers from Chakhasang Region and expelling eight GPRN/NSCN members, in the first place, does not arise. Reconciliation and Unification of the Nagas is a reality and Chakhesang National Workers, Church leaders, Elders and the general public are playing a constructive role in the interest of all Nagas. The so-called Chakhesang National Workers numbering few at Hebron have, while attempting to impress their masters, marginalized the great heroism displayed by the Chakhesang patriots over the many decades. Their statement is an insult to all right thinking Chakhesang public.
In the first place, After calling themselves NSCN(IM) for decades, these misguided Nagas are now using GPRN/NSCN to seek attention.. GPRN/NSCN is only for those true Nagas who seeks to bring the Nagas together in its entirety. We have nothing to do with the so-called expulsion statement because we believe in the Unity of all Nagas. Defection or treachery is ruled out. Trying to unite the Nagas is not at all anti-national. We are proud to be representing the Chakhesang Region steadfastly contributing to the National struggle. We also wish to clarify to the Nagas that the statement issued by the misguided elements claiming to be National Workers from Chakhesang region is a solo act of few individuals persuing personal glory at Hebron camp.

Flush out operation continues (Page News Service)
DIMAPUR, Dimapur Police today continued its flush out operations along with a company of IR Battalion and Assam Rifles personnel at Ao Khasiram, Dillai, Viola Colony, Oriental Colony, PWD, Residency Colony and part of Signal Angami.
The exercise started at around 6.30 a.m. led by senior police officials, wherein house to house search was conducted in all places. However, there was no achievement for the police. On Friday also, the joint flush out exercise were carried out in Phaipijang and Nagarjan villages, after police got information about the presence of some armed cadres. However, during the search operation, no cadres were found in the area.
Police sources said that such operations would continue in Dimapur in a phased manner.

NNC National Martyrs Day message Kiumukam Yimchungrü Vice President,

Naga National Council.

Dear Naga people,
Today as we observe the Naga National Martyrs day of 18th Oct 2008, I on behave of the NNC Solemnly Salute all the Naga Martyrs who sacrificed their very lives for the sovereignty of Nagaland. Since the first Martyrs of the Nagas in 1952, the Nagas have been observing this National Martyrs day in remembrance of all the Naga People who rendered their very lives for the freedom of the Nagas to be a Sovereign Christian State to Glorify Jesus Christ and His Kingdom in this part of the World
But Today, I am very sad to mention that we have lost many innocent Nagas for Political differences and also for their stubborn and arrogant leaders in the Naga Home Land for quite a many years now. This is the saddest part of Political History of the Naga People. And this is a National shame.
Therefore, today, I appeal all the different faction to stop killing each other before is too late to safe the Political situation of the Nagas for freedom as we have stood for the last more than 60 long years now.
The NNC once again reiterate that the Naga problem of invasion by India is an International issue and should be recognized as such and solve the political problem Internationally as the World is concerned for the Naga people for peace in the Land.
The NNC have been observing the present situation in the home land as to how the different political parties can come together as one on the basis of historical rights of the Nagas and that basis is democracy as the Naga People emerged in the very inception of our political movement.
The NNC is also closely watching the different NGO’s working for Nga reconciliation here in the Home Land as well as Abroad who are really concerned for the situation. We thank them all for their very concern for people and situation in Nagaland.
But we appeal them to speak out the truth of wrong action of different political parties boldly so that they (factions) realized their mistake and stop killing each other. The present trend of accusation and counter accusation looks unceasing especially between both the NSCN and FGN. Pin point the wrong committed by any factions to save the situation of total destruction of Naga people in the future.
The NNC is facing a problem of opposition from some vested interest for their personal gain at this stage of confusion and political crisis in the land. But this is all politics of dispensation. Therefore, we don’t bother at all as dirty politics will go on an the right politics will win and stand all the time.
The NNC is totally against extortion in the name the organization by imposters and vested interest. The NNC will always go against this wicked work of extortion by the imposters, renegades and vested interest in the name NNC. We need full cooperation of the general public to eradicate this wicked work of extortion in our society.
The Naga must be very aware of present persecution of Christians in India. The people India are such, especially the Hindu fundamentalists killing her Christian community without any mercy. A day will come to persecute the Christian Nagas because of their faith and this very near if we don’t have full political power in our hand as other Nations enjoy as a sovereign State, we will be wiped out by the millions of Hindus as they are doing today to their own people. Therefore, before it is too late, let us (Nagas) unite as we are the believers of Jesus Christ the only Savior of the World.
The NNC will always remember and honour the Naga freedom Martyrs on this day of 18th October as the Naga National Martyrs day every year for their sacrificial deeds for the Naga sovereignty. I once again salute all the Martyrs on behave of the NNC. KUKNALIM
Ethnic clash leaves communities traumatized Newmai News Network
Guwahati | October 18 : The aftermath of the recent clashes in the Udalguri and Darrang districts of Assam have not only claimed human lives and lost huge quantity of properties, but also there has been a psychological impact in the two communities of the two districts. Mention may be made that more than 50 lives have been claimed in the recent riot and the villagers were compelled to escape to refugee camps for their safety. The male section had to guard their villages and homes with spears bows, arrows and machetes.
According to the reports, different political parties rushed to the clash-hit areas inorder the check out the situation in the two trouble-torn districts. The pains, hardships and the consequences of the clashes are being borne by the people of the two trouble-torn districts. Despite the efforts made by the concerned authorities to restore peace and retain the same atmosphere as before, people are demanding adequate securities as they return to their dwellings from the refugee camps.
Sources reveal that the feeling of insecurity is being infused in the minds of both the communities. The trust between the two communities who have been living together for years have affected tremendously.
Rahima Khatun who is in the Khairakata relief camp expressed her agony that she had lost one of her relatives in the violence and is living in constant fear. “I don’t know what had happened. But there were many new faces,” said Rahima, recalling the incident that razed not only houses but also the relationship between two communities.

Army patrolling in riot-hit areas on Staff reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 19 – Though the overall situation in the communal riot-hit districts of Udalguri and Darrang is now under control, patrolling by the Army personnel in the vulnerable areas is still on to ensure that the situation remains under control. At present, 16 columns of the Army are operating in the area to maintain law and order.

Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) Col R Kalia told The Assam Tribune today that the administration of the districts requisitioned the services of the Army on October 3 to bring the situation under control and seven columns of the Army moved in to the area on the next day. He said that the strength of the Army in the districts was gradually increased to 16 columns.

The Army PRO said that the Army personnel would work in the area till the services of the forces are de-requisitioned by the administration of the districts. He revealed that at present, the Armymen are not carrying out flag marches, but patrolling in the vulnerable areas is on to ensure that the situation remains under control. He said that the basic aim of the Army is to maintain law and order and to ensure that the affected people get back to their normal life as soon as possible and the troops are making all-out efforts in this regard.

It may be mentioned here that majority of the inmates of the relief camps are still feeling apprehensive and asserted that they would like to go back to their respective villages only if adequate security is provided.

Col Kalia said that the Army has adopted four villages – Bhaktapara and Puniagaon in Darrang district and Sapkhaiti and Ranipukhuri in Udalguri district – under the Project Sadvawana of the Indian Army. He revealed that under the project, the Army personnel would extend all possible help to the villagers including taking care of their medical needs. He said that the troops would also help the villagers to repair their damaged houses.

The Army PRO further said that the troops organized two medical camps in the area where around five thousand persons were treated while mobile medical teams are also moving around in the area to provide medical assistance to the affected people. Army vehicles have also been pressed into ser
Army adopts four affected villages in Darrang, Udalguri From our Correspondent Sentinel
MANGALDAI, Oct 18: As peace and tranquility regains a foothold in the districts of Darrang and Udalguri, the onerous task of rebuilding and reconstruction commences for the affected populace. The carnage of the previous fortnight has dealt severe scars on the psyche of the inhabitants, whose faith has been shaken to the roots.
The Red Horns Division of Army, which helped restore and subsequently ensure normalcy to these areas, has been taken upon itself to contribute in this rehabilitation process in right earnest. The troops of the Red Horns Artillery Brigade have adopted two villages each in the districts of Darrang and Udalguri in order to assist people in resuming life as earlier. The villages of Bhakatpara and Puniagaon in Darrang district and Sapkhaiti and Ranipukhuri in Udalguri district are receiving assistance from the 65 Field Regiment and 172 Field Regiment operating in Darrang and Udalguri district respectively. The columns are not only patrolling sensitive areas round the clock to provide an umbrella of security for people to return back to their houses but also provisioning vehicles for ferrying of reconstruction materials by troops to help shift belongings. Provisions of rations and drinking water is being made by the Army to ensure that mothers can feed their young, who have survived in relief camps for days together, to their hearts content.
The never tiring officers of these Army columns have been encouraging people from various communities to get together and try to rebuild bonds, which were temporarily severed. Meetings for mutual understanding and confidence are being afforded and organized at the behest of the Red Horns Army in the affected areas to rebuild the bonhomie and camaraderie, which existed not so long ago.
The 65 Field Regiment deployed at Mangaldai went a step further and organized ‘mobile medical camps’ in the areas of Puniagaon, Bhakatpara and Batabari to take medical aid to the doorsteps of the affected who had been so disorganized so as to even get their wounds treated. The medical team carried out their yeomen services from morning to evening on October 17 and 18. In these actions, the ‘men in olive green’ has once again reposed the faith of the country in its armed forces and it truly deserves the slogan of being the ‘People’s Army’.
On the other hand, the central para military forces (CPMF) deployed in the strife-torn districts to assist the administration in maintaining law and order situation and to provide security to the villagers living in the rural areas have also come up with the novel idea of building the confidence and mutual understanding among the panic-gripped affected villagers. In the series of efforts to promote sense of mutual understanding and communal harmony, the Shillong II Battalion of BSF deployed in Dalgaon and Dhula area in Darrang district since October 7, recently organized a friendly Volleyball match at Dhula where players cutting across their religion, caste and language got united under the banner of Dhula Anchalik Sports Association to fight against the team of the BSF and won the runners up trophy by 2-1. The match was inaugurated by AK Tiwari Commandant of BSF in presence of large number of enthusiastic audience.
Relief camp inmates scared to return to villages Sentinel
ROWTA CHARIALI, Oct 18: The trouble torn and riot affected Udalguri district has been plunging through acute crisis of peace, hope and faith among the inmates of the several relief camps of Udalguri district even after the normalcy has began to return. The inmates of the relief camps have expressed their shock and fear over the attack by the illegal Bangladeshis if they return to their respective residence in the village. The situation of the riot affected Udalguri and Darrang district is still grim. Anything may happen at any moment if the State Government prefers to play a faulty game with this violence of the indigenous people with the illegal Bangladesh migrants pursuing its Lok Sabha election gain. Despite a tight security measures of the pare military, CRPF and police, a group of unidentified miscreants had set fire to some houses at Baganbasti belonging to Bengali Hindu people during night hours recently under Rowta police station in Udalguri district. According to Dhiren Dutta, a villager of Nayanbasti of Rowta Hatkhola, the miscreants attired in the CRPF uniform came in a car. The villagers unable to recognise them failed to intercepts and the miscreants later fled off in the car amidst the darkness. “We do not know what may happen tonight”, Dutta said.
‘Bodos drive out non-Bodos from BTAD’ By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 18: The United Revolutionary Movement Council of India (URMCA) today said that the Bodo militant groups are launching a drive to wipe out the non-Bodos and the Muslims from the BTAD areas. The Bodos are seizing land and cultivable land of the non-Bodos thus compelling them to leave their homes, said URMCA. A joint URMCA, AAMSU team recently visited the trouble-torn areas of Darrang and Udalguri district and they said that in their visit they found out that the Bodos are pilfering the foodgrains of the non-Bodo farmers from the fields. A lot of families living in the relief camps told the team that they have received reports that a certain BPPF leader has cut off crops from 25 bigha of land owned by non-Bodos. When the owners went to the police station, the police refused to register a FIR against the BPPF leader, said the URMCA. This goes to show that the district administration is supporting the expulsion of non-Bodos from their homes. The URMCA also said that they have met many families who are now searching for new homes in other areas of Darrang districts since they have been completely uprooted from their own land. The URMCA demanded that the Government ensures that the cultivation of the non-Bodos are safe and people living in the relief camps feel secure to return to their original homes.

India, Burma agree to expand border trade Mizzima
Chiang Mai - Burma and India on Thursday announced measures to enhance border trade, including the opening of a new border trading depot and an increase in the number of eligible trade goods to 40, from 22.
The agreement was achieved during the two-day 'India-Myanmar Joint Trade Committee' meeting between a visiting Indian delegation led by Minister of State for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh and the Burmese delegation led by Minister for Commerce Brig. Gen. Tin Naing Thein – with talks held on October 14 and 15, in Burma's second largest city of Mandalay.

During the meeting, both countries agreed to convert the present border trade at the Tamu-Moreh and Rhi-Zokhawthar border points into normal trade and to expand the list of items that can be legally traded, according to a statement released by Indian officials.

It was further decided to open a border trading post at Avakhung-Leshi, between India's Nagaland and Burma's Sagaing Division.

On Thursday, Ramesh and Burmese Prime Minister Lt.-Gen. Thein Sein inaugurated the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills (IMCEITS) in Rangoon, Burma's former capital.

The IMCEITS is set up by India's Centre for Advancement of Computing with Indian assistance of US 2 million dollars. The Centre will be connected to ten regional centres and is expected to train nearly 1,000 IT professionals per year, according to the statement.

Burma, during the meeting, also agreed to submit a letter of intent to join the Duty Free Tariff Reference scheme, which India has offered to least developed countries.

Ramesh's visit, which is the third in 2008, is a part of Indian ongoing efforts to expand their bilateral relationship with Burma.

"Myanmar [Burma] has, in recent times, become an important trade partner of India," read the statement from India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Student activists in India's Northeastern states, which share a border with Burma, said India's push to open more trade points is a part of its 'Look East' policy, which they argue is non-beneficial for the people in the region.

Muanpuia, Vice-Chairman of the Northeast Students Organisation, the principle student body in the region, said India's Look East policy overlooks the interests of the people in the region while aiming only to maintain a foothold in Burma as a counterweight to the growing Chinese influence.

"India should not deal with the Burmese military junta, as it is not beneficial for the people of India," Muanpuia told Mizzima in an earlier interview.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's exports to Burma for fiscal year 2007-08 amounted to about $185 million. In 2006-07, bilateral trade between India and Burma stood at a total of US 650 million dollars, falling short of the targeted US 1 billion dollars but up from a figure of US 558 million the previous year, itself a 25 percent jump from corresponding statistics for 2004-05.


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