11/04/2008: "NSCN-IM gears up for showdown The Telegraph"

NSCN-IM gears up for showdown The Telegraph

New Delhi, Nov. 3 (PTI): Frustrated over the long delay in bringing a solution to the Naga issue, the NSCN (I-M) is likely to seek firm commitment from the Centre over its demand for unification of Naga-inhabited areas at the peace talks scheduled to be held this month in the Netherlands.
NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah are likely to make it clear before a group of ministers headed by Oscar Fernandez that any compromise on the issue will not be acceptable to the Naga people.
“The issue is too hot, too sensitive,” NSCN (I-M) spokesman Vikiye Sumi said.
The NSCN (I-M) has been pressing for the formation of a “Greater Nagalim” comprising all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast. Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh oppose the move.
The peace talks will be held in the second week of November in the Hague after a gap of nearly a year and are being considered crucial as the rebels raised questions over the government’s sincerity in resolving the problem.
The meeting will also review progress made since the NSCN (I-M) submitted a 20-point charter of demands to the Centre. In this charter, the NSCN (I-M) had sought separate representation at the UN and greater rights over natural resources, finance, defence and policing, besides unification of Naga-inhabited areas.
Rejoinder to IANS MIP/GPRN
No self respecting government will stoop that low to sign Ceasefire with any revolutionary ground after branding as terrorist. More than that no organization will stand India’s toleration if its credentials proved otherwise in the revolutionary movement across the world where many groups have taken recourse to ‘terrorism’ to drive home their points. The fact that the government of India, after signing Ceasefire with NSCN in 1997 is still pursuing the Indo-Naga political talks is a living testimony of India’s faith and commitment to the political issue of the Nagas represented by NSCN. The sincerity of the GOI was seen when the ban imposed on NSCN was ultimately lifted on 26 November 2002. As such, the news reports of Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) that appeared in Nagaland Post and other papers are unwarranted and defy ground reality.

A reputed news agency like IANS should not have gone for such misleading and damning reports without first establishing the bonafides of NSCN’s standing that has gained worldwide recognition as a Naga people’s mandated organization struggling to restore the Nagalim’s rightful place as a free independent nation. But in the given situation in Northeast where terrorist groups have shown its ugly heads, with the deadly bomb blasts in Guwahati, Kokrajhar etc as the latest case in point, killing more than 70 persons and with the crucial Indo-Naga political talk scheduled to be held in The Hague, Netherland, the hands of India’s IB and RAW cannot be ruled out in instigating such report. These two intelligent organizations are not known in creating congenial atmosphere in Nagalim when retrospectively studied. They are never at ease with NSCN when the obstructionist forces against NSCN are taken up. It is the notorious policy of RAW to give life to any organization to act as a counter force against NSCN. Not surprisingly, the RAW is turning a blind eye when many terrorist groups are given sheltered in the designated Camp of K-group in Khehoi camp. Interestingly, this K-group camp is well protected by AR and IRB. Logistically speaking, this is tantamount to RAW and IB sheltering and sponsoring terrorist groups as part of its strategy to weaken NSCN. And this is the reason why the K-group is always placed at the receiving end to do its master’s (RAW) bidding in scheming anything that goes to weaken the NSCN.

The desperate attempt of India to brand the Nagas as terrorists or NSCN as terrorist group is not a new thing. This has been deliberately used to woo the west and the world against the Nagas. But how far this will go as long as this remains nothing more than an ill-motivated and absolute absurdity. Things may not favor India’s version. Because the factual record of the past 60 years speaks volumes for the integrity of the Nagas in respect to the worldwide concern on terrorism. Unlike others, Nagas believe in the power of truth and not in the crime of terrorism. Nagas talk sense when they say “freedom is not in terrorism” although to hold oneself and be just under various trying circumstances is too hard a principle. NSCN abided by it all throughout the bitter confrontation they had with India and Burma. Dictated by our conscience, NSCN is totally against targeting innocent people whoever he or she may be. The NSCN therefore, would not shy away from condemning the bloody bomb blasts in Assam on 30 Oct. by the so-called ‘Islamic Society Force-Indian Mujahedeen’. Such act of terrorism has no place in the human society. Our conscience is clear. We are persuaded: our greatest enemy is our own transgression if there would be any and if we do not check ourselves and make a clean breast of it. Therefore, with all their might we are not scared of the adversaries within and without for the end of Nagalim is on no account in their hands. It is in God’s hands. We are prepared to face any eventuality but by no means resorting to the curse of shedding innocent blood. There is no single case in the long history of Indo-Naga conflict to brand NSCN as terrorist. NSCN is above any streak of terrorism and we shall never be in the days to come. Rather, there is state-sponsored act of terrorism perpetuated in Nagalim.

All said and done, IANS should not have staked its reputation and credibility by selling out such reports that is far from truth. NSCN’s name should not have been grouped in such manner to be branded as a terrorist group and send a wrong signal to the world that is under threat from the terrorist groups.
In the context of the actual state of the Indo-Naga political affairs for the past many years, the relevant of NNC in Naga issue no longer exist after it signed the Shillong Accord in 1975 with the government of India. It created a shock wave of terror when it tries to kill the Naga issue. Traitor doesn’t represent the Nagas and NNC is no longer counted as body fighting for Nagas’ political right. Having betrayed the Nagas, the NNC also lost the right to speak for Nagas against India. That is no longer its business. In the given situation the NNC rejecting the terrorist tag bears no significance in any manner. The only show of NNC’s ‘terrorism’ was to kill the Naga issue by terrorizing the Nagas under the provisions of the Shillong Accord. Otherwise, where is NNC today to even deserve the exalted position with the tag of ‘terrorist’. This is a misplaced tag against an organization that is far from truth, worth no longer a mention among the insurgent or terrorist group.

Issued by:
MIP/GPRN
Non-Naga entrepreneurs threatened by militants in Nagaland ICT by ANI - By Vibou Ganguly Thai Indian
Kohima, Nov 4 (ANI): Entrepreneurship in Nagaland is increasingly becoming a difficult job. Militants in the state are threatening them with kidnap, ransom and even murder.
Recently, the businessmen in Nagalands Dimapur took out a rally against the killing of a local entrepreneur after abducting him. Shopkeepers and the business community in the state has requested the Union Home Ministry to deploy more forces to stop the killings and for the smooth functioning of entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
The family members and the well wishers of 44-years old Prasenjit Dhar, who was brutally killed after kidnapping, are in a state of shock. No body is willing to speak openly about the perpetrators of the murder. However, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah group, which has been dominating the commercial hub and regularly indulging into ransom and killing, is under suspicion.
The incident has angered the local business community who are demanding the deployment of more security forces to protect their lives and property. Such killing dampens the spirit of the local entrepreneur for expansion and further investment in the region.
“This killing is a bad trend in our state and should not happen. Everyone should live together, be it business or other walks of life. We should see that such things are not repeated and all should work towards it. The culprits should be sternly dealt with,” said Sekhu Sumi, a relative of the victim in Nagaland.
Violence against the non-Nagas is forcing the traders to migrate out of the state.
“This type of killing should be stopped at any cost, otherwise businessmen won”t stay here for long. Gradually most of them are migrating. Every day one hears the news of extortion and killing that should be banned at any cost,” said another local resident of Nagaland.
This year nearly 20 non-Naga businessmen have been killed by criminals and over 50 of them were abducted for ransom. Over 100 affluent non-Naga businessmen have fled Dimapur. But the state government has so far failed to arrest anyone in this connection. Dimapur has been the centre of factional clashes between different Naga groups to control the market. While people in the state hold peace rallies and football matches to promote peace, the Naga groups who claim to represent the interest of the Nagas are disregarding people’’s wishes and are harming the long term economic interests of the state. (ANI)
UNC express anguish over October 23 incident Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 3 : Infuriated over the October 23 incident of Loharijan in Assam where militants set ablazed a Guwahati bound passenger bus coming from Imphal claiming two lives, the United Naga Council (UNC) today expressed anguish over the ‘chaotic and unhealthy security in Manipur’ saying that the attitude of the government of Manipur is not on the track. The UNC also dwelt on the reason to have the Suspension of Operation (SoO) signed between the government and the various Kuki militant organizations.
The Naga apex civil organization in Manipur ridiculed for signing SoO by the militants if inhuman act disrespecting human values are to be meted out on the civilians. Without naming any particular Kuki militant outfit, the United Naga Council (UNC) stated, “Despite the tangible approach of the state government and the government of India to ensure peace and security in the conflict zone of Manipur, Suspension of Operation (SoO) had been signed with various Kuki armed groups on August 23, 2008 within the framework of the Indian Constitution which was a tripartite mutual understanding that, besides other agreed ground rules, committed to refrain from violence or unlawful activities like killing, injuring, extorting taxes, fines, kidnapping for ransom, intimidating, carrying of arms in public ,ambushing police and security personnel; prohibition to recuit fresh cadres or raising additional military, civil outfits, frontal organizations or trying to run a sovereign government, raid, sniping and not to launch offensive attack leading to death, injury, damage or loss of property against security forces, other group and the public; the state government may terminate the SoO agreements with the recommendation of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) in the event of the group violating the ground rules and even take appropriate action including usage of force against the group.”
The UNC further stated that it was a ‘recent venture peace effort’ that is reciprocated by all the parties involved for a meaningful end to conflict. “Much to the disappointment before the ink dried up, the inhuman arson of an inter-state bus causing human casualty to Mr. (L) Robert Golmei and Mrs. (L) Ginthailiu and injuring many passengers on October 23 at the border between Assam and Nagaland call for retrospection and condemnation. The perpetrated act of arson is in violation of the SoO,” claimed the Naga civil body.
It also stated that the United Naga Council (UNC) was not convinced with the claims and counter claims of shifting responsibility upon some individuals on the ‘satanic act’ of burning to death some innocent passengers as the particular transport agency was not responsive to the extortion demands of the outfit and termed it as a ridiculous mindset to disrespect human values at this era.
“Sadden with the chaos and unhealthy security in the state, the UNC is infuriated at the attitude of the state government who only sanitized and sensitized unethical social elements in papers and media is also losing its moral authority. Therefore, the state government should proof its credibility as a government to materialize their decision to unearth the truth about the incident and penalize the culprits who have claimed responsibility befittingly and ensure security to its citizens wherever they reside,” urged the UNC.
Further the assurance to comfort the victims’ and their relatives’ psychologically and physically remains a distant imagination and nothing appropriate measures have been translated to extend logistic support to the victims. This is a white lying and robbery act to dilute the security of the common citizens, the Naga body said while adding, “This condemnable act of insanity should not repeat in future, and the arm chair administration of the State Government and the Government of India should act to deliver justice. Their ignorance and silence would hurt and harm the sentiment of the victims and the common people rather than heal the wound and injuries.”

Indo-Myanmar liaison meet Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR Fifteen member Myanmar Army (MA) delegation led by Brig Gen Tin Maung Ohn arrived at Headquarter 3 Corps, Rangapahar Tuesday on a two day visit. During the meeting with Indian Army delegation headed by Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, GOC, 57 Mtn Div, various issues were discussed including cross border insurgency, arms smuggling and border management. The delegation leader of MA also called on Maj Gen BK Chengapa, AVSM, Officiating GOC 3 Corps.
According to a defence release, states of Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh shared an international border with Myanmar and the thick and the deep jungles of the neighboring country were being used by various underground outfits as hideout. These meetings lay foundation for better understanding, promote friendly relations between two neighbors and also help in reducing the menace of insurgency by joint efforts, the release stated.
The liaison meeting is being held to review and discuss issues of mutual interest between the two armies. MA delegation will leave for Kolkata on November 5, and will be visiting Shillong. The next meeting between the two sides will be held in Myanmar.

CLARIFICATION ON KEDOKHO'S EXECUTION Nagaland Page
The circumstances leading to ultimate execution of Kedokho Mere of Chiechema village and subsequent condemnation from CYVO needed to be clarified in-order to clear air of doubt and suspicion.
The People's Army of Nagaland,GPRN/NSCN, put the record straight that the deceased Kedokho was in no manner known to us or regarded a proclaimed offender.
His execution was carried out by Angami Region authority led by Neibu Angami, the then acting guard commander (recently defected to IM) basing on testimony providedby Atosu of Kedima village.
Atosu claimed that the deceased used to frequent Hebron Camp at regular intervals with crucial intelligence in- puts on his undercover assignments for IM group.
This testimony was further re-enforced by Neibu Angami, for which the People's Army washed it's hand from the affair and entrusted Angami region to decide late Kedokho's fate.
This culminated unfortunate extermination and regrettable loss of life.
In this connection, the Military authority has in person met the leaders of Chiechema Village and clarified the events and circumstances resulting this sad episode.
Despite the pain and anguish caused, the matter may therefore be regarded as resolved in good faith.
Military Authority, People's Army of Nagaland, GPRN/NSCN.

Delhi seeks action report A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph

Security personnel keep vigil during the 11-hour Assam bandh in Guwahati on Monday. (PTI)
Guwahati, Nov. 3: Plans took off and reached the implementation stage at stunning speed after a stern Centre asked Dispur to submit an “action taken report” on the steps it has taken to improve the law and order mechanism in the wake of Thursday’s serial attacks.
Though the Centre has publicly stood by the Tarun Gogoi-led government, it conveyed to Dispur in “no uncertain terms” to take proactive steps instead of allowing things to drift. So far, 83 people have died in nine blasts that rocked the state on Thursday.
“The failure to prevent the Udalguri riots that preceded the blasts despite receiving prior, but unspecified information, and the widespread condemnation of the serial blasts, including a message from the United Nation, has rattled the Centre. Before that, there was the killing of scores of Hindi-speaking people. It all points to a collapsing law and order mechanism in the state,” an official source said.
That the Centre was shaken by the attacks was evident from the string of VIP visits to the state, including those of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, following the blasts. After a National Security Guard team collected forensic samples from the blast sites, Intelligence Bureau director P.C. Haldar visited Guwahati at the “directive” of the PMO and met chief minister Tarun Gogoi at his residence.
Haldar was briefed by inspector-general of police (special branch) Khagen Sarma and inspector-general of police (special task force) R. Chandranathan After the Centre sought the action taken report, the CMO, home, legal and finance departments lost no time in beginning the spadework for implementation of various plans chalked out during Union home minister Shivraj Patil’s two-day visit to the state.
“Nothing is at the planning stage today. We have started work on implementing the decisions by co-ordinating with various departments. We have to show results. From administrative matters like filling up vacancies to setting up a police commissionerate, to detaining those suspected to be behind the blasts, everything is progressing on a war footing. An action taken report will be submitted to the Centre to show our serio-usness,” a CMO official said.
The decisions on setting up a police commissionerate, forming specialised bomb detection squads, an anti-terror cell and a research wing to analyse various terrorist and militant wings, were taken during a cabinet meeting on November 1.
Besides, the cabinet also decided to fill up vacancies in the police department, tone up the intelligence agencies and recruit more policemen. “Ensuring wide publicity of the facsimile of suspected culprits behind the blast, changing rules regarding parking of vehicles and strengthening the screening procedures of man and machines for explosives were some of the other decisions taken,” the official said.
BPPF dares rival to quit OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, Nov. 3: Bodoland People’s Progressive Front president Rabiram Narzary today dared Bodoland People’s Front chief Hagrama Mohilary to pull out of the Congress-led coalition government in Assam since he had admitted that Dispur was soft on jihadis. The BPPF chief also demanded a CBI inquiry into Thursday’s serial blasts.
“If the BPF does not want to share the failure of the state government, it should have no reason to continue being part of the coalition government. They should acknowledge their seriousness by pulling out,” Narzary said. He told reporters at the party office here that senior BPF leaders had realised the “conspiracy” by two Congress leaders, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rockybul Hussain, against the Bodo people and the people of Bodoland. Senior BPF leaders, including Mohilary, who is also the chairman of the Bodoland Territorial Council, and Kampha Borgoyary, a party spokesman who is also the BTC deputy chief, had said that certain Congress ministers were allegedly trying to malign the Bodo community and working against it. The Bodo leaders are unhappy with Sarma who had said the Udalguri violence was aimed at driving away “non-Bodos from Bodoland”.
Echoing Narzary, former Rajya Sabha MP U.G. Brahma also said the BPF should pull out of the government. “The BPF has openly criticised the government of Assam and some Congress ministers and has also expressed resentment against the government for failing to protect the life and property of the people. So there is no reason to be part of the government after having stated these facts. They should pull out... then only will the people believe the authenticity of the statement.”
He, however, appreciated that chief minister Tarun Gogoi “has started talking in a very sensible way in connection with the blasts in Assam and seems to be really serious about countering terrorism”. Criticising Sarma, he said: “As a government spokesperson, what Sarma says should be based on facts as it is the government’s statement and not a mere political statement. His statements and activities are creating a lot of confusion among the public.” He urged Gogoi to “come out” with clear-cut information on the action being taken in the wake of Udalguri riots and the blasts and demanded a CBI inquiry into the blasts.
Several Bodo political parties and organisations demanded a CBI inquiry into the Udalguri violence. The Federation of Boro Youth and the All Bodo Post Graduate Youth Federation have urged the government to check infiltration.
Terror acts linked to Bangla: Govt Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI State Government spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that every act of terrorism perpetrated in the State has its link with Bangladesh. However, he did not divulge any thing further reiterating that ‘investigation into the serial blasts is going in the right and definite direction and very soon something will come up’.

Speaking at a press conference, Sarma also stressed the need for documentation of extremist activities on the part of the law-enforcing agencies in the State.

Sarma further revealed that police has prepared the sketch of the suspects based on the inputs from the eyewitnesses.

“At first, we would have to match the sketch with the list of suspects, the security agencies presently have. But there are chances that the sketch might turn out to be of any of the victims. So we need to be extra-cautious,” Sarma pointed out.

The State Health Minister further informed that a team of doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is arriving in the State to treat a select number of blast victims, who have developed severe complication in their ears.

“The audio-metric tests have been performed on six of these blast victims but the complications are still there, which is why, the State Government has decided to seek the help of the experts,” he stated. Sarma further stated that the Government has started providing compensation and ex-gratia to the family members of the victims and the process would be completed within a week.

The State Government had announced compensation of Rs 50,000 to the injured and ex-gratia of Rs 3 Lakh to the next-of-kin of the deceased.

“The relief package (Rs 4 lakh to the next-of-kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the seriously injured) announced by the Central Government for the victims of the serial blasts would also be given very soon,” Sarma stated.

Informing that so far post-mortem of 78 bodies have been completed, Sarma informed that altogether 826 were injured during the serial blasts in the State, of which more than 180 victims are still undergoing treatment in different Government and private hospitals, of which the condition of three are stated to be critical.

The three blasts in Guwahati have so far claimed 47, while the blasts in Barpeta and Kokrajhar, till date, have taken lives of 11 and 20 persons respectively.

Sarma further informed that no missing case has so far been lodged with any one of the police stations concerned.

Does ISF-IM exist? By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 3: Does the ISF-IM at all exist? On October 31, a local satellite channel claimed to have received an SMS from the ISF-IM claiming responsibility of the October 30 serial blasts in the State that killed 83 people. Soon after the receipt of the SMS, the State police claimed that the ISF-IM had been formed in 2000 in the BTAD to counter the then BLT and the NDFB.
It was on March 31, 2008, on behalf of State Home Minister Tarun Gogoi, Asom Forest and Environment Minister Rockybul Hussain informed the Assam Legislative Assembly, while replying to a question from Independent MLA Mohibul Haque, that two Islamic militants outfits — HuM with 50 cadres and MULTA with 150 cadres — had been active in Asom, and from January 2001 to January 2008, 227 Islamic militants had been arrested in the State. The largest number of Islamic militants — 89 — were arrested from Dhubri, followed by 22 from Kokrajhar and 19 from Kamrup, Hussain had said, adding that the arrested HuM and MULTA militants had also confessed during interrogation that they had been sent to Bangladesh and Pakistan for arms training. The MULTA and HuM recruit youths mostly from Dhubri, Goalpara, Nalbari, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Karimganj, Cachar and Darrang, the minister had said.
On August 6, 2007 too, replying to a question from Independent MLA Pranab Kalita on behalf of the Home Minister, Hussain had informed the House that as many as nine armed militant groups — ULFA, KLNLF, DHD(J), ULFBV, AANLA, KRA, HPC(D), MULTA and HuM — were active in the State. The name of ISF-IM was not mentioned in any reply to questions on the militancy front.
BPF president Hagrama Mohilary, however, has contradicted the claim of the police that the ISF-IM was formed in 2000 in the BTAD. Mohilary said that the BTC had no knowledge about the formation of any Islamic militant outfit in the BTAD.
Such conflicting statements put a question mark on the existence of ISF-IM.

43 hurt in police action on anti-Mapithel dam protestors Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 3: At least 43 anti-dam demonstrators were injured as police fired tear gas and lathicharged a rally organised by the Mapithel Dam Affected Ching Tam Organisation, Thoubal Multipurpose Project this morning near the dam site at Tumukhong village under Lamlai police station.
Several thousand womenfolk from 17 villages which have been affected by the Thoubal Multipurpose Project took out a protest rally from Nongdam Tangkhul village with demands like adequate equal compensation to the affected villagers living upstream and downstream, creation of special downstream economic packages, joint review of upstream and downstream.
The rallyists on approaching the dam site at Tumukhong village around 11.45 am were initially prevented by the IRB and police personnel deployed at the dam site but as the large number of women agitators tried to force their way the security forces fired tear gas and lathicharged the agitators resulting in injuries to 43 women. The tussle between the security forces and women agitators at the spot lasted for around 15 minutes but the agitators were finally dispersed.
The injured women were evacuated to various hospitals this afternoon in Imphal with many of them being treated at the RIMS hospital. Among them Helina, 45, of Chadong village was seriously injured at her head after she was hit directly by a tear gas shell fired by the security men. Her condition was stated to be serious and she is under observation at the ICU ward of the Shija hospital in Imphal.
Besides her, the condition of L Kumbiro, 40, of Tumukhong, Thingom Indu, 60, of Itam, L Mandhok, 40, of Tumukhong and M Soror, 47, of Tumukhong is also stated to be serious. They too are lodged at the Shija hospital.
The excesses committed by the security forces on the womenfolk who were demanding their rights was strongly condemned by the MDACTO. Ramthar Sheija, chairman of the organisation during a brief interaction with the media after the incident at Tumukhong village this afternoon mentioned that the O Ibobi Singh led government had committed another big mistake by harassing the innocent women of the area today.
He said the rally which was organised by the organisation was to highlight the unequal treatment of the authorities in delivering compensations for properties lost to the dam. The organisation would intensify the agitation and any untoward incidents happening during the agitations would be the responsibility of the state government and IFCD department, he added.
Manipur blast & threat of terrorism in Pakistan Ibn-e-Rehmat Daily Mail
THE detonation of a powerful explosion sparked panic in the city of Imphal, Manipur’s capital, where according to official sources, a bomb went of around 8 p.m. near Police commando complex. At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured on 21 October 2008 evening. A day earlier, a bomb exploded close to Chief Minister Ibobi Singh’s heavily fortified residence but there were no casualties. A caller claiming to be a member of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), a separatist group, that has been fighting for the independence of the State for more than three decades. The reports further added that the cadres of the Cobra Task Force carried out Sunday’s blast, but no one has yet accepted the responsibility for second one. This was the biggest bomb attack despite the area being heavily guarded. According to the reports, the militants raided the place where security personnel and civilians were gambling ahead of the Diwali.
Tiny Manipur state is home to some 29 tribes including Meiteis - roughly estimated 53 percent of its total 2.4 million populations. Despite being Hindus, these Meiteis claim themselves different in practicing their religion whereby they who do not believe in polarization of the society on caste considerations. There are roughly 13 active freedom fighter groups currently operating in the state. According to the Manipuris, they had never been slaves to any imperial rule since 16 A.D. In 18th century Maharaja Bhagya Chandra unified the entire valley under his rule although Burmese invasion were a regular feature. In 1826, Treaty of Yandabu was signed and the area fell under British control and was accorded the status of a princely state in 1891. After independence of India, Maharaja of the state was forced to sign accession agreement under most precarious circumstances and Manipur became Indian state in 1972.
Reign of terror by the security forces under legal impunity, staging internecine clashes, fake police encounters, illegal detention, kidnapping and ransom, women molestation and bomb explosions are part of routine manifestation of poor governance and callous attitude of the state which the people of Manipur fully understand.
Like Kashmir, Manipur is also under siege of Indian Security Forces, where the women folk staged naked march in 2004 after the murder of one of the human right activists Manoram Devi that shook the world conscience. On one hand, New Delhi administration tries her utmost to extinguish the flames of freedom through aggressive means such as massive killing and tightening the noose around the neck of people of Manipur through various administrative, draconian laws and economic strangulation - Once the backlash by the oppressed community materializes, it is attributed to Pakistan. By staging this sham show, Indian on one hand intend to give the world community a message that Pakistan is involved in the terror activity inside India, while on the other, New Delhi leadership is bent upon to target freedom fighters of the state through such sabotage activities. Thus, achieving two objectives; eliminating their potential rivals i.e. freedom fighters and shifting the blame on Pakistan to save their skin.
There is a famous saying “if peace cannot be maintained with honor, it is no longer a peace”. Freedom is basic instinct of every human being but Indian managed to swallow approximately 364 princely/autonomous states during the post independence period. Like others, all the seven states of Northeast India are vying for independence for the last six decades. The freedom movement in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur are perhaps the most violent.
How volatile the situation in the Northeast is, can be guessed from the statement of one the Indian Interior Ministry’s spokesman who acknowledged “despite a massive anti-insurgency offensive, there was a sharp increase in overall violence in the country’s restive northeast in 2007 over the previous year…The number of violent incidents in the northeastern states increased from 1,332 in 2003 to 1,489 in 2007. Civilian casualties recorded in 2003 were 494, 414 in 2005, 309 in 2006 and 498 in 2007. However, the number of security forces killed in action and extremists killed decreased between 2003 and 2007.” [United Press International, March 27, 2008] It may be relevant to recall the casualty toll in major insurgency hit states like Assam, Nagaland and Tripura. According to reliable sources, approximately 20,000 to 25,000 died in Nagaland alone. The South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) has recorded over 13,000 deaths in the other northeastern states since 1992. There is therefore much accumulation of anti-India hatred whereby the indigenous people of Northeast states regard Indian rule as the Indian colonial and forced occupation.
If the past history is anything to learn, Manipur blasts are certain to be used by India for shifting the blame to Pakistan. This her proven design for holding Pakistan for all acts of terrorism that are a result of her repressive and indigenous dynamics. Given the past record there is a strong possibility that blasts that seem to be handiwork of Indian agencies may be to immunize the international possible reaction in their bid to plan yet another round of strikes in Pakistan.
Like other religions, Sikhism too is divided into different sects. Although we, irrespective of our religions, respect followers of each faith, but sorry to mention his rival factions generally regard this Guru as RAW’s minion, stooge or puppet, who receives millions of dollars in aid to make him look like real Guru or a symbol of Hindu saint – rather than a true follower of Guru Nanak. Unlikely, his followers are generally lack true knowledge of Guru Nanak’s teachings and are not so pious people. Other I believe, Sikhs of any faith or sect deserve the respect unless they become radical or fanatic and pose risk to others.
According to hundreds and thousands of reports scattered all over Internet there are many charges of rapes, murder, impersonation, betrayal, graft and other wrongdoings. A sizeable number of Sikhs belonging to other sects are determined to make an attempt on his life. According to Sikhs, he is the man, who will serve RAW’s two major objectives; a Sikh saint and celebrity, who if murdered by the India’s own agents, will turn him immortal hero as Great Sikh Guru on one hand, while on other New Delhi’ will most conveniently shift the blame on ISI, to turn the tide of Sikh ire against Pakistan. Indian Brahmans believe Sikhs are most volatile emotional ethnic minority, who can be dragged into the crisis or can be misguided to jump into the mess at any moment against anyone.
It is said that many Indian intellectual have been tasked to stitch the stories to hatch their conspiracies, how this community’s mind could be polluted to set them against Pakistan. Since RAW is now in win-win frenzy and her recipe of divide and kill game has helped her to achieve remarkable success in the Northeast. It is high time to create awareness among Sikhs to seriously understand their real enemies and their schemers.
At the same time, the RAW is also planning some untoward incident by its planted Yatrees, to bring to boil, the Sikh rage by hosting another train tragedy type incident as it did in Gujarat in 2001. Needless to say, what Pakistan will gain out of Guru Gurmit’s assassination, when it already knee deep in troubles due to its militancy problem. Opening a new front from Punjab infiltration means igniting another inferno from the only peace region of the country Punjab.
China funding, arming northeastern Indian insurgents? indoadmin Sources: Tibetan Review News
China has been increasing its secret flow of arms and funds to insurgent groups in the volatile northeastern states of India, according to an E-Pao.net (India) report Nov 1. It cited intelligence sources as saying the Chinese had been active in the region now for some time, especially in the last two years.Weapons seized by the Indian security agencies in the region were reported to bear no markings. However, a more careful study was reported to show the weapons to be Chinese made.
China and the insurgent groups reportedly meet on the trade routes in the region which are fluid, particularly where the Myanmar and China borders meet. It cited intelligence sources as saying that in recent months, the Chinese had managed to increase the flow of funds into these groups.
Tension between Bangladesh, Burma Mounts Sources: Irrawaddy News
Tension between Bangladesh and Burma has mounted as the result of the movement of naval warships from both countries in controversial waters in the Bay of Bengal. File photo shows a Bangladeshi warship taking part in a multinational naval exercise. Bangladesh said Tuesday it has deployed another warship to the Bay of Bengal and would send a top diplomat to Burma amid escalating tensions over gas exploration in disp
The Bangladesh government said it will take all possible measures to protect its territory and accused the Burmese regime of invading its seawaters in order to explore for gas.
Burma has found large natural gas reserves in the Bay of Bengal and is interested in exploring in areas claimed by Bangladesh, where a Burmese exploration vessel escorted by three naval ships have traveled.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told Agency France-Presse on Tuesday, “We deployed a British-made frigate, the BNS Kopothakka, to step up patrols, as Myanmar's navy had not yet shifted its vessels engaged in exploration activities.” "Other vessels in our fleet were kept on stand-by," he said. Chowdhury said that a delegation led by Bangladesh's foreign secretary will fly to Burma soon with the aim of easing the tension between the two nations. He was quoted by AFP as saying, “They will discuss the latest situation with Myanmar officials and try to defuse the situation.”
Bangladesh and Burma have held talks in the past with the aim of resolving the dispute over the maritime boundary, including a meeting held in Dhaka in early October which was attended by high-ranking ministers of the two nations. Burma’s No 2 leader, Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, led the delegation in discussions involving maritime boundaries, trade and economic ties between the two nations.
India’s Burma Policy Built on Shifting Sands Sources: Irrawaddy News
November 3, 2008: While the international community continually casts a disapproving eye over the political turmoil in military-ruled Burma, its neighbors play a more supportive role. (Opinion) India, for its part, has a seemingly lukewarm interest in the Burmese democratic movement and has adopted a double-standard policy toward Burma.
It was the 1988 students’ uprising in Burma which brought India significantly into the equation. The failed uprising forced hundreds of refugees across the international border into India. From 1988 to 1992, India’s policy vacillated between support for the pro-democracy movement and diplomatic isolation.
Former Indian premier P.V. Narasimha Rao’s “Look East” policy of 1991-96 initiated a change in foreign policy toward Burma. The dramatic policy shift, however, happened during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s administration (1998-2004). There were two major factors responsible for India’s policy shift: to counter the strategic influence of the People’s Republic of China; and to deal with insurgency problems in the northeast of India. There was also an element of economic interest involved.
Of the two, countering China’s regional influence was the number one concern for India. Having experienced a bitter war with China in 1962, India felt insecure and threatened by China broadening its sphere of influence in the region. Last year, China-Burma bilateral trade hit US $2.057 billion, up 40.9 percent from 2006. China’s exports to Burma totaled $1.686 billion, up 39.6 percent, while its imports from Burma stood at $371 million, up 46.9 percent. China therefore currently enjoys a trade surplus of $1.315 billion.
India’s has upped its exports to Burma in 2007-2008 to about $185 million, while its imports from Burma were valued at around $810 million for this year. In addition to the Tamu-Kalay-Kalewa highway upgrade, India has made investments in energy and gas exploration projects. All these moves and counter-moves are the direct result of a scramble for influence between the two Asian powers. India, at least for now, sees engaging with the Burmese military regime an effective means to narrowing Chinese influence. Another important factor in Indian foreign policy shift was the rise of insurgency in the restive northeastern provinces of India. About 20,000 insurgents from different groups have bases in Burma, mostly in northwestern Sagaing Division.
Talks on coordination between Indian and Burmese security forces in counterinsurgency operations have gained momentum in recent years. During his visit to New Delhi in 2004, Snr-Gen Than Shwe assured the Indian government that he would not allow his country to be used by anti-India elements. Although the Burmese military, on a number of occasions, has asked the Indian government to silence Burmese dissidents, to date New Delhi has made little more than a wishy-washy response to the request. Similarly, Naypyidaw does not appear to be concentrated on dismantling the bases of Indian insurgents operating from Burma. India is not totally ignoring the Burmese pro-democracy movement as is evident by the presence of more than 50,000 Burmese refugees in India, including some leading dissidents.
India acts in tandem with her national interests and security in the face of China’s influence in the region. By engaging with the Burmese junta, India feels better served. To many, this looks as if India has adopted a double-standard policy toward Burma. In the event of Burma becoming a democratic country, India is expected to be one of the first to throw her support behind the movement. Until then, India will continue to compete with China, while the Western world will likely continue with its traditional of economic sanctions. Nehginpao Kipgen is the General Secretary of the US-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com) and a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Burma (1947-2004).

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11/04/2008: "NSCN-IM gears up for showdown The Telegraph"