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11/30/2008: "PAC & forum to reinforce peace efforts morungexpress"



PAC & forum to reinforce peace efforts morungexpress

Dimapur, November 28 (MExN): The Political Affairs Committee of the DAN government and the joint forum of Nagaland’s GBs and DBs have decided on harmonized peace-making efforts, particularly in the context of the current reconciliation initiative being undertaken. A consultative meeting between the members of the PAC and the forum was held November 27 in Kohima to discuss the overall progress of the “unity and reconciliation” of the various underground factions and also to usher in peace in the state.
The attending members had very free and frank discussions on the ongoing “unity and reconciliation” initiative for the various factions in the state. Towards this end, the members were unanimous to working in close coordination and reinforcing the ongoing efforts “so as to have an ultimate solution to the Indo-Naga political issue”. The members also expressed appreciation to the underground factions, for what the meeting asserted “exercising utmost restraints from further clashes and provocations”.
Such “exercises” manifest a “clear sense of respect for the citizens who have been longing for peace in the land, the members stated. “Once again, we, the members, fervently appealed to the leaderships of all factions to maintain the same spirit in the interests of peace and tranquility in our land. The continuity of maintaining such restraints will also surely facilitate a desired result towards finding the final goal of ‘unity and reconciliation’ that has been initiated by various agencies in the state in order to find an acceptable solution to the Naga problem” a note from the PAC said.
PAC’s chief Dr. TM Lotha also expressed happiness that the members have full faith in the PAC in its effort towards achieving reconciliation and unity “among the Naga society” for the “ultimate solution for the Naga problem”.
Force-recruitment reported in Phek morungexpress
Dimapur (MExN): A disturbing report has been received that “suspected” NSCN (K) activists, recently abducted and forcibly recruited youngsters and even a number of Village Guards personnel into the outfit. According to a press note from the IGAR (N) today, village councils on October 29 confirmed that 14 teenage boys including five Village Guards were forcefully abducted from Purr village in Phek in the wee hours by suspected NSCN (K) activists. The abduction was ostensibly to recruit them subsequently into the outfit, the IGAR’s PRO office note said.
Narrating the events, the IGAR said the group was taken to Thewati in Phek, which is close to the border pillar 132. The outfit’s intentions became evident as the group escorted by the activists moved cross-country to avoid detection possibly with the motive to cross over to Myanmar.
On receiving information, a patrol of the 33 Assam Rifles was activated to track down the cadres and the abducted group. Search operations began in the entire area while all the personnel sub-units were deployed. A massive operation to secure the release of the abducted villagers was launched, the IGAR said. “When the last reports came in, sources confirmed that five village guards and a boy had been released and was heading back to Purr,” the AR said.
“The fact remains that forceful recruitment is a clear-cut violation of laid down ceasefire ground rules by GOI and acts of such by factions will be dealt with very sternly,” the IGAR remind. It also reminded of earlier allegations in the recent past, about forcible recruitment by the NSCN (K) from Tirap Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh which later saw the release of teenage boys after mounting pressure.
“On behalf of the parents and the villagers of Purr, AR appeals to the faction to release the abducted boys and abstain itself from such gross ceasefire ground rules violations in near future. Assam rifles will adopt stringent measures to deal with the arising situation in order to ensure safe release and return of the innocent teenagers,” AR cautioned.
NSCN (IM) claims restraint MIP/GPRN
Giving due honor to the Peace initiative undertaken by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) Naga Army, has restrained itself by following certain military operation ethics, and not going for any aggressive action. We were however, greatly aggrieved when one Naga Army Sgt. Veruto Chakesang son of Late Vephutcho of old Phek was abducted from a tea hotel near Halflong on 24th Nov. and brutally killed after mutilating his body. This kind of deliberate show of aggression will never go down well in streamlining the Reconciliation and Unity process. NSCN have not ignored the public sentiment even when placed under immense pressure. In keeping with this spirit Naga Army in Halflong set free the Khaplang group Regional Secretary after he was arrested by NSCN at the same period when Sgt. Veruto was abducted.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN
Revival of Animistic Festivals Rev.L. Suohie Mhasi
We Nagas are proud of our people being around 95% are professed Christians. When our people were in severe affliction, the people prayed to God for their security and protection and God was so gracious that He sent a mighty Holy Spirit Revival which swept across the land as a result; the people were rejoicing and had experienced the power of the Spirit of God in changing lives and performing miracles. We know that nothing in the World can substitute the Spirit of Christ being at work in us.
Bot now with the advancement educationally, economically and in the aspect of development our people are drifting towards materialism and revival of animistic festivals such as Sekrenyi, Moatsü, Tuluni etc. A festival is prepared, a chief guest normally a Minister is invited to grace the occasion, speech is delivered and dancing and singing were performed. The next day the highlight of the festival is published in the front page of local dailies. Religious discourse is made saying that the forefathers used to invoke blessing by observing such a festival. It is true that the forefathers did it but in what name? Is it in the name of an unknown God or a known God? There is no place in Christianity to invoke blessing through celebrating such a paganistic festival.
Culture and Religious festival are different. We have to preserve and even improve the good part of our cultures and even to modernize the primitive culture. But culture and animistic festival are not to be admixtured. The Bible said, “Whatever you do, do it in the name of Christ. Can the animistic festivals be celebrated or observed in the name of Christ? Should fellow Christians who were former Hindus observe Durga Puja or Holi or Diwali as their culture? Or should Christians who were once Muslims observe Id as their culture?
Our people used to invoke blessing be performing religious rites in different festivals. But we came to know the true God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and the old animistic religion was forsaken and became Christians. But when our people in general are drifting into the depth of liberalism under the pre text of preserving the forefather’s culture, should the servants of God remain silent spectators or encourage it by participating in it?

NSF, Nagaland govt talks fruitful, stir suspended for now The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): In a sign of a breakthrough between the Nagaland government and Naga Students Federation, over superannuation of government employees issue, the NSF on Friday night suspended its stir, after a discussion with Chief Minister.
Earlier, demanding fixed tenure of services for government staff, NSF volunteers had imposed restriction on movement of government vehicles in the capital town resulting in thin attendance in offices including state secretariat.
The NSF later withdrew the picketing after holding a meeting with Home minister Imkong Imchen but they decided to impose blockade on government vehicles today and threatened to call a day-long bandh on December 1, the statehood day, coinciding with the opening of annual week-long Hornbil festival, an annual tourism promotional event.
However after 'fruitful talks' with Chief Minister N Rio the students withdrew their agitation on Friday.
Stand off near Patkai; armed cadres asked to vacate , (Page News Service)
DIMAPUR: Presence of armed cadres of NSCN (IM) at Seithekima near Patkai Christian College Saturday morning created a tensed situation after Assam Rifles jawans on routine patrolling detected them and asked them to move out.
Immediately after the detection of armed cadres in civilian populated areas by the Assam Rifles, the district administration and police reached the spot and directed the armed cadres to move out. However, the stand off continued for hours, with the cadres being reluctant to vacate the area.
Sources said that the district administration has asked the armed cadres to vacated the civilian populated areas to prevent any untoward incidents and make the atmosphere peaceful.
Old fears resurface with sudden spurt of incidents

CADRES IN CIVILIAN AREAS CREATE TENSION, 3 FOUND SHOT DEAD IN KOHIMA A Staff Reporter | EMN
DIMAPUR, NOV 29: Tension of a possible clash resurfaced on Saturday after NSCN-IM cadres, numbering around 30, created a prolonged stand-off like situation with Assam Rifles personnel in the proximity of Patkai Christian College (PCC), Seithekiema, from morning hours up to 2 pm in the afternoon. The situation was defused only after local leaders, police and district administration intervened. The cadres were reportedly holed up in the residence of one of their officers when the AR foot patrol party detected their presence in between 8-9 am. Reacting to the presence of cadres in full combat gear in civilian area, the AR personnel reportedly called in reinforcements to conduct a flush-out operation.
However, timely reaction of the local leaders, district administration and police stopped the situation from escalating with the NSCN-IM group agreeing to withdraw from the location before 10 am on November 30.
Earlier, reports of the NSCN-IM refusing to withdraw and prevailing high tension had come in. The NSCN were also reported to have cautioned the civilians of a possible shoot-out if the AR closed in on them which caused mass panic among those living in the area.
The cadres were reportedly first spotted moving in full combat gear near Showuba New, which is under 10 km radius of camp Khehoi on Friday evening, fuelling talk of renewed tension in the area which had already witnessed a series of full blown gun-battles between the rival camps.
Police, when contacted, confirmed the presence of the cadres, but denied any stand-off situation, adding that there had been some tension which was brought under control after the UGs agreed to withdraw. “We have called off the AR and the police at around 2 pm,” they said.
Three bodies recovered
Our Correspondent | EMN
KOHIMA, NOV 29: Kohima Police recovered three bodies near Dzü-ü River in between Friday morning and Saturday afternoon, giving rise to fears of another spurt in factional violence. All the bodies bore bullet wounds.
Two bodies were first recovered on Friday – both shot in the head – lying barely 200 ft apart at a place below the main road where a bullet each of AK-47 calibre were also found. One is believed to have been shot a few days back as it was found in a highly decomposed state. The other victim has been identified as one Adusul of Kidima Village.
The highly-decomposed body could not be identified till this morning and was subsequently disposed off by the police in the presence of magistrates later in the day.
The third body was recovered by police at around 12:30 pm on Saturday and the victim has been identified as one Duobeizo (Nie-ü) Rutsa of Nerhema Village. He was found shot in the back with exit wound in the abdomen.
According to reports, both Adusul and Duobeizo are reported to have first defected from the NCSN-IM to join the rival NSCN-K but are said to have later gone back to the NSCN-IM Camp, after which they were reported to be missing.
However, police sources when contacted, informed that both factions have denied that either of the two deceased belonged to their groups.
Sit-in demo staged by BPPF to protest killing of scribe Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 29: The Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) yesterday staged a sit-in-demonstration in front of Pragati Bhavan in protest against the killings of Amar Asom journalist Jagajit Saikia and local TV channel director Bodosa Narzary and repeated attack and threat to mediapersons. The BPPF also demanded to constitute CBI inquiry into the killings of Jagajit Saikia and Bodosa Narzary and adequate compensation to the bereaved families. It also demanded a transparent probe into the killing of Kokrajhar Government College lecturer Basanta Kumar Basumatary.
A memorandum was sent to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and a copy was sent to Asom Governor SC Mathur through the Kokrajhar DC. The demonstration was participated by Kokrajhar, Chirang and Gossaigaon district BPPF units.
In an interview with the mediapersons, BPPF president Rabiram Narzary said the killing of common people and mediapersons by BPF-backed new outfit under the government patronage has became almost a regular affair in Bodoland. The State Government has proved to be a complete failure in providing security to the people, he said and added, there is no law and order as such in BTC.
Narzary said, “We condemn the brutal killing of Amar Asom reporter Jagajit Saikia, who was shot dead by suspected ex-BLT in broad day-light on November 22. At the same time, our party demands inquiry into the killing of BL TV channel director Bodosa Narzary, who was also shot dead at Kokrajhar on April 1, 2008 and Kokrajhar Government College lecturer Basanta Basumatary on May 6, 2008. Our party also demands adequate compensation to the bereaved families, and he said adding, nothing has been initiated by the government to nab the culprits involved in the ransack of the house of Telegraph reporter, vandalizing of BL TV channel and ban on dailies.
Former Rajya Sabha MP UG Brahma said the law and order situation has been taking an ugly turn after the formation of the elected council of BTC, as series of lawless acts, killing and brutality have been increasing day by day, where even the journalists have been becoming soft target of the miscreants. He appealed to all sections of the society to stand united against such evil acts. Even he cautioned BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary for such acts which have been taking lives of innocent people.
BPPF youth wing president Kabi Ranjan Brahma strongly refuted the charge of Ex-BLT Welfare Society president Jana Mohan Mashahary that BPPF youth wing has the hand behind Jagajit killing. He said that the BPPF was not involved in the cowardly act.
He also said that Sahendra Nath Brahma and Tengwna Brahma, who were arrested recently in this connection with arms, were not their members rather they were the active members of the Congress.
Protest Rally by journalists in Manipur Nena
Thousands of people from all corners of Manipur including journalists, supported by about 76 (seventy six) civil organisations and Governmentʼs Higher Secondary Lecturerʼs Association took out a silent mass rally on Wednesday in Imphal in condemnation against the extra judicial killing of Konsam Rishikanta Singh, a sub-editor of Imphal Free Press. The various organisations while denouncing the failure of the state government to institute a judicial probe into the killing the journalist, demanded for a change in the system of the government.
Organised under the aegis of the All Manipur Working Journalistsʼ Union (AMWJU), an apex body of journalists in the state, thousands were seen carrying banners condemning the failure of the state government to initiate a judicial probe into the matter. The mass rally held from Tiddim ground, Kwakeithel in Imphal West to Hatta Kangjaibung in Imphal East saw the mass calling an end to terrorism and judicial killings in the state.
The rally was also supported by Senapati District Journalists Association and Hills Journalists' Union.
Later, a mass meeting held at the Hatta Kangjaibung resolved four points; that the act of the state government in obstructing the mass rally in the acts of police forces stopping the civilians who were on their way to join the rally, state government's act of stopping the the Live telecast of the rally by the Information Service Television (ISTV), a private channel of the state, has been held by the people as a sign of the state governmentʼs support to the killers; that the state government had tried to stop the rally by promising to hand over the case to the CBI instead of doing their job (of investing the matter) is a sign that the state government is trying to bribe and buy human lives and the mass condemns this act; that the work done by the Ibobi Singh led government has been to hide the killer and inorder that the culprit be book and produced before the people, the mass agrees to help the AMWJU; and that with regards to the requests of the mass to start publication of newspapers, the AMWJU will discuss in a meeting on Thursday, November 27, at the Manipur Press club and aware the people of the decision.
The meeting also observed a two minutes silence in honour of the departed soul of K. Rishikanta, the junior sub-editor of Imphal Free Press.
During the meeting, condemnations from various organisations poured in against the Ibobi Singh led government in the state. R.K. Ranendrajit, former editor of The Freedom, while condemning the failure of the state government in instituting a judicial probe into the murder stated the people of the state was today becoming suspicious of the stateʼs involvement in the killing of Rishikanta. He also questioned the state government on why it failed to meet to the demands of the public and why it tried to stop the rally by planning to hand the case over to the CBI. Asserting the right to livelihood was being deprived from the people the editor called upon the people of the state to either face the situation or turn away from it.
Mr. Loya, editor of Naharolgi Thoudang, a local based Manipuri newspaper, asserted that the state government was not in need of the Media to run the democratic state. This is known from the fact that the state government is not ready to investigate into the matter, he affirmed. It appears that Ibobi Singh can run a democracy without media, the fourth pillar of democracy, Mr. Loya held. Valley Rose, editor of Aja daily newspaper stressed the need for the government to re-look in its dealing with things in the state as killings of innocent people have become rampant.
B. Sanamacha Sharma, chairperson of the public meeting while condemning the act of the government held that the time has come to bring about a change in the situation of Manipur together with the media. He also asserted that the militants operating in the state were better off than the state government for they clarify as to why they kill the victims and even pointed out the victims false. However, it is not the same with the state government for there is no place for truth in corruption, he added.
With the failure the state government to initiate judicial enquiry in the murder K. Rishikanta, the journalists of the state under the aegis of AMWJU had resolved to indefinite cease work strike. Since then, the AMWJU has been on infinite sit-in-protest in front of the electricity department in Keishampat, Imphal West.
India, Burma Reach Tax Cooperation Deal indoadmin Sources: Irrawaddy Weekly Business Roundup
November 28, 2008: One of the more interesting agreements reached at a top-level trade and political relations meeting between India and Burma is a tax cooperation deal.
The two countries have agreed on ensuring “avoidance of double taxation for investors from the two countries and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.”
Economists who monitor Burma’s blacklisted international financial dealings wonder how New Delhi envisages integrating such a policy.
India has recently agreed to undertake some major infrastructure developments in Burma—including hydrodam projects and redevelopment of the west coast port of Sittwe—involving a number of Indian companies.
Key members of the Burmese junta and various enterprises are under economic sanctions by the United States. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have put Burma on blacklists for non-payment of loans; and the United Nations recently admitted that it was losing millions of Cyclone Nargis aid dollars through an enforced exchange rate implemented by a junta-designated bank.
In dilemma and a quagmire by Maung Maung Hla Kyaing Mizzima
The current political development in Burma is ugly. The authorities are suppressing pro-democracy activists systematically by giving them lengthy prison terms longer than life imprisonment by using their unfair judiciary system.

These long prison terms are in fact designed to intimidate the entire people and getting rid of all obstacles standing on their way of the '7-step roadmap'. And also these are punishment full of prejudice to all those defying their rule insolently.

Even during colonial rule, there was a saying, '6 months' term for novice Thakin'. Now the junta's prison terms given to dissidents are 130 fold of it. (65 year sx12=780 months)

U Tin Oo and Daw Suu are put under unlimited house arrest for their defiance against them. The ethnic leaders are serving long prison terms ranging from 80 to over 100 years. This is the challenge to all would-be dissident leaders. All of the pro-democracy and human right activists got two unfair punishments for their activities. The first one is long prison term and another one is transferring to remote prisons far away from their families to serve their prison terms. Both punishments are designed to break their morale.

Year 2010 means from January to December, the entire year. We cannot say the fresh election planned to be held in 2010 is more than one year away. The SPDC didn't give the exact timetable as usual. When they want to do something, they will carry out in their hallmark manner of 3 'A' policy, abruptly rise up and arbitrarily implement their abrupt agenda. So we cannot rule out holding the election in early 2010. So it is not more than just little over one year away. The exact timeline can be known only unto SPDC top brass and their astrologers.

In the latest en masse release in September last year, total 9002 prisoners were freed from jails. This is to deter the next September saffron revolution which took place in September 2007 and in their black magic practices or voodoo politics.

If they feel safe after successful election as they expected within the framework of their unilaterally drafted constitution and install the government of their choice, they might grant general amnesty to all these political dissidents as a great saviour.

Senior Gen. Than Shwe said that carrying out successful roadmap is the responsibility of every citizen. So the SPDC won't take a single step back from their planned roadmap and will implement it at any costs. All the pressures and persuasions will fall on deaf ears. The road is leading to their policy of 'my interest is supreme'.

The SPDC will certainly satisfied and complacent with these long prison terms given to the dissidents. They might think of these dissidents are regretting their activities and will abandon their belief after getting these harsh punishments. They might think all the obstacles and hurdles standing in their way have been removed. But, on the contrary, these are counterproductive. These harsh punishments cannot scare even the mothers, sisters and brothers of these dissidents. Their morale and their belief are still intact. They are proud of their dear and loved ones, the prisoners of conscience. They defy and condemn these punishments and unfair trials.

The people at home and abroad are full of wrath and rage. The international community including UN is condemning them. The UN Security Council passed a resolution to take action against human right violations committed by SPDC. The powerful countries are also planning to put more pressure on the junta. In recent days, the international awards were given to versatile artiste Ko Thura a.k.a. Ko Zarganar and Daw Suu. They stand by the weaker section.

The two biggest challenges and Herculean tasks for the regime are 'rule of law' and economics. These repressive laws and unfair trials vividly show there is no rule of law at all in the country. Many lose faith in junta's governance without rule of law.

In economics too, the junta does not have consistent and sound policy beneficial to the people. Thus the developments beneficial to the people can be hardly seen. The income inequality and income gap is widening more and more. The current global economic downturn and economic slowdown has started to affect Burma to some extent. In the long run, the scale of this effect will be clearer and more serious. As for other countries, they can bail out their economy and recover from the crisis. But as for the junta, they cannot manage to get out of this crisis because of the lack of good governance, rule of law and sound economic base.

It is not yet late for the junta to reform themselves as the trusted and respected rulers of the country by listening to the voices of the people and carrying out their wishes. Only in this way, our country can stand as genuine democratic state steadfastly and they can be freed from their 'in dilemma and in quagmire' situation. Please reconsider your current path and rectify in time.


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