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12/20/2008: "NSCN out of Naga reconciliation process Wants to sit face to face with Khaplang and Khole Nagaland Page"

NSCN out of Naga reconciliation process Wants to sit face to face with Khaplang and Khole Nagaland Page

KOHIMA, DECEMBER 13: The ongoing Naga reconciliation process is heading for a premature end following the decision of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) not to take part in the reconciliation effort anymore.
The group's chairman and general secretary, Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, said the rival NSCN (Khaplang) has become the roadblock towards the process. The "Naga reconciliation meet" which is underway in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is without the participation of NSCN (Isak-Muivah).
The 'Ministry of Information & Publicity' of the Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) told Nagaland Page that the "collective leadership" of the group has asked them not to go to Chiang Mai this time till all roadblocks are removed to accelerate the reconciliation process.
"K-group is for reconciliation but not willing to remove roadblocks. So what is the need to join them to waste time and money?" a senior member of the MIP said.
The outfit sources further said the decision on Naga reconciliation is with the "collective leadership" and that they are not attending the meet at Chiang Mai for many reasons.
Singson, Foreign Kilonser (minister) of GPRN/NSCN told Nagaland Page that the rival faction has put certain conditions before them to take forward the process and one of them is revocation of 'quit notice' served to the Tangkhul Nagas three years back. He said the top leaders of GPRN/NSCN are considering the demand, but added that there are certain people in the group who do no want the notice be removed immediately. But he said there should not be any condition before the reconciliation process.
Singson said all past mistakes should be buried and start afresh in the larger interest of Naga people and their movement.
"Quit notice" has claimed several lives, including children, women and students. Some GPRN/NSCN leaders consider Tangkhuls as non-Nagas and asked them to stay away from Nagas' issue.
The NSCN sources also said there was also no point in discussing "Naga reconciliation" without top leaders of the two groups sitting face to face across the table. The outfit said several rounds of talks have been held between second ranking leaders of the two factions to push forward Naga reconciliation process, but that has not generated a momentum as there was no talks so far between the top leaders. The contention of the NSCN is that Swu and Muivah should sit face to face with S S Khaplang, chairman of the rival group.
For this purpose Swu had spoken to his old comrade Khaplang at least twice this year from Thailand inviting him to attend the Naga reconciliation meet.
The NSCN chairman had also written a letter to Khole Konyak, commander-in-chief of the GPRN/NSCN. But according to MIP, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, general secretary of GPRN/NSCN and his brother-in-law Kughalu Mulatonu who is now emissary for the collective leadership of GPRN/NSCN are misleading Khaplang and Konyak from meeting Swu and Muivah.
"When Khaplang and Khole are kept in the dark Mulatonu and Kitovi doing the work of India to keep Nagas fighting," the MIP said.
Naga reconciliation process is underway under the initiative of Forum for Naga reconciliation (FNR), which is headed by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier and supported by foreign peace groups like "quarkers" from UK and American Baptist church.
Appeal for release of kidnapped persons morungexpress
Dimapur, December 19 (MExN): The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has noted the kidnapping of three persons, one YS Sailem, a NG Pamshangphi and one driver by the NSCN (K) from Thaibu Basti, Dimapur on December 18. TNL has expressed shock and stated in a note issued by its president that “at a time when Nagas are trying to participate in the reconciliation process and praying for its achievement, such acts of people is very cruel.” TNL has requested those responsible to release the three on humanitarian grounds.
Likewise, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) expressed shock to learn of the detention of the two women and their driver. The union expressed opinion that in any case detention of women is not in the culture of Naga society and that women in the Naga society are bestowed the highest honour and this value must be respected and followed by all Nagas.
The note received here stated, that while ‘pursuing in all honesty along with our apex body NSF and all federating units for reconciliation among our Naga family, the TKS had travelled and have met all responsible Naga leaders’. The union expressed belief that every Naga had an equal responsibility for the growth of the society with the common vision.
Therefore, “with all sincerity”, the TKS members appeal to those responsible to release the detained women unharmed immediately in respecting the clarion call of all Nagas for true reconciliation within the Naga family.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Shanao Long issued another note conveying shock at the kidnapping and detention ‘at a juncture, when all the Nagas irrespective of tribes, churches, social organization, women and students are striving to achieve true reconciliation to end all forms of internal violence, hatred and divisions and seriously working and praying for the hard-earned political talks and for genuine reconciliation’.
“We strongly believe that in any situation the detention of women for whatever may be the reason is not the spirit of Naga society, culturally, socially and ethically” stated the note. There could be other options to deal with matters than detention. The note from the Tangkhul Shanao Long also stated that in the Naga society, the sanctity of womanhood is given highest respect . On this, the organization has appealed to those responsible to release the persons unharmed, immediately. As a nation, Nagas must learn to have the will to address their differences through democratic means, it stated. In the true spirit of reconciliation, it stated, the Tangkhul Shanao Long appealed to all Nagas to pray and work for the opportunity to pave the way for healing and reconciliation to take place among the Naga people.
NSCN (IM) allege women leader “arrested” by rival

Dimapur, December 19 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has informed about what it termed as “spate of arrest taking place in Dimapur”. A press note issued by its MIP informed that the chairman of the Nationalist Socialist Woman Organization of Nagalim (NSWON) one Salem, along with her ‘staff’ Pamshangphi and one “sgt.” Wungcharin were arrested by the ‘K-group’ at around 3 pm December18, in Dimapur. The MIP further informed that earlier one Imcha Longkhumer “joint secretary, secretary in-charge MIP” and one Hotovi, a tatar, were also “arrested” by the same group on 16th December, in Dimapur and that their whereabouts are not known.
Railways to link Kohima ANI
Kohima, Dec 20 (ANI) People in Nagaland are delighted at the Railways Ministry giving green signal for a new railway link in the state.
The railway line will be extended from Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland to Kohima..
Terming it as a boon for the people and the business community, many rejoiced over the proposed railway link.
"I am happy that the Government is providing railway transportation for the villagers. The villagers will get the benefits of transportation and also will get the privilege to boost our economy," said Victo Swu, chairman of Shukhovi village.
Kohima is linked to Dimapur only through road, which consumes much time and is expensive because of the hilly terrain. Frequent rains cause road blocks in many areas of the state because of the loose soil constitution.
"Traveling from one place to place is quite taxing. We used to carry loads on the head and vegetables get spoilt half way. We thank the government because business line would develop and there would be more interaction amongst the villagers and a sense of brotherhood would prevail," said Jeol, a member of Village Council. Besides serving as connectivity to the people, it is believed to bring a difference in the lives of the people.
"If Central government brings such developmental projects, many educated unemployed youth would benefit and this would help the youth to abstain from joining the underground. With more of development and setting up of industries, I believe the problem of insurgency would diminish and centre should try hard to control anti social activities, which in turn would usher in development".
The distance of approximately 125 kilometers is to be constructed by the Northeast Frontier Railway. A survey has already been completed and is likely to cross Dimapur, Nagarjan, Thahekhu, Diphupar, Sovima, Chumukedima, Tenyiphe, Balijan, Sukhovi, Paglapahar, Khamkhya, Khaibong, Maova, Tsuma, Sochonuma,Sirhima Basa Sirhima, Medziphema, Piphema, Chepema, Khabvuma, Peducha, Zubza, Kikruma and Thizama of both Dimapur and Kohima districts.
The last stop of the railway line, starting from Dimapur railway station, will be Zubza, about 10 km from Kohima. y Vibou Ganguly (ANI)
‘No deviation from Naga unity' morungexpress
Dimapur, December 16 (MExN): “In the matter of Naga unity NSCN is always forthcoming. We represent the Naga issue, and therefore NSCN has always stands for the unity of the Naga people. There is no deviation till now”, affirmed the NSCN (IM) in a note issued by its MIP. It however pointed out that the crux of the matter was unity based on principle which “the NSCN repeatedly stressed and which other group find too harsh to adhere”. Sating that unity should be for the Nagas and not under the Indian constitution, the MIP note pointed out that this “political point has to be taken into account when we talk of unity”.
With reference to the Sumi Hoho president Hokishe Yepthomi’s comment that “unity is more important than status of solution”, the MIP pointed out that this was “sheer idiocy that reflects his political indiscretion”. “This is therefore misleading in the true sense of the term”, it stated. Making the point that “for over 60 years Nagas struggle was focused on solution, but at the same time NSCN has always encouraged the civil societies to work for Naga unity, while giving priority for political solution”, the NSCN (IM) stated that “political solution will automatically bring unity among the Nagas”.
Reiterating that the “spirit of NSCN on unity and reconciliation finds reflection in the Yaruiwo’s proclamation on 13th January 2007, Hebron wherein it was mentioned ‘let reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion ring all over Nagalim’, the MIP statement expressed that “Azheto Chophy and his company at the instance of Sumi Hoho ran away from the national call of duty for unity”. “They ran away from the national issue and revolution”.
Pointing out that if “Hokishe Yepthomi is so restless for Naga unity, then he must preach the theory and practice of unity to the unification group that Azheto claimed to represent, but never to the NSCN”. The MIP reminded Hokishe “that Naga unity can never materialize when handled in the manner of Azheto and Sumi Hoho who are working hand in glove with the Indian intelligence agents and armed forces”. “The Sumi Hoho after prodding Azheto to run away from Hebron can never retrieve its credibility although its fallen image is not NSCN’s pleasure”, the MIP note stated.
The NSCN (IM) further alleged that the term ‘Unity first and solution next’ was the creation of the forces or agents to put obstacles to Indo-Naga political solution. “NSCN is never for piecemeal solution. Sumi Hoho is nothing more than a mere social organization. What is best for the Nagas is the main factor that is occupying the thinking of the Naga negotiators with the GOI during the past eleven years”, the MIP clarified while adding that Hokishe Yepthomi was “simply going overboard and not tempering his inflated authority over the Naga unity issue”.
“With his typical bent of mind Hokishe’s political philosophy for the Nagas is ‘choose between bloodshed and peace’. There is no doubt that Hokishe is responsible for the bloodshed that has taken place in the name of Naga unification when the unification group started killing indiscriminately. He will be held responsible if more killing take place”, it stated while adding that the “NSCN have never gone for the killing, but only when provoked beyond control, to save the innocent Naga people from falling easy prey to the marauding elements”. “After all, who divide the Nagas? And who is against unity? Hokishe should not poke his nose unnecessarily. It is better to be sincere than being hypocritical. Deception and deceit should not be made to go too far to fool the Nagas.
The downfall is sure to happen. A social leader who only represents motley of Sumi’s should learn to mind his business”, the MIP note stated.
Pointing out that the recourse “to ban any tribal organization is a hard decision for the NSCN, but when NSCN ban Sumi Hoho the destructive nature of its activities became the indefensible reason”. It stated that in the place Sumi Hoho never stopped “abusing the name of Yaruiwo of GPRN and misleading the general Naga public and Sumi public by
misinterpreting the Yaruiwo’s proclamation on unity through reconciliation and forgiveness”.
It went on to allege that the “Sumi Hoho also indulged in the sinister game plan to dislodge the GPRN led by Collective Leadership after the 23rd Nov. 2007, when Azheto ran away from Hebron to eventually form his self-style government ‘Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland” and that “it actively involved themselves as the facilitators for the formation of the parallel government using the stolen name of NSCN”.
Narrating a related incident, the MIP statement went on to state that the “Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho leaders on 23rd Jan 2008 in their meeting with Yaruiwo at Bangkok admitted that they had prevented Azheto and his group from making their unification move ‘official’, though NSCN’s Joint Council took the decision to make it official”. “They have even given assurance to act as mediator. The SH/WSH leaders reiterated the same on 29 January 2008 in a joint meeting with Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah at Hebron. But they never translated their commitment into action, and their one sided inclination towards the traitors in the sweet name of unification discredited their image and betrayed the NSCN authority in particular”, it stated.
Pointing out that in a “show of their overbearing attitude the SH/WSH leaders on 23 January 2008 turned down the official request of NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu to revoke/review the Sumi Hoho Resolution of 27 Nov. 2007 at Kuhuboto”, the MIP stated that “their sinister design was thus exposed more openly to the Naga people”. More than that, it alleged that the “Sumi Hoho played important role in mobilizing and instigating public to destroy properties belonging to NSCN members thereby inducing anti-Naga mindset to the people”.
“Unheard of in the history of the Naga people’s long struggle for freedom crossing 60
years no civil society had gone to the extend to denigrate the NSCN in the manner SH/WSH had done”, the MIP press note stated while adding that in the “name of unification, morality was discarded in the dustbin when SH/WSH intentionally supported the unification initiated by deserters who fled from Hebron at night on 22 Nov. 2007 with arms and other government properties”.
Original Nagaland maps lost: Chidambaram Thai Indian News
December 17th, 2008 - 4:20 pm ICT by IANS - New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) Original maps demarcating the borders of Nagaland have been lost, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said here Wednesday. “The Nagaland government had submitted the maps in September 1979. These were forwarded in October 1979 to the government of Assam for its comments. The Assam government has informed us that the maps are untraceable,” Chidambaram said during question hour in the Rajya Sabha.
“The government of India did not keep a copy. The maps were sent in the original,” the minister added.
The statement is significant as the separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland has been fighting for six decades to create a Greater Nagaland by slicing off parts of three neighbouring states to unite 1.2 million Nagas. Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have strongly opposed the demand.
NSCN (IM) reacts to Sumi Hoho’s statement Issued by: MIP/GPRN

In the matter of Naga unity NSCN is always forthcoming. We represent the Naga issue, and therefore NSCN has always stands for the unity of the Naga people. There is no deviation till now. But the crux of the matter is the principle-base unity that the NSCN repeatedly stressed and which other group find too harsh to adhere. Unity should be for the Nagas and not under the Indian constitution. This political point has to be taken into account when we talk of unity.
With reference to the Sumi Hoho President Hokishe Yepthomi's comment that "unity is more important than status of solution" it is sheer idiocy that reflects his political indiscretion. This is therefore misleading in the true sense of the term. For over 60 years Nagas struggle was focus on olution, but at the same time NSCN has always encouraged the civil societies to work for Naga unity, while giving priority for political solution. The political solution will automatically bring unity among the Nagas.
The spirit of NSCN on unity and reconciliation finds reflection in the Yaruiwo's proclaimation on 13th January 2007, Hebron wherein it was mentioned "let reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion ring all over Nagalim". But Azheto Chophy and his company at the instance of Sumi Hoho run away from the national call of duty for unity. They run away from the national issue and revolution. If Hokishe Yepthomi is so restless for Naga unity, then he must preach the theory and practice of unity to the unification group that Azheto claimed to represent.
But never to the NSCN. Hokishe must note that Naga unity can never materialize when handled in the manner of Azheto and Sumi Hoho who are working hand in glove with the Indian intelligence agents and Armed forces. The Sumi Hoho after prodding Azheto to run away from Hebron can never retrieve its credibility although its fallen image is not NSCN's pleasure.
"Unity first and solution next" is the creation of the forces or agents to put obstacles to Indo-Naga political solution. NSCN is never for piecemeal solution. Sumi Hoho is nothing more than a mere social organization. What is best for the Nagas is the main factor that is occupying the thinking of the Naga negotiators with the GOI during the past eleven years. Hokishe Yepthomi is simply going overboard and not tempering his inflated authority over the Naga unity issue. With his typical bent of mind Hokishe's political philosophy for the Nagas is "choose between bloodshed and peace". There is no doubt that Hokishe is responsible for the bloodshed that has taken place in the name of Naga unification when the unification group started killing indiscriminately. He will be held responsible if more killing take place. NSCN have never gone for the killing, but only when provoked beyond control, to save the innocent Naga people from falling easy prey to the marauding elements.
After all, who divide the Nagas? And who is against unity? Hokishe should not poke his nose unnecessarily. It is better to be sincere than being hypocritical. Deception and deceit should not be made to gotoo far to fool the Nagas. The downfall is sure to happen. A social leader who only represents motley of Sumi's should learn to mind his business.
To take the course to ban any tribal organization is a hard decision for the NSCN. But when NSCN ban Sumi Hoho the destructive nature of its activities became the indefensible reason. In the first place Sumi Hoho never stop abusing the name of Yaruiwo of GPRN and misleading the general Naga public and Sumi public by misinterpreting the Yaruiwo's proclamation on unity through reconciliation and forgiveness.
The Sumi Hoho also indulged in the sinister game plan to dislodge the GPRN led by Collective Leadership after the 23rd Nov. 2007, when Azheto ran away from Hebron to eventually form his self-style government "Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland". It actively involved themselves as the facilitators for the formation of the parallel government using the stolen name of NSCN.
The Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho leaders on 23rd Jan 2008 in their meeting with Yaruiwo at Bangkok admitted that they had prevented Azheto and his group from making their unification move "official", though NSCN's Joint Council took the decision to make it official. They have even given assurance to act as mediator. The SH/WSH leaders reiterated the same on 29 January 2008 in a joint meeting with Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah at Hebron. But they never translated their commitment into action, and their one sided inclination towards the traitors in the sweet name of unification discredited their image and betrayed the NSCN authority in particular. In a show of their overbearing attitude the SH/WSH leaders on 23 January 2008 turned down the official request of NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu to revoke/review the Sumi Hoho Resolution of 27 Nov. 2007 at Kuhuboto. Their sinister design was thus exposed more openly to the Naga people.
More than that, the Sumi Hoho played important role in mobilizing and instigating public to destroy properties belonging to NSCN members thereby inducing anti-Naga mindset to the people. Unheard of in the history of the Naga people's long struggle for freedom crossing 60 years no civil society had gone to the extend to denigrate the NSCN in the manner SH/WSH had done. In the name of unification morality was discarded in the dustbin when SH/WSH intentionally supported the unification initiated by deserters who fled from Hebron at night on 22 Nov. 2007 with arms and other government properties.
Amnesty slams new Indian anti-terror law AP
NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 19 (AP): Amnesty International on Friday slammed India’s new anti-terror legislation to beef up police powers in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, saying it violates international human rights treaties. The London-based human rights group called on India’s president not to approve the legislation, which would double the number of days police can detain terror suspects before filing charges, from 90 days to 180, as well as boost their powers to conduct searches.
Both houses of India’s Parliament passed the bill this week, following last month’s attacks on Mumbai by suspected Islamic terrorists that killed 164 people. It now needs President Pratibha Patil’s approval before becoming law. Officials at India’s Home Ministry, which drafted the bill, could not immediately be reached for comment Friday. The government’s top law enforcement official, Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram, defended the bill in Parliament on Wednesday as providing an “adequate balance” between “the demands of human rights and the people of India for strong anti-terror laws.”
The anti-terror bill, which was sent to Parliament along with a bill to create an FBI-style national investigation agency, was meant to beef up the powers of India’s police and judicial system to combat terrorists. But Amnesty said the process was hasty and would likely undermine the rule of law and violate international human rights treaties. It did not specify the treaties. In particular, Amnesty raised concerns about the sweeping definition of terrorism, extending the detention of suspects by up to 180 days, denying bail to foreigners who enter the country illegally, and the requirements, in certain circumstances, for the accused to prove their innocence.
Quit notice served on NDFB Correspondent Assam Tribune
HOWRAGHAT, Dec 19 – Charging the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) of being of involved in different illegal activities, Bodo frontal organisations including the ex-BLT, have asked the outfit to quit Karbi Anglong within December 25.

In a press meet held at Langhing Tiniali library hall on Monday, the Bodo frontal organisations and ex-BLT leaders alleged that instead of staying in their respective designated camps the NDFB cadres under ceasefire have been commiting criminal activities like extortion and kidnapping in Karbi Anglong district. Demanding release of primary teacher Ajit Basumatary kidnapped by suspected NDFB Nobember 5 last, the former Boro Sahitya Sabha, Karbi Anglong district unit, president Dr Premananda Mushahari, former ABSU leader Uttam Brahma and Chandra Basumatary social worker urged the ceasefire NDFB militant to maintain ceasefire ground rules so that their demands are resolved by democratic process.

Targeting the NDFB Rijen Basumatary, president, Ex-BLT Welfare Society, Karbi Anglong district unit alleged that violating their ground rules the under ceasefire NDFB is indulging in extortion, kidnapping and recruiting new cadres in Karbi Anglong. It needs to be mentioned here that the Karbi Anglong district Bodo frontal organizations along with the ex-BLT cadres have warned that if the kidnapped teacher Ajit Basumatary is not released before the December 25 then the organisations will launch search operation and agitation against the NDFB in Karbi Anglong district.
NDFB asked to leave Karbi Anglong by Dec 25 Assam Times
The National Democratic Front of Bodoland is landing in yet another trouble. Several Bodo organisations in Karbi Anglong district have served the militant outfit an ultimatum to leave the hills distirct by December 25 to avoide major wrath.

Addresing a press conference recently, these organisations have asked the militants for unconditional release of kidnapped teacher Ajit Basumatari before Christmas.

Further, these Bodo organisations have threatened a massive movement against the NDFB in the district. These include Sahitya Sabha, All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation, All Bodo Employees Association, All Bodo Students Union, Bodo Harimu Afad and the Ex-BLT welfare Association.

The district president of Ex-BLT Welfare Association Rijen Basumatari alleged that NDFB has violated the ceasefire ground rules.

Khaplang led NSCN asks why its cadre should remain indoors [Zeenews

Kohima, DEC16 : The Khaplang led NSCN on Tuesday questioned the Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) and other civil society organizations why its cadre should remain indoors when rival NSCN(I-M) was carrying out killings.

In a statement it alleged that a week after killing one its unarmed members before his wife and children in Rengma area, another unarmed cadre was ambushed yesterday at Dimapur. "Will the esteemed Naga organizations continue to demand restraint from GPRN/NSCN and allow IM cadres (NSCN-IM group) to behave like wolves and hyenas pouncing on harmless creatures?" the statement issued by its publicity wing asked. The statement said that it there was no good reason and hope left for the outfits cadre 'to stay indoors'.

The Forum, comprising churches has held several round of discussions with leaders of rival factions for reconciliation among the two groups. Meanwhile, the apex tribal council Naga Hoho in a statement called upon the warring Naga underground groups to exercise restraint to create a congenial atmosphere so that the people could celebrate Christmas.]
A cultural treat, DIVYA KAUSHIK , TNN
It’s not everyday that Jaipur gets to witness the coming together of people from across the country.



Harpal (TOI Photo)
This do at Jawahar Kala Kendra marked a mélange of various cultures ranging from distant states like Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh to those closer home. Craftsmen showcased the creative brilliance of their respective states as a part of the Tribal Festival titled Aadishilp that is being held here.

While the youngsters were interested in chunky jewellery from Nagaland and jute bags from Gujarat, for many, the fair was a great opportunity to hang out with friends and have a glimpse of various cultures. Said Priyanka who came with her family and friends to attend the fair, “It is so good to be the part of the fair. I feel more such events should be organised annually.” Parul and Nisha were glad spending the evening shopping with friends and family.

The evening was brightened up with folk dances from Punjab and Rajasthan. Harpal, one of the dancers from Punjab said, “It is the best form of cultural exchange between the states. It is so much fun to learn through dancing.”
Ceasefire-bound militant outfits in Assam call for peace ANI
Guwahati, December 16 (ANI): Ceasefire-bound militant groups, academics and social activists recently called a convention ‘In Search of Peace’ at the Guwahati University, which called for an end to violence in the State.
Organised by the Peace and Conflict section of the University’s political science department, the conclave had representatives from tribal and student organizations, including the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU).
Participating in the seminar the leaders of the ULFA’s truce-bound 28 battalion, Dima Halam Doagah and Birsa Commando Force besides academicians and social activists opined it’s time to unite to end violence and usher in peace and prosperity. Ways to clear “bottlenecks” in the path of peace were also discussed at the event.
We have brought together various stake holders of the civil society like the student’s organization, the rebel groups who are in ceasefire and various other political parties and many stake holders have come together to give a kind of united voice to the state that the state should develop the political will which is required to resolve such issues of insurgency, said Noni Gopal, Professor at Guwahati University.
We need to have a very specific forum or a kind of facilitating body to really take part in the peace process in north-east India. In this, the State and Central government should also encourage the work of peace forum and peace workers to strengthen the dialogue between concerned parties,” said Jebra Musahari, Chief advisor of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal people.
Mindless violence and killings have paralyzed the State. There was a general feeling that such a trend should be opposed by one and all of the civilized society. It was also felt that though every militant group has a separate agenda, there are common issues peace being one of them which can be addressed from a common platform. Many of the members at the seminar said that talks could be the only solution for creating a peaceful environment in the State.
Dilip Nunisa, Chairman of the DHD in ceasefire, said: To tackle this kind of situation, the government leaders or the public, or the leaders of the peace talk groups should have a constructive mindset so as to find out the way of settlement. Then peace will surely be there.”
Mrinal Hazarika, Commander of the ULFA’s truce-bound 28 battalion, said: “The central committee leaders and the government will be involved in the dialogues. Whatever assistance the two sides” need, I will be involved in working that out. Assam people must demand and the government will come to decide and discuss diplomatically. For these, we have been going to many places in Assam wherever people wanted to talk and we will keep doing that. For this same purpose we have come to Guwahati as well.”

No human rights panels in 10 states, including Nagaland (Agencies)

NEW DELHI,: Ten States, most of them in the Northeast, are yet to form human rights commissions to safeguard the rights of citizens, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand are yet to set up their State Human Rights Commissions, Minister of State of Home Affairs Shakeel Ahmad said during question hour in the Lok Sabha.
"The central government has issued advisories from time to time to all those states to set up their state human rights commissions at the earliest. The National Human Rights Commission has also pressed for the same," he added.
"The reasons cited by those States for not setting up the State commissions are constraints of funds or less number of complaints of human rights violations which do not justify setting up of a full-fledged commission," Ahmad said.
He said the central government is still pursuing the matter with the 10 States.

NDFB splits; to contest Lok Sabha polls GUWAHATI, DEC 15 (IANS):
The outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), blamed for the recent serial bombings in Assam, Monday split with the outfit replacing its Bangladesh-based chairman Ranjan Daimary with a new leader, besides announcing that the group would contest next year’s parliamentary elections.
“We held our general assembly meeting and decided to replace Ranjan Daimary as chairman of the NDFB and unanimously selected Dhiren Boro as the new chairman,” S. Sanjarang, publicity chief of the NDFB, told journalists.
“We invited Daimary to attend the meeting, but he failed to turn up and so we decided to have a new general body of the outfit by appointing Boro as the chairman.”
The NDFB held its general assembly meeting Monday at one of its camps at Kumguri in western Kokrajhar district, about 250 km from here.
The NDFB, fighting for an independent homeland for the Bodo tribe, is operating a ceasefire with New Delhi since 2005.“We have also decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections either directly or indirectly,” the NDFB leader said.
The Assam government earlier blamed the NDFB for the Oct 30 serial bombings and has since arrested about 25 militants.
“How can the entire NDFB be responsible for the acts of a few individuals? We are in a ceasefire and are not involved in any violence,” Sanjarang said.
“We want the ceasefire to continue and want a solution to the Bodo problem,” Sanjarang said.

Daimary exit fuels peace hopes - With NFDB choosing a ‘soft line’ president, talks may finally take off A STAFF REPORTER


File picture of NDFB cadres at a designated camp
Guwahati, Dec. 16: The National Democratic Front of Boroland’s decision to drop its Bangladesh-based leader Ranjan Daimary and replace him with a local, “softliner” president, B. Sungthagra, has raised hopes that the Bodo peace process may finally take off.
The Centre has long insisted the presence of the outfit’s top leaders during talks, but Daimary usually played truant.
With Sungthagra, alias Dhiren Boro, at the helm of affairs — he was named the president at the outfit’s general assembly meeting yesterday — things are set to change.
“Now that the NDFB has a president who lives in the country, the talks can begin,” a source said. There are a few other factors that have led the negotiation watchers to believe that the outfit will eventually turn to peace. Security forces hope that after spending about three years, since the 2005 ceasefire, in “civilised society”, it would be difficult for the militants to return to the jungles and don battle fatigues again.
“Since the serial blasts in the state, we have also been putting pressure on the NDFB leaders lodged in designated camps in the state to severe links with their Bangladesh-based leadership. If the outfit fails to do so, there will be no further extension of the ceasefire which is due to expire on December 31,” a senior police official said today.
The pressure came at a time when the special investigating team found “concrete evidence” about the involvement of NDFB cadres in the blasts that killed over 80 people.
Hopes of a solution also stemmed from the outfit’s assertion that it was keen on participating in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections either “directly or indirectly”. “If the interest in directly participating in the elections is genuine, then the NDFB will have to shake off the ban on it, which will be possible only after a negotiated settlement,” a home department official said.
CBI to probe serial blasts, riots in State R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Dec 16 – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken over the cases relating to the serial blasts as well as the ethnic riots in the districts of Darrang and Udalguri after the Centre formally issued the notification in this regard. Highly-placed official sources told The Assam Tribune this evening that a formal meeting to discuss the issue was held at New Delhi today, which was attended by the chief secretary (CS), director general of Assam Police (DGP), home commissioner, IGP (Special Branch) and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting also discussed the involvement of the members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) in the serial blasts on October 30, which resulted in the death of more than 80 persons. However, no decision on whether to extend the ceasefire agreement with the outfit or not was taken in the meeting.

Sources said that as the State Government only requested for a CBI probe into the serial blasts and the ethnic riots along with a copy of the resolution of an all-party meet chaired by the Chief Minister, a formal consent is required before the Central investigating agency takes over the case. The State Government is likely to send the formal consent letter shortly to start the ball rolling for CBI probes into the cases. Sources also said that completion of the formalities for the CBI to start investigation into the cases would take a few days and teams of the Central agency would have to inform the concerned courts under the jurisdiction of which the incidents took place and take over the records from the police before starting probe.

Official sources said that the progress of the investigation into the ethnic riots and the serial blasts were discussed in detail in today’s meeting and the findings so far were reviewed thoroughly. Sources said that the Assam Government gave a detailed account of the findings of the investigations so far and it is now very clear that members of the NDFB were involved in the serial blasts. The State Police investigations as well as the findings of the Central agencies both identified the perpetrators of the serial blasts and found that members of the militant outfit, which is under cease-fire agreement with the Government, were involved, sources added.

However, today’s meeting could not come to a decision on whether the cease-fire agreement with the NDFB, which expires on December 31, will be extended or not in view of the involvement of NDFB members in the serial blasts. Sources said that the formal decision is likely to be taken by next week following a meeting of the cease-fire monitoring group. Sources also said that the State Government was a bit apprehensive of withdrawing the cease-fire agreement at this moment as the forces available are not adequate to deal with the situation in such a situation.

Meanwhile, though the NDFB general assembly yesterday removed its Chairman Ranjan Daimary alias DR Nabla from his post and asked the vice president Dhiren Boro to assume the responsibility, security agencies are skeptical of the move and expressed the view that it might be a ploy to ensure the extension of the cease-fire agreement. If the move of the general assembly is genuine, the security forces will have more problems in their hands as it will be impossible for them to identify which cadre of the outfit is a follower of the ousted chairman and which is for the group favouring the extension of cease-fire, security sources pointed out. Sources also pointed out that though the cease-fire agreement with the NDFB was signed more than three years back, Ranjan Daimary never attended any of the meetings with the Government and till date, the Government did not have any formal letter from the chairman of the outfit authorizing the group headed by general secretary Govinda Basumatary, which was holding talks with the Government.