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12/30/2008: "Nagas hail Isak Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network"

Nagas hail Isak Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal,: CHAIRMAN OF the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), Isak Chishi Swu today expressed asserted that a free nation of Nagas could only be established through conscious effort of the people concerned.

In his message to the Naga people and the 'Naga national workers' through some electronic means during a programme to commemorate his 50 years in 'national service' at Central Head Quarters of NSCN-IM (Hebron camp), Isak said the fighting of Nagas is principle based, so also the ongoing negotiation (peace talks) is principle based.

"Any solution that betrays the principle is not a solution at all," he quipped while reassuring that "NSCN will never enter into any agreement against the will of the Naga people and also that we will not it take decision at the expense of the rights of the Naga people" .

A brief autobiography of the NSCN leader released on the occasion maintained that everyone, friend and foe knows well that the case of the Nagas is unique and NSCN represents the issue. Realizing the futility of solving the political problem through military means Indian leadership sent feelers to the NSCN for political dialogue, he said, adding that they (feelers) too understand well that Khaplang or NNC do not represent the issue. He also pointed that 'dead organisations and wrong leadership' can never represent the Naga people.

"People from some quarters claimed India has stopped killing Nagas, but this defies the ground reality", he said while blaming that the enemy is still killing the Nagas through the persons of Nagas. "The enemies have invaded and occupied the mind and heart of many Nagas," Isak Chisi Swu said.

He also maintained that "solution will neither come from the east nor from the west. It will come only from our firm stand for the principle".

General Secretary Th.Muivah in his speech read out by Emissary to the Collective Leadership, 'Lt. Gen.(Retd)' V..SAtem on the occasion despite the unhappy happenings the NSCN will stand for the reconciliation process and at the same time will be vigilant to see that the reconciliation process is not mishandled or exploited.

He also expressed optimism that the Naga people now and the generations yet to come would be proud of Isak for his 'unsparing sacrifices' and the kind of leadership given to the 'little but tough Nagas' throughout the perilous years of the past. Organizational representatives from Eastern Naga People' Organsation, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Naga Students' Federation, Nagaland Baptist Churches Council, United Naga Council, Naga Council Dimapur and Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur spoke on the occasion and expressed hope that the the great Naga leader (Isak) lives long to witness the dream of Naga people fulfilled.
NSCN (IM) Kyong Region cautions and condemns morungexpress
DIMAPUR : While condemning the “barbaric act of the so called ‘Unification’/Kehoi campers in strongest terms” over the attempt on the life of Chipenthung Ezung on December 27, the ‘Central Administrative Officer’ of Kyong Region of NSCN (IM) has cautioned members of the Kyong community in the “Reactionary Camp.” Warning that their every movement was being closely watched, the press release received here stated that retaliatory action may have to be taken on those who do not heed their warning.
The release pointed out that at this crucial juncture of Naga history, while every Naga was striving to usher in peace, unity and reconciliation into its land, the “NSCN (U) (K)” resorting to killings, intimidation, kidnappings and violence was a clear indication that they were puppets to the adversary’s divisive plots to annihilate the Nagas. It stated that the attempt on the life of Chipenthung Ezung, ‘Deputy Kilonser’, MIP, served as an eye-opener to the realities and hidden agendas of the group that shouts relentlessly high sounding phrases and slogans for peace, unity and reconciliation.
Condemning the incident, the ‘Central Administrative Officer’ sought to “leave the rest to the sensible man to understand the true colour and intent of the group which professes unity and reconciliation of the Nagas.” The Kyong Region also sent a strong message to all political parties of Nagalim that they stick to the proclamation of its Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu issued on January 13, 2007, adding that it denounced violence in any form whether to its members or anybody in its Lim.
‘Nagaland's potential lies in rich bio-diversity’ Newmai News Network
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam along with officials of the National Institute of Health, Environment and Social Welfare (NIHESW), the organisers of the 16th NCSC at Delhi Public School, Dimapur on sunday.
Kohima : Former President of India, Dr APJ Kalam has said that judicious exploration of the rich bio-diversity available in Nagaland can greatly boost the state's economy.
Responding to a student who wanted to know what Nagaland needs to do for its economic growth during an interaction in Dimapur at the Delhi Public School as part of the ongoing 16th National Children's Science Congress 2008 yesterday, Dr. Kalam suggested that along with herbal aromatic plants, Nagaland should explore its immense potentials in agro-processing enterprises, horticulture and floriculture as also its native craftsmanship by infusing appropriate technologies so as to generate exportable products. And Naga youth can take a lead on this aspect, he said.
On the role of students, Kalam said the primary mission of a student should be to excel in studies. He said success would come so long as students have a set goal, acquire the knowledge, work hard with devotion and persevere.
On the role of teachers, Dr Kalam said a good teacher is one who don't use "old notes" but have something new to say to the students always. A teacher should prepare lesson everyday, he added.
Describing the children as "born scientists" since they ask a lot of questions, Dr Kalam suggested the teachers to encourage their pupils to ask more questions as well as interact with the students.
When a student asked whether he regards his elevation to Rashtrapati Bhavan or the success of the Pokhran tests as his success story in life, Dr Kalam quipped neither of them satisfied him more than his research findings on carbon to make lighter materials to fly missiles, since the same materials were used by a Hyderabad-based hospital to make lighter calipers for physically handicapped children, who earlier found it difficult to walk with heavy calipers.
Emphasizing the need for exploration of all non-conventional energy sources in view of the problem posed by global warming to planet earth, Dr Kalam said research on solar energy using nano-technology would lead to better fuel efficiency in vehicles to hit the roads. He pointed out the present available technology on solar powered vehicles could attain only 20-25 per cent fuel efficiency but nano-techlogy showed the efficiency in solar cells used in cars can be enhanced to 60-65 per cent.
"Don't worry, wait for a few years, you will get your solar powered cars to drive on Dimapur roads," Dr Kalam said in reply to a question from a student on when she will get opportunity to drive her vehicle powered by solar energy.
Also participating in the interaction, former UGC chairman and noted scientist Prof Yashpal wanted the teachers to listen and learn from students to teach them properly. "Do not emphasize much on what they answer from their syllabus, rather give importance to what the students question," Prof Yashpal suggested.
Asking the teachers never to say no to questions from students, Prof Yashpal pointed out that "to discover a question is more important than to read the answer." The 5-day children science congress is being held here on the theme 'The Planet our home: Explore, care and share' and attended by over 1,200 delegates, comprising students, teachers and scientists, from different parts of the country.
Concern over new Gorkha outfit Efforts on to strengthen counter-insurgency steps STAFF REPORTER Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, – Efforts are on to improve coordination between the police and security forces involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North Bank districts and apart from the militant groups already active in the area, emergence of a new militant group—Gorkha National Front, has added to the worries of the forces. Police sources told The Assam Tribune that the emergence of the Gorkha National Front came to light following the arrest of two of its hardcore members recently. The outfit, which has about 50 cadres, was formed one year back and it has bases in the Borchola area of Sonitpur district and parts of Golaghat district.

Interestingly, the members of the Gorkha National Front were trained by members of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M), which is under cease-fire agreement with the Government of India. Police said that the NSCN members, of course did not train members of the new outfit in the designated camps, but “somewhere else in Nagaland”. Though the new outfit is yet to officially announce its demands, police believe that the members are fighting for an autonomous council.

The AANLA is maintaining a low profile for some time, but police suspect the involvement of members of the outfit in the recent killing of an assistant manager of a tea estate near Paneri in Udalguri district. Police sources said that the AANLA demanded money from the garden and members of the outfit tried to kidnap the assistant manager and he was killed when he offered resistance.

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is keeping a low profile in the North Bank areas for some time as the strength of the outfit came down over the years. Police sources said that though the outfit does not have adequate number of cadres to create major disturbances, the security forces are not ready to lower their guards and counter-insurgency operations are still on.

There were reports of involvement of members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) in kidnappings and extortions in the North Assam districts but police sources said that in recent times, most of the members of the outfit have started staying in the designated camps. Strict instructions have been issued to police and security forces to take strong action against any NDFB member found to be outside the designated camps with weapons, sources added. Though it is the responsibility of the SSB to guard the international border with Bhutan, the police and other security forces are also keeping a close eye on the areas along the international border to prevent any militant from sneaking into Assam from the neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, security measures in the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Udalguri, Nagaon and Morigaon were discussed at a meeting chaired by the Commissioner, North Assam Division recently. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of the districts as well as by officers of CRPF, BSF and Army. The meeting reviewed the security scenario and discussed the steps need to be taken to ensure peaceful celebration of the Republic Day.
Insurgencies in northeast dominated 2008, economic climate improving ICT by IANS
Agartala, Dec 29 (IANS) Though violent separatist insurgencies continued to rock most northeastern states in 2008, the region also saw mobilisation of investments, the launch of the ambitious Vision 2020 and new governments in four states.After a three-year deliberation, the Vision 2020 document was released in July by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.
The three-volume document promises to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the region through a multi-pronged strategy that includes spurring private investment and industrial development, empowerment of the people by maximising self governance, rural development, increasing agricultural productivity and augmenting infrastructure in the region.
Pitching strongly for making the northeast region an economic hub, Minister for Development of the Northeastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar said the region requires billions of dollars in investments and stressed that the development of the region will push India’s growth rate to double-digit figure.
With a high degree of investment interest in the industry-starved region by the corporate world, the fourth northeast business summit saw 247 expressions of interest (EOI) from 64 companies, including some foreign business houses.
Agro and food processing sector received 65 EOIs. This was followed by tourism with 50 EOIs and infrastructure sector with 70. This was besides interests shown in the IT and manufacturing sectors.
Diplomats, investors and delegates from 12 countries took part in the two-day Northeast Business Summit, held in September.
The four northeastern states — Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram — set up new governments with Meghalaya and Mizoram witnessing change of regimes.
In Meghalaya, after a fractured mandate, Congress leader D.D. Lapang was sworn in as chief minister March 10. But he could not prove his majority in the assembly and the Congress-led government resigned after nine days, paving the way for the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) of Donkupar Roy to form the government March 19.
In Nagaland, a 12-member ministry headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio assumed office in March as the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) came to power for the second consecutive term after defeating the Congress.
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Front stormed back to power in Tripura for the sixth time - including four times in a row. CPI-M politburo member Manik Sarkar was again sworn in as chief minister.
After successive setbacks in the three northeastern states, the Congress won the November polls in Mizoram after a gap of 10 years.
Voting out the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Congress won 32 seats in the 40-member house. Lalthanhawla, who shaped the Congress base in the state, became chief minister for the fourth time on Dec 11.
“The security situation in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland — which together account for over 90 percent of incidents of militant violence in the region so far this year — has become a cause of concern…,” a report of the union home ministry said.
Manipur and Tripura witnessed this year’s worst terrorist violence in the two states when a series of bomb explosions took place on Oct 1 and Oct 21 respectively.
In Tripura, over 100 people were injured with the capital Agartala rocked by a wave of bombings. Eighteen people were killed and 44 more wounded in a powerful bomb blast in Manipur capital Imphal.
Amid rising tension arising out of rampant factional hostility among rival underground groups, specially two factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), overwhelming peace and reconciliation campaigns by social groups and churches dominated Nagaland’s socio-political scenario during 2008. Notwithstanding hope for peace nurtured by the people, the war of attrition between the NSCN factions refused to die down.
The outgoing year was very low key in Arunachal Pradesh except for the agitation launched by government employees over implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendation, resurfacing of the boundary problem with Assam besides China’s claim over Arunachal territory.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh in January announced a mega Rs.200 billion (approx $4 billion) development package. The prime minister during his visit announced the launching of several schemes, including rail, road and air connectivity, development of infrastructure, education and healthcare facilities besides the Rs.55 billion, 1.840 km Trans-Arunachal Highway project connecting Tawang to Mahadevpur.
Comrade pins blast blame on Daimary Woman cadre picked targets OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Jayanti Brahma and other arrested NDFB cadres at Goalpara police station on Monday. Picture by Ashraful Alam
Dhubri, Dec. 29: An arrested member of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has claimed that the outfit’s hardline leader, Ranjan Daimary, had himself handed over the timers used in the October 30 serial blasts in Guwahati.
A “sergeant major” of the NDFB, Jayanti Brahma, who was arrested along with five others on Friday during an extortion attempt in Goalpara district, has confessed that Daimary gave her the timers at the outfit’s Thamthim camp in Bangladesh on October 1.
The six were waiting to strike a deal for money when police arrested them acting on specific information. Jayanti made the revelations during interrogation by the CBI and state police.
“This is for the first time after the serial blasts in Assam that the police have been able to get specific information about the involvement of Ranjan Daimary in the blasts,” Goalpara superintendent of police Akhilesh Singh said. The revelations assume significance because investigations had reached a dead end with the main accused absconding. “We expect them to reveal more which would then help us ascertain the conspiracy part of the blasts,” he said.
Before Jayanti, another NDFB cadre, “sergeant” Aghai Basumatary, who was arrested along with her, had told interrogators that he had received instructions from Daimary to carry out the blast at Ganeshguri.
The police official said Jayanti had left the Thamthim camp in early August and reached Kokrajhar in the first week of September. Before leaving the camp, Daimary had given her a packet containing the timer devices, which she carried to Kokrajhar before passing it on to a “top-rung NDFB leader”.
He said on arriving at Kokrajhar, Jayanti started gathering the explosives from various sources and got the bombs manufactured by the explosives experts in the first week of September. She then also selected and finalised the target locations for the blasts by the end of the month. Jayanti finally handed over the bombs to those who planted it at select locations in Kokrajhar and Barpeta Road.
Aghai Basumatary said he left Thamthim camp in Khakrichari in Bangladesh on October 1 and reached Guwahati on October 25. He entered India through the porous border along the Garo Hills of Meghalaya and proceeded to Guwahati on bus. In here, Basumatary stayed in a house owned by Tarun Talukdar, a dentist, at Lakhiminagar in Hatigaon and rented by John Basumatary. John had introduced himself as a graduate who was job hunting in Guwahati. Basumatary said he took four days to assemble and fit the bomb in a gas cylinder. He then took the bomb to Ganeshguri in a car and set the time. He waited for the blast and then left the area. Sources said the submission of case diaries in Assamese to the CBI could delay the probe into the October 30 serial blast case. They said though Assam police handed over the case diaries to the CBI team in Guwahati yesterday, the investigating agency, which is now in charge of the probe, will have to translate the contents first. Around 30 sleuths are on the job, the sources added.
Bangla poll results to help or hit NE ultras
Staff reporter
GUWAHATI, Dec 29 – With Bangladesh going for elections today, the security forces are keeping a close watch on the political developments as the results of the polls will have serious implications on the security scenario of India, particularly of Assam and other parts of North East Region. Security sources told The Assam Tribune that it would be beneficial for India if the Awami League returns to power as the party is considered closer to India and in the past, the Government headed by the party took some tough steps against the militant groups. Sources pointed out that during the tenure of the Awami League Government in Bangladesh, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was forced to shift its headquarter from Bangladesh to Bhutan in the early part of 1990s and even the account of the militant group in the Sonali bank was sealed, which resulted in huge financial loss to the outfit. However, the top leaders of the ULFA managed to stay in Bangladesh even during the tenure of the Awami League Government.

On the other hand, the ULFA and other militant groups of North East had untroubled run in the neighbouring country during the tenure of the BNP-led coalition Government. Sources said that the BNP-led Government also had the support of a few radical groups, which prevented it from acting tough against ULFA and other militant groups using the territory of that country as safe sanctuaries.

Sources said that in recent times, the caretaker Government, which was ruling Bangladesh till the elections, was forced to act tough on forces inimical to India including jehadi groups mainly because of pressure from the Western Countries and at least eight of the leaders of the fundamentalist terrorist groups were hung by the Government for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

But sources said that the fact that forces inimical to India managed to establish bases in Bangladesh , while, the leaders of the militant groups of the North East are staying in the neighbouring country. Sources revealed that the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has a training camp in the Khagrachari area of Bangladesh and even after the outfit signed cease-fire agreement with the Government, new recruits were trained in batches in that camp. The ULFA is also reportedly running a camp just five kilometers inside the international border in Bangladesh, sources added.