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01/05/2009: "2009 Ushers in Hope, for Naga Reconciliation Morung Express News"

2009 Ushers in Hope, for Naga Reconciliation Morung Express News

Dimapur | January 4: As the people of Nagaland step into a new year, there is renewed hope and expectation throughout, from church leaders, politicians, bureaucrats to the average citizen, everybody is anticipating a chance for a better tomorrow. After an impacting year 2008, people rest their hopes in lasting peace and development, in the state. When The Morung Express caught up with various sections of the Naga spectrum, most admitted that there are many daunting challenges ahead. Yet there is hope in the people. 2008 may have witnessed a turbulent phase especially in the law and order, not to forget the wave of insecurity faced by civil society. But the people of Nagaland are willing to look ahead again, come 2009, that perhaps things will change for the better this time.
The theme of “Naga Reconciliation” has been at the forefront of many people’s agenda and this New Year too, much expectation is for reconciliation, peace and unity of the Nagas. The Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) which has long been trying to root out “isms” from the Naga community says this year will be a year of “inner search.” Apart from the Naga reconciliation effort which the NBCC fully supports, it hopes to encourage “spiritual reconciliation” among different tribes in Nagaland and drive away the elements of differences. “We cannot only blame the undergrounds for disharmony in our society. We need to search ourselves first in order to usher in peace and development in the state,” Reverend Kari Longchar, Director of the NBCC’s Peace Affairs, says. He said that the NBCC will strengthen churches in Nagaland irrespective of denomination and impress upon them to rededicate to God. Having shed the responsibility of being the sole organization for peace, Reverend Longchar said NBCC fully supports the reconciliation process and shall work hand in hand with other organizations to bring a lasting solution to the Naga political problem.
The government is also making “peace” its first priority this year. With the slogan “peace for development; development for peace,” the government will thrust this agenda and work towards being a “facilitator for peace.” The government is also planning to increase the pace of development in the state. With lack of infrastructure in all sectors and snail-paced development, this is good news for the common man as the man on the street wants development, security and opportunities.
Leaders who have concern for peoples’ welfare and imbibed with good leadership qualities is the need of the hour, according to many of those this daily spoke to. As people hope for better opportunities, women are leaving no stone unturned to get their share as well. Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur, says it will continue to work programmes for the uplift of women and pursue the controversial “33% Women Reservation” as part of their agenda for 2009. Their support to the “Naga Reconciliation” also stands and says it hopes the year will be a “year of reconciliation.”
The Media also hopes to pick up on things which need to be highlighted. Several issues pertaining to the common man that the Media had failed to reach out and address, it will strive to be more variant and relevant. “Media has failed to investigate on many issues and bring more awareness among common people,” Dimapur Press Club president, Dilip Sharma says and wants to make a difference this year. Other journalists also say that reporters need to broaden horizons and venture into areas untouched. Some also feel that the masses and government should recognize the enormity of the Media’s task and service. They ought to give access to journalists to broker more development in the state and highlight issues which will “open the eyes of the government.”
‘Organized corruption behind development fiasco’ Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 3: The newly christened United Naga Democratic Socialist Party (UNDSP) has pointed out that a new economic elite has emerged among the Naga society and that this new elite class consists of corrupt politicians, government officials and business class enjoying the patronage of the politicians and the bureaucrats.
A press note issued by Ntsemo Ngullie, President UNDSP, has observed that the root cause of corruption-based money economy is nothing but the Grant-in-Aid money coming from New Delhi. “The money sent from Delhi is mainly to develop the State so that even the poorest of the poor would get its benefit both directly and indirectly”, the UNDSP stated while alleging that due to “organized corruption practices” in the State, the target group never gets the benefit and that the politicians, bureaucrats and the government contractors and suppliers were enjoying all the development funds at the cost of the general public.
The UNDSP pointed out that the very proof of the above corruption practice was the State elections where candidates on an average spent Rs 9 crores per assembly seat, which had already been surveyed and published by the local media right after the election, it was informed. “Since the public are well convinced that the politicians are going to corrupt away their share for development activities they would ask for money even for their precious votes during the election”, the press note observed while adding that this has become a vicious cycle and was likely to continue unless a new political regime emerges in the State with a clear cut ideology and vision to protect the economic security of the common people. “Therefore, the UNDP has now been re-christened into UNDSP to bring about socialistic principle in the State politics failing which the common people in general will continue to suffer the exploitative system of governance of the privileged class,” the press note stated.
Besides, the UNDSP informed that its motto was “peace and prosperity” and that its main object was to bring about unity and reconciliation of the Nagas; peaceful solution of the Naga political issue and also to bring about all round development through socio-economic and political equality based on democratic and socialistic patterns. The UNDSP further explained that after a thoughtful study on the prevailing socio-economic and political situation of the Naga society, it was considered necessary to rechristen the United Naga Democratic Party into the United Naga Democratic Socialist Party on December 11, 2008.
It also gave the observation that before the advent of the then British-Indian administration in India in the 19th century, Naga society was an agrarian classless society and each village was a republic by itself. Stating that people were known for their simplicity, honesty, integrity and bravery, it was pointed out that with the passage of time the old cultural values were eroded mainly due to cultural invasions.
On the political situation, the UNDSP was of the view that at this juncture the general public had become confused to choose between the Naga nationalist led government and the State government under the Government of India and Myanmar. “In this process the entire socio-economic and political situation have been jumbled up and the old self sufficient agrarian economy has been replaced by money economy which has brought about economic imbalance in the State,” the UNDSP stated.
Congress members resign; join NPF under 46 AC morungexpress
Dimapur : Several active members of the Congress party under 46 AC, Mon town, have reportedly quit to join the NPF in support of N Thongwang Konyak, an ex-candidate from the constituency. The active members who resigned include Pintok, general secretary of VCC (I), Tahkai, Khonglem, Tingkam, Pennyem and Ngamshong, along with 30 households under 46 AC, Mon town, of Totok Chingkho.
Pointing out that they had lost confidence in Congress MLA Chingwang Konyak representing 46 AC, a press note stated that they were totally deprived of any kind of developmental works in every field. The note also stated that the NPF party was working to pave way for peace, prosperity and development under the able leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. This, they stated, had influenced them to join the NPF.
The NPF president of 46 AC Mon town, Tingtong Konyak, has warmly welcomed the members along with the 30 households and called for working in cooperation for the upliftment of the NPF party in the future, besides providing support to the party candidate in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
Alleged cadres imposing 'godown tax' Newmai News Network
Imphal | January 4:Uncertainty looms large in Manipur over the availability of cooking gas as some miscreants claiming themselves to be NSCN-IM cadres allegedly have turned back some 15 empty gas tankers from Maram in Senapati district on Friday. With this recent development, the gas tanker owners have appealed the NSCN-IM to give necessary clarification whether it made any commitment to the cease-fire monitoring cell that the outfit would not disturb gas tankers of Manipur while playing along the Imphal-Kohima highway.
It is worth noting that Manipur chief minister O. Ibobi Singh had assured gas tankers owners sometimes back that the NSCN-IM would not disturb the transporters anymore. On Sunday, drivers of the gas tankers alleged that some individuals claiming themselves to be NSCN-IM cadres had insisted that unless 'godown tax' was paid to the NSCN-IM by the gas distributors there should not be any gas tanker service until Sekmai gas bottling plant in Imphal West.
During the first week of December, the gas tankers had stopped their supply for a while after some elements claiming themselves as cadres of NSCN-IM allegedly turned back more than 10 empty tankers from Maram in Senapati demanding that “godown tax” be paid. The tankers, however, resumed service on December 29 after a high level government team led by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured a delegation of the tanker owners on December 27 that the cease-fire monitoring cell in Dimapur assured the state government that the NSCN (IM) would not disturb Manipur gas tankers.
According to reports, Manipur police detained two tanker drivers on Friday for more information after the tankers were turned back allegedly by NSCN (IM) cadres demanding tax. The drivers of gas tankers are frustrated despite the assurance made by the Manipur government that NSCN-IM would not hinder tanker movement the disturbance continues. Transporters from Manipur are presently refiling gas from Assam and the bottling plant at Sekmai in Imphal West.

No IM tax demand : CFMG By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jan 4: Amid severe shortage of cooking gas (LPG) in the State owing to alleged monetary demand by the NSCN (IM), Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) General Mandhita has reportedly denied that the Naga rebel group had made any such demand.
According to a highly placed source here, the CFMG Chairman contacted officials concerned of the State Government and issued a clarification that officially cleared the NSCN (IM) from any involvement in levying tax of Rs 15 lakh from the Sekmai Gas (LPG) Bottling Plant as well as LPG distributors.
Apart from denying involvement of the IM group, which is currently observing a ceasefire and having talks with New Delhi, Gen Mandhita is said to have commented that involvement of the rebel outfit’s splinter/breakaway group/s making the monetary demand could not be ruled out.
Significantly the Army officer, according to the source, sought detailed information from the State government such as schedule of movement of bullet tankers/LPG carriers, the exact location where the incident of stopping and turning back the vehicles occurred so that the Army could initiate necessary action.
More information on the LPG impasse could be extracted by The Sangai Express when contact was established with the individual through the telephone (mobile) number which was reportedly handed to Bullet Tanker operators for communication on the tax demand.
The individual in question claiming to be a member of the GPRN also conveyed his name and designation in the outfit but insisted that such details should not be published in the newspaper as he is not authorised to comment on the matter by the GPRN’s Ministry of Information and Publicity. Conceding that the tax demand was indeed made, he said to establish mutual understanding and sustain cordiality between the outfit and the transporters/distributors the said amount was ‘urged’ verbally as favourable response from the distributors was expected.
Further insisting that distributors ought to cough up the said amount, the GPRN member contended that as 30 percent tax is being levied by the Government from the distributors the GPRN insistence for the minimal amount is justifiable as LPG carriers (bullet tankers) pass through GPRN territories.
Informing that the tax demand was made verbally and no demand letter had been served on the matter, he also held the authorities of the Sekmai Bottling Plant responsible for the shortage in cooking gas faced by consumers of Manipur.
Further expressing that the issue could have been resolved through negotiation, the GPRN member also disclosed of LPG distributors in the ‘Group A’ category of amassing income to the tune of Rs 25 lakh annually whereas profit earned for every truck load of LPG stands at Rs 2000.
Taking into account the profit figure of the distributors the GPRN merely sought minimal contribution, he reiterated during the telephonic conversation.
The individual also recounted when LPGs were carried in ‘pack truck’ the NSCN (IM) used to levy godown tax but the tax collection module had to be dropped as the sekmai Bottling Plant technically served as the LPG storage godown.
He also disclosed that after setting up of the Sekmai plant the IM group had been levying daily tax of Rs 300 for each truck-load or Rs 5000 annually.
In another startling revelation some bullet tanker operators speaking to the Sangai Express at near the Sekmai bottling plant on condition of anonymity contended that there is strong apprehension of certain drivers conniving with the armed group in the godown tax demand of Rs 15 lakh against the distributors.
Claiming that about 10 bullet tanker operators out of many drivers engaged for supply to the Plant operate as a different constellate seldom interacting with their colleagues (majority group).
Coincidentally, the two bullet tanker drivers reportedly at the custody of the rebel group are from this cluster, they claimed and provided inputs with regard to the hijack of a bullet tanker in December last from near Maram.
Identifying driver of the hijacked bullet tanker as a Nepali individual called Raman, the drivers during the interaction at the Sekmai plant insisted that Raman was reluctant to share information regarding the hijack story other than saying that the vehicle was taken to an interior location in Senapati district.

Bid to bring together Bodo groups Staff reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 4 – It would be an attempt at going back to the roots so as to bring together various Bodo groups scattered across the length and breadth of the country and even outside the country. The silver jubilee celebration of the Bodo Writers Academy scheduled from January 18 at Bagduar Nwgwr, Bijni, Chirang, is going to emerge as the platform for various Bodo groups of Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Delhi, Tamil Nadu etc to interact and discover their similarities and assimilated dissimilarities.

The event will also feature the first ever concerted endeavour to build the bond of camaraderie especially between Bodo groups concentrated in NC Hills, Tripura and in the plains of Assam.

The get-together has been termed as the Bodo National Festival which will start from January 22 on the sidelines of the silver jubilee celebrations. A book fair on the same venue will be another attraction of the event.

Addressing mediapersons on Sunday, Biswajit Daimary, MP, Rajya Sabha and president of the Bodo National Festival Committee said that despite having the same roots, the Bodos living in different parts of the country were ignorant about each other and there was a communication gap between them. “We hope to build the bridge of friendship between the Bodo groups through this platform,” said Daimary adding that discussion was on with the Dimasa Sahitya Sabha and Kok Borok Sahitya Sabha of Tripura to make the festival an annual affair.

It needs to be mentioned here that around 300 Bodos from Nepal are expected to participate in the event that will not only highlight the cultural identity of each Bodo group, but will also have seminars and discussion sessions on Bodo literature, culture, history, language and national buildings.

The curtains will come down on the 8-day extravaganza with a pledge to promote amity and cultural exchange between the groups.

City blast explosives supplier arrested Correspondent Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Jan 4 – Police today achieved an important breakthrough into the investigation of January 1 serial blasts in the city and arrested ULFA cadre Sanjeeb Talukdar (20), who, according to police, supplied the explosives used for triggering all the three blasts in Guwahati. Based on Sanjeeb’s statement, a few more arrests were made. Some more ULFA cadres, according to police, are likely to be arrested in the next 24 hours.

GP Singh, Deputy Inspector General (Central West Range) told The Assam Tribune that police have laid hands on some very specific clues after the arrest of Talukdar.

“The investigation is heading in the right direction and very soon those involved in the blasts would be booked,” Singh said. However, he refused to divulge any details, saying, “Interrogation is on and it would be premature to divulge anything at this moment.”

Talukdar, who acted as a carrier for the ULFA’s 709 battalion, handed over the explosives to Pranjal Deka, a couple of days before the explosions took place in Guwahati. Talukdar hails from Rangiya district and was arrested by the city police this morning.

Police claimed that the deal between Pranjal Deka and Sanjeeb Talukdar was being co-ordinated by Khagen Kalita, self-styled sergeant major of the outfit’s 709 battalion over phone. The explosives, according to police, were handed over to Deka near Adabari bus station. Based on Talukdar’s statement, police intensified the combing operation and also picked up some youths from different parts of the city. It needs mention that city police, on Friday, released the photograph of ULFA cadre Pranjal Deka, who according to security agencies had masterminded the serial blasts on the New Year day.

Another senior Assam Police official, when contacted, said that the hunt for Pranjal Deka is on across the State and some vital clues about his movement have been gathered in the last 24 hours.