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01/29/2009: "NISC demand GoI to withdraw AR troops Nagaland Page"

NISC demand GoI to withdraw AR troops Nagaland Page

In the background of the Peace Process provocations undermine the spirit of the Ceasefire and peace talks.
A well covered Government of India – Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagalim agreement once and for all put an end to misinterpretation to the extent of the ceasefire with the addiction of the term ‘without territorial limits.
Already at the signing of the cease fire agreement, 1997, it was obvious that this agreement was arrived at between two parties, the Governments of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagallim. There was no mistake in understanding, because part of the dispute was based on limitations of territory that two nations not the nation India and the state Nagaland had agreed to ceasefire.
The use of electrified barbed wire around the Naga Camp to prevent Naga Forces to leave, is an inhumane act and a Violation of Human Rights.
Considering the points above the Naga International Support Center requests the Government of India to answer the following questions:
1 – Is there any misunderstanding, misinterpretation, of the meaning and extent of the ceasefire by the Armed Forces on the ceasefire with the Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagalim?
2 - On the basis of genuine peace talks should your Armed Forces not show restraint?
3 - The besieging and subsequent threatening of Naga soldiers residing peacefully in the vicinity of a village is a threat to civilian life too. Have your forces been ordered to disrupt the life of peaceful Naga citizens?
Considering that the Assam Rifles, who base their action on the idea that the cease fire covers Nagaland State only, not Manipur or other Naga lands and hence no camps if the Naga Army should be there, the Naga International Support Center strongly demands that the Government of India:
- orders the Assam Rifles to immediately withdraw
- explains the meaning of cease fire to all troops
- stops all conflicting instructions
- to order its forces to show restraint
- to stop provoking the Naga Forces to the point of jeopardizing the Peace Process
- show respect for Human Rights by instantly removing the electrified barbed wire from around the Naga Camp
For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or get in touch nisc@nagalim.nl
(On E-mail)

‘Explain meaning of ceasefire to army’ morungexpress
Dimapur : In the backdrop of the ongoing Shiroi standoff between Assam Rifles troopers and NSCN (IM) cadres, the Naga International Support Center today made a number of queries to the Government of India. The NISC also made a number of demands, including one that demanded that the ‘meaning of ceasefire should be explained to all troops’.
According to the statement from the NISC, a ‘well-covered’ Government of India and “government of the people’s republic of Nagalim” agreement put an end once and for all to any misinterpretation “to the extent of the ceasefire with the addiction of the term ‘without territorial limits’”.
On this argument, the NISC queried if there is “any misunderstanding, misinterpretation, of the meaning and extent of the ceasefire by the armed forces on the ceasefire with the government of the peoples republic of Nagalim?” The NISC also demanded a response if “on the basis of genuine peace talks should your armed forces not show restraint”.
The organization said the “besieging and subsequent threatening” of Naga “soldiers” who were “residing peacefully in the vicinity of a village”, is a threat to civilian life too. “Have your forces been ordered to disrupt the life of peaceful Naga citizens?” the NISC queried.
Considering that the Assam Rifles, according to the NISC, “who base their action on the idea that the ceasefire covers Nagaland State only, not Manipur or other Naga lands and hence no camps if the Naga Army should be there”, the NISC made a number of demands to the Government of India. The Government of India should order the Assam Rifles to immediately withdraw and “explain the meaning of cease fire to all troops”, the NISC demanded. Further, all “conflicting instructions” should be stopped and orders to the army to show restraint should be issued.
Asking the Indian forces to “stop provoking the Naga forces” to the ‘point of jeopardizing the peace process’, the GoI is told by the NISC to show respect for Human Rights “by instantly removing the electrified barbed wire from around the Naga camp”. The statement from the NISC added that “the use of electrified barbed wire around the Naga camp to prevent Naga forces to leave, is an inhumane act and a violation of Human Rights” .
Army enforces C-fire; NSCN cadres arrested
Dimapur : The Assam Rifles has informed that on 28 January based on specific intelligence regarding movement of underground cadres, a joint mobile check post of the 42 AR and 164 TA battalion at Kukidolong intercepted a suspiciously moving car, a Santro, leading to the arrest of two NSCN (IM) cadres. On searching the vehicle, uniforms and 50 rounds of ammunition of .303 rifle were recovered, informed a press note issued by the PRO of IGAR (North). At the same check post, the IGAR said, another car, an Alto traveling from Kohima to Dimapur led to the arrest of four NSCN (K) cadres along with three 9mm pistols and 32 live rounds (9mm) and four mobile sets. All the apprehended cadres were handed over to police, the press note stated.
AR STEPS UP VIGIL IN NAGALAND
The Assam Rifles clarified that a state of high vigil is being maintained all over the state to ensure that Ceasefire Ground Rules are adhered to by all the Naga factions. Stringent measures will be adopted against erring cadres violating laid down CFGR within the state of Nagaland, the IGAR press note informed.
Shiroi Impasse Infuse Tension morungexpress
In this photo released to the media, women from Shiroi village and adjoining villages, in Manipur are seen keeping vigil to prevent any untoward eventuality from the ongoing standoff between the Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) cadres in the village, January 26.
Dimapur : Even as the 72-hour deadline for the Assam Rifles troops and NSCN (IM) cadres to withdraw from Shiroi village came to an end on Monday evening, the stand-off was reportedly persisting as both the parties refused to vacate the areas until their "terms" are met accordingly. Sources from Shiroi village said the Assam Rifles are staying put in the village saying the troops would be withdrawn only after the NSCN (IM) armed cadres leave the village, whereas the latter are willing to budge only if "another designated camp" elsewhere is accepted.
Both the parties had earlier agreed to withdraw from the area after a three-day stand-off from the village, which prompted the women from the village and surrounding areas to step in and keep up a 24-hour long vigil and avert any untoward incident. Till late on Monday evening, activists from different groups are said to be camping at Shiroi. "They (women) are still continuing with their day-night vigil. This is likely to go on until the situation is totally peaceful," a student leader, camping in the village, said over telephone.
Since the stand-off began with the Naga outfits, the Assam Riffles has deployed troops drawn from 17 and 23 ARs battalions. "There are about 500 ARs personnel in the area. There is no sign of withdrawal from them till this evening," said the villagers. According to reliable sources, there are about 20 NSCN (IM) cadres reported to be inside the "disputed camp."
Sources today said that the Assam Rifles are still in cordoning off the area while the NSCN (IM) cadres are still sticking to their positions. The Assam Rifles are said to have deployed about 700 troopers with heavy arms and ammunitions. Sources quoted Assam Rifles CO Dharmesh Yadav refusing to comment over the expiry of the deadline. Over a query about the use of 'electrified barb wire' by the AR around the NSCN (IM) camp as claimed by a Human Rights organization, he denied of such use. However, local sources said that the AR has laid barbed wires around the entire vicinity of the camp. Access to the perimeter of the camp is restricted to all beyond the first AR bunker. Even photos taken by media persons within the permitted perimeter are scanned by CO himself, it was informed.
72 Hrs dateline ends; stand-off still on AR troopers were seen positioned at the first bunker, which used to be the 'bunker-1' of the NSCN (IM) cadres before the standoff began. Heavy AR reinforcements have been reported during the last 48 hours, in addition to nearly 500 AR personnel already stationed in the village. On the other hand, the NSCN (IM) cadres are believed to be numbering around 20 and still holed-up inside the camp, cut off from any supply for the last 7 days. Water, food, electricity supply has been disconnected since January 20. They are believed to be manning three bunkers with heavy weaponry.
Sources said the village looks very deserted, with very little sign of life around this otherwise bustling scenic village. Only scenes replete with AR men in full uniform and weaponry are noticed at every pocket of the village. Except for few children and women attending to their daily chores, only few men were seen moving around the village – reasons largely attributed to the fear of a possible showdown. It has been reported that since the impasse ensued, most of the villagers have not attended to their paddy field works, hampering economy. No instance of intimidation by the AR has been reported so far. However, as one local stated, "the huge concentration of the Indian Army in the village vicinity has not only deprived privacy but has also created fear psychosis in the minds of the local population, especially the children".
To prevent both the parties from confrontation, and also to facilitate peaceful withdrawal, a large number of womenfolk have been camping here near the first bunker since the stand-off began on January 19.
Civil society takes to protest
Dimapur : The continuing standoff between the Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) in Shiroi village in Manipur has created exigencies leading to civil initiatives. An indefinite sit-in protest has been started in Shiroi village in Manipur, against what was stated to be the "siege of Shirui village by Assam Rifles". Relatively, the village has shot off a letter to the Manipur State Human Rights' Commission calling for intervention.
A 'coordination committee for Shirui Siege' has been formed, consisting of various frontal organizations, faith-based organizations, NGOs, representatives of Shirui village and social activists. The chief objective of the committee is 'to protect and promote' the rights of Shirui villagers 'whose human rights are being violated in the siege of Shirui village by the Assam Rifles', the committee said in a statement today. The indefinite sit-in started stared around 7 AM on January 26 and is said to be indefinite until the Assam Rifles withdraw from the village.
The committee has demanded immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Shirui village and that the civil authorities of Ukhrul district immediately look into the situation and take all necessary actions to protect the rights of the villagers. "The situation has created immense suffering and hardships for the denizens of Shirui village. The constant presence of security forces has resulted in the violation of basic fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the country, including the right to live with dignity, the freedom of movement, the right to privacy and personal security, the right to livelihood, and the right to property etcetera" the committee informed. The impasse has also affected the economic well being of the villagers with all of them unable to take up any economic activity, it added.
Also, the Shiroi village authority has written to the Manipur State Human Rights Commission calling for immediate intervention. The village authority highlighted the situation to the commission and said that it demands active action of the state. 'There is no guarantee in the war-like situation to secure the life and liberty of Shirei village enshrined in the Constitution of India;it is a veritable threat to be redressed in time. To secure the life of innocent children, they have been evacuated from Shirei village to safer place and are taking shelter in the neighboring village for the last few days', the commission was told.
The village also said that both the parties 'seem to have resolved amicably to end the crisis without bloodshed' but the matter is "hovering around with utter confusion in the minds the parties involved in the interpretation of the terms of agreement in their own convenient language has compounded the problem".
The commission was told that the only remedy and last option available to the villagers is to vacate to safer places till the crisis is over. However, this will entail tremendous hardship, suffering and financial losses "to overcome man-made catastrophe" the letter stated. Shiroi reminded that the situation demanded the State's action to protect and ensure right to life and liberty of the citizens. The matter is serious as it involves the duty of the state to security to life and property of the citizens and so there should be no delay, it added.
Meanwhile the NSCN (IM) has expressed appreciation of the role played by womenfolk in the Shiroi situation. "Despite the chilly winter night the women of the villages like Hundung, Choithar, Langdang, Nungbi and from the Ukhrul town stay put in the camp area to face the war-like situation. They have one object in mind, and that is, peace should prevail" the MIP note stated. "They know that political settlement through negotiation is the only way out and military confrontation they abhorred. Their emotional and physical involvement in such manner certainly saved the day from going bloody" the outfit acknowledged. "With the government of India showing different colors in different occasions not doing enough to rein in the AR the Nagas are passing through a critical period where the nerve of the NSCN is being put to greatest test. But the culprits shall be AR and not NA (Naga army)" it added. Rights body expresses concern over situation in Naga areas Kohima , Jan 28 A human rights body in Nagaland has expressed concern over what it called a&apospsychological warfare&aposlaunched against people in the Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast, including neighbouring Manipur, by the Assam Rifles.
Rights body expresses concern over situation in Naga areas Opinio
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in a statement said that the move by the Assam Rifles vitiated the conducive atmosphere prevailing in the areas at a time when there was a ceasefire in operation with Naga underground groups.
The NPMHR cited the tension at Wokha in Nagaland last December - which arose after a standoff between local people and Assam Rifles - and at Sirohi village in Manipurs' Ukhrul district, to claim that the incidents were&aposdisturbing signs of instability&aposemerging out of lack of progress in the Naga political talks.
There was a week-long standoff at Sirohi village in Ukhrul district, a stronghold of NSCN(I-M), between local people and Assam Rifles over the existence of a camp set up by the underground elements. The Assam Rifles wanted the facility to be closed since Manipur officially does not fall under cease-fire jurisdiction.
The rights body yesterday held its general assembly at Diampur and deliberated on current situation in different Naga-inhabited areas of the region.
The meeting also deliberated on the proposed construction of Tipaimukh and Mapithel dams and other mega projects in southern Naga areas (Manipur) and demanded that consent should be obtained from the affected people before undertaking such projects.

Unite Nagas as a people – Rio DIPR Morung
Zunheboto : The DAN Government is a government committed to unity and reconciliation of the Naga brethren. It is a bigger policy, said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while speaking at the inauguration of SDO (C) Hq in Suruhoto. He told the gathering that if ‘administratively we are not united, we can be united, politically’. He cited how the Britishers created their empire in India due to the disunity among petty kingdoms. ‘Our disunity will be to the advantage of our adversaries’, he reminded.
“Nagas are free and without control and the Britishers termed Nagas as free people who lived under the banner ‘might is right’, during our forefathers. But today Christianity and civilization has changed our lifestyle”, he said. But at the same time he also warned that if ‘this civilization’ is not ‘properly controlled’ under certain rules and a disciplined life not maintained, ‘our future is heading for ruin’.
He further said freedom is not being free ‘to do as you like; you are free within rules and regulations’ he said. ‘Without this peace and regulated development cannot take place’ he said and added that the DAN Government is committed to the uplift of the downtrodden in the villages and rural areas. People must work hard to avail this privilege to create a favorable environment, he said.
Rio also said that the Nagas should choose ‘their own leaders to bring forth their own development’. In this regard, the chief minister had special praise for the MLA from Suruhuto, Shetoi, for his effort towards development of the constituency. The CM said Shetoi had initiated several developmental projects in Suruhuto especially in the road sector. Rio thanked the people of Suruhuto for electing him to the assembly and urged the people of the area to cooperate with the Government’s agencies.
Rio also highlighted various programmes and initiatives of the state, especially in the youth sector. He said special focus is on empowering the youth through the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund along with empowerment initiatives and capacity-building exercises.
Earlier Minister for Road & Bridges, G. Kaito in his speech expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Sumi Legislatures and Sumi community to the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for listening to the voice of the Suruhoto people and bringing forth the reality of up-gradation of EAC Hq to that of SDO (C) Hq
MLA & Chairman NHHDC, Shetoyi said that in the history of Suruhoto town since 1944 Neiphiu Rio is the first Chief Minister to ever visit the town. The upgradation of EAC Suruhoto to that of SDO (C) and the monolith shall stand as a harbinger to many positive developments in the days to come. Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce, K.C. Nihoshi described Rio as a man of development, courage and a visionary leader.
The CM was accompanied by Minister for Power, Doshehe Y. Sema, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, Y. Patton, Additional Commissioner, K.N. Ngullie, Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, C.M. Tsanglo, SP Zunheboto, KK Chishi, Commandant 8 NAP, Commandant 27 AR and a host of government officials from Zunheboto. A cultural item of various significance was displayed by surrounding villagers. The programme was chaired by DC, Zuheboto.

Naga re-conciliation a policy of DAN govt: Rio Zee News

Kohima, Jan 29: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government is committed to unity and re-conciliation of the deeply divided Nagas, saying this commitment is the bigger policy of the coalition government.

Speaking at the inaugural of SDO (civil) headquarters at Suruhoto under Zunheboto district, Rio said, “Our disunity will be to the advantages of our adversaries, and appealed for unity among the Nagas.”

”Our future is heading for a ruin if the Nagas remain undisciplined and do not live under established rules,” he said adding, “Freedom is not free to do as you like, you are free within rules and regulations.”

Stating that his government was committed to uplift of the rural people, the Chief Minister insisted that people must cooperate with the administration to create a favourable environment to get things done for their welfare.

Speaking at another function at Ighunami in the same district, Home Minister Imkong Imchen also expressed deep concern over the present trend of Nagas killing Nagas in the name of Naga independence, and called for unity and re-conciliation amongst them.

At the general conference of All Sumi Students Union yesterday, Imkong lamented though there were no fighting between Naga undergrounds and security forces in the state since the cease-fire was in force between the two, yet killings among Nagas continued under the pretext of a political cause.

Meeting for peace in Nagaland-Assam border areas The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): In a bid to ensure peace in border areas between Nagaland and Assam, Mokokchung district authorities held a public meeting at Tsurangkong range bordering Jorhat district of Assam, officials said on Thursday.
Official sources said Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner accompanied by Superintendent of Police, Commandant of 2nd NAP, DFO and others held the meeting yesterday with the villagers from the range.
Tsurangkong range comprises eight villages bordering Mariani in Assam.
The meeting discussed various measures for maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas which often witness clashes between the villagers on both sides of the "disputed" inter-state boundary.
Militants moving out of Siroy, claims police chief
OUR BUREAU


Imphal/New Delhi, Jan. 28: The Manipur police chief today submitted a report stating that Naga militants holed up in a camp at Siroy in Ukhrul began “leaving” three days back, belying claims by the Assam Rifles and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) that the standoff continues.
Director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh, in his report submitted to the Okram Ibobi Singh cabinet tonight, claimed that the Naga rebels had begun leaving in small groups following pressure from the Assam Rifles.
The troops laid siege to a camp set up by the NSCN (I-M) on January 19 after the militants, who are not allowed to set up camps outside Nagaland according to ceasefire ground rules, refused to give up their arms.
“We discussed the report submitted by the director-general of police on the Siroy impasse. The report said the militants have started leaving. We are closely monitoring the situation,” a cabinet minister told the media after the meeting.
The minister declined to give any more details.
The police chief’s report came just a day after the Assam Rifles issued a statement yesterday saying that they had rejected the rebels’ demand that they would move out of Siroy, but only to another village and not a designated camp.
“The NSCN (I-M) authorities have intimated that they (the cadres) would not move to any of the designated camps and their cadres would move to yet another village with arms, ammunition and explosives. Obviously, this proposal cannot be accepted as no armed cadres can be permitted to move in any of these areas,” the statement had said.
The NSCN demand came after the Assam Rifles, following a directive from the home ministry, offered safe passage to the cadres on January 23 to leave Siroy and shift to a designated camp. The Naga rebels, however, refused to budge.
A team of Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Naga community, visited Siroy to take stock of the situation.
The group, led by P. Chuba and H.K. Zhimomi, spoke to women vigilantes at Siroy for first-hand information about the prevailing situation around the camp.
Hundreds of women have been keeping vigil at the rebel camp to prevent a flare-up.
Accompanied by members of the Naga Students Federation, Naga civil society organisations based in Ukhrul and the newly formed Coordination Committee on Siroy Siege, the Naga Hoho discussed ways to defuse the tension.
They are expected to take up the matter with the ceasefire monitoring cell in Dimapur.
People of Ukhrul are also holding daily sit-ins at the district headquarters since Republic Day, demanding withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Siroy to allow the NSCN (I-M) to vacate the area.
Outer Manipur MP Mani Charanamei said in Delhi today that Union home minister P. Chidambaram felt the NSCN (I-M) should vacate its camps in Manipur.
Chidambaram will meet home secretary Madhukar Gupta, army chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor, interlocutor for Naga talks K. Padmanabhaiah and senior home ministry officials tomorrow to discuss the future of the peace process in Nagaland and the hill districts of Manipur, a source said.
IM adamant on setting up camp at Ukl dist, Cabinet discusses issue
Our Staff Reporters

A picture of the camp set up by the NSCN (IM) at Siroy, which is the bone of contention
UKL/IMP, Jan 28 : Refusing to budge from its stand, the NSCN (IM) has today made it clear that their objective is to open a camp at Ukhrul district and not as suggested by the Assam Rifles that the cadres holed up at Siroy be shifted to any of the three camps located at Bunning in Tamenglong district, Oklong in Senapati district and Phungchong in Chandel district.
These camps have been there for a long time, much before the ceasefire agreement came into force, AR had earlier maintained.
On the other hand, the State Cabinet which met today, discussed the Siroy crisis, said a reliable source.
To have a detailed discussion on the matter a meeting of the Unified Command has been convened tomorrow which will be chaired by the Chief Minister.
Representatives from the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF and State police will attend the meeting.
Some days back, the IG AR (S) had also highlighted the matter during a meeting of the Strategic Operations Group chaired by the Chief Secretary.
The State Government has also verbally communicated the Siroy situation to the Union Home Ministry.
For the moment, the State Cabinet has decided to adopt the wait and watch policy, said a source and added that as per reports received, out of the 40 cadres who were intially holed up in the camp, there are now only 10 left.
Interacting with The Sangai Express at Ukhrul district headquarters, Chief Administrative Officer of the Wung region of NSCN (IM), V Horam said that on January 23 it was agreed that both the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) cadres would withdraw from Siroy simultaneously within 72 hours.
Once the cadres are shifted out from Siroy, they can be moved to a temporary camp while the NSCN (IM) looks for a suitable site to set up an official camp, said Horam.
Once the site is selected then it would be notified by the NSCN (IM), maintained the CAO.
However the Assam Rifles has been insisting that the cadres at Siroy should be shifted to any of the three camps in Manipur, either at Bunning in Tamenglong, Oklong in Senapati or Phunchong in Chandel.
This is not agreeable to us, said Horam and asserted that the Assam Rifles had also earlier agreed that they (IM) will choose the site for the camp which is to be notified later.
Even as the stand off continues, the people of Siroy are beginning to feel the pinch.
Though the Assam Rifles have stopped advising them not to venture out to their fields, they are still reluctant fearing that things may take a turn for the worse.
Local contacts informed The Sangai Express that there is the danger of facing a bleak harvest this and even readmitting their children to schools has become difficult. The school authorities have been requested to treat students of Siroy as a special cases, said local contacts.
A new body christened “Shirui Non-Violence Committee” has also been formed by the people of Siroy today. The main objective of the Committee is to enable the people to lead peaceful and normal life. Members of the Village Auth-ority, Shanao Long, student bodies and youths constitute the Committee which is headed by a Convenor and a secretary. The Committee has also questioned what the State Govt has been doing when over 1500 people of Siroy are facing the prospect of food shortage. On the other hand, representatives of Naga Hoho, ANSAM, UNC and Naga Students’ Federation who arrived at Ukhrul district headquarters yesterday visited Siroy today morning. The repre- sentatives assured the people of Siroy that they would approach the Centre and apply the right pressure to resolve the situation. The team also met the AR officers including the CO of 17 Assam Rifles. The team however was not allowed to proceed near the camp of the IM group as well as where the AR troops have taken position. The DIG of the Assam Rifles also visited Siroy to over see the situation. To extend a helping hand to the villagers, the Assam Rifles has opened a mobile medical camp. As part of the campaign to resolve the situation, a sit-in-protest was held at Gandhi Chowk at Ukhrul district headquarters today. Meanwhile Outer Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei has written to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Union Defence Minister AK Antony to intervene and defuse the situation.
AR interacts with Siroy villagers Nagarealm.com
IMPHAL, JAN28 [IFP] : The commander of 10 Sector Assam Rifles carried out interaction with the people of village Siroy at about 10.30 am today. Around 250 to 300 people were present for the informal interaction with the commander.

Appreciating the people of Siroy for their quest for peace and tranquility in the area, the commander said that Assam Rifles is also committed towards the same. He mentioned that NSCN(IM) cadres have been conveyed to vacate the camp with assurance of safe passage to them as a one time measure and to go to any of the designated camp.

However, they have forced this stand off to continue for so long as they have not been able to take any decision on the subject. The DIG further reiterated that irrespective of the reports being published in certain sections of media, people of Siroy are aware that Assam Rifles is ensuring that no inconvenience is caused to the local people due to the ongoing impasse. During today`s visit the DIG presented gifts to village elders, stationery items and sweets for schools of Siroy. The interaction was followed by a high tea and snacks in a cordial atmosphere.

It is pertinent to highlight here that in the past few days medical camps were organised by 17 Assam Rifles at Siroy village. 17 Assam Rifles is also extending CSD facilities and monetary as well as material assistance to the community kitchen at Siroy as a gesture of goodwill. Approximately 115 people from Siroy village alone availed the medical and CSD facilities today, a release from the PRO IGAR(South) has said.

Meanwhile, our correspondent has said that Naga civil society organisations from Nagaland including the Naga Hoho, Naga Students` Federation (NSF) along with the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women`s Union, Manipur (NWUM), Naga People`s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) South Sector, All Naga Students` Union Manipur (ANSUM), Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL),Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) today visited the village under seige at Shiroy and took stock of the situation

.Our disunity is advantage to adversaries: Rio
Suruhoto upgraded to SDO (C) HQ (Page News Service)
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 28: Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday asserted that his Government is committed to unity and reconciliation of all Naga. It is a bigger policy, he said while inaugurating the Suruhoto SDO (C) HQ today.
The CM said even if Nagas cannot be united administratively they could unite politically. Our disunity will be to the advantage of our adversaries, he quipped.
Rio also reiterated his Government's commitment to uplift the downtrodden in the villages and rural areas. He called upon the people to work hard to avail this privilege by creating favorable environment.
Earlier Minister for Road & Bridges, G. Kaito expressed appreciation to the chief minister on behalf of the Sumi Legislatures and Sumi community for listening to the voice of the Suruhoto people and bringing forth the reality of up-gradation of EAC HQ to that of SDO (C) HQ.
Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce, KC Nihoshi and MLA & Chairman NHHDC, Shetoyi also spoke on the occasion.
The CM was accompanied by Minister for Power, Doshehe Y. Sema, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, Y. Patton, Additional Commissioner, KN Ngullie, DC Zunheboto, CM Tsanglo, SP Zunheboto, KK Chishi, Commandant 8 NAP, Commandant 27 AR and a host of Government officials from Zunheboto.

Indian rebel groups shifting ‘bases from Bangladesh (Agencies)

SHILLONG, JANUARY 28: Indian rebel groups operating from Bangladesh, were exploring ways to shift their bases from Bangladesh to Myanmar and even China after the change of regime in the neighbouring country, a security official said.
"While so far there is no concrete evidence available regarding Bangladesh's crackdown on camps of Indian insurgent groups, but there is definitely discomfort among the NE outfits having camps in the neighbouring country," the official said on condition of anonymity.
He said security agencies had inputs that the rebel groups were exploring ways to shift to Myanmar, China and Bhutan, while some were intending to cross over to India.
Last year, India had given a list of 110 camps of Indian rebel groups, mostly those of ULFA, to Bangladesh authorities and sought action against them.
Interestingly, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who is holed up in Bangladesh, had issued a statement to the media a few days back claiming that the group did not have any camps in the neighbouring country.
The official said as per the inputs available 'Bangladesh security forces have cracked down upon fundamentalist groups like JMB (Jama'atul Mujahiddin, Bangladesh) and arrested a number of its cadres.'
Meanwhile, BSF IG P K Mishra said, "There are inputs that militants were trying to intrude into India from Bangladesh. The BSF has put its maximum force along the borders since the last 15 days."
"We have deployed more than six additional companies in the vulnerable patches like Garo hills in Meghalaya and Dhubri in Assam, while several additional ambush points and nakas (checkposts) have been set up and more boats deployed in the riverine border of Assam," the IG said.
An additional battalion will be deployed shortly in the 'most sensitive' Dhubri border in Assam, he said.
He said the BSF had increased its coordination with the BDR in sharing information even as both the border guards were conducting joint patrolling in identified vulnerable patches of the border.
The development comes when External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to visit Dhaka next month, the first visit by an Indian leader to Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League wrested power.
It was during her earlier stint that Sheikh Hasina had initiated action against militant groups setting up bases in that country.
With the previous Hasina regime exerting pressure, the ULFA, the NDFB and the KLO were all compelled to shift base to Bhutan.