[Previous entry: "Oil survey comes to a halt - NC Hills police clueless on abduction of employees OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"] [Next entry: "Chidambaram’s statement breach of agreement—NSCN (IM) morungexpress"]

02/09/2009: "Oil survey comes to a halt - NC Hills police clueless on abduction of employees OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Oil survey comes to a halt - NC Hills police clueless on abduction of employees OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Nagaon, Feb. 7: The seismic survey to strike oil in Assam’s North Cachar Hills came to a halt with the Indian Oil Tanking Limited (IOTL) temporarily suspending its operations in the troubled district.
The move has come after four surveyors of a Chennai-based company were abducted by suspected militants of the Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah from the work site at Langting under Maibong police station on Thursday evening. The surveyors have not been traced as yet.
The IOTL, which agreed to carry out the operations in November last year, had given a sub-contract to the company — Eagle Marketing Corporation — for the survey. The latter had started the work in January this year.
NC Hills police, who are still clueless on the case, today said the survey work at Langting had been stopped since the abduction of the surveyors. No official of the company was available for comment.
“A massive combing operation had been launched in the area with the help of the army and the Assam Rifles to rescue the captives. The district’s borders with the neighbouring districts and states have been sealed as far as practically possible,” a senior police official said.
“It was not possible to seal all the exit points from the district because of the difficult terrain. But efforts are on to block all the possible routes to prevent the militants from escaping with the hostages,” he added.
The NC Hills shares its boundary with Nagaon, Cachar and Karbi Anglong districts and four states — Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
The official said the stretch of border with Nagaland and Manipur, which is most frequented by militants, had been sealed.
“The Gorkha Regiment and the Field Regiment of the army are involved in the combing operation with the police,” he added.
The state government’s attempt to explore oil in the district hit a roadblock since the inception of the idea in 2004 with militants opposing all development work.
The survey work, too, was hanging fire, as no company was willing to work in the troubled district.
In 2006, a company had agreed to carry out the survey, but it had to leave midway after militant threats.
Senapati meet Sangai Express
The recent Shirui stand-off between a unit of the Assam Rifles and cadres of the NSCN-IM in Ukhrul district and reported wrangling over celebra-tion of the grandest Naga seed-sowing festival Lui-Ngai-Ni figured promi-nently at a meeting of Naga civil society leaders held today at Senapati district headquarters.
Representatives of the apex Naga organisation - the United Naga Council, All Naga Students’ Assn manipur, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and other bodies participated at the consultative meeting.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a meeting participant said the public leaders thoroughly discussed prevailing situation in the aftermath of the Shirui stand-off with the ongoing tussle between section of the Naga society/units on the Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration being the other important issue. The individual, however, declined to share details of the discussion saying
‘it would be premature to reveal minutes of the meeting discussion at the juncture’.
A Sikh Leader Begs Clinton To Intervene In India www.daily.pk
Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh reminds Hillary Clinton that her husband has condemned the murder of Sikhs during his visit to India in the year 2000, and accuses the Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims throughout the country.
The Honorable Hillary Clinton
Secretary of State

Government of The United States
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary of State Madam Clinton,

Congratulations on becoming the U.S. Secretary of State. Yours is a very important job, protecting the people of the United States by carrying out diplomacy and foreign policy to protect our national security.

I know that you are aware of the troubled situation in South Asia. As you know, India and Pakistan have had a longstanding dispute. You may remember when an Indian official was quoted as saying that Pakistan should be made part of India. You may also remember that it was India that set off the nuclear arms race in South Asia. You may also have noted that India opposed your action sending Ambassador Richard Holbrooke to the region and that it publicly told President Obama to stay out of the situation in the region.

You are also aware of the repression of minorities in India. Your husband, former President Clinton, wrote in the foreword to Madeleine Albright’s book about the massacre in Chithisinghpora:

“During my visit to India in 2000, some Hindu militants decided to vent their outrage by murdering 38 Sikhs in cold blood. If I hadn’t made the trip, the victims would probably still be alive. If I hadn’t made the trip because I feared what militants might do, I couldn’t have done my job as president of the United States.”

The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir,
tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims throughout the country, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, and others.

A report issued by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR) shows that India admitted that it held 52,268 political prisoners under the repressive “Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act” (TADA) even though it expired in 1995.

Additionally, according to Amnesty International, there are tens of thousands of other minorities being held as political prisoners. MASR report quotes the Punjab Civil Magistracy as writing “if we add up the figures of the last few years the number of innocent persons killed would run into lakhs [hundreds of thousands.]”

The Indian Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs "worse than genocide.” I urge you to use your influence as Secretary of State to end the repression of minorities in India.

As you know, many minorities, including the Sikhs of Khalistan, the Christians of Nagalim, the Muslims of Kashmir, and others throughout the subcontinent, are fighting for their freedom from India. In all, there are 17 freedom movements. I call for the release of all of India's political prisoners. In addition, I respectfully urge the Administration to support a free and fair plebiscite on the issue of independence for Khalistan. There should also be similar plebiscites for Kashmir, Nagaland, and every other nation that seeks its freedom from Indian rule. It is essential that the United States use its influence to promote its ideals of freedom.

Thank you for your attention and congratulations again on becoming Secretary of State.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh
President
Council of Khalistan

Our economy doing well: Chidambaram Dipak Kumar Dash, TNN
NEW DELHI: India's neighbours and some other nations are envy of the India's economic growth story in past four years and still doing well in the recessionary phase, union home minister and former finance minister P Chidambaram said this while addressing Congress workers at a national level convention in the capital on Sunday.

He said that while the world economy has been adversely affected because of the economic slowdown, India has managed to do well in comparison to other economies, highlighting how India has registered a 9% GDP growth for past four years and 7% growth is projected in this recessionary phase.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the government was fully prepared to deal with insurgency in north-east, naxals and terrorists activities. Reiterating the Central stand on insurgency in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, Chidambaram said government would not engage any insurgent group unless they shed the demand of sovereignty and accept unconditional ceasefire.
''We will not tolerate violence. Security forces will fight them out and the civilian government will work on development. We can't deprive these states of getting investment, good roads and infrastructure,'' the Home Minister said. Raising the issue of Naxalite infested states, Chidambaram said the government was committed to expedite all development activities in these states and to uproot these outfits.

On terrorism, the minister said, ''Anyone who takes the gun, takes the path of terrorism will be punished. The issue should not be related any religion. We have been working with the state governments to deal with any such attack. Our action will be strong, swift, precise and decisive in case of any terror threat. We have improved intelligence gathering and sharing of the information and greater surveillance at all borders,'' the minister said.
Somdal Church celebrates 100 Years of Christianity
Font size:
Aya A. Shimray
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: A jubilee choir presenting at a programme during the ongoing Somdal Baptist Church centenary celebration programme in the Somdal village.
Somdal (Ukhrul) | February 7 : All roads in Ukhrul District lead to Somdal village in Ukhrul District as the Somdal Baptist Church last evening began the celebration of 100 years of Christianity in the village, amidst much splendor and spiritual upheaval. Around 4000 delegates from 54 churches in the state, high dignitaries, media persons and leaders from all echelons of the society have converged to witness the Centennial celebration which commences from 6th – 9th February, 2009 with a theme ‘Chosen to Go and Bear Fruit”. Over the past week, an unprecedented number of its natives living in different parts of the country and abroad including its diasporas have descended upon this scenic hamlet of Somdal, 22 kms away from Ukhrul Hqs..
The celebration is but a fitting tribute to its pioneer, Mr. RS. Ruichumhao who sowed the seed of the Gospel way back in the year 1909. The event got off to a splendid start last evening with a brief welcome service which was followed by ceremonial lighting of pine resin by every households of the village, signifying victory over darkness. This ritual was performed by early Christian converts, symbolizing their victory from the bondage of darkness. A huge monolith and the grandly built RS. Ruichumhao Memorial Building were inaugurated this morning.
Tucked atop the picturesque hill slops in the western part of Ukhrul District adjoining Senapati District in Manipur, Somdal is one of the biggest villages in the district with a total population of around 3000, having more than 400 households. Prior to the arrival of Christianity, the people led a primitive lifestyle embracing ‘spirit worshipping’. However, with the coming of Christianity and exposure to western education, a sea-change ushered in every spheres of life. Today, the village is considered one of the most educational advanced villages in the Tangkhul tribal community. The village has produced many luminaries of repute. Prominent offshoots among them being RS. Ruichumhao, one of the first among Tangkhuls to receive western education and RS. Suisa, Ex-MP (known in Naga history for his now-frequently-quoted ‘Bhutan-Type Proposal’). This is also home to Thuingaleng Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN. Its scions are scattered globally, occupying coveted positions in state and central governments, MNC etc.
The Speakers of the Centenary are Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary American Baptist Churches, USA, Dr. Riley Holcomb Walker, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches (Dekota) & Dr. Atola Longkumer Khamrang, Lecturer, Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur. The historic celebration will conclude on 9th February, 2009 with a mass community feast.

R.S. Ruichumhao: A Brief Profile

Born on 7th May 1896, Mr. RS. Ruichumhao attended school from 1905-1912. In 1909, he was baptized by Rev. William Pettigrew. He was the first convert among the Western Tangkhul. He was also the first among Nagas in Manipur to receive education from Jorhat and Shillong from 1914-1916. During the 1st World War, he was selected to go to France to assist the Allied Forces as the Group Leader of 2000 Nagas in the Labour Corps and promoted to higher rank in 1917. On his return from France, he went to Shillong for further studies in 1919. After that, he came back to his tribal community with the Bible and the Holy Spirit with a single mission to spread the Gospel. Very soon, this man, inspired by the Holy spirit, went far beyond the Mao-Maram frontiers in Manipur and Somrah Tract in Burma to preach the Gospel, winning 1300 souls single-handedly. He is still remembered as the father of Christianity in larger parts of the Tangkhul community. He died on 17th January, 1933. He was only 37 then.

Muivah is ‘homeless’ in his native village

The current General Secretary of the National Council of Nagalim (NSCN) Mr. Thuingaleng Muivah is ‘homeless’ in his own village. Ever since he left the village to join the Naga political movement, he had visited his native village just once soon after he returned from China visit in 1962. One of his childhood friends commented, “Ever since he last left, we have seen him only through pictures in the newspapers. We often hear his voice but it’s a really long time we haven’t seen him face-to-face. We miss him a lot. I am sure he too misses us, especially moment like this. But we remember him in our prayers”. A huge photo postcard of Mr. Muivah is being placed at one of the main entrance gates of the Centenary Hall, along with similar large-than-life postcards of other luminaries from the village. A host of high-ranking NSCN officials who accompanied Mrs. Pakahao Muivah, wife of Mr. Th. Muivah attended the function.

Udalguri riot-hit to be rehabilitated CORRESPONDENT Assam Tribune
UDALGURI, Feb 7 – The Udlaguri district administration has taken urgent steps to rehabilitate 1,739 riot-affected families of 36 villages presently residing in nine relief camps. It is likely that all the families affected during the October 3 riots would be rehabilitated before the month of March.

This was disclosed at a press meet held recently at the DC’s conference hall here.

Replying to queries of the media persons, SS Meenaxi Sundaram, deputy commissioner of Udalguri district said that orders to this effect as per government rules were issued to the concerned circle officers to verify the camp-side affected families, including those affected families of Udalguri district residing in relief camps in Darrang district till date.

The riot-hit families will be rehabilitated along with the packages for them already announced by the State Government. The process would be completed very soon, the deputy commissioner informed.

Speaking on the occasion, AP Tewari, superintendent of police of Udalguri district informed that all the border areas of Udlaguri district have been put under strict vigilance by the security forces to protect the innocent villages.

“It is only because of the untiring effort of the civil and police administration that people of the border areas are enjoying sound sleep and having a sigh of relief,” he added. He also informed that the affected villagers living in the relief camps themselves showed willingness to return to their villages to lead a normal life.

It is to be noted that there are nine relief camps till date in Udalgri district. They are as follows: Nagar Balika LP School camp (20 families) under Udalguri circle, Rajiv Gandhi rural stadium under Mazbat circle (436 families), Burigaon LP/ME School under Mazbat circle (430 families), Baligaon GP office under Udalguri circle (80 families), Mousitha HS School (222 families) under Udalguri circle, Bherbheribil LP School under Dalgaon circle (9 families), Madani Madrassa under Udalguri circle (118 families), Kharupetia College under Mazbat circle (156 families) and Silbari relief camp under Mazbat circle (268 families).

The status report on relief, rehabilitation and law and order by the Udalguri deputy commissioner’s office has prepared three categories for smooth functioning of the rehabilitation process. The first list comprises of heads of families: myadi pattardar, eksonia pattadar, allotted land holders paying abanton touzi and ceiling surplus land holders. The heads of families may or may not have names in the electoral roll, the report informed.

According to the report, the second list will comprise families which do not have any land of their own (either under myadi, eksonia or allotted category) but whose head has name in the current voters’ list or the father or grand father of the head of the family has name (to be proven with records) listed in the electoral voters’ list of Assam of 1971 or prior to that.

The third list comprises those families whose head neither has name in the current voters’ list nor does any of whose ancestors have names in any other previous year’s voter list in Assam.

In this regard, the State of Assam would be seen as a whole, the report said. “If there are any claims from other districts, then we need to verify them with the appropriate district authority to collect necessary information and put it up,” the report concluded.

Police to be strengthened to curb extortion, violence
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Ukhrul, February 08 2009: A total of 7086 posts in the state police department will be filled up to strengthen the department as Manipur government has decided to implement its two draft action plans- one for the reduction of extortion and the other for reduction of violence which it consider a menace of militancy. After filling up the proposed posts, which the government targeting to complete during this current fiscal year 2008-09, the total employee strength of the Manipur police will rise to 20,321. Government will also entail an additional liability of Rs 79.36 crores per annum in providing salaries in filling up the 7086 posts and will spend Rs 269.54 crores annually, official said Sunday. The latest move will hike the police-population ratio further.

The ratio (Policemen per 100,000 populations) of Manipur is 627 which is much higher than Nagaland (475), Assam (176) and the Indian average of 125.Manipur's Policemen per 100 square kilometer area ratio of 73.2, is far in excess than Assam (66.4), Nagaland (62.2) and the national average of 45. Manipur government feels the need for strengthening the police department as it had decided to implement two plans, reduction of extortion and reduction of violence which have been endorsed by the Cabinet of the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in the state which it consider a menace of the militancy.

The clearance of the Union ministry of home affairs has also got, official said. As per the government analysis report militant/insurgent outfits operating in the state have become a menace to the society.

Police department in its latest report put the total number of militant/insurgent outfits operating in the state at 32 which are mainly organized on ethnic lines. �Though some of the outfits (militant/insurgent) started with some ideology, today, almost all of them have no ideology,� the government report.

The same report was also placed before the 13th finance commission visited the state recently in the middle week of January. The militant/insurgent outfits have become a menace to the society, the govt analysis stated elaborating that they are indulging in anti-social, criminal activities like kidnapping for ransom, extortion, drug trafficking, intimidation etc. The long porous international border of 367.50 km with Myanmar, militancy in the neighbouring states, ethnic tensions, limited employment opportunity etc.

are the main factors confronting by the state in dealing with the militancy, it said.

Insurgency not only imposes considerable strain on the precarious finance of the state in terms of the cost of maintaining the police force, but it also has a long term impact on growth and development.

The adverse law and order situation in the state has reduced private investment to a trickle in the last few decades, with much of the capital flowing out of the state, the latest government report on the law and order and its impacts also added. For implementing the action plans, reduction of extortion and violence, strengthening of police station, reorganization of the state special branch, setting up of special investigation teams to deal exclusively with the important cases relating to militants, strengthening of state forensic science laboratory, providing security to important government officials/offices, security coverage for important project areas, security coverage of the national highways etc.

Apart from this, state government has also taken up measures to make police in the state more transparent, people friendly and effective, more interaction with the public through youth clubs and women organisaitons, community policing etc., the source said.