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03/05/2009: "No consensus on ground rules CENTRE/NSCN-IM FAILS TO SEE EYE TO EYE ON CFGR INTERPRETATION A Staff Reporter EMN"

No consensus on ground rules
CENTRE/NSCN-IM FAILS TO SEE EYE TO EYE ON CFGR INTERPRETATION A Staff Reporter | EMN

DIMAPUR MAR 4: Violation of Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR) and their proper implementation dominated the first Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CMFG) meeting of 2009 between GoI and NSCN-IM, even as the representatives of both the parties failed to see eye to eye over the interpretation of the ground rules.
Today’s CMFG meeting gains significance as it was held in the backdrop of a series of standoffs between the security forces and the NSCN-IM, accusations of excesses in imposition of the CFGR, involvement of NSCN-IM cadres in killings of civilians and Chidambaram’s take-over as Home Minister.
The Home Ministry with its newly appointed head, who insists on zero tolerance against breach of the ground rules, laid down certain fresh directives for both factions.
CFMC Convener Phunthing Shimray led the 6-member NSCN-IM delegation while chairman of CFMG Lt. Gen Mandhata Singh along with Nagaland Commissioner HK Khulu and ICAR were among the officials representing the Home Ministry.
Briefing journalists after a two-hour sitting at Police HQ, Chumukedima, Singh informed that the Centre has given one month to both the NSCN factions to ensure that their cadres (armed) either go back or remain in their respective designated camps with immediate effect from the date of the latest review meeting.
Lt. Gen Mandhata Singh also sat with the NSCN-K on March 2 last to review the CF ground rules.
Cadres of either group must not venture out of their camps with weapons or in uniforms in accordance with the CFGR, he reasserted.
The CFMG also proposed a plan for better understanding and execution of ground rules at the grassroots level to collectively ensure lasting peace in the state, which Singh said should not only involve the security forces and factions but also citizen leaders like GBs and different NGOs so that persisting problems are arrested at the root.
Speaking for the NSCN-IM, a disgruntled Phunthing accused the GoI of CFGR violation by overriding the Ceasefire monitoring mechanism and giving a free hand to the armed forces in imposing the Ground Rules.
“If the centre says these ground rules be followed, we are ready but it should not be misinterpreted for the interest of just one party,” he stressed.
He also wanted to know whether the ‘Zero Tolerance’ imposition of the Home Minister was confined only to the NSCN or included the security forces. “I cannot be a party to a set of ground rules which is not our ground rules,” he stated while alleging that GoI has created the confusion.
The demand from the centre asking the group to return back to their designated camp cannot be accepted until and unless it is realistic, he went on to say demanding – “Let the NSCN-K return back to their camp first, and after that we will see.”
Meanwhile, CMFG Chairman Mandhata Singh said he was pleased over the decrease in inter-factional violence and also complimented the NSCN-IM for exhibiting restraint.
However, he expressed concern over the incidents of extortions, illegal collections and killings and hoped that such crimes don’t have the blessings of the NSCN leadership. He advised the NSCN-IM authority to identify the ‘black sheep’ within and take action so that they do not malign the organisation’s reputation.
He also urged the outfit to hand over SS 2nd Lieut. Shewoto Zhimomi, the accused in the killing of a local businessman, to the administration for necessary action.
NSCN-IM functionary Shewoto Zhimomi, incriminated in the murder of local businessman Atovi H Yepthomi at Dimapur New Market on January 25, was reported to be taking shelter at Hebron Camp.
Singh further cautioned the outfit against providing safe haven to militants or groups from other states and countries since it constitutes a breach of the ground rules.
He, moreover, expressed concern over the threat issued to the two presiding officers from the State Vigilance Commission including its Director General J Yaden by the NSCN-IM in connection to the investigation in the Education Dept.
On the progress of the Indo-Naga peace talks, the CFMG chairman asserted that the GoI is serious and genuine in finding a solution to the Naga problem.

Latest News : Ukhrul DC’s role alleged in murder of SDO & staff morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has asserted that it is “investigating” the “suspected link” of Ukhrul DC Pankaj Kumar in the brutal killing of Kasom Khullen SDO, Dr Th. Kishan.
An MIP press note today claimed, that based on “vital clues emanating from different sources the circumstantial evidences that developed leave the room very wide open to suspect the conspiracy of Ukhrul DC to the brutal killing of Kasom Khullen SDO”.
According to the outfit, the DC had called a meeting at his office chamber on February 13. It however claimed that such a meeting was never convened in the past three years and “moreover nothing important was discussed in the meeting other than his going for leave and a minister visiting Kasom Khullen”.
“But within minutes after the meeting, Dr. Th. Kishan was whisked away right in the eye of the office goers and public in the compound.
DC was even in the knowledge of the SDO being taken away when he met him on the road to Shirui-Langdang village (GREF road) with the vehicle driven one NSCN cadre sgt. maj. Ashang”, the MIP disclosed while pointing out that any responsible officer as head of district administration would have raised an alarm.
When the wife of Dr. Kishan enquired about the whereabouts of her husband, Pankaj hinted to her that her husband could be in the hand of NSCN, the note claimed further. “Pankaj was expected to have shown the concern of a father figure. But he was found turning his head away. This is a big question that should not be casually overlooked”. The NSCN (IM) also questioned the relationship between Manipur CM Ibobi Singh and Pankaj Kumar terming it as “a thing of curiosity”. “The closeness goes beyond the official protocol. The timing of Pankaj taking leave on 13th February is also suspicious enough. Dr. Kishan was abducted on the same day. When studied from the angle of criminal detective, the mastermind of the whole thing points towards Pankaj, conniving with the ruffians within NSCN and outside NSCN”, the MIP note asserted.
The outfit stated that the probe cannot treat Pankaj casually if the “truth” of the whole game plan to eliminate Dr. Kishan is to be un-earthed. “There is more than what meets the eye as far as the alleged conspiracy of Pankaj is concerned”, the outfit stated.
It also alleged that when the head of the district administration such as a Deputy Commissioner indulges in corruption, “it breeds corruption of dangerous dimension where the vulnerable lots falls easy prey” and that “more dangerous was the collusion that has nothing to do with socio-political interest other than laundering public money”. The MIP note stated that for quite a long period the “disgraced” DC of Ukhrul district had gained notoriety as the most corrupted officer in the district. Unfortunately, some like-minded elements within the NSCN organization established proximity to Mr. Pankaj Kumar, DC, the MIP note stated while pointing out that in the “sinister game plan of corruption” one thing led to another “as the greed that motivates corruption never bother to care two hoots to the warning bells that were already ringing”.

Another 15 days to “complete investigation”

Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has informed that the “special enquiry committee” constituted to investigate the killing of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr. Th. Kishan and two staffers will now be given another 15 days to ‘complete its investigation’. The “committee” was given until March 4 for submitting the report to the “national security council” of the outfit.
Asserting that the “law of the GPRN” will take its own course, a note from the MIP reiterated that it would award appropriate punishment to the culprits. It was informed that the committee could not complete the job within the stipulated time ‘as the case turned more complex when new evidences came to light’. “As necessitated by the changed situation another 15 days has been given to the special enquiry committee to complete the investigation”, the MIP stated.
Eastern Nagas reaffirm support to reconciliation
DIMAPUR, MAR 4 (EMN): Following the Naga Convention on reconciliation and peace, a joint 12-member FNR-Quaker team visited Noklak town on Feb 23
where the area’s tribal councils and organisations are stated to have strongly reaffirmed support to the reconciliation process during a meeting held at the Noklak village community Hall while also highlighting various issues and concerns of the people of the area.
According to a communiqué issued by Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Khiamnuingan Tribal Council (KTC) president W Chuba Lam presented a brief overview of the current situation of the Khiamnuingan community spread across the imposed international boundaries between India and Myanmar. Besides the Khiamungan villages on India side there were about 162 villages in the Myanmar governed territory.
The community leader shared the plight of his people who continue to suffer on basic health, education, human rights violations, religious persecution and forceful conversion into Buddhism, forced labour and many untold calamities due to the continuing military rule in Burma. He is also stated to have asserted that the Khiamnuingans fully supported the national struggle and continues to uphold the Naga movement especially the initiative for reconciliation and peace.
A representative from the Yimchungru Council shared the long years of Naga suffering due to internal differences which, he stated, has given advantages to adversaries. He appealed for unity and stated that it is time for Nagas to make peace in order to achieve our common vision while extending fullest support to the FNR efforts on reconciliation, the release said.
Meanwhile, the Sangtam representative stressed that the 6 ENPO tribes’ decision of the four districts stands and affirmed that it will work to support on its basis.
President of the Kiphire town GBs also shared some of his concerns and linked the fratricidal killings amongst the Naga groups, particularly the two NSCNs and FGN, and the weakness of today’s Nagas to the lure of materialism while remarking that ‘Nagas should speak the truth and walk their talks’.
Convenor FNR Dr Wati Aier presented the main message and stated the desire and decision for reconciliation is just the beginning to the long journey of genuine reconciliation. He conveyed his point saying that Eastern Nagas are important to the Naga family who constitute the first category with rich cultural heritage and appealed to them to be firm and united on reconciliation and peace since one can be strong only with unity.
Delivering solidarity message to the Naga reconciliation movement on behalf of the Quaker delegation, Stuart Morton shared that Quakers Society has a deep emotional link to the Naga people and land. He also recounted one event in his previous visit to Nagaland where a woman described the ‘imposed division of Naga house into India and Burma’ as a part British colonial legacy. Stuart said, “I cannot say anything on behalf of British Government but on behalf of British people I seek your forgiveness.”
He also reminded that ‘Quakers believed that the light is in all humans, sometimes it is hard to find or locate but we need to continue the search’.
A cultural extravaganza was displayed on the occasion by the five tribes of Khiamnuingam, Yimchunger, Sangtam, Phom and Chang.
Both the Quakers and the members of the FNR also held informal but separate meetings with Brig Singya, President FGN and his colleagues before leaving Noklak the following day, Feb 24, the release said.

Sovereignty: No Compromise! morungexpress
•I welcome Naga Consultative Meet for reconciliation. But under the name of political consultation, some of our people are working hard to compromise sovereignty, which is a heinous crime. The question of Naga Sovereignty cannot be compromised by the State Government or by NGO’s, they commit the severest crime against the Nation and it shall be at their own risk and peril.
Nagas shall stand by the Plebiscite of 1951 which is unchangeable by a handful of selfish opportunists or by the State Government agency. That Nagas are not Indians and that Naga territory is not part of Indian Union is still the deepest aspiration of all Nagas. And for this we have suffered and sacrificed all these years. Our political rights, blood and martyrdom cannot be betrayed or sold under any circumstance.
Learn from us that we shall stand by our commitment, conviction, political history, honor and political rights even if we have to sacrifice our lives and what is most precious to us for the sake of out people.
Nagaland has become the Nagaland of today because of this commitment and conviction. And the struggle continues. The nurturing of the Naga tree and not selfish hankering after its fruits shall be our top priority.

Gen, Thinoselie M Keyho
Kohima
Former Speaker quits Cong Ashikho Pfuzhe
Dimapur | March 3 : In a significant political development that is likely to impact the forthcoming Lok Sabha election in Nagaland, one of the senior-most Congress leaders of the state and AICC member Neiba Ndang today announced his resignation from the AICC as well as primary and active membership of the Indian National Congress. The resignation of Ndang who is also a former minister and Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly is sure to come as a rude shock to the already beleaguered Nagaland Congress, which has yet to come to terms with the recent resignation of four of its legislators.
The veteran Congressman disclosed that he had already tendered his resignation as AICC member as well as from the party, to AICC President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday evening. Some of the state Congress leaders seem to be unaware of the development. When contacted over phone, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president KV Pusa who was in New Delhi en-route to Kolkata Tuesday evening, said he was not aware of the resignation of Neiba Ndang and declined to comment any further on the resignation issue.
Ndang said he has resigned from the Congress party for two main reasons – weak leadership of the state Congress and failure of the Congress high command to keep its ‘promises’. “I have totally lost confidence in the state party leadership and integrity. The leadership is weak as it is unable to keep its flock together and the public have also lost faith in the party,” he said. Ndang also said he has lost trust in the sincerity and credibility of the Congress high command for “non-fulfillment of commitments.”
Asked whether some of the “non-fulfillment of commitments” were personally related to him, he replied in the affirmative. Neiba said right after he was denied the party’s ticket in the last assembly election due to some “selfish local leaders” even though his position was very secure then, the Congress high command had assuaged him by assuring that he would be given the Rajya Sabha seat.
When the assurance of Rajya Sabha seat became irrelevant after the state Congress lost the assembly elections, Ndang said he had a personal talk with AICC President Sonia Gandhi and that the latter had promised to accommodate him in some committees or corporations in Delhi.
“Even after one year of waiting, nothing has materialized and so I have lost my trust in the credibility of even the Congress high command,” Ndang added. On his next move and whether he would be joining the NPF, Ndang said being a politician for the better part of his life he would certainly be joining a political party, but that he has to consult his workers before any decision is taken. He however hinted that he would be joining a new political party before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
I Have A Dream Vishü Rita Krocha
MEx I have a Dream Campaign
Please share your Dreams at: mexdream@gmail.comI have a dream that someday our children will grow without the fear of being rape, that violence will be shut off and innocence of our kids will not be taken away.
I have a dream that they will never hear gunshots in the neighborhood while they bask in their childhood glories and their make-believe fairy tales will still be strong enough to make them smile.
I have a dream that someday corruption will be wiped off and things will be fair, that every job will be worth the try.
I have a dream that our politicians will be elected without unfair means, that money will no longer be the vital part of an election..
I have a dream that bribery will no longer be the means to get things done, that someday people will value truth in its truest sense..
I have a dream that our youth will not drown their frustration on alcohol, that they will take chances to fulfill their ambitions.
I have a dream that someday, sincerity will become the theme of the day, that government offices will have employees working genuinely and be worthy of their pay.
I have a dream that someday our roads will be smooth enough to carry a dying patient to a hospital, that our highways and byways will be less bumpy and we would enjoy rides more than we do now.
I have a dream that someday Nagaland will rise above and its slogan 'Nagaland For Christ' will come to mean full circle, that our children will grow in the fear of the Lord.
I have a dream that development in our land will grow as it should, that funds for various schemes and projects will always find its way to the perfect place to start with.
I have a dream that 'commitments' will be strong not only in our lips but from the depths of the heart.
I have a dream that someday, people outside will no longer see Nagaland as a disturbed place but that they will come here seeking for peace.
I have a dream that education will reach the farthest corners of the state, that every child would grow to learn and excel.
I have a dream that someday, we will learn to respect each other, that every kind of profession will find its deserving respect.
I have a dream that 'dignity of labour' will someday be found among the generations and we will shun off laziness for a fulfilling tomorrow.
I have a dream that people will value life more than anything else that surrounds it, that someday killing will die down with our conscience.
I have a dream that 'life threatening letters' will find no place in our land someday, that everybody will freely walk into their homes without the fear of answering another phone call or the fear of hearing knocks on their doors.
I have a dream that child abuse and recruitment of child soldiers will stop, that these children will be given the right to enjoy their childhood.
I have a dream that wild life will flourish, that we will preserve birds and wild animals and live to see the beauty of a green environment.
I have a dream that someday abortion will be non-existence, that pre-marital sex will not be heard of and teenage pregnancy will be rid of.
I have a dream that hunger for power will die down and money will not be the tool anymore to be among the known.
I have a dream that insecurities for the future will be alien to us, that every soul will live with hope from day to day.
I have a dream that someday we will do justice to 'PEACE', that every home will know and feel its essence.
I have a dream that we will never give up on our quest for freedom from social ills.
I have a dream that we will fight on for the rights that every human being deserves.
I have a dream that our children will see the light of tomorrow in a better place and time, with better visions and dreams.
Press Release MSCN
3rd March ' 09

When the head of the district administration indulge in corruption,, it breeds corruption of dangerous dimension where the vulnerable lots falls easy prey. More dangerous was the collusion that has nothing to do socio-political interest other than laundering public money. For quite a long period the disgraced Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district has gained certain notoriety as the most corrupted officer in the district. Unfortunately, some like-minded elements within the NSCN organization established proximity to Mr. Pankaj Kumar, DC. In the sinister game plan of corruption, one thing leads to another as the greed that motivates corruption never bother to care two hoots to the warning bells that were already ringing.
When the SDO of Kasom Khullen was murdered along with two of his staffs, it shooked the conscience of the whole state, irrespective of any communal affiliation. There was mass protest of consciousness-raising, particularly in Imphal Capital and Ukhrul. NSCN
was targeted with derogatory placards, for the beastly manner of killing was committed by one Lt.Col. H. Ningshen of Naga Army who confessed to the crime as the work of his own conscience and nothing to do with the official directives of NSCN authority. But caught under such embarrassing situation the NSCN authority is already at work to make a thorough enquiry sending the message that there will be no leniency when the verdict is passed by the National Security Council, as the law cannot be distorted to save anybody. The Special Enquiry Committee that was set up will submit its reports on or before 4 March. Based on the vital clues emanating from different sources the circumstantial evidences that developed leave the room very wide open

to suspect the conspiracy of Ukhrul DC to the brutal killing of Kasom Khullen SDO. The DC called a meeting at his office chamber on 13 February. But ssuch meeting was never convened in the past three years. And moreover nothing important was discussed in the meeting other than his going for leave and a Minister visiting Kasom Khullen. but within minutes after the meeting Dr. Th. Kishan was whisked away right in the eye of the office goers and public in the compound. DC was even in the knowledge of the SDO being taken away when he met him on the road to Shirui-Langdang village (GREF road) with the vehicle driven one NSCN cadre Sgt. Maj. Ashang. Any responsible officer as head of district administration would have raised an alarm. Moreover when the wife of Dr. Kishan enquired about the whereabouts of her husband, Pankaj hinded to her that her husband could be in the hand of NSCN. Pankaj was expected to have shown the concern of a father figure. But he was found turning his head away. This is a big question that should not be casually overlooked.
The relationship between Manipur CM Ibobi Singh and Pankaj Kumar is also a thing of curiosity. The closeness goes beyond the official protocol. The timing of Pankaj taking leave on 13th February is also suspicious enough. Dr. Kishan was abducted on the same day. When studied from the angle of criminal detective, the mastermind of the whole thing points towards Pankaj, conniving with the ruffians within NSCN and outside
NSCN. The probe therefore cannot treat Pankaj casually if the truth of the whole game plan to eliminate Dr. Kishan is to be un-earthed. There is more than what meets the eye as far as the alleged conspiracy of Pankaj is concerned.

Issued by: MIP/GPR
Press Release 3rd March ’09.

Taking serious note of the Killing of Kasom Khullen SDO. Dr. Th. Kishan and his two staff, and confessed by Lt. Col. H. Ningshem of Naga Army as his handiwork the NSCN authorities were awakened to the reality to allow the law of the GPRN to take its own course, in order to award appropriate punishment to the culprits. Accordingly the NSCN
authorities constituted a Special Enquiry Committee to investigate the matter that has shook the consciousness of the people across. The Committee was given 4th March as the date for submitting the report to the National Security Council of NSCN. However, the Committee could not complete the job within the stipulated time as the case turned more complex when new evidences come to light. As necessitation by the changed situation another 15 days has been given to the Special Enquiry Committee to complete the investigation. This is the only option to clean the conscience of all who would like to know to the truth of everything that culminated to the gruesome incident.

Issued by: MIP/GPRN.

Nagaland Govt not to bow down to UG threats Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 03 2009: The Nagaland cabinet while asserting that it cannot be cowed down by the threats from some underground factions, has asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out the task of investigation into appointment of a huge number of bogus teachers in the Nagaland School Education Department.

The Cabinet in its meeting held on Monday in Kohima seriously viewing the threats against two top bureaucrats and the head of the SIT (Vigilance) by some underground faction asserted that the Government cannot be cowed down by such threats and assured to provide all the back up support to the team.

The State Government had constituted a Special Investigation Team of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing to investigate various anomalies and irregularities in the appointment of bogus teachers during the period 2007-08 and 2008-09.However in the process of investigation, some leaders of UG factions had reportedly warned not to carry forward the case while also warning of dire consequences against the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner School Education and DIG (Vigilance).

The SIT was constituted to investigate the modus operandi of the bogus appointments through fraud- ulent means or through misinformation with the motive to appoint candidates without posts available.

Dimapur police solves Dhar murder case; arrests four murderers: Almost after five months of thorough investigation, Dimapur police have managed to solve the gruesome murder case of Prasanjit Dhar, a businessman whose mutilated body was recovered from Tea Estate, Borolengri on October 19, 2008. Sources today said that four persons, including an NSCN-IM cadre and a suspended police constable were arrested on February 6 and 18 from Lotha colony, Dimapur in this connection, however the mastermind of the whole episode is still evading arrest.

The accused have been identified as Subin Mandal alias Robin, a medical representative by profession, Sujit Saha, a salesman and who was paid handsomely for revealing vital information, Amon Tarao alias Amos 'ss sgt' of NSCN-IM from Chandel district of Manipur and E.Libemo ali-as Ango alias Kalia, a police constable of INT Dept, suspended in 2002 and had already served 1 year in jail.

As per their confessional statements, police said the accused admitted to their involvement in kidnapping and murdering Dhar and they revealed that after kidnapping Dhar on October 16, 2008 from his residence at Lhomithi Colony, he was taken to Lotha Colony.

On February 17, they called up Dhar's family members and demanded a ransom of Rs.2 crore for his safe release.

This ransom demand was made to the family members while the culprits were commuting clandestinely in a vehicle, making it impossible to track their move- ments.

Dhar's family was unable to meet the ransom demand, subsequently leading to the murder of Dhar by the accused.

The accused also stated that it was masterminded by one John K Akhan reportedly and he is still absconding.

Police recovered one M20 pistol with 7 live roun-ds, one magazine, one 9mm pistol with 4 live rounds, one magazine and one .32 pistol with 5 live rounds and magazine and three sophisticated knives of Burmese made.
Udalguri gets first tea factory for small tea growers Correspondent Assam tribune
UDALGURI, March 4 – The first ever tea factory of small tea growers of BTC region was inaugurated on Monday at No. 4 Amjuli village in Udalguri district. The tea factory under the name and style of Mwider Co-operative Tea Industry Society Limited was inaugurated by Reverend Puhar Daimari, secretary of North Bank Christian Association in the presence of State PHE Minister Rihon Daimari, Emmanuel Mochahari, EM of BTC, Kartik Chandra Boro, MCLA of Harisinga BTC seat, Binai Khungur Basumatari, former MLA of Udalguri LAC, Chandrima Sarma, manager of IOC Limited among others.

The inaugural function was addressed by Reverend Daimari, PHE Minister Daimari, Emmanuel Mochahari, EM of BTC, Binai Khungur Basumatari, former MLA of Udalguri LAC, Loken Das, DDM of NABARD, Darrang, RK Borthakur of Ankur Appliance, Tridip Daimari, Secretary of Bodoland Small Tea Growers’ Association, L Chaliha, a tea broker of Guwahati Tea Auction Centre among others.

It is to be noted that the Mwider Co-operative Tea Industry Society Limited has been financed by NABARD and State Bank of India. The factory costs Rs 1.87 crore to complete the tea factory, which took one year to complete its infrastructure, will be operated with LPG instead of conventional fuel. Later, talking to this correspondent, Pronoy Kumar Basumatari, secretary of the management group of the tea factory, said that the tea factory is expected to reach its target of 5 lakh kilogram of tea as its output per year. He also hoped that about 60 small tea gardens of neighbouring Indo-Bhutan border in Udalguri district would derive benefits from the tea factory.

The “green revolution” in the form of tea gardens, initiated by the unemployed educated youths of Udalguri district is expected to uplift the economy of the region at this hour of global recession.