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03/18/2009: "Exodus from Wokha after NSCN gunfight OUR BUREAU The telegraph"



Exodus from Wokha after NSCN gunfight OUR BUREAU The telegraph


A Naga woman confronts armed militants during a similar gunfight last year. A file picture
Guwahati/Kohima, March 17: Several hundred terrified people fled their villages in the disputed “D” sector along the Assam-Nagaland border after fierce gunbattles broke out between the two factions of the NSCN this morning in which at least one militant was killed.
The sub-divisional police officer, Dhansiri, Golaghat district, Bolin Deori, said a gunfight between the two rival factions started in Liphi village in the foothills since early this morning, forcing the villagers to flee from these areas out of fear. “The gunbattle broke out on Sunday evening on the hilltops inside Nagaland but this morning spread to the foothills of the disputed areas. The villagers in these areas have fled to the Assam side,” he said.
The officer said the villagers claimed that there were several casualties but since the incident site was in a disputed area, “we could not go there”.
Sources said the NSCN (I-M) cadres launched an attack on the rival NSCN (K) camps to rescue one of their senior leaders being held captive by Khaplang’s group.
A group of NSCN (I-M) cadres attacked Sunghabasti under Bhandari sub-division in Wokha district on Sunday evening when the NSCN (K) cadres were having dinner. The gunbattle has been raging since then.
Wokha deputy commissioner A. Wopen confirmed the death of at least one NSCN (I-M) member in the battle. “According to our information, an NSCN (I-M) cadre has been killed,” he said. Search for more bodies was on, he said.
Wokha district, an NSCN (I-M) stronghold, shares a border with Assam’s Golaghat district. The deputy commissioner said cadres of both warring factions have been forced out of the areas and security forces are carrying out a search operation.
Wopen said people started fleeing since early this morning. “We have no idea where the villagers have gone since these areas are covered with thick jungles. Many villages wore a deserted look.”
Singson, a senior kilonser (minister) of the NSCN (K), said their cadres were proceeding towards the Chukitong designated camp near Wokha town when they were attacked by rival cadres, allegedly without provocation. Chukitong is nearly 10km from Wokha town.
The Dhansiri sub-divisional police officer said though Liphi village is in a disputed area, the inhabitants of the village were Lotha tribesmen of Nagaland.
Samson Jojo, chief principal secretary of the NSCN (I-M), said the Khaplang group provided enough provocation by abducting three of their cadres since March 13 in Wokha district. He said at least one of its officials from Wokha district was in the Khaplang faction’s custody.
The NSCN (I-M) also said the rival cadres have been forcibly collecting tax in Merapani for the past week and harassing the people. Officials of the Wokha district administration, along with members of Naga Lotha organisations, have rushed to the spot to defuse tension.
Nagas weary of factional hostility morungexpress
Dimapur, March 17 (MExN): Troubled by a number of disturbing developments in the state in one way or other associated with the Naga “political” groups, the Government of Nagaland and Naga civil society organizations today lent a voice of strong disapproval that aggression in any form must stop. Denouncement of recent upheavals including the factional clash in Wokha – in the backdrop of the ongoing reconciliation and peace efforts – and threats and intimidations on matters relating to administrative prerogatives, were made today.

Up from a considerable span of hiatus, Nagaland Home minister Imkong L Imchen today said “the incident” in Wokha district between the NSCN (IM) and “NSCN (K)” is totally uncalled for. The Home Minister in another regular assertion again assured that “the government of Nagaland will put all its effort to bring about this ugly situation to an end at the earliest”.
Govt., civil society denounce Naga furor
“The incident in Wokha district between the NSCN-IM and NSCN-K is totally uncalled for and should be condemn by one and all in the context of the present ongoing peace talk between the different Naga underground faction with the objective of forging a unity and common platform” Imchen said in a note today.

When the hopes of the people are so high, Imchen said “such avoidable incident has clouded with darkness”. He said all the Nagas including those overseas, are “asking” for peace and unity. This was expressed clearly during the recently-concluded Naga Consultative Meet with the theme “one dream, one future” Imchen said. The “factions” are told to “stay away from such kind of unnecessary confrontation immediately”.

Meanwhile, the Home minister has conveyed his “best appreciation” to the Kyong people, the Kyong Hoho, Kyong Students’ Union and various organizations and individuals as well as the administration and police.

They have been exerting so much of efforts to deter confrontations and violent “acts”, Imchen said. “I would like to appeal specially to the Lotha (Kyong) community not to disappoint with such incident but renew their efforts so as to prevail upon this warring faction and restore the peace and harmony in the society. Their efforts will never go in vain and the district administration and police are always there to support and defend their mission” Imchen added.

NPMHR questions factional feud
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) also expressed deep anguish and disgust at the recent “reappearance of armed clashes and killings of cadres between the two NSCN(s) groups in Tirap district Arunachal Pradesh on March 12, 2009 and around Bhandari in Wokha, Nagaland on March 14, 2009. “Whatever may be the justification or counter allegations made by both groups, NPMHR questions the factional feud and considers it as going against the spirit of turning swords into ploughshares”, stated a press communiqué issued by Dr. N. Venuh, Secretary General of the NPMHR.

Pointing out that factional bloodshed is against the interest of the common people, the NPMHR cautioned that their continuance “endangers the factions from forfeiting public support towards the movement for reconciliation, unity and peace”.

Reminding on the spirit of “turning swords into ploughshares”, the NPMHR said this had been worked upon after demonstration of commitment from all parties to the ongoing reconciliation process under the initiative of Forum for Naga Reconciliation.

The NPMHR has appealed to all the Naga “political” groups particularly the two NSCNs who are in ceasefire with the Government of India, to restrain and shun all kinds of violence while taking the difficult road of reconciliation. “Despite the presence of some areas of ‘difficulties’ amongst the different group while journeying towards working out a genuine reconciliation, NPMHR appeals for creative ways of managing and resolving differences”, the press communiqué stated. The NPMHR has encouraged mutual respect, creative communication channels and a more-humane approach while working to “resolving communication gaps and addressing misperceptions through nonviolent ways”.

Meanwhile, with the Indian parliamentary elections around the corner, NPMHR has appealed to all to remain “alert of different vested interests fishing in trouble waters”. According to the NPMHR, past experiences of state electoral politics have shown that elections are often used as an “instrument of dividing and controlling the masses by higher powers that be, for their interest against the people’s interest”. “NPMHR appeals to the authorities of all Naga political groups to be in the fullest grip of their chain commands under them and to control any further untoward incidents taking place at this sensitive period of our struggle towards common hope and recommit themselves to the common cause of reconciliation towards just peace”.

Mungdang warns on threats

The Ongpangkong Mungdang has taken serious note of recent reports that the “two NSCN IM & K” issued threats to three bureaucrats as well as investigation personnel probing bogus appointments in the School Education department. The civil organization took strong note that the “national workers” seem to be “busy” in “too many social and other issues”.

The organization has made clear in its warning that it shall not remain a mere spectator if “any uncivil untoward incident” happens to any of the “other members” including Ongpangkong member Additional Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir. In a reaction today, the Ongpangkong Mungdang expressed astonishment at the activities of what was stated as “national workers”. These elements, apart from being more than one group, are “busy meddling in too many social and other issues” and creating “undesired situation” among the Naga communities.

“It is also astonishing to see the activities of some national workers, instead of taking the large national agenda forward, to be busy meddling in too many social and other issues which is creating many undesired situation, misunderstanding and corruption among different Naga communities and tribes” the Ongpangkong Mungdang noted. Noting with seriousness the recent reports “where two NSCN (IM & K)” issued threats to three bureaucrats as well as investigation personnel, the organization has asked the faction to withdraw the threats “in good faith”.
“The Ongpangkong Mungdang will not be mere spectators if any uncivil untoward incident happens to our member Banuo Z Jamir or any other member as a consequence of the recent threats served. Our belief and support is for Naga cause and justice, not for any form of corruption” the organization added.
Nagaland state dependent on Central funds, grants-in-aid Our Correspondent Morungexpress
Kohima |: While revenue receipts of the State has increased from Rs.2359.79 crores in 2003-04 to Rs.2996.02 crores in 2007-08 at an annual average rate of 21.35 percent, not surprisingly, only 8.37 per cent of the revenue receipts during 2007-08 have come from the state’s own resources comprising taxes and non-taxes. In what will continue to be a matter of concern as far as the health of the State’s finance goes, Central tax transfers and grants-in-aid together contributed 91.63 per cent. According to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the grants-in aid from the GoI has increased by 4.45 per cent from Rs.2245.42 crores in 2006-07 to Rs.2345.40 crores in 2007-08, contributing 78 per cent of the total revenue receipts during 2007-08.
FINANCES OF NAGALAND GOVERNMENT: CAG REPORT
This increase was mainly due to increase in grants for Central Plan schemes (Rs.30.32 crores) and Special Plan Schemes (Rs.6.11 crores) as well as increase in non plan grants from Rs.1072.10 crores in 2006-07 to Rs.1246.03 crores in 2007-08. The non-plan grants were inclusive of Rs.56.91 crores released under Article 275 (i) and Rs.1124.44 crores to cover the non plan revenue deficit during the year.

The increase under Central Plan Schemes was mainly on account of enhanced grants under Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (Rs.12.28 crores) and under ARWSP (Rs.32.13 crores). The grants under Centrally Sponsored Schemes however were reduced by Rs.32.13 crores in 2007-08 over the previous years mainly due to decrease in grants under ICDSC (Rs.9.61 crores) and macro management of agriculture (Rs.17.77 crores).

The report also stated the total assistance to local bodies has increased from Rs.30.66 crores in 2003-04 to Rs.41.84 crores in 2007-08. The assistance declined gradually from Rs.6.24 crores in 2005-06 to Rs.2.40 crores in 2007-08 in respect of education institutions due to less release of grants to non government college and institutions, whereas it was increased in respect of Hospital and charitable institutions from Rs.5.59 crores in 2004-05 to Rs.8.73 crores in 2007-08 mainly due to increase of grants to Naga Hospital.

The financial assistance granted under the head development agencies constituted more than 69 per cent of the total assistance given by the state during the current year. Moreover, under this head all the assistance was given to the Village Development Board (Rs.29.03 crores) mainly for community development schemes (Rs.23.83 crores), matching grant (Rs.0.20 crore) and additional grants (Rs.0.33 crore).

Some significant changes during 2007-08 over the previous year:
• Revenue receipts increased by 223.51 crores (8 per cent) from Rs.2772.51 crores in 2006-07 to Rs.2996.02 crores in 2007-08 mainly due to increase in grants from GoI

• Revenue expenditure of the state, on the other hand increased by Rs.350.12 crores (16 per cent) from Rs.2222.15 crores in 2006-07 to Rs.2572. 27 crore in 2007-08

• Capital expenditure increased by Rs.111 crores (16 per cent) from Rs.710.48 crores in 2006-07 to Rs.821.48 crores in 2007-08

• Recoveries of loans and advances declined by Rs.1.27 crores while their disbursements increased by Rs.2.37 crores in 2007-08 over the previous year.

• Public debt receipts decreased by Rs.27.09 crore and repayment increased by Rs.14.42 crores during 2007-08 over the previous year

• Public Account receipts increased by Rs.286.37 crores against an increase in disbursement by Rs.171. 64 crores during 2007-08 over the previous year

The flow of funds under various major heads indicated above resulted in further deterioration in the cash balance position of the state, as the balances decreased from (-) Rs.62 crores in the beginning of 2007-08 to (-) Rs.149 crores at the close of the year.

Was the Shirui NSCN(IM) camp approved by GOI? The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, March 17: The 4-lawyer “fact finding team on the working of the ceasefire in Naga areas” in its 10-page executive summary of its findings, concludes on page-3, perhaps a little hastily, that a particular official document clearly states the Shirui camp of the NSCN(IM) was officially approved, backing up this conclusion with the following line from a letter which says the “new location of the NSCN(IM) camp stands approved.”

The above parenthesised line quoted by the report is from a letter (No. CFMG/IM/2007-1566 dated February 6, 2007) but the entirety of sentence which gives it a rather different hue is omitted. A photocopy of the letter is attached as Annexure-A in the executive summary. The letter does have a line (or part of a line) which says the “new location of the NSCN(IM) camp stands approved,” but this does not at all appear to be an official order or notification.

On the other hand, this seems to be what the former Ceasefire Monitoring Group chairman, Lt. Gen. R.V. Kulkarni (retd), was reporting to Naveen Verma, Joint Secretary (NE), ministry of home affairs, in a letter, telling the latter what he was assured on the telephone by the DGMO on June 16, 2005.

What is clear from the text of the letter is that the Lt. Gen. Kulkarni was keen to have the Shirui camp of the NSCN(IM) approved. Whether he succeeded in persuading the Union government to grant this wish is still not very clear.

In his letter Gen. Kulkarni, said he conveyed the wish of the NSCN(IM) to set up a camp at Khangkhui-Shiroy forest area on June 11 over the phone to the DGMO. The DGMO told him to wait till June 14 when he is scheduled to discuss the matter with the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.

On June 15, Gen. Kulkarni again spoke to the DGMO who again deferred an and clear answer, telling him that “confirmation should be awaited.”

Gen. Kulkarni yet again spoke to the DGMO on June 16 when the latter is reported to have assured the former that the new location stands approved on two conditions that teh NSCN(IM) would refrain from supporting the Valley Based Groups in Manipur and that no more Camps would be considered hereafter.

Gen. Kulkarni on the same day conveys this message to the NSCN(IM) functionaries in Dimapur/Delhi. Neither the annexure letter, nor the “fact finding report” of the four lawyers, mention whether there is a separate official written order backing up the reported verbal assurance.

Whether the NSCN(IM) should or should not have a camp at Shirui is another matter, but the official status of such a camp, from the standpoint of the Government of India, is hardly unambiguous. The report also claims at least on two occasions that India is not a federal state, and by implication that India is a unitary state. This it says empowers the Union to change the boundary of any of its constituent states with or without the consent of the state involved, and also to enter into a ceasefire with any armed group it pleases again with or without the consent of the state concerned.

It also says that “ceasefire with an armed group is part of counter insurgency and not a law and order problem, thereby implying again the Union has the right to bypass the states concerned in ceasefire related issues. This it said is akin to the right given to the states “to issue arms and even arm a group for maintaining law and order.) It said the “Manipur State’s decision to create Village Voluntary Force” is an example of this.

Extending this logic further, it said despite opposition by all affected states, including Nagaland, the Union of India in order to preserve its territorial integrity, went ahead and entered into an agreement with the NSCN(IM) in 1997.

General peace and sense of security has returned to both Nagaland and Manipur, hills and valley, ever since the ceasefire with the NSCN(IM) was initiated, it said. There has also been no large scale violation of human rights by the security forces, it said.

The report sees the Shirui standoff as a fallout of an earlier standoff at Pfutsero in Nagaland’s Phek district where a captain of the Assam Rifles and a soldier strayed into an NSCN(IM) camp even as four other soldiers waited outside the gate. The captain and his men were held captive by the NSCN(IM) men and were released only after much negotiations.

The report claimed the Shirui incident was a way of the Assam Rifles paying back.

The report said Shirui incident has sharpened the communal divide between the Meiteis and Nagas. It cautioned against “the demands that NSCN(IM) should be declared as a terrorist organisation, that it should be banned and that Army should patrol the national highway.”

It said this would justify the militarisation of Manipur undoing the heroic struggle of both the Nagas and Meiteis against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act....” adding “those in the valley who welcomed the siege of Shirui did not fully realise the sinister role of intelligence agencies and even a section of armed forces who misled the people and hid the fact that the Shirui camp had been set up with the approval of the armed forces and the CFMG.”

It also said “the Assam Rifles attempt to provoke the NSCN to break the ground rules and to fire could have led to very serious consequences for all the people of Manipur.”
Nagaland Timber traders demand respite morungexpress
Dimapur, March 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Timber Trader’s Union (NTTU) has reiterated its appeal to the state government and the Forest department to relax the imposition of tax on timber at various check gates. The union has requested that only a check post for each district be set up. The timber traders’ in a note from its executives said the union was constrained to point out that even after payment of the transit permit (TP) to the DFO and Ranger, the “entry fees” are being collected at Forest check gates.

The union also, while appreciating the press release issued by the president of Peren District Timber Dealer’s Association (PDTDA) highlighting the grievances of timber contractors and dealers, however said the line “subsequent payment to the department in-charge” or, for that matter, to Forest officers did not arise as there was no subsequent payment except entry fees levied at check gates.

The traders, on behalf of its units, apologized for the inadvertent error ‘which may have hurt the feelings of the department officers’. The NNTU has also conveyed appreciation and gratitude to both the NSCN (I-M) and “GPRN/NSCN” for assuring to “centralize” the “tax” imposed on timber products and checking “rampant taxation”.

“Such gestures will go a long way in mitigating the plight of thousands of Naga families whose livelihood depends on timber and its products, directly or indirectly,” the traders said. The state government is urged to streamline the taxations imposed on timber and reminded that other organizations have also heeded to the union’s “earnest appeal.”



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