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04/01/2009: "Ukhrul tense after killing OUR CORRESPODNENT The Telegraph"

Ukhrul tense after killing OUR CORRESPODNENT The Telegraph

Imphal, March 31: Ukhrul remained tense today after suspected militants shot dead a former chairman of the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council last night while a lone gunman attacked a warden of Sajiwa Jail in Imphal East district this morning.
Police said three gunmen entered the house of Khathing Tangkhul, 67, former chairman of Ukhrul Autonomous District Council, at 8pm last night and shot him dead.
“The gunmen entered the house at Khayai Ashat about 1.5km west of Ukhrul police station, and shot him dead,” a police official said today.
This is the second case of murder in Ukhrul district since last month.
Cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) abducted three officials, including a sub-divisional officer, on February 17 from Ukhrul and killed them in Senapati district a few days later.
The police could not establish the identity of the assailants in last night’s case and also the motive. They also could not say whether the killing had anything to do with the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. “We are investigating the case and cannot say anything at this moment,” a police official said over phone from Ukhrul.
In another incident, a lone gunman chased and shot a warden of the Sajiwa Jail in Imphal East this morning. The jail official, Haobijam Khunjao Singh, 52, was admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital with multiple bullet injuries. His condition is serious.
The police said the warden was coming to Sajiwa Jail, located at Khabeisoi, at about 10am on a scooter from his house when a motorcycle-borne youth chased him and fired several rounds. The spot where the warden was attacked is just 500 metres from the jail.
The warden could not identify the attackers. “The man on a motorcycle asked me to stop. Sensing trouble, I did not stop. Then he chased me and fired several rounds. I do not know why the man attacked me,” the warden said.
The police said the attacker could be a militant. “Some militants lodged inside the jail could have some grudge against the warden,” a police official said.
No ‘high command’ for Nagas, Rio claims morungexpress
Wokha | April 1: Surrounded by DAN coalition party leaders and all four legislators of Wokha district who are part of the DAN government, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said Nagas should choose their own leaders and run their own state. Addressing the launch of the Lok Sabha election campaign of the DAN consensus candidate CM Chang here at Wokha town hall, the chief minister said Nagas are mature enough to run their own affairs without any interference from the Centre or “high command” as Nagaland’s statehood is already now into her 46th year. Accusing the Congress party of always trying to suppress the Nagas and their aspirations, Rio said it cannot work for the welfare of Nagas as ‘it was forever under the tight and dictatorial control of the party high command’.
“Even if we have not achieved independence, why should we always live under the high command? Let us choose our own leaders to uphold and protect Naga identity,” he said. Rio said Nagas are a proud race and have been demanding independence since the past sixty years, and it would be humiliating if Nagas let Delhi dictate how to run the state.
The chief minister said the DAN government has been ‘proudly running the government’ without having to bother about ‘any high command’, unlike the state Congress, which has to ‘rush to Delhi every time they have to choose a leader or take a decision’. He said the recent Naga consultative meeting which the state Congress did not attend, is another instance of the decision taken by the Congress high command in Delhi.
“We should respect ourselves first only then people will regard us,” he added. DAN consensus candidate CM Chang in his address assured to take up the cause of the Nagas in Parliament in the event he is elected. Referring to his past stint as deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Chang said “I come once again to show you that I am one of you,” and appealed to the Wokha public to give him a chance to serve them again.
Minister for Power Doshehe Sema, parliamentary secretaries Y Patton and W Kithan, co-convener of the DAN and chairman of PAC Dr. TM Lotha and NCP Wokha district president Tsenthungo Ezung, also spoke at the campaign rally. A host of DAN party leaders including NCP leader Neiba Ndang, deputy speaker Ralanthung, NPF vice president Pusazo, BJP leader Mozamo Ngullie and other attended the rally.

Chidambaram stepped beyond his brief By: Puni Modoli
The visit of home minister on February 3, 2009 to Manipur and Nagaland to review the law and order situation in two states while availing a first hand assessment of state of affairs was a commendable act. However, when he stated “any solution to Naga political problem would have to be found within the (Indian) Constitution”, he surely had stepped beyond his brief. The HM seems to have forgotten that the three salient conditions of the peace talks between the GoI and the NSCN (I-M) were that the talks would be held: a. without pre-conditions, b. at the prime minister’s level and c. in a third country.
As the talks progressed the NSCN (I-M) leadership has voluntary returned to India to negotiate peace on several occasions (toning down condition ‘c’ in a third country) and held talks with the prime Minister’s representative, the Labour Minister of State Oscar Fernandez and the interlocutor Padmanabiah (toning down condition ‘b’ at the Prime Minister’s level). This positive repose and flexibility shown by the Collective leadership helped generate a lot of hope mutual trust and good will.
Senior NSCN (I-M) leaders accompanying the Collective Leadership too took pains to defend the GoI’s position stating that India was sincere in their efforts to bring lasting solution to the Nagas. Unfortunately, however, in all the 12 years of ceasefire and after nearly 60 rounds of talks the singular response from India has been the continuous attempt for the abrogation of condition (‘a’ without pre-conditions) while the much flaunted talks seem yet to see the light of day. In fact, in the last 5/6 years, all that we know is that Oscar Fernandez belted out three songs from his mouth organ or harmonica and Padmanabiah kept his bungalow, his car and 50 grand per month. Aside from the continuous attempts to twist and turn the terms of agreement and indulging in delay tactics, little had emerged from the side of GoI.
The home minister also appears to have missed that the peace talks held to find permanent political solution to the protracted Naga problem, is not a UPA agenda but a policy and programme of the Government of India whish enjoys wide support cutting across the ruling and opposition party lines in both houses of parliament. The salient conditions of the talks were accepted and put in place for more than 10 years through two coalition governments of NDA and the UPA at the Centre.
In such a backdrop, to pass sweeping comments at the fag-end of the parliamentary term of office only bring into disrepute the ethical integrity of the Nation’s polity in the eyes of the outside world.
The tough talking indulged by the Home Minister was welcome relief after a long time. However, when he stated, “the infighting between Naga groups has been a matter of anguish for the Home Minister”-one is reminded of the story of the person who killed both his parents but pleaded for leniency from the judge at His trial since he was an orphan. The agencies of Home Minister, the RAW, IB, MI, SIB etc. have only added to the burden of Naga people with every faction accusing the other of unholy nexus with these organizations.
It would serve the Home Minister well to remember that the fragile and elusive peace was brought about by his peers through the better part of the sixty odd years. In fact, almost all Prime Ministers of independent India have contributed to bring the peace process to its current shape. Since the salient conditions of the peace process had been very clearly spelt out and since the HM has no privy to the peace process negotiations his utterances, “any solution to the Naga political problem would have found within the (Indian) constitution” has to be considered a breach of protocol by the Home Minister and infringing on the prerogative of his leader, the Prime Minister of India. Many had laid down offices for lesser sins than this. The suave HM was though to be much more tactful and diplomatic than what transpired during his recent visit to Nagaland and Manipur.
The process is now very much under the glare of the international watchdog and the media. It has attracted international attention because the peace exercise had seen as a serious attempt by the GoI to find a peaceful political solution to end a bloody conflict that has lasted for more than half a century. Maybe a conflict ridden world could learn a lesson or two again from the lad of Gandhi. As the biggest democracy in the world, the Government of India is expected to be much more sincere and solemn in their approach to and handling of peace process.
Kohima says ‘NO More’ Our Correspondent Morung

The quiet streets of Kohima town during Tuesday’s “token closure”
NOT SILENT: The quiet streets of Kohima town during Tuesday’s “token closure” of the town’s business community.Enduring for long the culture of rampant extortion and “collections” by “the different groups and organizations” alongside municipal grievances and government apathy, Kohima’s business community took to shutting all commercial activities Tuesday.

Kohima | March 31 : Commercial activities and business establishments downed shutters today as the business community under the aegis of the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry observed a “token closure” of all business establishments from 6: 00 AM till 6:00 PM. The “token closure”, according to the KCCI, was carried out in protest against a number of problems the community has been enduring. It included rampant extortion and intimidation meted out to the business community “by the different groups and organizations”; the district administration’s failure to check and stop the growth of a number of illegal check posts involved in collecting illegal taxes between Dimapur and Kohima; the current token/coupon system on all essential commodities by the Kohima Municipal Council and total failure of district administration in tackling the deteriorating law and order situation in Kohima town.
According to the KCCI, it has for the last 3 years given a number of representations to the district administration highlighting the hardships faced by the business community. But “till today neither concern nor action has been shown by them” the KCCI said.
That the closure was peaceful and successful, KCCI president Khriehuzo Lohe told media persons that it was not imposed by anybody, but the traders voluntarily downed shutters with the support of the mass-based organizations.
Spokesman of the KCCI, Neingulie Nakhro said the shut-day was to convey the message that “enough is enough”. It is no open secret that “taxes” are collected everyday, he said, echoing the sentiments of the public. The KCCI further made clear that fund-raising activities should not be authorized to persons, as ultimately prices of commodities shoot up and public are the ones who end up paying the heavier price. “This is affecting every one of our lives,” he said.
The closure, according to KCCI, was supported and strengthened by various business organizations and communities namely the Contractors Union Nagaland, Nagaland Class I Registered Union, All Nagaland Transport Association (commercial), All Nagaland Taxi Association and All Nagaland Truck Drivers Association among others.
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied Morung Express News
Kohima | March 31: Governor K. Sankaranarayanan today expressed anxiety at the delay that has come to characterize the judiciary in dispensing justice to the aggrieved and the people. He said the trend of delay in legal processes and justice system by the courts, has come to caste the shadow of doubt in the people’s mind, over the efficiency of the legal justice system.
Governor expresses anxiety at delay in dispensing justice
“I would like to point out here the urgent need for looking into by all concerned, above all by our superior courts, the issue of huge delays in dispensing justice” the governor said during his address at the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Guwahati High Court at Kohima.
This delayed-justice trend has led to disturbing question, he explained to the gathering. “This at times has lead to the germination of some very disturbing questions in the minds of our people of the efficacy of the whole judiciary system,” the governor said. Such a development may be highly detrimental to the well- being of the nation and must be suitably and promptly addressed, Sankaranarayanan added.

The governor further reminded that the present times are that of rapid and profound changes and the society, country and the globe, are getting transformed with great speed. “I hope that the judiciary is also alive to this aspect and while delivering justice, is factoring in the new and altered environment which may have come to exist around them” he said. This, the governor expressed conviction in, is important as only then court judgments shall be effective and relevant for the people.

Referring to Guwahati High Court’s jubilee, he said it occupies a unique position among all the high courts of the country. “It is a common high court for as many as seven states. Having a territorial jurisdiction over the entire North East; the court is called upon to deliver justice and administer law in a region with wide variations in languages, cultures and norms,” the governor said.

Terming the accomplishments of the high court to be exceptional, Sankaranarayanan said the increasing number of cases in all the benches speak about the trust and confidence the people have come to repose in the court. According to the governor, the Constitution makes the judiciary independent and instates the Supreme Court and the high courts as custodians and protectors of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people and their constitutional rights. “By their inherent powers of judicial review, they keep a watch on the powers and functions of other organs of the state,” Sankaranarayanan said.

Also stressing on the need of the judiciary to always keep in sight the general purpose and spirit of the law when dispensing justice, he said its endeavor should always be ‘to appreciate the underlying theme of a legislation leading to a law and try understanding the viewpoint of any vulnerable and poor sections of the society which may be before the courts seeking justice. The Governor of Nagaland hoped that more legal workers would become a part of the legal fraternity, “so that the courts are able to deliver justice better and are within the easy reach of everyone”.

Earlier, Justice J. Chelameswar, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court lit seven candles in a symbolic reference to the jubilee. In his speech, the Chief Justice said the 60 years of the existence of Gauhati High Court has been a period of eventful existence. It has been successfully discharging its duties over the last 60 years, he said. He also emphasized on the need to improve the state of legal education in Nagaland.

Also speaking on the occasion, Advocate General Nagaland KN Balgopal reminded that law deals with ‘trouble’ and ‘suffering. The court’s judgments are not merely done by the provisions of the Constitution or penal codes but on the importance of human value and element, he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Law & Justice Yitachu also addressed the jubilee. He emphasized on the need to strive for quality, of the judiciary, in which “we can take pride and command respect.” This respect, he said, will only be retained if one continually refurbishes the institutions on which it depends. This requires continuous evolution and modernization of the system with a fair share of resource allocation, he said. Yitachu also spoke on the state government’s effort to affect separation of the judiciary from the executive.

Timikha Koza, president of the High Court Bar Association of Kohima said that the 60 years of the existence of the high court has been one that of a ‘tremendous’ achievement. The “strength, however, of this high court is not in its magnificent edifice or building but in the people who work for upholding the rule of law” he said. Koza also stated that the separation of the judiciary from the executive was effected on December 14, 2006, and the process and exercise of completing the same is still continuing. “We look forward to the principal seat for their guidance and helping hand to effectively complete this exercise in the interest of justice” Koza added.

Later, Justice WA Shishak, former Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court and former chairman of the MHRC, graced a cultural programme held at The Heritage.

Bangla silent on NE ultra deportation Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, April 1 – Director General of Bangladesh Rifles, Major General Mainul Islam was non-committal over handing over top ULFA and NDFB leaders, even as joint visits by the two forces to vulnerable areas along the Indo-Bangladesh border is back on track. The prime aim of the DG’s visit seems to request India not to allow BDR deserters to sneak into the country, and if apprehended, hand them over to Bangladesh, sources said.

The DG BDR later called on Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram and Union Home Secretary, Madhukar Gupta and other top officials of the Ministry. Chidambaram, in a marked departure from the past had used strong words to express India’s dismay at the inaction on part of Bangladesh to address New Delhi’s security concern.

The BDR is going through restructuring of its force have requested us to ensure tgat these elements do not enter at any cost. And, if caught to be handed over,” said DG Border Security Force (BSF), ML Kumawat.

“We will not allow such elements to cross over to India. And no such cases of such crossing over has occurred till now,” claimed the BSF, DG.

The two DGs were addressing a press conference after a meeting of the 29th DG-level Indo-Bangladesh Border Coordination Conference. whole gamut of issues including border management, illegal infiltration, construction of fences and border pillars, smuggling and cross-border crimes were discussed. However, unlike the past, there was a marked difference and gone was the tension and acrimony during the deliberations, a BSF official confided.

However, as far as the contentious issue of camps operated by the Indian insurgent groups and presence of militant leaders in the neighbouring country was concerned, there was no concrete assurance from the BDR. The Government of Bangladesh reiterated its commitment not to allow Bangladeshi territory for any activity inimical to India.

Replying to questions whether Bangladesh was willing to hand over ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, Paresh Barua, Anup Chetia and Ranjan Daimary of NDFB, the Major General replied that he has just returned from hell of fire. “Our Prime Minister has stated that we will not harbour anyone from India or any other country,” he said.

“These issues are there, and it will be solved,” he added. On illegal infiltration, he said, “just give some time to the newly elected Government of Bangladesh.”

Referring to the probe on the carnage, the newly appointed DG, whose force is undergoing massive revamp, said three separate inquiries were going on. “It is too early for me to comment,” he said, replying to questions about the outcome of the probe. When asked to comment on reports of involvement of ISI of Pakistan in the Pilkhana carnage, he repeated that it was too early to make a comment on involvement of the Pakistani spy agency.

Appreciating the role of BSF during the crisis, the Major General said that on February 25 and 26 all people were focusing on Pilkhana. We could not focus on the border. The BSF dealt the issue with wisdom. They ensured that no BDR element could cross the border,” he said.

Official sources said both sides discussed a range of issues relating to border management and agreed to strengthen joint efforts to prevent trans-border crimes, including illegal movements across the border, trafficking of women and children, smuggling of drugs, arms and ammunition.

The two sides agreed to give a final shape to the decision taken at the Home Secretary-level talks, which decided on formulating a joint border management plan to reduce trans-border crime and strengthen border management. The meeting had decided to constitute teams for joint visit to a few vulnerable stretches where fencing is not feasible and riverine areas of the border. Both the countries have constituted committees for such joint visits. The visit would help both sides to develop better understanding and appreciate each other’s concerns, said the official sources.

The issue of taking over work related to maintenance of boundary pillars by BSF and BDR on the international border also figured during the meeting, sources said.