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04/03/2009: "Naga Integration Issue Assumes Center Stage morungexpress"

Naga Integration Issue Assumes Center Stage morungexpress

Mokokchung/Dimapur, April 3 (MExN): Stark to AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s contention yesterday that Manipur’s territorial integrity would be maintained, the NPF today said it is for integration of all Naga areas. Chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the NPF stands for integration, at the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland election campaign in Mokokchung town today. Addressing the Mokokchung gathering, Neiphiu Rio said the Congress’ policies render the Naga political issue impossible to be solved.
NPF for integration of all Naga areas
He cited Rahul Gandhi’s assuring Manipur “just yesterday” that its territorial integrity will be preserved at any cost. The NPF on the other hand, Rio said, is for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas as well as ‘recognition’ of the Nagas in Myanmar.
“When it’s time for elections, the Congress put pictures of Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. We respect these personalities but we will not vote for them,” Rio said. He reiterated that the Naga people “do not need Delhi high command, whether independent or not” and that ‘although not independent’, the Naga people can still preserve their identity and that only a regional party like the NPF can do the job.

ANSAM’s advice for Rahul
Yesterday’s utterance of AICC general secretary and MP Rahul Gandhi that the territorial integrity of Manipur would be maintained is not received happily by the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur.
In an “open letter” to the young leader, the ANSAM said to have ‘felt competent’ to advise the upcoming leader that “you are ignorant about what is being said and what is being understood by senior leaders of your party in Delhi”. Gandhi had, at a rally in Lamka (Churachandpur) in Manipur said ‘Manipur territorial integrity will never be altered’.
The ANSAM ‘advised’ the Congress MP to consult with his senior leaders “in this kind of sensitive issue” before dwelling on it “and not indulge in hate campaign against certain communities in negation of the historical aspiration of every ethnic community’s right to live as a people”.
The ANSAM ‘reminded’ in its “open letter” that senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee had written to Lok Sabha MP for Outer Manipur Mani Charenamei calling for “re-examination” of the Common Minimum Programme of the Congress- led UPA coalition because “it does not stand the test of scrutiny in the light of the constitutional provisions under Article 3 & 4”.
Nonetheless, the ANSAM expressed ‘appreciation for the successive Prime Ministers of India trying to solve the Indo-Naga political conflict through peaceful and negotiated means’.

PDA for land and people
Also, the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has stated the review of the condition of the Naga people and other hill areas in the state of Manipur to be its main objective.
Mani Charanamei, the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) and PDA candidate for the 15th Lok Sabha Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency, during a campaign meeting of the party at Tamenglong district headquarters Thursday.
Addressing a gathering attended by a good number of supporters including many members of legislative assembly (MLAs) from the state, Charanamei stated a win for the party would mean bringing peace and development to the hill areas and called upon the people to choose and vote a candidate that would raise voice for the people of the hill areas. The tribal people, also known as the indigenous people, deserves to live in their own recognized land, stated the candidate and added it was the priority of the party to make this come true.
Also addressing the meeting, Gaidon Kamei, PDA’s general secretary said sixteen prime ministers and twelve presidents of the country have come and gone but that the movement of tribal people continues to remain on their tables. He asserted that the Nagas are not demanding a separate state but unification of all the Nagas in the hill areas.
Another leader, MLA Awangbow maintained that the issues of the hill areas are still lying on the table of the central government ‘as left by Mani Charanamei’.
NSCN (IM), NSWON denounces Rape morungexpress
Dimapur, April 3 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) and the NSWON have denounced the March 25 gang-rape of a girl at Darogapathar in Dimapur and yesterday’s rape at Sechu colony and have stated that any deterrent to crimes is dependent on the “seriousness of the police”. “With Naga society getting more criminalized by day this unfortunate rape case is not new in Dimapur and other places of Nagaland. But the seriousness of the police in pursuing the case to its logical conclusion is to be seen to serve as a deterrent to the other would-be rapists” a note from the outfit’s MIP stated.
Interestingly, the NSCN (IM) informed what it called to be “pressure” for the police “from different sources” in events of crime. These “pressure from different sources” have caused the police to “lose interest” where even barbaric and inhuman crimes become just another daily-affair crime. Further, the note stated, even the police or the investigation officer are ‘easily bribed’, causing criminal cases to “go slow and to led it pass into oblivion with the passage of time”.
Expressing sympathy for the victimized mother, daughter and traumatized family, the NSCN (IM) urged them to have courage and faith “in God” to see them through this hour of physical and emotional turmoil. “If the law and order agencies are to prove its worth as the guardians of the society, everything must proceed in right earnest and show result at the earliest”, the note added.
Likewise, the National Socialist Woman Organization of Nagalim denounced the Darogapathar and Sechu colony rape incidents and expressed aguish why “our brothers and fathers and even sisters and mothers in the police department not doing enough to rein down on the criminals”. While deterrent measures through befitting punishment “may be worked out”, the mental torture and stigma of the victim and the family will remain for a long time to come, the NSWON stated in a message. The NSWON has urged all women organizations to assist the police in tracking down the rapists and “to clean the society, such anti-social elements be thrown out and to make them rot in jail for life”.
The NSWON expresses sympathies to the victims of the rape incidents. “The police should leave no stone unturned to book all the rapists and thrown behind bars never to come out again” the note said. The NSCN (IM) wing also had a few suggestions for women and girls: “They should not make themselves too vulnerable in the eyes of the men with criminal mentality. In this regards manner of dress is to be taken care of decency is to be guarded; because society abound with men with lustful intention. Don’t give them chance by being careless”.
NNC distances from Indian polls morungexpress
Dimapur, April 3 (MExN): Stating that the NNC has nothing to do with the Indian elections, the NNC has denounced the poll appeal made by the “Sumi region (non-accordist)”. The Sumi region of the “NNC (NA)” had earlier issued an appeal calling upon voters to ‘elect an upright leader’. “…the central authority of NNC condemn Sumi region (non-accordists) for publishing the article on 1st April 2009 touching about the Indian election which is not their affairs and concerns at all”, a note from the NNC said. Expressing serious concern on the matter it said “the Naga political and historical rights of the Nagas are more important and more valuable than a region at this crucial stage of our political history towards peace and freedom”. The NNC has nothing to do with the Indian elections and it is not a “Naga affairs” or the “business of NNC in particular” the note from the “central office, information & publicity wing” stated. Expressing opposition to the Indian elections in the Naga homeland, the note explained “because this is in complete contravention of the Naga National Plebiscite of 1951”.
Nagas warn Jewel faction OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, April 2: Several Naga organisations led by the Naga Hoho have strongly warned the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah to immediately stop atrocities against the Nagas or face a backlash.
The Naga Hoho, the apex Naga body, said the Naga people found it hard to tolerate the recent activities of the outfit and if such activities were not stopped forthwith, they would protect the lives and property of fellow Zeme Nagas in North Cachar Hills of Assam.
The organisations said the Dimasa rebels had killed six persons, injured many and displaced over 500 Zeme Nagas from the Haflong area in NC Hills.
Hundreds of displaced Zeme Nagas have been taking shelter in Tamenglong district of Manipur. To help the displaced people, the Naga Hoho is collecting donations and organising relief drives across the Naga-inhabited areas till Monday.
The Naga Students’ Federation said the perpetual conflicts were totally uncalled for as these were disturbing the harmony among different ethnic communities in the region. The president of the federation, Imchatoba Imchen, urged civil society and the student leaders of different communities to take the lead role in resolving the present crisis and pave way for a lasting peace.
The Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO), the apex organisation of three tribes including the Zeme Nagas, too condemned the incident at NC Hills where the outfit has unleashed terror on innocent villagers. Condemning the “cowardly” act of the DHD (J), it stated that the violence was a direct challenge to the Tenyimi people and the Nagas in general that would only affect the age-old bond between the two communities.
The president of the TPO, Z.M. Sekhose, and its secretary (publicity and information) S. Daiho Rajüte have requested the Dimasas to immediately stop violence perpetrated against the Tenyimis before the situation worsened. The president of the Zeme Council Nagaland (ZCN), Raitu Elu, said the Naga people in NC Hills were settled there from the beginning without interference from neighbouring communities.
If any “evil design” tried to break the age-old communal harmony, the council would be compelled to initiate befitting action in the interest of the Naga people.The ZCN also maintained that the Assam government should take serious note of the recurring violence perpetrated by the DHD(J) against innocent people. Instead of remaining a “mute spectator” it must show the political will to establish peace, it said.
It stated that the government must extend immediate relief to the affected villages, compensate for the loss of lives and property and ensure rehabilitation.
Integrity icing in brief speech - Chivai wins hearts - Feathers in his cap KHELEN THOKCHOM The Telegraph


Rahul Gandhi, in a traditional headgear, waves to his supporters during an election rally in Churachandpur on Thursday. (Reuters)
Churachandpur, April 2: Rahul Gandhi today not only charmed the crowd with his young looks but also won their hearts by assuring them that the territory of Manipur would not be disturbed.
“There will not be any change in the territorial integrity of Manipur. I can assure you that,” Rahul told a cheering 3,000-strong crowd at Tuibong Peace Ground on the outskirts of Churachandpur town this afternoon. Safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur is one of the main election agendas of almost all the political parties.
The Congress general secretary flew in here by chopper from Aizawl and went back to Delhi after addressing the election rally for Thangso Baite, the Congress candidate in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, scheduled to go the polls on April 16.
Manipur’s territorial integrity is an emotive issue with the people as the NSCN (I-M) has staked its claim to four of the state’s districts since these are mainly inhabited by Nagas. The NSCN (I-M)’s vision of “Nagalim” encompasses these areas and some others in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Eighteen persons died in 2001 during protests against the extension of jurisdiction of the government-NSCN (I-M) ceasefire into Manipur.
Braving the scorching heat and a statewide bandh, people started gathering at the venue two hours ahead of Rahul’s arrival, giving him a standing ovation as he stepped off the chopper. “Rahul Gandhi zindabad, Sonia Gandhi zindabad, Congress party zindabad,” the crowd shouted as he waved from the dais.
Attired in his trademark white kurta pyjama and a black tribal vest, Rahul immediately won the hearts of the gathering by saying “Chivai (namaste in Kuki-Chin-Mizo dialect)”, before he started his 10-minute speech.
“I came here at 10am to see him. I am told he is handsome and indeed he is. I did not regret my nearly three-hour wait for him,” said Helhing Vaiphei, a 41-year-old tribal woman. Girl students as young as 13 turned up to have a glimpse of the scion of the Gandhi family.
Rahul started his speech by announcing that he had a special interest in the land and people of the Northeast. “The most important thing is the Congress treats all religions equally and we should remember that during the five-year rule the UPA proved itself to be a government of the poor and common man by giving each and every one in rural areas 100 days job in a year.”
The government had also given the citizens the right to information and India should move forward by coming together, he said. Stating that the UPA valued the people of Manipur and its culture, Rahul said handing over of Kangla fort back to the people showed the UPA’s concern about Manipur. He said setting up of a central university and making HIV control programme a success would be significant achievements for the state and promised to be back to address more election rallies.
The crowd, however, was thinner than the one that gathered to hear his mother Sonia Gandhi address an election rally here in February 2007.
“I am not satisfied with the crowd size. Many turned away because the security personnel did not allow them to carry mobile phones, bags and umbrellas,” said Thangso Baite, the candidate. However, they were later allowed to take their mobile phones and other personal belongings. Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, PCC president Gaikhangam, ministers and MLAs attended the rally. Ibobi Singh highlighted his government’s achievements and assured the gathering that his government would withdrew the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act once the situation improved.
DAN govt under fire for ‘reign of terror’ morungexpress
Dimapur, April 3 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has stepped up its attack on the ruling NPF led DAN government and in particular alleging that the DAN regime has “become a reign of terror”.
“DAN’s regime has become a reign of terror. DAN government epitomized Nagaland as a killings for ransom, factional killings, threat and intimidation, extortion and multiple illegal taxation, rape of all kinds including pregnant women and recent gang-rape, vehicle theft, booth-legging and illegal liquor, etc, etc. have become the order of the day,” stated a press note from the NPCC Media Cell issued by Dr. K Hoshi, member.
Attacking the government on the law and order front, the NPCC stated that the protest closure of all business establishments in Kohima town on March 31, 2009, was the “last proverbial straw for the business community indicating that people’s patience have run out”. The NPCC further pointed out that the “threat” on SIT team for probing into the fictitious appointments in education department was another “indicator that State’s law and order machinery has been usurped by parallel governments”.
NPCC questions misappropriation of crores of rupees
Making the point that the DAN government was “continuously trumpeting on peace, prosperity and development in Nagaland”, the NPCC felt that it was “imperative to issue an antidote statement against their frequent farcical slogans”. In this regard, the NPCC pointed out that despite its election promise in 2003 to bring about solution to the vexed Naga political problem within 3 months of assuming power, the problem remains “as static as ever” and that the “DAN’s formula for solution refuses to take off”. “Lack of direction has weakened the position of the Nagas,” it stated.
On corruption, the NPCC claimed that “transparency and accountability as its poll plank has gone down the drain”. “Corruptions of all kinds and at all levels have gone beyond human comprehension. DAN government has become a government of percentage cut and commission in all government supplies and contract works, forcing multi-crore projects like Thermal Power project in Dimapur, etc. to be abandoned,” the NPCC stated. Further, it alleged that diversions of even Centrally Sponsored Scheme funds have been “brushed aside as on-going procedural matters by none other than the Chief Minister”.
The NPCC statement pinpointed to financial misappropriation of Rs.21.43 crores in the Horticulture department, Rs.2.17 crores in Agriculture department, Rs.44.17 lakhs in Irrigation department, Rs.19.92 lakhs in Education department, Rs.195 crores for RGGSY, Rs.2.70 crores cash recovered by the Vigilance department from the Chief Engineer’s house and the police project in Saijan. Stating that all this had failed to prick the conscience of DAN leaders, the NPCC went on to allege that funds in NREGS, NRHM, SSA, etc., that run into crores of rupees, have been thoroughly misused.
It was also alleged that the Bharat Nirman program introduced by UPA government to transform rural areas by expanding and providing irrigation, all-weather roads, houses to the poor, drinking water, electricity for all poor families and phone connectivity in all villages have been implemented in paper only. Besides, the press note alleged that backdoor appointment against resultant vacancies from superannuation, death, voluntary retirement, nepotism and favouritism in recruitment of personnel in NAP, NPSC, etc., spoke volumes about power abuse. “Power corrupt, but DAN’s absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
The NPCC has also pointed to “fiscal mismanagement” to the tune of crores, which it alleges to be “the report card of Chief Minister” who also holds the Finance portfolio. It alleged that a deficit that stands approximately at Rs.600 crores is the “gift of CM to Nagaland State”. The NPCC also claimed that the DAN government had failed to implement the 6th Pay Commission for government employees and also release the normal pay for the month of February till date. “The DAN government has gone on borrowing spree from all available lending institutions like HUDCO, NABARD, L.I.C, G.I.C, R.E.C, etc., with impunity”. The Congress also pointed out that the “much-hyped about budget presentation of Rs.1200 crores during the current financial year” had nothing to offer to the State as almost everything will end up at Delhi with the consequence, “deducted at source by lending institutions”.
The Nagaland Congress also alleged of several scams surfacing in the NPSC, the latest being the answer-script swapping scam, besides fraudulent drawal of pension bills, medical reimbursement, etc., being nothing new anymore under the DAN’s regime, the NPCC stated, while also reminding that the appointment of excess teachers allegedly by forgery has emptied the budget of the Education department and paralysed it as was “evident from its inability to release the salary” for the month of February.
The NPCC has also alleged of the “pathetic road condition” in the entire State besides the collapse of bridges, the miserable power supply, water supply, public distribution system in food and civil supplies. Further ridiculing the DAN government’s trumpeting on developments, the NPCC has claimed that 90% of Below Poverty Line (BPL) schemes under Public Distribution System (PDS) have been seized by “DAN’s Above Poverty Line (APL) party men and women”.
On the issue of secularism, the NPCC has pointed out that the DAN government was claiming that it condemned the anti-Christian atrocities when its Chief Minister writes a symbolic protest letter to the Prime Minister or the Chief of the State concerned. “Yet, it refuses to detach itself from BJP, the anti-Christian party and continue to run the show with the Communal BJP as one of the constituents of NDA,” the NPCC stated. It also questioned “DAN’s political game of using cash, women and wine for political inducement” pointing out that it has “enslaved the entire set up in the society by its policy of money-bag politic”.
“The list is endless”, the NPCC statement notes.
‘Land and People are Inseparable’ morungexpress
Dimapur, April 2 (MExN): The Manipur based regional party People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has called for a firm commitment to protect the lands, forest and mineral resources of the Hill People of Manipur, ensure the democratic rights of the people, preserve the identity of the marginal nationalities with due respect to their aspiration and to facilitate the fulfillment of the same, like the Naga Unification and that of other indigenous people of the State. This is as per the PDA manifesto for the coming parliamentary elections, stated a press note from the office of the PDA.
PDA for protecting Hill People of Manipur
Pointing out that emergence of regionalism was a “healthy and constructive force to protect the regional and local interest”, the PDA maintained that this will bring about transparent socio-economic development while expressing its concern over the social inequality between the advance majority sections of the society and the backward hill people. “Fund flow from the Tribal Affairs Ministry under Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution should reach the tribal people settle in the valley districts of Manipur”, the PDA states while adding that it will strive for the good governance.
With specific reference to the protection of lands and mineral resources, the PDA states that it shall to protect, safeguard and ensure proper management of the lands, forests and mineral resources of the hill people of Manipur. “Land and Forest and Tribal/Indigenous people are inseparable”, the PDA affirms. The PDA manifesto also mentions on the issue of Naga unification and other indigenous people of Manipur and peace process. “The unification of the Nagas and that of other indigenous people of the state shall upheld”, it states while affirming that it stood for solution of all political problems in the region and the Indian Sub-Continent through peaceful means. “And that it supports the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process which calls for a strong political will”.
The PDA also affirmed that it will strive for the improvement of Roads and Transport system in Manipur. Link roads from one District H. Qrs. in the hill areas of Manipur on the status of State Highways will be constructed wherever required, the PDA states. Inter District Bus service should also be opened at the earliest for the welfare of the people in the hill and rural areas of the state.
The regional party also reminded that the time was here to set up a separate Hill University for the 5 hill districts of Manipur be taken up to ensure proper educational and academic enhancement and to fulfill the long standing aspiration of the students community in the hill areas of Manipur. The PDA also states that it will strive for setting up of a Hr. Sec. School at every sub-divisional Hqrs. This Party will take up efforts for effective health services for the people of the hill areas especially for rural poor. A community Health Centre on the status of Hospital should be opened in each sub-division by the State Government, according to the PDA manifesto.
The PDA states that it will strive for the realization to increase four Assembly Constituencies as recommended by the Delimitation Commission of India for the Hill areas of Manipur as per 2001 census. PDA will also strive for the realization of the creation of a 46 member Legislative Council (Vidha Parishad) for Manipur with one third representative for women and unrepresented communities. It will also work to increase an additional seat of the Lok Sabha for the state of Manipur.
Also it will take up steps to enact law for setting up Tribal Advisory Commission like that of other Commissions on Women, Human Rights and others.
On human rights the PDA will work for strengthening of the State Human Rights Commission; withdrawal of the draconian laws, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958; to check State and non-state sponsored terrorism and extra-judicial killings besides give political prisoner status for revolutionaries of various groups when arrested or imprisoned.
On environment and ecology, the PDA states that water management of the lakes and rivers shall be undertaken on scientific lines besides all negative effects of developmental projects should be rectified. The PDA is opposed to the Tipaimukh Dam and the similar types. With regard to tourism and border trade, the PDA states that the RAP should be relaxed or abolished to attract tourist and merchants from across the world.
Anti-insurgency play organised in Kohima From ANI Daily News India
Kohima, Apr 3: Artists in Kohima staged a play highlighting how the youth in the state are misguided and lured into militancy.
The play, staged at War Cemetery was organised by United Artist, Assam. Through this drama, the artists tried to convey the message to the youth of the region that militancy is not the right path for them.

"This drama tells how the youth of today are misguided. They want money, they want everything, they want luxury but they are not following a right path for doing that. They want easy path, easy way to earn money. So, this drama will depict how they are misguided," said Bappi Adhikari, a school teacher from Dimapur.

The play has received a mixed response in different areas.

"In different places, we have received different reactions. In Assam and Manipur for instance, all the people who watched this drama told us that this drama strikes at the right time. They also said that more and more dramas on similar lines should be performed so that people can get aware and hope that atleast in future our northeastern states will be beautiful without sound of gun shots," said Aiswarya Kakoty, Secretary of United Artists Assam, as well as the coordinator of Northeastern states of the National Institute oferforming Arts (NIPA), New Delhi.

Nagaland is home to the country's oldest insurgency, launched by Naga rebels in 1947 demanding the creation of a separate "Greater Nagaland" for ethnic Naga people of the region. By Vibou Ganguly(ANI)

Naga ministers campaign issue brought up The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, April 2: The Manipur Democratic Alliance was formed by the NCP, MPP, MSCP and NPP, said Dr. L Chandramani, president of the MPP in a press meet held during a conference of the party today.

He further said that this was done to fulfill the dreams of the people of the state which was today filled with crimes, killings and corruption. Radhabinod Koijam, MLA from the Thangmeiband constituency stated that it was very difficult to group two persons in the state but they had joined hands forgetting the past differences to make the place better for the sake of youths in the coming generations. He also said that there were lot of big rats in the FCS godown eating away the rice of the poor people.

He further added that leaders from Nagaland were campaigning for the Manipur Lok Sabha elections without informing anyone and the state government could not do anything. The election campaign in Senapati attended by ministers from Nagaland meant they are trying to break Manipur. He asked all to come out to save the state from killings and also added that the government was only for the contractors. How long could the people bear the present government, he asked while urging the voters to vote for Th Chaoba for the Inner Manipur and LB Sona for the Outer Manipur seat.

“Don’t write, if you don’t know” morungexpress
The so called MIP in the Muivah’s gang has ridiculed themselves to a whole bunch of laughing stock. My friend, you are once again caught on a wrong foot. You have absolutely and completely wrong notion about me. My advice to you is that, ‘’don’t write, if you don’t know’’. Though, I don’t owe any explanation to this group of criminals, I have to clear the air. Lest, the Naga people are carried away, as in the past , through their false propaganda which are aimed at achieving their selfish interest.
The write ups which has came out in the local dailies on 2nd of April has once again proved on its own that, the criminals do not have enough time to know who’s who? Since, they were busy extorting, demanding, kidnapping & plundering the innocent nagas of Tirap & Changlang. It has also proved beyond doubt that, they are always misled, misfed & misguided even on the issues of national importance. I would be extremely happy & glad to go through public scrutiny & I would also advice them to put their man to ensure that, the right person is scrutinise. And I am sure that the people of Tirap & Changlang will show them their right place.

(P.Tikhak) Dy. Kilonser, MIP, GPRN/NSCN.

Rio tells people not to fear Congress but vote consciously (NPN):


DAN Consensus Candidate CM Chang, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Home Minister Imkong L Imchen besides other dignitaries at the public meeting Friday at the Town Hall Mokokchung. (NP)
MOKOKCHUNG State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio Friday called upon the people not to fear Congress but to think carefully before deciding to vote for the lone precious MP seat. Rio was addressing a public meeting here at the Town Hall as part of DAN campaign for its consensus candidate for the Lok Sabha seat, CM Chang. He also renewed attack on the Congress’ booklet ‘The Bedrock of Naga Society’ saying that the book was still alive. He pointed out that the annual plan for the state was 424 crores (for 2002-03) during the Congress regime whereas the annual plan for the state (2009-10) now stood at 1500 crore. “This shows that we are really working for the people,” he claimed.
On the Congress candidate K. Asungba Sangtam’s statement that he could be a good facilitator if elected, Rio asked “What is he saying?” adding that he could not do anything for the Nagas for ten years as MP. The meeting was attended by the DAN consensus candidate, CM Chang, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, Power Minister Doshehe Y Sema, PHED Minister Dr. Ngangshi K Ao, Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs, party leaders of BJP, NCP, JD (U), besides a host of both central and district level NPF party functionaries. During the program, the chief minister also released the music album “Voice of NPF”.

CNBC'S Dream for Nagas Nagaland Page
The Council of Naga Baptist Churches, CNBC, is a church council for all Nagas everywhere. We have a vision - a dream:
That one day all Naga people will live together in one territory, one country as a nation on this planet earth. There will be no such things as Nagas of Nagaland, Nagas of Manipur or Myanmar, and Nagas of Assam or Arunachal Pradesh, but all are one Naga people living in one common territory and one country. There will be no such things as Angami country, Ao country, Sumi country, Lotha country and so on, but one united state of the Naga Nation, and in that nation state, Nagas and Non-Nagas will live together as brothers and sisters. Brotherly love and affection will bind them together. There may be different religion, different ethnic groups and communities, different languages and dialects, and different cultures, but only one God, the creator of heaven and earth, who is above all and in all. That is our unity and that is our strength.
Unity is not uniformity or organic. Unity is not "birds of the same feather" nor like-mindedness, but unity means inclusiveness, wholeness, harmony, beauty and love. There have been many currents and cross currents but they have been merged, synthesized and digested into one organic whole of Naganess. A basic culture unity runs through our main stream. We need to seek for the kind of unity that transcend all geographical and political barriers, all communal or religious barriers and be a transoceanic power over all differences and divisions. The Naga leadership shall be considered not on the basis of the past or the tribe he/she belongs to but on the basis of character and quality of the head and the heart as a man of God. We need to give new pragmatic perception to our history and situation, past or present. We should strive for stronger cooperation and active engagement in our discussion on reconciliation leading to a lasting solution of the Naga political problem. The present adversities must be turned into priceless opportunity in the interest of posterity.
Reconciliation on our present context would be the recognition of our unique realities and the overcoming of our distinct differences thorough the process of effective dialogue leading to a correct clear harmonious understanding of problems and issues involved. Reconciliation is like the beauty of musical harmony. Discordant keys of conflict and confrontations should be corrected or removed. Reconciliation is the key to our common hope for lasting solution once and for all. We must unite in our purpose; we must unite in our goals and objectives. We must unite in our struggle, direction and destiny as a nation.
Reconciliation is the key to bring our common dreams, visions and aspirations into reality. The time for passing the ball to one another is over. Now is high time for scoring goals. Therefore, the Council of Naga Baptist Churches stands to support the ministry of reconciliation to bring about restoration of a strong Naga relationship. We request the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to speedily address issues and problems that stand in the way and hasten the process of lasting reconciliation. Our future belongs to us, let us prepare for it today.
Rev. L. Bizo, President, CNBC.

NSCN (IM) on incidents at Lapnam & Lajo villages
No revolutionary movement anywhere in the world begins with public harassment. Any revolutionary organization that claimed to be people's movement tried to earn people's sympathy and not go the way to bulldoze people's sentiments. The current happening in Lapnam and Lajo in Khonsa district of Arunachal Pradesh smack of anti-social groups invading the villages to loot and disturb the whole socio-economic set-up. To make the matter worse the security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles (the so called friends of the hills people) are not doing anything to come to the rescue of the people.
After the fighting started in March 12 when the combine forces of K-group, ULFA, MPA and KIA comes under attack by Naga Army of NSCN for creating public nuisance and harassing the villagers by way of extorting cash and properties of the Lapnam villagers, the village settlements was in total disarray. Tension has been mounting with the menfolk leaving the villages as they are already on a collision course with the marauding forces. With no help or protection coming from the 19 Assam Rifles located just 10 Km away from Khonsa town the Naga Army was placed in a situation where they have to exercise and shoulder heavy responsibility to come to the rescue of the villagers. Clashes have started at Maklua, Lamchan, Langpu and Tingsa. In the next attack that followed at Lapnam Naga Army killed three of the combine forces on the spot and injuring many.
But after facing the pressure from Naga Army at Lapnam, the combine forces numbering around 80 have shifted to Lajo but the villagers are already bearing the full brunt. The villagers are forced to shell out anything of value like finger ring, and ear ring, necklace if they could not pay in cash. Many houses were destroyed, including schools.
Leaving them in such a state of shock the helpless villagers are approaching the Naga Army for protection, as they have lost hope in security forces. In and around the area, the presence of 3 Dogra regiment, 36 battalion of CRPF and 19 Assam Rifles are visibly seen.
But for the villagers these forces are of no use, after their repeated appeals for protection proved futile. Instead, they are turning to Naga Army. In the meantime most of the affluent families have shifted to the state capital to escape the torment of the forces led by K-group and KIA with ULFA and Manipur's MPA actively involved. These groups are moving from village to village extorting, and the Assam Rifles stationed at Noklo not doing anything to intervene.
On the part of the state government it was in quandary dealing with the anti-social groups. Compelled by the worsening situation and in consultation with the Home Ministry the area covering the Khonsa district has been placed under the "draconian "Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). But despite this move, the Assam Rifles are yet to wake up to stand by the side of the villagers. This has become the turning point for the villagers, forcing the rich families to escape to Itanagar.
This is the plight of the Lajo, the latest victim of the K-group, MPA, ULFA and KIA looting spree to make their presence felt. But the biggest question is- why the Para-military forces in the troubled areas are not countering the groups as pleaded by the locals?
The suspicious behavior and passive role played by the central forces have aroused deep sense of indignation in the public psyche.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN

Non-Bodo candidate files papers for Kokrajhar seat
CORRESPONDENT Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, April 3 – The lone non-Bodo candidate from Kokrajhar HPC filed his nominations on Monday with the support of the AGP-BJP combine before the Returning Officer C Narzary at Kokrajhar DO Office in the midst of around 3,000 supporters from across different communities.

Talking to a section of media persons, Rabha claimed that he would win the election with the support of the people. He dismissed the BPF candidate, SK Bwismuthiary and BPPF candidate U G Brahma as ‘no hurdles’. At the same time, he revealed that his prime agenda would be to work fer the ST status of Rajbangshi and Adivasis in Assam. He further stated that the Hagrama-led BPF has failed to keep promises to the people and blamed this on corruption and mis-governance.

Murder of SDO and staff CBI team in Imphal to start probe
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 3: Along with registration of a case formally, an SP of the premier investigating agency CBI who descended at Imphal today has started investigation into the incident of abduction and subsequent bludgeoning to death of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two sub-ordinate staff namely Revenue Mandal Yumnam Token and driver Aribam Rajen Sharma by armed cadres of NSCN (IM).
Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, an official source informed that the SP of the CBI had been specifically entrusted with the task after an order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on March 24.
The State Government had decided to rope in the service of the premier investigating agency to probe into the incident, which had evoked wide spread condemnation ,after a Cabinet decision in this regard.
With the CBI taking over the charge of the investigation, a case has been registered formally and Ganesh Verma, an SP of the CPI who has been entrusted specifically with the case today arrived at Imphal and started the investigation.
Soon after his arrival Ganesh Verma met the officials of the State Government and taken possession of all the documents and informations related to the case.
To aid in the investigation, the State Home Department had also given instruction to the DGP for issuing an order directing the SPs of Ukhrul and Senapati District to hand over all the documents related to the police inquiry conducted into the incident and co-operate with the CBI in its investigation.
The CBI has send SP Ganesh to Imphal with the specific purpose of investigating in the sensational triple murder, the source reiterated.
It may be recalled here that the mastermind of the triple murder Lt Col Hopeson Ningshen and his two accomplices namely Major Ashang and town commander Apho Sibo of the NSCN (IM) are currently in the custody of the outfit.
The other three staff who have been abducted along with Dr Kishan but were set free by the abductors were afterward reportedly ‘rescued’ by Assam Rifles and Police from Tolloi village in Ukhrul district while the driver of the Bolero used in the abduction and three other persons who alleged helped in hiding the abducted persons have been taken into judicial custody.
According to another reliable source, there had been an instance of attack on Dr Kishan by some villagers on his way to Kasom Khullen in connection with creation of a ‘bogus’ village on November 14, 2008.
Following an application submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Ku-mar Pal by one K Kaphung praying for grant of a separate village under the name of Hongbei, SDO Dr Kishan had ordered to conduct an inquiry.
The inquiry report of the SDO had pointed out that Hongbei village is to be carved out from Chongdan village and the creation of a new village within its jurisdiction has been strongly objected by the Chongdan village authority apart from the fact that no civil organisation of the Tangkhul com- munity including student organisations have ever re-commended the proposed creation of new village.
Consequently the Depu-ty Commissioner of Ukhrul issued an order on September 29, 2008 declaring that Hongbei village under the leadership of K Khaphung is not a recognised village in Kasom Khullen sub-division. The order of the DC had also stated that his office could not recommend to the Government for recognition of the new village and the Government had not issued any Gazette notification in this regard.
Subsequent to derecognition of carving out a new village, SDO Dr Kishan and some of his staff were attacked on their way to Kasom Khullen on November 14 last year by around 40 people at Hongbei and the matter was duly reportedly to the DC and the SP of Ukhrul. In the status report of the case forwarded to the officials concerned, Kasom Khullen Police maintained that accused K Kaphung did not responded to the summon send and it was not possible to apprehend as the police station is understaffed and totally unarmed with no official vehicle and wireless communication device.

Rahul strikes great rapport with cheering Churachandpur crowds; Manipur`s territorial integrity will never be altered: Rahul Gandhi M Kaimuanthang Kangla on Line

Lamka, Apr 2: The AICC (I) general secretary Rahul Gandhi addressed a large gathering of the public at Tuibuong Peace Ground to campaign for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha election candidate Thangso Baite in particular and the Inner Manipur candidate Dr. Th Meinya in general (both from Congress I). Earlier, the Congress leader landed at the helipad adjacent to the ground on a chopper from Aizawl at about 12.50 pm.

Rahul Gandhi addressed an enthusiastic crowd who were keen to see him physically from close range on his maiden visit today. Soon after landing at the helipad, Rahul came in the Gandhi family`s well known gait as the crowds shouted with jubilation as it was the first time they really saw him. Slogans like, "Rahul Gandhi zindabad" (Long-live Rahul Gandhi) and "Congress zindabad" (Long-live Congress" rent the air as the old and infirm, youngsters and even small kids covering every inch of the ground and trying to get a momentary glimpse of the young Congress leader`s face.

Gandhi waved at the crowds as soon as he alighted from the chopper as the cheering crowds greeted him with a more pronounced shouting of slogans. Coming up on the dais after receiving the formal welcome and presentations, he was seated between chief minister O Ibobi Singh and MPCC(I) president Gaikhangam. Gandhi began his speech by saying "Chibai" while waving his hands, which was responded with a big applause and cheers.

In his speech, he said he had traveled the length and breadth of the north east including Manipur and felt as a part of their family and was struck by the beauty of the region. He said that the tiny state of Manipur has been given importance in all areas of development as the other states.

The culture and the moral values of the Manipuris occupy a pride of place, he said adding that the Congress government had taken up many measures to uplift the poor and disenfranchised people. During the last five years, the Congress had taken up certain measures for ensuring that every person gets a hundred days of employment along with measures for the benefit of the farmers, he said. The Manipur government and the Central government are from the same party and by working in close association many more landmark achievements could be made, he added. He further said the Manipur University had been converted into a Central university, Kangla fort had been given to the people while adding that certain measures had also been taken up for the care and support of HIV infected people in the state.

Stating that the stand of the Congress government over the territory of Manipur had always been very clear, he said the territorial integrity of Manipur would never be changed or altered.

He went on to say that he had seen so many people from Manipur going to New Delhi for further studies and other activities and they were all successful in their chosen line of activities. Most of the district level MLAs and ministers apart from the present government`s MLAs and ministers were present at today`s function thus making the programme a highly successful one.

Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by L Farido, AICC(I) Manipur in-charge alongwith Major General (Retd) Ved Prakash, an observer. Altogether an estimated 40,000 people turned up at the rally though in the initial stages the gathering was smaller due to the over stringent security measures taken up by the SPG and NSG security personnel.

The programme organizing chairman T Phungzathang was seen closely monitoring the whole affair and even requesting the security personnel to be a little bit lenient. This yielded results a little later when the programme actually commenced and there was a rush of people on the ground. T Phungzathang, during a review meeting of the programme at the DCCI president`s residence thanked all district MLAs, the public and the media for their cooperation and support.

SDO killing JAC to boycott Sonia Gandhi visit, general strike called on Apr 4 The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, April 2: Strongly protesting against a proposed election campaign for the upcoming 15th Lok Sabha election by Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the UPA government at the Centre, the JAC against the brutal killing of Dr. Th Kishan and two of his subordinates has called a 14-hour general strike from 4 am to 6 pm of April 4, the day on which Sonia Gandhi is arriving in Imphal for the election campaign.

This announcement was made today by the JAC in a meeting held at the Manipur Press Club. Regarding the statement, Y Subankar of the JAC said that India was said to practice non-violence and the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was a symbol of its culture of non-violence, but the AFSPA has still not been repealed from the state in spite of the protests by the people of Manipur, the most prominent being the eight-year protest fast by Sharmila. Leaders like Sonia Gandhi had not even once enquired about Sharmila`s condition, he said.

He further added that not only Sharmila`s case but in the recent incident of the killing of the Kasom Khullen SDO, Sonia Gandhi had not sent any condolence message which showed she did not see any value in the people of the state. Looking at all these incidents, he asked if these were not reasons enought to boycott the Congress leader.

He also said that in case Sonia Gandhi does not come on April 4, the JAC would boycott any other visits by the Central leader whenever it takes place.

Meanwhile, another boycott threat has been made by the Tamenglong District Council Teachers Association which has said that if their demands are not fulfilled before April 5 the association would boycott the upcoming 15th Lok Sabha elections and all schools would be closed. The statement was given by Wichong, president of the association.

The demands of the association include release of salary from November 2008 till March 2009, release of 14 percent DA arrear from January 1, 2001 to June 30, 2005, and release of 12 percent DA from July 2008 till today.

KNU demands international community rescue Burma Salai Pi Pi Mizzima

New Delhi (Mizzima) – An armed ethnic Burmese resistance group, Karen National Union (KNU), has urged the international community to take stern action against Burma's military regime in order to restore peace and stability in the volatile Southeast Asian country.

Saw David Takapaw, vice-president of the Karen National Union (KNU), which is waging the world's longest running civil war against the Burmese regime, on Thursday said the international community’s concerted and timely action against the junta is needed in order to address the political deadlock inside the country.

“We made the call as we [opposition groups and the Burmese regime], by ourselves, cannot successfully address the problem at this time,” Takapaw told Mizzima.

Takapaw continued, “For example we [KNU] have been waging war against the Burmese regime for nearly six decades but there has been no tangible result to come of it,” adding, “We think it is better if the international community solves the problem."

The KNU in its statement on the peace effort released on Saturday also said that the widespread use of drugs and the country's poor record on human rights, refugees, human trafficking and illegal migrant workers, have all negatively affected the international community and now threaten global peace.

“Drugs are spreading to the region and there are many illegal migrant workers staying in neighboring countries. Burma has become an international problem,” Takapaw implored.

Moreover, the KNU reminded the international community to be conscious of the true ideology of the Burmese regime when approaching them, warning, “otherwise their good intentions will be easily defeated.”

The KNU, and its armed wing the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), has held talks with the Burmese regime on five previous occasions since launching their campaign for self-determination in 1948.

The two sides were able to reach a verbal ceasefire agreement, commonly known as the “Gentlemen's Agreement," after the last round of formal talks between the KNU’s late leader, General Bo Mya, and former military intelligence chief, General Khin Nyunt, in the former capital of Rangoon in 2004. The talks, however, came to a standstill after Khin Nyunt was purged from the military hierarchy.

The KNU, in Thursday's statement, said, “Peace negotiations between the KNU and successive Burmese regimes have consistently failed because sincerity was lacking on the side of the regimes in power.” Last month, the Burmese military, during Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya’s two-day visit to Burma, asked Thailand to persuade the KNU to contest the upcoming 2010 election.

However, Takapaw last month said the KNU will only hold talks with the Burmese regime if they are genuinely aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Burma.

“If the regime is willing to solve problems in peaceful ways, we are ready to talk with them,” said Takapaw, adding that the KNU will insist the regime first convene a tripartite dialogue and amend the constitution.

The KNU in their statement further reiterated that the government, without reform, will continue to violate the democratic rights of the people and commit human rights violations in the country well after the culmination of the 2010 elections. As a result, argues the KNU, the ethnic resistance will continue and the country will remain unstable – politically, socially and economically.