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04/17/2009: "Naga issue, the most misunderstood issue Eastern Naga Students’ Association"

Naga issue, the most misunderstood issue Eastern Naga Students’ Association

It is clear and loud that ‘Naga Issue’ has its own limit beyond India or Indian Election. It is owned by Naga people whether they are in Burma or India. But since some few years back, the issue is being used as main tool or theme in every Indian Election by the people/leaders.

Therefore we put our request forward to Naga National groups to recent over using the issue as main tool as whether it is fine and ok.

The Naga issue as such is so dear particularly for the suffering Eastern Nagas and the Naga people in general. We feel that to stand or fall Eastern Nagaland and its people lies in Naga political issue. We can no longer afford to overlook people/leaders misusing the issue as tool in Indian election campaign by promising to bring solutions to decade’s old problem which is not.

This costliest issue is not mean for election or using as main factor to wage vote but it should be used where it should be as the issue is purchased by the bloods and the tears of the Nagas wherever they are.

Y Khomong Khiamniungan General Secretary
Eastern Naga Students’ Association
‘Therie and aide assaulted’ Morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has alleged that its candidate for the 17-Chizami assembly constituency K. Therie and an aide V. Lasuh, a former INC candidate, were assaulted by NPF supporters. The NPCC has demanded re-poll in Razeba headquarter polling station no 19.
In a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland, NPCC president KV Pusa brought to the notice of the CEO on what was termed as the “total break-down of law and order situation and complete violation of Election Model Code of Conduct in the above stated polling station”.
Demand for re-poll in Razeba-19 “Bogus and impersonating voting have taken place and facts established”, complained the NPCC to the CEO. On detecting such illegal voting by candidate K. Therie, the complaint stated, NPF supporters assaulted Therie and his companion V. Lasuh, a former INC candidate. “In view of mob fury Therie has been restrained from lodging complaint to Presiding Officer of the polling station”, the NPCC stated.
Pointing out that the “NPF having majority, fear psychosis, threat, coercion and intimidation were executed all throughout the polling process.” This was ‘responsible for obstructing the INC voters to exercise their franchise’ the NPCC lamented. “In view of the gravity of the situation in this polling station where Election Model Code of Conduct have completely ceased to operate, the NPCC demand that re-polling is invoked in the aforesaid polling station”, the representation to the CEO stated.
A copy of the complaint was also forwarded to the Chief Election Commissioner, New Delhi and R.R. Mehta, Election Observer.
A separate note from the NPCC’s media cell alleged that the “rule of law” ceased in Razeba headquarter polling station no-19 today as NPF workers resorted “to all sorts of election mal-practices” including manhandling INC candidate K Therie and an aide.
The NPCC said that the entire polling station was virtually “hijacked” by NPF leaders and workers. “In the process, the INC candidate Shri. K. Therie was manhandled in the vicinity of the polling station by the NPF mob and the former INC candidate Shri. V. Lasuh also sustained injury on the head” the NPCC said.
The NPCC has vehemently condemned the “grievous misconduct of the NPF Party in creating a lawless situation in suppressing democracy and contravening of all Election Code of Conduct.” The Congress also expressed displeasure at the authorities in concern for their failure to protect the INC candidate and his aide at Razeba polling station today.
North-east sees high turnout Indo-Asian News Service
Guwahati, April 16: Voting for the first phase of elections in India's insurgency-hit northeast ended today with millions of people casting their votes amid stray incidents of violence and despite the rain in some places.
"Voting has ended rather peacefully in six of the seven northeastern states with heavy polling recorded," an election official said. According to preliminary reports, an estimated 65 per cent polling was recorded in the three parliamentary seats of Silchar, Karimganj, and Autonomous District of Assam.
"The final polling percentage could be much higher as we are still compiling figures from remote areas," the official said. "There were a few minor incidents of faulty EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) and temporary suspension of voting, but otherwise polling passed off very peacefully," the official added.
Voting was also held in two seats each in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, and one seat each in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
An estimated 7.45 million voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of elections in the six of the seven northeastern states. The electoral fortunes of 72 candidates would be decided in today's vote.
"In Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, the polling percentage is estimated between 60 and 70 per cent, while in Manipur it could be anything between 40 and 50 per cent according to preliminary reports," the official said. "There were rains in Arunachal Pradesh, but it failed to dampen the voters."
There were incidents of violence in the run-up to the elections in Assam and Manipur with militants triggering explosions and attacking trains, besides ambushing security personnel, in which about 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured.
"We are happy that the vote passed off peacefully so far," Assam police chief Mr GM Srivastava said.
The security situation in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya is comparatively better than in Assam and Manipur.
85% turnout in incident-free polls Our Correspondent | EMN

KOHIMA, APR 16: An estimated 85 per cent out of 13,17,729 voters today exercised their franchise at 1790 polling stations across Nagaland to elect the lone representative to the Lok Sabha as well as four Assembly Constituencies in an exercise that remained largely peaceful.
Briefing media persons, Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, CJ Ponraj said the estimate was as per 3 pm confirmation and added that final reports were awaited from Tuensang and Kiphire, delayed due to poor connectivity.
The highest polling percentage was reported from Kiphire with 95%, followed closely by Mon at 94.5% and third Pughoboto at 93.66%.
Other districts like Dimapur registered 67% voter turnout, Peren -70%, Kohima-80%, Phek-75%, Mokokchung-88%, Zunheboto- 77%, Longleng-86%, Wokha-70% and Tuensang-67%.
The Assembly segment poll percentage stands at 86% for 41 Tizit(final), 54 Tuensang Sadar II(71%),Dimapur III (65%) and 17th Chizami(75%).
Returning Officer and Commissioner HK Khulu said the overall polling in the state was peaceful with no major incidents, no mob violence or clashes.
Although some unconfirmed reports had been received of the movement of cadres in the by-election A/Cs, Khulu said there was no report of direct involvement while adding that the polls for the Parliamentary and all 4 A/Cs concluded peacefully in a smooth manner. The entire process was conducted with the underlying principle of ‘neutrality’, he affirmed.
Meanwhile, he informed that re-polling has been recommended in Tuensang Sadar II (Tuensang Village A) and one in Chizami A/C by the respective DCs for destruction of 3 EVMs. The matter has been forwarded to the Election Commission, he apprised. On the reported manhandling of Congress candidate K Therie in Chizami constituency, Khulu said no official complaint has been received while adding that the EC cannot take action on the basis of rumours.
Critical and vulnerable stations were covered by 41 video cameras and 40 digital cameras and exclusive women polling parties 49+1 (reserved) was deployed. Polling stations not connected by road stood at 56 - mostly in Peren, Phek, Mon, Wokha, Longleng, Kiphire, Tuensang.
Some further complaints have also been received, Khulu informed - 3 from Mokokchung, 2 from Phek (both parties) and 5 PS of Tizit (from NPF) – for which verification is expected to be carried out. On the Ladaigarh issue under Tamlu, where the Assam police had been reported to have occupied an LP School polling station, Khulu said the matter had been taken up with the EC and a clear decision given that the Polling Station had been set up in 1972 before the ban issued by the Supreme Court. Hence this matter will not come under SC decision, he said.
He said the Assam government had been asked to vacate but due to late information another Polling Station had to be set up in a nearby LP school. However, he reported that no voter out of the 908 enrolled had turned up to cast their vote.
Polling in this station was conducted freely in 1982, 1987 and 1989, but with some families shifting, inter-state border dispute has cropped up subsequent to 2002, he informed. The matter would be taken up with the concerned government after the elections, he added.
On whether polling would be called for again in the said station, the Returning Officer said though no vote had been cast, the PS had been open and the EC cannot force anyone to vote.
Counting of votes is scheduled to be taken up on May 16 next.

Free and fair polls successfully held: Rio
DIMAPUR, APR 16 (EMN): Barring a few pockets, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has stated that free and fair elections to the lone Parliamentary seat from Nagaland to the Lok Sabha and by-elections for four assembly seats were held successfully all over the State under an environment or peace and tranquillity today.
Issuing a statement on the conclusion of polling, the CM said except for a few pockets where ‘undemocratic forces had tried to disrupt the polling’, Nagaland witnessed free and fair elections where the electorate of the State could come out and exercise their franchise without any fear or apprehension. Maintaining that the successful conduct of the elections indicates that the State is undergoing a period of peace and tranquillity, Rio said this has been possible because of the wholesome public support that the State Government has received from all sections of the people. While voicing appreciation at the ‘excellent performance’ of the administration, police and election department for conduct of peaceful elections where the electorate of the State could exercise their franchise as assured in the Constitution, the CM also congratulate and thanked the people of the State for standing firm and strengthening the democratic process by coming out to cast their votes.

Peace in hills but Maoists strike OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
April 16: Fears of widespread violence proved unfounded as the first phase of polling in 10 of the 24 parliamentary seats in the Northeast was peaceful, barring stray incidents of violence, but the democratic exercise in Nagaland turned into a mockery with allegations of rampant proxy voting.
The turnout was between 48 and 85 per cent. Repolling was ordered at three polling centres in Manipur and 12 centres in Arunachal Pradesh. In Manipur, officials confirmed 70 per cent polling but said it could increase as information from several polling centres was still awaited. Elsewhere in the country, Maoists killed 18 people in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa during the first phase of polling today and looted several electronic voting machines.
A jeep carrying poll officials was blown up in Rajnandgaon, 75km from the Chhattisgarh capital Raipur. Five officials were killed on the spot and two were injured, inspector-general of police (Durg) Mukesh Gupta said. Zonal officer A.K. Acharya was among the dead. Naxalites struck at a dozen places across the state, looting nine EVMs and exchanging fire with security forces at various sites in Dantewada and Narainpur districts, 350km and 250km respectively from Raipur. Two CRPF jawans died of bullet wounds and five were injured at Maruki in Dantewada.
In Nagaland, even without a boycott call or threats, the electorate was indifferent. In some villages and colonies in Kohima, gaonburhas (village headmen) had to come out on the streets and request voters to cast their votes. In some booths, election agents of political parties had to force passersby to cast proxy votes. Under-age boys and girls voted with gay abandon.
No political party could give concrete reasons for the indifference which largely, according to some voters, had to do with same old rhetoric about the Naga political problem, corruption-free government, transparency, accountability so on and so forth.
But the turnout for the four Assembly byelections was high according to Nagaland CEO C.J. Ponraj. The seats are Chizami, Tizit, Tuensang Sadar-II and Dimapur-II. “I am satisfied with the election process this time,” the CEO said putting the turnout at 85 per cent. Arunachal East recorded 63 per cent while Arunachal West recorded 59.5 per cent, for a state average of 61.45 per cent even as the Opposition BJP accused the ruling Congress of “massive rigging” and several incidents of “booth capturing” in Papum Pare, Ziro, Daporijo and West Kameng districts of the state.
The turnout was healthy in the three seats of Assam — Silchar, Karimganj and Diphu — with election officials in Silchar, Karimganj and Haflong towns indicating an average of 65 per cent voting. Much enthusiasm was seen among the voters in Silchar town who turned up in large numbers. Damage to a couple of EVMs in Katlicherra, drowning of an EVM in a pond in Algapur and two cadres coming to blows in Silchar town’s Malugram locality were the only aberrations in an otherwise smooth polling that would decide the fate of Union minister Sontosh Mohan Dev, the BJP’s Kabindra Purkayastha and AUDF president Badruddin Ajmal.
Dev has pleaded with the Election Commission for repolling in the four polling stations under the Kathigorah Assembly segment under Silchar seat alleging that there was widespread proxy voting. Two policemen were injured when the police fired in the air at Borthal tea estate under Lakhipur subdivision in Cachar district, part of Silchar Lok Sabha constituency, for dispersing a group of rampaging tea workers there. Official sources added the labourers ran away when the police opened fire.
Assam CEO Hemanta Narzary this evening put the percentage of Karimganj at 60.88 per cent, Silchar at 63.71 and Diphu at 60.40. The voting percentage for these 10 seats in 2004 elections were: In 2004, the turnout was 68.5 per cent in Karimganj, 69.18 per cent in Silchar and 69.29 percent in Autonomous District (Diphu). There will be repelling in station no. 41 of Katlicherra in Karimganj because EVMs and voting papers were damaged. However, polling for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram ended on a lacklustre and desultory note as only 48 per cent cast their votes in comparison to 63.38 per cent in the 2004 polls. Deputy chief electoral officer in Mizoram, Lalhmingthanga, said the turnout reflected the indifference of the voters to national issues.
There was also not much enthusiasm in either Meghalaya’s two seats — Shillong and Tura — that went to polls under President’s rule. Like the low-profile election campaigning due to the political instability in the state, polling was also a low-key affair. Tura registered over 67 per cent voter turnout while Shillong 68 per cent. In Manipur, voters in seven Assembly constituencies in Thoubal district turned out in large numbers as Outer Manipur went to the polls today.
Barring some stray incidents of attempts to disrupt the polling and damage of an EVM, polling went off peacefully. Polling was cancelled at a polling booth in Tamenglong district after reports of booth capturing. Similarly, polling was cancelled in one polling booth each in Tamenglong and Senapati districts. Chief electoral officer Shambhu Singh said barring some stray incidents, polling was brisk and peaceful. The poll percentage is expected to be over 85 per cent.
Naga officials prevented from setting up poll booth Indopia
Sibsagar , Apr 16 Polling officials from Nagaland were prevented from setting up a polling both in Assam&aposs Sibsagar district by the administration, police said today.
Four polling officials accompanied by a officer of Nagaland&aposs Tamlu sub-division and two sections of CRPF had gone to the Borhola border outpost area under Geleki police station late last night.
But they were stopped from setting up polling booth as officials from Assam claimed that the territory belonged to their state.
Nazira sub division border magistrate Rajiv Thappa arrived at the spot and claimed before the polling officials that the area belonged to Assam, the police said.
Youths apathetic towards voting Deepak Rana

New Delhi: If we take a look on the participation of the youth in the Lok Sabha polls, it is a dismal one. However, why this the trend that people don't come out of their homes and waste their right to franchise is not clear.
Turning to percentage, Nagaland registers the highest voting turnout with 91.77 per cent. Jammu and Kashmir is the lowest at 35.20 pc .
In the last four LS polls, the percentage of voting by youths saw a decline in 1996 it was 54 percent in 1998 it reached 60 percent but again saw a nosedive at 57 percent in 1999. The percentage further declined to 55 percent in 2004.
This time various drives are being launched to aware the youths towards the important of voting and it would be in the interest of the youths who have to play a very important role in the development of the nation to exercise their franchise.
Chang decries rumour, appreciates (EMN
DIMAPUR, APR 16): Terming the polling day rumours as another false propaganda by the Congress to create confusion and mislead the people
, DAN consensus candidate for Lok Sabha CM Chang this evening issued a statement to clarify that he was in Kohima all along and ‘therefore the question of such an incident taking place just does not arise’.
A rumour that Chang had shot and critically injured a goanbura in his native village Noksen had been spreading like wildfire since polling began in the morning raising questions among voters who had lined up at the various polling booths.
“It is just another attempt of the Congress at character assassination and speaks volumes of how low the Congress is willing to go to mislead the people and carry out a strategy of spreading lies,” Chang said, adding that this strategy of the Congress explains its pathetic position and ‘the sort of mental make-up that the Congress leaders have’. He went on to say that if the Congress thinks they can fool the Naga people with such lies and wild allegations, ‘then they are totally wrong and they are undermining the wisdom of the Naga people’ while also stating that this should be another pointer to the people on ‘what sort of a party the Congress is in Nagaland’.
Meanwhile, the DAN candidate expressed his appreciation to the government machinery, including the administration, police and election department, for conducting peaceful elections all over the State. He also voiced appreciation to all rank and file of the DAN parties and supporters of the independent MLAs who have put in all efforts for the coalition and his candidature. ‘Most importantly, my appreciation and thanks goes out to the lakhs of people who have supported me in the elections with their precious votes’, Chang said.

Naxal violence mars 1st phase LS polls, 10 killed Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, April 16 – Naxal violence rocked certain parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa today in the first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections leaving 10 dead, including five BSF personnel, as moderate to brisk voting was reported across 17 states and union territories, reports PTI. Shortly after voting began at 0700 hrs, Naxals triggered a landmine striking a bus ferrying Border Security Force personnel in Latehar district in Jharkhand in which five personnel and two civilians were killed.

In Bihar, a homeguard and a police personnel on election duty were shot dead and another injured by naxals in Singhpur village in Gaya district, police said. Two other police personnel were missing.

Two polling booths were set on fire and polling machines snatched in Dantewada and Narainpur in another naxal-infested state Chhattisgarh by the Left-wing extremists who also triggered IED blasts and exchanged fire with security forces. One CRPF personnel was killed in the clashes.

Maoists also set afire at least three polling booths, electronic voting machines and other materials in Orissa’s Malkangiri district today, disrupting voting.

Voting began on a moderate note in 124 constituencies spread across 15 States and two union territories during which the fate of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, BJP’s Murli Manohar Joshi and Yashwant Sinha and TRS president K Chandrasekar Rao will be decided. There are 1,715 candidates in the fray.

Houses burnt down in group clash
From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, April 16: The houses of three families at village Hazarika under Serfanguri police station were totally burnt down in group clashes on Tuesday night at around 8.30 pm.
The first incident happened when BPPF supporters burnt the house of surrendered NDFB cadre and BPF supporter Sambram alias Samarendra Brahma where a good number of household materials including a motorbike were burnt to ashes.
In retaliatory measure, the houses of BPPF supporters Dungra Wary and his father Birthang Wary were also burnt down completely. However, there was no reports of any injury.
BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary accompanied by EMs Derhasat Basumatary, Mono Kumar Brahma, Sabha Ram Basumatary and MCLA Dokendra Nath Brahma visited the site of incident along with DC and SP.
In another incident, the houses of three families Biswanath Brahma, Pramila Brahma and Megnath Brahma of Dumbruguri under Dotma police station were allegedly damaged by BPF activists last night at 8.30 pm. BPPF candidate UG Brahma visited the spot today to take stock of the situation.
Bodies of 2 NDFB cadres found From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, April 16: The body of an NDFB cadre B Onsula alias Arjun Narzary (23) of Belguri under Serfanguri PS was recovered by police at Swrmanga river bank near Ranighat on Wednesday at 2.30 pm. He received cut mark at his throat and head crushed who was later buried in the sand.
According to the sources, Onsula with his other companion- Bijya Basumatary (24) of Podmabil came to home from Serfanguri designated camp of the outfit on April 14 while the BPF youths chased them and took away.
Meanwhile, the body of Onsula was cremated today at his village in presence of the villagers and NDFB leaders.
It may be mentioned that, Onsula was the second son of social worker Baren Narzary. His first son-Nilambar Narary was the BLT cadre and got absorbed in CRPF after surrendering before the Government in 2003 but unfortunately he died in a bike accident in 2006.
Now, Baren Narzary has no sons to look after him after Onsula was killed. This is not the first tale who lost everything due to fratricidal killings among the Bodos. Baren Narzary is one of many such victims. A huge public rally was brought out by the NDFB today at Serfanguri taking the body of B Onsula. When the rally was continuing, the surrendered NDFB members opened several rounds of blank fire from their camp which is located about 200 metres from Serfanguri PS. Hundreds of rally members started fleeing. The surrendered NDFB member and BPF workers, later, came to police station in fear of possible public attack. The agitated public and NDFB (Ceasefire) cadres severely tortured four BPF workers including a surrendered NDFB who is critically injured. The public beat them up inside the PS complex. The injured were– Mohini Narzary (Surrendered NDFB), Andrei Jwhwla Hazoary, president, Dotma Block BPF, Chakramoni Narzary and Swrhani Boro, all BPF workers. On the other hand, the body of another NDFB cadre- Bijay Basumatary alias B Beowaifwr of village Podmabil under Serfanguri PS who was taken away by BPF activists on April 14 with B Onsula was recovered today from Swrunanga river bank near Pwthaigaon.
Two NDFB linkmen arrested with explosives From a Correspondent Sentinel
DHUBRI, April 16: Two NDFB linkmen identified as Sailen Hasong and Moqbul Mondal have been arrested by 3 Sikh Regiment based at Lakhipur under Goalpara district today.
Sailen Hasong has been arrested from Jogijhar while Moqbul Mondal from Janaruguri under Tikkrikila police station of West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
Army recovered seven gelatin sticks and 44 detonators with wires from Sailen Hasong while one Chinese hand grenade, nine gelatin sticks, six detonators and two kilogram explosives were recovered from Moqbul Mondal.
They are suspected to have been planning trigger major blast in run up to parliamentary election in Meghalaya and Asom. Timely arrest and seizure of explosive materials, however, averted the major blasts, army sources claimed.
Voter turn out tentatively pegged at over 70 percent Outer voters seal fate of 9 candidates amid minor tremors Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 16 : The fate of nine candidates in the Outer Parliamentary Constituency was sealed today with over 70 percent of the registered voters turning out to exercise their franchise rights amid tight security and apprehension of violence.
The polling was by and large peaceful except for some minor incidents of booth capturing and impersonation. The 70 percent report is however tentative as till the time of filing this report the official figure could not be worked out as night movement of polling officials is strictly prohibited. Moreover polling officials on duty in far flung places could not touch base with the district headquarters due to poor communication network.
Polling started from 7 am and went on till 4 pm, though reports reaching here said that voters at Thoubal district who had managed to make their way to the enclosure of the polling booths were allowed to vote till past the deadline. Long queues inside the enclosure of the polling stations could be seen.
Though the polling went off peacefully, repoll has been ordered in at least three polling stations. The repoll to be held include 44/40 Nungshong Khullen in Ukhrul district, 53/9 (A) Tamenglong district headquarters and 52/48 Dolong Khunou in Kangpokpi ADC.
Speaking to The Sangai Express State Chief Electoral Officer Shambhu Singh said that contrary to earlier apprehensions, voting in the Outer has passed off peacefully save for some minor incidents.
“We were apprehensive that repoll may be necessary in many polling stations, but since there has been no major incident, repoll may be held in only a few polling stations,” he added. Getting into specific mode, the CEO said that repoll will be held at each polling station at Tameng-long, Senapati and Ukhrul and added that repoll may also be held at some polling stations in Churachandpur district. All necessary steps have also been taken up to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the second phase election to be held in Inner Manipur on April 22, added the CEO. Repoll may be held either on May 18 or 19, said sources from the State Election office. CCpur (tentatively fixed turn out pegged at 60 pc) : Relatively peaceful. Voters turned out since early morning to exercise their franchise in relatively small numbers but increased steadily, marking an approximate poll percentage of 60 plus with at least two likely re-poll. Though relatively peaceful, polling in some adjoining villages allegedly witnessed threats from UG groups, but the security forces acted on time. Surprisingly, some of the polling stations recorded a record breaking poll percentage of 99 !
To cite a few examples, Bijang Loubuk recorded the highest number with 99.05 percent. Polling Stations under 59 Saikot - 59/44 and 59/49 also recorded 99 percentage.
Despite some polling stations recording excep- tionally huge poll percentage, DEO/Churachandpur Sumant Singh told The Sangai Express that he is yet to receive information from the interior areas and thus could only approximately put the over-all poll percentage to 60 plus for now.
Tamenglong (tentatively fixed turn out pegged at 70 pc) : Polling was stalled for a while at 53/9 (A) Tamenglong Higher Secondary School following disturbances given by some elements at about 9 am today. The EVMs at 52/14 Katiyang and 54/18 Luwanglong conked out and it is still to ascertained whether repoll will be held or not.
Senapati (tentatively fixed turn out pegged at 80 pc) : Tension reigned at Karong polling station resulting in some elements yanking off the cord of the EVM. Unidentified miscreants stopped voters from exercising their rights in polling stations located between 47/1 to 47/4 at Koide. Armed miscreants abducted polling personnel, including the Presiding Officer but they were rescued by women folk. Additional security forces, Assam Rifles, were sent to the said places. Reinforcement was also sent to Phaibung following reports of miscreants disturbing the polling process. Trouble broke out at 51/48 Dolang Khunou after miscreants broke the EVM. Chandel (tentatively fixed turn out pegged at 75 pc) : Largely peaceful although it was held under tight security arrangements. However, in some polling stations some people were seen casting votes representing the whole village or groups as usual. As such, the usual scene of queues of people waiting for turns to cast votes as observed in most other polling stations was absent in these polling stations. Yet, rate of poll percentage was amazingly high.
Moreover, three/four voters entering the polling booth at the same time were also observed.
At some polling stations in Chandel district, there were agents of only one single candidate. Some people were also seen exercising their franchise without identity cards prescribed by the Election Commission of India.
Ukhrul (tentatively fixed turn out pegged at 70 pc) : Polling was by and large peaceful though some miscreants disturbed the poll process at some places necessitating repoll at 44/40 Nungshong Khullen. Unidentified miscreants destroyed an EVM at the said polling station.
Thoubal (tentatively fixed turn out pegged at 70 pc) : By and large, polling in the seven Assembly seg-ments of Thoubal district went off peacefully. Al-though, voter turn out was low in the morning, a large number of voters came out in the afternoon to cast their votes. Chief Minister O Ibobi and his wife MLA Landhoni cast their votes at Thoubal Athokpam polling station.
Electorate of the seven Assembly segments of Thoubal exercised their voting rights at 206 polling stations. Jiribam : By and large peaceful, Significantly 110 voters of Rangkiakilong village, Tousem sub-division abstained from voting after it came to light that their voters ID were issued in the name of Sehjan village which is non-existent.
Chairman of Rangkiakilong said that this is an insult to the people of the village as Sehjang had been abandoned earlier.
AR debunks Sanagai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 16 : Referring to the incident of fire fight at Khonkhan in Ukhrul district between troops of AR and cadres of the UNLF on April 14, the Assam Rifles PRO has debunked the outfit’s claim as baseless and completely untrue.
In a press release, PRO Lt Col PK Wankhade asserted that the gun fight at Khonkhan and Phaikoh area resulted in a number of militant casualties while the security forces also lost a soldier.
The UNLF cadres fled to Myanmar as they were chased by AR troops right up to the Indo-Myanmar border, the PRO claimed while adding that every attempt made by the outfit to re-establish their camps within the Indian territory has been effectively foiled.
Loktak residents rally in Imphal, petition CM The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, April 16: Residents of the Loktak lake area who have been affected by the ‘Operation Summer Storm’ came to submit a memorandum to the state chief minister today but were stopped by the security personnel at the CC Higher Secondary School this evening. Later, five representatives of the residents were allowed to proceed to the chief minister’s bungalow to submit the memorandum.

Around 50 rallyists with banners demanding ‘Stop operation Summer Storm and save Sangai’ reached Konung Mamang before they were stopped by the police near the CC school.

The main grievances stated in the memorandum were that the women and children were not able to stay in their own home due to the operation and were taking shelter at Ethai Khunjao community hall, Tera Khunou Bazar Mandop and Arong Khunjao community hall. The number of people taking shelter was around 2500 and some had gone to other safer places.

As a result the residents were not able to work for their daily bread which was a great threat to the right to life since they were completely dependent on a hand to mouth living in the lake area, it said.
Some of the residents were used as human shields and forced labour by the security men and also for rowing boats for the army, it claimed while stating that since leaving their houses they were extremely worried about their domestic animals, fowls, fish farms etc.

The children were unable to go to school for the last few days and the firing and bombing in the area were also a grave threat to the Sangai deer, it said while appealing to the state government to suspend the operation which was affecting the lives of the people.

Meanwhile, Dr. N Mohilan, secretary of the Bio-diversity Ecology and Environment Network, Manipur. said at a press meet held today at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal that to preserve and protect the Sangai at Keibul Lamjao National Park ‘Operation Summer Storm’ needs to be suspended immediately.

He added that the Keibul Lamjao National Park which is located at the south western part of the Loktak lake is the only floating park in the world inhabited by the Sangai deer which also is found only in Manipur. He further said that in order to save the Sangai all the concerned environmentalists and other related organisations need to join hands to ensure that not a single Sangai is harmed. Due to the ongoing operation it is feared that some of these animals might get hurt and fall into the water pushing the unique species further towards extinction. He appealed to the state government, Central government and the Army to stop the operation for the sake of the Sangai deers.

Arroyo offers Philippines as a model for Burma by Mizzima News
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has held up her country's democratic experience as a guiding light for Burma's military regime, urging Burma's generals to adopt a similar approach to that of her administration in matters related to political reform and the strengthening of national unity and reconciliation.

In a statement released today by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, Arroyo is quoted as saying, "Like Myanmar, the Philippines has over a hundred ethnic groups and a variety of political persuasions, but rather than impair the vibrancy of our country’s democracy these have only served to strengthen it."

According to Burma's military government, the country is home to 135 distinct ethnic groups. Arroyo, speaking of her administration's actions directed at brining all Filipino citizens into the national political fold, added, "I have reached out to them [ethnic groups] in the spirit of reconciliation and national unity, which has enabled our society and political system to move forward without giving undue importance to their political mystique."

Further, the Philippine President called on the Burmese regime to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi upon the expiration, this May, of her most recent term of house arrest. Arroyo expressed her concerns on the lack of political reform in Burma to Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein on April 10th, during the second phase of the 14th ASEAN summit to be held in Thailand.

Acknowledging the views of the Philippine President, the Burmese Prime Minister, according to the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, stressed that his country is progressing along the path to the democracy, with the adoption, last year, of a new constitution the first step toward achieving the goal – with next year's general election to continue the process.

Yet, the Prime Minister's interpretation of the advice offered by Arroyo directly conflicts with the position taken by the U.S. Senate's Women's Caucus on Burma, as spelled out in a letter to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.

By calling for the abandonment of the electoral process in Burma, the Caucus is denying the legitimacy of the constitution as a basis for building a democratic Burma.

"The constitution in its current form precludes women from holding high-level government positions and attempts to give amnesty to the military junta and thus deny access to justice for the victims of the military regime’s systematic sexual violence against ethnic minority women," argues the 11-member panel. Significantly, under the terms of the constitution, Aung San Suu Kyi would not be eligible to occupy the country's top office.

On Wednesday, the office of the Secretary General gave notice of his receipt of the letter, adding, "The Secretary-General continues to follow closely the situation in Myanmar, including through his Special Adviser [Ibrahim Gambari], to promote national reconciliation, democratic transition, and respect for human rights in accordance with the mandate given to him by the General Assembly." Ban is scheduled to travel to Southeast Asia in the upcoming weeks, and is said to be contemplating a visit to Burma.

KNLA fights Burmese Army and DKBA by Daniel Pedersen Mizzima

Mae Sot (Mizzima) - Fighting broke out tonight at the Karen National Liberation Army's base camp in Wah Lay Kee between the KNLA’s 201st Brigade, the Burma Army and its allies the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army.

Speaking at a border location at about 7.15 pm Colonel Nerdah Mya said the fighting was expected to carry on into the night. For months now the camp has been on tenterhooks, with both DKBA and junta troops maintaining forward positions nearby.

The KNLA lost the camp once last year, but reclaimed it within a matter of days. Colonel Nerdah said the Burmese Army and DKBA troops were now maintaining forward posts armed with heavy armour that was capable of hitting the main base camp at any time.

Observer says Karen defection "insignificant" by Nem Davies Mizzima

New Delhi (Mizzima) – The defection of another Karen National Union group resulted largely from a personal matter and has nothing to do with issues concerning the broader Karen ethnic nationality, according to an observer.

In the two weeks since March 30th, 161 Karen rebels led by Captain Saw Nay Soe Mya, son of late KNU Chairman General Bo Mya, have defected to join the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU/KNLA Peace Council) led by Major General Htay Maung.

But Sino-Burmese border-based analyst Aung Kyaw Zaw said, "It is nothing significant. Saw Nay Soe Mya is just the son of General Bo Mya. He is not Bo Mya himself. There will be many more such incidents in the course of a revolution. It is more of a personal matter and does not have anything to do with the entire nationality. We can call him a traitor of the family and from the viewpoint of the family."

On Thursday, Burma’s state-run media, The New Light of Myanmar, carried a front-page story of Captain Saw Nay Soe Mya being welcomed by local residents in Karen state, terming his change in orientation as 'returning to the legal fold’. Before joining the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, Saw Nay Soe Mya twice visited the Burmese capital of Naypyitaw in 2008, meeting with junta leaders. Major General Htein Maung and his KNU/KNLA Peace Council broke away from KNU in February of 2007.

The New Light of Myanmar, in its report, said the group had joined with the KNU splinter group after finally realizing the ill-intentions of the KNU, which state run media claims is to push the Karen people into trouble and misery rather than to bring them welfare and prosperity. The paper said the government will provide the defecting members with housing, land for farming, running water, electricity, health care and education, in addition to other necessities. However, no mention was made as to whether or not the defecting troops would be disarmed.

Thailand-based Burmese analyst Win Min said that for now the junta is unlikely to pressure the Karen splinter groups to surrender their arms, as it is still too early.

"They [the junta] let Bo Htay Maung's group hold their arms as before when he joined with them. It is likely they will let this new splinter group hold their arms too. They will not disarm them as they have to use this new splinter group in attacks against their mother organization, the KNU," he elaborated.

Meanwhile, the joint forces of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), another KNU splinter group, and the Burmese army were reportedly launching attacks on the 201st battalion of the KNLA – the armed wing of KNU – even as KNU leaders were meeting with the Thai Foreign Minister and his team in Bangkok.

Win Min observed that the junta seems to be using a policy of dividing its adversaries in an aim to weaken the KNU in a war of attrition.

"This is the usual tactic of the junta. They have been dividing the KNU and persuading [various members] to join with them since long before," he said. The KNU is the oldest ethnic resistance group fighting in Burma, a campaign which has ebbed and flowed for over 60 years.