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04/24/2009: "Kohima shuts down in protest INDEFINITE CLOSURE TO CONTINUE; IMMEDIATE SAFETY MEASURES DEMANDED Our Correspondent EMN"

Kohima shuts down in protest INDEFINITE CLOSURE TO CONTINUE; IMMEDIATE SAFETY MEASURES DEMANDED Our Correspondent | EMN
KOHIMA, APR 24: Life came to a standstill in the state capital as business establishments downed their shutters to register their protest against the inhuman killing of fellow businessman Pradip Prasad, owner of a variety shop at Super Market, even as the business community stated that it would continue with the indefinite closure till the culprits are apprehended and punished.
Prasad was abducted on April 20 for ransom and was found murdered in the wee hours on April 23 at an area towards Meriema. Thousands of people turned up at the funeral programme and procession in Kohima on Friday to voice condemnation against the brutal killing.
Submitting a memorandum to the Kohima Deputy Commissioner Sachopra Vero, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) stated strongly that the situation must be controlled before ‘jungle rule is instated where businessmen and traders are killed on regular basis and criminals roam free’. The Chamber urged formation of a new strategic structure to provide immediate safety to the business community and said the government authorities must demonstrate their commitment to tackle the issue at the earliest. It, moreover, asked that crimes committed on businessmen be recorded as a separate statistic.
Failure to meet the demands will compel them to take their own recourse, it was conveyed to the administration, and the indefinite closure reiterated.
The DC, in his assurance, said all efforts were being made by the district administration and police to nab the culprits while seeking support from the traders. He appealed to them to reconsider their decision on indefinite closure as the public would be the worst affected.
He also apprised that security has been beefed up with police patrolling teams deployed in Super Market and NST areas as well as National Highway 39 where instances of kidnappings have been reported.
SP Kohima Renchamo Kikon, who was also present at the DCs chamber, informed that police have already identified few suspects, but stated that divulging information at this point would jeopardise the investigation.
Earlier, thousands gathered outside the KCCI office to voice protest and express solidarity with the business community.
KCCI president Khriehuzo Lohe described Prasad as a simple and exemplary salesman who was successful in his job and vowed that the business community would fight his cause till the end.
Known businessman and former minister Seyiekuolie Kesiezie said the act has made a mockery of the slogan ‘Nagaland for Christ’ while Padmashree Neidono Angami, former NMA president, pointed out that if the killing was an outcome of business rivalry the practice should be routed out totally.
President of the Angami Women Organisation (AWO) Medovino Dolie urged the gathering to rise up and join hands in the fight against such menace alien to Naga culture. She also said all are equal before God and men, be it a Naga or a Non-Naga.
Kaka Iralu, noted activist, called it a disgrace to the Naga nation and extended apology to the family members. Vilanuo Yhome, KCCI executive, called upon the various national groups to join hands to deal with the situation if they are for the people while Neingulie Nakhro, KCCI spokesman, referring to the big turnout said that this was the voice of the business community which did not believe in violence and never took people to ransom.
Presidents of the Hindu Mandir Society, Hindu Kalyan Samiti, Muslim community, Fr NK Abraham, traders, etc, also spoke at the funeral programme.
A silent procession was carried out from Super Market, outside the victim’s shop, to the main town area. Black flags were also displayed at all business establishments.

KCCI appeals
IN A statement issued in the evening, the KCCI has again reiterated that the closure of shops will continue indefinitely till the culprits are brought to justice and appealed to the general public to bear with the inconveniences ‘for a greater cause to root out this evil’.
All shops in Kohima will continue to remain closed to register the resentment of the business community, the communiqué issued by KCCI president and general secretary Khriezohu Lohe and K Chris informed. The Chamber also thanked all organisations who have extended support while stating that it values the support of all responsible organisations

NSF session to focus on Naga issue (NPN):
DIMAPUR, The 23rd general conference of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) scheduled to be held from April 27 to 30 at Mopungchuket village, Mokokchung is intended to focus on the “Naga struggle” by “forging mutual destiny” and to bring it to a logical end without compromising the principles of Naga nationhood.
Briefing presspersons here Friday, NSF president, Imchatoba Imchen; general secretary, Hetoi Chishi and vice president, Charles Lotha, said Naga struggle for nationhood has become an unending journey and added that Nagas need to reassess the idea of struggle and bring a logical end without compromising the basic features of an independent nation.
Lamenting that Nagas have been treading the same road for too long without any logical outcome, the federation said that even as the world was advancing rapidly the Naga people were still stuck in the “ancient/ancestor’s” trend of thought that they could live in isolation by claiming “full independence.”
They advocated that present generation need to do a thorough reality check and realize that the world has become interdependent and not “fully independent.”
The NSF while sensing that time was running “against us”, said Nagas cannot effort to lose even a single moment but put ideas together and to look at what was within the reach and what was attainable at the moment.
Underlining that the “unresolved political issue” was “tremendously disturbing” the minds of younger generation, the federation said it was impossible for the youths to develop themselves fully in the midst of conflict situations. Urging upon Nagas to realize and examine the growing strength of India and Myanmar “to whom we are directly concerned with”, the NSF further asked Nagas to accordingly “forge our mutual destiny.”
The federation felt that inner differences within the Naga family required an urgent attention of every Naga and needed to sort out without any further procrastination. Observing that there were some forces actively involved in fragmenting the Naga family, the NSF said a practical mechanism needed to be evolved in order to bring all Nagas together.
The federation also observed that instead of the Naga political issue occupying centre stage, Nagas have been “unconsciously” pushing inner differences to take the centre stage and overshadowing the main issue for too long.
A three-day conference would be graced by state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio as chief guest and Manipur MLA, Morung Makunga as special guest. The state planning board deputy chairman, Neiba Kronu would grace cultural regale as special guest while state home minister would grace the valedictory session on April 30.
The highlights of the programme in the conference would interactive session on the conference’s theme “Forging Mutual Destiny” with Baptist High principal, Pfelie Kesiezie as resource persons while former judge of Supreme Court of India, and incumbent UP Human Rights Commission, HK Sema would dwell on “Influx of immigrants vis-à-vis its impact on the socio-economic and identity of the Nagas.”
Cultural regale and debate session on “The present educational system is degree oriented,” would also be held at the conference.
2th IRB says sorry for assault morungexpress
Dimapur, April 23 (MExN): The commandant of the 12th IR (NAP) today apologized to the state’s Press fraternity for the assault of a scribe by a jawan of the battalion on April 14 in Mokokchung. A response from 12th IR Commandant Vika Sumi was received here today apologizing for the assault. In it was also mentioned that disciplinary action “is being taken against the erring jawan” but did not specify it any further.
“…the commandant (of) 12 IRB regretted (sic) the incident and apologize to the Press fraternity in general and the victim in particular. Appropriate disciplinary action is being taken against the erring jawan” stated Commandant Sumi, referring to the incident. The commandant said the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung on April 15 apprised of the ultimatum received from the Mokokchung Press Club following the assault. This was informed during a meeting that was taking place with office bearers of the Ao Senden in the presence of Mokokchung SP and the commandant of the 12 NAP (IR) in the office chamber of the DC “for related issue”, the commandant said.
“After deliberating on the issue it was decided to jointly own responsibility by district administration and police for the assault committed by the police personnel and as suggested by Ao Senden office bearers it was agreed to tender apology to MPC by district administration on behalf of all concern” Sumi said. “The battalion authority once again apologize for the unfortunate incident and holds no callous attitude towards Press fraternity” it added.

2 tribal girls from Dimapur raped in Delhi, sold to brothel (Page News Service)
Dimapur, April 23: Trafficking of minor girls from the Northeastern states to other parts of the country has become rampant as many innocent tribal girls are lured by people promising lucrative jobs and forced into flesh trade.
In a recent incident, two tribal girls from Dimapur were taken to New Delhi and after being raped continuously for several days, they were "sold off" to a brothel. However, the girls managed to escape and reached Dimapur after a month.
According to sources, 2 persons from Dimapur had promised them to impart vocational training in Delhi and also assured them a job. But upon reaching Delhi, the two minor girls aged 14 and 15 years respectively were allegedly raped by one of the agents and then "offered" to others, who also raped them.
The minor girls belonging to Adivasi community were then sold off to a brothel in Delhi and were forced into prostitution, but one day, getting an opportunity, they slipped off and informed their parents in Dimapur, about what had happened to them in Delhi. After arranging some money and tickets, they finally reached Dimapur.
A complaint has been lodged with the Police regarding the case.
A top police official when contacted disclosed that 2 persons identified as Zakir Hussain and Harjod Ali took the minor girls to Delhi in the month of March this year
He also said that the police are investigating the case.
This incident might not have come to light had the girls not escaped from the brothel, but it has also raised a question about the safety of innocent girls in the Northeastern states, who easily become victim of human trafficking and fall into flesh trade.
Recently, several girls from Manipur were rescued from Dimapur, who were being transported to other parts of the country and abroad, after being promised lucrative jobs.
Nagas Take Stand On Rape morungexpress
Dimapur, April 23 (MExN): Churches have the imperative to seriously scrutinize the “signs of the times”, and take an unambiguous stand against the prevailing evils in the society, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council today said. The NBCC was referring to the recent, increased rape and sexual violence in the Nagas’ land.
“We ask all churches to seriously scrutinize the grave signs of the times, and take up an unambiguous position against the prevailing evil in our society” the NBCC stated in a message from general secretary Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council expressed deep pain at the increased “rape, sexual assault, incest, and sexual abuse of all sorts in our society”.
Church must take stand: NBCC “If wolves and bears and birds take meticulous care of their young, why are human beings subjecting theirs to whippings and punches? Child abuse is the ultimate crime, the ultimate betrayal” the NBCC said in condemnation of crimes against women and children. It said criminals deserve the strongest condemnation and punishment. “God created all human beings equally, male and female, and any action or deed of dehumanization and injustice against any human being is a crime against all humanity. We believe in the dignity of family life as God’s ordination, and any attack on this dignity is aimed at God the creator himself,” the Baptist church explained.
All believers are urged to be “fervent in prayer” and to delve deeper into God’s word to be agents of Christ’s mission to “...preach the Gospel, heal the broken-hearted, and set the captives free” (Gospel of Luke 4:18). The NBCC has also appealed to all churches in Nagaland to pray, as a sign of solidarity with the victims and families of sexual abuse and violence.
The NBCC further expressed concern over the ongoing ethnic tension in the North Cachar Hills in Assam. The NBCC has urged all to pray for goodwill to prevail in the area. The council appealed to all parties “involved” to desist from any form of violence immediately, to avoid further escalation of the tensions and pave the way for an amicable solution.
AWO action to battle rape in Kohima

Dimapur, April 23 (MExN): Sharing in the frustration of rape victims and in that justice has not been found in the government or “customary laws,” the Angami Women Organization today listed out a number of measures against rape and sexual violence.
The AWO executives had met recently with women representatives from different wards and major tribal women organizations of Kohima. The meeting saw a number of measures decided upon to fight rape. The ‘measures’ are to be implemented in Kohima town, the AWO said today in a “public notice.”
The AWO said, in case of any rape incident in any ward in Kohima town, a rapist – irrespective of his background or social status – will be excommunicated from his ward for a period of 7 years over and above legal consequences. In the event a rapist is accepted into another ward or colony, “the heinous crime of rape committed by his person will be made public”, the adopted measures said. A poster-campaign “is expected to enhance the same”.
Further, the offender’s photograph along with his “vital statistics” will be published in all local papers and media, “compelling him to carry the shameful stain throughout his life”. The AWO requests and expects cooperation from all Kohima tribal women organizations and all ward women organizations to mobilize themselves.
“We share the deep anguish and utter frustration of our sisters who were victims of the recent outrages in Dimapur. Nothing can replace or repair the lives of the victims. For so long women folks have shown their anger through rallies, processions and demands for fit punishments, but have instead found that justice has not been meted out by the government law agency nor by customary law,” the AWO said in the “public notice.” The statement was appended by the AWO executives.
“When the law of the land does not render justice, there is no other option but to look to our traditions for inspiration of how such offences has been dealt with and find answers which are balanced with Christian compassion” the organization added.
According to the AWO, it was agreed after discussing at length how best to tackle the crime of rape, that rather than issuing the usual press statements of condemnations or demanding punishments for offenders, “the solution is to start from the family itself”.
Every mother is called upon to play her role in inculcating life values rather than shifting the responsibility to the schools, churches, and even if it is the responsibility of the government to protect women from such crimes, it added.
Abducted non-Naga trader dies of torture
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, April 23: Police recovered the body of a non-Naga businessman, who was abducted two days earlier, on the outskirts of the state capital this afternoon.
The trader — Pradip Prasad — was abducted from his shop in Super Market on Tuesday. His mutilated body was found in the Merima village area, around 5km from Kohima.
Prasad, who hailed from Bihar, was around 40 years old.
The abductors had demanded Rs 5 lakh from the family of the victim and later scaled it down to Rs 2 lakh.
But the abductors later informed the family members that the businessman had been killed and therefore the ransom need not be paid. The abductors also asked the family to collect the body.
Although there were no bullet marks, the police said the victim died of torture.
Police officials said they were investigating all angles. However, they did not rule out the involvement of some “terror elements” in the incident.
The Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) said it would chalk out its course of action, not ruling out closure of shops in protest against the trader’s killing.
“We are yet to decide the course of action,” a spokesman for the KCCI told The Telegraph.
The trade chamber strongly condemned the killing and asked the authorities to bring the culprits to book at the earliest.
Of late, there has been a sharp increase in extortion and collection of taxes by outfits and “terror elements” here, which had forced the capital’s business community to resort to a total closure of shops on March 31.
The closure was against rampant extortion, collection of taxes by different groups, intimidation, among others, thus causing fear and insecurity among the members of the business fraternity.
Several organisations, including taxis, buses and trucks, supported the bandh.
The KCCI warned it would take further steps if the district administration failed to pay any heed to its grievances.
Last year in Dimapur — the commercial hub of the state — over 20 non-Naga businessmen were abducted and killed by elements having alleged links with militant outfits operating in Nagaland. Over 200 affluent non-Naga traders had fled the state for fear of their lives.
‘Beau Benreu’ By: Robert Lanky Kangla on Line
“Benreu” created by human beings in the lap of “Mother Nature” is nestled on the ridge leading to the Mt Pauna- the third highest mountain in Nagaland. Originally, Benreu village inhabited by Zeme-Naga of Mongoloid origin, under Peren district of Nagaland, is now the home of Zeliangrong and Kukis. It is an epitome of nature’s untouched beauty as it retains most of its age-old charm and simplicity with nature and man in perfect synchrony.
The meandering hills and paths leads to the lush green grassy village nestled along the ridge is abundant with wild life, fauna, birds and edible shrubs. It’s not at all required to venture into the jungles to hear the birds and animals as it can be heard in the village itself. This mystic village is the unexplored, non commercial, God’s own creation complete with nature’s paradise and reality.
This ‘God’s own creation’ is located 120 kms away from state commercial capital ‘Dimapur’ at a height of approx 7000 ft with Mt Pauna over looking the village & surrounded by virgin forests. At Benreu, the rare experience of being close to the mother’s nature can be felt. Benreu with approximately 122 houses and less than a thousand people is the home of Zeliangrong and Kukis and interestingly with higher female ratio than men. The village Chairman, Mr Tingbanbe proudly mentions that literacy rate of the village is 95% courtesy the “Government Middle School” in the village. He also proudly claims that every house of the village is electrified and the Village has a Primary Health Centre and Community Church as well. On inquiry he says the main source of living villagers are farming and cultivation of oranges and mangoes. He has lots of hopes about the development, employment and revenue of the village with the likely increase in the tourist inflow in coming years with construction of Tourist Lodge to the south of the Village along the Pauna ridge by the Nagaland Government.
The ‘Mt Pauna Tourist Village Resort’has eight double bedded cottages fitted with all modern amenities constucted beneath natural trees of different varieties, making the occupant feel the closeness with nature. It also has one Morung and a three storied restaurant .Above all, the hospitality and care extended by the staff at resort is heart felt and admirable more so, the personal touch which gives the feeling of closeness. Benreu can be reached by two buses plying from Dimapur and Benreu daily. But the road is prone to landslides during monsoon and remains closed, paradoxically preserving and conserving this paradise from outsiders. To conserve wild life and to maintain ecological balance, ten years ago, villagers had banned hunting of wild animals in the forest above the road, but allowing hunting in the jungle below the road. Besides giving the fresh lease of life to the Blythe’s tragopan, the ban has placed the Benreu among the most biologically vibrant areas in Nagaland, which otherwise the local populace are (in)famous for eating ‘anything that moves on the earth’ and could have left nothing in the vicinity.
Benreu has another treasure: the oldest Morung. There is nothing like feasting and getting high in the traditional dormitory inside the Morung where ‘khel specific male’ Nagas gather for community feasting and recreation .The wooden benches and beds with skulls of bears, wild boars and deers hanging over head, add a touch of eeriness to the Morung’s dark interior. The villagers claim that they also have one of the highest concentrations of the highly prized semi wild Mithun. And the wealth of a villager is gauged by the number of the Mithuns he or she owns. The animal earmarked for special feasts is allowed to roam in the wilderness unless it’s time to come home for addictive salt. Any one can offer salt to the Mithuns, but only the owner has the right to sell or kill.
But, alas! Benreu despite being God’s own creation in a lap of mother nature and with tourist facilities has very minimal flow of tourists. Reasons, one may surmise are ILP, RAP , bad road conditions, fear psychosis of Big Brothers camp (to Athibung camp), inadequate publicity & information and lack of good transportation. Although the village has been declared as ‘Mt Pauna Tourists Village’ but a cursory glance of the visitors book reveals as a low tourist destination .It is only the govt officials who have frequented the resort and enjoyed the hospitality of the village as they can afford. The author, with heavy heart would like to make a fervent appeal to concerned Govt agencies, PWD or Border Roads for providing good communication, tourist buses to enable commuters to visit this beautiful place safely and comfortably and to explore the mystic beauty of Benreu and carry with them nostalgic memories of the Village.
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Bwiswmuthiary escapes bid on life CORRESPONDENT Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, April 24 – Member of Parliament and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) candidate for the Kokrajhar Lok Sabha seat, SK Bwiswmuthiary had a narrow escape when suspected NDFB militants tried to assassinate him in the Panijani forest area near Panbari village under Bogoribari Police Station in Kokrajhar district around 11.45 am today. Bwiswmuthiary’s driver Suren Daimary and his PSO Munnaf Ali were killed on the spot while six others sustained bullet injury in the attack.

According to sources the MP, accompanied by a large number of BPF leaders and members, was proceeding towards Panbari where miscreants had set ablaze 11 houses of BPF supporters last night, when the attackers, lying in wait in the area from before, opened fire on them. Apart from the casualties, three vehicles that were part of Bwiswmuthiary’s large convoy, were also badly damaged in the attack.

Later, talking to journalists Bwiswmuthiary alleged that the ‘pre-planned’ attack was the handiwork of NDFB militants under ceasefire, who were instigated by Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) candidate for the Kokrajhar LS seat UG Brahma and BPPF president Rabiram Narzaree.

Brahma and Narzaree however refuted Bwiswmuthiary’s allegation and said that the BPF leader was trying to draw political mileage from the incident and to malign the BPPF in public. Both the BPPF leaders condemned the ghastly attack and called for peace among the people.
Meanwhile, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary who rushed to the spot immediately after the incident, alleged the involvement of NDFB in the attack. Senior army and police officials meanwhile rushed to the area and launched a massive combing operation.

Several Bodo organisations, both political and non-political, have condemned the attack. They have also made fervent appeals for peace and harmony among all sections of the Bodo people. Meanwhile, as soon as the report of the attack spread, sporadic incidents of violence took place in different parts of the district. At Haltugaon under Kokrajhar PS, six BPPF members were brutally attacked by BPF supporters around 2.30 pm today. BPPF chief Narzaree alleged that three supporters of his party had gone missing from the area after the Panijani incident.

Tension continued to prevail in Kokrajhar till the filing of this report. Our Staff Reporter in Guwahati adds: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today strongly condemned the attack by miscreants on BPF candidate for the Kokrajhar LS seat, SK Bwiswmuthiary. In a statement, Gogoi termed the incident barbarous, and said that the police and the administration had been asked to intensify operations against those involved in the heinous act.