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05/01/2009: "Cops sniff NSCN-IM role in NC Hills OUR BUREAU The Telegraph"

Cops sniff NSCN-IM role in NC Hills OUR BUREAU The Telegraph


Silchar/Nagaon, April 29: Police today confirmed the entry of a “third player”, most likely the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN, in North Cachar Hills’ theatre of insurgency.
Yesterday’s attack on a village in the district which left three women dead, was “most probably” carried out by the Naga outfit at Yia Basti, about 20 to 25km from the sub-divisional town of Maibong in the hill district, the police said. However, it stopped short of blaming only the Naga outfit for the attack before completion of the investigation.
The superintendent of police, Mridulananda Sharma, told this correspondent that it was either the NSCN (I-M) or a “third party” — and not the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the DHD — that was responsible for yesterday’s violence in the remote Dimasa-inhabited village.
While conducting the investigation at the site last night, Sharma stumbled upon this piece of information that has added a new dimension to the growing insurgency in the district where in the recent past only the DHD (J) was calling the shots. He, however, did not elaborate. The SP said formations of the army, BSF and state armed police had been launching a drive in the forest areas since last evening to capture the culprits.
NC Hills district is home to 18 communities, including the dominant Dimasas, Jeme Nagas, Hmars, Kukis and the Karbis.
A spectre of ethnic clashes looms over the district following the series of attacks, including the killings of two non-Dimasa villagers in Tungjaibasti under Mahur police station on March 20, by the DHD (J). NC Hills police, however, declined to comment if revenge was the motive behind last night’s killings.
More than 130 people belonging to the Dimasa and the Hmar communities were killed in an ethnic bloodbath in the hill district in 2004.
The NSCN (I-M) had turned North Cachar Hills into a happy hunting ground in the early nineties but withdrawn from it after a decade. The outfit limited itself to providing only training and sale of arms to the DHD, the principal guerrilla gang in the district, and then to the DHD (J), its breakaway group, Another source in NC Hills police said that the “priority” of the administration and security forces at present was to ensure that the carnage did not spiral into ethnic clashes.
The source pointed out that infiltration of militants from neighbouring Manipur and Nagaland was always a possibility after 10 border outposts were dismantled from the 35-km-long inter-state border in 1993.
The first Dimasa outfit, the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) was formed in 1993, soon after the dismantling of the outposts started. It was the NSCN (I-M) which helped in formation of the DHD as the Naga cadres moved into the district without much hindrance and helped the Dimasa youths in setting up a strong foundation of the DHD. What is worrying is the fact that in case of an eruption of fresh ethnic clashes, rebels as well as goons from Manipur and Nagaland could easily sneak into NC Hills to foment trouble.
The DHD rebels also could sneak into Bangladesh via the Barak Valley and Meghalaya, police sources said.
The DHD entered into a ceasefire with the government in 2003. But the truce led to a bitter internal conflict between a group led by Gorlosa and another by Dilip Nunisa. The conflict eventually resulted in a split in 2004 and Dilip, with the help of Pranab Nunisa, upstaged Gorlosa from the outfit.
Pranab Nunisa was made commander-in-chief of the parent group. Gorlosa soon renewed his old ties with the NSCN (I-M) and formed his own group, DHD (J). The group is also referred to as Black Widow.
Recruitment of IRB women constables begins Morungexpress ( Morung Photo)
Recruitment of constables into the first women battalion of the Nagaland Armed Police (IRB) began today in all the district headquarters of Nagaland.
Recruitment of constables into the first women battalion of the Nagaland Armed Police (IRB) began today in all the district headquarters of Nagaland. In Dimapur, a total of 622 girls gathered at the NAPTC in Chumukedima to battle it out for the physical test.

Food crisis in Ulfa camps A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, April 29: A severe food crisis in Ulfa camps inside Myanmar, just across Mon district in Nagaland, has forced several rebels to desert and get in touch with police in some Upper Assam areas.
Sources said the rebels were yet to decide whether to surrender or join the pro-talks group, which is mainly based in Upper Assam.
“They told us that there was a food crisis in the two camps as procurement of essential edibles had suffered because of an acute financial crunch,” a senior police official said.
One of these militants was in the “supply cell” that is responsible for procurement of rations for the group, he added.
The official said the cash shortage, which began after the A and C companies of Ulfa’s 28 battalion came overground with funds collection severely hit in cash-rich upper Assam, is now telling on the outfit.
Quoting the militants, the official said that there were now about 40 cadres in the two camps. “We are expecting more Ulfa cadres holed up in these two camps to come overground since they are facing immense hardship because of the food crisis.”
“Their meals are usually frugal, but even that appears to have become hard to come by now,” he said adding that even the NSCN (K), which provides shelter to Ulfa rebels in those areas, would not feed the Assam militants for free.
Ulfa’s 28 battalion, considered the most lethal of the four battalions, has almost become defunct as far as its activities are concerned in recent times, especially after the declaration of ceasefire by the A and C companies in June last year.
Though the battalion’s remaining cadres — mainly of the B company — did make a desperate attempt to collect funds in Sivasagar district especially in the tea-rich Sonari belt early this year. But unlike in the past, hardly a few businessmen, mostly tea garden owners, filled the Ulfa coffers, emboldened by the outfit’s diminished strength in the area.
The outfit also tried to carry out blasts to terrorise the business community in a bid to collect funds but the strategy did not pay.
“Businessmen these days come out to inform us when they are served with an extortion notice by Ulfa. The people appear to have got over the fear of Ulfa, at least in Upper Assam,” a senior police official based in Sivasagar district said.
The official said there was information of militant movement in Sonari in recent times but these cadres were always on the run and cross over to Nagaland if they get a whiff of the presence of security forces.
“Sonari is the closest in Assam from the two camps based in Myanmar with Mon district of Nagaland in the middle. As such, Sonari sub-division in Sivasagar district always becomes the first destination for the remaining cadres of the 28 battalion now,” he said
“GPRN/NSCN” charge rival of abduction morungexpress
Dimapur, April 29 (MExN): The “GPRN/NSCN” today charged the NSCN (IM) of abducting one “maj” Kivixu and a “capt.” Visheto on April 26 and one “lieut.” Hokugha on April 29. A note from the “GPRN/NSCN” publicity cell termed as ‘unfortunate’ that its “good gesture of safely releasing IM officials like Nimhalie Metha, kilonser, NSWON chairperson Salem and her assistants, Hutovi Chishi tatar, Imcha Longkumer, MIP secretary and a host of other civil and military members in the past one year from the custody have been overlooked and so easily forgotten”.
Querying “how many times will they propagate peace and do the exact opposite” the ‘publicity cell’s note said “IM should know well that a provocative action never yields positive results”. All the abducted “GPRN/NSCN” cadres must be safely released if the NSCN (IM) “truly believe in reconciliation of the Nagas to forge one nation and one destiny” it said. “Naga army shall be forced to take necessary measures if IM continue its abduction spree. To defy the call of the Naga people is to be taken as confirmation of harboring and abetting anti-Naga agendas” the outfit added.
“Tribalism greatest threat to unity” Ashikho Pfuzhe
Nagaland Home minister Imkong Imchen addressing the NSF conference.(Morung Photo)
Mopungchuket | April 29: Terming “tribalism” as the greatest threat to achieving Naga unity, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen who was also a former general secretary of the NSF, today threw a poser to the student leaders asking them whether one’s tribe was more important than the Nagas in entirety.
The minister who was the special guest at the valedictory function of the 23rd Naga Students’ Federation at Mopungchuket village, said although every section of Nagas talk of oneness and unity among Nagas, ‘but they are more divided in their interests as well as in approach’. So, he said, the talk of unity becomes meaningless.
“Where are we heading to? Whether your tribe is more important or Nagas as a whole is more important? Our actions do not reflect what we talk about,” Imchen said. There are sharp divisions among Nagas including the Naga “national workers” and civil society he said.
Stating that he (Imchen) too had undergone bitter experiences in the past due to tribalism, the minister said tribalism in the Naga society can be eradicated only through sustained, determined and collective effort of all Nagas. “I even told church leaders that it would not be wrong if they talk about the evils of tribalism,” he added.
The minister further said it was high time that all Nagas come together and decide to unite. Dwelling on the motto of the NSF “For a unified lim and glory of Nagas,” Imchen said Nagas everywhere have the same aspiration and a common goal as manifested during the recent Naga consultative meeting under the banner “One dream, one voice, one goal.”
Congratulating the new NSF team and all federating units, he urged the students’ community to join hands and work for the betterment of Nagas at large and the student community in particular. The minister also appealed to the NSF and students’ community to focus and give attention on how to make Naga society more healthy, peaceful and dynamic.
Highlights of the closing function included declaration of newly-elected office bearers of the NSF, speeches by the outgoing president and president-elect of the NSF, music by choirs of Aolichen Police Baptist Church and Artang Baptist Church as well as felicitations and prize distributions.
Mutsikhoyo to lead new NSF team
Morung Express News
Mopungchuket Former Chakhesang Students’ Union president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu was today elected “unopposed” as president of the Naga Students’ Federation for the tenure 2009-11, on the concluding day of the 23rd general conference of the NSF held at Mopungchuket Village, some 16km away from Mokokchung town. Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) candidate O Wati Jamir was also elected unopposed to the post of general secretary. Apart from the post of finance secretary, which saw a straight contest between outgoing NSF vice-president Charles Lotha and outgoing games and sports secretary Meijiang Gangmei, other posts including general secretary, vice-president, assistant general secretary, speaker, social and cultural secretary and education secretary, were also filled up unopposed.
Meijiang Gangmei was finally elected to the post of finance secretary through ballot, which was cast by two representatives each from the 17 Federating units.
Except for a last-minute back out by the candidate representing Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) for the post of general secretary, the election process went off smoothly.
It may be mentioned the NSF comprises of 17 Federating Units and 5 subordinate units.
Later, the outgoing NSF President Imchatoba Imchen in his address at the valedictory function said that despite the hurdles and difficulties faced by the NSF in the last tenure, the Federation could manage to sail through due to the support and cooperation extended by all sections of Nagas.
Congratulating the new team, Imchatoba said one important task of the new team was to take further the ‘Journey of Common Hope’, which the previous team had embarked upon. “We didn’t see any hope for future and so started the initiative – Journey of Common Hope to reach out to all,” he said and urged the new team to carry on the task to bring peace, unity and reconciliation in the society.
The outgoing president also said the other burning issues confronting his successor included the affiliation of schools of Hill districts of Manipur to NBSE, the NPSC scam and the superannuation issue. On the impeachment of NSF Speaker, he said the action was necessitated to “restore the image of NSF and uphold its constitution.”
In his “Response” speech, the president-elect Mutsikhoyo Yhobu said he and his team would focus on all ongoing issues relating to the student community and also assured to work towards promoting peace and justice in Naga society. While congratulating the outgoing team for successfully completing their tenure, Mutsikhoyo appealed to all right thinking citizens to bestow their best cooperation and unflinching support to the NSF, for ‘Unified lim and glory of Nagas.” The NSF Election for the tenure 2009-2011 was conducted by Ketsodi as Election Commissioner and G Vashum and Zulu Ozukum as members of the Commission.
List of new office bearers
Executive Council:

1. President : Mr. Mutsikhoyo Yhobu
2. Vice President : Mr. Sinhilo Thong
3. General Secretary : Mr. O.Wati Jamir
4. Asst. Gen. Secretary : Mr. Ejanthung Ngullie
5. Finance Secretary : Mr. Meijiang Gangmei
6. Secretary Social & Culture : Mr. I.Mangyang Jamir
7. Secy. Education : Mr. Ahito Achumi
Assembly Executive:1. Speaker : Mr. Kelhouneizo Yhome :

Posts vacant:
1. Secy. Publicity & Information
2. Secy. Games & Sports
3. Editor
4. Auditor General
5. Secy. Women Affairs (2 post)

Assembly Affairs:
1. Deputy Speaker
2. Assembly Secretary.

NC Hills tragedy must be addressed: Orgs (EMN
DIMAPUR, APR 30): Several frontal organisations of Nagaland and Assam today voiced deep concern over the ongoing violence in North Cachar Hills while also expressing dismay at the manner in which the district and state administrations have continued to forfeit responsibility on the common man’s security which was becoming increasingly vulnerable
The alarming events witnessed in NC Hills in the last few months, aimed at creating communitarian strife among indigenous peoples, stems from the overall neglect of the district and the administration’s lackadaisical approach to solving the political problems of the different communities who live there, a joint communiqué released to the press stated. And instead of fostering an environment where dialogue between the different communities can take place, vested interest groups have been allowed to create confusion and mayhem among the people, it added.
However, it said pointing to events as possible triggers of the ongoing violence is futile while voicing concern about the forced displacement of Zeme Naga villagers in the early part of April 2009 and the equally distressing killings of Dimasa villagers by unknown assailants on April 28.
It felt that it would be meaningless to attribute a causal logic to these events stating that the tragedy had already been unleashed and it is up to concerned citizens of the region to ask all political organisations to exercise restraint, and for the common people of NC Hills to be assured that their plight has not been forgotten.
In this regard, the organisations have demanded that the NC Hills administration should ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the district and also that the Assam government should take active steps in creating an environment of trust and dialogue whereby all communities are assured of a fair hearing of their grievances.
It, moreover, urged armed opposition groups to strive for dialogue with different factions and to refrain from targeting non-combatants and civilians.
It pressed the Assam govt to institute a commission with human rights activists, public intellectuals and media persons as its members to conduct a highest level inquiry into the persistence of violence in the district.
Further, it said adequate compensation must be paid to the next of kin of the deceased and steps taken for relief and rehabilitation of those displaced by the armed conflict.
The communiqué was appended by Dr N Venuh of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Khesheli Chishi of Naga Mothers Association, Imchatoba Imchen of Naga Students Federation, Lachit Bordoloi of Peoples Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam, Prafulla Hafila of the All Dimasa Students Union, Bubumoni Goswami of Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti and Dilip Patgiri of the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad.
Lalhuma praises valuable traits of the Nagas DIPR
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio felicitating outgoing Chief Secretary Lalhuma, IAS, during his farewell programme at the CM’s residence on April 29. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, April 30 (DIPR): A farewell dinner was hosted for outgoing Chief Secretary Lalhuma, IAS, on April 29 by the Chief Minister and his lady wife, along with legislators and their families at the residence of the Chief Minister.
While mentioning that farewells are sad occasions, the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that it is also a time for celebration of victory over the fact that the outgoing Chief Secretary could serve the government for 35 years in a difficult area like Nagaland. He said that Lalhuma has overcome all challenges and contributed immensely to the State. Rio said that the outgoing Chief Secretary joined service in 1974 and in his long innings of 35 years he has contributed in many fields particularly in rural development by supporting the VDB and communitisation programmes. He said that a number of IAS/IPS and other Central Service officers come to Nagaland and go out but Lalhuma has stood by the people of Nagaland in all problems and nurtured the State and on behalf of all his colleagues, officials and the people of Nagaland, Rio thanked the outgoing Chief Secretary for the services rendered.
Though retiring from active service as a government servant, Rio said that he would look forward to work together in different platforms/forums since the outgoing Chief Secretary has a lot of potential to serve the nation, particularly the people of Nagaland. Rio further hoped that the outgoing Chief Secretary would continue to have a special place in his heart for the Nagas in future as well.
Lalhuma, in his speech, expressed his gratefulness for the guidance and support extended by the Chief Minister and the legislators, all the administrative heads of various departments, HoDs and other officials during his tenure in various capacities in the government. He mentioned the valued qualities of the Chief Minister like his concern for the youth, the farmers, the student community and the people of Nagaland in general which reflects his visionary qualities and generosity. He said that he is yet to come across a Chief Minister so mobile and who has travelled to all pockets of the State which reflects his genuine concern for the people.
In his 35 years of service, Lalhuma said, he has observed many valuable traits of the Nagas which he finds endearing and which the Nagas should be proud of. On his observations, Lalhuma said that the first quality that he appreciates is the hospitality and generosity of the people followed by the deep association of links to their roots and unflinching attachment and loyalty to their village. He said that Nagas take pride in their culture, they are resilient, have strong familial bonds, exude extreme confidence wherever they go and are very receptive. He said that his stay in Nagaland will be etched in his heart with fond memories, and he specially thanked the Chief Minister, his lady wife and the legislators for the honour and the token of appreciations presented to him and his lady wife.
The occasion was marked by presentation of musical items by various young musicians including a few special numbers by the hosts and the guests.

Centre for fresh operation against ultras Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, April 30 – Upset with the unabated incidents of violence in North Cachar Hills district, Centre has directed Assam Government to re-start train operations in the vulnerable section, besides working out a strategy to launch fresh counter insurgency operation under the aegis of the Unified Command. At a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary, Madhukar Gupta, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in the Hill districts. The Home Secretary convened a meeting in New Delhi today to discuss in detail the security situation in Assam, especially in North Cachar Hills district, which has been witnessing some incidents of violence recently, said an official spokesman of the MHA.

State Chief Secretary, P. C Sarma, State Home Commissioner, Subash Das, State DGP, GM Srivastava and DG RPF and senior officers of the Army and the Railway Board attended the meeting.

Official MHA sources said various measures to deal with the violence by extremists groups including strengthening coordination among various security forces were discussed. Steps to resume the train services in the area at the earliest were also discussed.

Sources said that the State Government was directed to resume train services in the North Cachar Hill district that links Barak Valley and adjoining States of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. Sources said the timing of resumption of operation and other logistical details have been left to the State Chief Secretary to work. “No time-frame has been set to recommence the train services,” sources said.

“It would be worked out by the Chief Secretary in coordination with the Railways and security forces,” they added. Though no major decision was taken at the meeting that lasted for over two hours, the State Government has been again prodded to launch operations against the marauding militants particular those belonging to DHD (J). All major projects including the East-West Project and the Broad Gauge Conversion project have been stalled following sudden spurt in violence in the trouble torn district.

Sources said the State Government has been advised to finalise strategy to launch fresh operation against the militants under the Unified Command. The State Government has at its disposal Central para-military forces including BSF, CRPF and Assam Rifles besides the Army. The issue of a plea of the DHD (J) to sign ceasefire pact with the Government, however, did not figure at the meeting reflecting the tough stand adopted by the Centre to tackle the situation.

Meanwhile, official sources said that the Centre reviews security situation in Assam from time to time in detail. On April 8, Cabinet Secretary, the Union Home Secretary and the Defence Secretary visited Assam to review the situation, particularly in the areas, which have witnessed comparatively more violence recently. This is the first review meeting called after the elections in Assam, sources added.

Centre has been rattled by recurring incidents of violence in the area. The last attack on the train took place on April 17, leading to suspension of the train services yet again, putting to an end attempts by the State Government to restart operations. It was the fourth attack on a train. Interestingly, services were under suspension from April 11.

The MHA here maintains that the State Government has enough security forces at its disposal to tackle the situation. The State Government officials had some explaining to do at the meeting and generally blamed the terrain for the failure to take on the militant outfits.

Official reported that couple of companies of para-military forces had been deployed in the terror infested areas. They also divulged plans to deploy army on patrolling duties along the tracks to thwart such attacks in the future.

As reported today, the State Government mentioned that seven bulletproof vehicles have been procured by the Government for transporting security personnel to the remote and vulnerable areas of the district. Besides, the State Government has notified creation of 10 new police stations in the two districts including six new police stations in Karbi Anglong and four in NC Hills, though they are yet to become functional.

Hagrama: NDFB targets to capture BTC administration From our Correspondent Sentinel
:KOKRAJHAR, April 30: BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary today expressed his feel that the targets of the NDFB is to capture the BTC administration and looting the developmental funds to meet the fund crunch of the outfit.
Speaking to The Sentinel, Mohilary said the NDFB took over the then BAC administration in 1996 sending more legislators using muscle power to throw Peoples’ Democratic Front (PDF) and siphoned off all developmental funds. He said the then Chief of BAC late Kanakeswar Narzary acted at the diktat of the NDFB for nearly six years and no significant development was seen during that period due to funding to militant outfit.
The NDFB is adopting the same strategy to control over the present BTC through BPPF for power and money, Mohilary said adding that if things go as desired, UG Brahma and Rabiram Narzary would be Chief and Deputy Chief of BTC but the key of controlling council administration would be in the hands of the NDFB where power and developmental money would be misused by the outfit.
On the questions of NDFB’s support to BJP, Mohilary said the NDFB supported BJP on the ground that the NDA could bring separate state for the Bodos as demanded by the outfit whose original demand was ‘‘Sovereign Bodoland.’’ He said, ‘‘yes, we also supported the BJP in the last election because the NDA government had a plan for smaller statehood to the indigenous people across the country but we came to realize that the proposal for smaller states have been dropped for which the BTC was created under the 6th schedule of the Indian constitution.’’ How NDFB can expect separate state from BJP led NDA Government in near future, he questioned.
Mohilary strongly reacted over the statement of NDFB’s Asstt. Publicity Secretary R Daoka and warned that he will move to the court if he fails to show proof. R Daoka alleged in certain vernacular dailies that BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary spend 16 hours a day in drinking wine. Mohilary said, ‘‘yes, I have a habit of drinking alcohol but I never force others to drink but it is only NDFB who force to eat beef one or two in a week in training camps without justifying the religious prohibition.
The BTC Chief also asked R Daoka to prove within seven days regarding his possession of lands in New Delhi and having married with a Naga girl and two sons or he will move for legal procedure against Daoka. He also demanded that Daoka to furnish the names of the Naga girl and two sons and where they have been studying besides locations of plots of land purchased in New Delhi.