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05/14/2009: "United might to curb violence - Dispur mulls a ‘mini’ Unified Command to tackle terror in North Cachar Hills The Telegraph"

United might to curb violence - Dispur mulls a ‘mini’ Unified Command to tackle terror in North Cachar Hills The Telegraph


A counter at Lumding railway station vandalised by railway employees, posted in the NC Hills, in protest against regular attacks by militants. A Telegraph picture
Guwahati/Silchar, May 10: A miniature version of the Unified Command will work to rein in the North Cachar Hills militants after Dispur decided to use all its might to check the terror run in the district.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today asked law-enforcing agencies and the army to start “all-out” joint operations against those involved in the latest violence, without naming any group.
He also asked the minister for veterinary and hill areas development, Khor Sing Engti, to camp in the district to instil confidence among the people. A source said a “mini” Unified Command-like structure would be put in place. Besides, the civil administration will participate in security meetings that will be held at 4pm every day for effective co-ordination.
The recent clashes between Dimasas and non-Dimasas, looming food scarcity because of disrupted road and train services, derailment of development projects, with construction firms engaged in the East-West Corridor project threatening “absolute withdrawal”, are some of the reasons that prompted the government to “act and talk” tough.
A source said the last two meetings held in Dispur on the security scenario and progress of development projects saw sparks fly among the stakeholders.
“The picture painted by most at the meetings was bleak. It is not that there is little security arrangement in the district. The army representative in the last meeting requested for a free hand to deal with the situation based on intelligence inputs supplied by the state agencies. Today’s announcement by the chief minister is an outcome of those deliberations,” the source said.
The hill district has 52 companies of paramilitary forces, a brigade-plus strength of army and several thousand policemen. Though there have been operations in the district, it was never a joint exercise — the necessity of which has been stressed by the local administration for some time.
“We conduct operations on our own. At the most, we share some information now,” a security official said. Condemning the incidents of violence in the past few days, Gogoi said: “The government will leave no stone unturned to bring the situation under control and the culprits behind the incidents would be brought to book.”
He said compensation would be given to the next of kin of those killed as well as for the injured. Rehabilitation will also be provided to those who lost their belongings in the violence, he said. At least three people were killed and several houses gutted in ethnic attacks on Dimasa settlements, allegedly by Jeme and Hmar tribals, in the past two days.
Deputy commissioner S. Jagannathan said over phone from Haflong that night curfew was imposed throughout the district yesterday and would be extended for “five or six more days”.
The two apex tribal organisations, the Jeme Naga Tribal Council and the Dimasa forum Jadikhe Naisho Hoshom, on the other hand, have called for a truce between two warring communities.
They have also called a peace meeting in Haflong on Tuesday.
Dilip Nunisa, the chairman of the pro-talks militant organisation, Dima Halam Daogah, has accused the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) of inciting the non-Dimasa tribals against the Dimasas.
Longsa village to be destination for rural tourism morungexpress
Kohima, May 10 (MExN): In view of the upcoming Rural Tourism project at Longsa village in Mokokchung district, the Department of Tourism and the Nagaland Tourism Association conducted a seminar at Longsa village on May 2 last. The objective of the seminar was to create awareness and to sensitise the villagers about the concept and practical aspects of tourism.
In his introductory remarks, Alem Pongener, Director for Tourism, acknowledged the participation and interest shown by the people of Longsa village. He emphasised on the need for coordination of the villagers with the government so as to successfully implement the Rural Tourism project to bring about long-term sustainability for progress of the village. He also emphasised on the need for beautification of the village, protection and refurbishment of heritage and monuments, identifying and highlighting the unique features of the village, etc.
Tourist Officer V Duolo gave a presentation on cultural tourism and its management and preservation. Deputy Director K T Thomas spoke on the topic of sustainable ecological tourism; Nyuretho, a tourist guide, spoke on customer care and guiding, followed by a presentation on general and practical aspects of tourism and experience sharing by Kechangulie Kense, general secretary of Nagaland Tourism Association.
‘We the Nagas’ should be our slogan Eastern Mirror
Pondering over the bleak future of the Nagas due to the serious divisions among Naga factions, GEN (RETD) THINUOSELIE KEYHO considers reconciliation and unity among the warring factions a must to achieve the aspirations of the Nagas. The 78-year old veteran, a staunch Naga freedom fighter during the Naga National Council rising, has retired from active national service but has been tracking the movement since his college days. The present crisis, according to him, has been caused by a combination of love for materialism and lack of platform to come together and reason together. In a Face to Face conversation with Ngathingkhui Jagoi, the retired general shares his thoughts on how the division in Naga society deeply disturbs him and how he feels the future of the Nagas as a people can be moulded. EXCERPTS:

EASTERN MIRROR: Would you like to share some of your past experiences with the Naga Movement?
GEN. THINUOSELIE KEYHO: Actually, I didn’t know much about Naga politics at first. But I was very unhappy with the Indian Army atrocities on the Naga people - burning houses, granaries, raping our women and all that. What hurt me most was the killing of two GBs. They were executed in this North Police Station in the most brutal manner. Seeing this, I joined the Naga revolutionary government, NNC.
Only after joining the Naga movement I learnt properly about the rights of the Naga people. Earlier, I only used to attend meetings and carry messages for them. Once I was taken to Delhi Army Cantonment and interrogated. They asked me who had instigated me to join Naga movement. I said ‘nobody’. I told them I saw the Indian Government committing so many atrocities on the Naga people. I was in Indian jails for 5 years - 4 years in Tihar jail and 1 year in Shillong jail. When I was in jail, the Shillong Accord was made. We were not informed about it. I came to know about it only through newspapers

EM: As a veteran Naga national worker, what pains you most in the present scenario?
TK: In our times, we had no worries for food or money. The love of the Naga people sufficed for our needs. In our times, it was actually a mass movement; it was people’s movement. Now you see so many groups, both overground and underground, coming up and there is division everywhere – church, among GBs, Naga people saying you are from this tribe or from that place. This is something which disturbs me most now.

EM: What steps would you suggest or rather advice to bring an end to all these divisions cropping up in the Naga society?
TK: The only way we can come together is reasoning together. Unless we understand each other, there can be no unity. And unless we talk to each other freely and frankly, there cannot be understanding among us. So the first step should be - how do we meet and reason together. If we can meet and talk to reason together, a unified stand is not difficult. We can come together on the basis of political and historical rights.

EM: Don’t you think that there will arise another leadership and protocol crisis as we come to unity among the factions?
TK: No, that can be avoided as long as reason dictates the togetherness.

EM: What about federalism of Naga areas? Say for example, if we let the Nagas of Arunachal, Assam, Manipur, Myanmar or Nagaland to handle their own state of affairs by having their own leadership. Do you think it would minimise the problem?
TK: People talk about interim settlement. But I don’t see solution until and unless Nagas are united. So I again stress that we need to come and reason together. The rest, like accommodation of leaders, can be adjusted in the manner what would be best for the people.
Why can’t the factions come together? It is, in a way, the weakness of the people. They want peace but they don’t want to take the risk. They cannot speak the truth. They may quarrel or not quarrel over the chair of leadership, but one thing that we should do is bring them together to reason together at least. This is what Naga people must do at this juncture. And I think this is what God wants Nagas to do. There are only two things that Nagas can receive from God – one is blessing and the other is curse. If we choose what God wants us to do, we will be blessed but if go against His will, we can’t escape from the curse.

EM: Given a chance to lead the Nagas, are you prepared to lead again?
TK: No, no. I am old. Though I don’t know my exact age, I am almost 80 years now. We have done our part; it for the younger generation to pursue the dreams of the Nagas. I give them the chance (Laughs).

EM: What is your concept of Naga integration?
TK: There are two Nagalands; one is created by God and the Naga people, the other by India. When people say Nagaland, sometimes I don’t understand which Nagaland they mean. I don’t know whether they mean the Naga political state or the Indian made Nagaland. People are confused. They think that it is the Indian made Nagaland state. Some people think that those Nagas living outside Nagaland state are not Nagas. So there is a lot of confusion here. Again there is another name ‘Nagalim’ being used now.

EM: What would you prefer to use- Nagaland or Nagalim?
TK: According to history, it is Nagaland. Nagalim was only invented by NSCN-IM in the year 1998.
Now coming to Naga integration, it was already there since 1956 during the NNC period. Nagas were and are one. Why are we talking about integration now? The present talk about integration is only state politics.

EM: You said Nagas are one, but emotionally?
TK: If we are not one how have all Nagas joined the Nagas movement? Naga people form Manipur side, Arunachal, Assam, Myanmar and the present Nagaland state have joined together and are fighting for Naga independence. For us, there is no question of integration. We were one and we are already integrated. That is why we feel that the present generation cannot undo what we have done.

EM: Should the present political dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM not materialise, where, according to your observation, would Nagas be in 10 years time?
TK: We are only one nation but when it comes to Independence Day or Republic Day celebrations, three four Naga presidential addresses come out. What a shame for us. That indicates we don’t have a national government, national leaders. We have only factional government and factional leaders. People are confused and even NSCNs are more confused. Why? Instead of saying ‘We the Nagas’ they are saying ‘We the NSCNs’. That means they are not saying on behalf of the people. Even in the present political talks between the NSCN-IM and the GoI, those who have not joined or supported the talks are excluded. Not only the Naga people are confused but Indians are more confused because of this.
Mr Muivah is my best friend, he is a capable leader. But unless he accommodates people’s wishes, he will not be able to solve the problem of the Nagas. The strength of the Nagas lies in unity only. I don’t want Mr Isak and Mr Muivah to be factional leaders; I want them to be national leaders.

EM: Nagas should first come together before any solution. Is that right?
TK: Yes, that is true. Unless we are united, I feel whatever sacrifices we make or whatever we do will go in vain.
6 Nagas killed in May 11 NC Hills violence: AZSU Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (EMN): While strongly condemning the escalating law and order situation in NC Hills district of Assam, the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union of Assam , Nagaland and Manipur (AZSU) has said that six Zeme Nagas were shot dead in the Monday, May 11, incident wherein two villages were also set ablaze.
The Union, in a release issued on Tuesday, identified the victims as Ramsuiding, Keheuding, Sungbambe and Namgochung of Guilong village and Lungchung and Mrs Namgwale of Taloram village. They were gunned down by Dimasa militants when they torched the two Zeliangrong villages – Guilong Part A&B and Taloram – the release said. One Dikelung was also stated to have been critically injured while another Zeliangrong house was also burnt in Halflong town.
The Union has charged the district administration and the law enforcing agency of a lackadaisical attitude which was resulting in the steadily worsening region’s situation thereby hitting the innocent villagers hard.
Reminding that proposed change of nomenclature of NC Hills to ‘Dima Hasau Raji’ by the Dimasas had turned the district into a conflict zone, the release said one’s rights and any form of agitation should not be through means of violence leading to loss of lives and property.
The Union appealed to both communities to refrain from further violence and solve differences through democratic means.
It has also strongly urged the intervention of the GoI and the Assam Government to bring the situation under control at the earliest and halt further escalation of violence.
UNC appeals for peace Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 13 : The United Naga Council (UNC) has urged the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to step up vigil in the disturbed Nungleiband areas of Khoupum valley, Tamenglong district in Manipur following the indiscriminate firing by the militants on May 12. The UNC has condemned the firing, suspected to have been carried out by Kuki militants namely the Kuki National Front, (KNF-MC). Further the council has appealed all the militant outfits to respect and appreciate peace and harmony for the people. The council further cautioned in the press release that terror acts would only create tensions and the outbreak of ethnic violence among the various communities. The council has urged the Government of India and Government of Manipur to intervene and avert situations that may cause ethnic clashes. A security post is sought for, to maintain peace in the area.
Nepali-Bodo workshop concludes Correspondent Assam Tribune
UDALGURI, May 13 – The 10 day long Nepali cum Bodo workshop on folk culture of the two ethnic groups of BTAD region came to a grand conclusion on May 7 last at Bangalipara Bholajhar with cultural procession, demonstration and open session and a cultural nite on the occasion.

The last day’s programme which began with cultural procession was inaugurated by Ganesh Kachari, MCLA of 19 Shuklai Serfang and president of the workshop steering committee. Assamese Bihu, Nepali folk dances, Bodo folk dances, Adivasi and Rabha folk dances in the multi cultural procession enthralled the large public on the occasion.

The open session on the occasion at Bholajhar Bangalipara High school playground was chaired by Dinesh Upadhyaya, president of Assam Gorkha Sammelan, BTAD Region Committee which was addressed by Naba Sapkota, president of Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Assam, Bal Bahadur Chetry, vice president of AGS, Mitharam Basumatary and Lwmshrw Daimary executive members of BTC among many others.

The cultural nite which was attended by about 15,000 people was anchored by Ram Dahal, a Nepali artiste of NE region and Lakshmi Sedai, general secretary of AGS, BTAD region committee. Tilak Newar, Milan Newar, Dhiraj Shrestha, celebrated Nepali pop artistes of Assam and the group of Nabin Khadka from Kathmandu Nepal and Bodo aritstes regaled the audience on the occasion.

Earlier to this, Basudev Upadhyaya, general secretary of Assam Gorkha Sammelan inaugurated the open session and urged everyone to devote themselves in making of an ideal BTC where communal harmony, permanent peace could prevail through such excellent workshops which could be an example of survival in peaceful atmosphere to the world community. It is to be noted that the ten day long cultural workshop to promote Nepali and Bodo folk culture began at Bhanga Shuklai under 19 Shuklai Serfang bordering Udalguri district on April 26 last where about 500 youths participated in various disciplines of Neapli and Bodo folk dances and songs, this was informed by Dipak Nirola, publicity secretary of the workshop.

Naga Hoho summons meet to discuss social menace in Nagaland NEWMAI NEWS
KOHIMA, May 13 – The apex tribal organisation of the Nagas – the Naga Hoho has expressed that rape and murder have become a social menace in contemporary Naga society.

Naga Hoho General Secretary, P Chuba Ozukum, in a statement, has said that it is strongly committed to eradicate all forms of social evils challenging the fabric of Naga customs and traditions and therefore seriously desires to formulate strategies to curb such menace in the society.

Keeping all these in mind, the Naga Hoho during its executive council meeting held recently had decided to organize a consultative meeting particularly with all women organizations and representatives of different Naga tribe leaders on May 15 at State Zonal Council Hall at Kohima.

The Naga Hoho has invited representatives from Nagaland Women Commission, Naga Mothers Association, All tribe women organization, Nagaland Bar Association, All tribe Hoho, GB’s and DB’s, Naga Students Federation, NPMHR, Nagaland Christian Forum, NBCC, CNBC, Naga Council Dimapur and Dimapur Women Hoho.

NSCN has role in Assam violence' Bureau Report Zee News

Shillong, May 14: Indicating the involvement of Naga insurgent groups, particularly NSCN in repeated violence in North Cachar Hills, the Assam government today said the matter would be taken up with the Nagaland government.

"Once a new government is installed at the Centre, we will seek New Delhi's intervention urging it to take up the matter with the Nagaland government," Assam government spokesman and state health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told here.

At least 15 people were killed in repeated militant strikes in the district in the past couple of months. The rebels have also attacked trains, besides setting ablaze entire villages over the last few weeks.

The threat has stalled movement of trains and hampered construction work of the railway gauge conversion and four-laning of national highway.

The Assam government was open to negotiations or a ceasefire with the Naga groups but the ceasefire should not lead to more extortion or insecurity among the people, Sharma said.

Asked about reports of launch of a joint operation by security forces in the area, he said, "We have adopted a track two tactic aimed at providing security to the populace."

CPM asks govt to hold talks with ultras Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 13 – Flaying the government for its ‘insincerity’ towards solving the insurgency problem of Assam, the CPI(M) today urged the Government to sit for unconditional talks with the militants groups, including those in the designated camps.

“The government must pave the way for unconditional talks if they actually want a solution to the insurgency issue,” CPI(M) state general secretary Uddhav Barman told mediapersons during a press meet here.

“Groups like NDFB have come forward for talks but nothing concrete has come up since then. It is now for the government to reciprocate,” he added.

The CPI(M) while expressing deep concern over the deteriorating law and order scenario NC Hills, further stated that the government has miserably failed to develop and empower the people of the area, defeating the very objective of awarding Sixth Schedule status.

“The Government has completely failed to ensure safety and security to these people and a sense of uncertainty is prevailing in these areas,” Barman said, adding that the deteriorating law and order scenario has given birth to price rise in the area.

The CPI(M) urged Government to call for an all-party meet to discuss on ways to counter the situation.

Dimasa bodies stage sit-in Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, May 13 – The Greater Guwahati Dimasa Kachari Association, Dimasa Students’ Community (Guwahati), All Dimasa Students’ Union and Dimasa People’s Council jointly organised a sit-in demonstration at Dispur Last Gate against the recent violence in NC Hills district.

The organisations have called upon Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to take the necessary steps to bring back peace and normalcy in the hills district.

PF to support any alliance having commitment on Bodo issues Sentinel
: From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, May 13: Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF) which is expecting the victory of two candidates has kept its option open for any alliance at Centre and is likely to join who have commitment for solving Bodo issues.
The president of BPF, Hagrama Mohilary in a press meet held on Tuesday at Kokrajhar said, the aims of the BPF is to bring a significant development in BTC and implementation of all clauses of the BTC accord in letter and spirit. He said, the important clauses like– inclusion of Bodos living in Karbi-Anglong into ST(H) list, establishment of Central University, Medical college, Agricultural college and handing over the charge of Relief and Rehabilitation to BTC, etc have not been implemented.
Mohilary said that, the BPF will support any coalition government at Centre if their issues were given due assurance for smooth implementation. Recalling his relentless campaign for Congress candidates in many places in the State during the last parliamentary election, Mohilary said that, the BPF candidates SK Bwiswmuthiary at Kokrajhar and Dinanath Das at Mangaldai will win in small margin not less than 10 to 15 thousand votes.
Regarding the allegations of having a Naga wife against him levelled by NDFBs Asst publicity secretary R Daoka, Mohilary said he sought proof within seven days but the time has been over. He said that he will move the court against Daoka soon who in turn has two wives at his Mougaon village in Udalguri district under Bheraon sub-division.
Fight for liberation of Boroland will continue: NDFB Sentinel From our Correspondent
UDALGURI, May 13: The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has been fighting for the liberation of Boroland and Boro people for the last 22 years. The NDFB will continue to fight for the liberation of Boroland for the right to national self-determination and independence of the Boro people till it achieves the goal. No surrender, no retreat, says Sergeant Major B Barbai of Boroland Army (Ranajan Daimary group) in a release issued to the press here at Udalguri yesterday.
The NDFB had unfortunately separated into two factions for some diverse reasons. In this regard, it appealed the ceasefire NDFB to obey according to their own ideology without misunderstanding, the release added. The NDFB alleged the Indian Army are terrorizing and killing the innocent people in the name of searching operation against the non-ceasefire faction. It strongly condemned and appealed to stop such senseless and inhuman killing of innocent people otherwise the government will have to shoulder all the responsibilities if the situation becomes worse, the statement said. B Barbai appealed the Boro Sahitya Sabha, ABSU, ABPF and other leading social organizations to restore peace and tranquillity among the different communities and to raise voice against the Army atrocities on innocent people. He also threatened that there will be no compromise if any person who collects donation or tax on behalf of the NDFB (Non-ceasefire) is found false, there will be no consideration and the organization will give capital punishment. He further appealed all the organizations and cadres to refrain from attacking each other for the greater interest of the Boro nation.
BTC Gaonbura Association fears more violence after poll results
From our Correspondent: State scan
KOKRAJHAR, May 13: The BTC Region Gaonbura Association has expressed fear apprehension of more violence in BTC area after formal declaration of poll results on May 16. In a press meet held at Kokrajhar District Journalists’ Association (KDJA) office today, the president of BTC Gaonbura Association, Gopal Chandra Basumatary, said that the Gaonburas were the worst sufferer in the last election, as most of the Gaonburas got mental harassment during poll campaign as both BPF and BPPF sought for convening meeting in the villages and thus became target of both the groups. Expressing deep concern over the spurt of violence and killings between each other, Basumatary said that the political rivalry and clashes had not only affected the socio-economic condition of the people but also adversely infected upon the future generation. He also said that, political unrest in BTC region has directly affected on ‘academic atmosphere’ and ‘work culture’. The BTC Gaonbura Association feels that there should be a combined effort to end the violence in BTC region. They appealed all political and apolitical parties, socio-cultural organizations, intellectuals and prominent citizens to come forward and join hands to check the clashes and all forms of violence. The Association also appealed all parties not to create the violence after the poll results, forgetting the past happenings. The press meet was also attended by the general secretary of the Association, Robert Kherkata and presidents of Kokrajhar and Chirang districts– Dhananjay Brahma and Narendra Brahma respectively.
BSS appeals for peace in Bodoland region From our Correspondent Sentinel
UDALGURI, May 13: The Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) has been doing their best to restore and maintain peace and amity in the trouble torn Bodoland region.The BSS has convened separate meetings with the BPF and BPPF and urged them to refrain from any violence in the region. The Bodo Sahitya Sabha has organized a meeting with NDFB leaders here at Udalguri yesterday and the leaders have positively responded to the appeal of apex Bodo literary body. Govinda Basumatary, the general secretary of NDFB yesterday said that, ‘we should accept the coming Lok Sabha results with a democratic mind and maintain peace and co-existence in the region. It is very unfortunate to hear that the people from Gossaigaon and Tipkai are fleeing from the apprehension of NDFB cadres. The NDFB cadres are in their designated camps. He appealed the people to return their homes and maintain peace and amity in the region. Dr Kameswar Brahma, the president of BSS appealed all the people of the region to maintain peace and refrain from any kind of violence. Dhiren Boro, the chairman of NDFB, B Benga, speaker along with other central leaders were present on the occasion, while Rajen Khakhlary and Bireswar Basumatary– vice-presidents of BSS, Kamalakanta Mochahari, general secretary of BSS, renowned writer Nandeswar Daimary among other district committee leaders of BSS were present here yesterday. In a joint appeal. the BSS and NDFB urged the State government to tackle the volatile law and order situation in the region sincerely and refrain from mud slinging at each other. They further appealed all the Bodo organizations to keep patience and refrain to make derogatory and arousal remarks on each other. The BSS and NDFB have expressed their solidarity to maintain peace and amity in the region and appealed all sections of people to maintain peace and co-existence in the region.