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05/25/2009: "PM keen on solution: Rio Correspondent (NPN):"

PM keen on solution: Rio Correspondent (NPN):

KOHIMA, State chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh during their recent meeting in New Delhi,had expressed concern on the “unresolved Naga political issue” and asserted that it should be solved within this term.
Addressing media persons in his residence, Rio welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement and expressed “hope that this sincerity will be translated into reality in order to bring permanent peace in our land”.
Rio also said that he had a thorough discussion with the Prime Minister on the plight of the Nagas of Myanmar and again reminded him about it during their meeting. Rio also said the prime minister’s response to a proposed meeting Myanmar’s Ambassador to India was positive.
Rio said he called on Ambassador of Myanmar to India, U-Kyi Thein along with two MPs –C.M.Chang(Lok Sabha) and Khekiho(Rajya Sabha) along with state planning minister T.R.Zeliang at Delhi, they discussed number of issues relating to the status of the Naga people living inside Myanmar’s territory.
“We highlighted the plight of the Nagas of Myanmar and urged upon the Myanmar government to take steps towards the upliftment of the Nagas there…,” Rio said.
Rio disclosed he had informed U-Kyi Thein on the keenness of the government of India to resolve the Naga political issue and invited him to visit Nagaland Thein in response also invited Rio to visit Myanmar in order to meet representatives of the Junta government and also with Naga leaders there.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar Ambassador suggested that Government of India should support the Myanmar government to work for the uplift of the Naga people and the Naga territories in Mynamar and both side assured all possible cooperation and support, Rio added.
Reacting to a query on the ongoing violence in NC Hills, Rio said he was unaware of displaced people camping in relief camp inside Nagaland. Rio assured that immediate relief would be provided if there was any such case.
EXPANSION
Putting all speculations to rest, at least for time being, state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio Monday ruled out immediate reshuffle in his fourteen month-old DAN ministry though adding that it would be discussed.
Addressing a press conference at his residential office here, Rio also did not give any specific time frame to queries on whether the municipal and town council elections would be held on schedule (December) this year.
On the issue of NSF’s demand on superannuation issue , Rio said that “it is a commitment and we will take it up in the coming full budget session scheduled for June.”
Queried on the NPF’s support to UPA at centre, the chief minister respecting the mandate of the nation “we have extended support to the UPA without any pre-condition which has been very well received by the Prime Minister and the UPA leadership.”
“The decision has been taken in the larger interest of the State keeping in mind the welfare of the people of Nagaland.” . Rio said he met prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and handed over a letter of support to the UPA
Asked if NPF is part of UPA or NDA, the chief minister said NPF was not part of any alliance and that it only extended unconditional support.
On the merger of BJP with NPF, Rio welcomed M.C.Konyak and Y.Pattaon into the NPF fold while adding that Dr. Shurhozelie has already issued a statement on the subject.

NPMHR doubts ‘true intent’ of GoI morungexpress
Dimapur, May 25 (MExN): Referring to what it said is the “anti-peace process masquerades” of the Indian military, the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today expressed doubt at the “true intent” of the Government of India in resolving the Naga-political issue.
The organization today issued a statement through its secretary general N. Venuh, decrying the Indian military’s “lust over harassing the Naga people.” The NPMHR asserted that the Nagas have all the reasons to be anxious and the Government of India has “all the time in the world to wear the mind and spirit of the Nagas and their struggle.”
That the search for a negotiated settlement to the decades-old political impasse has been dragging on for the last twelve years, the organization said the Indian government is “well-equipped to thwart the Naga movement”. In fact, the NPMHR claimed what it called “an act of self-defense” is being read as terrorism by India and continues to suppress the Nagas’ aspiration.
“The Cease Fire Agreement signed on the basis of the three principles has been negated by the Government of India and its military rank and file lust over harassing the Naga people. Undeniably, the Cease Fire was signed as two equal entities,” the organization said. However, India has been engaged in building its military concentration in the Naga areas with new military camps and check gates mushrooming along all important roads.
The NPMHR claimed that the Indian paramilitary forces, particularly the Assam Rifles forces, are “inhumanly engaged in harassing innocent and defenseless people”. The true intent of the Government of India is highly questionable as it claims peace but directs its military and paramilitary forces to conduct military operations under disguise, the organization said. “They have been threatening the peace process from day one and their provocative acts still continue unabated,” NPMHR explained.
Condemning the “anti-peace process masquerades” of the Indian military and paramilitary forces, the organization appealed to all citizens “of the world” to join in the Nagas search for peace.

CBI set to submit blast chargesheet A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, May 24: The CBI is ready to file the chargesheet in the October 30 serial blast case within this week, capping an almost seven-month-long investigation.
The probe was started by police before being handed over to the investigating agency in mid December, after a month-and-a-half of the blasts in 2008.
A source today said the chargesheet would be filed “any time” this week, barring the proverbial slip between the cup and the lip, mainly on “technical grounds”.
“We are ready and should be in a position to file the chargesheet any time this week,” the source said.
He said all the blast cases — three in Guwahati, three in Kokrajhar, one in Bongaigaon and two at Barpeta Road — had since been clubbed into one since all were part of the same conspiracy.
The chargesheet will be filed in the court of the chief judicial magistrate, Kamrup.
Incidentally, one of the most devastating blasts had taken place at the parking area of this very court.
Charges are being brought under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“The trial should begin after the filing of chargesheet, but it looks like it is going to be a long haul given that there are several hundred witnesses in the case,” the source said.
The founder chairman of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), Ranjan Daimary, is the main accused in the case as it was under his direction that the blasts were carried out, the source said.
The police had earlier stated, on the basis of interrogation of an arrested NDFB cadre, that Daimary planned the blasts to prove his supremacy in the outfit after differences arose between him and leaders staying in designated camps over talks with the Centre.
The split in the outfit was evident when leaders in talks with the government replaced Daimary as the chairman.
Like Daimary, who is said to be outside the country — in Bangladesh in all likelihood — several other accused are still absconding.
Of those in detention are Ajay Basumatary, Jayanti Brahma and Nilim Daimary.
Nilim was arrested in Meghalaya much before the serial blasts in Assam and investigators continue to rue the fact that had a particular letter addressed to Ranjan Daimary written in Bodo language and found in his possession been “analysed”, the blasts could have been prevented.
The letter contained some details about how the explosives would be ferried to Assam.
A pendrive recovered from him also provided a wealth of information.
“But by that time it was too late,” the source said.
The arrest and interrogation of Basumatary and Brahma in Goalpara district revealed for the first time the NDFB’s involvement in the blasts.
Brahma even admitted that the NDFB chief had personally given her the timers for the explosives, which she carried to Assam from Bangladesh.
Basumatary had told the police that she had helped Rifikang Goyari, another accused in the blast case, flee to Bangladesh through Tura in Meghalaya in November.
Those entrusted with the execution of the blast plan had worked out the final details somewhere at Serfanguri in Kokrajhar district.
“It was there that the targets and deployment of cadres for the execution were decided,” the source said.
Subsequently, the bombs were prepared at a place called Dologaon near Barpeta Road and then despatched to various places where they were primed before being placed at the selected sites.
NPF support has been welcomed by UPA: Rio Our Correspondent | EMN
KOHIMA, MAY 25: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today reiterated that support without any pre-condition has been extended to the UPA government in the larger interest of the State and welfare of the people of Nagaland. The support has been ‘well received’ by the central leadership, he informed.
Briefing media persons on his meetings with the Prime Minister and the UPA chairperson in New Delhi today, the Chief Minister said the letter of support was handed over to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is stated to have said “we have to resolve the Naga political issue within this term”.
Stating that these were the PM’s first words to him during their meeting, Rio appreciated the Prime Minister’s sincerity and expressed hope for an early permanent solution while appealing to all political parties and associations to cooperate positively to resolve the Naga political issue.
On his meeting with the Ambassador of Myanmar to India U-Kyi Thein, Rio said they deliberated on resolving issues of the Myanmar Nagas. The CM said he apprised the Ambassador about his discussion with the Prime Minister of India and the Government of India’s keenness to solve the problems.
The Ambassador proposed cultural exchanges between the Nagaland and Myanmar while also inviting Nagas to visit Yangon to meet leaders there. He also requested the State Government to pursue with the GoI for financial grants to Nagas in Myanmar in matters of setting up of schools, health care, roads, etc, Rio informed.
Later, replying to queries, Rio said reshuffling of the State Cabinet is not immediately in the offing.
On Congress’ accusations of ‘double standards’ in lending supporting to Cong-led UPA, Rio said the State had supported UPA even earlier and only gave directions to the then MP to vote against the coalition during the confidence vote because of the President’s Rule issue. He also stated that support does not mean the government is part of the UPA, just as it was not part of NDA, and that unconditional support is being extended due to the country’s massive mandate received by UPA.
The CM further cleared that the central Congress committee, AICC, has welcomed the support and assured extension of all help for various developmental works in the State. He also expressed confidence that firm decisions will be possible with a stable government, adding that the Prime Minister is sincere about tackling terrorism threats and building the Indian economy.
Concerning the incidents of atrocities against Nagas in Delhi, Rio said the Prime Minister is aware of the issue and, on the request of the State, has set up few hostels for North East students in the national capital.
Coming to other current concerns, the CM termed the ‘Sugar Mill Scam’ as ‘unfortunate’ but remarked that it can be resolved within the State level without involving the CBI. On the NC Hills conflict, Rio said he has written to his counterpart in Assam and that some relief measures have also been sent to the area. He also assured that all possible help will be extended to those displaced coming to the State as a result of the conflict.
Earlier, the Chief Minister credited the victory of his party in the just concluded parliamentary and assembly by-elections to the people of the State as well as party functionaries, and said the mandate is for peace, unity and solution to the Naga political problem as much as it is a mandate on the DAN Government’s good governance and sincerity.
In this first meeting with media persons since the elections today, Rio also thanked the people for the landslide victory which also registered the highest margin of victory for CM Chang in the country’s parliamentary election. He, moreover, welcomed the ‘bold and swift’ decision of the BJP legislators in ‘unconditionally’ merging with the NPF and stated that the step would strengthen the DAN coalition.

CBI files chargesheet on Oct 30 blasts Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 25 – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its chargesheet in connection with the October 30 serial blasts in Assam in the Court of Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI) today. The chargesheet into one of the biggest terror strikes in Assam was reportedly filed around 1:30 in the afternoon. Sources informed that as many as 19 accused have been named in the chargesheet against six cases filed under different police stations of the State. The voluminous chargesheet runs into over a thousand pages.

The chargesheet, according to sources, also features names of a few National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) cadres, besides others. Of the 19 accused, most have been arrested, while a couple of prime suspects is currently absconding, sources stated, adding that the court was expected to issue non-bailable warrants against those absconding.

CBI’s senior public prosecutor AK Sinha filed the chargesheet. The apex investigation body had taken up the case in November last year and collected evidence, among others, from the NSG.
The October 30 serial blasts, allegedly triggered by the banned National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) in connivance with jehadi forces, claimed over 80 lives, besides leaving scores of people injured.

Though a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police was initially constituted to probe the serial blasts, the State Government later forwarded the case to the CBI.

Senior Assam Police officials, when contacted, however, expressed ignorance about the content of the chargesheet. The SIT had also arrested many NDFB cadres in this connection.

Killing of Satish continues to rattle Body not yet taken, rally staged Sangai Express
IMPHAL,: Although the post-mortem examination of Loitongbam Satish has been conducted under an agreement with the family members, his body is yet to be claimed and is still lying at the mortuary of RIMS even as the Committee Against on the Killing of L Satish alias Tomba of Singjamei Oinam Thingel has decided to surrender the surviving wife and children of the deceased to the Government as part of its intensified agitation.
Meanwhile a protest rally participated by hundreds of people was taken out in the rain today evening.
Police claim that Satish was killed during an encounter with a combined force though the family members have asserted that he had been picked by suspected security personnel.
The post-mortem of Satish was conducted at the mortuary of RIMS at around 1.30 pm today in the presence of a Magistrate. Video recording of the whole procedure was also taken. But the family members of Satish are yet to claim the body and it is still lying at the mortuary. Meanwhile, talking to mediapersons at the Singjamei Oinam Thingel residence of the deceased this afternoon, Committee convenor Oinam Nandakishwor informed that after no amicable solution could be arrived at in the first two meetings, Chief Minister had invited for the third round of meeting at around 3 pm today. However, after it was learnt during the post-mortem today that the Government had allowed complete decomposition of the body to erase any supporting evidences in case of a judicial inquiry, the Committee turned down the invitation of the Chief Minister in protest. As the Government has not given any positive response to the demands of the Committee so far, there is no change in the position of continuing the agitation until all the demands are met, Nandakishwor said, adding that even if the Govt uses its security forces to compel the bereaved family members to accept the body, it would be left out in the road. He also announced that in continuation of the ongoing agitation, the Committee has decided to surrender the surviving wife and children of Satish to the Government so that they could also be done away with just like Satish.
A torch rally would also be taken up in Imphal areas on the night of May 27, he informed, while seeking the co-operation and support of all the civil organisations in fighting for justice.

Govt to start from scratch to resolve influx problem: PC
Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, May 25 – Asserting that the Centre has to start from scratch to resolve the problem of illegal influx, Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram today outlined forth a slew of measures to tackle the menace of infiltration from across the border. Addressing his maiden press conference after assuming office, the Union Home Minister said, any one who has visited the Indo-Bangladesh border would realise that it is not possible to seal the land and riverine border. “I don’t think sealing is the right answer,” he opined.

Chidambaram’s response to the resolution of the vexed influx problem came on a day, when Assam Public Works (APW) filed a Civil Writ Petition in the Supreme Court pleading for removal of all illegal voters from the Electoral rolls of 2008 and holding of next Assembly poll in 2011 on the basis of the ‘correct voter’s list’.

The fate of Assam Government’s recommendation for finalisation of the modalities for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is, however, uncertain, with Chidambaram stating that he was not aware about it.

“We are coming out with National Population Register, which will be ready by 2011. The multi-purpose identity cards would be issued on the basis of the NPR, he added.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Minister said the Government of India would continue to do all it can to speed up the fencing of the border. “Our preparations, notwithstanding, there will be some allegations of failure to detect them,” he observed.

Interestingly, when asked about the demographic changes taking place, Chidambaram said that the changes were nothing new. But every attempt to frame a law to deal with detection and deportation has floundered, he rued.

“We need to start from the scratch,” he said.

The obvious reference was to the repeal of the IM (DT) Act and later attempts by the UPA Government to amend the Foreigners’ Order, which too was thrown out by the Supreme Court.

Chidambaram said that there was a need for complete re-think on detection and deportation. Meanwhile, the APW in its petition has called for directions from the Supreme Court to Government of India and Assam and Election Commission of India to identify and delete names of illegal voters from the latest voter’s list of Assam and to freeze the Voter’s list and stop election until it is updated and implemented.

The APW has suggested that in order to regularise the March 25, 1971 Bangladeshis along with their lineage and to detect the post 1971 migrants as foreigners and their names deleted from the D Category of the List, in substitution of the modalities being proposed by the Government to up date the NRC, 1951.

The petitioner also called for freezing of the 2006 voter’s list till the names of all illegal voters are removed from the rolls.

Police intensifies patrolling along Asom-Manipur border: Naga militants’ presence felt in Cachar From our Staff Reporter Sentinel
SILCHAR, May 25: Cachar police has intensified patrolling along the Asom-Manipur border area following a report that a team of Khaplang faction of NSCN had intruded into Cachar. Local residents informed the police that at least 80 Naga militants had taken shelter in Rani Colony, Chamtilal area of Lakshmicherra GP under Jirighat PS bordering Manipur.
Militants were reportedly roaming around areas like Namdailiong and Rongmeijai in plain dresses. Apprehending attacks by Nagas, in retaliation to what had been going on in NC Hills, the Dimasa families had already deserted the places. Cachar additional SP Pradip Ranjan Kar told The Sentinel on Monday that the presence of Naga militants was not yet confirmed, though he admitted that police patrolling has been intensified to instill confidence among the local people.Meanwhile, a peace committee has been formed to quell tension among various ethnic tribes. Village defence parties have also been intensified of its vigil. A local source, confirming the intrusion of Naga militants, said, NSCN (K) militants had been chased away from NC Hills following the ethnic violence there. Militants were facing acute shortage of food and they had resorted to snatching food from the poor villagers at gunpoint.
Former Dean Prof Islamuddin assassinated inside MU campus
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 25 : Unidentified gunmen shot dead Proctor of Manipur University Prof Md Islamuddin inside the campus of the University at around noon today.
To protest the killing which has sent has shock waves across the State, Pangal Students’ Organi-sation (PSO), Manipur has called a 24-hour State wide bandh with effect from midnight today.
Information culled from the site of the crime said that three persons on two Kinetic Honda scooters were seen coming from the side of boys’s hotel. The Kinetic Honda in front was driven by only one person while the other two persons were on the second Kinetic Honda following close behind.
A student eye-witness who was present not very far from the site of the crime informed that Prof Islamuddin was coming out from his room and heading towards his car parked at the vehicle shed located in front of the road to the east of Economics Department and northwest of the University library when around three persons approached Md Islamuddin and took him along the footpath leading to the Library.
Not long after that gun shots were heard and Prof Islamuddin was seen dropping down to his knees after being shot on his leg.
While Prof Islamuddin was in that position, the unidentified gunmen shot two more rounds and he fell to the ground in a heap.
Soon after committing the crime, one of the gunmen slipped the gun inside the tool box of the Kinetic Honda underneath the seat and all three of them left driving their Kinetic Hondas towards the boys’s hotel, said the witness.
Police said that one of the Kinetic Hondas used by the killers belong to a student of the University. Prof Islamuddin was immediately rushed to RIMS Hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead at around 12.35 pm.
A Professor of Economics, Md Islamuddin was the Dean of Students’ Welfare of the University before taking over the charge of Proctor.
In connection with the incident, president of Mani-pur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) Mai-bam Ranjit said he was informed about a man lying dead and when he went to inspect it turned out to be Prof Islamuddin. Immediately, Prof Isla-muddin was taken to RIMS Hospital in his car but he could not be saved. A resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Mathak Leikai, Prof Islamuddin was 50 years of age.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter. All his children are studying outside the State and he was staying along with his wife in the quarters allotted to him inside the University campus.
There were two fatal bullet marks on the left side of the stomach. There was also a bullet mark on his left thigh.
Strongly condemning the the killing, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has assured that the killers, whether they be members of UG groups or student bodies, would not be spared.
Talking to mediapersons at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital where he had come to share the grief of the family members, Ibobi said killing of a Professor inside the campus of an educational institution which is not unthinkable even during war is an act of cowardice that can be committed only by some brazen criminals.
The Chief Minister expressed apprehension that such senseless violences not only cause disturbance in the developmental activities of the State but may also discourage the Government of India from the efforts of setting up of NIT, IIT or IIIT in the State or the sites of these projects may be shifted to other North Eastern States.
Education Minister L Jayantakumar said that killing of a University Professor could have been carried out only by those who do not think about the welfare of the students.
Works Minister K Ranjit, MOBC Minister Md Allauddin Khan, PDA Chairman Kh Loken, MLA I Ibohalbi and MLA Th Lokeshore also visited the RIMS morgue.
Condemning the killing, MUTA president Maibam Ranjit said such incidents should not have been carried out inside the campus of any educational institution.
A meeting of the Association would be convened on coming Wednesday to discuss the issue, he informed.
Meanwhile, in protest against the killing, Pangal Students’ Organisation (PSO), Manipur has called a 24-hour State wide bandh with effect from midnight today and announced indefinite closure of Administrative Block of Manipur University.
Announcing this while talking to mediapersons, PSO president Md Zakir Hussein categorically stat-ed that the Government of Manipur should be held responsible for any conse- quences of the agitation to be launched.
The Government should also rope in the service of the CBI to investigate into the killing, he demanded, while urging all concerned to come out with a clarification over the killing.