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07/29/2009: "Treat Naga issue as a common problem’ Our Correspondent Morung"



Treat Naga issue as a common problem’ Our Correspondent Morung

Kohima |: The NPF today said the time has come for the Nagas to examine and identify the forces that keep the Nagas apart. The party also challenged the underground leaders to decide things in wisdom rather than be guided by “elements which are not friendly to the cherished goal” if they indeed are making sacrifices for the future of the Naga people.
“Once the goal is achieved, they (underground leaders) are the leaders who are to become rulers and decision-makers for Nagaland. It is the genuine desire of the people of Nagaland to see that day when the present underground leaders should come and occupy the chairs that be in power today”, NPF’s president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said. He was delivering the presidential speech at the meeting of the central executive meeting of the NPF held in Kohima this afternoon.
“We are prepared to make sacrifices for them in as much as they are said to have been making sacrifices for the people”, he said. The NPF president reminded that the first interest of the Nagas is for a better future and that the second is for the underground leaders to put their thoughts into practice. Dr. Shurhozelie appealed to all the political parties to treat the Naga political problem as a common problem.
Referring to the assurances of the Congress made on the floor of the House during the recent budget session, he said the Congress legislators had spoken “very kind words in expressing their concern for solution of the Naga problem.” However, he lamented as unfortunate that several days later the Congress started criticizing the DAN Government alleging that under DAN the Naga political problem had become murkier than ever.
The NPF president appealed to the Congress legislators to prevail upon their party leaders ‘to understand what they expressed on the floor of the Assembly.’ He also reiterated the party’s stand to fully support the ongoing peace process and that in the event of a political solution, the party or the government would not stand in the way but pave way for any alternative arrangement to come in and stay – any day and any time. Further, he termed as a historic achievement the recognition of the unique history of the Naga political struggle by India. He said this was made possible by the concerted efforts of the civil society, the church and concerned Naga leaders.
Rio welcomes Naga Common Platform

Kohima, July 28 (MExN): Describing the March ‘Naga Consultative Meet’ with overseas’ Nagas as one of the most significant developments in the recent past, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed and endorsed the institution of the Naga Common Platform, ‘independent and inclusive of all Nagas to facilitate the pursuance of the proposals and recommendations made during the meet.’
Also, he referred to the consultative meet’s resolution that the Naga people recognize the sufferings of the “eastern” Nagas in Myanmar and to work for their recognition with a definite territory for all-round development. The chief minister said he has already taken up the plight of the “eastern” Nagas with the Ambassador of Myanmar, with the consent of the prime minister and Home minister of India. He opined that the Naga problem goes beyond the boundaries of Nagaland and beyond international boundaries. A concrete political settlement must address all dynamics and not be restricted by man-made hurdles and boundaries, he said.
The chief minister insisted that both the Indian prime minister and Home minister are sincere in their efforts to resolve the Naga issue and that the state government will continue to support the ongoing peace process by playing the role of active facilitator. He has sought the support and cooperation of the Nagaland Congress on this issue and expressed hope that the opposition would live up to its assurance made on the floor of the Assembly. “All sections have to realize that the Naga political issue is above party affiliations and we have to bury our differences in the interest of our people,” Rio said.
NPF insiders miffed over name change - It’s now Naga People’s Front OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, July 28: The decision of the Nagaland People’s Front to rename itself as the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has met with opposition from within the party.
The NPF today renamed itself at a meeting of the central executive council, the highest policy-making body of the party, with the aim of boosting the Naga integration process.
However, the immediate reaction within the party was that this ambitious plan would not be viable in the long run.
“This would definitely cost the Nagas, as the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government will extract money from government’s exchequer to run the party affairs in other states,” an NPF source said.
Party insiders also expressed the apprehension that chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his senior party functionaries would divert funds meant for Nagaland to the other states.
“We are concerned about this matter,” the source said.
NPF sources added that without monetary assistance from the party head office, the ambitious plan would not see the light of day.
“It is not known whether chief minister Rio and his colleagues have taken this into consideration,” a source, who attended the meeting, said.
NPF spokesman Shilu Mar said the decision was taken after hectic consultation with Naga political leaders from other states and various organisations.
He said the move aimed at accelerating the process of Naga integration and at letting Nagas of other states like Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam present the Naga voice in their respective Assemblies.
However, NPF sources said if they succeeded in this objective, Naga MLAs would play a major role in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh Assemblies, but there would be less of an impact in Assam.
Sources said at least seven candidates from Changlang and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh have come forward to seek NPF tickets for the state Assembly elections scheduled for October this year.
“The question is who will finance these candidates and with whose money,” the NPF source questioned.
NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu and chief minister Neiphiu Rio also attended today’s meeting.
Governor
Gurbachan Jagat was today sworn in as Nagaland governor by Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Jasti Chelameswar, at a swearing-in programme held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, in Kohima.
Jagat is the governor of Manipur and has been entrusted with the additional charge of Nagaland.
On the occasion taking charge of the office, Jagat extended greetings to the people of the state.
“I feel both happy and honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve the people of this state. It is for the first time that I have stepped on to the sacred soil of Nagaland, which is one of our most valued states,” he said.
Jagat sworn in as Nagaland Governor Source: Newmai News Network
Kohima, July 28 2009: Gurbachan Jagat was sworn-in as Nagaland Governor by Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, Chelameswar at a formal swearing in function held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima today.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat is the Governor of Manipur who has been entrusted additional charge of Nagaland by President of India, Pratibha Patil.

Meanwhile, extending warm greetings to the people of Nagaland on assumption of office, Jagat said, "Everybody knows there are some difficult issues which have continued to haunt us for the past many years but we must remember that, as a big country, we have faced issues in other parts also and successfully over come them".

"I am sure that together all of us can work on these issues and come to a solution, he hoped, adding that such a great culture and civilization has to take its rightful place in the vanguard of the States of the country and progress into a highly developed and economically well off State so that children can reap the benefits of peace, good education and health facilities and lead a life of dignity and self respect," Jagat added.

He also called upon each and everyone to come together for the sake of peace and prosperity of Nagaland and for contributing towards the goal of developing Nagaland into one of the leading States of India.

On his part, Jagat assured that he would be with Nagas every step of the way to help in whatever way he can.
AFSPA to be more humane: Home Ministry (IANS):
NEW DELHI, The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states is being reviewed but cannot be repealed, a top home ministry official said Tuesday.
“AFSPA is required to fight with insurgents, so it cannot be repealed. However, it is being reviewed and it will be made more humane by doing away with provisions like shoot at sight,” Home Secretary Gopal Pillai told IANS.
He indicated that the provision of extra-judicial executions is likely to be done away with. Pillai will head for Assam Wednesday to study the situation in the insurgency-hit state and address the press in Guwahati Friday.
AFSPA has often courted controversy as it gives a free hand to the armed forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.
Recently, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Defence Minister A.K. Antony and Home Minister P. Chidambaram demanding repeal of AFSPA.
Earlier, addressing a seminar in Jamia Millia Islamia University, Pillai had said: “Economic development and administrative reforms have to be undertaken to curtail insurgency.”

NSCN-IM accuses rival Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (EMN): Despite their leaders’ commitment to work together with understanding for reconciliation, clashes continue between the rival NSCNs with the NSCN-IM accusing the NSCN-K of pre-meditated attack on its cadres on July 27 at Noklu Village, Lazu Sub-division, Arunachal Pradesh ‘without any provocation.’
A MIP/GPRN press release stated the NSCN-IM cadres showed utmost restraint honoring the agreements for Reconciliation and didn’t retaliate, thus preventing casualties on both sides.
The NSCN-IM questioned the sincerity and commitment of the NSCN (K) and called for immediate attention and retrospection on the part of the NSCN (K) higher-ups, and Naga general public to avoid further occurrence of such unwarranted incidents, which it said ‘would jeopardize the hard-earned achievements for reconciliation.’
Kohima says ‘No’ to armed cadres sheltering in colonies Correspondent (NPN): KOHIMA, In a significant decision aimed at maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, various NGOs, civil societies, wards and colonies leaders of Kohima Wednesday resolved not to allow armed cadres of any faction to reside in the colony/wards, as it posed potential threat to the peace and harmony of the citizens.
In this regard, respective ward/colony authorities would take appropriate decisions and issue directives to all the house owners not to allow any unidentified tenants to reside in their rent houses including government quarters.
This was resolved in a joint meeting on law and order organized by the state home department and attended by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, home minister Imkong L. Imchen, urban development minister Dr. Shurhozielie, MLA & chairman NKVIB, Dr. Nicky Kire, government officials, NGOs, members of the Kohima Municipal Council, leaders from all the wards and colonies, GBs, DBs besides representatives from the district administration and home department, held at Zonal Council Hall.
The meeting also resolved that if any of any armed cadre/miscreant/anti-social element threatened the ward/colony, the ward/colony authorities, necessary action would be taken with the support of district administration and police.
To maintain coordination, it was further resolved that the district administration and police would be in constant touch with the ward/colony for any untoward incident and that all the DBs and GBs would effectively be kept informed of anything happening in any ward/colony.
To realize this, the meeting decided to convene a meeting of ward/colony chairman and Kohima Municipal Council with deputy commissioner at least once in a month.
The meeting urged the state government to respond to any given situation pertaining to containing law and order and to extend all possible help and assistance.
The Kohima Municipal Council members were also urged to ensure that their respective wards were effectively implementing the resolutions. The Kohima Municipal Council members would collectively coordinate with Deputy Commissioner and SP Kohima for action.
Furthermore, the office of the Angami Public Organization would extend all possible help and support to any ward/colony in respect of maintaining law and order situation in Kohima town.

Enough is Enough Our Correspondent Morung
Kohima | July 29 : In a major development, citizens of the state capital, Kohima, today unanimously cried in unison “enough is enough” to the extortion, intimidation and criminal activities within Kohima jurisdiction. This was decided at a unique meeting on law and order held at the Zonal Council Hall here today with none other than the chief minister, Home minister, Speaker, legislators and apex organizations expressing outrage against underground groups and anti-social elements creating law and order problems.
Kohima citizens voice outrage against crime, extortions
The meeting came up with a six-point resolution which ultimately aims at synchronizing and empowering the various bodies, including the police, administration, the colony and ward authorities to coordinate and come up with effective means to deal with these elements.
As per the resolution, no armed cadres of any underground faction will be allowed to reside in colony/ward in Kohima, which tends to pose a potential threat to the peace and harmony of the citizens. In this connection, respective ward/colonies are to take appropriate decisions and issue directives to all the house owners not to allow any unidentified tenants to reside in their rents including government quarters.
In the case of armed cadres, miscreants or anti-social elements threatening ward/colony authorities, necessary action shall be initiated in consultation and with the support of the administration and the police.
The resolution also says that the district administration and the police are to keep in constant touch with respective ward/colony and that all the DBs and GBs will have to keep these agencies informed. It was also resolved that there will be a monthly meeting of ward/colony chairmen and Kohima Municipal Council authorities with the Kohima DC at least once a month.
The meeting also resolved that the Angami Public Organization (APO) would extend all possible help and support to any ward/colony in maintaining law and order within Kohima. Besides, it also urged the state government to respond to any given situation pertaining to law and order and extend all possible help and assistance as and when required. The meeting also entrusted the Kohima Municipal Council to ensure that their respective wards are effectively implementing the resolutions in coordination with the DC and SP of Kohima.

Demo, strike keep Bodo belt on boil OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kokrajhar, July 28: The BPPF staged a demonstration against the recent killings in Bodoland here today even as the ceasefire group of the NDFB called a 12-hour Assam bandh from 5am on Thursday in protest against the killing of one its cadres in the district this morning.
Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front (BPPF) leader Urkhao Gwra Brahma blamed Dispur for the continuous violence in autonomous administered districts.
He also appealed to the indigenous tribes of the state to stand united to fight against the government’s conspiracy to divide them.
Police sources said unidentified assailants attacked two motorcycle-borne cadres of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB)’s ceasefire group, Tarun Mushahary alias M. Thilang and Birlang Goyary, at Katrigacha under Kokrajhar police station this morning.
Mushahary, who was hit by three bullets including one on the head, died on the spot.
Goyary has been admitted to the Kokrajhar Rupnath Brahma civil hospital with bullet injuries in the thigh. “We were on our way to Kokrajhar when we saw five persons waiting on the roadside. They fired indiscriminately at us,” Birlang said from the hospital bed.
NDFB spokesman S. Sanjarang blamed former BLT members for the attack and accused the state government of fanning fratricidal killing. The police have launched a manhunt in the area to apprehend the killers.
So far they appeared to be clueless regarding the persons involved in the attack.
“We are investigating the incident,” a police official here said. Although the police are clueless about the persons involved in the attack, several leaders of the Bodo community feel that the recent attacks are part of Dispur’s conspiracy to divide the tribals.
Brahma, who is also a former Rajya Sabha MP and ex-president of the All Bodo Students Union, told reporters during the protest rally organised by the BPPF at Pragati Bhavan here, “The ethnic communities of the state are under serious threat because of Dispur’s political conspiracy. It is playing a divide and rule policy for its own political gain. The killings and chaos in the tribal autonomous councils, especially in Bodoland, NC Hills and Karbi Anglong, is a results of Dispur’s conspiracy to keep the tribal community busy so that they cannot fight for their rights.”
He said over 150 innocent people were murdered in Bodoland in the past year and the people were aware of who was instigating the violence.
“If the tribal people do not stand united to fight democratically against this conspiracy, their very identity will perish,” he added. The BPPF submitted a memorandum to deputy commissioner Carol Narzary, demanding legal and prompt action against the guilty and steps to sustain peace and normality in the area. BPPF president Rabiram Narzary said there was a total breakdown of law and order in Bodoland.
Centre to deal firmly with truce violation Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, July 28 – Signalling a change of attitude, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today expressed the Centre’s renewed resolve to deal firmly with violations of the ground rules of the ceasefire. The Union Home Minister participating in a Question Hour discussion in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday was answering questions about growing incidents of extortions and kidnappings by militants, which have ceasefire pacts with Government of India.

“We have taken a strong view of the violations of the ground rules by NSCN as we have ceasefire pacts with both the factions. Despite ceasefire violations have taken place regularly,” he conceded.

The Union Home Minister also expressed his concern at the incidents of growing activities of ULFA in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. “We are concerned about the situation in these districts, which are used by ULFA as transit route. The NSCN continues to have its pocket of influence,” he said.

Replying to questions whether neighbouring countries were helping the insurgents of North-east, Chidambaram said that many of the leaders of the insurgent groups have taken shelter and safe havens and use the neighbouring country to bring in arms. In that sense they are involved, he said.

But he added that successive governments have taken up the issue and continue to do so. However, there has been limited success. There is a new government in Bangladesh and the new government is more responsive, he added.

Participating in the discussion, Paban Singh Ghatowar said over 30 insurgent groups of the North-east are getting open support of neighbouring country. Whether Government of India has taken up the issue with the neighbouring countries to stop these groups, he asked.

Seeking a response from the Union Home Minister, Takam Sanjay said that ultras in North-east indulging in intimidations, extortions and kidnappings have become the order of the day. All elements in north-east are working from neighbouring countries. Will Government of India initiate effective steps? He asked.

Govt offers treatment to Paresh Baruah STAFF Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 29 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today announced that the Government would take care of the treatment of ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah if he surrenders. Talking to mediapersons here today, Gogoi said admitted that the Government does not have conformed news of the sickness of the ULFA leader. “We have seen media reports in this regard, but we are not in a position to confirm or deny the reports.”

Gogoi said that the DHD(J) has expressed its desire to come forward for talks but the Government would take the final decision in this regard in consultation with the Centre. The Union Home Secretary GK Pillai is scheduled to arrive in the state tomorrow and the issue will be discussed, he added. He said that the militant group has submitted a list of weapons and that would have to be verified.

The Chief Minister, who is also in charge of the Home Department said, though the militant groups are lying low for some time, the forces would have to remain alert as “we cannot become complacent.”

Meanwhile, the reports of Paresh Baruah’s sickness have given rise to speculations as the police is still not ready to confirm the reports.

State DGP GM Srivastava, when contacted, said that he is still not in a position to comment on the reports.

However, security sources said that Baruah fell sick when he went to Myanmar to attend a meeting with Manipur-based militant group PLA. Security agencies today received a report that Baruah is being shifted to a base of the PLA in Manipur in an area bordering Myanmar so that doctors can be taken to that area for his treatment. However, the reports could not be confirmed, security sources said.

Our Spl Correspondent adds from Delhi: The Centre, meanwhile, said that it has no information so far about the detention of Paresh Baruah by the Bangladesh Government.

“We have no information so far regarding arrest of ULFA C-in-C by the Bangladesh Government,” said External Affairs Minister SM Krishna in reply to a question by Dr Thokchom Meinya in Lok Sabha.

The issue has been taken up regularly with Government of Bangladesh, including presence of Indian insurgent groups. They have assured that they would not allow the Bangladesh territory for activities inimical to India.

Clinton’s myopia on Burma by Enzo Reale Mizzima

Did you think they had a "policy"? Think again.
Since her first trip to Asia, last February, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been busy advertising the "new approach" to the region promoted by the Obama administration. Especially, regarding Burma, she announced a "policy review" in the months to come: "Clearly, sanctions haven't worked", she said, adding that engagement by the neighbouring countries also failed to bring change to the isolated nation.

Officially the "policy review" is still on and, apart from some vague statements from Clinton's aides, nobody at the moment can spell out its contents and its real purpose. But last week, at a press conference on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Phuket, Secretary of State came up with quite a surprising proposal to Burmese rulers: "If she [Suu Kyi] were released, that would open up opportunities, at least for my country, to expand our relationship with Burma, including investments in Burma. But it is up to the Burmese leadership", Clinton said. In other words: ‘if you give me Aung San Suu Kyi, I'll give you money’. Unfortunately this isn't a policy, it's a gamble.

The attempt to buy Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom by the promise of new investments shows an amount of improvisation and naivety that should worry activists for democracy inside and outside Burma and, in general, all those who have always looked at U.S. as a force for democratic change in authoritarian countries. Instead of working to free Burma and its citizens, Mrs. Clinton chooses to concentrate U.S. efforts in pursuing a symbolic, popular and limited goal, the liberation of the Nobel Prize laureate. "What about reconciliation dialogue, the election in 2010 and ethnic issues? Don’t they know that they would detain her again?" veteran journalist and opposition leader Win Tin observed, when asked about Mrs. Clinton's remarks. But we could add: what about the other 2000 political prisoners? What about internally displaced people? What about forced and child labour? What about recruitment of children in the Army? What about refugees? What about the climate of intimidation and fear? What about Burma?

The Secretary of State's words are misconceived for many reasons. They can be interpreted as if the reality of misery and oppression of 55 million people could be reduced to the fate of a single, though important, democratic icon. If she could speak, I am sure Aung Sang Suu Kyi would reject this bargaining: she considers her freedom instrumental to the liberation of the Burmese people and not vice versa.

Moreover, Mrs. Clinton clearly underestimates the significance that the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) attach to her detention. Senior General Than Shwe and his clique have always considered political prisoners a necessary tool for the survival of the regime in the present shape. They use them to threaten the population, to debilitate the opposition, to buy time with the international community, according to circumstances. They're not going to risk their political future by simply freeing Aung San Suu Kyi as a part of an undefined cooperation agreement.

Finally, the proposal underlines the weakness (or the nonexistence) of an American strategy about Burma. After Mrs. Clinton’s remarks the generals know better than ever that the U.S. government has no idea on how to deal with them. There's no plan, just a game of courtship and rejection, of carrot and stick they’re probably enjoying. Actually, it looks like the only tangible U.S. policy under Obama is the cohabitation with authoritarian regimes, in Asia and elsewhere: “normalization” is the keyword. For a further example, take the essence of Mrs. Clinton’s speech about North Korea: in exchange for giving up its nuclear ambitions, she promised Pyongyang “full normalisation of relations, a permanent peace regime and significant energy and economic assistance in the context of full and verifiable denuclearisation”.

In the past year the Burmese government has been able to shift the focus from its chronic mismanagement of the country’s resources to economic sanctions imposed by Western countries. A fundamental help in this rough manipulation has come from anti-sanctions and pro-engagement groups, mainly outside Burma. Burmese historian Thant Myint-U, well settled in his usual equidistance between dictatorship and the democratic camp, is a champion of this “development first” narrative. In its last edition, also The Economist seems to embrace the theory that blames the critical situation in Burma on the obstinacy of Western powers and on the same Aung San Suu Kyi for pursuing a policy of criticism and sanctions aimed at promoting democratic change, instead of engaging the regime with development aid and investments: “Worse, everyone from the UN down views Myanmar through the lens of democracy above all else—even development.

For a desperate country with shocking rates of disease and mortality such a priority is dubious, at best, shameful at worst”, an editorial observes. According to this school of thought, Burma’s destiny would depend in the first place on foreign countries will to abandon their isolation policy, as if the paranoid military government that has ruled the country with an iron fist for 47 years had little or nothing to do with its decay.

Of course, development and aid are essential tools in such a dramatic context. But it’s a big mistake to consider development and democracy as alternative options.

Before 1997 no Western sanctions against Burma were in place, at least not in the present form and extent. What kind of development did Burmese citizens enjoy? The sad answer is… more wealth in the strongboxes of Burma's tyrants. Today Naypyidaw is busily trading with its neighbours, mainly China, India, Thailand and Singapore: why aren’t they developing the country and improving people’s lives?

A slippery ground, isn’t it? While the debate about this subject is welcome, we should not forget that the main sanction against Burma is the military regime itself. For that reason, democracy and development are intimately connected and it’s impossible to promote any sort of real development if the national robbery managed by a ruthless and illegitimate government is going to continue. The only treatment for Burma’s illness is the end of dictatorship, not more money (Western money, again?) in the pockets of the generals.

So, Mrs. Clinton, free Burma and you will also free Aung San Suu Kyi.

Enzo Reale is a freelance journalist. He writes about South-East Asia issues for Italian online newspapers and magazines.


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