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11/29/2009: "Nagaland Assembly adopts Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network"

Nagaland Assembly adopts Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Kohima, November 27 2009: The 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has unanimously adopted a four-point resolutions on the Naga political issue.

The resolution, introduced by the Leader of the House chief minister Neiphiu Rio, during the fifth one day session of the NLA today, was also endorsed by the Opposition Congress MLAs.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly recognized the Naga undergrounds who have "selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the rights of the Nagas, and also to those who continue to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifices for the common cause of the Nagas".

The NLA extended its aspiration to the civil societies, churches, NGOs and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for their "wholehearted efforts" towards reconciliation, understanding and oneness of all sections of Naga society.

The sincerity of the underground groups is also appreciated especially the commitment towards peace and understanding by signing the 'Covenant of Reconciliation' on 23rd September 2009 at Chiangmai, Thailand.

The NLA also appreciates the government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and Union Home minister for their "renewed sincerity" towards finding a permanent solution to the decades old Indo-Naga political problem.

NLA said, "We appeal to the negotiating parties of the political dialogue to expedite the political process and bring early resolution through a negotiated settlement which is honourable and acceptable to the Naga people".

The NLA also resolved to constitute a 'Joint Parliamentary Committee' on Naga political issue comprising of members irrespective of political party.
The Committee shall carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Government of India and the underground groups.
Assembly ‘recognises’ rebels’ sacrifices for Naga cause Indian Express Samudra Gupta Kashyap
THE Nagaland Legislative Assembly has accorded “recognition” to the Naga underground leaders for having “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed” for the aspirations and rights of the Naga people. This “recognition” came as a resolution in the Assembly on Friday even as talks between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) have yet to reach a conclusive stage.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, was passed unanimously and said that those underground leaders who had “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the right of the Nagas and those who continue to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifices for the common cause of the Nagas” deserved recognition.
The Assembly also reiterated its earlier stand on integration of all Naga-inhabited areas, an issue that also figures prominently on the NSCN agenda. “It is the desire of the Nagas to live together as one family and this House has rightly voiced the cry of the Naga people,” Rio said. The Nagaland Assembly has so far passed four resolutions ( in 1964, 1970, 1994 and 2003) in favour of integration of Naga areas.
NPF is for Naga identity: Rio Correspondent NPN):

KOHIMA Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio claimed that a regional party like the NPF represented the unique identity of the Nagas which also stood to protect and preserve the Naga culture and aspirations in the face of numerous challenges confronting society.
“We don’t have anything against the Centre or the Government of India, however, we need to represent the interest of our people and be their voice at national and international platforms. At times, national parties find it difficult to play this crucial role as these parties cannot deviate from their ideologies”, he said
Addressing the NPF 5th General Convention held at the Multi-purpose Hall, IG stadium here on Saturday, Rio reiterated that early solution to the Naga political issue was through a negotiated settlement that was honourable and acceptable to the people which tops the agenda of both the DAN Government and the NPF. He said the government would continue to play the role of active facilitator in the peace process.
He said the DAN government strived to create a congenial and desired atmosphere for the political negotiations to move on the right track. He expressed happiness on the unanimous resolution of the NLA to institute a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Naga political issue.
The chief minister said that the government, with the support of the NCP and some independent members, was functioning smoothly. He said the government was also backed by its various machineries whose capacity has greatly improved in recent years, thereby resulting in qualitative output.
He however admit that no government was perfect and likewise it too hoped to keep improving with the continued support of all sections, especially the civil societies, churches, mass based organizations and NGOs.
Rio also complimented the government machinery for its performance on several fronts especially in the conduct of road shows. “Successful conduct of road shows has brought the government machinery and the targeted sections not only closer but, they have come together in the same platform,” Rio said.
On the government’s decision to coin Nagaland as “Land of festival” and the Hornbill festival as “festival of festivals,” Rio said the slogans would be used to paint positive image of the state to the outside world.
On the successes of the state government, Rio said the young people from the state realized they were at par, if not better than their counterparts from other parts of the world. “One wonders, how high we can climb, if we were given equal opportunities and avenues with the rest of the country and the global community,” he said.
Rio however opined there was still much more to be done and that the DAN government would continue to work for the people and strive to improve the welfare of the masses.
He told party members that their performance would influence how people judged the party and called for introspection of its past performances and rededicate towards the cause of the people.
He termed the general convention ‘historic’ as the party was ready to give wings to step beyond artificial man made boundary where the Nagas were longing for a re-union. “This decision is significant and has the potential of changing the destiny of our people in the times ahead,” Rio added.
Earlier, NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his presidential speech dwelt at length on the origin, history and struggle of the Cock party since its inception in 1963 as a first registered political party in the state and the entire north east.
“Today, we are the proud heirs of the first political party in Nagaland and we want our Naga brothers and sisters, where ever they may be, to inherit this legacy,” he said.
Since inception, the first and foremost priority of the party was to work for solution to the Naga political problem and today too this regional party under the leadership of chief minister has done well in all fronts including the approach to the Naga political problem, Dr. Shurhozelie said.
Reminding that the government of India has made its position clear that it was keen to solve the long standing Naga political problem, Dr. Shurhozelie urged the underground factions to come together to the same platform with one voice.
He stressed on the need among different underground groups to come together as desired by their people. “Until and unless the underground factions come together, nothing will happen and the Naga people will continue to suffer,” he added.
He also stressed on the need to learn from the past mistakes and look forward to plan for the future. Stating that political parties or underground factions might have committed mistakes in the past, Dr. Shurhozelie said “but all these have gone to the pages of history and we should not quarrel over the events that had happened in the past.”
Both the MPs- Khekiho Zhimomi (RS) and C.M Chang(LS) and state minister for forest, environment, ecology and excise M. C. Konyak delivered short speeches on the occasion.
Former minister from Manipur, Prof. Gangumei Kamei who is also the convenor of NPF in Manipur state spoke on behalf of NPF representatives from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. On the occasion, the NPF party also felicitated the seven surviving members of the first Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) out of the total 12 and observed a minute’s silence to pay homage to the departed leaders.

NPF renamed as Naga Peoples’ Front Correspondent, (NPN):
KOHIMA The Nagaland Peoples’ Front (NPF), one of the oldest surviving regional political parties in the country has in principle, rechristened itself to Naga Peoples’ Front from Saturday following the approval of the 5th amendment of the party constitution during the party’s 5th general convention which was held at the Multi-purpose Hall, IG Stadium here Saturday.
The NPF General Convention unanimously approved the 5th amendment of the party constitution thereby paving the way for the party to expand its wings to the neighboring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh where there are sizeable Naga population. With the amendment of the constitution, the name ‘Nagaland’ in the constitution \will be replaced with the ‘Naga’ with a view to provide a wider space to accommodate Nagas from various areas.
Though the desk is all clear for the party to start using the new nomenclature, NPF President Dr.Shurhozelie Liezietsu however said the party was not in a hurry. The party would compile the minutes of the general convention along with the signatures of the party officials present
in the convention and submit the same to the Election Commission for formalities, he said.
Significantly, the general convention was attended by delegations of the party representatives from all the three neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It may be mentioned that the NPF had initiated its move to expand its reach covering the entire Naga inhabited areas of the neighbouring states.

Common Naga Problem morungexpress
The unanimous adoption of the four-point resolution on the Naga political issue by the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly during a rare joint sitting held on 26th November 2009 is welcomed. Everyone right from the Speaker, Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and all elected MLAs should be congratulated for their foresight and wisdom in coming together for an important task that lies ahead—finding a permanent and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue. Since this newspaper had endlessly campaigned through this column calling on the political parties to come together through a common forum, the latest decision of the political class to constitute a “Joint Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue comprising of Members irrespective of political party”, is like the realisation of a long cherished goal. It has been mentioned in the resolution that the “Committee shall carry the voice of the House to all concerned
sections including the Government of India and the underground groups”. One only prays and hopes that our leaders will be guided by wisdom towards the stated objective of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Now that the House has come together on this issue, there is enormous responsibility on its shoulders to ensure that all members and political parties adhere both in letter and spirit to the sacrosanct four-point resolution adopted. This will mean that the Naga issue is not politicized as it is ‘above party affiliation’. It will require restraint and dignity not to cross the red line. Otherwise, our elected representatives will lose credibility.
While the move to create the JPC is a step in the right direction, it will be good if the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Speaker can clarify on some queries. Firstly, what is the nature and composition of the JPC? Is it consisting of the entire House i.e. the 60 MLAs or is it a smaller body of few selected MLAs from the different political parties. According to parliamentary norms usually a JPC consists of ten to twelve members and it will be quite unusual to have a JPC of 60 odd members. Also a JPC consists of members from both houses of Parliament (and therefore the usage of the term ‘joint’). But in this case a State Assembly usually does not use the term ‘Parliament’ and for all intents and purposes it is referred to as a ‘Legislature’. Not to forget that Nagaland has only a unicameral legislature i.e. the lower house of the people. Secondly, while the objective of the JPC, to carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Government of India and the underground groups, is well understood, does the use of the term JPC mean that it will make inquiries on issues and reports its findings and recommendations to the House. The honourable MLAs may have their reason for naming the body as JPC. However, a clarification will make things more clear. While having an appropriate name is desirable nevertheless of more importance is the political will demonstrated by the leadership to unite on the Naga issue. As well mentioned by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, it is indeed encouraging to note that the elected members have risen above party affiliations and have approached the political issue as a common Naga problem which needs to be resolved for the common good of all Nagas. All eyes will now be on the next round of the Chiangmai peace meet and the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) vis-à-vis the progress made by the Joint Working Group consisting of the three Naga national groups who have signed the covenant of reconciliation.

Naga students inspire stories of change morungexpress
Dimapur, November 28 (MExN): From among 1,300 inspiring stories of change from various schools around India, two schools from Dimapur in Nagaland the El Shaddai Academy and Christian Higher Secondary School are among the winners of the nation’s largest social change contest.
Nagaland schools among winners in national contestChristian Higher Secondary School was one of the winners in the top 20 with their entry titled ‘A gift that gives on giving.’ The school also won in the top 100 winning entries for their entry titled ‘preservation of endangered species.’ El Shaddai Academy was one of the winners of the special jury award for their entry titled ‘Heal the hearts.’ An award ceremony was held at NID in Ahmedabad on November 27 but the schools from Nagaland could not attend the ceremony sadly, citing the ongoing exams as the reason.
Sanen Imchen, Executive Director and founder of Benchmark Education Initiative and the contest anchor for Nagaland in a press note said “This just reinforces our belief that children in Nagaland can compete anywhere at any level if only we provide them an environment and a platform to unleash their potential.”
Initiated by Riverside School of Ahmedabad, the Design for Giving contest is part of the Joy of Giving week, an initiative of the GiveIndia foundation which was held from September 27 to October 3. In moving stories of change, school children from all over India took up the challenge to be the change they want to see in the world. They took up projects where the school children’s participating in the contest helped the elderly and orphans, participated in traffic safety exercises, helped clean city environments, confront the problem of pollution and so on. The top 20 schools will receive prizes from Disney outreach and will create play areas with a book shelf stacked with Disney stories and activity books, board games and a 17 inch Disney TV and DVD player.
Disney outreach will also support 100 enthusiastic school teams in their ideas to effect change in their communities through ‘Minnie grants’ to the extent of Rs. 5, 000 each under various categories such as ‘most environmental friendly,’ the ‘Gandhi’ prize and ‘most people impacted.’
Nagaland Assembly adopts political resolution Appeals for expediting peace process for early resolution Narain B Sagar | EMN
KOHIMA, NOV 27: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today adopted a political resolution appealing to both
the Central Government and the Naga underground groups to expedite the political process to bring an early resolution to the vexed problem through a negotiated settlement which is honourable and acceptable to the Naga people.
The four-point resolution, moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, also recognised the Naga undergrounds who had selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the rights of the Nagas, and also those who continued to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifice for the common cause of the Nagas.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the members during a one-day sitting of the Assembly, also extended appreciation to the civil societies, churches, NGOs and the Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) for their sincere efforts towards re-conciliation, understanding and oneness of all sections of the Naga society. It, moreover, appreciated the sincerity of the underground groups, especially the commitment towards peace and understanding by signing the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ on 23rd September this year at Chiangmai, Thailand.
The House also appreciated the Government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, for their renewed sincerity towards finding a permanent solution to the decades-old Naga political conflict.
The Assembly also resolved to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue comprising members irrespective of party affiliation. The Committee would carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Government of India and the underground groups.
Earlier, while introducing the resolution, the Chief Minister explained the circumstances leading to the framing of the four-point resolution and appreciated the Speaker for organising two sittings of all legislators to discuss the vexed Naga political issue. “I am confident that these deliberations will go a long way in contributing towards bringing lasting peace to our land and the people,” he said.
Rio also appreciated the opposition Congress members for their participation in the free and frank discussions on the important issue saying that as elected representatives of the people all have to contribute to the ongoing Naga political process.
“It is indeed encouraging to note that the elected members have risen above party affiliations and have approached the political issue as a common Naga problem which needs to be resolved for the common good of all Nagas,” he said.
“Our unity and understanding will create the right environment for all sections including civil societies and underground groups to unite and work together. It is all the more imperative that first the over-grounds unite before we can call upon the undergrounds to come together,” he added.
Also, as reported by Eastern Mirror, Rio informed the House that the second joint sitting of all legislators held yesterday had decided to form a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Naga political issue and termed the development as a landmark pronouncement since it would go a long way in contributing towards the political process.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Chingwang Konyak endorsed the Chief Minister’s views and assured full cooperation from the Congress party towards finding a lasting solution to the Naga problem.
The Congress leader said as elected representatives of the people ‘we can’t remain silent and watch the issue, but we have a role to play to bring unity amongst Nagas’. Therefore, he said that from now on all members have to work together without showing any political colour to bring about permanent peace and lasting solution to the Naga political issue in line with the eagerness of the Government of India.
Interpreting maladies PATRICIA MUKHIM The Telegraph


P.C. Haldar at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. A Telegraph picture
In a muddled and muddied situation, every new initiative inspires hope. In this case, hope is different from optimism.
Optimism adopts the role of a spectator who surveys the evidence in order to infer that things are going to get better.
In a blighted part of the country blind hope is all we can have. So we hope that the appointment of P.C. Haldar, former IB chief and ostensibly an expert in Northeast affairs, will take things to a different level.
It is educative to know that the United People’s Democratic Solidarity has been in ceasefire mode since August 2001 and that after seven rounds of talks with the state, things have not moved beyond square one. The National Democratic Front of Boroland laid down arms in 2005 and since then has had only one round of talks.
The NDFB and UPDS both want separate states with greater autonomy, but the UPDS also want a special economic package.
Interestingly, the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), which surrendered only last month, want a state within the ambit of Article 244A which allows the “formation of an autonomous state comprising certain tribal areas in Assam and creation of a local legislature or council of ministers or both”.
The article says, “Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may by law form within the state of Assam an autonomous state comprising (whether wholly or in part) all or any of the tribal areas specified in the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act 1971 under Section 71 for Part A (wef 21-1-72)”.
Going by the demands of the different insurgent outfits, barring Ulfa and the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB, both of which are demanding sovereignty, the rest appear to be looking for greater autonomy to decide their own development paradigm.
And if the three groups stick to their guns, then the dismemberment of Assam no longer looks like a remote possibility but a self-fulfilling prophecy that the rulers of that state and the dominant section of Assam’s population have been stating for a long time.
If the Karbi people, the Bodos and the Dimasas have their homeland, Assam is going to look like a midget. Perhaps, then Ulfa might give up its demand for a sovereign homeland.
Interlocutor
But for now let us analyse the role of the interlocutor and what this new arrangement is likely to throw up. Very recently, the government of India did away with its high-profile interlocutor, K. Padmanabhaiah, who it appointed at one time to be the channel of conversation between the Nagas and the Centre. Padmanabhaiah’s role was that of a dilettante.
All that a section of Naga intellectuals have to say is that he was ideologically closer to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and for which reason they protested when he was removed. Interlocutors are supposed to be fair and neutral creatures, but perhaps in a situation where one group is more dominant and articulate, it stands to reason that the interlocutor takes their views as more legitimate and weighty vis-à-vis that of their adversaries. One thing that goes in favour of Padmanabhaiah is that he not only kept the pot boiling but stirred it intermittently to prevent the broth from congealing and the talks from breaking down.
The word interlocutor is a mouthful. Simply put, an interlocutor is someone who informally explains the views of the government to another party which may or may not be an adversary. The interlocutor can relay messages back to the government. Normally an interlocutor is not a spokesman for the government and has no formal position within the government.
By definition, everything an interlocutor says is his own personal opinion and not the official view of anyone. Because an interlocutor is not seen as an agent of the government and, like an arbiter is someone that all parties in conflict or otherwise mutually agree upon, he is trusted to do the right thing by all parties.
Why do we have interlocutors? Because there are problems when conflicting parties have direct talks especially when the ground is not sufficiently prepared. It could lead to confrontation and recriminations and spoil things. This would mean a return to the jungles for insurgents and another cycle of violence.
An interlocutor, on the other hand, understands both parties and also their respective positions very well. He can, therefore, play an important role in smoothing the rough edges and in persuading the parties to tone down their “harsh and impractical” conditions. Psychologists like Daniel Goleman observe that interlocutors are conversation partners. One of the reasons for the breakdown in conversation between two or more groups is suspicion and a lack of trust. When parties in conflict refuse to talk to each other, the situation aggravates, leading to a breakdown in talks.
Keeping the conversation going is the sine qua non for conflict resolution. P.C. Haldar, having held the top position of an internal security organisation, is expected to understand the nuances of the different conflicts in different theatres of Assam and also of the minds of the actors driving the insurgent outfits. This is very important. But whether a dyed-in-the-wool cop who at the best of times cannot camouflage his attachment to the state and its ideals will be able to appreciate the demands of the insurgent groups is a moot point.
Tightrope walk
All militant groups of the Northeast have been mentored by the Nagas who are themselves nurtured in the ideology of violence and the exhilaration of struggle. To tame such groups without acceding to a substantial part of their demands requires the wisdom of Solomon. Groups that are in ceasefire mode may not be as belligerent as those out in the jungles.
The fact that Ranjan Daimary is obstinately holding out despite the growing public assertion for peace and their call to end the fratricidal killings, indicates that Daimary is today a solo player. But his outfit still wields considerable fire power and for that reason alone the Bodo talks could come a cropper unless Daimary is convinced that he no longer enjoys mass support and that people have reached their fatigue level. Needless to say talks are not held in a vacuum. A framework for dialogue has to be developed and the broad parameters should be agreeable to all parties in conflict.
This seems like a tightrope walk for any interlocutor. How does one convince the government of Assam that it makes eminent good sense to part with the bulk of its geographical area? What would that reduce the politics and political space of Assam to? Will the Barak Valley not be the next in line to revolt?
Let us face it; politics is no longer about representing the views of the people. It is as competitive as cricket and football where the stakes are high and people play to win. Once they are in power they do not want to let go. Competitive politics will therefore be the biggest stumbling block to the progress of the talks.
This applies to Bodoland as well. Hagrama Mohilary’s Bodoland People’s Front is already well ensconced in the current political arrangement of Assam and the MLAs are comfortable breaking bread with the Congress. Carving out a Bodoland state would mean that new actors would step in and reduce the share of the pie. Hence, it does not make sense for the BPF to join the NDFB bandwagon. There are several other issues that need to be unravelled since the geographical boundaries drawn by each group seem to extend into that of others. Haldar is stepping into a region with many landmines, both literally and metaphorically. He is here to suspend the season of belligerence and we can only wish him well.
Home Secretary-level talks between India, Bangladesh from Monday Militancy high on agenda Nagaland Page
New Delhi, November 28: In the run up to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official visit to India next month, Home Secretaries of the two countries meet here from Monday with illegal migration and cross-border movement of insurgents and criminals high on the agenda.
During the meeting, the Indian delegation led by Home Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai, will see Bangladesh's cooperation to deal with militants and northeastern Indian insurgents New Delhi says are operating from that country, Home Ministry sources said here on Saturday.
Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikdar will head the Bangladeshi delegation at the three-day meeting.
India is satisfied with the cooperation it has got from Bangladesh on the security front and would seek further help from Dhaka in this area, they said.
In fact, Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram has gone on record in Parliament a few days ago noting the appreciation of the "splendid cooperation" India received from the Sheikh Hasina's government in tackling cross-border movement of militants and insurgents.
The Bangladesh government's action against the militants came in for praise from the Director General of paramilitary force Assam Rifles Lt Gen K S Yadav who told reporters in Shillong on November 25 that "it is a good thing that Bangladesh is cracking down on these elements".
"We only hope that Bangladesh government continues to ensure that those who are acting against the interests of India are not given shelter", he said.
Officials here described as a "positive" development the drive launched by Bangladesh security forces under the new government there against ULFA militants in that country, which is believed to have led to the arrest of two top leaders of the insurgents' outfit Sashadhar Choudhury and Chitraban Hazarika along Tripura's border with Bangladesh early this month.
At the Home Secretary-level meeting, India is likely to push Bangladesh once again to take steps for handing over another ULFA leader Anup Chetia to face trial in this country, sources said.
They said handing over of Chetia would mark a major confidence-building measure between India and Bangladesh and pave the way for more substantive achievements in bilateral ties in other sectors as well.
Bangladesh, however, expects India to appreciate the pace of its response, given the domestic sensitivities on certain issues, they added.
The Home Secretaries are likely to give finishing touches to a proposed mutual legal assistance treaty for exchange of Indian and Bangladeshi nationals convicted by courts in the two countries, said the sources. The treaty is likely to be signed during Hasina's visit to India.
Illegal migration is another major issue that has been nagging the bilateral relations and the Home Secretaries will discuss the issue threadbare.
Among other issues to figure in the meeting are smuggling of narcotics, fake current and a strategy to combat these problems. (Agencies)

Bangla assures action against NE militants R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 28 – The militant leaders of the Northeast-based groups taking shelter in Bangladesh may face serious problems in the days to come as the Government of Bangladesh has assured India to take strong action against them and the possibility of the neighbouring country handing over militant leaders in near future cannot be ruled out. Highly placed official sources told The Assam Tribune that the militant leaders taking shelter in Bangladesh are no longer free to move around at their own will as the security forces are keeping a close watch on their movements. According to intelligence inputs, security agencies of Bangladesh are also keeping watch on the movements of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and the chairman of the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), Ranjan Daimary, who are believed to be in the outskirts of Dhaka.

Sources said that after apprehending and handing over ULFA foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury and finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika to India, the Government of Bangladesh promised more such action and the issue will be the prime issue for discussion in the Home Secretary-level meeting of India and Bangladesh scheduled for November 30. “The Home Secretary of Bangladesh is coming to Delhi on November 30 and the modalities for handing over of militant leaders will be one of the key issues to be discussed. India is anticipating strong action fromBangladesh before the visit of the Prime Minister of the neighbouring country to India in December,” sources added.

Sources said that another hardcore ULFA militant, Derhagra Sarania, a close aide of ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, was arrested by thesecurity forces of Bangladesh in the first week of this month and he is now in jail. The Government of Bangladesh has informed India that he would be tried in the neighbouring country for some crimes he had committed there before being handed over to India, sources added.

Several other senior militant leaders are still in Bangladesh, among whom, the most prominent is the ULFA deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah and another hardcore ULFA man Drishti Rajkhowa. The chief of the Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO), Jiban Singha is also in Bangladesh. But according to inputs available, he is no longer in Dhaka but is living somewhere in the North Bengal-Bangladesh border.

Sources said that during questioning by the security agencies and police, Sasha Choudhury and Chitraban Hazarika confirmed the intelligence inputs that Paresh Baruah escaped from Bangladesh after he was named as an accused in the 2004 Chittagong arms haul case and he is presently in China. The arrested ULFA leaders also admitted the links that the ULFA had established with the ISI and how the C-in-C became the post powerful man in the outfit.

Commenting on reports of the militant groups of NE procuring weapons from China, sources said, “It is a well established fact that the militant groups of the region, particularly the groups of Manipur, are still procuring weapons from the brokers in the Yunan province. We do not have adequate proof to say that the Government of China is involved in providing weapons to the militants. But to say that the Government of China is totally unaware of such dealings will not be correct.”

However, sources said that ULFA is not procuring weapons from China at this moment as the leaders of the outfit are more interested in saving themselves after they came under pressure in Bangladesh, sources added.

Pro-talks ultra groups form new front in State Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 28 – United People’s Federation of Assam (UPFA), a conglomeration of 41 organisations and the latest to enter State’s political scene, has demanded full regional autonomy and creation of smaller States withinAssam . The front that has representatives of various tribal communities and groups and described itself as an apolitical body. The organisation’s demands are anything but new though its agenda is to emerge as a new political pressure group in the State ahead of the next Assembly election, due in 2011.

Leaders of pro-talk group of ULFA, DHD(N), Birsa Commando Force and Cobra Military Force spearhead the Front. The four outfits also declared formation of a new pro-talk organisation to negotiate with the Government.

The delegation sought appointment to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. They called on Union Minister for DoNER Bijoy Krishna Handique later in the evening.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, chairman of the UPFA, Zebraram Mushahary and Mrinal Hazarika tried to make a bold statement by declaring their arrival in the State’s political scenario.

The two leaders said they wanted full regional autonomy along with regional federation by creating smaller states within the State of Assam. The group’s second demand is identification and deportation of illegal foreign migrants from Assam, withdrawal of voting and lands right enjoyed by the migrants, besides updating of the National Register of Citizens.

They also supported the demand for Schedule Tribe status for the six communities, which are fighting for long. The Front has further demanded fast-tracking of the peace negotiations with the pro-talk groups and special protection to students and youths residing in Delhi.

Hazarika said that the demand for sovereignty may have become irrelevant in today’s context because the issue now is of survival of the indigenous people because of the fast demographic changes taking place.

About the ULFA peace process, Hazarika again expressed his scepticism about the possibility of commander -in-chief Paresh Barua coming for talks with Government of India. However, he offered the leadership of the pro-talk group to chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa, should he come overground and join the peace process.

‘On the SC front, Gogoi Government a total failure’ Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 28: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Buta Singh has caught the Assam Government on the wrong foot for doing precious little for development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the State. He said the performance of the Tarun Gogoi Government was dismal in utilization of Central funds meant for SCs and implementation of various schemes for them. “Even the State Government didn’t go by the safeguards guaranteed for the SCs by the Constitution of India,” he said.
Singh, who was in Guwahati today to review performance of governments in the north-eastern States on implementation of various schemes meant for the welfare of SCs, told newsmen that the Commission was not at all satisfied with the performance of the Assam Government in this regard. “The State Government even didn’t go by the Constitutional safeguards given to SCs, so much so that the State Government has given very casual replies to the queries sent to it by the NCSC on implementation of various schemes meant for SCs. Responses to most of the questions of the NCSC were ‘nil’ and ‘not applicable’. How can the responses to questions regarding Central schemes and funds for SC development be nil or not applicable? This are sheer undemocratic replies. We will send a fresh set of queries to the State Government and see what replies come this time around. We will review implementation of schemes and utilization of funds for SCs in the State after getting responses to the queries from the State Government afresh.”
Singh said the Planning Commission of India releases certain amount under the SC component every year. “I have found that the Central funds under the SC component have not been released to the departments concerned by the Finance Department as yet in Assam. There is no system worth the name to monitor implementation of schemes and utilization of funds meant for SCs in the State. The Government is sitting idle by giving the responsibility to a junior-level officer. We have asked the State Government to form a monitoring committee with the Chief Minister as chairman. Of the 1,469 backlog vacancies for SCs in the State, only 145 vacancies have been filled up and many such posts have been de-reserved. This move is against the Constitutional safeguard given to SCs.”
Talks possible without Paresh Baruah: Pro-talk ULFA leader Assam amalgam demands steps to check Bangladeshi influx Our Bureau & PTI
NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI, Nov 28: An umbrella body of over 30 socio-political organizations representing various ethnic groups in Assam today demanded urgent steps to stop influx of Bangladeshis into the State, saying unabated immigration will reduce indigenous people to a minority.
Accusing the Congress regime in the State of protecting the illegal immigrants, the United People’s Federation of Assam (UPFA) sought immediate intervention of the Centre in checking continuing influx from the neighbouring country.
“We are here to apprise Union Home Minister P Chidambaram about the serious problem,” UPFA president Jebra Ram Mushahary told reporters.
Mushahary also urged the Centre to start the peace process in the militancy-infested State and said negotiations could be initiated with pro-talks militant groups. “There are many leaders in the ULFA who want to participate in the talks with the Centre. The Government must start the process to bring permanent peace to the State,” he said. The UPFA has support of over 30 organizations of the State, he said.
Many surrendered militants have also extended support to the UPFA’s initiative to bring all the ethnic groups of the State in one platform, he added.
Meanwhile, talking to media pro-talk ULFA leader Mrinal Hazarika said ULFA-Government peace talks can be initiated without ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah. “No individual, including Paresh Baruah, should be a factor in peace talks,” he said.
Assam Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma said the State Government has no proposal for peace talks with the ULFA. “If the ULFA sends a direct letter to the Centre and if the Union Home Ministry is satisfied with the feeler from the ULFA, talks between them can be held,” he added.
Rebels who parked bomb-laden car at Manipur Raj Bhavan arrested The Imphal Free Press

Guwahati, Nov 27: Three separatist rebels, including a woman, of the outlawed Manipur based Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), who parked a bomb-packed car at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, were arrested Friday from a house on the outskirts of Assam`s main city of Guwahati, officials said.

A police spokesperson said the arrested KCP rebels were directly involved in two specific incidents - parking a car packed with explosives at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal Sept 18 and then lobbing a grenade at the Manipur chief minister`s official residence last year.

The arrested are A. Mema Devi, KCP`s finance and organising secretary, and two other militants - Y. Nanou Singh and L. Jitendra Singh.

`The three were staying at a rented accommodation on a hillside near Mirza and were trying to set up a mobile base camp in the area. On specific intelligence, we managed to arrest the three of them,` a senior police official said.

The KCP is an influential group fighting for an independent homeland for the majority Metei community in Manipur, a state of 2.4 million people bordering Myanmar.

`Interrogations are on to find out if the KCP had some local links and what was the motive behind staying near Guwahati,` the official said.

The official said during interrogation the trio confessed parking a Maruti car Sept 18 inside the Raj Bhawan.

The car was packed with moulded gelatin sticks fitted to a mobile telephone handset and cleverly concealed in the back seat.

The car bomb was detected and safely detonated later.

In October 2008, the arrested KCP militants lobbed a grenade at the official residence of Manipur chief minister. No one was injured in the attack but a portion of the wall was damaged.

South, Southeast Asian MPs joined hands for Burma by Salai Pi Pi Mizzima

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Parliamentarians from South and Southeast Asia on Friday jointly called on Burma’s military rulers to implement genuine democratic changes, starting with re-drafting of a constitution with all stake holders taking part.

Legislators from India, Nepal and Singapore agreed that changes in Burma is crucial for the region but admits that it requires a coordinated effort by all regional countries including India and China in pushing the Burmese generals to implement change.

The Parliamentarians were meeting in New Delhi’s constitution club under the ‘Consultation meeting on Parliamentarians’ Solidarity for the Struggle of Democracy in Burma’ hosted by Indian Parliamentarians' Forum for Democracy in Burma (IPFDB) on Friday.

The meeting that drew together Indian MPs across party lines demanded the Burmese junta to release political prisoners including Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and also condemned India for its lack of interest in Burma and its struggle for democracy.

Sharad Joshi, MP and Convener of IPFDB said both the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Burma is a member and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), of which India is a leading member, should work together for the release of all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi and for the restoration of democracy in Burma.

“Restoration of democracy in Burma is in our [India] interest,” Joshi said.

Brinda Karat, MP and Polit-bureau member of Communist Party of India (Marxist), sharing similar view saying Indian Parliament discussions on foreign policy rarely touches on Burma while it is mainly dominated by other neighboring countries.

“We had debates (in Indian parliament) on India’s foreign policy related to Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, but no debates on Burma,” Karat said. “The issue of India’s policy and stand on Burma must be discussed when we discuss foreign policy.”

India, a once strong supporter of democratic changes in Burma, took a ‘U’ turn in its policy in the early 1990s, saying it is in India’s national interest to engage the military rulers. India said it needed Burma’s support in cracking down the North-eastern rebels, and to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region by taking a foothold in Burma.

India also eyed for Burma’s natural gas and oil reserves and began dogging the generals in order to have stakes in the exploration, production and purchase of the hydrocarbon reserves.

But China in September, announced that it has started constructing a duel gas and oil pipeline in Burma’s western state of Arakan to transport oil and gas from the offshore Shwe gas fields, which India has also raced to obtain the purchasing rights, to its South Western province of Yunnan.

Parliamentarians, during the meeting called on India to actively engage the ASEAN and the international community including the United Nations in finding ways to urge Burma’s military rulers to implement genuine democratic changes in the country.

Charles Chong, who was representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC), said, ASEAN’s approach towards Burma has failed to bring any changes and that it requires a coordinated effort.

“ASEAN cannot do it on its own because the military generals have made it clear that the western sanctions will not have any impact so long as the two largest neighbours India and China continue to do big business with Burma,” Chong, Vice-Chair of the AIPMC, said.

A former Member of Parliament (MP) from India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chandan Mitra, in his speech at the meeting, strongly condemned India’s policy of engaging the Burmese generals saying India has not been benefitted by engaging the junta.

“I don’t think we have influence on [Burmese] military junta. We haven’t got any economic benefits from them. India needs energy but the energy goes to China. [Burmese] Military had sold it to China,” Mitra, who is also Editor In-Chief of The Pioneer, India's one of national newspapers said.

The Parliamentarians demanded Burmese military regime to immediately halt hostility against ethnic minorities and political opposition, called for the release of all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to re-draft a constitution with the participation of all political stake holders and to conduct a general election based on the new constitution.

“Before the election [in 2010], the regime needs to release Aung San Suu Kyi and have dialogue with her and National League for Democracy. Then it is also needed to talk with minority groups in Burma as the rights of ethnic groups are very crucial for unity in Burma,” Brinda Karat said.

Sharad Joshi, MP and convenor of the IPFDB, said while election in general is welcomed, it could not be held under fraud constitution that does not reflect the peoples’ desire and aspirations.

Unless the constitution forcibly approved by the military junta in 2008 is revised and a new constitution re-drafted with the participation of all stake holders, Joshi said, “The 2010 election will be a farce and result to strengthen military position.”