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12/12/2009: "Assam objects Nagalim demand Source: The Sangai Express"
Assam objects Nagalim demand Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2009: The Assam Legislative Assembly today adopted a resolution vehemently opposing the demand for inclusion of certain areas of Assam in the proposed greater Nagaland or Nagalim.
The Forest and Environment Minister, on behalf of the Government moved the resolution: "The House vehemently opposes the demand for inclusion of certain areas of Assam in the proposed greater Nagalim.
The House reiterates its resolve that not a single inch of land of Assam will be allowed to be taken out of Assam and further resolve to preserve the territorial integrity of Assam as provided in the Constitution of India".
The resolut ion was unanimously supported by members of the Assam Legislative Assembly regardless of their party affiliation.
The resolution of the House came close on the heels of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly adopting a resolution supporting the greater Nagalim demand of the NSCN.
Nagaland’s new Oil contract stalls Al Ngullie Morung Express News
The Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs (CCEA) of the Union Government has ‘split’ the production sharing contract for an oil-block in Nagaland to facilitate more exploration. This contract was set after the CCEA met in November first week, but the wearisome local disputes and bargaining over royalty and ownership issues have stalled furtherance of the contract in Nagaland.
Government sources in the state government today said that whatever initiative could be wrung out to at least resume oil explorations in Nagaland, have constantly run into a wall. The CCEA’s contract seems to have found itself a victim too, now, to the issue of royalty and profit rates. The main reason, the government source said on condition of anonymity today, is that there is one too many “stakeholders” demanding their due from oil productions in Nagaland.
It was informed that the Home Ministry took the decision to ‘split’ the production sharing contract after the CCEA’s deliberation and a proposal of the Petroleum ministry was made to undertake more exploration in the Nagaland’s block AA-0N/7. The current operator of the Nagaland block is the Canadian oil company Canoro Resources Limited which got the contract in 2006.
It was reported that the Home Minister P Chidambaram had pointed to a number of “logistical” difficulties which has stalled exploration activities for oil in the Nagaland block. It was also informed that when Union Secretary for Petroleum RS Pandey visited Nagaland recently, he had expected government business transactions with particular reference to oil and its exploration in Nagaland. “He was asking if business can be transacted,” the Nagaland official said. However, the Union Secretary went back without any oil deal as the state government told him that the issue was ‘too complicated’ and there is nothing for now that can help the situation.
Another senior government source on condition of anonymity said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Oil Exploration set up by the Government of Nagaland in September this year, is struggling to work out ownership and royalty rates and related issues.
In fact the issue is very complicated, the government official said, as it involves locals, landowners, state government, the central government and “others.” “There is no progress” the official said, adding that oil explorations in Nagaland have come to a standstill, naturally.
The Nagaland Cabinet Sub-Committee on oil is yet to submit it report. It was envisaged when the committee was formed in September that the report would be completed within three months.
Earlier, the Nagaland government had formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee to work out modalities for oil exploration in Nagaland. The committee has five elected legislators and two bureaucrats and is headed by Planning Minister TR Zeliang. The committee is said to work out details the share-component of “profits” and royalties for the people owners and the state government itself, from the oil productions.
Adding more to the misery of the Nagaland state government is that the state has no power to act on its own when it relates to subject matter such as natural oil resources. The Government official said the state government cannot, for instance, negotiate royalty rates. Likewise, the state is not empowered to float tenders. The state can only receive royalty but no hand in negotiations, it was informed.
It can only grant licenses but only after actual contracts are inked through the Central government, the source said. Still, it was hoped that the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report on oil explorations in Nagaland and its associated modalities would mitigate the production-profit issue. Assam state government was awarded the petroleum exploration license for Assam part of the block in 2001 while Nagaland government was awarded PEL for the Nagaland oil block in 2006.
‘Rahul identifying potential youth leaders from Nagaland’ morungexpress
Dimapur, December 11 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress (NPYC) held its annual session on December 10, with Naymar Karbak, general secretary (admn) of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and in charge of Nagaland, as the special guest, here at Hotel Saramati.
Speaking on the occasion, the visiting IYC leader highlighted the importance of taking part in the youth Congress in the changing national political scenario. He also spoke of changes taking place in the system after the entry of Rahul Gandhi in active politics as the All India Congress Committee general secretary and in charge of the Youth Congress.
Karbak encouraged the youth congress leaders to serve the people with utmost sincerity and dedication. Conveying the message of Rahul Gandhi to the youth leaders, he stated that Gandhi has concern for the people of Nagaland and as he is in the process of hunting for potential leaders from among the youngsters and has started the process of identifying potential youth leaders from Nagaland to be future leaders. Gandhi will be visiting Nagaland soon, Karbak revealed.
Dwelling on the developmental programs, Karbak expressed regret that the various Centrally-sponsored welfare schemes were being misused by the NPF-led DAN government, and condemned the failure of the DAN government on all fronts. Karbak also assured that the IYC would do its best to open ways for youth congress leaders to have direct contact with the younger generation ministers in the present UPA government ministry.
In his presidential address, Kuputo Shohe, president of the Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress, highlighted the activities of the state youth congress in 2009 and assured the IYC leader that his team would continue to carry out their activities with utmost sincerity and dedication. NPYC general secretary Kiyexu Chishi, in a press release, informed that NPYC office bearers in charge of various districts also presented the progress report of the Youth Congress in their respective districts.
‘Sovereignty and integration not negotiable’ Our Correspondent | EMN
NSCN-IM ANGAMI REGION HOLDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MENGUJUMA, DEC 12: Keeping hope alive of the Nagas’ aspiration in its struggle for a separate homeland, Kilo Kilonser, Ministry of Kilo Affairs, Keditsü Tsuzüh today asserted that “one day or the other,
an achievement will come.” He said this while addressing the Angami Region NSCN-IM Annual Conference cum pre-Christmas celebration here at Mengujuma local ground.
He was happy that there was peace as a result of the ceasefire between the GoI and the State. He, however, stated that “the situation is not in our hands but in the hands of the Indian government.” He has accused the Indian politics of trying to erase the NSCN in their stand to bring an early solution to the Naga political problem. Asserting that “sovereignty and integration is not negotiable,” he said a time has come for the Naga independence while he also encouraged all not to lose heart.
Further dwelling on tax, he said house tax, ration tax and employment tax collected once a year are unavoidable. He also called upon the public to come forward with their grievances to the authority if they have been taxed in more ways than necessary.
Meanwhile, he said that it is not only the Naga national workers but that the public are equally working for the Naga nation. He hoped that everybody would strengthen hands together and march forward.
He exhorted the region leaders to abide by the rules and regulations of the government in order to efficiently lead the people while also impressing upon them to do away with extortion and killings. He further asked them to work for peaceful means and be a faithful region worker for the good of Nagas.
Dr. P Mor, in his Christmas message, wished the gathering new blessings and asked the public to keep Jesus in their hearts. He said “Christ belongs to all and everyone has a share in Christmas.” He wished them all happiness this season.
Thepfulhoukho, Political Organiser, Angami Region, chaired the programme while Rev. Viratuo said the invocation. Mengujuma Youth Choir presented the opening song and Khrielievio, Deputy Kilonser, Ministry for Chaplee, delivered the welcome address. Special numbers were presented by the Guest singer Neimenuo Soliezuo besides Tati by Viswema Group among other highlights.
Meanwhile, Atsü-u was awarded for being the best national worker; 2nd Lt. Seyie for bravery, Ruokonuo Zümvü for being the most active member. George, who is also the senior most member in the army set up, was also awarded on the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina does not wish to go the Pakistan way By Sanjoy Hazarika ICT by IANS
The crackdown on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), northeastern India’s separatist militants, and its associate groups has partly grown out of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s deep concern to avoid any experience similar to the devastation that Pakistan’s involvement with the Taliban and Afghanistan’s civil war has wrought on that country.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, who visited India in September, has said her country had “pledged not to allow our land to be used by any terrorist”.
Moni’s declaration and the statements of others I have spoken to in the past days show that Dhaka has shrugged off its earlier disregard or disinterest in Indian charges of insurgent safe houses and locations on its territory and is determined to get tough.
Former diplomats from Bangladesh as well as a top Indian government official said in separate interviews that more extremists were likely to be seized and handed over to India, as in the case of Arabinda Rajkhowa and his associates. The ULFA chief’s detention was preceded by similar seizures of “foreign secretary” Sasha Chowdhury and “finance secretary” Chitrabon Hazarika. This was followed by the capture of two fundamentalists allegedly involved in bomb blasts in Bangalore, again at the Meghalaya border.
A confident Awami League government with a landslide majority in parliament is now prepared to take a tough stand against the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and not to let its territory be used to wage attacks or conduct activities that hurt its larger neighbour. Sheikh Hasina has, since coming to power, taken tough measures: the head of the army as well as the powerful intelligence setup, the Directorate General of Field Intelligence, which has extensive links to ISI, have been changed.
“The Pakistan experience is looming large on her mind,” said a senior Bangladeshi editor, who is well-informed and has extensive contacts in Bangladesh’s governing elite. “She has always been against the involvement of ISI, but earlier she had neither the majority nor the guts to do what she needed to do in her first term (1996-2001).” He hoped that India would understand and reciprocate in her forthcoming visit.
It was important, he and others say, for India to understand that the Awami League, which won independence in 1971 for Bangladesh on the back of a brilliant Indian military intervention and the courageous Mukti Bahini, the guerrilla arm of the Bangladeshi liberation movement, has been in power in Bangladesh for a bare eight years out of the 38 years of independence.
“In the 30 years it was not in power, India has been demonised and a whole generation of Bangladeshis have been brought up on an anti-India diet.”
Earlier, a top former Bangladeshi diplomat told me his country “did not believe in a friendly terrorist…the new government does not believe in harbouring terrorists and allowing them to indulge in terrorism in India” like the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), whose chairman, the reclusive and elusive Ranjan Daimary, has also allegedly been held.
Another important point to stress is that the Bangladeshi resolve to act appears to have been reinforced after it came out that the Chittagong arms haul of 2002 was for ULFA and it was seized at the port just in time, having paid for through a Pakistani bank account.
The facts of Rajkhowa’s capture are shrouded in mystery and the situation remains murky, not helped by varying government statements, one that he had been arrested or another that he had surrendered and Rajkhowa’s emphatic declaration that he had not given up and would not.
The ULFA chairman also made an important declaration, raising his handcuffs - a gesture that drew support for him even from his detractors: “There cannot be negotiations with handcuffs, mukti hobo lagibo (one has to be free).”
What is clear is that Rajkhowa did not come willingly; he was intercepted, probably by the Bangladeshis, near Cox’s Bazar and then handed over to the Indians. During this period, his family members were also united with him, apparently, according to one top Indian government official, at his request.
It is without a doubt that the presentation of Rajkhowa in handcuffs was, to say the least, inappropriate, if not foolish. But he has long been wanted for waging war against the state, a charge that carries the maximum penalty under law. Matters have not been helped with casual remarks by the chief minister that since Rajkhowa, whose real name is Rajiv Rajkonwar, had come back after a long time, “let him have home food”, a trivialisation of the stunning setback for ULFA and a tremendous opportunity for peace in the region.
The government is also apparently determined not to let him out of its sight, recalling the 1992 fiasco when he met former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and agreed to a ceasefire and to abide by the constitution. He backed down after interacting with cadres and pressure from the elusive Paresh Baruah, who remains at large in the Kachin lands near China where ULFA has had long camps and collaborations with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Khaplang) - which too has a ceasefire with the government of India, although it is not negotiating for anything unlike its more powerful rival (NSCN-IM), which has had over 50 rounds of talks which do not appear to have gone anywhere.
In the light of the background of unconditional talks with the Nagas, it is imperative that the government of India clarifies its position on the future of discussions with ULFA, which remains a banned organisation. People in Assam do not want sovereignty; that is a chimera, a pipe dream; they are more interested in peace through a political dialogue that will facilitate the deliverables to basic needs and services, disrupted by years of conflict.
(12-12-2009-Sanjoy Hazarika, a specialist on the northeast, is author, filmmaker and independent columnist. He can be contacted at sanjoyha@gmail.com)
JOINT STATEMENT
OF Manipur People’s Liberation Front (MPLF)
National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)
National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT)
Tripura People’s Democratic Front (TPDF)
United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)
09 December 2009
This Joint Statement is hereby issued in solidarity with ULFA and the peoples of Assam in view of the recent arrest of Chairman Rajkhowa and other leaders of ULFA.
After several days of speculations and denials it is now confirmed that Chairman Rajkhowa and other leaders of ULFA were arrested in Bangladesh by security agencies of that country and subsequently handed-over to India. What is the import of this development?
Certainly, the arrest and hand-over of Chairman Rajkhowa and other leaders of ULFA by the Bangladesh government has deeply hurt the sentiments of the peoples of our Region who contributed in no small way to the liberation war effort of Bangladesh in 1971. It may be recalled that our Region served as the much needed rear base of the Bangladesh liberation war. The peoples of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura provided generous shelters to hundreds of thousands of Bangladesh freedom fighters. And now our Region provides shelter for livelihood to hundreds of thousands of migrant Bangladeshis. It is, therefore, only natural that the peoples of our Region now engaged in liberation struggles feel betrayed in their hour of need by this act of the Bangladesh government.
However, we of the national liberation forces know that such setbacks are attendant in any liberation struggle. Therefore, we will give maximum effort to overcome such setbacks by our collective wisdom and strength. However, will not in any way react in sentimental vengeance. We know that the spirit of freedom has always prevailed, even against the strongest power on earth. And we believe that in the spirit of freedom the people of Bangladesh will have sympathy and support for our liberation struggle transcending their government’s contrary policies.
On the other hand, we would emphasise that the liberation forces of our Region should not commit any such act that may be construed as open infringement upon the sovereignty of our neighbouring countries and hurt the sentiments of the people concerned. In the same spirit, we consider it unwise to make the people to people relationship a victim of the anti liberation stance of the government concerned.
Lastly, we appeal to all concerned not to be misled by mischievous misinformation propaganda of India.
“Unite to fight together!”
Naga factional leaders to share X-Mas meal together Nagaland page
Kohima, December 11: Inching towards fulfillment of "Naga Reconciliation", leaders of Naga militant groups will share the Christmas meal on December 16 at Dimapur in the form of observing "Advent Christmas". .
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) headed by Rev. Wati Aier, a Baptist clergyman, has invited 50 top leaders from each group-NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN.
Sources said the FNR in an effort to accelerate the ongoing "Naga Reconciliation" process has initiated the programme where top leaders from the three groups could come together and share the Christmas meal together.
The day would be significant as several Naga underground leaders would come and share the meal together after spilling so much of blood in Naga society due to fratricidal killings between the factions.
Meanwhile, sources also said the FNR and the leaders drawn from different factions would visit all corners of Naga inhabited areas starting from January next, to tell people about the progress of the Naga reconciliation process and the need for the Naga people to come together for early solution to the Naga political imbroglio with the Government of India. (Page News Service)
Oil block in Assam not bifurcated Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Dec 10 – The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas denied that oil blocks in Assam were bifurcated. However, the exploration block in Assam-Arakan Basin comprising an original area of 1934 sq km was spread partly in Assam and Nagaland. Stating this Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Jitin Prasada said that Assam government was awarded the petroleum exploration license for Assam part of the block in 2001. Nagaland Government was awarded PEL for its portion in 2006.
The contractor comprising of Canaro Resources Limited and Assam Company Limited completed their work commitment in Assam portion in 2008, after completion of the exploration. However, contractor proposed to carry out additional work in Nagaland portion of the Block, the minister said in a Lok Sabha reply to a question by Joseph Toppo.
The Government has approved the proposal of the contractor by signing a separate ring fenced PSC for Nagaland portion of the Block.
No further division of Assam Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Dec 11 – Bodo People’s Front (BPF) legislators raised the demand of a separate Bodo state in the State Assembly today. However, Chief Minister Tarun Googi said that his Government was not in favour of further dissection of Assam. BPF leader Karendra Basumatary raised the demand as soon as the Zero Hour began in the House this morning. Basuamtary said that his party was appreciative of the decision taken by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to carve out a separate Telengana state.
The BPF wants the UPA and the Central Government also to adopt a resolution favouring the creation of a separate Bodoland state, which is the longstanding demand of the party, he said. The other legislators of the party were on their feet waving placards in support of the Bodoland state demand when Basumatary spoke.
Members of the other parties were seen out-nerved momentarily and AIUDF leader Ataur Rahman Majarbhuyan was seen trying to raise the issue of the compensation to the victims of the ethnic clashes in Bongaigaon and Kokrajhar districts. But, hastily talking to his senior colleagues, leader of the Opposition Chandra Mohan Patowary was soon on his feet.
Patowary said that a new chapter was added to the political history of Assam with the BPF legislators raising the demand of a separate Bodoland in the State Assembly. As, he said, the BPF is a partner of the present State Government. He made an appeal to the State Government to make its stand clear on the issue.
Chief Minister Tarun Googi told the House at this point that the BPF has been raising the demand for a separate Bodoland for quite a long time. Likewise, the Koch-Rajbongshis have been demanding a separate Kamatapur state, the Karbis and the Dimasas have also been demanding separate states and the NDFB is demanding a sovereign Bodoland.
“But we do not want further dissection of Assam. We want all these people to live in Assam and settle their problems within this State,” said Gogoi. His statement was greeted by majority of the members with thumps. Patowary thanked the Government for this stand on the issue.
However, the BPF legislators were unrelenting, and they said in unison that there was no alternative to a separate Bodoland.
Delegation meets PM, Chidambaram Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Dec 11 – Close on the heels of the Centre’s decision to create Telangana, the first delegation from Assam met Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh demanding creation of autonomous State of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. An eight-member delegation from Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council including MLAs and MP called on the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to formally announce revival of their demand.
The delegation included Biren Singh Engti MP, CEM Joy Ram Engleng, EM Sum Ronghan, Biraj Singh Engleng, Dr Mon Singh Rongpi, Mangal Singh Engti and Ratan Engti, among others.
Later talking to this newspaper, the Congress MP said that they have conveyed to both the top UPA leaders that though they were not demanding a separate State they have decided to revive the old demand for creation of a State within a State.
The demand concerns two of the most backward districts of Assam. “We want more power under autonomous State according to Article 244 A,” Engti said.
The Congress delegation played its safe though, blaming the Centre for the current mess. It is not the job of Government of Assam to give us more but it is Ministry of Home Affairs, which is shying away from implementation of the Constitutional provision,” complained thedelegation.
The Prime Minister’s response was guarded. He advised the delegation to first discuss their problems with Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi. However, when pressed further, he reportedly assured that the Centre would look into their problems.
Engti, considered close to Gogoi said that the administration in both the districts needed to be up graded from district council toautonomous State. The then Prime Minister, Late Indira Gandhi has inserted the provision in the Constitution. “Why are we discriminated against? Are we second class citizens?” He charged.
He said they conveyed to the Prime Minister that one of the reasons behind the backwardness of the two hill districts was delay in release of funds. The Planning Commission does not release the funds in time and our officers have to sit for months at Guwahati to get the funds released. But by the time it is released the working season is over and the budgetary allocation most often lapses, he said.
The delegation, said Engti also mentioned to the Prime Minister that the two districts have no engineering, medical, technical institution.
Redefine sovereignty, intellectuals tell CentreStaff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Dec 11 – Prominent intellectuals of the State including Dr Hiren Gohain, Nalinidhar Bhattacharya and Radhikamohan Bhagawati on Friday called upon New Delhi to consider redefining the theory of sovereignty so as to facilitate the much anticipated talks between the government and the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). These intellectuals while pointing out that the theory of sovereignty has been redefined by several countries respecting the people’s aspiration for autonomy, said that if New Delhi adopted a more flexible attitude and did not insist on dropping the issue ofsovereignty from discussion, peace would get a chance in Assam.
“Sovereignty has not lost its essence by its redefinition. In view of the complex socio-political scenario, many governments have relented to part with some powers associated withsovereignty ,” said Dr Hiren Gohain asserting that in the interest of the people of Assam, certain subjects under the Centre should be transferred to the State Government and the Constitution of the country should be amended if need be.
Expressing concern that the anticipated talks might just not happen following the recent developments in certain quarters, the intellectuals warned that such a situation would plunge Assam into uncertainty and frustration.
Reminding the ULFA and its supporters that the organization can no longer claim to be the only representative of the people’s aspiration, the intellectuals without mincing words said that developmental activities in the State were hindered because of ULFA. “We still do not consider the ULFA as anti-Assam,” they said..
On the other hand, they made it clear that the talks should be held between top political leaders of the government and the ULFA and not between top army/police officers and the ULFA. They also insisted that talks cannot be result oriented sans the C-in-C of the outfit Paresh Baruah.
Telangana storm hits India, separate state demands up N (zeenews)
Guwahati, December 11: Spurred by New Delhi's attempt at granting a separate Telangana state, several parties- big and small- and many citizens groups have created a storm, demanding acceptance of their old and new demands for creation of separate states.
In Andhra Pradesh itself, not to be left behind on the statehood issue, politicians from Rayalaseema region have demanded separate statehood for the backward region, saying they would agree to division of the state to create Telangana only if their demand for Greater Rayalaseema is acceded to.
Cutting across party lines, the leaders, including legislators from the ruling Congress, opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Praja Rajyam, made it clear that Andhra Pradesh could be divided only if their region was also made a separate state.
This would mean that the present state has to be divided into 3 states - Telangana, Greater Rayalaseema and Andhra.
Assam tribes' demand
Ethnic groups in Assam have raised the banner of revolt with demands for separate states to be carved out of the region. Among the prominent groups that have already raised the issue of separate statehood are the Bodos, the Karbis, and the Dimasa tribes in Assam.
The first to raise the issue is the Bodoland People's Front (BPF), an ally of the ruling Congress party in Assam. "If Telangana can be carved out of Andhra Pradesh, why not a separate Bodoland in Assam," BPF leader Hagrama Mohilary said.
Similar demands were raised by the All Dimasa Students' Union and the Dimasa People's Council (DPC) for a 'Dimaraji' state - a separate state for the Dimasa tribe in Assam.
"The government earlier said a state within states was not good, but now with the central government agreeing for Telangana, we also feel we should get our rights. Dimaraji is not just a demand, it is a fact and our birth right," Mrinal Kanti Phonglosa, DPC president, said.
The Karbi tribe in Assam has also raised a similar demand for a Karbi homeland.
The situation in Assam is more intricate as almost all the tribes demanding separate states are backed by militant groups - the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) seeking a separate Bodoland, the Dima Haolam Daogah (DHD) demanding a Dimaraji state, the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front seeking a Karbi homeland, besides several other small rebel groups fighting for similar demands.
Divide UP: Maya
Meanwhile, CM Mayawati has demanded that Uttar Pradesh be split into Bundelkhand and Harit Pradesh. "Our party supports the principle of smaller states," she told reporters in Lucknow. I have written to the PM about it, she added, saying UP Assembly would soon pass a proposal for Harit Pradesh.
Rashtriya Janata Dal supreme Lalu Yadav also said the party supported creation of separate states like Purvanchal and Bundelkhand. However, on the demand for creation of Mithilanchal state, Lalu was cryptic and said "I will talk".
RLD chief Ajit Singh on Thursday night decided to revive his demand for Harit Pradesh to be carved out of Uttar Pradesh after the Parliament session. "Centre's decision to bring a resolution in Andhra Pradesh assembly on formation of Telangana is a welcome move. It is a good beginning. I will convene a meeting with like minded groups (those seeking smaller states) after the Parliament session and revive my demand for Harit Pradesh," the Jat leader told news agencies.
Singh, who has long been seeking formation of Harit Pradesh, to be carved out of parts of western Uttar Pradesh, said that unlike Andhra Pradesh, the situation in UP is different "as there is a general consensus (among votaries of separate Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal) for the state's reorganization".
Pressure for separate Vidarbha
The demand for statehood to Vidarbha in Maharashtra gained momentum as former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded a separate state for the region.
Muttemwar, senior Congress MP from here and protagonist of statehood campaign for Vidarbha, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urged him to take steps for creation of separate Vidarbha.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Muttemwar said people of Vidarbha have been peacefully demanding statehood to Vidarbha region since long. The region has great potential and was economically viable, he said.
The proposal for creation of separate Vidarbha has been studied by many committees from time to time, Muttemwar said while thanking him for settling the Telangana issue once for all and agreed for separate Telangana state.
The renewed demand for a separate state of Vidarbha has meanwhile brought to fore differences in the Maharashtra Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.
While state BJP leaders have rallied for fulfillment of the long-pending demand for a separate Vidarbha, Sena leaders have come out vehemently against splitting Maharashtra.
"We are opposed to a separate Vidarbha state. Vidarbha's development is possible even if the region remains a part of Maharashtra," senior Sena leader Subhash Desai said. Desai said his party would never support creation of Vidarbha as a separate state.
"Our party supremo Bal Thackeray believes in 'Sanyukta Maharashtra' (United Maharashtra) and we will not allow the state break into two parts," he said.
"Those demanding statehood for Vidarbha should remember the 105 martyrs who laid down their lives for realising the dream of a Sanyukta Maharashtra (united Maharashtra)," he said.
'Karaikal as separate UT'
An 'apolitical organization' in Puduherry seeking Union Territory status for Karaikal, has renewed its appeal.
Karaikal is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
S.P.Selvashanmugham, convenor of the Karaikal struggle group (KSG), told PTI that his outfit, comprising freedom fighters, senior citizens and other people, welcomed the Centre's initiative to set in motion the necessary process for carving out a separate Telangana from Andhra Pradesh.
'We welcome the current development in respect of Telangana'. At the same time the KSG, which had been seeking separate Union Territory status for Karaikal, would 'intensify its demand'' if the Centre did not bring in a legislation (to delink Karaikal from Puducherry) in current session of Parliament,he said.
Karaikal is about 150 kms from Puducherry.
Gorkhaland statehood just demand: Jaswant
The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) has said its demand for a separate 'Gorkhaland' should also be accepted on the same grounds. And to press for the same, they have gone on a 96-hour hunger strike starting Friday and would also enforce a three-day bandh in Darjeeling hills from December 14.
The hunger strike was started by GJM members in all the three hill subdivisions of Darjeeling district, besides in the plains in Siliguri.
Darjeeling MP Jaswant Singh Friday said the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland was "valid" and added that if "legitimate demands" were met, then violence would not be an option. Jaswant terms Gorkhaland statehood as 'just' demand.
The expelled BJP leader said it is a much older demand than Telangana, "first raised in 1907. It is necessary that the government recognizes the relevance, the validity and the justness of this demand."
ULFA wants plebiscite on sovereignty Nagaland Page
l
Guwahati, December 11: Upping the ante, ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Barua on Friday shot off a 'last message' to the Centre, asking it to take a referendum in Assam if it could not discuss the sovereignty issue with the group.
In an email sent in Assamese in Roman script and not written in the usual ULFA letterhead, Barua, said "The government of India has to discuss the sovereignty of Assam. If it cannot do so then it should go for a referendum to ascertain the opinion of the Assamese people on the issue."
Noting that even Mahatma Gandhi had sought people's opinion before taking up his movement against the British, he said there are instances of referendums in Canada, Indonesia and several other countries. Asserting that this was his last message, Barua said, "the government should either discuss the sovereignty issue or take a referendum 'before it is too late'. "The people of Assam, who have always remained historically independent, cannot be deprived of their birthright," he said.
Barua also alleged that India being the world's largest democracy was 'eyewash' as all political parties worked only in their own interest. (PTI)
Telangana stokes statehood embers - 36-hour bandh for tribal homeland A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
File picture of BLT militants
Guwahati, Dec. 11: The United Democratic People’s Front, an Udalguri-based newly formed group, today called a 36-hour Assam bandh, demanding a separate state for the Bodos and other indigenous tribals, as Dispur rejected such ideas and appealed to all to “live together” in the state.
The UDPF has called the bandh from 5am on Monday. Essential services have been exempted from its purview.
Its spokesperson Prodeep Kumar Daimary said the separate state should cover areas stretching from the Sankosh in the west to Sadiya in the east along the north bank of the Brahmaputra, six tribal autonomous council areas of Deuri, Lalung, Mising, Rabha, Sonowal and Thengal Kachari and all tribal belts and blocks. UDPF secretary Tulashi Manash Rabha said the six councils would have to be upgraded to the Sixth Schedule status.
Earlier, Gogoi made the government’s stand clear after Bodo People’s Front (BPF) legislators, spurred by the Telangana development, raised their demand for a separate Bodoland in the Assembly this morning. The BPF has 12 legislators and shares power with the Congress in Dispur. It also rules the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council.
The issue was raised by BPF legislator Karendra Basumatary with his party colleagues supporting him. Many of them held placards reading, “We demand creation of separate state of Bodoland”.
Basumatary said, “We thank UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for their decision to create Telangana and urge them to create a separate state of Bodoland.”
The BPF, formed by members of the now disbanded Bodo Liberation Tigers, had waged an armed struggle for Bodoland for years. Their demand had remained dormant until the Centre’s decision to create Telangana revived it.
“There is no alternative to Bodoland as it is our genuine and long-standing demand,” some BPF legislators shouted in the House.
The BPF’s clamour for Bodoland has put the Congress in a spot. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi indirectly rejected the BPF’s demand by ruling out further bifurcation of Assam. “Everyone has demands. There are demands for separate states of Kamtapur, Karbis and Dimasas among others but it is desirable for all ethnic communities to live together in peace,” he said.
“We are not in favour of any further division of the state. Whatever problems or grievances they have, we will address them with utmost thrust on development,” he told the Assembly.
Transport minister and senior BPF leader Chandan Brahma, however, said, “The decision on Telangana has raised hopes for us and we demand creation of Bodoland on the same principle. He added that their demand would not affect the coalition government in the state.
Leader of the Opposition and AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary also opposed bifurcation of the state.
In Kokrajhar, the president of Bodoland People’s Progressive Front, Rabiram Narzary, said a separate state was the national agenda of the Bodos and other downtrodden indigenous people of the region.
He alleged that the BPF’s demand was made with an eye on the BTC and Assembly polls and that the Congress and the BPF were enacting a drama for political mileage.
In another development, legislators of the All India United Democratic Front staged a walkout in the Assembly demanding increase in the Rs 50,000 compensation announced by Dispur for every family rendered homeless in the ethnic riots during the Bodoland movement.
Thai wish to have air link with Imphal - Connectivity will boost trade: Official OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Tharadol Thongruang in a Thai stall at the tourism festival on Friday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Imphal, Dec. 11: Thailand today expressed its desire to have direct air links between Imphal and Bangkok to give a boost to trade ties between Manipur and Thailand.
Tharadol Thongruang, Thailand’s counsellor (commercial) at Royal Thai Embassy in Delhi, told reporters here today that direct air links between Imphal and Bangkok could boost the trade relation, Manipur’s business with other Southeast Asian countries and its tourism industry.
The Thai official is in Imphal heading a team of Thai participants in the Manipur Tourism Festival, which opened yesterday. Altogether Thailand teams share 17 of the 300 stalls opened at Hafta Kangjeibung in Imphal. The festival will continue till December 19.
The official’s desire to have direct flight service between Imphal and Bangkok was expressed after he studied the feasibility of direct trade links between Manipur and Thailand last year.
“Bangkok has air link with Imphal via Calcutta. If there is a direct link with Imphal it would be shorter and fare cheaper. People and businessmen from other Southeast Asian countries could come here via Bangkok,” the official said. Thongruang urged the Manipur government to discuss the matter seriously with the Centre and Thai Airlines.
Stating that Thailand was planning to open a tourism information centre in Imphal, the official hoped that the direct flight link could also promote tourism in Manipur. He said one information centre each would soon be set up at Guwahati and Dimapur.
He promised that he would press his government to look into the feasibility of direct air links with Manipur.
India and Thailand have free trade agreements on 82 items. But all kinds of products from Thailand come to Manipur through Moreh from Myanmar. The official is confident that Manipur’s bamboo products, woodcarvings and other indigenous items would have a big market in Thailand.
This is for the second time that Thailand has taken part in the trade fair in Manipur. Last year, there were only three stalls. Thai teams present gem stones, jewellery items, flowers, ladies’ bags, energy rings and decorative items. Some Thai food stalls have been set up as well.
As the team arrived here today they were yet to open their stalls properly. As the festival progresses, the stalls would be the main attractions.
Gogoi pooh-poohs ULFA plebiscite plea
Referendum conducted in 2006-07 was against ULFA’s demand: APW By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Dec 12: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today dismissed as impractical ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah’s plea to the Government of India for a plebiscite to decide whether the people of Assam want independence, and said the people of the State vote for such plebiscites every five years in large numbers defying boycott calls from various rebel groups, including the ULFA.
“Talks, if any, have to be on the issue of Assam’s independence or sovereignty. If the Government cannot hold talks on the issue of sovereignty or independence, let there be a plebiscite on the issue,” ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah said in an e-mail to The Sentinel yesterday.
Talking to The Sentinel today, Gogoi said massive participation of people in every election in the State despite ULFA’s threat is a strong and clear message to the leaders of the outfit that the people of the State do not want Assam’s sovereignty independent of India’s. “Holding a plebiscite as demanded by the ULFA commander-in-chief is a meaningless proposition,” Gogoi added.
Assam Public Work (APW) president Abhijit Sarma has also rejected the plebiscite plea of ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah, and said: “In 2006-07, the APW conducted an independent referendum on the ULFA’s demand for sovereignty of Assam, and 96.6 per cent of the total votes cast rejected the outfit’s demand outright, and as such, there is no need for any fresh referendum on the issue of so-called sovereignty. If Paresh Baruah thinks that the people of Assam are with him, then he is living in a fool’s paradise.”
Sarma asked the ULFA ‘c-in-c’ as to why he fell short of saying that if the referendum goes against the ULFA he will drop the demand for sovereignty of Assam and give up arms.
Bwiswmuthiary’s memo to PM on Bodoland state From our Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Dec 12: BPF MP SK Bwiswmuthiary has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today demanding an immediate decision and initiatives to ensure a separate Bodoland state in the North Bank of the Brahmaputra from the Sankosh river in the west up to Sadiya in the east.
