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12/14/2009: "Naga groups reject "conditional political package" from Union Government:"


Naga groups reject "conditional political package" from Union Government:
The Joint Working Group (JWG) formed by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) and the Naga National Council, on December 9, said it would not accept any "conditional political package" from the Union Government. The report adds that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier said it would offer a set of political proposals to the Naga groups by the end of December to form the basis of future peace talks for an acceptable and honourable settlement to the vexed political conflict. "To clarify doubts arising out of recent statements made by the Government of India, the JWG hereby recommit ourselves to uphold, respect and honour the principles of a joint declaration signed on September 28 in which we jointly reject any form of conditional package offered to the Nagas by the Centre," a JWG statement said. Assam Tribune, December 10, 2009.
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.
Students slam NSCN recruitment - Blame on lax security OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Itanagar, Dec. 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has voiced concern over the Khaplang faction of the NSCN’s “recruitment” of 18 youths from Tirap district, bordering Nagaland, last month.
The students’ union alleged that 18 youths, aged between 18 and 23, were recruited by the NSCN (K) from the remote Pongchau circle in Tirap district on November 19.
Of the 18 reported recruits, 16 are from Pongchau village while two belong to Bonia village under Pongchau circle.
Takam Tatung, the president of the apex students’ body, in a statement issued to the press last evening, condemned the recruitment drive by the Nagaland-based outfit and urged the state government and Delhi to act tough on the outfit immediately to stop such drives in the future.
“The recruitment of 18 youths from Pongchau and Bonia villages in Tirap district on November 19 has laid bare the loopholes in the state’s security system, making the youths vulnerable to external elements like the NSCN (K), which has been carrying out a recruitment drive in the district. The act on the part of the outfit within the territory of our state where there is an elected government is a matter of real concern and disturbing. Blame it on the security agencies operating in the area, which were caught napping during such a recruitment drive in the district.”
The union sought the immediate intervention of the state government and the Centre to bring the youths back to the mainstream. It also said law and order in the district was “dismal”.
The deteriorating law and order in the insurgency-ridden district had paved the way for the frequent recruitment drives by the Nagaland-based rebel outfits, it added.
Tatung said the CRPF, Assam Rifles, police forces deployed by the Centre and state police force have miserably failed to contain militancy in the district, which had been at the receiving end of insurgency spilled over from neighbouring Nagaland.
Sources said 39 youths were abducted by the NSCN (K) from Tirap in February last year. Of them, 29 returned home.
AAPSU had called for the boycott of goods coming from Nagaland and a statewide bandh on February 29, 2008, demanding the release of 10 Arunachalee youths allegedly abducted by the NSCN (K).
The sources said the youths were taken to the insurgents’ camp at Kamka, 40km inside Myanmar, the union then alleged, demanding a quick persuasion by the state government to pressurise the Centre to take up the issue with the authorities in Myanmar.
The students’ union also demanded that the state Assembly pass a resolution on the lines of the Assam Assembly for protecting the territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh. The Nagaland House had recently passed a resolution for the recognition of Naga outfits struggling for a “Greater Nagalim”.
The student body also decided to extend its ultimatum from a week to a month for the business community to dispose of Chinese goods in the state. This decision came after a request made by the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The union welcomed “the concern shown by the leaders of the BJP in Lok Sabha” regarding China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
How statehood of Nagaland was attained V.K.Sema Morungexpress
In 4 years time we the people of Nagaland will be celebrating the 50 years of statehood. In regard to statehood many people wonder as to how a separate state was created for Naga Hills in the midst of the fight for Independence, without the people’s demand. In connection to this question, I would like to bring the following facts to light.
The creation of a separate state for the then Naga Hills was on the basis of Naga Historical background and not for any other reasons.
During 1956and 1957 the Naga Hills situation was very bad and from bad to worse in 1957. So, the Govt of India authority send a young Naga man under compulsion to the Naga Hills as mediator to contact the top leaders of the Naga underground for restoration of peace in the Naga Hills and the mediator had no option but reluctantly had to go and meet the Naga leaders at the cost of his life because during those times the situation was very tense & sensitive and wanting to meet the Naga top leaders was out of question and very risky as one was treated with doubt and suspicion. The young man while meeting with the leaders had to undergo and face a lot of un-expressible and problems but somehow managed to tackle the hot situation and convinced the leaders for cease-fire and general amnesty in the Naga Hills.
After the completion of peace work, the Govt. of India authority held a meeting on 6th Jan.1958 at Shillong for issuing general amnesty. In this meeting, the mediator narrated the Naga history from the British Regime in the Naga Hills upto 1957, how the British Political agents and Political officers treated the Nagas. Even after getting Indian Independence, Naga Hills was kept under Assam Govt. administration who also followed the British policies causing grave injustice to the Naga Hills be depriving all round development, education and other Govt. facilities etc. That even through the Naga Hills was demanding Independence, it is still under the Govt. of India Union and therefore suggested the Naga Hills should also meanwhile, be given a separate state so that it can also be developed like the other states in India. Further more also suggested that Dimapur, which was a Kachari Kingdom but the Kachari people had lift Dimapur for more than 100 years scattering over the Assam forest, after that the Assam Govt. established administrative Hq at Dimapur during the British-India time. That there were 12 villages under the Assam Govt. administration with its Hq at Dimapur but they are also given unjust treatment therefore suggested that Dimapur should be kept under Kohima District administration for administrative convince.
After hearing the narration and suggestion from the mediator, the Govt of India authority members supported the suggestion and authority recommended that the Naga Hills case is quite genuine and the Govt Of India should consider the case, it also included the general amnesty resolution and the same was sent to the Govt of India on the 7th of January 1958 for approval and it took about 5 years time to declare a separate state for the Naga Hills on the 1st of December 1963. Pamphlets of the general amnesty was also air dropped all over Nagaland in 1958.
Therefore, the creation of a separate state of Nagaland was on the grounds of Naga historical background and no other reasons.
This report is fact to issue.
V.K.Sema
Circular Road, Dimapur

Rio credits prevailing peace to people of Nagaland Chizokho Vero

Wives of legislators at the pre-Christmas programme in Kohima on Sunday.
Kohima | December 13 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today acknowledged the people of Nagaland for the prevailing peace in the state, thereby creating peaceful atmosphere in this festive Christmas season. “We are having a very peaceful atmosphere,” Rio said adding that with such atmosphere the people can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in most befitting and peaceful manner.

NAGALAND LEGISLATORS PRE- CHRISTMAS Speaking at the pre-Christmas programme of Nagaland Legislators’ Christian Fellowship here at the Banquet Hall, the Chief Minister also maintained the year 2009 has proven to be the most successful year for the government and praised the Almighty for His bountiful blessings.
Extending his Christmas greeting to one and all, Rio also reminded that unless Jesus is in our heart, we cannot find complete peace and called upon the gathering to prepare themselves so that Jesus will come into their heart and peace prevail in the society.
Rio also stressed the need for legislators to have further study by way of utilizing their power wisely and mindfully so that people will come to them and bless them and at the same time the legislators would continue to be their leaders.
Rio said Christmas is a time for sharing, spirit of giving to loved ones and to the less- privileged people, and that the legislators are fortunate and more blessed. He urged upon them to continue to share their blessings with the less-privileged people “so that everyone can celebrate with joy and will be blessed.”
PHED Minister Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao shared on what Christmas meant to him while Rev.Dr. P. Dozo, Director, Overseas, India acted as the main speaker.
The service was led by parliamentary secretary P.Dako Phom while NLA Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie read a scripture from the Bible. Lady wives of the legislators, children of the State Chaplin and Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima presented special numbers.

The Naga Saga - An Appeal Kaka D. Iralu
I do not know what to call this present write up as… Some readers might call it “Self advertisement” while others might call it- “Imposition of my political worldview on others!” etc. But whatever one might call it, on my part, the present write up is an earnest appeal from the depths of my heart to every fellow Naga for helping me as well as perhaps helping themselves to some knowledge of our tumultuous and bloodied Naga history.
The present book “The Naga Saga” had earlier appeared as “Nagaland and India, the Blood and the Tears.” In this present third reprint, the book has been re-titled “The Naga Saga.” This is because many readers complained that they could not remember the earlier long title. In this present edition, with the exception of the cover design and some additional photos, the book has retained its original format and content.
Allow me now to explain why I make this appeal:
One very tragic reality with the present Nagas- especially the younger generation- is an almost total ignorance of our own history. In the past too, except for our oral history, passed by our parents through their parents and the Morungs, we Nagas, knew very little about our own written history. This is because, we learned how to read and write only when the American missionaries came in the early 1870’s along with the British. The British colonizers took some delight in writing about our history, but when they left in 1947, and the Indian Government took over our political and educational affairs, no books on Naga history were made available in our schools through which our young Naga students could learn their own history. The result was an almost “Total blank” as far as knowledge of our own history is concerned. This tragic fact is true with almost all generations of Nagas, who got their education after the statehood of Nagaland in 1963. This fact was also true of me too, when I started writing my book in 1997. The original purpose of my writing was to write about the then fifty three year Indo-Naga- Burma conflict. But as the book progressed, I realized that on the one hand, I hardly knew anything about our own history and on the other hand, I also realized that I could not just project Naga history as beginning from the Simon Commission of 1929! This compelled me to stop midway and do a lot of research on our own history before I could proceed any further. In the process, though what I learned and wrote as background history of our people, cannot be considered as an exhaustive history of our people, I never the less discovered many things which I had never known before.
It is with this background of our general history that I have written the Naga Saga. In the introductory chapters, I have traced our ancient history as far back as 1128 BC based on Kachin and Karen records about our people. In relation to our history, I have also briefly mentioned the Manipur Royal chronicles (Chietharol Kumbabu AD 663-996), and the Ahom Chronicles (The Buranjis 1228-1818). Though we have no written history of our own prior to the 1870’s, our Manipuri and Ahom neighbors had written a lot about their wars with our Naga ancestors from the 7th to the 19th centuries. The book next quotes many historical references relating to the British period which is from 1832- to 1947. Besides these many records, independent historical mentions of the Nagas such as those of Ptolemy- the Greek historian and Geographer (AD 150), Hiuen Tsang- the Chinese traveler (AD643) are also mentioned in the book.
The core of the book is however about the Indo-Naga-Burma conflict that started from 1947 and has defied a political solution till date. In this journey of re-visiting our recent history, the reader will see how in the mid 1950s the whole of Nagaland was burnt like a wild forest fire when more than 53,000 thousand Indian troops marched into Nagaland assisted by fighter planes, heavy artillery and light armored tanks. The reader will hear the sounds of screams and wailings as one Naga village after another was burned to ashes and its residents were subjected to rape, torture, murder and imprisonment. The book also recounts many of the major battles fought in this over half a century bloody conflict and war. It will also take the reader across international boundaries into the then East Pakistan and the Yunan province of China as heroic Naga soldiers trudged across some of the wildest and toughest terrains in South East Asia to bring back arms to carry on the fight. The book in short, recounts individual as well as entire village stories of how the Naga nation has suffered, bled and cried for their political freedom for over half a century.
The book is available in most of the major bookstall in Kohima and Dimapur, prized at Rs 400.00. Orders for the book can be placed with the author from any parts of Nagaland. Up to 25% discount can be given to any retailers who are ready to give cash payment for bulk orders. Kaka D. Iralu

Pusa calls for peace, reconciliation morungexpress
‘Recognise our similarities & common goals, rather than focusing on our differences’
NPCC President K V Pusa speaks during the inauguration of the church of the Jakhama Baptist Fellowship, Kohima, at Ministers’ Hill, Kohima on Sunday, December 13. (Morung Photo)
Kohima, December 13 (MExN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President, K V Pusa, today called for peace and reconciliation in Naga society to usher in unity which is the desire of all Naga people.
Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed church of Jakhama Baptist Fellowship, Kohima, at Ministers’ Hill, Pusa said peace and reconciliation is a must for Naga people to succeed. “I appeal to all to work for harmony and peace as everything could be successful through this,” he added. He urged that with the “coming of the Prince of Peace”, all must concentrate in building peace in the state for a permanent peace.
In order for peace and unity to exist, Pusa urged, all must first realise what barriers and divisions keep us apart. Only then, he said, will Nagas break through those barriers to see the unity that naturally exists between us all. He said that rather than focusing on our differences, it is easier to recognise our similarities and common goals. “With a common goal, all of humanity can work together to help each other reach that destiny of working together to make Nagaland a practical place in which we all can live in harmony and peace,” he added.
There are many ways to promote peace in the world, but perhaps the best way is to promote it within ourselves, the NPCC president said. Pusa added that peace is a gradual and wonderful event that occurs because compassionate people are inspired to help others discover the joy of peace. Earlier, the church was inaugurated by Rev. Zapovil Sophie.

Demand for state narrows divide OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kokrajhar, Dec. 13: Telangana has brought arch rivals NDFB and the Bodoland People’s Front closer with the Bodo outfit lavishing praise on the Hagrama Mohilary-led party for raising the issue of a separate state for the Bodos in Parliament as well as in the Assam Assembly.
“We welcome the step taken by the BPF MLAs under the leadership of Hagrama Mohilary who raised the issue of Bodoland in the Assembly. By asking his party MLAs to raise the issue in the Assembly, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary had kept his word on supporting Bodoland,” the information and public relation secretary of the NDFB, S. Sanjarang, said.
BPF Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary had also raised the demand last week.
Mohilary, the chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), recently said he would support the NDFB if the outfit dropped the demand for sovereignty and negotiated for a separate Bodoland. NDFB leader Sanjarang said the Bodos had been demanding a separate state since Independence through various means.
Yesterday, former Rajya Sabha MP and student leader Urkhao Gwra Brahma asked Mohilary to denounce the BTC Accord first. Brahma who headed the Bodoland movement in the late nineties as the leader of Absu said: “As a signatory to the BTC Accord he (Mohilary) should first step down before demanding a separate Bodoland state. It is he who accepted the BTC Accord in place of Bodoland state and signed the Bodo Accord.”
The Kamtapur State Demand Committee led by the Biswajit Roy faction of the All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union today staged a rally at Dimalgaon, demanding a separate Cooch Behar or Kamtapur state comprising six districts of north Bengal and 15 of Assam.
Regional political parties, civil society organisations and student groups in the twin tribal districts of North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong have jointly given a call for a 36-hour bandh from 5am in the districts from Tuesday for a separate autonomous state comprising these districts.
Centre, State rule out talks on ‘sovereignty’ Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Dec 14 – Notwithstanding the posturing by outlawed ULFA military chief Paresh Barua, the Centre and the State Government have firmed up their known stand against negotiating with the militant outfit on the ‘core issue’ of sovereignty. The stand was renewed following discussions between Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Monday. This was Gogoi’s first meeting with the top UPA leader after the detention of the ULFA top brass in the past few weeks.

The Chief Minister first met Prime Minister at his Parliament House office this morning at around 11.30 am. It is learnt that he briefed the Prime Minister on the whole gamut of issues including the recent developments concerning ULFA and the renewed demands for Statehood.

The Chief Minister told this newspaper that he briefed the Prime Minister about the initiative of the State Government regarding starting negotiations with ULFA. “He has left the decision on chalking out a future course of action on the State Government and the Home Ministry,” he added.

The Chief Minister and the Prime Minister, however, were clear in their position that there shall be no discussion with the militant outfit on the issue of sovereignty. “The Government of India and Prime Minister cannot discuss on granting sovereignty,” he clarified. Any discussion with the militant outfit has to be within the purview of the Constitution of India. Reiterating the stand, he also explained to the Prime Minister that support to the militant outfit among the people is on the wane.

It has been learnt that the Congress Government is not keen on pushing for immediate negotiations with ULFA. “We are not in a hurry. Let them make up their mind first,” said Gogoi.

Sources said that though the government is insisting on surrender of weapons by ULFA ahead of talks, it might be willing to negotiate. However, it is going to stand firm on the issue of abjuring violence.

The State Government is still in the process of assessing the strength of Paresh Barua’s group. The self-styled commander still wields control over a couple of battalions, currently based in Myanmar and other places. It is being ascertained whether these groups would come out and join the pro-talk faction or still stand by Barua, sources added.

Though there is a rift within the top leadership of ULFA including its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and Barua, it cannot be described as a major difference, so as to bring about a vertical split within theoutfit, said sources.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Gogoi sought additional funds for development of the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. The Congress which is supporting the demand for creation of the autonomous State under Article 244 A, fears that the rival ASDC might steal a march over them on this issue.

The Chief Minister made a strong pitch for sanction of additional Central funds for development of infrastructure in the two trouble-torn districts.

Gogoi more or less reiterated the same arguments forwarded by the Congress delegation to the Prime Minister and Home Minister last week. He explained that the feeling among the people of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills that they have been given a raw deal runs deep.

Though the population of the two hill districts and Mizoram are equivalent, budgetary allocation of the hill State much higher than what the two hill districts are allocated.

Gogoi said he has been pointing this out to the Centre including the Planning Commission on a regular basis. “While we are not in favour of further division of Assam, we want the problems of the two hill districts resolved,” he said.

The Chief Minister also mentioned about the piquant situation its ally the BPF faces in Bodoland areas because of the lack of development. The BPF has already raised the demand for creation of a separate State of Bodoland fearing that the rival BPPF might hijack the issue.
The Centre’s decision to create Telangana landed the State Government in a spot because two old demands for creation of separate States were immediately raised.
Hagrama raises pitch for Bodoland Correspondent Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, Dec 14 – A significant CWC meeting of the BPF, headed by Hagrama Mohilary, chief of BTC and BPF supremo resolved to send a ten member delegation of BPF to New Delhi on December 17 next to meet the Union Home Minister, Prime Minister and the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to consider a separate State of Bodoland dividing Assam, like Telengana. Mohilary stated this in a press meet held here at BPF party office just after the CWC meeting.

At the same time he revealed that BPF would seek “Letter of Support” from several organizations among the cross section of people in this region shortly, while a demonstration rally by a special train from Bodoland to Delhi and back to Bodoland via Telangana shall also be carried out in the later part of Feb. 2010 in support of the Bodoland Statehood demand.

He further informed that many of the senior ABSU leaders are gradually joining BPF, and Profulla Boro, who was acting as vice president and adviser of ABSU, today joined BPF. Former AGP leader Probin Boro, who joined BPF recently is formally designated as one of the secretaries of central BPF, he added.

Two other resolutions adopted in today’s CWC meeting are the BTC secretariat will be shifted to the new secretariat building constructed at Kadamtola in Kokrajhar town on or before Feb10 next, while the third annual convention of BPF will be held in the second week of Feb, 2010 next at Parbotjhora subdivision in Kokrajhar district, he revealed.

Talking to the media, SK Bwismuthiary, MP Lok Sabha in a reply said he him self has submitted a memorandum to the Union Railway Minister, apart from relentlessly approaching the concerned authority to make it possible for all long distance trains to stop at Kokrajhar railway station for convenience of passengers in BTAD.
Baruah trying to derail peace initiatives: Hazarika By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Dec 14: The ULFA pro-talk faction, led by Mrinal Hazarika, today reacted sharply to ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah’s public apology yesterday for the Dhemaji blast on August 15, 2004 and termed the apology a “drama”.
In a statement to the media, Hazarika said, “Why do you need five-and-a-half years to ask for forgiveness? Baruah’s act is nothing but a move to regain public sympathy. The support base of the group has been eroding after we formed the pro-talk faction and exposed the entire misdeeds of the outfit.”
Taking a dig at Baruah, Hazarika further asked the ULFA ‘military’ chief to clarify why he, Prabal Neog and Jiten Dutta were expelled from the outfit. He said: “Baruah, in a written statement on June 24, 2008, had said we were expelled from the outfit because we had gone against the policy and ideals of the organization. Now he is saying we were expelled for triggering the Dhemaji blast. Baruah should first clarify the actual reasons for our expulsion.”
“If we did anything as rebels, we did as per the directives of our commander-in-chief. If we had gone against his orders in Dhemaji, why didn’t he take any action against us then?” Hazarika questioned.
The leader of the pro-talk faction also alleged that Paresh Baruah was trying to derail their peace initiatives. He said, “The ULFA c-in-c’s efforts to bring peace through the formation of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) failed, while we are making substantial progress. Barua is now making false statements to spoil the whole environment.”
Hazarika said that the ULFA ‘c-in-c’ should respect the sentiments of the people of the State, reform himself and come forward for a meaningful peace process.
Centre making all-out peace efforts: Manmohan to Gogoi From our Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 14: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of the Centre making all-out efforts to ensure permanent peace in the State. Gogoi met the Prime Minister at his Parliament House office today.
Gogoi also informed the Prime Minister of the decision of a section of ULFA militants to lay down their arms. “Even those militants who are close to ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah have expressed their willingness to surrender,” he said.
The issue of Statehood demand of the various ethnic communities of the State also figured in Gogoi’s discussion with the Prime Minister. He told mediapersons: “Economic backwardness of the different communities is the main reason for such demands for Statehood. I have urged the Prime Minister to extend all possible financial help in order to remove their backwardness.”
Tarun Gogoi is likely to meet the Union Home Minister tomorrow and discuss the ULFA issue.
Independent tribunal to brief Union government on findings The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 13: The observations and findings made during the three day long independent people`s tribunal on torture, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearance which concluded today at Retreat House, Mantripukhri, would be placed before the Union government and National Human Rights Commission so as to pressurise the Central government account for and resolve the myriad cases of human rights violation in Manipur.

The panel experts at the tribunal, namely KK Usha, DK Basu, Moiloy Sen, C. Upendra, L. Rabindra and Yambem Laba, made various observations from the testimonies given by the family members of victims of fake encounters and they said they would collectively draw up certain recommendations to be made to the Union government which may include revocation of AFSPA and provisions for safeguarding human rights, a spokesperson said.

As of now the draft is yet to be finalized and the said recommendations are likely to be made before the commencement of the Winter Session of the Parliament, he said.

Former chief justice of Calcutta High Court, Justice DK Basu observed that security personnel carry out fake encounters frequently in the name of counter insurgency operations which have claimed many lives.

He added that a person, whether militant or civilian, must be given the right to life and no authority can execute a person without proper trial.

Basu said he is shock to learn the fact that the price of "precious life" of a person in Manipur is only one lakh rupees as if a person put up for sale and can be executed anytime like a butcher does.

Justice Moloi Sen, former acting chief justice of Sikkim High Court, in his observation, maintained that security personnel in Manipur are acting beyond all limits of humanity defying even the law of the country and added that the AFSPA is no more suitable in Manipur where there is gross human rights violation.

Director of Human Rights Alert, Babloo Loitongbam, highlighted the present scenario of Manipur in relation to human rights violation committed by security personnel in the guise of counter insurgency operations and added that the draconian law AFSPA is no more suitable in a democratic country like India.

Maintaining that the AFSPA is a racist law which has created all the problems in Manipur, Babloo observed that the draconian law must be repealed inorder to safeguard human rights of the people of the troubled state.



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