[Previous entry: "Assam Rifles violating CF rules: NSCN-IM Eastern Mirror"] [Next entry: "Centre tables 29-Point Proposal to resolve Naga issue Nagaland Page"]

01/26/2010: "Govt’s counter proposal to NSCN (I-M) Correspondent MENGUJUMA (NPN):"

Govt’s counter proposal to NSCN (I-M) Correspondent MENGUJUMA (NPN):

(KOHIMA), Government of India through the union home ministry has reportedly offered a 29-point counter proposal to the NSCN (I-M) which had earlier submitted a 32-point charter of demands. The government of India’s counter proposal included financial sops, facilities and accommodating the “Kilonsers” of the NSCN (I-M) as members of parliament and the “Tatars” as ministers in the state.
This was revealed by “Kilonser” for Religious affairs, NSCN (I-M), Dr. P. Mor on the sidelines of the 45th Mengujuma village day celebration which he hosted on Monday.
Dr. Mor, however, said that the proposal was never taken up for discussion by the NSCN (I-M) apex decision making body - the Tatar Hoho (Parliament) as it would be tantamount to climbing down on the ceasefire agreement between the NSCN (I-M) and government since the proposal was issued through the home ministry and not from the Prime Minister of India.
Further, he revealed that the NSCN (I-M) had received invitation for talks twice from the union home ministry of India but rejected the same as both the parties had signed the ceasefire agreement on the condition that talks would be held at the highest level - Prime Ministerial level and in a third neutral country.
Dr. Mor said the NSCN (I-M) was ready to accept the invitation if it was routed through the Prime Minister’s Office or through his consent. Since the invitations were “purely” from the union home ministry, the government of India is to be blamed in case of any deadlock in the peace process, he added.
When asked to elaborate on the NSCN (I-M)’s earlier proposal for federal relationship with India, he cited the example of Canada and Austria which have federal relationship with United Kingdon where Queen Elizabeth was the head.
He said the NNC had demanded for separate parliament, currency, foreign policy and armed forces but the NSCN (I-M) proposed for a joint currency, foreign policy and armed forces. He claimed that India had verbally agreed to the demand but the final agreement was yet to be worked out.
On integration of the entire Naga inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella as demanded by the NSCN (I-M), Dr. Mor said there could be some hurdle but if India was strong as per its claims, there was provision in the Indian Constitution for re-organization of states in the country.
Further, he also revealed that despite the ongoing impasse in the ongoing dialogue, the next round of talks could possibly take place sometime in the last week of February somewhere in Europe.
He said some Naga leaders were campaigning at Delhi presently to convince the central leaders of the government of India. He said things were not likely to work out positively as long as talks were held in India.
Reacting to a query on the recent raid carried out by the Indian Paramilitary Forces (Assam Rifles) at the house of its CAO Chakhesang region, he said the NSCN (I-M) did not blame the entire Indian Army but alleged that the Assam Rifles was a “little frustrated.”

NSCN (I-M) on ‘commercial tax’ (NPN):
DIMAPUR, NSCN (I-M) has informed all business establishments in and around Dimapur and Kohima that its “chaplee ministry” has not yet approved any individual/group to collect “commercial tax” for the fiscal year 2010-2011. In a notification issued through its MIP, the chaplee affairs secretary Q. Awomi has cautioned all business establishments to refrain themselves from paying “commercial tax” to any individual/group until further notice/order. It also stated that anyone found paying tax to unauthorized group/person(s), before an “official notification”, would be doing so at their own risk, adding that ministry of chaplee would term it null and void and impose necessary action upon any defaulter as the “government deem appropriate.”Nagaland Guv calls for maintaining current comparative peace Zee News PTI
Kohima: Nagaland celebrated 61st Republic Day with Governor Nikhil Kumar calling upon people to maintain the current comparative peace and take forward the on-going peace process in state.

Unfurling the tri-colour at civil secretariat ground here, he lauded the role of Naga civil societies, elected representatives and law enforcing agencies for the comparative peace in the state and expressed happiness that there were sincere and concerted efforts by all concerned to find an honourable solution to the long-standing Naga political problem.

The Governor described as welcome development towards Naga peace process the Nagaland assembly decision to form a joint parliamentary committee to build a consensual view and signing of Covenant of Re-conciliation by various underground groups to sink their differences.

"The state government has always appreciated the tremendous efforts of civil societies, Hohos, churches and Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) to find unity in Naga society so as to facilitate the political dialogue," he said.

The Governor also gave away awards to different persons for their excellence services in various fields.

Reports of the Day's celebrations were received from various district headquarters of Nagaland. PTI

NSCN (IM) condemns AR action morungexpress
Dimapur, January 25 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has taken serious note of what it termed as the unwarranted activities of the notorious Assam Rifles and in this regard expressed grave concern over the unprovoked action of the 13 Assam Rifles who raided and ransacked the house of Chakhesang CAO, Venehu Vese at Pfütsero town on 18th Jan. 2010, in deliberate violation of the Cease-fire ground rules.
According to a press note issued by the MIP, “the rogue” 13 AR physically harassed the CAO and his bodyguard without any provocation and seized two country made 3.2 pistol with four magazines, one handmade carbine with one magazine which were meant only for his personal guard and safety from unforeseen dangers. It was also informed that the 13 AR took away all the regional documents along with six TR books meant for House tax and Live Census tax endorsed and issued by the Kilo Affairs and cash amounting to Rs.20,000/-(twenty thousand).
The NSCN/GPRN has strongly questioned what it described as “the highly questionable habitual intentions of the Assam Rifles, the so called friends of the hills people” and pointed out that this had become almost a daily occurrence in total contravention of the mutually accepted Cease-fire ground rules.
Pointing out that “something was seen to have gone wrong with the Assam Rifles in the region”, the MIP note expressed concern that “such actions could jeopardize the hard-earned peace in Nagalim.” The NSCN (IM) as such has cautioned the Assam Rifles that, if the present trend continues further, it will not hesitate to respond in a befitting manner as the government deem necessary.
Kashmiri, Naga, Sikh leaders urge UN Eastern Mirror
India must engage with the people of these disputed territories under UN supervision’
DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (EMN): In a joint statement issued from London, Kashmiri, Naga and Sikh leaders have called upon the international community to play a constructive role
in ‘dismantling India’s unlawful hold on their territories’ and ‘to restore fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law in the most volatile region of the world’.
According to a report received through e-mail, the signatories of the statement include Syed Ali Shah Gilani, Chair of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir, Th Muivah, General Secretary of the NSCN-IM and Kanwarpal Singh of Dal Khalsa in Punjab. The report said their message was endorsed by leading organisations based in the respective Diaspora communities which are today holding demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission in London and elsewhere to once again publicly reject the Indian constitution as being applicable to their territories.
The statement specifically urged the United Nations to establish tribunals to conduct criminal prosecutions of Indian politicians and security personnel who have, over recent decades, ‘committed genocide in order to silence, by force, lawful and legitimate struggles for national self-determination’. It said the body of evidence held against ‘the perpetrators of systematic mass murder, extra-judicial killings, disappearances, and torture is substantial and the failure of India’s judicial system to punish the guilty remains a scandal’. Particularly pointing to the November 1984 operation in Punjab and Gujarat in 2002, it said the UN should now step in to administer justice.
The joint statement further stated that United Nations should impose sanctions on India to force it to withdraw the formal ‘reservation’ it has lodged with the United Nations which states that the right of self-determination does not apply to the nations and peoples within Indian occupied territory. It said Article 1 of the 1966 International Covenant on Human and Political Rights states that all peoples have the right to self-determination and ‘India’s rejection of this basic tenet of international law is the direct cause of the conflicts which have caused and will continue to cause untold death and destruction’. India must recognise the right of self-determination and, under UN supervision, immediately engage with the people of these disputed territories and respect their democratic voice, it said.
It highlighted the ‘obvious lack of seriousness in its talks with the Naga leadership despite the sincere efforts of the Nagas to engage in meaningful dialogue’ while stating that the UN Security Council Resolutions demand for a plebiscite in Kashmir continues to be ignored. It also pointed to ‘the criminalisation under sedition laws of Sikh leaders who stand for an independent Khalistan, which the Sarbat Khalsa (national assembly) freely determined to be the Sikh response to India’s aggression in 1984’.
The statement also asked the UN to eject India from all the UN’s humanitarian bodies ‘until it improves its appalling record of mistreating its religious minorities’. Also, the Naga, Kashmiri and Sikh leaders urged the international community to refuse India a permanent seat at the UN Security Council until it complies to international standards.
The leaders pledged to work together ‘to promote a peaceful transition from the current unjust framework of Indian colonialism to a new order in South Asia where freedom, peace and security and justice would prevail’ while stating that ‘the withdrawal of Indian forces from these occupied territories would be a pre-requisite for that transformation’.
In the UK, Muhammad Ghalib, Chair of the All Party Kashmir Co-ordination Committee, Amrik Singh Sahota OBE, President of the Council of Khalistan, and the Naga Support Centre all pledged to continue their campaign to enlist international support for the peaceable implementation of their national rights.
Lord Ahmed, Chair of ‘Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination’, the cross party group at the Westminster parliament which promotes national self-determination, endorsed these demands, the report said.
Ulfa ‘alters’ strategy
- All states on high alert, additional security personnel deployed along the border for Republic Day OUR CORRESPONDENT


Security personnel scan the periphery of Latasil playground in Guwahati with a metal detector on the eve of Republic Day. Picture by Eastern Projections
Dibrugarh, Jan. 25: In a major shift in its military strategy brought about by circumstances, Ulfa has moved men from its 109 and 709 battalions to Upper Assam to carry out subversive activities around Republic Day.
The outfit’s 28 battalion operates in Upper Assam but the en masse surrender of two of its three companies has created a vaccum.
The outfit’s 109 battalion has been generally looking after logistics support for the movement of Ulfa cadres to and from Bangladesh through Meghalaya’s Garo hills. Its activities have been largely diluted by the Bangladesh government’s action on Ulfa militants taking shelter there. As a result, some of its cadres have reportedly entered Guwahati and its adjoining places.
The outfit’s 709 battalion is in charge of lower Assam, including Guwahati.
Sources said a 12-member unit drawn from the 709 and the 109 battalions and led by bomb expert Hemanta Rajbongshi from Nalbari had entered Upper Assam early this month and had been carrying out surveys to figure out possible targets.
“We are constantly trying to track them down. A few days ago, Hemanta’s location was traced near Digboi through mobile tower tracking. A search was launched but we have not been able to nab him,” a source said. Some “local agents” in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh had supplied explosives to the group, he added.
After the Alpha and Charlie companies of Ulfa’s 28 battalion announced a ceasefire, many “secrets” about the outfit and its cadre profile became known to the security forces and intelligence agencies. Subsequently, several cadres who did not come overground were killed during operations by the security forces.
“In order to play a diversionary game, we have inputs that Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Barua had ordered some cadres from the two western Assam units to move to Upper Assam. We are not sitting on this move by Ulfa. As a counter strategy, have asked for details of active Ulfa cadres from our sources in lower Assam,” a senior police official said.
Sivasagar police had received inputs that another group of around seven cadres, led by Romen Dhadumia and Numal Gogoi, had entered the district and were trying to trigger blasts at ONGC pipelines and other installations of the company, besides trying to target rail tracks.
“We have input that this group is moving in and around Amguri, Geleky, Nazira and Simaluguri. We have intensified our operations,” an army official said. “Ulfa is desperately trying to target Dibrugarh. The forces have been put on high alert,” Dibrugarh SP Abhijit Bora said.
The jawans of 19 Madras Regiment and police posted at Chagolia inter-state checkgate in Dhubri today recovered a 10kg IED from a Dhubri-bound ASTC bus coming from Siliguri at 2.30pm. Another IED was found at Kordoiguri in Dibrugarh early this morning. Ulfa rebels Hiteswar Kachari and Maheswar Rabha were arrested from Goalpara district yesterday.
Republic Day celebrated across Nagaland morungexpress

3rd Indian Reserves Battalion of the Nagaland Armed Police march past during the 61st Republic day celebration at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, on Tuesday, January 26. (Photo/Caisii Mao)
Dimapur: The people of Dimapur celebrated Republic Day with much grandeur at the DDSC stadium where Dr. Shurhozolie Liezietsu, Minister, Urban Development & Higher Education, Irrigation & Flood Control was the chief guest for the occasion. At around 9:00 am the chief guest arrived after which he unfurled the National Flag and also delivered the Republic Day speech. March past was displayed by 10 contingents of both uniform and non uniform led by Dy SP (R) Israel G. Xuivi as parade commander. This was followed by a Taekwondo demonstration by Faith in Action.
There was also display of cultural programmes. Another highlight of the programme which drew a wide crowd was the exhibition cum sales stalls set up by around ten departments. The 24TH Assam Rifles also set up an exhibition stall which displayed arms. Later on, during the afternoon a football exhibition match between IGP XI and Dimapur Youth Club was also held after which prizes were distributed. It was also informed that free cinema shows and distribution of sweets and other items from various NGOs at different Hospital and charity home will take place to mark the celebration.

Kiphire: E.E Pangtean, MLA and Advisor DUDA today took the salute as the chief guest at the 61st Republic day at the Local Ground, Kiphire with head of departments and citizen of the district. Altogether there were five parade contingents. The day also witnessed award of certificate to four individuals for their valuable service on various fields. Departments set up their stalls which were inaugurated by the chief Guest. IRCS Kiphire branch also make a visit to patients at the District Hospital Kiphire. Singrep village Cultural dance perform cultural item.

Phek: Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu in his Republic day address speech, said that with the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission, physical infrastructure as well as service delivery has shown visible improvement. He added that the Department has also been able to bring down the prevalence of HIV/AIDS from 1.83% to 1.20%, according to HIV Sentinel Surveillance Report (HSS).
The highlights of the celebration included presentation of cultural items. A tug of war was played between Phek Town Chakhesang Mothers Association and Phek Head Quarter Women Government Employees, besides Phek Headquarter Officers and DBs. A Kabaddi game was played by business community of Phek town. In order to spread awareness to the people about disaster management, earthquake rescue drill was demonstrated by 1st Battalion NDRF (BSF). An exhibition football match was played between 7th Assam Rifles, Phek and Veterans Sporting Club, Phek.

Peren: The chief guest on the occasion, Minister for Planning & Co-ordination, Evaluation, Vety. & Animal Husbandry and Parliamentary Affairs, T.R. Zeliang unfurled the National Flag at the ceremonial ground and took salute from the Parade Commander and inspected the parade at the Republic day celebration. The chief guest took salute from 9 parade contingents including the band platoon at the ceremonial function. The chief guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by various departments at Peren town hall.
Highlights included cultural items presentation, visitation of District Civil Hospital by Peren District Beauty and Aesthetics Society, visitation of Sub-Jail Peren by CMO and team, visitation of Christian Servanthood Orphanage Home by PTYO, besides distribution of sweets by Traders Union Peren. Refreshment in the rostrum and official gallery was carried out by Lady Colossus Club, Peren. Exhibition football match was played between SP XI and PTYO.
Zunheboto: Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce Dr. K.C. Nihoshe addressing the gathering as the chief guest at Zunheboto said that with the special attention given by the Government of India in the shape of ‘Look East Policy, NE Vision 2020 and other preferential schemes and projects, we have the opportunity to develop along with the rest of the country in the realm of progress and development. The speech was followed by march past parade by various parade contingents.
Special presentation was made to all the GBs of 35 A/C (Zunheboto) by the chief guest. The Deputy Commissioner Award was also given to Town Councilor of Zunheboto town. The other highlights of the programme included presentation of men folk dance presented by DC Hill West colony and Lizu New village. The Youth Resources Department, Zunheboto organized Air Rifle Shooting Exhibition. Earlier the chief guest inaugurated the exhibition stalls where various societies and government departments put up exhibits.

Wokha: Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Ralanthung Yanthan graced the occasion as the chief guest in Wokha. Addressing the public the chief guest stated that the government always appreciated the tremendous efforts put in by the civil societies, the Hohos, NGOs, Churches and presently by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to find unity so as to facilitate the political dialogue. Earlier the chief guest made his special appeal to the elders and educated people of Wokha community asking them to live an exemplary live so that youngsters would follow suit. The chief guest also took Rashtriya salute from the eight parade contingents led by Parade Commander, C. Akum Longkumer, E Coy., 7 NAP, Wokha while the parade 2 i/c was Thunglamo Lotha, DEF Wokha.
The chief guest later inaugurated exhibition stalls, which were put up by 13 governmental departments including some NGOs. Other highlights of the programme included folk song by Wokha Town Baptist Church, Wokha Town Baptist Church Choir and folk dance by Lotsu cultural troupe. The day long celebration included feeding of jail inmates and others by the Chamber of Commerce, Wokha and Indian Red Cross Society Wokha, a football exhibition match between Wokha District Football Association and Senior Local Klan. The celebration concluded with beating of retreat by the 41 AR Band, Wokha in the evening.

Mokokchung: Peaceful atmosphere in Mokokchung district helped people to celebrate the 61st Republic Day in an impressive manner with the rest of the state on 26th January 2010. In Mokokchung town, the main function was held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex with Minister for PHED, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao as the chief guest.
Addressing the people of the district after hoisting the National Tri-colour, Dr. Ngangshi said that despite a long history of conflict and violence leading to retarding the pace of progress, Nagaland is witnessing significant all round ‘progress’ in the last six decades. The Minister called upon the people to rededicate themselves to the principles of democracy and strive to seek solutions to problems in a peaceful manner.
Later, the Minister took the salute of the ceremonial Republic Day parade consisting of ten contingents. The impressive Republic Day parade was commanded by Lima Longkumer, Dy. SP (Reserve), Mokokchung. Cultural programmes reflecting unity in the midst of diverse culture were presented after the ceremonial function. Eight Guides and twelve Scouts were honored by the Chief Guest on the occasion by presenting Rajya Puraskar (Governor’s Award) for Scouts and Guides for 2009. An impressive exhibition-cum-competition on agricultural yields, sponsored by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung was also held at the main venue thereby adding more grandeur to the Republic Day celebrations. Attractive cash prizes were given to the first three winners in each category of items.

Tuensang: Tuensang district celebrated the 61st Republic Day at Parade Ground with the Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Neiba Kronu as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest congratulated the people of Nagaland for evolving a unique system of grassroots participatory planning and implementation of the developmental programme in the shape of Village Development Boards and Communitization. Earlier the chief guest unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from the parade contingents. The chief guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Sericulture and SHGs. Other highlights are cultural dance by Chang, Yimchunger, Sangtam and Khiamungan cultural troupes, feeding of patients, inmates at District Hospital and District Jail, Tuensang followed by the exhibition match and prize distribution.

Mon: At Mon Headquarter the 61st Indian Republic Day was celebrated with Minister for School Education & SCERT, Nagaland Nyeiwang Konyak as the Chief Guest at Local Football Ground, Mon. The Chief Guest who is also the Minister for School Education informed that the Education department has brought out a perspective plan to meet the acute shortage of teachers in the state. The recruitment process of teachers is underway and these new teachers will be deployed soon. He also announced that National Programme SAAKSHAR BHARAT was launched on September 8, 2009 to revamp adult education and the physical infrastructure and curricular aspects of the primary Education has been improved under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Programme.
Earlier, the Chief Guest unfurled the National flag and took the salute of the seven contingents. After the function the Chief Guest also inaugurated the Exhibition cum sale stalls organized by the Agri. and Allied Department, Mon and the Officers Club, Mon. Cultural Dance by Women Tobu Union, Mon Town and Leanghah Union (Male), Mon town; Exhibition cum Sale organized by the Agri. & Allied Department; Exhibition Football Match between DC XI & SP XI and display of Arms and Ammunitions by the 37th Assam Rifles, Mon were the highlights of the day long celebration.

Longleng: Longleng district celebrated the 61st Republic Day at the public ground with Minister for Home, Imkong L. Imchen as the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest read out the Republic Day speech and took salute from the parade contingents. The exhibition-cum-sale stall was participated by Horticulture, Agriculture, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, AYMS Self Help Group, and Honhmeila Self Help Group. Highlights of the celebration included cultural folk dance presented by Shankang Women Group and Phom People Council Male Group, Longleng, a football exhibition match played between GBs IX and DBs XI, beating of Retreat by the 6th NAP Longleng and Governor’s Award awarded to ten Scouts and Guides from the Bharat Scouts & Guides.

Naginimora: Naginimora celebrated the 61st Republic Day at the Local Ground with
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport & Communication and Mechanical Engineering, P. Dako Phom as chief guest. The chief guest unfurled the National Flag at 9 a.m. and took salute from the parade contingents of 6 NAP, United Christian School. The cultural dance presented by Lakjan colony was the highlight of the function. The function was attended by public leaders GBs, NGOs, Town Council members and heads of offices and staff and a large number of people from all walks of life.
Changtongya: Changtongya under Civil SDO also celebrated Republic Day with hoisting of National Flag in all Government offices, institutes and residences.

Niuland: The 61st Republic Day was celebrated in a grand and befitting manner at Niuland Sub-Division with C.L. John, MLA & Chairman, MARCOFED as the chief guest. The chief guest unfurled the National Flag and took the salute which was presented by 6 NAP, Niuland. The chief guest was accompanied by all heads of offices under Niuland Sub-Division.

Tobu: The 61st Republic Day was celebrated at Tobu town with ADC Tobu, N. Tsanglao as the Chief Guest. The chief guest took the salute from the parade contingents and also unfurled the National tri-colour. The highlights of the celebration was marked with presentation of folk dances, special numbers by New Men School Tobu, drama presented by Tobu Town Student Union and an exhibition tug-of-war.

Tuli: The 61st Republic Day was celebrated in Tuli at the local ground with Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, Irrigation & Flood Control and Border Affairs, Yangthungo Patton as the Chief Guest who unfurled the National Flag and took salute from the parade contingents and also read out the Republic Day speech. The National Anthem was presented by students of Tuli College. The highlights of the day included cultural dance presented by Tongpang Roju Cultural Society. All government officials, staff, TTC members, ATC members and the public attended the celebration.

Chozuba: The 61st Republic Day was celebrated in Chozuba at the local ground with parliamentary secretary for horticulture R. Khing as the Chief Guest. On the occasion, Khing unfurled the National Flag and took salute from the parade contingents and also read out the Republic Day speech. Cultural troupe from Dzulhami, Thenyizu and Chozuba presented cultural dance to the delight of the crowd. The celebration was also marked by tug of war, fashion show, exhibition stalls, feeding of patients in CHC, beating of retreat, march past etc.
(With DIPR inputs)
Various awards were given out on the occasion of January 26, 2010 Republic Day celebrations at Kohima. The awardees are as listed below:
Individuals Awarded
Recipient of President of India’s Police Medal for distinguished service: Toshitsungba Aier, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Ops), PHQ
Police Medal for distinguished service: Nzanbemo Nchumo Ngullie, Circle Inspector, Wokha and Pilamo Lotha, Inspector, OC Security, Civil Secretariat, Kohima.
President’s Police Medal for distinguished service announced earlier on the occasion of Republic Day 2009: J. Changkija, IPS (Retd. DGP)
President’s Police Medal for meritorious service announced earlier on the occasion of Republic Day 2009: Yitsutu Pochury, ABSI, 11th NAP (IR) Battalion
President’s Correctional Service Medal for meritorious service announced earlier on the occasion of Republic Day 2009: Medem Aier, Superintendent of District Jail, Mokokchung.
Opium cultivation in Burma surges Salai Pi Pi & Myint Maung Mizzima

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Despite the Burmese military junta’s claims of successfully reducing drug cultivation in Burma, opium poppy cultivation in northern Shan state has sharply risen over the past two years, estimates a report by a Burmese ethnic women’s group.

‘Poisoned Hills’, a new report released on Tuesday by the Palaung Women’s Organization (PWO), reveals that opium cultivation in Nam Hkam and Mantong Townships in northern Shan state increased nearly five-fold from 2006 to 2009, to almost 4,500 hectares.

The estimate differs significantly from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) judgment, which calculated the area of cultivation at 1,600 hectares in 23 townships in Shan state during 2008-09.

Lway Moe Kham, secretary of PWO, on Tuesday told Mizzima that the UNODC’s estimates of areas of opium poppy cultivation is based on false data provided by an anti-drug team formed of Burmese police in Nam Hkam and Mantong.

The group alleges that the anti-drug team supplied police headquarters in Naypyitaw with false data, claiming they effectively eradicated the cultivation of poppy opium.

“They only destroyed about 11 percent of the poppy fields, which is easily visible, in the 2008-09 seasons,” said Lway Moe Kham.

The report, a result of field surveys conducted from 2006 to 2009, also contends the anti-drug team are involved in the cultivation of opium poppy by allowing villagers to grow the product in return for fees. The report documents bribes totaling at least 37 million kyats (US$ 37,000) collected by Mantong Township authorities during the 2007-08 season.

Furthermore, the expansion of local militias by the Burmese regime is also argued to have led to the increase in poppy cultivation in Shan state.

“The regime is allowing drugs to be grown in areas under their control, and allowing authorities to extort from growers and addicts. They are also in the process of expanding militia security units which are known to be involved in drugs,” adds the report.

Lway Nway Hnoung, the principal researcher of the report, in a statement on Tuesday said, "Today more of the regime's troops and militias are everywhere. For us this has meant more drugs and more addiction."

Researchers of the report said community assessments found addiction rates soaring in relevant areas, stipulating that in one village surveyed in Mantong Township, 85 percent of males over the age of 15 were addicted to either opium or heroin.

"In our area, if we don't marry a drug addict, we have no one to get married to because everyone is a drug addict. The only men who aren't using drugs are the monks who stay in the monastery," a woman interviewed for the report lamented.

The group said drug eradication cannot be effectively conducted unless there is a negotiated resolution to the political issues at the root of Burma's civil war and political reforms to address the drug issue.

"As long as this regime remains in power, drugs will continue to poison people in Burma and the region," said Lway Nway Hnoung.