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02/01/2010: "NSCN (IM) ready for talks even in Delhi Says invitations must come from PMO (Page News Service)"

1February 2010
Says invitations must come from PMO
NSCN (IM) ready for talks even in Delhi (Page News Service)

Hebron, January 31: The NSCN (IM) today reiterated that any political talks with the Government of India could be possible only at the Prime Ministerial level.
"We are ready to talk with the Government of India, even in Delhi. Why not? But the invitation must come from the PMO," Rh Raising, Secretary of Steering Committee NSCN (IM) told reporters here at Hebron today. He said that invitations to negotiation from the Home Ministry are out of the protocol and an antithesis of agreement between the NSCN (IM) and GOI. Only an invitation from the PMO can resume the negotiation again, he stated.
Replying to a query on the present state of the political talk with GOI, Raising said that even as a number of progresses had been made and agreements on certain points achieved, the fact of the matter is that GOI had backtracked on these points.
"We respect India. And their leadership is matured enough to take the right and correct decision concerning the declared agreed terms and conditions with NSCN (IM)," Raising said adding that there are some really good leaders among the Indians from whom they hope and expect a lot.
Raising also denied receiving any proposals from the GOI as reported in the local dallies, saying proposals are offered through proper table and not through outside medium and that the leaders have no knowledge of it whatsoever.
He also held that NSCN (IM) is the one entity that represents the Nagas and their political issue to the GOI adding that GOI has also recognized it. So there is no need to bring in any other organization to take part in the talk as the NSCN represents the whole of Nagas, he said. He dismissed reports that all party should take part in the negotiation process as rumors.
Holding that the non-inclusion of the other parties in the process would not affect the unification process, Raising said, "If we abide by the same principles then there is no reason to fight." Asserting that the unification process is meant for freedom and not surrender, he said that the political aspect of the reconciliation/unification process should be maintained. Maintaining that an acceptable solution is the desired result from the negotiation process, he said that any solution must be without compromising the principles and identities of the Nagas.

Political solution should embrace all Naga areas: Isak Swu (Page News Service)

All groups' participation in talks is anti-thesis of current peace process: Muivah
Dimapur, January 31: The 30th Raising Day of the NSCN (IM) was observed today at Council Headquarters, Hebron with Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Convener of Steering Committee gracing the event as the chief guest. The event started off with the chief guest unfurling the National Flag and taking the salute from the parade.
Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of NSCN (IM), in a message delivered in his absence stated that the political move of the long suppressed Naga people for integration is not only right but also a historical necessity. "By integration, it means political and any proposed political solution should embrace all Naga areas," he said adding that the NSCN (IM) is strongly opposed to any political solution that would be confined to a part or section of people.
Questioning New Delhi's 'unfaithfulness' to their agreements and commitments, Isak said that despite all the trickeries Nagas would stay the course. "I do not see solution of the problem in intimidation, imposition of one's will upon other, trickeries and deceptions, distortion of facts and capitulation. It is, I firmly believe in the mutual understanding, consent and recognition of rights," Isak said.
It depends on how steadfast is the commitment how far is the preparation, he added. He called upon the people to reaffirm their commitment to the Naga political cause and stand in one voice against aggressive forces.
In another message delivered in absentia, Th Muivah, General Secretary of NSCN (IM), held that any political step for unity, peace or agreement that betrays the Naga principle is not a solution at all. "That kind of political venture is nothing but chasing rainbows. NSCN (IM) reiterates its stand for principle-based unity, peace and solution and that should not be interpreted for rigidity and autocracy," he said.
Expressing disappointment over the participation of all groups in the talks of the current on going peace process between GOI and NSCN (IM), Muivah said, "Participation of other non-mandated groups in the talks for settlement of the issue under the axis of Home Ministry of India will only dilute what have been achieved in the talks at then prime ministerial level."
He said that unity or reconciliation among the Nagas is of domestic matter and should left to be settled among the Nagas alone. "The logic of participation of all groups in the talks is anti-thesis of the current peace process being held at the Prime Ministerial level between GOI and NSCN (IM)," said Muivah.
He also reiterated NSCN's commitment to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), stating that it has made a landmark in making a covenant of hope based on the historical and political realities of the Nagas.
He further stated that the current peace process between GoI and NSCN at the Prime Ministerial level is highly national and political. "We hope and trust that rational Nagas would advocate for the issue rather than for divisive interest," he added.
Affirming that Naga integration is not a choice but a necessity, Muivah said, "Solution, honorable and acceptable to both is inevitable as long as we resolutely resist imposition of a monster's logic on us."
Lt Gen (Ret) V S Atem, Emissary to Collective Leadership, enlightened the gathering on the journey of the NSCN (IM) for the past 30 years while Vice Chairman of NSCN (IM), Khodao Yanthan and leaders of various civil societies also delivered speeches on the occasion. Various songs, cultural dance and a martial arts demonstration were also presented on the occasion.

Do you agree there is no future without forgiveness? morungexpress

Some of those who voted yes had this to say:
• Yes because humans cant develop and also there cant be any future without helping each other and to help one another forgiveness is essential.
• Forgiveness is a must if not, all the pains and past mistakes will haunt you from making the right decision. Unless one forgives, the person lives in continuous fear and feels victimized every time an incident takes place. Forgiveness is absolutely necessary.
• Yes, I completely agree with this view that for Naga future there must be forgiveness. Nagas have hurt each other sufficiently. There is not one Naga family that has not been affected. There is no chance of building a harmonious future when people are blinded by hatred and revenge. It is only through forgiveness that we can come together.
• Future via hope need a clear way = wash the dirt > blow the fog > remove things unwanted > left negative get positive attitude > so forgiveness is a must
• Yes, without forgiveness, Nagas have no future. The act of paying back in blood should stop. Forgive as well as give up arms and live as just human beings. That’s what we need. Are you listening our comrades in arms?
• Yes, how can be any future when people are not willing to forgive each other. The need to confess, say sorry and seek apology is central to have a future of love, grace and peaceful co-existence. In Nagaland there is so much of bitterness and suspicion because we are not willing to forgive each other. Nagas need to learn to forgive each other so that a bright future awaits us.
• Forgiveness allows people to heal. It is hard to imagine how a victim of a criminal act will be unless there is some forgiveness. Today, Nagas are crying for unity and reconciliation because too many have been victimized either physically or emotionally. There are too many scars the Nagas are carrying and so the only way forward is through forgiveness. Once forgiveness takes place than justice will flow like the river.
• Forgiveness is a non-material aspects that comes from within. So, it is appropriate for one to forgive and forget the past and look for the future. Because of the lack of this, it is impossible to bring peace and development in the society.
• Only a crazy fool will say that forgiveness is not required. Forgiveness is so much required in our lives. Just look at the Naga people. We are all sick. We are sick with jealousy, hatred, vengeance, suspicion, prejudice, gossip, violence, mistrust, you name it. The Naga people are sick and forgiveness is one of the medicines to heal from these sicknesses. We need forgiveness at a personal level from within and at the level of the society as well. Forgiveness is the medicine for Nagas at this juncture.

Some of those who voted no had this to say:
• Forgiveness is not the only aspect required for the future. Do you think there will be a future unless there is also justice. Sometimes forgiveness obscures justice when people try to manipulate the reality.
• How can forgiveness take place, if the architect of the crime is not willing to first acknowledge the wrong doing and to say sorry. It is only after saying sorry that one can even seek forgiveness. Forgiveness cannot take place unless the guilty one repents and seeks true forgiveness.
• No society can exist on forgiveness alone, there are other universal values that must compliment forgiveness. I hope Nagas will recognize this and promote all these necessary values together in a complimentary way.
• More than forgiveness, truth and justice are the foundation of the nation. Only when truth and justice takes place the issue of forgiveness will arrive. They are all important values in any society. Unfortunately, in Naga society, all these three values of truth, justice and forgiveness are non-existent. We are heading for a tragedy unless Nagas overcome our suspicion, hatred and violent nature.
• Depends what forgiveness we are talking about. Individual forgiveness is something; community forgiveness is another. I think we cannot forgive without going through some basic process. Cheap forgiveness is better not publicize.
• What is forgiveness if people do not respect each other and are not willing to accommodate each other? Forgiveness is not going to get me a job; neither is it going to improve my life style.

Some of those who voted others had this to say:
• When it refers 2 pointedly the future of the Naga race in its entirety I’am afraid it is so as bereft of the true spirit of this noblest word in any peace or reconciliation process in the world will not bear fruit and so the end result will be no better than a futile exercise as the history solidly justifies it. The unprecedented compromise is the need of the hour by meeting one another half way while putting aside all the past differences by dispelling tit for that, myopic mindset, vested interest and hidden agenda to pave the way for ensuring a stable, secure and prosperous future for the younger generation. Meanwhile, one mustn’t forget to salute the sincerity, wisdom and courage of those true Naga leaders and heroes regardless of their affiliations, allegiances for their valuable services and sacrifices which are indispensable to building the present Naga society as it moves full steam ahead with occasional hiccups towards it destiny.
• It depends on what one is referring to. In a situation of conflict and violence, there is no doubt forgiveness is one of the important values, but it is also equally important that one understands the cause of the conflict. It is only be addressing the root cause of the conflict that a more peaceful future can be build.
• Before Forgiveness comes REPENTANCE. 8 s meaningless & even shameless 4 us 2 talk about forgiveness when NO ONE HAS EVEN REPENTED YET!! All d politicians, undrground & ovrground people, rapists, false preachers etc should Really Repent 4 their destroying of our beautiful Nagaland & den sincerely seek 2 right their wrongs 1st. Only den can dere be d talk of forgiveness & hopefully, a future.
• Forgiveness is only the starting point of a long process, and it is also the ending point of coming together and respecting each other. Forgiveness is both the first and the last in the human search for co-existence. Forgiveness is one of the doors to peace.

Naga politics surviving at the cost of the people Nagaland Page
The democratic alliance of Nagaland headed by the Naga Peoples Front boasts of taking independent decisions without high command has in many ways affected the interest of the 'common people' whom they are supposed to serve and protect. It is a universal truth that Naga's do not generate revenues to sustain ourselves. Therefore, we have to depend on the Centre for survival. In other words we are at the mercy of the centre till such time we create the economic independence to stand on our own feet which is still in a distance. Till the NPF leaders have not realized that they are at the mercy of their masters who are in New Delhi, generously providing them the money they require for running the government and developing the state.
Any sensible leader should understand his own limitations and lead his I people with clear vision and to the right direction rather then misleading the I people with unrealistic claims.
The state is crowded with educated unemployed youth but the government seems to have no answer except to say that the white collar jobs in the state sector are saturated. NSF may have demanded the lift on the ban of creation of Post, but there is a MOD signed somewhere in 2000 between the state and centre to ban the creation of Post as the state has excess of government employees. Knowing fully that the educated youth cannot be given the opportunity to serve in the state run offices the government should have initiated steps to engage them in private sectors or facilitate them in running their own independent businesses. The government should not give the lecture alone but put the programmes in place to bailout the younger generation whose futures are at stake.
On the eve of the last general election the DAN cabinet in its meeting on 13/10/07 decided to raise the retirement age from 57 to 60, this was solely to win the election by winning over the sympathy of the government servants were on the verge of retirement, without taking into account the prospective mass youth unemployment. The Naga people have delivered a fractured verdict in the last two elections held in 2003 and 2008. However the incumbent DAN managed to form a coalition government in both the terms. In the 10th NLA the NPF swallowed their own DAN partner by
forcing them to join the NPF. The JDU was backed stabbed by their own alliance partners. NPF put the state BJP in a planned predicament, ultimately dumping their ally in the last 6 years by forcing two MLAs to join the NPF soon after the Parliament election verdict in 2008. The NCP too is waiting in line to join the NPF whenever political realignments take place in New Delhi. As long as the DAN government plays its self-centered political music, the government employees have to dance to the tune even at the cost of their families and also the common people. The reasoning sounds to be too simplistic to be true or false. Yet this decision gave the DAN the opportunity to come back to power as the entire state machinery became the tool of the NPF during the 2008 election. However after the NPF's selfish motives were fulfilled they turned to the NSF and ENSF to ensure their survival as always
The question is whether the MOU still stands. In order to please and look after the unemployed youth the government proposed to amend the government service period to 60 years of age or 35 years of service whichever is earlier. This has been immediately proposed to revoke the earlier order of the retirement age. Subsequently their arbitrary revocation created uncertainty in the minds of the government employees which had affected the normal office function in the state of Nagaland. This had directly or indirectly had an adverse effect on the innocent public. There are more than 80,0000 employees in the state but the official figure will stand at less than 70,000. Strangely there are unprecedented numbers of bogus employees in the recent past, especially in the Education Department. The government is trying to use the reasoning of large scale tampering of Date of Births as an excuse for the number of employees who still serve even after reaching the age of superannuation. This has irked the NSF. The DAN government is too naive to run the state with authority because thousands of bogus employees are drawing money from the government exchequer without attending duty even for a day in a year.
Little more than 3600 employees who are holding yellow card given by the DAN government are waiting for the red card to sing the song of farewell to the government whom they had helped in the last general election. These 3600 employees are not only going to be affected by the retirement act but they are going to suffer tremendously as the government does not intend to implement the 6th pay commission recommendation of ROP. From 2001 to 2005 the 5th pay commission recommendation ofROP was implemented during the tenure of Hon'ble former Chief Minister Dr. 8.C Jamir wherein 8hri Neiphiu Rio was also a member of the cabinet. The state employees headed by CAN8EA even agitated to cease work unless ROP was affected. At that point of time the Congress Party government sympathetically implemented the 5th pay commission (ROP) although the state government did not receive any additional financial assistance from the Government of India
When the entire states in the country including all the north-eastern state have effected the ROP to its employees which is due to them, the government of Nagaland has failed to implement the 6th Pay Commission on the pretext that the Central Government is not forthcoming in granting
financial assistance for implementation. In fact the centre had offered 50% of the amount for its implementation. However, our Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Neiphiu Rio could not commit the remaining amount. While the Congress Government led by Dr.8.C Jamir could implement with 5th ROP recommendation with a meager amount of Rs. 500 to Rs. 600 Crores in the annual plan outlay, the present government with Rs. 1500 Crores in 2009-10 could not spare for its employees who are the backbone of the entire state machinery. Where has all the money gone? In the beginning of 2009 the DAN Government declared 2009-10 as the year of Capacity building. Perhaps, all their capacity has gone in the dust with "Roadshow". The state being in a transition period needs to do more important things than "roadshows".
When an incumbent government is not in a position to give the government employees their due share of entitlements it clearly portrays that the government has failed on its promises and expectations of the people. The DAN government should own morale responsibility for their political gimmick that has adversely affected the people and relinquish office. Corruption in Nagaland has become a daily routine which has touched the pinnacle. The DAN government is most corrupt since its inception, an inception through money and not through fair electoral mandate. Today the DAN government is facing fmancial constraint and this predicament is its own doings. The DAN government has a habit of bending the rules to win the election and to accommodate the aspirations of political parties have altered the priorities of the government. The people of Nagaland have to introspect and realize to undo what has been done and what has taken place in the last 7 years under this 'business regime' at the cost of the common people whom they have committed to serve. In the mean time the government employees who had fallen in line with the DAN government during the 2008 election have been victims of an arbitrary decision who have to lick their own wounds in dismay.
Tokheho Yepthomi
CLP Leader, Nagaland

PM talks tough for firm response to terror, insurgency (IANS) Nagaland Post

NEW DELHI, : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday emphasised that “terrorism, insurgency and extremism need to be tackled with a firm and yet sensitive hand” as a requirement for rapid economic growth.
“It is one of the primary responsibilities of any government to ensure the rule of law. In addition, an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony is also a pre-requisite for rapid economic growth,” Manmohan Singh said while inaugurating a two-day conference of state chief secretaries here.
The first of a kind conference aimed at formalising the process of interaction with states and union territories is expected to serve as a standing forum for exchange of views and provide an occasion for interaction on internal matters.
“The law and order machinery has to be sensitized to the key security concerns that affect us. Terrorism, insurgency and extremism need to be tackled with a firm and yet sensitive hand,” said the prime minister.
“You have to be aware not only of local and regional happenings but also of pan-India and trans-border developments.”
Over the next two days, issues relating to the latest trends in technology, emerging global challenges and opportunities and key security concerns and the role of state governments would be discussed. Global developments that have a bearing on the country would also be deliberated upon.
Food security: The sense of comfort over India’s food security is somewhat misplaced and both the availability of produce and controlling prices remain challenges needing focused attention on farm productivity, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said.
“Our experience in the past two years has brought to the fore the importance of food security and the need for containing prices,” the prime minister told the first annual conference of chief secretaries here on Monday.
“For some time past, there was a false sense of security that availability of food has ceased to be a concern. Similarly, many felt that we have been able to control prices,” he said in a rather frank assessment of the ground reality.
He, accordingly, urged the state governments, too, to focus their energies on farm productivity and said there was great scope for improving the yields of major crops and hoped to see greater efforts in achieving this.
“Our agricultural productivity still ranks far below the best in the world.”
Drawing comfort from the manner in which India handled the challenges posed by the global slowdown in a much better fashion than many other economies, the prime minister stressed that inclusive growth remained the government’s centre-piece of development.
“Fast economic growth has little meaning if it does not lead to the well being of the poor and the disadvantaged, of our farmers and workers, of our children, students and women.
The benefits of the development process have to percolate to every part of our country.”
He said it was for the bureaucracy to ensure that the numerous welfare programmes of the federal and state governments are implemented in the spirit in which they have been conceived, without roadblocks and leakages, through decentralised governance.
“All this constitutes a huge task that requires dedication, commitment and persistence. I would like to add here that the central government does recognize that there is always room for improvement in these schemes and programmes.”
The prime minister also expressed concern over poor infrastructure in the country and said states that have lagged behind must go that extra mile to remove all the bottlenecks.
“Shortages of electricity, poor roads, over-crowded ports, delayed flights, all retard our economic efficiency and damage our international image. States that have relatively better infrastructure attract investment while the others lag behind,” he said.
“This is a lesson which all States have to imbibe.”

N DFB pushes for early result OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kokrajhar, Feb. 1: A delegation of the pro-talks National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) today met the Centre’s interlocutor, P.C. Haldar, to press for an early solution to the decades-long impasse by creating a separate state for the indigenous tribal people of the state.
The five-member delegation, led by its general secretary B. Swmkwr, met Halder at an undisclosed location in Delhi. This is the third meeting since December 3.
Union home secretary G.K. Pillai had also attended the first meeting on December 3 last year in Guwahati.
NDFB information and publicity secretary S. Sanjarang, who was part of the delegation, said the discussions were held on the two main demands of separate state and land rights.
“We have requested for an early solution to the Bodo problem by creating a separate state and safeguarding the land rights of the indigenous tribal people,” Sanjarang said over phone from Delhi.
“If Telengana could be created without the recommendation of the state government, why not Bodoland? Importance should be given to the Bodo people also. The Bodos and the indigenous tribal population have been demanding a separate state since 1967. It would be gross injustice if the Centre does not recognise our demand,” he added.
The NDFB is in a ceasefire since May 2005, and had submitted a memorandum in 2008 demanding a “federal state” after dropping their demand for a sovereign state.
Bodo panel floats name OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, Feb. 1: A day after chief minister Tarun Gogoi announced a separate directorate for the tribal languages, the Bodo Sahitya Sabha today said the name of the institution should be Directorate for Bodo Medium and Other Tribal Languages.
The Sabha’s general secretary, Kamalakanta Mushahary, told this correspondent that the Sabha had discussed the issue and would hold further discussions on it.
Sources here said the directorate would be funded by the department of welfare of plains tribes and backward classes — a move unlikely to be welcomed by tribal organisations as it would eat into development funds.
Dibrugarh University’s vice-chancellor Kandarpa Kumar Deka promised all necessary steps to introduce Bodo as a modern Indian language in the university.
Talks without Baruah, Daimary possible: PC Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Feb 1: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Centre’s offer for peace talks with the ULFA still stands but the government’s peace overture is yet to be reciprocated by the group.
Chidambaram was speaking at his monthly press conference where he said the Centre is thinking very positive on peace talks with the ULFA.
When asked if peace talks with the outfit are possible without its ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah, Chidambaram said: “Paresh Baruah is not with us. We don’t think he is in India. Baresh Baruah is out of the country, but that does not mean that talks with the outfit should be avoided indefinitely. It is my sincere hope and appeal that those who have come to India or apprehended or in custody should hold talks with the government. It they come forward for talks, we are ready.”
Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to convene a high-level meeting this month to chalk out its strategy for peace talks with the ULFA. Sources said a senior official of the Home Ministry has already prepared the “ground rules” for the proposed talks.
On NDFB chief Ranjan Daimary, the Home Minister said: “Daimary doesn’t come forward for peace talks with the government, but that doesn’t mean that no talks can be held with the NDFB.” He further said the security forces are very much alert and search is on for him along the international borders in the north-eastern region.
Chidambaram claims that in 2009 the north-eastern States witnessed a comparatively a low level of incidents and casualties. Of the 1,297 incidents, 264 civilians and 42 members of the security forces were killed and 571 militants neutralized, he added.
Daimary’s body guard arrested By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Feb 1: Prabin Boro alias B Phandai, body guard of NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary, was arrested from Fancy Bazar in Guwahati by the City Police today. Boro, who hails from Rangapara Fulbari in Sonitpur district, is currently at Fancy Bazar outpost.
Crackdown on NE ultras in Myanmar soon R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 1 – Militants using the territory of Myanmar for years may soon face serious trouble as India and Myanmar have started the process of working out modalities for coordinated operations on both sides of the international border to trap them. However, the dates for launching of such operations are yet to be finalized.
Highly placed official sources told The Assam Tribune today that during the recent visit of the Union Home Secretary, the Government of Myanmar agreed to launch coordinated operations to flush out the militants. However, launching of such operations on both sides of the international border would require detailed plans primarily because of the terrain, while the exact location of the camps and bases of themilitants would have to be identified. Moreover, as the security forces of Myanmar have very little presence in the areas where the militants have managed to establish camps, security build up would have to be carried out for launching of such operations.
Sources said that the Army has been asked to initiate process of talks with the Myanmar army to work out an action plan for launching of coordinated operations on both sides of the international border as it would not be possible for the police forces of the states having international border with Myanmar to launch such concertedoperations.
Though the dates for launching such operations are yet to be finalized, sources said that efforts would be made to start operations before onset of the monsoon as it would be difficult to launch operations along the international border during the rainy season because of the terrain.
Commenting on the need for launching coordinated operations, the sources said that very often the militants cross over from India to Myanmar and vise versa whenever operations are launched in one country. “The idea is to trap them by launching coordinated operations on both sides of the international border. Moreover, coordinated operations with proper sharing of intelligence are required for the success of such offensive,” sources added.
Earlier in 2007, the Government of Myanmar agreed to launch such coordinated operations but nothing happened on the ground. However, this time India is hopeful that the Government of Myanmar would keep its word as the Indian delegation during the recent meeting found “the body language of the Government of Myanmar much more positive and they must have realized the fact that improvement of relations with India would be beneficial for the country.”
Sources further pointed out that India’s focus is now in persuading the Myanmar Government to launch offensive against the militants staying in that country following the crackdown launched in Bhutan in 2003 and in Bangladesh in recent times. Though a number of members of the militant groups are still staying in Bangladesh,India is confident that they would not be allowed a free run in that country any more and putting militants under pressure in Myanmar would break the backbones of a number of militant groups.
It may be mentioned here that a number of militant groups of the North East have strong bases in Myanmar, while according to intelligence reports, at least 150 cadres of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) are still staying in the neighbouring country. According to reports, the ULFA has two major camps in Myanmar—the headquarter of the 28 battalion of the outfit and the base of the Aarakan group. A number ofmilitants are also staying in the first battalion headquarter of the NSCN (K) in Myanmar.
A number of hardcore members of the ULFA including central committee member Jiban Moran, Bijoy Chinese, Haren Phukan and Sujit Mohan are believed to be in the camps in Myanmar, sources informed.
NHRC tells govt to explain 111 “fake encounter” killings The Imphal Free Press

New Delhi, Feb 1: The National Human Rights Commission on January 28, 2010 directed the State government of Manipur to provide Rs. 5 lakhs as monetary relief to the next of kin of the deceased R K Sanajoaba, nephew of former Manipur chief minister, the late R K Jaichandra Singh, who was killed in a fake encounter in the broad daylight on October 20, 2009 and submit the proof of payment to the Commission by 26 February 2010 based on a complaint filed by Asian Centre for Human Rights.

The NHRC further stated that Manipur has not been sending any reports about encounter killings.

The Commission has directed the chief secretary, to “explain as to why reports are not being forwarded to the National Human Rights Commission” in 111 reported cases of fake encounter killings.

“The order of the NHRC is historic considering the systematic fake encounter killings by the Manipur Police under the guise of joint operations with the Central armed forces. The Manipur Government must bear in mind that even if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is imposed, the central armed forces are legally required to operate under the command of the police in aid of civil administration and the Police are duty bound to report to the NHRC”, stated Suhas Chakma, director of Asian Centre for Human Rights in a telephone interview with IFP.

Suhas also spoke with CNN-IBN news channel which reported the news in an exclusive coverage.

Reporting the news, CNN-IBN said in insurgency-ridden Manipur, human rights abuse has become a way of life and for the first time, in an unprecedented move, the NHRC has slammed the state government for hiding a cycle of violence unleashed by the security forces.

NHRC has directed Ibobi Singh’s government to report about 111 cases of fake encounter killings by the police, killings which include the nephew of a former chief minister of the state.

Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights, Suhas Chakma, said, “The police and the armed forces can do anything, they can kill in cold blood and get away. It is also precisely because the state government whenever they order an inquiry, whether it is judicial or magisterial inquiry, the reports are never made public.”

Manipur’s police force was exposed last year when a Manipuri youth was killed in an alleged fake encounter in an Imphal market complex by police commandos, forcing widespread outrage and a subsequent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation

Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights, Suhas Chakma said, “Usually the police and the armed forces conduct joint operations and because they conduct joint operations, there is a perception that since the armed forces are covered under the Armed Forces Special Power Act, they are not required to report to the NHRC.”

Police in Manipur have been accused of increasingly trying to get recognition and promotion by hook or by crook, including extra-judicial killings of suspected insurgents.

With the NHRC report, the state government has to answer several uncomfortable questions…answers that can even expose the high and the mighty in the state.

It may be recalled, on the morning of 20th October 2004, the deceased RK Sanajaoba was proceeding towards Sagolband from the direction of Wahengbam Leikai on his Honda Activa scooter when a police constable on escort duty of the Officer in Charge (OC) of Patsoi police station, Joyce Lalrimmiwi, landed a blow on the back of the deceased with a lathi for not giving way to the police Gypsy that was also heading towards the same direction.

Those hours of the day being office hours, traffic was very heavy at Sagolband area.

The deceased then overtook the police Gypsy and stopped in front of a timber shop at Sagolband Khongnang Hogaibi and signalled the police vehicle to stop.

Two policemen then jumped down from the Gypsy and started raining blows on the deceased for daring to stop the vehicle of the OC.

A fight ensued when the deceased also retaliated.

According to eyewitnesses another police constable, who was armed with a lathi joined his colleagues and attacked Sanajaoba.

However, he managed to snatch the lathi and started thrashing the policemen.

Seeing that his three colleagues were being thrashed, the driver of the Gypsy, Ningombam Ibomcha came out and shot at the leg of Sanajaoba but the shot missed the target. Not satisfied, the constable shot again hitting the deceased on his chest killing him on the spot.

On October 21, Asian Centre for Human Rights filed a complaint, inter alia, alleging that one R.K. Sanajaoba, son of R.K. Naba Chandra was killed by police personnel of Patsoi in Imphal at 10.30 A.M. on 20th October, 2004 at Sagolband Khongnang Hogaibi, Imphal. In this case, there is no report made by the State of Manipur about the death caused by the police.

The NHRC in its order January 28, stated “In the instant case, the police has put up a theory that it is a case of accidental firing and the person sustained injuries as a consequence of which he died. The deceased and one other person were returning home on their scooter which was stopped on the way by some unknown police personnel of Manipur Police which was headed by a lady police officer. In the scuffle which took place one of the police-men took out the weapon and shot h}m on his chest from point blank range as a result of which he died on the spot.

It is suggested that during the course of investigation which revealed that the person spoke some slang language as a result of which the escorts got down from the vehicle. The same unknown person forcibly snatched the fiber stick from the escort and started beating the police personnel including the complainant and the unknown person alleged to have embraced the complainant and tried to snatch his service pistol. In the scuffle some rounds were accidentally fired which hit the person and he died on the spot. The police has registered a case and charge-sheet is also filed.

The theory propounded by the police is hard to believe. For some utterances no police will come down and enter into a scuffle with the persons moving on the road. It is also required to be noted that in the post-mortem report, the expert has opined that the injury was caused from a distant range, and, if it would have been fired in the manner in which it is narrated then there would have been blackening and tattooing. The doctor’s opinion is an independent opinion and cannot be disregarded. The map which is produced on the record also suggests that the incident has not taken place on the road itself but just near a shop on a place like pavement. It is not suggested that during the course of scuffle persons moved from one place to another place. It is also hard to believe that three police personnel could not control one person who was without any weapon in his hands and it appears from the aforesaid picture that a story is created as if crime is not committed and is an accidental fire. No reliance can be placed on such theory. It is a case of killing of a person who was totally innocent.

In this case, a show-cause notice was issued to the State Government, followed by a reminder and there was no response. The Commission thereafter passed the order to pay the compensation and further provide the Commission information about 111 cases of fake encounter killings.