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05/29/2010: "Withdraw State forces, Naga women demand Eastern Mirror Narain B Sagar EMN"

Withdraw State forces, Naga women demand Eastern Mirror
Narain B Sagar | EMN

MAO GATE, MAY 29: Pressing on with their demand for revocation of the Manipur government laws and removal of the Manipur forces from Naga inhabited areas, more than a thousand Mao-Naga women, uniformly attired in traditional white Mao shawl, today staged a silent and peaceful rally at Mao-Gate.
The rally held under the aegis of Mao Naga Women Welfare Association (MNWWA) started from Mao Island and passing through the Forest Gate near Manipur-Nagaland border culminated at the start point.
The women held up placards, some of which read - ‘Revoke The Imposed Laws’, Withdraw Manipur State Forces’, ‘Do Not Provoke The Innocents’, ‘We Are Peace Loving People’, ‘Don’t Militarise Our Birth Right’ ‘Do Not Suppress Democracy’ etc.
Highlighting the plight of hundred Mao Nagas who had to flee their homes after the May 6 incident at Mao Gate and militarization by the brute forces of the Manipur IRB and Commandos, the speakers at the rally demanded the forces to ‘give way for their people to come back’. Further informing that security forces had forcefully occupied at least 8 private buildings after the incident, besides engaging in loot from private houses, they asked the forces to ‘move out from our homes’ and ‘stop stealing and robbing our properties’.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, MNWWA President K Matia maintained that unrest would continue unless the Manipur government revokes the night curfew and other laws imposed. upon them. She also encouraged the rallyists to continue with their chain of prayer till June 9 for early solution to the Naga political problem.
She said that though the Manipur commandos were withdrawn this morning, but the Government has sent in more Manipur IRB personnel, who should also be withdrawn.
The rally concluded with a mass prayer for existence of peace, restoration of normalcy and the next round of peace talks scheduled for May 31 at Kohima.
Centre, Muivah to have second round of talks in Nagaland on Monday
Dimapur, May 29 (ANI): The Central Government has said that it is looking forward to having a second round of talks with NSCN-IM leadership in Nagaland to end the stalemate over Naga leader Thuigaleng Muivah’’s resolve to visit his birthplace Somdal in Manipur’s Ukhrul District.
The next round of talks will be held on Monday at the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, which is about 5 kilometers state capital Kohima, reliable sources said. The decision to resume the talks in Nagaland has been welcomed by the people of Nagaland.
Pfoshuo Ariicho, a freelance journalist based in Nagaland says, “I’m sure the Centre and the NSCN (IM) will reach a very amicable solution this time”.
“The peace talk, which is going to be held in the land of the Nagas is a very positive step and also recognition of the uniqueness of the Naga people,” Ariicho added.“It’s a step worth welcoming,” said M. Odyou, a student activist. Muivah will lead the Naga leadership at the May 31 talks. Except for the Centre’s interlocutor in the talks, it is not yet known who else will represent it at the talks.
Muivah along with senior leaders of the group is still camping at Viswema near Manipur-Nagaland border. The ensuing peace talks, to be held next week, will be the first of its kind in Nagaland during the discourse of 13 years of Naga peace process since all official dialogue between the two sides were held either in Delhi or abroad towards finding a honorable settlement to the long-drawn Naga political conflict. (ANI)
JPWC appeals to Naga orgs to relax economic blockade Nagaland page
Dimapur, May 28: The Joint Parliamentary Working Committee of Nagaland assembly today appealed to Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and other Naga civil society bodies to allow the movement of essential commodities to Manipur by relaxing the on-going blockade on highways passing through the Naga-inhabited areas.
The committee at a meeting at assembly complex here deliberated on the present situation in both Manipur and Nagaland arising out of stiff opposition to autonomous district council election in the neighbouring state and the proposed visit of Naga leader Th. Muivah to his birth place in Ukhrul district and adopted a four-point resolutions.
The parliamentary committee, formed last year to facilitate the on-going Naga peace process towards finding a lasting solution, condemned the death of two Naga students on May 6 at the inter-state point of Mao in alleged police firing.
The resolution, jointly signed by Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Leader of the Opposition Tokheho Yepthomi, welcomed the decision of the negotiating parties to hold the next round of Naga peace talks in Nagaland.
The committee also urged the underground groups to stop the on-going war of words in the media since it was against the spirit of 'covenant of re-conciliation' signed by them (undergrounds) expressing their commitment towards peace and re-conciliation among the Nagas. (Page News Service)
2 Nagas injured in Manipur commando's firing at Khumji village Nagaland Page
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ZSUM calls 6-day Tamenglong District Bandh in protest
Dimapur, May 28: In another incident that is likely to create further tension, Manipur commandoes resorted to indiscriminate firing Friday Noon on innocent women and assaulted villagers at Khumji village after a fuel tanker heading for Imphal from Silchar turned turtle on a turn at Khumji village.
According to the United Naga Council, Manipur commandoes coming up from Imphal escorting empty trucks heading for Jiribam started firing indiscriminately on innocent bystanders suspecting the accident to be a sabotage. In the firing Ester (25), daughter of Athui Kamei, a student of Noney High School sustained injuries on the left thigh while Ariang Riamei (45) sustained injury on the lower limb.
A press release issued by the UNC also alleged that the commandos also barged into the house of one Robinson Kamei (25), son of Keiramsunang Kamei, a student of Noney High School and severely assaulted him with rifles butts and kicks. Four other innocent villagers were also beaten for no reason, it alleged.
All the injured are undergoing treatments at Imphal.
Expressing shock "at the uncontrolled and unwarranted use of violent force by the Manipur State Armed forces", the UNC said this "unprovoked brutality" is yet again a telling testimony of the psychological conditions of the Manipur State armed forces, whose trigger happy fingers and violent approach have found yet additional innocents and unarmed victims. "The panic ridden commandos and nervous wrecks that they have become, are now let loose to cause havoc in civilian areas creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity," the release alleged.
Holding the Manipur State Armed forces and the Manipur State Government responsible for all the atrocities that are being continuously committed on the Naga people, the UNC called upon all right thinking people and civil societies to condemn the act.
The UNC also extended its fullest support to the 6-days Tamenglong District Bandh called by the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur to protest the brutality and also extended its solidarity to the protest rally scheduled at Tamenglong on May 29.
ANSAM, NYF condemns, supports bandh
The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Youth Front (NYF) have condemned the indiscriminate firing and assault by IRBs and Commandoes today on the villagers of Khumji, Tamenglong, Manipur and appealed to all Nagas and well wishers to help the innocent victims.
Expressing its deepest sympathy to the victim and wishing them speedy recovery, the ANSAM and NYF also extended support to the bandh called by the Zelianrong Students Union, Manipur from midnight of May 28 till 6 p.m. of June 3 to protest the incident. It also re-affirmed its demand that the IRBs and commandoes should be immediately withdrawn from Naga areas.
(Page News Service)
Mao Hoho to sever ties with Govt Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, MAY 29 (EMN): The Mao Hoho, in line with the decision of the United Naga Council, today resolved to sever all ties with the Government of Manipur while urging the Naga Parliamentarian Forum (NPF) to work out an alternative arrangement for the Naga areas in Manipur, with the Government of India. The resolution was adopted in a meeting of public leaders and Mao frontal organizations with the Naga Parliamentarian Forum (NPF) represented by former MP Mani Charenamei, former Ministers Benjamin Banee, LS John and SP Henry and former MLA Henry Paotei at the Badminton Stadium, Punanamei under the aegis of Mao Hoho yesterday.
A press communiqué issued jointly by the convenor NPF, Mani Charenamei and president Mao Hoho, O Lohrii informed that the house undivided support to the Indo-Naga Peace talks while urging the Centre to formulate an early and amicable solution at the earliest.
The house demanded that the commitment given by the Chief Secretary, Manipur and the GOC, 59 Mountain Division on 9th May 2010 and also the GoI through its Home Secretary and Interlocutor on the May 13, 2010 for immediate withdrawal of the Manipur State Armed forces from Mao Gate and other Naga hill districts of Manipur be honoured and fulfilled at the earliest.
The house also asserted that NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah must visit his birthplace.
It also meeting strongly condemned the May 6 incident of firing at Mao Gate while conveying gratitude to the Khuzama Village Council, SAPO, APO, various civil societies, political parties, churches, individuals and Government of Nagaland for coming forward to help, share and demonstrate oneness of the Nagas during such testing times.
Muivah meets with Naga civil societies DIMAPUR, MAY 29 (NPN):
NSCN (I-M) Saturday held a consultative meeting with Naga civil societies at Kilha Panchayat,Viswema village in, what it described, as “keeping with need of the hour to face present situation created by the Manipur state government against the Nagas.”
According to the MIP/GPRN from Viswema, the meeting, chaired by its “ato kilonser” Th.Muivah focused on how to face the situation and solve the problem that had been “forced on the Nagas by the Manipur state government”, and on how the union government “connived” with Ibobi government against the Nagas.
According to the MIP, Th.Muivah who addressed the meeting told members of the Naga civil societies “ if you don’t stand your ground for your right, you are a lost nation.” .
“I believe we have a bright future and we have to work towards that goal,” said Muivah and posed a challenge before Naga representatives, stating “if you want to do something for the Nagas, do it now”.
The focal point of the meeting, according to MIP gave clear indication that “Naga-Naga relation is as good as close and there is no meeting point whatsoever.”
It also said that all those who attended made a commitment to contribute “all their might” and “never to waver under any circumstances until and unless” the Naga problem was solved.
The house also vowed to stand the ground and not to succumb under pressure “come what may”, it said .
Further, the MIP statement also revealed that the meeting also reiterated the stand that destiny of the Nagas lay with the Nagas and that Meiteis have nothing to do with it.
The common opinion of the Naga civil societies, according to MIP was: “what has happen to the Nagas under the chauvinist Meiteis had driven the Nagas to the point of no return, and the Nagas are not wrong to take this stand”.
The Naga civil societies, which attended the consultative meet included Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA, ENPO, NPMHR, UNC, NWUM, ANSAM, Senapati district students’ association, Mao students’ union, Poumai Students’ Union, Naga Ex-Parliamentarians’ Forum, Elders of Viswema village, Coordination Committee of Naga Civil Societies and NPMHR (Manipur sector).
Meanwhile, the MIP stated that the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), represented by its vice president, had told the meeting that ENPO “very much” understood the problem of the Southern Nagas, though they could not do much to reach out to them.
Further, it said the ENPO representative, clarified that ENPO had given full support to the ongoing “Indo-Naga Peace process” during the 4th Naga Consultative Meeting held at Hebron in 2004.
“He also expressed displeasure against the Khihoi camp for using its name without its knowledge and approval,and therefore, not to have anything with such statement against its name,” MIP stated.

GPRN/NSCN forms new command Correspondent KOHIMA,(NPN):
Government People’s Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN) had announced creation of its Phek town command by deploying its cadres to curb what it termed increasing illegal taxation and extortion by some unknown persons in the name of national workers for the last few years.
According to Lt. Col (Retd) Vedeta Nienu, Tatar (Member of Parliament) GPRN/NSCN, various complaints of illegal collection in the name of national workers from butchers and groceries had come to the knowledge of the government from the concerned community and warned that those persons involved will be dealt severely for the larger interest of the general public.
The town command at Phek district headquarter was therefore intended to tackle the menace of illegal taxation and extortion and the cadres will maintain strict vigil and take necessary course of action against those persons found involved in illegal activities.
GPRN/NSCN while working out in the forefront for the common cause of the Nagas in the ‘journey of common hope’ under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) always stand to defend the lives of the general public with special focus to find an early solution towards decades old Indo-Naga political problems, Nienu stated. He also termed those persons involved in illegal activities as ‘Pesticide of the Naga economy’ and warned that such persons would be dealt with severely and without delay.
Expressing hope of positive result in its new mission which he said was installed with the objectives of safeguarding the general public, the GPRN/NSCN leader urged upon the denizens of Phek town and its neighbouring villages to extend cooperation with its Town Command.
The GPRN/NSCN under its peace mission is also learnt to have convened a consultative meeting with the village leaders of Phek, Phek Basa, Phek Chosaba and Phek Surhoba on 26 May last at the community hall Phek village.
GPRN/NSCN representatives led by its leader Thupuvezo Keyho, Deputy Kilonser and Lt. Col (Retd) Vedeta Nienu Tatar is learnt to have interacted with the leaders of the four villages and deliberated on the need to building up good bridge between the national workers and the village leaders.
Keyho and Nienu, who both hails from Phek village also expressed their concerned of maintaining a healthy relationship between the government and the community of the villages. The meeting later unanimously endorsed to maintain cordial relationship in the days to come with special emphasis to achieve the common goal for the Nagas.

Assess reality, says NPMHR By Our staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 28: Recoun-ting events that led to the May 6 police firing in Mao and the prevailing situation in the aftermath of the inci-dent, Naga Peoples' Move- ment for Human Rights has drawn the attention of Cen-tral Govt leaders to assess the ground reality.
pointing out that human rights of Nagas in Manipur is at stake in the wake of crackdown on peace marchers at Mao Gate where two students were killed and more than 100, mostly women, were injured, NPMHR said visit of Central leaders should not be limited to Imphal but should also cover Naga areas of Manipur.
Alleging that assault on the human rights of Nagas is actively supported by the majority community and the present situation has the potential to turn into communal violence, the rights body also expressed that at the center of the conflict is the Nagas desire to welcome home one of their leaders, Th Muivah General Secretary of the NSCN (IM) after four decades.
The Govt of Manipur, supported by Imphal-based civil societies are opposed to this visit claiming that it threatens the “territorial integrity” of Manipur, maintained NPMHR.
It also demanded immediate revocation of decision of the Government of Manipur to bar Muivah’s entry; withdrawal of all Manipur security forces from Naga areas; respect and recognise rights of the Nagas to determine their future, most particularly, to recognize the rights of Nagas to live together as one people under a single administrative unit; immediate intervention of the appropriate authorities to stop the forcible detention of Nagas in the valley, and using them as hostage; intervention of appropriate authorities to ensure and guarantee an amiable environment for the safe return of all the villagers of Mao Gate and its surroundings to their homes; and for a speedy, honourable and peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga peace process.

Hero Vs Notorious Sangai Express
Sir,
This is for your kind attention that our political leaders of Manipur always play politics at their own interest only. They hardly look for the interest of general public. This is clear from the recent events following the closure of National highways by some Naga associations.
Manipuris, particularly living in the valley districts have been harshly tortured many times due to the frequent closure of National Highways in the form of economic blockade or total bandhs by some mean minded people, who call themselves as intelligent, to meet some of their demands. At present also, we are facing the same problem. Prices of all the essential commodities have gone up many-fold than what they were few months back. Many of us are not getting essential items like eatables, fuels, petrol etc. The most worrying case is lack of life saving drugs and oxygen cylinders in hospitals. The general health of people is at great danger.
At this stage, our Chief Minister, Shri O Ibobi Singh made no plan to bring back the stranded vehicles numbering around 300 stationed at Jiribam and Cachar of Assam. On the other hand, he was busy making/repairing the Guite Road connecting Mizoram. There is no harm in it. It will also be useful for us, especially people of Churachandpur in the future. We can think of it as our secondary highway. But the question is that why our CM is playing with the stomach and lives of so many people at present. Why hasn’t he given green signal to bring back the stranded vehicles? Wasn’t he aware of the mental, emotional and economic problem of the drivers and other associates of the stranded vehicles and also of the general public?
Government of Manipur led by Shri, O Ibobi Singh is standing firm against the visit of NSCN-IM leader, Th Muivah’s entry to Manipur. This is a welcoming step from the Government. But this is not a heroic act. It can be done by anybody; I meant to say all normal thinking man in the Government, whether he is the present CM Shri, O Ibobi or any other. Even if there is a Tangkhul CM at present, he/she will also not allow Mr Muivah to enter Manipur. Because Mr Muivah is a criminal and lots of cases are pending against him along with a reward in his head. His entry into the Sate will create lots of communal conflicts. So our Government’s act of stopping Mr Muivah from entering Manipur cannot be considered as heroic.
Now our honourable Minister, CAF & PD, Shri, Y Irabot who has requested his Government to provide some security to NH-53 to bring back the vehicles instead of Guite Road, was left in disgust as his idea was not taken seriously. The need of the hour at the time was to bring back the stranded vehicles and fulfil the need of the masses. The Government on other hand is busy making Guite road better. It is very obvious that making the Guite Road functional for movement of heavy vehicle will take lots of time. Do we have to wait for the Guite Road to be properly functional and lack all the essential commodities or do we have to bring back the essential commodities and meet the people’s demand in time?
When the stomach and suffering of the people are calling, our honourable Minister Shri Irabot left for Jiribam and brought back more than 300 vehicles. He did the herculean task with only 10 (ten) security guards and four PSOs.
When the Government fears to bring back the vehicles citing security reasons, Shri Irabot did it with handful security personnel. It proves that he is the Real Hero. Why shouldn’t we welcome him for his heroic act? This will remain in the history of our motherland written with golden words. My heart and soul pay deep respect to him. He has proved that NH-53 is more secure, provided some security. Why shouldn’t people welcome him? Why shouldn’t the kids, youths, girls, women and all people pray to him? Because he saves our life and did what other people think couldn’t be done. I would request that he further take some initiative to distribute the essential commodities to all Manipuris, both hills and valley, stopping the counter blockade. We are Manipuris first, Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis and Pangals later on.
I regard him as hero. The people of Manipur by now should have known who the actual hero is and who the man in the mask is?
Yours faithfully,
Pradeep K Hawaibam Wangkhei

The misdoings of Ibobi Singh Issued by: MIP/GPRN

Who can deny the fact the present crisis in Manipur is the direct result of the misdoings of the Manipur government that has gained the notoriety of terrorist government and anti hill people. Who is suffering at the hands Ibobi? Will the victims ever forgive him? The battle line having been drawn against Ibobi and his Meitei community the forgiveness will come only after the issue has been settled protecting the rights of the tribals and the Nagas.

Why the Manipur hill people were forced to agitate in the first place? The hill people seriously questioned the Ibobi government to look into the grievances of the tribals with regards to ADC election, pointing out the urgency to address the problems before going for election. The tribals refused to accept the MDC Act Amendment of 1971 as it has nothing to do with the interests of the hill people. But the Manipur government played its own game to fool the tribals .Democracy was murdered at the expense of the hill people.

The negative response forced the ANSAM to use the Highways as weapons to teach the Manipur state government and enforced economic blockade. This brought about immense suffering to the common people. Whose creation is this?

For quite a long time Ibobi was placed in a very uncomfortable position and his Chief Minister seat was getting shaky by day. The reason is not far to seek. There was a reign of terror and the state was in chaos. Ibobi has given free hand to the Manipur police commandos and many were killed in the fake encounters. This led the Manipuris to rise up against Ibobi and to demand for nothing short of throwing him out of Chief Minister’s room for good.

Even the education institutions were hit hard as the Meiteis forced the close down in the Imphal valley. Many of these institutions resorted to taking shelter by getting affiliated to CBSE. Because the students’ career were put at stake and the need to save them.

Ibobi created another drama when he collaborated with Revolutionary People’s Front(RPF) to serve quit notice to the outsiders(from Bihars,UP etc) giving 31st May as the dead line. So far more then 10 such people from Bihar had been killed. The hands of Ibobi is smeared with the blood of these innocent daily labourers. Even the Home Ministry admonished Ibobi to take effective steps. But it never goes down to the implementation and threat against the outsiders stays alive.

The state employees were never happy with Ibobi, the way he handled the Revision of Pay (ROP). The employees demanded for arrears with effect from 2006. But Ibobi make a fool of their demand when he mentioned April-May arrears only on the pretext that there is no money to pay the arrears.

Ironically, whenever Ibobi go to Delhi he carried with him crores of money. Such money for what and for whom? Obviously to pay to the top bureaucrats in the Home Ministry. And for the monetary gains the Home Ministry people are made to speak for the Meiteis and giving them false promise.

It is difficult to digest why Ibobi act so stubborn, refusing to rectify the ADC election issue and forcibly imposed ADC election in Manipur hill areas. The tribals are not wrong when they resorted to protest that is democratic in nature. It was in 11th April 2010 when the ANSAM went into action to enforce the highway blockade and it continues till now.

The Meiteis who are at the receiving end out of the present imbroglio should realise that the kind of hardship they are facing is the direct result of Ibobi’s own creation to safeguard his own interest. Ibobi, having put himself in such mess to wriggle himself out of the drowning catches a straw in the form of opposing Muivah’s visit to his ancestral place at Somdal.

On 1st April 2010 Ibobi’s Cabinet passed a resolution to oppose Muivah’s visit giving reasons that since the state is embroiled with the issue of ‘quit notice’, ROP, and ADC election it is not conducive for such visit. But what has these issues to do with Muivah’s visit? Therefore on second thought Ibobi quickly pressed the bell of Manipur territorial integrity and shout from the rooftop that Muivah is making a journey to Somdal to disintegrate Manipur. The emotionally surcharged Meiteis with the exception of few thoughtful persons fell head over heels on the side of Ibobi., driving the situation to the point of no return.

By and large Meiteis are known for their strange reaction, selfish in nature and unconcern of the plight of the tribals in the hills. When the entire hill districts of Manipur was severely put at risk when put under the draconian laws like AFSPA,TADA,DAA (Disturbed Area Act) for several decades the Meiteis’ human rights groups remained a mute spectators. However, on June 14,2001 when the Bangkok Agreement clarified that the Indo-Naga ceasefire is universal and, therefore applies to Manipur the Meiteis came out on the streets to protest that they will not allow the Indo-Naga fighting to stop in the Naga areas of Manipur. What manner of undermining the Indo-Naga issue. But the Nagas have not forgotten the Meiteis’ unwarranted reaction and the unfolding events will shows what the Nagas can also do to defend their God-given rights.

The envy of the Meiteis against the privilege enjoyed by the Nagas stands exposed with every step initiated by the government under one pretext or the other. The Manipur Land Revenue Act, 1960 was a sore point for the Meiteis as this makes the land of the hill people untouchable by the Meiteis. The Joint Forest Management Act of 2006 was another attempt made to capture the tribal lands, though it failed miserably when rejected by the tribals. In the same manner ADC election was forced on the hill tribal notwithstanding of the fact that there is nothing in it to serve the interest of the hill people.

On Muivah’s proposed program to visit his native village Somdal and objection thrown by Ibobi let us face the reality from the human rights point of view. The same can be applied to Ibobi and even UNO Secretary General. The Meiteis in fact are simply dancing to the tune played by Ibobi. But the murder of democracy will remain strongly attached with Ibobi. This is history and the indelible impression forced on the mindset of the Nagas will make the broken bridge of Naga-Meitei relation beyond repair. The inevitable is just waiting to happen.

PRESS RELEASE
Dated Tahamzam May 28, 2010
The United Naga Council condemns the indiscriminate firings of the Manipur Commandos in Khumji village on innocent women and the brutal assault on the villagers out of panic reaction to an accident met by a fuel tanker on 28th May, 2010. The accident occurred when a fuel tanker heading for Imphal from Silchar lost control on a turn at Khumji village and turned turtle on the road. Suspecting the accident to be a sabotage, the Manipur Commandos coming up from Imphal escorting empty trucks heading for Jiribam, started firing indiscriminately on innocent bystanders and in the process Ms. Ester, 25 yrs d/o Athui Kamei, student of Noney High School sustain injuries on the left thigh and Mrs. Ariang Riamei, 45 yrs sustained injury on the lower limb. The commandos then barged into the house of Mr Robinson Kamei, 25 yrs s/o Keiramsunang Kamei student of Noney High School and severely assaulted him with rifles butts and kicks. 4 other innocent villagers were also beaten for no reason.
The United Naga Council is shocked at the uncontrolled and unwarranted use of violent force by the Manipur State Armed forces. This unprovoked brutality is yet again a telling testimony of the psychological conditions of the Manipur State armed forces, whose trigger happy fingers and violent approach have found yet additional innocents and unarmed victims. The panic ridden commandos and nervous wrecks that they have become, are now let loose to cause havoc in civilian areas creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
The UNC holds the Manipur State Armed forces and the Manipur State Government responsible for all the atrocities that are being continuously committed on the Naga people and calls upon all right thinking people and civil societies to condemn the dastardly act.
The United Naga Council extends its fullest support to the 6 days Tamenglong District Bandh called by the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur to protest the brutality and also extend its solidarity to the protest rally scheduled at Tamenglong on May 29, 2010.
Publicity wing United Naga Council
REJOINDER TO THE NAGA LEADER’S FORUM Dated Tahamzam: May 28, 2010
The United Naga Council (UNC) takes very strong exception to the Statement of Mr. P. A. Thekho and Mr. A. S. Shimreiyo issued in the name of Naga Leader’s Forum and would like to expose the gimmicks of the agents of Ibobi, who are trying to dilute the Naga people’s movement by projecting a seemingly harmless but divergent viewpoint.
That these two persons are Nagas at all is doubtful but that they are not leaders in whatever sense of the terms is beyond any reasonable doubt. When Nagas are being killed, shot and hunted down like animals, their houses broken into and their properties destroyed and looted, with what sanity and whose endorsement are they advising Naga not to protest? Do you in your position of assumed leadership think a memorandum or a mere protest dharna can attract justice for the Naga people, when all forces of the Manipur State government are concentrated in keeping away justice, rights and dignity from the Naga people. And who appointed you leaders, besides your leadership obsessed selves? You are advised to desist from issuing any misleading statements employing the platform of non existent organisations.
Be rest assured that what Nagas must do in the given situation is being duly taken up and that your involvement can best be channelised by aligning them with the people’s movement that moves on inexorably.
Publicity Cell United Naga Council
Statement of All Naga Students Association, Manipur on assault and indiscriminate firing by IRBs and Commandoes at Khumji Village on May 28, 2010 at 12:00 Noon.
All Naga Students Association, Manipur condemn the indiscriminate firing and assault by IRBs and Commandoes on May 28, 2010 at 12:00 Noon, on the villagers of Khumji, Tamenglong, Manipur. The IRBs and Commandoes who are on Escort duty from Imphal to Jiribam started firing indiscriminately when one of the empty truck accidentally overturn on the highway as it approach Humji Village. Among the Six people injured, Ms. Ester Kamei, 25 years of age, daughter of Athui Kamei and Mrs. Ariang Riamei 45 years of age were hit by teargas canister and sustained serious injury in their thigh and lower limbs. Another persons Mr. Robinson Kamei, 25 years of age, son of Keiramsurang Kamei was dragged out from his house and badly assaulted with rifle butt. And many others sustained injury due to lathi charge. They also fire tear gas and stunt bomb into the village damaging properties of the village.
The injured are undergoing treatments at Imphal. ANSAM appeals to all Nagas and well wishers to help the innocent victims. Once again, the Manipur State forces has demonstrated how sadistic it can be at Khumji Village. For how long will the Nagas bear this insult and senseless act of the Manipur IRBs and Police Comandoes?
The ANSAM express our deepest sympathy to the victim and wish them speedy recovery. In protest against this act, we support the bandh called by the Zelianrong Students Union, Manipur from Midnight of May 28th till 6:00 PM of June 3, 2010. We re-affirmed our demand that the IRBs and commandoes should be immediately withdrawn from Naga areas.
Sd/ Adani David Mao President, ANSAM.
All Manipur Church Organisation team meets Manipur Chief Minister Sify News
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Thursday held a meeting with a delegation of the All Manipur Church Organisation, a day after leaders of Manipur and Nagaland PCC leaders agreed to hold talks with civil society groups for an amicable solution to economic blockade.
Headed by Prim Vaiphei, the Church delegation talks with the State CM lasted for an hour. During the meet, the Chief Minister reportedly responded "positively" to an appeal by the church delegation that suggested dialogue with the All Naga Students Association, Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC).
The delegation urged the Chief Minister to find a solution to the ongoing economic blockade as the entire state was suffering because of it.
"The Chief Minister assured us that he would extend an invitation to the Naga groups very soon," a member of the Church delegate stated.
"We are concerned about the people's welfare. So we met the chief minister. Conflicts and problems could be solved across the table," said a member.
The Chief Minister has reportedly assured the delegation his government's readiness to hold talks with any group to redress their grievances.
The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) and other Naga organisations are opposed to the district council election. They maintain that the powers given to the district councils are not enough. ANSAM have imposed the blockade on Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur highways since April 11 to protest against the election.
However, the first phase of the election was held peacefully on Wednesday in Chandel, Sadar Hills in Senapati district and Churachandpur. Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong districts would undergo polls on June 2 for the second phase. (ANI)
Talks not possible with leaders in jail Staff reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, May 29 – Release of the jailed leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will hold the key to carrying forward the peace process. This was the view expressed by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and other central committee leaders of the outfit when PCG member Hiranya Saikia met them in Guwahati jail today.
Talking to this correspondent after meeting the ULFA leaders in jail, Saikia said that during his discussion, the ULFA chairman made it clear that only thecentral committee of the outfit can take decisions regarding talks with the Government. The ULFA leaders including Rajkhowa made it clear that only the release of the central committee leaders of the outfit would facilitate the policy making body of the ULFA to take vital decisions. He also made it clear that the ULFA central committee did not meet in the jail as was, reported as it is not possible to do so in jail, Saikia added.
Saikia said that during the course of the talks, the ULFA leaders further clarified that presence of the general secretary Anup Chetia and armed wing chief Paresh Baruah was vital for holding of thecentral committee meeting. The Government of India should try to bring Anup Chetia as soon as possible from Bangladesh, he added. In addition to Arabinda Rajkhowa, the other jailed leaders of the ULFA including foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, deputy commander in chief Raju Baruah and adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain were present during the discussion.
Meanwhile, the PCG member said that the Government should not try to create division in the ranks of the ULFA. He said that by announcing that the Government was ready for talks without Paresh Baruah, the Government only tried to create a division in the ranks of the outfit and yesterday, the ULFA publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary also made it clear that they were not keen on talks leaving aside the ULFAcommander in chief.