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07/22/2010: "NSCN-IM delegation meets PM Our Correspondent EMN"

NSCN-IM delegation meets PM Our Correspondent | EMN

NEW DELHI, JUL 20: The NSCN-IM delegation led by general secretary Th. Muivah met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this evening at 7, RCR, the official residence of India’s premier, here.
Official sources said the NSCN-IM leaders arrived at the 7 Race Course Road at around 6 pm for the meeting scheduled for 6:15 pm. The NSCN delegation then sat across the table with Centre’s interlocutor RS Pandey for another round of informal talks.
What transpired in the meetings though could not be ascertained till the time of filing of this report.
Th. Muivah, leading the 5-member delegation of the NSCN-IM, had arrived in the capital on July 15 after an wrapping up his eventful two-and-half-month stay in the State with public meetings in all but one district as part of ‘peace mission’, the last of them held at Jalukie, Peren.
Interlocutor RS Pandey on Tuesday said a few rounds of informal talks have already been held since the arrival of the NSCN-IM delegation and formal talks would begin soon. No date for the resumption of the peace dialogue has been notified yet.
The significant last round of peace talks between Centre’s interlocutor and NSCN-IM leaders was held on June 1 at Kohima. The June peace dialogue which followed the May mayhem at Nagaland-Manipur border, was the first time the two parties sat across the table in Naga soil during the 13-year-long peace process initiated in August 1997 with the ceasefire pact.
Following the Manipur debacle over the proposed visit of Muivah to his native village in Ukhrul and the continuing unrest in the Naga Hill districts of the neighbouring State, the urgency of finding solution to the protracted issue has heightened.
Naga underground groups, FNR meet (NPN):
DIMAPUR, After the “Covenant of Reconciliation” was signed by the NSCN (I-M), chairman, Isak Chishi Swu, GPRN/NSCN, chairman S S Khaplang and FGN, ‘Kedahge’ (president) ‘’Brig (Retd)’’ S Singnyu, during the reconciliation meet at Chiangmai from June 1-8, various leaders of the three Naga political groups again met in Dimapur on Wednesday exhibiting the growing spirit of accommodation and mutual respect for one another. A press statement issued by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said leaders of the Naga political groups during their meeting at Hotel Saramati Dimapur affirmed to continue restraining offensive activities in the spirit of the “Covenant of Reconciliation.” The FNR urged the Naga political parties to be vigilant of anti-social elements in the Naga society and to continue to reciprocate one another, by releasing all political prisoners along with their belongings, at the earliest. The Naga political groups also agreed to deter from publishing “provocative” statements in the media. The FNR, which is spearheading the Naga reconciliation efforts said that the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation had agreed to delegate permanent team members (Joint Functional Consortium/Working Group) led by a team leader, in all the subsequent meetings with authorization from the respective government’s highest authority to accelerate the task ahead of the Nagas. Meanwhile, the FNR extended gratitude to the Naga political parties for their cooperation and to the public for their untiring support and affirmed its commitment to Naga reconciliation. It may be mentioned that the three top leaders of the Naga political groups in the “Covenant of Reconciliation” had affirmed to “offer ourselves to Naga Reconciliation and Forgiveness based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas …. in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve outstanding issues.”

\GPRN/NSCN & NNC/FGN CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE ISSUES JOINT STATEMENT

Joint Statement Dt. 20th July 2010

Affirming the pledge and Joint Declaration of 15th July 2010 ‘Monyakshu Conclave’ signed by His Excellency Brig. (Retd) Singnya, the Kedhage, FGN and Honorable Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi and other leaders, the Co-ordination Committee held its first meeting at the Oking and agreed to issue the following statement.

The Co-ordination Committee resolved to appeal to all other Naga Political Groups to unite under the banner of the unconditional unity agreed between NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN.


(ZHOPRA VERO) (KUGHALU MULATONU)
Co-convener, Co- convener,
Co-ordination Committee. Co-ordination Committee.


The Co-ordination Committee comprising of seven members each from NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN was endorsed on 15th July 2010 at Monyukshu Village and approved by Brig.(Retd) S Singnya, Kedhage, FGN and N Kitovi Zhimomi Ato Kilonser, GPRN. The members are as follows:

1. Zhopra Vero, Co-convener, Co-ordination Committee, FGN.
2. Kughalu Mulatonu, Co-convener, Co-ordination Committee, GPRN.
3. Zaleo, Member, Co-ordination Committee, (FGN)
4. Puthai, Member, Co-ordinationCommittee, (FGN)
5. Peshou, Member, Co-ordination Committee (FGN)
6. T.T Sangtam, Member, Co-ordination Committee (FGN)
7. Basu Chang, Member, Co-ordination Committee (FGN)
8. Hekhuvi, Member, Co-ordination (FGN)
9. Alezo Venuh, Member, Co-ordination Committee (GPRN)
10. Vitoyi Aye, Member, Co-ordination Committee (GPRN)
11. C. Singson, Member, Co-ordination (GPRN)
12. Meren Nokpu, Member, Co-ordination (GPRN)
13. Wangtin Naga, Member, Co-ordination Committee (GPRN)
14. Khekiho Chophy, Member, Co-ordination Committee (GPRN)

Issued by:

MIP, GPRN/NSCN
&
Rali Wali, FGN.

Naga issue tops DAN agenda EMN
Our Special Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 22: The NPF led DAN Government today reiterated that the Naga political issue tops the agenda of the coalition government which is in power for the second consecutive term.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the decision of the NSCN-K and the NNC to unite and hoped that this move will contribute towards the larger unification of all Naga national workers.
Delivering the budget speech for the fiscal year 2010-1, the Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to the role of facilitator in the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue which is aimed at resolving the decades old problem. Rio stated that for the first time ever, the DAN Government has submitted, in black and white, its declared commitment to pave way for any alternative arrangement that may be necessitated by a logical conclusion of the peace process to the prime minister of India.
Rio said the role of facilitator has acquired a new dimension with the formation of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue which includes all 60 elected members of the assembly. He said from the JLF, a Joint Parliamentary Working Committee (JPWC) under the Speaker’s leadership including the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition had been formed and further stressed that the process of inclusiveness is a must in the way forward and that the legislators’ forum aims to take the views of all sections of the Naga society to the negotiating parties.
“By rising above our political differences, we are sending out clear and positive signals to all sections of Naga society on the need for unity, understanding and oneness .... the need of the hour is to overcome the divisions within us that have become the biggest obstacle to the realisation of our aspirations ... unless Nagas speak in one voice, our journey towards permanent peace will only be prolonged”, the Chief Minister stated.
The CM informed that the legislators forum has had meetings with other sections of society, significant of which were meetings with ex-parliamentarians on 14th April, 2010 and with representatives of civil societies, mass based organisations, church leaders and NGOs at Kohima on 9th June, 2010. These meetings, he said, had passed unanimous resolutions, recognising the efforts and sacrifices of the national workers while welcoming the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation on 23rd September, 2009 at Chiangmai.
Rio said the committee appreciated the role of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the civil societies, the hohos and the church for their contributions towards reconciliation and the peace process.
He also had appreciation towards all sixty members of the present assembly, especially the members of the opposition bench led by the Leader of Opposition, for coming forward to join the committee and for their active participation in its proceedings since then.
Rio’s budget speech also dwelled on the Mao Gate incident of 6th May, 2010 where two Naga youth had been killed in the indiscriminate firing by Manipur police forces. He said the police forces of Manipur had perpetrated acts of atrocities on the innocent Naga public gathered there peacefully to protest against the Manipur government’s decision to prevent Th. Muivah from visiting his hometown. Following the incident, the public were subjected to torture, threats and intimidation for a prolonged period of time. He informed that to avoid any further casualties to the Nagas living there, the State Cabinet had requested Muivah to postpone his visit until the situation stabilised.
On this episode, the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Congress Legislature Party and the initiative taken by NPCC president I. Imkong who had made efforts to resolve the matter by leading a delegation to Manipur and meeting the Manipur CM.
Rio further appreciated the Government of India for the renewed initiatives and for appointing a new interlocutor for the Naga peace talks and once again appealed to the negotiating parties to bring the peace process to an early logical conclusion.
Hohos support unity move (EMN
DIMAPUR, JUL 22): The Joint Coordination Committee of nine tribal hohos has endorsed and extended support to the ‘pledge and joint declaration’ made by GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN
to unite unconditionally at Monyukshu on July 15, calling it ‘historic’ and a ‘major boost’ towards fulfilment of ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ signed by the leaders of different Naga political groups.
In a joint statement today, the nine tribal hohos – Konyak Union, Khiamnungan Tribal Council, Chang Khulei Setshang, Yimchunger Tribal Council, Phom Peoples’ Council, United Sangtam Likhium Bamji, Sumi Hoho, Kuki Ingpi Nagaland and Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland – urged the leadership of the ‘merger group’ not to waver in their endeavours for true unity, reconciliation and peace so as to hasten the settlement of Indo-Naga political issue.
They also urged all like-minded Naga tribal hohos, civil societies and churches to extend their all out support and cooperation to strengthen the unity, reconciliation and peace process.
The hohos further called upon all other Naga political groups to abide and adhere to the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ in letter and spirit so as to bring about total unification, reconciliation and lasting peace amongst the Nagas.
The joint statement was signed by presidents of Konyak Union Khoiwang Wangsa, Sumi Hoho Hokishe Yepthomi, Kachari tribal Council SK Khemprai, Kuki Ingpi Nagaland Asat Doungel, Phom Peoples’ Council Hamnyei Phom, United Sangtam Likhium Bamji Serangmong, Chang Khulei Setshang N Kaimang, Khiamnungan Tribal Council vice president P Heno and Yimchunguru Tribal Council working president Kius Chuba.
NNC convenes general meet (EMN):
Dimapur, Jul 22 The Naga National Council (NNC) has decided to convene a general meeting of all the NNC Regions/ members in particular and the like minded people of the Nagas in general
to have serious deliberations in the best interest of the NNC and the Naga nation.
Informing this in a press statement, Kiumukam Yimchungrii, Convenor, NNC Publicity Committee, said NNC (Naga Political Institution) being the parent body of all the Naga people did its best for peace and unity in the Homeland was completely undermined and sideline by the factions and the NGOs in recent time.
It stated that a time has come for the NNC to rise up strongly again to defend and protect its historical and political rights of the Nagas at this critical and confusion juncture in the Naga Homeland.
The Central Authority (Office) has, therefore, called all the NNC Regions/ members and the like minded people of the Nagas to attend the proposed general meeting which would be held in the Eastern Region of Nagaland for the larger interest of all concerned. It stated that the time and place would be officially intimated to all concerned and Regions.
Press Media of all concerned are invited for the same and requested to do the needful publicity for the interest of the people in the Homeland.
NSCN(IM) crimes, SoO violations figure prominently in House The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 19: A total of 324 cases were registered since August 1, 1997 till June 30 this year against the General Secretary of the underground NSCN (IM) and its cadres in connection with crimes committed within the territory of Manipur.

This was mentioned by the chief minister O Ibobi Singh, who also holds the portfolio of the state Home Department, while replying to queries from the opposition MLA RK Anand of the MPP during question and answer hour of the ongoing state Assembly session today.

The chief minister in his reply before the House today mentioned that from time to time the state government had been registering FIR cases against the General Secretary of the NSCN (IM) and its cadres in connection with the crimes committed within the territory of Manipur.

Replying to further queries the chief minister clarified that out of the 324 cases registered against the NSCN(IM) cadres three cases were submitted in charge sheet, and 179 cases were returned in Final Report (FR) while 142 cases are pending.
Replying to queries of senior opposition MLA O Joy Singh, he mentioned that the state government had been monitoring the movements and activities in the state since the organization entered into a ceasefire with the Government of India during 1997.

The CM further mentioned that since the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM) has been confined to Nagaland, the NSCN(IM) had been treated as one of the underground organizations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act by the state government till today. He said it is because of the unchanged stand of the state government that the state government has taken a firm stand against the proposed visit of the general secretary of the outfit, even though he got a green signal from the Central Home ministry recently.

The stand of the state government to disallow entry to NSCN(IM) leader Th Muivah who was heading for his native village at Somdal village in Ukhrul district, by deploying heavy state forces at Mao and Jessami Junction neighbouring Nagaland for the last three months clearly indicated the state government’s opposition to the extension of NSCN(IM) ceasefire into the state, the CM said. The state government will never allow any external forces to disturb the territorial integrity of the state, he added.

To yet another question raised by MLA, N Mangi of the CPI which is part of the ruling bench, the chief minister replied that there are a total of 19 Kuki underground groups under the tripartite signing of Suspension of Operations (SoO).

He elaborated that the SoO between the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the Kuki underground groups operating in the state had materialized through two major frontal organizations including KNO and UPF.

The chief minister further mentioned that the government has completed construction of four designated camps for the organizations under the KNO at Chongkhozou, and Mongbung village in Churachandpur district, Chelep in Chandel district and Samsusang village in Ukhrul district. Besides, six designated camps for the organizations under the UPF were also constructed at Najang, N Phaisat, Mualvaiphei, New Lamka, P Gamnom and Unkhosou villages.

He said that as per the SoO there are a total of 800 cadres under KNO and 1000 cadres in the UPF. On the other hand, as per the agreement reached between the government and Kuki outfits the government is providing monthly allowances/ stipends of Rs. 5000 per month for the leaders and Rs. 3000 per cadre per month.

Senior Opposition MLA, O Joy of the MPP during supplementary questions drew the attention of the state government over the continuing violation of the ground rules of the SoO by different cadres of the Kuki underground by indulging in extortions, serving monetary demands and other violent activities in different parts of the state. He further urged the government to monitor the situation created by these cadres who are under the SoO.

In reply, the chief minister said that every reported untoward incident involving the Kuki underground under the SoO were monitored by a Joint Monitoring Group of the SoO headed by the Chief Secretary of Manipur, and constituted of the IGP, Intelligence of the state, officials concerned of the Assam Rifles, Army, CRPF and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Every violation of ground rules of the SoO were discussed in the meetings of the SoO and immediate action against violators were taken up from time to time as per the decision of the JMG meeting.
In reply to another question raised by MLA, T Hankhanpao, the chief minister said it is a fact that the SBI Chakpikarong branch in Chandel district had been closed down due to security reasons.

He clarified that the closure of the SBI branch at Chakpikarong sub-division in Chandel district was on account of extortion threats on the Branch Manager from suspected underground elements. The state government is pursuing the SBI for reopening of the said branch at an early date and there is no question of shifting of the SBI branch to somewhere else.

Replying to further supplementary questions, the chief minister further said the matter which led to the closure of the SBI branch at Chakpikarong has been taken seriously by the state government and in fact the state was not in a position to deploy armed personnel for the bank. However, with subsequent increase of state forces the government is looking forward to deliver the demands of the officials of SBI for armed personnel for the bank as soon as possible, he said.

Not only this, the state government is preparing for the opening of nationalized banks in different parts of blocks which are not having banking facilities. This strategy of the state government is a part of its venture to deliver all round development in the state, he added.

Four students killed in police firing in Assam Press Trust Of India
Guwahati, Jul 21 : At least four students were killed and 50 injured when police opened fire on rampaging protesters who tried to stop updating of the National Register of Citizens in Assam's Barpeta town today.
Trouble erupted when a group of All Assam Minority Students Union (AAMSU) activists pelted stones and set ablaze a building in the premises of the deputy commissioner's office in a bid to stop updating of NRC work in progress there.
Police opened fire when they failed to disperse them using teargas shells, Barpeta SP Debojyoti Mukherjee told PTI. He said three students died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.
The students thereafter went berserk and tried to attack shops and business establishments but police brought the situation under control, he said.
The injured were admitted to the Barpeta Civil Hospital and those with serious injuries to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.
The NRC is being updated to identify and enlist Indian citizens in the State. In March, the Assam Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to update the NRC of 1951 by taking 1971 electoral roll as the basis. PTI
Myanmar top leader to visit India Source: Xinhua
July 22, 2010: Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe will pay a goodwill visit to India in the near future, according to an official announcement from Nay Pyi Taw Thursday.
Without mentioning the date of the visit, Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, will make the trip at the invitation of Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the announcement said.
According to diplomatic sources, Than Shwe's visit, which is scheduled for July 25 to 29, will top the agenda on economic cooperation between the two countries and border security.
Than Shwe is expected to meet Pratibha and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi for bilateral talks.
In February 2009, Indian Vice-President Shri M. Hamid Ansari visited Nay Pyi Taw, during which Myanmar and India reached three memorandums of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation -- instrument of ratification on bilateral investment promotion and protection, establishment of an English language training center in Yangon with Indian assistance and setting up of an industrial training center in Myanmar's Pakkoku.
Ansari also inaugurated the first cross-border optical fiber telephone link between the two countries set up in Myanmar's second largest city of Mandalay.
The 7-million-U.S.-dollar high-speed broadband link for voice and data transmission connects Mandalay and India's border town of Moreh in Manipur which are separated by a distance of 500 kilometers. Moreover, Ansari inaugurated the Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Center set up at the Institute of Economics at the Hlaing University in Yangon.

Than Shwe to include Buddhist pilgrimage in official trip to India Khai Suu
New Delhi (Mizzima) – Burmese junta chief Senior General Than Shwe is to pay an official visit to India late this month, which is to include a visit to Bodh Gaya in Bihar State, where, according to Buddhist texts, Prince Siddharta Gautama is said to have achieved enlightenment following 49 days of meditation to become The Buddha.

The junta leader will meet Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and other ministers. The Indian embassy in Rangoon confirmed the expected visit of Burma’s head of state, but declined to give Mizzima further details.

Indian papers reported that the Burmese delegation’s trip would be from July 25-29.

The senior general’s 70-member entourage, including family members, will first visit the reputed site of the Buddha’s enlightenment before proceeding to New Delhi, the Indian capital.

“We learned from the Burmese embassy in India that the senior general will come here for a pilgrimage trip,” a monk in the Indian holy city of Varanasi, at least seven miles (11 kilometres) from the site of Buddha’s first sermon, told Mizzima.

Though India originally extended its support to Burma’s pro-democracy struggle led by Aung San Suu Kyi following the massacres by junta soldiers in 1988, New Delhi has since changed course, strengthening official relations and investing vast sums inside Burma in accord with its “Look East” policy developed during the 1990s.

Than Shwe last visited India in October 2004.