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08/30/2010: "NSCN (I-M) responds to AR says CF groundrules violated (NPN)"

NSCN (I-M) responds to AR says CF groundrules violated (NPN):

DIMAPUR, Reacting to the press statements of the Assam Rifles that appeared in the local dailies, the NSCN(I-M) has quoted some of the points in the AR statements such as:
That one NSCN(I-M) cadre was killed and five others apprehended during ‘Operation Namsa’ ; accusing the NSCN(I-M) of violating the cease fire ground rules ; that when surrounded by the AR, the NSCN(I-M)cadres inside the Namsa camp ran away besides charging the latter of using ‘unparliamentary language’. In response, the MIP of the NSCN(I-M) said that when its cadres were running away, meant that they were tried to avoid armed confrontation in honour of the cease fire agreement. The MIP pointed that running away was not due to fear or timidity rather, though not being boastful, if its cadres had wanted to fight “in conventional weapons combat, 5/6 of our boys can take on 30/40 Indian armed personnel”. Secondly, it asked whether there was any provision in the cease fire agreement by which the “Indian armed forces can carry on military operation in Nagaland during the cease fire period”. The MIP demanded to know what the AR meant by ‘operation’?
Thirdly, it said the word unparliamentary language which the AR accused the MIP of using were “hard truths” and whether describing the “killing and attacking innocent men are parliamentary language?”. It advised the AR not to be “too wise in your craftiness.” Further, the NSCN(I-M) claimed it could “boastfully say, that at present Nagalim is one of the islands of peace in the entire world” and asked why the government of India and particularly, the home ministry was instigating the AR “ to disturbed the peaceful atmosphere at Nagalim time and again?”

NBCC appeals for peace in Kiphire (NPN):
DIMAPUR, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), concerned over the situation in Kiphire district, has appealed to the leaders of Sangtams and Yimchungrüs to resolve the issue through peaceful method and honest dialogue in the name of Lord Jesus.
According to NBCC, major issues including road shows, land dispute, demand for separate district and displacement of about 200 Yimchungru families has affected Kiphire district.
Concerned over the situation, the NBCC had deputed its representatives, on a “Peace Mission”, to the conflict affected Kiphire and Pungro towns, from August 24 to 26, and met district administrators, church leaders, Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC), United Sangtam Likhüm Bümji (USLB) and public. “Substantial time was spent in prayer for healing and we appeal them for the restoration of peace,” said NBCC peace affairs director Rev. L. Kari Longchar in a press release.
NBCC said that it was good gesture on the part of USLB to call upon all displaced Yimchungrü people to return to Kiphire town.
Also, acknowledging the efforts of eight legislatures, from Eastern Nagaland Legislatures Union (ENLU), the NBCC said tension was diffused to some extent by the timely visit of legislators.
It, however, stated that legislatures were given ultimatum by the Yimchungrus that their demands be decided by the state government by August 31, 2010.
YTC, in a memorandum to state chief minister on August 16, had demanded to carve out a separate administrative district headquarters for the Yimchungrü tribe inclusive of all Yimchungrü inhabited areas of Tuensang and Kiphire districts.
“Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC) reiterated again and again that they will launch confrontation with appropriate course of action if the Govt. fails to meet their demand in the speculated time,” said Rev. L.Kari Longchar. With regard to this, the NBCC has requested the Nagaland government to heed to the psychology of the mass movement and respond with the best options within its capacity at the earliest.
On displaced people, the Church has sought for joint efforts by both the communities to bring back those 200 displaced Yimchungrü families to Kiphire. It also pleaded for restoration of harmonious relationship and caring community that was free from fear and mistrust.
It also requested the YTC to bear with the government and relax their ultimatum as “hundred years problem cannot be settled in one week’s time.” “Let both sides take no reckless steps which will render sensitive crisis unmanageable,” the NBCC remarked.

Kiphire Road Show called off
Citing the prevailing law and order situation in Kiphire district, the state cabinet has called off the Road Show scheduled for September 2 and 3 at Kiphire. According to an official notification, the state cabinet took the decision during its meeting on August 24.
Naga Hoho laments recent killings morungexpress
Dimapur, August 30 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today accused the 6th Assam Rifles and the 164 TA (NAGA) of “unruliness and high handedness” and violating the ceasefire ground rules on August 26, at Tizit in Mon district. An NSCN/GPRN cadre was reportedly shot dead and five others nabbed. The Naga Hoho also lamented the reported factional clash on August 26 that left a “civil worker” from GPRN/NSCN at Mekokla village in Wokha dead. It is yet another obstacle towards “covenant of Reconciliation,” the ‘hoho’ said.
“Whatever the justification and reasons that have been uttered by the AR, there is no rationalization over the killing of Naga Army. In this regard, the Naga Hoho earnestly urge upon the highest authority in the mainland to give proper route map to every Indian paramilitary forces who are stationed in Nagaland in order to lengthen the peaceful atmosphere and to bring permanent solution to the Indo-Naga political problem,” the Naga Hoho stated. A statement was received from the Naga Hoho’s leaders today.
The Naga tribal apex also lamented the August 26 factional clash and killing of a “civil worker” of the GPRN/NSCN in Wokha’s Mekokla village. The killing is yet another obstacle in the reconciliation process, the organization said. “…the Naga Hoho is perturbed to learn such clashes over petty differences. The Naga Hoho ardently appeals to all groups to restrain themselves in future from creating internal conflict within the Naga family.” Further, the Naga Hoho said it was “amazed” at the baseless allegations levelled against the chief minister of Nagaland by Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the Assam-Arunachal border conflict.
“…basing on the fact that Naga people has got nothing to do with the border clash between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. A man with such a stature, Mr Himanta should have a second thought to speak out such an unethical and unjustified accusation against the Chief Minister of Nagaland,” the statement said.
The Naga Hoho appeals to Himanta and the Government of Assam to maintain “age old sisterly relationship between the Assamese and the Naga people in all days to come.”

Large tracts of State land under Naga occupation Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 30 – Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) general secretary and chief spokesman Atul Bora today alleged that Nagaland has been encroaching upon thousands of hectares of Assam land in the A, B, C and D Sectors of Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat district. This is despite the hyperboles of the Assam Government that it would not allow the neighbouring states to encroach upon the State’s land.
Bora, who led a 60-member delegation of the regional party to the D-Sector of the Assam-Nagaland border today, said that Nagaland has already encroached upon around 24,635.83 hectares of land in the D-Sector, while about 18,365.74 hectares of Assam land has been grabbed by this neighbouring state in the A-Sector of the inter-state border, which is known also as the Diphu Reserve Forest.
Further, about 60 per cent of the around 17,152 hectares of land in the Dakhin Nambar Reserve Forest called the B-Sector of the Assam-Nagaland border, is under the encroachment of Nagaland. About 40 per cent land in this sector is under the possession of the people of doubtful nationality, Bora said.
In the Rengma Reserve Forest, which falls under B and C –Sectors of the Assam-Nagaland border, about 40 per cent of its total 13,921.68 hectares is under the encroachment of the people of doubtful nationality and about 30 per cent of its land is under the possession of Nagaland, alleged the AGP chief spokesman.
The CRPF personnel deployed along the Assam-Nagaland border as members of a neutral force, are not behaving in an impartial manner. Rather they are siding with the Naga miscreants, said the AGP spokesman referring to the allegations of the people living on the Assam side of the border.
The Assam Government should ensure safety of the life and property of the people living on the Assam side of the inter-state border as well as encroachment-free inter-state borders. The neutrality of the CRPF should also be ensured, said the AGP spokesman.
The AGP team which included its organising secretary Dr Nripen Barua and central executive committee member Amiya Bora, among others, besides the AGP spokesman, was told by the local people of Mikir Basti Jyotipathar that the Naga miscreants set fire to the dwelling house of Powal Handique on the night of August 27. The miscreants also abducted a woman Mina Teron from the village, which falls in the D-Sector of the Assam-Nagaland border.
Later, the women of the Mikir Basti Jyotipathar rescued Mina Teron. But the CRPF personnel posted in the area paid no heed to the complaint made by the people living in villages on the Assam side, Bora said referring to the allegation of these people.
On Saturday last, the Golaghat Superintendent of Police visited the affected village along with a police party and made the Nagaland authorities assure that they would construct the house of Powal Handique. But this assurance of the Nagaland authorities has made the residents of Mikir Basti suspect that this would provide a new handle to the Nagaland authorities to claim Assam land.
Bora said, referring to this apprehension of the people of this village that the Assam Government should construct the house of Handique under the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY)
Onus on govt to start dialogue Al Ngullie Morungexpress
| Dimapur | The government of Nagaland is advised to start dialogue and initiate inter-community interactions with, for and between the Sangtam and Yimchunger communities to resolve a current dispute over a sub-division in Kiphire, Pungro town. Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) said tonight that civil society can contribute to peace-building and thaw the current tensions. But, NBCC Peace Affairs Director Reverend Kari Longchar said tonight, it is the onus of the state government to initiate the process of dialogue and interaction between the two peoples.
Inter-tribe tensions in Kiphire is reported yet to ebb ever since the two communities broached confrontation each claiming Pungro, a township, after the state announced a government event there, earlier in August. At the time of filing this news report Monday, the government had cancelled the road show for Kiphire. The decision concurred with the demands of law and order in the district after situation refused to settle, and with about a reported 250 families fleeing Kiphire.
All ‘government orders, judgments and directives’ are with the government but they should not be the means to solving the dispute, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council said. Rather, the Baptist apex urged, the government should take the route of dialogue and commence it at the earliest. “Basically, it (resolution of issue) is in the hands of the government; judgments, orders and directives are with the government. But they alone won’t do; it (government) must involve and start negotiations,’ Rev. Longchar told The Morung Express Monday late evening.
The NBCC, with civil society, assured to complement the process of resolution: ‘While the government is trying its best to tackle the situation, we have told all fellow pastors and churches to bring back the displaced people.’ The state is cautioned to tread the line ‘carefully’ and not go in headlong with ‘government orders, judgments and directives’ (pertinent to issues of ownership over the land in question). The church on its part, Rev. Longchar said, can only be in defusing the situation between the contending communities.
The church leader also surmised the number of displaced people who fled Kiphire to be anywhere from 200 to 250 families. There probably are only about 5-6 complete families of a particular community in Kiphire left, Rev. Longchar estimated. He has appealed for joint efforts of both Sangtam and Yimchunger peoples to ‘bring back’ the displaced citizens.
“Let both sides take no reckless steps which will render the sensitive crisis unmanageable,” the NBCC said. Associated with efforts to thaw the current situation, a team of NBCC leaders were in Kiphire and Pungro August 24-26. Rev. Longchar said the group visited conflict-affected areas where issues of “road shows, land dispute, separate district and displacement” emerged the major issues.
The team met district administrators, church leaders, Yimchungru Tribal Council, USLB and the public as also conducting prayers.
“Initiating peace move, USLB has appealed to all displaced Yimchungru people to return to Kiphire town which is a good gesture. Tension was diffused to some extent by the timely visit of eight legislatures from Eastern Nagaland Legislatures Union,” the NBCC said in a separate statement. “NBCC therefore request the Nagaland Govt. to heed to the psychology of the mass movement and respond with the best options within its capacity at the earliest,” the church advised.
“Once again we appeal in the name of our Lord Jesus to the leaders of Sangtams and Yimchungrus to resolve the issue with the peaceful method and honest dialogue which will produce best solution for immediate neighbors who will continue to live together now and even in the coming generations.”
The church also appealed for joint efforts of both Sangtam and Yimchunger peoples to ‘bring back’ the displaced citizens to the district. “With regard to the displaced people, we appeal to provide joint efforts by both communities to bring back those 200 displaced Yimchungru families to Kiphire and restore harmonious relationship and caring community free from fear and mistrust,” NBCC said.
With the reminder that a “hundred years problem cannot be settled in one week’s time” the church has appealed for patience. “Let both sides take no reckless steps which will render sensitive crisis unmanageable,” the NBCC church said.
NSCN/GPRN wants answers from AR over shootout morungexpress
Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim has responded to the press note given out by the Assam Riffles published in the August 28th August 2010 issue of local papers wherein the AR stated that ‘One NSCN Cadre was killed’ and ‘five’ others apprehended during the ‘operation in Namsa’. “They wrote that NSCN violated the ‘Ceasefire ground rules’ and that the NSCN were using ‘un-parliamentary language’ on the 27th issue of local papers”, stated a press note from the MIP while adding that the Assam Rifles had themselves stated that when they surrounded the Namsa NSCN Camp there inmates ‘run away’.
“The first point, the Naga Army in the Namsa Camp were running away, which means the Naga Army tried to avoid arm confrontation in honor of the ceasefire agreement”, stated the MIP note adding that it did not mean that the Naga Army were “timid or afraid of the AR”. According to the MIP note, if the Naga Army personal wanted to fight without boasting, “in conventional weapons combat 5/6 of our boys can take on 30/40 Indian armed personnel”.
On the so called ‘Operation in Namsa’, the MIP note wanted to know if there were any provisions in the ceasefire agreement that “Indian Armed forces can carry on Military operation in Nagaland during the ceasefire period”. “What did they meant ‘Operation’ we want to know”!
On the claim that the NSCN/GPRN had been using un-parliamentary, the MIP note wanted to know as to whether “killing and attacking innocent men” was “parliamentary language”. “Don’t be too wise in your craftiness”, the MIP note stated.
The NSCN/GPRN also stated that at present “Nagalim is one of the Islands of peace in the entire World” and wondered as to why the Government of India particularly the Home Ministry was “instigating the AR to disturb the peaceful atmosphere at Nagalim time again”.

NSCN (I-M) responds to AR says CF groundrules violated, (NPN):
DIMAPUR Reacting to the press statements of the Assam Rifles that appeared in the local dailies, the NSCN(I-M) has quoted some of the points in the AR statements such as:
That one NSCN(I-M) cadre was killed and five others apprehended during ‘Operation Namsa’ ; accusing the NSCN(I-M) of violating the cease fire ground rules ; that when surrounded by the AR, the NSCN(I-M)cadres inside the Namsa camp ran away besides charging the latter of using ‘unparliamentary language’. In response, the MIP of the NSCN(I-M) said that when its cadres were running away, meant that they were tried to avoid armed confrontation in honour of the cease fire agreement. The MIP pointed that running away was not due to fear or timidity rather, though not being boastful, if its cadres had wanted to fight “in conventional weapons combat, 5/6 of our boys can take on 30/40 Indian armed personnel”. Secondly, it asked whether there was any provision in the cease fire agreement by which the “Indian armed forces can carry on military operation in Nagaland during the cease fire period”. The MIP demanded to know what the AR meant by ‘operation’?
Thirdly, it said the word unparliamentary language which the AR accused the MIP of using were “hard truths” and whether describing the “killing and attacking innocent men are parliamentary language?”. It advised the AR not to be “too wise in your craftiness.” Further, the NSCN(I-M) claimed it could “boastfully say, that at present Nagalim is one of the islands of peace in the entire world” and asked why the government of India and particularly, the home ministry was instigating the AR “ to disturbed the peaceful atmosphere at Nagalim time and again?”

‘Assam Minister should apologize’ morungexpress
Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): The Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Chumben Murry, who is also the president of NCP has refuted the statement of Assam Government’s spokesperson and cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sharma alleging that Neiphiu Rio is behind all the problems in North East. He said that Sharma should apologize for his unbecoming allegations.
Dr. Chumben Murry laments over factional clash
“…it reflects ignorance of the Minister on issues surrounding his state and may do him well to analyse why Assam is one NE state who has border problems with all its neighbours. Secondly, such baseless and malicious allegation will only boomerang on himself and his dignity,” he said in a press note.
He also added that it was “a big surprise”, reading about the allegations over Chief Minister; Neiphiu Rio. He said that Rio is the most charismatic Chief Minister of the North East. “Wherever and wherever opportunity presents, he is one who creates congenial atmosphere.”
Moreover, Murry has lamented over the factional clash in at Mekokla under Wokha District where one Zaremo Odyuo was killed.
Murry stated that the incident is indeed a very painful episode. “At a time when the whole of Nagaland is talking about peace and reconciliation the concerned people should have resorted to resolving any issue without violence. NCP Nagaland appeals to all undergrounds stationed in Wokha District to heed to the voice of the people and advocate and maintain peace,” he said.
The note also mentioned that NCP Nagaland condemns the action of the Paramilitary forces in the Namsa incident on August 26.
“As instrument of law and order, the Assam Rifles should have used other platforms and method to resolve the issue rather than through bloodshed. This is the demand of cease fire. NCP Nagaland also joins others in appealing to all concern to observe the laid down ground rules and restrain from violence. This is the supreme voice of the people of Nagaland,” the note said.
Another truck burnt down, 300 trucks still stranded Kangla Online
IMPHAL, Aug 29: After yesterday’s torching of a truck along NH-39, yet another truck, this time a loaded one, has been burnt down by some person suspected to be economic blockade supporters.
The truck was set ablaze at Pfurophe area between Mao and Tadubi in Senapati district along national highway – 39 this morning around 10.30am.
The truck bearing registration number MN-NL-07-A-2285 bound for Imphal had been parking at Pfurophe area due to a mechanical failure since August 27.
According to handyman of the truck, one Suresh Kumar, the truck belongs to one Md Majahar of Dimapur, Nagaland and it was loaded with flour at Dimapur. The flour item had to be unloaded at Churachandpur, Manipur.
According to him, four unidentified persons came riding a Tata Sumo at the spot where the truck had been stranded.
Suresh Kumar further said all the unidentified men were armed with firearms and threatened him for plying the vehicle during the economic blockade.
The unidentified men also demanded Rs. 1 lakh for passing the route during economic blockade. Immediately after the demand was made, one amongst them poured petrol on the truck and started setting fire to the front portion, Suresh revealed.
Any major damage was however prevented as personnel of the 5 AR and Mao police reached the spot in time and put out the fire and saved the truck.
In the meantime, about 300 loaded trucks bound for Manipur are stranded at Nagaland side waiting for security escorts.
A reliable source said twin incidents of setting trucks on fire by suspected economic blockade supporters along NH-39 during the past 24 hours has caused apprehension amongst truckers whether to ply vehicles along the route or not.





Naga Hoho urges proper ‘route map’ to security forces Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, AUG 30 (EMN): The Naga Hoho today urged the ‘highest authority’ at the centre to give proper ‘route map’ to its security forces operating in Nagaland to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere is not vitiated and the peace process is not jeopardised.
In a press statement issued by its president and general secretary Keviletuo Kiewhuo and P Chuba Ozukum, the Naga Hoho termed the August 26 incident at Tizit, wherein an NSCN/GPRN cadre was shot dead and five others nabbed, as a violation of the ceasefire ground-rules due to ‘unruliness and high handedness on the part of a joint team of 6 Assam Rifles and the 164 TA (NAGA)’. It firmly stated that whatever justification or reason is given by the AR, there can be ‘no rationalisation over the killing of Naga Army’.
In this regard, the Naga Hoho urged upon ‘the highest authority in the mainland to give proper route map to every Indian Para Military Forces who are stationed in Nagaland in order to lengthen the peaceful atmosphere and to bring permanent solution to the Indo-Naga political problem’.
On Mekokla clash
With regard to the factional clash which resulted in the killing of a ‘civil worker from GPRN/NSCN’ on August 26 at Mekokla village, the Naga Hoho said ‘it is yet another obstacle towards Covenant of Reconciliation’ for which, it said, it is perturbed.
The Naga Hoho appealed to all groups to restrain themselves from creating internal conflict within the Naga family.
On Assam minister’s statement
The Naga Hoho has stated that it is ‘amazed’ to learn of the baseless allegations levelled against the Chief Minister of Nagaland by Assam Health Minister and Spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sarma with regard to the Assam-Arunachal border conflicts, particularly as the Naga people have got nothing to do with the border clash between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Maintaining that a person of such stature ‘should have a second thought to speak out such an unethical and unjustified accusation’, the Naga Hoho appealed to Mr Sarma and the Government of Assam to maintain age-old sisterly relationship between the Assamese and the Naga people in all days to come.
Kuki rebels for BTC model Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 30 : The United Kuki Liberation Front, one of the signatories of the SoO, has urged the Government of India to create a Kuki Council on the lines of the Bodoland Territorial Council. It has also sought the setting up of a regiment for the cadres of the armed groups under SoO and to christen it Kuki Regiment.
A memorandum to this effect has been submitted to the Government by the Committee on Friendship Peace and Development, Chandel district on behalf of the outfit today.
The model of the BTC will come under the name of Kuki (Khulmi) Development Council. Other models mooted include the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council of Assam.
The memorandum signed by the chairman cum ‘commander-in-chief’ of the outfit, Lhunkhoson alias SS Haokip was submitted under the initiative and guidance of BJP MP Bijoya Chakravarty.


NDFB demands ransom Sentinel
From a Correspondent
RANGAPARA, Aug 30: The NDFB today demanded Rs 1 crore from the family members of the two abducted train drivers — Nirmal Chandra Borgohain (52) and his assistant Ajit Chiring Phukan (38) — for their safe release. According to sources, the militants contacted the family members of the two railway employees through their mobile phones.
Karen party flags readiness to join forces with USDP Mizzima News

Rangoon (Mizzima) – An ethnic Karen party has signalled its readiness to form an alliance with a controversial junta-backed party, according to its chairman. Some members have expressed disdain for such a deal.

Kayin People’s Party leaders (from left) general secretary Say Wah, second vice-chairman Aye Ko, chairman Tun Aung Myint and first vice-chairman Dr. Sai Mon Tha gather at party headquarters in Shwepyitha Township, Rangoon Division, today, August 30, 2010. Photo: Mizzima
The Kayin People’s Party (KPP), with headquarters in Shwepyitha Township, Rangoon Division, was willing to join forces with the main junta-supported party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, KPP chairman Tun Aung Myint, a retired Burmese Navy commander, said. The USDP was set up by current Prime Minister Thein Sein and other recently retired senior military officers.

The USDP membership is drawn mainly from the junta’s often-violent, anti-democratic organisation, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), which was recently transformed into the political party.

“The USDP was formed systematically, the party is strong and we can accept their policies so the USDP is not our competitor. We are ready to form an alliance with them [USDP members],” Tun Myint Aung told Mizzima.

The ethnic Karen party’s leaders said it could collect nearly 6,000 members, most of whom were retired servicemen and junta civil servants.

It was also their belief that the forthcoming elections on November 7, would be free and fair, they said.

Party general secretary and a former police chief, Say Wah, outlined some of the the KPP’s policy agenda. If the party won seats in the elections, it would try to bring peace to Karen State, he said.

“We can’t establish democracy immediately. I think the army is systematically retreating from politics by promising the elections,” he said. “We will try to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor of our country. We will provide an equal-opportunity education and health-care systems.”

The party has 40 candidates, a party member said. Among them, Tun Aung Myint will stand for a Rangoon seat in the States and Divisions Assembly and Say Wah is to contest the seat of Taungoo, a city in Pegu Division, for the National Assembly.

Second vice-chairman and retired deputy army commander of Arakan State, Aye Ko, will contest in Twantay Township, Rangoon Division, for the People’s Assembly. First vice-chairman Dr. Sai Mon Tha will stand in Irrawaddy Division for a States and Divisions Assembly seat, a party spokesman said.

Some party members said on condition of anonymity that they were against the policy of an alliance with the junta-backed USDP.
Junta seizes KIO medicines as armed clashes loom Phanida Mizzima

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Junta military security and police this morning seized a year’s supply of medicines from a Kachin rebel motorboat docked on the Irrawaddy River in the Kachin State capital of Myitkyina, the boat’s skipper said.

The seizure comes amid heightened tensions between the ethnic peoples of the northern Burmese state led by the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the Burma’s ruling military junta, which is raising the ante over the KIO’s continued rejection of the order for it to bring its Kachin Independence Army (KIA) under junta command within the Border Guard Force (BGF) by September 1.

Adding to the strain, the KIA were gearing up for war on Friday while a majority of participants at a Kachin congress again rejected disarming despite a junta threat to end the ceasefire between the two sides, spokesmen said.

Analysts said the medicine seizures were designed to apply more pressure on the KIO.

Valued at an estimated 1.6 million kyat (about US$1,600), the drugs were confiscated by Military Affairs Security officials and officers from Police Station No.1 from the boat owned by the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) as it was moored at Kuthu Pier at about 9 a.m., the skipper said.

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) doctor Yaw Han had bought the drugs from the Saunghayman pharmacy in Myitkyina for the clinic at Htainnan village in Putao District where the KIA’s 7th Battalion was based, he said.

“We used to carry rice, cooking oil, salt, medicine and food. I don’t know why they confiscated the medicines this time,” the skipper said on condition of anonymity. “The authorities also warned us that they would arrest the boat’s owner and skipper next time, if they found medicines were carried.”

Yaw Han told the authorities he and the villagers had difficulty getting to Myitkyina from the village, which was why he had bought enough medicines for a year. The Military Affairs Security officers and police replied that they had confiscated the medicines in accord with orders from their superiors – that the Kachin were banned from carrying any medicine or food (on the river).

The confiscated medicines locked up at Myitkyina Police Station No. 1. The authorities told the KIO that they would return the medicines only if they received orders to that effect, sources said.

KIO leaders asked the junta why the medicines had been confiscated, but the junta had failed to reply.