11/30/2010: ""

Imchen says govt cannot tell UGs to stop collection (NPN):

DIMAPUR,Home minister Imkong L. Imchen has expressed the government’s inability to ask the Naga underground factions to stop collecting money from the public as they (NSCN factions) have entered into Ceasefire Agreement with the Government of India and accorded official recognition by the latter.
“Since they were accorded official recognition, we cannot also ask them to stop collecting money as they have to sustain, but their prevailing means is not a correct way,” Imchen said addressing a press conference at his office chamber in Kohima Monday.
Disapproving the way money was collected from the public, Imchen suggested that there could be some transparent and accountable way of collection such as openly publishing the required amount for collection which he said would invite many people to come forward.
The home minister said that the police and administration called the current system of collection as “extortion” while the undergrounds called it “taxation” and making the public suffer.
Since statehood, all political parties in the state have been strong supporters of the Naga issue and they have not said that the undergrounds should not collect money, Imchen said. On the frequent accusation by neighbouring states that Nagaland was exporting insurgency, the home minister denied it and asserted it was the opposite.
He said the tow NSCN factions cannot deny their association with the many insurgent groups from neighbouring Assam and Manipur which were operating in Dimapur. Imchen said that the Naga groups would better serve and work for the Naga cause if they avoided such association.
The home minister claimed Nagaland was the most peaceful state in the country today and far better than even the capital Delhi.
He described it as ‘prejudice and discriminating’ that anything that takes place in Nagaland was called a law and order problem whereas it was called political in Jammu and Kashmir.

New CFMG chief likely Nagaland page

Kohima, November 29: The Centre is likely to replace Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Mandhata as chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group.
Sources said the Center has not extended Gen Mandhata tenure as chairman of the ceasefire monitoring group. It is not known who will be the next chairman of CFMG.
Gen. Mandhata took over the chairman of CFMG last year from Lt. Gen. Kulkarni. (Page News Service)

NSCN-IM backs out of meet OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has backed out of the ongoing Naga reconciliation meet at Chiang Mai, Thailand, providing yet another hiccup to the peace process.
The meeting, under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Quakers from the UK, began at Chiang Mai yesterday. Representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN), formerly known as NSCN (Khaplang), and Federal Government of Nagaland (Singnyu faction) are attending in the absence of representatives from NSCN (Isak-Muivah).
A statement received here this afternoon from Chiang Mai stated that the first session of the Joint Working Group meeting with members of FNR and Quakers ended on a positive note.
The JWG includes members from NSCN, GPRN/NSCN and FGN (S).
“As mandated by the Naga organisations, the Church and civil society, the GPRN/NSCN and the FGN have resolved to prepare highest level meeting within the stipulated time of 45 days,” the statement stated.
On November 18, a meeting was held at Dimapur where representatives from over 40 Naga organisations urged the factions to let the top leaders meet within 45 days to salvage the fragile reconciliation process.
The GPRN/NSCN, however, told The Telegraph that chairman of the outfit, S.S. Khaplang’s arrival would not be easy as he lives in the jungles of Myanmar. But a senior kilonser of the outfit, C. Singson Kuki, said their chairman would visit Nagaland by February next year.
On September 28, general secretary of NSCN (I-M) Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of GPRN/NSCN and president of FGN, S. Singnyu, had met at Dimapur.
The demand of the Naga organisations, however, is that the chairmen of NSCN (I-M) and GPRN/NSCN should also meet. Swu had already spoken to his old comrade-turned-foe at least twice in 2008.
“We missed the presence of the NSCN/GPRN at this meeting. Therefore, we earnestly called upon the NSCN/GPRN to join us in the preparation of the highest level meeting,” the statement issued by Zoperavero, convenor of the joint working group of FGN, and C. Singson, convenor of GPRN/NSCN.
When contacted, NSCN (I-M) spokesman A.Z. Jami, kilonser (minister) for information and publicity, said the reason could be because of non-presence of Khaplang. The outfit has been insisting all these years that Khaplang, Swu and Muivah should meet to give impetus to the peace and reconciliation process.
The trio had formed the NSCN in January 1980 but split in 1988 after bloody internal feud where over 200 loyalists of Swu and Muivah were killed in the jungles of then Burma. Since then there have been fratricidal killings between the two factions.
Parallel census in Dimapur - Khaplang faction conducts headcount of non-Nagas OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kohima, Nov. 22: A Naga separatist group has started a parallel census of non-Nagas in Dimapur district since the first week of November even as the state government is gearing up for the second phase of Census 2011.
Sources said the NSCN (K) which is now known as “GPRN/NSCN” (Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland) had taken this unauthorised and illegal headcount to identify and record the number of non-Naga households.
A similar exercise had been conducted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN for the past couple of years in Naga-inhabited areas.
State government officials said they did not know anything about the parallel census.
The outfit had issued a release directing its regional authorities to conduct a survey of non-Nagas residing in Nagaland.
The GPRN/NSCN has entrusted gaonburas (headmen), chairmen, ward members and elders of the colonies in Dimapur to carry out surveys of non-Nagas.
Gaonburas are appointed by the state government. They are undertaking headcount of non-locals called “household and members of non-local 2010-11” in their respective jurisdictions.
Under this exercise, every non-Naga household has to buy a registration form by paying anything between Rs 120 and Rs 150 and submit it after filling in to those in charge of their colonies, villages or wards.
In case of shops ran by non-local traders, the surveyors quickly take down the details and charge the shopowner Rs 300.
This headcount includes all non-locals, including the employees of state and central governments and public sector undertakings.
In the registration forms it is mentioned that any crime perpetrated by non-locals will be the sole responsibility of the gaonburas, village council chairmen, ward members and elders if not registered.
The form also mentioned that any crime committed by registered non-locals should be immediately reported to the “undersigned” through the proper channel.
Sources said this exercise by the separatist group was another form of extortion from innocent people.
Financial package will not solve the Nagaland problem’ Tehelka
A decade-long ceasefire hasn’t solved anything. NSCN(K) members tell AVALOK LANGER that the Indian government has failed to broker peace because it is yet to understand the aspirations of the people

In 1980, disputes over the Shillong Accord saw Isak Chisi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and SS Khaplang break away from the Naga National Council, which was fighting for Naga sovereignty, to form the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). However, the unity among the trio didn’t last for long and eight years later, the outfit spilt into two. With the real reasons for the split known only to the big three, Nagaland was divided between the factions. With neither group ready to change its name, the media dubbed them NSCN (Isak Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang) to put an end to the confusion. Though the debate as to who is the real deal rages on, the media-assigned suffix will have to do for now.
In a frank chat at a police guesthouse on the outskirts of Dimapur, Ceasefire Supervising Board (CFSB) supervisor Wangtin Naga, secretary Kideon V Zhimomi, and Kilonsers (ministers of the NSCN(K) parallel government) C Singsong Kuki and Jack Jimomi explained the ambitions of the organisation. Excerpts from the interview:
What motivates you? Is it Naga sovereignty?
KUKI The situation in Nagaland is a case of invasion. Like the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan, we were invaded by India. We are fighting for our historical sovereignty. We are fighting to bring all Nagas under one administrative umbrella. On one front, we want to consolidate all Naga-dominated areas of India (Nagaland and the Naga majority districts of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) and simultaneously, we are trying to bring the Nagas of Myanmar under this umbrella (Northern Myanmar is Naga dominated) to create a Naga homeland.
Why do you have a socialist tag in your outfit’s name? Does it have anything to do with Chinese support or communism?
The socialism we are talking about refers to the role played by the people in a traditional Naga society. Historically, the Nagas have followed a form of direct democracy where all decisions are taken collectively through a vote; the power is with the people. The ‘socialist’ in our name has nothing to do with communism; it is based on the collective decision-making of the Nagas. (Even today, decisions are taken through organisations such as the Naga Hohos and village councils).
How does your organisation generate funds?
NAGA As a government of the people, we collect taxes. We collect house tax, we tax government employees (15-25 percent of their salaries), we generally collect 2-3 percent from contractors per project, but never more than 5 percent, and of course, we receive donations. Everyone identifies with the cause. They know what we are fighting for and they have no qualms about making voluntary contributions.
I have heard many stories of extortion. Does that happen?
KUKI In a family, there is always some black sheep. Our government has not issued any such directive that allows extortion. It is done at an individual level.
Do you undertake any developmental work?
NAGA The international border with Myanmar has been arbitrarily created. It divides the Nagas and therefore the situation on either side of the border is drastically different. The Burmese Nagas are very backward; they have no water, no electricity, no government machinery to look after them. It is the NSCN(K) that looks after their welfare, their education, the church and their medical treatment. It is our soldiers who interact with them directly and look after their basic needs.

Civilian lives (From left): Jack Jimomi, Kideon Zhimomi, Wangtin Naga and Singsong Kuki
PHOTO: AVALOK LANGER

Are you able to cross into Myanmar easily?
It is an open border and we are able to move across freely (Rumour has it that the NSCN(K) controls the Naga section of Myanmar and not the Burmese government).
‘Factional leaders need to be sincere and stop using reconciliation as a tool to gain political mileage. No one leader is inferior or superior’
Many say that reconciliation between the factions is imperative. The ceasefire with India has been there for 13 years but the people are caught between warring factions.
NAGA When a husband and wife are not on good terms, it is always the children who suffer. Though the atmosphere of the 18 September meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was positive, reconciliation is only possible if the groups understand the meaning of it and realise that no one group represents the people. The Nagas have changed a lot. Today, we are aware and educated, and the people can no longer be taken for granted. Leaders need to be sincere and stop using reconciliation as a tool to gain political mileage. Reconciliation is about leaders coming together and giving up their authority to the will of the people. No one is superior or inferior. The process has to be inclusive. Otherwise, we won’t be able to move forward.
What is the best solution for the Naga issue?
KUKI Let us not talk about a solution at this juncture. The aspirations of the Nagas are well known. A solution is possible only if the Indian government is interested in understanding the heart, mind and soul of the Naga people, rather than imposing a solution on us. They need to look at the issue from up close, recognise and understand the ambitions of the Nagas before coming to the discussion table. Why can’t they discuss sovereignty? What is the big deal in discussing this? Is the Indian government so insecure? Simply offering a (financial) package is not a solution.
The movement has been out of the jungles for 10 years. As development slowly creeps into Nagaland, do you feel that your cadres will return to the forests if the ceasefire is lifted?
JIMOMI The issue of Naga identity and sovereignty predates the idea of development. If the present peace process with the Indian government fails and they lift the ceasefire, all 100 percent of the cadres won’t return to the jungle. The support is there and slowly we will grow and become even more powerful.
If you don’t mind me asking, I am sitting here in a police guesthouse talking to four underground members. How is it possible?
NAGA Well, basically right now, we are under ceasefire and being the CFSB supervisor, I have access to the guesthouse and therefore we can meet here. But, do you think that there is any real difference between us and the police? It is just that they can’t point their guns at India, but their aspirations are the same.
National Integration Camp begins in Imphal Source:
A five-day-long National Integration Camp began here on Tuesday with 150 people participating from Nagaland, Tripura, Bihar and Manipur.
The camp is organised by a social body Nehru Yuva Kendra.
Participants appreciated the mingling of different cultures.
"This is the right time that some states, they interchange their cultures, costumes and then they come to know each other. Until and unless we share our views and come forward to know each other, then it will be very hard for us to integrate," said Dameichung, a participant from Manipur's Churachandpur District.
"It is like different-different flowers in the same garden. Like that we are also united through the cultural programme. I wish we can come closer and closer and lastly we can have unity and peaceful co-existence, not only in India but in the whole world," said Paridesh, a participant from Tripura.
S. Bobby Devi, a participant from Manipur's Bishenpur District believed that such camps are very informative as they get to learn many new things.
"We have gained knowledge, which we do not get through education. Only through such event on integration gives a practical insight of the knowledge," said Devi.
Cultural and interactive programmes are major events that would take place during the five-day camp. (ANI)
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United NAGA COUNCIL
Tahamzam, Senapati.
Email: uncnagalim@gmail.com

Dated Tahamzam: 29th November, 2010

Dear Sir/Madam,

The Government of India (GoI) has responded with a proposal for tripartite talk of the Government of Manipur, the United Naga Council and the Government of India to the Memorandum submitted to the Hon’ble Prime of India on the 14th of September, 2010 by the United Naga Council for intervention of the GoI with an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas in the present State of Manipur. It has since been agreed that the talk would be held on the 3rd of December, 2010 at Tahamzam (Senapati) and the time has been tentatively fixed at 11.AM

While informing you of the event, we also request you to kindly arrange for coverage of the same by your esteemed agency/daily/network.

We enclose copy of the above 14th September, 2010 memorandum and the copy of the Ministry of Home Affairs letter dated 24th November, 2010 confirming the tripartite talk for your reference.

With warm regards
Publicity Wing United Naga Council
MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO
HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER, DR MANMOHAN SINGH, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA,
BY THE UNITED NAGA COUNCIL
DATED NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
Subject: SEVERING THE TIES THAT BIND - DEMAND FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENT.
Hon’ble Sir,
We the undersigned, for and on behalf of the Nagas in the present state of Manipur, once again come before your esteemed office to draw your urgent attention to the subject cited above for your immediate intervention.
That, on 1st July, 2010, the Nagas in the present State of Manipur resolved through its highest decision making forum, the Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC), that Nagas will sever all political ties with the communal Government of Manipur (GoM), and therefore, the vacuum in governance and administration created thereby must be filled with an alternative arrangement by the Government of India (GoI) in consultation with the Naga people at the earliest possible time. It was also declared that the imposed Autonomous District Councils election is “null & void” and under no circumstances shall the district councils be allowed to function in the Naga areas.
This drastic decision was necessitated by the unmistakable fact that it had become impossible for the Nagas to protect their right to life, land, time-honored institutions, customary practices and values under the administration of the dominant and communal GoM, as their history has clearly confirmed the harsh reality that the GoM has never recognized and respected their identity and dignity.
A copy of the above mentioned resolution of the Nagas was electronically communicated to your good office on 3rd July, 2010.
Sir, it is necessary to draw your attention to the historical fact that the Nagas in the present state of Manipur were independent of the Manipur Maharaja. A dual system of administration for the Hills and the Valley came into existence after the British annexed the Meitei kingdom of Manipur in 1891. This system continued even after 1949 when the Meitei kingdom was merged with the Indian Union along with the hill areas, without the knowledge and consent of the Nagas and other tribal people. This indicated that the indisputable separateness between the Nagas and the people from Manipur Valley was recognized even then.
The Nine Point Agreement of June 1947 signed between Sir Akbar Hydari, Governor of Assam, and the Naga National Council (NNC) clearly envisaged and recognized the right of the Nagas to live together under a single united administration. Further, the thirteenth clause of the Sixteen Point Agreement, 1960, between the GoI and the Naga Peoples’ Convention testified to India’s standing commitment to the consolidation of contiguous Naga areas.
The Nagas in Manipur have always opposed their inclusion within Manipur. As far back as 1948, the Nagas in Manipur under the Naga National League (NNL) had made their stand clear that they will not be part of Manipur since the latter had never conquered the Nagas; that it would be impossible for the Nagas to preserve their culture, tradition, customary laws and political practices should the Nagas and their land be split up and placed under different administrative units. The NNL expressed their strong desire to merge with the Naga Hills District of Assam through the boycott of the preparation of electoral rolls in Naga areas in Manipur.
The Nagas further launched the “No House Tax Campaign” refusing to pay the annual House Tax to the Government of Manipur and instead submitted their annual house tax to Charles Pawsey, D.C. of Naga Hills of Assam at Kohima. The campaign was forcibly suppressed resulting in the death of three Nagas and the wounding of many. It may be recalled that, for the second time, the Hill House Tax-2006 of Naga households living in the present state of Manipur was not submitted to the GoM but to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s office on 7th July 2006 to show the Naga’s strong desire to live together as one people.
It is unimaginable that in the land of Mahatma Gandhi, Nagas have suffered so much violence —rape, torture, killings, and destruction of property through militarization and imposition of draconian laws like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958—and that Nagas have become victims of the same colonizing policies which Gandhiji fought and won through non-violence.
The disrespect for the rights and aspiration of the Nagas and their continued suppression forced the Nagas to defend themselves. We now come before you to help us avoid a violent conflagration that the Nagas in Manipur are faced with at this juncture.
Apart from the brutal suppression of the rightful demands of the Nagas, legal enactments supposedly passed for the welfare of the tribals in the hill areas, rather than enhancing tribal autonomy and strengthening their traditional independent institutions or self governance, were surreptitiously introduced to create space for interference by the state. It has led to land alienation, extermination of culture of the tribals and systematic bureaucratization, exploitation and discrimination against them by the state and the dominant community of Manipur. For the tribals, all the legal enactments in the guise of protecting their rights exist only in name and they have become instruments for serving the interest of the Meiteis. Laws such as the Manipur Village Authorities (Hill Areas) Act, 1956; the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960; the Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs’ Rights) Act, 1966; the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971; the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Act 2002, etc have led to the erosion of our rights. Further, constitutional provisions such as Art 371-C which provides for some form of protection of the interests and rights of the tribals in Manipur have been completely and intentionally ignored.
Hon’ble Sir, the tribal areas in Manipur is 20,089 sq km constituting 90% of the state’s total of 22,327 sq. km and has a population of 9,83,074 making up for 41% of the state’s total of 23,88,634. The tribals have only 20 representatives in the house of 60. Each tribal MLAs represents a population of 49,154 and about 1004.5 sq km on an average. On the other hand, Manipur valley has an area of just 2,238 sq km i.e. 10% of the state’s total area and has a population of 14,05,560, i.e. 59% of the State’s total. The Manipur valley has 40 MLAs who represents just 35,139 population and 55.9 sq km on an average. Despite clear constitutional requirement for delimitation adjustment of Assembly Constituencies following the above mentioned changes in demography, whereby the tribal representation in the Manipur Legislative Assembly would have increased, the same has been willfully ignored and rejected by the communal GoM.
This warped system is the handy instrument used for suppression and discrimination against the tribal population in Manipur. A sample physical verification of development programmes supposedly implemented in the tribal areas during the last seven-eight years will bear out the fact that there has been open looting of public funds in the name of development in the tribal areas.
Nagas do not desire conflicts arising out of ethnic and communal divide. However, when the dominant community is using the same as a basis for discrimination and suppression it becomes inevitable that the divide, which is created by such discrimination and suppression, is accentuated to an irreparable point. “Hao” the derogatory term meaning “untouchable”, “uncivilized”, or “inferior” is still commonly used by the Meiteis against tribals; such attitudes and prejudices play decisive roles in shaping and informing the policies of the GoM and the interaction of the Meiteis with the tribals in Manipur.
We draw your attention to the grave potential for communal confrontations and violence which could flare up at the slightest provocations, intentional or perceived as such by any community. As you would surely appreciate, the situation is fragile, sensitive, and delicate, and therefore requires your immediate intervention to avoid any catastrophic consequences.
We believe that peaceful parting of ways of the Nagas in Manipur and the Meiteis as good neighbours is the only way to avert catastrophic situations that would arise out of prolongation of the forced union.
It is our firm belief that good neighbourliness between the Nagas and the dominant community of the Manipur Valley can only be ensured when the Nagas and their land are not governed and administered by the dominant and communal Government of Manipur.
We, therefore earnestly solicit your personal initiative to intervene with an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur at the earliest.
We express our gratitude for the audience and receipt of this submission.
May God bless you with good health and long life.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/- Sd/-
(SAMSON REMEI) (SWORD VASHUM)
President, Chairman,
United Naga Council Committee for Alternative Arrangement
Enclosures:
1. Position Paper of the United Naga Council adopted in the Naga Peoples’ Convention held at Senapati (Tahamzam) on the 1st July, 2010.
2. Declaration of the Naga people, in the 3rd Naga Peoples’ Convention, held at Senapati (Tahamzam) on 1st July, 2010.
3. Naga Hoho Declaration, dated 8th May 2010
4. Kohima Declaration, 18th June 2010 on temporary suspension of Economic Blockade.
5. Naga Hoho Resolution of 3rd federal Assembly dated Mokokchung 16th May 2010.
6. Memorandum of UNC to the Prime Minister, Government of India, dated New Delhi 7th July, 2006
7. UNC publication: The Naga Perspective - Issues relating to the territorial integrity of Manipur.
8. Unmistakable facts that call for Severance of Ties.

India Sees Red As China Builds Border Infrastructure
AHN News Staff
New Delhi, India (AHN) - The blow-hot-blow-cold relationship between India and China has turned cold for now with India resorting to aggressive patrolling of its borders with its neighbor next-door. Besides, India is also making efforts to improve its road infrastructure and other facilities in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, which touch the Indo-China border.
According to Ministry of Defense officials, India is also going to increase the number of security personnel posted in the Northeast region by 36,000. The Northeastern region, especially the state of Arunachal Pradesh, continues to be a hotbed of violence and political dissent, owing to China’s territorial claim on this part of India.
The country is going to deploy two mountain divisions (army units), comprising of 36,000 men, in the states of Nagaland and Assam by next year apart from sending in more troops to protect its boundaries in Arunachal Pradesh.
It has been reported that the heightened military presence along Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh borders with China is meant to preempt any cross-border strike that the neighboring country might plan through Burma.
Besides the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is also planning an airbase as well as basic landing infrastructure in J&K in order to strengthen India’s defense capability.
India’s concern is not a recent development, in fact in the last two years the Indian Army has set up three Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the Ladakh region of J&K – these are at Daulat Beg Oldi, Fuk Che and Nyoma. These ALGs are expected to play a significant role in the event of war between India and China.
At present, India already has several hundred thousands of soldiers positioned at high altitude areas in the northern region, from Siachen to Assam. The country needs better road network to carry fighting equipment, food and other essentials to its soldiers.
India’s apprehensions with regard to its borders with China are not misplaced as was noted by the United Kingdom recently. British Defense Secretary Liam Fox recently asked both India and the UK to remain “vigilant” against the Chinese military expansion. The Pentagon estimates that the actual Chinese budget for defense for 2010 was more than $150 billion, even though official Chinese figures claimed it to be $78 billion only.
Fox, who visited India recently, also held a meeting with the Indian Defense Minister A. K. Antony, after which he said, “China has a legitimate interest in building up its military capabilities. But when it builds up to a certain level, naturally there will be questions about intent. We’re just going to have to be vigilant and see how it uses this influence.”
Meanwhile, India and China are continuing their efforts at bilateral cooperation as both sides will be meeting for a 14th round of boundary talks in Beijing on November 29 and 30, ahead of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to India in December.
India to deploy 36,000 extra troops on Chinese border
By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta
India says that it needs to strengthen its defences against China
India has formed two new army divisions - comprising more than 36,000 men - to defend the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The remote north-eastern state adjoins China which claims large parts of it.
The 56th Division will be based in the nearby state of Nagaland to guard the eastern flank of Arunachal Pradesh from Chinese attack through Burma.
The other new formation, the 71st Division, will be based in Assam to protect central Arunachal Pradesh.
There has been no response so far from China to the decision.
Mountain warfare
Already the Indian Fifth Mountain Division guards western Arunachal Pradesh while another division is responsible for protecting the eastern part of the state.
In addition there are counter-insurgency troops in Assam who can be sent to the Sino-Indian border at short notice.
A total of 1,260 officers and 35,011 soldiers have been assigned to the two new divisions, which are being especially equipped for mountain warfare.
Officials say they were formed at the behest of the Indian army chief, General VK Singh - who said they were necessary to beef up defences against China.

Gen Singh was not available for comment but one of his staff officers, on condition of anonymity, told the BBC that the army chief had "pushed very hard to fast-track the raising of the two divisions".
He said that they should be "fully operational" by March 2011.
He said their formation was India's response to the "huge Chinese build-up" in Tibet over the last three to four years. But he did not wish to elaborate.
India is also raising a paramilitary force called the Arunachal Scouts and Sikkim Scouts to help the army protect the Sino-Indian border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
"All the men in these formations will be drawn from mountain-fit local tribesmen but the officers will be from the army, at least for a while," said a corps commander.
Their formation will be modelled on the Ladakh Scouts, who the army says bravely fought Pakistani intruders during the Kargil conflict of 1999.
India says the new measures have been put in place partly because China has "superb" communications on its side of the border, especially after a new train line to Lhasa was built in 2006.
India says that the Chinese airlift capability is also far superior.
The formation of the two new divisions means that India's deployments in the eastern sector of its border with China now matches the five army divisions that existed in 1986-87, when the two countries nearly went to war.
But after India and China signed a "Peace and Tranquillity" treaty in 1993, both sides scaled down their deployments as part of a confidence-building package.

Nagalim.NL News

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