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12/05/2011: "Slow NSCN-IM talks ‘notable setback’: MHA Nagalim times"
Slow NSCN-IM talks ‘notable setback’: MHA Nagalim times
GUWAHATI, Dec 3:A ministry of home affairs (MHA) report has listed the slow progress in talks with the NSCN(IM), and persistence of violence in Manipur and the Bodo issue as ‘notable setbacks’ in the last three years from December 2008.
The MHA report released by home secretary RK Singh on Thursday enumerates the following points as ‘notable setbacks’: “Manipur remains affected by violence and blockades; the Bodo issue remains alive despite establishment of the Bodoland Territorial Council and talks with the NDFB (Progressive) are yet to start; and talks with the NSCN(IM) are making slow progress.”
The MHA listing the slow progress of talks with the NSCN(IM) as a ‘notable setback’ comes weeks after reports of the NSCN (IM) talks coming to an end and an agreement to be signed granting Nagaland a special status that would give the state the right to set up administrative units in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The three states raised protests against this reported move by the Centre.
On the other hand, the ‘notable pending matters’ listed by the ministry include amendments to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (Afspa); revised action plan to deal with emerging challenges from Left wing extremists; action plan for Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh; policy on dealing with insurgent groups taking shelter in Myanmar.
A bill to redefine ‘rape’ and ‘sexual assault’ has also been listed as one of the notable pending matters. On the northeast section, the report says there has been “significant decline in violence in the northeastern states” and this has been possible due to the arrest of top leaders of Ulfa, NDFB (Ranjan Daimary), DHD (J), UNLF and NLFT. The other reasons for the decline of violence pointed out by the report include: “surrender of 412 cadres of the KLNLF and 114 cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) (MC) of Manipur; tripartite agreement of understanding signed with the KCP (MC) (Lalumba faction) on August 6, 2010; first suspension of operation (SoO) agreement signed with Ulfa in September, 2011; memorandum of settlement signed with the UPDS on November 25, 2011.”
The report adds that besides NSCN (IM), NDFB (Pro-talk), DHD (J), DHD (Nunisa), ANVC and KLNLF, talks are also underway with NDFB (Ranjan Daimary) while “agreements likely to be reached with the DHD (J) and DHD (N) soon.”
The report applauds the Centre’s interlocutor for Assam and Meghalaya and former IB chief PC Haldar for “successfully concluding the talks with ANVC in Meghalaya, UPDS, DHD(J) and DHD(N) in Assam.” Sangai Express
Top Ulfa leader, Indian journo held in Myanmar NTIMES
A top Ulfa functionary and an Indian journalist were arrested by the Myanmar Army on Saturday. Home Secretary RK Singh has confirmed about the arrest of the two people to the media.
The top Ulfa functionary arrested is not Paresh Barua but the so called Lt Col Jibon Moran. He was the finance secretary of Ulfa. The journalist arrested by the Myanmar army Rajiv Bhattacharjee was working in newly started Guwahati newspaper called Seven Sisters Post.
Rajiv Bhattacharjee had recently posted on Facebook and Twitter that he was going to interview Ulfa leader Paresh Barua in November first week in the Myanmar jungles. Since then the Myanmar media is agog with news that Paresh Barua has been arrested.
It seems that journalist Rajiv Bhattacharjee was either arrested while he was on route to interview Paresh Barua or he was meeting Jibon Moran.
According to intelligence inputs Paresh Barua operates between Chengdu province in China and Kachin state in Myanmar. Hindustan Times
PM negates Supra State body report, remains mum on AFSPA promise NTIMES
IMPHAL, Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Kangla this afternoon, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh categorically stated that there was no proposal for any Supra State body under consideration of the Government of India.
He also declared that the Central Government is committed to the territorial integrity of Manipur which he described as a very important part of the Union of India.
He described Manipur as a land of breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, and long and glorious tradition of peace and harmony among different communities of the State.
Highlighting the potential for tourism industry in the State, he stated that the salubrious climate, varied flora and fauna, enchanting dance and music would make Manipur a delightful tourist spot.
The Prime Minister also congratulated sports persons of the State for their excellence in sports competitions. He noted that Manipur was at the top of all other States in the last National Games despite being smaller than most other States in terms of both territory and population. He stated that the UPA Government has been endeavouring incessantly to bring rapid progress in Manipur and other Northeastern States and also to ensure that the State get opportunities for their talents and abilities to flourish.
Stating that the UPA Government has been working closely with the Government of Manipur for the last five years, Dr Manmohan informed the gathering that the devolution under the 13th Finance Commission to Manipur for 2010-2015 is expected to be about Rs 13,600 crores which is more than double the amount sanctioned for 2005-2010.
The plan outlay of Manipur for the current fiscal is Rs 3210 crores which is triple times larger than the plan outlay of 2005-06.
Responding to Chief Minister O Ibobi’s proposal for a special package of Rs 6000 crores, the Prime Minister assured that the special needs and concerns of Manipur would be duly taken care of.
Underscoring the need for peace and tranquillity in Manipur for prosperity and concentration on development, the Prime Minister welcomed all efforts to restore peace and harmony in Manipur where different communities are and were living together in peace for centuries.
Observing that the projects he announced during his visit to the State in 2004 and 2006 have been completed, the Prime Minister exuded that the New Secretariat complex which is an- other component of the Capital Project would be completed by March 2014.
He stated that the new auditorium of the Manipur Film Development Corporation which was inaugurated today would help in promo-ting Manipuri film industry.
Emphasising on the crucial importance of setting up good infrastructure for economic development of Manipur, the Prime Minister informed that the Airports Authority of India has drawn up a plan to upgrade Tulihal Airport to the level of an international airport. The Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway work is under progress and is expected to be completed by March 2016. Jiribam-Tupul section is expected to be completed by March 2014. Doubleaning of Maram-Peren road would be completed by March 2012. Development work of NH 53 is expected to be completed by December 2013.
The State Government’s proposal for construction of the Old Cachar Road project has also been improved by the Centre in principle, Dr Manmohan stated.
Again responding to the State Government’s request for Central assistance for improvement of road connectivity in hill areas of Manipur, the Prime Minister asked the State Government to prepare detailed proposals so that the same can be suitably considered.
The project for augmentation of water supply to Imphal city by drawing raw water from Thoubal Dam is being actively considered for funding by the Japan International Corporation Agency.
Declaring that oil depot would be constructed at Malom, the Prime Minister stated that it would work as road-fed depot till the work of railway line up to Imphal is completed.
Capacity of the Sekmai LPG bottling plant would be doubled from 600 metric tonnes to 1200 metric tonnes. He exuded that this would help in maintaining regular supply of petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG to the people of Manipur. Talking about the power scenario, the Prime Minister stated that environmental clearance for Tipaimukh Hydro Electric project has been granted while forest clearance is under process.
Stating that a project for expansion and upgradation of power transmission, sub-transmission and distribution networks has been put forward to the World Bank, the Prime Minister asked concerned Central Government Ministries to purse the matter actively with the World Bank.
The Central Government has also decided to set up Kasturba Gandhi residential schools in all nine districts of Manipur.
The proposal for upgradation of RIMS has been approved and work is likely to begin from the current month while the similar proposal for upgradation of JNIMS is under consideration, Dr Manmohan stated.
Noting that Union Home Minister P Chidambaram inaugurated a 50-bed hospital at Senapati on November 2, the Prime Minister asserted that construction of similar hospitals in four other hill districts would be completed within 2013.
These hospitals would address a long felt need for better medical care in the tribal hill areas. With regard to the State Government’s request for increased Central assistance to support of modernization of the State Police, the Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide Rs 50 crore annually for this purpose in the 12th Plan period.
The proposal for introduction of an international bus service between Imphal and Mandalay would be taken up with the Government of Myanmar as a part of the Look East Policy.
“We need to build an enabling environment so that the tremendous development potential of the State is fully realized. All this can happen only when there is peace and harmony in the State”, Dr Manmohan stated.
He also urged the people of Manipur to shun violence and articulate their demands through Constitutional means. He noted that the violent incidents have declined considerably in Manipur in the last few years.
Congratulating the State Government for the bold step to hold elections to the six tribal Autonomous District Councils, Manmohan urged the State Government to ensure adequate devolution of funds to the ADCs and help them build their capacity for execution of various development programmes as well as to allow them function from their respective headquarters.
Noting that the recent road blockades imposed by some groups caused immense hardships to the common people of Manipur, the Prime Minister maintained that the Central Government did extend all possible support to the State Government for meeting the crisis and making essential commodities available to the people. Categorically stating that there are no winners in such disruptive activities, he called upon all deliberate on the efficacy of such acts.
“Despite their diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, the people of Manipur have lived peacefully in the past and it should be our collective endeavour to see that this legacy is carried forward”, the Prime Minister exhorted.
Earlier, AICC chief Sonia Gandhi applauded exploits by the Manipur sportspersons in bringing international laurel to the country.
She reasserted the Centre's commitment to extend all possible in restoring peace in the State and urged the people's cooperation to both the Central and State Government in their endeavour to ensure all-round development of Manipur. Sangaiexpress
No ‘supra-state body’ proposal: PM NTIMES| EMN
Sobhapati Samom
IMPHAL, DEC 3: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, in a damage control visit to trouble torn Manipur along with United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and four Union Ministers, today pronounced that centre has no proposal for any ‘supra state’ in the region.
“I can assure you that there’s no such proposal (of supra state)”, Dr Mamohan Singh said while reacting to Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi’s query based on media report that centre is considering granting a supra state body status to Nagas in North East to enable them to preserve their culture, identity and customary laws.
Dr Singh, who was here to inaugurate four major government offices, addressed a public rally at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal on a cloudy afternoon and also assured that the central government is committed to safeguard the “territorial integrity” of Manipur.
Stating that Manipur is a state with a lot of potential and promise, the visiting leader hoped that Manipur will emerge as one of the best states of the country. "Our government at the centre in partnership with the state government will do everything possible to make this happen," he said.
On the state’s further proposal of Rs 6000 crores bail out package after implementing 6th pay to its employees and devolution of powers in autonomous district councils in hills, the Prime Minister assured that “the need and concern of Manipur will be duly taken care of.” He also informed that the devolution under the 13th finance commission from the centre to the state for the period of 2010-2015 is expected to be about Rs 13,600 crore which is more than double the amount given in the period of 2005-2010. Manipur’s plan outlay for the current year is Rs 3210 crore which is more than 3 times the plan outlay in 2005-06, he added.
The Prime Minister also announced many developmental projects for the state during his 40 minute speech which included execution of 1500 MW Tipaimukh hydro electric project. The environmental clearance for the project has been granted and forest clearance is under progress, he informed.
Sharing his sentiments over the recently concluded 100 days blockade, he said it is incumbent upon all of us to deliberate over the efficacy of such acts. “To my mind, there are no winners in such disruptive activities, there are only losers”, he said, adding, “It is my hope that we will not see a repeat of such actions in the future.”
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi also echoed similar sentiments in her address.
However, though both expressed concern over the blockades, they did not mention anything specific on the related issues of contention. They also did not make any statement on the demand for repeal of AFSPA in the state.
Accompanied by Union Ministers Salman Khurseed, Paban Singh Ghatowar, V Narayanasamy, Vincent Pala and AICC secretary Luizinho Faleiro, the PM earlier inaugurated the City Convention Centre, Manipur Film Development Corporation Centre, Assembly Complex, High Court Building and Inter-State Bus Terminus, all located in and around Imphal city, besides unveiling foundation stone of a National Institute of Technology.
The visit took place amid boycott calls and 14-hour general strike from dawn to dusk which severely affected normal life in the state. Eastern Mirror, Nagaland
Nagas warn of fresh action as PM visits Manipur Nagalim Times
IMPHAL, DEC 3 (IANS): The United Naga Council, which recently lifted the over 100-day economic blockade of Manipur, Saturday warned of fresh action if their land is "bifurcated". The threat comes when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, accompanied by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, is on a day's visit here.
"The Nagas in Manipur will not accept any excuse and will do something about it if the government tries to bifurcate the land which belongs to Nagas," a UNC leader told IANS on phone on condition of anonymity.
A powerful bomb exploded in the Manipur's capital of Imphal Wednesday just 50 metres from the newly constructed City Convention Centre which Manmohan Singh is scheduled to inaugurate.
"What we are demanding is that our traditional land be respected and let us live where we belong. Nagas can live with any community but you cannot give our land to someone else," said the leader.
He alleged that authorities are interested in conceding the demands of Kukis, who are demanding a separate district.
"The policymakers are trying to create a homeland for Kukis but the land belongs to Nagas, not to Kukis," the leader said in an assertive tone.
The state went through a gruelling economic blockade which was launched by the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) Aug 1 for conversion of the Kuki tribal majority Sadar Hills area into a full-fledged district.
The Kukis lifted the blockade on two highways -- Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH53) -- on the 92nd day after the state government agreed to their demand for creating a district, a move opposed by the Nagas, who resorted to a counter blockade.
The UNC lifted its blockade temporarily Nov 28 ahead of the prime minister's visit.
The three-month long blockades led to severe shortage of essentials, including fuel, cooking gas cylinders and medicines. Eastern Mirror, Nagaland
MPP youth stage nude protest; strike paralyses life in Manipur NTIMES
In a bizarre act, members of the Manipur People Party (MPP) youth front Saturday greeted Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi staging a naked protest while the two leaders were on their way to Kangla Fort to address a public meeting.
MPP youth front staged the naked protest alleging Center’s failure to give a written statement regarding the reported creation of “supra-state body” for the Nagas in three states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. MPP youths who came out from its office at Statehood Square amidst the tight security, took off their clothes shouting slogans-- “Long live Manipur,” “Go back Indian insincere leaders,” “We stand for territorial integrity of Manipur”.
MPP Youth Front general secretary, Maniton Singh said the protest was not anti-Indian but against the insincerity of the Congress leaders towards the people of the state.
“We have been requesting the UPA leaders at the Centre to make a clarification of the reported proposal for creating supra state body by way of submitting memoranda to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and UPA chairperson. But, none of them so far gave a positive reply,” he said.
Meanwhile, normal life across valley area was severely paralyzed due to the general strike called by the rebels in Manipur to boycott the VIPs visit.
Coordination Committee (CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPK had earlier called for a 36 hour general strike to protest the VIPs visit. However, the strike was limited to 14 hours which concluded Saturday 6 p.m.
In this photo:
Members of the Manipur People Party (MPP) youth front Saturday greeted Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi staging a naked protest while the two leaders were on their way to Kangla Fort to address a public meeting. Source: Nagaland Post
Hornbill Festival Lifts Nagaland Tourism Priya Aggarwal Travel News|
Enthusiasm surrounding the Hornbill festival has managed to lift Nagaland tourism. this year's Hornbill festival of Nagaland has attracted both foreign and domestic tourists to the state.
More than 269 foreign tourists visited the first 2 days of the festival while 2,226 domestic tourists for the ongoing festival. Secretary of Tourism expressed satisfaction at the tourist figures for the first 2 days.
However Secretary of Tourism expressed need of more tourism related infrastructure in the state like accomodation. While state has added more accomodation this year, its still not enough to help the growth of tourism.
Hornbill Festival is one of the events identified by the Tourism Ministry of India to boost arrivals to the North East. Recently government announced Rs. 200 crore package to develop tourism in the North East.
Hornbill is a 7 day festival that will include several attractions for the tourists like, Konyak fire eating, Naga King Chily eating, national rock contest, international motor rally and WW-II vintage car rally.
