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01/05/2012: "Hint of NSCN-NPF tie NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph"

Hint of NSCN-NPF tie NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph

New Delhi, Jan. 4: The Centre has charged Nagaland’s Neiphiu Rio government with allowing a meeting of ruling Naga People’s Front legislators and top NSCN (Isak-Muivah) leaders to discuss candidates for Manipur Assembly elections.
NPF legislators met the NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and senior leader V.S. Atem at the Niathu Resorts, Union home ministry sources said today.
The meeting has been observed even more intently as the resort is understood to be owned by Rio’s family.
“The meeting was held to chalk out a strategy for the Manipur polls,” a senior home ministry official said.
The Centre has been watching the developments, particularly in the Naga areas, in the run-up to the polls, as the United Naga Council (UNC) forced suspension of work on a railway line in Manipur. For all practical transactions within the government, the UNC is considered the shadow “over ground” organisation of the NSCN (I-M).
Late tonight, around 10.30, suspected militants lobbed a grenade at a Congress office in Singjamei Assembly constituency in Manipur, represented by Manipur Speaker I. Hemochandra. Nobody was injured.
As the notification for January 28 Manipur polls was issued today ( ), the political scenario seems to have heated up.
Muivah and NSCN chairman Isak Chishi Swu live at the outfit’s camp some 35km off Dimapur. They need to inform the Nagaland government and the Centre before leaving the camp, according to the home ministry.
“We will write to Nagaland government asking how Muivah could leave Camp Hebron without informing the Centre,” the official said.
According to Atem, there was, however, no such meeting held today. “I don’t think there is any element of truth in it,” Atem said over phone. “I am out of Dimapur,” he added.
NPF president Shurho-zelie Liezietsu also said there was little possibility of such a meeting as he was in Kohima and did not know of any such a meeting.
Liezietsu, however, left room for speculation. “Individually if someone has met, I don’t know nor can I stop people from meeting the under-grounds as they live in towns now and are in dialogue with government of India,” Liezietsu told The Telegraph.
Ruling out involvement of rebels in polls, the senior leader from Kohima village said he would not allow “any outside force or agency to dictate my party”.
Involvement by the NSCN in local Nagaland polls has always been evident in the past although always denied by the rebel outfit.
This time, however, the situation is different as the Nagaland-based NPF is contesting in Manipur’s 12 constituencies, allegedly fielding candidates at the behest of the NSCN (I-M).
NPF’s symbol, rooster, has been visible for years in elections in Nagaland but it rode to power in 2003.
Rio has been the chief architect of its success by whipping up a regional sentiment and even openly showing respect for “national workers” or rebels. The NPF’s agenda has unabashedly been in favour of integrating Naga areas.
NSCN/GPRN saddened by Reguri incident MIP, GPRN/NSCN
The NSCN is observing closely and tolerantly the intolerable situation created by unprincipled groups of gunmen in recent time elsewhere in Nagalim and also the way how it is tackle by the adversary government agency and for that matter by all national Nagas at large. Despite of willful provocation here and there, no effort is spare to keep the reconciliation process fulfils in the interest of Naga people and as per commitment given by the Collective Leadership. The NSCN also anticipate every peace loving people to extend all effort to safe guard the hard earned reconciliation process and the Indo-Naga peace talks.
The NSCN is saddened by the incident of the Reguri Village in Pochury Region, where an innocent daughter 13 years old School going girl and a housewife were blatantly shot by incompetent gunmen of Khaplang on 2nd January 2012. It also absolutely horrible when no condemnation is made by any one against such shameful act committed by unruly gunmen of Khaplang. Henceforth, all are advice to adhere strictly for recurrence of such uncalled state of affairs.
In the matter of two Assam official killed in Assam-Meghalaya border, the NSCN clarify that, it is simply accustom blatant lies and allegation made by the Assam Police and other agency against the NSCN.

Naga Hoho clarifies on ‘Manipur poll’ reports Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR Drawing attention to the news item- “NSCN (I-M) may file candidates in Manipur polls; Centre watching” reported in local dailies January 5, the Naga Hoho Thursday clarified that a consultative meeting, convened by it at Niathu resort Dimapur January 4, deliberated over the issues concerning Naga people, alternative arrangement for Nagas in Manipur and reconciliation and peace process.

At the meeting, few civil societies, NPF leaders and collective leaders and ‘kilonsers’ of NSCN (I-M) were invited, Naga Hoho general secretary P.Chuba Ozukum said in a statement.

“Neither NPF MLAs nor V.S Atem was present during the meeting as reported”, he added. The Naga Hoho also stated that it was “absolutely unjustified” to claim that the meeting was held to chalk out the strategy for the elections in Manipur, saying the agenda was outside the perimeter of Naga Hoho.

With regard to this, the Naga Hoho urged upon the media fraternity not to publish any news item without authenticating the factual story in future “in order to avoid commotion and tarnishing the image of the person or organizations concerned.”

Meanwhile, Centre has charged Nagaland’s ruling NPF government for allowing a meeting of its legislators and top NSCN (I-M) leaders to discuss candidates for Manipur Assembly elections, Wednesday, The Telegraph reports stated.

NPF legislators met the NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah and senior leader V.S. Atem at the Niathu Resorts, Union home ministry sources said. “The meeting was held to chalk out a strategy for the Manipur polls,” a senior home ministry official said. “We will write to Nagaland government asking how Muivah could leave Camp Hebron without informing the Centre,” Ministry of Home Affaris official added.

NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th Muivah and chairman Isak Chishi Swu live at the outfit’s camp some 35km off Dimapur. They need to inform the Nagaland government and the Centre before leaving the camp, according to the home ministry.

According to Atem, there was, however, no such meeting held. “I don’t think there is any element of truth in it,” Atem said over phone. “I am out of Dimapur,” he added.

NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu said he was not aware of any such meeting.
Liezietsu, however said “individually if someone has met, I don’t know nor can I stop people from meeting the undergrounds as they live in towns now and are in dialogue with government of India”.

Ruling out involvement of rebels in polls, the senior leader from Kohima village said he would not allow “any outside force or agency to dictate my party”.

Involvement by the NSCN groups in local Nagaland polls has always been evident in the past although always denied by the groups. This time, however, the situation is different as the Nagaland-based NPF is contesting in Manipur’s 12 constituencies, allegedly fielding candidates at the behest of the NSCN (I-M), the reports stated.
Little to cheer about security in 2011 Asian Age
Taking stock of India’s policies, responses on various national security issues over 2011 from Raisina Hill and the situation on the ground and on the high seas, there is little to cheer about.
Jammu and Kashmir
The attack on the state’s law and parliamentary affairs minister Ali Mohammad Sagar by Pakistani terrorists, following earlier ones, only underscores what defence minister A. K. Antony quoted recently, said, “Even though violence levels have reduced substantially, attempts at infiltration are still persisting... We can’t ignore the threat”. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has been campaigning for demilitarisation and removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some parts of the state, which reportedly the Union home ministry supports. Mr Abdullah has also mooted the raising of 50 police battalions to replace Army and para-military forces in the Valley. While GOC 15 Corps Lt. Gen. Ata Hasnain categorically said that Pakistan will stoke more trouble in Kashmir once US-led forces exit Afghanistan, intelligence inputs received by various Army formations in J&K appear to suggest that infiltration is on the rise after the state government’s move for a partial withdrawal of AFSPA. Mr Antony stated in Parliament on December 7, 2011, that as per the assessment of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), 68 militants attempted to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) during September and October 2011, as compared to 85 such attempts during the corresponding period in 2010. Twelve terrorists were killed and one terrorist apprehended by Army in 2011, while trying to infiltrate in J&K.
During this period, five Army personnel were killed and eight were wounded during conduct of anti-infiltration operations along the LoC. He further stated that it was owing to the Army’s “robust counter-infiltration strategy” involving troop deployment and use of surveillance and monitoring devices and the LoC fence that have enhanced the ability to detect and intercept terrorists attempting to infiltrate/exfiltrate. This is just as well, because as brought out by this daily, painstaking investigation by Indian Intelligence agencies has revealed founder of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT, renamed Jamaat ud Dawa) Hafiz Saeed’s latest plans for a winter offensive not only in J&K, but also in important Indian cities during Assembly elections. Heavy snow on mountain passes during winter has been deterring infiltration attempts across the LoC by Pakistani terrorists. Saeed has been exhorting LeT operatives at Muridke, Lahore and Peshawar Cantonment to mobilise terrorists specially trained to operate in heavy snow in order to ensure their induction during winter months. In view of all these factors, New Delhi must have no doubts or contradictions on national security.
Pakistan while talks, albeit inconclusive during the recent round, will continue, despite Pakistan Army’s continued active support of groups like LeT and some others for anti-India operations, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on December 24 filed charge sheets against nine persons, including two serving Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officers— Major Iqbal and Major Samir Ali — as well as Pakistani-American LeT operative Daood Gilani, aka David Coleman Headley, and Hafiz Saeed, for the 26/11 attacks in India. This is the first time India has framed terror charges against serving officers of Pakistan’s Army for terror attacks in India. National Investigation Agency (NIA) has prepared a “Terror Funding Template” (TFT), which will help its officials and investigators of states’ anti-terror agencies to extract information on terror funding. The TFT has been circulated to all states and Union Territories for getting relevant information from terrorists and terror suspects during their interrogation and probe. Islamabad has formally conveyed to India that its nine-member judicial commission will visit here in January to interview key persons linked to the probe into the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
NorthEast
Nothing was done about Manipur’s main highways again being blockaded for months on end this year. The Centre has been having talks with the Issac — muivah faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Nagalim, (NSCN-IM) since 1997 and with United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) since this year. On NSCN talks, a leading local daily of Manipur reported: “Like in 1949 when the Congress party conspired and usurped the sovereignty of Manipur, it is now plotting to disintegrate Manipur” by agreeing to its own flag and “a supra state body ….encompass Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is tantamount to establishing a separate administration for Nagas outside the jurisprudence of these three States”. On Ulfa, the Centre has begun talks with a faction formed of terrorists handed over by Bangladesh, who Assam chief minister bailed out of jail to help him win elections for the third time and some of who are reported to be clandestinely still involved with Paresh Baruah’s anti-talks group hiding in Burma and indulging in attacks, extortion and abductions in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where the Army busted some camps of the outfit. Meanwhile, the tie-up between Naxal-Maoists with the aforementioned terrorist groups and some more of Manipur, all involved in training and supplying them weapons from China, has been growing, with the late Kishenji having visited Assam for coordination, just before he was killed. Much more needs to be done by Assam government on both counts.
Burma
India ’s ongoing cooperation with Burma has been disproportionate, in that the latter has requested for and received many categories of military hardware and equipment, but assurance of its territory not being allowed to be used for insurgent activities against India has never been effective. Elements of United National Liberation Front, People’s Liberation Army — the armed wing of the Revolutionary People’s Front, the warring factions of the NSCN-IM and NSCN-K (Khaplang) the Ulfa have maintained tactical bases in Burma.
Following Myanmar Army’s recent operation against Indian insurgent-terrorist groups hiding in the Taga region, media cited home ministry sources saying that it was an eyewash conducted a week after it tipped-off Indian insurgent-terrorist leaders.
China
The press release issued following the recent 4th India-China Annual Defence Dialogue conducted on November 9, 2011 in the defence ministry, New Delhi stated: “It was conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and both sides were frank and constructive in their approach during the deliberations…. It was noted that existing confidence building measures on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between both countries were successful in maintaining peace and tranquility on the borders. It was decided that such measures would continue to be implemented. Both sides agreed that the process of dialogue and communication should be strengthened at various levels to ensure stability in the border areas. Both sides agreed that the provisions of the 2005 protocol for implementation of CBMs on the LAC should be strictly adhered to by both sides so that peace and tranquillity is maintained in the border areas. It was also noted that the strengthening of the institutional mechanism for border discussions, which is expected to be operationalised soon through the establishment of a working level mechanism, would improve communications on important border related issues”.
Whereas, since the fierce confrontation at Nathu La in 1967, no bullets have been fired, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has kept the 4,057-km LAC live with incursions. Three sectors of the LAC are western (Ladakh), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal), Arunachal. While incursions in Aunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were considered routine, the ones in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Ladakh region since 2009, particularly when seen in the light of decades old anti-India based Sino-Pak relationship and joint military exercises, like Stride 2009, conducted in China’s northwest Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, at an unprecedented level of 50,000 troops and aiming to test its long-distance mobility, is certainly a cause for concern. Chinese incursions have involved violations of air space, air dropping of expired tinned food, painting of rocks etc. Another major cause of worry is construction of airfields, roads, railway lines and strategic link up of Kashghar, in Pakistan with Havelian in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and ultimately with Tibet’s Medong region bordering Arunachal. Also worrying are China’s efforts to bolster surveillance capability by constructing border out posts (BOPs), which at places, can also be used for directing precision guided munitions (TV guided cruise missiles, terrain guided missiles eg-KH59 mk II, which has a range of over 1200 kms ) — all of which have the potential to substantially alter the strategic balance in favour of China. According to a September 29, 2011 media report, a secret note to the ministry of external affairs revealed that the PLA troops of have been violating the LAC at will, with as many as 50 incursions in three months, some as much as seven kms inside Indian territory in J&K. Some instances are: (a) On September 16, 2011, there was a face-off at the Demchok post when the Chinese came close to Indian patrol. The Indians disengaged and performed a banner drill, but the Chinese did not withdraw. (b) On September 9 about a dozen PLA soldiers reached Barahoti in the middle sector on horseback. Later a Chinese PLA vehicle came to the Tunjun La area and erected some antennas 4.5 km deep inside the Indian territory. (c) On September 2, there was face-off at the Thakung post on the Sino-Indian boundary in the western sector of J&K. (d) On August 22, four Chinese boats carrying PLA personnel entered 5.5 km deep into the Indian territory in the Pangong Tso area. (e) On August 19, an Indian patrol, had a face-off with the PLA in Pangong Tso area. (f) On August 16, 48 PLA personnel intruded seven km into the Indian territory.
For a change New Delhi is being assertive questioning its claims on the South China Sea, forging strategic ties with Vietnam, Japan and Australia and not reacting to China’s objections on the Dalai Lama’s presence at the Tibetan conclave.
Naxal-Maoist terrorism
there is some progress but much more needs to be done by all the affected states in coordination with the Centre. Long pending police reforms urgently need to be implemented with special stress on recruitment to greatly increase policeman to population ratio and proper counter-terrorism training.
Coastal security
While Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have been working closely with various government agencies of coastal states for establishing a synergised mechanism in accordance with the Cabinet Committee on Security’s directives issued in February 2009, only some progress has been made and interim Standard Operating Procedures promulgated for joint patrolling in territorial waters and revalidated regularly through conduct of security exercises like Sagar Kavach.
The disconnect between ministries of defence and home and external affairs must be rectified. Some other ministries must also be included effectively. Military and internal security acquisitions need to be expedited.
Anil Bhat, a retired Army officer, is a defence and security analyst
NSCN chief asks Nagas to work for reconciliation Times of India
Dimapur: NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu has urged all Nagas to contribute in whatever way they can to the smooth completion of the reconciliation process and to pledge their solidarity to the ongoing Indo-Naga negotiation.
Swu in a New Year message said the Nagas as a people should be free from separation and should live together in love and harmony.
"We as a people have to mature; we can no longer afford to let petty differences keep us from coming together as a people and claiming what is rightfully ours. We have allowed our adversaries to take advantage of our shortcomings for too long. We can no longer let them apply their divide-and-rule policies on us.
Stating that the NSCN is founded upon the principles of the teachings of Christ, Swu said, "As soldiers of Christ and as Nagas, we are working for His glory and for the liberation of Nagalim."
Calling every Naga to participate in the struggle to bring their aspiration to fruition, the Yaruiwo said, "Absolute and blind obedience to the laws imposed on us by our oppressors is the destruction of one's own liberty, conscience and reason. We have to seek the truth and live by it, only then can we be truly liberated."
He also called upon the Nagas to prepare their hearts to enter a New Year and a new Nagalim with the absolute faith that God is the only fountain of life from whom, through whom, to whom and for whom all things exist and move. "May the divine providence uphold direct and guide the Naga people to the end," he prayed.
AP Interview: Suu Kyi says Myanmar’s powerful military still could halt progress to democracy Washington Post By Associated Press,
YANGON, Myanmar — Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi cautioned Thursday that the democratic reforms started by Myanmar’s nominally civilian government are not “unstoppable” and will succeed only if the powerful military accepts the changes.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said she is cautiously optimistic more progess can be made.
Her comments in an interview with The Associated Press were clearly meant to caution the West not to get carried away by the reforms and to remind it that Myanmar’s long-ruling military still wields enormous power despite a veneer of democracy provided by the elections.
“I wouldn’t say that there are many dangers, but I wouldn’t say that it is unstoppable either. I think there are obstacles, and there are some dangers that we have to look out for,” Suu Kyi said.
“I am concerned about how much support there is in the military for changes. In the end that’s the most important factor, how far the military are prepared to cooperate with reform principles.”
She spoke as she and her National League for Democracy moved closer to full participation in mainstream electoral politics. The government approved the party’s registration Thursday, and the NLD can now pick candidates to run in by-elections on April 1.
The party decided to rejoin electoral politics after the military-backed but elected government took office in March, replacing army rule and tenatively easing years of repression. Its changes included legalizing labor unions, increasing press freedom and opening a dialogue with Suu Kyi.
Critics have characterized the NLD’s decision to rejoin electoral politics as a capitulation after years of resistance to military rule. The party won a 1990 general election but was denied power after the military refused to allow parliament to be seated. In 2010, the military held another general election, but the NLD found the rules unfair and declined to participate, leading to its being purged from the list of legal political parties.
The critics fear the NLD’s participation helps the government maintain a veneer of legitimacy for what is actually — by constitutional statute, as well as the majority held by pro-military lawmakers — continued domination of politics by the army.
“I think this year we shall find out whether we are making progress toward democracy,” Suu Kyi said, adding that benchmarks to consider are “the release of all political prisoners,... how the by-elections are conducted,... how much more freedom of information is allowed and whether strong steps are taken to establish the rule of law.”
The release of political prisoners — estimated to number between 600 and 1,700 — is a touchstone for reformers and activists abroad.
Several mass amnesties for convicts have resulted in the release of more than 200 political detainees, but many high-profile prisoners still are serving long terms. The latest release on Tuesday met with particular disappointment, because hopes had been raised by the government’s increased engagement with the NLD and foreign countries critical of the military, evidenced most notably by the December visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. British Foreign Secretary William Hague is visiting this week, bringing the same message of encouraging reforms.
UNC openly oppose the Congress party in Manipur; now the Meteis UGs accuse and decided to ban Congress Party indefinitely.

Quote, “No one should contest the elections as Congress candidates”, “No election camp for Congress party should be opened”, “No election rally or grand feast should be organised for Congress party”, “No election meeting should be organised for Congress party”, “No Congress flag should be hoisted in any household”, “No individuals or transport association should lend out vehicles to Congress candidates” etc.

IMPHAL, Jan 4 : Accusing the Ibobi-led Congress party of working against the ‘liberation movement’ and the people, the Coordination Committee (CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPK has decided to ban Congress party indefinitely.

A press release issued by the committee informed that no individual should work as Congress member or supporter.

It also announced a number of prohibitions such as; “No one should contest the elections as Congress candidates”, “No election camp for Congress party should be opened”, “No election rally or grand feast should be organised for Congress party”, “No election meeting should be organised for Congress party”, “No Congress flag should be hoisted in any household”, “No individuals or transport association should lend out vehicles to Congress candidates” etc.

It further warned that befitting punishment would be awarded if any one defies the prohibitions.

In line with the warning issued, a spokesman of CorCom claimed today evening that it had engineered a series of blasts across the place.

A hand grenade was lobbed and exploded at a polling camp of Congress party opened at Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai tonight.

According to a police source, a polling camp opened at the residential camp of one Sagolsem Tombi at Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai was attacked with a hand grenade at about 8.30 pm.

The polling camp was opened yesterday in support of Speaker I Hemochandra who is contesting the polls in Singjamei AC.

The camp was adorned with photographs of Chief Minister O Ibobi and Hemochandra in addition to Congress party’s flags.

Except for a little damage done to a car (Santro) parked nearby, no one was injured because of the explosion.

Hemochandra came to the spot and made an enquiry. He remarked that the grenade attack was a challenge to democracy.

Conceding there were certain security lapses, the Speaker stated that he would not like such incidents to repeat again.

On the other hand, a Congress office opened at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai was set ablaze at around 3 this morning.

The fire was, however, put off before it could cause any major damage except to the main door.

Health Minister Jayantakumar came to the spot and assessed the situation.

Stating that the act of arson was politically motivated, Jayantakumar appealed to all concerned not to repeat such attacks in future.

Further, one hand grenade was also hurled at the residence of a staunch Congress supporter at Thangmeiband at about 10 pm yesterday.

Details about the incident could not obtained as yet.

A spokesman of CorCom later claimed that all the bomb attacks were carried out by them. Sangai Express

Assembly polls : Delhi tab on NSCN (IM)

New Delhi, Jan 4 : The Centre is closely monitoring the activities of NSCN-IM which is likely to field some proxy candidates in the coming Manipur Assembly elections as two top leaders of the group today held a prolonged meeting with Naga civil society and political leaders in Dimapur.

NSCN-IM ‘general secretary’ Thuingaleng Muivah and senior leader V S Atem engaged in hectic confabulations with at least six MLAs of Nagaland’s ruling NPF, leaders of the apex civil society organisation Naga Hoho and others at Niathu Resort on the outskirts of Dimapur, raising eyebrows in the Home Ministry.

“The meeting was convened to chalk out the strategy for the Manipur election. The NSCN-IM is likely to field some proxy candidates in the polls,” a source said.

The elections to the 60-member Manipur Assembly will be held on January 28 for which the last date of filing nominations is January 11.

Muivah attended the meeting defying a Central directive. The Centre has long ago made it clear to NSCN-IM that whenever Muivah and ‘chairman’ Isaac Chishi Swu travel within Nagaland, they have to intimate the Nagaland government which in turn would seek permission from the Home Ministry.

When the Ministry grants permission, the leaders can travel with Z-plus security provided by the state government.

“To attend today’s meeting, Muivah moved out of the NSCN-IM camp Hebron without intimating anyone,” the source said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram today reviewed the security situation in Nagaland at a high-level meeting at the North Block here.

The NSCN-IM has strong presence in four Naga-dominated hill districts - Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel.

Six candidates supported by the group had won the last Assembly elections. Muivah himself hails from Ukhrul.

Swu and Muivah last month met Chidambaram and discussed with him the ongoing peace process to find an amicable solution to the vexed Naga issue.

During the meeting, they apprised the home minister various aspects of the peace talks with government interlocutor RS Pandey and had conveyed to him that they were working for an “honourable solution” acceptable to all.

The two sides have been engaged in intense discussions on some of the proposals moved to find out a mutually acceptable political settlement based on the uniqueness of Naga history.

However, the Centre is unlikely to accept the demand of the unification of Naga-inhabited areas, a highly controversial issue which is opposed by Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam