NSCN-IM bombs but sings unity tune
NSCN-IM bombs but sings unity tune OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 30: The NSCN (I-M) today called for reconciliation and reunification among Naga groups even as it bombarded a camp of the rival Khaplang faction at Chalkot village, some 80 km from here in Peren district. Though there were no reports of any casualties, both the administration and the NSCN (I-M) confirmed that the gunbattle, which started early in the morning, is still continuing.
Official sources anticipate casualties in view of the intensity of the clash, but administration and police officials could not reach the spot owing to heavy shelling and firing. The NSCN (I-M) said the combined force of the NSCN (K) and the Manipur Peoples Army, a conglomeration of several outfits from Manipur, was holed up in the area.
Senior NSCN (I-M) leader Phungthing Shimrang said his fighters had attached the mobile camp of the rival faction, situated on a hilltop overlooking Chalkot village. He also accused Assam Rifles of sheltering Khaplang activists. The NSCN (K) mobile camp is located near an Assam Rifles outpost. At the same time, the newly constituted “reconciliation committee” of the NSCN (I-M) said now is the “right time” for reconciliation and reunification.
“We believe that this is the time for us to embrace each other, the time to heal our wounds, the time to rebuild our nation together and the time to bloom together in the same garden,” a communiqué from the committee stated. Affirming that nobody or no force should rupture the path to reconciliation, the committee said, “No fighting, no foreign forces, no divisive forces should stand in the way to this historic reunification move.”
Terming the January 13 proclamation of outfit chairman Isak Chishi Swu as historic, it wanted it “to be viewed as a positive step towards nation building and a healing touch to the war-riddled Naga people”.
The committee said this paves the way towards reconciliation and reunification among the different camps. But Swu has also tendered an apology, which reads, “The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) recognises the avoidable human errors committed by our army and civil authorities while on national duty. We are firm in our political vision for Nagalim, yet in the process we have wounded the hearts of many of our people resulting from lapses in discipline and approach. The pain and hurt caused in our moment of weakness is deeply regretted.”
NSCN-K bars State students from NBSE exam Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, January 29: The Khaplang faction of the NSCN is all out to prevent students from Manipur to appear in matriculation examination in Nagaland which begins on February 6. “In pursuance of the Council of Kilonsers, GPRN, NSCN (Khaplang faction) resolution to protect interests of Naga students of Nagaland from arbitrary imposition of Manipur students’ affiliation to NBSE, the Urban Commander of People’s Army Kohima Unit has been directed to promptly implement the resolved directives,” asserted the NSCN-K.
A press release issued today by the Urban Commander of the NSCN-K, Major Shikaho Kiho said that the outfit would leave no stone unturned to prevent Manipur students from appearing in the HSLC Examination at Nagaland reasoning, “obvious negative ramifications in the context of Nagas employment crisis, economic debacle and various complex social problems require thorough public debate. However, such arbitrary imposition at the initiative of so called frontal organization like NSF without consultation with the Nagas might have relieved a tiny fraction of Manipur students but suicidal to legitimate Nagas of Nagaland”.
The NSCN-K further said it has therefore been “envisaged that without any malice towards anyone, status quo be maintained until further mutually agreed resolution is arrived at. Integration of Naga areas and students career should not be inter-mingled”. Proprietors of schools designated for Manipur students exam centers would be held responsible for any untoward incidents and People’s Army would not be held accountable, added the statement.
“It is also queried on what strength and support of the Nagas of Nagaland, the NSF has initiated such move ? Has NSF garnered consent of 16 tribes of Nagaland on this controversial issue? But since NSF is represented by sweeping majority from Manipur State and Nagas of Nagaland are subjected to negligible minority, therefore it is purely a matter of majority arrogance.It is already fore-warned that no matter how sufficient a security cover is assured, People’s Army (NSCN-K) would employ its own means of opposition,” asserted the NSCN-K statement.
Nagaland continues to reel as factional guns boom Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, January 30: In the ongoing factional feud, the rival NSCN factions clashed at Saijang near Jalukie in Nagaland today. Number of casualties or injuries were not known. Sources said the clash started at around 6 am and continued till 3 pm. Shots were fired intermittently during the clash. When contacted, the NSCN (I-M) slammed the Assam Rifles for its failure to fulfil an earlier assurance that it would keep the NSCN (K) at bay in Saijang.
The Assam Rifles had assured the NSCN (I-M) that it would not allow the NSCN (K) cadres to move around in Saijang. The NSCN (I-M) alleged that Assam Rifles allowed the NSCN K cadres to move around at Saijang which led to today’s incident.
“They (Assam Rifles) went to the side of the incident only when the NSCN (K) cadres were gone,” the NSCN (I-M) said and denied any casualties or injuries on its side. The NSCN (K) while admitting that two of its cadres sustained minor injuries in the clash claimed three to four from the NSCN (I-M) were injured, some critically. On the basis of reports provided by the residents of the area, the NSCN (K) said some rival cadres probably succumbed to injuries.
The NSCN (K) said that the clash took place when some members from the I-M group were coming to the area to attack them.
Myanmarese army launches offensive against Naga insurgents Press Trust of India Hindustan Times
New Delhi, Naga insurgent group National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has said more than two of its guerrillas were killed in a crackdown by the Myanmarese army in that country. "Myanmar's army has been targetting our boys since the past two weeks on the pretext of evicting anti-India guerrillas from its soil," senior NSCN-K leader A Z Jami said over phone from an undisclosed location.
"Two-three of our boys and some Myanmar armymen have been killed in the heavy exchange of fire in Saigang area," he said, adding the group has asked its cadres to "exercise maximum restraint".
Jami said the action by Myanmar army has come after intense pressure from India and Indian troops are positioning themselves along the international border. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had last visited Myanmar and sought its help in evicting rebels seeking refugee across the border. The NSCN-K, whose top leader S S Khaplang, is a Zemi Naga from Myanmar, is in ceasefire with the Centre since 2001 but peace talks are yet to start.
Reconciliation terms unconditional’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (MExN): NSCN (I-M) steering committee convener, Qhevihe Chishi Swu and secretary, Rh Raising, are to lead the recently-instituted reconciliation committee of the organization, sources said today. The 24-member team includes representatives of various Naga tribes, it was informed.
Earlier used terminology such as ‘homecoming’ and ‘open-door policy’ have now been omitted and prerequisites for reconciliation are “unconditional” so as to strive forward towards the future, NSCN (I-M) sources said and added that rival cadres, if arrested, will not be killed.
The NSCN (I-M) also said they had requested the NSCN (K) to abstain from taking to the offensive. However, if attacked or under threat, “we will not keep silent,” it was said.
It was also alleged that ‘Meitei’ MLAs of Manipur have been ‘lobbying in Mon’ to disrupt Naga students of hill districts of Manipur from appearing examinations at Kohima and Dimapur.
Naga lobby plays poll ‘boss’ Kuknalim.com -UNC marks out candidates for refusing to follow diktat
IMPHAL, Jan 30:: The apex organisation of the Naga community of Manipur is planning to “restrict” electioneering by all candidates other than those it has chosen to support. The United Naga Council, the spearhead of the campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited districts of the state with Nagaland, is backing six Independent candidates — three in Ukhrul and an equal number in Senapati district.
The two hill districts will go to polls along with Thoubal in the first phase on February 8. The UNC reportedly came up with the idea of imposing restrictions on electioneering by other candidates after several of them refused to withdraw their nominations, as demanded by it. The council selected its candidates during a meeting in Senapati district on January 16. UNC president K.S. Paul Leo today warned “recalcitrant” candidates who have remained in the fray of restrictions while campaigning.
“In case the voice of dissent and malicious propaganda against the UNC continues, we may take up non-violent action like restriction on the candidates’ movement of those elements,” Leo said. One voice of dissent against the UNC is that of veteran Congress member and former chief minister Rishang Keishing.. “The UNC has taken the wrong path as it is an NGO and not a political party. NGOs should not involve themselves in electoral politics,” Keishing has been quoted as saying. Keishing is fielding his son Victor in Phungyar constituency against W. Keishing. The UNC will soon announce names of five other candidates in Tamenglong and Chandel districts, elections to which will be held in the final phase on February 23.
Two sitting MLAs, Wungnaoshang Keishing of Phungyar constituency in Ukhrul and Danny Sheiza of Ukhrul constituency, are among the six candidates who are being backed by the UNC. The council launched its campaign on January 24 by hoisting the flag for Sheiza, the Independent candidate for the Ukhrul seat. The UNC chief was present when the flag of Independent candidate Kho John was hoisted at Tungjuy village yesterday. John is a candidate for the Mao seat.
The rationale behind the UNC’s support to Independent candidates is that they can speak for Naga integration in and outside the Assembly. The organisation conducted “awareness programmes” in all the Naga-dominated districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel recently to make its stand clear to voters and political leaders. (The Telegraph)
Manipur students warned against appearing HSLC in Nagaland Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Jan 30:: The NSCN-K has warned that it would not leave any stone unturned, to prevent the hill students of Manipur from appearing the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination 2007 from Nagaland...
Reaffirming its resolution of the council of Kilonsers (ministers), urban commander Kohima of NSCN(K) in a statement issued today said '' the arbitrary imposition of Manipur students affiliation to Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) at the initiative of so called frontal organization like Naga Students' Federation (NSF) without consultation with the Nagas might have relieved a fraction of Manipur students but suicidal to legitimate Nagas of Nagaland.''
Stating that obvious negative ramifications in the context of Nagas employment crisis, economic debacle and various complex social problems require thorough public debate, he said ''it has therefore been envisaged that without any malice towards none, status quo be maintained until further mutually agreed resolution is arrived at.'' It also warned that the proprietors of schools, designated as exam centers for Manipur students would be held responsible for any untoward incidents and that the People's army would not be held accountable. (UNI)
Indo-Myanmar border sealed The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 30 (MExN): Naga areas bordering Myanmar have been sealed by the Assam Rifles in view of the ongoing military offensive launched by the Myanmarese army on January 29.
The Defence Secretary of the NSCN (K), Joseph in a telephonic conversation from an undisclosed location, said there has been no new development so far and that an uneasy calm prevails with the NSCN (K) cadres but ever ready to face new offensive.
The NSCN (K) Defence Secretary alleged the Myanmarese military violated human rights during their military operations. He said that innocent men folk of a certain Naga village inside Myanmar were harassed and ‘bashed up’ by the military personnel without any reason. He however said that women folk were not mistreated.
The NSCN (K) Defence Secretary alleged the military operations by the Myaranmese army were all preplanned and in the knowledge of the Indian Government. He said that the operation comes in the wake of the Indian External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee meeting with General Thura Shwe Mann at Delhi earlier this year. Mukherjee had promised the visiting Myanmarese official that India would be supplying certain military equipment to Myanmar to boost the defence cooperation between the two countries.
The NSCN (K) Defence Secretary however said the NSCN (K)’s well armed and trained guerilla soldiers were holding out strongly against the Myanmarese army. He also assured that the NSCN (K) Chairman was safe at a hide out.
‘Manipur elections and the Naga cause’ Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express
TUNJOY, JANUARY 30: Nagas of Manipur are taking the forthcoming 9th assembly election of Manipur with all seriousness, asserting that it is going to be an historic election with a difference, which is going to change the story of the Naga political struggle.
Sources said that all UNC candidates and its supporters has been campaigning that this 9th assembly election of Manipur is a crucial one for the Nagas and has been asking all Nagas, not to support it from the developmental point of view, but from the Naga political movement.
“Earlier election were different, it was for development. But this time it is for Naga political struggle”, Marung Makunga, UNC candidate from Tengoupal AC said.
He said that Nagas have reached a crucial stage. “Undergrounds have done their part, it is time for us, we people, to show our support”, Makunga said. “Forget development, contract works etc, now let fight for Naga cause’, he continued, while cautioning other candidates not to challenge the nation. UNC Assembly speaker, Samson Raimei, also termed the election as great opportunity to strengthen the issue of Naga political struggle. He also asked the people to forget development, but put all heads together on how to bring about solution to the Naga struggle. UNC has also included a provision in its declaration that if its candidates win seats as per its calculation, it would even work towards protection of tribal welfare in Manipur.
Although, this time election appears to be sober and little or no election posters or party steamers or flags seen as usual, momentum is gaining silently in all constituencies of the four Naga hill districts as the countdown to the election draws nearer.
It is quite apparent that, apart from Indian National Congress, regional parties like the MSCP, Federal Party and NNP and other national parties appears to be maintaining very low profile in a manner of kowtowing to the UNC declaration, although they are reported to have set up their candidates in almost all constituencies. Source said that some candidates had filed their nomination just to have friendly contest. In all the eleven constituencies of four hills district, candidates of the Indian National Congress remains a potential threat, despite of the strict UNC position’s paper edict, said Paul Leo UNC president. In 48 Mao A/C, UNC candidate, S. Kho John, is facing a formidable contender, the sitting MLA, RK Thekho of INC, though all his Tunjoy supporters were reported to have deserted him in favour of Kho John.
Others in the fray are W Joram, Electricity Meter Reader and elders brother of Ashihrii, NSCN-IM’s Chaplee Dy. Kilonser, who is projected to be riches amongst the independent candidates, Manipur PHE Executive Engineer, Hrokho George and two times former minister, M. Thohrii.
Ironically, in 47 Karong A/C, former 2 times MLA and elder brother of UNC president, Benjamin (Ind) is contesting against the UNC consensus candidate, RV Sharan , besides, veteran politicians like Ex-MLA Janathan, sitting MLA Henry Pouthei (ind) and DD Thatsii (INC).
In 49 Tadubi A/C, UNC candidate and former Dy speaker, K Raina is facing incumbent minister Ngajukpa Francis of INC, and one independent candidate Kaisii.
In Tamei A/C- Awangbou (UNC) against INC candidate and incumbent Minister Mangaibo and Lungsubo, in Tamenlong- Samuel jendai, who is being short-listed for UNC candidature will face Dingau Pame (Ind) and Jangamlung Pamei of INC, while for Nungba AC, the UNC is yet to named its candidature, although Prof. Gangmumei has been short-listed.
In Ukhrul district, Danny Shaiza (UNC), is being pitted against AS Arthur of INC, besides other friendly independent and regional parties candidates for Ukhrul AC, while in Pungyar AC, former Manipur Chief Minister’s Son Victor Kheising will form the formidable rival, besides NNP president, Hungyo, for the UNC’s Wangnao Sangkehising and in Chingai A/C, Khasim (UNC) is being pitted against Aza of INC, and other small time regional parties and independent candidates. UNC is yet to name its candidate for Chandel A/C, while Marung Makunga, former minister will be its candidate in Tengoupal AC.
Many national and regional parties’ big whips and veteran politicians were also reported have withdrawn their candidature in favour of UNC candidates. It is also learnt that UNC has decided to take a firm action against those candidates who play truant after they were elected, and the family members of the candidates has been told abide by the vows.
‘Naga society heading for a better future’ Sentinel
Kohima, Jan 30: The outgoing Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta expressed his satisfaction on the sea change he had seen during the last five years since he came to Nagaland as Governor. “I and my wife will be leaving this land and people so dear to us with full of satisfaction”, he told the journalists who called on him at the Raj Bhavan on Monday. The Governor refused to pretend that he was not emotional on his parting with the Naga people. A leader bereft of emotion would lack stirring the minds of the masses and incapable of leading them sometimes, he explained. “We need to have emotions sometimes”, he said. “After all, we are human beings”.
Datta said the things in Naga society evolved themselves and that had been heading for the betterment of the their future. There had been visible sign of competitiveness among the Nagas and also with their counterparts and even with the rest of the world. They were second to none to the world and once the human resources that had been here were fully utilized, there would be tremendous progress and prosperity in the Naga society, he believed. Although he agreed there had been sporadic factional clashes and killings in the State, he asserted the citizens had almost peaceful lives unlike the past. This itself was a positive development, he added.
He also stressed the importance of having peaceful environment, without which, he elucidated, no proper developmental activities would take place. Agreeing the ups and down in the human lives, the Governor understood the complexities under which the State media had been functioning. But he was happy that the media in the State as a whole withstood outside force and maintained their professionalism. He was fully satisfied on the level of standard news coverage and the way the local papers had been giving extensive space to the views and opinions of the masses.
This was a clear reflection of the certain level of freedom of expression, which was rarely seen in other places, he admitted. “This is a sign of advancement and progress of the Naga people and definitely that of the media quality that has been in practice in the State”, he said urging them to emphasize mostly on the developmental aspects. Datta was however unhappy on not finding space of Nagaland stories in the national newspapers. The national media seemed more interested to bite the wrong tree that normally generated negative mindsets, as they seemed uninterested giving even a little space for any developmental activities of the State. “To them, Guwahati is Northeast or Shillong is Northeast”, he lamented. “Thus covering a little bit from these areas is enough for them”.
They had to change that mindset and focus mostly on the developmental progress, he asserted. The Governor also told about the saddest part about the unfinished projects like Referral Hospital, IG Stadium, etc. during his Governorship in the State. He also extremely regretted at failing to fulfil his visit to Noklak in Tuensang district. “I have visited fifteen places out of sixteen tribes’ places in Nagaland”, he mentioned. But he was so pained at failing to visit the Khiamnungan tribe at Noklak, although he had committed to visit them on January 28, 2007.
“Due to my last hectic schedule, I have failed to fulfil that commitment”, he said. “But I am very happy at least I could dance with them (Khiamnungan dance troupe) in my last Republic Day Program on January 26, 2007 at Secretariat Ground”.He also said he learnt a lot from the Naga people. “I came to know more of them by staying here than I stayed in Delhi”, he said. They took time by observing the things and once they trusted, it remained permanent. (Agencies)
Myanmar army cracks down on ULFA Nitin Gokhale NDTV
(Guwahati): Special forces have been tracking ULFA militants in the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Myanmar. The move comes after a crackdown on insurgent camps by the Myanmarese army and militant groups admit three of their members have been killed so far.
For the last three weeks, nearly 15,000 Indian infantry and special forces troops have fanned out in upper Assam and Eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
Their goal is to pin down ULFA militants making their way from well-entrenched camps in Myanmar. The army is using country boats to patrol rivers and their search and cordon operations in villages are intense. The ULFA's 28th battalion, the organisation's strike force, was behind the massacre of nearly 60 Hindi-speaking people in upper Assam earlier this month.
Seeking cooperation The incident forced the government to intensify army operations and enlist Myanmar's support. "We have security cooperation. We asked them to help us in tackling the problem of insurgent group, who are operating from their side of the border. They assured us of their cooperation," said Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister.
The camps are located where the boundaries of Myanmar, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh meet. And the pincer movement by the two armies is working. This group of ULFA recruits was caught trying to get into Myanmar from an alternate route across Nagaland.
But in the end, the battle remains a long drawn out one. The ULFA continues to derive its strength and support from its overground sympathisers, which makes it to difficult to distinguish the hard-core cadres from the villagers. On the Republic Day in hardcore ULFA country in Upper Assam, the army tried to capture the elusive ULFA militants, but it is through such functions that it strives to win the hearts and minds of the people in the state.
NSCN-K asks Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland in a week Sentinel
While warning the Tangkhuls in Nagaland, the NSCN-K said that after February 5 if any ugly eventuality incurs on the Tangkhul community in Nagaland it would be counted as ‘self-inflicted punishment and no Naga organization nor NSCN/GPRN (Khaplang faction) can be blamed.’
Dimapur, Jan 30: The Khaplang faction of the NSCN has asked once again all the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland within one week’s time. Issuing a press note yesterday, the NSCN-K said that this will be the ‘Final Quit Notice’ to the Tangkhul community to leave Nagaland. The deadline this time given to the Tangkhuls to go away from Nagaland is February 5.
The NSCN(K) press note further stated that it has asked its cadres to make sure that the ‘directive is implemented in letter and spirit.’ While warning the Tangkhuls in Nagaland, the NSCN(K) said that after February 5 if any ugly eventuality incurs on the Tangkhul community in Nagaland it would be counted as ‘self-inflicted punishment and no Naga organization nor NSCN/GPRN (Khaplang faction) can be blamed.’
The ‘Final Quit Notice’ signed by deputy kilonser, MIP/NSCN(K), Seochem Sangtam stated it had been already more than seven months now that the Tangkhuls were asked to leave Nagaland.‘‘But instead of leaving Nagaland, the Tangkhuls are doing more harm to the Nagas. The best example is the recent killing of Vikuto alias Neon Sema at Hebron. He was skinned alive and his fingers cut down, all his bones broken and his flesh all bruised. However, bad or enraged Naga people would never ever do such satanic acts. It is the Tangkhuls who can do such beastly acts,’’ the NSCN(K) statement said.
Preserve culture, bio-diversity: ManiStaff Reporter Nagaland Post
Makhrie Rabu (Makhel), Jan 30 (NPN): Lokh Sabha MP from Outer Manipur constituency, Mani Charenamei; Tuesday called upon the Nagas to preserve their rich culture and tradition.
Addressing a large gathering after the ceremonious pulling of monolith stone from St Joseph School Shajouba to historic Makhrie Rabu (Makhel village), the MP also called for creating awareness among people on preservation of the rich biodiversity of the north-east. Charenamei said it was owing to people's ignorance that the rich biodiversity of the north-east was being gradually destroyed. Charenamei cautioned "if we continue to boast of our past glory, we'll be left nowhere in the modern world".
On the forthcoming assembly election in Manipur, the MP, who is said to be a strong supporter of the United Naga Council, said the election would be a testing time for the Nagas to decide about their future.
Coming back to cultural heritage, he said the folksongs of the Nagas should be translated and read as they have deeper meaning and are more beautiful than the modern poems.
Charenamei regretted there was no mention of Naga traditions or history in the present curriculum of school education in Manipur. "This is high time we start…it is a very serious issue," he said.
The MP from Manipur congratulated students' especially the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) for upholding unity and oneness of the Nagas among the youths of today.
Earlier, NSF president Phushika Aomi in his speech reiterated that "Nagas are one and shall be one" and asserted NSF would stand against any force that is against the oneness of the Nagas. "We'll not allow any force to defeat it (oneness)", Phushika said.
He expressed happiness over erection of the monolith at the historic Makhel village and lauded the Mao tribe for being hardworking and simple.
On the occasion, the Mao Students' Union submitted a memorandum to Charenamei with a three-point proposals that included establishment of a well-equipped ultra-modern museum-cum-research institute at Makhel for scientific research and systematic preservation of arts, artifacts, objects, monoliths and other items of the forefathers; initiating action to include Makhel and its surrounding areas in the UNICEF list of heritage and accordingly make Makhel village a Naga heritage village.
ULFA threatens TV channel The Morung Express
Guwahati, January 30 (Agencies): The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Tuesday asked a TV channel to pack up or face action if it fails to prove allegations that the group being bribed by the government to lie low during the coming National Games.
North East Television (NETV), a Guwahati-based TV channel, last week reported that the Assam government had paid money to buy peace with ULFA for the smooth conduct of the National Games in Guwahati on February 9-18.
“Let NETV prove to the public about ULFA taking money from the Assam government. If NETV fails to prove the allegation within a month, it will have to leave Assam bag and baggage or else face dire consequences,” ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah said in a statement.
There were no immediate comments from the NETV management. The National Games has come under a cloud with ULFA blamed for a wave of violence beginning Jan 5 in which 90 people were killed. But the government has vowed to hold the games on schedule.
Prove your report or quit Assam, ULFA tells NETV
The ULFA today accused NETV, a Guwahati-based satellite news channel, of having run a story saying the outfit had taken money from the Assam government in lieu of letting the National Games pass off peacefully, and has asked the channel to close down if it cannot substantiate the story within a month.
ULFA armed wing chief Paresh Barua, in a statement issued through e-mail to newspaper offices here today, said NETV had on January 27 run a news item saying ULFA was willing to withdraw the boycott of the National Games by taking money from the Assam government. "We dare NETV to prove that the ULFA has taken any money from the Assam government in the name of our withdrawing boycott of the Games," Barua said. The ULFA leader also said that if the TV channel was unable to substantiate its claim, it should quit Assam within a month. "If NETV cannot prove that we had taken money then it should quit Assam within a month, failing which it will have to face dire consequences," the ULFA commander-in-chief said.
Reacting to this, NETV managing director Manoranjana Singh told The Indian Express that the news channel had never run any story saying the ULFA had taken money from the government. "We did run a story on January 25 and not on January 27 as claimed by the ULFA leader, that people in different circles were talking about the state government having managed the ULFA through a company in Kolkata and that the scale of violence was expected to come down till Games get over," she said. "My channel and I will continue to insist that there is an understanding between the Congress and the ULFA, and thus between the state government and the ULFA," she said. On the ULFA threat, Singh said there was nothing to substantiate "as we had never run any story as alleged by Paresh Barua". She said the police have been informed about the threat.
Still open to talks: CM
With the ULFA yet to withdraw its call for a boycott of the Guwahati National Games next month, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said the government is still open to talks with the banned outfit but sovereignity cannot be negotiated. Gogoi, however, admitted that the ULFA had regrouped while indirect talks were on in the past and that the Centre was wrong in restarting talks. Conceding that he was partly responsible since he was consulted before initiating talks, he said today: "We took the talks seriously and thought they would do the same." The CM's remarks came during a briefing on the Games.
Exempt Assam from delimitation: Parties An all-party delegation from Assam has urged the Centre to exempt the state from delimitation of assembly constituencies on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir. Led by Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai, the delegates on Tuesday made an impassioned plea before home minister Shivraj Patil, saying that the exercise cannot be executed in a 'just and proper' manner in the state till the National Register of Citizens(NRC) was updated and insurgency brought under control.
"The home minister gave us a patient hearing and has assured that the matter would be taken up with the Prime Minister and Law Minister," said education minister Ripun Bora. Barring the AGP, all other parties, including the BJP and CPI, were represented.
According to the delegates, updating the NRC was of utmost importance since it would reflect the actual population pattern in each district. It is apprehended that a huge number of illegal migrants, who have managed to acquire permanent resident certificates and other documents, have been enrolled as voters. Updating the NRC, which was provided for in the Assam Accord (1985), will be based on the 1971 voters' list which means that doubtful voters would be deleted.
The constituencies of several political heavyweights in Assam, including Union ministers Santosh Mohan Dev and B K Handique, some cabinet ministers and MPs, would be affected if delimitation is carried out. The Delimitation Commission was earlier prevailed upon by the state government to halt the process following objections from ethnic groups, but two draft working papers have already been issued that propose to bring about a significant alteration in the electoral map of the state. Assam's opposition to delimitation comes close on the heels of similar arguments forwarded by Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh among the Northeastern states.
The memorandum further explained that the entire state machinery was involved in combating insurgency due to which the administration was not in a position to devote time to the exercise. "If the Delimitation Commission publishes the final proposals of Assembly and Parlimentary constituencies of Assam, it will lead to another serious law and order problem in the entire state by way of social and political unrest."
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who is in the capital, has also urged law minister Hansraj Bhardwaj to consider the plea. The delegation plans to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and chairman Justice Kuldeep Singh tomorrow with the same demand.
State political parties oppose delimitation move Our Spl Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Jan 30 – The delimitation exercise in Asom has run into uncertainty, with all political parties today joining hands to press for putting the exercise on hold in the State, until completion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). An all-party delegation led by Speaker Tanka Bahadur met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil seeking his support, while Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi held a meeting with Union Law Minister HR Bharadwaj to gauge the mood of the Centre. Gogoi held a crucial strategic session with the associate members of his party in the evening that lasted for couple of hours.
The 14-member delegation of all political parties in its meeting with the Union Home Minister urged the Centre to see light and recommend status quo in line with Jammu and Kashmir.
State Minister Ripun Bora, who is also part of the delegation, told this newspaper that it has emerged from second draft working paper that the hopes and aspirations of different communities, caste and tribes have not been reflected. That is why it is desirable that exercise be kept on hold. There is an apprehension that it will further trigger social tension in the State, already fighting militancy, he added.
It was also the opinion of the delegation the exercise be deferred until the NRC is ready, as the exact composition of the population would be known by then. A memorandum submitted to the Home Minister said that in terms of the historic Assam Accord, the NRC 0f 1951 is to be updated on the basis of the Voter’s List of 1971. On these vital points several rounds of tripartite talks have been held between All Assam Students Union and Government of India. The issue of up dating the NRC is high on the agenda. “Our benign submission is that if all problems are not looked into and solution there not found out, the delimitation of constituencies cannot be done in just and proper way in Asom,” the delegation pleaded. Patil reportedly assured the delegation that he would take up the issue with the Prime Minister and the Law Minister.
Political leaders across the spectrum have landed in the Capital to keep a close watch on the unfolding developments. The Delimitation Commission that meets with the Associate Members of Asom over the next two days is to finalise the draft working papers before public notification for complaints and suggestions. The impending redrawing of constituencies have left many a political leaders cold so much so that they have buried the hatchet for now.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Rajen Gohain today denied that the Associate Members have opposed creation of tribal constituencies. Refuting allegation leveled by the five organizations representing the Rabha and Nepali communities, Gohain said he was instrumental in pushing for increase in tribal constituencies. “It is because of us that the tribal constituencies increased from 16 to 19. This is also not enough because we feel that such reserved constituencies should increase to 27,” he claimed. “The BJP has not opposed and contrary to the allegations, we have supported creation of tribal seats,” he asserted.
Politicians still vague on AFSPA repeal The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jan 30: The future of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 still hangs in uncertainty as far as the political commitments are concerned. During the second day of the three-days long `Repeal of AFSPA: Conviction of Political Parties` organised by the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup at the Manipur Press Club today, it was clearly shown that the politicians of Manipur are still vague on the specifics of the AFSPA even though the verbal willingness was shown eagerly.
In the first session on the day-long interaction programme, representative of Nationalist Congress Party, K Sarat Kumar said that when the recently-formed political forum on repeal of AFSPA met the prime minister of India, the PM said that if there is a political consensus in the state legislative assembly, the Act can be repealed. He said that NCP`s stand on the repeal of this Act was clearly laid down from a very long time and that the party supports the repeal of this Act.
M Ibohal Meitei, representative of Rashtriya Janata Dal, said that in a state executive board meeting of the party on 29th November 2006, it was unanimously resolved that there is a need for all party consensus movement and need to take the repeal movement at the national level.
Observing that too much time, energy and money have been spent on discussing this Act, MPP`s representative AC Jayenta said, "The time has come to take immediate action n the Act and for MPP the stand is that this Act will be repealed at the earliest. We are just waiting for the right unity of time and space." Imphal College lecturer, K Seithajit and former MHRC member Kh Chonjon were the discussants. Pradip Phanjoubam, editor Imphal Free Press, Mobi, editor Matamgi Echel and S Hemanta, editor Eikhoigi Panthung were representatives from the media. The civil society was also well represented.
Conflict, Development and Dignity writes: Nehemiah Rong Naga Nation
For people to live a life of dignity, honour and respect, it needs an economic prosperity, proper health care, transportation and communication system, quality education system, fearless, fair, free, just and peaceful society. The economic prosperity demands of sustainable livelihood that will enable people to have a basic living standard with modern amenities apart from the surplus income over expenditure. One of the prominent threats to development is armed conflict. When there is a conflict between two countries both lost their economy to meet war expenses.
The first of eighth Millennium Development Goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. ‘Development’ focuses on the poverty alleviation and eradication. When talking of interlink between the ‘conflict’ and ‘development’ Gareth Evans rightly said that, ‘Conflict almost always has a negative impact on economic growth: resources directed toward fighting are diverted from development, while infrastructure needed for economic activity is destroyed.’ The north east India being a ‘conflict ridden’ land with a problem of ‘connectivity’ for so long did not see the limelight of major development. The armed conflict between the ‘undergrounds’ and security forces have serious impact on overall development in the entire region. In the region Nagas movement for self determination is longest struggle (Indo-Naga-Myanmar conflict) though it’s a ‘political issue’ has serious implications in development that challenged the very human dignity of the people in terms of ‘militarization’ which amounts to human rights violation and also retardation of the economic growth. The series of operations operated by the security forces prohibit the people to move around and carry daily normal business, the inhuman torture meted out by the security forces to the public that left people to go unhealed, the burning down of granaries, the destruction of standing crops and vegetables by the untended domestic animals, the dismantlement of public buildings and school buildings etc. all have a negative impact on economic growth. By nature’s mercy, Nagas are self sufficient for family livelihood from olden days though at present the divide of haves and haves not become broader. Each family has its own land, clan and village own joint community land i.e. forest, wasteland etc. Rice is the staple food and agriculture is predominantly the main occupation apart from jhuming and farming. Until the modern era factories and industries were not heard of. During the olden times the development was community base. The implementation and execution of any village developmental work was on people’s participatory basis. However, external forces (British and Indian) divided the Nagas and put them under many other Indian States and some part to the side of Myanmar (Burma). As a result of which, the Nagas become minority group in many states of North east India and Myanmar. Again this led to regional disparity, unequal distribution of infrastructures for economic activities. Many Naga areas remain economically backward due to the absence of infrastructures such as roads, hospitals, educational schools. The lack of these facilities added more wounds to the already affected people due to excessive militarization and already existing poverty. People walk miles on foot day in and day out to reach nearby towns and villages where the bus services are operating. Also, due to the bad road conditions, agricultural and other allied products cannot be transported. And people continue to suffer for decades long. In a family usually father is a sole bread winner. In course of arms battle between the security forces and Naga militants innocent villagers were not spared in torture even upto third degree treatment like giving electric shocks, piercing of sharp objects in anus and other genital parts etc. Such inhuman treatments have a serious affect on the health condition and strength of a person. Many people who were tortured and beaten by the security forces have been suffering from various illnesses and could no longer work in paddy field or in other jobs. Again in this case the livelihood of a family is on threat. Forgetting about getting proper and regular medical check up, getting square meal a day becomes hard. Thus those affected and tortured innocent villagers continue to live in extreme poverty and malnutrition. Taking the case of ‘Operation Blue Bird’ Oinam 1987 into consideration around twenty villages were affected, 125 residents houses are alleged burnt, 112 like houses were dismantled, 6 schools and 10 churches were dismantled, properties worth of Rs.50,75,000/- were looted from seven villages and villagers belonging to five villages were forced to work, 27 persons are alleged to have been killed in the encounter on different dates in Senapati District of Manipur, 3 women were alleged raped and five women were alleged sexually molested and 300 persons are alleged tortured by Assam Rifles as enumerated by the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights. The Operation Blue Bird Oinam last for more than six months and during that course of time, some villages were severely affected in terms of economy and wealth leaving aside physical and mental torment. July to November is the time of planting rice and harvest time for these Nagas villages where agriculture is the main occupation. As people were kept in concentration camps and forced labour, the cattle were let loose, as result of which the standing crops were destroyed and harvest could not be made for that year. This led to food scarcity and poverty for that year and also for the years to come. This is only one instance. There are many such other cases since 1940s in Naga areas and in North East India. It is also pertinent to note here that in the hill districts of Manipur, Panchayati Raj system is non-existent and municipal council is also not in exist, the District Councils is defunct for many years. As a result of which fund meant for such bodies could not be availed till to this day. The people suffered due to economic deprivation and infrastructural underdevelopment. The four hill districts of Manipur are inhabited by the Nagas, the people living here suffered as they become minority in the state and their economic status remain backward. The one of the contributing factors can be the arbitrary divide of the boundary by the Indian Government of these Nagas areas to the Manipur State. Nagas being asserting for their birthright of self determination which is a political issue, oftentimes can be seen as shying away from the ‘development’ and economic rights due to non-cooperation movements and civil disobedience launched by its civil societies. The state agency also did not pay enough attention to the hill areas. Not only Nagas by the hill populace in the state experienced the step motherly treatment meted by the State. That can be the fall out of the lack of democratic governance and the denying of the people’s right amongst others. Already having the move for self determination, the hill people(Nagas) began to see only doomsday under the present situation and condition until, the ‘conflict’ that imprison their birthright has been resolved and came to an end. The initiatives of the security forces trying to help the people through the Military Civic Action Projects is not altogether absence and useless. Under the project water tanks, waiting sheds etc. are being constructed, however to see the resolving of the conflict and development in truest sense, the project is like providing a shoe after the legs of a person has been broken. Shoe is needed to put on even with artificial legs. But the question is why not save the legs as well? Indo-Naga-Myanmar conflict stands as the longest ‘conflict’ in South Asia which has drawn worldwide attention and recognition. This conflict had affected people not only mentally and physically but also economically from both the ends. Many lives were lost and much wealth and resources have been involved in the course of conflict. Until people have better infrastructures and proper development, their dignity is at stake. MDGs acknowledges that development rests on the foundations of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and peace and security. Inorder to bring back development and dignity to the people, conflict must end. That demands of strong, sincere and committed political will. Gareth Evans while quoting UN’s Shashi Tharoor’s remark which says, ‘convincing politicians to invest resources in conflict prevention is rather like persuading a teenager to invest in a pension,’ has this to comment, ‘the conflicts which are still raging around the world remind us that the alternative is too bloody and too costly to contemplate.’ At the end, the conflict must end not only to bring development but restore the dignity to the people and compensate the sufferings and agonies that people have went through. Therefore, empowerment to the people to determine their own course of action to claim the ownership and belongingness of their resources, traditional rights and values system and self governance at grass root level can be the lasting way to end the conflict and also to alleviate and eradicate poverty so as to let people have a dignified life. The end of the conflict will not only reduce violence but give way to economic prosperity by means of cooperation and partnership in trade and commerce.
The ULFA: Assam's Hindu terrorists Nagarealm.com
India has had the misfortune of experiencing Sikh, Muslim and Hindu terrorism. The Sikh insurgency, inspired by the concept of an independent Khalistan, has died down after a decade of violence in the 80s. Muslim terrorism, too, is now a little less threatening than before as Pakistan is coming under pressure from the US to reduce its so-called moral, political and diplomatic support to the 'freedom fighters' in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hindu terrorism, however, reappeared in a virulent form in Assam recently when more than 60 migrant labourers from Bihar were killed by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants. All the three insurgencies have enjoyed the covert support of Pakistan and Bangladesh. But there is a curious aspect about the ULFA's marauding tactics, of which the attack on the Bihar Hindu labourers was a prime example. Although the Sikh and Muslim terrorists mainly targeted Hindus, a large number of Sikhs and Muslims also died as a result of their depredation, like bomb blasts in crowded places. The ULFA, however, has taken care to see that the Muslims do not come to any harm in Assam presumably because of its close links with Bangladesh. This attitude is in striking contrast to the origin of the movement for a 'swadhin' (independent) Assam. Based on a feeling of neglect by New Delhi and the rest of India towards the Assamese, the secessionist ideas received a boost with the launching of an agitation in 1979 against the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh by the All Assam Students Union (AASU).
The AASU's case was that the unchecked inflow from the neighbouring country was upsetting Assam's demographic and denominational balance. Since the immigrants were Muslims, the AASU received vociferous support from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, and especially one of its most vocal members, Arun Shourie, who became some kind of a hero to the AASU. However, the campaign against the Bangladeshis soon engendered so much violence that the Bengalis from West Bengal, mainly Hindus, also began to feel the heat and started leaving Assam. It has to be remembered that the Bengalis were the targets in the 1960s of a now virtually defunct militant Assamese outfit, the Lachit Sena. During the AASU's agitation, therefore, the earlier animus against the Bengalis combined with the more recent antagonism against the Bangladeshis - both communities speak the same language - to culminate in the infamous Nellie massacre of 1983, whose pictures of murdered children shocked India and the world.
Perhaps realising that the movement was getting out of hand, the AASU agreed to a pact with the Rajiv Gandhi government, leading to the termination of its agitation. The organisation also came to power in Assam in 1985 under the name of Asom Gana Parishad. But the end of the AASU's anti-foreigner movement did not entail the curbing of chauvinistic instincts in the state, entertained mainly by the upper and middle class Hindus of the Brahmaputra valley.
In place of the AASU, which had become a part of the establishment committed to finding a peaceful solution to the problem of Bangladeshi immigrants, the ULFA began to make its presence felt. Drawing support from the social groups, which had earlier backed the AASU, it ratcheted up its demand from the eviction of aliens to independence, which was a sub-text in the AASU's agitation as well. Since the ULFA was an underground organisation from the start (unlike the AASU), it had to find shelter in neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. After it was driven out of Bhutan by a combined operation of the Indian and Bhutanese security forces, Bangladesh proved to be its main sanctuary. The two senior leaders of the outfit, Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Barua, are said to live there. But an outcome of the help the ULFA is receiving from Bangladesh is that it has had to dissociate itself from the campaign against illegal immigrants, which was a cornerstone of Assamese parochialism from the time of the Lachit Sena. Nor can the ULFA turn against the Bengalis, as the Lachit Sena did, because the experience of the AASU's movement showed that the people from West Bengal, too, became victims of the agitation against the Bangladeshis. Secondly, the ULFA has to avoid harming the Muslim communities lest this should anger its patrons in Dhaka, which reportedly includes the Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, apart from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) of Bangladesh. This somersault of the ULFA from the Lachit Sena-AASU line explains why it launched a vicious attack on the poor Bihari Hindu labourers. It had to undertake the operation to please its DGFI-ISI mentors in Dhaka and also to keep up its 'revolutionary' credentials in the eyes of its dwindling group of supporters in Assam.
But since it could attack neither the Bangladeshis nor the Bengalis, the Biharis had to be singled out. While the other uprisings in the northeast, such as the one by the Nagas, are subsiding because of the cooperation between India and Myanmar, where some of the rebels are based, the ULFA can expect to continue for some more time because of the help it is receiving from both Pakistan and Bangladesh. But since its targets are now Hindus, it cannot but alienate its base of support in Assam. As a result, the security forces should not find it too difficult to ferret them out from its hideouts. The ULFA, however, is probably the only group of terrorists, which attacks members of its own religious community because it is being sustained by the fanatics of another religion in neighbouring countries.
[Amulya Ganguli is a writer on current affairs. He can be reached at aganguli@mail.com">aganguli@mail.com]
Frans on 01.31.07 @ 02:48 PM CST [link]
